 | Handlyng Synne |  |
Here bygynneþ þe seuene dedly synnes.
[The Seven Deadly Sins;—and first of Pride.]
Now of þe seuene wyl we telle,
þat ben þe dedly doghters of helle.
Þe eldyst, men kallë pryde;
She was þe fyrst þat walkyd wyde
Yn euery land, to euery man,
Þurgh alle þe worlde, ouer alle she ran,
And haþ here gete many wonynges,
Specyally wyþ grete lordynges,
And with ouþer many ynowe;
For where she ys, he wylle nat bowe,
She wyl be mayster ouer hem alle;
And alle at onys she makeþ hem falle.
Þe fadyr of pryde þat fyrst here knew
To hellë pyt she down hym threw;
And alle þat are of here coueyn,
Alle she bryngeþ to hellë peyn.
Þarfor y wylle warnë ȝow
whare-yn she makeþ ȝow synne, and how,
Þat ȝe mowe parceyue vmwhyle
Yn what þyng she doþ ȝow gyle.
þat ben þe dedly doghters of helle.
Þe eldyst, men kallë pryde;
She was þe fyrst þat walkyd wyde
Yn euery land, to euery man,
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And haþ here gete many wonynges,
Specyally wyþ grete lordynges,
And with ouþer many ynowe;
For where she ys, he wylle nat bowe,
She wyl be mayster ouer hem alle;
And alle at onys she makeþ hem falle.
Þe fadyr of pryde þat fyrst here knew
To hellë pyt she down hym threw;
And alle þat are of here coueyn,
Alle she bryngeþ to hellë peyn.
Þarfor y wylle warnë ȝow
whare-yn she makeþ ȝow synne, and how,
Þat ȝe mowe parceyue vmwhyle
Yn what þyng she doþ ȝow gyle.
Þys ys þe fyrst þat y fynde
Vnbuxumnesse aȝens þy kynde;
And he þat ys vnbuxum al
Aȝens hys fadyr spiritual,
And setteþ hym ryȝt at þe leste,
And seyþ ‘prut for þy cursyng, prest!’
Or ȝyf ȝou speke foule wrdys or rowe,
And to þy souereyn wylt þat bowe,
Ȝyf þy prout wurdys make hym wroth,
Be þou neuer so lefe no loth,
Þou synnest þer gretly yn pryde,
Man or womman, wheþer hyt betyde.
Vnbuxumnesse aȝens þy kynde;
And he þat ys vnbuxum al
Aȝens hys fadyr spiritual,
And setteþ hym ryȝt at þe leste,
And seyþ ‘prut for þy cursyng, prest!’
Or ȝyf ȝou speke foule wrdys or rowe,
And to þy souereyn wylt þat bowe,
Ȝyf þy prout wurdys make hym wroth,
Be þou neuer so lefe no loth,
Þou synnest þer gretly yn pryde,
Man or womman, wheþer hyt betyde.
Ȝyf þou, oþer man or wyfe,
were preysed for þyn holy lyfe;
Or ȝyf þou wuldest men seyde of þe
þat þou dedyst grete charyte,
And þat þou were boþe meke and chaste,
And wuldest speke no wurdës waste;
Ȝyf þou wuldest men seyd þys,
Þou synnest yn pryde, y sey, ywys.
Ouer al folyys hyt ys þe floure,
For þy godenesse to haue wurldys honoure.
were preysed for þyn holy lyfe;
Or ȝyf þou wuldest men seyde of þe
þat þou dedyst grete charyte,
And þat þou were boþe meke and chaste,
And wuldest speke no wurdës waste;
Ȝyf þou wuldest men seyd þys,
Þou synnest yn pryde, y sey, ywys.
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For þy godenesse to haue wurldys honoure.
Ȝyf þou for prydë art outrage
þat þou are come of hygh lynage,
Beþenke þe weyl fro when þou cam;
Allë we were of Adam:
Ȝyf þou be comë of hygh blode,
And þou dost more euyl þan gode,
Vnwrþyly art þou made gentyl
Ȝyf þou yn wurdys and dedys be yl.
þat þou are come of hygh lynage,
Beþenke þe weyl fro when þou cam;
Allë we were of Adam:
Ȝyf þou be comë of hygh blode,
And þou dost more euyl þan gode,
Vnwrþyly art þou made gentyl
Ȝyf þou yn wurdys and dedys be yl.
Ȝyf þou be prout þat þou art wys
And for þy cunseyl art holde yn prys,
Or yn þyn queyntë wurdys hast pryde,
wys yn wrong, euyl shal betyde.
And for þy cunseyl art holde yn prys,
Or yn þyn queyntë wurdys hast pryde,
wys yn wrong, euyl shal betyde.
Ȝyf þou be proute of þy bewte,
No shoch kote to þe shulde be,
Þat feyrhede ne shal long with þe wende;
Swych pryde endyþ foule at þe last ende.
No shoch kote to þe shulde be,
Þat feyrhede ne shal long with þe wende;
Swych pryde endyþ foule at þe last ende.
Ȝyf þou for strenkþë be mysproute,
And hast bostful wrdys and loude;
Do no-body þarfore despyte ne skaþe
Swychë men go to shame ful raþe.
And hast bostful wrdys and loude;
Do no-body þarfore despyte ne skaþe
Swychë men go to shame ful raþe.
Ȝyf þou be prout of þy rychesse
Þogh hyt come neuer wyþ no falsnesse,
Hyt may passe þe more lyghtly,
And þe sunner, þat þou beryst þe hyy.
Þogh hyt come neuer wyþ no falsnesse,
Hyt may passe þe more lyghtly,
And þe sunner, þat þou beryst þe hyy.
Ȝyf þou be prout of þy song,
Seldë lasteþ þat vertu long;
Synger haþ hertë prout with-ynne,
And tycyþ many on to synne;
Ful selde ys synger gode yn thew,
But þat yn sum poynt he ys a shrew.
yn feyrë wurdys, and yn qeynte,
wyþ prydë are swych men ateynte;
Flourshed wurdys, and oþerwhyle louely,
Are ful of pryde and trechery.
Be a man uncouth or couthe,
And he haue laghyng wurdys yn mouþe,
y warne þe wel þat oþer whyle,
Swych a man ys ful of gyle.
Seldë lasteþ þat vertu long;
Synger haþ hertë prout with-ynne,
And tycyþ many on to synne;
Ful selde ys synger gode yn thew,
But þat yn sum poynt he ys a shrew.
yn feyrë wurdys, and yn qeynte,
wyþ prydë are swych men ateynte;
Flourshed wurdys, and oþerwhyle louely,
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Be a man uncouth or couthe,
And he haue laghyng wurdys yn mouþe,
y warne þe wel þat oþer whyle,
Swych a man ys ful of gyle.
Ȝyf þou euer bare þe hyghly
yn ouerdo pryde for þy bayly,
Bere þe lowe; men se al day,
Þy bayly shal nat laste alway;
Now þou, and syþen y,
So shal go, oure bayly.
yn ouerdo pryde for þy bayly,
Bere þe lowe; men se al day,
Þy bayly shal nat laste alway;
Now þou, and syþen y,
So shal go, oure bayly.
Ȝyf þou be prout of þy cunnyng,
Þat þou hast lerned mochë þyng,
As sum man ys, þat ys scolere,
wenyþ þat none ys to hym pere,
He wenyþ weyl þat he kan
To be mayster, and ouer-man,
And when þe endë ys al shewyd,
Þan ys he almost al lewyd.
Þat þou hast lerned mochë þyng,
As sum man ys, þat ys scolere,
wenyþ þat none ys to hym pere,
He wenyþ weyl þat he kan
To be mayster, and ouer-man,
And when þe endë ys al shewyd,
Þan ys he almost al lewyd.
Ȝyf þou delyte þe oftyn stoundes,
yn horsys, haukys, or yn houndes;
Ȝyf þou clerk auaunsed be,
Swyche game ys nat graunted to þe.
To emperorus and to kyngys
ys graunted swych pleyyngys;
Erlës, barons, also y graunte,
And knyȝtës, þey mow hyt haunte
Þat þey ne be tempted of ouþer synne,
For ydulnesse þat þey ben ynne;
And ȝyt y rede, þey haunte hyt so,
Aȝens god þat þey nat mysdo.
yn horsys, haukys, or yn houndes;
Ȝyf þou clerk auaunsed be,
Swyche game ys nat graunted to þe.
To emperorus and to kyngys
ys graunted swych pleyyngys;
Erlës, barons, also y graunte,
And knyȝtës, þey mow hyt haunte
Þat þey ne be tempted of ouþer synne,
For ydulnesse þat þey ben ynne;
And ȝyt y rede, þey haunte hyt so,
Aȝens god þat þey nat mysdo.
Ȝyf þou art wel wyþ þe kyng,
Or with anoþer lordyng,
Bere þe nat ouer prout þerfore
To þy perys out of skore;
For men se hyt yn a þrowe,
To day ys hegh, te morwe ys lowe.
And a lorde ful oftë latyþ,
Now he louyþ, and now he hatyþ.
Or with anoþer lordyng,
Bere þe nat ouer prout þerfore
To þy perys out of skore;
For men se hyt yn a þrowe,
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And a lorde ful oftë latyþ,
Now he louyþ, and now he hatyþ.
Ȝyf þou euer vndyrstode
Þat þy wyt, or þy gode,
Come of þy self, and nat of god,
Hyt ys grete pryde and falsly troud.
Þat þy wyt, or þy gode,
Come of þy self, and nat of god,
Hyt ys grete pryde and falsly troud.
Ȝyf god almyghty haue ȝeue þe
Many þewës þat with þe be,
werre nat aȝens þe commaundment
with þo ȝyftes þat god haþ þe lent;
Make nat þy saule so wykked a wem
To do wykkednes for pryde of hem.
Many þewës þat with þe be,
werre nat aȝens þe commaundment
with þo ȝyftes þat god haþ þe lent;
Make nat þy saule so wykked a wem
To do wykkednes for pryde of hem.
Ȝyf þou þe auaunte of goddys ȝyfte,
Or worldly gode, or bodly þryfte,
Or ȝyf þou be se mochë mad
To auaunte þe of þat þat þou neuer had,
Þys ys pryde and arrogaunce,
Vnwrþyly þe to auance.
Arrogaunce ys certeynly
Beholdë bettyr þan ys wrþy;
To sey a þyng þou shuldest haue do
Þat þou neuer myghtyst come þer-to.
Or worldly gode, or bodly þryfte,
Or ȝyf þou be se mochë mad
To auaunte þe of þat þat þou neuer had,
Þys ys pryde and arrogaunce,
Vnwrþyly þe to auance.
Arrogaunce ys certeynly
Beholdë bettyr þan ys wrþy;
To sey a þyng þou shuldest haue do
Þat þou neuer myghtyst come þer-to.
A vylë synne men haunte alle now,
Of pryde hyt comþ,—lestneþ how,—
Þat none can preyse hym self by name
But he wyþ euyl anouþer blame;
Þys cumþ of grete enuye
And pryde of herte and felonnye.
Of pryde hyt comþ,—lestneþ how,—
Þat none can preyse hym self by name
But he wyþ euyl anouþer blame;
Þys cumþ of grete enuye
And pryde of herte and felonnye.
Ȝyf þou skornedyst euer any man,
Or ȝaue cunseyl þat scorne began,
hyt ys a pryde, and wykked þyng,
At crystyn man to make scornyng;
Þus seyþ þe holy prophete Dauyþ,
And Neomas a prophete hym wyþ,
þat scorners, at þe hegh Iugement,
Of goddys mouþ þey shul be shent.
Or ȝaue cunseyl þat scorne began,
hyt ys a pryde, and wykked þyng,
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Þus seyþ þe holy prophete Dauyþ,
And Neomas a prophete hym wyþ,
þat scorners, at þe hegh Iugement,
Of goddys mouþ þey shul be shent.
Ȝyf þou for prydë haue delyte
For to be holde an ypocryte,
To be preysed wel for þy gode dede,
And þat holylech þou canst þe lede,
Or to be preysed þat þou hast wroght
Þyng þat þou dedyst nowȝt,
wetë þou, syre ypocryte,
Of þe mede of god þan art þou quyte;
þat ychë preysyng ys þy mede
þat þou receyuest for þy gode dede.
Ful fellychë God to hem flytes,
To þes fals[ë] ypocrytes;
And seyþ, “at þe ende shul men se
Þat ȝe begyle ȝou self, and nat me.”
For to be holde an ypocryte,
To be preysed wel for þy gode dede,
And þat holylech þou canst þe lede,
Or to be preysed þat þou hast wroght
Þyng þat þou dedyst nowȝt,
wetë þou, syre ypocryte,
Of þe mede of god þan art þou quyte;
þat ychë preysyng ys þy mede
þat þou receyuest for þy gode dede.
Ful fellychë God to hem flytes,
To þes fals[ë] ypocrytes;
And seyþ, “at þe ende shul men se
Þat ȝe begyle ȝou self, and nat me.”
And herë y shal telle as tyte
Of a cursed ypocryte.
Of a cursed ypocryte.
[The Tale of the Hypocritical Monk of the Abbey Tangabaton.]
Seynt Gregory seyþ, as y shal sey,
hyt was onës an abbey
Þe namë hyght ‘tangabaton,’
And munkës þey were echon.
Of a munke ȝede þe wurde ful ryue,
Þat he was of holy lyue;
But for þat he was nat so,
So holy as men tolde hym to,
Fals preysyng shal wykkedly wende,
As hyt ys wurþy, so shal hyt ende.
A seknes toke þe munke ful grym
As god had purueyd of hym.
he was so traueyled, shortly to sey,
Þat he wyst weyl þat he shuld dey.
whan he wyst þat, he made do calle
Boþe one and oþer, hys bryþryn alle,
“Byddyþ hem come byfore me here;
Þat may hem auayle, y shal hem lere.”
hyt was onës an abbey
Þe namë hyght ‘tangabaton,’
And munkës þey were echon.
Of a munke ȝede þe wurde ful ryue,
Þat he was of holy lyue;
But for þat he was nat so,
So holy as men tolde hym to,
Fals preysyng shal wykkedly wende,
As hyt ys wurþy, so shal hyt ende.
A seknes toke þe munke ful grym
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he was so traueyled, shortly to sey,
Þat he wyst weyl þat he shuld dey.
whan he wyst þat, he made do calle
Boþe one and oþer, hys bryþryn alle,
“Byddyþ hem come byfore me here;
Þat may hem auayle, y shal hem lere.”
Þey come rennyng, boþe lesse and more,
And wende haue herd sum holy lore.
And when þey werë come echone,
To hem he made of sorow hys mone:
“hyt may no lenger be forholne;
Falsly, wurschyp haue y stolne;
y am nat, breþren, as ȝe wene,
Of holy lyfe, as haþ be sene;
Þat y fasted when ȝe lete;
For twyys pryuyly y ȝete;
And whan ȝe wende y had be holy,
Y ete and drank ful lustyly.
To warnë ȝow, þus y telle,
For me ys come þe fende of helle.
wyþ hys tayle my knes he haþ knyȝt,
And wyþ hys hede my mouþ y-dyt.
Alas þe tyme þat y was bore!
As an ypocryte y am forlore.
Ryȝt now shal he me strangle and cheke,
Ne shal y neuer aftyr speke.”
Be-fore hem alle he deyde astyte
Þat ychë proud ypocryte.
And wende haue herd sum holy lore.
And when þey werë come echone,
To hem he made of sorow hys mone:
“hyt may no lenger be forholne;
Falsly, wurschyp haue y stolne;
y am nat, breþren, as ȝe wene,
Of holy lyfe, as haþ be sene;
Þat y fasted when ȝe lete;
For twyys pryuyly y ȝete;
And whan ȝe wende y had be holy,
Y ete and drank ful lustyly.
To warnë ȝow, þus y telle,
For me ys come þe fende of helle.
wyþ hys tayle my knes he haþ knyȝt,
And wyþ hys hede my mouþ y-dyt.
Alas þe tyme þat y was bore!
As an ypocryte y am forlore.
Ryȝt now shal he me strangle and cheke,
Ne shal y neuer aftyr speke.”
Be-fore hem alle he deyde astyte
Þat ychë proud ypocryte.
Þys was shewed, hem for to warne,
And þat, God, no man shuld scorne.
Ypocrysye, þys ys þe synne
Feyre wyþ-oute, and foule with-ynne.
Þys ychë synnë cumþ of pryde,
Yn feyre shewyng, here falsnes hyde.
And þat, God, no man shuld scorne.
Ypocrysye, þys ys þe synne
Feyre wyþ-oute, and foule with-ynne.
Þys ychë synnë cumþ of pryde,
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Ȝyf þou art prout of þy her,
(As prout men ben euery where,)
Or ȝyf þou tyfyst þe ouer proudly,
Ouer mesure on þy body,
Swychë synne ys nat þe leste;
Y rede þe telle hyt to þe preste.
(As prout men ben euery where,)
Or ȝyf þou tyfyst þe ouer proudly,
Ouer mesure on þy body,
Swychë synne ys nat þe leste;
Y rede þe telle hyt to þe preste.
Be nat proud of þy croket,
Yn þe cherche to tyfe and set.
At home mayst þou þy croket werche,
And nat at þy messe yn þe cherche.
Yn þe cherche to tyfe and set.
At home mayst þou þy croket werche,
And nat at þy messe yn þe cherche.
And of þese berded buckys also,
with hem-self þey moche mysdo,
Þat leuë crystyn mennys acyse
And hauntë alle þe newë gyse;
Þerwhylys þey had þat gyse on hand,
was neuer gracë yn þys land.
with hem-self þey moche mysdo,
Þat leuë crystyn mennys acyse
And hauntë alle þe newë gyse;
Þerwhylys þey had þat gyse on hand,
was neuer gracë yn þys land.
Of proud wymmen wuld y telle,
But þey are so wroth and felle;
Of þese þat are so foule and fade,
Þat make hem feyrere þan god hem made
with oblaunchere or ouþer floure,
To make hem whytter of coloure.
Grete pryde hyt ys, and outrage,
þat she ys nat payd of goddys ymage.
But þey are so wroth and felle;
Of þese þat are so foule and fade,
Þat make hem feyrere þan god hem made
with oblaunchere or ouþer floure,
To make hem whytter of coloure.
Grete pryde hyt ys, and outrage,
þat she ys nat payd of goddys ymage.
heuedys tyfed wyþ grete pryde,
with heer, and hornës syde,
Men mow wete hyt ys grete synne
To hauë mochë pryde þer-ynne.
Men sey, and haue seyd, here before,
For swych pryde are wymmen forlore.—
with heer, and hornës syde,
Men mow wete hyt ys grete synne
To hauë mochë pryde þer-ynne.
Men sey, and haue seyd, here before,
For swych pryde are wymmen forlore.—
Ryche ladyys of grete renouns,
Þey do make hem ryche corouns,
Þey may make to here auenaunt,
But ouer mesure ys nat cunnaunt.
Þey do make hem ryche corouns,
Þey may make to here auenaunt,
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Of ladyys wulde y leue my sawe,
But y dar nat for goddys awe;
Of hem behoueþ to sey sumdeyl,
yn what poyntës þey do nat wel.
God haþ shewed, and sheweþ euery day,
Þat swychë pryde ys noght to pay.
A tale y shal þerforë telle,
How a lady was pyned yn helle.
But y dar nat for goddys awe;
Of hem behoueþ to sey sumdeyl,
yn what poyntës þey do nat wel.
God haþ shewed, and sheweþ euery day,
Þat swychë pryde ys noght to pay.
A tale y shal þerforë telle,
How a lady was pyned yn helle.
[The Tale of the Proud Lady, who was burnt to ashes again and again in Hell by a Burning Wheel.]
þer was a lady, a lordys wyfe,
here fayrhede was yn renoun ryfe;
Moche she loued feyre tyfyng,
On here hede, ouer al þyng,
For to be holde þe feyryst lady
Of al þo þat woned here by;
And whan she wened best to haue lyuyd,
Þe deþ here toke; here dayys were fyllyd;
For when men wene to lyfe haue space,
Þan ys deþ sunnest yn place.
Whan she was dede, sone aftyrward
here squyer toke a syknes hard,
Þat here lorde helde of grete prys,
For he was a man yn seruyse wys.
here fayrhede was yn renoun ryfe;
Moche she loued feyre tyfyng,
On here hede, ouer al þyng,
For to be holde þe feyryst lady
Of al þo þat woned here by;
And whan she wened best to haue lyuyd,
Þe deþ here toke; here dayys were fyllyd;
For when men wene to lyfe haue space,
Þan ys deþ sunnest yn place.
Whan she was dede, sone aftyrward
here squyer toke a syknes hard,
Þat here lorde helde of grete prys,
For he was a man yn seruyse wys.
As he lay yn hys bed a nyȝt,
hym þoght hys lady come to hym ryȝt,
And seyd þus, “rys, and go wyþ me,
A merueyle shal y shewe to þe.”
Þys ychë man graunted here noght,
For hyt ran weyl hym yn þoght
Þat shé was dede and leyd yn graue,
Þat hym of hys beddë wulde haue.
But wheþer he wulde or noght, wyþ wel & wo,
She had hym vp with here to go.
Þus tolde he seþyn with moche drede;
Aȝens hys wylle with here he ȝede;
She ledde hym to a mochë felde,
So grete one neuer he behelde.
Þan stodë styl, þys lady,
And he by here ful dredfully.
As þey hadd stondë but a þrowe,
Come furþ deuylys þat fast gun blowe;
With hem þey broght a brennyng wheyl,
Þat on here hede was set eche deyl.
Þys whel þat was set on here heuede,
Brende here alle, þat noght was leued.
Efte she ros, when she was brent,
And had þe samë turment,
And brende ryȝt as she dede before;
To se þat peyne hys herte was sore.
Ȝyt she ros þe samë wey;
For saule may neuer for peynë deye.
And efte þey set hyt on here krowne,
And brende here al to asshen doune;
And euermore she leuyd aȝen,
For peynë myȝt she neuer be sleyn.
hym þoght hys lady come to hym ryȝt,
And seyd þus, “rys, and go wyþ me,
A merueyle shal y shewe to þe.”
114
For hyt ran weyl hym yn þoght
Þat shé was dede and leyd yn graue,
Þat hym of hys beddë wulde haue.
But wheþer he wulde or noght, wyþ wel & wo,
She had hym vp with here to go.
Þus tolde he seþyn with moche drede;
Aȝens hys wylle with here he ȝede;
She ledde hym to a mochë felde,
So grete one neuer he behelde.
Þan stodë styl, þys lady,
And he by here ful dredfully.
As þey hadd stondë but a þrowe,
Come furþ deuylys þat fast gun blowe;
With hem þey broght a brennyng wheyl,
Þat on here hede was set eche deyl.
Þys whel þat was set on here heuede,
Brende here alle, þat noght was leued.
Efte she ros, when she was brent,
And had þe samë turment,
And brende ryȝt as she dede before;
To se þat peyne hys herte was sore.
Ȝyt she ros þe samë wey;
For saule may neuer for peynë deye.
And efte þey set hyt on here krowne,
And brende here al to asshen doune;
And euermore she leuyd aȝen,
For peynë myȝt she neuer be sleyn.
Þan askede he here, why þat hyt was
Þat she suffred swyche peyne. “alas, alas,”
She seyd, “y suffre þys mys-auenture
For on my heuede ouer feyre tyfure;
For when y shuld agher go or ryde,
y dyghte my heuede ryȝt moche with pryde
For to be presyd ouer alle ladyys,
And of prydë to bere þe prys,
And among knyȝtës yn halle
y wulde be holde feyrest of alle.
þer-for þys ychë peyne y drygh
For y bare me yn pryde so hygh.
But warne my lordë, y pray þe,
hys pryde and bobaunce þat he late be;
But ȝyf he do, he shal be forlore,
Þat y warne hym weyl before;
For on one of þys dayys shul ȝe deye,
My lorde and þou: þe soþe y seye.”
Ryght at þe termë, as she seyde,
Þe knyȝt, and þat squyer, deyde.
Þat she suffred swyche peyne. “alas, alas,”
She seyd, “y suffre þys mys-auenture
115
For when y shuld agher go or ryde,
y dyghte my heuede ryȝt moche with pryde
For to be presyd ouer alle ladyys,
And of prydë to bere þe prys,
And among knyȝtës yn halle
y wulde be holde feyrest of alle.
þer-for þys ychë peyne y drygh
For y bare me yn pryde so hygh.
But warne my lordë, y pray þe,
hys pryde and bobaunce þat he late be;
But ȝyf he do, he shal be forlore,
Þat y warne hym weyl before;
For on one of þys dayys shul ȝe deye,
My lorde and þou: þe soþe y seye.”
Ryght at þe termë, as she seyde,
Þe knyȝt, and þat squyer, deyde.
By þat tokenyng wel men knew
Þat þe tale was ryȝt and trew.
Þerfor hyt ys gretë doute,
wymmen to tyfe here hedys aboute.
Þat þe tale was ryȝt and trew.
Þerfor hyt ys gretë doute,
wymmen to tyfe here hedys aboute.
Ȝyf god haue lent þe handys and fete,
Armës, leggës, feyre and swete,—
Be nat ouer proude of þys,
Þey are nat þyne, but þey ben hys;
For ȝyf he wylle, he may hem þe reue;
with-oute hys leue, shal none beleue.
Armës, leggës, feyre and swete,—
Be nat ouer proude of þys,
Þey are nat þyne, but þey ben hys;
For ȝyf he wylle, he may hem þe reue;
with-oute hys leue, shal none beleue.
Despyse noun ouþer þat so haue noght,
Ne þoght þey be nat so feyre y-wroght;
For ȝyf þou doust, þou mayst hem tyne,
And for þat prydë go to pyne.
Ne dysgyse nat þy cloþyng
Ouer mesure, for þy preysyng.
Alas! hyt shuldë so betyde,
Many one are lost for here pryde.
Shal grace come neuer yn þat land
Þere men haue swychë gyse yn hand;
God and grace are wyþ hem wroth,
Þat haue, for pryde, dysgysed here cloth.
Noþeles euery man may,
Aftyr hys astate, make hym gay;
But when he þasseþ ouer mesure,
Þerof cumþ mysauenture.
Gentyl men ofte, for swyche desert
Fal at þe laste yn grete pouert.
Ne þoght þey be nat so feyre y-wroght;
For ȝyf þou doust, þou mayst hem tyne,
And for þat prydë go to pyne.
Ne dysgyse nat þy cloþyng
Ouer mesure, for þy preysyng.
116
Many one are lost for here pryde.
Shal grace come neuer yn þat land
Þere men haue swychë gyse yn hand;
God and grace are wyþ hem wroth,
Þat haue, for pryde, dysgysed here cloth.
Noþeles euery man may,
Aftyr hys astate, make hym gay;
But when he þasseþ ouer mesure,
Þerof cumþ mysauenture.
Gentyl men ofte, for swyche desert
Fal at þe laste yn grete pouert.
A weddyd wyfe may atyre here
Þat here husbunde loue noun but here;
For hys loue she may hyt do,
But for none ouþer mannys so.
Ȝyt swyche y rede, þat þey so fare
Þat here pryde make hem nat bare.
Gretly þey synne yn þer queyntyse
Þat nouelrye al day areyse,
For to be preysed and of grete syght,
Al day dysgyse hem at here myght;
Forsoþe hyt semeþ weyl to be
Al here lyfe yn vanyte.
But wlde þey þenke þat make swyche strut,
yn what robe, yn erþe, þey shul be put,
Þey shulde nat make hyt so a-mys,
Ȝyf þey þoght oft of þys.
Þat here husbunde loue noun but here;
For hys loue she may hyt do,
But for none ouþer mannys so.
Ȝyt swyche y rede, þat þey so fare
Þat here pryde make hem nat bare.
Gretly þey synne yn þer queyntyse
Þat nouelrye al day areyse,
For to be preysed and of grete syght,
Al day dysgyse hem at here myght;
Forsoþe hyt semeþ weyl to be
Al here lyfe yn vanyte.
But wlde þey þenke þat make swyche strut,
yn what robe, yn erþe, þey shul be put,
Þey shulde nat make hyt so a-mys,
Ȝyf þey þoght oft of þys.
Y shal ȝou telle a lytyl wyght
How hyt befyl onys of a knyȝt.
How hyt befyl onys of a knyȝt.
[The Tale of the Knight and Monk who lovd new Fashions.]
Þer was a knyȝt þat loued nouelrye,
As many one haunte now þat folye;
he dede to make, yn þe somers tyde,
A kote perced queyntly with pryde;
And God was nat þer-of payd,
For yn hys pryde he was betrayd.
As many one haunte now þat folye;
117
A kote perced queyntly with pryde;
And God was nat þer-of payd,
For yn hys pryde he was betrayd.
Þys knyȝt ȝede, vpp-on a day,
Aboute roberye, to gete hys pray;
Homward as he hys pray ledde
with hys enmys he was bestedde;
with fors þey gun with hym fyght,
And slogh þere þys ychë knyȝt.
Þe knyȝtys frendys herdë seye
how he was slayn by þe weye;
Ful feyre þan gun þey for hym werche,
Þey byryed þe body feyre at þe cherche;
hys frendys departed hys katel
Among þe pore men, and þat was wel.
whan þey come at þe kote gysyng,
To dele hyt among hys ouþer þyng,
Before þe pore men hyt was broght;
Þe pore men seyd þey wulde hyt noȝt.
A clerk stodë þo þere be syde,
And, prayd for þe kote of pryde.
To werne hyt hym, þey þoght loþe;
Þey toke and ȝaue þys clerk þe cloþe.
Þys clerk was glad whan he hyt hadde;
Þys kote asswyþe on hym he cladde.
Aboute roberye, to gete hys pray;
Homward as he hys pray ledde
with hys enmys he was bestedde;
with fors þey gun with hym fyght,
And slogh þere þys ychë knyȝt.
Þe knyȝtys frendys herdë seye
how he was slayn by þe weye;
Ful feyre þan gun þey for hym werche,
Þey byryed þe body feyre at þe cherche;
hys frendys departed hys katel
Among þe pore men, and þat was wel.
whan þey come at þe kote gysyng,
To dele hyt among hys ouþer þyng,
Before þe pore men hyt was broght;
Þe pore men seyd þey wulde hyt noȝt.
A clerk stodë þo þere be syde,
And, prayd for þe kote of pryde.
To werne hyt hym, þey þoght loþe;
Þey toke and ȝaue þys clerk þe cloþe.
Þys clerk was glad whan he hyt hadde;
Þys kote asswyþe on hym he cladde.
Se now here a grete myschaunce
Come ryȝt as for veniaunce:
Ryȝt as he was yn þe kote al dyght,
A fyre brennyng on hym gan lyght,
And brend hys body dounne to þe grounde
whylys oght of hym myȝt be founde.
Come ryȝt as for veniaunce:
Ryȝt as he was yn þe kote al dyght,
A fyre brennyng on hym gan lyght,
And brend hys body dounne to þe grounde
whylys oght of hym myȝt be founde.
Þer shewed God weyl by þat kas
Þat þe kote a-cursed was,
And tokened wel sorowe and wrake,
Þat nonë pore man wulde hyt take
For prydë of þe newë gyse
Aȝens crystyn mennys wyse;
But þe clerk was wode al gate
To were a cloþe aȝens hys state.
here mow ȝe se þat god ys wroth
with hem þat dysgyse here cloþe.
118
And tokened wel sorowe and wrake,
Þat nonë pore man wulde hyt take
For prydë of þe newë gyse
Aȝens crystyn mennys wyse;
But þe clerk was wode al gate
To were a cloþe aȝens hys state.
here mow ȝe se þat god ys wroth
with hem þat dysgyse here cloþe.
And a clerk ys moche for to blame
Þat bryngyþ hym self yn foule fame,
Clerk ordeyned yn dignyte
Þat haunteþ swyche Iolyte;
Noþeles, of þe newë gyse
Þe deuyl haþ made hymself chefe iustyse;
And ȝyf he yn folye begynne to stoute,
Þan bereþ he þe deuylys baner aboute;
Mochë folk ys þerwyþ blent;
God do þerof amendment.
Þat bryngyþ hym self yn foule fame,
Clerk ordeyned yn dignyte
Þat haunteþ swyche Iolyte;
Noþeles, of þe newë gyse
Þe deuyl haþ made hymself chefe iustyse;
And ȝyf he yn folye begynne to stoute,
Þan bereþ he þe deuylys baner aboute;
Mochë folk ys þerwyþ blent;
God do þerof amendment.
Ȝyf þou hauë grete desyre
To be clepyd lorde or syre,
For to glosë þe, and slyppe,
And to haue þe wurdys of wurschyp;
Or ȝe wymmen also, comunly,
wulde be kallede ‘madame’ or ‘lady;’
Al þys comþ of gretë pryde;
yn þy shryfte þou noght hyt hyde.
he ys ryȝt lorde, þe kyng of heuene;
wrong hyt ys þat men any oþer neuene.
To be clepyd lorde or syre,
For to glosë þe, and slyppe,
And to haue þe wurdys of wurschyp;
Or ȝe wymmen also, comunly,
wulde be kallede ‘madame’ or ‘lady;’
Al þys comþ of gretë pryde;
yn þy shryfte þou noght hyt hyde.
he ys ryȝt lorde, þe kyng of heuene;
wrong hyt ys þat men any oþer neuene.
Ȝyf þou delyte þe yn grete meyne,
For men shulde hauë drede of þe,
And for þy meynë wuldyst preysed be,
ȝyf harme to oþer þan do þat meyne,
Þou for þy meynë shalt dampned be
Ȝyf þou to euyl vowe þy meynë.
For men shulde hauë drede of þe,
And for þy meynë wuldyst preysed be,
ȝyf harme to oþer þan do þat meyne,
Þou for þy meynë shalt dampned be
Ȝyf þou to euyl vowe þy meynë.
Ȝyf þou delyte þe yn grete hallys,
Yn a foule prydë þan þou fallys;
For y se many þat nowe þey bygge,
And now sonë, dede þey lygge.
y sey for þo þat haue grete pryde
yn hygh hallys and yn wyde.
Ȝyf þou delyte þe yn ryche beddyng,
yn hors, yn harneys, or yn feyre rydyng,
Alle ys pryde and vanyte;
Of al shalt þou a-couped be.
119
For y se many þat nowe þey bygge,
And now sonë, dede þey lygge.
y sey for þo þat haue grete pryde
yn hygh hallys and yn wyde.
Ȝyf þou delyte þe yn ryche beddyng,
yn hors, yn harneys, or yn feyre rydyng,
Alle ys pryde and vanyte;
Of al shalt þou a-couped be.
Y seyd langere, yn gode cunnaunt,
Euery man may haue to hys auenaunt,
Cytes, tounnes, castellys, and hallys,
hors, armour, and þat þar to fallys;
But, yn al þat mochë þrong,
Do holy cherche, ne pore man, wrong.
Euery man may haue to hys auenaunt,
Cytes, tounnes, castellys, and hallys,
hors, armour, and þat þar to fallys;
But, yn al þat mochë þrong,
Do holy cherche, ne pore man, wrong.
what sey ȝe men of ladyys pryde
Þat gonë traylyng ouer syde:
Ȝyf a lady were ryghtly shreue,
Better hyt were yn almës ȝeue;
To soulë helpe hyt myȝt do bote,
Þat trayleþ lowe vndyr þe fote.
wymples, kerchyues, saffrund betyde;
Ȝelugh vnder ȝelugh þey hyde;
Þan wete men neuer, wheþer ys wheþer,
þe ȝelugh wymple or þe leþer.
Þat gonë traylyng ouer syde:
Ȝyf a lady were ryghtly shreue,
Better hyt were yn almës ȝeue;
To soulë helpe hyt myȝt do bote,
Þat trayleþ lowe vndyr þe fote.
wymples, kerchyues, saffrund betyde;
Ȝelugh vnder ȝelugh þey hyde;
Þan wete men neuer, wheþer ys wheþer,
þe ȝelugh wymple or þe leþer.
wymmen þat go fro strete to strete,
One or ouþer for to mete,
Of prydë comþ swychë desyre,
For þey haue on hem feyre atyre:
But she wul to þe prest þat telle,
She may þerforë go to helle;
For yn as moche þat she douþ men synne,
yn so moche shal she haue plyght ynne.
One or ouþer for to mete,
Of prydë comþ swychë desyre,
120
But she wul to þe prest þat telle,
She may þerforë go to helle;
For yn as moche þat she douþ men synne,
yn so moche shal she haue plyght ynne.
And, wymmen, y seye of þo
Þat borwe cloþes yn carol to go;
Þat porë prydë, god hyt loþes,
Þat make hem proude of ouþer mennys cloþys.
Þat borwe cloþes yn carol to go;
Þat porë prydë, god hyt loþes,
Þat make hem proude of ouþer mennys cloþys.
Ȝyf þou hast spokë wurdys of pryde,
And lettyst ouþer men any tyde
Of here bedys and of here fastyng,
Or of any ouþer holy þyng,
Or of any ouþer godë dede,
to telle hyt þe prest, behoueþ þe nede.
And lettyst ouþer men any tyde
Of here bedys and of here fastyng,
Or of any ouþer holy þyng,
Or of any ouþer godë dede,
to telle hyt þe prest, behoueþ þe nede.
Ȝyf þou euer lettë began
Þat was wurshep to god or man,
As yn cherche to synge or rede,
Or of sum oþer holy dede;
Or also for boste or for pryde,
with prest or with clerk to chyde,
Þurgh þat pryde þou fallyst yn synne,
And cursednes þerwith to wynne.
Þat was wurshep to god or man,
As yn cherche to synge or rede,
Or of sum oþer holy dede;
Or also for boste or for pryde,
with prest or with clerk to chyde,
Þurgh þat pryde þou fallyst yn synne,
And cursednes þerwith to wynne.
Also þat clerk ys moche to blame
Þat letteþ to shaue hys krowne for shame;
Y rede þat he yn tyme hyt shaue,
For he wote neuer what nede he shal þerto haue.
Þat letteþ to shaue hys krowne for shame;
Y rede þat he yn tyme hyt shaue,
For he wote neuer what nede he shal þerto haue.
Ȝyf þou yn ernest, or yn game,
yn scornë blessedyst Goddys name;
Or ȝyf þou were so wundyrly proude
Þat þou mysseydyst God al aloude,
For any chaunce þat may betyde
Skorne nat God, ne wyþ hym chyde:
Morë pryde, no morë synne,
Þan skornë god, mayst þou falle ynne.
yn scornë blessedyst Goddys name;
Or ȝyf þou were so wundyrly proude
Þat þou mysseydyst God al aloude,
For any chaunce þat may betyde
Skorne nat God, ne wyþ hym chyde:
121
Þan skornë god, mayst þou falle ynne.
Ȝyf þou grucchedest, and seydyst noght,
But to God haddyst euyl þoght,
wete þou wel, hyt ys grete pryde,
Grucchyng with God, or for to chyde.
But to God haddyst euyl þoght,
wete þou wel, hyt ys grete pryde,
Grucchyng with God, or for to chyde.
Ȝyf a man haue mysdo or seyde,
And men hym blame for þat mysbreyde,
Ȝyf he susteynë hys mysdede,
And hys mysawe wyl nat drede,
Þat cumþ of mysprout herte and hy
Þat wyl nat knowe hys owne foly.
Of al folyys þat beryn name,
Þys foly ys moste for to blame;
who-so-euer to þys ys custummable,
hys amendment may neuer be stable.
And men hym blame for þat mysbreyde,
Ȝyf he susteynë hys mysdede,
And hys mysawe wyl nat drede,
Þat cumþ of mysprout herte and hy
Þat wyl nat knowe hys owne foly.
Of al folyys þat beryn name,
Þys foly ys moste for to blame;
who-so-euer to þys ys custummable,
hys amendment may neuer be stable.
what sey men of þese loseniours
Þat haue here wurdys feyre as flours?
Now ys þe flourë whyte and rede,
And now hyt ys boþe drye and dede.
Þe losenioure spekþ now þy pay,
And behynde þy bak hyt ys away.
þere one haþ smylyng semelaunt
And behetyþ þe to holde cunnaunt,
kepe þe þan fro losengrye,
For feyre spekyng man kan weyl lye.
who-so-euer ys custummable to banne
For prydë, sum tymë or whanne,
Þe apostyl seyþ þat he may noght
Vn-to þe blysse of heuene be broght.
Þat haue here wurdys feyre as flours?
Now ys þe flourë whyte and rede,
And now hyt ys boþe drye and dede.
Þe losenioure spekþ now þy pay,
And behynde þy bak hyt ys away.
þere one haþ smylyng semelaunt
And behetyþ þe to holde cunnaunt,
kepe þe þan fro losengrye,
For feyre spekyng man kan weyl lye.
who-so-euer ys custummable to banne
For prydë, sum tymë or whanne,
Þe apostyl seyþ þat he may noght
Vn-to þe blysse of heuene be broght.
A-noþer spyce hyt ys of pryde,
who so haunteþ for to chyde.
For holy cherche forbedeþ þe
To chyde wyþ any of þy meynë.
Teche hym ferst, yn feyre manere;
And ȝyf he wyl nat with feyre lere,
Þan mayst þou speke stoutly to hym,
with-outë wraþþe, wurdys ful grym,
Þat he be chasted at þy fre wylle,
But þat þou bere yn herte none ylle.
Chydyng cumþ of hertë hy,
And gretë pryde, and vylany.
who so haunteþ for to chyde.
For holy cherche forbedeþ þe
To chyde wyþ any of þy meynë.
Teche hym ferst, yn feyre manere;
122
Þan mayst þou speke stoutly to hym,
with-outë wraþþe, wurdys ful grym,
Þat he be chasted at þy fre wylle,
But þat þou bere yn herte none ylle.
Chydyng cumþ of hertë hy,
And gretë pryde, and vylany.
A-nouþer spyce þer ys þat moche deres,
Þat ys, þese cursed bakbyteres.
Of al men, þey do most euyl,
here lorefadyr ys þe deuyl.
Þe fende vs bewreyeþ of oure synne
whan he haþ made vs fal þer-ynne.
So are þese bakbyters wunne,
Þey seye þe werst þat þey kunne;
Euer behynde a mannys bak,
with euyl þey fynde hym to lak.
Swyche men god almyȝty hatys
And with here foulë synne hym wlatys.
Seynt Austyn spekyþ of swyche þynges
yn a bokë of lesyngys.
No custummable bakbytyng
God forȝeueþ, ne no lesyng,
Þat þou þarfore shalt algate drye
Sum manere peyne for euery lye;
As þe lesyng ys lesse or more,
Shalt þou suffre peyne þar-fore.
And þat may weyl preuyd be
with a tale of an autoryte,
Þat mochë peynë shal he bere
wyþ-outë ende, þe bakbytere;
And y shal tellë ȝou a lyte
Of one þat coude hys felaus byte.
Þat ys, þese cursed bakbyteres.
Of al men, þey do most euyl,
here lorefadyr ys þe deuyl.
Þe fende vs bewreyeþ of oure synne
whan he haþ made vs fal þer-ynne.
So are þese bakbyters wunne,
Þey seye þe werst þat þey kunne;
Euer behynde a mannys bak,
with euyl þey fynde hym to lak.
Swyche men god almyȝty hatys
And with here foulë synne hym wlatys.
Seynt Austyn spekyþ of swyche þynges
yn a bokë of lesyngys.
No custummable bakbytyng
God forȝeueþ, ne no lesyng,
Þat þou þarfore shalt algate drye
Sum manere peyne for euery lye;
As þe lesyng ys lesse or more,
Shalt þou suffre peyne þar-fore.
And þat may weyl preuyd be
with a tale of an autoryte,
Þat mochë peynë shal he bere
wyþ-outë ende, þe bakbytere;
And y shal tellë ȝou a lyte
Of one þat coude hys felaus byte.
123
[The Tale of the backbiting English Monk.]
þer was a man of relygyun,
þat yn þys he was a felun,
Yn bakbytyng, as ȝe han herde,
As many one are now yn þys werlde.
He was wunt to seye wykked sawes
Behynde þe bak of hys felaws;
For he wulde be holde þe beste
Of all hys breþer, and þe wylyeste.
A syknes toke þys munke, and deyde,
As God had of hym purueyde,
And went yn-to peynë hard,
As was shewed aftyrward.
Befel þe tyme, as hyt ys ryȝt,
Munkës to rysë at mydnyȝt;
And when matynes were al done,
Þe couent ȝede to beddë sone.
A munkë lefte be-hynde a throwe,
Þat þe dede was wunt to knowe;
whan þys munke come before þe chapytyl,
As ordyr askyþ, he louted a lytyl;
And as he louted, hys ye gan blenche,
And say one sytte before þe benche,
A foulë þyng, and a grysly,
he sagh neuer none so loþly;
he shette hys tunge before þe grecys,
And gnogh hyt ynwarde al to pecys.
hys tunge was brennynge þat he so gnogh,
yn-to hys mouþe aȝen he hyt drogh;
And eft, oute he dede hyt shete,
And gnogh hyt eft with peynës grete.
Many tymes þan dede he so;
Þys munke stode and loked þarto,
And had þerof so mochë drede
Þat he wende hauë go to wede.
As he stode so sore a glyfte,
Hys ryȝt hand vp he lyfte
And blessede hym-self stedfastly;
And seþþen, he wax more hardy,
And þoght, ‘þys ys sum pryuyte
Þat God almyȝty sheweþ to me.’
hastyly þer-to he ȝede,
And hadde þer-of no morë drede;
And seyd, “best, y cóniure þe,
Yn God þat ys persónës thre,
Þat þou me telle why þou syttest here,
Yn swych forme, and yn swych manere.”
þat yn þys he was a felun,
Yn bakbytyng, as ȝe han herde,
As many one are now yn þys werlde.
He was wunt to seye wykked sawes
Behynde þe bak of hys felaws;
For he wulde be holde þe beste
Of all hys breþer, and þe wylyeste.
A syknes toke þys munke, and deyde,
As God had of hym purueyde,
And went yn-to peynë hard,
As was shewed aftyrward.
Befel þe tyme, as hyt ys ryȝt,
Munkës to rysë at mydnyȝt;
And when matynes were al done,
Þe couent ȝede to beddë sone.
A munkë lefte be-hynde a throwe,
Þat þe dede was wunt to knowe;
whan þys munke come before þe chapytyl,
As ordyr askyþ, he louted a lytyl;
And as he louted, hys ye gan blenche,
And say one sytte before þe benche,
A foulë þyng, and a grysly,
he sagh neuer none so loþly;
he shette hys tunge before þe grecys,
And gnogh hyt ynwarde al to pecys.
hys tunge was brennynge þat he so gnogh,
yn-to hys mouþe aȝen he hyt drogh;
And eft, oute he dede hyt shete,
And gnogh hyt eft with peynës grete.
Many tymes þan dede he so;
124
And had þerof so mochë drede
Þat he wende hauë go to wede.
As he stode so sore a glyfte,
Hys ryȝt hand vp he lyfte
And blessede hym-self stedfastly;
And seþþen, he wax more hardy,
And þoght, ‘þys ys sum pryuyte
Þat God almyȝty sheweþ to me.’
hastyly þer-to he ȝede,
And hadde þer-of no morë drede;
And seyd, “best, y cóniure þe,
Yn God þat ys persónës thre,
Þat þou me telle why þou syttest here,
Yn swych forme, and yn swych manere.”
To answere, he ne myȝt wyþ-drawe,
“y was a munke, þyn owne felawe,
Þat suffre all þys peyne and shame;
Hyt am y,”—and tolde hys name,—
“y was a wykked bakbytere,
Euyl wurdys aboute for to bere;
Of my felaws, wykkedly to seye
Al þat euer y myȝt bewreye;
And mystrowyng was y ay
Of my felaws boþe nyȝt and day.
Þe wykked wurdys þat y haue seyd,
wykkedly are þey on me leyde;
Y shal abeye hem ful dere
with peynës strong, as ȝe se here.”
he wente, an was no more sene;
Dampned he was, as y wene.
“y was a munke, þyn owne felawe,
Þat suffre all þys peyne and shame;
Hyt am y,”—and tolde hys name,—
“y was a wykked bakbytere,
Euyl wurdys aboute for to bere;
Of my felaws, wykkedly to seye
Al þat euer y myȝt bewreye;
And mystrowyng was y ay
Of my felaws boþe nyȝt and day.
Þe wykked wurdys þat y haue seyd,
wykkedly are þey on me leyde;
Y shal abeye hem ful dere
with peynës strong, as ȝe se here.”
he wente, an was no more sene;
Dampned he was, as y wene.
þys tale y wote and vndyrstand
where hyt fyl, yn Yngland,
At a ful namecouthe abbey
Þat y ne wyl telle, ne bewrey.
Swych peyne ys for hem dyȝt
Þat kunne nat kepe here tungë ryȝt.
yn þe byble men mow se,
yn a boke of pryuyte,
Apocalyps þese clerkys wote,
Seynt Ioun þe euangylyst hyt wrote;
Oure lordë seyþ þat þey shal ete
here tunges in peynes, and al to-frete,
Þese lyers and þese bakbyters;
Þe talë, of þys, wytnes berys.
where hyt fyl, yn Yngland,
At a ful namecouthe abbey
Þat y ne wyl telle, ne bewrey.
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Þat kunne nat kepe here tungë ryȝt.
yn þe byble men mow se,
yn a boke of pryuyte,
Apocalyps þese clerkys wote,
Seynt Ioun þe euangylyst hyt wrote;
Oure lordë seyþ þat þey shal ete
here tunges in peynes, and al to-frete,
Þese lyers and þese bakbyters;
Þe talë, of þys, wytnes berys.
Of þys synne, y rede we vs shryue,
And take oure penaunce by oure lyue;
For but we yn þys so do,
harder peyne shul we go to.
with what lyme þon dost most synne,
yn þat shalt þou have most pyne ynne.
And take oure penaunce by oure lyue;
For but we yn þys so do,
harder peyne shul we go to.
with what lyme þon dost most synne,
yn þat shalt þou have most pyne ynne.
ȝyf þou euer wyþ bakbytyng
ȝaue cunsel to wykked þyng,
Þat ys a wundyr grete foly;
Hyt may be prydë with enuye;
who-so-euer haunteþ þat yche dede,
Hym shal fayle cunsel at hys nede.
And swyche are preued with resun,
wykked treytours ful of tresun.
ȝyue gode cunsel, ȝyf þat þou kan,
And auowe hyt, byfore god and man.
ȝaue cunsel to wykked þyng,
Þat ys a wundyr grete foly;
Hyt may be prydë with enuye;
who-so-euer haunteþ þat yche dede,
Hym shal fayle cunsel at hys nede.
And swyche are preued with resun,
wykked treytours ful of tresun.
ȝyue gode cunsel, ȝyf þat þou kan,
And auowe hyt, byfore god and man.
Pryde haþ ȝyt anoþer tresun,
And a vnkyndhede as a felun;
Þat now ys vnneþë none
Þat yn þat synne ne ys mys gone.
Ȝyf any shewe to oþer a pryuyte
Þat for cunseyl oght to be,
ȝyf he þat cunseyl fyrþer fame,
Þat þerof cumþ boþe synne and shame,
Y kan nat se, as yn þys kas,
How hé may ámende þys trespas;
And specyaly to a preste
Cunsel of shryfte sperd yn hys breste,
He ne oght for to telle
For lyfe ne deþ, what so euer befelle.
Shryfte ys goddys pryuyte
Þat euer for cunsel oght to be.
Ȝyf a synnë neuer so grym,
To a prest, yn shryfte, were shewede hym;
Þogh men aforced hym for drede,
To sey þat, ‘þat man dyd þat dede’
Seþþen he had hys penaunce take,
And yn shryfte hys synne forsake,
He shuld raþer swere on þe halydam
‘Nay!’ or he tolde hyt any man,
Ȝyf he ne myȝt with noun answere
Or ouþer manere hym seluen were.
Þe prest þat telleþ goddys cunsel,
he shal se hyt wroþer yn helle;
Yn erþe hys tunge oght to be oute drawe,
And yn helle be al to-gnawe.
And a vnkyndhede as a felun;
Þat now ys vnneþë none
Þat yn þat synne ne ys mys gone.
Ȝyf any shewe to oþer a pryuyte
Þat for cunseyl oght to be,
ȝyf he þat cunseyl fyrþer fame,
Þat þerof cumþ boþe synne and shame,
Y kan nat se, as yn þys kas,
How hé may ámende þys trespas;
126
Cunsel of shryfte sperd yn hys breste,
He ne oght for to telle
For lyfe ne deþ, what so euer befelle.
Shryfte ys goddys pryuyte
Þat euer for cunsel oght to be.
Ȝyf a synnë neuer so grym,
To a prest, yn shryfte, were shewede hym;
Þogh men aforced hym for drede,
To sey þat, ‘þat man dyd þat dede’
Seþþen he had hys penaunce take,
And yn shryfte hys synne forsake,
He shuld raþer swere on þe halydam
‘Nay!’ or he tolde hyt any man,
Ȝyf he ne myȝt with noun answere
Or ouþer manere hym seluen were.
Þe prest þat telleþ goddys cunsel,
he shal se hyt wroþer yn helle;
Yn erþe hys tunge oght to be oute drawe,
And yn helle be al to-gnawe.
hyt ys also grete pryde and herte hy,
To speke foule wurdys yn rybaudy;
Seynt Poule seyþ, vs to chastyse,
‘kepyþ ȝoure tungës on al wyse,
And spekeþ no fylþe oute of skore,
Þat noun ouþer synne þarfore.’
To speke foule wurdys yn rybaudy;
Seynt Poule seyþ, vs to chastyse,
‘kepyþ ȝoure tungës on al wyse,
And spekeþ no fylþe oute of skore,
Þat noun ouþer synne þarfore.’
Ȝyf þou any man manasse
Þurgh force or power þat þou hasse,
Hyt ys grete pryde, y ȝeue þe a ȝyfte;
Þenkë þer-on, yn þy shryfte.
Þurgh force or power þat þou hasse,
Hyt ys grete pryde, y ȝeue þe a ȝyfte;
Þenkë þer-on, yn þy shryfte.
ȝyf þou euer ȝaue iogolours of þy þyng
For to be yn here preysyng,
Or þou madyst wrastlyng yn place
Þat nonë were to þy pygace,—
Alle ys pryde and vanyte;
Of al behoueþ þe shryuë be.
No prydë ne may be stole,
No yn shryftë be forhole;
For ȝyf hyt be forholë here
Yn oþer stede þou shalt abye hyt dere.
For to be yn here preysyng,
Or þou madyst wrastlyng yn place
Þat nonë were to þy pygace,—
127
Of al behoueþ þe shryuë be.
No prydë ne may be stole,
No yn shryftë be forhole;
For ȝyf hyt be forholë here
Yn oþer stede þou shalt abye hyt dere.
Now of pryde shul we leue and dwelle,
And furþer of oþer synnys telle;
Þogh y þer-of spake euere and oo,
Ȝyt myȝt menne telle of many mo;
For of pryde ys þe bygynnyng
Of al manere wykked þyng:
God shelde vs þer-yn to falle,
And haue mercy on vs alle!
And furþer of oþer synnys telle;
Þogh y þer-of spake euere and oo,
Ȝyt myȝt menne telle of many mo;
For of pryde ys þe bygynnyng
Of al manere wykked þyng:
God shelde vs þer-yn to falle,
And haue mercy on vs alle!
[Of Anger, the 2nd Deadly Sin.]
The touþer synne men callë yre,
Þe deuylys doghtyr of hellë fyre.
Ȝyf þou art so wundyr wroþe
with one þat to þe ys dedly loþe,
Ȝyf þou nat sone repentë þe
To helle þou fallest þe fyrst gre.
Þe deuylys doghtyr of hellë fyre.
Ȝyf þou art so wundyr wroþe
with one þat to þe ys dedly loþe,
Ȝyf þou nat sone repentë þe
To helle þou fallest þe fyrst gre.
Þe man wraþþyþ hym lyghtly,
For lytyl, as yn malyncoly,
Þat synnë ne ys ryght gref
Þat sone ys wroþe, and lyghtly lef.
Noþeles, hyt were weyl to done,
wysman shulde nat wraþ hym sone.
For lytyl, as yn malyncoly,
Þat synnë ne ys ryght gref
Þat sone ys wroþe, and lyghtly lef.
Noþeles, hyt were weyl to done,
wysman shulde nat wraþ hym sone.
ȝyf þer be oþer lorde or syre
þat wraþþyth hym with gretë yre,
And euermore yn strenkþe
Þat wraþþë drawe yn lenþe,
Þat ychë wraþþe ys synnë strong
Þat lastyþ yn any man so long.
þat wraþþyth hym with gretë yre,
And euermore yn strenkþe
Þat wraþþë drawe yn lenþe,
Þat ychë wraþþe ys synnë strong
Þat lastyþ yn any man so long.
Ȝyf þou for wraþþe madyst chydyng,
Or repreuedyst a man of vyle þyng,
Yre haþ kast þe yn þys kas
Anoþer grece to hellë pas.
Or repreuedyst a man of vyle þyng,
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Anoþer grece to hellë pas.
Ȝyf þou for yre bygynne wykkednes
Þat no man may lette þe, ne stres,
Þat yche yre ys wyþ pryde,
Ȝyf þou for wraþþe wylt nat abyde.
Þat no man may lette þe, ne stres,
Þat yche yre ys wyþ pryde,
Ȝyf þou for wraþþe wylt nat abyde.
Ȝyf þou yn yre a man hate,
And þat wraþþë wylt nat late,
Greuusly þou art yn synne,
But þou forȝeue, and þer-of blynne.
Þe holy man seyþ hardly,
Þat þou hast slayn hym gostly.
And þat wraþþë wylt nat late,
Greuusly þou art yn synne,
But þou forȝeue, and þer-of blynne.
Þe holy man seyþ hardly,
Þat þou hast slayn hym gostly.
Ȝyf þy wraþþe þou wylt not blynne,
But bryngest anoþer to þy synne,
Þou shalt haue chargë of þo boþe,
For þurgh ȝoure wraþþe are oþer wroþe;
For þy defaute þan synneþ he,
Þe morë perel þyn shal be.
But bryngest anoþer to þy synne,
Þou shalt haue chargë of þo boþe,
For þurgh ȝoure wraþþe are oþer wroþe;
For þy defaute þan synneþ he,
Þe morë perel þyn shal be.
Ȝyf þou ȝaue euer cunsel or rede
For yre, þat a man were dede;
Or ȝyf þou yn any strut,
For Ire wundedyst a man, or hurt,
yn þys synnë ys outrage,
To helle þou makyst þy vyage.
Þus þan wrote þe holy man
At wham þys wurdë lerne y gan.
For yre, þat a man were dede;
Or ȝyf þou yn any strut,
For Ire wundedyst a man, or hurt,
yn þys synnë ys outrage,
To helle þou makyst þy vyage.
Þus þan wrote þe holy man
At wham þys wurdë lerne y gan.
Ȝyf þou for yre a man slogh
Þat myghtyst haue lefte weyl ynogh,—
Þat hyt was nat þe defendyng,
But for wraþþe and yre brennyng,—
Al þat euer God shope to be
Shal come and fyȝt aȝens þe
At þe day of iugëment,
And aȝens alle þou shalt be shent.
Þat myghtyst haue lefte weyl ynogh,—
Þat hyt was nat þe defendyng,
But for wraþþe and yre brennyng,—
Al þat euer God shope to be
Shal come and fyȝt aȝens þe
At þe day of iugëment,
And aȝens alle þou shalt be shent.
129
Ȝyf þou art wunt custummably
For to curse for lytyl why,
Þy tunge bereþ þerof wytnesse
Þat men nowe weyl wraþ yn þe gesse.
For to curse for lytyl why,
Þy tunge bereþ þerof wytnesse
Þat men nowe weyl wraþ yn þe gesse.
Ȝyf a man curse as yn game,
And yn hys herte wyl hym no shame,
he ne synneþ nat þan dedly,
For hyt ys seyd al yn rybaudy.
Þys synne ys nat dampnable
But hyt be seyd custummable.
And yn hys herte wyl hym no shame,
he ne synneþ nat þan dedly,
For hyt ys seyd al yn rybaudy.
Þys synne ys nat dampnable
But hyt be seyd custummable.
Þou shal vndyrstand and wete,
with resun, mayst þou þe wraþþe and flyte
Aȝens vyleynye and synne,
ȝyf þou ne mayst do oþer bote þerynne;
wraþþe þe with mannys vyleynye,
But nat with his gode ne hys body.
with resun, mayst þou þe wraþþe and flyte
Aȝens vyleynye and synne,
ȝyf þou ne mayst do oþer bote þerynne;
wraþþe þe with mannys vyleynye,
But nat with his gode ne hys body.
Þat God loueþ, þou shalt loue,
here yn erþe, and yn heuene aboue.
Þat God neuer louyd, þou shalt hate,
wraþþe, and oþer synne foolate.
God louyþ euery creäture
Þat he formed to hys fygure;
But þe synnë þat ys wroght,
Þat loued he neuer noght.
Loue euery man yn hys gode dede;
hys wykkednes shalt þou hate & drede.
here yn erþe, and yn heuene aboue.
Þat God neuer louyd, þou shalt hate,
wraþþe, and oþer synne foolate.
God louyþ euery creäture
Þat he formed to hys fygure;
But þe synnë þat ys wroght,
Þat loued he neuer noght.
Loue euery man yn hys gode dede;
hys wykkednes shalt þou hate & drede.
þou mayst spekë wurdys smerte
Þogh wraþþë be nat yn þyn herte;
Þou mayst be wroþe, sum body to chastyse,
Þogh hate nat yn þy hertë ryse;
And ȝyf þou hate and sone forȝyuyst,
with God hymself þan þou lyuyst;
For God loueþ no þyng more specyaly
Þan for hys loue to haue mercy.
For he commaundeþ yn þe gospel
Þat man shuld forȝeue wraþ eche del,
And seyþ “blessyd be al mercyable!
Þey shul se God, and haue hym stable.”
And þat shal y shewe ȝow by a knyȝt
Þat loued more mercy þan myȝt.
Þogh wraþþë be nat yn þyn herte;
Þou mayst be wroþe, sum body to chastyse,
Þogh hate nat yn þy hertë ryse;
And ȝyf þou hate and sone forȝyuyst,
with God hymself þan þou lyuyst;
For God loueþ no þyng more specyaly
Þan for hys loue to haue mercy.
For he commaundeþ yn þe gospel
Þat man shuld forȝeue wraþ eche del,
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Þey shul se God, and haue hym stable.”
And þat shal y shewe ȝow by a knyȝt
Þat loued more mercy þan myȝt.
[The Tale of the Merciful Knight, and how the Crucifix kist him.]
Betwyxe twey knyȝtes be-ȝunde þe see
Fyl a grete cuntek to be;
Betwyxe hem fyl swyche wraþ & wo
Þat þe toon weyted þe toþer to slo:
Þey mette to-gedyr, y ne wote how;
Algate þe toon þe toþer slow.
Þys ychë slayn knyȝt had a chylde,
A doghty bachelere, and a wylde;
þys ychë chylde toke hym to rede
For to venge hys fadrys ded;
He gate hym grete powere and myȝt
And beseged þe toþer knyȝt.
Þe toþer knyȝt perseyued hym wel,
And drogh hym to hys best castel.
Þo was he beseged so streytly,
Þat he durst come oute on no party
Of alle þe twelue monþe with no deseyt,
So was he beseged streyte;
Messe ne matyns he ne herde
Ne nagher to þe cherge he ferde;
And hyt was yn þe lentyn tyde,
when men shuld leuë wraþ & pryde.
