A Stanzaic Life of Christ Compiled from Higden's Polychronicon and the Legenda Aurea |
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In die pentecostes.
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 | A Stanzaic Life of Christ |  |
322
In die pentecostes.
Nowe ys to knowe for al mon-kind
that this day from heuen was sent
the Holy Gost, as I wel finde,
in tonges of [fuyr] brennyng feruent,
that this day from heuen was sent
the Holy Gost, as I wel finde,
in tonges of [fuyr] brennyng feruent,
whiche sendyng to haue in mynde
the heghest poynteȝ takes entent,
first in Latyn be-leue lynd
and after on Englisshe to be kent.
the heghest poynteȝ takes entent,
first in Latyn be-leue lynd
and after on Englisshe to be kent.
Primo considerandum est A quo missus est; Secundo, quot modis missus est; iijo, quo tempore missus est; iiijo, quociens missus est; vjo, in quo missus est; vijo, ad quos missus est; octauo, propter quid missus est. Primo A quo missus est.
As to the furst, knowe [s]hun ȝe,
from whom the Holy Gost was sent,
from the fader, as rede we,
and from the son also he went,
from whom the Holy Gost was sent,
from the fader, as rede we,
and from the son also he went,
And him-self proferde he thoo,
als our doctours han vs kent,
so was he sent from all tho
to his discipuls to-ȝeder. lent.
als our doctours han vs kent,
so was he sent from all tho
to his discipuls to-ȝeder. lent.
That he fro the fader come
Sayn witnes, as ȝe schun se,
and sais, ‘the fader of rightwis dome
will send his gost to his men-ȝe.’
Sayn witnes, as ȝe schun se,
and sais, ‘the fader of rightwis dome
will send his gost to his men-ȝe.’
Iohannis xvio: Cum Autem venerit ille spiritus veritatis, docebit omnem veritatem.
then tretes a doctour opon this
and sais, ‘the holy trinite
And godhede þat vnchangeable is,
in substance non but one is he,
and sais, ‘the holy trinite
And godhede þat vnchangeable is,
in substance non but one is he,
323
‘and in this werk forsoth i-wis
may not be twynnet, leue ȝe me,
in wille, in might, & eke in blisse,
all bien one ther persones three.
may not be twynnet, leue ȝe me,
in wille, in might, & eke in blisse,
all bien one ther persones three.
‘the trinite thurgh his mercy
Deuyset this werk thurgh his might,
mon-kind of bale for to bye,
this as ȝe schun se in sight;
Deuyset this werk thurgh his might,
mon-kind of bale for to bye,
this as ȝe schun se in sight;
‘that the fader alweldyng
Schuld suffre mercy to be wroght;
The son shewde hit at his comyng,
when that he on rode was broght;
Schuld suffre mercy to be wroght;
The son shewde hit at his comyng,
when that he on rode was broght;
‘Also the Holy Gost in confermyng
of that be-for so don and thoght
Schuld make our hertes hote brennyng
qven that bote to vs wer broȝt.’
of that be-for so don and thoght
Schuld make our hertes hote brennyng
qven that bote to vs wer broȝt.’
Hec Leo papa: Beate trinitatis incommutabilis Deitas vna est in substancia & diuisa in comparacione corporis in voluntate par in potencia equalis in gloria. Diuisit sibi autem opus nostre redempcionis misericordia trinitatis, vt pater propiciaret, spiritus sanctus igniret.
For the Holi Gost God is,
ther I preue he hade gret miȝt
to gif hym-self to vs I-wis,
As wel as fader & son by riȝt.
ther I preue he hade gret miȝt
to gif hym-self to vs I-wis,
As wel as fader & son by riȝt.
Saynt Ambros preues wel þis,
the Holi Gost may not by griȝt
fulle god-hede, ellis wer mys
by four skilles, in monnus siȝt.
the Holi Gost may not by griȝt
fulle god-hede, ellis wer mys
by four skilles, in monnus siȝt.
Ambrosius in libro de spiritu sancto: Deus cognoscitur,
aut quia sine peccato est, aut quia condonat, aut
quia creatura non est, aut quia non adorat, sed adoratur.
324
ffor God is knowen skilfully
ouþer for he is bout syn,
or for he forgifs thurȝe his mercy
synful men that ben þer-in,
ouþer for he is bout syn,
or for he forgifs thurȝe his mercy
synful men that ben þer-in,
oþer ellis for he endeles is,
ne creatur bot creatour,
or for he honourede is
And to non oþer dos honour.
ne creatur bot creatour,
or for he honourede is
And to non oþer dos honour.
then in this worde spoken her
is shewide hou þe trinite
holly to vs & most der
ȝeue hym-self, as ȝe shyn se,
is shewide hou þe trinite
holly to vs & most der
ȝeue hym-self, as ȝe shyn se,
ffor þe fader al þat he hade
he ȝeue vs, as sais saynt Austyne,
his son, his gost sent vs to glade,
As I reherce in Latyne:
he ȝeue vs, as sais saynt Austyne,
his son, his gost sent vs to glade,
As I reherce in Latyne:
Misit nobis filium suum in pretium nostre redempcionis, spiritum sanctum in preuilegium nostre adopcionis & se ipsum reseruauit in heriditatem adoptacionis.
he says, ‘he send his son adoun
for preciouse price vs to for-bye;
the Holi Gost for enchesoun
Of our dessire, & to distrye
for preciouse price vs to for-bye;
the Holi Gost for enchesoun
Of our dessire, & to distrye
‘The deuel þat wyth bale was bowun
to bynd vs into hys baylie;
and hym-selfe hole, wete ye moun,
ffor our heritage, as rede I.’
to bynd vs into hys baylie;
and hym-selfe hole, wete ye moun,
ffor our heritage, as rede I.’
Thus dede the fader to begynne;
The son also, as I schal say,
schewyde hym for to scleke oure synne,
Als Bernarde says al to our paye;
The son also, as I schal say,
schewyde hym for to scleke oure synne,
Als Bernarde says al to our paye;
325
‘ffor vs to saue hys lif he lede,
his blode he ȝef vs forto drynke,
hys flesche for mete in fourme of brede,
her was fayr gyfft, as men mon thynke.’
his blode he ȝef vs forto drynke,
hys flesche for mete in fourme of brede,
her was fayr gyfft, as men mon thynke.’
Bernardus: Dedit nobis animam in precium, sanguinem suum in potum, carnem in cibum, &c.
Also þe Holy Gost i-wysse
All that felle to hym ȝeue hee
Als Poule sais, nothyng amysse,
Iche mon after his degre;
All that felle to hym ȝeue hee
Als Poule sais, nothyng amysse,
Iche mon after his degre;
ffor sommon he ȝefe wysdom too,
summon conyng, summon gude faye,
and þe Holy Gost wold doo
To schow hym to monkyn[d] verray.
summon conyng, summon gude faye,
and þe Holy Gost wold doo
To schow hym to monkyn[d] verray.
Ad Chorinthios xiiijo: Alii per spiritum sanctum datur sermo sapiencie, Alii sermo scientie, secundum eundem spiritum, Alteri fides, &c.
Secundo quot modis missus est.
Now to the secund goo wee,
and telle in how mony manere
the Holy Gost, as ȝe schun see,
May send be, tokenes hit here.
and telle in how mony manere
the Holy Gost, as ȝe schun see,
May send be, tokenes hit here.
In too maners, leue ȝe me,
one is in syȝt of sum mater,
As ȝif in fir or cloude come he;
þat oþer vsen men in hert cler
one is in syȝt of sum mater,
As ȝif in fir or cloude come he;
þat oþer vsen men in hert cler
quen he comes & is not sene,
þen slydes he in-to mennes mynde
þat chast & in clene lyfe bene,
in oþer plas schall non hym fynde.
þen slydes he in-to mennes mynde
þat chast & in clene lyfe bene,
in oþer plas schall non hym fynde.
326
Iohannis tercio: Spiritus, vbi vult, spirat & vocem eius Audis, set nescis, a quo venit aut quo vadat, &c.
Þerfor saynt Iohn says, ‘Goddes gost
springes & lenges quer hym lyst;
his gost þou heres bout bost,
bot quethen hit comes, is vnwyst.’
springes & lenges quer hym lyst;
his gost þou heres bout bost,
bot quethen hit comes, is vnwyst.’
þen Bernarde says, ‘no meruayle is,
ffor be þo eghen he entres noght,
ffor colour has he none I-wis,
quen he comes in monnes thoȝt,
ffor be þo eghen he entres noght,
ffor colour has he none I-wis,
quen he comes in monnes thoȝt,
‘Ne Eres faren nothyng amys
be sownyng, quen he so is soȝt,
ne be þo nase, leue wele this,
bot in holy hert þat wele is wroȝt.’
be sownyng, quen he so is soȝt,
ne be þo nase, leue wele this,
bot in holy hert þat wele is wroȝt.’
& monnes Avne skylfull dome
shall tell quen he comes in,
ffor Bernarde says þat quen he come,
vices flogh euer with-oute dyn,
shall tell quen he comes in,
ffor Bernarde says þat quen he come,
vices flogh euer with-oute dyn,
& vertues entreden Anone;
þen meruaylled he in þis maner,
‘how vertues comen & vices gon,
wunderly by his wisdome wer!’
þen meruaylled he in þis maner,
‘how vertues comen & vices gon,
wunderly by his wisdome wer!’
ffor quen he amendet of his lyfe,
he persayued Goddes myȝt,
þat wykked gost þat did hym stryfe
was wayued in refourmyng ryȝt,
he persayued Goddes myȝt,
þat wykked gost þat did hym stryfe
was wayued in refourmyng ryȝt,
Þen segh he Goddes swetnes ther,
And tho wykket wos went oway,
þen hertly alway he con hym heer,
As I in Latyn thenke to say:
And tho wykket wos went oway,
þen hertly alway he con hym heer,
As I in Latyn thenke to say:
Ex motu cordis intellexi presenciam eius, ex fuga vicorum
Aduerti potenciam virtutis eius & ex quacumque
emendacione morum meorum expertus sum bonitatem
mansuetudinis Et ex reformacione & renouacione
spiritus mentis mee prospexi, vt-cumque speciem
decoris eius & ex motu horum omnium expaui
multitudinem magnifitudinis eius, &c. Hec dicit Bernardus.
327
quen þo Holy Gost has ben sent
In any mater þat mon may see,
be fyue maners, as I am kent,
he has ben sent, as rede we.
In any mater þat mon may see,
be fyue maners, as I am kent,
he has ben sent, as rede we.
ffyrst in A dove lykenes,
Crist quen þat he folwed was,
As Saynt Luke beres wytnes
& in gospell mynde mas:
Crist quen þat he folwed was,
As Saynt Luke beres wytnes
& in gospell mynde mas:
Descendit spiritus sanctus corporali specie. Luce iijo.
Tho secunde tyme in cloude bryȝt
At Cristes transfiguracioun,
quen he to his men kuyt his myȝt,
In gospell As ȝe rede moun.
At Cristes transfiguracioun,
quen he to his men kuyt his myȝt,
In gospell As ȝe rede moun.
Ad-huc eo loquente ecce nubes lucida obumbrauit eos, &c.
Tho thrid tyme wos be a blast
he sent tho Holy Gost to hyse,
þat hor hertes shulden last,
ffor in þat werke he made hom wise.
he sent tho Holy Gost to hyse,
þat hor hertes shulden last,
ffor in þat werke he made hom wise.
& quen he blwe he sayd this,
‘haues her þo Holy Gost in ȝow,
þat ȝe for-ȝeiten not þis
my faithe fully for to knaw.’
‘haues her þo Holy Gost in ȝow,
þat ȝe for-ȝeiten not þis
my faithe fully for to knaw.’
Iohannis xxmo: Inflauit & dixit: Accipite spiritum sanctum, &c.
The furthe tyme in fir, in fay,
The fyfte in tong & strange speche,
In þes too he come as þis day
ffor to be our lyfes leche.
The fyfte in tong & strange speche,
In þes too he come as þis day
ffor to be our lyfes leche.
