A Stanzaic Life of Christ Compiled from Higden's Polychronicon and the Legenda Aurea |
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De purificacione beate Ma{ri}e
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 | A Stanzaic Life of Christ |  |
De purificacione beate Ma{ri}e
Hoc festum tribus nominibus solet appellari, videlicet Purificacio, ypopanti & candelaria, sicut inferius declarabitur in lingua materna.
Now of the purificacioun,
that leude men calun condulmasse,
speke we with deuocion
And her whi that hit ordeynet was.
that leude men calun condulmasse,
speke we with deuocion
And her whi that hit ordeynet was.
Our lady Goddes moder der
was purifyet, as rede we,
the fourty day withouten wer
after his natiuite.
was purifyet, as rede we,
the fourty day withouten wer
after his natiuite.
I fynde this fest thre nemes has,
purificacioun that one is,
presentacioun and condulmas
ben other two forsothe iwys.
purificacioun that one is,
presentacioun and condulmas
ben other two forsothe iwys.
Purificacioun nomet hit was,
for our lady ful of blisse
was purifiet, thagh by trespasse
ho gulte neuer ny did amys.
for our lady ful of blisse
was purifiet, thagh by trespasse
ho gulte neuer ny did amys.
But for the maner thenne was so,
ho most nede fulfulle the lawe
as Moyses taght and vset tho,
dredles ho most therto drawe.
ho most nede fulfulle the lawe
as Moyses taght and vset tho,
dredles ho most therto drawe.
73
ffor Moyses lawe bad this expresse,
ȝif any wommon bar a sone,
til faurty dayes comen was
at home from temple ho schuld wone,
ȝif any wommon bar a sone,
til faurty dayes comen was
at home from temple ho schuld wone,
But what wommon that doghter bere,
doubul ho most botht tyme and day,
as I schal sone declare now her
the cause, er that I go away.
doubul ho most botht tyme and day,
as I schal sone declare now her
the cause, er that I go away.
Notantur tres cause quare dominus precepit vt quadragessimo die dei filius in materiale templum offertur, Et prima hec est.
Thre causes I fynde, as ȝe schun se,
whi God ordenet the fourty day
a knaue chyld forto offert be
to the temple, as I schal ow say.
whi God ordenet the fourty day
a knaue chyld forto offert be
to the temple, as I schal ow say.
The furst cause may wel be this,
for in natures redun we
that after a son conceyuet ys
the fourty day ful schap has he
for in natures redun we
that after a son conceyuet ys
the fourty day ful schap has he
and saule in-to hys body putte,
therfore ordenet hyt is ay
the wommon holly to be schutte
of vnclannes the fourty day.
therfore ordenet hyt is ay
the wommon holly to be schutte
of vnclannes the fourty day.
Hec in Historiis Scolasticis.
The secund cause fo[r]sotht i-wys
ys thys þat I schal sone say,
sithyne a gost that al clene is
and wemmeles als by vch way,
ys thys þat I schal sone say,
sithyne a gost that al clene is
and wemmeles als by vch way,
When hyt is putte to that body,
as I haue sayd, the fourty day,
that clene saule, as leue I,
whit flesche is foulut in gode fay.
as I haue sayd, the fourty day,
that clene saule, as leue I,
whit flesche is foulut in gode fay.
74
Therfore hit his right gode resoun
the fourty day ho clensut be,
and childe als whit deuocioun
to temple offert, thinges me,
the fourty day ho clensut be,
and childe als whit deuocioun
to temple offert, thinges me,
And so bi certeyne offryng
make clene that furst fuylet was,
and to temple hym to bring
forto gete the more grace.
make clene that furst fuylet was,
and to temple hym to bring
forto gete the more grace.
The thryde cause is couenable
that we schin wel vndur-stonde wel this,
to heuenly temple we ben able
to be offert to i-wys,
that we schin wel vndur-stonde wel this,
to heuenly temple we ben able
to be offert to i-wys,
ȝyf we don welle for-euermore
Goddes ten comondmentȝ
And four ewangelistes lore
wihitouten defaute or any offensse.
Goddes ten comondmentȝ
And four ewangelistes lore
wihitouten defaute or any offensse.
Quod in concipiendo feminam dies duplicatur.
When wommon conceyuet hade
A maiden child & hit wer born,
As þe lagh mynde made,
thes daies doublide wer biforn,
A maiden child & hit wer born,
As þe lagh mynde made,
thes daies doublide wer biforn,
Both of fourmyng & lif takyng,
As natures maken fully mynde,
til four score, nys no lyuyng,
in maiden child by way of kynde.
As natures maken fully mynde,
til four score, nys no lyuyng,
in maiden child by way of kynde.
ffor in les daies þen four score
A wommon fourmet ne saulet is,
therfore þe moder so mich more
most abide nothing amys
A wommon fourmet ne saulet is,
therfore þe moder so mich more
most abide nothing amys
75
fforto purifiet be,
As Moyses laȝe þen vset was,
And so long time to haue entre
Into þe temple thai hade no grace,
As Moyses laȝe þen vset was,
And so long time to haue entre
Into þe temple thai hade no grace,
Therfore sithen time of fourmyng
of mon is er þen of wommon,
And als of lif & gost ȝyuyng,
by verray skil preue þis I con,
of mon is er þen of wommon,
And als of lif & gost ȝyuyng,
by verray skil preue þis I con,
That womman after a son beryng
shal soner purifiet be,
And spiritual skilles, as me gode think,
I shal showe as ȝe shyn se.
shal soner purifiet be,
And spiritual skilles, as me gode think,
I shal showe as ȝe shyn se.
Causa quare femina tardius formatur siue organiȝatur in vtero matris quam masculus.
Whi wommon latter fourmet is
then mon, as I haue saide bifore,
May wel & skilfully be þis,
that I haue lernet be gostly lore.
then mon, as I haue saide bifore,
May wel & skilfully be þis,
that I haue lernet be gostly lore.
ffor sythun þat God in wille was
monhede to take as this in mynd,
In masculyne gendre thurgh his grace,
noght fourme in feminyne, as I fynde,
monhede to take as this in mynd,
In masculyne gendre thurgh his grace,
noght fourme in feminyne, as I fynde,
God wold hit hade prerogatyfe
& more þenne womon honeret were,
and sonner ȝeuen to gost and lyfe,
& moder purifiet bothe in fere.
& more þenne womon honeret were,
and sonner ȝeuen to gost and lyfe,
& moder purifiet bothe in fere.
An-other skyl her shewe I may,
Sithen woman dydde a more trespas,
when mon was made þo sexte daye,
as holy write ful mynde mase,
Sithen woman dydde a more trespas,
when mon was made þo sexte daye,
as holy write ful mynde mase,
Thurght the wommon, in gode faye,
þo mon begylet fully was,
therfore hir sorowe more thenne is aye
God dowbult skylfully so hasse.
þo mon begylet fully was,
therfore hir sorowe more thenne is aye
God dowbult skylfully so hasse.
76
And so he dowbulet hir leuyng
in worde for all-waye wommonnes wo,
so dowbulet he hir on lyf ȝeuyng
in modres wombe bothe two,
in worde for all-waye wommonnes wo,
so dowbulet he hir on lyf ȝeuyng
in modres wombe bothe two,
The enfourmyng more abydyng,
and ȝeuyng of lyf eke also,
and child als aftur burth to bryng
to temple lengur tyme be fro.
and ȝeuyng of lyf eke also,
and child als aftur burth to bryng
to temple lengur tyme be fro.
But þagh þo lawgh so þat tyme was
a wommon purifiet to be
þo faurten day of hir trespasse
þat bare a sone, as here sayde we,
a wommon purifiet to be
þo faurten day of hir trespasse
þat bare a sone, as here sayde we,
Our laydy þat was ful of grace
was neuer þo helder, leue wele me,
Bonden to come in that place,
for sedeles conceyuet was he.
was neuer þo helder, leue wele me,
Bonden to come in that place,
for sedeles conceyuet was he.
Nota quod Christus se voluit subdere legi propter tres raciones, & prima est hec.
Thre skylles wel I fynde
why God wold bowe hym to the lawe,
as I schal telle whil I haue mynde,
ȝyf ȝe wuln herkun to my sawe.
why God wold bowe hym to the lawe,
as I schal telle whil I haue mynde,
ȝyf ȝe wuln herkun to my sawe.