Þan fyl hyt on þe gode fryday,
Þe knyȝt þat yn þe castel lay
loked oute, and say men go
To þe cherchë, to and fro;
Barfote to þe cherche þey ȝede,
To aske mercy for here mysdede.
“Ey,” þoght þe knyȝt, “long ys gone,
Þat messe at þe cherchë herd y none.
what so euer God wyl for me werche,
y wyl ryse, and go to þe cherche.”
He drogh of hys hosyn and hys shone,
And ded þe ȝatys be on-done.
Barfote his ȝede, as ys þe acyse,
To cherche, for to herë Goddys seruyse.
And as he þe wey to þe cherchë name,
Þe chylde, hys enmye, aȝens hym came,
And seyd, “treytur, now shalt þou deye,
And my fadyr deþ ful dere a-beye;
No wurldës gode ne shal þe saue,
Þat þou þe deþ of me shalt haue.”
Þe knyȝt say nonë ouþer bote,
But fel on knees byfore hys fote,
And seyd, “haue on me mercy
For hym þat lyȝt yn þe vyrgyne mary,
And suffred deþ on þe rodë tre
Þys day, to saue boþe þe and me,
And forȝaue hem þat hys blode spylte;
Ryght so forȝyue þou me my gylte;
y am as a presun here yn þys place,
y putte me now alle yn þy grace;
Þat goddys grace be on þe lent
At þe day of Iugëment!”
Þys chylde, þat was hys enmye,
herde hym prey so rufully,
And seyd, “syn þou hast me besoght
For Ihesu loue þat dere vs boght,
And for hys modyr loue so dere,
For hem y graunte þe my pes here.”
Þys ychë chylde down swyþe alyghte,
And yn gode louë kest þe knyȝt;
“Now are we frendys, þat ere were wroþe,
Go we nowe to þe cherchë boþe,
yn gode loue, and parfyte charyte,
For hys sake þat ordeyned pes to be.”
Fyl a grete cuntek to be;
Betwyxe hem fyl swyche wraþ & wo
Þat þe toon weyted þe toþer to slo:
Þey mette to-gedyr, y ne wote how;
Algate þe toon þe toþer slow.
Þys ychë slayn knyȝt had a chylde,
A doghty bachelere, and a wylde;
þys ychë chylde toke hym to rede
For to venge hys fadrys ded;
He gate hym grete powere and myȝt
And beseged þe toþer knyȝt.
Þe toþer knyȝt perseyued hym wel,
And drogh hym to hys best castel.
Þo was he beseged so streytly,
Þat he durst come oute on no party
Of alle þe twelue monþe with no deseyt,
So was he beseged streyte;
Messe ne matyns he ne herde
Ne nagher to þe cherge he ferde;
And hyt was yn þe lentyn tyde,
when men shuld leuë wraþ & pryde.
Þan fyl hyt on þe gode fryday,
Þe knyȝt þat yn þe castel lay
loked oute, and say men go
To þe cherchë, to and fro;
Barfote to þe cherche þey ȝede,
To aske mercy for here mysdede.
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Þat messe at þe cherchë herd y none.
what so euer God wyl for me werche,
y wyl ryse, and go to þe cherche.”
He drogh of hys hosyn and hys shone,
And ded þe ȝatys be on-done.
Barfote his ȝede, as ys þe acyse,
To cherche, for to herë Goddys seruyse.
And as he þe wey to þe cherchë name,
Þe chylde, hys enmye, aȝens hym came,
And seyd, “treytur, now shalt þou deye,
And my fadyr deþ ful dere a-beye;
No wurldës gode ne shal þe saue,
Þat þou þe deþ of me shalt haue.”
Þe knyȝt say nonë ouþer bote,
But fel on knees byfore hys fote,
And seyd, “haue on me mercy
For hym þat lyȝt yn þe vyrgyne mary,
And suffred deþ on þe rodë tre
Þys day, to saue boþe þe and me,
And forȝaue hem þat hys blode spylte;
Ryght so forȝyue þou me my gylte;
y am as a presun here yn þys place,
y putte me now alle yn þy grace;
Þat goddys grace be on þe lent
At þe day of Iugëment!”
Þys chylde, þat was hys enmye,
herde hym prey so rufully,
And seyd, “syn þou hast me besoght
For Ihesu loue þat dere vs boght,
And for hys modyr loue so dere,
For hem y graunte þe my pes here.”
Þys ychë chylde down swyþe alyghte,
And yn gode louë kest þe knyȝt;
“Now are we frendys, þat ere were wroþe,
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yn gode loue, and parfyte charyte,
For hys sake þat ordeyned pes to be.”
Þe knyȝt was glad, and no ferly,
And so were al þat cumpanye,
Þat he forȝaue hym hys mysdede,
And to þe cherchë boþe þey ȝede.
Byfore þe cros þ[e]y knelyd downe
yn þe wurschyp of Ihesu passyowne,
For to kesse þe cros þat day,
As custume ys yn crystyn lay.
Þe elder knyȝt, for honoure,
Ȝede fyrst, and kyst hys creäture;
Aftyr þan, ȝedë þe chylde,
Þat was becomë meke and mylde;
wyþ þe tokene he gan hym blesse,
And kneled down, þe cros to kesse.
Þe crucyfyx, þat þere was leyd,
hys armës fro þe cros vpbreyd,
And clepd þe chyldë hym betwyx,
And aftyrward kyst hym, þat crucyfyx.
And so were al þat cumpanye,
Þat he forȝaue hym hys mysdede,
And to þe cherchë boþe þey ȝede.
Byfore þe cros þ[e]y knelyd downe
yn þe wurschyp of Ihesu passyowne,
For to kesse þe cros þat day,
As custume ys yn crystyn lay.
Þe elder knyȝt, for honoure,
Ȝede fyrst, and kyst hys creäture;
Aftyr þan, ȝedë þe chylde,
Þat was becomë meke and mylde;
wyþ þe tokene he gan hym blesse,
And kneled down, þe cros to kesse.
Þe crucyfyx, þat þere was leyd,
hys armës fro þe cros vpbreyd,
And clepd þe chyldë hym betwyx,
And aftyrward kyst hym, þat crucyfyx.
Alle þe parshe, boþe olde and ȝonge,
Parseyued, and say, þat clyppynge,
And how þe crucyfyx hym kyste;
Þey sagh hyt alle, and weyl hyt wyste.
Alle þey þanked swete Ihesu
Parseyued, and say, þat clyppynge,
And how þe crucyfyx hym kyste;
Þey sagh hyt alle, and weyl hyt wyste.
Alle þey þanked swete Ihesu
Of þat myrácle and þat vertu.
Of þys chylde was grete selkouþe
Þat þe crycyfyx kyst wyþ mouthe.
Noþeles, forsoþe and ywys,
Y trowe þat yn hys herte were moche blys;
And al þe folke þat sagh þys þyng
Made to God grete þankyng.
Of þys chylde was grete selkouþe
Þat þe crycyfyx kyst wyþ mouthe.
Noþeles, forsoþe and ywys,
Y trowe þat yn hys herte were moche blys;
And al þe folke þat sagh þys þyng
Made to God grete þankyng.
Of þese twey knyȝtës, how hyt betyd,
Þe myracle was sone oueral kyd;
And euery man þerof gan telle,
Prestys þerof yn prechyng gun spelle,
So þat euery man yn þat cuntre
lyued wel þe more yn charyte,
And allë men þe sunner forȝaue
Here wraþþe þat þey to ouþer dyd haue.
Þe myracle was sone oueral kyd;
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Prestys þerof yn prechyng gun spelle,
So þat euery man yn þat cuntre
lyued wel þe more yn charyte,
And allë men þe sunner forȝaue
Here wraþþe þat þey to ouþer dyd haue.
Sekyr þou be þat he was dygne,
Þat god shewed for hym swyche a sygne;
A sygne hyt was of gretë loue
That God almyȝty, of heuene aboue,
Profrede hym to kesse so louely,
For he meked hys herte so hy.
Þat god shewed for hym swyche a sygne;
A sygne hyt was of gretë loue
That God almyȝty, of heuene aboue,
Profrede hym to kesse so louely,
For he meked hys herte so hy.
Now mowe ȝe se þat God loueþ hem dere
Þat forȝyuen here wraþ in þys wrlde here.
So shal hys wraþ on hem be sene
Þat here wyl nat forȝeue here tene.
Þat forȝyuen here wraþ in þys wrlde here.
So shal hys wraþ on hem be sene
Þat here wyl nat forȝeue here tene.
Of Ire and wraþ, wul we now blynne,
And telle furþer of a-noþer synne
God ȝyue vs grace, so wraþþe forȝyue
Þat we may alle wyþ Ihesu lyue.
And telle furþer of a-noþer synne
God ȝyue vs grace, so wraþþe forȝyue
Þat we may alle wyþ Ihesu lyue.
[Of Envy, the 3rd Deadly Sin.]
T[h]e þryd[ë] synnë ys enuye,
Þat ys ful of felunnye;
Holy wryt wytnessyþ hyt wel,
Þat hyt comþ of þe fende eche del.
Þe man þat ys ful of enuye,
He ys euer sorowful, we se with ye;
Þe gode þat he seþ, alle doþ hym euyl.
And alle ys þe tycement of þe deuyl.
Þat ys ful of felunnye;
Holy wryt wytnessyþ hyt wel,
Þat hyt comþ of þe fende eche del.
Þe man þat ys ful of enuye,
He ys euer sorowful, we se with ye;
Þe gode þat he seþ, alle doþ hym euyl.
And alle ys þe tycement of þe deuyl.
Loke now þarfore, at þe bygynnyng,
ȝyf þou were euer payde of myschaunceful þyng
Þat befyl to any man,
Of grete enuye hyt fyrst began.
ȝyf þou were euer payde of myschaunceful þyng
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Of grete enuye hyt fyrst began.
Ȝyf þou euer haddyst sorow oþer kare
Of þy neghëburs welfare,
Enuye haþ þe yn hys hand
Boundë wyþ þe deuylys band.
Of þy neghëburs welfare,
Enuye haþ þe yn hys hand
Boundë wyþ þe deuylys band.
Ȝyf þou forþenke a mannys prowe,
Þat he haþ hegher state þan þow
Yn any manere of dygnyte,
Þat he may to, auaunssede be;
Þogh þou come nat to hys state,
But wust apeyre hyt and abate,
Þat he may nat haue hys baylè,
Dedly synne ys swyche enuye.
Þat he haþ hegher state þan þow
Yn any manere of dygnyte,
Þat he may to, auaunssede be;
Þogh þou come nat to hys state,
But wust apeyre hyt and abate,
Þat he may nat haue hys baylè,
Dedly synne ys swyche enuye.
Ȝyf þou make one so hard stresse
Þat hys godnesse wexe þe lesse,
Or ȝyf þou euer yn placë were
Þat hys harme þe morë were,
Shryue þe wel ar þou deye,
For al þys cumþ of grete enuye.
Þat hys godnesse wexe þe lesse,
Or ȝyf þou euer yn placë were
Þat hys harme þe morë were,
Shryue þe wel ar þou deye,
For al þys cumþ of grete enuye.
Ȝyf þou euer on any manere
Lettydyst any man for to lere
Craftë, or ouþer queyntyse,
But fordeddyst hys apryse
For þou shuldest furþeryd be,
And more yn prys preysed þan he;
Beþenke þe weyl, ȝyf þou do þus,
Þat þyn herte ys ful enuyus;
For þou shalt neuere, with gode ye,
Se hym þat leryþ þy maystrye.
Lettydyst any man for to lere
Craftë, or ouþer queyntyse,
But fordeddyst hys apryse
For þou shuldest furþeryd be,
And more yn prys preysed þan he;
Beþenke þe weyl, ȝyf þou do þus,
Þat þyn herte ys ful enuyus;
For þou shalt neuere, with gode ye,
Se hym þat leryþ þy maystrye.
Ȝyf þou be enuyus, and no man trowe,
And behynde hys bak make hym þe mowe,
As who seye þat “he naght can,
No ys wurþ as a-nouþer man,”
Al ys þys enuyë grete;
Ȝyf þou haue do þus, y rede þe lete.
And behynde hys bak make hym þe mowe,
As who seye þat “he naght can,
No ys wurþ as a-nouþer man,”
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Ȝyf þou haue do þus, y rede þe lete.
Ȝyf þou here preyse one for sum þyng,
And þou forþenkyst hys preysyng,
And felyst weyl yn þy herte
Of a lytyl sorow or smerte,
Þat þou ne art preysed furþer þan he,
Enuye hyt ys, þou mayst wel se.
And þou forþenkyst hys preysyng,
And felyst weyl yn þy herte
Of a lytyl sorow or smerte,
Þat þou ne art preysed furþer þan he,
Enuye hyt ys, þou mayst wel se.
Many one are of so enuyus wyl
Þat þey may preyse none but with yl;
Alle þenkeþ hym euyl þat þey se,
Þey are enuyus, what-so-euer þey be.
Þat þey may preyse none but with yl;
Alle þenkeþ hym euyl þat þey se,
Þey are enuyus, what-so-euer þey be.
Enuyus man ys so ful of susspecyun
Þat euyl hym þenketh al, as a felun.
who-so kan knowe þe properte,
Enuyus man may lyknyd be
To þe Iawnes, þe whyche ys a pyne
þat men mow se yn mennys yne.
þe ye þat ys ful of Iawnes,
Alle þenkeþ hym ȝelogh yn hys auys:
So hyt fareþ on hys party,
Hys þoght ys euer ful of enuye.
Þat euyl hym þenketh al, as a felun.
who-so kan knowe þe properte,
Enuyus man may lyknyd be
To þe Iawnes, þe whyche ys a pyne
þat men mow se yn mennys yne.
þe ye þat ys ful of Iawnes,
Alle þenkeþ hym ȝelogh yn hys auys:
So hyt fareþ on hys party,
Hys þoght ys euer ful of enuye.
Enuyus men, euyl þey sowe;
Þát men telle hem, to euyl þey trowe;
Ȝyf þey se þat one doþ more,
Enuyús þan angreþ sore;
Alle godenes þey turne to euyl;
Enuyus men are lyke þe deuyl.
Of alle þat yn þys worldë are,
Enuyús man werst shal fare.
Gladnes herë haue þey none,
But whan here neghburs haue mysgone.
Yn any maner defaute þat ys,
þan make þey ioye for þat wykkednes.
Yn þe toþer worlde þer þey shul be,
Þey are nat wurþy any ioye to se.
Here and þere þey shul haue greuaunce,
But þere shal be here most veniaunce.
Enuye ys onë þe werst synne
Þat þe deuyl maketh any man fal ynne.
Seynt Gregory telleþ a tale þar-by;
And as he seyþ, so wyl y.
Þát men telle hem, to euyl þey trowe;
Ȝyf þey se þat one doþ more,
Enuyús þan angreþ sore;
Alle godenes þey turne to euyl;
Enuyus men are lyke þe deuyl.
Of alle þat yn þys worldë are,
Enuyús man werst shal fare.
Gladnes herë haue þey none,
But whan here neghburs haue mysgone.
Yn any maner defaute þat ys,
þan make þey ioye for þat wykkednes.
Yn þe toþer worlde þer þey shul be,
Þey are nat wurþy any ioye to se.
Here and þere þey shul haue greuaunce,
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Enuye ys onë þe werst synne
Þat þe deuyl maketh any man fal ynne.
Seynt Gregory telleþ a tale þar-by;
And as he seyþ, so wyl y.
[The Tale of the Bear which kept the Hermit's Sheep, and how it was slain by envious Monks.]
Þer were twey men of holy wyl
Þat leuyd to-gedyr, with-outen yl,
A-lonë yn an ermytage,
And, as meke as bryd yn kage;
Þe toon, men calle Eutycyus,
Þe touþer hyght Florentyus.
A gode clerk was þe toon,
he turned to þe feyþ many on.
Eutycyus was þe clerk
Þat taght þe folk of goddys werk.
Florens was nat so moche yn lore,
Yn preyours he was euermore.
Þat leuyd to-gedyr, with-outen yl,
A-lonë yn an ermytage,
And, as meke as bryd yn kage;
Þe toon, men calle Eutycyus,
Þe touþer hyght Florentyus.
A gode clerk was þe toon,
he turned to þe feyþ many on.
Eutycyus was þe clerk
Þat taght þe folk of goddys werk.
Florens was nat so moche yn lore,
Yn preyours he was euermore.
þer besyde was an abbey,
And yn here tyme þe abbot gan deye;
whan þys ychë abbot was dede,
Alle þe munkës toke hem to rede,
And chese hem syre Eutycyus
To be abbot of here hous.
On alle manere fyl so here lot,
Eutycyus þey made here abbot.
And yn here tyme þe abbot gan deye;
whan þys ychë abbot was dede,
Alle þe munkës toke hem to rede,
And chese hem syre Eutycyus
To be abbot of here hous.
On alle manere fyl so here lot,
Eutycyus þey made here abbot.
Aftyr Eutycyus, Florens gan dwelle
And woned a-lonë yn hys celle.
Florens madë gretë mone
For þat he shuld dwel alone;
And had grete sorowe, and was drery,
As many be þat lese gode cumpany.
On a day, he bad hys orysun,
And was yn grete afflyccyon,
And preyd God he wulde hym ȝeue
Sum gode cumforte with-al to leue.
Þus preyd Florens yn hys bede
Þat Gode shuld sende hym sum felaurede.
And woned a-lonë yn hys celle.
Florens madë gretë mone
For þat he shuld dwel alone;
And had grete sorowe, and was drery,
As many be þat lese gode cumpany.
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And was yn grete afflyccyon,
And preyd God he wulde hym ȝeue
Sum gode cumforte with-al to leue.
Þus preyd Florens yn hys bede
Þat Gode shuld sende hym sum felaurede.
whan he ros vp of his orysown,
he ȝede yn hys celle vp and down,
And opened hys ȝate, and loked oute,
And sagh a berë wylde and stoute.
Þys ychë bere come to þe gate
To Florens þat stode yn þe ȝate;
But when þe bere come at hym nere,
Þe bere to hym loutede, and made feyre chere,—
Feyre chere as a bere myght make,—
And was so meke þat he myȝt hym take.
þys ychë Florens hym beþoght
þat God hadde herd þat he besoght,
And þanked hym of hys swete grace,
þat he hym sent hadde swyche solace.
For a myracle, ȝe may hyt vndyrstande,
þat a wyldë bere was tame to hande.
he ȝede yn hys celle vp and down,
And opened hys ȝate, and loked oute,
And sagh a berë wylde and stoute.
Þys ychë bere come to þe gate
To Florens þat stode yn þe ȝate;
But when þe bere come at hym nere,
Þe bere to hym loutede, and made feyre chere,—
Feyre chere as a bere myght make,—
And was so meke þat he myȝt hym take.
þys ychë Florens hym beþoght
þat God hadde herd þat he besoght,
And þanked hym of hys swete grace,
þat he hym sent hadde swyche solace.
For a myracle, ȝe may hyt vndyrstande,
þat a wyldë bere was tame to hande.
Þys godë man hadde syxë shepe,
And noun hyrde hem for to kepe;
He badde þe bere þat he shulde go
And dryue hys shepë to and fro,
And kepe hem weyl þat noun hem dere,
“And þou shalt be my godë bere.”
Þe bere hym louted with semblant glad,
For to do as Florens hym badde;
To þe bere, he seyde hys auys,
“Euery day whan y ete twyys,
Come þou home at hygh vndurne,
And no lenger yn þe felde soiurne;
And euery day, when y faste,
Come at þe noun, home, at þe laste.”
So dyd þe bere, euery day,
One oure passed hym neuer away
Þat he ne come home, þe yche cele,
And boþe tymeus he knew hem wele.
And noun hyrde hem for to kepe;
He badde þe bere þat he shulde go
And dryue hys shepë to and fro,
And kepe hem weyl þat noun hem dere,
“And þou shalt be my godë bere.”
Þe bere hym louted with semblant glad,
For to do as Florens hym badde;
To þe bere, he seyde hys auys,
“Euery day whan y ete twyys,
Come þou home at hygh vndurne,
And no lenger yn þe felde soiurne;
And euery day, when y faste,
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So dyd þe bere, euery day,
One oure passed hym neuer away
Þat he ne come home, þe yche cele,
And boþe tymeus he knew hem wele.
Þys Florens hadde cumforte and game
At hys bere, þat hyt was so tame,
And loued hyt moche with-oute fayle
For þe myracle and þe grete meruayle:
For soþë so hym byrde,
For he was a merueylus hyrde.
A bere þurgh kynde shulde etë shepe;
And here as an hyrde he ȝafe to hem kepe.
At hys bere, þat hyt was so tame,
And loued hyt moche with-oute fayle
For þe myracle and þe grete meruayle:
For soþë so hym byrde,
For he was a merueylus hyrde.
A bere þurgh kynde shulde etë shepe;
And here as an hyrde he ȝafe to hem kepe.
Þyt yche merueyle myȝt nat be hyd,
But yn alle þe cuntre hyt was weyl kyde
Þat Florens had a tamë bere,
And was an hyrdë, shepe to were.
But yn alle þe cuntre hyt was weyl kyde
Þat Florens had a tamë bere,
And was an hyrdë, shepe to were.
Þe abbot þat hyghte Eutycyus
Had foure dyscyplys ful enuyus,
Þat alle day of þys berë spakk
with grete enuye, gretely to lakk;
And seyd, alle fourë hem betwene
wyþ grete enuyë, scorne, and tene,
“More merueyl doþe Florencyus
Þan doþe oure mayster Eutycyus.”
Þey seydë “hyt shal nat so go;”
And made forward, þat bere to slo.
As þey seyd, þey dyd þat woghte;
Þe whychë dede ful soure þey boghte.
Had foure dyscyplys ful enuyus,
Þat alle day of þys berë spakk
with grete enuye, gretely to lakk;
And seyd, alle fourë hem betwene
wyþ grete enuyë, scorne, and tene,
“More merueyl doþe Florencyus
Þan doþe oure mayster Eutycyus.”
Þey seydë “hyt shal nat so go;”
And made forward, þat bere to slo.
As þey seyd, þey dyd þat woghte;
Þe whychë dede ful soure þey boghte.
At þe tyme, þe bere, o day come noghte;
Florens had þer-of grete þoghte;
He ros and ȝede yn-to þe felde,
And aftyr hys berë faste behelde.
At þe laste, hys bere he fonde,
Besyde hys shepe, slayn on a londe.
Asswyþë hym self gan to rede
who hadde do þat ychë dede;
Ȝyt pleyned he more þe myschaunce
Þat þer shulde falle on hem veniaunce,
Þan he pleyned hys ownë dere
Þat þey had slayn his godë bere.
Noþeles he pleyned wundyrly sore
Þat hys solas shulde be no more.
Florens had þer-of grete þoghte;
He ros and ȝede yn-to þe felde,
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At þe laste, hys bere he fonde,
Besyde hys shepe, slayn on a londe.
Asswyþë hym self gan to rede
who hadde do þat ychë dede;
Ȝyt pleyned he more þe myschaunce
Þat þer shulde falle on hem veniaunce,
Þan he pleyned hys ownë dere
Þat þey had slayn his godë bere.
Noþeles he pleyned wundyrly sore
Þat hys solas shulde be no more.
Eutycyus þe abbot, his felawe,
herd sey hys bere was do adawe;
And come to hym on hys dysport,
To makë Florens gode cumfort.
Florens seyd Eutycyus vn-to,
“Yn God truly y tryst so,
Þat veniaunce shal on hem take
Yn þys lyfë for my sake.
Of Ihesu Cryst þey hade no drede,
To sle þat hylpe me yn my nede,
Felunlyche, as for enuye,
And he ded no man folye;
He was me sent, þurgh Goddys grace,
To be myn helpe and my solace;
Þat God wuldë hym me ȝeue,
why wuld þey nat suffre hym lyue?
God almyȝty shal do hys wyl
wyþ hem, and mo, þat do so yl.”
herd sey hys bere was do adawe;
And come to hym on hys dysport,
To makë Florens gode cumfort.
Florens seyd Eutycyus vn-to,
“Yn God truly y tryst so,
Þat veniaunce shal on hem take
Yn þys lyfë for my sake.
Of Ihesu Cryst þey hade no drede,
To sle þat hylpe me yn my nede,
Felunlyche, as for enuye,
And he ded no man folye;
He was me sent, þurgh Goddys grace,
To be myn helpe and my solace;
Þat God wuldë hym me ȝeue,
why wuld þey nat suffre hym lyue?
God almyȝty shal do hys wyl
wyþ hem, and mo, þat do so yl.”
As he seyde, so gan hyt falle;
Gode toke veniaunce on hem alle;
Meseles þey waxë þan to pyne,
Here lemes roted before here yne;
Aboue þe erþe þey were stynkyng,
Þat to þe beres deþ were consentyng.
Gode toke veniaunce on hem alle;
Meseles þey waxë þan to pyne,
Here lemes roted before here yne;
Aboue þe erþe þey were stynkyng,
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Þarfore þe pope seynt Gregory
Tellyþ þys talë, resun why,
Þat enuye ys a cursed synne,
Any man to falle þer-ynne.
Tellyþ þys talë, resun why,
Þat enuye ys a cursed synne,
Any man to falle þer-ynne.
Moche are they wurþy to suffre shame,
Þat for enuye brynge a man yn blame,
Or make hym lese hys wurldly aght,
Or frendys also to be vnsaght.
who-so þat doþ, he may hym drede,
No þyng but peyne shal be hys mede.
Þat for enuye brynge a man yn blame,
Or make hym lese hys wurldly aght,
Or frendys also to be vnsaght.
who-so þat doþ, he may hym drede,
No þyng but peyne shal be hys mede.
Syn þys wurldë fryst bygan,
Enuye haþ be euer yn man;
Lucyfer had fyrst enuye,
Þat man was made to state so hye;
Yn paradys he made hym falle,
And seþen of hys ofspryng alle;
So that enuye haþ reyned ay
Yn alle mankynde vnto þys day;
And, Englys men namëly
Are þurgh kynde of hertë hy:
A forbyseyn ys toldë þys,
Seyd on Frenshe men and on Englys,
‘Þat Frenshe men synne yn lecherye,
And Englys men yn enuye.’
lecherye ys flesshly synne;
Enuye cumþ of þe soule wyþ-ynne;
lechery ys þe lesse, we fynde,
And enuye ys þe more vnkynde;
For y se noun yn hys lyue
Þat of enuye kan hym shryue;
Þogh euery day a man hyt haunte,
Ȝyt wyl no man be hyt a-graunte.
Telle to any þat he haþ enuye,
He seyþ aȝen “hyt ys a lye.”
how mow þéy þan shryue þat synne,
Þat seyn þey haue no gylt þerynne?
we Englys men þeron shulde þynke,
Þat enuyë vs nat blynk.
Enuye haþ be euer yn man;
Lucyfer had fyrst enuye,
Þat man was made to state so hye;
Yn paradys he made hym falle,
And seþen of hys ofspryng alle;
So that enuye haþ reyned ay
Yn alle mankynde vnto þys day;
And, Englys men namëly
Are þurgh kynde of hertë hy:
A forbyseyn ys toldë þys,
Seyd on Frenshe men and on Englys,
‘Þat Frenshe men synne yn lecherye,
And Englys men yn enuye.’
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Enuye cumþ of þe soule wyþ-ynne;
lechery ys þe lesse, we fynde,
And enuye ys þe more vnkynde;
For y se noun yn hys lyue
Þat of enuye kan hym shryue;
Þogh euery day a man hyt haunte,
Ȝyt wyl no man be hyt a-graunte.
Telle to any þat he haþ enuye,
He seyþ aȝen “hyt ys a lye.”
how mow þéy þan shryue þat synne,
Þat seyn þey haue no gylt þerynne?
we Englys men þeron shulde þynke,
Þat enuyë vs nat blynk.
Bakbytyng cumþ also of enuye;
y haue ȝow tolde of þat folye;
lykenes of hem men mowe bere,
A nedder and a bakbytere;
Þe nedder makeþ þe semblant mylde,
And yn hys tayle ys venym wylde;
Þe bakbytere faryþ ryȝt so:
wyþ mylde semblant he spekth þe to,
And yn hys tayle he beryþ venym;
Behynde þy bak, he spekyþ wurdys grym.
y haue ȝow tolde of þat folye;
lykenes of hem men mowe bere,
A nedder and a bakbytere;
Þe nedder makeþ þe semblant mylde,
And yn hys tayle ys venym wylde;
Þe bakbytere faryþ ryȝt so:
wyþ mylde semblant he spekth þe to,
And yn hys tayle he beryþ venym;
Behynde þy bak, he spekyþ wurdys grym.
Þe wys kyng Salamon
Seyþ þese wurdys to men echon:—
“hys lyppes,” he seyþ, “he shal make swete,
wyþ feyrë wurdys he shal þe grete,
But yn hys hertë he shal þynke
For to do þe a wykked blynke.”
So ded þe traytur, fals Iudas,
Þat dampned ys wyþ Satanas,
whan þys Iudas, foule felun,
weytede Ihesu with tresun.
Fyrst he grete hym and gan lagh,
And syþen he kest hym þat alle men sagh,
And yn hys herte was tresun bolde,
For to þe Iewës he had hym solde.
‘Treytur! recorde what þou hast herde
Seyde and sunge yn al þe werlde.’
Vndyr heuene ne ys so moche tresun
As yn feyre wurd of hert felun.
Þarfor, treytur, y tolde þe er,
Þy wonyng ys wyþ Lucyfer.
Seyþ þese wurdys to men echon:—
“hys lyppes,” he seyþ, “he shal make swete,
wyþ feyrë wurdys he shal þe grete,
But yn hys hertë he shal þynke
For to do þe a wykked blynke.”
So ded þe traytur, fals Iudas,
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whan þys Iudas, foule felun,
weytede Ihesu with tresun.
Fyrst he grete hym and gan lagh,
And syþen he kest hym þat alle men sagh,
And yn hys herte was tresun bolde,
For to þe Iewës he had hym solde.
‘Treytur! recorde what þou hast herde
Seyde and sunge yn al þe werlde.’
Vndyr heuene ne ys so moche tresun
As yn feyre wurd of hert felun.
Þarfor, treytur, y tolde þe er,
Þy wonyng ys wyþ Lucyfer.
Þyr may no man so yware be,—
For fors, ne wysdom, ne pouste,
For byhest, ne for rychesse,
Ne powere, ne hardynesse,
For lynage, ne for onour,
For felawshepe, ne for socour,
Ne for breþerhede, ne for spousayle,—
Þat treytorhede ne wyl hym asayle;
Ne for sweryng, ne for awe,
Þat a treytur ne haþ yn þys sum sawe.
For fors, ne wysdom, ne pouste,
For byhest, ne for rychesse,
Ne powere, ne hardynesse,
For lynage, ne for onour,
For felawshepe, ne for socour,
Ne for breþerhede, ne for spousayle,—
Þat treytorhede ne wyl hym asayle;
Ne for sweryng, ne for awe,
Þat a treytur ne haþ yn þys sum sawe.
who was wyser þan Salamon?
who was feyrer þan Absolon?
who was rycher yn euery þyng
Þan Alaxandre þe ryche kyng?
who was swetter þan Ionatas,
Or better clerk þan Vyrgyle was?
Alle þese coude hem neuer were
From treytur ne fro bakbytere.
who was feyrer þan Absolon?
who was rycher yn euery þyng
Þan Alaxandre þe ryche kyng?
who was swetter þan Ionatas,
Or better clerk þan Vyrgyle was?
Alle þese coude hem neuer were
From treytur ne fro bakbytere.
Of a treytur, þys ys þe resun smerte,
with feyrë wurdys, and felun herte;
Bakbytere, he haþ a lak,
He ys a treytur behynd þy bak;
Þe toon ys treytur yn þy present,
Þe toþer ys whan þou arte went.
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Bakbytere, he haþ a lak,
He ys a treytur behynd þy bak;
Þe toon ys treytur yn þy present,
Þe toþer ys whan þou arte went.
A lyer may be on of þyse,
For he haþ of boþe a queyntyse,
Behynde þy bak, and eke before,
lesyng oueralle ys bore,
Yn þese þre men ys al tresun;
Þarfor hyt ys preued with resun
Þat þesë men, allë þre,
Mowe neuer lyghtly saued be.
Þe apostle seyþ þat God hem hatys,
Ande ouer al ouþer wyþ hem wlatys.
Þarefore ȝyf any swyche men wore,
hyt behoueþ betyme repente hem sore;
And leue hyt whyl þey hauë space,
For þan y hope þey may fynde grace.
God ȝeue vs grace enuye to fle!
And alle treyturs, euyl mote þey þe!
For he haþ of boþe a queyntyse,
Behynde þy bak, and eke before,
lesyng oueralle ys bore,
Yn þese þre men ys al tresun;
Þarfor hyt ys preued with resun
Þat þesë men, allë þre,
Mowe neuer lyghtly saued be.
Þe apostle seyþ þat God hem hatys,
Ande ouer al ouþer wyþ hem wlatys.
Þarefore ȝyf any swyche men wore,
hyt behoueþ betyme repente hem sore;
And leue hyt whyl þey hauë space,
For þan y hope þey may fynde grace.
God ȝeue vs grace enuye to fle!
And alle treyturs, euyl mote þey þe!
[Of Sloth, the 4th Deadly Sin.]
Now shul we speke of sloghnes;
Among þe toþer ful wyk hyt ys;
Þe fourþe hyt ys of dedly synnes,
Alle þese rychë men hyt wynnes.
Moche ys a man for to blame
Þat kan nat wurschep Goddys name
with pater noster ne wyþ crede,
Þys beleue shuld hym to heuene lede.
Ful slogh he ys þat wyl nat lere
Þat yche framë blessed preyere;
And also he ys ful of slownes
Þat may, and wyl nat, here hys messe,
Specyaly on þe Sunday
he trespasyþ more yn þe lay.
Among þe toþer ful wyk hyt ys;
Þe fourþe hyt ys of dedly synnes,
Alle þese rychë men hyt wynnes.
Moche ys a man for to blame
Þat kan nat wurschep Goddys name
with pater noster ne wyþ crede,
Þys beleue shuld hym to heuene lede.
Ful slogh he ys þat wyl nat lere
Þat yche framë blessed preyere;
And also he ys ful of slownes
Þat may, and wyl nat, here hys messe,
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he trespasyþ more yn þe lay.
yn þe woke, o day, þurgh ryght,
Þe Sunday, ys a day of myȝt.
how sey þese men þat are þus slogh,
Þat oute of mesure slepe a throwe?
whan he heryþ a bel ryng,
To holy cherchë men kallyng,
Þan may he nat hys beddë lete
But þan behoueþ hym to lygge and swete,
And take þe mery mornyng slepe;
Of matynes ryche men take no kepe
Ȝyf þe mowe ryse at tyme of messe.
For þe matynes, noþer more ne lesse
Þan ys þys Terlyncels skylle,
‘Slepe þou long, and y shal hele.’
he putteþ heuenys yn hys yȝe,
And makeþ hym lenger for to lye;
And seyþ “al betyme mayst þou ryse,
whan þey do þe messe seruyse;
A messe ys ynogh for þe;
Þe touþer gyblot, late hyt be;
here mayst þou bettyr slepe a throwe
þan sytte and loke vpp-on a wowe.”
Þys ys þe cunsel of Terlyncel;
yn alle sloghnesse he bereþ þe bel;
he ys a deuyl of þat myster,
To sloghnes he ys cunseler.
Þe Sunday, ys a day of myȝt.
how sey þese men þat are þus slogh,
Þat oute of mesure slepe a throwe?
whan he heryþ a bel ryng,
To holy cherchë men kallyng,
Þan may he nat hys beddë lete
But þan behoueþ hym to lygge and swete,
And take þe mery mornyng slepe;
Of matynes ryche men take no kepe
Ȝyf þe mowe ryse at tyme of messe.
For þe matynes, noþer more ne lesse
Þan ys þys Terlyncels skylle,
‘Slepe þou long, and y shal hele.’
he putteþ heuenys yn hys yȝe,
And makeþ hym lenger for to lye;
And seyþ “al betyme mayst þou ryse,
whan þey do þe messe seruyse;
A messe ys ynogh for þe;
Þe touþer gyblot, late hyt be;
here mayst þou bettyr slepe a throwe
þan sytte and loke vpp-on a wowe.”
Þys ys þe cunsel of Terlyncel;
yn alle sloghnesse he bereþ þe bel;
he ys a deuyl of þat myster,
To sloghnes he ys cunseler.
þan cumþ one aboutë pryme
“Rys up,” he seyþ, “now ys tyme.”
Þan begynneþ he to klawe and to raske,
And ȝyueþ Terlyncel hys taske.
he klawyþ, he shrubbyþ, wel at hys pay,
And makyþ to Terlyncel a lay;
To hym þat kalled, he spekeþ stoutly,
“what deuyl! why haþ þe prest swych hy?
Byd hym þat he abyde algate;
Hym dar nat syng ȝyt ouer late.”
For hym shal so Goddys seruyse abyde
Tyl hyt be passed ouer þe tyde.
Ȝyt perauenture, at hys rysyng,
Of God spekeþ he no þyng,
But ȝyf hyt be of sum vanyte
Þat rennyþ yn hys þoght; þat spekeþ he.
“Rys up,” he seyþ, “now ys tyme.”
Þan begynneþ he to klawe and to raske,
And ȝyueþ Terlyncel hys taske.
he klawyþ, he shrubbyþ, wel at hys pay,
And makyþ to Terlyncel a lay;
To hym þat kalled, he spekeþ stoutly,
“what deuyl! why haþ þe prest swych hy?
145
Hym dar nat syng ȝyt ouer late.”
For hym shal so Goddys seruyse abyde
Tyl hyt be passed ouer þe tyde.
Ȝyt perauenture, at hys rysyng,
Of God spekeþ he no þyng,
But ȝyf hyt be of sum vanyte
Þat rennyþ yn hys þoght; þat spekeþ he.
And when he cumþ vnto þe messe,
Þere behoueþ hym hys here dresse;
Ful fewe bedys are yn hys mouþe,
He vsyþ none; þey are vncouthe.
And ȝyf a frere cum for to preche,
Of a dyner were bettyr speche;
Þan seyþ he, “God shal alle saue;
Do wel; wel shalt þou haue.”
Certys þat ys nat ynow,
For he doþ no þyng to prow.
But ȝyf he wulde lestene þe frere,
To do weyl þan myȝt he lere.
Þere behoueþ hym hys here dresse;
Ful fewe bedys are yn hys mouþe,
He vsyþ none; þey are vncouthe.
And ȝyf a frere cum for to preche,
Of a dyner were bettyr speche;
Þan seyþ he, “God shal alle saue;
Do wel; wel shalt þou haue.”
Certys þat ys nat ynow,
For he doþ no þyng to prow.
But ȝyf he wulde lestene þe frere,
To do weyl þan myȝt he lere.
Ȝyf hyt be nat þan redy, hys dyner,
Take furþe þe chesse or þe tabler;
So shal he pley tyl hyt be none,
And Goddys seruyse be al done.
Alas, wykkédly he dyspendyþ
Alle þe lyfe þat God hym sendyth!
Take furþe þe chesse or þe tabler;
So shal he pley tyl hyt be none,
And Goddys seruyse be al done.
Alas, wykkédly he dyspendyþ
Alle þe lyfe þat God hym sendyth!
Aftyr þe none, þan shal he do
As he dede before none so.
Swyche a lyfe þan shal he lede,
Noght þat he shal haue to mede;
yn alle hys lyfe shal he [nat] fynde
Oght þat may hym of pyne vnbynde;
No more he halt to God cunnaunt,
But weyl more to Termagaunt;
He ys no morë crystyn man
Þan who so kallyþ a blak oxe ‘swan.’
As he dede before none so.
Swyche a lyfe þan shal he lede,
Noght þat he shal haue to mede;
yn alle hys lyfe shal he [nat] fynde
Oght þat may hym of pyne vnbynde;
No more he halt to God cunnaunt,
But weyl more to Termagaunt;
He ys no morë crystyn man
146
y dar weyl seye to hygh and logh,
yn Goddys seruyse are swych men slogh.
Swych synne men kalle ‘accyde,’
yn Goddës seruyse slogh betyde.
lord! what shal swych men seye
yn þat poynt when þey shul deye?
yn alle here lyfe ne roght þey noght
Of hym þat hem ful derë boght.
Ful gretly shul þey hem repente
whan þe dome ys aȝens hem went;
But þan mow þey do no bote;
Ylyche logh lyþ boþe hande and fote.
yn Goddys seruyse are swych men slogh.
Swych synne men kalle ‘accyde,’
yn Goddës seruyse slogh betyde.
lord! what shal swych men seye
yn þat poynt when þey shul deye?
yn alle here lyfe ne roght þey noght
Of hym þat hem ful derë boght.
Ful gretly shul þey hem repente
whan þe dome ys aȝens hem went;
But þan mow þey do no bote;
Ylyche logh lyþ boþe hande and fote.
Many swyche mow haue no grace
To repentaunce, no to space.
Hyt ys no wundyr þogh þey haue noun,
Þey wyl nat graunte þey haue mysdoun,
Yn here lyfe, whyle þey haue myght;
And þan shal God ȝelde alle with ryght.
Ful slogh þey were when þey shuld wyrk;
Yn tyme of traueyle were þey yrk;
Þéy þoght nat of þat men spelle,
Þat God seyþ yn þe gospelle:
“Beþ wakyng,” he seyþ, to men alle;
“what tymë þat ȝoure lorde wyl kalle,
For þat tyme þat ȝe lestë wene
He wul ȝow kalle; loke ȝe be clene;
For ȝyf ȝe slepe at hys kallyng
Ȝe shul nat come yn at þe weddyng.”
To repentaunce, no to space.
Hyt ys no wundyr þogh þey haue noun,
Þey wyl nat graunte þey haue mysdoun,
Yn here lyfe, whyle þey haue myght;
And þan shal God ȝelde alle with ryght.
Ful slogh þey were when þey shuld wyrk;
Yn tyme of traueyle were þey yrk;
Þéy þoght nat of þat men spelle,
Þat God seyþ yn þe gospelle:
“Beþ wakyng,” he seyþ, to men alle;
“what tymë þat ȝoure lorde wyl kalle,
For þat tyme þat ȝe lestë wene
He wul ȝow kalle; loke ȝe be clene;
For ȝyf ȝe slepe at hys kallyng
Ȝe shul nat come yn at þe weddyng.”
Þys yche lorde kalleþ vs euery day,
wyþ þe prechour, alle þat he may.
Ȝe are slogh, and lyen to slepe,
whan ȝe aȝens þe prechur þrepe;
Ȝe mow nat come yn to þe weddyng,—
Heuene blys ys þe menyng;—
For ȝe slepe yn wykked wyl,
And wyl nat shryue ȝow of ȝoure yl.
ȝe wenë þat God shal ȝow ȝeue,
Yn wykkednes, long to leue;
And ȝe here seyë þat sum whyle,
Yn swychë hope goþ mochë gyle.
wyþ þe prechour, alle þat he may.
Ȝe are slogh, and lyen to slepe,
whan ȝe aȝens þe prechur þrepe;
Ȝe mow nat come yn to þe weddyng,—
Heuene blys ys þe menyng;—
For ȝe slepe yn wykked wyl,
147
ȝe wenë þat God shal ȝow ȝeue,
Yn wykkednes, long to leue;
And ȝe here seyë þat sum whyle,
Yn swychë hope goþ mochë gyle.
A lytyl tale y shal ȝow vndo
Of a man þat hoped so,
As tellyþ þe holy man, seynt Bede,
Yn gestys of Ingland þat men rede.
Of a man þat hoped so,
As tellyþ þe holy man, seynt Bede,
Yn gestys of Ingland þat men rede.
[The Tale of the English Squire who put off his Repentance till too late.]
Þyr was a kyng, ‘Conred’ he hyght, Atale.
Þe Mercë was hys kyngdom ryȝt;
þe Merce hyght þan, as y herd seye,
Þat men kalle now Lyndëseye.
Þys Conred had a seriaunt,
A wys man, and of body vaylaunt;
yn armys was a doghty squyere,
yn alle þe lande ne was hys pere.
Of a vyce, he hadde sum deyl,
Þat no man myght trowe him weyl;
where þat he myght make a wanlace,
And any þyng to þe kyng purchace,
He ne lette for no fals oth,
Ne for wraþþe of lefe ne loth,
Þat he ne made ofte dysheresun,
And holy cherche traueylede with tresun.
For wrong ne lefte he nyȝt ne day,
But onely he serued þe kyng to pay;
He ne ȝaf tale of shame ne synne,
But þat onely he myght rycchesse wynne.
Þe Mercë was hys kyngdom ryȝt;
þe Merce hyght þan, as y herd seye,
Þat men kalle now Lyndëseye.
Þys Conred had a seriaunt,
A wys man, and of body vaylaunt;
yn armys was a doghty squyere,
yn alle þe lande ne was hys pere.
Of a vyce, he hadde sum deyl,
Þat no man myght trowe him weyl;
where þat he myght make a wanlace,
And any þyng to þe kyng purchace,
He ne lette for no fals oth,
Ne for wraþþe of lefe ne loth,
Þat he ne made ofte dysheresun,
And holy cherche traueylede with tresun.
For wrong ne lefte he nyȝt ne day,
But onely he serued þe kyng to pay;
He ne ȝaf tale of shame ne synne,
But þat onely he myght rycchesse wynne.
Þyr fyl on hym a syknes so stronge
Þat he lay yn hys beddë long.
Sone aftyr betydde a lyte
Þe kyng come, hym to vysyte,
And bad hym be of répentaunce,
And shryue hys synne for allë chaunce;
“Forsake now,” he seyde, “alle þy mysdede,
And y shal fynde þe at þy nede.”
He seyde, “so shall y aftyrwarde;
Ȝyf y may skape þys euyl harde,
Þan shal y do oueral ryght,
And ȝeue me al to God almyght;
But ȝyt wyl y do hyt yn respyte
Tyl y be of þys euyl alle quyte;
Y wul nat be founde so vyl
Þat myn herte were yn swyche peryl
To repente me for a lytyl syknes,
But ȝyf y were yn harder stres.
Ȝyf y, for dredë, aske a preste,
Þat shame shulde al day be me neste
Þat y were a-ferd of þe ded.
Y wyl nat ȝyt do at þy rede;
But lefë syre, latyþ me lye;
Alle þat ȝe seye, me þynkeþ folye.”
Þat he lay yn hys beddë long.
Sone aftyr betydde a lyte
148
And bad hym be of répentaunce,
And shryue hys synne for allë chaunce;
“Forsake now,” he seyde, “alle þy mysdede,
And y shal fynde þe at þy nede.”
He seyde, “so shall y aftyrwarde;
Ȝyf y may skape þys euyl harde,
Þan shal y do oueral ryght,
And ȝeue me al to God almyght;
But ȝyt wyl y do hyt yn respyte
Tyl y be of þys euyl alle quyte;
Y wul nat be founde so vyl
Þat myn herte were yn swyche peryl
To repente me for a lytyl syknes,
But ȝyf y were yn harder stres.
Ȝyf y, for dredë, aske a preste,
Þat shame shulde al day be me neste
Þat y were a-ferd of þe ded.
Y wyl nat ȝyt do at þy rede;
But lefë syre, latyþ me lye;
Alle þat ȝe seye, me þynkeþ folye.”
Þe kyng lettyd þarforë noȝt;
To leue hys synne, efte he hym besoght,
For he helde hym of gretë prys
For þat he was boþe doghty and wys.
To leue hys synne, efte he hym besoght,
For he helde hym of gretë prys
For þat he was boþe doghty and wys.
And þys ys a custummable þyng
Now, wyþ euëry lordyng,
Þat, ȝyf his stuwarde hym oght wynne,
Be hyt wyþ ryght, or wyþ synne,
Hym wyl he holdë most pryue
Of allë þo þat wyþ hym be.
But as he takeþ þerof þe frame,
He shal haue parte of synne and shame.
Now, wyþ euëry lordyng,
Þat, ȝyf his stuwarde hym oght wynne,
Be hyt wyþ ryght, or wyþ synne,
Hym wyl he holdë most pryue
Of allë þo þat wyþ hym be.
But as he takeþ þerof þe frame,
He shal haue parte of synne and shame.
þe kyng come eft to þe seriaunt,
And bad hym to be répentaunt,
And þenk on hys saluacyun,
And shryue hys synne þat he had doun.
“Syre,” he seyd, “þys ys my chaunce,
Hyt ys noght my répentaunce;
For, langér as y here lay,
Ryȝt at þe oure of mydday,
Twey ȝunge men come hedyr to me,
Þe feyrest þat any man myght se;
Me þoght, ryȝt whan y sagh þo,
Þat y felt no þyng of wo.
Byfore my bedde þey stode a þrowe,
And behelde me as they shuld me knowe;
when þey had stonde a lytyl tyde,
Þey set hem doune on my bedde syde.
when þey set were, furþ þey toke
And shewed a lytyl feyrë boke,
And bad me þat y shuld hyt rede,
For alle hyt was myn ownë dede;
And y þat neuer on bokë couþe,
Alle y hyt red with opun mouþe;
Alle þe gode dedys þat euer y wroght,
Alle were þere before me broght,
Þe lestë þoght þat y coulde þynke,
Þat of godenesse hadde any blynke,
Alle y sagh hyt before me,
For lytyl was hyt vnto se;
For lessë myȝt neuer haue bene
Ȝyf any man hyt shulde haue sene.
And bad hym to be répentaunt,
And þenk on hys saluacyun,
And shryue hys synne þat he had doun.
149
Hyt ys noght my répentaunce;
For, langér as y here lay,
Ryȝt at þe oure of mydday,
Twey ȝunge men come hedyr to me,
Þe feyrest þat any man myght se;
Me þoght, ryȝt whan y sagh þo,
Þat y felt no þyng of wo.
Byfore my bedde þey stode a þrowe,
And behelde me as they shuld me knowe;
when þey had stonde a lytyl tyde,
Þey set hem doune on my bedde syde.
when þey set were, furþ þey toke
And shewed a lytyl feyrë boke,
And bad me þat y shuld hyt rede,
For alle hyt was myn ownë dede;
And y þat neuer on bokë couþe,
Alle y hyt red with opun mouþe;
Alle þe gode dedys þat euer y wroght,
Alle were þere before me broght,
Þe lestë þoght þat y coulde þynke,
Þat of godenesse hadde any blynke,
Alle y sagh hyt before me,
For lytyl was hyt vnto se;
For lessë myȝt neuer haue bene
Ȝyf any man hyt shulde haue sene.
“when y hadde reddeþat y myght rede,
Þey shette here boke, and furþ þey ȝede.
Sone aftyrward whan þey were gone,
Come ouþer two, sone anone;
Blak þey were, and foule stynkyng,
wyþ glesyng yȝen, and mouþe grennyng;
Þey come and stodë on my bedde;
Me þoght y wax nygh wode for dredde;
Y turned me on euery syde,
From hem myght y nat me hyde;
And as y me went hem to fle
Euer þey werë aȝens me.
But whan y sagh no better bote,
Y lay stylle boþe hand and fote;
whan þey had traueyled me so with yl,
A stoundë sate þey by me styl
And drogh furþ a mochë boke,—
Þe most þat y euer on gan loke:
So grete hyt was and so orryble,
þer-yn was more þan yn a byble;—
For alle þat y haue do wyþ synne,
Euery dele ys wryte þerynne,
And euery wurde with sorow and pyne
Þey made me redë, maugre myne;
Þe lestë wurde þat euer y þoght,
Þat vnto synne a-mountede oght,
was yn þat boke ful þykly dreuyn,
was none forȝetyn ne forȝeuyn;
And alle y redde, boþe lesse and more;
Þat was þe pyne þat pyned me sore.
Þey shette here boke, and furþ þey ȝede.
Sone aftyrward whan þey were gone,
Come ouþer two, sone anone;
Blak þey were, and foule stynkyng,
wyþ glesyng yȝen, and mouþe grennyng;
Þey come and stodë on my bedde;
Me þoght y wax nygh wode for dredde;
Y turned me on euery syde,
From hem myght y nat me hyde;
And as y me went hem to fle
150
But whan y sagh no better bote,
Y lay stylle boþe hand and fote;
whan þey had traueyled me so with yl,
A stoundë sate þey by me styl
And drogh furþ a mochë boke,—
Þe most þat y euer on gan loke:
So grete hyt was and so orryble,
þer-yn was more þan yn a byble;—
For alle þat y haue do wyþ synne,
Euery dele ys wryte þerynne,
And euery wurde with sorow and pyne
Þey made me redë, maugre myne;
Þe lestë wurde þat euer y þoght,
Þat vnto synne a-mountede oght,
was yn þat boke ful þykly dreuyn,
was none forȝetyn ne forȝeuyn;
And alle y redde, boþe lesse and more;
Þat was þe pyne þat pyned me sore.
whan hyt was redd euerydeyl,
Þe boke was shet, and leyd vp weyl.
Þey ȝaue to me syþen alle here entent,
For to here wylle, y am alle went.
Twey brennyng knyuys þey oute drogh,
And seyd, “Do we oure dedë nowe;
Do we swyþe, and noght we dwelle,
And hast we vs wyþ hym to helle.”
Þe boke was shet, and leyd vp weyl.
Þey ȝaue to me syþen alle here entent,
For to here wylle, y am alle went.
Twey brennyng knyuys þey oute drogh,
And seyd, “Do we oure dedë nowe;
Do we swyþe, and noght we dwelle,
And hast we vs wyþ hym to helle.”
Þe toon þurgh myn hedë smote
wyþ þe knyfe þat was so hote;
Þe toþer smote me yn-to þe fete
Þat almost to-gedyr þe strokës mete;
But whan þey are to gedyr y-come,
And haue my herte betwyxe hem nome,
Þan shal y dey, and hennë wende
with þese to helle with-outyn ende.
wyþ þe knyfe þat was so hote;
Þe toþer smote me yn-to þe fete
Þat almost to-gedyr þe strokës mete;
But whan þey are to gedyr y-come,
And haue my herte betwyxe hem nome,
Þan shal y dey, and hennë wende
with þese to helle with-outyn ende.
wharto shuld y þan me repente
whan y wote my Iugëment?
And, þogh y myght lenger lyue,
No man myȝt hem me forȝyue;
Ȝyf y shulde haue any grace,
y shulde haue asked whan y had space;
But now y wote, ys al to late,
O poynt of my pyne to abate.
My synnes are grete, and many one;
Forȝeuënes shal be ryght none.”
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And, þogh y myght lenger lyue,
No man myȝt hem me forȝyue;
Ȝyf y shulde haue any grace,
y shulde haue asked whan y had space;
But now y wote, ys al to late,
O poynt of my pyne to abate.
My synnes are grete, and many one;
Forȝeuënes shal be ryght none.”
Alle he tolde þys to þe kyng,
And asswyþe made hys endyng;
And ȝede to helle, and was forlore
For sloghnes, as y tolde byfore.
And asswyþe made hys endyng;
And ȝede to helle, and was forlore
For sloghnes, as y tolde byfore.
whan a man ys slogh, and wyl nat do
Þat holy cherche techyþ hym to,
Aȝens God he ys froward,
And yn hys synne he wexeþ hard;
Þan puttyþ þe fende yn hys þoght
Þat hys synne ys lytyl or noght;
And when tyme werë, mercy calle,
yn wanhope, he makeþ hym falle.
And alle ys þys for sloghþehede,
whan man betyme wyl haue no drede;
Þarefore seyþ þe kyng Salamon
“Beþ nat ydul, neuer none,”
For ȝoure gode dedys, ȝe shul hem fynde,
Oute of pyne þey wyl ȝow vnbynde.
he þat ys slogh yn euery gode dede,
what shal helpe whan he haþ nede?
Þat holy cherche techyþ hym to,
Aȝens God he ys froward,
And yn hys synne he wexeþ hard;
Þan puttyþ þe fende yn hys þoght
Þat hys synne ys lytyl or noght;
And when tyme werë, mercy calle,
yn wanhope, he makeþ hym falle.
And alle ys þys for sloghþehede,
whan man betyme wyl haue no drede;
Þarefore seyþ þe kyng Salamon
“Beþ nat ydul, neuer none,”
For ȝoure gode dedys, ȝe shul hem fynde,
Oute of pyne þey wyl ȝow vnbynde.
he þat ys slogh yn euery gode dede,
what shal helpe whan he haþ nede?
Þe holy man spekþ of a synne
Of sloghnes, þat men falle ynne;
Ȝyf þat any shuld oght weyl do,
hym loþyþ so gretly þarto
Þat he fondyþ on allë wyse
To do hyt on þe werst asyse.
Ȝyf he of Godys wurde oght here,
Þerof hym þynkeþ an hundred ȝere;
But ȝyf he be at any pleyyng
At þe ale house, or at any ouþer ianglyng
For to rage wyþ ylka fyle,
Þer þenkeþ hym but lytyl whyle.
Of sloghnes, þat men falle ynne;
Ȝyf þat any shuld oght weyl do,
hym loþyþ so gretly þarto
Þat he fondyþ on allë wyse
To do hyt on þe werst asyse.
Ȝyf he of Godys wurde oght here,
Þerof hym þynkeþ an hundred ȝere;
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At þe ale house, or at any ouþer ianglyng
For to rage wyþ ylka fyle,
Þer þenkeþ hym but lytyl whyle.
yn goddys seruyse are swyche men yrk;
when þey come vn-to þe kyrke
To here matynys or messë song,
hem þenkeþ hyt lastyþ ouer long;
Þan shal he iangle, or telle a tale,
Or wyte where þey shul haue þe beste ale.
Swyche synne ys kalled ‘accyde,’
yn gode dede to be slogh, or long abyde.
when þey come vn-to þe kyrke
To here matynys or messë song,
hem þenkeþ hyt lastyþ ouer long;
Þan shal he iangle, or telle a tale,
Or wyte where þey shul haue þe beste ale.
Swyche synne ys kalled ‘accyde,’
yn gode dede to be slogh, or long abyde.
Ȝyf any man be coupable yn þys,
yn swyche poyntys þat he haue do mys,
Be he hygh or be he logh,
He ys yn Goddys seruyse slogh.
But whan men heryn of þys preche,
Þat god of swyche wyl takë wreche;
‘A!’ lyghtly þey sey, as hyt may falle,
‘God haue mercy on vs alle;’
As who seye ‘ȝyf he wyl vs saue,
Or ȝyf he wyl nat; late vs beleue.’
yn swyche poyntys þat he haue do mys,
Be he hygh or be he logh,
He ys yn Goddys seruyse slogh.
But whan men heryn of þys preche,
Þat god of swyche wyl takë wreche;
‘A!’ lyghtly þey sey, as hyt may falle,
‘God haue mercy on vs alle;’
As who seye ‘ȝyf he wyl vs saue,
Or ȝyf he wyl nat; late vs beleue.’
Nay, nay, hyt may nat be so,
Þyr behoueþ more þarto;
Þou gettyst nat heuene so lyghtly
But þou do yn dede more why.
Prey hym fyrst he ȝeue þe þat mede
Þat þou mayst serue hym wel yn dede:
Ȝyf þou praye þus and syþen wel do,
So mayst þou come hys mercy to;
And nat yn ydylnes, as ȝe þynke,
wel to ete and wel to drynke,
And ofte to swerë at youre wyl,
whan no man chargeþ ȝow þar tyl:
So come to heuene, hyt may nat be,
For, God hadde hyt neuer so fre.
Þyr behoueþ more þarto;
Þou gettyst nat heuene so lyghtly
But þou do yn dede more why.
Prey hym fyrst he ȝeue þe þat mede
Þat þou mayst serue hym wel yn dede:
Ȝyf þou praye þus and syþen wel do,
So mayst þou come hys mercy to;
And nat yn ydylnes, as ȝe þynke,
wel to ete and wel to drynke,
And ofte to swerë at youre wyl,
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So come to heuene, hyt may nat be,
For, God hadde hyt neuer so fre.
[Against Tournaments.]
Of tournamentys þat are forbede
yn holy cherchë, as men rede,
Of tournamentys y preue þerynne,
Seuene poyntës of dedly synne:
Fyrst, ys pryde, as þou wel wost,
Auauntëment, bobaunce, and bost;
Of ryche atyre ys here auaunce,
Prykyng here hors with olypraunce.
wete þou wel þer ys enuye
whan one seeþ anoþer do maystrye,
Oþer yn wurdys, oþer yn dedys;
Enuye moste of alle hem ledys.
Yre and wraþþe may þey nat late;
Ofte are tournamentys made for hate.
Ȝyf euery knyȝt louede oþer weyl,
Tournamentes shulde be neuer a deyl;
And certys þey falle yn sloghnes,
Þey loue hyt more þan God oþer messe;
And, þerof ys hyt no doute,
þey dyspende more gode þer aboute—
þat ys ȝeue allë to folye—
Þan to any dede of mercy.
yn holy cherchë, as men rede,
Of tournamentys y preue þerynne,
Seuene poyntës of dedly synne:
Fyrst, ys pryde, as þou wel wost,
Auauntëment, bobaunce, and bost;
Of ryche atyre ys here auaunce,
Prykyng here hors with olypraunce.
wete þou wel þer ys enuye
whan one seeþ anoþer do maystrye,
Oþer yn wurdys, oþer yn dedys;
Enuye moste of alle hem ledys.
Yre and wraþþe may þey nat late;
Ofte are tournamentys made for hate.
Ȝyf euery knyȝt louede oþer weyl,
Tournamentes shulde be neuer a deyl;
And certys þey falle yn sloghnes,
Þey loue hyt more þan God oþer messe;
And, þerof ys hyt no doute,
þey dyspende more gode þer aboute—
þat ys ȝeue allë to folye—
Þan to any dede of mercy.
And ȝyt may nat, on no wyse,
Be forgete dame coueytyse,
For she shal fonde, on allë wyse,
To wynnë hors, and harnyse.
And ȝyt shal he make sum robbery,
Or bygyle hys hoste þer he shal lye.
Be forgete dame coueytyse,
For she shal fonde, on allë wyse,
To wynnë hors, and harnyse.
And ȝyt shal he make sum robbery,
Or bygyle hys hoste þer he shal lye.
Glotonye also ys hem among,
Delycyus metes to make hem strong;
And drynke þe wyne þat he were lyght,
wyþ glotonye to make hym wyght.
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And drynke þe wyne þat he were lyght,
wyþ glotonye to make hym wyght.
Ȝyt ys þere dame lecherye;
Of here cumþ allë here maystrye.
Many tymes, for wymmen sake,
knyghteys tournamentys make;
And whan he wendyþ to þe tournament
She sendyþ hym sum pryuy present,
And byt hym do for hys lemman
Yn vasshelage alle þat he kan;
So ys he bete þere, for here loue,
Þat he ne may sytte hys hors aboue,
Þat perauenture, yn alle hys lyue
Shal he neuer aftyr þryue.
loke now whedyr swyche tournours
Mow be kallëd turmentours?
For, þey turmente alle with synne;
Þere tourment ys, þer shul þey ynne,
But þey leuë swyche myschaunce,
And for here synnë do penaunce.
Of here cumþ allë here maystrye.
Many tymes, for wymmen sake,
knyghteys tournamentys make;
And whan he wendyþ to þe tournament
She sendyþ hym sum pryuy present,
And byt hym do for hys lemman
Yn vasshelage alle þat he kan;
So ys he bete þere, for here loue,
Þat he ne may sytte hys hors aboue,
Þat perauenture, yn alle hys lyue
Shal he neuer aftyr þryue.
loke now whedyr swyche tournours
Mow be kallëd turmentours?