328
Þer-for shwed in syght was he
In þes fyfe lykenes, as I say,
þat vnderstonde fully shyn we
hor propurtees, all to our pay,
In þes fyfe lykenes, as I say,
þat vnderstonde fully shyn we
hor propurtees, all to our pay,
Of queche þat he schwed hym þen,
to knaw þat he wurches al-way
In mennes hertes, as I myn,
with þos maters to mende hom ay,
to knaw þat he wurches al-way
In mennes hertes, as I myn,
with þos maters to mende hom ay,
& bryng mon owt of dedly syn,
Also to do poyntes to his pay.
Now at þo dowue I will begyn
his kynde to moraluse, As I may.
Also to do poyntes to his pay.
Now at þo dowue I will begyn
his kynde to moraluse, As I may.
Tho verray kynde of dowue is this,
in stede of song to be mournyng,
In hyr wontes galle I-wis,
In holes off ston is hyr wonnyng.
in stede of song to be mournyng,
In hyr wontes galle I-wis,
In holes off ston is hyr wonnyng.
Ryȝt so þo Holy Gost in this
mas men to sorowe for hor synnyng,
& quen þai mendet haue þis mys,
then has he way & full entryng.
mas men to sorowe for hor synnyng,
& quen þai mendet haue þis mys,
then has he way & full entryng.
þer her-to Acordes Issay,
In Laten clerkes for to rede,
& says, ‘we mournen as dowfe ay,
& as beeres romeon’, as I rede.
In Laten clerkes for to rede,
& says, ‘we mournen as dowfe ay,
& as beeres romeon’, as I rede.
Issay libro iiijto: Rugiemus quasi vrsi & quasi columbe meditantes gememus. Item Ad Romanos viijo: Ipse spiritus postulat pro nobis gemitibus inenarrabilibus, id est, nos postulantes gementes facit, &c.
The secund kynde þe dowfe has,
ho has no bytternes of galle,
ne bitternes none in þat plaas
þer-as þo Holy Gost will fall.
ho has no bytternes of galle,
ne bitternes none in þat plaas
þer-as þo Holy Gost will fall.
329
Sapiens dicit: O quam bonus & suauis est, domine, spiritus tuus, &c.
Þerfor þo wise mon wonderyng mas
of þat souerayne swetnes
þat þo Holy Gost full of gras
has ay, as ȝe schyn her expres.
of þat souerayne swetnes
þat þo Holy Gost full of gras
has ay, as ȝe schyn her expres.
ffor swete, blessed, & eke kynde
þo wise mon called hit weterly,
ffor al thre as I will fynde
hit mas vs quen we han mercy.
þo wise mon called hit weterly,
ffor al thre as I will fynde
hit mas vs quen we han mercy.
Swete in worde, for wunderly
þo Apostels speken þis day
quen hit wos lyȝt in hom in hy,
iche langayge in hor tung lay,
þo Apostels speken þis day
quen hit wos lyȝt in hom in hy,
iche langayge in hor tung lay,
& blessyd wos all þat company
In mynde, as ȝe leue wele may,
quen þat heuenly tresory
in hom wos sett fast, soþe to say.
In mynde, as ȝe leue wele may,
quen þat heuenly tresory
in hom wos sett fast, soþe to say.
Kynde Also in werke þai wer,
quen þat gost in hom had wroȝt,
ffor hit made God to hom so der,
dethe for hym dredde þai noȝt.
quen þat gost in hom had wroȝt,
ffor hit made God to hom so der,
dethe for hym dredde þai noȝt.
Sapiencie viio: Spiritus sanctus est suauis, benignus, humilis ex eo, quod suaues, benignos, humiles nos faciat: suaues in sermone, benignos in corde & humiles in opere, &c.
Tho thrid kynd I sayd befor
þat þo dowfe has, as ȝe schyn her,
In holes of ston euer mor
ho byldes & lenges bothe in fer,
þat þo dowfe has, as ȝe schyn her,
In holes of ston euer mor
ho byldes & lenges bothe in fer,
Quyche holes of ston I vnderstonde
Cristes woundes vs to wone in,
& wikkednes alway to wovnde,
on his passioun ȝif we myn.
Cristes woundes vs to wone in,
& wikkednes alway to wovnde,
on his passioun ȝif we myn.
330
ffor As ho dwelles in holes of ston
þat to his wondes likened bene,
so dwellon þes holy men yche on
in Cristes woundes, with-outen wene.
þat to his wondes likened bene,
so dwellon þes holy men yche on
in Cristes woundes, with-outen wene.
ffor quyll þai þenken hom opon,
hor hertes bene sett, as wele is sene,
In mournyng & in makyng moone,
As don þes dowfes all be-dene.
hor hertes bene sett, as wele is sene,
In mournyng & in makyng moone,
As don þes dowfes all be-dene.
þer-for þo Holy Goste to-day
In dowfe lykenes wele wos sent,
ffor men þat lyfen, As þai done ay,
thurgh þo Holy Gost ben kent.
In dowfe lykenes wele wos sent,
ffor men þat lyfen, As þai done ay,
thurgh þo Holy Gost ben kent.
Þer-for says Salomon in his song,
‘ryse vp my luf, my dowfe der,
& norische my bryddes Ay Among,
In holes of ston & helpe hom her.’
‘ryse vp my luf, my dowfe der,
& norische my bryddes Ay Among,
In holes of ston & helpe hom her.’
Canticorum secundo: Surge Amica mea, columba mea, fouens mihi pullos in foraminibus petrinis.
Þat dowfe þo Holy Gost yt is,
þo briddes goode men full of hit,
þo holes Cristes woundes I-wis
þat þai on þenken thurgh hor wytt.
þo briddes goode men full of hit,
þo holes Cristes woundes I-wis
þat þai on þenken thurgh hor wytt.
Secundo in specie nube.
Þo secunde poynt is of our speche
þat God his gost schewed has
In clowdes lykenes, As lyues leche,
& be gode skyll þat werke don has.
þat God his gost schewed has
In clowdes lykenes, As lyues leche,
& be gode skyll þat werke don has.
for A cloude ȝe mone wele see
þat from þo erthe is houen heghe,
Refresshes, in heyte ȝif þat hit be,
And rayne engendres to be neghe.
þat from þo erthe is houen heghe,
Refresshes, in heyte ȝif þat hit be,
And rayne engendres to be neghe.
331
So dos þo Holy Gost I-wis
qwo-so he filles of his godenes,
he mas hom to for-sake worldly blis
And heues hor hertes to hom expres.
qwo-so he filles of his godenes,
he mas hom to for-sake worldly blis
And heues hor hertes to hom expres.
Ezechielis viijo: Eleuauit me spiritus inter celum & terram. Item Gregorius: Gustato spiritu de[si]pit omnis caro, &c.
Also hit dose grete refresshyng
oȝayne heyte brennyng of vice,
And þer-as he will be lengyng
nothyng þat is lodely lys.
oȝayne heyte brennyng of vice,
And þer-as he will be lengyng
nothyng þat is lodely lys.
Therfor quen Gabriell Mary grett,
he sayd þo Holy Gost shuld lyȝt
In hyr & chadowe oboute hyr sett
þurgh vertu of God most of myȝt.
he sayd þo Holy Gost shuld lyȝt
In hyr & chadowe oboute hyr sett
þurgh vertu of God most of myȝt.
Spiritus sanctus superueniet in te & virtus altissimi, &c.
Þat is as meche to vnderstonde
þat chadowe hyr he wolde so with blis,
And to slekke all vices so he wold fonde
þat he shuld no way do mys,
þat chadowe hyr he wolde so with blis,
And to slekke all vices so he wold fonde
þat he shuld no way do mys,
With water, to tell I will nout wonde,
Of þo Holy Goost i-wis,
ffor slekkyng water þurgh Goddes sonde
þo Holy Gost skekket wele is.
Of þo Holy Goost i-wis,
ffor slekkyng water þurgh Goddes sonde
þo Holy Gost skekket wele is.
Iohannis septimo: fflumina de ventre eius fluent Aque viue. Hoc autem dixit de spiritu sancto, quem erant Accepturi credentes in eum, &c.
ffor God calles his gost so,
As saynt Iohan wytnes her,
þer-for in clowde of water thoo
hyt semed wele he shuld aper.
As saynt Iohan wytnes her,
þer-for in clowde of water thoo
hyt semed wele he shuld aper.
Tho thrid godenes of Goddes gost
þat he engendres in comyng,
rayne of teres & wayues boost
In monnes herte with sorwe remyng,
þat he engendres in comyng,
rayne of teres & wayues boost
In monnes herte with sorwe remyng,
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Ryȝt As þo clowde engendres rayne,
Ryȝt so teres engendres he,
þer-for to schwe hym he wos bayne
In cloude lykenes, As rede we.
Ryȝt so teres engendres he,
þer-for to schwe hym he wos bayne
In cloude lykenes, As rede we.
Psalmus: Flauit spiritus eius & fluent aque, videlicet lacrimarum, &c.
Tercio in flatu.
Tho thyrd maner he con hym shawe
wos in blawyng at þo mowthe,
And monnes blast, kyndly to knawe,
Is light & hote, is none vncouthe.
wos in blawyng at þo mowthe,
And monnes blast, kyndly to knawe,
Is light & hote, is none vncouthe.
Gost-wynd nedefull is to recouer
monnes gost þat greued is,
ffor shawing of no thyng mon is leuer
þen softe blast quen he fares mys.
monnes gost þat greued is,
ffor shawing of no thyng mon is leuer
þen softe blast quen he fares mys.
So is þo Holy Gost full lyȝt
As wynde to entre in monnes thoȝt,
þat flees syn & drawes to ryȝt,
he mas his seyte þer all vnsoght.
As wynde to entre in monnes thoȝt,
þat flees syn & drawes to ryȝt,
he mas his seyte þer all vnsoght.
þer-for says þo glose wele her
þat Goddes gost con not be latte
ffrom plas þat he will to Aper,
ffor sone As he comes And all vnfotte.
þat Goddes gost con not be latte
ffrom plas þat he will to Aper,
ffor sone As he comes And all vnfotte.
Glosa super [illud]: Factus est repente, nescit tarda molumina spiritus sancti gracia. Item spiritus sanctus calidus est ad inflandum, &c.
Also þo Holy Gost is hote
ffor to enflaume as fir dos ay,
Goddes worde, As I wele woote,
Acordis to þis, As I shall say,
ffor to enflaume as fir dos ay,
Goddes worde, As I wele woote,
Acordis to þis, As I shall say,
‘I come’, he says, ‘to erthe her
ffor to put fire þer-in,
And I will þat hit brenne cler
In mennes Eres & noȝt blynne.’
ffor to put fire þer-in,
And I will þat hit brenne cler
In mennes Eres & noȝt blynne.’
333
Luce xiio: ignem mittere in terram & quid volo, nisi vt ardet, &c.
Tho fir is called þo Holy Gost,
þo flaume of hit þat ese blast
þat Crist blew of myȝtes most
quen hit to his dysciples past.
þo flaume of hit þat ese blast
þat Crist blew of myȝtes most
quen hit to his dysciples past.
þer-for þat wynde likened is
þat brennes mennes hertes so,
To þo sotheron wynde I-wis,
þat moystes & brennes bothe too.
þat brennes mennes hertes so,
To þo sotheron wynde I-wis,
þat moystes & brennes bothe too.
ffor hyt moystes, no-thyng Amys,
men te be meke bothe one & moo,
And brennes hom Alls, leues wele þis,
To God bothe in weyle & wo.
men te be meke bothe one & moo,
And brennes hom Alls, leues wele þis,
To God bothe in weyle & wo.
Canticorum iiijto: Surge, Aquilo, veni, Auster, & perfla, &c. Item spiritus sanctus lenis est Ad flatus demulcendum, &c.
Also þo blast þat Crist so blwe
quen his gost opon hom lyȝt
wos softe to make men hym to swe,
As oynement þat is mad ryȝt.
quen his gost opon hom lyȝt
wos softe to make men hym to swe,
As oynement þat is mad ryȝt.
Of quiche spekes [Saynt] Iohn,
þat says þat Cristes enoyntyng
teches vs so-qwer we gon
to haue knawlage of all thyng.
þat says þat Cristes enoyntyng
teches vs so-qwer we gon
to haue knawlage of all thyng.
Iohannis Tercio: Vnctio enim eius docet de omnibus, &c.
