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 Duodecimo.
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 | John Lane's continuation of Chaucer's "Squire's Tale" |  |
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Canto Duodecimo.
Algarsif Theodora winns; Cambell
obtaines Freliss; Binate Reglata gettes;
Akafir beares Canac; slaine is Horbell, &c.
Canac the Falcon and Tercelets love reknettes.
obtaines Freliss; Binate Reglata gettes;
Akafir beares Canac; slaine is Horbell, &c.
Canac the Falcon and Tercelets love reknettes.
Longe wakes the love-sicke, and th'ambitious,
scarce dreddinge anie action perilous;
for, ear Aurora raught her watchet pall,
these iollie gallantes for their horses call,
to challenge gainst Canacy, for their own,
to prove theirs fairer, and bove thother flowen;
in so muche that bright Titan mote not staye,
to light his torche vp to theire risinge daye.
scarce dreddinge anie action perilous;
for, ear Aurora raught her watchet pall,
these iollie gallantes for their horses call,
to challenge gainst Canacy, for their own,
to prove theirs fairer, and bove thother flowen;
in so muche that bright Titan mote not staye,
to light his torche vp to theire risinge daye.
But nobliste kinge Cambuscan, in dewe time
first vp, foorth calles his knightes by Dawninges prime,
to waite him to the feild. they quicklie comm,
ear' th' trumpettes “bootie cella” with the sonn;
before whome weare those bleedinge colors borne
which blasd his cote (more honord as more worne)
at Fregiley. Now vaunced weare thease on hie,
on the kinges side for all his knightes to eye;
trumpettes and heraultes ranckes lodd on the waye;
Cambuscan then vpon Ducello gaye,
came armd in th' purest-chaced-polishd gold,
on which no rust, moth, canker, coold laie hold;
maintaind Saint Georges embleam on his brest,
Which had binn lent out, now recalld t'invest:
vppon his helme a plume of white and redd
maiestifyed his pace, as Ducell tredd;
white was his lance, all white adowne to foote;
his skarff, like colord, hunge a downe the boote.
these weare of Ethels and Canacies colors,
Which, with the wind, predominantlie hovers.
first vp, foorth calles his knightes by Dawninges prime,
to waite him to the feild. they quicklie comm,
ear' th' trumpettes “bootie cella” with the sonn;
before whome weare those bleedinge colors borne
which blasd his cote (more honord as more worne)
at Fregiley. Now vaunced weare thease on hie,
on the kinges side for all his knightes to eye;
trumpettes and heraultes ranckes lodd on the waye;
Cambuscan then vpon Ducello gaye,
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on which no rust, moth, canker, coold laie hold;
maintaind Saint Georges embleam on his brest,
Which had binn lent out, now recalld t'invest:
vppon his helme a plume of white and redd
maiestifyed his pace, as Ducell tredd;
white was his lance, all white adowne to foote;
his skarff, like colord, hunge a downe the boote.
these weare of Ethels and Canacies colors,
Which, with the wind, predominantlie hovers.
Algarsife, after him, on trampler baye,
vauncd his redd launce, elles white was his araye,
and as the kinge was dight, So is hee dight:
so theare rides on a verie goodlie knight.
vauncd his redd launce, elles white was his araye,
and as the kinge was dight, So is hee dight:
so theare rides on a verie goodlie knight.
Next came Camballo on a courser white,
Whose armes and colors dazled through much light
of the sonns glitter, cast vppon the steele,
as ofte as hee his horse touchd with his heele:
and looke what's ffathers armes, and colors weare,
such did hee beare, and such him out gan steare.
Whose armes and colors dazled through much light
of the sonns glitter, cast vppon the steele,
as ofte as hee his horse touchd with his heele:
and looke what's ffathers armes, and colors weare,
such did hee beare, and such him out gan steare.
Binato, laste (though first by forward spright)
rode on a blacke horse, yet his armor bright,
his plumes, lance, skarff, caparison, all white,
that surelie gracd and vauncd a valient knight:
yet gentil, lovinge, meeke, right trewe, and iuste
(his grand siers liverie), word and deede so muste.
rode on a blacke horse, yet his armor bright,
his plumes, lance, skarff, caparison, all white,
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yet gentil, lovinge, meeke, right trewe, and iuste
(his grand siers liverie), word and deede so muste.
Theire circkle went within the trophies twaine
of truith and iustice, not without the plaine;
vppon whose altars th'offred sweete ensence,
milke, honie, olives, doves, burnt frankencense:
obaisauncinge with praiers that Jehoue
woold guide theire swoordes, in gaininge theire trewe love.
of truith and iustice, not without the plaine;
vppon whose altars th'offred sweete ensence,
milke, honie, olives, doves, burnt frankencense:
obaisauncinge with praiers that Jehoue
woold guide theire swoordes, in gaininge theire trewe love.
The statues congees made as aunsweringe,
much like as once befell to Pirrus kinge
in Argos, when ann orackles behestes
fullfilld this Prophecie: that when twoe beastes,
a beare and lion, hee shoold see to fight,
then shoold Deathes final stroke putt out his light;
Wheare, pon ann housetopp, those beastes (made of stone)
fell, one gainst thother: Pirrus sawe all done.
much like as once befell to Pirrus kinge
in Argos, when ann orackles behestes
fullfilld this Prophecie: that when twoe beastes,
a beare and lion, hee shoold see to fight,
then shoold Deathes final stroke putt out his light;
Wheare, pon ann housetopp, those beastes (made of stone)
fell, one gainst thother: Pirrus sawe all done.
Theare sate six Judges, bove them, Ethel th' queene,
and by her kinge Bunthoto, richlie seene.
but Canacye, and Theodore the faire,
sate openlie on hie, the sweetest paire
that ever breathd, ffor bothe theire handes and eies
delt truith to meekenes: bothe gann angelize.
and by her kinge Bunthoto, richlie seene.
but Canacye, and Theodore the faire,
sate openlie on hie, the sweetest paire
that ever breathd, ffor bothe theire handes and eies
delt truith to meekenes: bothe gann angelize.
White was Cancies robe, as driven snowe,
full of the largest gatheringes, bove, belowe,
with golden girdell bowt her midle bore,
that formd her person perfect of decore.
but on her shoulders wore a moste rich pall
of needle worck, made by her owne handes all,
in silke and gould, of livelie colord hewe,
which well distinguish could, to knowe the trewe;
and all her fathers actions livelie wrote,
twice donn sith by her hand too on her cote:
wheareby shee vowd still to bee known, for whie?
loves handie worcke convoies to maiestie.