For, þey turmente alle with synne;
Þere tourment ys, þer shul þey ynne,
But þey leuë swyche myschaunce,
And for here synnë do penaunce.
Also y tellë by iustyng,
Þér-of cumþ myschefful þyng;
Alle ys þe toon with þe touþer,
As a shyppe þat ys turned with þe roþer.
Þér-of cumþ myschefful þyng;
Alle ys þe toon with þe touþer,
As a shyppe þat ys turned with þe roþer.
And þese bourdys of þese squyers,
Also haue þey made for swyche maners
Of prydë, hatë, and enuye,
Sloghtnesse, coueytyse, and glotonye:
lecherye makþ hem alle to bygynne;
Þese wymmen are partyners of þere synne.
Also haue þey made for swyche maners
Of prydë, hatë, and enuye,
Sloghtnesse, coueytyse, and glotonye:
lecherye makþ hem alle to bygynne;
Þese wymmen are partyners of þere synne.
A clerk of order þat haþ þe name,
Ȝyf he iuste, he ys to blame,
Hyt were wurþy þat had þe gre,
Brokyn þe armë, legge, or thee;
hyt ys forsoþe, ȝyf he so werche,
Aȝens þe state of holy cherche.
Ȝyf he iuste, he ys to blame,
Hyt were wurþy þat had þe gre,
Brokyn þe armë, legge, or thee;
hyt ys forsoþe, ȝyf he so werche,
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hyt ys forbode hym, yn þe decre,
Myrácles for to make or se;
For, myrácles ȝyf þou bygynne,
Hyt ys a gaderyng, a syght of synne,
Myrácles for to make or se;
For, myrácles ȝyf þou bygynne,
Hyt ys a gaderyng, a syght of synne,
He may yn þe cherche, þurgh þys resun,
Pley þe resurreccyun,—
Þat ys to seyë, how God ros,
God and man yn myȝt and los,—
To make men be yn beleuë gode
Þat he ros with flesshe and blode;
And he may pleye, withoutyn plyght
howe God was bore yn ȝolë nyght,
To make men to beleue stedfastly
Þat he lyght yn þe vyrgyne Mary.
Pley þe resurreccyun,—
Þat ys to seyë, how God ros,
God and man yn myȝt and los,—
To make men be yn beleuë gode
Þat he ros with flesshe and blode;
And he may pleye, withoutyn plyght
howe God was bore yn ȝolë nyght,
To make men to beleue stedfastly
Þat he lyght yn þe vyrgyne Mary.
Ȝif þou do hyt yn weyys or greuys,
A syght of synne truly hyt semys.
Seynt Ysodre, y take to wyttnes,
For he hyt seyþ, þat soþe hyt es;
þus hyt seyþ, yn hys boke,
Þey forsakë þat þey toke—
God and herë crystendam—
Þat make swyche pleyys to any man
As myrácles and bourdys,
Or tournamentys of grete prys.
þese are þe pompes þat þou forsoke,
Fryst whan þou þy crystendam toke.
At þe fonte, seyþ þe lewed man,
“y forsake þe, here, Satan,
And alle þy pompes and all thy werkys:”
Þys ys þy lore, aftyr þe clerkys.
haldyst þou forward, e, certys nay,
whan þou makyst swyche a-dray?
Aȝens God þou brekest cunnaunt,
And seruyst ȝoure syre, Termagaunt.
Seynt Ysodre seyþ yn hys wrytyng,
‘Alle þo þat delyte to se swyche þyng,
Or hors or harneys lenyþ þar-tyl;
Ȝyt haue þey gylt of here peryl.’
A syght of synne truly hyt semys.
Seynt Ysodre, y take to wyttnes,
For he hyt seyþ, þat soþe hyt es;
þus hyt seyþ, yn hys boke,
Þey forsakë þat þey toke—
God and herë crystendam—
Þat make swyche pleyys to any man
As myrácles and bourdys,
Or tournamentys of grete prys.
þese are þe pompes þat þou forsoke,
Fryst whan þou þy crystendam toke.
At þe fonte, seyþ þe lewed man,
“y forsake þe, here, Satan,
And alle þy pompes and all thy werkys:”
Þys ys þy lore, aftyr þe clerkys.
haldyst þou forward, e, certys nay,
whan þou makyst swyche a-dray?
Aȝens God þou brekest cunnaunt,
And seruyst ȝoure syre, Termagaunt.
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‘Alle þo þat delyte to se swyche þyng,
Or hors or harneys lenyþ þar-tyl;
Ȝyt haue þey gylt of here peryl.’
Ȝyf prest or clerk lene vestëment
Þat halwed ys þurgh sacrament;
More þan ouþer þey are to blame,
Of sacrylege þey haue þe fame:
Famë, for þey falle yn plyght,
Þey shuld be chastysed þerfor with ryȝt.
Þat halwed ys þurgh sacrament;
More þan ouþer þey are to blame,
Of sacrylege þey haue þe fame:
Famë, for þey falle yn plyght,
Þey shuld be chastysed þerfor with ryȝt.
Daunces, karols, somour games,
Of many swych come many shames;
whan þou stodyst to makë þyse,
Þou art slogh yn Goddys seruyse;
And þat synnen yn swych þurgh þe,
For hem þou shalt a-couped be.
Of many swych come many shames;
whan þou stodyst to makë þyse,
Þou art slogh yn Goddys seruyse;
And þat synnen yn swych þurgh þe,
For hem þou shalt a-couped be.
what seye ȝe by euery mynstral,
Þat yn swyche þynges delyte hem alle?
Here doyng ys ful perylous,
Hyt loueth noþer God ne goddys house;
Hem were leuer here of a daunce,
Of bost, and of olypraunce,
Þan any gode of God of heuene,
Or ouþer wysdom þat were to neuene.
Yn foly ys allë þat þey gete,
here cloth, here drynkë, and here mete.
And, for swych þyng, telle y shal,
what byfyl onys of a mynstral:
Seynt Gregorye telleþ yn hys spell
how hyt of a mynstral fell.
Þat yn swyche þynges delyte hem alle?
Here doyng ys ful perylous,
Hyt loueth noþer God ne goddys house;
Hem were leuer here of a daunce,
Of bost, and of olypraunce,
Þan any gode of God of heuene,
Or ouþer wysdom þat were to neuene.
Yn foly ys allë þat þey gete,
here cloth, here drynkë, and here mete.
And, for swych þyng, telle y shal,
what byfyl onys of a mynstral:
Seynt Gregorye telleþ yn hys spell
how hyt of a mynstral fell.
[The Tale of the Minstrel who was kild for disturbing a Bishop.]
A mynstralle, a gulardous,
Come onys to a bysshopes hous
And asked þere þe charyte;
Þe porter lete hym haue entre;
Come onys to a bysshopes hous
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Þe porter lete hym haue entre;
At tyme of mete, þe bourde was leyd,
And þe benesun shuld be seyd;
Þys mynstral made hys melody
with gretë noyse, and loude, and hy.
Of þe bysshope, þe famë ran
Þat he was an holy man;
Þe bysshope sette hym at þe bourde,
And shuld haue blessed hyt with wurde;
So was he sturbled with þe mynstral,
Þat he hadde no grace to sey with-alle
His graces ryght deuoutëly
For þe noyse of þe mynstralsy.
And þe benesun shuld be seyd;
Þys mynstral made hys melody
with gretë noyse, and loude, and hy.
Of þe bysshope, þe famë ran
Þat he was an holy man;
Þe bysshope sette hym at þe bourde,
And shuld haue blessed hyt with wurde;
So was he sturbled with þe mynstral,
Þat he hadde no grace to sey with-alle
His graces ryght deuoutëly
For þe noyse of þe mynstralsy.
Þe bysshope pleyned hym ful sore,
And seyd to allë þat were þore,
Þat he ne shulde make hys nycete
Before the graces of þe charyte.
He sagh hyt weyl, þurgh þe spryt,
Þat þer shuld come veniaunce astyt.
“Ȝyueþ hym þe charyte, & latyþ hym go;
Hys deþ ys nygh, þat shal hym slo.”
He toke charyte, and toke hys gate;
And as he passed out at þe ȝate,
A stonë fyl down of þe wal,
And slogh þerë þe mynstral.
And seyd to allë þat were þore,
Þat he ne shulde make hys nycete
Before the graces of þe charyte.
He sagh hyt weyl, þurgh þe spryt,
Þat þer shuld come veniaunce astyt.
“Ȝyueþ hym þe charyte, & latyþ hym go;
Hys deþ ys nygh, þat shal hym slo.”
He toke charyte, and toke hys gate;
And as he passed out at þe ȝate,
A stonë fyl down of þe wal,
And slogh þerë þe mynstral.
Þat betokened þat God was noght
Payd of þat þe mynstral wroght,
Þat he desturbled þe benesoun
And þe gode mannys deuocyoun.
Payd of þat þe mynstral wroght,
Þat he desturbled þe benesoun
And þe gode mannys deuocyoun.
Þys tolde y for þe glemennes sake,
To loke whan þey here gle shuld make;
And also for þo þat shuld hyt here,
Þat þey loue hyt nat so dere,
Ne haue þerynne so grete lykyng,
Þe lesse to wurschyp heuene kyng.
To loke whan þey here gle shuld make;
And also for þo þat shuld hyt here,
Þat þey loue hyt nat so dere,
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Þe lesse to wurschyp heuene kyng.
[A Tale of Bishop St. Robert Grostest of Lincoln, and why he lovd Music.]
Y shall ȝow telle, as y haue herd,
Of þe bysshope Seynt Roberd;
Hys tonamë ys ‘Grostest
Of Lynkolne,’ so seyþ þe gest.
he loued moche to here þe harpe,
For mannys wytte hyt makyþ sharpe;
Next hys chaumbre, besyde hys stody,
Hys harpers chaumbre was fast þerby.
Many tymes, be nyȝtys and dayys,
He had solace of notes and layys.
One asked hym onys, resun why
he hadde delyte yn mynstralsy:
he answerede hym on þys manere,
why he helde þe harper so dere,
“Þe vertu of þe harpe, þurgh skylle & ryȝt,
wyl destroye þe fendës myȝt,
And to þe croys by godë skylle
Ys þe harpë lykened weyle.
Of þe bysshope Seynt Roberd;
Hys tonamë ys ‘Grostest
Of Lynkolne,’ so seyþ þe gest.
he loued moche to here þe harpe,
For mannys wytte hyt makyþ sharpe;
Next hys chaumbre, besyde hys stody,
Hys harpers chaumbre was fast þerby.
Many tymes, be nyȝtys and dayys,
He had solace of notes and layys.
One asked hym onys, resun why
he hadde delyte yn mynstralsy:
he answerede hym on þys manere,
why he helde þe harper so dere,
“Þe vertu of þe harpe, þurgh skylle & ryȝt,
wyl destroye þe fendës myȝt,
And to þe croys by godë skylle
Ys þe harpë lykened weyle.
Anoþer poynt cumfórteþ me,
Þat God haþ sent vnto a tre
So mochë ioye to here with eere;
Moche þan morë ioye ys þere
with God hym-selfë, þere he wonys;
Þe harpe þerof me oftë mones;
Of þe ioye and of þe blys
where God hym-self wonys and ys.
Þare-for, gode men, ȝe shul lere,
whan ȝe any glemen here,
To wurschep God at ȝoure powere,
As Dauyd seyþ yn þe sautere,
“yn harpe, yn thabour, and symphan gle,
wurschepe God, yn troumpes, and sautre,
yn cordys, an organes, and bellys ryngyng,
yn al þese, wurschepe ȝe heuene kyng.”
Ȝyf ȝe do þus, y sey hardly,
Ȝe mow here ȝoure mynstralsy.
Þat God haþ sent vnto a tre
So mochë ioye to here with eere;
Moche þan morë ioye ys þere
with God hym-selfë, þere he wonys;
Þe harpe þerof me oftë mones;
Of þe ioye and of þe blys
where God hym-self wonys and ys.
Þare-for, gode men, ȝe shul lere,
whan ȝe any glemen here,
To wurschep God at ȝoure powere,
As Dauyd seyþ yn þe sautere,
“yn harpe, yn thabour, and symphan gle,
wurschepe God, yn troumpes, and sautre,
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yn al þese, wurschepe ȝe heuene kyng.”
Ȝyf ȝe do þus, y sey hardly,
Ȝe mow here ȝoure mynstralsy.
Ȝyf þou lyggë long yn synne,
And wylt nat ryse, ne þerof blynne,
Certeynly, for euery oure
Þou shalt ȝelde a-counte ful soure;
For euery oure þat þou þeryn lay
Yn purgatorye þou gest þy pay.
Hyt ys sloghnes, and kalled ‘accyde,’
Fro Goddys seruyse so long þe hyde.
And wylt nat ryse, ne þerof blynne,
Certeynly, for euery oure
Þou shalt ȝelde a-counte ful soure;
For euery oure þat þou þeryn lay
Yn purgatorye þou gest þy pay.
Hyt ys sloghnes, and kalled ‘accyde,’
Fro Goddys seruyse so long þe hyde.
And some, alle þe ȝere wyllyn abyde
Of shryftë tyl þe lentyn tyde;
And nygh tyl lentyn be al gone
Mede for fastyng gete þey none;
Þat ys, for sloghnes þey wyl nat ryse;
lyggyng yn synne, ys lore seruyse.
Of shryftë tyl þe lentyn tyde;
And nygh tyl lentyn be al gone
Mede for fastyng gete þey none;
Þat ys, for sloghnes þey wyl nat ryse;
lyggyng yn synne, ys lore seruyse.
And, sum men, yn alle here lyue,
Clenly ne wylë þey hem shryue;
For þey synne alle yn hope of grace,
At here endyng wene þey haue space;
Þan þenkë þey to shryue hem clene:
To swyche men, God sheweþ hys tene.
Hyt ys seyd al day, for þys skyl,
“he þat wyl nat whan he may,
He shal nat, when he wyl, [haue pay.]”
And þer byþ many one ful euyl to wynne
To any godenes fro vylë synne;
Euyl tokyn hyt ys of swyche a man,
God hym deme; for y ne kan.
Clenly ne wylë þey hem shryue;
For þey synne alle yn hope of grace,
At here endyng wene þey haue space;
Þan þenkë þey to shryue hem clene:
To swyche men, God sheweþ hys tene.
Hyt ys seyd al day, for þys skyl,
“he þat wyl nat whan he may,
He shal nat, when he wyl, [haue pay.]”
And þer byþ many one ful euyl to wynne
To any godenes fro vylë synne;
Euyl tokyn hyt ys of swyche a man,
God hym deme; for y ne kan.
And þyr are ouþer þat mys dous,
As a best, for defaute þat goþ lous.
But whan men techë hem þe wey,
And þey wyl do as men hem sey;
A tokyn hyt ys, þey shul haue grace
To come to God, and hauë space.
And he may hope of euyl endyng
Þat nonë may to Godë brynge.
As a best, for defaute þat goþ lous.
But whan men techë hem þe wey,
And þey wyl do as men hem sey;
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To come to God, and hauë space.
And he may hope of euyl endyng
Þat nonë may to Godë brynge.
A slogh messagere, hys wylland,
Þat charged ys wyþ lordes erand,
Ȝyf he go nat as he ys sent,
He ys wurþy to be shent.
Man þat wel spedyþ hym yn dede,
And messáger smart at nede,
Þey shul stonde byfore þe kyng,
And hauë mede to here askyng.
Þat charged ys wyþ lordes erand,
Ȝyf he go nat as he ys sent,
He ys wurþy to be shent.
Man þat wel spedyþ hym yn dede,
And messáger smart at nede,
Þey shul stonde byfore þe kyng,
And hauë mede to here askyng.
A persone ys slogh yn holy cherche
Þat on hys shepë wyl nat werche
How þey shul hem-self[ë] ȝeme,
And God and holy cherche to queme.
Þe hyghë shepard shal hym blame,
how he lateþ hem go to shame.
Þat on hys shepë wyl nat werche
How þey shul hem-self[ë] ȝeme,
And God and holy cherche to queme.
Þe hyghë shepard shal hym blame,
how he lateþ hem go to shame.
Ȝyf he se yn any þyng
Þat þey haue defaute of chastysyng,
But he teche hem and chastyse so
Þat þey forward better do,
For hem he shal, at þe assyse,
Be ponysshed before þe hygh Iustyse.
Also behoueþ hym, for hem pray,
Þat God, of grace, wysse hem þe wey.
Þat þey haue defaute of chastysyng,
But he teche hem and chastyse so
Þat þey forward better do,
For hem he shal, at þe assyse,
Be ponysshed before þe hygh Iustyse.
Also behoueþ hym, for hem pray,
Þat God, of grace, wysse hem þe wey.
Ȝyf any of hem defautë has,
And he may helpe hem yn þat kas,
And wyl nat, for vnkyndhede,
But late hem perysshe þer for nede,
Ful harde a-countë shal he ȝelde
Þat he myȝt helpe whan he ne welde.
Ȝyf he kyndly vndyrstode,
Of hem he haþ al hys gode;
For, God seyþ yn þe gospel þys,
Vpbreydyng hem when þey do mys:
Þe mylke, þe wulle, þey wyl receyue;
And syþþen þe shepe þey wyle late weyue.
Holy wrytë swyche men holdes
As wyldë wuluës brekyng foldes.
Swyche a personë ys ful slogh,
Be he hygh, or be he logh.
And he may helpe hem yn þat kas,
And wyl nat, for vnkyndhede,
But late hem perysshe þer for nede,
Ful harde a-countë shal he ȝelde
Þat he myȝt helpe whan he ne welde.
Ȝyf he kyndly vndyrstode,
Of hem he haþ al hys gode;
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Vpbreydyng hem when þey do mys:
Þe mylke, þe wulle, þey wyl receyue;
And syþþen þe shepe þey wyle late weyue.
Holy wrytë swyche men holdes
As wyldë wuluës brekyng foldes.
Swyche a personë ys ful slogh,
Be he hygh, or be he logh.
Man or womman þat haþ a chylde
Þat wyþ vnþewys wexyþ wylde,
Þat wyl boþe myssey and do,
Chastysment behoueþ þarto;
But ȝe hem chastyse at ȝoure myȝt,
Ȝe falle, ellys, for hem yn plyȝt.
Better were þe chylde vnbore
Þan fayle chastysyng, and syþþen lore.
Þus seyth þe wys kyng Salamonn
To men and wymmen euerychonn,
“wyle ȝe þat ȝoure chyldryn be a-ferd,
Ȝyueþ hem þe smert ende of þe ȝerde;”
And techeþ hem gode þewys echone;
Ȝyt dur ȝow brekë hem no bone.
Þat wyþ vnþewys wexyþ wylde,
Þat wyl boþe myssey and do,
Chastysment behoueþ þarto;
But ȝe hem chastyse at ȝoure myȝt,
Ȝe falle, ellys, for hem yn plyȝt.
Better were þe chylde vnbore
Þan fayle chastysyng, and syþþen lore.
Þus seyth þe wys kyng Salamonn
To men and wymmen euerychonn,
“wyle ȝe þat ȝoure chyldryn be a-ferd,
Ȝyueþ hem þe smert ende of þe ȝerde;”
And techeþ hem gode þewys echone;
Ȝyt dur ȝow brekë hem no bone.
[The Tale of the Father that would not chastise his Child.]
y shal ȝow telle a wundyr þyng
Þat fylle for defaute of chastysyng:
Seynt Gregory telleþ, þat mochë kan,
Of a folë husbunde man
Þat hatede a chylde þat he furþe broght
wykkedly, for he chastyed hym noght.
Þys chylde was wurþy for to blame,
For ofte he cursed Goddys name;
whan aght was do aȝens hys wylle,
He cursede Goddys name wyþ ylle.
Seynt Gregory tellyþ hyt wyþ grete eye;
But as he seyþ, þan dar y seye.
Þat fylle for defaute of chastysyng:
Seynt Gregory telleþ, þat mochë kan,
Of a folë husbunde man
Þat hatede a chylde þat he furþe broght
wykkedly, for he chastyed hym noght.
Þys chylde was wurþy for to blame,
For ofte he cursed Goddys name;
whan aght was do aȝens hys wylle,
He cursede Goddys name wyþ ylle.
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But as he seyþ, þan dar y seye.
Þys ychë chyld [sone] aftyrward
Fyl yn[to] a syknes hard;
Þe fadyr hadde þerof pyte,
Þe chyld he daunted on hys kne,
And haddë þarfor mochë kare
Þat he sagh hys chylde so fare;
For hyt began to braye and crye
As, þogh hyt shuld al to-flye.
Fyl yn[to] a syknes hard;
Þe fadyr hadde þerof pyte,
Þe chyld he daunted on hys kne,
And haddë þarfor mochë kare
Þat he sagh hys chylde so fare;
For hyt began to braye and crye
As, þogh hyt shuld al to-flye.
Þe fadyr asked, why hyt so ferde,
Or what hyt sagh, or what hyt herde.
Þe chyldë seyd “blake men, blake,
Aré aboutë, me to take;
Me, wyþ hem, wyl þey lede,
Y ne shal skapë for no nede.”
Yn þe fadrys bosum hyt wulde hym hyde,
But þe fende, þat ychë tyde,
Refte þe saulë vnto helle.
Þan began þe chylde to ȝelle,
And cursed onys Goddys name,
And deyde, and ȝede to helle with shame.
Or what hyt sagh, or what hyt herde.
Þe chyldë seyd “blake men, blake,
Aré aboutë, me to take;
Me, wyþ hem, wyl þey lede,
Y ne shal skapë for no nede.”
Yn þe fadrys bosum hyt wulde hym hyde,
But þe fende, þat ychë tyde,
Refte þe saulë vnto helle.
Þan began þe chylde to ȝelle,
And cursed onys Goddys name,
And deyde, and ȝede to helle with shame.
Þys yche chylde þat y haue of tolde,
was but fyuë wyntyr olde.
Þus þe chylde þat was so ȝunge
was lore for faute of chastysynge.
But þe fadyr, þat no gode couþe,
Myȝte haue chastyëd hym with mouþe,
Stoutly, for euery a lak,
And betë hyt, whan hyt so spak.
was but fyuë wyntyr olde.
Þus þe chylde þat was so ȝunge
was lore for faute of chastysynge.
But þe fadyr, þat no gode couþe,
Myȝte haue chastyëd hym with mouþe,
Stoutly, for euery a lak,
And betë hyt, whan hyt so spak.
Oueral y se þys custome wonys;
Rychë men haue shrewed sonys,—
Shrewys yn dedë and yn sawe,—
why? For þey haue nonnë awe.
Yn hys ȝouþe shal he mysseye
And skornë ouþer by þe weye;
Þan seyþ þe fadyr “þys chyldys wurde
Ne shal nat ley allë yn hurde.”
And ȝyf he lernë gylerye,
Fals wurde and feynt trenlyng with ye,
Þat halte hys fadyr a queyntyse
And of slygh wyt, to knowe þat wyse.
Ȝyf he do skaþe gladly with fyght,
Þan seyþ þe fadyr “he shal be wyght;
He shal be hardy, and no man drede,
He begynneþ be tyme be doghty yn dede.”
But ryght so shal hyt of hem falle
As dyd of Ely sonys alle.
y shal ȝow telle, to preue my sawe,
what fyl yn þe oldë lawe.
yn þe byble hyt tellyþ, þat toucheþ swych þynges,
yn þe holy boke of kynges;
And wrytë hyt ys opunly,
Of a patryark, syre Ely.
Rychë men haue shrewed sonys,—
Shrewys yn dedë and yn sawe,—
why? For þey haue nonnë awe.
Yn hys ȝouþe shal he mysseye
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Þan seyþ þe fadyr “þys chyldys wurde
Ne shal nat ley allë yn hurde.”
And ȝyf he lernë gylerye,
Fals wurde and feynt trenlyng with ye,
Þat halte hys fadyr a queyntyse
And of slygh wyt, to knowe þat wyse.
Ȝyf he do skaþe gladly with fyght,
Þan seyþ þe fadyr “he shal be wyght;
He shal be hardy, and no man drede,
He begynneþ be tyme be doghty yn dede.”
But ryght so shal hyt of hem falle
As dyd of Ely sonys alle.
y shal ȝow telle, to preue my sawe,
what fyl yn þe oldë lawe.
yn þe byble hyt tellyþ, þat toucheþ swych þynges,
yn þe holy boke of kynges;
And wrytë hyt ys opunly,
Of a patryark, syre Ely.
[The tale of ‘Syre Ely’ and his wicked Sons.]
Þys Ely was a man ryȝt ryche,
And, to hys chyldrén ryght blyche;
he hadde twey sonys, þat ys no les,
‘Ofnee’ the toon hyght, þe touþer ‘Fynees.’
Þese twey chyldryn dyd ful wykkedly
To man and woman þat þey come by;
Lyers, robbours, and lechours,
Skorners, and also auoutours;
wymmen þat to þe temple come,
here offryng from hem þey nome.
Þese wymmen come to syre Ely,
And pleyned hem of grete vyleynye,
‘Þat hys sonys were vnhende,
hem also for to shende.
O defaute was, þey by hem lay;
A-noþer, þey bare here offryng away.’
“Do þerof sum chástysyng,
For þe loue of heuene kyng!”
And, to hys chyldrén ryght blyche;
he hadde twey sonys, þat ys no les,
‘Ofnee’ the toon hyght, þe touþer ‘Fynees.’
Þese twey chyldryn dyd ful wykkedly
To man and woman þat þey come by;
Lyers, robbours, and lechours,
Skorners, and also auoutours;
wymmen þat to þe temple come,
here offryng from hem þey nome.
Þese wymmen come to syre Ely,
And pleyned hem of grete vyleynye,
‘Þat hys sonys were vnhende,
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O defaute was, þey by hem lay;
A-noþer, þey bare here offryng away.’
“Do þerof sum chástysyng,
For þe loue of heuene kyng!”
Here fadyr Ely þan was wo,
For þat yche fame shulde of hem go.
Ely kalled hys sone, “Ofnee
And Fyneës, come ȝe to me!
Sonës,” he seyde, “ȝe are me dere;
y bydde ȝow boþe, on feyre manere,
Þat ȝe leue ȝoure foly dedes,
And ouþer foly þat ȝow ledys;
Y herë of ȝow foulë fame,
Þe folkë seyn ȝe are to blame;
Y rede ȝe leue alle swych foly,
Þat y of ȝow here no more cry.”
For þat yche fame shulde of hem go.
Ely kalled hys sone, “Ofnee
And Fyneës, come ȝe to me!
Sonës,” he seyde, “ȝe are me dere;
y bydde ȝow boþe, on feyre manere,
Þat ȝe leue ȝoure foly dedes,
And ouþer foly þat ȝow ledys;
Y herë of ȝow foulë fame,
Þe folkë seyn ȝe are to blame;
Y rede ȝe leue alle swych foly,
Þat y of ȝow here no more cry.”
Þese chyldryn were strong and stout;
Of fadres byddyng þey hadde no dout,
But werë shrewys for þe more,
Or werse þan þey hadde be byfore;
And God was wroþe wyþ here mysdede
Þat þey ne leftë for no drede;
And, God was wyþ Ely wroþe,
For he dyd hys sones no loþe,
To chastyse hem wyþ fyn awe
And with þe smartnes of þe lawe.
Of fadres byddyng þey hadde no dout,
But werë shrewys for þe more,
Or werse þan þey hadde be byfore;
And God was wroþe wyþ here mysdede
Þat þey ne leftë for no drede;
And, God was wyþ Ely wroþe,
For he dyd hys sones no loþe,
To chastyse hem wyþ fyn awe
And with þe smartnes of þe lawe.
Þarfor toke god hys venïaunce
Of hem, and mo, for þat myschaunce;
He lete þe fals Phylystyens,
Þe folk of Isrel to werre aȝens.
Ely and hys, þey gunne assayle,
And ouercome hem tweys yn batayle.
Of hem, and mo, for þat myschaunce;
He lete þe fals Phylystyens,
Þe folk of Isrel to werre aȝens.
Ely and hys, þey gunne assayle,
And ouercome hem tweys yn batayle.
Þese Phylystyens þat hadde þe maystry,
Beleuyd on Dagoun, a maumettry.
On a god þat þey kalled Dagoun,
Beleued þe Phylystynes echoun.
Þarefor hyt was but Goddys suffraunce
Þat shewyd why þey hadde swych chaunce.
Beleuyd on Dagoun, a maumettry.
On a god þat þey kalled Dagoun,
Beleued þe Phylystynes echoun.
Þarefor hyt was but Goddys suffraunce
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Þe folk of Isrel had þoght, and syghte,
For þey were twyys scumfyghte;
Þey ordeyned hem on allë wyse
how þey shulde best to batayle ryse,
Aȝens þe Phylystynes for to go,
And hem dyscumfytë and slo.
þey ordeyned hem for to bere
Goddys arke with hem yn to were.
Ely sones were stoute and stark,
And were chose to bere Goddys ark;
For reuerence þey ded hyt, of Ely,
And for þey were of body doghty.
For þey were twyys scumfyghte;
Þey ordeyned hem on allë wyse
how þey shulde best to batayle ryse,
Aȝens þe Phylystynes for to go,
And hem dyscumfytë and slo.
þey ordeyned hem for to bere
Goddys arke with hem yn to were.
Ely sones were stoute and stark,
And were chose to bere Goddys ark;
For reuerence þey ded hyt, of Ely,
And for þey were of body doghty.
Goddys ark was of swych manere
As men make now shrynës here.
yn þys ark werë þre þynges
Þat men ȝaue to here offrynges;
Þar-yn was Moyses table
whar-on God wrote þe lawë stable;
And Aarons ȝerd, and a potte of golde:
Þese þre relykes þey helde ful holde.
Yn þe pottë was a floure,
whyte, and swete of al sauoure,
Þat floure ys kalled ‘aungelys mete’
Þat God ȝafe þe folke to ete
whan þey were yn wyldernes
Forty wyntyr, yn hard stres.
Þese þyngës þan bare Ely sones
yn-to þe batayle þat ȝyt of mones.
As men make now shrynës here.
yn þys ark werë þre þynges
Þat men ȝaue to here offrynges;
Þar-yn was Moyses table
whar-on God wrote þe lawë stable;
And Aarons ȝerd, and a potte of golde:
Þese þre relykes þey helde ful holde.
Yn þe pottë was a floure,
whyte, and swete of al sauoure,
Þat floure ys kalled ‘aungelys mete’
Þat God ȝafe þe folke to ete
whan þey were yn wyldernes
Forty wyntyr, yn hard stres.
Þese þyngës þan bare Ely sones
yn-to þe batayle þat ȝyt of mones.
Þe phylystyens come hem for to assayle,
And slogh Ely sonës yn batayle,
And rauysshed Goddys ark þere,
And slogh þe folk þat þer were,
And þe relykys þat þere were ynne:
Alle were lore for þe sonys synne.
And slogh Ely sonës yn batayle,
And rauysshed Goddys ark þere,
And slogh þe folk þat þer were,
And þe relykys þat þere were ynne:
Alle were lore for þe sonys synne.
whan þe folk to þe batayle fore,
Ely sette hym at þe temple dore
yn a chayre, and was herkenyng
Fro þe batayle sum tydyng,
On what manere þe folk shulde spede,
For of Goddys ark he had grete drede.
Ely sette hym at þe temple dore
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Fro þe batayle sum tydyng,
On what manere þe folk shulde spede,
For of Goddys ark he had grete drede.
One come rennyng hastyly,
And broghte þys tydyng to Ely
Þat hys sonys were boþe slayn,
And Goddys ark with myght and mayn
was bore away for euermore.
Alas, þe sorow þat he hadde þerfore!
whan Ely herd þys euyl tydyng,
For sorowe he gan hys handys wryng,
And fyl bakward of hys chayre,
And brak on two hys swyer;
And of hys hede he brake þe bone,
Þe harnës lay vpp-on þe stone.
And broghte þys tydyng to Ely
Þat hys sonys were boþe slayn,
And Goddys ark with myght and mayn
was bore away for euermore.
Alas, þe sorow þat he hadde þerfore!
whan Ely herd þys euyl tydyng,
For sorowe he gan hys handys wryng,
And fyl bakward of hys chayre,
And brak on two hys swyer;
And of hys hede he brake þe bone,
Þe harnës lay vpp-on þe stone.
Þys ychë tale ys no tryfyl,
For hyt ys wryte yn þe bybyl;
And to ȝow y telle hyt here,
Ȝoure sonys to chastyse and to lere,
Þat ȝe, ne þey, be nat shent
For defaute of chastysment
Bodyly, yn þys worlde here,
And aftyr þat, þe soule so dere.
For hyt ys wryte yn þe bybyl;
And to ȝow y telle hyt here,
Ȝoure sonys to chastyse and to lere,
Þat ȝe, ne þey, be nat shent
For defaute of chastysment
Bodyly, yn þys worlde here,
And aftyr þat, þe soule so dere.
Þenkeþ on Ely and on hys sonys;
And to gode ȝoure chyldryn wones.
For, ryght so as hem gan tyde,
Swyche as þey were, þe same mow byde.
Of sloghnes þys ys þe assyse
whan þou wylt nat betyme chastyse.
And to gode ȝoure chyldryn wones.
For, ryght so as hem gan tyde,
Swyche as þey were, þe same mow byde.
Of sloghnes þys ys þe assyse
whan þou wylt nat betyme chastyse.
Ȝyt ys þyr an ydulnes,—
A grete vnwysdom for soþe hyt ys,—
whan a ȝunge man dragh lyte on lenkþe,
And wyl nat trauayle yn hys ȝungþe,
Ne lernë hym craft for to wynne,
Yn hys agë to leue wel ynne.
Certes me þenkeþ hym ful slogh;
Hys þryfte wyl melte away with snogh.
And þogh a man haue oght erytage
Þat he may lyue wyþ weyl yn age,
Certes ȝyt behoueþ hym lere
Manhede and curtesye yn fere.
A man hys manhedë shal ȝerne
hymself and hys meynë to gouerne.
A grete vnwysdom for soþe hyt ys,—
whan a ȝunge man dragh lyte on lenkþe,
And wyl nat trauayle yn hys ȝungþe,
Ne lernë hym craft for to wynne,
Yn hys agë to leue wel ynne.
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Hys þryfte wyl melte away with snogh.
And þogh a man haue oght erytage
Þat he may lyue wyþ weyl yn age,
Certes ȝyt behoueþ hym lere
Manhede and curtesye yn fere.
A man hys manhedë shal ȝerne
hymself and hys meynë to gouerne.
Þus seyþ þe kyng Salamon,
And þese holy men echone;
“Hyt ys an ydulnes yn here lyfe,
Alle þat ouþer man or wyfe
Trauayleþ for þe lyuës fode,
And lytyl for þe soulës gode.
And þese holy men echone;
“Hyt ys an ydulnes yn here lyfe,
Alle þat ouþer man or wyfe
Trauayleþ for þe lyuës fode,
And lytyl for þe soulës gode.
Þogh þou trauayle alle þat þou may,
Ne be þou neuer so ryche ne gay,
But þou serue God yn alle þy þoght
Þat þy soule to heuene be broght,
Sykyrlyche alle ys hyt but lore,
Þy grete trauayle syn þou were bore;
Alle for sloghthede be tolde hyt shal,
To werche al day, and lese hyt alle.
Ne be þou neuer so ryche ne gay,
But þou serue God yn alle þy þoght
Þat þy soule to heuene be broght,
Sykyrlyche alle ys hyt but lore,
Þy grete trauayle syn þou were bore;
Alle for sloghthede be tolde hyt shal,
To werche al day, and lese hyt alle.
Ȝyt us þyr an vnkynde sloghþhede,
Þat a man vnneþ, for no gode dede,
wyl wurschep God derwrþly,
But more þarfor aȝens hym ly.
And mayst þou þe soþë se
Of rychë men, how stout þey be;
For many one þat he ȝyfþ to rychesse,
Of God and man þey ȝyue no lesse.
Ȝyf he ȝyue to any hys ryght lemes,
To þanke hym þerof, no man ȝeue nymes.
loke alle þy lymës, fete and hondes,
And, ȝyf þou weyl vndyrstondys
Þat þou ne hast nedë of þo,
Þank hym noþer yn wele no wo;
And ȝyf þou mayst forberë noun,
Þank þan hym of euerychoun;
y rede we þanke hym of euery poynt,
Syn we may nat forbere þe lest Ioynt.
Þat a man vnneþ, for no gode dede,
wyl wurschep God derwrþly,
But more þarfor aȝens hym ly.
And mayst þou þe soþë se
Of rychë men, how stout þey be;
For many one þat he ȝyfþ to rychesse,
Of God and man þey ȝyue no lesse.
Ȝyf he ȝyue to any hys ryght lemes,
To þanke hym þerof, no man ȝeue nymes.
loke alle þy lymës, fete and hondes,
And, ȝyf þou weyl vndyrstondys
Þat þou ne hast nedë of þo,
Þank hym noþer yn wele no wo;
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Þank þan hym of euerychoun;
y rede we þanke hym of euery poynt,
Syn we may nat forbere þe lest Ioynt.
ȝyt þyr ys a sloghþehede yn þys synne;
Vnkynde men are alle þer-ynne;
yn sum man, vnkyndehede ys so rank
Þat he ne may cunne no man þank
For no gode dede þat men hym dous.
A dogge ys kynder, þat goþ lous,
For, ȝyue a dogge þryd part hys fode,
And he shal euer weyte þe gode,
And euermorë be wyþ þe,
For lyfë ne deþ wyl he fle.
Vnkynde men are alle þer-ynne;
yn sum man, vnkyndehede ys so rank
Þat he ne may cunne no man þank
For no gode dede þat men hym dous.
A dogge ys kynder, þat goþ lous,
For, ȝyue a dogge þryd part hys fode,
And he shal euer weyte þe gode,
And euermorë be wyþ þe,
For lyfë ne deþ wyl he fle.
By þys skyl mayst þou se how
An hounde ys kynder þan art þou;
And ȝyt may hyt preuyd be
Þat þou art as vnkynde as he.
Of þe houndë, þys y fynde,
Þat most he hateþ hys owne kynde;
For that yche houndë þat hym gat,
Most of allë hateþ he þat;
And hys modyr he hateþ also;
He byt here, ȝyf he may cum here to.
Ȝyf ȝe vndyrstondë kan,
Þus faryþ hyt of a vnkynd man;
For he loueþ more an ouþer kynde,
And þarto ys wel morë mynde,
Þan he douþ þat ychë flesshe
Of whos kynde he cum forþe ys.
An hounde ys kynder þan art þou;
And ȝyt may hyt preuyd be
Þat þou art as vnkynde as he.
Of þe houndë, þys y fynde,
Þat most he hateþ hys owne kynde;
For that yche houndë þat hym gat,
Most of allë hateþ he þat;
And hys modyr he hateþ also;
He byt here, ȝyf he may cum here to.
Ȝyf ȝe vndyrstondë kan,
Þus faryþ hyt of a vnkynd man;
For he loueþ more an ouþer kynde,
And þarto ys wel morë mynde,
Þan he douþ þat ychë flesshe
Of whos kynde he cum forþe ys.
A-noþer þyng ȝyt ys, ȝyf þou ȝeue kepe,
Þat many loue more nete and shepe
Þan he douþ hys emcrystene,
Or of hys harme wyl oght bemene.
And þys ys a grete vnkyndnes,
And also aȝen manhede hyt ys;
And sloghþëhede wel for to proue,
Vnkyndly, and lowe, to loue.
Þat many loue more nete and shepe
Þan he douþ hys emcrystene,
Or of hys harme wyl oght bemene.
And þys ys a grete vnkyndnes,
And also aȝen manhede hyt ys;
And sloghþëhede wel for to proue,
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Ȝyf þou art yn godë wyl
To seruë God, and leue alle yl,
Repente þe nat, for no feyntyse,
Ne be nat heuy to hys seruyse;
Þou shuldyst raþer to þe deþ turne
Ar þou shust wyþ hys seruyse scorne.
To seruë God, and leue alle yl,
Repente þe nat, for no feyntyse,
Ne be nat heuy to hys seruyse;
Þou shuldyst raþer to þe deþ turne
Ar þou shust wyþ hys seruyse scorne.
Ȝyf þou bygynne weyl, y rede þou ende,
For fyrst and last þou fyndyst hym hende.
And ȝyf þou bygynne any þyng,
Þenk what shal be þe endyng.
For þogh þou seruë God to pay,
Alle þy lyfe, boþe nyȝt and day,
And at þe laste ende of þy lyffe
Þou fallyst aȝens hym yn stryffe,
So þat þou yn þat ychë synne
Makyst þan þy endyng ynne,
God forget alle þy gode dede;
Of hym þerfor gest þou no mede.
Ryght so ys he to þe redy
whan þou wylt leue alle þy foly,
And come to hym with répentaunce,
yn blys he makeþ þy puruyaunce.
At þe ende shal boþe dede and þoght
Shewe hym self how hyt ys wroght.
For fyrst and last þou fyndyst hym hende.
And ȝyf þou bygynne any þyng,
Þenk what shal be þe endyng.
For þogh þou seruë God to pay,
Alle þy lyfe, boþe nyȝt and day,
And at þe laste ende of þy lyffe
Þou fallyst aȝens hym yn stryffe,
So þat þou yn þat ychë synne
Makyst þan þy endyng ynne,
God forget alle þy gode dede;
Of hym þerfor gest þou no mede.
Ryght so ys he to þe redy
whan þou wylt leue alle þy foly,
And come to hym with répentaunce,
yn blys he makeþ þy puruyaunce.
At þe ende shal boþe dede and þoght
Shewe hym self how hyt ys wroght.
Ne be nat þou sorowful, y þe forbede;
hyt semyþ, yn Goddys seruyse þan þou hast drede;
And dredë wyl make a man slogh
To do þe seruyse þat he hogh.
But serue hym gladly with louely chere,
Þan ys þy seruyse to hym dere:
Þus techyþ vs Dauid þe prophete
yn þe sautyr, wurdys swete;
“Ne be nat proude þogh þou weyl dous,
yn þyn herte to make a rous”
Þat þou holy lyfë ledys,
Yn fastyng, or yn almës dedys.
Þe fyrst ys ouer mochë drede,
Þe touþer ys proude hauncenhede.
Holde þe euene hem betwene,
Nat ouer-drede ne ouer-wene.
hyt semyþ, yn Goddys seruyse þan þou hast drede;
And dredë wyl make a man slogh
To do þe seruyse þat he hogh.
But serue hym gladly with louely chere,
Þan ys þy seruyse to hym dere:
Þus techyþ vs Dauid þe prophete
yn þe sautyr, wurdys swete;
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yn þyn herte to make a rous”
Þat þou holy lyfë ledys,
Yn fastyng, or yn almës dedys.
Þe fyrst ys ouer mochë drede,
Þe touþer ys proude hauncenhede.
Holde þe euene hem betwene,
Nat ouer-drede ne ouer-wene.
No make no sorowe, ne myslyke,
Þat wanhope In þyn hertë styke;
For þat ys þe werst poynt of alle;
To hellë þyt hyt doþe þe falle.
Sloghënes, hyt wyl þe grope
To bryngë þe yn-to whanhope;
Sloghnes yn allë godë dedys,
Ys as moche, as sum men redys,
As þogh þou shryue þe of a synne,
And þenke no more to falle þer-ynne.
Ȝyf þou be slogh, and heuy,
And doust no gode dede of mercy,
Þus seyþ God yn hys gospel,
Þat “þou art to me a voyde vessel.”
Ful lyght þan art þou for to turne
Aȝen to synne, and to soiurne;
Þan art þou wersë þan þou was,
Boundë vn-to Satanas;
Þan wylle Satanas begynne to prykke,
And whanhope yn þy hertë stykke.
whanhope, God shelde vs þar-fro,
hyt steryþ a man hym self to slo;
So ded þe treytur Iudas,
And forsoþe, wurþy he was.
why was he moste wurþy?
For he hadde wanhope of Goddys mercy;
For he wendë þat God ne wulde
Haue forȝyue hym, þat he hym solde.
Syþþen loked God vpp-on Iudas,
As who sey, “aske mercy for þy trespas.”
For ȝyf he had asked hyt any syþe,
Ihesu hadde graunted hym asswyþe;
For hys mercy fayled noght
To any man þat hym besoght.
Syn God wulde haue be to hym so fre,
Þan ys he redy to þe and me:
whychë tyme þou wylt hym kalle,
For hys defaute þou shalt nat falle.
Þat wanhope In þyn hertë styke;
For þat ys þe werst poynt of alle;
To hellë þyt hyt doþe þe falle.
Sloghënes, hyt wyl þe grope
To bryngë þe yn-to whanhope;
Sloghnes yn allë godë dedys,
Ys as moche, as sum men redys,
As þogh þou shryue þe of a synne,
And þenke no more to falle þer-ynne.
Ȝyf þou be slogh, and heuy,
And doust no gode dede of mercy,
Þus seyþ God yn hys gospel,
Þat “þou art to me a voyde vessel.”
Ful lyght þan art þou for to turne
Aȝen to synne, and to soiurne;
Þan art þou wersë þan þou was,
Boundë vn-to Satanas;
Þan wylle Satanas begynne to prykke,
And whanhope yn þy hertë stykke.
whanhope, God shelde vs þar-fro,
hyt steryþ a man hym self to slo;
So ded þe treytur Iudas,
And forsoþe, wurþy he was.
why was he moste wurþy?
For he hadde wanhope of Goddys mercy;
For he wendë þat God ne wulde
Haue forȝyue hym, þat he hym solde.
Syþþen loked God vpp-on Iudas,
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For ȝyf he had asked hyt any syþe,
Ihesu hadde graunted hym asswyþe;
For hys mercy fayled noght
To any man þat hym besoght.
Syn God wulde haue be to hym so fre,
Þan ys he redy to þe and me:
whychë tyme þou wylt hym kalle,
For hys defaute þou shalt nat falle.
Beþenke þe weyl of þe þefe
Þat loued nat God, no was hym lefe,—
he þat was hanged on a tre
Bysydë Ihesu for vylte;
he spake o wurde at hys endyng.
“lordë, haue on me menyng!”
And asswyþe he wan þe prys,
And was sent yn-to paradys.
he was þe fyrst[ë] þat hyt wan
Syn Adam lost hyt, oure formest man.
Þat loued nat God, no was hym lefe,—
he þat was hanged on a tre
Bysydë Ihesu for vylte;
he spake o wurde at hys endyng.
“lordë, haue on me menyng!”
And asswyþe he wan þe prys,
And was sent yn-to paradys.
he was þe fyrst[ë] þat hyt wan
Syn Adam lost hyt, oure formest man.
Er was þat þefe yn paradys
Þan alle prophetys þat were of prys.
Þat þefe alle manere wys dyd synne,
And neuer ere leuyd Ihesu ynne;
For a wurde þat he spak so myldëly,
he haþ pes, blys, and mercy.
And, þarfor, dysmay þe noght
For no þyng þat þou hast wroght;
For, haue þou do neuer so mykyl,
Ne be so fals, ne so fykyl,
Ne ley þer-ynnë so long whyle,
And do alle maner synnës vyle,
Ȝyf þou wylt, yn strenkþe and hele,
Þy synne forsake and nat wyþ dele,
with sorow of herte and répentaunce
Þou mayst pay God with lytyl penaunce.
God seyþ þys wurde, to shew vs þe wey,
“y wyl þat nonë synful deye;
To leue hys synne he shal haue space,
And turne aȝen to lyfe and grace;
what so euer he haue done,
y wyl nat hys dampnacyone.”
Þan alle prophetys þat were of prys.
Þat þefe alle manere wys dyd synne,
And neuer ere leuyd Ihesu ynne;
For a wurde þat he spak so myldëly,
he haþ pes, blys, and mercy.
And, þarfor, dysmay þe noght
For no þyng þat þou hast wroght;
For, haue þou do neuer so mykyl,
Ne be so fals, ne so fykyl,
Ne ley þer-ynnë so long whyle,
And do alle maner synnës vyle,
Ȝyf þou wylt, yn strenkþe and hele,
Þy synne forsake and nat wyþ dele,
with sorow of herte and répentaunce
Þou mayst pay God with lytyl penaunce.
God seyþ þys wurde, to shew vs þe wey,
“y wyl þat nonë synful deye;
172
And turne aȝen to lyfe and grace;
what so euer he haue done,
y wyl nat hys dampnacyone.”
To ȝyue a sample, a tale here lys,
Þat vs telleþ seynt Dyonys.
Þat vs telleþ seynt Dyonys.
[The Tale of the Priest Carpus's Vision, and how merciful God is.]
Seynt Dyonys of Fraunce seyþ þus:—
hyt was a prest þat hyght Carpus;
Þys prest, þurgh prechyng and sawe,
Broght a sarysyn to crystyn lawe;
A-noþer sarasyn of paynye
Haddë þerwyþ grete enuye,
And turnede þys man to hym aȝeyn,
And oure crystyndom was alle veyn.
Þys prest þarëfor was sory,
And hatyd þys man felunly,
And preydë God he wuld hym sende
Dampnacyun with-outyn ende,
For he þe crystendom forsoke,
And to a fals beleue hym toke;
Fast he preyd yn hys atent,
þat God on hym veniauncë sent.
And God þe prestys prayere herde,
And shewed hym þat he mysferde.
hyt was a prest þat hyght Carpus;
Þys prest, þurgh prechyng and sawe,
Broght a sarysyn to crystyn lawe;
A-noþer sarasyn of paynye
Haddë þerwyþ grete enuye,
And turnede þys man to hym aȝeyn,
And oure crystyndom was alle veyn.
Þys prest þarëfor was sory,
And hatyd þys man felunly,
And preydë God he wuld hym sende
Dampnacyun with-outyn ende,
For he þe crystendom forsoke,
And to a fals beleue hym toke;
Fast he preyd yn hys atent,
þat God on hym veniauncë sent.
And God þe prestys prayere herde,
And shewed hym þat he mysferde.
Þys prest lay yn hys bede a nyȝt,
And, gostly, he sagh a syght;—
he sagh a swyþe merueylus brygge
Ouer þe depë pytte gan lygge,
Þe plank þat on þe bryggë was,
was as sledyr as any glas;
But yn þe put þat was þer-vndyr,
he sagh so moche sorowe and wundyr,
Of fendës felë þat þere wore,
Þogh y tolde moche, ȝyt were þer more.
And, gostly, he sagh a syght;—
he sagh a swyþe merueylus brygge
Ouer þe depë pytte gan lygge,
Þe plank þat on þe bryggë was,
was as sledyr as any glas;
But yn þe put þat was þer-vndyr,
he sagh so moche sorowe and wundyr,
Of fendës felë þat þere wore,
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But, shortly to tellë fro,
Þe man he sagh on þe bryggë go
Yn ful gretë perel and kare,
And euer yn poynt to mysfare;
Yn poynt he was to falle adowne,
Of hys hede, formest þe crowne.
Þe man he sagh on þe bryggë go
Yn ful gretë perel and kare,
And euer yn poynt to mysfare;
Yn poynt he was to falle adowne,
Of hys hede, formest þe crowne.
Þe fendys þat were yn þe pytte
Smote vpwarde, ȝyf þey myȝt hym hytte;
And addres bete hym by þe fete.
Þe prest sagh þat, and ful weyl lete;
He preydë God þat he shuld falle
Down yn-to þe fendys alle,
And þer, with-outyn endë be,
‘For he turned away fro þe.’
Smote vpwarde, ȝyf þey myȝt hym hytte;
And addres bete hym by þe fete.
Þe prest sagh þat, and ful weyl lete;
He preydë God þat he shuld falle
Down yn-to þe fendys alle,
And þer, with-outyn endë be,
‘For he turned away fro þe.’
whan þe prest had seyë þys,
He loked vp to heuene blys;
Hym þoght þe rofe was cloue yn two,
And þe sky opened also,
And of Ihesu he hadde a syght,
How he was on þe rodë dyght;
He sagh hys wundys alle blody,
And spak to hym ful sorowfully,
“Carpus,” he seyd, “se wyþ þyn yne
what y suffred for mannys pyne;
Man to saue, y lete me slo,
why wust þou dampnë hym to wo?
why hast þou hym so moche with ylle?
And for mankynde y lete me spylle
with pyne, and hardë passyoun,
My blode y ȝaf for hys raunsun;
why wust þou he hadde hellë fere
Syn y haue boght hym so dere?
Ȝyt were y redy man to beye,
Er man with-outyn ende shulde deye.
But y haue shewde hym so moche yn dede
with my wundes þat þou seest blede,
þat y þarfor ne wuldë noght
Lese þat y so dere haue boght.
Aȝens me ne fyndeþ he no skylle,
But ȝyf hys ownë wylle hyt wylle.
Þogh he be nowe aȝens me went,
Ȝyt kepe y hys amendëment;
Þarfor, with gode deuocyoun,
Pray for mannys saluacyoun.”
Þan Carpus þanked God almyght
Þat he hadde herde and seye þat syght.
He loked vp to heuene blys;
Hym þoght þe rofe was cloue yn two,
And þe sky opened also,
And of Ihesu he hadde a syght,
How he was on þe rodë dyght;
He sagh hys wundys alle blody,
And spak to hym ful sorowfully,
“Carpus,” he seyd, “se wyþ þyn yne
what y suffred for mannys pyne;
Man to saue, y lete me slo,
why wust þou dampnë hym to wo?
why hast þou hym so moche with ylle?
And for mankynde y lete me spylle
with pyne, and hardë passyoun,
My blode y ȝaf for hys raunsun;
why wust þou he hadde hellë fere
Syn y haue boght hym so dere?
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Er man with-outyn ende shulde deye.
But y haue shewde hym so moche yn dede
with my wundes þat þou seest blede,
þat y þarfor ne wuldë noght
Lese þat y so dere haue boght.
Aȝens me ne fyndeþ he no skylle,
But ȝyf hys ownë wylle hyt wylle.
Þogh he be nowe aȝens me went,
Ȝyt kepe y hys amendëment;
Þarfor, with gode deuocyoun,
Pray for mannys saluacyoun.”
Þan Carpus þanked God almyght
Þat he hadde herde and seye þat syght.
Þarfore shul we be ful mynde
To serue hym þat ys to vs so kynde,
And shewe hym loue whyle we be here
For þat he loveþ vs alle so dere,
Þat he ne wulde leue eft, for drede,
To deye for vs ȝyf we hadde nede.
Ne be we slogh, but sone vpryse,
Ne dredë vs þan on no wyse,
But, hope alle to gode endyng,
And serue þat mercyáble kyng,
Þat hys mercy be to vs lent
At þe day of Iugëmement;
Amen! so motë hyt betyde
To kepe vs fro sloghnes and accyde!
To serue hym þat ys to vs so kynde,
And shewe hym loue whyle we be here
For þat he loveþ vs alle so dere,
Þat he ne wulde leue eft, for drede,
To deye for vs ȝyf we hadde nede.
Ne be we slogh, but sone vpryse,
Ne dredë vs þan on no wyse,
But, hope alle to gode endyng,
And serue þat mercyáble kyng,
Þat hys mercy be to vs lent
At þe day of Iugëmement;
Amen! so motë hyt betyde
To kepe vs fro sloghnes and accyde!
[Of Covetousness, 5th Deadly Sin.]
Now shul we speke of couetyse,
How hy ys haunted on wykked wyse.
Coueytyse ys þe fryst vyce;
Þat streyte ys holde, y halte auaryce.
Coueytyse ys of vs echone,
But auaryce wulde haue echone.
Coueytyse, ys desyryng of þoght,
But auaryce, wulde þat none had oght.
Coueytyse, cumþ oþerwhyle of gode;
But auaryce wyþdrawyþ mannys fode.
Coueytyse, to gode men mowe hyt charge;
But auaryce, ys noþer gode ne large.
Coueytyse, ys of wylle, as ys a bayte,
But auaryce, ys nygun haldyng strayte;
Coueytyse, cumþ of kynde of blode;
But auaryce, ys noþer kynde ne gode.
As y kan telle, þys ys þe assyse,
Betwyxe auaryce and coueytyse.
How hy ys haunted on wykked wyse.
Coueytyse ys þe fryst vyce;
Þat streyte ys holde, y halte auaryce.
Coueytyse ys of vs echone,
But auaryce wulde haue echone.
Coueytyse, ys desyryng of þoght,
175
Coueytyse, cumþ oþerwhyle of gode;
But auaryce wyþdrawyþ mannys fode.
Coueytyse, to gode men mowe hyt charge;
But auaryce, ys noþer gode ne large.
Coueytyse, ys of wylle, as ys a bayte,
But auaryce, ys nygun haldyng strayte;
Coueytyse, cumþ of kynde of blode;
But auaryce, ys noþer kynde ne gode.
As y kan telle, þys ys þe assyse,
Betwyxe auaryce and coueytyse.
Here, y aske at þe bygynnyng,
Ȝyf þou with wrong ȝerned oþer mennys þyng,
Or falsly purchased: þat ys grete synne,
So with wrong mennys gode to wynne.
Ȝyf þou withholde, and ȝelde hyt noght,
Auaryse to hellë haþ þe broght.
Yn þy lyfe, y rede þou ȝelde hyt aȝen,
Þy saluacyun ys ellës alle veyn.
Ȝyf þou with wrong ȝerned oþer mennys þyng,
Or falsly purchased: þat ys grete synne,
So with wrong mennys gode to wynne.
Ȝyf þou withholde, and ȝelde hyt noght,
Auaryse to hellë haþ þe broght.
Yn þy lyfe, y rede þou ȝelde hyt aȝen,
Þy saluacyun ys ellës alle veyn.
Ȝyf þou madest euer any delay,
And ledyst one lyte fro day to day
with þy wurdys pryuyly,
Or perauenture al on hy,
For to haue hys þyng with wrong,
Euyl coueytyse þou mengest among.
Þogh þou broghtest hyt neuer to dede,
Ȝyt ys þy wylle moche for to drede.
And ledyst one lyte fro day to day
with þy wurdys pryuyly,
Or perauenture al on hy,
For to haue hys þyng with wrong,
Euyl coueytyse þou mengest among.
Þogh þou broghtest hyt neuer to dede,
Ȝyt ys þy wylle moche for to drede.
Or ȝyf þou dedyst euer þy myght
To false a chartre, þat ys grete plyght.
Þat ys a dede of tresun
Ȝyf hyt be of dysheresun,
Ouþer of lond, ouþer of rent,
Oþer of ouþer gode þat God man haþ lent;
But þou þe peynë nyȝt and day
To amende þat charge, ȝyf þat þou may,
Ȝyf hyt ne be, þou art to blame;
Ordeyned to þe ys mochë shame.
To false a chartre, þat ys grete plyght.
Þat ys a dede of tresun
Ȝyf hyt be of dysheresun,
Ouþer of lond, ouþer of rent,
Oþer of ouþer gode þat God man haþ lent;
But þou þe peynë nyȝt and day
To amende þat charge, ȝyf þat þou may,
176
Ordeyned to þe ys mochë shame.
Ȝyf þou yn batayle, or in fyȝt,
Toke oght of man with-outë ryȝt,
And namely of relygyun,
Þe harder ys þy synnë doun:
And but þou sone amendë þe,
Þarfor mayst þou acumbred be:
Hyt ys wurþy hym for to dere
Þat holy cherche wyl nat forbere.
Toke oght of man with-outë ryȝt,
And namely of relygyun,
Þe harder ys þy synnë doun:
And but þou sone amendë þe,
Þarfor mayst þou acumbred be:
Hyt ys wurþy hym for to dere
Þat holy cherche wyl nat forbere.
Ȝyf þou of rychesse be wel beforne,
And a ȝere or two holdyst þy corne
Þat þou myȝt selle hyt ryȝt dere,
And to helpe þe pore þou wylt nat here,
Salamon seyþ, þat mochë kan,
Þou shalt be weryed with many man;
For þou ȝyuest myys to ȝete
Þat was ordeyned to mannys mete;
For who so wyl hys myys wel fede,
And spare hyt fro þe pore at nede,
hyghly shal he go a-lone
To þe deuyl, body and bone.
And a ȝere or two holdyst þy corne
Þat þou myȝt selle hyt ryȝt dere,
And to helpe þe pore þou wylt nat here,
Salamon seyþ, þat mochë kan,
Þou shalt be weryed with many man;
For þou ȝyuest myys to ȝete
Þat was ordeyned to mannys mete;
For who so wyl hys myys wel fede,
And spare hyt fro þe pore at nede,
hyghly shal he go a-lone
To þe deuyl, body and bone.
Ȝyf þou haue of ouþer tresour,
More þan susteyneþ þyn onour,—
Syluer, cloþes, or ouþer store,
Or of ouþer þyngës more,—
Ȝyf þe pore for defautë deye,
And þou mayst hym helpe, y seye,
Þou are a-couped of þys vyce
Of coueytyse, and of auaryce;
And before God, of þeft, a þefe,
And for hys deþ, of slaghter grefe.
More þan susteyneþ þyn onour,—
Syluer, cloþes, or ouþer store,
Or of ouþer þyngës more,—
Ȝyf þe pore for defautë deye,
And þou mayst hym helpe, y seye,
Þou are a-couped of þys vyce
Of coueytyse, and of auaryce;
And before God, of þeft, a þefe,
And for hys deþ, of slaghter grefe.
Ȝyf þou yn falshede so moche ȝede,
For coueytyse or for grete mede
To consente to a fals Iuggyng,
Or hyredyst a voket to swyche þyng,
Or myghtyst haue sturbled hyt, & wust noght,
But for coueytyse þe wrong were wroght,
Moche shal God challengë þe,
Þat day þat þou Iuged shal be.
For coueytyse or for grete mede
177
Or hyredyst a voket to swyche þyng,
Or myghtyst haue sturbled hyt, & wust noght,
But for coueytyse þe wrong were wroght,
Moche shal God challengë þe,
Þat day þat þou Iuged shal be.
As for lordynges cunseylours,
wykked legystrys or fals a-countours,
Þey ne recche of no ryȝt fey,
Ne more þe lordynges þan do þey;
Cunseyl to wykked lawes þey ȝeue,
So þat þe pore men mow nat lyue:
Þarfor, þey and here lordyngys
Doun moche wrong yn many þyngys;
Þarfor shul þey and here cunsayl
Go to helle, boþe top and tayle.
Many man ys broght ful bare
For cunseylours þat coueytous are;
And many a land yn grete errours
Are ouer-turned þurgh cunseylours.
wykked legystrys or fals a-countours,
Þey ne recche of no ryȝt fey,
Ne more þe lordynges þan do þey;
Cunseyl to wykked lawes þey ȝeue,
So þat þe pore men mow nat lyue:
Þarfor, þey and here lordyngys
Doun moche wrong yn many þyngys;
Þarfor shul þey and here cunsayl
Go to helle, boþe top and tayle.
Many man ys broght ful bare
For cunseylours þat coueytous are;
And many a land yn grete errours
Are ouer-turned þurgh cunseylours.
Among hem, stywardes mow be tolde,
Þat lordyngës courtys holde,
For nyrhand euery a styward,
Þe dome þat þey ȝeue, ys ouer hard;
And namely to þe porë man,
Þey greuë hym alle þat þey kan.
who-so-euer to mercy wyl hym drawe,
he seyþ, he shal do hym but lawe;
But who so shal þe lawe alle do,
And no mercy do þar-to,
he may neuer for mercy craue
To God whan he wulde mercy haue;
For ȝyf God shal deme with lawe ryȝt,
Shal no man come to heuene lyȝt.
But þurgh grace and hys mercy,
Þan are we saued certeynly.