Also to dewe þat likened is,
ffor hit is softe in doun fallyng,
As in chirche is songen now þis,
In Latyn as I shall ȝow mynge:
ffor hit is softe in doun fallyng,
As in chirche is songen now þis,
In Latyn as I shall ȝow mynge:
334
Et sui roris intima Asperacione fecundet, &c.
Also hit lykened is to Ayrþat softe is, As ȝe schyn see,
fforto Amende & noȝt enpair
he comes, for verray God is he.
Regum xxo: Et post ignem cibulus Aure tenus, & ibi dominus. Item necessarius est ad respirandum, &c.
An-other profet I may preue
Is with mouth of wynde comyng,
ffor hit is nedefull for to reve
swike þat mon has in schwyng,
Is with mouth of wynde comyng,
ffor hit is nedefull for to reve
swike þat mon has in schwyng,
& restor þo gost oȝayn
þat in þat tempest troublet is,
ffor in þat swyke he myȝt be slayn
And in wynde or blast tareyng is.
þat in þat tempest troublet is,
ffor in þat swyke he myȝt be slayn
And in wynde or blast tareyng is.
So fares hit by tho Holy Gost
þat in softe wynde so geuen was,
put hit oway þat helpes most,
to rekeuer mon þat fayles gras.
þat in softe wynde so geuen was,
put hit oway þat helpes most,
to rekeuer mon þat fayles gras.
Aufers spiritum eorum & deficient. Item emitte spiritum tuum & creabuntur. Item Iohannis viijo: Spiritus est qui viuificat, &c.
Also þo Salme says wele her,
‘Send þi gost, lord, to þi men,
& made so in A new maner
thurgh þi vertu þai schyn be þen.’
‘Send þi gost, lord, to þi men,
& made so in A new maner
thurgh þi vertu þai schyn be þen.’
De tercio quo tempore missus est.
Now hit is profet for to knaw
quat tyme þo Holy Gost wos sent,
& querfor As I shall schawe,
As doctours sayn now takes entent.
quat tyme þo Holy Gost wos sent,
& querfor As I shall schawe,
As doctours sayn now takes entent.
335
In þo fyfty day he come I-wis
After his resurrectioun,
[OMITTED]
[OMITTED]
After his resurrectioun,
[OMITTED]
[OMITTED]
to knawe thre [þ]ynges þat in hym is,
ffyrst hor lawes perfectioun,
þat oþer hor endles mede for þis,
þe thrid of synnes remissioun.
ffyrst hor lawes perfectioun,
þat oþer hor endles mede for þis,
þe thrid of synnes remissioun.
þat in þo olde lawe, as rede I,
this thyng wos done þat I shall say,
Þat lawe wos made perfyte þer-by,
be gode resoun preue I may.
this thyng wos done þat I shall say,
Þat lawe wos made perfyte þer-by,
be gode resoun preue I may.
Primo spiritus sanctus est legis perfectio. In quinquagesimo die missus est spiritus sanctus, vt detur intelligi quoniam A spiritu est legis perfectio, eterna remuneracio & peccatorum remissio, &c.
A lombe wos offered reuerently,
& after þo fyfty day
The lawe wos gefen [on] Synay
in fir to Moyses, in gode fay.
& after þo fyfty day
The lawe wos gefen [on] Synay
in fir to Moyses, in gode fay.
So in þo nwe testament
þo Holy Gost, As leuen we,
In fir þo fyfty day wos sent
After þat Crist rose, leue ȝe me.
þo Holy Gost, As leuen we,
In fir þo fyfty day wos sent
After þat Crist rose, leue ȝe me.
& þus who-so will take entent,
ffor fyrst þo lombe may likened be
To Crist þat secund lombe wos sent
& sacrified, as ȝer wos he.
ffor fyrst þo lombe may likened be
To Crist þat secund lombe wos sent
& sacrified, as ȝer wos he.
þen ryȝt As Moyses law come
þo fyfty day next After þoo,
So Cristes gost in fir doun come
To conferme þes lawes too.
þo fyfty day next After þoo,
So Cristes gost in fir doun come
To conferme þes lawes too.
336
þus sent wos lawe in Synay,
þe Holy Gost in Mount Syon,
þo laghe on heghe hille, as rede I,
þat oþer in howse lyȝt hom opon.
þe Holy Gost in Mount Syon,
þo laghe on heghe hille, as rede I,
þat oþer in howse lyȝt hom opon.
So hit schewes wele be this
þat perfection of tho lawe
wos thurgh þo Holy Gost I-wis,
& þen fulfilled, be clerkes sawe.
þat perfection of tho lawe
wos thurgh þo Holy Gost I-wis,
& þen fulfilled, be clerkes sawe.
Spiritus plenitudo est mentis, perfectio muneris.
Be tho Holy Gost also
ffull reward euermor lastyng,
As in tho glose Among moo
Is wretyn þis worde wele Acordyng.
ffull reward euermor lastyng,
As in tho glose Among moo
Is wretyn þis worde wele Acordyng.
That ryȝt As Crist on erthe her
After his resurrexioun
ffaurty dayes wos in fer
with his disciples, wete ȝe moun,
After his resurrexioun
ffaurty dayes wos in fer
with his disciples, wete ȝe moun,
And steghe to heuen þo faurty day,
þat holy chirche may signefy
þat now endures to Goddes pay
to wyn euerlastyng blis þer-by,
þat holy chirche may signefy
þat now endures to Goddes pay
to wyn euerlastyng blis þer-by,
So may þo fyfty day I-wis
signefy rewarde be resoun,
In quiche day kyng of blis
Sende his gost to vs Adoun.
signefy rewarde be resoun,
In quiche day kyng of blis
Sende his gost to vs Adoun.
Item A spiritu sancto venit remissio.
Also by þo Holy Gost þis day
ffelle remyssioun of our syn,
And be gode skyll preue I may,
As I thenke now er þat I twyn.
ffelle remyssioun of our syn,
And be gode skyll preue I may,
As I thenke now er þat I twyn.
337
ffor in þo fyfty ȝer Alway
Sum tyme wos playne remissioun
of Cristen thynges, As I shall say,
þat I may after be resoun
Sum tyme wos playne remissioun
of Cristen thynges, As I shall say,
þat I may after be resoun
Put þo spirituall ȝer of grase
to þo temperall dede befor,
ffor this remissioun vsed was
ffrom Habrahames tyme euermor.
to þo temperall dede befor,
ffor this remissioun vsed was
ffrom Habrahames tyme euermor.
Dettes, ȝif ony oghyng wer,
wer for-gefen weterly,
Men that wer exilled comen ner
And wer restored thurgh mercy;
wer for-gefen weterly,
Men that wer exilled comen ner
And wer restored thurgh mercy;
Ȝif eny heretage wer lorne,
þat ȝer hit wos geuen oȝayne;
& suche as in bondayge wer borne,
wer made fre & þer-of fayne;
þat ȝer hit wos geuen oȝayne;
& suche as in bondayge wer borne,
wer made fre & þer-of fayne;
Also such As wer þo deth worthi,
wer delyuerd of presoun,
now put we yche grase in hy
to gostly playne remissioun.
wer delyuerd of presoun,
now put we yche grase in hy
to gostly playne remissioun.
ffyrst þurgh þo Holy Gost þis day,
ryȝt as dette forgeuen was,
so wer synnes, sothe to say,
hydde ouer-all þer he toke plaas.
ryȝt as dette forgeuen was,
so wer synnes, sothe to say,
hydde ouer-all þer he toke plaas.
Als in this fyfty day I-wis
synne[r]s wele repelled wer
to mercy, þof þai diden amys,
her-to Acordes þo Sauter:
synne[r]s wele repelled wer
to mercy, þof þai diden amys,
her-to Acordes þo Sauter:
Spiritus tuus bonus deducet me in terram rectam.
Also for heretage þat wos lost,
þat is erthely paradyse,
Crist his blode & flesshe for vs cost,
& for þat heretage put in prise
þat is erthely paradyse,
Crist his blode & flesshe for vs cost,
& for þat heretage put in prise
338
Heuenly paradyse vs to wyn,
And þis day sende his gost doun
to conferme þat he con wyn,
ffor quyche he tholed his passioun.
And þis day sende his gost doun
to conferme þat he con wyn,
ffor quyche he tholed his passioun.
Ad Romanos viijo: Ipse spiritus testimonium reddidit spiritui nostro, vt sumus filii dei. Sin autem filii, & heredes, &c.
Therfor Saynt Paule says expres
þat Goddis gost full of myȝt
to our gost beres wytnes
þat Goddes sonnes we ben be ryȝt.
þat Goddis gost full of myȝt
to our gost beres wytnes
þat Goddes sonnes we ben be ryȝt.
& ȝif we ben his sonnes all,
his Ayres we ben of full ayge,
& heuenly paradyse vs will fall
ffor to clayme for heretayge.
his Ayres we ben of full ayge,
& heuenly paradyse vs will fall
ffor to clayme for heretayge.
Also ryȝt As bonde-men wer
þat ȝer delyuerd All vnboȝt,
So out of synne we ben her
delyuered with þat God has wroȝt.
þat ȝer delyuerd All vnboȝt,
So out of synne we ben her
delyuered with þat God has wroȝt.
ffor quer-so Goddes gost shall go,
þer is ffrensship þat will not faile,
Saynt Paule witnes þat hit is so,
þer Sathan may vs noȝt Assayle.
þer is ffrensship þat will not faile,
Saynt Paule witnes þat hit is so,
þer Sathan may vs noȝt Assayle.
Ad Chorentheos tercio: Vbi spiritus domini, ibi libertas, &c.
De iiijto quociens missus est, videlicet apostolis.
Now hit is to knaw ryȝt
how ofte þo Holy Gost wos sent
to his dysciples, as he lyȝt
thries I fynde, now takes entent.
how ofte þo Holy Gost wos sent
to his dysciples, as he lyȝt
thries I fynde, now takes entent.
Befor þo passioun one tyme was,
And after þo resurrexioun,
Tho thrid tyme as this day thurgh gras
x. dayes after tho Ascensioun.
And after þo resurrexioun,
Tho thrid tyme as this day thurgh gras
x. dayes after tho Ascensioun.
339
Þo fyrst for miracles, leue ȝe may,
The secound to relesshe syn,
þo thrid to comforde vs in tho fay
þat sumtyme befor wer louse þer in.
The secound to relesshe syn,
þo thrid to comforde vs in tho fay
þat sumtyme befor wer louse þer in.
Primo missus est Ad faciendum miracula, secundo relaxandum peccata, tercio ad confirmandum corda.
ffyrst he sende hit hom to preche,
& ouer deuels to haue power,
to keuer All þat þai myȝt ouer-reyche,
þo quyche in ony langour wer,
& ouer deuels to haue power,
to keuer All þat þai myȝt ouer-reyche,
þo quyche in ony langour wer,
And þos miracles myȝt þai not do
Saue only by þo Holy Gost,
þerfor he graunted þat grase hom to
to heele þer-by bothe leest & moost.
Saue only by þo Holy Gost,
þerfor he graunted þat grase hom to
to heele þer-by bothe leest & moost.
Mathei septimo: Si Autem in spiritu dei eicio demonia, &c.
Neuer-tho-les hit schwes noȝt
yche mon þat has gost in hym,
bot wundres schyn be by hym wroȝt
to leene mon lyfe, er heyle, or lym.
yche mon þat has gost in hym,
bot wundres schyn be by hym wroȝt
to leene mon lyfe, er heyle, or lym.
Gregorius: Miracula hominem sanctum non faciunt, set ostendu[n]t.
ffor Saynt Gregory says this,
þat miracles maken not A mon holy,
Bot schwen þat he holy is
& godde wurches wonderly,
þat miracles maken not A mon holy,
Bot schwen þat he holy is
& godde wurches wonderly,
Ne all men þat miracles don
haue not in hom þo Holy Gost,
ffor summe men sayn þat þai mone sone
do myracles, & þer-of maken boost.
haue not in hom þo Holy Gost,
ffor summe men sayn þat þai mone sone
do myracles, & þer-of maken boost.
340
Domine, Domine non probavimus in nomine tuo, &c.
