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 | The South English Legendary |  |
Sein Thomas þoȝte anoþer he let make is bed a niȝt
In þe heie churche anhey bitwene two weuedes riȝt
Þo oþer men were al aslepe and noman him nas ney
He ros him up and biheld on þe image anhey
In þe heie churche anhey bitwene two weuedes riȝt
Þo oþer men were al aslepe and noman him nas ney
He ros him up and biheld on þe image anhey
He fel adoun akne[o] byuore þe weued & on oure Louerd gan crie
And sede ferst þe vij saumes and suþþe þe letanye
And wepinge ech halwe bad his help forto be[o]
And at ech halwe up aros and sat suþþe adoun akne[o]
Nou Crist of heuene be[o] is help for neod he hadde inou
For him was toward muche wo as ȝe ssolleþ ihure mid wou
And sede ferst þe vij saumes and suþþe þe letanye
646
And at ech halwe up aros and sat suþþe adoun akne[o]
Nou Crist of heuene be[o] is help for neod he hadde inou
For him was toward muche wo as ȝe ssolleþ ihure mid wou
Þo he hadde ido is preiere stilleliche he gan gon
A lite byuore cokkes crowe out of þe churche anon
And wende him out of Engelonde þat noman wiþ him nas
Bote a frere of Se[m]pringham þat wel priue wiþ him was
Þis godeman flei Engelonde for Holi Churche riȝte
Of al is wo neȝaf he noȝt ȝif he it amendi myȝte
A lite byuore cokkes crowe out of þe churche anon
And wende him out of Engelonde þat noman wiþ him nas
Bote a frere of Se[m]pringham þat wel priue wiþ him was
Þis godeman flei Engelonde for Holi Churche riȝte
Of al is wo neȝaf he noȝt ȝif he it amendi myȝte
Þe niȝt þat fram Norhamthone sein Thomas þane wey nom
To on of is clerkes in auision þer com
A cler uois þat sede of þe sauter þis
As it were a sparwe oure soule ibroȝt is
Out of þe hontares bende and þe bend is vndo
And al defouled and we beoþ deliuered so
On wam was þis auisyon bote of sein Thomas
Þat out of þe bendes of is fon deliuered þo was
To on of is clerkes in auision þer com
A cler uois þat sede of þe sauter þis
As it were a sparwe oure soule ibroȝt is
Out of þe hontares bende and þe bend is vndo
And al defouled and we beoþ deliuered so
On wam was þis auisyon bote of sein Thomas
Þat out of þe bendes of is fon deliuered þo was
Þat word com of sein Thomas to þe king sone
Þe heie men nome þer of red wat were to done
Þe heie men nome þer of red wat were to done
Þe king and al is baronie and þe bissops echon
Þat aȝte wiþ sein Thomas be[o] were is meste fon
To þis conseil euerichon hi encentede atte nende
Þat þe kyng ssolde of is hexte men to þe court of Rome sende
Aȝen him wanne he þuder come and þe pope do vnder stonde
Þat he was fals and forswore and destourbour of þe londe
And to do þis grete neode þe wisoste men forþ nome
And þat þis king were al in pes forte hi aȝen come
Þat aȝte wiþ sein Thomas be[o] were is meste fon
To þis conseil euerichon hi encentede atte nende
Þat þe kyng ssolde of is hexte men to þe court of Rome sende
Aȝen him wanne he þuder come and þe pope do vnder stonde
Þat he was fals and forswore and destourbour of þe londe
And to do þis grete neode þe wisoste men forþ nome
And þat þis king were al in pes forte hi aȝen come
Þe erche bissop of Euerwik and þe bissop of Excetre
To Rome wende for þis neode & þe bissop of Chichestre
Þe bissop ek of Londone and of Wircestre also
And grete eorles and barons and clerkes þerto
To bere witnesse of þis falshede wanne hi to court come
Noble ȝiftes & giuwe[l]s wiþ hom also hy nome
For þerwiþ me may þe riȝte bringe to wou
To Rome wende for þis neode & þe bissop of Chichestre
Þe bissop ek of Londone and of Wircestre also
647
To bere witnesse of þis falshede wanne hi to court come
Noble ȝiftes & giuwe[l]s wiþ hom also hy nome
For þerwiþ me may þe riȝte bringe to wou
Nou Crist helpe þis holyman ffor he was pouere inou
None ȝiftes he nadde to ȝiue to holde up is riȝte
Fram Norhamthone barefot he ȝeode for Holy Churche to fiȝte
None ȝiftes he nadde to ȝiue to holde up is riȝte
Fram Norhamthone barefot he ȝeode for Holy Churche to fiȝte
Fram seint Andreu þis holyman fram Norhamthone wende
Wiþ a frere of Se[m]pringham are God þane day sende
Viue and twenti mile he wende to þe toun of Graham
Ar he stunte in eny stude wiþ þe frere of Se[m]pringham
Al norþward he drou him uerst al framward þe se
Þat þe kinges men ne fonde him noȝt to nyme ne to sle
Suþþe he wende fram Graham viue & twenti mile also
To þe cite of Lyncolne ar he wolde to reste him do
Wiþ a frere of Se[m]pringham are God þane day sende
Viue and twenti mile he wende to þe toun of Graham
Ar he stunte in eny stude wiþ þe frere of Se[m]pringham
Al norþward he drou him uerst al framward þe se
Þat þe kinges men ne fonde him noȝt to nyme ne to sle
Suþþe he wende fram Graham viue & twenti mile also
To þe cite of Lyncolne ar he wolde to reste him do
Þe morwe ope sein Lukes day Tiwesday was þo
He departede fram þe kynges court mid such sorwe & wo
And þe wei þe Wendesniȝt out of þe toun he nom
Sone amorwe þane Þoresday to Lincolne he com
At an foulares hous is in he nom þere
Al gate is wei he nom biniȝte þat he awaited nere
He departede fram þe kynges court mid such sorwe & wo
And þe wei þe Wendesniȝt out of þe toun he nom
Sone amorwe þane Þoresday to Lincolne he com
At an foulares hous is in he nom þere
Al gate is wei he nom biniȝte þat he awaited nere
In water he dude him at Lincolne ar God þane day sende
And þe Friday forti mile al bi water wende
To an ermitage of Se[m]pringham þat amidde þe water is
Þare he bileuede hardeliche þreo dawes iwis
And þe Friday forti mile al bi water wende
To an ermitage of Se[m]pringham þat amidde þe water is
Þare he bileuede hardeliche þreo dawes iwis
To sein Botulf þanne he wende þat þanne was þre[o] mile
And þare he dude him eft in water and com in to an ile
To þe hous of Auerholt þat of Sempringham eke is
Þe frere him ladde bi þulke hous þe sikeror to be[o] iwis
And þare he dude him eft in water and com in to an ile
To þe hous of Auerholt þat of Sempringham eke is
648
Fram þanne he wende to Estreie is o manere wiþ riȝte
And þe erchebissops ȝif he were of myȝte
Þat was ney þe se inou he abod wel þere
And lokede is point to passy wanne best tyme were
And þe erchebissops ȝif he were of myȝte
Þat was ney þe se inou he abod wel þere
And lokede is point to passy wanne best tyme were
Seueniȝt he leuede þere forte Al Soulene day
In a chambre riȝt bi þe churche day & niȝt he lay
Þat noman ne ssolde of him iwite ne iwar of him be[o]
Þoru þe churche wal he made an hol þe sacringe to se[o]
And forto hure þare is masse and hi þat to c[h]urche come
Nuste noȝt þat he was so ney ne tok of him no gome
Wuch an auncre he was bicome Louerd þat him was wo
Þe erchebissop of Kanterburi þat ne dorste among men go
In a chambre riȝt bi þe churche day & niȝt he lay
Þat noman ne ssolde of him iwite ne iwar of him be[o]
Þoru þe churche wal he made an hol þe sacringe to se[o]
And forto hure þare is masse and hi þat to c[h]urche come
Nuste noȝt þat he was so ney ne tok of him no gome
Wuch an auncre he was bicome Louerd þat him was wo
Þe erchebissop of Kanterburi þat ne dorste among men go
An Alle Soulenday þe Tiwesday ar God þane day sende
He tok God al Holy Churche and into þe se wende
Hi rewe forþ al þane day and aȝen þe euenynge
A mile hy ariuede biside þe hauene of Grauenynge
Oye me clupeþ þulke stude as hi come to londe
In þe lond of Flandres as ich vnderstonde
He tok God al Holy Churche and into þe se wende
Hi rewe forþ al þane day and aȝen þe euenynge
A mile hy ariuede biside þe hauene of Grauenynge
Oye me clupeþ þulke stude as hi come to londe
In þe lond of Flandres as ich vnderstonde
Forþ moste þis holyman hors nadde he non
For al is erchebissopriche auote he moste gon
And noman him ne kneu þe abit of frere he nom
And as a frere forþ he ȝeode þo he to Flandres com
Blac was is cope aboue is curtel wiȝt blanket
Op is rugge is cope he bar forto go þe bet
For al is erchebissopriche auote he moste gon
And noman him ne kneu þe abit of frere he nom
And as a frere forþ he ȝeode þo he to Flandres com
Blac was is cope aboue is curtel wiȝt blanket
Op is rugge is cope he bar forto go þe bet
Þe rein was gret & swuþe strong & þe wei deop inou
So weri was þis holyman þat vnneþe is lymes he drou
So weri he was of þe wey and of þe se byuore
Þat he sat adoun & ne miȝte veor bote he were ibore
So weri was þis holyman þat vnneþe is lymes he drou
So weri he was of þe wey and of þe se byuore
Þat he sat adoun & ne miȝte veor bote he were ibore
Þo ȝeode forþ on of is men and hurede him a mere
For an Engliss peni wiþ an halter þis holyman to bere
Þis holyman is cloþes nom and ope þe mere hom caste
And werþ up aboue is cloþes and rod him forþ uaste
A weilawey such a man vuel it was is riȝte
So febliche wende ouerlond muche is Godes miȝte
For an Engliss peni wiþ an halter þis holyman to bere
Þis holyman is cloþes nom and ope þe mere hom caste
649
A weilawey such a man vuel it was is riȝte
So febliche wende ouerlond muche is Godes miȝte
Vuel him bicom go afote oþer up such best to ride
Holi Churche he boȝte deore þat me telleþ of wide
Wiþ þis haltere ope þis mere forþ rod þis holymon
As a frere and let him clupie frere Cristian
For he nolde liȝe noȝt for Cristian he was
And he was adrad to be[o] iknowe ȝif me clupede him Thomas
Holi Churche he boȝte deore þat me telleþ of wide
Wiþ þis haltere ope þis mere forþ rod þis holymon
As a frere and let him clupie frere Cristian
For he nolde liȝe noȝt for Cristian he was
And he was adrad to be[o] iknowe ȝif me clupede him Thomas
At a god mannes hous is in a niȝt he nom
He sat atte bordes ende as him wel noȝt ne bicom
Al is men sete al w[iþ] inne as he lowest were
Is oste nom wel gode ȝeme hou hi hom alle bere
He nom ȝeme of þis holyman atte bordes ende
Hou milde he was atte borde & hou corteis & hende
Hou corteisliche he delde is mete hom þat bifore him stode
And hou lite him sulf he et wiþ wel simple mode
He sat atte bordes ende as him wel noȝt ne bicom
Al is men sete al w[iþ] inne as he lowest were
Is oste nom wel gode ȝeme hou hi hom alle bere
He nom ȝeme of þis holyman atte bordes ende
Hou milde he was atte borde & hou corteis & hende