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with golden girdell bowt her midle bore,
that formd her person perfect of decore.
but on her shoulders wore a moste rich pall
of needle worck, made by her owne handes all,
in silke and gould, of livelie colord hewe,
which well distinguish could, to knowe the trewe;
and all her fathers actions livelie wrote,
twice donn sith by her hand too on her cote:
wheareby shee vowd still to bee known, for whie?
loves handie worcke convoies to maiestie.
Tho her twelve mistresses lodd her the waye,
and shee by congees witnessd her obaie,
notinge her ladie virgins state perfection,
falles not till falles of indulgent defection.
and shee by congees witnessd her obaie,
notinge her ladie virgins state perfection,
falles not till falles of indulgent defection.
Sweete Theodoraes robe was maiden blusshe,
suche as faire-clarett gilliflowres off brussh,
When liquid scyntilles of heavns dewe theie weare,
and the crabb white-redd garlandes freshe dothe reare;
her Canac settes above her on th' right hand,
good manner gracd suche straungers in this land.
suche as faire-clarett gilliflowres off brussh,
When liquid scyntilles of heavns dewe theie weare,
and the crabb white-redd garlandes freshe dothe reare;
her Canac settes above her on th' right hand,
good manner gracd suche straungers in this land.
Algarsif now ann humble suitor fell,
that he might first with yond huge Giant dell,
vowinge his hate was so resolvd on him,
as scarcelie mote containe to runn him in.
that he might first with yond huge Giant dell,
vowinge his hate was so resolvd on him,
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“No, no,” Cambuscan sayd, “thow art not able
to stirr so vast a bodie in the sadle:
for thoughe Canacies ringe thie hurtes hath cuered,
yet thow to this conflict art not envrd.
boie, th'art vnskillfull: I'le kill him for thee;
but if I misse, as I did, doe for mee.”
to stirr so vast a bodie in the sadle:
for thoughe Canacies ringe thie hurtes hath cuered,
yet thow to this conflict art not envrd.
boie, th'art vnskillfull: I'le kill him for thee;
but if I misse, as I did, doe for mee.”
“Ô ffather, then” (quoth humblest Algarsife)
“honor mee thus farr, that I spende my liefe
before yee shall once more your selfe endaunger;
lett your Algarsife canvasse with this straunger,
to gaine some honor to my credite loste,
it yernes my soule to see this Giante boste.”
“honor mee thus farr, that I spende my liefe
before yee shall once more your selfe endaunger;
lett your Algarsife canvasse with this straunger,
to gaine some honor to my credite loste,
it yernes my soule to see this Giante boste.”
Then spake the Judges, that it weare most fitt
that mongst his peeres Cambuscan downe shoold sytt,
and not adventer him in these essaies,
but rather lett's younge sonnes spurr for the praise.
that mongst his peeres Cambuscan downe shoold sytt,
and not adventer him in these essaies,
but rather lett's younge sonnes spurr for the praise.
Cambuscan tho lent his good horse Ducello
to prince Algarsife t' cope with yond proud fello;
but first yt hee demonstrates, that vnlesse
hee ride this horse hee'l comm in like distresse,
as earst bee-fell: Right tho hee taught him wheare
and how to trill the twaye pinnes in his eare,
and how to beare the raignes, &c., which doinge well,
hee shoold bee victor, weare it gainst Horbell, &c.
to prince Algarsife t' cope with yond proud fello;
but first yt hee demonstrates, that vnlesse
hee ride this horse hee'l comm in like distresse,
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and how to trill the twaye pinnes in his eare,
and how to beare the raignes, &c., which doinge well,
hee shoold bee victor, weare it gainst Horbell, &c.
Algarsife mountes Ducello, that bold horse,
on whome him reddies soone, for th' first occourse.
on whome him reddies soone, for th' first occourse.
The trumpettes sound the charge: And lo, they flye
in mayne carrier, bothes lances pointes to trie.
Theie meete amidd: bothe hastinge onwardes faire,
so that bothe brokenn splitters flewe in th'aier.
in mayne carrier, bothes lances pointes to trie.
Theie meete amidd: bothe hastinge onwardes faire,
so that bothe brokenn splitters flewe in th'aier.
About they vier, and to theire swoordes they fell,
but theare was suche a knightlie interdell,
as never feircer classhinge, crasshinge, dasshinge,
better commended a continual thrasshinge,
Algarsife makinge pastime for the boyes,
in hewinge, scattringe eake the Giantes toies;
While Horbells wandringe mace so paid that paines,
as ofte had felld Algarsife, had not th' raignes
him held, whoe held them fast, so yarckd vp right
middst virtues cell confidentlie to fight,
Wheare vrginge necke to necke, and brest to brest,
bothes bloes gave thrustes, which pawzd ne stoode on rest.
but theare was suche a knightlie interdell,
as never feircer classhinge, crasshinge, dasshinge,
better commended a continual thrasshinge,
Algarsife makinge pastime for the boyes,
in hewinge, scattringe eake the Giantes toies;
While Horbells wandringe mace so paid that paines,
as ofte had felld Algarsife, had not th' raignes
him held, whoe held them fast, so yarckd vp right
middst virtues cell confidentlie to fight,
Wheare vrginge necke to necke, and brest to brest,
bothes bloes gave thrustes, which pawzd ne stoode on rest.
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But all the time these deadlie food men strove,
Canac on bended knees and handes vp hove,
With teerefull cheekes, fore heavn's all viewinge eye,
prayd for her elder brothers victorie.
so soone the Giantes armor, and his maile
opd manie mowthes, att which their losse did raile;
the woundes confessinge, that th'expense of blood
disfleshd and him disspelfd, thoughe stowt he stoode.
Ducello bangd Horbelloees horse with heeles,
bites and rebites him, ore and or'e hee reeles.
nay, tho Algarsife thrust throughe Horbells throte,
Naie more, atth' wrest foorthwith his hand off smote:
his wild horse feelinge the raignes loose, thence rann,
and threw his Rider downe, a vanquisd man.
Canac on bended knees and handes vp hove,
With teerefull cheekes, fore heavn's all viewinge eye,
prayd for her elder brothers victorie.
so soone the Giantes armor, and his maile
opd manie mowthes, att which their losse did raile;
the woundes confessinge, that th'expense of blood
disfleshd and him disspelfd, thoughe stowt he stoode.