Bot God full of Autorite
dose miracles, takes þis in mynde,
Aungels be mater, leue ȝe me,
haue Abulte of hit as I fynde;
dose miracles, takes þis in mynde,
Aungels be mater, leue ȝe me,
haue Abulte of hit as I fynde;
Deuelles be vertues kyndely
þat diuers thynges haue hom with-in,
of preciouse stones & herbery
& oþer mater I con not myn;
þat diuers thynges haue hom with-in,
of preciouse stones & herbery
& oþer mater I con not myn;
Nigramaunsirs done meruayllousely
be preue consaylyng And wytte
of deuels þat wolden men dystry,
quat þai don deuels techen hit;
be preue consaylyng And wytte
of deuels þat wolden men dystry,
quat þai don deuels techen hit;
Goode Cristen men don wondres als,
Al be knawen ryȝtwisnes,
Euell Cristen men be signes fals
Semyng gode, full of falsenes.
Al be knawen ryȝtwisnes,
Euell Cristen men be signes fals
Semyng gode, full of falsenes.
Tho seconde tyme his gost geue he
to his disciples all in pees
quen he blwe & sayd, ‘haue ȝe
þo Holy Gost, syn to relese.’
to his disciples all in pees
quen he blwe & sayd, ‘haue ȝe
þo Holy Gost, syn to relese.’
Accipite spiritum sanctum, quorum remiseritis, &c.
Bot ȝet no mon relese may
Preuee gylt in hert hydde,
or gilt þat bounden is ony way
In helle for to take stydde.
Preuee gylt in hert hydde,
or gilt þat bounden is ony way
In helle for to take stydde.
And ȝif mon to God do trespas
As sennyng in tho Holy Gost,
her most contricion come in plaas
& mercy of hym þat is moost,
As sennyng in tho Holy Gost,
her most contricion come in plaas
& mercy of hym þat is moost,
Or hit may not forgeuen be
As to tho payne hit is worthi,
bot þurgh penauns pert or preue
& contricioun inwardely.
As to tho payne hit is worthi,
bot þurgh penauns pert or preue
& contricioun inwardely.
341
Bot ȝet will A confessour
Assoyle quen A mon schryuen is,
supposyng he tolde his errour
of all þat he had done Amys,
Assoyle quen A mon schryuen is,
supposyng he tolde his errour
of all þat he had done Amys,
ffor þo prest may do no mor
þen he þer may segh in syght
& þat he schawes hym befor,
Assoylled he is be way of ryȝt;
þen he þer may segh in syght
& þat he schawes hym befor,
Assoylled he is be way of ryȝt;
Bot of preue thoȝt with-in
may no mon deme bot onely he
þat shryues hym so of his syn,
ȝif he worche be sotelte,
may no mon deme bot onely he
þat shryues hym so of his syn,
ȝif he worche be sotelte,
þerfor his saule for to saue
he geues hym penauns for to do her,
þat he in purgatory shuld haue
gyf þat his syn punysshed wer,
he geues hym penauns for to do her,
þat he in purgatory shuld haue
gyf þat his syn punysshed wer,
& sum penaunce temperall
he relesshes as for þo best,
bot ȝet contricioun most come with-all
other all his trauayle clene is lest.
he relesshes as for þo best,
bot ȝet contricioun most come with-all
other all his trauayle clene is lest.
Tho thrid tyme wos as this day
þat God þo Holy Gost doun sent
to sadden hom fully in þo fay
to drede no dethe ne tourment.
þat God þo Holy Gost doun sent
to sadden hom fully in þo fay
to drede no dethe ne tourment.
Saynt Austyn spekes of þis mater
& says, ‘þo Holy Gostes gras
is so mury in his maner,
þof he fynde tristes in þat plas,
& says, ‘þo Holy Gostes gras
is so mury in his maner,
þof he fynde tristes in þat plas,
‘He vnbyndes hit boute ber
& turnes sorwe in-to solas,
& ȝif wylnyng waxen wer
he wayues as thyng þat neuer was,
& turnes sorwe in-to solas,
& ȝif wylnyng waxen wer
he wayues as thyng þat neuer was,
342
‘& drede he puttes clene oway,
on Cristes dysciples as wos sene,
ffor fro þat þis gifte wos geuen þis day
Miȝt neuer mon turne hom for no tene.’
on Cristes dysciples as wos sene,
ffor fro þat þis gifte wos geuen þis day
Miȝt neuer mon turne hom for no tene.’
Augustinus: Talis est gracia spiritus sancti, quod, si tristiciam invenerit, dissolui, Si desiderium iniustum, consumit, si tremorem, abiecit, &c.
De quinto qualiter missus est.
Now how þo Holy Gost send was
hit is to wete & knaw I-wis,
with sowene & dyn þer in þat plaas
& tonges of fir, leue wele þis,
hit is to wete & knaw I-wis,
with sowene & dyn þer in þat plaas
& tonges of fir, leue wele þis,
And þos tonges forthe-schawyng
syttyng, þat iche mon myȝt see
his felawes on fir flaumyng,
As semed þer to þat meyne.
syttyng, þat iche mon myȝt see
his felawes on fir flaumyng,
As semed þer to þat meyne.
Sonus fuit repentinus, celestis, vehemens & replens, vt inferius declarabitur, &c.
That sowene wos sodayne, sothe to say,
heuenly, heuyng vp & ouer,
& fulfillyng, in gode fay,
As I shall declar þes four.
heuenly, heuyng vp & ouer,
& fulfillyng, in gode fay,
As I shall declar þes four.
Spiritus sanctus nescit tarda molumina.
Sodayn hit wos securly,
ffor þo Holy Gostes gras
is radde & con not come slawly
þer-as he will take his plaas.
ffor þo Holy Gostes gras
is radde & con not come slawly
þer-as he will take his plaas.
Heuenly also wos þat sowene,
ffor qwo-so hit is to sent
is made heuenly be resoun
of heuenly thyng, als fully kent.
ffor qwo-so hit is to sent
is made heuenly be resoun
of heuenly thyng, als fully kent.
343
Vnde vehemens, quasi vehat mens.
Heuen[g] vp hit wos also
ffor erthely luf engendret hit
& wayued als euer-lastyng woo,
And wroȝt full wele in monnes witte.
ffor erthely luf engendret hit
& wayued als euer-lastyng woo,
And wroȝt full wele in monnes witte.
Also hit wos fulfillyng,
ffor þo Holy Gost Al-way
fulfilles hom þat he is In lengyng,
As by this clause knaw mon may:
ffor þo Holy Gost Al-way
fulfilles hom þat he is In lengyng,
As by this clause knaw mon may:
Repleti sunt omnes spiritu sancto.
Thre maner fulnes, wele I fynde,
& tokenes of plente also
wos in þo Apostelles mynde
quen Goddes gost wos in hom þoo.
& tokenes of plente also
wos in þo Apostelles mynde
quen Goddes gost wos in hom þoo.
Þe fyrst songe made no sowene
After þo fyrst sowene doun comyng,
As schawes boþe in tour & tone
A full tvnne will sowen no thyng.
After þo fyrst sowene doun comyng,
As schawes boþe in tour & tone
A full tvnne will sowen no thyng.
Iob septimo: Numquid mugiet bos, cum Autem presepe plenum fuerit, &c.
ffor an ox, as Iob says her,
will not lowe quen cracche is fulle,
no mor dos mon in no maner
quen he has al thyng þat he will
will not lowe quen cracche is fulle,
no mor dos mon in no maner
quen he has al thyng þat he will
& crache of his hert full of hay,—
queche hay I call þo Holy Gost
þat makes althyng to his pay,—
hit nedes not to crie ne boost
queche hay I call þo Holy Gost
þat makes althyng to his pay,—
hit nedes not to crie ne boost
Ne noȝt to sowene, as I say,
ffor þurgh þat lorde of myȝtes moost
impaciens is put oway,
He dredes for no kynges hoost.
ffor þurgh þat lorde of myȝtes moost
impaciens is put oway,
He dredes for no kynges hoost.
344
Þis token haden truly
Þo Apostels euerychon,
ffor in Angre & grete ny
Cry ne boost made neuer one,
Þo Apostels euerychon,
ffor in Angre & grete ny
Cry ne boost made neuer one,
Bot wentyn glad & murely
to mon makyng hor moone,
þo Holy Gost so graciousely
in all godenes has hom begone.
to mon makyng hor moone,
þo Holy Gost so graciousely
in all godenes has hom begone.
Ibant gaudentes in conspectu consilii, quoniam digni habeti sunt, &c.
Þo secunde signe of fulnes was
þat in þo dysciples con aper,
of þo Holy Gostes gras
No fuller myȝt þai be þen þai wer.
þat in þo dysciples con aper,
of þo Holy Gostes gras
No fuller myȝt þai be þen þai wer.
Goode ensample þer-by take mon may
be A vessell þat full is
of one lycour, in gode fay,
An-oþer will not in Iwis;
be A vessell þat full is
of one lycour, in gode fay,
An-oþer will not in Iwis;
Also þo Apostels all
þat full wer of þo Holy Gost,
of wordly fulte myȝt þai noȝt fall
ne blyndet be wit deuels boost,
þat full wer of þo Holy Gost,
of wordly fulte myȝt þai noȝt fall
ne blyndet be wit deuels boost,
& for þai haden so full sadde tast
of heuen swyetnes hom with-in,
worldly wele wos waxen wast,
þo deuell no wille had hom to wyn.
of heuen swyetnes hom with-in,
worldly wele wos waxen wast,
þo deuell no wille had hom to wyn.
Yssay: Plenus sum & ideo holocausta, &c.
And þat schwed wele be one thyng
þat þo Apostels vseden her
After þo Holy Gost comyng
quyll þat þai to-geder wer,
þat þo Apostels vseden her
After þo Holy Gost comyng
quyll þat þai to-geder wer,
345
ffor nothyng propre haden þai,
of all þat euer hom geuen was
In comune dalt was day for day,
none calles his of þat he has.
of all þat euer hom geuen was
In comune dalt was day for day,
none calles his of þat he has.
Nullus suum Aliquid esse dicebat set erant illis omnia communia, &c.
Tho thrid thyng of fulnes was,
ȝif A vessell so full be
þat hit go ouer, ȝe sene wele this,
þer semes shulde be full plente;
ȝif A vessell so full be
þat hit go ouer, ȝe sene wele this,
þer semes shulde be full plente;
So þo Apostels holy lor
ouer schedde, & þer-of oþer token,
ffor mony one þat leueden not befor
folweden hom & filthe for-soken,
ouer schedde, & þer-of oþer token,
ffor mony one þat leueden not befor
folweden hom & filthe for-soken,
ffor Petre preched þat ilke day
& conuerted, leue ȝe me,
thre thowsand & moo to þo fay,
In holy writte as rede we.
& conuerted, leue ȝe me,
thre thowsand & moo to þo fay,
In holy writte as rede we.
Þerfor þo Holy Gost wele may
to A water likened be
þat out of paradise rennes ay,
Fisoun one of faur is he,
to A water likened be
þat out of paradise rennes ay,
Fisoun one of faur is he,
þen that water has þis kynde
certayne tymes of þo ȝer,
iche londe befor & behynde
to ouer-flete hom all in fer,
certayne tymes of þo ȝer,
iche londe befor & behynde
to ouer-flete hom all in fer,
& with þat flode, as I fynde,
ffrutes springen fer & ner,
So don þo frutes in monnes mynd
be Goddes gost in gode maner.
ffrutes springen fer & ner,
So don þo frutes in monnes mynd
be Goddes gost in gode maner.
Ecclesiastice xxiijjto: Qui impletus est Phisyn sapiencie. [&] s[i]c[ut].
346
Secundo in [l]inguis [ig]neis.
þo secunde maner send he was
In tongues of fir, as rede we,
of quiche sendyng for our solas
takes now hede to poyntes thre.