Þarfor, ȝe stywardes on benche,
Þer-on shulde ȝe allë þenche,
‘Ȝyf þou of þe porë haue pyte,
Þan wylle God haue mercy on þe.’
For hardë dome and coueytyse
y shal ȝow telle of swych a Iustyse.
Þat lordyngës courtys holde,
For nyrhand euery a styward,
Þe dome þat þey ȝeue, ys ouer hard;
And namely to þe porë man,
Þey greuë hym alle þat þey kan.
who-so-euer to mercy wyl hym drawe,
he seyþ, he shal do hym but lawe;
But who so shal þe lawe alle do,
And no mercy do þar-to,
he may neuer for mercy craue
To God whan he wulde mercy haue;
For ȝyf God shal deme with lawe ryȝt,
Shal no man come to heuene lyȝt.
But þurgh grace and hys mercy,
Þan are we saued certeynly.
178
Þer-on shulde ȝe allë þenche,
‘Ȝyf þou of þe porë haue pyte,
Þan wylle God haue mercy on þe.’
For hardë dome and coueytyse
y shal ȝow telle of swych a Iustyse.
[The Tale of the Hard Judge.]
Y haue herde, be-ȝonde þe see
was a Iustyse, yn a cuntre;
Of hym the wurde ful wydë sprong,
he ȝaf harde dome, and oþer whyle wrong.
Godë men ofte hym besoght
For þe pore, þat he wo wroght,
Þat he shulde haue on hem mercy,
And pylle hem nat but mesurly;
Þat þey myȝt lyue yn pes by hym,
And be nat so aȝens hem grym.
was a Iustyse, yn a cuntre;
Of hym the wurde ful wydë sprong,
he ȝaf harde dome, and oþer whyle wrong.
Godë men ofte hym besoght
For þe pore, þat he wo wroght,
Þat he shulde haue on hem mercy,
And pylle hem nat but mesurly;
Þat þey myȝt lyue yn pes by hym,
And be nat so aȝens hem grym.
Þys was hys answere and hys sawe,
‘Y shal do hem no þyng but lawe.”
And many lawes are oute of skylle,
But, ȝyf þér be mercy tylle.
‘Y shal do hem no þyng but lawe.”
And many lawes are oute of skylle,
But, ȝyf þér be mercy tylle.
was hyt nat long aftyrward,
He fyl yn a sykenes hard;
Hyt telleþ of hym swych a chaunce,
He hadde no godë répentaunce;
Hys sykënes wax harde and strong,
Þat he myȝt nat lyuë long;
For allë hoped weyl y-nogh
Þat he vn-to þe deþ faste drogh.
He fyl yn a sykenes hard;
Hyt telleþ of hym swych a chaunce,
He hadde no godë répentaunce;
Hys sykënes wax harde and strong,
Þat he myȝt nat lyuë long;
For allë hoped weyl y-nogh
Þat he vn-to þe deþ faste drogh.
Men þat sate a-boute hys bedde
were a-gast, and sore a-dredde;
And hopyd wel, and vndyrstode
Þat here drede was for no gode.
were a-gast, and sore a-dredde;
And hopyd wel, and vndyrstode
179
Allë þey behelde hym faste,
And sawe hys coloure ofte ouer caste;
And wroth a-boutë, to and fro;
Hys bedde hym þoght wulde cleue on two;
And crydë with a loudë cry,
“Lordë, haue on me mercy!”
Þan spake a voycë yn þe sky,
Þat alle hyt herde þat stode hym by,
“Þou haddest neuer of man pyte,
Ne y shal neuer haue noun of þe.”
Asswyþë he dëyd yn haste;
Þere he shulde go, he ȝalde þe gaste.
And sawe hys coloure ofte ouer caste;
And wroth a-boutë, to and fro;
Hys bedde hym þoght wulde cleue on two;
And crydë with a loudë cry,
“Lordë, haue on me mercy!”
Þan spake a voycë yn þe sky,
Þat alle hyt herde þat stode hym by,
“Þou haddest neuer of man pyte,
Ne y shal neuer haue noun of þe.”
Asswyþë he dëyd yn haste;
Þere he shulde go, he ȝalde þe gaste.
Ȝe domës men þat þys chaunce here,
Yn þys talë mowe ȝe lere
what hyt ys to do euer wreche,
And to mercy no þyng reche.
Hauyþ yn ȝoure þoght, mercy, and se,
Þe pore mow nat so weyl as ȝe;
Beþ mercyáble for ȝoure prow
Þat God ne take veniaunce on ȝow.
Yn þys talë mowe ȝe lere
what hyt ys to do euer wreche,
And to mercy no þyng reche.
Hauyþ yn ȝoure þoght, mercy, and se,
Þe pore mow nat so weyl as ȝe;
Beþ mercyáble for ȝoure prow
Þat God ne take veniaunce on ȝow.
Ȝyf þou haue be so coueytous
To mercs men ouer outraious,
And porë men, specyaly,
Þat ferde þe wers for þat mercy,
Sykyr mote þou be, syre styward,
Þy mercyment shal be ful hard.
Þy wreched soule þarfor shal dwelle;
Þy mercyment shal be þe þyne of helle.
To mercs men ouer outraious,
And porë men, specyaly,
Þat ferde þe wers for þat mercy,
Sykyr mote þou be, syre styward,
Þy mercyment shal be ful hard.
Þy wreched soule þarfor shal dwelle;
Þy mercyment shal be þe þyne of helle.
Þou baylë, owest nat to take
(For drede of soule, and þyn oth sake,)
Þat þy lordes prow be þe lasse,
Ne noun of hys do harder stresse.”
So shulde eche aturne seriaunt;
But many one holde no cunnaunt;
For, sum take ful greuusly,
Þat ful sore shal come hem by.
Alle þat þey takë now to frest,
Þérof shál God take a quest.
Þe quest ys take and draght on hym;
Accord þe wyþ þy lorde, betym.
(For drede of soule, and þyn oth sake,)
Þat þy lordes prow be þe lasse,
Ne noun of hys do harder stresse.”
So shulde eche aturne seriaunt;
But many one holde no cunnaunt;
For, sum take ful greuusly,
Þat ful sore shal come hem by.
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Þérof shál God take a quest.
Þe quest ys take and draght on hym;
Accord þe wyþ þy lorde, betym.
[Of Simony.]
To coueytyse longeþ symonye,
Þe whych haunteþ almost al clergye.
Symonye ys, as men telle,
when ȝyftys of holy cherche men selle.
Þe whych haunteþ almost al clergye.
Symonye ys, as men telle,
when ȝyftys of holy cherche men selle.
Ȝyf þou oþer ȝaue or sent
Of holy cherche to haue vaunsement,
Or any ȝaf hyt for þe loue of þe,
And þou art nat wurþy vaunsed to be,
þan art þou come, þurgh þat queyntyse,
To symonye and coueytyse.
Ȝyf þou þan þat auaunsement holde,
Þou art a wulfe of Goddys folde;
A wulf, y sey, take þou gode kepe,
For þou shalt answere for þe shepe.
A clerk þat hys orders takeþ
For ȝyft or present þat he makeþ,
He ys nat wurþy hem to haue,
Hym were bettyr to be a knaue,
And so were hem þat so hem selles
For ȝyftys, and for no godenes elles.
Þese holy men þat hauë ben,
And holy wryt haue red and sen,
Sey, þat swych ȝyftys are lore,
And, now ys noun ware before.
For swych men selle þe holy gast
To hem þat he loueþ last.
Of holy cherche to haue vaunsement,
Or any ȝaf hyt for þe loue of þe,
And þou art nat wurþy vaunsed to be,
þan art þou come, þurgh þat queyntyse,
To symonye and coueytyse.
Ȝyf þou þan þat auaunsement holde,
Þou art a wulfe of Goddys folde;
A wulf, y sey, take þou gode kepe,
For þou shalt answere for þe shepe.
A clerk þat hys orders takeþ
For ȝyft or present þat he makeþ,
He ys nat wurþy hem to haue,
Hym were bettyr to be a knaue,
And so were hem þat so hem selles
For ȝyftys, and for no godenes elles.
Þese holy men þat hauë ben,
And holy wryt haue red and sen,
Sey, þat swych ȝyftys are lore,
And, now ys noun ware before.
For swych men selle þe holy gast
To hem þat he loueþ last.
Coueytous men and lechours,
Of holy cherche þey haue onours:
Þys mow men se alle day with ye;
Cursed be syr symonye!
Of holy cherche þey haue onours:
Þys mow men se alle day with ye;
Cursed be syr symonye!
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[Of Usurers.]
And okerere may þar-to be tolde,
For coueytous man ys okerere bolde.
y haue ȝow toldë of þys lak
yn þe seuenþe comaundement whan y spak.
Þys to sey, y am hardy,
Þese chapmen haunte hyt comunly.
For coueytous man ys okerere bolde.
y haue ȝow toldë of þys lak
yn þe seuenþe comaundement whan y spak.
Þys to sey, y am hardy,
Þese chapmen haunte hyt comunly.
Ȝyf þou borow of a marchaunte,
And makest for wynnyng certeyn cunnaunt,
‘Gete þou wynnyng, or gete þou lore,
Þou shalt ȝyuë so þar-fore;’
For soþe ȝe fallë boþe yn synne,
And he ys a-cursed þat takeþ þe wynne.
with oker forsoþë boþe ȝe lyue;
Þat he wyl take, þat wylt þou ȝyue.
And makest for wynnyng certeyn cunnaunt,
‘Gete þou wynnyng, or gete þou lore,
Þou shalt ȝyuë so þar-fore;’
For soþe ȝe fallë boþe yn synne,
And he ys a-cursed þat takeþ þe wynne.
with oker forsoþë boþe ȝe lyue;
Þat he wyl take, þat wylt þou ȝyue.
Okerers, and kauersyns,
As wykked þey are as sarasyns.
who so myȝt preuë whych þey wore—
were þey lewed, or were þey lore—
Þey shulde nat come yn Crystys herde,
Ne come yn cherche ne chyrchë ȝerde.
Noþeles, þurgh þys skylle
Þey mowe be saued, ȝyf þat þey wylle,
leue þat synne, and do no more,
And do at holy cherches lore;
And ȝyue aȝeyn þat ychë þyng
Þat þey haue take yn okeryng;
ȝyf þey mow nat aȝen hyt ȝyue,
Helpe þe pore men þer-with to lyue,
largëly and with gode wylle,
And þey mowe peyse here dedys ylle.
As wykked þey are as sarasyns.
who so myȝt preuë whych þey wore—
were þey lewed, or were þey lore—
Þey shulde nat come yn Crystys herde,
Ne come yn cherche ne chyrchë ȝerde.
Noþeles, þurgh þys skylle
Þey mowe be saued, ȝyf þat þey wylle,
leue þat synne, and do no more,
And do at holy cherches lore;
And ȝyue aȝeyn þat ychë þyng
Þat þey haue take yn okeryng;
ȝyf þey mow nat aȝen hyt ȝyue,
Helpe þe pore men þer-with to lyue,
largëly and with gode wylle,
And þey mowe peyse here dedys ylle.
A gode ensample now ȝe here,
Of Pers þat was a tollere;
And y shal tellë ȝow as quyk,
How he was boþë gode and wyk.
182
And y shal tellë ȝow as quyk,
How he was boþë gode and wyk.
[The Tale of Pers the Usurer.]
Seynt Ioun þe aumenere
Seyþ Pers was an okerere,
And was swyþë coueytous,
And a nygun and auarous,
And gadred pens vnto store
As okerers doun aywhore.
Seyþ Pers was an okerere,
And was swyþë coueytous,
And a nygun and auarous,
And gadred pens vnto store
As okerers doun aywhore.
Befyl hyt so, vp-on a day
Þat porë men sate yn þe way,
And spred here hatren on here barme
Aȝens þe sonnë þat was warme,
And rekened þe custome houses echoun,
At whych þey had gode, and at whyche noun;
Þere þey hadde gode, þey preysed weyl,
And þere þey hadde noght, neuer a deyl.
Þat porë men sate yn þe way,
And spred here hatren on here barme
Aȝens þe sonnë þat was warme,
And rekened þe custome houses echoun,
At whych þey had gode, and at whyche noun;
Þere þey hadde gode, þey preysed weyl,
And þere þey hadde noght, neuer a deyl.
As þey spak of many what,
Comë Pers forþ yn þat gat:
Þan seyd echoun þat sate and stode,
‘here comþ Pers, þat neuer dyd gode!’
Echoun seyd to oþer Iangland,
‘Þey toke neuer gode at Pers hand;
Ne noun pore man neuer shal haue,
Coude he neuer so weyl craue.’
Comë Pers forþ yn þat gat:
Þan seyd echoun þat sate and stode,
‘here comþ Pers, þat neuer dyd gode!’
Echoun seyd to oþer Iangland,
‘Þey toke neuer gode at Pers hand;
Ne noun pore man neuer shal haue,
Coude he neuer so weyl craue.’
One of hem began to sey
“A waiour dar y wyþ ȝow ley,
Þat y shal haue sum gode at hym,
Be he neuer so gryl ne grym.”
To þat waiour þey graunted alle,
To ȝyue hym a ȝyft ȝyf so myȝt befalle.
Þys man vp sterte, and toke þe gate,
Tyl he com, at Pers ȝate.
As he stode stylle, and bode þe quede,
One come with an asse charged with brede;
Þat ychë bredë Pers hade boght,
And to hys hous shuld hyt be broght.
He sagh Pers comë þerwith-alle;
Þe porë þoght ‘now aske y shal.’
“Y aske þe sum gode, pur charyte,
Pers, ȝyf þy wyl be.”
“A waiour dar y wyþ ȝow ley,
Þat y shal haue sum gode at hym,
Be he neuer so gryl ne grym.”
To þat waiour þey graunted alle,
To ȝyue hym a ȝyft ȝyf so myȝt befalle.
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Tyl he com, at Pers ȝate.
As he stode stylle, and bode þe quede,
One come with an asse charged with brede;
Þat ychë bredë Pers hade boght,
And to hys hous shuld hyt be broght.
He sagh Pers comë þerwith-alle;
Þe porë þoght ‘now aske y shal.’
“Y aske þe sum gode, pur charyte,
Pers, ȝyf þy wyl be.”
Pers stode, and loked on hym
Felunlyche with yȝen grym.
He stouped down to seke a stone,
But, as hap was, þan fonde he none.
For þe stone he toke a lofe,
And at þe porë man hyf drofe.
Þe pore man hente hyt vp belyue,
And was þerof ful ferly blyþe.
To hys felaws faste he ran
with þe lofe, þys porë man,
“lo,” he seydë, “what y haue
Of Pers ȝyft, so God me saue!”
Nay, þey sworë by here þryft,
Pers ȝaue neuer swych a ȝyft.
he seyd, “ȝe shul weyl vndyrstonde
Þat y hyt had, at Pers honde;
Þat dar y swere on þe halydom
Here beforë ȝow echoun.”
Gretë merueyle had þey alle,
Þat swych a chaunce myȝt hym befalle.
Felunlyche with yȝen grym.
He stouped down to seke a stone,
But, as hap was, þan fonde he none.
For þe stone he toke a lofe,
And at þe porë man hyf drofe.
Þe pore man hente hyt vp belyue,
And was þerof ful ferly blyþe.
To hys felaws faste he ran
with þe lofe, þys porë man,
“lo,” he seydë, “what y haue
Of Pers ȝyft, so God me saue!”
Nay, þey sworë by here þryft,
Pers ȝaue neuer swych a ȝyft.
he seyd, “ȝe shul weyl vndyrstonde
Þat y hyt had, at Pers honde;
Þat dar y swere on þe halydom
Here beforë ȝow echoun.”
Gretë merueyle had þey alle,
Þat swych a chaunce myȝt hym befalle.
Þe þryddë day, þus wryte hyt ys,
Pers fyl yn a grete syknes;
And, as he lay yn hys bedde,
Hym þoght weyl, þat he was ledde
with one þat aftyr hym was sent,
To come vn-to hys Iugëment.
Pers fyl yn a grete syknes;
And, as he lay yn hys bedde,
Hym þoght weyl, þat he was ledde
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To come vn-to hys Iugëment.
Before þe Iugë was he broght
To ȝelde acounte how he hadde wroght.
Pers stode ful sore a-drad,
And, was ábashed as mad;
He sagh a fende on þe to party,
Bewreyyng hym ful felunly;
Alle hyt was shewed hym before,
how he had lyued syn he wos bore;
And namely euery wykked dede
Syn fyrst he coudë hym self lede;
why he hem dyd, and for what chesun,
Of alle behoueþ hym to ȝelde a resoun.
To ȝelde acounte how he hadde wroght.
Pers stode ful sore a-drad,
And, was ábashed as mad;
He sagh a fende on þe to party,
Bewreyyng hym ful felunly;
Alle hyt was shewed hym before,
how he had lyued syn he wos bore;
And namely euery wykked dede
Syn fyrst he coudë hym self lede;
why he hem dyd, and for what chesun,
Of alle behoueþ hym to ȝelde a resoun.
On þe touþer party stode men ful bryȝt,
Þat wulde haue saued hym at here myȝt;
But þey myght no godë fynde
Þat myȝt hym sauë or vnbynde.
Þe feyre men seyd “what ys to rede?
Of hym fynde we no godë dede
Þat God ys payd of, but of a lofe
þe whych Pers at þe pore man drofe:
ȝyt ȝaue he hyt with no gode wylle,
But kast hyt aftyr hym with ylle;
For Goddys loue ȝaue he hyt noȝt,
Ne for almes dede he hyt had þoght.
Noþeles, þe porë man
Had þe lofë of Pers þan.”
Þat wulde haue saued hym at here myȝt;
But þey myght no godë fynde
Þat myȝt hym sauë or vnbynde.
Þe feyre men seyd “what ys to rede?
Of hym fynde we no godë dede
Þat God ys payd of, but of a lofe
þe whych Pers at þe pore man drofe:
ȝyt ȝaue he hyt with no gode wylle,
But kast hyt aftyr hym with ylle;
For Goddys loue ȝaue he hyt noȝt,
Ne for almes dede he hyt had þoght.
Noþeles, þe porë man
Had þe lofë of Pers þan.”
Þe fendë had leyd yn balaunce
Hys wykkede dedes and hys myschaunce;
Þey leyd þe lofe aȝens hys dedys,—
Þey had noȝt ellës, þey mote nedys—
Þe holy man telleþ vs, and seys,
Þat þe lofe made euen peys.
Hys wykkede dedes and hys myschaunce;
Þey leyd þe lofe aȝens hys dedys,—
Þey had noȝt ellës, þey mote nedys—
Þe holy man telleþ vs, and seys,
Þat þe lofe made euen peys.
Þan seyd þese feyrë men to Pers,
“ȝyf þou be wys, now þou leres
How þys lofe þe helpeþ at nede
To tylle þy soule with almës dede.”
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How þys lofe þe helpeþ at nede
To tylle þy soule with almës dede.”
Pers, of hys slepë gan blynke,
And gretly on hys dreme gan þynke—
Syghyng with mornyng chere,
As man þat was yn gretë were,—
How þat he acouped was
with fendës fele for hys trespas,
And how þey wulde haue dampned hym þere,
Ȝyf mercy of Ihesu Cryst ne were.
And gretly on hys dreme gan þynke—
Syghyng with mornyng chere,
As man þat was yn gretë were,—
How þat he acouped was
with fendës fele for hys trespas,
And how þey wulde haue dampned hym þere,
Ȝyf mercy of Ihesu Cryst ne were.
Alle þys yn hys herte he kast,
And to hym self he spak at þe laste,
“Þat, for a lofe yn eueyl wylle
Halpe me yn so grete perel,
Mochë wlde hyt helpe at nede,
with godë wyl do almës dede.
And to hym self he spak at þe laste,
“Þat, for a lofe yn eueyl wylle
Halpe me yn so grete perel,
Mochë wlde hyt helpe at nede,
with godë wyl do almës dede.
Fro þat tymë þan wax Pers
A man of so feyrë maners,
Þat no man myȝt yn hym fynde,
But to þe pore boþe meke and kynde;
A mylder man ne myȝt nat be,
Ne to þe pore, more of almes fre;
And reuful of herte also he was,
Þat mayst þou here lere yn þys pas.
A man of so feyrë maners,
Þat no man myȝt yn hym fynde,
But to þe pore boþe meke and kynde;
A mylder man ne myȝt nat be,
Ne to þe pore, more of almes fre;
And reuful of herte also he was,
Þat mayst þou here lere yn þys pas.
Pers mette, vp-on a day,
A porë man, by þe way,
As naked as he was bore,
Þat yn þe see had allë lore.
He come to Pers, þere he stode,
And asked hym sum of hys gode,—
Sumwhat of hys cloþyng,—
For þe loue of heuene kyng.
Pers, was of reuful herte,
He toke hys kyrtyl of, as smert,
And ded hyt on þe man aboue,
And bad hym were hyt for hys loue.
A porë man, by þe way,
As naked as he was bore,
Þat yn þe see had allë lore.
He come to Pers, þere he stode,
And asked hym sum of hys gode,—
Sumwhat of hys cloþyng,—
For þe loue of heuene kyng.
Pers, was of reuful herte,
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And ded hyt on þe man aboue,
And bad hym were hyt for hys loue.
Þe man hyt toke, and was ful blyþe;
He ȝede and soldë hyt asswyþe.
Pers stode and dyd beholde
How þe man þe kyrtyl solde,
And was þarwith ferly wroþe
Þat he solde so sone hys cloþe;
He myȝt no lenger for sorow stande,
But ȝedë home ful sore gretand,
And seyd, ‘hyt was an euyl sygne,
And þat hym self was nat dygne
For to be yn hys preyere,
Þerfor nolde he þe kyrtyl were.’
He ȝede and soldë hyt asswyþe.
Pers stode and dyd beholde
How þe man þe kyrtyl solde,
And was þarwith ferly wroþe
Þat he solde so sone hys cloþe;
He myȝt no lenger for sorow stande,
But ȝedë home ful sore gretand,
And seyd, ‘hyt was an euyl sygne,
And þat hym self was nat dygne
For to be yn hys preyere,
Þerfor nolde he þe kyrtyl were.’
Whan he haddë ful long grete,
And a party þerof began lete;—
For, comunlych aftyr wepe,
Fal men sone on slepe,—
As Pers lay yn hys slepyng,
Hym þoght a feyrë sweuenyng.
Hym þoght he was yn heuene lyȝt,
And of God he had a syght,
Syttyng yn hys kyrtyl clad
Þat þe pore man of hym had,
And spak to hym ful myldëly,
“why wepest þou, and art sory?
Lo, Pers,” he sayde, “þys ys þy cloth.
For he solde hyt, were þou wroth;
Know hyt weyl, ȝyf þat þou kan,
For me þou ȝaue hyt þe pore man.
Þat þou ȝaue hym yn charyte,
Euery deyl þou ȝaue hyt me.”
Pers of slepë outë breyde,
And þoght grete wunder, & seþen seyd,
“Blessyd be allë porë men,
For God almyȝty loueþ hem;
And weyl ys hem þat pore are here;
Þey are with God, boþe lefe and dere;
And y shal fonde, by nyȝt and day,
Tó be pore, ȝyf þat y may.”
And a party þerof began lete;—
For, comunlych aftyr wepe,
Fal men sone on slepe,—
As Pers lay yn hys slepyng,
Hym þoght a feyrë sweuenyng.
Hym þoght he was yn heuene lyȝt,
And of God he had a syght,
Syttyng yn hys kyrtyl clad
Þat þe pore man of hym had,
And spak to hym ful myldëly,
“why wepest þou, and art sory?
Lo, Pers,” he sayde, “þys ys þy cloth.
For he solde hyt, were þou wroth;
Know hyt weyl, ȝyf þat þou kan,
For me þou ȝaue hyt þe pore man.
Þat þou ȝaue hym yn charyte,
Euery deyl þou ȝaue hyt me.”
187
And þoght grete wunder, & seþen seyd,
“Blessyd be allë porë men,
For God almyȝty loueþ hem;
And weyl ys hem þat pore are here;
Þey are with God, boþe lefe and dere;
And y shal fonde, by nyȝt and day,
Tó be pore, ȝyf þat y may.”
Hastly he tokë hys kateyl,
And ȝaue hyt to porë men echedeyl.
Pers kalled to hym hys clerk
Þat was hys notarye, and bade hym herk,
“Y shal þe shewe a pryuyte,
A þyng þat þou shalt do to me;
y wyl þat þou no man hyt telle;
My body y take þe here to selle
To sum man, as yn bondage,
To lyue in pouert and yn seruage;
But þou do þus, y wyl be wroth,
And þou and þyne shal be me loth.
Ȝyf þou do hyt, y shal þe ȝyue
Ten pownd of gold, wel with to lyue;
Þo ten pownd y take þe here,
And me to selle on bonde manere;
Y ne recchë vn-to whom,
But onlych he haue þe crystendom;
Þe raunsun þat þou shalt for me take,
Þarfore þou shalt sykernes make,
For to ȝyue hyt bleþely and weyl
To porë men, euëry deyl,
And withholde þerof no þyng,
Þe mountouns of a ferþyng.”
And ȝaue hyt to porë men echedeyl.
Pers kalled to hym hys clerk
Þat was hys notarye, and bade hym herk,
“Y shal þe shewe a pryuyte,
A þyng þat þou shalt do to me;
y wyl þat þou no man hyt telle;
My body y take þe here to selle
To sum man, as yn bondage,
To lyue in pouert and yn seruage;
But þou do þus, y wyl be wroth,
And þou and þyne shal be me loth.
Ȝyf þou do hyt, y shal þe ȝyue
Ten pownd of gold, wel with to lyue;
Þo ten pownd y take þe here,
And me to selle on bonde manere;
Y ne recchë vn-to whom,
But onlych he haue þe crystendom;
Þe raunsun þat þou shalt for me take,
Þarfore þou shalt sykernes make,
For to ȝyue hyt bleþely and weyl
To porë men, euëry deyl,
And withholde þerof no þyng,
Þe mountouns of a ferþyng.”
hys clerk was wo to do þat dede,
But only for manas and for drede.
For dredë Pers made hym hyt do,
And dede hym plyghte his trouthe þer-to.
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For dredë Pers made hym hyt do,
And dede hym plyghte his trouthe þer-to.
Whan hys clerk had made hys othe,
Pers dede on hym a foulë clothe;
Vnto a cherchë boþe þey ȝede
For to fulfylle hys wyl yn dede.
whan þat þey to þe cherchë com,
“Lorde, þoght þe clerk, now whom
Myȝt y fynde, þys ychë sele,
To whom y myȝt sellë Pers wele!”
Pers dede on hym a foulë clothe;
Vnto a cherchë boþe þey ȝede
For to fulfylle hys wyl yn dede.
whan þat þey to þe cherchë com,
“Lorde, þoght þe clerk, now whom
Myȝt y fynde, þys ychë sele,
To whom y myȝt sellë Pers wele!”
Þe clerk loked euery where,
And at þe last, he knew where;
A rychë man, þat er had be
Specyal knowlych euer betwe,
But þurgh myschauncë at a kas
Alle hys gode y-lorë was;
‘Ȝole,’ þus þat man hyghte,
And knew þe clerk wel be syghte.
And at þe last, he knew where;
A rychë man, þat er had be
Specyal knowlych euer betwe,
But þurgh myschauncë at a kas
Alle hys gode y-lorë was;
‘Ȝole,’ þus þat man hyghte,
And knew þe clerk wel be syghte.
Þey spak of oldë a-queyntaunce,
And ȝolë tolde hym of hys chaunce.
“Þe,” seyde þe clerk, “y rede þou bye
A man to do þy marchaundye,
Þat þou mayst holdë yn seruage
To restore weyl þyn dammage.”
And ȝolë tolde hym of hys chaunce.
“Þe,” seyde þe clerk, “y rede þou bye
A man to do þy marchaundye,
Þat þou mayst holdë yn seruage
To restore weyl þyn dammage.”
Þan seyde ȝole, “on swych chaffare
wulde y feyn my syluer ware.”
Þe clerkë seyd, “lo, one here,
A trew man an a dubonure,
Þat wyl seruë þe to pay,
Peyneblë, al þat he may.
‘Pers,’ shalt þou calle hys name;
For hym shalt þou haue mochë frame.
he ys a man ful gracyous,
Gode to wynne vn-to þyn hous,
And God shal ȝyue þe hys blessyng,
And foysyn, yn allë þyng.”
wulde y feyn my syluer ware.”
Þe clerkë seyd, “lo, one here,
A trew man an a dubonure,
Þat wyl seruë þe to pay,
Peyneblë, al þat he may.
‘Pers,’ shalt þou calle hys name;
For hym shalt þou haue mochë frame.
he ys a man ful gracyous,
Gode to wynne vn-to þyn hous,
And God shal ȝyue þe hys blessyng,
189
Þe clerk ȝaue allë hys raunsun
To þe pore men of þe toun,
Plenerly, alle þat he toke,
wyþhelde he nat a ferþyng noke.
To þe pore men of þe toun,
Plenerly, alle þat he toke,
wyþhelde he nat a ferþyng noke.
Þe Emperoure sent hys messageres
alle aboute for to sekë Pers,
But þey ne myȝt neuer here
Of rychë Pers, þe tollere,
yn what stedë he was nome,
No whydyrward he was become;
No þe clerk wuld telle to none,
whydyrward þat Pers was gone.
alle aboute for to sekë Pers,
But þey ne myȝt neuer here
Of rychë Pers, þe tollere,
yn what stedë he was nome,
No whydyrward he was become;
No þe clerk wuld telle to none,
whydyrward þat Pers was gone.
Now ys Pers bycomë bryche,
Þat er was boþe stoute and ryche.
Alle þat euer any man hym do bade,
Pers dyd hyt with hert[ë] glad.
he wax so myldë and so meke,
A mylder man þurt no man seke;
For he meked hym self ouer skyle,
Pottes and dysshes for to swele.
To grete penaunce he gan hym take,
And mochë for to fast and wake,
And moche he loued þolmodnesse
To ryche, to pore, to more, to lesse.
Of allë men he wuld haue doute,
And to here byddyng mekly loute;
wulde þey bydde hym sytte or stande,
Euer he wuldë be bowande;
And for he bare hym so meke and softe,
Shrewës mysded hym ful ofte,
And heldë hym folted or wode,
For he was so mylde of mode.
And þey þat were hys felaus
Mysseyd hym most yn herë sawes;
And alle he suffred here vpbreyd,
And neuer naght aȝens hem seyde.
Þat er was boþe stoute and ryche.
Alle þat euer any man hym do bade,
Pers dyd hyt with hert[ë] glad.
he wax so myldë and so meke,
A mylder man þurt no man seke;
For he meked hym self ouer skyle,
Pottes and dysshes for to swele.
To grete penaunce he gan hym take,
And mochë for to fast and wake,
And moche he loued þolmodnesse
To ryche, to pore, to more, to lesse.
Of allë men he wuld haue doute,
And to here byddyng mekly loute;
wulde þey bydde hym sytte or stande,
Euer he wuldë be bowande;
And for he bare hym so meke and softe,
Shrewës mysded hym ful ofte,
And heldë hym folted or wode,
For he was so mylde of mode.
And þey þat were hys felaus
Mysseyd hym most yn herë sawes;
And alle he suffred here vpbreyd,
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Ȝole, hys lorde, wel vndyrstode
Þat al hys gracë and hys gode
Com for þe loue of Pers,
Þat was of so holy maners;
And whan he wyst of hys bounte,
He kalled Pers yn pryuyte,
“Pers,” he seyd, “þou were wurþy
For to be wurscheped more þan y,
For þou art weyl with Ihesu;
He sheweþ for þe grete vertu;
Þarfor y shal make þe fre;
Y wyl þat my felaw þou be.”
Þat al hys gracë and hys gode
Com for þe loue of Pers,
Þat was of so holy maners;
And whan he wyst of hys bounte,
He kalled Pers yn pryuyte,
“Pers,” he seyd, “þou were wurþy
For to be wurscheped more þan y,
For þou art weyl with Ihesu;
He sheweþ for þe grete vertu;
Þarfor y shal make þe fre;
Y wyl þat my felaw þou be.”
Þar-to Pers granted noght,
To be freman, as he besoght;
he wuldë be, as he was ore,
yn þat seruage for euermore.
he þanked þe lorde myldëly
For hys gretë curteysy.
To be freman, as he besoght;
he wuldë be, as he was ore,
yn þat seruage for euermore.
he þanked þe lorde myldëly
For hys gretë curteysy.
Syþþen Ihesu, þurgh hys myȝt,
Shewed hym, tó Pers syȝt,
For to be stalworþe yn hys fondyng,
And to hym haue loue longyng.
“Be nat sorowful to do penaunce;
y am with þe yn euery chaunce;
Pers, I hauë mynde of þe;
lo, here þe kyrtyl þat þou ȝaue for me;
Þerfor grace y shal þe sende,
Yn alle godenessë weyl to ende.”
Shewed hym, tó Pers syȝt,
For to be stalworþe yn hys fondyng,
And to hym haue loue longyng.
“Be nat sorowful to do penaunce;
y am with þe yn euery chaunce;
Pers, I hauë mynde of þe;
lo, here þe kyrtyl þat þou ȝaue for me;
Þerfor grace y shal þe sende,
Yn alle godenessë weyl to ende.”
Byfyl þat seriauntes and squyers
Þat were wunt to seruë Pers,
went yn pylgrymage, as yn kas,
To þat cuntre þere Pers was.
Ȝole ful feyrë gan hem kalle,
And preyde hem homë to hys halle.
Pers was þere, þat ychë sele,
And euerychone he knew hem wele.
Alle he serued hem as a knaue
Þat was wunt here seruyse to haue.
But Pers nat ȝyt þey knew,
For penaunce chaunged was hys hew;
Nat forþy þey behelde hym fast,
And oftyn to hym here yȝen þey kast,
And seyd, “he þat stontë here,
Ys lychë to Pers tollere.”
Þat were wunt to seruë Pers,
went yn pylgrymage, as yn kas,
To þat cuntre þere Pers was.
Ȝole ful feyrë gan hem kalle,
And preyde hem homë to hys halle.
191
And euerychone he knew hem wele.
Alle he serued hem as a knaue
Þat was wunt here seruyse to haue.
But Pers nat ȝyt þey knew,
For penaunce chaunged was hys hew;
Nat forþy þey behelde hym fast,
And oftyn to hym here yȝen þey kast,
And seyd, “he þat stontë here,
Ys lychë to Pers tollere.”
He hydde hys vysege al þat he myȝt,
Out of knowlych of here syȝt;
Noþeles þey behelde hym more,
And knew hym weyl, al þat were þore,
And seyd, “Ȝole, ys ȝone þy page?
A ryche man ys yn þy seruage;
Þe emperoure, boþe fer and nere,
Haþ do hym seche, þat we fynde here.”
Out of knowlych of here syȝt;
Noþeles þey behelde hym more,
And knew hym weyl, al þat were þore,
And seyd, “Ȝole, ys ȝone þy page?
A ryche man ys yn þy seruage;
Þe emperoure, boþe fer and nere,
Haþ do hym seche, þat we fynde here.”
Pers lestned, and herd hem spekyng,
And þat þey had of hym knowyng;
And pryuyly a-wey he nam,
Tyl he to þe porter cam.
And þat þey had of hym knowyng;
And pryuyly a-wey he nam,
Tyl he to þe porter cam.
Þe porter had hys spechë lore,
And heryng also, syn he was bore;
But þurgh þe grace of swete Ihesu,
was shewed, for Pers, feyre vertu.
Pers seyd, “latë me furþ go.”
Þe porter spak, and seydë “ȝo.”
He þat was def, and doumbe also,
Spak, whan Pers spak hym to.
And heryng also, syn he was bore;
But þurgh þe grace of swete Ihesu,
was shewed, for Pers, feyre vertu.
Pers seyd, “latë me furþ go.”
Þe porter spak, and seydë “ȝo.”
He þat was def, and doumbe also,
Spak, whan Pers spak hym to.
Pers out at þe ȝatë wente,
And þedyr ȝede, þere God hym sente.
Þe porter ȝede vp to þe halle,
And þys merueylë tolde hem alle,
How þe squyler of þe kechyn,
Pers, þat haþ woned here yn,
“He asked leuë, ryȝt now late,
And went furþ out at þe ȝate.
Y rede ȝow alle, ȝeueþ gode tent,
whederward þat Pers ys went.
with Ihesu cryst he ys pryue,
And þat ys shewed weyl on me;
For, what tyme he to me spak,
Out of hys mouþ me þoghtë brak
A flamme of fyre bryght and clere;
Þe flaumme made me boþ speke and here;
Speke, and here, now, boþe y may,
Blessed be God and Pers to day!”
And þedyr ȝede, þere God hym sente.
Þe porter ȝede vp to þe halle,
And þys merueylë tolde hem alle,
192
Pers, þat haþ woned here yn,
“He asked leuë, ryȝt now late,
And went furþ out at þe ȝate.
Y rede ȝow alle, ȝeueþ gode tent,
whederward þat Pers ys went.
with Ihesu cryst he ys pryue,
And þat ys shewed weyl on me;
For, what tyme he to me spak,
Out of hys mouþ me þoghtë brak
A flamme of fyre bryght and clere;
Þe flaumme made me boþ speke and here;
Speke, and here, now, boþe y may,
Blessed be God and Pers to day!”
Þe lordë and þe gestës alle,
One and oþer þat were yn halle,
Had merueyle þat hyt was so,
Þat he myȝte swych myrácle do.
Þan asswyþë Pers þey soght,
But al here sekyng was for noȝt;
Neuer, Pers þey ne founde,
Nyȝt ne day, yn no stounde;
For he þat toke Ennok and Ely,
He toke Pers, þurgh hys mercy,
To reste with-outyn ende to lede
For hys meknes and hys gode dede.
One and oþer þat were yn halle,
Had merueyle þat hyt was so,
Þat he myȝte swych myrácle do.
Þan asswyþë Pers þey soght,
But al here sekyng was for noȝt;
Neuer, Pers þey ne founde,
Nyȝt ne day, yn no stounde;
For he þat toke Ennok and Ely,
He toke Pers, þurgh hys mercy,
To reste with-outyn ende to lede
For hys meknes and hys gode dede.
Take ensample here, of Pers,
And parteþ with þe pore, ȝe okerers,
For ȝow shal neuer come Ioye with-ynne,
But ȝe leuë fyrst þat synne;
And ȝyue to almes þat ychë þyng
Þat ȝe haue wune wyþ okeryng.
And parteþ with þe pore, ȝe okerers,
For ȝow shal neuer come Ioye with-ynne,
But ȝe leuë fyrst þat synne;
And ȝyue to almes þat ychë þyng
Þat ȝe haue wune wyþ okeryng.
Now with God, leue we Pers;
God ȝyue vs grace to do hys maners!
God ȝyue vs grace to do hys maners!
193
Yn coueytyse synnen marchauntys mekyl,
Yn feyrë wurdys and yn fykyl,
And heteþ hym godë þat he byeþ,
And swereþ þarto, and algate lyeþ.
For fals peys and fals mesure
here soulës haue mysáuenture.
Yn feyrë wurdys and yn fykyl,
And heteþ hym godë þat he byeþ,
And swereþ þarto, and algate lyeþ.
For fals peys and fals mesure
here soulës haue mysáuenture.
Also hyt longeþ to coueytyse
Ȝyf þou hyre one out of seruyse
Þurgh ȝyft or þurgh procurment,
Þou synnest gretly yn swych atent:
Enuye hyt ys, and falsnes yn dede,
But ȝyf hyt were for þe morë nede.
Ȝyf þou hyre one out of seruyse
Þurgh ȝyft or þurgh procurment,
Þou synnest gretly yn swych atent:
Enuye hyt ys, and falsnes yn dede,
But ȝyf hyt were for þe morë nede.
ȝyf þou boghtest of any seriaunt
pryuyly, yn stylle cunnaunt,
Þyng þat þou wystyst wel was stole,
And þurgh þy byyng was forhole,
Hyt ys coueytyse and þeft pryue
To bye þyng out of commalte.
pryuyly, yn stylle cunnaunt,
Þyng þat þou wystyst wel was stole,
And þurgh þy byyng was forhole,
Hyt ys coueytyse and þeft pryue
To bye þyng out of commalte.
ȝyf þou receyuedyst any what
Of onë þat hys þyng forgat;
But þou ȝyue hyt hym aȝeyn,
Or þe valeu for certeyn,
Þou art falle þan yn þe vyce
Of, coueytyse, þeft, and auaryce.
Of onë þat hys þyng forgat;
But þou ȝyue hyt hym aȝeyn,
Or þe valeu for certeyn,
Þou art falle þan yn þe vyce
Of, coueytyse, þeft, and auaryce.
Or þou ledyst any man to þe ale
And madest hym drunk with troteuale,
And he solde hys þyng to þe
More þan he wulde yn soberte,
Hyt semeþ þou art a gylour,
And coueytous, and trechour.
And madest hym drunk with troteuale,
And he solde hys þyng to þe
More þan he wulde yn soberte,
Hyt semeþ þou art a gylour,
And coueytous, and trechour.
For men þat loue to do gylerye,
At þe alehous make þey marchaundye,
To loke ȝyf þey kunne com with-ynne,
here neghburs þyng, falsly to wynne.
At þe alehous make þey marchaundye,
To loke ȝyf þey kunne com with-ynne,
194
And a ryche man hyt noyeþ oftyn tyde
Þat a porë man hat oght besyde.
Alle þat he may, with euyl he fondys
For to reue hym, and haue hys londys;
Ȝyf he may nat hem at hym bye,
He wul weyte hym oþer felunnye,
hym to sle, or to endyte,
Or þeft he wyl vpon hym wyte,
Or ouþer skaþe he wyl hym weyte,
Hys bestes for to bete or bayte,
To ete hys grasse, or foule hys corne,
So þat hys gode shal neuer be lorne:
Of swyche men, boþe wryte hyt ys & seyd,
Moche peyne ys before hem leyde;
here synne shal noþer be forȝyuen ne slakyn
Vn-to þey ȝelde þat þey haue takyn;
Here mercy ys ful on-certeyn
But þey ȝelde hem here gode aȝeyn.
Þat a porë man hat oght besyde.
Alle þat he may, with euyl he fondys
For to reue hym, and haue hys londys;
Ȝyf he may nat hem at hym bye,
He wul weyte hym oþer felunnye,
hym to sle, or to endyte,
Or þeft he wyl vpon hym wyte,
Or ouþer skaþe he wyl hym weyte,
Hys bestes for to bete or bayte,
To ete hys grasse, or foule hys corne,
So þat hys gode shal neuer be lorne:
Of swyche men, boþe wryte hyt ys & seyd,
Moche peyne ys before hem leyde;
here synne shal noþer be forȝyuen ne slakyn
Vn-to þey ȝelde þat þey haue takyn;
Here mercy ys ful on-certeyn
But þey ȝelde hem here gode aȝeyn.
Of þys, before ȝe herde me rede,
How seynt Fursyn founde hyt yn dede;
And here y shal telle a lytyl tale
Of swyche a man þat brewed hys bale.
How seynt Fursyn founde hyt yn dede;
And here y shal telle a lytyl tale
Of swyche a man þat brewed hys bale.
[The Tale of Lucretius, and how the Devil leapt into him.]
Þyr was a man þat hyght Lucrecyus,
A swyþë ryche and coueytous;
Besyde hym wonèd a mayden wys,
Here name was kalled Beatrys.
Lucrecyus þoght on felonye;
here landës he wulde algate bye.
And, shortly ȝow for to telle,
Þys lady wuldë nat hem selle.
when he wyst hyt, þan was hym wo;
He weyted here, and ded here slo.
whan he hád do here þat pyne,
Yn alle here landes he toke sesyne,
And was þan a ryche lordyng
And bare hym stoutë as a kyng.
A swyþë ryche and coueytous;
Besyde hym wonèd a mayden wys,
Here name was kalled Beatrys.
Lucrecyus þoght on felonye;
here landës he wulde algate bye.
And, shortly ȝow for to telle,
Þys lady wuldë nat hem selle.
195
He weyted here, and ded here slo.
whan he hád do here þat pyne,
Yn alle here landes he toke sesyne,
And was þan a ryche lordyng
And bare hym stoutë as a kyng.
Þys Lucrecyus made a feste,
A ryche, with men of noble geste.
Þe lordyngës þat he myȝt gete
were settë with hym at þe mete;
And as he sat yn alle hys pryde,
Com a pore womman þat tyde,
And bare a chylde yn cloþës loke,
Þe pappe yn þe mouþe as hyt had soke;
Hyt hade neuer spoke before, saunȝ fayle,
Þarfor y telle hyt, þe more meruayle.
As for grete myrácle, þe chyld seyd þus,
“y sey to þe, Lucrecyus,
Þat þou hast slayn seynt Beatrys,
To haue here lond þat by here lys.
Þou art come now vn-to here fe,
And syttest þere yn þy pouste;
And y comaunde, þurgh Goddys myȝt,
Þe deuyl, yn-to þe to lyȝt.”
A ryche, with men of noble geste.
Þe lordyngës þat he myȝt gete
were settë with hym at þe mete;
And as he sat yn alle hys pryde,
Com a pore womman þat tyde,
And bare a chylde yn cloþës loke,
Þe pappe yn þe mouþe as hyt had soke;
Hyt hade neuer spoke before, saunȝ fayle,
Þarfor y telle hyt, þe more meruayle.
As for grete myrácle, þe chyld seyd þus,
“y sey to þe, Lucrecyus,
Þat þou hast slayn seynt Beatrys,
To haue here lond þat by here lys.
Þou art come now vn-to here fe,
And syttest þere yn þy pouste;
And y comaunde, þurgh Goddys myȝt,
Þe deuyl, yn-to þe to lyȝt.”
As sonë as þe chylde had spoke,
Þe fendë yn-to hym was lope,
And traueyled hym þre dayys with pyne
Þat alle hyt sawë with here yne;
And, at þe þre day[y]s ende,
He deydë, and to helle gan wende.
Þe fendë yn-to hym was lope,
And traueyled hym þre dayys with pyne
Þat alle hyt sawë with here yne;
And, at þe þre day[y]s ende,
He deydë, and to helle gan wende.
loke now, how þe deuyl hym laght
For coueytyse of wurldys aght.
Ful wykked ys þat coueytyse,
with oþer mennes gode falsly to ryse.
For coueytyse of wurldys aght.
Ful wykked ys þat coueytyse,
with oþer mennes gode falsly to ryse.
Ȝyt hyt ys wers þan ys þe lore
To do a man to deþ þarfore.
Of God almyȝty haþ he noun eye,
Ne he ne þenkeþ for to deye;
On hys deþ he þenkeþ neuer,
And þarfor deyeþ he for euer.
“Ȝe ryche men, ȝe ryche purchasours,
Ȝe wene þat al þe worlde be ȝours;
And yn alle ȝoure moste purcháce
Comþ ȝoure deþ sunnest yn place;
God sheweþ hyt oftë to ȝow;
Þenkeþ þéron for ȝoure prow.
196
Of God almyȝty haþ he noun eye,
Ne he ne þenkeþ for to deye;
On hys deþ he þenkeþ neuer,
And þarfor deyeþ he for euer.
“Ȝe ryche men, ȝe ryche purchasours,
Ȝe wene þat al þe worlde be ȝours;
And yn alle ȝoure moste purcháce
Comþ ȝoure deþ sunnest yn place;
God sheweþ hyt oftë to ȝow;
Þenkeþ þéron for ȝoure prow.
What seye ȝe by þese streyte negons
Þat se al day Goddës persones
Before hem deyë for mysese,
And þey are ryche and wel at ese,
And, ȝyt mow þey no þyng spare
To helpe þe porë þat mys fare.
Swyche a man ys auarous,
weyl wers þan ys coueytous;
For coueytyse ys yn purchace,
And auarycë halt long space.
Þat se al day Goddës persones
Before hem deyë for mysese,
And þey are ryche and wel at ese,
And, ȝyt mow þey no þyng spare
To helpe þe porë þat mys fare.
Swyche a man ys auarous,
weyl wers þan ys coueytous;
For coueytyse ys yn purchace,
And auarycë halt long space.
Aȝens mokerers wyl y þrepe
Þat gadren pens vn-to an hepe;
y warne hem allë yn þys wurde,
whan mokerers gadren yn-to hurde
Þe deuyl ys here tresorer,
For auaryce ys hys spenser.
Þat gadren pens vn-to an hepe;
y warne hem allë yn þys wurde,
whan mokerers gadren yn-to hurde
Þe deuyl ys here tresorer,
For auaryce ys hys spenser.
Y speke to men of rychë lyfe
Þat han no charge of chylde ne wyfe,
persones, prestes, þat han here rente,
And ouþer þat han grete extente,
Þat mow weyl, at allë ȝers,
lyue as lordes, and be here pers:
Þese nede nat to haue tresourye,
But aftyr manhede and curteysye.
Þat han no charge of chylde ne wyfe,
persones, prestes, þat han here rente,
And ouþer þat han grete extente,
Þat mow weyl, at allë ȝers,
lyue as lordes, and be here pers:
Þese nede nat to haue tresourye,
197
Ȝyf an husbond chyldryn haue,
One or two, mayden or knaue,
He may haue store and tresour
To kepe with hys chyldryn yn honour.
wele ys wurþy þat he haue gode,
Þat wel dyspendeþ hyt on hys blode.
As wykkedly, me þenkeþ ys hyt doun,
A man to gadyr oute of resoun,
And do þerwith noun almës dede,
Porë men to helpe at nede.
One or two, mayden or knaue,
He may haue store and tresour
To kepe with hys chyldryn yn honour.
wele ys wurþy þat he haue gode,
Þat wel dyspendeþ hyt on hys blode.
As wykkedly, me þenkeþ ys hyt doun,
A man to gadyr oute of resoun,
And do þerwith noun almës dede,
Porë men to helpe at nede.
A man þat haþ pens in chest,
Vnneþes to slepe haþ he rest;
with alle þat go nerhond, hym greues,
For alle, he weneþ þat þey be þeues;
Þus seyþ he þat gadreþ tresoure,
Of alle þat go byfore hys dore.
Swych euyl þoghtes here soulë þenkeþ,
And seye of hem euyl, þat noun hym þenkeþ.
Vnneþes to slepe haþ he rest;
with alle þat go nerhond, hym greues,
For alle, he weneþ þat þey be þeues;
Þus seyþ he þat gadreþ tresoure,
Of alle þat go byfore hys dore.
Swych euyl þoghtes here soulë þenkeþ,
And seye of hem euyl, þat noun hym þenkeþ.
He þat gadryþ to tresorye,—
Be he neuer so wys ne slye,—
Þese þre sorwes shal he haue,
hys tresour for to gete and saue:
Þe fyrst, ys trauayle yn þe wynnyng;
Þe touþer, ys drede to kepe þat þyng;
þe þryd ys þe most wo,
Þat tyme þat he shall parte þarfro.
“Þou rychë man, þou lestene weyl;
Þou gettyst but sorow of euery deyl.
Sykyr lyfe shalt þou noun lede;
Þyn herte ys þerfor euer yn drede.”
And herë y shal telle a lyte,
A wurdë of a gode Ermyte.
Be he neuer so wys ne slye,—
Þese þre sorwes shal he haue,
hys tresour for to gete and saue:
Þe fyrst, ys trauayle yn þe wynnyng;
Þe touþer, ys drede to kepe þat þyng;
þe þryd ys þe most wo,
Þat tyme þat he shall parte þarfro.
“Þou rychë man, þou lestene weyl;
Þou gettyst but sorow of euery deyl.
Sykyr lyfe shalt þou noun lede;
Þyn herte ys þerfor euer yn drede.”
And herë y shal telle a lyte,
A wurdë of a gode Ermyte.
198
[The Tale of the good Hermit who gave away the Money he had saved.]
An ermyte woned fer ouer a doune,
yn a wasteyne, fer fro þe toune;
Þys ermyte þoght vp-on a day
Þat he was yn febyl aray,
And seyd, he wulde gader to store
Tyl eftsones he had nedë more.
He gadred vn-to storë fast,
Þat hys purs he fylled at þe last.
yn a wasteyne, fer fro þe toune;
Þys ermyte þoght vp-on a day
Þat he was yn febyl aray,
And seyd, he wulde gader to store
Tyl eftsones he had nedë more.
He gadred vn-to storë fast,
Þat hys purs he fylled at þe last.
Þo was he yn grete stodye
where he myȝt do hyt pryuylye,
For to lese hyt he was a dred;
And ȝede and leyd hyt at hys bed.
whan he shuld slepë, he myȝt noght,
So mochë on hyt was hys þoght;
whan he sagh men come or go,
He þoghte and seydë, “þeues are þo.”
Euery man he wened had be a robbour,
For dredë þat he had tresoure.
And whan he seyd hys oures of þe day,
He þoght on hys tresour þer hyt lay.
And more was he þan morenande
Seþen þan beforëhand:
Þan seyd hym self, “weyl y ferde
Ar y, yn purs, penys sperde;
Now slepe y neuer but with kare,
Syn y wyst, whére pens ware.”
“y trowe,” he seyde, “þat Goddys curs
ys spred with pens, yn þe purs.”
where he myȝt do hyt pryuylye,
For to lese hyt he was a dred;
And ȝede and leyd hyt at hys bed.
whan he shuld slepë, he myȝt noght,
So mochë on hyt was hys þoght;
whan he sagh men come or go,
He þoghte and seydë, “þeues are þo.”
Euery man he wened had be a robbour,
For dredë þat he had tresoure.
And whan he seyd hys oures of þe day,
He þoght on hys tresour þer hyt lay.
And more was he þan morenande
Seþen þan beforëhand:
Þan seyd hym self, “weyl y ferde
Ar y, yn purs, penys sperde;
Now slepe y neuer but with kare,
Syn y wyst, whére pens ware.”
“y trowe,” he seyde, “þat Goddys curs
ys spred with pens, yn þe purs.”
he ros vp and ȝede to hys ȝate,
And sagh twey men come yn þe gate;
He parseyued weyl whydyrward þey cam,
And swyþe aftyr hys purs he ran,
And kast hyt to hem euery deyl,
And seyd, “haueþ, and broukeþ hyt weyl,
For, myn herte was neuer yn reste
Syn y had hem a nyȝtys geste;
For shal y neuer, aftyr þys day,
Purs, pens, ȝyf þat y may.”
And sagh twey men come yn þe gate;
He parseyued weyl whydyrward þey cam,
199
And kast hyt to hem euery deyl,
And seyd, “haueþ, and broukeþ hyt weyl,
For, myn herte was neuer yn reste
Syn y had hem a nyȝtys geste;
For shal y neuer, aftyr þys day,
Purs, pens, ȝyf þat y may.”
Þarfor he þat mekel has,
Hys herte ys yn many a kas;
Syn þat þykë pore ermyte
was yn dredë for so lyte.
Hys herte ys yn many a kas;
Syn þat þykë pore ermyte
was yn dredë for so lyte.
Auaryce ys þy mochë fo;
Þe loue of God hyt dragheþ þe fro;
And syluer algat[e], namëly,
Hyt ys a god of maumetry;
For maumetry ys madë alle
Of golde and syluer and swych matalle,
þe saraȝyns and ouþer wan bodyes,
Þer-of þey make þat are here goddes;
Þarefor y rede þat ȝe loue hyt noght,
Ne ouer moche to haue yn thoght:
Þyr ys no þyng yn erþe aboue,
Þat draghþ so mochë mannës loue
Fro God, né fro Goddys wurde,
As golde and syluer leyde yn hurde;
And y haue oftë herdë seye
Of sum men whan þey shuldë deye,
Þat, þey wulde haue her pens ete
Raþer þan any ouþer had hem gete;
And, here ar y ferþer go,
y shal telle of one þat ded so.
Þe loue of God hyt dragheþ þe fro;
And syluer algat[e], namëly,
Hyt ys a god of maumetry;
For maumetry ys madë alle
Of golde and syluer and swych matalle,
þe saraȝyns and ouþer wan bodyes,
Þer-of þey make þat are here goddes;
Þarefor y rede þat ȝe loue hyt noght,
Ne ouer moche to haue yn thoght:
Þyr ys no þyng yn erþe aboue,
Þat draghþ so mochë mannës loue
Fro God, né fro Goddys wurde,
As golde and syluer leyde yn hurde;
And y haue oftë herdë seye
Of sum men whan þey shuldë deye,
Þat, þey wulde haue her pens ete
Raþer þan any ouþer had hem gete;
And, here ar y ferþer go,
y shal telle of one þat ded so.
200
[The Tale of the Cambridgeshire Miser-Parson.]
yn Chambryg-shyrë, yn a toune,
y herd telle of a persoune:
Shortly to tellë, at þe laste,
hys deþ euyl down hym kaste.
y herd telle of a persoune:
Shortly to tellë, at þe laste,
hys deþ euyl down hym kaste.
Men sente aftyr twey freres,
Þat perauenture were hys cunseylers;
Þese frerès cam, and by hym sate,
and askéd hym of hys state.
Þis persone lay, and loked furþ
vn-tyl a cofre yn þe florth.
Þarto þe frere ȝaf godë tente
whyderward hys yȝen glente;
Þarto he loked euer anone,
And lay styllë as a stone;
Þan asked þe ton frere,
“what ys yn þys cofre here?”
Þe personë spak no þyng,
But ȝaf a gretë syghyng.
Þe freres kalled men hem to,
Þat cofre for to vn-do:
Þe persones men come echone:
“Key,” þey seyd, “hadd þey none.”
Þe lyd vp sone þey wraste,
And brak þe lok at þe laste;
And þere þey fonde þe cofre ful
Sperd wyþ þe deuylys mul
Of florens and of goldrynges,
And of many ouþer þynges
Þat were of syluer, vesseles,
And gold and ouþer Iuweles.
Þat perauenture were hys cunseylers;
Þese frerès cam, and by hym sate,
and askéd hym of hys state.
Þis persone lay, and loked furþ
vn-tyl a cofre yn þe florth.
Þarto þe frere ȝaf godë tente
whyderward hys yȝen glente;
Þarto he loked euer anone,
And lay styllë as a stone;
Þan asked þe ton frere,
“what ys yn þys cofre here?”
Þe personë spak no þyng,
But ȝaf a gretë syghyng.
Þe freres kalled men hem to,
Þat cofre for to vn-do:
Þe persones men come echone:
“Key,” þey seyd, “hadd þey none.”
Þe lyd vp sone þey wraste,
And brak þe lok at þe laste;
And þere þey fonde þe cofre ful
Sperd wyþ þe deuylys mul
Of florens and of goldrynges,
And of many ouþer þynges
Þat were of syluer, vesseles,
And gold and ouþer Iuweles.
Þe wrecche saw hys tresoure sperd,
And sette hym up yn hys bedde,
And bekened þer-aftyr with hys hand:
Þe frerë seyd, “y vndyrstande
Þat he wulde haue sum of þys.”
201
And bekened þer-aftyr with hys hand:
Þe frerë seyd, “y vndyrstande
Þat he wulde haue sum of þys.”
Þey toke and fylde a syluer dysshe
Ful of pens, and to hym broght,
To se what was yn hys þoght.
he toke and fyldë ful hys fyst,
And yn-to hys mouþe þe pens kyst,
As þat he wuldë hem haue ete,
Ȝyf he myȝt hem al haue gete.
And, whan þey sagh hym þus do,
Þe frerë styrtë hym vn-to,
And toke þe dysshë of hys hand
Magre hys wylland.
And a-none he fyllë downe,
And deyd, y wenë, yn a suowne.
Ful of pens, and to hym broght,
To se what was yn hys þoght.
he toke and fyldë ful hys fyst,
And yn-to hys mouþe þe pens kyst,
As þat he wuldë hem haue ete,
Ȝyf he myȝt hem al haue gete.
And, whan þey sagh hym þus do,
Þe frerë styrtë hym vn-to,
And toke þe dysshë of hys hand
Magre hys wylland.
And a-none he fyllë downe,
And deyd, y wenë, yn a suowne.
Seeþ now how hys louyng
Broȝt hym to euyl endyng!
Þat he haþ loued and holde faste,
with shame þey departed at þe laste;
Þerfore hyt were bettyr here
Dyspende here þyng on gode manere,
Þan for to ley hyt vp yn mucche,
Oþer yn cofre, oþer yn hucche.
Broȝt hym to euyl endyng!
Þat he haþ loued and holde faste,
with shame þey departed at þe laste;
Þerfore hyt were bettyr here
Dyspende here þyng on gode manere,
Þan for to ley hyt vp yn mucche,
Oþer yn cofre, oþer yn hucche.
Auarycë, ryche and harde,
ys a þefe, a mokerad,
whan he muccheþ pryuyly
Þat many man myȝt lyuë by.
Ryche men gadere ryche tresours
To make with ryche executours:
Þe whyles þe execútours sekke,
Of þe soulë þey ne rekke;
Þe body, whyl hyt on bere lys,
A day or two ys holde yn prys,
But whan hyt ys yn erþë broght,
Body ne soulë gete ryȝt noght;
Be he broght nobly to hys pyt,
Dette and soule þey þynke al quyt.
ys a þefe, a mokerad,
whan he muccheþ pryuyly
Þat many man myȝt lyuë by.
Ryche men gadere ryche tresours
To make with ryche executours:
Þe whyles þe execútours sekke,
Of þe soulë þey ne rekke;
Þe body, whyl hyt on bere lys,
A day or two ys holde yn prys,
But whan hyt ys yn erþë broght,
Body ne soulë gete ryȝt noght;
Be he broght nobly to hys pyt,
202
loke þerfore, executore,
Ȝyf þou haue ȝyt hold yn store
Þat þou oghtest for to haue ȝyue,
But fro day to day hast hyt dryue:
Þou synnest þan wykkedly,
And doust þe soule treytory;
But þus seyþ holy story,
Þe soule þat ys yn purgatory
lokeþ fast aftyr þe socoure
Of þe gode executoure;
Ȝyf he hyt helpë for to saue,
Gretë mede þan shal he haue;
And ȝyf he do nat hys ordynaunce,
hyt askeþ of God to hym veniaunce.
Ȝyf þou haue ȝyt hold yn store
Þat þou oghtest for to haue ȝyue,
But fro day to day hast hyt dryue:
Þou synnest þan wykkedly,
And doust þe soule treytory;
But þus seyþ holy story,
Þe soule þat ys yn purgatory
lokeþ fast aftyr þe socoure
Of þe gode executoure;
Ȝyf he hyt helpë for to saue,
Gretë mede þan shal he haue;
And ȝyf he do nat hys ordynaunce,
hyt askeþ of God to hym veniaunce.
Of allë fals þat beryn name,
Fals executours are maste to blame.
þe pope of þe courte of Rome,
Aȝens hem ȝyfþ he hardë dome,
And curseþ hem yn cherchys here
Fourë tymës yn þe ȝere.
Fals executours are maste to blame.
þe pope of þe courte of Rome,
Aȝens hem ȝyfþ he hardë dome,
And curseþ hem yn cherchys here
Fourë tymës yn þe ȝere.
Of alle executours þat men fynde,
werst are þyn ownë kynde,
And þy chyldryn specyaly
Are to þy soule vnkyndëly:
Þy chyldryn allë sey ryght þus:
“whom shuld þey ȝyuë hyt, but vs?”
y graunte weyl hyt ys ȝyue to þe;
Be þou to hem þan sumwhat fre:
Þat was heren, now hyt ys þyne;
helpe hem þerwyþ oute of pyne;
But þou mayst nat, for auaryce,
Þat haþ þe boundë yn þat vyce,
To sparë no þyng þat was hys
For to bryngë hym to blys.
