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 nono.
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 | John Lane's continuation of Chaucer's "Squire's Tale" |  |
Canto nono.
Fregiliaes battred; and b' assault neere taen;
Videriaes practise prisoneth Algarsife;
Cambuscan, by her treason eake is slane;
Amidis buries him, with Love and griefe.
Videriaes practise prisoneth Algarsife;
Cambuscan, by her treason eake is slane;
Amidis buries him, with Love and griefe.
139
The drowsie sonn (morn's mind sicke murner) rose,
and at his north east casement sadlie shoes
a great survaie of last nightes batteries,
Which fewe wordes mote somm vp: “Lô! wheare it lies.”
and at his north east casement sadlie shoes
a great survaie of last nightes batteries,
Which fewe wordes mote somm vp: “Lô! wheare it lies.”
Lô! wheare Fregiliaes statelie palaces,
her bewteous temples, highe piramides,
aspiringe pinackles, perpolishd towres,
her curious arches, trophies (honors dowres),
her glorious buildinges, high walles, circuite stronge,
Lô, how fewe howrs have laid them all alonge.
her proud plumes pulld, her avarice disdaind,
her envies crusshd, her murdrous rage araignd,
her glotonies, her letcheries cutt off,
her mincinge idlers forcd to runn alooff,
her artishe liers, wittie versute theeves,
her fraudulent suggestions (for belives).
her painted truith, her vermild modestie,
her vaunted faith, subornd idolatrie,
her farr fetcht proiectes to prevent the good,
her false claimd petegrees t'inskrewe her blood,
her eloquence, her sugred adulation,
her confidence, her daringe protestation,
her possessd greatnes, vpstart vsurpation,
her bold presumption, boilinge emulation:
Lo, time, the feathomer of wittes and spoile,
hathe flunge all in ann heape, for men to smile.
as fast, at first, as the Fregiliens lyed,
so faster, now, they rann theire heades to hyde
from the devowringe canons mowth, that weetes
all vnderground and bove, if in the streetes
no bullwarcke, mount, trench, celler, wall, ne rocke,
ne crevis of excuse, hides from the knocke.
Yet all the canons still gann shoote and plaie,
for Cambuscan commaundes it, till midd daie.
her bewteous temples, highe piramides,
aspiringe pinackles, perpolishd towres,
her curious arches, trophies (honors dowres),
her glorious buildinges, high walles, circuite stronge,
Lô, how fewe howrs have laid them all alonge.
her proud plumes pulld, her avarice disdaind,
her envies crusshd, her murdrous rage araignd,
her glotonies, her letcheries cutt off,
her mincinge idlers forcd to runn alooff,
her artishe liers, wittie versute theeves,
her fraudulent suggestions (for belives).
her painted truith, her vermild modestie,
her vaunted faith, subornd idolatrie,
her farr fetcht proiectes to prevent the good,
her false claimd petegrees t'inskrewe her blood,
her eloquence, her sugred adulation,
her confidence, her daringe protestation,
her possessd greatnes, vpstart vsurpation,
her bold presumption, boilinge emulation:
140
hathe flunge all in ann heape, for men to smile.
as fast, at first, as the Fregiliens lyed,
so faster, now, they rann theire heades to hyde
from the devowringe canons mowth, that weetes
all vnderground and bove, if in the streetes
no bullwarcke, mount, trench, celler, wall, ne rocke,
ne crevis of excuse, hides from the knocke.
Yet all the canons still gann shoote and plaie,
for Cambuscan commaundes it, till midd daie.
Scarce mote bee told, the great calamitie
Which this bad peopl' endewrd in Fregiley,
Wheare, dares not once peepe out, for Canons daunger,
least musket shott arrest eake everie raunger.
Besides which perilles, yet the future feare
of ann assault (att hand), theire hartes doth [?] teare.
and yet this moste afflictes their amblinge minde,
that a good kinge (lovinge good thinges designd)
shoold plage and kill them thus: Howbeet they swore,
hee had donn all thinges well, thoughe hee doe more;
saienge, his virtues they doe honor still,
and love t' expresse it, mote they have own will.
these bee the men woold have all good them done,
and promise kepte to them, but will keepe none.
a courtinge love, inheritinge the grace,
of laughinge in ones throte, to cutt his face.
beinge of those binn soone loste, quicklie wonn,
Virtuous example makinge loste ones comm.
not so of stattlinges. But kinge Cambuscan,
theire hartes, throughe his late clemencie so wann,
as that this folke (of virtues love in breste)
could not find theare theire kinge how to resiste,
but blasd his virtues so, in everie part,
as made the townes all statistes calme in hart.
Which this bad peopl' endewrd in Fregiley,
Wheare, dares not once peepe out, for Canons daunger,
least musket shott arrest eake everie raunger.
Besides which perilles, yet the future feare
of ann assault (att hand), theire hartes doth [?] teare.
and yet this moste afflictes their amblinge minde,
that a good kinge (lovinge good thinges designd)
shoold plage and kill them thus: Howbeet they swore,
hee had donn all thinges well, thoughe hee doe more;
saienge, his virtues they doe honor still,
and love t' expresse it, mote they have own will.
141
and promise kepte to them, but will keepe none.
a courtinge love, inheritinge the grace,
of laughinge in ones throte, to cutt his face.
beinge of those binn soone loste, quicklie wonn,
Virtuous example makinge loste ones comm.
not so of stattlinges. But kinge Cambuscan,
theire hartes, throughe his late clemencie so wann,
as that this folke (of virtues love in breste)
could not find theare theire kinge how to resiste,
but blasd his virtues so, in everie part,
as made the townes all statistes calme in hart.
