The Turke and Gowin, Sir Lambewell, Lord of Learne, Scotish Feilde, Flodden Feilde, Eger and Grine, Sir Triamore, Sir Degree. Ladye Bessiye

Vol. I.

The Turke and Gowin.

II.

III.

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I. Vol. I.

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Square brackets denote editorial insertions or emendations.

The Turke and Gowin.

Listen, lords great & small,
what aduentures did befall
in England, where hath beene
of knights that held the round table
which were doughty & profittable,
of kempys cruell & keene.

All England both East & west,
lords & ladyes of the best,
they busked & made them bowne,
& when the king sate in seate,—
lords serued him att his meate,—
into the hall a burne there cane:

He was not hye, but he was broad,
& like a turke he was made
both legg & thye,
& said, “is there any will, as a brother,
to giue a buffett & take another,
giff any soe hardy bee?”

Then spake sir Kay, that crabbed knight,
& said “man, thou seemest not soe wight,
if thou be not adread,
for there beene knights within this hall
with a buffett will garr thee fall,
& grope thee to the ground.

“Giue thou be neuer soe stalworth of hand
I shall bring thee to the ground,
that dare I safely sweare.”
then spake sir Gawaine, that worthy knight,
saith, “cozen Kay, thou speakest not right,
lewd is thy answere;

“What & that man want of his witt,
then litle worshipp were to thee pitt
if thou shold him forefore.”

then spake the turke with word[e]s thraw,
saith, “come the better of your tow
though ye be breme as bore”

[OMITTED]

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[half a page missing.]

[OMITTED] “this buffett thou hast [OMITTED]
well quitt that it shall be,
And yett I shall make thee 3tes as feard
as euer was man on middlearth,
this court againe ere thou see.”

Then said Gawaine, “my truth I plight,
I dare goe with thee full right,
& neuer from thee flye;
I will neuer flee from noe aduenture,
Iusting nor noe other turnament,
whilest I may liue on lee.”

The turke tooke leaue of King with crowne,
Sir Gawaine made him ready bowne,
his armor & his steed.
they rode northwards 2 dayes and more
by then Sir Gawaine hungred sore,
of meate & drinke he had great need.

The turke wist Gawaine had need of meate,
& spake to him with word[e]s great,
hawtinge vppon hee;
says “Gawaine, where is all thy plenty?
yesterday thou wast serued with dainty,
& noe part thou wold giue me,

“but with buffett thou did me sore;
therefore thou shalt haue mickle care,
& aduentures shalt thou see.
I wold I had king Arthur heere,
& many of thy fellowes in fere
that behaues to try mastery.”

He led Sir Gawaine to a hill soe plaine;
the earth opened & closed againe,
then Gawaine was adread;
the Merke was comen & the light is gone;
thundering, lightning, snow & raine,
therof enough they had.

Then spake Sir Gawaine & sighed sore,
“such wether saw I neuer afore
in noe stead where I haue beene stood” [OMITTED]

[OMITTED]

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[half a page missing.]

[OMITTED] “[OMITTED] made them noe answere
but only vnto mee.”

To the Castle they then yode:
Sir Gawaine light beside his steed,
for horsse the turke had none;
there they found chamber, bower, & hall,
richly rayled about with pale,
seemly to look vppon;

A Bord was spred within that place,
all manner of meates & drinkes there was
for groomes that might it againe:
Sir Gawaine wold haue fallen to that fare,
the turke bad him leaue for care;
then waxt he vnfaine;

Gawaine said, “man, I maruell haue
that thou may none of these v[i]ttells spare,
& here is soo great plentye;
yett haue I more mervaile, by my fay,
that I see neither man nor maid,
woman nor child soe free;

“I had leuer now att mine owne will
of this fayre meate to eate my fill
then all the gold in christenty.”
the turke went forth, & tarryed nought;
Meate & drinke he forth brought,
was seemly for to see;

He said, “eate, Gawaine, & make thee yare,
infaith or thou gett victalls more
thou shalt both swinke & sweat;
eate, Gawaine, & spare thee nought!”
Sir Gawaine eate as him good thought,
& well he liked his meate;

He dranke ale, & after, wine,
he saith, “I will be att thy bidding baine
without bost or threat;
but one thing I wold thee pray,
giue me my buffett & let me goe my way,
I wold not longer be hereatt.

[OMITTED]

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[half a page missing.]

[OMITTED] There stood a bote and [OMITTED]
Sir Gawaine left behind his steed,
he might noe other doe.

The turke said to Sir Gawaine,
“he shalbe here when thou comes againe,—
I plight my troth to thee,—
within an hower, as men tell me.”
they were sailed over the sea;
the turke said, “Gawaine, hee!

“Heere are we withouten scath;
but now beginneth the great othe.
when he shall aduentures doe.”
he lett him see a castle faire,
such a one he neuer saw yare,
noe wher in noe country.
The turke said to Sir Gawaine
“yonder dwells the King of Man,
a heathen soldan is hee,

“With him he hath a hideous rout
of giants strong & stout
& vglie to looke vppon;
who-so-euer had sought farr & neere
as wide as the world were,
such a companye he cold find none.

“Many auentures thou shalt see there,
such as thou neuer saw yare
in all the world about:
thou shalt see a tenisse ball
that neuer knight in Arthurs hall
is able to giue it a lout;
& other aduentures there are moe:
wee shall be assayled ere we goe,
therof haue thou noe doute;

“But & yee will take to me good heed,
I shall helpe you in time of need;
for ought I can see
there shall be none soe strong in stower
but I shall bring thee againe to hi [OMITTED]

[OMITTED]

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[half a page missing.]

[OMITTED] “Sir Gawaine stiffe & stowre,
how fareth thy vnckle King Arthur,
& all his company,
& that Bishopp Sir Bodwine
that will not let my goods alone,
but spiteth them euery day?

“He preached much of a crowne of thorne;
he shall ban the time that he was borne
& euer I catch him may;
I anger more att the spiritually
in England nor att the temporaltie,
they goe soe in theire array;

And I purpose in full great ire
to brenn their clergy in a fire
& punish them to my pay:
sitt downe, Sir Gawaine, at the bord.”
Sir Gawaine answered at that word,
saith, “nay, that may not be,

“I trow not a venturous knight shall
sitt downe in a kings hall
aduentures or you see.”
the King said, “Gawaine, faire mot then fall!
goe feitch me forth my tennisse ball;
for play will I and see.”

They brought it out with-out doubt;
with it came a hideous rout
of Gyants great & plenty;
all the giants were there then
heire by the halfe then Sir Gawaine,
I tell you withouten nay.

There were 17 giants bold of blood,
& all thought Gawaine but litle good.
when they thought with him to play,
all the giants thoughten then
to haue strucke out Sir Gawaines braine.
help him god that best may!

The ball of brasse was made for the giants hand,
There was noe man in all england
were able to carry it [OMITTED]

[OMITTED]

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[half a page missing.]

[OMITTED] and sticked a giant in the hall
that grysly can hee grone.
The King sayd, “bray away this axeltree,
for such a boy I neuer see;
yett he shalbe assayd better ere he goe;

“I told you, soe Mote I tho,
with the 3 aduenture, & then no more
befor me at this tide.”
Then there stood amongst them all

a chimney in they Kings hall
with barres mickle of pride;
there was laid on in that stond
coales & wood that cost a pound,
that vpon it did abide.

A giant bad gawaine assay,
& said, “Gawaine, begin the play!
thou knowest best how it shold be;
& afterwards when thou hast done,
I trow you shalbe answered soone
either with boy or me.
A great giant, I vnderstand,
lift vp the chimney with his hand
& sett it downe againe fairly.”

Sir Gawaine was neuer soe adread
sith he was man on midle earth,
& cryd on god in his thought.
Gawaine vnto his boy can say
“lift this chimney—if you may—
that is soe worthily wrought.”

Gawaines boy to it did leape,
& gatt itt by the bowles great,
& about his head he it flang;
3is about his head he it swang
that the coals & the red brands [OMITTED]

[OMITTED]

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[half a page missing.]

[OMITTED] [OMITTED] saw of mickle might
& strong were in battell.

“I haue slaine them thorrow my mastery,
& now, Gawaine, I will slay thee,
& then I haue slaine all the flower;
there went neuer none againe no tale to tell,
nor more shalt thou, thoe thou be fell,
nor none that longeth to King Arthur.”

The turke was clad inuissible gay,
no man cold see him withouten nay,
he was cladd in such a weede;
he heard their talking lesse & more,
& yet he thought they shold find him there
when they shold do that deed.

Then he led him into steddie
werhas was a boyling leade,
& welling vppon hie:
& before it a giant did stand
with an Iron forke in his hand
that hideous was to see.

The giant that looked soe keene
that before Sir Gawaine had neuer seene
noe where in noe country:
the King saide to the giant thoe,
“here is none but wee tow;
let see how best may bee.”

when the giant saw Gawaines boy there was,
he leapt & threw, & cryed “alas
that he came in that stead!”
Sir Gawaines boy to him lept,
& with strenght vp him gett,
& cast him in the lead;

100

with an Iron forke made of steele
he held him downe wondorous weele
till he was scalded to the dead.
then Sir Gawaine vnto the King can say,
“with-out thou wilt agree vnto our law,
eatein is all thy bread.”

The King spitt on Gawaine the knight:
with that the turke hent him vpright
& into the fyer him flang,
& saide to Sir Gawaine at the last,
“Noe force, Master, all the perill is past!
thinke not we tarrie too longe,”

[OMITTED]

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[half a page missing.]

[OMITTED] he tooke forth a bason of gold
as an Emperour washe shold,
as fell for his degree:

He tooke a sword of Mettle free,
saies “if euer I did any thing for thee,
doe for me in this stead;
take here this sword of steele
that in battell will bite weele,
therwith strike of my head.”

“that I forefend!” said Sir Gawaine,
“for I wold not haue thee slaine
for all the gold soe red.”
“haue done, Sir Gawaine, I haue no dread,
but in this bason let me bleed
that standeth here in this steed,

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“And thou shalt see a new play,
with helpe of Mary that mild mayd
that saued vs from all dread.”
he drew forth the brand of steele
that in battell bite wold weele,
& there stroke of his head.

And when the blood in the bason light,
he stood vp a stalwortht Knight
that day, I vndertake,
& song “Te deum laudam[u]s,
worshipp be to our lord Iesus
that saued vs from all wracke!

“A! Sir Gawaine! blesed thou be!
for all the service I haue don thee,
thou hast well quitt it me.”
then he tooke him by the hand,
& many a worthy man they fand
that before they neue[r] see.

He said, “Sir Gawaine, withouten threat
sitt downe boldly at thy meate,
& I will eate with thee;
Ladyes all, be of good cheere,
eche ane shall wend to his owne deer
in all hast that may be;

“first we will to King Arthurs hall,
& soone after your husbands send we shall
in country where they beene;
There they wold [OMITTED] abide [OMITTED]

[OMITTED]

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[half a page missing.]

“Thus we haue brought 17 ladys cleere
that there were left in great danger,
& we haue brought them out.”

102

then sent they for theire husbands swithe,
& euery one tooke his oune wife,
& lowlye can they lowte,
And thanked the 2 knights & the King,
& said thé wold be at theire bidding
in all england about.

Sir Gromer kneeld vpon his knee,
saith “Sir King, and your wilbe,
crowne Gawaine King of man.”
Sir Gawaine kneeled downe by,
& said “lord, nay, not I;
giue it him, for he it wan,

“for I neuer purposed to be noe King,
neuer in all my liuinge,
whilest I am a liuing man.”
he said, “Sir Gromer, take it thee,
for Gawaine will neuer King bee
for no craft that I can.”

Thus endeth the tale that I of meane,
of Arthur & his knight[e]s keene
that hardy were & free.
god give them good life far & neere
that such talking loues to heere!
Amen for Charity!

ffins.

144

Sir Lambewell.

[The 1st parte.]

Doughty in king Arthures dayes
when Brittaine was holden in noblenesse,
and in his time a long while
he soiourned in merry Carlile.
with him he had many an heire
as he had else many a whide where;
Of his round table they were Knights all,
& thé had much Mirth in bower & hall;
in euery Land of the world wide
thé came to the court on every side,
both yonge knights & Squires eke,
all thé came to the courte to seeke.
& with him there longed a bold bachelor,
& soe he did many a yeere,
a yonge Knight of much might,
Sir Lambewell forsooth he hight,
and euer he spent worthilye,
& he gaue gifts that were larglie;

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[soe largely] his good he spent,
much more than euer he had rent,
& soe outragiouslie he it sett
that he became far in debt.
and when he saw that all was gone,
then hee begunn to make great moane,
“alacke!” he said, “noe goods I haue;
I know not how to doe, soe god me saue,
& I can neither begg nor borrowe!
thus I am brought far in sorrow,
& I am far in a strange land,
& haue noe goods, as I vnderstand.
of all these Knights that are soe feirce
of the round table, which are my peeres,
eche one to haue me they were glad,
& now for me thé wilbe sad;
both Sir Huon & Sir Gaion,
Some time of me that you were faine;
ffarwell Sir Kay, that crabbed Knight!
farwell Sir Perciuall the wight!
of my companie that thou was faine,
the good Knight Sir Agrauaine!
farwell Sir Garrett & Sir Griffine,

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of my company that thou was faine!
ffarwell the Knight Sir Iron side!
of my company thou had much pride,
ffor my expence & noble wray,
& the rich gifts that I gaue aye!
Certes you shall me neue[r] see;
ffarwell, I take my leaue of you
as a single batchlour without blame,
where before I bare a good name.”
then he leaped vppon a fresh courser
without page or any squier,
& tooke his way towards the west,
betweene the water & a faire fforrest.
the sun was at the [even-tide],
the Knight light downe, & thought to abide,
& layd him downe, the knight free,
vnder the shadow of a tree;
and what for Weeping much & warle,
a-sleepe I-wis this Knight fell,
& what for sobbing & greet.
when he wakned, vp he him sett,
and then he looked afore him tho:
out of a fforrest came Maydens tow,
towards Sir Lambewell they did grow;
ffairer befor he neuer sawe.
Mantles they had of Red veluett
fringed with gold full well sett,
& kirtles of purple sandall,
they were small laced, & fitted well;
they were tyred aboue over all,
& either of them had a ffresh color,

147

they had faces as white as snowdowne,
they had loue-some color & eyen Browne;
& one of them had a gold Bason,
& the other a towell of silke fine.
towards Lamewell drew these maids twaine:
the Knight was curteous, and rose them againe;
thé said, “god speede thee, thou Knight free,
there as thou lyest full of pouirty!”
“damsell,” saies Lamwell, “welcome to mee!”
“Sir,” quoth the one, “well may thou bee!
My Lady thats bright as blossome or flower,
thee greets, Sir Lamwell, as her paramoure,
& prays you for to speake with her
& if it be your will, faire Sir.”
Lamwell answered them both there,
“& I am faine with you to fare,
for which way soeuer your gate lies,
I deeme certaine be paradice,
for fairer maids then you tow bee
I neuer saw moue with mine eye.”
thé thanked Lambwell, that Knight Curteous,
for giuing them soo great a praise:
“but shee as much fairer then wee are seene,
& ouer vs might be a queene,
her bewtie passeth vs as far
as betweene the flower & the steale.”
they washed their hands & face alsoe,
& forth with those maids the Knight did goe.
within that forrest thé did see
a rich pauillion pight full hee,
& euery pomell of the pauillion
was well worth a 100 pound:

148

vpon the topp a gripe stood,
of shining gold, fine & good;
in his mouth he bare a carbunckle bright,
like the moone it shines euery night;
King Alexander the conquerour,
nor Salamon in his most honour,
nor Charlemount the rich King,
they neuer welded such a thing.
for sooth there was in that pauillion
the Kings daugter of Million;
in that pauillion was a bed of price
that was couered ore with goodlie vice,
& therein sate a lady bright,
from the Middle shee was naked vpright,
and all her cloathing by her lay;
ffull seemlie shee sate, I say,
all in a mantle of white Ermines
was fringed about with gold fine.
her mantle downe for heat shee did
full right vnto her girdle steed;
shee was as white as lilly in may,
or snow that falls on winters day;
the blossome, nor the bryar, nor noe Kind of f[lower,]
it hath noe hue vnto her color;
[and the red] Rose when it is new,
to her rednesse hath noe hue,
for it shone Like the gold wyer;
yett noe man can tell of her attyre.
when of her had had a sight,
downe of his knees then fell the Knight,
& saluted her with mild steuen
as though that shee had come from heauen,

149

& spake to her when he had space,
“I put me, lady, into your grace.”
“Sir Lambewell,” shee said, “my harts sweete,
for thy loue my hart I leete,
& theres noe King nor emperour—
but & if I loued him paramour
as much, Sir Lambewell, as I doe thee,—
he wold be right glad of me.”
he sett him downe the lady beside,
“Lady,” he saies, “what-ere betide,
both early & late, loud & still,
command [me] ready at your will!
but as helpe me god, my lady deere,
I am a knight without hawere;
I haue noe goods noe more, nor men,
to maintaine this estate I find your in.”
then said that Lady, “I doe you soe kind,
I know thy estate first & end.
& thou wilt trustilie to mee take,
& for my loue all other forsake,
then I will maintaine thine honour
with gold, with siluer, & with rich treasure,
& with euery man thou shalt spend larglie,
& I will giue thee great plentie.”
then of that profer he was full blithe,
& thanked this lady often sithe;
he obaid him vnto her there,
he list this lady that was soe faire,
& by that Lady downe him sett,
& bad her maides downe meat fet,
& to there hands watter cleer,
for then shee wold vnto supper:

150

there was meate & drinke, great plentie,
of euery thing that was daintye.
when they had eaten & druken both,
then to her bed this lady wold goe.
Sir Lambwell, like a hailow Knight,
by her bedside stood vp full right,
said, “you displease, that wold I nought,
but Iesus leeue, you knew my thought.”
then spake that Lady free,
saies, “vndight thee, Lambewell, & come to me.”
then was Lambwell soone vndight,
& in bed with this Lady bright,
& did all that night lye there,
& did whatsoeuer their wills were;—
for play thé slept but litle that Knight
till it began to be daylight.—
& when the daylight was comen, tho
shee said, “Rise, Lambewell, & now goe!
gold & siluer take inoughe with thee,
& with euery man thoust spend larglie;
& more thou spendest, meryer thoust sitt,
& I will send thee innoughe of it;
but one thing, Knight, I thee forefendant,
that of mee thou neuer auant;
for & thou doe, I tell thee before,
for euer thou hast my loue forlore.
& when thou wilst, thou gentle Knight,
speake with me by day or night,
into some secrett place look you goe,
& thinke vppon me soe & soe,
& shortly I will with you bee,
not a man saue you that shall me see.”