And many tymës, so hyt gos,
mennës eyres are here most fos;
Namly, an eyre þat ys a qued,
þat desyreþ hys fadrys ded;
For oftë haue men herde and sen
Þat swych eyrës hauë ben.
werst are þyn ownë kynde,
And þy chyldryn specyaly
Are to þy soule vnkyndëly:
Þy chyldryn allë sey ryght þus:
“whom shuld þey ȝyuë hyt, but vs?”
y graunte weyl hyt ys ȝyue to þe;
Be þou to hem þan sumwhat fre:
Þat was heren, now hyt ys þyne;
helpe hem þerwyþ oute of pyne;
But þou mayst nat, for auaryce,
Þat haþ þe boundë yn þat vyce,
To sparë no þyng þat was hys
For to bryngë hym to blys.
203
mennës eyres are here most fos;
Namly, an eyre þat ys a qued,
þat desyreþ hys fadrys ded;
For oftë haue men herde and sen
Þat swych eyrës hauë ben.
yn London, þe wurde gan go,
Þat eyrës ded here fadrys slo;
And wyues wundryng was so bolde
To make here husbundes kokëwolde:
Many tymës, for swych dede,
Are eyrës mochë for to drede;
For doute þerof, þys ys þe skyle,
To queþe here landys where þey wyle;
hous and rente, and ouþer þyng,
Mow þey queþe at here endyng.
Þat eyrës ded here fadrys slo;
And wyues wundryng was so bolde
To make here husbundes kokëwolde:
Many tymës, for swych dede,
Are eyrës mochë for to drede;
For doute þerof, þys ys þe skyle,
To queþe here landys where þey wyle;
hous and rente, and ouþer þyng,
Mow þey queþe at here endyng.
Ȝe ryche men, before ȝow se,
Þe whyles ȝe are yn ȝoure pouste;
On ȝoure soules, y rede ȝow þenke;
y warne ȝow of ȝoure eyres blenke;
Ne haueþ no trust of ȝoure sokoure,
Nat of ȝoure owne executoure;
Ȝyueþ ȝeself with ȝoure hondys,
For þe dede haþ few[ë] frendys;
For þey þat þou louyst with-alle,
For þy soule wyl ȝyue but smalle.
Þe whyles ȝe are yn ȝoure pouste;
On ȝoure soules, y rede ȝow þenke;
y warne ȝow of ȝoure eyres blenke;
Ne haueþ no trust of ȝoure sokoure,
Nat of ȝoure owne executoure;
Ȝyueþ ȝeself with ȝoure hondys,
For þe dede haþ few[ë] frendys;
For þey þat þou louyst with-alle,
For þy soule wyl ȝyue but smalle.
Of þre executurs y shal ȝou rede,
how þey halpe ones a soule yn nede.
how þey halpe ones a soule yn nede.
[The Tale of the Three Dishonest Executors.]
A tale y herde a gode man sey,
how a man dyd whan he shuld deye:
he ches hym þre executours,
Of al hys godys ordeynours,
Twey lewed men and a clerke,
To do gode yn soulë werke.
Þys clerk was a lordyng,
Þe toþer was an husbunde þat lyued by hys þyng,
Þe þrydë was a marchaunde
Þat boght and solde with cunnaunte.
how a man dyd whan he shuld deye:
he ches hym þre executours,
Of al hys godys ordeynours,
Twey lewed men and a clerke,
204
Þys clerk was a lordyng,
Þe toþer was an husbunde þat lyued by hys þyng,
Þe þrydë was a marchaunde
Þat boght and solde with cunnaunte.
Fyl auenture he deydë sone;
Þey dyd with hym þat was to done;
To þe erþë þey hym dyght,
For, þat was þe dedys ryȝt.
whan he was dede, forȝate þey noȝt
Þat al hys godë þey furþe broght.
Þey dyd with hym þat was to done;
To þe erþë þey hym dyght,
For, þat was þe dedys ryȝt.
whan he was dede, forȝate þey noȝt
Þat al hys godë þey furþe broght.
Whan þey hadde gadred and a-countede
Þrytty mark hys gode amounted;
hys vessel was ten mark wurþy,
and ten mark of pens redy,
and ten mark hys ouþer store:
Þus þey hyt set, and at no more.
Þrytty mark hys gode amounted;
hys vessel was ten mark wurþy,
and ten mark of pens redy,
and ten mark hys ouþer store:
Þus þey hyt set, and at no more.
Þys clerk seyd: “we are þre;
As y rede, so do shul ȝe:
Þys ychë man þat dedë ys,
y hope hys soulë be yn blys;
and ȝyf hys soulë yn blys be,
he haþ no nede of gold ne fe;
hyt may no more but be yn heuene,
þogh we ȝaue þys, and swych[ë] seuene;
And ȝyf hys soulë be yn helle,
Alle þe pens þat we mow telle,
ne alle þe prestes þat messe mow synge,
Mow nat hyt out of hellë brynge:
So, be hyt yn helle, or be hyt yn blys,
hyt haþ no morë nede of þys;
“And we are swore to dele hyt ryȝt,
And euen to parte hyt at oure myȝt;
So we shul, ȝyf þat ȝe wylle:
And seyþ now here an euyn skylle;
he vouchede hyt saufe on vs, he seyd,
Þat we ȝaue hyt whan he deyde.
As y rede, so do shul ȝe:
Þys ychë man þat dedë ys,
y hope hys soulë be yn blys;
and ȝyf hys soulë yn blys be,
he haþ no nede of gold ne fe;
hyt may no more but be yn heuene,
þogh we ȝaue þys, and swych[ë] seuene;
And ȝyf hys soulë be yn helle,
Alle þe pens þat we mow telle,
ne alle þe prestes þat messe mow synge,
Mow nat hyt out of hellë brynge:
So, be hyt yn helle, or be hyt yn blys,
hyt haþ no morë nede of þys;
205
And euen to parte hyt at oure myȝt;
So we shul, ȝyf þat ȝe wylle:
And seyþ now here an euyn skylle;
he vouchede hyt saufe on vs, he seyd,
Þat we ȝaue hyt whan he deyde.
“Þys yche vessel þat ȝe se,
hyt may wel fallë to me.
þe store of hous, y vndyrstande,
Falleþ weyl to an husbande;
And þese pens falle on best wyse
To a marchaunde to do hys marchaundyse.
For soþë, y kan se no bet,
How euer hyt myȝt be bettyr sette;
No better, certes, myȝt hyt falle:
Þys ȝe seeþ, and weteþ alle.
Takë eche man hys party,
For y haue parted hyt euenly.”
hyt may wel fallë to me.
þe store of hous, y vndyrstande,
Falleþ weyl to an husbande;
And þese pens falle on best wyse
To a marchaunde to do hys marchaundyse.
For soþë, y kan se no bet,
How euer hyt myȝt be bettyr sette;
No better, certes, myȝt hyt falle:
Þys ȝe seeþ, and weteþ alle.
Takë eche man hys party,
For y haue parted hyt euenly.”
And eche of hem hys partë toke;
Hyred þey neyþer messe ne boke
For to synge, ne for to rede;
þey seyd þe soulë had no nede.
y pray God, mysauenture
hauë swych executure!
Hyred þey neyþer messe ne boke
For to synge, ne for to rede;
þey seyd þe soulë had no nede.
y pray God, mysauenture
hauë swych executure!
Executur þat wyl nat do
As þe dede ordeyned to,
he shal haue ful euyl endyng
þat so wyþ-halt þe dedës þyng.
Fals executours þat haue ben,
þys chaunce haue men of hem sen,
þat oþer fayleþ hem wurldës grace,
Or, at here endyng, speche or space;
And ȝyf hyt stonde þe wurldës aght,
A tokene hyt ys, hys soule ys kaght.
As þe dede ordeyned to,
he shal haue ful euyl endyng
þat so wyþ-halt þe dedës þyng.
Fals executours þat haue ben,
þys chaunce haue men of hem sen,
þat oþer fayleþ hem wurldës grace,
Or, at here endyng, speche or space;
And ȝyf hyt stonde þe wurldës aght,
A tokene hyt ys, hys soule ys kaght.
206
And here, at þys ychë pas,
Y shal ȝow tellë of a kas
Þat fyl now late yn Kesteuene;
But þe name y wyl nat neuene.
Y shal ȝow tellë of a kas
Þat fyl now late yn Kesteuene;
But þe name y wyl nat neuene.
[The Tale of the Two wicked Kesteven Executors.]
A man, shortly for to sey,
Whan he wyst þat he shuld deye,
Twey lewed men hys executours he ches,
As þou shalt here, wykked and les.
Þat tyme hyt happed for to be,
Hys sone was oute of þat cuntre.
Whan he wyst þat he shuld deye,
Twey lewed men hys executours he ches,
As þou shalt here, wykked and les.
Þat tyme hyt happed for to be,
Hys sone was oute of þat cuntre.
Whan þe dede was yn hys graue,
þey toke alle þat þey myȝt haue.
þe sonë herd[ë] þat tydyng,
And come home fo þe énteryng;
But he myȝt, with no procurement,
Se ones hys fadres testament,
For þe katel was a-counted
More þan þe testament amounted,
And þey wuldë nat fulfylle
þe testement of þe dedës wylle.
þey toke alle þat þey myȝt haue.
þe sonë herd[ë] þat tydyng,
And come home fo þe énteryng;
But he myȝt, with no procurement,
Se ones hys fadres testament,
For þe katel was a-counted
More þan þe testament amounted,
And þey wuldë nat fulfylle
þe testement of þe dedës wylle.
Þe sone besoght hem þat þey wylde
Þe testement of hys fadyr were fulfylede:
Þan bygan þey hym for to þrete,
And spakë to hym wurdys grete;
For tene, þey seyd þey wulde nat do
For hym þat þey were ordeyned to.
Þe testement of hys fadyr were fulfylede:
Þan bygan þey hym for to þrete,
And spakë to hym wurdys grete;
For tene, þey seyd þey wulde nat do
For hym þat þey were ordeyned to.
Þe chylde besoght[ë] God almyȝt
To take veniaunce on here vnryght.
hyt was nat a moneþ aftyrward,
þe ton fyl yn a chaunce ful hard:
At hys foreyne, y ne wot what,
Strangled hym þeron as he sat;
Þe touþer executoure þat had þe þyng,
Yn pouert he madë hys endyng.
To take veniaunce on here vnryght.
hyt was nat a moneþ aftyrward,
þe ton fyl yn a chaunce ful hard:
207
Strangled hym þeron as he sat;
Þe touþer executoure þat had þe þyng,
Yn pouert he madë hys endyng.
Now haue ȝe herde, myschaunce and nede
Cumþ of fals executours dede;
Whedyr hyt be stylle, or loude on hy,
Fals executours endyn wykkedly;
lyfe or soule, þe toon ys shent,
Or, boþe shul yn fyre be brent.
Cumþ of fals executours dede;
Whedyr hyt be stylle, or loude on hy,
Fals executours endyn wykkedly;
lyfe or soule, þe toon ys shent,
Or, boþe shul yn fyre be brent.
As mochë ioyë and onours
Shal come to gode executours;
God graunteþ hym, for hys gode wyl,
hele and welþe with-outyn yl;
And for hys dede þat he douþ ryght,
He shal haue mercy aȝens hys plyght.
Þe soule prayeþ also, with wyl fre,
Þat hys gode dede hym ȝouldë be
Yn blys of heuene, wyþoutyn ende,
Whan he out of þys wurlde shal wende;
And loue of man, he shal fynde,
Yn þe syght of alle mankynde:
Þys godënesse shal ay be newe
To þe executur þat ys trewe.
Shal come to gode executours;
God graunteþ hym, for hys gode wyl,
hele and welþe with-outyn yl;
And for hys dede þat he douþ ryght,
He shal haue mercy aȝens hys plyght.
Þe soule prayeþ also, with wyl fre,
Þat hys gode dede hym ȝouldë be
Yn blys of heuene, wyþoutyn ende,
Whan he out of þys wurlde shal wende;
And loue of man, he shal fynde,
Yn þe syght of alle mankynde:
Þys godënesse shal ay be newe
To þe executur þat ys trewe.
Now we þe executore haue mysseyd,
And of hys wrong he haþ vpbreyd,
he aȝensseyþ alle þat tresun,
And setteþ þus hys resun,
And prayeþ vs þe soþe to se,
Þat þe dede ys more to blame þan he,
And argueþ vp-on þys skylle,
And byt þe dede answere þartylle:
“ȝyf þou be ryche yn ȝongþe or elde,
And hast ynowe of welþe to welde,
And knowest þy self yn wyl and dedes,
Þy wo, þy welë, how þou ledes,
“Alle þy lyfe, what hyt ys wurþy,
Þou wost hyt bettyr þan wote y;
Wyk and godë, þou hyt wyst,
And þe to sauë, þou ne lyst,
And haddest þy self alle þy powere;
why were þou nat þyn owne spensere?
how shuld y þan do now for þe,
Syn þy self were nat so fre?
how shulde y loue þy soulë nowe,
whan þou louedyst nat þy soulë prowe?
how shulde y þenke, þy soule to saue,
Whan þou þoghtyst noun to haue?
how shulde y bryngë þe to blys,
whan þou þy self ne wuldest þe wysse?
how shulde y bringë þe of pyne,
when þou ne wuldest, whyl alle was þyne?
how shulde y, frend-man, be þy frende,
when þy-self fo-man, wald þy hende?
how shulde y late þy gode me fro,
when þou lete noun fro þy-self go?
who shulde þe oute of sorowe vnbynde,
When to þy self þou were vnkynde,
and wystyst weyl þou shuldest deye,
and nedely þe behoued passe þat weye?
And of hys wrong he haþ vpbreyd,
he aȝensseyþ alle þat tresun,
And setteþ þus hys resun,
And prayeþ vs þe soþe to se,
Þat þe dede ys more to blame þan he,
And argueþ vp-on þys skylle,
And byt þe dede answere þartylle:
“ȝyf þou be ryche yn ȝongþe or elde,
And hast ynowe of welþe to welde,
And knowest þy self yn wyl and dedes,
Þy wo, þy welë, how þou ledes,
208
Þou wost hyt bettyr þan wote y;
Wyk and godë, þou hyt wyst,
And þe to sauë, þou ne lyst,
And haddest þy self alle þy powere;
why were þou nat þyn owne spensere?
how shuld y þan do now for þe,
Syn þy self were nat so fre?
how shulde y loue þy soulë nowe,
whan þou louedyst nat þy soulë prowe?
how shulde y þenke, þy soule to saue,
Whan þou þoghtyst noun to haue?
how shulde y bryngë þe to blys,
whan þou þy self ne wuldest þe wysse?
how shulde y bringë þe of pyne,
when þou ne wuldest, whyl alle was þyne?
how shulde y, frend-man, be þy frende,
when þy-self fo-man, wald þy hende?
how shulde y late þy gode me fro,
when þou lete noun fro þy-self go?
who shulde þe oute of sorowe vnbynde,
When to þy self þou were vnkynde,
and wystyst weyl þou shuldest deye,
and nedely þe behoued passe þat weye?
“Þogh y, for þe, ȝaf aywhore,
who shulde kunne me þank þerfore?
what shuld God do þè mede?
Þou dedyst hyt nat; hyt ys oure dede?
a peny ȝyue of þe, yn þy lyue,
hadde be bettyr þan oure fyue.
Þou gederdyst, and ȝaue þyn executours;
Þat before was þyn, now ys hyt ours.
Þou gaderdyst faste, and puttest yn holde;
So shul we, be þou bolde;
Þou boghtyst fast, and madyst a ryche eyre,
Þy sone ys now yn þe samë speyre;
he shal nat þenk þat he shal deye,
“Ne noght of þe, but alle to beye.
what þoghtest þou on þy fadyr before,
lesse shal he þenke on þe, þat of þe ys bore.
Of þy wofare ne haþ he þoght,
Þou myghtyst þy self, and wuldest noght;
and þogh now we ȝaue alle þy gode
vntyl porë mannës fode,
Or dede anouþer (for þy sake,)
Cherche to sette, or auter make,
y trowe þy mede shal be but smal,
Syn þou dedyst noȝt whan þyn was al.
who shulde kunne me þank þerfore?
what shuld God do þè mede?
Þou dedyst hyt nat; hyt ys oure dede?
a peny ȝyue of þe, yn þy lyue,
hadde be bettyr þan oure fyue.
Þou gederdyst, and ȝaue þyn executours;
Þat before was þyn, now ys hyt ours.
Þou gaderdyst faste, and puttest yn holde;
So shul we, be þou bolde;
Þou boghtyst fast, and madyst a ryche eyre,
Þy sone ys now yn þe samë speyre;
he shal nat þenk þat he shal deye,
209
what þoghtest þou on þy fadyr before,
lesse shal he þenke on þe, þat of þe ys bore.
Of þy wofare ne haþ he þoght,
Þou myghtyst þy self, and wuldest noght;
and þogh now we ȝaue alle þy gode
vntyl porë mannës fode,
Or dede anouþer (for þy sake,)
Cherche to sette, or auter make,
y trowe þy mede shal be but smal,
Syn þou dedyst noȝt whan þyn was al.
“loke now þy-self, and gode skyl why,
Þat þou art more to blame þan y.
wharefor ys alle y with þe stryue,
Þat þou do godë yn þy lyue;
Make þy-self þyn ownë weye,
Þat þyn executor of þe þus seye;
For what time þat þou awey gos,
Þo þat were þy frendys are þan þy fos,
And comunly þyn ownë wyfe,—
Þát, mayst þou se here ful ryfe,—
Also þy chyldryn are vnkynde,
Þat þou hast be aboute ful mynde;
Of boþe mayst þou þy merour se,
Ȝyf þou kanst, or wyl párseue þe;
And alle cumþ hyt of coueytyse
Þat men done vpp-on þys wyse;
Þárfore þenk on þe endyng,
And spendë weyl þyn ownë þyng,
Þat þou fal nat yn auaryce:
Of vnkyndhede hyt cumþ, þat vyce.”
Þat þou art more to blame þan y.
wharefor ys alle y with þe stryue,
Þat þou do godë yn þy lyue;
Make þy-self þyn ownë weye,
Þat þyn executor of þe þus seye;
For what time þat þou awey gos,
Þo þat were þy frendys are þan þy fos,
And comunly þyn ownë wyfe,—
Þát, mayst þou se here ful ryfe,—
Also þy chyldryn are vnkynde,
Þat þou hast be aboute ful mynde;
Of boþe mayst þou þy merour se,
Ȝyf þou kanst, or wyl párseue þe;
And alle cumþ hyt of coueytyse
Þat men done vpp-on þys wyse;
Þárfore þenk on þe endyng,
And spendë weyl þyn ownë þyng,
Þat þou fal nat yn auaryce:
Of vnkyndhede hyt cumþ, þat vyce.”
God, for hys holy myȝt,
late us neuer, with wnryȝt,
Coueyte oght aȝens hys wyl,
No with auaryce to holde for yl,
But þat hyt be, hym to queme,
And body and soule yn clenesse ȝeme.
late us neuer, with wnryȝt,
Coueyte oght aȝens hys wyl,
No with auaryce to holde for yl,
But þat hyt be, hym to queme,
And body and soule yn clenesse ȝeme.
210
[On Gluttony.]
The syxtë synne ys glotonye;
Þat ys a shameful vyleynye
Þat men doun of mete and drynk,
For ouermoche ys abominable & stynk.
Þat ys a shameful vyleynye
Þat men doun of mete and drynk,
For ouermoche ys abominable & stynk.
y wyl now shewë of hys spyces,
Þat noun fallë on hys grecys:
Ful many on stumble vp and down
Of þe greces of syre glotown.
y shal ȝow telle þe samë wyse
Ryȝt as ‘manuel pecches’ seyse:
he comaundeþ, at þe bygynnyng,
‘Be mesuráble yn alle þyng.’
Of allë wysdom þat shal dure,
Þe most wysdom, þan ys ‘mesure’;
Mesure and resun, to-gedyr þey wone,
And alle manere of vertues þey kone.
with whom þey wonë, he ys wys,
And ys ryche, and holdyn yn prys.
hyt ys a gode sygne þat man ys stable,
Þat yn resun ys mesuráble.
Many a vertu, mesure has,
Þat touched ys nat yn þys pas.
But þe mesure of etyng,
Þát ys boþe to olde and ȝyng;
Þarefore wyl y telle ȝow alle
Yn what þyngës þat ȝe falle.
Þat noun fallë on hys grecys:
Ful many on stumble vp and down
Of þe greces of syre glotown.
y shal ȝow telle þe samë wyse
Ryȝt as ‘manuel pecches’ seyse:
he comaundeþ, at þe bygynnyng,
‘Be mesuráble yn alle þyng.’
211
Þe most wysdom, þan ys ‘mesure’;
Mesure and resun, to-gedyr þey wone,
And alle manere of vertues þey kone.
with whom þey wonë, he ys wys,
And ys ryche, and holdyn yn prys.
hyt ys a gode sygne þat man ys stable,
Þat yn resun ys mesuráble.
Many a vertu, mesure has,
Þat touched ys nat yn þys pas.
But þe mesure of etyng,
Þát ys boþe to olde and ȝyng;
Þarefore wyl y telle ȝow alle
Yn what þyngës þat ȝe falle.
Be nat to þy self so large,
Ouer mesure þyn herte to charge,
Þat þou ne kast for vylaynye
Ne for þe foule lust of glotonye.
Þenk here-on whan þou hyt bygynnys,
For þer-yn are þre wykked synnes:
Glotonye, and þefte of þyng,
And cursed yn chyrche, ys mede endyng.
Ouer mesure þyn herte to charge,
Þat þou ne kast for vylaynye
Ne for þe foule lust of glotonye.
Þenk here-on whan þou hyt bygynnys,
For þer-yn are þre wykked synnes:
Glotonye, and þefte of þyng,
And cursed yn chyrche, ys mede endyng.
212
And y warne þe of þys kas,
To comone with any þat cursyng has,
Þat þou wystyst opunly
were cursed with holy cherches cry.
Ȝyf þou dedyst hyt by þy wylle,
wyþ-oute destresse or lordys wylle,
Holy cherche ys wroth wyþ þe astyt,
And halt hyt pryde and grete dyspyt,
And seyþ þou art vnbuxum,
And manteynest an euyl custum.
To comone with any þat cursyng has,
Þat þou wystyst opunly
were cursed with holy cherches cry.
Ȝyf þou dedyst hyt by þy wylle,
wyþ-oute destresse or lordys wylle,
Holy cherche ys wroth wyþ þe astyt,
And halt hyt pryde and grete dyspyt,
And seyþ þou art vnbuxum,
And manteynest an euyl custum.
Ȝyf a cursed man hadde cumpany
with one or ouþer, logh or hy,
Or yn mete or yn drynke
At þe alehous, or ouþer gaderyng,
He ne wulde recche how long he lay
yn hys cursyng, nyȝt or day.
For holy cherchë curseþ none
But yn vnbuxumnesse þat haþ mysgone;
Þat wyl nat stonde at hys Iustyse,
he defendyþ hym þe comune acyse,
For to make hym be ashamed
Þat he shulde be so defamed,
And so shulde he wyte he may nat be
But at holy cherche degre.
For swych þyng, men ofte hem meken,
And mercy at holy cherchë sekyn.
with one or ouþer, logh or hy,
Or yn mete or yn drynke
At þe alehous, or ouþer gaderyng,
He ne wulde recche how long he lay
yn hys cursyng, nyȝt or day.
For holy cherchë curseþ none
But yn vnbuxumnesse þat haþ mysgone;
Þat wyl nat stonde at hys Iustyse,
he defendyþ hym þe comune acyse,
For to make hym be ashamed
Þat he shulde be so defamed,
And so shulde he wyte he may nat be
But at holy cherche degre.
For swych þyng, men ofte hem meken,
And mercy at holy cherchë sekyn.
Þarfor hyt ys a grete folye,
with cursed man haue cumpanye.
Seynt Poule seyþ, þat mochë wote,
“who-so handlyþ pycche wellyng hote,
He shal haue fylþe þerof sumdeyl
Þogh he kepe hym neuer so weyl.”
And Dauyd seyþ yn þe sauter,
For felaushepe, on swych maner,
“with holy man, holy shalt þou be;
with wykked man, þou turnest as he.”
On þese wurdys y rede ȝe þynke,
And kepë ȝow fro cursed blynke.
with cursed man haue cumpanye.
Seynt Poule seyþ, þat mochë wote,
“who-so handlyþ pycche wellyng hote,
He shal haue fylþe þerof sumdeyl
Þogh he kepe hym neuer so weyl.”
And Dauyd seyþ yn þe sauter,
For felaushepe, on swych maner,
“with holy man, holy shalt þou be;
213
On þese wurdys y rede ȝe þynke,
And kepë ȝow fro cursed blynke.
Ne þou shalt, for no mannes prew,
Ete, no drynkë wyþ a Iew.
But ȝyf he wyl crystendom take,
hys felaushepe shalt þou forsake.
And þat ys a grete skyl why,
For þe Iew ys Ihesus enmye.
Þe Iew loueþ, on no manere,
Iesu, ne hys modyr dere.
Þarfor, ȝyf þou loue hem ryȝt,
Forsakë Iew at alle þy myȝt,
But ȝyf þou hope þat he wul weyue
Hys lawe, and crystendom receyue.
Ete, no drynkë wyþ a Iew.
But ȝyf he wyl crystendom take,
hys felaushepe shalt þou forsake.
And þat ys a grete skyl why,
For þe Iew ys Ihesus enmye.
Þe Iew loueþ, on no manere,
Iesu, ne hys modyr dere.
Þarfor, ȝyf þou loue hem ryȝt,
Forsakë Iew at alle þy myȝt,
But ȝyf þou hope þat he wul weyue
Hys lawe, and crystendom receyue.
[Against making Men drunk.]
Þys custum ys also perylous,
To lede a man to þe alehous
To do hym drynke out of resun,
Or make hym drunke,—þat ys tresun,—
Or to þy hous, ȝyf þou hym lede,
On hym drynkë for to bede;
Þou art gylty of hys synne
Ȝyf þou to drunkenes wldest hym wynne.
And ȝyf þou ioyë þerof has,
Þe more þou fallyst yn trespas;
Hyt ys a tokene of felunnye
To weytë hym with swych gylrye.
To lede a man to þe alehous
To do hym drynke out of resun,
Or make hym drunke,—þat ys tresun,—
Or to þy hous, ȝyf þou hym lede,
On hym drynkë for to bede;
Þou art gylty of hys synne
Ȝyf þou to drunkenes wldest hym wynne.
And ȝyf þou ioyë þerof has,
Þe more þou fallyst yn trespas;
Hyt ys a tokene of felunnye
To weytë hym with swych gylrye.
Also ȝyf þou any day shuldest fast,
And þou ouertymely þy metë aske,
Glotony haþ swych longyng wroght,
Þat þou to tyme abydest ynoght.
And þou ouertymely þy metë aske,
Glotony haþ swych longyng wroght,
Þat þou to tyme abydest ynoght.
214
Anoþer spyce ys yn glotonye,
To ete ouer delycyusly,
For to be serued with many messe:
Þat haunte þese lordyngës on dese.
To ete ouer delycyusly,
For to be serued with many messe:
Þat haunte þese lordyngës on dese.
wuld þey of euery a messe ȝyue
To helpe þe pore wyþ for to lyue,
Þe boldlyere þey myȝt hem self fede
Ȝyf þey dedyn þat almës dede.
But of almës þenk þey noȝt,
For lust and lykyng ys more yn þoght.
To helpe þe pore wyþ for to lyue,
Þe boldlyere þey myȝt hem self fede
Ȝyf þey dedyn þat almës dede.
But of almës þenk þey noȝt,
For lust and lykyng ys more yn þoght.
Þou þat louest so many messe,
wuldest þou þenke on syre Dyues,
And of þe porë man Laȝare
Þat syre Dyues late mysfare,—
For he asked hym sum gode,
Of hys mete, for hys lyuës fode,—
y trowe þou shuldest nat forgete
Þe pore man at þy mete,
Ȝyf þou vndyrstode, y wene,
what þe talë wulde bemene.
wuldest þou þenke on syre Dyues,
And of þe porë man Laȝare
Þat syre Dyues late mysfare,—
For he asked hym sum gode,
Of hys mete, for hys lyuës fode,—
y trowe þou shuldest nat forgete
Þe pore man at þy mete,
Ȝyf þou vndyrstode, y wene,
what þe talë wulde bemene.
[The Tale of Dives and Lazarus.]
A ryche man was sum tyme of prys
Þat wered boþe purpure and bys,
And euery day nobly was led,
And with delycyus metys fed;
And þer was þo a porë man,
Lazare, þat þe wurd of ran,
He lay at þe ryche mannys ȝate,
Ful of bylës, yn þe gate;
He ȝerned moche to ete hys fylle
Of þe crummes þat þe ryche man ded spyl,
But no man ȝaue hym on to byte,
Þogh þat asked he so lyte:
But þe rychë mannës houndes
Come and lykked Laȝares woundes.
Sone aftyrward deydë Laȝare
Before þe mannes ȝatë þare;
Goddës aungeles þe soulë nam,
And bare hyt yn-to þe bosum of Abraham.
Þat wered boþe purpure and bys,
And euery day nobly was led,
And with delycyus metys fed;
And þer was þo a porë man,
Lazare, þat þe wurd of ran,
He lay at þe ryche mannys ȝate,
Ful of bylës, yn þe gate;
He ȝerned moche to ete hys fylle
Of þe crummes þat þe ryche man ded spyl,
But no man ȝaue hym on to byte,
Þogh þat asked he so lyte:
But þe rychë mannës houndes
215
Sone aftyrward deydë Laȝare
Before þe mannes ȝatë þare;
Goddës aungeles þe soulë nam,
And bare hyt yn-to þe bosum of Abraham.
Abrahams bosum ys a dwellyng
Þat holy men haue yn restyng,
Þat to Ihesu, Goddys sone, cam,
Þat flesshe and blode yn Mary nam.
Abrahams bosum ys a stede, men telle,
Betwyxë paradys and helle.
Þat holy men haue yn restyng,
Þat to Ihesu, Goddys sone, cam,
Þat flesshe and blode yn Mary nam.
Abrahams bosum ys a stede, men telle,
Betwyxë paradys and helle.
Fyl auenture, as y er seyde,
Þys rychë man sone aftyr deyde.
Hys soule was bore to Lucyfere,
with-outyn ende to dwellë þere;
And, as he was þere yn pyne,
He loked vpwarde with hys yne,
And sagh Laȝare, þe porë man,
yn þe bosum of Abraham;
And as he myȝt, he ȝaue a cry,
And seyd, “Abraham, mercy, mercy!
Late Laȝare hys o fynger wete,
And, droppe on my tunge for hete;
For y am yn endles peyne,
yn fyre and yn leye certeyne.”
Þys rychë man sone aftyr deyde.
Hys soule was bore to Lucyfere,
with-outyn ende to dwellë þere;
And, as he was þere yn pyne,
He loked vpwarde with hys yne,
And sagh Laȝare, þe porë man,
yn þe bosum of Abraham;
And as he myȝt, he ȝaue a cry,
And seyd, “Abraham, mercy, mercy!
Late Laȝare hys o fynger wete,
And, droppe on my tunge for hete;
For y am yn endles peyne,
yn fyre and yn leye certeyne.”
And Abraham spak as yn vpbreyde,
“Sone! menest þou nat what y er seyd?
Þou receyuedyst þe wurldys blys,
And Laȝare, pouert and peyne ywys.
Þou ete and drunke, and were ful blyþe;
And Laȝare hungred, & ful wo syþe;
And now shal he, for hys deserte,
Haue welþe y-nogh for hys pouert;
And þou, for welþe, to pyne shal go,
And for þy ryches þou shalt haue wo.
Now ys Laȝare euer yn solace,
And þou yn sorow with-outë grace;
Þe endles ende may no man telle
Betwyxe vs here, & ȝow yn helle;
Betwyxe oure ioye, and ȝourë peyne,
ys endles tyme, and vncerteyne.
Swych sykernes ys betwyx ȝow two,
Þat noun of vs to ȝow may go.
None of vs to ȝow may come,
But echone haue hys ownë dome.”
“Sone! menest þou nat what y er seyd?
Þou receyuedyst þe wurldys blys,
And Laȝare, pouert and peyne ywys.
Þou ete and drunke, and were ful blyþe;
And Laȝare hungred, & ful wo syþe;
And now shal he, for hys deserte,
Haue welþe y-nogh for hys pouert;
And þou, for welþe, to pyne shal go,
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Now ys Laȝare euer yn solace,
And þou yn sorow with-outë grace;
Þe endles ende may no man telle
Betwyxe vs here, & ȝow yn helle;
Betwyxe oure ioye, and ȝourë peyne,
ys endles tyme, and vncerteyne.
Swych sykernes ys betwyx ȝow two,
Þat noun of vs to ȝow may go.
None of vs to ȝow may come,
But echone haue hys ownë dome.”
Þan preyde þe ryche man, Abraham,
þat he wlde sende Lazare, or sum oþer wham,
To hys breþryn allë fyue,
Þat þey loke hem so, yn here lyue,
Fro auaryce and fro glotonye
And ȝyue to porë men bleþlye,
“Þat þey neuer hedyr be sent,
with me, yn þys hete, to be brent.”
þat he wlde sende Lazare, or sum oþer wham,
To hys breþryn allë fyue,
Þat þey loke hem so, yn here lyue,
Fro auaryce and fro glotonye
And ȝyue to porë men bleþlye,
“Þat þey neuer hedyr be sent,
with me, yn þys hete, to be brent.”
Abraham ne graunted hym noght
Þat þe ryche man hym besoght,
“Þey haue,” he seyd, “alle þe prophete dedys,
And holy wryt, þat men on redys,
To teche hem boþë ryȝt and skyle,
Do þeraftyr, ȝyf þey wyle.”
Þat þe ryche man hym besoght,
“Þey haue,” he seyd, “alle þe prophete dedys,
And holy wryt, þat men on redys,
To teche hem boþë ryȝt and skyle,
Do þeraftyr, ȝyf þey wyle.”
Þan spake þe rychë man,
“Nay, fadyr Abraham, nay, þey ne kan;
But wuldest þou do aftyr my rede,
To reyse a man þat haþ be dede,
þat myȝt hem þe peynës telle
Þat þey shul suffre and yn dwelle,
Þan shulde þey do ryȝt penaunce
For to askapë þys myschaunce.”
“Nay, fadyr Abraham, nay, þey ne kan;
But wuldest þou do aftyr my rede,
To reyse a man þat haþ be dede,
þat myȝt hem þe peynës telle
Þat þey shul suffre and yn dwelle,
Þan shulde þey do ryȝt penaunce
For to askapë þys myschaunce.”
Abraham wulde nat graunte
Þe ryche man þat cunnaunt,
A dedë man vp for to reyse,
“Syn Moyses sawes þey wyl nat preyse,
How wulde þey at a dede man lere,
whan holy wryt þey wyl nat here?”
Þe ryche man þat cunnaunt,
A dedë man vp for to reyse,
“Syn Moyses sawes þey wyl nat preyse,
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whan holy wryt þey wyl nat here?”
Þys tale tellyþ oure lorde Ihesu
To rychë men for herë prew,
Þat þey ne be no nythyng
Of here mete, ne of here þyng.
To porë men, namëly,
Þat þou ȝyuest hem, ȝyue hyt bleþly,
with no betyng, ne with noun awe;
Almës ys noȝt wyþ any myssawe.
To rychë men for herë prew,
Þat þey ne be no nythyng
Of here mete, ne of here þyng.
To porë men, namëly,
Þat þou ȝyuest hem, ȝyue hyt bleþly,
with no betyng, ne with noun awe;
Almës ys noȝt wyþ any myssawe.
why tellyþ he þe wykkednes of þys man alle,—
And he ne robbed, ne he ne stalle,—
But for he bare hym ouer hye,
And ledde hys lyfe yn glotonye,
And to þe pore dyd euyl yn dede,
No halp hym noȝt yn hys nede:
Ne Laȝare asked nat greuuslyke,
But a fewe crummës for to pyke;
And for he ȝaue hym noun on to byte,
Hym was werned as lyte:
As lytyl as he hym wernede,
As lytyl þyng he ȝernede;
he preydë Laȝare hym to sende
A dropë of hys fynger ende.
And he ne robbed, ne he ne stalle,—
But for he bare hym ouer hye,
And ledde hys lyfe yn glotonye,
And to þe pore dyd euyl yn dede,
No halp hym noȝt yn hys nede:
Ne Laȝare asked nat greuuslyke,
But a fewe crummës for to pyke;
And for he ȝaue hym noun on to byte,
Hym was werned as lyte:
As lytyl as he hym wernede,
As lytyl þyng he ȝernede;
he preydë Laȝare hym to sende
A dropë of hys fynger ende.
Loke how euene Iugement,
Þe tone aȝens þe toþer, was sent:
hyt ys but a lytyl synne,
Of a drope and of a crumme;
þan wyl hyt be ful harde a-counte
Of þyng þat wylle to moche a-mounte.
Þarfor, ȝe lordyngys, beþ ful ware,
Þenkeþ on Dyues and on Laȝare,
And þe porë naȝt forgete
whan ȝe syttë at ȝoure mete.
Þe tone aȝens þe toþer, was sent:
hyt ys but a lytyl synne,
Of a drope and of a crumme;
þan wyl hyt be ful harde a-counte
Of þyng þat wylle to moche a-mounte.
Þarfor, ȝe lordyngys, beþ ful ware,
Þenkeþ on Dyues and on Laȝare,
And þe porë naȝt forgete
whan ȝe syttë at ȝoure mete.
And þou þat fedyst þe so rychely,
Ouer mesure yn glotonye,
Þenk þat þou shalt stynk and rote,
And wurmës shul fyl þy þrote,
And þe fouler shal þy body stynke,
For thy ryche metë, and þy drynke.
Ouer mesure yn glotonye,
Þenk þat þou shalt stynk and rote,
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And þe fouler shal þy body stynke,
For thy ryche metë, and þy drynke.
Euery man ȝyue tente to þys,
And se how vyle hys body ys.
Twey dayys or þre mow hyt loke
Mete, ar man hyt ete or toke;
But as sone as hyt ys yn þe ȝoten,
Yn half a day þan ys hyt roten;
Ryȝt vyle, and alþer meste,
Þan hyt ys of any ouþer beste.
Se weyl þys! þan mayst þou fynde,
how vyle þan ys þyn ownë kynde.
And se how vyle hys body ys.
Twey dayys or þre mow hyt loke
Mete, ar man hyt ete or toke;
But as sone as hyt ys yn þe ȝoten,
Yn half a day þan ys hyt roten;
Ryȝt vyle, and alþer meste,
Þan hyt ys of any ouþer beste.
Se weyl þys! þan mayst þou fynde,
how vyle þan ys þyn ownë kynde.
Þys rychë man that y of telle,
Wente nat oonly þarfor to helle,
But, for þat he wuldë noght
Ȝyue to Laȝare þat he besoght,
Ne noȝt only for glotonye,
Ne auaryce, ne for beryng hye,
Noȝt for-þy, þe leste of þys,
Myȝt brynge a man to Iuwys.
Wente nat oonly þarfor to helle,
But, for þat he wuldë noght
Ȝyue to Laȝare þat he besoght,
Ne noȝt only for glotonye,
Ne auaryce, ne for beryng hye,
Noȝt for-þy, þe leste of þys,
Myȝt brynge a man to Iuwys.
why was God moste wyþ hym wroth?
For he dyd þe pore man loth,
And for he dyd hys houndes oute late
To byte þe Laȝare at þe ȝate;
And, for he dyde hym þat dyspyte,
God wrathede hym astyte,
And deyneþ nat to nemne hys name,
For he dede þe pore man shame,
But calleþ hym yn þe gospel, ryche,
As vnkyndë and vnbryche.
For ful comunly shalt þou fynde
Oftë rychë men vnkynde.
For he dyd þe pore man loth,
And for he dyd hys houndes oute late
To byte þe Laȝare at þe ȝate;
And, for he dyde hym þat dyspyte,
God wrathede hym astyte,
And deyneþ nat to nemne hys name,
For he dede þe pore man shame,
But calleþ hym yn þe gospel, ryche,
As vnkyndë and vnbryche.
For ful comunly shalt þou fynde
Oftë rychë men vnkynde.
Lorde! how shul þese robbers fare,
Þat þe pore pepyl pelyn ful bare,—
Erlës, kynȝtës, and barouns,
And ouþer lordyngës of tounnes;
Iustyses, shryues, and baylyuys,
Þat þe lawës alle to-ryues,
And þe pore men alle to-pyle;
To ryche men do þey but as þey wylle.
Þat þe pore pepyl pelyn ful bare,—
Erlës, kynȝtës, and barouns,
And ouþer lordyngës of tounnes;
Iustyses, shryues, and baylyuys,
219
And þe pore men alle to-pyle;
To ryche men do þey but as þey wylle.
Þys ryche man, as þe gospel seys,
was but to .o. man vncurteys,
And hadde so mochë pyne þarfore;
On hem wyl fallë mochë more
Þat many pore men pyle and bete,
For God no synne wyl þey nat lete.
Swych ryche men þat are aȝens Goddys pes,
Þenkeþ on Laȝare and on Dyues;
And beþ nat pynede wyþ Satanas
For porë men, as Dyues was,
And ys, and euer shal be;
Ȝyt robbed he neuer golde ne fee.
By þys skylle, þan mow ȝe se,
Þat ȝe are wers þan was he.
He dyde but lete an hounde hym to;
Ȝe rychë men, weyl wers ȝe do!
Ȝe wyl noun houndës to hem lete,
But, ȝe self, hem sle and bete.
He ne dyd but werned hym of hys mete;
And ȝe, robbe al þat ȝe mow gete;
Ȝe are as Dyues, þat wyl naght ȝyue;
And wers, for ȝe robbe þat þey shulde by lyue.
Of mochë peyne ȝe mow ȝow drede,
For ȝe do weyl wers þan Dyues dede.
was but to .o. man vncurteys,
And hadde so mochë pyne þarfore;
On hem wyl fallë mochë more
Þat many pore men pyle and bete,
For God no synne wyl þey nat lete.
Swych ryche men þat are aȝens Goddys pes,
Þenkeþ on Laȝare and on Dyues;
And beþ nat pynede wyþ Satanas
For porë men, as Dyues was,
And ys, and euer shal be;
Ȝyt robbed he neuer golde ne fee.
By þys skylle, þan mow ȝe se,
Þat ȝe are wers þan was he.
He dyde but lete an hounde hym to;
Ȝe rychë men, weyl wers ȝe do!
Ȝe wyl noun houndës to hem lete,
But, ȝe self, hem sle and bete.
He ne dyd but werned hym of hys mete;
And ȝe, robbe al þat ȝe mow gete;
Ȝe are as Dyues, þat wyl naght ȝyue;
And wers, for ȝe robbe þat þey shulde by lyue.
Of mochë peyne ȝe mow ȝow drede,
For ȝe do weyl wers þan Dyues dede.
Ȝe rychë men, God wyl ȝow charge
Þat ȝe ȝyue ȝoure almës large;
Nat ouer powere, neuer a deyl,
But ȝyue þat, þat ȝe mow ful weyl;
And nat allonely largëly,
But with loue, þat ys, curtesy;
Ȝyueþ curteysly, and nat to bete,
Ȝow were bettyr ȝoure almës lete.
Þat ȝe ȝyue ȝoure almës large;
Nat ouer powere, neuer a deyl,
But ȝyue þat, þat ȝe mow ful weyl;
And nat allonely largëly,
But with loue, þat ys, curtesy;
220
Ȝow were bettyr ȝoure almës lete.
Ȝyf a pore man take ons or twyys,
Mysdo hym nat, ȝyf þou be wys,
Ne seye hym noun oþer vyleynye;
Þan doust þou larges and curteysye.
More þank þou getest for swych ȝyuyng
Þan seuene so moche with chydyng.
Herefore Seynt Ihon þe aumenere seys,
And techyþ men to be curteys.
Mysdo hym nat, ȝyf þou be wys,
Ne seye hym noun oþer vyleynye;
Þan doust þou larges and curteysye.
More þank þou getest for swych ȝyuyng
Þan seuene so moche with chydyng.
Herefore Seynt Ihon þe aumenere seys,
And techyþ men to be curteys.
[The Tale of St. John the Almoner, and his great Liberality and Courtesy.]
Hyt seyþ Seynt Ihon þe aumenere
Pore men called hym Goddys spensere;
He was bysshope and patryarke
Of Constantynë, noble starke.
Of hym ȝede ful fyr þe name,
Of large almës men ȝaue hym name.
A pylgryme herde of hym þus seye,
And to hys palys he toke þe weye;
whan he cam þer, he sagh seynt Ihon
Dele þe pore folk ful gode wone;
He seyd he wulde hym ouercharge,
To wete wheþer seynt Ihon were large.
Pore men called hym Goddys spensere;
He was bysshope and patryarke
Of Constantynë, noble starke.
Of hym ȝede ful fyr þe name,
Of large almës men ȝaue hym name.
A pylgryme herde of hym þus seye,
And to hys palys he toke þe weye;
whan he cam þer, he sagh seynt Ihon
Dele þe pore folk ful gode wone;
He seyd he wulde hym ouercharge,
To wete wheþer seynt Ihon were large.
He com, and asked þe charyte,
And seynt Ihon, þat was so fre,
He commaundede hys seriaunte
For to ȝyue hym syxe besaunte.
Þys pylgrym ȝede and chaunged hys wede,
More to aske, ȝyf he myȝt spede.
And seyd he hadde goun many a gate,
And to þe cyte he was com late,
And of spensys had he non,
So hadde he yn pylgrymage gon.
Seynt Ihon commaundede hys aumenere
To ȝyue hym ouþer syxe, for he had mystere.
Þe aumener parceyued weyl þat tyme
Þat hyt was þe same pylgryme
Þat toke byfore þe charyte,
And seyd, “syre, þys ys he.”
Noþeles, oþer wroth or glad,
He ȝaf hym, þat seyn Ihon bad.
And seynt Ihon, þat was so fre,
He commaundede hys seriaunte
For to ȝyue hym syxe besaunte.
Þys pylgrym ȝede and chaunged hys wede,
More to aske, ȝyf he myȝt spede.
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And to þe cyte he was com late,
And of spensys had he non,
So hadde he yn pylgrymage gon.
Seynt Ihon commaundede hys aumenere
To ȝyue hym ouþer syxe, for he had mystere.
Þe aumener parceyued weyl þat tyme
Þat hyt was þe same pylgryme
Þat toke byfore þe charyte,
And seyd, “syre, þys ys he.”
Noþeles, oþer wroth or glad,
He ȝaf hym, þat seyn Ihon bad.
Þys pylgrym eft besydë nam,
And eftë þe þryd tymë cam
yn a-noþer wede þan he was ore,
And asked at seynt Ihon ȝyt more.
Þe aumenere was wroth þerfore,
Þat he asked so oute of skore,
Syn hym was ȝyue so largëly,
And ȝyt he asked, and was gredy.
But Seynt Ihon, he was fre,
And yn ful gretë charyte
He commaunded to hym a-none
To ȝyue hym twelue besauntes echone:
“Peráuenture, God wyl me proue
what y wyl do for hys loue,
Oþer hyt ys God hym selue;
Þarfore ȝyf hym besauntes twelue;
Or he proueþ me a-noþer wey,
Ȝyf y wyl any of hys myssey;
Þarfore ȝyueþ with godë wyl
And curteysye, with-outyn yl.”
And eftë þe þryd tymë cam
yn a-noþer wede þan he was ore,
And asked at seynt Ihon ȝyt more.
Þe aumenere was wroth þerfore,
Þat he asked so oute of skore,
Syn hym was ȝyue so largëly,
And ȝyt he asked, and was gredy.
But Seynt Ihon, he was fre,
And yn ful gretë charyte
He commaunded to hym a-none
To ȝyue hym twelue besauntes echone:
“Peráuenture, God wyl me proue
what y wyl do for hys loue,
Oþer hyt ys God hym selue;
Þarfore ȝyf hym besauntes twelue;
Or he proueþ me a-noþer wey,
Ȝyf y wyl any of hys myssey;
Þarfore ȝyueþ with godë wyl
And curteysye, with-outyn yl.”
Þys tale y toldë ȝow þys tyde,
Þat ȝe with no pore men chyde;
ȝyf þou chydyng with hym makes,
whan þyn almes of þe he takes,
He byeþ hyt dere with hys myssawe,
And shame þerwith, and drede, and awe.
Ȝyf for þat ȝyft þou wylt haue mede,
Mysdo hym nat, yn wurde ne dede.
Þat ȝe with no pore men chyde;
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whan þyn almes of þe he takes,
He byeþ hyt dere with hys myssawe,
And shame þerwith, and drede, and awe.
Ȝyf for þat ȝyft þou wylt haue mede,
Mysdo hym nat, yn wurde ne dede.
Also hyt ys grete curteysye
To ȝyue ȝoure almës hastylye;
Nat for to makë long delay,
To late a wrecchë stonde al day
Cryyng at þy ȝate yn colde;
He byeþ þyn almes on manyfolde,
And þogh þou ȝyue hym lytyl or noght,
Algate hyt ys dere y-boghte.
And, þarfore hyt were weyl doun
To ȝyue þyn almës gladly and soun.
To ȝyue ȝoure almës hastylye;
Nat for to makë long delay,
To late a wrecchë stonde al day
Cryyng at þy ȝate yn colde;
He byeþ þyn almes on manyfolde,
And þogh þou ȝyue hym lytyl or noght,
Algate hyt ys dere y-boghte.
And, þarfore hyt were weyl doun
To ȝyue þyn almës gladly and soun.
And y warne ȝow alle of o þyng,
Forþenkeþ nat of ȝoure almes-ȝyuyng.
Ȝyf þou forþenkest, þou getyst maugre,
Þy ȝyft ys nat yn charyte;
Ryght so dyd þe bysshope Troyle,
For hys almes he made grete doyle,
Þat a sykenes hym ouer haf
For largë almes þat he ȝaf.
Seynt Ihoun þe aumenere telleþ how,
And as he seyþ, y shal telle ȝow;
A gode ensample, as we rede,
Þat none forþynke hys almës dede.
Forþenkeþ nat of ȝoure almes-ȝyuyng.
Ȝyf þou forþenkest, þou getyst maugre,
Þy ȝyft ys nat yn charyte;
Ryght so dyd þe bysshope Troyle,
For hys almes he made grete doyle,
Þat a sykenes hym ouer haf
For largë almes þat he ȝaf.
Seynt Ihoun þe aumenere telleþ how,
And as he seyþ, y shal telle ȝow;
A gode ensample, as we rede,
Þat none forþynke hys almës dede.
[The Tale of Bishop Troylus and his Thirty Pounds.]
Þys yche seynt Ihon þe aumenere
was a patryark of grete powere;
Vndyr hym was bysshope Troylus,
Þat for to haue tresour was coueytous.
And on a day, as fyl to be
Þat seynt Ihon ȝaf hys charyte,
Þe bysshope Troylë, for cumforte,
with hym wentë for dysporte,
To se þe folk þat þyrdyr come
Of many cuntres þat oute were nome.
Þat ychë tyme þat chaunce gan falle,
Seynt Ihon hadde nat to ȝyue hem alle;
But a man, þat was þere,
Rouned yn seynt Ihons ere.
‘Þat he hadde broght þat ychë stounde
To syre Troylë þyrty pounde,
And he myȝt helpë, ȝyf he wylde,
Þat hys dolë were fulfylde.’
was a patryark of grete powere;
Vndyr hym was bysshope Troylus,
Þat for to haue tresour was coueytous.
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Þat seynt Ihon ȝaf hys charyte,
Þe bysshope Troylë, for cumforte,
with hym wentë for dysporte,
To se þe folk þat þyrdyr come
Of many cuntres þat oute were nome.
Þat ychë tyme þat chaunce gan falle,
Seynt Ihon hadde nat to ȝyue hem alle;
But a man, þat was þere,
Rouned yn seynt Ihons ere.
‘Þat he hadde broght þat ychë stounde
To syre Troylë þyrty pounde,
And he myȝt helpë, ȝyf he wylde,
Þat hys dolë were fulfylde.’
Seynt Ihon to Troyle bygan to sermun
with ensamples of gode resun,
“Þat he hadde pyte of here cryyng;
To se hem wepe, was reuful þyng;
For God shal þanke alle at þe laste day yn dede,
Þat of þe pore for hys loue han pyte at nede.
what ys hyt wrþ to preche yn cherche,
whan men yn dedë wyl nat werche?
And now hyt ys so on þy party,
Thou hast besauntes of golde redy,
Þat þou mayst helpe, ȝyf þat þou wylt,
Þat þys pore peple be nat spylt.”
with ensamples of gode resun,
“Þat he hadde pyte of here cryyng;
To se hem wepe, was reuful þyng;
For God shal þanke alle at þe laste day yn dede,
Þat of þe pore for hys loue han pyte at nede.
what ys hyt wrþ to preche yn cherche,
whan men yn dedë wyl nat werche?
And now hyt ys so on þy party,
Thou hast besauntes of golde redy,
Þat þou mayst helpe, ȝyf þat þou wylt,
Þat þys pore peple be nat spylt.”
what for almes, and what for despyte,
Troylë commaunded al styte
Þat þo þrytty pounde of golde
were ȝyue þere seynt Ihōn̄ wolde.
Troylë commaunded al styte
Þat þo þrytty pounde of golde
were ȝyue þere seynt Ihōn̄ wolde.
To þe pore was hyt so delte and dryue,
Þat euery besaunt was furþ ȝyue.
whan allë haddë þat þere cam,
Seynt Ihōn̄ and Troylë homward nam:
Troyle fyl yn a grete syknes
For sorow of hys large almes;
Þat sorow hadde hym so ouercome,
Þat þe feuer hadde hym nome.
He wende weyl þat he hadde be lore,
So lytyl hope yn hym was bore.
Hys godë hopë was ful badde,
For hym þoghte lore, þat pore men hadde.
Þat euery besaunt was furþ ȝyue.
whan allë haddë þat þere cam,
224
Troyle fyl yn a grete syknes
For sorow of hys large almes;
Þat sorow hadde hym so ouercome,
Þat þe feuer hadde hym nome.
He wende weyl þat he hadde be lore,
So lytyl hope yn hym was bore.
Hys godë hopë was ful badde,
For hym þoghte lore, þat pore men hadde.
Seynt Ihon wulde nat Troyle forgete,
He sente aftyr hym to þe mete;
But he excused hym, and seyd nay,
And seyd þat he yn þe feuer lay,
And to þe deþe he hoped weyl,
Þarefore ne myȝt he come þat sele.
He sente aftyr hym to þe mete;
But he excused hym, and seyd nay,
And seyd þat he yn þe feuer lay,
And to þe deþe he hoped weyl,
Þarefore ne myȝt he come þat sele.
whan Seynt Ihon herde þat seye,
Þat Troyle supposed for to deye,
Asswyþë to hym he ȝede,
And cunseyled hym to haue no drede;
“Drede þe noght, my godë sone,
Goddës manere we owe to kone;
For alle þo þat he loueþ dere,
he chasteþ hem on many manere;
And as he sendeþ to þè, sykenes,
He wyl sende hele whan hys wyl es.”
Þat Troyle supposed for to deye,
Asswyþë to hym he ȝede,
And cunseyled hym to haue no drede;
“Drede þe noght, my godë sone,
Goddës manere we owe to kone;
For alle þo þat he loueþ dere,
he chasteþ hem on many manere;
And as he sendeþ to þè, sykenes,
He wyl sende hele whan hys wyl es.”
Seynt Ihon wyst wele hys herte,
Hys sykënes, and alle hys querte;
Þarfore he seydë on þys wyse—
For he knew hys coueytyse,—
“Þy golde þat was to me so redy,
To me þou lentyst hyt, graunte mercy;
For y was yn wyl, for þe feste,
Þat euery hadde a peny, who so hadde leste.
But y myȝt nat so of myne,
But y hadde borowed at þe of þyne;
Þo þrytty pounde, God haþ me sente,
And here þey are now, þy presente;
And asswyþe þey shul be payd,
No lenger shul þey be delayd.”
Hys sykënes, and alle hys querte;
Þarfore he seydë on þys wyse—
For he knew hys coueytyse,—
“Þy golde þat was to me so redy,
To me þou lentyst hyt, graunte mercy;
For y was yn wyl, for þe feste,
Þat euery hadde a peny, who so hadde leste.
225
But y hadde borowed at þe of þyne;
Þo þrytty pounde, God haþ me sente,
And here þey are now, þy presente;
And asswyþe þey shul be payd,
No lenger shul þey be delayd.”
Seynt Ihon called hys chaumberleyn,
And tolde hem to Troyle, be summe certeyn.
Anoun cumforted was Troyle so weyl
Þat hys sykenes he forgate eche deyl,
And so smartly, yn tyme so lyte,
Þat þey allë myȝt wele wyte
Þat þe feuer þat hym so shoke
was for þe monye þat he toke.
And tolde hem to Troyle, be summe certeyn.
Anoun cumforted was Troyle so weyl
Þat hys sykenes he forgate eche deyl,
And so smartly, yn tyme so lyte,
Þat þey allë myȝt wele wyte
Þat þe feuer þat hym so shoke
was for þe monye þat he toke.
He dyde on hys cloþys astyte,
And to Seynt Ihon he wrote a skryte;
Þys skryt conteyneþ, as hyt seyþ þore,
Þese samë wurdës, lesse ne more:
“God þe ȝelde, my lorde Syre Ihon,
Þe besauntes þat were delte echon,
Þat y lente þe, þrytty pounde,
Yn hande y haue hem hole and sounde.”
And Troyle dyde þe skryt weyl sele,
And syþen ros vp yn gode hele;
And went hym homë with seynt Ihon;
Of euyl felte he no more non.
And to Seynt Ihon he wrote a skryte;
Þys skryt conteyneþ, as hyt seyþ þore,
Þese samë wurdës, lesse ne more:
“God þe ȝelde, my lorde Syre Ihon,
Þe besauntes þat were delte echon,
Þat y lente þe, þrytty pounde,
Yn hande y haue hem hole and sounde.”
And Troyle dyde þe skryt weyl sele,
And syþen ros vp yn gode hele;
And went hym homë with seynt Ihon;
Of euyl felte he no more non.
But Ihesu, þat seëþ al þyng,
Shewed to Troyle þys tokenyng
How he hadde lore a rychë holde,
And for auaryce he hyt solde.
Shewed to Troyle þys tokenyng
How he hadde lore a rychë holde,
And for auaryce he hyt solde.
Troyle tolde, he sagh þys syght
At þe fyrst slepe of þe nyght:
Hym was shewed a paleys,
So fayre was neuer noun, hyt seys;
For alle hyt was of betyn golde,
Alle þat euer stode on molde.
Myȝte no man aymë þe largenesse,
Ne tungë tellë þe feyrnesse.
Þer-yn was so noble atyre,
Shynyng as golde, flammyng as fyre.
Aboute þe ȝatë wrytyn was
Þat Troyle beheldë a long space,
And ofte he reddë þat wrytyng,
And haddë þeryn grete lykyng;
Þys was þere wryte,—as seynt Ihon telles,
And as men of þys story spellys,—
“Reste and hous with-outyn ende,
Þe bysshope Troylë shal to wende.”
At þe fyrst slepe of þe nyght:
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So fayre was neuer noun, hyt seys;
For alle hyt was of betyn golde,
Alle þat euer stode on molde.
Myȝte no man aymë þe largenesse,
Ne tungë tellë þe feyrnesse.
Þer-yn was so noble atyre,
Shynyng as golde, flammyng as fyre.
Aboute þe ȝatë wrytyn was
Þat Troyle beheldë a long space,
And ofte he reddë þat wrytyng,
And haddë þeryn grete lykyng;
Þys was þere wryte,—as seynt Ihon telles,
And as men of þys story spellys,—
“Reste and hous with-outyn ende,
Þe bysshope Troylë shal to wende.”
Þus þoght Troylë yn hys bedde,
As he ofte on þe lettyr redde.
Þan wende Troylë sykyrly weyl,
Þe kyng hadde ȝyue hyt hym eche deyl;
Þarefore syre Troylë was ful gladde
Þat he swyche a paleys hadde.
As he ofte on þe lettyr redde.
Þan wende Troylë sykyrly weyl,
Þe kyng hadde ȝyue hyt hym eche deyl;
Þarefore syre Troylë was ful gladde
Þat he swyche a paleys hadde.
Vnneþë þenne hys yȝe was glent,
Þat one fro God þydyr was sent,
And commaunded alle yn rape
A-wey þat wrytyng for to skrape.
Alle þat spakë of syre Troyle
was skraped a-wey, as who sey oyle.
Þat one fro God þydyr was sent,
And commaunded alle yn rape
A-wey þat wrytyng for to skrape.
Alle þat spakë of syre Troyle
was skraped a-wey, as who sey oyle.
Sone aftyrward, with-yn a lytyl,
was þere wryte anoþer tytyl;
Þys tytyl þat was latter wryte,
Þus moche hyt ys for to wyte,
“Rest, and hous, and wonyng,
Graunteþ, and ȝyueþ, heuene kyng,
To Ihon þe patryark so fre,
with-outyn ende yn ioye to be,
For þrytty poundë þat he boghte,
And to almës dede hem broghte.”
was þere wryte anoþer tytyl;
Þys tytyl þat was latter wryte,
Þus moche hyt ys for to wyte,
“Rest, and hous, and wonyng,
Graunteþ, and ȝyueþ, heuene kyng,
To Ihon þe patryark so fre,
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For þrytty poundë þat he boghte,
And to almës dede hem broghte.”
And Troylë waked sone anone,
And tolde hys dremë to seynt Ihon,
Euery deyl how he hadde sen,
And was ordeyned to haue ben.
“Þarfore,” he seyde, “fro henne forward
Ne shal y neuer be to pore man hard;
So feyre ys dyȝte to hem to lyue,
Þat blely wyl to pore men ȝyue.”
But algate Troyle þat tyme had tynte
Þe fyrst paleys þat God hadde hym mynte.
And tolde hys dremë to seynt Ihon,
Euery deyl how he hadde sen,
And was ordeyned to haue ben.
“Þarfore,” he seyde, “fro henne forward
Ne shal y neuer be to pore man hard;
So feyre ys dyȝte to hem to lyue,
Þat blely wyl to pore men ȝyue.”
But algate Troyle þat tyme had tynte
Þe fyrst paleys þat God hadde hym mynte.
Ȝe lordynges þat haue y-now,
Þys talë haue y tolde for ȝow,
Þat ȝe ne repente ȝow of largés
Þat ȝe ȝyue to ȝoure almés;
And þenkeþ on þe bysshope Troyle
Þat for large almës made grete doyle,
Þat ȝe ne lese nat þat paleys
Þat God ordeyneþ to alle curteys;
For who so ȝyueþ curteysly,
Hyt fordoþe þe synne of glotonye.
Þys talë haue y tolde for ȝow,
Þat ȝe ne repente ȝow of largés
Þat ȝe ȝyue to ȝoure almés;
And þenkeþ on þe bysshope Troyle
Þat for large almës made grete doyle,
Þat ȝe ne lese nat þat paleys
Þat God ordeyneþ to alle curteys;
For who so ȝyueþ curteysly,
Hyt fordoþe þe synne of glotonye.
Of mete, glotonye wyl bygynne;
Almës þerof fordoþe þat synne.
Almës fordoþ alle wykkednes,
And quenchyþ synne, and makyþ hyt les.