One skyl was þis, as klerkes sayne,
to showe mekenys in all thyng,
when he was born he wold be bayn
ensaumpul of mekenysse be schoyng.
to showe mekenys in all thyng,
when he was born he wold be bayn
ensaumpul of mekenysse be schoyng.
For as Bede beres witnesse,
hir nedet no purificacioun,
ne Ihesu, þat was synnelesse,
to haue tane circumcisioun,
hir nedet no purificacioun,
ne Ihesu, þat was synnelesse,
to haue tane circumcisioun,
77
But for he wold in alle thing
be like to mon saue in synne,
to do þo lawe was his likyng
in mony maner, as I schal mynne.
be like to mon saue in synne,
to do þo lawe was his likyng
in mony maner, as I schal mynne.
Nam vt dicit Beda: In natiuitate se habuit vt pauper homo, in circumcisione vt pauper peccator homo, set hodie vt pauper, peccator & seruus homo.
For at his natiuite
as a pore mon born he was,
for pore was moder, leue ȝe me,
and born als in a pore place.
as a pore mon born he was,
for pore was moder, leue ȝe me,
and born als in a pore place.
And als at his circumcisioun
as pore mon and sinful yke
he shewode hym, as ȝe leue moun,
by ensaumpel to make vs meke.
as pore mon and sinful yke
he shewode hym, as ȝe leue moun,
by ensaumpel to make vs meke.
For þer-as hym nedet no thing
of þat ilk sacrement
that ordaynet was for a merkyng
of sinful men, as I her kent,
of þat ilk sacrement
that ordaynet was for a merkyng
of sinful men, as I her kent,
Ȝette Ihesu þat synneles wasse
wit þat merk wold merket [b]e
in fulfylling before Iewes face
þo lawe fully wit hert fre,
wit þat merk wold merket [b]e
in fulfylling before Iewes face
þo lawe fully wit hert fre,
As þis day also in gode fay,
when he was offert þe tempel to
As por mon, sinful, þe soth to saye,
and thralle, as him thugh was to do.
when he was offert þe tempel to
As por mon, sinful, þe soth to saye,
and thralle, as him thugh was to do.
For wit him offert was þis daye
A turture-brid and [p]ygones two,
for por mennes offring þat was aye,
but riche mon lomber and geet also.
A turture-brid and [p]ygones two,
for por mennes offring þat was aye,
but riche mon lomber and geet also.
78
And þat he shewde h[y]m as thrall eke,
I may wel preue & lye right noȝt,
for wit two briddes as mon meke
that offert were he [w]as for-boght.
I may wel preue & lye right noȝt,
for wit two briddes as mon meke
that offert were he [w]as for-boght.
Also afture thritte ȝere
he wold be folowet as he wes,
noght for hym nedet hit boute wer,
but for-to shewe alle rightwysnes.
he wold be folowet as he wes,
noght for hym nedet hit boute wer,
but for-to shewe alle rightwysnes.
Nota quod quinque remedia contra originale peccatum ordinata sunt per processum temporis.
Fyue remedyes, as I fynde,
be processe of tyme ordeynet wer
for Adames synne, tase þis in mynd,
to pleise God wit and make mon dere.
be processe of tyme ordeynet wer
for Adames synne, tase þis in mynd,
to pleise God wit and make mon dere.
Primum remedium. Hugo de Sancto Victore.
Hughe of saint Vittores i-wis
beres witnesse of furst thre,
that vset wer no thyng amysse
At worldes beghynnyng to be.
beres witnesse of furst thre,
that vset wer no thyng amysse
At worldes beghynnyng to be.
Whil men lyueden by way of kynde
er any lawe ordeynet was,
thre gode dedes, as I fynde,
wer done to plese God ful of grace.
er any lawe ordeynet was,
thre gode dedes, as I fynde,
wer done to plese God ful of grace.
Offeringes, tethynges, ther ben two,
and sacrifise of bestaile thre,
by whiche dedes thenne done so
hit schowet for-boght that we schuld be.
and sacrifise of bestaile thre,
by whiche dedes thenne done so
hit schowet for-boght that we schuld be.
The furst remede was offryng,
That be-gunnen was ful wel
of Adames son, with-oute lesing,
that one hat Caym, that other Abel.
That be-gunnen was ful wel
of Adames son, with-oute lesing,
that one hat Caym, that other Abel.
79
Cayme that a tilmon was,
cornes offert not oright,
Abel of bestaile offring mas,
of furst-born to God almight.
cornes offert not oright,
Abel of bestaile offring mas,
of furst-born to God almight.
But Caymes offering in that place
forsaken was in Goddes sight,
for fuylet corn bifore his face
he brand, ther-fore had thay no light.
forsaken was in Goddes sight,
for fuylet corn bifore his face
he brand, ther-fore had thay no light.
Abel, that good bestes took,
had thonke of God for his doyng,
but Caynes cornes God forsok,
that of the worst made his offryng.
had thonke of God for his doyng,
but Caynes cornes God forsok,
that of the worst made his offryng.
Secundum remedium contra originale peccatum.
The secunde remede thething was,
that Abram by-gan i-wis,
As the furst boke my[n]de mas,
that is callet Genesis.
that Abram by-gan i-wis,
As the furst boke my[n]de mas,
that is callet Genesis.
When Abraham had slayne in sight
four kenges, as I wreten fynde,
and tane grete prayes thurght Goddes might,
to plese God he had grete mynde,
four kenges, as I wreten fynde,
and tane grete prayes thurght Goddes might,
to plese God he had grete mynde,
And the tethe of al his pray,
when he to Ierusalem coom aȝayne,
to keng Melchisedech that day
he offert, of whiche God was fayn.
when he to Ierusalem coom aȝayne,
to keng Melchisedech that day
he offert, of whiche God was fayn.
Reuertenti Abraham a cede quatuor regum, &c.
And keng Melchisedech also,
when he herd Abraham was comyng,
of brede and wyne deuoutely tho
the keng aȝayn made hys offring.
when he herd Abraham was comyng,
of brede and wyne deuoutely tho
the keng aȝayn made hys offring.
80
Now to expoune wel this thing,
offeringes, tethynges bothe in fere,
and to haue ful vnderstonding
how hit stondes I wol ow lere.
offeringes, tethynges bothe in fere,
and to haue ful vnderstonding
how hit stondes I wol ow lere.
ffyrste of Abraham speke wol I,
what maner he wan such pray,
and of Melchisedech wyterly,
what mon he was I wol ow say.
what maner he wan such pray,
and of Melchisedech wyterly,
what mon he was I wol ow say.
But ay I pray ow haues in mynde
the substonce of my furst mater,
ffor ther I lafte ȝe sculle me fynd,
haue I declaret this enter.
the substonce of my furst mater,
ffor ther I lafte ȝe sculle me fynd,
haue I declaret this enter.
Abraham Goddes derling was
and chosen patrearch of price,
and in God funde more grace
thenne any that tyme, for he was wyce.
and chosen patrearch of price,
and in God funde more grace
thenne any that tyme, for he was wyce.
So on a tyme hys brother sone,
Loth, was taken with straunge men.
when Habraham segh this meschef don
he gose hym thider anone right thenne,
Loth, was taken with straunge men.
when Habraham segh this meschef don
he gose hym thider anone right thenne,
And de-liueret of destresse
Loth, that so taken was,
slegh four kenges witht prowes,
And toke grete prayes thurgh Godes grace.
Loth, that so taken was,
slegh four kenges witht prowes,
And toke grete prayes thurgh Godes grace.
Thoȝt he, ‘sithen God of his godnes
has holpen me thus in this cas,
the tethe of al this gret riches
offre I wil riȝt in this plas.’
has holpen me thus in this cas,
the tethe of al this gret riches
offre I wil riȝt in this plas.’
Quen Melchisedech herd this,
that Abraham was negh comyng,
with brede & wyne to-gedir i-wys
to hym he con make his offryng.
that Abraham was negh comyng,
with brede & wyne to-gedir i-wys
to hym he con make his offryng.
81
But quat this dede may signifie,
takes hede I wil ȝou say.
