Lydgate's Fall of Princes Edited by Dr. Henry Bergen ... presented to The Early English Text Society by The Carnegie Institution of Washington |
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 | I. |
| II. |
| III. | BOOK III. |
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| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
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 | Lydgate's Fall of Princes |  |
BOOK III.
[Prologue.]
Lik a pilgrym which that goth on foote,
And hath non hors to releue his trauaile,
Hot, drie [&] wery, & fynde may no boote
Off welle cold, whan thrust hym doth assaile,
Wyn nor licour, that may to hym auaile,
Riht so fare I, which in my besynesse
No socour fynde my rudnesse to redresse.
And hath non hors to releue his trauaile,
Hot, drie [&] wery, & fynde may no boote
Off welle cold, whan thrust hym doth assaile,
Wyn nor licour, that may to hym auaile,
Riht so fare I, which in my besynesse
No socour fynde my rudnesse to redresse.
I meene as thus: I ha[ue] no fressh licour
Out off the conduitis off Calliope,
Nor thoruh Clio in rethorik no flour
In my labour for to refresshe me,
Nor off the sustren, in noumbre thries thre,
Which with Cithera on Pernaso duell,—
Thei neuer me gaff drynk onys off ther well!
Out off the conduitis off Calliope,
Nor thoruh Clio in rethorik no flour
In my labour for to refresshe me,
Nor off the sustren, in noumbre thries thre,
Which with Cithera on Pernaso duell,—
Thei neuer me gaff drynk onys off ther well!
Nor off ther sprynges cleer & cristallyne,
That sprang be touchyng off the Pegase,
The fauour lakkith my makyng tenlumyne,
I fynde ther bawme off so gret scarsete,
To tame ther tunnys with sum drope of plente;
For Poliphemus thoruh his gret blyndnesse
Hath in me dirked off Argus the brihtnesse.
That sprang be touchyng off the Pegase,
The fauour lakkith my makyng tenlumyne,
I fynde ther bawme off so gret scarsete,
To tame ther tunnys with sum drope of plente;
For Poliphemus thoruh his gret blyndnesse
Hath in me dirked off Argus the brihtnesse.
Our liff heer short, off wit the gret dulnesse,
The heuy soule troublid with trauaile,
And off memorie the glacyng brotilnesse,—
Dreed & onkunnyng ha[ue] maad a strong bataile
With werynesse my sperit to assaile,
And with ther subtil crepyng in most queynte
Ha[ue] maad my sperit in makyng for to feynte.
The heuy soule troublid with trauaile,
And off memorie the glacyng brotilnesse,—
Dreed & onkunnyng ha[ue] maad a strong bataile
With werynesse my sperit to assaile,
And with ther subtil crepyng in most queynte
Ha[ue] maad my sperit in makyng for to feynte.
330
And ouermor, the feerful frowardnesse
Off my stepmooder callid oblyuyoun,
Hath maad a bastile off foryetilnesse,
To stoppe the passage & shadwe my resoun,
That I myht haue no cleer direccioun
In translatyng off newe to quikke me,
Stories to write off old antiquite.
Off my stepmooder callid oblyuyoun,
Hath maad a bastile off foryetilnesse,
To stoppe the passage & shadwe my resoun,
That I myht haue no cleer direccioun
In translatyng off newe to quikke me,
Stories to write off old antiquite.
Thus was I set, and stood in double werre
At the meetyng off feerful weies tweyne.
The ton was this, who-euer list to lere,
Where-as good[e] will gan me constreyne,
Bochas taccomplisshe for to do my peyne,
Cam Ignoraunce with a maas off dreede
Mi penne tarreste; I durst[e] nat proceede.
At the meetyng off feerful weies tweyne.
The ton was this, who-euer list to lere,
Where-as good[e] will gan me constreyne,
Bochas taccomplisshe for to do my peyne,
Cam Ignoraunce with a maas off dreede
Mi penne tarreste; I durst[e] nat proceede.
Thus be my-selff remembryng on this book,
It to translate how I hadde vndirtake,
Ful pale off cheer, astonyd in my look,
Myn hand gan tremble; my penne I felte quake,
That disespeired, I hadde almost forsake
So gret a labour, dreedful & inportable,
It to parfourme I fond my-silff so onable.
It to translate how I hadde vndirtake,
Ful pale off cheer, astonyd in my look,
Myn hand gan tremble; my penne I felte quake,
That disespeired, I hadde almost forsake
So gret a labour, dreedful & inportable,
It to parfourme I fond my-silff so onable.
Twen the residue off this gret iourne
And litil part theroff that was begunne,
I stood chekmaat for feer whan I gan see
In my weie how litil I hadde runne;
Lik taman that failed day & sunne,
And hadde no liht taccomplisshe his viage,
So ferr I stood a-bak in my passage.
And litil part theroff that was begunne,
I stood chekmaat for feer whan I gan see
In my weie how litil I hadde runne;
Lik taman that failed day & sunne,
And hadde no liht taccomplisshe his viage,
So ferr I stood a-bak in my passage.
The nyht cam on, dirked with ignoraunce,
Mi witt was dull be cleernesse to discerne
In rethorik for lak off suffisaunce,
The torchis out, & queynt was the lanterne.
And in this caas my stile to gouerne,
Me to forthre I fond non other muse
But, hard as ston, Pierides and Meduse.
Mi witt was dull be cleernesse to discerne
In rethorik for lak off suffisaunce,
The torchis out, & queynt was the lanterne.
And in this caas my stile to gouerne,
Me to forthre I fond non other muse
But, hard as ston, Pierides and Meduse.
Support was non my dulnesse for to guie;
Pouert approchid; in stal crokid age:
Mercurie absent and Philologie;
Mi purs ay liht and void off al coignage.
Bachus ferr off to glade my corage;
An ebbe off plente; scarsete atte fulle,
Which of an old man makth the sperit dulle.
Pouert approchid; in stal crokid age:
Mercurie absent and Philologie;
Mi purs ay liht and void off al coignage.
331
An ebbe off plente; scarsete atte fulle,
Which of an old man makth the sperit dulle.
But hope & trust to putte away dispair
Into my mynde off newe gan hem dresse;
And cheeff off all to make the wethir fair,
Mi lordis fredam and bounteuous largesse
Into myn herte brouht in such gladnesse,
That thoruh releuyng off his benygne grace,
Fals Indigence list me no mor manace.
Into my mynde off newe gan hem dresse;
And cheeff off all to make the wethir fair,
Mi lordis fredam and bounteuous largesse
Into myn herte brouht in such gladnesse,
That thoruh releuyng off his benygne grace,
Fals Indigence list me no mor manace.
A, how it is an hertli reioishyng
To serue a prynce that list to aduertise
Off ther seruauntis the feithful iust menyng,
And list considre to guerdone ther seruise.
And at a neede list hem nat despise,
But from al daunger that sholde hem noye or greue
Been euer redi to helpe hem and releue.
To serue a prynce that list to aduertise
Off ther seruauntis the feithful iust menyng,
And list considre to guerdone ther seruise.
And at a neede list hem nat despise,
But from al daunger that sholde hem noye or greue
Been euer redi to helpe hem and releue.
And thus releued be the goodliheed,
And thoruh the noblesse off this most knyhtli man,
Alle mystis cleerid off disespeir & dreed,
Trust, hope and feith into myn herte ran;
And on my labour anon forthwith I gan:
For be cleer support off my lordis grace,
Al foreyn lettyng fro me I dede enchace.
And thoruh the noblesse off this most knyhtli man,
Alle mystis cleerid off disespeir & dreed,
Trust, hope and feith into myn herte ran;
And on my labour anon forthwith I gan:
For be cleer support off my lordis grace,
Al foreyn lettyng fro me I dede enchace.
Folkis that vse to make grete viages,
Which vndirfonge long trauaile & labour,
Whan thei ha[ue] doon gret part off ther passages,
Off werynesse tasswagen ther rigour,
Ageyn feyntise to fynde sum fauour,
Looke offte ageyn, parcell to be releued,
To seen how moch ther iourne is a-cheued.
Which vndirfonge long trauaile & labour,
Whan thei ha[ue] doon gret part off ther passages,
Off werynesse tasswagen ther rigour,
Ageyn feyntise to fynde sum fauour,
Looke offte ageyn, parcell to be releued,
To seen how moch ther iourne is a-cheued.
Cause whi thei so offte looke ageyn,
Bakward turne look and eek visage,
Is onli this: that it may be seyn
To them how moch is doon off ther viage.
Eek weri folk that gon on pilgrymage
Reste hem sumwhile a ful large space,
Laborious soot to wipen from ther face.
Bakward turne look and eek visage,
Is onli this: that it may be seyn
To them how moch is doon off ther viage.
Eek weri folk that gon on pilgrymage
Reste hem sumwhile a ful large space,
Laborious soot to wipen from ther face.
332
Ther heuy fardell among thei caste doun
At certeyn boundis to do ther bakkis ese,
At wellis colde eek off entencioun
Drynke fressh watris ther greuous thrust tapese,
Or holsum wynes ther appetit to plese,
Reknyng the miles be computaciouns,
Which thei ha[ue] passid, off castellis & off touns.
At certeyn boundis to do ther bakkis ese,
At wellis colde eek off entencioun
Drynke fressh watris ther greuous thrust tapese,
Or holsum wynes ther appetit to plese,
Reknyng the miles be computaciouns,
Which thei ha[ue] passid, off castellis & off touns.
It doth hem ese the noumbre for to knowe
Sithe thei began off many gret iournees,
Off hih[e] mounteyns and off valis lowe,
And straunge sihtes passyng be cuntrees,
Thunkouth bildyng off burwes & citees,
Countyng the distaunce fro toun[e]s & the spacis:
This ther talkyng at ther restyng placis.
Sithe thei began off many gret iournees,
Off hih[e] mounteyns and off valis lowe,
And straunge sihtes passyng be cuntrees,
Thunkouth bildyng off burwes & citees,
Countyng the distaunce fro toun[e]s & the spacis:
This ther talkyng at ther restyng placis.
The residue and the surplusage
Thei rekne also off ther labour komyng,
Thynke it is a maner auauntage
To haue & seen a cleer[e] knowlechyng
Off thynges passid & thynges eek folwyng;
For to ther hertis it doth ful gret plesaunce,
Whan al such thyng is put in remembraunce.
Thei rekne also off ther labour komyng,
Thynke it is a maner auauntage
To haue & seen a cleer[e] knowlechyng
Off thynges passid & thynges eek folwyng;
For to ther hertis it doth ful gret plesaunce,
Whan al such thyng is put in remembraunce.
And semblabli Iohn Bochas, as I fynde,
Gan turne his bak, look and c[o]untenaunce,
And to remembre, apoyntyng in his mynde
To the stories rehersed in substaunce
In his too bookis off sorwe & displesaunce,
Hymsilff astonyd, merueilyng a gret deel
The fall off pryncis fro Fortunys wheel.
Gan turne his bak, look and c[o]untenaunce,
And to remembre, apoyntyng in his mynde
To the stories rehersed in substaunce
In his too bookis off sorwe & displesaunce,
Hymsilff astonyd, merueilyng a gret deel
The fall off pryncis fro Fortunys wheel.
Off ther onhapp, as he doth reherce,
Toward hemsilff the cause doth rebounde;
Ther clymbyng up the heuenes for to perce,
In worldli richesse tencrecen and habounde,
Ther gredi etik doth hemsilff confounde;
And ther thrust off hauyng onstaunchable
Causeth ther noblesse to be so variable.
Toward hemsilff the cause doth rebounde;
Ther clymbyng up the heuenes for to perce,
In worldli richesse tencrecen and habounde,
Ther gredi etik doth hemsilff confounde;
And ther thrust off hauyng onstaunchable
Causeth ther noblesse to be so variable.
Hih clymbyng up, off resoun who can see,
Dulleth off braynes the memoriall,
Blunteth the sihte, in hih & low degre,
Which from a-loffte makith hem haue a fall.
Men seyn off old, who that coueitith all,
At onset hour suchon shal nat chese,
But al his gadryng attonys he shal lese.
Dulleth off braynes the memoriall,
Blunteth the sihte, in hih & low degre,
Which from a-loffte makith hem haue a fall.
333
At onset hour suchon shal nat chese,
But al his gadryng attonys he shal lese.
For worldli folk which so hih arise
With the gret peis off worldli habundaunce,
And with the weihte off froward couetise,—
Namli wher Fortune holdeth the ballaunce,—
With onwar turn off sum onhappi chaunce,
This stormy queen, this double fals goddesse,
Plungeth hem doun from al ther gret richesse.
With the gret peis off worldli habundaunce,
And with the weihte off froward couetise,—
Namli wher Fortune holdeth the ballaunce,—
With onwar turn off sum onhappi chaunce,
This stormy queen, this double fals goddesse,
Plungeth hem doun from al ther gret richesse.
Wherfore Bochas heeroff to make a preeff
Sheweth to purpos a sentence ful notable,
A cleer exaumple off onwar such myscheeff,
Write off an auctour be maner off a fable,
Al-be the menyng be ful comendable,
And weel accordyng in conclusioun
To the cleer purpos off this entencioun.
Sheweth to purpos a sentence ful notable,
A cleer exaumple off onwar such myscheeff,
Write off an auctour be maner off a fable,
Al-be the menyng be ful comendable,
And weel accordyng in conclusioun
To the cleer purpos off this entencioun.
Finis Prologi.
[Incipit liber Tercius]
[How Andalus doctor of Astronomye concludith/ how princys sholdenot atwite constellacions nor fortune of theire vnhappy fallyng but theire owne demeritys and vicious lyuyng.]
At Naples whilom, as he doth specefie,
In his youthe whan he to scoole went,
Ther was a doctour off astronomie,
Famous off cunnyng & riht excellent.
Off hym rehersyng, shortli in sentement,
His ioie was most to studyen and to wake;
And he was callid Andalus the blake.
In his youthe whan he to scoole went,
Ther was a doctour off astronomie,
Famous off cunnyng & riht excellent.
Off hym rehersyng, shortli in sentement,
His ioie was most to studyen and to wake;
And he was callid Andalus the blake.
He radde in scoolis the meuyng off the heuene,
The kynde off sterris and constellaciouns,
The cours also off the planetis seuene,
Ther influencis and ther mociouns,
And heeld also in his opynyouns,
The fall off pryncis, the cause weel out souht,
Cam off themsilff & off Fortune nouht.
The kynde off sterris and constellaciouns,
The cours also off the planetis seuene,
Ther influencis and ther mociouns,
And heeld also in his opynyouns,
The fall off pryncis, the cause weel out souht,
Cam off themsilff & off Fortune nouht.
334
Nor the sterris wer nothyng to wite,
Be ther meuyng nor be ther influence,
Nor that men sholde off riht the heuene atwite
For no froward worldli violence:
For this clerk ther concluded in sentence,
How men be vertu longe may contune
From hurt off sterris outher off Fortune.
Be ther meuyng nor be ther influence,
Nor that men sholde off riht the heuene atwite
For no froward worldli violence:
For this clerk ther concluded in sentence,
How men be vertu longe may contune
From hurt off sterris outher off Fortune.
Ther owne desert is cheeff occasioun
Off the onhap, who-so taketh heede,
And ther demeritis onwarli put hem doun,
Whan vicious liff doth ther bridil leede.
Cours off Fortune nor off the sterris rede
Hyndrith nothyng geyn ther felicite,
Sithe off fre chois thei ha[ue] ful liberte.
Off the onhap, who-so taketh heede,
And ther demeritis onwarli put hem doun,
Whan vicious liff doth ther bridil leede.
Cours off Fortune nor off the sterris rede
Hyndrith nothyng geyn ther felicite,
Sithe off fre chois thei ha[ue] ful liberte.
God punsheth synne in many maner wise;
Summe he chastisith for ther owne auail:
Men may off resoun in such cas deuise,
Synne ay requereth vengaunce at his tail.
God off Fortune taketh no counsail,
Nor from hir meuyng no man is mor fre,
As clerkis write, than is Glad Pouerte.
Summe he chastisith for ther owne auail:
Men may off resoun in such cas deuise,
Synne ay requereth vengaunce at his tail.
God off Fortune taketh no counsail,
Nor from hir meuyng no man is mor fre,
As clerkis write, than is Glad Pouerte.
And onto purpos, this auctour ful notable,
To his scoleris ther beyng in presence,
Ful demurli gan reherse a fable,
With many a colour off sugred eloquence;
Theron concludyng the summe off his sentence
Touchyng a striff, which he dede expresse,
Atwen Glad Pouert & this blynd goddesse.
To his scoleris ther beyng in presence,
Ful demurli gan reherse a fable,
With many a colour off sugred eloquence;
Theron concludyng the summe off his sentence
Touchyng a striff, which he dede expresse,
Atwen Glad Pouert & this blynd goddesse.
[A disputacion between fortune & glad pouert.]
Qvod Andalus: “Whilom off fortune
In a streiht place ther sat Glad Pouerte,
Which resemblid off look & figure
A rekles woman, most ougli on to see,
At a naruh meetyng off hih-weies thre,
Al totorn, to-raggid and to-rent,
A thousend pachchis vpon hir garnement.
In a streiht place ther sat Glad Pouerte,
Which resemblid off look & figure
A rekles woman, most ougli on to see,
At a naruh meetyng off hih-weies thre,
Al totorn, to-raggid and to-rent,
A thousend pachchis vpon hir garnement.
335
She was hidous bothe off cheer and face,
And in semyng void off sorwe and dreed.
And bi that way as Fortune dede pace,
And off Glad Pouert sodenli took heed,
She gan to smyle & lauhhe at hir in deed,
Bi a maner scornyng in certeyn,
Off hir array she hadde so gret disdeyn.
And in semyng void off sorwe and dreed.
And bi that way as Fortune dede pace,
And off Glad Pouert sodenli took heed,
She gan to smyle & lauhhe at hir in deed,
Bi a maner scornyng in certeyn,
Off hir array she hadde so gret disdeyn.
Whos froward lauhtre, whan Pouert dede espie
How she off hir hadde indignacioun,
She roos hire up off hih malencolie,
Pleynli to shewe hire entencioun,
Withoute good day or salutacioun,
Doyng to Fortune no maner reuerence,
Vnder these woordis declaryng hir sentence:
How she off hir hadde indignacioun,
She roos hire up off hih malencolie,
Pleynli to shewe hire entencioun,
Withoute good day or salutacioun,
Doyng to Fortune no maner reuerence,
Vnder these woordis declaryng hir sentence:
‘O thou Fortune, most fool off foolis all,
What cause hastow for to lauhhe at me,
Or what disdeyn is in thyn herte fall?
Spare neueradeel, tell on, lat me see,
For I ful litil haue a-do with the;
Off old nor newe I ha[ue] noon aqueyntaunce
Nouther with the nor with thi gouernaunce.’
What cause hastow for to lauhhe at me,
Or what disdeyn is in thyn herte fall?
Spare neueradeel, tell on, lat me see,
For I ful litil haue a-do with the;
Off old nor newe I ha[ue] noon aqueyntaunce
Nouther with the nor with thi gouernaunce.’
And whan Fortune beholdeth the maneer
Off Glad Pouert in hir totorn[e] weede,
And kneuh also be contenaunce & cheer,
How she off hire took but litil heede,
Lik as she hadde to hir no maner neede,—
The which[e] thynges conceyued and Iseyn,
To Pouerte she ansuerde thus ageyn:
Off Glad Pouert in hir totorn[e] weede,
And kneuh also be contenaunce & cheer,
How she off hire took but litil heede,
Lik as she hadde to hir no maner neede,—
The which[e] thynges conceyued and Iseyn,
To Pouerte she ansuerde thus ageyn:
‘Mi scornful lauhtre pleynli was for the,
Whan I the sauh so megre, pale and leene,
Nakid and cold, in gret aduersite,
Scabbid, scuruy, scallid and oncleene
On bak and body, as it is weel seene.
Many a beeste walke in ther pasture,
Which day be day off newe thou doost recure.
Whan I the sauh so megre, pale and leene,
Nakid and cold, in gret aduersite,
Scabbid, scuruy, scallid and oncleene
On bak and body, as it is weel seene.
Many a beeste walke in ther pasture,
Which day be day off newe thou doost recure.
336
Hauyng nothyng to wrappyn in thyn hed
Sauff a brod hat, rent out off nattis olde,
Ful offten hungri for defaute off bred,
Slepyng on straw[e] in the frostis colde.
And wher thou comest, as men may weel beholde,
For feer off the, childre them withdrawe,
And many a dogge hath on thi staff ignawe.
Sauff a brod hat, rent out off nattis olde,
Ful offten hungri for defaute off bred,
Slepyng on straw[e] in the frostis colde.
And wher thou comest, as men may weel beholde,
For feer off the, childre them withdrawe,
And many a dogge hath on thi staff ignawe.
To alle estatis thou art most odious,
Men with the will ha[ue] no daliaunce,
Thi felaship is so contrarious,
Wher thou abidest ther may be no plesaunce.
Folk hate so dedli thi froward aqueyntaunce,
That fynali, I dar conclude off the,
Wher-euer thou comest thi felaship men fle!’
Men with the will ha[ue] no daliaunce,
Thi felaship is so contrarious,
Wher thou abidest ther may be no plesaunce.
Folk hate so dedli thi froward aqueyntaunce,
That fynali, I dar conclude off the,
Wher-euer thou comest thi felaship men fle!’
Whan Glad Pouert gan pleynli vndirstonde
These rebukes rehersed off Fortune,
The rud[e] resouns that she took on honde,
Which frowardli to hire she dede entune,
As Pouert were a refus in comune,
Bi the repreuis that Fortune on hir laide;
For which Pouert replied ageyn & saide:
These rebukes rehersed off Fortune,
The rud[e] resouns that she took on honde,
Which frowardli to hire she dede entune,
As Pouert were a refus in comune,
Bi the repreuis that Fortune on hir laide;
For which Pouert replied ageyn & saide:
‘Fortune,’ quod she, ‘touchyng this debat,
Which off malice thou doost ageyn me take,
Be weel certeyn, touchyng my poore estat,
I off fre will thi fauour ha[ue] forsake.
And thouh folk seyn thou maist men riche make,
Yit I ha[ue] leuere be poore with gladnesse,
Than with trouble possede gret richesse.
Which off malice thou doost ageyn me take,
Be weel certeyn, touchyng my poore estat,
I off fre will thi fauour ha[ue] forsake.
And thouh folk seyn thou maist men riche make,
Yit I ha[ue] leuere be poore with gladnesse,
Than with trouble possede gret richesse.
For thouh thou seeme benygne & debonaire
Bi a maner countirfet apparence,
Fat & weel fed, with rounde chekis faire,
With many colours off trouthe as in pretence,
As ther off feith wer werrai existence,—
But vnder all thi floures off fresshnesse
The serpent glidith, off chaung & doubilnesse.
Bi a maner countirfet apparence,
Fat & weel fed, with rounde chekis faire,
With many colours off trouthe as in pretence,
As ther off feith wer werrai existence,—
But vnder all thi floures off fresshnesse
The serpent glidith, off chaung & doubilnesse.
And thouh thi clothyng be of purpil hewe,
With gret awaityng off many chaumbereris,
Off gold & perle ech dai chaunges newe,
Clothes off gold & sondry fressh atiris,
And in thyn houshold ful many officeris,—
Yit I dar weel putte in iupartie,
With the to plete and holde chaumpartie.’
With gret awaityng off many chaumbereris,
Off gold & perle ech dai chaunges newe,
Clothes off gold & sondry fressh atiris,
And in thyn houshold ful many officeris,—
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With the to plete and holde chaumpartie.’
Thus Glad Pouert gan wexen inportune,
Off cheer contraire, off look & off language,
Ageyn this ladi which callid is Fortune,
That off disdeyn she fill into a rage:
‘Behold,’ quod she, ‘off Pouert the corage,
In wrechidnesse standyng disconsolat,
How ageyn me she is now obstynat!
Off cheer contraire, off look & off language,
Ageyn this ladi which callid is Fortune,
That off disdeyn she fill into a rage:
‘Behold,’ quod she, ‘off Pouert the corage,
In wrechidnesse standyng disconsolat,
How ageyn me she is now obstynat!
She cannat see, how she stant outraied,
Fer from the fauour off my felicite,
Yit off pride she is nat disamaied,
Nor list nat bowwe for tobeie me,
Thouh she be cast in mendicite,
Ferthest a-bak, I do you weel assure,
In myscheeff set off any creature.
Fer from the fauour off my felicite,
Yit off pride she is nat disamaied,
Nor list nat bowwe for tobeie me,
Thouh she be cast in mendicite,
Ferthest a-bak, I do you weel assure,
In myscheeff set off any creature.
But treuli, Pouert, for al thi truaundise,
Maugre thi pride and thi gret outrage,
I shal the pun[y]she in ful cruel wise,
To make the loute vnder my seruage.
Which resemblest a dedli pale ymage,
That were off newe rise out off his graue,
And yit off pride darst ageyn me raue.’
Maugre thi pride and thi gret outrage,
I shal the pun[y]she in ful cruel wise,
To make the loute vnder my seruage.
Which resemblest a dedli pale ymage,
That were off newe rise out off his graue,
And yit off pride darst ageyn me raue.’
But whan Fortune hadde these woordis said,
Glad Pouert gan falle in gret gladnesse,
And ageyn Fortune with a sodeyn braid,
She gan hir conceit out shewe & expresse:
‘Fortune,’ quod she, ‘thouh thou be a goddesse
Callid off foolis, yit lerne this off me,
From thi seruage I stonde at liberte.
Glad Pouert gan falle in gret gladnesse,
And ageyn Fortune with a sodeyn braid,
She gan hir conceit out shewe & expresse:
‘Fortune,’ quod she, ‘thouh thou be a goddesse
Callid off foolis, yit lerne this off me,
From thi seruage I stonde at liberte.
But yiff I shal algatis haue a-doo
With the in armis, most cruel & vengable,
Touchyng the quarel that is atwen vs too,
Ther is o thyng to me riht confortable,
That thi corage is flekeryng & onstable;
And wher an herte is in hymsilff deuyded,
Victorie in armys for hym is nat prouyded.
With the in armis, most cruel & vengable,
Touchyng the quarel that is atwen vs too,
Ther is o thyng to me riht confortable,
That thi corage is flekeryng & onstable;
And wher an herte is in hymsilff deuyded,
Victorie in armys for hym is nat prouyded.
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Me list[e] nouther flatre the nor fage,
Nor the tenoynte be adulacioun,
Thouh flat[e]rie & feyned fals language
Approprid be to thi condicioun;
And in despit off thi presumpcioun,
I ha[ue] forsake off my fre volunte
All the tresours off worldli vanite.
Nor the tenoynte be adulacioun,
Thouh flat[e]rie & feyned fals language
Approprid be to thi condicioun;
And in despit off thi presumpcioun,
I ha[ue] forsake off my fre volunte
All the tresours off worldli vanite.
Whilom I was, as thou hast deuised,
Seruant to the, and onto thi tresours;
But fro thi daunger now that I am fraunchised,
Sekyng off the nouther helpe nor socours,
Manace kynges & myhti emperours:
For Glad Pouert, late nouther soone,
With thi richessis hath nothyng to doone.
Seruant to the, and onto thi tresours;
But fro thi daunger now that I am fraunchised,
Sekyng off the nouther helpe nor socours,
Manace kynges & myhti emperours:
For Glad Pouert, late nouther soone,
With thi richessis hath nothyng to doone.
For thouh thou haue enbracid in thi cheyne
Worldli pryncis & goodes transitorie,
And riche marchantis vndir thi demeyne,
Yeuest to knyhthod conquest and victorie,
The fadyng palme off laude & veynglorie,—
But whan echon thi fauour han recurid,
Than is Glad Pouert fre fro thi lure assurid.
Worldli pryncis & goodes transitorie,
And riche marchantis vndir thi demeyne,
Yeuest to knyhthod conquest and victorie,
The fadyng palme off laude & veynglorie,—
But whan echon thi fauour han recurid,
Than is Glad Pouert fre fro thi lure assurid.
All thi seruantis standen vnder dreede,
Quakyng for feer[e] off thi doubilnesse;
For nouther wisdam, force nor manheede,
Fredam, bounte, loue nor ientilesse
Mai in thi fauour ha[ue] no sekirnesse;
Thei be so possid with wyndis in thi barge,
Wher-as Glad Pouert goth freli at his large.
Quakyng for feer[e] off thi doubilnesse;
For nouther wisdam, force nor manheede,
Fredam, bounte, loue nor ientilesse
Mai in thi fauour ha[ue] no sekirnesse;
Thei be so possid with wyndis in thi barge,
Wher-as Glad Pouert goth freli at his large.
Thi manacyng doth me no duresse,
Which worldli pryncis dredyn euerichon.
Thei may weel quake for losse off gret richesse;
But I, Glad Pouert, theroff desire non,
As flowe & ebbe al worldli thyng mut gon;
For afftir flodis off Fortunys tyde,
The ebbe folweth, & will no man abide.
Which worldli pryncis dredyn euerichon.
Thei may weel quake for losse off gret richesse;
But I, Glad Pouert, theroff desire non,
As flowe & ebbe al worldli thyng mut gon;
For afftir flodis off Fortunys tyde,
The ebbe folweth, & will no man abide.
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Flowe and ebbe be to me bothe aliche;
I dreede nothyng thi mutabilite,
Mak whom thou list[e] outher poore or riche;
For I nothyng will requere off the,
Nouther lordshepe nor gret prosperite:
For with thi gifftes who that hath to doone,
Off chaunges braideth offter than the moone.
I dreede nothyng thi mutabilite,
Mak whom thou list[e] outher poore or riche;
For I nothyng will requere off the,
Nouther lordshepe nor gret prosperite:
For with thi gifftes who that hath to doone,
Off chaunges braideth offter than the moone.
Out off pouert cam first these emperours
That were in Rome crownyd with laurer;
Fredam & largesse made hem first victours,
Causyng ther fame to shyne briht and cleer,
Till couetise brouht hem in daunger,
Whan thei off foli, in ther most excellence,
To thi doubilnesse dede reuerence.
That were in Rome crownyd with laurer;
Fredam & largesse made hem first victours,
Causyng ther fame to shyne briht and cleer,
Till couetise brouht hem in daunger,
Whan thei off foli, in ther most excellence,
To thi doubilnesse dede reuerence.
For whan fredam a prynce doth forsake,
And couetise put awei largesse,
And streihtnesse is into houshold take,
And negardship exilith ientilesse,
Than is withdrawe from ther hih noblesse
The peeplis herte; and, pleynli to deuise,
Off ther seruauntis farweel al good seruise.
And couetise put awei largesse,
And streihtnesse is into houshold take,
And negardship exilith ientilesse,
Than is withdrawe from ther hih noblesse
The peeplis herte; and, pleynli to deuise,
Off ther seruauntis farweel al good seruise.
Al such sodeyn chaungis in comune
In this world vsid now fro day to day,
Echon thei come be fraude off fals Fortune;
Experience hath put it at assay,
Loue, trouthe & feith be gon [so] ferr away.
And yiff that trust with pryncis wil nat tarie,
Litil merueile thouh the peeple varie.
In this world vsid now fro day to day,
Echon thei come be fraude off fals Fortune;
Experience hath put it at assay,
Loue, trouthe & feith be gon [so] ferr away.
And yiff that trust with pryncis wil nat tarie,
Litil merueile thouh the peeple varie.
For thoruh thi chaungis off fraudulent fairnesse,
Ther is now vsid in eueri regioun
Glad cheer out shewed with couert doubilnesse,
Vnder the courtyn off symulacioun.
So secre now is adulacioun,
That in this world may be no sur[e]te,
But yiff it reste in Glad Pouerte.
Ther is now vsid in eueri regioun
Glad cheer out shewed with couert doubilnesse,
Vnder the courtyn off symulacioun.
So secre now is adulacioun,
That in this world may be no sur[e]te,
But yiff it reste in Glad Pouerte.
Yit off thi pereilous froward variaunce
I sette no stor, treuli as for me;
For al thi frenship concludeth with myschaunce,
With sodeyn myscheeff off mutabilite,
Which yeueth me herte to haue a-do with the:
For suffisaunce in my poore estaat
Shal to thi chaunges seyn sodenli chekmaat.’
I sette no stor, treuli as for me;
For al thi frenship concludeth with myschaunce,
With sodeyn myscheeff off mutabilite,
Which yeueth me herte to haue a-do with the:
340
Shal to thi chaunges seyn sodenli chekmaat.’
Fortune almost with anger disespeired,
Off these woordis took ful gret greuaunce.
‘Pouert,’ quod she, ‘which maist nat been apeired!
But I now shewe ageyn the my puissaunce,
Men wolde litil accounte my substaunce,
O myhti Pouert! O stronge Hercules!
Which ageyn[s] me puttest thi-silff in pres!
Off these woordis took ful gret greuaunce.
‘Pouert,’ quod she, ‘which maist nat been apeired!
But I now shewe ageyn the my puissaunce,
Men wolde litil accounte my substaunce,
O myhti Pouert! O stronge Hercules!
Which ageyn[s] me puttest thi-silff in pres!
Supposest thou it sholde the auaile,
Outher be force or be hardynesse
To haue a-do with me in bataile,
Which am off conquest & off hih prowesse
In armys callid ladi and pryncesse?
For ther is non so myhti conquerour,
That may preuaile withoute my fauour.’
Outher be force or be hardynesse
To haue a-do with me in bataile,
Which am off conquest & off hih prowesse
In armys callid ladi and pryncesse?
For ther is non so myhti conquerour,
That may preuaile withoute my fauour.’
Off these woordis Pouert nothyng afferd,
Ansuerde ageyn, thus pleynli in sentence:
‘Thouh heer I ne haue spere, sheeld nor suerd,
Nor chosen armour to stonden at diffence,
Pollex nor dagger to make resistence,
But bare and naked, anon it shal be seyn,
Wher thou with me darst wrastlen on this pleyn.
Ansuerde ageyn, thus pleynli in sentence:
‘Thouh heer I ne haue spere, sheeld nor suerd,
Nor chosen armour to stonden at diffence,
Pollex nor dagger to make resistence,
But bare and naked, anon it shal be seyn,
Wher thou with me darst wrastlen on this pleyn.
Which shal be doon vnder condicioun
That non off vs shal hymsilff withdrawe,
But stille abide off entencioun,
Till he that venquysshe ordeyned hath a lawe,
Such as hym likith, ageyn[e]s his felawe.
The which[e] lawe shal nat be delaied
To be acomplisshid on hym that is outraied.’
That non off vs shal hymsilff withdrawe,
But stille abide off entencioun,
Till he that venquysshe ordeyned hath a lawe,
Such as hym likith, ageyn[e]s his felawe.
The which[e] lawe shal nat be delaied
To be acomplisshid on hym that is outraied.’
Off whos woordes Fortune ageyn gan smyle,
That Pouert proffred so proudli to assaile.
And vpon this she stynte a litil while,
And to Pouert she putte this opposaile:
‘Who shal,’ quod she, ‘be iuge off this bataile,
Or yeue a doom iustli atwen vs tweyne
Off this quarell which we shal darreyne?
That Pouert proffred so proudli to assaile.
And vpon this she stynte a litil while,
And to Pouert she putte this opposaile:
‘Who shal,’ quod she, ‘be iuge off this bataile,
Or yeue a doom iustli atwen vs tweyne
Off this quarell which we shal darreyne?
341
I axe also a-nother questioun
Touchyng thi profre off furious outrage:
Wher-as thou puttest a condicioun
And a lawe with ful proud language,—
Wher shaltow fynden pleggis or hostage
To keepe the promys which thou doost ordeyne,
Theroff tabide the guerdoun or the peyne?
Touchyng thi profre off furious outrage:
Wher-as thou puttest a condicioun
And a lawe with ful proud language,—
Wher shaltow fynden pleggis or hostage
To keepe the promys which thou doost ordeyne,
Theroff tabide the guerdoun or the peyne?
I meene as thus: yiff ther be set a lawe
Atween vs too or a condicioun
Be sur[e]te, which may nat be withdrawe,
As vnder bond or obligacioun;
But there is nouther lawe nor resoun
May bynde a beggere, yiff it be weel souht,
Whan it is preued that he hath riht nouht.
Atween vs too or a condicioun
Be sur[e]te, which may nat be withdrawe,
As vnder bond or obligacioun;
But there is nouther lawe nor resoun
May bynde a beggere, yiff it be weel souht,
Whan it is preued that he hath riht nouht.
Thi sect off pouert hath a proteccioun
From all statutis to gon at liberte,
And from al lawe a pleyn exempcioun:
Than folweth it, yiff thou bounde the
To any lawe that may contreuid be,
It wer fraude, pleynli to endite,
Which hast riht nouht thi parti to aquite.
From all statutis to gon at liberte,
And from al lawe a pleyn exempcioun:
Than folweth it, yiff thou bounde the
To any lawe that may contreuid be,
It wer fraude, pleynli to endite,
Which hast riht nouht thi parti to aquite.
Thou art so feeble, yiff it cam therto,
That thou were brouht onto vttraunce,
For noun power, whan al that wer do,
Thou sholdist faile to make thi fynaunce,
Bothe destitut off good and off substaunce;
And sithe no lawe thi persone may coarte,
It wer foli with suchon to iuparte.
That thou were brouht onto vttraunce,
For noun power, whan al that wer do,
Thou sholdist faile to make thi fynaunce,
Bothe destitut off good and off substaunce;
And sithe no lawe thi persone may coarte,
It wer foli with suchon to iuparte.
Yiff I wolde compulse the to wrak,
Taxe off the the tresour off kyng Darie,
On that parti thou stondest ferr abak,
Mi paiement so longe sholde tarie,
Indigence wolde make the to varie.
And yiff I wolde thi persone eek compare
To Alisandre,—thi sides been ful bare!
Taxe off the the tresour off kyng Darie,
On that parti thou stondest ferr abak,
Mi paiement so longe sholde tarie,
Indigence wolde make the to varie.
And yiff I wolde thi persone eek compare
To Alisandre,—thi sides been ful bare!
And fynali thou stondest in such caas
Off miserie, wrechidnesse and neede,
That thou myhtest off resoun seyn allas,
Bothe forsake off frenshipe & kenreede,
And ther is non dar plegge the for dreede:
Yit lik a fool supprisid with veynglorie,
Hopest off me to wynne the victorie.’
Off miserie, wrechidnesse and neede,
That thou myhtest off resoun seyn allas,
Bothe forsake off frenshipe & kenreede,
And ther is non dar plegge the for dreede:
342
Hopest off me to wynne the victorie.’
Quod Glad Pouert, ‘I doute neueradeel
That the victorie shal passen on my side.
Plegge & hostages, lat hem go farweel!
I axe no mor off al thi grete pride,
But to the eende that thou wilt abide.
Plegge thi feith, al-be that sum men seith,
To truste in Fortune ther is ful litil feith.
That the victorie shal passen on my side.
Plegge & hostages, lat hem go farweel!
I axe no mor off al thi grete pride,
But to the eende that thou wilt abide.
Plegge thi feith, al-be that sum men seith,
To truste in Fortune ther is ful litil feith.
And for my part, in this hih emprise,
Sithe I ha[ue] pleggis nouther on nor tweyne,
Mor sur hostage can I nat deuise,
But yiff so be the victorie thou atteyne,
Than yelde my bodi bounden in a cheyne,
Perpetueli, lik the condicioun,
With the tabide fettrid in prisoun.’
Sithe I ha[ue] pleggis nouther on nor tweyne,
Mor sur hostage can I nat deuise,
But yiff so be the victorie thou atteyne,
Than yelde my bodi bounden in a cheyne,
Perpetueli, lik the condicioun,
With the tabide fettrid in prisoun.’
Than Fortune louh mor than she dede afforn,
Whan she sauh Pouert so presumptuous;
In hir arrai al ruggid and totorn,
And hadde nouther rente, lond nor hous.
‘It is,’ quod she, ‘a thyng contrarious
Onto nature, who that can aduerte,
To a beggere to haue a sturdi herte.
Whan she sauh Pouert so presumptuous;
In hir arrai al ruggid and totorn,
And hadde nouther rente, lond nor hous.
‘It is,’ quod she, ‘a thyng contrarious
Onto nature, who that can aduerte,
To a beggere to haue a sturdi herte.
And yiff that I the venquisshid in bataile,
It were to me no worshepe nor auauntage,—
What sholde thi bodi onto me auaile,
The tenprisowne streihtli in a cage?
It sholde been a charge and a costage,
Thyn empti wombe ech day to fulfill,
Yiff thou myhtest haue vitaile at thi will!
It were to me no worshepe nor auauntage,—
What sholde thi bodi onto me auaile,
The tenprisowne streihtli in a cage?
It sholde been a charge and a costage,
Thyn empti wombe ech day to fulfill,
Yiff thou myhtest haue vitaile at thi will!
And yiff I wolde my-silff to magnefie,
Tokne off tryumphe afftir my char the leede,
Men wolde deeme it a maner moquerie,
And seyn in scorn: ‘tak off that fool good heede,
How he a beggere hath ouercome in deede,
Fauht with hym for to encrece his name,
Which conquest turneth to his disclandre & shame!’
Tokne off tryumphe afftir my char the leede,
Men wolde deeme it a maner moquerie,
And seyn in scorn: ‘tak off that fool good heede,
How he a beggere hath ouercome in deede,
Fauht with hym for to encrece his name,
Which conquest turneth to his disclandre & shame!’
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Yit whan I haue brouht the to vttraunce,
Mi power shewed and my grete myht,
And thyn outrage oppressid bi vengaunce,—
Afftir al this, as it is skile and riht,
It shal be kouth in eueri manys siht,
Out declarid the gret[e] difference
Twen thi feblesse & my gret excellence.
Mi power shewed and my grete myht,
And thyn outrage oppressid bi vengaunce,—
Afftir al this, as it is skile and riht,
It shal be kouth in eueri manys siht,
Out declarid the gret[e] difference
Twen thi feblesse & my gret excellence.
Than to represse thi surquedie attonys,
Cruel Orchus, the teidogge infernall,
Shal reende thi skyn assonder fro thi bonys,
To shewe my power, which is imperiall,
And to declare in especiall,
Pouert recleymed onto Pridis lure,
With me to plete may no while endure.’
Cruel Orchus, the teidogge infernall,
Shal reende thi skyn assonder fro thi bonys,
To shewe my power, which is imperiall,
And to declare in especiall,
Pouert recleymed onto Pridis lure,
With me to plete may no while endure.’
And sodenli, or Glad Pouert took heed,
Fortune proudli first began tassaile;
And onwarli hent hire bi the hed,
Demyng off pride, that she may nat faile
Thoruh hir power to venquysshe this bataile.
But it may falle a dwery in his riht
Toutraie a geaunt, for al his grete myht.
Fortune proudli first began tassaile;
And onwarli hent hire bi the hed,
Demyng off pride, that she may nat faile
Thoruh hir power to venquysshe this bataile.
But it may falle a dwery in his riht
Toutraie a geaunt, for al his grete myht.
God taketh non heed to power nor to strengthe,
To hih estaat[e] nor to hih noblesse,
To squar[e] lemys, forged on breede or lengthe,
But to quarelis groundid on rihtwisnesse;
For out off wrong may growe no prowesse.
For wher that trouthe holdeth chaumpartie,
God will his cause be grace magnefie.
To hih estaat[e] nor to hih noblesse,
To squar[e] lemys, forged on breede or lengthe,
But to quarelis groundid on rihtwisnesse;
For out off wrong may growe no prowesse.
For wher that trouthe holdeth chaumpartie,
God will his cause be grace magnefie.
Wherfor Pouert, strong in hir entent,
Liht and delyu[e]re, auoid off al fatnesse,
Riht weel brethed, & nothyng corpulent,
Smal off dieete surfetis to represse,
Ageyn Fortune proudli gan hir dresse,
And with an ougli, sterne cruel face,
Gan in armys hir proudli to embrace.
Liht and delyu[e]re, auoid off al fatnesse,
Riht weel brethed, & nothyng corpulent,
Smal off dieete surfetis to represse,
Ageyn Fortune proudli gan hir dresse,
And with an ougli, sterne cruel face,
Gan in armys hir proudli to embrace.
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Pouert was sclendre & myhte weel endure;
Fortune was round[e], short off wynd and breth.
And wombes grete oppressid with armure,
For lak off wynd the grete stuff hem sleth;
And many a man bryngeth to his deth:
For ouermekil off any maner thyng
Hath many on brouht to his ondoyng.
Fortune was round[e], short off wynd and breth.
And wombes grete oppressid with armure,
For lak off wynd the grete stuff hem sleth;
And many a man bryngeth to his deth:
For ouermekil off any maner thyng
Hath many on brouht to his ondoyng.
A mene is best, with good[e] gouernaunce;
To mekil is nouht, nor ouer-gret plente:
Gretter richesse is founde in suffisaunce
Than in the flodis off superfluyte.
And who is content in his pouerte
And gruchchith nat, for bittir nor for soote,
What-euer he be, hath Fortune vndir foote,
To mekil is nouht, nor ouer-gret plente:
Gretter richesse is founde in suffisaunce
Than in the flodis off superfluyte.
And who is content in his pouerte
And gruchchith nat, for bittir nor for soote,
What-euer he be, hath Fortune vndir foote,
Coueitise put hym in no dispeir,—
Wherfor Pouert, off herte glad and liht,
Leffte Fortune ful hih up in the heir,
And hir constreyned off verai force & myht.
For Glad Pouert off custum and off riht,
Whan any trouble ageyn hir doth begynne,
Ay off Fortune the laurer she doth wynne.
Wherfor Pouert, off herte glad and liht,
Leffte Fortune ful hih up in the heir,
And hir constreyned off verai force & myht.
For Glad Pouert off custum and off riht,
Whan any trouble ageyn hir doth begynne,
Ay off Fortune the laurer she doth wynne.
Maugre Fortune, in the hair aloffte
Constreyned she was be Wilful Pouerte,
That to the erthe hir fal was ful onsoffte:
For off Pouert the bony sharp[e] kne,
Sclendre and long & leene vpon to see,
Hitte Fortune with so gret a myht
Ageyn the herte, she myht nat stande vpriht:—
Constreyned she was be Wilful Pouerte,
That to the erthe hir fal was ful onsoffte:
For off Pouert the bony sharp[e] kne,
Sclendre and long & leene vpon to see,
Hitte Fortune with so gret a myht
Ageyn the herte, she myht nat stande vpriht:—
To signefie that Pouert with gladnesse,
Which is content with smal possessioun
And geueth no fors off tresour nor richesse,
Hath ouer Fortune the dominacioun,
And kepith hir euer vnder subieccioun,
Wher worldli folk, with ther riche apparaile,
Lyue euer in dreed Fortune wolde faile.
Which is content with smal possessioun
And geueth no fors off tresour nor richesse,
Hath ouer Fortune the dominacioun,
And kepith hir euer vnder subieccioun,
Wher worldli folk, with ther riche apparaile,
Lyue euer in dreed Fortune wolde faile.
The poore man affor the theeff doth synge
Vnder the wodis with fresh notis shrille;
The riche man, ful feerful off robbynge,
Quakyng for dreed[e], rideth foorth ful stille.
The poore at large goth wher hym list at wille,
Strongli fraunchised from al debat and striff;
The riche afferd alwei to lese his liff.
Vnder the wodis with fresh notis shrille;
The riche man, ful feerful off robbynge,
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The poore at large goth wher hym list at wille,
Strongli fraunchised from al debat and striff;
The riche afferd alwei to lese his liff.
Thus Glad Pouert hath the palme Iwonne,—
Fortune outraied, for al hir doubilnesse.
Vpon whom Pouert in haste is ronne,
And streyned hir with so gret duresse,
Till she confessid & pleynli dede expresse
With feith & hand, in al hir gret[e] peyne,
Tabide what lawe Pouert list ordeyne.
Fortune outraied, for al hir doubilnesse.
Vpon whom Pouert in haste is ronne,
And streyned hir with so gret duresse,
Till she confessid & pleynli dede expresse
With feith & hand, in al hir gret[e] peyne,
Tabide what lawe Pouert list ordeyne.
And in haste afftir this disconfiture,
Fortune began to compleyne sore.
But Glad Pouert, which all thynge myhte endure,
Charged Fortune scornen hire no more.
For it was said[e] sithen go ful yore,
He that reioishith to scorne folk in veyn,
Whan he wer lothest shal scorned been ageyn.
Fortune began to compleyne sore.
But Glad Pouert, which all thynge myhte endure,
Charged Fortune scornen hire no more.
For it was said[e] sithen go ful yore,
He that reioishith to scorne folk in veyn,
Whan he wer lothest shal scorned been ageyn.
‘Yit,’ quod Pouert, ‘thouh thou were despitous,
Woordis rehersyng which wer nat faire,
Straunge rebukis ful contrarious,
And repreuys many thousend paire,
Thou shalt me fynde ageynward debonaire:
For thouh a tunge be sclandrous & vengable,
To sclandre ageyn is nothyng comendable.
Woordis rehersyng which wer nat faire,
Straunge rebukis ful contrarious,
And repreuys many thousend paire,
Thou shalt me fynde ageynward debonaire:
For thouh a tunge be sclandrous & vengable,
To sclandre ageyn is nothyng comendable.
Thou must considre, touchyng our bataile
The ordynance and imposicioun,
That which off vs in conquest do preuaile
To brynge his felawe to subieccioun,
He shal obeie the statut off resoun,
And acomplisshe, off verai due dette,
What lawe the victour list vpon hym sette.
The ordynance and imposicioun,
That which off vs in conquest do preuaile
To brynge his felawe to subieccioun,
He shal obeie the statut off resoun,
And acomplisshe, off verai due dette,
What lawe the victour list vpon hym sette.
For which thou shalt the said[e] lawe obeie,
With circumstaunces off the condicioun
Bi me ordeyned, and nothyng ageyn seie,—
Make no gruchchyng nor replicacioun.
Considred first the fals opynyoun
Off hem that seyn, al worldli auenture
Off good and badde abide vnder thi cure,—
With circumstaunces off the condicioun
Bi me ordeyned, and nothyng ageyn seie,—
Make no gruchchyng nor replicacioun.
Considred first the fals opynyoun
Off hem that seyn, al worldli auenture
Off good and badde abide vnder thi cure,—
346
Summe poetis and philisophres also
Wolde in this caas make the a goddesse,
Which be deceyued, I dar seyn, bothe too;
And ther errour and foli to redresse,
I shal withdrawe in verai sekirnesse
Onhappi Auenture away fro thi power,
That she no mor shal stonde in thi daunger.
Wolde in this caas make the a goddesse,
Which be deceyued, I dar seyn, bothe too;
And ther errour and foli to redresse,
I shal withdrawe in verai sekirnesse
Onhappi Auenture away fro thi power,
That she no mor shal stonde in thi daunger.
This lawe off newe vpon the I make,
That first thou shalt, al open in sum pleyn,
Euel Auenture bynden to a stake,
Or to sum peler wher she mai be seyn,
To shewe exaumple to folkis in certeyn,
That no man shal loosne hire nor discharge,
But such as list with hire to gon at large.
That first thou shalt, al open in sum pleyn,
Euel Auenture bynden to a stake,
Or to sum peler wher she mai be seyn,
To shewe exaumple to folkis in certeyn,
That no man shal loosne hire nor discharge,
But such as list with hire to gon at large.
Heeroff to make a declaracioun,
Touchyng thi myht off Euel Auenture,
Thou shalt forgon thi dominacioun
To hyndre or harme any creature,
But onli foolis, which in thi myht assure.
