The Legend of the Holy Grail its Sources, Character and Development, by Dorothy Kempe. The introduction to, and Part V of, Herry Lovelich's verse "History of the Holy Grail," |
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| XXXVI. | CHAPTER XXXVI. THE HISTORY OF THE PHYSICIAN YPOCRAS. |
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 | CHAPTER XXXVI. THE HISTORY OF THE PHYSICIAN YPOCRAS. The Legend of the Holy Grail |  |
CHAPTER XXXVI. THE HISTORY OF THE PHYSICIAN YPOCRAS.
20
Ful trewly Recordeth here this Storye
Of the worthynesse of ypocras Sekerlye,
For the worthiest Fecyscian that was
Evere Acompted In Ony plas;
For of that Scyense More Coude he
that ony Man leveng In Cristiente;
but [for] On thyng that he dyde At Rome,
Reproved he was be Clergies dome;—
For the worthiest Clerk he was told,
Passenge Al Erthly men Many fold;—
And what Aventure that hym befylle,
I schal ȝow schewe, & herkene me vntylle.
Of the worthynesse of ypocras Sekerlye,
For the worthiest Fecyscian that was
Evere Acompted In Ony plas;
For of that Scyense More Coude he
that ony Man leveng In Cristiente;
but [for] On thyng that he dyde At Rome,
Reproved he was be Clergies dome;—
For the worthiest Clerk he was told,
Passenge Al Erthly men Many fold;—
And what Aventure that hym befylle,
I schal ȝow schewe, & herkene me vntylle.
This was the trowthe and the veryte:
Whanne Augustus Cesar Emperour was he,
The same Our that ypocras to Rome Cam,
Mochel Morneng & Sorwe Made Every Man
As thowh here Fadrys hadden ben ded
To forn hem lyggeng In that Sted.
thanne ypocras Abascht hym wondir sore
Of the Morneng that he Sawh thore,
So that he preyde A lytel Child
that to forn hym was bothe Meke and Myld,
that he wolde tellen hym the Cawse why
Wherfore the peple there was so sory.
“Now, Certes,” quod this Child thanne,
“Why that thus Mornen Alle these Menne,—
It was for A Nevew of the Emperour
(Whiche was A persone of gret honour)
that ful longe Syk hath be,
and now they seyn that ded Is he:
and therto he was so fayr and so good
That Every man hym lovede with his Mood.
And this is the Enchesown Sekerlye
Alle the hevynesse of þe peple trewelye.”
“and where is the Body,” quod ypocras tho.
“Sire, In the Emperowres halle it is I-do.”
Whanne Augustus Cesar Emperour was he,
The same Our that ypocras to Rome Cam,
Mochel Morneng & Sorwe Made Every Man
As thowh here Fadrys hadden ben ded
To forn hem lyggeng In that Sted.
thanne ypocras Abascht hym wondir sore
Of the Morneng that he Sawh thore,
So that he preyde A lytel Child
that to forn hym was bothe Meke and Myld,
that he wolde tellen hym the Cawse why
Wherfore the peple there was so sory.
“Now, Certes,” quod this Child thanne,
“Why that thus Mornen Alle these Menne,—
21
(Whiche was A persone of gret honour)
that ful longe Syk hath be,
and now they seyn that ded Is he:
and therto he was so fayr and so good
That Every man hym lovede with his Mood.
And this is the Enchesown Sekerlye
Alle the hevynesse of þe peple trewelye.”
“and where is the Body,” quod ypocras tho.
“Sire, In the Emperowres halle it is I-do.”
And whanne this word tho he herde,
Toward themperoures halle faste he ferde;
And ȝif Ony breth In his body be founde,
he hopede hym to A-Reren that ilke stownde,
and Onlyche to helthe to bryngen hym Aȝen—
that Alle the peple there it scholde sen—
Be his Medicyn And his Craft;
thus wolde he don Er that he laft.
Thanne to the paleys gan he gon,
And to that he presede Anon;
but so mochel peple there was,
Onnethis he myhte Entren In to þe plas.
Toward themperoures halle faste he ferde;
And ȝif Ony breth In his body be founde,
he hopede hym to A-Reren that ilke stownde,
and Onlyche to helthe to bryngen hym Aȝen—
that Alle the peple there it scholde sen—
Be his Medicyn And his Craft;
thus wolde he don Er that he laft.
Thanne to the paleys gan he gon,
And to that he presede Anon;
but so mochel peple there was,
Onnethis he myhte Entren In to þe plas.
and whanne he was Comen to the Cors,
Anon he tasted with gret fors
In what partie he myhte fynden Ony lyf:
Thys Merveilled themperowr and his wyf.
Anon as he there thus hadde I-do,
lyf In his Body thanne felte he tho;
And Gan to Openen his Mowth Anon,
And þe Iews Of An Erbe he gan þere-Inne don,
That of so gret vertu was there,
Of his Siknesse he dide him Arere,
And there he A-Ros with strengthe & Myht
Openly there In Alle Mennes Syht,
Also hol and Also Sownd
As Evere he Was In Ony stownd.
Anon he tasted with gret fors
In what partie he myhte fynden Ony lyf:
Thys Merveilled themperowr and his wyf.
Anon as he there thus hadde I-do,
lyf In his Body thanne felte he tho;
And Gan to Openen his Mowth Anon,
And þe Iews Of An Erbe he gan þere-Inne don,
That of so gret vertu was there,
Of his Siknesse he dide him Arere,
And there he A-Ros with strengthe & Myht
Openly there In Alle Mennes Syht,
Also hol and Also Sownd
As Evere he Was In Ony stownd.
22
And whanne he hadde thus I-do,
the Emperesse to hym gan to go,
and Seide, “Sire, ful wel thou be!
A glad womman hast thou Maked me!
What Manere of Gwerdon that þou wilt Crave,
Ful Sekerly, Sere, ȝe scholen it have.”
thanne Axede the Emperesse what he hyhte.
he Seyde “ypocras, lady,” Anon Ryhte.
“Now know I wel be ȝoure Connenge
that ȝe ben the worthyest fecyscyan levenge:
A Man from deth to lyve Aȝen Arere,
Thus dyde Neuere feciscyan, I trowe, Ere.
Therefore þe Moste worschepe I schal the do
that Evere to Feciscian was don vnto.”
the Emperesse to hym gan to go,
and Seide, “Sire, ful wel thou be!
A glad womman hast thou Maked me!
What Manere of Gwerdon that þou wilt Crave,
Ful Sekerly, Sere, ȝe scholen it have.”
thanne Axede the Emperesse what he hyhte.
he Seyde “ypocras, lady,” Anon Ryhte.