Almës semeþ hyt cumþ of loue
Þat þou ȝyuest to man for God aboue,
Oþer for hym þat þou ȝyuest þore,
Or hym þat þou ȝyuest hyt fore.
Almës, þou wost weyl, ys a ȝyfte;
And for þe ȝyuyng, man ys vplyfte.
Almës þerof fordoþe þat synne.
Almës fordoþ alle wykkednes,
And quenchyþ synne, and makyþ hyt les.
Almës semeþ hyt cumþ of loue
Þat þou ȝyuest to man for God aboue,
Oþer for hym þat þou ȝyuest þore,
Or hym þat þou ȝyuest hyt fore.
Almës, þou wost weyl, ys a ȝyfte;
And for þe ȝyuyng, man ys vplyfte.
Ȝyue gladly, for God, þyn almës here;
Hym ȝyue þou hyt on alle manere,
And for hys loue, to hys meyne,
Ȝyf þou of hym wylt loued be.
So wyl ȝyftys louë tylle,
And gadyr many one to gode wylle.
Hym ȝyue þou hyt on alle manere,
And for hys loue, to hys meyne,
Ȝyf þou of hym wylt loued be.
228
And gadyr many one to gode wylle.
For ȝyftys, twey loues mayst þou haue,
And boþe be tymës mow þe saue.
Þe fyrst ys, ȝyf þou ȝyue þy þynges
To hauë louë of lordynges:
For þy ȝyfte þou mayst be herde,
And saue þy godë yn þe werlde;
But þat love lasteþ lytyl whyle,
And aȝens God hyt wyl þe fyle.
And boþe be tymës mow þe saue.
Þe fyrst ys, ȝyf þou ȝyue þy þynges
To hauë louë of lordynges:
For þy ȝyfte þou mayst be herde,
And saue þy godë yn þe werlde;
But þat love lasteþ lytyl whyle,
And aȝens God hyt wyl þe fyle.
Þe toþer loue is noght for þys;
Hyt askeþ noght but heuene blys;
And þat loue ys, euery deyl,
loue of God and pore man weyl.
what ys loue vnto men pore?
Almës to hem ys recouere;
Almës dede of loue ys wey,
Noþer mysdo, noþer myssey;
Þan wyl God almyghty loue þe;
Þy loue ys þan with charyte.
Hyt askeþ noght but heuene blys;
And þat loue ys, euery deyl,
loue of God and pore man weyl.
what ys loue vnto men pore?
Almës to hem ys recouere;
Almës dede of loue ys wey,
Noþer mysdo, noþer myssey;
Þan wyl God almyghty loue þe;
Þy loue ys þan with charyte.
Charyte ys, þe certeyn to lere,
loue of þyn euyncrysten dere.
So sone þerto, noght wyl þe lede,
Ne so moche, as wyl almës dede.
Charyte ys, þe longyng of loue,
As y haue tolde ȝow here aboue;
For alle þat euer þou mayst do,—
But loue yn charyte be þerto—
Alle þat euer hast þou wroght,
Stant þe ellës al at noght.
loue of þyn euyncrysten dere.
So sone þerto, noght wyl þe lede,
Ne so moche, as wyl almës dede.
Charyte ys, þe longyng of loue,
As y haue tolde ȝow here aboue;
For alle þat euer þou mayst do,—
But loue yn charyte be þerto—
Alle þat euer hast þou wroght,
Stant þe ellës al at noght.
Se now what seynt Poulë seys
Yn a pystyl, þe samë weys,—
“Þogh y speke as weyl with tung
As any man or aungel haþ song,
And y lyue nat with charyte,
No þyng auayleþ hyt to me.
For y do þan ryȝt as þe bras,
And as þe tympan, þat bete was;
Þe bras, to oþer, ȝyueþ grete sown,
And bet hym self vp and down.
And þogh y speke al yn prephecye,
And haue þe kunnyng of euery maystrye,
And, with gode beleue myght seye
Þe hylles to turne yn-to þe valey,
ȝyf hyt ne be with charyte wroght,
Ellës, he seyþ þat y am noght.
Þogh y ȝyue alle my wurldës gode
Vnto porë mennys fode,
And ȝyue my body for to brenne
Opunly oþer men to kenne,
But ȝyf þar be charyte with alle,
My mede þarfore shal be ful smalle.”
Yn a pystyl, þe samë weys,—
“Þogh y speke as weyl with tung
As any man or aungel haþ song,
And y lyue nat with charyte,
No þyng auayleþ hyt to me.
For y do þan ryȝt as þe bras,
And as þe tympan, þat bete was;
229
And bet hym self vp and down.
And þogh y speke al yn prephecye,
And haue þe kunnyng of euery maystrye,
And, with gode beleue myght seye
Þe hylles to turne yn-to þe valey,
ȝyf hyt ne be with charyte wroght,
Ellës, he seyþ þat y am noght.
Þogh y ȝyue alle my wurldës gode
Vnto porë mennys fode,
And ȝyue my body for to brenne
Opunly oþer men to kenne,
But ȝyf þar be charyte with alle,
My mede þarfore shal be ful smalle.”
loke now how many godenesse þer are,
with-outë charyte noght but bare.
wylt þou know þy self, and se
Ȝyf þou wone yn charyte?
with-outë charyte noght but bare.
wylt þou know þy self, and se
Ȝyf þou wone yn charyte?
Charyte suffreþ boþe gode and yl,
And charyte ys of reuful wyl,
Charyte haþ noun enuye,
And charyte wyl no felunnye;
Charyte ys nat Irus,
And charyte ys nat coueytous;
Charyte wyl no bostful preysyng;
he wyl noght but ryȝtwys þyng;
Charyte loueþ no fantome,
No þynges þat euyl may of come;
He haþ no ioye of wykkednes,
But loueþ alle þat sothfast es;
Alle godenes he vp bereþ;
Alle he suffreþ, and noun he dereþ;
Gode hope he haþ yn ryghtwys þyng,
And alle he susteyneþ to þe endyng;
Charyte ne fayleþ noght,
Ne no þyng þat with hym ys wroght.
when alle prophecyes are alle gone,
And alle tunges are leyde echone,
And alle craftys fordo shul be,
Þan lasteþ stedfast charyte.”
And charyte ys of reuful wyl,
Charyte haþ noun enuye,
And charyte wyl no felunnye;
Charyte ys nat Irus,
And charyte ys nat coueytous;
Charyte wyl no bostful preysyng;
he wyl noght but ryȝtwys þyng;
Charyte loueþ no fantome,
No þynges þat euyl may of come;
He haþ no ioye of wykkednes,
But loueþ alle þat sothfast es;
Alle godenes he vp bereþ;
Alle he suffreþ, and noun he dereþ;
Gode hope he haþ yn ryghtwys þyng,
And alle he susteyneþ to þe endyng;
Charyte ne fayleþ noght,
Ne no þyng þat with hym ys wroght.
when alle prophecyes are alle gone,
230
And alle craftys fordo shul be,
Þan lasteþ stedfast charyte.”
Þus seyþ seynt Poule, and mochë more,
Yn hys pystyl of hys lore.
Seynt charyte ys gode and hende,
lastyng with God with-outyn ende.
Yn hys pystyl of hys lore.
Seynt charyte ys gode and hende,
lastyng with God with-outyn ende.
Gode hyt were to loue hyt weyl,
And folowe hyt with oure dede sumdeyl.
Ȝyf we þys charyte wyl haue,
Ȝyue we þe pore whan þey vs craue;
Ȝyue we hem, as hyt ys oure myȝt,
with-oute myssaw or any fyȝt;
Þan ys hyt curteys almës dede;
Þank of God þan ys oure mede,
And shal stonde ful stalwurþly
Aȝens þe synne of glotonye,
As y haue tolde ȝow here byfore,
And furþer shal y telle ȝow now more.
And folowe hyt with oure dede sumdeyl.
Ȝyf we þys charyte wyl haue,
Ȝyue we þe pore whan þey vs craue;
Ȝyue we hem, as hyt ys oure myȝt,
with-oute myssaw or any fyȝt;
Þan ys hyt curteys almës dede;
Þank of God þan ys oure mede,
And shal stonde ful stalwurþly
Aȝens þe synne of glotonye,
As y haue tolde ȝow here byfore,
And furþer shal y telle ȝow now more.
At þe begynnyng y spake of þys,
Ete ne drynk but þat nede ys.
who so doþ hyt oute of mesure,
Hele of body may nat dure,
And to hys soule, hyt ys dedly synne,
Þat custummable ys þer-ynne;
And penaunce harde þarfore shal go,
But we kepe vs weyl þerfro.
Ete ne drynk but þat nede ys.
who so doþ hyt oute of mesure,
Hele of body may nat dure,
And to hys soule, hyt ys dedly synne,
Þat custummable ys þer-ynne;
And penaunce harde þarfore shal go,
But we kepe vs weyl þerfro.
Loke yn þys sawe what Catoun seys,
Þat ys wyys and ryȝt curteys,
“Ȝyf þou yn hele wylt dure,
Ete and drynk of swych mesure
Þat þy strenkþe be nat þe lesse;
For, drynkyng oute of skylle,
Þy body bryng hyt wylle
To sorowe and to sykënesse.”
Þat ys wyys and ryȝt curteys,
“Ȝyf þou yn hele wylt dure,
Ete and drynk of swych mesure
Þat þy strenkþe be nat þe lesse;
For, drynkyng oute of skylle,
Þy body bryng hyt wylle
To sorowe and to sykënesse.”
231
And ouþer spyces haþ glotonye:
To ete þy mete ouer brennynglye
And lustly, whan þou hyt getyst,
And takest noun hede what þou etyst.
To ete þy mete ouer brennynglye
And lustly, whan þou hyt getyst,
And takest noun hede what þou etyst.
Anoþer spyce ys noght to pay,
As a beste to ete al day,
And kepyst nonë certeyn tyme,
Þe settyng at none or pryme,
Noþer ouþer tyme þat fallyþ to man,
But as a beste þat no resun kan.
Me þenkeþ weyl hyt ys resun
To callë swych a man ‘glotoun.’
Twyys on þe day ys sustynaunce
To man þat haþ gode cheuysaunce.
Þe cheuysauncë, woste þou how,
To man þat haþ metë ynow,
Þogh he be man of trauayle,
Hyt were y-now with-outë fayle.
As a beste to ete al day,
And kepyst nonë certeyn tyme,
Þe settyng at none or pryme,
Noþer ouþer tyme þat fallyþ to man,
But as a beste þat no resun kan.
Me þenkeþ weyl hyt ys resun
To callë swych a man ‘glotoun.’
Twyys on þe day ys sustynaunce
To man þat haþ gode cheuysaunce.
Þe cheuysauncë, woste þou how,
To man þat haþ metë ynow,
Þogh he be man of trauayle,
Hyt were y-now with-outë fayle.
But þo men þat haue no swynk,
Þat delyte hem yn mete or drynk,
Þe apostyl Poulë spekþ of þo,
And dampneþ many one to wo.
He seyþ “woo to þo þat erly ȝerne,
Þat go and hauntë þe tauerne,
Yn wyne or ale to haue lykyng;
Cursednes hem folowyþ at þe endyng.
Of swych, here wombës are here Cryst;
Þat ys here loue, þat ys here tryst.”
Alle þys he meneþ sykyrly
For man þat loueþ moche glotonye.
Þat delyte hem yn mete or drynk,
Þe apostyl Poulë spekþ of þo,
And dampneþ many one to wo.
He seyþ “woo to þo þat erly ȝerne,
Þat go and hauntë þe tauerne,
Yn wyne or ale to haue lykyng;
Cursednes hem folowyþ at þe endyng.
Of swych, here wombës are here Cryst;
Þat ys here loue, þat ys here tryst.”
Alle þys he meneþ sykyrly
For man þat loueþ moche glotonye.
Ȝungë chyldryn, þey mow wele,
On þe day, etë þre mele;
For sum of hem wex ful tyte,
Þarefor ys more, here appetyte;
And ȝyt behoueþ tyme be þar-to,
Or men mowe wyþ hem mysdo;
For, þus seyþ þe oldë man
Yn a prouerbe þat he can,
“Ȝyue þy chylde when he wyl kraue,
And þy whelpe whyl hyt wyl haue,
Þan mayst þou make yn a stounde
A foulë chylde and a feyrë hounde.”
So mayst þou be enchesoun
To make þy chylde a glotoun.
On þe day, etë þre mele;
For sum of hem wex ful tyte,
Þarefor ys more, here appetyte;
And ȝyt behoueþ tyme be þar-to,
Or men mowe wyþ hem mysdo;
For, þus seyþ þe oldë man
Yn a prouerbe þat he can,
232
And þy whelpe whyl hyt wyl haue,
Þan mayst þou make yn a stounde
A foulë chylde and a feyrë hounde.”
So mayst þou be enchesoun
To make þy chylde a glotoun.
A-nouþer vyce ys ȝyt to graunte,
Þat rychë men mochyl haunte,
Þat many one are so daungerous,
And oute of mesure esquaymous,
Þat hys kokë may no day
Greyþë hym hys mete to pay.
Þat me þenkeþ a feble manere;
A vylanye hyt ys to here;
For euery coke wulde, at hys myȝt,
hys lordës metë were wel dyȝt:
wheþer hyt be lorde or lady,
Me þenkeþ hyt ys a spyce of glotonye.
hyt semeþ, were hyt at þy wyl,
Ouer mesure þou wuldest þe fyl.
Þat rychë men mochyl haunte,
Þat many one are so daungerous,
And oute of mesure esquaymous,
Þat hys kokë may no day
Greyþë hym hys mete to pay.
Þat me þenkeþ a feble manere;
A vylanye hyt ys to here;
For euery coke wulde, at hys myȝt,
hys lordës metë were wel dyȝt:
wheþer hyt be lorde or lady,
Me þenkeþ hyt ys a spyce of glotonye.
hyt semeþ, were hyt at þy wyl,
Ouer mesure þou wuldest þe fyl.
Rerë sopers yn pryuyte,
with glotonye, echone þey be;
And þyr ys mochë wastë ynne,
And gadryng of ouþer synne.
Þefte behoueþ þe sumdele þore,
And glotonye algatë more;
And leccherye ys quene or kyng;
For hym ys all þat gaderyng.
with glotonye, echone þey be;
And þyr ys mochë wastë ynne,
And gadryng of ouþer synne.
Þefte behoueþ þe sumdele þore,
And glotonye algatë more;
And leccherye ys quene or kyng;
For hym ys all þat gaderyng.
Ȝyt are þer ouþer rere sopers,
with men þat seruë knyȝtys and squyers;
For al þe day þan wyl þey be
Before here maysters yn soberte;
But whan here maysters are broght to bedde,
Þan wyl þey fonde þat þey be fedde,
And sytte vp þare wyþ recolage
And ȝyt do mochë more outrage;
To þe mydnyght ys but a þrowe,
But hyt be, tyl þe cok krowe.
Þese men are clumbë on a grece
To glotonyë with þat spece.
with men þat seruë knyȝtys and squyers;
For al þe day þan wyl þey be
Before here maysters yn soberte;
But whan here maysters are broght to bedde,
Þan wyl þey fonde þat þey be fedde,
And sytte vp þare wyþ recolage
233
To þe mydnyght ys but a þrowe,
But hyt be, tyl þe cok krowe.
Þese men are clumbë on a grece
To glotonyë with þat spece.
Also fallë men yn plyght,
Þat sytte vp þe Þursday at nyght.
And ouerlong ete flesshe and drunke
Aftyr þat mydnyght ys runge,
Or fysshe or flesshe þat suffreþ dede,
Þat shulde on þe Fryday faste watyr & brede;
Swych etyng þey shul sore abeye,
But þey amende hem are þey deye.
Þe Fryday nyght ys,—þys shalt þou leue,—
Aftyr þe Þursday at eue;
Þe nyght cumþ byfore þe day,
Þat ys now of þe newë lay.
Þat sytte vp þe Þursday at nyght.
And ouerlong ete flesshe and drunke
Aftyr þat mydnyght ys runge,
Or fysshe or flesshe þat suffreþ dede,
Þat shulde on þe Fryday faste watyr & brede;
Swych etyng þey shul sore abeye,
But þey amende hem are þey deye.
Þe Fryday nyght ys,—þys shalt þou leue,—
Aftyr þe Þursday at eue;
Þe nyght cumþ byfore þe day,
Þat ys now of þe newë lay.
As y haue tolde of rere sopers,
Þe same falleþ of erly dyners;
Dyners are oute of skyl and resun
On þe Sunday, or hye messe be doun.
Þogh þou haue haste, here ȝyt a messe,
Al holy, and no lesse,
And nat symple, a sakare,
For hyt ys nat y-now for þe,
But hyt be for lordys powere,
Or pylgrymage þat haþ no pere.
Þe same falleþ of erly dyners;
Dyners are oute of skyl and resun
On þe Sunday, or hye messe be doun.
Þogh þou haue haste, here ȝyt a messe,
Al holy, and no lesse,
And nat symple, a sakare,
For hyt ys nat y-now for þe,
But hyt be for lordys powere,
Or pylgrymage þat haþ no pere.
Are þou oght ete, þys ys my rede,
Take holy watyr and holy brede;
For yn auenture kas, hyt may þe saue,
Ȝyf housel ne shryftë þou mayst haue.
Take holy watyr and holy brede;
For yn auenture kas, hyt may þe saue,
Ȝyf housel ne shryftë þou mayst haue.
Alle oþer tymes ys glotonye,
But hyt be grete enchesun why.
On oþer hygh dayys, ȝyf þat þou may,—
Þogh þat hyt be nat Sunday,—
Here þy messë ar þou dyne;
Ȝyf þou do nat, ellys ys hyt pyne.
But hyt be grete enchesun why.
On oþer hygh dayys, ȝyf þat þou may,—
Þogh þat hyt be nat Sunday,—
Here þy messë ar þou dyne;
234
lordës þat haue prestes at wyl,
Me þenketh þey trespas ful yl,
Þat any day ete, are þey here messe,
But ȝyf hyt be þurgh harder dystresse.
Me þenketh þey trespas ful yl,
Þat any day ete, are þey here messe,
But ȝyf hyt be þurgh harder dystresse.
þe men þat are of holy cherche,
Þey wetë weyl how þey shul werche;
But swych y tellë hardyly,
Þat swych a preste douþ glotonye,
Þat leuyþ hys messe on þe auter
For to go to a dyner.
So ne shuld he do, for no þyng,
For loue ne awe of no lordyng,
But ȝyf hyt were for a grete nede
Þat shuld hym falle, or a grete drede.
Þey wetë weyl how þey shul werche;
But swych y tellë hardyly,
Þat swych a preste douþ glotonye,
Þat leuyþ hys messe on þe auter
For to go to a dyner.
So ne shuld he do, for no þyng,
For loue ne awe of no lordyng,
But ȝyf hyt were for a grete nede
Þat shuld hym falle, or a grete drede.
Now haue we tolde yn lytyl space
how þat glotonye cumþ yn place
On many maner dyuers wyse,
And how we shul knowe allë þyse.
how þat glotonye cumþ yn place
On many maner dyuers wyse,
And how we shul knowe allë þyse.
Ȝyf any seþ hym so coupáble
Þat yn þys ys custummáble,
leuë hem, and do no more,
And askë penauncë þarefore,
And God ys curteys, and wul wele
Forȝyue þe þy trespas euery dele.
God graunte vs, for hys swete mercy,
To kepe vs alle fro glotonye!
Þat yn þys ys custummáble,
leuë hem, and do no more,
And askë penauncë þarefore,
And God ys curteys, and wul wele
Forȝyue þe þy trespas euery dele.
God graunte vs, for hys swete mercy,
To kepe vs alle fro glotonye!
[Of Lechery.]
Now shul we speke of leccherye,
Þat foloweþ þe synne of glotonye;
Hyt ys þe laste of seuene,
And, fyrþest hyt ys fro heuene.
wharefore þan hyt ys so?
For hyt dampneþ euer two.
Þou mayst synne þy self yn wyl,
But with anoþer þou shalt fulfyl.
Forsoþe þey are to folehardy
Þat haunte þe synne of lecchery;
For why, to do alle ouþer synnes,
Þe lyghtlyer þe fende hem wynnes.
Þat foloweþ þe synne of glotonye;
Hyt ys þe laste of seuene,
And, fyrþest hyt ys fro heuene.
wharefore þan hyt ys so?
For hyt dampneþ euer two.
Þou mayst synne þy self yn wyl,
235
Forsoþe þey are to folehardy
Þat haunte þe synne of lecchery;
For why, to do alle ouþer synnes,
Þe lyghtlyer þe fende hem wynnes.
On seuene maners shal y shewe
How lecherye þan ys a shrewe.
How lecherye þan ys a shrewe.
Þe fyrst ys ‘fornycacyon,’
whan two vnweddyd haue mysdon,
As sengle knaue and sengle tarne,
whan þey synne to-gedyr ȝerne;
Þe leste hyt ys of allë seuene,
Ȝyt hyt forbarreþ þe blys of heuene.
whan two vnweddyd haue mysdon,
As sengle knaue and sengle tarne,
whan þey synne to-gedyr ȝerne;
Þe leste hyt ys of allë seuene,
Ȝyt hyt forbarreþ þe blys of heuene.
Þe touþer ys ‘awoutry,’
whan weddyd and weddyd to-gedyr lye,
As weddyd man takeþ anoþers wyfe,
Þat ys þe morë synful lyfe.
Ȝyf weddyd man, sengle woman takeþ,
Forsoþe spousebrechë þere he makyþ.
Ȝyf weddyd wyfe take sengle man,
Alle spousebreche tel y hyt þan;
For þey haue broke with-outë fayle
Þe chastë bondë of spousayle.
whan weddyd and weddyd to-gedyr lye,
As weddyd man takeþ anoþers wyfe,
Þat ys þe morë synful lyfe.
Ȝyf weddyd man, sengle woman takeþ,
Forsoþe spousebrechë þere he makyþ.
Ȝyf weddyd wyfe take sengle man,
Alle spousebreche tel y hyt þan;
For þey haue broke with-outë fayle
Þe chastë bondë of spousayle.
Þe þryddë synnë ys þe werst,
Þe clerk[es] calleþ hyt ‘yncest,’
whan men take kyn yn felawrede,
And wyþ hem doþ flesshëly dede;
Þe ner[ë] syb she ys hys kynde,
Þe morë plyȝt shal he þere fynde.
Or ȝyf he with a woman synne,
Þat sum of hys kyn haþ endyd ynne,
Þat ys to sey, haþ ley here by,
Þe more plyȝt ys þat lecchery;
Þus hyt seyþ yn þe decre,
He calleþ hyt an ‘affynyte’;
Affynyte hyt makeþ alle an ende,
hys blode þarto no more may wende.
Þe clerk[es] calleþ hyt ‘yncest,’
whan men take kyn yn felawrede,
And wyþ hem doþ flesshëly dede;
Þe ner[ë] syb she ys hys kynde,
Þe morë plyȝt shal he þere fynde.
Or ȝyf he with a woman synne,
Þat sum of hys kyn haþ endyd ynne,
Þat ys to sey, haþ ley here by,
236
Þus hyt seyþ yn þe decre,
He calleþ hyt an ‘affynyte’;
Affynyte hyt makeþ alle an ende,
hys blode þarto no more may wende.
Þe fourþe synne ys more perylous,
with man and womman relygyus;
Ȝyf þey haue made professyoun
Boþe vn-to relygyoun,
Moche ys to chargë þat folye
Ȝyf þey to-gedyr do leccherye.
Relygyous man also ys to blame,
Þat yn þe wurlde takeþ a foule fame,
For he may kepe hym weyl þerfro,
Alonë þar hym neuer go.
with man and womman relygyus;
Ȝyf þey haue made professyoun
Boþe vn-to relygyoun,
Moche ys to chargë þat folye
Ȝyf þey to-gedyr do leccherye.
Relygyous man also ys to blame,
Þat yn þe wurlde takeþ a foule fame,
For he may kepe hym weyl þerfro,
Alonë þar hym neuer go.
Þe fyfþe ys mochë for to drede,
To rauysh a womman here maydenhede,
Þat ys to say, a-ȝens here wylle,
But ȝyf she grauntë weyl þar-tylle;
And, þogh she to hym consente,
he ys holde to here auaunsement;
For ȝyf she ȝyue here to folye,
She kan nat leuë tyl she deye;
And he þat broght here to þat bysmere,
For here foly he shal answere.
To rauysh a womman here maydenhede,
Þat ys to say, a-ȝens here wylle,
But ȝyf she grauntë weyl þar-tylle;
And, þogh she to hym consente,
he ys holde to here auaunsement;
For ȝyf she ȝyue here to folye,
She kan nat leuë tyl she deye;
And he þat broght here to þat bysmere,
For here foly he shal answere.
Þe syxtë reyseþ gretë stryfe,
To rauys anouþer mannys wyfe;
For aȝens God hyt ys euyl dede,
And to þe worlde also mochyl drede.
Ȝyf hyt be aȝens here wyl,
Þe more he douþ hym seluen yl.
A clerk, ȝyf [þat] he ordred be,
hys synne ys more þan ouþer þre
For he douþ þat he shulde forbede,
And chastyse ouþer of swyche dede,
And þarto mochyl morë kan
Þan a-noþer lewed man.
Þou lewed man, knowest also
what ys to lete, what ys to do;
Þou knowyst as weyl, euery poynt,
As þe prest þat ys a-noynt,
And wost what peryl ys þerynne;
Þou mayst noȝt sey, to fende þy synne.
To rauys anouþer mannys wyfe;
For aȝens God hyt ys euyl dede,
And to þe worlde also mochyl drede.
Ȝyf hyt be aȝens here wyl,
Þe more he douþ hym seluen yl.
A clerk, ȝyf [þat] he ordred be,
hys synne ys more þan ouþer þre
For he douþ þat he shulde forbede,
And chastyse ouþer of swyche dede,
237
Þan a-noþer lewed man.
Þou lewed man, knowest also
what ys to lete, what ys to do;
Þou knowyst as weyl, euery poynt,
As þe prest þat ys a-noynt,
And wost what peryl ys þerynne;
Þou mayst noȝt sey, to fende þy synne.
Also do þesë lordynges,
Þey trespas mochë yn twey þynges;
Þey rauys a mayden aȝens here wyl,
And mennys wyuys þey lede awey þertyl;
A grete vylanye þarto he dous
Ȝyf he make þerof hys rous;
Þe dedë ys confusyun,
And more ys þe dyffamacyun.
Þey trespas mochë yn twey þynges;
Þey rauys a mayden aȝens here wyl,
And mennys wyuys þey lede awey þertyl;
A grete vylanye þarto he dous
Ȝyf he make þerof hys rous;
Þe dedë ys confusyun,
And more ys þe dyffamacyun.
Þe seuenest ys foulest leccherye—
Comoun wymmen to lyggë by—
Of al þe ouþer þat we haue seyde.
longyng of loue ys þerë nede,
For to louë one a-lone,
Þan here þat tak[e]þ euerychone.
Foul ys þat lust and þat peryl,
To loue here þat al men go tyl.
Ful foulë ys þat forreyne
Þat ys comon for al, certeyne;
Þerfore, what as euer be yn þy þoght,
Comun wymmen take þou noght,
For many kas þat may falle,
Þat pryuë ys to telle ȝow alle.
Comoun wymmen to lyggë by—
Of al þe ouþer þat we haue seyde.
longyng of loue ys þerë nede,
For to louë one a-lone,
Þan here þat tak[e]þ euerychone.
Foul ys þat lust and þat peryl,
To loue here þat al men go tyl.
Ful foulë ys þat forreyne
Þat ys comon for al, certeyne;
Þerfore, what as euer be yn þy þoght,
Comun wymmen take þou noght,
For many kas þat may falle,
Þat pryuë ys to telle ȝow alle.
And somë toldë mow weyl be,
Þat are nat holde yn pryuyte;
One ys, she may take þy broþer,
Fadyr, or sybkynd, as wel as ouþer.
Anoþer, for cuntek and foule stryfe,
Þou mayst, þurgh here, lese þy lyfe.
Þe þred[dë] ys þe werstë wem;
Meseles, men seye, vsen hem;
And, who takeþ hem yn þat hete,
Clennesse of body he may sone lete.
Moche wo þan, ys swyche to take,
For þesë þre lakkës sake;
And moche may be þat wommans mone,
For she shal answere for hem echone
Þat haue ydo any synne wyþ hyre,
At domes day, þe day of Ire.
Þat are nat holde yn pryuyte;
One ys, she may take þy broþer,
Fadyr, or sybkynd, as wel as ouþer.
Anoþer, for cuntek and foule stryfe,
Þou mayst, þurgh here, lese þy lyfe.
Þe þred[dë] ys þe werstë wem;
238
And, who takeþ hem yn þat hete,
Clennesse of body he may sone lete.
Moche wo þan, ys swyche to take,
For þesë þre lakkës sake;
And moche may be þat wommans mone,
For she shal answere for hem echone
Þat haue ydo any synne wyþ hyre,
At domes day, þe day of Ire.
Þarefore, ȝe men, takeþ none,
Ne ȝe wymmen, takeþ but one.
Ȝyf man or womman may nat be chaste,
Take, and do no morë waste,
One of whom ȝoure loue wyl be,
And ȝyueþ nat ȝoure bodyys to alle ylych fre.
Ne ȝe wymmen, takeþ but one.
Ȝyf man or womman may nat be chaste,
Take, and do no morë waste,
One of whom ȝoure loue wyl be,
And ȝyueþ nat ȝoure bodyys to alle ylych fre.
Seuene maner synnes y haue ȝow tolde,
Þe whych cumbren men on many folde,
And þe leste of alle þese seuene
Forbarreþ a man þe blys of heuene.
who-so wyl be clene of þyse,
Aȝens hys flessh behoueþ hym ryse,
And wyþ hyt fyȝt ful faste
Þat hyt be algate dowün kaste,
And elles may he neuer be clene,
hys flessh hys enmy wyl hym sone tene:
Of swych a fyȝt a sample y kan,
Of seynt Benet þat holy man.
Seynt Gregory telþ for þe nones
how seynt Benet was tempted onys.
Þe whych cumbren men on many folde,
And þe leste of alle þese seuene
Forbarreþ a man þe blys of heuene.
who-so wyl be clene of þyse,
Aȝens hys flessh behoueþ hym ryse,
And wyþ hyt fyȝt ful faste
Þat hyt be algate dowün kaste,
And elles may he neuer be clene,
hys flessh hys enmy wyl hym sone tene:
Of swych a fyȝt a sample y kan,
Of seynt Benet þat holy man.
Seynt Gregory telþ for þe nones
how seynt Benet was tempted onys.
[The Tale of St. Benet's Temptation, and how he freed himself by rolling in Thorns and Nettles.]
As seynt Benet sate yn hys celle,
To tempte hym com a fend of helle
Yn a lykenes of a bryd.
A ‘þrostyl’ ys þe namë kyd;
hyt come fleyng by seynt Benet,
And, mery synggyng, by hym hym set;
Noþeles, he hadde grete ferly
Þat hyt flegh hym so ny.
Seynt Benet wende he myȝt hyt ha take,
For hyt sate by hym so spake.
he blessed hym fyrst, and bedde hys hande
To take þe brydde þat was syttande;
As sone as he hadde made þe croyce,
Þe bryde flegh furþ, and left hys voys.
Þat þrostel sagh he no more;
hyt become, he ne wyst whore.
To tempte hym com a fend of helle
Yn a lykenes of a bryd.
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hyt come fleyng by seynt Benet,
And, mery synggyng, by hym hym set;
Noþeles, he hadde grete ferly
Þat hyt flegh hym so ny.
Seynt Benet wende he myȝt hyt ha take,
For hyt sate by hym so spake.
he blessed hym fyrst, and bedde hys hande
To take þe brydde þat was syttande;
As sone as he hadde made þe croyce,
Þe bryde flegh furþ, and left hys voys.
Þat þrostel sagh he no more;
hyt become, he ne wyst whore.
Þan come on hym so sodenly
So grete temptyng of lecchery,
Þat neuer er, syn he was bore,
So grete temptyng was hym byfore;
Þe fendë þan put yn hys þoght
Þat he hadde, or seye, or wroght.
So grete temptyng of lecchery,
Þat neuer er, syn he was bore,
So grete temptyng was hym byfore;
Þe fendë þan put yn hys þoght
Þat he hadde, or seye, or wroght.
Onës he sagh a feyre womman,
And al day yn hys þoght she ran;
Swych þoght so hadde hym ouercome,
Þat þe þoght of God, hyt had ny fornome;
And foule longyng had hym so take
Þat hys ermytage he hadde nygh forsake;
But Ihesu, þat seeþ al þyng,
he sagh weyl hys grete temptyng;
Þogh he suffred hym weyl be to-blaste,
he suffred hym nat be dowün kaste;
Þe fende may nat but tempte þy wyl,
Þe selfe behoueþ þe dede fulfyl;
And for he stode so stalwrþly,
Þe holy goste was to hym redy.
And al day yn hys þoght she ran;
Swych þoght so hadde hym ouercome,
Þat þe þoght of God, hyt had ny fornome;
And foule longyng had hym so take
Þat hys ermytage he hadde nygh forsake;
But Ihesu, þat seeþ al þyng,
he sagh weyl hys grete temptyng;
Þogh he suffred hym weyl be to-blaste,
he suffred hym nat be dowün kaste;
Þe fende may nat but tempte þy wyl,
Þe selfe behoueþ þe dede fulfyl;
And for he stode so stalwrþly,
Þe holy goste was to hym redy.
with-oute hys cellë, þornës wore,
And netles grewe, þat byten sore;
So haddë grace made hym stedfaste,
Þat al hys cloþys of he kast,
And alle naked hym-self he wrappe
Among þe þornës þat were sharpe,
And among þe netles echone,
Tyl hys temptacyun was al gone.
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So haddë grace made hym stedfaste,
Þat al hys cloþys of he kast,
And alle naked hym-self he wrappe
Among þe þornës þat were sharpe,
And among þe netles echone,
Tyl hys temptacyun was al gone.
Þe þornes prykked, þe netles dyd byte,
Of flesshly temptacyun þey made hym quyte,
So clene, þat neuer aftyrward
was he tempted more so hard
Of hys flessh, þat was hys fo,
he dyde hyt þere so mochë wo.
Seþþen, loued he Ihesu cryst wel more
Þan he dede, euer byfore,
And hadde to hym more loue longyng
Þan byfore hys hard temptyng.
Of flesshly temptacyun þey made hym quyte,
So clene, þat neuer aftyrward
was he tempted more so hard
Of hys flessh, þat was hys fo,
he dyde hyt þere so mochë wo.
Seþþen, loued he Ihesu cryst wel more
Þan he dede, euer byfore,
And hadde to hym more loue longyng
Þan byfore hys hard temptyng.
Þys tale y tolde for þat enchesun,
To stand aȝens temptacyun;
For who-so wyl hys soulë saue,
Many a fyȝt behoueþ hym haue
Aȝens þe spyces of lecchery,
Ar he wynne of hym þe maystry.
To stand aȝens temptacyun;
For who-so wyl hys soulë saue,
Many a fyȝt behoueþ hym haue
Aȝens þe spyces of lecchery,
Ar he wynne of hym þe maystry.
Seynt Poule techyþ vs for þat batayle
A sykyr fyght þat wyl nat fayle;
He seyþ, “y forbede ȝow echoun,
with womman for to go alone.”
For who-so douþ hyt, sone and lyȝtly
He consentyþ to lecchery;
Þou alone, alone with hyre,
þy þoght, by herte, cumþ sone on fyre;
Be þou neuer so chaste ne straunge,
Be ȝe alone, þyn herte wyl chaunge;
And God commaundeþ boþe þe and me,
Oure herte to stable yn chastyte.
He seyþ nat, to whom he wyl kalle,
But spekeþ comunly to vs alle;
And þogh he calle alle comunly,
Sum are called more specyally;
For specyaly þat comandeþ he
To men þat are of hygh degre,
As to bysshopes, and persones,
To prestys, and ouþer relygyons;
To þese ys specyal comaundement;
Þurgh þese to ouþer hyt shal be sent.
Þarefore he byddeþ, with wurdës smarte,
Þat þey be allë chaste of herte.
A sykyr fyght þat wyl nat fayle;
He seyþ, “y forbede ȝow echoun,
with womman for to go alone.”
For who-so douþ hyt, sone and lyȝtly
He consentyþ to lecchery;
Þou alone, alone with hyre,
þy þoght, by herte, cumþ sone on fyre;
Be þou neuer so chaste ne straunge,
Be ȝe alone, þyn herte wyl chaunge;
And God commaundeþ boþe þe and me,
Oure herte to stable yn chastyte.
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But spekeþ comunly to vs alle;
And þogh he calle alle comunly,
Sum are called more specyally;
For specyaly þat comandeþ he
To men þat are of hygh degre,
As to bysshopes, and persones,
To prestys, and ouþer relygyons;
To þese ys specyal comaundement;
Þurgh þese to ouþer hyt shal be sent.
Þarefore he byddeþ, with wurdës smarte,
Þat þey be allë chaste of herte.
what ys hyt wurþ to be, with-outen, clene,
whan fylþë ys withynne þe sene?
For many one, whan þey to bedde are broȝt,
Delyten hem yn fylþys of þoght.
Swych þoghtës are synnës greue,
Ȝyf þey þè pay, or be þè leue;
And ȝyf hyt pay þè so, swych foule þoȝt,
Þat þe dede were do, ȝyf þou moght,
Certes hyt ys nat to drede
Þat þy wyl ne shal answere for þe dede.
For ȝyf þou myȝtyst, þou wuldest, do,
Þy wyl consenteþ weyl þarto;
Þou art a lechoure yn þat kas,
Þyn hertëwyl ys grete trespas.
whan fylþë ys withynne þe sene?
For many one, whan þey to bedde are broȝt,
Delyten hem yn fylþys of þoght.
Swych þoghtës are synnës greue,
Ȝyf þey þè pay, or be þè leue;
And ȝyf hyt pay þè so, swych foule þoȝt,
Þat þe dede were do, ȝyf þou moght,
Certes hyt ys nat to drede
Þat þy wyl ne shal answere for þe dede.
For ȝyf þou myȝtyst, þou wuldest, do,
Þy wyl consenteþ weyl þarto;
Þou art a lechoure yn þat kas,
Þyn hertëwyl ys grete trespas.
Anoþer spyce, more synne hyt ys,
whan þou sekest þy wyl of flesshe,
To þe lust of lecchery,
Yn handlyng, or dremyng of foly,
Þurgh þoghtes or syghtës þat þou sees,
And yn alle ouþer pryuytes;
God hym-self forbedeþ alle þys;
Þey gete no parte of heuene blys:
Yn shryfte forgetë noght of þyse;
How ofte þou dedyst, and on what wyse.
whan þou sekest þy wyl of flesshe,
To þe lust of lecchery,
Yn handlyng, or dremyng of foly,
Þurgh þoghtes or syghtës þat þou sees,
And yn alle ouþer pryuytes;
God hym-self forbedeþ alle þys;
Þey gete no parte of heuene blys:
Yn shryfte forgetë noght of þyse;
How ofte þou dedyst, and on what wyse.
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Ȝyt þyr ys a-noþer spyce
Þat cumþ of þe fendes malyce,
Þat he douþ vs alle falle ynne,
yn dreme slepyng þat we are ynne.
And þat yche temptacyun
May be twey maner of enchesun;
Þe fyrste ys syghte, þe touþer ys þoght,
with-outë þese, dremest þou noght;
For swyche þyng þou mayst se with ye,
Þat hyt turneþ to þoght of felonye.
Þat cumþ of þe fendes malyce,
Þat he douþ vs alle falle ynne,
yn dreme slepyng þat we are ynne.
And þat yche temptacyun
May be twey maner of enchesun;
Þe fyrste ys syghte, þe touþer ys þoght,
with-outë þese, dremest þou noght;
For swyche þyng þou mayst se with ye,
Þat hyt turneþ to þoght of felonye.
Ȝyf þou þenkest ofte of þat syght,
Þat wey of þoght gadreþ myȝt,
And knyttyþ harde ryȝt as a seme,
And sheweþ on þe nyȝt yn dreme.
Yn þat dreme, ȝyf þou do lecherye,
hyt makeþ þe þoght of vylayné;
Ȝyf any do hyt ones þurgh chaunce,
Þan ys þerfore but lyȝt penaunce;
Ȝyf hyt be donë þurgh custome,
Þan falleþ þarfore harder dome;
For euery tyme, at alþer leste,
Behoueþ þe shewe to þe preste:
Hyt ys a wysdom to shewe hyt alle;
Hyt may be moche, þat þe þenkeþ smalle.
Þe prestë, he can euene charge,
For whyche he shal ȝyue penaunce large.
Þat wey of þoght gadreþ myȝt,
And knyttyþ harde ryȝt as a seme,
And sheweþ on þe nyȝt yn dreme.
Yn þat dreme, ȝyf þou do lecherye,
hyt makeþ þe þoght of vylayné;
Ȝyf any do hyt ones þurgh chaunce,
Þan ys þerfore but lyȝt penaunce;
Ȝyf hyt be donë þurgh custome,
Þan falleþ þarfore harder dome;
For euery tyme, at alþer leste,
Behoueþ þe shewe to þe preste:
Hyt ys a wysdom to shewe hyt alle;
Hyt may be moche, þat þe þenkeþ smalle.
Þe prestë, he can euene charge,
For whyche he shal ȝyue penaunce large.
lecchery ys also grete ȝernyng
To be desyred þurgh feyre cloþyng,
what wymmen hem tyfe with ownë wyl,
To foly loue, ouþer men to tylle.
Ȝyf men, þurgh here feyre atyre,
wyþ hem to do foly, haue desyre,
Þey shul answere for here synne,
For þey are rote, and fyrst bygynne;
Noþeles, þe cónsentour
Shal be holde for a lechour;
Euene peynë shul þey bere,
Þe toon þe touþer shal answere.
To be desyred þurgh feyre cloþyng,
what wymmen hem tyfe with ownë wyl,
To foly loue, ouþer men to tylle.
Ȝyf men, þurgh here feyre atyre,
wyþ hem to do foly, haue desyre,
Þey shul answere for here synne,
For þey are rote, and fyrst bygynne;
Noþeles, þe cónsentour
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Euene peynë shul þey bere,
Þe toon þe touþer shal answere.
Ȝyt sey men yn þe oldë lawe,
Þat, of a þefe and hys felawe,
O dome shul þey boþë haue,
Þe toon ne toþer shul men nat saue;
And ȝyt men sey, as men gos,
As foule ys he þat halt, as he þat fos.
Þat, of a þefe and hys felawe,
O dome shul þey boþë haue,
Þe toon ne toþer shul men nat saue;
And ȝyt men sey, as men gos,
As foule ys he þat halt, as he þat fos.
Anoþer spyce eke he forbedeþ,
Þat many one ful lytyl dredeþ:
To suffre a lechour or lechours
To hauntë foly yn here hous.
Þe prophete spekeþ ful euyl of þo;
Þey shul haue part of peyne and wo;
And þus seyþ þe prophete Osee,
As moche defouled as hordam shal be.
Þat many one ful lytyl dredeþ:
To suffre a lechour or lechours
To hauntë foly yn here hous.
Þe prophete spekeþ ful euyl of þo;
Þey shul haue part of peyne and wo;
And þus seyþ þe prophete Osee,
As moche defouled as hordam shal be.
A-noþer spyce, þat mochë dereþ,
hauntë þey þat erandes bereþ
To do a lechour for to spede,
Or ȝyuen conseyl to do þe dede,
Or susteyne one with maystry:
Swych men are castel of lechery.
Þus seyþ þe prophete seynt Danyel;
And holy wryt wytnesseþ hyt wel.
hauntë þey þat erandes bereþ
To do a lechour for to spede,
Or ȝyuen conseyl to do þe dede,
Or susteyne one with maystry:
Swych men are castel of lechery.
Þus seyþ þe prophete seynt Danyel;
And holy wryt wytnesseþ hyt wel.
what sey ȝe of þese lordynges
Þat a-vowe here men to do swych þyngys?
Þat men dur nat hem chastyse
with holy cherche, ne oþer wyse.
Swych men areysen baner
Aȝens holy cherches power,
And hem self are castel and toure
For to manteynë þe lechoure.
who so a-voweþ a man to do euyl,
he ys no sybber þan þe deuyl;
For þe fende wulde þat al shulde be
Dampned, as weyl as ys he.
Þat a-vowe here men to do swych þyngys?
Þat men dur nat hem chastyse
with holy cherche, ne oþer wyse.
Swych men areysen baner
Aȝens holy cherches power,
And hem self are castel and toure
For to manteynë þe lechoure.
who so a-voweþ a man to do euyl,
he ys no sybber þan þe deuyl;
244
Dampned, as weyl as ys he.
Ȝyt of ȝouþe men shulde haue drede,
Of þat men donë yn chyldhede;
Þat may be turned to lechery,
For chyldryn ofte to-gedyr ly.
Of þat men donë yn chyldhede;
Þat may be turned to lechery,
For chyldryn ofte to-gedyr ly.
Ȝyf þou oght dedyst and hopest, hyt ys
Yn þy wyt, synne of foule flessh:
Y cunseyl þe to telle þe prest,
For peryl may fallë, weyl þou seest;
Þyn ynwyt telleþ þe þat skyl
Of what þou dest þat ys peryl,
For comunly, þat men done yn ȝenkþe,
Yn agë haunte þey hyt on lenkþe;
And mowe nat leue þat foule vsage
Þat þey toke yn ȝouþe yn rage.
yn a prouerbe of olde Englys
Tellë men, and soþe hyt ys,
“Þat ȝougþë wones, yn agë mones;”
Þat þou dedyst ones, þou dedyst eftsones.
Þarefore loke what þy ȝouþë was,
And yn þy age amende þy trespas.
Yn þy wyt, synne of foule flessh:
Y cunseyl þe to telle þe prest,
For peryl may fallë, weyl þou seest;
Þyn ynwyt telleþ þe þat skyl
Of what þou dest þat ys peryl,
For comunly, þat men done yn ȝenkþe,
Yn agë haunte þey hyt on lenkþe;
And mowe nat leue þat foule vsage
Þat þey toke yn ȝouþe yn rage.
yn a prouerbe of olde Englys
Tellë men, and soþe hyt ys,
“Þat ȝougþë wones, yn agë mones;”
Þat þou dedyst ones, þou dedyst eftsones.
Þarefore loke what þy ȝouþë was,
And yn þy age amende þy trespas.
A-noþer spyce, ware þe fro þys
Foly, a womman for to kys;
For seldë kys[eth] any frende,
Þat lechery ne ys þoght or neuende.
kyssyng ys, for loue to wynne,
And ys erand for flesshly synne;
Man or womman, loke for-þy,
wharefore þou kyssest, whom, & why.
Foly, a womman for to kys;
For seldë kys[eth] any frende,
Þat lechery ne ys þoght or neuende.
kyssyng ys, for loue to wynne,
And ys erand for flesshly synne;
Man or womman, loke for-þy,
wharefore þou kyssest, whom, & why.
Ȝyt ys þer a spyce to mene
For hem þat shuld be chaste and clene,
As þo men þat are of hygh degree,
Of holy cherches owne meyne;
Þesë men shuld for no þyng
Come yn wymmens handëlyng;
Ne womman, þat godë couþe,
Shuld kyssë any prestys mouþe;
For þere may nat but synne aryse;
hys mouþ ys halewed to Goddys seruyse.
For hem þat shuld be chaste and clene,
As þo men þat are of hygh degree,
Of holy cherches owne meyne;
Þesë men shuld for no þyng
245
Ne womman, þat godë couþe,
Shuld kyssë any prestys mouþe;
For þere may nat but synne aryse;
hys mouþ ys halewed to Goddys seruyse.
Ne prest oghte no woman touche,
For, of foule touchyng, synne men souche.
Seynt Ierom seyþ ‘he shuld noȝt
haue any woman yn hys þoght;’
For swych þoght, shal neuer weyl werche,
with man þat ys of holy cherche.
lestene now what Ierom seyde
To hys suster þat hym preyde;
She besoghte hym on alle maners
Þat he wulde haue here yn hys preyers;
Seynt Ierom spake aȝen to hyre,
Haluyndele as hyt were yn Ire,
“Y prey God, þat mynde of þe,
Yn my þoghtë, neuer be.”
For, of foule touchyng, synne men souche.
Seynt Ierom seyþ ‘he shuld noȝt
haue any woman yn hys þoght;’
For swych þoght, shal neuer weyl werche,
with man þat ys of holy cherche.
lestene now what Ierom seyde
To hys suster þat hym preyde;
She besoghte hym on alle maners
Þat he wulde haue here yn hys preyers;
Seynt Ierom spake aȝen to hyre,
Haluyndele as hyt were yn Ire,
“Y prey God, þat mynde of þe,
Yn my þoghtë, neuer be.”
wenest þou nat he dred hym nede,
whan he to hys suster þus seyde?
he dredde hym of sum wykked wrenche
whan he ne durstë on here þenche.
For soþe þan shulde þey mochë drede
Þat are alday with hem yn dede.
whan he to hys suster þus seyde?
he dredde hym of sum wykked wrenche
whan he ne durstë on here þenche.
For soþe þan shulde þey mochë drede
Þat are alday with hem yn dede.
Þe fende whan he may any tyce—
Þat ys, yn handlyng of sum vyce—
Þat ychë cumþ hym wel to pay,
Þan þynkeþ he, he haþ wonne a pray;
And namely of þese holy men,
Þat were hym leuer þan ouþer ten,
And a holy man were hym leuer tylle
To flesshly lust or wykked wylle
Þan an hundred ouþer mo
Þat rekkë neuer whedyr þey go.
Þat ys, yn handlyng of sum vyce—
Þat ychë cumþ hym wel to pay,
Þan þynkeþ he, he haþ wonne a pray;
And namely of þese holy men,
Þat were hym leuer þan ouþer ten,
And a holy man were hym leuer tylle
To flesshly lust or wykked wylle
Þan an hundred ouþer mo
Þat rekkë neuer whedyr þey go.
246
[The Tale of the Jew who heard some Devils' Reports of their Deeds to Satan; and how the Devil who got a Bishop to pat a Nun on the Back was most praisd.]
Seynt Gregory telleþ, for gode mennys prew,
Þat sum tyme was onës a Iew,
And trauayled o tyme by þe cuntre,
By iurnes þydyr þat he wulde be.
Fyl so, he nyghtede yn a wasteyne,
Þere he sagh no stede certeyne;
he sagh no stede where wast best
To lygge a nyght and take hys rest.
But an olde temple he sagh stondyng,
þat, sum tyme, folke mysbeleuyng
Made here sacrifyse þer-ynne
To here god, þat hyght Apolyne;
Þys Iew restede þere þat nyȝt,
And toke hys esë as he myȝt.
Þat sum tyme was onës a Iew,
And trauayled o tyme by þe cuntre,
By iurnes þydyr þat he wulde be.
Fyl so, he nyghtede yn a wasteyne,
Þere he sagh no stede certeyne;
he sagh no stede where wast best
To lygge a nyght and take hys rest.
But an olde temple he sagh stondyng,
þat, sum tyme, folke mysbeleuyng
Made here sacrifyse þer-ynne
To here god, þat hyght Apolyne;
Þys Iew restede þere þat nyȝt,
And toke hys esë as he myȝt.
As þe Iew lay þere alone,
To hym-self he made hys mone,
Þat he beleued on swych a lawe
Þat myȝt nat saue hym on no sawe.
Of Ihesu Cryst, he hadde herd speke,
How Iewes dyd hym on þe rodë steke.
Þurgh grete þan ynspyracyun,
He þoght so on hys passyun
Þat oure feyþ yn hys hertë ran,
Al be hyt he were no crysten man;
So, what for trouþe, and what for doute,
He made þe croys hym al a-boute,
And seþþen leyd hym downe to slepe;
Of ouþer, ȝaf he no more kepe.
To hym-self he made hys mone,
Þat he beleued on swych a lawe
Þat myȝt nat saue hym on no sawe.
247
How Iewes dyd hym on þe rodë steke.
Þurgh grete þan ynspyracyun,
He þoght so on hys passyun
Þat oure feyþ yn hys hertë ran,
Al be hyt he were no crysten man;
So, what for trouþe, and what for doute,
He made þe croys hym al a-boute,
And seþþen leyd hym downe to slepe;
Of ouþer, ȝaf he no more kepe.
Sone at þe mydnyȝt he gan to wake
Þurgh grete noyse and cry, & sore to quake;
He lokèd vp, and sagh þere sytte
Fendës fele þat fouly flytte;
he sagh one syttë yn a cheyre,
Þat foule lokèd, and foule gan bere;
He bad hem allë ȝelde a-counte,
Here dedës what þey wulde amounte;
what þey hadde do many ȝeres,
He aresoned hem on hys maners;
To oon he cast enchesoun,
“Sey þou, felaw, what þou hast doun!”
“At a weddyng,” he seyde, “y was,
And, þere y dyd grete trespas;
Y slogh, þurgh myȝt of honde,
Boþe þe wyfe and þe husbonde;
And y dyd ȝyt a-noþer chek,
Alle þe ouþer y broght on cuntek,
And euery, y made ouþres foo,
Þat euery man gan ouþer slo.”
Þurgh grete noyse and cry, & sore to quake;
He lokèd vp, and sagh þere sytte
Fendës fele þat fouly flytte;
he sagh one syttë yn a cheyre,
Þat foule lokèd, and foule gan bere;
He bad hem allë ȝelde a-counte,
Here dedës what þey wulde amounte;
what þey hadde do many ȝeres,
He aresoned hem on hys maners;
To oon he cast enchesoun,
“Sey þou, felaw, what þou hast doun!”
“At a weddyng,” he seyde, “y was,
And, þere y dyd grete trespas;
Y slogh, þurgh myȝt of honde,
Boþe þe wyfe and þe husbonde;
And y dyd ȝyt a-noþer chek,
Alle þe ouþer y broght on cuntek,
And euery, y made ouþres foo,
Þat euery man gan ouþer slo.”
Þe mayster fend gan hym beholde,
And sette at noȝt þat he hadde tolde.
“For þat, how long hast þou be þore?”
“A twelue monþe,” he seyd, “and no more.”
“For þy dede þou getyst maugre,
And þarto ȝyt shalt þou bete be.”
And sette at noȝt þat he hadde tolde.
“For þat, how long hast þou be þore?”
“A twelue monþe,” he seyd, “and no more.”
248
And þarto ȝyt shalt þou bete be.”
with hym wulde he no more stryue;
He called an-ouþer furthe belyue;
Felunlyche, with yȝen grym,
“where hast þou be?” seyd he to hym.
“Yn þe seë, haue y bene,
And moche sorow made men betwene;
Y haue broght to grete encumbre
Shyppes and men with-outë noumbre,
what yn cuntek, and yn tempest,
Twenty þousand at þe lest.”
Þe deuyl seyd, “þat ys no doute;
how long hast þou be þere-aboute?”
“Seuene wyntyr, al to-gydyr,
hauë y be haunted þedyr.”
Satan comaunded, for hys seruyse
He shuld be put to hys Iuwyse.
He called an-ouþer furthe belyue;
Felunlyche, with yȝen grym,
“where hast þou be?” seyd he to hym.
“Yn þe seë, haue y bene,
And moche sorow made men betwene;
Y haue broght to grete encumbre
Shyppes and men with-outë noumbre,
what yn cuntek, and yn tempest,
Twenty þousand at þe lest.”
Þe deuyl seyd, “þat ys no doute;
how long hast þou be þere-aboute?”
“Seuene wyntyr, al to-gydyr,
hauë y be haunted þedyr.”
Satan comaunded, for hys seruyse
He shuld be put to hys Iuwyse.
Þe þred deuyl was forþë fette
Byfore Satan, þer he was sette;
Satan seyd, “where ware þou?
How þou hast sped, sey me now.”
“A-boute a bysshope y haue be long,
Ȝyf y myȝt hym yn synnë fong;
But yn hym ys so grete bounte
Þat y myȝt neuer turne hym to þe.
But, þys nyȝt y haue so sped,
Þat hym with temptyng so fer haue led,
Þat y hope, y haue hys þoght
A party to my wyllë broght.
Þyr com to hym, for hys godenesse,
A nunne, y wene a pryores,
Sum þyng of hym for to here
Þat she perauenture myȝt of lere;
Algate, y broght hyt so to an ende,
Þat, what tyme þat she shul wende,
He smote here a lytyl on þe bak
Yn pleyyng, whan he to here spak.
God wyst what was yn hys þoȝt
And yn hys herte, for y wyst hyt noȝt.”
Byfore Satan, þer he was sette;
Satan seyd, “where ware þou?
How þou hast sped, sey me now.”
“A-boute a bysshope y haue be long,
Ȝyf y myȝt hym yn synnë fong;
But yn hym ys so grete bounte
Þat y myȝt neuer turne hym to þe.
But, þys nyȝt y haue so sped,
Þat hym with temptyng so fer haue led,
Þat y hope, y haue hys þoght
A party to my wyllë broght.
Þyr com to hym, for hys godenesse,
A nunne, y wene a pryores,
Sum þyng of hym for to here
Þat she perauenture myȝt of lere;
Algate, y broght hyt so to an ende,
249
He smote here a lytyl on þe bak
Yn pleyyng, whan he to here spak.
God wyst what was yn hys þoȝt
And yn hys herte, for y wyst hyt noȝt.”
Satan asked ‘how long whyle
he hadde be aboute, hym to gyle.’
“Fourty wyntyr, and alle yn drede,
Ȝyt myȝt y neuer so moche spede,
Ne neuer er bryng hym to plyght
But þat y ded þys samë nyȝt.”
he hadde be aboute, hym to gyle.’
“Fourty wyntyr, and alle yn drede,
Ȝyt myȝt y neuer so moche spede,
Ne neuer er bryng hym to plyght
But þat y ded þys samë nyȝt.”
Ful weyl payd was Satanas
Þat he hadde broght hym to þat cas:
He ros aȝens hym, and made hym blysse,
And profred hym hys mouþe to kysse,
And seyd, ‘he was weyl wurþy
For to come and sytte hym by.’
Þat he hadde broght hym to þat cas:
He ros aȝens hym, and made hym blysse,
And profred hym hys mouþe to kysse,
And seyd, ‘he was weyl wurþy
For to come and sytte hym by.’
Before hem alle, þat ychë tyde,
he sette hym by hym, syde be syde,
And seyd, “ende þat þou hast bygunne;
For þat þou hast do, my loue þou hast wunne.”
he sette hym by hym, syde be syde,
And seyd, “ende þat þou hast bygunne;
For þat þou hast do, my loue þou hast wunne.”
Þys ychë Iew þat þerë lay,
In þe temple with grete affray,
Y trowe for soþe he slept ful lytyl,
whan he herde þat grete chapytyl;
Ȝyf he hadde slept, hym neded awake,
Ȝyf he were wakyng, he shulde a quake,
For Satan asked þere he sat,
“who lyþ þere, and what ys þat?
who durst so hardy be
To lye þere with-oute leue of me?
Goþe swyþe, one or two to-gedyr,
And, what he be, bryngeþ hym hedyr.”
In þe temple with grete affray,
Y trowe for soþe he slept ful lytyl,
whan he herde þat grete chapytyl;
Ȝyf he hadde slept, hym neded awake,
Ȝyf he were wakyng, he shulde a quake,
For Satan asked þere he sat,
“who lyþ þere, and what ys þat?
who durst so hardy be
To lye þere with-oute leue of me?
Goþe swyþe, one or two to-gedyr,
And, what he be, bryngeþ hym hedyr.”
Þe deuylys come un-to hys bedde,
And styrte aȝen, þey were so dredde;
Þe bedde, ne hym, ne durst þey touche,
So had he marked hym with þe crouche.
250
Þe bedde, ne hym, ne durst þey touche,
So had he marked hym with þe crouche.
Þey turned aȝen to syre Satan,
And seyd, þey durst nat brynge þat man.
He asked ‘why þat chaunce byfel;’
Þey seyd, hyt was “a lore vessel,
An empty vessel þat marked was
From þe and þyne, syre Satanas;
Þe vessel, whan hyt þere was leyde,
Vn-to vs hyt longed nede.
Alas þe whyle þey gunne to reme!
He haþ hys mark þat wyl hym ȝeme.”
And seyd, þey durst nat brynge þat man.
He asked ‘why þat chaunce byfel;’
Þey seyd, hyt was “a lore vessel,
An empty vessel þat marked was
From þe and þyne, syre Satanas;
Þe vessel, whan hyt þere was leyde,
Vn-to vs hyt longed nede.
Alas þe whyle þey gunne to reme!
He haþ hys mark þat wyl hym ȝeme.”
Þe Iew þey called ‘a voyde vessel,’
And forsoþë, so hyt fel;
Voydë he was of hys lawe,
For he forsoke hyt for fyne awe;
‘Lore,’ for he hadde nat oure lawe take
Seþþe he hadde hys owne forsake.
For þys þyng, y hope þey seyd,
And called þe Iew a vessel voyd.
But þey myȝt nat do hym no dere,
Noþer to Satanas lede ne bere;
So hadde he hym with þe croyce blessed,
Þat of hym algate þey myssed.
Þe fendës and syre Satanas
Þan wente awey, cryying ‘alas!’
And forsoþë, so hyt fel;
Voydë he was of hys lawe,
For he forsoke hyt for fyne awe;
‘Lore,’ for he hadde nat oure lawe take
Seþþe he hadde hys owne forsake.
For þys þyng, y hope þey seyd,
And called þe Iew a vessel voyd.
But þey myȝt nat do hym no dere,
Noþer to Satanas lede ne bere;
So hadde he hym with þe croyce blessed,
Þat of hym algate þey myssed.
Þe fendës and syre Satanas
Þan wente awey, cryying ‘alas!’
Þe Iewë þo asswyþe a-ros,—
hyt was no wundyr þoȝ hym gros,—
Vn-to þe bysshope sone he ȝede
And tolde hym what he sagh yn dede;
Þe crystendome at hym he toke,
And, hys fals[ë] lawe forsoke,
And beleued oure lawe echedeyl,
And þe bysshope amended hym weyl.
hyt was no wundyr þoȝ hym gros,—
Vn-to þe bysshope sone he ȝede
And tolde hym what he sagh yn dede;
Þe crystendome at hym he toke,
And, hys fals[ë] lawe forsoke,
And beleued oure lawe echedeyl,
And þe bysshope amended hym weyl.
251
Þys talë to ȝow haue y tolde,
how þe fendë halt hym bolde
whan he haþ tyced an holy man
with any temptacyun þat he kan,
hym þenkeþ he haþ do a grete chaffare;
And namely þo þat ordred are,
whedyr hyt be yn a womman handlyng,
Or yn any oþer lusty þyng;
Þarefore lordynges þat kun wel se,
Amendeþ ȝow, pur charyte,
And makeþ nat a-mys þe toye,
Þat þe fende of ȝou haue Ioye.
how þe fendë halt hym bolde
whan he haþ tyced an holy man
with any temptacyun þat he kan,
hym þenkeþ he haþ do a grete chaffare;
And namely þo þat ordred are,
whedyr hyt be yn a womman handlyng,
Or yn any oþer lusty þyng;
Þarefore lordynges þat kun wel se,
Amendeþ ȝow, pur charyte,
And makeþ nat a-mys þe toye,
Þat þe fende of ȝou haue Ioye.
Prest wel y-lettred ys to blame,
Þat letteþ nat, for drede ne shame,
To pley with wommen, and to rage;
For, aftyr pleyyng, cumþ outrage.