Ducello bangd Horbelloees horse with heeles,
bites and rebites him, ore and or'e hee reeles.
nay, tho Algarsife thrust throughe Horbells throte,
Naie more, atth' wrest foorthwith his hand off smote:
his wild horse feelinge the raignes loose, thence rann,
and threw his Rider downe, a vanquisd man.
The iudges this pronouncd for victorie,
wheareat the trumpettes clangen mirrelie,
with greater ioie, for whie? It now was known
that this was grand Horbell, one of his ffoen;
all men admiringe chaunce, sith so yt was
Algarsifes iust revenge came well to passe.
wheareat the trumpettes clangen mirrelie,
with greater ioie, for whie? It now was known
that this was grand Horbell, one of his ffoen;
all men admiringe chaunce, sith so yt was
Algarsifes iust revenge came well to passe.
Next Equestrillo to revenge this ffrend,
spurrd rashlie or'e the greene; which Camball kend,
and as the trumpettes bodd flewe to the charge,
ffoes mett theire foes, pointes pointed eithers targe,
but th' buff on Equestrillo paid suche force
as all most forcd his necke beyond his horse.
the lances broke, theire angrie blades came nyer
to beate from bothe helmes fier-brandes sparkes of fyer,
for termes of peace had theare brochd this condition,
to fight, and still to fight, saunce intermission.
at last Camballo him betooke a wound,
Wheareof fell downe (vnhorsd) in deadlie swound.
spurrd rashlie or'e the greene; which Camball kend,
and as the trumpettes bodd flewe to the charge,
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but th' buff on Equestrillo paid suche force
as all most forcd his necke beyond his horse.
the lances broke, theire angrie blades came nyer
to beate from bothe helmes fier-brandes sparkes of fyer,
for termes of peace had theare brochd this condition,
to fight, and still to fight, saunce intermission.
at last Camballo him betooke a wound,
Wheareof fell downe (vnhorsd) in deadlie swound.
Which Togantillo, storminge, soone did enter
theare to revenge his brothers missadventer;
rann att couragious Camball with his speare,
which stowtlie on his Targe hee off did beare,
and loppd his tossant plumes; that downe a downe
they fell to take vp now and then a wowne.
longe, bloodie, cruell, breathlesse was theire fighte,
wheare force and skill wanted nor art ne might,
Will aye aboundinge t' bringe to eithers bent,
and eithers will was eithers will t' prevent:
at last resolvd Camball so rann him in,
as Togantilloes liefe blood out did spinn,
but lô (straunge chaunce) pon's swowninge brother falles,
wheare (wounded bothe) th'one thus on thother calles: vz.,
“Brother, our times bee come, wee bothe muste die,
to him who well winns from vs victorie.”
tho, ioininge handes gann thus to Camball saye:
“Sir knight, yhave noblie vanquishd vs this daie;
our lives, hopes, honors, and our armes are youres,
take them, but give vs knightlie sepultures.
Your force in vs dothe willinglie contend
to honor victorie in ffoe or ffrend;
youres is the conquest now by faire desert.”
thus beinge readie deathward to depart,
bothe brothers kissd, and bidd adiewe. At this
Camball alightes, and att one woefull kisse
drewe bothe theire breathes into his frendlie breste,
and made theire funeralles his livinge chest:
leavinge ann instance, that all frendlie foes
shall mix theire mirth with griefe ear hence they goes,
and so to tender others overthrowne,
as if like fortune made the case his owne.
theare to revenge his brothers missadventer;
rann att couragious Camball with his speare,
which stowtlie on his Targe hee off did beare,
and loppd his tossant plumes; that downe a downe
they fell to take vp now and then a wowne.
longe, bloodie, cruell, breathlesse was theire fighte,
wheare force and skill wanted nor art ne might,
Will aye aboundinge t' bringe to eithers bent,
and eithers will was eithers will t' prevent:
at last resolvd Camball so rann him in,
as Togantilloes liefe blood out did spinn,
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wheare (wounded bothe) th'one thus on thother calles: vz.,
“Brother, our times bee come, wee bothe muste die,
to him who well winns from vs victorie.”
tho, ioininge handes gann thus to Camball saye:
“Sir knight, yhave noblie vanquishd vs this daie;
our lives, hopes, honors, and our armes are youres,
take them, but give vs knightlie sepultures.
Your force in vs dothe willinglie contend
to honor victorie in ffoe or ffrend;
youres is the conquest now by faire desert.”
thus beinge readie deathward to depart,
bothe brothers kissd, and bidd adiewe. At this
Camball alightes, and att one woefull kisse
drewe bothe theire breathes into his frendlie breste,
and made theire funeralles his livinge chest:
leavinge ann instance, that all frendlie foes
shall mix theire mirth with griefe ear hence they goes,
and so to tender others overthrowne,
as if like fortune made the case his owne.
The Judge pronouncd for Camballs victorie,
and trumpettes clangor told it to the skie.
and trumpettes clangor told it to the skie.
But now Binate gainst Quadrumal outran,
at trumpetes blast to fight it man to man;
whose horses, speares, armes, bodies, crassh togeather
like th'ocean tide, and land floodes stormie weather,
and soone theire blades, like flaialles of the forge,
droppd fierworkes, & on theire brave plumes disgorge
what emptes the liefe in ventinge vital blood,
thears no lesse to bee lookd in deadlie food.
naie, other resolution theare is none,
then that one of these twaine muste goe from home.
In short, Binatoes vantage could him killd,
Which Quadrumal perceavinge, faire did yeeld:
grauntinge, that they whoe fight to death doe err,
when nillinge yeeld to trewe knightes prisoner.
At that, the trumpettes and the Judges bothe
resoundes the victories of powrfull trothe.
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whose horses, speares, armes, bodies, crassh togeather
like th'ocean tide, and land floodes stormie weather,
and soone theire blades, like flaialles of the forge,
droppd fierworkes, & on theire brave plumes disgorge
what emptes the liefe in ventinge vital blood,
thears no lesse to bee lookd in deadlie food.
naie, other resolution theare is none,
then that one of these twaine muste goe from home.
In short, Binatoes vantage could him killd,
Which Quadrumal perceavinge, faire did yeeld:
grauntinge, that they whoe fight to death doe err,
when nillinge yeeld to trewe knightes prisoner.
At that, the trumpettes and the Judges bothe
resoundes the victories of powrfull trothe.
