 | Handlyng Synne |  |
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Roberd of Brunne's “Handlyng Synne.”
Here bygynneþ þe boke þat men clepyn yn
frenshe Manuele pecche, þe whych boke made
yn frenshe, Roberd Gros-test, Bysshop of Lyncolne.
[THE PROLOG.]
Fadyr, and Sone, & holy goste,
Þat art o god of myȝtës moste,
At þy wurschyp shul we bygynne,
To shame þe fende & shew oure synne;
Synne to shewë, vs to frame,
God to wurschyp, þe fende to shame.
Shameful synne ys gode to lete,
Al þat men do, boþe smale & grete:
Þe grete, withoutyn pryuyte,
That ben commune to me & the,
Of hem wyl y telle ȝow nede
As y haue herde & red yn dede.
Þat art o god of myȝtës moste,
At þy wurschyp shul we bygynne,
To shame þe fende & shew oure synne;
Synne to shewë, vs to frame,
God to wurschyp, þe fende to shame.
Shameful synne ys gode to lete,
Al þat men do, boþe smale & grete:
Þe grete, withoutyn pryuyte,
That ben commune to me & the,
Of hem wyl y telle ȝow nede
As y haue herde & red yn dede.
Of þyse þan ys my sawe,
þe commaundementys of the oldë lawe,
Þysë ten were fyrst vs ȝeuyn,
And fyrst we wylyn of hem be shreuyn,
Yn what poyntys þat we falle
Yn opon synne aȝen hem alle.
þe commaundementys of the oldë lawe,
Þysë ten were fyrst vs ȝeuyn,
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Yn what poyntys þat we falle
Yn opon synne aȝen hem alle.
And syþen of þe seuene synnes,
In what þyng þe fende vs wynnes;
And syþen of synne of sacrylege,
Þat ys to holy chyrche outrage;
And of þe sacramentys seuene
Þat techyn vs to þe blys of heuene;
In what þyng þe fende vs wynnes;
And syþen of synne of sacrylege,
Þat ys to holy chyrche outrage;
And of þe sacramentys seuene
Þat techyn vs to þe blys of heuene;
Syþyn of þe tweluë poyntes of shryfte,
And of þe twelue gracys of here ȝyfte;
Al þat toucheþ dedly synne,
In any spyce þat we falle ynne,
þat ys oponly seen or wrouȝt.
And of þe twelue gracys of here ȝyfte;
Al þat toucheþ dedly synne,
In any spyce þat we falle ynne,
þat ys oponly seen or wrouȝt.
Of pryuytes speke y ryȝt nouȝt;
Þe pryuytes wyl y nat name
For none þareforë shulde me blame;
Leuer ys me þat þey he hydde,
þan for me were oponly kydde.
Noþeles þey mote be shreuyn
ȝyf ȝyfte of gracë shal be ȝeuyn.
Þe pryuytes wyl y nat name
For none þareforë shulde me blame;
Leuer ys me þat þey he hydde,
þan for me were oponly kydde.
Noþeles þey mote be shreuyn
ȝyf ȝyfte of gracë shal be ȝeuyn.
Of þys clerkys wyl y nouȝt seye;
To greuë hem y haue grete eye,
For þey wote þat ys to wetyn,
And se hyt wel before hem wrytyn.
To greuë hem y haue grete eye,
For þey wote þat ys to wetyn,
And se hyt wel before hem wrytyn.
Þat may be weyl on englyssh tolde,
To telle ȝow þat, y may be bolde;
For lewdë men y vndyr-toke
On englyssh tunge to make þys boke.
For many ben of swyche manere,
Þat talys and rymys wyl bleþly here;
Yn gamys, & festys, & at þe ale,
Loue men to lestene trotëuale:
Þat may falle ofte to vylanye,
To dedly synne, or oþer folye;
For swyche men haue y made þis ryme
Þat þey may weyl dyspende here tyme,
And þere-yn sumwhat for to here,
To leue al swychë foul manere,
And for to kunnë knowe þerynne
Þat þey wene no synne be ynne.
To telle ȝow þat, y may be bolde;
For lewdë men y vndyr-toke
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For many ben of swyche manere,
Þat talys and rymys wyl bleþly here;
Yn gamys, & festys, & at þe ale,
Loue men to lestene trotëuale:
Þat may falle ofte to vylanye,
To dedly synne, or oþer folye;
For swyche men haue y made þis ryme
Þat þey may weyl dyspende here tyme,
And þere-yn sumwhat for to here,
To leue al swychë foul manere,
And for to kunnë knowe þerynne
Þat þey wene no synne be ynne.
To alle crystyn men vndir sunne,
And to godë men of Brunne,
And specïali, alle be name,
Þe felaushepe of Symprynghame,
Roberd of Brunnë greteþ ȝow
In al godenesse þat may to prow.
And to godë men of Brunne,
And specïali, alle be name,
Þe felaushepe of Symprynghame,
Roberd of Brunnë greteþ ȝow
In al godenesse þat may to prow.
Of Brunnëwakë yn Kesteuene,
Syxe myle be-syde Sympryngham euene,
Y dwelled yn þe pryorye
Fyftenë ȝere yn cumpanye,
In þe tyme of gode dane Ione
Of Camelton, þat now ys gone:
In hys tyme was y þere ten ȝeres,
And knewe and herd of hys maneres;
Syþyn with dane Ione of Clyntone,
Fyue wyntyr wyþ hym gan y wone;
Dane Felyp was maystér þat tyme
Þat y began þys englyssh ryme.
Þe ȝeres of grace fyl þan to be
A þousynd & þre hundred & þre.
Syxe myle be-syde Sympryngham euene,
Y dwelled yn þe pryorye
Fyftenë ȝere yn cumpanye,
In þe tyme of gode dane Ione
Of Camelton, þat now ys gone:
In hys tyme was y þere ten ȝeres,
And knewe and herd of hys maneres;
Syþyn with dane Ione of Clyntone,
Fyue wyntyr wyþ hym gan y wone;
Dane Felyp was maystér þat tyme
Þat y began þys englyssh ryme.
Þe ȝeres of grace fyl þan to be
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In þat tymë turnede y þys
On englyssh tunge out of frankys,
Of a boke as y fonde ynne;
Men clepyn þe bokë “handlyng synne.”
On englyssh tunge out of frankys,
Of a boke as y fonde ynne;
Men clepyn þe bokë “handlyng synne.”
In frenshë þer a clerk hyt sees,
He clepyþ hyt “manuel de pecches.”
‘Manuel’ ys ‘handlyng with honde;’
‘Pecches’ ys ‘synne,’ y vndyrstonde.
Þese twey wurdys þat beyn otwynne,
Do hem to gedyr, ys “handlyng synne.”
And weyl ys clepyd, for þys skyle;
And as y wote, ȝow shew y wyle.
He clepyþ hyt “manuel de pecches.”
‘Manuel’ ys ‘handlyng with honde;’
‘Pecches’ ys ‘synne,’ y vndyrstonde.
Þese twey wurdys þat beyn otwynne,
Do hem to gedyr, ys “handlyng synne.”
And weyl ys clepyd, for þys skyle;
And as y wote, ȝow shew y wyle.
We handel synnë euery day;
In wurde and dedë, al we may,
Lytyl or mochel, synne we do,
Þe fend and oure flesh tysyn vs þerto;
ffór þys skyle hyt may be seyde
‘Handlyng synne’ for oure mysbreyde;
ffór euery day & euery oure
We synne þat shal we bye ful soure.
In wurde and dedë, al we may,
Lytyl or mochel, synne we do,
Þe fend and oure flesh tysyn vs þerto;
ffór þys skyle hyt may be seyde
‘Handlyng synne’ for oure mysbreyde;
ffór euery day & euery oure
We synne þat shal we bye ful soure.
Anoþer handlyng þer shuld be,
Wyþ shryfte of mouþe to clensë þe.
Handyl þy synnë yn þy þouȝt,
Lytyl & mochel, what þou hast wroght;
Handyl þy synne to hauë drede;
Noþyng but peyn ys þarfore mede.
Handyl þy synnes, & weyl hem gesse,
How þey fordo al þy godenesse.
Handyl þy synnes, & weyl hem euene,
Ellës forbarre þey þe blys of heuene.
Handyl hem at onys euerychone,
Noght onë by hym self alone.
Handyl so to ryse from alle,
Þat nonë makë þe eft falle,
With shryfte of mouþe, & wyl of herte,
And a party, with penaunce smerte;
Þys ys a skyl þat hyt may be tolde
Handlyng synnë many a folde.
Wyþ shryfte of mouþe to clensë þe.
Handyl þy synnë yn þy þouȝt,
Lytyl & mochel, what þou hast wroght;
Handyl þy synne to hauë drede;
Noþyng but peyn ys þarfore mede.
Handyl þy synnes, & weyl hem gesse,
How þey fordo al þy godenesse.
Handyl þy synnes, & weyl hem euene,
Ellës forbarre þey þe blys of heuene.
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Noght onë by hym self alone.
Handyl so to ryse from alle,
Þat nonë makë þe eft falle,
With shryfte of mouþe, & wyl of herte,
And a party, with penaunce smerte;
Þys ys a skyl þat hyt may be tolde
Handlyng synnë many a folde.
Handlyng yn spechë ys as weyl
As handlyng yn dedë euery deyl.
On þys manere handyl þy dedys,
And lestene and lerne whan any hem redys.
Þou darst neuer recche where þou bygynne,
For euery-whare ys bygynnyng of synne;
whedyr þou wylt opon þe boke,
Þou shalt fynde begynnyng oueral loke:
Oueral ys bygynnyng, oueral ys ende;
Hou þat þou wylt turne or wende,
Many þyngys mayst þou þeryn here;
With oft redyng, mayst þou lere;
Þou mayst nat, with onys redyng,
knowe þe soþe of euery þyng.
Handyl, hyt behoueþ, oft syþys,
To many maner synnes hyt wryþys.
As handlyng yn dedë euery deyl.
On þys manere handyl þy dedys,
And lestene and lerne whan any hem redys.
Þou darst neuer recche where þou bygynne,
For euery-whare ys bygynnyng of synne;
whedyr þou wylt opon þe boke,
Þou shalt fynde begynnyng oueral loke:
Oueral ys bygynnyng, oueral ys ende;
Hou þat þou wylt turne or wende,
Many þyngys mayst þou þeryn here;
With oft redyng, mayst þou lere;
Þou mayst nat, with onys redyng,
knowe þe soþe of euery þyng.
Handyl, hyt behoueþ, oft syþys,
To many maner synnes hyt wryþys.
Talys shalt þou fynde þerynne,
And chauncys þat haþ happed for synne;
Meruelys, some as y fonde wrytyn,
And oþer þat haue be seyn & wetyn;
None ben þare-yn, more ne lesse,
But þat y founde wryte, or had wytnesse.
Þarefore may hyt, & gode skyl why,
‘Handlyng synne’ be clepyd oponly;
For hyt toucheþ no priuite,
But opyn synne þat called may be.
And chauncys þat haþ happed for synne;
Meruelys, some as y fonde wrytyn,
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None ben þare-yn, more ne lesse,
But þat y founde wryte, or had wytnesse.
Þarefore may hyt, & gode skyl why,
‘Handlyng synne’ be clepyd oponly;
For hyt toucheþ no priuite,
But opyn synne þat called may be.
Begynne we þan to telle yn hast,
with fadyr and sone and holy gost,
And yn wurschyp of oure lady,
And al þe halewys þat beyn hem by:
Þey ȝeue vs grace ryȝt so to deme,
Vs to profyt, and god to queme.
with fadyr and sone and holy gost,
And yn wurschyp of oure lady,
And al þe halewys þat beyn hem by:
Þey ȝeue vs grace ryȝt so to deme,
Vs to profyt, and god to queme.
[The First Commandment.]
The first commaundment ys of echone
‘Þou shalt haue no god but one,’
Né but o god shalt þou leue,
Ne on no þyng þat wyl hym greue.
Now beþenke þe weyl on þys,
Ȝyf þou aȝen þys haue do ouȝt mys.
‘Þou shalt haue no god but one,’
Né but o god shalt þou leue,
Ne on no þyng þat wyl hym greue.
Now beþenke þe weyl on þys,
Ȝyf þou aȝen þys haue do ouȝt mys.
The fyrst askyng ys yn oure boke,
‘Ȝyf þou euer god forsoke;’
Any tymë, as for nede,
Or for folye, or for drede,
Or ouþer chaunce þat you weyl woste,
Forsoke fadyr and sone and holy goste.
For þys ys one þe mostë synne
Þat any man may fallyn ynne.
‘Ȝyf þou euer god forsoke;’
Any tymë, as for nede,
Or for folye, or for drede,
Or ouþer chaunce þat you weyl woste,
Forsoke fadyr and sone and holy goste.
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Þat any man may fallyn ynne.
Ȝyf þou haue synned þus gretly,
With sory herte þou aske mercy.
For god ys ful euer of pyte,
Hys mercy ys euer redy to þe.
Drede þe noght; ȝyf þou wylt craue,
Hys mochel mercy shalt þou haue.
And þat may wel [i-]preuyd be
Wyþ a tale of auctoryte.
Þe tale ys wrytyn, al and sum,
In a boke of ‘Vitas Patrum:’—
With sory herte þou aske mercy.
For god ys ful euer of pyte,
Hys mercy ys euer redy to þe.
Drede þe noght; ȝyf þou wylt craue,
Hys mochel mercy shalt þou haue.
And þat may wel [i-]preuyd be
Wyþ a tale of auctoryte.
Þe tale ys wrytyn, al and sum,
In a boke of ‘Vitas Patrum:’—
[The Tale of the Tempted Monk.]
Hyt was onys a munke, and had a celle
In a wyldernes, for to dwelle;
Þys munkë of relygyoun
Had a grete temptacyoun;
He was so temptyd with lecherye,
He ȝede fro hys celle to seke folye;
He dede hym sone to a cyte,
In-to egypte, þat yche cuntre.
And, as hé cam yn a strete,
with a womman he gan mete;
Hys flesshe on here was so abeyted,
Þat þyke womman he couéytyd.
To here fadyr swyþe he ȝede,
And asked here to haue yn dede.
Here fadyr was prest of sarysyne;
In maummetry he leued ynne.
In a wyldernes, for to dwelle;
Þys munkë of relygyoun
Had a grete temptacyoun;
He was so temptyd with lecherye,
He ȝede fro hys celle to seke folye;
He dede hym sone to a cyte,
In-to egypte, þat yche cuntre.
And, as hé cam yn a strete,
with a womman he gan mete;
Hys flesshe on here was so abeyted,
Þat þyke womman he couéytyd.
To here fadyr swyþe he ȝede,
And asked here to haue yn dede.
Here fadyr was prest of sarysyne;
In maummetry he leued ynne.
Þe prest seyd þe munke vn-to,
As my god wyl, so wyl y do.
She shal noght to any be sette
Withoutyn leue of my maumette.
The munkë seyd he graunted weyl
Aftyr hys maumette to do euery deyl.
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She shal noght to any be sette
Withoutyn leue of my maumette.
The munkë seyd he graunted weyl
Aftyr hys maumette to do euery deyl.
Þe sarysyne to hys god ȝede,
And askede cunseyl of swyche a dede,
Ȝyf he were of þe munkë payde,
Or, þe ȝyfte shulde be delayde.’
And askede cunseyl of swyche a dede,
Ȝyf he were of þe munkë payde,
Or, þe ȝyfte shulde be delayde.’
Þan answered hys termagaunt,
“Ȝyue hym þy doghtyr on þys cunnaunt,
Þat he forsake, & quytë clene,
God of heuene and hys bapteme,
And alle þe godenesse of hys munkhede;
Þese þre forsakë, mote he nede;
And ȝyf he forsake hem apertly,
Ȝyue hym þy douȝtyr hardëly.”
“Ȝyue hym þy doghtyr on þys cunnaunt,
Þat he forsake, & quytë clene,
God of heuene and hys bapteme,
And alle þe godenesse of hys munkhede;
Þese þre forsakë, mote he nede;
And ȝyf he forsake hem apertly,
Ȝyue hym þy douȝtyr hardëly.”
Þys prest come to þe munke, & tolde
what he seyd, and what he wolde;
‘And ȝyf he wolde forsake þese þre,
Hys dougtyr shulde hys ownë be.’
what he seyd, and what he wolde;
‘And ȝyf he wolde forsake þese þre,
Hys dougtyr shulde hys ownë be.’
She was so mochë yn hys þoght;
Had he here, he rouȝte of noghte.
Alas! Ihesus he forsoke,
And þe crystyndom þat he toke,
And þe state of relygyoun,
And chesë hys Dampnacyun.
Had he here, he rouȝte of noghte.
Alas! Ihesus he forsoke,
And þe crystyndom þat he toke,
And þe state of relygyoun,
And chesë hys Dampnacyun.
Certys he dede grete outrage,
To make þe deuyl so moche omage.
whan he had grauntede al hys folye,
Out of hys mouþe he say flye
A dowue vn-to þe fyrmament;
Þe holy gost þan from hym went.
To make þe deuyl so moche omage.
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Out of hys mouþe he say flye
A dowue vn-to þe fyrmament;
Þe holy gost þan from hym went.
Þe sarysyne wente to hys maumet,
And tolde hym how þe munke had het:
“Þese þre þyngës” he wyl forsake;
Shal y, hym my douȝtyr take?
Sey þou me þe certeyn of alle,
wheþer y shal, or y ne shalle.”
Þe maumet answeryd hastyly,
“Y warne þe for enchesoun why;
Þogh he forsake hys god for euere,
Hys god forsakeþ hym neuere,
For he ys euer ful of pyte;
Men clepyn hym god of cristianite;
For ȝyf he wyl hym mercy craue,
Redyly mercy shal he haue;
Þouȝe he to-day fro hys god weyue,
To-morwe hys god wyl hym receyue.
Þarfor, y forbede þe weyl,
Ne delë with hym neuer a deyl.”
And tolde hym how þe munke had het:
“Þese þre þyngës” he wyl forsake;
Shal y, hym my douȝtyr take?
Sey þou me þe certeyn of alle,
wheþer y shal, or y ne shalle.”
Þe maumet answeryd hastyly,
“Y warne þe for enchesoun why;
Þogh he forsake hys god for euere,
Hys god forsakeþ hym neuere,
For he ys euer ful of pyte;
Men clepyn hym god of cristianite;
For ȝyf he wyl hym mercy craue,
Redyly mercy shal he haue;
Þouȝe he to-day fro hys god weyue,
To-morwe hys god wyl hym receyue.
Þarfor, y forbede þe weyl,
Ne delë with hym neuer a deyl.”
Þe prest vnto þe munkë went
And seyd, “y haue commaundëment
Þat y ne shal delë with þe,
Ne my doghtyr þy wyfe to be;
For þy god ys of swych manere,
Þogh þou forsake hym ryght now here,
To-morwe mayst þou com aȝeyn,
And make with hym acorde certeyn;
Þogh þou haue do neuer so ylle
Ȝyt wyl he graunte þe hys gode wylle.
My god me bad on none wyse
To dele with þe, ne none of hyse.”
And seyd, “y haue commaundëment
Þat y ne shal delë with þe,
Ne my doghtyr þy wyfe to be;
For þy god ys of swych manere,
Þogh þou forsake hym ryght now here,
To-morwe mayst þou com aȝeyn,
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Þogh þou haue do neuer so ylle
Ȝyt wyl he graunte þe hys gode wylle.
My god me bad on none wyse
To dele with þe, ne none of hyse.”
Þe munke rependyd hym þan, and þoght,
“Alas!” he seyd, “what have y wroght
Þat y shulde euer hym forsake
Þat ys so redy me efte to take.
Þy mercy, god, ys mochyl to telle;
when y see a maumet of helle
Þat neuer ȝyt loued þe,
He spekyþ of þy mochyl pyte.
Seþyn þou art so mylde and meke
Þy mochyl mercy wyl y seke;
Here y forsakë þat y toke,
To hym y me betake þat y forsoke.”
“Alas!” he seyd, “what have y wroght
Þat y shulde euer hym forsake
Þat ys so redy me efte to take.
Þy mercy, god, ys mochyl to telle;
when y see a maumet of helle
Þat neuer ȝyt loued þe,
He spekyþ of þy mochyl pyte.
Seþyn þou art so mylde and meke
Þy mochyl mercy wyl y seke;
Here y forsakë þat y toke,
To hym y me betake þat y forsoke.”
Seþyn he ȝede to an ermyte,
And shrofe hym of hys synne astyte;
And tolde hym þat he had y-doun,
Forsaken god and hys relygyoun.
þys forsayde ermyte ful sory was
Þat he had do so grete trespas;
Noþeles, he bad hym dwelle
Þre wokys with hym yn his celle;
For hys synne he shulde þan faste,
And yn preyers wel to laste.
And shrofe hym of hys synne astyte;
And tolde hym þat he had y-doun,
Forsaken god and hys relygyoun.
þys forsayde ermyte ful sory was
Þat he had do so grete trespas;
Noþeles, he bad hym dwelle
Þre wokys with hym yn his celle;
For hys synne he shulde þan faste,
And yn preyers wel to laste.
þys ychë munke þat was so madde,
Dyde ryght as þe ermyte badde.
þey preyden boþe þat seuenyȝt
To god, for hys mochel myȝt,
þat he wulde haue of hym mercy;
Þus preyd þey boþë specyaly.
Dyde ryght as þe ermyte badde.
þey preyden boþe þat seuenyȝt
11
þat he wulde haue of hym mercy;
Þus preyd þey boþë specyaly.
At þe fyrste seuenyȝt ende,
þe ermyte seyd, “broþer hende,
Hast þou any gracë see
Yn þy preyers as þou hast be?”
“ȝe,” he seyde, “y sagh a syght
Yn þe lykenes of a dowuës flyght,
Aboue me yn þe firmament,
Of þat dowue þat fro me went.”
þe ermyte þoght þan astyte
Þat hyt was þe same spyryte
þat went from hym when he began
God forsake for þat womman.
þe ermyte seyd, “broþer hende,
Hast þou any gracë see
Yn þy preyers as þou hast be?”
“ȝe,” he seyde, “y sagh a syght
Yn þe lykenes of a dowuës flyght,
Aboue me yn þe firmament,
Of þat dowue þat fro me went.”
þe ermyte þoght þan astyte
Þat hyt was þe same spyryte
þat went from hym when he began
God forsake for þat womman.
To gret penaunce eft he hym toke
For hys cristyndom þat he forsoke;
Ȝyt a woke he badde hym faste
For his flessh þat hym downe caste,
þat no more þurghe lecherye
He fordo hys grace so gretly.
For hys cristyndom þat he forsoke;
Ȝyt a woke he badde hym faste
For his flessh þat hym downe caste,
þat no more þurghe lecherye
He fordo hys grace so gretly.
Þys ermyte preyed nyght and day
þat hys penaunce were take to pay.
whan þey had preydë day & nyght
Alle þat woke yn goddys syght,
Þys ermyte seyd, “benedicite;
Broþer,” he seyd, “how þenkeþ þe?”
“weyl,” he seyd, “þurgh goddys grace,
Þe dowue haþ be byfore my face,
And, a whyle, stylle by me stode;
Þe syght þere-of dyde me gode.”
“þat ys weyl, wyþ goddys wylle,
Dwelle ȝyt with me a wokë stylle,
And be yn þyn afflyccyouns,
Yn fastyng and yn orysouns:
And y. shal prey also with þe
Þat god boþe herë me and þe.”
þat hys penaunce were take to pay.
whan þey had preydë day & nyght
Alle þat woke yn goddys syght,
Þys ermyte seyd, “benedicite;
Broþer,” he seyd, “how þenkeþ þe?”
“weyl,” he seyd, “þurgh goddys grace,
Þe dowue haþ be byfore my face,
And, a whyle, stylle by me stode;
Þe syght þere-of dyde me gode.”
12
Dwelle ȝyt with me a wokë stylle,
And be yn þyn afflyccyouns,
Yn fastyng and yn orysouns:
And y. shal prey also with þe
Þat god boþe herë me and þe.”
Stedfastlych þey preyd a-none
Tyl þat wokë were alle gone.
At þe woke ende, spake þe ermyte
And asked þe munke of þe spyryte.
Þe munkë seyde, “y haue hyt seyn,
And on my hede syttyn and beyn;
y sagh hyt so mylde and spake,
Þat with my hande y myght hyt take;
Me þoght hyt was þat fro me steye,
Aȝeyn yn-to my mouþe hyt fleye.”
þe ermyte þanked god almyght
Þat ȝafe hym grace to see þat syȝt.
“Now art þou clene,” he seyde, “of synne,
þe holy goste ys þe withynne:
kepe þe now fro swych a kas,
Aȝen god no more to trespas.”
Tyl þat wokë were alle gone.
At þe woke ende, spake þe ermyte
And asked þe munke of þe spyryte.
Þe munkë seyde, “y haue hyt seyn,
And on my hede syttyn and beyn;
y sagh hyt so mylde and spake,
Þat with my hande y myght hyt take;
Me þoght hyt was þat fro me steye,
Aȝeyn yn-to my mouþe hyt fleye.”
þe ermyte þanked god almyght
Þat ȝafe hym grace to see þat syȝt.
“Now art þou clene,” he seyde, “of synne,
þe holy goste ys þe withynne:
kepe þe now fro swych a kas,
Aȝen god no more to trespas.”
By þys ensample may ȝe see
Þat god ys euer ful of pyte;
Þogh a man hym onys forsake,
Eft wyl god aȝen hym take
Ȝyf he with herte wyl mercy crye
And do penaunce for hys folye.
Blessed be he among vs here,
Þat he loueþ vs alle so dere.
Þat god ys euer ful of pyte;
Þogh a man hym onys forsake,
Eft wyl god aȝen hym take
Ȝyf he with herte wyl mercy crye
And do penaunce for hys folye.
Blessed be he among vs here,
Þat he loueþ vs alle so dere.
13
Go we now fyrþer on oure pas
And tellë more of oure trespas.
And tellë more of oure trespas.
[On Witchcraft and Dreams.]
Ȝyf þou euer þurgh folye
Dydyst ouȝt do nygrómauncy.
Or to þe deuyl dedyst sacryfyse
Þurgh wychcraftys asyse,
Or any man ȝaf þe mede
For to reyse þe deuyl yn dede,
For to telle, or for to wrey,
Þyng þat þe was don awey;
Ȝyf þou haue do any of þys,
Þou hast synned & do a-mys,
And þou art wurþy to be shent
Þurgh þys yche commaundëment.
Dydyst ouȝt do nygrómauncy.
Or to þe deuyl dedyst sacryfyse
Þurgh wychcraftys asyse,
Or any man ȝaf þe mede
For to reyse þe deuyl yn dede,
For to telle, or for to wrey,
Þyng þat þe was don awey;
Ȝyf þou haue do any of þys,
Þou hast synned & do a-mys,
And þou art wurþy to be shent
Þurgh þys yche commaundëment.
Ȝyf you yn swerd, oþer yn bacyn,
Any chylde madyst loke þeryn,
Or yn þumbe, or yn cristal,—
wycchëcraft men clepyn hyt al:
Beleue nouȝt yn þe pyys cheteryng;
Hyt ys no trouþe, but fals beleuyng.
Many beleuyn yn þe pye:
whan she comyþ lowe or hye
Cheteryng, and haþ no reste,
þan sey þey we shul haue geste.
Manyon trowyn on here wylys,
And many tymes þe pye hem gylys.
Any chylde madyst loke þeryn,
Or yn þumbe, or yn cristal,—
wycchëcraft men clepyn hyt al:
Beleue nouȝt yn þe pyys cheteryng;
Hyt ys no trouþe, but fals beleuyng.
Many beleuyn yn þe pye:
whan she comyþ lowe or hye
Cheteryng, and haþ no reste,
þan sey þey we shul haue geste.
Manyon trowyn on here wylys,
And many tymes þe pye hem gylys.
14
Also ys metyng on þe morwe
when þou shalt go to bye or to borwe;
ȝyf þan þy erende spede ne sette,
þan wylt þou curse hym þat þou mette.
Hyt ys þe tycement of þe deuyl
To curse hem þat þoght þe no euyl.
when þou shalt go to bye or to borwe;
ȝyf þan þy erende spede ne sette,
þan wylt þou curse hym þat þou mette.
Hyt ys þe tycement of þe deuyl
To curse hem þat þoght þe no euyl.
Of hancel y can no skylle also;
Hyt ys nouȝt to beleue þarto:
Me þynkeþ hyt ys fals euery deyl,
Y beleue hyt nouȝt, ne neuer shal weyl.
For many hauyn glad hancel at þe morw,
And to hem or euyn comþ mochyl sorw;
And manyon hauyn yn þe day grete noy,
And ȝyt or euyn comþ to hem mochyl ioye.
So mayst þou wyte, ȝyf þou gode can,
Þat hancel ys no beleue to man.
Hyt ys nouȝt to beleue þarto:
Me þynkeþ hyt ys fals euery deyl,
Y beleue hyt nouȝt, ne neuer shal weyl.
For many hauyn glad hancel at þe morw,
And to hem or euyn comþ mochyl sorw;
And manyon hauyn yn þe day grete noy,
And ȝyt or euyn comþ to hem mochyl ioye.
So mayst þou wyte, ȝyf þou gode can,
Þat hancel ys no beleue to man.
Beleuë nouȝt moche yn no dremys,
For many be nat but gleteryng glemys.
Þese clerkys seyn þat hyt ys vanyte,
Þat nouȝt ys, ne neuer shal be;
And oftë mayst þou fynde hyt ryght
þat þou hast mete vpon þe nyght.
But þerof to haue mochyl affyaunce
Þe may betyde þe sunner a chaunce.
For many be nat but gleteryng glemys.
Þese clerkys seyn þat hyt ys vanyte,
Þat nouȝt ys, ne neuer shal be;
And oftë mayst þou fynde hyt ryght
þat þou hast mete vpon þe nyght.
But þerof to haue mochyl affyaunce
Þe may betyde þe sunner a chaunce.
On syxë maners may a man mete:
Sum beyn to beleue, sum beyn to lete.
Sum men dremyn for surfeture,
þat etyn or drynkyn ouer mesure;
And sum dremë on veyn þyng
For ouer mychyl and grete fastyng;
And sum beyn þe fendes temptacyoun
Þat to þe trowþe ys fals tresoun;
And sum come of ouer mochyl þouȝt
Of þyng þat men wuld hauë wrouȝt;
And sum beyn goddys pryuyte
Þat he shewyþ to warnë þe;
And, sum come þurgh grete stody,
And shewë to þe apertly.
Þese syxë maners a clerk vs tellyþ,
Seynt Gregory, þat mochyl spellyþ.
Sum beyn to beleue, sum beyn to lete.
Sum men dremyn for surfeture,
15
And sum dremë on veyn þyng
For ouer mychyl and grete fastyng;
And sum beyn þe fendes temptacyoun
Þat to þe trowþe ys fals tresoun;
And sum come of ouer mochyl þouȝt
Of þyng þat men wuld hauë wrouȝt;
And sum beyn goddys pryuyte
Þat he shewyþ to warnë þe;
And, sum come þurgh grete stody,
And shewë to þe apertly.
Þese syxë maners a clerk vs tellyþ,
Seynt Gregory, þat mochyl spellyþ.
Þe fyrst twey maners, we wote weyl,
Beyn oure defautë euery deyl.
Þe ton ys for ouer mychel outrage,
Þe touþer ys febylnesse of corage,
As yn mete, or drynk, ouer moche takyng,
Or yn feblyng þe body with moche fastyng.
þe touþer fourë þys clerkys wytyn,
For yn þe byble þey ben wrytyn.
Ȝyf þey ne come þurgh temptacyun
Of þe fende, þat ys a felun,
Neuere had seyd Salamon
‘þat dremys, men deseyue manyon.’
For þo þat to dremys ouer moche trastys,
To scornë hem þe fende þen frastys.
Beyn oure defautë euery deyl.
Þe ton ys for ouer mychel outrage,
Þe touþer ys febylnesse of corage,
As yn mete, or drynk, ouer moche takyng,
Or yn feblyng þe body with moche fastyng.
þe touþer fourë þys clerkys wytyn,
For yn þe byble þey ben wrytyn.
Ȝyf þey ne come þurgh temptacyun
Of þe fende, þat ys a felun,
Neuere had seyd Salamon
‘þat dremys, men deseyue manyon.’
For þo þat to dremys ouer moche trastys,
To scornë hem þe fende þen frastys.
16
Ȝyf þey come nat also þurgh þoght,
Þe wysë clerk hadde tolde hyt noght,
Ne suffryd hyt be wrytyn yn boke
Þat men alle day rede yn, and loke.
Þus þe wyse clerk seyþ, Catun,
And techyþ chyldryn þys lessun,
‘Ȝeue no charge to [þy] dremys,
Þey been but as [glasyng] glemys
Þat yn þe þouȝt [stertys &] lepys
A-nyȝt whan þou [restys &] slepys:
þat you wakyng [sumtyme] þenkes,
Beforë þy yȝen hyt blenkys.’
Þe wysë clerk hadde tolde hyt noght,
Ne suffryd hyt be wrytyn yn boke
Þat men alle day rede yn, and loke.
Þus þe wyse clerk seyþ, Catun,
And techyþ chyldryn þys lessun,
‘Ȝeue no charge to [þy] dremys,
Þey been but as [glasyng] glemys
Þat yn þe þouȝt [stertys &] lepys
A-nyȝt whan þou [restys &] slepys:
þat you wakyng [sumtyme] þenkes,
Beforë þy yȝen hyt blenkys.’
Ȝyf þey ne come þurgh pryuyte
Þat god wyl shewë me or þe,
Iosep of dremys had ȝyue no kepe
what hym was shewed yn hys slepe,
þat fadyr and modyr & al hys kynde,
Þurgh hym shuld þey wurshyp fynde.
yn þe byble men redë þys
In þe fyrst boke of genesys.
Also hyt was shewyd pryuyly
To iosep þat wedded oure lady,
Þat with þe chyld þey shuldë fle
To egypt, þat yche cuntre.
þys ys clepyd reuelacyun,
To shewe byfore what ys to doun.
Þat god wyl shewë me or þe,
Iosep of dremys had ȝyue no kepe
what hym was shewed yn hys slepe,
þat fadyr and modyr & al hys kynde,
Þurgh hym shuld þey wurshyp fynde.
yn þe byble men redë þys
In þe fyrst boke of genesys.
Also hyt was shewyd pryuyly
To iosep þat wedded oure lady,
Þat with þe chyld þey shuldë fle
To egypt, þat yche cuntre.
þys ys clepyd reuelacyun,
To shewe byfore what ys to doun.
Ȝyf þey com noght þurgh stodyyng,
þat tokene ys of selkouþe þyng,
Danyel had noght wyst byfore
Þe dreme of Nabugodonósore.
Danyel seyd vn-to þe kyng,
“þou þouȝtyst to nyȝt a selkouþe þyng;
‘what manere folk shuld þey be
Þat yn þis worlde come aftyr þe,
And how þey shulde þe wurlde gouerne;’
yn þy þoght þou gunne hyt ȝerne;
And god shewyd hyt yn þy syȝt;
þat dremed þe þe touþer nyȝt.”
He tolde þe profyte þan euery deyl;
And þe profete redde hyt weyl:
wysly he seyd, and weyl þurgh soght,
whan he hede toke to þat þe kynge þoght.
And god shewyd what shuld betyde;
what manere folk shulde aftyr a-byde.
þat tokene ys of selkouþe þyng,
Danyel had noght wyst byfore
17
Danyel seyd vn-to þe kyng,
“þou þouȝtyst to nyȝt a selkouþe þyng;
‘what manere folk shuld þey be
Þat yn þis worlde come aftyr þe,
And how þey shulde þe wurlde gouerne;’
yn þy þoght þou gunne hyt ȝerne;
And god shewyd hyt yn þy syȝt;
þat dremed þe þe touþer nyȝt.”
He tolde þe profyte þan euery deyl;
And þe profete redde hyt weyl:
wysly he seyd, and weyl þurgh soght,
whan he hede toke to þat þe kynge þoght.
And god shewyd what shuld betyde;
what manere folk shulde aftyr a-byde.
Seþyn þer beyn dremys so many manere,
þan ys doute & gretë were
To wytë where-of dremys come,
Þat euery nyȝt dremyn þurgh custome;
Þer beyn so many dremys yn veyne,
Þat no man wotë no certeyn
But þey þat beyn with god pryue,
To whom ys graunted, swych þyng to see:
Swych men deseyueþ nat þe deuyl,
þey haue no grace to knowe hys euyl;
Ellys may no man fynde hem stable,
So ben dremys déseyuable.
ȝyf þou telle hem, þan mayst þou erre;
And ȝyf þow trow hem, þat ys wel werre;
For þou mayst dreme of sum euyl þyng
Þat may turne to better for þy preyyng.
“Þou, leudman, ȝyf godë tent,
Trow noght aȝen þe comaundment.”
þan ys doute & gretë were
To wytë where-of dremys come,
Þat euery nyȝt dremyn þurgh custome;
Þer beyn so many dremys yn veyne,
Þat no man wotë no certeyn
But þey þat beyn with god pryue,
To whom ys graunted, swych þyng to see:
Swych men deseyueþ nat þe deuyl,
þey haue no grace to knowe hys euyl;
Ellys may no man fynde hem stable,
So ben dremys déseyuable.
18
And ȝyf þow trow hem, þat ys wel werre;
For þou mayst dreme of sum euyl þyng
Þat may turne to better for þy preyyng.
“Þou, leudman, ȝyf godë tent,
Trow noght aȝen þe comaundment.”
Ȝyf þou beleue yn wycchëcraft
To chaungë þyng be þe deuylys craft,—
Swych beyn þe deuyl betaght,
with holy chyrche þey ben vnsaght,
And allë þo þat on hem trowe
Mow drede hem self to brenne yn lowe;
And þogh þey fynde hyt soþe oþer whyle,
Hyt ys þurgh þe fendës gyle.
Þe fend fondyþ with alle hys myȝt
To put sumwat yn herë syght
Þat shal make hem swych þyng beleue
And god almyȝty myspay and greue.
For þer was neuer womman ne man
Þat any wycchëcraft be-gan,
Þat euer myȝt bryng hyt to an ende,
But fals beleue þat wyl hem shende.
þe wurdys certys beyn ryght noght,
But fals beleue makeþ dede y-wroght.
For whan þou trowyst yn a fals þyng
þe deuyl hyt shewyþ for þat trowyng.
lo here a tale of a wycche,
Þat leued no better þa[n] a bycche.
To chaungë þyng be þe deuylys craft,—
Swych beyn þe deuyl betaght,
with holy chyrche þey ben vnsaght,
And allë þo þat on hem trowe
Mow drede hem self to brenne yn lowe;
And þogh þey fynde hyt soþe oþer whyle,
Hyt ys þurgh þe fendës gyle.
Þe fend fondyþ with alle hys myȝt
To put sumwat yn herë syght
Þat shal make hem swych þyng beleue
And god almyȝty myspay and greue.
For þer was neuer womman ne man
Þat any wycchëcraft be-gan,
Þat euer myȝt bryng hyt to an ende,
But fals beleue þat wyl hem shende.
þe wurdys certys beyn ryght noght,
But fals beleue makeþ dede y-wroght.
For whan þou trowyst yn a fals þyng
þe deuyl hyt shewyþ for þat trowyng.
lo here a tale of a wycche,
Þat leued no better þa[n] a bycche.
19
[The Tale of the Witch and her Cow-sucking Bag; and how a Bishop faild to work her Charm, because he didn't believe in it.]
Þere was a wycche, and made a bagge,
A bely of leþyr, a gretë swagge,
She sygaldryd so þys bagge bely
Þat hyt ȝede and soke mennys ky,
At euene, & at morw tyde,
yn here pasture, oþer ellys be syde.
long hyt ȝede aboutë fast,
Tyl hyt was parceyued at the last;
Þan al þe godemen of þe toune,
Byfore þe bysshop dyden here somoune;
Þey dyden þe baggë with here bere,
To wetë what she shuld answere.
hyt was shewyd byfore þe bysshop,
Þat she dyde to goo swych a melk slop,
Þurgh wycchecraft & mysáuenture,
To sugke here keyn yn here pasture.
Þe bysshop merueyled, & oþer mo,
how þat she myȝt do hyt go.
“Dame,” seyd þe bysshop, “do þy quentyse,
And late vs se how hyt shal ryse.”
Þys wycche here charme began to sey,
Þe slop ros vp, and ȝede þe weye.
Þe bysshop seyd, “þys haue we seyn;
Do hyt now to lygge aȝeyn.”
Þe wycchë dede al at hys wylle:
She made þe slop aȝen lygge stylle,
Þe bysshop made a clerk þan wryte
Al þat she seyd, mochel and lyte,
And allë how she made here went;
Þe bysshop þarto ȝaf gode entent.
“Þan,” seyde þe bysshop, “now shal y,
As þou hast do, do þy maystry.”
Þe bysshop bygan þe charme to rede,
And as she dyde, he dyde yn dede;
He seyd and dedë euery deyl,
Ryȝt as she dede, he dede as weyl.
Þe sloppe lay stylle, as hyt ded wore,
For hym ne ros hyt neuer þe more.
“why,” seyd he, “wyl hyt nat ryse,
And y haue do þe samë wyse,
And seyd þe wurdys, lesse ne mo,
And for my seyyng wyl hyt nat go?”
“Nay,” she seyd, “why shuld hyt so?
Ȝe beleue nat as y do:
wlde ȝe beleue my wrdys as y,
Hyt shulde a go, and sokun ky.”
He seyd, “þan fayleþ noght but beleuyng;”
She seyd, “þat helpeþ al my þyng;
And so hyt ys for ourë lawe,
Beleue ys morë þan þe sawe;
For, þou mayst sey what þou wylt,
But þou beleue hyt, ellys ys alle spylt;
Alle þat y seyd, y beleue hyt weyl,
My beleue haþ do þe dede euery deyl.”
Þe bysshop comaundyd þat she shuld noȝt
Beleue ne wurche as she had wroȝt.
A bely of leþyr, a gretë swagge,
She sygaldryd so þys bagge bely
Þat hyt ȝede and soke mennys ky,
At euene, & at morw tyde,
yn here pasture, oþer ellys be syde.
long hyt ȝede aboutë fast,
Tyl hyt was parceyued at the last;
Þan al þe godemen of þe toune,
Byfore þe bysshop dyden here somoune;
Þey dyden þe baggë with here bere,
To wetë what she shuld answere.
hyt was shewyd byfore þe bysshop,
Þat she dyde to goo swych a melk slop,
Þurgh wycchecraft & mysáuenture,
To sugke here keyn yn here pasture.
Þe bysshop merueyled, & oþer mo,
how þat she myȝt do hyt go.
“Dame,” seyd þe bysshop, “do þy quentyse,
And late vs se how hyt shal ryse.”
Þys wycche here charme began to sey,
Þe slop ros vp, and ȝede þe weye.
20
Do hyt now to lygge aȝeyn.”
Þe wycchë dede al at hys wylle:
She made þe slop aȝen lygge stylle,
Þe bysshop made a clerk þan wryte
Al þat she seyd, mochel and lyte,
And allë how she made here went;
Þe bysshop þarto ȝaf gode entent.
“Þan,” seyde þe bysshop, “now shal y,
As þou hast do, do þy maystry.”
Þe bysshop bygan þe charme to rede,
And as she dyde, he dyde yn dede;
He seyd and dedë euery deyl,
Ryȝt as she dede, he dede as weyl.
Þe sloppe lay stylle, as hyt ded wore,
For hym ne ros hyt neuer þe more.
“why,” seyd he, “wyl hyt nat ryse,
And y haue do þe samë wyse,
And seyd þe wurdys, lesse ne mo,
And for my seyyng wyl hyt nat go?”
“Nay,” she seyd, “why shuld hyt so?
Ȝe beleue nat as y do:
wlde ȝe beleue my wrdys as y,
Hyt shulde a go, and sokun ky.”
He seyd, “þan fayleþ noght but beleuyng;”
She seyd, “þat helpeþ al my þyng;
And so hyt ys for ourë lawe,
Beleue ys morë þan þe sawe;
21
But þou beleue hyt, ellys ys alle spylt;
Alle þat y seyd, y beleue hyt weyl,
My beleue haþ do þe dede euery deyl.”
Þe bysshop comaundyd þat she shuld noȝt
Beleue ne wurche as she had wroȝt.
Here mow we wyte, beleue wyl make
Þere þe wurde no myȝt may take.
Þe bysshop seyd þe wurdys echoun,
But, beleue þeryn hadde he noun.
Nomore shall hyt auaylë þe
Þat beleuest not þere beleue shulde be.
Þere þe wurde no myȝt may take.
Þe bysshop seyd þe wurdys echoun,
But, beleue þeryn hadde he noun.
Nomore shall hyt auaylë þe
Þat beleuest not þere beleue shulde be.
Ȝyf þou herdyst a fals þyng or layþ
Þat were spoke aȝens þe feyþ,
And þou ne wuldest þeraȝen seye,
But beleuyst, oþer for loue, oþer for eye,
Þou hast synned, & aȝen went
Þys ychë fyrst comaundëment.
Þus seyþ þe lawë þat men hauntes,
‘Ȝyf þou forhelyst, weyl þou grauntes.’
Þat were spoke aȝens þe feyþ,
And þou ne wuldest þeraȝen seye,
But beleuyst, oþer for loue, oþer for eye,
Þou hast synned, & aȝen went
Þys ychë fyrst comaundëment.
Þus seyþ þe lawë þat men hauntes,
‘Ȝyf þou forhelyst, weyl þou grauntes.’
Ȝyf þou trowest or vndyrstondys
Þat þre sustren ben shapandys,
And comun þere þe chylde ys bore,
And shapyn hyt wele or euel before;
For wykked beleue þat þou art ynne
Þey make þe chylde to falle yn synne;
Swyche beleue þou shuldest nat werche
Aȝens þe beleue of holy cherche.
Þer nys no shapper but god almyȝt,
Þat yn þe vyrgyne Mary lyȝt.
He ys shapper of al þyng;
Of al þat ys, he wote þe endyng;
He ys boþë god and man;
Alle he wote, and alle he can.
Þe touþer shappers þat men of telle,
Beteche we hem þe fende of helle.
Þat þre sustren ben shapandys,
And comun þere þe chylde ys bore,
And shapyn hyt wele or euel before;
For wykked beleue þat þou art ynne
Þey make þe chylde to falle yn synne;
Swyche beleue þou shuldest nat werche
Aȝens þe beleue of holy cherche.
Þer nys no shapper but god almyȝt,
22
He ys shapper of al þyng;
Of al þat ys, he wote þe endyng;
He ys boþë god and man;
Alle he wote, and alle he can.
Þe touþer shappers þat men of telle,
Beteche we hem þe fende of helle.
Ȝyf þou trowyst synne shal be forȝeue
withoutë répentaunce & shryue,
As sum of þys lewed men seys,
‘God of heuene ys so curteys,
Þat he shal on domysday certeynly
For-ȝyue þe synne of lechery;
lechery ys but lyght synne,
he wyl haue mercy on al þerynne;’
Þus sey þey þat can no gode,
And þouȝ þey hemself vndyrstode.
Ȝyf þou þe certeyn wylt lere,
Þyn forȝeuenes mote be here;
yn þe touþer werlde þer we shul come
Þere ys but ryȝtfulnes of dome;
Þere ys al ryȝtfulnes at þe last ende;
Aske mercy or þou þedyr wende,
Elles gest þou no forȝeuenes,
Here ne þerë, more no lesse.
God ȝyue vs grace, or we be went,
To kepë þys fyrst cómaundment.
withoutë répentaunce & shryue,
As sum of þys lewed men seys,
‘God of heuene ys so curteys,
Þat he shal on domysday certeynly
For-ȝyue þe synne of lechery;
lechery ys but lyght synne,
he wyl haue mercy on al þerynne;’
Þus sey þey þat can no gode,
And þouȝ þey hemself vndyrstode.
Ȝyf þou þe certeyn wylt lere,
Þyn forȝeuenes mote be here;
yn þe touþer werlde þer we shul come
Þere ys but ryȝtfulnes of dome;
Þere ys al ryȝtfulnes at þe last ende;
Aske mercy or þou þedyr wende,
Elles gest þou no forȝeuenes,
Here ne þerë, more no lesse.
God ȝyue vs grace, or we be went,
To kepë þys fyrst cómaundment.
23
[The Second Commandment.]
The touþer comandement ys,
‘Swere nat hys name yn ydulnys.’
whan þou yn ydulnes swerest hys name,
Þou dost hym bere wytnes of blame.
Vndyrstond þys,—þe menyng ys,
Alle yn þe, þe wykednes ys.
Ȝyf þou sweryst fals, þy wetande,
And for soþenes ys vnderstonde,
Þere takyst þou god yn þy sweryng
To bere wytnesse of a fals þyng.
Y askë ‘wheþyr ys grettyr eye,
A lesyng, or a fals tale seye.’
Here mayst þou lerne a queyntyse,
To knowe of boþe þe ryȝt asyse;—
Þou mayst here and beleue a fals
Þat ys seyd of a-noþer als,
And telle hyt forþ þe samë wyse,
Ryght as he vn-to þe seyse,
And ȝyf þou wene þat þat sawe ys ryȝt,
Þouȝt hyt be fals, þou hast no plyȝt;
For, þyn ynwyt, þe shal saue,
Þou wenyst to seye weyl, no plyȝt to haue,
‘Swere nat hys name yn ydulnys.’
whan þou yn ydulnes swerest hys name,
Þou dost hym bere wytnes of blame.
Vndyrstond þys,—þe menyng ys,
Alle yn þe, þe wykednes ys.
Ȝyf þou sweryst fals, þy wetande,
And for soþenes ys vnderstonde,
Þere takyst þou god yn þy sweryng
To bere wytnesse of a fals þyng.
Y askë ‘wheþyr ys grettyr eye,
A lesyng, or a fals tale seye.’
Here mayst þou lerne a queyntyse,
To knowe of boþe þe ryȝt asyse;—
Þou mayst here and beleue a fals
Þat ys seyd of a-noþer als,
And telle hyt forþ þe samë wyse,
Ryght as he vn-to þe seyse,
And ȝyf þou wene þat þat sawe ys ryȝt,
Þouȝt hyt be fals, þou hast no plyȝt;
For, þyn ynwyt, þe shal saue,
Þou wenyst to seye weyl, no plyȝt to haue,
A lesyng haþ weyl wers wey:
Þe tokyn of a lesyng y shal þe sey.
whan ys a lesyng, but þan ys hyt
whan hyt ys seyd aȝens ynwyt;
Soþely to sey, a lesyng ys
whan þou wost þat þou seyst mys,
And ȝyf þou make a grete sweryng
For to manteynë þy lesyng;
Hym þan þat þou by sweryst,
Fals wytnes on hym þou beryst.
Ȝyf þou by god, or oure lady,
Or ouþer seyntes þat þou sweryst by,
Þou dost hym berë fals wytnes
Of þy lesyng, þat soþ yt ys.
How shul þey þan help þe at þy nede,
whan þou hem drawyst to þy falshede;
And þyn inwyt, þyn ownë skyle,
Aȝen þe seyþ and euermore wylle.
Þe tokyn of a lesyng y shal þe sey.
whan ys a lesyng, but þan ys hyt
whan hyt ys seyd aȝens ynwyt;
Soþely to sey, a lesyng ys
whan þou wost þat þou seyst mys,
24
For to manteynë þy lesyng;
Hym þan þat þou by sweryst,
Fals wytnes on hym þou beryst.
Ȝyf þou by god, or oure lady,
Or ouþer seyntes þat þou sweryst by,
Þou dost hym berë fals wytnes
Of þy lesyng, þat soþ yt ys.
How shul þey þan help þe at þy nede,
whan þou hem drawyst to þy falshede;
And þyn inwyt, þyn ownë skyle,
Aȝen þe seyþ and euermore wylle.
Ȝyf þou trowest þat god was nat byfore
Or he was of þe maydyn bore;
Or ȝyf þou trowyst þat he was noght
Beforë or þe worlde was wroght;
Ȝyf þou wene þat verement,
Hyt ys aȝens þys comaundement.
God was euer wyþ outyn bygynnyng
Ar þe worlde, or man, or ouþer þyng.
Or he was of þe maydyn bore;
Or ȝyf þou trowyst þat he was noght
Beforë or þe worlde was wroght;
Ȝyf þou wene þat verement,
Hyt ys aȝens þys comaundement.
God was euer wyþ outyn bygynnyng
Ar þe worlde, or man, or ouþer þyng.
Ȝyf þou trowyst þat hys manhede
Haþ no powere with þe godhede,
Repentë þe, þou art yn synne,
For ydylnes hast þou hys name ynne;
Haþ no powere with þe godhede,
Repentë þe, þou art yn synne,
For ydylnes hast þou hys name ynne;
Ȝyf þou trowest þat he may naght
Yn heuene and erþe hys wyl haue wroȝt,
Þe manhede þat toke flesshe & bone,
Þat with þe godhede ys al one;—
But þou repente þe byfore þy fyn,
Þou mayst be lore, seyþ seynt Austyn.
Yn heuene and erþe hys wyl haue wroȝt,
Þe manhede þat toke flesshe & bone,
Þat with þe godhede ys al one;—
But þou repente þe byfore þy fyn,
Þou mayst be lore, seyþ seynt Austyn.
25
[Against Swearing Oaths.]
Ȝyf þou were euer so fole hardyTo swerë grete oþys grysly,
As we folys do alle day,
Dysmembre Ihesu alle þat we may.
Gentyl men, for grete gentry,
wene þat grete oþys beyn curteysy;
Noþeles, blode, fete, & yȝen,
Þey scorne Ihesu, and vpbreyde hys pyn.
Of hys woundys he haþ vpbreyd,
Oure shame hyt ys þat yt ys seyd;
Alle þat he suffred for oure frame,
As yn vpbreydyng we sey hym shame;
Hys flesshe, hys blode, he shedde for þe;
woundys he suffred to make þe fre;
So mochyl ys oure shame þe more,
Þat we eft pynë hym so sore.
And þo men fallyn more yn plyȝt
Þat sweryn oþer fals or ryȝt,
By any menbre of hys manhede
Byneþyn þe gyrdyl, y þe forbede;
For y haue herd men swere swyche oþys;
To þenke on hem, forsoþe me loþys.
A lytyl tale y shal ȝow telle,
Þat y herde onys a frerë spelle.
[The Tale of the Bloody Child.]
Hyt was onys a rychë man
Þat gretë oþys swere bygan;
For ryche men vse comunly
Sweryn grete oþys grysly.
Þys rychë man wldë nat lete
But þat he swore euer oþys grete.
An euyl toke hym on a day,
Þat he syke yn hys beddë lay;
A nyȝt, as he lay a-lone,
A womman he herdë make here mone;
Þat yche womman come hym byfore,
with a chylde yn here armys bore.
Of þe chylde þat she bare yn here armys
Al to-drawë were þe þarmys;
Of handys, of fete, þe flessh of drawyn,
Mouþe, yȝen, & nose, were alle to-knawyn,
Bakke & sydës were al blody:
Þys womman sorful was, and sory.
Þys man for here wax sore agrysyn;
he spak, whan he was rysyn,
“what art þou womman, þat makyst swych cry?
ho haþ made þy chyld so blody?”
“Þou,” she seyd, “hast hym so shent,
And with þy oþys al to-rent.
Þus hast þou drawen my dere chylde,
with þy oþys wykked and wylde;
And þou makest me sore to grete,
þat þou þyn oþys wylt nat lete.
hys manhede, þat he toke for þe,
Þou pynyst hyt, as þou mayst se;
Þyn oþys done hym more greuesnesse
þan alle þe Iewys wykkednesse.
Þey pyned hym onys, & passed a-way,
But, þou, pynest hym euery day.
Þe pyne, he suffred for þy gode,
And þou vpbreydyst hym of þe rode;
Alle hys flessh, þan þou teryst,
whan þou falsly by hym swerest;
And y am euer so [in] mynde
For to pray for al mankyynde.
how shulde y lengyr prey for þe,
So rulyche makyst þou hym to be,
And ouþer many mo þan þou;
How shulde y þan be meke to ȝow?”
Þe caytyfe þat lay yn hys bedde,
For here seyyng wax sore adredde,
And seydë, “ȝyf hyt be þy wylle,
Helpe me, lady, þat y ne spylle.
For al men seyn, o þou lady,
Þat þou art modyr of mercy!”
She answeryd to þe caytyfe,
“yn fals oþys ys alle þy lyfe;
what mercy mayst þou aske þurgh ryȝt
whan þou þus my sone hast dyght?”
“Lady, alle my oþys grete
Fro þys forward wyl y lete;
And preche to euery man þy lore,
þat þey oþys swere no more.”
“Ȝyf þou wylt of oþys blynne,
Þan wyl y pray for þy synne,
þat þey máy be þe forȝyue,
And do penaunce whan þou art shryue.
For alle men þat hauntyn grete oþys,
To helpe hem at nede, certys me loþys;
And my sonë wlde noght here
For fals oþys, any prayere;
For he comaundeþ to more & lesse,
‘Swere nat hys name yn ydulnesse.’”
Þys womman with here chylde gan wende;
Blessyd be she with-outyn ende!
Þat gretë oþys swere bygan;
26
Sweryn grete oþys grysly.
Þys rychë man wldë nat lete
But þat he swore euer oþys grete.
An euyl toke hym on a day,
Þat he syke yn hys beddë lay;
A nyȝt, as he lay a-lone,
A womman he herdë make here mone;
Þat yche womman come hym byfore,
with a chylde yn here armys bore.
Of þe chylde þat she bare yn here armys
Al to-drawë were þe þarmys;
Of handys, of fete, þe flessh of drawyn,
Mouþe, yȝen, & nose, were alle to-knawyn,
Bakke & sydës were al blody:
Þys womman sorful was, and sory.
Þys man for here wax sore agrysyn;
he spak, whan he was rysyn,
“what art þou womman, þat makyst swych cry?
ho haþ made þy chyld so blody?”
“Þou,” she seyd, “hast hym so shent,
And with þy oþys al to-rent.
Þus hast þou drawen my dere chylde,
with þy oþys wykked and wylde;
And þou makest me sore to grete,
þat þou þyn oþys wylt nat lete.
hys manhede, þat he toke for þe,
Þou pynyst hyt, as þou mayst se;
Þyn oþys done hym more greuesnesse
þan alle þe Iewys wykkednesse.
Þey pyned hym onys, & passed a-way,
27
Þe pyne, he suffred for þy gode,
And þou vpbreydyst hym of þe rode;
Alle hys flessh, þan þou teryst,
whan þou falsly by hym swerest;
And y am euer so [in] mynde
For to pray for al mankyynde.
how shulde y lengyr prey for þe,
So rulyche makyst þou hym to be,
And ouþer many mo þan þou;
How shulde y þan be meke to ȝow?”
Þe caytyfe þat lay yn hys bedde,
For here seyyng wax sore adredde,
And seydë, “ȝyf hyt be þy wylle,
Helpe me, lady, þat y ne spylle.
For al men seyn, o þou lady,
Þat þou art modyr of mercy!”
She answeryd to þe caytyfe,
“yn fals oþys ys alle þy lyfe;
what mercy mayst þou aske þurgh ryȝt
whan þou þus my sone hast dyght?”
“Lady, alle my oþys grete
Fro þys forward wyl y lete;
And preche to euery man þy lore,
þat þey oþys swere no more.”
“Ȝyf þou wylt of oþys blynne,
Þan wyl y pray for þy synne,
þat þey máy be þe forȝyue,
And do penaunce whan þou art shryue.
For alle men þat hauntyn grete oþys,
To helpe hem at nede, certys me loþys;
28
For fals oþys, any prayere;
For he comaundeþ to more & lesse,
‘Swere nat hys name yn ydulnesse.’”
Þys womman with here chylde gan wende;
Blessyd be she with-outyn ende!
For hem þat ben of oþys bolde,
For hem haue y þys talë tolde.
Þys gentyl men, þys gettours,
Þey ben but Goddys turmentours;
Þey turment hym alle þat þey may,
with fals oþys nyȝt and day.
But ȝe leue ȝoure fals sweryng,
Ȝoure vnkyndë vpbreydyng,
Ȝe shul go a deueyl weye
But ȝe amende ȝou, ar ȝe deye.
For euery gadlyng nat wurþ a pere
Takyþ ensample at ȝow to swere,
So euery man vn-to ouþer—
Þe porë to þe ryche ys broþer—
yn oþys and yn wykkedhede,
Þe toon þe toþer to helle shal lede.
For hem haue y þys talë tolde.
Þys gentyl men, þys gettours,
Þey ben but Goddys turmentours;
Þey turment hym alle þat þey may,
with fals oþys nyȝt and day.
But ȝe leue ȝoure fals sweryng,
Ȝoure vnkyndë vpbreydyng,
Ȝe shul go a deueyl weye
But ȝe amende ȝou, ar ȝe deye.
For euery gadlyng nat wurþ a pere
Takyþ ensample at ȝow to swere,
So euery man vn-to ouþer—
Þe porë to þe ryche ys broþer—
yn oþys and yn wykkedhede,
Þe toon þe toþer to helle shal lede.
Ȝyf þou euere swore by oure lady
yn any tyme fals or wykkedly,
Hastly þe [þerfro] withdrawe;
Vengaunce comþ for swych myssawe.
whan þou sweryst by here þat he lyȝt ynne,
He takyþ more to wraþþe þat synne
Þan þou mysdedyst aȝens hym
with worde or dede neuer so grym.
And as moche, he to hym mekeþ
þat here wurschyppyþ or here besechyþ.
þus seyþ seynt Anselme, þat hyt wrote
To þys clerkys þat weyl hyt wote:
More drede ys, by here to swere,
þan ys by hym þat she dede bere;
Sunner he takyth for here veniaunce
Þan for any oþer chaunce:
Þat shal y shewe when we be went
Vnto þe þryd comaundëment.
Ȝyf þou þe talë ryȝt canst here,
Twey þyngës þeryn mayst þou lere:
Þe toon ys, ‘holde weyl þyn halyday;’
Þe touþer, ‘oure lady þou wurschyp ay.’
Now shul we leue oure oþys sweryng,
And speke fyrþer of ouþer þyng;
we shul eft touche of þys synne
when we be come fyrþer withynne.
yn any tyme fals or wykkedly,
Hastly þe [þerfro] withdrawe;
Vengaunce comþ for swych myssawe.
whan þou sweryst by here þat he lyȝt ynne,
He takyþ more to wraþþe þat synne
Þan þou mysdedyst aȝens hym
with worde or dede neuer so grym.
29
þat here wurschyppyþ or here besechyþ.
þus seyþ seynt Anselme, þat hyt wrote
To þys clerkys þat weyl hyt wote:
More drede ys, by here to swere,
þan ys by hym þat she dede bere;
Sunner he takyth for here veniaunce
Þan for any oþer chaunce:
Þat shal y shewe when we be went
Vnto þe þryd comaundëment.
Ȝyf þou þe talë ryȝt canst here,
Twey þyngës þeryn mayst þou lere:
Þe toon ys, ‘holde weyl þyn halyday;’
Þe touþer, ‘oure lady þou wurschyp ay.’
Now shul we leue oure oþys sweryng,
And speke fyrþer of ouþer þyng;
we shul eft touche of þys synne
when we be come fyrþer withynne.
[The Third Commandment.]
The þryd commaundement yn oure layys ‘holdë weyl þyn halyday,’
And come blelyche to þe seruyse
whan holy chyrche settyþ asyse.
Of al þe festys þat yn holy chyrche are,
Holy sunday men oght to spare;
30
Þat euer ȝyt were, or euer shal be.
For þe pope may, þurgh hys powere,
Turne þe halydays yn þe ȝere
How as he wyl, at hys owne wyl,
But þe sunday shal stondë styl.
Þe halydays þat yn heruyst are,
In ȝolë he may sette hem þare,
And of þe ȝolë euery feste
May he settë yn herueste.
But, he may, þurgh no resun,
Þe sunday puttyn vp no dowun;
Þarfore þe sunday specyaly
ys hyest to halew, and most wurþy;
And þat day þou owyst and shal
For to herë þy seruyse al;
Matyns messe here, to rede or syngge,
Euery deyl to þe endyngge.
weyte þy tyme, and be nat þe last
To come whan holy watyr ys cast.
Come fyrst to matyns, ȝyf þat þou may,
For hyt ys goddys ownë day.
God made þe wrldë, este & west,
yn syxë days; þe seuenþe to reste.
Þan restyd he hym fro al erþly werkys.
How dur oþer prestys or clerkys,
Or þou lewed man, þat day werche,
whan þat day ys halewed yn holy chyrche?
Þe seruyng man, þat seruyþ yn þe ȝere,
Oweþ to come when he haþ leysere.
Ȝyf þou come noght, algate y rede
31
For to many þyngës hyt may auayle,
To soule helpe, or lyuës trauayle.
Þy body, ȝyf it þan smartly endes,
Hyt ys for housyl aȝens þe fendes;
And holy watyr take of þe prestys hand,
For anoylyng hyt wyl þe stande.
Sum tyme hyt was wnt to be dowun
To halewe þe satyrday at þe noun,
Namëlyche yn Ing[e]londe;
And nawer so moche y vndyrstand.
when þat custome was wnt to be,
Þan was grace, & grete plente;
And þere men haunted þat custome lest,
Falleþ oft tymë grete tempest.