Ofte men se, and haue herd seye,
Þat swyche men go an euyl weye.
Þat letteþ nat, for drede ne shame,
To pley with wommen, and to rage;
For, aftyr pleyyng, cumþ outrage.
Ofte men se, and haue herd seye,
Þat swyche men go an euyl weye.
Ȝyue þou a-mong hem mayst na lyue,
But some algatë on þe clyue,
Take þou ensample at seynt Ierom;
Do as he dyd, and go fro hom.
But some algatë on þe clyue,
Take þou ensample at seynt Ierom;
Do as he dyd, and go fro hom.
Seynt Ierom wente yn-to deserte,
For drede of synne and foly grete.
Men asked hym why he þedyr ȝede,
Syn he was an holy man yn dede;
“y wentë þedyr, synne to fle,
Y dredde hyt wlde ha maystred me;
Synne of womman wyl with me fyȝt,
And y fele me yn moche vnmyȝt.
For ȝyf y a-bydë þat batayle,
Y drede þat y shal falle or fayle;
And ȝyf y fle þat ychë bekyr,
Y hopë þan y may be sekyr:”
Þarfore me þenkeþ, foles are þo
Þat fyȝt, and mow[ë] be þar-fro,
Þat fyȝt[ë] so þe deþ to haue
whan þey mow fle, hem self to saue.
For drede of synne and foly grete.
Men asked hym why he þedyr ȝede,
Syn he was an holy man yn dede;
“y wentë þedyr, synne to fle,
Y dredde hyt wlde ha maystred me;
Synne of womman wyl with me fyȝt,
And y fele me yn moche vnmyȝt.
For ȝyf y a-bydë þat batayle,
Y drede þat y shal falle or fayle;
And ȝyf y fle þat ychë bekyr,
Y hopë þan y may be sekyr:”
Þarfore me þenkeþ, foles are þo
Þat fyȝt, and mow[ë] be þar-fro,
Þat fyȝt[ë] so þe deþ to haue
whan þey mow fle, hem self to saue.
Þarefore, ȝe prestes þat dwel at hom,
Þenkeþ on þe drede of seynt Ierom,
And wommans felawshepe for to fle
For doute of synne, for so ded he.
252
And wommans felawshepe for to fle
For doute of synne, for so ded he.
But of wymmen hyt ys grete wundyr,
hyt fareþ with hem as fyre and tundyr;
Comunly forsake þey none
Þat euer ys made of flessh and bone.
Ȝyf she wulde to foly here take,
Þe prest algate she myȝt forsake;
For þer ys none, þat she ne may
Haue a sengle man to here pay.
And ȝyf she wulde algate mysdo,
A knaue myȝt best beseme here to,
Þan hyt were to take a prest,
For synne and sclaunder were þere lest.
But how as euer men preche or spelle,
Of prestës wyues men here euer telle.
hyt fareþ with hem as fyre and tundyr;
Comunly forsake þey none
Þat euer ys made of flessh and bone.
Ȝyf she wulde to foly here take,
Þe prest algate she myȝt forsake;
For þer ys none, þat she ne may
Haue a sengle man to here pay.
And ȝyf she wulde algate mysdo,
A knaue myȝt best beseme here to,
Þan hyt were to take a prest,
For synne and sclaunder were þere lest.
But how as euer men preche or spelle,
Of prestës wyues men here euer telle.
Of ouþer wyues y wyl naght say,
Þey do nat wrong, but al day;
But y dare sey, as y haue herde,
On Englys toung to alle þe werlde.
Þey do nat wrong, but al day;
But y dare sey, as y haue herde,
On Englys toung to alle þe werlde.
Ȝyf þyr be oþer mayden or wyfe
Þat dysturbleþ þe holy lyfe
Of þe prest, þurgh lecchery,
Aȝens here shal kalle and crye
Alle þat are yn paradys,
And alle þat yn purgatory lys;
And allë þat are yn þys lyue
Aȝens here shul aryse and stryue;
For euery prest, aftyr þe sacré,
He parteþ þere Goddys body yn þre,
And offreþ hem to þe fadyr yn heuene
On þys wyse, as y shal neuene;
The fyrst he offreþ hem to blys,
To hem þat yn heuene ys;
Þe toþer he offreþ for vs alle here,
Þat we to hym be boþe lefe and dere;
Þe þryde he offreþ to haue memóry
For soules þat are yn purgatóry,
Þat God bryng hem oute of peyne
And brynge to þe ioye þat ys certeyne.
Þat dysturbleþ þe holy lyfe
Of þe prest, þurgh lecchery,
Aȝens here shal kalle and crye
Alle þat are yn paradys,
And alle þat yn purgatory lys;
And allë þat are yn þys lyue
Aȝens here shul aryse and stryue;
For euery prest, aftyr þe sacré,
He parteþ þere Goddys body yn þre,
And offreþ hem to þe fadyr yn heuene
On þys wyse, as y shal neuene;
The fyrst he offreþ hem to blys,
To hem þat yn heuene ys;
Þe toþer he offreþ for vs alle here,
Þat we to hym be boþe lefe and dere;
253
For soules þat are yn purgatóry,
Þat God bryng hem oute of peyne
And brynge to þe ioye þat ys certeyne.
Certys, she douþ ful moche a-mys,
Þe womman þat dysturbleþ alle þys.
For, þo soulës are no þyng
wurscheped with þat offryng,
Noþer vs to cunseyl, or to rede,
Ne hyt helpeþ nat þe dede;
Allë þarefore þat now are,
And þat shul be, and now are fare,
Shul dampne þat womman to be lore,
And curse þe tyme þat she was bore;
And þarwith-alle, ne shal she be quyt,
Ȝyt shal hyre dampne hyre owne ynwyt
Þat ychë day þat alle shal ryse
Before Ihesu, þat hygh Iustyse.
Þe womman þat dysturbleþ alle þys.
For, þo soulës are no þyng
wurscheped with þat offryng,
Noþer vs to cunseyl, or to rede,
Ne hyt helpeþ nat þe dede;
Allë þarefore þat now are,
And þat shul be, and now are fare,
Shul dampne þat womman to be lore,
And curse þe tyme þat she was bore;
And þarwith-alle, ne shal she be quyt,
Ȝyt shal hyre dampne hyre owne ynwyt
Þat ychë day þat alle shal ryse
Before Ihesu, þat hygh Iustyse.
lokeþ, ȝe wymmen, what ȝe do!
Ȝyf ȝe dyd oght, doþe no more so,
Or harder penaunce, with bytter teres,
Shul ȝe do here, or ellës wheres.
And shame hyt ys euer aywhare
To be kalled ‘a prestës mare.’
Ȝyf ȝe dyd oght, doþe no more so,
Or harder penaunce, with bytter teres,
Shul ȝe do here, or ellës wheres.
And shame hyt ys euer aywhare
To be kalled ‘a prestës mare.’
Of swych one, y shal ȝow telle
Þat þe fendë bare to helle;
Þys chauncë fyl, þat ys so hard,
Yn þe tyme of gode Edward,—
Edward, syre Henryës sone,—
And þe tale ys weyl to mone.
Þat þe fendë bare to helle;
Þys chauncë fyl, þat ys so hard,
Yn þe tyme of gode Edward,—
Edward, syre Henryës sone,—
And þe tale ys weyl to mone.
[The Tale of the Priest's Concubine, and how Fiends carried off her Dead Body.]
Þyr was a prest ryȝt amerous,—
And amerous men are lechours;—
Þys prest, þe moste part of hys lyfe,
Helde a womman as hys wyfe,
Þat no tymë he hare lete,
Só þoght hym þe synnë swete.
Yn synne, and yn foly desyre,
Foure chyldryn he gate on hyre.
Þese chyldryn, as þey wox more,
He sette hem vn-to scole to lore;
So þey lernede, þat þe þre
were ordeyned, prestes to be;
Þe fourþë sone was a scoler,
To lernë more he dyde hys power.
when þey were prestys, here fadyr deyde,—
Þe prest þat y er of seyde,—
Þys ychë womman lefte a-lyue
Aftyr hym foure ȝere or fyue.
Þese foure chyldryn had grete þoght
How þey were yn synne furþe broght,
And how here modyr leued ynne,
Alle here lyfe, yn dedly synne;
Þey preyde here, for allë chaunce,
To be of godë répentaunce,
And forþynkë here mysdede
with sorow of hert, and wyþ drede.
And amerous men are lechours;—
254
Helde a womman as hys wyfe,
Þat no tymë he hare lete,
Só þoght hym þe synnë swete.
Yn synne, and yn foly desyre,
Foure chyldryn he gate on hyre.
Þese chyldryn, as þey wox more,
He sette hem vn-to scole to lore;
So þey lernede, þat þe þre
were ordeyned, prestes to be;
Þe fourþë sone was a scoler,
To lernë more he dyde hys power.
when þey were prestys, here fadyr deyde,—
Þe prest þat y er of seyde,—
Þys ychë womman lefte a-lyue
Aftyr hym foure ȝere or fyue.
Þese foure chyldryn had grete þoght
How þey were yn synne furþe broght,
And how here modyr leued ynne,
Alle here lyfe, yn dedly synne;
Þey preyde here, for allë chaunce,
To be of godë répentaunce,
And forþynkë here mysdede
with sorow of hert, and wyþ drede.
But þus answered she to hem alle,
“For no þyng þat may befalle,
Shal y neuer repentë me
whyle y haue ȝow prestës þre
Þat for me mow rede and synge,
And, ful weyl, me to blys brynge;
So may my soule to God be broght
For any synne þat I haue wroght;
But wylle ȝe allë fourë do
A þyng þat y prey ȝow to?
kepyþ my body, at ȝoure myȝt,
Þre dayys, and þre nyȝt,
Yn þys hous whan y am dede,
And y hope be saued fro þe quede,
Þogh y haue lyued a synful lyfe,
And haue be called a prestës wyfe.”
“For no þyng þat may befalle,
Shal y neuer repentë me
whyle y haue ȝow prestës þre
Þat for me mow rede and synge,
And, ful weyl, me to blys brynge;
So may my soule to God be broght
For any synne þat I haue wroght;
But wylle ȝe allë fourë do
A þyng þat y prey ȝow to?
kepyþ my body, at ȝoure myȝt,
Þre dayys, and þre nyȝt,
255
And y hope be saued fro þe quede,
Þogh y haue lyued a synful lyfe,
And haue be called a prestës wyfe.”
Þat graunted þey euery deyl,
For þey wende ha do hyt wele.
Sone aftyrward she euyld,
And deyd sunner þan she wylde.
For þey wende ha do hyt wele.
Sone aftyrward she euyld,
And deyd sunner þan she wylde.
here chyldryn, as þey hadde here het,
To wake here body were þey set:
Þe fyrst nyght þat þey shulde here wake,
At mydnyȝt þe berë gan to quake;
Here fourë sonys þat saye hyt stere,
leyd on hond, and helde þe bere;
Þe ouþer men hadde swychë drede
Þat euery man hys wëy ȝede;
with mochë drede and hydous syght
Askaped þey on þe fyrst nyȝt.
To wake here body were þey set:
Þe fyrst nyght þat þey shulde here wake,
At mydnyȝt þe berë gan to quake;
Here fourë sonys þat saye hyt stere,
leyd on hond, and helde þe bere;
Þe ouþer men hadde swychë drede
Þat euery man hys wëy ȝede;
with mochë drede and hydous syght
Askaped þey on þe fyrst nyȝt.
Þe toþer nyȝt þat þe chyldryn woke,
At þe mydnyȝt þe berë quoke,
And alle þat sate or þerby stode,
For dredë wendë ha wox wode:
Þat nyȝt shewed he more hys ire,
Þat hys power was moche yn hyre.
with sorowful syȝt and grete affray
He drogh þe body þere hyt lay,
And to þe dore þe fende hyt broght;
Þat tymë fyrþer myȝt he noght.
Here fourë sones, with mochë peyne,
Efte hadde þe body yn aȝeyne;
Aboute þe body a rope þey wonde,
And to þe berë fast þey bonde;
So algate þe body with hem lefte;
At þat nyȝt was hyt nat refte.
At þe mydnyȝt þe berë quoke,
And alle þat sate or þerby stode,
For dredë wendë ha wox wode:
Þat nyȝt shewed he more hys ire,
Þat hys power was moche yn hyre.
with sorowful syȝt and grete affray
He drogh þe body þere hyt lay,
And to þe dore þe fende hyt broght;
Þat tymë fyrþer myȝt he noght.
Here fourë sones, with mochë peyne,
Efte hadde þe body yn aȝeyne;
Aboute þe body a rope þey wonde,
And to þe berë fast þey bonde;
So algate þe body with hem lefte;
At þat nyȝt was hyt nat refte.
Þe þred nyȝt, moste sorow gan falle;
At þe mydnyȝt, as þey woke alle,
Come fendës fele, with loþely brous,
And fylden allë ful þe hous,
Þey toke þe body and þe bere
wyþ lothly cry, þat alle myȝt here;
And bare hyt furþe þat none wyst whore,
with-outen ende for euermore.
here sones hyt seyd, and hoped wel,
Þat body and soule was lore eche deyl.
256
Come fendës fele, with loþely brous,
And fylden allë ful þe hous,
Þey toke þe body and þe bere
wyþ lothly cry, þat alle myȝt here;
And bare hyt furþe þat none wyst whore,
with-outen ende for euermore.
here sones hyt seyd, and hoped wel,
Þat body and soule was lore eche deyl.
Þe ȝongest sone þat was a scolere,
He preched þys yn stedys here;
Þurgh Ingland, yn euery cuntre,
he tolde þys tale of grete pyte,
Oueral as he went a-boute,
(He spared noþer for shame ne doute)
Aȝens wymmen þat prestës take,
For hys ownë modyr sake;
For to dampne and stroye þat synne,
Þat no womman falle þer-ynne.
He preched þys yn stedys here;
Þurgh Ingland, yn euery cuntre,
he tolde þys tale of grete pyte,
Oueral as he went a-boute,
(He spared noþer for shame ne doute)
Aȝens wymmen þat prestës take,
For hys ownë modyr sake;
For to dampne and stroye þat synne,
Þat no womman falle þer-ynne.
Ȝe wommen, þenkeþ on þys tale,
And takeþ hyt for no troteuale!
Goddes veniaunce was hyt, and hys Ire,
To amende vs alle for loue of hyre.
And takeþ hyt for no troteuale!
Goddes veniaunce was hyt, and hys Ire,
To amende vs alle for loue of hyre.
Yn a prouerbe, telle men þys,
“He wyys ys, þat ware ys,”
And wysdom es, and feyre maystrye,
To chastyse vs wyþ ouþres folye.
“He wyys ys, þat ware ys,”
And wysdom es, and feyre maystrye,
To chastyse vs wyþ ouþres folye.
Of prestës kan y sey no þyng,—
So seyd y at þe bygynnyng,—
Noþer of clerkys neuer a deyl,
Þéy wote what ys ylle and weyl;
But þus haue y herde for certeyn,
Yn þe worlde ys none so gode skryueyne—
Þogh he were wyser þan Salamon
And bettyr langaged þat was Mercyon
And leued yn age a þousend ȝere—
Ne myȝt telle þe sorow and were,
Ne þe peyne, þat þe preste shal drye,
Þat haunteþ þat synne of lecchery.
Þey are wroth whan any þus precheþ,
But holy wryt þus vs telleþ and techeþ.
So seyd y at þe bygynnyng,—
Noþer of clerkys neuer a deyl,
Þéy wote what ys ylle and weyl;
But þus haue y herde for certeyn,
Yn þe worlde ys none so gode skryueyne—
Þogh he were wyser þan Salamon
And bettyr langaged þat was Mercyon
257
Ne myȝt telle þe sorow and were,
Ne þe peyne, þat þe preste shal drye,
Þat haunteþ þat synne of lecchery.
Þey are wroth whan any þus precheþ,
But holy wryt þus vs telleþ and techeþ.
Now turne we aȝen þere we spak
Of handlyng synnë, þat yche lak;
Y tolde of handlyng synne as y kouþe,
And now wyþ foly kyssyng with mouþe.
Of handlyng synnë, þat yche lak;
Y tolde of handlyng synne as y kouþe,
And now wyþ foly kyssyng with mouþe.
kyssyng doþe moche more euyl
whan handlyng cumþ of þe deuyl;
Some wene þat kyssyng ys no synne,
But grete peryl falleþ þer-ynne.
Be þou neuer so chaste and straunge,
kyssyng wyl þyn hertë chaunge;
Hyt ys forbode, be þou weyl ware,
But ȝyf hyt be here, þat furþe þe bare;
Þy wyfë þou mayst kysse with ryȝt,
Ȝyt yn sum poynt mayst þou falle yn plyȝt.
Seynt Ierom, he spekeþ of þys,
Ouer moche for to daunte and kysse;
Daunte a womman oute of skylle,
when no tyme were, she wyl þer-tyl.
whan handlyng cumþ of þe deuyl;
Some wene þat kyssyng ys no synne,
But grete peryl falleþ þer-ynne.
Be þou neuer so chaste and straunge,
kyssyng wyl þyn hertë chaunge;
Hyt ys forbode, be þou weyl ware,
But ȝyf hyt be here, þat furþe þe bare;
Þy wyfë þou mayst kysse with ryȝt,
Ȝyt yn sum poynt mayst þou falle yn plyȝt.
Seynt Ierom, he spekeþ of þys,
Ouer moche for to daunte and kysse;
Daunte a womman oute of skylle,
when no tyme were, she wyl þer-tyl.
Maner þer ys of foule kyssyng,
As ys of dede and of handlyng,
Þat falleþ ofte yn pryuyte,
But þat shal nat be tolde for me;
Noþeles, hyt mote be tolde
Yn shryftë, boþe with ȝunge and olde.
As ys of dede and of handlyng,
Þat falleþ ofte yn pryuyte,
But þat shal nat be tolde for me;
Noþeles, hyt mote be tolde
Yn shryftë, boþe with ȝunge and olde.
Sum maner kyssyng ys ful grete vyce,
And wommens hertys to synne wyl tyse;
And who so delyteþ hym þer-ynne,
wommen to foly for to wynne,
Y do hym weyl to vndyrstande,
So may he go yn deuyl hande.
And wommens hertys to synne wyl tyse;
And who so delyteþ hym þer-ynne,
wommen to foly for to wynne,
Y do hym weyl to vndyrstande,
258
Ȝyt mayst þou synne yn lecherye
Yn þe lokyng of þyn yȝe;
Beholde nat wymmen ouer mochyl;
Here syȝte makeþ mennys þoghtes fykyl;
And who-so haþ a feble herte,
hys ye ys euer ouerthuerte.
Þyn ye ys þyn messager
To brynge þy dedë yn powere;
Yn swychë syȝt ys mochë gylte;
Shryue þe þerof ȝyf þou wylt.
Yn þe lokyng of þyn yȝe;
Beholde nat wymmen ouer mochyl;
Here syȝte makeþ mennys þoghtes fykyl;
And who-so haþ a feble herte,
hys ye ys euer ouerthuerte.
Þyn ye ys þyn messager
To brynge þy dedë yn powere;
Yn swychë syȝt ys mochë gylte;
Shryue þe þerof ȝyf þou wylt.
Ȝyt ys þer more of lecherye
Þat ys do with sorsorye,
Sorsorye þat ys wycchëcrafte;
He þat ys with þe fendë lafte
Grete synne hyt ys, y ȝeue þe a ȝyfte;
Þenk þer-on yn þy shryfte.
To man þat ys yn gode beleue,
wycchecrafte shal hym neuer greue;
Be þou yn gode lyfe, and byleue ryȝt,
And alle þe wecches wyþ alle here myȝt
Shul neuer drecche þe where-so þou art
with no queyntysë of here artt:
Þat sheweþ weyl seynt Cypryene,
he was a nygromancyene,
how he myȝt neuer a mayden wynne
with wycchëcrafte here þoghte to synne:
why? For here lyfe was gode and clene,
And stedfaste byleue yn here was sene.
Þat ys do with sorsorye,
Sorsorye þat ys wycchëcrafte;
He þat ys with þe fendë lafte
Grete synne hyt ys, y ȝeue þe a ȝyfte;
Þenk þer-on yn þy shryfte.
To man þat ys yn gode beleue,
wycchecrafte shal hym neuer greue;
Be þou yn gode lyfe, and byleue ryȝt,
And alle þe wecches wyþ alle here myȝt
Shul neuer drecche þe where-so þou art
with no queyntysë of here artt:
Þat sheweþ weyl seynt Cypryene,
he was a nygromancyene,
how he myȝt neuer a mayden wynne
with wycchëcrafte here þoghte to synne:
why? For here lyfe was gode and clene,
And stedfaste byleue yn here was sene.
[The Tale of St. Justyne, and how the Sign of the Cross protected her from Devils.]
Yn Antyoche, þat noble cyte,
wonede þys mayden of grete bounte;
here name men callë seynt Iustyne,
For Ihesu Cryst she suffred pyne.
whan she had takë crystendam
Euery day to scole she nam,
To þe scolë, for to lere
Þe loue of God, and haue hyt dere.
wonede þys mayden of grete bounte;
here name men callë seynt Iustyne,
For Ihesu Cryst she suffred pyne.
259
Euery day to scole she nam,
To þe scolë, for to lere
Þe loue of God, and haue hyt dere.
And as she went to þe scole hous,
A lorde þat hyghte ‘Agladyus’—
A gretë mayster and a syre—
was a-namourd so on hyre
Þat he ne wyst what do he myȝt,
She was so semëly by syȝt.
He comë vn-to Cypryene,
Þys clerk, þys nygromancyene,
And tolde hym al þe enchesun
Of hys grete temptacyun.
A lorde þat hyghte ‘Agladyus’—
A gretë mayster and a syre—
was a-namourd so on hyre
Þat he ne wyst what do he myȝt,
She was so semëly by syȝt.
He comë vn-to Cypryene,
Þys clerk, þys nygromancyene,
And tolde hym al þe enchesun
Of hys grete temptacyun.
Fast he preyde, and hette hym mede
Ȝyf þat he coudë do sum dede,
were hyt godë, were hyt ylle,
Þat he myȝt haue of here hys wylle.
“Iustyne,” he seyd þan, “hattë she
Þe feyre mayden þat marreþ me.”
And Cypryene hette hym for of hys
Þat þe mayden shulde be hys.
Ȝyf þat he coudë do sum dede,
were hyt godë, were hyt ylle,
Þat he myȝt haue of here hys wylle.
“Iustyne,” he seyd þan, “hattë she
Þe feyre mayden þat marreþ me.”
And Cypryene hette hym for of hys
Þat þe mayden shulde be hys.
Cypryene made þan hys queyntyse,
And ded þe fendys many one vpryse,
And comaunded þat Iustyne were lede
Vn-to syre Agladyous bed.
Þe forme of here fadyr and modyr þey nam,
And yn here lykenes to Iustyne cam,
And badde, here wyl shuldë be went
To Agladyous comaundement.
And ded þe fendys many one vpryse,
And comaunded þat Iustyne were lede
Vn-to syre Agladyous bed.
Þe forme of here fadyr and modyr þey nam,
And yn here lykenes to Iustyne cam,
And badde, here wyl shuldë be went
To Agladyous comaundement.
Iustyne hadde grete wundyr of þys,
And wyþ þe croys she gan here blys,
Þan þey vanysshed aweye asswyþe;
She þanked God and was ful blyþe.
Þryys þey come, on þre manere,
Beforë Iustyne to apere;
And here cunseyl was euer þus
“we rede ȝow take Agladyus.”
At euery tyme þat þus þey here besoght,
Þe croys was euer yn here þoght,
And made hyt euer hem betwene,
And alle here cunseyl was no more sene;
hadde none of hem lenger powere
with here to speke, or come here nere.
Þryys ouercomë hadde þey bene,
And þus þey tolde to Cypryene.
And wyþ þe croys she gan here blys,
Þan þey vanysshed aweye asswyþe;
She þanked God and was ful blyþe.
Þryys þey come, on þre manere,
Beforë Iustyne to apere;
260
“we rede ȝow take Agladyus.”
At euery tyme þat þus þey here besoght,
Þe croys was euer yn here þoght,
And made hyt euer hem betwene,
And alle here cunseyl was no more sene;
hadde none of hem lenger powere
with here to speke, or come here nere.
Þryys ouercomë hadde þey bene,
And þus þey tolde to Cypryene.
Cypryene haddë grete ferly,
And asked ‘for whom hyt was, and why
Þat þey ne myȝtë of here spede,
But euer ouercome awey þey ȝede.’
Þan spak to hym a fende of helle,
“Syker me here with me to dwelle,
And þat þou ne shalt, for loue ne eye,
Beleue on þat y shal þe seye.”
And asked ‘for whom hyt was, and why
Þat þey ne myȝtë of here spede,
But euer ouercome awey þey ȝede.’
Þan spak to hym a fende of helle,
“Syker me here with me to dwelle,
And þat þou ne shalt, for loue ne eye,
Beleue on þat y shal þe seye.”
whan he hadde seyde hym hys certeynte,
“Now,” seyd þe fende, “y shal telle þe:
She beleueþ on one men calle Ihesus,
He þat confoundeþ euermore vs;
She ouercomeþ vs with a croys;
when we se hyt, we haue no voys;
Þe sygne þerof euer we fle,
And drede we haue when we hyt se;
Oure myȝt ys noght, no neuer shal,
Ouer any þat blesseþ hym with-al.
Iustyne þerwyþ defendeþ here so
Þat we ne may haue with here to do;
And, for here lyfe ys gode and clene,
Oure maystry may ryȝt noȝt be sene;
For ȝyf she lyued yn wykkednes,
Þan myȝte we do to here sum stres.”
“Now,” seyd þe fende, “y shal telle þe:
She beleueþ on one men calle Ihesus,
He þat confoundeþ euermore vs;
She ouercomeþ vs with a croys;
when we se hyt, we haue no voys;
Þe sygne þerof euer we fle,
And drede we haue when we hyt se;
Oure myȝt ys noght, no neuer shal,
Ouer any þat blesseþ hym with-al.
Iustyne þerwyþ defendeþ here so
Þat we ne may haue with here to do;
And, for here lyfe ys gode and clene,
Oure maystry may ryȝt noȝt be sene;
For ȝyf she lyued yn wykkednes,
Þan myȝte we do to here sum stres.”
Cypryen seyd vnto þat fende,
“Ihesus ys nat þan ȝoure frende,
Hyt may weyl be hym-self haþ myȝt
Syn ȝe drede hys croys be syght;
And ys nat ȝyt þe samë tre,
Haþ þat tokene more myȝt þan ȝe?”
“Ȝee,” seyde the fendë, “certaynly,
Ouer vs alle he haþ maystry;
And euermore so shal be doun
For hyt was hys owne passyoun;
No þyng þat man may of hym sey,
Doþe oure powere so moche a-weye
As nemne þat passyun and þat rode
Þat he shedde on, hys swetë blode;
Heuene and helle þat passyun douten,
And creatures allë þarto louten,
And specyaly ‘Ihesus,’ þat name
Ys our shenshyp and oure shame.”
“Ihesus ys nat þan ȝoure frende,
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Syn ȝe drede hys croys be syght;
And ys nat ȝyt þe samë tre,
Haþ þat tokene more myȝt þan ȝe?”
“Ȝee,” seyde the fendë, “certaynly,
Ouer vs alle he haþ maystry;
And euermore so shal be doun
For hyt was hys owne passyoun;
No þyng þat man may of hym sey,
Doþe oure powere so moche a-weye
As nemne þat passyun and þat rode
Þat he shedde on, hys swetë blode;
Heuene and helle þat passyun douten,
And creatures allë þarto louten,
And specyaly ‘Ihesus,’ þat name
Ys our shenshyp and oure shame.”
when Cypryen þys vndyrstode,
He forsoke hem, and bycom gode,
And alle þe crafte þat he hadde haunted,
And Crystendome to take he graunted;
He dyd breke his maumetrye,
And dyd hyt brenne byfore hys ye;
Seþþen at þe bysshope of þe cyte
He dyd hym crysten man to be,
Seþþen he was so stedfast
Yn þe beleue, þurgh þe holy gast,
Þat he was ordeyned dekene hye,
And seþþen bysshope he was wurþy;
Seþen made he Iustyne, abbas
Of alle þe ladyes, as wurþy was.
He forsoke hem, and bycom gode,
And alle þe crafte þat he hadde haunted,
And Crystendome to take he graunted;
He dyd breke his maumetrye,
And dyd hyt brenne byfore hys ye;
Seþþen at þe bysshope of þe cyte
He dyd hym crysten man to be,
Seþþen he was so stedfast
Yn þe beleue, þurgh þe holy gast,
Þat he was ordeyned dekene hye,
And seþþen bysshope he was wurþy;
Seþen made he Iustyne, abbas
Of alle þe ladyes, as wurþy was.
Swyche grace fel seþþen on hom,
Þat boþe þey suffred martyrdom;
And now ys Cypryen with God so herd
Þat he ys wurschypde yn alle þe werlde;
And she ys callede Seynt Iustyne,
A martyr and an holy vyrgyne.
Þat boþe þey suffred martyrdom;
And now ys Cypryen with God so herd
Þat he ys wurschypde yn alle þe werlde;
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A martyr and an holy vyrgyne.
Þys tale y tolde to ȝow aboute,
Þat ȝe ne dur no wycchecrafte doute,
Ȝyf þou be—þat ys to mene—
Yn beleuë gode, and lyfë clene.
who-so þurgh wycchëcrafte haþ tene,
Prey to God and seynt Cypryene
And to þe mayden Seynt Iustyne,
Þat þey delyuer hem fro þat pyne.
Þat ȝe ne dur no wycchecrafte doute,
Ȝyf þou be—þat ys to mene—
Yn beleuë gode, and lyfë clene.
who-so þurgh wycchëcrafte haþ tene,
Prey to God and seynt Cypryene
And to þe mayden Seynt Iustyne,
Þat þey delyuer hem fro þat pyne.
Þarefore, þou man and þou wyfe,
Ȝyf þou be of clenë lyfe,
Þar þe noght drede no wycchëcrafte
Noþer temptyng of þe deuylys shafte;
And ȝyf þou be yn dedly synne,
To hys temptyng he may þe wynne.
Ȝyf þou be of clenë lyfe,
Þar þe noght drede no wycchëcrafte
Noþer temptyng of þe deuylys shafte;
And ȝyf þou be yn dedly synne,
To hys temptyng he may þe wynne.
Ȝyt þer ys spekyng of vylaynye
Þat longeþ vnto lecherye,
And oftë tyme of foulë speche
Falleþ þarfor hard[ë] wreche;
Of foulë herte cumþ foulë þoȝt;
Of foulë þoȝt, foule wurdys are broȝt.
Þe foulë wurde, þe speker dereþ,
And þat hyt hereþ and furþ bereþ;
Y hauë toldë of þys lak
Yn þe fyfþe comaundement, þer y spak,
whan y of a nunnë tolde,
Þat coudë nat here tungë holde.
Þat longeþ vnto lecherye,
And oftë tyme of foulë speche
Falleþ þarfor hard[ë] wreche;
Of foulë herte cumþ foulë þoȝt;
Of foulë þoȝt, foule wurdys are broȝt.
Þe foulë wurde, þe speker dereþ,
And þat hyt hereþ and furþ bereþ;
Y hauë toldë of þys lak
Yn þe fyfþe comaundement, þer y spak,
whan y of a nunnë tolde,
Þat coudë nat here tungë holde.
Ȝyt ys þyr a spyce of leccherye,
Auauntëment of olde folye:
A kaynard and an oldë folte,
Þat þryfte haþ loste, and boghte a bolte,
he shal become[n] a dyssour,
And telleþ how he was a lecchour;
Ioye he haþ, hym-self to dyffame
Of alle hys synnes þat he kan name,
And auante hym alle an hye,
And make men lagh at hys foly;
And þat ys nat þe synnë leste,
Auaunte þy synne to hym þat þou sest.
Auauntëment of olde folye:
A kaynard and an oldë folte,
Þat þryfte haþ loste, and boghte a bolte,
he shal become[n] a dyssour,
And telleþ how he was a lecchour;
Ioye he haþ, hym-self to dyffame
Of alle hys synnes þat he kan name,
And auante hym alle an hye,
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And þat ys nat þe synnë leste,
Auaunte þy synne to hym þat þou sest.
Sodom sank, and Gomore,
For þey kryed here synne aywhore;
Þese twey cytees, boþe þey sank,
For þey hadde ioye at synne þat stank.
Feyrer hyt were, oure synne forhele,
Þan make auauntement þer-of to fele;
Þe apostle seyþ þys autoryte,
“Ȝyf þou be nat chaste, be þou pryue;”
Telle hyt þy prest, and to no mo;
For oþer tellyng, ys boþe synne and wo.
For þey kryed here synne aywhore;
Þese twey cytees, boþe þey sank,
For þey hadde ioye at synne þat stank.
Feyrer hyt were, oure synne forhele,
Þan make auauntement þer-of to fele;
Þe apostle seyþ þys autoryte,
“Ȝyf þou be nat chaste, be þou pryue;”
Telle hyt þy prest, and to no mo;
For oþer tellyng, ys boþe synne and wo.
Ȝyt ys þyr a specyal spece
Þat doþ leccherye klymbe by a grece:
who so wyllë ȝyftës ȝyue,
On lecheryë he may cleue;
For synne, no ȝyftys þou receyue;
For doute of gyle þou shalt hem weyue;
For whan a lechour haþ ȝyue hys mede,
Þan hopeþ he weyl þat he shal spede.
Y rede, ȝe wommen, ȝyueþ gode entent,
For medë ȝe wyl sone consent;
Many one for mede doþ ful euyl,
Men sey ofte ‘mede ys þe deuyl.’
Þat doþ leccherye klymbe by a grece:
who so wyllë ȝyftës ȝyue,
On lecheryë he may cleue;
For synne, no ȝyftys þou receyue;
For doute of gyle þou shalt hem weyue;
For whan a lechour haþ ȝyue hys mede,
Þan hopeþ he weyl þat he shal spede.
Y rede, ȝe wommen, ȝyueþ gode entent,
For medë ȝe wyl sone consent;
Many one for mede doþ ful euyl,
Men sey ofte ‘mede ys þe deuyl.’
Ȝyt spekeþ he of a more tresun
Þat for lechery ys doun;
Ȝyf men or womman be so wylde
To fordo a getyng of a chylde
wyþ wurde or dede, syn hyt ys gete,
with mete or drynk þat þey do ȝete,
Or oþer strenkþë, þat hyt dye,
Þan þey doun ful grete folye;
with slaghter hast þou þere hyd,
Þat þy lecherye ys nat kyd;
Gretly yn euyl þou art coupáble
Yn twey synnës, and dampnáble.
Þat for lechery ys doun;
Ȝyf men or womman be so wylde
To fordo a getyng of a chylde
wyþ wurde or dede, syn hyt ys gete,
with mete or drynk þat þey do ȝete,
Or oþer strenkþë, þat hyt dye,
Þan þey doun ful grete folye;
with slaghter hast þou þere hyd,
Þat þy lecherye ys nat kyd;
Gretly yn euyl þou art coupáble
Yn twey synnës, and dampnáble.
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A-noþer vyleynye þyr ys,
To do a womman synne þurgh stres:
Ȝyf a womman mete paráuenture
Yn pryuë stedë, a lechour,
Ȝyf he wyl do with here synne,
And she ne may a-weyë wynne
But she swerë oþys grym
A-noþer tyme to come to hym,
Or he makeþ here trouth-plyght
Anoþer tymë when she myȝt,
For þat trouþë, y answere
Þat no perel shal she bere;
She nat synneþ nat dedly,
Hyt ys nó wyl, but maystry;
Better ys to skape with an oþe,
Þan synne dedly, and God be wrothe.
Here-of myȝt men mochë speke,
Of trouþë þat men alle day breke,
For, fals trouþës, and fykyl,
For lechery, are ȝyue mechyl.
To do a womman synne þurgh stres:
Ȝyf a womman mete paráuenture
Yn pryuë stedë, a lechour,
Ȝyf he wyl do with here synne,
And she ne may a-weyë wynne
But she swerë oþys grym
A-noþer tyme to come to hym,
Or he makeþ here trouth-plyght
Anoþer tymë when she myȝt,
For þat trouþë, y answere
Þat no perel shal she bere;
She nat synneþ nat dedly,
Hyt ys nó wyl, but maystry;
Better ys to skape with an oþe,
Þan synne dedly, and God be wrothe.
Here-of myȝt men mochë speke,
Of trouþë þat men alle day breke,
For, fals trouþës, and fykyl,
For lechery, are ȝyue mechyl.
Ȝyf þou a womman trouþë plyght
Out of holy cherchës syȝt;
Men oght nat so for to do
Þogh þat frendes consente þarto;
For holy cherche oght fyrst for to wyte
Of here gederyng, ȝyf hyt may sytte
Out of holy cherchës syȝt;
Men oght nat so for to do
Þogh þat frendes consente þarto;
For holy cherche oght fyrst for to wyte
Of here gederyng, ȝyf hyt may sytte
Of allë folës are þey fyles,
Þat gentyl wymmen begylys
with a trouþë of tresun
To reuë here, here warysun,
But she do by here ordynaunce
Of hem þat shuldë here auaunce.
Þat gentyl wymmen begylys
with a trouþë of tresun
To reuë here, here warysun,
But she do by here ordynaunce
Of hem þat shuldë here auaunce.
And a womman loueþ ofte yn pryuyte
Þat for here falleþ nat weyl to be;
Ȝyf she to þat ȝeueþ here treuþe,
Þat ys here ful mochë reuþe;
Þat trewþe dar she nat be a-knowe,
For drede þat she haþ loued so lowe.
Þurgh cunseyl of here frendys wylle,
She ys þan ȝyue a-noþer vntyl;
Y dar sey hyt hardyly,
‘Þat womman leueþ yn lechery;
And þat ychë man also
To whom she ȝaf fyrst trouþë to,
Ȝyf he any ouþer wedde,
Or with any go to bedde,
Ȝyf þey boþe wulde haue do þat
Þat here mouþes to-gedyr spak,
And haue fulfylled, at here myȝt,
Here pryue trouþë þat þey plyȝt.’
Þat for here falleþ nat weyl to be;
Ȝyf she to þat ȝeueþ here treuþe,
Þat ys here ful mochë reuþe;
265
For drede þat she haþ loued so lowe.
Þurgh cunseyl of here frendys wylle,
She ys þan ȝyue a-noþer vntyl;
Y dar sey hyt hardyly,
‘Þat womman leueþ yn lechery;
And þat ychë man also
To whom she ȝaf fyrst trouþë to,
Ȝyf he any ouþer wedde,
Or with any go to bedde,
Ȝyf þey boþe wulde haue do þat
Þat here mouþes to-gedyr spak,
And haue fulfylled, at here myȝt,
Here pryue trouþë þat þey plyȝt.’
A wers[ë] spycë ȝyt men holdes,
To begyle a womman with wordys;
To ȝyue here trouþë but lyghtly
For no þyng but for lygge here by;
with þat gyle þou makest here asent,
And bryngest ȝow boþe to cumbrement.
To begyle a womman with wordys;
To ȝyue here trouþë but lyghtly
For no þyng but for lygge here by;
with þat gyle þou makest here asent,
And bryngest ȝow boþe to cumbrement.
Þarfore now y warne ȝow alle,
Man and woman, for þyng may falle,
Þat ȝe be neuer so fole-hardy
To ȝyue ȝoure trouþe so pryuyly,
Ne wommans trouþë for to take,
Ne trouþë ȝyue for weddyng sake,
Tyl holy cherche haue demyd ryȝt
wyþ lokyng of frendes syght.
Man and woman, for þyng may falle,
Þat ȝe be neuer so fole-hardy
To ȝyue ȝoure trouþe so pryuyly,
Ne wommans trouþë for to take,
Ne trouþë ȝyue for weddyng sake,
Tyl holy cherche haue demyd ryȝt
wyþ lokyng of frendes syght.
Pryuytes manye falle þer-ynne;
Þyn ynwyt þe telleþ whych ys synne;
Sum pryuytes of lechery
Yn opun speche are vyleynye;
Þarfor wyl y nat hem alle descryue,
But alle behoueþ vs þer-of shryue;
Þyn ynwyt wote what þou hast wroght,
And whych ys synne, and whych ys noȝt;
Alle þese spyces þat y haue tolde,
On dyuers maners are synnës folde.
Þyn ynwyt þe telleþ whych ys synne;
Sum pryuytes of lechery
Yn opun speche are vyleynye;
Þarfor wyl y nat hem alle descryue,
But alle behoueþ vs þer-of shryue;
266
And whych ys synne, and whych ys noȝt;
Alle þese spyces þat y haue tolde,
On dyuers maners are synnës folde.
Ȝyf þy flesshë ofte aryse
Yn wyl or dede to many of þyse,
Þat þou mayst nat þy flesshë daunte,
Þat sum algate behoueþ þe haunte,
Be nat þarfor yn wanhope;
Alle may be quenchyde with a drope,
Ȝyf þou mayst for þy synnë grete,
And be yn wyl hyt for to lete.
For many a gode man, olde and ȝonge,
haþ be yn flesshëly temptyng;
So was seynt Poule, þe holy man,
Hys flesshe was temptyde with Satan;
Seynt Benet was so, ȝe herde me telle,
He was yn poynt to leue hys celle;
And ouþer men mo of relygyun
Haue be yn hard temptacyun;
But man behoueþ pryue hys myȝt,
Aȝens hys ownë flesshe to fyȝt;
For ȝyf þou late hyt haue hys wyl,
wyltou, neltou, hyt wyl þe spylle.
Yn wyl or dede to many of þyse,
Þat þou mayst nat þy flesshë daunte,
Þat sum algate behoueþ þe haunte,
Be nat þarfor yn wanhope;
Alle may be quenchyde with a drope,
Ȝyf þou mayst for þy synnë grete,
And be yn wyl hyt for to lete.
For many a gode man, olde and ȝonge,
haþ be yn flesshëly temptyng;
So was seynt Poule, þe holy man,
Hys flesshe was temptyde with Satan;
Seynt Benet was so, ȝe herde me telle,
He was yn poynt to leue hys celle;
And ouþer men mo of relygyun
Haue be yn hard temptacyun;
But man behoueþ pryue hys myȝt,
Aȝens hys ownë flesshe to fyȝt;
For ȝyf þou late hyt haue hys wyl,
wyltou, neltou, hyt wyl þe spylle.
And y shal telle here, ȝyf ȝe wyl,
A talë for þe samë skylle,
Þat a man myshopë noght
Þogh he haue grete temptyng of þoght.
A talë for þe samë skylle,
Þat a man myshopë noght
Þogh he haue grete temptyng of þoght.
[The Tale of the tempted Hermit, or How we should never Despair.]
Seynt Gregory telleþ, for oure profyte,
How þyr was onys an ermyte:
Þys ermyte had grete temptyng
yn hys þoght, ouer alle þyng;
And as þys temptyng on hym ran,
He ȝede vnto an oldë man
And tolde hym allë, vp an downe,
Of hys grete temptacyun.
Þat olde man seyd to hym astyte
‘He was nat wurþy to be an Ermyte,
Þat swychë þoghtës shuldë þynke,
And þoght of womman wulde hym synke.’
How þyr was onys an ermyte:
Þys ermyte had grete temptyng
yn hys þoght, ouer alle þyng;
And as þys temptyng on hym ran,
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And tolde hym allë, vp an downe,
Of hys grete temptacyun.
Þat olde man seyd to hym astyte
‘He was nat wurþy to be an Ermyte,
Þat swychë þoghtës shuldë þynke,
And þoght of womman wulde hym synke.’
Þys oldë man gan hym so stoute,
Þat hys gode hope was alle yn doute;
For þe wurdes þat þe olde man gan seye,
Yn-to þe wurlde he toke þe weye.
As he cam goyng yn þe strete,
An holy abbot gan he mete;
Þe abbotys name was Apollo,
And sone he spake þe ermyte to;
Þe ermyte hadde so sory þoght,
Aȝen to þe abbote spake he noght.
Þat hys gode hope was alle yn doute;
For þe wurdes þat þe olde man gan seye,
Yn-to þe wurlde he toke þe weye.
As he cam goyng yn þe strete,
An holy abbot gan he mete;
Þe abbotys name was Apollo,
And sone he spake þe ermyte to;
Þe ermyte hadde so sory þoght,
Aȝen to þe abbote spake he noght.
Þys abbot was a ful wys man,
And yn hys þoȝt ful sone hyt ran,
And be þe semlant of þe ermyte,
Þat he was yn grete sorowe and syte;
Þe abbot asked hym ones or twyys;
At þe laste þe ermyte seyd hys auys.
“Y am,” he seyd, “broȝt allë down
with flesshly temptacyun;
And at an oldë man y was,
And tolde hym alle my hardë kas;
And he seyd, y was nat wurþy,
Þe ermytagë to com ny,
Ne was yn wey me to saue,
whyl y shulde swych þoȝtës haue;
And, for he comforted me so yl,
Yn-to þe worlde now ys my wyl,
And lyue þere best wyse þat y may,
Syn y serue nat God to pay.”
And yn hys þoȝt ful sone hyt ran,
And be þe semlant of þe ermyte,
Þat he was yn grete sorowe and syte;
Þe abbot asked hym ones or twyys;
At þe laste þe ermyte seyd hys auys.
“Y am,” he seyd, “broȝt allë down
with flesshly temptacyun;
And at an oldë man y was,
And tolde hym alle my hardë kas;
And he seyd, y was nat wurþy,
Þe ermytagë to com ny,
Ne was yn wey me to saue,
whyl y shulde swych þoȝtës haue;
And, for he comforted me so yl,
Yn-to þe worlde now ys my wyl,
268
Syn y serue nat God to pay.”
Þan seyde þe abbot syre Apollo,
“Þe olde man wyst nat what was to do;
Þou mayst se now, by my vysage,
Þat y am olde, and weyl yn age,
And y fele a ful hard prykyl
Þat my flesshe tempteþ me mykyl,
Vnneþë ys hyt day ne oure
Þat y ne am þar-with tempted soure;
But þogh my þoght be oute of skyl,
To do ȝyt wers[ë], y ne wyl;
Ne more shalt þou þy self mysdo,
Þogh þou be tempted neuer so.
Y rede, þat yn godenes þat þou dwelle,
And turne aȝen vnto þy celle,
And fonde aȝens þy flesshe to fyȝt,
And late hyt nat haue alle þe myȝt.”
He broȝte þys ermyte to swyche certeyne,
Þat to hys celle he turned aȝeyne.
“Þe olde man wyst nat what was to do;
Þou mayst se now, by my vysage,
Þat y am olde, and weyl yn age,
And y fele a ful hard prykyl
Þat my flesshe tempteþ me mykyl,
Vnneþë ys hyt day ne oure
Þat y ne am þar-with tempted soure;
But þogh my þoght be oute of skyl,
To do ȝyt wers[ë], y ne wyl;
Ne more shalt þou þy self mysdo,
Þogh þou be tempted neuer so.
Y rede, þat yn godenes þat þou dwelle,
And turne aȝen vnto þy celle,
And fonde aȝens þy flesshe to fyȝt,
And late hyt nat haue alle þe myȝt.”
He broȝte þys ermyte to swyche certeyne,
Þat to hys celle he turned aȝeyne.
Þe abbot knew [wel] alle þe pas
where þe olde man wonyng was;
Þedyrwarde þe wey he nam.
And when he a lytyl besydë cam,
He sette hym dowun, and preyd Ihesu
Ful of myȝt and [of] vertu,
Þat þe olde man myȝt fele sum þyng
Of þe ermytes flesshely temptyng,
To chastyse hym for hys broþer,
Þat he myscumfort eft noun oþer.
where þe olde man wonyng was;
Þedyrwarde þe wey he nam.
And when he a lytyl besydë cam,
He sette hym dowun, and preyd Ihesu
Ful of myȝt and [of] vertu,
Þat þe olde man myȝt fele sum þyng
Of þe ermytes flesshely temptyng,
To chastyse hym for hys broþer,
Þat he myscumfort eft noun oþer.
when he hadde leye yn orysun
long with grete deuocyun,
He ros vp, and byhelde,
And sagh a blak man stonde yn þe felde,
And to þe olde man arwes ded shete
Ryȝt many, and sum wel grete.
So many arwes to hym he drogh,
Þat þe olde man felt temptyng ynogh;
Þe arwes were temptacyons,
And sharpë sterynges, and felons;
So many and smart, he hem hadde,
Þat he sate as he hadde be madde,
Þat wytte hadde lorë, as he sat,
Or was yn a were to do sum-what.
Ar he aght seyd, ar dyd any dede,
Þe same weye þat þe ermyte ȝede,
Þat yche wey þe ermyte ȝede ynne
To þe worlde, to do hys synne.
long with grete deuocyun,
He ros vp, and byhelde,
And sagh a blak man stonde yn þe felde,
And to þe olde man arwes ded shete
269
So many arwes to hym he drogh,
Þat þe olde man felt temptyng ynogh;
Þe arwes were temptacyons,
And sharpë sterynges, and felons;
So many and smart, he hem hadde,
Þat he sate as he hadde be madde,
Þat wytte hadde lorë, as he sat,
Or was yn a were to do sum-what.
Ar he aght seyd, ar dyd any dede,
Þe same weye þat þe ermyte ȝede,
Þat yche wey þe ermyte ȝede ynne
To þe worlde, to do hys synne.
Þe abbot Appollo say euerydeyl;
And how he was temptede, he wyst hyt weyl,
And fonded for to take þe strete,
with þat olde man for to mete:
he seyd, “olde man! what dost þou here,
And why hast þou so mornyng chere?
whydyr hast þou þoght to go?
Be syȝt hyt semeþ þat þe were wo.”
And how he was temptede, he wyst hyt weyl,
And fonded for to take þe strete,
with þat olde man for to mete:
he seyd, “olde man! what dost þou here,
And why hast þou so mornyng chere?
whydyr hast þou þoght to go?
Be syȝt hyt semeþ þat þe were wo.”
Þe oldë man seyd ryȝt noȝt,
But hyt ran hym weyl yn þoȝt
Þat þe abbot had inspyracyun,
And wyst hys grete temptacyun;
For shame he myȝt nat telle how smart
Þe temptyng þat come to hys hert;
But þe abbot wyst for certeyn,
And bad hym to turne aȝeyn;
And shewed hym weyl for two þynges,
why þat he hadde no temptynges;
He seyd, ‘þe fende of hym ne roȝte,
Ne hym to tempte aboutë soȝte,
Ne þoght hys lyfe so moche wurþy,
For he helde hym self so holy,
And blamed oþer for here fallyng,’
“Þy lyfe hym þynkeþ ys wurþ no þyng;
To gode men ys hyt grete passyun
To fele þe fendes temptacyun;
And for he tempted þe noȝt here,
Yn ouþer stede þou shalt by hyt dere;
Ne late þou nat lyȝtly by þo
Þat are tempted of flesshly wo,
But, þenk weyl þat þey are gode,
Ȝyf þey þat temptyng with-stode,
And are sykerer aftyr temptynges,
And kepe hem better with many þynges;
And ȝyt men sey God loueþ hem noȝt,
Þat haue no temptyng yn dede ne þoght.
Þys temptyng was for þy despyte
Þat þou haddest of þe gode ermyte
whan he hys temptyng to þe shrofe,
And þy cumforte awey hym drofe.”
But hyt ran hym weyl yn þoȝt
Þat þe abbot had inspyracyun,
And wyst hys grete temptacyun;
For shame he myȝt nat telle how smart
Þe temptyng þat come to hys hert;
But þe abbot wyst for certeyn,
And bad hym to turne aȝeyn;
And shewed hym weyl for two þynges,
why þat he hadde no temptynges;
He seyd, ‘þe fende of hym ne roȝte,
Ne hym to tempte aboutë soȝte,
Ne þoght hys lyfe so moche wurþy,
270
And blamed oþer for here fallyng,’
“Þy lyfe hym þynkeþ ys wurþ no þyng;
To gode men ys hyt grete passyun
To fele þe fendes temptacyun;
And for he tempted þe noȝt here,
Yn ouþer stede þou shalt by hyt dere;
Ne late þou nat lyȝtly by þo
Þat are tempted of flesshly wo,
But, þenk weyl þat þey are gode,
Ȝyf þey þat temptyng with-stode,
And are sykerer aftyr temptynges,
And kepe hem better with many þynges;
And ȝyt men sey God loueþ hem noȝt,
Þat haue no temptyng yn dede ne þoght.
Þys temptyng was for þy despyte
Þat þou haddest of þe gode ermyte
whan he hys temptyng to þe shrofe,
And þy cumforte awey hym drofe.”
At þys pas þys tale tolde ys
For temptacyons of mannys flesshe,
Þat none ne myscumforte hym
Þogh þat hys flesshe be bryst and brym.
So holy man was neuer none
Þat temptacyun ne hat hym ouergone,
were hyt lytyl, or were hyt mykyl,
Þat of hys flesshe ne haþ hadde sum prykyl;
And þo þat wyl be ryȝt certeyne,
Cumforte hem weyl to fyȝt aȝeyn,
For no man may yn certeyn be,
But he fyȝt flesshly lustys to fle.
For temptacyons of mannys flesshe,
Þat none ne myscumforte hym
Þogh þat hys flesshe be bryst and brym.
So holy man was neuer none
Þat temptacyun ne hat hym ouergone,
were hyt lytyl, or were hyt mykyl,
Þat of hys flesshe ne haþ hadde sum prykyl;
And þo þat wyl be ryȝt certeyne,
Cumforte hem weyl to fyȝt aȝeyn,
For no man may yn certeyn be,
But he fyȝt flesshly lustys to fle.
God graunte vs allë now fro heþen
Oure flesshë so to holde be-neþen,
And oure soules so to save aboue,
Þat God of heuene vs allë loue.
Oure flesshë so to holde be-neþen,
And oure soules so to save aboue,
Þat God of heuene vs allë loue.
271
Here bygynneþ Sacrylage.
Of þese dedly synnës seuene,
Þat we wraþþe with, God of heuene,
Of hem haue we touched neyde
As holy men haue wryten and seyd;
Ȝyt mow[ë] we nát weyl werche
Ȝyf we forgetë holy cherche,
holy cherche, our modyr dere,
Of here shul we telle ȝow here,
How men synne, and on what wyse,
Aȝens þat falleþ to here fraunchyse.
Þat we wraþþe with, God of heuene,
Of hem haue we touched neyde
As holy men haue wryten and seyd;
Ȝyt mow[ë] we nát weyl werche
Ȝyf we forgetë holy cherche,
holy cherche, our modyr dere,
Of here shul we telle ȝow here,
How men synne, and on what wyse,
Aȝens þat falleþ to here fraunchyse.
Þat aȝens here fraunchyse falles,
‘Sacrylegë’ men hyt calles;
‘Sacrylegë,’ frenche hyt ys,
Menyng of ‘mysdede’ or ‘mys.’
‘Mysdedë to holynes,’
‘Sacrylege’ on Englysshe ys;
Allë þyng þat men with-holde,
Stole or reftë, ȝyue or solde,
with-outë leue of here wytyng,
Þat kepë holy cherches þyng,
Alle swych þyng ys sacrylege,
with-outë leue ys alle outrage.
‘Sacrylegë’ men hyt calles;
‘Sacrylegë,’ frenche hyt ys,
Menyng of ‘mysdede’ or ‘mys.’
‘Mysdedë to holynes,’
‘Sacrylege’ on Englysshe ys;
Allë þyng þat men with-holde,
Stole or reftë, ȝyue or solde,
with-outë leue of here wytyng,
Þat kepë holy cherches þyng,
Alle swych þyng ys sacrylege,
with-outë leue ys alle outrage.
Now of þe fyrst þat we haue spoke,
Þey þat hauë cherches broke,
And stole þo þynges þat were þer-ynne,
‘Sacrylage’ men calle þat synne.
Þey þat hauë cherches broke,
And stole þo þynges þat were þer-ynne,
‘Sacrylage’ men calle þat synne.
Ȝyf þyng vnhalewed were forgete,
Þat yn holy cherche were lete,
Or halewed þyng yn ouþer stede lay,
And oght þerof were bore away,
where hyt werë ȝyue or solde,
For sacrylege, alle ys hyt tolde.
Þat yn holy cherche were lete,
Or halewed þyng yn ouþer stede lay,
And oght þerof were bore away,
where hyt werë ȝyue or solde,
For sacrylege, alle ys hyt tolde.
Many vyces þerto longe;
Alle are þey synne, but sum are stronge;
y shal ȝow telle of sum maners
As ‘manuel pecchés’ me lers.
But, vnkynde and enuyous,
Ouerdo, proud, and daungerous,
Euermorë fynde þey teyl,
Þogh a man sey neuer so weyl;
Noþeles, so weyl y nat seyd,
But þat to my sawe, blame may be leyd
For foule englyssh, and feble ryme
Seyde oute of resun many tyme;
But God ȝelde hem at here endyng,
Þat wyl amende myn vnkunnyng;
But who so blameþ and wyl nat amende,
He doþe nat as þe curteys kende.
Go we furþe now on oure werk:—
Alle are þey synne, but sum are stronge;
y shal ȝow telle of sum maners
272
But, vnkynde and enuyous,
Ouerdo, proud, and daungerous,
Euermorë fynde þey teyl,
Þogh a man sey neuer so weyl;
Noþeles, so weyl y nat seyd,
But þat to my sawe, blame may be leyd
For foule englyssh, and feble ryme
Seyde oute of resun many tyme;
But God ȝelde hem at here endyng,
Þat wyl amende myn vnkunnyng;
But who so blameþ and wyl nat amende,
He doþe nat as þe curteys kende.
Go we furþe now on oure werk:—
Ȝyf a man yn euyl smyte a clerk,
Yn sacrylage he falleþ ylle
Ȝyf he dyde hyt by hys wylle.
Ȝyf he be man of relygyoun,
Þou art to blame with more resun;
Twey skyles are ful perylous,
Boþe ordred and relygyous.
Yn sacrylage he falleþ ylle
Ȝyf he dyde hyt by hys wylle.
Ȝyf he be man of relygyoun,
Þou art to blame with more resun;
Twey skyles are ful perylous,
Boþe ordred and relygyous.
Also relygyous are to wyte,
Þat for maystry wyl gladly smyte;
Þey ogh to be suffráble and meke,
And no foly on ouþer men seke;
Hys tung shuld be hys fauchoun;
Hys strokes shulde be hys orysun;
Ȝyf any be yn foly stoute,
Holde yn cloystre, and com nat out.
Þat for maystry wyl gladly smyte;
Þey ogh to be suffráble and meke,
And no foly on ouþer men seke;
Hys tung shuld be hys fauchoun;
Hys strokes shulde be hys orysun;
Ȝyf any be yn foly stoute,
Holde yn cloystre, and com nat out.
Also may he be sore a-ferde
Þat doþ vyleynye yn chyrche ȝerde,
Namly, syn hyt halewed was,
Þe more he doþë of trespas.
Vnkynde man ys he hardly
Þat yn cherche ȝerde doþ vyleyny;
Oure long hous hyt ys to come,
To reste yn, tyl þe day of dome.
Þerfore we shuld, ȝyf we were kynde,
kepe hyt clene with godë mynde.
Þat doþ vyleynye yn chyrche ȝerde,
Namly, syn hyt halewed was,
Þe more he doþë of trespas.
Vnkynde man ys he hardly
Þat yn cherche ȝerde doþ vyleyny;
273
To reste yn, tyl þe day of dome.
Þerfore we shuld, ȝyf we were kynde,
kepe hyt clene with godë mynde.
And þese prestes me þynkeþ do synne
Þat late here bestys fyle þer-ynne.
Þe gres ys hys þat þerë grenes,
Þe placë ys þe parysshenes.
Þat late here bestys fyle þer-ynne.
Þe gres ys hys þat þerë grenes,
Þe placë ys þe parysshenes.
But lordës þat haue seynorye,
Þey do þeryn most vyleynye;
For þer hope ys, whan þey shul deye,
Þat yn þe cherche men shul hem leye;
And y shal telle a lytyl wyȝt,
how a bonde man bourded with a knyȝt;
And þe borde ys gode to here,
who-so loueþ wurdes to lere.
Þey do þeryn most vyleynye;
For þer hope ys, whan þey shul deye,
Þat yn þe cherche men shul hem leye;
And y shal telle a lytyl wyȝt,
how a bonde man bourded with a knyȝt;
And þe borde ys gode to here,
who-so loueþ wurdes to lere.
[The Tale of the Reproof that a Norfolk Bondman gave a Knight for not respecting the Sanctity of a Churchyard.]
Yn Northfolk, yn a tounne,
wonede a knyȝt besyde a persone;
Fyl hyt so, þe knyȝtes manere
was nat fro þe cherche ful fere;
And was hyt þan, as oftyn falles,
Brokë were þe cherche-ȝerde walles.
wonede a knyȝt besyde a persone;
Fyl hyt so, þe knyȝtes manere
was nat fro þe cherche ful fere;
And was hyt þan, as oftyn falles,
Brokë were þe cherche-ȝerde walles.
Þe lordës hyrdës often lete
Hys bestys yn-to þe cherche ȝerde & ete;
Þe bestys dyd as þey mote nede,
Fyled oueral þere þey ȝede.
A bond man say þat, and was wo
Þat þe bestys shuld þere go;
He com to þe lorde, and seyd hym þys:—
“Lorde,” he seyde, “ȝoure bestys go mys;
Ȝoure hyrde doþ wrong, and ȝourë knauys,
Þat late ȝoure bestys fyle þus þese grauys;
Þere mennys bonys shuldë lye,
Bestës shuld do no vyleynye.”
Hys bestys yn-to þe cherche ȝerde & ete;
Þe bestys dyd as þey mote nede,
Fyled oueral þere þey ȝede.
A bond man say þat, and was wo
Þat þe bestys shuld þere go;
He com to þe lorde, and seyd hym þys:—
“Lorde,” he seyde, “ȝoure bestys go mys;
Ȝoure hyrde doþ wrong, and ȝourë knauys,
Þat late ȝoure bestys fyle þus þese grauys;
Þere mennys bonys shuldë lye,
Bestës shuld do no vyleynye.”
274
Þe lordes answere was sumwhat vyle,
And þat falleþ euyl to a man gentyle;
“weyl were hyt do ryȝt for þe nones
To wurschyþ swych[ë] cherlës bones;
what wurschyp shuld men make
Aboute swych cherlës bodyes blake?”
Þe bonde man answerëd and seyd
wurdys to-gedyr ful weyl leyd:
“Þe lorde þat made of erþë, erles,
Of þe same erþe made he cherles;
Erlës myȝt, and lordës stut,
As cherlës shal yn erþe be put;
Erlës, cherlës, alle at ones,
Shal none knowe ȝoure, fro oure, bones.”
And þat falleþ euyl to a man gentyle;
“weyl were hyt do ryȝt for þe nones
To wurschyþ swych[ë] cherlës bones;
what wurschyp shuld men make
Aboute swych cherlës bodyes blake?”
Þe bonde man answerëd and seyd
wurdys to-gedyr ful weyl leyd:
“Þe lorde þat made of erþë, erles,
Of þe same erþe made he cherles;
Erlës myȝt, and lordës stut,
As cherlës shal yn erþe be put;
Erlës, cherlës, alle at ones,
Shal none knowe ȝoure, fro oure, bones.”
Þe lorde lestened þe wurdës weyl
And recorded hem euery deyl;
No morë to hym wulde he seye,
But, lete hym go furþe hys weye;
He seyd þe bestys shulde no more,
By hys wyl, comë þore.