Thei off ther foli may feele gret damage,
Nat off thi power, but off ther owne outrage.’
Touchyng thi myht off Euel Auenture,
Thou shalt forgon thi dominacioun
To hyndre or harme any creature,
But onli foolis, which in thi myht assure.
Thei off ther foli may feele gret damage,
Nat off thi power, but off ther owne outrage.’
For thilke foolis, which that list onbynde
This wrechche callid Onhappi Auenture,
Off witt & resoun thei make hemseluen blynde,
Lich as the world stood in Fortunys cure,
As thouh she myhte assure hem & onsure,
And hem dispose to welthe or wrechchidnesse,—
In ther errour hir callyng a goddesse!
This wrechche callid Onhappi Auenture,
Off witt & resoun thei make hemseluen blynde,
Lich as the world stood in Fortunys cure,
As thouh she myhte assure hem & onsure,
And hem dispose to welthe or wrechchidnesse,—
In ther errour hir callyng a goddesse!
Such wilful wrechchis that hemsilff betake
To putte ther fredam in hir subieccioun,
Off God aboue the power thei forsake,
And hem submitte, ageyn[e]s al resoun,
Vnder Fortunis transmutacioun,
Ther liberte ful falsli for to thrall,
Namli whan thei a goddesse list hir call.
To putte ther fredam in hir subieccioun,
Off God aboue the power thei forsake,
And hem submitte, ageyn[e]s al resoun,
Vnder Fortunis transmutacioun,
Ther liberte ful falsli for to thrall,
Namli whan thei a goddesse list hir call.
With a dirk myst off variacioun
Fortune hath cloudid ther cleer natural liht,
And ouershadwed ther discrecioun,
That thei be blent in ther inward siht
For to considre and to beholde ariht,
How God aboue put vnder mannys cure
Fre chois off good, his resoun to assure.
Fortune hath cloudid ther cleer natural liht,
And ouershadwed ther discrecioun,
That thei be blent in ther inward siht
For to considre and to beholde ariht,
347
Fre chois off good, his resoun to assure.
The Lord enlumyned off his bounteuous largesse
With mynde and witt his memoriall,
Toward al vertu his steppis for to dresse,
Endued his resoun for to be naturall,
Off frowardnesse till he wex bestiall,
To bynde hymsilff contrariousli in deede
To serue Fortune, atwixen hope and dreede.
With mynde and witt his memoriall,
Toward al vertu his steppis for to dresse,
Endued his resoun for to be naturall,
Off frowardnesse till he wex bestiall,
To bynde hymsilff contrariousli in deede
To serue Fortune, atwixen hope and dreede.
Thus bestiall folk made hire a goddesse,
Falsli wenyng she myhte hem most auaile
With hir plentes off habundant richesse;
And summe demen in ther supposaile,
With onwar chaung she dar the grete assaile,
Whos trust[e] alwei medlid is with trouble,
And hir plesaunce includith menyng double.
Falsli wenyng she myhte hem most auaile
With hir plentes off habundant richesse;
And summe demen in ther supposaile,
With onwar chaung she dar the grete assaile,
Whos trust[e] alwei medlid is with trouble,
And hir plesaunce includith menyng double.
And summe afferme that she mai auaunce
Conquestis grete and disconfitures,
And how [it] lith also in hir puissaunce
To forthre & hyndre all maner creatures,
And calle hir pryncesse off fatal auentures,
The riche tenhaunce be roial apparaile,
And be disdeyn to hyndre the poraile.
Conquestis grete and disconfitures,
And how [it] lith also in hir puissaunce
To forthre & hyndre all maner creatures,
And calle hir pryncesse off fatal auentures,
The riche tenhaunce be roial apparaile,
And be disdeyn to hyndre the poraile.
Whan she maketh most fulsumli hir profres,
Hir blaundisshyng is farsid with falsheed;
Whan hir richessis be stuffid up in coffres,
Thei been ay shet vnder a lok off dreed.
Wherfore, ye riche, off o thyng takith heed,
As your gadryng cam in with plesaunce,
Riht so your losse departeth with myschaunce.
Hir blaundisshyng is farsid with falsheed;
Whan hir richessis be stuffid up in coffres,
Thei been ay shet vnder a lok off dreed.
Wherfore, ye riche, off o thyng takith heed,
As your gadryng cam in with plesaunce,
Riht so your losse departeth with myschaunce.
Your gredi thrust tresour to multeplie
Causith an etik off nounsuffisaunce,
In you engendryng a fals ydropisie,
With a sharp hunger off worldli habundaunce,
Makyng off you a maner resemblaunce
With Tantalus,—whan ye deppest synke,
Than is your nature most thrustleuh for to drynke.
Causith an etik off nounsuffisaunce,
In you engendryng a fals ydropisie,
With a sharp hunger off worldli habundaunce,
Makyng off you a maner resemblaunce
348
Than is your nature most thrustleuh for to drynke.
Who clymbeth hiest on Fortunys wheel
And sodenli to richesse doth ascende,
An onwar turn, afforn seyn neueradeel,
Whan he leest wenyth makith hym descende.
Fro such chaungis, who may hymselff defende,
But thei that be with Pouert nat dismaied,
And can with litil holde hemsilff appaied.”
And sodenli to richesse doth ascende,
An onwar turn, afforn seyn neueradeel,
Whan he leest wenyth makith hym descende.
Fro such chaungis, who may hymselff defende,
But thei that be with Pouert nat dismaied,
And can with litil holde hemsilff appaied.”
[How kyng hostilius worshippyng fals goddis/was consumpt with firy Levene.]
And whil Bochas gan muse in this mateer,
Considred first al worldli thyng mut faile,
With wepyng eien [to hym] ther dede appeer
Pryncis that whilom wer famous in Itaile,
Which gan ther fall ful pitousli bewaile:
For mor contrarie was ther fallyng lowe,
That thei toforn hadde [of] no myscheeff knowe.
Considred first al worldli thyng mut faile,
With wepyng eien [to hym] ther dede appeer
Pryncis that whilom wer famous in Itaile,
Which gan ther fall ful pitousli bewaile:
For mor contrarie was ther fallyng lowe,
That thei toforn hadde [of] no myscheeff knowe.
For mor vnkouth is thilke aduersite,
Namli to pryncis, whan it is sodeyne,
Which euer ha lyued in prosperite,
Hauyng on Fortune no mater to compleyne,
Than off a wrechche, that lyueth ay in peyne,—
Off custom causeth, conceyued the sentence,
Off ioie and sorwe a ful gret difference.
Namli to pryncis, whan it is sodeyne,
Which euer ha lyued in prosperite,
Hauyng on Fortune no mater to compleyne,
Than off a wrechche, that lyueth ay in peyne,—
Off custom causeth, conceyued the sentence,
Off ioie and sorwe a ful gret difference.
Off ioie passid the newe remembraunce,
Whan folk be falle from ther felicite,
In treble wise it doth hem gret greuaunce;
Thonwar turn from ther tranquillite,
Thonsur trust and mutabilite
In worldli power, which that thei ha[ue] founde,
Onto ther hertis yeueth a greuous wounde.
Whan folk be falle from ther felicite,
In treble wise it doth hem gret greuaunce;
Thonwar turn from ther tranquillite,
Thonsur trust and mutabilite
In worldli power, which that thei ha[ue] founde,
Onto ther hertis yeueth a greuous wounde.
But a wrechche, which in wrechchidnesse
Hath euer lyued, and neuer was partable
Off no weelfare nor off welfulnesse,
Nor neuer fo[u]nd[e] Fortune fauourable,—
His sorwe, his myscheeff been so custumable,
That off his peynys long contynuaunce
Doth to his greuys a maner allegaunce.
Hath euer lyued, and neuer was partable
Off no weelfare nor off welfulnesse,
349
His sorwe, his myscheeff been so custumable,
That off his peynys long contynuaunce
Doth to his greuys a maner allegaunce.
But to pryncis, which sat so hih aloffte,
A sodeyn fall is most contrarious,
And ther descendyng weel the more onsoffte,
In ther tryumphes that thei wer glorious.
Record I take off kyng Hostilius,
Which in Rome from his roial stalle,
Whan he sat crownyd, most sodenli is falle.
A sodeyn fall is most contrarious,
And ther descendyng weel the more onsoffte,
In ther tryumphes that thei wer glorious.
Record I take off kyng Hostilius,
Which in Rome from his roial stalle,
Whan he sat crownyd, most sodenli is falle.
It is remembrid off old and nat off newe,
Off al Rome that he was lord and sire;
The firste off kynges that wered purpil hewe,
And off that cite gouerned the empire,
Hadde off Fortune al that hym list desire,
Till that he fill, in all his regalie,
Into a froward dedli maladie.
Off al Rome that he was lord and sire;
The firste off kynges that wered purpil hewe,
And off that cite gouerned the empire,
Hadde off Fortune al that hym list desire,
Till that he fill, in all his regalie,
Into a froward dedli maladie.
And off his peynes to fynden allegaunce,
To the temples he wente on pilgrymage,
His offryng made with deuout obeisaunce,
Wherbi sumdeel his peynes gan asswage;
And when he was restored off corage,
Felt hymsilff[e] that he dede amende,
To comoun proffit ageyn he gan entende.
To the temples he wente on pilgrymage,
His offryng made with deuout obeisaunce,
Wherbi sumdeel his peynes gan asswage;
And when he was restored off corage,
Felt hymsilff[e] that he dede amende,
To comoun proffit ageyn he gan entende.
Vpon Thalbanys, regnyng in his glorie,
To gret auail off Rome the cite,
Thoruh his knyhthod he hadde a gret victorie,
Afftir the which, be ful gret cruelte,
He beraffte hem fraunchise and liberte,
And made hem afftir, thoruh his hih renoun,
To been to Rome vnder subieccioun.
To gret auail off Rome the cite,
Thoruh his knyhthod he hadde a gret victorie,
Afftir the which, be ful gret cruelte,
He beraffte hem fraunchise and liberte,
And made hem afftir, thoruh his hih renoun,
To been to Rome vnder subieccioun.
Afftir this conquest, the stori doth deuyse,
In his noblesse ful staatli and roial,
He gan make a riche sacrifice
To queeme and plese for a memorial,
Affter the rihtes cerymonyal,
To Iubiter, be ful gret reuerence,
Aforn his auteres with fires & encence.
In his noblesse ful staatli and roial,
He gan make a riche sacrifice
To queeme and plese for a memorial,
Affter the rihtes cerymonyal,
350
Aforn his auteres with fires & encence.
But for that he in his inward entent,
Be circumstaunces off his oblacioun,
Was rechles founde and also necligent,
Be sum froward fals affeccioun,
The goddis kauhte an indignacioun;
And sodenli descendyng frothe from the heuene,
He was consumpt with a firi leuene,—
Be circumstaunces off his oblacioun,
Was rechles founde and also necligent,
Be sum froward fals affeccioun,
The goddis kauhte an indignacioun;
And sodenli descendyng frothe from the heuene,
He was consumpt with a firi leuene,—
His false goddis myhte hym nat auaile,
Iubiter, Saturnus nor Venus.
Lat al Christene defie such rascaile;
For to our feith thei be contrarious.
And among goddis, a thyng most outraious,
Ys, whan that pryncis, blent in ther folie,
List ertheli thynges falsli deifie.
Iubiter, Saturnus nor Venus.
Lat al Christene defie such rascaile;
For to our feith thei be contrarious.
And among goddis, a thyng most outraious,
Ys, whan that pryncis, blent in ther folie,
List ertheli thynges falsli deifie.
For onto God is hatful and odible
A withdrawyng off his reuerence,
To magnefie thynges coruptible
With ondue honour, be fals concupiscence.
Wherfor, ye Pryncis, beth war, off hih prudence,
List God onwarli pun[y]she your noblesse,
Maak you in erthe no fals god nor goddesse.
A withdrawyng off his reuerence,
To magnefie thynges coruptible
With ondue honour, be fals concupiscence.
Wherfor, ye Pryncis, beth war, off hih prudence,
List God onwarli pun[y]she your noblesse,
Maak you in erthe no fals god nor goddesse.
[How Anchus kyng of Rome was moordred by Lucynyo, bi thassent of his wiff.]
Thynkith on Anchus, kyng off Rome toun,
Which was so noble shynyng in his glorie,
Wered a crowne, ful famous off renoun,
Next Hostilius, as put is in memorie,
Wan the palme off many gret victorie;
But for al that, with a ful sharp[e] knyff
He moordred was bassentyng off his wyff.
Which was so noble shynyng in his glorie,
Wered a crowne, ful famous off renoun,
Next Hostilius, as put is in memorie,
Wan the palme off many gret victorie;
But for al that, with a ful sharp[e] knyff
He moordred was bassentyng off his wyff.
He loued hir best aboue ech creature,
Considred nat hir flatrie nor falsnesse,
Hir double menyng vnder couerture
Falsli blent this pryncis worthynesse.
To robbe and reue hym off his gret richesse
Was hir labour, with countirfet plesaunce,
In hir entent to brynge hym to myschaunce.
Considred nat hir flatrie nor falsnesse,
Hir double menyng vnder couerture
Falsli blent this pryncis worthynesse.
To robbe and reue hym off his gret richesse
351
In hir entent to brynge hym to myschaunce.
This Anchus hadde a gret affeccioun,
Onto his goddis to make sacrifises,
And to augmente the religioun
Off paganysme, maad in sundri wises.
Thoruh his manhod and circumspect deuyses,
Vpon Latynes, rebel to his cite,
For comoun profit he made a gret arme.
Onto his goddis to make sacrifises,
And to augmente the religioun
Off paganysme, maad in sundri wises.
Thoruh his manhod and circumspect deuyses,
Vpon Latynes, rebel to his cite,
For comoun profit he made a gret arme.
Oon off ther cites, callid Politorie,
He knyhtli wan, maugre al ther myht;
And whan he hadde off hem ful victorie,
He abod no lenger, but anon foorth ryht
Made al the peeple, in eueri mannys siht,
As prisoneris, this Romayn champioun,
Be brouht aforn hym bounde into the toun.
He knyhtli wan, maugre al ther myht;
And whan he hadde off hem ful victorie,
He abod no lenger, but anon foorth ryht
Made al the peeple, in eueri mannys siht,
As prisoneris, this Romayn champioun,
Be brouht aforn hym bounde into the toun.
Eek, as I fynde, this Anchus nolde cese,
For comoun proffit in his affeccioun,
Ther teritories taugmenten and encrese
In all the cuntres abouten enviroun
Toward the ryuer wher Tibre renneth doun;
At which[e] place he leet[e] edefie
A ful strong cite, which callid is Ostie.
For comoun proffit in his affeccioun,
Ther teritories taugmenten and encrese
In all the cuntres abouten enviroun
Toward the ryuer wher Tibre renneth doun;
At which[e] place he leet[e] edefie
A ful strong cite, which callid is Ostie.
But natwithstandyng al his worthynesse,
He was depryued, the story tellith so,
Off his kyngdam and his gret richesse
Bi a foreyn callid Lucynyo.
His wiff Tarquild assentid was therto,
Bi whos outrage and gredi couetise
Anchus was moordred in ful cruel wise.
He was depryued, the story tellith so,
Off his kyngdam and his gret richesse
Bi a foreyn callid Lucynyo.
His wiff Tarquild assentid was therto,
Bi whos outrage and gredi couetise
Anchus was moordred in ful cruel wise.
[How Lucynyo that mordred Anchus was aftir mordred.]
Thus fro the wheel of Fortune he is fall;
Lucynio in Rome is crownyd kyng,
And the Romayns afftir dede hym call
Tarquyn the olde, be record off writyng.
Which hath atteyned, be fraudulent werkyng,
And bi his subtil forged eloquence
Onto thestat off roial excellence.
Lucynio in Rome is crownyd kyng,
And the Romayns afftir dede hym call
Tarquyn the olde, be record off writyng.
352
And bi his subtil forged eloquence
Onto thestat off roial excellence.
He first ordeyned in his estat roial
Turneis, iustes in castell[s] and cites,
And other pleies callid marcial,
With many famous gret solempnites,
Sessiouns for statis and degrees.
This Tarquyn eek, was first that dede his peyne
In open stretis tauernys to ordeyne.
Turneis, iustes in castell[s] and cites,
And other pleies callid marcial,
With many famous gret solempnites,
Sessiouns for statis and degrees.
This Tarquyn eek, was first that dede his peyne
In open stretis tauernys to ordeyne.
Eek to preserue his cite out off doubte,
Yiff ther enmyes list them to assaile,
He was the first that wallid Rome aboute
With myhti tours, onlikli for to faile,
And hadde also many strong bataile
With the Sabynes in ther rebellioun,
And made hem subiect onto Rome toun.
Yiff ther enmyes list them to assaile,
He was the first that wallid Rome aboute
With myhti tours, onlikli for to faile,
And hadde also many strong bataile
With the Sabynes in ther rebellioun,
And made hem subiect onto Rome toun.
But for he was assentid to depryue
Worthi Anchus from his estat roial,
And afftir that took Tarquyld [on]to wyue,
Which slouh hir lord be tresoun ful mortal,
God wolde off riht that he sholde haue a fal:
The Lord wil nat, which euery thyng may see,
Suffre moordre longe to be secre.
Worthi Anchus from his estat roial,
And afftir that took Tarquyld [on]to wyue,
Which slouh hir lord be tresoun ful mortal,
God wolde off riht that he sholde haue a fal:
The Lord wil nat, which euery thyng may see,
Suffre moordre longe to be secre.
For Lucynio, for his gret offence,
Touchyng the moordre off the kyng Anchus,
Islay[e]n was be sodeyn violence
Off too shepperdis, the stori tellith thus,
Which off entent[e] wer contrarious
Atwen hemsilff[e] be a feyned striff,
To fynde a weie to reue hym off his liff.
Touchyng the moordre off the kyng Anchus,
Islay[e]n was be sodeyn violence
Off too shepperdis, the stori tellith thus,
Which off entent[e] wer contrarious
Atwen hemsilff[e] be a feyned striff,
To fynde a weie to reue hym off his liff.
For whil the kyng sat in iugement
Upon ther quarel for to do iustise,
Ful sodenli, thei beyng off assent,
Fill vpon hym in ful cruel wise,
And with an ax, the story doth deuise,
Oon off hem, or any man took heed,
On too parties roff the kynges hed.
Upon ther quarel for to do iustise,
Ful sodenli, thei beyng off assent,
Fill vpon hym in ful cruel wise,
And with an ax, the story doth deuise,
Oon off hem, or any man took heed,
On too parties roff the kynges hed.
353
This thyng was doon bi the procuryng
Off too childre, sonys to Anchus,
Which were exilid be fals compassyng
Off Lucinio, ageyn hem most irous,—
To hym ther presence was so odious.
But thei hem shoop, thouh thei were out off siht,
Ther fadres deth tauengen yiff thei myht.
Off too childre, sonys to Anchus,
Which were exilid be fals compassyng
Off Lucinio, ageyn hem most irous,—
To hym ther presence was so odious.
But thei hem shoop, thouh thei were out off siht,
Ther fadres deth tauengen yiff thei myht.
For off nature blood will vengid be,
To recompense the wrong off his kynreede,
In this chapitle, lik as ye may see,
Blood shad for blood: thus bothe dede bleede.
Be which exaumple, lat pryncis taken heede,
How moordre doon for supplantacioun
Requereth vengaunce for his fynal guerdoun.
To recompense the wrong off his kynreede,
In this chapitle, lik as ye may see,
Blood shad for blood: thus bothe dede bleede.
Be which exaumple, lat pryncis taken heede,
How moordre doon for supplantacioun
Requereth vengaunce for his fynal guerdoun.
[Lenvoye.]
This tragedie be cleer inspeccioun
Openli declareth in substaunce,
How slauhtre of princis causith subuersioun
Off rewmys, cites put out off ordynaunce,
Off mortal werre long contynuaunce.
Blood be supplantyng shad off kynges tweyne,
Bexaumple heer shewed, fals moordre to restreyne,
Openli declareth in substaunce,
How slauhtre of princis causith subuersioun
Off rewmys, cites put out off ordynaunce,
Off mortal werre long contynuaunce.
Blood be supplantyng shad off kynges tweyne,
Bexaumple heer shewed, fals moordre to restreyne,
The fyn declaryng off moordre & fals tresoun:
The deede horrible crieth ay vengaunce
To God aboue to caste his eien doun,
To punshe this synne thoruh his myhti puissaunce;
For it is mooder off myscheeff & myschaunce.
Wherfor, ye Pryncis, doth sum lawe ordeyne,
Withynne your boundis thre vices to restreyne:
The deede horrible crieth ay vengaunce
To God aboue to caste his eien doun,
To punshe this synne thoruh his myhti puissaunce;
For it is mooder off myscheeff & myschaunce.
Wherfor, ye Pryncis, doth sum lawe ordeyne,
Withynne your boundis thre vices to restreyne:
The vice off sclaundre, moordre and poisoun.
Wher-euer these thre hauen aqueyntaunce,
Thei brynge in sorwe and desolacioun,
Put at a preeff be newe remembraunce
Off falsheed vsed vnder fair cuntenaunce.
Wherfor, ye Pryncis, doth your besi peyne,
Withynne your boundis these vices to restreyne.
Wher-euer these thre hauen aqueyntaunce,
Thei brynge in sorwe and desolacioun,
Put at a preeff be newe remembraunce
Off falsheed vsed vnder fair cuntenaunce.
Wherfor, ye Pryncis, doth your besi peyne,
Withynne your boundis these vices to restreyne.
354
God diffende this noble regioun
With these thre vices to haue alliaunce:
For sclaundre first deuoureth hih renoun,
And sleth good fame thoruh fals dalliaunce.
Harm doon, to late folweth repentaunce,
Wherfor, ye Pryncis, doth a lawe ordeyne
To punshe ther malice, fals tunges to restreyne.
With these thre vices to haue alliaunce:
For sclaundre first deuoureth hih renoun,
And sleth good fame thoruh fals dalliaunce.
Harm doon, to late folweth repentaunce,
Wherfor, ye Pryncis, doth a lawe ordeyne
To punshe ther malice, fals tunges to restreyne.
God hath off moordre abhominacioun,
And fals poisoun doth to hym displesaunce;
Ther is no peyen in comparisoun
Condigne to moordre, peised in ballaunce.
Wherfor, ye Pryncis, makith an ordynaunce,
Withynne your boundis off sum dedli peyne
Bi du[e] punshyng fals moordre to restreyne.
And fals poisoun doth to hym displesaunce;
Ther is no peyen in comparisoun
Condigne to moordre, peised in ballaunce.
Wherfor, ye Pryncis, makith an ordynaunce,
Withynne your boundis off sum dedli peyne
Bi du[e] punshyng fals moordre to restreyne.
O noble Pryncis, prouydeth off resoun
Ageyn these vices to make purueiaunce,
Off rigour sheweth due execucioun
With al your labour & your hertli instaunce.
Lat deth be guerdoun for ther fynal penaunce,
To warne all othre, be constreynt off ther peyne,
Fro these thre vices ther corages to restreyne.
Ageyn these vices to make purueiaunce,
Off rigour sheweth due execucioun
With al your labour & your hertli instaunce.
Lat deth be guerdoun for ther fynal penaunce,
To warne all othre, be constreynt off ther peyne,
Fro these thre vices ther corages to restreyne.
[How for the offence don to Lucrece by Tarquyn was never aftir crowned kyng in Rome.]
Touching this Tarquyn, of whom I now[e] tolde,
As myn auctour maketh mencioun,
He callid was Tarquinius the olde,
Which longe in Rome hadde dominacioun,
Till his kynreede and generacioun,
For thoffence doon onto Lucrece,
Caused off kynges the name [for] to cese.
As myn auctour maketh mencioun,
He callid was Tarquinius the olde,
Which longe in Rome hadde dominacioun,
Till his kynreede and generacioun,
For thoffence doon onto Lucrece,
Caused off kynges the name [for] to cese.
For his sone, which afftir gan succeede,
For his outrages and his extorsiouns,
And for many a-nother cruel deede,
For his haatful vsurpaciouns,
His froward liff and fals condiciouns,
Among the peeple, bothe stille and loude,
He callid was Tarquinius the proude.
For his outrages and his extorsiouns,
And for many a-nother cruel deede,
355
His froward liff and fals condiciouns,
Among the peeple, bothe stille and loude,
He callid was Tarquinius the proude.
Ful obstynat he was in his entent,
Ambicious tacroche gret richesse,
Till that Fortune wex inpacient
Ageyn[e]s hym, in al his gret noblesse.
Gan hir snares and hir crokes dresse,
Thouhte she wolde, but he kept hym weel,
Al sodenli cast hym from hir wheel.
Ambicious tacroche gret richesse,
Till that Fortune wex inpacient
Ageyn[e]s hym, in al his gret noblesse.
Gan hir snares and hir crokes dresse,
Thouhte she wolde, but he kept hym weel,
Al sodenli cast hym from hir wheel.
A sone he hadde, ful vicious, as I fynde,
To all vertu most contrarious—
To be froward it cam to hym off kynde—
And off nature proud and despitous,
Ageyn the peeple fell and malicious,
Nat louyd but drad; for tirannye off riht
Is thyng most hatid in the peeplis siht.
To all vertu most contrarious—
To be froward it cam to hym off kynde—
And off nature proud and despitous,
Ageyn the peeple fell and malicious,
Nat louyd but drad; for tirannye off riht
Is thyng most hatid in the peeplis siht.
This proude Tarquyn, the story is weel kouth,
Ageyn Lucrece dede a gret outrage,
Oppressid hir beute in his onbridled youth,
Hir trouthe assailyng in a furious rage.
For which his fader, he, and his lynage
Exilid wern, and for this hatful thyng
Ther was neuer afftir in Rome crownyd kyng.
Ageyn Lucrece dede a gret outrage,
Oppressid hir beute in his onbridled youth,
Hir trouthe assailyng in a furious rage.
For which his fader, he, and his lynage
Exilid wern, and for this hatful thyng
Ther was neuer afftir in Rome crownyd kyng.
Hir bodi corupt, she cleene off herte & thouht,
Be force assailed was hir innocence,
Oppressid hir beute, but hir sperit nouht,
Hir chaast[e] will dede non offence;
But entred is into hir conscience
A gret remors, for al hir wifli trouthe,
To slen hirsilff, which was to gret a routhe.
Be force assailed was hir innocence,
Oppressid hir beute, but hir sperit nouht,
Hir chaast[e] will dede non offence;
But entred is into hir conscience
A gret remors, for al hir wifli trouthe,
To slen hirsilff, which was to gret a routhe.
And for that Bochas remembreth pitousli
Hir dedli sorwe and lamentacioun,
Writ hir compleynt in ordre ceriousli,
Which that she made for hir oppressioun,
I folwe muste and make mencioun,
Afftir myn auctour parcel rehersyng,
Touchyng hir woordis said in hir deieng.
Hir dedli sorwe and lamentacioun,
Writ hir compleynt in ordre ceriousli,
Which that she made for hir oppressioun,
I folwe muste and make mencioun,
Afftir myn auctour parcel rehersyng,
Touchyng hir woordis said in hir deieng.
356
Al-be-it so, be biddyng off my lord,
Rehersed haue in my translacioun
Afftir Pierius heer and ther a woord
Off a ful doolful declamacioun
Be hym remembred off entencioun,
For hir sake men myhte seen and rede
What wifli trouthe was in hir womanheede.
Rehersed haue in my translacioun
Afftir Pierius heer and ther a woord
Off a ful doolful declamacioun
Be hym remembred off entencioun,
For hir sake men myhte seen and rede
What wifli trouthe was in hir womanheede.
And Iohn Bochas list nat sette a-side,
But that he wolde rehersen in sentence
Hir woful compleynt, & therupon abide,
Off wrongis doon onto hir innocence.
And thouh I cannat folwe his eloquence,
I shal sue the trouthe off rehersyng
As in substaunce theffect off his writyng.
But that he wolde rehersen in sentence
Hir woful compleynt, & therupon abide,
Off wrongis doon onto hir innocence.
And thouh I cannat folwe his eloquence,
I shal sue the trouthe off rehersyng
As in substaunce theffect off his writyng.
The morwe next afftir this foule deede,
Lucrece vproos with a ful dedli cheer.
Out off hir face gon was al the rede,
And dirked wern hir heuenli eien cleer,
Al clad in blak[e] afftir the maneer
Off thilke folk which in especiall
Ar wont to gon to feestis funerall.
Lucrece vproos with a ful dedli cheer.
Out off hir face gon was al the rede,
And dirked wern hir heuenli eien cleer,
Al clad in blak[e] afftir the maneer
Off thilke folk which in especiall
Ar wont to gon to feestis funerall.
All hir freendis beyng in presence,
Husbonde, fader, with other eek also,
Bi and bi rehersyng in sentence
The circumstaunces off hir hertli wo.
And or that I any ferther go,
Vnder hope my lord will me supporte,
What that she saide I will to you reporte.
Husbonde, fader, with other eek also,
Bi and bi rehersyng in sentence
The circumstaunces off hir hertli wo.
And or that I any ferther go,
Vnder hope my lord will me supporte,
What that she saide I will to you reporte.
[The greuous compleynt of Lucrece vpon hir oppressioun.]
For-asmoche,” quod she, “as I Lucrece
Am be the lawe ioyned in mariage
To the, my lord, whos loue shal ay encrece
Towardis the, with al the surplusage
Off wifli trouthe tenduren al myn age,
As humble subiect with feithful obeisaunce
Vnder thi lordshipe and thi gouernaunce,
Am be the lawe ioyned in mariage
To the, my lord, whos loue shal ay encrece
Towardis the, with al the surplusage
Off wifli trouthe tenduren al myn age,
As humble subiect with feithful obeisaunce
Vnder thi lordshipe and thi gouernaunce,
357
O Colatyn, my lord and trewe husbonde,
Best beloued off hool affeccioun,
I will no mor no quarell take on honde
Nor in no wise make non accioun,
Withoute that thou list enclyne doun
Goodli thyn eris to yiue me audience
To that I shall reherse in thi presence.
Best beloued off hool affeccioun,
I will no mor no quarell take on honde
Nor in no wise make non accioun,
Withoute that thou list enclyne doun
Goodli thyn eris to yiue me audience
To that I shall reherse in thi presence.
Iniurie doon or any maner wrong
Ageyn my worshepe or myn honeste,
Bi the lawe my sentence is maad strong,
It touchet[h] you also weel as me,
I am so hooli yolden onto the,—
Thou art myn hed, who cleerli can discerne,
Lord and husbonde my bodi to gouerne.
Ageyn my worshepe or myn honeste,
Bi the lawe my sentence is maad strong,
It touchet[h] you also weel as me,
I am so hooli yolden onto the,—
Thou art myn hed, who cleerli can discerne,
Lord and husbonde my bodi to gouerne.
Parcial causes in sooth ther may non be
Atwen vs tweyne nor no disseueraunce:
For soote and bittir, ioie and aduersite,
We must hem weie bothe in o balaunce,
Countirpeise our sorwes [&] our plesaunce,
Entirmedle all thynge that is in doubte,
Receyue our fortune as it komth aboute.
Atwen vs tweyne nor no disseueraunce:
For soote and bittir, ioie and aduersite,
We must hem weie bothe in o balaunce,
Countirpeise our sorwes [&] our plesaunce,
Entirmedle all thynge that is in doubte,
Receyue our fortune as it komth aboute.
Ther may atwen vs be no menyng double,
But oon herte, o will and o corage.
And as [a] woman that stondeth now in trouble,
Withoute polishyng off any fair language,
I mut disclose to you the gret outrage
Doon onto me, and pleynli it discure,
Which to redresse lith hooli in your cure.
But oon herte, o will and o corage.
And as [a] woman that stondeth now in trouble,
Withoute polishyng off any fair language,
I mut disclose to you the gret outrage
Doon onto me, and pleynli it discure,
Which to redresse lith hooli in your cure.
For the mater, to speke in woordes pleyne,
A-riht out serchid and the trouthe out founde,
As a iust cause, ondifferent to tweyne
Toward vs bothe the quarell doth rebounde.
And mor strongli our mater for to grounde,
Reherse I will, so that ye sauff it vouche,
A mortall wrong which the & me doth touche.
A-riht out serchid and the trouthe out founde,
As a iust cause, ondifferent to tweyne
Toward vs bothe the quarell doth rebounde.
And mor strongli our mater for to grounde,
Reherse I will, so that ye sauff it vouche,
A mortall wrong which the & me doth touche.
358
In a castell which callid is Collace,
Off which my lord heer hath the gouernaunce,
Tarquyn the yonge cam into that place.
I, full diswarre to make purueiaunce
Ageyn his comyng or any ordenaunce,
Toforn nat warnyd off his officeris,
Sat onpurueied among my chaumbereris.
Off which my lord heer hath the gouernaunce,
Tarquyn the yonge cam into that place.
I, full diswarre to make purueiaunce
Ageyn his comyng or any ordenaunce,
Toforn nat warnyd off his officeris,
Sat onpurueied among my chaumbereris.
Off entent teschewen idilnesse,
We sat and span vpon wolles soffte;
For she off vices is a cheeff maistresse
Wher she is cherisshid & iset aloffte:
But off custum as I haue do ful offte,
I and my women duli as we ouhte,
Tauoide slouthe ful bisili we wrouhte.
We sat and span vpon wolles soffte;
For she off vices is a cheeff maistresse
Wher she is cherisshid & iset aloffte:
But off custum as I haue do ful offte,
I and my women duli as we ouhte,
Tauoide slouthe ful bisili we wrouhte.
His ent[e]ryng was meek and debonaire,
Benygne off port, off look & off visage,
With a pretence off many woordes faire,
In whos menyng was ful gret outrage,
His cheer contrarie onto his corage.
In this wise ther he was receuyed,
Wherbi, alas, I falsli was deceyued!
Benygne off port, off look & off visage,
With a pretence off many woordes faire,
In whos menyng was ful gret outrage,
His cheer contrarie onto his corage.
In this wise ther he was receuyed,
Wherbi, alas, I falsli was deceyued!
At pryme face, as me thouhte it due,
I hym receyued at his in comyng:
Roos up meekli and gan hym to salue,
As appertened in alle maner thyng
Onto the sone off a worthi kyng.
And treuli Tarquyn, for which I seie alas,
Me to be-traisshe stood in the same caas.
I hym receyued at his in comyng:
Roos up meekli and gan hym to salue,
As appertened in alle maner thyng
Onto the sone off a worthi kyng.
And treuli Tarquyn, for which I seie alas,
Me to be-traisshe stood in the same caas.
A kynges sone sholde off du[e]te
Been to wommen wall and proteccioun,
Preserue and keepe hem in al surete,
That no man sholde, off no presumpcioun,
Doon hem no wrong nor oppressioun,
Rather deie than seen hem suffre onriht,
Aduertisynge thoffice off a knyht.
Been to wommen wall and proteccioun,
Preserue and keepe hem in al surete,
That no man sholde, off no presumpcioun,
Doon hem no wrong nor oppressioun,
359
Aduertisynge thoffice off a knyht.
But in contraire off knyhthod he hath wrouht,
Be fals outrage doon ageyn[e]s me.
Wrong[e] weies and crokid menys souht
Off lawes tweyne to breke the liberte,
And difface the auctorite
Off lawe ciuyle & natural also,
In my persone offendyng bothe too.
Be fals outrage doon ageyn[e]s me.
Wrong[e] weies and crokid menys souht
Off lawes tweyne to breke the liberte,
And difface the auctorite
Off lawe ciuyle & natural also,
In my persone offendyng bothe too.
First be his fals[e] subtil compassyng
He gan espie thestris off the place;
And whan a-bedde alone I lay slepyng,
Lik a leoun, ful sterne off look and face,
With his lefft hand my throte he dede enbrace,
And in his other heeld ageyn al lawe
Me for toppresse a naked suerd idrawe.
He gan espie thestris off the place;
And whan a-bedde alone I lay slepyng,
Lik a leoun, ful sterne off look and face,
With his lefft hand my throte he dede enbrace,
And in his other heeld ageyn al lawe
Me for toppresse a naked suerd idrawe.
Thus afforcyng my wifli chastite,
Ageyn knyhthod he dede this gret offence,
Mi liff, my worshepe put in perplexite,
Hauyng no myht to make resistence,—
Me manacyng be dedli violence,
The ton off tweyne: to deie in his entente,
Or to auoutri falsli to consente.
Ageyn knyhthod he dede this gret offence,
Mi liff, my worshepe put in perplexite,
Hauyng no myht to make resistence,—
Me manacyng be dedli violence,
The ton off tweyne: to deie in his entente,
Or to auoutri falsli to consente.
Thus I stood sool atwen deth & diffame,
Mi bodi corupt, my sperit abood[e] cleene;
Mi spousaile broke, & my good[e] name
For euer disclaundred, that whilom shon ful sheene.
Euel fame off custum will alwei wexe greene,
Neuer deie, the peeple so hem disporte
The werste off thynges gladli to reporte.
Mi bodi corupt, my sperit abood[e] cleene;
Mi spousaile broke, & my good[e] name
For euer disclaundred, that whilom shon ful sheene.
Euel fame off custum will alwei wexe greene,
Neuer deie, the peeple so hem disporte
The werste off thynges gladli to reporte.
Alas, alas! among my sorwes all,
This oon the moste that doth myn herte agrise;—
I am nat worthi that men me sholde call,
Or haue the name in no maner wise,
For thoffence which ye han herd deuise,
To be callid, in this wrecchid liff,
Off Collatyn from hen[ne]sfoorth the wiff.
This oon the moste that doth myn herte agrise;—
I am nat worthi that men me sholde call,
Or haue the name in no maner wise,
For thoffence which ye han herd deuise,
To be callid, in this wrecchid liff,
Off Collatyn from hen[ne]sfoorth the wiff.
360
Myn eien also be blyndid with derknesse,
Onli for shame to lefften vp ther siht,
Outher ther stremys or bemys vp to dresse,
Off the cleer heuene to looke vpon the liht.
Nor I mai neuer been off the noumbre off riht,
Off trewe matrones, among hem ferr nor neer,
For to be rekned in ther kalendeer.
Onli for shame to lefften vp ther siht,
Outher ther stremys or bemys vp to dresse,
Off the cleer heuene to looke vpon the liht.
Nor I mai neuer been off the noumbre off riht,
Off trewe matrones, among hem ferr nor neer,
For to be rekned in ther kalendeer.
Lat myn Iniurie and this mortal cryme
Be so pun[y]shed off riht and equite,
Withoute delay off any lenger tyme,
That euer afftir it may exaumple be
Thoruh al the world and eek in this cite,—
With such a peyne therupon deuised,
That all auoutours may be therbi chastised.
Be so pun[y]shed off riht and equite,
Withoute delay off any lenger tyme,
That euer afftir it may exaumple be
Thoruh al the world and eek in this cite,—
With such a peyne therupon deuised,
That all auoutours may be therbi chastised.
And yiff it seeme in your opynyoun,
In this caas I sholde been onpure,
I will receyue iust punycioun
And the peyne pacientli endure,
Yiff it so stonde that parauenture
Ye deeme off resoun, that be so iust & stable,
In this mateer that I be coupable.”
In this caas I sholde been onpure,
I will receyue iust punycioun
And the peyne pacientli endure,
Yiff it so stonde that parauenture
Ye deeme off resoun, that be so iust & stable,
In this mateer that I be coupable.”
Hir tale told. Whan thei longe hadde musid
On this compleynt in ther inward siht,
Off trouthe echon thei heeld hir ful excusid,
Made all beheste, with al ther ful[le] myht
Tauenge hir wrong; and Lucrece anon riht
Took a sharp knyff, or thei myhte aduerte,
And rooff hirsilff euene thoruh the herte.
On this compleynt in ther inward siht,
Off trouthe echon thei heeld hir ful excusid,
Made all beheste, with al ther ful[le] myht
Tauenge hir wrong; and Lucrece anon riht
Took a sharp knyff, or thei myhte aduerte,
And rooff hirsilff euene thoruh the herte.
The Compleynt of Bochas Oppon þe luxurie of Princis by examplis of diuers myschevis.
Bochas in herte brennyng hoot as fir
Off verai ire and indignacioun
Ageyn tho princis, which in ther desir
Han fulli set ther delectacioun,
Ther felicite and ther affeccioun
To folwe ther lustis off fals lecherie,
Froward spousbreche and off auoutrie.
Off verai ire and indignacioun
Ageyn tho princis, which in ther desir
Han fulli set ther delectacioun,
Ther felicite and ther affeccioun
To folwe ther lustis off fals lecherie,
Froward spousbreche and off auoutrie.
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He writ ageyn hem that seeke occasiouns,
Places off lust to han ther libertees
For to fulfille ther delectaciouns;
And for tacomplisshe ther gret dishonestees,
Deuyse out tauernes in burwes & citees,
And sittyng ther among ther cumpanye,
Afftir the deede thei booste off ther folye.
Places off lust to han ther libertees
For to fulfille ther delectaciouns;
And for tacomplisshe ther gret dishonestees,
Deuyse out tauernes in burwes & citees,
And sittyng ther among ther cumpanye,
Afftir the deede thei booste off ther folye.
Yiff any man pynche at ther outrage,
Or them rebuke for ther tran[s]gressiouns,
Thei will ansuere with froward fals language,
And for ther parti allegge gret resouns:
First how it longeth to ther condiciouns
Be riht off Nature, as it is weel kouth,
Freli to vse lecheri in youth;
Or them rebuke for ther tran[s]gressiouns,
Thei will ansuere with froward fals language,
And for ther parti allegge gret resouns:
First how it longeth to ther condiciouns
Be riht off Nature, as it is weel kouth,
Freli to vse lecheri in youth;
Afferme also, how lawe of Kynde is fre,
And so afforce hem to sustene ther partie
Bexaumple off Dauid, which that took Bersabe,
And for hir sake how he slouh Vrie,
Dede manslauhtre and fals auoutrie,—
For hem aleggyng, ageyn riht and resoun,
For Dalida the luxure off Sampsoun.
And so afforce hem to sustene ther partie
Bexaumple off Dauid, which that took Bersabe,
And for hir sake how he slouh Vrie,
Dede manslauhtre and fals auoutrie,—
For hem aleggyng, ageyn riht and resoun,
For Dalida the luxure off Sampsoun.
The stori also thei frowardli applie,
How for a woman prudent Salamoun,
The Lord offendyng, dede ydolatrie.
And in diffence off ther opynyoun,
Reherse these storyes for excusacioun
Off ther errour, therbi a pris to wynne,
As tofor God lecheri wer no synne.
How for a woman prudent Salamoun,
The Lord offendyng, dede ydolatrie.
And in diffence off ther opynyoun,
Reherse these storyes for excusacioun
Off ther errour, therbi a pris to wynne,
As tofor God lecheri wer no synne.
Thei nat considre in ther entencioun
Off these stories eueri circumstaunce:
First off kyng Dauid the gret contricioun,
Nor vpon Sampson how God took gret vengaunce;
First how he loste his force & his puissaunce
For his offence—thei ha[ue] nat this in mynde,
Nor how that bothe his eien wer maad blynde.
Off these stories eueri circumstaunce:
First off kyng Dauid the gret contricioun,
Nor vpon Sampson how God took gret vengaunce;
First how he loste his force & his puissaunce
For his offence—thei ha[ue] nat this in mynde,
Nor how that bothe his eien wer maad blynde.
Nor ther resouns thei list nat to enclyne
For to conceyue in ther discrecioun,
The sperit off wisdam, heuenli & dyuyne,
Was take away fro prudent Salamoun
In chastisyng for his transgressioun.
And summe doctours affermen ouermore,
How Salamon repentid hym ful sore.
For to conceyue in ther discrecioun,
The sperit off wisdam, heuenli & dyuyne,
Was take away fro prudent Salamoun
In chastisyng for his transgressioun.
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How Salamon repentid hym ful sore.
The play off youthe folk calle it lecherie,
Seyn that it is a gamen off Nature,
And to sustene and bern vp ther partie,
How it sit weel, be record off scripture,
Onto euerich liffli creature
That stant in helthe and is coraious,
Off verrai kynde for to be lecherous.
Seyn that it is a gamen off Nature,
And to sustene and bern vp ther partie,
How it sit weel, be record off scripture,
Onto euerich liffli creature
That stant in helthe and is coraious,
Off verrai kynde for to be lecherous.
Vicious report thei han in remembraunce,
But vertuous thyng is ferr out off mynde;
Flesshli lustis and lecherous plesaunce
In ther desirs be nat lefft behynde.
Auauntyng, lieng thei can off newe out fynde;
And now-adaies thei holde curtesie
Othes horrible, flatryng and ribaudie.
But vertuous thyng is ferr out off mynde;
Flesshli lustis and lecherous plesaunce
In ther desirs be nat lefft behynde.
Auauntyng, lieng thei can off newe out fynde;
And now-adaies thei holde curtesie
Othes horrible, flatryng and ribaudie.
In ther auys thei taken litil heede
Onto the doctryn off noble Scipioun,
Which comaundid, in story as I reede,
To Masmissa, ful famous off renoun,
Nat to touche be no condicioun
Sophonisba, fairest off visage,
But yiff it were be weie off mariage.
Onto the doctryn off noble Scipioun,
Which comaundid, in story as I reede,
To Masmissa, ful famous off renoun,
Nat to touche be no condicioun
Sophonisba, fairest off visage,
But yiff it were be weie off mariage.
Thouh she wer born off the blood roiall,
Hir youthe was set to al honeste,
Douhter and hair to noble Hastruball,
Duc off Cartage, the story ye may see;
And for hir vertues off femynyte,
She weddid was, off berthe as she was lik,
To kyng Siphax, which regned in Affrik.
Hir youthe was set to al honeste,
Douhter and hair to noble Hastruball,
Duc off Cartage, the story ye may see;
And for hir vertues off femynyte,
She weddid was, off berthe as she was lik,
To kyng Siphax, which regned in Affrik.
And for to preue the grete liberte
Which is in vertu conveied be resoun,
And the fals thraldam off dishoneste,—
Off bothe to make a pleyn comparisoun,
Afftir the doctryn off Censoryn Catoun,
Shewid be hym to folkis in comune,
That vertu neuer is subiect to Fortune:
Which is in vertu conveied be resoun,
And the fals thraldam off dishoneste,—
Off bothe to make a pleyn comparisoun,
Afftir the doctryn off Censoryn Catoun,
Shewid be hym to folkis in comune,
That vertu neuer is subiect to Fortune:
363
Vertu conserueth mesour and resoun,
Considreth thynges aforn or thei befall,
Takith non enprises but off discrecioun,
And on prudence foundeth hir werkes all;
Ay to hir counsail attempraunce she doth call,
Warli prouydyng in hirsilff withynne
The eende off thynges toforn or she begynne.
Considreth thynges aforn or thei befall,
Takith non enprises but off discrecioun,
And on prudence foundeth hir werkes all;
Ay to hir counsail attempraunce she doth call,
Warli prouydyng in hirsilff withynne
The eende off thynges toforn or she begynne.
This was the doctryn tauht foorth off Catoun,
Lecherous lustis to put hem vndir foote,
Grauntyng to vertu the domynacioun,
Plukke up vices, braunche, cropp & roote.
Frut off goodnesse groweth up so soote,
Whan it is plauntid off youthe in a corage,
It neuer appalleth in helthe off his tarage.
Lecherous lustis to put hem vndir foote,
Grauntyng to vertu the domynacioun,
Plukke up vices, braunche, cropp & roote.
Frut off goodnesse groweth up so soote,
Whan it is plauntid off youthe in a corage,
It neuer appalleth in helthe off his tarage.
Catoun with vertu was a cheeff officer,
Preferryng euer comoun commodites
Tofor profites that wer synguler;
Tenhaunce the comoun in kyngdames & citees,
Ther wittis peised and ther habilitees,
Personys promotyng, in whom it was supposid,
That thei in vertu wer natureli disposid.
Preferryng euer comoun commodites
Tofor profites that wer synguler;
Tenhaunce the comoun in kyngdames & citees,
Ther wittis peised and ther habilitees,
Personys promotyng, in whom it was supposid,
That thei in vertu wer natureli disposid.
Manli off herte he was ay to susteene
Indifferentli trouthe and al iustise;
Flesshli delites off folk that wer oncleene
He was ay redi be rigour to chastise,
And sette lawes in ful prudent wise
For to punshe flaterers and lechours
And such as wern openli auoutours.
Indifferentli trouthe and al iustise;
Flesshli delites off folk that wer oncleene
He was ay redi be rigour to chastise,
And sette lawes in ful prudent wise
For to punshe flaterers and lechours
And such as wern openli auoutours.
He hadde off wommen non opynyoun
With hem to dele for lust nor for beute,
But yiff it were for procreacioun,—
So stable he was founde in his degre,
The book reedyng off inmortalite
Which Plato made, the trouthe weel out souht,
Therin concludyng, how soulis deie nouht,
With hem to dele for lust nor for beute,
But yiff it were for procreacioun,—
So stable he was founde in his degre,
The book reedyng off inmortalite
Which Plato made, the trouthe weel out souht,
Therin concludyng, how soulis deie nouht,
But lyueth euer outher in ioie or peyne.
Thus wrot Plato in his orygynall:
Men may the body be deth ful weel constreyne,
But the soule abit ay inmortall.
For which this Catoun, stedfast as a wall,
For comoun profit to deie was nat afferd,
Whan he hymsilff slouh with a naked suerd.
Thus wrot Plato in his orygynall:
Men may the body be deth ful weel constreyne,
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For which this Catoun, stedfast as a wall,
For comoun profit to deie was nat afferd,
Whan he hymsilff slouh with a naked suerd.
But to Fortune aforn his deth he saide,
“O thou pryncesse off worldli goodes veyne,
To thi flatereris I neuer dede abraide,
Thi fauour is so fals and oncerteyne
That neuer I fauht no fraunchise to atteyne
As for my-silff, nor parcial syngulerte,
But al for profit touchyng the comounte.
“O thou pryncesse off worldli goodes veyne,
To thi flatereris I neuer dede abraide,
Thi fauour is so fals and oncerteyne
That neuer I fauht no fraunchise to atteyne
As for my-silff, nor parcial syngulerte,
But al for profit touchyng the comounte.
A-geyn Cesar I made resistence,
To conquere fredam to me & to the toun,
Freli teschewe his mortal violence,
This world despisyng in myn opynyoun,—
Our fraunchise thrallid vnder subieccioun,
Iustli forsakyng the variaunce off this liff,
Mi soule conveied to be contemplatiff.”
To conquere fredam to me & to the toun,
Freli teschewe his mortal violence,
This world despisyng in myn opynyoun,—
Our fraunchise thrallid vnder subieccioun,
Iustli forsakyng the variaunce off this liff,
Mi soule conveied to be contemplatiff.”
This philisophre, this prudent old Catoun,
Tendryng in herte comoun comoditees,
Toforn his deth wrot off compassioun
To them that sat in roial dignitees,
Which hadde off vertu lost the libertees,
Pryncis besechyng, that wer luxurious,
To take exaumple and folwe kyng Drusus.
Tendryng in herte comoun comoditees,
Toforn his deth wrot off compassioun
To them that sat in roial dignitees,
Which hadde off vertu lost the libertees,
Pryncis besechyng, that wer luxurious,
To take exaumple and folwe kyng Drusus.
The which[e] Drusus, be successioun
Heir to Augustus, was next hym emperour,
Sett al in vertu his affeccioun,
And it to cherishe dede hooli his labour.