Þe satyrday ys specyaly
Ordeyned to wurschype oure lady,
And þat for a grete resun;—
whan Ihesu deyd þurgh passyun,
hys dyscyplys douted echoun
wheþer he shulde ryse or noun.
Alle þat beleued yn hym byfore,
Alle here beleuë was nygh forlore,
Fro þe fryday þat he deyde,
To tyme þat he ros, as he seyde.
But hys modyr, vyrgyne Marie,
She bare þe beleue vp stedfastly
Fro þe fryday at þe noun
Tyl alle þe satyrday was doun,
And alle þe nyȝt tyl þat he ros,
Of alle oure beleue she bare þe los;—
32
In here þat tyme was hyt alone;
And for þat skylle, þan þynkeþ me,
Þe satyrday may here ounë be:
Þarefore þat day al holy cherche
Þeyr seruyse of here þey werche.
And ryȝt now for þe samë skylle,
A tale þerforë telle y wylle.
The Tale of the Vine-Storms and the Saturday half Holy-Day.
In Nauerne, be-ȝunde þe see,
In Venyse, a gode cyte,
Dwellyd a prest of Yng[e]lond,
And was a-uaunsed, y vndyrstond.
Euery ȝere at þe florysyngge,
whan þe vynys shuldë spryngge,
A tempest þat tyme began to falle,
And fordede here vynys alle;
Euery ȝere withoutyn fayle,
And fordyde here grete trauayle.
Þerfor þe folk were alle sory
Þurgh þe cyte comunly.
Þys prest seyd, “y shal ȝow telle
what shal best þys tempest felle:
On Satyrday shul ȝe ryngge noun,
And late no lenger no werke be doun:
But halewe[n] alle comunly
Yn þe wurschype of oure lady;
For, þat manere halewe we
Þurgh Inglond yn oure cuntre;
And ȝyueþ better ȝoure offryngys
And tyþeth weyl alle ȝourë þynges.
And ȝyf ȝe do þus goddys heste,
He saueþ ȝoure vynys fro þe tempest.”
At hys cunsel, on þys manere
Halewede þey, al þat yche ȝere;
And whan hyt come to somer tyde,
Tyme of þe tempest to vnryde,
Here vynys florshedë feyre & weyl
withoutyn tempest euery deyl.
Þan commaunded þey, and made a cry
Yn the wurschyp, of oure lady,
‘On satyrday shulde men noun ryngge,
And syþyn halew of allë þyngge,
And here tyþys to ȝeuë ryȝt
Mochë bettyr at here myght.’
And so, grete tempest secede al,
Þat on þeyr frutys was wnt to fal.
Seþyn, oueral yn þat cuntre
Þere þey made nat þys solemnyte,
were here vynys al destroyed,
And þe folk mochyl a-noyd.
In Venyse, a gode cyte,
Dwellyd a prest of Yng[e]lond,
And was a-uaunsed, y vndyrstond.
Euery ȝere at þe florysyngge,
whan þe vynys shuldë spryngge,
A tempest þat tyme began to falle,
And fordede here vynys alle;
Euery ȝere withoutyn fayle,
And fordyde here grete trauayle.
Þerfor þe folk were alle sory
Þurgh þe cyte comunly.
Þys prest seyd, “y shal ȝow telle
what shal best þys tempest felle:
On Satyrday shul ȝe ryngge noun,
And late no lenger no werke be doun:
But halewe[n] alle comunly
Yn þe wurschype of oure lady;
For, þat manere halewe we
33
And ȝyueþ better ȝoure offryngys
And tyþeth weyl alle ȝourë þynges.
And ȝyf ȝe do þus goddys heste,
He saueþ ȝoure vynys fro þe tempest.”
At hys cunsel, on þys manere
Halewede þey, al þat yche ȝere;
And whan hyt come to somer tyde,
Tyme of þe tempest to vnryde,
Here vynys florshedë feyre & weyl
withoutyn tempest euery deyl.
Þan commaunded þey, and made a cry
Yn the wurschyp, of oure lady,
‘On satyrday shulde men noun ryngge,
And syþyn halew of allë þyngge,
And here tyþys to ȝeuë ryȝt
Mochë bettyr at here myght.’
And so, grete tempest secede al,
Þat on þeyr frutys was wnt to fal.
Seþyn, oueral yn þat cuntre
Þere þey made nat þys solemnyte,
were here vynys al destroyed,
And þe folk mochyl a-noyd.
Fel hyt on a satyrday
A man hyréd folke tó ful pay;
Þe half day ne haléwd he noght,
For al hole day hyt shulde be wroght;
Þe tymë come þat noun þey rong,
As þey hadde ordeyned hem among:
Alle þe wyrkmen homward ȝede,
But he and hys dede furþ hys dede.
Ouþer men seyd, þey shuld nat werche
Lengyr þan þey rong none at þe chyrche.
“Comyþ alle home, & hauyþ doun,
And haleweþ with vs at þe noun
In þe wurschype of oure lady,
As now ys custome comunly.”
One of hem swore hys oþe
Þat he ne wlde, for lefe ne loþe,
Halew morë at þe none
Þan hyt wás wnt to be done;
Ne he ne shulde, for oure lady,
But wyrchë forþe þe day holy.
Dowun he smotë hys mattok,
And fyl hym self ded as a stok.
(Mattok is a pykeys,
Or a pyke, as sum men seys.)
Þe caytefe lay, and myȝt nat speke;
Furþ, for ded, men gan hym streke;
Men crydë fast ‘a prest, a prest.’
But no wrde come out of hys brest.
As þey stode, & made grete þrong,
A gode man stodë hem a-mong,
And seyd “þys man ys at þe ded;
wyl ȝe do allë at my rede?
Allë men þat þys chaunce sees,
Syttyþ dowun vpp-on ȝoure knees;
And pray we god, þat alle þyng may,
And to oure lady þat owyþ þys day,
Þat she graunte vs swyche a ȝyfte
Þat he may speke, & take hys shryfte,
In swych a forward, þat he & we
Shul euer more chastyed be.”
when þey to prey on knees gan falle,
Þe man spake fyrst among hem alle:
“whan y swore, he seyd, so hastly,
Þat y wlde nat leue, for oure lady,
Ne halewe þys day of my note,
An hande y sagh come to my þrote,
And hyldë me þarby so sore
Þat y to ȝow myȝt speke no more.
Oure lady was with me so wroþe
Þat y swore by here an oþe,
Þat y wlde nat leue for here to werche
Þoght men rong noun at þe cherche;
Ne here helpe hadde be, þat was so nere,
Þe hand me haddë strangled here.
And ȝe þat stondeþ me bysyde,
Þat preyd for me þat ychë tyde,
Blessed mote ȝe allë be
For ȝoure preyers haþ saued me.”
A man hyréd folke tó ful pay;
Þe half day ne haléwd he noght,
For al hole day hyt shulde be wroght;
Þe tymë come þat noun þey rong,
As þey hadde ordeyned hem among:
34
But he and hys dede furþ hys dede.
Ouþer men seyd, þey shuld nat werche
Lengyr þan þey rong none at þe chyrche.
“Comyþ alle home, & hauyþ doun,
And haleweþ with vs at þe noun
In þe wurschype of oure lady,
As now ys custome comunly.”
One of hem swore hys oþe
Þat he ne wlde, for lefe ne loþe,
Halew morë at þe none
Þan hyt wás wnt to be done;
Ne he ne shulde, for oure lady,
But wyrchë forþe þe day holy.
Dowun he smotë hys mattok,
And fyl hym self ded as a stok.
(Mattok is a pykeys,
Or a pyke, as sum men seys.)
Þe caytefe lay, and myȝt nat speke;
Furþ, for ded, men gan hym streke;
Men crydë fast ‘a prest, a prest.’
But no wrde come out of hys brest.
As þey stode, & made grete þrong,
A gode man stodë hem a-mong,
And seyd “þys man ys at þe ded;
wyl ȝe do allë at my rede?
Allë men þat þys chaunce sees,
Syttyþ dowun vpp-on ȝoure knees;
And pray we god, þat alle þyng may,
And to oure lady þat owyþ þys day,
35
Þat he may speke, & take hys shryfte,
In swych a forward, þat he & we
Shul euer more chastyed be.”
when þey to prey on knees gan falle,
Þe man spake fyrst among hem alle:
“whan y swore, he seyd, so hastly,
Þat y wlde nat leue, for oure lady,
Ne halewe þys day of my note,
An hande y sagh come to my þrote,
And hyldë me þarby so sore
Þat y to ȝow myȝt speke no more.
Oure lady was with me so wroþe
Þat y swore by here an oþe,
Þat y wlde nat leue for here to werche
Þoght men rong noun at þe cherche;
Ne here helpe hadde be, þat was so nere,
Þe hand me haddë strangled here.
And ȝe þat stondeþ me bysyde,
Þat preyd for me þat ychë tyde,
Blessed mote ȝe allë be
For ȝoure preyers haþ saued me.”
Of þys tale ys alle þe entent
To kepe weyl þe commaundëment,—
Þat ys, to holde wel þyn halyday
In allë þyngë þat þou may.
Ne þou shalt swere vnwurschyply,
By oure lorde, ne by oure lady.
Swyche men halewe nat gostly,
Þat on þe halyday leuyn no foly.
Ȝyf þou make karol or play,
Þou halewyst nat þyn halyday.
Ȝyf þou come ouergladly þar tyl,
And ȝyuest þarto mochyl þy wyl,
yn þat hast þou mochyl plyȝt,
For synne wyl come þurgh swychë syȝt.
To kepe weyl þe commaundëment,—
Þat ys, to holde wel þyn halyday
In allë þyngë þat þou may.
Ne þou shalt swere vnwurschyply,
By oure lorde, ne by oure lady.
Swyche men halewe nat gostly,
Þat on þe halyday leuyn no foly.
36
Þou halewyst nat þyn halyday.
Ȝyf þou come ouergladly þar tyl,
And ȝyuest þarto mochyl þy wyl,
yn þat hast þou mochyl plyȝt,
For synne wyl come þurgh swychë syȝt.
Ȝyf þou euer settyst swerde eyþer ryng
For to gadyr a wrastlyng,
Þe halyday þou holdest noght
whan swyche bobaunce for þe ys wroȝt.
Cuntek þere comyþ, or ouþer bobaunce,
And sum man slayn, or lost þurȝe chaunce.
For to gadyr a wrastlyng,
Þe halyday þou holdest noght
whan swyche bobaunce for þe ys wroȝt.
Cuntek þere comyþ, or ouþer bobaunce,
And sum man slayn, or lost þurȝe chaunce.
Ȝyf þou euer yn felde, eyþer in toune,
Dedyst floure-gerland or coroune
To makë wommen to gadyr þere,
To se whych þat feyrer were;
Þys ys aȝens þe commaundëment,
And þe halyday for þe ys shent;
Hyt ys a gaderyng for lecherye,
And ful grete pryde, & hertë hye.
Dedyst floure-gerland or coroune
To makë wommen to gadyr þere,
To se whych þat feyrer were;
Þys ys aȝens þe commaundëment,
And þe halyday for þe ys shent;
Hyt ys a gaderyng for lecherye,
And ful grete pryde, & hertë hye.
Ȝyf þou euer ianglyst at messe
Yn þe cherche with more or lesse,
And lettyst men of here preyers,
For hem perel soþely þou berys;
Þe halyday þou holdest nat ryȝt,
And lettyst to wurschyp god almyȝt.
Halyday was made for preyere,
To god oure herende for to bere.
Certys we ouȝt þan with ful mynde
To preye god vs of synne vnbynde,
And yn gode lyfe vs wysse & rede,
And for-ȝeue vs al oure mysdede.
Yn þe cherche with more or lesse,
And lettyst men of here preyers,
For hem perel soþely þou berys;
Þe halyday þou holdest nat ryȝt,
And lettyst to wurschyp god almyȝt.
Halyday was made for preyere,
37
Certys we ouȝt þan with ful mynde
To preye god vs of synne vnbynde,
And yn gode lyfe vs wysse & rede,
And for-ȝeue vs al oure mysdede.
Ȝyf þou hauntyst to make þy play
At þe tauerne on þe halyday,
To many on comyþ þarfore euyl
Þurgh cumberaunce of þe deuyl.
Holy chyrchë wyl þe werne
Þe halyday to go to þe tauerne,
And namly byfore þe noun
whan goddys seruyse owyþ to be doun.
Tauerne ys þe deuylys knyfe
Hyt sleþ þe, oþer soule or lyfe;
One of þys, shal hyt do,
Ȝyf þou haunte comunly þarto.
Hyt shortyþ þy lyfe, ouer moche drynkynge,
And sleþ þy soule with bakbytyngge;
Hyt wastyþ þy body, and makeþ þe drye,
And gadryd lecherye to glotonye;
And þe comaundment ys brokun,
And þe halyday, byfore of spokun.
At þe tauerne on þe halyday,
To many on comyþ þarfore euyl
Þurgh cumberaunce of þe deuyl.
Holy chyrchë wyl þe werne
Þe halyday to go to þe tauerne,
And namly byfore þe noun
whan goddys seruyse owyþ to be doun.
Tauerne ys þe deuylys knyfe
Hyt sleþ þe, oþer soule or lyfe;
One of þys, shal hyt do,
Ȝyf þou haunte comunly þarto.
Hyt shortyþ þy lyfe, ouer moche drynkynge,
And sleþ þy soule with bakbytyngge;
Hyt wastyþ þy body, and makeþ þe drye,
And gadryd lecherye to glotonye;
And þe comaundment ys brokun,
And þe halyday, byfore of spokun.
Ȝyf þou do any man o dawe
On þe halyday for any lawe,
Swychë men greuusly werche
Aȝens þe state of holy chyrche:
For holy preyere, and for þe pees,
þe halyday god hyt chees.
On þe halyday for any lawe,
Swychë men greuusly werche
Aȝens þe state of holy chyrche:
For holy preyere, and for þe pees,
þe halyday god hyt chees.
Ȝyf þou euer with iogeloure,
with hasadoure, or with rotoure,
Hauntyst tauerne, or were to any pere
To pley at þe ches or at þe tablere,
Specyaly before þe noun
whan goddys seruyse owyþ to be doun,
Hyt ys aȝens þe comaundment
And holy cherches asent.
Ȝyf þou be ‘infra sacros,’
And art a clerk, & hast þe los
Of subdekene, or dekene by name,
So moche art þou þe more to blame.
Þys lerned men ȝyuen ensample so
Þat þe lewd men þe more mysdo.
God ȝyue us grace þe halyday
To kepë, Ihesu cryst to pay.
38
Hauntyst tauerne, or were to any pere
To pley at þe ches or at þe tablere,
Specyaly before þe noun
whan goddys seruyse owyþ to be doun,
Hyt ys aȝens þe comaundment
And holy cherches asent.
Ȝyf þou be ‘infra sacros,’
And art a clerk, & hast þe los
Of subdekene, or dekene by name,
So moche art þou þe more to blame.
Þys lerned men ȝyuen ensample so
Þat þe lewd men þe more mysdo.
God ȝyue us grace þe halyday
To kepë, Ihesu cryst to pay.
[The Fourth Commandment.]
The fourþe comaundment ys, “oure
Fadyr & modyr we shal honoure.”
Certys þe chylde trespasyþ ful yl
Þat wyl nat do þe fadrys wyl;
Þe chylde owyþ hys wyl al do,
But dedly synne be þar-vnto;
For god forbedeþ swych synne algate,
For loue, or for drede, erly or late.
Ellys yn al þyng þat we may,
Fadyr & modyr wurschype we ay.
Fadyr & modyr we shal honoure.”
Certys þe chylde trespasyþ ful yl
Þat wyl nat do þe fadrys wyl;
Þe chylde owyþ hys wyl al do,
But dedly synne be þar-vnto;
For god forbedeþ swych synne algate,
For loue, or for drede, erly or late.
Ellys yn al þyng þat we may,
Fadyr & modyr wurschype we ay.
Ȝyf þou euer, yn euyl wetand,
On fadyr or modyr leydest þyn hand,
Hyt ys comaunded yn sum lawe
þat swych men shulde be doun o dawe.
Vnneþys shuld þey mercy fynde,
For swyche a chylde ys kalled vnkynde;
No bysshope may ȝyue þerfore dome
But þe pope of þe court of Rome.
On fadyr or modyr leydest þyn hand,
39
þat swych men shulde be doun o dawe.
Vnneþys shuld þey mercy fynde,
For swyche a chylde ys kalled vnkynde;
No bysshope may ȝyue þerfore dome
But þe pope of þe court of Rome.
Ȝyf þou were euer so felun
To ȝyue fadyr or modyr þy malysun,
Or stonde aȝens hem yn answere,
And wldest nat bowë ne forbere,
Þou hast synned þan dedly,
To endëles penaunce wurþy,
But sonë þou þer-of þe shryue
And be bowyng yn al þy lyue.
To ȝyue fadyr or modyr þy malysun,
Or stonde aȝens hem yn answere,
And wldest nat bowë ne forbere,
Þou hast synned þan dedly,
To endëles penaunce wurþy,
But sonë þou þer-of þe shryue
And be bowyng yn al þy lyue.
Ȝyf þy fadyr or modyr bydde þe ouȝt do,
And þou wylt nat bleþly þarto
By þy wyl, but euer gruchande,
Þou shalt weyl vndyrstande,
Þat, þogh þou do forþe þy dede,
Þat synne ys mochë for to drede.
Þou oghtyst to bere penaunce grym,
For þou greuyst a lytyl hym.
with al þy myght, and ryȝt gode wyl,
Þy fadrys byddyng þou shalt fulfyl.
And þou wylt nat bleþly þarto
By þy wyl, but euer gruchande,
Þou shalt weyl vndyrstande,
Þat, þogh þou do forþe þy dede,
Þat synne ys mochë for to drede.
Þou oghtyst to bere penaunce grym,
For þou greuyst a lytyl hym.
with al þy myght, and ryȝt gode wyl,
Þy fadrys byddyng þou shalt fulfyl.
Ȝyf fadyr or modyr falle yn elde,
And noþer, for pouert, may hem self welde,
Here chyldryn are holdë þan, þurgh ryȝt,
To susteyn hem at alle here myght.
Ȝyf þey se hem so at mysese
And þey may lyuë wel at ese,
But þey help hem, þey are to blame
And wrþy to haue wrldës shame.
Þoght þey hauë þe mysdoun,
Þou shalt nát fynde enchesoun
Þat þyn help be fro hem went,
For hyt were aȝens þe comaundment.
And noþer, for pouert, may hem self welde,
Here chyldryn are holdë þan, þurgh ryȝt,
To susteyn hem at alle here myght.
40
And þey may lyuë wel at ese,
But þey help hem, þey are to blame
And wrþy to haue wrldës shame.
Þoght þey hauë þe mysdoun,
Þou shalt nát fynde enchesoun
Þat þyn help be fro hem went,
For hyt were aȝens þe comaundment.
Y se men þat purchasours are,
Þat coueyte catel with sorwe & kare
Here chyldryn godë for to wynne,
And here soulës synke for synne.
Þat coueyte catel with sorwe & kare
Here chyldryn godë for to wynne,
And here soulës synke for synne.
And oþer men also y see,
Þat ȝyue here chyldryn boþe lond & fee
For to fynde hem sustynaunce
yn here age, for allë chaunce.
Þo men, me þynkeþ, most mysdo,
Þat ȝyue here godë fro hem so;
Hyt were bettyr holde here land,
Þan begge hyt at a-nouþers hand:
Men wexen sone sadde of hem þat craue
When þey weyl wete þat þey naght haue.
By a tale, y shal ȝou mone,
Þat fyl betwyx þe fadyr & þe sone.
Þat ȝyue here chyldryn boþe lond & fee
For to fynde hem sustynaunce
yn here age, for allë chaunce.
Þo men, me þynkeþ, most mysdo,
Þat ȝyue here godë fro hem so;
Hyt were bettyr holde here land,
Þan begge hyt at a-nouþers hand:
Men wexen sone sadde of hem þat craue
When þey weyl wete þat þey naght haue.
By a tale, y shal ȝou mone,
Þat fyl betwyx þe fadyr & þe sone.
[The Tale of the Fond Father.]
Of a man þat sum tyme was,
y shal ȝou telle a lytyl pas.
Of hys sone he was gelous,
And ȝaue hym alle hys land & hous,
And al hys catel in toune & felde,
þat he shulde kepe hym wel yn hys elde.
Þys ȝong man wax fast, & was iolyfe,
hys cunseyl was to take a wyfe;
he weddyd one, & broght here home
with alle þe myrþe þat þerto come;
He badde here fyrst, loude and stylle,
To serue hys fadyr weyl at hys wylle.
Sone aftyrwarde, þys ȝongë man,
Hys herte, hys þoght, chaunge began;
Tendrere he was of wyfe and chylde,
Þan to hys fadyr oþer meke or mylde.
Of o day, he þoght [four or] fyue;
Long hym þoght hys fadyr a-lyue;
And euery day, boþe þe toon and þe toþer,
Serued hym weyl wers þan oþer.
Y trowe þys man, whan he gan mone
For þoght þat he ȝaf so meche hys sone,
Þys oldë man was broght so logh
Þat he lay ful colde besyde a wogh.
Þys oldë man, vp-on a day,
Pleyned hym þat he coldë lay:
“Sone,” he seyde, “for goddys loue
wrye me with sum cloþe aboue.”
Þe sone, þat was þe husband
To whom was ȝyuë alle þe land,
Clepyd hys sone, & bade hym take
A sak of þo þat he dede make,
And badde hym turnë hyt tweyfolde
And ley hyt on hys fadyr for colde.
Þe chylde [dede] as he bad hym do,
Toke a sak & karf hyt yn two.
Hys fadyr spakë to hym ȝorne,
“Sey, why hast þou þe sak shorne?”
þe chylde answered hym yn haste
A wurdë þurgh þe holy gaste,
“Þys dedë haue y do for þe;
Gode ensample ȝyuyst þou me
How y shal serue þe yn þy elde,
whan þou, þy self, mayst nat welde;
Þys halfe sak shal lygge þy fadyr aboue,
And kepe þe touþer part to þy behoue.
Vnkyndly þou techyst me þe gode;
Of unkynde cumþ vnkyndë blode.”
y shal ȝou telle a lytyl pas.
Of hys sone he was gelous,
41
And al hys catel in toune & felde,
þat he shulde kepe hym wel yn hys elde.
Þys ȝong man wax fast, & was iolyfe,
hys cunseyl was to take a wyfe;
he weddyd one, & broght here home
with alle þe myrþe þat þerto come;
He badde here fyrst, loude and stylle,
To serue hys fadyr weyl at hys wylle.
Sone aftyrwarde, þys ȝongë man,
Hys herte, hys þoght, chaunge began;
Tendrere he was of wyfe and chylde,
Þan to hys fadyr oþer meke or mylde.
Of o day, he þoght [four or] fyue;
Long hym þoght hys fadyr a-lyue;
And euery day, boþe þe toon and þe toþer,
Serued hym weyl wers þan oþer.
Y trowe þys man, whan he gan mone
For þoght þat he ȝaf so meche hys sone,
Þys oldë man was broght so logh
Þat he lay ful colde besyde a wogh.
Þys oldë man, vp-on a day,
Pleyned hym þat he coldë lay:
“Sone,” he seyde, “for goddys loue
wrye me with sum cloþe aboue.”
Þe sone, þat was þe husband
To whom was ȝyuë alle þe land,
Clepyd hys sone, & bade hym take
A sak of þo þat he dede make,
And badde hym turnë hyt tweyfolde
42
Þe chylde [dede] as he bad hym do,
Toke a sak & karf hyt yn two.
Hys fadyr spakë to hym ȝorne,
“Sey, why hast þou þe sak shorne?”
þe chylde answered hym yn haste
A wurdë þurgh þe holy gaste,
“Þys dedë haue y do for þe;
Gode ensample ȝyuyst þou me
How y shal serue þe yn þy elde,
whan þou, þy self, mayst nat welde;
Þys halfe sak shal lygge þy fadyr aboue,
And kepe þe touþer part to þy behoue.
Vnkyndly þou techyst me þe gode;
Of unkynde cumþ vnkyndë blode.”
Þys ensample were gode to kone,
Boþe to þe fadyr & eke to þe sone.
God ys noght payd, here we fynde,
Þat þe sone to þe fadyr ys nat kynde.
Þarfor spekþ Salamon
To fadrys & to husbandys echon,
‘Þe whylys þat ȝe may drawe ȝoure hand,
Ne ȝyueþ neuer awey ȝoure land,
And make ȝoure self, sogettys to be
To hem þat owyn ȝow seruee.’
Anoþer wysdom a clerk vs telleþ,
Senek, þat moche of wysdom spellyþ,
‘Ne be þou neuere yn swych errour
To make þyn eyr þy secutour,
Ne þy sekutoure þy fysycyene,
Yn hopë for to leue a-ȝene.’
For þy þyng, þy eyr seyþ þys,
Þat byfore was þyn, he halt hyt hys;
Þyn executure, to haue þy þyng,
wlde þat þou madyst þyn endyng.
Boþe to þe fadyr & eke to þe sone.
God ys noght payd, here we fynde,
Þat þe sone to þe fadyr ys nat kynde.
Þarfor spekþ Salamon
To fadrys & to husbandys echon,
‘Þe whylys þat ȝe may drawe ȝoure hand,
Ne ȝyueþ neuer awey ȝoure land,
And make ȝoure self, sogettys to be
To hem þat owyn ȝow seruee.’
Anoþer wysdom a clerk vs telleþ,
43
‘Ne be þou neuere yn swych errour
To make þyn eyr þy secutour,
Ne þy sekutoure þy fysycyene,
Yn hopë for to leue a-ȝene.’
For þy þyng, þy eyr seyþ þys,
Þat byfore was þyn, he halt hyt hys;
Þyn executure, to haue þy þyng,
wlde þat þou madyst þyn endyng.
Þou owyst to do no þyng stylle
withoute leue of þy fadrys wylle;
Þat ys to seyë, take no wyfe
For to make betwyxe ȝou stryfe;
Ne no grete þyng beye ne selle
Ȝyf þou vndyr hys gouernaunce dwelle.
To relygyun þou mayst go
withoutë cunseyl of any mo;
And to holy land, ȝyf þou haue hyt hette;
Syb, ne vnsyb, may hyt lette.
withoute leue of þy fadrys wylle;
Þat ys to seyë, take no wyfe
For to make betwyxe ȝou stryfe;
Ne no grete þyng beye ne selle
Ȝyf þou vndyr hys gouernaunce dwelle.
To relygyun þou mayst go
withoutë cunseyl of any mo;
And to holy land, ȝyf þou haue hyt hette;
Syb, ne vnsyb, may hyt lette.
A clerk þat folylyche dyspendyth
þe godys þat hys fadyr hym ȝyueþ or sendyþ,
And wyl nat ȝyue hym for to lere
Clergye ne craft, or ouþer mystere,
wykkedlyche al þat gode he dyspendyþ
þat hys fadyr for godenesse spelyþ.
To hard a-cuncte shall he be sette
At hys endyng, whan he shal be fette,
Þat so hys tyme haþ al forlore,
And aȝens hys fadyr so hym mysbore,
But he ȝelde hym, ȝyf þat he may,
Or preye for hym boþe nyght and day;
For ȝyf þou mayst, & wylt noght,
Þou art yn weye to peyne be broght.
þe godys þat hys fadyr hym ȝyueþ or sendyþ,
And wyl nat ȝyue hym for to lere
Clergye ne craft, or ouþer mystere,
wykkedlyche al þat gode he dyspendyþ
þat hys fadyr for godenesse spelyþ.
To hard a-cuncte shall he be sette
At hys endyng, whan he shal be fette,
Þat so hys tyme haþ al forlore,
44
But he ȝelde hym, ȝyf þat he may,
Or preye for hym boþe nyght and day;
For ȝyf þou mayst, & wylt noght,
Þou art yn weye to peyne be broght.
For a-noþer also þou mayst be shent:
Ȝyf þou destroblyst here testament
Yn here lyfe, or aftyr here ded,
with powere or ȝyft, cunseyl or rede,
Þou hast trespast apertly
Aȝens þys cómaundment so hy.
Of alle wykked men þat men calle,
Þe fals executours be werst of alle;
For þey ne reche how þe soulë fare,
And mennys owne eyres, werst with hem are.
Ȝyf þou destroblyst here testament
Yn here lyfe, or aftyr here ded,
with powere or ȝyft, cunseyl or rede,
Þou hast trespast apertly
Aȝens þys cómaundment so hy.
Of alle wykked men þat men calle,
Þe fals executours be werst of alle;
For þey ne reche how þe soulë fare,
And mennys owne eyres, werst with hem are.
y tolde erwhyle, for no socour
Þou make þyn eyre þyn executour;
For alle þat was langere þy catel,
he halt hyt hys, euery deyl.
‘Loue þou þy chyldyr out of wytte;
Trust to hem, and helples sytte.’
Ouþer ensample nedyþ þe noun take;
what dost þou for þy fadrys sake,
Ȝyt shal þy sone do for þe, les;
For euer þe lastë, þe werst es.
On hem y rede þyn herte so kest,
Þat þou louë þy self best;
Loue so þy chyldyr, loue so þy wyff,
Þat þou saue þe, boþe soule & lyff.
Loue fadyr & modyr, þat þe forþe brouȝt,
Þenk on þat loue whan þey may nouȝt.
Þou make þyn eyre þyn executour;
For alle þat was langere þy catel,
he halt hyt hys, euery deyl.
‘Loue þou þy chyldyr out of wytte;
Trust to hem, and helples sytte.’
Ouþer ensample nedyþ þe noun take;
what dost þou for þy fadrys sake,
Ȝyt shal þy sone do for þe, les;
For euer þe lastë, þe werst es.
On hem y rede þyn herte so kest,
Þat þou louë þy self best;
Loue so þy chyldyr, loue so þy wyff,
45
Loue fadyr & modyr, þat þe forþe brouȝt,
Þenk on þat loue whan þey may nouȝt.
Seynt poule þat sagh goddys pryuyte,
he seyþ yn hys autoryte
A feyrë wurd vs for to saue,
And specyaly to hem þat chyldryn haue:
He seyþ “be ȝe neuer so fole hardy
To curse ȝoure chyldryn byttyrly;
Ne greuusly, for lytyl trespas,
Betechë hem to satanas.”
Moche ys ȝour malysun to drede;
Curseþ hem noght; y ȝow forbede.
Oft haue men boþe herde & see
Þat moche veniaunce þerfor haþ bee.
he seyþ yn hys autoryte
A feyrë wurd vs for to saue,
And specyaly to hem þat chyldryn haue:
He seyþ “be ȝe neuer so fole hardy
To curse ȝoure chyldryn byttyrly;
Ne greuusly, for lytyl trespas,
Betechë hem to satanas.”
Moche ys ȝour malysun to drede;
Curseþ hem noght; y ȝow forbede.
Oft haue men boþe herde & see
Þat moche veniaunce þerfor haþ bee.
For to leue ȝoure cursyng bolde,
Y shal ȝow telle what me was tolde
Of a prest þat sagh and fonde
Þys chauncë yn þe holy londe.
Y shal ȝow telle what me was tolde
Of a prest þat sagh and fonde
Þys chauncë yn þe holy londe.
[The Tale of the Mother who curst her Child.]
A womman on a day ful raþe
Ȝede to a watyr here for to baþe,
And to[ke] here doghtyr here cloþys to kepe,
And baddë here she shuld nat slepe;
“But, as sone as y þe kalle,
Be redy with my cloþys alle.”
whan she was baþed, she kalled here faste,
And bade here brynge here cloþys yn haste.
Here douȝtyr was nat alle redy,
Ne comë nat at here fyrst cry.
Þe modyr þat sat in here baþ
wax ful of ire and of wraþ,
And cleþyd eft-sonys aftyr here,
kursyng with ryghte gretë yre,
And seyd, “þe devyl come on þe,
For, þou art nat redy to me.”
“And y am redy,” seyd þe deuyl,
“To take þat þou me betaght with euyl.”
he flegh on herë þere she stode,
And madë herë wytte al wode.
Ȝede to a watyr here for to baþe,
And to[ke] here doghtyr here cloþys to kepe,
And baddë here she shuld nat slepe;
“But, as sone as y þe kalle,
Be redy with my cloþys alle.”
whan she was baþed, she kalled here faste,
And bade here brynge here cloþys yn haste.
46
Ne comë nat at here fyrst cry.
Þe modyr þat sat in here baþ
wax ful of ire and of wraþ,
And cleþyd eft-sonys aftyr here,
kursyng with ryghte gretë yre,
And seyd, “þe devyl come on þe,
For, þou art nat redy to me.”
“And y am redy,” seyd þe deuyl,
“To take þat þou me betaght with euyl.”
he flegh on herë þere she stode,
And madë herë wytte al wode.
Þys godë man for a-nouþer þyng
Tolde hyt oft yn hys prechyng,
Þat none durste speke with here syþyn
But ȝyf he werë clenë shryuyn;
For ȝyf he were yn dedely synne,
Þe fendë þat was here with-ynne
Made here seye hym so moche shame
Þat alle men wundred on hys blame.
And þat was preued with many one
Þat to þe holy lond was gone.
Tolde hyt oft yn hys prechyng,
Þat none durste speke with here syþyn
But ȝyf he werë clenë shryuyn;
For ȝyf he were yn dedely synne,
Þe fendë þat was here with-ynne
Made here seye hym so moche shame
Þat alle men wundred on hys blame.
And þat was preued with many one
Þat to þe holy lond was gone.
Þerfore, ȝe chyldryn, before al þyng
Dredyþ ȝoure modrys warryng;
And, ȝe wyuys, þenkeþ on þys cas,
werryþ nat for lytyl trespas.
Þey þat wyl gladly warye,
hem warryþ god & seynt marye.
For ho-so haunteþ hyt comunly
Yn ernest or yn rybaudy,
He shall haue warryng for blysse,
And of blessyng shal he mysse;
And ho-so curseþ withoutyn gylt
Hyt shal on hys hede be pylt.
Curser[y]s yn alle here lyue
Shal neuer haue grace for to þryue;
As þey vse, so shal hem falle,
For kursyng shal come on hem alle.
Dredyþ ȝoure modrys warryng;
And, ȝe wyuys, þenkeþ on þys cas,
werryþ nat for lytyl trespas.
Þey þat wyl gladly warye,
hem warryþ god & seynt marye.
For ho-so haunteþ hyt comunly
47
He shall haue warryng for blysse,
And of blessyng shal he mysse;
And ho-so curseþ withoutyn gylt
Hyt shal on hys hede be pylt.
Curser[y]s yn alle here lyue
Shal neuer haue grace for to þryue;
As þey vse, so shal hem falle,
For kursyng shal come on hem alle.
wurschepyþ ȝoure fadrys, & ȝoure fadrys ȝow,
Þan queme ȝe God, and doun ȝoure prow.
God ȝyue vs grace to oure endyng
To kepe vs fro modrys cursyng,
And oure fadrys so to queme;
Þat goddys comaundement we may ȝeme.
Þan queme ȝe God, and doun ȝoure prow.
God ȝyue vs grace to oure endyng
To kepe vs fro modrys cursyng,
And oure fadrys so to queme;
Þat goddys comaundement we may ȝeme.
[The Fifth Commandment.]
To þe fyfþe now shul we go,
Þat ys, ‘þou shalt no man slo.’
Þe fyfþë, shalt þou vndyrstonde,
Ys, ‘sle no man with þyn honde,
with-outyn iustyce, for felonye,
Ne for no manere of robbrye.’
Þat ys, ‘þou shalt no man slo.’
Þe fyfþë, shalt þou vndyrstonde,
Ys, ‘sle no man with þyn honde,
with-outyn iustyce, for felonye,
Ne for no manere of robbrye.’
Ȝyf þou do any man yn prysun,
wykkedly, as a fals felun,
Or bynde yn upland or in burgh,
Þat he haue hys deþe þer-þurgh,—
Certeyn þe shal no þyng were,
Þat for hys deþ þou shalt answere.
wykkedly, as a fals felun,
Or bynde yn upland or in burgh,
Þat he haue hys deþe þer-þurgh,—
48
Þat for hys deþ þou shalt answere.
Ȝyf þou euer yn any tyme
Reftë any man hys lyme,
Or hyt was reftë þurgh þy rede,
Þou art enchesun of hys dede.
Ȝyf hyt be aȝens hys wylle
Or hys asent, þou synnest ful ylle.
Reftë any man hys lyme,
Or hyt was reftë þurgh þy rede,
Þou art enchesun of hys dede.
Ȝyf hyt be aȝens hys wylle
Or hys asent, þou synnest ful ylle.
Ȝyf þou þurgh wykked ordynaunce
Fordost pore mannys sustynaunce
þat aftyrward he may nat lyue,
þou art coupable,—a ȝyfte y ȝyue.
Fordost pore mannys sustynaunce
þat aftyrward he may nat lyue,
þou art coupable,—a ȝyfte y ȝyue.
Ȝyf a porë man þe craue
A melys mete, hys lyfe to saue,—
Ȝyf þou mayst ȝyue hym, & nat wylt,
Beforë god þou hast hym spylt.
Seynt Ambrosë seyþ hardly,
Þat hyt ys slaghtyr gostly.
A melys mete, hys lyfe to saue,—
Ȝyf þou mayst ȝyue hym, & nat wylt,
Beforë god þou hast hym spylt.
Seynt Ambrosë seyþ hardly,
Þat hyt ys slaghtyr gostly.
what shul we sey of þys dytours,
Þys fals men, þat beyn sysours,
Þat, for hate, a trewman wyl endyte,
And a þefe for syluer quyte?
Be he neuer so strong a þefe,
Ȝyf he may ȝyue, he shal be lefe;
A porë man þat may nat so,
Þe deþë þey wyl dampne hym to.
Also hyt ys of þys dormers yn tounne,—
Falsë treytours & feloune,—
þat falslychë, for enuye,
On here neghburs wyl gladly lye,
And seye forsoþe þat he haþ wroght
Þyng þat neuer ȝyt was do ne þoght.
þey sle hem allë þat þey may,
whan here gode los þey fordo for ay.
yn alle þe wrlde, no ys more felonye,
Þan of þy neghbur next þe by.
Þys fals men, þat beyn sysours,
Þat, for hate, a trewman wyl endyte,
And a þefe for syluer quyte?
Be he neuer so strong a þefe,
Ȝyf he may ȝyue, he shal be lefe;
A porë man þat may nat so,
Þe deþë þey wyl dampne hym to.
Also hyt ys of þys dormers yn tounne,—
Falsë treytours & feloune,—
49
On here neghburs wyl gladly lye,
And seye forsoþe þat he haþ wroght
Þyng þat neuer ȝyt was do ne þoght.
þey sle hem allë þat þey may,
whan here gode los þey fordo for ay.
yn alle þe wrlde, no ys more felonye,
Þan of þy neghbur next þe by.
Ȝyf þou euer dedyst þyn entent
yn fals cunsél or cómaundment,
Þat a man to þe deþe were dyght
with wrong dome, or euyl syght;
Þoght hyt semyd with þe lawe
To ȝeue þe dome, hyt ys grete awe
who-so demyþ felunsly,
And noþer wyþ pyte ne mercy;
he [ne] shal no mercy haue,
Þat alle wyl sle, and no man saue.
yn fals cunsél or cómaundment,
Þat a man to þe deþe were dyght
with wrong dome, or euyl syght;
Þoght hyt semyd with þe lawe
To ȝeue þe dome, hyt ys grete awe
who-so demyþ felunsly,
And noþer wyþ pyte ne mercy;
he [ne] shal no mercy haue,
Þat alle wyl sle, and no man saue.
y shal ȝow telle for swychë dome
A tale þat sum tyme fyl yn Rome.
Of holy wryt, þe englysh y toke,
‘Dialogus,’ men clepyn þe boke.
Þys tale ys wryte þer-yn redy,
And fyl yn þe tyme of seynt Gregory.
A tale þat sum tyme fyl yn Rome.
Of holy wryt, þe englysh y toke,
‘Dialogus,’ men clepyn þe boke.
Þys tale ys wryte þer-yn redy,
And fyl yn þe tyme of seynt Gregory.
[The Tale of the Knight who had a Vision of the Judgment.]
yn Romë fyl a grete moreyne,
A pestelens of men, a veniaunce to pyne,
For some þat ȝedë yn þe strete
Sawe arwys fro heuene shete,
And smote men to þe deþ doun ryȝt;
And one of þe arwys wounded a knyȝt.
Þe knyȝt ful sorë syke gan lye,
And was yn poynt as he shuld deye;
hys spyryt was take to see a cas,
Ryght as goddys wyllë was.
hys frendys þat stode hym by
wende þat he hadde be dede bodely.
But sonë, yn a lytyl þrowe,
Þe body quaked þat þey alle sowe:
Seþþë he tolde where he hadde be,
And mochë þyng þat he hadde see.
“y sagh a brygge of mochë wndyr,
A grymly watyr was þer vndyr,
Blak and depe & ful stynkyngge,
Dredeful noyse hyt made rynnyngge.
Dunward yn-to helle hyt ȝede;
whan y sagh hyt, y hadde grete drede.
Be-ȝunde þat brygge was a cuntre,
Þe feyreste þat euer god lete be;
As a medue hyt was grene,
So feyre of syght ys noun, y wene,
So ful of flourys logh and hygh,
And saueryd swete as spycerye.
Þarto so feyre syght of coloure,
Delytable, & swete of sauoure,
Y dar weyl seye þat euermore
A man myght leuë þat were þore;
Deyë certys shuld he neuere,
For lyue and hele ys þere for euere.
y sagh þere folk [of so feyr syghte,
Here wonynge placys yn joye were dyghte;
All þe folke] þat I saghe þere
were as feyre as aungelys were.
y sagh þere housys of ful ryche atyre,
Alle of gletryng golde as fyre;
Blesful bryghtenes was þerynne;
Þe syght was cely, & welþe to wynne;
For, some of þo wynly wones
were peynted with precyus stones,
Some were caste with ryche colours
And feyr peynted with frute & floures.
Þere ys noun lyuyng here a lyue,
But criste, þat may hyt alle dyscryue.
Þe soþë myght y neuer wytte,
who shuld yn þo stedys sytte.
But yn þe watyr þat was hydus,
Sstynkyng, blak, & merueylus,
y say moche folk falle þerynne,
Caytyuys charged ful of synne.
A myste out of þe watyr come,
And to sum housys hyt gan gone,
And to sum, come hyt noght,
Þat me merueyled yn my þoght.
A pestelens of men, a veniaunce to pyne,
For some þat ȝedë yn þe strete
50
And smote men to þe deþ doun ryȝt;
And one of þe arwys wounded a knyȝt.
Þe knyȝt ful sorë syke gan lye,
And was yn poynt as he shuld deye;
hys spyryt was take to see a cas,
Ryght as goddys wyllë was.
hys frendys þat stode hym by
wende þat he hadde be dede bodely.
But sonë, yn a lytyl þrowe,
Þe body quaked þat þey alle sowe:
Seþþë he tolde where he hadde be,
And mochë þyng þat he hadde see.
“y sagh a brygge of mochë wndyr,
A grymly watyr was þer vndyr,
Blak and depe & ful stynkyngge,
Dredeful noyse hyt made rynnyngge.
Dunward yn-to helle hyt ȝede;
whan y sagh hyt, y hadde grete drede.
Be-ȝunde þat brygge was a cuntre,
Þe feyreste þat euer god lete be;
As a medue hyt was grene,
So feyre of syght ys noun, y wene,
So ful of flourys logh and hygh,
And saueryd swete as spycerye.
Þarto so feyre syght of coloure,
Delytable, & swete of sauoure,
Y dar weyl seye þat euermore
A man myght leuë þat were þore;
51
For lyue and hele ys þere for euere.
y sagh þere folk [of so feyr syghte,
Here wonynge placys yn joye were dyghte;
All þe folke] þat I saghe þere
were as feyre as aungelys were.
y sagh þere housys of ful ryche atyre,
Alle of gletryng golde as fyre;
Blesful bryghtenes was þerynne;
Þe syght was cely, & welþe to wynne;
For, some of þo wynly wones
were peynted with precyus stones,
Some were caste with ryche colours
And feyr peynted with frute & floures.
Þere ys noun lyuyng here a lyue,
But criste, þat may hyt alle dyscryue.
Þe soþë myght y neuer wytte,
who shuld yn þo stedys sytte.
But yn þe watyr þat was hydus,
Sstynkyng, blak, & merueylus,
y say moche folk falle þerynne,
Caytyuys charged ful of synne.
A myste out of þe watyr come,
And to sum housys hyt gan gone,
And to sum, come hyt noght,
Þat me merueyled yn my þoght.
Þe bregge þat ouere þe watyr lay,
Hyt was euer of swyche a-say,
Þat þer-ouere myght no man passe
But he were clene of euery trespas
Þat he ne shulde yn þe watyr falle
To þe mayster fende of alle.
Þo men þat loue to do ryghtly,
Þey shal passe þere sauëly
Into þat blesful cuntre,
Þere ioyë withoute ende shal be.
Hyt was euer of swyche a-say,
Þat þer-ouere myght no man passe
52
Þat he ne shulde yn þe watyr falle
To þe mayster fende of alle.
Þo men þat loue to do ryghtly,
Þey shal passe þere sauëly
Into þat blesful cuntre,
Þere ioyë withoute ende shal be.
A preste y sagh passe þere weyl,
And hadde no lettyng of any deyl,
As he hadde leuyd yn hys lyfe clene,
At hys passyng was hyt weyl sene.
And hadde no lettyng of any deyl,
As he hadde leuyd yn hys lyfe clene,
At hys passyng was hyt weyl sene.
A man y kneugh þere yn peynys strong.
Þat felunlyche dyde euer wrong;
I knegh hym here yn grete bayly,
He loued veniaunce with-oute mercy.
‘Pers,’ y wote weyl, was hys name,
Yn þe watyr he suffred shame.
y sagh hym bere vpp-on hys krowne
Brynnyng eryn þat bare hym downe
In-to þe watyr, blak as kole.
Alas, þe paynes y sagh hym þole!
Moche y desyred to wete certeyne
why he suffred al þat peyne;
And asswyþe hyt was me tolde,
For to do veniaunce he was euere bolde;
And whan he shuldë deme þe ryȝt,
To felunly he dyde hys myȝt;
At hym myght no man hauë grace,
Myldenesse, ne mercy, for any trespace;
And for he dede so mochë wogh,
Suffreþ he now shame ynogh.
Swyche ys goddys ordynaunce,
‘For veniaunce to take veniaunce.’
Þat felunlyche dyde euer wrong;
I knegh hym here yn grete bayly,
He loued veniaunce with-oute mercy.
‘Pers,’ y wote weyl, was hys name,
Yn þe watyr he suffred shame.
y sagh hym bere vpp-on hys krowne
Brynnyng eryn þat bare hym downe
In-to þe watyr, blak as kole.
Alas, þe paynes y sagh hym þole!
Moche y desyred to wete certeyne
why he suffred al þat peyne;
And asswyþe hyt was me tolde,
For to do veniaunce he was euere bolde;
And whan he shuldë deme þe ryȝt,
To felunly he dyde hys myȝt;
At hym myght no man hauë grace,
53
And for he dede so mochë wogh,
Suffreþ he now shame ynogh.
Swyche ys goddys ordynaunce,
‘For veniaunce to take veniaunce.’
Ȝyt of a-noþer y had a syght,
‘Steuene,’ forsoþe, hys namë hyght;
Þat yche Steuene was wont to be
wonyng yn Romë, þys cyte.
As he wulde passe þe brygge, betydde,
Hys fete begunne to slyde besyde,
And, was yn poynt for to falle
In-to þe watyr bytterer þan galle;
Þe fendës wende weyl hym to fonge,
But by þe bregge þan gan he honge.
Þe fendys here crokys fasted yn hys knees,
And al to-drowe & rente hys þees;
Feyr men come þedyr,—but y not how,—
And by hys armys vp hym drow;
Þey wulde nat suffre hym falle al downe
In-to þat grete confucyoun;
He plesyd god with sum gode dede,
Þarefore þey hylpe hym yn hys nede.
‘Steuene,’ forsoþe, hys namë hyght;
Þat yche Steuene was wont to be
wonyng yn Romë, þys cyte.
As he wulde passe þe brygge, betydde,
Hys fete begunne to slyde besyde,
And, was yn poynt for to falle
In-to þe watyr bytterer þan galle;
Þe fendës wende weyl hym to fonge,
But by þe bregge þan gan he honge.
Þe fendys here crokys fasted yn hys knees,
And al to-drowe & rente hys þees;
Feyr men come þedyr,—but y not how,—
And by hys armys vp hym drow;
Þey wulde nat suffre hym falle al downe
In-to þat grete confucyoun;
He plesyd god with sum gode dede,
Þarefore þey hylpe hym yn hys nede.
Almysdede men vndyrstonde
By þe drawyng vp of hys honde.
Y trowe he trespast yn lecherye
Þat þey þe þeës drow hym by.
But forsoþe y can nat telle
wheþyr he shulde to heuene or helle.”
By þe drawyng vp of hys honde.
Y trowe he trespast yn lecherye
Þat þey þe þeës drow hym by.
But forsoþe y can nat telle
wheþyr he shulde to heuene or helle.”
Þys talë haue y tolde to ȝow,
Ȝyf hyt myȝt fallë ȝow to prow,
Þys domus men, to chastyse,
Þat deme men wrong þurgh fals asyse.
Many beyn now, as Pers was,
Harde domys men as Satanas.
Þat man þat demeþ alle to þe ryȝt,
Of mercy get he no plyȝt;
And ȝyf he demeþ pytyffully
At hys demyng getyþ he mercy;
And ȝyf he deme fals iuggëment,
Þere falsnes ys, he shalle be shent;
He shal be slayn, þat al wyl slo;
Þat peyne wyl deme, to pyne shal go.
54
Þys domus men, to chastyse,
Þat deme men wrong þurgh fals asyse.
Many beyn now, as Pers was,
Harde domys men as Satanas.
Þat man þat demeþ alle to þe ryȝt,
Of mercy get he no plyȝt;
And ȝyf he demeþ pytyffully
At hys demyng getyþ he mercy;
And ȝyf he deme fals iuggëment,
Þere falsnes ys, he shalle be shent;
He shal be slayn, þat al wyl slo;
Þat peyne wyl deme, to pyne shal go.
Ȝyf þou with-drowe any mannys wyl,
Þat he ne myȝt þe gode fulfyl
whan he þoght to haue wel doun,
Or entycedest any fro relygyoun,
Gostly þou mayst hym slo
Þyf he to ouþer wykkednes go:—
As, ȝyf a man haue a chylde,
And to relygyun hys wyl be mylde,
And þou eggyst hym away
To folue þe fals wrldës pay;
Ȝyf he þarefore be lore yn synne,
For hym grete perel þou fallyst ynne;
Byforë god þou hast hym slayn,
And for hym þou shalt suffre payn.
Þat he ne myȝt þe gode fulfyl
whan he þoght to haue wel doun,
Or entycedest any fro relygyoun,
Gostly þou mayst hym slo
Þyf he to ouþer wykkednes go:—
As, ȝyf a man haue a chylde,
And to relygyun hys wyl be mylde,
And þou eggyst hym away
To folue þe fals wrldës pay;
Ȝyf he þarefore be lore yn synne,
For hym grete perel þou fallyst ynne;
Byforë god þou hast hym slayn,
And for hym þou shalt suffre payn.
what sey ȝe of þys bakbyters
Þat wykked wurdes aboutë bers?
Þey makë oftë mochë stryfe,
And a-peyryn many mannys lyfe.
Ȝyf þou bryng a man yn fame,
Þat he haue euer lastyng shame,—
Byforë god, þou hym slos
whan þou hym reuyst hys gode los.
Bakbyter, þurgh ryght resun,
Of þre mennys deþ ys enchesun.
Þou wost weyl, with-outyn les,
þe bakbyter fyrst hym self sles;
He slekþ hym þat trowyþ hys lesyng,
whan he forþ beryþ hys bakbytyng;
And hym algate þat hyt ys on leyde,
He ys slayn; god help þe vpbreyde.
As mochë þan he ys to blame
Þat ȝeueþ a man a vyle ekename;
Ȝyf hys ryȝt name be withdrawe,
Gostlychë þou hast hym slawe.
Þat wykked wurdes aboutë bers?
Þey makë oftë mochë stryfe,
55
Ȝyf þou bryng a man yn fame,
Þat he haue euer lastyng shame,—
Byforë god, þou hym slos
whan þou hym reuyst hys gode los.
Bakbyter, þurgh ryght resun,
Of þre mennys deþ ys enchesun.
Þou wost weyl, with-outyn les,
þe bakbyter fyrst hym self sles;
He slekþ hym þat trowyþ hys lesyng,
whan he forþ beryþ hys bakbytyng;
And hym algate þat hyt ys on leyde,
He ys slayn; god help þe vpbreyde.
As mochë þan he ys to blame
Þat ȝeueþ a man a vyle ekename;
Ȝyf hys ryȝt name be withdrawe,
Gostlychë þou hast hym slawe.
Also ys slaghter gostly
To vse to spekë vyleyny.
For many wurdys þat beþ spoke,
were better yn brest to be loke.
And, sum owtȝë nat to be
Of herë wurdys to fre,—
By þese ordryd men, y mene,
Here wurdys owtȝ to be feyr & clene,
And namlyche to relygyun
Men shuld fynde noun enchesun:
For ȝyf þey spekë oute of skore,
Þey beþ to be blamed eft þarfore.
To vse to spekë vyleyny.
For many wurdys þat beþ spoke,
were better yn brest to be loke.
And, sum owtȝë nat to be
Of herë wurdys to fre,—
By þese ordryd men, y mene,
Here wurdys owtȝ to be feyr & clene,
And namlyche to relygyun
Men shuld fynde noun enchesun:
For ȝyf þey spekë oute of skore,
Þey beþ to be blamed eft þarfore.
56
A tale
Seynt Gregori of a nunne tellys
Þat ȝede to helle for no þyng ellys
But for she spake euer vyleyny
Among here felaws al ahy.
Þys nunnë was of dedys chaste,
But þat she spakë wurdys waste
She madë many of here felawys
Þenke on synnë for her sawys.
For many tyme a vyleynys wurde
Gadryþ foulë þouþ to hurde.
So dede she her felawys alle,
For here wurdys, yn synnë falle.
Noþeles, yn here dedys,
Se was chaste as men er hedys.
Þat ȝede to helle for no þyng ellys
But for she spake euer vyleyny
Among here felaws al ahy.
Þys nunnë was of dedys chaste,
But þat she spakë wurdys waste
She madë many of here felawys
Þenke on synnë for her sawys.
For many tyme a vyleynys wurde
Gadryþ foulë þouþ to hurde.
So dede she her felawys alle,
For here wurdys, yn synnë falle.
Noþeles, yn here dedys,
Se was chaste as men er hedys.
Sone aftyr þys nunnë deyde,
As of herë was purueyde,
She was beryyd, as fyl to be,
Be syde an auter before þe gre.
Sone aftyr, þys chaunce gan falle:—
Of þe cherche þe wardeynys alle
were waked oute of here slepe,
So loude þey herde one cry & wepe;
Þey sterte vp allë for to see
what wundyr þyng þat myȝt be.
Þey say aboute þe Nunnë stonde,
Fendys, with brynnyng swerdys yn honde:
Al hem þoght þey wulde here slo,
For þey cloue here mouþe euyn o two;
And, þe to syde al to-brent
Before þe auter on þe pament.
Þe wardeynys come eft on þe morow
To see where had be þat sorow.
þey fonde þe brenyng euery deyl
As þey before had seye hyt weyl;
Half þe body was brent a-way,
And haluyndele yn her grauë lay.
Seynt Gregorye seyþ þat hyt was sygne
Þat half here lyfë was nat dygne;
For þogh here dedys werë chaste,
Here wurdys were al vyle & waste.
So was hyt shewyd before here ygne,
Þat haluyndele she was ȝoue to pyne.
Loke how ȝeuene dome þer was,
Euene lyke aȝens here trespas.
See how here tunggë made here slayn
And foulë wurdes broght here to payn.
As of herë was purueyde,
She was beryyd, as fyl to be,
Be syde an auter before þe gre.
Sone aftyr, þys chaunce gan falle:—
Of þe cherche þe wardeynys alle
were waked oute of here slepe,
So loude þey herde one cry & wepe;
Þey sterte vp allë for to see
what wundyr þyng þat myȝt be.
Þey say aboute þe Nunnë stonde,
Fendys, with brynnyng swerdys yn honde:
Al hem þoght þey wulde here slo,
For þey cloue here mouþe euyn o two;
57
Before þe auter on þe pament.
Þe wardeynys come eft on þe morow
To see where had be þat sorow.
þey fonde þe brenyng euery deyl
As þey before had seye hyt weyl;
Half þe body was brent a-way,
And haluyndele yn her grauë lay.
Seynt Gregorye seyþ þat hyt was sygne
Þat half here lyfë was nat dygne;
For þogh here dedys werë chaste,
Here wurdys were al vyle & waste.
So was hyt shewyd before here ygne,
Þat haluyndele she was ȝoue to pyne.
Loke how ȝeuene dome þer was,
Euene lyke aȝens here trespas.
See how here tunggë made here slayn
And foulë wurdes broght here to payn.
By þys ensample þat vs awys
Y rede þat we leue alle oure foule sawys,
Þat we sle nat vs self gostly,
Ne noun ouþer so, ne bodyly,
Þat we be nat with herë brent
Yn hellë fere, no with here shent.
God almyghty shelde vs þar fro,
And late vs neuer no man slo.
Y rede þat we leue alle oure foule sawys,
Þat we sle nat vs self gostly,
Ne noun ouþer so, ne bodyly,
Þat we be nat with herë brent
Yn hellë fere, no with here shent.
God almyghty shelde vs þar fro,
And late vs neuer no man slo.
58
[The Sixth Commandment.]
The syxte comaundyþ vs al so,
Þat we shul noun hurdam do.
þys comaundment ys of prys,
For hyt was stabled yn paradys
God stablede hyt, þou shalt beleue,
whan he made of Adam, Eue.
A clene womman here he hym betaght,
Yn clenë lyfe to lyue she aght;
Al one to be, and of o wyl,
Goddys comaundment to fulfyl.
God made womman man to gyue,
To be hys helpë yn hys lyue;
he madë here nat, man to greue,
No to be mayster, but felaw leue,
No nat ouer logh, no nat ouer hy,
But euene felaw, to be hym by;
And he, mayster, lorde, & syre;
To hys wyl she shal meke hyre.
Þe sacrament ys for here sake,
Of two, o fleshe and o wyl, to make.
Grete mede he getyþ with-outë fayle
Þat wele wyl holdë hys spousayle.
Þat we shul noun hurdam do.
þys comaundment ys of prys,
For hyt was stabled yn paradys
God stablede hyt, þou shalt beleue,
whan he made of Adam, Eue.
A clene womman here he hym betaght,
Yn clenë lyfe to lyue she aght;
Al one to be, and of o wyl,
Goddys comaundment to fulfyl.
God made womman man to gyue,
To be hys helpë yn hys lyue;
he madë here nat, man to greue,
No to be mayster, but felaw leue,
No nat ouer logh, no nat ouer hy,
But euene felaw, to be hym by;
And he, mayster, lorde, & syre;
To hys wyl she shal meke hyre.
Þe sacrament ys for here sake,
Of two, o fleshe and o wyl, to make.
Grete mede he getyþ with-outë fayle
Þat wele wyl holdë hys spousayle.
Now some of þe poyntys wyl y touche
Þat men vn-to hurdam souche.
Þat men vn-to hurdam souche.
Ȝyf þou haue trouþë pryuyly
To bygyle a womman to lygge here by,
Þogh no wedlok were yn þy þoght,
But þat wuldest þy synne were wroght;
Ȝyf she vndyrstode weddyng of þe,
So shal þy trouþë charged be;
Þy trouþe to ȝeue yn swyche a-tent,
hyt ys aȝens þe comaundment.
No trouþe oghte to be ȝeue wyþ ryght
But yn holy cherchys syȝt,
Namlych, þat falleþ to wedlake,
what-so-euer men seyde or spake.
To bygyle a womman to lygge here by,
59
But þat wuldest þy synne were wroght;
Ȝyf she vndyrstode weddyng of þe,
So shal þy trouþë charged be;
Þy trouþe to ȝeue yn swyche a-tent,
hyt ys aȝens þe comaundment.
No trouþe oghte to be ȝeue wyþ ryght
But yn holy cherchys syȝt,
Namlych, þat falleþ to wedlake,
what-so-euer men seyde or spake.
Ȝyf þou ly by here seþen,
Aftyr þou hast þy trouþë ȝyuen,
Y sey þe weyl certeynly
þat þou synnedyst þere dedly.
Fleshly dede þou oghteyst noun werche
wyþ-outë leue of holy cherche;
þogh þou haue here trouþë plyght,
And to here hast so godë ryȝt,
Ȝyt holy cherche behoueþ wytte
Of ȝoure cunnaunt, ȝyf hyt may sytte.
Aftyr þou hast þy trouþë ȝyuen,
Y sey þe weyl certeynly
þat þou synnedyst þere dedly.
Fleshly dede þou oghteyst noun werche
wyþ-outë leue of holy cherche;
þogh þou haue here trouþë plyght,
And to here hast so godë ryȝt,
Ȝyt holy cherche behoueþ wytte
Of ȝoure cunnaunt, ȝyf hyt may sytte.
Ȝyf þou plyghtyst trouþe to any lyghtly
To be at holy cherchys cry,
But þou dedyst with her no foly dede
þat ys fleshly felaurede,
þou gost and ȝyfst þy trouþe anouþer
As þou dedyst byfore þe touþer,
And lyst by here, and ys þy wyfe,
yn hordam boþe þan ys ȝoure lyfe.
Þe ferst womman þat þou ches
Ys þy wyfe, with-outë les.
Ensample hauë we þerby,
Of Iosep þat wedyd oure lady;
Þere was verry matrymony,
with-outë fleshly dede of any.
By þys ensample mayst þou se
þat þe fyrst womman þy wyfe shulde be.
To be at holy cherchys cry,
But þou dedyst with her no foly dede
þat ys fleshly felaurede,
þou gost and ȝyfst þy trouþe anouþer
As þou dedyst byfore þe touþer,
And lyst by here, and ys þy wyfe,
yn hordam boþe þan ys ȝoure lyfe.
60
Ys þy wyfe, with-outë les.
Ensample hauë we þerby,
Of Iosep þat wedyd oure lady;
Þere was verry matrymony,
with-outë fleshly dede of any.
By þys ensample mayst þou se
þat þe fyrst womman þy wyfe shulde be.
Ȝyf þou dedyst euer swyche outrage
To wedde chyldryn or þey hadde age,
þare-of may comë grete folye
ȝyf þey so ȝunge to-gedyr lye.
Oft haue men boþe herde & seyn,
Þat of swych lyggyng haþ foly beyn.
For some, when þey yn age are come,
þe toon þe touþer may nat loue;
Þan make þey men on hem to wundyr,
And coueyt faste to be asundyr;
Also to brekë here spousayle,
And here trouþe, þe whych shuld nat fayle.
Ȝyf þou to swyche weddyng consent,
Hyt ys aȝens þe commaundment.
To wedde chyldryn or þey hadde age,
þare-of may comë grete folye
ȝyf þey so ȝunge to-gedyr lye.
Oft haue men boþe herde & seyn,
Þat of swych lyggyng haþ foly beyn.
For some, when þey yn age are come,
þe toon þe touþer may nat loue;
Þan make þey men on hem to wundyr,
And coueyt faste to be asundyr;
Also to brekë here spousayle,
And here trouþe, þe whych shuld nat fayle.
Ȝyf þou to swyche weddyng consent,
Hyt ys aȝens þe commaundment.
Ȝyf þou hast auowyd þe
Þy lyfe to holde yn chastyte,
Or þou art yn state of prest,
Or yn two ordrys alþer nest,
Suddekene, or dekene hy,
þys lettyþ weddyng & dede fleshly.
Þy lyfe to holde yn chastyte,
Or þou art yn state of prest,
Or yn two ordrys alþer nest,
Suddekene, or dekene hy,
þys lettyþ weddyng & dede fleshly.
61
Ne þou shalt neuer wedde, ne synne,
wyþ any þat þy kyn haþ weddyd ynne;
Or ȝyf a man haue houe a chylde,
God hyt euer forbede and shylde
Þat þat chylde shulde any haue
Of hys godfadrys, maydyn or knaue:
Hys breþren or sustren may at here pay
wedde; but he þat houe neuer may.
wyþ any þat þy kyn haþ weddyd ynne;
Or ȝyf a man haue houe a chylde,
God hyt euer forbede and shylde
Þat þat chylde shulde any haue
Of hys godfadrys, maydyn or knaue:
Hys breþren or sustren may at here pay
wedde; but he þat houe neuer may.
Ne þou shalt nat, by þy lyfe,
weddë þy godfadrys wyfe.
Also shal þe womman wonde
To take here godmodrys husbonde.
Twey godmodrys shul nat wedde,
Þe toon to aske þe touþer to bede.
weddë þy godfadrys wyfe.
Also shal þe womman wonde
To take here godmodrys husbonde.
Twey godmodrys shul nat wedde,
Þe toon to aske þe touþer to bede.
Men shul nat wedde for any gode
Man or womman þat ys wode;
For many þyngys hyt ys grete eye,
Þe whyche falleþ me nat for to seye.
Man or womman þat ys wode;
For many þyngys hyt ys grete eye,
Þe whyche falleþ me nat for to seye.