“Now know I wel be ȝoure Connenge
that ȝe ben the worthyest fecyscyan levenge:
A Man from deth to lyve Aȝen Arere,
Thus dyde Neuere feciscyan, I trowe, Ere.
Therefore þe Moste worschepe I schal the do
that Evere to Feciscian was don vnto.”
An Ymage of Gold Anon let sche Make,
Ryaliche I-dyht, for ypocras his sake.
And Another ymage thanne let sche maken tho
Aftyr that Child þat from Siknesse he rerid so.
And theke ymages bothe In fere
In the heȝghest place of Rome set weren they there,
So that hos Evere Comen, Other wente,
thike ymages myhten they Sen veramente;
and Aboven thike ymages two
A Ryal Tabernacle Made sche tho,
that non Reyn ne scholde Comen therny,
So wel was it Made, and So Sotely.
And Aboven ypocras themperesse lettres let do,
That In this Manere wyse Seyden tho:
‘Lo, this ymage is ypocras,
‘the worthiest Phelesophre þat Evere was,
‘that In Rome Arerid In Certeine
‘A man to lyve Owt of gret peyne
‘that ful Ny Was to Augustus Cesar,
‘hos ymage stont by him thar.’
and whanne this was Al I-do,
thanne seyde th' emperesse Anon tho,
‘that For non Manere In no degre
thike ymages Remeved scholde be.’
thanne seiden they to themperesse Anon
‘that hire Comandement scholde be don.’
Ryaliche I-dyht, for ypocras his sake.
And Another ymage thanne let sche maken tho
Aftyr that Child þat from Siknesse he rerid so.
And theke ymages bothe In fere
In the heȝghest place of Rome set weren they there,
So that hos Evere Comen, Other wente,
thike ymages myhten they Sen veramente;
and Aboven thike ymages two
A Ryal Tabernacle Made sche tho,
that non Reyn ne scholde Comen therny,
So wel was it Made, and So Sotely.
And Aboven ypocras themperesse lettres let do,
That In this Manere wyse Seyden tho:
‘Lo, this ymage is ypocras,
‘the worthiest Phelesophre þat Evere was,
‘that In Rome Arerid In Certeine
‘A man to lyve Owt of gret peyne
‘that ful Ny Was to Augustus Cesar,
‘hos ymage stont by him thar.’
and whanne this was Al I-do,
thanne seyde th' emperesse Anon tho,
23
thike ymages Remeved scholde be.’
thanne seiden they to themperesse Anon
‘that hire Comandement scholde be don.’
Anon Mochel made Offen was he tho
Abowtes Al Rome where he dyde go,
So that Manye Sike Men Keuered he
as he Abowtes wente In Eche Contre,
So that for his grete konnenge
they Cleped hym half A god with-Owten lesynge,
And the moste Sovereyn of Alle Clergye,
Thus they hym Clepyd ful Certeinlye:
And As Moche worschepe to his fygure gonnen they do
As to Ony of here goddis dyden they tho.
And so scholden they han don for Evere More,
Ne hadde on thyng At Rome behapped thore:
What it was, I schal now telle,
Swich An Aventure hym befelle.
Abowtes Al Rome where he dyde go,
So that Manye Sike Men Keuered he
as he Abowtes wente In Eche Contre,
So that for his grete konnenge
they Cleped hym half A god with-Owten lesynge,
And the moste Sovereyn of Alle Clergye,
Thus they hym Clepyd ful Certeinlye:
And As Moche worschepe to his fygure gonnen they do
As to Ony of here goddis dyden they tho.
And so scholden they han don for Evere More,
Ne hadde on thyng At Rome behapped thore:
What it was, I schal now telle,
Swich An Aventure hym befelle.
Thike tyme whanne ypocras At Rome was,
and worschepyd he was In Every plas,
It happed so there be Aventure
that A fair lady, I the Ensure,
Of the partyes of Galele,
to the Emperour thedir Cam sche.
Sche was holden the fairest womman
That Ony creature discryven Cowde than,
And Also Ryaliche sche was A-dyht
As belonged to swich A lady of Myht.
and worschepyd he was In Every plas,
It happed so there be Aventure
that A fair lady, I the Ensure,
Of the partyes of Galele,
to the Emperour thedir Cam sche.
Sche was holden the fairest womman
That Ony creature discryven Cowde than,
And Also Ryaliche sche was A-dyht
As belonged to swich A lady of Myht.
Whanne this Emperesse Say this lady bryht,
Of hire sche Axede Anon Ryht
‘Whens sche Cam, & of what kende.’
And sche hire Answerid As good & hende:
Sche seide that ‘Sche was Comen of hy degre,
Of kynges and qwene ful Certeinle.’
Thanne ladyes and damyselis sche Comanded hire there,
hire to don Servyse In alle Manere,
as that belonged to hyre Astat,
hire forto worschepen bothe Erly & lat.
Of hire sche Axede Anon Ryht
‘Whens sche Cam, & of what kende.’
And sche hire Answerid As good & hende:
Sche seide that ‘Sche was Comen of hy degre,
Of kynges and qwene ful Certeinle.’
Thanne ladyes and damyselis sche Comanded hire there,
hire to don Servyse In alle Manere,
24
hire forto worschepen bothe Erly & lat.
and whanne fulliche A monthe hadde sche þere be,
thanne Atte laste these ymages beheld sche,
And Anon Axede with-Owten taryenge
‘What theke ymages weren to signefyeng.’
thanne tolden they hyre with-Inne a whyle;
And Anon this lady Gan forto smyle,
and seide, ‘that phelesophre was not bore,
From deth to lyve A man to Reren thore:’
“for I dar wel seyn with-Inne a schort day
hym A Fool to preven, So scholen ȝe say;
For of this that ȝe sein to me here,
It may not be trewe In non Manere;
Ne neuere beleven it In my thowht
For non Man that Evere was wrowht.”
thanne Atte laste these ymages beheld sche,
And Anon Axede with-Owten taryenge
‘What theke ymages weren to signefyeng.’
thanne tolden they hyre with-Inne a whyle;
And Anon this lady Gan forto smyle,
and seide, ‘that phelesophre was not bore,
From deth to lyve A man to Reren thore:’
“for I dar wel seyn with-Inne a schort day
hym A Fool to preven, So scholen ȝe say;
For of this that ȝe sein to me here,
It may not be trewe In non Manere;
Ne neuere beleven it In my thowht
For non Man that Evere was wrowht.”
This tale was told to forn themperowr,
that thus be ypocras was seid dishonour;
So that it was spoken bothe to & fro
Tyl atte laste ypocras þere-offen herde tho;
Where offen he hadde ful gret disdeyn,
As I ȝow Seye now In Certeyn,
And seide ‘þat he scholde neuere glad ne be
tyl that damysele he myhte se,
that hym A fool wolde make.’
thanne themperour this word gan take,
And seyde that to forn him scholde sche be.