Wheareat Algarsife, their stowt General,
perplext at his stronge walls and mountes down fall,
tangled the breach with benches, chaires, blockes, timber,
th' assailantes entries, evrie wheare to hinder,
incastinge stooles, ropes, froes, chaines, manors, beddes,
and all trassh whatsoever, none oretreddes.
but chifelie fortified the market place,
to the church path, to helpe, repulse or chace,
Well plantes the gapps with chambred-iron slinges,
that the first entrers mote breake shinns and limbes.
so theare was no place which did reskewe neede,
but heere and theare Algarsif rann with speede,
proposinge danger for his meede of glorie,
that no base cowardise ecclips his storie:
ne bee out reachd at versute pollecie,
or once out runn at hardie chivalrie;
soothinge his cause, that brave thinges ill begunn
standes recompensd, if held out till rewonn.
and holdinge obstinacie by dispute,
to bee trewe virtue if once resolute.
Wheareto, his soundest reason was his swoorde,
maintaind by greatnes (gracinge well th' absurd);
for faction, properlie, holdes her intent,
wheather it bee by swoord or argument.
so that a man mote of Algarsife saye,
and of his stowt defense of Fregiley,
a worser cause near better was defended,
save that of Troy, by Hector, till hee ended.
perplext at his stronge walls and mountes down fall,
tangled the breach with benches, chaires, blockes, timber,
th' assailantes entries, evrie wheare to hinder,
incastinge stooles, ropes, froes, chaines, manors, beddes,
and all trassh whatsoever, none oretreddes.
but chifelie fortified the market place,
to the church path, to helpe, repulse or chace,
142
that the first entrers mote breake shinns and limbes.
so theare was no place which did reskewe neede,
but heere and theare Algarsif rann with speede,
proposinge danger for his meede of glorie,
that no base cowardise ecclips his storie:
ne bee out reachd at versute pollecie,
or once out runn at hardie chivalrie;
soothinge his cause, that brave thinges ill begunn
standes recompensd, if held out till rewonn.
and holdinge obstinacie by dispute,
to bee trewe virtue if once resolute.
Wheareto, his soundest reason was his swoorde,
maintaind by greatnes (gracinge well th' absurd);
for faction, properlie, holdes her intent,
wheather it bee by swoord or argument.
so that a man mote of Algarsife saye,
and of his stowt defense of Fregiley,
a worser cause near better was defended,
save that of Troy, by Hector, till hee ended.
Midd noone drawes neere; the canons Yet ne rest,
but now Cambuscan all those troopes addrest,
which firste shoold force the breach att everie quarter,
With valient secondes, placd to recharge after.
Captaines, Liuetenentes, Ensignes, officers,
all soldiers fullie armd, them selves besterrs,
t' expect the march to charge, when please ye drums,
so soone as from the kinge direction coms.
All men have praid, and them to god commended,
private debates amongst them frendlie ended;
theire mistresse colors worne neere topp of pikes,
to prove that wronge, which theare, to right, they strikes.
but now Cambuscan all those troopes addrest,
which firste shoold force the breach att everie quarter,
143
Captaines, Liuetenentes, Ensignes, officers,
all soldiers fullie armd, them selves besterrs,
t' expect the march to charge, when please ye drums,
so soone as from the kinge direction coms.
All men have praid, and them to god commended,
private debates amongst them frendlie ended;
theire mistresse colors worne neere topp of pikes,
to prove that wronge, which theare, to right, they strikes.
Quicklie the kinge from all th' camps quarters came,
and cheerlie now biddes all men write theire name,
With resolute, owne handes, in that highe rowl
of famous deedes, eternizinge the soule:
and vowd reward, accordinge as theire actes
his deere lovd Ethel and Canac respectes.
onlie biddes meete him, midle of the towne,
so theare shall winn of cittisens th' renowne.
and cheerlie now biddes all men write theire name,
With resolute, owne handes, in that highe rowl
of famous deedes, eternizinge the soule:
and vowd reward, accordinge as theire actes
his deere lovd Ethel and Canac respectes.
onlie biddes meete him, midle of the towne,
so theare shall winn of cittisens th' renowne.
They vowd all faithfullie they woold saunce faile,
and so expectes the signale of battaile.
and so expectes the signale of battaile.
Now, false Videria, wishd att anie hand,
they shoold the kinges owne person first withstand,
and taught that in his brave repulse did lie
the maine staie, point, scope of the victorie.
Whearefore Algarsife placd Horbell afore,
With all suche gallantes as pressd for honore,
saienge him selfe, woold second on occasion,
yet so, as no wheare hee neglect th' invasion.
they shoold the kinges owne person first withstand,
144
the maine staie, point, scope of the victorie.
Whearefore Algarsife placd Horbell afore,
With all suche gallantes as pressd for honore,
saienge him selfe, woold second on occasion,
yet so, as no wheare hee neglect th' invasion.
Howbeet, the soldiers lookd all sadlie out,
for gainste theire kinge to deale, breed manie a doubt,
sith a kinges praesence inscribes in the name
a secret awe, which guilt dothe feare, and shame.
for gainste theire kinge to deale, breed manie a doubt,
sith a kinges praesence inscribes in the name
a secret awe, which guilt dothe feare, and shame.