Ȝyf a womman haue an husband,
And he fro here go ouer land,
She shal noun ouþer take ne wedde
But she be certeyn of hys ded.
Þou shal nat betrouþe a womman with hand
þe whylys here husband ys lyuand;
For þe trouþe þat þou here ȝeuys
Þe whylys þat here husbund lyuys,
hyt ys hope, hurdam to be,
And slaghter, but he deye or she.
And he fro here go ouer land,
She shal noun ouþer take ne wedde
But she be certeyn of hys ded.
Þou shal nat betrouþe a womman with hand
þe whylys here husband ys lyuand;
For þe trouþe þat þou here ȝeuys
Þe whylys þat here husbund lyuys,
62
And slaghter, but he deye or she.
Ȝyf þou madest euer any wyche,
Þurgh whycchëcraft, wedlak to flycche,
For to destruble þe ryȝt weddyng,
Þou art a-cursed yn þat þyng.
Ȝyf þou fordost þe weylfare
Betwyx þo þat weddyde are,
Þou synnest certys wykkydly,
And brekyst spousayle & cumpany.
Ȝyf þy chylde, mayden or knaue,
wulde a-noþer yn wedlak haue,
And with here wylle þey trouþë plyȝt
withoute cunseyl of fadrys syȝt,
Ȝyf fadyr or modyr be þer aȝen,
Seþþe þey haue trouþed & beyn certeyn,
Þey dysturble þys sacrament
Aȝens þys ychë comaundment.
Þurgh whycchëcraft, wedlak to flycche,
For to destruble þe ryȝt weddyng,
Þou art a-cursed yn þat þyng.
Ȝyf þou fordost þe weylfare
Betwyx þo þat weddyde are,
Þou synnest certys wykkydly,
And brekyst spousayle & cumpany.
Ȝyf þy chylde, mayden or knaue,
wulde a-noþer yn wedlak haue,
And with here wylle þey trouþë plyȝt
withoute cunseyl of fadrys syȝt,
Ȝyf fadyr or modyr be þer aȝen,
Seþþe þey haue trouþed & beyn certeyn,
Þey dysturble þys sacrament
Aȝens þys ychë comaundment.
Ȝyf a man be of Ioly lyfe
And mysdo onys vndyr hys wyfe,
Ȝyf she be gode and certeyn,
To gode state she turneþ hym aȝeyn;
But þere þe wyfe haunteþ foly
Vndyr here husbunde a ludby,
Comunly she wyl neuer blynne,
But euere be brennyng yn here synne;
Vnto þe deuyl confounde her here
And bryngë her to hellë fere.
And mysdo onys vndyr hys wyfe,
Ȝyf she be gode and certeyn,
To gode state she turneþ hym aȝeyn;
But þere þe wyfe haunteþ foly
Vndyr here husbunde a ludby,
Comunly she wyl neuer blynne,
But euere be brennyng yn here synne;
Vnto þe deuyl confounde her here
And bryngë her to hellë fere.
Aȝens swyche maner wyuys
þat wyl nat amende here lyuys,
Shal y tellë ȝow a tale,—
To swychë wyuys byttyr bale.
63
Shal y tellë ȝow a tale,—
To swychë wyuys byttyr bale.
[The Tale of the Adulterous Wife, whose Skeleton split in two.]
Þer ys an Ile be-ȝunde þe see,
Þer men were wunt wonyng to be;
Þys ychë ylë wax al waste,
And þe folk drogh þen yn haste;
So with-ynne a lytyl whyle
Men helde hyt a forsakyn yle.
Seþþë, wonede þere a dragun,
Þat dede many man confusyun;
Men and wommen faste he slogh,
And dede ouer al shame ynogh;
Al þat he fonde with-outë house
Þys dragun slogh so merueylouse;
So mochë folkë gan he quelle,
Men seyd he was a fende of helle.
Alle þe folk of þat cuntre
Cunseyled hem what þat myght be;
Þey armyde hem alle at here myght,
Aȝens þe dragun for to fyght,
But noun of hem myght vndyrstande
Where þe dragun was wonande.
Befel ȝyt, þat ychë tyde,
An ermyte wonede þere besyde,
A godë man and ryȝt certeyn,
Dwelled besydë þat wasteyn,—
One of hem ȝaf cunseyl tyte,
Þat þey shulde go to þat Ermyte,
And aske cunseyl of swyche adede
In hopë alle þe bettyr to spede.
whan þey hadde tolde hym alle here dere,
Þys was þan þe ermytys answere:—
“Ȝyf ȝe wyl wepe for ȝoure synne,
And shryue ȝow clene, and þerof blynne,
And grauntë me þat ȝe shul faste,
And yn preyers wel to laste,
Perauenture ȝe may be al-eggyd,
And sum of ȝoure sorow abreggyd.”
Þer men were wunt wonyng to be;
Þys ychë ylë wax al waste,
And þe folk drogh þen yn haste;
So with-ynne a lytyl whyle
Men helde hyt a forsakyn yle.
Seþþë, wonede þere a dragun,
Þat dede many man confusyun;
Men and wommen faste he slogh,
And dede ouer al shame ynogh;
Al þat he fonde with-outë house
Þys dragun slogh so merueylouse;
So mochë folkë gan he quelle,
Men seyd he was a fende of helle.
Alle þe folk of þat cuntre
Cunseyled hem what þat myght be;
Þey armyde hem alle at here myght,
Aȝens þe dragun for to fyght,
But noun of hem myght vndyrstande
Where þe dragun was wonande.
Befel ȝyt, þat ychë tyde,
An ermyte wonede þere besyde,
A godë man and ryȝt certeyn,
Dwelled besydë þat wasteyn,—
64
Þat þey shulde go to þat Ermyte,
And aske cunseyl of swyche adede
In hopë alle þe bettyr to spede.
whan þey hadde tolde hym alle here dere,
Þys was þan þe ermytys answere:—
“Ȝyf ȝe wyl wepe for ȝoure synne,
And shryue ȝow clene, and þerof blynne,
And grauntë me þat ȝe shul faste,
And yn preyers wel to laste,
Perauenture ȝe may be al-eggyd,
And sum of ȝoure sorow abreggyd.”
To do alle þat þe ermyte bad,
Þey grauntede alle, & were ryȝt glad.
Þe ermyte seydë, “ȝe shul be
In penauncë þre days with me;
And, aftyr þe þre days ende,
To ȝow shal y come or sende.”
Þey grauntede alle, & were ryȝt glad.
Þe ermyte seydë, “ȝe shul be
In penauncë þre days with me;
And, aftyr þe þre days ende,
To ȝow shal y come or sende.”
Alle þe folk went home þere weye;
Þe ermyte hys preyere began to seye,
“Ihesu cryst, god almyghty,
Of þys folk haue þou mercy,
Þat þou boghtyst on rode so dere;
For hem shewe me on sum manere
where y may þe dragun fynde,
And hys power, lorde, þou bynde,
Þat þe folk may knowe and se
Þe mercy and þe myȝt of þe.”
Þe ermyte hys preyere began to seye,
“Ihesu cryst, god almyghty,
Of þys folk haue þou mercy,
Þat þou boghtyst on rode so dere;
For hem shewe me on sum manere
where y may þe dragun fynde,
And hys power, lorde, þou bynde,
Þat þe folk may knowe and se
Þe mercy and þe myȝt of þe.”
Whan he hadde preyde hys orysun
Long yn grete afflyccyun,
God sagh allë hys entent,
And hys aungel to hym he sent
For to techë hym þe way
Þedyr þere þe dragun lay.
Þe aungel seyde to þe ermyte,
“Do sumnë þe folk astyte,
Þat þey comë allë hedyr
Beforë þe, echone to gedyr.
Y shal be ȝoure alþer ledere,
Þat þe dragun ȝow nat dere.”
Long yn grete afflyccyun,
65
And hys aungel to hym he sent
For to techë hym þe way
Þedyr þere þe dragun lay.
Þe aungel seyde to þe ermyte,
“Do sumnë þe folk astyte,
Þat þey comë allë hedyr
Beforë þe, echone to gedyr.
Y shal be ȝoure alþer ledere,
Þat þe dragun ȝow nat dere.”
Þe folk echonë þedyr com;
Þe aungel before hem gan gon,
And led hem to þat wasteyn
Þat sum tyme was a stede certeyn.
Vnto a place þey ȝede echone,
And þere þey fonde a tumbe of stone.
Þe aungel bad hem lyfte vp þe lydde;
And as he bad, ryȝt so þey dydde.
“here, he seyde, ys hys wonnyng
with anoþer wykked þyng;
Drede ȝow noght þoȝt he be fownde,
For all hys power haue y bownde.”
whan þey had þe toumbe o twynne,
Þe folk stode and loked with-ynne.
Þey sagh a womman þere vyly lye,
And here body cloue yn twey partye;
Betwyxe þo twey partys þe dragun lay,
Gresly to se wyþ grete affray.
Grete wndyr was hyt to see;
Þey asked alle what hyt myȝt be,
And why hyt was, and wherë-fore,
Þat þe dragun lay so þore;
And what manere she synned so,
Þat here body was cloue yn two.
Þe aungel before hem gan gon,
And led hem to þat wasteyn
Þat sum tyme was a stede certeyn.
Vnto a place þey ȝede echone,
And þere þey fonde a tumbe of stone.
Þe aungel bad hem lyfte vp þe lydde;
And as he bad, ryȝt so þey dydde.
“here, he seyde, ys hys wonnyng
with anoþer wykked þyng;
Drede ȝow noght þoȝt he be fownde,
For all hys power haue y bownde.”
whan þey had þe toumbe o twynne,
Þe folk stode and loked with-ynne.
Þey sagh a womman þere vyly lye,
And here body cloue yn twey partye;
Betwyxe þo twey partys þe dragun lay,
Gresly to se wyþ grete affray.
66
Þey asked alle what hyt myȝt be,
And why hyt was, and wherë-fore,
Þat þe dragun lay so þore;
And what manere she synned so,
Þat here body was cloue yn two.
he shewede þan vnto hem alle,
For what synne þat sorow gan falle.
“Þys womman,” he seyd, “þat here lys,
And ys departyd yn two partys,
She was weddyd, and here wedlak
Ful falsly an on-truly brak,
whan she was o flessh and blode
with hym þat here to-keyn loue gode;
þurgh matrymony, þe sacrament,
were two o flessh made be assent,
holy togedyr for to leue
And noun fro ouþer hys flesh may ȝyue.
But þys womman þat þus ys shent,
She brak þe holy sacrament;
here flesh she ȝaf, o party
yn hordam and yn lechery,
A-noþer party to here husbonde,
Þat for shame ne myȝt she wonde.
And, for þat yche vyleyns synne,
Ys here body partyd a-twynne;
And betwyx þe twey partys,
For veniaunce, þe dragun lys.
Alas þe tyme þat she was bore!
with-outyn endë she ys lore.”
Þe aungel seyd, “y cómaunde þe,
Dragun, hennë þat þou fle,
Þat þou neuer any man noye
No þys cuntre no more dystroye;
No þat þou comë no more here
yn þys stede for to apere.”
And a-none, for drede and eye,
Þe dragun fleygh furþ hys weye.
Þe folk þanked god echone,
Þat þe dragun aweye was gone.
For what synne þat sorow gan falle.
“Þys womman,” he seyd, “þat here lys,
And ys departyd yn two partys,
She was weddyd, and here wedlak
Ful falsly an on-truly brak,
whan she was o flessh and blode
with hym þat here to-keyn loue gode;
þurgh matrymony, þe sacrament,
were two o flessh made be assent,
holy togedyr for to leue
And noun fro ouþer hys flesh may ȝyue.
But þys womman þat þus ys shent,
She brak þe holy sacrament;
here flesh she ȝaf, o party
yn hordam and yn lechery,
A-noþer party to here husbonde,
Þat for shame ne myȝt she wonde.
And, for þat yche vyleyns synne,
Ys here body partyd a-twynne;
And betwyx þe twey partys,
For veniaunce, þe dragun lys.
Alas þe tyme þat she was bore!
with-outyn endë she ys lore.”
67
Dragun, hennë þat þou fle,
Þat þou neuer any man noye
No þys cuntre no more dystroye;
No þat þou comë no more here
yn þys stede for to apere.”
And a-none, for drede and eye,
Þe dragun fleygh furþ hys weye.
Þe folk þanked god echone,
Þat þe dragun aweye was gone.
wommen þat breke wedlak, mow yn þys tale
Here, þat þey brew to hemself bale.
For þe foule dragun, þe fende of helle,
wyþ hém yn peyne shal euer dwelle
Þat half here flesh haue partyd or brokun
Þat holy yn matrymony was lokun.
Here, þat þey brew to hemself bale.
For þe foule dragun, þe fende of helle,
wyþ hém yn peyne shal euer dwelle
Þat half here flesh haue partyd or brokun
Þat holy yn matrymony was lokun.
Ȝyf þer be twey yn cumpany
As beþ yn wedlak specyaly,
And þe toon do aȝens spousayle
whereforë felaushepe may fayle,
But þe toþer wyl hym blame
whan he wote hys foulë fame,
he consentyþ to hys synne
But he desturble hym þer-ynne.
As beþ yn wedlak specyaly,
And þe toon do aȝens spousayle
whereforë felaushepe may fayle,
But þe toþer wyl hym blame
whan he wote hys foulë fame,
he consentyþ to hys synne
But he desturble hym þer-ynne.
Ȝyf þou wendest oute of cuntre,
Aȝens þy wyuys wyl to be,
But she mow wonë yn þat stede
To haue þy fleshly felawrede,
Ȝyf þou do hyt aȝens her wyl
Certeynly þou synnyst ful yl.
Ȝyf þou hyt do to holde þe chaste
wyþ-oute here wyl, þou werchyst waste.
For but hyt be for grete resun,
Ȝyf she mysdo, þou art enchesun.
Aȝens þy wyuys wyl to be,
But she mow wonë yn þat stede
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Ȝyf þou do hyt aȝens her wyl
Certeynly þou synnyst ful yl.
Ȝyf þou hyt do to holde þe chaste
wyþ-oute here wyl, þou werchyst waste.
For but hyt be for grete resun,
Ȝyf she mysdo, þou art enchesun.
Ȝyf þou louyst to haue þy wyfe
Yn clennes and yn godë lyfe,
vpbreyde here neuer for gelusye
Of no mannys cumpanye;
For ȝyf þou dost, þan wyl she do
þyng þat she neuer þoghte to do.
Men sey, þer a man ys gelous,
Þat þer ys a kokewolde at hous.
Many a gode man ys kokewolde;
Þere þe wyfe ys a shrewe, þer ys wykked holde.
But where þe wyfe haþ gelousye
Þere beþ wrdys grete and hye;
here mayster shal nagher go ne sytte
Þat she ne shal wommen on hym wytte.
Þan ys þere chydyng and boste,
Þere ys nat þe holy goste;
For no þyng Ihesu cryst more quemeþ
Þan loue yn wedlak, þere men hyt ȝemyþ;
Ne no þyng ys to man so dere
As wommanys loue yn gode manere.
A gode womman ys mannys blys
Þere here loue ryȝt and stedfast ys;
Þere ys no solas vndyr heuene
Of al þat a man may neuene,
Þat shuld a man so mochë glew
As a gode womman þat loueþ trew.
Ne derer ys none yn goddys hurde
Þan a chaste womman with louely wrde;
Ensample haue y þerof ful fayre
yn þe lyfe of seynt Makayre.
Yn clennes and yn godë lyfe,
vpbreyde here neuer for gelusye
Of no mannys cumpanye;
For ȝyf þou dost, þan wyl she do
þyng þat she neuer þoghte to do.
Men sey, þer a man ys gelous,
Þat þer ys a kokewolde at hous.
Many a gode man ys kokewolde;
Þere þe wyfe ys a shrewe, þer ys wykked holde.
But where þe wyfe haþ gelousye
Þere beþ wrdys grete and hye;
here mayster shal nagher go ne sytte
Þat she ne shal wommen on hym wytte.
Þan ys þere chydyng and boste,
Þere ys nat þe holy goste;
For no þyng Ihesu cryst more quemeþ
Þan loue yn wedlak, þere men hyt ȝemyþ;
Ne no þyng ys to man so dere
As wommanys loue yn gode manere.
A gode womman ys mannys blys
Þere here loue ryȝt and stedfast ys;
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Of al þat a man may neuene,
Þat shuld a man so mochë glew
As a gode womman þat loueþ trew.
Ne derer ys none yn goddys hurde
Þan a chaste womman with louely wrde;
Ensample haue y þerof ful fayre
yn þe lyfe of seynt Makayre.
[The Tale of St. Macaire and the Two Good Married Women.]
Þere was an abbot of great renoun,
An holy man yn relygyoun,
he preydë god vpp-on a day,
And seydë “lorde, as þou weyl may,
Ȝeue me gracë for to wete
who shal with me yn heuene sytte;
Þat wulde y wyte on al manere,
who yn heuene shal be my pere.”
A voys spakë to hym ful fayre,
“wete þou wele, for soþe, Makayre,
Þere beþ twey wymmen yn a cyte,
Of so moche boneryte
þat alle þe penaunce þat þou mayst do
Ne may nat reche here godenes to.”
he toldë hym þe cyte ryȝt,
And the wommen what þey hyght.
Makayrë wulde no lenger byde,
But to þat cyte gan he ryde;
As sonë as he comë þere
he askede where swyche wymmen were.
Men taghte hym sonë to hem weyl;
he come and toke þere hys osteyl.
“wymmen,” he seyde, “y wyl me reste
yn ȝoure Ine as a nyȝtys geste.”
“Syr,” þey seyde, “we graunte hyt þe
Ȝyf þou hyt aske pur charyte.”
To a chambre þey hym broghte;
þan hys erende forȝate he noughte.
he madë boþë by hym sytte,
And seyde, “y am come, at ȝow to wytte
yn what manere ȝe lede ȝoure lyuys
yn holynes, and byþ here wyuys:
Forheleþ hyt nat, y ȝow forbede,
how þat ȝe ȝoure lyuys lede;
Þarfore, y am come to þys cyte,
And haue trauayled many a iurne.”
An holy man yn relygyoun,
he preydë god vpp-on a day,
And seydë “lorde, as þou weyl may,
Ȝeue me gracë for to wete
who shal with me yn heuene sytte;
Þat wulde y wyte on al manere,
who yn heuene shal be my pere.”
A voys spakë to hym ful fayre,
“wete þou wele, for soþe, Makayre,
Þere beþ twey wymmen yn a cyte,
Of so moche boneryte
þat alle þe penaunce þat þou mayst do
Ne may nat reche here godenes to.”
he toldë hym þe cyte ryȝt,
And the wommen what þey hyght.
Makayrë wulde no lenger byde,
But to þat cyte gan he ryde;
As sonë as he comë þere
he askede where swyche wymmen were.
70
he come and toke þere hys osteyl.
“wymmen,” he seyde, “y wyl me reste
yn ȝoure Ine as a nyȝtys geste.”
“Syr,” þey seyde, “we graunte hyt þe
Ȝyf þou hyt aske pur charyte.”
To a chambre þey hym broghte;
þan hys erende forȝate he noughte.
he madë boþë by hym sytte,
And seyde, “y am come, at ȝow to wytte
yn what manere ȝe lede ȝoure lyuys
yn holynes, and byþ here wyuys:
Forheleþ hyt nat, y ȝow forbede,
how þat ȝe ȝoure lyuys lede;
Þarfore, y am come to þys cyte,
And haue trauayled many a iurne.”
Þes wymmen answered al at gesse
“Syr, we knowe no holynesse,
But whan oure husbandys byþ vs by
Þan beþ we yn loue ryȝtly,
And yn parfyte charyte
whan oure husbandys with vs be;
Þys ys moste of ourë lyuys,
And euer haþ be, syþ we were wyuys.”
“y beseche ȝow, on my blessyng,
Þat ȝe forhele fro me no þyng.”
Þe toon answered to seynt Makayre
“To twey breþryn we weddyd are
A-passyd be twenty ȝere
Þat we to-gedyr haue lyuyd here,
Þat neuer with hem were we onys wroth
Ne þey with vs þat wedded vs both,
Ne for no þyng þat euer may betyde
To-gedyr shul we neuer chyde.
Yn relygyun we wulde vs do;
Oure husbondys graunte nat þar-to;
Ȝyt haue we leuer leue oure wylle
Þan oure hosbundys greue with ylle.
So moche loue ys vs among
Þat none to oþer wyl do wrong.”
“Syr, we knowe no holynesse,
But whan oure husbandys byþ vs by
Þan beþ we yn loue ryȝtly,
And yn parfyte charyte
whan oure husbandys with vs be;
Þys ys moste of ourë lyuys,
And euer haþ be, syþ we were wyuys.”
“y beseche ȝow, on my blessyng,
Þat ȝe forhele fro me no þyng.”
Þe toon answered to seynt Makayre
“To twey breþryn we weddyd are
A-passyd be twenty ȝere
Þat we to-gedyr haue lyuyd here,
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Ne þey with vs þat wedded vs both,
Ne for no þyng þat euer may betyde
To-gedyr shul we neuer chyde.
Yn relygyun we wulde vs do;
Oure husbondys graunte nat þar-to;
Ȝyt haue we leuer leue oure wylle
Þan oure hosbundys greue with ylle.
So moche loue ys vs among
Þat none to oþer wyl do wrong.”
Among oþer þynges to hym þey spake,
“We þenke so moche on oure wedlake,
For hyt ys yn þe olde testament,
And yn þe newe hyt ys sacrament;
And God haþ ordeyned hyt for þe pes,
And þeryn, be bore he ches,
Þat we ne shul, by oure lyue,
Neuermore to-gedyr stryue,
Ne foly wrdys be betwyxe vs seyd—
As ouþer wymmen makyn vpbreyd,—
For noun enuye ne coueytyse,
Ne for noun ouþer maner wyse;
But seruë god and oure husbondys
yn alle þyng þat he sendeþ hys sondys.”
“We þenke so moche on oure wedlake,
For hyt ys yn þe olde testament,
And yn þe newe hyt ys sacrament;
And God haþ ordeyned hyt for þe pes,
And þeryn, be bore he ches,
Þat we ne shul, by oure lyue,
Neuermore to-gedyr stryue,
Ne foly wrdys be betwyxe vs seyd—
As ouþer wymmen makyn vpbreyd,—
For noun enuye ne coueytyse,
Ne for noun ouþer maner wyse;
But seruë god and oure husbondys
yn alle þyng þat he sendeþ hys sondys.”
Makayre ioyed þat þey were so stable,
And so long whylë so tretable;
he þankeþ God þat he haþ founde
So mylde wymmen yn wedlak bounde;
he toke hys leue and went hys weye,
As an abbot shulde, to hys abbeye.
And so long whylë so tretable;
he þankeþ God þat he haþ founde
So mylde wymmen yn wedlak bounde;
he toke hys leue and went hys weye,
As an abbot shulde, to hys abbeye.
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God wuld hyt werë now so here,
So meke wymmen of so fayre manere;
But of ouþer, men mowe fynde
wymmen yn wedlak ryȝt on-kynde,
Þat for a gamë wurde yn veyn
Þey wyl ȝyuë forty aȝeyn.
Se how þese wymmen a-cordaunce
Plesyd god with lytyl penaunce,
And preysed hem to seynt Makayre
For þey bare hem yn wedlak fayre;
As mochë þan shal he hem blame,
Þat chydyn to-gydyr, & reysyn shame.
So meke wymmen of so fayre manere;
But of ouþer, men mowe fynde
wymmen yn wedlak ryȝt on-kynde,
Þat for a gamë wurde yn veyn
Þey wyl ȝyuë forty aȝeyn.
Se how þese wymmen a-cordaunce
Plesyd god with lytyl penaunce,
And preysed hem to seynt Makayre
For þey bare hem yn wedlak fayre;
As mochë þan shal he hem blame,
Þat chydyn to-gydyr, & reysyn shame.
Ȝyf þou euer þy wyfe lay by
Yn tyme of penaunce, to seye flesshly,—
ȝyf þou be custumable þar-to,
Þou synnest gretly, my boke seyþ so.
yn holy tyme and halyday
Forbere þy wyfe, ȝyf þat þou may.
Yn tyme of penaunce, to seye flesshly,—
ȝyf þou be custumable þar-to,
Þou synnest gretly, my boke seyþ so.
yn holy tyme and halyday
Forbere þy wyfe, ȝyf þat þou may.
Ne þou shalt nat know þy wyfe
yn holy placë, by þy lyfe;
Ȝyf þou do hyt custumably,
Þou synnest, y sey, dedly;
Cherche or cherchëȝerd, y sey,
yn holy stede hyt ys grete eye.
yn holy placë, by þy lyfe;
Ȝyf þou do hyt custumably,
Þou synnest, y sey, dedly;
Cherche or cherchëȝerd, y sey,
yn holy stede hyt ys grete eye.
yn lentyn tymë of fastyng
Shalt þou leue to do swyche þyng.
yn estyr tyme also, y forbede
Þat þou haunte any swyche dede.
Shalt þou leue to do swyche þyng.
yn estyr tyme also, y forbede
Þat þou haunte any swyche dede.
Ȝyf a womman yn hordam do swyche outrage
Þat a wrong eyre bere herytage;
But she wul seye hyt, y dar wel telle
Þat she þarfore may go to helle;
For she ys cursed, yn stedys sere,
Fourë tymës yn þe ȝere.
And swyche an eyre, y vndyrstande,
Shal neuer wel reioshe hys lande.
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But she wul seye hyt, y dar wel telle
Þat she þarfore may go to helle;
For she ys cursed, yn stedys sere,
Fourë tymës yn þe ȝere.
And swyche an eyre, y vndyrstande,
Shal neuer wel reioshe hys lande.
Many synnës to hordam longe;
Sum byþ lyȝt, and sum beþ stronge,
Þat beþ aȝens ryȝt spousale,
Þat y nel rekene, ne telle of tale,
But opunly þat seyd may be;
For many longe to pryuyte.
For pryuytees, ȝyf y hem named
Lyȝt[e]ly myȝt y be blamed.
But þogh a man sey neuer so weyl
Vnto hys sawys men fyden teyl.
Sum byþ lyȝt, and sum beþ stronge,
Þat beþ aȝens ryȝt spousale,
Þat y nel rekene, ne telle of tale,
But opunly þat seyd may be;
For many longe to pryuyte.
For pryuytees, ȝyf y hem named
Lyȝt[e]ly myȝt y be blamed.
But þogh a man sey neuer so weyl
Vnto hys sawys men fyden teyl.
Þat weddyd beþ, God ȝyue hem myȝt,
here wedlak to holdë weyl and ryȝt,
And ȝyue hem grace, hordam to fle,
Þat yn clenesse wuld leue and be.
here wedlak to holdë weyl and ryȝt,
And ȝyue hem grace, hordam to fle,
Þat yn clenesse wuld leue and be.
[The Seventh Commandment.]
The seuenþe shul we nat forhele
‘No mannys godë shalt þou stele,’
For þys ys one of ten;
Þarefore y pray allë men
Þat þey kepe hem fro þys synne,
For þere ys moche veniauuce þerynne;
yn þys worldë, shamely dede;
And seþyn, helle; for god hyt forbed.
God forbedyþ men to stele
Any maner of worldës wele.
“Þou man, beþenke þe wel before
how þou mayst þerfore be lore,
And what þou shalt haue þarefore,
yn þys world, and elyswhore.”
But manyone wyl neuer beware
Tyl sum myschaunce make hem aȝenchare;
Slayn, or, yn prysun be,
Or hanged, þat al þe worlde may se.
So shul men þe body shende;
And ȝyt to peyne þe soule shal wende.
wuldë men se what myschaunce
Cumþ for þeft, and what penaunce,
Þeftë shulde nat be so lefe;
A foule poynt ys, be clepyd a þefe.
‘No mannys godë shalt þou stele,’
For þys ys one of ten;
Þarefore y pray allë men
Þat þey kepe hem fro þys synne,
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yn þys worldë, shamely dede;
And seþyn, helle; for god hyt forbed.
God forbedyþ men to stele
Any maner of worldës wele.
“Þou man, beþenke þe wel before
how þou mayst þerfore be lore,
And what þou shalt haue þarefore,
yn þys world, and elyswhore.”
But manyone wyl neuer beware
Tyl sum myschaunce make hem aȝenchare;
Slayn, or, yn prysun be,
Or hanged, þat al þe worlde may se.
So shul men þe body shende;
And ȝyt to peyne þe soule shal wende.
wuldë men se what myschaunce
Cumþ for þeft, and what penaunce,
Þeftë shulde nat be so lefe;
A foule poynt ys, be clepyd a þefe.
Ouþer poyntes of wykkednes
Mow be soffred, sum more, sum les;
But þefte serueþ of wykkede note,
hyt hangeþ hys mayster by þe þrote,
Or doþe hym lese hys godë fame,
Or bryngeþ hym oute of þe towne forshame.
‘Þefte shal neuere more be hyd,
For, here or elyswhore, hyt shal be kyd;’
Þus seyþ þe prophete þat men on leuys,
And spekeþ to fals men and to þeuys.
Þe synne ys nat forȝyuen þe man
But he restore þat he haue tan;
For ȝyf þou make any man falsly tyne,
As for þeft, þou shalt haue pyne;
And mochë more, for swyche falsnes,
Þan for any ouþer falsnes þat es.
Mow be soffred, sum more, sum les;
But þefte serueþ of wykkede note,
hyt hangeþ hys mayster by þe þrote,
Or doþe hym lese hys godë fame,
Or bryngeþ hym oute of þe towne forshame.
‘Þefte shal neuere more be hyd,
For, here or elyswhore, hyt shal be kyd;’
Þus seyþ þe prophete þat men on leuys,
And spekeþ to fals men and to þeuys.
Þe synne ys nat forȝyuen þe man
But he restore þat he haue tan;
For ȝyf þou make any man falsly tyne,
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And mochë more, for swyche falsnes,
Þan for any ouþer falsnes þat es.
A gode ensample þes clerkys wote
Of a tale þat an abbot wrote,
Þat þeuys shulde before hem loke
Ar þey ouþer mennys þyng toke;—
yn ‘vytas patrum’ hyt ys wryte;
hyt ys a boke þat clerkys wete,
And ful fayre techyng ys þer-ynne
For to leue of þeft þe synne.
Of a tale þat an abbot wrote,
Þat þeuys shulde before hem loke
Ar þey ouþer mennys þyng toke;—
yn ‘vytas patrum’ hyt ys wryte;
hyt ys a boke þat clerkys wete,
And ful fayre techyng ys þer-ynne
For to leue of þeft þe synne.
[The Tale of Zenon, the would-be Thief: how he reformd himself.]
Þys yche abbot, Ȝenon he hyght,
And wel he was with god almyght;
Vppon a day he went hys wey
To Palestyne, þat ys an abbey,
To make hys vysytacyun
As falleþ yn relygyun;
And as he went by þe strete
he behelde a fruyt ryȝt feyre and swete;
Þys yche fruyt he desyred faste,
And hys herte moche þarto he caste,
‘Gourdys’ þus men clepe þe name;
Þys gode man þoght, “y am to blame
Ȝyf y take ouþer mennys þyng
wyþ-outë leue of any askyng.
For soþe, he seyde, þan were y a þefe
And þefte ne ys gode, ne gode man lefe;
And ȝyf y stele, y am a felun;
hanged y shal be, þurgh ryȝt resun.
Fyrst y wylle wyte þe soþe certeyne.
Ȝyf y may suffre þat yche peyne
Þat þefys suffre for þeft sake,
Ar y wyl oght of þe fruyt take;
And ȝyf y may nat suffre þat wo,
To þeftë wyl y neuer go.”
And wel he was with god almyght;
Vppon a day he went hys wey
To Palestyne, þat ys an abbey,
To make hys vysytacyun
As falleþ yn relygyun;
And as he went by þe strete
he behelde a fruyt ryȝt feyre and swete;
Þys yche fruyt he desyred faste,
And hys herte moche þarto he caste,
‘Gourdys’ þus men clepe þe name;
Þys gode man þoght, “y am to blame
Ȝyf y take ouþer mennys þyng
wyþ-outë leue of any askyng.
For soþe, he seyde, þan were y a þefe
76
And ȝyf y stele, y am a felun;
hanged y shal be, þurgh ryȝt resun.
Fyrst y wylle wyte þe soþe certeyne.
Ȝyf y may suffre þat yche peyne
Þat þefys suffre for þeft sake,
Ar y wyl oght of þe fruyt take;
And ȝyf y may nat suffre þat wo,
To þeftë wyl y neuer go.”
Ryght as he þoght, he dede eche dele,
he ȝede and clambe vpp on a pele,
And hyng þeron by þe hond,—
Nat by þe nekke, y vndyrstonde—
For hyt ys nat oueral þe lawe
For to do so, men to dawe.
Fyuë days he hyng þere stylle
Aȝens þe sunnë by hys wylle;
And hyt was yn þe somerys tyde,
whan þe hete ys al yn pryde.
Þan seyd he, to hymself þore,
“Þys peynë wyl y suffre no more:
Þefte, he seyde, y here forsake;
Þys fruyt, wyl y nat take.
Syn y may nat suffre for grefe
Þe peyne þat befalleþ to a þefe.”
he ȝede and clambe vpp on a pele,
And hyng þeron by þe hond,—
Nat by þe nekke, y vndyrstonde—
For hyt ys nat oueral þe lawe
For to do so, men to dawe.
Fyuë days he hyng þere stylle
Aȝens þe sunnë by hys wylle;
And hyt was yn þe somerys tyde,
whan þe hete ys al yn pryde.
Þan seyd he, to hymself þore,
“Þys peynë wyl y suffre no more:
Þefte, he seyde, y here forsake;
Þys fruyt, wyl y nat take.
Syn y may nat suffre for grefe
Þe peyne þat befalleþ to a þefe.”
Þys ensample were gode to kone,
Alle hem þat to þefte hem wone;
Þo þat haue here handys as lyme,
To hem were gode to here þys ryme;
Þan myght þey wytë redly
what shamë þat þey were wurþy,
And swych grace myȝt god hem sende
Þat þey, þurgh þys myȝt hem amende.
Alle hem þat to þefte hem wone;
Þo þat haue here handys as lyme,
To hem were gode to here þys ryme;
77
what shamë þat þey were wurþy,
And swych grace myȝt god hem sende
Þat þey, þurgh þys myȝt hem amende.
A þefë to hys þefte haþ rape,
For he weneþ euer-more for to skape;
yn þat hope he doþe hys euyl,
And al ys entycement of þe deuyl.
Þarefore beþenke þe wel with-ynne
Þat þefte ys cumbrement of synne.
For he weneþ euer-more for to skape;
yn þat hope he doþe hys euyl,
And al ys entycement of þe deuyl.
Þarefore beþenke þe wel with-ynne
Þat þefte ys cumbrement of synne.
Ȝyf a man make a chylde oght stele,
Swyche styl þefte shal he nat hele;
A þefte hyt ys, ȝyf þou do so,
To tyse a chylde swyche synne to do.
Swyche styl þefte shal he nat hele;
A þefte hyt ys, ȝyf þou do so,
To tyse a chylde swyche synne to do.
Or ȝyf þou euer stale a chylde aweye,
yn swychë þefte ys grete affraye.
yn þys twey þynges and yn þys fame
Are wymmen mochë for to blame.
For þey haue cumlyngys yn and oute;
Of swyche shuld men haue gretë doute.
Þey shul neuer weyte but wo,
Swychë cumlyngys, to ne fro,
Þey are wurþy to be shent
yn þys yche comaundëment.
yn swychë þefte ys grete affraye.
yn þys twey þynges and yn þys fame
Are wymmen mochë for to blame.
For þey haue cumlyngys yn and oute;
Of swyche shuld men haue gretë doute.
Þey shul neuer weyte but wo,
Swychë cumlyngys, to ne fro,
Þey are wurþy to be shent
yn þys yche comaundëment.
Ȝyf þou brake euer any kyrke
On day, or yn nyȝt, yn myrke,
Þou art a-cursed, þou wostë weyl,
And hange were wurþy on a peyl.
And ȝyf þou bere awey þe þyng,
Þe more þou fallest yn cursyng.
On day, or yn nyȝt, yn myrke,
Þou art a-cursed, þou wostë weyl,
And hange were wurþy on a peyl.
78
Þe more þou fallest yn cursyng.
Ȝyf þou haue be a þefe of pray
To robbë men be nyȝt or be day,
Gretly þou dost aȝens þe lawe,
Þou oghtyst to do swyche men a dawe.
To robbë men be nyȝt or be day,
Gretly þou dost aȝens þe lawe,
Þou oghtyst to do swyche men a dawe.
Or ȝyf þou swyche foly began
To rauyshë any womman,
Þat ys to seye, any wedded wyfe,
Þe more ys þy synne & perel of lyfe.
To rauyshë any womman,
Þat ys to seye, any wedded wyfe,
Þe more ys þy synne & perel of lyfe.
Ȝyf þou rauyssh any mayden clene—
Aȝens here wyl, þat ys to mene,—
hyt ys seyde þurgh lawë wrete,
Þat þyn hede shulde be of smete
(Lawe makeþ þat commandëment)
with-outyn any iuggëment;
Þat mayst þou fyndë al an sum
In code ‘de raptu virginum.’
Aȝens here wyl, þat ys to mene,—
hyt ys seyde þurgh lawë wrete,
Þat þyn hede shulde be of smete
(Lawe makeþ þat commandëment)
with-outyn any iuggëment;
Þat mayst þou fyndë al an sum
In code ‘de raptu virginum.’
Ȝyf þou rauysshe a mayden powre,
Þou art holdyn to here socoure;
And, þat shal be at here wylle,
For, as she wyl, þou shalt fulfylle;
For þou hast do here tresun,
Þou hast stole here warysun;
hyt may þe brynge to more cumbryng
Þan þoght þou haddest stole moche ouþer þyng.
To comun lechours, y þys seye,
Many with-outë shryfte shul deye.
Þou art holdyn to here socoure;
And, þat shal be at here wylle,
For, as she wyl, þou shalt fulfylle;
For þou hast do here tresun,
Þou hast stole here warysun;
hyt may þe brynge to more cumbryng
Þan þoght þou haddest stole moche ouþer þyng.
To comun lechours, y þys seye,
Many with-outë shryfte shul deye.
Ȝyf þou be a lordyng,
And outraiusly takyst mennys þyng
yn tyme of werre or tyme of pes,
Þou stelyst hyt, with-outë les,—
But þurgh ryȝt or þurgh cunnaunte,—
Þou art a þefe ȝyf þou hyt haunte.
And outraiusly takyst mennys þyng
yn tyme of werre or tyme of pes,
Þou stelyst hyt, with-outë les,—
79
Þou art a þefe ȝyf þou hyt haunte.
And ȝyf a lorde of a tounne
Robbe hys men oute of resoune,
Þogh hyt be yn bondage,
Aȝens ryȝt he doþe outrage.
he shal so take, þat he may lyue,
And as lawe of londe wyl forȝyue;
For ȝyf he take ouer mesure,
lytyl tymë shal hyt dure.
Þogh god haue ȝeue hym þe seynorye,
he ȝaf hym no leue to do robborye;
For god haþ ordeyned al mennys state,
how to lyue, and yn what gate;
And þoȝt he ȝyue one ouer oþer myȝt,
he wyl, þat he do hym but ryȝt.
Þys ys þe ryȝt of goddys lokyng,
“Ȝelde euery man hys ownë þyng.”
But god takeþ euermore veniaunce
Of lordys, for swych myschaunce,
For swych robbery þat þey make
Þat oftë of þe poure men take.
y shal ȝou telle a. lytyl wyght
how hyt befel onys of a knyȝt.
Robbe hys men oute of resoune,
Þogh hyt be yn bondage,
Aȝens ryȝt he doþe outrage.
he shal so take, þat he may lyue,
And as lawe of londe wyl forȝyue;
For ȝyf he take ouer mesure,
lytyl tymë shal hyt dure.
Þogh god haue ȝeue hym þe seynorye,
he ȝaf hym no leue to do robborye;
For god haþ ordeyned al mennys state,
how to lyue, and yn what gate;
And þoȝt he ȝyue one ouer oþer myȝt,
he wyl, þat he do hym but ryȝt.
Þys ys þe ryȝt of goddys lokyng,
“Ȝelde euery man hys ownë þyng.”
But god takeþ euermore veniaunce
Of lordys, for swych myschaunce,
For swych robbery þat þey make
Þat oftë of þe poure men take.
y shal ȝou telle a. lytyl wyght
how hyt befel onys of a knyȝt.
[The Tale of the Knight who robd a Poor Man.]
Sum tymë was, hyt were twey knyȝtys
Þat loued weyl at herë myȝtys;
A sykenes on þe toon gan falle,
he deydë sone, as we shul alle.
Þe touþer knyȝt seyd ofte, alas,
For hys felawe so sone dede was.
Fyl hyt so, þys lyuyng knyȝt,
yn hys bed he lay a nyght,
And was yn swyche a-wakyng
Þat he myȝt slepë for no þyng;
Þe mone shone yn hys chaumbre flore;
Þe knyȝt lay, and lokyd furþe.
At a wyndowe come yn a beme,
And yn þe shynyng he saghe a gleme
Ryght lyche þat knyȝt euery deyl
Þat sum tyme he loued ful weyl.
Þys knyȝt þoght ‘hyt ys fantome
Þat y se þus yn þe monë come.’
He was a-frayd with-outë fayle,
And, þat was no grete merueyle.
But þe knyȝt þat was dede
Cumfortyd hym sone, & seyde hys rede,
“Be nat adred, for hyt am y
Þat þou louedyst so specyaly.
Y was þy felaw, þy trewe frere,
For help y come to þe now here:
Þogh y be dede, þou darst nat drede,
Of helpe had y neuer er nede.
At nedë shul men proue here frendys,
And frendes loue oþer whyle wel endys.
help me now, y am yn wo,
Þat y may come þe sonner þerfro.”
Þe knyȝt, þat lay yn hys bed,
wax bolder, and lasse a-dred,
And seyd “felaw, for charyte,
what ys þy wo? shewe hyt me.”
Þan spake to hym þe dedë knyȝt,
“Þoght y had space a day & a nyȝt,
Alle þe penaunce ne coude y telle,
Þat y suffre yn a welle.
A peyne y suffre hard for þe nones,
For a cloþe þat y refte ones
Of a poure man with-outë ryȝt;
Alas þat euer y say þat syȝt;
Þat cloþe ys caste on me to peyne
As heuy as any mounteyne;
Hyl ne mounteyne, erþe ne stone,
Vndyr heuene so heuy ys none;
No so hote fyre ys yn no land
As hyt ys aboute me brennand.
Þarfore, felaw, y pray þe,
Þat þou haue on me pyte,
And, to pore men do noun ylle,
Ne aȝens holy chyrches wylle;
But al þe gode þat þou mayst, werche
To porë men and to holy chyrche.
Me were leuere deye an hundyr syþe
Þan suffre þys peyne þat noght may lyþe.”
Þan seyde þe knyȝt, & wepe ful sore,
“My swete felaw, telle me ȝyt more,
Ȝyf any þyng be so certeyne
Þat may delyuer þe of peyne.”
Þan seyd þe knyȝt, “y myȝt be clere
Þurgh þe sacrament of þe autere.”
Þe knyȝt nemnede prestes manyone;
Þan stode þe dedë, stylle as stone,
“wylt þou þan any of þese for þe syng,
Þe of peynë for to brynge?”
Þe dede meuede hys hede to & fro,
For he was payd of noun of þo.
wete ȝe forsoþe, boþe man and wyfe,
Þey were nat of clenë lyfe;
Of hem þe dede ȝaf noun answere,
he made no fors of here preyere.
Þat loued weyl at herë myȝtys;
A sykenes on þe toon gan falle,
80
Þe touþer knyȝt seyd ofte, alas,
For hys felawe so sone dede was.
Fyl hyt so, þys lyuyng knyȝt,
yn hys bed he lay a nyght,
And was yn swyche a-wakyng
Þat he myȝt slepë for no þyng;
Þe mone shone yn hys chaumbre flore;
Þe knyȝt lay, and lokyd furþe.
At a wyndowe come yn a beme,
And yn þe shynyng he saghe a gleme
Ryght lyche þat knyȝt euery deyl
Þat sum tyme he loued ful weyl.
Þys knyȝt þoght ‘hyt ys fantome
Þat y se þus yn þe monë come.’
He was a-frayd with-outë fayle,
And, þat was no grete merueyle.
But þe knyȝt þat was dede
Cumfortyd hym sone, & seyde hys rede,
“Be nat adred, for hyt am y
Þat þou louedyst so specyaly.
Y was þy felaw, þy trewe frere,
For help y come to þe now here:
Þogh y be dede, þou darst nat drede,
Of helpe had y neuer er nede.
At nedë shul men proue here frendys,
And frendes loue oþer whyle wel endys.
help me now, y am yn wo,
Þat y may come þe sonner þerfro.”
81
wax bolder, and lasse a-dred,
And seyd “felaw, for charyte,
what ys þy wo? shewe hyt me.”
Þan spake to hym þe dedë knyȝt,
“Þoght y had space a day & a nyȝt,
Alle þe penaunce ne coude y telle,
Þat y suffre yn a welle.
A peyne y suffre hard for þe nones,
For a cloþe þat y refte ones
Of a poure man with-outë ryȝt;
Alas þat euer y say þat syȝt;
Þat cloþe ys caste on me to peyne
As heuy as any mounteyne;
Hyl ne mounteyne, erþe ne stone,
Vndyr heuene so heuy ys none;
No so hote fyre ys yn no land
As hyt ys aboute me brennand.
Þarfore, felaw, y pray þe,
Þat þou haue on me pyte,
And, to pore men do noun ylle,
Ne aȝens holy chyrches wylle;
But al þe gode þat þou mayst, werche
To porë men and to holy chyrche.
Me were leuere deye an hundyr syþe
Þan suffre þys peyne þat noght may lyþe.”
Þan seyde þe knyȝt, & wepe ful sore,
“My swete felaw, telle me ȝyt more,
Ȝyf any þyng be so certeyne
Þat may delyuer þe of peyne.”
82
Þurgh þe sacrament of þe autere.”
Þe knyȝt nemnede prestes manyone;
Þan stode þe dedë, stylle as stone,
“wylt þou þan any of þese for þe syng,
Þe of peynë for to brynge?”
Þe dede meuede hys hede to & fro,
For he was payd of noun of þo.
wete ȝe forsoþe, boþe man and wyfe,
Þey were nat of clenë lyfe;
Of hem þe dede ȝaf noun answere,
he made no fors of here preyere.
Neþeles, þe seluyn messe
ys noþer þe wursë, ne þe lesse;
Þe sunne, hys feyrnes neuer he tynes,
Þogh hyt on þe muk hepe shynes,
But þe muk ys þe more stynkyngge
Þere þe sunne ys more shynyngge.
Ne more hyt ys lore, þe vertu
Of þe messe, but mannys pru.
Þogh þe prest be fals or frow,
Þe messe, ys euer gode ynow;
But þe preyere haþ no myȝt,
For hys lyfe ys nat clene dyȝt.
ys noþer þe wursë, ne þe lesse;
Þe sunne, hys feyrnes neuer he tynes,
Þogh hyt on þe muk hepe shynes,
But þe muk ys þe more stynkyngge
Þere þe sunne ys more shynyngge.
Ne more hyt ys lore, þe vertu
Of þe messe, but mannys pru.
Þogh þe prest be fals or frow,
Þe messe, ys euer gode ynow;
But þe preyere haþ no myȝt,
For hys lyfe ys nat clene dyȝt.
Þe knyȝt nemnede one at þe laste,
A gode man, and a ryȝt stedefaste:
“wylt þou þat he preye for þe?”
Þo seyde þe dede “wel were þan me
ȝyf he wuldë for me syngge,
he myȝt me of peynës bryngge.”
Þe knyȝt seyd truly, “truste to me,
Þat samë prest shal prey for þe;
And þat þy peyne mow be þe lasse,
Euery day shal he for þe synge a masse.”
“May y þan trust to þy sawe
Þat þou be now my trew felawe?”
A gode man, and a ryȝt stedefaste:
“wylt þou þat he preye for þe?”
Þo seyde þe dede “wel were þan me
ȝyf he wuldë for me syngge,
he myȝt me of peynës bryngge.”
83
Þat samë prest shal prey for þe;
And þat þy peyne mow be þe lasse,
Euery day shal he for þe synge a masse.”
“May y þan trust to þy sawe
Þat þou be now my trew felawe?”
“ȝe, as y am a trew knyȝt,
hyt shal be do, at my myȝt.”
“A tokene betwyxe þe and me,”
Þan seyd þe dedë, “shal þys be?”
he toke and grepe þe knyȝtys arme,
But he felt þer-of none harme;
Also he touched hys bare þe;
Þe bare bone myȝt men euer after se;
But sorë þerof felt he noght,
But for þe felyng, more on hym he þoght.
Þat mark saw alle men comunly,
But no man wyst redely why.
Þe dedë seyd “þou shalt leue here
No lenger but þys two ȝere.”
he tolde what day þat he shuld deye,
And seþyn he went forþe hys weye.
hyt shal be do, at my myȝt.”
“A tokene betwyxe þe and me,”
Þan seyd þe dedë, “shal þys be?”
he toke and grepe þe knyȝtys arme,
But he felt þer-of none harme;
Also he touched hys bare þe;
Þe bare bone myȝt men euer after se;
But sorë þerof felt he noght,
But for þe felyng, more on hym he þoght.
Þat mark saw alle men comunly,
But no man wyst redely why.
Þe dedë seyd “þou shalt leue here
No lenger but þys two ȝere.”
he tolde what day þat he shuld deye,
And seþyn he went forþe hys weye.
Þe knyȝt amended seþyn hym weyl,
And to þe dede was as trew as steyl;
For he dede as he hym hette,
Þe prest for hym song þat he hem hette.
Þys aperyng, yn my auys,
Auayled to boþe partys.
Seþyn toke þe knyȝt palmers wede,
And yn to þe holy londe he ȝede;
Ihesu cryst sepulcre he soght,
For þe synnys þat he had wroght;
And, at þe two ȝerës ȝende,
God almyghty for hym gan sende;
For þat day þat þe dede knyȝt seyde,
Þe touþer knyghte þat same day deyde.
Blessyd be god, of heuene kyng,
Þat sent hym þat yche tokenyng.
And to þe dede was as trew as steyl;
For he dede as he hym hette,
Þe prest for hym song þat he hem hette.
Þys aperyng, yn my auys,
Auayled to boþe partys.
84
And yn to þe holy londe he ȝede;
Ihesu cryst sepulcre he soght,
For þe synnys þat he had wroght;
And, at þe two ȝerës ȝende,
God almyghty for hym gan sende;
For þat day þat þe dede knyȝt seyde,
Þe touþer knyghte þat same day deyde.
Blessyd be god, of heuene kyng,
Þat sent hym þat yche tokenyng.
Now may ȝe se, by þys tale,
Þat þeftë breweþ mochë bale.
Certys þefte ryȝt wykked ys
whan þe dede bereþ wytnes,
Namly, pore men for to pele
Or robbe or bete with-outë skyle.
Þeftë wyl hys mayster shende,
And hym fordo wyþ-outyn ende.
Þat þeftë breweþ mochë bale.
Certys þefte ryȝt wykked ys
whan þe dede bereþ wytnes,
Namly, pore men for to pele
Or robbe or bete with-outë skyle.
Þeftë wyl hys mayster shende,
And hym fordo wyþ-outyn ende.
Ȝyf þou be a serïaunt,
And takë more þan þy cunnaunt,
Custummablychë, mete or drynk—
Þoht for noght hyt be þe þyng—
y redë þat þou þer-of lete,
For many smale makeþ a grete.
holy chyrche callyþ hyt þefte,
wyþ-outë skylle, for hyt ys refte.
And takë more þan þy cunnaunt,
Custummablychë, mete or drynk—
Þoht for noght hyt be þe þyng—
y redë þat þou þer-of lete,
For many smale makeþ a grete.
holy chyrche callyþ hyt þefte,
wyþ-outë skylle, for hyt ys refte.
Ȝyf þou euer reysyddyst custome,
Þou mayst be sykyr of hard dome.
But ȝyf þat þou mayst hyt felle,
hyt ys robbery, gostly to telle.
Ȝyf hyt so betyde þat hyt lasteþ ay,
Þy medë shal be welaway.
Ȝyf þou amende hyt nat yn þy lyue,
what prest may þe þer-of shryue?
Now telle we forþe, þat ȝe may lere,
how þeftë comþ yn queynt manere:—
Þou mayst be sykyr of hard dome.
But ȝyf þat þou mayst hyt felle,
hyt ys robbery, gostly to telle.
85
Þy medë shal be welaway.
Ȝyf þou amende hyt nat yn þy lyue,
what prest may þe þer-of shryue?
Now telle we forþe, þat ȝe may lere,
how þeftë comþ yn queynt manere:—
Ȝyf þou euer þy werke withdrowe,
Or dedyst hyt nat weyl to prowe,
Tyde or tyme þat þou shuldest werche,
‘Þou art a þefe,’ seyþ holy cherche.
Ȝyf þou do custummablyche swych lak,
To begyle þy mayster be-hynde hys bak,
Þou mayst nat excuse þe with rous,
And sey, ‘al þe worlde so dous.’
Þe worldë may nat sauë þe:
Shryue þy defaute, and late þe world be.
Or dedyst hyt nat weyl to prowe,
Tyde or tyme þat þou shuldest werche,
‘Þou art a þefe,’ seyþ holy cherche.
Ȝyf þou do custummablyche swych lak,
To begyle þy mayster be-hynde hys bak,
Þou mayst nat excuse þe with rous,
And sey, ‘al þe worlde so dous.’
Þe worldë may nat sauë þe:
Shryue þy defaute, and late þe world be.
Ȝyf þe be leyde a borde to wedde,
Or a cloþe to bak or bedde,
Ȝyf þou hyt vse aȝens hys wylle,
holy cherche seyþ þat þou dost ylle,
And warneþ þe þerof ȝyt efte,
Þat hyt ys boþe okyr and þefte.
Okur hyt ys, for þe outrage
To take þy catel, and haue auauntage;
And for þefte, he may þe greue
To vse hys þyng aȝens hys leue;
And ȝyf hyt be so þat þus ys gone,
Charyte ne cristyndome ys þer none.
Þyn euencristyn þou owyst to lene,
Ȝyf þou mayst spare hyt, þat y mene.
Or a cloþe to bak or bedde,
Ȝyf þou hyt vse aȝens hys wylle,
holy cherche seyþ þat þou dost ylle,
And warneþ þe þerof ȝyt efte,
Þat hyt ys boþe okyr and þefte.
Okur hyt ys, for þe outrage
To take þy catel, and haue auauntage;
And for þefte, he may þe greue
To vse hys þyng aȝens hys leue;
And ȝyf hyt be so þat þus ys gone,
Charyte ne cristyndome ys þer none.
Þyn euencristyn þou owyst to lene,
Ȝyf þou mayst spare hyt, þat y mene.
Also, ȝyf a þyng be þe lent
And þou wyþ-outë hys asent
lene furþer þat þyng to were,
For þefte to hym þou shalt answere.
Þou wost weyl, þou dost nat ryȝt;
Þat a-noþer hyt useþ, hyt ys þy plyȝt.
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lene furþer þat þyng to were,
For þefte to hym þou shalt answere.
Þou wost weyl, þou dost nat ryȝt;
Þat a-noþer hyt useþ, hyt ys þy plyȝt.
Ȝyf þou haue a þyng yn ferme
To a certeyn day of terme,
And ȝyf þou ouer þat terme day
Trauelyst hyt aȝens hys pay,
Þou hast synned yn a spece,
yn þeftë þou art come a grece.
To a certeyn day of terme,
And ȝyf þou ouer þat terme day
Trauelyst hyt aȝens hys pay,
Þou hast synned yn a spece,
yn þeftë þou art come a grece.
Now wyl y speke of okerers,
Þat þefys ben yn sum maners.
To whom þat vsery ys lefe,
Gost[e]ly, he ys a þefe.
Þat þefys ben yn sum maners.
To whom þat vsery ys lefe,
Gost[e]ly, he ys a þefe.
Ȝyf þou of any okerere
wyþ wrong hys þyng awey dest bere,
Þoghe he be no cristyn man,
Þefte vnto þy self þou wan;
Þou ne owyst nat of hys to haue
with wrong, ȝyf þou þy self wylt saue.
wyþ wrong hys þyng awey dest bere,
Þoghe he be no cristyn man,
Þefte vnto þy self þou wan;
Þou ne owyst nat of hys to haue
with wrong, ȝyf þou þy self wylt saue.
Also, ȝyf þou haue founde a þyng,
And makyst þerfore none askyng
At cherche ne at þe market an hy,
But forhelest hyt pryuyly
So þat þe þyng with þe dwelle,
hyt ys þefte, þys clerkys telle.
And makyst þerfore none askyng
At cherche ne at þe market an hy,
But forhelest hyt pryuyly
So þat þe þyng with þe dwelle,
hyt ys þefte, þys clerkys telle.
Ȝyf þou withdrawest a mannys ryȝt
Styllyche, þat hyt be nat yn syght,
Þogh a man parseyue hyt noght,
Þou stelyst hyt, and þefte hast wroght.
Styllyche, þat hyt be nat yn syght,
Þogh a man parseyue hyt noght,
87
Ȝyf þou wyþholdest a mannys seruyse
For euyl herte or fals queyntyse,
Or withdrawest any manere pay,
And ledyst hym furþe fro day to day,
But ȝyf hyt be with grete resun,
Of þeftë þou art enchesun.
For þe gospel commaundeþ ryȝt
‘holde nat hys seruyse ouer nyght;’
whan þe man haþ do hys dede,
God wol þat he haue hys mede.
For euyl herte or fals queyntyse,
Or withdrawest any manere pay,
And ledyst hym furþe fro day to day,
But ȝyf hyt be with grete resun,
Of þeftë þou art enchesun.
For þe gospel commaundeþ ryȝt
‘holde nat hys seruyse ouer nyght;’
whan þe man haþ do hys dede,
God wol þat he haue hys mede.
what sey men of þes fals husbandys
Þat ere aweye falsly mennys landys;
Of a land, þurgh and þurgh,
Takyn and eryn awey a furgh?
Þat ys boþe thefte and robberye,
And hyt ful derë shal he a-bye.
Of swychë, fewe men hem amende,
For þey beyn þe deuylys frende.
Þat ere aweye falsly mennys landys;
Of a land, þurgh and þurgh,
Takyn and eryn awey a furgh?
Þat ys boþe thefte and robberye,
And hyt ful derë shal he a-bye.
Of swychë, fewe men hem amende,
For þey beyn þe deuylys frende.
Tauuarsyns and vserers,
Þys are, Lucyfer, þy peres;
For þey are alle þe deuyl betaght
Þat okeryn falsly þe worldes aght.
Okyr ys also, ȝyf þou hyt haunte,
To lenë þyng to certeyn cunnaunt;
Also, to bye a þyng byfore,
halfe vn-to þe sellers lore;
For ȝyf þe byer may weyl lene
Þat þyng with-outë losse or tene,
he ys holde to helpe hym with-alle,
Or holy cherche seyþ, þat he hyt stalle.
Þys are, Lucyfer, þy peres;
For þey are alle þe deuyl betaght
Þat okeryn falsly þe worldes aght.
Okyr ys also, ȝyf þou hyt haunte,
To lenë þyng to certeyn cunnaunt;
Also, to bye a þyng byfore,
halfe vn-to þe sellers lore;
For ȝyf þe byer may weyl lene
Þat þyng with-outë losse or tene,
88
Or holy cherche seyþ, þat he hyt stalle.
Okeryng ys on many manere,
Mo þan y kan telle now here.
But wete ȝe weyl, swyche gode shal go
As hyt come, with sorowe and wo;
For some haue so grete cumbrement
Þat þey may make no testament;
For holy cherche neuer vndyrstode
To haue of okerer[ë]s gode.
Mo þan y kan telle now here.
But wete ȝe weyl, swyche gode shal go
As hyt come, with sorowe and wo;
For some haue so grete cumbrement
Þat þey may make no testament;
For holy cherche neuer vndyrstode
To haue of okerer[ë]s gode.
[The Tale of Seint Forsyne's Visit to Hell.]
A tale ys tolde of Seynt Forsyne,
wharefor he suffryd onys pyne.
Þys samë tale tellyþ seynt Bede
yn hys gestys þat men rede.
whan seynt Fursyne had lyued long,
Þyr toke hym þan an euyl strong;
Þat tymë þat he wende to deye,
Come one to hym and þus gan seye,
“Rys vp, Fursyne, and go with me!
Merueyl mochë shalt þou see.”
wheþer he wulde, or he ne wulde,
he toke hym vp, and furþe he shulde;
Many stedys he late hym se,
Merueylys and grete pryuyte;
he shewed hym þe depnes of helle,
And þe peynes þat þeryn dwelle;
Seþþe þey toke a weye ryȝt euene,
As hym þoght, toward heuene.
yn þe fyrmament as þey ȝede,
Foure fyres he sawe of gretë drede;
Þes foure fyres wax hygh & hote,
And yn-to one, alle foure þey smote.
wndurful was þan þat fyre,
And dredful, and also brynnyng shere.
Þe aungel þydyrward toke þe weye;
Þo þoght seynt Fursyne, ‘here shal y deye.’
Þe aungel ȝede furþ ful boldely,
But seynt Fursyne durst nat come ny.
Þe aungel say he gan abyde,
“Come furþe,” he seyd, “and þe nat hyde;
Of þys fere ne drede þe noght,
But þou with wrong euer toke oght;
Ȝyf þou haue take any þyng with wrong,
Þou shalt brenne yn þys fyre strong.
with mochë þoght, sorowe, and drede,
Fursyne vnto þat fyre ȝede.
Þe fyre on boþë half hym was,
But furþ he ȝede fast on hys pas,
yn þat fyre saghe he lye
Saulys brennyng, and ruly crye;
Þe fendës ȝedë hem among,
And fast echone on oþer þrong
with brynnyng crokys sorowfuly,
And pyned hem with-oute mercy.
None lay by hemself a-lone,
But eche on oþer, with sorowe and wone.
Echone to oþer was sorowe and peyne,
with-outyn endë for certeyn.
For pynyng, for wepyng, for cryyng, alas,
Fursyne almoste confunded was.
As he sagh þys sorowe so grym,
Come a deuyl rennyng to hym
with glesyng yȝen and croke yn hande,
Þe steme stode oute of hys mouþ brennand:
he broght on þat brynnyng croke
A brennyng soule þat al to-shoke.
Toward Fursyne he ran hys cours,
And calyd hym ‘fals, felun, treytours.’
“haue þys soule! þys hast þou slayn!
Þou ȝeldyst nat hys gode aȝeyn.
he kast þe soule vpp-on þe prest,
And brenned hys o syde, and half hys brest.
he went þat tyme haue deydë þore,
For the soule brennyd hym so sore;
he hopyde neuer to haue come þen,
So had þe soule broght hym be-neþen.
But at þe last þan gan he crye,
And seyd, “mayster, me helpe now, or y dey!”
Þan seyde þe aungel to Fursyne:
“y tolde þe langer of þys þyne;
y sed langer at þe bygynnyng,
Ȝyf þou haddest of oþer mennys þyng
Þat þou madest nat of, amendëment,
yn þys fyre hyt shulde be brent.
loke now, ȝyf þou kanst hyt oght knowe,
Þe soule þat þe brenned so lowe.”
“Ȝe,” seyde Fursyne, “y knowe hyt wele
For whom y suffre þys peyne eche dele:
wharefor he suffryd onys pyne.
Þys samë tale tellyþ seynt Bede
yn hys gestys þat men rede.
whan seynt Fursyne had lyued long,
Þyr toke hym þan an euyl strong;
Þat tymë þat he wende to deye,
Come one to hym and þus gan seye,
“Rys vp, Fursyne, and go with me!
Merueyl mochë shalt þou see.”
wheþer he wulde, or he ne wulde,
he toke hym vp, and furþe he shulde;
Many stedys he late hym se,
Merueylys and grete pryuyte;
he shewed hym þe depnes of helle,
And þe peynes þat þeryn dwelle;
Seþþe þey toke a weye ryȝt euene,
89
yn þe fyrmament as þey ȝede,
Foure fyres he sawe of gretë drede;
Þes foure fyres wax hygh & hote,
And yn-to one, alle foure þey smote.
wndurful was þan þat fyre,
And dredful, and also brynnyng shere.
Þe aungel þydyrward toke þe weye;
Þo þoght seynt Fursyne, ‘here shal y deye.’
Þe aungel ȝede furþ ful boldely,
But seynt Fursyne durst nat come ny.
Þe aungel say he gan abyde,
“Come furþe,” he seyd, “and þe nat hyde;
Of þys fere ne drede þe noght,
But þou with wrong euer toke oght;
Ȝyf þou haue take any þyng with wrong,
Þou shalt brenne yn þys fyre strong.
with mochë þoght, sorowe, and drede,
Fursyne vnto þat fyre ȝede.
Þe fyre on boþë half hym was,
But furþ he ȝede fast on hys pas,
yn þat fyre saghe he lye
Saulys brennyng, and ruly crye;
Þe fendës ȝedë hem among,
And fast echone on oþer þrong
with brynnyng crokys sorowfuly,
And pyned hem with-oute mercy.
None lay by hemself a-lone,
But eche on oþer, with sorowe and wone.