“Whanne, sire,” quod ypocras, “I preye the?”
“In the temple to morwe, Atte Owr of pryme,
thanne scholen we Meten Al In good tyme.”
that thus be ypocras was seid dishonour;
So that it was spoken bothe to & fro
Tyl atte laste ypocras þere-offen herde tho;
Where offen he hadde ful gret disdeyn,
As I ȝow Seye now In Certeyn,
And seide ‘þat he scholde neuere glad ne be
tyl that damysele he myhte se,
that hym A fool wolde make.’
thanne themperour this word gan take,
And seyde that to forn him scholde sche be.
“Whanne, sire,” quod ypocras, “I preye the?”
“In the temple to morwe, Atte Owr of pryme,
thanne scholen we Meten Al In good tyme.”
Al Nyht lay ypocras, and thowhte
how that this thing Ony weye ben Mowhte;
and On þe Morwe, Er the Owr of pryme,
ypocras at the temple was be tyme.
how that this thing Ony weye ben Mowhte;
and On þe Morwe, Er the Owr of pryme,
ypocras at the temple was be tyme.
thanne Cam þere thedyr this lady gent
With A gret Compenyei Of ladyes present,
And Axede ‘wheche was Ypocras,
of Alle the Meyne þat there was.’
And sche beheld hym wondirly sore
A-forn Alle the wommen that weren thore;
and ypocras was A fair ȝong Man;
thus beheld sche In hym than.
And ypocras of hire, good Reward took tho,
More thanne of Alle Remnant þat with hire gonne go;
For sche hadde the moste passyng Bewte
Aforn Alle womman that Evere Sawh he,
Whiche Made hym falle In foly thowht
that hym there-Owt no man Myht bringe nowht;
and ȝit Into Anothir place wente he
hire bettere to beholde, ȝif it wolde be.
And the More that he hire beheld tho,
the More Angwich his herte Cam vnto;
that So Sore he fyl In a folye thowht,
So þat hym selve helpen Myhte he nowht.
With A gret Compenyei Of ladyes present,
25
of Alle the Meyne þat there was.’
And sche beheld hym wondirly sore
A-forn Alle the wommen that weren thore;
and ypocras was A fair ȝong Man;
thus beheld sche In hym than.
And ypocras of hire, good Reward took tho,
More thanne of Alle Remnant þat with hire gonne go;
For sche hadde the moste passyng Bewte
Aforn Alle womman that Evere Sawh he,
Whiche Made hym falle In foly thowht
that hym there-Owt no man Myht bringe nowht;
and ȝit Into Anothir place wente he
hire bettere to beholde, ȝif it wolde be.
And the More that he hire beheld tho,
the More Angwich his herte Cam vnto;
that So Sore he fyl In a folye thowht,
So þat hym selve helpen Myhte he nowht.
Whanne this lady was from the temple gon,
Ypocras homward he torned Anon,
And becam So Syk And Evel At Ese
So that þere myhte nothing hym plese.
So sore lovede ypocras this fair ladye,
That Clene browht was he In A letargye
For that his wyl he ne Myhte not have,
And for schame he dorst it not Crave.
that so harde & so syk he lay,
that Othere Feciscians wenden Eche day
that Sekyr ded he Scholde han be;
but they knew not fulliche his Malade.
So that th' emperour Cam to his plas
To weten howh þat it with hym was;
and so dyde the qwene, & ladyes mo.
Ypocras homward he torned Anon,
And becam So Syk And Evel At Ese
So that þere myhte nothing hym plese.
So sore lovede ypocras this fair ladye,
That Clene browht was he In A letargye
For that his wyl he ne Myhte not have,
And for schame he dorst it not Crave.
that so harde & so syk he lay,
that Othere Feciscians wenden Eche day
that Sekyr ded he Scholde han be;
but they knew not fulliche his Malade.
So that th' emperour Cam to his plas
To weten howh þat it with hym was;
and so dyde the qwene, & ladyes mo.
And Amongs Alle, this lady gan forth go,
for whom that he was so Evel At Ese.
and whanne he hire say, his herte gan to plese:
thanne In his herte hadde he gret thowht
howh this Mater Abowtes Scholde ben browht,
So that he made hem voiden Everichon
Except this lady Only Alon,
and tolde hire his herte ful pleyn,
‘how, for hire, ded scholde he ben In Certeyn
but ȝif hire love he Myhte have,
For Othirwise Mihte he not be save.’
for whom that he was so Evel At Ese.
and whanne he hire say, his herte gan to plese:
26
howh this Mater Abowtes Scholde ben browht,
So that he made hem voiden Everichon
Except this lady Only Alon,
and tolde hire his herte ful pleyn,
‘how, for hire, ded scholde he ben In Certeyn
but ȝif hire love he Myhte have,
For Othirwise Mihte he not be save.’
“Whanne that sche hadde herd Al his Compleynt,
Thanne hire wordys Gan sche to peynt,
As sche that thouhte thorwh a fals wyle
holyche ypocras forto be-gyle;
and swiche wordis ȝaf hym tho
that Into A strengere letargye Mad hym to go,
“Now, Certes, sire ypocras,” quod sche,
“So worthy A man as that ȝe be,
that Only wolde for My sake
Swich diseyse to ȝow now take,
Whiche fayn I wolde Amended were
be me, and I wyste In Ony Manere.
For ȝe Conne Not loven Me so wel
That I do to ȝow Aȝen Everydel;
but I ne may not In non Manere wyse
ȝowre wil to fulfille be non Gyse;
For so gret warde is set On Me
that I ne may not Comen withouten gret Meyne;
and Ek with-Owten leve of the Emperour
I ne may nowher gon, day ne Owr;
but Rathere than deyen ȝe scholde for me,
At ȝowre owne wille wolde I be;
For gret pite it were of ȝoure ded,
Forto Many A Man ȝe don good Red.”
Thanne hire wordys Gan sche to peynt,
As sche that thouhte thorwh a fals wyle
holyche ypocras forto be-gyle;
and swiche wordis ȝaf hym tho
that Into A strengere letargye Mad hym to go,
“Now, Certes, sire ypocras,” quod sche,
“So worthy A man as that ȝe be,
that Only wolde for My sake
Swich diseyse to ȝow now take,
Whiche fayn I wolde Amended were
be me, and I wyste In Ony Manere.