And now, these twoe vnknown knightes pricken out,
for whie? not one with them (as yet) had fought,
which causd them dare bigg wordes, and lowdlie swagger,
lawghinge, they wanted worke; swears by no begger.
This bread impatience in the weerie knightes,
Whearefore against them bothe Algarsife dightes.
“No, no, not now” (quoth all the Judges tho),
“least yee bee weerie all, as legges may goe.”
for whie? not one with them (as yet) had fought,
which causd them dare bigg wordes, and lowdlie swagger,
lawghinge, they wanted worke; swears by no begger.
This bread impatience in the weerie knightes,
Whearefore against them bothe Algarsife dightes.
“No, no, not now” (quoth all the Judges tho),
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Cambuscan, tho woold fought 'gainst bothe at once,
but th' Judges vsinge stronge dissuasions,
his roial patience cravd a litle while,
Wheareat these Braggadochioes thus gann smile, vz.,
“ffaire sirrs, sith your side hath smale store of knightes,
lett vs, this other waye, reioise our sprightes:
wee have twoe Ladies, which, with your trim paire,
dare vendicate to singe, whearefore they dare;
Dueltra and Cromatia hight bin they,
will bringe vs victorie from your fine tway.”
tho, near 'fore geese did the most ielleous ganders
wrinckle more fethered browes, then these challangers.
but th' Judges vsinge stronge dissuasions,
his roial patience cravd a litle while,
Wheareat these Braggadochioes thus gann smile, vz.,
“ffaire sirrs, sith your side hath smale store of knightes,
lett vs, this other waye, reioise our sprightes:
wee have twoe Ladies, which, with your trim paire,
dare vendicate to singe, whearefore they dare;
Dueltra and Cromatia hight bin they,
will bringe vs victorie from your fine tway.”
tho, near 'fore geese did the most ielleous ganders
wrinckle more fethered browes, then these challangers.
Canac wox angrie at this challenge prowd
(as loth t' compare her face to th' beetle browd),
ne brookd her name shoold bable in suche mowthes,
as are the knowne-horse faire of all vntrowthes;
yet beckeninge silence of the peoples crowd,
her congewe softe prefacd her musicke lowd,
for shee was qualified, and Theodore,
in musickes theorem and practicke lore;
and theareto tewnd foorthwith her angelles voice,
sweete Theodore makinge like heavnlie noise.
“Dueltra” (quoth Canac), “aunswer this note;”
withall, a Large, in vnisone shee smote.
(as loth t' compare her face to th' beetle browd),
ne brookd her name shoold bable in suche mowthes,
as are the knowne-horse faire of all vntrowthes;
yet beckeninge silence of the peoples crowd,
her congewe softe prefacd her musicke lowd,
for shee was qualified, and Theodore,
in musickes theorem and practicke lore;
and theareto tewnd foorthwith her angelles voice,
sweete Theodore makinge like heavnlie noise.
“Dueltra” (quoth Canac), “aunswer this note;”
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Dueltra gainste her did a Second singe,
which is a discorde and false descantinge.
which is a discorde and false descantinge.
“Vah!” (quoth Canac), “yee broke your name right well,
elles how mote wee, in yee your falshode spell?”
elles how mote wee, in yee your falshode spell?”
Dueltra then (to mende her former fault)
songe out a seaunth, which as a second's naught;
yet swore her false cordes trewe, Canacies false,
for whoe knoes not, but that truith lyers galles?
songe out a seaunth, which as a second's naught;
yet swore her false cordes trewe, Canacies false,
for whoe knoes not, but that truith lyers galles?
Then Theodore a fiuth sunge, and ann eighte,
Cromatia sunge a Fourth and seunth evn streight,
and vauntes hers sweete & trewe (how harshe soever),
ne woold blushe at twoe fiuthes or eightes togeather;
which causd thwhole audience laugh, & stopp theire eares,
for tis ann hell brall wheare fowle discord fleares.
Cromatia sunge a Fourth and seunth evn streight,
and vauntes hers sweete & trewe (how harshe soever),
ne woold blushe at twoe fiuthes or eightes togeather;
which causd thwhole audience laugh, & stopp theire eares,
for tis ann hell brall wheare fowle discord fleares.
Hâ, but their maides Frelissa, with Reglate,
prompted theire Dames gainst false descantes relate,
by causinge them to singe oft sharpe, ofte flatt,
& with discreete restes, false cordes, trewe to chatt;
and so to reconcile imperfect cordes,
as notes cromaticke dulcet tewnes afoordes.
wheareby Dueltra and Cromatia gaind
to singe some notes sweete, though them selves but feignd;
for solid musicke, simple, perfect, sweete,
these (without helpe) can neither keepe ne meete.
Wittnesse theire masked Ladie (theare so gaye),
which pulld Reglate and Freliss quite awaye;
but, then to heere hell kennelles-dismall-hussh,
Dueltra with Cromatia made (saunce blussh)
helpe cattes, dogges, howles, apes, to expresse theire noise,
which was as well hissd out, by all the boies;
Yet to that masked Ladie, those discordes
more pleasinge dogg brawles weare, then sweetest cordes.
prompted theire Dames gainst false descantes relate,
by causinge them to singe oft sharpe, ofte flatt,
& with discreete restes, false cordes, trewe to chatt;
and so to reconcile imperfect cordes,
as notes cromaticke dulcet tewnes afoordes.
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to singe some notes sweete, though them selves but feignd;
for solid musicke, simple, perfect, sweete,
these (without helpe) can neither keepe ne meete.
Wittnesse theire masked Ladie (theare so gaye),
which pulld Reglate and Freliss quite awaye;
but, then to heere hell kennelles-dismall-hussh,
Dueltra with Cromatia made (saunce blussh)
helpe cattes, dogges, howles, apes, to expresse theire noise,
which was as well hissd out, by all the boies;
Yet to that masked Ladie, those discordes
more pleasinge dogg brawles weare, then sweetest cordes.
Cambuscan thearfore biddes Freliss, Reglate,
singe with Canac and Theodore wheare they sate,
on the knowne plaine songe, miserere. Then
the kinge himselfe, with his owne singinge men,
Algarsif, Camball, and Binato, sunge
so glorious musickes as no ear, penn, tonge
taught sweeter aiers, reportinge deeper art,
ne goodlier pointes sett into everie part,
with relishes and trewe divisions, wrought,
by descantes lore, to make good of the nought;
which chirme, this choire of birdes, so lovelie close,
As th' Judges heeringe, satisfied arose,
saienge, “Dueltra, with Cromatia, you,
in bothe youre purposes binn found vntrew,”
and swore, “who raves in musickes opposition,
wears natures caracter of dire perdition;
yet not nature, ne ought of her or th' vse,
bin selfelie false or badd, but by th' abvse.”