Echone to oþer was sorowe and peyne,
with-outyn endë for certeyn.
For pynyng, for wepyng, for cryyng, alas,
Fursyne almoste confunded was.
90
Come a deuyl rennyng to hym
with glesyng yȝen and croke yn hande,
Þe steme stode oute of hys mouþ brennand:
he broght on þat brynnyng croke
A brennyng soule þat al to-shoke.
Toward Fursyne he ran hys cours,
And calyd hym ‘fals, felun, treytours.’
“haue þys soule! þys hast þou slayn!
Þou ȝeldyst nat hys gode aȝeyn.
he kast þe soule vpp-on þe prest,
And brenned hys o syde, and half hys brest.
he went þat tyme haue deydë þore,
For the soule brennyd hym so sore;
he hopyde neuer to haue come þen,
So had þe soule broght hym be-neþen.
But at þe last þan gan he crye,
And seyd, “mayster, me helpe now, or y dey!”
Þan seyde þe aungel to Fursyne:
“y tolde þe langer of þys þyne;
y sed langer at þe bygynnyng,
Ȝyf þou haddest of oþer mennys þyng
Þat þou madest nat of, amendëment,
yn þys fyre hyt shulde be brent.
loke now, ȝyf þou kanst hyt oght knowe,
Þe soule þat þe brenned so lowe.”
“Ȝe,” seyde Fursyne, “y knowe hyt wele
For whom y suffre þys peyne eche dele:
Þys he dede, whan he shuld deye,
he ȝaf me a cloþe for hym to preye;
For no maystry, ne for noun eyuyl,
he ȝaf it me; but with hys gode wyl.
And now, weyl y hyt graunte,
Þat y helde hym nat cunnaunt;
wyllyng, certys, y dyd hyt noght,
But for rechelesshepe of þoght.”
Þe aungel þo toke þe soule forlore,
And dyd hyt þere hyt was byfore,
yn-to þe peyne, þere for to dwelle,—
hyt was an okerere, y ȝou telle;—
Þan touched Fursynys brest and syde,
And þe fyre myȝt no lenger abyde.
Þurghoute þe fyre he ledde hym euene,
And shewed hym of þe blys of heuene:
he shewed hym alle þe pryuyte
Þere men befalleþ yn flessh to be.
he broght hym þan to þe body aȝen
For to shewe þat hyt was certeyn.
Þre days keptë men þe body,
Alle for dedë comunly.
he lyued seþþen many ȝeres,
A quyk man, and a feres.
But þe brynnyng alle be dene,
Euermore aftyrward was hyt sene;
As long as he here lyued,
Þe brynnyng on hys body cleued.
he ȝaf me a cloþe for hym to preye;
For no maystry, ne for noun eyuyl,
91
And now, weyl y hyt graunte,
Þat y helde hym nat cunnaunt;
wyllyng, certys, y dyd hyt noght,
But for rechelesshepe of þoght.”
Þe aungel þo toke þe soule forlore,
And dyd hyt þere hyt was byfore,
yn-to þe peyne, þere for to dwelle,—
hyt was an okerere, y ȝou telle;—
Þan touched Fursynys brest and syde,
And þe fyre myȝt no lenger abyde.
Þurghoute þe fyre he ledde hym euene,
And shewed hym of þe blys of heuene:
he shewed hym alle þe pryuyte
Þere men befalleþ yn flessh to be.
he broght hym þan to þe body aȝen
For to shewe þat hyt was certeyn.
Þre days keptë men þe body,
Alle for dedë comunly.
he lyued seþþen many ȝeres,
A quyk man, and a feres.
But þe brynnyng alle be dene,
Euermore aftyrward was hyt sene;
As long as he here lyued,
Þe brynnyng on hys body cleued.
y trowe god shewed þys merueyle,
For þou ne shuldest of trowþë fayle.
Seþen leuyd he so holyly
Þat men callyn hym nowe seynt Fursy;
He was fyrst founder and syre
Of þe cherche of Knares-myre;
And of Norwyche þe modyr cherche
he ded hyt fyrst make and werche;
And þere he lyþ be-ȝunde þe see,
he ordeyned a mynster for to be;
Foure ȝere or þe cherche were ful set
was hys soulë to god fet.
For þou ne shuldest of trowþë fayle.
Seþen leuyd he so holyly
Þat men callyn hym nowe seynt Fursy;
He was fyrst founder and syre
Of þe cherche of Knares-myre;
92
he ded hyt fyrst make and werche;
And þere he lyþ be-ȝunde þe see,
he ordeyned a mynster for to be;
Foure ȝere or þe cherche were ful set
was hys soulë to god fet.
Okerers men oght to weyue,
Ȝeue hem noght, ne of hem receyue,—
ȝyf þou wetë what þey are,—
yn no manere of chaffare.
Ȝeue hem noght, ne of hem receyue,—
ȝyf þou wetë what þey are,—
yn no manere of chaffare.
Sum tyme þer was yn a cyte,
Þat ȝyf an okerer myȝt founde be,
Þey helde hym vyler þan a Iew,
For no man wuldë hys prew;
Men clepyde hys hous yn euery strete
‘Þe hous of þe fendës sete.’
Fyre, watyr, þat he shuld note,
Þey cursed hyt euery grote;
And euery syde to ouþer, “sere,
lo, þere þe cursed vsurere!”
yn cherchë no man ȝaf hym pes,
For a fend þey hym ches.
No man was so hardy
To bryng hym þyng opunly,
Þat he ne shulde vyly be shent
Of alle þat by þe stretë went.
And whan any vsurere was dede,
Þe cherchëȝerde þey hym forbede.
Þey wuld nat, for loue ne awe,
Ȝeue hym crystyn mennys lawe;
‘Requiem’ ne shulde be note be sunge
Ne seyd for hym, wyþ mannys tunge.
‘Lux perpetua,’ and he, were wroþe,
For yn hys lyue he solde hem boþe.
A nyȝt, when men hadde here reste,
he okered pens yn hys cheste;
And also, vpp-on þe day lyȝt
he gadered gode with alle hys myȝt.
Þan semyþ hyt weyl yn oure lay
Þat he solde boþe þe nyȝt and þe day;
‘Requiem,’ (þe reste with outen ende,)
Þar-to shal he neuer wende;
Ne ‘lux perpetua’—þe endles lyȝt—
Þer-of shal he neuer haue syȝt;
where he ys wurþy, þer shal he be;
yn hym nas neuer no charyte.
Þat ȝyf an okerer myȝt founde be,
Þey helde hym vyler þan a Iew,
For no man wuldë hys prew;
Men clepyde hys hous yn euery strete
‘Þe hous of þe fendës sete.’
Fyre, watyr, þat he shuld note,
Þey cursed hyt euery grote;
And euery syde to ouþer, “sere,
lo, þere þe cursed vsurere!”
yn cherchë no man ȝaf hym pes,
For a fend þey hym ches.
No man was so hardy
To bryng hym þyng opunly,
Þat he ne shulde vyly be shent
Of alle þat by þe stretë went.
And whan any vsurere was dede,
Þe cherchëȝerde þey hym forbede.
93
Ȝeue hym crystyn mennys lawe;
‘Requiem’ ne shulde be note be sunge
Ne seyd for hym, wyþ mannys tunge.
‘Lux perpetua,’ and he, were wroþe,
For yn hys lyue he solde hem boþe.
A nyȝt, when men hadde here reste,
he okered pens yn hys cheste;
And also, vpp-on þe day lyȝt
he gadered gode with alle hys myȝt.
Þan semyþ hyt weyl yn oure lay
Þat he solde boþe þe nyȝt and þe day;
‘Requiem,’ (þe reste with outen ende,)
Þar-to shal he neuer wende;
Ne ‘lux perpetua’—þe endles lyȝt—
Þer-of shal he neuer haue syȝt;
where he ys wurþy, þer shal he be;
yn hym nas neuer no charyte.
Now of þeft haue we seyd,
And þese vsurers made vp-breyde.
god ȝeue vs gracë þefte to fle,
And al okerers wel to amendyd be.
And þese vsurers made vp-breyde.
god ȝeue vs gracë þefte to fle,
And al okerers wel to amendyd be.
[The Eighth Commandment.]
Now of þe eytþë wyl we speke,
Þat fals sysours vse moste to breke.
‘Þous halt no fals wytnes bere,
Þyn euene crystyn for to dere.’
who-so with hys mouþe, one, seys,
And with hys herte þenkeþ ouþer weys,—
he ys wurþy to be shent,
For a doþ aȝens þys comaundment.
But many one þat are þus fykyl
Synnyn nat ylychë mykyl;
Þarfor behoueþ be tolde þe skyl
As holy men seyn vs tyl.
Þat fals sysours vse moste to breke.
‘Þous halt no fals wytnes bere,
Þyn euene crystyn for to dere.’
who-so with hys mouþe, one, seys,
And with hys herte þenkeþ ouþer weys,—
94
For a doþ aȝens þys comaundment.
But many one þat are þus fykyl
Synnyn nat ylychë mykyl;
Þarfor behoueþ be tolde þe skyl
As holy men seyn vs tyl.
who-so beleuyþ a wycches sawe,
he bereþ wytnes aȝens þe lawe.
Swyche wycches are for to weyue,
For many men þey wyl dysceyue.
he bereþ wytnes aȝens þe lawe.
Swyche wycches are for to weyue,
For many men þey wyl dysceyue.
Some men wytnessen a lesyng
For nonë ouþer wynnyng
But for to begyle sum man þer-ynne;
Ȝyf hyt delyte hym, grete ys þat synne.
For nonë ouþer wynnyng
But for to begyle sum man þer-ynne;
Ȝyf hyt delyte hym, grete ys þat synne.
On ouþer manere synnen sum
Þat makeþ lesyng þurgh custum
To plese þe folk yn rybaudy:
Þat y halde no synne dedly,
But þey haue þeryn delyte;
Þan mow þey synne dedely ful tyte.
Þat makeþ lesyng þurgh custum
To plese þe folk yn rybaudy:
Þat y halde no synne dedly,
But þey haue þeryn delyte;
Þan mow þey synne dedely ful tyte.
And sum vsë for curtesye
To speke nobly, and ȝyt wyl lye,
Þey synnë yn þat feyre spekyng
Ȝyf þey haue delyt yn þat lesyng.
To speke nobly, and ȝyt wyl lye,
Þey synnë yn þat feyre spekyng
Ȝyf þey haue delyt yn þat lesyng.
And some lye oþer more or lesse,
To preyse one bettere þan he es;
Swyche lesyng ys nat grete folye
But þey hyt vsë comunly.
To preyse one bettere þan he es;
Swyche lesyng ys nat grete folye
But þey hyt vsë comunly.
95
And somë lye as þey were wode
For men shuld ȝyuë hem sum gode,
And seyn þat he haþ do so or so
Þat he myȝt neuer come-to to do.
But þogh no man haue þer-of euyl,
Ȝyt hyt ys þe tycement of þe deuyl.
No lesyng ys with-outë synne,
But þat þer ys algate, sum plyght þerynne;
Al aftyr þat þe lesyng ys,
Sum ys more, and sum ys les.
For men shuld ȝyuë hem sum gode,
And seyn þat he haþ do so or so
Þat he myȝt neuer come-to to do.
But þogh no man haue þer-of euyl,
Ȝyt hyt ys þe tycement of þe deuyl.
No lesyng ys with-outë synne,
But þat þer ys algate, sum plyght þerynne;
Al aftyr þat þe lesyng ys,
Sum ys more, and sum ys les.
But some men synnë greuusly
yn þys comaundment so hy,
Þat of grete þyng fals wytnes beryn,
And þar to-also grete oþys sweryn.
Swyche synnë greueþ now mekyl,
For many one are boþe fals and fykyl;
Þat oþer for loue, or for awe,
Wyl men swere falsly a sawe,
And bere wytnes of swyche a fals
To make a man hang be þe hals.
God haþ sent for swyche veniaunce,
But many trusten of long suffraunce.
Men hope so moche hys mercy to,
Þat some neuer recche what þey do.
But þe wys man seyþ yn hys lore,
‘Þat here synne ys moche þe more
Ȝyf þey synne custummably
yn þe hope of hys mercy.’
Y shal ȝou tellë how hyt fore
Of a man þat hym forswore.
yn þys comaundment so hy,
Þat of grete þyng fals wytnes beryn,
And þar to-also grete oþys sweryn.
Swyche synnë greueþ now mekyl,
For many one are boþe fals and fykyl;
Þat oþer for loue, or for awe,
Wyl men swere falsly a sawe,
And bere wytnes of swyche a fals
To make a man hang be þe hals.
God haþ sent for swyche veniaunce,
But many trusten of long suffraunce.
Men hope so moche hys mercy to,
Þat some neuer recche what þey do.
But þe wys man seyþ yn hys lore,
‘Þat here synne ys moche þe more
Ȝyf þey synne custummably
yn þe hope of hys mercy.’
Y shal ȝou tellë how hyt fore
Of a man þat hym forswore.
96
[Tale of the Rich Forswearer at a Trial in London.]
Yn Londun toune fyl swyche a chek,
A ryche man and pore were at cuntek,
And pleted a-boute a lytyl land
Tyl a day was take yn hand;
þat day was so ny[e] dreue
þat þe othe was to þe ryche man ȝyue:
wytnes þey allë gan hym bere
Þat he ne wuld[ë] falsly swere;
For rychë men are holdë trewe,
Þogh here falsnes be neuer so newe.
whan he was charged þe soþe to seye,
Þat he ne shulde, for loue ne eye,
Ne for lefë, no for loþe,
But trew[ë]ly to swere hys oþe;
A-nouþer þan was yn hys þoght,
For falshede he wlde haue furþ broȝt;
And God toke veniaunce apertly,
Þat alle hyt say þat stode hym by.
For whan he hadde hys oþë swore,
And kest þe boke hem alle before,
Vp ne ros he neuer more,
But, lay dede befor hem þore.
Þan y trowe þat y dar seye
Þat he ȝede an euyl weye.
A ryche man and pore were at cuntek,
And pleted a-boute a lytyl land
Tyl a day was take yn hand;
þat day was so ny[e] dreue
þat þe othe was to þe ryche man ȝyue:
wytnes þey allë gan hym bere
Þat he ne wuld[ë] falsly swere;
For rychë men are holdë trewe,
Þogh here falsnes be neuer so newe.
whan he was charged þe soþe to seye,
Þat he ne shulde, for loue ne eye,
Ne for lefë, no for loþe,
But trew[ë]ly to swere hys oþe;
A-nouþer þan was yn hys þoght,
For falshede he wlde haue furþ broȝt;
And God toke veniaunce apertly,
Þat alle hyt say þat stode hym by.
For whan he hadde hys oþë swore,
And kest þe boke hem alle before,
Vp ne ros he neuer more,
But, lay dede befor hem þore.
Þan y trowe þat y dar seye
Þat he ȝede an euyl weye.
By þys tale, ȝe mowe se alle
Þat fals sweryng wyl euyl befalle,
Namlyche, on þe halydom
whan he ys charged of any whom.
Vndyrstand þys weyl yn þy wyt,
Þat god seyþ yn þe holy wryt,
‘Þat fals oþys, ne wrong Iugement,
Shul neuer morë be vnshent.’
Se how veniaunce was hys mede
whan he hadde of God no drede:
Almyghty God, þat ys soþfastnes,
hé wulde take to fals wytnes.
Þat fals sweryng wyl euyl befalle,
Namlyche, on þe halydom
whan he ys charged of any whom.
97
Þat god seyþ yn þe holy wryt,
‘Þat fals oþys, ne wrong Iugement,
Shul neuer morë be vnshent.’
Se how veniaunce was hys mede
whan he hadde of God no drede:
Almyghty God, þat ys soþfastnes,
hé wulde take to fals wytnes.
Fals sweryng ys nat ellys to say,
But ‘forsakyng of god, and alle hys lay.’
A man þat swereþ fals swerynges,
He forsakeþ fyuë þynges:—
Þe ioye of heuene he forsakeþ,
whan he, wetyng, fals oþys makeþ,
And alle hys blessyd cumpanye
Þat þey hym neuer helpe ȝyf þat he lye;
And Ihesu crystys passyun
þat for hym to þe deþ was doun,
þat hyt helpe hym neuer at nede,
Ȝyf he swere fals, or falsdom bede.
Þe þryddë, ȝyf he swerë fals,
hys crystendom he forsakþ als,
þat hyt helpe hym neuer more
Ȝyf þat he lyë þore.
Þe fourþe ys, he forsakeþ þe preyers
þat holy wryt wytnes of beres,
þat þey neuer stonde hym by
ȝyf he swere hys oþe falsly.
Þe fyueþë þyng wyl hym shende,
For he ȝyfþe hym self wyþ-oute[n] ende
To þe fende þat ys yn helle,
Ȝyf þat he lye, or falsly telle.
On þese fyue maners hymself deryþ
þat on þe bokë falsly sweryþ.
For hys loue þat deyde on þe rode,
Forswere ȝow neuer for worldys gode.
For ȝe wyte weyl, aud haue hyt herde,
þat trouþe ys more þan alle þe worlde.
But ‘forsakyng of god, and alle hys lay.’
A man þat swereþ fals swerynges,
He forsakeþ fyuë þynges:—
Þe ioye of heuene he forsakeþ,
whan he, wetyng, fals oþys makeþ,
And alle hys blessyd cumpanye
Þat þey hym neuer helpe ȝyf þat he lye;
And Ihesu crystys passyun
þat for hym to þe deþ was doun,
þat hyt helpe hym neuer at nede,
Ȝyf he swere fals, or falsdom bede.
Þe þryddë, ȝyf he swerë fals,
hys crystendom he forsakþ als,
þat hyt helpe hym neuer more
Ȝyf þat he lyë þore.
Þe fourþe ys, he forsakeþ þe preyers
þat holy wryt wytnes of beres,
þat þey neuer stonde hym by
ȝyf he swere hys oþe falsly.
Þe fyueþë þyng wyl hym shende,
For he ȝyfþe hym self wyþ-oute[n] ende
To þe fende þat ys yn helle,
Ȝyf þat he lye, or falsly telle.
98
þat on þe bokë falsly sweryþ.
For hys loue þat deyde on þe rode,
Forswere ȝow neuer for worldys gode.
For ȝe wyte weyl, aud haue hyt herde,
þat trouþe ys more þan alle þe worlde.
Ȝyt þer ys anoþer sweryng
where-þurgh comþ oftë grete cumbryng,
Þe whyche ys, an oþe oute of mesure,
Þat he shulde haue a mysauenture
On wyfë, and on chylde, to falle,
And on hys ouþer godys alle,
But he holdë at hys myght
hys oþe þat he swereþ to alle ryght.
Swyche an oþe ys grete doute to swere,
For chauncë comþ on many manere.
Þou settest þy chylde to mychë rewþe
But þou holde þyn oþe to trewþe.
where-þurgh comþ oftë grete cumbryng,
Þe whyche ys, an oþe oute of mesure,
Þat he shulde haue a mysauenture
On wyfë, and on chylde, to falle,
And on hys ouþer godys alle,
But he holdë at hys myght
hys oþe þat he swereþ to alle ryght.
Swyche an oþe ys grete doute to swere,
For chauncë comþ on many manere.
Þou settest þy chylde to mychë rewþe
But þou holde þyn oþe to trewþe.
A-nouþer oth comþ ȝyt yn place,
Þer a man swereþ by fallace.
Fallace ys, as who seye, ‘gyle,’
As many one sweryn vmwhyle.
Ȝyf þou swere to me for oght,
And a-nouþer ys yn þy þoght,
wenyst þou þan þat þou swerest wel
when þyn oth to me ys gyle eche del?
Nay: for, as y vndyrstande of þe,
So shal þy as othë charged be.
Þus techyþ vs seynt Austyne
Þat was a clerk of gret dyuyne.
Þer a man swereþ by fallace.
Fallace ys, as who seye, ‘gyle,’
As many one sweryn vmwhyle.
Ȝyf þou swere to me for oght,
And a-nouþer ys yn þy þoght,
wenyst þou þan þat þou swerest wel
when þyn oth to me ys gyle eche del?
Nay: for, as y vndyrstande of þe,
So shal þy as othë charged be.
Þus techyþ vs seynt Austyne
Þat was a clerk of gret dyuyne.
Y pray ȝow alle, boþe lefe and loþe,
Þat ȝe charge neuer body with oþe
Þat ȝe suppose wyl be forswore;
For, y warne ȝow wel byfore,
Þat who-so putteþ hym to swere,
Grete chargë for hym shal he bere.
99
Þat ȝe suppose wyl be forswore;
For, y warne ȝow wel byfore,
Þat who-so putteþ hym to swere,
Grete chargë for hym shal he bere.
Ȝyf þou madest awhere any vowe
To wurschyp God for þy prowe,—
Ȝyf þou dedyst hyt with þy gode wylle,
with-outë stresse or ouþer ylle,
Þou art holde to ȝelde hyt hym
Or þy synne ys grete and grym;
wytnes of othë and of hote:
Yn heuene, allë þyng þey wote.
To wurschyp God for þy prowe,—
Ȝyf þou dedyst hyt with þy gode wylle,
with-outë stresse or ouþer ylle,
Þou art holde to ȝelde hyt hym
Or þy synne ys grete and grym;
wytnes of othë and of hote:
Yn heuene, allë þyng þey wote.
Noþeles, y sey hardly,
Ȝyf þou vowe to do foly,—
As a man to bete or slo,
Or to take hys gode hym fro;
Or ȝyf þou vowe yn ȝungþe or elde,
And þou mayst nat but wykkedly ȝelde,—
God wyl nat þou hold yt so
þat þou þy vowe yn wykkednes do;
God haþ leuer þou þe wyþdrow
Þan do euyl dede after foly vow,
Bettere ys a foly wrde be wyþdrawe
Þan wyþ euyl dede to fulfyl þat sawe.
Þurgh goddys wurd yn þe gospel,
Þys may be preuyd ryȝt wel.
Ȝyf þou vowe to do foly,—
As a man to bete or slo,
Or to take hys gode hym fro;
Or ȝyf þou vowe yn ȝungþe or elde,
And þou mayst nat but wykkedly ȝelde,—
God wyl nat þou hold yt so
þat þou þy vowe yn wykkednes do;
God haþ leuer þou þe wyþdrow
Þan do euyl dede after foly vow,
Bettere ys a foly wrde be wyþdrawe
Þan wyþ euyl dede to fulfyl þat sawe.
Þurgh goddys wurd yn þe gospel,
Þys may be preuyd ryȝt wel.
[The Bible-story of John the Baptist's Death.]
Hyt speketh of seynt Ion baptyst,
Þe best chylde borë vndyr Cryst.
Hyt telleþ þat Eroud swore
To here þat tumbled yn þe flore,
Þat what-aseuer she wuld aske to mede,
he wuld fulfyl hyt here yn dede;
halfe hys kyngdom, ȝyf she wuld craue,
haluyndele she shuld hyt haue.
Eueyl he vowed, and swore hys oth,
Þer-for with hym ys now god wroth.
For ouþer mede wuld she haue none,
But þe hede of swete seynt Ion;
Here modyr bade here askë þys,
Þe hede of seynt Ion yn a dyssh.
Folylyche, certeyn, Eroud swore,
And yn dede weyl werse he fore.
But ȝyf she hade asked Eroudes ye,
Troust þou he wuld nat a made a lye?
Y trowe he wulde haue be forswore
Ar he hade hys ye forlore.
So had hym better, for hys prowe,
For to haue broke þat ychë vowe,
And with-oute mede haue late here go,
Þan for hys vowe a man do slo.
Þe best chylde borë vndyr Cryst.
100
To here þat tumbled yn þe flore,
Þat what-aseuer she wuld aske to mede,
he wuld fulfyl hyt here yn dede;
halfe hys kyngdom, ȝyf she wuld craue,
haluyndele she shuld hyt haue.
Eueyl he vowed, and swore hys oth,
Þer-for with hym ys now god wroth.
For ouþer mede wuld she haue none,
But þe hede of swete seynt Ion;
Here modyr bade here askë þys,
Þe hede of seynt Ion yn a dyssh.
Folylyche, certeyn, Eroud swore,
And yn dede weyl werse he fore.
But ȝyf she hade asked Eroudes ye,
Troust þou he wuld nat a made a lye?
Y trowe he wulde haue be forswore
Ar he hade hys ye forlore.
So had hym better, for hys prowe,
For to haue broke þat ychë vowe,
And with-oute mede haue late here go,
Þan for hys vowe a man do slo.
Ȝyt may y preue hyt by ouþer sawe
Þat wryte ys yn þe oldë lawe;
Yn þe gest of syre Ieptë,
Yn þe byble men mow hyt se.
Þat wryte ys yn þe oldë lawe;
Yn þe gest of syre Ieptë,
Yn þe byble men mow hyt se.
101
[þe Gest of Syre Jepte,—or the Tale of Jephthah and his Daughter.]
Ieptë went onys to batayle
And preyd God hys powere shuld nat fayle;—
“Graunte me, Lorde, þe maystry nowe,
And y shal make to þe a vowe,
þat þe fyrst þyng þat y mete
Befor me homward yn þe strete,
Þerof shal y make sacryfyse;”
For to sle hyt, was þan þe asyse.
And preyd God hys powere shuld nat fayle;—
“Graunte me, Lorde, þe maystry nowe,
And y shal make to þe a vowe,
þat þe fyrst þyng þat y mete
Befor me homward yn þe strete,
Þerof shal y make sacryfyse;”
For to sle hyt, was þan þe asyse.
whan he had, þurgh goddys vertu,
Of þe batayle prys and pru,
Homward as syre Ieptë ȝede
he þanked god for hys gode dede.
hys doghtyr was þe fyrstë þyng
þat mette hym and made hym welcomyng;
She grette here fadyr fayre with mouþe
And made hym all þe ioye þat she couþe.
Þan þoght Ieptë on hys vow,
And hadde yn herte sorow ynow.
To hys doghtyr þan seyd he,
“Þou art deseyuyd, and y for þe;
Y made my vow to heuene kyng
Þat y shuld sle þe fyrstë þyng
Þat y mette homwarde fro þe batayle;
And my vow y wyl nat fayle.”
Hys doghtyr answered myldly,
“Fadyr,” she seyde, “y am redy
For to take my deþe of þe;
But y am glade þat y þe se.
But, swetë fadyr, y pray þe
Graunte me two moneþes ar y dye,
Þat y may wepe my virginite
with hem þat noryst be with me.”
Here fadyr graunted weyl þarto,
And she forsoþë ded ryȝt so;
She weptë nat for any outrage,
But for of here come no lynage;
Þat no fruyt of here myȝt spryng,
Þare-for she madë here wepyng,
And for here fadyr had chylder no mo
Þat furþer myȝt yn kyndë go.
But, ryȝt át þe moneþes ende,
here fadyr dede nat þerof hende,
Þat he hys ownë doghtyr slowe
For a foly and a wykked vowe.
Of þe batayle prys and pru,
Homward as syre Ieptë ȝede
he þanked god for hys gode dede.
hys doghtyr was þe fyrstë þyng
þat mette hym and made hym welcomyng;
She grette here fadyr fayre with mouþe
And made hym all þe ioye þat she couþe.
Þan þoght Ieptë on hys vow,
And hadde yn herte sorow ynow.
To hys doghtyr þan seyd he,
“Þou art deseyuyd, and y for þe;
Y made my vow to heuene kyng
Þat y shuld sle þe fyrstë þyng
Þat y mette homwarde fro þe batayle;
And my vow y wyl nat fayle.”
Hys doghtyr answered myldly,
“Fadyr,” she seyde, “y am redy
For to take my deþe of þe;
But y am glade þat y þe se.
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Graunte me two moneþes ar y dye,
Þat y may wepe my virginite
with hem þat noryst be with me.”
Here fadyr graunted weyl þarto,
And she forsoþë ded ryȝt so;
She weptë nat for any outrage,
But for of here come no lynage;
Þat no fruyt of here myȝt spryng,
Þare-for she madë here wepyng,
And for here fadyr had chylder no mo
Þat furþer myȝt yn kyndë go.
But, ryȝt át þe moneþes ende,
here fadyr dede nat þerof hende,
Þat he hys ownë doghtyr slowe
For a foly and a wykked vowe.
Seynt Austyne seyþ certeynly
Þat he synned ryȝt dedly;
For he auowede, and nedyd naght,
And ȝyt yn dede wel werse he wroght.
Seynt Austyn seyþ so redy wey
Þat y to ȝou dar weyl seye
‘Ȝoure wykked vowys shul ȝe nat fylle,
Ne make no vowe to any ylle,
But chaungë hem to better prow,
And take penaunce for foly vowe.’
Þat he synned ryȝt dedly;
For he auowede, and nedyd naght,
And ȝyt yn dede wel werse he wroght.
Seynt Austyn seyþ so redy wey
Þat y to ȝou dar weyl seye
‘Ȝoure wykked vowys shul ȝe nat fylle,
Ne make no vowe to any ylle,
But chaungë hem to better prow,
And take penaunce for foly vowe.’
God shelde vs alle wykkedly to swere,
And late vs neuer fals wytnes bere,
Ne foly vow for to make,
lordë, for þy wurschyp sake.
And late vs neuer fals wytnes bere,
Ne foly vow for to make,
lordë, for þy wurschyp sake.
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[The Ninth Commandment.]
The nynþe comaundment yn oure tellyng
Ys “coueyt nat þy neghbours þyng,”
For to reue hyt hym wykkedly
with wrong pleys or ouþer maystry,
No with glosyng, no with queyntyse,
No wyþ destressë, on noun wyse,
No wyþ wykked procurement,
To make hym lese hys tenement.
Ys “coueyt nat þy neghbours þyng,”
For to reue hyt hym wykkedly
with wrong pleys or ouþer maystry,
No with glosyng, no with queyntyse,
No wyþ destressë, on noun wyse,
No wyþ wykked procurement,
To make hym lese hys tenement.
And for hyt haþ þe same assyse
Þat longeþ vn-to coueytyse,
y wyl now ouer-lepe hyt here,
And aftyrwarde ȝe mowe hyt lere
whan y speke of þe dedly synne
Of coueytyse, hyt ys þer-ynne;
For hyt ys one of þe seuene,
Among hem y wyl hyt neuene;
And of hys spycys telle ȝow neyde,
As holy man haue wryten and seyde.
Of þys nynþe wyl y endë now,
And of þe tenþë speke to ȝow.
Þat longeþ vn-to coueytyse,
y wyl now ouer-lepe hyt here,
And aftyrwarde ȝe mowe hyt lere
whan y speke of þe dedly synne
Of coueytyse, hyt ys þer-ynne;
For hyt ys one of þe seuene,
Among hem y wyl hyt neuene;
And of hys spycys telle ȝow neyde,
As holy man haue wryten and seyde.
Of þys nynþe wyl y endë now,
And of þe tenþë speke to ȝow.
[The Tenth Commandment.]
The tenþe comaundment ys, “by þy lyfe
Coueytë nat þy neghburs wyfe.”
And þys ys now a comun synne
Þat many onë fallyn ynne,
For almost hyt ys euery-whore
A gentyl man haþ a wyfe and a hore;
And wyuës haue now comunly
here husbondys and a ludby.
Coueytë nat þy neghburs wyfe.”
And þys ys now a comun synne
Þat many onë fallyn ynne,
For almost hyt ys euery-whore
A gentyl man haþ a wyfe and a hore;
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here husbondys and a ludby.
Yn euery place now mow men se
Þe wyfe wyl gladly þe mayster be;
And ȝyf she onys þe maystry wynne
Alle newë lawys she wyl bygynne;
For þan wyl she make hyt alle newe,
And bygynneþ to be a shrewe;
And whan she haþ wune þe maystry
Oure syre ys noght but ‘veyes moy sy.’
Þan wyl folys fonde and fare
To chepë þe wyuys chaffare.
And ȝyf þe wyfe lestene here lore,
here wurschyp ys lost for euer more.
Þus wyl bygynnë wykked lyfe
To coueyte a-noþer mannys wyfe;
For no man ful comunly
Besecheþ a wyfë of foly,
But þere þe wyfë ys aboute,
Þe godë man, for to stoute.
Y dar no morë telle for drede
Of vnkyndë wyuys hede;
Noþeles, y haue grete skylle
To sey morë þan y wylle.
Þe wyfe wyl gladly þe mayster be;
And ȝyf she onys þe maystry wynne
Alle newë lawys she wyl bygynne;
For þan wyl she make hyt alle newe,
And bygynneþ to be a shrewe;
And whan she haþ wune þe maystry
Oure syre ys noght but ‘veyes moy sy.’
Þan wyl folys fonde and fare
To chepë þe wyuys chaffare.
And ȝyf þe wyfe lestene here lore,
here wurschyp ys lost for euer more.
Þus wyl bygynnë wykked lyfe
To coueyte a-noþer mannys wyfe;
For no man ful comunly
Besecheþ a wyfë of foly,
But þere þe wyfë ys aboute,
Þe godë man, for to stoute.
Y dar no morë telle for drede
Of vnkyndë wyuys hede;
Noþeles, y haue grete skylle
To sey morë þan y wylle.
Ȝyf þou euer, þat þou wystyst,
A-nouþer mannys wyfë kystyst,
Or ȝaue here ȝyft for þat enchesoun
Þat sum synnë myght be doun;
Þan as yn þe, þou fallyst yn synne,
Ȝyf þou to foly wuldest here wynne.
A-nouþer mannys wyfë kystyst,
Or ȝaue here ȝyft for þat enchesoun
Þat sum synnë myght be doun;
Þan as yn þe, þou fallyst yn synne,
Ȝyf þou to foly wuldest here wynne.
Ȝyf þou þys foly haunte,
Ouþer mennys wyuys for to daunte,
yn foly wurdys, or yn foly play,
yn vntyme, be nyȝt or day,
Þat here herte to þe myght tourne,
And late of here husbunde skorne,
For soþe þou synnest þer dedly
Þogh þou lygge neuer here by.
By foly wurdys mow men a fole kenne;
Þurgh blast of mouþe þe fyre wyl brenne.
Ouþer mennys wyuys for to daunte,
yn foly wurdys, or yn foly play,
yn vntyme, be nyȝt or day,
Þat here herte to þe myght tourne,
And late of here husbunde skorne,
For soþe þou synnest þer dedly
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By foly wurdys mow men a fole kenne;
Þurgh blast of mouþe þe fyre wyl brenne.
Ȝyf þou euer dedyst þy myght
A womman to tylle with foly syght,
As men hauntë now alle day,
To hauë glysyng yȝen and gay,
A weddyd wyfe y þe forbede,
For, þat ys most for to drede.
A womman to tylle with foly syght,
As men hauntë now alle day,
To hauë glysyng yȝen and gay,
A weddyd wyfe y þe forbede,
For, þat ys most for to drede.
Also, ȝyf þou dedyst letter sende
To weddyd wyfe, or wrote or kende;
Or ȝyf þou letter bare,
And þou were þerof weyl ware,
Þogh hyt were ouþer mennys synne
Ȝyt art þou partáble þer-ynne.
To weddyd wyfe, or wrote or kende;
Or ȝyf þou letter bare,
And þou were þerof weyl ware,
Þogh hyt were ouþer mennys synne
Ȝyt art þou partáble þer-ynne.
Þys comaundment þat ys þe tenþe,
wylle y no lenger drawe or lengþe;
For yn þe syxtë þer y spake,
y touched of þys ychë lake.
wylle y no lenger drawe or lengþe;
For yn þe syxtë þer y spake,
y touched of þys ychë lake.
Now of þys ten wylle we lete,
And speke of ouþer synnys grete;
God graunte vs gracë so to sey
Of trouþe to shewë þe ryȝt weye.
And speke of ouþer synnys grete;
God graunte vs gracë so to sey
Of trouþe to shewë þe ryȝt weye.
Here bygynneþ þe seuene dedly synnes.
[The Seven Deadly Sins;—and first of Pride.]
Now of þe seuene wyl we telle,
þat ben þe dedly doghters of helle.
Þe eldyst, men kallë pryde;
She was þe fyrst þat walkyd wyde
Yn euery land, to euery man,
Þurgh alle þe worlde, ouer alle she ran,
And haþ here gete many wonynges,
Specyally wyþ grete lordynges,
And with ouþer many ynowe;
For where she ys, he wylle nat bowe,
She wyl be mayster ouer hem alle;
And alle at onys she makeþ hem falle.
Þe fadyr of pryde þat fyrst here knew
To hellë pyt she down hym threw;
And alle þat are of here coueyn,
Alle she bryngeþ to hellë peyn.
Þarfor y wylle warnë ȝow
whare-yn she makeþ ȝow synne, and how,
Þat ȝe mowe parceyue vmwhyle
Yn what þyng she doþ ȝow gyle.
þat ben þe dedly doghters of helle.
Þe eldyst, men kallë pryde;
She was þe fyrst þat walkyd wyde
Yn euery land, to euery man,
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And haþ here gete many wonynges,
Specyally wyþ grete lordynges,
And with ouþer many ynowe;
For where she ys, he wylle nat bowe,
She wyl be mayster ouer hem alle;
And alle at onys she makeþ hem falle.
Þe fadyr of pryde þat fyrst here knew
To hellë pyt she down hym threw;
And alle þat are of here coueyn,
Alle she bryngeþ to hellë peyn.
Þarfor y wylle warnë ȝow
whare-yn she makeþ ȝow synne, and how,
Þat ȝe mowe parceyue vmwhyle
Yn what þyng she doþ ȝow gyle.
Þys ys þe fyrst þat y fynde
Vnbuxumnesse aȝens þy kynde;
And he þat ys vnbuxum al
Aȝens hys fadyr spiritual,
And setteþ hym ryȝt at þe leste,
And seyþ ‘prut for þy cursyng, prest!’
Or ȝyf ȝou speke foule wrdys or rowe,
And to þy souereyn wylt þat bowe,
Ȝyf þy prout wurdys make hym wroth,
Be þou neuer so lefe no loth,
Þou synnest þer gretly yn pryde,
Man or womman, wheþer hyt betyde.
Vnbuxumnesse aȝens þy kynde;
And he þat ys vnbuxum al
Aȝens hys fadyr spiritual,
And setteþ hym ryȝt at þe leste,
And seyþ ‘prut for þy cursyng, prest!’
Or ȝyf ȝou speke foule wrdys or rowe,
And to þy souereyn wylt þat bowe,
Ȝyf þy prout wurdys make hym wroth,
Be þou neuer so lefe no loth,
Þou synnest þer gretly yn pryde,
Man or womman, wheþer hyt betyde.
Ȝyf þou, oþer man or wyfe,
were preysed for þyn holy lyfe;
Or ȝyf þou wuldest men seyde of þe
þat þou dedyst grete charyte,
And þat þou were boþe meke and chaste,
And wuldest speke no wurdës waste;
Ȝyf þou wuldest men seyd þys,
Þou synnest yn pryde, y sey, ywys.
Ouer al folyys hyt ys þe floure,
For þy godenesse to haue wurldys honoure.
were preysed for þyn holy lyfe;
Or ȝyf þou wuldest men seyde of þe
þat þou dedyst grete charyte,
And þat þou were boþe meke and chaste,
And wuldest speke no wurdës waste;
Ȝyf þou wuldest men seyd þys,
Þou synnest yn pryde, y sey, ywys.
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For þy godenesse to haue wurldys honoure.
Ȝyf þou for prydë art outrage
þat þou are come of hygh lynage,
Beþenke þe weyl fro when þou cam;
Allë we were of Adam:
Ȝyf þou be comë of hygh blode,
And þou dost more euyl þan gode,
Vnwrþyly art þou made gentyl
Ȝyf þou yn wurdys and dedys be yl.
þat þou are come of hygh lynage,
Beþenke þe weyl fro when þou cam;
Allë we were of Adam:
Ȝyf þou be comë of hygh blode,
And þou dost more euyl þan gode,
Vnwrþyly art þou made gentyl
Ȝyf þou yn wurdys and dedys be yl.
Ȝyf þou be prout þat þou art wys
And for þy cunseyl art holde yn prys,
Or yn þyn queyntë wurdys hast pryde,
wys yn wrong, euyl shal betyde.
And for þy cunseyl art holde yn prys,
Or yn þyn queyntë wurdys hast pryde,
wys yn wrong, euyl shal betyde.
Ȝyf þou be proute of þy bewte,
No shoch kote to þe shulde be,
Þat feyrhede ne shal long with þe wende;
Swych pryde endyþ foule at þe last ende.
No shoch kote to þe shulde be,
Þat feyrhede ne shal long with þe wende;
Swych pryde endyþ foule at þe last ende.
Ȝyf þou for strenkþë be mysproute,
And hast bostful wrdys and loude;
Do no-body þarfore despyte ne skaþe
Swychë men go to shame ful raþe.
And hast bostful wrdys and loude;
Do no-body þarfore despyte ne skaþe
Swychë men go to shame ful raþe.
Ȝyf þou be prout of þy rychesse
Þogh hyt come neuer wyþ no falsnesse,
Hyt may passe þe more lyghtly,
And þe sunner, þat þou beryst þe hyy.
Þogh hyt come neuer wyþ no falsnesse,
Hyt may passe þe more lyghtly,
And þe sunner, þat þou beryst þe hyy.
Ȝyf þou be prout of þy song,
Seldë lasteþ þat vertu long;
Synger haþ hertë prout with-ynne,
And tycyþ many on to synne;
Ful selde ys synger gode yn thew,
But þat yn sum poynt he ys a shrew.
yn feyrë wurdys, and yn qeynte,
wyþ prydë are swych men ateynte;
Flourshed wurdys, and oþerwhyle louely,
Are ful of pryde and trechery.
Be a man uncouth or couthe,
And he haue laghyng wurdys yn mouþe,
y warne þe wel þat oþer whyle,
Swych a man ys ful of gyle.
Seldë lasteþ þat vertu long;
Synger haþ hertë prout with-ynne,
And tycyþ many on to synne;
Ful selde ys synger gode yn thew,
But þat yn sum poynt he ys a shrew.
yn feyrë wurdys, and yn qeynte,
wyþ prydë are swych men ateynte;
Flourshed wurdys, and oþerwhyle louely,
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Be a man uncouth or couthe,
And he haue laghyng wurdys yn mouþe,
y warne þe wel þat oþer whyle,
Swych a man ys ful of gyle.
Ȝyf þou euer bare þe hyghly
yn ouerdo pryde for þy bayly,
Bere þe lowe; men se al day,
Þy bayly shal nat laste alway;
Now þou, and syþen y,
So shal go, oure bayly.
yn ouerdo pryde for þy bayly,
Bere þe lowe; men se al day,
Þy bayly shal nat laste alway;
Now þou, and syþen y,
So shal go, oure bayly.
Ȝyf þou be prout of þy cunnyng,
Þat þou hast lerned mochë þyng,
As sum man ys, þat ys scolere,
wenyþ þat none ys to hym pere,
He wenyþ weyl þat he kan
To be mayster, and ouer-man,
And when þe endë ys al shewyd,
Þan ys he almost al lewyd.
Þat þou hast lerned mochë þyng,
As sum man ys, þat ys scolere,
wenyþ þat none ys to hym pere,
He wenyþ weyl þat he kan
To be mayster, and ouer-man,
And when þe endë ys al shewyd,
Þan ys he almost al lewyd.
Ȝyf þou delyte þe oftyn stoundes,
yn horsys, haukys, or yn houndes;
Ȝyf þou clerk auaunsed be,
Swyche game ys nat graunted to þe.
To emperorus and to kyngys
ys graunted swych pleyyngys;
Erlës, barons, also y graunte,
And knyȝtës, þey mow hyt haunte
Þat þey ne be tempted of ouþer synne,
For ydulnesse þat þey ben ynne;
And ȝyt y rede, þey haunte hyt so,
Aȝens god þat þey nat mysdo.
yn horsys, haukys, or yn houndes;
Ȝyf þou clerk auaunsed be,
Swyche game ys nat graunted to þe.
To emperorus and to kyngys
ys graunted swych pleyyngys;
Erlës, barons, also y graunte,
And knyȝtës, þey mow hyt haunte
Þat þey ne be tempted of ouþer synne,
For ydulnesse þat þey ben ynne;
And ȝyt y rede, þey haunte hyt so,
Aȝens god þat þey nat mysdo.
Ȝyf þou art wel wyþ þe kyng,
Or with anoþer lordyng,
Bere þe nat ouer prout þerfore
To þy perys out of skore;
For men se hyt yn a þrowe,
To day ys hegh, te morwe ys lowe.
And a lorde ful oftë latyþ,
Now he louyþ, and now he hatyþ.
Or with anoþer lordyng,
Bere þe nat ouer prout þerfore
To þy perys out of skore;
For men se hyt yn a þrowe,
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And a lorde ful oftë latyþ,
Now he louyþ, and now he hatyþ.
Ȝyf þou euer vndyrstode
Þat þy wyt, or þy gode,
Come of þy self, and nat of god,
Hyt ys grete pryde and falsly troud.
Þat þy wyt, or þy gode,
Come of þy self, and nat of god,
Hyt ys grete pryde and falsly troud.
Ȝyf god almyghty haue ȝeue þe
Many þewës þat with þe be,
werre nat aȝens þe commaundment
with þo ȝyftes þat god haþ þe lent;
Make nat þy saule so wykked a wem
To do wykkednes for pryde of hem.
Many þewës þat with þe be,
werre nat aȝens þe commaundment
with þo ȝyftes þat god haþ þe lent;
Make nat þy saule so wykked a wem
To do wykkednes for pryde of hem.
Ȝyf þou þe auaunte of goddys ȝyfte,
Or worldly gode, or bodly þryfte,
Or ȝyf þou be se mochë mad
To auaunte þe of þat þat þou neuer had,
Þys ys pryde and arrogaunce,
Vnwrþyly þe to auance.
Arrogaunce ys certeynly
Beholdë bettyr þan ys wrþy;
To sey a þyng þou shuldest haue do
Þat þou neuer myghtyst come þer-to.
Or worldly gode, or bodly þryfte,
Or ȝyf þou be se mochë mad
To auaunte þe of þat þat þou neuer had,
Þys ys pryde and arrogaunce,
Vnwrþyly þe to auance.
Arrogaunce ys certeynly
Beholdë bettyr þan ys wrþy;
To sey a þyng þou shuldest haue do
Þat þou neuer myghtyst come þer-to.
A vylë synne men haunte alle now,
Of pryde hyt comþ,—lestneþ how,—
Þat none can preyse hym self by name
But he wyþ euyl anouþer blame;
Þys cumþ of grete enuye
And pryde of herte and felonnye.
Of pryde hyt comþ,—lestneþ how,—
Þat none can preyse hym self by name
But he wyþ euyl anouþer blame;
Þys cumþ of grete enuye
And pryde of herte and felonnye.
Ȝyf þou skornedyst euer any man,
Or ȝaue cunseyl þat scorne began,
hyt ys a pryde, and wykked þyng,
At crystyn man to make scornyng;
Þus seyþ þe holy prophete Dauyþ,
And Neomas a prophete hym wyþ,
þat scorners, at þe hegh Iugement,
Of goddys mouþ þey shul be shent.
Or ȝaue cunseyl þat scorne began,
hyt ys a pryde, and wykked þyng,
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Þus seyþ þe holy prophete Dauyþ,
And Neomas a prophete hym wyþ,
þat scorners, at þe hegh Iugement,
Of goddys mouþ þey shul be shent.
Ȝyf þou for prydë haue delyte
For to be holde an ypocryte,
To be preysed wel for þy gode dede,
And þat holylech þou canst þe lede,
Or to be preysed þat þou hast wroght
Þyng þat þou dedyst nowȝt,
wetë þou, syre ypocryte,
Of þe mede of god þan art þou quyte;
þat ychë preysyng ys þy mede
þat þou receyuest for þy gode dede.
Ful fellychë God to hem flytes,
To þes fals[ë] ypocrytes;
And seyþ, “at þe ende shul men se
Þat ȝe begyle ȝou self, and nat me.”
For to be holde an ypocryte,
To be preysed wel for þy gode dede,
And þat holylech þou canst þe lede,
Or to be preysed þat þou hast wroght
Þyng þat þou dedyst nowȝt,
wetë þou, syre ypocryte,
Of þe mede of god þan art þou quyte;
þat ychë preysyng ys þy mede
þat þou receyuest for þy gode dede.
Ful fellychë God to hem flytes,
To þes fals[ë] ypocrytes;
And seyþ, “at þe ende shul men se
Þat ȝe begyle ȝou self, and nat me.”
And herë y shal telle as tyte
Of a cursed ypocryte.
Of a cursed ypocryte.
[The Tale of the Hypocritical Monk of the Abbey Tangabaton.]
Seynt Gregory seyþ, as y shal sey,
hyt was onës an abbey
Þe namë hyght ‘tangabaton,’
And munkës þey were echon.
Of a munke ȝede þe wurde ful ryue,
Þat he was of holy lyue;
But for þat he was nat so,
So holy as men tolde hym to,
Fals preysyng shal wykkedly wende,
As hyt ys wurþy, so shal hyt ende.
A seknes toke þe munke ful grym
As god had purueyd of hym.
he was so traueyled, shortly to sey,
Þat he wyst weyl þat he shuld dey.
whan he wyst þat, he made do calle
Boþe one and oþer, hys bryþryn alle,
“Byddyþ hem come byfore me here;
Þat may hem auayle, y shal hem lere.”
hyt was onës an abbey
Þe namë hyght ‘tangabaton,’
And munkës þey were echon.
Of a munke ȝede þe wurde ful ryue,
Þat he was of holy lyue;
But for þat he was nat so,
So holy as men tolde hym to,
Fals preysyng shal wykkedly wende,
As hyt ys wurþy, so shal hyt ende.
A seknes toke þe munke ful grym
111
he was so traueyled, shortly to sey,
Þat he wyst weyl þat he shuld dey.
whan he wyst þat, he made do calle
Boþe one and oþer, hys bryþryn alle,
“Byddyþ hem come byfore me here;
Þat may hem auayle, y shal hem lere.”
Þey come rennyng, boþe lesse and more,
And wende haue herd sum holy lore.
And when þey werë come echone,
To hem he made of sorow hys mone:
“hyt may no lenger be forholne;
Falsly, wurschyp haue y stolne;
y am nat, breþren, as ȝe wene,
Of holy lyfe, as haþ be sene;
Þat y fasted when ȝe lete;
For twyys pryuyly y ȝete;
And whan ȝe wende y had be holy,
Y ete and drank ful lustyly.
To warnë ȝow, þus y telle,
For me ys come þe fende of helle.
wyþ hys tayle my knes he haþ knyȝt,
And wyþ hys hede my mouþ y-dyt.
Alas þe tyme þat y was bore!
As an ypocryte y am forlore.
Ryȝt now shal he me strangle and cheke,
Ne shal y neuer aftyr speke.”
Be-fore hem alle he deyde astyte
Þat ychë proud ypocryte.
And wende haue herd sum holy lore.
And when þey werë come echone,
To hem he made of sorow hys mone:
“hyt may no lenger be forholne;
Falsly, wurschyp haue y stolne;
y am nat, breþren, as ȝe wene,
Of holy lyfe, as haþ be sene;
Þat y fasted when ȝe lete;
For twyys pryuyly y ȝete;
And whan ȝe wende y had be holy,
Y ete and drank ful lustyly.
To warnë ȝow, þus y telle,
For me ys come þe fende of helle.
wyþ hys tayle my knes he haþ knyȝt,
And wyþ hys hede my mouþ y-dyt.
Alas þe tyme þat y was bore!
As an ypocryte y am forlore.
Ryȝt now shal he me strangle and cheke,
Ne shal y neuer aftyr speke.”
Be-fore hem alle he deyde astyte
Þat ychë proud ypocryte.
Þys was shewed, hem for to warne,
And þat, God, no man shuld scorne.
Ypocrysye, þys ys þe synne
Feyre wyþ-oute, and foule with-ynne.
Þys ychë synnë cumþ of pryde,
Yn feyre shewyng, here falsnes hyde.
And þat, God, no man shuld scorne.
Ypocrysye, þys ys þe synne
Feyre wyþ-oute, and foule with-ynne.
Þys ychë synnë cumþ of pryde,
112
Ȝyf þou art prout of þy her,
(As prout men ben euery where,)
Or ȝyf þou tyfyst þe ouer proudly,
Ouer mesure on þy body,
Swychë synne ys nat þe leste;
Y rede þe telle hyt to þe preste.
(As prout men ben euery where,)
Or ȝyf þou tyfyst þe ouer proudly,
Ouer mesure on þy body,
Swychë synne ys nat þe leste;
Y rede þe telle hyt to þe preste.
Be nat proud of þy croket,
Yn þe cherche to tyfe and set.
At home mayst þou þy croket werche,
And nat at þy messe yn þe cherche.
Yn þe cherche to tyfe and set.
At home mayst þou þy croket werche,
And nat at þy messe yn þe cherche.
And of þese berded buckys also,
with hem-self þey moche mysdo,
Þat leuë crystyn mennys acyse
And hauntë alle þe newë gyse;
Þerwhylys þey had þat gyse on hand,
was neuer gracë yn þys land.
with hem-self þey moche mysdo,
Þat leuë crystyn mennys acyse
And hauntë alle þe newë gyse;
Þerwhylys þey had þat gyse on hand,
was neuer gracë yn þys land.
Of proud wymmen wuld y telle,
But þey are so wroth and felle;
Of þese þat are so foule and fade,
Þat make hem feyrere þan god hem made
with oblaunchere or ouþer floure,
To make hem whytter of coloure.
Grete pryde hyt ys, and outrage,
þat she ys nat payd of goddys ymage.
But þey are so wroth and felle;
Of þese þat are so foule and fade,
Þat make hem feyrere þan god hem made
with oblaunchere or ouþer floure,
To make hem whytter of coloure.
Grete pryde hyt ys, and outrage,
þat she ys nat payd of goddys ymage.
heuedys tyfed wyþ grete pryde,
with heer, and hornës syde,
Men mow wete hyt ys grete synne
To hauë mochë pryde þer-ynne.
Men sey, and haue seyd, here before,
For swych pryde are wymmen forlore.—
with heer, and hornës syde,
Men mow wete hyt ys grete synne
To hauë mochë pryde þer-ynne.
Men sey, and haue seyd, here before,
For swych pryde are wymmen forlore.—
Ryche ladyys of grete renouns,
Þey do make hem ryche corouns,
Þey may make to here auenaunt,
But ouer mesure ys nat cunnaunt.
Þey do make hem ryche corouns,
Þey may make to here auenaunt,
113
Of ladyys wulde y leue my sawe,
But y dar nat for goddys awe;
Of hem behoueþ to sey sumdeyl,
yn what poyntës þey do nat wel.
God haþ shewed, and sheweþ euery day,
Þat swychë pryde ys noght to pay.
A tale y shal þerforë telle,
How a lady was pyned yn helle.
But y dar nat for goddys awe;
Of hem behoueþ to sey sumdeyl,
yn what poyntës þey do nat wel.
God haþ shewed, and sheweþ euery day,
Þat swychë pryde ys noght to pay.
A tale y shal þerforë telle,
How a lady was pyned yn helle.
[The Tale of the Proud Lady, who was burnt to ashes again and again in Hell by a Burning Wheel.]
þer was a lady, a lordys wyfe,
here fayrhede was yn renoun ryfe;
Moche she loued feyre tyfyng,
On here hede, ouer al þyng,
For to be holde þe feyryst lady
Of al þo þat woned here by;
And whan she wened best to haue lyuyd,
Þe deþ here toke; here dayys were fyllyd;
For when men wene to lyfe haue space,
Þan ys deþ sunnest yn place.
Whan she was dede, sone aftyrward
here squyer toke a syknes hard,
Þat here lorde helde of grete prys,
For he was a man yn seruyse wys.
here fayrhede was yn renoun ryfe;
Moche she loued feyre tyfyng,
On here hede, ouer al þyng,
For to be holde þe feyryst lady
Of al þo þat woned here by;
And whan she wened best to haue lyuyd,
Þe deþ here toke; here dayys were fyllyd;
For when men wene to lyfe haue space,
Þan ys deþ sunnest yn place.
Whan she was dede, sone aftyrward
here squyer toke a syknes hard,
Þat here lorde helde of grete prys,
For he was a man yn seruyse wys.
As he lay yn hys bed a nyȝt,
hym þoght hys lady come to hym ryȝt,
And seyd þus, “rys, and go wyþ me,
A merueyle shal y shewe to þe.”
Þys ychë man graunted here noght,
For hyt ran weyl hym yn þoght
Þat shé was dede and leyd yn graue,
Þat hym of hys beddë wulde haue.
But wheþer he wulde or noght, wyþ wel & wo,
She had hym vp with here to go.
Þus tolde he seþyn with moche drede;
Aȝens hys wylle with here he ȝede;
She ledde hym to a mochë felde,
So grete one neuer he behelde.
Þan stodë styl, þys lady,
And he by here ful dredfully.
As þey hadd stondë but a þrowe,
Come furþ deuylys þat fast gun blowe;
With hem þey broght a brennyng wheyl,
Þat on here hede was set eche deyl.
Þys whel þat was set on here heuede,
Brende here alle, þat noght was leued.
Efte she ros, when she was brent,
And had þe samë turment,
And brende ryȝt as she dede before;
To se þat peyne hys herte was sore.
Ȝyt she ros þe samë wey;
For saule may neuer for peynë deye.
And efte þey set hyt on here krowne,
And brende here al to asshen doune;
And euermore she leuyd aȝen,
For peynë myȝt she neuer be sleyn.
hym þoght hys lady come to hym ryȝt,
And seyd þus, “rys, and go wyþ me,
A merueyle shal y shewe to þe.”
114
For hyt ran weyl hym yn þoght
Þat shé was dede and leyd yn graue,
Þat hym of hys beddë wulde haue.
But wheþer he wulde or noght, wyþ wel & wo,
She had hym vp with here to go.
Þus tolde he seþyn with moche drede;
Aȝens hys wylle with here he ȝede;
She ledde hym to a mochë felde,
So grete one neuer he behelde.
Þan stodë styl, þys lady,
And he by here ful dredfully.
As þey hadd stondë but a þrowe,
Come furþ deuylys þat fast gun blowe;
With hem þey broght a brennyng wheyl,
Þat on here hede was set eche deyl.
Þys whel þat was set on here heuede,
Brende here alle, þat noght was leued.
Efte she ros, when she was brent,
And had þe samë turment,
And brende ryȝt as she dede before;
To se þat peyne hys herte was sore.
Ȝyt she ros þe samë wey;
For saule may neuer for peynë deye.
And efte þey set hyt on here krowne,
And brende here al to asshen doune;
And euermore she leuyd aȝen,
For peynë myȝt she neuer be sleyn.
Þan askede he here, why þat hyt was
Þat she suffred swyche peyne. “alas, alas,”
She seyd, “y suffre þys mys-auenture
For on my heuede ouer feyre tyfure;
For when y shuld agher go or ryde,
y dyghte my heuede ryȝt moche with pryde
For to be presyd ouer alle ladyys,
And of prydë to bere þe prys,
And among knyȝtës yn halle
y wulde be holde feyrest of alle.
þer-for þys ychë peyne y drygh
For y bare me yn pryde so hygh.
But warne my lordë, y pray þe,
hys pryde and bobaunce þat he late be;
But ȝyf he do, he shal be forlore,
Þat y warne hym weyl before;
For on one of þys dayys shul ȝe deye,
My lorde and þou: þe soþe y seye.”
Ryght at þe termë, as she seyde,
Þe knyȝt, and þat squyer, deyde.
Þat she suffred swyche peyne. “alas, alas,”
She seyd, “y suffre þys mys-auenture
115
For when y shuld agher go or ryde,
y dyghte my heuede ryȝt moche with pryde
For to be presyd ouer alle ladyys,
And of prydë to bere þe prys,
And among knyȝtës yn halle
y wulde be holde feyrest of alle.
þer-for þys ychë peyne y drygh
For y bare me yn pryde so hygh.
But warne my lordë, y pray þe,
hys pryde and bobaunce þat he late be;
But ȝyf he do, he shal be forlore,
Þat y warne hym weyl before;
For on one of þys dayys shul ȝe deye,
My lorde and þou: þe soþe y seye.”
Ryght at þe termë, as she seyde,
Þe knyȝt, and þat squyer, deyde.
By þat tokenyng wel men knew
Þat þe tale was ryȝt and trew.
Þerfor hyt ys gretë doute,
wymmen to tyfe here hedys aboute.
Þat þe tale was ryȝt and trew.
Þerfor hyt ys gretë doute,
wymmen to tyfe here hedys aboute.
Ȝyf god haue lent þe handys and fete,
Armës, leggës, feyre and swete,—
Be nat ouer proude of þys,
Þey are nat þyne, but þey ben hys;
For ȝyf he wylle, he may hem þe reue;
with-oute hys leue, shal none beleue.
Armës, leggës, feyre and swete,—
Be nat ouer proude of þys,
Þey are nat þyne, but þey ben hys;
For ȝyf he wylle, he may hem þe reue;
with-oute hys leue, shal none beleue.
Despyse noun ouþer þat so haue noght,
Ne þoght þey be nat so feyre y-wroght;
For ȝyf þou doust, þou mayst hem tyne,
And for þat prydë go to pyne.
Ne dysgyse nat þy cloþyng
Ouer mesure, for þy preysyng.
Alas! hyt shuldë so betyde,
Many one are lost for here pryde.
Shal grace come neuer yn þat land
Þere men haue swychë gyse yn hand;
God and grace are wyþ hem wroth,
Þat haue, for pryde, dysgysed here cloth.
Noþeles euery man may,
Aftyr hys astate, make hym gay;
But when he þasseþ ouer mesure,
Þerof cumþ mysauenture.
Gentyl men ofte, for swyche desert
Fal at þe laste yn grete pouert.
Ne þoght þey be nat so feyre y-wroght;
For ȝyf þou doust, þou mayst hem tyne,
And for þat prydë go to pyne.
Ne dysgyse nat þy cloþyng
Ouer mesure, for þy preysyng.
116
Many one are lost for here pryde.
Shal grace come neuer yn þat land
Þere men haue swychë gyse yn hand;
God and grace are wyþ hem wroth,
Þat haue, for pryde, dysgysed here cloth.
Noþeles euery man may,
Aftyr hys astate, make hym gay;
But when he þasseþ ouer mesure,
Þerof cumþ mysauenture.
Gentyl men ofte, for swyche desert
Fal at þe laste yn grete pouert.
A weddyd wyfe may atyre here
Þat here husbunde loue noun but here;
For hys loue she may hyt do,
But for none ouþer mannys so.
Ȝyt swyche y rede, þat þey so fare
Þat here pryde make hem nat bare.
Gretly þey synne yn þer queyntyse
Þat nouelrye al day areyse,
For to be preysed and of grete syght,
Al day dysgyse hem at here myght;
Forsoþe hyt semeþ weyl to be
Al here lyfe yn vanyte.
But wlde þey þenke þat make swyche strut,
yn what robe, yn erþe, þey shul be put,
Þey shulde nat make hyt so a-mys,
Ȝyf þey þoght oft of þys.
Þat here husbunde loue noun but here;
For hys loue she may hyt do,
But for none ouþer mannys so.
Ȝyt swyche y rede, þat þey so fare
Þat here pryde make hem nat bare.
Gretly þey synne yn þer queyntyse
Þat nouelrye al day areyse,
For to be preysed and of grete syght,
Al day dysgyse hem at here myght;
Forsoþe hyt semeþ weyl to be
Al here lyfe yn vanyte.
But wlde þey þenke þat make swyche strut,
yn what robe, yn erþe, þey shul be put,
Þey shulde nat make hyt so a-mys,
Ȝyf þey þoght oft of þys.
Y shal ȝou telle a lytyl wyght
How hyt befyl onys of a knyȝt.
How hyt befyl onys of a knyȝt.
[The Tale of the Knight and Monk who lovd new Fashions.]
Þer was a knyȝt þat loued nouelrye,
As many one haunte now þat folye;
he dede to make, yn þe somers tyde,
A kote perced queyntly with pryde;
And God was nat þer-of payd,
For yn hys pryde he was betrayd.
As many one haunte now þat folye;
117
A kote perced queyntly with pryde;
And God was nat þer-of payd,
For yn hys pryde he was betrayd.
Þys knyȝt ȝede, vpp-on a day,
Aboute roberye, to gete hys pray;
Homward as he hys pray ledde
with hys enmys he was bestedde;
with fors þey gun with hym fyght,
And slogh þere þys ychë knyȝt.
Þe knyȝtys frendys herdë seye
how he was slayn by þe weye;
Ful feyre þan gun þey for hym werche,
Þey byryed þe body feyre at þe cherche;
hys frendys departed hys katel
Among þe pore men, and þat was wel.
whan þey come at þe kote gysyng,
To dele hyt among hys ouþer þyng,
Before þe pore men hyt was broght;
Þe pore men seyd þey wulde hyt noȝt.
A clerk stodë þo þere be syde,
And, prayd for þe kote of pryde.
To werne hyt hym, þey þoght loþe;
Þey toke and ȝaue þys clerk þe cloþe.
Þys clerk was glad whan he hyt hadde;
Þys kote asswyþe on hym he cladde.
Aboute roberye, to gete hys pray;
Homward as he hys pray ledde
with hys enmys he was bestedde;
with fors þey gun with hym fyght,
And slogh þere þys ychë knyȝt.
