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 | Historical Poems of the XIVth and XVth Centuries |  |
AN OUTLINE OF DYNASTIC HISTORY
1. THE KINGS OF ENGLAND
BY JOHN LYDGATE
This mythi William, Duke of Normandie,
As bookis old make mencion,
Bi iust title and bi his cheualrie,
Maade kyng bi conquest of Brutis albion,
Put out Harald, took possession,
Bare his crowne ful xxj yeer,
Buried at Cane; thus seith the Cronicler.
As bookis old make mencion,
Bi iust title and bi his cheualrie,
Maade kyng bi conquest of Brutis albion,
Put out Harald, took possession,
Bare his crowne ful xxj yeer,
Buried at Cane; thus seith the Cronicler.
Next in ordre bi succession,
William Rufus, his sone, crowned Kyng;
Which to godward hadde no deuocion,
Distroid chirches of new and old bildyng
To make a forest plesaunt for huntyng;
xiiij yeer bare his crowne in-deede;
Buried at Wynchestir; the cronycle ye may reede.
William Rufus, his sone, crowned Kyng;
Which to godward hadde no deuocion,
Distroid chirches of new and old bildyng
To make a forest plesaunt for huntyng;
xiiij yeer bare his crowne in-deede;
Buried at Wynchestir; the cronycle ye may reede.
His brothir next, callid the first Herrye,
Was at London crowned, as I fynde,
Whos brothir Robert, Duke of Normandie,
Gan hym werrey, the cronycle makith mynde;
Reconciled, al rancour sett behynde,
Ful xxxv yeer, bi record of writyng,
He Regned; buryed at Redyng.
Was at London crowned, as I fynde,
Whos brothir Robert, Duke of Normandie,
Gan hym werrey, the cronycle makith mynde;
4
Ful xxxv yeer, bi record of writyng,
He Regned; buryed at Redyng.
His cosyn Stephen, whan first Herry was deede,
Toward ynglond gan to crosse his sail;
Th'erchebisshop sett vpon his hed
A riche crowne—beyng of his consail.
xix yeer with sorwe and grete trauail
He bare his crowne, had neuer reste;
Att Feuersham lith buried in a chest.
Toward ynglond gan to crosse his sail;
Th'erchebisshop sett vpon his hed
A riche crowne—beyng of his consail.
xix yeer with sorwe and grete trauail
He bare his crowne, had neuer reste;
Att Feuersham lith buried in a chest.
Herry the secunde, sonne of the Emperesse,
Was crowned next—a full manli knyht,
As bookis old pleynli do expresse;
This seid Herry bi froward force & myht
Slouh seynt Thomas for holy cherchis riht!
Yeers xxxv Regned, as it is maade mynde,
Atte Font-euerad Lith buried, as I fynde.
Was crowned next—a full manli knyht,
As bookis old pleynli do expresse;
This seid Herry bi froward force & myht
Slouh seynt Thomas for holy cherchis riht!
Yeers xxxv Regned, as it is maade mynde,
Atte Font-euerad Lith buried, as I fynde.
Richard his sonne, Next bi succession,
First of that name, strong, hardy, & notable,
Was crowned Kyng; Callid Cuer de leon—
With sarsyn heedis serued was at his table!
Slayn at Gaylard, bi dethe lamentable—
The space Regned fulli of ix yeer;
His herte buried atte Rone the hih auter.
First of that name, strong, hardy, & notable,
Was crowned Kyng; Callid Cuer de leon—
With sarsyn heedis serued was at his table!
Slayn at Gaylard, bi dethe lamentable—
The space Regned fulli of ix yeer;
His herte buried atte Rone the hih auter.
Next Kyng Richard Regned his brothir Iohn,
Afftir soone entrid into France;
Lost al Ange and Normandie a-non,
This Lond entirdited bi his gouernaunce.
And as it is put in remembraunce,
xviij yeer kyng of this Region;
Lith atte Wercestre; deid of poison.
Afftir soone entrid into France;
Lost al Ange and Normandie a-non,
This Lond entirdited bi his gouernaunce.
And as it is put in remembraunce,
5
Lith atte Wercestre; deid of poison.
Herry the thridde, his sone, of ix yeer Age
Was atte Glocestre crowned, as I reede;
Long werre he hadde with his baronage;
Greteli dilited in Almosse deede.
lvjti yeer he regned her in-deede;
Buried att Westmenstre, bi record of writyng,
Day of seynt Edmund, marter, maide & kyng.
Was atte Glocestre crowned, as I reede;
Long werre he hadde with his baronage;
Greteli dilited in Almosse deede.
lvjti yeer he regned her in-deede;
Buried att Westmenstre, bi record of writyng,
Day of seynt Edmund, marter, maide & kyng.
Edward the First, With the shankis Long,
Was aftir crowned, that was so good a knyht;
Wan Scotland maugre the scottis strong,
And al Walis despite of al ther myht.
Duryng his liff meyntened trouthe & riht;
xxxvti yeer he was heer kyng;
Lith att Westmenstre: this trouth & no Lesyng.
Was aftir crowned, that was so good a knyht;
Wan Scotland maugre the scottis strong,
And al Walis despite of al ther myht.
Duryng his liff meyntened trouthe & riht;
xxxvti yeer he was heer kyng;
Lith att Westmenstre: this trouth & no Lesyng.
Edward His sone, callid Carnarvan,
Svccedyng aftir, to make his alliaunce,
As the cronycle weel reherse can,
Weddid the douhtir of the Kyng of Fraunce;
On Thomas Lancastre bi deth he took vengaunce;
xix yeer heeld heer hes regalie;
Buried atte Gloucestre, bookis specifie.
Svccedyng aftir, to make his alliaunce,
As the cronycle weel reherse can,
Weddid the douhtir of the Kyng of Fraunce;
On Thomas Lancastre bi deth he took vengaunce;
xix yeer heeld heer hes regalie;
Buried atte Gloucestre, bookis specifie.
The thridde Edward borne atte Wyndesore,
Which in knyhthod hadde so grete a pris,
Enheritour off Fraunce, Withoute more
Bare in his Armys quarterle iij flourelys;
And he gate Caleys bi his prudent deuys.
Regned in ynglond lj yeer,
Lith at Westmenstre; thus seith the Cronycler.
Which in knyhthod hadde so grete a pris,
Enheritour off Fraunce, Withoute more
Bare in his Armys quarterle iij flourelys;
And he gate Caleys bi his prudent deuys.
Regned in ynglond lj yeer,
Lith at Westmenstre; thus seith the Cronycler.
6
Sone of prince Edward, Richard the seconde,
In whos tyme was pes & gret plente,
Weddid queen Anne of bewme, as it is founde,
Isabell, aftir, of Fraunce—who list see.
xxij yeer he regned her, pardee;
Att Langley Buried first, so stood the cas,
Aftir to Westmenstre Hys body caried was.
In whos tyme was pes & gret plente,
Weddid queen Anne of bewme, as it is founde,
Isabell, aftir, of Fraunce—who list see.
xxij yeer he regned her, pardee;
Att Langley Buried first, so stood the cas,
Aftir to Westmenstre Hys body caried was.
Herry the iiijte next crowned, in certeyn,
A famous knyht, and of grete semlynesse;
From his exil whan he cam hom a-geyn,
Traueilid aftir with werre and grete seknesse.
xiiij yeer he regned in sothnesse;
Lith at Canturbury in that holy place—
God of his mercy do his soule grace!
A famous knyht, and of grete semlynesse;
From his exil whan he cam hom a-geyn,
Traueilid aftir with werre and grete seknesse.
xiiij yeer he regned in sothnesse;
Lith at Canturbury in that holy place—
God of his mercy do his soule grace!
The fifte Herry, of knyhthode Lodesterre,
Wise and ryht manly, pleynli to termyne,
Riht fortunat, preeued in pes and werre,
Gretely expert in marcial discipline,
Able to stond among the worthy nyne;
Regned x yeer, who-so liste haue rewarde,
Lith at Westmenstre not far from seynt edwarde.
Wise and ryht manly, pleynli to termyne,
Riht fortunat, preeued in pes and werre,
Gretely expert in marcial discipline,
Able to stond among the worthy nyne;
Regned x yeer, who-so liste haue rewarde,
Lith at Westmenstre not far from seynt edwarde.
The vjte Herry, Brouht forthe in alle vertu,
Bi iuste title borne bi enheritaunce,
Afforne prouydyd bi grace of crist Iesu
To weer too crownes in Ynglond & Fraunce,
To whom god hath goue souereyne suffisaunce
Off vertuous liff, and chose hym for his knyht,
Long to reioisshe and regne heer in his riht.
Bi iuste title borne bi enheritaunce,
Afforne prouydyd bi grace of crist Iesu
To weer too crownes in Ynglond & Fraunce,
To whom god hath goue souereyne suffisaunce
Off vertuous liff, and chose hym for his knyht,
Long to reioisshe and regne heer in his riht.
Explicit.
7
POEMS FROM HARLEY MS. 2253
2. SONG OF THE HUSBANDMAN (1300)
Ich herde men vpo mold make muche mon,
hou he beþ itened of here tilyynge:
gode ȝeres & corn boþe beþ agon;
ne kepeþ here no sawe ne no song synge.
Nou we mote worche, nis þer non oþer won,
mai ich no lengore lyue wiþ mi lesinge;
ȝet þer is a bitterore bid to þe bon,
for euer þe furþe peni mot to þe kynge.
hou he beþ itened of here tilyynge:
gode ȝeres & corn boþe beþ agon;
ne kepeþ here no sawe ne no song synge.
Nou we mote worche, nis þer non oþer won,
mai ich no lengore lyue wiþ mi lesinge;
ȝet þer is a bitterore bid to þe bon,
for euer þe furþe peni mot to þe kynge.
þus we carpeþ for þe kyng, & carieþ ful colde,
& weneþ forte keuere, & euer buþ a-cast;
whose haþ eny god, hopeþ he nout to holde,
bote euer þe leuest we leoseþ alast.
& weneþ forte keuere, & euer buþ a-cast;
whose haþ eny god, hopeþ he nout to holde,
bote euer þe leuest we leoseþ alast.
Luþer is to leosen þer-ase lutel ys,
& haueþ monie hynen þat hopieþ þer-to:
þe hayward heteþ vs harm to habben of his;
þe bailif bockneþ vs bale & weneþ wel do;
þe wodeward waiteþ vs wo, þat lokeþ vnder rys;
ne mai vs ryse no rest, rycheis ne ro.
þus me pileþ þe pore, þat is of lute pris.
nede in swot & in swynk swynde mot swo.
& haueþ monie hynen þat hopieþ þer-to:
þe hayward heteþ vs harm to habben of his;
þe bailif bockneþ vs bale & weneþ wel do;
þe wodeward waiteþ vs wo, þat lokeþ vnder rys;
ne mai vs ryse no rest, rycheis ne ro.
þus me pileþ þe pore, þat is of lute pris.
nede in swot & in swynk swynde mot swo.
Nede he mot swynde, þah he hade swore,
þat naþ nout en hod his hed forte hude.
þus wil walkeþ in lond, & lawe is forlore,
& al is piked of þe pore, þe prikyares prude.
þat naþ nout en hod his hed forte hude.
þus wil walkeþ in lond, & lawe is forlore,
& al is piked of þe pore, þe prikyares prude.
8
þus me pileþ þe pore and pykeþ ful clene,
þe ryche me raymeþ wiþ-outen eny ryht;
ar londes & ar leodes liggeþ fol lene,
þorh biddyng of baylyfs such harm hem haþ hiht.
Meni of religioun me halt hem ful hene,
baroun & bonde, þe clerc & þe knyht.
þus wil walkeþ in lond, & wondred ys wene,
falsshipe fatteþ and marreþ wyþ myht.
þe ryche me raymeþ wiþ-outen eny ryht;
ar londes & ar leodes liggeþ fol lene,
þorh biddyng of baylyfs such harm hem haþ hiht.
Meni of religioun me halt hem ful hene,
baroun & bonde, þe clerc & þe knyht.
þus wil walkeþ in lond, & wondred ys wene,
falsshipe fatteþ and marreþ wyþ myht.
Stont stille y þe stude, & halt him ful sturne,
þat makeþ beggares go wiþ bordon & bagges.
þus we beþ honted from hale to hurne;
þat er werede robes, nou wereþ ragges.
þat makeþ beggares go wiþ bordon & bagges.
þus we beþ honted from hale to hurne;
þat er werede robes, nou wereþ ragges.
ȝet comeþ budeles, wiþ ful muche bost:
“greyþe me seluer to þe grene wax;
þou art writen y my writ, þat þou wel wost!”
mo þen ten siþen told y my tax.
þenne mot ych habbe hennen arost,
feyr on fyhsh day launprey & lax;
forþ to þe chepyn geyneþ ne chost,
þah y sulle mi bil & my borstax.
“greyþe me seluer to þe grene wax;
þou art writen y my writ, þat þou wel wost!”
mo þen ten siþen told y my tax.
þenne mot ych habbe hennen arost,
feyr on fyhsh day launprey & lax;
forþ to þe chepyn geyneþ ne chost,
þah y sulle mi bil & my borstax.
Ich mot legge my wed wel ȝef y wolle,
oþer sulle mi corn on gras þat is grene.
ȝet I shal be foul cherl, þah he han þe fulle;
þat ich alle ȝer spare, þenne y mot spene.
oþer sulle mi corn on gras þat is grene.
ȝet I shal be foul cherl, þah he han þe fulle;
þat ich alle ȝer spare, þenne y mot spene.
Nede y mot spene þat y spared ȝore,
aȝeyn þis cachereles comeþ þus y mot care;
comeþ þe maister budel brust ase a bore;
seiþ he wole mi bugging bringe ful bare.
Mede y mot munten a mark oþer more,
þah ich at þe set dey sulle mi mare.
þus þe grene wax vs greueþ vnder gore,
þat me vs honteþ ase hound doþ þe hare.
aȝeyn þis cachereles comeþ þus y mot care;
comeþ þe maister budel brust ase a bore;
seiþ he wole mi bugging bringe ful bare.
Mede y mot munten a mark oþer more,
þah ich at þe set dey sulle mi mare.
þus þe grene wax vs greueþ vnder gore,
þat me vs honteþ ase hound doþ þe hare.
9
he vs honteþe ase hound hare doþ on hulle;
seþþe y tek to þe lond such tene me wes taht.
nabbeþ ner budeles boded ar sulle,
for he may scape & we aren euer caht.
seþþe y tek to þe lond such tene me wes taht.
nabbeþ ner budeles boded ar sulle,
for he may scape & we aren euer caht.
þus y kippe & cacche cares ful colde,
seþþe y counte & cot hade to kepe;
to seche seluer to þe kyng y mi seed solde,
forþi mi lond leye liþ & leorneþ to slepe.
seþþe he mi feire feh fatte y my folde,
when y þenk o mi weole wel neh y wepe;
þus bredeþ monie beggares bolde,
& vre ruȝe ys roted & ruls er we repe.
seþþe y counte & cot hade to kepe;
to seche seluer to þe kyng y mi seed solde,
forþi mi lond leye liþ & leorneþ to slepe.
seþþe he mi feire feh fatte y my folde,
when y þenk o mi weole wel neh y wepe;
þus bredeþ monie beggares bolde,
& vre ruȝe ys roted & ruls er we repe.
Ruls ys oure ruȝe & roted in þe stre,
for wickede wederes by brokes & by brynke.
þer wakeneþ in þe world wondred & wee,
ase god in swynden anon as so forte swynke.
for wickede wederes by brokes & by brynke.
þer wakeneþ in þe world wondred & wee,
ase god in swynden anon as so forte swynke.
3. THE FLEMISH INSURRECTION (1302)
Lustneþ, lordinges, boþe ȝonge ant olde,
of þe freynsshe-men þat were so proude ant bolde,
hou þe flemmysshe men bohten hem ant solde
vpon a wednesday.
betere hem were at home in huere londe
þen forte seche flemmysshe by þe see stronde,
whareþourh moni frenshe wyf wryngeþ hire honde,
ant singeþ “weylaway!”
of þe freynsshe-men þat were so proude ant bolde,
hou þe flemmysshe men bohten hem ant solde
vpon a wednesday.
betere hem were at home in huere londe
þen forte seche flemmysshe by þe see stronde,
whareþourh moni frenshe wyf wryngeþ hire honde,
ant singeþ “weylaway!”
10
þe kyng of fraunce made statuȝ newe
in þe lond of flaundres, among false ant trewe,
þat þe commun of bruges ful sore con arewe,
ant seiden amonges hem:
“gedere we vs to-gedere hardilyche at ene;
take we þe bailifs bi tuenty ant by tene,
clappe we of the heuedes an-ouen o þe grene,
ant caste we y þe fen.”
in þe lond of flaundres, among false ant trewe,
þat þe commun of bruges ful sore con arewe,
ant seiden amonges hem:
“gedere we vs to-gedere hardilyche at ene;
take we þe bailifs bi tuenty ant by tene,
clappe we of the heuedes an-ouen o þe grene,
ant caste we y þe fen.”
þe webbes ant þe fullaris assembleden hem alle,
ant makeden huere consail in huere commune halle;
token Peter Conyng huere kyng to calle,
ant beo huere cheueuteyn.
hue nomen huere rouncyns out of þe stalle,
ant closeden þe toun wiþ-inne þe walle;
sixti baylies ant ten hue maden a-doun falle,
ant moni an-oþer sweyn.
ant makeden huere consail in huere commune halle;
token Peter Conyng huere kyng to calle,
ant beo huere cheueuteyn.
hue nomen huere rouncyns out of þe stalle,
ant closeden þe toun wiþ-inne þe walle;
sixti baylies ant ten hue maden a-doun falle,
ant moni an-oþer sweyn.
þo wolde þe baylies, þat were come from fraunce,
dryue þe flemisshe þat made þe destaunce;
hue turnden hem aȝeynes wiþ suerd & wiþ launce,
stronge men ant lyht.
y telle ou for soþe, for al huere bobaunce,
ne for þe auowerie of þe kyng of fraunce,
tuenti score ant fyue haden þer meschaunce,
by day ant eke by nyht.
dryue þe flemisshe þat made þe destaunce;
hue turnden hem aȝeynes wiþ suerd & wiþ launce,
stronge men ant lyht.
y telle ou for soþe, for al huere bobaunce,
ne for þe auowerie of þe kyng of fraunce,
tuenti score ant fyue haden þer meschaunce,
by day ant eke by nyht.
Sire Iakes de seint poul yherde hou hit was,
sixtene hundred of horsmen asemblede o þe gras;
he wende toward bruges pas pur pas,
wiþ swiþe gret mounde.
þe flemmysshe yherden telle þe cas,
a-gynneþ to clynken huere basyns of bras,
ant al hem to-dryuen ase ston doþ þe glas,
ant fellen hem to grounde.
sixtene hundred of horsmen asemblede o þe gras;
he wende toward bruges pas pur pas,
wiþ swiþe gret mounde.
þe flemmysshe yherden telle þe cas,
a-gynneþ to clynken huere basyns of bras,
ant al hem to-dryuen ase ston doþ þe glas,
ant fellen hem to grounde.
11
sixtene hundred of horsmen hede þer here fyn;
hue leyȝen y þe stretes y-styked ase swyn;
þer hue loren huere stedes any mony rouncyn
þourh huere oune prude.
sire Iakes ascapede by a coynte gyn,
out at one posterne þer me solde wyn,
out of þe fyhte hom to ys yn,
in wel muchele drede.
hue leyȝen y þe stretes y-styked ase swyn;
þer hue loren huere stedes any mony rouncyn
þourh huere oune prude.
sire Iakes ascapede by a coynte gyn,
out at one posterne þer me solde wyn,
out of þe fyhte hom to ys yn,
in wel muchele drede.
þo þe kyng of fraunce y-herde þis, anon
assemblede he is dousse pers eueruchon,
þe proude eorl of artoys ant oþer mony on,
to come to paris.
þe barouns of fraunce þider conne gon,
Into þe paleis þat paued is wiþ ston,
to iugge þe flemmisshe to bernen ant to slon,
þourh þe flour-de-lis.
assemblede he is dousse pers eueruchon,
þe proude eorl of artoys ant oþer mony on,
to come to paris.
þe barouns of fraunce þider conne gon,
Into þe paleis þat paued is wiþ ston,
to iugge þe flemmisshe to bernen ant to slon,
þourh þe flour-de-lis.
þenne seide þe kyng Phelip, “lustneþ nou to me,
Myn eorles ant my barouns gentil ant fre,
goþ, faccheþ me þe traytours y-bounde to my kne,
hastifliche ant blyue.”
þo suor þe eorl of seint Poul, “par la goule de!
we shule facche þe rybaus wher þi wille be,
ant drawen hem wiþ wilde hors out of þe countre,
by þousendes fyue!”
Myn eorles ant my barouns gentil ant fre,
goþ, faccheþ me þe traytours y-bounde to my kne,
hastifliche ant blyue.”
þo suor þe eorl of seint Poul, “par la goule de!
we shule facche þe rybaus wher þi wille be,
ant drawen hem wiþ wilde hors out of þe countre,
by þousendes fyue!”
“sire Rauf de nel,” sayþ þe eorl of boloyne,
“nus ne lerrum en vie chanoun ne moyne,
wende we forþ anon riþt wiþoute eny assoygne,
Ne no lyues man.
we shule flo þe Conyng, & make roste is loyne;
þe word shal springen of him in-to coloyne,
so hit shal to Acres, & in-to sesoyne,
ant maken him ful wan.”
“nus ne lerrum en vie chanoun ne moyne,
wende we forþ anon riþt wiþoute eny assoygne,
Ne no lyues man.
we shule flo þe Conyng, & make roste is loyne;
þe word shal springen of him in-to coloyne,
so hit shal to Acres, & in-to sesoyne,
ant maken him ful wan.”
12
seuene eorles ant fourti barouns y-tolde,
fyftene hundred knyhtes proude & swyþe bolde,
sixti þousent swyers among ȝunge ant olde,
flemmisshe to take.
þe flemmisshe hardeliche hem com to-ȝeynes;
þis proude freinsshe eorles, huere knyhtes, & huere sweynes
aquelleden ant slowen by hulles & by pleynes,
al for huere kynges sake.
fyftene hundred knyhtes proude & swyþe bolde,
sixti þousent swyers among ȝunge ant olde,
flemmisshe to take.
þe flemmisshe hardeliche hem com to-ȝeynes;
þis proude freinsshe eorles, huere knyhtes, & huere sweynes
aquelleden ant slowen by hulles & by pleynes,
al for huere kynges sake.
þis frenshe come to flaundres so liht so þe hare,
er hit were mydnyht hit fel hem to care;
hue were laht by þe net so bryd is in snare,
wiþ rouncin & wiþ stede.
þe flemmisshe hem dabbeþ o þe het bare;
hue nolden take for huem raunsoun ne ware;
hue doddeþ of huere heuedes, fare so hit fare,
Ant þare-to haueþ hue nede.
er hit were mydnyht hit fel hem to care;
hue were laht by þe net so bryd is in snare,
wiþ rouncin & wiþ stede.
þe flemmisshe hem dabbeþ o þe het bare;
hue nolden take for huem raunsoun ne ware;
hue doddeþ of huere heuedes, fare so hit fare,
Ant þare-to haueþ hue nede.
þenne seyþ þe eorl of Artois, “y ȝelde me to þe,
Peter Conyng by þi nome, ȝef þou art hende ant fre,
þat y ne haue no shame ne no vylte,
þat y ne be noud ded.”
þenne swor a bocher, “by my leaute!
shalt þou ner more þe kyng of fraunce se,
ne in þe toun of bruges in prisone be,
þou woldest spene bred.”
Peter Conyng by þi nome, ȝef þou art hende ant fre,
þat y ne haue no shame ne no vylte,
þat y ne be noud ded.”
þenne swor a bocher, “by my leaute!
shalt þou ner more þe kyng of fraunce se,
ne in þe toun of bruges in prisone be,
þou woldest spene bred.”
þer hy were knulled y þe put-falle,
þis eorles ant barouns & huere knyhtes alle;
huere ledies huem mowe abide in boure & in halle
wel longe.
for hem mot huere kyng oþer knyhtes calle,
oþer stedes taken out of huere stalle;
þer hi habbeþ dronke bittrere þen þe galle,
vpon þe drue londe.
þis eorles ant barouns & huere knyhtes alle;
huere ledies huem mowe abide in boure & in halle
wel longe.
for hem mot huere kyng oþer knyhtes calle,
oþer stedes taken out of huere stalle;
þer hi habbeþ dronke bittrere þen þe galle,
vpon þe drue londe.
13
when þe kyng of fraunce y-herde þis tydynge,
he smot doun is heued, is honden gon he wrynge;
þourhout al fraunce þe word bygon to springe.
wo wes huem þo!
Muche wes þe sorewe ant þe wepinge
þat wes in al fraunce among olde ant ȝynge;
þe meste part of þe lond bygon forte synge,
“alas, ant weylawo!”
he smot doun is heued, is honden gon he wrynge;
þourhout al fraunce þe word bygon to springe.
wo wes huem þo!
Muche wes þe sorewe ant þe wepinge
þat wes in al fraunce among olde ant ȝynge;
þe meste part of þe lond bygon forte synge,
“alas, ant weylawo!”
awey, þou ȝunge pope! whet shal þe to rede?
þou hast lore þin cardinals at þi meste nede;
ne keuerest þou hem neuere for nones kunnes mede,
for soþe y þe telle.
do þe forþ to rome to amende þi misdede;
bide gode halewen hue lete þe betere spede;
bote þou worche wysloker, þou losest lond & lede,
þe coroune wel þe felle.
þou hast lore þin cardinals at þi meste nede;
ne keuerest þou hem neuere for nones kunnes mede,
for soþe y þe telle.
do þe forþ to rome to amende þi misdede;
bide gode halewen hue lete þe betere spede;
bote þou worche wysloker, þou losest lond & lede,
þe coroune wel þe felle.
Alas! þou seli fraunce, for þe may þunche shome,
þat ane fewe fullaris makeþ ou so tome;
sixti þousent on a day hue maden fot-lome,
wiþ eorl & knyht.
her-of habbeþ þe flemysshe suiþe god game,
ant suereþ bi seint omer & eke bi seint Iame,
ȝef hy þer more comeþ hit falleþ huem to shame,
wiþ huem forte fyht.
þat ane fewe fullaris makeþ ou so tome;
sixti þousent on a day hue maden fot-lome,
wiþ eorl & knyht.
her-of habbeþ þe flemysshe suiþe god game,
ant suereþ bi seint omer & eke bi seint Iame,
ȝef hy þer more comeþ hit falleþ huem to shame,
wiþ huem forte fyht.
I telle ou for soþe, þe bataille þus bigon
bituene fraunce ant flaundres, hou hue weren fon;
vor vrenshe þe eorl of flaundres in prison heden y-don,
wiþ tresoun vntrewe.
ȝef þe prince of walis his lyf habbe mote,
hit falleþ þe kyng of fraunce bittrore þen þe sote,
bote he þe raþere þer-of welle do bote,
wel sore hit shal hym rewe.
bituene fraunce ant flaundres, hou hue weren fon;
vor vrenshe þe eorl of flaundres in prison heden y-don,
wiþ tresoun vntrewe.
ȝef þe prince of walis his lyf habbe mote,
hit falleþ þe kyng of fraunce bittrore þen þe sote,
bote he þe raþere þer-of welle do bote,
wel sore hit shal hym rewe.
14
4. THE EXECUTION OF SIR SIMON FRASER (1306)
Lystneþ, lordynges, a newe song ichulle bigynne
of þe traytours of scotlond þat take beþ wyþ gynne.
Mon þat loueþ falsnesse & nule neuer blynne,
sore may him drede þe lyf þat he is ynne,
Ich vnderstonde.
Selde wes he glad,
þat neuer nes a-sad
of nyþe ant of onde.
of þe traytours of scotlond þat take beþ wyþ gynne.
Mon þat loueþ falsnesse & nule neuer blynne,
sore may him drede þe lyf þat he is ynne,
Ich vnderstonde.
Selde wes he glad,
þat neuer nes a-sad
of nyþe ant of onde.
þat y sugge by þis scottes þat bueþ nou to-drawe—
þe heuedes o londone brugge whose con y-knawe;
he wenden han buen kynges, ant seiden so in sawe;
betere hem were han y-be barouns ant libbe in godes lawe,
wyþ loue.
whose hateþ soth ant ryht,
lutel he douteþ godes myht,
þe heye kyng aboue.
þe heuedes o londone brugge whose con y-knawe;
he wenden han buen kynges, ant seiden so in sawe;
betere hem were han y-be barouns ant libbe in godes lawe,
wyþ loue.
whose hateþ soth ant ryht,
lutel he douteþ godes myht,
þe heye kyng aboue.
To warny alle þe gentilmen þat bueþ in scotlonde,
þe waleis wos to-drawe, seþþe he wos an-honge,
al quic biheueded, ys bowels y-brend,
þe heued to londone brugge wos send
To abyde.
after simond frysel,
þat wes traytour ant fykel,
ant y-cud ful wyde.
þe waleis wos to-drawe, seþþe he wos an-honge,
al quic biheueded, ys bowels y-brend,
þe heued to londone brugge wos send
To abyde.
after simond frysel,
þat wes traytour ant fykel,
ant y-cud ful wyde.
15
Sire edward oure kyng, þat ful ys of piete,
þe waleis quarters sende to is oune contre,
on four half to honge, huere myrour to be,
þer-opon to þenche, þat monie myhten se
Ant drede.
why nolden he be war
of þe bataile of donbar,
hou euele hem con spede?
þe waleis quarters sende to is oune contre,
on four half to honge, huere myrour to be,
þer-opon to þenche, þat monie myhten se
Ant drede.
why nolden he be war
of þe bataile of donbar,
hou euele hem con spede?
Bysshopes ant barouns come to þe kynges pes,
ase men þat weren fals, fykel, ant les,
oþes hue him sworen in stude þer he wes,
to buen him hold ant trewe for alles cunnes res,
þryes.
þat hue ne shulden aȝeyn him go,
so hue were temed þo.
weht halt hit to lye?
ase men þat weren fals, fykel, ant les,
oþes hue him sworen in stude þer he wes,
to buen him hold ant trewe for alles cunnes res,
þryes.
þat hue ne shulden aȝeyn him go,
so hue were temed þo.
weht halt hit to lye?
To þe kyng edward hii fasten huere fay;
fals wes here foreward so forst is in may,
þat sonne from þe southward wypeþ away:
Moni proud scot þer-of mene may
to ȝere.
Nes neuer scot-lond
wiþ dunt of monnes hond
allinge aboht so duere.
fals wes here foreward so forst is in may,
þat sonne from þe southward wypeþ away:
Moni proud scot þer-of mene may
to ȝere.
Nes neuer scot-lond
wiþ dunt of monnes hond
allinge aboht so duere.
þe bisshop of glascou, ychot he was ylaht;
þe bisshop of seint Andre, boþe, he beþ ycaht;
þe abbot of scon wiþ þe kyng nis nouht saht;
al here purpos ycome hit ys to naht,
þurh ryhte.
hii were vnwis,
when hii þohte pris
aȝeyn huere kyng to fyhte.
þe bisshop of seint Andre, boþe, he beþ ycaht;
þe abbot of scon wiþ þe kyng nis nouht saht;
al here purpos ycome hit ys to naht,
þurh ryhte.
hii were vnwis,
when hii þohte pris
aȝeyn huere kyng to fyhte.
16
þourh consail of þes bisshopes y-nemned byfore,
sire Robert þe bruycȝ furst kyng wes y-core.
he mai eueruche day ys fon him se byfore;
ȝef hee mowen him hente, ichot he biþ forlore,
sauntȝ fayle.
soht forte sugge,
duere he shal abugge
þat he bigon batayle.
sire Robert þe bruycȝ furst kyng wes y-core.
he mai eueruche day ys fon him se byfore;
ȝef hee mowen him hente, ichot he biþ forlore,
sauntȝ fayle.
soht forte sugge,
duere he shal abugge
þat he bigon batayle.
hii þat him crounede proude were ant bolde;
hii maden kyng of somere, so hii ner ne sholde;
hii setten on ys heued a croune of rede golde,
Ant token a kyne-ȝerde (so me kyng sholde)
to deme.
þo he wes set in see,
lutel god couþe he,
kyne-riche to ȝeme.
hii maden kyng of somere, so hii ner ne sholde;
hii setten on ys heued a croune of rede golde,
Ant token a kyne-ȝerde (so me kyng sholde)
to deme.
þo he wes set in see,
lutel god couþe he,
kyne-riche to ȝeme.
Nou kyng hobbe in þe mures ȝongeþ,
forte come to toune nout him ne longeþ.
þe barouns of engelond, myhte hue him gripe,
he him wolde techen on englysshe to pype,
þourh streynþe.
Ne be he ner so stout,
ȝet he biþ y-soht out
o brede ant o leynþe.
forte come to toune nout him ne longeþ.
þe barouns of engelond, myhte hue him gripe,
he him wolde techen on englysshe to pype,
þourh streynþe.
Ne be he ner so stout,
ȝet he biþ y-soht out
o brede ant o leynþe.
sire Edward of carnaruan—iesu him saue and see—
sire Emer de valence, gentil knyht ant free,
habbeþ y-suore huere oht þat par la grace dee
hee wolleþ ous delyuren of þat false contre,
ȝef hii conne.
Muche haþ scotlond forlore,
whet a-last, whet bifore,
ant lutel pris wonne.
sire Emer de valence, gentil knyht ant free,
habbeþ y-suore huere oht þat par la grace dee
hee wolleþ ous delyuren of þat false contre,
ȝef hii conne.
Muche haþ scotlond forlore,
whet a-last, whet bifore,
ant lutel pris wonne.
17
Nou ichulle fonge þer ich er let,
ant tellen ou of frisel, ase ich ou by-het.
In þe batayle of kyrkenclyf ffrysel was ytake—
ys continaunce abatede eny bost to make
biside striuelyn—
knyhtes ant sweynes,
ffremen ant þeynes,
monye wiþ hym.
ant tellen ou of frisel, ase ich ou by-het.
In þe batayle of kyrkenclyf ffrysel was ytake—
ys continaunce abatede eny bost to make
biside striuelyn—
knyhtes ant sweynes,
ffremen ant þeynes,
monye wiþ hym.
so hii weren byset on eueruche halue,
somme slaye were, ant somme dreynte hem-selue.
sire Iohan of lyndeseye nolde nout abyde,
he wod into þe water, his feren him bysyde,
to adrenche.
whi nolden hii be war?
þer nis non aȝeyn star,
why nolden hii hem by-þenche?
somme slaye were, ant somme dreynte hem-selue.
sire Iohan of lyndeseye nolde nout abyde,
he wod into þe water, his feren him bysyde,
to adrenche.
whi nolden hii be war?
þer nis non aȝeyn star,
why nolden hii hem by-þenche?
þis wes byfore seint bartholomeus masse,
þat ffrysel wes y-take, were hit more oþer lasse;
To sire Thomas of Multone, gentil baroun ant fre,
ant to sire Iohan Iose, by-take þo wes he
to honde.
he wes yfetered weel,
boþe wiþ yrn ant wyþ steel,
to bringen of scotlonde.
þat ffrysel wes y-take, were hit more oþer lasse;
To sire Thomas of Multone, gentil baroun ant fre,
ant to sire Iohan Iose, by-take þo wes he
to honde.
he wes yfetered weel,
boþe wiþ yrn ant wyþ steel,
to bringen of scotlonde.
Sone þer-after þe tydynge to þe kyng com.
he him sende to londone wiþ mony armed grom;
he com yn at newegate, y telle yt ou a-plyht,
a gerland of leues on ys hed y-dyht
of grene;
ffor he shulde ben yknowe,
boþe of heȝe ant of lowe,
for treytour, y wene.
he him sende to londone wiþ mony armed grom;
he com yn at newegate, y telle yt ou a-plyht,
a gerland of leues on ys hed y-dyht
of grene;
ffor he shulde ben yknowe,
boþe of heȝe ant of lowe,
for treytour, y wene.
18
y-fetered were ys legges vnder his horse wombe;
boþe wiþ yrn ant wiþ stel mankled were ys honde;
A gerland of peruenke set on ys heued;
Muche wes þe poer þat him wes byreued
In londe.
so god me amende,
lutel he wende
so be broht in honde.
boþe wiþ yrn ant wiþ stel mankled were ys honde;
A gerland of peruenke set on ys heued;
Muche wes þe poer þat him wes byreued
In londe.
so god me amende,
lutel he wende
so be broht in honde.
sire herbert of Morham, feyr knyht ant bold,
for þe loue of frysel ys lyf wes y-sold;
a waiour he made, so hit wes y-told,
ys heued of to smhyte ȝef me him brohte in hold,
wat so bytyde.
sory wos he þenne,
þo he myhte him kenne
þourh þe toun ryde.
for þe loue of frysel ys lyf wes y-sold;
a waiour he made, so hit wes y-told,
ys heued of to smhyte ȝef me him brohte in hold,
wat so bytyde.
sory wos he þenne,
þo he myhte him kenne
þourh þe toun ryde.
þenne seide ys scwyer a word anon ryht,
“sire, we beþ ded, ne helpeþ hit no wyht!”
(Thomas de boys þe scwyer wes to nome)
“Nou ychot oure waiour turneþ ous to grome,
so y bate.”
y do ou to wyte,
here heued wes of smyte
byfore þe tour gate.
“sire, we beþ ded, ne helpeþ hit no wyht!”
(Thomas de boys þe scwyer wes to nome)
“Nou ychot oure waiour turneþ ous to grome,
so y bate.”
y do ou to wyte,
here heued wes of smyte
byfore þe tour gate.
þis wes on oure leuedy euen, for sothe ych understonde,
þe iustices seten for þe knyhtes of scotlonde:
sire Thomas of Multone, an hendy knyht ant wys,
ant sire Rauf of sondwych, þat muchel is told in pris,
ant sire Iohan Abel,
Mo y mihte telle by tale,
boþe of grete ant of smale,
ȝe knowen suyþe wel.
þe iustices seten for þe knyhtes of scotlonde:
sire Thomas of Multone, an hendy knyht ant wys,
ant sire Rauf of sondwych, þat muchel is told in pris,
ant sire Iohan Abel,
Mo y mihte telle by tale,
boþe of grete ant of smale,
ȝe knowen suyþe wel.
19
þenne saide þe iustice, þat gentil is ant fre,
“sire simond ffrysel, þe kynges traytour hast þou be,
In water ant in londe, þat monie myhten se.
what sayst þou þareto? hou wolt þou quite þe?
do say!”
so foul he him wiste,
nede waron truste,
forto segge nay.
“sire simond ffrysel, þe kynges traytour hast þou be,
In water ant in londe, þat monie myhten se.
what sayst þou þareto? hou wolt þou quite þe?
do say!”
so foul he him wiste,
nede waron truste,
forto segge nay.
þer he wes ydemed, so hit wes londes lawe,
for þat he wes lord-swyke; furst, he wes to-drawe;
vpon a reþeres hude forþ he wes ytuht,
sum while in ys time he wes a modi knyht
In huerte.
wickednesse & sunne—
hit is lutel wunne
þat makeþ þe body smerte.
for þat he wes lord-swyke; furst, he wes to-drawe;
vpon a reþeres hude forþ he wes ytuht,
sum while in ys time he wes a modi knyht
In huerte.
wickednesse & sunne—
hit is lutel wunne
þat makeþ þe body smerte.
ffor al is grete poer, ȝet he wes ylaht;
ffalsnesse & swykedom al hit geþ to naht.
þo he wes in scotlond, lutel wes ys þoht
of þe harde iugement þat him wes bysoht
In stounde.
he wes four siþe for-swore
to þe kyng þer bifore,
& þat him brohte to grounde.
ffalsnesse & swykedom al hit geþ to naht.
þo he wes in scotlond, lutel wes ys þoht
of þe harde iugement þat him wes bysoht
In stounde.
he wes four siþe for-swore
to þe kyng þer bifore,
& þat him brohte to grounde.
wiþ feteres & wiþ gyues ichot he wes to-drowe,
ffrom þe tour of londone, þat monie myhte knowe,
In a curtel of burel a selkeþe wyse,
ant a gerland on ys heued of þe newe guyse,
þurh cheepe.
Moni mon of engelond
forto se symond
þideward con lepe.
ffrom þe tour of londone, þat monie myhte knowe,
In a curtel of burel a selkeþe wyse,
ant a gerland on ys heued of þe newe guyse,
þurh cheepe.
Moni mon of engelond
forto se symond
þideward con lepe.
20
þo he com to galewes, furst he wes an-honge
al quick byheueded, þah him þohte longe.
seþþe he wes y-opened, is boweles ybrend;
þe heued to londone brugge wes send
to shonde.
so ich euer mote þe,
sum while wende he
þer lutel to stonde.
al quick byheueded, þah him þohte longe.
seþþe he wes y-opened, is boweles ybrend;
þe heued to londone brugge wes send
to shonde.
so ich euer mote þe,
sum while wende he
þer lutel to stonde.
he rideþ þourh þe site, as y telle may,
wiþ gomen & wyþ solas, þat wes here play;
to londone brugge hee nome þe way—
Moni wes þe wyues chil þat þer-on lokeþ a day,
Ant seide alas,
þat he wes ibore
& so villiche forlore,
so feir mon ase he was.
wiþ gomen & wyþ solas, þat wes here play;
to londone brugge hee nome þe way—
Moni wes þe wyues chil þat þer-on lokeþ a day,
Ant seide alas,
þat he wes ibore
& so villiche forlore,
so feir mon ase he was.
Nou stont þe heued aboue þe tubrugge,
ffaste bi waleis, soþ forte sugge;
after socour of scotlond longe he mowe prye,
ant after help of fraunce wet halt hit to lye,
Ich wene.
betere him were in scotlond
wiþ is ax in ys hond,
to pleyen o þe grene.
ffaste bi waleis, soþ forte sugge;
after socour of scotlond longe he mowe prye,
ant after help of fraunce wet halt hit to lye,
Ich wene.
betere him were in scotlond
wiþ is ax in ys hond,
to pleyen o þe grene.
Ant þe body hongeþ at þe galewes faste,
wiþ yrnene claspes longe to laste;
fforte wyte wel þe body, & scottysh to gaste,
foure ant tuenti þer beoþ to soþe ate laste
by nyhte,
ȝef eny were so hardi
þe body to remuy,
also to dyhte.
wiþ yrnene claspes longe to laste;
fforte wyte wel þe body, & scottysh to gaste,
foure ant tuenti þer beoþ to soþe ate laste
by nyhte,
ȝef eny were so hardi
þe body to remuy,
also to dyhte.
21
were sire robert þe bruycȝ y-come to þis londe,
ant þe erl of asseles, þat harde is an honde,
alle þe oþer pouraille, forsoþe ich vnderstonde,
mihten be ful blyþe ant þonke godes sonde
wyþ ryhte.
þenne myhte vch mon
boþ riden & gon
in pes wiþ-oute vyhte.
ant þe erl of asseles, þat harde is an honde,
alle þe oþer pouraille, forsoþe ich vnderstonde,
mihten be ful blyþe ant þonke godes sonde
wyþ ryhte.
þenne myhte vch mon
boþ riden & gon
in pes wiþ-oute vyhte.
þe traytours of scotlond token hem to rede,
þe barouns of engelond to brynge to dede;
Charles of fraunce, so moni mon tolde,
wiþ myht & wiþ streynþe hem helpe wolde,
his þonkes!
Tprot, scot, for þi strif!
hang vp þyn hachet ant þi knyf,
whil him lasteþ þe lyf
wiþ þe longe shonkes.
þe barouns of engelond to brynge to dede;
Charles of fraunce, so moni mon tolde,
wiþ myht & wiþ streynþe hem helpe wolde,
his þonkes!
Tprot, scot, for þi strif!
hang vp þyn hachet ant þi knyf,
whil him lasteþ þe lyf
wiþ þe longe shonkes.
5. THE DEATH OF EDWARD I (1307)
Alle þat beoþ of huerte trewe,
a stounde herkneþ to my song,
of duel þat deþ haþ diht vs newe,
þat makeþ me syke ant sorewe among;
of a knyht þat wes so strong,
of wham god haþ don ys wille;
me þuncheþ þat deþ haþ don vs wrong,
þat he so sone shal ligge stille.
a stounde herkneþ to my song,
of duel þat deþ haþ diht vs newe,
þat makeþ me syke ant sorewe among;
of a knyht þat wes so strong,
of wham god haþ don ys wille;
me þuncheþ þat deþ haþ don vs wrong,
þat he so sone shal ligge stille.
22
al englond ahte forte knowe
of wham þat song is þat y synge—
of edward kyng þat liþ so lowe,
ȝent al þis world is nome con springe.
trewest mon of alle þinge,
ant in werre war ant wys,
for him we ahte oure honden wrynge,
of cristendome he ber þe pris.
of wham þat song is þat y synge—
of edward kyng þat liþ so lowe,
ȝent al þis world is nome con springe.
trewest mon of alle þinge,
ant in werre war ant wys,
for him we ahte oure honden wrynge,
of cristendome he ber þe pris.
byfore þat oure kyng wes ded,
he spek ase mon þat wes in care.
“Clerkes, knyhtes, barouns,” he sayde,
“y charge ou by oure sware,
þat ȝe to engelonde be trewe.
y deȝe, y ne may lyuen na more;
helpeþ mi sone & crouneþ him newe,
for he is nest to buen y-core.
he spek ase mon þat wes in care.
“Clerkes, knyhtes, barouns,” he sayde,
“y charge ou by oure sware,
þat ȝe to engelonde be trewe.
y deȝe, y ne may lyuen na more;
helpeþ mi sone & crouneþ him newe,
for he is nest to buen y-core.
“Ich bi-queþe myn herte aryht,
þat hit be write at mi deuys,
ouer þe see þat hue be diht,
wiþ four-score knyhtes al of pris,
In werre þat buen war & wys,
aȝein þe heþene forte fyhte,
to wynne þe croiȝ þat lowe lys.
myself ycholde ȝef þat y myhte.”
þat hit be write at mi deuys,
ouer þe see þat hue be diht,
wiþ four-score knyhtes al of pris,
In werre þat buen war & wys,
aȝein þe heþene forte fyhte,
to wynne þe croiȝ þat lowe lys.
myself ycholde ȝef þat y myhte.”
kyng of fraunce, þou heuedest sunne,
þat þou þe counsail woldest fonde,
to latte þe wille of kyng edward
to wende to þe holy londe;
þat oure kyng hede take on honde
al engelond to ȝeme & wysse,
to wenden in-to þe holy londe,
to wynnen vs heuenriche blisse.
þat þou þe counsail woldest fonde,
to latte þe wille of kyng edward
to wende to þe holy londe;
þat oure kyng hede take on honde
al engelond to ȝeme & wysse,
to wenden in-to þe holy londe,
to wynnen vs heuenriche blisse.
23
þe messager to þe pope com,
& seyde þat oure kyng wes ded;
ys oune hond þe lettre he nom,
y-wis is herte wes ful gret.
þe pope him-self þe lettre redde,
ant spec a word of gret honour—
“alas!” he seide, “is Edward ded?
of cristendome he ber þe flour!”
& seyde þat oure kyng wes ded;
ys oune hond þe lettre he nom,
y-wis is herte wes ful gret.
þe pope him-self þe lettre redde,
ant spec a word of gret honour—
“alas!” he seide, “is Edward ded?
of cristendome he ber þe flour!”
þe pope to is chaumbre wende,
for del ne mihte he speke na more;
ant after cardinals he sende,
þat muche couþen of cristes lore,
boþe þe lasse ant eke þe more,
bed hem boþe rede & synge;
gret deol me myhte se þore,
mony mon is honde wrynge.
for del ne mihte he speke na more;
ant after cardinals he sende,
þat muche couþen of cristes lore,
boþe þe lasse ant eke þe more,
bed hem boþe rede & synge;
gret deol me myhte se þore,
mony mon is honde wrynge.
þe pope of peyters stod at is masse,
wiþ ful gret solempnete;
þer me con þe soule blesse:
“kyng edward, honoured þou be!
god lene þi sone come after þe
bringe to ende þat þou hast bygonne;
þe holy crois y-mad of tre,
so fain þou woldest hit han y-wonne.
wiþ ful gret solempnete;
þer me con þe soule blesse:
“kyng edward, honoured þou be!
god lene þi sone come after þe
bringe to ende þat þou hast bygonne;
þe holy crois y-mad of tre,
so fain þou woldest hit han y-wonne.
“Ierusalem, þou hast i-lore
þe flour of al chiualerie!
Nou kyng edward liueþ na more,
alas! þat he ȝet shulde deye!
he wolde ha rered vp fol heyȝe
oure baners, þat bueþ broht to grounde;
wel longe we mowe clepe & crie
er we a such kyng han y-founde!”
þe flour of al chiualerie!
Nou kyng edward liueþ na more,
alas! þat he ȝet shulde deye!
he wolde ha rered vp fol heyȝe
oure baners, þat bueþ broht to grounde;
wel longe we mowe clepe & crie
er we a such kyng han y-founde!”
24
Nou is Edward of Carnaruan
king of engelond al aplyht,
god lete him ner be worse man
þen is fader, ne lasse of myht
to holden is pore men to ryht,
ant vnderstonde good consail,
al engeland forte wisse ant diht,
of gode knyhtes darh him nout fail.
king of engelond al aplyht,
god lete him ner be worse man
þen is fader, ne lasse of myht
to holden is pore men to ryht,
ant vnderstonde good consail,
al engeland forte wisse ant diht,
of gode knyhtes darh him nout fail.
þah mi tonge were mad of stel,
ant min herte y-ȝote of bras,
þe godnesse myht y neuer telle
þat wiþ kyng edward was.
kyng, as þou art cleped conquerour,
in vch bataille þou hadest pris;
god bringe þi soule to þe honour
þat euer wes & euer ys,
þat lesteþ ay wiþ-outen ende!
bidde we god ant oure ledy,
to þilke blisse iesus vs sende.
ant min herte y-ȝote of bras,
þe godnesse myht y neuer telle
þat wiþ kyng edward was.
kyng, as þou art cleped conquerour,
in vch bataille þou hadest pris;
god bringe þi soule to þe honour
þat euer wes & euer ys,
þat lesteþ ay wiþ-outen ende!
bidde we god ant oure ledy,
to þilke blisse iesus vs sende.
Amen.
6. SATIRE ON THE CONSISTORY COURTS (1307)
Ne mai no lewed lued libben in londe,
be he neuer in hyrt so hauer of honde,
so lerede vs biledes;
ȝef ich on molde mote wiþ a mai,
y shal falle hem byfore & lurnen huere lay,
ant rewen alle huere redes.
ah bote y be þe furme day on folde hem byfore,
ne shal y nout so skere scapan of huere score;
so grimly he on me gredes,
þat y ne mot me lede þer wiþ mi lawe,
on alle maner oþes þat heo me wulleþ awe,
heore boc ase vn-bredes.
heo wendeþ bokes vn-brad,
ant makeþ men a moneþ a-mad;
of scaþe y wol me skere,
ant fleo from my fere;
ne rohte he whet yt were,
boten heo hit had.
be he neuer in hyrt so hauer of honde,
so lerede vs biledes;
25
y shal falle hem byfore & lurnen huere lay,
ant rewen alle huere redes.
ah bote y be þe furme day on folde hem byfore,
ne shal y nout so skere scapan of huere score;
so grimly he on me gredes,
þat y ne mot me lede þer wiþ mi lawe,
on alle maner oþes þat heo me wulleþ awe,
heore boc ase vn-bredes.
heo wendeþ bokes vn-brad,
ant makeþ men a moneþ a-mad;
of scaþe y wol me skere,
ant fleo from my fere;
ne rohte he whet yt were,
boten heo hit had.
ffurst þer sit an old cherl in a blake hure,
of alle þat þer sitteþ semeþ best syre,
ant leyþ ys leg o-lonke.
An heme in an herygoud wiþ honginde sleuen,
& mo þen fourti him by-fore my bales to breuen,
In sunnes ȝef y songe.
heo pynkes wiþ heore penne on heore parchemyn,
ant sayen y am breued ant y-broht yn
of al my weole wlonke.
Alle heo bueþ redy myn rouþes to rede,
þer y mot for menske munte sum mede,
ant þonkfulliche hem þonke.
shal y þonke hem þer er y go?
ȝe, þe maister ant ys men bo.
ȝef y am wreint in heore write,
þenne am y bac-bite;
for moni mon heo makeþ wyte
Of wymmene wo.
of alle þat þer sitteþ semeþ best syre,
ant leyþ ys leg o-lonke.
An heme in an herygoud wiþ honginde sleuen,
& mo þen fourti him by-fore my bales to breuen,
In sunnes ȝef y songe.
heo pynkes wiþ heore penne on heore parchemyn,
ant sayen y am breued ant y-broht yn
of al my weole wlonke.
Alle heo bueþ redy myn rouþes to rede,
þer y mot for menske munte sum mede,
ant þonkfulliche hem þonke.
shal y þonke hem þer er y go?
ȝe, þe maister ant ys men bo.
ȝef y am wreint in heore write,
þenne am y bac-bite;
for moni mon heo makeþ wyte
Of wymmene wo.
26
ȝet þer sitteþ somenours syexe oþer seuene,
mys-motinde men alle by here euene,
ant recheþ forþ heore rolle.
Hyrdmen hem hatieþ, ant vch mones hyne,
for eueruch a parosshe heo polkeþ in pyne,
and clastreþ wyþ heore colle.
Nou wol vch fol clerc þat is fayly,
wende to þe bysshop ant bugge bayly—
nys no wyt in is nolle—
come to countene court, couren in a cope,
ant suggen he haþ priuilegie proud of þe pope—
swart ant al to-swolle.
aren heo to-swolle, for-swore?
ȝe, þe hatred of helle beo heore!
for þer heo beodeþ a bok,
to sugge ase y folht tok;
heo shulen in helle on an hok
honge þere-fore!
mys-motinde men alle by here euene,
ant recheþ forþ heore rolle.
Hyrdmen hem hatieþ, ant vch mones hyne,
for eueruch a parosshe heo polkeþ in pyne,
and clastreþ wyþ heore colle.
Nou wol vch fol clerc þat is fayly,
wende to þe bysshop ant bugge bayly—
nys no wyt in is nolle—
come to countene court, couren in a cope,
ant suggen he haþ priuilegie proud of þe pope—
swart ant al to-swolle.
aren heo to-swolle, for-swore?
ȝe, þe hatred of helle beo heore!
for þer heo beodeþ a bok,
to sugge ase y folht tok;
heo shulen in helle on an hok
honge þere-fore!
þer stont vp a ȝeolumon, ȝeȝeþ wiþ a ȝerde,
ant hat out an heh þat al þe hyrt herde,
ant cleopeþ Magge ant Malle.
ant heo comeþ bymodered ase a mor-hen,
ant scrynkeþ for shome, & shomeþ for men,
vncomely vnder calle.
heo biginneþ to shryke, & scremeþ anon,
ant saiþ, “by my gabbyng, ne shal hit so gon,
ant þat beo on ou alle;
þat þou shalt me wedde & welde to wyf.”
ah me were leuere wiþ lawe leose my lyf
þen so to fote hem falle.
shal y to fote falle for mi fo?
ȝe, monie byswykeþ heo swo.
of þralles y am þer þrat,
þat sitteþ swart & for-swat;
þer y mot hente me en hat
er ich hom go.
ant hat out an heh þat al þe hyrt herde,
ant cleopeþ Magge ant Malle.
ant heo comeþ bymodered ase a mor-hen,
ant scrynkeþ for shome, & shomeþ for men,
vncomely vnder calle.
heo biginneþ to shryke, & scremeþ anon,
ant saiþ, “by my gabbyng, ne shal hit so gon,
ant þat beo on ou alle;
þat þou shalt me wedde & welde to wyf.”
ah me were leuere wiþ lawe leose my lyf
þen so to fote hem falle.
shal y to fote falle for mi fo?
ȝe, monie byswykeþ heo swo.
of þralles y am þer þrat,
þat sitteþ swart & for-swat;
þer y mot hente me en hat
er ich hom go.
27
such chaffare y chepe at þe chapitre,
þat makeþ moni þryue mon vn-þeufol to be,
wiþ þonkes ful þunne;
ant seþþe y go coure at constory,
ant falle to fote vch a fayly—
heore is þis worldes wynne.
seþþen y pleide at bisshopes plee,
ah me were leuere be sonken y þe see,
In sor wiþouten synne.
At chirche ant þourh cheping, ase dogge y am dryue,
þat me were leuere of lyue þen so forte lyue,
to care of al my kynne.
atte constorie heo kenneþ vs care,
ant whissheþ vs euele & worse to fare.
a pruest proud ase a po
seþþe weddeþ vs bo;
Wyde heo worcheþ vs wo
for wymmene ware.
þat makeþ moni þryue mon vn-þeufol to be,
wiþ þonkes ful þunne;
ant seþþe y go coure at constory,
ant falle to fote vch a fayly—
heore is þis worldes wynne.
seþþen y pleide at bisshopes plee,
ah me were leuere be sonken y þe see,
In sor wiþouten synne.
At chirche ant þourh cheping, ase dogge y am dryue,
þat me were leuere of lyue þen so forte lyue,
to care of al my kynne.
atte constorie heo kenneþ vs care,
ant whissheþ vs euele & worse to fare.
a pruest proud ase a po
seþþe weddeþ vs bo;
Wyde heo worcheþ vs wo
for wymmene ware.
7. SATIRE ON THE RETINUES OF THE GREAT (1307)
Of rybaudȝ y ryme ant rede o mi rolle,
of gedelynges, gromes, of colyn & of Colle,
harlotes, hors-knaues, bi pate & bi polle—
to deuel ich hem to-lyure ant take to tolle!
of gedelynges, gromes, of colyn & of Colle,
harlotes, hors-knaues, bi pate & bi polle—
to deuel ich hem to-lyure ant take to tolle!
þe gedelynges were gedered of gonnylde gnoste;
palefreiours & pages, ant boyes wiþ boste;
alle were y-haht of an horse þoste—
þe deuel huem afretye, Rau oþer a-roste!
palefreiours & pages, ant boyes wiþ boste;
alle were y-haht of an horse þoste—
þe deuel huem afretye, Rau oþer a-roste!
28
þe shuppare þat huem shupte, to shome he huem shadde,
to fles ant to fleye, to tyke ant to tadde.
so seyþ romaunȝ, whose ryht radde:
ffleh com of flore, ant lous com of ladde.
to fles ant to fleye, to tyke ant to tadde.
so seyþ romaunȝ, whose ryht radde:
ffleh com of flore, ant lous com of ladde.
þe harlotes bueth horlynges ant haunteþ þe plawe;
þe gedelynges bueþ glotouns ant drynkeþ er hit dawe.
sathanas huere syre seyde on is sawe:
gobelyn made is gerner of gromene mawe.
þe gedelynges bueþ glotouns ant drynkeþ er hit dawe.
sathanas huere syre seyde on is sawe:
gobelyn made is gerner of gromene mawe.
þe knaue crommeþ is crop er þe cok crawe;
he momeleþe & moccheþ ant marreþ is mawe.
when he is al for-laped ant lad ouer lawe,
a doseyn of doggen ne myhte hyre drawe.
he momeleþe & moccheþ ant marreþ is mawe.
when he is al for-laped ant lad ouer lawe,
a doseyn of doggen ne myhte hyre drawe.
þe rybaudȝ a-ryseþ er þe day rewe.
he shrapeþ on is shabbes ant draweþ huem to dewe;
sene is on is browe ant on is eȝe-brewe,
þat he louseth a losynger, & shoyeþ a shrewe.
he shrapeþ on is shabbes ant draweþ huem to dewe;
sene is on is browe ant on is eȝe-brewe,
þat he louseth a losynger, & shoyeþ a shrewe.
Nou beþ capel-claweres wiþ shome to-shrude;
hue boskeþ huem wyþ botouns, ase hit were a brude,
wiþ lowe lacede shon of an hayfre hude,
hue pykeþ of here prouendre al huere prude.
hue boskeþ huem wyþ botouns, ase hit were a brude,
wiþ lowe lacede shon of an hayfre hude,
hue pykeþ of here prouendre al huere prude.
whose rykeneþ wiþ knaues huere coustage,
þe luþernesse of þe ladde, þe prude of þe page,
þah he ȝeue hem cattes dryt to huere companage,
ȝet hym shulde a-rewen of þe arrerage.
þe luþernesse of þe ladde, þe prude of þe page,
þah he ȝeue hem cattes dryt to huere companage,
ȝet hym shulde a-rewen of þe arrerage.
whil god wes on erthe & wondrede wyde,
whet wes þe resoun why he nolde ryde?
for he nolde no grom to go by ys syde,
ne grucchyng of no gedelyng to chaule ne to chyde.
whet wes þe resoun why he nolde ryde?
for he nolde no grom to go by ys syde,
ne grucchyng of no gedelyng to chaule ne to chyde.