Algarsife yet them cheerd vp, howsoever,
and wisshd them now to fight for life or never:
addinge, hee lovd his fathers dignitie,
yet now must stand for common libertie:
ann instance denotinge in all that faint thus,
that hee that is not with vs is against vs.
and wisshd them now to fight for life or never:
addinge, hee lovd his fathers dignitie,
yet now must stand for common libertie:
ann instance denotinge in all that faint thus,
that hee that is not with vs is against vs.
But lô, all Canons bowncd at once for signe
of bataille, which mote trie it thine or mine.
of bataille, which mote trie it thine or mine.
Mightie Horbello first came to the breach,
Whose plumes seemd bove his crest the sphears to reache;
most nimblie bore him, hither, foorth, and thither,
to and againe, as if all weare one feather:
that manie wondred at his countenaunce,
others admird his glorious comportance;
for whie? his pike bore manie a tale man downe,
and downe once, others kepte them lowe a grown.
nor wantes hee of that kind of ostentation
which vaine conceipt referrs to acclamation:
fallinge, most commonlie, in martial fraies
the youngest from the gravest beares the praise.
nathlesse, as manie carelesse as hee raught
hee either mowldred, or them prisoners caught,
insomuch that the vulgar admiration
stoode stupified att Horbills deportation,
seeminge to surphet of owne glorious geste,
him cleaps of all the worldes brave knightes the best.
Whose plumes seemd bove his crest the sphears to reache;
most nimblie bore him, hither, foorth, and thither,
145
that manie wondred at his countenaunce,
others admird his glorious comportance;
for whie? his pike bore manie a tale man downe,
and downe once, others kepte them lowe a grown.
nor wantes hee of that kind of ostentation
which vaine conceipt referrs to acclamation:
fallinge, most commonlie, in martial fraies
the youngest from the gravest beares the praise.
nathlesse, as manie carelesse as hee raught
hee either mowldred, or them prisoners caught,
insomuch that the vulgar admiration
stoode stupified att Horbills deportation,
seeminge to surphet of owne glorious geste,
him cleaps of all the worldes brave knightes the best.
Vntill Cambuscan, iust at th' point of noone,
came in bright steele as the sonn hottlie shoone,
sharpe sett throughe hunger, at this dinner time,
which noblist services hath to define:
soone eyenge Giant Horbills iollitie,
rann at his tassant plumes vrbanitie.
the pushe, thoughe downe hee putt, yet gann it rest
on Horbills curate, iust amidd his breste,
with such a sadd demurr, as theare hee stoode
like one that chawes digestion of the cudd.
But the next pusshe bore Horbell off the grown,
and his third thruste laid his brave vpside downe.
Wheare [h'] had binn slaine, had not prince Algarsife,
o'restridd him, till hee gatt from that misschiffe.
came in bright steele as the sonn hottlie shoone,
sharpe sett throughe hunger, at this dinner time,
which noblist services hath to define:
soone eyenge Giant Horbills iollitie,
rann at his tassant plumes vrbanitie.
the pushe, thoughe downe hee putt, yet gann it rest
on Horbills curate, iust amidd his breste,
146
like one that chawes digestion of the cudd.
But the next pusshe bore Horbell off the grown,
and his third thruste laid his brave vpside downe.
Wheare [h'] had binn slaine, had not prince Algarsife,
o'restridd him, till hee gatt from that misschiffe.
Cambuscan, it perceavinge, rann at him,
But Algarsife retierd like bird from gynn,
first savinge Horbells life. Tho Gnartolite
came to the reskewe, pusshinge pikes endight:
so theare Cambuscans selfe ev'n hand to hande,
refusinge succors, did gainst bothe those stande,
with chaunge of passages and thrustes so faste,
as looke what fell short was made home in hast,
and multiplied foorth, backe, too and agen,
that near one stoode gainst twoe more doughtie men,
till one trewe thruste smote Gnartolites right eie,
so as his left mote rightlie see to lie.
But Algarsife retierd like bird from gynn,
first savinge Horbells life. Tho Gnartolite
came to the reskewe, pusshinge pikes endight:
so theare Cambuscans selfe ev'n hand to hande,
refusinge succors, did gainst bothe those stande,
with chaunge of passages and thrustes so faste,
as looke what fell short was made home in hast,
and multiplied foorth, backe, too and agen,
that near one stoode gainst twoe more doughtie men,
till one trewe thruste smote Gnartolites right eie,
so as his left mote rightlie see to lie.
This while Algarsife with Camballo fought,
and gainst Binato, whome hee feircelie sought:
he fightinge to maintaine Fregilia towne,
they bearinge in to make his grown their grown.
pusshinge, repusshinge, vibratinge agen,
as valient mortal and immortal men,
he gallantlie receavinge bothe theire sourse,
and theie as resolutelie quittinge force.
and gainst Binato, whome hee feircelie sought:
he fightinge to maintaine Fregilia towne,
they bearinge in to make his grown their grown.
147
as valient mortal and immortal men,
he gallantlie receavinge bothe theire sourse,
and theie as resolutelie quittinge force.
Now as warrs chaunce beat Algarsife abacke,
Gnartolites aide came in, with thwacke on thwacke,
in trothe, so close they shockt, and fought so stronge,
as never weaker battaile stood so longe.
Gnartolites aide came in, with thwacke on thwacke,
in trothe, so close they shockt, and fought so stronge,
as never weaker battaile stood so longe.