For ȝe Conne Not loven Me so wel
That I do to ȝow Aȝen Everydel;
but I ne may not In non Manere wyse
ȝowre wil to fulfille be non Gyse;
For so gret warde is set On Me
that I ne may not Comen withouten gret Meyne;
and Ek with-Owten leve of the Emperour
I ne may nowher gon, day ne Owr;
but Rathere than deyen ȝe scholde for me,
At ȝowre owne wille wolde I be;
For gret pite it were of ȝoure ded,
Forto Many A Man ȝe don good Red.”
Whanne ypocras herde hire wordis tho,
that this lady Concentyn wolde hym vnto,
gret Ioye to his herte was tho dyht
Whanne sche hym kyste with Al hire Myht;
Supposyng to ypocras with herte goodlye;
but Al was falshod and Trecherye.
that this lady Concentyn wolde hym vnto,
gret Ioye to his herte was tho dyht
Whanne sche hym kyste with Al hire Myht;
27
but Al was falshod and Trecherye.
Lo, behold, the same day tho
Whanne this lady from hym was go,
vp of his Cowche he gan to Ryse,
& to hym took Comfort In oþerwyse,
And to the Cowrt he gan to go.
bothe ladyes & gentel wommen Aȝens hym comen tho,
and gret Ioye of hym Alle they Made;
but there nas non that Myhte hym glade
Sauf only that lady So fre
Wheche falsly mente In Al degre;
Sche made hym loken vpe to the towr
vppon whiche that was hire Bowr,
and schewed hym where heng A-down be þe wal
A strong Corde and A long with-Al.
“lo, sire,” quod this lady thanne,
“Now Mown ȝe ben A Merye Manne;
For In ȝone towr ȝondir an hy
Is the kynges sone of Babyloyne trewly,
and there In presown Is he do;
and be that Corde his mete Cometh hym to,
In a vessel is I-knyt therby
to hym it is vpe drawen trewely,
and therfore now I schal ȝow say
A noble while this Selvë day:
the Corde and the vessel down schal I lete,
and þere-Inne þat ȝe dressen ȝow ful Mete,
an vp to Me I schal ȝow drawe,—
this sey I to ȝow In prevy sawe;—
thanne prevyly Mown ȝe with me speke,
and Al ȝowre herte thanne to me breke;
and whanne the day gynneth to neyghen Nye,
down scholen we ȝow leten þat non Man schal Aspye,
and thus mown ȝe often Sithes do.”
Whanne this lady from hym was go,
vp of his Cowche he gan to Ryse,
& to hym took Comfort In oþerwyse,
And to the Cowrt he gan to go.
bothe ladyes & gentel wommen Aȝens hym comen tho,
and gret Ioye of hym Alle they Made;
but there nas non that Myhte hym glade
Sauf only that lady So fre
Wheche falsly mente In Al degre;
Sche made hym loken vpe to the towr
vppon whiche that was hire Bowr,
and schewed hym where heng A-down be þe wal
A strong Corde and A long with-Al.
“lo, sire,” quod this lady thanne,
“Now Mown ȝe ben A Merye Manne;
For In ȝone towr ȝondir an hy
Is the kynges sone of Babyloyne trewly,
and there In presown Is he do;
and be that Corde his mete Cometh hym to,
In a vessel is I-knyt therby
to hym it is vpe drawen trewely,
and therfore now I schal ȝow say
A noble while this Selvë day:
the Corde and the vessel down schal I lete,
and þere-Inne þat ȝe dressen ȝow ful Mete,
an vp to Me I schal ȝow drawe,—
this sey I to ȝow In prevy sawe;—
thanne prevyly Mown ȝe with me speke,
and Al ȝowre herte thanne to me breke;
and whanne the day gynneth to neyghen Nye,
down scholen we ȝow leten þat non Man schal Aspye,
and thus mown ȝe often Sithes do.”
thanne ypocras concented wel therto.
28
That same day this ypocras
at themperours table Iset he was,
and there disported hym al that day
As a man that In letargye lay.
and whanne it drowhe toward þe Nyht,
To his hows his men wolden hym han dyht;
he hym Excused As hym thowhte beste,
and seide that Al Nyht he wolde þere Reste;
and for he was not wel at Ese,
his Men weren fayn hym forto plese,
and Ordeyned hym A chambre of honour
there as the lady was to forn that tour.
at themperours table Iset he was,
and there disported hym al that day
As a man that In letargye lay.
and whanne it drowhe toward þe Nyht,
To his hows his men wolden hym han dyht;
he hym Excused As hym thowhte beste,
and seide that Al Nyht he wolde þere Reste;
and for he was not wel at Ese,
his Men weren fayn hym forto plese,
and Ordeyned hym A chambre of honour
there as the lady was to forn that tour.
and whanne his Meyne weren leyd Echon,
Owt of his chambre gan he to gon,
and beheld that the lady was Redy
at that towr ful Certeynly,
and let there the Corde down to gon
Into the Erthe there Riht Anon.
and Riht Anon this Ypocras tho
a strong vessel he fastenid therto,
and sette hym self there with-Inne,—
Now here was toward A schrewed gynne!—
and to that lady he made A signe,
and they vpe hym drowh with gret pyne,
this lady and hire Owne Cosyn
be whom was wrowht this fals Engyn.
Owt of his chambre gan he to gon,
and beheld that the lady was Redy
at that towr ful Certeynly,
and let there the Corde down to gon
Into the Erthe there Riht Anon.
and Riht Anon this Ypocras tho
a strong vessel he fastenid therto,
and sette hym self there with-Inne,—
Now here was toward A schrewed gynne!—
and to that lady he made A signe,
and they vpe hym drowh with gret pyne,
this lady and hire Owne Cosyn
be whom was wrowht this fals Engyn.
and whanne thys was drawen ny vpe An hy,
the Corde they fastened ful Craftyly
that heyhere ne lowhere ne myhte he gon,
but there heng Ypocras Al A lon.
thanne seide this lady to ypocras Anon
“let se what ȝoure phelesophie Can don
Owther vpe to brynge, outher down Agayn;
ȝe scholen it now preven In Certein.”
the Corde they fastened ful Craftyly
that heyhere ne lowhere ne myhte he gon,
but there heng Ypocras Al A lon.
thanne seide this lady to ypocras Anon
“let se what ȝoure phelesophie Can don
Owther vpe to brynge, outher down Agayn;
ȝe scholen it now preven In Certein.”
And whanne that ypocras beheld Al this
that thus sche hadde hym deceyved I-wys,
he ne wiste what forto do,
Nethir howh down þat he myhte go;
for ȝif to the Erthe he fyl A down,
thanne were it fully his Confuciown:
So Al Nyht thus Ypocras lefte there
ful sore I-Angred In divers Manere.