29
spedeþ ou to spewen, ase me doþ to spelle;
þe fend ou afretie wiþ fleis & wiþ felle!
herkneþ hideward, horsmen, a tidyng ich ou telle,
þat ȝe shulen hongen & herbarewen in helle!
þe fend ou afretie wiþ fleis & wiþ felle!
herkneþ hideward, horsmen, a tidyng ich ou telle,
þat ȝe shulen hongen & herbarewen in helle!
8. THOMAS OF ERCELDOUNE'S PROPHECY
La countesse de Donbar demanda a Thomas de Essedoune quant la guere descoce prendreit fyn e yl la respoundy e dyt:
When mon is leuere oþermones þyng þen is owen;
When londyon ys forest, ant forest ys felde;
When hares kendles o þe herston;
When wyt & wille werres togedere;
When mon makes stables of kyrkes, & steles castles wyþ styes;
When rokesbourh nys no burgh ant market is at fforweleye;
When þe alde is gan ant þe newe is come þat don noþt;
When bambourne is donged wyþ dede men;
When men ledes men in ropes to buyen & to sellen;
When a quarter of whaty whete is chaunged for a colt of ten markes;
When prude prikes & pees is leyd in prisoun;
When a scot ne may hym hude ase hare in forme þat þe englysshe ne shal hym fynde;
When ryþt ant Wrong ascenteþ to-gedere;
When laddes weddeþ louedis;
When scottes flen so faste, þat for faute of ship, hy drouneþ hem-selue.
Whenne shal þis be? Nouþer in þine tyme ne in myne,
ah comen & gon wiþ-inne twenty wynter ant on.
30
WAR POEMS BY LAURENCE MINOT
9. BANNOCKBURN AVENGED (1333)
BY LAURENCE MINOT
Now forto tell ȝow will I turn
of batayl of banocburn.
of batayl of banocburn.
Skottes out of berwik and of abirdene,
at þe bannok burn war ȝe to kene.
þare slogh ȝe many sakles, als it was sene,
and now has king Edward wroken it, I wene.
It es wrokin, I wene, wele wurth þe while;
war ȝe with þe skottes, for þai er ful of gile.
at þe bannok burn war ȝe to kene.
þare slogh ȝe many sakles, als it was sene,
and now has king Edward wroken it, I wene.
It es wrokin, I wene, wele wurth þe while;
war ȝe with þe skottes, for þai er ful of gile.
Whare er ȝe, skottes of saint Iohnes toune?
þe boste of ȝowre baner es betin all doune;
when ȝe bosting will bede, sir Edward es boune
forto kindel ȝow care and crak ȝowre crowne.
he has crakked ȝowre croune, wele worth þe while;
schame bityde þe skottes, for þai er full of gile.
þe boste of ȝowre baner es betin all doune;
when ȝe bosting will bede, sir Edward es boune
forto kindel ȝow care and crak ȝowre crowne.
he has crakked ȝowre croune, wele worth þe while;
schame bityde þe skottes, for þai er full of gile.
Skottes of striflin war steren and stout,
of god ne of gude men had þai no dout;
now haue þai, þe pelers, priked obout,
bot at þe last sir Edward rifild þaire rout.
he has rifild þaire rout, wele wurth þe while,
bot euer er þai vnder, bot gaudes and gile.
of god ne of gude men had þai no dout;
now haue þai, þe pelers, priked obout,
bot at þe last sir Edward rifild þaire rout.
he has rifild þaire rout, wele wurth þe while,
bot euer er þai vnder, bot gaudes and gile.
31
Rughfute riueling, now kindels þi care,
berebag with þi boste, þi biging es bare;
fals wretche and forsworn, whider wiltou fare?
busk þe into brig, and abide þare.
þare, wretche, saltou won and wery þe while;
þi dwelling in donde es done for þi gile.
berebag with þi boste, þi biging es bare;
fals wretche and forsworn, whider wiltou fare?
busk þe into brig, and abide þare.
þare, wretche, saltou won and wery þe while;
þi dwelling in donde es done for þi gile.
þe skotte gase in burghes and betes þe stretes,
all þise inglis men harmes he hetes;
fast makes he his mone to men þat he metes,
bot fone frendes he findes þat his bale betes.
fune betes his bale, wele wurth þe while,
he vses all threting with gaudes and gile.
all þise inglis men harmes he hetes;
fast makes he his mone to men þat he metes,
bot fone frendes he findes þat his bale betes.
fune betes his bale, wele wurth þe while,
he vses all threting with gaudes and gile.
Bot many man thretes and spekes ful ill,
þat sum tyme war better to be stane-still;
þe skot in his wordes has wind for to spill,
for at þe last Edward sall haue al his will.
he had his will at berwik, wele wurth þe while,
skottes broght him þe kayes, bot get for þaire gile.
þat sum tyme war better to be stane-still;
þe skot in his wordes has wind for to spill,
for at þe last Edward sall haue al his will.
he had his will at berwik, wele wurth þe while,
skottes broght him þe kayes, bot get for þaire gile.
10. THE BATTLE OF NEVILLE'S CROSS (1346)
BY LAURENCE MINOT
Sir dauid had of his men grete loss,
with sir Edward, at þe neuil cross.
with sir Edward, at þe neuil cross.
Sir Dauid þe bruse was at distance,
when Edward þe baliolfe rade with his lance;
þe north end of ingland teched him to daunce,
when he was met on þe more with mekill mischance.
Sir philip þe valayse may him noght avance;
þe flowres þat faire war, er fallen in ffraunce.
þe floures er now fallen, þat fers war and fell,
A bare with his bataille has done þam to dwell.
when Edward þe baliolfe rade with his lance;
þe north end of ingland teched him to daunce,
when he was met on þe more with mekill mischance.
32
þe flowres þat faire war, er fallen in ffraunce.
þe floures er now fallen, þat fers war and fell,
A bare with his bataille has done þam to dwell.
Sir dauid þe Bruse said he suld fonde
to ride thurgh all ingland, wald he noght wonde;
at þe west-minster hall suld his stedes stonde,
whils oure king Edward war out of þe londe.
bot now has sir dauid missed of his merkes,
and philip þe valays, with all þaire grete clerkes.
to ride thurgh all ingland, wald he noght wonde;
at þe west-minster hall suld his stedes stonde,
whils oure king Edward war out of þe londe.
bot now has sir dauid missed of his merkes,
and philip þe valays, with all þaire grete clerkes.
Sir philip þe valais, suth forto say,
Sent vnto sir dauid and faire gan him pray;
at ride thurgh ingland þaire fo-men to flay,
and said none es at home to let hym þe way.
none letes him þe way to wende whore he will,
bot with schipherd staues fand he his fill.
Sent vnto sir dauid and faire gan him pray;
at ride thurgh ingland þaire fo-men to flay,
and said none es at home to let hym þe way.
none letes him þe way to wende whore he will,
bot with schipherd staues fand he his fill.
Fro philip þe valais was sir dauid sent,
all ingland to win fro twede vnto trent.
he broght mani berebag with bow redy bent;
þai robbed and þai reued and held þat þai hent.
it was in þe waniand þat þai furth went;
for couaitise of cataile þo schrewes war schent.
Schent war þo schrewes, and ailed vnsele,
for at þe neuil cros nedes bud þam knele.
all ingland to win fro twede vnto trent.
he broght mani berebag with bow redy bent;
þai robbed and þai reued and held þat þai hent.
it was in þe waniand þat þai furth went;
for couaitise of cataile þo schrewes war schent.
Schent war þo schrewes, and ailed vnsele,
for at þe neuil cros nedes bud þam knele.
At þe Erchbisschop of ȝork now will I bigyn,
for he may with his right hand assoyl vs of syn.
both Dorem and Carlele þai wald neuer blin
þe wirschip of ingland with wappen to win.
Mekill wirschip þai wan, and wele haue þai waken,
for syr dauid þe Bruse was in þat tyme taken.
for he may with his right hand assoyl vs of syn.
both Dorem and Carlele þai wald neuer blin
þe wirschip of ingland with wappen to win.
Mekill wirschip þai wan, and wele haue þai waken,
for syr dauid þe Bruse was in þat tyme taken.
33
When Sir Dauid þe Bruse satt on his stede,
he said of all ingland haued he no drede;
bot hinde Iohn of Coupland, a wight man in wede,
talked to Dauid and kend him his crede.
þare was sir dauid, so dughty in his dede,
þe faire toure of londen haued he to mede.
he said of all ingland haued he no drede;
bot hinde Iohn of Coupland, a wight man in wede,
talked to Dauid and kend him his crede.
þare was sir dauid, so dughty in his dede,
þe faire toure of londen haued he to mede.
Sone þan was sir dauid broght vnto þe toure,
and william þe dowglas with men of honowre.
full swith redy seruis fand þai þare a schowre;
for first þai drank of þe swete, and seþin of þe sowre.
and william þe dowglas with men of honowre.
full swith redy seruis fand þai þare a schowre;
for first þai drank of þe swete, and seþin of þe sowre.
þan Sir dauid þe Bruse makes his mone,
þe faire coroun of scotland haues he forgone:
he luked furth into france, help had he none,
of sir philip þe valais ne ȝit of sir Iohn.
þe faire coroun of scotland haues he forgone:
he luked furth into france, help had he none,
of sir philip þe valais ne ȝit of sir Iohn.
Þe pride of sir Dauid bigon fast to slaken,
for he wakkind þe were þat held him-self waken.
for philyp þe valaise had he brede baken,
and in þe toure of londen his ines er taken.
to be both in a place þaire forward þai nomen;
bot philip fayled þare, and dauid es cumen.
for he wakkind þe were þat held him-self waken.
for philyp þe valaise had he brede baken,
and in þe toure of londen his ines er taken.
to be both in a place þaire forward þai nomen;
bot philip fayled þare, and dauid es cumen.
Sir Dauid þe bruse on þis manere
said vnto sir philip, al þir sawes þus sere:
“Philip þe valais, þou made me be here,
þis es noght þe forward we made are to-ȝere.
ffals es þi forward, and euyll mot þou fare,
for þou and sir Iohn þi son haues kast me in care.”
said vnto sir philip, al þir sawes þus sere:
“Philip þe valais, þou made me be here,
þis es noght þe forward we made are to-ȝere.
ffals es þi forward, and euyll mot þou fare,
for þou and sir Iohn þi son haues kast me in care.”
34
Þe Scottes, with þaire falshede, þus went þai obout
for to win Ingland whils Edward was out.
for Cuthbert of dorem haued þai no dout;
þarfore at neuel cros law gan þai lout.
þare louted þai law, and leued allane.
þus was dauid þe Bruse into þe toure tane.
for to win Ingland whils Edward was out.
for Cuthbert of dorem haued þai no dout;
þarfore at neuel cros law gan þai lout.
þare louted þai law, and leued allane.
þus was dauid þe Bruse into þe toure tane.
11. THE SIEGE OF CALAIS (1347)
BY LAURENCE MINOT
How Edward, als þe romance sais,
held his sege bifor Calais.
held his sege bifor Calais.
Calays men, now mai ȝe care,
and murning mun ȝe haue to mede;
mirth on mold get ȝe no mare,
sir Edward sall ken ȝow ȝowre crede.
whilum war ȝe wight in wede,
to robbing rathly for to ren;
mend ȝow sone of ȝowre misdede;
ȝowre care es cumen, will ȝe it ken.
and murning mun ȝe haue to mede;
mirth on mold get ȝe no mare,
sir Edward sall ken ȝow ȝowre crede.
whilum war ȝe wight in wede,
to robbing rathly for to ren;
mend ȝow sone of ȝowre misdede;
ȝowre care es cumen, will ȝe it ken.
Kend it es how ȝe war kene
al inglis men with dole to dere;
þaire gudes toke ȝe al bidene,
no man born wald ȝe forbere.
ȝe spared noght with swerd ne spere
to stik þam and þaire gudes to stele.
with wapin and with ded of were
þus haue ȝe wonnen werldes wele.
al inglis men with dole to dere;
þaire gudes toke ȝe al bidene,
no man born wald ȝe forbere.
ȝe spared noght with swerd ne spere
to stik þam and þaire gudes to stele.
with wapin and with ded of were
þus haue ȝe wonnen werldes wele.
35
Weleful men war ȝe, I-wis,
bot fer on fold sall ȝe noght fare.
A bare sal now abate ȝowre blis,
and wirk ȝow bale on bankes bare.
he sall ȝow hunt als hund does hare,
þat in no hole sall ȝe ȝow hide.
for all ȝowre speche will he noght spare,
bot bigges him right by ȝowre side.
bot fer on fold sall ȝe noght fare.
A bare sal now abate ȝowre blis,
and wirk ȝow bale on bankes bare.
he sall ȝow hunt als hund does hare,
þat in no hole sall ȝe ȝow hide.
for all ȝowre speche will he noght spare,
bot bigges him right by ȝowre side.
Biside ȝow here þe bare bigins
to big his boure in winter tyde;
and all bi-tyme takes he his ines
with semly sergantes him biside.
þe word of him walkes ful wide;
Ihesu, saue him fro mischance!
In bataill dar he wele habide
sir philip and sir Iohn of france.
to big his boure in winter tyde;
and all bi-tyme takes he his ines
with semly sergantes him biside.
þe word of him walkes ful wide;
Ihesu, saue him fro mischance!
In bataill dar he wele habide
sir philip and sir Iohn of france.
Þe franche men er fers and fell,
and mase grete dray when þai er dight;
of þam men herd slike tales tell,
with Edward think þai forto fight;
him for to hald out of his right,
and do him treson with þaire tales—
þat was þaire purpos, day and night,
bi counsail of þe Cardinales.
and mase grete dray when þai er dight;
of þam men herd slike tales tell,
with Edward think þai forto fight;
him for to hald out of his right,
and do him treson with þaire tales—
þat was þaire purpos, day and night,
bi counsail of þe Cardinales.
Cardinales with hattes rede
War fro calays wele thre myle;
þai toke þaire counsail in þat stede,
how þai might sir Edward bigile.
þai lended þare bot litill while,
till franche men to grante þaire grace;
sir philip was funden a file,
he fled and faght noght in þat place.
War fro calays wele thre myle;
þai toke þaire counsail in þat stede,
how þai might sir Edward bigile.
þai lended þare bot litill while,
till franche men to grante þaire grace;
sir philip was funden a file,
he fled and faght noght in þat place.
36
In þat place þe bare was blith,
for all was funden þat he had soght;
philip þe valas fled ful swith,
with þe batail þat he had broght.
for to haue Calays had he thoght
all at his ledeing loud or still;
bot all þaire wiles war for noght,
Edward wan it at his will.
for all was funden þat he had soght;
philip þe valas fled ful swith,
with þe batail þat he had broght.
for to haue Calays had he thoght
all at his ledeing loud or still;
bot all þaire wiles war for noght,
Edward wan it at his will.
Lystens now, and ȝe may lere,
als men þe suth may vnderstand;
þe knightes þat in Calais were
come to sir Edward sare wepeand,
in kirtell one, and swerd in hand,
and cried, “sir Edward, þine are,
do now, lord, bi law of land
þi will with vs for euermare.”
als men þe suth may vnderstand;
þe knightes þat in Calais were
come to sir Edward sare wepeand,
in kirtell one, and swerd in hand,
and cried, “sir Edward, þine are,
do now, lord, bi law of land
þi will with vs for euermare.”
þe nobill burgase and þe best
come vnto him to haue þaire hire;
þe comun puple war ful prest
rapes to bring obout þaire swire.
þai said all, “sir philip, oure syre,
and his sun, sir Iohn of france,
has left vs ligand in þe mire,
and broght vs till þis doleful dance.
come vnto him to haue þaire hire;
þe comun puple war ful prest
rapes to bring obout þaire swire.
þai said all, “sir philip, oure syre,
and his sun, sir Iohn of france,
has left vs ligand in þe mire,
and broght vs till þis doleful dance.
“oure horses, þat were faire and fat,
er etin vp ilkone bidene;
haue we nowþer conig ne cat,
þat þai ne er etin, and hundes kene.
all er etin vp ful clene,
es nowther leuid biche ne whelp;
þat es wele on oure sembland sene,
And þai er fled þat suld vs help.”
er etin vp ilkone bidene;
haue we nowþer conig ne cat,
þat þai ne er etin, and hundes kene.
all er etin vp ful clene,
es nowther leuid biche ne whelp;
þat es wele on oure sembland sene,
And þai er fled þat suld vs help.”
37
A knight þat was of grete renowne,
Sir iohn de viene was his name,
he was wardaine of þe toune,
and had done ingland mekill schame.
for all þaire boste þai er to blame,
ful stalworthly þare haue þai streuyn.
a bare es cumen to mak þam tame,
kayes of þe toun to him er gifen.
Sir iohn de viene was his name,
he was wardaine of þe toune,
and had done ingland mekill schame.
for all þaire boste þai er to blame,
ful stalworthly þare haue þai streuyn.
a bare es cumen to mak þam tame,
kayes of þe toun to him er gifen.
þe kaies er ȝolden him of þe ȝate,
lat him now kepe þam if he kun;
to Calais cum þai all to late,
sir philip and sir Iohn his sun.
al war ful ferd þat þare ware fun;
þaire leders may þai barely ban.
all on þis wise was Calais won;
god saue þam þat it so-gat wan.
lat him now kepe þam if he kun;
to Calais cum þai all to late,
sir philip and sir Iohn his sun.
al war ful ferd þat þare ware fun;
þaire leders may þai barely ban.
all on þis wise was Calais won;
god saue þam þat it so-gat wan.
12. THE TAKING OF GUINES (1352)
BY LAURENCE MINOT
How gentill sir Edward, with his grete engines,
wan with his wight men þe Castell of Gynes.
wan with his wight men þe Castell of Gynes.
War þis winter oway, wele wald I wene
þat somer suld schew him in schawes ful schene;
both þe lely and þe lipard suld geder on a grene.
Mari, haue minde of þi man, þou whote wham I mene.
lady, think what I mene, I mak þe my mone;
þou wreke gude king Edward on wikked syr Iohn.
þat somer suld schew him in schawes ful schene;
both þe lely and þe lipard suld geder on a grene.
Mari, haue minde of þi man, þou whote wham I mene.
lady, think what I mene, I mak þe my mone;
þou wreke gude king Edward on wikked syr Iohn.
38
Of Gynes ful gladly now will I bigin;
We wote wele þat woning was wikked forto win.
crist, þat swelt on þe rode for sake of mans syn,
hald þam in gude hele þat now er þarein.
Inglis men er þarein, þe kastell to kepe;
And Iohn of france es so wroth, for wo will he wepe.
We wote wele þat woning was wikked forto win.
crist, þat swelt on þe rode for sake of mans syn,
hald þam in gude hele þat now er þarein.
Inglis men er þarein, þe kastell to kepe;
And Iohn of france es so wroth, for wo will he wepe.
Gentil Iohn of Doncaster did a ful balde dede,
when he come toward Gines to ken þam þaire Crede;
he stirt vnto þe castell with-owten any stede,
of folk þat he fand þare haued he no drede.
Dred in hert had he none of all he fand þare;
faine war þai to fle, for all þaire grete fare.
when he come toward Gines to ken þam þaire Crede;
he stirt vnto þe castell with-owten any stede,
of folk þat he fand þare haued he no drede.
Dred in hert had he none of all he fand þare;
faine war þai to fle, for all þaire grete fare.
A letherin ledderr, and a lang line,
a small bote was þarby þat put þam fro pine;
þe folk þat þai fand þare was faine forto fyne;
sone þaire diner was dight, and þare wald þai dine.
þare was þaire purpose to dine and to dwell,
for treson of þe franche men þat fals war and fell.
a small bote was þarby þat put þam fro pine;
þe folk þat þai fand þare was faine forto fyne;
sone þaire diner was dight, and þare wald þai dine.
þare was þaire purpose to dine and to dwell,
for treson of þe franche men þat fals war and fell.
Say now, sir Iohn of france, how saltou fare,
þat both Calays and Gynes has kindeld þi care?
if þou be man of mekil might, lepe up on þi mare,
Take þi gate vnto Gines, and grete þam wele þare.
þare gretes þi gestes, and wendes with wo.
king Edward has wonen þe kastell þam fro.
þat both Calays and Gynes has kindeld þi care?
if þou be man of mekil might, lepe up on þi mare,
Take þi gate vnto Gines, and grete þam wele þare.
þare gretes þi gestes, and wendes with wo.
king Edward has wonen þe kastell þam fro.
Ȝe men of Saint Omers, trus ȝe þis tide,
and puttes out ȝowre pauiliownes with ȝowre mekill pride.
sendes efter sir iohn of fraunce to stand by ȝowre syde;
a bore es boun ȝow to biker, þat wele dar habyde.
Wele dar he habide, bataile to bede,
and of ȝowre sir iohn of fraunce haues he no drede.
and puttes out ȝowre pauiliownes with ȝowre mekill pride.
sendes efter sir iohn of fraunce to stand by ȝowre syde;
a bore es boun ȝow to biker, þat wele dar habyde.
Wele dar he habide, bataile to bede,
and of ȝowre sir iohn of fraunce haues he no drede.
39
God saue sir Edward his right in euer ilka nede;
and he þat will noght so, euil mot he spede!
and len oure sir Edward his life wele to lede,
þat he may at his ending haue heuin till his mede.
and he þat will noght so, euil mot he spede!
and len oure sir Edward his life wele to lede,
þat he may at his ending haue heuin till his mede.
Amen.
POEMS FROM DIGBY MS. 102
13. WHAT PROFITS A KINGDOM (1401)
ffor drede ofte my lippes y steke,
ffor false reportours that trouhte mys-famed.
ȝut Charitee chargeth me to speke;
þouȝ trouþe be dred, he nys not ashamed.
Trouþe secheþ non hernes ther los is lamed;
Trouþe is worschiped at euery des.
In that kyngdom ther trouþe is blamed,
God sendes vengeaunce to make trouþe haue pes.
ffor false reportours that trouhte mys-famed.
ȝut Charitee chargeth me to speke;
þouȝ trouþe be dred, he nys not ashamed.
Trouþe secheþ non hernes ther los is lamed;
Trouþe is worschiped at euery des.
In that kyngdom ther trouþe is blamed,
God sendes vengeaunce to make trouþe haue pes.
Trouþe is messager to ryȝt,
And ryȝt is counseille to Iustice;
Iustice in goddis stede is dyȝt.
Do euene lawe to fooll & wyse;
Set mesure in euene assise,
The riȝte weye as lawe ges.
And lawe be kept, folk nyl not ryse—
That kyngdom shal haue reste & pes.
And ryȝt is counseille to Iustice;
Iustice in goddis stede is dyȝt.
Do euene lawe to fooll & wyse;
Set mesure in euene assise,
The riȝte weye as lawe ges.
And lawe be kept, folk nyl not ryse—
That kyngdom shal haue reste & pes.
40
Ȝif suche a tale-tellere were
To a kyng apayre a mannys name,
The kyng shulde boþe partyes here,
And punysche þe fals for defame.
þan fals men wolde ases for blame;
for falshed, body & soule it sles.
ffalshed endes ay in shame;
and trouþe, in worschipe & in pes.
To a kyng apayre a mannys name,
The kyng shulde boþe partyes here,
And punysche þe fals for defame.
þan fals men wolde ases for blame;
for falshed, body & soule it sles.
ffalshed endes ay in shame;
and trouþe, in worschipe & in pes.
Whanne lawe is put fro riȝt assise,
And domes-man made by mede,
ffor fawte of lawe ȝif comouns rise,
þan is a kyngdom most in drede.
ffor whane vengeaunce a comouns lede,
þei do gret harm er þey asses.
There no man oþer doþ mysbede,
That kyngdom shal haue reste & pes.
And domes-man made by mede,
ffor fawte of lawe ȝif comouns rise,
þan is a kyngdom most in drede.
ffor whane vengeaunce a comouns lede,
þei do gret harm er þey asses.
There no man oþer doþ mysbede,
That kyngdom shal haue reste & pes.
Whan craft riseþ aȝens craft,
In burgh, toun, or citee,
þey go to lordes whan lawe is laft,
Whoche party may strengere be.
But wyse men þe sonere se
By witles wille þey gedre pres.
Or lordis medle in foly degre,
Let lawe haue cours in reste & pes.
In burgh, toun, or citee,
þey go to lordes whan lawe is laft,
Whoche party may strengere be.
But wyse men þe sonere se
By witles wille þey gedre pres.
Or lordis medle in foly degre,
Let lawe haue cours in reste & pes.
Ȝit þere is þe þridde distaunce
Bryngeþ a kyngdom in moche noyȝe:
Ofte chaunge of gouernaunce
Of all degre, lowe & hyȝe.
A kyng may not al aspie:
Summe telle hym soþ, summe telle hym les.
þe whete fro þe chaf ȝe tryȝe,
So mowe ȝe leue in reste & pes.
Bryngeþ a kyngdom in moche noyȝe:
Ofte chaunge of gouernaunce
Of all degre, lowe & hyȝe.
A kyng may not al aspie:
Summe telle hym soþ, summe telle hym les.
þe whete fro þe chaf ȝe tryȝe,
So mowe ȝe leue in reste & pes.
41
I speke not in specyale
Of oo kyngdom the lawe to telle,
I speke hool in generale
In eche kyngdom the lawe to telle.
Also is writen in þe gospelle,
A word þat god hym-seluen ches:
Raþere þan fiȝte, a man go selle
On of his cloþes, & biȝe hym pes.
Of oo kyngdom the lawe to telle,
I speke hool in generale
In eche kyngdom the lawe to telle.
Also is writen in þe gospelle,
A word þat god hym-seluen ches:
Raþere þan fiȝte, a man go selle
On of his cloþes, & biȝe hym pes.
A worþi knyȝt wol worchip wynne;
He wil not ȝelde hym þouȝ me þret.
But raþere, as Malice doþ begynne,
Quenche hit at þe firste het.
ffor and ȝe lete it growe gret,
Hit brenneþ breme as fyre in gres.
Laweles nouellerye loke ȝe lete,
So mowe ȝe lyue in reste & pes.
He wil not ȝelde hym þouȝ me þret.
But raþere, as Malice doþ begynne,
Quenche hit at þe firste het.
ffor and ȝe lete it growe gret,
Hit brenneþ breme as fyre in gres.
Laweles nouellerye loke ȝe lete,
So mowe ȝe lyue in reste & pes.
Old speche is spoken ȝore,
What is a kyngdom tresory?
Bestayle, corn stuffed in store;
Riche comouns, & wyse clergy;
Marchaundes, squyers, chiualry,
That wol be redy at a res;
And cheualrous kyng in wittes hyȝe,
To lede in were and gouerne in pes.
What is a kyngdom tresory?
Bestayle, corn stuffed in store;
Riche comouns, & wyse clergy;
Marchaundes, squyers, chiualry,
That wol be redy at a res;
And cheualrous kyng in wittes hyȝe,
To lede in were and gouerne in pes.
Among philosofres wyse,
In here bokes men writen fynde
þat synne is cause of cowardyse;
Wel-lyuyng man, hardy of kynde;
Wikked lyuere, graceles, blynde,
He dredeþ deþ, þe laste mes.
þe good lyuere haþ god in mynde;
þat mannys counseil makeþ pes.
In here bokes men writen fynde
þat synne is cause of cowardyse;
Wel-lyuyng man, hardy of kynde;
Wikked lyuere, graceles, blynde,
He dredeþ deþ, þe laste mes.
þe good lyuere haþ god in mynde;
þat mannys counseil makeþ pes.
42
What kyng that wol haue good name,
He wol be lad by wys counsayle,
þat loue worschip & dreden shame,
And boldely dar fende & assayle.
þere wit is, corage may not fayle,
ffor wysdom neuere worschip les.
Corage in querell doþ batayle,
And ende of batayle begynneþ pes.
He wol be lad by wys counsayle,
þat loue worschip & dreden shame,
And boldely dar fende & assayle.
þere wit is, corage may not fayle,
ffor wysdom neuere worschip les.
Corage in querell doþ batayle,
And ende of batayle begynneþ pes.
Defaute of wit makeþ long counsayle;
ffor witteles wordes in ydel spoken,
þe more cost, þe lesse auayle;
ffor fawte of wyt, purpos broken.
In euyl soule no grace is stoken,
ffor wikked soule is graceles.
In good lyuere goddis wille is loken;
þat mannys counsell makeþ pes.
ffor witteles wordes in ydel spoken,
þe more cost, þe lesse auayle;
ffor fawte of wyt, purpos broken.
In euyl soule no grace is stoken,
ffor wikked soule is graceles.
In good lyuere goddis wille is loken;
þat mannys counsell makeþ pes.
To wete ȝif parlement be wys,
þe comoun profit wel it preues.
A kyngdom in comouns lys—
Alle profytes, & alle myscheues.
Lordis wet neuere what comouns greues,
Til here rentis bigynne to ses.
þere lordis ere pore, comons releues,
And mayntene hem in werre & pes.
þe comoun profit wel it preues.
A kyngdom in comouns lys—
Alle profytes, & alle myscheues.
Lordis wet neuere what comouns greues,
Til here rentis bigynne to ses.
þere lordis ere pore, comons releues,
And mayntene hem in werre & pes.
Make god ȝoure ful frend;
Do þe comaundement þat he bede.
þouȝ all þe world aȝen ȝow wend,
Be god ȝoure frend, ȝe thar not drede.
ffor þere-as god his frendis lede,
He saueþ hem boþe on lond & sees,
Who-so fiȝteþ, god doþ þe dede,
ffor god is victorie & pes.
Do þe comaundement þat he bede.
þouȝ all þe world aȝen ȝow wend,
Be god ȝoure frend, ȝe thar not drede.
ffor þere-as god his frendis lede,
He saueþ hem boþe on lond & sees,
Who-so fiȝteþ, god doþ þe dede,
ffor god is victorie & pes.
43
What kyngdom werreþ hym-self wiþ-ynne,
Distroyeþ hym-self, and no mo.
Wiþ-oute, here enemys bygynne
On eche a syde assayle hem so.
þe comouns, þey wil robbe & slo,
Make fyere, and kyndel stres.
Whan ryches & manhode is wastede & go,
þan drede dryueþ to trete pes.
Distroyeþ hym-self, and no mo.
Wiþ-oute, here enemys bygynne
On eche a syde assayle hem so.
þe comouns, þey wil robbe & slo,
Make fyere, and kyndel stres.
Whan ryches & manhode is wastede & go,
þan drede dryueþ to trete pes.
The world is like a fals lemman—
ffayre semblaunt & moche gyle.
Wiþouten heire dyeþ no man;
God is chief lord of toun & pyle.
God makeþ mony heire in a whyle,
ffor god ressayueþ eche reles;
God kan breke hegge & style,
And make an hey wey to pes.
ffayre semblaunt & moche gyle.
Wiþouten heire dyeþ no man;
God is chief lord of toun & pyle.
God makeþ mony heire in a whyle,
ffor god ressayueþ eche reles;
God kan breke hegge & style,
And make an hey wey to pes.
God made lordis gouernoures
To gouerne puple in vnyte.
þe puple, ne ryches, nys not ȝoures:
Al is goddis, & so be ȝe.
Eche day ȝe may ȝoure myrrour se.
Eche man after oþer deses;
ȝoure auncetres arn gon, after shal ȝe,
To endeles werre or endeless pes.
To gouerne puple in vnyte.
þe puple, ne ryches, nys not ȝoures:
Al is goddis, & so be ȝe.
Eche day ȝe may ȝoure myrrour se.
Eche man after oþer deses;
ȝoure auncetres arn gon, after shal ȝe,
To endeles werre or endeless pes.
Eche kyng is sworn to gouernaunce,
To gouerne goddis puple in riȝt.
Eche kyng bereþ swerd of goddis vengeaunce
To felle goddis foon in fiȝt.
And so doþ euerons honest knyȝt
That bereþ þe ordre as it wes.
The plough, þe chirche to mayntene ryȝt,
Are goddis champyons to kepe þe pes.
To gouerne goddis puple in riȝt.
Eche kyng bereþ swerd of goddis vengeaunce
To felle goddis foon in fiȝt.
And so doþ euerons honest knyȝt
That bereþ þe ordre as it wes.
The plough, þe chirche to mayntene ryȝt,
Are goddis champyons to kepe þe pes.
44
The world is like a chery fayre,
Ofte chaungeþ all his þynges.
Riche, pore, foul, & fayre,
Popes, prelates, & lordynges,
Alle are dedly, and so ben kynges.
Or deþ lede ȝow in his les,
Arraye by-tyme ȝoure rekenynges,
And trete wiþ god to gete ȝow pes.
Ofte chaungeþ all his þynges.
Riche, pore, foul, & fayre,
Popes, prelates, & lordynges,
Alle are dedly, and so ben kynges.
Or deþ lede ȝow in his les,
Arraye by-tyme ȝoure rekenynges,
And trete wiþ god to gete ȝow pes.
What bryngeþ a kyngdom al aboue?
Wys counseil, and good gouernaunce;
Eche lord wil other loue,
And rule wel labourrers sustynaunce.
God makeþ for his frendis no destaunce,
ffor god kan skatre þe grete pres.
God for his frendis maþ ordynaunce,
And gouerneþ hem in werre & pes.
Wys counseil, and good gouernaunce;
Eche lord wil other loue,
And rule wel labourrers sustynaunce.
God makeþ for his frendis no destaunce,
ffor god kan skatre þe grete pres.
God for his frendis maþ ordynaunce,
And gouerneþ hem in werre & pes.
Good lyf is cause of good name;
Good name is worthi to haue reueraunce.
[OMITTED]
Synne is cause of greuaunce.
Eche kyngdom hongeþ in goddis balaunce;
Wiþ hym þat holdeþ, wiþ hym þat fles.
Ȝe haue fre wille, chese ȝoure chaunce
To haue wiþ god werre or pes.
Good name is worthi to haue reueraunce.
[OMITTED]
Synne is cause of greuaunce.
Eche kyngdom hongeþ in goddis balaunce;
Wiþ hym þat holdeþ, wiþ hym þat fles.
Ȝe haue fre wille, chese ȝoure chaunce
To haue wiþ god werre or pes.
45
14. GOD SAVE KING HENRY V (1413)
God kepe oure kyng, and saue the croun!
Glade in god, call hom ȝoure herte,
In ioye & blisse ȝoure merþe encres,
And kepe goddis lawe in querte.
Þes holy tyme, lete sorwe ases.
Among oure-self, god sende vs pes.
Þerto eche man be boun:
To letten fooles of here res,
Stonde wiþ þo kyng, mayntene þe croun.
In ioye & blisse ȝoure merþe encres,
And kepe goddis lawe in querte.
Þes holy tyme, lete sorwe ases.
Among oure-self, god sende vs pes.
Þerto eche man be boun:
To letten fooles of here res,
Stonde wiþ þo kyng, mayntene þe croun.
What doþ a kynges crowne signyfye,
Whan stones & floures on sercle is bent?
Lordis, comouns, & clergye
To ben all at on assent.
To kepe þat crowne, take good tent,
In wode, in feld, in dale, & downe.
Þe leste lyge-man, wiþ body & rent,
He is a parcel of þe crowne.
Whan stones & floures on sercle is bent?
Lordis, comouns, & clergye
To ben all at on assent.
To kepe þat crowne, take good tent,
In wode, in feld, in dale, & downe.
Þe leste lyge-man, wiþ body & rent,
He is a parcel of þe crowne.
What signyfyeþ þo stones aboute?
Richesse, strengþe, & gret bounte.
Oure townes & castels, þo reme wiþ-oute,
Þey are oure stones of gret pouste.
In pes þey kepe all þis contre,
Holynes, contemplacioun.
God let hem neuer skaterid be,
And saue þe kyng, & kepe þe crowne.
Richesse, strengþe, & gret bounte.
Oure townes & castels, þo reme wiþ-oute,
Þey are oure stones of gret pouste.
In pes þey kepe all þis contre,
Holynes, contemplacioun.
God let hem neuer skaterid be,
And saue þe kyng, & kepe þe crowne.
46
By-ȝonde þe see, and we had nouȝt,
But all oure enemys so neyȝe vs were,
Þouȝ all here gold were hider brouȝt,
I wolde set hit at lytel store.
Oure enemys wolde coke þerfore
Wiþ ordynaunce & habergeoun;
Wynne þat, and wel more—
Oure landes, oure lyues, þe reme, þe crowne.
But all oure enemys so neyȝe vs were,
Þouȝ all here gold were hider brouȝt,
I wolde set hit at lytel store.
Oure enemys wolde coke þerfore
Wiþ ordynaunce & habergeoun;
Wynne þat, and wel more—
Oure landes, oure lyues, þe reme, þe crowne.
Ȝif we among oure-self debate,
Þan endeþ floure of chyualrie.
Alle oþere londis þat doþ vs hate,
Oure feblenes wole aspye.
On euery syde þey wole in hye;
Þe stalworþe cast þe feble adoun.
Ȝif þey wiþ myȝt haue maystrye,
ffro þe riȝt heire wolde take þe crowne.
Þan endeþ floure of chyualrie.
Alle oþere londis þat doþ vs hate,
Oure feblenes wole aspye.
On euery syde þey wole in hye;
Þe stalworþe cast þe feble adoun.
Ȝif þey wiþ myȝt haue maystrye,
ffro þe riȝt heire wolde take þe crowne.
Ȝif sercle, and floures, & riche stones,
Were eche a pece fro oþer flet;
Were þe crowne broken ones,
Hit were ful hard aȝen to knet.
Auyse ȝow er ȝe suffre þat fit.
Amende, ȝe þat mende mown!
Ȝe þat ben wysest, cast ȝoure wyt!
Stonde wiþ þe kyng to kepe þe crowne.
Were eche a pece fro oþer flet;
Were þe crowne broken ones,
Hit were ful hard aȝen to knet.
Auyse ȝow er ȝe suffre þat fit.
Amende, ȝe þat mende mown!
Ȝe þat ben wysest, cast ȝoure wyt!
Stonde wiþ þe kyng to kepe þe crowne.
To kepe þe crowne, god graunte ȝow grace,
And let it neuere be to-broken;
ffor word of wynd lityl trespase;
Non harm nys don, þouȝ word be spoken.
Let wysdom be vnloken,
Apert & preuyly to rowne.
ffor non euyll, wille no man be wroken,
But stonde wiþ riȝt, mayntene þe crowne.
And let it neuere be to-broken;
ffor word of wynd lityl trespase;
Non harm nys don, þouȝ word be spoken.
Let wysdom be vnloken,
Apert & preuyly to rowne.
ffor non euyll, wille no man be wroken,
But stonde wiþ riȝt, mayntene þe crowne.
47
A man myȝte be forborn
ffer fro a kynges place;
Wolde make a kyng to be forsworn
To lette þe lawe it most not passe.
And make hym wene þat he grace,
And holy in condicioun,
And mayntene hym in his trespace,
While he pykeþ þe stones out of þe crowne.
ffer fro a kynges place;
Wolde make a kyng to be forsworn
To lette þe lawe it most not passe.
And make hym wene þat he grace,
And holy in condicioun,
And mayntene hym in his trespace,
While he pykeþ þe stones out of þe crowne.
A kyngdom must be gouerned by riȝt,
To chastyse false þat ar aspyed.
ffalsed and trouþe to-gydre wole fiȝt,
Til oon þat oþer haþ distroyd.
Til trouþe be fro treson tryed,
Shal neuere be pes in regyon.
In all kyngdomes þat man haþ gyed,
To þe place of vertues, god geueþ þe crowne.
To chastyse false þat ar aspyed.
ffalsed and trouþe to-gydre wole fiȝt,
Til oon þat oþer haþ distroyd.
Til trouþe be fro treson tryed,
Shal neuere be pes in regyon.
In all kyngdomes þat man haþ gyed,
To þe place of vertues, god geueþ þe crowne.
Thouȝ falsed trouþe defame,
Trouþe secheþ non hernes to shewe his speche;
Trouþe of his craft þenkeþ no shame;
He is bold, alle folk his craft to teche;
And euere by trouþe stondes wreche,
ffor wreche is goddis champioun.
Or wreche smyte, god be leche,
And saue þe kyng, & kepe þe crowne.
Trouþe secheþ non hernes to shewe his speche;
Trouþe of his craft þenkeþ no shame;
He is bold, alle folk his craft to teche;
And euere by trouþe stondes wreche,
ffor wreche is goddis champioun.
Or wreche smyte, god be leche,
And saue þe kyng, & kepe þe crowne.
Loke or þyng þat ȝe begynne;
Caste before how it wole ende,
Gostly, bodyly, what mowe ȝe wynne.
Eche man destroyȝe his best frend—
So dede fflaundres. how dede it wende?
Of noblay þey han lore þe sown;
Pray we god his bowe of wraþþe vnbende,
And saue þe kyng, & kepe þe crowne.
Caste before how it wole ende,
Gostly, bodyly, what mowe ȝe wynne.
Eche man destroyȝe his best frend—
So dede fflaundres. how dede it wende?
Of noblay þey han lore þe sown;
Pray we god his bowe of wraþþe vnbende,
And saue þe kyng, & kepe þe crowne.
48
God ȝeueþ his doom to alle kynges þat be;
As a god, in erþe a kyng haþ myȝt.
Holy writ byd, blissed be he
In alle tymes þat demeþ ryȝt.
Men do in derk, god seeþ in lyȝt.
Synne, morþere, derne tresoun,
Not may be hyd fro goddis syȝt.
To ryȝtwys Iuge, god ȝeueþ þe crowne.
As a god, in erþe a kyng haþ myȝt.
Holy writ byd, blissed be he
In alle tymes þat demeþ ryȝt.
Men do in derk, god seeþ in lyȝt.
Synne, morþere, derne tresoun,
Not may be hyd fro goddis syȝt.
To ryȝtwys Iuge, god ȝeueþ þe crowne.
That lord loueþ lityl hym-selue
Þat ȝeueþ his blisse for sorwe & woo;
ffor þe loue of ten or twelue,
Make alle folk his foo,
And lese þe loue of god also
ffor fawte of perfeccyone.
Þouȝ he had no vauntage but of þo,
He myȝte were a symple crowne.
Þat ȝeueþ his blisse for sorwe & woo;
ffor þe loue of ten or twelue,
Make alle folk his foo,
And lese þe loue of god also
ffor fawte of perfeccyone.
Þouȝ he had no vauntage but of þo,
He myȝte were a symple crowne.
Eche a kyng haþ goddis power,
Of lyf & leme to saue & spille.
He muste make god his partener,
And do not his owen wille.
ffor god resceyueþ eche pore mannys bille,
And of here playnt, god hereþ þe sowne.
Sette ȝoure assise in euene skille,
Counseile þe kyng to kepe þe crowne.
Of lyf & leme to saue & spille.
He muste make god his partener,
And do not his owen wille.
ffor god resceyueþ eche pore mannys bille,
And of here playnt, god hereþ þe sowne.
Sette ȝoure assise in euene skille,
Counseile þe kyng to kepe þe crowne.
The fadir, þe wanton child wole kenne,
Chastyse wiþ ȝerde & bete hit sore.
So after, þe fadyr þe ȝerde wole brenne,
When child is wys & takeþ to lore.
We han ben goddis ȝerde ȝore;
Chastysed kyngdom, castell, & towne.
Twyggis of oure ȝerde we haue forlore.
God saue þe kyng, & kepe þe crowne.
Chastyse wiþ ȝerde & bete hit sore.
So after, þe fadyr þe ȝerde wole brenne,
When child is wys & takeþ to lore.
We han ben goddis ȝerde ȝore;
Chastysed kyngdom, castell, & towne.
Twyggis of oure ȝerde we haue forlore.
God saue þe kyng, & kepe þe crowne.
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Englische men dede maystryȝes make;
Þurgh all þe world, here word it sprong.
Cristen & heþen þey mad to quake,
Tok & slowen kynges strong.
God let neuere werre be vs among,
To lese þat blo of gret renowne;
Ne neuere oure riȝt be turned to wrong.
God saue þe kyng, & kepe þe crowne.
Þurgh all þe world, here word it sprong.
Cristen & heþen þey mad to quake,
Tok & slowen kynges strong.
God let neuere werre be vs among,
To lese þat blo of gret renowne;
Ne neuere oure riȝt be turned to wrong.
God saue þe kyng, & kepe þe crowne.
Among oure-self, ȝif fiȝt be raysed,
Þan stroye we oure awen nest.
Þat haþ victor, wole be euel payed;
So many good men ben lest.
Ȝit is beter bowe þan brest.
Eche man is bounden to resoun.
Ȝe þat ben wysest, take þe best.
Conseile þe kyng, mayntene þe crowne.
Þan stroye we oure awen nest.
Þat haþ victor, wole be euel payed;
So many good men ben lest.
Ȝit is beter bowe þan brest.
Eche man is bounden to resoun.
Ȝe þat ben wysest, take þe best.
Conseile þe kyng, mayntene þe crowne.
A comyns myȝt sone be shent,
Wiþ-outen kyng or gouernour;
And a kyng wiþoute rent
Myȝt liȝtly trussen his tresour.
ffor comons mayntene lordis honour,
Holy chirche, and religyoun;
ffor comouns is þe fayrest flour
Þat euere god sette on erþely crown.
Wiþ-outen kyng or gouernour;
And a kyng wiþoute rent
Myȝt liȝtly trussen his tresour.
ffor comons mayntene lordis honour,
Holy chirche, and religyoun;
ffor comouns is þe fayrest flour
Þat euere god sette on erþely crown.
Gode, lete þis kyngdom neuere be lorn
Among oure-self in no distance!
Oþer kyngdomes lauȝhe vs not to skorn,
And sey, “for synne, god send vengeance.”
God ȝeue vs space of repentance,
Good lyf, and deuocioun.
And god, kepe in þy gouernance
Oure comely kyng, and saue þe crowne.
Among oure-self in no distance!
Oþer kyngdomes lauȝhe vs not to skorn,
And sey, “for synne, god send vengeance.”
God ȝeue vs space of repentance,
Good lyf, and deuocioun.
And god, kepe in þy gouernance
Oure comely kyng, and saue þe crowne.
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15. THE FOLLIES OF THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY (1419)
A remembraunce of LII folyes.
Loke how fflaundres doþ fare wiþ his folyhede!
Durste no man dygge after trouþe wiþ no manere toles.
To wynne wrongly wele, wod þey gan wede,
But werkis of wys men were cast vnder stoles.
Glosers counseled lordis for to take mede,
To maken hem riche, and here lordis pore foles.
Whan þe souereyns were set here sogettis to drede,
Þe glosers skulked away, for shame of here sooles.
ffalsed shal neuere ben ateynt
Til Iuge here eche mannys pleynt;
Redresse, & make an ende,
Or ellys to mercy bende;
Make hem kyssen & be frende
Þat were fon feynt.
Durste no man dygge after trouþe wiþ no manere toles.
To wynne wrongly wele, wod þey gan wede,
But werkis of wys men were cast vnder stoles.
Glosers counseled lordis for to take mede,
To maken hem riche, and here lordis pore foles.
Whan þe souereyns were set here sogettis to drede,
Þe glosers skulked away, for shame of here sooles.
ffalsed shal neuere ben ateynt
Til Iuge here eche mannys pleynt;
Redresse, & make an ende,
Or ellys to mercy bende;
Make hem kyssen & be frende
Þat were fon feynt.
ffyfty folyes ben, & two—
Alle þo y wole mynne among.
To triste in trete to his fo
Þat haþ begyled hem ofte & long;
And hate hem þat telle hym so,
And wilfully wolle suffre wrong.
It is worthy he smerte & be wo,
Þat of his owen skyn wole kerue a thong.
Þat chepen moche, & not han to paye,
And wiþ his lord to homly wole playe;
Swere moche, & not be trowed;
Boste moche, & not allowed;
Threte alle men, & neuere on-bowed:
All are folyes, þat y say.
Alle þo y wole mynne among.
To triste in trete to his fo
Þat haþ begyled hem ofte & long;
And hate hem þat telle hym so,
And wilfully wolle suffre wrong.
It is worthy he smerte & be wo,
Þat of his owen skyn wole kerue a thong.
Þat chepen moche, & not han to paye,
And wiþ his lord to homly wole playe;
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Boste moche, & not allowed;
Threte alle men, & neuere on-bowed:
All are folyes, þat y say.
He is a fool, þat werre wole wake,
Þat may not maynten it wiþ mede,
And so moche vndertake
Þat wot wel he may not spede.
And of his neyȝebour his enemy make
ffor a straunge mannys dede;
And he þat mesure wole forsake,
And nedles put hym-self in drede.
Of mannys deþ haue no rouþe,
But hate hem þat tellen hym trouþe;
Loue hym þat cherische hym in synne,
And suche games begynne
Where þat he wot he may not wynne,
But besyen hym in slouþe.
Þat may not maynten it wiþ mede,
And so moche vndertake
Þat wot wel he may not spede.
And of his neyȝebour his enemy make
ffor a straunge mannys dede;
And he þat mesure wole forsake,
And nedles put hym-self in drede.
Of mannys deþ haue no rouþe,
But hate hem þat tellen hym trouþe;
Loue hym þat cherische hym in synne,
And suche games begynne
Where þat he wot he may not wynne,
But besyen hym in slouþe.
He is a fool, þat no good can,
Ne non wole lere, but slow in dede.
A gret fool, y holde þat man,
Þat of his enemys haþ no drede.
Þurgh suche foly, fflaundres be-gan;
Of after perile þey tok non hede.
Hit is worthy he ete bred of bran,
Þat wiþ floure his foo wil fede.
And truste al in gloser charmes,
In hyndryng in worschip of armes,
And lette lawe it mot not syt,
And conscience away flyt,
May brynge a lord, er þat he wyt,
Emyddis grete harmes.
Ne non wole lere, but slow in dede.
A gret fool, y holde þat man,
Þat of his enemys haþ no drede.
Þurgh suche foly, fflaundres be-gan;
Of after perile þey tok non hede.
Hit is worthy he ete bred of bran,
Þat wiþ floure his foo wil fede.
And truste al in gloser charmes,
In hyndryng in worschip of armes,
And lette lawe it mot not syt,
And conscience away flyt,
May brynge a lord, er þat he wyt,
Emyddis grete harmes.
fflaundres was þe richest land, and meriest to mynne;
Now is it wrappid in wo, & moche welþe raft.
ffor defaute of Iustice, and syngulere to wynne,
Þey were rebell, to ryse craft aȝen craft.
Here lord had part of þe foly þey were wounden ynne;
ffor-thy he les his lordshipe, & here fraunchise raft.
Here enemys lawhen hem to skorne, & seyn, “for synne,
Of here banere of grace, god broken haþ þe shaft.”
When prelat is forbode to preche,
No trewe man trouþe dar teche;
Encresyng of temperalte
Suspende spiritualte.
What land is gouerned in þat degre,
May wayte after wreche.
Now is it wrappid in wo, & moche welþe raft.
52
Þey were rebell, to ryse craft aȝen craft.
Here lord had part of þe foly þey were wounden ynne;
ffor-thy he les his lordshipe, & here fraunchise raft.
Here enemys lawhen hem to skorne, & seyn, “for synne,
Of here banere of grace, god broken haþ þe shaft.”
When prelat is forbode to preche,
No trewe man trouþe dar teche;
Encresyng of temperalte
Suspende spiritualte.
What land is gouerned in þat degre,
May wayte after wreche.
I holde hym a fool, pouȝ he be wys,
Þat spekeþ among men of name
Þat at his wysdom set no prys,
But skorne hym & don blame.
And he þat telleþ where peryle lys,
And gete no þonk but harm & shame;
And he þat pleyneþ, y holde hym nys,
Þat get no mendys, but dowble grame.
By þese poyntes fflaundres was lest;
Now is it out of rule & of rest.
Drede is here chef gayte.
So eche man on hem bayte,
Þat ȝet þey honge in awayte
Of a newe conquest.
Þat spekeþ among men of name
Þat at his wysdom set no prys,
But skorne hym & don blame.
And he þat telleþ where peryle lys,
And gete no þonk but harm & shame;
And he þat pleyneþ, y holde hym nys,
Þat get no mendys, but dowble grame.
By þese poyntes fflaundres was lest;
Now is it out of rule & of rest.
Drede is here chef gayte.
So eche man on hem bayte,
Þat ȝet þey honge in awayte
Of a newe conquest.
He þat myȝt thryue, and nel not thee,
Ne his owen harmes knawe,
Apert ne in preuytee,
Serue god for loue ne awe,
Ne gouerne wel his owen degre,
Ne rule hymself in ryȝtwys lawe,
Whan wyse men fro hym fle—
Þen god his grace wole fro hem drawe.
Þat moche wynneþ, and no-thyng wole haue,
But ȝeue it awey to nedeles þat craue,
Aȝens conscience despit
Borwe moche, & neuere quyt;
When god for þat gylt smyt,
What glosere can þat wounde saue?
Ne his owen harmes knawe,
Apert ne in preuytee,
Serue god for loue ne awe,
Ne gouerne wel his owen degre,
Ne rule hymself in ryȝtwys lawe,
Whan wyse men fro hym fle—
Þen god his grace wole fro hem drawe.
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But ȝeue it awey to nedeles þat craue,
Aȝens conscience despit
Borwe moche, & neuere quyt;
When god for þat gylt smyt,
What glosere can þat wounde saue?
Þat freek may wel be holden a fool,
Þat wayueþ wit & worcheþ by wille,
And skippe into sclaundre scol,
And scorne hym þat telleþ hym skylle,
And lyue in Lenton as in ȝool,
His flesch in foly to fulfille.
Þouȝ þe dotard deye in dool,
Þe ryȝtwys nel not rewe his ylle.
Who-so wil not knowe his awen astat,
Ne deliuere chekkys er þat he be mat,
He shal haue worldis wondryng,
And his soule hyndryng,
And ay in paynes pondryng.
To mende þanne, is to late.
Þat wayueþ wit & worcheþ by wille,
And skippe into sclaundre scol,
And scorne hym þat telleþ hym skylle,
And lyue in Lenton as in ȝool,
His flesch in foly to fulfille.
Þouȝ þe dotard deye in dool,
Þe ryȝtwys nel not rewe his ylle.
Who-so wil not knowe his awen astat,
Ne deliuere chekkys er þat he be mat,
He shal haue worldis wondryng,
And his soule hyndryng,
And ay in paynes pondryng.
To mende þanne, is to late.
Of all folk vppon fold, y fynde but foure trewe,
Þat don here deuere dewely, and take no mede:
Syknes is oon, and sorw doþ sewe,
Þe thridde hat deþ, and þe fierþe drede.
Þey clayme vs by custom, for þey oure kyn knewe,
And endid wiþ oure aunsetres tyl þey to erþe ȝede.
Þey spare prynce no pore, old ne newe,
ffor þey crepe in-to his cors, and cloþe hem in his wede.
Drede bryngeþ man to buxomnes;
Sorwe of herte makeþ synnes les;
Syknes, breþe stekenyng,
And bowe to a bekenyng,
And bryngeþ hem to rekenyng,
Tyl deþ all redresse.
Þat don here deuere dewely, and take no mede:
Syknes is oon, and sorw doþ sewe,
Þe thridde hat deþ, and þe fierþe drede.
Þey clayme vs by custom, for þey oure kyn knewe,
And endid wiþ oure aunsetres tyl þey to erþe ȝede.
Þey spare prynce no pore, old ne newe,
ffor þey crepe in-to his cors, and cloþe hem in his wede.
Drede bryngeþ man to buxomnes;
Sorwe of herte makeþ synnes les;
Syknes, breþe stekenyng,
And bowe to a bekenyng,
And bryngeþ hem to rekenyng,
Tyl deþ all redresse.
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POPULAR STRUGGLES I: THE GREAT REVOLT
16. ON THE EVIL STATE OF ENGLAND (1381)
Man be ware and be no fool:þenke apon þe ax, and of þe stool!
þe stool was hard, þe ax was scharp,
þe iiij ȝere of kyng Richard.
17. JOHN BALL'S LETTERS, I (1381)
John Ball Saint Mary Priest, greeteth well all manner of men, and biddeth them in name of the Trinitie, Father, Sonne, & holy Ghost, stand manlike together in truth, & helpe truth, and truth shall helpe you:
now raygneth pride in price,couetise is holden wise
lechery without shame,
gluttonie without blame,
enuye raygneth with reason,
and sloath is taken in great season,
God doe boote for nowe is time.
Amen.
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18. JOHN BALL'S LETTERS, II (1381)
littera Iohannis balle missa communibus Estsexie.
Iohan schep, som-tyme seynte marie prest of ȝork, and now of colchestre, Greteth wel Iohan nameles & Iohn þe mullere and Iohon cartere, and biddeþ hem þei bee war of gyle in borugh, and stondeth to-gidere in godes name, and biddeþ Pers plouȝman / go to his werk and chastise wel hobbe þe robbere; and takeþ wiþ ȝow Iohan Trewman and alle hijs felawes and no mo, and loke schappe ȝou to on heued and no mo.
Iohan þe mullere haþ y-grounde smal, smal, smal.
þe kynges sone of heuene schal paye for al.
be war or þe be wo.
knoweþ ȝour freend fro ȝour foo.
haueth y-now & seith hoo!
and do wel and bettre and fleth synne,
and sekeþ pees and hold ȝow þer-inne.
and so biddeþ Iohan trewaman and alle his felawes.
þe kynges sone of heuene schal paye for al.
be war or þe be wo.
knoweþ ȝour freend fro ȝour foo.
haueth y-now & seith hoo!
and do wel and bettre and fleth synne,
and sekeþ pees and hold ȝow þer-inne.
and so biddeþ Iohan trewaman and alle his felawes.
hanc litteram Idem Iohannes balle confessus est scripisse, et communibus transmisisse, et plura alia fatebatur et fecit; propter-que, ut diximus, traitus, suspensus, et decollatus apud sanctum albanum Idibus Iulij, presente rege, et cadauer eius quadripertitum quatuor regni cuntatibus missum est.
19. THE COURSE OF REVOLT (1381)
The taxe hath tened vs alle,
probat hoc mors tot validorum;
The Kyng þerof had small,
ffuit in manibus cupidorum.
yt had ful hard hansell,
dans causam fine dolorum;
vengeaunce nedes most fall,
propter peccata malorum.
probat hoc mors tot validorum;
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ffuit in manibus cupidorum.
yt had ful hard hansell,
dans causam fine dolorum;
vengeaunce nedes most fall,
propter peccata malorum.
In Kent care be-gan,
mox infestando potentes;
On rowtes þo Rebawdes þey ran,
Sua turpida arma ferentes.
ffoles þey dred no man,
Regni Regem, neque gentes;
laddes þey were þere Cheveteyns,
Sine iure fere superantes.
mox infestando potentes;
On rowtes þo Rebawdes þey ran,
Sua turpida arma ferentes.
ffoles þey dred no man,
Regni Regem, neque gentes;
laddes þey were þere Cheveteyns,
Sine iure fere superantes.
laddes lowde they lowght,
Clamantes voce sonora,
The bischop wan þey slowght,
Et corpora plura decora.
Maners down þey drowght,
In regno non meliora;
Harmes they dyde y-nowght;
habuerunt libera lora.
Clamantes voce sonora,
The bischop wan þey slowght,
Et corpora plura decora.
Maners down þey drowght,
In regno non meliora;
Harmes they dyde y-nowght;
habuerunt libera lora.
Iak strawe made yt stowte
Cum profusa comitiua,
And seyd al schuld hem lowte,
Anglorum corpora viua.
Sadly can they schowte,
pulsant pietatis oliua,
þe wycche were wont to lowte,
aratrum traducere stiua.
Cum profusa comitiua,
And seyd al schuld hem lowte,
Anglorum corpora viua.
Sadly can they schowte,
pulsant pietatis oliua,
þe wycche were wont to lowte,
aratrum traducere stiua.
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Hales, þat dowghty knyȝght,
quo splenduit Anglia tota,
dolefully he was dyȝght,
Cum stultis pace remota.
There he myȝght not fyght,
nec Christo soluere vota.
quo splenduit Anglia tota,
dolefully he was dyȝght,
Cum stultis pace remota.
There he myȝght not fyght,
nec Christo soluere vota.
Savoy semely sette,
heu! funditus igne cadebat.
Arcan don there þey bett,
Et eos virtute premebat.
deth was ther dewe dett,
qui captum quisque ferebat.
heu! funditus igne cadebat.
Arcan don there þey bett,
Et eos virtute premebat.
deth was ther dewe dett,
qui captum quisque ferebat.
Oure kyng myght have no rest,
Alii latuere cauerna;
To ride he was ful prest,
recolendo gesta paterna.
Iak straw dovn þey cast
Smethefeld virtute superna.
god, as þou may best,
Regem defende, guberna.
Alii latuere cauerna;
To ride he was ful prest,
recolendo gesta paterna.
Iak straw dovn þey cast
Smethefeld virtute superna.
god, as þou may best,
Regem defende, guberna.
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POPULAR STRUGGLES II: LATER DISCONTENT
21. THE YORKSHIRE PARTISANS (1392)
In the Countrey hard was wee,
that in our soken shrewes should be
with all forto bake;
Among you fryers it is so,
and other orders many mo,
whether they slepe or wake.
that in our soken shrewes should be
with all forto bake;
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and other orders many mo,
whether they slepe or wake.