As touchyng Abraham truly,
tethynges he bigan þat day,
takes hede I wil ȝou say.
As touchyng Abraham truly,
tethynges he bigan þat day,
That mich pleset God al-myȝt
And ȝet dos in ich plas,
for that God holdes as for his riȝt,
that by Abraham bigonnen was.
And ȝet dos in ich plas,
for that God holdes as for his riȝt,
that by Abraham bigonnen was.
Melchisedech dede also,
that offride to hym brede & wyn,
I wil expoun er that I go,
tas hede to þis for luf myn.
that offride to hym brede & wyn,
I wil expoun er that I go,
tas hede to þis for luf myn.
That brede & wyn so offride þer
was a pronosticacioun
And forshowyng that we shuld her
Goddes sone with deuocioun
was a pronosticacioun
And forshowyng that we shuld her
Goddes sone with deuocioun
In time comyng, dede quen he wer
ffor mon-kynde saluacioun,
In our bodies we shuld her
receyuyng brede of benisoun.
ffor mon-kynde saluacioun,
In our bodies we shuld her
receyuyng brede of benisoun.
And for hit shuld after bifalle
Goddes body made to be
of brede & wyn to saue vs alle,
therfore tho two þer offret he.
Goddes body made to be
of brede & wyn to saue vs alle,
therfore tho two þer offret he.
Thus tethes in holy chirch han ben
sithen Abraham was þat hom bigan,
And Goddis body & blode ȝe sene
of brede & wyn sithen Crist vs wan.
sithen Abraham was þat hom bigan,
And Goddis body & blode ȝe sene
of brede & wyn sithen Crist vs wan.
De origine Melchisedech regis Salem.
Now one thing teche ȝou her wol I
of quych mony ben in wer,
of quat rote & progeny
Melchisedech com ȝe shul her,
of quych mony ben in wer,
of quat rote & progeny
Melchisedech com ȝe shul her,
82
ffor text of Bible witerly
of his fadir spekys no thyng,
therfore as I fynde in story
telle I wil to old & ȝyng.
of his fadir spekys no thyng,
therfore as I fynde in story
telle I wil to old & ȝyng.
Ieronymus & Petrus in Historiis capitulo xlo.
Melchisedech, as clercus sayn,
was Seem, Noe aldest sone,
And lifd on eld, nys not to layn,
And made Ierusalem into wone.
was Seem, Noe aldest sone,
And lifd on eld, nys not to layn,
And made Ierusalem into wone.
Qven he hade made þat fair cite,
kyng of hit he callide was,
Melchisedech as kyng, leue ȝe me,
so Seem & þat nome both he has.
kyng of hit he callide was,
Melchisedech as kyng, leue ȝe me,
so Seem & þat nome both he has.
Til Abrahams time lyuet he,
As Iewes story mynde mas,
And with gret solemnite
both kyng & prest was in þat plas.
As Iewes story mynde mas,
And with gret solemnite
both kyng & prest was in þat plas.
But first quen he þat cite made,
Salem to nome he gaf hit tho,
therfore þat nome by hit he hade
kyng of Salem & callide so.
Salem to nome he gaf hit tho,
therfore þat nome by hit he hade
kyng of Salem & callide so.
After his deth then mony a ȝer
A straunge nacioun conqueride hit,
that Iebuseus callide was,
And nomet after hor awen wyt
A straunge nacioun conqueride hit,
that Iebuseus callide was,
And nomet after hor awen wyt
Jebus þai þer so wonyng,
After hom-self now nome hit has.
But sithen wan hit anoþer kyng,
so a thrid peple toke þat plas,
After hom-self now nome hit has.
But sithen wan hit anoþer kyng,
so a thrid peple toke þat plas,
And compounde a nome in fer
of two nomes hit had bifore,
And sett to-geder þes wordus wer,
Iebus & Salem vset ȝore.
of two nomes hit had bifore,
And sett to-geder þes wordus wer,
Iebus & Salem vset ȝore.
83
De Iebus & Salem compositum est nomen Ierusalem: b littera mutata in r & sic vocabatur Ierusalem.
Thay made one nome of þes two,
Ierusalem as hom thuȝt gode,
saue b. letter was putt þer-fro,
And r. sett þer-as b. stode.
Ierusalem as hom thuȝt gode,
saue b. letter was putt þer-fro,
And r. sett þer-as b. stode.
And thus was nomet that cite
Ierusalem, as clerkes sayn,
As I fynde by autorite
hor nomes, nys not forto layn,
Ierusalem, as clerkes sayn,
As I fynde by autorite
hor nomes, nys not forto layn,
Ierom & Isodre also
And Petre in þe stories als,
hor witnessyng & oþer mo
I may not leue myȝt wel be fals.
And Petre in þe stories als,
hor witnessyng & oþer mo
I may not leue myȝt wel be fals.
De prerogatiua primogeniture quam Melchisedech habuit ex consuetudine & Iacob ex supplantatione. Isidorus.
One thyng is gode now to knowe,
As Isidre beris gode witnes,
one special thyng that I shal showe
And declar ow now expresse.
As Isidre beris gode witnes,
one special thyng that I shal showe
And declar ow now expresse.
Melchisedech, as I saide her,
Noe aldest sone was,
And after kyng & prest in fer,
As þe Bible mynde mas.
Noe aldest sone was,
And after kyng & prest in fer,
As þe Bible mynde mas.
But ȝe shul vnderstond wel thys,
that kyng to nome þen caȝt he,
for he bult þat toun i-wys
And foundore was of that cite.
that kyng to nome þen caȝt he,
for he bult þat toun i-wys
And foundore was of that cite.
But qvy he prestes office ber
I shal declar apertly,
the quych may do ow gode to her
And ȝe conceyue hit hertfully.
I shal declar apertly,
the quych may do ow gode to her
And ȝe conceyue hit hertfully.
84
That time quat sone that aldest wer
this prerogatif þen hade he
At offrynges & gederynges in fer,
that sone hade þis gret dignite,
this prerogatif þen hade he
At offrynges & gederynges in fer,
that sone hade þis gret dignite,
To blesse þe peple ful power,
And to hym then shuld falle of fe
ffirst offryng, wer it neuer so der,
by vertu of þat ilke degre.
And to hym then shuld falle of fe
ffirst offryng, wer it neuer so der,
by vertu of þat ilke degre.
And for Melchisedech aldest was
of Noe sones, leue ȝe me,
presthode he occupiet in þat plas,
And that was gret autorite,
of Noe sones, leue ȝe me,
presthode he occupiet in þat plas,
And that was gret autorite,
And that prerogatif clercus sayn
was hit that Esau sold as nys
to Iacob his brother to be bayn
for pulment of ful littel prys.
was hit that Esau sold as nys
to Iacob his brother to be bayn
for pulment of ful littel prys.
Of þis mater qvo-so wil se
the text expresly how it ys,
this ilke chapitre loke wel he
of þe first boke Genesis,
the text expresly how it ys,
this ilke chapitre loke wel he
of þe first boke Genesis,
And ther þis mater he shal fynde,
how þe ȝonger broþer tho
bigilet þe alder & aire of kynde
of heritage & benisoun both two.
how þe ȝonger broþer tho
bigilet þe alder & aire of kynde
of heritage & benisoun both two.
Tercium remedium contra originale peccatum fuit sacrificii immolacio.
The thrid remedy ordeynt was
aȝeynus our forme-fader syn,
was sacrifice to gete vs gras
of bestaile, as I shal ou myn,
aȝeynus our forme-fader syn,
was sacrifice to gete vs gras
of bestaile, as I shal ou myn,
As Noe did after þe flode
to plese God withe, as rede we,
& Abraham als that was so gode,
to God obedient thai wold be,
to plese God withe, as rede we,
& Abraham als that was so gode,
to God obedient thai wold be,
85
& his son, that he loued most,
At Goddes byddyng wold haf slayn,
Agaynus him he wold not bost,
bot at his biddyng ay be bayn.
At Goddes byddyng wold haf slayn,
Agaynus him he wold not bost,
bot at his biddyng ay be bayn.
therfore God heghut him, leue ȝe me,
that of this sed shuld cum a floure,
thurgh which all men shuld blesset be,
Ihesu Crist our sauioure.
that of this sed shuld cum a floure,
thurgh which all men shuld blesset be,
Ihesu Crist our sauioure.