And on the Morwe whanne it was day,
themperesse Owt At the ȝate toke hire way
hire to disporte and forto pleye
(as I sey ȝow now certeynlye)
and with hire a gret Meyne,
but of Al this ȝit wiste not sche.
that thus sche hadde hym deceyved I-wys,
29
Nethir howh down þat he myhte go;
for ȝif to the Erthe he fyl A down,
thanne were it fully his Confuciown:
So Al Nyht thus Ypocras lefte there
ful sore I-Angred In divers Manere.
And on the Morwe whanne it was day,
themperesse Owt At the ȝate toke hire way
hire to disporte and forto pleye
(as I sey ȝow now certeynlye)
and with hire a gret Meyne,
but of Al this ȝit wiste not sche.
and whanne the peple of Rome town
Erly vp Rysen al In vyrown,
And beheld to this towr An hy,
thanne sien they there ful veraylly
A man that there heng In a vessel—
they myhten him sen Everydel,—
and they supposide Everychon
that be themperours Comaundement was it don,
and supposid that it hadde be sum Malfetour
that was for-Iogged vppon that towr;
So that non of themperowrs Men
Nygh that vessel dorste Comen then.
Erly vp Rysen al In vyrown,
And beheld to this towr An hy,
thanne sien they there ful veraylly
A man that there heng In a vessel—
they myhten him sen Everydel,—
and they supposide Everychon
that be themperours Comaundement was it don,
and supposid that it hadde be sum Malfetour
that was for-Iogged vppon that towr;
So that non of themperowrs Men
Nygh that vessel dorste Comen then.
thanne so ful of schame this Ypocras was
that Men so vppon him wondrid In that plas,
So that word dorste he speken non
To the peple that hym loked vppon,
and Evere wende the peple Everichon
that themperour it hadde I-don,
and for-Iuged hym to his ded
be asent of alle the Cowrtes Red.
Thus Alle the leve longe day
Ypocras there heng with-owten delay.
that Men so vppon him wondrid In that plas,
So that word dorste he speken non
To the peple that hym loked vppon,
and Evere wende the peple Everichon
that themperour it hadde I-don,
and for-Iuged hym to his ded
be asent of alle the Cowrtes Red.
Thus Alle the leve longe day
Ypocras there heng with-owten delay.
and at Even whanne themperour Cam hom
and his Meyne Everychon,
And whanne that he was down Alyht,
Of that vessel he hadde Anon A syht,
And Axede ‘who that there-Inne was.’
“Sire,” they Seiden, “it is ypocras
whom ȝe han don so Mochel honour,
and now he hangeth vppon ȝone tour.
and, Sire, we ne weten what he hath Misdo
that vppon ȝone towr is fordemed so.”
“let him down,” quod the Emperour anon,
“and I wile wete how this doth gon;
And ȝif Othere felesophres this han do,
with-owten My leven hym demen so,
they scholen forthenken it Everychon
So that of hem Schal Skapen Neuere on.”
and his Meyne Everychon,
30
Of that vessel he hadde Anon A syht,
And Axede ‘who that there-Inne was.’
“Sire,” they Seiden, “it is ypocras
whom ȝe han don so Mochel honour,
and now he hangeth vppon ȝone tour.
and, Sire, we ne weten what he hath Misdo
that vppon ȝone towr is fordemed so.”
“let him down,” quod the Emperour anon,
“and I wile wete how this doth gon;
And ȝif Othere felesophres this han do,
with-owten My leven hym demen so,
they scholen forthenken it Everychon
So that of hem Schal Skapen Neuere on.”
So wenten they Into the towr Anon,
The Emperours Comaundement forto don,
and leten hym down ful Softelye.
thanne themperour Axede hym In hye;
but for non thyng that he Cowde seyn,
Ypocras Nolde hym tellen In Certein,
“wel Sire,” thanne quod the Emperour,
“Sethen I may not Knowen of ȝoure langour
[OMITTED]
[then] themperour forth wente Anon,
and Into his Chambre gan to gon.
thanne Anon The Emperour tho
Comanded the Ymages to ben broken en two
Whiche þat there he Made for Ypocras
and for his Nevew In that plas;
but ȝit to-broken ne hadden they not ben
Ne hadde þe damyseles speche ben as I wen.
The Emperours Comaundement forto don,
and leten hym down ful Softelye.
thanne themperour Axede hym In hye;
but for non thyng that he Cowde seyn,
Ypocras Nolde hym tellen In Certein,
“wel Sire,” thanne quod the Emperour,
“Sethen I may not Knowen of ȝoure langour
[OMITTED]
[then] themperour forth wente Anon,
and Into his Chambre gan to gon.
thanne Anon The Emperour tho
Comanded the Ymages to ben broken en two
Whiche þat there he Made for Ypocras
and for his Nevew In that plas;
but ȝit to-broken ne hadden they not ben
Ne hadde þe damyseles speche ben as I wen.
Thus dwelled ypocras In Rome Stylle,
and Every man was fayn to fulfillen his wille,
Tyl atte laste vppon A day
that a knyht to Rome Cam perfay
Forto sen there the Emperowr,
Whiche that was A man of gret honour.
and whanne this knyht hadde I-Ete,
Anon with the Emperowr gan he Mete;
And themperour Axede hym Anon
‘Owt of what Contre he was gon.’
and the knyht hym Answerid ful softely
“Sire, from Ierusalem ful trewely;
And ȝit Sire More Certeynle
I have ben In þe lond of Galele.”
“what tydynges, Sire, bryngen ȝe thenne,
that ȝe welen vs tellen lik as ȝe kenne.”
“Sire, I schal ȝow tellen the Moste Merveillous thyng
that Evere was herd of Ony Man leveng.”
“what Merveilles ben they,” quod themperour tho:
and Every man was fayn to fulfillen his wille,
Tyl atte laste vppon A day
that a knyht to Rome Cam perfay
31
Whiche that was A man of gret honour.
and whanne this knyht hadde I-Ete,
Anon with the Emperowr gan he Mete;
And themperour Axede hym Anon
‘Owt of what Contre he was gon.’
and the knyht hym Answerid ful softely
“Sire, from Ierusalem ful trewely;
And ȝit Sire More Certeynle
I have ben In þe lond of Galele.”
“what tydynges, Sire, bryngen ȝe thenne,
that ȝe welen vs tellen lik as ȝe kenne.”
“Sire, I schal ȝow tellen the Moste Merveillous thyng
that Evere was herd of Ony Man leveng.”
“what Merveilles ben they,” quod themperour tho:
“Sire, I schal ȝow telle er that I go.
A pore Man there is In that Contre
that manye wondir Merveilles werketh he,
For he is of so gret strengthe and Myht
that blynde men he maketh to sen ful bryht;
the dombe to speke, the lame forto go,
the woode man he Maketh tame Also,
the def to heren, the dede vpe Ryse:
Al thus doth he, sire, In Merveillous wyse.”