And yet will ilke-an hel up other
and meynteyne him als his brother,
both in wrong & right;
And also will in stand & stoure
mayntayn our neighbour
with all our might.
and meynteyne him als his brother,
both in wrong & right;
And also will in stand & stoure
mayntayn our neighbour
with all our might.
Ilke man may come & goe
among us both to & fro,
say you sikerly.
but hething will we suffer non—
neither of hobb nor of Ion,
with what man he be.
among us both to & fro,
say you sikerly.
but hething will we suffer non—
neither of hobb nor of Ion,
with what man he be.
for vnkind we ware
If we sufferd lesse or mare
any villan hething,
But it wer quit double againe,
and accord, & be full fayne
to byde dressing.
If we sufferd lesse or mare
any villan hething,
But it wer quit double againe,
and accord, & be full fayne
to byde dressing.
And on that purpose yet we stand:
who-so doth vs any wrong
In what place it fall,
yet he might als weele,
als haue I hap & heel,
Doe againe us all.
who-so doth vs any wrong
In what place it fall,
yet he might als weele,
als haue I hap & heel,
Doe againe us all.
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22. A SONG OF FREEDOM (1434)
ffor þou art comen of good blood,
or for art a riche man of good;
ffor þou art well loued of moo,
& for þou art a ȝong man al-soo.
or for art a riche man of good;
ffor þou art well loued of moo,
& for þou art a ȝong man al-soo.
þin ffadere was a bond man,
þin moder curtesye non can.
Euery beste þat leuyth now
Is of more fredam þan þow!
þin moder curtesye non can.
Euery beste þat leuyth now
Is of more fredam þan þow!
ȝif þou art pore, þan art þou fre.
ȝif þou be riche, þan woo is þe.
for but þou spendyte well ere þou goo,
þin song for euer is “well-ay-woo.”
ȝif þou be riche, þan woo is þe.
for but þou spendyte well ere þou goo,
þin song for euer is “well-ay-woo.”
23. THE DAY WILL DAWN (1445)
Who wot nowe þat ys here,
Where he schall be anoder yere?
Where he schall be anoder yere?
Anoder ȝere hit may betyde
Þis compeny to be full wyde,
And neuer on-odyr to abyde;
Criste may send now sych a ȝere.
Þis compeny to be full wyde,
And neuer on-odyr to abyde;
Criste may send now sych a ȝere.
Anoþer ȝere hit may befall
Þe lest þat is withyn this hall
To be more mastur þen we all;
Cryste may send now sych a ȝere.
Þe lest þat is withyn this hall
To be more mastur þen we all;
Cryste may send now sych a ȝere.
63
This lordis that ben wonder grete,
They threton powre men for to bete;
Hyt lendith lytull in hur threte;
Cryste may send sich a yere.
They threton powre men for to bete;
Hyt lendith lytull in hur threte;
Cryste may send sich a yere.
24. THE KENTISH INSURRECTION (1450)
God be oure gyde,and then schull we spede.
Who-so-euur say nay,
ffalse for ther money reuleth!
Trewth for his tales spolleth!
God seend vs a ffayre day!
a-wey traytours, a-wey!
25. INJUSTICES AT COVENTRY (1496)
Wheruppon ij seducious billes wer founde i-sette vppon þe Mynster durr in þe feste of seynt Anne, & a-noþer was cast, etc. Wherof the tenour her-after ensuen:
The cyte is bond that shuld be fre!The right is holden fro þe Cominalte!
our Comiens þat at Lammas open shuld be cast,
They be closed in & hegged full fast.
And he þat speketh for our right is in þe hall—
And þat is shame for yewe & for vs all.
You cannot denygh hit but he is your broþer,
& to boþe Gildes he hath paid as moch as anoþer,
They þat woll be broþer to þe Gildes or þer-to pay.
64
ffor eny fauour or frenship þe comiens with yowe fynde,
But pyke awey our thryfte & make vs all blynde.
And euer ye haue nede to þe Cominalte—
Such favour as ye shewe vs, such shall ye see:
We may speke feir & bid you good morowe,
But luff with our hertes shull ye haue non!
Cherish þe Cominalte & se they haue their right,
ffor drede of a worse chaunce be day or be nyght!
Þe best of you all, litell worth shuld be,
And ye had not helpe of the Cominalte.
He luffeth me well þat telleth me for my goode:
“Mend þat is amysse for movyng of your mode.”
On may her be a-noþer þat he shall not fynde,
But ye shall her of sum oþer what shal be þe ende!
POPULAR BALLADS
26. THE BATTLE OF OTTERBURN (1388)
Yt fell abowght the lamasse tyde,
Whan husbonds wynnes ther haye,
the dowghtye dowglasse bowynd hym to ryde
In ynglond to take a praye.
Whan husbonds wynnes ther haye,
the dowghtye dowglasse bowynd hym to ryde
In ynglond to take a praye.
the yerlle of fyffe, wyth-owghten Stryffe,
he bowynd hym over sulway;
the grete wolde ever to-gether ryde—
that Raysse they may rewe for aye.
he bowynd hym over sulway;
the grete wolde ever to-gether ryde—
that Raysse they may rewe for aye.
65
Over hoppertope hyll they came in,
and so dowyn by rodelyffe crage;
Upon grene lynton they lyghted dowyn,
styrande many a stage.
and so dowyn by rodelyffe crage;
Upon grene lynton they lyghted dowyn,
styrande many a stage.
and boldely brente northomberlond,
and haryed many a towyn;
they dyd owr ynglyssh men grete wrange,
to batell that were not bowyn.
and haryed many a towyn;
they dyd owr ynglyssh men grete wrange,
to batell that were not bowyn.
Than spake a berne upon the bent,
Of comforte that was not colde,
and sayd, “we have brente northomberlond;
We have all welth in holde.
Of comforte that was not colde,
and sayd, “we have brente northomberlond;
We have all welth in holde.
“now we have haryed all bamborowe schyre,
all the welth in the worlde have wee.
I rede we ryde to newe castell,
so styll and stalwurthlye.”
all the welth in the worlde have wee.
I rede we ryde to newe castell,
so styll and stalwurthlye.”
Upon the morowe, when it was day,
the standerds schone full bryght;
to the newe castell the toke the waye,
and thether they cam full ryght.
the standerds schone full bryght;
to the newe castell the toke the waye,
and thether they cam full ryght.
Syr henry perssy laye at the new castell—
I tell yow wyth-owtten drede;
he had byn a marchman all hys dayes,
and kepte barwyke upon twede.
I tell yow wyth-owtten drede;
he had byn a marchman all hys dayes,
and kepte barwyke upon twede.
to the newe castell when they cam,
the skottes they cryde on hyght,
“Syr hary perssy, and thow byste wyth-in,
com to the fylde and fyght.
the skottes they cryde on hyght,
“Syr hary perssy, and thow byste wyth-in,
com to the fylde and fyght.
66
“for we have brente northomberlonde,
thy erytage good and ryght;
and syne my logeyng I have take,
wyth my brande dubbyd many a knyght.”
thy erytage good and ryght;
and syne my logeyng I have take,
wyth my brande dubbyd many a knyght.”
syr harry perssy cam to the walls,
the skottyssh oste for to se;
and sayd, “and thow hast brente northomberlond,
full sore it rewyth me.
the skottyssh oste for to se;
and sayd, “and thow hast brente northomberlond,
full sore it rewyth me.
“yf thow hast haryed all bamborowe schyre,
thow hast done me grete Envye;
for the trespasse thow hast me done,
the tone of us schall dye!”
thow hast done me grete Envye;
for the trespasse thow hast me done,
the tone of us schall dye!”
“where schall I byde the,” sayd the dowglas,
“or where wylte thow com to me?”
“at otterborne in the hygh way,
ther mast thow well logeed be.
“or where wylte thow com to me?”
“at otterborne in the hygh way,
ther mast thow well logeed be.
“The roo full rekeles ther sche Runnes,
To make the game and glee;
The fawken and the fesaunt both,
among the holtes on hye.
To make the game and glee;
The fawken and the fesaunt both,
among the holtes on hye.
“Ther mast thow have thy welth at wyll,
Well looged ther mast be.
yt schall not be long or I com the tyll,”
sayd syr harry perssye.
Well looged ther mast be.
yt schall not be long or I com the tyll,”
sayd syr harry perssye.
“there schall I byde the,” sayd the dowglas,
“by the fayth of my bodye.”
“thether schall I com,” sayd syr harry perssy,
“my trowth I plyght to the.”
“by the fayth of my bodye.”
“thether schall I com,” sayd syr harry perssy,
“my trowth I plyght to the.”
67
a pype of wyne he gave them over the walles,
for-soth as I yow saye.
ther he mayd the dowglasse drynke,
and all hys ost that daye.
for-soth as I yow saye.
ther he mayd the dowglasse drynke,
and all hys ost that daye.
the dowglas turnyd hym home-warde agayne,
for-soth wyth-owghten naye;
he toke hys logeyng at oterborne
upon a wedyns-day.
for-soth wyth-owghten naye;
he toke hys logeyng at oterborne
upon a wedyns-day.
and ther he pyght hys standerd dowyn,
hys gettyng more and lesse,
and syne he warned hys men to goo
to chose ther geldyngs gresse.
hys gettyng more and lesse,
and syne he warned hys men to goo
to chose ther geldyngs gresse.
a skottysshe knyght hoved upon the bent,
a wache, I dare well saye;
so was he ware on the noble perssy
In the dawnyng of the daye.
a wache, I dare well saye;
so was he ware on the noble perssy
In the dawnyng of the daye.
he prycked to hys pavyleon dore,
as faste as he myght ronne,
“awaken, dowglas,” cryed the knyght,
“for hys love, that syttes in trone.
as faste as he myght ronne,
“awaken, dowglas,” cryed the knyght,
“for hys love, that syttes in trone.
“Awaken, dowglas,” cryed the knyght,
“for thow maste waken wyth wynne;
yonder have I spyed the prowde perssye,
and seven stondardes wyth hym.”
“for thow maste waken wyth wynne;
yonder have I spyed the prowde perssye,
and seven stondardes wyth hym.”
“nay, by my trowth,” the dowglas sayed,
“it ys but a fayned taylle.
he durst not loke on my brede banner
for all ynglonde so haylle.
“it ys but a fayned taylle.
he durst not loke on my brede banner
for all ynglonde so haylle.
68
“was I not yester-daye at the newe castell,
that stonds so fayre on tyne?
for all the men the perssy had,
he cowde not garre me ones to dyne.”
that stonds so fayre on tyne?
for all the men the perssy had,
he cowde not garre me ones to dyne.”
he stepped owt at hys pavelyon dore
to loke and it were lesse.
“araye you, lordyngs, one and all,
for here by-gynnes no peysse.
to loke and it were lesse.
“araye you, lordyngs, one and all,
for here by-gynnes no peysse.
“the yerle of mentaye, thow arte my eme,
the forwarde I gyve to the;
the yerlle of huntlay, cawte and kene,
he schall be wyth the.
the forwarde I gyve to the;
the yerlle of huntlay, cawte and kene,
he schall be wyth the.
“the lorde of bowghan in armure bryght
on the other hand he schall be;
lorde Ihonstone and lorde maxwell,
they to schall be wyth me.
on the other hand he schall be;
lorde Ihonstone and lorde maxwell,
they to schall be wyth me.
“swynton, fayre fylde upon yowr pryde,
to batell make yow bowen;
syr davy skotte, syr water stewarde,
syr Ihon of agurstone.”
to batell make yow bowen;
syr davy skotte, syr water stewarde,
syr Ihon of agurstone.”
a fytte
The perssy cam by-fore hys oste,
wych was ever a gentyll knyght,
upon the dowglass lowde can he crye,
“I wyll holde that I have hyght.
wych was ever a gentyll knyght,
upon the dowglass lowde can he crye,
“I wyll holde that I have hyght.
“for thow haste brente northomberlonde,
and done me grete Envye;
for thys trespasse thow hast me done,
the tone of us schall dye.”
and done me grete Envye;
for thys trespasse thow hast me done,
the tone of us schall dye.”
69
the dowglas answerde hym agayne
wyth grete wurds upon hye,
and sayd, “I have twenty agaynst the one,
by-holde, and thow maste see.”
wyth grete wurds upon hye,
and sayd, “I have twenty agaynst the one,
by-holde, and thow maste see.”
Wyth þat the perssay was grevyd sore,
for-soth as I yow saye;
he lyghted dowyn upon hys foote,
and schoote hys horsse clene awaye.
for-soth as I yow saye;
he lyghted dowyn upon hys foote,
and schoote hys horsse clene awaye.
Every man sawe that he dyd soo,
that ryall was ever in rowght;
Every man schoote hys horsse hym froo,
and lyght hym rowynde abowght.
that ryall was ever in rowght;
Every man schoote hys horsse hym froo,
and lyght hym rowynde abowght.
thus syr hary perssye toke the fylde,
for-soth as I yow saye,
Iesu cryste in heven on hyght
dyd helpe hym well that daye.
for-soth as I yow saye,
Iesu cryste in heven on hyght
dyd helpe hym well that daye.
but nyne thowȝand, ther was no moo,
the cronykle wyll not layne.
forty thowsande of skottes and fowre
that day fowght them agayne.
the cronykle wyll not layne.
forty thowsande of skottes and fowre
that day fowght them agayne.
but when the batell by-ganne to ioyne,
In hast ther cam a knyght.
The letters fayre furth hath he tayne,
and thus he sayd full ryght:
In hast ther cam a knyght.
The letters fayre furth hath he tayne,
and thus he sayd full ryght:
“my lorde, yowr father he gretes yow well,
wyth many a noble knyght,
he desyres yow to byde
that he may see thys fyght.
wyth many a noble knyght,
he desyres yow to byde
that he may see thys fyght.
70
“þe baron of grastoke ys come owt of the west,
wyth hym a noble companye;
all they loge at yowr fathers thys nyght,
and the batell fayne wolde they see.”
wyth hym a noble companye;
all they loge at yowr fathers thys nyght,
and the batell fayne wolde they see.”
“for Iesus love,” sayd syr harye perssy,
“that dyed for yow and me,
wende to my lorde my father agayne,
and saye thow sawe me not wyth yee.
“that dyed for yow and me,
wende to my lorde my father agayne,
and saye thow sawe me not wyth yee.
“my trowth ys plyght to yonne skottyssh knyght,
it nedes me not to layne,
that I schulde byde hym upon thys bent,
and I have hys trowth agayne.
it nedes me not to layne,
that I schulde byde hym upon thys bent,
and I have hys trowth agayne.
“and if that I wynde of thys growende,
for-soth, on-fowghten awaye,
he wolde me call but a kowarde knyght
In hys londe another daye.
for-soth, on-fowghten awaye,
he wolde me call but a kowarde knyght
In hys londe another daye.
“yet had I lever to be rynde and Rente,
by mary that mykell maye,
then ever my manhood schulde be reprovyd
wyth a skotte another day.
by mary that mykell maye,
then ever my manhood schulde be reprovyd
wyth a skotte another day.
“wherfore schote, archars, for my sake,
and let scharpe arowes flee!
mynstrells, playe up for yowr waryson,
and well quyt it schall bee.
and let scharpe arowes flee!
mynstrells, playe up for yowr waryson,
and well quyt it schall bee.
“every man thynke on hys trewe love,
and marke hym to the trenite;
for to god I make myne avowe
thys day wyll I not flee.”
and marke hym to the trenite;
for to god I make myne avowe
thys day wyll I not flee.”
71
the blodye harte in the dowglas armes,
hys standerde stode on hye;
that every man myght full well knowe,
by-syde stode starres thre.
hys standerde stode on hye;
that every man myght full well knowe,
by-syde stode starres thre.
the whyte lyon on the ynglysshe perte,
forsoth as I yow sayne,
the lucetts and the cressawntts both,
the skotts fowght them agayne.
forsoth as I yow sayne,
the lucetts and the cressawntts both,
the skotts fowght them agayne.
upon sent andrewe lowde can they crye,
and thrysse they schowte on hyght.
and syne marked them on owr ynglysshe men,
as I have tolde yow ryght.
and thrysse they schowte on hyght.
and syne marked them on owr ynglysshe men,
as I have tolde yow ryght.
sent george the bryght, owr ladyes knyght,
to name they were full fayne.
owr ynglyssh men they cryde on hyght,
and thrysse the schowtte agayne.
to name they were full fayne.
owr ynglyssh men they cryde on hyght,
and thrysse the schowtte agayne.
wyth that, scharpe arowes bygan to flee,
I tell yow in sertayne;
men of armes by-ganne to Ioyne—
many a dowghty man was ther slayne.
I tell yow in sertayne;
men of armes by-ganne to Ioyne—
many a dowghty man was ther slayne.
The perssy and the dowglas mette,
that ether of other was fayne;
they swapped to-gether, whyll that the swette
wyth swords of fyne collayne,
that ether of other was fayne;
they swapped to-gether, whyll that the swette
wyth swords of fyne collayne,
tyll the bloode from ther bassonetts Ranne,
as the roke doth in the rayne.
“yelde the to me,” sayd the dowglas,
“or ells thow schalt be slayne.
as the roke doth in the rayne.
“yelde the to me,” sayd the dowglas,
“or ells thow schalt be slayne.
72
“for I see by thy bryght bassonet
thow arte sum man of myght;
and so I do by thy burnysshed brande,
thow arte an yerle, or ells a knyght.”
thow arte sum man of myght;
and so I do by thy burnysshed brande,
thow arte an yerle, or ells a knyght.”
“by my good faythe,” sayd the noble perssye,
“now haste thow rede full ryght.
yet wyll I never yelde me to the,
Whyll I may stonde and fyght.”
“now haste thow rede full ryght.
yet wyll I never yelde me to the,
Whyll I may stonde and fyght.”
they swapped to-gether, whyll that they swette,
Wyth swordes scharpe and long;
ych on other so faste thee beette,
tyll ther helmes cam in peyses dowyn.
Wyth swordes scharpe and long;
ych on other so faste thee beette,
tyll ther helmes cam in peyses dowyn.
The perssy was a man of strenghth,
I tell yow in thys stounde;
he smote the dowglas at the swordes length
that he fell to the growynde.
I tell yow in thys stounde;
he smote the dowglas at the swordes length
that he fell to the growynde.
the sworde was scharpe and sore can byte,
I tell yow in sertayne,
to the harte he cowde hym smyte,
thus was the dowglas slayne.
I tell yow in sertayne,
to the harte he cowde hym smyte,
thus was the dowglas slayne.
The stonderds stode styll on eke a syde,
wyth many a grevous grone;
ther the fowght the day and all the nyght,
and many a dowghty man was slayne.
wyth many a grevous grone;
ther the fowght the day and all the nyght,
and many a dowghty man was slayne.
ther was no freke that ther wolde flye,
but styffely in stowre can stond;
ychone hewyng on other whyll they myght drye,
wyth many a bayllefull bronde.
but styffely in stowre can stond;
ychone hewyng on other whyll they myght drye,
wyth many a bayllefull bronde.
73
ther was slayne upon the skottes syde,
for-soth and sertenly,
syr Iames a dowglas ther was slayne,
that day that he cowde dye.
for-soth and sertenly,
syr Iames a dowglas ther was slayne,
that day that he cowde dye.
the yerlle of mentaye he was slayne,
grysely groned upon the growynd;
syr davy skotte, syr water stewarde,
syr Iames of agurstonne.
grysely groned upon the growynd;
syr davy skotte, syr water stewarde,
syr Iames of agurstonne.
syr charlles morrey in that place,
that never a fote wold flee;
syr hewe maxwell, a lorde he was,
wyth the dowglas dyd he dye.
that never a fote wold flee;
syr hewe maxwell, a lorde he was,
wyth the dowglas dyd he dye.
ther was slayne upon the skottes syde,
for-soth as I yow saye,
of fowre and forty thowsande skotts
went but eyghtene awaye.
for-soth as I yow saye,
of fowre and forty thowsande skotts
went but eyghtene awaye.
ther was slayne upon the ynglysshe syde,
for-soth and sertenlye,
a gentell knyght, syr Ihon fechewe—
yt was the more pety.
for-soth and sertenlye,
a gentell knyght, syr Ihon fechewe—
yt was the more pety.
syr Iames harebotell ther was slayne,
for hym ther hartes were sore;
The gentyll lovell ther was slayne,
that the perssys standerd bore.
for hym ther hartes were sore;
The gentyll lovell ther was slayne,
that the perssys standerd bore.
ther was slayne upon the ynglyssh perte,
for-soth as I yow saye,
of nyne thowsand ynglyssh men
fyve hondert cam awaye.
for-soth as I yow saye,
of nyne thowsand ynglyssh men
fyve hondert cam awaye.
74
the other were slayne in the fylde—
cryste kepe ther sowlles from wo,
seyng ther was so fewe fryndes
agaynst so many a foo.
cryste kepe ther sowlles from wo,
seyng ther was so fewe fryndes
agaynst so many a foo.
Then on the morne they mayde them beerys
of byrch and haysell graye;
many a wydowe wyth wepyng teyres
ther makes they fette awaye.
of byrch and haysell graye;
many a wydowe wyth wepyng teyres
ther makes they fette awaye.
thys fraye by-gan at otterborne,
bytwene the nyght and the day;
ther the dowglas lost hys lyffe,
and the perssy was lede awaye.
bytwene the nyght and the day;
ther the dowglas lost hys lyffe,
and the perssy was lede awaye.
then was ther a skottyssh prisoner tayne,
syr hewe mongomery was hys name,
for-soth as I yow saye,
he borowed the perssy home agayne.
syr hewe mongomery was hys name,
for-soth as I yow saye,
he borowed the perssy home agayne.
now let us all for the perssy pray,
to Iesu most of myght,
to bryng hys sowlle to the blysse of heven,
for he was a gentyll knyght.
to Iesu most of myght,
to bryng hys sowlle to the blysse of heven,
for he was a gentyll knyght.
finis.
27. THE BATTLE OF AGINCOURT (1415)
And in Aȝyngcorte felde owre kynge favght with þe ffrenchmen þe ffryday tofore þe day of symond and Iude. & þer all þe ryall powere of ffrensshemen come aȝenst owre kyng & his litill meyne, save þe ffrensshe kynge, & þe Dolfyne, and þe duke of
75
Stedes þer stumbelyd in þat stownde,
þat stod stere stuffed vnder stele;
With gronyng grete þei felle to grownde,
Here sydes federed whan þei gone fele.
Owre lord þe kynge he foght ryght wele,
Scharpliche on hem his spere he spent,
Many on seke he made þat sele,
Thorow myght of god omnipotent.
þat stod stere stuffed vnder stele;
With gronyng grete þei felle to grownde,
Here sydes federed whan þei gone fele.
Owre lord þe kynge he foght ryght wele,
Scharpliche on hem his spere he spent,
76
Thorow myght of god omnipotent.
The Duke of glowcestre also þat tyde
Manfully, with his mayne,
Wondes he wroght þer wondere wyde.
The Duke of ȝorke also, perde,
ffro his kyng no fote wold he flee,
Til his basonet to his brayn was bent;
Now on his sowle he have pete,
Mersifull god omnipotent.
Manfully, with his mayne,
Wondes he wroght þer wondere wyde.
The Duke of ȝorke also, perde,
ffro his kyng no fote wold he flee,
Til his basonet to his brayn was bent;
Now on his sowle he have pete,
Mersifull god omnipotent.
Hontyngdon & Oxford bothe
Were wondere fers all in þat fyght;
That erste was glade þai made ful wrothe,
Thorow hem many on-to deth were dyght.
The Erles fowghten with mayn & myȝt,
Rich havberke thei rofe & rente;
Owre kyng to helpe thei were full lyght—
Now blesse hem god omnipotent.
Were wondere fers all in þat fyght;
That erste was glade þai made ful wrothe,
Thorow hem many on-to deth were dyght.
The Erles fowghten with mayn & myȝt,
Rich havberke thei rofe & rente;
Owre kyng to helpe thei were full lyght—
Now blesse hem god omnipotent.
The erle of Suthfolk gan hem assaylle,
And ser Richarde kyghle in þat stede,
Here lyves þei losten in þat bataile,
With dyntes sore þer were thei dede.
Ȝif eny man byde eny good bede
Vnto god with good entent,
To þo two sowles it mote be mede,
Gracius god omnipotent.
And ser Richarde kyghle in þat stede,
Here lyves þei losten in þat bataile,
With dyntes sore þer were thei dede.
Ȝif eny man byde eny good bede
Vnto god with good entent,
To þo two sowles it mote be mede,
Gracius god omnipotent.
Sire William Bowsere, as fovle in fright,
Preste he þer was vpon his pray,
Erpyngham he come hym with,
Her manhode help vs well þat day.
Off ffrensshe folk in þat afray
Thre dukes were dede, with doleful dent,
And fyve Erles, þis is no nay.
Ther holpe vs god omnipotent.
Preste he þer was vpon his pray,
Erpyngham he come hym with,
Her manhode help vs well þat day.
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Thre dukes were dede, with doleful dent,
And fyve Erles, þis is no nay.
Ther holpe vs god omnipotent.
Lordes of name an hunderde and mo
Bitterly þat bargayn bowght;
Two þovsand Cot-armers also,
After her sorow þedere thei sowght.
Ten thowsand ffrensshemen to deþ wer browght,
Off whom neuer none away went;
All her names sothly know I nowght,
Have mersy on hem cryst omnipotent.
Bitterly þat bargayn bowght;
Two þovsand Cot-armers also,
After her sorow þedere thei sowght.
Ten thowsand ffrensshemen to deþ wer browght,
Off whom neuer none away went;
All her names sothly know I nowght,
Have mersy on hem cryst omnipotent.
Two dukes were take in þat stovre,
He of Orliawnce & of borbon;
The Ewe, & Arthowre,
The Erle of vendon, & many one.
The Erchebisshope of sens come with ovre foon,
[OMITTED]
Hym failed þe wynnyng of his schon,
Þorow myght of god omnipotent.
He of Orliawnce & of borbon;
The Ewe, & Arthowre,
The Erle of vendon, & many one.
The Erchebisshope of sens come with ovre foon,
[OMITTED]
Hym failed þe wynnyng of his schon,
Þorow myght of god omnipotent.
Þe fals flemynges, god ȝef hem care,
Thei loved vs neuer ȝit, by the roode,
ffor alle here fals flateryng fare,
Aȝenst owre kyng þat day þai stode.
Bot many of hem her hert-blode
Vnblythly bledden vpon þat bent;
Ȝit schall þai neuer wayt Inglond good,
I swere, by god omnipotent.
Thei loved vs neuer ȝit, by the roode,
ffor alle here fals flateryng fare,
Aȝenst owre kyng þat day þai stode.
Bot many of hem her hert-blode
Vnblythly bledden vpon þat bent;
Ȝit schall þai neuer wayt Inglond good,
I swere, by god omnipotent.
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28. THE SIEGE OF CALAIS (1436)
In Iuyll whan the sonne shone shene,
Bowes burgoned, and leves grene
Gan change thaire coloures;
And fresshe floures that April made
Began to feynt and fade,
Of lovely swete odours;
Bowes burgoned, and leves grene
Gan change thaire coloures;
And fresshe floures that April made
Began to feynt and fade,
Of lovely swete odours;
And faire floures grete and smale
Gan to ripe and wax pale;
Than cometh tyme of labours,
To profit and worshippe wynne
In armes, so þer be not ther-in
Vntrouthe ne false colours.
Gan to ripe and wax pale;
Than cometh tyme of labours,
To profit and worshippe wynne
In armes, so þer be not ther-in
Vntrouthe ne false colours.
The Duc of Burgone, of grete pride,
Made grete assemble in landes wide,
In flandres and Braband,
Of all the power and Chiualrie
Of Burgone and of Pykardie,
Of hanaude and holland.
Made grete assemble in landes wide,
In flandres and Braband,
Of all the power and Chiualrie
Of Burgone and of Pykardie,
Of hanaude and holland.
An Cml lti and moo,
That were able to ride and goo,
To bere spere and shelde,
And made avaunt Calais to wynne;
And alle shuld dye that were therin,
Man, woman, and childe.
That were able to ride and goo,
To bere spere and shelde,
And made avaunt Calais to wynne;
And alle shuld dye that were therin,
Man, woman, and childe.
The wolles and the merchandise,
And other godes of grete emprise,
Eche shulde haue a certeine;
The walles thay wolde bete adovn,
Tour, castell, and dongeon,
And all shuld be made pleyne.
And other godes of grete emprise,
Eche shulde haue a certeine;
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Tour, castell, and dongeon,
And all shuld be made pleyne.
And thus with rede baner displaied,
With other in iij batelles araied,
They come the tovn aboute;
Stately tentes anon they pight,
Large, longe, and of gret hight,
It was a riall rowte.
With other in iij batelles araied,
They come the tovn aboute;
Stately tentes anon they pight,
Large, longe, and of gret hight,
It was a riall rowte.
With gonnes grete and ordinance,
That theyme myght helpe and avance;
With many a proude pavis,
Gailly paynted and stuffed wele;
Ribawdes armed with Iren and stele,
Was neuer better devyse.
That theyme myght helpe and avance;
With many a proude pavis,
Gailly paynted and stuffed wele;
Ribawdes armed with Iren and stele,
Was neuer better devyse.
So many ml cokkes to crow anyght,
And also cressettes that brenned light,
Grete wonder to here and see.
How sone thay made her loggyng,
Defense of erthe in dykyng,
Redier myght noon bee.
And also cressettes that brenned light,
Grete wonder to here and see.
How sone thay made her loggyng,
Defense of erthe in dykyng,
Redier myght noon bee.
The Erle of Morteyne made a dyner,
And said, “fellowes, be of gode chere!
And nothing haue we doute.
I trust to god to see that day,
That for al thaire proude aray
fful low that thay shul lowte.”
And said, “fellowes, be of gode chere!
And nothing haue we doute.
I trust to god to see that day,
That for al thaire proude aray
fful low that thay shul lowte.”
The lietanant, ser Iohn Radclyf,
That loued worshipp and dred repref,
Kept full gode gouernance;
So did the Baron of Dudley,
In the Castell, the sothe to sey,
Made full gode ordenance.
That loued worshipp and dred repref,
Kept full gode gouernance;
80
In the Castell, the sothe to sey,
Made full gode ordenance.
The lord Cameux at Boleyn yate,
The Bulwerk he did vndertake;
At no tyme wolde he faille,
Neither late ne erly,
Yif any wight were so hardy
At oones forto assaille.
The Bulwerk he did vndertake;
At no tyme wolde he faille,
Neither late ne erly,
Yif any wight were so hardy
At oones forto assaille.
At the mylkyate, ser william of Asshton,
And ser geffray warberton,
With many an hardy man,
The Trumpettes lowd did they blow,
ffor the Duc sholde wel know
The wacch whan it began.
And ser geffray warberton,
With many an hardy man,
The Trumpettes lowd did they blow,
ffor the Duc sholde wel know
The wacch whan it began.
The porters kept full manly
The yates open continuelly,
To wake were they not yrke;
Þe trew soudeours, bothe day and nyght,
Lay on the walle in armes bright—
It was thaire hous and kirk.
The yates open continuelly,
To wake were they not yrke;
Þe trew soudeours, bothe day and nyght,
Lay on the walle in armes bright—
It was thaire hous and kirk.
The maire and burgeis were full bovn
fforto defende thaire possession,
It longed to hem of right;
The worthy merchantes were redy,
At al tyme and euery skry,
It was a ful gode sight.
fforto defende thaire possession,
It longed to hem of right;
The worthy merchantes were redy,
At al tyme and euery skry,
It was a ful gode sight.
And so did the gode comon,
That had stuffed wel the tovn
With godes and vitaille,
In tovn and felde to ride and goo,
And alle other werkes to doo
In al that myght availle.
That had stuffed wel the tovn
With godes and vitaille,
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And alle other werkes to doo
In al that myght availle.
The women, bothe yonge and olde,
With stones stuffed euery scaffolde—
They spared no swete ne swynk;
With boilled caudrons, grete and smale,
Yif thay wolde haue sawted the wall,
Al hote to gif hem drynke.
With stones stuffed euery scaffolde—
They spared no swete ne swynk;
With boilled caudrons, grete and smale,
Yif thay wolde haue sawted the wall,
Al hote to gif hem drynke.
The first day the ennemys proude
Began to skirmyssh with shoutes lowde,
But countred they were anon.
Gonners began to shew thaire art;
Into the tovn in many a part
Shot many a full grete ston.
Began to skirmyssh with shoutes lowde,
But countred they were anon.
Gonners began to shew thaire art;
Into the tovn in many a part
Shot many a full grete ston.
Thanked be god, and marie mylde,
They hurt neither man, woman, ne childe;
Houses, thogh, they did harme.
“Seynt Barbara!” than was the crie,
Whan stones in the tovn did flye,
They cowde noon other charme.
They hurt neither man, woman, ne childe;
Houses, thogh, they did harme.
“Seynt Barbara!” than was the crie,
Whan stones in the tovn did flye,
They cowde noon other charme.
And for the duc logged hym no nere,
At the southwest corner,
Of gonnes he had a songe;
That anoon he left his place,
And to the est ende he made a chace,
Hym thoght he bode to longe.
At the southwest corner,
Of gonnes he had a songe;
That anoon he left his place,
And to the est ende he made a chace,
Hym thoght he bode to longe.
There myght men see Archers gode
Cast away bothe gowne and hode,
The better forto shote;
The frenshe and flemmyssh were full fayn
To thaire tentes retourne ageyn,
Þey saw noon other bote.
Cast away bothe gowne and hode,
The better forto shote;
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To thaire tentes retourne ageyn,
Þey saw noon other bote.
And euer among an Irissh man
On his hoby that swiftly ran;
It was a sportfull sight
How his dartes he did shake;
And whan hym lust to leve or take,
They had full grete dispite.
On his hoby that swiftly ran;
It was a sportfull sight
How his dartes he did shake;
And whan hym lust to leve or take,
They had full grete dispite.
Also an hounde that hight goby,
That longed to the waterbailly,
fful swiftly wolde he renne.
At euery skirmyssh to trauaille,
Man and horse he wolde assaille,
fful wel he cowde hem kenne.
That longed to the waterbailly,
fful swiftly wolde he renne.
At euery skirmyssh to trauaille,
Man and horse he wolde assaille,
fful wel he cowde hem kenne.
And so befell, and on a thursday,
The Erle of Morteigne made afray
At Saint Peters on the playn;
He drove hem to her tentes nere,
And toke many a prisoner,
And many of hem were slayn.
The Erle of Morteigne made afray
At Saint Peters on the playn;
He drove hem to her tentes nere,
And toke many a prisoner,
And many of hem were slayn.
And after, they come with grete Navy,
With bulged shippes ful craftily,
The hauen forto haue shent,
At friday nyght; but on the morow,
Than began the dukes sorow,
His shippes whan he saw brent.
With bulged shippes ful craftily,
The hauen forto haue shent,
At friday nyght; but on the morow,
Than began the dukes sorow,
His shippes whan he saw brent.
And soon after, within a while,
Drawen dovn was his bastyle,
With many an hardy man;
His men of armes were leide to grovnde;
And som ascaped with dethes wounde;
But there were fewe taan.
Drawen dovn was his bastyle,
With many an hardy man;
83
And som ascaped with dethes wounde;
But there were fewe taan.
The next nyght, or it was day,
Erly the duc fled away;
With hym, they of Gaunt;
And after, Bruges and Ipre bothe,
To folow hym were they not lothe.
Thus kept thay thaire avaunt.
Erly the duc fled away;
With hym, they of Gaunt;
And after, Bruges and Ipre bothe,
To folow hym were they not lothe.
Thus kept thay thaire avaunt.
ffor thay had verray knowyng
Of the duc of Gloucester commyng
Calais to rescowe;
And because they bode not there,
In flandres he sought hem fer and nere,
That thay may euer rewe.
Of the duc of Gloucester commyng
Calais to rescowe;
And because they bode not there,
In flandres he sought hem fer and nere,
That thay may euer rewe.
O oonly god, in whom is all,
Save Calais the tovn riall,
That euer it mot wel cheve
Vnto the crovn of England,
As longe as the world shal stonde,
That noon enemys it greve!
Save Calais the tovn riall,
That euer it mot wel cheve
Vnto the crovn of England,
As longe as the world shal stonde,
That noon enemys it greve!
Amen.
Explicit.
29. MOCKERY OF THE FLEMINGS (1436)
And on this wise, Phelip, duk of Burgoyn, & the fflemynges, departid from Caleis, and þe pycardes from þe Castel of Guysnes with gret shame & gret diswurship & with gret losse. Wherfore amonges Englisshmen were made many rymes of þe fflemmynges, among the which one is here sette for a remembraunce, that saith on this wise:
84
When ye fflemmyng wer fressh florisshid in your flouris
And had weth at your will, ye wolde be conquerouris
Of Caleis, þat litill toun, as it come in youre mynde.
But ye to conquere Caleis it comeþ you not of kynde.
Remembres on þat wurship ye wann the first day,
When the erle of Mortein come passing with his pray
Before youre toun of Grauenyng, wher ye as men bold
Com rennyng on hym fersli as lyons of Cotteswold,
With habirgeons, & hounsculles, & rusti kettill-hattes,
With long pykes—goden daghes for to stikke the rattes,
With messis, & meskins, & eke with side Iakes
Doun vnto mydde þe leg of kanuas, lyke to sakes,
Stoppid al with hempen tawe, and þat in straunge wise,
Stiched like a matrace al of þe newe gyse.
Ye laid vpon þ'englisshmen so myghtily with your handes,
Til of you iij hundrid lay strechid on the sandes.
Ye fled þen in-to Grauenyng and wold no lenger bide,
And gaue þe erle leue to passe ouer that same tyde
In saafte with his prisoners, & lost neuer a man.
This was þe first wurship of Caleys that ye wan.
And had weth at your will, ye wolde be conquerouris
Of Caleis, þat litill toun, as it come in youre mynde.
But ye to conquere Caleis it comeþ you not of kynde.
Remembres on þat wurship ye wann the first day,
When the erle of Mortein come passing with his pray
Before youre toun of Grauenyng, wher ye as men bold
Com rennyng on hym fersli as lyons of Cotteswold,
With habirgeons, & hounsculles, & rusti kettill-hattes,
With long pykes—goden daghes for to stikke the rattes,
With messis, & meskins, & eke with side Iakes
Doun vnto mydde þe leg of kanuas, lyke to sakes,
Stoppid al with hempen tawe, and þat in straunge wise,
Stiched like a matrace al of þe newe gyse.
Ye laid vpon þ'englisshmen so myghtily with your handes,
Til of you iij hundrid lay strechid on the sandes.
Ye fled þen in-to Grauenyng and wold no lenger bide,
And gaue þe erle leue to passe ouer that same tyde
In saafte with his prisoners, & lost neuer a man.
This was þe first wurship of Caleys that ye wan.
Remembres how ye laide seege with gret pryde & bost
To Caleis, þat littil toun. the noumbre of your host
Was a hundrid thousand & fifty, to reken by þe pollis,
As it was þat same tyme founden by youre rollis.
And yette for al youre gret host, erly nothir late,
Caleis was so ferd of you þey shitte neuer a gate.
To Caleis, þat littil toun. the noumbre of your host
Was a hundrid thousand & fifty, to reken by þe pollis,
As it was þat same tyme founden by youre rollis.
And yette for al youre gret host, erly nothir late,
Caleis was so ferd of you þey shitte neuer a gate.
Remembres how ye drowned att full see for þe nones
With shippes Caleis hauen massoned with stones,
And how that þe calisers hem brake the next day,
When it was lawe watir, and bare hem clene away—
Euery stikke & stone, & lafte not ther one log.
Remembres eke on Goby, the watir-bailliffes dog,
How he scarmysshed with you twyes vpon the day,
And among you on þe sandes made many a fray.
Remembres ye of Brugges, how ye first wan youre shon,
How ye com forth to scarmyssh vpon an aftirnon
With pauyses & crossebowes on saynt Petirs playn;
And how sone the Calisers made you to turn agayn,
And ouerthrew you sodeynly, or euer that ye wist,
And brought you in-to Caleis tyed fastly by the fist.
With shippes Caleis hauen massoned with stones,
And how that þe calisers hem brake the next day,
When it was lawe watir, and bare hem clene away—
Euery stikke & stone, & lafte not ther one log.
Remembres eke on Goby, the watir-bailliffes dog,
How he scarmysshed with you twyes vpon the day,
And among you on þe sandes made many a fray.
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How ye com forth to scarmyssh vpon an aftirnon
With pauyses & crossebowes on saynt Petirs playn;
And how sone the Calisers made you to turn agayn,
And ouerthrew you sodeynly, or euer that ye wist,
And brought you in-to Caleis tyed fastly by the fist.
Remembres ye of Gaunt eke, for al youre pride & bost,
Wonnen was youre bulwerk beside youre gret host,
And slayn all that was therin; & ye that same night
ffled ouer Grauenyng watir, but go þat go myght;
And youre lord with you, for dreed and for fere
Of the duyk of Gloucester—& yette was he not þer!
Wel was hym might go before with pison & with paunce,
And laft behind you for hast al your ordynaunce.
Wonnen was youre bulwerk beside youre gret host,
And slayn all that was therin; & ye that same night
ffled ouer Grauenyng watir, but go þat go myght;
And youre lord with you, for dreed and for fere
Of the duyk of Gloucester—& yette was he not þer!
Wel was hym might go before with pison & with paunce,
And laft behind you for hast al your ordynaunce.
Remembres ye picardes, at seege eke as ye lay,
Of Guysnes that strong Castel how ye fled away,
ffor ryngyng of the larum bell shamfulli in a morowe;
As ferd as þe fflemmynges, with hertes full of sorowe,
Ye lost there your ordynaunce of gunnes that was cheff;
To you & to al pycardis, shame and gret repreff!
Of Guysnes that strong Castel how ye fled away,
ffor ryngyng of the larum bell shamfulli in a morowe;
As ferd as þe fflemmynges, with hertes full of sorowe,
Ye lost there your ordynaunce of gunnes that was cheff;
To you & to al pycardis, shame and gret repreff!
Remembres now ye fflemmynges, vpon youre own shame,
When ye laide seege to Caleis ye wer right full to blame,
ffor more of reputacioun ben englisshmen þen ye,
And comen of more gentill blode of olde antiquite;
ffor flemmynges com of flemmed men, ye shal wel vndirstand,
ffor fflemed men & banshid men enhabit first youre land.
When ye laide seege to Caleis ye wer right full to blame,
ffor more of reputacioun ben englisshmen þen ye,
And comen of more gentill blode of olde antiquite;
ffor flemmynges com of flemmed men, ye shal wel vndirstand,
ffor fflemed men & banshid men enhabit first youre land.
Thus proue I þat fflemmynges is but a flemed man,
And fflaunders of flemmynges the name first began;
And þerfore ye fflemmynges, þat fflemmynges ben named,
To compare with englisshmen ye aught to be ashamed.
Ye be nothing elles worth but gret wordes to camp,
Sette ye stille & bith in pees, God gyue you quadenramp!
And fflaunders of flemmynges the name first began;
And þerfore ye fflemmynges, þat fflemmynges ben named,
To compare with englisshmen ye aught to be ashamed.
Ye be nothing elles worth but gret wordes to camp,
Sette ye stille & bith in pees, God gyue you quadenramp!
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Such & many oþir rimes were made amonges englisshmen, aftir
the fflemmynges were thus shamfully fled frome Caleis, & þe
picardis from Guisnes fledd & gon þeire way, for drede & fere
of þe comyng of the duyk of Gloucestre, which by þat tyme was redy
at london with his power & armee to com to þe rescows of Caleis, &
to shippe at Sandwich, wher as lay redy in þe hauen iijc sailes to
abyde his comyng.
30. SCORN OF THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY (1436)
A songe made of the Duc of Bourgone.
O thou Phelippe, fonder of new falshede,
Distourber of pees, Capiteine of cowardise,
Sower of discorde, Repref of al knyghthode,
Whiche of al burgoigne (that is so grete of pryse)
Thou clepist thiself duc—whan wiltow rise,
And in pleyn felde doo mustre with thy launce?
Se how all knyghthode thy werre dothe despise,
Wite thyn ovne falsnes al thy myschance!
Distourber of pees, Capiteine of cowardise,
Sower of discorde, Repref of al knyghthode,
Whiche of al burgoigne (that is so grete of pryse)
Thou clepist thiself duc—whan wiltow rise,
And in pleyn felde doo mustre with thy launce?
Se how all knyghthode thy werre dothe despise,
Wite thyn ovne falsnes al thy myschance!
Remembre the, Phelippe, and haue in mynde
How king henre the vte, of veray gentilnesse,
Withoute thy desert he was to the kynde,
And alway thy socour whan thou were in distresse,
Defendyng thy personne from al wilfulnesse
Of alle thy mortall enemys, of England and fraunce,
Wherfore thou shewedist grete vnkyndenesse,
The which þou may wite alle thi myschance.
How king henre the vte, of veray gentilnesse,
Withoute thy desert he was to the kynde,
And alway thy socour whan thou were in distresse,
Defendyng thy personne from al wilfulnesse
Of alle thy mortall enemys, of England and fraunce,
Wherfore thou shewedist grete vnkyndenesse,
The which þou may wite alle thi myschance.
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Remembre the, Phelippe, at thy begynnyng
Whan that thy fader thurgh conspired treson,
By assent of Charles that calleth hymself kyng
Of the reame of france, withoute grovnde of reson,
Was at Motreux broght to his confusion.
To king henry there thou did thy ligeance;
Of lyf and land he was thy proteccion,
Wherfore thyn ovne falsnesse causeth thy myschance.
Whan that thy fader thurgh conspired treson,
By assent of Charles that calleth hymself kyng
Of the reame of france, withoute grovnde of reson,
Was at Motreux broght to his confusion.
To king henry there thou did thy ligeance;
Of lyf and land he was thy proteccion,
Wherfore thyn ovne falsnesse causeth thy myschance.
Remembre the, Phelippe, what tyme and how
To kyng henry the fyft by thyn ovne assent,
Withoute his desire, thou madest a solempne vow,
Vsyng goddes body the holy sacrement,
To become trew ligeman with gode entent
To hym and to his heires without variance.
Thou art false to god, by thyn owne assent,
Whiche thou may wite al thy mischance.
To kyng henry the fyft by thyn ovne assent,
Withoute his desire, thou madest a solempne vow,
Vsyng goddes body the holy sacrement,
To become trew ligeman with gode entent
To hym and to his heires without variance.
Thou art false to god, by thyn owne assent,
Whiche thou may wite al thy mischance.
Remembre the, Phelipp, that the yonge king
Henre the sixt was crowned at Paryse,
Iohn duc of Bedford thyn absence excusyng,
By souffisant warant made by thy devise;
He did thyn omage as to the floure-de-lice,
Next by condescent and true inheritance.
This matere the lust not to aduertise;
Wite thyn owne falsnesse al thy myschance.
Henre the sixt was crowned at Paryse,
Iohn duc of Bedford thyn absence excusyng,
By souffisant warant made by thy devise;
He did thyn omage as to the floure-de-lice,
Next by condescent and true inheritance.
This matere the lust not to aduertise;
Wite thyn owne falsnesse al thy myschance.
Remembre the, Phelippe, how peple of England,
Haue been to the euer gentil and trew,
ffor whan thou were beseged with many a thousand
Of Armynakes, thay did the rescewe!
Perfourmyng thy desire bothe olde and new,
Euer redy thyn honeur to mayntene and avance.
Thou moste vnkynde prince that euer man knew,
Thyn ovne falsnesse causeth thy myschance!
Haue been to the euer gentil and trew,
ffor whan thou were beseged with many a thousand
Of Armynakes, thay did the rescewe!
Perfourmyng thy desire bothe olde and new,
Euer redy thyn honeur to mayntene and avance.
Thou moste vnkynde prince that euer man knew,
Thyn ovne falsnesse causeth thy myschance!
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Phelippe, thy falsnes was shewed openly
In that thy lige lord thou woldest neuer see,
While he was in france continually
A yere and an half to know his contree,
And as a rightwys kyng there crovned to bee.
Thou absent thiself with feyned contenance,
Imagenyng alway cruell sotilte,
The whiche thou may wite all thy myschance.
In that thy lige lord thou woldest neuer see,
While he was in france continually
A yere and an half to know his contree,
And as a rightwys kyng there crovned to bee.
Thou absent thiself with feyned contenance,
Imagenyng alway cruell sotilte,
The whiche thou may wite all thy myschance.
Phelippe, at Aras, thy falshed to encrece,
Bothe of thyn avow and othes with all,
Before th'embassatours of trete of pees
Thou shewedest thyself assoilled by a cardinal,
The which was withoute power papall.
þou did provow charles, rightwis king of france,
fforsaking thy ligelord and frend moste special;
Now wite thyn owne falsnesse al thy myschance.
Bothe of thyn avow and othes with all,
Before th'embassatours of trete of pees
Thou shewedest thyself assoilled by a cardinal,
The which was withoute power papall.
þou did provow charles, rightwis king of france,
fforsaking thy ligelord and frend moste special;
Now wite thyn owne falsnesse al thy myschance.
Phelippe, beholde the flemmynges beside grauelyng
How thay encountred Morteigne as he was homward;
He slow of hem hundredes, hymself defendyng;
Beholde eke and see before the tovn of Arde
How cameux distrussed grete power of Picarde;
Wite thin owne falsnes and grete maintenance;
Thay turned her backes as thay were coward;
Thy falsnes is begynnyng of al thy myschance.
How thay encountred Morteigne as he was homward;
He slow of hem hundredes, hymself defendyng;
Beholde eke and see before the tovn of Arde
How cameux distrussed grete power of Picarde;
Wite thin owne falsnes and grete maintenance;
Thay turned her backes as thay were coward;
Thy falsnes is begynnyng of al thy myschance.
Phelippe, thurgh thy falshede and gyle,
Bothe Parys, Pountois, and Boys vincent
Were vnwerly wonne by the lord lyle;
And eke the Castel of Oye whan thou haddest brent,
The peple thou henge by cruel Iugement;
Thus thou began werre with treson and vengeance:
Wherfore by right dome of god omnipotent,
Thy treson shal ende with sorow and myschance.
Bothe Parys, Pountois, and Boys vincent
Were vnwerly wonne by the lord lyle;
And eke the Castel of Oye whan thou haddest brent,
The peple thou henge by cruel Iugement;
Thus thou began werre with treson and vengeance:
Wherfore by right dome of god omnipotent,
Thy treson shal ende with sorow and myschance.
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Phelippe, thy princehode was vtterly repreved
Whan thou tofore Calais thy tentes had pight,
And for feer of shotte thou bacward remeued;
A gretter shame at sege gat hym neuer knyght,
fforto see thy bastyle be stroied by goddes myght—
It was thy grete trust and chief ordenance.
Thy peple therin were slayn dovn right,
Wite thyn owne falsnes al thy myschance.
Whan thou tofore Calais thy tentes had pight,
And for feer of shotte thou bacward remeued;
A gretter shame at sege gat hym neuer knyght,
fforto see thy bastyle be stroied by goddes myght—
It was thy grete trust and chief ordenance.
Thy peple therin were slayn dovn right,
Wite thyn owne falsnes al thy myschance.
Phelippe, thurgh thy prudence and reule politik,
To let Calais of rescow and vitaille,
þou didest abolge shippes with walles of bryke;
But whan thou knew thy purpos myght not availle,
And duc humfray at Sandwich redy to saille
To rescow Calais and doo his ligeance,
Thou flygh away for drede of bataille:
Neuer prince brak sege with gretter myschance.
To let Calais of rescow and vitaille,
þou didest abolge shippes with walles of bryke;
But whan thou knew thy purpos myght not availle,
And duc humfray at Sandwich redy to saille
To rescow Calais and doo his ligeance,
Thou flygh away for drede of bataille:
Neuer prince brak sege with gretter myschance.
Beholde duc humfray with knyghtly desire
To meve thy courage the felde forto take;
He soght the in flandres with swerd and with fyre,
Nyne daies brennyng, no pees did he make.
Where art thou, Phelippe, whan wiltow þy swerd shake?
Where is thy strong power and grete alliance?
Thy land is distroied, and thou dar not awake.
Thus endith thy purpos with sorow and myschance.
To meve thy courage the felde forto take;
He soght the in flandres with swerd and with fyre,
Nyne daies brennyng, no pees did he make.
Where art thou, Phelippe, whan wiltow þy swerd shake?
Where is thy strong power and grete alliance?
Thy land is distroied, and thou dar not awake.
Thus endith thy purpos with sorow and myschance.
Conteyne thiself, Phelipp, rightwisly shamed,
Vnderstonde thiself nothing availlable;
See thurgh cowardise thy knyghthod defamed,
To werre ayenst god, thenk thou art not able—
fforsake thy frowardnes and become stable,
Be trew of promesse and sadde of gouernance,
Obey thy ligelord, and be not variable
Lest thou be destroied and ende with myschance.
Vnderstonde thiself nothing availlable;
See thurgh cowardise thy knyghthod defamed,
To werre ayenst god, thenk thou art not able—
fforsake thy frowardnes and become stable,
Be trew of promesse and sadde of gouernance,
Obey thy ligelord, and be not variable
Lest thou be destroied and ende with myschance.
Explicit.
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POLITICS IN SONG
31. THE DEATH OF ARCHBISHOP SCROPE (1405)
Hay, hay, hay, hay,
thynke on Whitson monday!
thynke on Whitson monday!
The bysshop Scrope that was so wyse,
nowe is he dede, and lowe he lyse;
To hevyns blys yhit may he ryse,
Thurghe helpe of Marie, that mylde may.
nowe is he dede, and lowe he lyse;
To hevyns blys yhit may he ryse,
Thurghe helpe of Marie, that mylde may.
When he was broght vnto the hyll,
he held hym both mylde and styll;
he toke his deth with full gode wyll,
as I haue herde full trewe men say.
he held hym both mylde and styll;
he toke his deth with full gode wyll,
as I haue herde full trewe men say.
He that shulde his dethe be,
he kneled downe vppon his kne:
“lord, your deth, forgyffe it me,
Full hertly here to yowe I pray.”
he kneled downe vppon his kne:
“lord, your deth, forgyffe it me,
Full hertly here to yowe I pray.”
“Here I wyll the commende,
þou gyff me fyve strokys with thy hende,
And than my wayes þou latt me wende
To hevyns blys that lastys ay.”
þou gyff me fyve strokys with thy hende,
And than my wayes þou latt me wende
To hevyns blys that lastys ay.”
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32. THE AGINCOURT CAROL (1415)
Deo gracias anglia,
redde pro victoria.
redde pro victoria.
Owre kynge went forth to normandy,
with grace & myȝt of chyualry;
ther god for hym wrouȝt mervelusly,
wherfore Englonde may calle & cry,
Deo gracias!
with grace & myȝt of chyualry;
ther god for hym wrouȝt mervelusly,
wherfore Englonde may calle & cry,
Deo gracias!
Chorus
Deo gracias anglia,redde pro victoria.
He sette a sege, þe sothe for to say,
To harflu tovne with ryal a-ray;
þat tovne he wan & made a-fray,
þat fraunce shal rywe tyl domesday,
Deo gracias!
To harflu tovne with ryal a-ray;
þat tovne he wan & made a-fray,
þat fraunce shal rywe tyl domesday,
Deo gracias!
Than went our kynge with alle his oste
Thorwe fraunce, for alle þe frenshe boste,
he spared no drede of lest ne moste,
Tyl he come to agincourt coste,
Deo gracias!
Thorwe fraunce, for alle þe frenshe boste,
he spared no drede of lest ne moste,
Tyl he come to agincourt coste,
Deo gracias!
Than for soth þat knyȝt comely
In agincourt feld he fauȝt manly;
Thorw grace of god most myȝty,
he had bothe þe felde & þe victory.
Deo gracias!
In agincourt feld he fauȝt manly;
Thorw grace of god most myȝty,
he had bothe þe felde & þe victory.
Deo gracias!
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There dukys & erlys, lorde & barone,
were take & slayne, & þat wel sone;
And summe were ladde in-to lundone,
With ioye and merthe & grete renone.
Deo gracias!
were take & slayne, & þat wel sone;
And summe were ladde in-to lundone,
With ioye and merthe & grete renone.
Deo gracias!
Now gracious god, he saue oure kynge,
his peple, & alle his wel-wyllynge;
ȝef hym gode lyfe & gode endynge,
þat we with merth mowe sauely synge,
Deo gracias!
his peple, & alle his wel-wyllynge;
ȝef hym gode lyfe & gode endynge,
þat we with merth mowe sauely synge,
Deo gracias!
33. THE ROSE ON BRANCH (1415)
A Carolle for Crystmasse.
The Rose es the fayreste fflour of alle,
That euermore wasse, or euermore schall.
The Rose of Ryse—
Of alle thies floures, the rose berys pryce.
That euermore wasse, or euermore schall.
The Rose of Ryse—
Of alle thies floures, the rose berys pryce.
The rose it es þe fairest flour,
þe rose es swetteste of odoure,
þe rose in care it es comforthetur,
þe rose in seknes it es saluoure.
The rose so bryghte,
In medcynns it es most of myghte.
þe rose es swetteste of odoure,
þe rose in care it es comforthetur,
þe rose in seknes it es saluoure.
The rose so bryghte,
In medcynns it es most of myghte.
Witnesse thies clerkes, þat ben wysse,
Þe rose es þe flour moste holdyn in prysse;
Þerfore me thynke þe flour-de-lyse
Scholde wirchipe þe rose of ryse,
And bene his thralle—
And so scholde oþer floures alle!
Þe rose es þe flour moste holdyn in prysse;
Þerfore me thynke þe flour-de-lyse
Scholde wirchipe þe rose of ryse,
And bene his thralle—
And so scholde oþer floures alle!
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Many a knyghte with spere & launce
ffelowade þat rose to his plesance;
When þe rose by-tyde a chaunce,
þan ffadide alle þe floures of fraunce
And chaungyde hewe,
In plesance of þe rose so trewe.
ffelowade þat rose to his plesance;
When þe rose by-tyde a chaunce,
þan ffadide alle þe floures of fraunce
And chaungyde hewe,
In plesance of þe rose so trewe.
34. THE LILY WHITE ROSE (1486)
This day, day dawes,
this gentill day, day dawes,
this gentill day dawes,
& I must home gone.
This gentill day dawes,
This day, day dawes,
This gentill day dawes,
& we must home gone.
this gentill day, day dawes,
this gentill day dawes,
& I must home gone.
This gentill day dawes,
This day, day dawes,
This gentill day dawes,
& we must home gone.
In a gloryus garden grene,
sawe I syttyng a comly quene;
among the flouris þat fressh byn,
she gadird a floure & set betwene.
þe lyly-whiȝte rose me thouȝt I sawe,
þe lyly-whiȝte rose me thouȝt I sawe,
& euer she sang:
sawe I syttyng a comly quene;
among the flouris þat fressh byn,
she gadird a floure & set betwene.
þe lyly-whiȝte rose me thouȝt I sawe,
þe lyly-whiȝte rose me thouȝt I sawe,
& euer she sang:
This day, day dawes &c.
In þat garden be flouris of hewe,
The gelofir gent þat she well knewe,
The floure-de-luce she did on rewe,
& said, “þe white rose is most trewe
This garden to rule, be ryȝtwis lawe.”
þe lyly whiȝte rose me thought I sawe,
& euyr she sang:
The gelofir gent þat she well knewe,
The floure-de-luce she did on rewe,
& said, “þe white rose is most trewe
94
þe lyly whiȝte rose me thought I sawe,
& euyr she sang:
This day, day dawes &c.
35. THE ROSES ENTWINED (1486)
“I loue, I loue, & whom loue ye?”
“I loue a floure of fressh beaute.”
“I loue a-nother as well as ye.”
“Than shalbe provid here anon,
yff we iij can agree In on.”
“I loue a floure of fressh beaute.”
“I loue a-nother as well as ye.”
“Than shalbe provid here anon,
yff we iij can agree In on.”
“I loue a floure of swete odour.”
“magerome gentill, or lavendoure?”
“Columbyne, goldis of swete flavour?”
“nay, nay, let be!
is non of them
that lykyth me.”
“magerome gentill, or lavendoure?”
“Columbyne, goldis of swete flavour?”
“nay, nay, let be!
is non of them
that lykyth me.”
“I loue, I loue, &c.”
“There is a floure, where so he be,
and shall not yet be namyd for me.”
“Prymeros, violett, or fressh daysy?”
“he pass them all
in his degre,
that best lykyth me.”
and shall not yet be namyd for me.”
“Prymeros, violett, or fressh daysy?”
“he pass them all
in his degre,
that best lykyth me.”
“I loue, I loue, &c.”
95
“On that I loue most enterly.”
“Gelofyr gentyll, or rosemary?”
“camamyll, borage, or savery?”
“Nay, certenly,
here is not he
that plesyth me.”
“Gelofyr gentyll, or rosemary?”
“camamyll, borage, or savery?”
“Nay, certenly,
here is not he
that plesyth me.”
“I loue, I loue, &c.”
“I chese a floure fresshist of face.”