In tongues of fir, as rede we,
of quiche sendyng for our solas
takes now hede to poyntes thre.
ffyrst is for to wete her
In tonges of fir quy he was sent,
Tho secunde quy in þat mater
mor þen oþer elyment,
In tonges of fir quy he was sent,
Tho secunde quy in þat mater
mor þen oþer elyment,
Þo thrid quy þat in tonge come he
mor þen in membres oþer moo
declar I will, as ȝe schyn see,
bot fyrst to brennyng tonges go.
mor þen in membres oþer moo
declar I will, as ȝe schyn see,
bot fyrst to brennyng tonges go.
ffor thre causes he con Aper
in brennyng tonges vs to teche,
þo fyrst þat suche as brennyng wer,
brennyng wordes shulden preche.
in brennyng tonges vs to teche,
þo fyrst þat suche as brennyng wer,
brennyng wordes shulden preche.
Tho second, for þai shulden also
preche of brennyng lawe of londe,
Saynt Bernarde spekes of þes too
ffrom bale to put hor hertes of bonde.
preche of brennyng lawe of londe,
Saynt Bernarde spekes of þes too
ffrom bale to put hor hertes of bonde.
Bernardus: Venit spiritus sanctus in linguis igneis, vt linguis omnium gencium verba ignea loquerentur, & legem igneam lingue ignee predicarent, &c.
He sayd, ‘þo Holy Gost come doun
with tonges of fir, þat with þo speche
of all maner nacioun
he myȝt be our lyues leche.
with tonges of fir, þat with þo speche
of all maner nacioun
he myȝt be our lyues leche.
‘And with þos langayges ay be boun
& tonges of fir synneles to [pr]eche
be preued predicacioun,
And langayge schuld not be to seche.’
& tonges of fir synneles to [pr]eche
be preued predicacioun,
And langayge schuld not be to seche.’
347
Þus with all tonges preched was
wordes of fir all fully,
queche fir of þo Holy Gostes gras
sadde luf & tru may signefy.
wordes of fir all fully,
queche fir of þo Holy Gostes gras
sadde luf & tru may signefy.
ffor no thyng may lykened be
so wele to fir as sadde luff may,
ffor þer-as sadly rotes he,
As fir hit brennes in gode fay.
so wele to fir as sadde luff may,
ffor þer-as sadly rotes he,
As fir hit brennes in gode fay.
Tho thrid cause quy he come so
In tonges of fir may wele be this,
þat þai shulde bothe one & moo
to preche þo faithe nothyng Amys,
In tonges of fir may wele be this,
þat þai shulde bothe one & moo
to preche þo faithe nothyng Amys,
Be þo Holy Gost wele þoo
þat verray faithe bothe wos & is,
& noȝt to drede þo deuell our foo
to faile in hit be no fayntise,
þat verray faithe bothe wos & is,
& noȝt to drede þo deuell our foo
to faile in hit be no fayntise,
& þat þai shuld suppose no way
be hom-selffe þat vertu was,
bot Goddis gost in hom verray
wroȝt all hor crafte in hor caas,
be hom-selffe þat vertu was,
bot Goddis gost in hom verray
wroȝt all hor crafte in hor caas,
& also þat all men shulden knawe
þat Goddes gost wos in hom pitte,
ffor boute seche sleght for to schawe
to meene wos any monnes wytte.
þat Goddes gost wos in hom pitte,
ffor boute seche sleght for to schawe
to meene wos any monnes wytte.
Quare pocius in igne quam in alio elemento propter tres causas &c.
Now shyn ȝe knaw quy he wos sent
In lykenes of fyr as this day
mor þen in oþer element,
mony resons schwe I may.
In lykenes of fyr as this day
mor þen in oþer element,
mony resons schwe I may.
to þo fyrst now takes entent,
þat lykened is in gode fay
To fir kynt, As I am kent,
be seuen skylles full verray.
þat lykened is in gode fay
To fir kynt, As I am kent,
be seuen skylles full verray.
348
ffor þing þat hegh is meke he mas,
So dos fir be way of kynde,
be gyfte of drede þat mon has
in quych he entres, as I fynde.
So dos fir be way of kynde,
be gyfte of drede þat mon has
in quych he entres, as I fynde.
Harde thyng also softe he mas
be gyfte of mercy, takes in mynde,
& geues lyȝt also to thester plas
þurgh wytt puttyng derknys behynde.
be gyfte of mercy, takes in mynde,
& geues lyȝt also to thester plas
þurgh wytt puttyng derknys behynde.
thyng þat ouer-fletes be foly
be gode consayle restraynes he,
Softe þing he saddens securly
be strengthe of kynd, leue ȝe me.
be gode consayle restraynes he,
Softe þing he saddens securly
be strengthe of kynd, leue ȝe me.
& ryȝt as fir mas metal cler
& all þo ruste puttes oway,
So dos he with-oute weer
be gyfte of vnderstondyng Ay.
& all þo ruste puttes oway,
So dos he with-oute weer
be gyfte of vnderstondyng Ay.
He strengthes vpward fer & ner
be gyf of wysdome mon to pay,
As I in Latyn rede will her,
& after in Englisshe mor verray:
be gyf of wysdome mon to pay,
As I in Latyn rede will her,
& after in Englisshe mor verray:
Spiritus ad modum ignis Alta humiliat per donum timoris & mollet dura per donum pietatis, illuminat obscura per donum sciencie, restringit fflueda per donum consilii, sollidat mollia per donum fortitudinis, clareficat metalla per donum intellectus, sursum tendit per donum sapiencie, vt expressius declarabitur in lingua materna.
Primo Alta humiliat per donum timoris.
ffyrst he says þo Holy Gost
mas thyng meke þat is heghe,
As fir abates alway boost
of all thynges þat hit comes neghe.
mas thyng meke þat is heghe,
As fir abates alway boost
of all thynges þat hit comes neghe.
349
þen calles þo clerke þis gyfte of drede
þo proude mon dredes noght befor,
drede of God he most haue nede
thurgh þo Holy Gostes lor.
þo proude mon dredes noght befor,
drede of God he most haue nede
thurgh þo Holy Gostes lor.
So þat ryȝt As oþer fir her
Mas drede qwer-so he entres in
And mekes mon, in þo selfe maner
gostly fir ay feres syn.
Mas drede qwer-so he entres in
And mekes mon, in þo selfe maner
gostly fir ay feres syn.
Secundo Item mollidat dura per donum pietatis.
The secund kynde þat þo fir has
he mas harde thyng softe to be,
þo Holy Gost so þurgh his gras
harde hertes mas softe, ȝe schyn see.
he mas harde thyng softe to be,
þo Holy Gost so þurgh his gras
harde hertes mas softe, ȝe schyn see.
As of Saynt Paule þat wykked was
gode ensample take mone we,
ffor heuenly fir stroke in his face,
he preched þo faythe with hert fre;
gode ensample take mone we,
ffor heuenly fir stroke in his face,
he preched þo faythe with hert fre;
Þer-for call I may in this case
suche A gyfte of pite,
þat one harde hert softened has,
ffo[r] harder hert had none þen he.
suche A gyfte of pite,
þat one harde hert softened has,
ffo[r] harder hert had none þen he.
Tercio illuminat obscura per donum sciencie.
Also fyr lyȝttenes thesternes,
As we mon bodely se in syȝt,
þo Holy Gost þurȝe his godenes
in our saulis mas gostly lyȝt;
As we mon bodely se in syȝt,
þo Holy Gost þurȝe his godenes
in our saulis mas gostly lyȝt;
Be gyft of connyng þat most be
þat þurgh þo Holy Gost wos sent,
ffor thurgh his gras connyng ben we
ffro þat he be lyȝt in our entent;
þat þurgh þo Holy Gost wos sent,
ffor thurgh his gras connyng ben we
ffro þat he be lyȝt in our entent;
ffor þen al sleȝtes we moun see
þurgh quich Sathan may be schent,
And connyng foly to flee
And in tho faythe to ben feruent.
þurgh quich Sathan may be schent,
And connyng foly to flee
And in tho faythe to ben feruent.
350
Quarto restringit flueda per donum concilii.
Also tho kynde of fir is this,
to maystre oþer elymentes,
Saue only Ayr or wynde I-wys,
All þai enpayren be his presence.
to maystre oþer elymentes,
Saue only Ayr or wynde I-wys,
All þai enpayren be his presence.
So ȝif A mon oght to proude be
ffro þat Goddis gost be in hym lyȝt,
be gode consayle shwes he
& rebelnes turnes into ryȝt.
ffro þat Goddis gost be in hym lyȝt,
be gode consayle shwes he
& rebelnes turnes into ryȝt.
And thyng þat be foly is ouer-flette
Restrayned is be gode resoun,
And be sadde sothenes in hert sette
be counsayl from Crist comen doun.
Restrayned is be gode resoun,
And be sadde sothenes in hert sette
be counsayl from Crist comen doun.
Quinto solidat mollia per donum fortitudinis.
Also fir mas softe thyng harde
be strengthe þat he has in his kynde,
So heuenly fir thyng all frowarde
In faythe he saddes, as I fynde,
be strengthe þat he has in his kynde,
So heuenly fir thyng all frowarde
In faythe he saddes, as I fynde,
Be full strength þat he in hym has,
As be ensample mon may see;
ffor er þo Holy Gost send was
ffaynt & freyle wos þat meyne,
As be ensample mon may see;
ffor er þo Holy Gost send was
ffaynt & freyle wos þat meyne,
& in þo byleue wos sadde none
Tyll þis fir wos from heuen sent,
bot þen sadde þai wer yche one,
þat chaunge myȝt no thyng hor entent.
Tyll þis fir wos from heuen sent,
bot þen sadde þai wer yche one,
þat chaunge myȝt no thyng hor entent.
Sexto clarificat metalla tollendo rubiginem per donum intellectus.
Also fyr mas metall cler
And puttes þo rust all clene oway,
So Goddes gost with-oute weer
clanses ruste of synne in fay
And puttes þo rust all clene oway,
So Goddes gost with-oute weer
clanses ruste of synne in fay
351
Be gyfte of gode vnderstondyng
sende be Goddes gost Adoun,
þof our flesshe haue foule fondyng
þo fendes affray has no faysoun,
sende be Goddes gost Adoun,
þof our flesshe haue foule fondyng
þo fendes affray has no faysoun,
ffor thurgh þo Holy Gostes grase
we persayuen Apertly
& vnderstonden h[i]s manas,
he dresses hym vs for to dystry,
we persayuen Apertly
& vnderstonden h[i]s manas,
he dresses hym vs for to dystry,
& we feghten ogayn hym in þis cas
ffleyng fer fro þat foly
þat he proferes in þat plaas
to enpayr vs Apertly.
ffleyng fer fro þat foly
þat he proferes in þat plaas
to enpayr vs Apertly.
Nota de septimo per donum sapiencie.
Also fyr be way of kynde
A steme has allway vp-steghyng,
So fares þo Holy Gost I fynde
And heuenly fir in hert feghtyng,
A steme has allway vp-steghyng,
So fares þo Holy Gost I fynde
And heuenly fir in hert feghtyng,
for quyll he brennes in monnes mynde
Tho hert is towarde heuen hyghyng,
þo deuell may not þat bonde vnbynde
quyll þat fyr is vp-steghyng.
Tho hert is towarde heuen hyghyng,
þo deuell may not þat bonde vnbynde
quyll þat fyr is vp-steghyng.
Þerfor þis fir may called be
Tho gyfte of wysdome And of wytte,
ffor full wysdome engendret he
In monnes saule þurgh strengeth of hit.
Tho gyfte of wysdome And of wytte,
ffor full wysdome engendret he
In monnes saule þurgh strengeth of hit.
Secunda causa quare apparuit in specie ignis pocius quam in Alio elemento sumitur penes sue deitatis excellenciam, &c.
The secunde cause quy he don went
In fir lykenes to mon-kynde
helder þen in oþer element,
I shall declare now as I fynde.
In fir lykenes to mon-kynde
helder þen in oþer element,
I shall declare now as I fynde.
352
ffor fir is mor excellent
in thre maners, take þis in mynde,
þen ony other elyment,
And mor curiouse in his kynde,
in thre maners, take þis in mynde,
þen ony other elyment,
And mor curiouse in his kynde,
In schappe, in ordre & vertue eke.