To lust onleefful he neuer gaff fauour;
And touchyng loue, duryng all his liff,
He neuer hadde lust but onli to his wiff.
Heir to Augustus, was next hym emperour,
Sett al in vertu his affeccioun,
And it to cherishe dede hooli his labour.
To lust onleefful he neuer gaff fauour;
And touchyng loue, duryng all his liff,
He neuer hadde lust but onli to his wiff.
And in his paleis, myd off his roiall see,
Off noble pryncis duellyng in Rome toun
He axed was, for al his dignite,
What maner corage or temptacioun,
Or what feruence or delectacioun
Withynne hymsilff he hadde off louys play,
Sool bi his wiff whan he a-bedde lay.
Off noble pryncis duellyng in Rome toun
He axed was, for al his dignite,
What maner corage or temptacioun,
Or what feruence or delectacioun
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Sool bi his wiff whan he a-bedde lay.
And lik a prynce fulfillid off hih noblesse,
Ansuerde ageyn with sobre cuntenaunce,
“Touchyng such lust as folweth flesshlynesse,
Lik as Nature me put in gouernaunce,
In oon alone is set al my plesaunce:
For with non other for no concupiscence,
Sauff with my wiff I neuer dede offence.”
Ansuerde ageyn with sobre cuntenaunce,
“Touchyng such lust as folweth flesshlynesse,
Lik as Nature me put in gouernaunce,
In oon alone is set al my plesaunce:
For with non other for no concupiscence,
Sauff with my wiff I neuer dede offence.”
Pryncis echon folwe nat the traas
Off noble Drusus, as ye shal vndirstonde;
For summe ha[ue] stonde al in a-nother caas,—
Such as can holde too or thre on honde,
Now heer, now ther, as botis home to londe,
Nat considryng ther cres nor disauail,
Whan newfangilnesse bloweth in ther sail.
Off noble Drusus, as ye shal vndirstonde;
For summe ha[ue] stonde al in a-nother caas,—
Such as can holde too or thre on honde,
Now heer, now ther, as botis home to londe,
Nat considryng ther cres nor disauail,
Whan newfangilnesse bloweth in ther sail.
Eek Bochas writith, sum princis ha[ue] be founde,
Which viciousli ha[ue] do ther besy peyne,
Vertuous wommen be flatrie to confounde,
And tendre maidnes to bryngen in a treyne,
Such manacis & tormentis to ordeyne,
Them to transfourme from ther perseueraunce
And interrupte ther virgynal constaunce.
Which viciousli ha[ue] do ther besy peyne,
Vertuous wommen be flatrie to confounde,
And tendre maidnes to bryngen in a treyne,
Such manacis & tormentis to ordeyne,
Them to transfourme from ther perseueraunce
And interrupte ther virgynal constaunce.
But off such folk that yeue no fors off shame,
Nor dreede God such treynes to deuise,
Husbondmen in soth ar most to blame
With foreyn women to trespase in such wise:
I trowe ther wyues may hem inouh suffise;
For many ar feeble ther dettis for to quyte,
Thouh thei in chaung themsilff falsli delite.
Nor dreede God such treynes to deuise,
Husbondmen in soth ar most to blame
With foreyn women to trespase in such wise:
I trowe ther wyues may hem inouh suffise;
For many ar feeble ther dettis for to quyte,
Thouh thei in chaung themsilff falsli delite.
Summe afferme, for themsilff alleggyng,
To such outrage that thei ha[ue] licence
Freeli off Nature to vse ther owne thyng,
And in such caas to no wiht doon offence.
But froward is ther errour in sentence,
Fro bond off wedlok, whan thei be so onstable,
And tofor God most hatful and dampnable.
To such outrage that thei ha[ue] licence
Freeli off Nature to vse ther owne thyng,
And in such caas to no wiht doon offence.
But froward is ther errour in sentence,
Fro bond off wedlok, whan thei be so onstable,
And tofor God most hatful and dampnable.
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For she that is thoruh hir hih noblesse
Namyd off clerkis, which cleerli can concerne,
Douhter off God, ladi and pryncesse,
Resoun callid, to guye man and gouerne,
Tween good and euel iustli to discerne,—
She hath departid, pleynli to conclude,
The liff off man fro liff off beestis rude.
Namyd off clerkis, which cleerli can concerne,
Douhter off God, ladi and pryncesse,
Resoun callid, to guye man and gouerne,
Tween good and euel iustli to discerne,—
She hath departid, pleynli to conclude,
The liff off man fro liff off beestis rude.
This ladi Resoun, sithen go ful yore,
Gaff onto man witt and discrecioun,
Tauhte hym also bi hir souereyn lore
Twen vice and vertu a gret dyuysioun,
And that he sholde in his eleccioun
Onto al vertu naturali obeie,
And in contraire al vicious liff werreie,—
Gaff onto man witt and discrecioun,
Tauhte hym also bi hir souereyn lore
Twen vice and vertu a gret dyuysioun,
And that he sholde in his eleccioun
Onto al vertu naturali obeie,
And in contraire al vicious liff werreie,—
And to enprente in his memorial,
How off luxure the gret dishoneste
Difforme a man & make hym bestial,
And disfigure, off what estaat he be:
For whan that resoun, in hih or low degre,
Is fled away, folk may afferme than,
He is lik a beeste rather than a man.
How off luxure the gret dishoneste
Difforme a man & make hym bestial,
And disfigure, off what estaat he be:
For whan that resoun, in hih or low degre,
Is fled away, folk may afferme than,
He is lik a beeste rather than a man.
Wherfor lat pryncis that ha[ue] be defectiff
To folwe ther lustis off sensualite,
Shape hem be resoun for tamende ther liff
And to conserue and keepe ther chastite,
Bothe off virgines and wiffli honeste,
And to pun[y]she all tho that list laboure
The honest fame off wommen to deuoure.
To folwe ther lustis off sensualite,
Shape hem be resoun for tamende ther liff
And to conserue and keepe ther chastite,
Bothe off virgines and wiffli honeste,
And to pun[y]she all tho that list laboure
The honest fame off wommen to deuoure.
For whan a lechour be force or be maistrie
Defoulid hath off virgynes the clennesse,
Widwes oppressid, and be auoutrie
Assailed wyues that stood in stabilnesse,
Who mai thanne ther sclaundrous harm redresse,
Whan ther good name is hurt be such report?—
For fame lost onys can neuer haue his resort.
Defoulid hath off virgynes the clennesse,
Widwes oppressid, and be auoutrie
Assailed wyues that stood in stabilnesse,
Who mai thanne ther sclaundrous harm redresse,
Whan ther good name is hurt be such report?—
For fame lost onys can neuer haue his resort.
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A theeff may robbe a man off his richesse
And be sum mene make restitucioun;
And sum man may disherite & oppresse
A poore man from his possessioun,
And afftir[ward] make satisfaccioun;
But no man may restore in no degre
A maide robbid off hir virgynyte.
And be sum mene make restitucioun;
And sum man may disherite & oppresse
A poore man from his possessioun,
And afftir[ward] make satisfaccioun;
But no man may restore in no degre
A maide robbid off hir virgynyte.
A man mai also bete a castell doun,
And beelde it afftir mor fresshli to the siht,
Exile a man out off a regioun
And hym reuoke, wher it be wrong or riht;
But no man hath the poweer nor the myht
For to restore the paleis virgynal
Off chastite, whan broken is the wal.
And beelde it afftir mor fresshli to the siht,
Exile a man out off a regioun
And hym reuoke, wher it be wrong or riht;
But no man hath the poweer nor the myht
For to restore the paleis virgynal
Off chastite, whan broken is the wal.
Men mai also put out off seruise,
And officeres remeue from ther place,
And at a day, whan Fortune list deuise,
Thei mai ageyn restored been to grace;
But ther is nouther tyme set nor space,
Nor neuer in story nouther rad nor seyn,
That maidenhed lost recurid was ageyn.
And officeres remeue from ther place,
And at a day, whan Fortune list deuise,
Thei mai ageyn restored been to grace;
But ther is nouther tyme set nor space,
Nor neuer in story nouther rad nor seyn,
That maidenhed lost recurid was ageyn.
For which men sholde haue a conscience,
Rewe in ther herte and repente sore,
And ha[ue] remors off ther gret offence,
To rauysshe thyng which thei may nat restore.
For it is said and hath be said ful yore,
The emeraud greene off parfit chastite,
Stole onys away may nat recurid be.
Rewe in ther herte and repente sore,
And ha[ue] remors off ther gret offence,
To rauysshe thyng which thei may nat restore.
For it is said and hath be said ful yore,
The emeraud greene off parfit chastite,
Stole onys away may nat recurid be.
And hard it is to rauysshe a tresour
Which off nature is nat recuperable;
Lordshipe may nat, off kyng nor emperour,
Refourme a thyng which is nat reformable:
Rust off diffame is inseparable,
And maidenheed[e] lost off newe or yore,
No man alyue mai it ageyn restore.
Which off nature is nat recuperable;
Lordshipe may nat, off kyng nor emperour,
Refourme a thyng which is nat reformable:
Rust off diffame is inseparable,
And maidenheed[e] lost off newe or yore,
No man alyue mai it ageyn restore.
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Romeyns olde thoruh ther pacience
Suffrede tirantis in ther tirannyes,
And in ther cite to do gret violence,
The peeple toppresse with ther robberies;
But to pun[y]she thei sette streiht espies
On fals auoutours, as it is weel kouth,
Widwes to rauysshe & maidnes in ther youth.
Suffrede tirantis in ther tirannyes,
And in ther cite to do gret violence,
The peeple toppresse with ther robberies;
But to pun[y]she thei sette streiht espies
On fals auoutours, as it is weel kouth,
Widwes to rauysshe & maidnes in ther youth.
Vpon this mateer the stori berth witnesse,
Touchyng thexil off kyng Tarquynyus,
Afforn rehersed be writyng ful expresse
The hatful deth off Appius Claudius
For his trespas doon to Virgynyus,
The iugementis rehersed and the peyne;
And fro ther office depryued bothe tweyne.
Touchyng thexil off kyng Tarquynyus,
Afforn rehersed be writyng ful expresse
The hatful deth off Appius Claudius
For his trespas doon to Virgynyus,
The iugementis rehersed and the peyne;
And fro ther office depryued bothe tweyne.
Was nat the cite whilom desolat
Off Synachites for the ribaudie
Off oon Sychem, which gan a gret debat
To haue acomplisshed his foul lecherie,
Whan yonge Dyna, as bookis specefie,
Wente rek[e]lesli walkyng vp and doun
To seen the maidnes off that roial toun?
Off Synachites for the ribaudie
Off oon Sychem, which gan a gret debat
To haue acomplisshed his foul lecherie,
Whan yonge Dyna, as bookis specefie,
Wente rek[e]lesli walkyng vp and doun
To seen the maidnes off that roial toun?
But whan Sichem this Dyna dede espie
Sool bi hirselff[e] walke in the cite,
He gan anon assaile hir be maistrie,
And for tafforcen hir virgynyte,
Because she hadde no leiser for to fle.
Whos gret offence and transgressioun
The cite brouhte onto destruccioun.
Sool bi hirselff[e] walke in the cite,
He gan anon assaile hir be maistrie,
And for tafforcen hir virgynyte,
Because she hadde no leiser for to fle.
Whos gret offence and transgressioun
The cite brouhte onto destruccioun.
Hir fadir Iacob & hooli hir kynreede
Ageyn this Sichem gan inwardli disdeyne;
Whan the furie off Mars was most to dreede,
To be vengid thei dede ther besy peyne.
And speciali hir worthi brethren tweyne
Fill on the cite, Symeon and Leuy,
Tauenge ther suster & stroie it fynaly.
Ageyn this Sichem gan inwardli disdeyne;
Whan the furie off Mars was most to dreede,
To be vengid thei dede ther besy peyne.
And speciali hir worthi brethren tweyne
Fill on the cite, Symeon and Leuy,
Tauenge ther suster & stroie it fynaly.
369
So mortalli thei gan with hem stryue,
With ther suerdis grounde sharp & keene,
Off male childre thei leffte non alyue,
Thei wer so vengable in ther furious teene.
The Sichanytes myhte nat susteene
That dai ageyn hem to stonden at diffence,
So importable was ther violence.
With ther suerdis grounde sharp & keene,
Off male childre thei leffte non alyue,
Thei wer so vengable in ther furious teene.
The Sichanytes myhte nat susteene
That dai ageyn hem to stonden at diffence,
So importable was ther violence.
For wher that God list punshe a man off riht
Bi mortal suerd, farweel al resistence:
Whan grace faileth, awey goth force & myht,
Feblith off pryncis the magnyficence,
Chaungeth ther power into inpotence,
Reuersith the kynges ther statli regalie,
Exaumple in Sichem, for his fals ribaudie.
Bi mortal suerd, farweel al resistence:
Whan grace faileth, awey goth force & myht,
Feblith off pryncis the magnyficence,
Chaungeth ther power into inpotence,
Reuersith the kynges ther statli regalie,
Exaumple in Sichem, for his fals ribaudie.
It was an hard dreedful punycioun,
That, O Pryncis, trespas in lecherie
Caused afor God that al a regioun
Destroied was withoute remedie.
This story told[e] for texemplefie,
Whan noble pryncis to wommen them submitte,
Grace and al fauour anon doth fro them flitte.
That, O Pryncis, trespas in lecherie
Caused afor God that al a regioun
Destroied was withoute remedie.
This story told[e] for texemplefie,
Whan noble pryncis to wommen them submitte,
Grace and al fauour anon doth fro them flitte.
Off this stori what sholde I write mor?
In Genesis the residue ye may reede,
The deth off Sichem and off kyng Emor,
And how ther kyngdam destroied was in deede.
Off Sichanites, loo, heer the fynal meede,
Off lecherie and off his fals plesaunce,
Which many a rewm hath brouht onto myschaunce!
In Genesis the residue ye may reede,
The deth off Sichem and off kyng Emor,
And how ther kyngdam destroied was in deede.
Off Sichanites, loo, heer the fynal meede,
Off lecherie and off his fals plesaunce,
Which many a rewm hath brouht onto myschaunce!
What sholde I efft reherse ageyn or write
The fals auoutri off Paris and Heleyne?
Ther woful fall Guido dede endite;
Poetis echon dede eek ther besi peyne
To declare, how onli bi these tweyne
The worthi blood, for short conclusioun,
Off Troie and Grece cam to destruccioun.
The fals auoutri off Paris and Heleyne?
Ther woful fall Guido dede endite;
Poetis echon dede eek ther besi peyne
To declare, how onli bi these tweyne
The worthi blood, for short conclusioun,
Off Troie and Grece cam to destruccioun.
370
But offte it fallith that mekil habundaunce
Off worldli good, with gret ese and richesse,
In folkis that sette al hooli ther plesaunce
To folwe ther lustis off froward wilfulnesse,
Hath caused in londes gret myscheeff & distresse,
Whan vicious liff ther corages dede encoumbre,
Destroied kyngdames & peeplis out off noumbre.
Off worldli good, with gret ese and richesse,
In folkis that sette al hooli ther plesaunce
To folwe ther lustis off froward wilfulnesse,
Hath caused in londes gret myscheeff & distresse,
Whan vicious liff ther corages dede encoumbre,
Destroied kyngdames & peeplis out off noumbre.
For whan the peeple thoruh fals obstynacie
Is indurat tamende hem and correcte,
And wil nat turne hem from ther lecherie,
But ay ar redi ther soules to infecte,—
And onto purpos my stile I will directe,
Texemplefie how Gabaa the toun
Was for his synne brouht to confusioun.
Is indurat tamende hem and correcte,
And wil nat turne hem from ther lecherie,
But ay ar redi ther soules to infecte,—
And onto purpos my stile I will directe,
Texemplefie how Gabaa the toun
Was for his synne brouht to confusioun.
Whilom this peeple callid Gabanytes,
From Beniamyn descendid in ther lyne,
Wer ai disposid to folwe ther delites,
And off custum ther wittis dede enclyne
In worldli plente to flouren & to shyne,
And dempte alwai, to them it was most due
Off wilfulnesse ther lustis for to sue.
From Beniamyn descendid in ther lyne,
Wer ai disposid to folwe ther delites,
And off custum ther wittis dede enclyne
In worldli plente to flouren & to shyne,
And dempte alwai, to them it was most due
Off wilfulnesse ther lustis for to sue.
In lecherie was set al ther plesaunce,
And in that vice thei ladde most ther liff,
Wherbi thei wer[e]n brouht onto myschaunce,
And many on slayn be ful mortal striff,
Whan the Leuite cam forbi with his wiff,
Ful excellent off fetures and beute,
And took his loggyng withynne that gret cite.
And in that vice thei ladde most ther liff,
Wherbi thei wer[e]n brouht onto myschaunce,
And many on slayn be ful mortal striff,
Whan the Leuite cam forbi with his wiff,
Ful excellent off fetures and beute,
And took his loggyng withynne that gret cite.
He was ful old, and she was inli fair,
He inpotent and she but tendre off age,
Thoruh Gabaa makyng ther repair.
The citeseyns off inportune rage,
Shewing the furie off ther gret outrage,
So longe that nyht hir beute dede assaile,
Till liff and breth attonys dede faile.
He inpotent and she but tendre off age,
Thoruh Gabaa makyng ther repair.
The citeseyns off inportune rage,
Shewing the furie off ther gret outrage,
So longe that nyht hir beute dede assaile,
Till liff and breth attonys dede faile.
371
Contagious was the sclaundre & diffame,
In Iudicum the story ye mai reede,
Which to reherse is a maner shame,
To heere thabusioun off that foule deede;
And how the Leuite amorwe gan take heede
With pitous cheer, & sauh his yonge wiff
Tofor the gate depryued off hir liff.
In Iudicum the story ye mai reede,
Which to reherse is a maner shame,
To heere thabusioun off that foule deede;
And how the Leuite amorwe gan take heede
With pitous cheer, & sauh his yonge wiff
Tofor the gate depryued off hir liff.
He hente hir up & leid hir on his asse;
To noise this crym vpon eueri side,
Thouhte in such caas he myhte do no lasse,—
Took a sharp suerd, & list no lenger bide,
On twelue parties he gan hir to deuide,
And to ech Tribe off Jacob he hath sent
A certeyn parti, to seen ther iugement.
To noise this crym vpon eueri side,
Thouhte in such caas he myhte do no lasse,—
Took a sharp suerd, & list no lenger bide,
On twelue parties he gan hir to deuide,
And to ech Tribe off Jacob he hath sent
A certeyn parti, to seen ther iugement.
Which thyng to hem was hatful & terrible,
And in ther siht ful abhomynable.
And in al haste likli and possible,
Alle off o will and o corage stable,
On Gabonites for to be vengable
Thei gadred han, shortli to conclude,
Tassaile that toun a ful gret multitude.
And in ther siht ful abhomynable.
And in al haste likli and possible,
Alle off o will and o corage stable,
On Gabonites for to be vengable
Thei gadred han, shortli to conclude,
Tassaile that toun a ful gret multitude.
Whan thei first mette, atwen hem thus it stood:
The twelue Tribus wer twies put to fliht,
On outher parti gret quantite off blood
Was shad among hem in that mortal fiht;
For sexti thousand, who that counte ariht,
Wer slay[e]n ther, the stori wil nat lie,
Tauenge the sclaundre off fals avoutrie.
The twelue Tribus wer twies put to fliht,
On outher parti gret quantite off blood
Was shad among hem in that mortal fiht;
For sexti thousand, who that counte ariht,
Wer slay[e]n ther, the stori wil nat lie,
Tauenge the sclaundre off fals avoutrie.
Loo, heer the guerdoun off the froward firis
In lecherous folk, that wil nat staunchid be,
That brente so hoote thoruh bestial desiris
In Gabaa the myhti strong cite,
Which was destroied for his iniquite,
And almost brouht off Beniamyn the lyne
Thoruh this offence to eternal ruyne.
In lecherous folk, that wil nat staunchid be,
That brente so hoote thoruh bestial desiris
In Gabaa the myhti strong cite,
Which was destroied for his iniquite,
And almost brouht off Beniamyn the lyne
Thoruh this offence to eternal ruyne.
372
Eek for his feruent dronken lecherie
Oloffernes be Iudith loste his hed;
And al his host and al his cheualrie
Leffte the feeld & fledde awei for dreed,
And he lai bathed in his blood al red.
Thus thoruh this vice, yiff it be weel souht,
Ful many a prynce hath be brouht to nouht.
Oloffernes be Iudith loste his hed;
And al his host and al his cheualrie
Leffte the feeld & fledde awei for dreed,
And he lai bathed in his blood al red.
Thus thoruh this vice, yiff it be weel souht,
Ful many a prynce hath be brouht to nouht.
These said[e] stories ouhte inouh suffise,
Yiff men wolde considre & taken heede,
The grete vengaunces in many sundri wise
Which God hath take for this synne in deede,
As in ther bookis thei may beholde & reede
Warnynges afforn, ful offte put at preeff,
How thei hemsilff shal saue fro myscheef.
Yiff men wolde considre & taken heede,
The grete vengaunces in many sundri wise
Which God hath take for this synne in deede,
As in ther bookis thei may beholde & reede
Warnynges afforn, ful offte put at preeff,
How thei hemsilff shal saue fro myscheef.
Lenvoye.
This tragedie yeueth vs a gret warnyng,
Be cleer exaumples of manyfold resoun,
How many a prince for ther mysleuyng,
And many riche, roial, myhti toun,
Many a cite and many a regioun
Ha[ue] been euersid, ful notable & famous,
For synne off pryncis that wer lecherous.
Be cleer exaumples of manyfold resoun,
How many a prince for ther mysleuyng,
And many riche, roial, myhti toun,
Many a cite and many a regioun
Ha[ue] been euersid, ful notable & famous,
For synne off pryncis that wer lecherous.
The chose off God, Dauid the worthi kyng,
Prophete off prophetis, most souereyn off renoun,
On Bersabe for a sodeyn lokyng
To slen Vrie cauhte occasioun,
For which he suffred gret punycioun,
Chastised off God, he and al his hous,
For cause onli that he was lecherous.
Prophete off prophetis, most souereyn off renoun,
On Bersabe for a sodeyn lokyng
To slen Vrie cauhte occasioun,
For which he suffred gret punycioun,
Chastised off God, he and al his hous,
For cause onli that he was lecherous.
Gret repentaunce he hadde & gret sorwyng,
And made psalmis off gret contricioun,
With woful teris & manyfold wepyng
To make a-seeth for his transgressioun,
Yeuyng to pryncis ful cleer direccioun
For to eschewe the flatri odious
And the fals fraude off wommen lecherous.
And made psalmis off gret contricioun,
With woful teris & manyfold wepyng
To make a-seeth for his transgressioun,
Yeuyng to pryncis ful cleer direccioun
For to eschewe the flatri odious
And the fals fraude off wommen lecherous.
373
Wher was ther euere off science or cunnyng
So renommed as was kyng Salamoun?
Yit wommen made hym, thoruh [ther] fals flateryng,
To foreyn goddis doon oblacioun,
Which clipsid his honour & brouht his fame doun,
That was in wisdam whilom most vertuous,
Til he thoruh wommen fill to be lecherous.
So renommed as was kyng Salamoun?
Yit wommen made hym, thoruh [ther] fals flateryng,
To foreyn goddis doon oblacioun,
Which clipsid his honour & brouht his fame doun,
That was in wisdam whilom most vertuous,
Til he thoruh wommen fill to be lecherous.
Is it nat eek remembrid be writyng,
Off Israel how the cheeff[e] champioun,
Which goddis peeple hadde in his ledyng,
I meene the famous, myhti, strong Sampsoun,
That thoruh his force to-rente the lyoun,—
But Dalida with teres plenteuous
His grace berafft hym & made hym lecherous.
Off Israel how the cheeff[e] champioun,
Which goddis peeple hadde in his ledyng,
I meene the famous, myhti, strong Sampsoun,
That thoruh his force to-rente the lyoun,—
But Dalida with teres plenteuous
His grace berafft hym & made hym lecherous.
Sichem was slayn eek for the rauasshyng
Off yong Dyna, as maad is mencioun;
His fader Emor brouh[t] to his eendyng,
Lost his richesse in that discencioun,
And his kyngdam brouht to destruccioun.
Loo, heer the fyn off pryncis vicious,
Which them dispose for to be lecherous!
Off yong Dyna, as maad is mencioun;
His fader Emor brouh[t] to his eendyng,
Lost his richesse in that discencioun,
And his kyngdam brouht to destruccioun.
Loo, heer the fyn off pryncis vicious,
Which them dispose for to be lecherous!
It is in erthe oon the moste pereilous thyng,
A prynce to been off his condicioun
Effemynat, his wittis enclynyng,
Be fals desirs off flesshli mocioun,
To put hymselff vnder subieccioun,
And thralle his resoun, tresour most precious,
To onleeful lustis, hatful & lecherous.
A prynce to been off his condicioun
Effemynat, his wittis enclynyng,
Be fals desirs off flesshli mocioun,
To put hymselff vnder subieccioun,
And thralle his resoun, tresour most precious,
To onleeful lustis, hatful & lecherous.
This is the sentence ful pleynli in menyng:
Wher women haue the dominacioun
To holde the reyne, ther hookis out castyng,
That sensualite ha[ue] iurediccioun
To entre on resoun bi fals intrusioun,
Werre ageyn vertu most contagious,
To be venquysshid off lustis lecherous,—
Wher women haue the dominacioun
To holde the reyne, ther hookis out castyng,
That sensualite ha[ue] iurediccioun
To entre on resoun bi fals intrusioun,
Werre ageyn vertu most contagious,
To be venquysshid off lustis lecherous,—
It taketh fro men ther cleernesse off seyng,
Causeth gret siknessis and corrupcioun,
And to al vertu it is grettest hyndryng,
Maketh men seeme old, as be inspeccioun,
Appallith ther mynde and disposicioun,
Shorteth ther daies, thyng dreedful & pitous,
Whan thei dispose hem for to be lecherous.
Causeth gret siknessis and corrupcioun,
And to al vertu it is grettest hyndryng,
374
Appallith ther mynde and disposicioun,
Shorteth ther daies, thyng dreedful & pitous,
Whan thei dispose hem for to be lecherous.
Noble Pryncis, in your ymagynyng
Conceyueth off wommen the fals decepcioun,
Namli off them that loue but for wynnyng,
And laboure ay for your possessioun,
Whos sugred flatrie is fals collusioun,
Lik to Sirenes with vois melodious
Enoynte your eres to make you lecherous.
Conceyueth off wommen the fals decepcioun,
Namli off them that loue but for wynnyng,
And laboure ay for your possessioun,
Whos sugred flatrie is fals collusioun,
Lik to Sirenes with vois melodious
Enoynte your eres to make you lecherous.
[How Cambises assentyng to the moordre of his brothir Mergus at last slouh himsilf.]
Afftir the deth of myhti kyng Cirus,
Next cam his sone callid Cambises,
Heir be successioun ful victorious,
Which tofor Bochas put hymselff in pres
And gan his compleynt—this is dout[e]les,—
That thei off Egipt, in many vnkouth wise,
To sundri goddis dede sacrifise.
Next cam his sone callid Cambises,
Heir be successioun ful victorious,
Which tofor Bochas put hymselff in pres
And gan his compleynt—this is dout[e]les,—
That thei off Egipt, in many vnkouth wise,
To sundri goddis dede sacrifise.
First onto Apis thei dede reuerence,
Callid Serapis, ther grettest god off all,
Regnyng in Egipt off most excellence,
And god of goddis foolis dede hym call.
And off his noblesse thus it is befall,
Slayn bi his brother, which is a gret wonder,
Seuered on pecis & ful ferr cast assonder.
Callid Serapis, ther grettest god off all,
Regnyng in Egipt off most excellence,
And god of goddis foolis dede hym call.
And off his noblesse thus it is befall,
Slayn bi his brother, which is a gret wonder,
Seuered on pecis & ful ferr cast assonder.
And thei off Egipt made ther ordynaunces,
Vp peyne off deth in ther statutis olde,
A god to calle hym, & doon ther obseruaunces
Withynne his templis, lik as thei wer holde.
Wheroff Cambises, toforn as I you tolde,
Alle the templis off that regioun
Cast hym be force for to throwe doun.
Vp peyne off deth in ther statutis olde,
A god to calle hym, & doon ther obseruaunces
Withynne his templis, lik as thei wer holde.
Wheroff Cambises, toforn as I you tolde,
Alle the templis off that regioun
Cast hym be force for to throwe doun.
375
The temple off Iubiter to robbe it be rauyne,
Callid Amon, withoute excepcioun,
His knyhtis sente to brynge it to ruyne.
But thei echon for ther presumpcioun,
With sodeyn leuene wer smet & bete doun.
Wheroff Cambises, in Asie tho regnyng,
Hadde this drem as he lai slepyng.
Callid Amon, withoute excepcioun,
His knyhtis sente to brynge it to ruyne.
But thei echon for ther presumpcioun,
With sodeyn leuene wer smet & bete doun.
Wheroff Cambises, in Asie tho regnyng,
Hadde this drem as he lai slepyng.
He drempte his brother, that called was Mergus,
Sholde in the kyngdam afftir hym succeede.
Wheroff in herte he wex so envious,
That he purposed, off rancour and hatreede,
Bi sum mene to make his sides bleede;
And that his purpos sholde take auail,
A magicien he took to his counsail.
Sholde in the kyngdam afftir hym succeede.
Wheroff in herte he wex so envious,
That he purposed, off rancour and hatreede,
Bi sum mene to make his sides bleede;
And that his purpos sholde take auail,
A magicien he took to his counsail.
And he was holde a ful gret philisophre,
Callid Cometes, ful sleihti and cunnyng,
To whom Cambises made a large proffre
Off gold and tresour to make hym assentyng
To execute this horrible thyng;
And that he wolde in most cruel wise
The moordre off Mergus compassen & deuise.
Callid Cometes, ful sleihti and cunnyng,
To whom Cambises made a large proffre
Off gold and tresour to make hym assentyng
To execute this horrible thyng;
And that he wolde in most cruel wise
The moordre off Mergus compassen & deuise.
And whil Cambises ordeyned this tresoun,
To slen Mergus, his owne brother deere,
God from aboue caste his eien doun,
Hym to pun[y]she in ful cruel manere:
For he wex wood[e], who-so list to lere,
Cauht a sharp suerd, & roff his thih on tweyne;
And sodenli he deied for the peyne.
To slen Mergus, his owne brother deere,
God from aboue caste his eien doun,
Hym to pun[y]she in ful cruel manere:
For he wex wood[e], who-so list to lere,
Cauht a sharp suerd, & roff his thih on tweyne;
And sodenli he deied for the peyne.
For too causes God took on hym vengaunce,
As myn auctour Bochas doth expresse:
For his presumptuous fals disobeisaunce,
Spoilyng the goddis off her gret richesse,
And for the froward gret onkynd[e]nesse
To yeue assent to the contagious caas,
Whan that Mergus his brother moordred was.
As myn auctour Bochas doth expresse:
For his presumptuous fals disobeisaunce,
Spoilyng the goddis off her gret richesse,
And for the froward gret onkynd[e]nesse
To yeue assent to the contagious caas,
Whan that Mergus his brother moordred was.
376
The deth off whom was cheeff occasioun
Off ful gret werre, stryues and debat,
Eek fynal cause whi al the regioun
Off myhti Perse stood disconsolat:
For heir was non, off hih nor low estat,
Be title off riht, thoruh this onhappi chaunce,
To been ther kyng and ha[ue] the gouernaunce.
Off ful gret werre, stryues and debat,
Eek fynal cause whi al the regioun
Off myhti Perse stood disconsolat:
For heir was non, off hih nor low estat,
Be title off riht, thoruh this onhappi chaunce,
To been ther kyng and ha[ue] the gouernaunce.
For the magicien callid Cometes,
Which slouh Mergus, as ye haue herd expresse,
Took his brother callid Oropastes,
And made hym kyng, the stori berth witnesse,
Because that he resembled in liknesse
Onto Mergus off face and off stature,
To crowne hym kyng therfore he dede his cure.
Which slouh Mergus, as ye haue herd expresse,
Took his brother callid Oropastes,
And made hym kyng, the stori berth witnesse,
Because that he resembled in liknesse
Onto Mergus off face and off stature,
To crowne hym kyng therfore he dede his cure.
The deth off Mergus outward was nat knowe
Nor pleynli publisht in that regioun;
His bodi buried and cast in erthe lowe.
Off whom the moordre and fraudulent tresoun,
The pitous slauhtre wrouht be collusioun,
And al the maner, bi processe was espied
So openli it myhte nat be denyed.
Nor pleynli publisht in that regioun;
His bodi buried and cast in erthe lowe.
Off whom the moordre and fraudulent tresoun,
The pitous slauhtre wrouht be collusioun,
And al the maner, bi processe was espied
So openli it myhte nat be denyed.
And in what wise the noise gan out spreede
Touchyng this moordre odious for to heere:
Whan that Orapastes ocupied in deede
The crowne off Perse, the stori doth vs lere,
Ther was a prynce ful notable & enteere,
Callid Hostanes, that gan his witt applie,
Off hih prudence this moordre out tespie.
Touchyng this moordre odious for to heere:
Whan that Orapastes ocupied in deede
The crowne off Perse, the stori doth vs lere,
Ther was a prynce ful notable & enteere,
Callid Hostanes, that gan his witt applie,
Off hih prudence this moordre out tespie.
Whil that Orapastes, vnder a fals pretence,
Off Perciens was resseyued as for kyng,
The said[e] prynce dede his deligence,
Bi inquisicioun to ha[ue] knowlechyng,
Be what engyn or be what sleihti thyng
The said Orapastes cauhte occasioun
In stede off Mergus to ocupie the croun.
Off Perciens was resseyued as for kyng,
The said[e] prynce dede his deligence,
Bi inquisicioun to ha[ue] knowlechyng,
Be what engyn or be what sleihti thyng
The said Orapastes cauhte occasioun
In stede off Mergus to ocupie the croun.
377
On this mateer he hadde a coniecture,
That his title was nouther hool nor cleer.
The trouthe to trie he dede his besi cure,
And to serche out hooli the maneer,
He souht[e] so ferr that he cam riht neer,
And in this caas lettid for no slouthe,
Till that he hadde founden out the trouthe.
That his title was nouther hool nor cleer.
The trouthe to trie he dede his besi cure,
And to serche out hooli the maneer,
He souht[e] so ferr that he cam riht neer,
And in this caas lettid for no slouthe,
Till that he hadde founden out the trouthe.
The cas was this, pleynli to termyne:
He hadde a douhter, ful fair off hir visage,
Which off the kyng was cheuest concubyne,
Bi whom he thouhte to cachchen auauntage.
And onto hir he hath sent his massage,
Secreli tenqueren how it stood,
Wher that the kyng wer come off Cirus blood.
He hadde a douhter, ful fair off hir visage,
Which off the kyng was cheuest concubyne,
Bi whom he thouhte to cachchen auauntage.
And onto hir he hath sent his massage,
Secreli tenqueren how it stood,
Wher that the kyng wer come off Cirus blood.
And bad she sholde secreli taken heed,
Whil that he slepte to doon hir besi peyne
With hir handis for to feele his hed,
And to grope afftir bothe his eris tweyne.
And yiff it fill—ther is no mor to seyne—
Vpon his hed that she non eris founde,
To telle hir fadir, off trouthe as she was bounde.
Whil that he slepte to doon hir besi peyne
With hir handis for to feele his hed,
And to grope afftir bothe his eris tweyne.
And yiff it fill—ther is no mor to seyne—
Vpon his hed that she non eris founde,
To telle hir fadir, off trouthe as she was bounde.
This myhti prynce Hostanes knew[e] weel,
Riht as it is recorded be scripture,
Touchyng this caas how it stood euerideel,
How kyng Cambises off sodeyn auenture,
Bi his lyue for a forfeture,
Made off Orapastes, the stori seith nat nay,
Bothe his tweyne eris to be kit away.
Riht as it is recorded be scripture,
Touchyng this caas how it stood euerideel,
How kyng Cambises off sodeyn auenture,
Bi his lyue for a forfeture,
Made off Orapastes, the stori seith nat nay,
Bothe his tweyne eris to be kit away.
And heerupon to be certefied,
He was desirous ta[ue] ful knowlechyng.
Which be his douhter whan it was espied,
Vpon a nyht liggyng bi the kyng,
Gropyng his hed[e] as he lai slepyng,
Ful subtili felte and took good heed,
How he non eris hadde vpon his hed.
He was desirous ta[ue] ful knowlechyng.
Which be his douhter whan it was espied,
Vpon a nyht liggyng bi the kyng,
Gropyng his hed[e] as he lai slepyng,
Ful subtili felte and took good heed,
How he non eris hadde vpon his hed.
And to hir fadir anon she hath declarid
The secrenesse off this auenture.
And for no feer nor dreed he hath nat sparid,
How that it stood[e] pleynli to discure.
And first off all he dede his besi cure,
Alle the pryncis off Perse-lond ifeere
To counseil calle tentrete off this mateere.
The secrenesse off this auenture.
And for no feer nor dreed he hath nat sparid,
378
And first off all he dede his besi cure,
Alle the pryncis off Perse-lond ifeere
To counseil calle tentrete off this mateere.
And whan thei wern assemblid euerichon,
Off Orapastes he told hem al the chaunce,
And how that Mergus was moordred yore agon,
As heer-toforn is put in remembraunce.
Wherupon to sette an ordynaunce
And to redresse these wronges doon toforn,
Off Perse-lond wer seuene pryncis sworn.
Off Orapastes he told hem al the chaunce,
And how that Mergus was moordred yore agon,
As heer-toforn is put in remembraunce.
Wherupon to sette an ordynaunce
And to redresse these wronges doon toforn,
Off Perse-lond wer seuene pryncis sworn.
Off oon assent in ther entencioun,
Bi bond off oth thei made ther assuraunce,
And a ful secre coniuracioun
To putte Orapastes from his roial puissaunce,
Which hadde al Perse vnder his gouernaunce
Bi a ful fals pretens off heritage,
For he was lik to Mergus off visage.
Bi bond off oth thei made ther assuraunce,
And a ful secre coniuracioun
To putte Orapastes from his roial puissaunce,
Which hadde al Perse vnder his gouernaunce
Bi a ful fals pretens off heritage,
For he was lik to Mergus off visage.
These seuene pryncis, off which toforn I tolde,
Alle off oon herte, & bi ther oth ibounde,
Prudent and manli and off yeris olde,
Han souht a tyme Orapastes to confounde.
And with ther suerdis sharp[e] whet & grounde,
Wonder couert in ther apparaile,
Cam off entent Orapastes to assaile.
Alle off oon herte, & bi ther oth ibounde,
Prudent and manli and off yeris olde,
Han souht a tyme Orapastes to confounde.
And with ther suerdis sharp[e] whet & grounde,
Wonder couert in ther apparaile,
Cam off entent Orapastes to assaile.
And in the paleis whom-euer that thei mette
Or ageyn hem made resistence,
Alle off accord thei fersli on hym sette.
But the magicien, that was ther in presence,
Cam ageyn hem be sturdi violence,
And at thencountre gan hem so constreyne,
That off the pryncis thei haue islay[e]n tweyne.
Or ageyn hem made resistence,
Alle off accord thei fersli on hym sette.
But the magicien, that was ther in presence,
Cam ageyn hem be sturdi violence,
And at thencountre gan hem so constreyne,
That off the pryncis thei haue islay[e]n tweyne.
[Oropastes occupyeng the crowne of Perce bi iniust title was moordred.]
But fynali the tother pryncis fyue,
Whan that thei sauh ther tweyne feeris bleede,
In al the paleis thei leffte non alyue.
And kyng Orapastes, quakyng in his dreede,
Ful onwarli, or that he took heede,
Was slay[e]n ther, guerdoned for al his myht,—
Off pretens kynges which regne & ha[ue] no riht.
Whan that thei sauh ther tweyne feeris bleede,
In al the paleis thei leffte non alyue.
379
Ful onwarli, or that he took heede,
Was slay[e]n ther, guerdoned for al his myht,—
Off pretens kynges which regne & ha[ue] no riht.
[How Dary obteynyng the kyngdam of perce be sleiht eended with shame.]
Afftir the deth of this magiciens
Was lefft no kyng to ha[ue] the gouernaunce,
Nor for to reule the lond off Perciens,
Sauff pryncis fyue, ful famous off puissaunce,
Which made a statut and an ordynaunce
Off oon accord, be record off writyng,
Theron concludyng who sholde be chose kyng.
Was lefft no kyng to ha[ue] the gouernaunce,
Nor for to reule the lond off Perciens,
Sauff pryncis fyue, ful famous off puissaunce,
Which made a statut and an ordynaunce
Off oon accord, be record off writyng,
Theron concludyng who sholde be chose kyng.
Ther sort, ther happe and al ther auenture
Was youe to Fortune off this eleccioun,
As thus: that prynce the crowne shal recure
Among these fyue, be ther convencioun
For to gouerne the myhti regioun
And in that lond to regne & contune,
Lik as the fauour list ordeyne off Fortune.
Was youe to Fortune off this eleccioun,
As thus: that prynce the crowne shal recure
Among these fyue, be ther convencioun
For to gouerne the myhti regioun
And in that lond to regne & contune,
Lik as the fauour list ordeyne off Fortune.
This was the statut: vpon a morwenyng,
Alle attonys erli for to ride
Atwen Aurora and Phebus vprisyng,
Vp to an hill to houe[n] and abide,
Al rancour & discord set a-side,
Whos hors among hem was first herd neieng,
Withoute gruchchyng sholde be crownyd kyng.
Alle attonys erli for to ride
Atwen Aurora and Phebus vprisyng,
Vp to an hill to houe[n] and abide,
Al rancour & discord set a-side,
Whos hors among hem was first herd neieng,
Withoute gruchchyng sholde be crownyd kyng.
Vpon this mateer what sholde I lenger tarie?—
Heeron was maad an oth in sekirnesse.
Among these pryncis ther was on callid Darie,
A prynce off Perse excellyng off noblesse,
Which hadde a seruaunt, the stori berth witnesse,
That kept his hors, & thouhte in verrai deede
He wolde his lord preferre at such a neede.
Heeron was maad an oth in sekirnesse.
Among these pryncis ther was on callid Darie,
A prynce off Perse excellyng off noblesse,
Which hadde a seruaunt, the stori berth witnesse,
That kept his hors, & thouhte in verrai deede
He wolde his lord preferre at such a neede.
380
The said seruant, ful sleihti in werkyng,
His deligence list nothyng to spare.
The dai toforn[e] set off ther meetyng,
At a place smothe, pleyn and bare,
His lordis hors he made lepe a mare.
And on the morwe whan the pryncis mette
On hors[e]bak, there his lord he sette.
His deligence list nothyng to spare.
The dai toforn[e] set off ther meetyng,
At a place smothe, pleyn and bare,
His lordis hors he made lepe a mare.
And on the morwe whan the pryncis mette
On hors[e]bak, there his lord he sette.
And whan the hors thedir cam ageyn,
Nature anon afforced his corage
To neie loude vpon the same pleyn,
Wher-as the mare had vsid hir passage.
Kynde in such caas hadde gret auauntage.
Be which[e] sleihte, pleynli to reherse,
The said[e] Dary was crownyd kyng off Perse.
Nature anon afforced his corage
To neie loude vpon the same pleyn,
Wher-as the mare had vsid hir passage.
Kynde in such caas hadde gret auauntage.
Be which[e] sleihte, pleynli to reherse,
The said[e] Dary was crownyd kyng off Perse.
The pryncis alle, lik ther convencioun,
Or Phebus shewed his firi bemys briht,
Withoute striff or contradiccioun
From ther hors sodenli aliht;
And onto Dari, as lowli as thei myht,
Saide in Greek[e] or thei vp aros,
“Policronitudo Basileos!”
Or Phebus shewed his firi bemys briht,
Withoute striff or contradiccioun
From ther hors sodenli aliht;
And onto Dari, as lowli as thei myht,
Saide in Greek[e] or thei vp aros,
“Policronitudo Basileos!”
Which is in Latyn, to speke in wordes pleyn,
And in Inglissh, bexpownyng off scripture,
Afftir the Greek, as moche for to seyn
As, “long[e] tyme mote the kyng endure,”—
And lyue in helthe with good auenture,
Bi the grace and fauour off Fortune
Vpon al Perse to regnen and contune.
And in Inglissh, bexpownyng off scripture,
Afftir the Greek, as moche for to seyn
As, “long[e] tyme mote the kyng endure,”—
And lyue in helthe with good auenture,
Bi the grace and fauour off Fortune
Vpon al Perse to regnen and contune.
Who list considren eueri circumstaunce,
It is a merueil nat groundid on prudence,
Bi such a sleihte a kyng tagouernaunce,
Thoruh title or cleym as off iust euidence,
So to be reised to kyngli excellence.
But whan Fortune fauoureth such assay,
Till that she chaunge, ther can no man sei nay.
It is a merueil nat groundid on prudence,
Bi such a sleihte a kyng tagouernaunce,
Thoruh title or cleym as off iust euidence,
So to be reised to kyngli excellence.
But whan Fortune fauoureth such assay,
Till that she chaunge, ther can no man sei nay.
381
Thus was kyng Darie, born off louh lynage,
Set up be sleihte in estaat honurable.
Thouhte that he wolde for his auauntage,
To make his kyngdam & his regne stable,
Wedde such a wiff as to hym was most hable,
Demyng off trouthe his cleym wer weel amendid,
Off Cirus lyne yiff she were descendid.
Set up be sleihte in estaat honurable.
Thouhte that he wolde for his auauntage,
To make his kyngdam & his regne stable,
Wedde such a wiff as to hym was most hable,
Demyng off trouthe his cleym wer weel amendid,
Off Cirus lyne yiff she were descendid.
To wedde suchon was al his couetise,
Stable for to regne vpon the Persiens.
And, as I fynde, in ful cruel wise,
Bi the counseil off fals magiciens
A werre he gan vpon the Egipciens.
Eek folili he gan for to werreie
Them off Athenys, which list hym nat obeie.
Stable for to regne vpon the Persiens.
And, as I fynde, in ful cruel wise,
Bi the counseil off fals magiciens
A werre he gan vpon the Egipciens.
Eek folili he gan for to werreie
Them off Athenys, which list hym nat obeie.
And, as myn auctour maketh rehersaile,
He for his pride and fals presumpcioun
Was disconfited twies in bataile,
And neuer afftir, as maad is mencioun,
He was nat had in reputacioun,
Mong Persiens so gan his honour fade.
With sleihte he gan; with shame an eende he made.
He for his pride and fals presumpcioun
Was disconfited twies in bataile,
And neuer afftir, as maad is mencioun,
He was nat had in reputacioun,
Mong Persiens so gan his honour fade.
With sleihte he gan; with shame an eende he made.
[How Corolian bi Romayns exilid gan werre ayenst hem and how aftir thei sent out his moder with othir for pees, which had, thei eft him exilid & aftir was slayn.]
Afftir this Darie, as I reherse can,
And myn auctour likith to conclude,
To Iohn Bochas cam Corolian,
The moste woful off al that multitude.
Which gan compleyne vpon thyngratitude
Off the Romeyns, how thei whilom in deede
Exilid his persone, off rancour & hatreede.
And myn auctour likith to conclude,
To Iohn Bochas cam Corolian,
The moste woful off al that multitude.
Which gan compleyne vpon thyngratitude
Off the Romeyns, how thei whilom in deede
Exilid his persone, off rancour & hatreede.
Which in his tyme wolde neuer cese,
Thoruh his noblesse and his hih renoun,
Ther comoun profit tawmente and encrese,
And for to brynge to ther subieccioun
Many a cite and many a noble toun.
Yit thei ageynward, for al his cheualrie,
Han hym exilid off malice and envie.
Thoruh his noblesse and his hih renoun,
Ther comoun profit tawmente and encrese,
And for to brynge to ther subieccioun
Many a cite and many a noble toun.
382
Han hym exilid off malice and envie.
But whan this Marcus, callid Corolian,
Sauh off Romeyns the gret onkynd[e]nesse,
Toward a cuntre that callid was Tuskan
Off hih disdeyn anon he gan hym dresse,
And hem entretid, off manli fell prowesse
To gynne a werre, sithe thei so manli be,
Thoruh his conveieng geyn Rome the cite.
Sauh off Romeyns the gret onkynd[e]nesse,
Toward a cuntre that callid was Tuskan
Off hih disdeyn anon he gan hym dresse,
And hem entretid, off manli fell prowesse
To gynne a werre, sithe thei so manli be,
Thoruh his conveieng geyn Rome the cite.
And for to put hem mor in assuraunce,
To ha[ue] victorie thoruh ther hih renoun,
He tolde hem pleynli off a gret distaunce,
Off a fals striff and a discencioun
That was off newe falle in Rome toun;
Wherfor thei shulde, yiff it be prouided,
Conquere hem lihtli, because thei were deuided.
To ha[ue] victorie thoruh ther hih renoun,
He tolde hem pleynli off a gret distaunce,
Off a fals striff and a discencioun
That was off newe falle in Rome toun;
Wherfor thei shulde, yiff it be prouided,
Conquere hem lihtli, because thei were deuided.
Bi ther assent he made a gret arme,
With stuff for werre richeli apparailed,
Pihte his tentis tofor that strong cite,
And in the feeld stood proudli [en]batailed.
But the hertis off Romeyns han hem failed,
And durst nat passe the gatis off ther toun,
Ther was among hem so gret deuysioun.
With stuff for werre richeli apparailed,
Pihte his tentis tofor that strong cite,
And in the feeld stood proudli [en]batailed.
But the hertis off Romeyns han hem failed,
And durst nat passe the gatis off ther toun,
Ther was among hem so gret deuysioun.
Ther cite stood that tyme destitut,
With feer supprised for lak off gouernaunce.
Them to diffende thei fond[e] no refut,
So ferr enfeeblisshid was ther old puissaunce.
For euer gladli, wher striff & variaunce
In any kyngdam haue an interesse,
Touchyng diffence, a-dieu al hardynesse!
With feer supprised for lak off gouernaunce.
Them to diffende thei fond[e] no refut,
So ferr enfeeblisshid was ther old puissaunce.
For euer gladli, wher striff & variaunce
In any kyngdam haue an interesse,
Touchyng diffence, a-dieu al hardynesse!
Withynne hemsilff[e] thei stood at debat;
Afforn ther enmyes redi for tassaile;
Confort was non in hih nor low estat:
For wher discord is, what counsail mai auaile?
Ther foon withoute, withynne hemsilff bataile,
Brouht in, alas, to ther confusioun,
Bi the fals serpent off discencioun.
Afforn ther enmyes redi for tassaile;
Confort was non in hih nor low estat:
For wher discord is, what counsail mai auaile?
Ther foon withoute, withynne hemsilff bataile,
Brouht in, alas, to ther confusioun,
Bi the fals serpent off discencioun.
383
But at the laste afforced and constreyned,
Thei were coact[e] afftir pes to seeke.
The caas stood so: off nede thei wer peyned,
Maugre ther myht, ther hertis for to meeke.
And ther myscheeff mor tencrece and eeke,
In awmentyng off ther cruel fatis,
Thei sauh ther enmyes briht armed at ther gatis.
Thei were coact[e] afftir pes to seeke.
The caas stood so: off nede thei wer peyned,
Maugre ther myht, ther hertis for to meeke.