151

a maid brought him his horsse anon;
hee took his leaue, & leapeth vppon;
“ffarewell my hony, farwell my s[weete!]”
“farewell, Sir Lambwell, till oft we meete!”
of treasure then he had great plentie,
& thus he ryds thorrowout the cittye.
while he came there he shold have beene,
a merryer man they neere had seene;
now Lambwell he makes rich feasts,
Lambewell feeds minstrelsie their Iests,
Lambwell rewards religious,
Lambewell helpes euery poore howse;
were it Knight, squier, or swaine,
with his goods he helpeth them;
of his largnesse euery man wotts,
but noe man witts how he itt gotts.
alwayes when he lyed priuy & still,
his lady was ready at his will;
but well happy were the man
that in these dayes had such a one!

The 2d: parte.

Soe vppon a day Sir Gawaine
the gentle knight, & Sir Haion,
Sir Lambewell with them alsoe,
& other knights 20 & moe,
went for to play them on a greene
vnderneth the tower where lay the queene.
these knights on there game plaid thoe,
but sithe to dancinge they wold goe;
Sir Lambell he was before sett,
for his large spending they loued him best;

152

the queene in a bower beheld them all,
& saies “yonder is Large Lambwell!
of all the knights that be there,
there is none soe faire a bachlour,
& he hath neither lemman nor wiffe;
I wold he loued me as his life!
betide me well, betide me ill,
I shall,” shee said, “goe witt his will.”
shee took with her a companie
of damsells that were right pretty,
& downe shee goes anon-wright
for to goe dance with a knight;
& shee went to the first end
between Gawaine & Lambwell the hend,
& all the maids soe forth right,
one & one, betweene 2 knights.
& when this dancing did aslake,
the queene Sir Lambwell to councell did take:
“Lambwell,” shee saies, “thou gentle Knight,
I haue loued thee, & doe with all my might,
and as much desire I thee
as Arthur that Knight soe free;
good hap is now to thee tane,
that thou wilt loue me & noe other woman.”
he saies, “Madam, noe, certez
I wilbe noe traitor neuer in all my daies,
for I owe my king fealtie & homage,
& I will neuer doe him that damage.”
she said, “fie vpon thee, faint Coward!
dastard harllott as thou art!
that thou liuest, it is great pitye,
thou louest noe woman, nor noe woman loues thee!
he said, “Madadam, say yee your will,
but I can loue both lowde & still,

153

& I am loued with my lemman,
that fairer hath noe gentleman,
nor none soe faire, yett say I,
neither mayd nor yett Lady.
the simplest maiden with her, I weene,
ouer you, Madame, may be queene.”
then she was ashamed & full wroth;
shee clippeth her mayds, & forth goeth;
to Chamber shee wold all heavye,
for teene & anger shee wold die.
then King Arthur came from hunting,
glad & merry for all thing;
to the queenes Chamber gone is hee;
& then she fell downe vpon her knee,
& fast, lord, that shee did crye,
“helpe me, Lord, or euer I dye!
without [OMITTED] might
I shall die this yenders night.
I spake to Sir Lambwell in my game,
& he desired my body of shame;
as a false villane traitor
he wold haue done my body dishonor,
and when I wold not to him aply,
he shamefully rebuked me,
& of [his] Lemman praisment he made,
‘that the lowest maiden that shee had
might be a queene over mee;’
& all, Lord, was in despight of thee.”
the King therwith he waxed wroth,
& for anger he sware an oathe
that Lambwell shold abide the law,
peradventure both to hang & draw,

154

& he commanded 4 knights
to feitch the traitor to his sight.
theese 4 knights seeken him anon,
& to his chamber he is gone;
“alacke,” he sayd, “now my life is lorne
hereof shee warned me be-forne,
of all things that I did vse,
of her I shold neuer make my rowze.”
he clipped, hee called, he her besought,
but all availed him of nought;
he sorrowed & he did cry,
& on his knees besought her mercy,
“O my Lady, my gentle creature,
how shall my wreched liffe endure?
my worldlie blisse I haue forlorne,
& falslie to my lady forsworne!”
for sorrow & care he made that stond,
he fell in soonde to the ground;
soe long he lay that they Knights came,
& in his chamber tooke him then,
& like a theefe they led him then,—
thus was his sorrow, weale & woe,—
thé brought [the] Knight before the Kinge,
& this he said at his comminge:
“thou false & vntrue traitor!
thou besought my wife of dishonor!
that shee was lothlier, thou her vpbraid,
then was thy Lemmans lodlyest maid.”
Sir Lambewell answerd with Mild moode,
& tooke himselfe sworne by the roode,
“that it was noe otherwise but soe,
& that my selfe will make good thoe;

155

& therto ouer your court Looke.”
12 knights were d[r]iuen to a booke
the sooth to say in that case
altogether as it was.
these 12 knights, as I weene,
thé know the rule of the queene,
although the King were bold & stout,
that shee was wicked out & out,
but shee had such a comfort
to have Lemmans vnder her Lord;
therfore thé accquitt the trewman;
but sithe thé spake forth then,
for why that he is lemman bring
wherby he made his aduanting,
and alsoe that he proue in place
that her maids fairer was,
& alsoe more bright & sheene,
& of more beutye then the queene,
& alsoe countenance & hue,
they wold quitt him as good & trew;
& if he might not stand ther till,
he shold abide the Kinges will.
this verditt was giuen before the King,
The day was sett [OMITTED]

[_]

[pared off by the binder]

sureties he found to come againe,
both Sir Gawaine & Sir Hayon;
“alacke,” he said, “now my life is lorne!
herof shee warned [me] beforne,
of all things that I did vse,
of her that I shold neuer make rowze.”
he cleped, hee called, he her besought,
but all avayled him of nought;

156

he bent his body & his head eke,
he curst his mouth that of her did speake,
and thus he was with sorrow Num,
he wold his ending day were come
that he might from his life goe.
eche man for him was full woe,
for a large[r] spender then hee
neuer came in that countrye,
& thereto he was feirce & bold,
none better in the Kings houshold.
the day was come of his appearing,
thé brought the Knight afore the King:
his barons that his surties was,
they brought him forth, alas!
the King let it be rehersed there,
both the plaintiffe & the answere;
the King bad him bring his lemman in sight:
he answered that he ne might,
“but this I say to you alone,
a fairer than shee was neuer none,
both of bewtye & of shape;
I am to simple to tuch her lappe
or yett to come vnto her bower,
eccept it were for her pleasure,
not displeasing her sickerlie,
yet wold I you saw her ere I dye.”
“bring her forth,” the King sayes,
“that thou dost now soe fast praise,
to prooue the sooth that thou sayst of.”
“forsooth, my Lord, that can I nought.”
then sayd the King anon thoe,
“fforsooth thy disworshipp is the more;
what may wee all know therby
but that thou lyest loud & hye?”

157

he bade the barons giue Iudgment.
the Barons answered verament,
“to it, Lord, wee will gone,
wee will to it soone & anon.”
& then bespake the Erle of cornwayle
who was one of the councell,
& say[d], “wee know thee King our Lord,
hees owne mouth beares record,
the wich by his owne assent
hath-the g[i]uen the Knight Iudgment;
therefore, & we shold by the law,
Lambewell shold both hang & draw;
but villany it were to eche of vs one
to let vs fordoe soe a noble man,
or yett soe doughtie a bachlour
amongst vs all had neuer peere,
& therfore say by our reede
wee will the King such way leade
that he shalbe commanded to goe,
& void the court for evermore.”
& while they stood thus speaking,
they saw 2 Ladyes come ryding
vpon 2 ambling palfrayes,
much fairer then the summers dayes,
& they were clothed in rich atire,
that euery man had great desire.
Them espied Gawaine the gentle Knight,
“Lamwell,” he said, “dread for noe wight;
yonder comes thy life, yond maist thou see;
the loue of thee, I wott, is shee.”
Lambewell beholds them with much thought,
& said, “alacke, I know them nought!

158

My lady is much fairer certainlie.”
when they came Sir Lambwell by,
not tarrying with him thé yode,
but to the King both thé rode,
& said, “thou Lord of worshipp, Arthur,
lett dresse thy halls & thy bowers
both by ground, roofe, & wall,
with clothes of gold rich ouer all;
it must be done att device;
heere comes our Lady of much price;
shee comes to you, as I weene;
before yee, my lord, shee shalbe seene.”
thé commanded for her sake
the fairest chamber to them to take.
the Ladyes are gone to bower on hye;
the King bade his barronrye
haue done, & giue their iudgment.
the Barons were att verament,
“wee haue beholden this maiden bright,
& yee haue letted vs by this light,
but to it, Lord, we will gone,
wee will haue done soone & anon.”
a new speech they began thoe,
some said “well,” & some said “not soe,”
some to death wold him deeme
for to please the King & queene;
& other some wold make him cleere.
whilest they stood pleading in feare,
the whilest thé stood thus speaking,
other tow Ladies came ryding
vppon tow goodly mules of Spaine,
they had sadles, & bridles were champaind;
they were clothed in rich attire,
that euery man had great desire

159

ffor to behold their gentryes;
they came in oft soe rich a wise.
them espyed Huon the hind;
“Lambewell,” he said, “my brother & freind,
yond comes thy life, yond may thou see;
the tone of these, I wott, is shee,
ffor fairer then shee there may be none;
if it be not shee, choose thee none.”
Lambwell beholds them both I-wis,
& said, “of them 2 none it is;
My Lady is much fairer certainly,
but of her servants they may be.”
these Ladies that thus came ryding
rode to the Castle to the King,
& when thé came it Lamwell by,
baysance thé made certainly;
not tarrying with him thé made,
but to the King both thé rode,
and thé said, “you Lord of worshipp, Arthur,
let dresse thy halls & bowers
by ground, by roofe, & by wall;
with clothes of gold hang it all,
& cleath thy carpetts vnder her ffeete,
[[OMITTED]]
it must be done at device,
for heere comes our lady of much price.”
Much sorrow had dame Geneuer
when shee saw the ladies color;
then shee trowed of some guile
that Lamwell shold be holpen within a while
by his ladye that was coming.
fast shee cryed vpon the King,

160

& said, “lord, if thou loue thine honour,
avenge me on this traitor!”
To hang Lambwell shee wold not spare,
“your barons make you not to care;
without you him sloe without more,
I shall die my-self before.”
he bad his barons giue iudgment,
“or I will my-selfe, by mary gent.”
“we will him doome, Sir, soone anon!”
to tell they tale they once began:

The 3d: parte.

“My lord, thus for-sooth agreed are wee.”
“peace,” said Sir Haion, “noe more say yee,
ffor yonder I see her come rydinge
on whome Sir Lambwell made his auanting,
a damsell by her selfe alone,
on earth was fairer neuer none,—
vpon a fresh ambling palfray,—
much fairer then the summers day;
her eyes beene blossomed cleere & faire,
Iolly & Iocund as the faulconer
or the Iay that sitts on a bough;
of all things she is faire enoughe;
lord! shees a louely creature,
& rides thus att her pleasure.”
a sparhawk shee had on her hand,
a softly pace her palfray sand,

161

3 white greyhounds running her by,
as well beseemed for such a lady;
she had a crowne vppon her head
of precious stones & gold soe red.
wife & child, yonge & old,
all came this lady to beholde,
& all still vppon her gazinge
as people that behold the sacring;
& all they stood still in their study,
& yet they thought them neuer weary,
for there was neuer man nor woman that might
be weary of this ladies sight.
as soone as Sir Lambwell did her see,
on all the people cryed hee
“yond comes my life & my likinge!
shee comes that me out of baile shall bring!
yond comes my lemman, I make you sure;
treulie shee is the fairest creature
that euer man see before; indeed,
looke where shee rydes vppon her steed!”
This Lady when shee came thus ryding,
rode to the castle to the King;
the Knight there his owne worshipp did,
he rose vp, & he gaue her the steed,
& louely he can her greete,
& shee againe with words sweete.
the queene & other Ladyes stout
behold her comlye round about,
and there thé sate as dummbe
as the moone is light from the sunn.
then shee said to the King,
“hither am I come for such a thing:
my trew lemman Sir Lambewell
is Challenged, as I heere tell,

162

how that he shold with villanie
beseech the queene of adoutry.
that is false to bleeue, Sir King;
he bade not her, for shee bade him;
if he had desired her, with-out let
not a foot hither I wold haue sett;
you may beleeue me, euery word;
that this is right, I will make good;
& for the other praisment that he made,
that mine owne Lowtest mayd
was mor of beawtye then thy queene,
let the proofe, Sir, soone be seene.”
the King said, “verament,
Barrons, heere shall be noe iudgment,
but I my selfe the same will deeme
both of the queene & of the Mayden;
if I doe not right, then you may say
but Sir Lambwell [OMITTED]
[OMITTED] quoth the knight
“I will loue him with all my might
both in place & in stead
much better then euer I did.”
& when shee heard him soe say,
she leaped on her palfray
& obayd her to the King soe hind,
& tooke leaue away to wend.
then of all that while to Sir Lambwell
shee wold not speake nor looke neuer soe deale;
but wott you well, sorry was hee,
befor her he fell on his knee,
& said, “Madam! trespassed I haue,
& I am come of your mercy to craue!

163

I k[n]ouledge me of that wicked deed
that was forbidden me when you yode;
I am well worthy therfor to hange,
or leade my life in paines strange;
what pennance, Lady, you will to me say
or you depart from me away,
Lady, I desire noe more of thee
but once aside to looke on me!
My lord the King, of soe high a prow,
for all the service I haue done you,
one good word for me to speake!
& all my fellowes, I you beseeke,
with the King pray you alsoe
of her good word; I aske no moe.”
ffor that they saw he mad such mone,
they King & thé prayd, euery one;
but for all that euer he cold doe,
not a word shee wold speake him too,
but obayd her to the King soe hind,
& tooke her leaue away to wend.
then Lambewell saw that shee wold fare,
his owne hart he tooke to him there;
when shee turned her horse to haue gone,
he leaped vpon soone anon,
vpon her palfray; what-soeuer betide,
behind her he wold not abide;
& he said, “Madam, with reason & skill
now goe which way soe-ere you will,
for when you light downe, I shall stand,
& when you ryd, all at your hande,
& whether it be for waile or woe
I will neuer depart you froe.”

Lord: of Learne

182

It was the worthy Lord of learen,
he was a lord of a hie degree;
he had noe more children but one sonne,
he sett him to schoole to learne curtesie.

learing did soe proceed with that child—
I tell you all in veretie—
he learned more vpon one day
then other children did on 3:

& then bespake the Schoole Master,
vnto the Lord of Learne said hee,
“I thinke thou be some stranger borne,
for the holy gost remaines with thee.”

he said, “I am noe stranger borne,
forsooth, Master, I tell it to thee,
it is a gift of almighty god
which he hath giuen vnto mee.”

183

the schooleMaster turnd him round about,
his angry mind he thought to asswage,
for the child cold answer him soe quicklie,
& was of soe tender yeere of agee.

the Child, he caused a steed to be brought,
a golden bridle done him vpon;
he tooke his leaue of his schoolfellows,
& home the Child that he is gone.

& when he came before his father,
he ffell low downe vpon his knee,
“my blessing, father, I wold aske,
if christ wold grant you wold giue it me.”

“Now god thee blesse, my sonne & my heire,
his servant in heauen that thou may bee!
what tydings hast thou brought me, child?
thou art comen home so soone to mee.”

“good tydings, father, I haue you brought,
Goo[d tydings] I hope it is [?] to mee,
the booke is not in all S[c]ottlande
but I can reade it before your eye.”

a Ioyed man his father was,
euen the worthy Lord of Learne,
“thou shalt goe into ffrance, my Child,
to learne the speeches of all strange lands.”

but then bespake the Child his mother,—
the Lady of learne & then was shee,—
saies, “who must be his well good guide
when he goes into that strange country?”

184

& then bespake that bonnie Child
vntill his father tenderlie,
saies, “father, Ile haue the hend Steward,
for he hath beene true to you & mee.”

the Lady to concell the steward did take,
& counted downe a 100li: there,
saies, “steward, be true to my sonne & my heire,
& I will giue thee mickle mere.”

“If I be not true to my Master,” he said,
“Christ himselfe be not trew to mee!
if I be not true to my lord & Master,
an ill death that I may die!”

the Lord of Learne did apparell his Child
with Bruche, & ringe, & many a thinge;
the apparrell he had his body vppon,
thé say was worth a Squiers liuinge.

the parting of the younge Lord of Learne
with his ffather, his mother, his ffellows deere,
wold haue made a manis hart for to change,
if a Iew borne that he were.

the wind did serue, & thé did sayle
over the sea into ffrance Land:
he vsed the Child soe hardlie,
he wold let him haue neuer a penny to spend,

and meate he wold let the Child haue none,
nor mony to buy none trulie;
the boy was hungry & thirsty both;
alas! it was the more pitty.

185

he laid him downe to drinke the water
that was soe low beneathe the brimn;
he was wont to haue drunke both ale & wine,
then was faine of the water soe thinne;

& as he was drinking of the water
that ran soe low beneath the brime,
soe ready was the false steward
to drowne the bonny boy therin.