Þe knyȝtys frendys herdë seye
how he was slayn by þe weye;
Ful feyre þan gun þey for hym werche,
Þey byryed þe body feyre at þe cherche;
hys frendys departed hys katel
Among þe pore men, and þat was wel.
whan þey come at þe kote gysyng,
To dele hyt among hys ouþer þyng,
Before þe pore men hyt was broght;
Þe pore men seyd þey wulde hyt noȝt.
A clerk stodë þo þere be syde,
And, prayd for þe kote of pryde.
To werne hyt hym, þey þoght loþe;
Þey toke and ȝaue þys clerk þe cloþe.
Þys clerk was glad whan he hyt hadde;
Þys kote asswyþe on hym he cladde.
Se now here a grete myschaunce
Come ryȝt as for veniaunce:
Ryȝt as he was yn þe kote al dyght,
A fyre brennyng on hym gan lyght,
And brend hys body dounne to þe grounde
whylys oght of hym myȝt be founde.
Come ryȝt as for veniaunce:
Ryȝt as he was yn þe kote al dyght,
A fyre brennyng on hym gan lyght,
And brend hys body dounne to þe grounde
whylys oght of hym myȝt be founde.
Þer shewed God weyl by þat kas
Þat þe kote a-cursed was,
And tokened wel sorowe and wrake,
Þat nonë pore man wulde hyt take
For prydë of þe newë gyse
Aȝens crystyn mennys wyse;
But þe clerk was wode al gate
To were a cloþe aȝens hys state.
here mow ȝe se þat god ys wroth
with hem þat dysgyse here cloþe.
118
And tokened wel sorowe and wrake,
Þat nonë pore man wulde hyt take
For prydë of þe newë gyse
Aȝens crystyn mennys wyse;
But þe clerk was wode al gate
To were a cloþe aȝens hys state.
here mow ȝe se þat god ys wroth
with hem þat dysgyse here cloþe.
And a clerk ys moche for to blame
Þat bryngyþ hym self yn foule fame,
Clerk ordeyned yn dignyte
Þat haunteþ swyche Iolyte;
Noþeles, of þe newë gyse
Þe deuyl haþ made hymself chefe iustyse;
And ȝyf he yn folye begynne to stoute,
Þan bereþ he þe deuylys baner aboute;
Mochë folk ys þerwyþ blent;
God do þerof amendment.
Þat bryngyþ hym self yn foule fame,
Clerk ordeyned yn dignyte
Þat haunteþ swyche Iolyte;
Noþeles, of þe newë gyse
Þe deuyl haþ made hymself chefe iustyse;
And ȝyf he yn folye begynne to stoute,
Þan bereþ he þe deuylys baner aboute;
Mochë folk ys þerwyþ blent;
God do þerof amendment.
Ȝyf þou hauë grete desyre
To be clepyd lorde or syre,
For to glosë þe, and slyppe,
And to haue þe wurdys of wurschyp;
Or ȝe wymmen also, comunly,
wulde be kallede ‘madame’ or ‘lady;’
Al þys comþ of gretë pryde;
yn þy shryfte þou noght hyt hyde.
he ys ryȝt lorde, þe kyng of heuene;
wrong hyt ys þat men any oþer neuene.
To be clepyd lorde or syre,
For to glosë þe, and slyppe,
And to haue þe wurdys of wurschyp;
Or ȝe wymmen also, comunly,
wulde be kallede ‘madame’ or ‘lady;’
Al þys comþ of gretë pryde;
yn þy shryfte þou noght hyt hyde.
he ys ryȝt lorde, þe kyng of heuene;
wrong hyt ys þat men any oþer neuene.
Ȝyf þou delyte þe yn grete meyne,
For men shulde hauë drede of þe,
And for þy meynë wuldyst preysed be,
ȝyf harme to oþer þan do þat meyne,
Þou for þy meynë shalt dampned be
Ȝyf þou to euyl vowe þy meynë.
For men shulde hauë drede of þe,
And for þy meynë wuldyst preysed be,
ȝyf harme to oþer þan do þat meyne,
Þou for þy meynë shalt dampned be
Ȝyf þou to euyl vowe þy meynë.
Ȝyf þou delyte þe yn grete hallys,
Yn a foule prydë þan þou fallys;
For y se many þat nowe þey bygge,
And now sonë, dede þey lygge.
y sey for þo þat haue grete pryde
yn hygh hallys and yn wyde.
Ȝyf þou delyte þe yn ryche beddyng,
yn hors, yn harneys, or yn feyre rydyng,
Alle ys pryde and vanyte;
Of al shalt þou a-couped be.
119
For y se many þat nowe þey bygge,
And now sonë, dede þey lygge.
y sey for þo þat haue grete pryde
yn hygh hallys and yn wyde.
Ȝyf þou delyte þe yn ryche beddyng,
yn hors, yn harneys, or yn feyre rydyng,
Alle ys pryde and vanyte;
Of al shalt þou a-couped be.
Y seyd langere, yn gode cunnaunt,
Euery man may haue to hys auenaunt,
Cytes, tounnes, castellys, and hallys,
hors, armour, and þat þar to fallys;
But, yn al þat mochë þrong,
Do holy cherche, ne pore man, wrong.
Euery man may haue to hys auenaunt,
Cytes, tounnes, castellys, and hallys,
hors, armour, and þat þar to fallys;
But, yn al þat mochë þrong,
Do holy cherche, ne pore man, wrong.
what sey ȝe men of ladyys pryde
Þat gonë traylyng ouer syde:
Ȝyf a lady were ryghtly shreue,
Better hyt were yn almës ȝeue;
To soulë helpe hyt myȝt do bote,
Þat trayleþ lowe vndyr þe fote.
wymples, kerchyues, saffrund betyde;
Ȝelugh vnder ȝelugh þey hyde;
Þan wete men neuer, wheþer ys wheþer,
þe ȝelugh wymple or þe leþer.
Þat gonë traylyng ouer syde:
Ȝyf a lady were ryghtly shreue,
Better hyt were yn almës ȝeue;
To soulë helpe hyt myȝt do bote,
Þat trayleþ lowe vndyr þe fote.
wymples, kerchyues, saffrund betyde;
Ȝelugh vnder ȝelugh þey hyde;
Þan wete men neuer, wheþer ys wheþer,
þe ȝelugh wymple or þe leþer.
wymmen þat go fro strete to strete,
One or ouþer for to mete,
Of prydë comþ swychë desyre,
For þey haue on hem feyre atyre:
But she wul to þe prest þat telle,
She may þerforë go to helle;
For yn as moche þat she douþ men synne,
yn so moche shal she haue plyght ynne.
One or ouþer for to mete,
Of prydë comþ swychë desyre,
120
But she wul to þe prest þat telle,
She may þerforë go to helle;
For yn as moche þat she douþ men synne,
yn so moche shal she haue plyght ynne.
And, wymmen, y seye of þo
Þat borwe cloþes yn carol to go;
Þat porë prydë, god hyt loþes,
Þat make hem proude of ouþer mennys cloþys.
Þat borwe cloþes yn carol to go;
Þat porë prydë, god hyt loþes,
Þat make hem proude of ouþer mennys cloþys.
Ȝyf þou hast spokë wurdys of pryde,
And lettyst ouþer men any tyde
Of here bedys and of here fastyng,
Or of any ouþer holy þyng,
Or of any ouþer godë dede,
to telle hyt þe prest, behoueþ þe nede.
And lettyst ouþer men any tyde
Of here bedys and of here fastyng,
Or of any ouþer holy þyng,
Or of any ouþer godë dede,
to telle hyt þe prest, behoueþ þe nede.
Ȝyf þou euer lettë began
Þat was wurshep to god or man,
As yn cherche to synge or rede,
Or of sum oþer holy dede;
Or also for boste or for pryde,
with prest or with clerk to chyde,
Þurgh þat pryde þou fallyst yn synne,
And cursednes þerwith to wynne.
Þat was wurshep to god or man,
As yn cherche to synge or rede,
Or of sum oþer holy dede;
Or also for boste or for pryde,
with prest or with clerk to chyde,
Þurgh þat pryde þou fallyst yn synne,
And cursednes þerwith to wynne.
Also þat clerk ys moche to blame
Þat letteþ to shaue hys krowne for shame;
Y rede þat he yn tyme hyt shaue,
For he wote neuer what nede he shal þerto haue.
Þat letteþ to shaue hys krowne for shame;
Y rede þat he yn tyme hyt shaue,
For he wote neuer what nede he shal þerto haue.
Ȝyf þou yn ernest, or yn game,
yn scornë blessedyst Goddys name;
Or ȝyf þou were so wundyrly proude
Þat þou mysseydyst God al aloude,
For any chaunce þat may betyde
Skorne nat God, ne wyþ hym chyde:
Morë pryde, no morë synne,
Þan skornë god, mayst þou falle ynne.
yn scornë blessedyst Goddys name;
Or ȝyf þou were so wundyrly proude
Þat þou mysseydyst God al aloude,
For any chaunce þat may betyde
Skorne nat God, ne wyþ hym chyde:
121
Þan skornë god, mayst þou falle ynne.
Ȝyf þou grucchedest, and seydyst noght,
But to God haddyst euyl þoght,
wete þou wel, hyt ys grete pryde,
Grucchyng with God, or for to chyde.
But to God haddyst euyl þoght,
wete þou wel, hyt ys grete pryde,
Grucchyng with God, or for to chyde.
Ȝyf a man haue mysdo or seyde,
And men hym blame for þat mysbreyde,
Ȝyf he susteynë hys mysdede,
And hys mysawe wyl nat drede,
Þat cumþ of mysprout herte and hy
Þat wyl nat knowe hys owne foly.
Of al folyys þat beryn name,
Þys foly ys moste for to blame;
who-so-euer to þys ys custummable,
hys amendment may neuer be stable.
And men hym blame for þat mysbreyde,
Ȝyf he susteynë hys mysdede,
And hys mysawe wyl nat drede,
Þat cumþ of mysprout herte and hy
Þat wyl nat knowe hys owne foly.
Of al folyys þat beryn name,
Þys foly ys moste for to blame;
who-so-euer to þys ys custummable,
hys amendment may neuer be stable.
what sey men of þese loseniours
Þat haue here wurdys feyre as flours?
Now ys þe flourë whyte and rede,
And now hyt ys boþe drye and dede.
Þe losenioure spekþ now þy pay,
And behynde þy bak hyt ys away.
þere one haþ smylyng semelaunt
And behetyþ þe to holde cunnaunt,
kepe þe þan fro losengrye,
For feyre spekyng man kan weyl lye.
who-so-euer ys custummable to banne
For prydë, sum tymë or whanne,
Þe apostyl seyþ þat he may noght
Vn-to þe blysse of heuene be broght.
Þat haue here wurdys feyre as flours?
Now ys þe flourë whyte and rede,
And now hyt ys boþe drye and dede.
Þe losenioure spekþ now þy pay,
And behynde þy bak hyt ys away.
þere one haþ smylyng semelaunt
And behetyþ þe to holde cunnaunt,
kepe þe þan fro losengrye,
For feyre spekyng man kan weyl lye.
who-so-euer ys custummable to banne
For prydë, sum tymë or whanne,
Þe apostyl seyþ þat he may noght
Vn-to þe blysse of heuene be broght.
A-noþer spyce hyt ys of pryde,
who so haunteþ for to chyde.
For holy cherche forbedeþ þe
To chyde wyþ any of þy meynë.
Teche hym ferst, yn feyre manere;
And ȝyf he wyl nat with feyre lere,
Þan mayst þou speke stoutly to hym,
with-outë wraþþe, wurdys ful grym,
Þat he be chasted at þy fre wylle,
But þat þou bere yn herte none ylle.
Chydyng cumþ of hertë hy,
And gretë pryde, and vylany.
who so haunteþ for to chyde.
For holy cherche forbedeþ þe
To chyde wyþ any of þy meynë.
Teche hym ferst, yn feyre manere;
122
Þan mayst þou speke stoutly to hym,
with-outë wraþþe, wurdys ful grym,
Þat he be chasted at þy fre wylle,
But þat þou bere yn herte none ylle.
Chydyng cumþ of hertë hy,
And gretë pryde, and vylany.
A-nouþer spyce þer ys þat moche deres,
Þat ys, þese cursed bakbyteres.
Of al men, þey do most euyl,
here lorefadyr ys þe deuyl.
Þe fende vs bewreyeþ of oure synne
whan he haþ made vs fal þer-ynne.
So are þese bakbyters wunne,
Þey seye þe werst þat þey kunne;
Euer behynde a mannys bak,
with euyl þey fynde hym to lak.
Swyche men god almyȝty hatys
And with here foulë synne hym wlatys.
Seynt Austyn spekyþ of swyche þynges
yn a bokë of lesyngys.
No custummable bakbytyng
God forȝeueþ, ne no lesyng,
Þat þou þarfore shalt algate drye
Sum manere peyne for euery lye;
As þe lesyng ys lesse or more,
Shalt þou suffre peyne þar-fore.
And þat may weyl preuyd be
with a tale of an autoryte,
Þat mochë peynë shal he bere
wyþ-outë ende, þe bakbytere;
And y shal tellë ȝou a lyte
Of one þat coude hys felaus byte.
Þat ys, þese cursed bakbyteres.
Of al men, þey do most euyl,
here lorefadyr ys þe deuyl.
Þe fende vs bewreyeþ of oure synne
whan he haþ made vs fal þer-ynne.
So are þese bakbyters wunne,
Þey seye þe werst þat þey kunne;
Euer behynde a mannys bak,
with euyl þey fynde hym to lak.
Swyche men god almyȝty hatys
And with here foulë synne hym wlatys.
Seynt Austyn spekyþ of swyche þynges
yn a bokë of lesyngys.
No custummable bakbytyng
God forȝeueþ, ne no lesyng,
Þat þou þarfore shalt algate drye
Sum manere peyne for euery lye;
As þe lesyng ys lesse or more,
Shalt þou suffre peyne þar-fore.
And þat may weyl preuyd be
with a tale of an autoryte,
Þat mochë peynë shal he bere
wyþ-outë ende, þe bakbytere;
And y shal tellë ȝou a lyte
Of one þat coude hys felaus byte.
123
[The Tale of the backbiting English Monk.]
þer was a man of relygyun,
þat yn þys he was a felun,
Yn bakbytyng, as ȝe han herde,
As many one are now yn þys werlde.
He was wunt to seye wykked sawes
Behynde þe bak of hys felaws;
For he wulde be holde þe beste
Of all hys breþer, and þe wylyeste.
A syknes toke þys munke, and deyde,
As God had of hym purueyde,
And went yn-to peynë hard,
As was shewed aftyrward.
Befel þe tyme, as hyt ys ryȝt,
Munkës to rysë at mydnyȝt;
And when matynes were al done,
Þe couent ȝede to beddë sone.
A munkë lefte be-hynde a throwe,
Þat þe dede was wunt to knowe;
whan þys munke come before þe chapytyl,
As ordyr askyþ, he louted a lytyl;
And as he louted, hys ye gan blenche,
And say one sytte before þe benche,
A foulë þyng, and a grysly,
he sagh neuer none so loþly;
he shette hys tunge before þe grecys,
And gnogh hyt ynwarde al to pecys.
hys tunge was brennynge þat he so gnogh,
yn-to hys mouþe aȝen he hyt drogh;
And eft, oute he dede hyt shete,
And gnogh hyt eft with peynës grete.
Many tymes þan dede he so;
Þys munke stode and loked þarto,
And had þerof so mochë drede
Þat he wende hauë go to wede.
As he stode so sore a glyfte,
Hys ryȝt hand vp he lyfte
And blessede hym-self stedfastly;
And seþþen, he wax more hardy,
And þoght, ‘þys ys sum pryuyte
Þat God almyȝty sheweþ to me.’
hastyly þer-to he ȝede,
And hadde þer-of no morë drede;
And seyd, “best, y cóniure þe,
Yn God þat ys persónës thre,
Þat þou me telle why þou syttest here,
Yn swych forme, and yn swych manere.”
þat yn þys he was a felun,
Yn bakbytyng, as ȝe han herde,
As many one are now yn þys werlde.
He was wunt to seye wykked sawes
Behynde þe bak of hys felaws;
For he wulde be holde þe beste
Of all hys breþer, and þe wylyeste.
A syknes toke þys munke, and deyde,
As God had of hym purueyde,
And went yn-to peynë hard,
As was shewed aftyrward.
Befel þe tyme, as hyt ys ryȝt,
Munkës to rysë at mydnyȝt;
And when matynes were al done,
Þe couent ȝede to beddë sone.
A munkë lefte be-hynde a throwe,
Þat þe dede was wunt to knowe;
whan þys munke come before þe chapytyl,
As ordyr askyþ, he louted a lytyl;
And as he louted, hys ye gan blenche,
And say one sytte before þe benche,
A foulë þyng, and a grysly,
he sagh neuer none so loþly;
he shette hys tunge before þe grecys,
And gnogh hyt ynwarde al to pecys.
hys tunge was brennynge þat he so gnogh,
yn-to hys mouþe aȝen he hyt drogh;
And eft, oute he dede hyt shete,
And gnogh hyt eft with peynës grete.
Many tymes þan dede he so;
124
And had þerof so mochë drede
Þat he wende hauë go to wede.
As he stode so sore a glyfte,
Hys ryȝt hand vp he lyfte
And blessede hym-self stedfastly;
And seþþen, he wax more hardy,
And þoght, ‘þys ys sum pryuyte
Þat God almyȝty sheweþ to me.’
hastyly þer-to he ȝede,
And hadde þer-of no morë drede;
And seyd, “best, y cóniure þe,
Yn God þat ys persónës thre,
Þat þou me telle why þou syttest here,
Yn swych forme, and yn swych manere.”
To answere, he ne myȝt wyþ-drawe,
“y was a munke, þyn owne felawe,
Þat suffre all þys peyne and shame;
Hyt am y,”—and tolde hys name,—
“y was a wykked bakbytere,
Euyl wurdys aboute for to bere;
Of my felaws, wykkedly to seye
Al þat euer y myȝt bewreye;
And mystrowyng was y ay
Of my felaws boþe nyȝt and day.
Þe wykked wurdys þat y haue seyd,
wykkedly are þey on me leyde;
Y shal abeye hem ful dere
with peynës strong, as ȝe se here.”
he wente, an was no more sene;
Dampned he was, as y wene.
“y was a munke, þyn owne felawe,
Þat suffre all þys peyne and shame;
Hyt am y,”—and tolde hys name,—
“y was a wykked bakbytere,
Euyl wurdys aboute for to bere;
Of my felaws, wykkedly to seye
Al þat euer y myȝt bewreye;
And mystrowyng was y ay
Of my felaws boþe nyȝt and day.
Þe wykked wurdys þat y haue seyd,
wykkedly are þey on me leyde;
Y shal abeye hem ful dere
with peynës strong, as ȝe se here.”
he wente, an was no more sene;
Dampned he was, as y wene.
þys tale y wote and vndyrstand
where hyt fyl, yn Yngland,
At a ful namecouthe abbey
Þat y ne wyl telle, ne bewrey.
Swych peyne ys for hem dyȝt
Þat kunne nat kepe here tungë ryȝt.
yn þe byble men mow se,
yn a boke of pryuyte,
Apocalyps þese clerkys wote,
Seynt Ioun þe euangylyst hyt wrote;
Oure lordë seyþ þat þey shal ete
here tunges in peynes, and al to-frete,
Þese lyers and þese bakbyters;
Þe talë, of þys, wytnes berys.
where hyt fyl, yn Yngland,
At a ful namecouthe abbey
Þat y ne wyl telle, ne bewrey.
125
Þat kunne nat kepe here tungë ryȝt.
yn þe byble men mow se,
yn a boke of pryuyte,
Apocalyps þese clerkys wote,
Seynt Ioun þe euangylyst hyt wrote;
Oure lordë seyþ þat þey shal ete
here tunges in peynes, and al to-frete,
Þese lyers and þese bakbyters;
Þe talë, of þys, wytnes berys.
Of þys synne, y rede we vs shryue,
And take oure penaunce by oure lyue;
For but we yn þys so do,
harder peyne shul we go to.
with what lyme þon dost most synne,
yn þat shalt þou have most pyne ynne.
And take oure penaunce by oure lyue;
For but we yn þys so do,
harder peyne shul we go to.
with what lyme þon dost most synne,
yn þat shalt þou have most pyne ynne.
ȝyf þou euer wyþ bakbytyng
ȝaue cunsel to wykked þyng,
Þat ys a wundyr grete foly;
Hyt may be prydë with enuye;
who-so-euer haunteþ þat yche dede,
Hym shal fayle cunsel at hys nede.
And swyche are preued with resun,
wykked treytours ful of tresun.
ȝyue gode cunsel, ȝyf þat þou kan,
And auowe hyt, byfore god and man.
ȝaue cunsel to wykked þyng,
Þat ys a wundyr grete foly;
Hyt may be prydë with enuye;
who-so-euer haunteþ þat yche dede,
Hym shal fayle cunsel at hys nede.
And swyche are preued with resun,
wykked treytours ful of tresun.
ȝyue gode cunsel, ȝyf þat þou kan,
And auowe hyt, byfore god and man.
Pryde haþ ȝyt anoþer tresun,
And a vnkyndhede as a felun;
Þat now ys vnneþë none
Þat yn þat synne ne ys mys gone.
Ȝyf any shewe to oþer a pryuyte
Þat for cunseyl oght to be,
ȝyf he þat cunseyl fyrþer fame,
Þat þerof cumþ boþe synne and shame,
Y kan nat se, as yn þys kas,
How hé may ámende þys trespas;
And specyaly to a preste
Cunsel of shryfte sperd yn hys breste,
He ne oght for to telle
For lyfe ne deþ, what so euer befelle.
Shryfte ys goddys pryuyte
Þat euer for cunsel oght to be.
Ȝyf a synnë neuer so grym,
To a prest, yn shryfte, were shewede hym;
Þogh men aforced hym for drede,
To sey þat, ‘þat man dyd þat dede’
Seþþen he had hys penaunce take,
And yn shryfte hys synne forsake,
He shuld raþer swere on þe halydam
‘Nay!’ or he tolde hyt any man,
Ȝyf he ne myȝt with noun answere
Or ouþer manere hym seluen were.
Þe prest þat telleþ goddys cunsel,
he shal se hyt wroþer yn helle;
Yn erþe hys tunge oght to be oute drawe,
And yn helle be al to-gnawe.
And a vnkyndhede as a felun;
Þat now ys vnneþë none
Þat yn þat synne ne ys mys gone.
Ȝyf any shewe to oþer a pryuyte
Þat for cunseyl oght to be,
ȝyf he þat cunseyl fyrþer fame,
Þat þerof cumþ boþe synne and shame,
Y kan nat se, as yn þys kas,
How hé may ámende þys trespas;
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Cunsel of shryfte sperd yn hys breste,
He ne oght for to telle
For lyfe ne deþ, what so euer befelle.
Shryfte ys goddys pryuyte
Þat euer for cunsel oght to be.
Ȝyf a synnë neuer so grym,
To a prest, yn shryfte, were shewede hym;
Þogh men aforced hym for drede,
To sey þat, ‘þat man dyd þat dede’
Seþþen he had hys penaunce take,
And yn shryfte hys synne forsake,
He shuld raþer swere on þe halydam
‘Nay!’ or he tolde hyt any man,
Ȝyf he ne myȝt with noun answere
Or ouþer manere hym seluen were.
Þe prest þat telleþ goddys cunsel,
he shal se hyt wroþer yn helle;
Yn erþe hys tunge oght to be oute drawe,
And yn helle be al to-gnawe.
hyt ys also grete pryde and herte hy,
To speke foule wurdys yn rybaudy;
Seynt Poule seyþ, vs to chastyse,
‘kepyþ ȝoure tungës on al wyse,
And spekeþ no fylþe oute of skore,
Þat noun ouþer synne þarfore.’
To speke foule wurdys yn rybaudy;
Seynt Poule seyþ, vs to chastyse,
‘kepyþ ȝoure tungës on al wyse,
And spekeþ no fylþe oute of skore,
Þat noun ouþer synne þarfore.’
Ȝyf þou any man manasse
Þurgh force or power þat þou hasse,
Hyt ys grete pryde, y ȝeue þe a ȝyfte;
Þenkë þer-on, yn þy shryfte.
Þurgh force or power þat þou hasse,
Hyt ys grete pryde, y ȝeue þe a ȝyfte;
Þenkë þer-on, yn þy shryfte.
ȝyf þou euer ȝaue iogolours of þy þyng
For to be yn here preysyng,
Or þou madyst wrastlyng yn place
Þat nonë were to þy pygace,—
Alle ys pryde and vanyte;
Of al behoueþ þe shryuë be.
No prydë ne may be stole,
No yn shryftë be forhole;
For ȝyf hyt be forholë here
Yn oþer stede þou shalt abye hyt dere.
For to be yn here preysyng,
Or þou madyst wrastlyng yn place
Þat nonë were to þy pygace,—
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Of al behoueþ þe shryuë be.
No prydë ne may be stole,
No yn shryftë be forhole;
For ȝyf hyt be forholë here
Yn oþer stede þou shalt abye hyt dere.
Now of pryde shul we leue and dwelle,
And furþer of oþer synnys telle;
Þogh y þer-of spake euere and oo,
Ȝyt myȝt menne telle of many mo;
For of pryde ys þe bygynnyng
Of al manere wykked þyng:
God shelde vs þer-yn to falle,
And haue mercy on vs alle!
And furþer of oþer synnys telle;
Þogh y þer-of spake euere and oo,
Ȝyt myȝt menne telle of many mo;
For of pryde ys þe bygynnyng
Of al manere wykked þyng:
God shelde vs þer-yn to falle,
And haue mercy on vs alle!
[Of Anger, the 2nd Deadly Sin.]
The touþer synne men callë yre,
Þe deuylys doghtyr of hellë fyre.
Ȝyf þou art so wundyr wroþe
with one þat to þe ys dedly loþe,
Ȝyf þou nat sone repentë þe
To helle þou fallest þe fyrst gre.
Þe deuylys doghtyr of hellë fyre.
Ȝyf þou art so wundyr wroþe
with one þat to þe ys dedly loþe,
Ȝyf þou nat sone repentë þe
To helle þou fallest þe fyrst gre.
Þe man wraþþyþ hym lyghtly,
For lytyl, as yn malyncoly,
Þat synnë ne ys ryght gref
Þat sone ys wroþe, and lyghtly lef.
Noþeles, hyt were weyl to done,
wysman shulde nat wraþ hym sone.
For lytyl, as yn malyncoly,
Þat synnë ne ys ryght gref
Þat sone ys wroþe, and lyghtly lef.
Noþeles, hyt were weyl to done,
wysman shulde nat wraþ hym sone.
ȝyf þer be oþer lorde or syre
þat wraþþyth hym with gretë yre,
And euermore yn strenkþe
Þat wraþþë drawe yn lenþe,
Þat ychë wraþþe ys synnë strong
Þat lastyþ yn any man so long.
þat wraþþyth hym with gretë yre,
And euermore yn strenkþe
Þat wraþþë drawe yn lenþe,
Þat ychë wraþþe ys synnë strong
Þat lastyþ yn any man so long.
Ȝyf þou for wraþþe madyst chydyng,
Or repreuedyst a man of vyle þyng,
Yre haþ kast þe yn þys kas
Anoþer grece to hellë pas.
Or repreuedyst a man of vyle þyng,
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Anoþer grece to hellë pas.
Ȝyf þou for yre bygynne wykkednes
Þat no man may lette þe, ne stres,
Þat yche yre ys wyþ pryde,
Ȝyf þou for wraþþe wylt nat abyde.
Þat no man may lette þe, ne stres,
Þat yche yre ys wyþ pryde,
Ȝyf þou for wraþþe wylt nat abyde.
Ȝyf þou yn yre a man hate,
And þat wraþþë wylt nat late,
Greuusly þou art yn synne,
But þou forȝeue, and þer-of blynne.
Þe holy man seyþ hardly,
Þat þou hast slayn hym gostly.
And þat wraþþë wylt nat late,
Greuusly þou art yn synne,
But þou forȝeue, and þer-of blynne.
Þe holy man seyþ hardly,
Þat þou hast slayn hym gostly.
Ȝyf þy wraþþe þou wylt not blynne,
But bryngest anoþer to þy synne,
Þou shalt haue chargë of þo boþe,
For þurgh ȝoure wraþþe are oþer wroþe;
For þy defaute þan synneþ he,
Þe morë perel þyn shal be.
But bryngest anoþer to þy synne,
Þou shalt haue chargë of þo boþe,
For þurgh ȝoure wraþþe are oþer wroþe;
For þy defaute þan synneþ he,
Þe morë perel þyn shal be.
Ȝyf þou ȝaue euer cunsel or rede
For yre, þat a man were dede;
Or ȝyf þou yn any strut,
For Ire wundedyst a man, or hurt,
yn þys synnë ys outrage,
To helle þou makyst þy vyage.
Þus þan wrote þe holy man
At wham þys wurdë lerne y gan.
For yre, þat a man were dede;
Or ȝyf þou yn any strut,
For Ire wundedyst a man, or hurt,
yn þys synnë ys outrage,
To helle þou makyst þy vyage.
Þus þan wrote þe holy man
At wham þys wurdë lerne y gan.
Ȝyf þou for yre a man slogh
Þat myghtyst haue lefte weyl ynogh,—
Þat hyt was nat þe defendyng,
But for wraþþe and yre brennyng,—
Al þat euer God shope to be
Shal come and fyȝt aȝens þe
At þe day of iugëment,
And aȝens alle þou shalt be shent.
Þat myghtyst haue lefte weyl ynogh,—
Þat hyt was nat þe defendyng,
But for wraþþe and yre brennyng,—
Al þat euer God shope to be
Shal come and fyȝt aȝens þe
At þe day of iugëment,
And aȝens alle þou shalt be shent.
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Ȝyf þou art wunt custummably
For to curse for lytyl why,
Þy tunge bereþ þerof wytnesse
Þat men nowe weyl wraþ yn þe gesse.
For to curse for lytyl why,
Þy tunge bereþ þerof wytnesse
Þat men nowe weyl wraþ yn þe gesse.
Ȝyf a man curse as yn game,
And yn hys herte wyl hym no shame,
he ne synneþ nat þan dedly,
For hyt ys seyd al yn rybaudy.
Þys synne ys nat dampnable
But hyt be seyd custummable.
And yn hys herte wyl hym no shame,
he ne synneþ nat þan dedly,
For hyt ys seyd al yn rybaudy.
Þys synne ys nat dampnable
But hyt be seyd custummable.
Þou shal vndyrstand and wete,
with resun, mayst þou þe wraþþe and flyte
Aȝens vyleynye and synne,
ȝyf þou ne mayst do oþer bote þerynne;
wraþþe þe with mannys vyleynye,
But nat with his gode ne hys body.
with resun, mayst þou þe wraþþe and flyte
Aȝens vyleynye and synne,
ȝyf þou ne mayst do oþer bote þerynne;
wraþþe þe with mannys vyleynye,
But nat with his gode ne hys body.
Þat God loueþ, þou shalt loue,
here yn erþe, and yn heuene aboue.
Þat God neuer louyd, þou shalt hate,
wraþþe, and oþer synne foolate.
God louyþ euery creäture
Þat he formed to hys fygure;
But þe synnë þat ys wroght,
Þat loued he neuer noght.
Loue euery man yn hys gode dede;
hys wykkednes shalt þou hate & drede.
here yn erþe, and yn heuene aboue.
Þat God neuer louyd, þou shalt hate,
wraþþe, and oþer synne foolate.
God louyþ euery creäture
Þat he formed to hys fygure;
But þe synnë þat ys wroght,
Þat loued he neuer noght.
Loue euery man yn hys gode dede;
hys wykkednes shalt þou hate & drede.
þou mayst spekë wurdys smerte
Þogh wraþþë be nat yn þyn herte;
Þou mayst be wroþe, sum body to chastyse,
Þogh hate nat yn þy hertë ryse;
And ȝyf þou hate and sone forȝyuyst,
with God hymself þan þou lyuyst;
For God loueþ no þyng more specyaly
Þan for hys loue to haue mercy.
For he commaundeþ yn þe gospel
Þat man shuld forȝeue wraþ eche del,
And seyþ “blessyd be al mercyable!
Þey shul se God, and haue hym stable.”
And þat shal y shewe ȝow by a knyȝt
Þat loued more mercy þan myȝt.
Þogh wraþþë be nat yn þyn herte;
Þou mayst be wroþe, sum body to chastyse,
Þogh hate nat yn þy hertë ryse;
And ȝyf þou hate and sone forȝyuyst,
with God hymself þan þou lyuyst;
For God loueþ no þyng more specyaly
Þan for hys loue to haue mercy.
For he commaundeþ yn þe gospel
Þat man shuld forȝeue wraþ eche del,
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Þey shul se God, and haue hym stable.”
And þat shal y shewe ȝow by a knyȝt
Þat loued more mercy þan myȝt.
[The Tale of the Merciful Knight, and how the Crucifix kist him.]
Betwyxe twey knyȝtes be-ȝunde þe see
Fyl a grete cuntek to be;
Betwyxe hem fyl swyche wraþ & wo
Þat þe toon weyted þe toþer to slo:
Þey mette to-gedyr, y ne wote how;
Algate þe toon þe toþer slow.
Þys ychë slayn knyȝt had a chylde,
A doghty bachelere, and a wylde;
þys ychë chylde toke hym to rede
For to venge hys fadrys ded;
He gate hym grete powere and myȝt
And beseged þe toþer knyȝt.
Þe toþer knyȝt perseyued hym wel,
And drogh hym to hys best castel.
Þo was he beseged so streytly,
Þat he durst come oute on no party
Of alle þe twelue monþe with no deseyt,
So was he beseged streyte;
Messe ne matyns he ne herde
Ne nagher to þe cherge he ferde;
And hyt was yn þe lentyn tyde,
when men shuld leuë wraþ & pryde.
Þan fyl hyt on þe gode fryday,
Þe knyȝt þat yn þe castel lay
loked oute, and say men go
To þe cherchë, to and fro;
Barfote to þe cherche þey ȝede,
To aske mercy for here mysdede.
“Ey,” þoght þe knyȝt, “long ys gone,
Þat messe at þe cherchë herd y none.
what so euer God wyl for me werche,
y wyl ryse, and go to þe cherche.”
He drogh of hys hosyn and hys shone,
And ded þe ȝatys be on-done.
Barfote his ȝede, as ys þe acyse,
To cherche, for to herë Goddys seruyse.
And as he þe wey to þe cherchë name,
Þe chylde, hys enmye, aȝens hym came,
And seyd, “treytur, now shalt þou deye,
And my fadyr deþ ful dere a-beye;
No wurldës gode ne shal þe saue,
Þat þou þe deþ of me shalt haue.”
Þe knyȝt say nonë ouþer bote,
But fel on knees byfore hys fote,
And seyd, “haue on me mercy
For hym þat lyȝt yn þe vyrgyne mary,
And suffred deþ on þe rodë tre
Þys day, to saue boþe þe and me,
And forȝaue hem þat hys blode spylte;
Ryght so forȝyue þou me my gylte;
y am as a presun here yn þys place,
y putte me now alle yn þy grace;
Þat goddys grace be on þe lent
At þe day of Iugëment!”
Þys chylde, þat was hys enmye,
herde hym prey so rufully,
And seyd, “syn þou hast me besoght
For Ihesu loue þat dere vs boght,
And for hys modyr loue so dere,
For hem y graunte þe my pes here.”
Þys ychë chylde down swyþe alyghte,
And yn gode louë kest þe knyȝt;
“Now are we frendys, þat ere were wroþe,
Go we nowe to þe cherchë boþe,
yn gode loue, and parfyte charyte,
For hys sake þat ordeyned pes to be.”
Fyl a grete cuntek to be;
Betwyxe hem fyl swyche wraþ & wo
Þat þe toon weyted þe toþer to slo:
Þey mette to-gedyr, y ne wote how;
Algate þe toon þe toþer slow.
Þys ychë slayn knyȝt had a chylde,
A doghty bachelere, and a wylde;
þys ychë chylde toke hym to rede
For to venge hys fadrys ded;
He gate hym grete powere and myȝt
And beseged þe toþer knyȝt.
Þe toþer knyȝt perseyued hym wel,
And drogh hym to hys best castel.
Þo was he beseged so streytly,
Þat he durst come oute on no party
Of alle þe twelue monþe with no deseyt,
So was he beseged streyte;
Messe ne matyns he ne herde
Ne nagher to þe cherge he ferde;
And hyt was yn þe lentyn tyde,
when men shuld leuë wraþ & pryde.
Þan fyl hyt on þe gode fryday,
Þe knyȝt þat yn þe castel lay
loked oute, and say men go
To þe cherchë, to and fro;
Barfote to þe cherche þey ȝede,
To aske mercy for here mysdede.
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Þat messe at þe cherchë herd y none.
what so euer God wyl for me werche,
y wyl ryse, and go to þe cherche.”
He drogh of hys hosyn and hys shone,
And ded þe ȝatys be on-done.
Barfote his ȝede, as ys þe acyse,
To cherche, for to herë Goddys seruyse.
And as he þe wey to þe cherchë name,
Þe chylde, hys enmye, aȝens hym came,
And seyd, “treytur, now shalt þou deye,
And my fadyr deþ ful dere a-beye;
No wurldës gode ne shal þe saue,
Þat þou þe deþ of me shalt haue.”
Þe knyȝt say nonë ouþer bote,
But fel on knees byfore hys fote,
And seyd, “haue on me mercy
For hym þat lyȝt yn þe vyrgyne mary,
And suffred deþ on þe rodë tre
Þys day, to saue boþe þe and me,
And forȝaue hem þat hys blode spylte;
Ryght so forȝyue þou me my gylte;
y am as a presun here yn þys place,
y putte me now alle yn þy grace;
Þat goddys grace be on þe lent
At þe day of Iugëment!”
Þys chylde, þat was hys enmye,
herde hym prey so rufully,
And seyd, “syn þou hast me besoght
For Ihesu loue þat dere vs boght,
And for hys modyr loue so dere,
For hem y graunte þe my pes here.”
Þys ychë chylde down swyþe alyghte,
And yn gode louë kest þe knyȝt;
“Now are we frendys, þat ere were wroþe,
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yn gode loue, and parfyte charyte,
For hys sake þat ordeyned pes to be.”
Þe knyȝt was glad, and no ferly,
And so were al þat cumpanye,
Þat he forȝaue hym hys mysdede,
And to þe cherchë boþe þey ȝede.
Byfore þe cros þ[e]y knelyd downe
yn þe wurschyp of Ihesu passyowne,
For to kesse þe cros þat day,
As custume ys yn crystyn lay.
Þe elder knyȝt, for honoure,
Ȝede fyrst, and kyst hys creäture;
Aftyr þan, ȝedë þe chylde,
Þat was becomë meke and mylde;
wyþ þe tokene he gan hym blesse,
And kneled down, þe cros to kesse.
Þe crucyfyx, þat þere was leyd,
hys armës fro þe cros vpbreyd,
And clepd þe chyldë hym betwyx,
And aftyrward kyst hym, þat crucyfyx.
And so were al þat cumpanye,
Þat he forȝaue hym hys mysdede,
And to þe cherchë boþe þey ȝede.
Byfore þe cros þ[e]y knelyd downe
yn þe wurschyp of Ihesu passyowne,
For to kesse þe cros þat day,
As custume ys yn crystyn lay.
Þe elder knyȝt, for honoure,
Ȝede fyrst, and kyst hys creäture;
Aftyr þan, ȝedë þe chylde,
Þat was becomë meke and mylde;
wyþ þe tokene he gan hym blesse,
And kneled down, þe cros to kesse.
Þe crucyfyx, þat þere was leyd,
hys armës fro þe cros vpbreyd,
And clepd þe chyldë hym betwyx,
And aftyrward kyst hym, þat crucyfyx.
Alle þe parshe, boþe olde and ȝonge,
Parseyued, and say, þat clyppynge,
And how þe crucyfyx hym kyste;
Þey sagh hyt alle, and weyl hyt wyste.
Alle þey þanked swete Ihesu
Parseyued, and say, þat clyppynge,
And how þe crucyfyx hym kyste;
Þey sagh hyt alle, and weyl hyt wyste.
Alle þey þanked swete Ihesu
Of þat myrácle and þat vertu.
Of þys chylde was grete selkouþe
Þat þe crycyfyx kyst wyþ mouthe.
Noþeles, forsoþe and ywys,
Y trowe þat yn hys herte were moche blys;
And al þe folke þat sagh þys þyng
Made to God grete þankyng.
Of þys chylde was grete selkouþe
Þat þe crycyfyx kyst wyþ mouthe.
Noþeles, forsoþe and ywys,
Y trowe þat yn hys herte were moche blys;
And al þe folke þat sagh þys þyng
Made to God grete þankyng.
Of þese twey knyȝtës, how hyt betyd,
Þe myracle was sone oueral kyd;
And euery man þerof gan telle,
Prestys þerof yn prechyng gun spelle,
So þat euery man yn þat cuntre
lyued wel þe more yn charyte,
And allë men þe sunner forȝaue
Here wraþþe þat þey to ouþer dyd haue.
Þe myracle was sone oueral kyd;
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Prestys þerof yn prechyng gun spelle,
So þat euery man yn þat cuntre
lyued wel þe more yn charyte,
And allë men þe sunner forȝaue
Here wraþþe þat þey to ouþer dyd haue.
Sekyr þou be þat he was dygne,
Þat god shewed for hym swyche a sygne;
A sygne hyt was of gretë loue
That God almyȝty, of heuene aboue,
Profrede hym to kesse so louely,
For he meked hys herte so hy.
Þat god shewed for hym swyche a sygne;
A sygne hyt was of gretë loue
That God almyȝty, of heuene aboue,
Profrede hym to kesse so louely,
For he meked hys herte so hy.
Now mowe ȝe se þat God loueþ hem dere
Þat forȝyuen here wraþ in þys wrlde here.
So shal hys wraþ on hem be sene
Þat here wyl nat forȝeue here tene.
Þat forȝyuen here wraþ in þys wrlde here.
So shal hys wraþ on hem be sene
Þat here wyl nat forȝeue here tene.
Of Ire and wraþ, wul we now blynne,
And telle furþer of a-noþer synne
God ȝyue vs grace, so wraþþe forȝyue
Þat we may alle wyþ Ihesu lyue.
And telle furþer of a-noþer synne
God ȝyue vs grace, so wraþþe forȝyue
Þat we may alle wyþ Ihesu lyue.
[Of Envy, the 3rd Deadly Sin.]
T[h]e þryd[ë] synnë ys enuye,
Þat ys ful of felunnye;
Holy wryt wytnessyþ hyt wel,
Þat hyt comþ of þe fende eche del.
Þe man þat ys ful of enuye,
He ys euer sorowful, we se with ye;
Þe gode þat he seþ, alle doþ hym euyl.
And alle ys þe tycement of þe deuyl.
Þat ys ful of felunnye;
Holy wryt wytnessyþ hyt wel,
Þat hyt comþ of þe fende eche del.
Þe man þat ys ful of enuye,
He ys euer sorowful, we se with ye;
Þe gode þat he seþ, alle doþ hym euyl.
And alle ys þe tycement of þe deuyl.
Loke now þarfore, at þe bygynnyng,
ȝyf þou were euer payde of myschaunceful þyng
Þat befyl to any man,
Of grete enuye hyt fyrst began.
ȝyf þou were euer payde of myschaunceful þyng
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Of grete enuye hyt fyrst began.
Ȝyf þou euer haddyst sorow oþer kare
Of þy neghëburs welfare,
Enuye haþ þe yn hys hand
Boundë wyþ þe deuylys band.
Of þy neghëburs welfare,
Enuye haþ þe yn hys hand
Boundë wyþ þe deuylys band.
Ȝyf þou forþenke a mannys prowe,
Þat he haþ hegher state þan þow
Yn any manere of dygnyte,
Þat he may to, auaunssede be;
Þogh þou come nat to hys state,
But wust apeyre hyt and abate,
Þat he may nat haue hys baylè,
Dedly synne ys swyche enuye.
Þat he haþ hegher state þan þow
Yn any manere of dygnyte,
Þat he may to, auaunssede be;
Þogh þou come nat to hys state,
But wust apeyre hyt and abate,
Þat he may nat haue hys baylè,
Dedly synne ys swyche enuye.
Ȝyf þou make one so hard stresse
Þat hys godnesse wexe þe lesse,
Or ȝyf þou euer yn placë were
Þat hys harme þe morë were,
Shryue þe wel ar þou deye,
For al þys cumþ of grete enuye.
Þat hys godnesse wexe þe lesse,
Or ȝyf þou euer yn placë were
Þat hys harme þe morë were,
Shryue þe wel ar þou deye,
For al þys cumþ of grete enuye.
Ȝyf þou euer on any manere
Lettydyst any man for to lere
Craftë, or ouþer queyntyse,
But fordeddyst hys apryse
For þou shuldest furþeryd be,
And more yn prys preysed þan he;
Beþenke þe weyl, ȝyf þou do þus,
Þat þyn herte ys ful enuyus;
For þou shalt neuere, with gode ye,
Se hym þat leryþ þy maystrye.
Lettydyst any man for to lere
Craftë, or ouþer queyntyse,
But fordeddyst hys apryse
For þou shuldest furþeryd be,
And more yn prys preysed þan he;
Beþenke þe weyl, ȝyf þou do þus,
Þat þyn herte ys ful enuyus;
For þou shalt neuere, with gode ye,
Se hym þat leryþ þy maystrye.
Ȝyf þou be enuyus, and no man trowe,
And behynde hys bak make hym þe mowe,
As who seye þat “he naght can,
No ys wurþ as a-nouþer man,”
Al ys þys enuyë grete;
Ȝyf þou haue do þus, y rede þe lete.
And behynde hys bak make hym þe mowe,
As who seye þat “he naght can,
No ys wurþ as a-nouþer man,”
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Ȝyf þou haue do þus, y rede þe lete.
Ȝyf þou here preyse one for sum þyng,
And þou forþenkyst hys preysyng,
And felyst weyl yn þy herte
Of a lytyl sorow or smerte,
Þat þou ne art preysed furþer þan he,
Enuye hyt ys, þou mayst wel se.
And þou forþenkyst hys preysyng,
And felyst weyl yn þy herte
Of a lytyl sorow or smerte,
Þat þou ne art preysed furþer þan he,
Enuye hyt ys, þou mayst wel se.
Many one are of so enuyus wyl
Þat þey may preyse none but with yl;
Alle þenkeþ hym euyl þat þey se,
Þey are enuyus, what-so-euer þey be.
Þat þey may preyse none but with yl;
Alle þenkeþ hym euyl þat þey se,
Þey are enuyus, what-so-euer þey be.
Enuyus man ys so ful of susspecyun
Þat euyl hym þenketh al, as a felun.
who-so kan knowe þe properte,
Enuyus man may lyknyd be
To þe Iawnes, þe whyche ys a pyne
þat men mow se yn mennys yne.
þe ye þat ys ful of Iawnes,
Alle þenkeþ hym ȝelogh yn hys auys:
So hyt fareþ on hys party,
Hys þoght ys euer ful of enuye.
Þat euyl hym þenketh al, as a felun.
who-so kan knowe þe properte,
Enuyus man may lyknyd be
To þe Iawnes, þe whyche ys a pyne
þat men mow se yn mennys yne.
þe ye þat ys ful of Iawnes,
Alle þenkeþ hym ȝelogh yn hys auys:
So hyt fareþ on hys party,
Hys þoght ys euer ful of enuye.
Enuyus men, euyl þey sowe;
Þát men telle hem, to euyl þey trowe;
Ȝyf þey se þat one doþ more,
Enuyús þan angreþ sore;
Alle godenes þey turne to euyl;
Enuyus men are lyke þe deuyl.
Of alle þat yn þys worldë are,
Enuyús man werst shal fare.
Gladnes herë haue þey none,
But whan here neghburs haue mysgone.
Yn any maner defaute þat ys,
þan make þey ioye for þat wykkednes.
Yn þe toþer worlde þer þey shul be,
Þey are nat wurþy any ioye to se.
Here and þere þey shul haue greuaunce,
But þere shal be here most veniaunce.
Enuye ys onë þe werst synne
Þat þe deuyl maketh any man fal ynne.
Seynt Gregory telleþ a tale þar-by;
And as he seyþ, so wyl y.
Þát men telle hem, to euyl þey trowe;
Ȝyf þey se þat one doþ more,
Enuyús þan angreþ sore;
Alle godenes þey turne to euyl;
Enuyus men are lyke þe deuyl.
Of alle þat yn þys worldë are,
Enuyús man werst shal fare.
Gladnes herë haue þey none,
But whan here neghburs haue mysgone.
Yn any maner defaute þat ys,
þan make þey ioye for þat wykkednes.
Yn þe toþer worlde þer þey shul be,
Þey are nat wurþy any ioye to se.
Here and þere þey shul haue greuaunce,
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Enuye ys onë þe werst synne
Þat þe deuyl maketh any man fal ynne.
Seynt Gregory telleþ a tale þar-by;
And as he seyþ, so wyl y.
[The Tale of the Bear which kept the Hermit's Sheep, and how it was slain by envious Monks.]
Þer were twey men of holy wyl
Þat leuyd to-gedyr, with-outen yl,
A-lonë yn an ermytage,
And, as meke as bryd yn kage;
Þe toon, men calle Eutycyus,
Þe touþer hyght Florentyus.
A gode clerk was þe toon,
he turned to þe feyþ many on.
Eutycyus was þe clerk
Þat taght þe folk of goddys werk.
Florens was nat so moche yn lore,
Yn preyours he was euermore.
Þat leuyd to-gedyr, with-outen yl,
A-lonë yn an ermytage,
And, as meke as bryd yn kage;
Þe toon, men calle Eutycyus,
Þe touþer hyght Florentyus.
A gode clerk was þe toon,
he turned to þe feyþ many on.
Eutycyus was þe clerk
Þat taght þe folk of goddys werk.
Florens was nat so moche yn lore,
Yn preyours he was euermore.
þer besyde was an abbey,
And yn here tyme þe abbot gan deye;
whan þys ychë abbot was dede,
Alle þe munkës toke hem to rede,
And chese hem syre Eutycyus
To be abbot of here hous.
On alle manere fyl so here lot,
Eutycyus þey made here abbot.
And yn here tyme þe abbot gan deye;
whan þys ychë abbot was dede,
Alle þe munkës toke hem to rede,
And chese hem syre Eutycyus
To be abbot of here hous.
On alle manere fyl so here lot,
Eutycyus þey made here abbot.
Aftyr Eutycyus, Florens gan dwelle
And woned a-lonë yn hys celle.
Florens madë gretë mone
For þat he shuld dwel alone;
And had grete sorowe, and was drery,
As many be þat lese gode cumpany.
On a day, he bad hys orysun,
And was yn grete afflyccyon,
And preyd God he wulde hym ȝeue
Sum gode cumforte with-al to leue.
Þus preyd Florens yn hys bede
Þat Gode shuld sende hym sum felaurede.
And woned a-lonë yn hys celle.
Florens madë gretë mone
For þat he shuld dwel alone;
And had grete sorowe, and was drery,
As many be þat lese gode cumpany.
137
And was yn grete afflyccyon,
And preyd God he wulde hym ȝeue
Sum gode cumforte with-al to leue.
Þus preyd Florens yn hys bede
Þat Gode shuld sende hym sum felaurede.
whan he ros vp of his orysown,
he ȝede yn hys celle vp and down,
And opened hys ȝate, and loked oute,
And sagh a berë wylde and stoute.
Þys ychë bere come to þe gate
To Florens þat stode yn þe ȝate;
But when þe bere come at hym nere,
Þe bere to hym loutede, and made feyre chere,—
Feyre chere as a bere myght make,—
And was so meke þat he myȝt hym take.
þys ychë Florens hym beþoght
þat God hadde herd þat he besoght,
And þanked hym of hys swete grace,
þat he hym sent hadde swyche solace.
For a myracle, ȝe may hyt vndyrstande,
þat a wyldë bere was tame to hande.
he ȝede yn hys celle vp and down,
And opened hys ȝate, and loked oute,
And sagh a berë wylde and stoute.
Þys ychë bere come to þe gate
To Florens þat stode yn þe ȝate;
But when þe bere come at hym nere,
Þe bere to hym loutede, and made feyre chere,—
Feyre chere as a bere myght make,—
And was so meke þat he myȝt hym take.
þys ychë Florens hym beþoght
þat God hadde herd þat he besoght,
And þanked hym of hys swete grace,
þat he hym sent hadde swyche solace.
For a myracle, ȝe may hyt vndyrstande,
þat a wyldë bere was tame to hande.
Þys godë man hadde syxë shepe,
And noun hyrde hem for to kepe;
He badde þe bere þat he shulde go
And dryue hys shepë to and fro,
And kepe hem weyl þat noun hem dere,
“And þou shalt be my godë bere.”
Þe bere hym louted with semblant glad,
For to do as Florens hym badde;
To þe bere, he seyde hys auys,
“Euery day whan y ete twyys,
Come þou home at hygh vndurne,
And no lenger yn þe felde soiurne;
And euery day, when y faste,
Come at þe noun, home, at þe laste.”
So dyd þe bere, euery day,
One oure passed hym neuer away
Þat he ne come home, þe yche cele,
And boþe tymeus he knew hem wele.
And noun hyrde hem for to kepe;
He badde þe bere þat he shulde go
And dryue hys shepë to and fro,
And kepe hem weyl þat noun hem dere,
“And þou shalt be my godë bere.”
Þe bere hym louted with semblant glad,
For to do as Florens hym badde;
To þe bere, he seyde hys auys,
“Euery day whan y ete twyys,
Come þou home at hygh vndurne,
And no lenger yn þe felde soiurne;
And euery day, when y faste,
138
So dyd þe bere, euery day,
One oure passed hym neuer away
Þat he ne come home, þe yche cele,
And boþe tymeus he knew hem wele.
Þys Florens hadde cumforte and game
At hys bere, þat hyt was so tame,
And loued hyt moche with-oute fayle
For þe myracle and þe grete meruayle:
For soþë so hym byrde,
For he was a merueylus hyrde.
A bere þurgh kynde shulde etë shepe;
And here as an hyrde he ȝafe to hem kepe.
At hys bere, þat hyt was so tame,
And loued hyt moche with-oute fayle
For þe myracle and þe grete meruayle:
For soþë so hym byrde,
For he was a merueylus hyrde.
A bere þurgh kynde shulde etë shepe;
And here as an hyrde he ȝafe to hem kepe.
Þyt yche merueyle myȝt nat be hyd,
But yn alle þe cuntre hyt was weyl kyde
Þat Florens had a tamë bere,
And was an hyrdë, shepe to were.
But yn alle þe cuntre hyt was weyl kyde
Þat Florens had a tamë bere,
And was an hyrdë, shepe to were.
Þe abbot þat hyghte Eutycyus
Had foure dyscyplys ful enuyus,
Þat alle day of þys berë spakk
with grete enuye, gretely to lakk;
And seyd, alle fourë hem betwene
wyþ grete enuyë, scorne, and tene,
“More merueyl doþe Florencyus
Þan doþe oure mayster Eutycyus.”
Þey seydë “hyt shal nat so go;”
And made forward, þat bere to slo.
As þey seyd, þey dyd þat woghte;
Þe whychë dede ful soure þey boghte.
Had foure dyscyplys ful enuyus,
Þat alle day of þys berë spakk
with grete enuye, gretely to lakk;
And seyd, alle fourë hem betwene
wyþ grete enuyë, scorne, and tene,
“More merueyl doþe Florencyus
Þan doþe oure mayster Eutycyus.”
Þey seydë “hyt shal nat so go;”
And made forward, þat bere to slo.
As þey seyd, þey dyd þat woghte;
Þe whychë dede ful soure þey boghte.
At þe tyme, þe bere, o day come noghte;
Florens had þer-of grete þoghte;
He ros and ȝede yn-to þe felde,
And aftyr hys berë faste behelde.
At þe laste, hys bere he fonde,
Besyde hys shepe, slayn on a londe.
Asswyþë hym self gan to rede
who hadde do þat ychë dede;
Ȝyt pleyned he more þe myschaunce
Þat þer shulde falle on hem veniaunce,
Þan he pleyned hys ownë dere
Þat þey had slayn his godë bere.
Noþeles he pleyned wundyrly sore
Þat hys solas shulde be no more.
Florens had þer-of grete þoghte;
He ros and ȝede yn-to þe felde,
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At þe laste, hys bere he fonde,
Besyde hys shepe, slayn on a londe.
Asswyþë hym self gan to rede
who hadde do þat ychë dede;
Ȝyt pleyned he more þe myschaunce
Þat þer shulde falle on hem veniaunce,
Þan he pleyned hys ownë dere
Þat þey had slayn his godë bere.
Noþeles he pleyned wundyrly sore
Þat hys solas shulde be no more.
Eutycyus þe abbot, his felawe,
herd sey hys bere was do adawe;
And come to hym on hys dysport,
To makë Florens gode cumfort.
Florens seyd Eutycyus vn-to,
“Yn God truly y tryst so,
Þat veniaunce shal on hem take
Yn þys lyfë for my sake.
Of Ihesu Cryst þey hade no drede,
To sle þat hylpe me yn my nede,
Felunlyche, as for enuye,
And he ded no man folye;
He was me sent, þurgh Goddys grace,
To be myn helpe and my solace;
Þat God wuldë hym me ȝeue,
why wuld þey nat suffre hym lyue?
God almyȝty shal do hys wyl
wyþ hem, and mo, þat do so yl.”
herd sey hys bere was do adawe;
And come to hym on hys dysport,
To makë Florens gode cumfort.
Florens seyd Eutycyus vn-to,
“Yn God truly y tryst so,
Þat veniaunce shal on hem take
Yn þys lyfë for my sake.
Of Ihesu Cryst þey hade no drede,
To sle þat hylpe me yn my nede,
Felunlyche, as for enuye,
And he ded no man folye;
He was me sent, þurgh Goddys grace,
To be myn helpe and my solace;
Þat God wuldë hym me ȝeue,
why wuld þey nat suffre hym lyue?
God almyȝty shal do hys wyl
wyþ hem, and mo, þat do so yl.”
As he seyde, so gan hyt falle;
Gode toke veniaunce on hem alle;
Meseles þey waxë þan to pyne,
Here lemes roted before here yne;
Aboue þe erþe þey were stynkyng,
Þat to þe beres deþ were consentyng.
Gode toke veniaunce on hem alle;
Meseles þey waxë þan to pyne,
Here lemes roted before here yne;
Aboue þe erþe þey were stynkyng,
140
Þarfore þe pope seynt Gregory
Tellyþ þys talë, resun why,
Þat enuye ys a cursed synne,
Any man to falle þer-ynne.
Tellyþ þys talë, resun why,
Þat enuye ys a cursed synne,
Any man to falle þer-ynne.
Moche are they wurþy to suffre shame,
Þat for enuye brynge a man yn blame,
Or make hym lese hys wurldly aght,
Or frendys also to be vnsaght.
who-so þat doþ, he may hym drede,
No þyng but peyne shal be hys mede.
Þat for enuye brynge a man yn blame,
Or make hym lese hys wurldly aght,
Or frendys also to be vnsaght.
who-so þat doþ, he may hym drede,
No þyng but peyne shal be hys mede.
Syn þys wurldë fryst bygan,
Enuye haþ be euer yn man;
Lucyfer had fyrst enuye,
Þat man was made to state so hye;
Yn paradys he made hym falle,
And seþen of hys ofspryng alle;
So that enuye haþ reyned ay
Yn alle mankynde vnto þys day;
And, Englys men namëly
Are þurgh kynde of hertë hy:
A forbyseyn ys toldë þys,
Seyd on Frenshe men and on Englys,
‘Þat Frenshe men synne yn lecherye,
And Englys men yn enuye.’
lecherye ys flesshly synne;
Enuye cumþ of þe soule wyþ-ynne;
lechery ys þe lesse, we fynde,
And enuye ys þe more vnkynde;
For y se noun yn hys lyue
Þat of enuye kan hym shryue;
Þogh euery day a man hyt haunte,
Ȝyt wyl no man be hyt a-graunte.
Telle to any þat he haþ enuye,
He seyþ aȝen “hyt ys a lye.”
how mow þéy þan shryue þat synne,
Þat seyn þey haue no gylt þerynne?
we Englys men þeron shulde þynke,
Þat enuyë vs nat blynk.
Enuye haþ be euer yn man;
Lucyfer had fyrst enuye,
Þat man was made to state so hye;
Yn paradys he made hym falle,
And seþen of hys ofspryng alle;
So that enuye haþ reyned ay
Yn alle mankynde vnto þys day;
And, Englys men namëly
Are þurgh kynde of hertë hy:
A forbyseyn ys toldë þys,
Seyd on Frenshe men and on Englys,
‘Þat Frenshe men synne yn lecherye,
And Englys men yn enuye.’
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Enuye cumþ of þe soule wyþ-ynne;
lechery ys þe lesse, we fynde,
And enuye ys þe more vnkynde;
For y se noun yn hys lyue
Þat of enuye kan hym shryue;
Þogh euery day a man hyt haunte,
Ȝyt wyl no man be hyt a-graunte.
Telle to any þat he haþ enuye,
He seyþ aȝen “hyt ys a lye.”
how mow þéy þan shryue þat synne,
Þat seyn þey haue no gylt þerynne?
we Englys men þeron shulde þynke,
Þat enuyë vs nat blynk.
Bakbytyng cumþ also of enuye;
y haue ȝow tolde of þat folye;
lykenes of hem men mowe bere,
A nedder and a bakbytere;
Þe nedder makeþ þe semblant mylde,
And yn hys tayle ys venym wylde;
Þe bakbytere faryþ ryȝt so:
wyþ mylde semblant he spekth þe to,
And yn hys tayle he beryþ venym;
Behynde þy bak, he spekyþ wurdys grym.
y haue ȝow tolde of þat folye;
lykenes of hem men mowe bere,
A nedder and a bakbytere;
Þe nedder makeþ þe semblant mylde,
And yn hys tayle ys venym wylde;
Þe bakbytere faryþ ryȝt so:
wyþ mylde semblant he spekth þe to,
And yn hys tayle he beryþ venym;
Behynde þy bak, he spekyþ wurdys grym.
Þe wys kyng Salamon
Seyþ þese wurdys to men echon:—
“hys lyppes,” he seyþ, “he shal make swete,
wyþ feyrë wurdys he shal þe grete,
But yn hys hertë he shal þynke
For to do þe a wykked blynke.”
So ded þe traytur, fals Iudas,
Þat dampned ys wyþ Satanas,
whan þys Iudas, foule felun,
weytede Ihesu with tresun.
Fyrst he grete hym and gan lagh,
And syþen he kest hym þat alle men sagh,
And yn hys herte was tresun bolde,
For to þe Iewës he had hym solde.
‘Treytur! recorde what þou hast herde
Seyde and sunge yn al þe werlde.’
Vndyr heuene ne ys so moche tresun
As yn feyre wurd of hert felun.
Þarfor, treytur, y tolde þe er,
Þy wonyng ys wyþ Lucyfer.
Seyþ þese wurdys to men echon:—
“hys lyppes,” he seyþ, “he shal make swete,
wyþ feyrë wurdys he shal þe grete,
But yn hys hertë he shal þynke
For to do þe a wykked blynke.”
So ded þe traytur, fals Iudas,
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whan þys Iudas, foule felun,
weytede Ihesu with tresun.
Fyrst he grete hym and gan lagh,
And syþen he kest hym þat alle men sagh,
And yn hys herte was tresun bolde,
For to þe Iewës he had hym solde.
‘Treytur! recorde what þou hast herde
Seyde and sunge yn al þe werlde.’
Vndyr heuene ne ys so moche tresun
As yn feyre wurd of hert felun.
Þarfor, treytur, y tolde þe er,
Þy wonyng ys wyþ Lucyfer.
Þyr may no man so yware be,—
For fors, ne wysdom, ne pouste,
For byhest, ne for rychesse,
Ne powere, ne hardynesse,
For lynage, ne for onour,
For felawshepe, ne for socour,
Ne for breþerhede, ne for spousayle,—
Þat treytorhede ne wyl hym asayle;
Ne for sweryng, ne for awe,
Þat a treytur ne haþ yn þys sum sawe.
For fors, ne wysdom, ne pouste,
For byhest, ne for rychesse,
Ne powere, ne hardynesse,
For lynage, ne for onour,
For felawshepe, ne for socour,
Ne for breþerhede, ne for spousayle,—
Þat treytorhede ne wyl hym asayle;
Ne for sweryng, ne for awe,
Þat a treytur ne haþ yn þys sum sawe.
who was wyser þan Salamon?
who was feyrer þan Absolon?
who was rycher yn euery þyng
Þan Alaxandre þe ryche kyng?
who was swetter þan Ionatas,
Or better clerk þan Vyrgyle was?
Alle þese coude hem neuer were
From treytur ne fro bakbytere.
who was feyrer þan Absolon?
who was rycher yn euery þyng
Þan Alaxandre þe ryche kyng?
who was swetter þan Ionatas,
Or better clerk þan Vyrgyle was?
Alle þese coude hem neuer were
From treytur ne fro bakbytere.
Of a treytur, þys ys þe resun smerte,
with feyrë wurdys, and felun herte;
Bakbytere, he haþ a lak,
He ys a treytur behynd þy bak;
Þe toon ys treytur yn þy present,
Þe toþer ys whan þou arte went.
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Bakbytere, he haþ a lak,
He ys a treytur behynd þy bak;
Þe toon ys treytur yn þy present,
Þe toþer ys whan þou arte went.