Hou corteisliche he delde is mete hom þat bifore him stode
And hou lite him sulf he et wiþ wel simple mode
Is lymes also he biheld hou gent hi were and fre[o]
Honden faire wiþ longe fingres none fairore nemiȝte be[o]
Is face brod & long also is front large inou
And biuore alle oþere mest is herte to him drou
Honden faire wiþ longe fingres none fairore nemiȝte be[o]
Is face brod & long also is front large inou
And biuore alle oþere mest is herte to him drou
Of þe erchebissop of Kanterbury he gan him vnderstonde
Þat it was couþ ouer al þat he was iwend of londe
His herte him ȝaf þat it was he in gret steodie it was ibroȝt
He rounede inis wiues ere and tolde hure al is þoȝt
Is wif after þulke tyme þat soþe also þoȝte
He[o] seruede þis holyman and of deintes him broȝte
Applen and peres and notes ek and fondede in eche manere
Amang al þis oþere men to gladi þis seli frere
He[o] bileuede to serui oþere and upe him was al hure þoȝt
Sein Thomas it vnderȝet he[o] nepaide him þerwiþ noȝt
Þat it was couþ ouer al þat he was iwend of londe
His herte him ȝaf þat it was he in gret steodie it was ibroȝt
He rounede inis wiues ere and tolde hure al is þoȝt
Is wif after þulke tyme þat soþe also þoȝte
He[o] seruede þis holyman and of deintes him broȝte
Applen and peres and notes ek and fondede in eche manere
Amang al þis oþere men to gladi þis seli frere
650
Sein Thomas it vnderȝet he[o] nepaide him þerwiþ noȝt
So þat he bihuld aboute anon after soper
Wel mildeliche he bad is oste forto come him ner
And to sitte bi him adoun to solacy a stounde
A sire merci quaþ þis oþer ichelle sitte in þe gronde
Wel mildeliche he bad is oste forto come him ner
And to sitte bi him adoun to solacy a stounde
A sire merci quaþ þis oþer ichelle sitte in þe gronde
He sat adoun at is fet sein Thomas him bad arise
Certes sire quaþ þis oþer i ne ssel in none wise
Nolde God þat ich bi þe sete my louerd ihered þou be[o]
Þat þou ssost in myn hous come & ich þane day ise[o]
Certes sire quaþ þis oþer i ne ssel in none wise
Nolde God þat ich bi þe sete my louerd ihered þou be[o]
Þat þou ssost in myn hous come & ich þane day ise[o]
Lyte deinte quaþ sein Thomas of a such pouere man
A seli frere as ich am ihote frere Cristian
A seli frere as ich am ihote frere Cristian
Sire þin ore quaþ þis oþer wel ich vnderstonde
Erche bissop þou ert of Kanterburi iwend out of Engelonde
Erche bissop þou ert of Kanterburi iwend out of Engelonde
Wi seistou so quaþ þis oþer þou hast selde yseie
Þe erche bissop of Kanterbury in such manere wende bi weie
Þe erche bissop of Kanterbury in such manere wende bi weie
Sire quaþ þis oþer þou it ert as me seiþ my þoȝt
And ich bidde for þe loue of God ne ofsak aȝen me noȝt
And ich bidde for þe loue of God ne ofsak aȝen me noȝt
Sely Thomas him biþoȝte þat oþer he moste lye
Oþer be[o] iknowe þat he it was so þe oþer gan on him crie
Attelaste he was iknewe ac wiþ him amorwe he nom
His oste þat he ne wreide him noȝt fforte he a uer wei com
Oþer be[o] iknowe þat he it was so þe oþer gan on him crie
Attelaste he was iknewe ac wiþ him amorwe he nom
His oste þat he ne wreide him noȝt fforte he a uer wei com
He ȝeode him forþ uer ar day and in wel voule weye
Twelf mile he ȝede gret inou to a grei abbeye
Þat me clupeþ Cler Mareis of greie monkes iwis
Þat biside þe castel of seint Omer is
Twelf mile he ȝede gret inou to a grei abbeye
Þat me clupeþ Cler Mareis of greie monkes iwis
Þat biside þe castel of seint Omer is
To þe abbei of sein Bertin fram þanne suþþe he wende
And þare bileuede forte oure Louerd betere tidinge him sende
And þare bileuede forte oure Louerd betere tidinge him sende
Þe bissops of Engelond and þe barons also
Toward þe court of Rome wende hore erende to do
To þe king of France hi wende & lettres wiþ him bere
Fram þe kyng of Engelond þat þus an Engliss were
To is louerd þoru grace of God sire Lowes þe kyng
651
To þe king of France hi wende & lettres wiþ him bere
Fram þe kyng of Engelond þat þus an Engliss were
To is louerd þoru grace of God sire Lowes þe kyng
Henri kyng of Engelond sent loue & gretyng
Thomas þat þe erche bissop was of Kanterburi biuore
Out of mi lond is iwend as my traitor & forswore
Þare fore as myn eorþlich louerd ich bidde þe by my sonde
Þat þou ne soffre noȝt þat he be[o] irescettet in þi londe
Thomas þat þe erche bissop was of Kanterburi biuore
Out of mi lond is iwend as my traitor & forswore
Þare fore as myn eorþlich louerd ich bidde þe by my sonde
Þat þou ne soffre noȝt þat he be[o] irescettet in þi londe
Þo þis king þis bone hurde a wile in þoȝte he stod
Certes he sede me þingþ þis bone nis noȝt god
So strong þeof nis in Engelond ȝif he in France come
Þat he ne miȝte bileue þer as me sucþ ilome
Nere he iproued so strang þeof oþer hadde þe lond forswore
I nemiȝte him do for noþing þat he hadde þere misbore
Certes he sede me þingþ þis bone nis noȝt god
So strong þeof nis in Engelond ȝif he in France come
Þat he ne miȝte bileue þer as me sucþ ilome
Nere he iproued so strang þeof oþer hadde þe lond forswore
I nemiȝte him do for noþing þat he hadde þere misbore
And watloker ssolde such an hey mon necome he noȝt so sone
Ac noþer ich ne he nabbeþ wiþ oure bissop to done
For myne bissops wiþ Holy Churche hore wille ich lete do
And fairore were him me þingþ lete his iworþe also
Þanne entre metie of Holy Churche hure riȝte forto aspille
And loke þe pes of is lond me þingþ he deþ is wille
Ac noþer ich ne he nabbeþ wiþ oure bissop to done
For myne bissops wiþ Holy Churche hore wille ich lete do
And fairore were him me þingþ lete his iworþe also
Þanne entre metie of Holy Churche hure riȝte forto aspille
And loke þe pes of is lond me þingþ he deþ is wille
Nemiȝte þe heie men of him non oþer word auonge
So þat hi wende hore wei þo hi hadde abide longe
Maister Herbard of Bosham and oþer suþþe wende
To þe kyng Lowes of France as sein Thomas hom sende
And tolde þe king of al þe wo þat seint Thomas hadde mid wou
Þe kyng wep þo he hurde þis and made deol inou
And tolde ham hou þe kynges men were at him biuore
And wuch answere he ham ȝaf & hou hare wei was forlore
So þat hi wende hore wei þo hi hadde abide longe
Maister Herbard of Bosham and oþer suþþe wende
To þe kyng Lowes of France as sein Thomas hom sende
And tolde þe king of al þe wo þat seint Thomas hadde mid wou
Þe kyng wep þo he hurde þis and made deol inou
And tolde ham hou þe kynges men were at him biuore
And wuch answere he ham ȝaf & hou hare wei was forlore
Þis godemen wiþ ioie inou hore leue at him nome
And fram him wende mildeliche to þe court of Rome
Þare nere hi noȝt wel wolcome for þe bissops biuore
Hadde desclandred sein Thomas þat he was fals & forswore
And naþeles þe grace h[i] hadde þat to þe pope hi miȝte go
Him sulf hi tolde in priuete of sein Thomas is wo
And fram him wende mildeliche to þe court of Rome
Þare nere hi noȝt wel wolcome for þe bissops biuore
652
And naþeles þe grace h[i] hadde þat to þe pope hi miȝte go
Him sulf hi tolde in priuete of sein Thomas is wo
Of þe status of Clarindone hou hy ferst forþ come
Hou he was ibroȝt at Norhamthone biuore þe king to dome
Hou he wende out of Engelond in wuche miseise and wo
Hou he changede is name þe sikeror forto go
Hou he was ibroȝt at Norhamthone biuore þe king to dome
Hou he wende out of Engelond in wuche miseise and wo
Hou he changede is name þe sikeror forto go
Þe pope gan to sike þo wiþ wel dreori þoȝt
Þe teres folle out of is eiȝen he nemiȝte hom weorne noȝt
He þonkede God þat such prelat vnder him moste be[o]
So studeuast to Holy Churche and þat he moste þe day ise[o]
Þe teres folle out of is eiȝen he nemiȝte hom weorne noȝt
He þonkede God þat such prelat vnder him moste be[o]
So studeuast to Holy Churche and þat he moste þe day ise[o]
Amorwe come þis bissops and þis barons also
To procuri al þat vuel þat hi miȝte do
Biuore þe pope as he sat wel nobliche hi come
And biuore þe cardinals and al þat court of Rome
To procuri al þat vuel þat hi miȝte do
Biuore þe pope as he sat wel nobliche hi come
And biuore þe cardinals and al þat court of Rome
Þe bissop of Londone þat euere luþer was
Bigan ferst to telle is tale aȝen sein Thomas
Bigan ferst to telle is tale aȝen sein Thomas
He stod up biuore al þe court beu pere he sede
To þe we beoþ icome to mene us of wrechede þat we doþ lede
Ȝoure riȝt it is up to holde alle þat gode beoþ
And foles bringe of folie wanne he eny iseoþ
A destance þer is spronge liȝtliche in Engelonde
Þat destorbeþ al þat lond wiþ vnriȝt ich vnderstonde
Þe erchebissop of Kanterburi al aȝen oure wille
A folie bigan in Engelond Holy Churche to spille
To þe we beoþ icome to mene us of wrechede þat we doþ lede
Ȝoure riȝt it is up to holde alle þat gode beoþ
And foles bringe of folie wanne he eny iseoþ
A destance þer is spronge liȝtliche in Engelonde
Þat destorbeþ al þat lond wiþ vnriȝt ich vnderstonde
Þe erchebissop of Kanterburi al aȝen oure wille
A folie bigan in Engelond Holy Churche to spille
To binyme þe kynges ffranchise and is riȝte also
Ac he ne miȝte us makie for noþing concente þerto
Þare fore for wraþþe suþþe for we nolde is wille do
Ope us he caste is owe gult and ope þe kyng also
And attelaste as it were þat lond forto blende
Þat noman strengþe him ne dude of londe he gan wende
For men þat weste þe soþe ssolde vnderstonde
Þat þe kyng him [dude] vnriȝt and driue him out of londe
Þo he hadde al is tale itold and mid is grete wise
He sat adoun and þe byssop of Chichestre gan arise
Ac he ne miȝte us makie for noþing concente þerto
Þare fore for wraþþe suþþe for we nolde is wille do
Ope us he caste is owe gult and ope þe kyng also
653
Þat noman strengþe him ne dude of londe he gan wende
For men þat weste þe soþe ssolde vnderstonde
Þat þe kyng him [dude] vnriȝt and driue him out of londe
Þo he hadde al is tale itold and mid is grete wise
He sat adoun and þe byssop of Chichestre gan arise
Beu pere he sede to þe pope me þingþ it falþ to þe
To destorby þing þat valþ to harme of þe comunite
Þat o man ne be[o] isoffred noȝt to go forþ wiþ is wille
To bringe al þat lond to ssunnesse & Holy Churche to spille