“haue Mercy on me, worthy steward!
my life,” he said, “lend it to mee!
& all that I am heire vpon”
saies, “I will giue vnto thee.”

Mercy to him the steward did take,
& pulld the child out of the brime;
euen, alacke! the more pittye!
he tooke his clothes euen from him;

saies, “doe thou me of that veluett gowne,
the crimson hose beneath thy knee,
& doe me of thy cordiuant shoone
are buckled with the gold soe free;

“doe thou me off thy sattin doublett,
thy shirtband wrought with glistering gold,
& doe mee off thy golden Chaine
about thy necke soe many a fold;

“doe thou me off thy veluett hat
with fether in thats is soe ffine,
all vnto thy silken shirt
thats wrought with many a golden swaine.”

186

the child before him naked stood,
with skin as white as lilly flower;
for his worthy lords bewtie
He might haue beene a ladyes paramoure.

he put vpon him a lether cote,
& breeches of the same beneath the knee,
& sent that bony Child him froe,
service for to craue, truly.

he pulld then forth a naked sword
that hange full low then by his side,
“turne thy name, thou villaine,” he said,
“or else this sword shall be thy guide.”

“what must be my name, worthy steward?
I pray thee, now tell it me.”
“thy name shalbe pore disaware,
to tend sheepe on a lonelye lee.”

the bonny Child, he went him froe,
& looked to himselfe truly,
saw his apparrell soe simple vppon;
O Lord! he weeped tenderlye.

vnto a shepards house that Childe did goe,
& said, “Sir, god you saue & see!
doe you not want a servant boy
to tend your sheepe on a lonelie lee?”

“where was thou borne?” the shepard said,
“where, my boy, or in what country?”
“Sir,” he said, “I was borne in fayre Scottland
that is soe farr beyond the sea.”

187

“I haue noe child,” the shepard sayd,
“my boy, thoust tarry & dwell with mee;
my liuinge,” he sayd, “& all my goods,
Ile make thee heire [of] after mee.”

& then bespake the shepards wife,
to the Lord of learne thus did she say,
“goe thy way to our sheepe,” she said,
“& tend them well both night & day.”

it was a sore office, O Lord, for him
that was a lord borne of a great degree!
as he was tenting his sheepe alone,
neither sport nor play cold hee.

Let vs leaue talking of the Lord of Learne,
& let all such talking goe;
let vs talke more of the falst steward
that caused the Child all this woe.

he sold this lord of Learnes his Clothes
for 500li: to his pay,
& bought himselfe a suite of apparrell
might well beseeme a Lord to weare.

when he that Gorgeous apparrell bought
that did soe finelie his body vppon,
he laughed the bony Child to scorne
that was the bonny Lord of learne;

he laughed that bonny boy to scorne;
Lord! pitty it was to heare!
I haue herd them say, & soe haue you too,
that a man may buy gold to deere.

188

when that he had all that gorgeous apparell
that did soe finelie his body vpon,
he went a woing to the dukes daughter of france,
& called himselfe the Lord of Learne.

the duke of ffrance heard tell of this;
to his place that worthy Lord was come truly;
he entertaind him with a quart of Red renish wi[ne],
saies, “Lord of Learne, thou art welcome to me!”

then to supper that they were sett,
Lords & ladyes in their degree;
the steward was sett next the duke of france;
an vnseemlye sight it was to see.

then bespake the duke of ffrance,
vnto the Lord of leearne said hee there,
sayes, “lord of Learne, if thoule marry my daught[er,]
Ile Mend thy liuing 500l: a yeere.”

Then bespake that Lady fayre,
answered her ffather soe alone,
that shee wold be his marryed wiffe
if he wold make her Lady of Learne.

then hand in hand the steward her he tooke,
& plight that Lady his troth alone,
that she shold be his Marryed wiffe,
& he wold make her the Ladie of learne.

thus that night it was gone,
the other day was come truly,
the Lady wold see the Robucke run
vp hills & dales & forrest free.

189

then shee was ware of the younge Lord of learne
tending sheepe vnder a bryar, trulye;
& thus shee called vnto her maids,
& held her hands vp thus an hie,

sayes, “feitch me yond shepards boy,
Ile know why he doth mourne, trulye.”
when he came before that Lady fayer,
he fell downe vpon his knee,

he had beene so well brought vpp
he needed not to learne curtesie.
“where wast thou borne, thou bonny boy,
where or in what countrye?”

“Madam, I was borne in faire Scottland
that is soe farr beyond the sea.”
“what is thy name, thou bonny boy?
I pray thee tell it vnto mee.”

“My name,” he sayes, “is poore Disaware,
that tends sheepe on a lonely lee.”
“one thing thou must tell mee, bonny boy,
which I must needs aske of thee:

“dost not thou know the young Lord of Learne?
he is comen a woing into france to me.”
“yes, that I doe, Madam,” he said;
& then he wept most tenderlie;
“the Lord of learne is a worthy Lord,
if he were at home in his oune country.”

190

“what ayles thee to weepe, my bonny boy?
tell me or ere I part thee froe.”
“nothing but for a freind, Madam,
thats dead from me many a yeere agoe.”

a loud laughter the Ladie lought;
O Lord! shee smiled wonderous hie;
“I haue dwelled in france since I was borne;
such a shepards boy I did neuer see.

“wilt thou not leaue thy sheepe, my Child,
& come vnto service vnto mee?
& I will giue thee meate & fee,
& my Chamberlaine thou shalt bee.”

“then I will leaue my sheepe, Madam,” he sayd,
“& come into service vnto thee;
if you will giue me meate & fee,
your Chamberlaine that I may bee.”

when the Lady came before her father,
shee fell Low downe vpon her knee,
“grant me, father,” the Lady said,
“this boy my Chamberlaine to be.”

“but O Nay, Nay,” the duke did say,
“soe my daughter it may not bee;
the Lord that is come a woing to you
will be offended with you & mee.”

then came downe the false steward
which called himselfe the Lord of learne, trulie:
when he looked that bonny boy vpon,
an angry man I-wis was hee.

191

“where thou was Borne, thou vagabond?
where?” he sayd, “& in what country?”
says, “I was borne in fayre Scotland
that is soe far beyond the sea.”

“what is thy name, thou vagabond?
haue done qu[i]cklie, & tell it to me.”
“my name,” he sayes, “is poore disaware;
I tend sheep on the lonelie lee.”

“thou art a theefe,” the steward said,
“& soe in the end I will prooue thee.”
then be-spake the Ladie fayre,
“peace, Lord of learne! I doe pray thee;
ffor if noe loue you show this Child,
noe favor can you haue of mee.”

“will you beleeue me, Lady faire,
when the truth I doe tell yee?
att Aberdonie beyond the sea
his father he robbed a 100: 3.”

But then bespake the Duke of france
vnto the boy soe tenderlie,
saies, “boy, if thou loue harsses well,
my stable groome I will make thee.”

& thus that that did passe vppon
till the 12 monthes did draw to an ende;
the boy applyed his office soe well,
euery man became his freind.

he went forth earlye one morning
to water a gelding at the water soe free;
the gelding vp, & with his head
he hitt the Child aboue his eye:

192

“woe be to thee, thou gelding!” he sayd,
“& to the mare that foled thee!
thou hast striken the Lord of learne
a litle tinye aboue the knee.

“first night after I was borne, a Lord I was;
an earle after my father doth die;
my father is the worthy Lord of learne;
his child he hath noe more but mee;
he sent me over the sea with the false steward,
& thus that he hath beguiled mee.”

the Lady [wa]s in her garden greene,
walking with her mayds, trulye,
& heard the boy this mourning make,
& went to weeping trulie:

“sing on thy song, thou stable groome!
I pray thee doe not Let for mee,
& as I am a true Ladie
I wilbe trew vnto thee.”

“but Nay, now Nay, Madam!” he sayd,
“soe that it may not bee,
I am tane sworne vpon a booke,
& forsworne I will not bee.”

“sing on thy song to thy gelding
& thou doest not sing to mee;
& as I am a true Ladie
I will euer be true vnto thee.”
he sayd, “woe be to thy, gelding,
& to the Mare that foled thee!

193

“for thou hast strucken the Lord of Learne
a litle aboue Mine eye.
first night I was borne, a lord I was;
an Earle after my father doth dye;

“my father is the good Lord of Learne,
& child he hath noe other but mee.
My father sent me over with the false steward,
& thus that he hath beguiled mee.

“woe be to thee steward, Lady,” he sayd,
“woe be to him verrily!
he hath beene aboue this 12 months day
for to deceiue both thee & mee.

“if you doe not my Councell keepe
that I haue told you with good intent,
& if you doe it not well keepe,
ffarwell! my life is at an ende.”

“I wilbe true to thee, Lord of Learne,
or else christ be not soe vnto me;
And as I am a trew ladye,
Ile neuer marry none but thee!”

shee sent in for her father, the Duke,
in all the speed that ere might bee;
“put of my wedding, father,” shee said,
“for the loue of god, this Monthes 3:

“sicke I am,” the ladye said,
“O sicke, & verry like to die!
put of my wedding, father Duke,
ffor the loue of god this Monthes 3.”

194

the Duke of france put of this wedding
of the steward & the lady, monthes 3;
for the Ladie, sicke shee was,
sicke, sicke, & like to die.

shee wrote a letter with her owne hand
in all the speede that euer might bee;
shee sent over into scottland
that is soe ffarr beyond the sea.

when the Messenger came beffore the old Lord of Learne,
he kneeled low downe on his knee,
& he deliuered the letter vnto him
in all the speed that euer might bee.

first looke he looked the letter vpon,
Lo! he wept full bitterly,
the second looke he looked it vpon,
said, “false steward! woe be to thee!”

when the Ladye of learne these tydings heard,
O Lord! shee wept soe biterlye:
“I told you of this, now good my lord,
when I sent my Child into that wild country.”

“peace, Lady of learne,” the Lord did say,
“for Christ his loue I doe pray thee;
& as I am a christian man,
wroken vpon him that I wilbe.”

he wrote a letter with his owne hand
in all the speede that ere might bee;
he sent it into the Lords in Scottland
that were borne of a great degree;

195

he sent for lords, he sent for knights,
the best that were in the countrye,
to goe with him into the land of france,
to seeke his sonne in that strange Country.

the wind was good, & they did sayle,
500 men into france Land,
there to seeke that Bonny boy
that was the worthy Lord of Learne.

they sought the country through & through,
soe farr to the dukes place of ffrance Land:
there they were ware of that bonny boy
standing with a porters staffe in his hand.

then the worshippfull, thé did bowe,
the serving men fell on their knees,
they cast their hatts vp into the ayre
for Ioy that boy that they had seene.

the Lord of learne, then he light downe,
& kist his Child both Cheeke & chinne,
& said, “god blesse thee, my sonne & my heire,
the blisse of heauen that thou may wiine!”

the false steward & the Duke of france
were in a Castle topp trulie:
“what fooles are yond,” says the false steward,
“to the porter makes soe Lowe curtesie?”

Then bespake the duke of ffrance,
calling my Lord of Learne trulie,
he sayd, “I daubt the day be come
that either you or I must die.”

196

thé sett the Castle round about,
a swallow cold not haue flone away;
& there thé tooke the false steward
That the Lord of Learne did betray.

& when they had taken the false steward,
he fell lowe downe vpon his knee,
& craued mercy of the Lord of learne
for the villanous dedd he had done, trulye.

“thou shalt haue mercy,” said the Lord of Learne,
“thou vile traitor! I tell to thee;
as the Lawes of the realme they will thee beare,
wether it bee for thee to liue or dye.”

a quest of lords that there was chosen
to goe vppon his death, trulie:
there thé Iudged the false steward,
whether he was guiltie, & for to dye.

The forman of the Iury, he came in;
he spake his words full Lowd & hiye:
said, “make thee ready, thou false steward,
for now thy death it drawes full nie!”

sayd he, “if my death it doth draw nie,
god forgiue me all I haue done amisse!
where is that Lady I haue loued soe longe,
before my death to giue me a Kisse.”

“away, thou traitor!” the Lady said,
“auoyd out of my company!
for thy vild treason thou hast wrought,
thou had need to cry to god for mercye.”

197

first they tooke him & h[a]ngd him halfe,
& let him downe before he was dead,
& quartered him in quarters Many,
& sodde him in a boyling Lead;

& then they tooke him out againe,
& cutten all his ioynts in sunder,
& burnte him eke vpon a hyll;
I-wis thé did him curstlye cumber.

a loud laughter the lady laught;
O lord! she smiled merrylie;
She sayd, “I may praise my heauenly King
that euer I seene this vile traytor die.”

then bespake the duke of france,
vnto the right Lord of Learne sayd he there,
says, “Lord of Learne, if thou wilt marry my daught[er]
Ile mend thy liuing 500 a yeere.”

but then bespake that bonie boy,
& answered the Duke quicklie,
“I had rather marry your daughter with a ring of go[ld,]
then all the gold that ere I blinket on with mine eye.”

198

But then bespake the old Lord of Learne,
to the Duke of france thus he did say,
“seeing our Children doe soe well agree,
they shalbe marryed ere wee goe away.”

they Lady of learne, shee was for sent
throughout Scottland soe speedilie,
to see these 2 Children sett vpp
in their seats of gold full royallye.

ffins.

212

Scotish Ffeilde.

[1st ffitt.]

Grant, gracious god grant me this time
that I may say or I cease thy seluen to please,
& Mary his Mother that Masked all this world,
& all the seemlie Saints that sitten in heaven.
I will carpe of Kings that conquered full wide,
that dwelled in this land that was alyes Noble;
Henery the seauenth that soveraigne Lord,
How he moued in at Milford with men but a few.
there were lite Lords in this land that to that Lord longed,
but of derby that deare Earle that doughty hath beene euer,
& the Lord chamberlaine that was his cheefe brother,
Sauage, his sisters sonne a Sege that was able,
& Gylbert the gentle with a Iollye meanye,
all Lancashire, these ladds thé ledden att their will,
& Cheshyre hath them chosen for their cheefe Captaine;

213

Much worshipp haue thé woone in warre their was of their names
in france & in few lands soe fayre them behappen
sith Brute heere abode & first built vp houses.
Sir James Blunt, that bold Knight he bowed to their hands;
Soe did Sir Edward Poynings that proued was of deeds;
Sir John Biron was neuer afrayd for no burne liuinge,
a more manfull man was not of this Mold maked:
thus with a royall retinewe raked thé forwarde,
On this side Bosworth in a bancke thé bred forth their standards
with a dragon full dearfe that adread was therafter,
rayled full of red roses and riches enowe.
there he bickered with a bore that doughtie was called,
Richard that rich Lord in his bright armour,
he held himselfe no Coward for he was a King Noble,
he fought full freshlie his formen amonge
till all his bright armour was all bloudye beronen.
then was he dungen to death with many derfe strokes,

214

cast him on a Capull & carryed him to Liester,
& Naked into Newarke I will mine him noe more,
but let drough[t]en deale with all as him deare liketh.
then said Richmond this realme with all the royall cuntrye,
& raigine with royaltie & riches enoughe
full 24 yeeres In this fayre Land.
he made french men afeard of his fell deedes;
they paid him tribute trulie many told thousands,
that thé might liue in their land & him their Lord call.
but death at him droue that die must he needs;
thus went he forth of this world this worship[fful wight]
to the celestiall blisse with Saints enowe.
I will meddle with this matter noe more att this time,
but he that is makeles of mercy haue mind of his soule!
then succeeded his sonne a souerainge most noble,
that proued was a prince most peerlesse of other,
that was Henery the 8th our most dread Lord.
when his father, that feirce freake had finished his dayes,
he made frenchmen afeard & faire him besought
that he wold take their tribute & traine them noe further;

215

but he nickeed them with Nay & none of it wold,
for he wold see vnder their seigniory some of theIre fayre townes.
thus he greathes him godly with a grat host,
full 15 thousand that feirce was in armes,
for to fare into ffrance att their free will.
then left hee in this land a Leede that was noble,
of surrey that sure Earle the saddest of all other,
as Lord & Leiuetenant to Looke this land over,
if any alyant in his absence durst aduenture him seluen
to visitt or inuade our most valiant realme.
then he dressed him to Dover our most dread King,
with many Lords of this land our Lord giue them Ioy!
of Bucckingham, Duke bold he was a [burn]e Noble,
& of Da[rby] the deere Earle he hath beene doughtie euer,
& Shrewsbury, that sure Earle the saddest of all other,
as a warriour full wise he wends with the vaward;
the Nob[l]e Earle of Northumberlande with others full Many,
thé wende att their will & wrought as them Liiked.
thus thé glenten to Callice with great shipps of warre,
& many a sellcoth saylor where seene on their Masts.

216

when thé to Callice comen all this seemly Meany,
our Knight full [of] courage carpeth these words,
calleth to his councell to witt their wills
on what wise was best his warre to begine.
some sett him to a Cittye that was sure walled,
& told him of Turwine a towne that was noble
& oft had beene assayd with Emperour & other,
yet wold it neuer be woone in warr for noe way on liue;
there was noe wight in this world that win it nay might,
it was soe deepe deluen with diches about.
then our King full of Courage carped these words,
sayes, “I will seege it about within this 7 dayes,
or win it or I hence win with the leaue of our Lord,
or leaue here my liffe Lord, I you sett.”
thus he promised to the prince [That paradice weldeth.]
there were carryages with carts & many keene weapons.
then they waward ffull valiantlie aduanced them seluen;
with trumpetts & tabretts forward thé wenten;
beside the towne of turwin our tents downe we tilden,
& seeged it surlye on all sides about.
many a gaping gunn was gurde to the walls,
where there fell of the first shott manie a fell ffooder,

217

that stones that were new sturrd for stoutley they shotten.
now Leaue wee our King lying att this seege,
& carpe of the french King care him be-happen.
when he heard how vnkindly his townes they were halched,
he hyed him to paris for things that might happen;
there called he his councell for to know their minds,
or what wise was best to worke his warrs to begin
he durst not venter with our King he was soe keene Holden,
for all the gloring gold vnder the god of heauen.
then his councell full Keenlye carped on this wise,
says, “make forth a Messenge to the Mightye King of Scotts,
& profer him a present all of pure gold,
& bid him enter into England & venter him seluen;
he may win it in warre & weld it as him liketh;
there is noe leeds in tha[t] land saue Millers & Masse preists,
all were faren into france that fayre were in armes.