“whearefore w' adiudge Canac and Theodore
in musicke t' have orecomm your discordes rore;
yet wee, by proclamation, passport give you,
to gange with yonder mates, with whome yee live now.”
singe with Canac and Theodore wheare they sate,
on the knowne plaine songe, miserere. Then
the kinge himselfe, with his owne singinge men,
Algarsif, Camball, and Binato, sunge
so glorious musickes as no ear, penn, tonge
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ne goodlier pointes sett into everie part,
with relishes and trewe divisions, wrought,
by descantes lore, to make good of the nought;
which chirme, this choire of birdes, so lovelie close,
As th' Judges heeringe, satisfied arose,
saienge, “Dueltra, with Cromatia, you,
in bothe youre purposes binn found vntrew,”
and swore, “who raves in musickes opposition,
wears natures caracter of dire perdition;
yet not nature, ne ought of her or th' vse,
bin selfelie false or badd, but by th' abvse.”
“whearefore w' adiudge Canac and Theodore
in musicke t' have orecomm your discordes rore;
yet wee, by proclamation, passport give you,
to gange with yonder mates, with whome yee live now.”
Most furious wox the knightes at theire disgrace,
and vowd revenge: which (to maintaine in place)
claimd theires for right, but Canac to be wrange.
But lô, thear's heard annother trumpettes clange,
for fame had told these ioustes so farr abrode,
as hitherward Sir Akafir is rode
to trie adventures for that bewteous Dame,
which dauntes her lienge foes with reverend name;
vppon a blacke horse, nitent as the iett,
in armor (all as blacke) coms fairelie sett,
With lance, plume, bases blacke as sable night
wears when sh'athe mortifyed the flaringe light.
Now, viewinge yond twoe knightes on th' left hand side,
his owne bold trumpet bode him thither ride.
so foorthe hee spurrd, as fast as Boreas hies
to cleere the miste, and sweepe the clowdie skies.
The first hee mett h' orethrewe alonge the ground,
so owd him nought, save what hee paid in wound;
Whome passinge, hee vppon that other rann,
in pittie that hee should theare idle stan;
about whose helmes his swoord coniurd such weather,
as now the paire mote daunce without a feather.
Againe, home at them bothe, and through them bothe,
too and againe, hee exercisd his wrothe:
and lettinge flye, hee tooke and paid againe,
what none in armor saftie found certaine;
nor was the matter putto furder daies,
sithe praesent paiment future paiment paies.
and so hee plied them for his litle time,
as the last liver sweares, “all wilbee mine.”
At length, these twoe knightes (not knowinge his name)
belivd hee was some right cocke of the game,
which, by ofte runninge thense, woold winn the daye:
but these, praeventinge that, rann bothe awaye.
in trothe, 'tis all daie seene (if well puttoo't),
obnoxious threttes binn but th' length of theire foote.
and vowd revenge: which (to maintaine in place)
claimd theires for right, but Canac to be wrange.
But lô, thear's heard annother trumpettes clange,
for fame had told these ioustes so farr abrode,
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to trie adventures for that bewteous Dame,
which dauntes her lienge foes with reverend name;
vppon a blacke horse, nitent as the iett,
in armor (all as blacke) coms fairelie sett,
With lance, plume, bases blacke as sable night
wears when sh'athe mortifyed the flaringe light.
Now, viewinge yond twoe knightes on th' left hand side,
his owne bold trumpet bode him thither ride.
so foorthe hee spurrd, as fast as Boreas hies
to cleere the miste, and sweepe the clowdie skies.
The first hee mett h' orethrewe alonge the ground,
so owd him nought, save what hee paid in wound;
Whome passinge, hee vppon that other rann,
in pittie that hee should theare idle stan;
about whose helmes his swoord coniurd such weather,
as now the paire mote daunce without a feather.
Againe, home at them bothe, and through them bothe,
too and againe, hee exercisd his wrothe:
and lettinge flye, hee tooke and paid againe,
what none in armor saftie found certaine;
nor was the matter putto furder daies,
sithe praesent paiment future paiment paies.
and so hee plied them for his litle time,
as the last liver sweares, “all wilbee mine.”
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belivd hee was some right cocke of the game,
which, by ofte runninge thense, woold winn the daye:
but these, praeventinge that, rann bothe awaye.
in trothe, 'tis all daie seene (if well puttoo't),
obnoxious threttes binn but th' length of theire foote.
Wheareat th'whole Theater laught, till it droope,
& of tenn thowsand whoopes made one great whoope,
in honor of the knightes of Faerie Lande,
whose prowesse lovd gainste all the world to bande.
& of tenn thowsand whoopes made one great whoope,
in honor of the knightes of Faerie Lande,
whose prowesse lovd gainste all the world to bande.
Quoth Quadrumal, “lô, still how ill they thrivd
(slaine, tane, or fledd), whoe gainst Canacy strivd.”
whearevppon trumpettes all, bothe farr & nye,
sounded Canacies truith and victorie.
(slaine, tane, or fledd), whoe gainst Canacy strivd.”
whearevppon trumpettes all, bothe farr & nye,
sounded Canacies truith and victorie.
This causd both kinges and Ethel th'queene, in haste,
to give these knightes dewe honors, with repast.
to give these knightes dewe honors, with repast.
Bunthoto gave kind Theodore to wife,
to the now-well deservinge Algarsife,
with dowr, Ind, Arab, Iuda, Palestine,
to bee annexd to th'ebrews of theire line.
Cambuscan also gave him th'brasen horse
and reignes, whearby hee did Horbello force.
to the now-well deservinge Algarsife,
with dowr, Ind, Arab, Iuda, Palestine,
to bee annexd to th'ebrews of theire line.
Cambuscan also gave him th'brasen horse
and reignes, whearby hee did Horbello force.
And to Canac hee plighted Akafir,
with dowr Fregilia, calld Canacamor,
and Morliuo his swoord, to save or kill
in Tartarie, accordinge vnto skill.
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and Morliuo his swoord, to save or kill
in Tartarie, accordinge vnto skill.
Then to Camball hee gave Frelissa faire,
with Serra province, to them and theire heire.
with Serra province, to them and theire heire.