Genesis: Ex te namque egredietur in quo omnes gentes benedicentur. Quartum remedium contra originale peccatum fuit circumcisio.
Bot for thes remedes all thre
were noȝt accept to God all-myȝt
saue only of Iues and hor lyne,
therfore the furth by scyll & ryȝt
were noȝt accept to God all-myȝt
saue only of Iues and hor lyne,
therfore the furth by scyll & ryȝt
God ordenet for to serue wele all
of ich cuntre a nacioun
that to Goddes lagh wold fall,
& that was circumcisioun.
of ich cuntre a nacioun
that to Goddes lagh wold fall,
& that was circumcisioun.
For what nacioun sere hit were
other than Iues, that sacrement
stod hom in stid and mad hom dere
to God, who-sere that merk wold hent.
other than Iues, that sacrement
stod hom in stid and mad hom dere
to God, who-sere that merk wold hent.
Quintum remedium fuit baptismus.
Bot ȝet for circumcisioun
seruet not bot only to man,
God mad the fyft bute be resoun
to serue both man and eke woman,
seruet not bot only to man,
God mad the fyft bute be resoun
to serue both man and eke woman,
And that was fullogth after last,
thurȝe quych we shyn com all to blys,
ȝif we our lif to God wil cast
And do his biddyng not amys.
thurȝe quych we shyn com all to blys,
ȝif we our lif to God wil cast
And do his biddyng not amys.
86
And alle þes waies of remedy
to bete our first fader syn,
Crist assaiet bodily
er he out of this world wold twyn.
to bete our first fader syn,
Crist assaiet bodily
er he out of this world wold twyn.
Nota quod primum remedium Christus assumpsisse videtur, quando in templo est presentatus.
The first remedy was offryng,
As I declaret her bifore,
In hym Crist toke þis, bout lesyng,
As this day to saue our sore,
As I declaret her bifore,
In hym Crist toke þis, bout lesyng,
As this day to saue our sore,
Quen he was offrid þe temple to,
that representid by gode ryght
by offryng hym-self so to do
that he his fader plese myȝt.
that representid by gode ryght
by offryng hym-self so to do
that he his fader plese myȝt.
Secundum quum xl diebus ieiunauit; soluit decimas dierum, quia non habebat, vnde solueret decimas rerum.
The secunde remedy also
In hym he toke, as mon may se,
quen he ȝaf teth deuoutly tho
to his fadir in maieste
In hym he toke, as mon may se,
quen he ȝaf teth deuoutly tho
to his fadir in maieste
Of his flesch & blode both two,
quen þat he fast, as rede we,
ffourty daies with-out mo,
verray teth þen offride he.
quen þat he fast, as rede we,
ffourty daies with-out mo,
verray teth þen offride he.
ffor he hade no wordly thyng
to teth to his fadir der,
he tethide days with fastyng
And so gaf teth for al þe ȝer.
to teth to his fadir der,
he tethide days with fastyng
And so gaf teth for al þe ȝer.
Tercium remedium in se assumpsit. scilicet sacrificorum immolaciones quando par turturum aut duos pullos columbarum optulit.
The thrid remedy showide he
to plese his fadir most of myȝt,
quen that Mary with hert fre
sacrifise as this day diȝt
to plese his fadir most of myȝt,
quen that Mary with hert fre
sacrifise as this day diȝt
87
A turtur bridde or pigones two,
as thenne was vset law-fully,
ffulfille he wold alle fulle tho
that bote wit his awne body.
as thenne was vset law-fully,
ffulfille he wold alle fulle tho
that bote wit his awne body.
The feurthe remedy þat he soght
was whenne he circumciset was,
ffor he wold fayne mon-kynde wer broght
by right in-to hor furthe place.
was whenne he circumciset was,
ffor he wold fayne mon-kynde wer broght
by right in-to hor furthe place.
Quintum remedium quando a Iohanne baptisma suscepit.
the fift remedy was þis,
When he toke fullogh of sayn Iohan,
and meket hym so nothing amysse
ensaumpel to ȝiue vs euerichone.
When he toke fullogh of sayn Iohan,
and meket hym so nothing amysse
ensaumpel to ȝiue vs euerichone.
What myght God do for vs more
thenne to fulfille alle rightwisnysse
and wit hit for to salue our sore,
to bring vs owte of grete distresse?
thenne to fulfille alle rightwisnysse
and wit hit for to salue our sore,
to bring vs owte of grete distresse?
Secundo Christus voluit se subdere legi vt legem adimpleret secundum quod dicit: Non veni legem soluere, set adimplere.
The secounde [cause] wherfore þat he
wold meke hym fully to the lawe
was þis, þat ȝe schun sone see
afture his awne word and sawe,
wold meke hym fully to the lawe
was þis, þat ȝe schun sone see
afture his awne word and sawe,
God says he come not to vnbynd
Moyses lawe in no manere,
bot to fulfille hit, as I finde,
In alle thing wit ful powere.
Moyses lawe in no manere,
bot to fulfille hit, as I finde,
In alle thing wit ful powere.
for yf þat he hade bien aboute
that tyme hor law for to destruye,
thay mighten þo better haue byn stout
Hym to haue greuet and to nye,
that tyme hor law for to destruye,
thay mighten þo better haue byn stout
Hym to haue greuet and to nye,
88
and excuset hom as be right,
‘and oure lawe he kepes noght’,
therfore his tokenne haue sette at light,
Ayaynes hit ȝyf he hade wroght.
‘and oure lawe he kepes noght’,
therfore his tokenne haue sette at light,
Ayaynes hit ȝyf he hade wroght.
therfore he wold in alle thing
fulfulle hit and þerto be boun,
þat he might dampne wel hor doyng,
and þay bowte excusacioun.
fulfulle hit and þerto be boun,
þat he might dampne wel hor doyng,
and þay bowte excusacioun.
Tercio Christus voluit se subdere legi vt purificacionis tipice terminaret.
The thridde cause may wele be this,
that he wold bow hym mekely
to Moyses lawe no thing amysse,
As I schal saye apertyly.
that he wold bow hym mekely
to Moyses lawe no thing amysse,
As I schal saye apertyly.
for he thoght for to make an ende
of purificacioun vset so,
to lyknesse therfore he wold bende
To bothe, þat come betwen hom two.
of purificacioun vset so,
to lyknesse therfore he wold bende
To bothe, þat come betwen hom two.
for be-twene two lawes i-wysse
Crist come bothe to fulfulle,
the alder to do, no thing amysse,
The new to norische was his wille.
Crist come bothe to fulfulle,
the alder to do, no thing amysse,
The new to norische was his wille.
but this vsage, leue ȝe me,
of purificacioun
most nedeling thenne endet be,
as I schal preue ow by resoun.
of purificacioun
most nedeling thenne endet be,
as I schal preue ow by resoun.
for as thesternesse goes awaye
whenne þat light be-gynnes to spring,
so thing in likenesse done þat day
when þat Crist come made an endyng.
whenne þat light be-gynnes to spring,
so thing in likenesse done þat day
when þat Crist come made an endyng.
89
ffor purificacioun fulle werray
come when Crist light in oure kynde,
thenne figuratif most passe awaye
and skilfully be putte behynde.
come when Crist light in oure kynde,
thenne figuratif most passe awaye
and skilfully be putte behynde.
ffor he purifiet vs on right
wit werray fait at his comyng,
and heuy hertes made hom light
that long hauden bien in mislikyng.
wit werray fait at his comyng,
and heuy hertes made hom light
that long hauden bien in mislikyng.
Bene dicitur in Actibus Apostolorum: Fide purificans co[r]da eorum.
Thre offringes wel I fynde
for Crist and of hym made þer wer,
as I schal whil byn in mynde,
Apertely nowe reherce home her.
for Crist and of hym made þer wer,
as I schal whil byn in mynde,
Apertely nowe reherce home her.
Prima oblacio de ipso a parentibus.
the fursthe was of hym-selfe iwysse
when he was offert tempul to,
that signe of alle mekenesse ys,
Ensaumpel vs so for to do.
when he was offert tempul to,
that signe of alle mekenesse ys,
Ensaumpel vs so for to do.