218

then the King called a Earle that wold a lord Noble,
Sir Delamont, that deere Duke that was doughtye euer;
he bad buske him & bowne him to goe on his Message;
he wold as wise of his words as any way else.
then that Knight full courteouslye kneeled to the ground,
saies, “I am bound to goe as ye me bidd wold;”
& tooke his leaue of the King & a letter he taketh,
shoggs into a sure shipp & shoggs ore the water
into Scottland, I you to hett & there the King findeth,
& profered him a present of pounds many a thousand,
for to wend to that warr & worke as him liketh,
& enter into England & weld it for euer:
there is noe Lord in that Land to looke him against,
all were faren into france that feirce were in armes.
the King was glad of that gold that he gan brought,
& promised him full peertly his part for to take,
that his cozen the french King soone shold it know.

219

then summons he his soeged in sundry places,
that they byde shold at blackator in ther best weeds,
By the [8th: day of August] to know theire Kings mind.
there came at his commandement ketherinckes full many,
from Orkney that Ile there came a great Host,
from Galloway a gay Lord with a great Menie,
all Scottland thither came to know their Kings mind:
many Scotts & Ketherickes bowed to his Hand;
such an host of that Nation was neuer seene before;
their names were numbred to 9 score thousand
truly by their owne tounge as it was told after.
then thé light att a lott the king and his lords,
that the mighty Lord Maxwell shold moue them before
with 10000 by tale that were tryed of the best,
to see wether any seege durst sett him against:
thus he rested in that realme the riggs altogether,
till thé hard of that battell how it with him hapened.
then he bowneth him boldlye ouer the broad waters,
& manlye him Marcheth to the Mill feelde;

220

he robbeth like a rebell the right him against;
but all Light on his leeds att the latter ends,
for killed they were like Caytiues as you shall here after.
when the commons of the country of this comen wisten,
then fled they for feare soe crulye they fareden,
& made aw[ay with messengers] to tell my Lord dacres
what Mischeefe the fomen made in the march ends;
“but he kee[peth] him in Carleile & keire wold no further,
he wold not Meddle whithose Men for noe mans will.”
then a knight of that countrie that was knowne full wide,
one Sir william Baw-bener that hath beene bold euer,
he moueth towards these Menie with men but a few,
not fully 500 that the freake followed;
then [mett] he with a Man that had 400d:;
that was bold bastard hearne that bastard was neuer,
a warriour full wise & wittye of deedes.
when they were summoned & seene these seeges together,
thé were numbred 900d that was the highest Number
& thé were 10000 by tale vpon the other partye;
ffull vnmeete be them mached Marry them speede!
thus they fared ouer the feild their formen to seeke;

221

neuer rest wold these rangers but alwaies raked forward
till they had seene that seege that they sought after.
all these scaclech Scotts that alwayes scath diden.
then niiged they nighe that abyde must thé needs
euery ranke to his rest Rudlie [him dressed]
not the mountenance of a Mile from theire most enemyes.
soone after Drayned the day & the dew falleth,
the sun shott vp full soone & shone ouer the feilds,
birds bradd to the bowes & boldly thé songen:
itt was a solace to see for any seege liuinge.
then euery bearne full boldlye bowneth him to his weapons,
full radlye in array royally them dressed.
our english men full merrilye attilde them to shoote,
& shotten the cruell Scots with their keene arrowes;
many horsse in that heape hurled downe his Master;
then they fettled them to flye as false beene thé euer.
that serueth not forsoothe who soe truly telleth,
our English men full eagerlie fast followed after,
& tooke prisoners prest & home againe wenten.
there were killed of the Scotts more then 12 score,
& as many more prisoners were put to ther ransome:

222

thus were thé beaten att the first brayd all that brawling people,
& likwise in the latter end as yee may here after.

[2d ffitt.]

Then the mightie Lord Maxewell ouer the mountaines flees,
& kered to his King with careful tydings,
telleth him the truth & tarryeth noe longer,
sayth, “I am beaten backe for all my bigg meny,
and there beene killed of the Scotts I know not how many.”
then the Scottish King full nie his witt wanteth,
& sayd, “on who was thou mached man, by the sooth?”
he promised him pertlye thé passed not 1000.
“yee beene cravens,” quoth the King “care mote yee happen!
but Ile wend you to worke wayes I you sett
alonge within that Land the length of 3 weekes,
& destroy all arright that standeth me before:”
thus he promised to the prince that paradice weldeth.
then hee summond his seeges & sett them in order;
the next way to Noram anon then he taketh;
he enclosed that Castle cleane round about,
& they deffended fast the folke that were within.
without succour come soone their sorrow is the more!
the Earle of Surrey himselfe att Pomferett abideth;

223

he heard what vnhappiness these scarlotts didden;
He made letters boldly all the land over,
into Lancashire beliue he caused a man ryde
to the bishoppe of Ely that bode in those parts,
curteouslye commanded him in the Kings name
to summon the shire & sett them in order;
he was put in more power then any prelate else.
then the Bishopp boldlye bowneth forth his standards
with a Captaine full keene as it was knowne after;
he made away to wend to warne his Deare Brother
Edward, that Egar Knight that epe was of deeds.
a stalke of the Stanleys stepe vpp him seluen,
then full readilye he rayseth Knights ten thousand;
to Scikpton in Crauen then thé comen beliue;
there abydeth he the banner of his deare Brother,
till a Captaine with it came that knowne was full wide,
Sir John Stanley, that stout Knight that sterne was of deeds,
with 4000 feirce men that followed him after,
they were tenants to the booke that tended the bishoppe,
& of his houshold, I you hett hope you none other.
euery bearne had on his brest brodered full fayre
a foote of the fay[res]t fowle that euer flew on winge,

224

with 3 crownes full cleare all of pure gold:
it was a seemly sight to see them together,
14000 Eagle foote fettered in a-ray.
thus they cooasten thorrow the countrye to the New-castle.
proclamation in that place was plainly declared,
that euery hattell shold him hie in hast that hee might,
to boulton in Glendower all in goodlie haste.
there mett thé a muster then, many a thousand,
with Knights that were keene well knowne in their contry,
& many a louelye Lord vpon that londe hight.
then they moued towards the Mountaine these Meany to seeche,
these scattered Scotts that all they scath didden;
they wold neuer rest but alway raked forward
till they had seene the seeges that they had sought after;
but they had gotten them a ground most vngracious of other,
vpon the topp of a hie hill I hett you forsoothe,
there was noe way in this world might wend them againe

225

but he shold be killed [in the] close ere he climbed the Mountaine.
when they Lords had on them looked as [long as them liked]
euery Captaine was commanded their company to order.
“tho wee are bashed with this bigg Meany I blame vs but litle,
then wee tild downe ouer tents that told were a 1000;
at the ffoot of a fine hill they setteled them all night,
there they lyen & lodged the length of 4 daies,
till euery Captaine full Keenlie callen to their lords,
bidd them settle them to fight or they wold fare homeward.
there company was clemmed & much cold did suffer;
water was a worthy drinke win it who might.”
then the Lord leiuetenant looked him about,
& boldly vnto battell busked he his meanye.
the Lord Howard, the hende Knight haue shold the vanwarde
with 14000 feirce men that followed him after.
the left winge to that ward was Sir Eward Howarde,
he chose to him Cheshire theire chance was the worse;
because they knew not theire Captaine theire care was the more,
for they were wont att all warr to wayte vppon the stanleys;

226

much worshipp they woone when they that way serued,
but now lanke is their losse our lord itt amend!
the right wings, as I weene was my lord lumley,
a captaine full keene with Sir Cutberds banner;
my Lord Clifford with him came all in cleare armour;
Soe did Sir william Percy that proued was of deeds,
& Sir william Bawmer that bold hath beene euer,
with many Captaines full keene who-soe knowes their names.
& if I recon the rerward I rest must to longe,
but I shall tell you the best tokens that therevppon tended;
the Earle of Surrey himselfe surelye it guided;
& the Lord Scroope full comlye with knights full many,
he wold witt the wing that to that ward longed;
it was a Bishoppe full bold that borne was att Latham,
of Ely that Elke Lord that eke was of deeds,
& nere of blood to that Earle that named was stanley,
neere of Nature to the Nevills that Noble haue beene euer;
but now death with his dart hath driuen him away;

227

it is a losse to this land our Lord haue his sonse,
ffor his witt & his wisdome & his wate deeds;
he was a pillar of peace the people amonge;
his servants they may sighe & sorrow for his sake;
what for pitty & for paine my pen doth me fayle;
Ile meddle with this matter noe more att this time,
but he that is maklesse of mercy haue mind on his soule!
then he sent with his company a Knight that was noble,
Sir John Stanley, the stout Knight that sterne was of deeds;
there was neuer bearne borne that day bare him better.
the Left wing to the rereward was my Lord Mounteagle,
with many leeds of Lancashire that to himselfe longed,
which foughten full freshly while the feild lasted.
thus the rere ward in array raked euer after,
as long as the light day lasted one the Lands.
then the sun full soone shott vnder the clouds,
& it darkened full dimlie & drew towards night.
euery ring to his rest full radlye he dressed,
beeten fires full fast & fettlen them to sowpe
besides Barwicke on a banke within a broad woode.
then dauned the [daye] soe deere god ordayned;
Clowdes cast vp full cleerlye like Castles full hie,
then Phebus full faire flourished out his beames

228

with Leames full light all the land ouer.
all was damped with dew the daysies about,
flowers flourished in the feild faire to behold;
birrds bradden to the boughes & boldlye thé songen;
it was solace to heare for any seege liuing.
then full boldlye on the broad hills we busked our standards,
& on a faugh vs be-side there we seene our enemyes
were mouing ouer the mountaines to macth vs they thoughten,
as boldly as any bearnes that borne was of mothers,
Soe eagerly with Ire attilld them to meete.
they trunmpetts full truly they tryden together,
Many shames in that showe with theire shrill pipes;
heauenly was theire Melody their Mirth to heare,
how thé songen with a showte all the shawes ouer!
there was gurding forth of gunns with many great stones,
Archers vttered out their arrowes and [egerlie they shotten,]
they proched vs with speares & put many over
that they blood out brast at there broken harnish.
theire was swinging out of swords & swapping of headds;
we blanked them with bills through all their bright armor
that all the dale dunned of their derfe strokes.

229

then betid a checke that the shire men fledden;
in wing with those wayes was with my Lord Dacres,
he ffledd att the first bredd & thé followed after;
when theire Captain was keered away there comfort was gone,
they were wont in all warrs to wayt on the Stanlyes,
they neuer fayled at noe forward that time that they were;
now lost in their loofe our lord it amende!
many squires full swiftly were snapped to the death,
Sir John boothe of barton was brought from his liffe,
a more bolder bearne was neuer borne of woman;
& of yorkshire a yonge Knight that epe was of deedes,
Sir william werkoppe, as I weene was the wyes name,
of the same shire figh will that was soe feirce holden,
besides rotheram that Knighte his resting place hadd.
the barne of Kinderton full keenly was killed them beside,
soe was hauforde, I you hett that was a hend sweere,
ffull-show full fell was fallen to the ground;
Christopher Sauage was downe cast that kere might he neuer;

230

& of Lancashire, John Laurence god haue mercy on their soules!
these frekes wold neuer flee for noe feare that cold happen,
but were killed lik Conquerors in their Kings service.
when the Scotts & the Ketherickes seene our men scatter,
they had great yoy of their ioyinge & Iolly came downwarde.
the Scotts King keenlie calleth to him a herrott,
biddeth tell him the truth & tarry noe longer,
who where the banners of the bearnes that bode in the valley.
“thé are standards of the stanleys that stands by them seluen;
if he be faren into france the frenchmen to feare,
yett is his standard in that stead with a stiffe Captaine,
Sir Henery Keeglye is called that keene is of deeds.
Sir Thomas Gerrard, that Iolly Knight Is ioyned there vnder
with Sir willi[a]m M[olynex ] with a manfull meany.
these frekes will neuer flee for feare that might happen,
but they will strike with their standards in their steele weeds,
because thé busked them att Barwicke that bolds them the more.
loe how he batters & beates the bird with her wings,
we are feard of yonder fowle soe feircly he fareth;

231

& yonder streamer full straight that standeth him beside,
yonder is the standard of Saint Towder trow yee noe other,
that neuer beaten was in battell for bearne vppon liue.
the 3d. standard in that steade is my lord Mounteagle,
& of yorkshire ffull epe my yonge Lord Dacerrs,
with much puissance & power of that pure shire.”
then the Scottish King carped these words,
“I will fight with yonder frekes that are soe feirce holden;
& I beate those bearnes the battle is ours.”
then thé moued towards the Mountaine & madly came downwards;
wee mett him in the Midway & mached him full euen;
then was there dealing of dints that all the dales rangen,
many helmes with heads were hewd all to peeces.
this layke lasted on the land the length of 4 houres.
yorkshire like yearne men eagerlye they foughten;
soe did darbyshire that day deered many Scotts;
Lancashire like Lyons Laid them about;
All had beene lost, by our Lord had not those leeds beene;
but the race of the Scotts increased full sore;
but their King was downe knocked & killed in there sight
vnder the banner of a Bishoppe that was the bold standlye.
then they fettled them to flye as fast as they might;
but it serveth not forsooth who-soe truth telleth;

232

our englishman ffull egerlye after them followed,
& killed them like Caitiues in Clowes all about.
there were killed of the Scotts that told were by tale,
that were found in the feild 15teene: thousand.
loe what it is to be false & the ffeende serve!
they haue broken a bookothe to their blithe Kinge,
& the truce that was taken the space of 2 yeeres.
all the Scotts that were scaped were scattered all assunder;
they remoued ouer the More vpon the other morning,
And [their stoode like stakes] & stirr durst noe further,
for all the lords of their lande were left them behind.
besids brinston in a bryke breathelesse thé lyen,
gaping against the moone theire guests were away.
then the Earle of Surrey himselfe calleth to him a herott,
reade him farr into ffrance with these fayre tydants;
“comende me to our kinge these comfortable words;
tell him I haue restored his realme soe right required;
the King of Scotts is killed with all his cursed Lords.”
when the King of his kindnesse hard these words,
he saith, “I will sing him a sowle knell with the sound of my gunnes.”

233

such awise, to my Name was neuer hard before,
for there was shott att a shoote 1000 att once,
that all rang with the rout rocher & other.
Now is this ferle feild foughten to an ende!
many a wye wanted his horsse & wandred home a ffoote;
all was long of the Marx men a Mischeefe them happen!
he was a gentleman by Iesu that this iest made,
which say but as he sayd forsooth, & noe other.
att Bagily that bearne ; his bidding place had,

234

& his Ancetors of old time haue yearded their longe,
Before william Conquerour this cuntry did inhabitt.
Iesus bring vs to blisse that brought vs forth of bale,
that hath hearkned me heare or heard my tale!

ffins.

318

Fflodden Ffeilde.

[The First Part.]

Now let vss talke of Mount of flodden,
fforsooth such is our chance,
& let vs tell what tydings the Ear[l]e of Surrey
sent to our King into france.

the Earle he hath a writting made,
& sealed it with his owne hand;
from the Newcastle vpon tine
the Herald passed from the land,

& after to callice hee arriued,
like a noble Leed of high degree,
& then to Turwin soone he hyed,
there he thought to haue found King Henery;

But there the walls were beaten downe
& our English soliders therin Laine;

319

sith to Turnay the way hee nume,
wheras lay the Emperour of Almaine,
& there he found the King of England:
blessed Iesus, preserve that name!

when the Herald came before our King,
lowlye he fell downe on his knee,
& said, “Christ, christen King, that on the crosse dyed!
Noble King Henery! this day thy speed may bee!”

the first word that the prince did minge,
said, “welcome, Herald out of England, to me!
how fares my Leeds, how fares my Lords,
My knights, my Esquiers in their degree?”

“heere greeteth you well your owne Leaetenant,
the Honorable Erle of Surrey;
he bidds you in ffrance to venter your chance,
for slaine is your brother King Iamye,
& att louelie London you shall him finde,
my comelye prince, in the presence of thee.”

then bespake our Comlye King,
said, “who did fight & who did flee?
& who bore him best of the mount of fflodden,
& who was false, & who was true to me?”

“Lancashire & Cheshire,” sayd the Messenger,
“cleane they be fled and gone;
There was nere a man that Longd to the Erle of darby
that durst looke his enemyes vpon.”

320

S[t]ill in a study stood our Noble King,
& tooke the writting in his hand;
shortlye the seale he did vnclose,
& readilye he read as he found.

then bespake our comlye King,
& called vpon his chiualree,
& said, “who will feitch me the King of Man,
the Honnorable Thomas Erle of Darbye?

“he may take Lancashire & Cheshire
that he hath called the cheefe of chiualree;
Now falsely are they fled & gone,
neuer a one of them is true to mee!”

then bespake Sir Raphe Egerton the Knight,
& lowlye kneeled vpon his knee,
& said, “my soueraigne Lord King Henery!
if it like your grace to pardon mee,

“if Lancashire and Cheshire be fled & gone,
of those tydings wee may be vnfaine,
but I dare lay my life & lande
it was for want of their Captaine.

“for if the Erle of Derby our Captaine had beene,
& vs to lead in our arraye,
then noe Lancashire man nor Cheshire
that euer wold haue fled awaye!”

321

“soe it prooued well,” said our Noble King;
“by him that deerlye dyed vpon a tree!
now when wee had the most neede,
falslye they serued them to mee!”

then spake william Brewerton, Knight,
& lowlye kneeled his prince before,
& sayd, “my Soueraigne King Henery the 8th:,
if your grace sett by vs soe little store,

“where-soeuer you come in any feild to fight,
set the Earle of Darby & vs before,
then shall you see wether wee fight or flee,
trew or false whether we be borne!”