Þat haþ þe erchebissop iþoȝt & þat is isene iwis
Wanne echman of þe lond faste aȝen him is
To destorby þing þat valþ to harme of þe comunite
Þat o man ne be[o] isoffred noȝt to go forþ wiþ is wille
To bringe al þat lond to ssunnesse & Holy Churche to spille
Þat haþ þe erchebissop iþoȝt & þat is isene iwis
Wanne echman of þe lond faste aȝen him is
Þe erchebissop of Euerwik þo [he] is tyme isey
Aros him op & gan to telle is tale al anhey
Sire he sede noman ne knoweþ so wel as ich do
Aros him op & gan to telle is tale al anhey
Sire he sede noman ne knoweþ so wel as ich do
Þe erche bissop of Kanterburi ne þe bissopriche also
Þe erchebissop is wilfol and wanne he is elles ibroȝt
In a wille þat is lite worþ he ne bileueþ it noȝt
For noman nessel for noþing bringe him of is þoȝt
In such fol wille he is nou þat we habbeþ deore aboȝt
Liȝ[t]liche þer inne he com ac he ne bileueþ it neuere mo
Bote ȝe pulte ȝoure hond þerto to bringe us out of wo
Þe erchebissop is wilfol and wanne he is elles ibroȝt
In a wille þat is lite worþ he ne bileueþ it noȝt
For noman nessel for noþing bringe him of is þoȝt
In such fol wille he is nou þat we habbeþ deore aboȝt
Liȝ[t]liche þer inne he com ac he ne bileueþ it neuere mo
Bote ȝe pulte ȝoure hond þerto to bringe us out of wo
Sire sire quaþ þe bissop of Excetre þo
Þis case he mot amendi sone hou so [it] euere go
And ȝif ȝe ne luueþ noȝt þat soþe þat me deþ ȝou vnderstonde
Send wiþ us fot wiþ fot a leget to Engelonde
To enqueri þat soþe þer and let him þer after worche
For certes bote ȝe oþer þenche ȝe ssendeþ Holy Churche
Þis case he mot amendi sone hou so [it] euere go
And ȝif ȝe ne luueþ noȝt þat soþe þat me deþ ȝou vnderstonde
Send wiþ us fot wiþ fot a leget to Engelonde
To enqueri þat soþe þer and let him þer after worche
For certes bote ȝe oþer þenche ȝe ssendeþ Holy Churche
Þo aros þe eorl of Arondel man of gret poste
Sire he sede for Godes loue a stonde herkne to me
We lewede men þat here beoþ þat ne conne Latyn non
Noþing ne habbeþ vnderstonde þat ȝe habbeþ itold echon
Ac in langage as we conne suche men as we beoþ
Heiȝe barons & noble kniȝtes as ȝe bi ȝou yseoþ
Sire he sede for Godes loue a stonde herkne to me
We lewede men þat here beoþ þat ne conne Latyn non
654
Ac in langage as we conne suche men as we beoþ
Heiȝe barons & noble kniȝtes as ȝe bi ȝou yseoþ
Telle ich wol biuore ȝou alle wi we beoþ hider iwend
Oure louerd þe kyng of Engelond us haþ hider isend
Noȝt þat we wraþþi enyman oþer enyman segge amis
And nameliche oure alre heued þat oure alre chef is
Oure louerd þe kyng of Engelond us haþ hider isend
Noȝt þat we wraþþi enyman oþer enyman segge amis
And nameliche oure alre heued þat oure alre chef is
To wam al þe world abouþ þat God holde longe is miȝte
Þat aȝte echman bidde to holde echman to riȝte
And such kniȝtes as we beoþ hider we beoþ iwend
Þoru my louerd þe kynges heste þat us haþ hider ysend
To ssewy ferst þe reuerence and þe grete loue also
Þat he haþ euere to ȝou ibore & euere þingþ to do
Þat aȝte echman bidde to holde echman to riȝte
And such kniȝtes as we beoþ hider we beoþ iwend
Þoru my louerd þe kynges heste þat us haþ hider ysend
To ssewy ferst þe reuerence and þe grete loue also
Þat he haþ euere to ȝou ibore & euere þingþ to do
And he sent ȝou word bi us as ȝe seoþ us stonde
Bissops eorls & barons þe hexte of is londe
Ȝif he eny herre hadde yheued hider hy hadde iwend
Ac to so heie court as þis is he haþ us hider isend
To ssewy ferst inis name þat as wide as þe world is
So triwe prince nis to Rome ne þat ȝou louie so muche iwis
Ne so muche honureþ Holy Churche and euere haþ ido
Þe erchebissop of Kanterburi noble man is also
Þat ȝif o manere of him nere as ich vnderstonde
Þare nere lond in Cristendom aȝen Engelonde
Bissops eorls & barons þe hexte of is londe
Ȝif he eny herre hadde yheued hider hy hadde iwend
Ac to so heie court as þis is he haþ us hider isend
To ssewy ferst inis name þat as wide as þe world is
So triwe prince nis to Rome ne þat ȝou louie so muche iwis
Ne so muche honureþ Holy Churche and euere haþ ido
Þe erchebissop of Kanterburi noble man is also
Þat ȝif o manere of him nere as ich vnderstonde
Þare nere lond in Cristendom aȝen Engelonde
Ne Holy Churche so wel issulde fram ech wou
Vnder swuþe noble prince & prelat god inou
Ac þis erche bissop Thomas haþ a lite wille
Þat appeireþ muche is godnesse & þat lond ginþ aspille
Is wille is such þat wanne he is icome into fol þoȝt
He nele þoru conseil ne þoru red þer of be[o] neuere ibroȝt
In such folie he is nou icome oure Louerd is þoȝt wende
Vnder swuþe noble prince & prelat god inou
Ac þis erche bissop Thomas haþ a lite wille
Þat appeireþ muche is godnesse & þat lond ginþ aspille
Is wille is such þat wanne he is icome into fol þoȝt
He nele þoru conseil ne þoru red þer of be[o] neuere ibroȝt
In such folie he is nou icome oure Louerd is þoȝt wende
Bote me mowe him þer of bringe þat lond he wole ssende
Þare fore mi louerd þe kyng ȝou bit þat ȝe wiþ us sende
A leget into Engelond to enquere þerof þan ende
Oþer certes he is ope þe pointe al þe lond to aspille
Bote ȝe chaste him þoru lawe and bynyme is fole wille
Þare fore mi louerd þe kyng ȝou bit þat ȝe wiþ us sende
655
Oþer certes he is ope þe pointe al þe lond to aspille
Bote ȝe chaste him þoru lawe and bynyme is fole wille
Of þe clerkes þat þare sete non of ham þer nas
Þat ne preisede muche þis h[eȝe] man for he so renable was
Þat ne preisede muche þis h[eȝe] man for he so renable was
Louerdlinges quaþ þe pope we seoþ wel inou
Þat he to þe erchebissop telleþ be[o] it riȝt oþer wou
Oc we nemowe no dom ȝiue þerof bote him sulf here were
For me ne iugeþ noman bihinde him no riȝt it nere
Þat he to þe erchebissop telleþ be[o] it riȝt oþer wou
Oc we nemowe no dom ȝiue þerof bote him sulf here were
For me ne iugeþ noman bihinde him no riȝt it nere
Sire quaþ þe eorl of Aroundel ȝe mote bet vnderstonde
A certein day us is iset to come into Engelonde
And þe day ne dorre we noȝt breke for oure louerd þe kynge
Þare fore ȝe mote us grace do somdel of þis þinge
A certein day us is iset to come into Engelonde
And þe day ne dorre we noȝt breke for oure louerd þe kynge
Þare fore ȝe mote us grace do somdel of þis þinge
We biddeþ ȝou ȝif it is ȝoure wille a leget wiþ us sende
And þe erchebissop hot also into Engelond aȝen wende
And as þe leget þer enquereþ þer after he may do
Certes beu frere quaþ þis pope inelle noȝt take on so
And þe erchebissop hot also into Engelond aȝen wende
And as þe leget þer enquereþ þer after he may do
Certes beu frere quaþ þis pope inelle noȝt take on so
Inot wanne þe erchebissop comþ wat he wole forþ drawe
To deme a man bihinde him þou wost it nis no lawe
To deme a man bihinde him þou wost it nis no lawe
Certes sire quaþ þis oþer we ne dorre abide noȝt
De pardeus quaþ þe pope doþ as ȝe habbeþ yþoȝt
Þis oþere were wroþ inou wel faire hore leue hy nome
And wende ham forþ in grete wraþþe & to Engelond aȝen come
De pardeus quaþ þe pope doþ as ȝe habbeþ yþoȝt
Þis oþere were wroþ inou wel faire hore leue hy nome
And wende ham forþ in grete wraþþe & to Engelond aȝen come
Sein Thomas was þo in Flandres in hudinge as it were
In þe hous of sein Bertyn for he abusseþ him þere
Attelaste he aros biniȝte and of Flandres wende
Al priueliche into France as God þe grace sende
Þe kyng of France þat was þo king Lowes god & hende
Hurde telle of þis holyman he lette him sone ofsende
In þe hous of sein Bertyn for he abusseþ him þere
Attelaste he aros biniȝte and of Flandres wende
Al priueliche into France as God þe grace sende
Þe kyng of France þat was þo king Lowes god & hende
Hurde telle of þis holyman he lette him sone ofsende
Þo þis holyman to him com gret ioie he gan him make
And het him up al is lond moneie of his take
To spene to him and to alle his war so he euere come
Nolde sein Thomas noȝt abide ar he come to Rome
Þe king him tok spence inou to him an[d] two alle his
And sende wiþ him god condut to bringe him þare iwis
And het him up al is lond moneie of his take
To spene to him and to alle his war so he euere come
656
Þe king him tok spence inou to him an[d] two alle his
And sende wiþ him god condut to bringe him þare iwis
Þo þis godeman to Rome com he was faire vnderfonge
And þe pope was somdel anuyd þat he abod so longe
Me acused him of þe trespas þat þe bissops tolde er
And bad him answerie for is stat & aleggi riȝt þer
Sein Thomas wolde up arise me bad him sitte adoun
Biside þe pope he sat and schewede is resoun
And þe pope was somdel anuyd þat he abod so longe
Me acused him of þe trespas þat þe bissops tolde er
And bad him answerie for is stat & aleggi riȝt þer
Sein Thomas wolde up arise me bad him sitte adoun
Biside þe pope he sat and schewede is resoun
Sire he sede ich am iset þei ich vnworþe be[o]
To warde þe churche of Kanterburi as ȝe mowe yse[o]
And þei ich ne be[o] noȝt wel wis so muche fol iwis
Naþeles nam ich noȝt þat þe kyng and alle his
To warde þe churche of Kanterburi as ȝe mowe yse[o]
And þei ich ne be[o] noȝt wel wis so muche fol iwis
Naþeles nam ich noȝt þat þe kyng and alle his
Ich wolde for noȝt bileue and in such contek bringe
And ȝif ich wolde is wille do and paie him of alle þinge
He me wolde louie inou and al is lond iwis
Scholde at my wille beo and [alle þing] þat is his
Ac my profession þat ich habbe to Crist ido
And þe biheste þat ich habbe ymad ne soffreþ me noȝt so
And ȝif ich ssolde ȝute bileue inadde no neode
To noman to go bitwene myn erende forto beode
And ȝif ich wolde is wille do and paie him of alle þinge
He me wolde louie inou and al is lond iwis
Scholde at my wille beo and [alle þing] þat is his
Ac my profession þat ich habbe to Crist ido
And þe biheste þat ich habbe ymad ne soffreþ me noȝt so
And ȝif ich ssolde ȝute bileue inadde no neode
To noman to go bitwene myn erende forto beode
A[c þe] churche of Kanterburi was iwoned to ssyne wide
And be[o] as þe sonne amang oþere of al þe west side
Þe sonne þat was er so cler derk he is bicome
Brode cloude & stronge inou hure liȝt habbeþ bynome
Ouercast he[o] is mid þis clouden þat liȝt ne ȝaf he non