Syn he þat lorde was of þo lawe,
wold bowe hym so mekele hit to fulfille,
me thinke a mon schulde haue ful grete awe
other to worch þen was his wille.
wold bowe hym so mekele hit to fulfille,
me thinke a mon schulde haue ful grete awe
other to worch þen was his wille.
Secunda pro ipso de auibus.
the secounde offring for him was
of his frindes the tempel to,
of briddes, as book mynd mas,
as Moyses lawe wold þay schuld do.
of his frindes the tempel to,
of briddes, as book mynd mas,
as Moyses lawe wold þay schuld do.
Þat tokenet pouert witerly,
for pore offring þer chese he
and laft lomber, as reide I,
þat riche men vset of grete degre.
for pore offring þer chese he
and laft lomber, as reide I,
þat riche men vset of grete degre.
90
Terciam fecit ipse in cruce pro omnibus.
the thridde offring was his body,
when he deghet on rode tre
for to bring vs of al nye
and make tho þat wer thralles fre.
when he deghet on rode tre
for to bring vs of al nye
and make tho þat wer thralles fre.
and in that offringe trwly
schowde was verray charite
and sayde loue al-so sicurly,
more might he not do for þe.
schowde was verray charite
and sayde loue al-so sicurly,
more might he not do for þe.
Dicitur secundo hoc festum ypopanty, quod idem est, quam presentacio vel obuiacio, ab ypon, quod est ire, & panty, quod est contra, quia Symeon & Anna obuiauerunt domino.
The secounde name this fest has,
as I speke at byghinnyng,
presentacio callet was,
or elles ayain-comyng.
as I speke at byghinnyng,
presentacio callet was,
or elles ayain-comyng.
Presentacioun skilfully
hit may [be] namet, sithen he,
to þe temple solempnely
was offret this day, leue ȝe me.
hit may [be] namet, sithen he,
to þe temple solempnely
was offret this day, leue ȝe me.
Agayn-comyng I may al-so
Calle þis fest be gode resoun,
for Simeon and Anne bothe two
Agaynes him maden processioun,
Calle þis fest be gode resoun,
for Simeon and Anne bothe two
Agaynes him maden processioun,
Tunc accepit eum Simeon in vlnas suas.
thenne, as the gospel mas mynd,Symeon þat old mon
bytwhen hondes, as I finde,
toke Ihesu þat he leuet on.
91
Notandum quod triplex obumbracio siue exinanicio de saluatore nostro facta est.
Thre maner of disparaging
I fynde that Ihesu had this day
to the temple so comyng,
As I schal ful sone say.
I fynde that Ihesu had this day
to the temple so comyng,
As I schal ful sone say.
Prima exinanicio veritatis.
The furst sithen that heuen keng,
in whom that al sothenesse was
and al maner of gode thing
lif and deth, greuaunce and grace,
in whom that al sothenesse was
and al maner of gode thing
lif and deth, greuaunce and grace,
Wold suffer of other hym so to bring
with processioun to þat place,
A wonder gret disparagyng.
to his sothnes me think it was.
with processioun to þat place,
A wonder gret disparagyng.
to his sothnes me think it was.
Secunda exinanicio bonitatis.
Secunde disparagyng was this,
when he disparagide his bounte,
that was God & kyng of blys,
clanner þen he may nothing be,
when he disparagide his bounte,
that was God & kyng of blys,
clanner þen he may nothing be,
Wold purifiet be, þer no nede wer,
As he hade ben a synful mon,
I merueil mich in my maner
quen I thenk þer-opon.
As he hade ben a synful mon,
I merueil mich in my maner
quen I thenk þer-opon.
Tercia inanicio maiestatis.
The thrid disparagyng, leue ȝe me,
that Crist hade may wel be this,
disparagyng of his maieste,
saue luf of mon, gret merueil is.
that Crist hade may wel be this,
disparagyng of his maieste,
saue luf of mon, gret merueil is.
92
ffor he that maistride alle thing
And with his worde this world has wroȝt,
suffride of hym to make offryng
And rulet alle þat hym thider broȝt.
And with his worde this world has wroȝt,
suffride of hym to make offryng
And rulet alle þat hym thider broȝt.
And that old mon þat hym ber
he rulide, as saide þe euangely,
Al this for mon so mekely her
Crist tholet to bryng vs of any.
he rulide, as saide þe euangely,
Al this for mon so mekely her
Crist tholet to bryng vs of any.
Senex puerum portabat, puer autem senem regebat.
then blesside Simeon swete Ihesu
And heride hym with his canticuler,
for by þe holi gost he knewe
that hit was Crist that he so ber.
And heride hym with his canticuler,
for by þe holi gost he knewe
that hit was Crist that he so ber.
And in this song, nyl I not concele,
he specifiet her nomes thre,
hele, liȝt, ioy of Israele,
And skil qvy now ȝe shun se.
he specifiet her nomes thre,
hele, liȝt, ioy of Israele,
And skil qvy now ȝe shun se.
Salutare, lumen & gloriam plebis tue Israel.
Hele he calde hym skilfully,
forto hele vs doun come he,
And also forto iustifie
wrong don to mon, leue ȝe me.
forto hele vs doun come he,
And also forto iustifie
wrong don to mon, leue ȝe me.
And also Ihesu callide is
hele in our vnderstondyng,
for he sauet his folk Iwys
of syn in quich þai wer lengyng.
hele in our vnderstondyng,
for he sauet his folk Iwys
of syn in quich þai wer lengyng.
Liȝt also wel cald he was,
ffor men that wer in thesternes
he liȝtnyde quen he did vs gras,
And that wist Simeon expres.
ffor men that wer in thesternes
he liȝtnyde quen he did vs gras,
And that wist Simeon expres.
93
Ioy of Israel eke also
he may be callide skilfully,
for til he come þer wer in wo
Adam & alle his progeny,
he may be callide skilfully,
for til he come þer wer in wo
Adam & alle his progeny,
Narracio bona sicut in quadam epistolam inueni.
Now her er that I firre pas
In this mater meuet her,
A tale that I seȝe writen was
showe I wil in gode maner.
In this mater meuet her,
A tale that I seȝe writen was
showe I wil in gode maner.
Ecce virgo concipiet & pariet filium.
‘Se’, saide þe prophet Isaye,
‘A virgyn shal conceyue i-wys
A sone & ber hym wemlesly
forto bryng monkynde to blis.’
‘A virgyn shal conceyue i-wys
A sone & ber hym wemlesly
forto bryng monkynde to blis.’
When Simeon segh þis ilk thing,
Merueilet wonderly he was,
And hopide hit hade ben fals wrytyng
that he segh þer in þat plas,
Merueilet wonderly he was,
And hopide hit hade ben fals wrytyng
that he segh þer in þat plas,
ffor impossible hym thuȝt it wer
A may conceyue by any way,
And saide, ‘he that wrot this her
wrot fals, a waiour dar I lay.’
A may conceyue by any way,
And saide, ‘he that wrot this her
wrot fals, a waiour dar I lay.’
And toke his knyf & scrapet fast
And this word ‘virgyn’ writen þer,
And þer-as ‘virgyn’ writen was last,
made ‘a gode wommon’ a child to ber.
And this word ‘virgyn’ writen þer,
And þer-as ‘virgyn’ writen was last,
made ‘a gode wommon’ a child to ber.
94
Deleuit hoc verbum virgo & scripsit bona mulier.
Qven he hade chaungide þis word so,
his boke from hym he lays adoun,
And thogth that he hade wel don tho
And made a gode correcioun.
his boke from hym he lays adoun,
And thogth that he hade wel don tho
And made a gode correcioun.
Anoþer day quen hym list se
holi writ & prophecy,
eft his boke then turnes he
to þo wordes of Isaie,
holi writ & prophecy,
eft his boke then turnes he
to þo wordes of Isaie,
And þer-as he hade scrapet away
this word ‘virgyn’ the day bifore,
he fonde hit writen aȝayn verray,
so fair letters saȝe he not ȝore.
this word ‘virgyn’ the day bifore,
he fonde hit writen aȝayn verray,
so fair letters saȝe he not ȝore.