“What is his name that thou chosen has?”
“the rose, I suppose? thyn hart vnbrace!”
“that same is he,
In hart so fre,
that best lykyth me.”
“What is his name that thou chosen has?”
“the rose, I suppose? thyn hart vnbrace!”
“that same is he,
In hart so fre,
that best lykyth me.”
“Nowe haue I louyd, &c.”
“The rose it is a ryall floure.”
“The red or the white? shewe his colour!”
“both be full swete & of lyke savoure:
all on they be,
that day to se,
it lykyth well me.”
“The red or the white? shewe his colour!”
“both be full swete & of lyke savoure:
all on they be,
that day to se,
it lykyth well me.”
“Nowe haue I louyd, &c.”
“I loue the rose both red & white.”
“Is that your pure perfite appetite?”
“to here talke of them is my delite!”
“Ioyed may we be,
oure prince to se,
& rosys thre!”
“Is that your pure perfite appetite?”
“to here talke of them is my delite!”
“Ioyed may we be,
oure prince to se,
& rosys thre!”
“Nowe haue we louyd, & loue will we
this fayre fressh floure, full of beaute;
Most worthy it is, as thynkyth me,
Than may be provid here anon
That we iii be a-grede In oon.”
this fayre fressh floure, full of beaute;
Most worthy it is, as thynkyth me,
Than may be provid here anon
That we iii be a-grede In oon.”
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36. FOR VICTORY IN FRANCE (1492)
A rege henrico septimo.
Te Rosse wolle in-to frawnse spryng—
Almythy god hym thyder bryng!
Almythy god hym thyder bryng!
And save thys flowre wyche ys owre kyng,
Wyche ys callyd a nobyll thyng;
Thys Rosse, þis Rosse, þis Ryall rose,
The flowre off englond & roys owr kyng.
Wyche ys callyd a nobyll thyng;
Thys Rosse, þis Rosse, þis Ryall rose,
The flowre off englond & roys owr kyng.
Thys apryll schowyres, wyche are ful swet,
Hathe bownd thys rosse not ȝet ful blown;
In france he woll hys levys schote—
hys ryȝth to conquer, hys henmyes to knowe.
Hathe bownd thys rosse not ȝet ful blown;
In france he woll hys levys schote—
hys ryȝth to conquer, hys henmyes to knowe.
Thys Rosse þat is of color rede
Wyll sseke hys henmys, bothe fare & wyde,
And wyth hys bemys he woll frensse lyth—
Sent Iorge protector, be hys good gyd!
Wyll sseke hys henmys, bothe fare & wyde,
And wyth hys bemys he woll frensse lyth—
Sent Iorge protector, be hys good gyd!
God send þis flowyr wer he wold be,
To spreyd hys flowres to his reioschyng,
In france to haue þe vyctory;
All hynglond for hym schal pray & syng.
To spreyd hys flowres to his reioschyng,
In france to haue þe vyctory;
All hynglond for hym schal pray & syng.
Iesu & mary, full of myȝth,
god bo hys gyde in all hys ryȝth.
Swet sent Iorge, owr ladys knyte,
save kyng hary, bothe be day & nyȝth.
god bo hys gyde in all hys ryȝth.
Swet sent Iorge, owr ladys knyte,
save kyng hary, bothe be day & nyȝth.
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37. GOD SPEED THE PLOUGH
The merthe of alle þis londe
maketh þe gode husbonde,
With erynge of his plowe.
maketh þe gode husbonde,
With erynge of his plowe.
I-blessyd be cristes sonde,
þat haþ vs sent in honde
merthe & ioye y-nowe.
þat haþ vs sent in honde
merthe & ioye y-nowe.
The plowe goth mony a gate,
Bothe erly & eke late,
In wynter in þe clay.
Bothe erly & eke late,
In wynter in þe clay.
A-boute barly and whete,
Þat maketh men to swete,
God spede þe plowe al day!
Þat maketh men to swete,
God spede þe plowe al day!
Browne, morel, & gore
Drawen þe plowe ful sore,
Al in the morwenynge.
Drawen þe plowe ful sore,
Al in the morwenynge.
Rewarde hem therfore
With a shefe or more,
Alle in the evenynge.
With a shefe or more,
Alle in the evenynge.
Whan men bygynne to sowe,
fful wel here corne þey knowe
In þe mounthe of may.
fful wel here corne þey knowe
In þe mounthe of may.
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Howe-euer Ianyuer blowe,
Whether hye or lowe,
God spede þe plowe all way!
Whether hye or lowe,
God spede þe plowe all way!
Whan men bygynneth to wede
Þe thystle fro þe sede,
In somer whan þey may,
Þe thystle fro þe sede,
In somer whan þey may,
God lete hem wel to spede;
& longe gode lyfe to lede,
All þat for plowe-men pray.
& longe gode lyfe to lede,
All þat for plowe-men pray.
COMMEMORATION OF KINGS
38. SUMMER SUNDAY:
A LAMENT FOR EDWARD II (1327)
Opon a somer soneday se I þe sonne
Erly risinde in þe est ende;
Day daweþ ouer doune, derk is in towne,
I warp on my wedes, to wode wolde I wende.
Wiþ kenettes kene þat wel couþe crie & conne,
I hiede to holte wiþ honteres hende.
So ryfly on rugge roon & raches ronne
Þat in launde vnder lynde me leste to lende—
And Lenede.
Kenettes questede to quelle,
Al-so breme so any belle;
Þe deer daunteden in þe delle,
Þat al þe downe denede.
Erly risinde in þe est ende;
Day daweþ ouer doune, derk is in towne,
I warp on my wedes, to wode wolde I wende.
Wiþ kenettes kene þat wel couþe crie & conne,
I hiede to holte wiþ honteres hende.
So ryfly on rugge roon & raches ronne
Þat in launde vnder lynde me leste to lende—
And Lenede.
Kenettes questede to quelle,
Al-so breme so any belle;
Þe deer daunteden in þe delle,
Þat al þe downe denede.
99
Denede dale & downe for dryft of þe deer in drede;
ffor meche murþe of mouþ þe murie moeth made.
I ros & romede & sey roon raches to-ȝede;
Þei stalken vnder schawe, schatereden in schade.
& Lordes lenged & ladies, Leces to lede,
Wiþ griþele grehoundes, gode to game & glade.
& I cam to þe game þer gromes gonne grede,
& at a water wilde I wende ouer han wade
Þer was.
I stalked be þe strem & be þe strond,
ffer I be þe flod fond
A bot doun be a lond;
So passede I þe pas.
ffor meche murþe of mouþ þe murie moeth made.
I ros & romede & sey roon raches to-ȝede;
Þei stalken vnder schawe, schatereden in schade.
& Lordes lenged & ladies, Leces to lede,
Wiþ griþele grehoundes, gode to game & glade.
& I cam to þe game þer gromes gonne grede,
& at a water wilde I wende ouer han wade
Þer was.
I stalked be þe strem & be þe strond,
ffer I be þe flod fond
A bot doun be a lond;
So passede I þe pas.
So passede I þe pas, priuely to pleye,
& ferde forþ in þat frith, folk for to fynde.
Lawly longe I lustnede & vnder lowe lay,
Þat I ne herde hond, horn, hunte, hert ne hynde.
So wyde I walkede þat I wax wery of þe wey,
Þanne les I my layk & lenede vnder lynde;
& als I sat beside I say, soþ for to sey,
A wifman wiþ a wonder whel weue with þe wynde
& wond.
Opon þe whel were, I wene,
Merye men & madde I-mene;
To hire I gan gon in grene
And fortune y fond.
& ferde forþ in þat frith, folk for to fynde.
Lawly longe I lustnede & vnder lowe lay,
Þat I ne herde hond, horn, hunte, hert ne hynde.
So wyde I walkede þat I wax wery of þe wey,
Þanne les I my layk & lenede vnder lynde;
& als I sat beside I say, soþ for to sey,
A wifman wiþ a wonder whel weue with þe wynde
& wond.
Opon þe whel were, I wene,
Merye men & madde I-mene;
To hire I gan gon in grene
And fortune y fond.
ffortune frend & fo, fayrest fere,
ferli fals, fikel to fonde is ifounde.
þe whel ȝe torneþ to wo, fro wo into wele þat were,
in þe ronynge rynge of þe roe þat renneþ so rounde.
A lok of þat leuedy wiþ louelich lere
Mi gode gameliche game gurte to grounde;
Couþe I carpe carpyng creftly & clere,
Of þat birde bastons in bale me bounde
fful bowne.
Naþeles ne mene I nat nay,
I wile ar I wende away,
Redy resons in aray,
Radely to roune.
ferli fals, fikel to fonde is ifounde.
þe whel ȝe torneþ to wo, fro wo into wele þat were,
in þe ronynge rynge of þe roe þat renneþ so rounde.
A lok of þat leuedy wiþ louelich lere
Mi gode gameliche game gurte to grounde;
100
Of þat birde bastons in bale me bounde
fful bowne.
Naþeles ne mene I nat nay,
I wile ar I wende away,
Redy resons in aray,
Radely to roune.
Redely to roune, rounes to rede,
A loueloker leuedi liuiþ non in lond.
I wolde han went wiþ þat whyt in worþlich wede,
So ferly fair of face, tofore hire i fond,
Þe gold of hire gurdel gloud as a glede.
Þat blisful burde in bale me bond,
Or hire lyȝth-heued in herte I hadde hede,
& wiþ a wonderful whel þat worþi wyȝth wond
wyþ mayn.
a wifman of so muche myȝth,
so wonder a whelwryȝth,
Sey I neuere wiþ syȝth,
Soþ for to seyn.
A loueloker leuedi liuiþ non in lond.
I wolde han went wiþ þat whyt in worþlich wede,
So ferly fair of face, tofore hire i fond,
Þe gold of hire gurdel gloud as a glede.
Þat blisful burde in bale me bond,
Or hire lyȝth-heued in herte I hadde hede,
& wiþ a wonderful whel þat worþi wyȝth wond
wyþ mayn.
a wifman of so muche myȝth,
so wonder a whelwryȝth,
Sey I neuere wiþ syȝth,
Soþ for to seyn.
Soþ to seye, sitte I sey, as my sicȝthe sente,
a be-gyngge gome gameliche gay,
Bryȝt as þe blostme, with browes i-bente,
on þe whel þat þe wyȝth weuede in þe wey.
Wyterly him was wel whan þe whel wente,
ffor he laykyd & low, lenyng als he lay.
Loueliche lokyngges þe loueli me lente;
A meriere man on molde monen I ne may
In mynde.
Þe gome I gaf a gretyng:
He seyde, “sestou, swetyng,
Þe crowne of þat comely kyng
I cleyme be kynde.
a be-gyngge gome gameliche gay,
Bryȝt as þe blostme, with browes i-bente,
on þe whel þat þe wyȝth weuede in þe wey.
Wyterly him was wel whan þe whel wente,
ffor he laykyd & low, lenyng als he lay.
Loueliche lokyngges þe loueli me lente;
A meriere man on molde monen I ne may
In mynde.
Þe gome I gaf a gretyng:
He seyde, “sestou, swetyng,
Þe crowne of þat comely kyng
I cleyme be kynde.
101
Versus.
“Be kynde it me comto cleyme kyngene kyngdom,
kyngdom be kynde.
to me þe whel wile wynde.
wynd wel, worþliche wyȝth;
fare fortune, frendene flyȝth
fflitte forþ flyȝtte
on þe selue sete to sitte.”
Sitte I say & seþe on a semeli sete,
Ryȝth on þe rounde on þe rennyng ryng,
Caste kne ouer kne as a kyng kete,
comely cloþed in a cope, crouned as a kyng.
Hey herte hadde he of hastif hete,
He leyde his leg opon liþ at his likyng;
fful loþ were þe lordyng his lordsschipe lete;
He wende al þe world were at his weldyng
ful wyȝth.
On knes I kyþed þat kyng:
He seyde, “sestou, swetyng,
How I regne wiþ ring,
Richest in ryȝth.
Ryȝth on þe rounde on þe rennyng ryng,
Caste kne ouer kne as a kyng kete,
comely cloþed in a cope, crouned as a kyng.
Hey herte hadde he of hastif hete,
He leyde his leg opon liþ at his likyng;
fful loþ were þe lordyng his lordsschipe lete;
He wende al þe world were at his weldyng
ful wyȝth.
On knes I kyþed þat kyng:
He seyde, “sestou, swetyng,
How I regne wiþ ring,
Richest in ryȝth.
Versus.
“Richest in ryȝth, quen & knythkyng conne me calle;
mest men of myȝth,
fair folk to fote me falle.
Lordlich lif led i,
no lord lyuynde me iliche.
No duk ne dred i,
for I regne In ryȝth as a riche.”
102
Of riche þenkeþ rewþe is to rede & to roune,
Þat sitten on þat semeli sete & seþþe Wiþ sorwe þoruout sout.
And I beheld on hadde an heued hor als hor-howne;
Al blok was his ble in bitere bales browth;
His diademe of dyamans droppede adoun;
His weyes were a-weyward wroþliche wrout;
Tynt was his tresor, tente, tour, & toun.
Nedful & nawthi, naked & nawth
I-nome.
þat gome I grette wiþ griþ;
a word he warp & wepte wiþ,
hou he was crouned kyng in kiþ
and caytif become.
Þat sitten on þat semeli sete & seþþe Wiþ sorwe þoruout sout.
And I beheld on hadde an heued hor als hor-howne;
Al blok was his ble in bitere bales browth;
His diademe of dyamans droppede adoun;
His weyes were a-weyward wroþliche wrout;
Tynt was his tresor, tente, tour, & toun.
Nedful & nawthi, naked & nawth
I-nome.
þat gome I grette wiþ griþ;
a word he warp & wepte wiþ,
hou he was crouned kyng in kiþ
and caytif become.
“Be-comen a caytif a-cast,
Kyngus king couþe me calle
ffram frendes falle
long, luþe, litel, lo! last.
Last litel lordene lif,
fikel is fortune, nou fer fro;
here wel, here wo,
here knyth, her kyng, her caytif,”
A caytif he was become & kenned on care;
He myste many merþes & meche maistri.
Ȝeth I say soriere, sikyng ful sare,
A bare body in a bed, a bere I-brouth him by,
A duk drawe to þe deþ wiþ drouping & dare.
Kyngus king couþe me calle
ffram frendes falle
long, luþe, litel, lo! last.
Last litel lordene lif,
fikel is fortune, nou fer fro;
here wel, here wo,
here knyth, her kyng, her caytif,”
A caytif he was become & kenned on care;
He myste many merþes & meche maistri.
Ȝeth I say soriere, sikyng ful sare,
A bare body in a bed, a bere I-brouth him by,
A duk drawe to þe deþ wiþ drouping & dare.
39. THE DEATH OF EDWARD III (1377)
A, dere God, what mai þis be,
Þat alle þing weres & wasteþ awai?
ffrendschip is but a vanyte,
Vnneþe hit dures al a day.
Þai beo so sliper at assai,
So leof to han, and loþ to lete,
And so fikel in heore fai,
Þat selden I-seiȝe is sone forȝete.
Þat alle þing weres & wasteþ awai?
103
Vnneþe hit dures al a day.
Þai beo so sliper at assai,
So leof to han, and loþ to lete,
And so fikel in heore fai,
Þat selden I-seiȝe is sone forȝete.
I sei hit not wiþouten a cause,
And þerfore takes riht good hede,
ffor ȝif ȝe construwe wel þis clause
I puit ȝou holly out of drede,
Þat for puire schame ȝor hertes wol blede,
And ȝe þis matere wysli trete:
He þat was vr moste spede
Is selden I-seye and sone forȝete.
And þerfore takes riht good hede,
ffor ȝif ȝe construwe wel þis clause
I puit ȝou holly out of drede,
Þat for puire schame ȝor hertes wol blede,
And ȝe þis matere wysli trete:
He þat was vr moste spede
Is selden I-seye and sone forȝete.
Sum tyme an Englisch schip we had,
Nobel hit was, and heih of tour;
Þorw al Cristendam hit was drad;
And stif wolde stande in vch a stour,
And best dorst byde a scharp schour
And oþer stormes, smale and grete;
Now is þat schip, þat bar þe flour,
Selden seȝe and sone forȝete.
Nobel hit was, and heih of tour;
Þorw al Cristendam hit was drad;
And stif wolde stande in vch a stour,
And best dorst byde a scharp schour
And oþer stormes, smale and grete;
Now is þat schip, þat bar þe flour,
Selden seȝe and sone forȝete.
Into þat schip þer longed a rooþur,
Þat steered þe schip & gouerned hit;
In al þis world nis such anoþur,
As me þinkeþ in my wit.
Whyl schip and roþur togeder was knit,
Þei dredde nouþer tempest, druyȝe, nor wete;
Nou be þei boþe In synder flit—
Þat selden seyȝe is sone forȝete.
Þat steered þe schip & gouerned hit;
In al þis world nis such anoþur,
As me þinkeþ in my wit.
Whyl schip and roþur togeder was knit,
Þei dredde nouþer tempest, druyȝe, nor wete;
Nou be þei boþe In synder flit—
Þat selden seyȝe is sone forȝete.
104
Scharpe wawes þat schip has sayled,
And sayed alle sees at auentur;
ffor wynt ne wederes neuer hit fayled,
Whil þe roþur mihte enduir.
Þouȝ þe see were rouh, or elles dimuir,
Gode hauenes þat schip wolde gete;
Nou is þat schip, I am wel suir,
Selde I-seye and sone forȝete.
And sayed alle sees at auentur;
ffor wynt ne wederes neuer hit fayled,
Whil þe roþur mihte enduir.
Þouȝ þe see were rouh, or elles dimuir,
Gode hauenes þat schip wolde gete;
Nou is þat schip, I am wel suir,
Selde I-seye and sone forȝete.
Þis goode schip I may remene
To þe chiualrye of þis londe;
Sum tyme þei counted nouȝt a bene
Beo al ffraunce, Ich vnderstonde.
Þei tok and slouȝ hem with heore honde,
Þe power of ffraunce, boþ smal & grete;
And brouþt þe king hider to byde her bonde,
And nou riht sone hit is forȝete.
To þe chiualrye of þis londe;
Sum tyme þei counted nouȝt a bene
Beo al ffraunce, Ich vnderstonde.
Þei tok and slouȝ hem with heore honde,
Þe power of ffraunce, boþ smal & grete;
And brouþt þe king hider to byde her bonde,
And nou riht sone hit is forȝete.
Þat schip hadde a ful siker mast,
And a sayl strong and large,
Þat made þe gode schip neuer agast
To vndertake a þing of charge.
And to þat schip þer longed a barge,
Of al ffraunce ȝaf nouȝt a clete.
To vs hit was a siker targe,
And now riht clene hit is forȝete.
And a sayl strong and large,
Þat made þe gode schip neuer agast
To vndertake a þing of charge.
And to þat schip þer longed a barge,
Of al ffraunce ȝaf nouȝt a clete.
To vs hit was a siker targe,
And now riht clene hit is forȝete.
Þe roþur was nouþer ok ne elm;
Hit was Edward þe þridde, þe noble kniht;
Þe prince his sone bar vp his helm,
Þat neuer scoumfited was in fiht.
The kyng him rod and rouwed ariht,
Þe prince dredde nouþer stok nor strete.
Nou of him we lete ful liht,
Þat selde is seȝe is sone forȝete.
Hit was Edward þe þridde, þe noble kniht;
Þe prince his sone bar vp his helm,
Þat neuer scoumfited was in fiht.
The kyng him rod and rouwed ariht,
Þe prince dredde nouþer stok nor strete.
Nou of him we lete ful liht,
Þat selde is seȝe is sone forȝete.
105
Þe swifte barge was Duk Henri,
Þat noble kniht, & wel assayed;
And in is leggaunce worþili
He abod mony a bitter brayd.
Ȝif þat his enemys ouȝt outrayed,
To chastis hem wolde he not lete.
Nou is þat lord ful lowe I-leyd,
Þat selde is seȝe is sone forȝete.
Þat noble kniht, & wel assayed;
And in is leggaunce worþili
He abod mony a bitter brayd.
Ȝif þat his enemys ouȝt outrayed,
To chastis hem wolde he not lete.
Nou is þat lord ful lowe I-leyd,
Þat selde is seȝe is sone forȝete.
Þis gode comunes, bi þe rode,
I likne hem to the schipes mast;
Þat with heore catel & heore goode
Mayntened þe werre boþ furst and last.
Þe wynd þat bleuȝ þe schip wiþ Blast,
Hit was gode preȝers, I sei hit a-trete;
Nou is deuoutnes out I-cast,
And mony gode dedes ben clen forȝete.
I likne hem to the schipes mast;
Þat with heore catel & heore goode
Mayntened þe werre boþ furst and last.
Þe wynd þat bleuȝ þe schip wiþ Blast,
Hit was gode preȝers, I sei hit a-trete;
Nou is deuoutnes out I-cast,
And mony gode dedes ben clen forȝete.
Þus ben þis lordes I-leid ful lowe;
Þe stok is of þe same rote;
An ympe biginnes for to growe,
And ȝit I hope schal ben vr bote,
To holde his fomen vnder fote,
And as a lord be set in sete.
Crist leue þat he so mote,
Þat selden I-seȝe be not forȝete.
Þe stok is of þe same rote;
An ympe biginnes for to growe,
And ȝit I hope schal ben vr bote,
To holde his fomen vnder fote,
And as a lord be set in sete.
Crist leue þat he so mote,
Þat selden I-seȝe be not forȝete.
Weor þat Impe ffully growe,
Þat he had sarri, sap, and piþ,
I hope he schulde be kud and knowe
ffor Conquerour of moni a kiþ.
He is ful lyflich in lyme and liþ,
In armes to trauayle and to swete.
Crist leeue we so fare him wiþ,
Þat selden seȝe be neuer forȝete.
Þat he had sarri, sap, and piþ,
I hope he schulde be kud and knowe
ffor Conquerour of moni a kiþ.
He is ful lyflich in lyme and liþ,
In armes to trauayle and to swete.
Crist leeue we so fare him wiþ,
Þat selden seȝe be neuer forȝete.
106
And þerfore holliche I ou rede,
Til þat þis ympe beo fully growe,
Þat vch a mon vp wiþ þe hede,
And mayntene him boþe heiȝe and lowe.
Þe ffrensche men cunne boþe boste and blowe,
And wiþ heore scornes vs to-þrete;
And we beoþ vnkuynde & slowe,
Þat selden seȝe is sone forȝete.
Til þat þis ympe beo fully growe,
Þat vch a mon vp wiþ þe hede,
And mayntene him boþe heiȝe and lowe.
Þe ffrensche men cunne boþe boste and blowe,
And wiþ heore scornes vs to-þrete;
And we beoþ vnkuynde & slowe,
Þat selden seȝe is sone forȝete.
And þerfore, gode sires, takeþ reward
Of ȝor douhti kyng, þat dyȝede in age,
And to his sone Prince Edward,
Þat welle was of alle corage.
Suche two lordes of heiȝ parage
Is not in eorþe whon we schal gete.
And nou heore los biginneþ to swage,
Þat selde I-seȝe is sone forȝete.
Of ȝor douhti kyng, þat dyȝede in age,
And to his sone Prince Edward,
Þat welle was of alle corage.
Suche two lordes of heiȝ parage
Is not in eorþe whon we schal gete.
And nou heore los biginneþ to swage,
Þat selde I-seȝe is sone forȝete.
40. RICHARD II INTERRED IN WESTMINSTER (1413)
BY THOMAS HOCCLEVE
Ceste balade ensuyante feust faite tost apres que les osses du Roy Richard feurent apporteȝ a Westmouster.
Where-as þat this land wont was for to be
Of sad byleeue & constant vnioun;
And as þat holy chirche vs taghte, we
With herte buxum lerned our lessoun—
Now han we changid our condicioun.
Allas! an heep of vs, the feith werreye;
We waden so deepe in presumpcioun,
Þat vs nat deyneth vn-to god obeye.
Of sad byleeue & constant vnioun;
And as þat holy chirche vs taghte, we
With herte buxum lerned our lessoun—
Now han we changid our condicioun.
107
We waden so deepe in presumpcioun,
Þat vs nat deyneth vn-to god obeye.
We rekken nat thogh Crystes lore deye,
The feend hath maad vs dronke of the poisoun
Of heresie, & lad vs a wrong weye,
Þat torne shal to our confusioun
But if þat left be this abusioun;
And yit, seur confort haue I, thynkith me:
Our lige lord, the kyng, is Champioun
For holy chirche—Crystes knyght is he!
The feend hath maad vs dronke of the poisoun
Of heresie, & lad vs a wrong weye,
Þat torne shal to our confusioun
But if þat left be this abusioun;
And yit, seur confort haue I, thynkith me:
Our lige lord, the kyng, is Champioun
For holy chirche—Crystes knyght is he!
For why, o reuerent goostly fadres, yee
And we, your sones eek, han enchesoun
Right greet to thanke god in Trinite,
Þat of his grace hath sent this Regioun
So noble an heed. looke vp, thow Albioun!
God thanke, & for thy cristen Prince preye,
Syn he fo is to this Rebellioun.
He, of thy soules helthe, is lok and keye!
And we, your sones eek, han enchesoun
Right greet to thanke god in Trinite,
Þat of his grace hath sent this Regioun
So noble an heed. looke vp, thow Albioun!
God thanke, & for thy cristen Prince preye,
Syn he fo is to this Rebellioun.
He, of thy soules helthe, is lok and keye!
What mighten folk of good byleeue seye,
If bent were our kynges affeccioun
To the wrong part, who sholde hem help purueye?
A kyng set in þat wrong opinioun
Mighte of our feith be the subuersioun.
But eterne god, in persones three,
Hath regned dropes of conpassioun,
And sent vs our good kyng for our cheertee!
If bent were our kynges affeccioun
To the wrong part, who sholde hem help purueye?
A kyng set in þat wrong opinioun
Mighte of our feith be the subuersioun.
But eterne god, in persones three,
Hath regned dropes of conpassioun,
And sent vs our good kyng for our cheertee!
See eke how our kynges benignitee
And louyng herte his vertu can bywreye;
Our kyng Richard þat was, yee may wel see,
Is nat fled from his remembrance aweye.
My wit souffysith nat to peyse and weye
With what honour he broght is to this toun,
And with his queene at Westmynstre in th'abbeye
Solempnely in Toumbe leid adoun.
And louyng herte his vertu can bywreye;
Our kyng Richard þat was, yee may wel see,
Is nat fled from his remembrance aweye.
My wit souffysith nat to peyse and weye
108
And with his queene at Westmynstre in th'abbeye
Solempnely in Toumbe leid adoun.
Now god, byseeche I in conclusioun,
Henri the Ve in ioie & hy nobleye
Regne on vs yeeres many a milioun,
And where-as þat men erren & forueye,
Walkynge blyndly in the dirk aleye
Of heresie—o lord god, preye I thee,
Enspire hem þat no lenger they foleie!
To feithes path hem lede thy pitee.
Henri the Ve in ioie & hy nobleye
Regne on vs yeeres many a milioun,
And where-as þat men erren & forueye,
Walkynge blyndly in the dirk aleye
Of heresie—o lord god, preye I thee,
Enspire hem þat no lenger they foleie!
To feithes path hem lede thy pitee.
Amen.
41. A RECOLLECTION OF HENRY V (1429)
De rege nostro henrico sexto.
BY JOHN AUDELAY
A, perles pryns, to þe we pray:
Saue oure kyng boþ nyȝt & day.
Saue oure kyng boþ nyȝt & day.
ffore he is ful ȝong, tender of age,
Semele to see, o bold corage,
Louele & lofte of his lenage,
Boþ perles prince & kyng veray.
Semele to see, o bold corage,
Louele & lofte of his lenage,
Boþ perles prince & kyng veray.
His gracious granseres & his grawndame,
His fader & moder of kyngis þay came;
Was neuer a worþear prynce of name
So exelent in al our day.
His fader & moder of kyngis þay came;
Was neuer a worþear prynce of name
So exelent in al our day.
109
His fader, fore loue of mayd kateryn,
In fraunce he wroȝt turment & tene;
His loue, hee sayd, hit schuld not ben,
& send him ballis, him with to play.
In fraunce he wroȝt turment & tene;
His loue, hee sayd, hit schuld not ben,
& send him ballis, him with to play.
Þen was he wyse in wars with-all,
& taȝt franchemen to plai at þe ball;
With tenes hold he ferd ham hall;
To castelles & setis þei floyn away.
& taȝt franchemen to plai at þe ball;
With tenes hold he ferd ham hall;
To castelles & setis þei floyn away.
To harflete a sege he layd anon
& cast a bal vn-to þe towne;
þe frenchemen swere be se & sun
Hit was þe fynd þat mad þat fray.
& cast a bal vn-to þe towne;
þe frenchemen swere be se & sun
Hit was þe fynd þat mad þat fray.
Anon þai toke ham to cownsele;
Oure gracious kyng þai wold asayle;
At agyncowrt, at þat patayle,
Þe floure of frawnce he fel þat day.
Oure gracious kyng þai wold asayle;
At agyncowrt, at þat patayle,
Þe floure of frawnce he fel þat day.
Þe kyng of frawns þen was agast,
Mesagers to him send in hast,
ffore wele he west hit was bot wast
Hem to witstond in hone way.
Mesagers to him send in hast,
ffore wele he west hit was bot wast
Hem to witstond in hone way.
& prayd hym to ses of his outrage
& take kateryn to mareage;
Al frawnce to him schuld do homage,
& croune him kyng afftyr his day.
& take kateryn to mareage;
Al frawnce to him schuld do homage,
& croune him kyng afftyr his day.
Of frawnce he mad him anon regent
& wedid kateren in his present;
In-to Englond anon he went
& cround our quene in ryal aray.
& wedid kateren in his present;
In-to Englond anon he went
& cround our quene in ryal aray.
110
Of quen kateryn our kyng was borne
To saue our ryȝt þat was forelorne;
Oure faders in frawns had won beforne,
Þai han hit hold mone a day.
To saue our ryȝt þat was forelorne;
Oure faders in frawns had won beforne,
Þai han hit hold mone a day.
Þus was his fader a conqueroure
& wan his moder with gret onoure;
Now may þe kyng bere þe floure
Of kyngis & kyngdams in vche cuntre.
& wan his moder with gret onoure;
Now may þe kyng bere þe floure
Of kyngis & kyngdams in vche cuntre.
On him schal fal þe prophece
Þat haþ ben sayd of kyng herre:
Þe hole cros wyn or he dye,
Þat crist halud on goodfryday.
Þat haþ ben sayd of kyng herre:
Þe hole cros wyn or he dye,
Þat crist halud on goodfryday.
Al wo & werres he schal a-cese,
& set all reams in rest & pese,
& turne to cristyndam al heþynes—
Now grawnt him hit so be may.
& set all reams in rest & pese,
& turne to cristyndam al heþynes—
Now grawnt him hit so be may.
Pray we þat lord is lord of all,
To saue our kyng, his reme ryal;
& let neuer myschip vppon him falle
Ne false traytoure him to betray.
To saue our kyng, his reme ryal;
& let neuer myschip vppon him falle
Ne false traytoure him to betray.
I pray ȝoue, seris, of ȝour gentre,
Syng þis carol reuerently,
ffore hit is mad of kyng herre;
Gret ned fore him we han to pray.
Syng þis carol reuerently,
ffore hit is mad of kyng herre;
Gret ned fore him we han to pray.
Ȝif he fare wele, wele schuld we be;
Or ellis we may be ful sore;
ffore him schal wepe mone an e—
Þis prophecis þe blynd awdlay!
Or ellis we may be ful sore;
ffore him schal wepe mone an e—
Þis prophecis þe blynd awdlay!
111
42. THE DEATH OF EDWARD IV (1483)
Kyng Edward the iiijth.
Wher is this Prynce that conquered his right
Within Ingland, master of all his ffoon;
And after ffraunce, be very force & myght,
Without stroke, and afterward cam hoom;
Made Scotlond to yelde, and Berwyk wan he from;
Rydyng a hontyng, hym-silff to sporte & playe?
All men of Englond ar bounde for hym to praye.
Within Ingland, master of all his ffoon;
And after ffraunce, be very force & myght,
Without stroke, and afterward cam hoom;
Made Scotlond to yelde, and Berwyk wan he from;
Rydyng a hontyng, hym-silff to sporte & playe?
All men of Englond ar bounde for hym to praye.
This most dred prince that was vnder the son,
Through all this wordle renewed was his name;
The dowthiest, the worthiest, withouten comparison,
Ther was noon suche, but ye reken the same,
Compassed the wordle, so spronge his name;
And as in batell, the ffresshest I shall say.
All men of England ar bounde for hym to pray.
Through all this wordle renewed was his name;
The dowthiest, the worthiest, withouten comparison,
Ther was noon suche, but ye reken the same,
Compassed the wordle, so spronge his name;
And as in batell, the ffresshest I shall say.
All men of England ar bounde for hym to pray.
Wher is he nowe, that man of noble men,
That in his howsold kepte the ryall rowte?
Ther is no place in all the wordle, I ken,
but of the substaunce he hath chosen owte.
Hit was a wordle to se hym ride aboute
Through-out his land, and that was day be day.
All men of Englond ar bounde for hym to pray.
That in his howsold kepte the ryall rowte?
Ther is no place in all the wordle, I ken,
but of the substaunce he hath chosen owte.
Hit was a wordle to se hym ride aboute
Through-out his land, and that was day be day.
All men of Englond ar bounde for hym to pray.
O noble Edward, wher art thowe be-come,
Which full worthy I haue seen goyng in estate?
Edward the iiijth I mene, with the sonne,
The rose, the sonne-beme, which was full fortunate.
Noon erthly prince durst make with hym debate.
Art thowe agoo, and was here yestirday?
All men of Englond ar bound for the to pray.
Which full worthy I haue seen goyng in estate?
Edward the iiijth I mene, with the sonne,
The rose, the sonne-beme, which was full fortunate.
Noon erthly prince durst make with hym debate.
Art thowe agoo, and was here yestirday?
All men of Englond ar bound for the to pray.
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The well of knyghthode, withouten any pere,
Of all erthely prynces thowe were the lode-sterre!
Be-holde & rede, herkyn well and hyre!
In gestis, in romansis, in Cronicles nygh & ferre,
Well knowen it is, þer can no man it deferre,
Perelees he was, and was here yestirday.
All men of Englond ar bounde for hym to pray.
Of all erthely prynces thowe were the lode-sterre!
Be-holde & rede, herkyn well and hyre!
In gestis, in romansis, in Cronicles nygh & ferre,
Well knowen it is, þer can no man it deferre,
Perelees he was, and was here yestirday.
All men of Englond ar bounde for hym to pray.
ffy on this wordle! What may we wrecches say,
Thate nowe haue lost the lanterne & the light?
Oure kyng oure lorde—alas, and wele-a-wey!
In euery felde full redy for oure right;
It was no nede to pray hym for to fight;
Redy he was, that was here yestirday.
All men of Englond ar bounde for hym to pray.
Thate nowe haue lost the lanterne & the light?
Oure kyng oure lorde—alas, and wele-a-wey!
In euery felde full redy for oure right;
It was no nede to pray hym for to fight;
Redy he was, that was here yestirday.
All men of Englond ar bounde for hym to pray.
Me thynkith euer this kyng sholde not be gon.
I see his lordis, I see his knyghtis all;
I see his plasis made of lyme and ston;
I see his seruauntes sittyng in the hall,
And walkyng among them his marchall.
What sholde I say? he was here yestirday!
All men of Englond ar bounde for hym to pray.
I see his lordis, I see his knyghtis all;
I see his plasis made of lyme and ston;
I see his seruauntes sittyng in the hall,
And walkyng among them his marchall.
What sholde I say? he was here yestirday!
All men of Englond ar bounde for hym to pray.
I am be-giled, for he is past and goon.
I mette his men wepyng in clothis blake—
Not oon nor tweyn, god wote, many oon,
Which daily waylith & sorowith for his sake.
Hit to endite, hit makith my herte quake,
When I remembre he was here yestirday.
All men of Englond ar bounde for hym to pray.
I mette his men wepyng in clothis blake—
Not oon nor tweyn, god wote, many oon,
Which daily waylith & sorowith for his sake.
Hit to endite, hit makith my herte quake,
When I remembre he was here yestirday.
All men of Englond ar bounde for hym to pray.
Nowe pray we to god, that all this wordle hath wrought,
Among his aungelis this prince may haue a place;
And for his passion that vs so dere hath brought,
That of his paynys he may haue his grace.
Nowe, gracious lord, remembre well this case!
As wofull synners, we call to the, and say,
That we of Englond ar bounde for hym to pray.
Among his aungelis this prince may haue a place;
And for his passion that vs so dere hath brought,
That of his paynys he may haue his grace.
113
As wofull synners, we call to the, and say,
That we of Englond ar bounde for hym to pray.
Ye wofull men that shall this writyng rede,
Remembre well here is no dwellyng place.
Se howe this prince is from vs goon, and dede,
And we shall aftir hym sue the trace.
Ther is no choise, ther is noon other grace;
This knowe ye well—he was here yestirday.
All men of Englond ar bounde for hym to pray.
Remembre well here is no dwellyng place.
Se howe this prince is from vs goon, and dede,
And we shall aftir hym sue the trace.
Ther is no choise, ther is noon other grace;
This knowe ye well—he was here yestirday.
All men of Englond ar bounde for hym to pray.
Explicit.
POLITICAL PROPHECIES
43. GEOFFREY OF MONMOUTH'S PROPHECY
IN the londe of more bretayngne,
Schal ben a lorde of gret renoune;
In whos tyme, As bokys seyne,
Schal be treson in toure and towne.
Schal ben a lorde of gret renoune;
In whos tyme, As bokys seyne,
Schal be treson in toure and towne.
All to destroye somme schall entende;
And that theyre conceyte be nott soo
Off þat may sewe a dredfull ende,
That woolle be cause of mykell woo.
And that theyre conceyte be nott soo
Off þat may sewe a dredfull ende,
That woolle be cause of mykell woo.
What tyme Normandye schall be lorne,
With ryght grete grame and dyshonoure,
Þat helde of Englonde longe beforne,
hym schall be rewe hit with grete doloure.
With ryght grete grame and dyshonoure,
Þat helde of Englonde longe beforne,
hym schall be rewe hit with grete doloure.
114
Hym schall wante of hys astate,
To hys garlonde a precyovse floure,
Whiche oure fore faders wyȝtlye gate—
Cyte, Castell, Towne and towre.
To hys garlonde a precyovse floure,
Whiche oure fore faders wyȝtlye gate—
Cyte, Castell, Towne and towre.
Than by stryff & gret dyvysyon
Þat Englysshe peple schall falle Inne,
To endeless hurte & fowle confusyon,
Þen dolefulle dedys schall be-gynne.
Þat Englysshe peple schall falle Inne,
To endeless hurte & fowle confusyon,
Þen dolefulle dedys schall be-gynne.
Then wolle resorte in-to þat londe
Þat were lorde þerof off olde,
Þer schall noȝthe be þat may with-stonde
Hem, þat yle to haue and holde.
Þat were lorde þerof off olde,
Þer schall noȝthe be þat may with-stonde
Hem, þat yle to haue and holde.
An olde man rydynge on a stede
Þat þe water of pryon schall subuerte;
To mesur a myle yif he hadde nede,
In þat ryuer wylde and smerte.
Þat þe water of pryon schall subuerte;
To mesur a myle yif he hadde nede,
In þat ryuer wylde and smerte.
Then schal Cadwaladre Conan calle,
And gadre Scotlonde vn-to hys flocke;
Þanne in Ryueres blode schall falle,
And þanne schal perysche braunche & stocke.
And gadre Scotlonde vn-to hys flocke;
Þanne in Ryueres blode schall falle,
And þanne schal perysche braunche & stocke.
Thanne schal Alyons Folde & falle
Ande be deposyde for euer and aye;
To ben free that nowe ben thralle
Schall be-falle þanne ylke a daye.
Ande be deposyde for euer and aye;
To ben free that nowe ben thralle
Schall be-falle þanne ylke a daye.
Off lytylle bretayne lordes fele
Schall be Ioyfulle men of thys;
Than schall bretaynes crownes dele,
And ben then lordes where non ys.
Schall be Ioyfulle men of thys;
Than schall bretaynes crownes dele,
And ben then lordes where non ys.
115
Then schall Cambere Ioyfulle be,
The myght of Cornewayle quycke anon;
Thys Englonde bretayne calle may ȝe,
When thys tym ys commyn & gon.
The myght of Cornewayle quycke anon;
Thys Englonde bretayne calle may ȝe,
When thys tym ys commyn & gon.
Explicit.
44. THE COCK IN THE NORTH
When the cocke in the Northe hath bilde his nest,
And buskith his briddis and becenys hem to fle,
Þen shall fortune his frend the yatis vp cast,
And right shall haue his fre entree;
And buskith his briddis and becenys hem to fle,
Þen shall fortune his frend the yatis vp cast,
And right shall haue his fre entree;
Thene shall the mone rise in the northewest,
In a clowde of blake as þe bill of a crowe.
Then shall þe lion louse the boldest and þe best,
Þat in brytayne was born syne arthers day.
In a clowde of blake as þe bill of a crowe.
Then shall þe lion louse the boldest and þe best,
Þat in brytayne was born syne arthers day.
And a dredefull dragon shall drawe hym from his denne
To helpe the lion with all his myght.
A bull and a bastard with speris to spen,
Shall a-bide with the bore to reken the right.
To helpe the lion with all his myght.
A bull and a bastard with speris to spen,
Shall a-bide with the bore to reken the right.
A libard shall be gendred of a natiffe kynd,
With þe sterre of bedlem shall ryse in the southe;
The molle and the mermayden mevith in mynd—
Criste that is oure creature hath cursid hem by mouthe!
With þe sterre of bedlem shall ryse in the southe;
The molle and the mermayden mevith in mynd—
Criste that is oure creature hath cursid hem by mouthe!
The Egill and the antelope shall boldly abide,
A bridellid hors, and a bere with brondis so bright.
At sondyford, for-sothe, on the southe syde,
A prowde prince in a prese lordly shall he light,
A bridellid hors, and a bere with brondis so bright.
At sondyford, for-sothe, on the southe syde,
A prowde prince in a prese lordly shall he light,
116
With bolde baronis, bernis in bassenettis, þat busshement shal mete,
That shall the prophecy preve that Thomas of tellis;
ffor þer shall mony a comely knyght be cast vnderfete,
That shall make maydens to wepe that in bowre dwellis.
That shall the prophecy preve that Thomas of tellis;
ffor þer shall mony a comely knyght be cast vnderfete,
That shall make maydens to wepe that in bowre dwellis.
Þen shall þe day of desteny dryve to þe nyght;
And a maiden and wife in mornyng be brought.
Þer shall mete in morowe by þe mone-light;
Betwene seton and þe se a sorow shall be wroght.
And a maiden and wife in mornyng be brought.
Þer shall mete in morowe by þe mone-light;
Betwene seton and þe se a sorow shall be wroght.
The lion shall lache an hurt, and not perisshed be;
But he shall broyde to þe best þat hym þe woo wroght.
And a man ascend on tho sterre shall fold for þat fre,
Þe prowdest on þat prese with hale hath hytte bought.
But he shall broyde to þe best þat hym þe woo wroght.
And a man ascend on tho sterre shall fold for þat fre,
Þe prowdest on þat prese with hale hath hytte bought.
The fox and the filmard and a honde shall a-take,
And to the lion be ladde lowe to a-bide.
Bothe þe pikard and þe pye shall suffre þe same,
And alle þe ffryndes of the fox shall fall for here pride.
And to the lion be ladde lowe to a-bide.
Bothe þe pikard and þe pye shall suffre þe same,
And alle þe ffryndes of the fox shall fall for here pride.
Than shall troy vntrew tremble þat dayes,
ffor drede of a dede man when þey here hym speke.
The townis and þe Commons of kent shall cast vp þe kayes,
Þe busshement of bryk-hull þer-with shall breke.
ffor drede of a dede man when þey here hym speke.
The townis and þe Commons of kent shall cast vp þe kayes,
Þe busshement of bryk-hull þer-with shall breke.
When wormys and wedis are wasted and a-wey went,
And ilke a segge in seson kyndly set and song,
And all right hath his rewle and falsenes is blent,
All grace and goodenes shall growe vs among.
And ilke a segge in seson kyndly set and song,
And all right hath his rewle and falsenes is blent,
All grace and goodenes shall growe vs among.
The sonne and the mone shall shyne full bright,
That mony a day full derk hath ben,
And kepe þer cowrses by dayes and by nyght
With myrthes mo than ony man can mene.
That mony a day full derk hath ben,
And kepe þer cowrses by dayes and by nyght
With myrthes mo than ony man can mene.
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Þe lion and þe lionasse shall regne in pese.
This bridlyngton, bede, bokis, and Banaster tellis,
Thomas, and merlyon, the same with-outen lese,
They recorden and other that with prophecy mellis.
This bridlyngton, bede, bokis, and Banaster tellis,
Thomas, and merlyon, the same with-outen lese,
They recorden and other that with prophecy mellis.
Then shall saxons chese theym a lord,
Þat shall rewle hem rightfully and bryng hem vndere.
A dede man shall make by-twene hem a-corde,
And this a ferly and a grete wondere.
Þat shall rewle hem rightfully and bryng hem vndere.
A dede man shall make by-twene hem a-corde,
And this a ferly and a grete wondere.
He that is ded and buryed in sight,
Shall ryse agayn, and lyve in lond,
In confortyng of a yong knyght
That ffortune hath chosen to be here housbond.
Shall ryse agayn, and lyve in lond,
In confortyng of a yong knyght
That ffortune hath chosen to be here housbond.
The whele shall turne to hym full ryght,
Þat ffortune hath chosen to be here fere.
In surrey shall be shewid a wonderfull sight,
In the Cite of Babilon to bryng hem on bere:
Þat ffortune hath chosen to be here fere.
In surrey shall be shewid a wonderfull sight,
In the Cite of Babilon to bryng hem on bere:
xv dayes Iorney from Ierusalem
The holy crosse shall be;
Þe same bore shall wynne þe beme,
At sondyford that degre.
The holy crosse shall be;
Þe same bore shall wynne þe beme,
At sondyford that degre.
ffor ffortune hath graunted hym the victorye,
ffro the first tyme he armys bere;
ffor ony treson or trechery,
Desteny shall hym not dere,
ffro the first tyme he armys bere;
ffor ony treson or trechery,
Desteny shall hym not dere,
Till kynd of oxe to hym drawe,
ffor euery man is wormys fee;
But he shall ende in goddes lawe,
And in Iosephath beryed he shall be.
ffor euery man is wormys fee;
But he shall ende in goddes lawe,
And in Iosephath beryed he shall be.
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45. WHEN ROME IS REMOVED
Qwhen Rome is removyde in-to Inglande,
Ande the prest haffys the poppys power in hande,
Betuix iij and sex—who-so wyll vnderstande—
Mekyll baret ande bale shall fall in brutis lande.
When pryde is most in price, ande wyt is in covatyse,
Lychery is Ryffe, and theffis has haldin þar lyff,
Holy chirche is awlesse, and Iusticis ar lawlesse,
Bothte knychtis and knawys clede in on clethinge,
Godis fleysh and his blode swore in hethinge.
Be the yheris of cryst, comyn and gone,
ffully nynty ande nyne (nocht one wone),
Þen shall sorow be sett ande vnsell,
Þen shall dame fortowne turne her whell;
Scho sall turne vp þat ar was doune,
And þan sall leawte ber the crowne.
Ande the prest haffys the poppys power in hande,
Betuix iij and sex—who-so wyll vnderstande—
Mekyll baret ande bale shall fall in brutis lande.
When pryde is most in price, ande wyt is in covatyse,
Lychery is Ryffe, and theffis has haldin þar lyff,
Holy chirche is awlesse, and Iusticis ar lawlesse,
Bothte knychtis and knawys clede in on clethinge,
Godis fleysh and his blode swore in hethinge.
Be the yheris of cryst, comyn and gone,
ffully nynty ande nyne (nocht one wone),
Þen shall sorow be sett ande vnsell,
Þen shall dame fortowne turne her whell;
Scho sall turne vp þat ar was doune,
And þan sall leawte ber the crowne.
Betweyne þe cheyff of the somer & the sad winter,
ffor þe heycht of þe heyte happyne sall wer;
And eueryche lorde shall austernly werk.
Þen shall Nazareth noy well A while.
And þe lilly so lele wytht lovelyche flouris
ffor harmes of þe harde heyte sall hillyne his ledis,
Syne speyde hime at sped and spawne in þe wynter;
All þe flowris in the fyrth sall folow hime one.
Tatcaldwers sall call on carioun the noyus,
And þan sall worthe vp wallys and wrethe oþir landis
And erth on tyll albany, if þai may wyne.
Herme wnto Alienys, aneuer þai sall wakyne!
Þe bruttis blude sall þame wakyne & bryttne wyth brandis of stell,
Þer sall no bastarde blode abyde in þat lande.
Þen Albanattus þe kene, kynde kynge offe erthe,
Vnto þe libert shall leng—leve yhe non oþir!
The lyone, leder of bestis,
Shall lowte to þe libert and long hume wytht,
And shall stere hume At stryff, be stremis of humber.
Þe stepsonys of þe lyonne, steryt vp at ones,
Þe leoparde sall þame stryke doune and stroy þame for euer.
He sall þame kenly kersse, as cryst has hume bydyne,
And þus he sall þame doune dryff, ewyne to þe ende.
ffor þai luf nocht þe lylly nor þe libert lelle,
And þai halde to þe harde, happyn as it may,
Ay to þe tayle of somyr tyne hir lappis.
Wytht þat sall A libert be louse, when þai lest weyne.
Ane Egle of þe est, ande ane aventruse byrde,
Shall fande flowrys to fange in þat fyrste sesoun,
Sterte to þe stepsonys, stryke þame doune togeþer;
To bynde bandis vnbrokyne þat salbe furthe broucht,
He sall hime garlandis gete of þe gay flowrys
At in þat sesoune spredis so fayre.
And all sall fawle þe foulke þat þe freke strykis.
A sely northyrune flaw sall fadyne for euer.
ffor þe heycht of þe heyte happyne sall wer;
And eueryche lorde shall austernly werk.
Þen shall Nazareth noy well A while.
And þe lilly so lele wytht lovelyche flouris
ffor harmes of þe harde heyte sall hillyne his ledis,
Syne speyde hime at sped and spawne in þe wynter;
All þe flowris in the fyrth sall folow hime one.
Tatcaldwers sall call on carioun the noyus,
And þan sall worthe vp wallys and wrethe oþir landis
And erth on tyll albany, if þai may wyne.
Herme wnto Alienys, aneuer þai sall wakyne!
Þe bruttis blude sall þame wakyne & bryttne wyth brandis of stell,
Þer sall no bastarde blode abyde in þat lande.
119
Vnto þe libert shall leng—leve yhe non oþir!
The lyone, leder of bestis,
Shall lowte to þe libert and long hume wytht,
And shall stere hume At stryff, be stremis of humber.
Þe stepsonys of þe lyonne, steryt vp at ones,
Þe leoparde sall þame stryke doune and stroy þame for euer.
He sall þame kenly kersse, as cryst has hume bydyne,
And þus he sall þame doune dryff, ewyne to þe ende.
ffor þai luf nocht þe lylly nor þe libert lelle,
And þai halde to þe harde, happyn as it may,
Ay to þe tayle of somyr tyne hir lappis.
Wytht þat sall A libert be louse, when þai lest weyne.
Ane Egle of þe est, ande ane aventruse byrde,
Shall fande flowrys to fange in þat fyrste sesoun,
Sterte to þe stepsonys, stryke þame doune togeþer;
To bynde bandis vnbrokyne þat salbe furthe broucht,
He sall hime garlandis gete of þe gay flowrys
At in þat sesoune spredis so fayre.
And all sall fawle þe foulke þat þe freke strykis.
A sely northyrune flaw sall fadyne for euer.
Hereafter on oþir syde sorow sall Ryse,
Þe barge of bariona bowne to the senkyne,
Secularis sall set þame in spiritual clothis
And occupy þar offices, ennoynted as þai war.
Þar tonsurys tak wytht turnamentis Inowe,
And trow tytyll of trouthe þat þe strenth haldis.
Þat salbe tene for to tell þe tende of þar sorow
Þat sall ourdryff the date doune to þe boke.
Þis most be-tyde in þe time—throw yhe for-suthe—
Qwhen A B C may sett hume to wryte,
Anon efter Ml, evene to Rewlle,
Tre CCC in A sute semblyt to-geþer,
Ande syne, efter ane 1, as þe lyne askis,
Tris X, ande ane R enterly folowande,
Þis Is þe dolorouse date—understande yhe þe glose,
Wheroff whyll merlyne melys in his bokis.
Þe barge of bariona bowne to the senkyne,
Secularis sall set þame in spiritual clothis
And occupy þar offices, ennoynted as þai war.
Þar tonsurys tak wytht turnamentis Inowe,
And trow tytyll of trouthe þat þe strenth haldis.
Þat salbe tene for to tell þe tende of þar sorow
Þat sall ourdryff the date doune to þe boke.
Þis most be-tyde in þe time—throw yhe for-suthe—
Qwhen A B C may sett hume to wryte,
Anon efter Ml, evene to Rewlle,
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Ande syne, efter ane 1, as þe lyne askis,
Tris X, ande ane R enterly folowande,
Þis Is þe dolorouse date—understande yhe þe glose,
Wheroff whyll merlyne melys in his bokis.
Busk ye wyell, Berwyk, be blyth of þis wordis
Þat Sant bede fande in his buk of þe byg bergh:
Þe trewe towne vpon twede wytht towrys fayre,
Þow sall Releve to þi keng, þat is þe kende Eyr.
Ande oþir burghys abowte wytht þar brade wall,
Sall wytht þe lyoune be leffe ande longe for euer.
Þat Sant bede fande in his buk of þe byg bergh:
Þe trewe towne vpon twede wytht towrys fayre,
Þow sall Releve to þi keng, þat is þe kende Eyr.
Ande oþir burghys abowte wytht þar brade wall,
Sall wytht þe lyoune be leffe ande longe for euer.
46. A POLITICAL PROPHECY BY THE DICE
Euermore schalle the [six] be the best cast on the dyce;Whan that [one] beryth vp the [six] ynglond schal be as paradice.
And [five] and [four] set al on oone syde,
Then schal the name of the [six] spring vonder wyde.
[Three] set A-side and [two] clene schent,
ye schal haue a new king At a new parlement.
[Six] schal vp and [one] schal vndur,
When dede men ryse that schal be moch wondur;
The rede rose and the floure-de-lyce, the lockes schal vndur,
Yet schal the [six] ber the pryce, and [one] schal helpe ther-to.
121
47. MERLIN'S PROPHECY
When lordes wille is londes law,Prestes wylle trechery, and gyle hold soth saw,
lechery callyd pryve solace,
And robbery is hold no trespace—
Then schal the lond of Albyon
torne in-to confusioun!
THE FIRST UTOPIA
48. THE LAND OF COKAYGNE
Fur in see, bi west spayngne,
is a lond ihote cokaygne.
þer nis lond vnder heuen-riche,
of wel, of godnis, hit iliche;
þoȝ peradis be miri & briȝt,
cokaygn is of fairir siȝt.
what is þer in peradis
bot grasse, & flure, & grene ris?
þoȝ þer be ioi & gret dute,
þer nis met bote frute;
þer nis halle, bure, no benche;
bot watir, man-is þurst to quenche.
beþ þer no men bot two,
hely & enok al-so;
elinglich mai hi go
whar þer woniþ men no mo.
In cokaigne is met & drink
wiþ-vte care, how, & swink.
þe met is trie, þe drink is clere,
to none, russin, & sopper.
i sigge for-soþ, boute were,
þer nis lond on erþe is pere,
vnder heuen nis lond, i-wisse,
of so mochil ioi & blisse.
is a lond ihote cokaygne.
þer nis lond vnder heuen-riche,
of wel, of godnis, hit iliche;
þoȝ peradis be miri & briȝt,
cokaygn is of fairir siȝt.
what is þer in peradis
bot grasse, & flure, & grene ris?
þoȝ þer be ioi & gret dute,
þer nis met bote frute;
þer nis halle, bure, no benche;
bot watir, man-is þurst to quenche.
beþ þer no men bot two,
hely & enok al-so;
elinglich mai hi go
whar þer woniþ men no mo.
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wiþ-vte care, how, & swink.
þe met is trie, þe drink is clere,
to none, russin, & sopper.
i sigge for-soþ, boute were,
þer nis lond on erþe is pere,
vnder heuen nis lond, i-wisse,
of so mochil ioi & blisse.
Þer is mani swete siȝte:
al is dai, nis þer no niȝte;
þer nis baret noþer strif;
nis þer no deþ, ac euer lif;
þer nis lac of met no cloþ;
þer nis man no womman wroþ.
þer nis serpent, wolf, no fox,
hors no capil, kowe no ox,
þer nis schepe, no swine, no gote;
no non horwȝ, al god it wote,
noþer harace, noþer stode.
þe lond is ful of oþer gode.
nis þer flei, fle, no lowse,
in cloþ, in toune, bed, no house;
þer nis dunnir, slete, no hawle;
no non vile worme, no snawile,
no non storme, rein, no winde.
þer nis man no womman blinde.
ok al is game, Ioi, & gle.
wel is him þat þer mai be.
al is dai, nis þer no niȝte;
þer nis baret noþer strif;
nis þer no deþ, ac euer lif;
þer nis lac of met no cloþ;
þer nis man no womman wroþ.
þer nis serpent, wolf, no fox,
hors no capil, kowe no ox,
þer nis schepe, no swine, no gote;
no non horwȝ, al god it wote,
noþer harace, noþer stode.
þe lond is ful of oþer gode.
nis þer flei, fle, no lowse,
in cloþ, in toune, bed, no house;
þer nis dunnir, slete, no hawle;
no non vile worme, no snawile,
no non storme, rein, no winde.
þer nis man no womman blinde.
ok al is game, Ioi, & gle.
wel is him þat þer mai be.
Þer beþ riuers gret & fine,
of oile, melk, honi, & wine;
watir seruiþ þer to no-þing
bot to siȝt & to waiissing.
þer is mani maner frute;
al is solas & dedute.
of oile, melk, honi, & wine;
watir seruiþ þer to no-þing
bot to siȝt & to waiissing.
123
al is solas & dedute.
Þer is a wel fair abbei,
of white monkes & of grei.
þer beþ bowris & halles;
al of pasteiis beþ þe walles,
of fleis, of fisse, & rich met,
þe likfullist þat man mai et.
fluren cakes beþ þe schingles alle,
of cherche, cloister, boure, & halle;
þe pinnes beþ fat podinges—
rich met to princeȝ & kinges.
man mai þer-of et inoȝ,
al wiþ riȝt & noȝt wiþ woȝ.
al is commune to ȝung & old,
to stoute & sterne, mek & bold.
of white monkes & of grei.
þer beþ bowris & halles;
al of pasteiis beþ þe walles,
of fleis, of fisse, & rich met,
þe likfullist þat man mai et.
fluren cakes beþ þe schingles alle,
of cherche, cloister, boure, & halle;
þe pinnes beþ fat podinges—
rich met to princeȝ & kinges.
man mai þer-of et inoȝ,
al wiþ riȝt & noȝt wiþ woȝ.
al is commune to ȝung & old,
to stoute & sterne, mek & bold.
Þer is a cloister, fair & liȝt,
brod & lang, of sembli siȝt;
þe pilers of þat cloister alle
beþ iturned of cristale,
wiþ har bas & capitale
Of grene Iaspe & rede corale.
In þe praer is a tre,
swiþe likful forto se:
þe rote is gingeuir & galingale,
þe siouns beþ al sedwale,
trie maces beþ þe flure,
þe rind canel of swet odur,
þe frute gilofre of gode smakke.
of cucubes þer nis no lakke.
þer beþ rosis of rede ble,
& lilie likful forto se—
þai faloweþ neuer dai no niȝt;
þis aȝt be a swet siȝt.
brod & lang, of sembli siȝt;
þe pilers of þat cloister alle
beþ iturned of cristale,
wiþ har bas & capitale
Of grene Iaspe & rede corale.
In þe praer is a tre,
swiþe likful forto se:
þe rote is gingeuir & galingale,
þe siouns beþ al sedwale,
trie maces beþ þe flure,
þe rind canel of swet odur,
þe frute gilofre of gode smakke.
of cucubes þer nis no lakke.
þer beþ rosis of rede ble,
124
þai faloweþ neuer dai no niȝt;
þis aȝt be a swet siȝt.
Þer beþ iiij willis in þe abbei,
of triacle & halwei,
of baum & ek piement,
euer ernend to riȝt rent;
of þam stremis al þe molde,
stonis preciuse, & golde.
þer is saphir & vniune,
carbuncle & astiune,
Smaragde, lugre, & prassiune,
beril, onix, topasiune,
ametist & crisolite,
calcedun & epetite.
of triacle & halwei,
of baum & ek piement,
euer ernend to riȝt rent;
of þam stremis al þe molde,
stonis preciuse, & golde.