“Alle these,” quod ypocras Anon tho,
“As wel as he I schal hem alle do.”
“Nay Sikerly, sire,” quod the knyht,
“that schal neuere lyn In ȝoure Myht;
For a man blynd born doth he Maken se,
and, sire, grettere thinges I telle it the;
For laȝarus that was there ded—
thre dayes & thre Nyht he lay In þat sted—
and Owt of his tombe he dyde hym gon
to forn Alle the peple there Anon,
And this doth he be his Owne Myht
And by his wordis Openly In Mennys siht.”
A pore Man there is In that Contre
that manye wondir Merveilles werketh he,
For he is of so gret strengthe and Myht
that blynde men he maketh to sen ful bryht;
the dombe to speke, the lame forto go,
the woode man he Maketh tame Also,
the def to heren, the dede vpe Ryse:
Al thus doth he, sire, In Merveillous wyse.”
“Alle these,” quod ypocras Anon tho,
“As wel as he I schal hem alle do.”
“Nay Sikerly, sire,” quod the knyht,
“that schal neuere lyn In ȝoure Myht;
For a man blynd born doth he Maken se,
and, sire, grettere thinges I telle it the;
For laȝarus that was there ded—
thre dayes & thre Nyht he lay In þat sted—
and Owt of his tombe he dyde hym gon
to forn Alle the peple there Anon,
And this doth he be his Owne Myht
And by his wordis Openly In Mennys siht.”
32
“Thanne,” quod ypocras, “sethen it is so
that so manye Merveilles he Can do,
he passeth alle Erthly Creature
Of Clennesse of wit so good & pure;
I hym wile gon Forto Se
And he be Swich as ȝe tellen Me.”
“Sire Knyht,” quod themperour than,
“What is his Name tellen me thou kan?”
“ȝe Sekerly, Sire,” quod the knyht,
“Iesus of Naȝareth his Name is Ryht,
and they holden hym A verray prophete,
Certeynly, Sire, As I ȝow here be-hete.”
“Now Certes,” quod Ypocras tho,
“Streyht to Galyle now wil I go,
to knowen of his wit & his powere
ȝif that it be as ȝe seyn now here,
and there the sothe schal I knowe
Of hym & of me, with-Inne A throwe.
and ȝif he konne don More thanne I,
I wele ben his disciple trewely;
and ȝif I Conne don More thanne he,
Myn discyple I wele that he be.”
that so manye Merveilles he Can do,
he passeth alle Erthly Creature
Of Clennesse of wit so good & pure;
I hym wile gon Forto Se
And he be Swich as ȝe tellen Me.”
“Sire Knyht,” quod themperour than,
“What is his Name tellen me thou kan?”
“ȝe Sekerly, Sire,” quod the knyht,
“Iesus of Naȝareth his Name is Ryht,
and they holden hym A verray prophete,
Certeynly, Sire, As I ȝow here be-hete.”
“Now Certes,” quod Ypocras tho,
“Streyht to Galyle now wil I go,
to knowen of his wit & his powere
ȝif that it be as ȝe seyn now here,
and there the sothe schal I knowe
Of hym & of me, with-Inne A throwe.
and ȝif he konne don More thanne I,
I wele ben his disciple trewely;
and ȝif I Conne don More thanne he,
Myn discyple I wele that he be.”
and for this same Enchesowne
wente Ypocras owt of Rome,
and with hym A ful gret Meyne,
Tyl that he Cam vnto the See.
and whanne to the see they weren I-gon,
the kyng of perse there fownden they Anon
with gret Compenye of Chevalrye,
but Moche Mone they Maden trewelye,
and it was only for the kynges Awntonyes sone
that Owt of this world they wenden hadde ben gone.
wente Ypocras owt of Rome,
and with hym A ful gret Meyne,
Tyl that he Cam vnto the See.
and whanne to the see they weren I-gon,
the kyng of perse there fownden they Anon
with gret Compenye of Chevalrye,
but Moche Mone they Maden trewelye,
and it was only for the kynges Awntonyes sone
that Owt of this world they wenden hadde ben gone.
whanne Ypocras beheld al this Matere,
Of his Mule he Alyht A-down there,
and dressed hym Into that partye
where that theke Cors lay Sekerlye;
and In gret sorwe fond he there the kynge,
and Alle his Meyne ful sore Mornenge.
and whanne this body he hadde beholde,
Anon the Clothes he dyde On-folde,
And took there A letwarye ful good
that thike Maladye there with-stood,
and Into his Mouth he putte [it] Anon.
And Er he Evere thens gan gon,
With A lowd voys the Child gan to Crye
that Al the peple it herde Sekerlye.
thanne Ronne they Alle Abowtes Ypocras,
and seiden that this A fair Miracle was.
Of his Mule he Alyht A-down there,
and dressed hym Into that partye
where that theke Cors lay Sekerlye;
33
and Alle his Meyne ful sore Mornenge.
and whanne this body he hadde beholde,
Anon the Clothes he dyde On-folde,
And took there A letwarye ful good
that thike Maladye there with-stood,
and Into his Mouth he putte [it] Anon.
And Er he Evere thens gan gon,
With A lowd voys the Child gan to Crye
that Al the peple it herde Sekerlye.
thanne Ronne they Alle Abowtes Ypocras,
and seiden that this A fair Miracle was.
Thanne seide Ypocras to the kyng,
“and þou wilt graunten me my ferste Askyng,
be to-Morwen thi sone schal hol be
In Al degres, As thow Schalt se.”
thanne swor the kyng be his Creaunce Anon
‘that Alle his peticions scholden ben don.’
So thanne wrowht this Ypocras
that on the Morewen the Child Al hol it was.
thanne seide the peple there Abowte
that he to god Aperede with-Owten dowte.
“and þou wilt graunten me my ferste Askyng,
be to-Morwen thi sone schal hol be
In Al degres, As thow Schalt se.”
thanne swor the kyng be his Creaunce Anon
‘that Alle his peticions scholden ben don.’