Akafir, this while, on Leifurco ventred,
and, mawlg'r his hott designes, gott ground, & entred:
whome on the point encountringe, face to face,
rejoicd to trie on equal termes the case,
bothes fatale vibrant pikes, pusshinge repusht,
and soone requitted home-thrustes as home thruste,
bothes greedie pointes oft lightinge on theire crestes,
and ofte vppon theire bodies armed brestes.
thrice Akafir o'rethrewe him in short space,
Yet prowd Leifurco vsd no lesse menace,
albee't was beaten backe, and neere dismaid,
if Gnartolite (full soone) had not brought aid,
whome Akafir, well eienge, point wise smote,
and gave him home the lie, adowne his throte:
full longe they fought, all parties valientlie,
Yet neither side once seene to faint or flie.
and, mawlg'r his hott designes, gott ground, & entred:
whome on the point encountringe, face to face,
rejoicd to trie on equal termes the case,
bothes fatale vibrant pikes, pusshinge repusht,
and soone requitted home-thrustes as home thruste,
bothes greedie pointes oft lightinge on theire crestes,
and ofte vppon theire bodies armed brestes.
thrice Akafir o'rethrewe him in short space,
Yet prowd Leifurco vsd no lesse menace,
albee't was beaten backe, and neere dismaid,
if Gnartolite (full soone) had not brought aid,
whome Akafir, well eienge, point wise smote,
148
full longe they fought, all parties valientlie,
Yet neither side once seene to faint or flie.
Onlie Cambuscan gave Horbell the chace,
and mawlger reskewes wann the midle place:
for trilling th' pinn in's brazen horse's eare,
he raignd, spurrd, fought, & iust by noone it beare,
Which, as hee wann, maintaind by knightlie fight,
his foes not daringe theare t'endure his might.
Wheare longe hee lookd, when his whole camp woold comm,
to that same center, which for them hee wonn.
howbeet they came not vp, yet fought so well,
as heraultes bookes mote boldlie cronikell.
and mawlger reskewes wann the midle place:
for trilling th' pinn in's brazen horse's eare,
he raignd, spurrd, fought, & iust by noone it beare,
Which, as hee wann, maintaind by knightlie fight,
his foes not daringe theare t'endure his might.
Wheare longe hee lookd, when his whole camp woold comm,
to that same center, which for them hee wonn.
howbeet they came not vp, yet fought so well,
as heraultes bookes mote boldlie cronikell.
Whearfore Cambuscan thence retraite gann make,
Havinge longe lookd, for the poore soldiers sake.
Havinge longe lookd, for the poore soldiers sake.
Thus, havinge wonn the walles and much good land,
the drums told all men theare hee made his stand;
and stronglie fortified what so hee gatt,
vntill att next assault he beare the statt.
And surelie this retraite much love him wann
mongst the Fregiliens all, which gainst him cam:
for vp they held theire handes, in signe of love,
evn a farr off, which did Cambuscan move
rather to spare, then b' exequution kill,
knowinge bothe woold, ear longe, stand at his will.
the drums told all men theare hee made his stand;
and stronglie fortified what so hee gatt,
vntill att next assault he beare the statt.
And surelie this retraite much love him wann
149
for vp they held theire handes, in signe of love,
evn a farr off, which did Cambuscan move
rather to spare, then b' exequution kill,
knowinge bothe woold, ear longe, stand at his will.
Algarsif, Horbell, Leifurcke, Gnartolite,
retierd eake to theire lopeholt, fortifite.
While Phebus homewardes welked fast to weste,
all sides repairinge them with needfull rest,
stood cautelouslie yet vppon theire gardes,
by bothe sides watchd, what either partie wardes.
retierd eake to theire lopeholt, fortifite.
While Phebus homewardes welked fast to weste,
all sides repairinge them with needfull rest,
stood cautelouslie yet vppon theire gardes,
by bothe sides watchd, what either partie wardes.
Lô, heere the witch Videriaes practises,
whoe marckd Algarsif how at last impresse,
refusd once gainst his fathr to do meane,
as contrarie to nature and extreame;
Shee thearefore now did plott gainst Algarsife,
to bringe his liefe, state, honor, in mischife.
Wheareto shee, callinge Horbell, Gnartolite,
Leyfurco too, thus halcioneth her spite:
whoe marckd Algarsif how at last impresse,
refusd once gainst his fathr to do meane,
as contrarie to nature and extreame;
Shee thearefore now did plott gainst Algarsife,
to bringe his liefe, state, honor, in mischife.
Wheareto shee, callinge Horbell, Gnartolite,
Leyfurco too, thus halcioneth her spite:
“Sirrs,” quoth shee, “heers a daie shamefullie loste,
which mote binn wonn with a litle more coste;
but beinge loste, cannott bee wonn againe,
with tenn times the same charge, and as much paine.
Yee knowe I bidd yee marcke and eye it well,
how Algarsife nill gainst his ffather dell,
but startes aside, recoiles, or turnes awaie,
Which proves hee correspondes with him, or maie.
for had hee seconded Horbello well,
Wee, not Cambuscan, had wunn the battell.
whearfore, vnlesse yee meane to leese ye town,
putt Algarsife, th'inconstant, hence or downe:
charge him with treason, and imprison him,
that yee three maie commaund, if yee will winn.”
which mote binn wonn with a litle more coste;
150
with tenn times the same charge, and as much paine.
Yee knowe I bidd yee marcke and eye it well,
how Algarsife nill gainst his ffather dell,
but startes aside, recoiles, or turnes awaie,
Which proves hee correspondes with him, or maie.
for had hee seconded Horbello well,
Wee, not Cambuscan, had wunn the battell.
whearfore, vnlesse yee meane to leese ye town,
putt Algarsife, th'inconstant, hence or downe:
charge him with treason, and imprison him,
that yee three maie commaund, if yee will winn.”