þer is saphir & vniune,
carbuncle & astiune,
Smaragde, lugre, & prassiune,
beril, onix, topasiune,
ametist & crisolite,
calcedun & epetite.
Þer beþ briddes mani & fale—
þrostil, þruisse & niȝtingale,
Chalendre & wodwale,
& oþer briddes wiþ-out tale,
þat stinteþ neuer bi har miȝt.
miri to sing dai & niȝt.
ȝite i do ȝow mo to witte:
þe Gees irostid on þe spitte
fleeȝ to þat abbai, god hit wot,
& grediþ, “gees, al hote! al hot!”
hi bringeþ garlek gret plente,
þe best idiȝt þat man mai se.
þe leuerokes, þat beþ cuþ,
liȝtiþ adun to man-is muþ,
idiȝt in stu, ful swiþe wel
pudrid wiþ gilofre and canel.
nis no spech of no drink;
ak take inoȝ wiþ-vte swink.
þrostil, þruisse & niȝtingale,
Chalendre & wodwale,
& oþer briddes wiþ-out tale,
þat stinteþ neuer bi har miȝt.
miri to sing dai & niȝt.
ȝite i do ȝow mo to witte:
þe Gees irostid on þe spitte
fleeȝ to þat abbai, god hit wot,
& grediþ, “gees, al hote! al hot!”
hi bringeþ garlek gret plente,
þe best idiȝt þat man mai se.
þe leuerokes, þat beþ cuþ,
liȝtiþ adun to man-is muþ,
idiȝt in stu, ful swiþe wel
pudrid wiþ gilofre and canel.
nis no spech of no drink;
125
Whan þe monkes geeþ to masse,
al þe fenestres þat beþ of glasse
turneþ in-to cristal briȝt,
to ȝiue þe monkes more liȝt.
whan þe masses beþ iseiid,
& þe bokes up ileiid,
þe cristal turniþ in-to glasse,
in state þat hit raþer wasse.
al þe fenestres þat beþ of glasse
turneþ in-to cristal briȝt,
to ȝiue þe monkes more liȝt.
whan þe masses beþ iseiid,
& þe bokes up ileiid,
þe cristal turniþ in-to glasse,
in state þat hit raþer wasse.
Þe ȝung monkes euch dai
aftir met goþ to plai;
nis þer hauk no fule so swifte
bettir fleing bi þe lifte,
þan þe monkes heiȝ of mode
wiþ har sleuis & har hode.
aftir met goþ to plai;
nis þer hauk no fule so swifte
bettir fleing bi þe lifte,
þan þe monkes heiȝ of mode
wiþ har sleuis & har hode.
Whan þe abbot seeþ ham flee
þat he holt for moch glee;
ak naþeles al þer amang
he biddiþ ham liȝt to euensang.
þe monkes liȝtiþ noȝt adun,
ac furre fleeþ in o randun.
þat he holt for moch glee;
ak naþeles al þer amang
he biddiþ ham liȝt to euensang.
þe monkes liȝtiþ noȝt adun,
ac furre fleeþ in o randun.
Whan þe abbot him iseeþ
þat is monkes fram him fleeþ,
he takeþ a maidin of þe route
and turniþ vp har white toute,
& betiþ þe taburs wiþ is hond
to make is monkes liȝt to lond!
þat is monkes fram him fleeþ,
he takeþ a maidin of þe route
and turniþ vp har white toute,
& betiþ þe taburs wiþ is hond
to make is monkes liȝt to lond!
Whan is monkes þat iseeþ,
to þe maid dun hi fleeþ,
& geþ þe wench al abute
& þakkeþ al hir white toute.
& siþ aftir her swinke
Wendiþ meklich hom to drinke,
& geþ to har collacione
a wel fair processione.
to þe maid dun hi fleeþ,
126
& þakkeþ al hir white toute.
& siþ aftir her swinke
Wendiþ meklich hom to drinke,
& geþ to har collacione
a wel fair processione.
Anoþer abbei is þer bi,
for-soþ a gret fair nunnerie,
vp a riuer of swet milke,
whar is plente gret of silk.
whan þe someris dai is hote,
þe ȝung nunnes takiþ a bote
And doþ ham forþ in þat riuer,
boþe wiþ oris & wiþ stere.
whan hi beþ fur fram þe abbei,
hi makiþ ham nakid forto plei,
& lepiþ dune in to þe brimme
& doþ ham sleilich forto swimme.
þe ȝung monkeȝ þat ham seeþ,
hi doþ ham vp & forþ hi fleeþ,
& commiþ to þe nunnes anon.
& euch monke him takeþ on,
& snellich berriþ forþ har prei
to þe mochil grei abbei,
& techiþ þe nunnes an oreisun
wiþ iambleue vp & dun.
for-soþ a gret fair nunnerie,
vp a riuer of swet milke,
whar is plente gret of silk.
whan þe someris dai is hote,
þe ȝung nunnes takiþ a bote
And doþ ham forþ in þat riuer,
boþe wiþ oris & wiþ stere.
whan hi beþ fur fram þe abbei,
hi makiþ ham nakid forto plei,
& lepiþ dune in to þe brimme
& doþ ham sleilich forto swimme.
þe ȝung monkeȝ þat ham seeþ,
hi doþ ham vp & forþ hi fleeþ,
& commiþ to þe nunnes anon.
& euch monke him takeþ on,
& snellich berriþ forþ har prei
to þe mochil grei abbei,
& techiþ þe nunnes an oreisun
wiþ iambleue vp & dun.
Þe monke þat wol be stalun gode
& kan set ariȝt is hode,
he schal hab, wiþ-oute danger,
xii wiues euche ȝere,
al þroȝ riȝt & noȝt þroȝ grace,
for to do him-silf solace.
& þilk monke þat slepiþ best,
& doþ is likam al to rest,
of him is hoppe, god hit wote,
to be sone uadir abbot.
& kan set ariȝt is hode,
he schal hab, wiþ-oute danger,
xii wiues euche ȝere,
al þroȝ riȝt & noȝt þroȝ grace,
for to do him-silf solace.
127
& doþ is likam al to rest,
of him is hoppe, god hit wote,
to be sone uadir abbot.
Whose wl com þat lond to,
ful grete penance he mot do:
Seue ȝere in swine-is dritte
he mote wade, wol ȝe iwitte,
al anon vp to þe chynne,
so he schal þe lond winne.
ful grete penance he mot do:
Seue ȝere in swine-is dritte
he mote wade, wol ȝe iwitte,
al anon vp to þe chynne,
so he schal þe lond winne.
Lordinges gode & hend,
mot ȝe neuer of world wend,
fort ȝe stond to ȝure cheance
& fulfille þat penance,
þat ȝe mote þat lond i-se;
& neuer-more turn a-ȝe.
prey we god so mote hit be,
Amen, pur seint charite.
mot ȝe neuer of world wend,
fort ȝe stond to ȝure cheance
& fulfille þat penance,
þat ȝe mote þat lond i-se;
& neuer-more turn a-ȝe.
prey we god so mote hit be,
Amen, pur seint charite.
finit.
THE WICKED AGE
49. THE BISSON LEADS THE BLIND (1456)
ffulfyllyd ys þe profesy for ay
Þat merlyn sayd & many on mo,
Wysdam ys wel ny away,
No man may knowe hys frend fro foo.
Now gyllorys don gode men gye;
Ryȝt gos redles all behynde;
Truthe ys turnyd to trechery;
ffor now þe bysom ledys þe blynde.
Þat merlyn sayd & many on mo,
Wysdam ys wel ny away,
No man may knowe hys frend fro foo.
Now gyllorys don gode men gye;
128
Truthe ys turnyd to trechery;
ffor now þe bysom ledys þe blynde.
Now gloserys full gayly þey go;
Pore men be perus of þis land;
Sertes sum tyme hyt was not so,
But sekyr all þis ys synnys sonde.
Now mayntenerys be made Iustys,
And lewde men rewle þe lawe of kynde;
Nobull men be holdyn wyse;
ffor now þe bysom ledys þe blynde.
Pore men be perus of þis land;
Sertes sum tyme hyt was not so,
But sekyr all þis ys synnys sonde.
Now mayntenerys be made Iustys,
And lewde men rewle þe lawe of kynde;
Nobull men be holdyn wyse;
ffor now þe bysom ledys þe blynde.
Truthe is set at lytyl prys;
Worschyp fro us longe hath be slawe;
Robberys now rewle ryȝtwysenesse,
And wynnerys with her sothe sawe.
Synne sothfastnesse has slawe;
Myrth ys now out of mannys mynde;
Þe drede of god ys al todrawe;
ffor now þe bysom ledys þe blynde.
Worschyp fro us longe hath be slawe;
Robberys now rewle ryȝtwysenesse,
And wynnerys with her sothe sawe.
Synne sothfastnesse has slawe;
Myrth ys now out of mannys mynde;
Þe drede of god ys al todrawe;
ffor now þe bysom ledys þe blynde.
Now brocage ys made offycerys,
And baratur ys made bayly;
Knyȝtus be made custemerys,
[OMITTED]
fflatererys be made kyngus perys;
Lordys be led all out of kynde;
Pore men ben knyȝtus ferys;
ffor now þe bysom ledys þe blynde.
And baratur ys made bayly;
Knyȝtus be made custemerys,
[OMITTED]
fflatererys be made kyngus perys;
Lordys be led all out of kynde;
Pore men ben knyȝtus ferys;
ffor now þe bysom ledys þe blynde.
The constery ys combryd with coueytyse,
ffor trouth ys sonkyn vndur þe grounde;
With offycyal nor den no fauour þer ys,
But if ser symony shewe þem syluer rovnde.
Þer among spiritualte it ys founde,
ffor pete ys clene out of þer mynde.
Lord, whan thy wyll is, al ys confounde,
ffor now þe bysom ledys þe blynde.
ffor trouth ys sonkyn vndur þe grounde;
With offycyal nor den no fauour þer ys,
129
Þer among spiritualte it ys founde,
ffor pete ys clene out of þer mynde.
Lord, whan thy wyll is, al ys confounde,
ffor now þe bysom ledys þe blynde.
He ys louyd þat wele can lye,
And theuys tru men honge;
To god I rede þat we cry
Þat þis lyfe last not longe.
Þer werld is turnyd up so doun among;
ffor frerys ar confessourys, ageyn a kynde,
To þe chefe ladyes of þis londe;
Þerfor þe bysom ledys þe blynde.
And theuys tru men honge;
To god I rede þat we cry
Þat þis lyfe last not longe.
Þer werld is turnyd up so doun among;
ffor frerys ar confessourys, ageyn a kynde,
To þe chefe ladyes of þis londe;
Þerfor þe bysom ledys þe blynde.
Lordys þe lawe þey lere,
[OMITTED]
Iaperys syt lordys ful nere;
Now hath þe deuyll all hys deuys.
Now growyth þe gret flour-de-lys;
Wymmonis wyttes ar full of wynd;
Now ledres ladyn þe leward at her debres,
for caus þe bysom ledys þe blynde.
[OMITTED]
Iaperys syt lordys ful nere;
Now hath þe deuyll all hys deuys.
Now growyth þe gret flour-de-lys;
Wymmonis wyttes ar full of wynd;
Now ledres ladyn þe leward at her debres,
for caus þe bysom ledys þe blynde.
Now prelates don pardon selle,
And holy chyrche ys chaffare;
Holynes comyth out of helle,
ffor absolucions waxyn ware.
Gabberys gloson euery whare,
And gode feyth comys all byhynde;
Ho shall be leuyd þe soþe wyll spare,
ffor now þe bysom ledys þe blynde.
And holy chyrche ys chaffare;
Holynes comyth out of helle,
ffor absolucions waxyn ware.
Gabberys gloson euery whare,
And gode feyth comys all byhynde;
Ho shall be leuyd þe soþe wyll spare,
ffor now þe bysom ledys þe blynde.
130
The grete wyll þe soþe spare,
The comonys loue not þe grete;
Þerfor euery man may care,
Lest þe wade growe ouer þe whete.
Take hede how synne hath chastysyd frauns,
Whan he was in hys fayrest kynde,
How þat flaundrys hath myschaunys,
ffor cause þe bysom ledyth þe blynde.
The comonys loue not þe grete;
Þerfor euery man may care,
Lest þe wade growe ouer þe whete.
Take hede how synne hath chastysyd frauns,
Whan he was in hys fayrest kynde,
How þat flaundrys hath myschaunys,
ffor cause þe bysom ledyth þe blynde.
Þerfor euery lord odur avauns,
And styfly stond yn ych a stoure;
Among ȝou make no dystaunce,
But, lordys, buskys ȝou out of boure,
ffor to hold up þis londus honour,
With strenkyth our enmys for to bynde,
Þat we may wynne the heuynly tour,
ffor here þe bysom ledys þe blynde.
And styfly stond yn ych a stoure;
Among ȝou make no dystaunce,
But, lordys, buskys ȝou out of boure,
ffor to hold up þis londus honour,
With strenkyth our enmys for to bynde,
Þat we may wynne the heuynly tour,
ffor here þe bysom ledys þe blynde.
Explicit.
50. LONDON LYCKPENY
A ballade compyled by Dan Iohn Lydgate, monke of Bery, about [ ] yeres agoo, and now newly ouersene and amended.
To London once my stepps I bent,
where trouth in no wyse should be faynt,
To westmynster-ward I forthwith went,
to a man of law to make complaynt.
I sayd, “for marys love, that holy saynt,
Pyty the poore that wold proceede.”
but, for lack of mony, I cold not spede.
where trouth in no wyse should be faynt,
To westmynster-ward I forthwith went,
to a man of law to make complaynt.
I sayd, “for marys love, that holy saynt,
131
but, for lack of mony, I cold not spede.
And as I thrust the prese amonge,
by froward chavnce my hood was gone,
yet for all that I stayd not longe,
tyll at the kynges bench I was come.
before the Iudge I kneled anon,
and prayd hym for gods sake to take heede.
but, for lack of mony, I myght not speede.
by froward chavnce my hood was gone,
yet for all that I stayd not longe,
tyll at the kynges bench I was come.
before the Iudge I kneled anon,
and prayd hym for gods sake to take heede.
but, for lack of mony, I myght not speede.
Beneth them sat clarkes a gret Rout,
which fast dyd wryte by one assent;
There stoode vp one and cryed about,
“Rychard, Robert, and Iohn of Kent!”
I wyst not well what this man ment,
he cryed so thycke there in dede.
but he that lackt mony myght not spede.
which fast dyd wryte by one assent;
There stoode vp one and cryed about,
“Rychard, Robert, and Iohn of Kent!”
I wyst not well what this man ment,
he cryed so thycke there in dede.
but he that lackt mony myght not spede.
Unto the common place I yode thoo,
where sat one with a sylken hoode;
I dyd hym reverence for I ought to do so,
& told my case as well as I coolde,
how my goodes were defravded me by falshood.
I gat not a mvm of his mouth for my meed!
and, for lack of mony, I myght not spede.
where sat one with a sylken hoode;
I dyd hym reverence for I ought to do so,
& told my case as well as I coolde,
how my goodes were defravded me by falshood.
I gat not a mvm of his mouth for my meed!
and, for lack of mony, I myght not spede.
Vnto the Rolls I gat me from thence,
before the Clarkes of the Chavncerye,
where many I found earnyng of pence,
but none at all once regarded mee.
I gave them my playnt vppon my knee,
they lyked it well, when they had it reade;
but, lackyng mony, I could not be sped.
before the Clarkes of the Chavncerye,
where many I found earnyng of pence,
but none at all once regarded mee.
I gave them my playnt vppon my knee,
they lyked it well, when they had it reade;
but, lackyng mony, I could not be sped.
132
In westmynster hall I fovnd out one,
which went in a long gown of Raye;
I crowched and kneled before hym anon,
for maryes love, of help I hym praye.
“I wot not what thou meanest,” gan he say;
to get me thence he dyd me bede,
for lack of mony I cold not speede.
which went in a long gown of Raye;
I crowched and kneled before hym anon,
for maryes love, of help I hym praye.
“I wot not what thou meanest,” gan he say;
to get me thence he dyd me bede,
for lack of mony I cold not speede.
with-in this hall, nether rych nor yett poor
wold do for me ought, Although I shold dye.
which seing, I gat me out of the doore,
where flemynges began on me for to cry:
“master, what will you copen or by?
fyne felt hattes, or spectacles to reede?
lay down your sylver, and here you may speede.”
wold do for me ought, Although I shold dye.
which seing, I gat me out of the doore,
where flemynges began on me for to cry:
“master, what will you copen or by?
fyne felt hattes, or spectacles to reede?
lay down your sylver, and here you may speede.”
then to westmynster gate I presently went,
when the sonn was at hyghe pryme,
Cookes to me they tooke good entent,
and profered me bread with ale and wyne,
rybbs of befe, both fat and ful fyne.
a fayre cloth they gan for to sprede,
but, wantyng mony, I myght not speede.
when the sonn was at hyghe pryme,
Cookes to me they tooke good entent,
and profered me bread with ale and wyne,
rybbs of befe, both fat and ful fyne.
a fayre cloth they gan for to sprede,
but, wantyng mony, I myght not speede.
Then vnto London I dyd me hye,
of all the land it beareth the pryse:
“hot pescodes,” one began to crye;
“strabery rype,” and “cherryes in the ryse!”
one bad me come nere and by some spyce;
peper and safforne they gan me bede.
but, for lack of mony, I myght not spede.
of all the land it beareth the pryse:
“hot pescodes,” one began to crye;
“strabery rype,” and “cherryes in the ryse!”
one bad me come nere and by some spyce;
peper and safforne they gan me bede.
but, for lack of mony, I myght not spede.
133
then to the Chepe I gan me drawne,
where mutch people I saw for to stand;
one ofred me velvet, sylke, and lawne;
an-other he taketh me by the hande,
“here is Parys thred, the fynest in the land.”
I never was used to such thynges in dede,
and, wantyng mony, I myght not spede.
where mutch people I saw for to stand;
one ofred me velvet, sylke, and lawne;
an-other he taketh me by the hande,
“here is Parys thred, the fynest in the land.”
I never was used to such thynges in dede,
and, wantyng mony, I myght not spede.
then went I forth by London stone,
throughout all Canwyke streete;
drapers mutch cloth me offred anone;
then comes me one, cryed, “hot shepes feete.”
one Cryde, “makerell”; “Ryshes grene,” an-other gan greete.
on bad me by a hood to cover my head;
but, for want of mony, I myght not be sped.
throughout all Canwyke streete;
drapers mutch cloth me offred anone;
then comes me one, cryed, “hot shepes feete.”
one Cryde, “makerell”; “Ryshes grene,” an-other gan greete.
on bad me by a hood to cover my head;
but, for want of mony, I myght not be sped.
Then I hyed me Into Estchepe.
one cryes, “rybbs of befe, & many a pye!”
Pewter pottes they clattered on a heape;
there was harpe, pype, and mynstrelsye.
“yea, by cock!” “nay, by cock!” some began crye;
Some songe of “Ienken and Iulyan” for there mede.
but, for lack of mony, I myght not spede.
one cryes, “rybbs of befe, & many a pye!”
Pewter pottes they clattered on a heape;
there was harpe, pype, and mynstrelsye.
“yea, by cock!” “nay, by cock!” some began crye;
Some songe of “Ienken and Iulyan” for there mede.
but, for lack of mony, I myght not spede.
Then Into Cornhyll anon I yode,
where was mvtch stolen gere amonge;
I saw where honge myne owne hoode,
that I had lost amonge the thronge.
to by my own hood I thought it wronge—
I knew it well as I dyd my crede;
but, for lack of mony, I could not spede.
where was mvtch stolen gere amonge;
I saw where honge myne owne hoode,
that I had lost amonge the thronge.
to by my own hood I thought it wronge—
I knew it well as I dyd my crede;
but, for lack of mony, I could not spede.
The Taverner tooke mee by the sleve,
“Sir,” sayth he, “wyll you our wyne assay?”
I answerd, “that can not mutch me greve;
a peny can do no more then it may.”
I drank a pynt, & for it dyd paye;
yet sore a-hungerd from thence I yede,
and, wantyng mony, I cold not spede.
“Sir,” sayth he, “wyll you our wyne assay?”
134
a peny can do no more then it may.”
I drank a pynt, & for it dyd paye;
yet sore a-hungerd from thence I yede,
and, wantyng mony, I cold not spede.
Then hyed I me to Belyngsgate,
and one cryed, “hoo! go we hence!”
I prayd a barge-man, for gods sake,
that he wold spare me my expence.
“thou scapst not here,” quod he, “under ij pence;
I lyst not yet bestow my Almes-dede.”
thus, lacking mony, I could not speede.
and one cryed, “hoo! go we hence!”
I prayd a barge-man, for gods sake,
that he wold spare me my expence.
“thou scapst not here,” quod he, “under ij pence;
I lyst not yet bestow my Almes-dede.”
thus, lacking mony, I could not speede.
Then I convayed me Into Kent,
ffor of the law wold I meddle no more,
because no man to me tooke entent,
I dyght me to do as I dyd before.
now Iesus that in Bethlem was bore,
Save london, and send trew lawyers there mede!
for who-so wantes mony, with them shall not spede.
ffor of the law wold I meddle no more,
because no man to me tooke entent,
I dyght me to do as I dyd before.
now Iesus that in Bethlem was bore,
Save london, and send trew lawyers there mede!
for who-so wantes mony, with them shall not spede.
Explicit London Lyckpeny
51. MONEY, MONEY!
money, money, now hay goode day!
money, where haste thow be?
money, money, thow gost away
& wylt not byde wyth me.
money, where haste thow be?
money, money, thow gost away
& wylt not byde wyth me.
135
Aboue all thing thow arte a kyng,
and rulyst the world ouer all;
who lakythe the, all Ioy, parde,
wyll sone then frome hym ffall.
and rulyst the world ouer all;
who lakythe the, all Ioy, parde,
wyll sone then frome hym ffall.
In euery place thow makyste solas,
gret Ioye, spoorte, and velfare;
when money ys gone, comfort ys none,
but thowght, sorowe, and care.
gret Ioye, spoorte, and velfare;
when money ys gone, comfort ys none,
but thowght, sorowe, and care.
In kynges corte, wher money dothe route,
yt makyth the galandes to Iett,
and for to were gorgeouse ther gere,
ther cappes a-wry to sett.
yt makyth the galandes to Iett,
and for to were gorgeouse ther gere,
ther cappes a-wry to sett.
In the hey-weyes ther Ioly palfreys
yt makyght to lepe and praunce,
It maket Iustynges, pleys, dysguysynges,
ladys to synge and daunce.
yt makyght to lepe and praunce,
It maket Iustynges, pleys, dysguysynges,
ladys to synge and daunce.
for he that alway wantyth money
stondyth a mated chere,
can neuer wel syng, lang daunce nor springe,
nor make no lusty chere.
stondyth a mated chere,
can neuer wel syng, lang daunce nor springe,
nor make no lusty chere.
At cardes and dyce yt bereth the pryce,
at kyng and emperoure;
at tables, tennes, and al othere games,
money hathe euer the floure.
at kyng and emperoure;
at tables, tennes, and al othere games,
money hathe euer the floure.
wythe squyer and knyght and euery wyghte
money maketh men fayne;
and causeth many in sume compeney
theyr felowes to dysdayne.
money maketh men fayne;
and causeth many in sume compeney
theyr felowes to dysdayne.
136
In marchandys who can deuyse
so good a ware, I say?
at al tymys the best ware ys
Euer redy money.
so good a ware, I say?
at al tymys the best ware ys
Euer redy money.
money to Incresse, marchandys neuer to cease
wyth many a sotell wyle;
Men say the wolde for syluer and golde
Ther owne faders begyle.
wyth many a sotell wyle;
Men say the wolde for syluer and golde
Ther owne faders begyle.
Women, I trowe, loue money also
To by them Ioly gere;
for that helpythe and oft causethe
women to loke full fayre.
To by them Ioly gere;
for that helpythe and oft causethe
women to loke full fayre.
In westmynster hall the criers call;
The sergeauntes plede a-pace;
Attorneys appere, now here, now there,
renning in euery place.
The sergeauntes plede a-pace;
Attorneys appere, now here, now there,
renning in euery place.
Whate-so-euer he be, and yf that he
whante money to plede the lawe,
do whate he cane In ys mater than
shale proue not worthe a strawe.
whante money to plede the lawe,
do whate he cane In ys mater than
shale proue not worthe a strawe.
I know yt not, but well I wotte
I haue harde often-tymys tell,
Prestes vse thys guyse, ther benefyce
for money to bey and sell.
I haue harde often-tymys tell,
Prestes vse thys guyse, ther benefyce
for money to bey and sell.
Craftys-men, that be in euery cyte,
They worke and neuer blynne;
Sum cutte, sume shaue, sume knoke, sum graue,
only money to wynne.
They worke and neuer blynne;
Sum cutte, sume shaue, sume knoke, sum graue,
only money to wynne.
137
The plowman hym-selfe dothe dyge & delue
In storme, snowe, frost, and rayne,
money to get with laboure and swete—
yet small geynes and muche peyne.
In storme, snowe, frost, and rayne,
money to get with laboure and swete—
yet small geynes and muche peyne.
and sume for money lye by the wey
a-nother mannes purse to gett;
but they that long vse yt a-monge
ben hangyd by the neke.
a-nother mannes purse to gett;
but they that long vse yt a-monge
ben hangyd by the neke.
The beggers eke in euery strete
ly walowyng by the wey;
They begge, the crye, of them cume by,
and all ys but for money.
ly walowyng by the wey;
They begge, the crye, of them cume by,
and all ys but for money.
In euery coste men loue yt moste,
In ynglonde, spayne, and francs,
for euery man lackyng yt than
is clene owte of countenaunce.
In ynglonde, spayne, and francs,
for euery man lackyng yt than
is clene owte of countenaunce.
of whate degre so euer he be,
of werteouse conyng he haue,
and wante mone, yet men wyll sey,
That he ys but a knaue.
of werteouse conyng he haue,
and wante mone, yet men wyll sey,
That he ys but a knaue.
where in-dede, so god me spede,
Sey all men whate they cane;
yt ys all-wayes sene now-a-dayes
That money makythe the man.
Sey all men whate they cane;
yt ys all-wayes sene now-a-dayes
That money makythe the man.
finis.
138
52. HUFF! A GALAUNT
Huff! a galawnt, vylabele!
Thus syngyth galawntys in here revele.
Thus syngyth galawntys in here revele.
Galawnt, pride thy father ys dede;
Thow hast hym robbyd, as y rede,
And clothyd the in galawntes wede—
Huff, a galawntt!
Thow hast hym robbyd, as y rede,
And clothyd the in galawntes wede—
Huff, a galawntt!
Galawntt, with thy curtesy,
Thow brekyst thy hose at kne,
And with a pacche þou clowtyst Aye—
Huff, a galawntt!
Thow brekyst thy hose at kne,
And with a pacche þou clowtyst Aye—
Huff, a galawntt!
Thow þat thow haue a stomager þe byforne,
Thy schyrtte by-hynd ys all to-torne;
Nere thy pykyd schone, þou were forlorne—
Huff, a galauntt!
Thy schyrtte by-hynd ys all to-torne;
Nere thy pykyd schone, þou were forlorne—
Huff, a galauntt!
Galaunt, yf þou wylt haue thy hele,
Wrap thy bryst with clothys fele;
Than mayst þou synge vylabele—
Huff, a galauntt!
Wrap thy bryst with clothys fele;
Than mayst þou synge vylabele—
Huff, a galauntt!
Butt galauntt bachelers ther be fele,
Theyre gownys be sett with plytys fele;
To schortt yt ys theyre kneys to hele—
Huff, a galauntt!
Theyre gownys be sett with plytys fele;
To schortt yt ys theyre kneys to hele—
Huff, a galauntt!
So galaunt to be, yt ys noughtt,
ffor and hys purse were well y-sought,
I hold hym worse than nought—
Huff, a galauntt!
ffor and hys purse were well y-sought,
I hold hym worse than nought—
Huff, a galauntt!
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All a-bak he castys hys here,
ffowre enchys by-neth hys ere,
I wold hys hed were off by þe swere—
Huff, a galauntt!
ffowre enchys by-neth hys ere,
I wold hys hed were off by þe swere—
Huff, a galauntt!
Theyr hosyn of red, ful close þei be,
With a whytte bulwerk abowtt þe kne;
A schrewe syȝtt ytt ys to se—
Huff, a galawnt!
With a whytte bulwerk abowtt þe kne;
A schrewe syȝtt ytt ys to se—
Huff, a galawnt!
Galaunt, by thy gyrdyl ther hangyth a purss;
Ther-in ys neyther peny ner crosse,
Butt iij dysse, and crystys curse—
Huff, a galawnt!
Ther-in ys neyther peny ner crosse,
Butt iij dysse, and crystys curse—
Huff, a galawnt!
Galaunt, with thy daggar a-crosse,
And thy hanggyng pouche vpon thy narse,
Thow art ful abyl to stele a horse,
Huff, a Galauntt!
And thy hanggyng pouche vpon thy narse,
Thow art ful abyl to stele a horse,
Huff, a Galauntt!
Huff, a galauntt, vylabele!
Thus syngyth galauntys in theyre reuele,
With huff, a Galauntt!
Thus syngyth galauntys in theyre reuele,
With huff, a Galauntt!
53. THE PRIDE OF WOMEN'S HORNS
Þou þat werred þe crowne of thornes,
Fell dovne þe pryde of wommens hornes,
And suffre hem longer with longe tayles,
Ne none oþer vicyous entayles,
Fell dovne þe pryde of wommens hornes,
And suffre hem longer with longe tayles,
Ne none oþer vicyous entayles,
Of noþer of males ne femayles,
Ne hodes, ne tyres lyche Carrake sayle.
Lord, for þy peyneful Passyoune,
To save oure soule frome dampnacion.
Ne hodes, ne tyres lyche Carrake sayle.
Lord, for þy peyneful Passyoune,
To save oure soule frome dampnacion.
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54. THE SAYINGS OF THE FOUR PHILOSOPHERS (1311)
L'en puet fere & defere,
ceo fait-il trop souent;
It nis nouþer wel ne faire,
þerfore engelond is shent.
Nostre prince de engleterre,
per le consail de sa gent,
At Westminster after þe feire
maden a gret perlement.
ceo fait-il trop souent;
It nis nouþer wel ne faire,
þerfore engelond is shent.
Nostre prince de engleterre,
per le consail de sa gent,
At Westminster after þe feire
maden a gret perlement.
La chartre fet de cyre—
ieo l'enteink & bien le crey—
It was holde to neih þe fire
and is molten al awey.
Ore ne say mes que dire,
tout i va a tripolay,
Hundred, chapitle, court & shire,
al hit goþ a deuel wey.
ieo l'enteink & bien le crey—
It was holde to neih þe fire
and is molten al awey.
Ore ne say mes que dire,
tout i va a tripolay,
Hundred, chapitle, court & shire,
al hit goþ a deuel wey.
Des plu sages de la tere,
ore escoteȝ vn sarmoun,
Of iiij wise men, þat þer were,
whi engelond is brouht adoun.
ore escoteȝ vn sarmoun,
Of iiij wise men, þat þer were,
whi engelond is brouht adoun.
Þe ferste seide: i vnderstonde
Ne may no king wel ben in londe,
vnder god almihte,
But he kunne him-self rede
hou he shal in londe lede
Eueri man wid rihte.
Ne may no king wel ben in londe,
vnder god almihte,
But he kunne him-self rede
hou he shal in londe lede
Eueri man wid rihte.
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ffor miht is riht,
Liht is niht,
And fiht is fliht.
Liht is niht,
And fiht is fliht.
ffor miht is right, þe lond is laweles;
ffor niht is liht, þe lond is lore-les;
ffor fiht is fliht, þe lond is nameles.
ffor niht is liht, þe lond is lore-les;
ffor fiht is fliht, þe lond is nameles.
Þat oþer seide a word ful god:
Who-so roweþ aȝein þe flod,
Off sorwe he shal drinke;
Also hit fareþ bi þe vnsele,
A man shal haue litel hele,
Þer agein to swinke.
Who-so roweþ aȝein þe flod,
Off sorwe he shal drinke;
Also hit fareþ bi þe vnsele,
A man shal haue litel hele,
Þer agein to swinke.
Nu on is two,
Wel is wo,
And frend is fo.
Wel is wo,
And frend is fo.
ffor on is two, þat lond is streinþeles;
ffor wel is wo, þe lond is reuþeles;
ffor frend is fo, þe lond is loueles.
ffor wel is wo, þe lond is reuþeles;
ffor frend is fo, þe lond is loueles.
Þat þridde seide: it is no wonder
Off þise eyres, þat goþ vnder,
Whan þeih comen to londe,
Proude & stoute, & ginneþ ȝelpe,
Ac of þing, þat sholde helpe,
Haue þeih noht on honde.
Off þise eyres, þat goþ vnder,
Whan þeih comen to londe,
Proude & stoute, & ginneþ ȝelpe,
Ac of þing, þat sholde helpe,
Haue þeih noht on honde.
Nu lust haueþ leue,
Þef is reue,
And pride haþe sleue.
Þef is reue,
And pride haþe sleue.
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ffor lust haþ leue, þe lond is þeweles;
ffor þef is reue, þe lond is penyles;
ffor pride haþe sleue, þe lond is almusles.
ffor þef is reue, þe lond is penyles;
ffor pride haþe sleue, þe lond is almusles.
Þe ferþe seide þat he is wod
þat dwelleþ to muchel in þe flod,
ffor gold or for auhte.
ffor gold or siluer or any wele,
Hunger or þurst, hete or chele,
Al shal gon to nohte.
þat dwelleþ to muchel in þe flod,
ffor gold or for auhte.
ffor gold or siluer or any wele,
Hunger or þurst, hete or chele,
Al shal gon to nohte.
Nu wille is red,
Wit is qued,
And god is dede.
Wit is qued,
And god is dede.
ffor wille is red, þe lond is wrecful;
ffor wit is qued, þe lond is wrongful;
ffor god is ded, þe lond is sinful.
ffor wit is qued, þe lond is wrongful;
ffor god is ded, þe lond is sinful.
Wid wordis as we han pleid,
Sum wisdom we han seid,
Off olde men and ȝunge;
Off many a þing þat is in londe,
Who-so coude it vnderstonde,
So haue i told wid tunge.
Sum wisdom we han seid,
Off olde men and ȝunge;
Off many a þing þat is in londe,
Who-so coude it vnderstonde,
So haue i told wid tunge.
Riche & pore, bonde & fre,
Þat loue is god, ȝe mai se;
Loue clepes vch man broþer,
ffor if þat he to blame be,
ffor-ȝif hit him par charite,
al-þeih he do oþer.
Þat loue is god, ȝe mai se;
Loue clepes vch man broþer,
ffor if þat he to blame be,
ffor-ȝif hit him par charite,
al-þeih he do oþer.
Loue we god, & he us alle,
þat was born in an oxe stalle,
And for us don on rode.
his swete herte-blod he let
ffor us, & us faire het
þat we sholde be gode.
þat was born in an oxe stalle,
And for us don on rode.
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ffor us, & us faire het
þat we sholde be gode.
Be we nu gode & stedefast,
So þat we muwen, at þe last,
hauen heuene blisse.
To god al-mihti i preie,
Lat us neuere in sinne deie,
þat ioye for to misse.
So þat we muwen, at þe last,
hauen heuene blisse.
To god al-mihti i preie,
Lat us neuere in sinne deie,
þat ioye for to misse.
Ac leue us alle so don here,
& leue in loue & god manere,
Þe deuel for to shende,
þat we moten alle ifere
Sen him þat us bouhte dere,
In ioye wid-oute ende.
& leue in loue & god manere,
Þe deuel for to shende,
þat we moten alle ifere
Sen him þat us bouhte dere,
In ioye wid-oute ende.
Amen.
55. THE TWELVE ABUSES
Munus fit iudex, fraus est mercator in urbe;
Non est lex dominus, nec timor est pueris.
Ingenium dolus est, amor omnis ceca voluptas,
Ludus rusticitas, et gula festa dies.
Senex ridetur, sapiens mendosus habetur,
Dives laudatur, pauper vbique iacet.
Prudentes ceci, cognati degeneres sunt;
Mortuus inmemor est, nullus amicus erit.
Non est lex dominus, nec timor est pueris.
Ingenium dolus est, amor omnis ceca voluptas,
Ludus rusticitas, et gula festa dies.
Senex ridetur, sapiens mendosus habetur,
Dives laudatur, pauper vbique iacet.
Prudentes ceci, cognati degeneres sunt;
Mortuus inmemor est, nullus amicus erit.
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Ȝeft is Domesman, & gyle is chapman;
Lordys ben owtyn lawe, & chylderen ben withowtyn awe;
Wyth is trechery, & loue is lecherye;
& pley turnyt to vylanye, & holyday to glotonye.
Eld man in scornyng, wyse man in lesyng,
Ryche man in levyng, & pore man in losyng;
Sly men ben blynd, & kenred is onkynd;
Þe ded is owtyn of mynd, for he may fynd noo frond.
Lordys ben owtyn lawe, & chylderen ben withowtyn awe;
Wyth is trechery, & loue is lecherye;
& pley turnyt to vylanye, & holyday to glotonye.
Eld man in scornyng, wyse man in lesyng,
Ryche man in levyng, & pore man in losyng;
Sly men ben blynd, & kenred is onkynd;
Þe ded is owtyn of mynd, for he may fynd noo frond.
Virtus cessat. Ecclesia calcatur. Clerus errat. Demon regnat. Simonia dominatur.
Now men leuyn good thewis,
& holy chyrch is led with schrewys,
Clergie goth owt of þe wey,
þe fend among hem hath hys prey,
Symony is aboue, & awey is trwloue.
& holy chyrch is led with schrewys,
Clergie goth owt of þe wey,
þe fend among hem hath hys prey,
Symony is aboue, & awey is trwloue.
56. ABUSES OF THE AGE, I
Bissop lorles,Kyng redeles,
Ȝung man rechles,
Old man witles,
Womman ssamles.
I swer bi heuen kyng,
Þos beþ fiue liþer þing.
57. ABUSES OF THE AGE, II
Vertues & good lyuinge is cleped ypocrisie;trowþe & godis lawe is clepud heresie;
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trewe prechinge & penaunce is clepud folie.
pride is clepud honeste,
and coueityse wisdom.
richesse is clepud worþynes,
and lecherie kyndely þing,
robberie good wynnynge,
& glotenye but murþe.
enuye and wraþþe men clepen riȝtfulnes;
slouþe men clepen nedfulnes
to norshe mennes kynde.
and þus mannes lif þat shulde be holi
is turned into cursednes.
riȝtwisdom is not dred,
and mercy is but scorned;
lesinges and fables ben clepude good lore,
and cristes gospel but a chape.
And þus for defaute of trewe techinge,
men wenden to helle by many weies.
Þe ioye of heuene men setten not bi,
but al bi wordli likinge.
and here-fore ueniaunce god wol take
on us, but ȝif we amende,
and wiþ sorwe oure synne forsake
or we hame wende.
whanne hit shal be, we knowen not!
þerfore turne we bi-tyme,
For ȝif we abide fort ‘hadde y wyst’,
þanne is al to late!
58. ENGLAND MAY SING ALAS
Syn lawe for will begynnes to slaken,& falsed for sleyth now is taken;
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& of vnclennes is made solas,
Englond may say & syng, Allas! Allas!
59. TRUTH IS UNPOPULAR
God be with trewþe, qwer he be.
I wolde he were in þis cuntre!
I wolde he were in þis cuntre!
A man þat xuld of trewþe telle,
With grete lordys he may not dwelle;
In trewe story, as klerkes telle,
trewþe is put In low degre.
With grete lordys he may not dwelle;
In trewe story, as klerkes telle,
trewþe is put In low degre.
In ladyis chaumberys comit he not,
Þer dar trewþe settyn non fot;
Þow he wolde he may not
comyn among þe heye mene.
Þer dar trewþe settyn non fot;
Þow he wolde he may not
comyn among þe heye mene.
With men of lawe he haȝt non spas—
Þey louyn trewþe in non plas;
me þinkit þey han a rewly grace,
þat trewþe is put at swych degre.
Þey louyn trewþe in non plas;
me þinkit þey han a rewly grace,
þat trewþe is put at swych degre.
In holy cherche he may not sytte,
fro man to man þey xuln hym flytte;
It rewit me sore, in myn wytte;
Of trewþe I haue gret pete.
fro man to man þey xuln hym flytte;
It rewit me sore, in myn wytte;
Of trewþe I haue gret pete.
Relygius þat xulde be good,
If trewþe cum þer I holde hym wood!
Þey xuldyn hym rynde cote & hood,
& make hym bare for to fle.
If trewþe cum þer I holde hym wood!
Þey xuldyn hym rynde cote & hood,
& make hym bare for to fle.
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A man þat xulde of trewþe aspyre,
he must sekyn esylye
In þe bosum of marye,
for þere he is for-soþe.
he must sekyn esylye
In þe bosum of marye,
for þere he is for-soþe.
60. HOW GOES THIS WORLD ABOUT
As I me lend to a lend,
I herd a schepperde makyn a schowte;
he gronyd & seyde with sory syghyng,
A lord, how gos þis word a-bowte!
I herd a schepperde makyn a schowte;
he gronyd & seyde with sory syghyng,
A lord, how gos þis word a-bowte!
It gos ful wrong, ho-so it wyst:
a frend, ho may ken fro his foo?
to hom I may trewely trost,
In fayth, I fynde but fewe of þo!
a frend, ho may ken fro his foo?
to hom I may trewely trost,
In fayth, I fynde but fewe of þo!
Þe soþe, me þinkyt, if I xulde say,
trewe frendys arn fewe, with-outyn dowte;
alle half frendys, wo, wo worth hem ay.
a lord, how gos þis word a-bowte!
trewe frendys arn fewe, with-outyn dowte;
alle half frendys, wo, wo worth hem ay.
a lord, how gos þis word a-bowte!
Alle half frendys, wo worth hem ay—
In wel, in wo, in hert, in þowth.
It must be soþ þat alle men say,
he was neuere good frend was wroþ for nowth.
In wel, in wo, in hert, in þowth.
It must be soþ þat alle men say,
he was neuere good frend was wroþ for nowth.
Now wel, now wo, now frend, now foo;
Now lef, now þef, now in, now out;
Now cum, now go, now to, now fro—
A lord, how gos þis word a-bowte!
Now lef, now þef, now in, now out;
Now cum, now go, now to, now fro—
A lord, how gos þis word a-bowte!
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Þe werst wytys herte of alle man kende;
alle wykkyd tungys, ay worth hem woo!
þei arn ful fayn fals talis to fynd,
þei gref me þus, I may not goo.
alle wykkyd tungys, ay worth hem woo!
þei arn ful fayn fals talis to fynd,
þei gref me þus, I may not goo.
but god of hem þou take sum wreche,
& a-rest hem alle be rowt;
þat false arn & fayre cun speke—
A lord, how gos þis word a-bowte!
& a-rest hem alle be rowt;
þat false arn & fayre cun speke—
A lord, how gos þis word a-bowte!
61. THIS WORLD IS VARIABLE
Wold god þat men myȝt sene
hertys whan þei bene,
for thynges þat bene vn-trew.
If yt be as I wene,
thyng þat semyth grene,
ys ofte fadyd of hew.
hertys whan þei bene,
for thynges þat bene vn-trew.
If yt be as I wene,
thyng þat semyth grene,
ys ofte fadyd of hew.
Wyll ys tak for reson;
Trew loue ys full geson;
No man sett be shame.
Trost ys full of treson;
Eche man oderys cheson,
No man hym-seylfe wyll blame.
Trew loue ys full geson;
No man sett be shame.
Trost ys full of treson;
Eche man oderys cheson,
No man hym-seylfe wyll blame.
Thys warlde ys varyabyll,
No-thyng þer-in ys stable,
A-say now, ho-so wyll.
Syn yt is so mutable,
how shuld men be stable?
yt may not be thorow skyll!
No-thyng þer-in ys stable,
A-say now, ho-so wyll.
Syn yt is so mutable,
how shuld men be stable?
yt may not be thorow skyll!
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Whane brome wyll appolles bere,
& humlok hony in feere,
þan sek rest in lond.
With men is no pees;
Ne rest in hart is, no lese,
With few be see & sond.
& humlok hony in feere,
þan sek rest in lond.
With men is no pees;
Ne rest in hart is, no lese,
With few be see & sond.
Sythyn þer is no rest,
I hold it for þe best,
god to be owre frend.
he þat ys owre lord,
delyuer vs ouȝt with hys word,
& gravnt vs a good ende!
I hold it for þe best,
god to be owre frend.
he þat ys owre lord,
delyuer vs ouȝt with hys word,
& gravnt vs a good ende!
62. NOW IS ENGLAND PERISHED
Nowe is Englond perisshed in fight,
With moche people & consciens light,
Many knyghtes & lytyll myght,
Many lawys & lityll right;
With moche people & consciens light,
Many knyghtes & lytyll myght,
Many lawys & lityll right;
Lytyll cherite & fayn to please,
Many galantes & penylese,
Great courtears & small wages,
Many gentilmen & fewe pages;
Many galantes & penylese,
Great courtears & small wages,
Many gentilmen & fewe pages;
Short gownys & slyt sleuys,
Wel besee & strong thevys;
Great boost & gay clothis,
Mark theym well, thei lak non otheȝ.
Wel besee & strong thevys;
Great boost & gay clothis,
Mark theym well, thei lak non otheȝ.
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Many fals slawnders of riches,
And yet pouerte apperith neuerthelesse;
Many beades & fewe prayers,
Many dettours & fewe good payers.
And yet pouerte apperith neuerthelesse;
Many beades & fewe prayers,
Many dettours & fewe good payers.
Small festyng & lytyll penaunce,
Thus all is turned in-to myschaunce,
Extorcion, & moch Symony,
fals couetyse with periurye;
Thus all is turned in-to myschaunce,
Extorcion, & moch Symony,
fals couetyse with periurye;
With lechery & aduowetrye,
ffayned frenship & ypocrisye;
Also gyle on euery syde,
With murdre & much pride;
ffayned frenship & ypocrisye;
Also gyle on euery syde,
With murdre & much pride;
Great envy & wilfulnes,
With-out mercy or rightwysnes;
The cause is for lak of light,
That shuld be in the church of right.
With-out mercy or rightwysnes;
The cause is for lak of light,
That shuld be in the church of right.
63. THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN
Religious pepille leuyn in holynesse,
Seruiabli with-owte transmutacion.
Enuy exilid is fro gentylnesse;
And for ypocrosye ys set deuocion.
In lawe trouthe hathe his dominacion;
All dowblenesse venquesschid bi right at þe desire;
Stablenesse foundon, and spesialli in a-tire.
Seruiabli with-owte transmutacion.
Enuy exilid is fro gentylnesse;
And for ypocrosye ys set deuocion.
In lawe trouthe hathe his dominacion;
All dowblenesse venquesschid bi right at þe desire;
Stablenesse foundon, and spesialli in a-tire.
Amongge the comyns pride is now exilid;
Louers vsyn no fayned countenaunce;
In knyghthod largesse nwli ys reuyuyd.
Ho can in court fynd eny variaunce?
Prestus in litille han there suffisaunce;
Conschiaunce with Marchaundice is cheffe lord & syre;
And stablenesse foundun, and spesialli in a-tire.
Louers vsyn no fayned countenaunce;
In knyghthod largesse nwli ys reuyuyd.
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Prestus in litille han there suffisaunce;
Conschiaunce with Marchaundice is cheffe lord & syre;
And stablenesse foundun, and spesialli in a-tire.
Humblesse the name of rigour hath owȝt rased,
Which grauen was in femynyte.
Frenchip and Kynred to-gederis ben enbrasid;
Bovnte his sugenaunsse hathe bewte;
Fals Raungor ys fled; and benygnyte
Of envi hath quenchid þe sotell fire;
And stablenesse Foundon, & spesialli in a-tire.
Which grauen was in femynyte.
Frenchip and Kynred to-gederis ben enbrasid;
Bovnte his sugenaunsse hathe bewte;
Fals Raungor ys fled; and benygnyte
Of envi hath quenchid þe sotell fire;
And stablenesse Foundon, & spesialli in a-tire.
Consciens Romyng in eueri path & strete;
Vnabelite woll take on hym no charge;
Coueitice with falshode neuyr more to mete;
And playn prechorws there to sey at large;
Aliauns put disdeyne in seruage;
Law so parfit þat woll chaunge for no hire;
And stabilnesse found, and spesialli in a-tire.
Vnabelite woll take on hym no charge;
Coueitice with falshode neuyr more to mete;
And playn prechorws there to sey at large;
Aliauns put disdeyne in seruage;
Law so parfit þat woll chaunge for no hire;
And stabilnesse found, and spesialli in a-tire.
No evne Reynyngge but suche as kepith wighte;
Favell hathe lost his tongge and countenaunce;
Parfitte trust and spesialli owȝt of syght;
Periuri is fled forthe in-to Fraunce;
Wommanhode hatyng oure aqueyntaunce;
Freris to flatur han lost þere desire;
And stablenesse foundon, & spesialli in a-tire.
Favell hathe lost his tongge and countenaunce;
Parfitte trust and spesialli owȝt of syght;
Periuri is fled forthe in-to Fraunce;
Wommanhode hatyng oure aqueyntaunce;
Freris to flatur han lost þere desire;
And stablenesse foundon, & spesialli in a-tire.
In eche matire mede is now forsake;
Lordis gamys cherished to þere availe;
Iurrours woll for-swere gold forto take;
No fals Marchaundice sold at retaile;
Wiffis answerum not at þe counturtaile;
All true laborerres paide daili þe hire;
And stabilnesse foundun, specialli in a-tire.
Lordis gamys cherished to þere availe;
Iurrours woll for-swere gold forto take;
No fals Marchaundice sold at retaile;
152
All true laborerres paide daili þe hire;
And stabilnesse foundun, specialli in a-tire.
All these lightli shold tornyn vp so dovne,
Ne were of wommen þe perfight stablenesse.
Ho can fynd more comfortable sovn
Than is þere vois in eche nede & distresse?
For þei eryn þe well of comfort & mekenesse.
Ner the wisdomes, all we were in þe myre,
And perfit stablenesse of suche as were a-tire.
Ne were of wommen þe perfight stablenesse.
Ho can fynd more comfortable sovn
Than is þere vois in eche nede & distresse?
For þei eryn þe well of comfort & mekenesse.
Ner the wisdomes, all we were in þe myre,
And perfit stablenesse of suche as were a-tire.
CRITICS OF THE LOLLARDS
64. DEFEND US FROM ALL LOLLARDRY
Lo, he þat can be cristes clerc,
And knowe þe knottes of his crede,
Now may se a wonder werke,
Of harde happes to take goud heede.
The dome of dethe is heuy drede
For hym þat wol not mercy crie;
Þan is my rede, for mucke ne mede,
Þat no man melle of lollardrye.
And knowe þe knottes of his crede,
Now may se a wonder werke,
Of harde happes to take goud heede.
The dome of dethe is heuy drede
For hym þat wol not mercy crie;
Þan is my rede, for mucke ne mede,
Þat no man melle of lollardrye.
I sey for meself, yut wist I neuer
but now late what hit shuld be,
and, by my trouth, I haue wel leuer
no more kyn þan my a, b, c.
To lolle so hie in suyche degre,
hit is no perfit profecie,
Sauf seker sample to þe & me
to be war of lollardie.
but now late what hit shuld be,
and, by my trouth, I haue wel leuer
no more kyn þan my a, b, c.
To lolle so hie in suyche degre,
hit is no perfit profecie,
Sauf seker sample to þe & me
to be war of lollardie.
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The game is noȝt to lolle so hie
þer fete failen fondement;
and yut is a moch folie
for fals beleue to ben brent.
þer þe bibell is al myswent,
To iangle of Iob or Ieremye,
þat construen hit after her entent
for lewde lust of lollardie.
þer fete failen fondement;
and yut is a moch folie
for fals beleue to ben brent.
þer þe bibell is al myswent,
To iangle of Iob or Ieremye,
þat construen hit after her entent
for lewde lust of lollardie.
Hit is vnkyndly for a kniȝt,
Þat shuld a kynges castel kepe,
To bable þe bibel day & niȝt
In restyng tyme when he shuld slepe;
& carefoly awey to crepe,
for alle þe chief of chiualrie.
Wel aught hym to waile & wepe,
Þat suyche lust haþ in lollardie.
Þat shuld a kynges castel kepe,
To bable þe bibel day & niȝt
In restyng tyme when he shuld slepe;
& carefoly awey to crepe,
for alle þe chief of chiualrie.
Wel aught hym to waile & wepe,
Þat suyche lust haþ in lollardie.
An old castel, & not repaired,
With wast walles & wowes wide,
Þe wages ben ful yuel wared
With suich a capitayn to abide;
Þat rereth riot for to ride
Agayns þe kynge & his clergie,
With priue peyne & pore pride;
Þer is a poynt of lollardie.
With wast walles & wowes wide,
Þe wages ben ful yuel wared
With suich a capitayn to abide;
Þat rereth riot for to ride
Agayns þe kynge & his clergie,
With priue peyne & pore pride;
Þer is a poynt of lollardie.
for many a man withyn a while
shal aby his gult ful sore;
So fele gostes to begile
hym aught to rue euermore.
For his sorowe shal he neuer restore
Þat he venemed with enuye;
But ban þe burthe þat he was of bore,
Or euer had lust in lollardie.
shal aby his gult ful sore;
So fele gostes to begile
hym aught to rue euermore.
For his sorowe shal he neuer restore
Þat he venemed with enuye;
But ban þe burthe þat he was of bore,
Or euer had lust in lollardie.
154
Euery shepe þat shuld be fed in felde,
& kepte fro wolfes in her folde,
Hem nedeth neþer spere ne shulde,
Ne in no castel to be withholde.
for þer þe pasture is ful colde,
in somer seson when hit is drie;
& namly when þe soyle is solde,
for lewde lust of lollardie.
& kepte fro wolfes in her folde,
Hem nedeth neþer spere ne shulde,
Ne in no castel to be withholde.
for þer þe pasture is ful colde,
in somer seson when hit is drie;
& namly when þe soyle is solde,
for lewde lust of lollardie.
An old castel draw al don,
hit is ful hard to rere hit newe,
With suyche a congregacion
þat cast hem to be vntrewe.
When beggers mow neþer bake ne brewe,
ne haue wherwith to borrow ne bie,
Þan mot riot robbe or reve,
Vnder þe colour of lollardie.
hit is ful hard to rere hit newe,
With suyche a congregacion
þat cast hem to be vntrewe.
When beggers mow neþer bake ne brewe,
ne haue wherwith to borrow ne bie,
Þan mot riot robbe or reve,
Vnder þe colour of lollardie.
That castel is not for a kynge
þer þe walles ben ouerthrowe;
& yut wel wors abidynge
whan þe captayn away is flowe,
And forsake spere & bowe,
to crepe fro kniȝthode into clergie.
Þer is a bitter blast yblowe,
to be bawde of lollardie.
þer þe walles ben ouerthrowe;
& yut wel wors abidynge
whan þe captayn away is flowe,
And forsake spere & bowe,
to crepe fro kniȝthode into clergie.
Þer is a bitter blast yblowe,
to be bawde of lollardie.
I trowe þer be no kniȝt alyue
Þat wold haue don so open a shame,
for þat crafte to studi or striue,
hit is no gentel mannes game;
but if hym lust to haue a name
of pelour vnder ipocrasie,
& þat wer a foule defame
to haue suyche lose of lollardie.
Þat wold haue don so open a shame,
for þat crafte to studi or striue,
hit is no gentel mannes game;
but if hym lust to haue a name
of pelour vnder ipocrasie,
& þat wer a foule defame
to haue suyche lose of lollardie.
155
And, parde, lolle þei neuer so longe,
yut wol lawe make hem lowte;
God wol not suffre hem be so stronge
to bryng her purpos so abowte,
with saunȝ faile & saunȝ doute,
to rere riot and robberie;
By reson þei shul not long route,
while þe taile is docked of lollardie.
yut wol lawe make hem lowte;
God wol not suffre hem be so stronge
to bryng her purpos so abowte,
with saunȝ faile & saunȝ doute,
to rere riot and robberie;
By reson þei shul not long route,
while þe taile is docked of lollardie.
Of þe hede hit is las charge,
when grace wol not be his gide,
Ne suffre hym for to lepe at large,
but heuely his hede to hide.
Where shuld he oþer route or ride
agayns þe chief of chiualrie,
Not hardi in no place to abide,
for alle þe sekte of lollardie.
when grace wol not be his gide,
Ne suffre hym for to lepe at large,
but heuely his hede to hide.
Where shuld he oþer route or ride
agayns þe chief of chiualrie,
Not hardi in no place to abide,
for alle þe sekte of lollardie.
A! god, what vnkyndly gost
shuld greue þat god grucched nouȝt!
Thes lollardes þat lothen ymages most
with mannes handes made & wrouȝt,
& pilgrimages to be souȝt;
þei seien hit is but mawmentrie.
He þat þis lose first vp brouȝt,
had gret lust in lollardie.
shuld greue þat god grucched nouȝt!
Thes lollardes þat lothen ymages most
with mannes handes made & wrouȝt,
& pilgrimages to be souȝt;
þei seien hit is but mawmentrie.
He þat þis lose first vp brouȝt,
had gret lust in lollardie.
Ho wor ful lewde þat wolde byleue
in figure mad of stok or ston,
Yut fourme shuld we none repreue,
neþer of marie ne of Ion,
Petre, Poule, ne oþer none
canonised by clergie;
Þan þe seyntes euerychon
be litel holde to lollardie.
in figure mad of stok or ston,
Yut fourme shuld we none repreue,
neþer of marie ne of Ion,
Petre, Poule, ne oþer none
canonised by clergie;
Þan þe seyntes euerychon
be litel holde to lollardie.
156
And namly Iames among hem alle
for he twyes had turnement,
Moch mischaunse mot him befalle
þat last beheded hym in kent;
& alle þat were of þat assent.
to crist of heuen I clepe & crie,
Send hem þe same Iugement,
& alle þe sekte of lollardie.
for he twyes had turnement,
Moch mischaunse mot him befalle
þat last beheded hym in kent;
& alle þat were of þat assent.
to crist of heuen I clepe & crie,
Send hem þe same Iugement,
& alle þe sekte of lollardie.
For þat vengans agayns kynde
was a poynt of cowardyse;
& namly suych on to bete or bynde
þat miȝt not stand, set, ne rise.
What dome wold ye hym deuyse
by lawe of armes or gentrie,
But serue hym in þe same wise,
& alle þe sekte of lollardie.
was a poynt of cowardyse;
& namly suych on to bete or bynde
þat miȝt not stand, set, ne rise.
What dome wold ye hym deuyse
by lawe of armes or gentrie,
But serue hym in þe same wise,
& alle þe sekte of lollardie.
When falsnes faileþ frele folie,
pride wol preseyn sone amonge;
Þan willerdome with old enuy
can none oþer way but wronge.
For synne & shame with sorowe strong,
So ouerset with avutrie,
Þat fals beleue is fayn to fonge
þe lewde lust of lollardie;
pride wol preseyn sone amonge;
Þan willerdome with old enuy
can none oþer way but wronge.
For synne & shame with sorowe strong,
So ouerset with avutrie,
Þat fals beleue is fayn to fonge
þe lewde lust of lollardie;
and vnder colour of suiche lollynge,
To shape sodeyn surreccion
Agaynst oure liege lord kynge,
with fals ymaginacion.
& for þat corsed conclusion,
by dome of kniȝthode & clergie,
Now turneth to confusion
þe sory sekte of lollardie.
To shape sodeyn surreccion
Agaynst oure liege lord kynge,
with fals ymaginacion.
& for þat corsed conclusion,
by dome of kniȝthode & clergie,
Now turneth to confusion
þe sory sekte of lollardie.
157
For holy writ berith witnes,
He þat fals is to his kyng,
Þat shamful deth & hard distres
shal be his dome at his endynge.
Þan double deth for suyche lollynge
is heuy, when we shul hennes hye.
Now, lord, þat madest of nouȝt all thinge,
defende vs all fro lollardie.
He þat fals is to his kyng,
Þat shamful deth & hard distres
shal be his dome at his endynge.
Þan double deth for suyche lollynge
is heuy, when we shul hennes hye.
Now, lord, þat madest of nouȝt all thinge,
defende vs all fro lollardie.
CRITICS OF THE FRIARS
65. THE ORDERS OF CAIN (1382)
Preste, ne monke, ne ȝit chanoun,
Ne no man of religioun,
Gyfen hem so to deuocioun
As done þes holy frers.
For summe gyuen ham to chyualry,
Somme to riote & ribaudery;
Bot ffrers gyuen ham to grete study,
And to grete prayers.
Who-so kepes þair reule al,
boþe in worde & dede,
I am ful siker þat he shal
haue heuen blis to mede.
Ne no man of religioun,
Gyfen hem so to deuocioun
As done þes holy frers.