A lyer may be on of þyse,
For he haþ of boþe a queyntyse,
Behynde þy bak, and eke before,
lesyng oueralle ys bore,
Yn þese þre men ys al tresun;
Þarfor hyt ys preued with resun
Þat þesë men, allë þre,
Mowe neuer lyghtly saued be.
Þe apostle seyþ þat God hem hatys,
Ande ouer al ouþer wyþ hem wlatys.
Þarefore ȝyf any swyche men wore,
hyt behoueþ betyme repente hem sore;
And leue hyt whyl þey hauë space,
For þan y hope þey may fynde grace.
God ȝeue vs grace enuye to fle!
And alle treyturs, euyl mote þey þe!
For he haþ of boþe a queyntyse,
Behynde þy bak, and eke before,
lesyng oueralle ys bore,
Yn þese þre men ys al tresun;
Þarfor hyt ys preued with resun
Þat þesë men, allë þre,
Mowe neuer lyghtly saued be.
Þe apostle seyþ þat God hem hatys,
Ande ouer al ouþer wyþ hem wlatys.
Þarefore ȝyf any swyche men wore,
hyt behoueþ betyme repente hem sore;
And leue hyt whyl þey hauë space,
For þan y hope þey may fynde grace.
God ȝeue vs grace enuye to fle!
And alle treyturs, euyl mote þey þe!
[Of Sloth, the 4th Deadly Sin.]
Now shul we speke of sloghnes;
Among þe toþer ful wyk hyt ys;
Þe fourþe hyt ys of dedly synnes,
Alle þese rychë men hyt wynnes.
Moche ys a man for to blame
Þat kan nat wurschep Goddys name
with pater noster ne wyþ crede,
Þys beleue shuld hym to heuene lede.
Ful slogh he ys þat wyl nat lere
Þat yche framë blessed preyere;
And also he ys ful of slownes
Þat may, and wyl nat, here hys messe,
Specyaly on þe Sunday
he trespasyþ more yn þe lay.
Among þe toþer ful wyk hyt ys;
Þe fourþe hyt ys of dedly synnes,
Alle þese rychë men hyt wynnes.
Moche ys a man for to blame
Þat kan nat wurschep Goddys name
with pater noster ne wyþ crede,
Þys beleue shuld hym to heuene lede.
Ful slogh he ys þat wyl nat lere
Þat yche framë blessed preyere;
And also he ys ful of slownes
Þat may, and wyl nat, here hys messe,
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he trespasyþ more yn þe lay.
yn þe woke, o day, þurgh ryght,
Þe Sunday, ys a day of myȝt.
how sey þese men þat are þus slogh,
Þat oute of mesure slepe a throwe?
whan he heryþ a bel ryng,
To holy cherchë men kallyng,
Þan may he nat hys beddë lete
But þan behoueþ hym to lygge and swete,
And take þe mery mornyng slepe;
Of matynes ryche men take no kepe
Ȝyf þe mowe ryse at tyme of messe.
For þe matynes, noþer more ne lesse
Þan ys þys Terlyncels skylle,
‘Slepe þou long, and y shal hele.’
he putteþ heuenys yn hys yȝe,
And makeþ hym lenger for to lye;
And seyþ “al betyme mayst þou ryse,
whan þey do þe messe seruyse;
A messe ys ynogh for þe;
Þe touþer gyblot, late hyt be;
here mayst þou bettyr slepe a throwe
þan sytte and loke vpp-on a wowe.”
Þys ys þe cunsel of Terlyncel;
yn alle sloghnesse he bereþ þe bel;
he ys a deuyl of þat myster,
To sloghnes he ys cunseler.
Þe Sunday, ys a day of myȝt.
how sey þese men þat are þus slogh,
Þat oute of mesure slepe a throwe?
whan he heryþ a bel ryng,
To holy cherchë men kallyng,
Þan may he nat hys beddë lete
But þan behoueþ hym to lygge and swete,
And take þe mery mornyng slepe;
Of matynes ryche men take no kepe
Ȝyf þe mowe ryse at tyme of messe.
For þe matynes, noþer more ne lesse
Þan ys þys Terlyncels skylle,
‘Slepe þou long, and y shal hele.’
he putteþ heuenys yn hys yȝe,
And makeþ hym lenger for to lye;
And seyþ “al betyme mayst þou ryse,
whan þey do þe messe seruyse;
A messe ys ynogh for þe;
Þe touþer gyblot, late hyt be;
here mayst þou bettyr slepe a throwe
þan sytte and loke vpp-on a wowe.”
Þys ys þe cunsel of Terlyncel;
yn alle sloghnesse he bereþ þe bel;
he ys a deuyl of þat myster,
To sloghnes he ys cunseler.
þan cumþ one aboutë pryme
“Rys up,” he seyþ, “now ys tyme.”
Þan begynneþ he to klawe and to raske,
And ȝyueþ Terlyncel hys taske.
he klawyþ, he shrubbyþ, wel at hys pay,
And makyþ to Terlyncel a lay;
To hym þat kalled, he spekeþ stoutly,
“what deuyl! why haþ þe prest swych hy?
Byd hym þat he abyde algate;
Hym dar nat syng ȝyt ouer late.”
For hym shal so Goddys seruyse abyde
Tyl hyt be passed ouer þe tyde.
Ȝyt perauenture, at hys rysyng,
Of God spekeþ he no þyng,
But ȝyf hyt be of sum vanyte
Þat rennyþ yn hys þoght; þat spekeþ he.
“Rys up,” he seyþ, “now ys tyme.”
Þan begynneþ he to klawe and to raske,
And ȝyueþ Terlyncel hys taske.
he klawyþ, he shrubbyþ, wel at hys pay,
And makyþ to Terlyncel a lay;
To hym þat kalled, he spekeþ stoutly,
“what deuyl! why haþ þe prest swych hy?
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Hym dar nat syng ȝyt ouer late.”
For hym shal so Goddys seruyse abyde
Tyl hyt be passed ouer þe tyde.
Ȝyt perauenture, at hys rysyng,
Of God spekeþ he no þyng,
But ȝyf hyt be of sum vanyte
Þat rennyþ yn hys þoght; þat spekeþ he.
And when he cumþ vnto þe messe,
Þere behoueþ hym hys here dresse;
Ful fewe bedys are yn hys mouþe,
He vsyþ none; þey are vncouthe.
And ȝyf a frere cum for to preche,
Of a dyner were bettyr speche;
Þan seyþ he, “God shal alle saue;
Do wel; wel shalt þou haue.”
Certys þat ys nat ynow,
For he doþ no þyng to prow.
But ȝyf he wulde lestene þe frere,
To do weyl þan myȝt he lere.
Þere behoueþ hym hys here dresse;
Ful fewe bedys are yn hys mouþe,
He vsyþ none; þey are vncouthe.
And ȝyf a frere cum for to preche,
Of a dyner were bettyr speche;
Þan seyþ he, “God shal alle saue;
Do wel; wel shalt þou haue.”
Certys þat ys nat ynow,
For he doþ no þyng to prow.
But ȝyf he wulde lestene þe frere,
To do weyl þan myȝt he lere.
Ȝyf hyt be nat þan redy, hys dyner,
Take furþe þe chesse or þe tabler;
So shal he pley tyl hyt be none,
And Goddys seruyse be al done.
Alas, wykkédly he dyspendyþ
Alle þe lyfe þat God hym sendyth!
Take furþe þe chesse or þe tabler;
So shal he pley tyl hyt be none,
And Goddys seruyse be al done.
Alas, wykkédly he dyspendyþ
Alle þe lyfe þat God hym sendyth!
Aftyr þe none, þan shal he do
As he dede before none so.
Swyche a lyfe þan shal he lede,
Noght þat he shal haue to mede;
yn alle hys lyfe shal he [nat] fynde
Oght þat may hym of pyne vnbynde;
No more he halt to God cunnaunt,
But weyl more to Termagaunt;
He ys no morë crystyn man
Þan who so kallyþ a blak oxe ‘swan.’
As he dede before none so.
Swyche a lyfe þan shal he lede,
Noght þat he shal haue to mede;
yn alle hys lyfe shal he [nat] fynde
Oght þat may hym of pyne vnbynde;
No more he halt to God cunnaunt,
But weyl more to Termagaunt;
He ys no morë crystyn man
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y dar weyl seye to hygh and logh,
yn Goddys seruyse are swych men slogh.
Swych synne men kalle ‘accyde,’
yn Goddës seruyse slogh betyde.
lord! what shal swych men seye
yn þat poynt when þey shul deye?
yn alle here lyfe ne roght þey noght
Of hym þat hem ful derë boght.
Ful gretly shul þey hem repente
whan þe dome ys aȝens hem went;
But þan mow þey do no bote;
Ylyche logh lyþ boþe hande and fote.
yn Goddys seruyse are swych men slogh.
Swych synne men kalle ‘accyde,’
yn Goddës seruyse slogh betyde.
lord! what shal swych men seye
yn þat poynt when þey shul deye?
yn alle here lyfe ne roght þey noght
Of hym þat hem ful derë boght.
Ful gretly shul þey hem repente
whan þe dome ys aȝens hem went;
But þan mow þey do no bote;
Ylyche logh lyþ boþe hande and fote.
Many swyche mow haue no grace
To repentaunce, no to space.
Hyt ys no wundyr þogh þey haue noun,
Þey wyl nat graunte þey haue mysdoun,
Yn here lyfe, whyle þey haue myght;
And þan shal God ȝelde alle with ryght.
Ful slogh þey were when þey shuld wyrk;
Yn tyme of traueyle were þey yrk;
Þéy þoght nat of þat men spelle,
Þat God seyþ yn þe gospelle:
“Beþ wakyng,” he seyþ, to men alle;
“what tymë þat ȝoure lorde wyl kalle,
For þat tyme þat ȝe lestë wene
He wul ȝow kalle; loke ȝe be clene;
For ȝyf ȝe slepe at hys kallyng
Ȝe shul nat come yn at þe weddyng.”
To repentaunce, no to space.
Hyt ys no wundyr þogh þey haue noun,
Þey wyl nat graunte þey haue mysdoun,
Yn here lyfe, whyle þey haue myght;
And þan shal God ȝelde alle with ryght.
Ful slogh þey were when þey shuld wyrk;
Yn tyme of traueyle were þey yrk;
Þéy þoght nat of þat men spelle,
Þat God seyþ yn þe gospelle:
“Beþ wakyng,” he seyþ, to men alle;
“what tymë þat ȝoure lorde wyl kalle,
For þat tyme þat ȝe lestë wene
He wul ȝow kalle; loke ȝe be clene;
For ȝyf ȝe slepe at hys kallyng
Ȝe shul nat come yn at þe weddyng.”
Þys yche lorde kalleþ vs euery day,
wyþ þe prechour, alle þat he may.
Ȝe are slogh, and lyen to slepe,
whan ȝe aȝens þe prechur þrepe;
Ȝe mow nat come yn to þe weddyng,—
Heuene blys ys þe menyng;—
For ȝe slepe yn wykked wyl,
And wyl nat shryue ȝow of ȝoure yl.
ȝe wenë þat God shal ȝow ȝeue,
Yn wykkednes, long to leue;
And ȝe here seyë þat sum whyle,
Yn swychë hope goþ mochë gyle.
wyþ þe prechour, alle þat he may.
Ȝe are slogh, and lyen to slepe,
whan ȝe aȝens þe prechur þrepe;
Ȝe mow nat come yn to þe weddyng,—
Heuene blys ys þe menyng;—
For ȝe slepe yn wykked wyl,
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ȝe wenë þat God shal ȝow ȝeue,
Yn wykkednes, long to leue;
And ȝe here seyë þat sum whyle,
Yn swychë hope goþ mochë gyle.
A lytyl tale y shal ȝow vndo
Of a man þat hoped so,
As tellyþ þe holy man, seynt Bede,
Yn gestys of Ingland þat men rede.
Of a man þat hoped so,
As tellyþ þe holy man, seynt Bede,
Yn gestys of Ingland þat men rede.
[The Tale of the English Squire who put off his Repentance till too late.]
Þyr was a kyng, ‘Conred’ he hyght, Atale.
Þe Mercë was hys kyngdom ryȝt;
þe Merce hyght þan, as y herd seye,
Þat men kalle now Lyndëseye.
Þys Conred had a seriaunt,
A wys man, and of body vaylaunt;
yn armys was a doghty squyere,
yn alle þe lande ne was hys pere.
Of a vyce, he hadde sum deyl,
Þat no man myght trowe him weyl;
where þat he myght make a wanlace,
And any þyng to þe kyng purchace,
He ne lette for no fals oth,
Ne for wraþþe of lefe ne loth,
Þat he ne made ofte dysheresun,
And holy cherche traueylede with tresun.
For wrong ne lefte he nyȝt ne day,
But onely he serued þe kyng to pay;
He ne ȝaf tale of shame ne synne,
But þat onely he myght rycchesse wynne.
Þe Mercë was hys kyngdom ryȝt;
þe Merce hyght þan, as y herd seye,
Þat men kalle now Lyndëseye.
Þys Conred had a seriaunt,
A wys man, and of body vaylaunt;
yn armys was a doghty squyere,
yn alle þe lande ne was hys pere.
Of a vyce, he hadde sum deyl,
Þat no man myght trowe him weyl;
where þat he myght make a wanlace,
And any þyng to þe kyng purchace,
He ne lette for no fals oth,
Ne for wraþþe of lefe ne loth,
Þat he ne made ofte dysheresun,
And holy cherche traueylede with tresun.
For wrong ne lefte he nyȝt ne day,
But onely he serued þe kyng to pay;
He ne ȝaf tale of shame ne synne,
But þat onely he myght rycchesse wynne.
Þyr fyl on hym a syknes so stronge
Þat he lay yn hys beddë long.
Sone aftyr betydde a lyte
Þe kyng come, hym to vysyte,
And bad hym be of répentaunce,
And shryue hys synne for allë chaunce;
“Forsake now,” he seyde, “alle þy mysdede,
And y shal fynde þe at þy nede.”
He seyde, “so shall y aftyrwarde;
Ȝyf y may skape þys euyl harde,
Þan shal y do oueral ryght,
And ȝeue me al to God almyght;
But ȝyt wyl y do hyt yn respyte
Tyl y be of þys euyl alle quyte;
Y wul nat be founde so vyl
Þat myn herte were yn swyche peryl
To repente me for a lytyl syknes,
But ȝyf y were yn harder stres.
Ȝyf y, for dredë, aske a preste,
Þat shame shulde al day be me neste
Þat y were a-ferd of þe ded.
Y wyl nat ȝyt do at þy rede;
But lefë syre, latyþ me lye;
Alle þat ȝe seye, me þynkeþ folye.”
Þat he lay yn hys beddë long.
Sone aftyr betydde a lyte
148
And bad hym be of répentaunce,
And shryue hys synne for allë chaunce;
“Forsake now,” he seyde, “alle þy mysdede,
And y shal fynde þe at þy nede.”
He seyde, “so shall y aftyrwarde;
Ȝyf y may skape þys euyl harde,
Þan shal y do oueral ryght,
And ȝeue me al to God almyght;
But ȝyt wyl y do hyt yn respyte
Tyl y be of þys euyl alle quyte;
Y wul nat be founde so vyl
Þat myn herte were yn swyche peryl
To repente me for a lytyl syknes,
But ȝyf y were yn harder stres.
Ȝyf y, for dredë, aske a preste,
Þat shame shulde al day be me neste
Þat y were a-ferd of þe ded.
Y wyl nat ȝyt do at þy rede;
But lefë syre, latyþ me lye;
Alle þat ȝe seye, me þynkeþ folye.”
Þe kyng lettyd þarforë noȝt;
To leue hys synne, efte he hym besoght,
For he helde hym of gretë prys
For þat he was boþe doghty and wys.
To leue hys synne, efte he hym besoght,
For he helde hym of gretë prys
For þat he was boþe doghty and wys.
And þys ys a custummable þyng
Now, wyþ euëry lordyng,
Þat, ȝyf his stuwarde hym oght wynne,
Be hyt wyþ ryght, or wyþ synne,
Hym wyl he holdë most pryue
Of allë þo þat wyþ hym be.
But as he takeþ þerof þe frame,
He shal haue parte of synne and shame.
Now, wyþ euëry lordyng,
Þat, ȝyf his stuwarde hym oght wynne,
Be hyt wyþ ryght, or wyþ synne,
Hym wyl he holdë most pryue
Of allë þo þat wyþ hym be.
But as he takeþ þerof þe frame,
He shal haue parte of synne and shame.
þe kyng come eft to þe seriaunt,
And bad hym to be répentaunt,
And þenk on hys saluacyun,
And shryue hys synne þat he had doun.
“Syre,” he seyd, “þys ys my chaunce,
Hyt ys noght my répentaunce;
For, langér as y here lay,
Ryȝt at þe oure of mydday,
Twey ȝunge men come hedyr to me,
Þe feyrest þat any man myght se;
Me þoght, ryȝt whan y sagh þo,
Þat y felt no þyng of wo.
Byfore my bedde þey stode a þrowe,
And behelde me as they shuld me knowe;
when þey had stonde a lytyl tyde,
Þey set hem doune on my bedde syde.
when þey set were, furþ þey toke
And shewed a lytyl feyrë boke,
And bad me þat y shuld hyt rede,
For alle hyt was myn ownë dede;
And y þat neuer on bokë couþe,
Alle y hyt red with opun mouþe;
Alle þe gode dedys þat euer y wroght,
Alle were þere before me broght,
Þe lestë þoght þat y coulde þynke,
Þat of godenesse hadde any blynke,
Alle y sagh hyt before me,
For lytyl was hyt vnto se;
For lessë myȝt neuer haue bene
Ȝyf any man hyt shulde haue sene.
And bad hym to be répentaunt,
And þenk on hys saluacyun,
And shryue hys synne þat he had doun.
149
Hyt ys noght my répentaunce;
For, langér as y here lay,
Ryȝt at þe oure of mydday,
Twey ȝunge men come hedyr to me,
Þe feyrest þat any man myght se;
Me þoght, ryȝt whan y sagh þo,
Þat y felt no þyng of wo.
Byfore my bedde þey stode a þrowe,
And behelde me as they shuld me knowe;
when þey had stonde a lytyl tyde,
Þey set hem doune on my bedde syde.
when þey set were, furþ þey toke
And shewed a lytyl feyrë boke,
And bad me þat y shuld hyt rede,
For alle hyt was myn ownë dede;
And y þat neuer on bokë couþe,
Alle y hyt red with opun mouþe;
Alle þe gode dedys þat euer y wroght,
Alle were þere before me broght,
Þe lestë þoght þat y coulde þynke,
Þat of godenesse hadde any blynke,
Alle y sagh hyt before me,
For lytyl was hyt vnto se;
For lessë myȝt neuer haue bene
Ȝyf any man hyt shulde haue sene.
“when y hadde reddeþat y myght rede,
Þey shette here boke, and furþ þey ȝede.
Sone aftyrward whan þey were gone,
Come ouþer two, sone anone;
Blak þey were, and foule stynkyng,
wyþ glesyng yȝen, and mouþe grennyng;
Þey come and stodë on my bedde;
Me þoght y wax nygh wode for dredde;
Y turned me on euery syde,
From hem myght y nat me hyde;
And as y me went hem to fle
Euer þey werë aȝens me.
But whan y sagh no better bote,
Y lay stylle boþe hand and fote;
whan þey had traueyled me so with yl,
A stoundë sate þey by me styl
And drogh furþ a mochë boke,—
Þe most þat y euer on gan loke:
So grete hyt was and so orryble,
þer-yn was more þan yn a byble;—
For alle þat y haue do wyþ synne,
Euery dele ys wryte þerynne,
And euery wurde with sorow and pyne
Þey made me redë, maugre myne;
Þe lestë wurde þat euer y þoght,
Þat vnto synne a-mountede oght,
was yn þat boke ful þykly dreuyn,
was none forȝetyn ne forȝeuyn;
And alle y redde, boþe lesse and more;
Þat was þe pyne þat pyned me sore.
Þey shette here boke, and furþ þey ȝede.
Sone aftyrward whan þey were gone,
Come ouþer two, sone anone;
Blak þey were, and foule stynkyng,
wyþ glesyng yȝen, and mouþe grennyng;
Þey come and stodë on my bedde;
Me þoght y wax nygh wode for dredde;
Y turned me on euery syde,
From hem myght y nat me hyde;
And as y me went hem to fle
150
But whan y sagh no better bote,
Y lay stylle boþe hand and fote;
whan þey had traueyled me so with yl,
A stoundë sate þey by me styl
And drogh furþ a mochë boke,—
Þe most þat y euer on gan loke:
So grete hyt was and so orryble,
þer-yn was more þan yn a byble;—
For alle þat y haue do wyþ synne,
Euery dele ys wryte þerynne,
And euery wurde with sorow and pyne
Þey made me redë, maugre myne;
Þe lestë wurde þat euer y þoght,
Þat vnto synne a-mountede oght,
was yn þat boke ful þykly dreuyn,
was none forȝetyn ne forȝeuyn;
And alle y redde, boþe lesse and more;
Þat was þe pyne þat pyned me sore.
whan hyt was redd euerydeyl,
Þe boke was shet, and leyd vp weyl.
Þey ȝaue to me syþen alle here entent,
For to here wylle, y am alle went.
Twey brennyng knyuys þey oute drogh,
And seyd, “Do we oure dedë nowe;
Do we swyþe, and noght we dwelle,
And hast we vs wyþ hym to helle.”
Þe boke was shet, and leyd vp weyl.
Þey ȝaue to me syþen alle here entent,
For to here wylle, y am alle went.
Twey brennyng knyuys þey oute drogh,
And seyd, “Do we oure dedë nowe;
Do we swyþe, and noght we dwelle,
And hast we vs wyþ hym to helle.”
Þe toon þurgh myn hedë smote
wyþ þe knyfe þat was so hote;
Þe toþer smote me yn-to þe fete
Þat almost to-gedyr þe strokës mete;
But whan þey are to gedyr y-come,
And haue my herte betwyxe hem nome,
Þan shal y dey, and hennë wende
with þese to helle with-outyn ende.
wyþ þe knyfe þat was so hote;
Þe toþer smote me yn-to þe fete
Þat almost to-gedyr þe strokës mete;
But whan þey are to gedyr y-come,
And haue my herte betwyxe hem nome,
Þan shal y dey, and hennë wende
with þese to helle with-outyn ende.
wharto shuld y þan me repente
whan y wote my Iugëment?
And, þogh y myght lenger lyue,
No man myȝt hem me forȝyue;
Ȝyf y shulde haue any grace,
y shulde haue asked whan y had space;
But now y wote, ys al to late,
O poynt of my pyne to abate.
My synnes are grete, and many one;
Forȝeuënes shal be ryght none.”
151
And, þogh y myght lenger lyue,
No man myȝt hem me forȝyue;
Ȝyf y shulde haue any grace,
y shulde haue asked whan y had space;
But now y wote, ys al to late,
O poynt of my pyne to abate.
My synnes are grete, and many one;
Forȝeuënes shal be ryght none.”
Alle he tolde þys to þe kyng,
And asswyþe made hys endyng;
And ȝede to helle, and was forlore
For sloghnes, as y tolde byfore.
And asswyþe made hys endyng;
And ȝede to helle, and was forlore
For sloghnes, as y tolde byfore.
whan a man ys slogh, and wyl nat do
Þat holy cherche techyþ hym to,
Aȝens God he ys froward,
And yn hys synne he wexeþ hard;
Þan puttyþ þe fende yn hys þoght
Þat hys synne ys lytyl or noght;
And when tyme werë, mercy calle,
yn wanhope, he makeþ hym falle.
And alle ys þys for sloghþehede,
whan man betyme wyl haue no drede;
Þarefore seyþ þe kyng Salamon
“Beþ nat ydul, neuer none,”
For ȝoure gode dedys, ȝe shul hem fynde,
Oute of pyne þey wyl ȝow vnbynde.
he þat ys slogh yn euery gode dede,
what shal helpe whan he haþ nede?
Þat holy cherche techyþ hym to,
Aȝens God he ys froward,
And yn hys synne he wexeþ hard;
Þan puttyþ þe fende yn hys þoght
Þat hys synne ys lytyl or noght;
And when tyme werë, mercy calle,
yn wanhope, he makeþ hym falle.
And alle ys þys for sloghþehede,
whan man betyme wyl haue no drede;
Þarefore seyþ þe kyng Salamon
“Beþ nat ydul, neuer none,”
For ȝoure gode dedys, ȝe shul hem fynde,
Oute of pyne þey wyl ȝow vnbynde.
he þat ys slogh yn euery gode dede,
what shal helpe whan he haþ nede?
Þe holy man spekþ of a synne
Of sloghnes, þat men falle ynne;
Ȝyf þat any shuld oght weyl do,
hym loþyþ so gretly þarto
Þat he fondyþ on allë wyse
To do hyt on þe werst asyse.
Ȝyf he of Godys wurde oght here,
Þerof hym þynkeþ an hundred ȝere;
But ȝyf he be at any pleyyng
At þe ale house, or at any ouþer ianglyng
For to rage wyþ ylka fyle,
Þer þenkeþ hym but lytyl whyle.
Of sloghnes, þat men falle ynne;
Ȝyf þat any shuld oght weyl do,
hym loþyþ so gretly þarto
Þat he fondyþ on allë wyse
To do hyt on þe werst asyse.
Ȝyf he of Godys wurde oght here,
Þerof hym þynkeþ an hundred ȝere;
152
At þe ale house, or at any ouþer ianglyng
For to rage wyþ ylka fyle,
Þer þenkeþ hym but lytyl whyle.
yn goddys seruyse are swyche men yrk;
when þey come vn-to þe kyrke
To here matynys or messë song,
hem þenkeþ hyt lastyþ ouer long;
Þan shal he iangle, or telle a tale,
Or wyte where þey shul haue þe beste ale.
Swyche synne ys kalled ‘accyde,’
yn gode dede to be slogh, or long abyde.
when þey come vn-to þe kyrke
To here matynys or messë song,
hem þenkeþ hyt lastyþ ouer long;
Þan shal he iangle, or telle a tale,
Or wyte where þey shul haue þe beste ale.
Swyche synne ys kalled ‘accyde,’
yn gode dede to be slogh, or long abyde.
Ȝyf any man be coupable yn þys,
yn swyche poyntys þat he haue do mys,
Be he hygh or be he logh,
He ys yn Goddys seruyse slogh.
But whan men heryn of þys preche,
Þat god of swyche wyl takë wreche;
‘A!’ lyghtly þey sey, as hyt may falle,
‘God haue mercy on vs alle;’
As who seye ‘ȝyf he wyl vs saue,
Or ȝyf he wyl nat; late vs beleue.’
yn swyche poyntys þat he haue do mys,
Be he hygh or be he logh,
He ys yn Goddys seruyse slogh.
But whan men heryn of þys preche,
Þat god of swyche wyl takë wreche;
‘A!’ lyghtly þey sey, as hyt may falle,
‘God haue mercy on vs alle;’
As who seye ‘ȝyf he wyl vs saue,
Or ȝyf he wyl nat; late vs beleue.’
Nay, nay, hyt may nat be so,
Þyr behoueþ more þarto;
Þou gettyst nat heuene so lyghtly
But þou do yn dede more why.
Prey hym fyrst he ȝeue þe þat mede
Þat þou mayst serue hym wel yn dede:
Ȝyf þou praye þus and syþen wel do,
So mayst þou come hys mercy to;
And nat yn ydylnes, as ȝe þynke,
wel to ete and wel to drynke,
And ofte to swerë at youre wyl,
whan no man chargeþ ȝow þar tyl:
So come to heuene, hyt may nat be,
For, God hadde hyt neuer so fre.
Þyr behoueþ more þarto;
Þou gettyst nat heuene so lyghtly
But þou do yn dede more why.
Prey hym fyrst he ȝeue þe þat mede
Þat þou mayst serue hym wel yn dede:
Ȝyf þou praye þus and syþen wel do,
So mayst þou come hys mercy to;
And nat yn ydylnes, as ȝe þynke,
wel to ete and wel to drynke,
And ofte to swerë at youre wyl,
153
So come to heuene, hyt may nat be,
For, God hadde hyt neuer so fre.
[Against Tournaments.]
Of tournamentys þat are forbede
yn holy cherchë, as men rede,
Of tournamentys y preue þerynne,
Seuene poyntës of dedly synne:
Fyrst, ys pryde, as þou wel wost,
Auauntëment, bobaunce, and bost;
Of ryche atyre ys here auaunce,
Prykyng here hors with olypraunce.
wete þou wel þer ys enuye
whan one seeþ anoþer do maystrye,
Oþer yn wurdys, oþer yn dedys;
Enuye moste of alle hem ledys.
Yre and wraþþe may þey nat late;
Ofte are tournamentys made for hate.
Ȝyf euery knyȝt louede oþer weyl,
Tournamentes shulde be neuer a deyl;
And certys þey falle yn sloghnes,
Þey loue hyt more þan God oþer messe;
And, þerof ys hyt no doute,
þey dyspende more gode þer aboute—
þat ys ȝeue allë to folye—
Þan to any dede of mercy.
yn holy cherchë, as men rede,
Of tournamentys y preue þerynne,
Seuene poyntës of dedly synne:
Fyrst, ys pryde, as þou wel wost,
Auauntëment, bobaunce, and bost;
Of ryche atyre ys here auaunce,
Prykyng here hors with olypraunce.
wete þou wel þer ys enuye
whan one seeþ anoþer do maystrye,
Oþer yn wurdys, oþer yn dedys;
Enuye moste of alle hem ledys.
Yre and wraþþe may þey nat late;
Ofte are tournamentys made for hate.
Ȝyf euery knyȝt louede oþer weyl,
Tournamentes shulde be neuer a deyl;
And certys þey falle yn sloghnes,
Þey loue hyt more þan God oþer messe;
And, þerof ys hyt no doute,
þey dyspende more gode þer aboute—
þat ys ȝeue allë to folye—
Þan to any dede of mercy.
And ȝyt may nat, on no wyse,
Be forgete dame coueytyse,
For she shal fonde, on allë wyse,
To wynnë hors, and harnyse.
And ȝyt shal he make sum robbery,
Or bygyle hys hoste þer he shal lye.
Be forgete dame coueytyse,
For she shal fonde, on allë wyse,
To wynnë hors, and harnyse.
And ȝyt shal he make sum robbery,
Or bygyle hys hoste þer he shal lye.
Glotonye also ys hem among,
Delycyus metes to make hem strong;
And drynke þe wyne þat he were lyght,
wyþ glotonye to make hym wyght.
154
And drynke þe wyne þat he were lyght,
wyþ glotonye to make hym wyght.
Ȝyt ys þere dame lecherye;
Of here cumþ allë here maystrye.
Many tymes, for wymmen sake,
knyghteys tournamentys make;
And whan he wendyþ to þe tournament
She sendyþ hym sum pryuy present,
And byt hym do for hys lemman
Yn vasshelage alle þat he kan;
So ys he bete þere, for here loue,
Þat he ne may sytte hys hors aboue,
Þat perauenture, yn alle hys lyue
Shal he neuer aftyr þryue.
loke now whedyr swyche tournours
Mow be kallëd turmentours?
For, þey turmente alle with synne;
Þere tourment ys, þer shul þey ynne,
But þey leuë swyche myschaunce,
And for here synnë do penaunce.
Of here cumþ allë here maystrye.
Many tymes, for wymmen sake,
knyghteys tournamentys make;
And whan he wendyþ to þe tournament
She sendyþ hym sum pryuy present,
And byt hym do for hys lemman
Yn vasshelage alle þat he kan;
So ys he bete þere, for here loue,
Þat he ne may sytte hys hors aboue,
Þat perauenture, yn alle hys lyue
Shal he neuer aftyr þryue.
loke now whedyr swyche tournours
Mow be kallëd turmentours?
For, þey turmente alle with synne;
Þere tourment ys, þer shul þey ynne,
But þey leuë swyche myschaunce,
And for here synnë do penaunce.
Also y tellë by iustyng,
Þér-of cumþ myschefful þyng;
Alle ys þe toon with þe touþer,
As a shyppe þat ys turned with þe roþer.
Þér-of cumþ myschefful þyng;
Alle ys þe toon with þe touþer,
As a shyppe þat ys turned with þe roþer.
And þese bourdys of þese squyers,
Also haue þey made for swyche maners
Of prydë, hatë, and enuye,
Sloghtnesse, coueytyse, and glotonye:
lecherye makþ hem alle to bygynne;
Þese wymmen are partyners of þere synne.
Also haue þey made for swyche maners
Of prydë, hatë, and enuye,
Sloghtnesse, coueytyse, and glotonye:
lecherye makþ hem alle to bygynne;
Þese wymmen are partyners of þere synne.
A clerk of order þat haþ þe name,
Ȝyf he iuste, he ys to blame,
Hyt were wurþy þat had þe gre,
Brokyn þe armë, legge, or thee;
hyt ys forsoþe, ȝyf he so werche,
Aȝens þe state of holy cherche.
Ȝyf he iuste, he ys to blame,
Hyt were wurþy þat had þe gre,
Brokyn þe armë, legge, or thee;
hyt ys forsoþe, ȝyf he so werche,
155
hyt ys forbode hym, yn þe decre,
Myrácles for to make or se;
For, myrácles ȝyf þou bygynne,
Hyt ys a gaderyng, a syght of synne,
Myrácles for to make or se;
For, myrácles ȝyf þou bygynne,
Hyt ys a gaderyng, a syght of synne,
He may yn þe cherche, þurgh þys resun,
Pley þe resurreccyun,—
Þat ys to seyë, how God ros,
God and man yn myȝt and los,—
To make men be yn beleuë gode
Þat he ros with flesshe and blode;
And he may pleye, withoutyn plyght
howe God was bore yn ȝolë nyght,
To make men to beleue stedfastly
Þat he lyght yn þe vyrgyne Mary.
Pley þe resurreccyun,—
Þat ys to seyë, how God ros,
God and man yn myȝt and los,—
To make men be yn beleuë gode
Þat he ros with flesshe and blode;
And he may pleye, withoutyn plyght
howe God was bore yn ȝolë nyght,
To make men to beleue stedfastly
Þat he lyght yn þe vyrgyne Mary.
Ȝif þou do hyt yn weyys or greuys,
A syght of synne truly hyt semys.
Seynt Ysodre, y take to wyttnes,
For he hyt seyþ, þat soþe hyt es;
þus hyt seyþ, yn hys boke,
Þey forsakë þat þey toke—
God and herë crystendam—
Þat make swyche pleyys to any man
As myrácles and bourdys,
Or tournamentys of grete prys.
þese are þe pompes þat þou forsoke,
Fryst whan þou þy crystendam toke.
At þe fonte, seyþ þe lewed man,
“y forsake þe, here, Satan,
And alle þy pompes and all thy werkys:”
Þys ys þy lore, aftyr þe clerkys.
haldyst þou forward, e, certys nay,
whan þou makyst swyche a-dray?
Aȝens God þou brekest cunnaunt,
And seruyst ȝoure syre, Termagaunt.
Seynt Ysodre seyþ yn hys wrytyng,
‘Alle þo þat delyte to se swyche þyng,
Or hors or harneys lenyþ þar-tyl;
Ȝyt haue þey gylt of here peryl.’
A syght of synne truly hyt semys.
Seynt Ysodre, y take to wyttnes,
For he hyt seyþ, þat soþe hyt es;
þus hyt seyþ, yn hys boke,
Þey forsakë þat þey toke—
God and herë crystendam—
Þat make swyche pleyys to any man
As myrácles and bourdys,
Or tournamentys of grete prys.
þese are þe pompes þat þou forsoke,
Fryst whan þou þy crystendam toke.
At þe fonte, seyþ þe lewed man,
“y forsake þe, here, Satan,
And alle þy pompes and all thy werkys:”
Þys ys þy lore, aftyr þe clerkys.
haldyst þou forward, e, certys nay,
whan þou makyst swyche a-dray?
Aȝens God þou brekest cunnaunt,
And seruyst ȝoure syre, Termagaunt.
156
‘Alle þo þat delyte to se swyche þyng,
Or hors or harneys lenyþ þar-tyl;
Ȝyt haue þey gylt of here peryl.’
Ȝyf prest or clerk lene vestëment
Þat halwed ys þurgh sacrament;
More þan ouþer þey are to blame,
Of sacrylege þey haue þe fame:
Famë, for þey falle yn plyght,
Þey shuld be chastysed þerfor with ryȝt.
Þat halwed ys þurgh sacrament;
More þan ouþer þey are to blame,
Of sacrylege þey haue þe fame:
Famë, for þey falle yn plyght,
Þey shuld be chastysed þerfor with ryȝt.
Daunces, karols, somour games,
Of many swych come many shames;
whan þou stodyst to makë þyse,
Þou art slogh yn Goddys seruyse;
And þat synnen yn swych þurgh þe,
For hem þou shalt a-couped be.
Of many swych come many shames;
whan þou stodyst to makë þyse,
Þou art slogh yn Goddys seruyse;
And þat synnen yn swych þurgh þe,
For hem þou shalt a-couped be.
what seye ȝe by euery mynstral,
Þat yn swyche þynges delyte hem alle?
Here doyng ys ful perylous,
Hyt loueth noþer God ne goddys house;
Hem were leuer here of a daunce,
Of bost, and of olypraunce,
Þan any gode of God of heuene,
Or ouþer wysdom þat were to neuene.
Yn foly ys allë þat þey gete,
here cloth, here drynkë, and here mete.
And, for swych þyng, telle y shal,
what byfyl onys of a mynstral:
Seynt Gregorye telleþ yn hys spell
how hyt of a mynstral fell.
Þat yn swyche þynges delyte hem alle?
Here doyng ys ful perylous,
Hyt loueth noþer God ne goddys house;
Hem were leuer here of a daunce,
Of bost, and of olypraunce,
Þan any gode of God of heuene,
Or ouþer wysdom þat were to neuene.
Yn foly ys allë þat þey gete,
here cloth, here drynkë, and here mete.
And, for swych þyng, telle y shal,
what byfyl onys of a mynstral:
Seynt Gregorye telleþ yn hys spell
how hyt of a mynstral fell.
[The Tale of the Minstrel who was kild for disturbing a Bishop.]
A mynstralle, a gulardous,
Come onys to a bysshopes hous
And asked þere þe charyte;
Þe porter lete hym haue entre;
Come onys to a bysshopes hous
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Þe porter lete hym haue entre;
At tyme of mete, þe bourde was leyd,
And þe benesun shuld be seyd;
Þys mynstral made hys melody
with gretë noyse, and loude, and hy.
Of þe bysshope, þe famë ran
Þat he was an holy man;
Þe bysshope sette hym at þe bourde,
And shuld haue blessed hyt with wurde;
So was he sturbled with þe mynstral,
Þat he hadde no grace to sey with-alle
His graces ryght deuoutëly
For þe noyse of þe mynstralsy.
And þe benesun shuld be seyd;
Þys mynstral made hys melody
with gretë noyse, and loude, and hy.
Of þe bysshope, þe famë ran
Þat he was an holy man;
Þe bysshope sette hym at þe bourde,
And shuld haue blessed hyt with wurde;
So was he sturbled with þe mynstral,
Þat he hadde no grace to sey with-alle
His graces ryght deuoutëly
For þe noyse of þe mynstralsy.
Þe bysshope pleyned hym ful sore,
And seyd to allë þat were þore,
Þat he ne shulde make hys nycete
Before the graces of þe charyte.
He sagh hyt weyl, þurgh þe spryt,
Þat þer shuld come veniaunce astyt.
“Ȝyueþ hym þe charyte, & latyþ hym go;
Hys deþ ys nygh, þat shal hym slo.”
He toke charyte, and toke hys gate;
And as he passed out at þe ȝate,
A stonë fyl down of þe wal,
And slogh þerë þe mynstral.
And seyd to allë þat were þore,
Þat he ne shulde make hys nycete
Before the graces of þe charyte.
He sagh hyt weyl, þurgh þe spryt,
Þat þer shuld come veniaunce astyt.
“Ȝyueþ hym þe charyte, & latyþ hym go;
Hys deþ ys nygh, þat shal hym slo.”
He toke charyte, and toke hys gate;
And as he passed out at þe ȝate,
A stonë fyl down of þe wal,
And slogh þerë þe mynstral.
Þat betokened þat God was noght
Payd of þat þe mynstral wroght,
Þat he desturbled þe benesoun
And þe gode mannys deuocyoun.
Payd of þat þe mynstral wroght,
Þat he desturbled þe benesoun
And þe gode mannys deuocyoun.
Þys tolde y for þe glemennes sake,
To loke whan þey here gle shuld make;
And also for þo þat shuld hyt here,
Þat þey loue hyt nat so dere,
Ne haue þerynne so grete lykyng,
Þe lesse to wurschyp heuene kyng.
To loke whan þey here gle shuld make;
And also for þo þat shuld hyt here,
Þat þey loue hyt nat so dere,
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Þe lesse to wurschyp heuene kyng.
[A Tale of Bishop St. Robert Grostest of Lincoln, and why he lovd Music.]
Y shall ȝow telle, as y haue herd,
Of þe bysshope Seynt Roberd;
Hys tonamë ys ‘Grostest
Of Lynkolne,’ so seyþ þe gest.
he loued moche to here þe harpe,
For mannys wytte hyt makyþ sharpe;
Next hys chaumbre, besyde hys stody,
Hys harpers chaumbre was fast þerby.
Many tymes, be nyȝtys and dayys,
He had solace of notes and layys.
One asked hym onys, resun why
he hadde delyte yn mynstralsy:
he answerede hym on þys manere,
why he helde þe harper so dere,
“Þe vertu of þe harpe, þurgh skylle & ryȝt,
wyl destroye þe fendës myȝt,
And to þe croys by godë skylle
Ys þe harpë lykened weyle.
Of þe bysshope Seynt Roberd;
Hys tonamë ys ‘Grostest
Of Lynkolne,’ so seyþ þe gest.
he loued moche to here þe harpe,
For mannys wytte hyt makyþ sharpe;
Next hys chaumbre, besyde hys stody,
Hys harpers chaumbre was fast þerby.
Many tymes, be nyȝtys and dayys,
He had solace of notes and layys.
One asked hym onys, resun why
he hadde delyte yn mynstralsy:
he answerede hym on þys manere,
why he helde þe harper so dere,
“Þe vertu of þe harpe, þurgh skylle & ryȝt,
wyl destroye þe fendës myȝt,
And to þe croys by godë skylle
Ys þe harpë lykened weyle.
Anoþer poynt cumfórteþ me,
Þat God haþ sent vnto a tre
So mochë ioye to here with eere;
Moche þan morë ioye ys þere
with God hym-selfë, þere he wonys;
Þe harpe þerof me oftë mones;
Of þe ioye and of þe blys
where God hym-self wonys and ys.
Þare-for, gode men, ȝe shul lere,
whan ȝe any glemen here,
To wurschep God at ȝoure powere,
As Dauyd seyþ yn þe sautere,
“yn harpe, yn thabour, and symphan gle,
wurschepe God, yn troumpes, and sautre,
yn cordys, an organes, and bellys ryngyng,
yn al þese, wurschepe ȝe heuene kyng.”
Ȝyf ȝe do þus, y sey hardly,
Ȝe mow here ȝoure mynstralsy.
Þat God haþ sent vnto a tre
So mochë ioye to here with eere;
Moche þan morë ioye ys þere
with God hym-selfë, þere he wonys;
Þe harpe þerof me oftë mones;
Of þe ioye and of þe blys
where God hym-self wonys and ys.
Þare-for, gode men, ȝe shul lere,
whan ȝe any glemen here,
To wurschep God at ȝoure powere,
As Dauyd seyþ yn þe sautere,
“yn harpe, yn thabour, and symphan gle,
wurschepe God, yn troumpes, and sautre,
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yn al þese, wurschepe ȝe heuene kyng.”
Ȝyf ȝe do þus, y sey hardly,
Ȝe mow here ȝoure mynstralsy.
Ȝyf þou lyggë long yn synne,
And wylt nat ryse, ne þerof blynne,
Certeynly, for euery oure
Þou shalt ȝelde a-counte ful soure;
For euery oure þat þou þeryn lay
Yn purgatorye þou gest þy pay.
Hyt ys sloghnes, and kalled ‘accyde,’
Fro Goddys seruyse so long þe hyde.
And wylt nat ryse, ne þerof blynne,
Certeynly, for euery oure
Þou shalt ȝelde a-counte ful soure;
For euery oure þat þou þeryn lay
Yn purgatorye þou gest þy pay.
Hyt ys sloghnes, and kalled ‘accyde,’
Fro Goddys seruyse so long þe hyde.
And some, alle þe ȝere wyllyn abyde
Of shryftë tyl þe lentyn tyde;
And nygh tyl lentyn be al gone
Mede for fastyng gete þey none;
Þat ys, for sloghnes þey wyl nat ryse;
lyggyng yn synne, ys lore seruyse.
Of shryftë tyl þe lentyn tyde;
And nygh tyl lentyn be al gone
Mede for fastyng gete þey none;
Þat ys, for sloghnes þey wyl nat ryse;
lyggyng yn synne, ys lore seruyse.
And, sum men, yn alle here lyue,
Clenly ne wylë þey hem shryue;
For þey synne alle yn hope of grace,
At here endyng wene þey haue space;
Þan þenkë þey to shryue hem clene:
To swyche men, God sheweþ hys tene.
Hyt ys seyd al day, for þys skyl,
“he þat wyl nat whan he may,
He shal nat, when he wyl, [haue pay.]”
And þer byþ many one ful euyl to wynne
To any godenes fro vylë synne;
Euyl tokyn hyt ys of swyche a man,
God hym deme; for y ne kan.
Clenly ne wylë þey hem shryue;
For þey synne alle yn hope of grace,
At here endyng wene þey haue space;
Þan þenkë þey to shryue hem clene:
To swyche men, God sheweþ hys tene.
Hyt ys seyd al day, for þys skyl,
“he þat wyl nat whan he may,
He shal nat, when he wyl, [haue pay.]”
And þer byþ many one ful euyl to wynne
To any godenes fro vylë synne;
Euyl tokyn hyt ys of swyche a man,
God hym deme; for y ne kan.
And þyr are ouþer þat mys dous,
As a best, for defaute þat goþ lous.
But whan men techë hem þe wey,
And þey wyl do as men hem sey;
A tokyn hyt ys, þey shul haue grace
To come to God, and hauë space.
And he may hope of euyl endyng
Þat nonë may to Godë brynge.
As a best, for defaute þat goþ lous.
But whan men techë hem þe wey,
And þey wyl do as men hem sey;
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To come to God, and hauë space.
And he may hope of euyl endyng
Þat nonë may to Godë brynge.
A slogh messagere, hys wylland,
Þat charged ys wyþ lordes erand,
Ȝyf he go nat as he ys sent,
He ys wurþy to be shent.
Man þat wel spedyþ hym yn dede,
And messáger smart at nede,
Þey shul stonde byfore þe kyng,
And hauë mede to here askyng.
Þat charged ys wyþ lordes erand,
Ȝyf he go nat as he ys sent,
He ys wurþy to be shent.
Man þat wel spedyþ hym yn dede,
And messáger smart at nede,
Þey shul stonde byfore þe kyng,
And hauë mede to here askyng.
A persone ys slogh yn holy cherche
Þat on hys shepë wyl nat werche
How þey shul hem-self[ë] ȝeme,
And God and holy cherche to queme.
Þe hyghë shepard shal hym blame,
how he lateþ hem go to shame.
Þat on hys shepë wyl nat werche
How þey shul hem-self[ë] ȝeme,
And God and holy cherche to queme.
Þe hyghë shepard shal hym blame,
how he lateþ hem go to shame.
Ȝyf he se yn any þyng
Þat þey haue defaute of chastysyng,
But he teche hem and chastyse so
Þat þey forward better do,
For hem he shal, at þe assyse,
Be ponysshed before þe hygh Iustyse.
Also behoueþ hym, for hem pray,
Þat God, of grace, wysse hem þe wey.
Þat þey haue defaute of chastysyng,
But he teche hem and chastyse so
Þat þey forward better do,
For hem he shal, at þe assyse,
Be ponysshed before þe hygh Iustyse.
Also behoueþ hym, for hem pray,
Þat God, of grace, wysse hem þe wey.
Ȝyf any of hem defautë has,
And he may helpe hem yn þat kas,
And wyl nat, for vnkyndhede,
But late hem perysshe þer for nede,
Ful harde a-countë shal he ȝelde
Þat he myȝt helpe whan he ne welde.
Ȝyf he kyndly vndyrstode,
Of hem he haþ al hys gode;
For, God seyþ yn þe gospel þys,
Vpbreydyng hem when þey do mys:
Þe mylke, þe wulle, þey wyl receyue;
And syþþen þe shepe þey wyle late weyue.
Holy wrytë swyche men holdes
As wyldë wuluës brekyng foldes.
Swyche a personë ys ful slogh,
Be he hygh, or be he logh.
And he may helpe hem yn þat kas,
And wyl nat, for vnkyndhede,
But late hem perysshe þer for nede,
Ful harde a-countë shal he ȝelde
Þat he myȝt helpe whan he ne welde.
Ȝyf he kyndly vndyrstode,
Of hem he haþ al hys gode;
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Vpbreydyng hem when þey do mys:
Þe mylke, þe wulle, þey wyl receyue;
And syþþen þe shepe þey wyle late weyue.
Holy wrytë swyche men holdes
As wyldë wuluës brekyng foldes.
Swyche a personë ys ful slogh,
Be he hygh, or be he logh.
Man or womman þat haþ a chylde
Þat wyþ vnþewys wexyþ wylde,
Þat wyl boþe myssey and do,
Chastysment behoueþ þarto;
But ȝe hem chastyse at ȝoure myȝt,
Ȝe falle, ellys, for hem yn plyȝt.
Better were þe chylde vnbore
Þan fayle chastysyng, and syþþen lore.
Þus seyth þe wys kyng Salamonn
To men and wymmen euerychonn,
“wyle ȝe þat ȝoure chyldryn be a-ferd,
Ȝyueþ hem þe smert ende of þe ȝerde;”
And techeþ hem gode þewys echone;
Ȝyt dur ȝow brekë hem no bone.
Þat wyþ vnþewys wexyþ wylde,
Þat wyl boþe myssey and do,
Chastysment behoueþ þarto;
But ȝe hem chastyse at ȝoure myȝt,
Ȝe falle, ellys, for hem yn plyȝt.
Better were þe chylde vnbore
Þan fayle chastysyng, and syþþen lore.
Þus seyth þe wys kyng Salamonn
To men and wymmen euerychonn,
“wyle ȝe þat ȝoure chyldryn be a-ferd,
Ȝyueþ hem þe smert ende of þe ȝerde;”
And techeþ hem gode þewys echone;
Ȝyt dur ȝow brekë hem no bone.
[The Tale of the Father that would not chastise his Child.]
y shal ȝow telle a wundyr þyng
Þat fylle for defaute of chastysyng:
Seynt Gregory telleþ, þat mochë kan,
Of a folë husbunde man
Þat hatede a chylde þat he furþe broght
wykkedly, for he chastyed hym noght.
Þys chylde was wurþy for to blame,
For ofte he cursed Goddys name;
whan aght was do aȝens hys wylle,
He cursede Goddys name wyþ ylle.
Seynt Gregory tellyþ hyt wyþ grete eye;
But as he seyþ, þan dar y seye.
Þat fylle for defaute of chastysyng:
Seynt Gregory telleþ, þat mochë kan,
Of a folë husbunde man
Þat hatede a chylde þat he furþe broght
wykkedly, for he chastyed hym noght.
Þys chylde was wurþy for to blame,
For ofte he cursed Goddys name;
whan aght was do aȝens hys wylle,
He cursede Goddys name wyþ ylle.
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But as he seyþ, þan dar y seye.
Þys ychë chyld [sone] aftyrward
Fyl yn[to] a syknes hard;
Þe fadyr hadde þerof pyte,
Þe chyld he daunted on hys kne,
And haddë þarfor mochë kare
Þat he sagh hys chylde so fare;
For hyt began to braye and crye
As, þogh hyt shuld al to-flye.
Fyl yn[to] a syknes hard;
Þe fadyr hadde þerof pyte,
Þe chyld he daunted on hys kne,
And haddë þarfor mochë kare
Þat he sagh hys chylde so fare;
For hyt began to braye and crye
As, þogh hyt shuld al to-flye.
Þe fadyr asked, why hyt so ferde,
Or what hyt sagh, or what hyt herde.
Þe chyldë seyd “blake men, blake,
Aré aboutë, me to take;
Me, wyþ hem, wyl þey lede,
Y ne shal skapë for no nede.”
Yn þe fadrys bosum hyt wulde hym hyde,
But þe fende, þat ychë tyde,
Refte þe saulë vnto helle.
Þan began þe chylde to ȝelle,
And cursed onys Goddys name,
And deyde, and ȝede to helle with shame.
Or what hyt sagh, or what hyt herde.
Þe chyldë seyd “blake men, blake,
Aré aboutë, me to take;
Me, wyþ hem, wyl þey lede,
Y ne shal skapë for no nede.”
Yn þe fadrys bosum hyt wulde hym hyde,
But þe fende, þat ychë tyde,
Refte þe saulë vnto helle.
Þan began þe chylde to ȝelle,
And cursed onys Goddys name,
And deyde, and ȝede to helle with shame.
Þys yche chylde þat y haue of tolde,
was but fyuë wyntyr olde.
Þus þe chylde þat was so ȝunge
was lore for faute of chastysynge.
But þe fadyr, þat no gode couþe,
Myȝte haue chastyëd hym with mouþe,
Stoutly, for euery a lak,
And betë hyt, whan hyt so spak.
was but fyuë wyntyr olde.
Þus þe chylde þat was so ȝunge
was lore for faute of chastysynge.
But þe fadyr, þat no gode couþe,
Myȝte haue chastyëd hym with mouþe,
Stoutly, for euery a lak,
And betë hyt, whan hyt so spak.
Oueral y se þys custome wonys;
Rychë men haue shrewed sonys,—
Shrewys yn dedë and yn sawe,—
why? For þey haue nonnë awe.
Yn hys ȝouþe shal he mysseye
And skornë ouþer by þe weye;
Þan seyþ þe fadyr “þys chyldys wurde
Ne shal nat ley allë yn hurde.”
And ȝyf he lernë gylerye,
Fals wurde and feynt trenlyng with ye,
Þat halte hys fadyr a queyntyse
And of slygh wyt, to knowe þat wyse.
Ȝyf he do skaþe gladly with fyght,
Þan seyþ þe fadyr “he shal be wyght;
He shal be hardy, and no man drede,
He begynneþ be tyme be doghty yn dede.”
But ryght so shal hyt of hem falle
As dyd of Ely sonys alle.
y shal ȝow telle, to preue my sawe,
what fyl yn þe oldë lawe.
yn þe byble hyt tellyþ, þat toucheþ swych þynges,
yn þe holy boke of kynges;
And wrytë hyt ys opunly,
Of a patryark, syre Ely.
Rychë men haue shrewed sonys,—
Shrewys yn dedë and yn sawe,—
why? For þey haue nonnë awe.
Yn hys ȝouþe shal he mysseye
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Þan seyþ þe fadyr “þys chyldys wurde
Ne shal nat ley allë yn hurde.”
And ȝyf he lernë gylerye,
Fals wurde and feynt trenlyng with ye,
Þat halte hys fadyr a queyntyse
And of slygh wyt, to knowe þat wyse.
Ȝyf he do skaþe gladly with fyght,
Þan seyþ þe fadyr “he shal be wyght;
He shal be hardy, and no man drede,
He begynneþ be tyme be doghty yn dede.”
But ryght so shal hyt of hem falle
As dyd of Ely sonys alle.
y shal ȝow telle, to preue my sawe,
what fyl yn þe oldë lawe.
yn þe byble hyt tellyþ, þat toucheþ swych þynges,
yn þe holy boke of kynges;
And wrytë hyt ys opunly,
Of a patryark, syre Ely.
[The tale of ‘Syre Ely’ and his wicked Sons.]
Þys Ely was a man ryȝt ryche,
And, to hys chyldrén ryght blyche;
he hadde twey sonys, þat ys no les,
‘Ofnee’ the toon hyght, þe touþer ‘Fynees.’
Þese twey chyldryn dyd ful wykkedly
To man and woman þat þey come by;
Lyers, robbours, and lechours,
Skorners, and also auoutours;
wymmen þat to þe temple come,
here offryng from hem þey nome.
Þese wymmen come to syre Ely,
And pleyned hem of grete vyleynye,
‘Þat hys sonys were vnhende,
hem also for to shende.
O defaute was, þey by hem lay;
A-noþer, þey bare here offryng away.’
“Do þerof sum chástysyng,
For þe loue of heuene kyng!”
And, to hys chyldrén ryght blyche;
he hadde twey sonys, þat ys no les,
‘Ofnee’ the toon hyght, þe touþer ‘Fynees.’
Þese twey chyldryn dyd ful wykkedly
To man and woman þat þey come by;
Lyers, robbours, and lechours,
Skorners, and also auoutours;
wymmen þat to þe temple come,
here offryng from hem þey nome.
Þese wymmen come to syre Ely,
And pleyned hem of grete vyleynye,
‘Þat hys sonys were vnhende,
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O defaute was, þey by hem lay;
A-noþer, þey bare here offryng away.’
“Do þerof sum chástysyng,
For þe loue of heuene kyng!”
Here fadyr Ely þan was wo,
For þat yche fame shulde of hem go.
Ely kalled hys sone, “Ofnee
And Fyneës, come ȝe to me!
Sonës,” he seyde, “ȝe are me dere;
y bydde ȝow boþe, on feyre manere,
Þat ȝe leue ȝoure foly dedes,
And ouþer foly þat ȝow ledys;
Y herë of ȝow foulë fame,
Þe folkë seyn ȝe are to blame;
Y rede ȝe leue alle swych foly,
Þat y of ȝow here no more cry.”
For þat yche fame shulde of hem go.
Ely kalled hys sone, “Ofnee
And Fyneës, come ȝe to me!
Sonës,” he seyde, “ȝe are me dere;
y bydde ȝow boþe, on feyre manere,
Þat ȝe leue ȝoure foly dedes,
And ouþer foly þat ȝow ledys;
Y herë of ȝow foulë fame,
Þe folkë seyn ȝe are to blame;
Y rede ȝe leue alle swych foly,
Þat y of ȝow here no more cry.”
Þese chyldryn were strong and stout;
Of fadres byddyng þey hadde no dout,
But werë shrewys for þe more,
Or werse þan þey hadde be byfore;
And God was wroþe wyþ here mysdede
Þat þey ne leftë for no drede;
And, God was wyþ Ely wroþe,
For he dyd hys sones no loþe,
To chastyse hem wyþ fyn awe
And with þe smartnes of þe lawe.
Of fadres byddyng þey hadde no dout,
But werë shrewys for þe more,
Or werse þan þey hadde be byfore;
And God was wroþe wyþ here mysdede
Þat þey ne leftë for no drede;
And, God was wyþ Ely wroþe,
For he dyd hys sones no loþe,
To chastyse hem wyþ fyn awe
And with þe smartnes of þe lawe.
Þarfor toke god hys venïaunce
Of hem, and mo, for þat myschaunce;
He lete þe fals Phylystyens,
Þe folk of Isrel to werre aȝens.
Ely and hys, þey gunne assayle,
And ouercome hem tweys yn batayle.
Of hem, and mo, for þat myschaunce;
He lete þe fals Phylystyens,
Þe folk of Isrel to werre aȝens.
Ely and hys, þey gunne assayle,
And ouercome hem tweys yn batayle.
Þese Phylystyens þat hadde þe maystry,
Beleuyd on Dagoun, a maumettry.
On a god þat þey kalled Dagoun,
Beleued þe Phylystynes echoun.
Þarefor hyt was but Goddys suffraunce
Þat shewyd why þey hadde swych chaunce.
Beleuyd on Dagoun, a maumettry.
On a god þat þey kalled Dagoun,
Beleued þe Phylystynes echoun.
Þarefor hyt was but Goddys suffraunce
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Þe folk of Isrel had þoght, and syghte,
For þey were twyys scumfyghte;
Þey ordeyned hem on allë wyse
how þey shulde best to batayle ryse,
Aȝens þe Phylystynes for to go,
And hem dyscumfytë and slo.
þey ordeyned hem for to bere
Goddys arke with hem yn to were.
Ely sones were stoute and stark,
And were chose to bere Goddys ark;
For reuerence þey ded hyt, of Ely,
And for þey were of body doghty.
For þey were twyys scumfyghte;
Þey ordeyned hem on allë wyse
how þey shulde best to batayle ryse,
Aȝens þe Phylystynes for to go,
And hem dyscumfytë and slo.
þey ordeyned hem for to bere
Goddys arke with hem yn to were.
Ely sones were stoute and stark,
And were chose to bere Goddys ark;
For reuerence þey ded hyt, of Ely,
And for þey were of body doghty.
Goddys ark was of swych manere
As men make now shrynës here.
yn þys ark werë þre þynges
Þat men ȝaue to here offrynges;
Þar-yn was Moyses table
whar-on God wrote þe lawë stable;
And Aarons ȝerd, and a potte of golde:
Þese þre relykes þey helde ful holde.
Yn þe pottë was a floure,
whyte, and swete of al sauoure,
Þat floure ys kalled ‘aungelys mete’
Þat God ȝafe þe folke to ete
whan þey were yn wyldernes
Forty wyntyr, yn hard stres.
Þese þyngës þan bare Ely sones
yn-to þe batayle þat ȝyt of mones.
As men make now shrynës here.
yn þys ark werë þre þynges
Þat men ȝaue to here offrynges;
Þar-yn was Moyses table
whar-on God wrote þe lawë stable;
And Aarons ȝerd, and a potte of golde:
Þese þre relykes þey helde ful holde.
Yn þe pottë was a floure,
whyte, and swete of al sauoure,
Þat floure ys kalled ‘aungelys mete’
Þat God ȝafe þe folke to ete
whan þey were yn wyldernes
Forty wyntyr, yn hard stres.
Þese þyngës þan bare Ely sones
yn-to þe batayle þat ȝyt of mones.
Þe phylystyens come hem for to assayle,
And slogh Ely sonës yn batayle,
And rauysshed Goddys ark þere,
And slogh þe folk þat þer were,
And þe relykys þat þere were ynne:
Alle were lore for þe sonys synne.
And slogh Ely sonës yn batayle,
And rauysshed Goddys ark þere,
And slogh þe folk þat þer were,
And þe relykys þat þere were ynne:
Alle were lore for þe sonys synne.
whan þe folk to þe batayle fore,
Ely sette hym at þe temple dore
yn a chayre, and was herkenyng
Fro þe batayle sum tydyng,
On what manere þe folk shulde spede,
For of Goddys ark he had grete drede.
Ely sette hym at þe temple dore
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Fro þe batayle sum tydyng,
On what manere þe folk shulde spede,
For of Goddys ark he had grete drede.
One come rennyng hastyly,
And broghte þys tydyng to Ely
Þat hys sonys were boþe slayn,
And Goddys ark with myght and mayn
was bore away for euermore.
Alas, þe sorow þat he hadde þerfore!
whan Ely herd þys euyl tydyng,
For sorowe he gan hys handys wryng,
And fyl bakward of hys chayre,
And brak on two hys swyer;
And of hys hede he brake þe bone,
Þe harnës lay vpp-on þe stone.
And broghte þys tydyng to Ely
Þat hys sonys were boþe slayn,
And Goddys ark with myght and mayn
was bore away for euermore.
Alas, þe sorow þat he hadde þerfore!
whan Ely herd þys euyl tydyng,
For sorowe he gan hys handys wryng,
And fyl bakward of hys chayre,
And brak on two hys swyer;
And of hys hede he brake þe bone,
Þe harnës lay vpp-on þe stone.
Þys ychë tale ys no tryfyl,
For hyt ys wryte yn þe bybyl;
And to ȝow y telle hyt here,
Ȝoure sonys to chastyse and to lere,
Þat ȝe, ne þey, be nat shent
For defaute of chastysment
Bodyly, yn þys worlde here,
And aftyr þat, þe soule so dere.
For hyt ys wryte yn þe bybyl;
And to ȝow y telle hyt here,
Ȝoure sonys to chastyse and to lere,
Þat ȝe, ne þey, be nat shent
For defaute of chastysment
Bodyly, yn þys worlde here,
And aftyr þat, þe soule so dere.
Þenkeþ on Ely and on hys sonys;
And to gode ȝoure chyldryn wones.
For, ryght so as hem gan tyde,
Swyche as þey were, þe same mow byde.
Of sloghnes þys ys þe assyse
whan þou wylt nat betyme chastyse.
And to gode ȝoure chyldryn wones.
For, ryght so as hem gan tyde,
Swyche as þey were, þe same mow byde.
Of sloghnes þys ys þe assyse
whan þou wylt nat betyme chastyse.
Ȝyt ys þyr an ydulnes,—
A grete vnwysdom for soþe hyt ys,—
whan a ȝunge man dragh lyte on lenkþe,
And wyl nat trauayle yn hys ȝungþe,
Ne lernë hym craft for to wynne,
Yn hys agë to leue wel ynne.
Certes me þenkeþ hym ful slogh;
Hys þryfte wyl melte away with snogh.
And þogh a man haue oght erytage
Þat he may lyue wyþ weyl yn age,
Certes ȝyt behoueþ hym lere
Manhede and curtesye yn fere.