And ther myscheeff mor tencrece and eeke,
In awmentyng off ther cruel fatis,
Thei sauh ther enmyes briht armed at ther gatis.
Thei sent out first preestis off the toun
With ther enmyes for tentrete off pes,
With humble proffres & low subieccioun;
But Corolian, this is dout[e]les,
Ageyn the Romeyns was so merciles,
That grace non myht in his herte myne
To ther request his eris to enclyne.
With ther enmyes for tentrete off pes,
With humble proffres & low subieccioun;
But Corolian, this is dout[e]les,
Ageyn the Romeyns was so merciles,
That grace non myht in his herte myne
To ther request his eris to enclyne.
Thanne the Romeyns, the stori telle can,
To Venturia made ther praier,
Which was the mooder off Corolian,
And to Volumia, his feithful wiff enteer,
That thei sholde bothe gon ifeer
Onto that prynce, besechyng at the leste,
Benygneli to heryn ther requeste.
To Venturia made ther praier,
Which was the mooder off Corolian,
And to Volumia, his feithful wiff enteer,
That thei sholde bothe gon ifeer
Onto that prynce, besechyng at the leste,
Benygneli to heryn ther requeste.
His mooder first ful prudentli abraide,
Onto hir sone makyng this questioun,
At ther meetyng to hym thus she saide:
“Shal I,” quod she, “for short conclusioun,
Off feithful herte and trewe affeccioun
To thi presence declare fynali,
Be now receyued as mooder or enmy?
Onto hir sone makyng this questioun,
At ther meetyng to hym thus she saide:
“Shal I,” quod she, “for short conclusioun,
Off feithful herte and trewe affeccioun
To thi presence declare fynali,
Be now receyued as mooder or enmy?
Afftir thyn answere I mut myselff dispose
And my wittis speciali applie,
Cause off my komyng cleerli to onclose,
And telle theffect of myn ambassiatrie,
And my speche so gouerne and guie,
Afftir I am receyued to thi grace,
Mi-silff declaryng, yiff I ha[ue] tyme and space.
And my wittis speciali applie,
Cause off my komyng cleerli to onclose,
And telle theffect of myn ambassiatrie,
And my speche so gouerne and guie,
Afftir I am receyued to thi grace,
Mi-silff declaryng, yiff I ha[ue] tyme and space.
For lik thi mooder yiff thou receyue me
And me accepte onto thi presence,
I mut therafftir so gouerned be
To telle my tale pleynli, in sentence,—
So that thou yiff me freendli audience.
And yiff I be nat receyued in such wise,
Mor straung[e]li my tale I mut deuise.”
And me accepte onto thi presence,
I mut therafftir so gouerned be
To telle my tale pleynli, in sentence,—
So that thou yiff me freendli audience.
And yiff I be nat receyued in such wise,
Mor straung[e]li my tale I mut deuise.”
384
This noble prynce, this Corolian,
Whan that he herde his mooder thus compleyne,
Ful lik a lord and a knyhtli man
Gan hir enbracen in his armis tweyne
In lowli wise, ther is no mor to seyne,—
Sauff lik a sone, off due and off riht,
To hire he saide ful lik a ientil knyht:
Whan that he herde his mooder thus compleyne,
Ful lik a lord and a knyhtli man
Gan hir enbracen in his armis tweyne
In lowli wise, ther is no mor to seyne,—
Sauff lik a sone, off due and off riht,
To hire he saide ful lik a ientil knyht:
“Madame,” quod he, “be it to your plesaunce
To heere my conceit as in this mater.
With feithful herte and humble attendaunce
I you receyue as for my mooder deer;
But, & ye like benygneli to heer,
Thyngratitude, doon in most cruel wise
To me off Romayns, I purpose to chastise.”
To heere my conceit as in this mater.
With feithful herte and humble attendaunce
I you receyue as for my mooder deer;
But, & ye like benygneli to heer,
Thyngratitude, doon in most cruel wise
To me off Romayns, I purpose to chastise.”
“A sone,” quod she, “touchyng ther offence
Doon to thi noblesse and ther gret outrage,
Thei shal be menys ther trespas recompence.
And thynk[e] thou art born off ther lynage,
And suffre that merci thi rigour mai asswage,
And thynk off nature thou maist nat weel withseie
Thyng for the which thi mooder doth now preie.
Doon to thi noblesse and ther gret outrage,
Thei shal be menys ther trespas recompence.
And thynk[e] thou art born off ther lynage,
And suffre that merci thi rigour mai asswage,
And thynk off nature thou maist nat weel withseie
Thyng for the which thi mooder doth now preie.
Thou shalt nat close thyn entrailes off pite
To the requestis off me and off thi wiff,
Nor gynne a werre ageyn[e]s thi cuntre,
To stroie thi lyne bi newe mortal striff,
Thi childre and me to make vs lose our liff.
Weie in ballaunce to Romayns thyn hatreede
Ageyns the loue off me and thi kenreede.
To the requestis off me and off thi wiff,
Nor gynne a werre ageyn[e]s thi cuntre,
To stroie thi lyne bi newe mortal striff,
Thi childre and me to make vs lose our liff.
Weie in ballaunce to Romayns thyn hatreede
Ageyns the loue off me and thi kenreede.
Send hom ageyn thi straunge soudiours,
Which be so redi the Romayn blood to sheede;
Lat stonde in pes our wallis and our tours;
Suffre thi grace thi rancour to exceede,
So that thi pite mai putte awai al dreede,
And condescende to receyue for hostage
Me to be plegge for ther gret outrage.
Which be so redi the Romayn blood to sheede;
Lat stonde in pes our wallis and our tours;
Suffre thi grace thi rancour to exceede,
So that thi pite mai putte awai al dreede,
And condescende to receyue for hostage
Me to be plegge for ther gret outrage.
Behold the wombe in which that thou wer born,
And see also my naked brestes tweyne,
Bi which thou were fostred heer-toforn:
Yiff ther was lak, thou woldest crie & pleyne.
Remembre theron, and at me nat disdeyne,
But onto merci receyue this cite
At the request heer off thi wiff & me.
And see also my naked brestes tweyne,
Bi which thou were fostred heer-toforn:
385
Remembre theron, and at me nat disdeyne,
But onto merci receyue this cite
At the request heer off thi wiff & me.
Whilom my mylk thi cherisshyng was & foode
To stynte thi cri whan thou dedist weepe,
Ther soote dropis ful holsum wer & goode,
Thi tendre youthe for to preserue and keepe.
And lik a mooder to brynge the a-sleepe,
I wook ful offte, to the I was so kynde,—
Wherfor, deere sone, on my request ha[ue] mynde.
To stynte thi cri whan thou dedist weepe,
Ther soote dropis ful holsum wer & goode,
Thi tendre youthe for to preserue and keepe.
And lik a mooder to brynge the a-sleepe,
I wook ful offte, to the I was so kynde,—
Wherfor, deere sone, on my request ha[ue] mynde.
Yiff that thou list this cite now tormente,
Ther demerites be rigour recompense,
Pun[y]she me for them, and I will assente
To ber the gilt off ther gret offence.
But, deere soone, lat thi magnyficence
Suffre off knyhthod that merci mai in deede
Attempre thi riht, or thou to doom proceede.
Ther demerites be rigour recompense,
Pun[y]she me for them, and I will assente
To ber the gilt off ther gret offence.
But, deere soone, lat thi magnyficence
Suffre off knyhthod that merci mai in deede
Attempre thi riht, or thou to doom proceede.
Suffre Romayns to lyuen in quiete,
Graunt hem pes ageyn ther gret outrage,
Sum drope off pite lat in thyn herte fleete,
And thynk[e] thou art born off ther lynage.
Looke vpon hem with merciful visage,
Which offre hemsilff[e], as thei shal fulfille,
Ther liff, ther deth, al hooli at thi wille.
Graunt hem pes ageyn ther gret outrage,
Sum drope off pite lat in thyn herte fleete,
And thynk[e] thou art born off ther lynage.
Looke vpon hem with merciful visage,
Which offre hemsilff[e], as thei shal fulfille,
Ther liff, ther deth, al hooli at thi wille.
Remembre off nature how that the leoun
Set a-side his rage and his woodnesse
To them that meekli aforn hym falle doun;
His roial kynde will doon hem no duresse.
Texemplefie to thi knyhtli noblesse,
With rigerous suerd thou shalt no mor manace
Them that be lowli, yolde onto thi grace.”
Set a-side his rage and his woodnesse
To them that meekli aforn hym falle doun;
His roial kynde will doon hem no duresse.
Texemplefie to thi knyhtli noblesse,
With rigerous suerd thou shalt no mor manace
Them that be lowli, yolde onto thi grace.”
And whan this prynce, this Corolian,
Had herd al that his mooder list to seyne,
He goth to hire in al the haste he can,
Bespreynt with teris that on his chekis reyne,
And hire enbracid in his armis tweyne,
And saide, “mooder, ther mai be no lettyng,
Me off hool herte to graunte your axyng.”
Had herd al that his mooder list to seyne,
He goth to hire in al the haste he can,
Bespreynt with teris that on his chekis reyne,
And hire enbracid in his armis tweyne,
386
Me off hool herte to graunte your axyng.”
The siege he made for tauoide awai,
And to repaire hom to her cuntre;
And with his mooder & wiff he was that dai
With gret[e] gladnesse and solempnite
Anon receyued into that cite,
Lik as Fortune wolde hym neuer haue failed.
But she soone afftir off newe hath hym assailed.
And to repaire hom to her cuntre;
And with his mooder & wiff he was that dai
With gret[e] gladnesse and solempnite
Anon receyued into that cite,
Lik as Fortune wolde hym neuer haue failed.
But she soone afftir off newe hath hym assailed.
The geri Romayns, stormy and onstable,
Which neuer in oon stille koude abide,
Ageyn this prynce, most knyhtli and notable,
For to conspire off newe thei gan prouyde,
And ban[y]shed hym to Tuskan ther beside,
Wher he was slayn withynne a litil space,
For he the Romayns took affor to grace.
Which neuer in oon stille koude abide,
Ageyn this prynce, most knyhtli and notable,
For to conspire off newe thei gan prouyde,
And ban[y]shed hym to Tuskan ther beside,
Wher he was slayn withynne a litil space,
For he the Romayns took affor to grace.
[How Melciades duk of Athenys with smal noumbre venquysshed vjc. Ml. perciens, and aftir bi his comonte that ay of custum desireth a chaunge of princes newe he was cheyned in prisoun and so deied.]
Among other that put hemsilff in pres
For to bewaile ther greuous heuynesse,
Cam off Athenys duc Meltiades,
Which thoruh his manhod & famous hih prowesse,
And thoruh his knyhtli renommed noblesse,
Lich as auctours his tryumphes list comende,
Fauht many a bataile his cite to diffende.
For to bewaile ther greuous heuynesse,
Cam off Athenys duc Meltiades,
Which thoruh his manhod & famous hih prowesse,
And thoruh his knyhtli renommed noblesse,
Lich as auctours his tryumphes list comende,
Fauht many a bataile his cite to diffende.
And off [his] victories, as it is compiled,
For comoun profit off that noble toun,
Fauht with a tirant that was toforn exiled,
Callid Hippias, which be fals tresoun
Hadde to kyng Darie maad a suggestioun,
Vpon Athenys, in al the haste he myhte,
To reise al Perse ageyn that toun to fihte.
For comoun profit off that noble toun,
Fauht with a tirant that was toforn exiled,
Callid Hippias, which be fals tresoun
387
Vpon Athenys, in al the haste he myhte,
To reise al Perse ageyn that toun to fihte.
Sexe hundred thousand acountid was the noumbre
Off Persiens, armed in plate and maile,
Them off Athenys be force to encoumbre,
Echon assemblid them proudli to assaile.
But this duc for nothyng wolde faile,
Meltiades, but knyhtli took his place:
With ten thousand he met hem in the face.
Off Persiens, armed in plate and maile,
Them off Athenys be force to encoumbre,
Echon assemblid them proudli to assaile.
But this duc for nothyng wolde faile,
Meltiades, but knyhtli took his place:
With ten thousand he met hem in the face.
For bothe he was riht manli and riht wis,
And off his handis proued a good knyht.
Set vpon them with so prudent auys,
That thei off Perce, for al ther grete myht,
Wer foure tymes put onto the flyht
Bi thilke duc, yiff I shal nat feyne,
And bi the noblesse off other knyhtis tweyne.
And off his handis proued a good knyht.
Set vpon them with so prudent auys,
That thei off Perce, for al ther grete myht,
Wer foure tymes put onto the flyht
Bi thilke duc, yiff I shal nat feyne,
And bi the noblesse off other knyhtis tweyne.
Themystodes icallid was the ton,
Which off his hand, as auctours list descryue,
Was in a feeld[e] prouyd on his fon
The manli[est] knyht in his tyme alyue.
Which thilke dai so proudli dede stryue
Geyn them off Perse, & such a slauhter make,
That fynali the feeld thei ha[ue] forsake.
Which off his hand, as auctours list descryue,
Was in a feeld[e] prouyd on his fon
The manli[est] knyht in his tyme alyue.
Which thilke dai so proudli dede stryue
Geyn them off Perse, & such a slauhter make,
That fynali the feeld thei ha[ue] forsake.
Cynegirus, a knyht eek off ther toun,
The same dai thoruh his cheualrie,
With bloodi suerd, as he wente vp & doun,
Withoute noumbre in his malencolie,
Slouh Persiens, [as] bookis specefie,
That for the tyme thei no refut cunne,
Sauff to ther shippis for dreed off deth thei runne.
The same dai thoruh his cheualrie,
With bloodi suerd, as he wente vp & doun,
Withoute noumbre in his malencolie,
Slouh Persiens, [as] bookis specefie,
That for the tyme thei no refut cunne,
Sauff to ther shippis for dreed off deth thei runne.
388
And ther he wrouhte a straunge gret mervail,
As writ Bochas, affermyng in certeyne,
The grettest shipp that bar [the] largest sail,
With his riht hand he gan it so restreyne,
Lik as it hadde be fastned with a cheyne,
Maugre Perciens, which dede hem sore greue,
That be no crafft thei koud nat make it meue.
As writ Bochas, affermyng in certeyne,
The grettest shipp that bar [the] largest sail,
With his riht hand he gan it so restreyne,
Lik as it hadde be fastned with a cheyne,
Maugre Perciens, which dede hem sore greue,
That be no crafft thei koud nat make it meue.
But whan that thei non other refut wiste,
Freli tescape[n] out off his daungeer,
Till thei his riht hand heuh off bi the wriste.
But with his lefft hand he gan approche neer,
And heeld it stille, an vnkouth thyng to heer,
That he hadde force so gret a shipp to lette.
But than, alas, his lefft hand off thei smette!
Freli tescape[n] out off his daungeer,
Till thei his riht hand heuh off bi the wriste.
But with his lefft hand he gan approche neer,
And heeld it stille, an vnkouth thyng to heer,
That he hadde force so gret a shipp to lette.
But than, alas, his lefft hand off thei smette!
Yit maugre them, whan he ther malice seeth,
Al-were-it so that he hadde lost ech hand,
The shipp he heeld stille with his teeth,
That thei ne myhte departe fro the land,
Lik as ther vessel hadde falle vpon a sand,—
Causere that day, myn auctour doth reherse,
Too hundred thousand wer slayn off them off Perse.
Al-were-it so that he hadde lost ech hand,
The shipp he heeld stille with his teeth,
That thei ne myhte departe fro the land,
Lik as ther vessel hadde falle vpon a sand,—
Causere that day, myn auctour doth reherse,
Too hundred thousand wer slayn off them off Perse.
And whan this synguler myhti champioun,
Cynegirus, most vnkouth off corage,
Had doon this meruail, as maad is mencioun,
Off verrai angwissh he fill into a rage:
Lik a beeste furious and sauage
Ran a-boute, alas, for lak off mynde!—
In Bochas book no mor off hym I fynde.
Cynegirus, most vnkouth off corage,
Had doon this meruail, as maad is mencioun,
Off verrai angwissh he fill into a rage:
Lik a beeste furious and sauage
Ran a-boute, alas, for lak off mynde!—
In Bochas book no mor off hym I fynde.
But in this processe afftir I beheeld
Ay how that Fortune can hir freendis faile:
For Meltiades, ledere off that feeld
And gouernour off al that gret bataile,
Causyng victoire, as maad is rehersaile,—
Yit his peeple off malice and off ire
Ageyn his noblesse falsli gan conspire.
Ay how that Fortune can hir freendis faile:
For Meltiades, ledere off that feeld
And gouernour off al that gret bataile,
Causyng victoire, as maad is rehersaile,—
Yit his peeple off malice and off ire
Ageyn his noblesse falsli gan conspire.
Thei off Athenys set hym in prisoun,
And in cheynys myhtili hym bounde,
Onkynd[e]li thei gaff hym this guerdoun,
For al the knyhthod [that] thei in hym founde.
Yit had he suffred many mortal wounde
In ther diffence and for ther libertees,
To saue ther lyues, ther toun & ther cuntrees.
And in cheynys myhtili hym bounde,
Onkynd[e]li thei gaff hym this guerdoun,
389
Yit had he suffred many mortal wounde
In ther diffence and for ther libertees,
To saue ther lyues, ther toun & ther cuntrees.
This was the eende off duc Meltiades,
Thoruh the constreynt off his stronge bondis.
Eek thei exilid the knyht Themystodes
Out off ther toun to lyue in straunge londis,
That was so worthi preued off his hondis:
To shewe the chaung and mutabilite
Founde in Fortune and eueri comounte!
Thoruh the constreynt off his stronge bondis.
Eek thei exilid the knyht Themystodes
Out off ther toun to lyue in straunge londis,
That was so worthi preued off his hondis:
To shewe the chaung and mutabilite
Founde in Fortune and eueri comounte!
[Lenvoye.]
The stormy trust off eueri comounte,
Ther geri corages & troublid constaunce,
In this tragedie men mai beholde & see,
Now vp, now doun, as Fortune cast hir chaunce.
For thei off custum ha[ue] ioie & most plesaunce,
In ther desirs onstedfast and ontrewe,
To seen ech day a chaung off pryncis newe.
Ther geri corages & troublid constaunce,
In this tragedie men mai beholde & see,
Now vp, now doun, as Fortune cast hir chaunce.
For thei off custum ha[ue] ioie & most plesaunce,
In ther desirs onstedfast and ontrewe,
To seen ech day a chaung off pryncis newe.
Corolian off Rome, a cheeff cite,
Was ther protectour thoruh his myhti puissaunce:
Venquisshid ther enmies, set hem in surte,
Brouht in rebellis to ther obeisaunce.
But thei ageynward, off wilful variaunce
Ban[y]shed hym twies, & no cause knewe,
Sauff for to seen a chaung off pryncis newe.
Was ther protectour thoruh his myhti puissaunce:
Venquisshid ther enmies, set hem in surte,
Brouht in rebellis to ther obeisaunce.
But thei ageynward, off wilful variaunce
Ban[y]shed hym twies, & no cause knewe,
Sauff for to seen a chaung off pryncis newe.
The knyhtli noblesse, the magnanymyte,
The policie, the prudent gouernaunce
Off Meltiades, duc off the cuntre,
Wher that Athenys is cheeff toun in substaunce,—
Whan he ther comoun gan most to auaunce,
The mor onkyndli, in honour that thei grewe,
Most thei wer besi to chaunge hym for a newe.
The policie, the prudent gouernaunce
Off Meltiades, duc off the cuntre,
Wher that Athenys is cheeff toun in substaunce,—
Whan he ther comoun gan most to auaunce,
The mor onkyndli, in honour that thei grewe,
Most thei wer besi to chaunge hym for a newe.
390
Themystodes, hauyng the souereynte
Off knyhtis alle that bar spere or launce,
Duryng his tyme,—I tak no mor on me,
For comparisouns doon offte gret greuaunce,—
Sexe hundred thousand he putte to vttraunce,
Onto Athenys neuer founde ontrewe;
Yit thei conspired his exil for a newe.
Off knyhtis alle that bar spere or launce,
Duryng his tyme,—I tak no mor on me,
For comparisouns doon offte gret greuaunce,—
Sexe hundred thousand he putte to vttraunce,
Onto Athenys neuer founde ontrewe;
Yit thei conspired his exil for a newe.
What thyng mai heer floure in felicite,
Or stonde stable be long contynuaunce
In hih estatis outher in low degre?—
Now flowe, now ebbe, now ioie, now myschaunce,
Afftir Fortune holdeth the ballaunce.
And speciali, fals, feynyng and ontrewe,
Comouns desir a chaung off pryncis newe.
Or stonde stable be long contynuaunce
In hih estatis outher in low degre?—
Now flowe, now ebbe, now ioie, now myschaunce,
Afftir Fortune holdeth the ballaunce.
And speciali, fals, feynyng and ontrewe,
Comouns desir a chaung off pryncis newe.
Noble Pryncis, in your prosperite,
On sodeyn chaungis set your remembraunce,
Fresshnesse off floures, off braunchis the beute
Haue ai on chaung a tremblyng attendaunce,
In trust off comouns is no perseueraunce:
As wynter [&] somer be dyuers off ther hewe,
So be thei dyuers in chaung off pryncis newe.
On sodeyn chaungis set your remembraunce,
Fresshnesse off floures, off braunchis the beute
Haue ai on chaung a tremblyng attendaunce,
In trust off comouns is no perseueraunce:
As wynter [&] somer be dyuers off ther hewe,
So be thei dyuers in chaung off pryncis newe.
[Ho[w] xerses kyng of Perce, for his ravyne and couetise was dismembrid in smale pecys.]
Un-tofor Bochas, ful pitousli wepyng,
For to declare his dedli heuynesse,
Cam Xerses next, that was of Perse kyng,
And gan compleyne his dool and his distresse.
Which in thre thynges, his stori berth witnesse,
And as the cronycle cleerli can vs telle,
All othir pryncis in erthe he dede excelle:
For to declare his dedli heuynesse,
Cam Xerses next, that was of Perse kyng,
And gan compleyne his dool and his distresse.
Which in thre thynges, his stori berth witnesse,
And as the cronycle cleerli can vs telle,
All othir pryncis in erthe he dede excelle:
In hih estat was non so gret as he,
Nouther in richesse nor worldli habundaunce,
Nor non that tyme off so gret dignite;
For as it is iput in remembraunce,
He hadde al Perse vnder his obeisaunce,
Nor neuer prynce, as auctours do conclude,
Hosteied attonys with such a multitude.
Nouther in richesse nor worldli habundaunce,
Nor non that tyme off so gret dignite;
For as it is iput in remembraunce,
He hadde al Perse vnder his obeisaunce,
Nor neuer prynce, as auctours do conclude,
Hosteied attonys with such a multitude.
391
Space off fyue yeer he made his ordenaunce,
Seuene hundred thousand peeple he dede reise;
Dempte off fals pride ageyn his gret puissaunce
Non ertheli power myhte countirpeise.
But summe auctours alowe hym nat nor preise,
Because that he, peeplis to encoumbre,
Set al his trust to conquere with gret noumbre.
Seuene hundred thousand peeple he dede reise;
Dempte off fals pride ageyn his gret puissaunce
Non ertheli power myhte countirpeise.
But summe auctours alowe hym nat nor preise,
Because that he, peeplis to encoumbre,
Set al his trust to conquere with gret noumbre.
But manli pryncis han this opynyoun:
In multitude stondeth nat victorie;
For knyhtli prowesse off eueri champioun,
Which manli cast hem in armys to ha[ue] glorie,
Enprentid hath fix in his memorie,
Marcial tryumphes God ne doth nat shewe
In noumbres grete no rather than in fewe.
In multitude stondeth nat victorie;
For knyhtli prowesse off eueri champioun,
Which manli cast hem in armys to ha[ue] glorie,
Enprentid hath fix in his memorie,
Marcial tryumphes God ne doth nat shewe
In noumbres grete no rather than in fewe.
This said[e] Xerses, be record off auctours,
Had also, in cronycles as I reede,
Thre hundred thousand straunge soudiours,
Withoutyn othir, that wern off Perse & Mede.
Which gan the erthe for to cure and sprede,
Dried ryuers wher thei dede atteyne,
Karff doun hillis and made valis pleyne.
Had also, in cronycles as I reede,
Thre hundred thousand straunge soudiours,
Withoutyn othir, that wern off Perse & Mede.
Which gan the erthe for to cure and sprede,
Dried ryuers wher thei dede atteyne,
Karff doun hillis and made valis pleyne.
This was cheeff conceit off his fantasies,
To haue al erthe vnder subieccioun;
Thouhte his power rauhte aboue the skies,
Off surquedie and fals presumpcioun:
For as he dempte in his opynyoun,
How in his poweer pleynli that it lai,
Fro God aboue the heuene to take awai.
To haue al erthe vnder subieccioun;
Thouhte his power rauhte aboue the skies,
Off surquedie and fals presumpcioun:
For as he dempte in his opynyoun,
How in his poweer pleynli that it lai,
Fro God aboue the heuene to take awai.
But thilke Lord that can the meeke enhaunse,
And from ther sees the proude putte doun,
A[nd] namli them that ha[ue] no remembraunse
To aduertise off wisdam and resoun,
To knowe the Lord, most myhti off renoun,—
The Lord off Lordis, which, pleynli to compile,
Will suffre tirantis to regne but a while.
And from ther sees the proude putte doun,
A[nd] namli them that ha[ue] no remembraunse
To aduertise off wisdam and resoun,
To knowe the Lord, most myhti off renoun,—
The Lord off Lordis, which, pleynli to compile,
Will suffre tirantis to regne but a while.
And oon the merueile that euer I dede reede,
Grettest and vnkouth pleynli onto me,
Is how Xerses, kyng off Perse and Mede,
For to shewe a special syngulerte,
Out off Asie, ouer the Grete Se,
As seith myn auctour, whom I dar alegge,
Into Europe made a myhti bregge.
Grettest and vnkouth pleynli onto me,
Is how Xerses, kyng off Perse and Mede,
For to shewe a special syngulerte,
392
As seith myn auctour, whom I dar alegge,
Into Europe made a myhti bregge.
Sum men paraunter will therat disdeyne,
And seyn it is a merueile nat credible;
Yit crafft in cas to such thyng mai atteyne,
Which bi nature semeth an inpossible:
And, as to me, it is a thyng odible,
Thynges tenpugne, awtentik and olde,
Which notable clerkis in ther daies tolde.
And seyn it is a merueile nat credible;
Yit crafft in cas to such thyng mai atteyne,
Which bi nature semeth an inpossible:
And, as to me, it is a thyng odible,
Thynges tenpugne, awtentik and olde,
Which notable clerkis in ther daies tolde.
These newe men that han but litil seyn,
Nouther expert in crafft nor in nature,
For lak off resoun holde al such thyng veyn,
Thouh that it be remembred in scripture.
For eueri meruail and eueri auenture
Is straunge to hym, as I reherse can,
That lakketh the cause wherof the ground began.
Nouther expert in crafft nor in nature,
For lak off resoun holde al such thyng veyn,
Thouh that it be remembred in scripture.
For eueri meruail and eueri auenture
Is straunge to hym, as I reherse can,
That lakketh the cause wherof the ground began.
This said[e] Xerses hadde eek possessioun,
Be the title off his fader Darie,
Off al Egipt, as maad is mencioun;
But thei off Grece were to hym contrarie:
Wherfor he caste no lenger for to tarie,
This proude prynce, but myhtili werreie
Lacedemonoys, which wolde hym nat obeie.
Be the title off his fader Darie,
Off al Egipt, as maad is mencioun;
But thei off Grece were to hym contrarie:
Wherfor he caste no lenger for to tarie,
This proude prynce, but myhtili werreie
Lacedemonoys, which wolde hym nat obeie.
But oon that was callid Demaratus,
Which off that cuntre hadde aforn be kyng
And was exilid, the stori tellith thus,
That tyme with Xerses in houshold abidyng,
Which loued that lond, for al his exilyng,
Gaff them warnyng, to saue hem fro myschaunce,
Off Xerses poweer and al his ordenaunce.
Which off that cuntre hadde aforn be kyng
And was exilid, the stori tellith thus,
That tyme with Xerses in houshold abidyng,
Which loued that lond, for al his exilyng,
Gaff them warnyng, to saue hem fro myschaunce,
Off Xerses poweer and al his ordenaunce.
He wrot hem lettres grauen in a table,
All themprises off Xerses, out off doute,
Off al his stuff and peeple incomparable,
And off his noumbre and his gret[e] route.
The which[e] table curid was withoute
Ful subtili with wex iplanyd pleyn,
That off his sonde ther was no lettre seyn.
All themprises off Xerses, out off doute,
Off al his stuff and peeple incomparable,
And off his noumbre and his gret[e] route.
393
Ful subtili with wex iplanyd pleyn,
That off his sonde ther was no lettre seyn.
Thus was thentent off Xerses first discurid
Onto the Grekis, and al his fel werkyng.
But in o thyng thei gretli wer assurid,
Off trust thei hadde bi expert knowlechyng
In Leonidas, ther noble famous kyng,
Which among Grekis, off prowesse & forsiht,
Was in tho daies holde on the beste knyht.
Onto the Grekis, and al his fel werkyng.
But in o thyng thei gretli wer assurid,
Off trust thei hadde bi expert knowlechyng
In Leonidas, ther noble famous kyng,
Which among Grekis, off prowesse & forsiht,
Was in tho daies holde on the beste knyht.
Off cheualrie callid the lode-sterre,
The sunne off knyhthod, that shon so briht & sheene,
The berere up, bothe in pes and werre,
And strengest piler his parti to meynteene,
The Grekis riht hand ther noblesse to susteene,
Charboncle off armys, merour off policie,
And surest capteyn a feeld to reule & guie.
The sunne off knyhthod, that shon so briht & sheene,
The berere up, bothe in pes and werre,
And strengest piler his parti to meynteene,
The Grekis riht hand ther noblesse to susteene,
Charboncle off armys, merour off policie,
And surest capteyn a feeld to reule & guie.
And as myn auctour remembreth in his book,
How in this cas he was nat rech[e]les,
But in al haste foure thousand men he took,
To lette the weies and comyng off Xerses.
And bi an hill callid Termophiles,
Wher Persiens began first ther viage,
He knyhtli caste to stoppe ther passage.
How in this cas he was nat rech[e]les,
But in al haste foure thousand men he took,
To lette the weies and comyng off Xerses.
And bi an hill callid Termophiles,
Wher Persiens began first ther viage,
He knyhtli caste to stoppe ther passage.
And secreli espieng the comyng
Off kyng Xerses with strong apparaile,
He, lik a knyht, made no tarieng,
Ches out sexe hundred, armed in plate & maile,
Which in such cas myhte most auaile,
And in diffence and helpe off ther cuntre
Wolde rather deie than from the feeld to fle.
Off kyng Xerses with strong apparaile,
He, lik a knyht, made no tarieng,
Ches out sexe hundred, armed in plate & maile,
Which in such cas myhte most auaile,
And in diffence and helpe off ther cuntre
Wolde rather deie than from the feeld to fle.
And couertli thei took[e] ther loggyng,
And kept hem cloos, till it drouh to nyht.
And at ther dyner themsilff refresshyng,
So as thei sat, in steel armed briht,
The kyng abraide lik a manli knyht,
Into the feeld aforn thei shulde gon,
Riht thus he saide among hem euerichon:
And kept hem cloos, till it drouh to nyht.
And at ther dyner themsilff refresshyng,
So as thei sat, in steel armed briht,
The kyng abraide lik a manli knyht,
394
Riht thus he saide among hem euerichon:
“Sires,” quod he, “now dyneth merili,
And with good wyn afforceth your corage,
Lik goode knyhtis in purpos fynali,
For liff nor deth nat turnyng your visage,
But off assent, cast in your passage,
As ye heer dyne now in especiall,
To suppe at nyht with goddis infernall.
And with good wyn afforceth your corage,
Lik goode knyhtis in purpos fynali,
For liff nor deth nat turnyng your visage,
But off assent, cast in your passage,
As ye heer dyne now in especiall,
To suppe at nyht with goddis infernall.
This is to meene, ye shul your liff iuparte,
As hardi knyhtis, proudli to prouide
Withynne the feeld assonder nat departe,
But keep you cloos, & for no dreed deuide.
Desir off worshepe make to be your guide,
Your expert noblesse eternali tauaunce
Be quyk report off newe remembraunce.
As hardi knyhtis, proudli to prouide
Withynne the feeld assonder nat departe,
But keep you cloos, & for no dreed deuide.
Desir off worshepe make to be your guide,
Your expert noblesse eternali tauaunce
Be quyk report off newe remembraunce.
And hath this dai nothyng in memori[e],
Nouther your richesse, your blood nor your kenreede,
Sauff onli hope and good trust off victorie,
And hardi prowesse you to conducte and leede.
And thynkith knyhtli what shal be your meede,
With marcial palmys your renoun & your name
In the hiest place set in the Hous off Fame.
Nouther your richesse, your blood nor your kenreede,
Sauff onli hope and good trust off victorie,
And hardi prowesse you to conducte and leede.
And thynkith knyhtli what shal be your meede,
With marcial palmys your renoun & your name
In the hiest place set in the Hous off Fame.
And thouh ye been but a fewe in noumbre,
Lat in your hertis o thyng be fantasied:
Whil dyuysioun doth you nat encoumbre,
Victorie in armys mai you nat be denyed;
For nothyng is to conquest mor applied
Than trewe accord among your-silff to shewe,
Thouh ye in noumbre be [founde] but a fewe.”
Lat in your hertis o thyng be fantasied:
Whil dyuysioun doth you nat encoumbre,
Victorie in armys mai you nat be denyed;
For nothyng is to conquest mor applied
Than trewe accord among your-silff to shewe,
Thouh ye in noumbre be [founde] but a fewe.”
By this counseil syngulerli notable,
And be this kynges knyhtli good language,
Thei reconforted heeld themsiluen able
Ageyn ther fomen to holden ther passage.
And first off all, off hertli proud corage,
The Perciens mor mortali to greue,
Withynne ther tentis thei fill on hem at eue.
And be this kynges knyhtli good language,
Thei reconforted heeld themsiluen able
Ageyn ther fomen to holden ther passage.
And first off all, off hertli proud corage,
395
Withynne ther tentis thei fill on hem at eue.
Thei off Perce idrownyd were with wyn;
This to seyen, thoruh ther gret excesse
Thei lai and slepte lik as dronke swyn,
Ther wach nat kept: loo, how that dronkenesse
Causeth offte, off verrai reklesnesse,
Ful many a man, that wil nat take keep,
For to be moordred anyhtis in ther sleep.
This to seyen, thoruh ther gret excesse
Thei lai and slepte lik as dronke swyn,
Ther wach nat kept: loo, how that dronkenesse
Causeth offte, off verrai reklesnesse,
Ful many a man, that wil nat take keep,
For to be moordred anyhtis in ther sleep.
And as this kyng dede his knyhtis leede,
The Percien tentis assailyng sodenli,
Or thei wer war or token any heede,
Them for taffraie thei made an hidous cri.
Diffence was noon vpon ther parti;
For men mai knowe bi olde experience,
In folkis dronke mai be no resistence.
The Percien tentis assailyng sodenli,
Or thei wer war or token any heede,
Them for taffraie thei made an hidous cri.
Diffence was noon vpon ther parti;
For men mai knowe bi olde experience,
In folkis dronke mai be no resistence.
Out off noumbre thei slowen off ther foon,
And cesed nat off al the longe nyht,
Till on the morwe that the sunne shoon,
That to beholde it was an ougli siht.
And proude Xerses put anon to fliht—
Euer the laste that wolde his foon assaile,
And ay the firste that fledde in bataile!
And cesed nat off al the longe nyht,
Till on the morwe that the sunne shoon,
That to beholde it was an ougli siht.
And proude Xerses put anon to fliht—
Euer the laste that wolde his foon assaile,
And ay the firste that fledde in bataile!
In his fliht so faste awei he ran,
For theryn was hooli al his trust!—
And off gret trauaile anon this Xerses gan
Off coward dreed to han so gret a thrust,
So drie he was, off salt sond and off dust.
And bi the weie serchyng ferr nor neer,
He nouther fond welle nor reuer.
For theryn was hooli al his trust!—
And off gret trauaile anon this Xerses gan
Off coward dreed to han so gret a thrust,
So drie he was, off salt sond and off dust.
And bi the weie serchyng ferr nor neer,
He nouther fond welle nor reuer.
Off auenture a meri ground he fond,
The water trouble and bloodi off colour;
And Xerses ther drank water with his hond,
Hym to refresshe in his dedli labour.
And, as he thouhte, he neuer drank licour
To hym mor holsom, so streiht[e] stood the caas,
Confect with spices, pyment nor ypocras.
The water trouble and bloodi off colour;
And Xerses ther drank water with his hond,
Hym to refresshe in his dedli labour.
And, as he thouhte, he neuer drank licour
To hym mor holsom, so streiht[e] stood the caas,
Confect with spices, pyment nor ypocras.
396
This was the firste myscheeff and the dreed
In which that Xerses, the myhti prynce, stood.
Heer men mai see, such as list take heed,
How geri Fortune, furious and wood,
Wil nat spare, for richesse nor for good,
Mihti pryncis, which list nat God to knowe,
From ther estatis to brynge hem doun ful lowe.
In which that Xerses, the myhti prynce, stood.
Heer men mai see, such as list take heed,
How geri Fortune, furious and wood,
Wil nat spare, for richesse nor for good,
Mihti pryncis, which list nat God to knowe,
From ther estatis to brynge hem doun ful lowe.
O hatful serpent of hih presumpcioun,
Ay onstaunchable with gredi vsurpyng,
Be newe trouble, off fals sedicioun,
Which list off pride receyue no warnyng:
For now Xerses, off Perse & Mede kyng,
Purposid hath with odious apparaile
The temple off goddis contagiousli tassaile.
Ay onstaunchable with gredi vsurpyng,
Be newe trouble, off fals sedicioun,
Which list off pride receyue no warnyng:
For now Xerses, off Perse & Mede kyng,
Purposid hath with odious apparaile
The temple off goddis contagiousli tassaile.
For as hym thouhte, it myhte nat suffise,
To gret exaumple off his outraious pride,
How heer-toforn God dede hym chastise
Bi manys hand, to sette his pompe a-side.
But now off newe he gan ageyn prouide,
Bi sacrilege his myhti hand to dresse,
To spoile Appollo and reue hym his richesse.
To gret exaumple off his outraious pride,
How heer-toforn God dede hym chastise
Bi manys hand, to sette his pompe a-side.
But now off newe he gan ageyn prouide,
Bi sacrilege his myhti hand to dresse,
To spoile Appollo and reue hym his richesse.
Ther was in Delos a temple thilk[e] dai,
Most statli bilt and set up be masouns,
Gret ymages, reliques, riche arai
Off gold and stonys in sundri mansiouns;
And ther Appollo to sundri questiouns
Gaff redi answere, the stori tellith thus,
And he was callid Appollo Delphicus.
Most statli bilt and set up be masouns,
Gret ymages, reliques, riche arai
Off gold and stonys in sundri mansiouns;
And ther Appollo to sundri questiouns
Gaff redi answere, the stori tellith thus,
And he was callid Appollo Delphicus.
Foure thousand men Xerses thedir sente,
Bi his auys chose out for the nonys,
Ful clenli armed; & as thei thedir wente
To spoile the temple off gold and riche stonys,
With sodeyn leuene thei wer brent, flessh & bonys,
With tempest, thunder, hail & hidous reyn
Consumpt echon and neuer afftir seyn.
Bi his auys chose out for the nonys,
Ful clenli armed; & as thei thedir wente
To spoile the temple off gold and riche stonys,
With sodeyn leuene thei wer brent, flessh & bonys,
With tempest, thunder, hail & hidous reyn
Consumpt echon and neuer afftir seyn.
The grete Appollo, which shyneth briht in heuene,
Hadde off this Xerses gret indignacioun,
Which made his peeple be consumpt with leuene,
In cruel punshyng off his presumpcioun.
Yit he purposed, to his confusioun,
Sithe on the lond he nothyng myhte wynne,
Vpon the se a werre to begynne.
Hadde off this Xerses gret indignacioun,
Which made his peeple be consumpt with leuene,
397
Yit he purposed, to his confusioun,
Sithe on the lond he nothyng myhte wynne,
Vpon the se a werre to begynne.
Gan to make so gret an ordenaunce,
That his naueie couered al the se:
Yit Neptunus thouhte hym nat tenhaunce,
Withynne his boundis to ha[ue] no liberte;
For Themystodes with a smal meyne,
Beside a cite callid Salamyne,
Hym & his shippis brouhte onto ruyne.
That his naueie couered al the se:
Yit Neptunus thouhte hym nat tenhaunce,
Withynne his boundis to ha[ue] no liberte;
For Themystodes with a smal meyne,
Beside a cite callid Salamyne,
Hym & his shippis brouhte onto ruyne.
Yit, as I fynde, this proude kyng Xerses
Hadde on his parti Themydora, the queene
Off Halcarnois, which put hirselff in pres,
Armed in platis that shon ful briht and sheene.
And thenarme off Xerses to susteene,
This womman fauht[e] lik a fell woluesse,
And many Greek that dai she dede oppresse.
Hadde on his parti Themydora, the queene
Off Halcarnois, which put hirselff in pres,
Armed in platis that shon ful briht and sheene.
And thenarme off Xerses to susteene,
This womman fauht[e] lik a fell woluesse,
And many Greek that dai she dede oppresse.
It was a straunge merueil for to heere,
To seen a woman so sturdi off visage;
Yit men expert aldai may seen and lere,
Thei be bi nature ful cruel off corage,
And no cowardis founde off ther language.
Sett at assai, and thanne it shal be seene,
Wher thei be feerful ther quarel to susteene!
To seen a woman so sturdi off visage;
Yit men expert aldai may seen and lere,
Thei be bi nature ful cruel off corage,
And no cowardis founde off ther language.
Sett at assai, and thanne it shal be seene,
Wher thei be feerful ther quarel to susteene!
Thei mai off meeknesse shewe a fair pretense,—
Sum serpent is off colour siluer sheene,
And summe floures, ful fressh off apparense,
Growe on thistles rouh[e], sharp and keene,
And summe that been angelic to seene,
And verai heuenli, with ther golden tressis,
Been at a preeff[e] verrai leonessis.
Sum serpent is off colour siluer sheene,
And summe floures, ful fressh off apparense,
Growe on thistles rouh[e], sharp and keene,
And summe that been angelic to seene,
And verai heuenli, with ther golden tressis,
Been at a preeff[e] verrai leonessis.
To seyn the sothe, a poore man mai be shent,—
I dar no mor[e] speke off this mateere. . . .
But kyng Xerses, for al his proude entent,
Al his naueie and his peeple ifeere
Wer put to fliht & outraied off ther cheere.
Ther shippis drownyd among the wawes rude,
That non abod off al that multitude.
I dar no mor[e] speke off this mateere. . . .
But kyng Xerses, for al his proude entent,
Al his naueie and his peeple ifeere
Wer put to fliht & outraied off ther cheere.
398
That non abod off al that multitude.
Kyng Xerses hurt and woundid mortali,
Onnethe he myhte the grete peyne endure;
His quakyng herte quit hym so cowardli,—
On se and lond such was his auenture.
And yit ageyn his damages to recure,
Thre hundred thousand off fihteres he gan call,
Vpon Grekis off newe for to fall.
Onnethe he myhte the grete peyne endure;
His quakyng herte quit hym so cowardli,—
On se and lond such was his auenture.
And yit ageyn his damages to recure,
Thre hundred thousand off fihteres he gan call,
Vpon Grekis off newe for to fall.
A myhti duc callid Mardonyus
Was capteyn maad his peeple for to leede;
But Themystodes, myn auctour tellith thus,
Knowyng off Xerses the cowardise & dreede,
A lettre made for to be sent in deede,
Enfourmyng hym, bi Grekis gret outrage
How off his bregge was broken the passage.
Was capteyn maad his peeple for to leede;
But Themystodes, myn auctour tellith thus,
Knowyng off Xerses the cowardise & dreede,
A lettre made for to be sent in deede,
Enfourmyng hym, bi Grekis gret outrage
How off his bregge was broken the passage.
Off which[e] merueil whan ther cam tidyng
To kyng Xerses, he afftir anon riht,
As he that was aferd[e] off ech thyng,
Ful lik a coward took hym to the fliht.
Fledde in a boot, lik a coward knyht,
Off al his peeple ther wer no mo iseyn
Tawaite vpon hym, sauff a chaumberleyn.
To kyng Xerses, he afftir anon riht,
As he that was aferd[e] off ech thyng,
Ful lik a coward took hym to the fliht.
Fledde in a boot, lik a coward knyht,
Off al his peeple ther wer no mo iseyn
Tawaite vpon hym, sauff a chaumberleyn.
Al his peeple departed heer and yonder,
Stondyng in myscheeff and gret indigence;
To many a coost thei wente and rood asonder,
Pyned with hunger, lakked ther dispence,
Punshed also with onwar pestilence,
Feeble off trauaile myhte nat endure
For impotence to karien ther armure.
Stondyng in myscheeff and gret indigence;
To many a coost thei wente and rood asonder,
Pyned with hunger, lakked ther dispence,
Punshed also with onwar pestilence,
Feeble off trauaile myhte nat endure
For impotence to karien ther armure.
Alas ech wai[e] lai ful off careynes;
The soil with blood[e] steyned & the greene;
The hair terrible off pathes & off pleynes,
That no man myhte endure it nor susteene,
The sauour was so odious and oncleene.
Raueynous foulis, ful homli in ther siht,
Themsilff to feede vpon the corps aliht.
The soil with blood[e] steyned & the greene;
The hair terrible off pathes & off pleynes,
That no man myhte endure it nor susteene,
The sauour was so odious and oncleene.
399
Themsilff to feede vpon the corps aliht.
Thre hundred thousand off Perciens wer slayn,
Which Mardonyus aforn ful proudli ladde.
Off which[e] tidyng kyng Xerses was nat fayn,
But for distresse and sorwe gan to madde.
An[d] oon the laste myscheeff that he hadde,
Was whan Thymon, a noble Grekissh knyht,
Xerses disconfited & put his men to fliht.
Which Mardonyus aforn ful proudli ladde.
Off which[e] tidyng kyng Xerses was nat fayn,
But for distresse and sorwe gan to madde.
An[d] oon the laste myscheeff that he hadde,
Was whan Thymon, a noble Grekissh knyht,
Xerses disconfited & put his men to fliht.
This Thymon was sone to Meltiades,
His fadir whilom off Athenes kyng,
Which last off all outraied hath Xerses,—
Sauff off his eende ther fill a-nother thyng:
Artabanus, ful sleihti in werkyng,
Which to Xerses was nat suspect in deede,
Compassid his deth, in Bochas as I reede.
His fadir whilom off Athenes kyng,
Which last off all outraied hath Xerses,—
Sauff off his eende ther fill a-nother thyng:
Artabanus, ful sleihti in werkyng,
Which to Xerses was nat suspect in deede,
Compassid his deth, in Bochas as I reede.
This Artaban was prouost off his hous
And an officer most especial,—
With his seuene sonys strong & despitous,
Vpon a nyht furious and fatal,
Fill vpon Xerses in his paleis roial.
And in his stori as it is remembrid,
On pecis smale thei han hym al dismembrid.
And an officer most especial,—
With his seuene sonys strong & despitous,
Vpon a nyht furious and fatal,
Fill vpon Xerses in his paleis roial.
And in his stori as it is remembrid,
On pecis smale thei han hym al dismembrid.
This was off Xerses the laste fynal meede,
Off his hih pride the funeral guerdoun;
From his too kyngdamys off Perse & [eek] Mede
Froward Fortune hath hym plukked doun.
What mai auaile the dominacioun
Off such pryncis as holde hemseluen evene
For to been egal with goddis hih in hevene?
Off his hih pride the funeral guerdoun;
From his too kyngdamys off Perse & [eek] Mede
Froward Fortune hath hym plukked doun.
What mai auaile the dominacioun
Off such pryncis as holde hemseluen evene
For to been egal with goddis hih in hevene?
Men list nat knowe such chaunges for no preeff,
A[nd] namli pryncis in ther gret puissaunces.
Geyn ertheli pereiles & al worldli myscheeff
Thei can prouide hem & set ordynaunces,
As thei that dreede Fortunis variaunces;
But to Godward thei take litil heede,
For the gret richesse which thei do possede.
A[nd] namli pryncis in ther gret puissaunces.
Geyn ertheli pereiles & al worldli myscheeff
Thei can prouide hem & set ordynaunces,
As thei that dreede Fortunis variaunces;
But to Godward thei take litil heede,
For the gret richesse which thei do possede.
400
Yiff thei mai heren off an erthe-quaue
Toforn it falle, or any tokne see,
Than will thei gon anon themsilff to saue
Out off ther houses, & from ther toun[e]s flee,
To putte ther liff the mor in surete,
List ther beeldyng, maad off gret costage,
Fill vpon hem in that mortal rage.
Toforn it falle, or any tokne see,
Than will thei gon anon themsilff to saue
Out off ther houses, & from ther toun[e]s flee,
To putte ther liff the mor in surete,
List ther beeldyng, maad off gret costage,
Fill vpon hem in that mortal rage.
Or yiff an hors ronne out off his stable,
Breke his coleer thikke, double & long,
Men will ordeyne a lok off iren able
To keepe hym in, be he neuer so strong.
And thus men can redressyn eueri wrong
Touchyng the bodi, bi gret avisynesse;
Sauff for the soule thei will nothyng redresse.
Breke his coleer thikke, double & long,
Men will ordeyne a lok off iren able
To keepe hym in, be he neuer so strong.
And thus men can redressyn eueri wrong
Touchyng the bodi, bi gret avisynesse;
Sauff for the soule thei will nothyng redresse.
Whan a ryuer passeth ferr his boundis,
Boilith vpward, fynt no resistence,
Wynneth land & ouerfloweth groundis,
Drowneth toun[e]s with his violence,—
Yit men will trauaile to fynden a diffence;
To turne his cours sum weie shal be souht,
But toward God men thynke lite or nouht.
Boilith vpward, fynt no resistence,
Wynneth land & ouerfloweth groundis,
Drowneth toun[e]s with his violence,—
Yit men will trauaile to fynden a diffence;
To turne his cours sum weie shal be souht,
But toward God men thynke lite or nouht.
Ageyn siknesse men seeke medicynes,
Letuaries and dyuers pociouns,
Serche in phesik sundri disciplynes
Them to diete in ther transgressiouns,
Restoratyves and eek confecciouns,
But onto Godward, in this present liff,
Men nat trauaile for no confortatiff.
Letuaries and dyuers pociouns,
Serche in phesik sundri disciplynes
Them to diete in ther transgressiouns,
Restoratyves and eek confecciouns,
But onto Godward, in this present liff,
Men nat trauaile for no confortatiff.
Men ther bodies will putten in distresse
Off fals desir and coueitous feruence,
Onli tacroche and wynne gret richesse,
Suffre cold, labour and violence,
And nouther spare for gold nor for dispence
To vndirfonge pereilles off veynglorie,
Onli for thynges that be transitorie.
Off fals desir and coueitous feruence,
Onli tacroche and wynne gret richesse,
Suffre cold, labour and violence,
And nouther spare for gold nor for dispence
To vndirfonge pereilles off veynglorie,
Onli for thynges that be transitorie.
Thei passe mounteyns & many hidous roche,
In hope it sholde to ther entent auaile,
To many mortal monstre thei approche,
And be many vnkouth se thei saile,
Iuparte ther liff in werre and in bataile,
Be many daunger & many streiht thei ride
For worldli tresour, which shal no while abide.