Th'applaude the motion, and imbibe th'ambition,
With purpose him t'attach with expedition.
So, in the night theie three, with a stronge gard,
saluten Algarsife, who with them faerd,
nothinge suspectinge what the matter was;
and havinge traind him thence to fitter place,
Horbell him chargd with treas'n, and soone arrestes him.
With purpose him t'attach with expedition.
So, in the night theie three, with a stronge gard,
saluten Algarsife, who with them faerd,
nothinge suspectinge what the matter was;
and havinge traind him thence to fitter place,
Horbell him chargd with treas'n, and soone arrestes him.
But that word (treas'n) a litle not infestes him;
Whearfore his fiste gave Horbell suche a knocke,
as waivd him round as turnes the weathercock:
callinge him turnecote with the tide and time,
braidinge “thou breath'ste but by this arme of mine,
which whilome savd thie liefe, When as the kinge
had smote thee downe, thow wantinge but killinge.
ah, heer's the world, Wheare, save a cowardes liefe,
and hee'l bee sure t' requitt it with mischiffe.”
Whearfore his fiste gave Horbell suche a knocke,
as waivd him round as turnes the weathercock:
callinge him turnecote with the tide and time,
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which whilome savd thie liefe, When as the kinge
had smote thee downe, thow wantinge but killinge.
ah, heer's the world, Wheare, save a cowardes liefe,
and hee'l bee sure t' requitt it with mischiffe.”
So theare they tooke and bound him fast in chaines,
and cast in dungeon deepe, wheare he remaines
att the discretion of his enimies,
for whose sweete sakes did gainste his father rise.
theare now hathe leasure bothe to feele and pawse,
What wicked companie dothe ever cause,
Which, to serve turnes, bothe sokes and bringes men in,
Wheare none, at last, shall either save or winn.
and cast in dungeon deepe, wheare he remaines
att the discretion of his enimies,
for whose sweete sakes did gainste his father rise.
theare now hathe leasure bothe to feele and pawse,
What wicked companie dothe ever cause,
Which, to serve turnes, bothe sokes and bringes men in,
Wheare none, at last, shall either save or winn.
Algarsifes soldiers, heeringe this ear morne,
rann all to armes, and in a furious storme
demaundes theire General enlardgd, and swore
that, till they have him out, they'l fight no more,
or elles will yeeld the towne and everie man
to the knowne virtue of kinge Cambuscan.
rann all to armes, and in a furious storme
demaundes theire General enlardgd, and swore
that, till they have him out, they'l fight no more,
or elles will yeeld the towne and everie man
to the knowne virtue of kinge Cambuscan.
Leifurco with his mates, over the gate,
twixt iest and earnest thus to th' soldiers prate,
but first woold by what boldnes knowe, and whie
theie dare breede daungers more by mutinie?
besides, assures them they shall aunswer that,
if common soldiers have t'orerule the statt;
eake vowinge that each mutinous in chiefe
shoold feelinglie know th' prize of state-causd strife.
nathles all, th' soldiers cried “comm bringe him out”
for, beinge in armes, they feard no bugges ne rowt,
nor woold rest satisfyed till him they have,
While some to breake the pris'n (yet could not) strave.
twixt iest and earnest thus to th' soldiers prate,
but first woold by what boldnes knowe, and whie
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besides, assures them they shall aunswer that,
if common soldiers have t'orerule the statt;
eake vowinge that each mutinous in chiefe
shoold feelinglie know th' prize of state-causd strife.
nathles all, th' soldiers cried “comm bringe him out”
for, beinge in armes, they feard no bugges ne rowt,
nor woold rest satisfyed till him they have,
While some to breake the pris'n (yet could not) strave.
Midd this hurraie a drumm from Camball coms,
Whoe (standinge at fitt distance) thrice he droms,
in signe of parley from the campe: Wheareat
silence was made to speake t' him from the gatte.
“Horbill, Leifurco, Gnartolite,” quod the Drum,
“Prince Camball dothe require yee three eft soon,
praesume not to touche Algarsifes least heare,
because hee's onlie Camballs prisonere.
and that Camball envies all men alive,
save him that shall take prisoner Algarsiue.
againe hee vowes, if mongst yee hee miscarrie,
Your lives for him shall goe to Carons ferrie;
naie, biddes yee sett his brother free with speede,
elles at three daies all your hart bloodes shall bleed.”
Whoe (standinge at fitt distance) thrice he droms,
in signe of parley from the campe: Wheareat
silence was made to speake t' him from the gatte.
“Horbill, Leifurco, Gnartolite,” quod the Drum,
“Prince Camball dothe require yee three eft soon,
praesume not to touche Algarsifes least heare,
because hee's onlie Camballs prisonere.
and that Camball envies all men alive,
save him that shall take prisoner Algarsiue.
againe hee vowes, if mongst yee hee miscarrie,
Your lives for him shall goe to Carons ferrie;
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elles at three daies all your hart bloodes shall bleed.”
The blindfold drumm was brought this aunswer t' heere,
“Drum,” quoth these statlinges, “backe this message beare,
t' Prince Camball, and tell him if hee comm,
naie, if once stirr with pike, swoord, canon, gunn,
within foure hundred foote of this oure gate,
or if Cambuscans selfe ought attemptate,
or these our owne mutinous soldiers,
be it well known that everie of vs sweares
his brother Algarsife shall then bee slaine,
and this is all, as now, wee have to sayen.”