A man hys manhedë shal ȝerne
hymself and hys meynë to gouerne.
A grete vnwysdom for soþe hyt ys,—
whan a ȝunge man dragh lyte on lenkþe,
And wyl nat trauayle yn hys ȝungþe,
Ne lernë hym craft for to wynne,
Yn hys agë to leue wel ynne.
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Hys þryfte wyl melte away with snogh.
And þogh a man haue oght erytage
Þat he may lyue wyþ weyl yn age,
Certes ȝyt behoueþ hym lere
Manhede and curtesye yn fere.
A man hys manhedë shal ȝerne
hymself and hys meynë to gouerne.
Þus seyþ þe kyng Salamon,
And þese holy men echone;
“Hyt ys an ydulnes yn here lyfe,
Alle þat ouþer man or wyfe
Trauayleþ for þe lyuës fode,
And lytyl for þe soulës gode.
And þese holy men echone;
“Hyt ys an ydulnes yn here lyfe,
Alle þat ouþer man or wyfe
Trauayleþ for þe lyuës fode,
And lytyl for þe soulës gode.
Þogh þou trauayle alle þat þou may,
Ne be þou neuer so ryche ne gay,
But þou serue God yn alle þy þoght
Þat þy soule to heuene be broght,
Sykyrlyche alle ys hyt but lore,
Þy grete trauayle syn þou were bore;
Alle for sloghthede be tolde hyt shal,
To werche al day, and lese hyt alle.
Ne be þou neuer so ryche ne gay,
But þou serue God yn alle þy þoght
Þat þy soule to heuene be broght,
Sykyrlyche alle ys hyt but lore,
Þy grete trauayle syn þou were bore;
Alle for sloghthede be tolde hyt shal,
To werche al day, and lese hyt alle.
Ȝyt us þyr an vnkynde sloghþhede,
Þat a man vnneþ, for no gode dede,
wyl wurschep God derwrþly,
But more þarfor aȝens hym ly.
And mayst þou þe soþë se
Of rychë men, how stout þey be;
For many one þat he ȝyfþ to rychesse,
Of God and man þey ȝyue no lesse.
Ȝyf he ȝyue to any hys ryght lemes,
To þanke hym þerof, no man ȝeue nymes.
loke alle þy lymës, fete and hondes,
And, ȝyf þou weyl vndyrstondys
Þat þou ne hast nedë of þo,
Þank hym noþer yn wele no wo;
And ȝyf þou mayst forberë noun,
Þank þan hym of euerychoun;
y rede we þanke hym of euery poynt,
Syn we may nat forbere þe lest Ioynt.
Þat a man vnneþ, for no gode dede,
wyl wurschep God derwrþly,
But more þarfor aȝens hym ly.
And mayst þou þe soþë se
Of rychë men, how stout þey be;
For many one þat he ȝyfþ to rychesse,
Of God and man þey ȝyue no lesse.
Ȝyf he ȝyue to any hys ryght lemes,
To þanke hym þerof, no man ȝeue nymes.
loke alle þy lymës, fete and hondes,
And, ȝyf þou weyl vndyrstondys
Þat þou ne hast nedë of þo,
Þank hym noþer yn wele no wo;
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Þank þan hym of euerychoun;
y rede we þanke hym of euery poynt,
Syn we may nat forbere þe lest Ioynt.
ȝyt þyr ys a sloghþehede yn þys synne;
Vnkynde men are alle þer-ynne;
yn sum man, vnkyndehede ys so rank
Þat he ne may cunne no man þank
For no gode dede þat men hym dous.
A dogge ys kynder, þat goþ lous,
For, ȝyue a dogge þryd part hys fode,
And he shal euer weyte þe gode,
And euermorë be wyþ þe,
For lyfë ne deþ wyl he fle.
Vnkynde men are alle þer-ynne;
yn sum man, vnkyndehede ys so rank
Þat he ne may cunne no man þank
For no gode dede þat men hym dous.
A dogge ys kynder, þat goþ lous,
For, ȝyue a dogge þryd part hys fode,
And he shal euer weyte þe gode,
And euermorë be wyþ þe,
For lyfë ne deþ wyl he fle.
By þys skyl mayst þou se how
An hounde ys kynder þan art þou;
And ȝyt may hyt preuyd be
Þat þou art as vnkynde as he.
Of þe houndë, þys y fynde,
Þat most he hateþ hys owne kynde;
For that yche houndë þat hym gat,
Most of allë hateþ he þat;
And hys modyr he hateþ also;
He byt here, ȝyf he may cum here to.
Ȝyf ȝe vndyrstondë kan,
Þus faryþ hyt of a vnkynd man;
For he loueþ more an ouþer kynde,
And þarto ys wel morë mynde,
Þan he douþ þat ychë flesshe
Of whos kynde he cum forþe ys.
An hounde ys kynder þan art þou;
And ȝyt may hyt preuyd be
Þat þou art as vnkynde as he.
Of þe houndë, þys y fynde,
Þat most he hateþ hys owne kynde;
For that yche houndë þat hym gat,
Most of allë hateþ he þat;
And hys modyr he hateþ also;
He byt here, ȝyf he may cum here to.
Ȝyf ȝe vndyrstondë kan,
Þus faryþ hyt of a vnkynd man;
For he loueþ more an ouþer kynde,
And þarto ys wel morë mynde,
Þan he douþ þat ychë flesshe
Of whos kynde he cum forþe ys.
A-noþer þyng ȝyt ys, ȝyf þou ȝeue kepe,
Þat many loue more nete and shepe
Þan he douþ hys emcrystene,
Or of hys harme wyl oght bemene.
And þys ys a grete vnkyndnes,
And also aȝen manhede hyt ys;
And sloghþëhede wel for to proue,
Vnkyndly, and lowe, to loue.
Þat many loue more nete and shepe
Þan he douþ hys emcrystene,
Or of hys harme wyl oght bemene.
And þys ys a grete vnkyndnes,
And also aȝen manhede hyt ys;
And sloghþëhede wel for to proue,
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Ȝyf þou art yn godë wyl
To seruë God, and leue alle yl,
Repente þe nat, for no feyntyse,
Ne be nat heuy to hys seruyse;
Þou shuldyst raþer to þe deþ turne
Ar þou shust wyþ hys seruyse scorne.
To seruë God, and leue alle yl,
Repente þe nat, for no feyntyse,
Ne be nat heuy to hys seruyse;
Þou shuldyst raþer to þe deþ turne
Ar þou shust wyþ hys seruyse scorne.
Ȝyf þou bygynne weyl, y rede þou ende,
For fyrst and last þou fyndyst hym hende.
And ȝyf þou bygynne any þyng,
Þenk what shal be þe endyng.
For þogh þou seruë God to pay,
Alle þy lyfe, boþe nyȝt and day,
And at þe laste ende of þy lyffe
Þou fallyst aȝens hym yn stryffe,
So þat þou yn þat ychë synne
Makyst þan þy endyng ynne,
God forget alle þy gode dede;
Of hym þerfor gest þou no mede.
Ryght so ys he to þe redy
whan þou wylt leue alle þy foly,
And come to hym with répentaunce,
yn blys he makeþ þy puruyaunce.
At þe ende shal boþe dede and þoght
Shewe hym self how hyt ys wroght.
For fyrst and last þou fyndyst hym hende.
And ȝyf þou bygynne any þyng,
Þenk what shal be þe endyng.
For þogh þou seruë God to pay,
Alle þy lyfe, boþe nyȝt and day,
And at þe laste ende of þy lyffe
Þou fallyst aȝens hym yn stryffe,
So þat þou yn þat ychë synne
Makyst þan þy endyng ynne,
God forget alle þy gode dede;
Of hym þerfor gest þou no mede.
Ryght so ys he to þe redy
whan þou wylt leue alle þy foly,
And come to hym with répentaunce,
yn blys he makeþ þy puruyaunce.
At þe ende shal boþe dede and þoght
Shewe hym self how hyt ys wroght.
Ne be nat þou sorowful, y þe forbede;
hyt semyþ, yn Goddys seruyse þan þou hast drede;
And dredë wyl make a man slogh
To do þe seruyse þat he hogh.
But serue hym gladly with louely chere,
Þan ys þy seruyse to hym dere:
Þus techyþ vs Dauid þe prophete
yn þe sautyr, wurdys swete;
“Ne be nat proude þogh þou weyl dous,
yn þyn herte to make a rous”
Þat þou holy lyfë ledys,
Yn fastyng, or yn almës dedys.
Þe fyrst ys ouer mochë drede,
Þe touþer ys proude hauncenhede.
Holde þe euene hem betwene,
Nat ouer-drede ne ouer-wene.
hyt semyþ, yn Goddys seruyse þan þou hast drede;
And dredë wyl make a man slogh
To do þe seruyse þat he hogh.
But serue hym gladly with louely chere,
Þan ys þy seruyse to hym dere:
Þus techyþ vs Dauid þe prophete
yn þe sautyr, wurdys swete;
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yn þyn herte to make a rous”
Þat þou holy lyfë ledys,
Yn fastyng, or yn almës dedys.
Þe fyrst ys ouer mochë drede,
Þe touþer ys proude hauncenhede.
Holde þe euene hem betwene,
Nat ouer-drede ne ouer-wene.
No make no sorowe, ne myslyke,
Þat wanhope In þyn hertë styke;
For þat ys þe werst poynt of alle;
To hellë þyt hyt doþe þe falle.
Sloghënes, hyt wyl þe grope
To bryngë þe yn-to whanhope;
Sloghnes yn allë godë dedys,
Ys as moche, as sum men redys,
As þogh þou shryue þe of a synne,
And þenke no more to falle þer-ynne.
Ȝyf þou be slogh, and heuy,
And doust no gode dede of mercy,
Þus seyþ God yn hys gospel,
Þat “þou art to me a voyde vessel.”
Ful lyght þan art þou for to turne
Aȝen to synne, and to soiurne;
Þan art þou wersë þan þou was,
Boundë vn-to Satanas;
Þan wylle Satanas begynne to prykke,
And whanhope yn þy hertë stykke.
whanhope, God shelde vs þar-fro,
hyt steryþ a man hym self to slo;
So ded þe treytur Iudas,
And forsoþe, wurþy he was.
why was he moste wurþy?
For he hadde wanhope of Goddys mercy;
For he wendë þat God ne wulde
Haue forȝyue hym, þat he hym solde.
Syþþen loked God vpp-on Iudas,
As who sey, “aske mercy for þy trespas.”
For ȝyf he had asked hyt any syþe,
Ihesu hadde graunted hym asswyþe;
For hys mercy fayled noght
To any man þat hym besoght.
Syn God wulde haue be to hym so fre,
Þan ys he redy to þe and me:
whychë tyme þou wylt hym kalle,
For hys defaute þou shalt nat falle.
Þat wanhope In þyn hertë styke;
For þat ys þe werst poynt of alle;
To hellë þyt hyt doþe þe falle.
Sloghënes, hyt wyl þe grope
To bryngë þe yn-to whanhope;
Sloghnes yn allë godë dedys,
Ys as moche, as sum men redys,
As þogh þou shryue þe of a synne,
And þenke no more to falle þer-ynne.
Ȝyf þou be slogh, and heuy,
And doust no gode dede of mercy,
Þus seyþ God yn hys gospel,
Þat “þou art to me a voyde vessel.”
Ful lyght þan art þou for to turne
Aȝen to synne, and to soiurne;
Þan art þou wersë þan þou was,
Boundë vn-to Satanas;
Þan wylle Satanas begynne to prykke,
And whanhope yn þy hertë stykke.
whanhope, God shelde vs þar-fro,
hyt steryþ a man hym self to slo;
So ded þe treytur Iudas,
And forsoþe, wurþy he was.
why was he moste wurþy?
For he hadde wanhope of Goddys mercy;
For he wendë þat God ne wulde
Haue forȝyue hym, þat he hym solde.
Syþþen loked God vpp-on Iudas,
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For ȝyf he had asked hyt any syþe,
Ihesu hadde graunted hym asswyþe;
For hys mercy fayled noght
To any man þat hym besoght.
Syn God wulde haue be to hym so fre,
Þan ys he redy to þe and me:
whychë tyme þou wylt hym kalle,
For hys defaute þou shalt nat falle.
Beþenke þe weyl of þe þefe
Þat loued nat God, no was hym lefe,—
he þat was hanged on a tre
Bysydë Ihesu for vylte;
he spake o wurde at hys endyng.
“lordë, haue on me menyng!”
And asswyþe he wan þe prys,
And was sent yn-to paradys.
he was þe fyrst[ë] þat hyt wan
Syn Adam lost hyt, oure formest man.
Þat loued nat God, no was hym lefe,—
he þat was hanged on a tre
Bysydë Ihesu for vylte;
he spake o wurde at hys endyng.
“lordë, haue on me menyng!”
And asswyþe he wan þe prys,
And was sent yn-to paradys.
he was þe fyrst[ë] þat hyt wan
Syn Adam lost hyt, oure formest man.
Er was þat þefe yn paradys
Þan alle prophetys þat were of prys.
Þat þefe alle manere wys dyd synne,
And neuer ere leuyd Ihesu ynne;
For a wurde þat he spak so myldëly,
he haþ pes, blys, and mercy.
And, þarfor, dysmay þe noght
For no þyng þat þou hast wroght;
For, haue þou do neuer so mykyl,
Ne be so fals, ne so fykyl,
Ne ley þer-ynnë so long whyle,
And do alle maner synnës vyle,
Ȝyf þou wylt, yn strenkþe and hele,
Þy synne forsake and nat wyþ dele,
with sorow of herte and répentaunce
Þou mayst pay God with lytyl penaunce.
God seyþ þys wurde, to shew vs þe wey,
“y wyl þat nonë synful deye;
To leue hys synne he shal haue space,
And turne aȝen to lyfe and grace;
what so euer he haue done,
y wyl nat hys dampnacyone.”
Þan alle prophetys þat were of prys.
Þat þefe alle manere wys dyd synne,
And neuer ere leuyd Ihesu ynne;
For a wurde þat he spak so myldëly,
he haþ pes, blys, and mercy.
And, þarfor, dysmay þe noght
For no þyng þat þou hast wroght;
For, haue þou do neuer so mykyl,
Ne be so fals, ne so fykyl,
Ne ley þer-ynnë so long whyle,
And do alle maner synnës vyle,
Ȝyf þou wylt, yn strenkþe and hele,
Þy synne forsake and nat wyþ dele,
with sorow of herte and répentaunce
Þou mayst pay God with lytyl penaunce.
God seyþ þys wurde, to shew vs þe wey,
“y wyl þat nonë synful deye;
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And turne aȝen to lyfe and grace;
what so euer he haue done,
y wyl nat hys dampnacyone.”
To ȝyue a sample, a tale here lys,
Þat vs telleþ seynt Dyonys.
Þat vs telleþ seynt Dyonys.
[The Tale of the Priest Carpus's Vision, and how merciful God is.]
Seynt Dyonys of Fraunce seyþ þus:—
hyt was a prest þat hyght Carpus;
Þys prest, þurgh prechyng and sawe,
Broght a sarysyn to crystyn lawe;
A-noþer sarasyn of paynye
Haddë þerwyþ grete enuye,
And turnede þys man to hym aȝeyn,
And oure crystyndom was alle veyn.
Þys prest þarëfor was sory,
And hatyd þys man felunly,
And preydë God he wuld hym sende
Dampnacyun with-outyn ende,
For he þe crystendom forsoke,
And to a fals beleue hym toke;
Fast he preyd yn hys atent,
þat God on hym veniauncë sent.
And God þe prestys prayere herde,
And shewed hym þat he mysferde.
hyt was a prest þat hyght Carpus;
Þys prest, þurgh prechyng and sawe,
Broght a sarysyn to crystyn lawe;
A-noþer sarasyn of paynye
Haddë þerwyþ grete enuye,
And turnede þys man to hym aȝeyn,
And oure crystyndom was alle veyn.
Þys prest þarëfor was sory,
And hatyd þys man felunly,
And preydë God he wuld hym sende
Dampnacyun with-outyn ende,
For he þe crystendom forsoke,
And to a fals beleue hym toke;
Fast he preyd yn hys atent,
þat God on hym veniauncë sent.
And God þe prestys prayere herde,
And shewed hym þat he mysferde.
Þys prest lay yn hys bede a nyȝt,
And, gostly, he sagh a syght;—
he sagh a swyþe merueylus brygge
Ouer þe depë pytte gan lygge,
Þe plank þat on þe bryggë was,
was as sledyr as any glas;
But yn þe put þat was þer-vndyr,
he sagh so moche sorowe and wundyr,
Of fendës felë þat þere wore,
Þogh y tolde moche, ȝyt were þer more.
And, gostly, he sagh a syght;—
he sagh a swyþe merueylus brygge
Ouer þe depë pytte gan lygge,
Þe plank þat on þe bryggë was,
was as sledyr as any glas;
But yn þe put þat was þer-vndyr,
he sagh so moche sorowe and wundyr,
Of fendës felë þat þere wore,
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But, shortly to tellë fro,
Þe man he sagh on þe bryggë go
Yn ful gretë perel and kare,
And euer yn poynt to mysfare;
Yn poynt he was to falle adowne,
Of hys hede, formest þe crowne.
Þe man he sagh on þe bryggë go
Yn ful gretë perel and kare,
And euer yn poynt to mysfare;
Yn poynt he was to falle adowne,
Of hys hede, formest þe crowne.
Þe fendys þat were yn þe pytte
Smote vpwarde, ȝyf þey myȝt hym hytte;
And addres bete hym by þe fete.
Þe prest sagh þat, and ful weyl lete;
He preydë God þat he shuld falle
Down yn-to þe fendys alle,
And þer, with-outyn endë be,
‘For he turned away fro þe.’
Smote vpwarde, ȝyf þey myȝt hym hytte;
And addres bete hym by þe fete.
Þe prest sagh þat, and ful weyl lete;
He preydë God þat he shuld falle
Down yn-to þe fendys alle,
And þer, with-outyn endë be,
‘For he turned away fro þe.’
whan þe prest had seyë þys,
He loked vp to heuene blys;
Hym þoght þe rofe was cloue yn two,
And þe sky opened also,
And of Ihesu he hadde a syght,
How he was on þe rodë dyght;
He sagh hys wundys alle blody,
And spak to hym ful sorowfully,
“Carpus,” he seyd, “se wyþ þyn yne
what y suffred for mannys pyne;
Man to saue, y lete me slo,
why wust þou dampnë hym to wo?
why hast þou hym so moche with ylle?
And for mankynde y lete me spylle
with pyne, and hardë passyoun,
My blode y ȝaf for hys raunsun;
why wust þou he hadde hellë fere
Syn y haue boght hym so dere?
Ȝyt were y redy man to beye,
Er man with-outyn ende shulde deye.
But y haue shewde hym so moche yn dede
with my wundes þat þou seest blede,
þat y þarfor ne wuldë noght
Lese þat y so dere haue boght.
Aȝens me ne fyndeþ he no skylle,
But ȝyf hys ownë wylle hyt wylle.
Þogh he be nowe aȝens me went,
Ȝyt kepe y hys amendëment;
Þarfor, with gode deuocyoun,
Pray for mannys saluacyoun.”
Þan Carpus þanked God almyght
Þat he hadde herde and seye þat syght.
He loked vp to heuene blys;
Hym þoght þe rofe was cloue yn two,
And þe sky opened also,
And of Ihesu he hadde a syght,
How he was on þe rodë dyght;
He sagh hys wundys alle blody,
And spak to hym ful sorowfully,
“Carpus,” he seyd, “se wyþ þyn yne
what y suffred for mannys pyne;
Man to saue, y lete me slo,
why wust þou dampnë hym to wo?
why hast þou hym so moche with ylle?
And for mankynde y lete me spylle
with pyne, and hardë passyoun,
My blode y ȝaf for hys raunsun;
why wust þou he hadde hellë fere
Syn y haue boght hym so dere?
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Er man with-outyn ende shulde deye.
But y haue shewde hym so moche yn dede
with my wundes þat þou seest blede,
þat y þarfor ne wuldë noght
Lese þat y so dere haue boght.
Aȝens me ne fyndeþ he no skylle,
But ȝyf hys ownë wylle hyt wylle.
Þogh he be nowe aȝens me went,
Ȝyt kepe y hys amendëment;
Þarfor, with gode deuocyoun,
Pray for mannys saluacyoun.”
Þan Carpus þanked God almyght
Þat he hadde herde and seye þat syght.
Þarfore shul we be ful mynde
To serue hym þat ys to vs so kynde,
And shewe hym loue whyle we be here
For þat he loveþ vs alle so dere,
Þat he ne wulde leue eft, for drede,
To deye for vs ȝyf we hadde nede.
Ne be we slogh, but sone vpryse,
Ne dredë vs þan on no wyse,
But, hope alle to gode endyng,
And serue þat mercyáble kyng,
Þat hys mercy be to vs lent
At þe day of Iugëmement;
Amen! so motë hyt betyde
To kepe vs fro sloghnes and accyde!
To serue hym þat ys to vs so kynde,
And shewe hym loue whyle we be here
For þat he loveþ vs alle so dere,
Þat he ne wulde leue eft, for drede,
To deye for vs ȝyf we hadde nede.
Ne be we slogh, but sone vpryse,
Ne dredë vs þan on no wyse,
But, hope alle to gode endyng,
And serue þat mercyáble kyng,
Þat hys mercy be to vs lent
At þe day of Iugëmement;
Amen! so motë hyt betyde
To kepe vs fro sloghnes and accyde!
[Of Covetousness, 5th Deadly Sin.]
Now shul we speke of couetyse,
How hy ys haunted on wykked wyse.
Coueytyse ys þe fryst vyce;
Þat streyte ys holde, y halte auaryce.
Coueytyse ys of vs echone,
But auaryce wulde haue echone.
Coueytyse, ys desyryng of þoght,
But auaryce, wulde þat none had oght.
Coueytyse, cumþ oþerwhyle of gode;
But auaryce wyþdrawyþ mannys fode.
Coueytyse, to gode men mowe hyt charge;
But auaryce, ys noþer gode ne large.
Coueytyse, ys of wylle, as ys a bayte,
But auaryce, ys nygun haldyng strayte;
Coueytyse, cumþ of kynde of blode;
But auaryce, ys noþer kynde ne gode.
As y kan telle, þys ys þe assyse,
Betwyxe auaryce and coueytyse.
How hy ys haunted on wykked wyse.
Coueytyse ys þe fryst vyce;
Þat streyte ys holde, y halte auaryce.
Coueytyse ys of vs echone,
But auaryce wulde haue echone.
Coueytyse, ys desyryng of þoght,
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Coueytyse, cumþ oþerwhyle of gode;
But auaryce wyþdrawyþ mannys fode.
Coueytyse, to gode men mowe hyt charge;
But auaryce, ys noþer gode ne large.
Coueytyse, ys of wylle, as ys a bayte,
But auaryce, ys nygun haldyng strayte;
Coueytyse, cumþ of kynde of blode;
But auaryce, ys noþer kynde ne gode.
As y kan telle, þys ys þe assyse,
Betwyxe auaryce and coueytyse.
Here, y aske at þe bygynnyng,
Ȝyf þou with wrong ȝerned oþer mennys þyng,
Or falsly purchased: þat ys grete synne,
So with wrong mennys gode to wynne.
Ȝyf þou withholde, and ȝelde hyt noght,
Auaryse to hellë haþ þe broght.
Yn þy lyfe, y rede þou ȝelde hyt aȝen,
Þy saluacyun ys ellës alle veyn.
Ȝyf þou with wrong ȝerned oþer mennys þyng,
Or falsly purchased: þat ys grete synne,
So with wrong mennys gode to wynne.
Ȝyf þou withholde, and ȝelde hyt noght,
Auaryse to hellë haþ þe broght.
Yn þy lyfe, y rede þou ȝelde hyt aȝen,
Þy saluacyun ys ellës alle veyn.
Ȝyf þou madest euer any delay,
And ledyst one lyte fro day to day
with þy wurdys pryuyly,
Or perauenture al on hy,
For to haue hys þyng with wrong,
Euyl coueytyse þou mengest among.
Þogh þou broghtest hyt neuer to dede,
Ȝyt ys þy wylle moche for to drede.
And ledyst one lyte fro day to day
with þy wurdys pryuyly,
Or perauenture al on hy,
For to haue hys þyng with wrong,
Euyl coueytyse þou mengest among.
Þogh þou broghtest hyt neuer to dede,
Ȝyt ys þy wylle moche for to drede.
Or ȝyf þou dedyst euer þy myght
To false a chartre, þat ys grete plyght.
Þat ys a dede of tresun
Ȝyf hyt be of dysheresun,
Ouþer of lond, ouþer of rent,
Oþer of ouþer gode þat God man haþ lent;
But þou þe peynë nyȝt and day
To amende þat charge, ȝyf þat þou may,
Ȝyf hyt ne be, þou art to blame;
Ordeyned to þe ys mochë shame.
To false a chartre, þat ys grete plyght.
Þat ys a dede of tresun
Ȝyf hyt be of dysheresun,
Ouþer of lond, ouþer of rent,
Oþer of ouþer gode þat God man haþ lent;
But þou þe peynë nyȝt and day
To amende þat charge, ȝyf þat þou may,
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Ordeyned to þe ys mochë shame.
Ȝyf þou yn batayle, or in fyȝt,
Toke oght of man with-outë ryȝt,
And namely of relygyun,
Þe harder ys þy synnë doun:
And but þou sone amendë þe,
Þarfor mayst þou acumbred be:
Hyt ys wurþy hym for to dere
Þat holy cherche wyl nat forbere.
Toke oght of man with-outë ryȝt,
And namely of relygyun,
Þe harder ys þy synnë doun:
And but þou sone amendë þe,
Þarfor mayst þou acumbred be:
Hyt ys wurþy hym for to dere
Þat holy cherche wyl nat forbere.
Ȝyf þou of rychesse be wel beforne,
And a ȝere or two holdyst þy corne
Þat þou myȝt selle hyt ryȝt dere,
And to helpe þe pore þou wylt nat here,
Salamon seyþ, þat mochë kan,
Þou shalt be weryed with many man;
For þou ȝyuest myys to ȝete
Þat was ordeyned to mannys mete;
For who so wyl hys myys wel fede,
And spare hyt fro þe pore at nede,
hyghly shal he go a-lone
To þe deuyl, body and bone.
And a ȝere or two holdyst þy corne
Þat þou myȝt selle hyt ryȝt dere,
And to helpe þe pore þou wylt nat here,
Salamon seyþ, þat mochë kan,
Þou shalt be weryed with many man;
For þou ȝyuest myys to ȝete
Þat was ordeyned to mannys mete;
For who so wyl hys myys wel fede,
And spare hyt fro þe pore at nede,
hyghly shal he go a-lone
To þe deuyl, body and bone.
Ȝyf þou haue of ouþer tresour,
More þan susteyneþ þyn onour,—
Syluer, cloþes, or ouþer store,
Or of ouþer þyngës more,—
Ȝyf þe pore for defautë deye,
And þou mayst hym helpe, y seye,
Þou are a-couped of þys vyce
Of coueytyse, and of auaryce;
And before God, of þeft, a þefe,
And for hys deþ, of slaghter grefe.
More þan susteyneþ þyn onour,—
Syluer, cloþes, or ouþer store,
Or of ouþer þyngës more,—
Ȝyf þe pore for defautë deye,
And þou mayst hym helpe, y seye,
Þou are a-couped of þys vyce
Of coueytyse, and of auaryce;
And before God, of þeft, a þefe,
And for hys deþ, of slaghter grefe.
Ȝyf þou yn falshede so moche ȝede,
For coueytyse or for grete mede
To consente to a fals Iuggyng,
Or hyredyst a voket to swyche þyng,
Or myghtyst haue sturbled hyt, & wust noght,
But for coueytyse þe wrong were wroght,
Moche shal God challengë þe,
Þat day þat þou Iuged shal be.
For coueytyse or for grete mede
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Or hyredyst a voket to swyche þyng,
Or myghtyst haue sturbled hyt, & wust noght,
But for coueytyse þe wrong were wroght,
Moche shal God challengë þe,
Þat day þat þou Iuged shal be.
As for lordynges cunseylours,
wykked legystrys or fals a-countours,
Þey ne recche of no ryȝt fey,
Ne more þe lordynges þan do þey;
Cunseyl to wykked lawes þey ȝeue,
So þat þe pore men mow nat lyue:
Þarfor, þey and here lordyngys
Doun moche wrong yn many þyngys;
Þarfor shul þey and here cunsayl
Go to helle, boþe top and tayle.
Many man ys broght ful bare
For cunseylours þat coueytous are;
And many a land yn grete errours
Are ouer-turned þurgh cunseylours.
wykked legystrys or fals a-countours,
Þey ne recche of no ryȝt fey,
Ne more þe lordynges þan do þey;
Cunseyl to wykked lawes þey ȝeue,
So þat þe pore men mow nat lyue:
Þarfor, þey and here lordyngys
Doun moche wrong yn many þyngys;
Þarfor shul þey and here cunsayl
Go to helle, boþe top and tayle.
Many man ys broght ful bare
For cunseylours þat coueytous are;
And many a land yn grete errours
Are ouer-turned þurgh cunseylours.
Among hem, stywardes mow be tolde,
Þat lordyngës courtys holde,
For nyrhand euery a styward,
Þe dome þat þey ȝeue, ys ouer hard;
And namely to þe porë man,
Þey greuë hym alle þat þey kan.
who-so-euer to mercy wyl hym drawe,
he seyþ, he shal do hym but lawe;
But who so shal þe lawe alle do,
And no mercy do þar-to,
he may neuer for mercy craue
To God whan he wulde mercy haue;
For ȝyf God shal deme with lawe ryȝt,
Shal no man come to heuene lyȝt.
But þurgh grace and hys mercy,
Þan are we saued certeynly.
Þarfor, ȝe stywardes on benche,
Þer-on shulde ȝe allë þenche,
‘Ȝyf þou of þe porë haue pyte,
Þan wylle God haue mercy on þe.’
For hardë dome and coueytyse
y shal ȝow telle of swych a Iustyse.
Þat lordyngës courtys holde,
For nyrhand euery a styward,
Þe dome þat þey ȝeue, ys ouer hard;
And namely to þe porë man,
Þey greuë hym alle þat þey kan.
who-so-euer to mercy wyl hym drawe,
he seyþ, he shal do hym but lawe;
But who so shal þe lawe alle do,
And no mercy do þar-to,
he may neuer for mercy craue
To God whan he wulde mercy haue;
For ȝyf God shal deme with lawe ryȝt,
Shal no man come to heuene lyȝt.
But þurgh grace and hys mercy,
Þan are we saued certeynly.
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Þer-on shulde ȝe allë þenche,
‘Ȝyf þou of þe porë haue pyte,
Þan wylle God haue mercy on þe.’
For hardë dome and coueytyse
y shal ȝow telle of swych a Iustyse.
[The Tale of the Hard Judge.]
Y haue herde, be-ȝonde þe see
was a Iustyse, yn a cuntre;
Of hym the wurde ful wydë sprong,
he ȝaf harde dome, and oþer whyle wrong.
Godë men ofte hym besoght
For þe pore, þat he wo wroght,
Þat he shulde haue on hem mercy,
And pylle hem nat but mesurly;
Þat þey myȝt lyue yn pes by hym,
And be nat so aȝens hem grym.
was a Iustyse, yn a cuntre;
Of hym the wurde ful wydë sprong,
he ȝaf harde dome, and oþer whyle wrong.
Godë men ofte hym besoght
For þe pore, þat he wo wroght,
Þat he shulde haue on hem mercy,
And pylle hem nat but mesurly;
Þat þey myȝt lyue yn pes by hym,
And be nat so aȝens hem grym.
Þys was hys answere and hys sawe,
‘Y shal do hem no þyng but lawe.”
And many lawes are oute of skylle,
But, ȝyf þér be mercy tylle.
‘Y shal do hem no þyng but lawe.”
And many lawes are oute of skylle,
But, ȝyf þér be mercy tylle.
was hyt nat long aftyrward,
He fyl yn a sykenes hard;
Hyt telleþ of hym swych a chaunce,
He hadde no godë répentaunce;
Hys sykënes wax harde and strong,
Þat he myȝt nat lyuë long;
For allë hoped weyl y-nogh
Þat he vn-to þe deþ faste drogh.
He fyl yn a sykenes hard;
Hyt telleþ of hym swych a chaunce,
He hadde no godë répentaunce;
Hys sykënes wax harde and strong,
Þat he myȝt nat lyuë long;
For allë hoped weyl y-nogh
Þat he vn-to þe deþ faste drogh.
Men þat sate a-boute hys bedde
were a-gast, and sore a-dredde;
And hopyd wel, and vndyrstode
Þat here drede was for no gode.
were a-gast, and sore a-dredde;
And hopyd wel, and vndyrstode
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Allë þey behelde hym faste,
And sawe hys coloure ofte ouer caste;
And wroth a-boutë, to and fro;
Hys bedde hym þoght wulde cleue on two;
And crydë with a loudë cry,
“Lordë, haue on me mercy!”
Þan spake a voycë yn þe sky,
Þat alle hyt herde þat stode hym by,
“Þou haddest neuer of man pyte,
Ne y shal neuer haue noun of þe.”
Asswyþë he dëyd yn haste;
Þere he shulde go, he ȝalde þe gaste.
And sawe hys coloure ofte ouer caste;
And wroth a-boutë, to and fro;
Hys bedde hym þoght wulde cleue on two;
And crydë with a loudë cry,
“Lordë, haue on me mercy!”
Þan spake a voycë yn þe sky,
Þat alle hyt herde þat stode hym by,
“Þou haddest neuer of man pyte,
Ne y shal neuer haue noun of þe.”
Asswyþë he dëyd yn haste;
Þere he shulde go, he ȝalde þe gaste.
Ȝe domës men þat þys chaunce here,
Yn þys talë mowe ȝe lere
what hyt ys to do euer wreche,
And to mercy no þyng reche.
Hauyþ yn ȝoure þoght, mercy, and se,
Þe pore mow nat so weyl as ȝe;
Beþ mercyáble for ȝoure prow
Þat God ne take veniaunce on ȝow.
Yn þys talë mowe ȝe lere
what hyt ys to do euer wreche,
And to mercy no þyng reche.
Hauyþ yn ȝoure þoght, mercy, and se,
Þe pore mow nat so weyl as ȝe;
Beþ mercyáble for ȝoure prow
Þat God ne take veniaunce on ȝow.
Ȝyf þou haue be so coueytous
To mercs men ouer outraious,
And porë men, specyaly,
Þat ferde þe wers for þat mercy,
Sykyr mote þou be, syre styward,
Þy mercyment shal be ful hard.
Þy wreched soule þarfor shal dwelle;
Þy mercyment shal be þe þyne of helle.
To mercs men ouer outraious,
And porë men, specyaly,
Þat ferde þe wers for þat mercy,
Sykyr mote þou be, syre styward,
Þy mercyment shal be ful hard.
Þy wreched soule þarfor shal dwelle;
Þy mercyment shal be þe þyne of helle.
Þou baylë, owest nat to take
(For drede of soule, and þyn oth sake,)
Þat þy lordes prow be þe lasse,
Ne noun of hys do harder stresse.”
So shulde eche aturne seriaunt;
But many one holde no cunnaunt;
For, sum take ful greuusly,
Þat ful sore shal come hem by.
Alle þat þey takë now to frest,
Þérof shál God take a quest.
Þe quest ys take and draght on hym;
Accord þe wyþ þy lorde, betym.
(For drede of soule, and þyn oth sake,)
Þat þy lordes prow be þe lasse,
Ne noun of hys do harder stresse.”
So shulde eche aturne seriaunt;
But many one holde no cunnaunt;
For, sum take ful greuusly,
Þat ful sore shal come hem by.
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Þérof shál God take a quest.
Þe quest ys take and draght on hym;
Accord þe wyþ þy lorde, betym.
[Of Simony.]
To coueytyse longeþ symonye,
Þe whych haunteþ almost al clergye.
Symonye ys, as men telle,
when ȝyftys of holy cherche men selle.
Þe whych haunteþ almost al clergye.
Symonye ys, as men telle,
when ȝyftys of holy cherche men selle.
Ȝyf þou oþer ȝaue or sent
Of holy cherche to haue vaunsement,
Or any ȝaf hyt for þe loue of þe,
And þou art nat wurþy vaunsed to be,
þan art þou come, þurgh þat queyntyse,
To symonye and coueytyse.
Ȝyf þou þan þat auaunsement holde,
Þou art a wulfe of Goddys folde;
A wulf, y sey, take þou gode kepe,
For þou shalt answere for þe shepe.
A clerk þat hys orders takeþ
For ȝyft or present þat he makeþ,
He ys nat wurþy hem to haue,
Hym were bettyr to be a knaue,
And so were hem þat so hem selles
For ȝyftys, and for no godenes elles.
Þese holy men þat hauë ben,
And holy wryt haue red and sen,
Sey, þat swych ȝyftys are lore,
And, now ys noun ware before.
For swych men selle þe holy gast
To hem þat he loueþ last.
Of holy cherche to haue vaunsement,
Or any ȝaf hyt for þe loue of þe,
And þou art nat wurþy vaunsed to be,
þan art þou come, þurgh þat queyntyse,
To symonye and coueytyse.
Ȝyf þou þan þat auaunsement holde,
Þou art a wulfe of Goddys folde;
A wulf, y sey, take þou gode kepe,
For þou shalt answere for þe shepe.
A clerk þat hys orders takeþ
For ȝyft or present þat he makeþ,
He ys nat wurþy hem to haue,
Hym were bettyr to be a knaue,
And so were hem þat so hem selles
For ȝyftys, and for no godenes elles.
Þese holy men þat hauë ben,
And holy wryt haue red and sen,
Sey, þat swych ȝyftys are lore,
And, now ys noun ware before.
For swych men selle þe holy gast
To hem þat he loueþ last.
Coueytous men and lechours,
Of holy cherche þey haue onours:
Þys mow men se alle day with ye;
Cursed be syr symonye!
Of holy cherche þey haue onours:
Þys mow men se alle day with ye;
Cursed be syr symonye!
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[Of Usurers.]
And okerere may þar-to be tolde,
For coueytous man ys okerere bolde.
y haue ȝow toldë of þys lak
yn þe seuenþe comaundement whan y spak.
Þys to sey, y am hardy,
Þese chapmen haunte hyt comunly.
For coueytous man ys okerere bolde.
y haue ȝow toldë of þys lak
yn þe seuenþe comaundement whan y spak.
Þys to sey, y am hardy,
Þese chapmen haunte hyt comunly.
Ȝyf þou borow of a marchaunte,
And makest for wynnyng certeyn cunnaunt,
‘Gete þou wynnyng, or gete þou lore,
Þou shalt ȝyuë so þar-fore;’
For soþe ȝe fallë boþe yn synne,
And he ys a-cursed þat takeþ þe wynne.
with oker forsoþë boþe ȝe lyue;
Þat he wyl take, þat wylt þou ȝyue.
And makest for wynnyng certeyn cunnaunt,
‘Gete þou wynnyng, or gete þou lore,
Þou shalt ȝyuë so þar-fore;’
For soþe ȝe fallë boþe yn synne,
And he ys a-cursed þat takeþ þe wynne.
with oker forsoþë boþe ȝe lyue;
Þat he wyl take, þat wylt þou ȝyue.
Okerers, and kauersyns,
As wykked þey are as sarasyns.
who so myȝt preuë whych þey wore—
were þey lewed, or were þey lore—
Þey shulde nat come yn Crystys herde,
Ne come yn cherche ne chyrchë ȝerde.
Noþeles, þurgh þys skylle
Þey mowe be saued, ȝyf þat þey wylle,
leue þat synne, and do no more,
And do at holy cherches lore;
And ȝyue aȝeyn þat ychë þyng
Þat þey haue take yn okeryng;
ȝyf þey mow nat aȝen hyt ȝyue,
Helpe þe pore men þer-with to lyue,
largëly and with gode wylle,
And þey mowe peyse here dedys ylle.
As wykked þey are as sarasyns.
who so myȝt preuë whych þey wore—
were þey lewed, or were þey lore—
Þey shulde nat come yn Crystys herde,
Ne come yn cherche ne chyrchë ȝerde.
Noþeles, þurgh þys skylle
Þey mowe be saued, ȝyf þat þey wylle,
leue þat synne, and do no more,
And do at holy cherches lore;
And ȝyue aȝeyn þat ychë þyng
Þat þey haue take yn okeryng;
ȝyf þey mow nat aȝen hyt ȝyue,
Helpe þe pore men þer-with to lyue,
largëly and with gode wylle,
And þey mowe peyse here dedys ylle.
A gode ensample now ȝe here,
Of Pers þat was a tollere;
And y shal tellë ȝow as quyk,
How he was boþë gode and wyk.
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And y shal tellë ȝow as quyk,
How he was boþë gode and wyk.
[The Tale of Pers the Usurer.]
Seynt Ioun þe aumenere
Seyþ Pers was an okerere,
And was swyþë coueytous,
And a nygun and auarous,
And gadred pens vnto store
As okerers doun aywhore.
Seyþ Pers was an okerere,
And was swyþë coueytous,
And a nygun and auarous,
And gadred pens vnto store
As okerers doun aywhore.
Befyl hyt so, vp-on a day
Þat porë men sate yn þe way,
And spred here hatren on here barme
Aȝens þe sonnë þat was warme,
And rekened þe custome houses echoun,
At whych þey had gode, and at whyche noun;
Þere þey hadde gode, þey preysed weyl,
And þere þey hadde noght, neuer a deyl.
Þat porë men sate yn þe way,
And spred here hatren on here barme
Aȝens þe sonnë þat was warme,
And rekened þe custome houses echoun,
At whych þey had gode, and at whyche noun;
Þere þey hadde gode, þey preysed weyl,
And þere þey hadde noght, neuer a deyl.
As þey spak of many what,
Comë Pers forþ yn þat gat:
Þan seyd echoun þat sate and stode,
‘here comþ Pers, þat neuer dyd gode!’
Echoun seyd to oþer Iangland,
‘Þey toke neuer gode at Pers hand;
Ne noun pore man neuer shal haue,
Coude he neuer so weyl craue.’
Comë Pers forþ yn þat gat:
Þan seyd echoun þat sate and stode,
‘here comþ Pers, þat neuer dyd gode!’
Echoun seyd to oþer Iangland,
‘Þey toke neuer gode at Pers hand;
Ne noun pore man neuer shal haue,
Coude he neuer so weyl craue.’
One of hem began to sey
“A waiour dar y wyþ ȝow ley,
Þat y shal haue sum gode at hym,
Be he neuer so gryl ne grym.”
To þat waiour þey graunted alle,
To ȝyue hym a ȝyft ȝyf so myȝt befalle.
Þys man vp sterte, and toke þe gate,
Tyl he com, at Pers ȝate.
As he stode stylle, and bode þe quede,
One come with an asse charged with brede;
Þat ychë bredë Pers hade boght,
And to hys hous shuld hyt be broght.
He sagh Pers comë þerwith-alle;
Þe porë þoght ‘now aske y shal.’
“Y aske þe sum gode, pur charyte,
Pers, ȝyf þy wyl be.”
“A waiour dar y wyþ ȝow ley,
Þat y shal haue sum gode at hym,
Be he neuer so gryl ne grym.”
To þat waiour þey graunted alle,
To ȝyue hym a ȝyft ȝyf so myȝt befalle.
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Tyl he com, at Pers ȝate.
As he stode stylle, and bode þe quede,
One come with an asse charged with brede;
Þat ychë bredë Pers hade boght,
And to hys hous shuld hyt be broght.
He sagh Pers comë þerwith-alle;
Þe porë þoght ‘now aske y shal.’
“Y aske þe sum gode, pur charyte,
Pers, ȝyf þy wyl be.”
Pers stode, and loked on hym
Felunlyche with yȝen grym.
He stouped down to seke a stone,
But, as hap was, þan fonde he none.
For þe stone he toke a lofe,
And at þe porë man hyf drofe.
Þe pore man hente hyt vp belyue,
And was þerof ful ferly blyþe.
To hys felaws faste he ran
with þe lofe, þys porë man,
“lo,” he seydë, “what y haue
Of Pers ȝyft, so God me saue!”
Nay, þey sworë by here þryft,
Pers ȝaue neuer swych a ȝyft.
he seyd, “ȝe shul weyl vndyrstonde
Þat y hyt had, at Pers honde;
Þat dar y swere on þe halydom
Here beforë ȝow echoun.”
Gretë merueyle had þey alle,
Þat swych a chaunce myȝt hym befalle.
Felunlyche with yȝen grym.
He stouped down to seke a stone,
But, as hap was, þan fonde he none.
For þe stone he toke a lofe,
And at þe porë man hyf drofe.
Þe pore man hente hyt vp belyue,
And was þerof ful ferly blyþe.
To hys felaws faste he ran
with þe lofe, þys porë man,
“lo,” he seydë, “what y haue
Of Pers ȝyft, so God me saue!”
Nay, þey sworë by here þryft,
Pers ȝaue neuer swych a ȝyft.
he seyd, “ȝe shul weyl vndyrstonde
Þat y hyt had, at Pers honde;
Þat dar y swere on þe halydom
Here beforë ȝow echoun.”
Gretë merueyle had þey alle,
Þat swych a chaunce myȝt hym befalle.
Þe þryddë day, þus wryte hyt ys,
Pers fyl yn a grete syknes;
And, as he lay yn hys bedde,
Hym þoght weyl, þat he was ledde
with one þat aftyr hym was sent,
To come vn-to hys Iugëment.
Pers fyl yn a grete syknes;
And, as he lay yn hys bedde,
Hym þoght weyl, þat he was ledde
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To come vn-to hys Iugëment.
Before þe Iugë was he broght
To ȝelde acounte how he hadde wroght.
Pers stode ful sore a-drad,
And, was ábashed as mad;
He sagh a fende on þe to party,
Bewreyyng hym ful felunly;
Alle hyt was shewed hym before,
how he had lyued syn he wos bore;
And namely euery wykked dede
Syn fyrst he coudë hym self lede;
why he hem dyd, and for what chesun,
Of alle behoueþ hym to ȝelde a resoun.
To ȝelde acounte how he hadde wroght.
Pers stode ful sore a-drad,
And, was ábashed as mad;
He sagh a fende on þe to party,
Bewreyyng hym ful felunly;
Alle hyt was shewed hym before,
how he had lyued syn he wos bore;
And namely euery wykked dede
Syn fyrst he coudë hym self lede;
why he hem dyd, and for what chesun,
Of alle behoueþ hym to ȝelde a resoun.
On þe touþer party stode men ful bryȝt,
Þat wulde haue saued hym at here myȝt;
But þey myght no godë fynde
Þat myȝt hym sauë or vnbynde.
Þe feyre men seyd “what ys to rede?
Of hym fynde we no godë dede
Þat God ys payd of, but of a lofe
þe whych Pers at þe pore man drofe:
ȝyt ȝaue he hyt with no gode wylle,
But kast hyt aftyr hym with ylle;
For Goddys loue ȝaue he hyt noȝt,
Ne for almes dede he hyt had þoght.
Noþeles, þe porë man
Had þe lofë of Pers þan.”
Þat wulde haue saued hym at here myȝt;
But þey myght no godë fynde
Þat myȝt hym sauë or vnbynde.
Þe feyre men seyd “what ys to rede?
Of hym fynde we no godë dede
Þat God ys payd of, but of a lofe
þe whych Pers at þe pore man drofe:
ȝyt ȝaue he hyt with no gode wylle,
But kast hyt aftyr hym with ylle;
For Goddys loue ȝaue he hyt noȝt,
Ne for almes dede he hyt had þoght.
Noþeles, þe porë man
Had þe lofë of Pers þan.”
Þe fendë had leyd yn balaunce
Hys wykkede dedes and hys myschaunce;
Þey leyd þe lofe aȝens hys dedys,—
Þey had noȝt ellës, þey mote nedys—
Þe holy man telleþ vs, and seys,
Þat þe lofe made euen peys.
Hys wykkede dedes and hys myschaunce;
Þey leyd þe lofe aȝens hys dedys,—
Þey had noȝt ellës, þey mote nedys—
Þe holy man telleþ vs, and seys,
Þat þe lofe made euen peys.
Þan seyd þese feyrë men to Pers,
“ȝyf þou be wys, now þou leres
How þys lofe þe helpeþ at nede
To tylle þy soule with almës dede.”
185
How þys lofe þe helpeþ at nede
To tylle þy soule with almës dede.”
Pers, of hys slepë gan blynke,
And gretly on hys dreme gan þynke—
Syghyng with mornyng chere,
As man þat was yn gretë were,—
How þat he acouped was
with fendës fele for hys trespas,
And how þey wulde haue dampned hym þere,
Ȝyf mercy of Ihesu Cryst ne were.
And gretly on hys dreme gan þynke—
Syghyng with mornyng chere,
As man þat was yn gretë were,—
How þat he acouped was
with fendës fele for hys trespas,
And how þey wulde haue dampned hym þere,
Ȝyf mercy of Ihesu Cryst ne were.
Alle þys yn hys herte he kast,
And to hym self he spak at þe laste,
“Þat, for a lofe yn eueyl wylle
Halpe me yn so grete perel,
Mochë wlde hyt helpe at nede,
with godë wyl do almës dede.
And to hym self he spak at þe laste,
“Þat, for a lofe yn eueyl wylle
Halpe me yn so grete perel,
Mochë wlde hyt helpe at nede,
with godë wyl do almës dede.
Fro þat tymë þan wax Pers
A man of so feyrë maners,
Þat no man myȝt yn hym fynde,
But to þe pore boþe meke and kynde;
A mylder man ne myȝt nat be,
Ne to þe pore, more of almes fre;
And reuful of herte also he was,
Þat mayst þou here lere yn þys pas.
A man of so feyrë maners,
Þat no man myȝt yn hym fynde,
But to þe pore boþe meke and kynde;
A mylder man ne myȝt nat be,
Ne to þe pore, more of almes fre;
And reuful of herte also he was,
Þat mayst þou here lere yn þys pas.
Pers mette, vp-on a day,
A porë man, by þe way,
As naked as he was bore,
Þat yn þe see had allë lore.
He come to Pers, þere he stode,
And asked hym sum of hys gode,—
Sumwhat of hys cloþyng,—
For þe loue of heuene kyng.
Pers, was of reuful herte,
He toke hys kyrtyl of, as smert,
And ded hyt on þe man aboue,
And bad hym were hyt for hys loue.
A porë man, by þe way,
As naked as he was bore,
Þat yn þe see had allë lore.
He come to Pers, þere he stode,
And asked hym sum of hys gode,—
Sumwhat of hys cloþyng,—
For þe loue of heuene kyng.
Pers, was of reuful herte,
186
And ded hyt on þe man aboue,
And bad hym were hyt for hys loue.
Þe man hyt toke, and was ful blyþe;
He ȝede and soldë hyt asswyþe.
Pers stode and dyd beholde
How þe man þe kyrtyl solde,
And was þarwith ferly wroþe
Þat he solde so sone hys cloþe;
He myȝt no lenger for sorow stande,
But ȝedë home ful sore gretand,
And seyd, ‘hyt was an euyl sygne,
And þat hym self was nat dygne
For to be yn hys preyere,
Þerfor nolde he þe kyrtyl were.’
He ȝede and soldë hyt asswyþe.
Pers stode and dyd beholde
How þe man þe kyrtyl solde,
And was þarwith ferly wroþe
Þat he solde so sone hys cloþe;
He myȝt no lenger for sorow stande,
But ȝedë home ful sore gretand,
And seyd, ‘hyt was an euyl sygne,
And þat hym self was nat dygne
For to be yn hys preyere,
Þerfor nolde he þe kyrtyl were.’
Whan he haddë ful long grete,
And a party þerof began lete;—
For, comunlych aftyr wepe,
Fal men sone on slepe,—
As Pers lay yn hys slepyng,
Hym þoght a feyrë sweuenyng.
Hym þoght he was yn heuene lyȝt,
And of God he had a syght,
Syttyng yn hys kyrtyl clad
Þat þe pore man of hym had,
And spak to hym ful myldëly,
“why wepest þou, and art sory?
Lo, Pers,” he sayde, “þys ys þy cloth.
For he solde hyt, were þou wroth;
Know hyt weyl, ȝyf þat þou kan,
For me þou ȝaue hyt þe pore man.
Þat þou ȝaue hym yn charyte,
Euery deyl þou ȝaue hyt me.”
Pers of slepë outë breyde,
And þoght grete wunder, & seþen seyd,
“Blessyd be allë porë men,
For God almyȝty loueþ hem;
And weyl ys hem þat pore are here;
Þey are with God, boþe lefe and dere;
And y shal fonde, by nyȝt and day,
Tó be pore, ȝyf þat y may.”
And a party þerof began lete;—
For, comunlych aftyr wepe,
Fal men sone on slepe,—
As Pers lay yn hys slepyng,
Hym þoght a feyrë sweuenyng.
Hym þoght he was yn heuene lyȝt,
And of God he had a syght,
Syttyng yn hys kyrtyl clad
Þat þe pore man of hym had,
And spak to hym ful myldëly,
“why wepest þou, and art sory?
Lo, Pers,” he sayde, “þys ys þy cloth.
For he solde hyt, were þou wroth;
Know hyt weyl, ȝyf þat þou kan,
For me þou ȝaue hyt þe pore man.
Þat þou ȝaue hym yn charyte,
Euery deyl þou ȝaue hyt me.”
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And þoght grete wunder, & seþen seyd,
“Blessyd be allë porë men,
For God almyȝty loueþ hem;
And weyl ys hem þat pore are here;
Þey are with God, boþe lefe and dere;
And y shal fonde, by nyȝt and day,
Tó be pore, ȝyf þat y may.”
Hastly he tokë hys kateyl,
And ȝaue hyt to porë men echedeyl.
Pers kalled to hym hys clerk
Þat was hys notarye, and bade hym herk,
“Y shal þe shewe a pryuyte,
A þyng þat þou shalt do to me;
y wyl þat þou no man hyt telle;
My body y take þe here to selle
To sum man, as yn bondage,
To lyue in pouert and yn seruage;
But þou do þus, y wyl be wroth,
And þou and þyne shal be me loth.
Ȝyf þou do hyt, y shal þe ȝyue
Ten pownd of gold, wel with to lyue;
Þo ten pownd y take þe here,
And me to selle on bonde manere;
Y ne recchë vn-to whom,
But onlych he haue þe crystendom;
Þe raunsun þat þou shalt for me take,
Þarfore þou shalt sykernes make,
For to ȝyue hyt bleþely and weyl
To porë men, euëry deyl,
And withholde þerof no þyng,
Þe mountouns of a ferþyng.”
And ȝaue hyt to porë men echedeyl.
Pers kalled to hym hys clerk
Þat was hys notarye, and bade hym herk,
“Y shal þe shewe a pryuyte,
A þyng þat þou shalt do to me;
y wyl þat þou no man hyt telle;
My body y take þe here to selle
To sum man, as yn bondage,
To lyue in pouert and yn seruage;
But þou do þus, y wyl be wroth,
And þou and þyne shal be me loth.
Ȝyf þou do hyt, y shal þe ȝyue
Ten pownd of gold, wel with to lyue;
Þo ten pownd y take þe here,
And me to selle on bonde manere;
Y ne recchë vn-to whom,
But onlych he haue þe crystendom;
Þe raunsun þat þou shalt for me take,
Þarfore þou shalt sykernes make,
For to ȝyue hyt bleþely and weyl
To porë men, euëry deyl,
And withholde þerof no þyng,
Þe mountouns of a ferþyng.”
hys clerk was wo to do þat dede,
But only for manas and for drede.
For dredë Pers made hym hyt do,
And dede hym plyghte his trouthe þer-to.
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For dredë Pers made hym hyt do,
And dede hym plyghte his trouthe þer-to.
Whan hys clerk had made hys othe,
Pers dede on hym a foulë clothe;
Vnto a cherchë boþe þey ȝede
For to fulfylle hys wyl yn dede.
whan þat þey to þe cherchë com,
“Lorde, þoght þe clerk, now whom
Myȝt y fynde, þys ychë sele,
To whom y myȝt sellë Pers wele!”
Pers dede on hym a foulë clothe;
Vnto a cherchë boþe þey ȝede
For to fulfylle hys wyl yn dede.
whan þat þey to þe cherchë com,
“Lorde, þoght þe clerk, now whom
Myȝt y fynde, þys ychë sele,
To whom y myȝt sellë Pers wele!”
Þe clerk loked euery where,
And at þe last, he knew where;
A rychë man, þat er had be
Specyal knowlych euer betwe,
But þurgh myschauncë at a kas
Alle hys gode y-lorë was;
‘Ȝole,’ þus þat man hyghte,
And knew þe clerk wel be syghte.
And at þe last, he knew where;
A rychë man, þat er had be
Specyal knowlych euer betwe,
But þurgh myschauncë at a kas
Alle hys gode y-lorë was;
‘Ȝole,’ þus þat man hyghte,
And knew þe clerk wel be syghte.
Þey spak of oldë a-queyntaunce,
And ȝolë tolde hym of hys chaunce.
“Þe,” seyde þe clerk, “y rede þou bye
A man to do þy marchaundye,
Þat þou mayst holdë yn seruage
To restore weyl þyn dammage.”
And ȝolë tolde hym of hys chaunce.
“Þe,” seyde þe clerk, “y rede þou bye
A man to do þy marchaundye,
Þat þou mayst holdë yn seruage
To restore weyl þyn dammage.”
Þan seyde ȝole, “on swych chaffare
wulde y feyn my syluer ware.”
Þe clerkë seyd, “lo, one here,
A trew man an a dubonure,
Þat wyl seruë þe to pay,
Peyneblë, al þat he may.
‘Pers,’ shalt þou calle hys name;
For hym shalt þou haue mochë frame.
he ys a man ful gracyous,
Gode to wynne vn-to þyn hous,
And God shal ȝyue þe hys blessyng,
And foysyn, yn allë þyng.”
wulde y feyn my syluer ware.”
Þe clerkë seyd, “lo, one here,
A trew man an a dubonure,
Þat wyl seruë þe to pay,
Peyneblë, al þat he may.
‘Pers,’ shalt þou calle hys name;
For hym shalt þou haue mochë frame.
he ys a man ful gracyous,
Gode to wynne vn-to þyn hous,
And God shal ȝyue þe hys blessyng,
189
Þe clerk ȝaue allë hys raunsun
To þe pore men of þe toun,
Plenerly, alle þat he toke,
wyþhelde he nat a ferþyng noke.
To þe pore men of þe toun,
Plenerly, alle þat he toke,
wyþhelde he nat a ferþyng noke.
Þe Emperoure sent hys messageres
alle aboute for to sekë Pers,
But þey ne myȝt neuer here
Of rychë Pers, þe tollere,
yn what stedë he was nome,
No whydyrward he was become;
No þe clerk wuld telle to none,
whydyrward þat Pers was gone.
alle aboute for to sekë Pers,
But þey ne myȝt neuer here
Of rychë Pers, þe tollere,
yn what stedë he was nome,
No whydyrward he was become;
No þe clerk wuld telle to none,
whydyrward þat Pers was gone.
Now ys Pers bycomë bryche,
Þat er was boþe stoute and ryche.
Alle þat euer any man hym do bade,
Pers dyd hyt with hert[ë] glad.
he wax so myldë and so meke,
A mylder man þurt no man seke;
For he meked hym self ouer skyle,
Pottes and dysshes for to swele.
To grete penaunce he gan hym take,
And mochë for to fast and wake,
And moche he loued þolmodnesse
To ryche, to pore, to more, to lesse.
Of allë men he wuld haue doute,
And to here byddyng mekly loute;
wulde þey bydde hym sytte or stande,
Euer he wuldë be bowande;
And for he bare hym so meke and softe,
Shrewës mysded hym ful ofte,
And heldë hym folted or wode,
For he was so mylde of mode.
And þey þat were hys felaus
Mysseyd hym most yn herë sawes;
And alle he suffred here vpbreyd,
And neuer naght aȝens hem seyde.
Þat er was boþe stoute and ryche.
Alle þat euer any man hym do bade,
Pers dyd hyt with hert[ë] glad.
he wax so myldë and so meke,
A mylder man þurt no man seke;
For he meked hym self ouer skyle,
Pottes and dysshes for to swele.
To grete penaunce he gan hym take,
And mochë for to fast and wake,
And moche he loued þolmodnesse
To ryche, to pore, to more, to lesse.
Of allë men he wuld haue doute,
And to here byddyng mekly loute;
wulde þey bydde hym sytte or stande,
Euer he wuldë be bowande;
And for he bare hym so meke and softe,
Shrewës mysded hym ful ofte,
And heldë hym folted or wode,
For he was so mylde of mode.
And þey þat were hys felaus
Mysseyd hym most yn herë sawes;
And alle he suffred here vpbreyd,
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Ȝole, hys lorde, wel vndyrstode
Þat al hys gracë and hys gode
Com for þe loue of Pers,
Þat was of so holy maners;
And whan he wyst of hys bounte,
He kalled Pers yn pryuyte,
“Pers,” he seyd, “þou were wurþy
For to be wurscheped more þan y,
For þou art weyl with Ihesu;
He sheweþ for þe grete vertu;
Þarfor y shal make þe fre;
Y wyl þat my felaw þou be.”
Þat al hys gracë and hys gode
Com for þe loue of Pers,
Þat was of so holy maners;
And whan he wyst of hys bounte,
He kalled Pers yn pryuyte,
“Pers,” he seyd, “þou were wurþy
For to be wurscheped more þan y,
For þou art weyl with Ihesu;
He sheweþ for þe grete vertu;
Þarfor y shal make þe fre;
Y wyl þat my felaw þou be.”
Þar-to Pers granted noght,
To be freman, as he besoght;
he wuldë be, as he was ore,
yn þat seruage for euermore.
he þanked þe lorde myldëly
For hys gretë curteysy.
To be freman, as he besoght;
he wuldë be, as he was ore,
yn þat seruage for euermore.
he þanked þe lorde myldëly
For hys gretë curteysy.
Syþþen Ihesu, þurgh hys myȝt,
Shewed hym, tó Pers syȝt,
For to be stalworþe yn hys fondyng,
And to hym haue loue longyng.
“Be nat sorowful to do penaunce;
y am with þe yn euery chaunce;
Pers, I hauë mynde of þe;
lo, here þe kyrtyl þat þou ȝaue for me;
Þerfor grace y shal þe sende,
Yn alle godenessë weyl to ende.”
Shewed hym, tó Pers syȝt,
For to be stalworþe yn hys fondyng,
And to hym haue loue longyng.
“Be nat sorowful to do penaunce;
y am with þe yn euery chaunce;
Pers, I hauë mynde of þe;
lo, here þe kyrtyl þat þou ȝaue for me;
Þerfor grace y shal þe sende,
Yn alle godenessë weyl to ende.”
Byfyl þat seriauntes and squyers
Þat were wunt to seruë Pers,
went yn pylgrymage, as yn kas,
To þat cuntre þere Pers was.
Ȝole ful feyrë gan hem kalle,
And preyde hem homë to hys halle.
Pers was þere, þat ychë sele,
And euerychone he knew hem wele.
Alle he serued hem as a knaue
Þat was wunt here seruyse to haue.
But Pers nat ȝyt þey knew,
For penaunce chaunged was hys hew;
Nat forþy þey behelde hym fast,
And oftyn to hym here yȝen þey kast,
And seyd, “he þat stontë here,
Ys lychë to Pers tollere.”
Þat were wunt to seruë Pers,
went yn pylgrymage, as yn kas,
To þat cuntre þere Pers was.
Ȝole ful feyrë gan hem kalle,
And preyde hem homë to hys halle.
191
And euerychone he knew hem wele.
Alle he serued hem as a knaue
Þat was wunt here seruyse to haue.
But Pers nat ȝyt þey knew,
For penaunce chaunged was hys hew;
Nat forþy þey behelde hym fast,
And oftyn to hym here yȝen þey kast,
And seyd, “he þat stontë here,
Ys lychë to Pers tollere.”
He hydde hys vysege al þat he myȝt,
Out of knowlych of here syȝt;
Noþeles þey behelde hym more,
And knew hym weyl, al þat were þore,
And seyd, “Ȝole, ys ȝone þy page?
A ryche man ys yn þy seruage;
Þe emperoure, boþe fer and nere,
Haþ do hym seche, þat we fynde here.”
Out of knowlych of here syȝt;
Noþeles þey behelde hym more,
And knew hym weyl, al þat were þore,
And seyd, “Ȝole, ys ȝone þy page?
A ryche man ys yn þy seruage;
Þe emperoure, boþe fer and nere,
Haþ do hym seche, þat we fynde here.”
Pers lestned, and herd hem spekyng,
And þat þey had of hym knowyng;
And pryuyly a-wey he nam,
Tyl he to þe porter cam.
And þat þey had of hym knowyng;
And pryuyly a-wey he nam,
Tyl he to þe porter cam.
Þe porter had hys spechë lore,
And heryng also, syn he was bore;
But þurgh þe grace of swete Ihesu,
was shewed, for Pers, feyre vertu.
Pers seyd, “latë me furþ go.”
Þe porter spak, and seydë “ȝo.”
He þat was def, and doumbe also,
Spak, whan Pers spak hym to.
And heryng also, syn he was bore;
But þurgh þe grace of swete Ihesu,
was shewed, for Pers, feyre vertu.
Pers seyd, “latë me furþ go.”
Þe porter spak, and seydë “ȝo.”