In hope it sholde to ther entent auaile,
To many mortal monstre thei approche,
401
Iuparte ther liff in werre and in bataile,
Be many daunger & many streiht thei ride
For worldli tresour, which shal no while abide.
But toward goodis that be perdurable,
Ful lite or nouht ther hertis thei enclyne;
Nor to the heuenli cuntre most notable,
Thei wil nat lefft up nouther hed nor chyne,—
Toward the speeris off Phebus & Lucyne,
Castyng ther stremys to vs fro so ferre,
Which to considre all worldli men doon erre.
Ful lite or nouht ther hertis thei enclyne;
Nor to the heuenli cuntre most notable,
Thei wil nat lefft up nouther hed nor chyne,—
Toward the speeris off Phebus & Lucyne,
Castyng ther stremys to vs fro so ferre,
Which to considre all worldli men doon erre.
What myhte auaile the grete couetise
Off kyng Xerses in [his] estaat roial?
Or the gret peeple, which ye han herd deuise,—
Ten hundred thousand;—the peeple was nat smal.
But, for al that, he hadde an hidous fal,
Whan that he was, as is toforn remembrid,
On pecis smale pitousli dismembrid.
Off kyng Xerses in [his] estaat roial?
Or the gret peeple, which ye han herd deuise,—
Ten hundred thousand;—the peeple was nat smal.
But, for al that, he hadde an hidous fal,
Whan that he was, as is toforn remembrid,
On pecis smale pitousli dismembrid.
Lenvoye.
This tragedie put vs in remembraunce
Off thonsekir flatryng & blyndnesse
Bothe off Fortune & off hir variaunce,
And off hir ougli froward doubilnesse,
In Xerses shewed, for al his gret richesse,—
To vs declaryng, pleynli in figure,
A raueynous prynce mai no while endure.
Off thonsekir flatryng & blyndnesse
Bothe off Fortune & off hir variaunce,
And off hir ougli froward doubilnesse,
In Xerses shewed, for al his gret richesse,—
To vs declaryng, pleynli in figure,
A raueynous prynce mai no while endure.
Kyng Xerses hadde vnder his obeisaunce
Al Perse & Mede, the stori berth witnesse;
Thouhte al erthe to litil in substaunce
To staunche the etik off his gredynesse,
A frett off hauyng put hym in such distresse.
Whos fyn declarid, bi record off scripture,
A raueynous prynce mai no while endure.
Al Perse & Mede, the stori berth witnesse;
Thouhte al erthe to litil in substaunce
To staunche the etik off his gredynesse,
A frett off hauyng put hym in such distresse.
Whos fyn declarid, bi record off scripture,
A raueynous prynce mai no while endure.
He made also an odious ordenaunce,
Off surquedie his poweer for to dresse,
To robbe the goddis, maugre ther puissaunce,
And spoile ther templis, off froward wilfulnesse,
Take ther tresours ageyn al rihtwisnesse.
But thei hym shewed, off sodeyn auenture,
A raueynous prynce mai no while endure.
Off surquedie his poweer for to dresse,
To robbe the goddis, maugre ther puissaunce,
And spoile ther templis, off froward wilfulnesse,
402
But thei hym shewed, off sodeyn auenture,
A raueynous prynce mai no while endure.
Grete Appollo took on his men vengaunce
With onwar tempest, for al ther sturdynesse,
Leuene and thunder brouht hem to myschaunce,
Guerdoun most hable ageyn ther gret falsnesse,—
In pryncis hertis, pleynli to expresse.
Who be raueyne richessis will recure,
God wil nat suffre hym longe to endure.
With onwar tempest, for al ther sturdynesse,
Leuene and thunder brouht hem to myschaunce,
Guerdoun most hable ageyn ther gret falsnesse,—
In pryncis hertis, pleynli to expresse.
Who be raueyne richessis will recure,
God wil nat suffre hym longe to endure.
Noble Pryncis, stable in your constaunce,
Ye that desire to stonde in sekirnesse,
Remembreth offte vpon the fatal chaunce
Off proude Xerses and his cursidnesse,
Your-silff disposyng in your hih noblesse,
Yiff that ye list your statis to assure,
Escheweth raueyne & ye shal longe endure!
Ye that desire to stonde in sekirnesse,
Remembreth offte vpon the fatal chaunce
Off proude Xerses and his cursidnesse,
Your-silff disposyng in your hih noblesse,
Yiff that ye list your statis to assure,
Escheweth raueyne & ye shal longe endure!
[How Artabanus moordred kyng xerses and how aftir himsilf was moordred.]
Next these tragedies, wepyng & dolerous,
Whil Bochas stynte, & wolde ha been in pes,
A knyht appered callid Artabanus,
Which hadde aforn[e] moordred kyng Xerses;
And gan his compleynt for to putte in pres,
Ful concludyng, to speke in wordes pleyn,
Who vseth moordre, bi moordre he shal be slayn.
Whil Bochas stynte, & wolde ha been in pes,
A knyht appered callid Artabanus,
Which hadde aforn[e] moordred kyng Xerses;
And gan his compleynt for to putte in pres,
Ful concludyng, to speke in wordes pleyn,
Who vseth moordre, bi moordre he shal be slayn.
This Artabanus, be record off writyng,
With Xerses prouost whilom, as I reede,
Falsli conspired be sleihte off his werkyng,
For to be kyng bothe off Perse & Mede,
Hauyng seuene sonys, which that wer in deede
Worthi knyhtis, manli and riht strong,
Al-be ther fader was set to do gret wrong.
With Xerses prouost whilom, as I reede,
Falsli conspired be sleihte off his werkyng,
For to be kyng bothe off Perse & Mede,
Hauyng seuene sonys, which that wer in deede
Worthi knyhtis, manli and riht strong,
Al-be ther fader was set to do gret wrong.
For he presumed bi vsurpacioun,
In Perse and Mede to quench the cleer[e] liht,
And trouble the lyne off iust successioun:
For so as he off force and nat off riht,
Nothyng rasemblyng to a trewe knyht,
The moordre off Xerses falsli dede ordeyne,
Riht so he caste to moordre his sonys tweyne.
In Perse and Mede to quench the cleer[e] liht,
And trouble the lyne off iust successioun:
403
Nothyng rasemblyng to a trewe knyht,
The moordre off Xerses falsli dede ordeyne,
Riht so he caste to moordre his sonys tweyne.
And to conclude pleynli and nat tarie,
The said[e] kyng that callid was Xerses,
Hadde too sonys, the yongest callid Darie,
And the tother named Artaxerses,
Which, as the stori reherseth dout[e]les,
Wer be discent bor[e]n for to succeede,
Afftir ther fader to regne in Perse & Mede.
The said[e] kyng that callid was Xerses,
Hadde too sonys, the yongest callid Darie,
And the tother named Artaxerses,
Which, as the stori reherseth dout[e]les,
Wer be discent bor[e]n for to succeede,
Afftir ther fader to regne in Perse & Mede.
The moordre off Xerses outward was nat knowe,
Nor how Artabanus hadde the tresoun wrouht,
Till afftirward withynne a litil throwe
He hadde off newe forged out & souht
Fals odious treynes that wer neuer thouht:
Tolde Artaxerses, as he gan with hym rowne,
How Darie caste to ocupie the crowne,
Nor how Artabanus hadde the tresoun wrouht,
Till afftirward withynne a litil throwe
He hadde off newe forged out & souht
Fals odious treynes that wer neuer thouht:
Tolde Artaxerses, as he gan with hym rowne,
How Darie caste to ocupie the crowne,
And how the deth off Xerses was ordeyned
Onli be Darie and be noon othir wiht.
Wherupon, which auhte be compleyned,
Artaxerses prouyded anon riht
The slauhtre off Darie; & so, ageyn al riht,
This yonger brother in his innocence
Was falsli slayn, and dede non offence.
Onli be Darie and be noon othir wiht.
Wherupon, which auhte be compleyned,
Artaxerses prouyded anon riht
The slauhtre off Darie; & so, ageyn al riht,
This yonger brother in his innocence
Was falsli slayn, and dede non offence.
Ye wete, be whom this tresoun was compassid,
Twen brethre tweyne to make dyuysioun,
The yonger slayn, & nothyng hath trespasid,
Most redi were to the destruccioun
Off Artaxerses; for in conclusioun,
Whan the brethre moordred wer in deede,
Artabanus thouhte to succeede.
Twen brethre tweyne to make dyuysioun,
The yonger slayn, & nothyng hath trespasid,
Most redi were to the destruccioun
Off Artaxerses; for in conclusioun,
Whan the brethre moordred wer in deede,
Artabanus thouhte to succeede.
But Artaxerses, be pleyn instruccioun
Off oon that callid was Baccar[i]us,
Be toknys kneuh the couert fals tresoun
Off this forsaid double Artabanus,
And how that he be treynes outraious
Hadde Xerses slayn, as ye han herd toforn,
And Darie appechid, wherbi that he was lorn.
Off oon that callid was Baccar[i]us,
Be toknys kneuh the couert fals tresoun
404
And how that he be treynes outraious
Hadde Xerses slayn, as ye han herd toforn,
And Darie appechid, wherbi that he was lorn.
But off this vnkouth straunge tresoun wrouht,
Whan Artaxerses hadde knowlechyng,
Bi gret auys weies he hath souht,
Artabanus to brynge to rek[e]nyng.
But speciali he dradde hym off o thyng:
He feeble was to brynge this thyng aboute,
Off his seuene sonys he stood in so gret doute.
Whan Artaxerses hadde knowlechyng,
Bi gret auys weies he hath souht,
Artabanus to brynge to rek[e]nyng.
But speciali he dradde hym off o thyng:
He feeble was to brynge this thyng aboute,
Off his seuene sonys he stood in so gret doute.
But for tacomplisshe fulli his entent
Ful secreli, this was his ordenaunce:
To all the worthi he hath his lettres sent,
Duellyng in Perse vnder his obeisaunce,
Withoute excus or lenger attendaunce,
Armed echon, and in especial
To come in haste onto his court roial.
Ful secreli, this was his ordenaunce:
To all the worthi he hath his lettres sent,
Duellyng in Perse vnder his obeisaunce,
Withoute excus or lenger attendaunce,
Armed echon, and in especial
To come in haste onto his court roial.
Cause off ther komyng was to hem nat knowe,
The kynges purpos was holden so secre
And kept so cloos, bothe from hih & lowe,
That to his menyng no man was pryve,
Except the kyng saide he wolde see
What noumbre off men, yiff it cam to neede,
In his diffence he myht[e] gadre and leede.
The kynges purpos was holden so secre
And kept so cloos, bothe from hih & lowe,
That to his menyng no man was pryve,
Except the kyng saide he wolde see
What noumbre off men, yiff it cam to neede,
In his diffence he myht[e] gadre and leede.
And among other cam Artabanus
Onto the court, and list nat for to faile,—
A man that was cruel and coraious,
Ful off sleihtis in al his gouernaile,
Which thilke tyme armyd was in maile;
For he with hym non other armour ladde,
Sauff on his bak an haberioun he hadde.
Onto the court, and list nat for to faile,—
A man that was cruel and coraious,
Ful off sleihtis in al his gouernaile,
Which thilke tyme armyd was in maile;
For he with hym non other armour ladde,
Sauff on his bak an haberioun he hadde.
Thanne Artaxerses, beyng in his strengthe,
To hym abraide off fals affeccioun:
“For that my maile wantith off his lengthe,
I wolde with the chaunge myn haberioun.”
The tother hauyng noon euel suspeccioun,
Ongirt hymsilff[e], wolde no lenger bide,
Bothe suerd & dagger cast hem ferr a-side.
To hym abraide off fals affeccioun:
“For that my maile wantith off his lengthe,
I wolde with the chaunge myn haberioun.”
The tother hauyng noon euel suspeccioun,
Ongirt hymsilff[e], wolde no lenger bide,
Bothe suerd & dagger cast hem ferr a-side.
405
And whil that he threuh off his haberioun,
And with the maile stoppid was his siht,
He beyng naked, for short conclusioun,
The kyng out pullith a suerd[e] keene & briht;
And thoruh the herte he rooff hym anon riht.
And afftir that, off indignacioun
Took his seuene sonys & cast hem in prisoun.
And with the maile stoppid was his siht,
He beyng naked, for short conclusioun,
The kyng out pullith a suerd[e] keene & briht;
And thoruh the herte he rooff hym anon riht.
And afftir that, off indignacioun
Took his seuene sonys & cast hem in prisoun.
Off ther eende what sholde I mor endite,
Nor off ther deth make a digressioun?
God mai his vengaunce a while weel respite,
But moordre will out, & al such fals tresoun.
And for Artaban hadde a condicioun,
Falsli to moordre, as ye toforn ha[ue] seyn,
With onwar moordre he guerdonyd was ageyn.
Nor off ther deth make a digressioun?
God mai his vengaunce a while weel respite,
But moordre will out, & al such fals tresoun.
And for Artaban hadde a condicioun,
Falsli to moordre, as ye toforn ha[ue] seyn,
With onwar moordre he guerdonyd was ageyn.
Thus euer moordre requereth for his wages
Sclaundre inportable, odious for to heere,—
A woord diffamous, most foul in al languages,
The soun horrible bi report to appeere,
A clips duryng, whos dirknesse may nat cleere;
For this woord moordre, most ougli & onfair,
Bi a rehersyng infectith al the hair.
Sclaundre inportable, odious for to heere,—
A woord diffamous, most foul in al languages,
The soun horrible bi report to appeere,
A clips duryng, whos dirknesse may nat cleere;
For this woord moordre, most ougli & onfair,
Bi a rehersyng infectith al the hair.
[Off duk Palantus, and Spartenois werred them of Missene for rauysshing theire maidenes.]
Afftir the deth[e] and [the] fatal cas
And pitous moordre off Artabanus,
Next in ordre appered to Bochas
A myhti duc, callid Palantus,
Sone off a knyht Inamed Arathus.
Which was exiled, thouh he no tresoun mente,
Out off his cite, that callid was Tarente.
And pitous moordre off Artabanus,
Next in ordre appered to Bochas
A myhti duc, callid Palantus,
Sone off a knyht Inamed Arathus.
Which was exiled, thouh he no tresoun mente,
Out off his cite, that callid was Tarente.
Vpon his exil he sore gan compleyne,
Besechyng Bochas to getyn hym a space
Withynne his book, to write his greuous peyne,
Al-be that he whilom stood in grace
Be glad aspectis off Fortunys face;
For she hym reised be fauour off hir myht
To dukis estat from a ful poore knyht.
Besechyng Bochas to getyn hym a space
Withynne his book, to write his greuous peyne,
Al-be that he whilom stood in grace
406
For she hym reised be fauour off hir myht
To dukis estat from a ful poore knyht.
But ceriousli this mater to conveie,
How he was maad[e] duk & gouernour,
Whan Sparteyns gan mortali werreie
Geyn Messeniens, as seith myn auctour,
With gret costage and deligent labour.
And cause was this; for thei with myhti hond
Rauesshid be force all maidenys off that lond.
How he was maad[e] duk & gouernour,
Whan Sparteyns gan mortali werreie
Geyn Messeniens, as seith myn auctour,
With gret costage and deligent labour.
And cause was this; for thei with myhti hond
Rauesshid be force all maidenys off that lond.
For this peeple, now named Spartenoys,
As the stori cleerli can deuise,
Wer callid aforn[e] Lacedemonoys,
In armis preued, manli and riht wise.
And whil thei dede a solempne sacrefise
Onto ther goddis, the peeple off Messenye
Rauesshid ther maidenys, or thei it koude espie.
As the stori cleerli can deuise,
Wer callid aforn[e] Lacedemonoys,
In armis preued, manli and riht wise.
And whil thei dede a solempne sacrefise
Onto ther goddis, the peeple off Messenye
Rauesshid ther maidenys, or thei it koude espie.
On which[e] wrong for to do vengaunce,
The Spartenois kauhte indignacioun;
And off assent, with al ther hool puissaunce,
Thei leide a siege round aboute the toun.
And off o will and oon affeccioun
Thei made a vow the siege whan thei begunne,
Neuer to departe til the toun wer wonne.
The Spartenois kauhte indignacioun;
And off assent, with al ther hool puissaunce,
Thei leide a siege round aboute the toun.
And off o will and oon affeccioun
Thei made a vow the siege whan thei begunne,
Neuer to departe til the toun wer wonne.
[[H]ow Spartenois lay ten yere atte sege and how their wyves displesid with their longe absence sent hem a message vt infra.]
Afor the toun fulli ten yeer thei lai,
And fro the siege, as thei hadde maad ther oth,
Thei nat departed nouther nyht nor dai,
But stille abood and nat assonder goth.
Theroff ther wyues beyng at hom wer wroth;
To ther husbondis a massager thei sente,
Vnder these woordis declaryng ther entente.
And fro the siege, as thei hadde maad ther oth,
Thei nat departed nouther nyht nor dai,
But stille abood and nat assonder goth.
Theroff ther wyues beyng at hom wer wroth;
To ther husbondis a massager thei sente,
Vnder these woordis declaryng ther entente.
407
Saide it was nat accordyng with resoun,
Thei lik widwes to lyue disconsolat,
Withoute confort or consolacioun,
Ferr from ther husbondis to stonde al desolat,
Myscheuys considred, that fall in ech estat
Be long absence, which ech man sholde dreede,
Thoruh duyers siknesse that fall in womanheede.
Thei lik widwes to lyue disconsolat,
Withoute confort or consolacioun,
Ferr from ther husbondis to stonde al desolat,
Myscheuys considred, that fall in ech estat
Be long absence, which ech man sholde dreede,
Thoruh duyers siknesse that fall in womanheede.
“The tid abit nat for no maner man,
Nor stynt his cours for no creature;
And hard it is, as we reherse can,
Thyng to withstonde that kom[e]th off nature.
Harm doon be kynde is froward to recure;
And ther is founde ful litil sekirnesse,
Wher-as nature afforceth brotilnesse.
Nor stynt his cours for no creature;
And hard it is, as we reherse can,
Thyng to withstonde that kom[e]th off nature.
Harm doon be kynde is froward to recure;
And ther is founde ful litil sekirnesse,
Wher-as nature afforceth brotilnesse.
This litil sonde auhte inouh suffise,
To declare damage that mai fall
Be long absence, folkis that be wise.
Sumtyme departed, ageyn men may nat call;
That seelde is seyn, in loue doth appall;
And nothyng mor maketh wyues erre,
Than disseueraunce off folk that be in werre.”
To declare damage that mai fall
Be long absence, folkis that be wise.
Sumtyme departed, ageyn men may nat call;
That seelde is seyn, in loue doth appall;
And nothyng mor maketh wyues erre,
Than disseueraunce off folk that be in werre.”
This was theffect, pleynli in substaunce,
Sent to ther husbondis, which at the siege lai,
Compleynyng thei hadde had no plesaunce
Space off ten yeer, as in louys plai;
But desolat, in sorwe and gret affrai,
Ther liff thei ladde, affermyng in sentence,
Cause off ther constreynt was ther long absence.
Sent to ther husbondis, which at the siege lai,
Compleynyng thei hadde had no plesaunce
Space off ten yeer, as in louys plai;
But desolat, in sorwe and gret affrai,
Ther liff thei ladde, affermyng in sentence,
Cause off ther constreynt was ther long absence.
And whan the lettres wer at the siege rad
Toforn the cite in al ther mortal stryues,
Thei wer astonyd and gan to wexe sad,
And verrai weri almost off ther lyues,
For to considre the compleynt off ther wyues.
Till ther capteyn a remedie out souht,
Be whos counsail euene thus thei wrouht:
Toforn the cite in al ther mortal stryues,
Thei wer astonyd and gan to wexe sad,
And verrai weri almost off ther lyues,
For to considre the compleynt off ther wyues.
Till ther capteyn a remedie out souht,
Be whos counsail euene thus thei wrouht:
First olde knyhtis that hadde the siege sworn
It for tacomplisshe, and cast hem to be trewe,
His counsail was, as thei hadde hiht beforn,
To holde ther promys & theroff nothyng rewe;
But yonge knyhtis, that wer come off newe,
Mihte as thei list[e], freli at ther will,
Chese wher thei wolde go or bide still.
It for tacomplisshe, and cast hem to be trewe,
His counsail was, as thei hadde hiht beforn,
To holde ther promys & theroff nothyng rewe;
But yonge knyhtis, that wer come off newe,
408
Chese wher thei wolde go or bide still.
And heerupon for ther most auail,
In haste ther capteyn, as maad is remembraunce,
Off hih prudence gaff hem this counsail:
That knyhtis olde, lich ther assuraunce,
Sholde off the siege haue the gouernaunce,
And yonge knyhtis, most fressh & weel beseyn,
Sholde from the siege hom be sent ageyn.
In haste ther capteyn, as maad is remembraunce,
Off hih prudence gaff hem this counsail:
That knyhtis olde, lich ther assuraunce,
Sholde off the siege haue the gouernaunce,
And yonge knyhtis, most fressh & weel beseyn,
Sholde from the siege hom be sent ageyn.
Thei made among hem a ful straunge ordenaunce
At ther hom comyng: withoute difference
To entirchaunge ther wuyes for plesaunce,
And take hir first that cam to ther presence.
This was thaccord among hem in sentence,
Most redi weie, to ther opynyoun,
To engendrure and procreacioun.
At ther hom comyng: withoute difference
To entirchaunge ther wuyes for plesaunce,
And take hir first that cam to ther presence.
This was thaccord among hem in sentence,
Most redi weie, to ther opynyoun,
To engendrure and procreacioun.
Ther was among hem quarel nouther striff
In this mateer, nor no variaunce;
For eueri man mysused othres wiff
To ther desirs as was to hem plesaunce.
And thus childre thoruh this ordenaunce
That wer engendrid, the cas is thus befall,
Parthenois men dede hem afftir call.
In this mateer, nor no variaunce;
For eueri man mysused othres wiff
To ther desirs as was to hem plesaunce.
And thus childre thoruh this ordenaunce
That wer engendrid, the cas is thus befall,
Parthenois men dede hem afftir call.
Which in our tunge, to speke in woordes pleyne,
Afftir the Greek, who list considre and see,
Is no mor[e], platli for to seyne,
Than thilke childre which engendrid be
In auoutrie: wherfor, in that cuntre,
Parthenois off custum thei wer namyd,
Born off wombes which that wer diffamyd.
Afftir the Greek, who list considre and see,
Is no mor[e], platli for to seyne,
Than thilke childre which engendrid be
In auoutrie: wherfor, in that cuntre,
Parthenois off custum thei wer namyd,
Born off wombes which that wer diffamyd.
The fals occasioun off this auoutrie
Caused afftir gret myscheeff & damage,
That no man koude, as for his partie,
Be successioun, whan he cam to age,
Be title off riht cleyme his heritage;
For wher a lyne falsli doth proceede,
Hard is to knowe be riht who shal succeede.
Caused afftir gret myscheeff & damage,
That no man koude, as for his partie,
Be successioun, whan he cam to age,
Be title off riht cleyme his heritage;
For wher a lyne falsli doth proceede,
Hard is to knowe be riht who shal succeede.
409
The disturbaunce off fals successioun
And titles cleymed, afforced with gret myht,
Wher that auoutrie hath domynacioun
And is supportid off will & nat off riht,
And cleym off trouthe hath lost his cleer[e] liht,—
Thouh ther parties myhti been and stronge,
God wil nat suffre thei shal endure longe.
And titles cleymed, afforced with gret myht,
Wher that auoutrie hath domynacioun
And is supportid off will & nat off riht,
And cleym off trouthe hath lost his cleer[e] liht,—
Thouh ther parties myhti been and stronge,
God wil nat suffre thei shal endure longe.
And Spartennois peisyng all these thynges,
How fals assurance was in ther lynage,
The ientil blood troublid first off kynges;
For no man knew, off hih nor low parage,
His owne fader be liknesse off visage,—
Nor fader non, bi his gret errour,
Koude yeue no title to his successour.
How fals assurance was in ther lynage,
The ientil blood troublid first off kynges;
For no man knew, off hih nor low parage,
His owne fader be liknesse off visage,—
Nor fader non, bi his gret errour,
Koude yeue no title to his successour.
Wherupon folwed a gret myschaunce,
Hatful to heere: thoruhout the cuntre
Ech man troubled in his cuntenaunce,
Who sholde cleyme be any liberte
To entre his lond or to stonde fre,
Such doubte thei hadde, ech man for his partie;
So importable was the[r] auoutrie!
Hatful to heere: thoruhout the cuntre
Ech man troubled in his cuntenaunce,
Who sholde cleyme be any liberte
To entre his lond or to stonde fre,
Such doubte thei hadde, ech man for his partie;
So importable was the[r] auoutrie!
This grete myscheeff, who-so taketh heed,
Be long processe made hem to knowe & see
How thei wer able, as be likliheed,
For ther outrages to fall in pouerte.
And off assent thei cast hem for to fle,
Vnder a capteyn, be strong & myhti hond,
Fro that cuntre to wynne sum other lond.
Be long processe made hem to knowe & see
How thei wer able, as be likliheed,
For ther outrages to fall in pouerte.
And off assent thei cast hem for to fle,
Vnder a capteyn, be strong & myhti hond,
Fro that cuntre to wynne sum other lond.
And, as I reede, thei ches duk Palantus,
Off whom I spak, to gouerne ther passage,
Takyng no leue, the stori tellith thus,
At ther departyng, begynnyng ther viage,
Thei wer so confus off cheer & off visage:
For ther was noon off al that grete route,
To chese his fader but that stood in doute.
Off whom I spak, to gouerne ther passage,
Takyng no leue, the stori tellith thus,
At ther departyng, begynnyng ther viage,
Thei wer so confus off cheer & off visage:
For ther was noon off al that grete route,
To chese his fader but that stood in doute.
410
Thei heeld hemsilff[e] verrai[ly] ashamed,
And for shame out off that lond thei wente,
Lik a peeple disclaundred & diffamed
Thoruh thauoutrie, to which thei dede assente.
And to a cite that callid was Tharente,
Which stant in Poile, a myhti strong cuntre,
This duk Palantus cam with his meyne.
And for shame out off that lond thei wente,
Lik a peeple disclaundred & diffamed
Thoruh thauoutrie, to which thei dede assente.
And to a cite that callid was Tharente,
Which stant in Poile, a myhti strong cuntre,
This duk Palantus cam with his meyne.
And ther he putte, thoruh his gret[e] myht,
The citeseyn[e]s out off that cite,
And gat Tharente ful lik a manli knyht,
And ther abood in long prosperite
As gouernour & duk off that cuntre,
Till that his peeple be fals collusioun
Hym to depryue souht out occasioun.
The citeseyn[e]s out off that cite,
And gat Tharente ful lik a manli knyht,
And ther abood in long prosperite
As gouernour & duk off that cuntre,
Till that his peeple be fals collusioun
Hym to depryue souht out occasioun.
Thei hym exilid whan he was fall in age.
Loo, what it is in comouns to assure!
Stormy off herte, onseur off ther corage,
That seelde or neuer ther frenship doth endure.
Men mai to-dai ther fauour weel recure,
And tomorwe lat set it at a preeff:
Thei rathest hyndre whan men stonde at myscheeff.
Loo, what it is in comouns to assure!
Stormy off herte, onseur off ther corage,
That seelde or neuer ther frenship doth endure.
Men mai to-dai ther fauour weel recure,
And tomorwe lat set it at a preeff:
Thei rathest hyndre whan men stonde at myscheeff.
[Off Ceson Quincius exiled and Graccus take prisonere.]
I can no mor reherse off Palantus,
Duk & ledere off Parthennois;
But I will tell how Ceson Quincius
Cam tofor Bochas, with a ful pitous vois
His tale gan, and Graccus prince off Equois,—
Bothe attonys gan ther song entune,
Most doolfulli to pleyne vpon Fortune.
Duk & ledere off Parthennois;
But I will tell how Ceson Quincius
Cam tofor Bochas, with a ful pitous vois
His tale gan, and Graccus prince off Equois,—
Bothe attonys gan ther song entune,
Most doolfulli to pleyne vpon Fortune.
This myhti prince Ceson Quincius
Compleyned first, as maad is mencioun,
How thei off Rome wer contrarious
And felli wrouhte to his destruccioun,
And ful oniustli banshed hym the toun,
And natwithstandyng he was a dictatour,
Hym to confounde thei dede ther labour.
Compleyned first, as maad is mencioun,
How thei off Rome wer contrarious
And felli wrouhte to his destruccioun,
And ful oniustli banshed hym the toun,
411
Hym to confounde thei dede ther labour.
Cause off his exil compassid, as I reede,
That he was slouh, thei saide, & necligent
Hym to defende touchyng apel in deede,
[Which] that ageyn hym was wrouht off fals entent.
Yit Cincinnatus, his fader, be assent
Paide for amendis, as seyn cronycleris,
Met out off lond drauht off thre arblasteris.
That he was slouh, thei saide, & necligent
Hym to defende touchyng apel in deede,
[Which] that ageyn hym was wrouht off fals entent.
Yit Cincinnatus, his fader, be assent
Paide for amendis, as seyn cronycleris,
Met out off lond drauht off thre arblasteris.
Yit his enmyes wolde nat be content,
But proceded that he was exiled,
Dede execucioun off his iugement,
As in his story ful pleynli is compiled,
He afftir neuer myht be reconciled,
Which I ha[ue] pite to put in remembraunce,—
So litel offence sholde ha[ue] so gret vengaunce!
But proceded that he was exiled,
Dede execucioun off his iugement,
As in his story ful pleynli is compiled,
He afftir neuer myht be reconciled,
Which I ha[ue] pite to put in remembraunce,—
So litel offence sholde ha[ue] so gret vengaunce!
Graccus off Rome, callid Cloellius,
Prynce off Equoys, myn auctour seith the same,
Was in his tyme notable and glorious,
And a gret duk, ful renommed off fame.
But how the peeple of Equois first took name,
Vnder support, that no man ha[ue] disdeyn,
I will the processe declare heer in certeyn.
Prynce off Equoys, myn auctour seith the same,
Was in his tyme notable and glorious,
And a gret duk, ful renommed off fame.
But how the peeple of Equois first took name,
Vnder support, that no man ha[ue] disdeyn,
I will the processe declare heer in certeyn.
Iohn Bochas seith, ther is a nacioun
Which that first[e] wer callid Hunois,
And secondli also bi successioun
Off ful long tyme named Anathois;
And aldirlast men callid hem Equois,
Lich as I trowe myn auctour seith the same,
Off hors most swifft thei took[e] first the name.
Which that first[e] wer callid Hunois,
And secondli also bi successioun
Off ful long tyme named Anathois;
And aldirlast men callid hem Equois,
Lich as I trowe myn auctour seith the same,
Off hors most swifft thei took[e] first the name.
And as it is remembred in sentence,
Bi ther manheed and famous hardynesse,
Geyn Alisandre thei made a strong diffence
On hors[e]bak thoruh ther gret swiftnesse.
Beside the hill[e], pleynli to expresse,
Which in cronycles is callid Caucasus,
This peeple off Equois were victorious.
Bi ther manheed and famous hardynesse,
Geyn Alisandre thei made a strong diffence
On hors[e]bak thoruh ther gret swiftnesse.
412
Which in cronycles is callid Caucasus,
This peeple off Equois were victorious.
To ther noblesse, pleynli as I fynde,
Nothyng in erthe was mor expedient
In ther conquest off Ethiope and Inde,
As hors most swifft, seruyng ther entent,
Therbi conqueryng al the orient.
So gret prowesse was in ther passage,
That Equois brouhte al Egipt in seruage.
Nothyng in erthe was mor expedient
In ther conquest off Ethiope and Inde,
As hors most swifft, seruyng ther entent,
Therbi conqueryng al the orient.
So gret prowesse was in ther passage,
That Equois brouhte al Egipt in seruage.
Thus wher-euer Equois dede ride,
Thei gat gret good to ther possessioun.
And Graccus was ther gouernour & guide,
Which bi his steryng and fals suggestioun
Ageyn the Romeyns fill in rebellioun;
But to withstonde hym thei sent out anon riht
Cyncynatus, preued a ful good knyht.
Thei gat gret good to ther possessioun.
And Graccus was ther gouernour & guide,
Which bi his steryng and fals suggestioun
Ageyn the Romeyns fill in rebellioun;
But to withstonde hym thei sent out anon riht
Cyncynatus, preued a ful good knyht.
He was weel trusted and knowe in the toun,
And for his prudence chose a dictatour.
His liflode smal and his possessioun,
Al-be he was a worthi werreiour,
Which hath venquysshid be his knyhtli labour
The said[e] Graccus, for al his gret poweer,
And hom to Rome brouht hym prisoneer.
And for his prudence chose a dictatour.
His liflode smal and his possessioun,
Al-be he was a worthi werreiour,
Which hath venquysshid be his knyhtli labour
The said[e] Graccus, for al his gret poweer,
And hom to Rome brouht hym prisoneer.
Cyncynatus in [his] char was set,
Callid Quincius, for this gret victorie,
And most solempneli with senatours met,
Which gaff to hym, for tencrece his glorie,
Laude off tryumphe, to putte hym in memorie.
And Graccus afftir, for his rebellioun,
With cheynys bounde, cast in a derk prisoun.
Callid Quincius, for this gret victorie,
And most solempneli with senatours met,
Which gaff to hym, for tencrece his glorie,
Laude off tryumphe, to putte hym in memorie.
And Graccus afftir, for his rebellioun,
With cheynys bounde, cast in a derk prisoun.
And ther he deide in ful gret myscheeff,
Afftir his conquestis first famous & notable.
An euidence to vs and a gret preeff,
How that Fortune is ai fals & onstable,
Euer double, froward and deceyuable,
The fall off Graccus declare can ful weel,
That whilom sat so hih vpon hir wheel.
Afftir his conquestis first famous & notable.
An euidence to vs and a gret preeff,
How that Fortune is ai fals & onstable,
Euer double, froward and deceyuable,
The fall off Graccus declare can ful weel,
That whilom sat so hih vpon hir wheel.
413
[Here Bochas rehercith the tirannye of Apius and falsnesse of Iuges.]
Natwithstandyng Bochas aforn hath told
Off Appius the falsnesse importable,
And his outrages & surfetis manyfold,
To be remembred hatful and repreuable,
Yit as hym thouhte, it was heer couenable,
To mor rebuk and spottyng off his name,
Newe to reherse his sclaundre & his diffame.
Off Appius the falsnesse importable,
And his outrages & surfetis manyfold,
To be remembred hatful and repreuable,
Yit as hym thouhte, it was heer couenable,
To mor rebuk and spottyng off his name,
Newe to reherse his sclaundre & his diffame.
The grete offencis off this Appius
And oppressiouns that he vpon hym took,
Made hym to growe so inli coueitous,
Thoruh his rauyne that al the peeple quook,
As ye mai seen in the seconde book,
Wher myn auctour doth cleerli specefie
His fraude in doomys, & his fals lecherie.
And oppressiouns that he vpon hym took,
Made hym to growe so inli coueitous,
Thoruh his rauyne that al the peeple quook,
As ye mai seen in the seconde book,
Wher myn auctour doth cleerli specefie
His fraude in doomys, & his fals lecherie.
Eek off this tirant remembred ye mai reede
Cheeff iuge he was, with other officeris,
Callid decemvir; & thoruh his pride in deede,
Ageyn the custum of them that wern his feeris,
He made be born standardis & baneris
In other wise, off hih presumpcioun,
Than vsid was aforn in Rome toun.
Cheeff iuge he was, with other officeris,
Callid decemvir; & thoruh his pride in deede,
Ageyn the custum of them that wern his feeris,
He made be born standardis & baneris
In other wise, off hih presumpcioun,
Than vsid was aforn in Rome toun.
These iuges hadde a custum & maneer,
Lik ther estatis in ther gouernaunce,
Ech afftir other to ha[ue] born a baneer
Wher thei wente, such was thordynaunce,
Be twelue sergauntis noumbred in substaunce.
But Appius off pride and gret outrage
I-chaungid hath that custum and vsage.
Lik ther estatis in ther gouernaunce,
Ech afftir other to ha[ue] born a baneer
Wher thei wente, such was thordynaunce,
Be twelue sergauntis noumbred in substaunce.
But Appius off pride and gret outrage
I-chaungid hath that custum and vsage.
He ferst ordeyned ech sholde in his place
Off decemvir haue a baner born,
In ther walkyng, the peeple to manace,
An hundred men off armys them toforn,
And twenti ouer, bi a statut sworn.
Wherbi the cite bar gret cost in deede,
And al the peeple wer put in feer & dreede.
Off decemvir haue a baner born,
In ther walkyng, the peeple to manace,
An hundred men off armys them toforn,
And twenti ouer, bi a statut sworn.
414
And al the peeple wer put in feer & dreede.
To seen the sergantis walke in plate & maile,
Thei thouhte it was a merueilous werkyng,
Iuges to gon with such[e] apparaile
In ther procedyng, as ech had been a kyng.
And hool thentent off Appius menyng,
Was that he sholde, off power & off myht,
Doon what hym list, wher it wer wrong or ryht,
Thei thouhte it was a merueilous werkyng,
Iuges to gon with such[e] apparaile
In ther procedyng, as ech had been a kyng.
And hool thentent off Appius menyng,
Was that he sholde, off power & off myht,
Doon what hym list, wher it wer wrong or ryht,
The rihtful pun[y]she and the gilti spare,
Fauoure wrong for bribes & for meede.
The peeple oppressid stood in sorwe & care,
Fond no socour to help hem in ther neede;
Lawe was ther non, for resoun lai be dreede,
Will was iuge and plesaunce equite,
And thus be maistri was gouerned the cite.
Fauoure wrong for bribes & for meede.
The peeple oppressid stood in sorwe & care,
Fond no socour to help hem in ther neede;
Lawe was ther non, for resoun lai be dreede,
Will was iuge and plesaunce equite,
And thus be maistri was gouerned the cite.
And as it is remembred be Bochas,
Appius was lecherous off nature,
And cauht a quarel, as ye han herd the caas,
Ageyn Virgynea, a maide cleene & pure.
And for he sholde in hir nothyng recure
Touchyng his lust, hir fader in that striff
With a sharp suerd made hir lose hir liff.
Appius was lecherous off nature,
And cauht a quarel, as ye han herd the caas,
Ageyn Virgynea, a maide cleene & pure.
And for he sholde in hir nothyng recure
Touchyng his lust, hir fader in that striff
With a sharp suerd made hir lose hir liff.
And for this tiraunt be fals ribaudie
Caused hir deth be hasti violence,
And for he sholde hir beute nat maistrie,
Deieng a maide in hir chast innocence,
Therfor he was demed in sentence,
As is toforn maad cleer[e] mencioun,
For to be cheyned and deien in prisoun.
Caused hir deth be hasti violence,
And for he sholde hir beute nat maistrie,
Deieng a maide in hir chast innocence,
Therfor he was demed in sentence,
As is toforn maad cleer[e] mencioun,
For to be cheyned and deien in prisoun.
Eek decemvir losten ther power,
And neuer in Rome afftir bar no name,
Nor off that sect was maad non officer;
And among all Appius bar the blame,
Whos crym reboundeth to his eternal shame,
As ye han herd[e], who that can discerne,—
And thanne tribunys wer chose for to gouerne.
And neuer in Rome afftir bar no name,
Nor off that sect was maad non officer;
And among all Appius bar the blame,
Whos crym reboundeth to his eternal shame,
As ye han herd[e], who that can discerne,—
And thanne tribunys wer chose for to gouerne.
415
And in Bochas lik as it is founde,
The said[e] iuges in myscheeff dede fyne;
Whil Appius lay in prisoun bounde,
Exiled wer[e]n all the tother nyne.
The good, the tresour off them & off ther lyne
Achetid was, for short conclusioun,
To comoun profit & encres off the toun.
The said[e] iuges in myscheeff dede fyne;
Whil Appius lay in prisoun bounde,
Exiled wer[e]n all the tother nyne.
The good, the tresour off them & off ther lyne
Achetid was, for short conclusioun,
To comoun profit & encres off the toun.
Lenvoye.
This litil tragedie doth shortli heer deuise,
What myschef folweth for the grete onriht
Vsid be iuges in many sundri wise:
For whan that fauour bleendid hath ther siht,
And innocence is bor doun with myht,
And in his quarel pouert may nat proceede,
Because that trouthe oppressid is with meede.
What myschef folweth for the grete onriht
Vsid be iuges in many sundri wise:
For whan that fauour bleendid hath ther siht,
And innocence is bor doun with myht,
And in his quarel pouert may nat proceede,
Because that trouthe oppressid is with meede.
A iuge sholde off equite despise
To take gifftes off any maner wiht,
And redi been all wrongis to chastise,
From all gifftes turne awei his siht,
His handis close, his eris stoppe ariht,
And been ai war, for frenshipe, hate or dreede,
That trouthe be nat oppressid with no meede.
To take gifftes off any maner wiht,
And redi been all wrongis to chastise,
From all gifftes turne awei his siht,
His handis close, his eris stoppe ariht,
And been ai war, for frenshipe, hate or dreede,
That trouthe be nat oppressid with no meede.
The noble doctryn and vertuous emprise
Off philisophres, that hadde so gret insiht,
Was this to iuges, that prudent wer & wise:
For freend or fo ther doomys so be diht,
Off rihtwisnesse that the sunne briht
Eclipsed neuer, list men for ther falsheede
Reporte that riht was put a-bak for meede.
Off philisophres, that hadde so gret insiht,
Was this to iuges, that prudent wer & wise:
For freend or fo ther doomys so be diht,
Off rihtwisnesse that the sunne briht
Eclipsed neuer, list men for ther falsheede
Reporte that riht was put a-bak for meede.
Noble Pryncis, supportours off iustise,
Callid lodesterris to yeue the peeple liht,
On Appius lat iuges nat practise,
That trouthes laumpe be cleer bothe dai & nyht.
Your office peised, that longeth to a knyht,
Hold up the balaunce off doom in your manheede,
That lawe in iuges be nat corupt with meede!
Callid lodesterris to yeue the peeple liht,
On Appius lat iuges nat practise,
That trouthes laumpe be cleer bothe dai & nyht.
Your office peised, that longeth to a knyht,
Hold up the balaunce off doom in your manheede,
That lawe in iuges be nat corupt with meede!
416
Bochas ageyn thontrowith of Iugis.
Svyng vpon the deth off Appius
And his rebukes for his gret outrage,
Bochas be writyng wex sumwhat irous
Geyn iuges false, & thouht in his corage
Thei shulde be sad & demeur off age,
And that ther liff be vertu sholde drawe,
To keepe the preceptis & statutis off the lawe.
And his rebukes for his gret outrage,
Bochas be writyng wex sumwhat irous
Geyn iuges false, & thouht in his corage
Thei shulde be sad & demeur off age,
And that ther liff be vertu sholde drawe,
To keepe the preceptis & statutis off the lawe.
Thei ouhte off resoun themseluen to habile,
To haue science off philosophie,
And knowe ther textis off canoun & cyuyle,
And therupon her wittis hool applie;
For cunnyng iuges be prudent policie
Cause ordenaunces, in lawe comprehendid,
Thoruh rihtful doom gretli to be comendid.
To haue science off philosophie,
And knowe ther textis off canoun & cyuyle,
And therupon her wittis hool applie;
For cunnyng iuges be prudent policie
Cause ordenaunces, in lawe comprehendid,
Thoruh rihtful doom gretli to be comendid.
Iustise off lawe doth rewmys enlumyne,
Susteneth trouthe, supporteth innocence,
Off raueynour[e]s boweth doun the chyne,
Punsheth robbours for ther gret offence,
Sluggi truantis for ther necligence,
And feyned beggeris, that gretli disauaile,
Constreyneth them to labour & trauaile.
Susteneth trouthe, supporteth innocence,
Off raueynour[e]s boweth doun the chyne,
Punsheth robbours for ther gret offence,
Sluggi truantis for ther necligence,
And feyned beggeris, that gretli disauaile,
Constreyneth them to labour & trauaile.
Foundours off lawe bi antiquite,
Caused in londis was suffred non errour,
And made off pryncis the roial maieste
To shyne in worshepe, be deligent labour,
Wrestid corages off many conquerour,
That ther tryumphes no ferther sholde atteyne
Than lawe off God & nature dede ordeyne.
Caused in londis was suffred non errour,
And made off pryncis the roial maieste
To shyne in worshepe, be deligent labour,
Wrestid corages off many conquerour,
That ther tryumphes no ferther sholde atteyne
Than lawe off God & nature dede ordeyne.
Will was that tyme vnder subieccioun
Off rihtwisnesse, be trouthe ful weel conveied,
Sensualite was seruant to resoun,
And froward lust was vnder lok weel keied;
Sentence off statutis was nat disobeied,
The riche dede riht thoruhout eueri lond,
Poore folk lyued be labour off ther hond.
Off rihtwisnesse, be trouthe ful weel conveied,
Sensualite was seruant to resoun,
And froward lust was vnder lok weel keied;
Sentence off statutis was nat disobeied,
The riche dede riht thoruhout eueri lond,
Poore folk lyued be labour off ther hond.
417
Lordshipe that tyme auoided meyntenaunce,
Hoolichirch lyued in parfitnesse;
Knyhthod tho daies for trouthe whet his launce,
And fals extorsioun hadde non interesse;
Marchantis wynnyng cam al off rihtwisnesse,
Artificers the werkdai wer nat idill,
And bisynesse off labour heeld the bridill.
Hoolichirch lyued in parfitnesse;
Knyhthod tho daies for trouthe whet his launce,
And fals extorsioun hadde non interesse;
Marchantis wynnyng cam al off rihtwisnesse,
Artificers the werkdai wer nat idill,
And bisynesse off labour heeld the bridill.
Women that age farsid wer nor hornyd,
Nor ther tailes wer nat serpentyne;
Wis men off foli, nor clerkis wer nat scornyd,
Which in science most fresshli dede shyne.
Lawe disherited non heires from ther lyne,
Lesyngmongers fond that tyme no socours,
And flaterers thanne wer maad no confessours.
Nor ther tailes wer nat serpentyne;
Wis men off foli, nor clerkis wer nat scornyd,
Which in science most fresshli dede shyne.
Lawe disherited non heires from ther lyne,
Lesyngmongers fond that tyme no socours,
And flaterers thanne wer maad no confessours.
This goldene world[e], flouryng in vertu,
Born vp be loue groundid on stabilnesse,
Off auoutri ther sprang out non issu,
Pryncis be doctryne establisshed ther noblesse,
Preesthod in praier, knyhthod in worthynesse,
Ech thyng be lawe stood vnder gouernaunce,
Marchantis be mesour & iust peis off balaunce.
Born vp be loue groundid on stabilnesse,
Off auoutri ther sprang out non issu,
Pryncis be doctryne establisshed ther noblesse,
Preesthod in praier, knyhthod in worthynesse,
Ech thyng be lawe stood vnder gouernaunce,
Marchantis be mesour & iust peis off balaunce.
First Phoroneus be dilligent labour
Fond out lawes, that kyng was off Argyues;
The Grekis studie he gilte with gret honour.
This poletik prynce, tauoide hem fro stryues,
His statutis kept[e] duryng al ther lyues,
Fond first the maner, Bochas doth deuyse,
How to Iubiter was maad sacrefise.
Fond out lawes, that kyng was off Argyues;
The Grekis studie he gilte with gret honour.
This poletik prynce, tauoide hem fro stryues,
His statutis kept[e] duryng al ther lyues,
Fond first the maner, Bochas doth deuyse,
How to Iubiter was maad sacrefise.
Eek myhti Mynos, whilom kyng off Crete,
Ordeyned lawes ageyn transgressiouns,
To fere bi rigour foolis that were onmeete,
And staunche off surfetis all occasiouns,
Make for robbours myhti strong prisouns;
And Dedalus, his cheeff artificer,
Made Laberintus be deligence entier.
Ordeyned lawes ageyn transgressiouns,
To fere bi rigour foolis that were onmeete,
And staunche off surfetis all occasiouns,
Make for robbours myhti strong prisouns;
And Dedalus, his cheeff artificer,
Made Laberintus be deligence entier.
And eek Mercurie, born be the flood of Nyle,
As writ Lactance, was off Egipt kyng,
Onto marchantis dede lawes first compile
Off weihte and mesour, to vs[e] in chaffaryng.
And for his wisdam & excellent kunnyng,
Off olde poetis, that whilom wer so wise,
He callid was god off marchaundise.
As writ Lactance, was off Egipt kyng,
Onto marchantis dede lawes first compile
Off weihte and mesour, to vs[e] in chaffaryng.
418
Off olde poetis, that whilom wer so wise,
He callid was god off marchaundise.
Solon also the beste lawes made,
As writ Valeri, hymsilff to magnefie:
Athenye[n]ses theroff wer ful glade,
His gret[e] wisdam whan thei dede espie;
Thei fond theryn so moch[e] policie.
And he was redi euer to debate
Ageyn tirantis, so sore he dede hem hate.
As writ Valeri, hymsilff to magnefie:
Athenye[n]ses theroff wer ful glade,
His gret[e] wisdam whan thei dede espie;
Thei fond theryn so moch[e] policie.
And he was redi euer to debate
Ageyn tirantis, so sore he dede hem hate.
Kyng Ligurgus eek whilom dede his cure
To make lawes to comoun auauntage,
And that thei sholde perpetueli endure,
He made his peeple be sworn, off eueri age,
Whil that he wente out on pilgrymage,
Fro poynt to poynt to keepe hem in certeyn,
Onto tyme that he cam hom ageyn.
To make lawes to comoun auauntage,
And that thei sholde perpetueli endure,
He made his peeple be sworn, off eueri age,
Whil that he wente out on pilgrymage,
Fro poynt to poynt to keepe hem in certeyn,
Onto tyme that he cam hom ageyn.
And for his lawes wer off gret substaunce
And profitable to eueri comounte,
He ches to lyue in exil and penaunce,
Neuer to resorte ageyn to his contre,
That his statutis be eternyte
Sholde nat be broke, as ye han herd toforn,
Bi the convencioun to which that thei wer sworn.
And profitable to eueri comounte,
He ches to lyue in exil and penaunce,
Neuer to resorte ageyn to his contre,
That his statutis be eternyte
Sholde nat be broke, as ye han herd toforn,
Bi the convencioun to which that thei wer sworn.
To comoun profit had he such tendirnesse,
That he forsook his kyngdam & kenreede
[To] lyue in exill, his story berth witnesse.
But or he deied, as he lay bedreede,
He bad his bonys sholde be cast in deede
Amyd the se, ferr out fro the stronde,
That his statutis myhte in ther strengthe stonde.
That he forsook his kyngdam & kenreede
[To] lyue in exill, his story berth witnesse.
But or he deied, as he lay bedreede,
He bad his bonys sholde be cast in deede
Amyd the se, ferr out fro the stronde,
That his statutis myhte in ther strengthe stonde.
He eschewed euerich occasioun,
As [a] thyng hatful which was nat fair,
That his forsaid[e] roial myhti toun
Sholde breke ther oth because off his repair.
But touchyng that, he put hem in despair,
Cast hym neuer resorten in ther dawes,
List thei wolde breke the sentence off his lawes.
As [a] thyng hatful which was nat fair,
That his forsaid[e] roial myhti toun
Sholde breke ther oth because off his repair.