For summe gyuen ham to chyualry,
Somme to riote & ribaudery;
Bot ffrers gyuen ham to grete study,
And to grete prayers.
Who-so kepes þair reule al,
boþe in worde & dede,
I am ful siker þat he shal
haue heuen blis to mede.
Men may se by þair contynaunce
Þat þai are men of grete penaunce,
And also þat þair sustynaunce
Simple is & wayke.
I haue lyued now fourty ȝers,
And fatter men about þe neres
Ȝit sawe I neuer þen are þese frers,
In contreys þer þai rayke.
Meteles so megre are þai made,
& penaunce so puttes ham doun,
Þat ichone is an hors-lade
when he shal trusse of toun.
Þat þai are men of grete penaunce,
And also þat þair sustynaunce
Simple is & wayke.
I haue lyued now fourty ȝers,
And fatter men about þe neres
Ȝit sawe I neuer þen are þese frers,
In contreys þer þai rayke.
158
& penaunce so puttes ham doun,
Þat ichone is an hors-lade
when he shal trusse of toun.
Allas, þat euer it shuld be so,
Suche clerkes as þai about shuld go,
Fro toun to toun by two & two,
to seke þair sustynaunce!
By god þat al þis world wan,
He þat þat ordre first bygan,
Me thynk certes it was a man
of simple ordynaunce.
For þai haue noght to lyue by,
þai wandren here & þere,
And dele with dyuers marcerye,
right as þai pedlers were.
Suche clerkes as þai about shuld go,
Fro toun to toun by two & two,
to seke þair sustynaunce!
By god þat al þis world wan,
He þat þat ordre first bygan,
Me thynk certes it was a man
of simple ordynaunce.
For þai haue noght to lyue by,
þai wandren here & þere,
And dele with dyuers marcerye,
right as þai pedlers were.
Þai dele with purses, pynnes, & knyues,
With gyrdles, gloues for wenches & wyues—
Bot euer bacward þe husband thryues
þer þai are haunted till.
For when þe gode man is fro hame,
And þe frere comes to oure dame,
He spares nauþer for synne ne shame
þat he ne dos his will.
If þai no helpe of houswyues had,
whan husbandes are not Inne,
Þe freres welfare were ful bad,
for þai shuld brewe ful þynne.
With gyrdles, gloues for wenches & wyues—
Bot euer bacward þe husband thryues
þer þai are haunted till.
For when þe gode man is fro hame,
And þe frere comes to oure dame,
He spares nauþer for synne ne shame
þat he ne dos his will.
If þai no helpe of houswyues had,
whan husbandes are not Inne,
Þe freres welfare were ful bad,
for þai shuld brewe ful þynne.
Somme frers beren pelure aboute,
For grete ladys & wenches stoute,
To reuerce with þair cloþes withoute—
Al after þat, þai ere—
For somme vaire, & somme gryse,
For somme bugee, & for somme byse.
& also many a dyuers spyse,
In bagges about þai bere.
Al þat for women is plesand
ful redy certes haue þai;
Bot lytel gyfe þai þe husband
þat for al shal pay.
For grete ladys & wenches stoute,
To reuerce with þair cloþes withoute—
Al after þat, þai ere—
159
For somme bugee, & for somme byse.
& also many a dyuers spyse,
In bagges about þai bere.
Al þat for women is plesand
ful redy certes haue þai;
Bot lytel gyfe þai þe husband
þat for al shal pay.
Trantes þai can, & many iape;
For somme can with a pound of sape
Gete him a kyrtelle & a cape
& somwhat els þerto!
Wherto shuld I oþes swere?
Þer is no pedler þat pak can bere
Þat half so dere can sell his gere
þen a frer can do.
For if he gife a wyfe a knyfe
þat cost bot penys two,
Worþe ten knyues, so mot I thryfe,
he wyl haue er he go.
For somme can with a pound of sape
Gete him a kyrtelle & a cape
& somwhat els þerto!
Wherto shuld I oþes swere?
Þer is no pedler þat pak can bere
Þat half so dere can sell his gere
þen a frer can do.
For if he gife a wyfe a knyfe
þat cost bot penys two,
Worþe ten knyues, so mot I thryfe,
he wyl haue er he go.
Ich man þat here shal lede his life,
Þat has a faire doghter or a wyfe,
Be war þat no frer ham shryfe,
nauther loude ne still.
Þof women seme of hert ful stable,
With faire byhest and with fable
Þat can make þair hertes chaungeable,
and þair likynges fulfill.
Be war ay with þe lymitour,
& with his felawe baþe;
& þai make maystries in þi bour,
It shal turne þe to scaþe.
Þat has a faire doghter or a wyfe,
Be war þat no frer ham shryfe,
nauther loude ne still.
Þof women seme of hert ful stable,
With faire byhest and with fable
Þat can make þair hertes chaungeable,
and þair likynges fulfill.
Be war ay with þe lymitour,
& with his felawe baþe;
& þai make maystries in þi bour,
It shal turne þe to scaþe.
160
Were I am a man þat hous helde,
If any woman with me dwelde,
þer is no frer bot he were gelde
shuld com with-In my wones.
For may he til a woman wynne
In priueyte, he wyl not blynne
Er he a childe put hir with-Inne—
& perchaunce two at ones!
Þof he loure vnder his hode,
with semblaunt quaynte & mylde,
If þou him trust, or dos him gode,
by god, þou ert bygylde!
If any woman with me dwelde,
þer is no frer bot he were gelde
shuld com with-In my wones.
For may he til a woman wynne
In priueyte, he wyl not blynne
Er he a childe put hir with-Inne—
& perchaunce two at ones!
Þof he loure vnder his hode,
with semblaunt quaynte & mylde,
If þou him trust, or dos him gode,
by god, þou ert bygylde!
Þai say þat þai distroye synne,
& þai mayntene men moste þer-Inne;
For had a man slayn al his kynne,
go shryue him at a frere,
& for lesse þen a payre of shone
He wyl assoil him, clene & sone,
And say þe synne þat he has done
his saule shal neuer dere.
It semes soþe þat men sayne of hayme
in many dyuers londe,
Þat þat caytyfe cursed cayme
first þis ordre fonde.
& þai mayntene men moste þer-Inne;
For had a man slayn al his kynne,
go shryue him at a frere,
& for lesse þen a payre of shone
He wyl assoil him, clene & sone,
And say þe synne þat he has done
his saule shal neuer dere.
It semes soþe þat men sayne of hayme
in many dyuers londe,
Þat þat caytyfe cursed cayme
first þis ordre fonde.
Nou se þe soþe whedre it be swa,
Þat frer carmes come of a k,
Þe frer austynes come of a,
frer Iacobynes of i,
Of M comen þe frer menours.
Þus grounded caym thes four ordours,
Þat fillen þe world ful of errours
& of ypocrisy.
Alle wyckednes þat men can tell
regnes ham among;
Þer shal no saule haue rowme in hell,
of frers þer is such þrong.
Þat frer carmes come of a k,
Þe frer austynes come of a,
frer Iacobynes of i,
Of M comen þe frer menours.
Þus grounded caym thes four ordours,
Þat fillen þe world ful of errours
& of ypocrisy.
161
regnes ham among;
Þer shal no saule haue rowme in hell,
of frers þer is such þrong.
Þai trauele ȝerne & bysily,
To brynge doun þe clergye;
Þai speken þerof ay vilany,
& þerof þai done wrong.
Whoso lyues oght many ȝers
Shal se þat it shall fall of frers
As it dyd of þe templers,
þat wonned here vs among.
For þai held no religioun
bot lyued after lykyng;
Þai were distroyed & broght adoun
þurgh ordynance of þe kyng.
To brynge doun þe clergye;
Þai speken þerof ay vilany,
& þerof þai done wrong.
Whoso lyues oght many ȝers
Shal se þat it shall fall of frers
As it dyd of þe templers,
þat wonned here vs among.
For þai held no religioun
bot lyued after lykyng;
Þai were distroyed & broght adoun
þurgh ordynance of þe kyng.
Þes frers haunten a dredful þing,
Þat neuer shal come to gode endyng:
O frer for eght or nyen shal syng,
for ten or for elleuen.
& when his terme is fully gone,
Conscience þen has he none,
þat he ne dar take of ychone
Markes sixe or seuen.
Suche annuels has made þes frers
so wely & so gay,
Þat þer may no possessioners
mayntene þair array.
Þat neuer shal come to gode endyng:
O frer for eght or nyen shal syng,
for ten or for elleuen.
& when his terme is fully gone,
Conscience þen has he none,
þat he ne dar take of ychone
Markes sixe or seuen.
Suche annuels has made þes frers
so wely & so gay,
Þat þer may no possessioners
mayntene þair array.
Þam felle to lyue al on purchace,
Of almes geten fro place to place;
& for all þat þam holpen has,
shuld þai pray & syng.
Bot now þis londe so negh soght is,
þat vnneþe may prestes seculers
Gete any seruice for þes frers—
þat is wondre þing.
Þis is a quaynt custome
ordeyned ham among,
Þat frers shal annuel prestes bycome,
& so-gates selle þer song.
Of almes geten fro place to place;
& for all þat þam holpen has,
shuld þai pray & syng.
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þat vnneþe may prestes seculers
Gete any seruice for þes frers—
þat is wondre þing.
Þis is a quaynt custome
ordeyned ham among,
Þat frers shal annuel prestes bycome,
& so-gates selle þer song.
Ful wysely can þai preche & say;
Bot as þai preche, no þing do þai.
I was a frere ful many a day,
þerfor þe soþe I wate.
Bot when I sawe þat þair lyuyng
Acordyd not to þair preching,
Of I cast my frer cloþing
& wyghtly went my gate.
Oþer leue ne toke I none
fro ham when I went,
Bot toke ham to þe deuel ychone,
þe priour & þe couent.
Bot as þai preche, no þing do þai.
I was a frere ful many a day,
þerfor þe soþe I wate.
Bot when I sawe þat þair lyuyng
Acordyd not to þair preching,
Of I cast my frer cloþing
& wyghtly went my gate.
Oþer leue ne toke I none
fro ham when I went,
Bot toke ham to þe deuel ychone,
þe priour & þe couent.
Out of þe ordre þof I be gone,
Apostota ne am I none;
Of twelue moneþes me wanted one,
& odde days nyen or ten.
Away to wende I made me boun,
Or tyme come of professioun,
I went my way þurghout þe toun
In syght of many men.
Lord god þat with paynes ill
mankynde boght so dere,
Let neuer man after me haue will
for to make him frere!
Apostota ne am I none;
Of twelue moneþes me wanted one,
& odde days nyen or ten.
Away to wende I made me boun,
Or tyme come of professioun,
I went my way þurghout þe toun
In syght of many men.
Lord god þat with paynes ill
mankynde boght so dere,
Let neuer man after me haue will
for to make him frere!
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66. ON THE MINORITES (1382)
Of þes frer mynours me thenkes moch wonder,
Þat waxen are þus hauteyn, þat som tyme weren vnder;
Among men of holy chirch þai maken mochel blonder;
Nou he þat sytes vs aboue, make ham sone to sonder!
With an O & an I, þai praysen not seynt poule,
Þai lyen on seyn ffraunceys, by my fader soule!
Þat waxen are þus hauteyn, þat som tyme weren vnder;
Among men of holy chirch þai maken mochel blonder;
Nou he þat sytes vs aboue, make ham sone to sonder!
With an O & an I, þai praysen not seynt poule,
Þai lyen on seyn ffraunceys, by my fader soule!
First þai gabben on god þat all men may se,
When þai hangen him on hegh on a grene tre,
With leues & with blossemes þat bright are of ble,
Þat was neuer goddes son by my leute.
With an O & an I, Men wenen þat þai wede,
To carpe so of clergy þat can not þair crede.
When þai hangen him on hegh on a grene tre,
With leues & with blossemes þat bright are of ble,
Þat was neuer goddes son by my leute.
With an O & an I, Men wenen þat þai wede,
To carpe so of clergy þat can not þair crede.
Þai haue done him on a croys fer vp in þe skye,
And festned in hym wyenges, as he shuld flie.
Þis fals feyned byleue shal þai soure bye,
On þat louelych lord, so forto lye.
With an O & an I, One sayd ful still,
Armachan distroy ham, if it is goddes will.
And festned in hym wyenges, as he shuld flie.
Þis fals feyned byleue shal þai soure bye,
On þat louelych lord, so forto lye.
With an O & an I, One sayd ful still,
Armachan distroy ham, if it is goddes will.
Þer comes one out of þe skye in a grey goun,
As it were an hog-hyerd hyand to toun;
Þai haue mo goddes þen we, I say by Mahoun,
All men vnder ham, þat euer beres croun.
With an O & an I, why shuld þai not be shent?
Þer wantes noght bot a fyre þat þai nere all brent!
As it were an hog-hyerd hyand to toun;
Þai haue mo goddes þen we, I say by Mahoun,
All men vnder ham, þat euer beres croun.
With an O & an I, why shuld þai not be shent?
Þer wantes noght bot a fyre þat þai nere all brent!
Went I forther on my way in þat same tyde,
Þer I sawe a frere bled in myddes of his syde,
Boþe in hondes & in fete had he woundes wyde,
To serue to þat same frer, þe pope mot abyde.
With an O & an I, I wonder of þes dedes,
To se a pope holde a dische whyl þe frer bledes.
Þer I sawe a frere bled in myddes of his syde,
Boþe in hondes & in fete had he woundes wyde,
To serue to þat same frer, þe pope mot abyde.
164
To se a pope holde a dische whyl þe frer bledes.
A cart was made al of fyre, as it shuld be,
A gray frer I sawe þer-Inne, þat best lyked me.
Wele I wote þai shal be brent, by my leaute;
God graunt me þat grace þat I may it se.
With an O & an I, Brent be þai all,
& all þat helpes þerto faire mot byfall.
A gray frer I sawe þer-Inne, þat best lyked me.
Wele I wote þai shal be brent, by my leaute;
God graunt me þat grace þat I may it se.
With an O & an I, Brent be þai all,
& all þat helpes þerto faire mot byfall.
Þai preche all of pouert, bot þat loue þai noght,
For gode mete to þair mouþe þe toun is þurgh soght;
Wyde are þair wonnynges & wonderfully wroght,
Murdre and horedome ful dere has it boght.
With an O & an I, ffor sixe pens, er þai fayle,
Sle þi fadre & iape þi modre, & þai wyl þe assoile!
For gode mete to þair mouþe þe toun is þurgh soght;
Wyde are þair wonnynges & wonderfully wroght,
Murdre and horedome ful dere has it boght.
With an O & an I, ffor sixe pens, er þai fayle,
Sle þi fadre & iape þi modre, & þai wyl þe assoile!
67. FRIARS, MINISTRI MALORUM
ffreers, freers, wo ȝe be!ministri malorum.
ffor many a mannes soule brynge ȝe
ad penas inffernorum.
whan seyntes ffelle ffryst ffrom heuen,
quo prius habitabant,
In erthe leyftt þo synnus vij
& ffratres communicabant.
ffolnes was þe ffryst ffloure
quem ffratres pertulerunt,
ffor folnes & fals derei
multi perierunt.
165
ad ffalundum gentem,
& weyl can blere a mannus ye
pecunias habentem.
yf þei may no more geytte,
fruges petunt isti,
ffor folnes walde þei not lette,
qui non sunt de grege cristi.
lat a ffreer off sum ordur
tecum pernoctare,
odur þi wyff or þi dougtour
hic vult violare;
or þi sun he weyl prefur,
sicut ffurtam ffortis.
god gyffe syche a ffreer peyn
In inferni portis!
þei weyl assaylle boyth Iacke & gylle,
licet sint predones;
& parte off pennans take hem tylle,
qui sunt latrones.
þer may no lorde of þis cuntre
sic edifficare
as may þes ffreers, were þei be,
qui vadunt mendicare.
mony-makers I trow þei be,
regis proditores,
þerffore yll mowyth þei thee,
ffalsi deceptores.
ffader ffyrst in trinite,
ffilius atque fflamen.
Omnes dicant Amen.
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68. THE LAYMAN'S COMPLAINT
Þou þat sellest þe worde of god,
Be þou berfot, be þou schod,
Cum neuere here.
In principio erat verbum
Is þe worde of god, all & sum,
þat þou sellest, lewed frere.
Be þou berfot, be þou schod,
Cum neuere here.
In principio erat verbum
Is þe worde of god, all & sum,
þat þou sellest, lewed frere.
Hit is cursed symonie
Eþer to selle or to bye
Ony gostly þinge;
Þerfore, frere, go as þou come,
& hold þe in þi hows at home
til we þe almis brynge.
Eþer to selle or to bye
Ony gostly þinge;
Þerfore, frere, go as þou come,
& hold þe in þi hows at home
til we þe almis brynge.
Goddis lawe ȝe reuerson,
And mennes howsis ȝe persen,
As poul beriþ wittnes.
As mydday deuelis goynge abowte,
for money lowle ȝe lowte,
flatteringe boyþe more & lesse.
And mennes howsis ȝe persen,
As poul beriþ wittnes.
As mydday deuelis goynge abowte,
for money lowle ȝe lowte,
flatteringe boyþe more & lesse.
69. THE FRIAR'S ANSWER
Allas! what schul we freris do,
Now lewed men kun holy writ?
Alle abowte wherre I go
Þei aposen me of it.
Now lewed men kun holy writ?
Alle abowte wherre I go
Þei aposen me of it.
167
Þen wondriþ me þat it is so
How lewed men kun alle writ.
Sertenly we be vn-do
But if we mo amende it.
How lewed men kun alle writ.
Sertenly we be vn-do
But if we mo amende it.
I trowe þe deuel browȝt it aboute
To write þe gospel in englishe,
ffor lewed men ben nowe so stowt
Þat þei ȝeuen vs neyþer fleche ne fishe.
To write þe gospel in englishe,
ffor lewed men ben nowe so stowt
Þat þei ȝeuen vs neyþer fleche ne fishe.
When I come into a schope
for to say “in principio,”
Þei bidine me, “goo forþ, lewed poppe!”
& worche & win my siluer so!
for to say “in principio,”
Þei bidine me, “goo forþ, lewed poppe!”
& worche & win my siluer so!
Yf y sae hit longoþ not
ffor prestis to worche where þei go,
Þei leggen for hem holi writ
And sein þat seint polle did soo.
ffor prestis to worche where þei go,
Þei leggen for hem holi writ
And sein þat seint polle did soo.
Þan þei loken on my nabete,
& sein, “forsoþe, withoutton oþes,
Wheþer it be russet, black, or white,
It is worþe alle oure werynge cloþes.”
& sein, “forsoþe, withoutton oþes,
Wheþer it be russet, black, or white,
It is worþe alle oure werynge cloþes.”
I saye, “I, not for me,
bot for them þat haue none.”
Þei seyne, “þou hauist to or þre;
ȝeuen hem þat nedith þerof oone.”
bot for them þat haue none.”
Þei seyne, “þou hauist to or þre;
ȝeuen hem þat nedith þerof oone.”
Þus oure desseytis bene aspiede
In þis maner & mani moo;
fewe men bedden vs abyde
but hey fast þat we were goo.
In þis maner & mani moo;
fewe men bedden vs abyde
but hey fast þat we were goo.
168
If it goo forþe in þis maner,
It wole done vs myche gyle;
Men schul fynde vnneþe a frere
In englonde wiþin a whille.
It wole done vs myche gyle;
Men schul fynde vnneþe a frere
In englonde wiþin a whille.
ENGLAND'S COMMERCE
70. A TRADE POLICY
Anglia, propter tuas naves et lanas, Omnia regna te salutare deberent.
Goo forth, lybell, and mekly schew thy face
Afore my lordes with humble countenaunss,
And pray theym all to take the to grace
In appoysayll and in cheryschyng the to avaunce.
Afore my lordes with humble countenaunss,
And pray theym all to take the to grace
In appoysayll and in cheryschyng the to avaunce.
ffor thow mayst expertly be provyd by prudence,
Among all discrete men hauyng sapyence,
ffor oone of þe best þat may be thought
ffor þe welth of ynglond, yf it be well sowthe.
Among all discrete men hauyng sapyence,
ffor oone of þe best þat may be thought
ffor þe welth of ynglond, yf it be well sowthe.
ffor ther ys no reme in no maner degree
Butt they haue nede to oure englysshe commodyte;
And þe cawse þeroff I wyll to yow expresse,
The wich ys soth as þe gospell of the masse.
Butt they haue nede to oure englysshe commodyte;
And þe cawse þeroff I wyll to yow expresse,
The wich ys soth as þe gospell of the masse.
Ther ys noothir pope, Emperowre, nor kyng,
Bysschop, cardynal, or any men leuyng,
Of what condicion or what maner degree,
Duryng theyre leuyng þei must haue thynges iij:
Bysschop, cardynal, or any men leuyng,
Of what condicion or what maner degree,
Duryng theyre leuyng þei must haue thynges iij:
169
Mete, drynk, & cloth to euery mannes sustynaunce.
They leng all iij withowtt varyaunce.
ffor who-so lackyth any of thyse iij thynges—
Be the popys or emperowrs or soo royall kynges—
They leng all iij withowtt varyaunce.
ffor who-so lackyth any of thyse iij thynges—
Be the popys or emperowrs or soo royall kynges—
Yt may not stonde with theym in any prosperyte,
ffor who-so lackyth any of thyse he suffryd aduersyte.
Wilys þis ys soth be yowre wyttes dyscerne,
Of all þe remes in þe world this beryth the lantern.
ffor who-so lackyth any of thyse he suffryd aduersyte.
Wilys þis ys soth be yowre wyttes dyscerne,
Of all þe remes in þe world this beryth the lantern.
ffor of eueryche of thyse iij, by goddes ordynaunce,
Wee haue suffycyenly vnto oure sustynaunce;
And with þe supplusage of oone of thyse iij thynges
We myȝgth rewle & gouern all crystyn kynges.
Wee haue suffycyenly vnto oure sustynaunce;
And with þe supplusage of oone of thyse iij thynges
We myȝgth rewle & gouern all crystyn kynges.
And paynymys also we myȝth mak theym ful tame;
ffor þe cause we take no hed we be mykyll to blame.
for of all þe pepyll þat be lyuyng on grounde,
To praye & to please god we be most bownde.
ffor þe cause we take no hed we be mykyll to blame.
for of all þe pepyll þat be lyuyng on grounde,
To praye & to please god we be most bownde.
ffor thow þei haue met, drynke, in euery kyngges londe,
Yet they lack cloth, as y vndyrstonde.
And for to determyn þat þe trouthe ys soe,
Lestyn wel to me & ye moste acord þerto.
Yet they lack cloth, as y vndyrstonde.
And for to determyn þat þe trouthe ys soe,
Lestyn wel to me & ye moste acord þerto.
ffor þe marchauntes comme oure wollys for to bye,
Or elles þe cloth þat is made þeroff sykyrly,
Oute of dyuerse londes fer byyond þe see,
To haue thyse merchaundyss into theyre contre.
Or elles þe cloth þat is made þeroff sykyrly,
Oute of dyuerse londes fer byyond þe see,
To haue thyse merchaundyss into theyre contre.
ffrom arteyse, pekardy, henaude, & normandy,
Bretayne, fraunse, petowe, and barry,
Gasscoyne, gyon, and also aragun,
Portyngale, spayne, & nauerun;
Bretayne, fraunse, petowe, and barry,
Gasscoyne, gyon, and also aragun,
Portyngale, spayne, & nauerun;
170
Castyle, Cesyle, coleyn, & swethyn,
Pruse-londe, florence, venyse, & Iene,
Melane, catelony, and all ytally,
Bewme, hungry, greke, and gret turky;
Pruse-londe, florence, venyse, & Iene,
Melane, catelony, and all ytally,
Bewme, hungry, greke, and gret turky;
And many moo londes þat I can-not neuene.
But y dar sey all þat be vnþer heuyn,
Both crystyn and hethyn of all maner degreys,
They haue nede to oure Englysshe commodyteis.
But y dar sey all þat be vnþer heuyn,
Both crystyn and hethyn of all maner degreys,
They haue nede to oure Englysshe commodyteis.
Therfor let not owre woole be sold for nowȝte,
Neyther oure cloth, for they must be sowth;
And in especyall restrayne strayttly þe wool,
That þe comyns of thys land may wyrke at the full.
Neyther oure cloth, for they must be sowth;
And in especyall restrayne strayttly þe wool,
That þe comyns of thys land may wyrke at the full.
And yf any wool be sowlde of thys londe,
Lete yt be of the worst, both to ffre & bonde;
And noon other in no maner wyse,
ffor many dyuerse cawsys, as y can deuyse.
Lete yt be of the worst, both to ffre & bonde;
And noon other in no maner wyse,
ffor many dyuerse cawsys, as y can deuyse.
Yf þe woole be corse, the cloth is mykyll the worse;
Yet in-to lytyll þei putt owte of purse
As mych for gardyng, spynnyng, and weuyng,
ffullyng, rowyng, dyyng, and scheryng.
Yet in-to lytyll þei putt owte of purse
As mych for gardyng, spynnyng, and weuyng,
ffullyng, rowyng, dyyng, and scheryng.
And yet when such cloth ys all ywrowte,
To the maker it waylyth lytyll or nowȝtte;
The pryce ys sympyll—þe cost ys neuer the lesse:
They þat wyrkkyd soche wooll in wytte be lyke a nasse!
To the maker it waylyth lytyll or nowȝtte;
The pryce ys sympyll—þe cost ys neuer the lesse:
They þat wyrkkyd soche wooll in wytte be lyke a nasse!
The costes into lytyll trewly at þe fulle
Ys as myche as yt were maad of þe fyne woll,
Yet a ȝerde of þat oon ys worth v of þat other.
Bettyr can-not I seye, thow yt were to my brother!
Ys as myche as yt were maad of þe fyne woll,
Yet a ȝerde of þat oon ys worth v of þat other.
Bettyr can-not I seye, thow yt were to my brother!
171
Take hed to my lesson þat y haue schewyd here,
ffor yt ys necessary to euery clothyer,
And þe most preuayle to theym þat may be fownde,
Yf they wyll take hede þerto and yt vndyrstonde.
ffor yt ys necessary to euery clothyer,
And þe most preuayle to theym þat may be fownde,
Yf they wyll take hede þerto and yt vndyrstonde.
A ordynaunce wolde be maad for þe poore porayle,
That in thyse dayes haue but lytyll auayle;
Þat is to sey for spynners, carders, wevers also,
ffor toukers, dyers, and schermyn þereto.
That in thyse dayes haue but lytyll auayle;
Þat is to sey for spynners, carders, wevers also,
ffor toukers, dyers, and schermyn þereto.
for in thyse dayes þer is a hewsaunce,
Þat puttyth þe pore pepyll to grett hynderaunce,
By a strange mene that is late in londe
Begun and usyd, as y vndyrstonde,
Þat puttyth þe pore pepyll to grett hynderaunce,
By a strange mene that is late in londe
Begun and usyd, as y vndyrstonde,
By merchaundes & cloth-makers—for godys sake take kepe!—
Þe wyche makyth þe poreyll to morne & wepe.
Lytyll þei take for theyre labur, yet halff ys merchaundyse.
Alas! for rewth, yt ys gret pyte!
Þe wyche makyth þe poreyll to morne & wepe.
Lytyll þei take for theyre labur, yet halff ys merchaundyse.
Alas! for rewth, yt ys gret pyte!
Þat they take for vjd, yt ys dere ynow of iij;
And thus þei be defrawdyd in euery contre;
The pore haue þe labur, the ryche the wynnyng.
This acordythe nowȝte, it is a heuy partyng.
And thus þei be defrawdyd in euery contre;
The pore haue þe labur, the ryche the wynnyng.
This acordythe nowȝte, it is a heuy partyng.
Butt to uoyde fraude, and sett egallyte,
þat syche wyrkfolk be payd in good mone,
ffrom þis tyme forth by suffycyent ordynaunce
þat þe poreyll no more be putte to such greuaunce.
þat syche wyrkfolk be payd in good mone,
ffrom þis tyme forth by suffycyent ordynaunce
þat þe poreyll no more be putte to such greuaunce.
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ffor and ye knew þe sorow and heuyness
Of the pore pepyll leuyng in dystress,
How þei be oppressyd in all maner of thyng,
In yeuyng theym to myche weythe into þe spynnyng.
Of the pore pepyll leuyng in dystress,
How þei be oppressyd in all maner of thyng,
In yeuyng theym to myche weythe into þe spynnyng.
ffor ixli, I wene, they schall take xij.
This is very trewth, as y know my-selff;
Theyre wages be batyd, theyre weyte ys encresyd;
Þus the spynners & carders auaylys be all seasyd.
This is very trewth, as y know my-selff;
Theyre wages be batyd, theyre weyte ys encresyd;
Þus the spynners & carders auaylys be all seasyd.
Yt were profytabyl also, & exspedyent for oure kyng,
And a gret awawntage of mych wynnyng,
And a gret enscherychyng to all þe comynalte
Þat dwell abowte ther þat þe mynys be,
And a gret awawntage of mych wynnyng,
And a gret enscherychyng to all þe comynalte
Þat dwell abowte ther þat þe mynys be,
The wych haue yt in usage
To myne in þe erth to gete theyre sustynaunce,
Þer myght be had x tymys more wynnyng
Than ys now-adayees with good gouernyng.
To myne in þe erth to gete theyre sustynaunce,
Þer myght be had x tymys more wynnyng
Than ys now-adayees with good gouernyng.
ffor and þer were a myntte ordeynyd ny þerby,
And a ordynaunce maad þerto sykyrly,
That all the syluer, whan yt fynyd were,
Thether schold be broȝtth and yconyd there.
And a ordynaunce maad þerto sykyrly,
That all the syluer, whan yt fynyd were,
Thether schold be broȝtth and yconyd there.
And mony to be caryyd into a-nother place,
But oonly to be coynyd in a schort space,
Wherby þat the wyrkfolk myght trewly be payd;
Then I dar sey yt wold not be denayyd,
But oonly to be coynyd in a schort space,
Wherby þat the wyrkfolk myght trewly be payd;
Then I dar sey yt wold not be denayyd,
But ayenst oon man then schuld ye haue x,
for the good payment of the wyrkmen;
And the moe peopyll þat wyrk in þe mynys,
The more syluer schuld be had vp at all tymys.
for the good payment of the wyrkmen;
And the moe peopyll þat wyrk in þe mynys,
The more syluer schuld be had vp at all tymys.
173
And thus þe kyng schold be enrychyd for his parte
More than he is now, I dare playnly Ioparte,
After the rate of theyre gret wynnyng,
The wich schold be to hym a profytable thyng.
More than he is now, I dare playnly Ioparte,
After the rate of theyre gret wynnyng,
The wich schold be to hym a profytable thyng.
And thus þis lond may be enryched ageyn—
The kyng, þe lordes, and all maner of men,
Knyghtis, squyers, and all þe comynalte,
They may playnly voyd all pouerte.
The kyng, þe lordes, and all maner of men,
Knyghtis, squyers, and all þe comynalte,
They may playnly voyd all pouerte.
And so to contynow owtt of heuyness,
fro penowry & nede & to be put owt of dystress,
And for to cawse owre enmyss be þis ordynaunss
To seke loue & pese withowtt varyaunss.
fro penowry & nede & to be put owt of dystress,
And for to cawse owre enmyss be þis ordynaunss
To seke loue & pese withowtt varyaunss.
And ffull fayne þat they may be subyet to þis lond,
Yf we kepe þe woollys straytly owt of theyre hond;
ffor by þe endraperyng þeroff they haue theyre sustynaunce,
And thus owre enmys be supportyd to owre gret hynderaunce.
Yf we kepe þe woollys straytly owt of theyre hond;
ffor by þe endraperyng þeroff they haue theyre sustynaunce,
And thus owre enmys be supportyd to owre gret hynderaunce.
And therfor, for þe loue of god in trinyte,
Conceyue well these matorss, & scheryssh þe comynalte;
That theyre pouer leuyng synfull, & aduersyte
May be altratyd vnto welth, rychess, & prosperyte.
Conceyue well these matorss, & scheryssh þe comynalte;
That theyre pouer leuyng synfull, & aduersyte
May be altratyd vnto welth, rychess, & prosperyte.
Here endyth þe boke of ynglysshe polysye,
That may cause all þe world yt to obeye;
Ther may no man denye but þat it ys soth,
ffor euery man must haue met, drynk, and cloth.
That may cause all þe world yt to obeye;
Ther may no man denye but þat it ys soth,
ffor euery man must haue met, drynk, and cloth.
174
THE FALLS OF PRINCES
71. THE SUDDEN FALL OF PRINCES
BY JOHN LYDGATE
Here folowen seven balades made by daun Iohn Lydegate
of þe sodeine fal of certain Princes of Fraunce and Englande
nowe late in oure dayes.
Beholde þis gret prynce Edwarde þe secounde,
Which of diuers landes lord was and kyng,
But so governed was he, nowe vnderstonde,
By suche as caused foule his vndoying,
For trewly to telle yowe with-owte lesing,
He was deposed by al þe rewmes assent,
In prisoun murdred with a broche in his foundament.
Which of diuers landes lord was and kyng,
But so governed was he, nowe vnderstonde,
By suche as caused foule his vndoying,
For trewly to telle yowe with-owte lesing,
He was deposed by al þe rewmes assent,
In prisoun murdred with a broche in his foundament.
Se howe Richard, of Albyon þe king,
Which in his tyme ryche and glorious was,
Sacred with abyt, with corone, and with ring,
Yit fel his fortune so, and eke his cas,
Þat yvel counseyle rewled him so, elas,
For mys-tretyng lordes of his monarchye,
He feyne was to resigne and in prysone dye.
Which in his tyme ryche and glorious was,
Sacred with abyt, with corone, and with ring,
Yit fel his fortune so, and eke his cas,
Þat yvel counseyle rewled him so, elas,
For mys-tretyng lordes of his monarchye,
He feyne was to resigne and in prysone dye.
Lo Charles, of noble Fraunce þe kyng,
Taken with seknesse and maladye,
Which lefft him never vnto his eonding,
Were it of nature, or by sorcerye,
Vnable he was for to governe or guye
His reaume, which caused suche discencyon,
Þat fallen it is to gret destruccion.
Taken with seknesse and maladye,
Which lefft him never vnto his eonding,
Were it of nature, or by sorcerye,
Vnable he was for to governe or guye
His reaume, which caused suche discencyon,
Þat fallen it is to gret destruccion.
175
Se nowe þis lusty Duc of Orlyaunce,
Which floured in Parys of chiuallerie,
Broþer to Charles, þe kyng of Fraunce.
His yong hert thought never to dye,
Bot for he vsed þe synne of lecherye,
His cosin to assent was ful fayene,
Þat he in Parys was murdred and foule slayne.
Which floured in Parys of chiuallerie,
Broþer to Charles, þe kyng of Fraunce.
His yong hert thought never to dye,
Bot for he vsed þe synne of lecherye,
His cosin to assent was ful fayene,
Þat he in Parys was murdred and foule slayne.
Of Edward þe thridde, Thomas his sone,
Of Gloucestre duc, Constable of England,
Which to love trouth it was ever his wone,
Yet not-with-stonding his entent of trouthe,
He murdred was at Caleys, þat was routhe,
And he to god and man most acceptable,
And to þe comvne profit moste fauorable.
Of Gloucestre duc, Constable of England,
Which to love trouth it was ever his wone,
Yet not-with-stonding his entent of trouthe,
He murdred was at Caleys, þat was routhe,
And he to god and man most acceptable,
And to þe comvne profit moste fauorable.
Lo, here þis Eorlle and duc of Burgoyne boþe,
Oon of þe douspiers and deen of Fraunce,
Howe fortune gan his prosparite to looþe,
And made him putte his lyff in suche balaunce
Þat him n'avayled kyn nor allyaunce,
Þat for his mourder he mortherd was and slayne,
Of whos deth þ' armynakes were fayne.
Oon of þe douspiers and deen of Fraunce,
Howe fortune gan his prosparite to looþe,
And made him putte his lyff in suche balaunce
Þat him n'avayled kyn nor allyaunce,
Þat for his mourder he mortherd was and slayne,
Of whos deth þ' armynakes were fayne.
Þis duc of Yrland, of England chaumburleyn,
Which in plesaunce so he ledde his lyff,
Tyl fortune of his welthe hade disdeyn,
Þat causeles he parted was frome his wyff,
Which grounde was of gret debate and stryff,
And his destruccion, if I shal not lye,
For banned he was, and did in meschef dye.
Which in plesaunce so he ledde his lyff,
Tyl fortune of his welthe hade disdeyn,
Þat causeles he parted was frome his wyff,
Which grounde was of gret debate and stryff,
And his destruccion, if I shal not lye,
For banned he was, and did in meschef dye.
176
72. THE LAMENT OF THE DUCHESS OF GLOUCESTER (1441)
Thorow-owt a palys as I gan passe,
I herd a lady make gret mone;
And euer she syghyd and said, “alas!
All erthly ioy is fro me gone.
ffor I am left my-self alone,
And all my frendys fro me thei flee;
Alas, I am full well of wone—
All women may be ware by me.
I herd a lady make gret mone;
And euer she syghyd and said, “alas!
All erthly ioy is fro me gone.
ffor I am left my-self alone,
And all my frendys fro me thei flee;
Alas, I am full well of wone—
All women may be ware by me.
“All women that in thys world art wroght,
By me they may ensample take;
ffor I that was browght up of noght,
A prince me chese to be hys make.
My souerayn lord thus to forsake
It was a dulfull desteny;
Alas to syght how shold I slake—
All women may be ware by me.
By me they may ensample take;
ffor I that was browght up of noght,
A prince me chese to be hys make.
My souerayn lord thus to forsake
It was a dulfull desteny;
Alas to syght how shold I slake—
All women may be ware by me.
“I was so hygh vpon the whele,
My owne astate I cowd not know;
The gospell accordeth there-to ful well:
Who wyll be hygh, he shall be lowe.
Who may the whele of fortune trowe—
It is but vayne and vanite?
The flowrys of my medow ben downe mowe—
All women may be ware by me.
My owne astate I cowd not know;
The gospell accordeth there-to ful well:
Who wyll be hygh, he shall be lowe.
Who may the whele of fortune trowe—
It is but vayne and vanite?
The flowrys of my medow ben downe mowe—
All women may be ware by me.
177
“With welth, wele, and worthinesse,
I was be-sett on euery syde;
Of glowcestre I was duchesse,
Of all men I was magnifyed.
As lucifer fell downe for pride,
So fell I from felicite;
I had no grace my-self to gwyde—
All women may be ware by me.
I was be-sett on euery syde;
Of glowcestre I was duchesse,
Of all men I was magnifyed.
As lucifer fell downe for pride,
So fell I from felicite;
I had no grace my-self to gwyde—
All women may be ware by me.
“Sum tyme I was in riche aray,
Ther myght no princes be my pere;
In clothys of gold and garmentys gay,
Me thowght ther was no thyng to dere.
I purchast fast from yere to yere,
Of poore men I had no pite.
Now ar my wittys all in were—
All women may be ware by me.
Ther myght no princes be my pere;
In clothys of gold and garmentys gay,
Me thowght ther was no thyng to dere.
I purchast fast from yere to yere,
Of poore men I had no pite.
Now ar my wittys all in were—
All women may be ware by me.
“Alas, what was myn auenture
So sodaynly downe forto fall,
That had all thyng vndyr my cure,
Encline and croke whan I wold call?
ffadyr of heuyn celestiall,
Of my complaint haf thow pite;
ffor now am I worst of all—
All women may be ware by me.
So sodaynly downe forto fall,
That had all thyng vndyr my cure,
Encline and croke whan I wold call?
ffadyr of heuyn celestiall,
Of my complaint haf thow pite;
ffor now am I worst of all—
All women may be ware by me.
“All women that ar ware of wark,
My mischeue may ȝe haf in mynd;
To gef credence to any clerk;
ffor so dyd I, and that I fynd
I wrowght agayne all course of kynd,
And lost my crede for cruelte;
Ther may no blys my balys vnbynd—
All women may be ware by me.
My mischeue may ȝe haf in mynd;
To gef credence to any clerk;
ffor so dyd I, and that I fynd
I wrowght agayne all course of kynd,
And lost my crede for cruelte;
Ther may no blys my balys vnbynd—
All women may be ware by me.
178
“My clerkys callyd up and downe,
All was but mischeue that they ment;
Owre souerayn lord and kyng with crowne
Hym to distroye was owre entent.
All-myghty god omnipotent,
He wyst full well owre cruelte;
Loo, for such harmys I am now schente—
All women may be ware by me.
All was but mischeue that they ment;
Owre souerayn lord and kyng with crowne
Hym to distroye was owre entent.
All-myghty god omnipotent,
He wyst full well owre cruelte;
Loo, for such harmys I am now schente—
All women may be ware by me.
“Alas, that euer I wroght treson!
But cursyd counsell euer worth it woo.
I was mekyll agayne the crowne,
Alas, the while that I dyd soo!
My best frend now is my foo,
My owne dere lord I dar not see;
Alas, that we shuld twynne in too—
All women may be ware by me.
But cursyd counsell euer worth it woo.
I was mekyll agayne the crowne,
Alas, the while that I dyd soo!
My best frend now is my foo,
My owne dere lord I dar not see;
Alas, that we shuld twynne in too—
All women may be ware by me.
“By-fore the counsell of thys lond,
At westmynster vpon a day,
fful carefully there gan I stond;
A word for me durst noo man say.
Owre leche lord with-owtyn delay
Was there, he myght both here and see;
And in hys grace I put me ay—
All women may be ware by me.
At westmynster vpon a day,
fful carefully there gan I stond;
A word for me durst noo man say.
Owre leche lord with-owtyn delay
Was there, he myght both here and see;
And in hys grace I put me ay—
All women may be ware by me.
“Hys grace to me was euermore gayne,
All-thow I had done gret offence;
The law wold I had ben slayne,
And sum men dyd ther diligence.
That worthi prynce of hys prudence
Of my persone had pyte;
Honour to hym with all reuerence—
All women may be ware by me.
All-thow I had done gret offence;
The law wold I had ben slayne,
And sum men dyd ther diligence.
That worthi prynce of hys prudence
Of my persone had pyte;
Honour to hym with all reuerence—
All women may be ware by me.
179
“I cam by-fore the spiritualte;
Two cardinallys and bisshoppys fiue,
And other clerkys of gret degre
Examynd me of all my lyffe.
And opynly I dyd me shryffe
That I had dolt with sorcery;
They put me to my penance belyve—
All women may be ware by me.
Two cardinallys and bisshoppys fiue,
And other clerkys of gret degre
Examynd me of all my lyffe.
And opynly I dyd me shryffe
That I had dolt with sorcery;
They put me to my penance belyve—
All women may be ware by me.
“Thorow-owt london in many a strete,
Of tho that were most principall,
I went barefote vpon my fote,
That sum tyme rode there ful royall.
Kyng of heuen and lord of all,
At thyn owne wyll so mut it be;
The synne of pride wyl haf a falle—
All women may be ware by me.
Of tho that were most principall,
I went barefote vpon my fote,
That sum tyme rode there ful royall.
Kyng of heuen and lord of all,
At thyn owne wyll so mut it be;
The synne of pride wyl haf a falle—
All women may be ware by me.
“ffarewell, london, and hafe good day,
At the I take my leve thys tyde;
ffarewell, Grenewyche, for euer and ay,
ffarewell, fayre place upon temys syde!
ffarewell, all welth in world so wyde,
I am sygned where I shall be;
At lerpole there must I nedes byde—
All women may be ware by me.
At the I take my leve thys tyde;
ffarewell, Grenewyche, for euer and ay,
ffarewell, fayre place upon temys syde!
ffarewell, all welth in world so wyde,
I am sygned where I shall be;
At lerpole there must I nedes byde—
All women may be ware by me.
“ffarewell, damaske and clothys of gold,
ffarewell, velwette and clothys in grayne,
ffarewell, my clothys so manyfold,
ffarewell, I se ȝow neuer agayne;
ffarewell, my lord and souerayne,
ffarewell, it may no bettyr be;
Owre partyng is a priuy payne—
All women may be ware by me.
ffarewell, velwette and clothys in grayne,
ffarewell, my clothys so manyfold,
ffarewell, I se ȝow neuer agayne;
ffarewell, my lord and souerayne,
ffarewell, it may no bettyr be;
Owre partyng is a priuy payne—
All women may be ware by me.
180
“ffarewell, all mynstralcy and song,
ffarewell, all worldly daliance,
ffarewell, I wote I haf do wrong
And all I wyte mysgouernance.
Now list me nedyr prike ne prawnce,
My pride is put to pouerte,
That bothe in englond and in fraunce
All women may be ware by me.
ffarewell, all worldly daliance,
ffarewell, I wote I haf do wrong
And all I wyte mysgouernance.
Now list me nedyr prike ne prawnce,
My pride is put to pouerte,
That bothe in englond and in fraunce
All women may be ware by me.
“ffarewell now, all lustinesse;
All worldly Ioy I here forsake;
I am so full of heuynesse,
I wot not to whom complaynt to make.
But to hym I wyll me take,
That for us was put upon a tree,
And in prayers wyll I wache and wake—
All women may be ware by me.”
All worldly Ioy I here forsake;
I am so full of heuynesse,
I wot not to whom complaynt to make.
But to hym I wyll me take,
That for us was put upon a tree,
And in prayers wyll I wache and wake—
All women may be ware by me.”
Explicit.
73. EPITAPH FOR THE DUKE OF GLOUCESTER (1447)
Epitaphium eiusdem Ducis Gloucestrie.
Souerayne Immortal, everlastyng god,
Almyghti most mercyful, verray welle of grace,
Late nat of thy vengeaunce the dredeful rod
Towche vs to-fore for gilt of oure trespas;
How-be-it we synne, yit graunt vs tyme and space
Oure forfetes to bewayle while oure lyf may dure,
Sith worship, riches, and al thyng shal pas—
Se be hym buryed in this sepulture.
Almyghti most mercyful, verray welle of grace,
Late nat of thy vengeaunce the dredeful rod
Towche vs to-fore for gilt of oure trespas;
How-be-it we synne, yit graunt vs tyme and space
Oure forfetes to bewayle while oure lyf may dure,
Sith worship, riches, and al thyng shal pas—
Se be hym buryed in this sepulture.
181
O secrete counceyle, o divyne purviaunce,
O nature, thy principles how hastow conveyed,
O elementes iiij sette in grete variaunce,
Yowre stryf contynuel hath my lord downe leyd.
Allas, for his lyf why ne had ye purveyed
Hym to conserve, whiche for vs all had cure;
But syth thy wille, lord, may nat be geynseyd,
Have mercy on hym buryed in this sepulture.
O nature, thy principles how hastow conveyed,
O elementes iiij sette in grete variaunce,
Yowre stryf contynuel hath my lord downe leyd.
Allas, for his lyf why ne had ye purveyed
Hym to conserve, whiche for vs all had cure;
But syth thy wille, lord, may nat be geynseyd,
Have mercy on hym buryed in this sepulture.
Compleyne al yngland this goode lordis deth,
ffor and ye considre youre causes ben right grete,
He hath with his wisdom, while hym lasted breth,
And with his richesse made the grete hete
Of oure enemyes to kele, wold they werre or trete;
But ageyn mortalite there lith no recure;
Now lord, syn nonother remedye may be gete,
Have mercy on hym beryed in this sepulture.
ffor and ye considre youre causes ben right grete,
He hath with his wisdom, while hym lasted breth,
And with his richesse made the grete hete
Of oure enemyes to kele, wold they werre or trete;
But ageyn mortalite there lith no recure;
Now lord, syn nonother remedye may be gete,
Have mercy on hym beryed in this sepulture.
Thy mercyes bene grettest, and his wag grettest also,
Thow foryaf oure trespas and so dide he his certayne;
Of mercy and pite ther were suche no mo.
And syth thy mercy, lord of grace, is nat bareyne,
Late it be fertible to hym that dide his peyne
To sue thi steppis folowyng the scripture
By dauid seyde and notified ful pleyne,
Have mercy on hym beryed in this sepulture.
Thow foryaf oure trespas and so dide he his certayne;
Of mercy and pite ther were suche no mo.
And syth thy mercy, lord of grace, is nat bareyne,
Late it be fertible to hym that dide his peyne
To sue thi steppis folowyng the scripture
By dauid seyde and notified ful pleyne,
Have mercy on hym beryed in this sepulture.
Remembre, goode lord, that to the body of man
Thow inspired a soule to thyne owne lykenesse,
And sythen is he turned into that thow began,
In-to the erth, meane I (as thi-self dost witnesse),
Take thyn ymage and with thy aungels dresse
In thy perfite Ioye, euerlastyng to endure,
Turnyng from the terestre vale, the contrey of derknesse,
And have mercy on hym buryed in this sepulture.
Thow inspired a soule to thyne owne lykenesse,
And sythen is he turned into that thow began,
In-to the erth, meane I (as thi-self dost witnesse),
Take thyn ymage and with thy aungels dresse
In thy perfite Ioye, euerlastyng to endure,
Turnyng from the terestre vale, the contrey of derknesse,
And have mercy on hym buryed in this sepulture.
182
Put ferre from hym the prince of derknesse,
And take hym neere—he is thyn owne alye,
fforged of thyn hand (thow knowest it expresse),
And nought of straunge goddis, but only of the.
Although he synned thurgh fragilite
Of ygnoraunce, as fil his aduenture,
He denyed the neuer, conceyve his humilite,
And have mercy on hym buryed in this sepulture.
And take hym neere—he is thyn owne alye,
fforged of thyn hand (thow knowest it expresse),
And nought of straunge goddis, but only of the.
Although he synned thurgh fragilite
Of ygnoraunce, as fil his aduenture,
He denyed the neuer, conceyve his humilite,
And have mercy on hym buryed in this sepulture.
Dispice nat thy part, that with thy precious bloode
Shed on the crosse and boughte so deere,
And for the love of hir that at thy feete stoode—
Thy moder, I meane—and Iohn that was hir feere.
Whan the sharp spere went thy hert so neere,
That thurgh thy deth thow madest vs al sure,
Crowne hym in hevene, that in his dayes had no pere,
And have mercy on hym buryed in this sepulture.
Shed on the crosse and boughte so deere,
And for the love of hir that at thy feete stoode—
Thy moder, I meane—and Iohn that was hir feere.
Whan the sharp spere went thy hert so neere,
That thurgh thy deth thow madest vs al sure,
Crowne hym in hevene, that in his dayes had no pere,
And have mercy on hym buryed in this sepulture.
Now blessid lady, for thy Ioyes fyve,
Specialy whan gabriel dide his glad message,
Which fest he honowred terme of his lyf,
ffailyng neuer hardily to his vttremest age.
Now shewe thy bounte, lift vp thy fayre visage
Vnto thy sone so meke and demure,
To defend his werk, the printe of his ymage,
And prayed for hym buryed in this sepulture.
Specialy whan gabriel dide his glad message,
Which fest he honowred terme of his lyf,
ffailyng neuer hardily to his vttremest age.
Now shewe thy bounte, lift vp thy fayre visage
Vnto thy sone so meke and demure,
To defend his werk, the printe of his ymage,
And prayed for hym buryed in this sepulture.
Comend hym to thi sone, as he dide the to Iohn,
And as he was to the, be thow to hym wardeyn;
As his singuler trust was to the alon,
So quyte the to hym, as his lady souerayne.
Now blessid virgyne, of hym have no disdayne;
He was noble in vertue as wele as in nature;
And if he be distressed with any temporal peyne,
Yit pray for hym buryed in this sepulture.
And as he was to the, be thow to hym wardeyn;
As his singuler trust was to the alon,
So quyte the to hym, as his lady souerayne.
Now blessid virgyne, of hym have no disdayne;
He was noble in vertue as wele as in nature;
And if he be distressed with any temporal peyne,
Yit pray for hym buryed in this sepulture.
183
He was verray fader and protectour of the land,
Ingland, I meane, that is thyn owne dowarye;
Neuer man had more ȝele, as I vndrestond,
Ne redyer to redresse alle transgressis by and by;
I dare wele say it sat his hert so ny.
Cowde none make hym in any Ioye to endure
Vnto his lyf passed; therfor to the I cry,
So pray for hym buryed in this sepulture.
Ingland, I meane, that is thyn owne dowarye;
Neuer man had more ȝele, as I vndrestond,
Ne redyer to redresse alle transgressis by and by;
I dare wele say it sat his hert so ny.
Cowde none make hym in any Ioye to endure
Vnto his lyf passed; therfor to the I cry,
So pray for hym buryed in this sepulture.
Behold of thy chirche the myghti piler stronge,
Euer to withstande and redy to bataile;
Ageyne the chirche, enemys he wold suffre no wronge
Vnto hir to be done, whiles he myght aught availe;
ffor he hath emprised many a travaile
Opinly, without shame or discomfiture;
Rescow hym, therfor, whan his enemyes wil assaile,
And pray for hym buryed in this sepulture.
Euer to withstande and redy to bataile;
Ageyne the chirche, enemys he wold suffre no wronge
Vnto hir to be done, whiles he myght aught availe;
ffor he hath emprised many a travaile
Opinly, without shame or discomfiture;
Rescow hym, therfor, whan his enemyes wil assaile,
And pray for hym buryed in this sepulture.
And like as he endured with these graces thre—
With wisdam, with riches, and with nobley—
So blessid lady, we al beseche the,
Knele before thy sone and to hym prey,
Whan of Iugement shal approche the dredeful day,
He may be endowed beforne his figure
Impassible, Immortal, with clerenesse lastyng ay—
God it hym graunt buryed in this sepulture.
With wisdam, with riches, and with nobley—
So blessid lady, we al beseche the,
Knele before thy sone and to hym prey,
Whan of Iugement shal approche the dredeful day,
He may be endowed beforne his figure
Impassible, Immortal, with clerenesse lastyng ay—
God it hym graunt buryed in this sepulture.
“Studye, labour, and merit for comvne wele;
ffor reward, smal thank, or worship in recompense
Departith from me; go your wele, fare-wele.
Sollicitith other fallen in suche diligence.
Oure lord hath clepid me vnto his divyne presence,
ffro this short lyf to that euer shal dure;
My soule to hym I yield at my goyng hens,
To the erth my body, as for my sepulture.”
ffor reward, smal thank, or worship in recompense
Departith from me; go your wele, fare-wele.
Sollicitith other fallen in suche diligence.
Oure lord hath clepid me vnto his divyne presence,
ffro this short lyf to that euer shal dure;
My soule to hym I yield at my goyng hens,
To the erth my body, as for my sepulture.”
184
74. EXAMPLES OF MUTABILITY
Musyng vppon the mutabilite
off worldlye changes & grett vnstablenes,
& me remembering howe grett aduersite
I haue seen falle to men off highe noblenes—
furst welthe, and then ageyn distres,
nowe vppe, nowe downe, as fortune turnethe hur whele,
Best is, me thinke, for mannys sikernes
to trust In god & labour to doo well.
off worldlye changes & grett vnstablenes,
& me remembering howe grett aduersite
I haue seen falle to men off highe noblenes—
furst welthe, and then ageyn distres,
nowe vppe, nowe downe, as fortune turnethe hur whele,
Best is, me thinke, for mannys sikernes
to trust In god & labour to doo well.
Wee nede not nowe to seke the cronicleȝ olde
off the romans, nor bockas tragedye,
to rede the ruyen & fallys manyffolde
off prynces grett, putt to dethe & miserye
In sondrye landes, for wee haue hardelye
here In thys lande with-In the xx yere
as wonderȝ changeȝ seen before our eye
as euer I trowe before thys any were.
off the romans, nor bockas tragedye,
to rede the ruyen & fallys manyffolde
off prynces grett, putt to dethe & miserye
In sondrye landes, for wee haue hardelye
here In thys lande with-In the xx yere
as wonderȝ changeȝ seen before our eye
as euer I trowe before thys any were.
Off whiche I shall reherse suche as I can—
thoughe I In ordre sett them nott a-right.
& as I trowe a duches furst began,
whiche Elinor off Cobeham sumtyme hight
or she were weddyd to that famose knyght
off glocestur, the noble duke humffrey,
whose soll Iesu bringe to þat Ioyffull light,
that you hym bothe humblye beseche & praye.
thoughe I In ordre sett them nott a-right.
& as I trowe a duches furst began,
whiche Elinor off Cobeham sumtyme hight
or she were weddyd to that famose knyght
off glocestur, the noble duke humffrey,
whose soll Iesu bringe to þat Ioyffull light,
that you hym bothe humblye beseche & praye.
Thys ladye was soo proude & highe of harte
that she hur-selffe thought pereles of estate,
and yet higher fayn she wold haue starte;
butt sodenlye she fell, as was hur fate,
& was arested, all dismayde and mate,
for sorcerye and eke for suspection
of treason wrought ageynst the king algate,
And theruppon committed vnto prisone.
that she hur-selffe thought pereles of estate,
and yet higher fayn she wold haue starte;
butt sodenlye she fell, as was hur fate,
& was arested, all dismayde and mate,
185
of treason wrought ageynst the king algate,
And theruppon committed vnto prisone.
And after brought to the courte spirituall
before the bisshoppes; and ther off sorcerye
founden gyltye In poyntes specyall.
she was InIoyned In london opynlye
to doo hur penaunce, And soo full petyously
she itt perfformed; & after was she sent
vnto a castell to abide perpetuallye.
And soo she dyd tyll dethe awey hur hent.
before the bisshoppes; and ther off sorcerye
founden gyltye In poyntes specyall.
she was InIoyned In london opynlye
to doo hur penaunce, And soo full petyously
she itt perfformed; & after was she sent
vnto a castell to abide perpetuallye.
And soo she dyd tyll dethe awey hur hent.
The noble duke of somersett, Iohn,
whome all brytayne and also normandye
hadde In grett drede (& his enemyeȝ euerichon)
for his manhode, puissance, & cheualrye,
when he was weddyd & In estate most hye,
In his best age (right as his fortune was)
The bull to gronde hym cast cruellye
that after soone he dyed: suche was hys grace.
whome all brytayne and also normandye
hadde In grett drede (& his enemyeȝ euerichon)
for his manhode, puissance, & cheualrye,
when he was weddyd & In estate most hye,
In his best age (right as his fortune was)
The bull to gronde hym cast cruellye
that after soone he dyed: suche was hys grace.
The noble duke off whiche I spoke before—
I meane humffrey of glocestre alsoo,
whiche off thys lande was lymyted Protector,
& made the duke of burgoyne & muche moo
To flee from caleys vnto his highe honor—
vppon a tale made by a bisshoppe, a brybor,
a wretched prest as deeffe nere as a stoune,
whiche he shulde haue harde as a confessor.
I meane humffrey of glocestre alsoo,
whiche off thys lande was lymyted Protector,
& made the duke of burgoyne & muche moo
To flee from caleys vnto his highe honor—
vppon a tale made by a bisshoppe, a brybor,
a wretched prest as deeffe nere as a stoune,
whiche he shulde haue harde as a confessor.
And to the kinge he vttered itt anon.
wherfore att burye in a full parlyament
by a grett lorde, or he came to the towne,
he was arrestede by the commandement
off kynge henrye, for suspection off treason
thought and wrought ageynst his crowne.
for shame and angwishe off which, Ieloussye
I-toke hym sone after, & soo lowe brought hym downe
that In short while after I-caused hym to dye.
wherfore att burye in a full parlyament
186
he was arrestede by the commandement
off kynge henrye, for suspection off treason
thought and wrought ageynst his crowne.
for shame and angwishe off which, Ieloussye
I-toke hym sone after, & soo lowe brought hym downe
that In short while after I-caused hym to dye.
75. ARREST OF THE DUKE OF SUFFOLK (1450)
Now is the fox drevin to hole! hoo to hym, hoo, hoo!ffor and he crepe out, he will yow alle vndo.
Now ye han found parfite, love well your game;
ffor and ye ren countre, then be ye to blame.
Sum of yow holdith with the fox, and rennyth hare;
But he þat tied talbot oure doge, euyll mot he fare!
ffor now we mys the black dog with þe wide mouth,
ffor he wold haue ronnen well at þe fox of the south.
And all gooth bacward, and don is in the myre,
As they han deserued, so pay þey þer hire.
Now is tyme of lent; þe fox is in the towre;
Þerfore send hym salesbury to be his confessoure.
Many mo þer ben, and we kowd hem knowe,
But won most begyn þe daunce, and all com arowe.
Loke þat your hunte blowe well þy chase;
But he do well is part, I beshrew is face!
Þis fox at bury slowe oure grete gandere;
Þerfore at tyborn mony mon on hym wondere.
Iack napys, with his clogge,
Hath tied talbot, oure gentill dogge.
Wherfore Beaumownt, þat gentill rache,
187
Be ware, al men, of that blame,
And namly ye of grete fame,
Spirituall and temperall, be ware of this,
Or els hit will not be well, I-wis.
God saue þe kyng, and god forbede
Þat he suche apes any mo fede.
And of þe perille that may be-fall
Be ware, dukes, erles, and barons alle.