Compton rowned with our King,
& said, “goe wee & leaue the cowards right.”
“heere is my gloue to thee!” quoth Egerton;
“Compton! if thou be a knight,

“take my gloue, & with me fight
Man to Man, if thou wilt turne againe;
for if our prince were not present wright,
the one of vs 2 shold be slaine,

“& neuer foote beside the ground gone
vntill the one dead shold bee.”
our prince was moued theratt anon,
& returned him right teenouslye,

322

& to him came on the other hand
the Honnorable Erle of Darbye;
& when he before our prince came,
he lowlye kneeled vpon his knee,

& said, “Iesu christ that on the crosse dyed,
this day, Noble Henery, thy speed may bee!”
the first word that the King did speake,
sayd, “welcome, King of man & Erle of Darbye!

“how likest thou Cheshire and lancashire both,
which were counted cheefe of chiualree?
falslye are they fled & gone,
& neuer a one is trew to mee!”

“if that be soe,” said the Erle free,
“my Leege, therof I am not faine.
my comlye prince, rebuke not mee,
I was not there to be there Captaine;

“if I had beene their Captaine,” the Erle said then,
“I durst haue Layd both Liffe and land,
he neuer came out of Lancashire nor cheshire
That wold haue fledd beside the ground!

“but if it like your Noble grace
a litle boone to grant itt mee,
Lett me haue Lancashire and Cheshire both,—
I desire noe more helpe trulye;—

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“if I ffayle to burne vp all Scottland,
take me & hang me vpon a tree!
I, i shall conquer to Paris gate
both comlye castles and towers hye!

“wheras the walls beene soe stronge,
Lancashire and Cheshire shall beate them downe.”
“by my fathers soule,” sayd our King,
& by him that dyed on the roode,

“thou shalt neuer haue lancashire nor Cheshire right
att thy owne obedyence for to bee!
cowards in a feild felly will fight
againe to win the victorye.”

“wee were neuer cowards,” said the Erle,
“by him that deerlye dyed on tree!
who brought in your father att Milford Hauen?
King Henery the 7th: forsooth was hee;

“thorow the towne of fortune wee did him bring,
& soe convayd him to Shrewsburye,
& soe crowned him a Noble King;
& Richard that day wee deemed to dye.”

324

our prince was greatlye moued at that worde,
& returned him hastilye againe.
to comfort the Erle came on the other hande
the doughtye Edward, Duk of Buckingam;

“plucke vp thy hart, brother Stanlye,
& lett nothing greeiue thee!
for I dare lay my liffe to wedd
it is a false writing of the Erle of Surrey.

“sith King Richard feele, he neuer loued thee,
for thy vnckle slue his father deere,
& deerlye deemed him to dye;
Sir Christopher Savage his standard always did beare.”

“alas brother!” sayd the Erle of Darbye,
“woe be the time that I was made Knight,
or were ruler of any Lande,
or euer had manhood in feild to fight!

“soe bold men in battle as were they,
forsooth had neither Lord nor swaine.
ffarwell my vnckle Sir Edward Stanley!
for well I wott that thou art slaine!

325

“surelye whiles thy liffe wold last
thou woldest neuer shrinke beside the plaine;
nor Iohn Stanley, that child soe younge!
well I wott that thou art slaine!

“ffarwell Kighlye! Coward was thou neuer!
old Sir Henery the good Knight,
I left the[e] ruler of Latham,
to be deputye both day & night.

“ffarwell Townlye that was soe true!
& that Noble Ashton of Middelton!
& the sad Southwarke that euer was sure,
forwell! I wott that thou art gone.

“farwell Ashton vndeline
& Manlye Mullenax! for thou art slaine;
for doubtlesse while your liues wold last
you wold never shun beside the plaine.

“ffarwell Adderton with the Leaden Mall!
well I know thow art deemed to dye!
I may take my leaue att you all!
the flower of Manhoode is gone from mee!

326

“ffarwell Sir Iohn Booth of Barton, Knight!
well I know that thou art slaine!
while thy liffe wold last to fight,
thou wold neuer [shun] be-sids the plaine,

“ffarwell Butler & Sir Bode!
sure you haue beene euer to mee;
& soe I know that [still] you wold,
if that vnslaine you bee.

“ffarwell Christopher savage, the Knight!
well I know that thou art slaine!
for whiles thy life wold last to fight,
thou wold neuer [shun] besids the plaine.

ffarwell Dutton & Sir Dane!
you haue beene euer trew to mee.
ffarwell the Baron of Kinderton!
beside the feild thou wold not flee!

“ffarwell, ffitton of Gawsworth!
either thou art taken or slaine;
doubtelesse while thy life wold Last,
thou wold neuer [shun] beside the plaine.”

as they stood talkinge together there,
the Duke & the Erle trulye,
came ffor to comfort him th[e] trew Talbott
& the noble Erle of Shrewsburye:

327

“plucke vp thy hart, sonne Thomas, & be Merry,
& let noe tydings greeve thee!
am not I godfather to our King?
my owne god-sonne forsooth is hee.”

he tooke the Duke of Buckingam by the arme,
& the Erle of Shewsburye by the other:
“to part with you it is my harme;
farwell my father & my brother!

“farwell Lancaster that litle Towne!
farwell now for euer & aye!
many pore men may pray for my soule
when they lye weeping in the lane.

“ffarwell Latham, that bright bower!
9 towers thou beares on hye,
& other 9 thou beares on the outer walls;
within thee may be lodged kings 3.

“ffarwell Knowsley, that litle tower
vnderneth the holtes soe whore!
euer when I thinke on that bright bower,
white me not though my hart be sore.

328

“ffarwell Tocstaffe, that trustye parke,
& the fayre riuer that runes there beside!
there I was wont to chase the hinde & hart;
now therin will I neuer abide!

“ffarwell bold Birkhead, there was I boorne,
within the abbey & that Monesterye;
the sweet covent for mee may mourne;
I gaue to you the tythe of Beeston, trulye.

“ffarwell westchester for euermore,
& the watter gate, it is my owne;
I giue a mace pro the serieant to weare,
to waite on the Maior, as it is knowne;

“will I neuer come that citye within;
but, sonne Edward, thou may clayme it of wright.
ffarwell westhardin, I may thee myn!
Knight & lord I was of great might!

“Sweete sonne Edward, white Lookes thou make,
& euer haue pittye on the pore cominaltye!
ffarwell hope & Hopedale!
Mould & Moulesdale, god be with thee!

I may take leaue with a sorry cheere,
for within thee will I neuer bee.

329

[The Second Part.]

as they stoode talking together there,
the Duke & the Lords trulye,

Came Iamie Garsed, a yeman of the guard
that had beene brought vp with the Erle of Derbye:
like the devill, with his fellowes he had fared,
he s[t]icked 2, & wounded 3;

After, with his sword drawen in his hand,
he fled to the Noble Earle of Derbye.
“stand vp, Iamye!” the Erle said,
“these tydings nothing liketh mee.

“I haue seene the day I cold haue saued thee,
such 30 men if thou hads[t] slaine,
& now if I shold speake for thee,
Sure thow weret to be slaine;

“I will once desire my bretheren eche one
that they will speake for thee.”
he prayd the Duke of Buckingam
& alsoe the Erle of Shrewsburye,

alsoe my Lord fitzwater soe wise,
& the good Lord willowbye,

330

Sir Rice apthomas, a Knight of price,
they all spoke for long Iamye.

they had not stayd but a litle while there,
the Duke & the Erles in their talkinge,
but straight to the Erle came a messenger
that came latelye from the King,

and bad that long Iamie shold be sent;
there shold neither be grith nor grace,
but on a boughe he shold be hanged
In middest the feild before the Erles face.

“if that be soe,” said the Erle of Derbye,
I trust our prince will better bee;
such tydings maketh my hart full heavye
afore his grace when that wee bee.”

the Duke of Buckingam tooke Iamie by the one arme,
& the Erle of Shrewsburye by the other;
afore them they put the King of Man;
it was the Erle of Darbye & noe other.

the Lord fitzwater followed fast,
& soe did the Lord willowbyghe;
the comfortable cobham mad great hast;
all went with the Noble Erle of Derbye.

the hind Hassal hoved on fast
with the Lusty Lealand trulye,
soe did Sir Alexander Osbaston,
came in with the Erle of Derbye;

331

the royall Ratcliffe that rude was neuer,
& the trustye Trafford keene to trye,
& wight warburton out of Cheshire,
all came with the Erle of Darbye;

Sir Rice ap Thomas, a Knight of Wales,
Came with a feirce Menye;
he bent his bowes on the bent to abyde,
& cleane vnsett the gallow-tree.

when they came afore our King,
lowlye they kneeled vpon their knees;
the first word that our prince did Myn,
“welcome! Dukes & Erles to mee!

“the most welcome hither of all
is our owne traitor Long Iamie!
Iamie! how Durst thou be soe bold
as in our presence for to bee,

“to slay thy bretheren within their hold?
thou was sworne to them, & they to thee.”
then began long Iamie to speake bold:
“my leege, if it please your grace to pardon mee,

“When I was to my supper sett,
they called me coward to my face,
and of their talking they wold not lett,
& thus with them I vpbrayded was.

332

“thé bade me flee from them apace
to that coward the Erle of Derbye.
when I was litle & had small grace,
he was my helpe & succour trulye;

“he tooke [me] from my father deere,
& keeped me within his woone
till I was able of my selfe
both to shoote & picke the stone;

“then after, vnder Grenwich, vpon a day
a Scottish Minstrell came to thee,
& brought a bow of yew to drawe,
& all the guard might not stirr that tree.

“then the bow was giuen to the Erle of Derbye,
& the Erle deliuered it to mee;
7 shoots before your face I shott,
& att the 8th in sunder it did breake;

“Then I bad the Scott bow downe his face
& gather vp the bow, & bring it to his King;
then it liked your noble grace
into your guard for me to bring;

“Sithen I haue liued a merry liffe;
I thanke your grace & the Erle of Darbye;
but to haue the Erle rebuked thus,
that my bringer-vp forsooth was hee,

“I had rather suffer death,” he said,
“then be false to the Erle that was true to me.”

333

“Stand vp Iamie!” said our King,
“haue heere my charter, I giue it thee;

“let me haue noe more fighting of thee
whilest thou art within ffrance Lande.”
“then one thing you must grant,” said Iamie,
“that your ward theron may stand,

“who-soe rebuketh Lancashire or Chesshire,
shortlye shall be deemed to dye.”
our King comanded I cry I-wis
to be proclaimed hastilye;—

“if the Dukes & Erles kneele on their knees,
itt getteth on sturr the comonaltye;
if wee be vpbrayded thus,
manye a man is like to dye.”
the King said, “he that rebuket Lancashire or Cheshire
shall haue his iudgment on the next tree.”

then soe they were in rest
for the space of a night, as I weene.
& on the other day, without Leasinge,
there came a Messenger from the Queene;

“& when he came before our King,
lowlye he kneeled vpon his knee,
& said, “chr[i]st thee saue, our Noble King,
& thy speed this day may bee!
heere greeteth thee well thy loue & liking,
& our honorable Queene & ladye,

334

“& biddeth you in ffrance to be glad,
for slaine is your brother-in-law King Iamie;
& att louelye London he shalbe found,
my comlye prince, in the presence of thee.”

then bespake our comlye prince,
saiinge, “who did fight & who did flee?
& who bare them best of the Mount of fflodden?
& who his false, & who is true to mee?”

“Lancashire & Cheshire,” said the Messenger,
“they haue done the deed with their hand!
had not the Erle of derbye beene to thee true,
in great aduenture had beene all England.”

then bespake our prince on hye,
“Sir Raphe Egertton, my marshall I make thee;
Sir Edward Stanley, thou shalt be a Lord,
Lord Mounteagle thou shalt bee;

“yonge Iohn Stanley shalbe a Knight,
& he is well worthy for to bee.”
the Duke of Buckingham the tydings hard,
& shortlye ran to the Erle of darbye:

“Brother, plucke vp thy hart & be merrye,
& let noe tydings greeve thee!
yesterday, thy men called cowerds were,
& this day they haue woone the victorye.”

the Duke tooke the Erle by the arme,
& thus they ledden to the prince [trulye].
7 roods of ground the King he came,

335

& sayd, “welcome, King of man & Erle of Derbye!
the thing that I haue taken from thee,
I geeve it to thee againe whollye,

“The Maurydden of Lancashire & Cheshire both
att thy bidding euer to bee;
ffor those men beene true, Thomas, indeed;
they beene trew both to thee & mee.”

“yett one thing greeveth me,” said the Erle,
& in my hart maketh me heavye,
this day to heare thé wan the feild,
& yesterday cowards to bee.”

“it was a wronge wryting,” sayd our King,
“that came ffrom the Erle of Surrey;
but I shall him teach his prince to know,
if euer wee come in our countrye!”

“I aske noe more,” sayd the Noble erle,
“ffor all that my men haue done trulye,
but that I may be Iudge my selfe
of that Noble Erle of Surreye.”

“Stand vp, Thomas!” sayd our prince,
“Lord Marshall I make thee,
& thou shalt be Iudge thy selfe,
& as thou saiest, soe shall it bee.”

336

“then is his liffe saued,” sayd the Erle,
“I thanke Iesu & your grace trulye;
if my vnckle slew his father deere,
he wold haue venged him on mee.”

“thou art verry patient,” sayd our King;
“the holy ghost remaines, I thinke, in thee;
on the south side of Turnay thou shalt stande,
with my godfather the Erle of shrewsburye.”

& soe to that seege forth thé went,
the noble Shrewsburye & the Erle of Derbye,
& thé Laid seege vnto the walls,
& wan the towne in dayes 3.

& then bespake our noble King,
these were the words said hee,
sayes, “come Alexander Ratcliffe, Knight,
come hither now vnto mee,
ffor thou shalt goe on the south side of Tournay,
& with thee thou shalt haue 1000s: 3.”

then forth is gone Alexander Ratcliffe, Knight;
with him he leads men 1000d: 3;
but or ere 3 dayes were come to an end,
the ffrenchmen away did flee.

then King Henery planted 300d: Englishmen
that in the citye shold abyde & bee:
Alexander Ratcliffe, he wold haue mad him gouernour there,

337

but he forsooke it certainelye,
& made great intreatye to our King
that he might come into England in his compa[n]ye.

& then bespake Noble King Henery,
& these were the words said hee,
sayes, “come hither Rowland Egerton, Knight,
& come thou hither vnto mee;

“for the good service that thou hast done,
well rewarded shalt thou bee.”
then forth came Rowland Egerton,
& kneeled downe vpon his knee,

saies, “if it like your grace, my gracious King,
the reward that you will bestow on mee,
I wold verry gladlye haue it in Cheshire,
ffor thats att home in my owne country.”

& then bespake him Noble King Henery,
& these were the words said hee,
“I haue Nothing, Egerton, in all Cheshire
that wilbe any pleasure for thee
but 5 Mills stands att Chester townes end,
thé gone all ouer the water of Dee.”

still kneeled Rowland Egerton,
& did not rise beside his knee,
sayes, “if it like your highnesse, my gracious King,
a Milner called I wold neuer bee.”

And then bespake him Noble King Harrye,
these were the words said hee,

338

saith, “Ile make mine avow to god
& alsoe to the trinitye,
there shall neuer be King of England
but thé shalbe Miller of the Mills of Dee!

“I haue noe other thing, Egerton,
that wilbe for thy delight;
I will giue thee the forrest of Snoden in wales,
wherby thou may giue the horne & lease;
in siluer it wilbe verry white,
& meethinkes shold thee well please.”

Still kneeled Rowland Egerton on his knee;
he sayes, “if itt like your highnes, my gracious King,
a ranger called wold I neuer bee.”

then our King was wrathe, & rose away,
sayes, “I thinke, Egerton, nothing will please thee.”
& then bespake him Rowland Egerton
kneeling yet still on his knee,

sayes, “if itt like your highnesse, my gracious King,
that your highnes pleasure will now heer mee,
In Cheshire there lyes a litle grange house,
in the Lordsh[i[ppe of Rydeley it doth Lyee,

339

“a tanner there in it did dwell,—
my leege, it is but a cote with one eye,—
& if your grace wold bestow this on mee,
ffull well it wold pleasure me.”

then bespake our Noble King Harrye,
& these were the words saith hee,
saies, “take thee that grange house, Egerton,
& the Lordshippe of Rydley faire & free;

“for the good service thou hast to me done,
I will giue it vnto thy heyres & thee:”
& thus came Row[land] Egertton
to the Lordshippe of Rydley faire & free.

this Noble King Harry wan great victoryes in france
thorrow the Might that Christ Jesus did him send:

first our King wan Hans & Gynye,
& walled townes, the truth to say;
& afterwards wan other 2 townes,
the names of them were called turwin & Turnay;

high Bullen & base Bullen he wan alsoe,
& other village townes many a one,
& Muttrell he wan alsoe,—
the Cronicles of this will not lye,—
& kept to Calleis, plainsht with Englishmen,
vnto the death that he did dye.

340

thus was lancashire & Cheshire rebuked
thorow the pollicye of the Erle of Surrey.
Now god that was in Bethlem borne,
& for vs dyed vpon a tree,
saue our Noble prince that wereth the crowne,
& haue mercy on the Erles soule of derbye!

ffins.

A, Shewe thie mersye one the Earle of Derby.

354

Eger and Grine.

[The First Part.]