But touchyng that, he put hem in despair,
Cast hym neuer resorten in ther dawes,
List thei wolde breke the sentence off his lawes.
419
An exclamacioun of Bochas ageyn thextorsions & oppressions of þe poraill of Rome.
Iohn Bochas heer makith a digressioun,
And bi rebukyng cast hym for tassaile
Thilke officeres that wer in Rome toun,
Which bextorsioun oppressid the poraile,—
And ageyn iuges also off Itaile,
A[nd] namli them, that for lucre & meede
Sett trouthe aside & took off it noon heede.
And bi rebukyng cast hym for tassaile
Thilke officeres that wer in Rome toun,
Which bextorsioun oppressid the poraile,—
And ageyn iuges also off Itaile,
A[nd] namli them, that for lucre & meede
Sett trouthe aside & took off it noon heede.
He maketh ageyn hem an exclamacioun,
Such as to vertu wer contrarious,
And vnder colour and occasioun
Off ther office list to be lecherous,
Lik condiciowned onto Appius,
And fynali, as it was afftir seene,
Fals in ther domys & off ther liff oncleene.
Such as to vertu wer contrarious,
And vnder colour and occasioun
Off ther office list to be lecherous,
Lik condiciowned onto Appius,
And fynali, as it was afftir seene,
Fals in ther domys & off ther liff oncleene.
O, quod Bochas, O trouthe, O thou Iustise,
Which in your noblesse whilom dede excell,
Wher in effect is now your exercise?
Wher is your wonyng? alas, wher do ye duell?
Off your practik ful fewe men can tell,
So ferr put bak is now your disciplyne,
Your kyn exiled and your noble lyne!
Which in your noblesse whilom dede excell,
Wher in effect is now your exercise?
Wher is your wonyng? alas, wher do ye duell?
Off your practik ful fewe men can tell,
So ferr put bak is now your disciplyne,
Your kyn exiled and your noble lyne!
Aduocatis that now doon ocupie
Your olde sees & placis ful roiall,
Al to falsheed ther wittis thei applie,—
Such couetise now regneth ouer all!
Causes off cyuyle & causes cremynall
Ther doomys take, wher thei be fals or trewe,
Al afftir will be statutis chaungid newe.
Your olde sees & placis ful roiall,
Al to falsheed ther wittis thei applie,—
Such couetise now regneth ouer all!
Causes off cyuyle & causes cremynall
Ther doomys take, wher thei be fals or trewe,
Al afftir will be statutis chaungid newe.
Ther been eek other callid accessours,
Sittyng be iuges to yeuen hem counsail,
Which may ful weel be callid raueynours;
For thei nat laboure but for ther owne auail.
A noumbre off robbours folwe at ther tail,
To pile the peeple, as ye han herd toforn,
Bare as a sheep that is but newe shorn.
Sittyng be iuges to yeuen hem counsail,
Which may ful weel be callid raueynours;
For thei nat laboure but for ther owne auail.
A noumbre off robbours folwe at ther tail,
To pile the peeple, as ye han herd toforn,
Bare as a sheep that is but newe shorn.
420
Ther is no mor in this mateer to seyne,
Sauff onli this: trouthe stant desolat,
[And] rihtwisnesse to no wiht dar compleyne,
With wrong oppressid, wepyng disconsolat.
Wherfor, ye Pryncis, that sit in hih estat,
Such thyng tamende but ye bet heed list take,
God shal with you a ful hard reknyng make.
Sauff onli this: trouthe stant desolat,
[And] rihtwisnesse to no wiht dar compleyne,
With wrong oppressid, wepyng disconsolat.
Wherfor, ye Pryncis, that sit in hih estat,
Such thyng tamende but ye bet heed list take,
God shal with you a ful hard reknyng make.
Your office is in your magnyficence
Twen man and man all wronges to redresse,
And wher a mateer is ageyn conscience,
It to refourme onli off rihtwisnesse;
To stonde be trouthe, meyntene no falsnesse,
And lete wis counseil such materes examyne
Or ye off haste theron determyne.
Twen man and man all wronges to redresse,
And wher a mateer is ageyn conscience,
It to refourme onli off rihtwisnesse;
To stonde be trouthe, meyntene no falsnesse,
And lete wis counseil such materes examyne
Or ye off haste theron determyne.
Hath such thynges in your mynde among;
Thynk God will quite lik as ye disserue.
Ye spotte your noblesse iff that ye do wrong,
His suerd off punshyng dredith or it kerue.
Lat your resoun & conscience conserue
Your noble estatis, & thynk, lik your werkyng,
The Lord off you will axen a reknyng.
Thynk God will quite lik as ye disserue.
Ye spotte your noblesse iff that ye do wrong,
His suerd off punshyng dredith or it kerue.
Lat your resoun & conscience conserue
Your noble estatis, & thynk, lik your werkyng,
The Lord off you will axen a reknyng.
[Off Alcibiades exiled and aftir brent in his bedde.]
Afftir other þat put hemsilf in pres,
Tofor Bochas ther compleyntis to discure,
Cam off Athenys Alcibiades,
That tyme a-lyue the fairest creature.
And as it is remembred be scripture,
He was discreet and wis at all assaies,
And oon the strengest & manli in his daies.
Tofor Bochas ther compleyntis to discure,
Cam off Athenys Alcibiades,
That tyme a-lyue the fairest creature.
And as it is remembred be scripture,
He was discreet and wis at all assaies,
And oon the strengest & manli in his daies.
He was first born off riht hih lynage,
Aboue all other off most semlynesse,
Weel proporciowned and hardi off corage,
Loued & weel fauoured for his gret fairnesse,
Famous in knyhthod for his worthynesse,
Sotil wittid, and koude bi eloquence
Moche comprehende vnder short sentence.
Aboue all other off most semlynesse,
Weel proporciowned and hardi off corage,
Loued & weel fauoured for his gret fairnesse,
Famous in knyhthod for his worthynesse,
Sotil wittid, and koude bi eloquence
Moche comprehende vnder short sentence.
421
His witt enclyned to manyfold sciences,
Hadde off kunnyng a passyng retentiff,
Loued clerkis, & fond hem ther despencis,
Such as in practik he sauh most inuentiff.
To reede in bokis reioished al his liff,
Kepte what he radde in his memoriall,
And off wis counseil was noon to hym egall.
Hadde off kunnyng a passyng retentiff,
Loued clerkis, & fond hem ther despencis,
Such as in practik he sauh most inuentiff.
To reede in bokis reioished al his liff,
Kepte what he radde in his memoriall,
And off wis counseil was noon to hym egall.
An vncle he hadde Icallid Pericles,
Which stood in daunger, off excessiff spendyng;
Yit in his youthe this Alcibiades,
Seyng his vncle pensiff in lokyng,
Caste off wisdam to remedie that thyng;
And for tasswage his hertis heuynesse,
Gaff hym this counseil bi gret avisynesse:
Which stood in daunger, off excessiff spendyng;
Yit in his youthe this Alcibiades,
Seyng his vncle pensiff in lokyng,
Caste off wisdam to remedie that thyng;
And for tasswage his hertis heuynesse,
Gaff hym this counseil bi gret avisynesse:
First to reherse how the mateer stood,
And off his vncles woful hih distresse.
Ther was to hym delyuered a summe off good,
To repare the temple off a goddesse
Callid Mynerua; but for the gret excesse
Off his dispendyng, he stood sumwhat in dreede
Touchyng thacounte, which he mut yilde in deede.
And off his vncles woful hih distresse.
Ther was to hym delyuered a summe off good,
To repare the temple off a goddesse
Callid Mynerua; but for the gret excesse
Off his dispendyng, he stood sumwhat in dreede
Touchyng thacounte, which he mut yilde in deede.
Alcibiades heerupon musyng,
To his vncle gaff counseil in sentence.
“Vncle,” quod he, “lat be al your thynkyng,
And for yoursilff[e] shapeth this diffence,
Nat for tacounte—be mene off your prudence,
Aforn prouyded, with face & cheer onfeyned,
To such duresse that ye be nat constreyned.”
To his vncle gaff counseil in sentence.
“Vncle,” quod he, “lat be al your thynkyng,
And for yoursilff[e] shapeth this diffence,
Nat for tacounte—be mene off your prudence,
Aforn prouyded, with face & cheer onfeyned,
To such duresse that ye be nat constreyned.”
And whan Pericles his counseil aduertisith,
Fond to his worshep it was resonable;
And bi good leiser hymselff ful weel auysith,
And bi prouysioun, prudent and notable,
Saued his estat from ech thyng repreuable,
So that he stood[e], touchyng this mateer,
As for acomptis out off al daunger.
Fond to his worshep it was resonable;
And bi good leiser hymselff ful weel auysith,
And bi prouysioun, prudent and notable,
Saued his estat from ech thyng repreuable,
So that he stood[e], touchyng this mateer,
As for acomptis out off al daunger.
422
Alcibiades, off Athene cheeff capteyn,
Fro day to day wex up to gret encres,
Such another was ther nowher seyn,
Them to gouerne bothe in werre and pes.
And al the cite bi assent hym ches,
Off ther nauye in especial,
Vpon the se to been ther amyral.
Fro day to day wex up to gret encres,
Such another was ther nowher seyn,
Them to gouerne bothe in werre and pes.
And al the cite bi assent hym ches,
Off ther nauye in especial,
Vpon the se to been ther amyral.
For his knyhthod thei sent hym out a-ferre,
Off Cathenois to be ther gouernour,
Geyn Siracusanes for to gynne a werre.
First ther receyued with glorie & gret honour,
But in the eende off his gret labour,
Fortune that is ay variant & onstable,
Was to this duc nat founde fauourable.
Off Cathenois to be ther gouernour,
Geyn Siracusanes for to gynne a werre.
First ther receyued with glorie & gret honour,
But in the eende off his gret labour,
Fortune that is ay variant & onstable,
Was to this duc nat founde fauourable.
He was accusid to them off the toun,
Which in Athenys hadde gouernaunce,
That he was gilti in parti off tresoun.
Bi them reuoked, for al his gret puissaunce
Off capteynship, and bi ther ordynaunce
And Fortunys fals mutabilite,
Onwarli pryued from al dignyte.
Which in Athenys hadde gouernaunce,
That he was gilti in parti off tresoun.
Bi them reuoked, for al his gret puissaunce
Off capteynship, and bi ther ordynaunce
And Fortunys fals mutabilite,
Onwarli pryued from al dignyte.
But for hymsilff[e] thus he gan prouide,
Wente into exil nat ferr fro that cuntre
Into a cite that callid was Elide,
Ther for to ha[ue] fredam and liberte,
And off his liff to stonde in surete;
For in Athen thei wolde haue hym ded,
Onto ther goddis to offren vp his hed.
Wente into exil nat ferr fro that cuntre
Into a cite that callid was Elide,
Ther for to ha[ue] fredam and liberte,
And off his liff to stonde in surete;
For in Athen thei wolde haue hym ded,
Onto ther goddis to offren vp his hed.
But whan he was off ther entent certeyn,
To Lacedemoyn he took the riht[e] way,
And be relacioun ther he herde seyn,
How Thathenyenses wer put at affray
In a bataile vpon a certyen day,
Which that thei heeld, to ther aduersite,
Geyn Cathenois, as thei fauht on the se.
To Lacedemoyn he took the riht[e] way,
And be relacioun ther he herde seyn,
How Thathenyenses wer put at affray
In a bataile vpon a certyen day,
Which that thei heeld, to ther aduersite,
Geyn Cathenois, as thei fauht on the se.
But the cause off this disconfiture,
As was told to Alcibiades,
Was bi thre capteyns, thoruh ther mysauenture,
Which in ther ledyng wer founde rech[e]les.
The cheef off them named Demostenes,
The tother callid, the stori tellith vs,
The ton Niceas, the tother Eurilocus.
As was told to Alcibiades,
Was bi thre capteyns, thoruh ther mysauenture,
Which in ther ledyng wer founde rech[e]les.
423
The tother callid, the stori tellith vs,
The ton Niceas, the tother Eurilocus.
Alcibiades, hauyng heeroff tidyng,
Tauenge his wrong put hymselff in pres;
Off Lacedemoyn he goth first to the kyng,
Which off trouthe was callid Agides,
Besechyng hym to graunte to his encres
Certeyn soudiours out off his cuntre,
For to werreie Athenes the cite.
Tauenge his wrong put hymselff in pres;
Off Lacedemoyn he goth first to the kyng,
Which off trouthe was callid Agides,
Besechyng hym to graunte to his encres
Certeyn soudiours out off his cuntre,
For to werreie Athenes the cite.
Thus he wex strong, off noble prouidence,
Hadde gret peeple vnder his gouernaunce,
And lik a duk, maad strong in his diffence
Be peeple gadred to his obeisaunce,
That other pryncis, which wer off hih puissaunce,
Gan haue envie, off wilful frowardnesse,
And to maligne ageyn his hih noblesse.
Hadde gret peeple vnder his gouernaunce,
And lik a duk, maad strong in his diffence
Be peeple gadred to his obeisaunce,
That other pryncis, which wer off hih puissaunce,
Gan haue envie, off wilful frowardnesse,
And to maligne ageyn his hih noblesse.
For seelde or neuer in any regioun,
Prowesse off armys, noblesse off cheualrie,
Encres in richesse, report off hih renoun,
Fame off kunnyng in crafft or in clergie
May nowher duelle withoute sum envie,
From whos malice, as folk expert mai see,
Sauf onli wrechis no man hath liberte.
Prowesse off armys, noblesse off cheualrie,
Encres in richesse, report off hih renoun,
Fame off kunnyng in crafft or in clergie
May nowher duelle withoute sum envie,
From whos malice, as folk expert mai see,
Sauf onli wrechis no man hath liberte.
For which this prynce, as put is in memorie,
Escapid nat, for al his hih parage,
But that summe envied at his glorie;
For in this liff no man hath auauntage
Ageyn tunges nor odious fals language.
To stoppe such venym, this the beste obstacle,
That men with suffraunce tempre ther triacle.
Escapid nat, for al his hih parage,
But that summe envied at his glorie;
For in this liff no man hath auauntage
Ageyn tunges nor odious fals language.
To stoppe such venym, this the beste obstacle,
That men with suffraunce tempre ther triacle.
The cleer prowesse off Alcibiades
Steyned the noblesse off other pryncis all;
His eure hym reised up to so gret encres,
To the hiest throne off Fortunys hall.
Such fatal grace is onto hym fall,
That in tho daies, pleynli this no fable,
Ther was in knyhthod noon to hym resemblable.
Steyned the noblesse off other pryncis all;
His eure hym reised up to so gret encres,
To the hiest throne off Fortunys hall.
Such fatal grace is onto hym fall,
424
Ther was in knyhthod noon to hym resemblable.
In his exil so cleer his renoun shon,
And thoruh Grece gaff as gret brihtnesse
As doth a rubi aboue ech other ston:
Yit for teclipse & shadwe his worthynesse,
Lacedemonois dede ther besynesse,
Such as myhte nat to his noblesse atteyne,
Bi fals report his renoun to restreyne.
And thoruh Grece gaff as gret brihtnesse
As doth a rubi aboue ech other ston:
Yit for teclipse & shadwe his worthynesse,
Lacedemonois dede ther besynesse,
Such as myhte nat to his noblesse atteyne,
Bi fals report his renoun to restreyne.
Await was leid to take hym at myscheff,
And many treynys wer serchid out & souht,
Off entent taput hym at repreeff.
But al that euer ageyn hym thei ha[ue] wrouht,
At the eende ther purpos cam to nouht;
For God prouydeth off his magnyficence
Ageyn such malice to sauen innocence.
And many treynys wer serchid out & souht,
Off entent taput hym at repreeff.
But al that euer ageyn hym thei ha[ue] wrouht,
At the eende ther purpos cam to nouht;
For God prouydeth off his magnyficence
Ageyn such malice to sauen innocence.
He was likli tafalle in gret daunger,
Lacedemonois gan at hym so disdeyne
Because his honour & noblesse shon so cleer,
That to his fon it was a dedli peyne.
And thus his liff stood in noun certeyne;
For al-be-it he manli was and wis,
He knew nothyng ther purpos nor malice.
Lacedemonois gan at hym so disdeyne
Because his honour & noblesse shon so cleer,
That to his fon it was a dedli peyne.
And thus his liff stood in noun certeyne;
For al-be-it he manli was and wis,
He knew nothyng ther purpos nor malice.
He hadde almost iwarned be to late,
And lik tastonde in gret perplexite.
And mor his grace & fortune to abate,
Bi thoccasioun off his gret beute,
He with the queen was wexen ful pryue;
For in hir grace so weel stood ther non,
Which gaff hym warnyng off them that wer his fon.
And lik tastonde in gret perplexite.
And mor his grace & fortune to abate,
Bi thoccasioun off his gret beute,
He with the queen was wexen ful pryue;
For in hir grace so weel stood ther non,
Which gaff hym warnyng off them that wer his fon.
And bi the counsail onli off the queen,
Fro Lacedemoyn he wisli took his fliht
Toward Athenys, & thouhte he wolde seen
His owne cuntre, ful lik a manli knyht.
And thouh thei hadde nat gouerned hem a-riht
Towardis hym, beyng in distresse,
Tauenge his wrong he dede hem no duresse.
Fro Lacedemoyn he wisli took his fliht
Toward Athenys, & thouhte he wolde seen
His owne cuntre, ful lik a manli knyht.
And thouh thei hadde nat gouerned hem a-riht
425
Tauenge his wrong he dede hem no duresse.
For he thouhte it was ageyn nature,
To be vengable or shewe his cruelte
Bi thoccasioun off any auenture,
Or gynne a werre vpon his cuntre;
His natiff blood meued hym to pite,
And off verrai natural ientilesse
Was debonaire geyn ther onkynd[e]nesse.
To be vengable or shewe his cruelte
Bi thoccasioun off any auenture,
Or gynne a werre vpon his cuntre;
His natiff blood meued hym to pite,
And off verrai natural ientilesse
Was debonaire geyn ther onkynd[e]nesse.
The cas was this, for short conclusioun,
How kyng Darie with gret apparaile
Thouhte to werreie, off indignacioun,
Them off Athenys and ther toun tassaile.
And in his purpos proudli to preuaile,
Thesiffernes, a prynce off gret puissaunce,
Off Daries power hadde al the gouernaunce.
How kyng Darie with gret apparaile
Thouhte to werreie, off indignacioun,
Them off Athenys and ther toun tassaile.
And in his purpos proudli to preuaile,
Thesiffernes, a prynce off gret puissaunce,
Off Daries power hadde al the gouernaunce.
Fynal cause and ground off al this werre,
That Darius gan on hem so hastili,
And that he sente his puissaunce fro so ferre
For to destroie Athenys vttirli,
Was to hold up and sustene the parti
Off Lacedemoyn, which off old hatreede
Wer euer envious them for toppresse in deede.
That Darius gan on hem so hastili,
And that he sente his puissaunce fro so ferre
For to destroie Athenys vttirli,
Was to hold up and sustene the parti
Off Lacedemoyn, which off old hatreede
Wer euer envious them for toppresse in deede.
But be mene off Alcibiades,
And bi his trete foundid on prudence,
Thesiffernes enclyned to the pes,
Therbi in parti tappese his violence.
And al was doon off noble prouidence,
And fro the place to which he was exilid,
He to Athenys sholde be reconciled.
And bi his trete foundid on prudence,
Thesiffernes enclyned to the pes,
Therbi in parti tappese his violence.
And al was doon off noble prouidence,
And fro the place to which he was exilid,
He to Athenys sholde be reconciled.
Onto the cite he dede signefie
How Darius hadde maad his ordenaunce,
And bi his lettris he gan them specifie,
Yiff thei wolde stonde at his gouernaunce,
To condescende, pleynli in substaunce,
He wolde laboure, and no lenger tarie,
To make accord atwen hem & kyng Darie.
How Darius hadde maad his ordenaunce,
And bi his lettris he gan them specifie,
Yiff thei wolde stonde at his gouernaunce,
To condescende, pleynli in substaunce,
He wolde laboure, and no lenger tarie,
To make accord atwen hem & kyng Darie.
426
This was the mene that he mente:
Withynne Athenys that the senatours
Sholde off the cite, afftir ther entente,
Ha[ue] fulli lordshipe, and be ther gouernours.
But as cleer wethir troublid is with shours,
Riht so vnwarli, withynne that roial toun,
Thoruh this trete fill a discencioun.
Withynne Athenys that the senatours
Sholde off the cite, afftir ther entente,
Ha[ue] fulli lordshipe, and be ther gouernours.
But as cleer wethir troublid is with shours,
Riht so vnwarli, withynne that roial toun,
Thoruh this trete fill a discencioun.
The comowneris gan sodenli disdeyne
To be so thrallid vnder subieccioun;
And so bassent the comouns dede ordeyne,
Onli tappese al fals discencioun,
For to reuoke ageyn into ther toun
Alcibiades, as thei thouhte it meete,
Thoruh his prudence to sette hem in quyete.
To be so thrallid vnder subieccioun;
And so bassent the comouns dede ordeyne,
Onli tappese al fals discencioun,
For to reuoke ageyn into ther toun
Alcibiades, as thei thouhte it meete,
Thoruh his prudence to sette hem in quyete.
First in his komyng, myn auctour doth reporte,
He was maad duk ageyn off that cite,
And gan the parti off comouns to supporte,
And them restore to ther old liberte.
Wherthuruh the senat, dredyng the comounte,
Fledde into exil ful ferr out off al pres,
Onli for dreed off Alcibiades.
He was maad duk ageyn off that cite,
And gan the parti off comouns to supporte,
And them restore to ther old liberte.
Wherthuruh the senat, dredyng the comounte,
Fledde into exil ful ferr out off al pres,
Onli for dreed off Alcibiades.
Thei stood that tyme in so gret disioynt,
Ther toun deuided and out of gouernaunce,
That thei wer brouht euene onto the poynt
To yolde the cite vnto thobeissance
Of Lacedemoyn, thoruh ther vnhappi chaunce,
Withynne hemsilff[e] whan thei gan debate,
Vnto ther duk the senat bar such hate.
Ther toun deuided and out of gouernaunce,
That thei wer brouht euene onto the poynt
To yolde the cite vnto thobeissance
Of Lacedemoyn, thoruh ther vnhappi chaunce,
Withynne hemsilff[e] whan thei gan debate,
Vnto ther duk the senat bar such hate.
But the comouns ches in ther diffence
Alcibiades to gouerne that viage.
And to the se, with cost & gret dispence,
Withoute abood he holdeth his passage
In myhti shippis maad for auauntage,
Weel enarmyd, & caste, yif he myhte,
With Lacedemonois proudli for to fihte.
Alcibiades to gouerne that viage.
And to the se, with cost & gret dispence,
Withoute abood he holdeth his passage
In myhti shippis maad for auauntage,
Weel enarmyd, & caste, yif he myhte,
With Lacedemonois proudli for to fihte.
427
Thre myhti capteyns wern on the tother side,
The first[e] Zestro, Bochas tellith thus,
And the second that was ther lord & guide
Callid Midare, the thridde Pharbanasus,
On se and lond in armys ful pompous.
But of his knihthod and magnanymyte
Alcibiades took hem all[e] thre.
The first[e] Zestro, Bochas tellith thus,
And the second that was ther lord & guide
Callid Midare, the thridde Pharbanasus,
On se and lond in armys ful pompous.
But of his knihthod and magnanymyte
Alcibiades took hem all[e] thre.
Strong was the fiht or that thei wer[e] take,
Of al ther meyne awey ther scaped non;
The duk that day gan swich a slauhtre make
Of hih prowesse vpon his mortal foon,
Cast ouerboord almost euerichon,
And aftir that, whan he cam to londe,
A newe bataille met hym on the stronde,
Of al ther meyne awey ther scaped non;
The duk that day gan swich a slauhtre make
Of hih prowesse vpon his mortal foon,
Cast ouerboord almost euerichon,
And aftir that, whan he cam to londe,
A newe bataille met hym on the stronde,
Swich wait was leid aboute hym enviroun
Of his enmyes be sodeyn auenture.
But of Athenys this myhti champioun,
Which myhte in armys most souereynli endure,
Made on his foon a [newe] disconfiture.
Thus in short tyme this prince in his estaat
On lond and se was twies laureat.
Of his enmyes be sodeyn auenture.
But of Athenys this myhti champioun,
Which myhte in armys most souereynli endure,
Made on his foon a [newe] disconfiture.
Thus in short tyme this prince in his estaat
On lond and se was twies laureat.
And aftir that, he list nat for to cesse
Nor tabide the space off halff a day:
The comoun proffit of his toun tencresse,
Toward Asie he took the riht[e] way,
And touns, castellis that wer take away,
Which apertened to Athenys of riht,
He gat ageyn, ful lik a manli kniht.
Nor tabide the space off halff a day:
The comoun proffit of his toun tencresse,
Toward Asie he took the riht[e] way,
And touns, castellis that wer take away,
Which apertened to Athenys of riht,
He gat ageyn, ful lik a manli kniht.
Maugre all that to hym wer contrarye,
Or wrouhte ageyn hym be rebellioun,
Thoruhout [al] Asie in the land of Darie
He knihtli brouht hem to subieccioun,
Ageyn whos swerd halp no proteccioun.
And fynal labour was off his entente,
The comoun proffit off his toun taugmente.
Or wrouhte ageyn hym be rebellioun,
Thoruhout [al] Asie in the land of Darie
He knihtli brouht hem to subieccioun,
Ageyn whos swerd halp no proteccioun.
And fynal labour was off his entente,
The comoun proffit off his toun taugmente.
428
And with this glorie and with this hih noblesse
He to Athenys repeired is ageyn;
And al the cite, with ioie & gret gladnesse,
Cam out to meete hym upon a wol fair pleyn.
And that his triumphes sholde openli be seyn,
Bothe old & yong, with ful glad visages,
Of ther goddis brouht out the images.
He to Athenys repeired is ageyn;
And al the cite, with ioie & gret gladnesse,
Cam out to meete hym upon a wol fair pleyn.
And that his triumphes sholde openli be seyn,
Bothe old & yong, with ful glad visages,
Of ther goddis brouht out the images.
This was the[r] cry & noise of al the pres:
“Victorious prince, whos triumphes marciall
Shal euer be songe with loude and newe encres
Tofor the goddis, which been inmortall,
Wolkome, wolkome! our protectour, our wall,
Sheeld of our weelfare ageyn al violence,
Phebus of knihthod, & swerd of our diffence!”
“Victorious prince, whos triumphes marciall
Shal euer be songe with loude and newe encres
Tofor the goddis, which been inmortall,
Wolkome, wolkome! our protectour, our wall,
Sheeld of our weelfare ageyn al violence,
Phebus of knihthod, & swerd of our diffence!”
Thus with ther goddis thei maden hym egall
Bi vnkouth praisyng of paganysme rihtis,
Lik as he hadde be verray inmortall,
And sang refreites to comende his merites.
Tenhaunce his glorie thei sette al ther delites,
And with the liht[e] of eternal fame,
Sette up torchis tenlumyne with his name.
Bi vnkouth praisyng of paganysme rihtis,
Lik as he hadde be verray inmortall,
And sang refreites to comende his merites.
Tenhaunce his glorie thei sette al ther delites,
And with the liht[e] of eternal fame,
Sette up torchis tenlumyne with his name.
Thus certeyn daies thei halwed of entent,
Thoruh [al] the cite for his hih prowesse,
Til Fortune hath his eyen blent
With newe fauour of worldli fals suetnesse.
For al hir sugir is meynt with bittirnesse,—
A bait of hony, shad out at pryme face,
With mortall venym hid vndir to manace.
Thoruh [al] the cite for his hih prowesse,
Til Fortune hath his eyen blent
With newe fauour of worldli fals suetnesse.
For al hir sugir is meynt with bittirnesse,—
A bait of hony, shad out at pryme face,
With mortall venym hid vndir to manace.
For in his hiest clymbyng up aloffte,
And in thascence of Fortunys wheel,
Aftir hir custum, as she hath ful ofte,
Whan he best wende for tastonde weel,
She drouh hir fauour from hym euerideel,
Made the peeple vndir his obeissaunce
To falle in myscheeff for lak of gouernaunce.
And in thascence of Fortunys wheel,
Aftir hir custum, as she hath ful ofte,
Whan he best wende for tastonde weel,
She drouh hir fauour from hym euerideel,
Made the peeple vndir his obeissaunce
To falle in myscheeff for lak of gouernaunce.
429
Thus fro this duk Fortune gan to varie,
And his noblesse go bak & eek faille,
Whan kyng Cirus, successour to Darie,
Ful vnwarli fill on hym in bataille,
And gan his knihtis proudli to assaille,
Whan he dispurveied, void of prouidence,
Was ouerleid to make resistence.
And his noblesse go bak & eek faille,
Whan kyng Cirus, successour to Darie,
Ful vnwarli fill on hym in bataille,
And gan his knihtis proudli to assaille,
Whan he dispurveied, void of prouidence,
Was ouerleid to make resistence.
For fynalli this Alcibiades
At myscheeff take, which he myhte nat recure,
Whan thoruh veynglori he was maad rek[e]les
His noble estat testablisshe & assure.
Lak of forsiht caused his disconfiture;
And to encres of mor aduersite,
Ban[y]shed ageyn out of his cite.
At myscheeff take, which he myhte nat recure,
Whan thoruh veynglori he was maad rek[e]les
His noble estat testablisshe & assure.
Lak of forsiht caused his disconfiture;
And to encres of mor aduersite,
Ban[y]shed ageyn out of his cite.
Thus diffacid and clipsed was his glorie,
His cite put in straunge gouernaunce
Be Lacedemonoys aftir ther victorie,
So that he knew no maner cheuisaunce
To refourme his vnhappi chaunce,
Sauf for refut, myn auctour doth reherse,
How that he fledde onto the kyng of Perse.
His cite put in straunge gouernaunce
Be Lacedemonoys aftir ther victorie,
So that he knew no maner cheuisaunce
To refourme his vnhappi chaunce,
Sauf for refut, myn auctour doth reherse,
How that he fledde onto the kyng of Perse.
From Athenys of newe he was exilled;
And thretti personys, furious & vengable,
Chose in that cite, as Bochas hath compiled,
The toun gouerned, al-be thei wer nat able,
Vsyng a maner hatful and repreuable,
Thoruh ther rauyne temporisshe ther cite,
A thyng most odious to eueri comounte.
And thretti personys, furious & vengable,
Chose in that cite, as Bochas hath compiled,
The toun gouerned, al-be thei wer nat able,
Vsyng a maner hatful and repreuable,
Thoruh ther rauyne temporisshe ther cite,
A thyng most odious to eueri comounte.
A werm of dreed was bred up in ther herte,
Which suffred nat them to lyue in pes,
Among themsilff[e] whan thei dide aduerte
The grete prudence of Alcibiades,
How in manhod he was pereles,
List he wold aftir, for al ther multitude,
Knihtli aquite ther ingratitude.
Which suffred nat them to lyue in pes,
Among themsilff[e] whan thei dide aduerte
The grete prudence of Alcibiades,
How in manhod he was pereles,
List he wold aftir, for al ther multitude,
Knihtli aquite ther ingratitude.
And of assent tabreggen his lyff daies,
Thei ageyn hym of malis han conspired,
Afftir his exil, to maken no dellaies
For tacomplisshe that thei long han desired,
With brennyng hate ther hertis falsli fired,
To moordre benvie, causeles ageyn [al] riht,
Alcibiades, the noble worthi kniht.
Thei ageyn hym of malis han conspired,
Afftir his exil, to maken no dellaies
430
With brennyng hate ther hertis falsli fired,
To moordre benvie, causeles ageyn [al] riht,
Alcibiades, the noble worthi kniht.
Thus the tyme approchid and the date,
Term afforn set be constellacioun
Of his parodie and his lyuys fate,
Which was concludid, as maad is mencioun,
Bi cruel moordre to his destruccioun.
Alas, what prince, with gold or soudiours,
May hym prouide geyn fals conspiratours!
Term afforn set be constellacioun
Of his parodie and his lyuys fate,
Which was concludid, as maad is mencioun,
Bi cruel moordre to his destruccioun.
Alas, what prince, with gold or soudiours,
May hym prouide geyn fals conspiratours!
Fortune of newe gan at hym enchace;
From hir treynys that he nat scape myhte,
Daili pursuede fro place ay onto place,
Thoruh Perse and Mede, thouh he wer out of siht.
Til that his enmyes fill on hym be nihte,
Slepyng, alas, to soone thei wer sped:
Whan thei hym fond, thei brente hym in his bed.
From hir treynys that he nat scape myhte,
Daili pursuede fro place ay onto place,
Thoruh Perse and Mede, thouh he wer out of siht.
Til that his enmyes fill on hym be nihte,
Slepyng, alas, to soone thei wer sped:
Whan thei hym fond, thei brente hym in his bed.
Thus be moordre ther purpos was acheuyd,—
Alas, it was to horrible a deede,
So good a kniht, so weel in armys preuyd,
So renommede, so famous in manheede,
For to be brent among the coles rede!
First vnwarli in his bed Itake,
And so consumyd among the smokes blake.
Alas, it was to horrible a deede,
So good a kniht, so weel in armys preuyd,
So renommede, so famous in manheede,
For to be brent among the coles rede!
First vnwarli in his bed Itake,
And so consumyd among the smokes blake.
This was the eende of Alcibiades,
Which in knihthod was most souereyne;
In werre a leoun, and a lamb in pes,
As Mars victorious, his fate so dide ordeyne.
To famys paleis he fley with wynges tweyne,
Sone to Mynerva, to speke of hih prudence,
And lik Mercurie be notable elloquence.
Which in knihthod was most souereyne;
In werre a leoun, and a lamb in pes,
As Mars victorious, his fate so dide ordeyne.
To famys paleis he fley with wynges tweyne,
Sone to Mynerva, to speke of hih prudence,
And lik Mercurie be notable elloquence.
An exclamacion of þe deth of Alcibiades.
O fatal sustren, which span the lyues threede
So short a terme; whi dide ye determyne
To suffre hym brenne among the coles rede?
Ye wer to hasti to breken and ontwyne
His web of knihtehod, that thoruh the world dide shyne,
And caste of noblesse his bemys out most cleer;
Alas, that euere he fill in your daungeer!
So short a terme; whi dide ye determyne
To suffre hym brenne among the coles rede?
Ye wer to hasti to breken and ontwyne
431
And caste of noblesse his bemys out most cleer;
Alas, that euere he fill in your daungeer!
O, out on Stix, and out on Attropos,
That han of malis slayn so good a kniht!
Out on you thre, that keepe your-silff so cloos,
Douhtres Icallid of the dirke niht!
And thou, Letum, that queyntest eek the liht
Of Alcibiades, merour & lanterne,
To speke in knihthod how men sholde gouerne,
That han of malis slayn so good a kniht!
Out on you thre, that keepe your-silff so cloos,
Douhtres Icallid of the dirke niht!
And thou, Letum, that queyntest eek the liht
Of Alcibiades, merour & lanterne,
To speke in knihthod how men sholde gouerne,
Ye slen the worthi, & wrechchis ye doon spare!
Torcites lyueth, Ector is slayn in deede,
Your funeral smokis makþ rewmys now so bare,
To race vp cedris, ther braunchis may nat spreede,
Ye palle the laurer, ye make the firses seede.
Ful litil thank in kyngdamys ye disserue,
Kaitiffs to fostre, and do the worthi sterue!
Torcites lyueth, Ector is slayn in deede,
Your funeral smokis makþ rewmys now so bare,
To race vp cedris, ther braunchis may nat spreede,
Ye palle the laurer, ye make the firses seede.
Ful litil thank in kyngdamys ye disserue,
Kaitiffs to fostre, and do the worthi sterue!
Alcibiades is passed into fate,
Liht of knihthod lith clipsed in the shade;
The Parchas sustren to soone sette his date,
Of hih noblesse to make the laurer fade.
Lacedemonoys of his deth wer glade,
Funeral fyr his bodi hath deffied,
For hih prowesse his soule stellefied.
Liht of knihthod lith clipsed in the shade;
The Parchas sustren to soone sette his date,
Of hih noblesse to make the laurer fade.
Lacedemonoys of his deth wer glade,
Funeral fyr his bodi hath deffied,
For hih prowesse his soule stellefied.
Lenvoye.
Alas, this tragedie doth myn herte bleede,
Mi penne quake of routhe & of pite,
In my writyng whan that I tak heede,
To seen the straunge feerful dyuersite
Of al worldli vnseur felicite,
How from ther sees, shortli to comprehende,
Froward Fortune doth princis doun descende.
Mi penne quake of routhe & of pite,
In my writyng whan that I tak heede,
To seen the straunge feerful dyuersite
Of al worldli vnseur felicite,
How from ther sees, shortli to comprehende,
Froward Fortune doth princis doun descende.
Alcibiades, of corage & of manheede,
As is rehersid in bookis ye may see,
Of gentilesse and of goodliheede,
Of semlynesse, of fredam & bounte,
Of hih prudence and magnanymyte
Was most famous, as auctours hym comende,
Yit from his seete Fortune made hym descende.
As is rehersid in bookis ye may see,
Of gentilesse and of goodliheede,
432
Of hih prudence and magnanymyte
Was most famous, as auctours hym comende,
Yit from his seete Fortune made hym descende.
Al the peeple, bothe of Perse and Mede,
Whil he gouernid Athenys the cite,
Stood in his daunger & gan his suerd to dreede;
And al that wern rebel to his contre,
He chastised hem in ther most cruelte.
But whan his fame gan hiest up tascende,
Doun from hir wheel Fortune made hym descende.
Whil he gouernid Athenys the cite,
Stood in his daunger & gan his suerd to dreede;
And al that wern rebel to his contre,
He chastised hem in ther most cruelte.
But whan his fame gan hiest up tascende,
Doun from hir wheel Fortune made hym descende.
Moordre and tresoun with pretence freendliheed,
Outward fair cheer, couert iniquite,
Plesaunce in speche, & vndir that falsheed,
Hony shad out, sharp tailled lik a bee,
Song of Syrenes to drowne men in the se,
In oon combyned, ther malis can extende
To cause princis doun from ther sees descende.
Outward fair cheer, couert iniquite,
Plesaunce in speche, & vndir that falsheed,
Hony shad out, sharp tailled lik a bee,
Song of Syrenes to drowne men in the se,
In oon combyned, ther malis can extende
To cause princis doun from ther sees descende.
Noble Pryncis, that seen so moche and reede,
Remembryng stories of antiquite,
Afforn prouidyng that tresoun nat proceede,
Beth ay most dreedful in [hih] prosperite,
Lat othris fallyng a merour to you bee.
The tourn of Fortune al auctours reprehende,
Wher who sit hiest is rediest to descende.
Remembryng stories of antiquite,
Afforn prouidyng that tresoun nat proceede,
Beth ay most dreedful in [hih] prosperite,
Lat othris fallyng a merour to you bee.
The tourn of Fortune al auctours reprehende,
Wher who sit hiest is rediest to descende.
A Chapitle of wordly folk wich desire to be magnified.
Afft[er] this processe, yif ye list to lere,
Lich as Iohn Bochas maketh mencioun,
That worldli folk most souereynli desire
To haue in lordshipe gret exaltacioun,
And up to clymbe in ther entencioun
Of worldli worshepe to the hiest place,
Al erthli tresour attonys to enbrace.
Lich as Iohn Bochas maketh mencioun,
That worldli folk most souereynli desire
To haue in lordshipe gret exaltacioun,
And up to clymbe in ther entencioun
Of worldli worshepe to the hiest place,
Al erthli tresour attonys to enbrace.
433
The feruent flawme of ther gredi desir[e]s
In mekil gadryng fynt no suffisance;
Ther hungri etik kyndeleth so the fires
Of auarice be long contynuaunce,
That her thrust of worldli habundaunce
On Tantalus ryuer abraideth euer in oon,
Drownid in drynkyng, & deeme ther part is non.
In mekil gadryng fynt no suffisance;
Ther hungri etik kyndeleth so the fires
Of auarice be long contynuaunce,
That her thrust of worldli habundaunce
On Tantalus ryuer abraideth euer in oon,
Drownid in drynkyng, & deeme ther part is non.
Ther may no tresour ther dropesie weel staunche;
The mor thei drynke the mor thei thruste in deede.
In Thagus floodis the depper that thei launche,
The gretter drynesse doth in ther brestes breede.
The hier water, an ebbe most thei dreede;
Fals indigence ther herte hath so confoundid,
At fullest sees thei seeme ther barge is groundid.
The mor thei drynke the mor thei thruste in deede.
In Thagus floodis the depper that thei launche,
The gretter drynesse doth in ther brestes breede.
The hier water, an ebbe most thei dreede;
Fals indigence ther herte hath so confoundid,
At fullest sees thei seeme ther barge is groundid.
Thus ech man wolde to gret richesse atteyne;
With suffisaunce but fewe hold hem content;
Who most haboundeth, now rathest wil compleyne
For lak of good—alas, how thei be blent!
Wher shal ther gadryng, wher shal ther good be spent?
Sum oon par cas shal hem therof discharge,
Whom thei most hate, & spende it out at large.
With suffisaunce but fewe hold hem content;
Who most haboundeth, now rathest wil compleyne
For lak of good—alas, how thei be blent!
Wher shal ther gadryng, wher shal ther good be spent?
Sum oon par cas shal hem therof discharge,
Whom thei most hate, & spende it out at large.
Withynne a bodi, but litil of stature,
Corages growe up to gret magnificence,
Which up tascende do ther besi cure,
And in ther clymbyng & transitorie assence,
Hauyng an hope of worldli apparence,
Lich as nothyng ther puissaunce myht trouble,
Nothyng aduertyng how that Fortune is double.
Corages growe up to gret magnificence,
Which up tascende do ther besi cure,
And in ther clymbyng & transitorie assence,
Hauyng an hope of worldli apparence,
Lich as nothyng ther puissaunce myht trouble,
Nothyng aduertyng how that Fortune is double.
Summe set ther ioie in conquest and in werris,
Tenbrace al erthe vndir ther puissaunce,
Lik as thei myhte reche aboue the sterris,
To brynge doun heuene vnto ther obeissaunce.
But yif ther poweer wer peised in ballaunce,
And countirweied a-riht in ther memorye,
Thei sholde weel fynde that al is but veynglorie.
Tenbrace al erthe vndir ther puissaunce,
Lik as thei myhte reche aboue the sterris,
To brynge doun heuene vnto ther obeissaunce.
But yif ther poweer wer peised in ballaunce,
And countirweied a-riht in ther memorye,
Thei sholde weel fynde that al is but veynglorie.
What may auaille hem ther fethirbeddis softe,
Shetis of Reynys, longe, large & wide,
Duyers deuises or clothes chaunged ofte,
Or vicious mene walking be ther side,—
Void of vertu, ambicious in ther pride,
Which causeth princis, be report of swich fame,
For ther mysleuyng to han an heuy name.
Shetis of Reynys, longe, large & wide,
434
Or vicious mene walking be ther side,—
Void of vertu, ambicious in ther pride,
Which causeth princis, be report of swich fame,
For ther mysleuyng to han an heuy name.
And thus for lak of vertuous dilligence,
Thoruh fals luxure and froward idilnesse,
And upon flatereris thoutragous expence,
Support of wrong oppressyng rihtwisnesse,
Wher lesyngmongeres haue an interesse,
Whom to susteene whan princis do þer cure,
God wil nat suffre that thei shal long endure.
Thoruh fals luxure and froward idilnesse,
And upon flatereris thoutragous expence,
Support of wrong oppressyng rihtwisnesse,
Wher lesyngmongeres haue an interesse,
Whom to susteene whan princis do þer cure,
God wil nat suffre that thei shal long endure.
Offise of princis is to supporte riht,
His suerd of knihthod fro wrongis to restreyne,
The poore releuyng, toppresse hem nat with myht,
His olde seruauntes weel preved nat disdeyne,
His hasti rigour and his vengaunce sodeyne
Lat merci tempre, to doom or he proceede,
And God shal quite hym whan he hath most neede.
His suerd of knihthod fro wrongis to restreyne,
The poore releuyng, toppresse hem nat with myht,
His olde seruauntes weel preved nat disdeyne,
His hasti rigour and his vengaunce sodeyne
Lat merci tempre, to doom or he proceede,
And God shal quite hym whan he hath most neede.
A Chapitle of men doing Such thing as þey be dispo[s]ed to.
Myn auctour Bochas makth a rehersaile,
In eschewyng of froward idilnesse,
That onto vertu may [no thyng] mor auaile
Than dilligent labour and honest bisynesse;
And so concludyng, ful pleynli doth expresse,
Ech man reioyssheth (this sentence is nat glosid)
To doon swich thyng to whiche he [is] disposid.
In eschewyng of froward idilnesse,
That onto vertu may [no thyng] mor auaile
Than dilligent labour and honest bisynesse;
And so concludyng, ful pleynli doth expresse,
Ech man reioyssheth (this sentence is nat glosid)
To doon swich thyng to whiche he [is] disposid.
Summe ha[ue] ioie be heuenli influence
To knowe the cours aboue celestiall;
And summe of knihthod do ther dilligence
To preue themsilff in actis marciall.
And summe reioisshe, in ther entent fynall,
In elloquence, summe in philosophie,
Summe, aboue all, to stodie in poetrie.
To knowe the cours aboue celestiall;
And summe of knihthod do ther dilligence
To preue themsilff in actis marciall.
And summe reioisshe, in ther entent fynall,
In elloquence, summe in philosophie,
Summe, aboue all, to stodie in poetrie.
435
The hardi kniht is seruaunt to Seynt George,
Meuyng of planetis sercheth thastronomeer,
Martis smyth laboureth in his forge,
Harneis of steel mak[e]th tharmoreer;
But the deuisour, be dilligence entieer,
Be fressh contreuyng, out of the old entaille
Fynt newe deuises of plate & eek of maille.
Meuyng of planetis sercheth thastronomeer,
Martis smyth laboureth in his forge,
Harneis of steel mak[e]th tharmoreer;
But the deuisour, be dilligence entieer,
Be fressh contreuyng, out of the old entaille
Fynt newe deuises of plate & eek of maille.
The laboreer set hooli his plesaunce
To tilthe of lond in tyme to sowe his greyn,
Tencrese his seed be yeerli habundaunce,
And that his plouh laboure nat in veyn,
Castyng his sesouns of drouht & eek of reyn;
And poetis to sitte in ther librarie
Desire of nature, and to be solitarie.
To tilthe of lond in tyme to sowe his greyn,
Tencrese his seed be yeerli habundaunce,
And that his plouh laboure nat in veyn,
Castyng his sesouns of drouht & eek of reyn;
And poetis to sitte in ther librarie
Desire of nature, and to be solitarie.
Swich as men loue, such thyng þei vndirtake:
Fissh or foule or hunte with ther houndis;
Summe of wolle sondri clothes make;
Be philisophre[s] was founde out first þe groundis,
And of al studie thei sette out first þe boundis,
Caused poetes, pleynli to conclude,
Out of al pres to lyue in solitude.
Fissh or foule or hunte with ther houndis;
Summe of wolle sondri clothes make;
Be philisophre[s] was founde out first þe groundis,
And of al studie thei sette out first þe boundis,
Caused poetes, pleynli to conclude,
Out of al pres to lyue in solitude.
Logiciens delite in argumentis,
Philisophres in vertuous lyuyng,
And legistris, folwyng the[r] ententis,
Gretli reioisshe in lucre and wynnyng.
Phececiens trauaile for getyng;
And of poetis, this the sotil fourme,
Be newe invencioun thynges to transfourme.
Philisophres in vertuous lyuyng,
And legistris, folwyng the[r] ententis,
Gretli reioisshe in lucre and wynnyng.
Phececiens trauaile for getyng;
And of poetis, this the sotil fourme,
Be newe invencioun thynges to transfourme.
Poetis sholde esche[w] al idilnesse,
Walke be ryuers and wellis cristallyne,
To hih mounteyns a-morwe ther cours up dresse,
The mist deffied whan Phebus first doth shyne,
Studie in bookis of moral disciplyne,
Nothyng coueite, but sette ther entent,
With moderat foode for to be content.
Walke be ryuers and wellis cristallyne,
To hih mounteyns a-morwe ther cours up dresse,
The mist deffied whan Phebus first doth shyne,
Studie in bookis of moral disciplyne,
Nothyng coueite, but sette ther entent,
With moderat foode for to be content.
436
Ther cheeff labour is vicis to repreve
With a maner couert symylitude,
And non estat with ther langage greeve
Bi no rebukyng of termys dul and rude;
What-euer thei write, on vertu ay conclude,
Appeire no man in no maner wise:
This thoffise of poetis that be wise.
With a maner couert symylitude,
And non estat with ther langage greeve
Bi no rebukyng of termys dul and rude;
What-euer thei write, on vertu ay conclude,
Appeire no man in no maner wise:
This thoffise of poetis that be wise.
A chapitle of þe gouernance of Poetis.
To descryue the disposicioun
Of al poetis be old ordynaunce,—
Thei shold be quieet fro worldli mocioun,
And it sequestre out of ther remembraunce,
Fare compotent vnto ther sustenaunce,
Drynk wyn among to quike ther dilligence,
Support of princis to fynde hem ther dispence.
Of al poetis be old ordynaunce,—
Thei shold be quieet fro worldli mocioun,
And it sequestre out of ther remembraunce,
Fare compotent vnto ther sustenaunce,
Drynk wyn among to quike ther dilligence,
Support of princis to fynde hem ther dispence.
For thei that lakke lond & pocessioun,
And can of lucre no maner cheuisaunce,
Ther coffres void, ther purs turnid up-so-doun,
And wante vitaille to fynde hem in substaunce,
Ther corage dullith, thei faile contenaunce,—
What mihte beste ther sorwes recompence?
Support of princis to fynde hem ther dispence.
And can of lucre no maner cheuisaunce,
Ther coffres void, ther purs turnid up-so-doun,
And wante vitaille to fynde hem in substaunce,
Ther corage dullith, thei faile contenaunce,—
What mihte beste ther sorwes recompence?
Support of princis to fynde hem ther dispence.
Lordis in erthe ha[ue] domynacioun;
Men of the cherche of gold haue habundaunce;
The kniht get good[e] thoruh his hih renoun;
Marchauntis with wynnyng ha[ue] souereyn aqueyntaunce:
But [poor] poetis (God sheeld hem fro myschaunce!)
May now-adaies for ther impotence,
For lakke of support go begge ther dispence.
Men of the cherche of gold haue habundaunce;
The kniht get good[e] thoruh his hih renoun;
Marchauntis with wynnyng ha[ue] souereyn aqueyntaunce:
But [poor] poetis (God sheeld hem fro myschaunce!)
May now-adaies for ther impotence,
For lakke of support go begge ther dispence.
Daunt in Itaille, Virgile in Rome toun,
Petrak in Florence hadde al his plesaunce,
And prudent Chaucer in Brutis Albioun
Lik his desir fond vertuous suffisance,
Fredam of lordshepe weied in ther ballaunce,
Because thei flourede in wisdam and science,
Support of princis fond hem ther dispence.
Petrak in Florence hadde al his plesaunce,
And prudent Chaucer in Brutis Albioun
Lik his desir fond vertuous suffisance,
Fredam of lordshepe weied in ther ballaunce,
Because thei flourede in wisdam and science,
Support of princis fond hem ther dispence.
437
O welle of fredam, enclyne thyn eris doun,
And of thi bounte yiue sum attendaunce,
To heere of merci my supplicacioun,
In releuyng of myn hertis greuaunce;
Oppressid with pouert, & kan no purueiaunce,
Sauff to resorte to thi magnificence,
Onli be support to fynde me my dispence!