& in schappe I shall say quy,
ffor fayren þen fir no mon may seke
þer leghtnes none so louelely;
& in schappe I shall say quy,
ffor fayren þen fir no mon may seke
þer leghtnes none so louelely;
Be ordre also preue I may
hit passes other mony moo,
ffor herr þen oþer fir is Ay
In settyng & doyng eke also;
hit passes other mony moo,
ffor herr þen oþer fir is Ay
In settyng & doyng eke also;
& vertu hit has als weterly
mor þen þes other thre,
& strengthe þer he comes by
to maystre hom all, leue ȝe me.
mor þen þes other thre,
& strengthe þer he comes by
to maystre hom all, leue ȝe me.
So fares hit of þo Holy Gost
of fayrenes he passes all,
& in rewle & ordre als is moost
ffor of All gostes he is wall,
of fayrenes he passes all,
& in rewle & ordre als is moost
ffor of All gostes he is wall,
And of vertue weterly
So excellent þer may none be,
As in Latyn preue will I
ffor clerkes be Autorite:
So excellent þer may none be,
As in Latyn preue will I
ffor clerkes be Autorite:
Sapiencie Septimo: Primo dicitur spiritus sanctus non quoinquinatus, pro secundo capit omnes spiritus intelligibiles, pro tercio habens omnem virtutem, &c.
Tercio sumitur penes multiplicem proprius efficaciam.
Tho thrid cause wele taken is
ffor kyndely profet þat fir has,
And faur kyndes he has I-wis,
Reherse I will now in this plaas.
ffor kyndely profet þat fir has,
And faur kyndes he has I-wis,
Reherse I will now in this plaas.
353
Ignis iiijor habet naturas, videlicet vrit, purgat, calefacit, illuminat, &c.
ffir purges, lyghtes, hetes, & brennes,
All þes faur kyndes has he,
So heuenly fyr brennes synnes
Tho selfe maner, as ȝe schyn see.
All þes faur kyndes has he,
So heuenly fyr brennes synnes
Tho selfe maner, as ȝe schyn see.
ffor heuenly fir brennes synne
her-to Acordes prophecy,
on quiche in Latyn I shall myn
þat speke þo prophet Zacary:
her-to Acordes prophecy,
on quiche in Latyn I shall myn
þat speke þo prophet Zacary:
Zacarias: Per ignem vram inter eos, sicut vritur Argentum. Item vre renes meos & cor meum, &c.
Also þis heuenly fir in fay
purges hertes þat hit comes in,
As tho prophete prays ay,
ffrom temptacion for to twyn,
purges hertes þat hit comes in,
As tho prophete prays ay,
ffrom temptacion for to twyn,
ffor this fir will come no way,
þer baret is, till bale blyn
& þat plas purget al to his pay,
er he take sesoun þer er wos syn.
þer baret is, till bale blyn
& þat plas purget al to his pay,
er he take sesoun þer er wos syn.
Issay iiijto: Si sanguinem Ierusalem lauerit de medio eius in spiritu Iudicii et Ardoris.
Also þo Holy Gost wele heytes
þo saules in queche he tas seyson,
ffor gostly fir all godenes getes
In mon Amendet, triste ȝe mone.
þo saules in queche he tas seyson,
ffor gostly fir all godenes getes
In mon Amendet, triste ȝe mone.
Ad Romanos xiio: spiritu eruentes.
Here-to Acordes Gregory
And says, ‘þo Holy Gost come doun
In fir to put Away in hye
All coolde & foule corrupcion,
And says, ‘þo Holy Gost come doun
In fir to put Away in hye
All coolde & foule corrupcion,
‘And God forthires ay þat fyr
Thurgh his endles mercy
Ay mor & mor to gode desir,
& mon to leue deuoutely.’
Thurgh his endles mercy
Ay mor & mor to gode desir,
& mon to leue deuoutely.’
354
Gregorius: In igne Apparuit spiritus sanctus, quia ab omni corde quod replet, torporem frigoris excutit & hoc in desiderio sue eternitatis accendit, &c.
Item spiritus sanctus illustrat ignorancias.
Also, As I shall now schew,
þe Holy Gost dose maystry,
leghtnes hertes for to knaw
vnknawen thyng All fully;
þe Holy Gost dose maystry,
leghtnes hertes for to knaw
vnknawen thyng All fully;
Ryȝt As fir is to vs lyght
And in thesternes mas wele to se,
þo heuenly fir mas hertes bryȝt,
Of thyng vnknawen wise to be.
And in thesternes mas wele to se,
þo heuenly fir mas hertes bryȝt,
Of thyng vnknawen wise to be.
Sapiencie ixo: Sensum Autem tuum quis sciet, nisi tu crederis sapienciam & miseris spiritum sanctum tuum de altissimis.
Therefor Salomon here in sight
As wytty & wyse As was he,
he Askes heuenly God almyght
To knaw his wytte, what way schyn we,
As wytty & wyse As was he,
he Askes heuenly God almyght
To knaw his wytte, what way schyn we,
Bot only ȝif he send vs doun
ffrom heuen his gost þurgh his grace
To teche ws þat we knaw moun,
sadde wytt oȝayns Sathanas.
ffrom heuen his gost þurgh his grace
To teche ws þat we knaw moun,
sadde wytt oȝayns Sathanas.
Ad Corentheos Secundo: Nobis autem reuelauit dominus per spiritum sanctum, &c.
[Quart]a causa quare pocius Apparuit in specie ignibus quam in alio elemento sumitur Amoris ipsius naturam &c.
Tho [furthe] cause quy he Apered
helder in fourme of fir this day
þen in other element, As I am lered,
As clerkes techen sothe to say.
helder in fourme of fir this day
þen in other element, As I am lered,
As clerkes techen sothe to say.
355
ffor this skylle taken is truly
two maner kynde of his grete luf,
ffor luff fyr may signefy,
And luff is A gost Abuff.
two maner kynde of his grete luf,
ffor luff fyr may signefy,
And luff is A gost Abuff.
Be thre skylles fynde I may,
quy luff to fyr lykened is;
Tho fyrst for fir is steryng Ay,
So dose tho Holy Gost Iwis,
quy luff to fyr lykened is;
Tho fyrst for fir is steryng Ay,
So dose tho Holy Gost Iwis,
ffor qwo-so he fulfilles in fay,
he mas hym to meeue not Amys,
In gode wurchyng to be alway,
ffor Gregory wele preues this:
he mas hym to meeue not Amys,
In gode wurchyng to be alway,
ffor Gregory wele preues this:
Gregorius: Numquam est Amor dei ociosus. Operatur enim magna si est. Si autem operari neclegit, Amor non est, &c.
‘ffor Goddes luf’, says Gregory,
‘Is neuer-mor ydell, leue ȝe me,
Bot worches All-way wonderly
In iche plase þer-as is he.
‘Is neuer-mor ydell, leue ȝe me,
Bot worches All-way wonderly
In iche plase þer-as is he.
‘And ȝif þat luff be neclegent
ffor to wurche wyt gode wille,
hit is no luff verament
ffor luff con not holde hym stille.’
ffor to wurche wyt gode wille,
hit is no luff verament
ffor luff con not holde hym stille.’
Tho secunde skyll schaw I may
Quy luff And fir ben sette in fere,
ffor of All elementes in fay
worthiest hit is & moost der,
Quy luff And fir ben sette in fere,
ffor of All elementes in fay
worthiest hit is & moost der,
And most in syght sothe to say,
And leest hit is As of matere,
So fares tho Holy Gost Alway
Tho selfe maner, As ȝe schyn here.
And leest hit is As of matere,
So fares tho Holy Gost Alway
Tho selfe maner, As ȝe schyn here.
ffor what mon so full-fylled ys
Of tho Holy Gostes luff,
To erthely thyng no hert has he
Bot wilnes heuenly blis Abuff,
Of tho Holy Gostes luff,
To erthely thyng no hert has he
Bot wilnes heuenly blis Abuff,
356
And litell wille to þo worlde he has
Bot meche to thyng that gostly is,
Suche is tho Holy Gostes gras
And lykened wele to fir I-wis.
Bot meche to thyng that gostly is,
Suche is tho Holy Gostes gras
And lykened wele to fir I-wis.
The thryd skylle now takes hede,
ffor thre thynges, As I fynde,
That fire has, As I schall rede
Qwyll this mater is in mynde.
ffor thre thynges, As I fynde,
That fire has, As I schall rede
Qwyll this mater is in mynde.
ffyrst fir makes hegh thynges to encline,
And vpward also draghes he,
ouer-fletyng with-owten pyne
he geders to-geder, leue ȝe me.
And vpward also draghes he,
ouer-fletyng with-owten pyne
he geders to-geder, leue ȝe me.
By þes iii vnderstonde I may
iij maner of strengthes þat luf has
lyke to þes iij, sothe to say,
As Denys clerke mynde mas:
iij maner of strengthes þat luf has
lyke to þes iij, sothe to say,
As Denys clerke mynde mas:
Ignis habet alta inclinare, sursum tendere, fluida adunare & congregare. Dionisius in libro de diuinis nominibus: Amor habet triplicem vim videlicet inclinatiuam eleuatiuam, & concordatiuam.
ffor luf has strenght to draghe down
thyng þat is hegh myȝtily,
ffor to haue neuer so grete renown
luf may thow hym bonerly,
thyng þat is hegh myȝtily,
ffor to haue neuer so grete renown
luf may thow hym bonerly,
Hel[d]er þen batayl to be bown,
to encline all curtesly
to all thyng, þat is resoun
ther othr waye fayles fullely.
to encline all curtesly
to all thyng, þat is resoun
ther othr waye fayles fullely.
Amor habet vim eleuatiuam.
Also luf makes loghe thyng hegh,
be mony wayes mon may se,
As men þat ben grete lordis negh,
who-so is lufd, on heght gos he.
be mony wayes mon may se,
As men þat ben grete lordis negh,
who-so is lufd, on heght gos he.
357
Item habet vim concordatiuam
The thrid vertue þat luf has
Euen & euen he brennes in fer,
thogh wrath be & manas,
luf maystres hom in meke maner.
Euen & euen he brennes in fer,
thogh wrath be & manas,
luf maystres hom in meke maner.
Inclinatiuam, quia inclinat superiora inferioribus, Eleuatiuam, quia eleuat inferiores superioribus, concordatiuam, quia concordat equalia equalibus. Dionisius.
Thes thre maners of strenght luf has
In seche men as the Holy Gost
fulfilles þrugh his grace,
ffyrst he abates all hor bost.
In seche men as the Holy Gost
fulfilles þrugh his grace,
ffyrst he abates all hor bost.
To wynne hom to grete mekenes
& forsakyng of hor wille,
Noȝt takyng honour ne heghnes
bot Goddes plesaunce to fulfille.
& forsakyng of hor wille,
Noȝt takyng honour ne heghnes
bot Goddes plesaunce to fulfille.
Also þe Holy Gost is Aye
vp-hevyng as fir is in kynd,
& also, as I con say
A litell befor as ȝe mone fynd,
vp-hevyng as fir is in kynd,
& also, as I con say
A litell befor as ȝe mone fynd,
ffor þe Holy Gost vp-heues
Mennes hertes forto dys[yr]e
heuenly blis, þer-by hit preues
þat verray luf is heuenly fir.
Mennes hertes forto dys[yr]e
heuenly blis, þer-by hit preues
þat verray luf is heuenly fir.
All men þat entres with-inne,
ichon to oþer he mas der,
trew to be & neuer mor twynne,
As by ensaumple men may ler
ichon to oþer he mas der,
trew to be & neuer mor twynne,
As by ensaumple men may ler
Of maters þat men movn mynne,
þat all tourment with hert enter
Sufferd, er þai wolden synne,
ffull stydfastly in this world her,
þat all tourment with hert enter
Sufferd, er þai wolden synne,
ffull stydfastly in this world her,
And þat suffrauns most nede be
by vertue of þe Holy Gost,
þat with so stabull charite
In myschef to luf hym most.
by vertue of þe Holy Gost,
þat with so stabull charite
In myschef to luf hym most.
358
Quare spiritus sanctus pocius apparuit in lingua quam in alio membro iijx est ratio, vnde patet vt supra.
de iijo.
Now whi þe Holy Gost to-day
Appert in tonges helder her
þen in oþer membres, I shall say
thre causes conable & cler.
Appert in tonges helder her
þen in oþer membres, I shall say
thre causes conable & cler.