Ware þoru þe churche of Engelond ideorked beoþ echon
And be[o] as þe sonne amang oþere of al þe west side
Þe sonne þat was er so cler derk he is bicome
Brode cloude & stronge inou hure liȝt habbeþ bynome
Ouercast he[o] is mid þis clouden þat liȝt ne ȝaf he non
Ware þoru þe churche of Engelond ideorked beoþ echon
Þe king þat ssolde hure gouerny binymeþ al hure riȝte
And as clouden hure ouercast þat he[o] nemay no leng liȝte
And [ich] þat ssolde hare wardein be[o] þare aȝen ich mot fiȝte
And stonde aȝe & wiþsegge hore wrong mid al my miȝte
And as clouden hure ouercast þat he[o] nemay no leng liȝte
657
And stonde aȝe & wiþsegge hore wrong mid al my miȝte
For þei ich hadde a þousond liues as inabbe bote on
Raþer þanne ich wolde þolie ȝiue ich ȝam wolde echon
Þe costome aȝen Holy Churche þat þe kyng haþ forþ ibroȝt
Here ȝe mowe ȝam ihure nou ȝif hi beoþ to granti oȝt
He bigan to rede þe luþer lawen as he hom hadde iwrite
He wep þe teres orne adoun þat deol it was to wite
Raþer þanne ich wolde þolie ȝiue ich ȝam wolde echon
Þe costome aȝen Holy Churche þat þe kyng haþ forþ ibroȝt
Here ȝe mowe ȝam ihure nou ȝif hi beoþ to granti oȝt
He bigan to rede þe luþer lawen as he hom hadde iwrite
He wep þe teres orne adoun þat deol it was to wite
Þe pope and þe cardinals þat yseie him weope so sore
And hurde ek þis luþer lawen nemiȝte for bere namore
Ac wope also pitesliche and herede God also
Þat hy miȝte fiȝte for a such prelat ouer Holy Churche ido
Þat hulde hure so wel to riȝte and ne soffrede no wou
Hy þonkede God of such a man and onurede him inou
And hurde ek þis luþer lawen nemiȝte for bere namore
Ac wope also pitesliche and herede God also
Þat hy miȝte fiȝte for a such prelat ouer Holy Churche ido
Þat hulde hure so wel to riȝte and ne soffrede no wou
Hy þonkede God of such a man and onurede him inou
Þe pope let is clerkes alle þoru al Cristendom
Wiþsegge suche luþer lawen ware so eny com
And þat hi nere isoffred nawer hou so hi come to ende
And þat hi deide raþer þare fore þanne Holy Churche ssende
Wiþsegge suche luþer lawen ware so eny com
And þat hi nere isoffred nawer hou so hi come to ende
And þat hi deide raþer þare fore þanne Holy Churche ssende
Þo spak him eft sein Thomas wepinge wel sore
Inabbe noȝt he sede so muche wo þat inere worþ more
For þoru strengþe of eorþlich man in such poer ich am ido
Ac ich doute aȝen Godes wille þat ich be[o] vnworþe þerto
Inabbe noȝt he sede so muche wo þat inere worþ more
For þoru strengþe of eorþlich man in such poer ich am ido
Ac ich doute aȝen Godes wille þat ich be[o] vnworþe þerto
Þare fore God þoru riȝt wreche vuel bygunnyng me deþ sende
Ac ich doute for mi wrecche gult þat wors ssel be[o] þe ende
Ac ich doute for mi wrecche gult þat wors ssel be[o] þe ende
Þare fore þat Holi Churche ne be[o] to gronde ibroȝt
For my sunne and myn vnmiȝte þat i ne may hine warde noȝt
Ich ȝulde ȝou up þe bissopriche and anoþer ȝe mote þare do
Þat hure mowe wardi bet for vnworþe ich am þerto
Is ring he nom & tok þe pope and ȝeld up is bissopriche
Þe pope wel deluoliche and wel inliche gan sike
For my sunne and myn vnmiȝte þat i ne may hine warde noȝt
Ich ȝulde ȝou up þe bissopriche and anoþer ȝe mote þare do
Þat hure mowe wardi bet for vnworþe ich am þerto
658
Þe pope wel deluoliche and wel inliche gan sike
Þar of conseilede al þe court wat þe beste red were
To lete him beo erchebissop oþer to do anoþer þere
To lete him beo erchebissop oþer to do anoþer þere
Me þingþ quaþ a cardinal in such cas as nou is
Best it were to do anoþer inis stude iwis
Forto paie bet þe kyng and such cas miȝte biualle
Þat þe kyng wolde swagi and bileue þe luþer lawen alle
For betere it were in faire manere wo so miȝte to ende bringe
Þanne contek holde in such londe & nameliche aȝen þe kynge
And me myȝte porueie þis godeman as god as þat is
Inot wat conseil ȝe wolleþ lede for ich wot ich rede þis
Best it were to do anoþer inis stude iwis
Forto paie bet þe kyng and such cas miȝte biualle
Þat þe kyng wolde swagi and bileue þe luþer lawen alle
For betere it were in faire manere wo so miȝte to ende bringe
Þanne contek holde in such londe & nameliche aȝen þe kynge
And me myȝte porueie þis godeman as god as þat is
Inot wat conseil ȝe wolleþ lede for ich wot ich rede þis
Þo sede anoþer cardinal i ne rede noȝt so iwis
For þat wolde ȝiue ensample alday to don amis
For wanne a kyng wiþ a bissop were wroþ for eny þinge
Anon to bringe him adoun he wolde vuel lawen bringe
And so were Holy Churche þiu þat leuedi ssolde be[o]
Þare fore þis red me þingþ feble a betere me mot bise[o]
For þat wolde ȝiue ensample alday to don amis
For wanne a kyng wiþ a bissop were wroþ for eny þinge
Anon to bringe him adoun he wolde vuel lawen bringe
And so were Holy Churche þiu þat leuedi ssolde be[o]
Þare fore þis red me þingþ feble a betere me mot bise[o]
Þe pope wende to sein Thomas & tok him aȝen is ring
To bileue erchebissop forþ and stable þoru alle þing
Studefastliche to holde up Holi Churche riȝte
And he him wolde aȝen echman helpe him mid al is miȝte
Ac he ne ssolde noȝt þe ȝut to Engelonde wende
Ac abide betere grace ȝif God him wolde sende
To bileue erchebissop forþ and stable þoru alle þing
Studefastliche to holde up Holi Churche riȝte
And he him wolde aȝen echman helpe him mid al is miȝte
Ac he ne ssolde noȝt þe ȝut to Engelonde wende
Ac abide betere grace ȝif God him wolde sende
To þe abbeie of Ponteneie to soiorny þere
He sende þis holyman forte it betere were
Wiþ lite folk and lite ese þare he gan bileue
Forte he nadde him sulf noȝt to spene bote as hi him ȝeue
He sende þis holyman forte it betere were
Wiþ lite folk and lite ese þare he gan bileue
Forte he nadde him sulf noȝt to spene bote as hi him ȝeue
Is men he broȝte in seruise hore mete to wynne þere
Him sulf he was al one ney heyman þei he were
Lif he ladde hard inou he hadde of harde here
Sserte & brech streit inou hardore non nere
Þe strapeles were eke streiȝt wiþ manie a knotte also
Þe sseorte anon to is kne[o] þe strapeles anon to is ho
Þe knotte wode into is fleis aboute in eche side
Wel vnesy was is brech aboute forto ride
Harde miȝte he ligge adoun and harde sitte also
Louerd deore aboȝte he heuene wel aȝte he come þerto
Him sulf he was al one ney heyman þei he were
659
Sserte & brech streit inou hardore non nere
Þe strapeles were eke streiȝt wiþ manie a knotte also
Þe sseorte anon to is kne[o] þe strapeles anon to is ho
Þe knotte wode into is fleis aboute in eche side
Wel vnesy was is brech aboute forto ride
Harde miȝte he ligge adoun and harde sitte also
Louerd deore aboȝte he heuene wel aȝte he come þerto
Þe bissops of Engelond þat aȝen him were at Rome
And eorles and oþer ek þo hi to Engelond come
Hi tolde þe kyng al þat cas hou hi nadde noþing isped
So sori and wroþ þe kyng was þat he was nei awed
Alas he seide þulke traitour þat ich habbe forþ ibroȝt
Þat he me ssel such ssame do i nemai it soffre noȝt
Wanne he flucþ out of my lond þat i nemay to him come
And eorles and oþer ek þo hi to Engelond come
Hi tolde þe kyng al þat cas hou hi nadde noþing isped
So sori and wroþ þe kyng was þat he was nei awed
Alas he seide þulke traitour þat ich habbe forþ ibroȝt
Þat he me ssel such ssame do i nemai it soffre noȝt
Wanne he flucþ out of my lond þat i nemay to him come
Ich wol me awreke of is cunne hi solleþ it abugge somme
He let seche out clene is kun and is frendes echon
And drof ham out of Engelond he ne bileuede noȝt on
Sik ne feble ȝong ne old ne wymmen mid childe
Ne children þat soukynge were so muche he was vnmilde
He let seche out clene is kun and is frendes echon
And drof ham out of Engelond he ne bileuede noȝt on
Sik ne feble ȝong ne old ne wymmen mid childe
Ne children þat soukynge were so muche he was vnmilde
In armes þat moder bar þat child & in hare wombe somme
Þer hadde þe kyng me þingþ a feble wreche inome
Iharled hy were in gret miseise out of þo londe alas
Ech godman hadde reuþe of hom þat hurde of þat cas
And amang ham sede stilleliche þat [h]e luþer kyng was
More ssrewede þe kyng biþoȝte ȝute up sein Thomas
Þer hadde þe kyng me þingþ a feble wreche inome
Iharled hy were in gret miseise out of þo londe alas
Ech godman hadde reuþe of hom þat hurde of þat cas
And amang ham sede stilleliche þat [h]e luþer kyng was
More ssrewede þe kyng biþoȝte ȝute up sein Thomas
Þe men þat he drof of londe were ham leof oþer loþ
He made ham swerie ope þe bok eche after oþer an oþ
Þat hi ne ssolde in none steode leue none stounde
Ar hi come to sein Thomas war so hi him founde
And tolde him fore hou hi were out of londe ibroȝt
To brynge him in þe more sorwe ȝif he miȝte turne is þoȝt
He made ham swerie ope þe bok eche after oþer an oþ
Þat hi ne ssolde in none steode leue none stounde
Ar hi come to sein Thomas war so hi him founde
And tolde him fore hou hi were out of londe ibroȝt
660
Ȝute he biþoȝte a luþer dede more ope sein Thomas
He let hote þoru al Engelond as wide as is poer was
Þat noman ne ssolde for him bidde in churche ne elles ware
As me for þe erchebissop doþ and ido haþ wel ȝare
He let hote þoru al Engelond as wide as is poer was
Þat noman ne ssolde for him bidde in churche ne elles ware
As me for þe erchebissop doþ and ido haþ wel ȝare
Louerd muche was þe ssame þo þat Holy Churche bitidde
Wanne me [ne] moste among oþer men for hore heued bidde
Wanne me [ne] moste among oþer men for hore heued bidde
Þat folk of sein Thomas kun wel þicke aboute him drou
Alle [d]aie þat were iflemd for him in deol and sorwe inou
And wope and cride deoluoliche and tolde al þat cas
Hou hi for him were idriue and wuch hore sorwe was
Alle [d]aie þat were iflemd for him in deol and sorwe inou
And wope and cride deoluoliche and tolde al þat cas
Hou hi for him were idriue and wuch hore sorwe was
Sein Thomas bihuld hom deoluoliche & bigan to siche sore
And naþeles he made fair semlant to conforti ham þe more
And sede þis word to gladi hom þat me vnderstod longe
Ech lond is he sede owe contreie to þe stronge
As wo seiþ þei he be[o] here in stronge contreie ibroȝt
Ȝif ȝe beoþ stronge in Godes lawe it nessel ȝou greue noȝt