76. THE DEATH OF THE DUKE OF SUFFOLK (1450)
In the moneth of May when gresse groweþ grene,
fflagrant in her floures with swete sauour,
Iac Napes wolde on the see a maryner to ben,
With his clog & his cheyn, to seke more tresour.
Suych a payn prikked hym, he asked a confessour.
Nicolas said, “I am redi thi confessour to be.”
He was holden so that he ne passed that hour.
For Iac Napes soule, Placebo and dirige.
fflagrant in her floures with swete sauour,
Iac Napes wolde on the see a maryner to ben,
With his clog & his cheyn, to seke more tresour.
Suych a payn prikked hym, he asked a confessour.
Nicolas said, “I am redi thi confessour to be.”
He was holden so that he ne passed that hour.
For Iac Napes soule, Placebo and dirige.
Who shall execute his exequies with a solempnite?
Bisschopes & lordes, as grete reson is,
Monkes, chanons, prestes, & other clergie
Pray for this dukes soule þat it might come to blis,
And let neuer suych another come after this!
His interfectours blessed might thei be,
And graunte them for ther dede to regne with angelis.
And for Iac Nape soule, Placebo & dirige.
Bisschopes & lordes, as grete reson is,
Monkes, chanons, prestes, & other clergie
Pray for this dukes soule þat it might come to blis,
And let neuer suych another come after this!
His interfectours blessed might thei be,
And graunte them for ther dede to regne with angelis.
And for Iac Nape soule, Placebo & dirige.
“Placebo,” begynneth the bisshop of Herford.
“Dilexi, for myn auauncement,” saith þe bisshop of Chestre.
“Heu mei,” saiþ Salisbury, “this goth to ferre forthe.”
“Ad Dominum cum tribularer,” saiþ þe abbot of Gloucestre.
“Dominus custodit,” saiþ the abbot of Rouchestre.
“Levaui oculos,” saiþ frere Stanbury, “Volaui.”
“Si iniquitates,” saiþ þe bisshop of Worcetre,
“For Iac Nape soule, de profundis clamaui.”
“Dilexi, for myn auauncement,” saith þe bisshop of Chestre.
“Heu mei,” saiþ Salisbury, “this goth to ferre forthe.”
188
“Dominus custodit,” saiþ the abbot of Rouchestre.
“Levaui oculos,” saiþ frere Stanbury, “Volaui.”
“Si iniquitates,” saiþ þe bisshop of Worcetre,
“For Iac Nape soule, de profundis clamaui.”
“Opera manum tuarum,” seiþ the Cardynal wisely,
That brought forth “confitebor,” for all this Napes reson.
“Audiui vocem,” songe Allemightty god on hye;
And þerfore syng we “Magnificat anima mea dominum.”
Vnto this dirige most we gon & come
This pascall tyme, to say veryli
Thre psalmes & thre lessons, þat alle is and somme,
For Iac Nape soule, Placebo & dirige.
That brought forth “confitebor,” for all this Napes reson.
“Audiui vocem,” songe Allemightty god on hye;
And þerfore syng we “Magnificat anima mea dominum.”
Vnto this dirige most we gon & come
This pascall tyme, to say veryli
Thre psalmes & thre lessons, þat alle is and somme,
For Iac Nape soule, Placebo & dirige.
Executors of this office dirige for to synge,
Shall begyn the bisshop of Synt Asse;
“Verba mea auribus,” saiþ abbot of Redynge;
“Alle your ioye and hope is come to alasse.”
“Conuertere, domine, yet graunte vs grace,”
Saiþ abbot of synt Albans ful sorily.
The abbot of þe Toure hille, with his fat face,
Quakeþ & tremuleþ for “domine, ne in furore.”
Shall begyn the bisshop of Synt Asse;
“Verba mea auribus,” saiþ abbot of Redynge;
“Alle your ioye and hope is come to alasse.”
“Conuertere, domine, yet graunte vs grace,”
Saiþ abbot of synt Albans ful sorily.
The abbot of þe Toure hille, with his fat face,
Quakeþ & tremuleþ for “domine, ne in furore.”
Maister Water liard shal synge, “Ne quando.”
The abbot of Westmynstre, “domine deus meus, in te speraui.
Requiem eternam graunte them alle to come to.”
“Þerto a pater noster,” saiþ the bisshop of synt Dauy,
for thes soules þat wyse were & mightty,
Suffolk, Moleyns, and Roos—thes thre;
And in especial for Iac Napes, that euer was wyly,
for his soule, Placebo & dirige.
The abbot of Westmynstre, “domine deus meus, in te speraui.
Requiem eternam graunte them alle to come to.”
“Þerto a pater noster,” saiþ the bisshop of synt Dauy,
for thes soules þat wyse were & mightty,
Suffolk, Moleyns, and Roos—thes thre;
And in especial for Iac Napes, that euer was wyly,
for his soule, Placebo & dirige.
Rise vp, Say, rede, “parce mihi domine.
Nihil enim sunt dies mei,” þou shalt synge.
Þe bisshop of Carleyle syng, “Credo,” ful sore.
To suyche fals Traitours come foule endynge!
The baron of Dudley with grete mornynge,
Redeth, “tedet animam meam vite mee.”
Who but Danyel “qui lasarum” shal synge?
For Iac Nape soule, Placebo & dirige.
Nihil enim sunt dies mei,” þou shalt synge.
Þe bisshop of Carleyle syng, “Credo,” ful sore.
189
The baron of Dudley with grete mornynge,
Redeth, “tedet animam meam vite mee.”
Who but Danyel “qui lasarum” shal synge?
For Iac Nape soule, Placebo & dirige.
Iohn Say redeth, “Manus tue fecerunt me.”
“Libera me,” syngeth Trevilian, “warre the rere;
That thei do no more so, requiescant in pace.”
Thus prayes alle Englond ferre & nerre.
Where is Somerset? whi aperes he not here
To synge “dies ire & miserie”?
God graunte Englond all in fere
for thes traitours to synge Placebo & dirige.
“Libera me,” syngeth Trevilian, “warre the rere;
That thei do no more so, requiescant in pace.”
Thus prayes alle Englond ferre & nerre.
Where is Somerset? whi aperes he not here
To synge “dies ire & miserie”?
God graunte Englond all in fere
for thes traitours to synge Placebo & dirige.
Meny mo þer be behynde, þe sothe forto telle,
Þat shal messes oppon thes do synge.
I pray som man do rynge the belle,
Þat þese forsaiden may come to þe sacrynge;
And þat in brief tyme, without more tarienge,
Þat þis messe may be ended in suyche degre;
And þat all Englond ioyfull may synge
þe commendacioun with Placebo & Dirige.
Þat shal messes oppon thes do synge.
I pray som man do rynge the belle,
Þat þese forsaiden may come to þe sacrynge;
And þat in brief tyme, without more tarienge,
Þat þis messe may be ended in suyche degre;
And þat all Englond ioyfull may synge
þe commendacioun with Placebo & Dirige.
THE RED ROSE OF LANCASTER
77. THE FIVE DOGS OF LONDON (1456)
Colle, primus canis londonie. quinque in munere occisi fuerunt. Anno domini Me ccccc lvjto
Whan lordschype fayleth, gode felowschipe awayleth.
My mayster ys cruell and can no curtesye,190
hyt ys no reson þat y schulde dye
ffor hys trespace, & he go quyte.
Grubbe, 2us canis:
Offte beryth þe sone the faderis gylte.
None so gylteles as y compleyne:ffor ones þat y barkyd a-geynys þe mone,
With myghty force here was y sleyne.
My tyme was come; my defenys ys done.
lugtrype, 3us canis:
The tonge breketh bone, ȝit in hym is none.
ffor fawte of curasse my throte was cutte.y cryed for helpe—y was not herde.
y wolde my mayster hadde provide my butte;
Thys hadde y for hym to my rewarde.
Slugge, 4us canis:
Off folowynge aventurous, þe Iugement is Ieperdous.
Wat planet compellyd me, or what signe,To serue þat man that all men hate?
y wolde hys hede were here for myne,
ffor he hathe caused all þe debate.
Turne-bole, 5us canis:
ffelix quem faciunt aliena pericula cautum.
The blasynge starne with his late constellacion,ys pleynly determyned weyis batayle;
To soche a remedye y holde hyt geson,
And yn rancur with-owte remedy ys none avayle.
ffor they wylle walke be your fleke, In dyspyte of your hede.
191
78. THE SHIP OF STATE (1458)
De naui vel puppe Anno domini ml cccco lviijo litera dominicale g.
Stere welle the good shype.
god be our gyde!
god be our gyde!
Our ship is launched from the grounde,
Blessed be god, both faire and sownde!
Our maryners han the shypmen founde,
By þere taklynge will a-byde.
This noble shyp made of good tree,
Our souerayne lord, kynge henry.
God gyde hym from aduersyte,
Where þat he go or ryde.
Blessed be god, both faire and sownde!
Our maryners han the shypmen founde,
By þere taklynge will a-byde.
This noble shyp made of good tree,
Our souerayne lord, kynge henry.
God gyde hym from aduersyte,
Where þat he go or ryde.
The shyp was charged with a mast;
Crased it was, it myght not last.
Now hath he one þat wol not brest—
The old is leyde on syde.
Thys fayre mast, this myghty yeard,
Of whom fals shrewes be a-fered,
hys name of ryght is prince Edward—
long myght he with vs a-byde.
Crased it was, it myght not last.
Now hath he one þat wol not brest—
The old is leyde on syde.
Thys fayre mast, this myghty yeard,
Of whom fals shrewes be a-fered,
hys name of ryght is prince Edward—
long myght he with vs a-byde.
The ship hath closed hym a lyght
To kepe her course in wey of ryght—
A fyre cressant þat berneth bryght,
With fawte was neuer spyed.
Thys good lyght, þat is so clere,
Call y the duke of exceter,
Whos name in trouþe shyned clere;
Hys worshyp spryngeth wyde.
To kepe her course in wey of ryght—
A fyre cressant þat berneth bryght,
With fawte was neuer spyed.
Thys good lyght, þat is so clere,
Call y the duke of exceter,
Whos name in trouþe shyned clere;
Hys worshyp spryngeth wyde.
192
Thys shyp hath a sterne full good,
hem to gyde in ebbe & flood,
A-geyne þer wawes boþe wild & wode
That rynneth on euery syde.
The sterne that on þe shype is sette
Ys þe duke Somerset;
ffor ragged rokkes he woll not lette
To sterre in ebbe and eke in tyde.
hem to gyde in ebbe & flood,
A-geyne þer wawes boþe wild & wode
That rynneth on euery syde.
The sterne that on þe shype is sette
Ys þe duke Somerset;
ffor ragged rokkes he woll not lette
To sterre in ebbe and eke in tyde.
Ther is a sayle-yeard full good and sure,
To þe shyp a grete tresour;
ffor alle stormes it wolle endure—
It is trusty atte nede.
Now þe sayle-yeard, y wolle reherse,
The Erle of Pembroke curtys and ferce;
A-cros þe mast he hyeth travers,
The good shyp for to lede.
To þe shyp a grete tresour;
ffor alle stormes it wolle endure—
It is trusty atte nede.
Now þe sayle-yeard, y wolle reherse,
The Erle of Pembroke curtys and ferce;
A-cros þe mast he hyeth travers,
The good shyp for to lede.
The mast hath a welle good stay,
With shrowthes sure, y dare wel say,
In humble wyse hym to obey
yf he to þem hath nede.
The Duke of Bokyngham thys stay is he,
Thys shrowdes be sure in thare degre;
Devenshyre, & Grey, & becheham the free,
And scales with them in tyde.
With shrowthes sure, y dare wel say,
In humble wyse hym to obey
yf he to þem hath nede.
The Duke of Bokyngham thys stay is he,
Thys shrowdes be sure in thare degre;
Devenshyre, & Grey, & becheham the free,
And scales with them in tyde.
The shyp hath a well good sayle,
Of fyne canvas þat woll not fayle,
With bonet iii for to travayle,
That mekell beth of pryde.
This good sayle, y vndurstond,
The Erle of Northumberland,
Ros, clyfford, and Egremond—
The trouþe is not to hyde.
Of fyne canvas þat woll not fayle,
With bonet iii for to travayle,
That mekell beth of pryde.
193
The Erle of Northumberland,
Ros, clyfford, and Egremond—
The trouþe is not to hyde.
Ther is a toppe þe mast on hyght,
The shyp to defende in all hys ryght;
With his foomen when he schall fyght,
They dare hym not a-byde.
The Erle of Shrovesbury þe toppes name,
He kepeth þe shype from harme and blame;
The Erle of Wylchyre, one of þe same,
That kepeth þe shyp from drede.
The shyp to defende in all hys ryght;
With his foomen when he schall fyght,
They dare hym not a-byde.
The Erle of Shrovesbury þe toppes name,
He kepeth þe shype from harme and blame;
The Erle of Wylchyre, one of þe same,
That kepeth þe shyp from drede.
Thys good shype hath ankers thre,
Of bether mettel þer may non be,
To strenthe þe shyp be londe and se,
When he woll stop hys tyde.
The furst anker, hole & sounde,
he is named þe lord beamond;
Willys and Ryveres trouþe yn þem found,
In worship þey hem gyde.
Of bether mettel þer may non be,
To strenthe þe shyp be londe and se,
When he woll stop hys tyde.
The furst anker, hole & sounde,
he is named þe lord beamond;
Willys and Ryveres trouþe yn þem found,
In worship þey hem gyde.
Now help, saynt George, oure lady knyght,
And be oure lode-sterre day & nyght,
To strengthe oure kynge and england ryght
And fell oure fomenus pryde.
Now is oure shype dressed in hys kynde,
With hys taklynge be-for and be-hynde;
Whoso loue it not, god make hym blynde,
In peynes to a-byde!
And be oure lode-sterre day & nyght,
To strengthe oure kynge and england ryght
And fell oure fomenus pryde.
Now is oure shype dressed in hys kynde,
With hys taklynge be-for and be-hynde;
Whoso loue it not, god make hym blynde,
In peynes to a-byde!
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79. RECONCILIATION OF HENRY VI AND THE YORKISTS (1458)
Whan charite is chosen with states to stonde,
Stedfast and skill without distaunce,
Than wrathe may be exiled out of this londe,
And god oure gide to haue the gouernaunce.
Wisdom & wellthe, with all plesaunce,
May rightful regne, and prosperite;
For loue hath vnderlaide wrathful veniaunce.
Reioise, Anglond, oure lordes acorded to be.
Stedfast and skill without distaunce,
Than wrathe may be exiled out of this londe,
And god oure gide to haue the gouernaunce.
Wisdom & wellthe, with all plesaunce,
May rightful regne, and prosperite;
For loue hath vnderlaide wrathful veniaunce.
Reioise, Anglond, oure lordes acorded to be.
Reiose, and thanke god for euermore,
For now shal encrese thi consolacion;
Oure enemyes quaken & dreden ful sore
That peas is made there was diuision.
Which to them is a gret confusion,
And to vs ioi and felicite.
God hold hem longe in euery season,
That Anglond may reioise in concord & vnite.
For now shal encrese thi consolacion;
Oure enemyes quaken & dreden ful sore
That peas is made there was diuision.
Which to them is a gret confusion,
And to vs ioi and felicite.
God hold hem longe in euery season,
That Anglond may reioise in concord & vnite.
Now is sorowe with shame fled into ffraunce,
As a felon that hath forsworn this londe;
Love hath put out malicious gouernaunce,
In euery place bothe fre & bonde.
In Yorke, In Somerset, as I vnderstonde,
In Warrewik also is loue & charite,
In Sarisbury eke, & in Northumbrelande,
That euery man may reioise in concord & vnite.
As a felon that hath forsworn this londe;
Love hath put out malicious gouernaunce,
In euery place bothe fre & bonde.
In Yorke, In Somerset, as I vnderstonde,
In Warrewik also is loue & charite,
In Sarisbury eke, & in Northumbrelande,
That euery man may reioise in concord & vnite.
Egremown and Clifford, with other forsaide,
Ben set in the same opynyon.
In euery quarter love is thus laide;
Grace & wisdom hath thus the dominacion.
Awake, welth, & walke in this region,
Rounde aboute in tovn & Cite;
And thanke them that brought hit to this conclusion.
Reioise, Anglond, to concorde & vnite.
Ben set in the same opynyon.
In euery quarter love is thus laide;
Grace & wisdom hath thus the dominacion.
195
Rounde aboute in tovn & Cite;
And thanke them that brought hit to this conclusion.
Reioise, Anglond, to concorde & vnite.
At Poules in london, with gret renoun,
On oure ladi day in lente this peas was wrought;
The kyng, the Quene, with lordes many oone,
To worshyp that virgine as thei ought,
Wenten a procession, and spariden right nought,
In sighte of alle the Comynalte,
In token that love was in herte and thought.
Reiose, Anglond, in concorde & vnite.
On oure ladi day in lente this peas was wrought;
The kyng, the Quene, with lordes many oone,
To worshyp that virgine as thei ought,
Wenten a procession, and spariden right nought,
In sighte of alle the Comynalte,
In token that love was in herte and thought.
Reiose, Anglond, in concorde & vnite.
Ther was bytwyn hem lovely contynaunce,
Whiche was gret ioy to all that ther were;
That long tyme hadden be in variaunce,
As frendes for euer that had be in fere.
Thei wenten togeder and made goud chire.
ffraunce and Britayn repente shul thei;
for þe bargayn shul thei abye ful dere.
Reiose, Anglond, in concorde & vnite.
Whiche was gret ioy to all that ther were;
That long tyme hadden be in variaunce,
As frendes for euer that had be in fere.
Thei wenten togeder and made goud chire.
ffraunce and Britayn repente shul thei;
for þe bargayn shul thei abye ful dere.
Reiose, Anglond, in concorde & vnite.
Oure Soueraigne lord kyng, god kepe alwey,
The Quene, & the Archbisshop of Canterbury,
And the bisshop of Wynchestre, Chanceller of Anglond,
And other that han labured to this loue-day;
God preserue hem, we pray hertly,
And london, for thei ful diligently
Kepten the peas in trowbel & aduersite,
To bryng in reste thei labured ful truly.
Reiose, Anglond, in concorde & vnite.
The Quene, & the Archbisshop of Canterbury,
And the bisshop of Wynchestre, Chanceller of Anglond,
And other that han labured to this loue-day;
God preserue hem, we pray hertly,
And london, for thei ful diligently
Kepten the peas in trowbel & aduersite,
To bryng in reste thei labured ful truly.
Reiose, Anglond, in concorde & vnite.
Of thre thynges I praise the worshipful Cite:
The first, þe true faithe þat thei haue to þe kynge;
The seconde, of love to þe Comynalte;
The thrid, goud rule for euermore kepynge;
The which god maynteyn euermore durynge,
And save þe Maier and all þe worthi Cite;
And þat is amys god brynge to amendynge,
That Anglond may reioise to concorde & vnite.
The first, þe true faithe þat thei haue to þe kynge;
The seconde, of love to þe Comynalte;
The thrid, goud rule for euermore kepynge;
196
And save þe Maier and all þe worthi Cite;
And þat is amys god brynge to amendynge,
That Anglond may reioise to concorde & vnite.
80. A PRAYER FOR VICTORY
God all-myghty, saue and conserue owre kyngeIn all vertue to hys encrese off glorye,
Hys realme and hym by polytike levynge,
With drede and loue to haue memorye,
Of hys enmyes conquest and victory.
81. GOD AMEND WICKED COUNSEL (1464)
As I walkyd my-self alone,
Betwen the daye and the nyth,
The skye was cler, the cloudes war gon,
The mone & the sterryes they schon ful bryȝth.
Betwen the daye and the nyth,
The skye was cler, the cloudes war gon,
The mone & the sterryes they schon ful bryȝth.
The dewe was sprungyn won the ston,
Byrdes can synge from tre to tre,
The daye was komyn, nyȝth was gon,
[OMITTED]
Byrdes can synge from tre to tre,
The daye was komyn, nyȝth was gon,
[OMITTED]
As I walkyd my-self alone,
Besyde an halle vndirneth an hylle,
Ther herde I kynge herry the vj make his mon,
“God amende wykkyd cownscell.
Besyde an halle vndirneth an hylle,
Ther herde I kynge herry the vj make his mon,
“God amende wykkyd cownscell.
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“Sum tyme lordis of thys lond sette me at gret pris,
Swiche a prynse in this rem was þer neuer non;
I weddyd a wyf at my devyse,
That was the cause of all my mon.
Swiche a prynse in this rem was þer neuer non;
I weddyd a wyf at my devyse,
That was the cause of all my mon.
“Thyll her intente seyd I neuer naye;
Ther-for I morne & no thynge am mery.
Whan sche ded syen the lorde saye,
The duke of Glouceter was sclayn at Bery.
Ther-for I morne & no thynge am mery.
Whan sche ded syen the lorde saye,
The duke of Glouceter was sclayn at Bery.
“Rychard of yorke, that lord ryal,
He was exilyd for ȝeres thre;
Than was I leke to haue a falle,
I clamer vpon a rotyn tre!
He was exilyd for ȝeres thre;
Than was I leke to haue a falle,
I clamer vpon a rotyn tre!
“Than sette I from my ryalte
As angell dede from heuyn to helle;
All crystyn kynges be war be me—
God amend wikkyd cownsel!
As angell dede from heuyn to helle;
All crystyn kynges be war be me—
God amend wikkyd cownsel!
“O lorde Iesu, wat schuld I doo
Withowte your grase to me inclyn,
Vpon the dredful day of dom,
Wher euery man schul answer for his tyme?
Withowte your grase to me inclyn,
Vpon the dredful day of dom,
Wher euery man schul answer for his tyme?
“Many a man for me hath be slayn
With bowe and axe and swerde I-drawe;
And thate I wite myn own brayn
I-helde nowth my lordys vnder awe.
With bowe and axe and swerde I-drawe;
And thate I wite myn own brayn
I-helde nowth my lordys vnder awe.
“Alas my awen coude neuer haue reste,
But euer to Stryve with the cominalte;
Alas, I badde her do her beste,
Tyl the grase was from her & me.
But euer to Stryve with the cominalte;
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Tyl the grase was from her & me.
“Now ys my por clene ourthrown,
Wher I was kynge & bare the belle;
Than was I hye, now am I lowe—
God amende wykkyd cownsel!
Wher I was kynge & bare the belle;
Than was I hye, now am I lowe—
God amende wykkyd cownsel!
“Sum tyme I rodde in clothe of gold so red,
Thorow-oute ynglond in many a town;
Alas, I dare nowth schewe now my hede—
Thys word ys turnyd clene vppe so down!
Thorow-oute ynglond in many a town;
Alas, I dare nowth schewe now my hede—
Thys word ys turnyd clene vppe so down!
“Of the bledde ryall I am kom;
Kynge herry of Monmowthe me beforn,
He was my fadir & I his sone,
And of qwen kateryn was I born.
Kynge herry of Monmowthe me beforn,
He was my fadir & I his sone,
And of qwen kateryn was I born.
“Now ys he dedde and leyde depe in cleye,
And deth hath strekyn hym with his lawnse . . .”
And deth hath strekyn hym with his lawnse . . .”
82. WILLIKIN'S RETURN (1470)
Nowell, nowell, nowell, nowell!
& cryst saue mery ynglon & sped yt welle!
& cryst saue mery ynglon & sped yt welle!
tyll home sull wylekyn, þis Ioly gentyl schep,
all to houre combely kyng hary þis cnat ys knyt;
þer-fore let vs all syng nowel.
all to houre combely kyng hary þis cnat ys knyt;
þer-fore let vs all syng nowel.
199
tyll home sull wylekyn, þis Ioly gentyl mast,
all to my lorde prynce, þat neuere was caste;
þerfore let vs all syng nowel.
all to my lorde prynce, þat neuere was caste;
þerfore let vs all syng nowel.
tyll home sull wylekyn, þis Ioly gentyl nore,
all to my lorde chamberlayne, þat neuer was for-sore;
þerfore let vs all syng nowell.
all to my lorde chamberlayne, þat neuer was for-sore;
þerfore let vs all syng nowell.
tyll home sull wylekyn, þis Ioly gentyll sayle,
all to my lorde fueryn, þat neuer dyd fayle;
þerfore let vs all syng nowell.
all to my lorde fueryn, þat neuer dyd fayle;
þerfore let vs all syng nowell.
83. A REMEMBRANCE OF HENRY VI (1492)
BY JAMES RYMAN
O good Herry, the sixte by name,
Bothe of Inglond, ye, & of Fraunce,
A kyng thou were of royall fame
And of full worthy gouernaunce,
Full of mercy without vengeaunce,
Wherfore in blisse the king of grace
Hath grauntid the a Ioyefull place.
Bothe of Inglond, ye, & of Fraunce,
A kyng thou were of royall fame
And of full worthy gouernaunce,
Full of mercy without vengeaunce,
Wherfore in blisse the king of grace
Hath grauntid the a Ioyefull place.
200
A king thou were of grete renowne
And of vertue more excellent,
XXXIX yere weryng crowne,
By grace of god omnipotent,
Euer in mercy permanent;
Wherefore in blisse the king of grace
Hath graunted the a Ioyefull place.
And of vertue more excellent,
XXXIX yere weryng crowne,
By grace of god omnipotent,
Euer in mercy permanent;
Wherefore in blisse the king of grace
Hath graunted the a Ioyefull place.
As a true knyght, both day & nyght,
Oure sauyoure thou diddest honoure
With hert & myende, with wille & myght,
In helth, in welthe, & in doloure
Euir at nede graunting socoure;
Wherfore in blisse the king of grace
Hath graunted the a Ioyefull place.
Oure sauyoure thou diddest honoure
With hert & myende, with wille & myght,
In helth, in welthe, & in doloure
Euir at nede graunting socoure;
Wherfore in blisse the king of grace
Hath graunted the a Ioyefull place.
As scripture seith, blessed they be
That mercyfull be in worde and dede,
For they shall fyende of criest so fre
Mercy also in tyme of nede.
This vertu ay in the did sprede,
Wherefore in blisse the king of grace
Hath graunted the a Ioyefull place.
That mercyfull be in worde and dede,
For they shall fyende of criest so fre
Mercy also in tyme of nede.
This vertu ay in the did sprede,
Wherefore in blisse the king of grace
Hath graunted the a Ioyefull place.
A prince thou were meke & benigne,
Pacient in aduersite,
Wherefore thou hast a crowne condigne
In blisse of alle felicite,
Where Ioy hath perpetuite;
In the whiche blisse the king of grace
Hath grauntid the a ioyfull place.
Pacient in aduersite,
Wherefore thou hast a crowne condigne
In blisse of alle felicite,
Where Ioy hath perpetuite;
In the whiche blisse the king of grace
Hath grauntid the a ioyfull place.
In thy gesture thou were like Iobe
Stedfast of feith & myelde of mode,
Not prowde of vesture ne of roobe,
Ne auarous of worldely goode,
Ne sumptuous of carnall foode;
Wherefore in blisse the king of grace
Hath graunted the A ioyefull place.
Stedfast of feith & myelde of mode,
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Ne auarous of worldely goode,
Ne sumptuous of carnall foode;
Wherefore in blisse the king of grace
Hath graunted the A ioyefull place.
At Wyndesore, thy place natyf,
Almyghty god in blisse aboue
Both vnto man, to chield, & wyf,
Now dothe grete thingis for thy loue,
As patently the dede doth proue.
Wherfore in blis the king of grace
Hath grauntid the a Ioyfull place.
Almyghty god in blisse aboue
Both vnto man, to chield, & wyf,
Now dothe grete thingis for thy loue,
As patently the dede doth proue.
Wherfore in blis the king of grace
Hath grauntid the a Ioyfull place.
The vertue of thy lyfe so clere,
The whiche was had, as riche treasure,
Bothe ferre & nere, now dothe appere
To yonge & olde in due measure;
Wherefore to criest thou do thy cure,
That he will graunte vs of his grace
In blisse with the to haue a place.
The whiche was had, as riche treasure,
Bothe ferre & nere, now dothe appere
To yonge & olde in due measure;
Wherefore to criest thou do thy cure,
That he will graunte vs of his grace
In blisse with the to haue a place.
THE WHITE ROSE OF YORK
84. PRELUDE TO THE WARS (1449)
The Rote is ded, The swanne is goon,
Þe firy Cressett hath lost his lyght;
Therfore Inglond may make gret mone,
Were not the helpe of godde almyght.
Þe firy Cressett hath lost his lyght;
Therfore Inglond may make gret mone,
Were not the helpe of godde almyght.
202
The Castell is wonne where care be-gown,
The Portecolys is leyde a-down;
I-closid we haue oure welevette hatte,
That keueryd vs from mony stormys brown.
The Portecolys is leyde a-down;
I-closid we haue oure welevette hatte,
That keueryd vs from mony stormys brown.
Þe White lioun is leyde to slepe
Þorowȝ the Envy of the Ape clogge;
And he is bownden that oure dore shuld kepe—
That is Talbott oure good dogge.
Þorowȝ the Envy of the Ape clogge;
And he is bownden that oure dore shuld kepe—
That is Talbott oure good dogge.
The ffisshere hath lost his hangulhook,
Gete theym agayn when it woll be.
Oure myllesaylle will not a-bowte,
Hit hath so long goon emptye.
Gete theym agayn when it woll be.
Oure myllesaylle will not a-bowte,
Hit hath so long goon emptye.
The Bere is bound that was so wild,
ffor he hath lost his ragged staff.
The Carte nathe is spokeles,
ffor the counseill that he gaff.
ffor he hath lost his ragged staff.
The Carte nathe is spokeles,
ffor the counseill that he gaff.
Þe lily is both faire and grene;
The Coundite rennyth not, as I wene.
The Cornysshe chawgh offt with his trayne
Hath made oure Egulle blynde.
The Coundite rennyth not, as I wene.
The Cornysshe chawgh offt with his trayne
Hath made oure Egulle blynde.
The white hard is put out of mynde,
Be-cause he woll not to hem consent;
Therfore the Commyns saith is both trew and kynd,
Bothe in Southesex and in Kent.
Be-cause he woll not to hem consent;
Therfore the Commyns saith is both trew and kynd,
Bothe in Southesex and in Kent.
The water bowge and the wyne botelle
With the Vetturlockes cheyne ben fast.
The whete yere woll theym susteyn
As long as he may endure and last.
With the Vetturlockes cheyne ben fast.
The whete yere woll theym susteyn
As long as he may endure and last.
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The boore is farre in-to þe west,
Þat shold vs helpe with shild and spere;
The ffawkoun fleyth and hath no rest,
Tille he witte where to bigge his nest.
Þat shold vs helpe with shild and spere;
The ffawkoun fleyth and hath no rest,
Tille he witte where to bigge his nest.
85. ADVICE TO THE COURT, I (1450)
ffor feer or for fauour of any fals man,Loose not the loue of alle þe commynalte!
Be ware and sey, by seint Iulian,
Duke, Iwge, baron, Archebisshop and he be,
He woll repent it with-in þis monthes thre.
Let ffolke accused excuse theym-selff, and þey can;
Reseyue no good, let soche bribry be;
Support not theym this wo by-gan,
And let theym suche clothis as þey span,
And take fro þeym þer wages and þer fee,
Or, by god and sent Anne,
Som must go hens, hit may non othere weys be,
And els is lost all þis lond and we.
Hong vp suche men to oure souerayn lord,
That euer counseld hym with fals men to be acord.
Anno milleno domini centum quaterno
L simplex pleno caveat omnis homo.
L simplex pleno caveat omnis homo.
86. ADVICE TO THE COURT, II (1450)
Ye that haue the kyng to demene,
And ffrauncheses gif theym ageyne,
or els I rede ye fle.
ffor ye haue made the kyng so pore
That now he beggeth fro dore to dore—
Alas, hit shuld so be!
And ffrauncheses gif theym ageyne,
or els I rede ye fle.
204
That now he beggeth fro dore to dore—
Alas, hit shuld so be!
Tom of say, and daniel both,
To be-gyn be not to loth,
þen shall ye haue no shame.
Who will not, he shall not chese,
And his life he shall lese—
No reson will vs blame.
To be-gyn be not to loth,
þen shall ye haue no shame.
Who will not, he shall not chese,
And his life he shall lese—
No reson will vs blame.
Trowth and pore men ben appressed,
And myscheff is nothyng redressed;
þe kyng knowith not all.
Thorow-out all Englond,
On tho þat holden þe fals bond
Vengeaunce will cry and call.
And myscheff is nothyng redressed;
þe kyng knowith not all.
Thorow-out all Englond,
On tho þat holden þe fals bond
Vengeaunce will cry and call.
The traytours wene they ben so sly,
Þat no man can hem aspy;
We can do them no griffe.
We swere by hym that harwed hell,
Þay shall no lenger in eresy dwell,
Ne in þer fals beleve.
Þat no man can hem aspy;
We can do them no griffe.
We swere by hym that harwed hell,
Þay shall no lenger in eresy dwell,
Ne in þer fals beleve.
So pore a kyng was neuer seen,
Nor richere lordes all by-dene;
þe commvnes may no more.
Þe lorde say biddeth holde hem down,
Þat worthy dastard of renown;
he techith a fals loore.
Nor richere lordes all by-dene;
þe commvnes may no more.
Þe lorde say biddeth holde hem down,
Þat worthy dastard of renown;
he techith a fals loore.
Suffolk normandy hath swold.
to gete hyt a-gayn he is bold.
how acordeth þese to in on?
And he wenyth with-outen drede
To make the kyng to avowe his dede,
and call hit no treson.
to gete hyt a-gayn he is bold.
how acordeth þese to in on?
205
To make the kyng to avowe his dede,
and call hit no treson.
We trow þe kyng be to leere
To sell both men and lond in feere;
hit is agayn reson.
But yif the commyns of Englond
Helpe þe kyng in his fond,
Suffolk woll bere þe crown!
To sell both men and lond in feere;
hit is agayn reson.
But yif the commyns of Englond
Helpe þe kyng in his fond,
Suffolk woll bere þe crown!
Be ware, kyng henre, how þou doos;
Let no lenger þy traitours go loos—
þey will neuer be trewe.
Þe traytours are sworn all to-gedere
To holde fast as þey were brether;
let hem drynk as þey han brewed.
Let no lenger þy traitours go loos—
þey will neuer be trewe.
Þe traytours are sworn all to-gedere
To holde fast as þey were brether;
let hem drynk as þey han brewed.
Þe chaunselere þat last was hath staffes take,
Blank charters, to don vs wrake,
no nombre of them, hit is ferd.
He woll not suffre þe clerkes preche;
Trowthe in no wise he will not teche;
he is þe deuels shapard.
Blank charters, to don vs wrake,
no nombre of them, hit is ferd.
He woll not suffre þe clerkes preche;
Trowthe in no wise he will not teche;
he is þe deuels shapard.
Þis bill is trewe. who will say nay,
In smythfeld syng he a day,
and þe helpe of þe rode.
That traitours shall provid;
More reson can not be mevid;
þer shall hit be made good.
In smythfeld syng he a day,
and þe helpe of þe rode.
That traitours shall provid;
More reson can not be mevid;
þer shall hit be made good.
206
87. TAKE GOOD HEED
Awake, lordes, awake & take goode hede!ffor som þat speke ful fayre, þei wolde ȝour evil spede;
Þouȝ þei pere in your presence with a fayre face,
And her tunge chaunged, þe hert is as it was.
Þei seyne in þeire assemble, “it is a wondre thyng
To se þe Rose in wyntre so fressh for to spryng.”
And many barked atte bere þat now be ful stylle;
Ȝit þei wol hym wyrye, if þei might haue her wylle.
But of your fewe fomen no thing þat ye drede,
ffor þe comyns ben youres, euer at youre nede.
Ȝit a seege wold be set, þe falte to take & holde,
ffor oon scabbed shepe may enfecte al a folde.
Trust not to moche in the fauour of youre foos,
ffor þei be double in wirking, as þe worlde gos,
Promysing feithfully obeisaunce to kepe,
But perfite loue in þeire hertis is leyde for to slepe;
And þouȝ þei were þe rose, or þe ragged staffe,
Þei rought neuer how sone, in feiþe, þat ȝe starffe.
ffor fyre & water to-gider kyndeling be brought,
It passeþ mannes power, be god þat me bought.
Nor two fases in a hode is neuer to tryst.
Beþ wele war be-fore, & þenk of “had I wyst.”
ffor þei hopen & tristen to here of a day,
To se þe rose & þe lion brought to a-bay
With þe egel & þe bere, þat worþi be in fight.
ffrom þat infortune, preserue you god almight!
And lat not youre sauegardes be to liberalle
To your foos þat be turnyng euer as a balle;
And siþe fortune haþe set you hye on hir whele
And in youre comyns love, loveþ ye hem as wele.
ffor many þat were þe chayne on hir sleve
207
And som þat were þe ragged bottis
Had lever were þe stafford knottis.
But what þei mene, no man it wottis,
Þerfore I counsel, eschewe þeire lottis.
To telle you more it is no nede,
By counsel goode ȝit take goode hede,
ffor a cristmas gestenyng, as clerkis rede,
At on-set stevyn is quyt, in dede.
Wherfore I counsel you sempely as I can,
Of youre disposicion telliþ not euery man.
Miche is in my mynde, no more is in my penne:
ffor þis shuld I be shent, might som men it kenne.
But pray we al to god þat died on a spere,
To saue þe rose, þe lyon, þe egle, & þe bere,
With al oþer lordes, trewe to youre assent;
Her sheld be euer god omnipotent.
Amen.
88. Balat set upponne the yates of Caunterbury. (1460)
In the day of faste and spirituelle afflixione,
The celestialle influence on bodyes transytory
Set asyde alle prophecyes, and alle commixtione
Of iujementys sensualle to ofte in memory.
I reduced to mynde the prophete Isay,
Consideryng Englond to God in greuous offence;
With wepyng ye, this text I fonde in his story:
“Omne caput languidum, et omne cor merens.”
The celestialle influence on bodyes transytory
Set asyde alle prophecyes, and alle commixtione
Of iujementys sensualle to ofte in memory.
I reduced to mynde the prophete Isay,
Consideryng Englond to God in greuous offence;
With wepyng ye, this text I fonde in his story:
“Omne caput languidum, et omne cor merens.”
208
“Regnum Anglorum regnum Dei est,”
As the Aungelle to seynt Edward dede wyttenesse.
Now regnum Sathane, it semethe, reputat best.
For filii scelerati haue broughte it in dystresse—
This preuethe fals wedlock and periury expresse—
Fals heyres fostred, as knowethe experyence,
Vnryghtewys dysherytyng with false oppresse,
Sic, “omne caput languidum, et omne cor merens.”
As the Aungelle to seynt Edward dede wyttenesse.
Now regnum Sathane, it semethe, reputat best.
For filii scelerati haue broughte it in dystresse—
This preuethe fals wedlock and periury expresse—
Fals heyres fostred, as knowethe experyence,
Vnryghtewys dysherytyng with false oppresse,
Sic, “omne caput languidum, et omne cor merens.”
A planta pedis, fro the pore tylyer of the lond
Ad verticem of spiritualle eke temporalle ennoynted crown,
Grace ys withdrawe and Goddys mercyfulle hand;
Exalted ys falsehod, trowthe ys layde adoune;
Euery reame cryethe owte of Engelondes treson.
O falshod, with thy colored presence,
Euer shulle we syng duryng thy season:
“Omne caput languidum, et omne cor merens.”
Ad verticem of spiritualle eke temporalle ennoynted crown,
Grace ys withdrawe and Goddys mercyfulle hand;
Exalted ys falsehod, trowthe ys layde adoune;
Euery reame cryethe owte of Engelondes treson.
O falshod, with thy colored presence,
Euer shulle we syng duryng thy season:
“Omne caput languidum, et omne cor merens.”
“Omne regnum in se divisum,” sayethe dyuyne Scrypture,
“Shall be desolate”; than folewethe translacione
Into the handes of theyre enemyes—Jewes arn figure.
And now ys Englond in lyk reputacione,
In wey to be conquered—truste it for sewre!
Jhesu, for thy mercy and thy noble reuerens,
Reforme vs to goodnesse and condicione pure,
For “omne caput languidum, et omne cor merens.”
“Shall be desolate”; than folewethe translacione
Into the handes of theyre enemyes—Jewes arn figure.
And now ys Englond in lyk reputacione,
In wey to be conquered—truste it for sewre!
Jhesu, for thy mercy and thy noble reuerens,
Reforme vs to goodnesse and condicione pure,
For “omne caput languidum, et omne cor merens.”
Harry, oure souerayne and most Crystyne kyng,
His trew bloode hathe flemed bothe be swerde and exyle;
What prynce by thys rewle may haue long enduryng,
That also in moste pouert hath be long whyle?
Tho bestys that thys wroughte to mydsomer haue but a myle!
But euer mornethe Engelond for ham that be hens,
Wythe languysshyng of herte, rehersyng my scyle,
“Omne caput languidum, et omne cor merens.”
His trew bloode hathe flemed bothe be swerde and exyle;
What prynce by thys rewle may haue long enduryng,
That also in moste pouert hath be long whyle?
Tho bestys that thys wroughte to mydsomer haue but a myle!
But euer mornethe Engelond for ham that be hens,
Wythe languysshyng of herte, rehersyng my scyle,
“Omne caput languidum, et omne cor merens.”
209
Jonathas ys ded that Dauid shuld restore
To the presence of the kyng, vnyte to make,
“Murum pro domo Israel”; presthode dar no more
Put hymself forthe, his fat benefyce he shuld forsake.
Mercyfulle God, it ys tyme thow for vs awake!
“Mercenarius fugit,” ne wylle make resistence,
He ferethe the wolf that wolde hys bonys crake.
“Omne caput languidum, et omne cor merens.”
To the presence of the kyng, vnyte to make,
“Murum pro domo Israel”; presthode dar no more
Put hymself forthe, his fat benefyce he shuld forsake.
Mercyfulle God, it ys tyme thow for vs awake!
“Mercenarius fugit,” ne wylle make resistence,
He ferethe the wolf that wolde hys bonys crake.
“Omne caput languidum, et omne cor merens.”
Tempus ys come falshede to dystroy,
Tempus eradicandi the wedes fro the corne,
Tempus cremandi the breres that trees noye,
Tempus evellendi the fals hunter with his horne,
Tempus miserendi on por alle to torne,
Tempus ponendi falsnes in perpetuelle absence,
Thoroughe whom we syngyn bothe euyne and morne,
“Omne caput languidum, et omne cor merens.”
Tempus eradicandi the wedes fro the corne,
Tempus cremandi the breres that trees noye,
Tempus evellendi the fals hunter with his horne,
Tempus miserendi on por alle to torne,
Tempus ponendi falsnes in perpetuelle absence,
Thoroughe whom we syngyn bothe euyne and morne,
“Omne caput languidum, et omne cor merens.”
Send hom, most gracious Lord Jhesu, most benygne,
Sende hoom thy trew blode vn-to his propre veyne,
Richard, duk of York, Job thy seruaunt insygne,
Whom Sathan not cesethe to sette at care and dysdeyne;
But by the preserued, he may nat be slayne.
Sette hym ut sedeat in principibus, as he dyd before,
And so to oure newe songe, Lorde, thyn erys inclyne,
“Gloria, laus et honor tibi sit, Rex Christe Redemptor!”
Sende hoom thy trew blode vn-to his propre veyne,
Richard, duk of York, Job thy seruaunt insygne,
Whom Sathan not cesethe to sette at care and dysdeyne;
But by the preserued, he may nat be slayne.
Sette hym ut sedeat in principibus, as he dyd before,
And so to oure newe songe, Lorde, thyn erys inclyne,
“Gloria, laus et honor tibi sit, Rex Christe Redemptor!”
Edwarde, Erle of Marche, whos fame the erthe shalle sprede,
Richard, Erle of Salisbury, named prudence,
Wythe that noble knyghte and floure of manhode
Richard, erle of Warrewyk, sheelde of oure defence,
Also lytelle Fauconbrege, a knyghte of grete reuerence;
Jhesu ham restore to thayre honoure as thay had before,
And euer shalle we syng to thyn Hyghe Excellence,
“Gloria, laus et honor Tibi sit, Rex Christe Redemptor!”
Richard, Erle of Salisbury, named prudence,
Wythe that noble knyghte and floure of manhode
Richard, erle of Warrewyk, sheelde of oure defence,
Also lytelle Fauconbrege, a knyghte of grete reuerence;
Jhesu ham restore to thayre honoure as thay had before,
And euer shalle we syng to thyn Hyghe Excellence,
“Gloria, laus et honor Tibi sit, Rex Christe Redemptor!”
210
No prynce, alle thyng consydered, wythe honoure
In alle thyng requysyte to a kynges excellence
Better may lyue—serche any worthy predecessoure;
Yet hastow, souuerayne lord, in these lordes absence
Of alle thaym to a kyng ryghte resonable expens;
Thay shalle come agayne and rekere for the scoore,
And thow shalt syng wythe vs thys verrey trew sens,
“Gloria, laus et honor Tibi sit, Rex Christe Redemptor!”
In alle thyng requysyte to a kynges excellence
Better may lyue—serche any worthy predecessoure;
Yet hastow, souuerayne lord, in these lordes absence
Of alle thaym to a kyng ryghte resonable expens;
Thay shalle come agayne and rekere for the scoore,
And thow shalt syng wythe vs thys verrey trew sens,
“Gloria, laus et honor Tibi sit, Rex Christe Redemptor!”
The deed man gretethe yow welle,
That ys iust, trew as steele,
With verray good entent;
Alle the Reame of Englond
Sone to louse from sorowes bond
By ryghte indifferent iugement.
That ys iust, trew as steele,
With verray good entent;
Alle the Reame of Englond
Sone to louse from sorowes bond
By ryghte indifferent iugement.
To the ryghte Worshypfulle Cyte of Caunterbury.
89. THE BATTLE OF NORTHAMPTON (1460)
Of all mennys disposicion naturall
Philisophyrs wryten in euery place,
That affter the bodyes celestiall
The Erthely body his wirkyn hase;
Some tyme disposid it is to solace,
Som tyme the contrary to hevynesse,
And som tyme, by enspeciall grace,
Sorow is turned into gladnesse.
Philisophyrs wryten in euery place,
That affter the bodyes celestiall
The Erthely body his wirkyn hase;
Some tyme disposid it is to solace,
Som tyme the contrary to hevynesse,
And som tyme, by enspeciall grace,
Sorow is turned into gladnesse.
And ensaumple here-of I take witnesse
Of certeyn persones þat late exiled were,
Whos sorow is turned into ioyfulnesse,
Þe rose, þe fetyrlok, þe egle, & þe bere.
Gret games in Inglond sum tyme þer were,
In hauking, huntyng, & fisshing in euery place
Amonge lordes with shelde & spere;
Prosperite in reme þan reignyng wase.
Of certeyn persones þat late exiled were,
Whos sorow is turned into ioyfulnesse,
Þe rose, þe fetyrlok, þe egle, & þe bere.
211
In hauking, huntyng, & fisshing in euery place
Amonge lordes with shelde & spere;
Prosperite in reme þan reignyng wase.
Where-of god of his speciall grace,
Heryng þe peple crying for mercye,
Considering þe falsehode in euery place,
Gaue infleweinz of myrþe into bodyes on hye.
The which in a berward lighted preuelye,
Edward, yong of age, disposed in solace,
In hauking & huntyng to begynne meryly,
To Northampton with þe bere he toke his trace.
Heryng þe peple crying for mercye,
Considering þe falsehode in euery place,
Gaue infleweinz of myrþe into bodyes on hye.
The which in a berward lighted preuelye,
Edward, yong of age, disposed in solace,
In hauking & huntyng to begynne meryly,
To Northampton with þe bere he toke his trace.
Now shal ye here a meruelous case,
Allonly þorough godes ovne prouysioun;
Þe berward & þe bere þei did þe dogges chace,
And put þeyme to flight, to gret confucioun;
Þus a-gayne all naturall disposicioun
To se a bere to seke his own game,
But if it were of goddis mocioun
Þat he shuld do þe dogges shame.
Allonly þorough godes ovne prouysioun;
Þe berward & þe bere þei did þe dogges chace,
And put þeyme to flight, to gret confucioun;
Þus a-gayne all naturall disposicioun
To se a bere to seke his own game,
But if it were of goddis mocioun
Þat he shuld do þe dogges shame.
Talbot ontrewe was þe oon dogges name,
Bauling bewmond anodre, I vnderstonde;
Þe thrid also was made ful tame,
He was called bolde egremonde.
When þe bereward come to þe grounde,
Where he chased the forsaid leese,
Amonge all oþer a buk he founde
Þe which was hye & fat of greese.
Bauling bewmond anodre, I vnderstonde;
Þe thrid also was made ful tame,
He was called bolde egremonde.
When þe bereward come to þe grounde,
Where he chased the forsaid leese,
Amonge all oþer a buk he founde
Þe which was hye & fat of greese.
Þe coriages berward put hym ferre in preese,
To þe hunt, oure Kyng, he hyed hym ful fast;
The bere for all þe dogges wold not seese,
But hyed hym sone afftre swyfftly in hast.
The dogges barked at hem ful fast,
Þe buk set vp his hornes on hye;
Þe berward, þei cryed, þei wold downe cast,
The bere also, if that he come nye.
To þe hunt, oure Kyng, he hyed hym ful fast;
212
But hyed hym sone afftre swyfftly in hast.
The dogges barked at hem ful fast,
Þe buk set vp his hornes on hye;
Þe berward, þei cryed, þei wold downe cast,
The bere also, if that he come nye.
The bereward asked no questioun why,
But on þe dogges he set full rounde;
Þe bere made the dogges to cry,
And with his pawme cast þeyme to grounde.
The game was done in a litel stounde,
Þe buk was slayne, & borne away;
A-gayne þe bere þan was none hounde,
But he might sporte and take his play.
But on þe dogges he set full rounde;
Þe bere made the dogges to cry,
And with his pawme cast þeyme to grounde.
The game was done in a litel stounde,
Þe buk was slayne, & borne away;
A-gayne þe bere þan was none hounde,
But he might sporte and take his play.
But þe hunt he saued from harme þat day—
He þouȝt neuer oþer in all his mynde—
He lowted downe, & at his fote lay,
In token to hym that he was kynde.
The bereward also, þe huntes frende,
ffell downe on kne, saying with obedience:
“Souereigne lord, thenk vs not vnkynde,
Nor take ye this in none offence.
He þouȝt neuer oþer in all his mynde—
He lowted downe, & at his fote lay,
In token to hym that he was kynde.
The bereward also, þe huntes frende,
ffell downe on kne, saying with obedience:
“Souereigne lord, thenk vs not vnkynde,
Nor take ye this in none offence.
“We haue desired to com to your presence,
To oure excuse we myght not answere;
All þinges were hyd from your audience,
Where-fore we fled away for fere.”
The hunt seid þo: “I wol you here.
Ye be right welcom bothe to me;
All-way I pray you to stond me nere;
Ye be my frendis, I may wele se.
To oure excuse we myght not answere;
All þinges were hyd from your audience,
Where-fore we fled away for fere.”
The hunt seid þo: “I wol you here.
Ye be right welcom bothe to me;
All-way I pray you to stond me nere;
Ye be my frendis, I may wele se.
213
“Stond vp, berward, welcom be ye,
Gramercy of your gentyl game;
ffrom you & your bere I wol neuer fle,
Telliþe me now, what is your name.”
“Edward of march, I am þe same,
Trewe to god and youre highnesse.”
Þe gentyl bere seid: “with-outen blame,
We haue be put in gret hevynesse.”
Gramercy of your gentyl game;
ffrom you & your bere I wol neuer fle,
Telliþe me now, what is your name.”
“Edward of march, I am þe same,
Trewe to god and youre highnesse.”
Þe gentyl bere seid: “with-outen blame,
We haue be put in gret hevynesse.”
The hunt answerid with gret mekenesse:
“Þe dogges wrought agayne all kynde,
Þei labored to bryng me in distresse;
I was þeire mayster & speciall frende.
The buk ran before, þe dogges be-hynde.
I folowed affter, I wist neuer why;
In no place game kowde I fynde,
Þe buk and þe dogges playde by & by.
“Þe dogges wrought agayne all kynde,
Þei labored to bryng me in distresse;
I was þeire mayster & speciall frende.
The buk ran before, þe dogges be-hynde.
I folowed affter, I wist neuer why;
In no place game kowde I fynde,
Þe buk and þe dogges playde by & by.
“A gentylle dogge wol naturally
His mayster love & drede also;
His kyndly game if he may a-spy,
ffrom hym belyve he wol be goo.
These curre-dogges before dyd not so;
Þe buk and þey played par asent,
They lapped a-wey the fatte me fro,
Me to myscheue was þeire entent.
His mayster love & drede also;
His kyndly game if he may a-spy,
ffrom hym belyve he wol be goo.
These curre-dogges before dyd not so;
Þe buk and þey played par asent,
They lapped a-wey the fatte me fro,
Me to myscheue was þeire entent.
“And neuer to me þei wold consent,
Þe which called you euer treytours vntrewe;
Tyl now þe trewe comynerys of kent
Be comyn with you, falsehed to destrewe,
And truþe long exiled now to renewe.
Seynt thomas I þanke, in all your right,
Þat gided you þis day, & shewid to be trewe,
So fewe men slayne in so gret a fight!
Þe which called you euer treytours vntrewe;
Tyl now þe trewe comynerys of kent
Be comyn with you, falsehed to destrewe,
And truþe long exiled now to renewe.
Seynt thomas I þanke, in all your right,
Þat gided you þis day, & shewid to be trewe,
So fewe men slayne in so gret a fight!
214
“It was þe werk of god almight,
Of mannesse power it might not be;
Gramercy, favcon, of þi fayre flight,
Þe bird from þe nest he made to fle.”
To london now, þat fayre cyte,
Þe hunt was brought ful reuerently;
Þe berward, þe bere, þe fawcon fre,
Rode a-bouȝt hym full ioyefully.
Of mannesse power it might not be;
Gramercy, favcon, of þi fayre flight,
Þe bird from þe nest he made to fle.”
To london now, þat fayre cyte,
Þe hunt was brought ful reuerently;
Þe berward, þe bere, þe fawcon fre,
Rode a-bouȝt hym full ioyefully.
Thorow þat cyte right opynly
Þe hunt rode, with gret gladnesse;
Þe pepil reioysed inwardly,
And þanked god of his goodenesse,
That he likeþ with lustynesse
To endewe þe hunt, oure noble kyng,
And to remeve his heuynesse
Which to his regall is no-þyng conservyng.
Þe hunt rode, with gret gladnesse;
Þe pepil reioysed inwardly,
And þanked god of his goodenesse,
That he likeþ with lustynesse
To endewe þe hunt, oure noble kyng,
And to remeve his heuynesse
Which to his regall is no-þyng conservyng.
The egle from london was neuer remeving,
But hovid & wayted vpon his pray;
All his delite was euer in fisshing,
Þe fisshe were closed in pyttes alway.
Yit at þe last, vpon a day,
Þe fisshe drewe nere vnto þe bayte;
Nede haþe no lawe, þis all men say,
Þe egle þerto euer layde goode wayte.
But hovid & wayted vpon his pray;
All his delite was euer in fisshing,
Þe fisshe were closed in pyttes alway.
Yit at þe last, vpon a day,
Þe fisshe drewe nere vnto þe bayte;
Nede haþe no lawe, þis all men say,
Þe egle þerto euer layde goode wayte.
To skape a-way it was ful strayte,
Þe egyls birdes lay so þeyme a-bowte,
Euer beholding þe falce dissayte,
How from þeyme all þei wold gon oute.
Þe egle liȝted & made hem to loute,
Þe fisshe was feynte, & litell of might;
Ȝit iiij there were, boþe gret & stoute,
Þe which he toke all at a flight.
Þe egyls birdes lay so þeyme a-bowte,
Euer beholding þe falce dissayte,
How from þeyme all þei wold gon oute.
Þe egle liȝted & made hem to loute,
Þe fisshe was feynte, & litell of might;
Ȝit iiij there were, boþe gret & stoute,
Þe which he toke all at a flight.
All þei had scaped vpon a nyght,
Saue þeire skales were plucked away;
Þan had þe fissh lost all here might,
And litel ioy in watyr to play.
Now god, þat madest both nyght & day,
Bryng home þe mayster of þis game,
Þe duke of yorke, for hym we pray,
Þat noble prynce, Richard be name,
Saue þeire skales were plucked away;
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And litel ioy in watyr to play.
Now god, þat madest both nyght & day,
Bryng home þe mayster of þis game,
Þe duke of yorke, for hym we pray,
Þat noble prynce, Richard be name,
Whom treson ne falshod neuer dyd shame,
But euer obedient to his souereigne;
ffalsehod euer-more put hym in blame,
& lay awayte hym to haue sleigne.
If god be with vs, who is vs agayne?
He is so nowe, blessid mot he be;
Of þis fortune all men may be fayne,
Þat right haþe now his fre entree.
But euer obedient to his souereigne;
ffalsehod euer-more put hym in blame,
& lay awayte hym to haue sleigne.
If god be with vs, who is vs agayne?
He is so nowe, blessid mot he be;
Of þis fortune all men may be fayne,
Þat right haþe now his fre entree.
Blessid be god in trinite,
ffadir & son & holygoste,
Which kepith his seruauntes in aduersite,
& wold not suffre þeyme to be loste.
As þou art lord of mightes moste,
Saue þe kyng & his ryalte,
And illumyn hym with þe holy goste,
His reme to set in perfyt charite.
ffadir & son & holygoste,
Which kepith his seruauntes in aduersite,
& wold not suffre þeyme to be loste.
As þou art lord of mightes moste,
Saue þe kyng & his ryalte,
And illumyn hym with þe holy goste,
His reme to set in perfyt charite.
Amen.
90. THE BATTLE OF TOWTON (1461)
Now is the rose of Rone growen to a gret honoure,
Therfore syng we euerychone, “I-blessid be that floure!”
Therfore syng we euerychone, “I-blessid be that floure!”
I warne you euerychone, for you shuld vnderstonde,
There sprange a rose in rone & sprad into englonde,
He þat moued oure mone þorough þe grace of goddes sonde;
That rose stonte alone, þe chef flour of this londe.
I-blessid be the tyme that euer god sprad that floure.
There sprange a rose in rone & sprad into englonde,
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That rose stonte alone, þe chef flour of this londe.
I-blessid be the tyme that euer god sprad that floure.
Blessid be þat rose ryall, that is so fressh of hewe!
Almighty ihesu, blesse that soule þat þe sede sewe,
And blessid be þe gardeyn þer the rose grewe;
Cristes blessyng haue þei all, þat to þat rose be trewe,
And blessid be þe tyme þat euer god sprad þat floure.
Almighty ihesu, blesse that soule þat þe sede sewe,
And blessid be þe gardeyn þer the rose grewe;
Cristes blessyng haue þei all, þat to þat rose be trewe,
And blessid be þe tyme þat euer god sprad þat floure.
Be-twix Cristmas & candelmas, a litel before þe lent,
All þe lordes of þe northe þei wrouȝt by oon assent
ffor to stroy þe sowthe cuntre þei did all hur entent;
Had not þe rose of Rone be, al englond had be shent.
I-blessid be þe tyme þat euer god sprad þat floure.
All þe lordes of þe northe þei wrouȝt by oon assent
ffor to stroy þe sowthe cuntre þei did all hur entent;
Had not þe rose of Rone be, al englond had be shent.
I-blessid be þe tyme þat euer god sprad þat floure.
Upon a shrof tuesday on a grene leede,
Be-twix Sandricche & saynt Albons, many man gan blede.
On an aswedynsday we levid in mykel drede,
Than cam þe rose of Rone downe & halp vs at oure nede.
Blessid be þe tyme þat euer god sprad þat floure.
Be-twix Sandricche & saynt Albons, many man gan blede.
On an aswedynsday we levid in mykel drede,
Than cam þe rose of Rone downe & halp vs at oure nede.
Blessid be þe tyme þat euer god sprad þat floure.
The norþen men made her bost, whan þei had done þat dede,
“We wol dwelle in þe southe cuntrey & take al þat we nede—
These wifes & hur doughters oure purpose shul þei spede.”
Than seid þe rose of Rone, “nay, þat werk shal I for-bede!”
Blessid be þe tyme þat euer god sprad þat floure.
“We wol dwelle in þe southe cuntrey & take al þat we nede—
These wifes & hur doughters oure purpose shul þei spede.”
Than seid þe rose of Rone, “nay, þat werk shal I for-bede!”
Blessid be þe tyme þat euer god sprad þat floure.
ffor to saue al englond þe rose did his entent,
With Calys & with loue london, with Essex & with Kent,
And al þe south of englond vnto þe watyr of trent.
And whan he saw þe tyme best, þe rose from london went.
Blessid be þe tyme þat euer god sprad þat floure.
With Calys & with loue london, with Essex & with Kent,
And al þe south of englond vnto þe watyr of trent.
And whan he saw þe tyme best, þe rose from london went.
Blessid be þe tyme þat euer god sprad þat floure.
The wey into þe northe cuntre þe rose ful fast he sought;
With hym went þe ragged staf, þat many man dere bought;
So þan did þe white lyon—ful worthely he wrought.