When Simeon segh þat writyng,
wonder he hade gret witerly,
for that boke was in his kepyng,
non oþer mon myȝt com þer-by.
wonder he hade gret witerly,
for that boke was in his kepyng,
non oþer mon myȝt com þer-by.
And als þat worde so writen was
that so fair letter he neuer segh,
vnlike to þat he writen has,
for he nas neuer writer so slegh,
that so fair letter he neuer segh,
vnlike to þat he writen has,
for he nas neuer writer so slegh,
But ȝet he þoȝt he wold assay
qveþer þat wer thurȝe God almyȝt,
And eft þat word he scrapis away,
‘virgyn’, writen þer oright,
qveþer þat wer thurȝe God almyȝt,
And eft þat word he scrapis away,
‘virgyn’, writen þer oright,
And þer-as ‘virgyn’ stode bifore,
he wrote ‘gode wommon’ in that plas,
And hud his boke fro las & more
vnder lok for any cas.
he wrote ‘gode wommon’ in that plas,
And hud his boke fro las & more
vnder lok for any cas.
But sone opon þat oþer day
his boke he openet forto se,
And fonde ‘gode wommon’ clene away
And ‘virgyn’ writen, as er segh he,
his boke he openet forto se,
And fonde ‘gode wommon’ clene away
And ‘virgyn’ writen, as er segh he,
95
With golden letter so curiosly
that impossible i-wys it wer
to any mon that wer wordly
to write sich letter as was ther.
that impossible i-wys it wer
to any mon that wer wordly
to write sich letter as was ther.
Qven Simeon seȝe þat it was so,
then leuet he þat fullily
ther hade þe holy gost ben tho
And visitide hym ful graciously,
then leuet he þat fullily
ther hade þe holy gost ben tho
And visitide hym ful graciously,
And praiet God with hert fre
he shuld neuer deȝe ne thethen go
that maidens child til he myȝt se
And eke hondul hym both two.
he shuld neuer deȝe ne thethen go
that maidens child til he myȝt se
And eke hondul hym both two.
Tunc responsum Accepit Simeon a spiritu sancto, non visurum se mortem nisi videret Christum Domini.
Then hade Simeon an vnswar
of þe Holi Gost in hiȝt
that for dethe schulde he not car
tille he hauede sene þat suete wight,
of þe Holi Gost in hiȝt
that for dethe schulde he not car
tille he hauede sene þat suete wight,
that of a virgin born schulde be,
the which child was God almight,
and to the tempul so come he,
as þe Holy Gost behight,
the which child was God almight,
and to the tempul so come he,
as þe Holy Gost behight,
And as ys in the euangelei
that he come the tempel to
in gost, as hit says opunlye,
his office mekely for to do.
that he come the tempel to
in gost, as hit says opunlye,
his office mekely for to do.
Dicitur in tercio hoc festum Candelaria eo quod Candele in manibus portantur accense.
The thridde name þat [þ]is fest has,
most commune of all thre hit his,
as lewde men callen hit condelmasse,
ffaure causes whi I finde i-wisse.
most commune of all thre hit his,
as lewde men callen hit condelmasse,
ffaure causes whi I finde i-wisse.
96
the furst is þis, as I schal saye,
for summe tyme errours vset wer
and forto putte hom klene awaye
that was vset, as ȝe schun her.
for summe tyme errours vset wer
and forto putte hom klene awaye
that was vset, as ȝe schun her.
Romaynes sumtyme in riche araye
in the mone of ffebruer
vseden a light in gode faye
Ones in A fyue ȝere
in the mone of ffebruer
vseden a light in gode faye
Ones in A fyue ȝere
In worship of a god i-wisse
was callet Mars, god of batail,
And of his moder alle amys,
s[u]pposing thai might hom auail.
was callet Mars, god of batail,
And of his moder alle amys,
s[u]pposing thai might hom auail.
that Mars moder Febru hyght,
and aftur hir þat mone callet was
Februer, ther-fore wit light
in that mone Rome mynd mas.
and aftur hir þat mone callet was
Februer, ther-fore wit light
in that mone Rome mynd mas.
Thenne was þat light so wu[n]der bright
of torches, laumpes, leue ȝe me,
that men might go wele be night
in vche place of þat citee.
of torches, laumpes, leue ȝe me,
that men might go wele be night
in vche place of þat citee.
Then maden þay to hir or praiere
for to send hom þe victoree
of enmeus þat come hom nere
for to do hom any nye,
for to send hom þe victoree
of enmeus þat come hom nere
for to do hom any nye,
Also thay praieden þat godesse
for hor frindes saules alle,
and sacrefise mayden wit mekenesse
to hir, hom thoght þat best wold falle.
for hor frindes saules alle,
and sacrefise mayden wit mekenesse
to hir, hom thoght þat best wold falle.
An-other errour thai vset also,
and wymmen most, as reden we,
for one womon was raft hom fro,
heght Proserpyn of grete degre,
and wymmen most, as reden we,
for one womon was raft hom fro,
heght Proserpyn of grete degre,
97
With suche a god, as leuet thay,
that god of helle callet wasse,
then soghten thay hir be night & day
with torches, laumpes in mony place.
that god of helle callet wasse,
then soghten thay hir be night & day
with torches, laumpes in mony place.
So long suche errours vset were
that leue that custome wold thai nogh[t],
but vseden hit so mony a yere,
for hit seruet hom as þay thoght.
that leue that custome wold thai nogh[t],
but vseden hit so mony a yere,
for hit seruet hom as þay thoght.
Now segh Sergius the pope þis,
that hard hit was to make hom leue
thing that thay had vset amys,
with summe slegh[t]e that he thoght to reue,
that hard hit was to make hom leue
thing that thay had vset amys,
with summe slegh[t]e that he thoght to reue,
And chaunget hit in anou [þ]er maner,
in worschepe of oure der lady
condeles one day in Februer
for to be borne solempnele,
in worschepe of oure der lady
condeles one day in Februer
for to be borne solempnele,
Opon the purificatioun day,
so that hor custum myȝt be stille,
but hor entencioun more verray,
and ȝette fulfulle hom al hor wille.
so that hor custum myȝt be stille,
but hor entencioun more verray,
and ȝette fulfulle hom al hor wille.
Secundo propter ostendendam virginis puritatem.
The secund cause, soth to say,
whi holy chirch ordenyt has
to ber thiis serges as this day
was this, I schal say in this place,
whi holy chirch ordenyt has
to ber thiis serges as this day
was this, I schal say in this place,
fforto schew the grete clennes
of Godde moder meke Mary,
as I schal tel ȝow here expresse
verray cause wherfore and whi.
of Godde moder meke Mary,
as I schal tel ȝow here expresse
verray cause wherfore and whi.
fforto schowe that clene was ho,
neuer none so clene ny so schynyng,
ther-fore the pope segh hit to do
serges to bere at hir rising,
neuer none so clene ny so schynyng,
ther-fore the pope segh hit to do
serges to bere at hir rising,
98
Right as Holy Chirche wold say,
alle men at ones in meke maner,
to our lady with hert verray
these wordes writen in Latyn her:
alle men at ones in meke maner,
to our lady with hert verray
these wordes writen in Latyn her:
Virgo beata purificatione non indiges set tota rutilas tota splendes.
‘Blesset virgin, moder and may,
the nedes no purification,
but al thow schynes soth to say,
in the nys no coruptioun.’
the nedes no purification,
but al thow schynes soth to say,
in the nys no coruptioun.’
And vche mon knowes this soth ys,
that purificacioun nedet hir none,
for bout sede of mon i-wys
ho bare Crist, ȝe witten vchone.
that purificacioun nedet hir none,
for bout sede of mon i-wys
ho bare Crist, ȝe witten vchone.
And ho hir-self als blesset was,
hir moder womb when ho was in,
ther-fore hir nedit no more ne lasse
purificacion for no synne.
hir moder womb when ho was in,
ther-fore hir nedit no more ne lasse
purificacion for no synne.
Als blessed ho was by right
and halowet eke, neuer none so,
when Goddes gost in hir was light
to wynne vs wele and wayue our wo.
and halowet eke, neuer none so,
when Goddes gost in hir was light
to wynne vs wele and wayue our wo.