It ffell sometimes in the Land of Beame,
there dwelled a Lord within that realme,
the greatest he was of renowne
eccept the King that ware the crowne;
thé called him to name Erle Bragas;
he marryed a ladye was fayre of face;
they had noe Child but a daughter younge,
in the world was none soe fayre thing:
They called that Ladye winglanye;
husband wold she neuer haue none,
Neither for gold nor yett for good,
nor for noe highnese of his blood,
without he would with swords dent
win euery battell where he went.
soe there were many in that Realme rich,
but they cold find but few such,
for the Erle rydeth with such a route
of Lords & knights hardye & stout.
there was in that same time
a curtoous knight called Sir Grime;
& of Garwicke Lord was hee;
he was a wise man and a wittye.
soe there was in that same place
a young Knight men called Egace,
but his name was Sir Eger,
for he was but a poore bachlour,

355

for his elder brother was liuande,
& gouerned all his fathers Land.
Egar was large of blood & bone,
but broad Lands had hee none,
but euermore he wan the honour
through worshipp of his bright armour;
& for loue that he was soe well taught,
euer he Iusted & hee fought;
& because he was soe well proued,
the Erles daughter shee him Loued.
they Ladye granted her good will,
her father sented there soone till,
he was glad that shee wold,
that shee wold in hart fold
for to take vntill her fere
a baru[n] or else a bacheleere.
these Knights Sir Egar & Sir Grime,
they were fellowes good & fine;
they were nothing sib of blood,
but they were sworne Bretheren good;
they keeped a chamber together att home;
better loue Loved there never none.
Vpon a time Egar he wold forth fare
to win him worshippe, as he did ere,
wherby that he might praysed bee
aboue all knights of high degree.
soe hee came home vpon a night,
sore wounded, & ill was he dight:

356

his kniffe was forth, his sheath was gone,
his scaberd by his thigh was done,
a truncheon of a speare hee bore,
& other weapons he bare noe more.
on his bed side he sett him downe,
he siked sore, & fell in swoone.
Sir Grime of Garwicke shortlye rose,
& ran to Sir Egar, and said, “alas,
for thee, Egar, my hart is woe
that euer I were soe farr thee froe!
for when wee parted att yonder yate
thou was a mightye man, & milde of state;
& well thou seemed, soe god me speede,
to proue thy manhood on a steede;
& now thou art both pale and greene,
& in strong battell thou hast beene;
thou hast beene in strong battell,
it was neuer litle that made thee fayle.”
“Now as it hath behappned mee,
god, let it neuer behappen thee
Nor noe other curteous Knight
that euer goeth to the feild to fight,
for to win worshipp as I haue done!
I haue bought it deare & lost it soone!
for other Lords haue biddn att home,
& saued their bodyes forth of shame,
& kepeed their manhood faire & cleane!
well broked my loue before mine eyen,
& I am hurt & wounded sore,
& manhood is lost for euer-more.”

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then said Grime to Sir Egar,
“ye greeue you more then meete were;
for that man was neuer soe well cladd,
nor yett soe doughtye in armes dread,
but in battell place he may be distayned.
why shold his manhood be reproued,
or his Ladye or his loue repine?”
then said Egar, “lett be, Sir Grime!
for fairer armour then I had,
was neuer Cristian Knight in cladd;
I had a body that seemed well to doe,
& weapons that well longed therto;
well I trusted my Noble steed,
soe that I did my good rich weed;
& well I trusted my Noble brand;
the best of all I trusted my hart & my hand!
I heard tell of a venterous Knight
that kept a fforbidden countrye bath day & night,
& a fresh Iland by the sea
where castles were with towers hye.
ouer the riuer were ryding frythes 2,
& soone I chose to the one of tho;
in short while had I rydden
in that Land that was fforbidden,
but I heard mouing in the greete
as itt had beene of a steeds feete.
My horsse gladedd with that cheere,
cast vp his head & was a steere,

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he groped together as he wold haue runen:
I hearkned when more din had comen;
I looked on the way nye before,
& see a Knight come on a sowre;
red was his sheild, red was his speare,
& all of fresh gold shone his geere;
&, by the death that I must thole,
my steed seemed to his but a fole;
his speare that was both great & long,
faire on his brest he cold itt honge;
& I mine in my rest can folde.
I gaue my horsse what head he wold,
our steeds brought vs together soone:
alas, that meeting I may mone!
ffor through coate armour & acton,
through brest plate & Habergion,
through all my armour lesse & more,
Cleane through the body he me bore;
& I still in my sadle sate,
my good spere on his brest I brake.
the 2d time he came againe,
he fayled of me, & my steede he has slaine.
then I gott vpp deliuerlye,
not halfe soe soone as need had I;
I thought to haue wrocken my steeds bane,
but that great outrage my selfe hath tane;
I drew a sword of Mettle bright,
& egerlye I sought vnto that Knight;
I stroke at him with all my maine,
I failed of him, & his steed has slaine.
when hee see that itt was soe,
to counter on ffoote he was full throe;

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hee drew a sword, a worthy weapon;
the first dint that on me did happen,
throug all my armour, lesse and more,
7 inches into the sholder he me shore;
& I hitt him with whole pith
aboue the girdle, that he groned with,
& with that stroke I cold him lett
whiles another shortlye on him I sett,
& well I wott I had him gotten,
but with that stroke my sword was broken.
then I drew a kniffe,—I had noe other,
the which I had of my owne borne brother,—
& he another out of sheath hath tane,
& neere hand together are we gone:
first he wounded me in the face;
my eyen were safe, that was my grace;
then I hitt him vpon the head,
that in his helme my blade I leade.
god! lett neuer Knight soe woe be gon
as I was when all my false weapons were done!
yett with the haft that was left in my hand,
fast vpon his face I dange
that the blood sprang out from vnder the steele:
he lost some teeth, that wott I weele.
My Habergion that was of Millaine fine,—
first my fathers and then was mine,
& itt had beene in many a thrust,
& neuer a naile of itt wold burst;—
my acton was of Paris worke,
saued me noe more than did my sarke,
for his sword was of Noble steele,

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he strake hard—and it lasted weele—
through all my armour more & lesse,
and neuer ceaced but in the fleshe.
then, sore foughten, I waxed wearye,
for blood as drye as any tree;
I fought soe long, I ffell in swoone,
till betweene his hands I fell downe.
when I came to my-selfe, my steed was away;
I looked on the Land where he lay;
my steed lay slaine a litle me froe,
& his head backe striken in tow
then I was ware of a runing strand,
& thither I crope on foot & hand,
& from my eyen I washt the blood;—
all was away shold have done me good;—
then I looked on my right hand;
my litle fingar was lackand.
then I went further on the greene
where more strong battells hadden beene;
a slaine Knight & spoyled lay,
his litle fingar was away;
& by that Knight I might well see
that one man had delt both with him & me.
then of a sadled horsse I gatt a sight,
& by him lay a slaine Knight;
his steede was both good & fine,
but not halfe soe good as mine.
all that day did I ryde
till itt was in the euen tide;
the Moone shone fayre, the starres cast light;
then of a castle I gott a sight,
of a Castle & of a towne,
& by an arbour side I light downe;

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& there I saw fast me by
The fairest bower that euer saw I.
a little while I tarryed there,
and a lady came forth of a fresh Arbor;
shee came forth of that garden greene,
& in that bower faine wold haue beene;
shee was cladd in scarlett redd,
& all of fresh gold shone her heade,
her rud was red as rose in raine,
a fairer creature was neuer seene.
me-thought her coming did me good,
& straight upon my feete I stoode.
“Good Sir,” quoth shee, “what causes you here to lenge?
for ye had meetter of great easmend;
& heere beside is a castle wight,
& there be leeches of great sleight,
cuning men with for to deale,
& wonderous good happ haue for to heale;
& there is the gentlest Lady att will
that euer man came in misery till;
therfore I councell you thither to wend,
for yee had neede of a great easmend.”
“Lady,” said Egar, “as itt be-happened mee,
I irke to come in any companye.
I beseeche you, Lady faire and sweete,
helpe that I were sounded with one sleepe,
& some Easment for me and my hackney.”
“Sir,” sayd shee, “I will doe the best I may.
Sir, sith I am first that with you mett,
I wold your neede were the better bett.”
then a faire maid, shee tooke my steede,

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& into a stable shee did him leade,
& into a chamber both faire & light
I was led betweene 2 Ladyes bright.
all my bloodye armour of me was done,
the Lady searched my wounds full soone,
shee gaue me drinke for to restore,
for neere hand was I bled before;
there was neuer alle nor wine
came to mee in soe good a time;
a siluer bason she cammanded soone,
& warme water therin to be done;
the Ladye Loue-some vnde[r] line,
with her white hands shee did wash mine,
& when shee saw my right hand bare,
alas! my shame is much the more!
the gloue was whole, the hand was nomen,
therby shee might well see I was ouercomen;
& shee perceiued that I thought shame;
therfore shee would not aske me my name,
nor att that word shee sayd noe more,
but all good easments I had there.
then till a bed I was brought;
I sleeped neuer halfe soe soft;
the Ladye fayre of Hew & hyde,
shee sate downe by the bedside;
shee a laid a souter vpon her knee,
theron she plaid full louesomlye,
& yett for all her sweet playinge,
oftimes shee had full still mourninge;
& her 2 maydens sweetlye sange,

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& oft thé weeped, & their hands wrange;
but I heard neuer soe sweet playinge,
& euer amongst, soe sore siking.
in the night shee came to me oft,
& asked me whether I wold ought;
but alwayes I said her Nay
till it drew neerr to the breake of day;
then all my bloodye tents out shee drew,
againe shee tented my wounds anew:
wott yee well itt was noe threede,
the tents that into my wounds yeede,
they were neither of lake nor Line,
but they were silke both good & fine;
twise the tenting of my wounds
cost that Ladye 20 pounds,
without spices and salues that did me ease,
& drinkes that did my body well please;
& then shee gaue me drinke in a horne;
neuer since the time that I was borne
such a draught I neuer gatt;
with her hand shee held me after thatt.
the drinke shee gaue mee was grasse greene;
soone in my wounds itt was seene;
the blood was away, the drinke was there,
& all was soft that erst was sore;
& methought I was able to run and stand,
& to haue taken a new battell in hand;
the birds sange in the greene Arbor,
I gate on foote and was on steere.
the Ladye came to me where I lay,

364

these were the words shee to me did say,
“I rede you tarry a day or towe
till you be in better plight to goe;”
but I longed soe sore to be at home
that I would needlye take leaue to gone.
shee gaue me 2 shirts of raines in fere,
put them next my body; I haue them here;
& my owne shee did abone,
& my bloudye armour on me hath done,
saue my heauy habergion; shee was afrayd
lest they wold haue mad my wounds to bleede;
that Ladye with her milke white hand,
to the rason of my saddell shee it bound
with 2 bottels of rich wine,
& therof haue I liued euer sinne.
I sayd, “a! deare good Madam, how may this be?
the coningest leeche in this land be yee;
for all my wounds lesse or more,
of them I feele noe kind of sore
as I had neuer beene wounded with sword nor speare,
nor neuer weapon had done mee deere.”
“wold god,” said shee, “that itt were soe!
but I know well for a day or 2
froe that loue make you once agast,
your oyntments may noe longer last.
sith you will not abyde with mee,
lett your Ladye in your countrye
doe to your wounds as I wold haue done;
then they will soft and heale full soone.”
one thing did my hart great greeffe,

365

I had nothing that Ladye to giue;
but my golden beades forth I drew,
that were of fine gold fresh and new.
shee wold not receiue them at my hand,
but on her bedside I lett them liggand;
I tooke leaue of that Ladye bright,
& homewards rid both day & Night.
I fared full well all that while
till I came home within 2 mile;
then all my wounds wrought att once
as kniues had beene beaten thorrow my bones;
out of my sadle I fell that fraye;
when I came to my selfe, my steed was away
thus haue I beene in this ffarr countrye,
such a venterous Knight mett with mee.
Men called him Sir Gray Steele;
I assayed him, & he ffended weele.

[The Second Part.]

Then spake Grime to Sir Egar
with soft words & faire,
“that man was neuer soe wise nor worthye,
nor yet soe cuning proued in clergye,
nor soe doughtye of hart nor hand,
nor yett so bigg in stowre to stand,
but in such companye he may put in
but he is as like to loose as win;
& euer I bade you to keepe you weele
out of the companye of Sir Gray Steele,
for he is called by command
the best Knight in any Land.
sith the Matter is chanced soe,
wee will take the wayes of choice 2:

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from your loue and laydye Lained this shalbee;
shee shall know nothing of our priuitye.”
but litle wist Egar nor Sir Grime
where the lady was that same time;
for the Lady that Egars loue was,
her chamber was within a little space;
of Sir Egar shee soe sore thought
that shee lay wakened, and sleeped nought.
a scarlett Mantle hath shee tane,
to Grimes chamber is shee gone;
shee heard them att a priuie dain;
shee stayd with-out, & came not in.
when shee heard that Egars body was in distresse,
shee loued his body mickle the worse.
words this lady wold not say,
but turned her backe & went awaye,
yet soe priuilye shee is not gone
but Grime perceived that there was one;
an vnfolded window opened hee,
& saw the way-gate of that Ladye.
“what is that?” said Egar, “maketh that dinn?”
Grime sayd, “my spanyell hound wold come in.”
to his fellow Sir Egar he said noe more,
but he repented that she came there.
Gryme hath gotten that same night
Leeches that beene of great sleight,
coning men with for to deale,
that had good happ wounds to heale.
yett Long ere day word is gone
that Egar the Knight is comen home,
& hath moe wounds with sword & kniffe
then had euer man that bare liffe:
17 wounds hee hath tane,

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7 beene thorrow his body ran;
the Leeches cold doe him noe remede,
but all said “Egar wold be dead.”
In the morning the Erle & the countesse,
to Grymes chamber can thé passe;
the Erle said, “how doth Sir Egar the Knight?”
then answered Grime both wise and wight:
“he doth, my Lord, as you may see.”
“alas!” said the Erle, “how may this bee?”
Grime answered him hastilye,
“my Lord, I shall tell you gentleye:
& vncoth Land he happened in,
where townes where both few & thinn;
giffe he rode neuer soe fast,
7 dayes the wildernesse did last.
he heard tell of a venterous Knight
that kept a forbbidden countrye day & night,
& a mile by the salt sea,
castles fayre & towers hye;
On the other side a fayre strand,
a faire fforrest on the other hand,
on the one side run a fresh riuere,
there might noe man nighe him nere;
for he that ouer that riuer shold ryde,
strange aventures shold abyde;
hee shold either fight or flee,
or a weed in that Land leaue shold hee;
the wedd that he shold leaue in this land
shold be the litle ffingar of his right hand;
& or he knew himselfe to slowe,
his litle fingar he wold not forgoe.
boldlye Egar gaue him battell tho;
his helme and his hawberckes he tooke him fro,
soe did he his sword & his spere

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& much more of his golden gayre;
& homewards as he rode apace
thorrow the wylde forrest & the wyldenesse,
he thought to haue scaped withouten Lett.
then 15 theeves with Egar Mett;
they thought Egar for to have him sloe,
his gold and his good to haue tooke him froe:
thrise through them with a spere he ran,
7 he slew, and the master man,
yett had hee scaped for all that dread;
they shott att him, & slew his steed;
hee found a steed when they were gone,
wheron Sir Egar is come home;
for if Sir Egar dye this day,
farwell flower of Knight-hoode for euer & aye!”
then the Erle proferred 40li: in Land
for a Leeche that wold take Egar in hand.
9 dayes were comen & gone
or any Leeche wold Egar vndertane;
it was 9 dayes and some deale more
or his ladye wold come there;
& att the coming of that fayre Ladye,
her words they were both strange & drye:
shee saies, “how doth that wounded Knight?”
then answered Gryme both wise & wight,
“he doth, Madam, as yee may see.”
“in faith,” said the Lady. “thats litle pittye:
he might full well haue bidden att home;
worshipp in that Land gatt he none;
he gaue a ffingar to lett him gange,
the next time he will offer vp the whole hand.”
Gryme was euer wont to gange
in councell with the ladye to stand,
& euer told Egar a fayre tale

369

till the Knight Sir Egar was whole;
for & her want & will had beene to him lenging,
it wold have letted him of his mending.
soe long the Leeches delt with Sir Egar
till he might stoutlye goe & stirr;
till itt once beffell vppon a day
Gryme thought the Ladye to assaye
whether shee loued Sir Egar his brother
as well as euer shee did before:
Grime said, “Madame, by godds might,
Egar will take a new battell with yonder Knight;
he is to sore wounded yett for to gone;
itt were worshipp to cause him to abyde at home,
for he will doe more for you then mee.”
then answered that fayre Lady,
“all that while that Egar was the Knight
that wan the degree in euery fight,
for his sake verelye
Manye a better I haue put by;
therfor I will not bidd him ryde,
nor att home I will not bid him abyde,
Nor of his Marriage I haue Nothing adoe;
I wott not, Gryme, what thou saist therto.”
Gryme turned his backe of the Ladye faire,
& went againe to his brother Sir Egar,
sett him downe on his bed side,
& talked these words in that tyde:
“Egar,” he said, “thou & I are brethren sworne,
I loued neuer better brother borne;
betwixt vs tow let vs make some cast,
& find to make our formen fast,
for of our enemies wee stand in dread,
& wee Lye sleeping in our bedd.”

370

Egar said, “what mistrust haue yee with mee?
for this 7 monthes if I here bee,
shall neuer a man take my matter in hand
till I bee able to auenge my-selfe in Land.”
A kinder Knight then Gryme was one,
was neuer bredd of blood nor bone:
“methinke you be displeased with mee,
& that is not your part for to bee,
for sith the last time that ye came home,
I haue knowen priuie messengers come & gone
betwixt your Ladye & Erle Olyes,
a Noble Knight that doughtye is,
of better blood borne then euer were wee,
& halfe more liuings then such other 3.”
then Egar vp his armes sprang,
& ffast together his hands dange,
with still mourning & siking sore
saith, “alas! my loue & my Ladye fayre,
what haue I done to make you rothe
that was euer leeue, & now soe Lothe?”
Gryme had of him great pittye,
“brother,” he said, “be councelled by mee;
if you will doe after my counsaile,
peradventure it will greatly prevaile:
another thing, my liffe I dare Lay
that yee shall wed that Ladye within this monthes day.”
“how now?” quoth Egar, “how may that bee?”
“peace!” said Gryme, “& I shall tell thee:
I haue a brother that men call Palyas,
a noble squier & worthye is,
he is welbeloued within this court
of all the Lords round about;

371

wee will him call to our councell,
peradventur he will vs prevayle;
& I my selfe will make me sicke at home
till a certen space be comen & gone,
& that such a disease hath taken mee
that I may noe man heare nor noe man see.
Palyas my brother shall keepe you att home,
& I my selfe will to that battell gone,
& I shall feitch Gray-steeles right hand,
or I shall leaue another fingar in that Land.”