But on Binato Reglata bestowd,
with Ixiopiaes dukedome, well endowd.
with Ixiopiaes dukedome, well endowd.
These matches made, the waters vnderground
soddainelie bore th'whole theater around:
for it supported was on spindelles stand,
praepard of old, and fetchd from Faerie Lande.
and tho vpp spowted pipes of sweete rose water,
which, fallinge on the people, stirrd theire laughter,
sent from the gusshinge frendshipp of those welles,
whear th' Faerie nymphes haunten their cristall celles.
soddainelie bore th'whole theater around:
for it supported was on spindelles stand,
praepard of old, and fetchd from Faerie Lande.
and tho vpp spowted pipes of sweete rose water,
which, fallinge on the people, stirrd theire laughter,
sent from the gusshinge frendshipp of those welles,
whear th' Faerie nymphes haunten their cristall celles.
The nuptialles ended (as old stories saye),
this maske att night came in, to marr theire play:
a naked-blindfold Centaure, on a bull,
winged, with bowe and arroes, sharp and dull;
A ladie maskd, which wore seavn iewelles riche,
of all the pretious stones that cost mote sitch,
a silverne bowle, brim full of gold in hand,
a purple-silkenn gowne her person spannd;
Twoe knightes like mummers, cladd in different suites
of redd and pale, needinge no drum ne fluites,
or burninge torch, exceptinge one behind,
not much vnlike the blinde leadinge the blind.
The boisteous Centaure, att his first entraunce,
brake halfe his hornes off, by a blundringe chaunce,
which causd the nobles call more light in hall,
to viewe these mummers formes habitual.
this maske att night came in, to marr theire play:
a naked-blindfold Centaure, on a bull,
winged, with bowe and arroes, sharp and dull;
A ladie maskd, which wore seavn iewelles riche,
of all the pretious stones that cost mote sitch,
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a purple-silkenn gowne her person spannd;
Twoe knightes like mummers, cladd in different suites
of redd and pale, needinge no drum ne fluites,
or burninge torch, exceptinge one behind,
not much vnlike the blinde leadinge the blind.
The boisteous Centaure, att his first entraunce,
brake halfe his hornes off, by a blundringe chaunce,
which causd the nobles call more light in hall,
to viewe these mummers formes habitual.
But Canac glasse findinge Cupid disguizd,
pluckd off his maske, Tho all weare well advisd:
Videria then was known (that cursed witch),
from whome Cambuscan gann all Jewells twitche,
and flunge them downe, her silver and her gold:
tho bode the Queane to bee fast laid in hold,
and swore shee shoold bee burned att a stake,
yea, thoughe (they said) once more sh'escape did make.
pluckd off his maske, Tho all weare well advisd:
Videria then was known (that cursed witch),
from whome Cambuscan gann all Jewells twitche,
and flunge them downe, her silver and her gold:
tho bode the Queane to bee fast laid in hold,
and swore shee shoold bee burned att a stake,
yea, thoughe (they said) once more sh'escape did make.
The men weare Gnartolite and Leifurco,
both handled in theire kindes ear th'are lett goe;
for theie weare ire-marckd with ann M and D,
so turnd a longe for theire twoe Dames to see.
both handled in theire kindes ear th'are lett goe;
for theie weare ire-marckd with ann M and D,
so turnd a longe for theire twoe Dames to see.
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Theire torch bearer was Quidauis the traiter,
whoe, as hee hopd no pardon, so the faiter
leapd on the Centaures backe, and gott away,
but hunge him selfe (for shame and guilt), they saye.
whoe, as hee hopd no pardon, so the faiter
leapd on the Centaures backe, and gott away,
but hunge him selfe (for shame and guilt), they saye.
Lô, now the night gan give them all good rest,
the rather, sith all ffoes binn slaine or sperste;
sorrowes (hartes griefe) are gonn, which liefe distroies;
solace (mindes mirthe) succeeds, that kindleth ioies:
and now loves paires maie frolicke Lovers gaine,
wheare love exvlts most, pairinge twaine by twaine.
the rather, sith all ffoes binn slaine or sperste;
sorrowes (hartes griefe) are gonn, which liefe distroies;
solace (mindes mirthe) succeeds, that kindleth ioies:
and now loves paires maie frolicke Lovers gaine,
wheare love exvlts most, pairinge twaine by twaine.
Then said the Judges to the kinges and Queene,
“Dredd powres, these six daies w' have emploied beene
in iudginge these concertes, by trewe beheste;
Now, sith victorious peace bringes all to rest,
bee pleasd yee deigne vs leave, this seaventh day,
that wee, as yee, depart our several way.”
“Dredd powres, these six daies w' have emploied beene
in iudginge these concertes, by trewe beheste;
Now, sith victorious peace bringes all to rest,
bee pleasd yee deigne vs leave, this seaventh day,
that wee, as yee, depart our several way.”
“Yee shall” (quod the good kinge), “too morrowe part,
and fare to your affaires with all our hart:”
so gave them goldenn beltes of starrie straines,
in mind of this good time, and for theire paines.
and fare to your affaires with all our hart:”
so gave them goldenn beltes of starrie straines,
in mind of this good time, and for theire paines.
Next, as old stories tell, when Titan shoen,
the kinges and Queene calld all theire children to them,
to whose behoofe Cambuscan thus gann saie:
the kinges and Queene calld all theire children to them,
to whose behoofe Cambuscan thus gann saie:
“Wheare ffathers ende, children 'gin fathers play;
Yee, daughter deere, and yee, my sonns arowe,
my minde, by my examples, well doe knowe;
eake dilligence foretold, my meaninge was,
to make yee capable of my owne place,
my honors to sustaine, and dignitie,
and all to love truith, iustice to applie.
I saie no more, but charge yee bee the same,
yee (by caracter) seeme to signe to fame,
whose seale enfeoffes your deede the same to bee,
that eloquence well heeres what cannott see.
to daie am I to Canacelia rydinge,
wheare I will have yee all at last abidinge.”
so leaves them to theire cures, and biddes farewell,
all blissinge all, while none ioyes woes could tell.
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my minde, by my examples, well doe knowe;
eake dilligence foretold, my meaninge was,
to make yee capable of my owne place,
my honors to sustaine, and dignitie,
and all to love truith, iustice to applie.