And ther-of ho hade such grace
that to synne was ho [neuer] bowyng,
ny neuer mon on hir temptet was,
ȝette was neuer none so fayre lyuyng.
that to synne was ho [neuer] bowyng,
ny neuer mon on hir temptet was,
ȝette was neuer none so fayre lyuyng.
Ther-fore alle Iewes affermen this
and wondren þat hyt so myght be,
that fairest floure ho was i-wys
that any mon in world might se,
and wondren þat hyt so myght be,
that fairest floure ho was i-wys
that any mon in world might se,
Ȝette had neuer mon fleshely sturyng
to hir by spech ny by syght,
but thagh mon temptet wer any thing
Byfore, and loke on hir he myȝt,
to hir by spech ny by syght,
but thagh mon temptet wer any thing
Byfore, and loke on hir he myȝt,
99
All maner wrang temptacioun
anon in hym shuld slekenet be,
& wille haue with deuocioun
to continence & chastite.
anon in hym shuld slekenet be,
& wille haue with deuocioun
to continence & chastite.
therfore oure lade lykenet is
to the cedre in gode faye,
that nedders slees by kynde iwys
with sauour of hit soth to say.
to the cedre in gode faye,
that nedders slees by kynde iwys
with sauour of hit soth to say.
So hir grete holy lyuyng
to [ot]hir sauourt in the sight
that al vnskylful fleschly sturyng
ho slogh in hom thurgh Goddis myȝt.
to [ot]hir sauourt in the sight
that al vnskylful fleschly sturyng
ho slogh in hom thurgh Goddis myȝt.
To myrre lyknet ho is eke,
for myrre slees wormes kyndly,
so slees þat moder & maiden meke
Al maner wormus of lecchery,
for myrre slees wormes kyndly,
so slees þat moder & maiden meke
Al maner wormus of lecchery,
And this prerogatif hade ho
Imong alle virgyns þat euer wer,
to oþer hor holynes wold noȝt do,
but serue hom-selfe in gode maner,
Imong alle virgyns þat euer wer,
to oþer hor holynes wold noȝt do,
but serue hom-selfe in gode maner,
But hir holynes was so grette
that alle men þat hir myȝt se
to chastite haden hor hert sette
with lokyng on þat lady fre.
that alle men þat hir myȝt se
to chastite haden hor hert sette
with lokyng on þat lady fre.
Tercio propter representandam hodiernam processionem.
The thrid cause is, in gode fay,
to represent in gode maner
processioun that was made þis day
Aȝayn Crist, as ȝe shyn her.
to represent in gode maner
processioun that was made þis day
Aȝayn Crist, as ȝe shyn her.
ffor his moder hym thider broȝt,
Symeon & Anne come hom aȝayne
And presentide hym that al has wroȝt
In temple to quich he was bayn.
Symeon & Anne come hom aȝayne
And presentide hym that al has wroȝt
In temple to quich he was bayn.
100
So make we now processioun
with serges liȝt deuoutly,
to quych serge by gode resoun
likken I may Ihesu skilfully.
with serges liȝt deuoutly,
to quych serge by gode resoun
likken I may Ihesu skilfully.
ffor in a serge thre thingys bene,
wax & weke & fuyr also,
to quych thre, with-outen wene,
Crist liknet is to alle tho.
wax & weke & fuyr also,
to quych thre, with-outen wene,
Crist liknet is to alle tho.
ffor wax is Cristes flesch & blode,
that taken was of a clene may,
bout corrupcioun & alle gode,
bout wem of syn, als soth to say.
that taken was of a clene may,
bout corrupcioun & alle gode,
bout wem of syn, als soth to say.
ffor riȝt as bees of herbes clene
worchyng wax bout engendryng,
so broȝt Mary forth, as I mene,
Ihesu Crist our heuen kyng.
worchyng wax bout engendryng,
so broȝt Mary forth, as I mene,
Ihesu Crist our heuen kyng.
The weke, þat in þe wax hid is,
to Cristes saule may liknet be
In flesch & blode hid wel i-wys,
that God toke of a maiden fre.
to Cristes saule may liknet be
In flesch & blode hid wel i-wys,
that God toke of a maiden fre.
The fuyr also or ellis liȝt
tokenys godhede bout lesyng,
for, as þe boke sais, God almyȝt
is a fuyr al swolowyng.
tokenys godhede bout lesyng,
for, as þe boke sais, God almyȝt
is a fuyr al swolowyng.
Quidam metricus de cereo sic ait:
Hanc in honore pie candelam porto Marie,
Accipe per ceram carnem de virgine veram.
Per lumen numen maiestatisque cacumen.
Hanc in honore pie candelam porto Marie,
Accipe per ceram carnem de virgine veram.
Per lumen numen maiestatisque cacumen.
Quarto propter nostram instruccionem candele accense in manibus isto die portantur.
The furth cause is couenable
qvy we condels ber this day,
that is to wit to make vs able
to þat lif þat lastes ay,
qvy we condels ber this day,
that is to wit to make vs able
to þat lif þat lastes ay,
101
And also more stif & stable
And noȝt faynt in Goddes fay,
And tokenyng fulle with-outen fable
of serges beryng I wil now say.
And noȝt faynt in Goddes fay,
And tokenyng fulle with-outen fable
of serges beryng I wil now say.
Thre thinges we most kepe oryght
in vs for saule saluacioun,
fulle faith, & to gode vs diȝt,
the thrid riȝtwis entencioun.
in vs for saule saluacioun,
fulle faith, & to gode vs diȝt,
the thrid riȝtwis entencioun.
And thes vertues wel I fynde
In the condel qven it is liȝt,
for wax is clene & fair of kynde,
And liȝt may token God al-myȝt,
In the condel qven it is liȝt,
for wax is clene & fair of kynde,
And liȝt may token God al-myȝt,
And quen tho two to-geder bene,
wax & fuyr as I nowe say,
verray faith, as wel is sene,
And gode dede wel mete may.
wax & fuyr as I nowe say,
verray faith, as wel is sene,
And gode dede wel mete may.
ffor as a candel þat fu[yr]les es
Is dede & no comfort þer-in,
And liȝt bout candel is non i-wys,
so faren þes vertues forto twyn,
Is dede & no comfort þer-in,
And liȝt bout candel is non i-wys,
so faren þes vertues forto twyn,
ffaith verray from worthy dede
or worthy dede from faith verray
twynnet, ben noȝt to help at nede,
but both to-gedir wel serue þai may.
or worthy dede from faith verray
twynnet, ben noȝt to help at nede,
but both to-gedir wel serue þai may.
The weke, þat in þe condel is,
riȝtwys entencioun may wel be,
for monnus thoȝt as weke i-wys
Is hud þat hit may no mon se.
riȝtwys entencioun may wel be,
for monnus thoȝt as weke i-wys
Is hud þat hit may no mon se.
For thus techis sayn Gregory,
our open dedes forth to shawe,
that the entencioun priuely
be hyd þat hit no mon may knawe.
our open dedes forth to shawe,
that the entencioun priuely
be hyd þat hit no mon may knawe.
102
Sic sit opus in publico, vt tamen intencio maneat in occulto. Gregorius.
Thus verray faith, gode dede also,
And eke riȝtwys entencioun
to serge moun be liknet so
for monnus edificacioun.
And eke riȝtwys entencioun
to serge moun be liknet so
for monnus edificacioun.
ther ȝif we wil clene be
bifore God at our last day
we most haue þes vertues thre,
that I to serge wel likken may.
bifore God at our last day
we most haue þes vertues thre,
that I to serge wel likken may.
Miraculum beate Marie.
Now a miracle of Mary
that bifel riȝt as þis day
I wil telle apertely,
herkenes to me I ȝou pray.
that bifel riȝt as þis day
I wil telle apertely,
herkenes to me I ȝou pray.
A worthi woman ones wasse
that hade ful grete deuocioun
to owre lady ful of grace,
and aye to worship hir was boun.
that hade ful grete deuocioun
to owre lady ful of grace,
and aye to worship hir was boun.
So bult ho beside hir place
A chapel of ful grete renoun,
And vche day a masse ho has
for any ocupacioun.
A chapel of ful grete renoun,
And vche day a masse ho has
for any ocupacioun.