So thanne wrowht this Ypocras
that on the Morewen the Child Al hol it was.
thanne seide the peple there Abowte
that he to god Aperede with-Owten dowte.
thanne there Abod he ful longe In londe
with the kyng Of perse, as I vndirstonde,
Tyl Atte laste be the kynges wille
the kyng ȝaf his dowhter hym vntylle;
And there Mad he ful Ryal Maryage
As longed to A lady Of hyre parage,
and As gret worschepe, I vndirstond,
as he hadde ben kyng of Ony lond,
with the kyng Of perse, as I vndirstonde,
Tyl Atte laste be the kynges wille
the kyng ȝaf his dowhter hym vntylle;
And there Mad he ful Ryal Maryage
As longed to A lady Of hyre parage,
and As gret worschepe, I vndirstond,
as he hadde ben kyng of Ony lond,
Thanne Sente ypocras forth anon
Messengeris As faste As they Cowde gon
Aftyr his fadir & Moder Certeyn tho
With his Oþer frendis to Comen vnto,
Forto Axen hem Consaille
Into what Contre it myht best Avaylle
that he myhte beste herberwed to be,
Into Most temperable place Abowtes þe see,
Owther In ony yl that were delitable
be þe see oþer be lond with-owten fable.
thanne A Maister Schipman gan forth to gon,
And told hym of An yl In the Se Anon
that More temperable than Othere it was,
Fer be west, and In what plas.
Messengeris As faste As they Cowde gon
Aftyr his fadir & Moder Certeyn tho
With his Oþer frendis to Comen vnto,
Forto Axen hem Consaille
Into what Contre it myht best Avaylle
34
Into Most temperable place Abowtes þe see,
Owther In ony yl that were delitable
be þe see oþer be lond with-owten fable.
thanne A Maister Schipman gan forth to gon,
And told hym of An yl In the Se Anon
that More temperable than Othere it was,
Fer be west, and In what plas.
Thanne Schepyd ypocras Al his good Anon,
And thedirward gan faste forto gon,
and with him his frendes & his wif Also,
To this same Yl Alle gonnen they to go.
and whanne Sawf that he was there,
his wyf, his frendes, and Al his good In fere,
and Alle Sauf weren thedyr gon,
Ful Mochel Ioye they Maden Anon.
thanne werkmen let he Ordeynen Anon,
And Made A Castel Of lym & ston;
and with-Inne that Castel An halle he Made,
þere-Inne his frendes forto glade;
the dore there-offen it was red goold,
As Any Man there it Myhte be-hoold,
and ful I-pyht with precyous stones;
And Ek the pyler with-Inne for þe Nones
was of Marbyl, I-kouered with gold & Asure
ful Richely wrowht, I ȝow Ensure.
And thedirward gan faste forto gon,
and with him his frendes & his wif Also,
To this same Yl Alle gonnen they to go.
and whanne Sawf that he was there,
his wyf, his frendes, and Al his good In fere,
and Alle Sauf weren thedyr gon,
Ful Mochel Ioye they Maden Anon.
thanne werkmen let he Ordeynen Anon,
And Made A Castel Of lym & ston;
and with-Inne that Castel An halle he Made,
þere-Inne his frendes forto glade;
the dore there-offen it was red goold,
As Any Man there it Myhte be-hoold,
and ful I-pyht with precyous stones;
And Ek the pyler with-Inne for þe Nones
was of Marbyl, I-kouered with gold & Asure
ful Richely wrowht, I ȝow Ensure.
and there-Inne A bed he let dyhte,
the Moste wondirful that Ony man Myhte;
For there weren In so manye stones of vertwe
whiche that weren bothe good & trewe;
For Ony man that Syk þer onne lith, Sekerlye
he Schal be keuered of Alle Maladye.
Lo this hows made ypocras be this Enchesoun,
That his wyf scholde don hym non distroccioun,
Nethir be poysown ne be non venym,
that non Maladye Scholde Comen to hym.
the Moste wondirful that Ony man Myhte;
For there weren In so manye stones of vertwe
whiche that weren bothe good & trewe;
For Ony man that Syk þer onne lith, Sekerlye
he Schal be keuered of Alle Maladye.
Lo this hows made ypocras be this Enchesoun,
That his wyf scholde don hym non distroccioun,
35
that non Maladye Scholde Comen to hym.
ȝit Also More there let he tho Make
A Cowpe to drynken In for his Owne Sake,
that ȝif Ony poysown there Inne were don,
Al the Strengthe it scholde lesen Anon.
A Cowpe to drynken In for his Owne Sake,
that ȝif Ony poysown there Inne were don,
Al the Strengthe it scholde lesen Anon.
but Evere his wyf was prowd In herte,
And of hire hosbonde sche hadde gret smerte,
For that sche was so hygh I-bore,
And sche thowhte On hym sche was but lore;
Therfore sche hated hym ful dedly,
and purposed hym to Slen Al prevyly.
Ful strong poysown sche gan to Make,
Only Al for hire lordis Sake,
and took bred, & In the poysown it putte,
And took A dogge for to Eten Itte,
So that the dogge thanne deyde Anon,
and ded lay Stylle As ony Ston.
And of hire hosbonde sche hadde gret smerte,
For that sche was so hygh I-bore,
And sche thowhte On hym sche was but lore;
Therfore sche hated hym ful dedly,
and purposed hym to Slen Al prevyly.
Ful strong poysown sche gan to Make,
Only Al for hire lordis Sake,
and took bred, & In the poysown it putte,
And took A dogge for to Eten Itte,
So that the dogge thanne deyde Anon,
and ded lay Stylle As ony Ston.
And whanne his wyf hadde prevyd Al thys,
thanne was hire herte ful of Blys;
And took it to hire lord Ypocras
As he At his Sopere was,
And In his Cowpe was it put tho:
but Al the strengthe Anon was Ago.
thanne ypocras took þe Cowpe Anon
and drank þeroffen Amongs hem Echon,
but þere offen hadde he non disseise;
Wherfore his wyf gan there to mysplese,
And took the Cuppe In hire hond Anon,
and Ryht faste gan loken there vppon.
thanne Axed Sire Ypocras Anon there
‘Why sche it beheld In Swich Manere.’
“Sire, for it is So Riche A thyng,
therfore I have þer offen so gret Merveilleng.”
“Certes, dame,” quod Ypocras tho,
“In Al this world ben Swiche no mo;
For what poysown þat there-Inne be done,
It leseth al the strengthe Ryht Anone,
For Neuere Man schal Empeyred be,
That here-Offen drynketh, Siker mown ȝe be.”
thanne was hire herte ful of Blys;
And took it to hire lord Ypocras
As he At his Sopere was,
And In his Cowpe was it put tho:
but Al the strengthe Anon was Ago.
thanne ypocras took þe Cowpe Anon
and drank þeroffen Amongs hem Echon,
but þere offen hadde he non disseise;
Wherfore his wyf gan there to mysplese,
And took the Cuppe In hire hond Anon,
and Ryht faste gan loken there vppon.
thanne Axed Sire Ypocras Anon there
‘Why sche it beheld In Swich Manere.’
“Sire, for it is So Riche A thyng,
therfore I have þer offen so gret Merveilleng.”