The fyrst, for monnus tong is ay
As helle fir cruell & fere,
fflaumyng for to make Afray,
non othre membre in þat maner,
As helle fir cruell & fere,
fflaumyng for to make Afray,
non othre membre in þat maner,
fful hard for to rule oryȝt
þer monnes hert wer oght vnstable,
& hit maystret is thurgh myȝt
A membre wonder prophetabull.
þer monnes hert wer oght vnstable,
& hit maystret is thurgh myȝt
A membre wonder prophetabull.
Iacobus: Lingua nostra est ignis vniuerse iniquitatis.
Therfor syn tong is flawmyng so
with brennyng fyr of grete foly,
Goddis gost þo in con go
hell-fir for to dystry.
with brennyng fyr of grete foly,
Goddis gost þo in con go
hell-fir for to dystry.
Sythen þat hit among membres mo
wos wroght to rule resonably,
heuenly fyr most bren þat fo
As dyd this day feruently.
wos wroght to rule resonably,
heuenly fyr most bren þat fo
As dyd this day feruently.
Saynt Iames spekes wele of this
in A pistell þat he mas
& sayes, ‘all bestes & foles I-wis
to be maystred now wille has
in A pistell þat he mas
& sayes, ‘all bestes & foles I-wis
to be maystred now wille has
Thurgh mon to hym grauntyd was,
bot to tempre tong no bote is
Bot þrugh the Holy Gostes gras.’
þerfor hit nedis soueraignys
bot to tempre tong no bote is
Bot þrugh the Holy Gostes gras.’
þerfor hit nedis soueraignys
359
The Holy Gost for to reule hit
helder þen oþer, As sayd I
Acordyng to þe Apostels wyt:
[OMITTED]
helder þen oþer, As sayd I
Acordyng to þe Apostels wyt:
[OMITTED]
Omnis [n]atura bestiarum, volucrum, serpencium & ceterorum animalium doma[n]tur & domita sunt [a] natura humane; lingu[am] hominum nullius domare potest; inquietum malum, plenum mortifere veneno, &c. Iacobus iijo.
In tong also Apperet he
to betoken þat hit wos nede
Prechoures wele tonget for to be,
ffor to hom mon most takes hede
to betoken þat hit wos nede
Prechoures wele tonget for to be,
ffor to hom mon most takes hede
That helle-fyr thenkes for to fle
& wille to do gode riȝt As God bede,
In iiij maners As ȝe schyn see,
As I shall Apertly rede:
& wille to do gode riȝt As God bede,
In iiij maners As ȝe schyn see,
As I shall Apertly rede:
Predicantibus necessarium est lingua spiritu sancto repleta, quia facit eos loqui feruenter, confidenter, multipliciter & vtiliter, &c.
ffyrst þe Holy Gost hem made
To preche brennandly aboute,
ffor thrugh þe vertue of hit þat þay hade
luff & will no mon to doute,
To preche brennandly aboute,
ffor thrugh þe vertue of hit þat þay hade
luff & will no mon to doute,
Slauthe wos clene put Away
ffor hertes in luff wer so brennyng,
herto Acordes, As I shall say,
Saynt Bernard of his dovn-comyng:
ffor hertes in luff wer so brennyng,
herto Acordes, As I shall say,
Saynt Bernard of his dovn-comyng:
Venit spiritus sanctus super discipulos in linguis igneis vt verba ignea lingue ignee predicarent. Bernardus.
‘The Holy Gost,’ he says, ‘come dovn
opon þe Apostils all in fer
In tonges of fyr, to make hom bown
brennyng wordes men to her.
opon þe Apostils all in fer
In tonges of fyr, to make hom bown
brennyng wordes men to her.
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‘And þos tonges of fyr brennyng
shulden preche þe lagh of fyr in fay,
As who-so say with carefull hert lengyng,
ffor fyr ay lenges whill he may.’
shulden preche þe lagh of fyr in fay,
As who-so say with carefull hert lengyng,
ffor fyr ay lenges whill he may.’
Et facit eos loqui confidenter & Absque pusillanimitate.
Also þe Holy Gostes myȝt
mad all þe ioyfull cumpany
with-owten faynt hert day & nyȝt
ffor to speke tristely.
mad all þe ioyfull cumpany
with-owten faynt hert day & nyȝt
ffor to speke tristely.
Her-to Acordes holy writte,
& thai speken with grete tryst
ffor thai weren fyllet full of hyt,
thai myghten say what-ser hom lyst.
& thai speken with grete tryst
ffor thai weren fyllet full of hyt,
thai myghten say what-ser hom lyst.
Quarto: repleti sunt omnes spiritu sancto et ceperunt loqui cum fiducia.
Actuum apostolorum.
Also the Holy Gost comyng
mad hom to speke in mony maner,
ffor in all languages þai wer connyng,
men of all nacions for to ler.
mad hom to speke in mony maner,
ffor in all languages þai wer connyng,
men of all nacions for to ler.
Holy wrytte is A-cordyng
to this, as ȝe sone schyn [her]e,
þat Goddis gost mad hom spekyng
with diuerse tonges all enter.
to this, as ȝe sone schyn [her]e,
þat Goddis gost mad hom spekyng
with diuerse tonges all enter.
Actuum apostolorum secundo: Ceperunt loqui variis linguis.
Also he shewid prophitably
ffor monnes edificacioun,
ffor all men wexen bygge þer-by
to suffre bale fully bown.
ffor monnes edificacioun,
ffor all men wexen bygge þer-by
to suffre bale fully bown.
Ysaie lxxxijo: Spiritus domini super quod vincerit me.
The thrid maner Apperit he
whill þe Apostils wer syttyng,
in tokenyng At þat fraternite
shuld be iustis & hegh kyng,
whill þe Apostils wer syttyng,
in tokenyng At þat fraternite
shuld be iustis & hegh kyng,
361
ffor quen-so-euer A Iustice oght shall deme
he syttes al-way as men movn se,
þerfor to sette h[yt] wold by-seme
in takyng þat Autorite.
he syttes al-way as men movn se,
þerfor to sette h[yt] wold by-seme
in takyng þat Autorite.
ffor faur Autorites þat day
he graunted hom quen he send his gost,
the fyrst to forgyf synne Away
to all þurgh God of myghtes most:
he graunted hom quen he send his gost,
the fyrst to forgyf synne Away
to all þurgh God of myghtes most:
Iohannes vijo: Accipite spiritum sanctum, quorum remiseritis peccata, dimittuntur eis, &c.
Secunda prerogatiua data apostolis per spiritum sanctum videlicet Sapiencia.
The secund prerogatyf þat his gost sent
wos wysdom to deme mon & wyfe,
ffully þerfor þai wer kent
to teche þe pepill to lede gode lyfe:
wos wysdom to deme mon & wyfe,
ffully þerfor þai wer kent
to teche þe pepill to lede gode lyfe:
Isay xiijo: Ponam spiritum meum, iudicium gentilibus, &c.
Tercia prerogatiua videlicet humilitas.
The thryd wos mekenes in tholyng,
of which þe gost gaf hom grase
to suffre wrong in all thyng,
And chonge hor purpose in no case,
of which þe gost gaf hom grase
to suffre wrong in all thyng,
And chonge hor purpose in no case,
Numeri qo: Dabo eis de spiritu sancto, qui in te est, vt supportent omnis populi.
Quarta prerogatiua videlicet humilitas & pulcra, &c.
So weren þai Also sad & meke
þrugh vertue of þe Holy Gost.
þe furthe vertu þai haden eke
ffair speche þrogh hym þat is most.
þrugh vertue of þe Holy Gost.
þe furthe vertu þai haden eke
ffair speche þrogh hym þat is most.
Iob xxvo: Spiritus domini ornauit celos rectos.
Thes faur wyn wele beseme
in All domes-men for to be,
Autorite full for to deme,
wysdam & mekenes, leue ȝe me,
in All domes-men for to be,
Autorite full for to deme,
wysdam & mekenes, leue ȝe me,
362
And esy speche Also to haue,
Noo hastynes ne cruelte,
not to knaw queche he will saue.
To þe sext poynt now go we.
Noo hastynes ne cruelte,
not to knaw queche he will saue.
To þe sext poynt now go we.
Nota de sexta. Ad quos missus est, ad discipulos, quia fuerunt spectacula mundi.
The sext poynt is for to knaw
in-to what saules send wos he,
þat is to wytte in on raw
þer-As weren gedred his meyne;
in-to what saules send wos he,
þat is to wytte in on raw
þer-As weren gedred his meyne;
His disciples þat clene wer
to resayue hym weterly,
shulden come All in fer
in holy chirche All openly.
to resayue hym weterly,
shulden come All in fer
in holy chirche All openly.
ffuerunt receptacula munda & humilia ad suscepcionem spiritus sancti.
That þai wer A receyte ryght
to reseyue hym clene & clere,
ffor vij causes As in our syght
þat wer in hom to make hom sur.
to reseyue hym clene & clere,
ffor vij causes As in our syght
þat wer in hom to make hom sur.
Primo fuerunt omnes commoti, Secundo dilectone vincti, 3o secreti, 4o oratione Assidui, Quinto humilitate prediti, Sexto pacto coniuncti, Septimo contemplacione erecti.
Primo Animo commoti &c.
For þat day þai wer in grete rest,
ffor hor saules wer bowraght of synne,
in sech saules God myȝt best
Take place þer he wold noȝt twynne;
ffor hor saules wer bowraght of synne,
in sech saules God myȝt best
Take place þer he wold noȝt twynne;
And þis fest of Wytsonday
betokyns rest, As redyn we,
þen fell hit best God to byde
In cleyne rest to his meyne.
betokyns rest, As redyn we,
þen fell hit best God to byde
In cleyne rest to his meyne.
363
Dum complerentur dies penticostis & requiescentes erant omnes discipuli pariter.
ffor this fest in the olde laghe
wos ordent fest full of rest,
befor in rest hom to dragh
in þe nwe lagh God þoȝt hit best.
wos ordent fest full of rest,
befor in rest hom to dragh
in þe nwe lagh God þoȝt hit best.
Super quem requiescit spiritus sanctus nisi super humilem & quietum. Isaye xxxviijo.
Also þai weren in vnite
And luffeden ichon oþer oryȝt,
As holy writte says, ȝe schyn se,
And in on[e] place to-geder dyȝt.
And luffeden ichon oþer oryȝt,
As holy writte says, ȝe schyn se,
And in on[e] place to-geder dyȝt.
Actuum primo: Erant omnes pariter in eodem loco. Item Erat cor vnum & Anima vna, &c.
ffor riȝt As mon now her lyuyng,
& his lymmes diuisyd be,
ffayles his lyfe for any thyng,
of Goddis gost so far we;
& his lymmes diuisyd be,
ffayles his lyfe for any thyng,
of Goddis gost so far we;
ffor if bodely lyfe shall spryng,
hyde & body, leue ȝe me,
most be to-geder boute twynnyng,
So fares þe gost, leue ȝe me.
hyde & body, leue ȝe me,
most be to-geder boute twynnyng,
So fares þe gost, leue ȝe me.
And ryȝt As fir slekket is
quen þe brondes ben tan Away,
So is þe Holy Gost I-wis
in mon quen charite is Abatet ay.
quen þe brondes ben tan Away,
So is þe Holy Gost I-wis
in mon quen charite is Abatet ay.
þerfor of þat gode meyne
is songen in holy chyrch oryȝt,
‘God fond hom in full charite
And thurgh his godhede mad hom liȝt.’
is songen in holy chyrch oryȝt,
‘God fond hom in full charite
And thurgh his godhede mad hom liȝt.’
364
Inuenit eos concordes caritati & illustrauit eos invnda[n]s diuinitatis.
Also þai wer in priue place
when þe Holy Gost wos sent,
of quych propheciet was,
þerfor þerto takes entent:
when þe Holy Gost wos sent,
of quych propheciet was,
þerfor þerto takes entent:
Ieromie iiijo: Ducam eos in solitudine & loquor ad eos.
By þe prophecie of Ieremie,
þat sayd God wold hom lede
Into place þat wer holy
& to all godenes wold hom rede,
þat sayd God wold hom lede
Into place þat wer holy
& to all godenes wold hom rede,
Also in orisoun þai wer
To-geder Assuduelly prayng
perseuerantly in all þing ther
till þai seghen þat gost comyng.