I saie no more, but charge yee bee the same,
yee (by caracter) seeme to signe to fame,
whose seale enfeoffes your deede the same to bee,
that eloquence well heeres what cannott see.
to daie am I to Canacelia rydinge,
wheare I will have yee all at last abidinge.”
so leaves them to theire cures, and biddes farewell,
all blissinge all, while none ioyes woes could tell.
Tho heavens Lampe saunce freckle at adiewe,
bode gratious congees-lowe to Neptune blewe,
and with kind hart-sighes, blusshinge bewteouslye,
gann this faire vniuerse all glorifye.
bode gratious congees-lowe to Neptune blewe,
and with kind hart-sighes, blusshinge bewteouslye,
gann this faire vniuerse all glorifye.
After these kinges and Queene had left the place,
Camball became a suitor to Canac,
that shee (of office) woold attonement make
betwine her falcon and her falsed make.
Camball became a suitor to Canac,
that shee (of office) woold attonement make
betwine her falcon and her falsed make.
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She said shee woold. Anon neere to her mewe
shee placd her glasse perspective out to viewe,
that held in proiect thinges far off and nye,
and caught (ear longe) the tercelettes rowlinge eye:
Whoe wandringe, soringe eake, viewd on the glasse,
the fairest Falcon seemd that ever was,
but none alive save the shade counterfeate;
at sight of whome his hart gann throbb & beate.
“I see” (quoth hee), “ann image well ykennd,
of one that whilome was my verie frend:
but shee is dead and gonn. How then coms it
that in this glasse her figure yet dothe sitt?”
At last hee also sawe him selfe thearein,
hard by the Falcons side, a paire or twinn.
shee placd her glasse perspective out to viewe,
that held in proiect thinges far off and nye,
and caught (ear longe) the tercelettes rowlinge eye:
Whoe wandringe, soringe eake, viewd on the glasse,
the fairest Falcon seemd that ever was,
but none alive save the shade counterfeate;
at sight of whome his hart gann throbb & beate.
“I see” (quoth hee), “ann image well ykennd,
of one that whilome was my verie frend:
but shee is dead and gonn. How then coms it
that in this glasse her figure yet dothe sitt?”
At last hee also sawe him selfe thearein,
hard by the Falcons side, a paire or twinn.
“Yes, yes, shees dead” (quod th' Falcon in the mewe),
“but left her storie for the false to viewe.”
“What, dead? yes dead! Ah, woe is mee thearfore!”
and theare the tercelet wept with great deplore,
peckt deepe his brest, beatinge his winges a ground,
to call her from the grave to heere his sound:
“ah glasse” (quoth hee), “mee also grave in thee!
the faithlesse foile of her fidelitee.
fye, fye! on kites! fye on all carrion kytes!
nay, fye on mee (lost in their lewd delightes)!
and ô earth, burie mee in shame and sinn,
but lett her out, to see and take mee in:
for trewer love then shee was never none,
I better knowe it now that shee is gone.
her carefull eie mee waited everie wheare,
and shee supported more then halfe my care:
my honor, and thinges of necessitie,
shee bowt my person kept most lovinglie.
if sicke, or whole, her comfortes weare my staye,
for whie? shee ioid t' enioye my companey:
frend to my frendes, foe to my foes, ô blest,
that counselld mee, and did all for the best.
yet I forsooke her, other frendes to trie,
whome suerlie still I found as false as I:
fraile, vaine, inconstant, But not one trewe frend,
save suche as on guiltes pleasures doe attend.
suche weare my newe frendes, I for these left th'old,
Whearefore my griefes canne'ar enuff bee told,
how I have lost my selfe, and causd her death.”
tho dieper peckd his brest, to reave his breath,
saienge, “I will goe after her, and crie;
Yea, begg her kill mee for my villanie:
so I will hold that death which shee bestowes,
death kinder then lothd life, which here I lose.
and (as death sicke) will vomite peble-stones,
in signe my hard hart near was trewe but once;
sorrowe shalbee my perch, lonesse my cave,
griefe all my foode, her memorie my grave;
hatinge my selfe, alone for her will sitt,
out of my selfe, whoe gainste her did committ.”
thus grauntes (vnaskd) out of owne conscient offer,
that well is sayd to doe: ill is to suffer.
“but left her storie for the false to viewe.”
“What, dead? yes dead! Ah, woe is mee thearfore!”
and theare the tercelet wept with great deplore,
peckt deepe his brest, beatinge his winges a ground,
to call her from the grave to heere his sound:
“ah glasse” (quoth hee), “mee also grave in thee!
the faithlesse foile of her fidelitee.
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nay, fye on mee (lost in their lewd delightes)!
and ô earth, burie mee in shame and sinn,
but lett her out, to see and take mee in:
for trewer love then shee was never none,
I better knowe it now that shee is gone.
her carefull eie mee waited everie wheare,
and shee supported more then halfe my care:
my honor, and thinges of necessitie,
shee bowt my person kept most lovinglie.
if sicke, or whole, her comfortes weare my staye,
for whie? shee ioid t' enioye my companey:
frend to my frendes, foe to my foes, ô blest,
that counselld mee, and did all for the best.
yet I forsooke her, other frendes to trie,
whome suerlie still I found as false as I:
fraile, vaine, inconstant, But not one trewe frend,
save suche as on guiltes pleasures doe attend.
suche weare my newe frendes, I for these left th'old,
Whearefore my griefes canne'ar enuff bee told,
how I have lost my selfe, and causd her death.”
tho dieper peckd his brest, to reave his breath,
saienge, “I will goe after her, and crie;
Yea, begg her kill mee for my villanie:
so I will hold that death which shee bestowes,
death kinder then lothd life, which here I lose.
and (as death sicke) will vomite peble-stones,
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sorrowe shalbee my perch, lonesse my cave,
griefe all my foode, her memorie my grave;
hatinge my selfe, alone for her will sitt,
out of my selfe, whoe gainste her did committ.”
thus grauntes (vnaskd) out of owne conscient offer,
that well is sayd to doe: ill is to suffer.
Now Canac, whoe b'her vertuous ringe all knewe,
stood harkeninge him, yet kept her from his viewe:
Whome heeringe so repent and macerate,
resolvd t' accept him, thoughe hee came in late.
“Good frend” (quoth shee), “what wilt thow doe formee,
incase I shall restore thy love to thee,
as good and faire, as safe and sound as ever;
and cause debate to cease, to live togeather,
if mindinge to demeane, in all compleate,
no sinn without and in but is deleate?”
stood harkeninge him, yet kept her from his viewe:
Whome heeringe so repent and macerate,
resolvd t' accept him, thoughe hee came in late.