“Drum,” quoth these statlinges, “backe this message beare,
t' Prince Camball, and tell him if hee comm,
naie, if once stirr with pike, swoord, canon, gunn,
within foure hundred foote of this oure gate,
or if Cambuscans selfe ought attemptate,
or these our owne mutinous soldiers,
be it well known that everie of vs sweares
his brother Algarsife shall then bee slaine,
and this is all, as now, wee have to sayen.”
This aunswer, as it husht all vp for th' time,
so't taught Videria this new brond t' entine, vz.,
“Sirrs,” quoth shee, “time is now to strike at th' roote,
I meane at Cambuscans owne liefe; see toot!
Yee knowe that hee full ofte dothe goe the rowne
singlie and meanlie garded, bowt the town,
Wheare to surprize him is not hard t'effect,
if wee one of his owne campe shall select,
t'observe and bringe vs notice wheare hee fares,
that our laid ambushe catch him in our snares.
His purvier Quidauis wilbee the man,
which, for reward, will betraie Cambuscan.
Elles, if wee suffer him to goe thus on
in winninge all our peoples hartes vs from,
hee'le surelie force the towne: sithe men for love
doe followe him, and this is good to prove,
the love of virtue drawes all more or lesse,
and love tis dothe the greatest services.
but wee must purchace otherwise (if wittie),
and strive to thrive in envie, not in pittie.
lett this bee quicklie practizd.” Th'all agree,
and false Quidauis takes his profered fee,
With promise to direct them wheare hee is,
so that to take him th'ambusshe shall not misse.
so't taught Videria this new brond t' entine, vz.,
“Sirrs,” quoth shee, “time is now to strike at th' roote,
I meane at Cambuscans owne liefe; see toot!
Yee knowe that hee full ofte dothe goe the rowne
singlie and meanlie garded, bowt the town,
Wheare to surprize him is not hard t'effect,
if wee one of his owne campe shall select,
t'observe and bringe vs notice wheare hee fares,
that our laid ambushe catch him in our snares.
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which, for reward, will betraie Cambuscan.
Elles, if wee suffer him to goe thus on
in winninge all our peoples hartes vs from,
hee'le surelie force the towne: sithe men for love
doe followe him, and this is good to prove,
the love of virtue drawes all more or lesse,
and love tis dothe the greatest services.
but wee must purchace otherwise (if wittie),
and strive to thrive in envie, not in pittie.
lett this bee quicklie practizd.” Th'all agree,
and false Quidauis takes his profered fee,
With promise to direct them wheare hee is,
so that to take him th'ambusshe shall not misse.
In trothe, this false Videreaes cursed trickes
the needles eie and nailes head rightlie strikes:
for never did old Troies flames more incense
her illions Captaines with concupiscence,
then did Cambuscan by the contrarie
of love, truithe, iustice, temperance, them frye
to bringe all backe to such a virtuous luer
as never was performd by imposture.
and thearfore it behovd this Witch and then,
to quenche the lampe which lighted all his men.
the needles eie and nailes head rightlie strikes:
for never did old Troies flames more incense
her illions Captaines with concupiscence,
then did Cambuscan by the contrarie
of love, truithe, iustice, temperance, them frye
155
as never was performd by imposture.
and thearfore it behovd this Witch and then,
to quenche the lampe which lighted all his men.
It chauncd this night, toward ye breake of daie,
as Princ Camball after some labors laie
in tranquill extacie, ann vncothe dreame
praesentes within his spirites this dismal schene, vz.,
as Princ Camball after some labors laie
in tranquill extacie, ann vncothe dreame
praesentes within his spirites this dismal schene, vz.,
Of his and'es ffathers tumblinge on a greene
Of daintie flowres, as in Elisium seene.
Wheare they, vprisinge, found them in a porch,
which lodd them till a bewteous neibringe church,
at whose ope dore a Ghoste in white them mett,
offringe out bothe his armes, bothe to regrett.
But Camball, leesinge twoe teethe, backe did raigne:
Cambuscan entringe said woold comm againe.
at thinstant Algarsife came passinge bye,
but vanishd out of sight immediatelie.
Of daintie flowres, as in Elisium seene.
Wheare they, vprisinge, found them in a porch,
which lodd them till a bewteous neibringe church,
at whose ope dore a Ghoste in white them mett,
offringe out bothe his armes, bothe to regrett.
But Camball, leesinge twoe teethe, backe did raigne:
Cambuscan entringe said woold comm againe.
at thinstant Algarsife came passinge bye,
but vanishd out of sight immediatelie.
This gastfull dreame drew breath, & soone awooke him,
to thincke it did frendes losse, or death betoken.
“for,” quoth hee, “suche impressions near bin sent vs
but to forewarne what's with vs, what's against vs.”
to thincke it did frendes losse, or death betoken.
“for,” quoth hee, “suche impressions near bin sent vs
but to forewarne what's with vs, what's against vs.”
156
Whence hee, of theire three states, thought diversitie,
Algarsifes case stood next vnder his eye,
Whome to preserve and eake maintaine his drumm,
this signale did his three daies doome forerunn,
to weete: All his pavilion the first daie
shoold bee in gratious-mercies-white araie.
The seconde daie in redd it shoold bee dight,
to thretten iustice blood demaundes of right.
The third daie all in blacke it shoold bee rayd,
to sweare that all and some shoold bee distraid.