Seþen he closed þe chercheȝerde so
Þat no best myȝt come þarto
For to ete, ne fyle þer-ynne;
So þoȝt hym seþen, þat hyt was synne.
And recorded hem euery deyl;
No morë to hym wulde he seye,
But, lete hym go furþe hys weye;
He seyd þe bestys shulde no more,
By hys wyl, comë þore.
Seþen he closed þe chercheȝerde so
Þat no best myȝt come þarto
For to ete, ne fyle þer-ynne;
So þoȝt hym seþen, þat hyt was synne.
Þyr are but fewë lordës now
Þat turne a wrde so wel to prow;
But, who seyþ hem any skylle,
Mysseye aȝen, fouly þey wylle.
Lordynges,—þyr are ynow of þo,
Of gentyl men, þyr are but fo.
Þat turne a wrde so wel to prow;
But, who seyþ hem any skylle,
Mysseye aȝen, fouly þey wylle.
Lordynges,—þyr are ynow of þo,
Of gentyl men, þyr are but fo.
Hyt ys defended yn þe decre,
Þat none yn cherche shal beryed be,
But bysshope, or abbot of relygyun,
Or prest þat ys of gode renoun.
Þat none yn cherche shal beryed be,
But bysshope, or abbot of relygyun,
Or prest þat ys of gode renoun.
A man þat haþ no gode fame ryfe
Of dede, of hew, of holy lyfe,
Of gode feyþ, ne of charyte
Yn almes dede, ne of ouþer bounte,
Me þenkeþ hyt were ful perylous
To berye swych one yn Goddes house;
with swych ys holy cherche but fyled,
And hem self are moste bygyled.
Ȝyf þe soulë be nat wurþy
Þat þe body lygge so solempny,
Þan haþ þe soulë morë peyne;
Þat men wurschyp þe body, ys veyne.
Of dede, of hew, of holy lyfe,
Of gode feyþ, ne of charyte
275
Me þenkeþ hyt were ful perylous
To berye swych one yn Goddes house;
with swych ys holy cherche but fyled,
And hem self are moste bygyled.
Ȝyf þe soulë be nat wurþy
Þat þe body lygge so solempny,
Þan haþ þe soulë morë peyne;
Þat men wurschyp þe body, ys veyne.
wykked men and vserers,
lechours, and lordys of foule maners,
Þat mow ȝyue pens ful godë wone,
Þey shul be leyde yn toumbe of stone,
And hys ymáge ful feyre depeynte,
Ryȝt as hé were a cors seynt;
Þe wrecched soule, þe soþe to seye,
Shal a-bye alle þe noblye,
And sum for euer be broȝt to bale;
And þerby wyl y telle a tale.
lechours, and lordys of foule maners,
Þat mow ȝyue pens ful godë wone,
Þey shul be leyde yn toumbe of stone,
And hys ymáge ful feyre depeynte,
Ryȝt as hé were a cors seynt;
Þe wrecched soule, þe soþe to seye,
Shal a-bye alle þe noblye,
And sum for euer be broȝt to bale;
And þerby wyl y telle a tale.
[The Tale of Valentine, and how Devils puld his Body out of its Grave in the Church.]
Þyr was a man þat hyght Valentyne,
Playtour he was, and ryche man fyne,
For of þe cherche of Myleyne was he playtour,
More for mede þan Goddes onour.
Besyde Genë, a noble cytë,
Deyde Valentyne, and beryed shuld be;
Yn seynt Syxtes cherchë shuld he lye;
So ordeyned men whan he shuld deye.
Þe fyrste nyȝt þat he was þere leyde,
Þe wardeynes of þe cherche vpbreyde,
And herd one cry, rewly and shyl,
As he were put oute aȝens hys wyl.
Playtour he was, and ryche man fyne,
For of þe cherche of Myleyne was he playtour,
More for mede þan Goddes onour.
Besyde Genë, a noble cytë,
Deyde Valentyne, and beryed shuld be;
Yn seynt Syxtes cherchë shuld he lye;
So ordeyned men whan he shuld deye.
Þe fyrste nyȝt þat he was þere leyde,
Þe wardeynes of þe cherche vpbreyde,
And herd one cry, rewly and shyl,
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Þe wardeynes asked what þat myȝt be,
“Ryse we vp alle, and go we se.”
Þere he was beryed, þydyr þey ran,
And sagh many fendes aboute þys man;
And of hys graue þey oute hym pulde;
Oute of þe cherche, drawe hym þey wulde;
Þe deuylys droȝ hym by þe fete
As hyt were careyne þat dogges ete.
Þe wardeynes werë sore affryght
For þat noysë and þat syght;
Aȝen to here bedde þey ȝede;
Þey durst no lenger dwelle for drede.
On þe morne whan þey were ryse,
Þey ȝede to þe graue, þere þey were so agryse;
Þer-yn alle aboute þey soght,
But þe body founde þey noȝt.
Þey opende þe dores, and loked aboute,
And fonde þe body lygge þere with-oute;
Þe fete ybounde to-gedyr ful faste,
And as a foulë careyne caste.
“Ryse we vp alle, and go we se.”
Þere he was beryed, þydyr þey ran,
And sagh many fendes aboute þys man;
And of hys graue þey oute hym pulde;
Oute of þe cherche, drawe hym þey wulde;
Þe deuylys droȝ hym by þe fete
As hyt were careyne þat dogges ete.
Þe wardeynes werë sore affryght
For þat noysë and þat syght;
Aȝen to here bedde þey ȝede;
Þey durst no lenger dwelle for drede.
On þe morne whan þey were ryse,
Þey ȝede to þe graue, þere þey were so agryse;
Þer-yn alle aboute þey soght,
But þe body founde þey noȝt.
Þey opende þe dores, and loked aboute,
And fonde þe body lygge þere with-oute;
Þe fete ybounde to-gedyr ful faste,
And as a foulë careyne caste.
Seynt Gregory seyþ hardly,
Þere he lay fyrst, he was nat wurþy;
But hys soule hadde pyne þe more
For þe pompe and pryde þat he was leyd þore.
Þere he lay fyrst, he was nat wurþy;
But hys soule hadde pyne þe more
For þe pompe and pryde þat he was leyd þore.
lordes are besy aboute to haue
Proude stones lyggyng an hye on here graue;
Þurgh þat pryde þey mowe be lore,
Þogh þey hadde do no synne byfore;
Hyt helpyþ ryȝt noght, þe toumbe of pryde,
whan þe soule fro pyne may hyt nat hyde.
Proude stones lyggyng an hye on here graue;
Þurgh þat pryde þey mowe be lore,
Þogh þey hadde do no synne byfore;
Hyt helpyþ ryȝt noght, þe toumbe of pryde,
whan þe soule fro pyne may hyt nat hyde.
277
Ȝyf þou euer vsedest halewed þyng,
And wystyst hyt fyl to cherches offryng,
Hyt ys grete synne, y do þe to knowne,
Ȝyf þou helde hyt as for þyn owne.
Ȝyf þou wyþhelde any þyng seþyn
Þat hyt was to holy cherche ȝeuyn,
Þyn or ouþres, with-outë leue
Of parsone, or prest, or cherchë reue;
Hyt ys sacrylage, y þe plyȝt,
To wyþholde þat falleþ to cherchë ryȝt.
And wystyst hyt fyl to cherches offryng,
Hyt ys grete synne, y do þe to knowne,
Ȝyf þou helde hyt as for þyn owne.
Ȝyf þou wyþhelde any þyng seþyn
Þat hyt was to holy cherche ȝeuyn,
Þyn or ouþres, with-outë leue
Of parsone, or prest, or cherchë reue;
Hyt ys sacrylage, y þe plyȝt,
To wyþholde þat falleþ to cherchë ryȝt.
Ȝyf þou dedyst euer þat vnlawe,
A man oute of holy cherche to drawe
Seþen þat he toke hym þar-tyl,
Þou hast synned yn moche vnskyl.
But ȝyf he hadde do aȝens þe assyse
Þat fyl to holy cherches fraunchyse,
Slayn one þar-ynne, or robbed hyt,
Hyt shulde nat þan saue hym, by my wyt.
A man oute of holy cherche to drawe
Seþen þat he toke hym þar-tyl,
Þou hast synned yn moche vnskyl.
But ȝyf he hadde do aȝens þe assyse
Þat fyl to holy cherches fraunchyse,
Slayn one þar-ynne, or robbed hyt,
Hyt shulde nat þan saue hym, by my wyt.
Þe lewed man, holy cherche wyl forbede
To stounde yn þe chaunsel whyl men rede:
who-so-euer þarto ys custummer,
Þogh he be of grete powere,
Boþe he synneþ and doþe greuaunce
Aȝens þe clergy ordynaunce.
To stounde yn þe chaunsel whyl men rede:
who-so-euer þarto ys custummer,
Þogh he be of grete powere,
Boþe he synneþ and doþe greuaunce
Aȝens þe clergy ordynaunce.
But ȝyt do wymmen gretter folye
Þat vse to stonde among þe clergye,
Oþer at matyns, or at messe,
But ȝyf hyt were yn cas of stresse;
For þerof may come temptacyun,
And dysturblyng of deuocyun;
For foule þoght cumþ of feble ye-syȝt,
And fordoþë grace with ryȝt;
And with a tale hyt may be shewed,
Þat ys gode boþe for lered and lewed.
Þat vse to stonde among þe clergye,
Oþer at matyns, or at messe,
But ȝyf hyt were yn cas of stresse;
For þerof may come temptacyun,
And dysturblyng of deuocyun;
For foule þoght cumþ of feble ye-syȝt,
And fordoþë grace with ryȝt;
And with a tale hyt may be shewed,
Þat ys gode boþe for lered and lewed.
278
[The Tale of the Temptation of St. John Chrysostom's Deacon.]
An holy man telleþ vs þus,
Men calle hym Ion Crysostomus;
He was a bysshope, and ful gode clerk,
Þat shewe hys bokës of hys werk;
Swych grace of God, grauntede hym was,
At euery tyme þat he song hys masse
Þe holy goste to hym was sent
whan he shulde receyue þe sacrament;
Certeynly, aftyr þe sacrë,
Yn a dowue lyknes he myȝt se,
So whyte and so blesful, and so clere,
whan he vsed vpp-on þe autere.
Men calle hym Ion Crysostomus;
He was a bysshope, and ful gode clerk,
Þat shewe hys bokës of hys werk;
Swych grace of God, grauntede hym was,
At euery tyme þat he song hys masse
Þe holy goste to hym was sent
whan he shulde receyue þe sacrament;
Certeynly, aftyr þe sacrë,
Yn a dowue lyknes he myȝt se,
So whyte and so blesful, and so clere,
whan he vsed vpp-on þe autere.
Of þat cumfort, and þat syȝt,
He þanked oftë God almyȝt.
Þe fendë hadde þarwith enuye,
And wulde shewe hys wykked maystry.
He þanked oftë God almyȝt.
Þe fendë hadde þarwith enuye,
And wulde shewe hys wykked maystry.
A day seynt Ion shulde synge hys messe,
Þe fende made hym yn womman lyknesse,
weyl atyrede, with mochë pryde,
And stodë ouþer men besyde.
Þe fende made hym yn womman lyknesse,
weyl atyrede, with mochë pryde,
And stodë ouþer men besyde.
Þe dekene þat serued seynt Ion,
At here turnyng tymes echon
He behelde þys womman weyl,
And hys herte chaunged euery deyl;
Temptacyun of þys womman,
Ouer al yn hys þoȝt hyt ran.
At here turnyng tymes echon
He behelde þys womman weyl,
And hys herte chaunged euery deyl;
Temptacyun of þys womman,
Ouer al yn hys þoȝt hyt ran.
Þe bysshope, aftyr þe sacrë,
Shulde receyue God, as byfyl to be;
As he stode and heylde þe oste,
He loked vp aftyr þe holy goste;
But þat tyme ne come hyt noȝt.
Seynt Ion hadde þarfor grete þoȝt,
He soght yn hys herte aboute,
But þeryn foundë he no doute
Þat fyl to synne, ne dedly þyng
To lette þe holy gostes comyng.
Shulde receyue God, as byfyl to be;
As he stode and heylde þe oste,
He loked vp aftyr þe holy goste;
But þat tyme ne come hyt noȝt.
Seynt Ion hadde þarfor grete þoȝt,
279
But þeryn foundë he no doute
Þat fyl to synne, ne dedly þyng
To lette þe holy gostes comyng.
He called hys dekene to hym bylyue,
And cunseyled hym ‘he shuld hym shryue
Þyf he felt oght hym wyþ-ynne,’
“Any maner of dedly synne
Yn þoght or dede þat þou mayst mene;
Of alle, y pray þe, shryue þe clene.”
And cunseyled hym ‘he shuld hym shryue
Þyf he felt oght hym wyþ-ynne,’
“Any maner of dedly synne
Yn þoght or dede þat þou mayst mene;
Of alle, y pray þe, shryue þe clene.”
Þe dekene þan opunly with mouþe
Shroue hym of allë þat he couþe.
He seyde, “of o þyng y haue gret doute:
Yn þoghtës, whan we turnede aboute,
On a womman myn yȝe ys y-caste;
Þe syȝte of here myn herte to-blaste
And, swal yn my herte so grete,
Þe þoȝt of here ne coude y lete;
But God and ȝow, mercy y crye
Of þat þoȝt and þat folye.”
Shroue hym of allë þat he couþe.
He seyde, “of o þyng y haue gret doute:
Yn þoghtës, whan we turnede aboute,
On a womman myn yȝe ys y-caste;
Þe syȝte of here myn herte to-blaste
And, swal yn my herte so grete,
Þe þoȝt of here ne coude y lete;
But God and ȝow, mercy y crye
Of þat þoȝt and þat folye.”
Þe bysshope seyd hyt was tresun
Of þe fendes temptacyun.
Of þat synne he asoyled hym fre,
And ȝede aȝen to hys degre.
Of þe fendes temptacyun.
Of þat synne he asoyled hym fre,
And ȝede aȝen to hys degre.
Þe dekene loked at þe nexte turnyng,
She was a-wey, he sagh no þyng;
Þe holy goste come furþe a-none,
And shewed hym to þe bysshope Ione;
And seynt Ioun was þer-of blyþe,
And þanked God ful felë syþe.
She was a-wey, he sagh no þyng;
Þe holy goste come furþe a-none,
And shewed hym to þe bysshope Ione;
And seynt Ioun was þer-of blyþe,
And þanked God ful felë syþe.
For wommens sake, þys tale y tolde,
Þat þey oute of þe chaunsel holde
wyþ here kercheues, þe deuylys sayle,
Elles shal þey go to helle, boþe top and tayle;
For at hym þey lernë alle
To temptë men yn synne to falle.
To synne þey calle men, alle þat þey may,
why shuld þey ellës make hem so gay?
For no-þyng elles are þey so dyȝt,
But for to blyndë mennës syȝt.
Certes hyt semeþ, at alle endes,
Þat many of hem are but fendes.
Þat þey oute of þe chaunsel holde
wyþ here kercheues, þe deuylys sayle,
Elles shal þey go to helle, boþe top and tayle;
280
To temptë men yn synne to falle.
To synne þey calle men, alle þat þey may,
why shuld þey ellës make hem so gay?
For no-þyng elles are þey so dyȝt,
But for to blyndë mennës syȝt.
Certes hyt semeþ, at alle endes,
Þat many of hem are but fendes.
And ȝe clerkes nedeþ to be wyse,
Ȝow nedeþ cune ȝow self chastyse;
Ȝe mowë se yn holy wryt
How ȝe shul kepe ȝoure ownë wyt.
Ȝow nedeþ cune ȝow self chastyse;
Ȝe mowë se yn holy wryt
How ȝe shul kepe ȝoure ownë wyt.
whan ȝe at Goddës seruyse are,
Ȝe shul nat þan aboute ȝow stare,
Specyaly wymmen to be-holde,
Ne for to Iangle wurdës bolde.
Ȝe shul nat þan aboute ȝow stare,
Specyaly wymmen to be-holde,
Ne for to Iangle wurdës bolde.
Clerk with skyl shulde be pryue,
And nat yn cherche of wurdës fre;
Ne dysturble men with hys rage,
For hyt ys called sacrylage.
And nat yn cherche of wurdës fre;
Ne dysturble men with hys rage,
For hyt ys called sacrylage.
kepe þy body yn cherche fro synne,
Þy menbrys and þy wyt with-ynne;
Specyally þy þoȝt and þy syȝt,
Þan may þy preyer be made alle ryȝt.
Þy menbrys and þy wyt with-ynne;
Specyally þy þoȝt and þy syȝt,
Þan may þy preyer be made alle ryȝt.
Also hyt ys vyleynye to werche,
A lewed man to plete yn cherche,
lay courte, or elles counte,
Þer any man myȝt dampned be;
Ne quest take of endytëment
yn holy cherche, oþer ȝerde purseynt;
Ne sysours oght nat to enquere
Of felonye, ne of þeftë þere;
Þou þat hym wreyest, þou mayst weyl se
Þou demyst hym with þat ys yn þe.
Ȝyf þou yn cherche dest any of þyse,
Þou trespast aȝens þe fraunchyse.
A lewed man to plete yn cherche,
lay courte, or elles counte,
Þer any man myȝt dampned be;
Ne quest take of endytëment
yn holy cherche, oþer ȝerde purseynt;
Ne sysours oght nat to enquere
Of felonye, ne of þeftë þere;
Þou þat hym wreyest, þou mayst weyl se
Þou demyst hym with þat ys yn þe.
Ȝyf þou yn cherche dest any of þyse,
Þou trespast aȝens þe fraunchyse.
Ȝyf þou euer hauntedest swych outrage,
yn holy cherche with wymmen to rage,
Þat so ferfurþ was þy wyl
Þat þy naturë dydë spyl,—
Þere, y sey, þou synnest dedly;
Ȝe, morë þan þou lay here by.
For þus sey þey þat clergy can,
he myȝt betyde slaghter of man;
Also holy wryt hyt forbedes,
with womman to do flesshely dedes;
Yn holy stede, hyt ys grete awe
Þe dede to do, or speke with sawe;
And nam[ë]ly þer men do messe,
Many more folde þe synnë ys.
And, for to fle[en] swych trespas,
Y shal ȝow telle an auenturs kas.
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Þat so ferfurþ was þy wyl
Þat þy naturë dydë spyl,—
Þere, y sey, þou synnest dedly;
Ȝe, morë þan þou lay here by.
For þus sey þey þat clergy can,
he myȝt betyde slaghter of man;
Also holy wryt hyt forbedes,
with womman to do flesshely dedes;
Yn holy stede, hyt ys grete awe
Þe dede to do, or speke with sawe;
And nam[ë]ly þer men do messe,
Many more folde þe synnë ys.
And, for to fle[en] swych trespas,
Y shal ȝow telle an auenturs kas.
[The Tale of the Sacrilegious Husband and Wife who stuck together.]
Þyr was a man, and hyght Rychere,
A ryche of pens and of powere;
hyt telleþ algate he hadde enmys,
Oþer for hys gode, or for folys;
Of hem hadde he swyche drede & eye,
he fled and woned yn an abbeye.
A ryche of pens and of powere;
hyt telleþ algate he hadde enmys,
Oþer for hys gode, or for folys;
Of hem hadde he swyche drede & eye,
he fled and woned yn an abbeye.
Þe abbot ded hym a chambre werche
For hys ese, fast by þe cherche;
And he and hyse hadde here wonnyng,
wyfe and chylde, and ouþer þyng.
For hys ese, fast by þe cherche;
And he and hyse hadde here wonnyng,
wyfe and chylde, and ouþer þyng.
O nyȝt þyr was, he knewe hys wyfe
Of flesshely dede, as fyl here lyfe;
And God was nat payd, and wlde hyt noȝt,
So ny þe cherche, swyche dede were wroȝt;
Þey myghte no more be broghte a-sondre
Þan dog and bych þat men on wondre.
Betydde a shame, þey gun to crye,
Þat wundyr fyl on here folye.
Of flesshely dede, as fyl here lyfe;
And God was nat payd, and wlde hyt noȝt,
So ny þe cherche, swyche dede were wroȝt;
Þey myghte no more be broghte a-sondre
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Betydde a shame, þey gun to crye,
Þat wundyr fyl on here folye.
Men asked sone what was þat drede;
At þe laste, hyt shewed yn dede.
Sone oueral ȝedë þat fame;
Ȝow þar nat aske ȝyf þey þoȝt shame.
At þe laste, hyt shewed yn dede.
Sone oueral ȝedë þat fame;
Ȝow þar nat aske ȝyf þey þoȝt shame.
Þys man dyd þe munkes to kalle,
And specyaly besoghte hem alle
To praye for hem yn orysun
Þat þey myghtë be undoun.
“And largëly we wul ȝow ȝyue,
And wurschyp þys stede whyl þat we lyue;
Þat God almyȝty graunte hyt be so
Þat oure synne he wyl vndo.”
Þese munkes besoghte for hem a bone,
And God almyȝty graunted hyt sone.
And specyaly besoghte hem alle
To praye for hem yn orysun
Þat þey myghtë be undoun.
“And largëly we wul ȝow ȝyue,
And wurschyp þys stede whyl þat we lyue;
Þat God almyȝty graunte hyt be so
Þat oure synne he wyl vndo.”
Þese munkes besoghte for hem a bone,
And God almyȝty graunted hyt sone.
Þere, þurgh alle here ordynaunce,
Þey dede to wryte yn boke þys chaunce,
For to shewe hyt euer more,
Þat ouþer myȝt beware þar-fore.
Þey dede to wryte yn boke þys chaunce,
For to shewe hyt euer more,
Þat ouþer myȝt beware þar-fore.
Þys chaunce fyl nat for hem allone,
But for to warne vs euerychone,
Þat we shul euermorë drede,
Yn holy place to do þat dede.
For, moche more dampnacyun
wyl falle of fornycacyun,
And, ȝyt more for auowtrye
Of prestys or wyuës lecherye,
whan God toke wreche, þat many of spake,
For a dede þat was do yn ryȝt wedlake.
But for to warne vs euerychone,
Þat we shul euermorë drede,
Yn holy place to do þat dede.
For, moche more dampnacyun
wyl falle of fornycacyun,
And, ȝyt more for auowtrye
Of prestys or wyuës lecherye,
whan God toke wreche, þat many of spake,
For a dede þat was do yn ryȝt wedlake.
Þys yche chaunce, to ȝow y tolde,
For hyt ys gode yn herte to holde,
Namly men of holy cherche,
Þat þey þer-ynne no swyche dede werche.
For hyt ys gode yn herte to holde,
Namly men of holy cherche,
Þat þey þer-ynne no swyche dede werche.
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karolles, wrastlynges, or somour games,
who-so euer haunteþ any swyche shames
Yn cherche, oþer yn cherchëȝerd,
Of sacrylage he may be a-ferd;
Or entyrludës, or syngynge,
Or tabure bete, or oþer pypynge,
Alle swychë þyng forbodyn es,
whyle þe prest stondeþ at messe.
Alle swyche, to euery gode preste ys lothe,
And sunner wyl he make hym wroth
Þan hé wyl, þat haþ no wyt,
Ne vndyrstondeþ nat holy wryt;
And specyaly, at hyghe tymes,
karolles to synge, and redë rymys,
Noght yn nonë holy stedes,
Þat myȝt dysturble þe prestës bedes,
Or ȝyf he were yn orysun
Or any ouþer deuocyun,
Sacrylage ys alle hyt tolde,
Þys and many oþer folde.
who-so euer haunteþ any swyche shames
Yn cherche, oþer yn cherchëȝerd,
Of sacrylage he may be a-ferd;
Or entyrludës, or syngynge,
Or tabure bete, or oþer pypynge,
Alle swychë þyng forbodyn es,
whyle þe prest stondeþ at messe.
Alle swyche, to euery gode preste ys lothe,
And sunner wyl he make hym wroth
Þan hé wyl, þat haþ no wyt,
Ne vndyrstondeþ nat holy wryt;
And specyaly, at hyghe tymes,
karolles to synge, and redë rymys,
Noght yn nonë holy stedes,
Þat myȝt dysturble þe prestës bedes,
Or ȝyf he were yn orysun
Or any ouþer deuocyun,
Sacrylage ys alle hyt tolde,
Þys and many oþer folde.
But for to leue, yn cherche to daunce,
Y shal ȝow telle a ful grete chaunce,
And y trow, þe most þat fel
Ys as soþ as þe gospel;
And fyl þys chauncë yn þys londe,
Yn Ingland, as y vndyrstonde;
Yn a kynges tyme þat hyght Edward,
Fyl þys chaunce þat was so hard.
Y shal ȝow telle a ful grete chaunce,
And y trow, þe most þat fel
Ys as soþ as þe gospel;
And fyl þys chauncë yn þys londe,
Yn Ingland, as y vndyrstonde;
Yn a kynges tyme þat hyght Edward,
Fyl þys chaunce þat was so hard.
The Tale of the Sacrilegious Carollers, and how they danst together for twelve Months without stopping, and then went hopping about singly ever afterwards.]
Hyt was vpp-on a crystemesse nyȝt
Þat twelue folys a karolle dyȝt;
yn wodehed, as hyt were yn cuntek
Þey come to a tounne men calles Colbek;
Þe cherche of þe tounne þat þey to come,
Ys of seynt Magne þat suffred martyrdome;
Of seynt Bukcestre hyt ys also,
Seynt Magnes suster, þat þey come to.
here names of alle, þus fonde y wryte,
And as y wote, now shul ȝe wyte:
here lodës-man þat made hem glew,
Þus ys wryte, he hyȝte Gerlew;
Twey maydens were yn here coueyne,
Mayden Merswynde and Wybessyne;
Alle þese come þedyr for þat enchesone,
Of þe prestës doghtyr of þe tounne.
Þat twelue folys a karolle dyȝt;
284
Þey come to a tounne men calles Colbek;
Þe cherche of þe tounne þat þey to come,
Ys of seynt Magne þat suffred martyrdome;
Of seynt Bukcestre hyt ys also,
Seynt Magnes suster, þat þey come to.
here names of alle, þus fonde y wryte,
And as y wote, now shul ȝe wyte:
here lodës-man þat made hem glew,
Þus ys wryte, he hyȝte Gerlew;
Twey maydens were yn here coueyne,
Mayden Merswynde and Wybessyne;
Alle þese come þedyr for þat enchesone,
Of þe prestës doghtyr of þe tounne.
Þe prest hyȝt Robert, as y kan ame;
Aȝone, hyght hys sone by name;
Hys doghter, þat þese men wulde haue,
Þus ys wryte, þat she hyȝt Aue;
Echoune consented to o wyl,
who shuld go, Aue oute to tyl:
Þey graunted echone out to sende
Boþe Wybessynë and Merswynde.
Aȝone, hyght hys sone by name;
Hys doghter, þat þese men wulde haue,
Þus ys wryte, þat she hyȝt Aue;
Echoune consented to o wyl,
who shuld go, Aue oute to tyl:
Þey graunted echone out to sende
Boþe Wybessynë and Merswynde.
Þese wommen ȝede and tolled here oute
wyþ hem to karolle þe cherche aboute.
Beune ordeyned here karollyng;
Gerlew endyted what þey shuld syng:
Þys ys þe karolle þat þey sunge,
As telleþ þe latyn tunge,
“Equitabat Beuo per siluam frondosam,
Ducebat secum Merswyndam formosam,
Quid stamus, cur non imus?”
[OMITTED]
“By þe leued wode rode Beuolyne,
wyþ hym he leddë feyre Merswyne;
why stondë we? why go we noght?”
Þys ys þe karolle þat Grysly wroght.
Þys songe sunge þey yn þe chercheȝerd,—
Of foly were þey no þyng aferd,—
Vn-to þe matynes were alle done,
And þe messe shuld bygynnë sone.
wyþ hem to karolle þe cherche aboute.
Beune ordeyned here karollyng;
Gerlew endyted what þey shuld syng:
Þys ys þe karolle þat þey sunge,
As telleþ þe latyn tunge,
“Equitabat Beuo per siluam frondosam,
Ducebat secum Merswyndam formosam,
Quid stamus, cur non imus?”
[OMITTED]
285
wyþ hym he leddë feyre Merswyne;
why stondë we? why go we noght?”
Þys ys þe karolle þat Grysly wroght.
Þys songe sunge þey yn þe chercheȝerd,—
Of foly were þey no þyng aferd,—
Vn-to þe matynes were alle done,
And þe messe shuld bygynnë sone.
Þe preste hym reuest to begynne messe,
And þey ne left þerfore, neuer þe lesse,
But daunsed furþe as þey bygan;
For alle þe messë þey ne blan.
And þey ne left þerfore, neuer þe lesse,
But daunsed furþe as þey bygan;
For alle þe messë þey ne blan.
Þe preste, þat stode at þe autere
And herde here noysë and here bere,
Fro þe auter down he nam,
And to þe cherchë porche he cam,
And seyd, “on Goddes behalue, y ȝow forbede
Þat ȝe no lenger do swych dede;
But comeþ yn, on feyre manere,
Goddës seruysë for to here,
And doþ at Crystyn mennys lawe;
karolleþ no more for Crystys awe,
wurschyppeþ hym with alle ȝoure myȝt,
Þat of þe vyrgyne was bore þys nyȝt.”
And herde here noysë and here bere,
Fro þe auter down he nam,
And to þe cherchë porche he cam,
And seyd, “on Goddes behalue, y ȝow forbede
Þat ȝe no lenger do swych dede;
But comeþ yn, on feyre manere,
Goddës seruysë for to here,
And doþ at Crystyn mennys lawe;
karolleþ no more for Crystys awe,
wurschyppeþ hym with alle ȝoure myȝt,
Þat of þe vyrgyne was bore þys nyȝt.”
For alle hys byddyng, lefte þey noȝt,
But daunsed furþ, as þey þoȝt.
Þe prest þarefore was sore a-greued,
he preyd God þat he on beleuyd,
And for seynt Magne, þat he wulde so werche,
yn whos wurschyp, sette was þe cherche,
Þat swych a veniaunce were on hem sent
Are þey oute of þat stedé were went,
Þat þey myȝt euer, ryȝt so wende
Vnto þat tymë tweluemonth ende:
(Yn þe latyne þat y fonde þore,
he seyþ nat ‘tweluemonth,’ but ‘euermore.’)
He cursed hem þere alsaume
As þey karoled on here gaume.
But daunsed furþ, as þey þoȝt.
Þe prest þarefore was sore a-greued,
he preyd God þat he on beleuyd,
And for seynt Magne, þat he wulde so werche,
yn whos wurschyp, sette was þe cherche,
Þat swych a veniaunce were on hem sent
Are þey oute of þat stedé were went,
Þat þey myȝt euer, ryȝt so wende
Vnto þat tymë tweluemonth ende:
286
he seyþ nat ‘tweluemonth,’ but ‘euermore.’)
He cursed hem þere alsaume
As þey karoled on here gaume.
as sone as þe preste hadde so spoke,
Euery hande yn ouþer so fast was loke,
Þat no man myȝt with no wundyr
Þat tweluemonþe parte hem asundyr.
Euery hande yn ouþer so fast was loke,
Þat no man myȝt with no wundyr
Þat tweluemonþe parte hem asundyr.
Þe preste ȝede yn, whan þys was done,
And commaunded hys sone Aȝone
Þat he shulde go swyþe aftyr Aue,
Oute of þat karolle algate to haue.
But al to late þat wurde was seyd,
For on hem alle was þe veniaunce leyd.
And commaunded hys sone Aȝone
Þat he shulde go swyþe aftyr Aue,
Oute of þat karolle algate to haue.
But al to late þat wurde was seyd,
For on hem alle was þe veniaunce leyd.
Aȝone wende weyl for to spede;
Vn-to þe karolle asswyþe he ȝede;
hys systyr by þe arme he hente,
And, þe arme fro þe body wente.
Men wundred allë, þat þere wore,
And merueyle mowe ȝe herë more,
For seþen he had þe arme yn hande,
Þe body ȝede furþ karoland;
And noþer body, ne þe arme,
Bledde neuer blodë, colde ne warme,
But was as drye, with al þe haunche,
As of a stok were ryue a braunche.
Vn-to þe karolle asswyþe he ȝede;
hys systyr by þe arme he hente,
And, þe arme fro þe body wente.
Men wundred allë, þat þere wore,
And merueyle mowe ȝe herë more,
For seþen he had þe arme yn hande,
Þe body ȝede furþ karoland;
And noþer body, ne þe arme,
Bledde neuer blodë, colde ne warme,
But was as drye, with al þe haunche,
As of a stok were ryue a braunche.
Aȝone to hys fadyr went,
And broght hym a sory present:
“loke, fadyr,” he seyd, “and haue hyt here,
Þe armë of þy doghtyr dere
Þat was myn ownë syster Aue,
Þat y wende y myȝt a saue.
Þy cursyng, now sene hyt ys
with veniaunce on þyn ownë flessh;
Fellyche þou cursedest, and ouer sone;
Þou askedest veniaunce, þou hast þy bone.”
And broght hym a sory present:
“loke, fadyr,” he seyd, “and haue hyt here,
Þe armë of þy doghtyr dere
Þat was myn ownë syster Aue,
Þat y wende y myȝt a saue.
Þy cursyng, now sene hyt ys
with veniaunce on þyn ownë flessh;
Fellyche þou cursedest, and ouer sone;
Þou askedest veniaunce, þou hast þy bone.”
Ȝow þar nat aske ȝyf þere was wo
with þe preste and with many mo.
287
Þe prest þat cursed for þat daunce,
On some of hys, fyl hardë chaunce.
he toke hys doghtyr arme forlorn
And byryëd hyt on þe morn;
Þe nextë day, þe arme of Aue,
he fonde hyt lyggyng aboue þe graue.
he byryed hyt on anouþer day,
And eft aboue þe graue hyt lay;
Þe þryddë tyme he byryed hyt,
And eft was hyt kast oute of þe pyt.
Þe prest wulde byrye hyt no more;
hé dredde þe veniaunce ferly sore;
yn-to þe cherche he bare þe arme,
For drede and doute of morë harme,
hé ordeyned hyt for to be,
Þat euery man myȝt with ye hyt se.
On some of hys, fyl hardë chaunce.
he toke hys doghtyr arme forlorn
And byryëd hyt on þe morn;
Þe nextë day, þe arme of Aue,
he fonde hyt lyggyng aboue þe graue.
he byryed hyt on anouþer day,
And eft aboue þe graue hyt lay;
Þe þryddë tyme he byryed hyt,
And eft was hyt kast oute of þe pyt.
Þe prest wulde byrye hyt no more;
hé dredde þe veniaunce ferly sore;
yn-to þe cherche he bare þe arme,
For drede and doute of morë harme,
hé ordeyned hyt for to be,
Þat euery man myȝt with ye hyt se.
Þese men þat ȝede so karolland
Alle þat ȝerë hand yn hand,
Þey neuer oute of þat stede ȝede,
Ne nonë myȝt hem þennë lede;
Þere þe cursyng fyrst bygan,
yn þat place, a-boute þey ran,
Þat neuer ne felte þey no werynes—
As many bodyes, for goyng, dos—
Ne metë etë, ne drank drynke,
Ne sleptë onely a-lepy wynke;
Nyȝt, ne day, þey wyst of none,
whan hyt was come, whan hyt was gone;
Frost ne snogh, hayle ne reyne,
Of colde ne hete, felte þey no peyne;
Heere ne naylës neuer grewe,
Ne solowed cloþes, ne turned hewe;
Þundyr ne lyȝtnyng dyd hem no dere,
Goddes mercy dyd hyt fro hem were;
But sungge þat songge þat þe wo wroȝt,
“why stondë we, why go we noȝt?”
Alle þat ȝerë hand yn hand,
Þey neuer oute of þat stede ȝede,
Ne nonë myȝt hem þennë lede;
Þere þe cursyng fyrst bygan,
yn þat place, a-boute þey ran,
Þat neuer ne felte þey no werynes—
As many bodyes, for goyng, dos—
Ne metë etë, ne drank drynke,
Ne sleptë onely a-lepy wynke;
Nyȝt, ne day, þey wyst of none,
whan hyt was come, whan hyt was gone;
Frost ne snogh, hayle ne reyne,
Of colde ne hete, felte þey no peyne;
Heere ne naylës neuer grewe,
Ne solowed cloþes, ne turned hewe;
Þundyr ne lyȝtnyng dyd hem no dere,
Goddes mercy dyd hyt fro hem were;
But sungge þat songge þat þe wo wroȝt,
“why stondë we, why go we noȝt?”
what man shuld þyr, be, yn þys lyue,
Þat ne wulde hyt see, and þedyr dryue?
Þe Emperoure Henry come fro Rome
For to see þys hard[ë] dome;
whan he hem say, he weptë sore
For þe myschefe þat he sagh þore;
He ded come wryȝtës for to make
Coueryng ouer hem, for tempest sake;
But þat þey wroght, hyt was yn veyn,
For, hyt come to no certeyn;
For þat þey settë on oo day,
On þe touþer, downe hyt lay;
Ones, twyys, þryys, þus þey wroȝt,
And alle here makyng was for noȝt;
Myght no coueryng hyle hem fro colde
Tyl tyme of mercy, þat Cryst hyt wolde.
288
Þe Emperoure Henry come fro Rome
For to see þys hard[ë] dome;
whan he hem say, he weptë sore
For þe myschefe þat he sagh þore;
He ded come wryȝtës for to make
Coueryng ouer hem, for tempest sake;
But þat þey wroght, hyt was yn veyn,
For, hyt come to no certeyn;
For þat þey settë on oo day,
On þe touþer, downe hyt lay;
Ones, twyys, þryys, þus þey wroȝt,
And alle here makyng was for noȝt;
Myght no coueryng hyle hem fro colde
Tyl tyme of mercy, þat Cryst hyt wolde.
Tyme of grace fyl þurgh hys myȝt
At þe twelvemonth ende, on þe ȝolë nyȝt,
Þe same oure þat þe prest hem banned,
Þe samë oure, atwynne þey woned;
Þat houre þat he cursed hem ynne,
Þat samë oure þey ȝede atwynne:
And, as yn twynkelyng of an ye,
Yn-to þe cherchë gun þey flye,
And on þe pauement þey fyl alle downe,
As þey hade be dede, or fal yn a swone.
At þe twelvemonth ende, on þe ȝolë nyȝt,
Þe same oure þat þe prest hem banned,
Þe samë oure, atwynne þey woned;
Þat houre þat he cursed hem ynne,
Þat samë oure þey ȝede atwynne:
And, as yn twynkelyng of an ye,
Yn-to þe cherchë gun þey flye,
And on þe pauement þey fyl alle downe,
As þey hade be dede, or fal yn a swone.
Þre days, styl, þey lay echone,
Þat none steryd, oþer flesshe or bone,
And, at þe þre days ende,
To lyfe God grauntede hem to wende.
Þey sette hem vpp, and spak apert
To þe parysshe prest, syre Robert:
“Þou art ensample and enchesun
Of oure long confusyun;
Þou maker art of oure trauayle,
Þat ys to many grete meruayle;
And þy traueyle shalt þou sone ende,
For to þy long home, some shalt þou wende.”
Þat none steryd, oþer flesshe or bone,
And, at þe þre days ende,
To lyfe God grauntede hem to wende.
Þey sette hem vpp, and spak apert
To þe parysshe prest, syre Robert:
“Þou art ensample and enchesun
Of oure long confusyun;
Þou maker art of oure trauayle,
Þat ys to many grete meruayle;
And þy traueyle shalt þou sone ende,
289
Alle þey ryse þat ychë tyde,
But Auë; she lay dede besyde;
Grete sorowe had here fadyr, here broþer,
Merueyle and drede had allë ouþer,
Y trow no drede of soulë dede,
But with pyne was broght þe body dede.
Þe fyrst man was þe fadyr, þe prest,
Þat, deyd aftyr þe doȝtyr nest,
Þys ychë arme þat was of Aue,
Þat, nonë myȝt leye yn graue,
Þe emperoure dyd a vessel werche
To do hyt yn, and hange yn þe cherche,
Þat alle men myȝt se hyt and knawe,
And þenk on þe chaunce when men hyt sawe.
But Auë; she lay dede besyde;
Grete sorowe had here fadyr, here broþer,
Merueyle and drede had allë ouþer,
Y trow no drede of soulë dede,
But with pyne was broght þe body dede.
Þe fyrst man was þe fadyr, þe prest,
Þat, deyd aftyr þe doȝtyr nest,
Þys ychë arme þat was of Aue,
Þat, nonë myȝt leye yn graue,
Þe emperoure dyd a vessel werche
To do hyt yn, and hange yn þe cherche,
Þat alle men myȝt se hyt and knawe,
And þenk on þe chaunce when men hyt sawe.
Þese men þat hadde go þus karolland
Alle þe ȝere, fast hand yn hand,
Þogh þat þey were þan asunder,
Ȝyt alle þe worlde spake of hem wunder:
Þat same hoppyng þat þey fyrst ȝede,
Þat daunce ȝede þey þurgh land and lede;
And as þey ne myȝt fyrst be vnbounde,
So efte to-gedyr myȝt þey neuer be founde,
Ne myȝt þey neuer come aȝeyn
To-gedyr, to oo stede certeyn.
Alle þe ȝere, fast hand yn hand,
Þogh þat þey were þan asunder,
Ȝyt alle þe worlde spake of hem wunder:
Þat same hoppyng þat þey fyrst ȝede,
Þat daunce ȝede þey þurgh land and lede;
And as þey ne myȝt fyrst be vnbounde,
So efte to-gedyr myȝt þey neuer be founde,
Ne myȝt þey neuer come aȝeyn
To-gedyr, to oo stede certeyn.
Foure ȝede to þe courte of Rome,
And euer hoppyng aboute þey nome;
with sundyr lepys come þey þedyr,
But þey come neuer efte to-gedyr;
Here cloþes ne roted, ne naylës grewe,
Ne heere ne wax, ne solowed hewe,
Ne neuer hadde þey amendëment,
Þat we herde, at any corseynt,
But at þe vyrgyne Seynt Edyght,
Þere was he botened, seynt Teodryght;
On oure lady day, yn lenten tyde,
As he slepte here toumbe besyde,
Þere he hade hys medycyne,
At seynt Edyght, þe holy vyrgyne.
And euer hoppyng aboute þey nome;
with sundyr lepys come þey þedyr,
But þey come neuer efte to-gedyr;
Here cloþes ne roted, ne naylës grewe,
Ne heere ne wax, ne solowed hewe,
Ne neuer hadde þey amendëment,
Þat we herde, at any corseynt,
But at þe vyrgyne Seynt Edyght,
Þere was he botened, seynt Teodryght;
On oure lady day, yn lenten tyde,
As he slepte here toumbe besyde,
290
At seynt Edyght, þe holy vyrgyne.
Brunyng, þe bysshope of seynt Tolous,
wrote þys tale so merueylous;
Seþþe was hys name of more renoun,
Men called hym þe pope Leoun;
Þys at þe court of Rome þey wyte,
And yn þe kronykeles hyt ys wryte,
Yn many stedys be-ȝounde þe see,
More þan ys yn þys cuntre;
Þarfor men seye, an weyl ys trowed,
“Þe nere þe cherche, þe fyrþer fro God.”
wrote þys tale so merueylous;
Seþþe was hys name of more renoun,
Men called hym þe pope Leoun;
Þys at þe court of Rome þey wyte,
And yn þe kronykeles hyt ys wryte,
Yn many stedys be-ȝounde þe see,
More þan ys yn þys cuntre;
Þarfor men seye, an weyl ys trowed,
“Þe nere þe cherche, þe fyrþer fro God.”
So fare men here by þys tale:
Some holde hyt but a trotëuale;
Yn oþer stedys hyt ys ful dere,
And for grete merueyle þey wyl hyt here;
A tale hyt ys of feyre shewyng,
Ensample and drede aȝens cursyng;
Þys tale y tolde ȝow, to make ȝow aferde,
Yn cherche to karolle, or yn cherche ȝerde,
Namely aȝens þe prestys wylle;
leueþ, whan he byddeþ ȝow be stylle,
Some holde hyt but a trotëuale;
Yn oþer stedys hyt ys ful dere,
And for grete merueyle þey wyl hyt here;
A tale hyt ys of feyre shewyng,
Ensample and drede aȝens cursyng;
Þys tale y tolde ȝow, to make ȝow aferde,
Yn cherche to karolle, or yn cherche ȝerde,
Namely aȝens þe prestys wylle;
leueþ, whan he byddeþ ȝow be stylle,
Ianglyng longeþ to sacrylage;
Þar-of takeþ þe fende taylage;
Iangle we yn cherche neuer so lyte,
Alle þat we do Iangle, þe fende doþe wryte,
And shal shewe hyt before oure face
whan hys rolle ys broght yn place:
And y shal tellë, as y kan,
A bourdë of an holy man.
Þar-of takeþ þe fende taylage;
Iangle we yn cherche neuer so lyte,
Alle þat we do Iangle, þe fende doþe wryte,
And shal shewe hyt before oure face
whan hys rolle ys broght yn place:
And y shal tellë, as y kan,
A bourdë of an holy man.
[The Tale of the Devil's Disappointment with the Chattering Women.]
Shortly to tellë, and nat longe,
An holy man hys messë songe;
And at þe messe, whan tymë fel
Þe dekene to redë þe gospel,
Yn hys redyng, none wyst why,
he logh a grete laghter an hy.
An holy man hys messë songe;
And at þe messe, whan tymë fel
Þe dekene to redë þe gospel,
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he logh a grete laghter an hy.
Þe preste, and oþer þat þere stode,
helde hym a fole, þat coude no gode.
Seþþë, whan þe messe was done,
Þe preste asked þe dekene sone,
‘why þat he so ferde, and how
þat he, yn hys gospel, logh?’
Moche þarfore he gan hym blame,
For þe lewed folk þoght hyt shame.
helde hym a fole, þat coude no gode.
Seþþë, whan þe messe was done,
Þe preste asked þe dekene sone,
‘why þat he so ferde, and how
þat he, yn hys gospel, logh?’
Moche þarfore he gan hym blame,
For þe lewed folk þoght hyt shame.
Þe dekene told hym why hyt fel
þere to laghe yn hys gospel:
“As y redde þat ychë tyde,
Twey wymmen Iangled þere besyde;
Betwyx hem to, y say a fende
with penne and parchëmen yn honde,
And, wrote alle þat euer þey spake,
Pryuyly be-hynde here bake.
þere to laghe yn hys gospel:
“As y redde þat ychë tyde,
Twey wymmen Iangled þere besyde;
Betwyx hem to, y say a fende
with penne and parchëmen yn honde,
And, wrote alle þat euer þey spake,
Pryuyly be-hynde here bake.
whan hys rolle was wryte alle ful,
To drawe hyt oute he gan to pul;
with hys teþe he gan to drawe,
And hardë for to tugge and gnawe,
Þat hys rolle to-braste and rofe;
And hys hede aȝens þe walle drofe
Só hard, and so ferly sore,
Whan hys parchemen was no more.
To drawe hyt oute he gan to pul;
with hys teþe he gan to drawe,
And hardë for to tugge and gnawe,
Þat hys rolle to-braste and rofe;
And hys hede aȝens þe walle drofe
Só hard, and so ferly sore,
Whan hys parchemen was no more.
whan y say þat, y lete so gode,
Y brast on laghter þere y stode,
Þat he so mochë sorow hadde,
As hys wrytyng was alle to-fade;
And when he parceyued þat y wyste,
He al to-drofe hyt with hys fyste,
And went a-wey, alle for shame;
þarfore y logh and hadde gode game.”
Y brast on laghter þere y stode,
Þat he so mochë sorow hadde,
As hys wrytyng was alle to-fade;
And when he parceyued þat y wyste,
He al to-drofe hyt with hys fyste,
And went a-wey, alle for shame;
þarfore y logh and hadde gode game.”
Þe prest hym asked ‘whedyr he say mo.’
“Many,” he seyd, “y sagh þere go,
And wrote oueral þere men tolde,
But none so moche þat y dyde beholde;
Hym behelde y weyl ynogh,
For þat he dyd, þere-at y logh.”
Þan wyst þe prest, þurgh þat syȝt
Þat he was weyl with God almyȝt.
“Many,” he seyd, “y sagh þere go,
And wrote oueral þere men tolde,
But none so moche þat y dyde beholde;
Hym behelde y weyl ynogh,
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Þan wyst þe prest, þurgh þat syȝt
Þat he was weyl with God almyȝt.
For Ianglers, þys tale y tolde,
Þat þey yn cherche here tungës holde.
Speke to God yn þy preyere,
And þat shal nat þe fendë here.
Þou Iangler, take þou godë kepe,
hyt were wel bettyr þou were on slepe;
Ȝyf hyt ne be amended here,
Elleswere shalt þou a-bye hyt dere.
Þat þey yn cherche here tungës holde.
Speke to God yn þy preyere,
And þat shal nat þe fendë here.
Þou Iangler, take þou godë kepe,
hyt were wel bettyr þou were on slepe;
Ȝyf hyt ne be amended here,
Elleswere shalt þou a-bye hyt dere.
Sacrylage also may be for tyþe;
yn þat, synne men ful oftë syþe.
Of allë þyng, þat þe neweþ,
Tyþe ryȝtly, ór elles hyt þe reweþ.
Of þe werst þou shalt nat ȝyue,
For þan lesest þou þy gode yn þy lyue;
Ne ȝyue hyt nat with wykked wyl,
For al þe touþer, mayst þou þan spyl;
Ȝyue God þe best þat þou mayst haue,
And alle þe touþer he wyl þe saue.
yn þat, synne men ful oftë syþe.
Of allë þyng, þat þe neweþ,
Tyþe ryȝtly, ór elles hyt þe reweþ.
Of þe werst þou shalt nat ȝyue,
For þan lesest þou þy gode yn þy lyue;
Ne ȝyue hyt nat with wykked wyl,
For al þe touþer, mayst þou þan spyl;
Ȝyue God þe best þat þou mayst haue,
And alle þe touþer he wyl þe saue.
Foure þynges are ȝyuë specyaly
To euery man þat tyþeþ ryȝtly;
Þe fyrst ys, long lyfe to haue;
Þe touþer, þe yn gode hele to saue;
Þe þryd ys, gracë gode with-ynne;
Þe fourþe, forȝyuenes of þy synne:
Ȝyf þou wylt haue any of þyse,
Tyþë weyl, and on gode syse.
To euery man þat tyþeþ ryȝtly;
Þe fyrst ys, long lyfe to haue;
Þe touþer, þe yn gode hele to saue;
Þe þryd ys, gracë gode with-ynne;
Þe fourþe, forȝyuenes of þy synne:
Ȝyf þou wylt haue any of þyse,
Tyþë weyl, and on gode syse.
ȝyf þou turnedest, for worldes wynnyng,
halewed place, or holy þyng,
Cherche ȝerde, or þere chapyl was,
Tymber, stones, eren, or glas,
Curteynes, or ouþer vestyment,
Or any oþer vesselement
Þat falleþ to holy cherches seruyse,
And vsest hem on ouþer wyse,
Þy wytyng;—þou synnest dedly
Yn sacrylage certeynly.
halewed place, or holy þyng,
Cherche ȝerde, or þere chapyl was,
Tymber, stones, eren, or glas,
Curteynes, or ouþer vestyment,
Or any oþer vesselement
Þat falleþ to holy cherches seruyse,
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Þy wytyng;—þou synnest dedly
Yn sacrylage certeynly.
Þarto shal y preue my sawe
By a tale of þe oldë lawe;
And þys tale yn þat tyme fyl,
Þat was of þe prophete Danyël.
By a tale of þe oldë lawe;
And þys tale yn þat tyme fyl,
Þat was of þe prophete Danyël.
[The Tale of Belshazzar's Feast, and the Prophet Daniel.]
Þyr was a kyng of grete powere;
yn hys tyme was none hys pere;
ynogh he hadde of worldës myȝt,
And Baltazar hys namë hyȝt.
yn hys tyme was none hys pere;
ynogh he hadde of worldës myȝt,
And Baltazar hys namë hyȝt.
Þys kyng was a paynym,
and with oste he come to Ierusalem,
And robbed þe temple, þys Baltaȝare,
And þe tresour awey bare;
Þe vessel þat was of ryche metalle,
Þat Goddes temple was seruede with-alle,
þat, and more, he dyd aloyne,
And ledde hem yn-to Babyloyne.
and with oste he come to Ierusalem,
And robbed þe temple, þys Baltaȝare,
And þe tresour awey bare;
Þe vessel þat was of ryche metalle,
Þat Goddes temple was seruede with-alle,
þat, and more, he dyd aloyne,
And ledde hem yn-to Babyloyne.
Sone aftyrward, þys ychë kyng
Deyd, and madë hys endyng.
hys sone reyned yn þat same,
And Baltaȝarë was hys name;
Alle þe vessel with hym lefte,
Þat hys fadyr hadd stole and refte.
Deyd, and madë hys endyng.
hys sone reyned yn þat same,
And Baltaȝarë was hys name;
Alle þe vessel with hym lefte,
Þat hys fadyr hadd stole and refte.
A day he made a noble feste
with barons and with rychë geste;
Þys vessel þat hys fadyr stale,
Rychely he dyd hym serue with-alle;
Of þe vessel þey ete and dranke,
But to God made þey no þanke;
But yn alle here moste gladyng,
To fals goddys þey made wurschypyng.
A kandelstyke stode þe kyng before,
Þat oute of Ierusalem was bore;
Þe kyng lokede to þat candelstyke,
And sagh besyde a grete ferlyke:
Vndyr þe kandelstyke, a lytel logh,
He sagh an hande wryte on þe wogh;
No morë he sagh þan þe hande,
But þe lettres were weyl farande;
he redde hyt as he sate on þe des,
“Mane techel fares.”
No more þyr was þere wryte;
On englys þus ys hyt to wyte,
‘To mornë shal departyng be,
Of þy ryche kyngdom fro þe.’
with barons and with rychë geste;
Þys vessel þat hys fadyr stale,
Rychely he dyd hym serue with-alle;
Of þe vessel þey ete and dranke,
But to God made þey no þanke;
But yn alle here moste gladyng,
To fals goddys þey made wurschypyng.
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Þat oute of Ierusalem was bore;
Þe kyng lokede to þat candelstyke,
And sagh besyde a grete ferlyke:
Vndyr þe kandelstyke, a lytel logh,
He sagh an hande wryte on þe wogh;
No morë he sagh þan þe hande,
But þe lettres were weyl farande;
he redde hyt as he sate on þe des,
“Mane techel fares.”
No more þyr was þere wryte;
On englys þus ys hyt to wyte,
‘To mornë shal departyng be,
Of þy ryche kyngdom fro þe.’
Þe kyng vndyrstode no þyng of þys,
Ne none of hysë coude hym wys.
As he þys hand began to holde,
hys herte bygan to tremle and colde;
he shewed hyt to alle hys ássemble,
And crydë hyt þurgh þe cyte,
‘Þat ȝyf any coude do hym to wyte,
what hyt mente, þat þere was wryte,
He shulde haue of hym grete mede,
Þat coudë vndo þat yn dede.’
But none of alle, forsoþe to wene,
Coude telle þe kyng what hyt wlde mene.
Ne none of hysë coude hym wys.
As he þys hand began to holde,
hys herte bygan to tremle and colde;
he shewed hyt to alle hys ássemble,
And crydë hyt þurgh þe cyte,
‘Þat ȝyf any coude do hym to wyte,
what hyt mente, þat þere was wryte,
He shulde haue of hym grete mede,
Þat coudë vndo þat yn dede.’
But none of alle, forsoþe to wene,
Coude telle þe kyng what hyt wlde mene.
But þe quene seyd sone anone:
“Syre kyng, y wotë where ys one,
Þat kan do ȝow alle to knowe
what ys wrytë on þe wowe.
yn þys cyte, yn a strete,
woneþ a ful wys prophete,
hys name men callë Danyël,
he shal vndo þe wrytyng wel.”
“Syre kyng, y wotë where ys one,
Þat kan do ȝow alle to knowe
what ys wrytë on þe wowe.
yn þys cyte, yn a strete,
woneþ a ful wys prophete,
hys name men callë Danyël,
he shal vndo þe wrytyng wel.”
Þe kyng aftyr Danyël sente,
And þe prophete to hym wente;
Þe kyng hym preyd, byfore hem alle,
To tellë hem what shulde befalle.
And þe prophete to hym wente;
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To tellë hem what shulde befalle.
Þe prophete wuldë no þyng hyde:
“Þe hand þat þou sawe yn þe euyntyde,
hyt was sent fro God almyȝt,
Þat hys wraþþe ys to þe dyȝt,
For þou were serued of þe vesseles
Þat of hys temple were Ieuwels;
Þys day before, of hem þou ete,
And no wurschyp of hym þou lete,
Þat ys God, alle þyng weldande,
And þe and þyne haþ yn hys hande;
But to fals goddes þou madest onour
with vessel of hys owne tresour;
And for þou dedyst boþe euyl, and seyd,
Þy kyngdom ys yn balaunce leyd,
Tyl ryȝt be-demeþ, with euyn hand,
To wham hyt shal be ȝyue, þy land.
Þurgh dome of God, hyt ys so dryue,
To twey maner of folke þy land ys ȝyue;
Medys, and Persys, þy land shul haue;
Þe, ne þyne, mayst þou nat saue.
Here ys wryte þe samë wyse,
Y sey to þe, ryȝt as hyt seyse.”
“Þe hand þat þou sawe yn þe euyntyde,
hyt was sent fro God almyȝt,
Þat hys wraþþe ys to þe dyȝt,
For þou were serued of þe vesseles
Þat of hys temple were Ieuwels;
Þys day before, of hem þou ete,
And no wurschyp of hym þou lete,
Þat ys God, alle þyng weldande,
And þe and þyne haþ yn hys hande;
But to fals goddes þou madest onour
with vessel of hys owne tresour;
And for þou dedyst boþe euyl, and seyd,
Þy kyngdom ys yn balaunce leyd,
Tyl ryȝt be-demeþ, with euyn hand,
To wham hyt shal be ȝyue, þy land.
Þurgh dome of God, hyt ys so dryue,
To twey maner of folke þy land ys ȝyue;
Medys, and Persys, þy land shul haue;
Þe, ne þyne, mayst þou nat saue.
Here ys wryte þe samë wyse,
Y sey to þe, ryȝt as hyt seyse.”
Þe samë nyȝt þe lande was lore,
Þe kyng was slayn, and awey bore.
Þe kyng was slayn, and awey bore.
Here mayst þou se, euyl-wunne þyng,
with eyre shal neuer make gode endyng,
Namly, with þyng of holy cherche
Shalt þou neuer spede wel to werche.
Þat mayst þou se by parsones eyres,
hyt fareþ with hem as doþe with þese feyres;
Now ys þe feyrë bygged weyl,
And on þe morne ys þer neuer a deyl:
Ryche tresoure, now furþe men leye,
And on þe touþer day hyt ys alle aweye;
O day, to-gedyr men mowe hyt se,
A-nouther, sprede þurgh all þe cuntre.
with eyre shal neuer make gode endyng,
Namly, with þyng of holy cherche
Shalt þou neuer spede wel to werche.
Þat mayst þou se by parsones eyres,
hyt fareþ with hem as doþe with þese feyres;
Now ys þe feyrë bygged weyl,
And on þe morne ys þer neuer a deyl:
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And on þe touþer day hyt ys alle aweye;
O day, to-gedyr men mowe hyt se,
A-nouther, sprede þurgh all þe cuntre.
Þus fareþ hyt by þese parsones cosynes;
Þát þe parsone wynnyþ, þe cosyne tynes;
yn þe parsones tyme, rychely he lyueþ,
Aftyr hym, no man of hym ȝyueþ;
yn hys tyme, ofte pens he telleþ,
Aftyr hym, for pouert, penys he selleþ.
Þát þe parsone wynnyþ, þe cosyne tynes;
yn þe parsones tyme, rychely he lyueþ,
Aftyr hym, no man of hym ȝyueþ;
yn hys tyme, ofte pens he telleþ,
Aftyr hym, for pouert, penys he selleþ.
Also with purchasours ryȝt so hyt fareþ,
Alle þat þey bygge, here eyrës bareþ;
A purchasoure may beye þyng, & with lawe,
with-oute any dede of wrong or sawe;
But lokeþ, ȝyue he wynne þat katel weyl,
wharewith he byeþ hyt euerydeyl.
Ȝyf he haue wunne þe penys ryȝt,
Þan haþ he þe lande with-outë plyȝt;
Ȝyue he haue wunne þe penys falsle,
with ryȝt to þe lande com neuer he.
with fals[ë] weyght, of fals[ë] peys,
And many falshede ouþer weys;
And ȝyt moste, with fals sweryng,
wynneþ manyone moche þyng;
with swyche þyng, wene þou hyt noȝt
Þat þe hous ne lande was ryȝtly boȝt.
Alle þat þey bygge, here eyrës bareþ;
A purchasoure may beye þyng, & with lawe,
with-oute any dede of wrong or sawe;
But lokeþ, ȝyue he wynne þat katel weyl,
wharewith he byeþ hyt euerydeyl.
Ȝyf he haue wunne þe penys ryȝt,
Þan haþ he þe lande with-outë plyȝt;
Ȝyue he haue wunne þe penys falsle,
with ryȝt to þe lande com neuer he.
with fals[ë] weyght, of fals[ë] peys,
And many falshede ouþer weys;
And ȝyt moste, with fals sweryng,
wynneþ manyone moche þyng;
with swyche þyng, wene þou hyt noȝt
Þat þe hous ne lande was ryȝtly boȝt.
Vnneþ lasteþ aght þat men bye
with þat ys wunne with marchaundye;
Yn erytage nat long hyt vayleþ,
Þe þred eyre leseþ, þat ouþer trauayleþ;
Vnneþe ys any þat haþ gode grace
To lyuë weyl with swych purchace,
Oþer lyue þey a bysyly lyfe,
Or lese hyt for pouert and for stryfe;
For þys men se, and seye alday,
“Þe þred eyre selleþ alle away.”
with þat ys wunne with marchaundye;
Yn erytage nat long hyt vayleþ,
Þe þred eyre leseþ, þat ouþer trauayleþ;
Vnneþe ys any þat haþ gode grace
To lyuë weyl with swych purchace,
Oþer lyue þey a bysyly lyfe,
Or lese hyt for pouert and for stryfe;
For þys men se, and seye alday,
“Þe þred eyre selleþ alle away.”
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For sacrylage, alle þys ys tolde,
Þat vesselment of cherche ys wyþholde,—
Chaleys, cloth, boke, or lome,—
For sacrylage cumþ ofte hard dome;
yn alle þe poyntës seyd before,
Þat fro holy cherche, oght haþ bore,
Or aght mysdo on any wyse
Þat longeþ vn-to þe fraunchyse,
Y or þou, yn any outrage,
we synne dedly yn sacrylage.
Þat vesselment of cherche ys wyþholde,—
Chaleys, cloth, boke, or lome,—
For sacrylage cumþ ofte hard dome;
yn alle þe poyntës seyd before,
Þat fro holy cherche, oght haþ bore,
Or aght mysdo on any wyse
Þat longeþ vn-to þe fraunchyse,
Y or þou, yn any outrage,
we synne dedly yn sacrylage.
Gode ȝyue vs grace so to serue here
Holy cherche, oure modyr dere,
Here so to serue, and wurschyp make,
Þat we be hyre, and she vs take.
Holy cherche, oure modyr dere,
Here so to serue, and wurschyp make,
Þat we be hyre, and she vs take.
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