“Good frend” (quoth shee), “what wilt thow doe formee,
incase I shall restore thy love to thee,
as good and faire, as safe and sound as ever;
and cause debate to cease, to live togeather,
if mindinge to demeane, in all compleate,
no sinn without and in but is deleate?”
“Ladie” (quoth hee), “I meane doe all yee bedd,
or failinge, pray pluck off my thancklesse head:
alas, the bodies paines, thoughe phisicke heale,
yet harder is the mindes cure a great deale.
my love Ile satisfie (as yee endight),
and enter band never to doe vnright.”
or failinge, pray pluck off my thancklesse head:
alas, the bodies paines, thoughe phisicke heale,
yet harder is the mindes cure a great deale.
my love Ile satisfie (as yee endight),
and enter band never to doe vnright.”
“I take thy word” (quoth faire Canac), and tho,
out of her mewgh shee lett the falcon goe.
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At thenterviewe, “mehew, mehew,” hee cried,
theare, theare was weepinge sore on everie syde;
for bitter griefe and soddaine ioie arivd,
made greater passion till the twaine revivd.
theare, theare was weepinge sore on everie syde;
for bitter griefe and soddaine ioie arivd,
made greater passion till the twaine revivd.
Tho Canac with her ringe cuerd everie wound,
and made theire frendships whole which weare vnsound.
and made theire frendships whole which weare vnsound.
Theie, rendringe hartie thanckes, by kindnes strove,
till lovers fallinge out, renewd their love:
vowinge them selves Canacies servauntes ever,
and Camballs too; Tho tooke leave, flewe togeather.
Lô, breach thears none, ne trespasse mongste old frendes,
but by fitt recompence obtaines amendes:
which ioid all th'eerers, that theire hartes and eies
sprunge of gladd teeres, Love endinge ielowsies.
wheareby confession, which division sawe,
had spredd too farr, did from the like withdrawe,
and in theire mutual vnion of consent
defind all pleasures in one word: Contente.
till lovers fallinge out, renewd their love:
vowinge them selves Canacies servauntes ever,
and Camballs too; Tho tooke leave, flewe togeather.
Lô, breach thears none, ne trespasse mongste old frendes,
but by fitt recompence obtaines amendes:
which ioid all th'eerers, that theire hartes and eies
sprunge of gladd teeres, Love endinge ielowsies.
wheareby confession, which division sawe,
had spredd too farr, did from the like withdrawe,
and in theire mutual vnion of consent
defind all pleasures in one word: Contente.
Now Vesper welkins silver crescent tynd,
and hove it bove mild Zephirs pleasinge wind.
Arcturus (that slowe bellman of the night)
hunge out at his longe pole his candelles light,
and calld (by name) the northerne wagoner
to sett more sparcklinge egglettes bowt the beare;
and hee, in velvetes-blewe-gold-studded gowne,
Yarckd foorth his readie steedes; which vieringe rown,
of twincklinge tapers drove the murninge raie,
which deckt the sable herse of livelesse daie,
in heavenns burninge chappell, sadd of light,
which yet compares with titans glories bright.
all birdes them hied to rowste, save Philomel,
(the curfewe ringer, and of lovers knell),
calme silence, heeringe farr, and everie beast
left the sweete feildes, to laie them downe and rest.
and hove it bove mild Zephirs pleasinge wind.
Arcturus (that slowe bellman of the night)
hunge out at his longe pole his candelles light,
and calld (by name) the northerne wagoner
to sett more sparcklinge egglettes bowt the beare;
234
Yarckd foorth his readie steedes; which vieringe rown,
of twincklinge tapers drove the murninge raie,
which deckt the sable herse of livelesse daie,
in heavenns burninge chappell, sadd of light,
which yet compares with titans glories bright.
all birdes them hied to rowste, save Philomel,
(the curfewe ringer, and of lovers knell),
calme silence, heeringe farr, and everie beast
left the sweete feildes, to laie them downe and rest.
This, or like this, th'ingenious Chaucer wrought,
but lost or supprest, near was found, though sought,
in all old libraries and Londons towre:
which to supplie, no poet had the powre,
save sacred Spencer, whoe twoe straines did wright
of Camball and Canac, and found it right.
ô thearfore, yee, the muses frendes, that maie,
give once a yeere this paire a wreath of baye,
in tokenn theire greene lines doe ever flourishe,
though blacke Sarcophagus their loines demolishe;
and yee, theire Treasorers, ofte weepinge stones,
wax tendrer, and lye softelie on theire bones;
sleepe sweetlie, Sirrs, make lesse noise, ne them paine,
in th' Sanctuarie till they rise againe:
for they binn heavens starrs, which twincklen hier
then yet all their starr gazers knewe t' aspire.
And they which Chaucers figure deigne deface,
ô lett them live in shame, die in disgrace!
and never meete with other memorie
then is repeated of black obloquie.
but lost or supprest, near was found, though sought,
in all old libraries and Londons towre:
which to supplie, no poet had the powre,
save sacred Spencer, whoe twoe straines did wright
of Camball and Canac, and found it right.
ô thearfore, yee, the muses frendes, that maie,
give once a yeere this paire a wreath of baye,
in tokenn theire greene lines doe ever flourishe,
though blacke Sarcophagus their loines demolishe;
and yee, theire Treasorers, ofte weepinge stones,
wax tendrer, and lye softelie on theire bones;
sleepe sweetlie, Sirrs, make lesse noise, ne them paine,
in th' Sanctuarie till they rise againe:
for they binn heavens starrs, which twincklen hier
then yet all their starr gazers knewe t' aspire.
And they which Chaucers figure deigne deface,
ô lett them live in shame, die in disgrace!
235
then is repeated of black obloquie.
Lastelie, yee woold afoord his gentile squire,
if hee call at your house, a cupp of beere.
“thus endes my tale at length,” the youth gann saye,
“and if they did not well, praie god wee maie;
Whoe ever keepe vs all hurtlesselie mirrie,
and so have with yee now to Canterburie.”
if hee call at your house, a cupp of beere.
“thus endes my tale at length,” the youth gann saye,
“and if they did not well, praie god wee maie;
Whoe ever keepe vs all hurtlesselie mirrie,
and so have with yee now to Canterburie.”
| John Lane's continuation of Chaucer's "Squire's Tale" | |