And naþeles he made fair semlant to conforti ham þe more
And sede þis word to gladi hom þat me vnderstod longe
Ech lond is he sede owe contreie to þe stronge
As wo seiþ þei he be[o] here in stronge contreie ibroȝt
Ȝif ȝe beoþ stronge in Godes lawe it nessel ȝou greue noȝt
Alle þe heie men of þe lond þat hurde of þe cas
Acorsed þe kyng and sede þat he luþer man was
Þis sely men aboute hy nome for loue of sein Thomas
And fond ham sustenance inou in miseise non þer nas
Acorsed þe kyng and sede þat he luþer man was
Þis sely men aboute hy nome for loue of sein Thomas
And fond ham sustenance inou in miseise non þer nas
Þo þe tidinge to þe kyng of Engelonde com
Þat þis men were wel vnderfonge gret deol to him he nom
Certes he sede wanne he nemay his hurte þus buye
In more miseise ichelle him bringe þat is lif him ssel anuye
Greie monkes of Cisteus fram ȝere to ȝere
A chapitre made general of abbotes þat þare were
For ech abbot of greie monekes to þulke chapitre com
Wiþinne a certein [terme] as ȝute doþ þoru al Cristendom
Þat þis men were wel vnderfonge gret deol to him he nom
Certes he sede wanne he nemay his hurte þus buye
In more miseise ichelle him bringe þat is lif him ssel anuye
Greie monkes of Cisteus fram ȝere to ȝere
A chapitre made general of abbotes þat þare were
For ech abbot of greie monekes to þulke chapitre com
661
Þo þe chapitre plener was þe king þuder sende
To þe abbotes plenerliche þat to þe chapitre wende
And sende hom word þat him þoȝte wonder gret inou
Þat hi wolde so muche do vnkunde dede and wou
To susteini is wiþerwine among hom and is fo
In þe hous of Ponteneie þat broȝte him in such wo
And bote hi him bileuede and nesusteinede him namore
Al þe grei hous of Engelond ofþenche ssolde sore
For ȝif hi susteined is fo no wonder it nere
Þei he awreke him of þulke hous þat inis londe were
To þe abbotes plenerliche þat to þe chapitre wende
And sende hom word þat him þoȝte wonder gret inou
Þat hi wolde so muche do vnkunde dede and wou
To susteini is wiþerwine among hom and is fo
In þe hous of Ponteneie þat broȝte him in such wo
And bote hi him bileuede and nesusteinede him namore
Al þe grei hous of Engelond ofþenche ssolde sore
For ȝif hi susteined is fo no wonder it nere
Þei he awreke him of þulke hous þat inis londe were
Þo þis lettres to Cisteus among þis abbotes come
Of þe þretynge hi dradde sore and gret conseil nome
So þat hi bede sein Thomas is beste forto do
For hi nedorste aȝen þe kynges wille namore him holde so
Of þe þretynge hi dradde sore and gret conseil nome
So þat hi bede sein Thomas is beste forto do
For hi nedorste aȝen þe kynges wille namore him holde so
Þo sein Thomas þis ihurde he gan to sike sore
He bad Iesus him helpe þo and cride him milce and ore
Louerdlinges he sede þat me habbeþ isusteined many o day
In my grete neode Iesu Crist it ȝelde þar i nemay
Þe kyng þat þreteþ ȝou so faste ȝif ȝe holdeþ her me lange
Ȝif Crist wole ȝe nesolleþ for me neuere harm auonge
He bad Iesus him helpe þo and cride him milce and ore
Louerdlinges he sede þat me habbeþ isusteined many o day
In my grete neode Iesu Crist it ȝelde þar i nemay
Þe kyng þat þreteþ ȝou so faste ȝif ȝe holdeþ her me lange
Ȝif Crist wole ȝe nesolleþ for me neuere harm auonge
War ich so mowe an eorþe be[o] fram ȝou ich wole wende
Þat ȝe ne be[o] for me apeired oure Louerd is grace me sende
For ich may ȝute my mete bidde inam noȝt to god þerto
God þat fet þe wilde best me may uede also
Ac hou so it of me biualle God if it be[o] is wille
Holde up þe riȝte of Holy Churche þat he folliche ne aspille
Þat ȝe ne be[o] for me apeired oure Louerd is grace me sende
For ich may ȝute my mete bidde inam noȝt to god þerto
God þat fet þe wilde best me may uede also
Ac hou so it of me biualle God if it be[o] is wille
Holde up þe riȝte of Holy Churche þat he folliche ne aspille
As þis holyman in þoȝte stod woder he miȝte wende
Þe kyng of France þat was so god sone him gan word sende
Þat he bileuede up al is lond warto is herte best drou
Cheose he him sulf and he him wolde finde spence inou
Þare it was soþ for wanne a man is in mest sor and teone
Þanne is oure Louerd is help next as it was þo isene
Þe kyng of France þat was so god sone him gan word sende
662
Cheose he him sulf and he him wolde finde spence inou
Þare it was soþ for wanne a man is in mest sor and teone
Þanne is oure Louerd is help next as it was þo isene
Þis holyman is leue nom mildeliche and softe
And sore wepinge wende forþ & siȝte sore and ofte
Þe abbot of Ponteneie somdel forþward him broȝte
He esste at him wy he were in so deoluol þoȝte
And sore wepinge wende forþ & siȝte sore and ofte
Þe abbot of Ponteneie somdel forþward him broȝte
He esste at him wy he were in so deoluol þoȝte
Ich þe telle quaþ sein Thomas wi ich carie so
Þat þou ne telle noman fore ar myn endeday be[o] ido
Icham siker þat ich ssel deiȝe in martirdom
Fo[r] t[o] niȝt in my slep a wonder metynge me com
Þat þou ne telle noman fore ar myn endeday be[o] ido
Icham siker þat ich ssel deiȝe in martirdom
Fo[r] t[o] niȝt in my slep a wonder metynge me com
In þe churche of Kanterbury me þoȝte ich stode iwis
And striuede [for] Holy Churche aȝen þe kyng and his
Þo come þare four kniȝtes gon and smite me ope þe crowne
Ech after oþer þat my brayn ssadde al abrod þare doune
For me ich þonke Iesu Crist þat ich ssel deie so
And for myne men ich sike sore for inot wat hi solleþ do
And striuede [for] Holy Churche aȝen þe kyng and his
Þo come þare four kniȝtes gon and smite me ope þe crowne
Ech after oþer þat my brayn ssadde al abrod þare doune
For me ich þonke Iesu Crist þat ich ssel deie so
And for myne men ich sike sore for inot wat hi solleþ do
Þis holyman wende forþ in care and deol bitweye
Forte he com to Seines xij mile fram Ponteneye
Þar he bileuede in soiorn as longe as he wolde
Þe king him fond to spene inou of seluer and of golde
Þis holyman bileuede þar in pais and reste inou
Ac euere he carede for Holy Churche þat þe king dude so wou
And sende to þe kyng of Engelonde þat he lete be[o] stille
And werri noȝt Holy Churche ȝif it were is wille
Forte he com to Seines xij mile fram Ponteneye
Þar he bileuede in soiorn as longe as he wolde
Þe king him fond to spene inou of seluer and of golde
Þis holyman bileuede þar in pais and reste inou
Ac euere he carede for Holy Churche þat þe king dude so wou
And sende to þe kyng of Engelonde þat he lete be[o] stille
And werri noȝt Holy Churche ȝif it were is wille
Suþþe þe kyng of Engelond as is wille him nom
Passede þe se as God it wolde and to France com
Passede þe se as God it wolde and to France com
Þe king of France was aboute ȝif God wolde grace sende
To acordy him and sein Thomas ȝif he it miȝte bringe to ende
So þat hy were togadere ibroȝt to a day þat hi sette
Sein Thomas com biuore þe kyng & as is louerd him grette
And to is fet fel akne[o ] and wep and cride sore
Haue reuþe he sede of Holy Churche and ne werre it namore
And ichelle do al þi wille as ich sede er by my miȝte
Saue my louerdes honur and Holy Churche riȝte
663
So þat hy were togadere ibroȝt to a day þat hi sette
Sein Thomas com biuore þe kyng & as is louerd him grette
And to is fet fel akne[o ] and wep and cride sore
Haue reuþe he sede of Holy Churche and ne werre it namore
And ichelle do al þi wille as ich sede er by my miȝte
Saue my louerdes honur and Holy Churche riȝte
Þe kyng made him wroþ for þat word as he hadde ofte ibe[o]
Nou ȝe mowe he sede echon is falshede ise[o]
Nou ȝe mowe he sede echon is falshede ise[o]
For me ne ssolde do upe þis word noþing aȝen is wille
Þat he nolde segge þat ich wolde Holy Churche aspille
And þat it were aȝen Godes lawe and in such manere he miȝte
Þat lond destorby and bynyme mi franchise & mi riȝte
Þat he nolde segge þat ich wolde Holy Churche aspille
And þat it were aȝen Godes lawe and in such manere he miȝte
Þat lond destorby and bynyme mi franchise & mi riȝte
Gode bissops þere habbeþ ibe[o] byuore him ȝe witeþ iwis
Ac þat ȝe se[o] [mi] trunesse and þe wrong is al his
As þe wisost bissops þat biuore him euere were
Aȝen þe meste fol kyng biuore [me hem] bere
Do he also aȝen me and paie me wel inou
And ȝif he is aȝen þis forme me þingþ he haþ wou
Oþer him þingþ þat bissop neuere so wis as he non nas
Oþer he halt me þe meste wrecche þat euere biuore me was
Ac þat ȝe se[o] [mi] trunesse and þe wrong is al his
As þe wisost bissops þat biuore him euere were
Aȝen þe meste fol kyng biuore [me hem] bere
Do he also aȝen me and paie me wel inou
And ȝif he is aȝen þis forme me þingþ he haþ wou
Oþer him þingþ þat bissop neuere so wis as he non nas
Oþer he halt me þe meste wrecche þat euere biuore me was
Þo sede þe kyng of France and alle þat hurde þis
Certes he sede þou beost him loue inou þe wrong is al his
Certes he sede þou beost him loue inou þe wrong is al his
Sein Thomas stod longe in þoȝt & bigan to siche sore
Þei ich habbe he sede ihed anuy ȝute me is to come more
Ȝif þe erche bissop[s] biuore me hadde ido hore miȝte
It nadde ibe[o] nou no neod to contekki ne to fiȝte
For are þis it were stable þor godemannes siȝte
And costome ne beoþ to holde noȝt ȝif hi beoþ aȝen riȝte
Þei ich habbe he sede ihed anuy ȝute me is to come more
Ȝif þe erche bissop[s] biuore me hadde ido hore miȝte
It nadde ibe[o] nou no neod to contekki ne to fiȝte
For are þis it were stable þor godemannes siȝte
664
For þe bissops touore me were to nesse as ich finde
Hore folie ich mot nou abugge oþer it worþ bihinde
Ichot þer habbeþ ibe[o] biuore costomes in Engelonde
Ac aȝen riȝte hi beoþ and wrongfol as ich vnderstonde
And þei hi longe isoffred be[o] & to costome idrawe
Þare nemay noman to soþ segge þat it nebeo riȝt ne lawe
For oure Louerd loueþ riȝt and soþnysse & uuel costome non iwis
And he sseweþ bi a word þat in þe gospel is
Hore folie ich mot nou abugge oþer it worþ bihinde
Ichot þer habbeþ ibe[o] biuore costomes in Engelonde
Ac aȝen riȝte hi beoþ and wrongfol as ich vnderstonde
And þei hi longe isoffred be[o] & to costome idrawe
Þare nemay noman to soþ segge þat it nebeo riȝt ne lawe
For oure Louerd loueþ riȝt and soþnysse & uuel costome non iwis