“Certes, dame,” quod Ypocras tho,
“In Al this world ben Swiche no mo;
36
It leseth al the strengthe Ryht Anone,
For Neuere Man schal Empeyred be,
That here-Offen drynketh, Siker mown ȝe be.”
And whanne sche beheld Al this Cas,
how that he from deth A-sckaped was;
wherfore sche Made ful gret Morneng
that hire Craft ne hadde non Oþer werkyng;
For As longe As he the Cowpe hadde with-owten faille,
wel wyste sche hire werkyng nolde not Availle.
So that sche Aspyde vppon A day
whanne non of hire Meyne was In þe way,
And Caste this Cowpe In to See
Also fer As sche myht don it fle.
and whanne ypocras his Cowpe dyde Mysse,
thanne was his herte In gret distresse;
and faste he Axede ‘where it was don,’
but of hem Alle ne wyste neuere on.
how that he from deth A-sckaped was;
wherfore sche Made ful gret Morneng
that hire Craft ne hadde non Oþer werkyng;
For As longe As he the Cowpe hadde with-owten faille,
wel wyste sche hire werkyng nolde not Availle.
So that sche Aspyde vppon A day
whanne non of hire Meyne was In þe way,
And Caste this Cowpe In to See
Also fer As sche myht don it fle.
and whanne ypocras his Cowpe dyde Mysse,
thanne was his herte In gret distresse;
and faste he Axede ‘where it was don,’
but of hem Alle ne wyste neuere on.
“So Aftyr it happed vppon A day
that ypocras In his Chambere wyndowe lay,
and his wyf be hym Also
Lyggeng And talkyng, bothe two.
And As he loked toward the grownde,
he Sawh A wylde Sowe In that stownde;
“dame,” he seide, “sy ȝe this beste here
that walketh benethe In this Manere?”
“ȝe, Sire,” sche seide ful Sekerly,
“ȝwhat Meneth that beste, I ȝow prey?”
“dame,” he Seide, “I schal the telle:
that beste wolde now Ony man qwelle
that there-offen Ete, it is so vnkynde,
And þerto so hot as I have In Mynde.”
“Now, is that trewe, Sire,” thanne quod sche.
“ȝe, dame,” he seide thanne, “ful Sykerlye.”
that ypocras In his Chambere wyndowe lay,
and his wyf be hym Also
Lyggeng And talkyng, bothe two.
And As he loked toward the grownde,
he Sawh A wylde Sowe In that stownde;
“dame,” he seide, “sy ȝe this beste here
that walketh benethe In this Manere?”
“ȝe, Sire,” sche seide ful Sekerly,
“ȝwhat Meneth that beste, I ȝow prey?”
“dame,” he Seide, “I schal the telle:
that beste wolde now Ony man qwelle
that there-offen Ete, it is so vnkynde,
And þerto so hot as I have In Mynde.”
“Now, is that trewe, Sire,” thanne quod sche.
“ȝe, dame,” he seide thanne, “ful Sykerlye.”
Anon A-down sche gan hire to dresse,
and to hire Cook wente with Owten Misse.
“Sixt thou,” sche seide, “this beste here
that walkyth thus In this Manere?”
“ȝe, lady,” he Seyde “that wel I do.”
“thanne faste Anon that thou hym slo,
and that to Sopere that he be dyht,
for my lord it loveth with Al his Myht.”
and to hire Cook wente with Owten Misse.
37
that walkyth thus In this Manere?”
“ȝe, lady,” he Seyde “that wel I do.”
“thanne faste Anon that thou hym slo,
and that to Sopere that he be dyht,
for my lord it loveth with Al his Myht.”
Anon he dyde hire Comandement,
and to the Soper was born present.
and whanne ypocras þeroffen hadde Ete,
Ful faste for peyne he gan to swete,
and seide, “dame, I may not be save
but ȝif of the water that I have
That this flesch was Soden Inne.
dame, I Am ded, neþer more ne Mynne.”
thanne Cowntenaunce Made sche Anon
That the water Al a wey was don.
Thanne Anon the Cook let he Calle,
Of þe water to geten hym, what myhte be falle,
“Owther bringe me there it is Cast,
Outher ellis I deye, And that In hast.”
and to the Soper was born present.
and whanne ypocras þeroffen hadde Ete,
Ful faste for peyne he gan to swete,
and seide, “dame, I may not be save
but ȝif of the water that I have
That this flesch was Soden Inne.
dame, I Am ded, neþer more ne Mynne.”
thanne Cowntenaunce Made sche Anon
That the water Al a wey was don.
Thanne Anon the Cook let he Calle,
Of þe water to geten hym, what myhte be falle,
“Owther bringe me there it is Cast,
Outher ellis I deye, And that In hast.”
thanne to thike place was he browht,
but of the water ne myhte he geten nowht.
And whanne Ipocras say that it was so,
And that Al the water was A-go,
“dame,” he seide, “thow hast me Slayn
Ful falsly here In Certayn.
for that man Is born In non londe
(As In My with I vndirstonde)
that Kan be war of wommens wyle,
So ful they ben of qweyntise & Gyle.”
thus falsly was here Ypocras ded
thorwh his wyves false Red.
but of the water ne myhte he geten nowht.
And whanne Ipocras say that it was so,
And that Al the water was A-go,
“dame,” he seide, “thow hast me Slayn
Ful falsly here In Certayn.
for that man Is born In non londe
(As In My with I vndirstonde)
that Kan be war of wommens wyle,
So ful they ben of qweyntise & Gyle.”
thus falsly was here Ypocras ded
thorwh his wyves false Red.
Thanne his frendis there Anon
leten write vppon his tombe ston,
In what Manere that he was ded
Thorwh his false wyves Red;
whiche tombe was so Ryaly dyht,
that neuere myht Comprehende In Mannes Miht
Swich Anothir tombe to Make
As there was don for Ypocras sake.
leten write vppon his tombe ston,
In what Manere that he was ded
Thorwh his false wyves Red;
38
that neuere myht Comprehende In Mannes Miht
Swich Anothir tombe to Make
As there was don for Ypocras sake.
thanne the Kyng of Babyloyne Cam tho,
& gret distroccion gan there do;
and thus In this Maner As I ȝow say
Swich Richesse was þere be thike day,
and swich Strengthe & swich Bewte
As here to fore ȝe han herd seyn me.
& gret distroccion gan there do;
and thus In this Maner As I ȝow say
Swich Richesse was þere be thike day,
and swich Strengthe & swich Bewte
As here to fore ȝe han herd seyn me.
| CHAPTER XXXVI. THE HISTORY OF THE PHYSICIAN YPOCRAS. The Legend of the Holy Grail | |