And of thi bounte yiue sum attendaunce,
To heere of merci my supplicacioun,
In releuyng of myn hertis greuaunce;
Oppressid with pouert, & kan no purueiaunce,
Sauff to resorte to thi magnificence,
Onli be support to fynde me my dispence!
[How Malleus Duk of Cartage for oppressioun tirannye was hewen in to pecys.]
Whan Bochas hadde rehersid of poetis,
Ther straunge studie & ther soleyn writyngis,
And ther desirs of solitarie seetis,
In plesaunt placis to make ther duellyngis,
Beside ryuers & holsum welle spryngis,
Which acomplisshed, he gan his penne auaunce,
Pryncis off Affrik to putte in remembraunce.
Ther straunge studie & ther soleyn writyngis,
And ther desirs of solitarie seetis,
In plesaunt placis to make ther duellyngis,
Beside ryuers & holsum welle spryngis,
Which acomplisshed, he gan his penne auaunce,
Pryncis off Affrik to putte in remembraunce.
And whil he dede his besi dilligence
Ther pitous fallis to putte in memorie,
First ther cam tweyne vnto his presence,
Ther old noblesse appallid & ther glorie,
Which, as hym sempte, withyne a teritorie
O[f] Affrik boundis, longyng to Cartage,
Dide first appeere, most dedli of visage.
Ther pitous fallis to putte in memorie,
First ther cam tweyne vnto his presence,
Ther old noblesse appallid & ther glorie,
Which, as hym sempte, withyne a teritorie
O[f] Affrik boundis, longyng to Cartage,
Dide first appeere, most dedli of visage.
The ton of hem was named Malleus,
Duk of Cartage, of Affrik lord and sire.
His sone also callid Cartalus,
Whilom cheef prince & bisshop eek of Tire.
But Malleus, which heeld the gret empire
Of al Affrik, for his pompous outrage
Exilled was for euere out of Cartage.
Duk of Cartage, of Affrik lord and sire.
His sone also callid Cartalus,
Whilom cheef prince & bisshop eek of Tire.
But Malleus, which heeld the gret empire
Of al Affrik, for his pompous outrage
Exilled was for euere out of Cartage.
Which caused hym in herte he was nat murye,
But ay remembrid upon his fel banshyng,
Gadred his peeple withynne the lond of Surrye,
And in the feeld, whil he lay hosteieng,
Cast hym fulli to make no tarieng,
But in al haste, of knihtli fel corage,
Maugre his enmyes resorte onto Cartage.
But ay remembrid upon his fel banshyng,
Gadred his peeple withynne the lond of Surrye,
And in the feeld, whil he lay hosteieng,
Cast hym fulli to make no tarieng,
But in al haste, of knihtli fel corage,
Maugre his enmyes resorte onto Cartage.
438
Tauenge his exil his herte was set affire,
And his entent[e] mor to fortefie,
He sente in haste his lettres doun to Tire,
To Cartalus, that he sholde hym hie,
And brynge with hym al the cheualrie
Of his cite, in steel armyd cleene,
His fadres parti to holde up and susteene.
And his entent[e] mor to fortefie,
He sente in haste his lettres doun to Tire,
To Cartalus, that he sholde hym hie,
And brynge with hym al the cheualrie
Of his cite, in steel armyd cleene,
His fadres parti to holde up and susteene.
But whan this bisshop knew hooli the maneer
Of this purpos, which ye han herd deuise,
He considred how that tyme of the yeer
Ordeyned was to do sacrefise,
Aftir the rihtis of ther paynym wise,
To Hercules, which in that cite
Aboue al goddis hadde the souereynte.
Of this purpos, which ye han herd deuise,
He considred how that tyme of the yeer
Ordeyned was to do sacrefise,
Aftir the rihtis of ther paynym wise,
To Hercules, which in that cite
Aboue al goddis hadde the souereynte.
Whos feeste was holde space of certeyn daies,
Which for to halwe he needis must entende,
And bi the custum make no dellaies,
But that he muste therto condescende.
And leuer he hadde his fader to offende,
As in swich caas, than thoruh neccligence
Vnto his goddis for to doon offence.
Which for to halwe he needis must entende,
And bi the custum make no dellaies,
But that he muste therto condescende.
And leuer he hadde his fader to offende,
As in swich caas, than thoruh neccligence
Vnto his goddis for to doon offence.
Wherof his fader hadde indignacioun,
The caas arettyng to vnkyndenesse,
And therof kauhte a gret occasioun
Ageyn his sone, of froward wilfulnesse:
For princis ofte, of furious hastynesse,
Wil cachche a qu[a]rel, causeles in sentence,
Ageyn folk absent, thouh ther be non offence.
The caas arettyng to vnkyndenesse,
And therof kauhte a gret occasioun
Ageyn his sone, of froward wilfulnesse:
For princis ofte, of furious hastynesse,
Wil cachche a qu[a]rel, causeles in sentence,
Ageyn folk absent, thouh ther be non offence.
And summe tunges venymous of nature,
Whan thei parceyue that a prince is mevid,
Tagregge his ire do ther besi cure,
With fals langage to maken hym mor grevid.
But ther is no poisoun so weel expert nor previd
As is of tunges the hatful violence,
Namli whan princis list yiue hem audience.
Whan thei parceyue that a prince is mevid,
Tagregge his ire do ther besi cure,
With fals langage to maken hym mor grevid.
But ther is no poisoun so weel expert nor previd
As is of tunges the hatful violence,
Namli whan princis list yiue hem audience.
The feeste acomplisshed of myhti Hercules,
Al innocent of double or fals meenyng,
The said[e] bisshop, of wil nat rek[e]les,
Kam to his fader withoute mor tarieng,
Chaungid nouther habit nor clothyng,
With al thensignes, & in the same wise
As he toforn hadde doon his sacrefise.
Al innocent of double or fals meenyng,
The said[e] bisshop, of wil nat rek[e]les,
439
Chaungid nouther habit nor clothyng,
With al thensignes, & in the same wise
As he toforn hadde doon his sacrefise.
Anon his fader made no delay,
Withoute excus, it wolde be no bet,
Of hasti rancour, the silue same day
Maad hym been hangid upon an hih gibet.
Lawe an[d] iustise wer bothe aside set,
And tiranye, most furious & wood,
To do vengaunce in trouthis place stood.
Withoute excus, it wolde be no bet,
Of hasti rancour, the silue same day
Maad hym been hangid upon an hih gibet.
Lawe an[d] iustise wer bothe aside set,
And tiranye, most furious & wood,
To do vengaunce in trouthis place stood.
Who can or may tirauntes wil descryue,
Whos marcial suerdis be whet ay for vengaunce?
Ther bloodi thrustis doth thoruh ther hertes ryue,
Ther eris ay open to heere of sum myschaunce,
Ther furious merthe, ther mortal wood plesaunce,
Ther pale smylyng, ther lauhtre of fals hatreede,
Concludeth euere upon sum cruel deede.
Whos marcial suerdis be whet ay for vengaunce?
Ther bloodi thrustis doth thoruh ther hertes ryue,
Ther eris ay open to heere of sum myschaunce,
Ther furious merthe, ther mortal wood plesaunce,
Ther pale smylyng, ther lauhtre of fals hatreede,
Concludeth euere upon sum cruel deede.
Thei been mynistris to Parchas sustren thre,
Tuntwyne the threedis of folkis heer mortall,
And verray cosyns, thoruh hasti cruelte,
Vnto the woode Furies infernall,
Children to Pluto, of vengaunce marciall,
Which for ther vices, but thei bere hem weel,
Shal tourne in helle on Ixiones wheel.
Tuntwyne the threedis of folkis heer mortall,
And verray cosyns, thoruh hasti cruelte,
Vnto the woode Furies infernall,
Children to Pluto, of vengaunce marciall,
Which for ther vices, but thei bere hem weel,
Shal tourne in helle on Ixiones wheel.
Thus Malleus, fader most vnkynde,
Lik swich a tirant shad out his cruelte,
As ye han herd; and aftir, as I fynde,
Of furious herte and of old enmyte,
Be force is entrid Cartage the cite,
And slouh al tho in his hatful ire,
That hym afforn had exiled into Tire.
Lik swich a tirant shad out his cruelte,
As ye han herd; and aftir, as I fynde,
Of furious herte and of old enmyte,
Be force is entrid Cartage the cite,
And slouh al tho in his hatful ire,
That hym afforn had exiled into Tire.
Wrouhte aftir wil and nothyng aftir riht,
Gan robbe and spoille that noble famous toun,
Which made hym hatid in the peeplis siht
For his outrage and gret extorsioun,
Hauyng no ioie nor consolacioun
Withynne his herte, pleynli, nor gladnesse,
Sauf lik a tiraunt the peeple to oppresse.
Gan robbe and spoille that noble famous toun,
Which made hym hatid in the peeplis siht
For his outrage and gret extorsioun,
Hauyng no ioie nor consolacioun
440
Sauf lik a tiraunt the peeple to oppresse.
The peeple of Cartage sore gan to pleyne
Vpon ther mischeeff and desolacioun.
And Bochas writ, rehersyng in certeyne,
Wil is a stepmooder of witt & of resoun;
And wher that princis ha[ue] domynacioun,
And bi fals pillage to richesse clymbe up faste,—
Trusteth riht weel, ther lordshipe may nat laste.
Vpon ther mischeeff and desolacioun.
And Bochas writ, rehersyng in certeyne,
Wil is a stepmooder of witt & of resoun;
And wher that princis ha[ue] domynacioun,
And bi fals pillage to richesse clymbe up faste,—
Trusteth riht weel, ther lordshipe may nat laste.
Ther grete poweer of worldli excellence,
Nor ther acrochyng of temporal richesse,
Whan thei be tirauntes, may stonde in no diffence,
And froward wil[le] reuleth ther hihnesse.
For what is lordshipe, pleynli to expresse,
In this world heer, yif it be discernid?—
Loue of the peeple whan thei be weel gouernid.
Nor ther acrochyng of temporal richesse,
Whan thei be tirauntes, may stonde in no diffence,
And froward wil[le] reuleth ther hihnesse.
For what is lordshipe, pleynli to expresse,
In this world heer, yif it be discernid?—
Loue of the peeple whan thei be weel gouernid.
For tirannye and fals oppressioun
Causeth princis to stonde in gret hatreede.
And what is worth ther domynacioun,
Withoute loue lat preue it at a neede?
Men for a tyme may suffre hem weel & dreede;
But whan that dreed constreyned is & goone,
Than is a prince but a man allone.
Causeth princis to stonde in gret hatreede.
And what is worth ther domynacioun,
Withoute loue lat preue it at a neede?
Men for a tyme may suffre hem weel & dreede;
But whan that dreed constreyned is & goone,
Than is a prince but a man allone.
Seeth an exaumple how Malleus of Cartage,
For al his castellis & tour[e]s maad of stonis,
For his oppressioun, vengaunce and outrage,
The peeple of Affrik ros on hym al attonys,
And hew assonder his flessh & eek his bonys,
Caste hem pleynli, on hym thei wer so wood,
Vnto ther goddis to offren up his blood.
For al his castellis & tour[e]s maad of stonis,
For his oppressioun, vengaunce and outrage,
The peeple of Affrik ros on hym al attonys,
And hew assonder his flessh & eek his bonys,
Caste hem pleynli, on hym thei wer so wood,
Vnto ther goddis to offren up his blood.
The peeple dempte, of mortal cruelte,
Ther was non offryng so plesaunt nor couenable
Vnto ther goddis to plese ther deite,
As blood of tirantes, which that be vengable.
Thus cruel princis make the peeple vnstable
Of necessite, which ouhte be compleyned,
To wreke ther wrongis that thei be constreyned.
Ther was non offryng so plesaunt nor couenable
Vnto ther goddis to plese ther deite,
As blood of tirantes, which that be vengable.
Thus cruel princis make the peeple vnstable
Of necessite, which ouhte be compleyned,
To wreke ther wrongis that thei be constreyned.
441
Loo, heer the eende of Malleus the tiraunt,
Which doth to princis ful weel exemplefie,
To God aboue how it is nat plesaunt
Them to delite in no swich robberie,
Nor pile the peeple be no fals tirannye,
Nor for no talis be hasti of vengaunce;
For al swich thyng to God is displesaunce.
Which doth to princis ful weel exemplefie,
To God aboue how it is nat plesaunt
Them to delite in no swich robberie,
Nor pile the peeple be no fals tirannye,
Nor for no talis be hasti of vengaunce;
For al swich thyng to God is displesaunce.
Lenvoye.
Rad and considred, this saide tragedie
Sheweth to princis a merour ful notable,
How thei ther rigour shal tempre & modefie
Or thei proceede for to be vengable:
For in a prince it is riht comendable,
Rancour of herte, of cheer & of corage
For to differre til that ther ire aswage.
Sheweth to princis a merour ful notable,
How thei ther rigour shal tempre & modefie
Or thei proceede for to be vengable:
For in a prince it is riht comendable,
Rancour of herte, of cheer & of corage
For to differre til that ther ire aswage.
Ther hasti ire, [ther] sodeyn malencolie,
The[r] colerik fumys, ther furie vnrestreynable,
Ther vnqueynt fires with flawme of tirannye,
Ther fretyng etik of hate incomparable,
Lik bestial tigres, lik leouns vntretable,
Ne wil nat suffre ther infernal rage
Differre ther doomys til ther ire asswage.
The[r] colerik fumys, ther furie vnrestreynable,
Ther vnqueynt fires with flawme of tirannye,
Ther fretyng etik of hate incomparable,
Lik bestial tigres, lik leouns vntretable,
Ne wil nat suffre ther infernal rage
Differre ther doomys til ther ire asswage.
The roial leoun, of mortal gent[e]rie,
Among beestis of force incomparable,
Preueth nat his poweer nor his regalie
Geyn beestis prostrat, which be nat defensable.
And myhti princis sholde, in caas semblable,
For innocentes take merci in morgage,
Respityng rigour til ther ire asswage.
Among beestis of force incomparable,
Preueth nat his poweer nor his regalie
Geyn beestis prostrat, which be nat defensable.
And myhti princis sholde, in caas semblable,
For innocentes take merci in morgage,
Respityng rigour til ther ire asswage.
Ther sparcle of vengaunce is quiked in partie
Be wyndis foure, fell and abhomynable:
Blast of detraccioun, & blast of flaterie,
Blast of fals rowneris, that forge many a fable,
And blast of bribours, most vicious & coupable,
With smoki sclaundris & felenous fals visage,
Causeth ire of pryncis that it may neuer aswage.
Be wyndis foure, fell and abhomynable:
Blast of detraccioun, & blast of flaterie,
Blast of fals rowneris, that forge many a fable,
And blast of bribours, most vicious & coupable,
442
Causeth ire of pryncis that it may neuer aswage.
For which lat princis, of noble policie
Bewar of tungis double and deceyuable,
Which with ther venym infect ech companye,
Ther poynaunt poisoun is so penetrable;
To folk absent it is myscheuable,
So deepe fretith ther serpentyn langage,
Causyng in princis ther ire may neuer asswage.
Bewar of tungis double and deceyuable,
Which with ther venym infect ech companye,
Ther poynaunt poisoun is so penetrable;
To folk absent it is myscheuable,
So deepe fretith ther serpentyn langage,
Causyng in princis ther ire may neuer asswage.
Noble Pryncis, lat vertu magnefie
Your hih estatis to make you merciable;
For moral Senec doth clerli specefie,
The throne of princis be clemence is maad stable.
Vengaunce delaied, to God is agreable;
And hasti rigour doth outragous damage,
Whan humble requestis your ire may nat aswage.
Your hih estatis to make you merciable;
For moral Senec doth clerli specefie,
The throne of princis be clemence is maad stable.
Vengaunce delaied, to God is agreable;
And hasti rigour doth outragous damage,
Whan humble requestis your ire may nat aswage.
[How the substaunce of the host of himilcho duke of Cartage goyng to conquere Cicile died of pestilens & aftir himsilf slayn.]
Afftir these noble myhti princis tweyne,
Next in ordre, with pale & ded visage,
Toforn Iohn Bochas Himilcho gan compleyne
Thunhappi fall of his fatal passage,
Whan he was sent bauctorite of Cartage
To conquere, thoruh his myhti puissaunce,
The lond of Cecile vnto ther obeissance.
Next in ordre, with pale & ded visage,
Toforn Iohn Bochas Himilcho gan compleyne
Thunhappi fall of his fatal passage,
Whan he was sent bauctorite of Cartage
To conquere, thoruh his myhti puissaunce,
The lond of Cecile vnto ther obeissance.
Thei of Cartage hadde an oppynyoun,
That it was leeful, aftir ther entente,
Withoute title of riht or of resoun,
Ther teritories & boundis to aumente.
And for that cause Hymylco thei sent,
The mihti duk, ther noblesse to auaunce,
Which off Cartage hadde hool the gouernaunce.
That it was leeful, aftir ther entente,
Withoute title of riht or of resoun,
Ther teritories & boundis to aumente.
And for that cause Hymylco thei sent,
The mihti duk, ther noblesse to auaunce,
Which off Cartage hadde hool the gouernaunce.
And for he muste passen bi the se
Toward Cecile, this noble worthi kniht,
With hym he lad[d]e a ful gret enarme
Chose out of Cartage, in steel armyd briht,
Ther foon to conquere of verray force & myht.
But Fortune gan at hym so disdeyne,
That to his purpos he neuer myht atteyne.
Toward Cecile, this noble worthi kniht,
With hym he lad[d]e a ful gret enarme
443
Ther foon to conquere of verray force & myht.
But Fortune gan at hym so disdeyne,
That to his purpos he neuer myht atteyne.
Ground & gynnyng of his destruccioun,
To be remembrid shortli in sentence,—
Ther fil of thair a gret corupcioun,
Which that caused a ful gret pestilence
Among his meyne, be vnwar violence,
And sodeyn myscheef that is upon hym fall,—
He loste almost his worthi knihtis all.
To be remembrid shortli in sentence,—
Ther fil of thair a gret corupcioun,
Which that caused a ful gret pestilence
Among his meyne, be vnwar violence,
And sodeyn myscheef that is upon hym fall,—
He loste almost his worthi knihtis all.
Nih al his peeple was slayn in that moreyn,
That with a fewe beleft of his meyne,
Infortunat he turnede is ageyn
Hom to Cartage; and thei of the cite,
Al causeles, of hasti cruelte,
Hath slayn ther duk, as Bochas doth compile.
Loo, who may truste Fortune any while!
That with a fewe beleft of his meyne,
Infortunat he turnede is ageyn
Hom to Cartage; and thei of the cite,
Al causeles, of hasti cruelte,
Hath slayn ther duk, as Bochas doth compile.
Loo, who may truste Fortune any while!
[How heynon duc of Cartage was dismembrid.]
Afftir whos deth anon þer gan succeede
A mihti duk þat callid was Haynoun,
Which purposed for to chaunge in deede
His name of duk, bi fals ambicioun,
And to be callid thoruhout the myhti toun,
Kyng of Cartage; and therupon of pride
To fynde out weies he felli gan prouyde.
A mihti duk þat callid was Haynoun,
Which purposed for to chaunge in deede
His name of duk, bi fals ambicioun,
And to be callid thoruhout the myhti toun,
Kyng of Cartage; and therupon of pride
To fynde out weies he felli gan prouyde.
He was nat content a duk men sholde hym calle,
But of Cartage for to be namyd kyng,
And lik his purpos that it sholde falle,
Fro day to day the menys compassyng,
How he myht fulfille this vnkout[h] thyng,
For to be crownid an[d] regnen in that lond.
And atte laste this mene weie he fond:
But of Cartage for to be namyd kyng,
And lik his purpos that it sholde falle,
Fro day to day the menys compassyng,
How he myht fulfille this vnkout[h] thyng,
For to be crownid an[d] regnen in that lond.
And atte laste this mene weie he fond:
444
He hadde a douhtir yonge & tendir of age,
Which of the peeple stood in gret fauour;
And he hym caste to yiue hir in mariage
To a yong kniht, sone of a senatour,
Which in the cite was a gret gouernour.
And that his purpos myhte been atteyned,
Day of the mariage & tyme was ordeyned.
Which of the peeple stood in gret fauour;
And he hym caste to yiue hir in mariage
To a yong kniht, sone of a senatour,
Which in the cite was a gret gouernour.
And that his purpos myhte been atteyned,
Day of the mariage & tyme was ordeyned.
And in his paleis, cheeff and princepal,
This saide duk leet make his ordenaunce
To holde a feeste ful solempne & roial,
And with gret costis made his purueiaunce
Of sondry deyntes, which that in substaunce
Wer necessarie in alle maner thyng
Vnto the feeste of a worthi kyng.
This saide duk leet make his ordenaunce
To holde a feeste ful solempne & roial,
And with gret costis made his purueiaunce
Of sondry deyntes, which that in substaunce
Wer necessarie in alle maner thyng
Vnto the feeste of a worthi kyng.
He gaf in charge vnto his purueiours,
That al wer redi ageyn a certeyn day;
And to his feeste cam al the senatours
Duellyng in Cartage; ther durste no man sey nay.
And of his purpos to make no delay,
Thouh his fraude was nat apparceyued,
He caste that day summe sholde be deceyued.
That al wer redi ageyn a certeyn day;
And to his feeste cam al the senatours
Duellyng in Cartage; ther durste no man sey nay.
And of his purpos to make no delay,
Thouh his fraude was nat apparceyued,
He caste that day summe sholde be deceyued.
He conceyued in his inward entent,
He to be kyng and regnen in Cartage;
The senatour[e]s wolde neuer assente
To chaunge ther custum nor ther old vsage.
He durste theroff vttre no langage,
Kepte hym secre withoute noise or soun,
And fulli caste hym to proceede bi tresoun.
He to be kyng and regnen in Cartage;
The senatour[e]s wolde neuer assente
To chaunge ther custum nor ther old vsage.
He durste theroff vttre no langage,
Kepte hym secre withoute noise or soun,
And fulli caste hym to proceede bi tresoun.
The nexte weie, he knew no bettir reed
To his desir, than pleynli to ordeyne
That of Cartage the senatours wer ded;
Than wer he likli his purpos to atteyne
For to be crownid lord and souereyne,
So tacomplysshe his luste in alle thyng,
And in Cartage to regne as lord & kyng.
To his desir, than pleynli to ordeyne
That of Cartage the senatours wer ded;
Than wer he likli his purpos to atteyne
For to be crownid lord and souereyne,
So tacomplysshe his luste in alle thyng,
And in Cartage to regne as lord & kyng.
445
For yif the senat wer uttirli destroied,
He sholde fynde no maner resistence,
Wherbi his purpos sholde been encloied,
Nor dur sei nay to his magnificence;
For in the poraille ther was no diffence.
And at this feeste he caste hym to proceede
Al his entent[e] to conclude in deede.
He sholde fynde no maner resistence,
Wherbi his purpos sholde been encloied,
Nor dur sei nay to his magnificence;
For in the poraille ther was no diffence.
And at this feeste he caste hym to proceede
Al his entent[e] to conclude in deede.
His officeris he made to be sworn
To helpe destroie falsli be poisoun
The senatours, of whom I spak toforn,
And that ther vitaille & deyntes in foisoun,
And eek ther wynes, for short conclusioun,
Sholde with venym been intoxicat,
Thoruh al the paleis, & spare non estat.
To helpe destroie falsli be poisoun
The senatours, of whom I spak toforn,
And that ther vitaille & deyntes in foisoun,
And eek ther wynes, for short conclusioun,
Sholde with venym been intoxicat,
Thoruh al the paleis, & spare non estat.
These officeres hadde a conscience
For tacomplisshe so horrible a thyng;
And secreli vnder gret prouidence
To the senat thei gaff therof warnyng.
And whan thei knew this mortal compassyng
Off duk Haynoun, teschewen al affray,
Thei putte the weddyng of prudence in delay.
For tacomplisshe so horrible a thyng;
And secreli vnder gret prouidence
To the senat thei gaff therof warnyng.
And whan thei knew this mortal compassyng
Off duk Haynoun, teschewen al affray,
Thei putte the weddyng of prudence in delay.
Wherof this duk gan haue suspecioun,
And of this mateer fill in a maner dreede;
Thouhte he wolde bi sum collusioun
Ageyn Cartage mor mortalli proceede,
And gan calle to helpe hym in his neede
Of Mauritayne a kyng of gret renoun,
With hym bi force to falle upon the toun.
And of this mateer fill in a maner dreede;
Thouhte he wolde bi sum collusioun
Ageyn Cartage mor mortalli proceede,
And gan calle to helpe hym in his neede
Of Mauritayne a kyng of gret renoun,
With hym bi force to falle upon the toun.
Made hym promys, to his auauntage,
For to make free destribucioun
Of [the] richessis, tresour and pillage,
Which that he myht fynde in the toun.
For vttir fyn of his entencioun
Was to destroie, of wilfu[l] cruelte,
The famous Cartage, the myhti strong cite.
For to make free destribucioun
Of [the] richessis, tresour and pillage,
Which that he myht fynde in the toun.
For vttir fyn of his entencioun
Was to destroie, of wilfu[l] cruelte,
The famous Cartage, the myhti strong cite.
446
Of al the thrallis in the toun duellyng,
And swich as wer[e] born of louh lynage,
To strengthe his parti, this was his werkyng:
He made hem alle, bi mortal fals outrage,
Withynne the myhti castell of Cartage
To keepe hem cloos, of malis & envie
Ageyn the cite hymsilff to fortefie.
And swich as wer[e] born of louh lynage,
To strengthe his parti, this was his werkyng:
He made hem alle, bi mortal fals outrage,
Withynne the myhti castell of Cartage
To keepe hem cloos, of malis & envie
Ageyn the cite hymsilff to fortefie.
But al for nouht: the myhti senatours
Therof wer ware, and of hih prudence
Ageyn his malis and al his fals robbours
Thei made hem strong, and thoruh ther prouidence,
In especial tordeyne a diffence,
First on ther parti to lette the komyng
Of Mauritayne the stronge cruel kyng.
Therof wer ware, and of hih prudence
Ageyn his malis and al his fals robbours
Thei made hem strong, and thoruh ther prouidence,
In especial tordeyne a diffence,
First on ther parti to lette the komyng
Of Mauritayne the stronge cruel kyng.
And of assent thei list[e] nat dellaye,
But roos attonys, and bi gret ordenaunce
Ther false duk to venquisshe and outraie,
Hym and his cherlis thei brouhte to vttraunce,
Fill upon hym with a gret puissaunce,
And fynalli, proceedyng off resoun,
This was his doom, bauys of al the toun:
But roos attonys, and bi gret ordenaunce
Ther false duk to venquisshe and outraie,
Hym and his cherlis thei brouhte to vttraunce,
Fill upon hym with a gret puissaunce,
And fynalli, proceedyng off resoun,
This was his doom, bauys of al the toun:
First, of this duk as it is remembrid,
He was dispoilled, his doublet eek vnlacid,
Ioynt fro ioynt hewen and dismembrid,
And from his hed his eyen out arraced.
And riht as he hadde afforn compassid
To haue destroied his owne myhti toun,
As ye han herd, [he] resceyued his guerdoun.
He was dispoilled, his doublet eek vnlacid,
Ioynt fro ioynt hewen and dismembrid,
And from his hed his eyen out arraced.
And riht as he hadde afforn compassid
To haue destroied his owne myhti toun,
As ye han herd, [he] resceyued his guerdoun.
Lenvoye.
This tragedie doth pitousli compleyne,
And maketh a maner lamentacioun
Of thes riche myhti princis tweyne,
Slayn in Cartage, as maad is mencioun.
Causeles the ton, sauf bi thoccasioun,
That pestilence in his froward viage
Slouh al his peeple, that wer born in Cartage.
And maketh a maner lamentacioun
Of thes riche myhti princis tweyne,
Slayn in Cartage, as maad is mencioun.
Causeles the ton, sauf bi thoccasioun,
That pestilence in his froward viage
Slouh al his peeple, that wer born in Cartage.
447
Fortune also gan frowardli disdeyne
Ageyn this riche mihti duk Haynoun,
Whan he of malis gan mortalli ordeyne
The senatours to moordren of his toun,
At his feeste bi crafft of fals poisoun,
As ye han herd rehersid his outrage.
He was ageynward dismembrid in Cartage.
Ageyn this riche mihti duk Haynoun,
Whan he of malis gan mortalli ordeyne
The senatours to moordren of his toun,
At his feeste bi crafft of fals poisoun,
As ye han herd rehersid his outrage.
He was ageynward dismembrid in Cartage.
Who doth vengaunce, vengaunce shal atteyne,
In ech estaat, withoute excepcioun,
And who of pite vengaunce doth restreyne,
He shal of merci resceyue the guerdoun:
For riht requereth, of trouthe & of resoun,
Cruel princis shal haue for ther wage
Deth, lik this duk, dismembrid in Cartage.
In ech estaat, withoute excepcioun,
And who of pite vengaunce doth restreyne,
He shal of merci resceyue the guerdoun:
For riht requereth, of trouthe & of resoun,
Cruel princis shal haue for ther wage
Deth, lik this duk, dismembrid in Cartage.
Noble Princis, doth your besi peyne
For to preserue fro rebellioun
The comoun peeple, which stant in noun certeyne,
With eueri wynd turnyng up-so-doun.
Afftir Fortune thei chaunge affeccioun,
Turnyng ther hertis with trist or glad visage,
Lik as the peeple dide whilom in Cartage.
For to preserue fro rebellioun
The comoun peeple, which stant in noun certeyne,
With eueri wynd turnyng up-so-doun.
Afftir Fortune thei chaunge affeccioun,
Turnyng ther hertis with trist or glad visage,
Lik as the peeple dide whilom in Cartage.
Thauctour a-geyn couetous Peple.
Nature þat is content with litil thyng,
The wise, war, þe circumspect goddesse,
Which vnder God in heuen aboue regnyng,
This world to gouerne is callid themperesse,
Mooder of richessis, the first founderesse,
Which cerchid out bi hir artificeres
The straunge tresours hid in the myneres.
The wise, war, þe circumspect goddesse,
Which vnder God in heuen aboue regnyng,
This world to gouerne is callid themperesse,
Mooder of richessis, the first founderesse,
Which cerchid out bi hir artificeres
The straunge tresours hid in the myneres.
This noble ladi, this princesse most famous,
Knowyng of man thunkouth condiciouns,
Sauh bexperience richessis wer noious,—
In hym teclipse the disposiciouns,
And conveie his inclynaciouns
Bi a wrong weie vertu to sette aside,
How couetise was a ful pereilous guide.
Knowyng of man thunkouth condiciouns,
Sauh bexperience richessis wer noious,—
In hym teclipse the disposiciouns,
And conveie his inclynaciouns
Bi a wrong weie vertu to sette aside,
How couetise was a ful pereilous guide.
448
For auarise, to al vertu contraire,
The gredi werm, the serpent vnstaunchable,
Man to be-traisshe with promyses debonaire,
At prime face soote and agreable,
Tauht hym of nature bi craft most deceyuable,
Thoruh sotil serchyng, as it wer for the nonys,
First out of erthe to delue precious stonis.
The gredi werm, the serpent vnstaunchable,
Man to be-traisshe with promyses debonaire,
At prime face soote and agreable,
Tauht hym of nature bi craft most deceyuable,
Thoruh sotil serchyng, as it wer for the nonys,
First out of erthe to delue precious stonis.
Of riche myneris thei serche the entrailles,
To fynde out metallis for worldli auauntages,
Contryued shippis with ther brode sailles
Bi dyuers sees to make ther passages.
And couetise ordeyned first viages,
Caused princis ride in londis ferre,
Ech ageyn other for to gynne a werre.
To fynde out metallis for worldli auauntages,
Contryued shippis with ther brode sailles
Bi dyuers sees to make ther passages.
And couetise ordeyned first viages,
Caused princis ride in londis ferre,
Ech ageyn other for to gynne a werre.
Off auarice gan first thes robberies,
Await of brigauntis and al extort pillages,
Moordre, slauhtre & couert briberies,
Of old contreuid, furious fel damages,
Wrouht and acheuid in al maner ages.
Now in thes daies, lat set it at a preeff,
Fals couetise caused al swich myscheeff.
Await of brigauntis and al extort pillages,
Moordre, slauhtre & couert briberies,
Of old contreuid, furious fel damages,
Wrouht and acheuid in al maner ages.
Now in thes daies, lat set it at a preeff,
Fals couetise caused al swich myscheeff.
She was first roote of fals extorsioun,
To spoile the peeple, mooder of rauyne,
And sterere up of oppressioun:
To take bi force, this was hir doctrine.
And as myn auctour doth pleynli determyne
And concludeth in ful pitous wise,
Roote of al euil is fals couetise.
To spoile the peeple, mooder of rauyne,
And sterere up of oppressioun:
To take bi force, this was hir doctrine.
And as myn auctour doth pleynli determyne
And concludeth in ful pitous wise,
Roote of al euil is fals couetise.
She was eek norice of contek & of striff,
Maistresse of moordre and wilful violence,
Maad men to iuparte boodi, good & lyff,
Caused discencioun and disobedience,
Gruchchyng of comouns, withdrauht of reuerence,
Bi rigerous constreynt sodeyn rebelliouns,
Rumour in rewmys, unwar subuersiouns.
Maistresse of moordre and wilful violence,
Maad men to iuparte boodi, good & lyff,
Caused discencioun and disobedience,
Gruchchyng of comouns, withdrauht of reuerence,
Bi rigerous constreynt sodeyn rebelliouns,
Rumour in rewmys, unwar subuersiouns.
449
This froward dragoun ful of idropesie,
Whos fretyng etik ther may no plente feede,
To staunche his thrust ther is no remedie:
The mor he drynketh, the mor he hath ay neede;
And the mor tresour, the mor he stant in dreede,
With Tantalus thouh he swymme in the floodis,
In Migdas well pleyneth for lak of goodis.
Whos fretyng etik ther may no plente feede,
To staunche his thrust ther is no remedie:
The mor he drynketh, the mor he hath ay neede;
And the mor tresour, the mor he stant in dreede,
With Tantalus thouh he swymme in the floodis,
In Migdas well pleyneth for lak of goodis.
This werm eek causeth that men in ther richesse
Haue dreed of theuys a-nyht in ther wakyng;
And yif thei heere on coffre, bed or presse,
Cat, rat or mous, or any werm meuyng,
He weneth anon, withynne hymsilf deemyng,
That ther wer kome, with gret apparaille,
Sum vnkouth pilour his tresour to assaille.
Haue dreed of theuys a-nyht in ther wakyng;
And yif thei heere on coffre, bed or presse,
Cat, rat or mous, or any werm meuyng,
He weneth anon, withynne hymsilf deemyng,
That ther wer kome, with gret apparaille,
Sum vnkouth pilour his tresour to assaille.
The woful soule stondeth euere in dreede,
And ay abideth in labour & trauaille,
And of the goodis, which he doth posseede,
Fallith in dispeir list thei wolde hym faille.
Tween hope and dreed ther is swich a bataille,
Thoruh entermynyng ech other to confounde,
To be most gredi whan thei most habounde.
And ay abideth in labour & trauaille,
And of the goodis, which he doth posseede,
Fallith in dispeir list thei wolde hym faille.
Tween hope and dreed ther is swich a bataille,
Thoruh entermynyng ech other to confounde,
To be most gredi whan thei most habounde.
Hope vnassurid with dreed[e] disespeired
Meetyng in hertes make a ful mortal werre.
Whan hope presumeth, with dreed he is appeired,
And lik a coward makith hym stonde aferre,
Dul of his cheer as is a cloudi sterre,
Which dar nat shewe the liht of his tresour,
But euer tencrece set hooli his labour.
Meetyng in hertes make a ful mortal werre.
Whan hope presumeth, with dreed he is appeired,
And lik a coward makith hym stonde aferre,
Dul of his cheer as is a cloudi sterre,
Which dar nat shewe the liht of his tresour,
But euer tencrece set hooli his labour.
He thar nat touche thyng that he loueth most,
His cofres cloos be shet so vndir keye,
Thouh he hath mekil, he makth therof no bost,
Lest for his tresour men wolde hym werreie,—
Pleyneth for neede, lik as he wolde deie,
Feyneth fals pouert to sparen his dispence,
Oppressyng plente with froward indigence.
His cofres cloos be shet so vndir keye,
Thouh he hath mekil, he makth therof no bost,
Lest for his tresour men wolde hym werreie,—
Pleyneth for neede, lik as he wolde deie,
450
Oppressyng plente with froward indigence.
And thouh his chestis happid be with gold,
With iren barris faste shet & closid,
Fals scarsete gouerneth his houshold,
That be non excesse he is nat vndisposid,
His indigent herte so streihtli is enosid
To Herebus heir; and yit weel wers in deede,
In grettest richesse to compleyne vpon neede.
With iren barris faste shet & closid,
Fals scarsete gouerneth his houshold,
That be non excesse he is nat vndisposid,
His indigent herte so streihtli is enosid
To Herebus heir; and yit weel wers in deede,
In grettest richesse to compleyne vpon neede.
This Herebus hath of iren, nat of ston,
For auarice bilt a foul cite,
Wher-as the wheel tourneth off Ixion
Vndir the boundis of Thesiphone,
Wher Zeziphus may neuer a day go fre,
But with his ston contynuelli trauaileth,
And the mor besi, his labour lest auaileth.
For auarice bilt a foul cite,
Wher-as the wheel tourneth off Ixion
Vndir the boundis of Thesiphone,
Wher Zeziphus may neuer a day go fre,
But with his ston contynuelli trauaileth,
And the mor besi, his labour lest auaileth.
Thus auarice, to ve[r]tu most contrarie,
Founde among vices ful contagious,
Euer bisi the restles ston to karie,
Now up, now doun, with weri Zeziphus,
Whos endles labour braideth on Theseus,
Which heeld the bridel of frutles bisynesse,
Condempned in helle to lyue in idilnesse.
Founde among vices ful contagious,
Euer bisi the restles ston to karie,
Now up, now doun, with weri Zeziphus,
Whos endles labour braideth on Theseus,
Which heeld the bridel of frutles bisynesse,
Condempned in helle to lyue in idilnesse.
Off couetise the cruel maryner
Is callid C[h]aron, whiche with Flegonte,
Bi many a streiht & many fel daungeer
Sailleth in the floodis of furious Acheronte,
Vnder that dirked and cloudi orizonte,
Wher auarice ches whilom nigardshipe
For tresoureer his cofres for to keepe.
Is callid C[h]aron, whiche with Flegonte,
Bi many a streiht & many fel daungeer
Sailleth in the floodis of furious Acheronte,
Vnder that dirked and cloudi orizonte,
Wher auarice ches whilom nigardshipe
For tresoureer his cofres for to keepe.
First to declare the labour in gadryng
Of coueitous men, as it is in deede,
And countirpeise how ther streiht keepyng
Is euer meynt with importable dreede,
Sorwe at departyng, for ther mortal meede,
Which may be callid, of trouthe & equite,
Of Cerberus the wakir hedis thre.
Of coueitous men, as it is in deede,
And countirpeise how ther streiht keepyng
Is euer meynt with importable dreede,
Sorwe at departyng, for ther mortal meede,
Which may be callid, of trouthe & equite,
Of Cerberus the wakir hedis thre.
451
The firste hed is vnstaunchable desir
Off worldli goodis gret richessis to atteyne,
The mor encres, the hatter is the fyr;
The seconde hed is the dreedful peyne,
Which in keepyng, his herte doth constreyne;
Vnwar departyng, that sodenli doth falle,
Is the thridde hed, that greueth most of all.
Off worldli goodis gret richessis to atteyne,
The mor encres, the hatter is the fyr;
The seconde hed is the dreedful peyne,
Which in keepyng, his herte doth constreyne;
Vnwar departyng, that sodenli doth falle,
Is the thridde hed, that greueth most of all.
This waker werm, that berth these hedis thre,
Is callid the werm of gredi couetise,
Whos bisi constreynt, restles perplexite
Troubleþ the soule in ful furious wise.
Which froward monstre, pleynli to deuise,
Braideth on Idra, of whom poetis seyn,
On hed kit of, ther growe thre ageyn.
Is callid the werm of gredi couetise,
Whos bisi constreynt, restles perplexite
Troubleþ the soule in ful furious wise.
Which froward monstre, pleynli to deuise,
Braideth on Idra, of whom poetis seyn,
On hed kit of, ther growe thre ageyn.
Euere at the tail of plente and richesse
Of custum folweth gruchchyng & envie;
For he that hath of tresour gret richesse
Is seelde glad, as for his partie.
Thus bothe tweyne stonde in iupartie:
The riche with plente halt hym nat appaied,
And the nedi with pouert is affraied.
Of custum folweth gruchchyng & envie;
For he that hath of tresour gret richesse
Is seelde glad, as for his partie.
Thus bothe tweyne stonde in iupartie:
The riche with plente halt hym nat appaied,
And the nedi with pouert is affraied.
And yit in pouert is ful gret sekirnesse,
Which is a tresour that no man wil assaille.
And as myn auctour Bochas berth witnesse,
Amyclates among[es] the poraille
Leued in pes, seur from al bataille,
Heeld hym content with swich as God hym sente,
Whan riche wer armyd & to the werre wente.
Which is a tresour that no man wil assaille.
And as myn auctour Bochas berth witnesse,
Amyclates among[es] the poraille
Leued in pes, seur from al bataille,
Heeld hym content with swich as God hym sente,
Whan riche wer armyd & to the werre wente.
Vertuous pouert stant euer in sekir caas,
To wach his hous [he] hath ful litil neede;
But proude Pompeie assegid in Duras,
For feer of Iulius stood in gret[e] dreede.
But peeplis rude take heerof non heede,—
Swich as reioysshe hem for to sheede blood,
In straunge werris wrongli to gete good.
To wach his hous [he] hath ful litil neede;
But proude Pompeie assegid in Duras,
For feer of Iulius stood in gret[e] dreede.
But peeplis rude take heerof non heede,—
Swich as reioysshe hem for to sheede blood,
In straunge werris wrongli to gete good.
Stories olde ful weel reherse kunne
Diuers studies of folkis heer mortal,
First how Diogenes was content in his tonne,
In which he made his loggyng pryncepal,
And sauh the cours aboue celestial,
Lyued gladdere amonges philisophres,
Than kyng Cresus, with al his stuffed coffres.
Diuers studies of folkis heer mortal,
First how Diogenes was content in his tonne,
In which he made his loggyng pryncepal,
452
Lyued gladdere amonges philisophres,
Than kyng Cresus, with al his stuffed coffres.
And yiff men wolde onto mynde call
The grete myscheuys folwyng on habundance,
And thynk[e] also how Sardanapall,
For al his tresour, kam [un]to myschaunce,
And how Sophodius, porest in substaunce,
Hadde but a gardyn ful of leekis greene,
And riht nouht ellis hymseluen to susteene.
The grete myscheuys folwyng on habundance,
And thynk[e] also how Sardanapall,
For al his tresour, kam [un]to myschaunce,
And how Sophodius, porest in substaunce,
Hadde but a gardyn ful of leekis greene,
And riht nouht ellis hymseluen to susteene.
This philisophre was euer glad & liht;
Ther was no wach maad aboute his tour[e]s.
Ful seurli slept he al the longe niht,
Hauyng no dreed of theuys ne robbour[e]s.
In somer walkyng among the fressh[e] flour[e]s,
And in cold wyntir, ful myrili & ofte
On drye strauh he lay and slepte softe.
Ther was no wach maad aboute his tour[e]s.
Ful seurli slept he al the longe niht,
Hauyng no dreed of theuys ne robbour[e]s.
In somer walkyng among the fressh[e] flour[e]s,
And in cold wyntir, ful myrili & ofte
On drye strauh he lay and slepte softe.
Cyncynatus, a poore laboreer,
Fowede dikes to gete his sustenaunce,
Withoute gruchchyng, euere glad of cheer
Bothe in his port & in his contenaunce,
Dempte he hadde as moche suffisance
To his plesaunce, as Cresus kyng of Lide;
Content with litil; Nature was his guyde.
Fowede dikes to gete his sustenaunce,
Withoute gruchchyng, euere glad of cheer
Bothe in his port & in his contenaunce,
Dempte he hadde as moche suffisance
To his plesaunce, as Cresus kyng of Lide;
Content with litil; Nature was his guyde.
This poore man, in his pouert assurid,
With litil foode, & clothes but a fewe,
Hadde hertis ese & gladsum pes recurid;
It liked hym nat ouer his hed to hewe.
Which thyng conceyued cleerli doth us shewe,
That ioious pouert conueied with gladnesse,
Gruchchyng auoided, surmounteth al richesse.
With litil foode, & clothes but a fewe,
Hadde hertis ese & gladsum pes recurid;
It liked hym nat ouer his hed to hewe.
Which thyng conceyued cleerli doth us shewe,
That ioious pouert conueied with gladnesse,
Gruchchyng auoided, surmounteth al richesse.
And yif that folk koude considre a-riht
Ther pitous sihhes, ther thouhtful bisynesses,
Ther woful labours, ther litil slep aniht,
Which thei endure for worldli fals richessis,
And of thabidyng, the dreedful sekirnessis,—
Which thynges peised and callid to memorie:
Al erthli poweer is double & transitorie.
Ther pitous sihhes, ther thouhtful bisynesses,
Ther woful labours, ther litil slep aniht,
Which thei endure for worldli fals richessis,
And of thabidyng, the dreedful sekirnessis,—
453
Al erthli poweer is double & transitorie.
And bi stories, which that be credible,
To preue ther poweer is nat abidyng,
But, at a poynt, slydyng and fallible:
Whilom Masmyssa of Munydie kyng,
That was so mihti, bi record of writyng,
For feer of Siphax, onli his liff to saue,
Fledde into mounteyns & hidde hym in a caue.
To preue ther poweer is nat abidyng,
But, at a poynt, slydyng and fallible:
Whilom Masmyssa of Munydie kyng,
That was so mihti, bi record of writyng,
For feer of Siphax, onli his liff to saue,
Fledde into mounteyns & hidde hym in a caue.
And ther he fond[e] but ful smal vitaille,
Constreyned narwe of indigence & neede,
Whan other deyntes, in myscheeff, gan hym faille,
He gadred rootis and eet hem in his dreede;
Eek proude Xerses kyng of Perse and Mede
Drank blood and water to staunche his gredi thrust,
Dreed and trauaille gaff hym so gret a lust.
Constreyned narwe of indigence & neede,
Whan other deyntes, in myscheeff, gan hym faille,
He gadred rootis and eet hem in his dreede;
Eek proude Xerses kyng of Perse and Mede
Drank blood and water to staunche his gredi thrust,
Dreed and trauaille gaff hym so gret a lust.
Yit summe men wolde seyn, of auenture
Thei wer compellid ageyn ther volunte,
Thes kynges tweyne, swich myscheeff to endure,
Maugre ther wil[le], of necessite;
For casuel chauns rafft hem ther liberte,
So that the rigour off this sodeyn rage
Cam in be constreynt, and of no corage.
Thei wer compellid ageyn ther volunte,
Thes kynges tweyne, swich myscheeff to endure,
Maugre ther wil[le], of necessite;
For casuel chauns rafft hem ther liberte,
So that the rigour off this sodeyn rage
Cam in be constreynt, and of no corage.
But for al that, folk in ther pouerte
On grete metis that hemseluen feede
Ben also strong, as hool and fair to see,
And also lusti preuid at a neede,
Vpriht of lymes ther iournes for to speede,
As long lyued, the cause to expresse,
Is onli this: thei do non excesse.
On grete metis that hemseluen feede
Ben also strong, as hool and fair to see,
And also lusti preuid at a neede,
Vpriht of lymes ther iournes for to speede,
As long lyued, the cause to expresse,
Is onli this: thei do non excesse.
To poore men the beste medecyne
Is due labour with moderat abstynence,
Good hair in feeldis whan Phebus list to shyne,
Voidyng dirke mystis that cause pestilence;
Of heuy stomak thei feele no violence,
Thei nat enriche lechis nor poticaries,
Themsilff to saue with vnkouth letuaries.
Is due labour with moderat abstynence,
Good hair in feeldis whan Phebus list to shyne,
Voidyng dirke mystis that cause pestilence;
Of heuy stomak thei feele no violence,
454
Themsilff to saue with vnkouth letuaries.
But folkis riche werkyn the contrarie,
Which in hem causeth malladies stronge;
For ther diet[e] eueri day thei varie
With dyuers metis, and ther sittyng longe.
And with al this, ther appetitis wronge,
Take out of tyme, which thei may nat endure,
Which bi custum oppressith ther nature.
Which in hem causeth malladies stronge;
For ther diet[e] eueri day thei varie
With dyuers metis, and ther sittyng longe.
And with al this, ther appetitis wronge,
Take out of tyme, which thei may nat endure,
Which bi custum oppressith ther nature.
And thus myn auctour, shortli to deuise,
Seith how glad pouert stant most in sekirnesse.
And of al euel, he seith, how couetise
Is roote & ground, with fals extort richesse,
Riot annexid, engendryng gret siknesse,
Theron concludyng, how moderat diete
Set soule and bodi in temporat quiete.
Seith how glad pouert stant most in sekirnesse.
And of al euel, he seith, how couetise
Is roote & ground, with fals extort richesse,
Riot annexid, engendryng gret siknesse,
Theron concludyng, how moderat diete
Set soule and bodi in temporat quiete.
[How Enagora kyng of Cipre was bi Artaxerses outraied/and put from his kyngdam.]
Folwyng in ordre the processe of Bochas,
As he remembreth next in his writyng,
To hym appeerede, rehersyng þus þe cas,
Enagora, that was of Cipre kyng,
His eyen derkid be manyfold weepyng,
Because he hadde loste that riche lond,
Which he toforn hadde conquered with his hond.
As he remembreth next in his writyng,
To hym appeerede, rehersyng þus þe cas,
Enagora, that was of Cipre kyng,
His eyen derkid be manyfold weepyng,
Because he hadde loste that riche lond,
Which he toforn hadde conquered with his hond.
This lond of Cipre, as maad is mencioun,
Of dyuers metallis is passyngli habounde,
Hath of richesse gret plente and foisoun;
And of his siht[e], lik as it is founde,
It stant fer south, with many hilles rounde,
And hath also many commodites
Withynne his boundis off toun[e]s & cites.
Of dyuers metallis is passyngli habounde,
Hath of richesse gret plente and foisoun;
And of his siht[e], lik as it is founde,
It stant fer south, with many hilles rounde,
And hath also many commodites
Withynne his boundis off toun[e]s & cites.
455
Touchyng this Cipre I can no mor seie,
Of which[e] lond Enagora was kyng,
Til he gan proudli for to werreie
With Lacedemonoys, ther parti sustenyng,
Geyn Artaxerses; & at ther meetyng
The said Enagora was brouht to outraunce,
Put from his kyngdam & from al gouernaunce.
Of which[e] lond Enagora was kyng,
Til he gan proudli for to werreie
With Lacedemonoys, ther parti sustenyng,
Geyn Artaxerses; & at ther meetyng
The said Enagora was brouht to outraunce,
Put from his kyngdam & from al gouernaunce.
[How Theo kyng of Egipt bi Artaxerses was dryven from his kyngdam and fledde in to Arabie.]