[The Third Part.]

They called Pallyas to their councell,
& he assented soone withouten fayle,
for he loued Sir Egar both Euen & morne
as well as he did Gryme his brother borne.
“& iff you will to this battell goe,
yee had neede of good councell betwene
Gryme, if thou wilt fight with Sir Gray-steele,
thou had neede of weapons that stand wold weele;
for weapons may be both fresh & new,
fikle, false, & full vntrue;
when a weapon faileth when a man hath need,
all the worse then may hee speede;
And all I say by Sir Egar,
where was a better Knight knowen any where?
when his weapon faild him att most need,
all the worse then did he speede.”
Palyas said, “there was somtimes in this countrye,
Egar, your vnckle Sir Egranye,
& when that Egramye was liuand
he had the guiding of a noble brand,

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the name of itt was called Erkyin;
well were that man had it in keeping!
first when that sword was rought,
to King ffundus it was brought
full far beyond the greekes sea,
for a Iewell of high degree.
when the King departed this world hence,
he left it with the younge prince;
& some sayd that Egramye
shold loue that ladye in priuitye;
he desired the sword in borrowing;
the King deceased at that time;
& when that Egrame was liuande,
he had the guiding of that noble brand;
that man was neuer of a woman borne,
durst abyde the winde his face beforne.
the Ladyes dwelling is heere nye;
shee saith, ‘there is noe man that sword shall see
till her owne sonne be att age & land,
& able to welde his fathers brande.’”
Grime sayd, “I will goe thither to-morrow at day
to borrow that sword if that I may.”
on the morrow when the sun shone bright,
to Egrames Ladie went Grime the Knight;
kindley he halcht that ladye faire:
she saith, “how doth my Cozin Sir Egar?”
“hee will forth, maddam, with all his might
to take a new battell on yonder Knight;
he prayeth you to lend him his vnckeles brand,
& there he hath sent you the deeds of his land,
& all mine I will leaue with you in pawne
that your sword shall safelye come againe.”
soe he desired that sword soe bright

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that shee was loth to with-say that Knight;
then shee feitched him forth that Noble brand,
& receiued the deeds of both their lands;
she said, “there was noe fault with Egeking,
but for want of grace and gouerninge;
for want of grace & good gouerninge
may loose a Kingdome & a King,
for there is neither Lin nor light
that Egeking my sword meeteth with,
but gladlye it will through itt gone,
that biting sword, vnto the bone;
but I wold not for both your Lands
that Egeking came in a cowards hands.”
& yett was faine Sir Gryme the Knight:
to Egar he went againe that night;
Pallyas he said, “I read you be councelled by mee,
& take some gifts to that faire Ladye,
to that Ladye faire & bright
that Lodged Sir Egar soe well the first night.”
“the best tokens,” said Sir Egar,
beene her sarkes of raines; I haue them here.”
he tooke broches & beads in that stonde,
& other Iewells worth 40li:
& to reward that fayre Ladye,
& thanke her of her curtesie.
“wherby,” sayd Gryme, “shall I her know
amongst other Ladyes that stands on a row?”
“I shall tell you tokens,” sayd Sir Egar,
Wherby you may know that Ladye faire:
shee hath on her nose, betweene he[r] eyen,
like to the Mountenance of a pin;
& that [hew] is red, & the other is white,

374

there is noe other Ladye her like,
for shee is the gentlest of hart & will
that euer man came vntill.”
Early on the other day
theese 2 knights did them array:
into a window Sir Egar yeede,
bookes of Romans for to reede
that all the court might him heare.
the Knight was armed & on steere;
he came downe into the hall,
& tooke his leaue both of great & small.
the Erle tooke Egars hand in his fist,
the countesse comlye cold him Kisse;
his oune lady stood there by,
shee wold bere the Knight noe companye:
he sayd, “ffarwell my Lady faire!”
shee sayd, “god keepe you better then he did ere!”
& all that euer stoode her by,
did Marueill her answer was soe dry.
he went to the chamber or he wold blin;
Sir Gryme came forth as he went in,
Stepped into the stirropp that stiffe were in warr,
& Palyas his brother wrought him a spere.
then wold he noe longer abyde,
but towards Gray-steele can he ryde.
to the walls went winglaine, that Lady faire,
for to see the waygate of her loue Sir Egar;
& Gryme the spurres spared not; soe weele
to the steeds sides he let them feele,
his horsse bouted forth with Noble cheere,
he spowted forward as he had beene a deere
till he was passed out of her sight.
to Grymes chamber went that Ladye bright:

375

yett long time or shee came there
Palyas had warned Sir Egar,
drawen double curtaines in that place
that noe man of Sir Egar noe knowledg hath.
Palyas was full of curtesie,
& sett a chaire for that faire Ladye:
shee said, “at the walls, Palyas, I haue beene there
to see the ryding forth of Sir Egar;
he rydeth feircely out of the towne
as he were a wild Lyon.
alas! hee may make great boast & shoure
when there is noe man him before;
but when there is man to man, & steed to steede,
to proue his manhood, then were it neede!”
oftentimes Egar both cruell & keene
for her in strong battells oft hath beene,
& oftentimes had put himselfe in warr;
& lay & heard her lowte him like a knaue:
he wist not how he might him wrecke,
but cast vp his armes, & thought to speake.
& Palyas was perceiued of that,
& by the sholders he him gatt;
he held him downe both sad & sore,
that he lay still & sturrd noe more.
Palyas was full of curtesie,
& thus answered that faire ladye;
he said, “Maddame, by gods might,
Egar is knowne for the Noblest Knight
That euer was borne in the land of Beame,
& most worshipp hath woon to that Relme!
that was well proued in heathenesse
when the King of Beame did thither passe;
soe did the Lords of this countrye,
& alsoe your father, that Erle soe free.

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there came a sowdan to a hill,
that many christen men had done ill,
the name of him was Gornordine,
that many a christen man had put to pine;
& he becalled any cristen Knight,
or any 5 that with him wold fight.
500 Knights were there that day,
& all to that battell they saydden nay.
Egar thought on you att home,
& stale to that battell all alone;
they fought together, as I heard tell,
on a mountaine top till Gornordine fell.
60 Hethen were in a busment neere,
& all brake out vpon Sir Egar:
or any reshcew came to him then,
he had kild Gornordine & other ten.
then was he rescewed by a Noble Knight
that euer was proued both hardye & wight,
the name of him was Kay of Kaynes,
a Northeren Knight I trow he is;
there were but Egar & other ten,
& thé killed 60 or more of the heathen men;
thus they reschewd the Noble Egar,
& brought him to the host, as you shall hear.
the King of Beame in that stage
offered Sir Egar his daughter in Marryage;
yet that gentle Knight wold not doe soe,
he loued you best [that] now be his foe.
you be his foe, he knowes that nowe
when he standeth in dread, I know.”
the Lady was soe wrath with Palyas,

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shee tooke her leaue & forth shee goth.
Now lett vs leaue chyding att home,
& speake of Sir Gryme that is to the battell gone.

[The Fourth Part.]

All the wildernesse that there bee,
Grime rode it in dayes 3;
he mett a squier by the way;
with fayre words Grime can to him say,
“Sir,” he said, “who is Lord of this countrye?”
the squier answered him gentlye,
“It is a lord most worthyest in waine,
Erle Gares is his name.”
Grime sayd, “how highteth that lords heyre?”
he sayd, “he hath none but a daughter fayre.”
Gryme saith, “who hath that Ladye wedd?”
the Knight sayd, “shee neuer came in mans bedd;
but Sir Attelston, a hardye Knight,
marryed that Lady fayre & bright;
for he gaue battell, that wott I weele,
vpon a day to Sir Gray-Steele:
a harder battell then there was done tho,
was neuer betwixt Knights 2;
but Gray-steele killed Sir Attelstone,
a bolder Knight was neuer none.
Erle Gares sonne & his heyre,—
in all the world was none more goodlyere,—
he was soe sorry Attelstone was dead,
he thought to quitt gray-steele his meede;
boldlye he gaue him battell vpon a day,
ther-for many a man sayd well-away!
& there thé both ended att this bane
as many another Knight hath done;

378

ffor I haue wist that tyrant with his hands 2
kill a 100 Knights and some deale moe;
shamfulye hath driuen them to dead
withouten succour or any remed.”
for all the words he spake in that time,
nothing it feared the Knight Sir Grime.
Gryme sayd, “how ffarr haue wee to that citye
whereas that Ladyes dwelling doth bee?”
the Knight said “but miles 2;
the one of them I will with you goe.”
they talked together gentlye
till he had brought Grime to that citye.
att a burgesse house his ine he hath tane;
to Seeke the Ladye Sir Grime is gone;
then he went into a garden greene
where he saw many Ladyes sheene;
amongst them all he knew her there
by the tokens of Sir Eger.
Egar was hurt vnder the eare;
an oyntment Gryme had drawen there;
he held the gloue still on his hand
where Egers fingars was lackand;
& when that knight came her nye,
he kneeled downe vpon his knee,
& thanked her with humble cheere
“sith the last time, madam, that I was heere.”
“Sir,” said shee, “excused you must hold mee;
thus avised, I did you neuer see.”
then hee gaue her the shirts of raines in that stond
and other Iewells worth 40li:,
& thus rewarded that fayre Ladye,
& thanked her of her curtesie.
“Now Sir,” sayd shee, “soe haue I blisse:
how fareth the Knight that sent me this?”
“I doe, Madam, as yee see now,

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therof I thanke great god and you.”
“why Sir,” said shee, “but is it yee
that in such great perill here did bee?
I am glad to see you so sound in sight.”
hastilye shee rose & kist that Knight.
Gryme Looke vpon that Ladye faire:
soe faire a creature saw I neuer ere;
for shee was cladd in scarlett redd,
& all of fresh gold shone her head;
her rud was red as rose in raine,
a fairer creature was neuer seene.
as many men in a matter full nice,—
but all men in louing shall neuer be wise,—
his mind on her was soe sett
that all other matters he qu[i]te forgett;
& as thé stood thus talkeand,
shee stale the gloue besids his hand.
when shee saw his right hand bare,
softly shee said to him there,
“Sir,” said shee, “it was noe marueill though you hidd your hond!
for such Leeches in this Land are none!
there is noe Leeche in all this land
can sett a fingar to a hand,
to be as well & as faire
as neuer weapon had done it deere!
but game and bourd Let goe together;
scorning I can well conssider!
it was neuer that Knights commandement
noe scorne hither to mee to send!
If thou be comen to scorne mee,
ffull soone I can scorne thee.”
before, shee was mild of state,

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Now is shee high and full of hate!
& of all the Iewells that he hath brought,
shee curset them to the ground, & wold them naught.
Grime was neuer soe sore in all his day;
he wist neuer a word what he shold say;
& as shee was to the chamber passand,
Grime tooke that Ladye by the hand,
saith, “I beseech you, lady free,
a word or 2 to hearken mee,
&—soe helpe me god & holy dame!—
I shall tell you how all this matter was done:
the knight that was heere, he was my brother,
& hee thought me more abler then any other
for to take that matter in hand:
he loueth a ladye within his land;
if not in euery fight he win the gree,
of his loue forsaken must he bee.”
shee sayd, “yee seeme a gentle Knight,
that answereth a ladye with soe much right.”
the Iewells the mayden hath vpp tane,
& shee & the Knight to chamber are gone.
shee sent vnto that burgesse place
a mayden that was faire of face;
what cost soeuer his steede did take,
twice double shee wold it make.
a rich supper there was dight,
& shortlye sett before that Knight.
Meate nor drinke none wold hee,
he was soe enamored of that fayre Ladye.
he longed sore to [bee] a bedd,
& to a chamber shee him Led,
& all his armour of was done,

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& in his bed he was layd soone.
the Ladye louesome of hew & hyde
sett her downe by his bedside,
shee layd a sowter vpon her knee,
& theron shee playd full loue-somlye,
& her 2 mayds full sweetlye sang,
& euer they wept, & range their hands.
then Spake Gryme to that Ladye fayre:
“of one thing, Madam, I have great Marueile,
for I heard neuer soe sweet playinge,
& ofentetimes soe sore weepinge.”
shee commanded her sowter to be taken her froe,
& sore shee wrange her hands 2:
“Sir,” shee sayd, “I must neuer be weele
till I be auenged on Sir Gray-steele,
for he slew my brother, my fathers heyre,
& alsoe my owne Lord both fresh & fayre;
for Sir Attelstone shold me haue wedd,
but I came neuer in his bedd;
he gaue a battell, that wott I weele,
vpon a day to Sir Gray-steele.
a harder battell then was done thoe,
was neuer betweene Knights 2;
Gray-Steele killed Attelstone;
therfor many a Knight made great moane.
then my brother that was my fathers heyre—
in all the world was none more goodlyer—
he was soe sorry for my husband indeed,
he thought to have quitt Gray-steele his Meede:
boldlye he gaue him battell vpon a day;
therfore many a man sayd wellaway!
And there they both ended att that bone
as many another Knight hath done;
for I haue wist that tyrant with his hands 2

382

to haue a killed a 100 Knights & moe,
& shamefully driuen them to dead
with-outen succour or any remedeye.
& if thou be comen to fight with that Knight,
Iesu defend thee in thy right!
there is noe woman aliue that knoweth so weele
as I doe of the Condicions of Sir Gray-steele,
for euerye houre from Midnight till noone,
eche hower he increaseth the strenght of a man;
& euery houer from Noone till Midnight,
euery hower he bateth the strenght of a Knight.
looke thou make thy first counter like a Knight,
& enter into his armour bright;
looke boldlye vpon him thou breake thy spere
as a manfull Knight in warr;
then light downe rudlye for thy best boote;
the tyrant is better on horsbacke then on foote;
presse stiflye vpon him in that stoure
as a Knight will thinke on his paramoure;
but I will not bid yee thinke on me,
but thinke on your ladye whersoeuer shee bee;
& let not that tyrant, if that he wold,
lett you of that couenant that Ladye to holde.”
then shee tooke leaue of that gentle Knight;
to her chamber shee is gone with her maidens bright.
Sir Gryme longed sore for the day;
the Ostler soone can him arraye,
he armed the Knight & brought him his steede,
& he gaue him red gold for his meede.
a rich brea[k]fast there was dight,
& shortlye sett before that Knight,
but meate nor drinke none wold hee

383

but a cuppe of wine & soppes 3.
he tooke leaue of that Ladye cleare,
& rydeth towards the fresh riuer.

[The Fifth Part.]

Early in that May morning,
merrely when the burds can sing,
the throstlecocke, the Nightingale,
the laueracke & the wild woodhall,
the rookes risen in euery riuer,
the birds made a blissfull bere;
It was a heauenly Melodye
pro a Knight that did a louer bee,
on the one side to heare the small birds singing,
on the other side the flowers springing.
then drew forth of the dales the dun deere,
the sun it shone both fresh & cleere,
Phebus gott vp with his golden beames,
ouer all the land soe light it gleames;
hee looked vpon the other side,
see parkes & palaces of Mickle pryde,
with 7 townes by the salt sea
with castles fayre & towers hyee.
ouer the riuer were ryding places 2,
& soone Grime chose to the one of tho;
& then he wold noe longer abyde,
but into Gray-steeles Land can he ryde;
& yett was feared Sir Gryme the Knight
lest he wold haue tarryed him till night;
but, god wott, he had noe cause to doe soe;
for Gray-steele had ouer-waches 2.
they went & told their Master anon right,
“into your Land is comen a Knight,

384

and 3st he hath rydden about the plaine,
And now is he bowne to turne home againe.”
“Nay,” sayd Gray-steele, “by St. John!
this one yeere he shall not goe home,
but he shall either fight or flee,
or a wed in this land leaue shall hee.”
they brought him red sheeld & red spere,
& all of fresh gold shone his geere;
his brest plate was purpelye pight,
his helmett itt shone with gold soe bright,
his shankes full seemlye shone,
was sett with gold & precious stone,
his armes with plate & splents dight
were sett with gold & siluer bright;
with his sheelde on his brest him beforne,
theron was a dragon & a vnicorne;
on the other side a beare & a wyld bore,
in the Middest a ramping Lyon that wold byt[e] sore;
about his necke withouten fayle
a gorgett rought with rich Mayle,
with his helme sett on his head soe hye;
a mase of gold full royallye,
on the top stoode a Carbunckle bright,
it shone as Moone doth in the night;
his sadle with selcamoure was sett,
with barrs of gold richlye frett;
his petrill was of silke of Inde,
his steed was of a furley kinde,
with raines of silke raught to his hand,

385

with bells of gold theratt ringand.
he stepped into his stirropp well armed in war,
a Knight kneeled & raught him a spere;
& then wold he noe longer abyde,
but straight to Sir Grime cold he ryde.
when Grime was ware of Gray-steele,
through comfort his hart came to him weele;
he sayd, “thou wounded my brother Sir Egar!
that deed, traytor, thou shall buy full sore.”
Gray-steele answered neuer a word,
but came on Sir Grime as he was woode;
they smoten their steeds with spurres bright,
& ran together with all their might;
but Gray-steele came on Sir Grime
like a lyon in his woodest time;
soe did Grime vpon Sir Gray-steele,
& attilde him a dint that bote full weele;
thorrow all his armour lesse & more,
cleane thorrow the body he him bore,
that all his girthers burst in sunder;
the Knight & salle & all came vnder.
through the strenght of Gryime & his steede
he smote downe Gray-steele, & ouer him yeede;
& well perceiued Gray-steele then
that he was macht with a Noble man.
then young grime start out of stray,
& from his stirrops he light that day;
he thought on that Ladye yore,
how shee had taught him to doe before;

386

he shooke out his sword Egeking;
the other mett him manffully without leasing;
Grime sought him on one side
& raught him a wound full wyde;
a 100d: Mailes he shore assunder,
& all the stuffe that was there vnder;
throughout all his armour bright,
5 inch into the sholder, the sword light.
but Gray-steele neuer with noe man mett
that 2 such dints did on him sett;
then thought Gray-steele, that warryour wight,
to quitt Sir Grime that Noble Knight:
He hytt him on the helme on hye
that the fire as flynt out can flye;
or euer he cold handle Egeking againe,
3 doughtye dints he sett on him certaine
that almost Sir Gryme was slaine,
the least of them might haue beene a mans bane.
thus these Noble burnes in battele
hacked & hewed with Swords of Mettle.
through rich many & myny plee
the red blood blemished both their blee.
Sir Grime was learned in his child-hood
full Noblye to handle a sworde;
with an arkward stroke ffull slee
he hitt Sir Gray-Steele on the knee;
if he were neuer soe wight of hand,
on the one foote he might but stand:
“thou wounded my brorther Sir Egar;
that deed thou shalt abuy full sore!”
then answered Gray-steele, that warryour wight,
“wherefore vpbraydest thou me with that Knight?”
“for he neuer went by watter nor Lande,

387

but he was as good as [t]he both of hart & hand;
& hee had beene weaponed as well as I
he had beene worth both thee & mee.”
he hitt Sir Gryme on the cainell bone;
a quarter of his sheeled away his gone;
the other he claue in tow
that it ffell into the feyld soe far him froe;
his Noble sword Egeking
went from him without Leasing.
but Grime was wight upon the land,
he followed fast after & gatt his brand;
but on Gray-Steele had had his other foote
to haue holpen him in neede and boote,
I cold not thinke how Gryme the Knight
shold haue comen againe to that Ladye bright.
when he had gotten againe Ege-king,
fell were the dints he sett on him;
with an arkeward stroke full sore
through Liuer & longs Gray-steele he bore.
Gray-Steele went walling woode
when his sydes fomed of his harts blood;
then perceiued the Knight Sir Grime
that Gray-Steele was in poynt of time.
Grime sayd, “yeeld thee, Sir Gray-steele,
for thou can neuer doe soe weele.”
the other said, “thou mayst lightlye lye;
that man shall I neuer see;
that man was neuer of woman borne
shall make me yeelde, one man to one.”