And he sseweþ bi a word þat in þe gospel is
For oure Louerd him sulf eueneþ to soþnisse iwis
Ac he ne eueneþ nawer to costome for aȝen riȝt it is
Þare [fore] me þingþ riȝt it is þat we to soþnisse drawe
And vuel costomes destorby þat beoþ aȝen þe lawe
Þare fore inelle none costomes soffre by mine miȝte
Þat aȝen soþnisse beoþ and Holy Churche riȝte
Ac he ne eueneþ nawer to costome for aȝen riȝt it is
Þare [fore] me þingþ riȝt it is þat we to soþnisse drawe
And vuel costomes destorby þat beoþ aȝen þe lawe
Þare fore inelle none costomes soffre by mine miȝte
Þat aȝen soþnisse beoþ and Holy Churche riȝte
Her me may iseo þat vuel lawen no godman ne ssel auonge
Ac destorby wiþ al is miȝte þei [hi] habbe ibe[o] holde longe
For he þat susteineþ vuel lawen as wel he haþ sunne
Bote he is alegge ȝif he may as he þat deþ ȝam bigynne
Ac destorby wiþ al is miȝte þei [hi] habbe ibe[o] holde longe
For he þat susteineþ vuel lawen as wel he haþ sunne
Bote he is alegge ȝif he may as he þat deþ ȝam bigynne
Þo þe kyng of France hurde þis and oþer þat þare were
Þat sein Thomas þis wiþsede ipaid noþing hy nere
Þat sein Thomas þis wiþsede ipaid noþing hy nere
Sire erche bissop he se[de] ich ise[o] nou wel þi wrong
Þe king þe beot loue inou on þe is al þe strif ilong
Wostou binyme lawes þat nere neuere by nome
Ac habbeþ bi holde of kynges þat biuore him habbeþ icome
Gret maister wostou alonde be[o] to muche were þi poer
To muche ich habbe onured þe in my londe her
Bote þou grante þe riȝte lawen ichelle bicome þi uo
And ȝif we beoþ þine uon boþe inot woder þou wolt go
Þe king þe beot loue inou on þe is al þe strif ilong
Wostou binyme lawes þat nere neuere by nome
Ac habbeþ bi holde of kynges þat biuore him habbeþ icome
Gret maister wostou alonde be[o] to muche were þi poer
To muche ich habbe onured þe in my londe her
Bote þou grante þe riȝte lawen ichelle bicome þi uo
And ȝif we beoþ þine uon boþe inot woder þou wolt go
Sein Thomas him held euere in on þe kinges hom made wroþe
And departede fram him so in gret wraþþe boþe
Hy þretnede & made noise inou sein Thomas held him stille
For raþer he wolde þolie deþ þan hore luþer wille
665
Hy þretnede & made noise inou sein Thomas held him stille
For raþer he wolde þolie deþ þan hore luþer wille
Nou helpe Crist þis holyman for neode he haþ þerto
Nou boþe kynges beoþ is fon woder may he nou go
Iflemd he was of Engelond and of France also
His men made deol inou and nuste þo wat do
And nameliche is kynesmen þat for him iflemd were
Louerd hi sede alas alas þat we of lyue nere
We beoþ idriue out of Engelond & out of France also
Wat ssolde more sorwe Louerd þanne is icome us two
Nou boþe kynges beoþ is fon woder may he nou go
Iflemd he was of Engelond and of France also
His men made deol inou and nuste þo wat do
And nameliche is kynesmen þat for him iflemd were
Louerd hi sede alas alas þat we of lyue nere
We beoþ idriue out of Engelond & out of France also
Wat ssolde more sorwe Louerd þanne is icome us two
Sein Thomas him made glad inou and gladede is men anon
Be[o] stille he sede for ȝe makeþ nedles deol echon
Ȝoure mete ȝe mowe ofswinke as godemen doþ manion
Be[o] ȝe fram me hi wolleþ beo frend þat nou beoþ ȝoure fon
For ȝe nabbeþ hate of noman bote for me wiþ wou
Ac be[o] ȝe fram me iwend me wol ȝou louie inou
Be[o] stille he sede for ȝe makeþ nedles deol echon
Ȝoure mete ȝe mowe ofswinke as godemen doþ manion
Be[o] ȝe fram me hi wolleþ beo frend þat nou beoþ ȝoure fon
For ȝe nabbeþ hate of noman bote for me wiþ wou
Ac be[o] ȝe fram me iwend me wol ȝou louie inou
A sire mercy quaþ þis men we witeþ wel al þis
For us sulue nis us noȝt bote for þe iwis
For we ssolleþ oure mete awynne ac we nute wat þou sselt do
Bote þou ssolle for honger deie Louerd ware þou ssolle so
For us sulue nis us noȝt bote for þe iwis
For we ssolleþ oure mete awynne ac we nute wat þou sselt do
Bote þou ssolle for honger deie Louerd ware þou ssolle so
Ich may bidde my mete quaþ sein Thomas inam noȝt to god þerto
God ȝulde ȝam þat for is loue eny god me wolleþ do
Bitwene Borgoine & Prouence as me deþ [me] to vnderstonde
Godemen beoþ and almesfol and of kunde londe
If i nemot in France be[o] þuder ichelle wende
And bidde my mete for Godes loue ȝiue God hine me wole sende
Ȝute som godman me may ise[o] ȝif it is Godes wille
And habbe reuþe and helpe me þat miseise me ne aspille
God ȝulde ȝam þat for is loue eny god me wolleþ do
Bitwene Borgoine & Prouence as me deþ [me] to vnderstonde
Godemen beoþ and almesfol and of kunde londe
If i nemot in France be[o] þuder ichelle wende
And bidde my mete for Godes loue ȝiue God hine me wole sende
Ȝute som godman me may ise[o] ȝif it is Godes wille
And habbe reuþe and helpe me þat miseise me ne aspille
Is men for him and for ham sulue made deol inou
Þis godeman amang al is wo confortede ȝam and lou
Þis godeman amang al is wo confortede ȝam and lou
666
Alas þe deol þat þer was such heyman bitidde
Þat þe erche bissop of Kanterburi ssolde is mete bidde
Deore aboȝte he Holy Churche and Holy Churches riȝte
Wel aȝte echman her after drede aȝen Holy Churche to fiȝte
And ech haþ nou is leue of oþer aboute forto wende
And þis holiman ek inis side woder God him wolde sende
Ware God wolde is mete to bidde forte God sende oþer won
God sende is grace amang ham alle þat sori were echon
Þat þe erche bissop of Kanterburi ssolde is mete bidde
Deore aboȝte he Holy Churche and Holy Churches riȝte
Wel aȝte echman her after drede aȝen Holy Churche to fiȝte
And ech haþ nou is leue of oþer aboute forto wende
And þis holiman ek inis side woder God him wolde sende
Ware God wolde is mete to bidde forte God sende oþer won
God sende is grace amang ham alle þat sori were echon
Þe kinges messager of France to sein Thomas com go[n]
And sede þat þe king him bad come to him anon
Forþ wende þis holyman ac he nuste for wuche þinge
He tok him al to Godes wille and com biuore þe kynge
And sede þat þe king him bad come to him anon
Forþ wende þis holyman ac he nuste for wuche þinge
He tok him al to Godes wille and com biuore þe kynge
Þe kyng anon so he him isei aȝen him com gon
And to is fet fel adoun akne[o] and cride him mercy anon
Blind he sede ich habbe ibe[o] and þat ich vnderstonde
Al mi lond to þi wille ich take þe an honde
Þe wile ich of France am king ich wolle finde þe inou
For ich vnderstonde þat soþe þat þe kyng haþ þe wou
And to is fet fel adoun akne[o] and cride him mercy anon
Blind he sede ich habbe ibe[o] and þat ich vnderstonde
Al mi lond to þi wille ich take þe an honde
Þe wile ich of France am king ich wolle finde þe inou
For ich vnderstonde þat soþe þat þe kyng haþ þe wou
To [Seines] he sende aȝe þis holyman iwis
And fond him þare to spene inou to him and to alle his
More he dude is miȝte ȝut and bitwene hom sende is sonde
To bringe acord bitwene him and þe kyng of Engelonde
At Mon Martre in France þis day was inome
Þuder were þis kynges boþe and sein Thomas icome
And fond him þare to spene inou to him and to alle his
More he dude is miȝte ȝut and bitwene hom sende is sonde
To bringe acord bitwene him and þe kyng of Engelonde
At Mon Martre in France þis day was inome
Þuder were þis kynges boþe and sein Thomas icome
Þe kyng of France dude is miȝte þat hi were at on ibroȝt
Ac þo hi hadde togader ispeke al it was for noȝt
For þe kyng swor euere is gret oþ þat he nolde acord non
Bote þe status of Clari[n]gdone iholde were echon
Ac þo hi hadde togader ispeke al it was for noȝt
For þe kyng swor euere is gret oþ þat he nolde acord non
Bote þe status of Clari[n]gdone iholde were echon
667
And seint Thomas swor bi is daye he nolde holde noȝt on
Raþer he wolde þane deþ auonge bote þare were oþer won
Wiþ wraþþe hi departede and nolde non oþer do
Sein Thomas gan to sike sore and wep inliche also
Raþer he wolde þane deþ auonge bote þare were oþer won
Wiþ wraþþe hi departede and nolde non oþer do
Sein Thomas gan to sike sore and wep inliche also
Louerd he sede help nou for þine swete vif wonde
Oþer Holy Churche is ope þe pointe to be[o] ibroȝt to gronde
Maister Herbard [of] Bocham þat [on] of is clerkes was
In priuete bitwene ham two sede to sein Thomas
Sire he sede þe Mon Martre þis hul icluped is
As ȝe habbeþ ispeke of þe pais of Holy Churche iwis
As þe name seiþ of þis hul ich doute on my þoȝt
Þoru þi martirdom Holy Churche worþ ferst to pais ibroȝt
Oþer Holy Churche is ope þe pointe to be[o] ibroȝt to gronde
Maister Herbard [of] Bocham þat [on] of is clerkes was
In priuete bitwene ham two sede to sein Thomas
Sire he sede þe Mon Martre þis hul icluped is
As ȝe habbeþ ispeke of þe pais of Holy Churche iwis
As þe name seiþ of þis hul ich doute on my þoȝt
Þoru þi martirdom Holy Churche worþ ferst to pais ibroȝt
Þis oþer siȝte sore and sede God ȝeue it were so
Þat þoru mi deþ Holy Churche in pes were ido
And þat ich hadde wiþ mi blod & wiþ mi lif aboȝt
Þat he[o] were in riȝte lawe and in god pes ibroȝt
Aȝen mid somer hit biuel þat þe kyng [gan] vnderstonde
And in wraþþe of sein Thomas aȝen wende to Engelonde
Þat þoru mi deþ Holy Churche in pes were ido
And þat ich hadde wiþ mi blod & wiþ mi lif aboȝt
Þat he[o] were in riȝte lawe and in god pes ibroȝt
Aȝen mid somer hit biuel þat þe kyng [gan] vnderstonde
And in wraþþe of sein Thomas aȝen wende to Engelonde
To seisi sire Henri is sone mid al is kynedom
And to crouny him and longe him þoȝte ar he þuder com
And is conseil sede þat it was mest of alle þinge
Holy Churche & sein Thomas in vnriȝt to bringe
And to crouny him and longe him þoȝte ar he þuder com
And is conseil sede þat it was mest of alle þinge
Holy Churche & sein Thomas in vnriȝt to bringe
For erche bissop is riȝte of Kanterburi it is
To crouny þe kyng of Engelond & non oþer iwis
And þe king in preiudice of him & to binime him is riȝte
Let oþer bissops crouny is sone and cudde a lite miȝte
To crouny þe kyng of Engelond & non oþer iwis
And þe king in preiudice of him & to binime him is riȝte
Let oþer bissops crouny is sone and cudde a lite miȝte
Four bissops him crounede aȝen riȝte and wone
Þe erche bissop of Euerwik and þe bissop of Londone
Þe bissop of Salesburi and of Roucestre also