Next Enagora kam the kyng Theo,
Of al Egipt long tyme pocessour;
And to Iohn Bochas he gan declare his wo,
How Fortune dide hir froward labour,
And from hym drouh hir frenshepe and fauour,
And sodenli thoruh hir iniquite
She cast this kyng doun from his roial see.
Of al Egipt long tyme pocessour;
And to Iohn Bochas he gan declare his wo,
How Fortune dide hir froward labour,
And from hym drouh hir frenshepe and fauour,
And sodenli thoruh hir iniquite
She cast this kyng doun from his roial see.
She list hir malis from hym nat differre,
Ne wolde nat suffre hym to lyue in pes,
But caused hym to gynne a froward werre
Ageyn the said myhti Artaxerses,
Wenyng therbi taue had a gret encres,—
Gadred shippes and made a gret arme
In his entent tamette hym on the se.
Ne wolde nat suffre hym to lyue in pes,
But caused hym to gynne a froward werre
Ageyn the said myhti Artaxerses,
Wenyng therbi taue had a gret encres,—
Gadred shippes and made a gret arme
In his entent tamette hym on the se.
To Lacedemonois he was fauourable,
Sent hem vessellis stuffid with vitaille,
Dempte of pride that hymsilff was able
With Artaxerses to holden a bataille.
But hasti trust doth foolis ofte faille,
For this Theo was aftir anon riht
Dryue out of Egipt and Iput to fliht.
Sent hem vessellis stuffid with vitaille,
Dempte of pride that hymsilff was able
With Artaxerses to holden a bataille.
But hasti trust doth foolis ofte faille,
For this Theo was aftir anon riht
Dryue out of Egipt and Iput to fliht.
Artaxerses pursuede hym so sore,
Toforn his face he durste nat appeere,—
Fledde in Tarabie, myn auctour seith no more;
Ban[y]shed fro Egipt, dedli of face & cheere.
And of his fate who-so list to lere,
He was depryued fro kyngli dignite
And bi Fortune cast from his roial see.
Toforn his face he durste nat appeere,—
Fledde in Tarabie, myn auctour seith no more;
Ban[y]shed fro Egipt, dedli of face & cheere.
And of his fate who-so list to lere,
He was depryued fro kyngli dignite
And bi Fortune cast from his roial see.
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[How Amynta of Macedoyne kyng had by Erudice his wif, Alisaundre, Perdica, & Philip, that were slayn.]
And among other, ther fatis compleynyng,
Thoruh Fortunis dreedful violence,
Ther cam Amynta, of Macedoyne kyng,
And to Iohn Bochas shewed his sentence.
And to declare his magnificence,
To Alisaundre graunfader in his liff,
Hauyng foure childre be Erudice his wiff.
Thoruh Fortunis dreedful violence,
Ther cam Amynta, of Macedoyne kyng,
And to Iohn Bochas shewed his sentence.
And to declare his magnificence,
To Alisaundre graunfader in his liff,
Hauyng foure childre be Erudice his wiff.
The firste of hem was Alisandre Icallid,
And Perdica namyd the seconde,
The thridde Phelipp, in Macedoyne stallid,
Kynge of Grece, lik as it is founde,
Which in richessis gretli dide habounde,
And was eek fader, this noble werreiour,
To Alisaundre the myhti conquerour.
And Perdica namyd the seconde,
The thridde Phelipp, in Macedoyne stallid,
Kynge of Grece, lik as it is founde,
Which in richessis gretli dide habounde,
And was eek fader, this noble werreiour,
To Alisaundre the myhti conquerour.
And or myn auctour ferther doth proceede,
He makth in maner a digressioun
From his mateer, lik as ye may reede,
And gynneth in ordre a descripcioun
Of Macedoyne, the famous regioun,
Among Greekis writ in especiall,
Of seuene provynces it is the princepall.
He makth in maner a digressioun
From his mateer, lik as ye may reede,
And gynneth in ordre a descripcioun
Of Macedoyne, the famous regioun,
Among Greekis writ in especiall,
Of seuene provynces it is the princepall.
And so procedyng, he seith how that contre
Strechchith his boundis aboute hym enviroun
Toward the se which callid is Egee,
Foorth be Achaia toward septemptryoun.
And to Messie westward it goth doun;
And who that can bi crafte the coostis caste,
To Dalmacia the name therof doth laste.
Strechchith his boundis aboute hym enviroun
Toward the se which callid is Egee,
Foorth be Achaia toward septemptryoun.
And to Messie westward it goth doun;
And who that can bi crafte the coostis caste,
To Dalmacia the name therof doth laste.
In Macedoyne, he doth us also lere,
Of Olympus stant the gret mounteyn;
And in that kyngdam is many gret mynere
Of gold and siluer, lik as bookis seyn.
And on that hill is neuer wynd nor reyn;
For thilke mounteyn so hih[e] doth atteyne,
That it may nouther blowe ther nor reyne.
Of Olympus stant the gret mounteyn;
And in that kyngdam is many gret mynere
Of gold and siluer, lik as bookis seyn.
And on that hill is neuer wynd nor reyn;
457
That it may nouther blowe ther nor reyne.
The kyng Amynta, of whom I spak toforn,
Hadde in Grece many gret bataille:
Olympiens in Macedoyne born
And Illiriens, togidre he dide assaille.
Thoruh his wisdam he dide alway preuaill;
But with his enmys whil he stood most in striff,
His deth was shapen bi Erudice his wiff.
Hadde in Grece many gret bataille:
Olympiens in Macedoyne born
And Illiriens, togidre he dide assaille.
Thoruh his wisdam he dide alway preuaill;
But with his enmys whil he stood most in striff,
His deth was shapen bi Erudice his wiff.
Myn auctour Bochas of hir doth diffyne,
She imagynede his destruccioun,
Because she hadde another concubyne
On whom she sette al hir affeccioun.
Day set and tyme to his confusioun,
Fulli ordeyned, at a mariage
He to be slayn bi oon of his lynage.
She imagynede his destruccioun,
Because she hadde another concubyne
On whom she sette al hir affeccioun.
Day set and tyme to his confusioun,
Fulli ordeyned, at a mariage
He to be slayn bi oon of his lynage.
He hadde a suster callid Vrione,
Which prudentli espied the maneere
Of Erudice, and secreli allone
Goth to the kyng & told hym al ifeere.
And as the story in ordre tellith heere,
Thouh she faillede that day of hir emprise,
She thouhte fulfille it in a-nother wise.
Which prudentli espied the maneere
Of Erudice, and secreli allone
Goth to the kyng & told hym al ifeere.
And as the story in ordre tellith heere,
Thouh she faillede that day of hir emprise,
She thouhte fulfille it in a-nother wise.
This to meene, of hir iniquite,
Of hir fraude and fals imagynyng,
She was in cause thoruh hir contrariouste
Of the destruccioun of this mihti kyng.
For the conclusioun of hir fals werkyng
Was to ha slayn the kyng & al his lyne,
She to haue regnede with hir concubyne.
Of hir fraude and fals imagynyng,
She was in cause thoruh hir contrariouste
Of the destruccioun of this mihti kyng.
For the conclusioun of hir fals werkyng
Was to ha slayn the kyng & al his lyne,
She to haue regnede with hir concubyne.
But whan she sauh she myht[e] nat acheeve
Hir furious purpos bi non auenture,
Hir venymous malis upon hir lord to preeve,
On other parties she dide hir besi cure
Enmytes & myscheuys to procure
Ageyn the kyng, bi mortal fel assaies,
With sorwe and trouble for to shorte his daies.
Hir furious purpos bi non auenture,
Hir venymous malis upon hir lord to preeve,
On other parties she dide hir besi cure
Enmytes & myscheuys to procure
Ageyn the kyng, bi mortal fel assaies,
With sorwe and trouble for to shorte his daies.
458
Niht and day his lyff stood euere in dreed,
Hym to be-tra[i]sshe she cast out hook & lyne.
And who is he that can or may take heed,
Freli tescape, teschewen or declyne
Malis of wommen, whan thei be serpentyne?
Seeth an exaumple in this queen Erudice,
Void of al vertu and ful of eueri vice.
Hym to be-tra[i]sshe she cast out hook & lyne.
And who is he that can or may take heed,
Freli tescape, teschewen or declyne
Malis of wommen, whan thei be serpentyne?
Seeth an exaumple in this queen Erudice,
Void of al vertu and ful of eueri vice.
Alas, no prince can be war be other,
To bridle ther noblesse with reynes of resoun,
Swich as commytte, alas, bothe ship & rother
Vnto Syrenes to rowe hem up and doun
Thoruhout Caribdis to ther destruccioun.
Bi craft of Circes, alas, thei wer maad nyce,
Blynd to remembre upon this Erudice!
To bridle ther noblesse with reynes of resoun,
Swich as commytte, alas, bothe ship & rother
Vnto Syrenes to rowe hem up and doun
Thoruhout Caribdis to ther destruccioun.
Bi craft of Circes, alas, thei wer maad nyce,
Blynd to remembre upon this Erudice!
Which made Amynta to lyue in sorwe & dreede,
To reste in pes suffred hym ha[ue] no space.
In thouht and trouble his liff he gan to leede,
Til be long processe deth hym gan manace;
Yit or he deide Fortune gaff hym grace,
His eldest sone bi wisdam to ordeyne,
Callid Alisandre, his crowne to atteyne.
To reste in pes suffred hym ha[ue] no space.
In thouht and trouble his liff he gan to leede,
Til be long processe deth hym gan manace;
Yit or he deide Fortune gaff hym grace,
His eldest sone bi wisdam to ordeyne,
Callid Alisandre, his crowne to atteyne.
Thus Alisandre was his successour;
For Thath[e]nienses gan ther rancour lete
Ageyn[e]s hym, for [he] with gret labour
Bi ther suffraunce cam to his roial seete.
And for to sette his rewm in ful quiete,
First with Athenys, the stronge myhti toun,
Prouided a pes, of hih discrecioun.
For Thath[e]nienses gan ther rancour lete
Ageyn[e]s hym, for [he] with gret labour
Bi ther suffraunce cam to his roial seete.
And for to sette his rewm in ful quiete,
First with Athenys, the stronge myhti toun,
Prouided a pes, of hih discrecioun.
And for tauoide al ambiguite
Of old debatis and of old outrage,
First he sente into that strong cite
His sone Phelipp, yong and tendir of age,
On pes assurid to lyn ther for hostage.
And in that cite, the story berth witnesse,
He gan to growe vnto ful hih noblesse.
Of old debatis and of old outrage,
First he sente into that strong cite
His sone Phelipp, yong and tendir of age,
On pes assurid to lyn ther for hostage.
And in that cite, the story berth witnesse,
He gan to growe vnto ful hih noblesse.
He was commytted to the disciplyne
Of a gret duk callid Epamynedoun,
Which to al vertu his youthe made enclyne.
For of this duk Iustyn maketh mencioun
Bi a maner recomendacioun,
Tofor nor aftir, as be his auys,
Was neuer no prince mor excellent nor wis.
Of a gret duk callid Epamynedoun,
Which to al vertu his youthe made enclyne.
For of this duk Iustyn maketh mencioun
459
Tofor nor aftir, as be his auys,
Was neuer no prince mor excellent nor wis.
First he comendith his vertuous corage,
His hih noblesse, his knihtli excellence,
And be discent he born of hih lynage;
And in too thynges concludeth his sentence,
Seith that he was of most magnifisence,
Egal to Mars be famous cheualrie,
And sone to Phebus thoruh hih philosophie.
His hih noblesse, his knihtli excellence,
And be discent he born of hih lynage;
And in too thynges concludeth his sentence,
Seith that he was of most magnifisence,
Egal to Mars be famous cheualrie,
And sone to Phebus thoruh hih philosophie.
And Bochas heer doth his stile auaunce
Ful notabli with excellent langage,
And seith no tresour atteyneth in substaunce
To thilke richesse, auoidyng al outrage,
As whan ther is be bond of mariage
Knette up a knotte atween thexcellence
Of famous knihthod and of Dame Prudence.
Ful notabli with excellent langage,
And seith no tresour atteyneth in substaunce
To thilke richesse, auoidyng al outrage,
As whan ther is be bond of mariage
Knette up a knotte atween thexcellence
Of famous knihthod and of Dame Prudence.
This knotte auaileth mor than gold in coffre,
And is mor glorious perpetuelli tabide,
A myhti prince to been a philisophre,
Which can be prudence alle vices set aside,—
For whan to manhod prouydence is guide,
And vertuous force is capteyn in the werre,
Lat men weel truste, that parti may nat erre!
And is mor glorious perpetuelli tabide,
A myhti prince to been a philisophre,
Which can be prudence alle vices set aside,—
For whan to manhod prouydence is guide,
And vertuous force is capteyn in the werre,
Lat men weel truste, that parti may nat erre!
This Epamynoda, of knihthod sustenour,
Charboncle of vertu, as bookis telle konne,
Of gentil maneres callid the famous flour,
And of hih noblesse a verray worldli sonne,
Whos knihtli tryumphes be so hih up ronne
To Martis paleis, with the blissid souns
Of Famis trompetis and goldene clariouns.
Charboncle of vertu, as bookis telle konne,
Of gentil maneres callid the famous flour,
And of hih noblesse a verray worldli sonne,
Whos knihtli tryumphes be so hih up ronne
To Martis paleis, with the blissid souns
Of Famis trompetis and goldene clariouns.
For he was callid the briht[e] cleer merour
Of rihtful quarellis the parti [to] susteene,
Of extort wrongis most iust reformatour,
Ay egal iuge, of entent most cleene,
Whiche neuer koude nothyng but trouthe meene,
Wolde of custum for hate nor alliaunce
On nouther parti declyne the ballaunce.
Of rihtful quarellis the parti [to] susteene,
Of extort wrongis most iust reformatour,
Ay egal iuge, of entent most cleene,
Whiche neuer koude nothyng but trouthe meene,
Wolde of custum for hate nor alliaunce
On nouther parti declyne the ballaunce.
460
And to comende his vertuous prowesse,
His preuyd tryumphes, his magnanymyte,
His marcial actis, his knihtli bisynesse
In the getyng of many a strong cite,—
And al his labour was for the comounte,
Which to augmente he wolde neuer cesse,
Swich ioie he hadde the comoun good tencrece.
His preuyd tryumphes, his magnanymyte,
His marcial actis, his knihtli bisynesse
In the getyng of many a strong cite,—
And al his labour was for the comounte,
Which to augmente he wolde neuer cesse,
Swich ioie he hadde the comoun good tencrece.
This was also his vsaunce ouermor:
What-euer he gat to parte it in largesse;
Of gold nor coign he sette but litil stoor,
For al his herte was sette on gentilesse
Bi manli fredam, and, pleynli to expresse,
He spared no good, it shewed weel in deede,
His trewe seruauntis to helpe hem in her neede.
What-euer he gat to parte it in largesse;
Of gold nor coign he sette but litil stoor,
For al his herte was sette on gentilesse
Bi manli fredam, and, pleynli to expresse,
He spared no good, it shewed weel in deede,
His trewe seruauntis to helpe hem in her neede.
He kepte nat in coffres his tresour,
Of his nature he was so liberall
For to releue ech manli soudeour,
Swich as wer preued in actis marciall.
And for to holde his feeste funerall,
Aftir his deth, his story maketh mynde,
Thoruh fre departyng ther left no gold behynde.
Of his nature he was so liberall
For to releue ech manli soudeour,
Swich as wer preued in actis marciall.
And for to holde his feeste funerall,
Aftir his deth, his story maketh mynde,
Thoruh fre departyng ther left no gold behynde.
Alle his offises & famous dignites
And gret emprises in his tyme wrouht,
Encresid fraunchises thoruh Grece in his cities
With libertes bi his prudence out souht
For comoun proffit, and for hymsilff riht nouht,
With gret aumentyng of straunge teritories:
Al this cam in bi mene of his victories.
And gret emprises in his tyme wrouht,
Encresid fraunchises thoruh Grece in his cities
With libertes bi his prudence out souht
For comoun proffit, and for hymsilff riht nouht,
With gret aumentyng of straunge teritories:
Al this cam in bi mene of his victories.
And among alle his knihtli excellences,
Bi dyuers auctours vnto mynde is brouht,
How al his liff he studied in sciences
And upon konyng set hooli his thouht.
Bi manli prowesse of deth he rouhte nouht:
That was shewed, as it is weel founde,
The day whan he resceyuede his dethis wounde.
Bi dyuers auctours vnto mynde is brouht,
How al his liff he studied in sciences
And upon konyng set hooli his thouht.
Bi manli prowesse of deth he rouhte nouht:
That was shewed, as it is weel founde,
The day whan he resceyuede his dethis wounde.
461
He was hom born vnto his pauyllioun,
Al his armure with blood steyned red,
And on a couch[e] bi his men leid doun,
And gan abraide as he lay half ded:
“Sires,” quod he, “of o thyng taketh heed,
Hath any enmy this day in the feeld,
Whan I was woundid, taken up my sheeld?”
Al his armure with blood steyned red,
And on a couch[e] bi his men leid doun,
And gan abraide as he lay half ded:
“Sires,” quod he, “of o thyng taketh heed,
Hath any enmy this day in the feeld,
Whan I was woundid, taken up my sheeld?”
And whan his knihtis hadde told hym nay,
Bi a maner of knihtli reioysshyng
He hem comaunded, withoute mor delay
To his presence that thei sholde it bryng.
And therupon ful pitousli lookyng,
Ful lik a kniht, & with a mortal cheere
He kissid it, and seide as ye shal heere:
Bi a maner of knihtli reioysshyng
He hem comaunded, withoute mor delay
To his presence that thei sholde it bryng.
And therupon ful pitousli lookyng,
Ful lik a kniht, & with a mortal cheere
He kissid it, and seide as ye shal heere:
“Thou wer my felawe in armys [and] my brother,
That neuer woldest my felaship forsake,
Seur and abidyng, ther was nat swich a-nother,
In eueri iourne that I did vndirtake.
To me wolcome, an eende I mut now make.
Aftir my deth my soule shal ha[ue] plesaunce,
The to be kept yet for a remembraunce.”
That neuer woldest my felaship forsake,
Seur and abidyng, ther was nat swich a-nother,
In eueri iourne that I did vndirtake.
To me wolcome, an eende I mut now make.
Aftir my deth my soule shal ha[ue] plesaunce,
The to be kept yet for a remembraunce.”
Afforn his deth[e], it is put in mynde,
The same hour, it cam to his memorie
To enquere, he lefft nat behynde,
“Ha[ue] we,” quod he, “this day hadde victorie?
Or in the feeld who hath the palme of glorie?”
He praied his knihtis that day he sholde deie,
The pleyn[e] trouthe that thei wolde hym seie.
The same hour, it cam to his memorie
To enquere, he lefft nat behynde,
“Ha[ue] we,” quod he, “this day hadde victorie?
Or in the feeld who hath the palme of glorie?”
He praied his knihtis that day he sholde deie,
The pleyn[e] trouthe that thei wolde hym seie.
And thei hym tolde platli al the cas,
How his parti hadde wonne the feeld of myht;
And with that woord he so reioysshed was,
That he his sperit yolde anon vpriht.
And so he deide lik a worthi kniht,
In whom is shewed what vailleth, in sentence,
Noblesse of knihthod ioyned with prudence.
How his parti hadde wonne the feeld of myht;
And with that woord he so reioysshed was,
That he his sperit yolde anon vpriht.
And so he deide lik a worthi kniht,
In whom is shewed what vailleth, in sentence,
Noblesse of knihthod ioyned with prudence.
462
And bi the mene of his wis doctryne,
Phelipp, that lay with hym in hostage,
Gan encrece in knihtli disciplyne,
Wex in vertu riht as he wex in age.
Whos fader was be furious outrage
(Callid Alisandre, as maad is mencioun,)
Slayn bi his mooder be couert fals tresoun.
Phelipp, that lay with hym in hostage,
Gan encrece in knihtli disciplyne,
Wex in vertu riht as he wex in age.
Whos fader was be furious outrage
(Callid Alisandre, as maad is mencioun,)
Slayn bi his mooder be couert fals tresoun.
Afftir whos deth[e], Perdica in deede,
The yonger brother, the story doth deuise,
To the crowne gan lynealli succeede;
Anon slayn aftir in ful cruel wise.
Swich fals[e] moordre ech man sholde agrise,
As ye han rad[de], first of Amynta,
Of Alisaundre and of kyng Perdica.
The yonger brother, the story doth deuise,
To the crowne gan lynealli succeede;
Anon slayn aftir in ful cruel wise.
Swich fals[e] moordre ech man sholde agrise,
As ye han rad[de], first of Amynta,
Of Alisaundre and of kyng Perdica.
[Ho[w] the proude tirant Aman was honged and the Innocent preserued.]
The horrible fall furious for to reede,
That folweth after of þe gret Aman,
A ful fals tiraunt found in thouht & deede,
And was of berthe an Assyrian,
Which, as the Bible ful weel reherse kan,
Was cheeff maister, as men may ther conserne,
With Assuerus his peeple to gouerne.
That folweth after of þe gret Aman,
A ful fals tiraunt found in thouht & deede,
And was of berthe an Assyrian,
Which, as the Bible ful weel reherse kan,
Was cheeff maister, as men may ther conserne,
With Assuerus his peeple to gouerne.
His herte was exaltid hih in pride,
To goddis peeple most contrarious,
His hatful venym he list nat for to hide,
But lik a tiraunt most malicious,
Of wilful rancour, fell and despitous,
Fulli purposed, and koude hym nat withdrawe,
To destroye the Iewes and ther lawe.
To goddis peeple most contrarious,
His hatful venym he list nat for to hide,
But lik a tiraunt most malicious,
Of wilful rancour, fell and despitous,
Fulli purposed, and koude hym nat withdrawe,
To destroye the Iewes and ther lawe.
To his entent he gat auctorite
Bi his fals[e] sotil compassyng:
Sent out lettres into ech contre
Thoruhout al Perse be biddyng of the kyng,
That hih and low, withynne that lond duellyng,—
No wiht except,—that peeplis al aboute
Sholde vnto Aman obeie, kneele and loute.
Bi his fals[e] sotil compassyng:
Sent out lettres into ech contre
Thoruhout al Perse be biddyng of the kyng,
That hih and low, withynne that lond duellyng,—
No wiht except,—that peeplis al aboute
Sholde vnto Aman obeie, kneele and loute.
463
This was the biddyng of kyng Assuer,
Whan queen Vasti was uoided for hir pride,
And Hester chose, a maide most enteer,
Was brouht to court with the kyng tabide,
Which hadde in youthe for to been hir guyde
A worthi Iew callid Mardoche,
Withynne Susis a large fair cite,
Whan queen Vasti was uoided for hir pride,
And Hester chose, a maide most enteer,
Was brouht to court with the kyng tabide,
Which hadde in youthe for to been hir guyde
A worthi Iew callid Mardoche,
Withynne Susis a large fair cite,
Bi whos counsail eueri thyng she wrouhte,
Passyng fair and of gret meeknesse.
And whan the eunukis to the kyng hir brouhte,
She was accepted for hir gret fairnesse
Vnto his grace, hir story berth witnesse,
And ther cherisshed in especiall
Boue al the maidenes in the court roiall.
Passyng fair and of gret meeknesse.
And whan the eunukis to the kyng hir brouhte,
She was accepted for hir gret fairnesse
Vnto his grace, hir story berth witnesse,
And ther cherisshed in especiall
Boue al the maidenes in the court roiall.
And of al Perse she was Icrownid queen,
A pes comaundid thoruh al tho regiouns
Duryng the feeste, that men myhte seen
The kynges nobley in cites and in touns.
And of this feeste the riche roial souns
Cam to the eris of symple Mardoche,
Which cam with othir the maner for to see.
A pes comaundid thoruh al tho regiouns
Duryng the feeste, that men myhte seen
The kynges nobley in cites and in touns.
And of this feeste the riche roial souns
Cam to the eris of symple Mardoche,
Which cam with othir the maner for to see.
Tofor the paleis as he dide abide
With othir Iewes in his companye,
Of happ as he caste his ere aside,
He of too porteris the counsail dide espie,
How thei hem caste, bi fals conspiracie,
To slen the kyng som day of that yeer,
Lik ther entent whan thei fond best leiseer.
With othir Iewes in his companye,
Of happ as he caste his ere aside,
He of too porteris the counsail dide espie,
How thei hem caste, bi fals conspiracie,
To slen the kyng som day of that yeer,
Lik ther entent whan thei fond best leiseer.
Whan Mardocheus prudentli gan feele
The secre malis of ther compassyng,
Of compassioun he wolde it nat concele,
But made Hester discure it to the kyng.
Wherof convict, thei wer lad to hangyng,
As me semeth, a competent guerdoun
For al that falsli imagyne swich tresoun.
The secre malis of ther compassyng,
Of compassioun he wolde it nat concele,
But made Hester discure it to the kyng.
Wherof convict, thei wer lad to hangyng,
As me semeth, a competent guerdoun
For al that falsli imagyne swich tresoun.
464
Bi which[e] mene the said[e] Mardoche
Was weel accepted to kyng Assuer,
Likli also to stonde at liberte
Out of the malis and the fell daungeer
Of cursid Aman, which list make hym no cheer,
But compassede in ful fel manere
Hym to destroie & Iewes all ifeere.
Was weel accepted to kyng Assuer,
Likli also to stonde at liberte
Out of the malis and the fell daungeer
Of cursid Aman, which list make hym no cheer,
But compassede in ful fel manere
Hym to destroie & Iewes all ifeere.
This Mardocheus, the Bible telle can,
Withdrouh hymsilff for to do reuerence
Vnto this tirant, the froward prince Aman,
Lik as the statut comaundid in sentence.
Which thyng tauenge be hasty violence,
This Aman made of hatrede to be set
Affor the paleis a myhti strong gibet.
Withdrouh hymsilff for to do reuerence
Vnto this tirant, the froward prince Aman,
Lik as the statut comaundid in sentence.
Which thyng tauenge be hasty violence,
This Aman made of hatrede to be set
Affor the paleis a myhti strong gibet.
But who that caste hym for to do vengaunce,
And innocentis for toppresse of myht,
Bi wilful malis tagreggen ther greuaunce,
As God wer blynde and hadde of hem no siht,—
But at the laste he wil of verray riht
Pun[y]she the proude for furious violence,
The poore supportyng for ther long pacience.
And innocentis for toppresse of myht,
Bi wilful malis tagreggen ther greuaunce,
As God wer blynde and hadde of hem no siht,—
But at the laste he wil of verray riht
Pun[y]she the proude for furious violence,
The poore supportyng for ther long pacience.
As Mardocheus bi innocent lyuyng,
Be mene of Hester and hir gret meeknesse
Accepted was to Assuer the kyng,
The lawe of Iewes set in mor seurnesse,
Froward Aman for his cursidnesse,
Vengable of pride, the Bible ye may see,
Was hih enhangid upon a galwe tre.
Be mene of Hester and hir gret meeknesse
Accepted was to Assuer the kyng,
The lawe of Iewes set in mor seurnesse,
Froward Aman for his cursidnesse,
Vengable of pride, the Bible ye may see,
Was hih enhangid upon a galwe tre.
Mardocheus, of prudence & resoun,
The furious daunger of Aman set aside,
Preserued his peeple fro destruccioun,
The tiraunt hangid for his froward pride.
Thus kan the Lord his iugementis deuide,
Whan he seeth tyme, most myhti and puissaunt,
Supporte the symple and punshe the tiraunt.
The furious daunger of Aman set aside,
Preserued his peeple fro destruccioun,
The tiraunt hangid for his froward pride.
Thus kan the Lord his iugementis deuide,
Whan he seeth tyme, most myhti and puissaunt,
Supporte the symple and punshe the tiraunt.
465
[Off the ii, brethre, Artaxerses and Cirus/and Artaxerses slouh his childre and concubynes/and how thei ended.]
Afftir the fal of Aman, dout[e]les
Whan he beste wende ha regned in his flours,
Tofor Iohn Bochas cam Artaxerses,
Most renommede his tyme of conquerours,
Which gan declare the sodeyn sharpe shours,
With al the parcellis of his mortal peyne
Which that Fortune ageyn hym gan ordeyne.
Whan he beste wende ha regned in his flours,
Tofor Iohn Bochas cam Artaxerses,
Most renommede his tyme of conquerours,
Which gan declare the sodeyn sharpe shours,
With al the parcellis of his mortal peyne
Which that Fortune ageyn hym gan ordeyne.
This Artaxerses, as put is in memorie,
Al othir pryncis excelled in richesse,
Which in his chaier, famous of worldli glorie,
And with his throne of worldli hih noblesse
Sat in his tyme, the story berth witnesse,
Hiest exaltid that was off eny kyng,—
That he sholde fall, was it an vnkouth thyng!
Al othir pryncis excelled in richesse,
Which in his chaier, famous of worldli glorie,
And with his throne of worldli hih noblesse
Sat in his tyme, the story berth witnesse,
Hiest exaltid that was off eny kyng,—
That he sholde fall, was it an vnkouth thyng!
Kynges he hadde vndir his obeissaunce,
An hundred prouynces, twenti & eek seuene,
Sone onto Darie, prynce of most puissaunce,
His fame drad[de] mor than firy leuene.
Non so myhti vndir the sterrid heuene
Acountid was that tyme, in werre & pes,
As was thys kyng callid Artaxerses.
An hundred prouynces, twenti & eek seuene,
Sone onto Darie, prynce of most puissaunce,
His fame drad[de] mor than firy leuene.
Non so myhti vndir the sterrid heuene
Acountid was that tyme, in werre & pes,
As was thys kyng callid Artaxerses.
He hadde a brother that namyd was Cirus;
Out of o stok cam ther bothe lynes.
But Artaxerses, the story tellith thus,
Was lord of greynes, of oilles & of vynes,
And hadde also bi dyuers concubynes
An hundred children, lik as it is told,
And fiftene ouer, toforn or he wex old.
Out of o stok cam ther bothe lynes.
But Artaxerses, the story tellith thus,
Was lord of greynes, of oilles & of vynes,
And hadde also bi dyuers concubynes
An hundred children, lik as it is told,
And fiftene ouer, toforn or he wex old.
Of bothe brethre the poweer laste ferre,
Duryng ther tyme stood in ful hih estat,
Yet atween hem ther was ful mortal werre,
Ageyn nature an vnkyndli debat;
For thilke werris be most infortunat,
Whan blood with blood, lat no man deemen othir,
List [to] werreie, as brother ageyn brother.
Duryng ther tyme stood in ful hih estat,
Yet atween hem ther was ful mortal werre,
Ageyn nature an vnkyndli debat;
For thilke werris be most infortunat,
Whan blood with blood, lat no man deemen othir,
List [to] werreie, as brother ageyn brother.
466
And fynal cause whi this werre gan
Atween these brethre, as maad is mencioun,
Thoruh which debat ther deied many a man,—
The ground of al and first occasioun
Was onli this: for successioun,—
Aftir kyng Darie, regnyng in Perse & Mede,
Which of them tweyne sholde next succeede.
Atween these brethre, as maad is mencioun,
Thoruh which debat ther deied many a man,—
The ground of al and first occasioun
Was onli this: for successioun,—
Aftir kyng Darie, regnyng in Perse & Mede,
Which of them tweyne sholde next succeede.
But Artaxerses bamaner prouydence
Put pryueli his brother in prisoun,
That he ne sholde make no diffence
Nor gadre peeple to his destruccioun.
This yonge Cirus, as maad is mencioun,
Was faste stokkid, and eek as it is told,
That his stokkis and fetris wer of gold.
Put pryueli his brother in prisoun,
That he ne sholde make no diffence
Nor gadre peeple to his destruccioun.
This yonge Cirus, as maad is mencioun,
Was faste stokkid, and eek as it is told,
That his stokkis and fetris wer of gold.
And thouh it be nat remembred in Bochas,
How that Cirus escaped fro prisoun,
Yit also soone as he delyuered was,
Throuh Perse and Mede ridyng up and doun,
Gadred peeple off entencioun
Thoruh old hatreede his brother to assaile.
The feeld assignede, thei metten in bataile,
How that Cirus escaped fro prisoun,
Yit also soone as he delyuered was,
Throuh Perse and Mede ridyng up and doun,
Gadred peeple off entencioun
Thoruh old hatreede his brother to assaile.
The feeld assignede, thei metten in bataile,
Wher Cirus proudli put hymsilff in pres,
To shewe his manhod in especiall,
Souhte his brother, callid Artaxerses,
And gaf to hym a wounde ful mortall,
Withoute frenshepe or fauour fraternall,
That Artaxerses, his wounde gan so ake,
Constreyned was the feeld[e] to forsake.
To shewe his manhod in especiall,
Souhte his brother, callid Artaxerses,
And gaf to hym a wounde ful mortall,
Withoute frenshepe or fauour fraternall,
That Artaxerses, his wounde gan so ake,
Constreyned was the feeld[e] to forsake.
And Cirus thanne, furious as leoun,
His aduersaries gan mortalli to wake;
But fals Fortune, ful of collusioun,
Vnder feynt smylyng a mowe gan hym make,
Which caused, alas, that day that he was take,
Afforn Iwoundid, it wolde be non othir,
And than presentid to his vnkynde brothir.
His aduersaries gan mortalli to wake;
But fals Fortune, ful of collusioun,
Vnder feynt smylyng a mowe gan hym make,
Which caused, alas, that day that he was take,
Afforn Iwoundid, it wolde be non othir,
And than presentid to his vnkynde brothir.
And thouh this Cirus hadde affor be founde
Yong, fressh and lusti, & manli of his hond,
Bi the constreynt of his mortal wounde
He died anon; for he no socour fonde.
Thanne the two kyngdamys withynne Perse-lond
Fill to the hondis of Artaxerses,
In which aftir he lyued longe in pes.
Yong, fressh and lusti, & manli of his hond,
Bi the constreynt of his mortal wounde
He died anon; for he no socour fonde.
467
Fill to the hondis of Artaxerses,
In which aftir he lyued longe in pes.
Thus a gret space, lik a myhti kyng
Al Perse he heeld vnder his obeissaunce,
Be famous noblesse gloriousli shynyng,
Hauyng of richessis most fulsum habundaunce.
And as it is Iput in remembrance,
To mor encres of his prosperite,
In trewe wedlok he hadde sonys thre.
Al Perse he heeld vnder his obeissaunce,
Be famous noblesse gloriousli shynyng,
Hauyng of richessis most fulsum habundaunce.
And as it is Iput in remembrance,
To mor encres of his prosperite,
In trewe wedlok he hadde sonys thre.
The firste of hem callid Darius;
Arabratus namyd the secounde;
And the thridde namyd was Othus,
Manli pryncis, lik as it is founde.
And of nature as the kyng was bounde,
Vnto Darie, as it is maad mencioun,
Aboue echon he hadde affeccioun.
Arabratus namyd the secounde;
And the thridde namyd was Othus,
Manli pryncis, lik as it is founde.
And of nature as the kyng was bounde,
Vnto Darie, as it is maad mencioun,
Aboue echon he hadde affeccioun.
And for he dempte hym able to the werre,
Be likliheed, of yeeris yonge and greene,
He caste fulli his noblesse to preferre;
Of hih prudence thus he dide meene,
His inpotence to supporte and susteene,
For he was feeble in Perse to regne allone,
He sette up Darie with hym in his throne.
Be likliheed, of yeeris yonge and greene,
He caste fulli his noblesse to preferre;
Of hih prudence thus he dide meene,
His inpotence to supporte and susteene,
For he was feeble in Perse to regne allone,
He sette up Darie with hym in his throne.
Which was a thyng straunge and contrarious,
Ageyn the custum of Persiens and vsance;
But he supposed his sone Darius
Sholde in such caas encrese & avaunce
His fadres parti, of natural attendaunce,
And shewe onto hym trouthe & kyndenesse,
His impotence to cherisshe of gentilesse.
Ageyn the custum of Persiens and vsance;
But he supposed his sone Darius
Sholde in such caas encrese & avaunce
His fadres parti, of natural attendaunce,
And shewe onto hym trouthe & kyndenesse,
His impotence to cherisshe of gentilesse.
But in estatis ofte it doth thus fall,
Whan that princis be ronne ferr in age,
Ther childres loue ageyn hem doth appall,
Shewyng no frenshipe sauf for auauntage,
How that thei may reioise ther heritage,
And in swich cas whan thei wexe stronge,
Thynken ther fadris lyuen al to longe.
Whan that princis be ronne ferr in age,
Ther childres loue ageyn hem doth appall,
Shewyng no frenshipe sauf for auauntage,
How that thei may reioise ther heritage,
And in swich cas whan thei wexe stronge,
Thynken ther fadris lyuen al to longe.
468
And Artaxerses stood in the same caas,
As in his stori pleynli ye shal fynde
Be rehersaile and writyng of Bochas,
How this Darie was fals & eek vnkynde,
Foryetilful, & hadde nothyng in mynde,
How his fader, the trouthe to reherse,
Hath maad hym egal with hym to regne in Perse.
As in his stori pleynli ye shal fynde
Be rehersaile and writyng of Bochas,
How this Darie was fals & eek vnkynde,
Foryetilful, & hadde nothyng in mynde,
How his fader, the trouthe to reherse,
Hath maad hym egal with hym to regne in Perse.
And to declare the firste occasioun,
To his fader how the said[e] Darie,
Bi a fals maner of rebellioun,
Gan in his werkyng for to be contrarie,
Which to discure I wil no lenger tarie,
But with my penne in al haste proceede
Heer to descryue how it fill in deede.
To his fader how the said[e] Darie,
Bi a fals maner of rebellioun,
Gan in his werkyng for to be contrarie,
Which to discure I wil no lenger tarie,
But with my penne in al haste proceede
Heer to descryue how it fill in deede.
Artaxerses, among his concubynes,
It is remembrid how that he hadde oon
Which, for to rekne wyues and virgynes,
Was fairest holde of them euerichon,
Callid Artasia, of ful yore agon,
And was that tyme, hir beaute to descryue,
Among Persiens the fairest holde a-lyue.
It is remembrid how that he hadde oon
Which, for to rekne wyues and virgynes,
Was fairest holde of them euerichon,
Callid Artasia, of ful yore agon,
And was that tyme, hir beaute to descryue,
Among Persiens the fairest holde a-lyue.
And thouh she were Ironne ferr in age,
Lik as bookis list of hire expresse,
Bothe of colour and also of visage
She kept hir beaute & hir natiff fresshnesse.
Which was aforn[e] for hir semlynesse,
To said[e] Cirus, breeffli to termyne,
Chose long afforn to been his concubyne.
Lik as bookis list of hire expresse,
Bothe of colour and also of visage
She kept hir beaute & hir natiff fresshnesse.
Which was aforn[e] for hir semlynesse,
To said[e] Cirus, breeffli to termyne,
Chose long afforn to been his concubyne.
But whan this Cirus was passid into fate,
Which for his brother myht nat lyue in pes,
Anon upon, withoute lenger date,
She was take up for kyng Artaxerses,
Because she was of beute pereles.
Aftir long tyme, whan he fill in age,
She cleymed was bi title of heritage
Which for his brother myht nat lyue in pes,
Anon upon, withoute lenger date,
She was take up for kyng Artaxerses,
Because she was of beute pereles.
Aftir long tyme, whan he fill in age,
She cleymed was bi title of heritage
Of kyng Darie bi his fader lyue,
Feynyng his cleym[e] bi successioun,
Al-thouh his fadir ageyn it dide stryve.
And thus began, as maad is mencioun,
Of ther debat the firste occasioun;
For Darie caste, al-be he bar it still,
Hir to reioysshe ageyn his fadris will.
Feynyng his cleym[e] bi successioun,
Al-thouh his fadir ageyn it dide stryve.
469
Of ther debat the firste occasioun;
For Darie caste, al-be he bar it still,
Hir to reioysshe ageyn his fadris will.
And tacomplisshe falsli his entent
Of hir to haue ful pocessioun,
Taforce his parti he made this argument:
“Cirus,” quod he, as maad is mencioun,
Regnyng in Perse the myhti regioun,
And this story doth pleynli determyne,
“For hir beute made hir his concvbyne.”
Of hir to haue ful pocessioun,
Taforce his parti he made this argument:
“Cirus,” quod he, as maad is mencioun,
Regnyng in Perse the myhti regioun,
And this story doth pleynli determyne,
“For hir beute made hir his concvbyne.”
And aftir tyme, whan Cirus was ded,
Artaxerses, his fader, ye may see,
Next hym succeedyng in Perse, it is no dreed,
List hir to cleyme eek for hir gret beaute.
“And so,” quod Darie, “she longeth now to me,
Because she is so plesaunt to my siht,
Bi successioun I wil hir cleyme of riht.”
Artaxerses, his fader, ye may see,
Next hym succeedyng in Perse, it is no dreed,
List hir to cleyme eek for hir gret beaute.
“And so,” quod Darie, “she longeth now to me,
Because she is so plesaunt to my siht,
Bi successioun I wil hir cleyme of riht.”
Thus kyng Darie to his fader saide
He wolde haue Artasia the faire.
And therwithal Artaxerses gan abraide,
And ansuerde with face debonaire,
“My sone,” quod he, “I wil nat be contraire
To thi desir, but of affeccioun
Delyueren hir to thi pocessioun.”
He wolde haue Artasia the faire.
And therwithal Artaxerses gan abraide,
And ansuerde with face debonaire,
“My sone,” quod he, “I wil nat be contraire
To thi desir, but of affeccioun
Delyueren hir to thi pocessioun.”
Of his promys he aftir gan repente,
Cast hym to make another cheuisaunce;
And secreli his concubyn he sente,
Callid Artasia, as maad is remembraunce,
And thoruh his sleihti vnkouþ purueiaunce,
Vnto the temple, swich menys he hath souht,
Of gret Appollo that she in haste was brouht.
Cast hym to make another cheuisaunce;
And secreli his concubyn he sente,
Callid Artasia, as maad is remembraunce,
And thoruh his sleihti vnkouþ purueiaunce,
Vnto the temple, swich menys he hath souht,
Of gret Appollo that she in haste was brouht.
Wher she was veilled & maad a preesteresse
Aftir the rihtis, pleynli, and the guise
Of old paynemes bamaner hoolynesse,
And ther professid for to doon seruise,
As ther statutis constreynen and deuise.
Duryng hir liff, it myhte non other be,
She bounde was to lyue in chastite.
Aftir the rihtis, pleynli, and the guise
Of old paynemes bamaner hoolynesse,
And ther professid for to doon seruise,
As ther statutis constreynen and deuise.
470
She bounde was to lyue in chastite.
This thyng was wrouhte bi the compassyng
Of Artaxerses, be froward ialousie.
Wherof Darie, the yonge lusti kyng,
Wex almost wood whan he it dide espie,
And gan compassen of malencolie,
Furious rancour & hasti cruelte
Vpon his fader auengid for to be.
Of Artaxerses, be froward ialousie.
Wherof Darie, the yonge lusti kyng,
Wex almost wood whan he it dide espie,
And gan compassen of malencolie,
Furious rancour & hasti cruelte
Vpon his fader auengid for to be.
And his parti of force to susteene,
With hym he hadde, the story maketh mynde,
His brethre in bast, an hundred & fifteene,
Which to ther fader wer fals & vnkynde.
Of al this noumbre ther lefft non behynde
That fro this purpos onys list dissente,
His deth of o will all did assente.
With hym he hadde, the story maketh mynde,
His brethre in bast, an hundred & fifteene,
Which to ther fader wer fals & vnkynde.
Of al this noumbre ther lefft non behynde
That fro this purpos onys list dissente,
His deth of o will all did assente.
Yit of this straunge fals conspiracie
Artaxerses hadde a knowlechyng,
Al-thouh the stori doth nat specefie
How, ne be whom, he hadde therof wetyng.
For which in haste, he made no tarieng
To gadre meyne & make hymsilue strong,
Hymsilff tauenge of this disnaturel wrong.
Artaxerses hadde a knowlechyng,
Al-thouh the stori doth nat specefie
How, ne be whom, he hadde therof wetyng.
For which in haste, he made no tarieng
To gadre meyne & make hymsilue strong,
Hymsilff tauenge of this disnaturel wrong.
For Artaxerses, lik as the caas tho stood,
Thouhte it sat weel to his hih noblesse,
To be venged upon vnkynde blood;
For lawe, nature decres rihtwisnesse,
And alle statutis dampne vnkyndenesse,
Wherbi this kyng occasioun dide fynde
Ageyn his childre, because thei wer vnkynde.
Thouhte it sat weel to his hih noblesse,
To be venged upon vnkynde blood;
For lawe, nature decres rihtwisnesse,
And alle statutis dampne vnkyndenesse,
Wherbi this kyng occasioun dide fynde
Ageyn his childre, because thei wer vnkynde.
Somme men deeme how gret[e] multitude
Of many childre maketh a fader strong;
But therupon, pleynli to conclude,
Vertu is cause, yif she duelle hem among.
But yif ther corage enclyneth onto wrong,
And vicious lyff do ther bridil leede,
The gretter noumbre, the wers thei must[e] speede.
Of many childre maketh a fader strong;
But therupon, pleynli to conclude,
Vertu is cause, yif she duelle hem among.
But yif ther corage enclyneth onto wrong,
And vicious lyff do ther bridil leede,
The gretter noumbre, the wers thei must[e] speede.
A progenie born of a cursid lyne
May thoruh his froward fals infeccioun,
Outward be colour of trouthe thouh he shyne,
Vnder apparence and symulacioun
Infecte and corupte al a regeoun;
For, it is seid of ful old langage,
Frut of sour trees take a sour tarage.
May thoruh his froward fals infeccioun,
471
Vnder apparence and symulacioun
Infecte and corupte al a regeoun;
For, it is seid of ful old langage,
Frut of sour trees take a sour tarage.
This was weel shewed in Artaxerses,
That suffred his brother deien at myscheeff,
Bledyng his wounde, left hym help[e]les,
Which to his name shal euer been repreeff.
Thus blood vnkynde vnkyndli makth his preeff;
For al the childre fro his stok descendid
Wer cursid echon, as heer is comprehendid.
That suffred his brother deien at myscheeff,
Bledyng his wounde, left hym help[e]les,
Which to his name shal euer been repreeff.
Thus blood vnkynde vnkyndli makth his preeff;
For al the childre fro his stok descendid
Wer cursid echon, as heer is comprehendid.
Ther stock was first contagious of nature,
The griffes froward, thouh thei wer gret in noumbre,
Which of assent dide ther besi cure
Bi fals tresoun ther fader to encoumbre.
But ther is no shade nor no couert oumbre
So closli kept, namli of fals[e] guile,
But the venym wil shewen oute sum while.
The griffes froward, thouh thei wer gret in noumbre,
Which of assent dide ther besi cure
Bi fals tresoun ther fader to encoumbre.
But ther is no shade nor no couert oumbre
So closli kept, namli of fals[e] guile,
But the venym wil shewen oute sum while.
And thus the deth contagiousli conspired
Of Artaxerses sithe go ful yore,
Wheron tauenge, hys herte was so fired
Of furious ire & Ibrent so sore,
That he nat koude differre it ferthermore,
But with his meyne fill on hem anon
Or thei wer war, and slouh hem euerichon.
Of Artaxerses sithe go ful yore,
Wheron tauenge, hys herte was so fired
Of furious ire & Ibrent so sore,
That he nat koude differre it ferthermore,
But with his meyne fill on hem anon
Or thei wer war, and slouh hem euerichon.
He slouh also al his concubynes,
That wer ther moodres, of whom I told toforn,
Suffred non to lyue of [al] ther lynes;
So of that lynage he hath the weed upshorn,
Fond among alle no greyn of good[e] corn:
Convict bi doom, whan thei wer presentid,
How to his deth echon thei wer assentid.
That wer ther moodres, of whom I told toforn,
Suffred non to lyue of [al] ther lynes;
So of that lynage he hath the weed upshorn,
Fond among alle no greyn of good[e] corn:
Convict bi doom, whan thei wer presentid,
How to his deth echon thei wer assentid.
His clothes spreynt with the vnkynde blood
Of his childre, which he dide sheede,
Aftir whos deth in gret myscheeff he stood;
And so in sorwe his lyff he dide leede,—
Deied aftir in myscheef & in dreede.
Deth quit with deth, & rage with rage:
Loo, heer the fyn of his vnweeldi age!
Of his childre, which he dide sheede,
Aftir whos deth in gret myscheeff he stood;
And so in sorwe his lyff he dide leede,—
Deied aftir in myscheef & in dreede.
Deth quit with deth, & rage with rage:
Loo, heer the fyn of his vnweeldi age!
472
[Lenvoye.]
This tragedie afforn declareth heere
The grete outrage of vnkyndenesse,
Atween too brethre regnyng bothe ifeere
In Perse-lond, as ye han herd expresse,
Til dyuisioun, of al myscheef maistresse,
Gan entren in thoruh fraternal hatreede,
Which ageyn kynde destroied ther kynreede.
The grete outrage of vnkyndenesse,
Atween too brethre regnyng bothe ifeere
In Perse-lond, as ye han herd expresse,
Til dyuisioun, of al myscheef maistresse,
Gan entren in thoruh fraternal hatreede,
Which ageyn kynde destroied ther kynreede.
The werre aroos, contagious for to lere,
Thoruhout al Perse of mortal frowardnesse,
Of Cirus deth rehersyng the maneere,
How help[e]les he deied in distresse,
And how the noumbre of brethre dide hem dresse
To slen ther fader—the story ye may reede,—
Causyng an eende of al ther hool kynreede.
Thoruhout al Perse of mortal frowardnesse,
Of Cirus deth rehersyng the maneere,
How help[e]les he deied in distresse,
And how the noumbre of brethre dide hem dresse
To slen ther fader—the story ye may reede,—
Causyng an eende of al ther hool kynreede.
Kyng Artaxerses, with a froward cheere,
His iniuries & wronges to redresse,
Slouh his childre, ther moodres eek ifeere,
Spared nat oon, of cruel hastynesse.
Bi which occasioun took a gret siknesse,
Aftir deied in myscheef & in dreede,
Causyng an eende of al his hool kynreede.
His iniuries & wronges to redresse,
Slouh his childre, ther moodres eek ifeere,
Spared nat oon, of cruel hastynesse.
Bi which occasioun took a gret siknesse,
Aftir deied in myscheef & in dreede,
Causyng an eende of al his hool kynreede.
Loo, heer a sorwe nat particuleer;
For thoruh al Perse ran the cursidnesse,
The crokid fame sprad bothe ferr & neer
Of this vengable, hasti, fel woodnesse,
The hair infectyng with sclaundrous foul blaknesse,
To shewe be vengaunce the contrarious meede
Of blood vnkynde boorn of oon kynreede.
For thoruh al Perse ran the cursidnesse,
The crokid fame sprad bothe ferr & neer
Of this vengable, hasti, fel woodnesse,
The hair infectyng with sclaundrous foul blaknesse,
To shewe be vengaunce the contrarious meede
Of blood vnkynde boorn of oon kynreede.
Noble Princis, left up your eyen cleere
And considreth, bi gret auisynesse,
The woful stryues, the odious fel daungeere
Sowe in kynreedis of wilful straungenesse.
Of al rancour your corages doth represse,
Peisyng the myscheeuys folwyng on in deede
Of blood vnkynde born of o kynreede.
And considreth, bi gret auisynesse,
The woful stryues, the odious fel daungeere
Sowe in kynreedis of wilful straungenesse.
Of al rancour your corages doth represse,
Peisyng the myscheeuys folwyng on in deede
Of blood vnkynde born of o kynreede.
Explicit liber tercius.
| Lydgate's Fall of Princes | |