Of oure lady þat mas schuld be,
for hir wold ho no waye forȝete,
and spend much gode in charite
ffor hir loue, of þat ho might gete.
for hir wold ho no waye forȝete,
and spend much gode in charite
ffor hir loue, of þat ho might gete.
So neght þis fest [of] condelmasse,
hir prest had ȝeten him leue to go
on serten nedes what-seuer hit was,
that to þat fest come he not tho.
hir prest had ȝeten him leue to go
on serten nedes what-seuer hit was,
that to þat fest come he not tho.
103
So boute masse nede most ho be
suche meschef shope as þat day,
for this maner, leue ȝe me,
this woman hade þat I schal saye.
suche meschef shope as þat day,
for this maner, leue ȝe me,
this woman hade þat I schal saye.
Who-seuer wold aske hir any gode
for the loue of our lady,
ȝiuen hit was wit mild mode,
what were in hond anone in hye.
for the loue of our lady,
ȝiuen hit was wit mild mode,
what were in hond anone in hye.
so hade ho ȝiuen a littel before
hir mantel for our lady sake,
And wold haue ȝiuen mich more
for hir to alle þat euer wold take.
hir mantel for our lady sake,
And wold haue ȝiuen mich more
for hir to alle þat euer wold take.
So sithen that ho was mantilles,
to þe chirch miȝt ho not pas,
qverfore ho was in gret tristes
that ho that day was bout a mas.
to þe chirch miȝt ho not pas,
qverfore ho was in gret tristes
that ho that day was bout a mas.
Qven ho segh no bote wold be
In-to hir chapel sone ho went,
And bifore our lady fre
ho kneles doun with gode entent.
In-to hir chapel sone ho went,
And bifore our lady fre
ho kneles doun with gode entent.
And sone as sho lay þer prayng,
ho fel on slepe & mette onon
that ho was in a chirche knelyng,
the fairest ho euer segh any one,
ho fel on slepe & mette onon
that ho was in a chirche knelyng,
the fairest ho euer segh any one,
And loket about in ich plas,
then segh ho virgyns in comyng,
gret novmber of hom hir thuȝt þer was,
that ho hade neuer so gret likyng.
then segh ho virgyns in comyng,
gret novmber of hom hir thuȝt þer was,
that ho hade neuer so gret likyng.
Bifore hom, as boke mynde mas,
A qvene þer come with croun shynyng,
to þe qver an esy pas
ho gos, þe remenaunt hir suyng.
A qvene þer come with croun shynyng,
to þe qver an esy pas
ho gos, þe remenaunt hir suyng.
104
Quen þe qvene had sett hir doun
And ichon after hor degre,
comus one in with burthen boun
of serges wonder gret plente,
And ichon after hor degre,
comus one in with burthen boun
of serges wonder gret plente,
And takes þe qvene a serge in hie,
And after alle þat wer þer-in.
quen þai wer seruet by & by
opon þe matroun ho con myn,
And after alle þat wer þer-in.
quen þai wer seruet by & by
opon þe matroun ho con myn,
And takes hir a serge onone,
of þe quych ho was ful fayn,
And thoȝt from hir shuld it not gone,
ny hit wold ho not ȝyue aȝayn.
of þe quych ho was ful fayn,
And thoȝt from hir shuld it not gone,
ny hit wold ho not ȝyue aȝayn.
Quen þis was don, ho segh comyng
serge-berers solempnely,
deken, southdeken hom suyng,
And prest reuescht ful rialy.
serge-berers solempnely,
deken, southdeken hom suyng,
And prest reuescht ful rialy.
The serge-berers angels wer,
And hir thught in hir entent
deken, southdeken to God der
wer seynt Laurence & saynt Vincent.
And hir thught in hir entent
deken, southdeken to God der
wer seynt Laurence & saynt Vincent.
The prest þat song þe mas i-wys
was Ihesu Crist ful of gras,
that fully as þe vsage is
Confiteor saide riȝt in þat plas.
was Ihesu Crist ful of gras,
that fully as þe vsage is
Confiteor saide riȝt in þat plas.
Sone two Angels clerly þer
bigunnen þe offys of þe mas,
so swete song herd ho neuer er
As hir thught that songen was.
bigunnen þe offys of þe mas,
so swete song herd ho neuer er
As hir thught that songen was.
So passede þai forth bi proces
til þat time was of offryng.
then went the whene, as maner wes,
And offrid hir serge doun knelyng,
til þat time was of offryng.
then went the whene, as maner wes,
And offrid hir serge doun knelyng,
105
And alle þe oþer ful deuoutly
vchone after hor degre,
but thys wommon witerly
wold not remewe from hir se.
vchone after hor degre,
but thys wommon witerly
wold not remewe from hir se.
So abode þe prest ful long
fforto abide hir offryng,
And thai thoȝten hit a wrong
that hir come was so tarying.
fforto abide hir offryng,
And thai thoȝten hit a wrong
that hir come was so tarying.
Then sent þe qvene of virgyns sone
to þis matroun a messager,
And saide hit was riȝt wrongly done
to tarie þe prest in þat maner.
to þis matroun a messager,
And saide hit was riȝt wrongly done
to tarie þe prest in þat maner.
And ho sende worde sone agayn
And bad þe prest syng forth mas,
for of þat serge ho was so fayn
that siker from hir shuld hit not pas,
And bad þe prest syng forth mas,
for of þat serge ho was so fayn
that siker from hir shuld hit not pas,
That was ȝyuen hir, ho wold hold,
And from hir shuld hit not away.
the messager the whene so tolde,
thenne semet ho wroth, the soth to say,
And from hir shuld hit not away.
the messager the whene so tolde,
thenne semet ho wroth, the soth to say,
And sent aȝayne the messager,
and bad reue hir that serge in hy,
but ho wold offer in gode maner
as thay deden al the company.
and bad reue hir that serge in hy,
but ho wold offer in gode maner
as thay deden al the company.
The messager doos the whene bidding
and eft comes to this matroun,
but leue hit wold ho for nothing
for suche was hir deuocioun.
and eft comes to this matroun,
but leue hit wold ho for nothing
for suche was hir deuocioun.
The messager segh ho was stout
and sone lays honde on hir right ther
and of hir hond wold pull[e] hit out
and that fare might hir not fer.
and sone lays honde on hir right ther
and of hir hond wold pull[e] hit out
and that fare might hir not fer.
106
Grete beker was betwene hom two,
whether schuld haue the more maistri,
for that on end ho held tho
and ho that other wel and stifly.
whether schuld haue the more maistri,
for that on end ho held tho
and ho that other wel and stifly.
so stryuen thay long in this maner
that at the last broken hit was,
that one half had the messager,
that other halfe the wommon has,
that at the last broken hit was,
that one half had the messager,
that other halfe the wommon has,
And right so in this serge breking
the wommon woke, and in hir honde
as ho mette byfore sleping
fonde halfe the serge thurgh Goddes sonde.
the wommon woke, and in hir honde
as ho mette byfore sleping
fonde halfe the serge thurgh Goddes sonde.
Then hade ho wonder wytterly
and of hir sweuen ho hir by-thoȝt,
and thonket God and our lady
that so wel had for hir wroght,
and of hir sweuen ho hir by-thoȝt,
and thonket God and our lady
that so wel had for hir wroght,
And such masse gete hir that day
and such condul forto bren,
al-thagh ho lufde our lady ay
Mor ho onouret our lady thene.
and such condul forto bren,
al-thagh ho lufde our lady ay
Mor ho onouret our lady thene.
When this matroun told this cas
schewet that seurge from heuen sent,
all men thonket God of his grace
and oure lady with gode entent.
schewet that seurge from heuen sent,
all men thonket God of his grace
and oure lady with gode entent.
And that seurge anon don was
emong relykes most reuerent,
& who-sere touchet hit hele has
in what langour sere he be lent.
emong relykes most reuerent,
& who-sere touchet hit hele has
in what langour sere he be lent.
Thus halp oure lady this matroun
as ho dos all men sicurly
that in hir han deuocioun
and worshipon hir deuoutly.
as ho dos all men sicurly
that in hir han deuocioun
and worshipon hir deuoutly.
| A Stanzaic Life of Christ | |