Which embleams hee bid vaunce, for foes to reede
of mercie, iustice, death, how hee decreed,
accordinge as his foes shoold yeeld or not,
theire doomes weare written in this gordien knott.
Algarsifes case stood next vnder his eye,
Whome to preserve and eake maintaine his drumm,
this signale did his three daies doome forerunn,
to weete: All his pavilion the first daie
shoold bee in gratious-mercies-white araie.
The seconde daie in redd it shoold bee dight,
to thretten iustice blood demaundes of right.
The third daie all in blacke it shoold bee rayd,
to sweare that all and some shoold bee distraid.
Which embleams hee bid vaunce, for foes to reede
of mercie, iustice, death, how hee decreed,
accordinge as his foes shoold yeeld or not,
theire doomes weare written in this gordien knott.
Now Canac, thoughe at hom & farr from hence,
so sleepie wox that shee note bannishe sense,
but that of propertie it challengd sleepe
to meete her spirites all in a dungeon deepe:
so sleepie wox that shee note bannishe sense,
but that of propertie it challengd sleepe
to meete her spirites all in a dungeon deepe:
Wheare seemd a longe speckd snake, his postern drewe
and wrigled, her to stinge with forker blewe;
for dread of whome shee calld Algarsifes aid,
on whome the snake leapt, and him round araid,
so that hee stirrd not: but (stunge) gann to swell,
and dies. sithe none wiste the right charminge spell,
till happelie her ffather slewe the snake,
and by his virtuous wordes did th' venom slake;
for ioie wheareof Canac gann laugh and singe,
that all the chamber heard her carrolinge,
till her owne voice her wooke: sighinge, quoth shee,
and wrigled, her to stinge with forker blewe;
for dread of whome shee calld Algarsifes aid,
on whome the snake leapt, and him round araid,
so that hee stirrd not: but (stunge) gann to swell,
and dies. sithe none wiste the right charminge spell,
till happelie her ffather slewe the snake,
and by his virtuous wordes did th' venom slake;
for ioie wheareof Canac gann laugh and singe,
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till her owne voice her wooke: sighinge, quoth shee,
“Some dreames bin trewe, though some but fancies bee.
god sheild my ffather and my brothers twaine,
and sende good newes, which I woold heere full faine.”
god sheild my ffather and my brothers twaine,
and sende good newes, which I woold heere full faine.”
Tho, tho it fell (alas that so it fell!)
as this good kinge tried if his gardes watchd well,
Quidauis, with his ambushe in the night,
findes tretcherouslie out this valient knight.
as this good kinge tried if his gardes watchd well,
Quidauis, with his ambushe in the night,
findes tretcherouslie out this valient knight.
“Whoe goes theare?” quoth the kinge, “whome seeke yee?” than
theie aunswerd, that they sought kinge Cambuscan.
theie aunswerd, that they sought kinge Cambuscan.
“I am the man,” quoth hee: At th'instant, lô,
his kinglie presence awes them backe to goe.
for trewe kinges this inscribe of soveraigntie,
that vassalage backe startes at maiestie.
yea, roial virtue such a presence beares
as once ites verie eie strikes ffoes with feares.
so gann stowt Pirrus lookes agast his foes,
that none durst (thoughe death wounded) give him bloes.
so sparckled Marius eies in the darcke iaile,
as none his murdrers durst him once assaile.
But then Cambuscan, seeinge theie weare ffoes,
him in owne ensigne clothd and onward goes,
and with his flaggstaff, vsd instead of pike,
hee made it good that hee did rightlie strike.
and rightlie so bestirrd, till false they fell,
t' infect with traiterous shame theire cronikell.
Horbell hee beat, and Gnartolite hee spedd,
and baid the rest, who stood of him adredd;
vntill Leyfurco caught him fast behinde,
While all the troope him stabbd and hard did bind.
One of his gard fought for him valientlie,
but all the rest gave waie to destanie.
his kinglie presence awes them backe to goe.
for trewe kinges this inscribe of soveraigntie,
that vassalage backe startes at maiestie.
yea, roial virtue such a presence beares
as once ites verie eie strikes ffoes with feares.
so gann stowt Pirrus lookes agast his foes,
that none durst (thoughe death wounded) give him bloes.
so sparckled Marius eies in the darcke iaile,
as none his murdrers durst him once assaile.
But then Cambuscan, seeinge theie weare ffoes,
158
and with his flaggstaff, vsd instead of pike,
hee made it good that hee did rightlie strike.
and rightlie so bestirrd, till false they fell,
t' infect with traiterous shame theire cronikell.
Horbell hee beat, and Gnartolite hee spedd,
and baid the rest, who stood of him adredd;
vntill Leyfurco caught him fast behinde,
While all the troope him stabbd and hard did bind.
One of his gard fought for him valientlie,
but all the rest gave waie to destanie.
Whence leadinge him, th'abusd with all the spight
of those vile epithites which states endight,
to iustifie owne wronges, and blase his slaunder,
Whose popular innocence was all their daunger.
naie, th' vulgar blind, whoe still their good missvse,
had rather then his liefe confusion chouse,
none goinge in with him but Amidis,
his gentile page, Whose drerie eies sawe this,
and how detested cowardes crueltie,
wheare it vsurpes, dares trample maiestie.
so mightie Cesar in owne colors died,
topp of owne glories, which his foes envied.
of those vile epithites which states endight,
to iustifie owne wronges, and blase his slaunder,
Whose popular innocence was all their daunger.
naie, th' vulgar blind, whoe still their good missvse,
had rather then his liefe confusion chouse,
none goinge in with him but Amidis,
his gentile page, Whose drerie eies sawe this,
and how detested cowardes crueltie,
wheare it vsurpes, dares trample maiestie.