At Westmestre in seinte Petres churche þis dede was ido
Þe fader seruede þe sone atte mete a day
And wiþ þe reume seisede him as al þat folk ysay
Þe erche bissop of Euerwik and þe bissop of Londone
Þe bissop of Salesburi and of Roucestre also
At Westmestre in seinte Petres churche þis dede was ido
Þe fader seruede þe sone atte mete a day
And wiþ þe reume seisede him as al þat folk ysay
668
Þe tyþinge of þis þinge to sein Thomas come
Of þis vnriȝt he sende sone to þe court of Rome
Of þis vnriȝt he sende sone to þe court of Rome
Þe pope him sende is lettre aȝen & is bulle þat he ssolde
Amansi þe kyng & is conseil wuche tyme he wolde
And suspendi þe bissops þat such vnriȝt dude þare
And entrediti al Engelond forte it amended were
Amansi þe kyng & is conseil wuche tyme he wolde
And suspendi þe bissops þat such vnriȝt dude þare
And entrediti al Engelond forte it amended were
Seint Thomas athelt þe lettre forte God þe grace sende
Þat he miȝte him sulf þe dede do to Engelond wanne he wende
Þat he miȝte him sulf þe dede do to Engelond wanne he wende
Ȝute com Henri kyng þe olde ef sone into France
Þe king of France was anuyd of þis distorbance
And wende aboute to make acord & aboute wende faste
So þat hi were as God it wolde acorded attelaste
Þe king of France was anuyd of þis distorbance
And wende aboute to make acord & aboute wende faste
So þat hi were as God it wolde acorded attelaste
A seinte Marie dai Magdalein ido was þis dede
In a mede þat me clupeþ traitours mede
Also ferde þe acord as þo [mede] icluped was
For þer after a lite stonde noþing isene it nas
In a mede þat me clupeþ traitours mede
Also ferde þe acord as þo [mede] icluped was
For þer after a lite stonde noþing isene it nas
Muche hi speke in priuete & mid grete loue partede atwo
And sein Thomas wende þat þe kyng al is wille wolde do
Maister Herbard of Bocham to þe kinge suþþe wende
Ope forwarde þat hi hadde ispeke as sein Thomas him sende
And bate him hote ȝulde aȝen as feruorþ as he miȝte
Þat is baillifs inis bissopriche nome mid vnriȝte
And sein Thomas wende þat þe kyng al is wille wolde do
Maister Herbard of Bocham to þe kinge suþþe wende
Ope forwarde þat hi hadde ispeke as sein Thomas him sende
And bate him hote ȝulde aȝen as feruorþ as he miȝte
Þat is baillifs inis bissopriche nome mid vnriȝte
Ȝe quaþ þe kyng wolde he so ȝute he ssel abide
Ichelle ferst loke hou he wole bere him in oþer side
Paranture he may so uaire bere him aȝen me
Þat ichelle ȝulde him ech ferþing þare fore cheose he
Ichelle ferst loke hou he wole bere him in oþer side
Paranture he may so uaire bere him aȝen me
Þat ichelle ȝulde him ech ferþing þare fore cheose he
Lo wuch acord þis was and hou sone ido
Þe anuy þat hadde sein Thomas nas noȝt yended so
Þe anuy þat hadde sein Thomas nas noȝt yended so
Maister Herbard wende aȝen and sein Thomas tolde fore
Ȝe þoȝte þis holyman þis pes is forlore
Him sulf sein Thomas suþþe to þe kyng wende
To speke more of þis acord ȝif he it miȝte amende
Ȝe þoȝte þis holyman þis pes is forlore
Him sulf sein Thomas suþþe to þe kyng wende
To speke more of þis acord ȝif he it miȝte amende
669
Þe king him wolcomede al liȝtliche as [he] ne hulde noȝt þerto
And wende him forþ to hure is masse & sein Thomas also
He was iwoned to habbe is masse as it fel to þe day
And þo nom he forþ þe soule masse þat noȝt þerto nelay
For he nolde cusse mascos to cusse sein Thomas
Þis holyman þoȝte wel wy þe encheson was
Wel narwe þe kyng him biþoȝte to turne is luþer þoȝt
Þis acord was sone ido and to feble ende ibroȝt
And wende him forþ to hure is masse & sein Thomas also
He was iwoned to habbe is masse as it fel to þe day
And þo nom he forþ þe soule masse þat noȝt þerto nelay
For he nolde cusse mascos to cusse sein Thomas
Þis holyman þoȝte wel wy þe encheson was
Wel narwe þe kyng him biþoȝte to turne is luþer þoȝt
Þis acord was sone ido and to feble ende ibroȝt
Þo þe masse was ido in conseil longe hi stode
Wel ofte þe king him upbreid þat he dude him er to gode
Hou lou man he com to him & in wuch poer he him broȝte
And þat he aȝte vuel aȝen him be[o] ȝif he him wel biþoȝte
So hi were togadere longe & þo hy hadde al ido
Þei it lite wile ilaste wiþ loue hi partede atwo
Wel ofte þe king him upbreid þat he dude him er to gode
Hou lou man he com to him & in wuch poer he him broȝte
And þat he aȝte vuel aȝen him be[o] ȝif he him wel biþoȝte
So hi were togadere longe & þo hy hadde al ido
Þei it lite wile ilaste wiþ loue hi partede atwo
Sein Thomas gan to sike sore þo he gan vnderstonde
Þat he hadde so longe ibe[o] out of Engelonde
Þei it were aȝen is wille hit þoȝte him a luþer dede
Þat is bissopriche hadde ibe[o] wiþoute gouern & rede
Þat he hadde so longe ibe[o] out of Engelonde
Þei it were aȝen is wille hit þoȝte him a luþer dede
Þat is bissopriche hadde ibe[o] wiþoute gouern & rede
To þe kyng of France he wende ferst & to oþer god & hende
Faire at hom is leue nom to Engelond to wende
He þonkede ham of al honur þat hi him hadde ido
Wiþ fair condut and gret loue fram ham he wende so
Wiþ gret honur he wende of France toward Engelonde
At an hauene he gan abide þat me clupeþ Wiȝtsonde
Þe bulles þat he hadde of Rome to Engelond he sende
To do þe sentence al abrod tofore him ar he wende
Faire at hom is leue nom to Engelond to wende
He þonkede ham of al honur þat hi him hadde ido
Wiþ fair condut and gret loue fram ham he wende so
Wiþ gret honur he wende of France toward Engelonde
At an hauene he gan abide þat me clupeþ Wiȝtsonde
Þe bulles þat he hadde of Rome to Engelond he sende
To do þe sentence al abrod tofore him ar he wende
Þe erchebissop of Euerwik in centence he let do
And þe bissop of Salesburi and of Londone also
For hi hadde icrouned þe ȝonge kyng aȝen is dignete
Wiþ vnriȝt inis bissopriche he amansed alle þr[eo]
Þo þe tiþinge to hom com hy made hom wroþ inou
And þretnede þis holiman þei it were mid wou
And þe bissop of Salesburi and of Londone also
For hi hadde icrouned þe ȝonge kyng aȝen is dignete
Wiþ vnriȝt inis bissopriche he amansed alle þr[eo]
670
And þretnede þis holiman þei it were mid wou
Sein Thomas ȝeode toward þis bissop to Engelond to wende
A man þer com fram Engelond aȝen him god and hende
A sire he sede for Godes loue ne passe noȝt ȝute þe se
Four kniȝtes beoþ in Engelond iredi þe to sle
At ech hauene hi awaiteþ þe to kepe þe manyon
Ȝif þou comst among hom oȝt þou worst aslawe anon
A man þer com fram Engelond aȝen him god and hende
A sire he sede for Godes loue ne passe noȝt ȝute þe se
Four kniȝtes beoþ in Engelond iredi þe to sle
At ech hauene hi awaiteþ þe to kepe þe manyon
Ȝif þou comst among hom oȝt þou worst aslawe anon
Certes quaþ sein Thomas inele noleng abide
To Engelond ichelle me drawe tide me wat me bitide
Þe ich be[o] to drawe lyme mele inele bileue namore
To longe ich habbe þanne ibe[o] þat reweþ me wel sore
Þe soulen þat ich habbe to loke six ȝer ne more iwis
Wiþoute wardein habbeþ ibe[o] alas to muche it is
To Engelond ichelle me drawe tide me wat me bitide
Þe ich be[o] to drawe lyme mele inele bileue namore
To longe ich habbe þanne ibe[o] þat reweþ me wel sore
Þe soulen þat ich habbe to loke six ȝer ne more iwis
Wiþoute wardein habbeþ ibe[o] alas to muche it is
Wel ich wot ich worþe þar aslawe ar come longe
Ichelle for Holy Churche riȝte þane deþ vawe auonge
Ac bidde for me Iesu Crist ich bidde ȝou por charite
Ac for al oþer nameliche o þing bidde for me
Þat God for is holy grace to Kanterburi me sende
Þat ich mot quik oþer ded into myn owe churche wende
Ȝif i nemay noȝt þer aliue come ar ich imartred be[o]
Þat my body mote ded God it grante me
Ichelle for Holy Churche riȝte þane deþ vawe auonge
Ac bidde for me Iesu Crist ich bidde ȝou por charite
Ac for al oþer nameliche o þing bidde for me
Þat God for is holy grace to Kanterburi me sende
Þat ich mot quik oþer ded into myn owe churche wende
Ȝif i nemay noȝt þer aliue come ar ich imartred be[o]
Þat my body mote ded God it grante me
Is leue he nom deoluoliche to schipe to wende þo
He þonkede hom al onur þat hy hadde him do
And biteiȝte al France Iesu Crist and blessede it wel uaste
Þat folk made sorwe inou þe deol longe ilaste
He þonkede hom al onur þat hy hadde him do
And biteiȝte al France Iesu Crist and blessede it wel uaste
Þat folk made sorwe inou þe deol longe ilaste
At Douere were kniȝtes ȝare þat hurde of him telle
As sone as he com up þere iredy him to quelle
Sire Reynaud of Warenne & sire Randolf de Brok
And also Gerueis þe ssereue gret folk wiþ him tok
To kepe þis selyman at Douere wanne he come up of þe se
And bote he wolde hore wille do al ȝare him to sleo
As sone as he com up þere iredy him to quelle
Sire Reynaud of Warenne & sire Randolf de Brok
And also Gerueis þe ssereue gret folk wiþ him tok
To kepe þis selyman at Douere wanne he come up of þe se
And bote he wolde hore wille do al ȝare him to sleo
671
To þe hauene of Sanwich þe bissop wel euene drou
And þe oþer abide at Douere wiþ þretinge inou
In þis ssipes seil anhey þis holyman let do
Þe crois þat me uer ysey hy ssowede faste þerto
Þat was signe of is baner for oþer ne kepte he non
Men stode at Sandwich and biheld þe crois manion
And þe oþer abide at Douere wiþ þretinge inou
In þis ssipes seil anhey þis holyman let do
Þe crois þat me uer ysey hy ssowede faste þerto
Þat was signe of is baner for oþer ne kepte he non
Men stode at Sandwich and biheld þe crois manion
We seoþ nou hiderward hi sede oure bissop Thomas
Þe ȝut he was fer in þe se hi weste þat he it was
Þat cri was sone couþ þat folk orn faste inou
And ar he were to londe icome faste aȝen him me drou
Hi cride and þonkede Iesu Crist þat hi miȝte him alyue iseo
Hi wolcomede him wiþ ioie inou nemiȝte non more be[o]
Þe ȝut he was fer in þe se hi weste þat he it was
Þat cri was sone couþ þat folk orn faste inou
And ar he were to londe icome faste aȝen him me drou
Hi cride and þonkede Iesu Crist þat hi miȝte him alyue iseo
Hi wolcomede him wiþ ioie inou nemiȝte non more be[o]
Þe þridde day of þe Aduent biuore Cristes masse it was
Þat he com þus to Engelond þis godeman sein Thomas
Þe seueþe ȝer þat he ferst wende out of Engelonde