388

he was soe angry att Grimes words
that both his hands he sett on his sword,
& with all his strenght that was in him Leade,
he sett itt on Sir Grimes heade
that such a stroke he neuer gate,
nor noe Knight that was his mate.
he thought his head roue assunder,
his necke cracked that was vnder,
his eares brushed out of blood.
the Knight stackered with that stroke, & stoode,
for & he & had once fallen to the ground,
the Lady had neuer seene him sound.
thus they fought together fell & sore
the space of a mile and somthing more.
Gray-steele bled withouten fayle,
his visage waxed pan and wale;
Grime att his gorgett he gate a gripe,
& fast he followed in after itt,
& backward to the ground he him bare;
he let him neuer recouer more;
his brest-plate from him he cast,
& thrise to the hart he him thrust:
thus vngracious deeds without mending
can neuer scape without an ill endinge.
all this I say by Sir Gray-Steele,
for fortune had led him long and weele;
I haue wist that Knight with his hands tow
slay 100 Knights and moe,
shamefullye driuen them to dead
without succour or any remed;
& he lyeth slaine with a poore Knight
& for his sworne brother came to fight.

389

then Gryme looked by him soone;
they steeds were fighting, as they had done;
in sonder he parted the steeds 2;
to Graysteeles sadle can he goe;
he right the Girthes, & sadled the steed,
& againe to the dead body he yeede,
& pulled forth his Noble Brand,
& smote of Sir Gray-steeles hande:
“My brother left a fingar in this land with thee,
therfore thy whole hand shall he see.”
hee looked vp to the castle of stone,
& see Ladyes manye a one
wringing, & wayling, & riuing there heare,
striking, & crying with voices full cleere.
wight men, they wold not blin,
horsse & harnesse pro to win:
it was euer Sir Gray-steeles desiring
that for his death shold be made noe chalishing.
Grime leapt on Sir Gray-steeles steed,
his owne by the bridle he cold him leade,
& he rode towards the fresh riuer,
there was noe man durst nye him nere;
yett it was an howre within the night
before he came againe to that Ladye bright.
he rode strayght to the burgesse dore,
the ostler mett him on the flore:
“O Master!” he sayd, “now is come that Knight
that went hence when the day was light;
he hath brought with him Sir Gray-steeles steede,
& much more of his golden weede;
he hath brought with him his chaine of gold—

390

his sadle harnes is fayre to behold,—
with other more of his golden geere;
in all this land there is none such to were.”
then to the dore fast cold they hye,
bold men & yeamanrye.
the Burgesse asked the Knight
whether he wold lodg with him all night.
Grime sayd, “to lye in a strange Land—
& here is a strong Castle att hand—
methinke itt were a great follye;
I wott not who is my freind or my enemye.”
hee tooke the hand, & the gloue of gold soe gay;
to the Ladyes chamber he tooke the way
att supper where shee was sett,
but neuer a Morsel might shee eate:
“a!” shee sayd, “now I thinke on that Knight
that went from me when the day was light!
yesternight to the chamber I him Ledd;
this night Gray-steele hath made his bed!
alas! he is foule lost on him!
that is much pittye for all his kine!
for he is large of blood & bone,
& goodlye nurture lacketh he none;
& he his fayre in armes to fold,
He is worth to her his waight in gold;
woe is me, for his loue in his countrye!
shee may thinke longe or she him see!”
with that she thought on her Lord Attelstone
that they water out of her eyen ran.
with that Grime knocked att the chamber dore,
& a maiden stoode ther on the flore;
“O Madam!” shee said, “now is come that Knight
that went hence when the day was light.”
& hastilye from the bord she rise,

391

& kissed him 20 sithe:
“how haue you farren on your Iourney?”
“full well, my loue,” Sir Grime did say,
“for I haue taken such a surtye on yonder Knight
that pore men in his country may haue right;
Merchants may both buy and sell
within the lands where they doe dwell.”
he gaue her the hand & the gloue gay,
& sayd, “lay vp this till itt be day.”
shee tooke the gloue att him,
but shee wist not that they hand was in;
& as they stoode still on the ground,
the hand fell out ther in that stond,
& when shee looked on that hand
that had slaine her brother and her husband,
noe marueill though her hart did grisse,
the red blood in her face did rise:
it was red rowed for to see,
with fingars more then other three;
on euerye fingar a gay gold ring,
a precious stone or a goodly thing;
& yet shee hath it vp tane
& put into the gloue againe,
& vnto a coffer did shee goe,
& vnlocked lockes one or 2.
a rich supper there was dight
& sett before that worthye Knight,
but meate nor drinke he might none;
he was soe furbrished, body and bone,
he longed sore to be a bedd.
& to a chamber shee him Ledd,

392

& all his armour of was done,
& the Lady searched his wounds soone.
the Ladye was neuer soe soe sounde
when shee saw hee had no death wound;
for euer thought that fayre Ladye
his wedded wife that shee shold bee.
& when shee had this done,
to her owne chamber shee went soone;
she tooke out the hand & the gloue of gold;
to her fathers hall shee sayd shee wold,
att supper when he was sett,
& many Lords withouten lett.
& when shee came into the hall,
finely shee halched on them all:
“I can tell you tydings, father, will like you weelle;
slaine is your enemye Sir Gray-steelee.”
then they laughed all ffull hastilye,
said, “Maddam, it seemeth to be a lye:
that man was neuer borne of a woman
cold neuer kill Gray-steele, one man to one.”
she cast out the hand and the gloue of gold;
all had Marueill did it behold,
for it was red rowed for to see,
with fingars more then other 3,
& on euerye fingar a fine gold ring,
a precious stone or a goodlye thing.
the Erle sayd, “daughter, wher dwelleth that Knight?”
Then answered that Ladye both faire [&] bright,
& sayth, “father, his name I cannott myn,
but he was borne in the Land of Beame;
he is large of blood & bone,
& goodlye Nurture lacketh none;

393

he is faire in armes to fold,
he is worth his waight in gold;
but he rydeth in the morning when it is day.”
“that I sett gods forbott,” the Erle can say,
“for I wold [not] for a ioooli:
of florences red & rounde,
vnrewarded of me that he shold goe
that soe manfully hath uenged mee on my foe.”
Earlye on the other day
Sir Gryme radylye can him array;
& as hee was his leaue takeand,
the erle came att his hand;
& when the Erle came him nye,
Sir Gryme sett him on his knee,
& thanked him with humble cheerre
for the great refreshing he had there.
the Erle tooke Gryme by the hand,
& said, “gentle Knight, doe thou vpp stand!
& as thou art a warriour wight,
tarry with me this day & this night.”
“my Lord,” hee said, “I am at your will;
all your comanndement to fulfill.”
then a squier tooke the steeds tow,
& to a stable then can he goe;
the Erle tooke Gryme by the hand,
to the pallace thé yode Leadand;
a rich dinner ther men might see,
of Meate & drinke was great plentye;
the certaine sooth If I shold say,
he was meate fellow for the Ladye gay.
& when the dinner was all done,
the Erle tooke Grime into a chamber soone,

394

& spurred him gentlye,
“Sir, beene you marryed in your countrye?”
Grime answered him hastilye,
“I had neuer wiffe nor yett Ladye:
I tell you truly, by Saint John,
I had neuer wiffe nor yett Lemman.”
the Erle sayd, “I am glad indeed,
for all the better here may you speede;
for I haue a daughter that is my heyre
of all my Lands, that is soe faire;
& if thou wilt wed that Ladye free,
with all my hart I will giue her thee.”
great thankes Gryme to him can make;
saith, “I loue her to well to forsake!”
and afore the Erle & Bishopps 3
Gryime handfasted that faire Ladye.
the day of Marryage itt was sett,
that Gryme shold come againe without Let.
the Erle feitched him in that stonde
2 robes was worth 400li:
they were all beaten gold begon;—
he gaue Egar the better when he came home.—
he tooke Leaue of the Erle & the Ladye,
& rydes home into his countrye.

6. [The Sixth Part.]

He came to a forrest a priuye way,
& leaueth his steed & his palfray;
& when he had soe doone,
he went to his chamber right soone,
& priuyle knocked on the dore,
[&] Palyas his brother stood on the flore.

395

Palyas was neuer more glad & blyth
when he see his brother come home aliue.
“how fareth Sir Egar?” Sir Grime can say.
“the better that you haue sped on your Iourney.”
“rise, Sir Egar, & arme thee weele
both in Iron & in steele,
& goe into yonder forreste free,
& Pallyas my Brother shall goe with thee;
& there thou shalt find Sir Gray-steeles steed,
& much more of his golden weede;
there thou shalt find his chaine of gold,
his sadle harnesse full fayre to behold,
with other more of his golden geere;
in all this land is none such to weare.
to-morrow when the sunn shineth bright,
Looke thou gett into thy Ladyes sight,
& looke thou as strange to her bee
as shee in times past hath been to thee;
for & thou doe not as shee hath done before,
thou shalst loose my loue for euermore.”
then forth went Egar & Pallyas
where the steeds & steuen was.
a scarlett Mantle Grime hath tane;
to the Erles chamber hee his gone
with still Mourning & sighing sore,
“alas! slaine is my brother Sir Egar!
for 7 dayes are comen and gone
sith he promised me to bee att home;
he rode forth wounded verry sore;
alas! my sorrow is much the more!
thy great pride of thy daughter free
made him in this great perill to bee;
alas that euer shee was borne!
the best Knight that euer was in this world is forlorne!”

396

Gryme vpon his way can goe;
the Erle & the Countesse were full woe;
then they bowned them both more & lesse
to the parish church to hear a Masse.
when the Masse was all done,
to the pallace thé went full soone.
one looked betwene him & the sunn,
sais, “methinkes I see tow armed Knights come.”
another sayd, “Nay indeed,
it is an armed Knight ryding, and leads a steede.”
& when they Knight came them neere,
all wist it was Sir Egar;
but Gryme was the first man
that euer welcomed Sir Egar home.
the Erle tooke Egars hand in his,
the countesse cold him comlye Kisse;
his own Lady winglaine wold haue done soe;
he turned his backe & rode her froe,
& said, “parting is a priuye payne,
but old freinds cannott be called againe!
for the great kindnesse I haue found att thee,
fforgotten shalt thou neuer bee.”
he turned his steede in that tyde,
& said to Garnwicke he wold ryde.
the Lady sooned when he did goe;
the Erle & the Countesse were full woe;
the Erle profered Gryme 40li: of Land,
of florences that were fayre & round,
for to gett the good will of Egar his daughter to:
I hope that was ethe to doe.
Grime went forth on his way,
& faire words to Egar [can he say:]
“abyde & speake a word with mee,

397

Brother,” he said, “for Charitye.”
Egar sayd, “here I am at your will;
whatere you command, Ile fulfill.”
a squier tooke his steeds tow,
& to a stable can he goe.
Gryme tooke Egar by the hand,
to their owne chamber they went Leadand,
& all his armour of hath done,
& laid it downe where he put it on.
Gryme feitched forth tow robes in that stond,
the worse was worth 400li:
thé were all of beaten gold begon:
he put the better Egar on;
then was Egar the seemlyest man
that was in all Christendonne.
Gryme tooke him by the hand,
to the palace thé yode Leadand:
a rich dinner there Men might see,
Meate & drinke there was plentye;—
certaine sooth if I shold say,
he was meate fellow with the Ladye gay;—
& when the dinner was all done,
Grime tooke the Erle to councell soone:
“as my Lord Egar is the Knight
that winneth the worshipp in euery fight,
& if hee shall haue your daughter free,
att your owne will I haue gotten him to bee;
I read anon that it were done.”
the Erle & the Countesse accorded soone;
the Erle sent forth his messenger
to great Lords both far & neere,
that they shold come by the 15 day
to the marryage of his daughter gay.
& there Sir Egar, that Noble Knight,
Marryed winglayne, that Ladye Bright.

398

the feast it Lasted fortye dayes,
with Lords & Ladyes in royall arrayes;
& at the 40 dayes end,
euerye man to his owne home wend,
eche man home into his countrye;
soe did Egar, Grime, & Pallyas, all 3,
they neuer stinted nor blan,
to Earle Gares Land till thé came.
the Erle wist he wold be there,
he mett them with a royal fere,
with a 100 Knights in royall array
mett Egar & Grime in the way,
with much myrth of Minstrelsye,
& welcomed them into that countrye;
& there Sir Gryme, that Noble Knight,
marryed Loosepine, that Ladye bright.
why was shee called Loospaine?
a better Leeche was none certaine.
a royall wedding was made there,
as good as was the other before;
& when 5 dayes done did hee,
Egar desired all the Erles meanye
to ryde with him into Gray-steeles Land,
to resigne all into his brothers hand.
they chose Pallyas to be their Captain wight;
the Erle dubd him, and made a Knight,
& by councell of Lords with him did bee,
hee gaue him a 100li: of fee.
then wold they noe longer abyde,
but into Gray-steeles Land can they ryde;
they brake his parkes & killed his deere,
rasen his hauens & shipps soe Cleere;
They tooken townes & castles of stone.
Gray-steele had neuer a child but one

399

that was a daughter fayre & free;
vntill that castle shee did flee;
Egar tooke that Lady, as I vnderstand,
& brought her into Earle Gares land.
when that Ladye the Earle did see,
shee kneeled downe vpon her knee,
& said, “if my father were a tyrant & your enemye,
neuer take my Land froe me.”
the Erle sayd, “for thy curtesye
all the better the matter may bee:
for to weld thy Land & thee
choose thee any Knight that thou he[r]e see.”
amongst all that there was
shee chose vnto Pallyas.
glad & blythe was Baron & Knight,
soe were Egar & Gryme that were soe wight;
& there Sir Pallyas, that Noble Knight,
marryed Emyas that was soe bright.
a royall wedding was made thore,
as good as was the other before.
I neuer wist man that proued soe weele
as did Sir Grine vpon Sir Gray-steele,
for he gate to his brother Sir Egar
an Erles Land & a ladye faire;
he gate himselfe an Erles lande,
the fairest Lady that was Liuande;
he gate his brother Pallyas
a barrons daughter & a Barronage.
Winglaine bare to Sir Egar
10 children that were fayre;
10 of them were sonnes wight,
& 5, daughters fayre in sight.
& Loosepine bare to Sir Grime
10 children in short time;
7 of them sonnes was,
& 3 were daughters faire of face.

400

Emyeas bare to Sir Pallyas
3 Children in short spacee;
2 of them sonnes were,
the 3 was a daughter faire and cleere;
after, shee was marryed to a Knight
that proued both hardye & wight.
there was noe man in noe countrye
that durst displease those brethren 3:
for 2 of them were Erles free,
the 3d: was a Barron in his countrye;
& thus they liued & made an end.
to the blisse of heauen their soules bringe!
I pray Jesus that wee soe may
bring vs the blisse that Lasteth Aye!

ffins.

University of Virginia Library

I. Vol. I.

The Turke and Gowin.

Sir Lambewell.

[The 1st parte.]

The 2d: parte.

The 3d: parte.

Lord: of Learne

Scotish Ffeilde.

[1st ffitt.]

[2d ffitt.]

Fflodden Ffeilde.

[The First Part.]

[The Second Part.]

Eger and Grine.

[The First Part.]

[The Second Part.]

[The Third Part.]

[The Fourth Part.]

[The Fifth Part.]

6. [The Sixth Part.]