To-geder Assuduelly prayng
perseuerantly in all þing ther
till þai seghen þat gost comyng.
Erant perseuerantes in oratione vnanimiter.
Þerfor of hom in chirche her
þis song deuoutly we con syng,
þat whiles þe Apostels maden prayer
God come to hom At hor likyng.
þis song deuoutly we con syng,
þat whiles þe Apostels maden prayer
God come to hom At hor likyng.
Orantibus Apostolis deum venisse nunciat.
& þat orisoun nedefull is
ffor to get þe Holy Gost,
he may be preuet wele by this
þat Salamon says in Wysdam most:
ffor to get þe Holy Gost,
he may be preuet wele by this
þat Salamon says in Wysdam most:
Inuocaui & venit in me spiritus sapiencie. Sapiencie vijo.
Also Saynt Iohn þe euangelist
sais God wold aske his fader of gras
An-oþer counselour to Crist
to ȝyue his meyne in solas,
sais God wold aske his fader of gras
An-oþer counselour to Crist
to ȝyue his meyne in solas,
Rogabo patrem meum & dabit alium paraclitum vobis. Iohannis xiijo.
365
Which counselour I may call
The Holy Gost þat down wos sent,
ffor he made to s[ta]nd þat wold fall,
Saued also þat shuld be schent.
The Holy Gost þat down wos sent,
ffor he made to s[ta]nd þat wold fall,
Saued also þat shuld be schent.
ffor full sadchip þer wos none
till he wos sent to make hom sadde,
ffor in A wer þai wer ichon,
& he mad wyse þat er wer madde.
till he wos sent to make hom sadde,
ffor in A wer þai wer ichon,
& he mad wyse þat er wer madde.
Quinto humilitate prediti.
Also þe Apostils were
thurgh mekenes put fer be-for,
& þat wele schewes Apertly here,
ffor quen Crist come syttyng þai wor.
thurgh mekenes put fer be-for,
& þat wele schewes Apertly here,
ffor quen Crist come syttyng þai wor.
Herto Acordes the Sauter
& glose Also made opon hyt,
þat God to men in meke maner
graunted grace & all wytte:
& glose Also made opon hyt,
þat God to men in meke maner
graunted grace & all wytte:
Qui emittis montes in conuallibus, graciam spiritus sancti donauit humilibus, super [quem] requiescit spiritus &c. Psalmus.
Sexto in pace.
Thai weren bounden also to pese,
And þat preues þat ilke plas,
in quyche þai weren, þat is no lese,
when [Holy] Gost to hom send was.
And þat preues þat ilke plas,
in quyche þai weren, þat is no lese,
when [Holy] Gost to hom send was.
ffor in Ierusalem weren thai
quen þat siȝt of pece lyghtnet þer,
ffor þe Holy Gost þat day
in fir Apertly con Apper,
quen þat siȝt of pece lyghtnet þer,
ffor þe Holy Gost þat day
in fir Apertly con Apper,
And for to schew þat pece nede
ffor to be thor-as schew hym wold he,
Goddis wordes and his dede
preues Apertly, ȝe schyn se.
ffor to be thor-as schew hym wold he,
Goddis wordes and his dede
preues Apertly, ȝe schyn se.
366
ffor After his resurrectioun
when he to hom so con Aper,
to profre pese fyrst he wos boun
& sayd, ‘pese to ȝow All here.’
when he to hom so con Aper,
to profre pese fyrst he wos boun
& sayd, ‘pese to ȝow All here.’
Iohannis xxo: Pax vobis si ego sum. Accipite spiritum meum. Quorum remiseritis.
Septimo contemplacione erecti.
Thai weren houen vp on hegh þat day,
ffor clene All hor deuocioun
wos toward heuen be Alway
& all by comtemplacioun.
ffor clene All hor deuocioun
wos toward heuen be Alway
& all by comtemplacioun.
Spiritum sanctum receperunt superiori cenaculo.
ffor quen þe Holy Gost come down
in A hegh soler þai wer,
þat betokyns hor þoȝt Ay boun
to wilne heuen & noȝt be her.
in A hegh soler þai wer,
þat betokyns hor þoȝt Ay boun
to wilne heuen & noȝt be her.
þen sais þe glose made opon this
þat who-so wilnes the gost to haue,
heghenes of flesch þenkyng of blis
he most Abate hym-selfe to saue.
þat who-so wilnes the gost to haue,
heghenes of flesch þenkyng of blis
he most Abate hym-selfe to saue.
Qui spiritum sanctum desiderat, carnis domicilium mentis contemplacione transcendens caueat, &c.
De septimo principali, propter quid missus est, quod propter sex causas missus est: primo ad consolandam mestos, Secundo ad viuificandum mortuos, Tercio ad mundandum & sanctificandum immundos, Quarto ad confirmandum Amorem inter discordes, Quinto ad saluandum iustos, Sexto Ad docendum ignaros.
Now gode is for to knaw oryȝt
wherto þe Holy Gost wos sent,
ffor sex causes As I haue tyȝt
to tell takes now entent.
wherto þe Holy Gost wos sent,
ffor sex causes As I haue tyȝt
to tell takes now entent.
367
Primo ad consolandum mestos.
The fyrst to comfort men in wo,
And þat preues bi this word here,
ffor comfortour is cald so
The Holy Gost with-owten wer.
And þat preues bi this word here,
ffor comfortour is cald so
The Holy Gost with-owten wer.
De emissione spiritus sancti. Paraclitus autem spiritus sanctus.
Paraclitus is as mych to say
As comfortour in this case,
which comfortour he send þis day
the Holy Gost all full of grace.
As comfortour in this case,
which comfortour he send þis day
the Holy Gost all full of grace.
Gregory tretes opon this,
whi he ys cald comfortour,
& says, ‘whill gode hope in his hert is,
þai ben forgyfen monnes errour.
whi he ys cald comfortour,
& says, ‘whill gode hope in his hert is,
þai ben forgyfen monnes errour.
‘Of þinges þat he has don Amys,
Sodanly comes þat saueour
And preue wo in hert I-wis
wayues & sendes sum socour.’
Sodanly comes þat saueour
And preue wo in hert I-wis
wayues & sendes sum socour.’
Consolator spiritus dicitur, dum spem venie sperat, Ab omni afflictione mentem leuat, &c. Gregorius.
Secundo ad viuificandum mortuos.
The secund cause querfor & whi
The Holy Gost to mon wos sent
wos for to quyken dede in hie,
þat preues þis word gost verament.
The Holy Gost to mon wos sent
wos for to quyken dede in hie,
þat preues þis word gost verament.
Quen A gost here nomet is,
ffor gost wykenes þat is dede,
by holy wrytt I preue wele this,
þat lyfe is none quen gost is lede.
ffor gost wykenes þat is dede,
by holy wrytt I preue wele this,
þat lyfe is none quen gost is lede.
368
Spiritus enim, qui viuificat. Item Ezechiel xxxjo: Ossa arida audite verbum domini. Ecce ego mittam in vos spiritum domini & viuetis.
ffor thurgh gostes, As rede we
Bi Esechiel prophecie,
All þe world shall dee & wykent be
At domesday þrugh his mercy.
Bi Esechiel prophecie,
All þe world shall dee & wykent be
At domesday þrugh his mercy.
Tercio ad mundandum & sanctificandum immundos.
That preues þis word þat I shall mynne,
ffor holy quen I specify
ffrom no holy nedely most twynne,
Elles þe Holy Gost gos by.
ffor holy quen I specify
ffrom no holy nedely most twynne,
Elles þe Holy Gost gos by.
& ryȝt As holy cald is
þat wyckutnes to ryde & go,
So holy hit may be cald I-wis
þat makes mon clene of soro & wo.
þat wyckutnes to ryde & go,
So holy hit may be cald I-wis
þat makes mon clene of soro & wo.
Þerfor A verse of þe Sauter
ys gloset her, As I shall say,
& lyknes to þe water cler
þe Holy Gost, As men wele may;
ys gloset her, As I shall say,
& lyknes to þe water cler
þe Holy Gost, As men wele may;
Þat makes clene ay hym befor,
So dos þe Holy Gost oryȝt,
makes clene befor hym euermor,
non vnclennes þer he will lyȝt.
So dos þe Holy Gost oryȝt,
makes clene befor hym euermor,
non vnclennes þer he will lyȝt.
ffluminis impetus, id est, mundus & habundans gracia spiritus sancti letificat ciuitatem dei, id est ecclesiam dei & per istud flumen sanctificauit tabernaculum suum altissimus. Psalmus.
Quarto ad confirmandum Amorem inter discordes.
The furth cause whi Goddis gost
wos sent to erthe, as ȝe schyn se,
ffor he had myȝt & pouer most
to conferme luf & charite
wos sent to erthe, as ȝe schyn se,
ffor he had myȝt & pouer most
to conferme luf & charite
369
Betwene hom þat weren at debate,
& þat schewes þat þis wort her,
in Als mech as Algate
he callis God fader of All pouer.
& þat schewes þat þis wort her,
in Als mech as Algate
he callis God fader of All pouer.
ffor fader most kyndely
luffs his childer, for so did he,
As Iohn in his euangely
beris wytnes, ȝe schyn se.
luffs his childer, for so did he,
As Iohn in his euangely
beris wytnes, ȝe schyn se.
Nota Iohannis xiijo: Ipse enim amat [n]os.
Then if þat he our fader be,
we ben his sons sykurly
& brethir All in vnite
to-geder made þrugh his mercy.
we ben his sons sykurly
& brethir All in vnite
to-geder made þrugh his mercy.
Quinto, Ad saluandum iustos.
Also þe Holy Gost wos sent
to saue men þat ryȝtwis wer,
& þat shewes verament
by oon word þat sayd is her,
to saue men þat ryȝtwis wer,
& þat shewes verament
by oon word þat sayd is her,
That hele wele mon call may
the Holy Gost from heuen bliss
in-to erthe wos send this day,
In his nome þat Ihesu is
the Holy Gost from heuen bliss
in-to erthe wos send this day,
In his nome þat Ihesu is
to saue all men þat dyden not mys
Bot wolden Amend hor lyfe for ay,
þus wytnes Gregory I-wis
be A worde þat I shall say:
Bot wolden Amend hor lyfe for ay,
þus wytnes Gregory I-wis
be A worde þat I shall say:
In nomine Ihesu, id est salutis, pater misit spiritum, vt ostenderet, quod ad saluandas gentes venit.
The Holy Gost wos send Also
to teche þos þat vnconnyng wer,
As preues by þat Crist sayd [þ]o
er he stegh to heuen cler;
to teche þos þat vnconnyng wer,
As preues by þat Crist sayd [þ]o
er he stegh to heuen cler;
370
Sexto Ad docendum ignaros.
ffor Cryst sayd þat his comfortour
the Holy Gost þat sothefast is,
þe quyche his fader heuen flour
ffrom heghest see wold send I-wis,
the Holy Gost þat sothefast is,
þe quyche his fader heuen flour
ffrom heghest see wold send I-wis,
Shulden tech hom all maner thyng,
The son saueour to hom before
shuld make wyse of connyng
& sad in sothenes seke & sore.
The son saueour to hom before
shuld make wyse of connyng
& sad in sothenes seke & sore.
Paraclitus autem spiritus sanctus, quem mittet pater in nomine meo, ille vos docebit omnia. Iohannis xxijo.
Nota de octauo ad vltinum per quid missus est
Now by what thyng he wos sent
gode is þat we all see,
ffyrst, As I fynd verament,
he wos send by thynges thre:
gode is þat we all see,
ffyrst, As I fynd verament,
he wos send by thynges thre:
One wos deuoute orisoun;
ffor whill þe Apostils wer praying,
ffrom heuen to hom hit lyȝt Adovn,
As we in holy chirche con syng:
ffor whill þe Apostils wer praying,
ffrom heuen to hom hit lyȝt Adovn,
As we in holy chirche con syng:
Orantibus Apostolis deum venisse nunciat.
Item Lucas iijo: Orante Ihesu descendit spiritus sanctus, &c.
Item Lucas iijo: Orante Ihesu descendit spiritus sanctus, &c.
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