For six ȝer and a monþe he was fleme ich vnderstonde
Þis was enleue hondred ȝer & six[ti] ȝer and tene
After þat God inis moder aneorþe aliȝte ich wene
Þat he com þus to Engelond þis godeman sein Thomas
Þe seueþe ȝer þat he ferst wende out of Engelonde
For six ȝer and a monþe he was fleme ich vnderstonde
Þis was enleue hondred ȝer & six[ti] ȝer and tene
After þat God inis moder aneorþe aliȝte ich wene
Þat word to þis kniȝtes com at Douere of þis cas
Hou sein Thomas þis holyman at Sandwich ariued was
Hou sein Thomas þis holyman at Sandwich ariued was
To Sandwich hi wende faste sein Thomas hi fonde anon
Wiþ luþer semlant inou hi wolcomede him echon
Hy sede hou hastou þane wei to Engelond inome
Þat destorbest þat lond as sone as þou ert icome
Wiþ luþer semlant inou hi wolcomede him echon
Hy sede hou hastou þane wei to Engelond inome
Þat destorbest þat lond as sone as þou ert icome
And also al Holy Churche as we alday iseoþ
Þat amansest þe bissop[s] þat þine felawes beoþ
Þou aȝtest mid alle lawe loue and pes arere
And þare nas neuere alonde pes suþþe þou bissop were
Ȝif þou wenst wel to do wiþdrau þi dede sone
Oþer me ssel do bi þe as bi such man is to done
Þat amansest þe bissop[s] þat þine felawes beoþ
Þou aȝtest mid alle lawe loue and pes arere
And þare nas neuere alonde pes suþþe þou bissop were
Ȝif þou wenst wel to do wiþdrau þi dede sone
Oþer me ssel do bi þe as bi such man is to done
Mi leoue frend quaþ sein Thomas soþ it is inou
Þe mansinge ich let do mid riȝte & noȝt mid wou
And by my louerdes leue þe kyng þat ech man in riȝt were
Þat so gret trespas ne wende forþ þat it amended nere
And were efsone afterward mid vnriȝt aȝen lawe
In desertison of my churche to costome idrawe
Þe mansinge ich let do mid riȝte & noȝt mid wou
672
Þat so gret trespas ne wende forþ þat it amended nere
And were efsone afterward mid vnriȝt aȝen lawe
In desertison of my churche to costome idrawe
Þo þe kniȝt[es] hurde þat þe kyng consentede þerto
Hi bileuede hore grete mod & hore þretyng also
And in faire manere bede him vndo is mansinge
To norissy loue to is felawes and bitwe him & þe kynge
Hi bileuede hore grete mod & hore þretyng also
And in faire manere bede him vndo is mansinge
To norissy loue to is felawes and bitwe him & þe kynge
Þo respit bitwene hom of þis answere hy nome
Forte sein Thomas amorwe to Kanterburi come
Forte sein Thomas amorwe to Kanterburi come
Sein Thomas amorwe to Kanterburi him drou
Þe contrei aȝen com wiþ ioie & blisse inou
Ech prest somnede is parissens in eche ende
To be[o] ȝare aȝen him wiþ procession to wende
So þat wiþ procession monie and faire inou
Wiþ crois and wiþ tapres þe contreie aȝen drou
Þe contrei aȝen com wiþ ioie & blisse inou
Ech prest somnede is parissens in eche ende
To be[o] ȝare aȝen him wiþ procession to wende
So þat wiþ procession monie and faire inou
Wiþ crois and wiþ tapres þe contreie aȝen drou
Þare was ioie and blisse ne may þer non more be[o]
Hy þonkede alle Iesu Crist þat hy moste þe day ise[o]
Of bellen and of tapres so gret was þe soun
And of eche melodie asong þo he com into þe toun
Þat me nemiȝte oþer þing ihure bote þe noise so gret
More ioie nemiȝte be[o] þanne was in eche stret
Hy þonkede alle Iesu Crist þat hy moste þe day ise[o]
Of bellen and of tapres so gret was þe soun
And of eche melodie asong þo he com into þe toun
Þat me nemiȝte oþer þing ihure bote þe noise so gret
More ioie nemiȝte be[o] þanne was in eche stret
As oure Louerd a Palmesoneday honured was inou
Þo he rod into Ierusalem and toward þe deþe drou
Also was sein Thomas as þou miȝt ise[o] þere
For oure Louerd [wolde] þat is deþ semlable to is were
Þo he rod into Ierusalem and toward þe deþe drou
Also was sein Thomas as þou miȝt ise[o] þere
For oure Louerd [wolde] þat is deþ semlable to is were
Ar þis holyman sein Thomas to is churche come
Þe monekes wiþ procession aȝen him þe wei nome
Of is palfrei he liȝte adoun & þe monkes custe echon
To þe heie weued mildeliche hi ladde him up anon
Þo hi hadde at churche ido al þat þere was to done
Wiþ is men mildeliche to is in wende sone
Þe monekes wiþ procession aȝen him þe wei nome
Of is palfrei he liȝte adoun & þe monkes custe echon
To þe heie weued mildeliche hi ladde him up anon
Þo hi hadde at churche ido al þat þere was to done
673
Nadde sein Thomas noȝt ibe[o] at is paleis wel longe
Þat þis kniȝt[es] after necome hare answere to auonge
Hi bede him as hi bede er vndo is mansinge
And asoili þe bissops þat he let þere inne bringe
Þat þis kniȝt[es] after necome hare answere to auonge
Hi bede him as hi bede er vndo is mansinge
And asoili þe bissops þat he let þere inne bringe
Beu freres quaþ sein Thomas þat nemai ich do noȝt
For hi beoþ in sentence þoru þe pope ibroȝt
And i nemay noȝt vndo is dede ȝe witeþ in no place
Ac noȝt for þan ich triste wel so muche on is grace
Þat ichelle asoily ham in þis forme vawe
Þat hi do surance forto stonde to Holy Churche lawe
For hi beoþ in sentence þoru þe pope ibroȝt
And i nemay noȝt vndo is dede ȝe witeþ in no place
Ac noȝt for þan ich triste wel so muche on is grace
Þat ichelle asoily ham in þis forme vawe
Þat hi do surance forto stonde to Holy Churche lawe
And to lokynge of Holy Churche and in oþer forme non
Þe kniȝtes þo hi hurde þis bigonne to wraþþe anon
And þo hi nadde non oþer word in wraþþe forþ hi wende
And tolde þe bissops hore answere þat hom þuder sende
Þe kniȝtes þo hi hurde þis bigonne to wraþþe anon
And þo hi nadde non oþer word in wraþþe forþ hi wende
And tolde þe bissops hore answere þat hom þuder sende
Þe bissops made hom wroþ inou and þretnede faste
Ac naþeles tweie of ham wiþdrou ham attelaste
Þe bissop of Salesburi and of Londone also
To Holy Churche hi wolde stonde & oppe hure lokynge do
Ac naþeles tweie of ham wiþdrou ham attelaste
Þe bissop of Salesburi and of Londone also
To Holy Churche hi wolde stonde & oppe hure lokynge do
Ac þe erchebissop of Euerwyk anon ham wiþsede
Day þat he sede þat so follich stonde so at ȝoure rede
Forto do us inis grace þat euere was oure fo
He haþ ido us many a ssame and þanne he wolde mo
Þei he habbe of ȝou poer he naþ noȝt of me
Day þat he sede þat so follich stonde so at ȝoure rede
Forto do us inis grace þat euere was oure fo
He haþ ido us many a ssame and þanne he wolde mo
Þei he habbe of ȝou poer he naþ noȝt of me
For erche bissop ich am ȝe witeþ as wel as he
Ich habbe ichot a lyte cofre þat stont hol & sond
Þer beoþ inne ȝute atteleste eiȝte hondred pound
Ich habbe ichot a lyte cofre þat stont hol & sond
Þer beoþ inne ȝute atteleste eiȝte hondred pound
Ȝare ich am to spene þat and ȝute me þingþ to lyte
Forte awreke us [wel of him] and forto alegge is prute
Wende we to þe king anon and telle him of þis dede
And þat him ne tit neuere pes bote þer of us do rede
Forte awreke us [wel of him] and forto alegge is prute
Wende we to þe king anon and telle him of þis dede
And þat him ne tit neuere pes bote þer of us do rede
Þis þreo bissops hasteliche ouer se þane wey nome
A lite byuore Cristes masse to þe king hi come
Hy fonde him in Normandie adoun hi folle akne[o]
Hy bede him holde up is onur and stableliche hore help be[o]
674
Hy fonde him in Normandie adoun hi folle akne[o]
Hy bede him holde up is onur and stableliche hore help be[o]
Hi tolde him hou þis godeman þo he to londe com
Destorbede al Holy Churche and al is kynedom
And hou he hadde in grete prute in sentence ido
Alle þat made is sone kyng and encented þerto
And hou in despit of him he dude such luþer dede
And þat he nere neuer in pes bote he nome oþer to rede
Destorbede al Holy Churche and al is kynedom
And hou he hadde in grete prute in sentence ido
Alle þat made is sone kyng and encented þerto
And hou in despit of him he dude such luþer dede
And þat he nere neuer in pes bote he nome oþer to rede
Þe kyng þo he hurde þis for wraþþe was ney wod
He ȝeode up and doun as witles and ofte in þoȝte stod
Ȝif alle þat made my sone kyng he amanseþ he sede
Mid þe ferste he amanseþ me for it was my dede
Wo miȝte in such sorinesse such lyf longe lede
Þe traitour aspilþ al þe lond and bringþ us in wrechede
Ofte he corsede alle þe[o] þat he hadde forþ ibroȝt
Þat hi of þe false preste is fo ne awreke him noȝt
Þat destorbede al þat lond and broȝte in wrechede
As he ȝeode op and doun ofte þat word he sede
He ȝeode up and doun as witles and ofte in þoȝte stod
Ȝif alle þat made my sone kyng he amanseþ he sede
Mid þe ferste he amanseþ me for it was my dede
Wo miȝte in such sorinesse such lyf longe lede
Þe traitour aspilþ al þe lond and bringþ us in wrechede
Ofte he corsede alle þe[o] þat he hadde forþ ibroȝt
Þat hi of þe false preste is fo ne awreke him noȝt
Þat destorbede al þat lond and broȝte in wrechede
As he ȝeode op and doun ofte þat word he sede
Þis kniȝtes þo hi hurde þis hi stode hom sone stille
Hy biþoȝte hom stilleliche to paie þe kynges wille
Four þat meste ssrewen were biþoȝte hom of gile
Sire Reinaud le Fiȝours sire Huwe de Moruile
And sire Willam Traci and sire Richard de Brut
Hore name for hore ssrewede ne beoþ forȝute ȝut
Hy biþoȝte hom stilleliche to paie þe kynges wille
Four þat meste ssrewen were biþoȝte hom of gile
Sire Reinaud le Fiȝours sire Huwe de Moruile
And sire Willam Traci and sire Richard de Brut
Hore name for hore ssrewede ne beoþ forȝute ȝut
Hy nome hom to rede stilleliche to passy þe se
And to paie þe kynges wille sein Thomas to sle
Stilleliche hi wende forþ þat noman it nuste
Hi were ney wat atte se ar þe kyng it weste
And to paie þe kynges wille sein Thomas to sle
Stilleliche hi wende forþ þat noman it nuste
Hi were ney wat atte se ar þe kyng it weste
Þo þe king vnderȝet it after hom he sende
Þat hi leuede hore folye and aȝen to him wende
Ac þis messager ne miȝte oftake him wiþ no gynne
For ar he come to þe se hi were ver þer inne
Þat hi leuede hore folye and aȝen to him wende
Ac þis messager ne miȝte oftake him wiþ no gynne
For ar he come to þe se hi were ver þer inne
Þo made þe king deol inou þo hi were forþ iwend
And þat is messager hom ne oftok þat he hadde after ysend
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