159
topp of owne glories, which his foes envied.
“Amidis,” quoth Cambuscan, “goe, begonn,
for heers no place for thee now I have donn;
and tell my Queene, that to take Algarsife,
I, for her love and honor leese my life,
and give to Canacie, my daughter deere,
these bleedinge colors, which are now my beere,
my love and wronges to her to signifie
then when her eie renewes my memorie.”
more said hee not to wofull Amidis,
but gave his hand: “Adiewe, boie, god thee blisse.”
tho fetchinge his last sighe, at noone hee dyed,
in th' midle of his flowringe age distryed.
thus hee, a statishe martir, caught the glorie
of murdred wrongfullie, as saithe the storie.
for heers no place for thee now I have donn;
and tell my Queene, that to take Algarsife,
I, for her love and honor leese my life,
and give to Canacie, my daughter deere,
these bleedinge colors, which are now my beere,
my love and wronges to her to signifie
then when her eie renewes my memorie.”
more said hee not to wofull Amidis,
but gave his hand: “Adiewe, boie, god thee blisse.”
tho fetchinge his last sighe, at noone hee dyed,
in th' midle of his flowringe age distryed.
thus hee, a statishe martir, caught the glorie
of murdred wrongfullie, as saithe the storie.
Which when the wofull Amidis beheld,
hee sighd, and sobbd, and gladlie would binn killd,
yet viewes his lord when he had no word lefte,
after his onlie comfort was bereft:
Looke howe ann ewe yeanes one poor weaklinge lamm
in winter guistes, when snowe on ground doth stann,
shuddreth for cold, Yea dies for lacke of meate,
bleatinge owne lackes, but more for th'lambe dothe bleate,
of tender love borne to the younge her owne,
then when owne liefe takes last leave to be gone.
so, so Cambuscan caerd for Amidis,
so Amidis wepte Cambuscan to misse.
so poors on his thrice-thrice-deere Lord him fedd.
but ah! how gettes hee meate, his master dead?
cold snow, cold love, cold kindnes, all yce cold,
yet faine his pensive liddes woold him behold,
“hei me,” quoth hee, “whie d' I survive him dead?
or whoe iste speakes of love now truith is fledd?
I will goe seeke my death, which flies from mee,
and tell the world what iniuries theare bee.”
hee sighd, and sobbd, and gladlie would binn killd,
yet viewes his lord when he had no word lefte,
after his onlie comfort was bereft:
Looke howe ann ewe yeanes one poor weaklinge lamm
in winter guistes, when snowe on ground doth stann,
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bleatinge owne lackes, but more for th'lambe dothe bleate,
of tender love borne to the younge her owne,
then when owne liefe takes last leave to be gone.
so, so Cambuscan caerd for Amidis,
so Amidis wepte Cambuscan to misse.
so poors on his thrice-thrice-deere Lord him fedd.
but ah! how gettes hee meate, his master dead?
cold snow, cold love, cold kindnes, all yce cold,
yet faine his pensive liddes woold him behold,
“hei me,” quoth hee, “whie d' I survive him dead?
or whoe iste speakes of love now truith is fledd?
I will goe seeke my death, which flies from mee,
and tell the world what iniuries theare bee.”
The vile Fregiliens, pittiinge the sweete boy,
wailinge most rufullie his frendes distroie,
for shame lettes him alone to doe as woold.
So after his dead lord was pale and cold,
takes off his ensigne, which his emblem bore,
and foldes it vp as relique of honore:
then tooke in armes his allmost naked lord,
and gave him the best grave hee could affoord.
Wheare, with some fewe, performd the funeral
With simple solemne obsequies roial.
and this sadd epitaphe they saie hee wrote,
teeres weare his yncke, his brokenn voice the note,
his soule the muse, his hart the table was,
his finger the dull penn, his vowe the place:
wailinge most rufullie his frendes distroie,
for shame lettes him alone to doe as woold.
So after his dead lord was pale and cold,
takes off his ensigne, which his emblem bore,
and foldes it vp as relique of honore:
then tooke in armes his allmost naked lord,
and gave him the best grave hee could affoord.
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With simple solemne obsequies roial.
and this sadd epitaphe they saie hee wrote,
teeres weare his yncke, his brokenn voice the note,
his soule the muse, his hart the table was,
his finger the dull penn, his vowe the place:
“Heere lies the trewe and iuste in word and deede,
Whose liefe, love, hart, for foes did live, die, bleede:
none was so valient. all hee left behind
is counterfeate, and scarce the sume of kind.”
Whose liefe, love, hart, for foes did live, die, bleede:
none was so valient. all hee left behind
is counterfeate, and scarce the sume of kind.”
“Adiewe, sweete Lord,” him kissinge ofte and aye;
thence to Queene Ethel and Canac gan straie,
but all the waie weepes, meltes, and wastes to mone,
suppinge owne sorrowes, comforted of none;
and this repeates: “If none this wronge will wreake,
the dead will rise, and stones them selves will speake.”
thence to Queene Ethel and Canac gan straie,
but all the waie weepes, meltes, and wastes to mone,
suppinge owne sorrowes, comforted of none;
and this repeates: “If none this wronge will wreake,
the dead will rise, and stones them selves will speake.”
| John Lane's continuation of Chaucer's "Squire's Tale" | |