Almighti ihesu blesse his soule þat þo armes ought,
And blessid be þe tyme þat euer god sprad þat floure.
With hym went þe ragged staf, þat many man dere bought;
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Almighti ihesu blesse his soule þat þo armes ought,
And blessid be þe tyme þat euer god sprad þat floure.
The fisshe hoke cam into þe felde with ful egre mode,
So did þe cornyssh chowghe & brouȝt forthe all hir brode;
Þer was þe blak ragged staf, þat is boþe trewe & goode;
Þe brideld horse; þe watyr bouge be þe horse stode.
Blessid be þe tyme þat euer god spred that floure.
So did þe cornyssh chowghe & brouȝt forthe all hir brode;
Þer was þe blak ragged staf, þat is boþe trewe & goode;
Þe brideld horse; þe watyr bouge be þe horse stode.
Blessid be þe tyme þat euer god spred that floure.
The grehound & þe hertes hede þei quyt hem wele þat day;
So did þe harow of caunterbury, & clynton with his kay;
Þe white ship of brystow he feryd not þat fray;
Þe blak ram of Couentre he said not ons nay.
Blessid be þe tyme þat euer god spred þat floure.
So did þe harow of caunterbury, & clynton with his kay;
Þe white ship of brystow he feryd not þat fray;
Þe blak ram of Couentre he said not ons nay.
Blessid be þe tyme þat euer god spred þat floure.
The fawcon & þe fetherlok was þer that tyde;
Þe blak bulle also, hym-self he wold not hyde;
Þe dolfyn cam from Walys, iii carpis be his syde;
The prowde libert of Salesbury, he gapid his gomes wide.
Blessid be þe tyme that euer god spred that floure.
Þe blak bulle also, hym-self he wold not hyde;
Þe dolfyn cam from Walys, iii carpis be his syde;
The prowde libert of Salesbury, he gapid his gomes wide.
Blessid be þe tyme that euer god spred that floure.
The wolf cam fro Worcestre, ful sore he þouȝt to lyte;
Þe dragon cam fro Glowcestre, he bent his tayle to smyte;
The griffen cam fro leycestre fleying in as tyte;
The george cam fro Notyngham with spere for to fyte.
Blessid be þe tyme that euer god spred þat floure.
Þe dragon cam fro Glowcestre, he bent his tayle to smyte;
The griffen cam fro leycestre fleying in as tyte;
The george cam fro Notyngham with spere for to fyte.
Blessid be þe tyme that euer god spred þat floure.
The boris hede fro Wyndesover with tusshes sharp & kene;
Þe estrich feder was in þe felde, þat many men myȝt sene;
The wild kat fro norhampton with hur brode nose.
Þer was many a fayre pynon wayting vpon þe rose.
Blessid be þe tyme þat euer god spred that floure.
Þe estrich feder was in þe felde, þat many men myȝt sene;
The wild kat fro norhampton with hur brode nose.
Þer was many a fayre pynon wayting vpon þe rose.
Blessid be þe tyme þat euer god spred that floure.
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The norþen party made hem strong with spere & with sheld;
On palmesonday affter þe none þei met vs in þe feld.
With-in an owre þei were right fayne to fle & eke to yeld—
xxvii thousand þe rose kyld in þe feld.
Blessid be þe tyme that euer god spred þat floure.
On palmesonday affter þe none þei met vs in þe feld.
With-in an owre þei were right fayne to fle & eke to yeld—
xxvii thousand þe rose kyld in þe feld.
Blessid be þe tyme that euer god spred þat floure.
The rose wan þe victorye, þe feld, & also þe chace.
Now may þe housbond in þe south dwell in his owne place—
His wif & eke his faire doughtre & al þe goode he has.
Soche menys haþ the rose made by vertu & by grace.
Blessid be þe tyme þat euer god sprad þat floure.
Now may þe housbond in þe south dwell in his owne place—
His wif & eke his faire doughtre & al þe goode he has.
Soche menys haþ the rose made by vertu & by grace.
Blessid be þe tyme þat euer god sprad þat floure.
The rose cam to loue london, ful ryally rydyng.
ii erchbisshops of englond þei crovned þe rose kyng.
Almighti ihesu save þe rose & geue hym his blessyng,
And al þe reme of englond ioy of his crownyng,
Þat we may blesse þe tyme þat euer god sprad þe floure.
ii erchbisshops of englond þei crovned þe rose kyng.
Almighti ihesu save þe rose & geue hym his blessyng,
And al þe reme of englond ioy of his crownyng,
Þat we may blesse þe tyme þat euer god sprad þe floure.
Amen, pur charite.
91. TWELVE LETTERS SAVE ENGLAND (1461)
Yerly be þe morowe in a somer-tyde,
I saw in a strete in london as I went,
A gentyl-woman sittyng in chepe-syde,
Syt wirkyng vpon a vestiment.
I saw in a strete in london as I went,
A gentyl-woman sittyng in chepe-syde,
Syt wirkyng vpon a vestiment.
She set xij letteris in order on a rowe,
Þat I might right wele vnderstande,
Þorought þe grace of god it shal be knowe,
Þese xij letters shal saue all Inglande.
Þat I might right wele vnderstande,
Þorought þe grace of god it shal be knowe,
Þese xij letters shal saue all Inglande.
A litel while if þat ye wol dwelle
And yeue audience all vnto me,
What letters þei were, I shal you telle:
Þei were drawen out of þe a b c.
And yeue audience all vnto me,
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Þei were drawen out of þe a b c.
There was a V & thre arres to-gydre in a sute,
With letters oþer of which I shal reherse;
Ȝ E R E writen affter be rute,
M S R and ff, now haue I þeyme expresse.
With letters oþer of which I shal reherse;
Ȝ E R E writen affter be rute,
M S R and ff, now haue I þeyme expresse.
Styl as I stode with-In a litel seson,
I construed þese letters þens or I went,
And as I conseyued be my semple reson,
I shal telle you what þat woman ment.
I construed þese letters þens or I went,
And as I conseyued be my semple reson,
I shal telle you what þat woman ment.
The arris for thre Richard þat be of noble fames,
Þat for þe riȝt of englond haue sufferd moche wo—
York, Salesbury, and Warwik, þese be þe lordes names
Þat all englond is be-holden to.
Þat for þe riȝt of englond haue sufferd moche wo—
York, Salesbury, and Warwik, þese be þe lordes names
Þat all englond is be-holden to.
Ȝ for ȝorke þat is manly and myȝtfull,
Þat be grace of god & gret reuelacion,
Reynyng with rules resonable and right-full,
Þe which for oure sakes haþe sufferd vexacion.
Þat be grace of god & gret reuelacion,
Reynyng with rules resonable and right-full,
Þe which for oure sakes haþe sufferd vexacion.
E for Edward whos fame þe erþe shal sprede,
Be-cause of his wisdom named prudence,
Shal saue all englond by his manly-hede,
Wherfore we owe to do hym reuerence.
Be-cause of his wisdom named prudence,
Shal saue all englond by his manly-hede,
Wherfore we owe to do hym reuerence.
M for marche, trewe in euery tryall,
Drawen by discrecion þat worthy & wise is,
Conseived in wedlok, & comyn of blode ryall,
Ioynyng vnto vertu, excludyng all vises.
Drawen by discrecion þat worthy & wise is,
Conseived in wedlok, & comyn of blode ryall,
Ioynyng vnto vertu, excludyng all vises.
S for Salesbury, with-out any question
Riall in his reynyng, & wise in euery case;
He bryngeth many maters to goode conclusion;
Called for his wisdom pater familias.
Riall in his reynyng, & wise in euery case;
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Called for his wisdom pater familias.
W for Warwik, goode with sheld & oþer defence,
Þe boldest vnder baner in batell to a-byde;
ffor þe right of englond he doþe his diligence.
Boþe be londe & watyr, god be his gyde!
Þe boldest vnder baner in batell to a-byde;
ffor þe right of englond he doþe his diligence.
Boþe be londe & watyr, god be his gyde!
ff for þe feturlok þat is of gret substaunce,
Þat haþe mevid many maters þorow his mediacion,
In englond & in Wales, in scotland & in fraunce,
He rideþ & ruleth with ryall reputacion.
Þat haþe mevid many maters þorow his mediacion,
In englond & in Wales, in scotland & in fraunce,
He rideþ & ruleth with ryall reputacion.
R for þe rose þat fressh is in euery stede,
Boþe þe rote and þe stalke ben gret of honoure;
ffro norway to normandi þeire power wol sprede,
ffrom yrland to estland men ioy of þat flowre.
Boþe þe rote and þe stalke ben gret of honoure;
ffro norway to normandi þeire power wol sprede,
ffrom yrland to estland men ioy of þat flowre.
E for þe egle þat gret worship haþe wonne
Þorow spredyng of his wynges, þat neuer dyd fle;
Þer was neuer byrde þat bred vndre sonne
More fortunat in felde þan þat birde hathe be.
Þorow spredyng of his wynges, þat neuer dyd fle;
Þer was neuer byrde þat bred vndre sonne
More fortunat in felde þan þat birde hathe be.
R for þe ragged staf þat noman may skapen,
ffrom scotland to cales þere-of men stond in awe;
In al cristen landes is none so felle a wepen
To correcte soche caytiffes as do a-gayne þe lawe.
ffrom scotland to cales þere-of men stond in awe;
In al cristen landes is none so felle a wepen
To correcte soche caytiffes as do a-gayne þe lawe.
Now haue I declarede þese xij letters acordyng
To þeire condicions, where þei ryde or gone;
Þouȝ þei be disseverid, þe olde from þe yinge,
Þeire entent & purpos corden all in oone.
To þeire condicions, where þei ryde or gone;
Þouȝ þei be disseverid, þe olde from þe yinge,
Þeire entent & purpos corden all in oone.
That is, to destroy treson, & make a tryall
Of hem þat be fauty, & hurten full sore.
ffor þe wylle of edward, kyng most ryall,
That is þe moste purpos þat we labor fore.
Of hem þat be fauty, & hurten full sore.
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That is þe moste purpos þat we labor fore.
Now pray we to þe prynce moste precious & pure
Þat syttyth with his seyntis in blys eternall,
Hur entent & purpos may last & endure
To þe plesaunce of god, & þe welfare of vs all.
Þat syttyth with his seyntis in blys eternall,
Hur entent & purpos may last & endure
To þe plesaunce of god, & þe welfare of vs all.
92. EDWARD, DEI GRATIA
A, a, a, a.
Edwardeus, Dai Gracia.
Edwardeus, Dai Gracia.
Sithe god hathe chose þe to be his knyȝt
And possesside þe in this right,
Thoue hime honour with al thi myght,
Edwardes, dai gracia.
And possesside þe in this right,
Thoue hime honour with al thi myght,
Edwardes, dai gracia.
Oute of þe stoke that longe lay dede
God hathe causede the to sprynge & sprede,
And of al Englond to be the hede,
Edwardes, dei gracia.
God hathe causede the to sprynge & sprede,
And of al Englond to be the hede,
Edwardes, dei gracia.
Sithe god hathe yeuen the thorough his myȝte,
Oute of that stoke birede in sight,
The floure to springe, & rosse so white,
Edwardes, dai gracia.
Oute of that stoke birede in sight,
The floure to springe, & rosse so white,
Edwardes, dai gracia.
Thoue yeve hem lawde and praisinge,
Thove vergyne knight of whom we synge,
Vndeffiled sithe thy begynnyng,
Edwardes, dai gracia.
Thove vergyne knight of whom we synge,
Vndeffiled sithe thy begynnyng,
Edwardes, dai gracia.
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God save thy contenewaunce,
And so to prospere to his plesance,
That euer thyne astate thou mowte enhaunce,
Edwardes, dai gracia.
And so to prospere to his plesance,
That euer thyne astate thou mowte enhaunce,
Edwardes, dai gracia.
Rex Anglie & francia, y say,
hit is thine owne—why saist þou nay?
And so is spayne, that faire contrey,
Edwardis, dai gracia.
hit is thine owne—why saist þou nay?
And so is spayne, that faire contrey,
Edwardis, dai gracia.
ffy on slowtfull contenewaunce,
Where conquest is a noble plesance,
And regesterd in olde rememberance,
Edwardes, day Gracia!
Where conquest is a noble plesance,
And regesterd in olde rememberance,
Edwardes, day Gracia!
Wherfor, prince and kyng moste myȝte,
Remember þe subdeue of þis regaly
Of Englonde, fraunce, & spayn trewely,
Edwardes, dai Gracia.
Remember þe subdeue of þis regaly
Of Englonde, fraunce, & spayn trewely,
Edwardes, dai Gracia.
Explicit.
93. A POLITICAL RETROSPECT (1462)
To have in mynde callyng to Remembbraunse
The gret wrongys doon of oold antiquitey,
Unrightful heyres by wrong alyaunce
Usurpyng this Royaume caused gret adversitey;
Kyng Richard the secounde, high of dignytee,
Whiche of Ingeland was Rightful enheritoure,
In whos tyme ther was habundaunce with plentee
Of welthe & erthely Ioye withouȝt langoure.
The gret wrongys doon of oold antiquitey,
Unrightful heyres by wrong alyaunce
Usurpyng this Royaume caused gret adversitey;
Kyng Richard the secounde, high of dignytee,
Whiche of Ingeland was Rightful enheritoure,
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Of welthe & erthely Ioye withouȝt langoure.
Than cam henry of derby, by force & myght,
& undir the colour of fals periury,
He toke this rightwys kyng, goddes trew knyght,
And hym in prison put perpetuelly.
Pyned to deth, alas, ful pyteuxly!
Holy bisshope Scrope, the blyssed confessour,
In þat quarel toke hys deth ful paciently,
That all the world spak of þat gret langoure.
& undir the colour of fals periury,
He toke this rightwys kyng, goddes trew knyght,
And hym in prison put perpetuelly.
Pyned to deth, alas, ful pyteuxly!
Holy bisshope Scrope, the blyssed confessour,
In þat quarel toke hys deth ful paciently,
That all the world spak of þat gret langoure.
Whos deth ys a very trew evidence
To all Ingeland for the iust title & lyne,
Which for the trowthe by tyranny & violence
Was put doun, and suspect hold benysyne;
Many a trew lord then put to mortil fyne;
Alway they have ben aboute with Rigoure
The lynaige of kyng richard to undirmyne,
That longe have lyved in gret langoure.
To all Ingeland for the iust title & lyne,
Which for the trowthe by tyranny & violence
Was put doun, and suspect hold benysyne;
Many a trew lord then put to mortil fyne;
Alway they have ben aboute with Rigoure
The lynaige of kyng richard to undirmyne,
That longe have lyved in gret langoure.
God smote the said henry for hys gret fersnesse,
With a lepre holdyng hym to hys end fynally,
Next hym henry the fyfte, of knyghtly prowesse,
Named the best of þat lyne & progeny;
How-be-it he regned unrightfully,
Ȝit he upheld in Ingeland the honnour.
Henry, hys sone, of Wyndesore, by gret foly,
All hath retourned unto huge langoure.
With a lepre holdyng hym to hys end fynally,
Next hym henry the fyfte, of knyghtly prowesse,
Named the best of þat lyne & progeny;
How-be-it he regned unrightfully,
Ȝit he upheld in Ingeland the honnour.
Henry, hys sone, of Wyndesore, by gret foly,
All hath retourned unto huge langoure.
Callyng to mynde the fals engendred treson
And myschyefȝ þat were in hys dayes Regnyng:
The good duc of gloucestre in the season
Of the parlement at Bury beyng,
Was put to deth; and ay sith gret mornyng
Hath ben in Ingeland, with many a scharp schoure,
ffalshode, myschyef, secret synne upholdyng,
Which hath caused in Engeland endeleȝ langoure.
And myschyefȝ þat were in hys dayes Regnyng:
The good duc of gloucestre in the season
Of the parlement at Bury beyng,
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Hath ben in Ingeland, with many a scharp schoure,
ffalshode, myschyef, secret synne upholdyng,
Which hath caused in Engeland endeleȝ langoure.
Noo mervail þough engeland hath ben unhappy,
Which hath be mysrewled ȝerys sertayne;
Scripture saith, “heritage holdyn wrongfully
Schal never cheve, ne with the thred heyre remayne.”
As hath be verified late ful playne:
Where-as iij kynges have regned by erroure,
The thred put ouȝt & the right brought agayne,
Whos absence hath caused endleȝ langoure.
Which hath be mysrewled ȝerys sertayne;
Scripture saith, “heritage holdyn wrongfully
Schal never cheve, ne with the thred heyre remayne.”
As hath be verified late ful playne:
Where-as iij kynges have regned by erroure,
The thred put ouȝt & the right brought agayne,
Whos absence hath caused endleȝ langoure.
Also scripture saith, “woo be to þat Regyon
Where ys a kyng unwyse or Innocent.”
Moreovyr it ys Right a gret abusion,
A womman of a land to be a Regent—
Qwene margrete I mene, þat ever hath ment
To gouerne all engeland with myght and poure,
And to destroye the Ryght lyne was here entent,
Wherfore sche hath a fal, to here gret langour.
Where ys a kyng unwyse or Innocent.”
Moreovyr it ys Right a gret abusion,
A womman of a land to be a Regent—
Qwene margrete I mene, þat ever hath ment
To gouerne all engeland with myght and poure,
And to destroye the Ryght lyne was here entent,
Wherfore sche hath a fal, to here gret langour.
And now sche ne rought, so þat sche myght attayne,
Though all engeland were brought to confusyon;
Sche and here wykked affynite certayne
Entende uttyrly to destroye thys regioun;
ffor with theym ys but Deth & distruccioun,
Robberye & vengeaunce with all Rygour.
Therefore all þat holde of þat oppynioun,
God sende hem a schort ende with mech langour.
Though all engeland were brought to confusyon;
Sche and here wykked affynite certayne
Entende uttyrly to destroye thys regioun;
ffor with theym ys but Deth & distruccioun,
Robberye & vengeaunce with all Rygour.
Therefore all þat holde of þat oppynioun,
God sende hem a schort ende with mech langour.
O, it ys gretly agayne kynde and nature,
An englyssh man to corrumpe hys owne nacion—
Willyng straungiers for to Recure,
And in Engeland to have the domynacion,
Wenyng þanne to be gret of Reputacion,
fforsothe they þat soo hope, least schalbe theyre poure;
He that woold be high schalbe undir subiecion,
And the fyrst þat schal repente the langoure.
An englyssh man to corrumpe hys owne nacion—
Willyng straungiers for to Recure,
And in Engeland to have the domynacion,
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fforsothe they þat soo hope, least schalbe theyre poure;
He that woold be high schalbe undir subiecion,
And the fyrst þat schal repente the langoure.
Wherfore I lykken England to a gardayne,
Which þat hath ben ouergrowen many yere
With wedys, which must be mowen doune playne,
And þan schul the pleasant swete herbes appere.
Wherfore all trewe englyssh peuple, pray yn fere
ffor kyng Edward of Rouen, oure comfortoure,
That he kepe Iustice and make wedis clere,
Avoydyng the blak cloudys of langoure.
Which þat hath ben ouergrowen many yere
With wedys, which must be mowen doune playne,
And þan schul the pleasant swete herbes appere.
Wherfore all trewe englyssh peuple, pray yn fere
ffor kyng Edward of Rouen, oure comfortoure,
That he kepe Iustice and make wedis clere,
Avoydyng the blak cloudys of langoure.
A gret signe it ys þat god lovyth þat knyght;
ffor all thoo þat woold have destroyed hym utterly,
All they ar myschyeved & put to flyght.
Than remembre hys fortune with chevalry,
Which at Northamptoun gate the victory,
And at mortimers crosse he had the honnour;
On palme sonday he wan the palme of glorye,
And put hys enemyes to endeleȝ langour.
ffor all thoo þat woold have destroyed hym utterly,
All they ar myschyeved & put to flyght.
Than remembre hys fortune with chevalry,
Which at Northamptoun gate the victory,
And at mortimers crosse he had the honnour;
On palme sonday he wan the palme of glorye,
And put hys enemyes to endeleȝ langour.
And dreve hys adversary ouȝt of the land;
Aftyr cam to london and was crouned kyng.
Ryght late god ȝaf hym grace to undirstonde
The fals traytours agayn hym ymagynynge.
The prophecie saith, there schal dere hym noo þinge;
he it ys þat schal wynne castell, toune, and toure;
Alle Rebellyous undyr he schal hem brynge,
Willyng to hys highenesse any langoure.
Aftyr cam to london and was crouned kyng.
Ryght late god ȝaf hym grace to undirstonde
The fals traytours agayn hym ymagynynge.
The prophecie saith, there schal dere hym noo þinge;
he it ys þat schal wynne castell, toune, and toure;
Alle Rebellyous undyr he schal hem brynge,
Willyng to hys highenesse any langoure.
Richard, the Erl of Warwyk, of knyghthode
Lodesterre, borne of a stok þat evyr schalbe trewe,
Havyng the name of prowes & manhoode,
Hath ay ben Redy to helpe and Resskewe
kyng Edward, in hys right hym to endewe;
The commens þerto have redy euery houre
The voix of the peuple, the voix of Jhesu,
Who kepe & preserue hym from all langoure.
Lodesterre, borne of a stok þat evyr schalbe trewe,
Havyng the name of prowes & manhoode,
Hath ay ben Redy to helpe and Resskewe
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The commens þerto have redy euery houre
The voix of the peuple, the voix of Jhesu,
Who kepe & preserue hym from all langoure.
Now blyssed saint george, pray the vierge Immaculat,
to be good mediatrix, praying here sonne
That Edward of Rouen may be victorieux & fortunat,
With all the trew lordes of hys regioun,
That they may se a good way & direction
To make peas in Engeland, þat Riche & pouer
May Ioyfully synge at the conclusyon,
Welcom euerlastyng Ioie, and farewal langoure!
to be good mediatrix, praying here sonne
That Edward of Rouen may be victorieux & fortunat,
With all the trew lordes of hys regioun,
That they may se a good way & direction
To make peas in Engeland, þat Riche & pouer
May Ioyfully synge at the conclusyon,
Welcom euerlastyng Ioie, and farewal langoure!
94. THE BATTLE OF BARNET (1471)
Gaudete iusti in domino,
For now regneth ryghtwysly oure souerayn,
Trew enherytour to the crowne, hys quarell preueth so,
Edward the fourth, by grace to attayn,
With the crowne of England on vs to rayn,
By iust tytle of hys descendyng,
All mys-creatures to reconsyle agayn.
Conuertimini, ye comons, & drede your kyng.
For now regneth ryghtwysly oure souerayn,
Trew enherytour to the crowne, hys quarell preueth so,
Edward the fourth, by grace to attayn,
With the crowne of England on vs to rayn,
By iust tytle of hys descendyng,
All mys-creatures to reconsyle agayn.
Conuertimini, ye comons, & drede your kyng.
Conuertimini, and leue your opinion,
And sey Credo, hyt woll noon other-wyse be;
For he ys gon that louyd dyuysion,
Mortuus est, ther can noman hym se.
Now ys Iusticia in hys owne contre,
Prosperyng hys purpose to menteyne,
All myscreatures to reconsyle ageyne.
Conuertimini, ye comons, and drede your kyng.
And sey Credo, hyt woll noon other-wyse be;
For he ys gon that louyd dyuysion,
Mortuus est, ther can noman hym se.
Now ys Iusticia in hys owne contre,
Prosperyng hys purpose to menteyne,
All myscreatures to reconsyle ageyne.
Conuertimini, ye comons, and drede your kyng.
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Drede your kyng and your souerayn lord,
For he ys worthy to be louyd and dred;
Hys gloryous victory bereth record
That he ys both pacyent and sad.
Of a more famous knyght I neuer rad
Syn the tyme of Artors dayes;
He that loueth hym nat, I holde hym mad.
Conuertimini, ye comons, and drede your kyng.
For he ys worthy to be louyd and dred;
Hys gloryous victory bereth record
That he ys both pacyent and sad.
Of a more famous knyght I neuer rad
Syn the tyme of Artors dayes;
He that loueth hym nat, I holde hym mad.
Conuertimini, ye comons, and drede your kyng.
Vppon Ester day befelle a pyteous case,
Many a man hys lyfe lost in that mornyng;
“Cristus resurgens” was song with “alase!”
“Allas!” may he syng that causyd all thys,
Sorow and care causyd many a day.
Orate pro anima, that he may com to blys;
Ye that be hys frendys, yow prestys, to pray.
Conuertimini, ye comons, and drede your kyng.
Many a man hys lyfe lost in that mornyng;
“Cristus resurgens” was song with “alase!”
“Allas!” may he syng that causyd all thys,
Sorow and care causyd many a day.
Orate pro anima, that he may com to blys;
Ye that be hys frendys, yow prestys, to pray.
Conuertimini, ye comons, and drede your kyng.
Homo proponit, oftymes in veyn,
But deus disponit, the boke telleth pleyn.
But deus disponit, the boke telleth pleyn.
quy serra, serra.
Finis.
THE WELL-ORDERED KINGDOM
95. THE CROWNED KING: ON THE ART OF GOVERNING (1415)
Crist, crowned Kyng, that on Cros didest,
And art comfort of all care, þow kynd go out of cours,
With thi halwes in heuen heried mote thu be,
And thy worshipfull werkes worshiped euere,
That suche sondry signes shewest vnto man
In dremyng, in drecchyng, & in derk swevenes,
Wherwith that thei ben ware & witterly knowen
Of care and of comfort þat comyng is here-after.
This I sey be my-self, so saue me our lord,
Be a metyng that y met in a morowe slepe,
Hevy & hidows, y hight you, forsoth,
And the most merveylous that y met euere.
And art comfort of all care, þow kynd go out of cours,
With thi halwes in heuen heried mote thu be,
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That suche sondry signes shewest vnto man
In dremyng, in drecchyng, & in derk swevenes,
Wherwith that thei ben ware & witterly knowen
Of care and of comfort þat comyng is here-after.
This I sey be my-self, so saue me our lord,
Be a metyng that y met in a morowe slepe,
Hevy & hidows, y hight you, forsoth,
And the most merveylous that y met euere.
And ye like to leer & listen awhile,
As y may in my mynde this metynge reherce,
Sekerly and shortly þe soth y shall you shewe
Of this dredefull dreme—deme as you likes.
Ones y me ordeyned, as y haue ofte doon,
With frendes and felawes, frendemen and other,
And caught me in a company on corpus cristi even
Six other vij myle oute of Suthampton,
To take melodye and mirthes among my makes,
With redyng of romaunces, and reuelyng among.
As y may in my mynde this metynge reherce,
Sekerly and shortly þe soth y shall you shewe
Of this dredefull dreme—deme as you likes.
Ones y me ordeyned, as y haue ofte doon,
With frendes and felawes, frendemen and other,
And caught me in a company on corpus cristi even
Six other vij myle oute of Suthampton,
To take melodye and mirthes among my makes,
With redyng of romaunces, and reuelyng among.
The dym of the derknesse drowe into the west,
And began for to spryng in the grey day;
Than lift y vp my lyddes & loked in the sky
And knewe by the kende cours hit clered in þe est.
Blyve y busked me doun and to bed went,
For to comfort my kynde and cacche a slepe.
Swythe y swyed in a sweem þat y swet after;
So my spirit in a spaas so sore was y-set,
Me thought that y houed an high on an hill,
And loked doun on a dale deppest of othre.
And began for to spryng in the grey day;
Than lift y vp my lyddes & loked in the sky
And knewe by the kende cours hit clered in þe est.
Blyve y busked me doun and to bed went,
For to comfort my kynde and cacche a slepe.
Swythe y swyed in a sweem þat y swet after;
So my spirit in a spaas so sore was y-set,
Me thought that y houed an high on an hill,
And loked doun on a dale deppest of othre.
Ther y sawe in my sight a selcouthe peple—
The multitude was so moche it myght not be noumbred.
Me thought y herd a crowned kyng of his comunes axe
A soleyn subsidie to susteyne his werres,
To be rered in the reaume, as reson requyred,
Of suche as were seemly to suffre the charge;
That they that rekened were riche by reson and skyle
Shuld pay a parcell for here pouere neighbowres.
This ordenaunce he made in ease of his peple.
The multitude was so moche it myght not be noumbred.
Me thought y herd a crowned kyng of his comunes axe
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To be rered in the reaume, as reson requyred,
Of suche as were seemly to suffre the charge;
That they that rekened were riche by reson and skyle
Shuld pay a parcell for here pouere neighbowres.
This ordenaunce he made in ease of his peple.
With that a clerk kneled adoun & carped these wordes:
“Liege lord, yif it you like to listen a while,
Sum sawes of salomon y shall you shew sone,
Besechyng you of your souerainte that y myght be suffred
To shewe you my sentence in singuler noumbre—
To peynte it with pluralites my prose wolde faile;
To pike a thonke with plesaunce my profit were but simple.”
Than the kyng of his curtesie comaunded hym to ryse,
To stonde and sey what hym semed and knele no lenger.
“Liege lord, yif it you like to listen a while,
Sum sawes of salomon y shall you shew sone,
Besechyng you of your souerainte that y myght be suffred
To shewe you my sentence in singuler noumbre—
To peynte it with pluralites my prose wolde faile;
To pike a thonke with plesaunce my profit were but simple.”
Than the kyng of his curtesie comaunded hym to ryse,
To stonde and sey what hym semed and knele no lenger.
Than he seid, “sir, crowned kyng, thou knowest well þyself.
Thi-self hast lyfe, lyme, and lawes for to keep;
Yif þou be chief Iustice, iustifie the trouthe;
And rule the be reson, and vpright sitte.
For that is a poynt principall—preve it who-so will—
To be dred for thy domes and dowted for thy myght;
For ther is neither lered ne lewed þat lyveth vpon erthe
That wyssheth after worship; his wit is full fable
But yif he wite be his werkes he hath well deserued,
And of his well doyng his dedes to deme the same.
Thi-self hast lyfe, lyme, and lawes for to keep;
Yif þou be chief Iustice, iustifie the trouthe;
And rule the be reson, and vpright sitte.
For that is a poynt principall—preve it who-so will—
To be dred for thy domes and dowted for thy myght;
For ther is neither lered ne lewed þat lyveth vpon erthe
That wyssheth after worship; his wit is full fable
But yif he wite be his werkes he hath well deserued,
And of his well doyng his dedes to deme the same.
“The loue of thi liegmen, that to thi lawe are bounde,
Take hit for a tresour of hem that are true,
That may the more availl in a myle-wey
Thanne moche of thy mukke þat manhode loueþ neuere.
The playnt of the pouere peple put þou not behynde,
For the swope and swete and swynke for thy fode;
Moche worship they wynne the in this worlde riche,
Of thy gliteryng gold and of thy gay wedes,
Thy proude pelure, and palle with preciouse stones,
Grete castels and stronge, and styff walled townes.
And yit the most preciouse plente þat apparaill passeth,
Thi pouere peple with here ploughe pike oute of the erthe,
And they yeve here goddes to gouerne hem euen,
And yit the peple ben well apaid to plese þe allone.
Suche loue is on the leid of lordes and of lower,
And grete is thi grace that god hath the lent.
Take hit for a tresour of hem that are true,
That may the more availl in a myle-wey
Thanne moche of thy mukke þat manhode loueþ neuere.
The playnt of the pouere peple put þou not behynde,
For the swope and swete and swynke for thy fode;
Moche worship they wynne the in this worlde riche,
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Thy proude pelure, and palle with preciouse stones,
Grete castels and stronge, and styff walled townes.
And yit the most preciouse plente þat apparaill passeth,
Thi pouere peple with here ploughe pike oute of the erthe,
And they yeve here goddes to gouerne hem euen,
And yit the peple ben well apaid to plese þe allone.
Suche loue is on the leid of lordes and of lower,
And grete is thi grace that god hath the lent.
“Thi peres in parlement pull hem to-geders,
Worche after wysdom, & worshipe will folowe;
For as a lord is a lord and ledeth the peple,
So shuld prowesse in þi persone passe oþer mennes wittes:
The wittyest and wylyest and worthiest in armes.
All is but waste wele and he wronge vse,
And vnsemely for a souerain (so saue me our lord)
And hevy for his name that hyndred will ever.
Worche after wysdom, & worshipe will folowe;
For as a lord is a lord and ledeth the peple,
So shuld prowesse in þi persone passe oþer mennes wittes:
The wittyest and wylyest and worthiest in armes.
All is but waste wele and he wronge vse,
And vnsemely for a souerain (so saue me our lord)
And hevy for his name that hyndred will ever.
“Sir, þou most be worldly wys, & ware þe betymes;
And kepe the fro glosyng of gylers mowthes,
That speken to the spiritually with spiritual tonges,
Momelyn with here mouthes moche and malys in hert,
And of a mys menyng maketh a faire tale,
Vnder flateryng and fair speche falsehede foloweth;
And yif they myght with her moustres to mame þe for euere,
With disceit of here derknesse þe deuell hem a-drenche!
And kepe the fro glosyng of gylers mowthes,
That speken to the spiritually with spiritual tonges,
Momelyn with here mouthes moche and malys in hert,
And of a mys menyng maketh a faire tale,
Vnder flateryng and fair speche falsehede foloweth;
And yif they myght with her moustres to mame þe for euere,
With disceit of here derknesse þe deuell hem a-drenche!
“Be kende to thi clergi and comfort þe pouere;
Cherissh thy champyons and chief men of armes;
And suche as presoners mowe pike with poyntes of werre,
Lete hem wilde that they wynne, & worþyly hem þonke;
And suche as castels mowe cacche, or eny clos tounes,
Geve hem as gladly—than shalt þou gete hertes.
For god in his gospell asketh nothyng elles,
But oonly loue for love; and let hym be levest.
Also he that is stronge strokes for to dele,
Make hym thy marchall, and maner his maistre;
That for his doughtynesse men mowe hym drede,
And for his wysdom and witte the better to be ware.
Knyghtes of thy counseill, connyng in armes,
That been seker at asay, and sober to thy frendes,
Suche thou shuldest comfort be cours of thy kende,
That lede here lyves in labour for thy loue.
Loke þou haue suche a man that loueth not to lye,
A faithfull philosofre þat flater woll never;
For he that fareth as a faane folowyng þy wille,
Worche þou well or woo, he woll þe not amende.
Lere lettrewre in þy youthe, as a lord befalleth,
Whan þou to parlement shall passe þere lordes shull pere;
For to her of thy wysdom þey woll awayte after,
And though her speche be but small, þe more be here þoughtes;
For yif þou haue no science to shewe of thyself,
But as a brogour to go borowe pore mennes wittes,
That were most myscheef þat myght a lord befalle,
Ther as wyse men haue wrapped her wittes togidre.
Cherissh thy champyons and chief men of armes;
And suche as presoners mowe pike with poyntes of werre,
Lete hem wilde that they wynne, & worþyly hem þonke;
And suche as castels mowe cacche, or eny clos tounes,
Geve hem as gladly—than shalt þou gete hertes.
For god in his gospell asketh nothyng elles,
But oonly loue for love; and let hym be levest.
Also he that is stronge strokes for to dele,
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That for his doughtynesse men mowe hym drede,
And for his wysdom and witte the better to be ware.
Knyghtes of thy counseill, connyng in armes,
That been seker at asay, and sober to thy frendes,
Suche thou shuldest comfort be cours of thy kende,
That lede here lyves in labour for thy loue.
Loke þou haue suche a man that loueth not to lye,
A faithfull philosofre þat flater woll never;
For he that fareth as a faane folowyng þy wille,
Worche þou well or woo, he woll þe not amende.
Lere lettrewre in þy youthe, as a lord befalleth,
Whan þou to parlement shall passe þere lordes shull pere;
For to her of thy wysdom þey woll awayte after,
And though her speche be but small, þe more be here þoughtes;
For yif þou haue no science to shewe of thyself,
But as a brogour to go borowe pore mennes wittes,
That were most myscheef þat myght a lord befalle,
Ther as wyse men haue wrapped her wittes togidre.
“Sir, they it come to þe of kynde a kyng to be called,
Yit must þou knowe of corage what knyghthood befalleþ;
For he þat armes shall haunte, in youþe he must begynne.
Of all artes vnder heven, vse is a maistre.
Yit must þou knowe of corage what knyghthood befalleþ;
For he þat armes shall haunte, in youþe he must begynne.
Of all artes vnder heven, vse is a maistre.
“Sir, more-ouere be not gredy gyftes to grype;
Rather þou shalt yeve hem þat fele agreved,
So shall thy hawtesse highlich be honoured,
And prudence in thy principaltee y-preised for euere.
For in ensample y shall you shewe that soth is knowe:
A kyng shuld not of curtesie couetouse be holde,
For there-as couetyse is knowe in a kynges brest
Ther is corage out of kende when mukke is his maistre.
The condicion of a kyng shuld comfort his peple.
For such laykes ben to love þere leedes laghen alle.
Rather þou shalt yeve hem þat fele agreved,
So shall thy hawtesse highlich be honoured,
And prudence in thy principaltee y-preised for euere.
For in ensample y shall you shewe that soth is knowe:
A kyng shuld not of curtesie couetouse be holde,
For there-as couetyse is knowe in a kynges brest
Ther is corage out of kende when mukke is his maistre.
The condicion of a kyng shuld comfort his peple.
For such laykes ben to love þere leedes laghen alle.
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“My liege lord, of this mater y meve you no more,
But euere in your mynde haue hym þat you made,
And taketh a siker ensample þat crist hym-self sheweth,
Of all the seyntes in heven that for hym deth suffred,
For his loue thei were so large heir lyves they lost,
And for loue of that Lord aloft now they dwelle
With that crowned kyng that on cros dyed;
Ther Crist in his kyngdom comfort vs euere,
And of his high grace graunte vnto vs alle
Prosperite, and pees pursue we therafter.”
But euere in your mynde haue hym þat you made,
And taketh a siker ensample þat crist hym-self sheweth,
Of all the seyntes in heven that for hym deth suffred,
For his loue thei were so large heir lyves they lost,
And for loue of that Lord aloft now they dwelle
With that crowned kyng that on cros dyed;
Ther Crist in his kyngdom comfort vs euere,
And of his high grace graunte vnto vs alle
Prosperite, and pees pursue we therafter.”
Explicit.
96. ADVICE TO THE SEVERAL ESTATES, I
BY JOHN LYDGATE
de Worde, The Temple of Glas
de Worde, The Temple of Glas
Rex sine sapiencia. Episcopus sine doctrina.
Dominus sine consilio. Mulier sine castitate.
Miles sine probitate. Iudex sine iusticia.
Diues sine elemosina. Populus sine lege.
Senex sine religione. Seruus sine timore.
Pauper superbus. Adolescens sine obediencia.
Dominus sine consilio. Mulier sine castitate.
Miles sine probitate. Iudex sine iusticia.
Diues sine elemosina. Populus sine lege.
Senex sine religione. Seruus sine timore.
Pauper superbus. Adolescens sine obediencia.
Goo forth, kyng, reule the by sapyence;
Bysshop, be able to mynystre doctryne;
Lord, to treu counceyle yeue audyence;
Womanhed, to chastyte euer enclyne;
Knyght, lete thy dedes worshyp determyne;
Be rightuous, Iuge, in sauyng thy name;
Ryche, doo almes, lest thou lese blys with shame.
Bysshop, be able to mynystre doctryne;
Lord, to treu counceyle yeue audyence;
Womanhed, to chastyte euer enclyne;
Knyght, lete thy dedes worshyp determyne;
Be rightuous, Iuge, in sauyng thy name;
Ryche, doo almes, lest thou lese blys with shame.
People, obeye your kyng and the lawe;
Age, be thou ruled by good religyon;
True seruaunt, be dredfull & kepe the vnder awe;
And thou, poure, fye on presumpcyon;
Inobedyence to yougth is vtter destruccyon.
Remembre you how god hath sette you, lo!
And doo your parte, as ye ar ordeynd to.
Age, be thou ruled by good religyon;
True seruaunt, be dredfull & kepe the vnder awe;
And thou, poure, fye on presumpcyon;
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Remembre you how god hath sette you, lo!
And doo your parte, as ye ar ordeynd to.
97. ADVICE TO THE SEVERAL ESTATES, II
ye that ar comons, obey yovr kynge and lorde.
observe vnto hym love and fydelyte;
avoyde rebellyon, for certaynely dyscorde
es rote and mother of carefvll poverte.
kepe eche to other love and fydelyte.
expell enve and slovth, moste chefe of all—
where slovth hath place, there welth es faynt and small.
observe vnto hym love and fydelyte;
avoyde rebellyon, for certaynely dyscorde
es rote and mother of carefvll poverte.
kepe eche to other love and fydelyte.
expell enve and slovth, moste chefe of all—
where slovth hath place, there welth es faynt and small.
ye ryche, helpe them whyche have necessyte:
eche socovr other—svche way es charytable.
no man presvme none hye than hes degre—
a lowest place es oft moste svre and stable.
abyde yn vertve, be never chavngeable;
namely be trve to god, yovr hevenly lorde;
thvs shall yovr lyvynge and yovr byleve accorde.
eche socovr other—svche way es charytable.
no man presvme none hye than hes degre—
a lowest place es oft moste svre and stable.
abyde yn vertve, be never chavngeable;
namely be trve to god, yovr hevenly lorde;
thvs shall yovr lyvynge and yovr byleve accorde.
set all yovr myndes to norysshe amyte;
for vnto a royalme the syngvler defence
restyth en love, concorde, and vnete,
more than en strength or wordly opvlence.
as for frendes love and benevolence
es nat obtayned by batayle nor rychys,
bvt by good dedes and stedfast faythfvlnes.
for vnto a royalme the syngvler defence
restyth en love, concorde, and vnete,
more than en strength or wordly opvlence.
as for frendes love and benevolence
es nat obtayned by batayle nor rychys,
bvt by good dedes and stedfast faythfvlnes.
blynde nat yovr myndes wyth wretchyd covetyse;
spende nat yovr ryches en prodygalte.
a meane es mesvre attaynyng nat to vyce
wythyn the bovndys of lyberalyte.
leve wrath, provoker of great enormyte.
let nat blynde pryde yovr meke myndes confovnde,
syth et so many hath brovght vnto the grovnde.
spende nat yovr ryches en prodygalte.
a meane es mesvre attaynyng nat to vyce
wythyn the bovndys of lyberalyte.
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let nat blynde pryde yovr meke myndes confovnde,
syth et so many hath brovght vnto the grovnde.
avoyde vyle venus and lvstes corporall,
destrvccyon of sovle, of body, and ryches;
mankynde svbdvynge to maners bestyall.
fle glotony whyche es bvt bestelynes.
let abstynence expell from yov exces
by ymmoderate dyet, exces, and glotony—
man oft es mordrer of hes owne body.
destrvccyon of sovle, of body, and ryches;
mankynde svbdvynge to maners bestyall.
fle glotony whyche es bvt bestelynes.
let abstynence expell from yov exces
by ymmoderate dyet, exces, and glotony—
man oft es mordrer of hes owne body.
bvt svche of yov as are en hye degre,
set all yovr myndes and chefe entencyon
to se the pore have ryght and eqvyte,
rather wyth favovr than wronge extorcyon.
and ye that are kynge, hede of the regyon,
se that eche man en maners lyve and do
after the degre whyche he es callyd to.
set all yovr myndes and chefe entencyon
to se the pore have ryght and eqvyte,
rather wyth favovr than wronge extorcyon.
and ye that are kynge, hede of the regyon,
se that eche man en maners lyve and do
after the degre whyche he es callyd to.
and lyke as yovr rowme es moste of excellence,
en yovr royalme to reygne wyth dyademe royall,
so ovght yovr lyfe be clennest from offence,
and shyne en vertve above yovr svbgectes all.
a vycyovs prynce es as a plage mortall,
and fovle example to all hes comonte,
occasyon to folowe hes vyle enormyte.
en yovr royalme to reygne wyth dyademe royall,
so ovght yovr lyfe be clennest from offence,
and shyne en vertve above yovr svbgectes all.
a vycyovs prynce es as a plage mortall,
and fovle example to all hes comonte,
occasyon to folowe hes vyle enormyte.
lyke-wyse hes lyfe establyd en vertve
shalbe example to all hes regyon,
hes lyfe, hes maners, and vertve to ensve.
et es to a prynce nye great confvsyon,
more shame and rebvke to make transgressyon,
than es to one of baas and lowe degre:
the hyer hylle, man shall the farther se.
shalbe example to all hes regyon,
hes lyfe, hes maners, and vertve to ensve.
et es to a prynce nye great confvsyon,
more shame and rebvke to make transgressyon,
than es to one of baas and lowe degre:
the hyer hylle, man shall the farther se.
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note well, also, how whan the hedes be
of perfyte lyvynge and vndefyled name,
as chastely lyvynge or gyven to eqvyte,
moste commenly the commons are the same;
bvt whan the rvlers ensvyth syne and shame,
the commons fereth the lesse ther-wyth to mell.
for ef the hede be syke, the body es natt well.
of perfyte lyvynge and vndefyled name,
as chastely lyvynge or gyven to eqvyte,
moste commenly the commons are the same;
bvt whan the rvlers ensvyth syne and shame,
the commons fereth the lesse ther-wyth to mell.
for ef the hede be syke, the body es natt well.
and ye that are mynystres to god omnypotent,
enforme ye other to walke the path of grace;
bvt se yovr owne lyfe be pvre and ennocent,
en vertve grovndyd, and clere from all trespase;
for svrely that man es en a wretchyd case
whyche techyth other the way to paradyce,
hym-selfe to helle walkynge by synne and vyce.
enforme ye other to walke the path of grace;
bvt se yovr owne lyfe be pvre and ennocent,
en vertve grovndyd, and clere from all trespase;
for svrely that man es en a wretchyd case
whyche techyth other the way to paradyce,
hym-selfe to helle walkynge by synne and vyce.
THE WILL FOR PEACE
98. A PRAYER FOR ENGLAND
BY JOHN LYDGATE
Ab inimicis nostris defende nos criste.
Most souereigne lord, o blessed crist ihesu,
ffrom oure enemyes delyuer vs, and oure foon.
Vnder whos grace and vnder whos vertu
We ben assured, where-so we ryde or goon;
Now lord, that art twoo and three and oon,
Kepe and preserve vnder thy myghty honde
The kynge, the quene, the peple, and thy londe.
ffrom oure enemyes delyuer vs, and oure foon.
Vnder whos grace and vnder whos vertu
We ben assured, where-so we ryde or goon;
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Kepe and preserve vnder thy myghty honde
The kynge, the quene, the peple, and thy londe.
Affliccionem nostram benignus vide.
And blessed lorde, of thy benyngnytee
Considre and see oure affliccion,
And lat thyn eye of mercye on vs see
Vs to releve in tribulacion;
And shadwe, vs, lord, with thy proteccion,
And ay preserue vnder thy myghty honde
The kynge, the quene, the peple, and thy londe.
Considre and see oure affliccion,
And lat thyn eye of mercye on vs see
Vs to releve in tribulacion;
And shadwe, vs, lord, with thy proteccion,
And ay preserue vnder thy myghty honde
The kynge, the quene, the peple, and thy londe.
Dolorem cordis nostri respice clemens.
And, good lord, beholde and eke aduert—
Of thy mercy and thy grete grace—
Th'inwarde sorwes of oure troubled hert;
And looke vpon vs with a benigne face,
And lat thyn wynges of pitee vs enbrace,
And ay preserve vnder thy myghty honde
The kynge, the quene, the peple, and thy londe.
Of thy mercy and thy grete grace—
Th'inwarde sorwes of oure troubled hert;
And looke vpon vs with a benigne face,
And lat thyn wynges of pitee vs enbrace,
And ay preserve vnder thy myghty honde
The kynge, the quene, the peple, and thy londe.
Peccata populi tui pius indulge.
Mekely foryeve the synnes olde and newe
Of thy peple and ther grete offence;
And, good lord, vpon ther giltes rewe,
And ther demerites by dome not recompence;
But reconcyle them with thyn indulgence,
And ay preserve vnder thy myghty honde
The kynge, the quene, the peple, and thy londe.
Of thy peple and ther grete offence;
And, good lord, vpon ther giltes rewe,
And ther demerites by dome not recompence;
But reconcyle them with thyn indulgence,
And ay preserve vnder thy myghty honde
The kynge, the quene, the peple, and thy londe.
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Oraciones nostras pius exaudi.
And, good lord, here oure orisouns
Whan we to the for helpe clepe or calle;
Here oure compleyntes and lamentaciouns,
And doo socour to oure offences alle;
Be oure defence that noo myschefe ne falle,
And ay preserve vnder thy myghty honde
The kyng, the quene, the peple, and thy londe.
Whan we to the for helpe clepe or calle;
Here oure compleyntes and lamentaciouns,
And doo socour to oure offences alle;
Be oure defence that noo myschefe ne falle,
And ay preserve vnder thy myghty honde
The kyng, the quene, the peple, and thy londe.
ffili dei vnii miserere nobis.
Thow sone of god ay lastynge and eterne,
Haue mercy on vs and forgete vs nought;
And of thy grace guye vs, and gouerne,
And reconcyle that thow so dere hast bought;
With love and drede enbrace our inwarde thought;
And ay preserve vnder thy myghty honde
The kynge, the quene, the peple, and thy londe.
Haue mercy on vs and forgete vs nought;
And of thy grace guye vs, and gouerne,
And reconcyle that thow so dere hast bought;
With love and drede enbrace our inwarde thought;
And ay preserve vnder thy myghty honde
The kynge, the quene, the peple, and thy londe.
Hic et imperpetuum nos custodire digneris.
In this lyfe here and perpetuelly
To kepe vs, lord, that thou nat disdeyne;
ffor alle oure truste stant in thy mercie,
Hopynge by grace we shal ther-to atteyne.
Thy passyon shal kepe vs oute of peyne,
And ay preserve vnder thy myghty honde
The kynge, the quene, the peple, and thy londe.
To kepe vs, lord, that thou nat disdeyne;
ffor alle oure truste stant in thy mercie,
Hopynge by grace we shal ther-to atteyne.
Thy passyon shal kepe vs oute of peyne,
And ay preserve vnder thy myghty honde
The kynge, the quene, the peple, and thy londe.
Exaudi nos criste exaudi nos criste.
Here vs, lorde, whan we to the preye;
And here vs, lorde, in myschefe and in nede.
And Crist Ihesu by mercy vs conveye,
Whiche on the Croys liste for oure sake blede,
ffortune this Realme and make it wel to spede;
Benigne Ihesu, preserve eke with thin honde
The kynge, the quene, the peple, and thy londe.
And here vs, lorde, in myschefe and in nede.
And Crist Ihesu by mercy vs conveye,
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ffortune this Realme and make it wel to spede;
Benigne Ihesu, preserve eke with thin honde
The kynge, the quene, the peple, and thy londe.
Lenvoy
A, lorde, A-monge haue A Remembraunce
On sixt henry, thyn ovne chose knyght,
Borne t'enheryte the Regioun of ffraunce
By trew discent and by title of ryght;
Now, good lorde, conserue him thurgh thy myght
And ay preserve vnder thy myghty honde
Him and his moder, thy peple, and thy londe.
On sixt henry, thyn ovne chose knyght,
Borne t'enheryte the Regioun of ffraunce
By trew discent and by title of ryght;
Now, good lorde, conserue him thurgh thy myght
And ay preserve vnder thy myghty honde
Him and his moder, thy peple, and thy londe.
Lat him in vertu ay encresse and shyne,
Worthy thorgh vertu to be put in memorye,
And forgete nat hys moder kateryne,
Where thou sittest in thy heuenly glorye.
Yive to thy knyght conquest and victorye,
And ay preserve vnder thy myghty honde
Him and his moder, thy peple, and thy londe.
Worthy thorgh vertu to be put in memorye,
And forgete nat hys moder kateryne,
Where thou sittest in thy heuenly glorye.
Yive to thy knyght conquest and victorye,
And ay preserve vnder thy myghty honde
Him and his moder, thy peple, and thy londe.
Be thow hys consaylle and hys souereigne rede,
So as he wexeth with vertu him t'avaunce;
And, blessed lord, be thow bothe helpe and spede
To alle that labouren for hys enheritaunce,
Bothe in this realme and in the grounde of ffraunce;
And ay preserve vnder thy myghty honde
Him and hys moder, thy peple, and thy londe.
So as he wexeth with vertu him t'avaunce;
And, blessed lord, be thow bothe helpe and spede
To alle that labouren for hys enheritaunce,
Bothe in this realme and in the grounde of ffraunce;
And ay preserve vnder thy myghty honde
Him and hys moder, thy peple, and thy londe.
In short tyme that thow may atteyne,
Withoute lettyng or any perturbaunce,
To be corowned with worthy corovnes tweyne,
ffrist in this londe and afterwarde in ffraunce.
And yive hym grace to lyve to thy plesaunce,
And ay preserve vnder thy myghty honde
Hym and hys moder, thy peple, and thy londe.
Withoute lettyng or any perturbaunce,
To be corowned with worthy corovnes tweyne,
ffrist in this londe and afterwarde in ffraunce.
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And ay preserve vnder thy myghty honde
Hym and hys moder, thy peple, and thy londe.
Explicit.
99. THAT PEACE MAY STAND
Iesu, þat was borne of mare fre,
As he hase pwower and mey best
Save all in gud prosperite,
þat feyne wolde sette þis reme in rest;
And send whom luf and charite
þat feyth were wonus among hus fast.
for, by my troþe, hit is pete
To wytte þo pepul so sore dystrest,
As þei have byn be est and west—
Robbud and slene thoro-owt þis londe.
All-myȝthe Iesu, os he mey best,
lene hus grace nowe þat pese mey stond.
As he hase pwower and mey best
Save all in gud prosperite,
þat feyne wolde sette þis reme in rest;
And send whom luf and charite
þat feyth were wonus among hus fast.
for, by my troþe, hit is pete
To wytte þo pepul so sore dystrest,
As þei have byn be est and west—
Robbud and slene thoro-owt þis londe.
All-myȝthe Iesu, os he mey best,
lene hus grace nowe þat pese mey stond.
For I haue mych mervel of mony men
þat of more myscheu wold be full feyne,
And syche as kan no resvn ken,
þat wold þer schulde be trobul ageyne;
And hase hade knoleg whare and when
how mony a gud mon has ben slene.
me thynke þat konsyons schuld hom ken
to pray for pes with all þer mene.
þat lord þat for hus soffurd pene
And markud adam apon þo sond,
Send luf and charete home a-geyne,
And lene hus grace þat pes mey stond.
þat of more myscheu wold be full feyne,
And syche as kan no resvn ken,
þat wold þer schulde be trobul ageyne;
And hase hade knoleg whare and when
how mony a gud mon has ben slene.
me thynke þat konsyons schuld hom ken
to pray for pes with all þer mene.
þat lord þat for hus soffurd pene
And markud adam apon þo sond,
Send luf and charete home a-geyne,
And lene hus grace þat pes mey stond.
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And he þat more vnpes wolde haue
With-in þis reme be dey or nyȝthe,
I pray to god he be not save,
But on hym-selue þat hyt mey lyȝthe.
for þer ar mony a lydur knave
þat in þo fylde wolde feyntly fyȝth,
But trwe mens gud ȝyt wolde þei have
to Robbe and reve þem of þer rygth.
Iesus, os he is most of myȝth,
send luf and charite in-to þis londe,
þat consyons moth kepe his kandul lyȝth,
And lene hus grace now þat pes mey stonde.
With-in þis reme be dey or nyȝthe,
I pray to god he be not save,
But on hym-selue þat hyt mey lyȝthe.
for þer ar mony a lydur knave
þat in þo fylde wolde feyntly fyȝth,
But trwe mens gud ȝyt wolde þei have
to Robbe and reve þem of þer rygth.
Iesus, os he is most of myȝth,
send luf and charite in-to þis londe,
þat consyons moth kepe his kandul lyȝth,
And lene hus grace now þat pes mey stonde.
Be mony insampuls men mey see
þat we plese not al owre god to pey;
for hare-be-fore in yerus iij
mych of owre welth hase wastud awey,
with grete darthe and poverte,
And vnkynde wedurs be nyȝth and dey,
Waturs stronke and flodus hee
Whyche dystryde boþe borne and hey;
And a-monke howr-selfe byn mony a-frey,
be norþe and sowþe thoro-owte þis londe.
Al-myȝhty Iesu, os he best mey,
lene hus grace nowe þat pes moȝt stonde.
þat we plese not al owre god to pey;
for hare-be-fore in yerus iij
mych of owre welth hase wastud awey,
with grete darthe and poverte,
And vnkynde wedurs be nyȝth and dey,
Waturs stronke and flodus hee
Whyche dystryde boþe borne and hey;
And a-monke howr-selfe byn mony a-frey,
be norþe and sowþe thoro-owte þis londe.
Al-myȝhty Iesu, os he best mey,
lene hus grace nowe þat pes moȝt stonde.
Hyt wer grete nede to prey for pes,
And fro all sich folys hus defende;
for, loke, sython warus be-gan to ses!
how feire insampuls god has hus sende:
þo sesonabulst wedur, withowtvn leyse,
þat euer mon sawe dryvvn tyl a nende,
And fevr on gronde kon kornus incres,
And lyke þoro grace þat þo worde schuld mende.
Wer luf and charite with hus blend,
þat concions myȝth reyne with-in þis londe,
þen schulde owre trobul be at a nende,
And I trust to god þat pes schulde stonde.
And fro all sich folys hus defende;
for, loke, sython warus be-gan to ses!
how feire insampuls god has hus sende:
þo sesonabulst wedur, withowtvn leyse,
þat euer mon sawe dryvvn tyl a nende,
And fevr on gronde kon kornus incres,
And lyke þoro grace þat þo worde schuld mende.
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þat concions myȝth reyne with-in þis londe,
þen schulde owre trobul be at a nende,
And I trust to god þat pes schulde stonde.
To pray for luf and charite
hit was neuer so mycul nede;
for we haue lost in yerus iij
mony duȝth mon of dede.
yette wolde we all trvwe men be
And holde to-gedur when we hade nede;
with þo grace of god and owre lade
hus thurt no nodur nacions drede.
We ar yette enoo, so god me spede,
to defende owre enmys owt of þis londe.
þat lorde þat on a rode kon blede
lene hus grace now þat pes mey stonde.
hit was neuer so mycul nede;
for we haue lost in yerus iij
mony duȝth mon of dede.
yette wolde we all trvwe men be
And holde to-gedur when we hade nede;
with þo grace of god and owre lade
hus thurt no nodur nacions drede.
We ar yette enoo, so god me spede,
to defende owre enmys owt of þis londe.
þat lorde þat on a rode kon blede
lene hus grace now þat pes mey stonde.
Wolde we be trwe in fylde and towne
And all men holde a-pon a syde,
With þo ryght of ynglonde and þo cron,
And lett no falsdam be owre gyde;
yf þat owr enmys wolde be boyn
Ayenus hus for to go or ryde,
And we wolde fare with no treson,
we schulde be abull to fel þer pride.
þat lorde þat sofurd wondus wyde
Sende luf and charite in-to þis londe,
þat concyons myȝth among vs byde
And lene hus grace now þat pes mey stonde.
And all men holde a-pon a syde,
With þo ryght of ynglonde and þo cron,
And lett no falsdam be owre gyde;
yf þat owr enmys wolde be boyn
Ayenus hus for to go or ryde,
And we wolde fare with no treson,
we schulde be abull to fel þer pride.
þat lorde þat sofurd wondus wyde
Sende luf and charite in-to þis londe,
þat concyons myȝth among vs byde
And lene hus grace now þat pes mey stonde.
And mare mylde, þat neuer hade make,
Prey to þi son boþe dey and nyȝth,
lene hom grace seche consel take
þat mey be plesand to god almyȝth,
And all falsdam to for-sake,
And euery mon holde with troþe and ryght;
And þen schulde welthe and worchyp wake,
And ful grete grace among hus lyȝth.
Iesu, as he ys most of myȝth,
lene hus grace now þat pes myȝthe stonde,
And bryng hus all to þat bygyng bryȝth
þer Ioy and blys ys euer-lastonde.
Prey to þi son boþe dey and nyȝth,
lene hom grace seche consel take
þat mey be plesand to god almyȝth,
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And euery mon holde with troþe and ryght;
And þen schulde welthe and worchyp wake,
And ful grete grace among hus lyȝth.
Iesu, as he ys most of myȝth,
lene hus grace now þat pes myȝthe stonde,
And bryng hus all to þat bygyng bryȝth
þer Ioy and blys ys euer-lastonde.
Explicit, quod heege.
Amen. amen.
100. SEND US PEACE
Ihesu, for thy mercy endelesse,
Saue thy pepill and sende vs pesse!
Saue thy pepill and sende vs pesse!
Iesu, for thy wondes ffyffe,
Saue fro shedyng cristayn blode;
sese alle grete trobill of malice & stryffe,
& of oure neybores sende vus tydynges gode.
Blessed iesu!
Blessed ihesu!
Saue fro shedyng cristayn blode;
sese alle grete trobill of malice & stryffe,
& of oure neybores sende vus tydynges gode.
Blessed iesu!
Blessed ihesu!
Iesu, for thi, vt supra.
| Historical Poems of the XIVth and XVth Centuries | |