He þat was def, and doumbe also,
Spak, whan Pers spak hym to.
Pers out at þe ȝatë wente,
And þedyr ȝede, þere God hym sente.
Þe porter ȝede vp to þe halle,
And þys merueylë tolde hem alle,
How þe squyler of þe kechyn,
Pers, þat haþ woned here yn,
“He asked leuë, ryȝt now late,
And went furþ out at þe ȝate.
Y rede ȝow alle, ȝeueþ gode tent,
whederward þat Pers ys went.
with Ihesu cryst he ys pryue,
And þat ys shewed weyl on me;
For, what tyme he to me spak,
Out of hys mouþ me þoghtë brak
A flamme of fyre bryght and clere;
Þe flaumme made me boþ speke and here;
Speke, and here, now, boþe y may,
Blessed be God and Pers to day!”
And þedyr ȝede, þere God hym sente.
Þe porter ȝede vp to þe halle,
And þys merueylë tolde hem alle,
192
Pers, þat haþ woned here yn,
“He asked leuë, ryȝt now late,
And went furþ out at þe ȝate.
Y rede ȝow alle, ȝeueþ gode tent,
whederward þat Pers ys went.
with Ihesu cryst he ys pryue,
And þat ys shewed weyl on me;
For, what tyme he to me spak,
Out of hys mouþ me þoghtë brak
A flamme of fyre bryght and clere;
Þe flaumme made me boþ speke and here;
Speke, and here, now, boþe y may,
Blessed be God and Pers to day!”
Þe lordë and þe gestës alle,
One and oþer þat were yn halle,
Had merueyle þat hyt was so,
Þat he myȝte swych myrácle do.
Þan asswyþë Pers þey soght,
But al here sekyng was for noȝt;
Neuer, Pers þey ne founde,
Nyȝt ne day, yn no stounde;
For he þat toke Ennok and Ely,
He toke Pers, þurgh hys mercy,
To reste with-outyn ende to lede
For hys meknes and hys gode dede.
One and oþer þat were yn halle,
Had merueyle þat hyt was so,
Þat he myȝte swych myrácle do.
Þan asswyþë Pers þey soght,
But al here sekyng was for noȝt;
Neuer, Pers þey ne founde,
Nyȝt ne day, yn no stounde;
For he þat toke Ennok and Ely,
He toke Pers, þurgh hys mercy,
To reste with-outyn ende to lede
For hys meknes and hys gode dede.
Take ensample here, of Pers,
And parteþ with þe pore, ȝe okerers,
For ȝow shal neuer come Ioye with-ynne,
But ȝe leuë fyrst þat synne;
And ȝyue to almes þat ychë þyng
Þat ȝe haue wune wyþ okeryng.
And parteþ with þe pore, ȝe okerers,
For ȝow shal neuer come Ioye with-ynne,
But ȝe leuë fyrst þat synne;
And ȝyue to almes þat ychë þyng
Þat ȝe haue wune wyþ okeryng.
Now with God, leue we Pers;
God ȝyue vs grace to do hys maners!
God ȝyue vs grace to do hys maners!
193
Yn coueytyse synnen marchauntys mekyl,
Yn feyrë wurdys and yn fykyl,
And heteþ hym godë þat he byeþ,
And swereþ þarto, and algate lyeþ.
For fals peys and fals mesure
here soulës haue mysáuenture.
Yn feyrë wurdys and yn fykyl,
And heteþ hym godë þat he byeþ,
And swereþ þarto, and algate lyeþ.
For fals peys and fals mesure
here soulës haue mysáuenture.
Also hyt longeþ to coueytyse
Ȝyf þou hyre one out of seruyse
Þurgh ȝyft or þurgh procurment,
Þou synnest gretly yn swych atent:
Enuye hyt ys, and falsnes yn dede,
But ȝyf hyt were for þe morë nede.
Ȝyf þou hyre one out of seruyse
Þurgh ȝyft or þurgh procurment,
Þou synnest gretly yn swych atent:
Enuye hyt ys, and falsnes yn dede,
But ȝyf hyt were for þe morë nede.
ȝyf þou boghtest of any seriaunt
pryuyly, yn stylle cunnaunt,
Þyng þat þou wystyst wel was stole,
And þurgh þy byyng was forhole,
Hyt ys coueytyse and þeft pryue
To bye þyng out of commalte.
pryuyly, yn stylle cunnaunt,
Þyng þat þou wystyst wel was stole,
And þurgh þy byyng was forhole,
Hyt ys coueytyse and þeft pryue
To bye þyng out of commalte.
ȝyf þou receyuedyst any what
Of onë þat hys þyng forgat;
But þou ȝyue hyt hym aȝeyn,
Or þe valeu for certeyn,
Þou art falle þan yn þe vyce
Of, coueytyse, þeft, and auaryce.
Of onë þat hys þyng forgat;
But þou ȝyue hyt hym aȝeyn,
Or þe valeu for certeyn,
Þou art falle þan yn þe vyce
Of, coueytyse, þeft, and auaryce.
Or þou ledyst any man to þe ale
And madest hym drunk with troteuale,
And he solde hys þyng to þe
More þan he wulde yn soberte,
Hyt semeþ þou art a gylour,
And coueytous, and trechour.
And madest hym drunk with troteuale,
And he solde hys þyng to þe
More þan he wulde yn soberte,
Hyt semeþ þou art a gylour,
And coueytous, and trechour.
For men þat loue to do gylerye,
At þe alehous make þey marchaundye,
To loke ȝyf þey kunne com with-ynne,
here neghburs þyng, falsly to wynne.
At þe alehous make þey marchaundye,
To loke ȝyf þey kunne com with-ynne,
194
And a ryche man hyt noyeþ oftyn tyde
Þat a porë man hat oght besyde.
Alle þat he may, with euyl he fondys
For to reue hym, and haue hys londys;
Ȝyf he may nat hem at hym bye,
He wul weyte hym oþer felunnye,
hym to sle, or to endyte,
Or þeft he wyl vpon hym wyte,
Or ouþer skaþe he wyl hym weyte,
Hys bestes for to bete or bayte,
To ete hys grasse, or foule hys corne,
So þat hys gode shal neuer be lorne:
Of swyche men, boþe wryte hyt ys & seyd,
Moche peyne ys before hem leyde;
here synne shal noþer be forȝyuen ne slakyn
Vn-to þey ȝelde þat þey haue takyn;
Here mercy ys ful on-certeyn
But þey ȝelde hem here gode aȝeyn.
Þat a porë man hat oght besyde.
Alle þat he may, with euyl he fondys
For to reue hym, and haue hys londys;
Ȝyf he may nat hem at hym bye,
He wul weyte hym oþer felunnye,
hym to sle, or to endyte,
Or þeft he wyl vpon hym wyte,
Or ouþer skaþe he wyl hym weyte,
Hys bestes for to bete or bayte,
To ete hys grasse, or foule hys corne,
So þat hys gode shal neuer be lorne:
Of swyche men, boþe wryte hyt ys & seyd,
Moche peyne ys before hem leyde;
here synne shal noþer be forȝyuen ne slakyn
Vn-to þey ȝelde þat þey haue takyn;
Here mercy ys ful on-certeyn
But þey ȝelde hem here gode aȝeyn.
Of þys, before ȝe herde me rede,
How seynt Fursyn founde hyt yn dede;
And here y shal telle a lytyl tale
Of swyche a man þat brewed hys bale.
How seynt Fursyn founde hyt yn dede;
And here y shal telle a lytyl tale
Of swyche a man þat brewed hys bale.
[The Tale of Lucretius, and how the Devil leapt into him.]
Þyr was a man þat hyght Lucrecyus,
A swyþë ryche and coueytous;
Besyde hym wonèd a mayden wys,
Here name was kalled Beatrys.
Lucrecyus þoght on felonye;
here landës he wulde algate bye.
And, shortly ȝow for to telle,
Þys lady wuldë nat hem selle.
when he wyst hyt, þan was hym wo;
He weyted here, and ded here slo.
whan he hád do here þat pyne,
Yn alle here landes he toke sesyne,
And was þan a ryche lordyng
And bare hym stoutë as a kyng.
A swyþë ryche and coueytous;
Besyde hym wonèd a mayden wys,
Here name was kalled Beatrys.
Lucrecyus þoght on felonye;
here landës he wulde algate bye.
And, shortly ȝow for to telle,
Þys lady wuldë nat hem selle.
195
He weyted here, and ded here slo.
whan he hád do here þat pyne,
Yn alle here landes he toke sesyne,
And was þan a ryche lordyng
And bare hym stoutë as a kyng.
Þys Lucrecyus made a feste,
A ryche, with men of noble geste.
Þe lordyngës þat he myȝt gete
were settë with hym at þe mete;
And as he sat yn alle hys pryde,
Com a pore womman þat tyde,
And bare a chylde yn cloþës loke,
Þe pappe yn þe mouþe as hyt had soke;
Hyt hade neuer spoke before, saunȝ fayle,
Þarfor y telle hyt, þe more meruayle.
As for grete myrácle, þe chyld seyd þus,
“y sey to þe, Lucrecyus,
Þat þou hast slayn seynt Beatrys,
To haue here lond þat by here lys.
Þou art come now vn-to here fe,
And syttest þere yn þy pouste;
And y comaunde, þurgh Goddys myȝt,
Þe deuyl, yn-to þe to lyȝt.”
A ryche, with men of noble geste.
Þe lordyngës þat he myȝt gete
were settë with hym at þe mete;
And as he sat yn alle hys pryde,
Com a pore womman þat tyde,
And bare a chylde yn cloþës loke,
Þe pappe yn þe mouþe as hyt had soke;
Hyt hade neuer spoke before, saunȝ fayle,
Þarfor y telle hyt, þe more meruayle.
As for grete myrácle, þe chyld seyd þus,
“y sey to þe, Lucrecyus,
Þat þou hast slayn seynt Beatrys,
To haue here lond þat by here lys.
Þou art come now vn-to here fe,
And syttest þere yn þy pouste;
And y comaunde, þurgh Goddys myȝt,
Þe deuyl, yn-to þe to lyȝt.”
As sonë as þe chylde had spoke,
Þe fendë yn-to hym was lope,
And traueyled hym þre dayys with pyne
Þat alle hyt sawë with here yne;
And, at þe þre day[y]s ende,
He deydë, and to helle gan wende.
Þe fendë yn-to hym was lope,
And traueyled hym þre dayys with pyne
Þat alle hyt sawë with here yne;
And, at þe þre day[y]s ende,
He deydë, and to helle gan wende.
loke now, how þe deuyl hym laght
For coueytyse of wurldys aght.
Ful wykked ys þat coueytyse,
with oþer mennes gode falsly to ryse.
For coueytyse of wurldys aght.
Ful wykked ys þat coueytyse,
with oþer mennes gode falsly to ryse.
Ȝyt hyt ys wers þan ys þe lore
To do a man to deþ þarfore.
Of God almyȝty haþ he noun eye,
Ne he ne þenkeþ for to deye;
On hys deþ he þenkeþ neuer,
And þarfor deyeþ he for euer.
“Ȝe ryche men, ȝe ryche purchasours,
Ȝe wene þat al þe worlde be ȝours;
And yn alle ȝoure moste purcháce
Comþ ȝoure deþ sunnest yn place;
God sheweþ hyt oftë to ȝow;
Þenkeþ þéron for ȝoure prow.
196
Of God almyȝty haþ he noun eye,
Ne he ne þenkeþ for to deye;
On hys deþ he þenkeþ neuer,
And þarfor deyeþ he for euer.
“Ȝe ryche men, ȝe ryche purchasours,
Ȝe wene þat al þe worlde be ȝours;
And yn alle ȝoure moste purcháce
Comþ ȝoure deþ sunnest yn place;
God sheweþ hyt oftë to ȝow;
Þenkeþ þéron for ȝoure prow.
What seye ȝe by þese streyte negons
Þat se al day Goddës persones
Before hem deyë for mysese,
And þey are ryche and wel at ese,
And, ȝyt mow þey no þyng spare
To helpe þe porë þat mys fare.
Swyche a man ys auarous,
weyl wers þan ys coueytous;
For coueytyse ys yn purchace,
And auarycë halt long space.
Þat se al day Goddës persones
Before hem deyë for mysese,
And þey are ryche and wel at ese,
And, ȝyt mow þey no þyng spare
To helpe þe porë þat mys fare.
Swyche a man ys auarous,
weyl wers þan ys coueytous;
For coueytyse ys yn purchace,
And auarycë halt long space.
Aȝens mokerers wyl y þrepe
Þat gadren pens vn-to an hepe;
y warne hem allë yn þys wurde,
whan mokerers gadren yn-to hurde
Þe deuyl ys here tresorer,
For auaryce ys hys spenser.
Þat gadren pens vn-to an hepe;
y warne hem allë yn þys wurde,
whan mokerers gadren yn-to hurde
Þe deuyl ys here tresorer,
For auaryce ys hys spenser.
Y speke to men of rychë lyfe
Þat han no charge of chylde ne wyfe,
persones, prestes, þat han here rente,
And ouþer þat han grete extente,
Þat mow weyl, at allë ȝers,
lyue as lordes, and be here pers:
Þese nede nat to haue tresourye,
But aftyr manhede and curteysye.
Þat han no charge of chylde ne wyfe,
persones, prestes, þat han here rente,
And ouþer þat han grete extente,
Þat mow weyl, at allë ȝers,
lyue as lordes, and be here pers:
Þese nede nat to haue tresourye,
197
Ȝyf an husbond chyldryn haue,
One or two, mayden or knaue,
He may haue store and tresour
To kepe with hys chyldryn yn honour.
wele ys wurþy þat he haue gode,
Þat wel dyspendeþ hyt on hys blode.
As wykkedly, me þenkeþ ys hyt doun,
A man to gadyr oute of resoun,
And do þerwith noun almës dede,
Porë men to helpe at nede.
One or two, mayden or knaue,
He may haue store and tresour
To kepe with hys chyldryn yn honour.
wele ys wurþy þat he haue gode,
Þat wel dyspendeþ hyt on hys blode.
As wykkedly, me þenkeþ ys hyt doun,
A man to gadyr oute of resoun,
And do þerwith noun almës dede,
Porë men to helpe at nede.
A man þat haþ pens in chest,
Vnneþes to slepe haþ he rest;
with alle þat go nerhond, hym greues,
For alle, he weneþ þat þey be þeues;
Þus seyþ he þat gadreþ tresoure,
Of alle þat go byfore hys dore.
Swych euyl þoghtes here soulë þenkeþ,
And seye of hem euyl, þat noun hym þenkeþ.
Vnneþes to slepe haþ he rest;
with alle þat go nerhond, hym greues,
For alle, he weneþ þat þey be þeues;
Þus seyþ he þat gadreþ tresoure,
Of alle þat go byfore hys dore.
Swych euyl þoghtes here soulë þenkeþ,
And seye of hem euyl, þat noun hym þenkeþ.
He þat gadryþ to tresorye,—
Be he neuer so wys ne slye,—
Þese þre sorwes shal he haue,
hys tresour for to gete and saue:
Þe fyrst, ys trauayle yn þe wynnyng;
Þe touþer, ys drede to kepe þat þyng;
þe þryd ys þe most wo,
Þat tyme þat he shall parte þarfro.
“Þou rychë man, þou lestene weyl;
Þou gettyst but sorow of euery deyl.
Sykyr lyfe shalt þou noun lede;
Þyn herte ys þerfor euer yn drede.”
And herë y shal telle a lyte,
A wurdë of a gode Ermyte.
Be he neuer so wys ne slye,—
Þese þre sorwes shal he haue,
hys tresour for to gete and saue:
Þe fyrst, ys trauayle yn þe wynnyng;
Þe touþer, ys drede to kepe þat þyng;
þe þryd ys þe most wo,
Þat tyme þat he shall parte þarfro.
“Þou rychë man, þou lestene weyl;
Þou gettyst but sorow of euery deyl.
Sykyr lyfe shalt þou noun lede;
Þyn herte ys þerfor euer yn drede.”
And herë y shal telle a lyte,
A wurdë of a gode Ermyte.
198
[The Tale of the good Hermit who gave away the Money he had saved.]
An ermyte woned fer ouer a doune,
yn a wasteyne, fer fro þe toune;
Þys ermyte þoght vp-on a day
Þat he was yn febyl aray,
And seyd, he wulde gader to store
Tyl eftsones he had nedë more.
He gadred vn-to storë fast,
Þat hys purs he fylled at þe last.
yn a wasteyne, fer fro þe toune;
Þys ermyte þoght vp-on a day
Þat he was yn febyl aray,
And seyd, he wulde gader to store
Tyl eftsones he had nedë more.
He gadred vn-to storë fast,
Þat hys purs he fylled at þe last.
Þo was he yn grete stodye
where he myȝt do hyt pryuylye,
For to lese hyt he was a dred;
And ȝede and leyd hyt at hys bed.
whan he shuld slepë, he myȝt noght,
So mochë on hyt was hys þoght;
whan he sagh men come or go,
He þoghte and seydë, “þeues are þo.”
Euery man he wened had be a robbour,
For dredë þat he had tresoure.
And whan he seyd hys oures of þe day,
He þoght on hys tresour þer hyt lay.
And more was he þan morenande
Seþen þan beforëhand:
Þan seyd hym self, “weyl y ferde
Ar y, yn purs, penys sperde;
Now slepe y neuer but with kare,
Syn y wyst, whére pens ware.”
“y trowe,” he seyde, “þat Goddys curs
ys spred with pens, yn þe purs.”
where he myȝt do hyt pryuylye,
For to lese hyt he was a dred;
And ȝede and leyd hyt at hys bed.
whan he shuld slepë, he myȝt noght,
So mochë on hyt was hys þoght;
whan he sagh men come or go,
He þoghte and seydë, “þeues are þo.”
Euery man he wened had be a robbour,
For dredë þat he had tresoure.
And whan he seyd hys oures of þe day,
He þoght on hys tresour þer hyt lay.
And more was he þan morenande
Seþen þan beforëhand:
Þan seyd hym self, “weyl y ferde
Ar y, yn purs, penys sperde;
Now slepe y neuer but with kare,
Syn y wyst, whére pens ware.”
“y trowe,” he seyde, “þat Goddys curs
ys spred with pens, yn þe purs.”
he ros vp and ȝede to hys ȝate,
And sagh twey men come yn þe gate;
He parseyued weyl whydyrward þey cam,
And swyþe aftyr hys purs he ran,
And kast hyt to hem euery deyl,
And seyd, “haueþ, and broukeþ hyt weyl,
For, myn herte was neuer yn reste
Syn y had hem a nyȝtys geste;
For shal y neuer, aftyr þys day,
Purs, pens, ȝyf þat y may.”
And sagh twey men come yn þe gate;
He parseyued weyl whydyrward þey cam,
199
And kast hyt to hem euery deyl,
And seyd, “haueþ, and broukeþ hyt weyl,
For, myn herte was neuer yn reste
Syn y had hem a nyȝtys geste;
For shal y neuer, aftyr þys day,
Purs, pens, ȝyf þat y may.”
Þarfor he þat mekel has,
Hys herte ys yn many a kas;
Syn þat þykë pore ermyte
was yn dredë for so lyte.
Hys herte ys yn many a kas;
Syn þat þykë pore ermyte
was yn dredë for so lyte.
Auaryce ys þy mochë fo;
Þe loue of God hyt dragheþ þe fro;
And syluer algat[e], namëly,
Hyt ys a god of maumetry;
For maumetry ys madë alle
Of golde and syluer and swych matalle,
þe saraȝyns and ouþer wan bodyes,
Þer-of þey make þat are here goddes;
Þarefor y rede þat ȝe loue hyt noght,
Ne ouer moche to haue yn thoght:
Þyr ys no þyng yn erþe aboue,
Þat draghþ so mochë mannës loue
Fro God, né fro Goddys wurde,
As golde and syluer leyde yn hurde;
And y haue oftë herdë seye
Of sum men whan þey shuldë deye,
Þat, þey wulde haue her pens ete
Raþer þan any ouþer had hem gete;
And, here ar y ferþer go,
y shal telle of one þat ded so.
Þe loue of God hyt dragheþ þe fro;
And syluer algat[e], namëly,
Hyt ys a god of maumetry;
For maumetry ys madë alle
Of golde and syluer and swych matalle,
þe saraȝyns and ouþer wan bodyes,
Þer-of þey make þat are here goddes;
Þarefor y rede þat ȝe loue hyt noght,
Ne ouer moche to haue yn thoght:
Þyr ys no þyng yn erþe aboue,
Þat draghþ so mochë mannës loue
Fro God, né fro Goddys wurde,
As golde and syluer leyde yn hurde;
And y haue oftë herdë seye
Of sum men whan þey shuldë deye,
Þat, þey wulde haue her pens ete
Raþer þan any ouþer had hem gete;
And, here ar y ferþer go,
y shal telle of one þat ded so.
200
[The Tale of the Cambridgeshire Miser-Parson.]
yn Chambryg-shyrë, yn a toune,
y herd telle of a persoune:
Shortly to tellë, at þe laste,
hys deþ euyl down hym kaste.
y herd telle of a persoune:
Shortly to tellë, at þe laste,
hys deþ euyl down hym kaste.
Men sente aftyr twey freres,
Þat perauenture were hys cunseylers;
Þese frerès cam, and by hym sate,
and askéd hym of hys state.
Þis persone lay, and loked furþ
vn-tyl a cofre yn þe florth.
Þarto þe frere ȝaf godë tente
whyderward hys yȝen glente;
Þarto he loked euer anone,
And lay styllë as a stone;
Þan asked þe ton frere,
“what ys yn þys cofre here?”
Þe personë spak no þyng,
But ȝaf a gretë syghyng.
Þe freres kalled men hem to,
Þat cofre for to vn-do:
Þe persones men come echone:
“Key,” þey seyd, “hadd þey none.”
Þe lyd vp sone þey wraste,
And brak þe lok at þe laste;
And þere þey fonde þe cofre ful
Sperd wyþ þe deuylys mul
Of florens and of goldrynges,
And of many ouþer þynges
Þat were of syluer, vesseles,
And gold and ouþer Iuweles.
Þat perauenture were hys cunseylers;
Þese frerès cam, and by hym sate,
and askéd hym of hys state.
Þis persone lay, and loked furþ
vn-tyl a cofre yn þe florth.
Þarto þe frere ȝaf godë tente
whyderward hys yȝen glente;
Þarto he loked euer anone,
And lay styllë as a stone;
Þan asked þe ton frere,
“what ys yn þys cofre here?”
Þe personë spak no þyng,
But ȝaf a gretë syghyng.
Þe freres kalled men hem to,
Þat cofre for to vn-do:
Þe persones men come echone:
“Key,” þey seyd, “hadd þey none.”
Þe lyd vp sone þey wraste,
And brak þe lok at þe laste;
And þere þey fonde þe cofre ful
Sperd wyþ þe deuylys mul
Of florens and of goldrynges,
And of many ouþer þynges
Þat were of syluer, vesseles,
And gold and ouþer Iuweles.
Þe wrecche saw hys tresoure sperd,
And sette hym up yn hys bedde,
And bekened þer-aftyr with hys hand:
Þe frerë seyd, “y vndyrstande
Þat he wulde haue sum of þys.”
201
And bekened þer-aftyr with hys hand:
Þe frerë seyd, “y vndyrstande
Þat he wulde haue sum of þys.”
Þey toke and fylde a syluer dysshe
Ful of pens, and to hym broght,
To se what was yn hys þoght.
he toke and fyldë ful hys fyst,
And yn-to hys mouþe þe pens kyst,
As þat he wuldë hem haue ete,
Ȝyf he myȝt hem al haue gete.
And, whan þey sagh hym þus do,
Þe frerë styrtë hym vn-to,
And toke þe dysshë of hys hand
Magre hys wylland.
And a-none he fyllë downe,
And deyd, y wenë, yn a suowne.
Ful of pens, and to hym broght,
To se what was yn hys þoght.
he toke and fyldë ful hys fyst,
And yn-to hys mouþe þe pens kyst,
As þat he wuldë hem haue ete,
Ȝyf he myȝt hem al haue gete.
And, whan þey sagh hym þus do,
Þe frerë styrtë hym vn-to,
And toke þe dysshë of hys hand
Magre hys wylland.
And a-none he fyllë downe,
And deyd, y wenë, yn a suowne.
Seeþ now how hys louyng
Broȝt hym to euyl endyng!
Þat he haþ loued and holde faste,
with shame þey departed at þe laste;
Þerfore hyt were bettyr here
Dyspende here þyng on gode manere,
Þan for to ley hyt vp yn mucche,
Oþer yn cofre, oþer yn hucche.
Broȝt hym to euyl endyng!
Þat he haþ loued and holde faste,
with shame þey departed at þe laste;
Þerfore hyt were bettyr here
Dyspende here þyng on gode manere,
Þan for to ley hyt vp yn mucche,
Oþer yn cofre, oþer yn hucche.
Auarycë, ryche and harde,
ys a þefe, a mokerad,
whan he muccheþ pryuyly
Þat many man myȝt lyuë by.
Ryche men gadere ryche tresours
To make with ryche executours:
Þe whyles þe execútours sekke,
Of þe soulë þey ne rekke;
Þe body, whyl hyt on bere lys,
A day or two ys holde yn prys,
But whan hyt ys yn erþë broght,
Body ne soulë gete ryȝt noght;
Be he broght nobly to hys pyt,
Dette and soule þey þynke al quyt.
ys a þefe, a mokerad,
whan he muccheþ pryuyly
Þat many man myȝt lyuë by.
Ryche men gadere ryche tresours
To make with ryche executours:
Þe whyles þe execútours sekke,
Of þe soulë þey ne rekke;
Þe body, whyl hyt on bere lys,
A day or two ys holde yn prys,
But whan hyt ys yn erþë broght,
Body ne soulë gete ryȝt noght;
Be he broght nobly to hys pyt,
202
loke þerfore, executore,
Ȝyf þou haue ȝyt hold yn store
Þat þou oghtest for to haue ȝyue,
But fro day to day hast hyt dryue:
Þou synnest þan wykkedly,
And doust þe soule treytory;
But þus seyþ holy story,
Þe soule þat ys yn purgatory
lokeþ fast aftyr þe socoure
Of þe gode executoure;
Ȝyf he hyt helpë for to saue,
Gretë mede þan shal he haue;
And ȝyf he do nat hys ordynaunce,
hyt askeþ of God to hym veniaunce.
Ȝyf þou haue ȝyt hold yn store
Þat þou oghtest for to haue ȝyue,
But fro day to day hast hyt dryue:
Þou synnest þan wykkedly,
And doust þe soule treytory;
But þus seyþ holy story,
Þe soule þat ys yn purgatory
lokeþ fast aftyr þe socoure
Of þe gode executoure;
Ȝyf he hyt helpë for to saue,
Gretë mede þan shal he haue;
And ȝyf he do nat hys ordynaunce,
hyt askeþ of God to hym veniaunce.
Of allë fals þat beryn name,
Fals executours are maste to blame.
þe pope of þe courte of Rome,
Aȝens hem ȝyfþ he hardë dome,
And curseþ hem yn cherchys here
Fourë tymës yn þe ȝere.
Fals executours are maste to blame.
þe pope of þe courte of Rome,
Aȝens hem ȝyfþ he hardë dome,
And curseþ hem yn cherchys here
Fourë tymës yn þe ȝere.
Of alle executours þat men fynde,
werst are þyn ownë kynde,
And þy chyldryn specyaly
Are to þy soule vnkyndëly:
Þy chyldryn allë sey ryght þus:
“whom shuld þey ȝyuë hyt, but vs?”
y graunte weyl hyt ys ȝyue to þe;
Be þou to hem þan sumwhat fre:
Þat was heren, now hyt ys þyne;
helpe hem þerwyþ oute of pyne;
But þou mayst nat, for auaryce,
Þat haþ þe boundë yn þat vyce,
To sparë no þyng þat was hys
For to bryngë hym to blys.
And many tymës, so hyt gos,
mennës eyres are here most fos;
Namly, an eyre þat ys a qued,
þat desyreþ hys fadrys ded;
For oftë haue men herde and sen
Þat swych eyrës hauë ben.
werst are þyn ownë kynde,
And þy chyldryn specyaly
Are to þy soule vnkyndëly:
Þy chyldryn allë sey ryght þus:
“whom shuld þey ȝyuë hyt, but vs?”
y graunte weyl hyt ys ȝyue to þe;
Be þou to hem þan sumwhat fre:
Þat was heren, now hyt ys þyne;
helpe hem þerwyþ oute of pyne;
But þou mayst nat, for auaryce,
Þat haþ þe boundë yn þat vyce,
To sparë no þyng þat was hys
For to bryngë hym to blys.
203
mennës eyres are here most fos;
Namly, an eyre þat ys a qued,
þat desyreþ hys fadrys ded;
For oftë haue men herde and sen
Þat swych eyrës hauë ben.
yn London, þe wurde gan go,
Þat eyrës ded here fadrys slo;
And wyues wundryng was so bolde
To make here husbundes kokëwolde:
Many tymës, for swych dede,
Are eyrës mochë for to drede;
For doute þerof, þys ys þe skyle,
To queþe here landys where þey wyle;
hous and rente, and ouþer þyng,
Mow þey queþe at here endyng.
Þat eyrës ded here fadrys slo;
And wyues wundryng was so bolde
To make here husbundes kokëwolde:
Many tymës, for swych dede,
Are eyrës mochë for to drede;
For doute þerof, þys ys þe skyle,
To queþe here landys where þey wyle;
hous and rente, and ouþer þyng,
Mow þey queþe at here endyng.
Ȝe ryche men, before ȝow se,
Þe whyles ȝe are yn ȝoure pouste;
On ȝoure soules, y rede ȝow þenke;
y warne ȝow of ȝoure eyres blenke;
Ne haueþ no trust of ȝoure sokoure,
Nat of ȝoure owne executoure;
Ȝyueþ ȝeself with ȝoure hondys,
For þe dede haþ few[ë] frendys;
For þey þat þou louyst with-alle,
For þy soule wyl ȝyue but smalle.
Þe whyles ȝe are yn ȝoure pouste;
On ȝoure soules, y rede ȝow þenke;
y warne ȝow of ȝoure eyres blenke;
Ne haueþ no trust of ȝoure sokoure,
Nat of ȝoure owne executoure;
Ȝyueþ ȝeself with ȝoure hondys,
For þe dede haþ few[ë] frendys;
For þey þat þou louyst with-alle,
For þy soule wyl ȝyue but smalle.
Of þre executurs y shal ȝou rede,
how þey halpe ones a soule yn nede.
how þey halpe ones a soule yn nede.
[The Tale of the Three Dishonest Executors.]
A tale y herde a gode man sey,
how a man dyd whan he shuld deye:
he ches hym þre executours,
Of al hys godys ordeynours,
Twey lewed men and a clerke,
To do gode yn soulë werke.
Þys clerk was a lordyng,
Þe toþer was an husbunde þat lyued by hys þyng,
Þe þrydë was a marchaunde
Þat boght and solde with cunnaunte.
how a man dyd whan he shuld deye:
he ches hym þre executours,
Of al hys godys ordeynours,
Twey lewed men and a clerke,
204
Þys clerk was a lordyng,
Þe toþer was an husbunde þat lyued by hys þyng,
Þe þrydë was a marchaunde
Þat boght and solde with cunnaunte.
Fyl auenture he deydë sone;
Þey dyd with hym þat was to done;
To þe erþë þey hym dyght,
For, þat was þe dedys ryȝt.
whan he was dede, forȝate þey noȝt
Þat al hys godë þey furþe broght.
Þey dyd with hym þat was to done;
To þe erþë þey hym dyght,
For, þat was þe dedys ryȝt.
whan he was dede, forȝate þey noȝt
Þat al hys godë þey furþe broght.
Whan þey hadde gadred and a-countede
Þrytty mark hys gode amounted;
hys vessel was ten mark wurþy,
and ten mark of pens redy,
and ten mark hys ouþer store:
Þus þey hyt set, and at no more.
Þrytty mark hys gode amounted;
hys vessel was ten mark wurþy,
and ten mark of pens redy,
and ten mark hys ouþer store:
Þus þey hyt set, and at no more.
Þys clerk seyd: “we are þre;
As y rede, so do shul ȝe:
Þys ychë man þat dedë ys,
y hope hys soulë be yn blys;
and ȝyf hys soulë yn blys be,
he haþ no nede of gold ne fe;
hyt may no more but be yn heuene,
þogh we ȝaue þys, and swych[ë] seuene;
And ȝyf hys soulë be yn helle,
Alle þe pens þat we mow telle,
ne alle þe prestes þat messe mow synge,
Mow nat hyt out of hellë brynge:
So, be hyt yn helle, or be hyt yn blys,
hyt haþ no morë nede of þys;
“And we are swore to dele hyt ryȝt,
And euen to parte hyt at oure myȝt;
So we shul, ȝyf þat ȝe wylle:
And seyþ now here an euyn skylle;
he vouchede hyt saufe on vs, he seyd,
Þat we ȝaue hyt whan he deyde.
As y rede, so do shul ȝe:
Þys ychë man þat dedë ys,
y hope hys soulë be yn blys;
and ȝyf hys soulë yn blys be,
he haþ no nede of gold ne fe;
hyt may no more but be yn heuene,
þogh we ȝaue þys, and swych[ë] seuene;
And ȝyf hys soulë be yn helle,
Alle þe pens þat we mow telle,
ne alle þe prestes þat messe mow synge,
Mow nat hyt out of hellë brynge:
So, be hyt yn helle, or be hyt yn blys,
hyt haþ no morë nede of þys;
205
And euen to parte hyt at oure myȝt;
So we shul, ȝyf þat ȝe wylle:
And seyþ now here an euyn skylle;
he vouchede hyt saufe on vs, he seyd,
Þat we ȝaue hyt whan he deyde.
“Þys yche vessel þat ȝe se,
hyt may wel fallë to me.
þe store of hous, y vndyrstande,
Falleþ weyl to an husbande;
And þese pens falle on best wyse
To a marchaunde to do hys marchaundyse.
For soþë, y kan se no bet,
How euer hyt myȝt be bettyr sette;
No better, certes, myȝt hyt falle:
Þys ȝe seeþ, and weteþ alle.
Takë eche man hys party,
For y haue parted hyt euenly.”
hyt may wel fallë to me.
þe store of hous, y vndyrstande,
Falleþ weyl to an husbande;
And þese pens falle on best wyse
To a marchaunde to do hys marchaundyse.
For soþë, y kan se no bet,
How euer hyt myȝt be bettyr sette;
No better, certes, myȝt hyt falle:
Þys ȝe seeþ, and weteþ alle.
Takë eche man hys party,
For y haue parted hyt euenly.”
And eche of hem hys partë toke;
Hyred þey neyþer messe ne boke
For to synge, ne for to rede;
þey seyd þe soulë had no nede.
y pray God, mysauenture
hauë swych executure!
Hyred þey neyþer messe ne boke
For to synge, ne for to rede;
þey seyd þe soulë had no nede.
y pray God, mysauenture
hauë swych executure!
Executur þat wyl nat do
As þe dede ordeyned to,
he shal haue ful euyl endyng
þat so wyþ-halt þe dedës þyng.
Fals executours þat haue ben,
þys chaunce haue men of hem sen,
þat oþer fayleþ hem wurldës grace,
Or, at here endyng, speche or space;
And ȝyf hyt stonde þe wurldës aght,
A tokene hyt ys, hys soule ys kaght.
As þe dede ordeyned to,
he shal haue ful euyl endyng
þat so wyþ-halt þe dedës þyng.
Fals executours þat haue ben,
þys chaunce haue men of hem sen,
þat oþer fayleþ hem wurldës grace,
Or, at here endyng, speche or space;
And ȝyf hyt stonde þe wurldës aght,
A tokene hyt ys, hys soule ys kaght.
206
And here, at þys ychë pas,
Y shal ȝow tellë of a kas
Þat fyl now late yn Kesteuene;
But þe name y wyl nat neuene.
Y shal ȝow tellë of a kas
Þat fyl now late yn Kesteuene;
But þe name y wyl nat neuene.
[The Tale of the Two wicked Kesteven Executors.]
A man, shortly for to sey,
Whan he wyst þat he shuld deye,
Twey lewed men hys executours he ches,
As þou shalt here, wykked and les.
Þat tyme hyt happed for to be,
Hys sone was oute of þat cuntre.
Whan he wyst þat he shuld deye,
Twey lewed men hys executours he ches,
As þou shalt here, wykked and les.
Þat tyme hyt happed for to be,
Hys sone was oute of þat cuntre.
Whan þe dede was yn hys graue,
þey toke alle þat þey myȝt haue.
þe sonë herd[ë] þat tydyng,
And come home fo þe énteryng;
But he myȝt, with no procurement,
Se ones hys fadres testament,
For þe katel was a-counted
More þan þe testament amounted,
And þey wuldë nat fulfylle
þe testement of þe dedës wylle.
þey toke alle þat þey myȝt haue.
þe sonë herd[ë] þat tydyng,
And come home fo þe énteryng;
But he myȝt, with no procurement,
Se ones hys fadres testament,
For þe katel was a-counted
More þan þe testament amounted,
And þey wuldë nat fulfylle
þe testement of þe dedës wylle.
Þe sone besoght hem þat þey wylde
Þe testement of hys fadyr were fulfylede:
Þan bygan þey hym for to þrete,
And spakë to hym wurdys grete;
For tene, þey seyd þey wulde nat do
For hym þat þey were ordeyned to.
Þe testement of hys fadyr were fulfylede:
Þan bygan þey hym for to þrete,
And spakë to hym wurdys grete;
For tene, þey seyd þey wulde nat do
For hym þat þey were ordeyned to.
Þe chylde besoght[ë] God almyȝt
To take veniaunce on here vnryght.
hyt was nat a moneþ aftyrward,
þe ton fyl yn a chaunce ful hard:
At hys foreyne, y ne wot what,
Strangled hym þeron as he sat;
Þe touþer executoure þat had þe þyng,
Yn pouert he madë hys endyng.
To take veniaunce on here vnryght.
hyt was nat a moneþ aftyrward,
þe ton fyl yn a chaunce ful hard:
207
Strangled hym þeron as he sat;
Þe touþer executoure þat had þe þyng,
Yn pouert he madë hys endyng.
Now haue ȝe herde, myschaunce and nede
Cumþ of fals executours dede;
Whedyr hyt be stylle, or loude on hy,
Fals executours endyn wykkedly;
lyfe or soule, þe toon ys shent,
Or, boþe shul yn fyre be brent.
Cumþ of fals executours dede;
Whedyr hyt be stylle, or loude on hy,
Fals executours endyn wykkedly;
lyfe or soule, þe toon ys shent,
Or, boþe shul yn fyre be brent.
As mochë ioyë and onours
Shal come to gode executours;
God graunteþ hym, for hys gode wyl,
hele and welþe with-outyn yl;
And for hys dede þat he douþ ryght,
He shal haue mercy aȝens hys plyght.
Þe soule prayeþ also, with wyl fre,
Þat hys gode dede hym ȝouldë be
Yn blys of heuene, wyþoutyn ende,
Whan he out of þys wurlde shal wende;
And loue of man, he shal fynde,
Yn þe syght of alle mankynde:
Þys godënesse shal ay be newe
To þe executur þat ys trewe.
Shal come to gode executours;
God graunteþ hym, for hys gode wyl,
hele and welþe with-outyn yl;
And for hys dede þat he douþ ryght,
He shal haue mercy aȝens hys plyght.
Þe soule prayeþ also, with wyl fre,
Þat hys gode dede hym ȝouldë be
Yn blys of heuene, wyþoutyn ende,
Whan he out of þys wurlde shal wende;
And loue of man, he shal fynde,
Yn þe syght of alle mankynde:
Þys godënesse shal ay be newe
To þe executur þat ys trewe.
Now we þe executore haue mysseyd,
And of hys wrong he haþ vpbreyd,
he aȝensseyþ alle þat tresun,
And setteþ þus hys resun,
And prayeþ vs þe soþe to se,
Þat þe dede ys more to blame þan he,
And argueþ vp-on þys skylle,
And byt þe dede answere þartylle:
“ȝyf þou be ryche yn ȝongþe or elde,
And hast ynowe of welþe to welde,
And knowest þy self yn wyl and dedes,
Þy wo, þy welë, how þou ledes,
“Alle þy lyfe, what hyt ys wurþy,
Þou wost hyt bettyr þan wote y;
Wyk and godë, þou hyt wyst,
And þe to sauë, þou ne lyst,
And haddest þy self alle þy powere;
why were þou nat þyn owne spensere?
how shuld y þan do now for þe,
Syn þy self were nat so fre?
how shulde y loue þy soulë nowe,
whan þou louedyst nat þy soulë prowe?
how shulde y þenke, þy soule to saue,
Whan þou þoghtyst noun to haue?
how shulde y bryngë þe to blys,
whan þou þy self ne wuldest þe wysse?
how shulde y bringë þe of pyne,
when þou ne wuldest, whyl alle was þyne?
how shulde y, frend-man, be þy frende,
when þy-self fo-man, wald þy hende?
how shulde y late þy gode me fro,
when þou lete noun fro þy-self go?
who shulde þe oute of sorowe vnbynde,
When to þy self þou were vnkynde,
and wystyst weyl þou shuldest deye,
and nedely þe behoued passe þat weye?
And of hys wrong he haþ vpbreyd,
he aȝensseyþ alle þat tresun,
And setteþ þus hys resun,
And prayeþ vs þe soþe to se,
Þat þe dede ys more to blame þan he,
And argueþ vp-on þys skylle,
And byt þe dede answere þartylle:
“ȝyf þou be ryche yn ȝongþe or elde,
And hast ynowe of welþe to welde,
And knowest þy self yn wyl and dedes,
Þy wo, þy welë, how þou ledes,
208
Þou wost hyt bettyr þan wote y;
Wyk and godë, þou hyt wyst,
And þe to sauë, þou ne lyst,
And haddest þy self alle þy powere;
why were þou nat þyn owne spensere?
how shuld y þan do now for þe,
Syn þy self were nat so fre?
how shulde y loue þy soulë nowe,
whan þou louedyst nat þy soulë prowe?
how shulde y þenke, þy soule to saue,
Whan þou þoghtyst noun to haue?
how shulde y bryngë þe to blys,
whan þou þy self ne wuldest þe wysse?
how shulde y bringë þe of pyne,
when þou ne wuldest, whyl alle was þyne?
how shulde y, frend-man, be þy frende,
when þy-self fo-man, wald þy hende?
how shulde y late þy gode me fro,
when þou lete noun fro þy-self go?
who shulde þe oute of sorowe vnbynde,
When to þy self þou were vnkynde,
and wystyst weyl þou shuldest deye,
and nedely þe behoued passe þat weye?
“Þogh y, for þe, ȝaf aywhore,
who shulde kunne me þank þerfore?
what shuld God do þè mede?
Þou dedyst hyt nat; hyt ys oure dede?
a peny ȝyue of þe, yn þy lyue,
hadde be bettyr þan oure fyue.
Þou gederdyst, and ȝaue þyn executours;
Þat before was þyn, now ys hyt ours.
Þou gaderdyst faste, and puttest yn holde;
So shul we, be þou bolde;
Þou boghtyst fast, and madyst a ryche eyre,
Þy sone ys now yn þe samë speyre;
he shal nat þenk þat he shal deye,
“Ne noght of þe, but alle to beye.
what þoghtest þou on þy fadyr before,
lesse shal he þenke on þe, þat of þe ys bore.
Of þy wofare ne haþ he þoght,
Þou myghtyst þy self, and wuldest noght;
and þogh now we ȝaue alle þy gode
vntyl porë mannës fode,
Or dede anouþer (for þy sake,)
Cherche to sette, or auter make,
y trowe þy mede shal be but smal,
Syn þou dedyst noȝt whan þyn was al.
who shulde kunne me þank þerfore?
what shuld God do þè mede?
Þou dedyst hyt nat; hyt ys oure dede?
a peny ȝyue of þe, yn þy lyue,
hadde be bettyr þan oure fyue.
Þou gederdyst, and ȝaue þyn executours;
Þat before was þyn, now ys hyt ours.
Þou gaderdyst faste, and puttest yn holde;
So shul we, be þou bolde;
Þou boghtyst fast, and madyst a ryche eyre,
Þy sone ys now yn þe samë speyre;
he shal nat þenk þat he shal deye,
209
what þoghtest þou on þy fadyr before,
lesse shal he þenke on þe, þat of þe ys bore.
Of þy wofare ne haþ he þoght,
Þou myghtyst þy self, and wuldest noght;
and þogh now we ȝaue alle þy gode
vntyl porë mannës fode,
Or dede anouþer (for þy sake,)
Cherche to sette, or auter make,
y trowe þy mede shal be but smal,
Syn þou dedyst noȝt whan þyn was al.
“loke now þy-self, and gode skyl why,
Þat þou art more to blame þan y.
wharefor ys alle y with þe stryue,
Þat þou do godë yn þy lyue;
Make þy-self þyn ownë weye,
Þat þyn executor of þe þus seye;
For what time þat þou awey gos,
Þo þat were þy frendys are þan þy fos,
And comunly þyn ownë wyfe,—
Þát, mayst þou se here ful ryfe,—
Also þy chyldryn are vnkynde,
Þat þou hast be aboute ful mynde;
Of boþe mayst þou þy merour se,
Ȝyf þou kanst, or wyl párseue þe;
And alle cumþ hyt of coueytyse
Þat men done vpp-on þys wyse;
Þárfore þenk on þe endyng,
And spendë weyl þyn ownë þyng,
Þat þou fal nat yn auaryce:
Of vnkyndhede hyt cumþ, þat vyce.”
Þat þou art more to blame þan y.
wharefor ys alle y with þe stryue,
Þat þou do godë yn þy lyue;
Make þy-self þyn ownë weye,
Þat þyn executor of þe þus seye;
For what time þat þou awey gos,
Þo þat were þy frendys are þan þy fos,
And comunly þyn ownë wyfe,—
Þát, mayst þou se here ful ryfe,—
Also þy chyldryn are vnkynde,
Þat þou hast be aboute ful mynde;
Of boþe mayst þou þy merour se,
Ȝyf þou kanst, or wyl párseue þe;
And alle cumþ hyt of coueytyse
Þat men done vpp-on þys wyse;
Þárfore þenk on þe endyng,
And spendë weyl þyn ownë þyng,
Þat þou fal nat yn auaryce:
Of vnkyndhede hyt cumþ, þat vyce.”
God, for hys holy myȝt,
late us neuer, with wnryȝt,
Coueyte oght aȝens hys wyl,
No with auaryce to holde for yl,
But þat hyt be, hym to queme,
And body and soule yn clenesse ȝeme.
late us neuer, with wnryȝt,
Coueyte oght aȝens hys wyl,
No with auaryce to holde for yl,
But þat hyt be, hym to queme,
And body and soule yn clenesse ȝeme.
210
[On Gluttony.]
The syxtë synne ys glotonye;
Þat ys a shameful vyleynye
Þat men doun of mete and drynk,
For ouermoche ys abominable & stynk.
Þat ys a shameful vyleynye
Þat men doun of mete and drynk,
For ouermoche ys abominable & stynk.
y wyl now shewë of hys spyces,
Þat noun fallë on hys grecys:
Ful many on stumble vp and down
Of þe greces of syre glotown.
y shal ȝow telle þe samë wyse
Ryȝt as ‘manuel pecches’ seyse:
he comaundeþ, at þe bygynnyng,
‘Be mesuráble yn alle þyng.’
Of allë wysdom þat shal dure,
Þe most wysdom, þan ys ‘mesure’;
Mesure and resun, to-gedyr þey wone,
And alle manere of vertues þey kone.
with whom þey wonë, he ys wys,
And ys ryche, and holdyn yn prys.
hyt ys a gode sygne þat man ys stable,
Þat yn resun ys mesuráble.
Many a vertu, mesure has,
Þat touched ys nat yn þys pas.
But þe mesure of etyng,
Þát ys boþe to olde and ȝyng;
Þarefore wyl y telle ȝow alle
Yn what þyngës þat ȝe falle.
Þat noun fallë on hys grecys:
Ful many on stumble vp and down
Of þe greces of syre glotown.
y shal ȝow telle þe samë wyse
Ryȝt as ‘manuel pecches’ seyse:
he comaundeþ, at þe bygynnyng,
‘Be mesuráble yn alle þyng.’
211
Þe most wysdom, þan ys ‘mesure’;
Mesure and resun, to-gedyr þey wone,
And alle manere of vertues þey kone.
with whom þey wonë, he ys wys,
And ys ryche, and holdyn yn prys.
hyt ys a gode sygne þat man ys stable,
Þat yn resun ys mesuráble.
Many a vertu, mesure has,
Þat touched ys nat yn þys pas.
But þe mesure of etyng,
Þát ys boþe to olde and ȝyng;
Þarefore wyl y telle ȝow alle
Yn what þyngës þat ȝe falle.
Be nat to þy self so large,
Ouer mesure þyn herte to charge,
Þat þou ne kast for vylaynye
Ne for þe foule lust of glotonye.
Þenk here-on whan þou hyt bygynnys,
For þer-yn are þre wykked synnes:
Glotonye, and þefte of þyng,
And cursed yn chyrche, ys mede endyng.
Ouer mesure þyn herte to charge,
Þat þou ne kast for vylaynye
Ne for þe foule lust of glotonye.
Þenk here-on whan þou hyt bygynnys,
For þer-yn are þre wykked synnes:
Glotonye, and þefte of þyng,
And cursed yn chyrche, ys mede endyng.
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And y warne þe of þys kas,
To comone with any þat cursyng has,
Þat þou wystyst opunly
were cursed with holy cherches cry.
Ȝyf þou dedyst hyt by þy wylle,
wyþ-oute destresse or lordys wylle,
Holy cherche ys wroth wyþ þe astyt,
And halt hyt pryde and grete dyspyt,
And seyþ þou art vnbuxum,
And manteynest an euyl custum.
To comone with any þat cursyng has,
Þat þou wystyst opunly
were cursed with holy cherches cry.
Ȝyf þou dedyst hyt by þy wylle,
wyþ-oute destresse or lordys wylle,
Holy cherche ys wroth wyþ þe astyt,
And halt hyt pryde and grete dyspyt,
And seyþ þou art vnbuxum,
And manteynest an euyl custum.
Ȝyf a cursed man hadde cumpany
with one or ouþer, logh or hy,
Or yn mete or yn drynke
At þe alehous, or ouþer gaderyng,
He ne wulde recche how long he lay
yn hys cursyng, nyȝt or day.
For holy cherchë curseþ none
But yn vnbuxumnesse þat haþ mysgone;
Þat wyl nat stonde at hys Iustyse,
he defendyþ hym þe comune acyse,
For to make hym be ashamed
Þat he shulde be so defamed,
And so shulde he wyte he may nat be
But at holy cherche degre.
For swych þyng, men ofte hem meken,
And mercy at holy cherchë sekyn.
with one or ouþer, logh or hy,
Or yn mete or yn drynke
At þe alehous, or ouþer gaderyng,
He ne wulde recche how long he lay
yn hys cursyng, nyȝt or day.
For holy cherchë curseþ none
But yn vnbuxumnesse þat haþ mysgone;
Þat wyl nat stonde at hys Iustyse,
he defendyþ hym þe comune acyse,
For to make hym be ashamed
Þat he shulde be so defamed,
And so shulde he wyte he may nat be
But at holy cherche degre.
For swych þyng, men ofte hem meken,
And mercy at holy cherchë sekyn.
Þarfor hyt ys a grete folye,
with cursed man haue cumpanye.
Seynt Poule seyþ, þat mochë wote,
“who-so handlyþ pycche wellyng hote,
He shal haue fylþe þerof sumdeyl
Þogh he kepe hym neuer so weyl.”
And Dauyd seyþ yn þe sauter,
For felaushepe, on swych maner,
“with holy man, holy shalt þou be;
with wykked man, þou turnest as he.”
On þese wurdys y rede ȝe þynke,
And kepë ȝow fro cursed blynke.
with cursed man haue cumpanye.
Seynt Poule seyþ, þat mochë wote,
“who-so handlyþ pycche wellyng hote,
He shal haue fylþe þerof sumdeyl
Þogh he kepe hym neuer so weyl.”
And Dauyd seyþ yn þe sauter,
For felaushepe, on swych maner,
“with holy man, holy shalt þou be;
213
On þese wurdys y rede ȝe þynke,
And kepë ȝow fro cursed blynke.
Ne þou shalt, for no mannes prew,
Ete, no drynkë wyþ a Iew.
But ȝyf he wyl crystendom take,
hys felaushepe shalt þou forsake.
And þat ys a grete skyl why,
For þe Iew ys Ihesus enmye.
Þe Iew loueþ, on no manere,
Iesu, ne hys modyr dere.
Þarfor, ȝyf þou loue hem ryȝt,
Forsakë Iew at alle þy myȝt,
But ȝyf þou hope þat he wul weyue
Hys lawe, and crystendom receyue.
Ete, no drynkë wyþ a Iew.
But ȝyf he wyl crystendom take,
hys felaushepe shalt þou forsake.
And þat ys a grete skyl why,
For þe Iew ys Ihesus enmye.
Þe Iew loueþ, on no manere,
Iesu, ne hys modyr dere.
Þarfor, ȝyf þou loue hem ryȝt,
Forsakë Iew at alle þy myȝt,
But ȝyf þou hope þat he wul weyue
Hys lawe, and crystendom receyue.
[Against making Men drunk.]
Þys custum ys also perylous,
To lede a man to þe alehous
To do hym drynke out of resun,
Or make hym drunke,—þat ys tresun,—
Or to þy hous, ȝyf þou hym lede,
On hym drynkë for to bede;
Þou art gylty of hys synne
Ȝyf þou to drunkenes wldest hym wynne.
And ȝyf þou ioyë þerof has,
Þe more þou fallyst yn trespas;
Hyt ys a tokene of felunnye
To weytë hym with swych gylrye.
To lede a man to þe alehous
To do hym drynke out of resun,
Or make hym drunke,—þat ys tresun,—
Or to þy hous, ȝyf þou hym lede,
On hym drynkë for to bede;
Þou art gylty of hys synne
Ȝyf þou to drunkenes wldest hym wynne.
And ȝyf þou ioyë þerof has,
Þe more þou fallyst yn trespas;
Hyt ys a tokene of felunnye
To weytë hym with swych gylrye.
Also ȝyf þou any day shuldest fast,
And þou ouertymely þy metë aske,
Glotony haþ swych longyng wroght,
Þat þou to tyme abydest ynoght.
And þou ouertymely þy metë aske,
Glotony haþ swych longyng wroght,
Þat þou to tyme abydest ynoght.
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Anoþer spyce ys yn glotonye,
To ete ouer delycyusly,
For to be serued with many messe:
Þat haunte þese lordyngës on dese.
To ete ouer delycyusly,
For to be serued with many messe:
Þat haunte þese lordyngës on dese.
wuld þey of euery a messe ȝyue
To helpe þe pore wyþ for to lyue,
Þe boldlyere þey myȝt hem self fede
Ȝyf þey dedyn þat almës dede.
But of almës þenk þey noȝt,
For lust and lykyng ys more yn þoght.
To helpe þe pore wyþ for to lyue,
Þe boldlyere þey myȝt hem self fede
Ȝyf þey dedyn þat almës dede.
But of almës þenk þey noȝt,
For lust and lykyng ys more yn þoght.
Þou þat louest so many messe,
wuldest þou þenke on syre Dyues,
And of þe porë man Laȝare
Þat syre Dyues late mysfare,—
For he asked hym sum gode,
Of hys mete, for hys lyuës fode,—
y trowe þou shuldest nat forgete
Þe pore man at þy mete,
Ȝyf þou vndyrstode, y wene,
what þe talë wulde bemene.
wuldest þou þenke on syre Dyues,
And of þe porë man Laȝare
Þat syre Dyues late mysfare,—
For he asked hym sum gode,
Of hys mete, for hys lyuës fode,—
y trowe þou shuldest nat forgete
Þe pore man at þy mete,
Ȝyf þou vndyrstode, y wene,
what þe talë wulde bemene.
[The Tale of Dives and Lazarus.]
A ryche man was sum tyme of prys
Þat wered boþe purpure and bys,
And euery day nobly was led,
And with delycyus metys fed;
And þer was þo a porë man,
Lazare, þat þe wurd of ran,
He lay at þe ryche mannys ȝate,
Ful of bylës, yn þe gate;
He ȝerned moche to ete hys fylle
Of þe crummes þat þe ryche man ded spyl,
But no man ȝaue hym on to byte,
Þogh þat asked he so lyte:
But þe rychë mannës houndes
Come and lykked Laȝares woundes.
Sone aftyrward deydë Laȝare
Before þe mannes ȝatë þare;
Goddës aungeles þe soulë nam,
And bare hyt yn-to þe bosum of Abraham.
Þat wered boþe purpure and bys,
And euery day nobly was led,
And with delycyus metys fed;
And þer was þo a porë man,
Lazare, þat þe wurd of ran,
He lay at þe ryche mannys ȝate,
Ful of bylës, yn þe gate;
He ȝerned moche to ete hys fylle
Of þe crummes þat þe ryche man ded spyl,
But no man ȝaue hym on to byte,
Þogh þat asked he so lyte:
But þe rychë mannës houndes
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Sone aftyrward deydë Laȝare
Before þe mannes ȝatë þare;
Goddës aungeles þe soulë nam,
And bare hyt yn-to þe bosum of Abraham.
Abrahams bosum ys a dwellyng
Þat holy men haue yn restyng,
Þat to Ihesu, Goddys sone, cam,
Þat flesshe and blode yn Mary nam.
Abrahams bosum ys a stede, men telle,
Betwyxë paradys and helle.
Þat holy men haue yn restyng,
Þat to Ihesu, Goddys sone, cam,
Þat flesshe and blode yn Mary nam.
Abrahams bosum ys a stede, men telle,
Betwyxë paradys and helle.
Fyl auenture, as y er seyde,
Þys rychë man sone aftyr deyde.
Hys soule was bore to Lucyfere,
with-outyn ende to dwellë þere;
And, as he was þere yn pyne,
He loked vpwarde with hys yne,
And sagh Laȝare, þe porë man,
yn þe bosum of Abraham;
And as he myȝt, he ȝaue a cry,
And seyd, “Abraham, mercy, mercy!
Late Laȝare hys o fynger wete,
And, droppe on my tunge for hete;
For y am yn endles peyne,
yn fyre and yn leye certeyne.”
Þys rychë man sone aftyr deyde.
Hys soule was bore to Lucyfere,
with-outyn ende to dwellë þere;
And, as he was þere yn pyne,
He loked vpwarde with hys yne,
And sagh Laȝare, þe porë man,
yn þe bosum of Abraham;
And as he myȝt, he ȝaue a cry,
And seyd, “Abraham, mercy, mercy!
Late Laȝare hys o fynger wete,
And, droppe on my tunge for hete;
For y am yn endles peyne,
yn fyre and yn leye certeyne.”
And Abraham spak as yn vpbreyde,
“Sone! menest þou nat what y er seyd?
Þou receyuedyst þe wurldys blys,
And Laȝare, pouert and peyne ywys.
Þou ete and drunke, and were ful blyþe;
And Laȝare hungred, & ful wo syþe;
And now shal he, for hys deserte,
Haue welþe y-nogh for hys pouert;
And þou, for welþe, to pyne shal go,
And for þy ryches þou shalt haue wo.
Now ys Laȝare euer yn solace,
And þou yn sorow with-outë grace;
Þe endles ende may no man telle
Betwyxe vs here, & ȝow yn helle;
Betwyxe oure ioye, and ȝourë peyne,
ys endles tyme, and vncerteyne.
Swych sykernes ys betwyx ȝow two,
Þat noun of vs to ȝow may go.
None of vs to ȝow may come,
But echone haue hys ownë dome.”
“Sone! menest þou nat what y er seyd?
Þou receyuedyst þe wurldys blys,
And Laȝare, pouert and peyne ywys.
Þou ete and drunke, and were ful blyþe;
And Laȝare hungred, & ful wo syþe;
And now shal he, for hys deserte,
Haue welþe y-nogh for hys pouert;
And þou, for welþe, to pyne shal go,
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Now ys Laȝare euer yn solace,
And þou yn sorow with-outë grace;
Þe endles ende may no man telle
Betwyxe vs here, & ȝow yn helle;
Betwyxe oure ioye, and ȝourë peyne,
ys endles tyme, and vncerteyne.
Swych sykernes ys betwyx ȝow two,
Þat noun of vs to ȝow may go.
None of vs to ȝow may come,
But echone haue hys ownë dome.”
Þan preyde þe ryche man, Abraham,
þat he wlde sende Lazare, or sum oþer wham,
To hys breþryn allë fyue,
Þat þey loke hem so, yn here lyue,
Fro auaryce and fro glotonye
And ȝyue to porë men bleþlye,
“Þat þey neuer hedyr be sent,
with me, yn þys hete, to be brent.”
þat he wlde sende Lazare, or sum oþer wham,
To hys breþryn allë fyue,
Þat þey loke hem so, yn here lyue,
Fro auaryce and fro glotonye
And ȝyue to porë men bleþlye,
“Þat þey neuer hedyr be sent,
with me, yn þys hete, to be brent.”
Abraham ne graunted hym noght
Þat þe ryche man hym besoght,
“Þey haue,” he seyd, “alle þe prophete dedys,
And holy wryt, þat men on redys,
To teche hem boþë ryȝt and skyle,
Do þeraftyr, ȝyf þey wyle.”
Þat þe ryche man hym besoght,
“Þey haue,” he seyd, “alle þe prophete dedys,
And holy wryt, þat men on redys,
To teche hem boþë ryȝt and skyle,
Do þeraftyr, ȝyf þey wyle.”
Þan spake þe rychë man,
“Nay, fadyr Abraham, nay, þey ne kan;
But wuldest þou do aftyr my rede,
To reyse a man þat haþ be dede,
þat myȝt hem þe peynës telle
Þat þey shul suffre and yn dwelle,
Þan shulde þey do ryȝt penaunce
For to askapë þys myschaunce.”
“Nay, fadyr Abraham, nay, þey ne kan;
But wuldest þou do aftyr my rede,
To reyse a man þat haþ be dede,
þat myȝt hem þe peynës telle
Þat þey shul suffre and yn dwelle,
Þan shulde þey do ryȝt penaunce
For to askapë þys myschaunce.”
Abraham wulde nat graunte
Þe ryche man þat cunnaunt,
A dedë man vp for to reyse,
“Syn Moyses sawes þey wyl nat preyse,
How wulde þey at a dede man lere,
whan holy wryt þey wyl nat here?”
Þe ryche man þat cunnaunt,
A dedë man vp for to reyse,
“Syn Moyses sawes þey wyl nat preyse,
217
whan holy wryt þey wyl nat here?”
Þys tale tellyþ oure lorde Ihesu
To rychë men for herë prew,
Þat þey ne be no nythyng
Of here mete, ne of here þyng.
To porë men, namëly,
Þat þou ȝyuest hem, ȝyue hyt bleþly,
with no betyng, ne with noun awe;
Almës ys noȝt wyþ any myssawe.
To rychë men for herë prew,
Þat þey ne be no nythyng
Of here mete, ne of here þyng.
To porë men, namëly,
Þat þou ȝyuest hem, ȝyue hyt bleþly,
with no betyng, ne with noun awe;
Almës ys noȝt wyþ any myssawe.
why tellyþ he þe wykkednes of þys man alle,—
And he ne robbed, ne he ne stalle,—
But for he bare hym ouer hye,
And ledde hys lyfe yn glotonye,
And to þe pore dyd euyl yn dede,
No halp hym noȝt yn hys nede:
Ne Laȝare asked nat greuuslyke,
But a fewe crummës for to pyke;
And for he ȝaue hym noun on to byte,
Hym was werned as lyte:
As lytyl as he hym wernede,
As lytyl þyng he ȝernede;
he preydë Laȝare hym to sende
A dropë of hys fynger ende.
And he ne robbed, ne he ne stalle,—
But for he bare hym ouer hye,
And ledde hys lyfe yn glotonye,
And to þe pore dyd euyl yn dede,
No halp hym noȝt yn hys nede:
Ne Laȝare asked nat greuuslyke,
But a fewe crummës for to pyke;
And for he ȝaue hym noun on to byte,
Hym was werned as lyte:
As lytyl as he hym wernede,
As lytyl þyng he ȝernede;
he preydë Laȝare hym to sende
A dropë of hys fynger ende.
Loke how euene Iugement,
Þe tone aȝens þe toþer, was sent:
hyt ys but a lytyl synne,
Of a drope and of a crumme;
þan wyl hyt be ful harde a-counte
Of þyng þat wylle to moche a-mounte.
Þarfor, ȝe lordyngys, beþ ful ware,
Þenkeþ on Dyues and on Laȝare,
And þe porë naȝt forgete
whan ȝe syttë at ȝoure mete.
Þe tone aȝens þe toþer, was sent:
hyt ys but a lytyl synne,
Of a drope and of a crumme;
þan wyl hyt be ful harde a-counte
Of þyng þat wylle to moche a-mounte.
Þarfor, ȝe lordyngys, beþ ful ware,
Þenkeþ on Dyues and on Laȝare,
And þe porë naȝt forgete
whan ȝe syttë at ȝoure mete.
And þou þat fedyst þe so rychely,
Ouer mesure yn glotonye,
Þenk þat þou shalt stynk and rote,
And wurmës shul fyl þy þrote,
And þe fouler shal þy body stynke,
For thy ryche metë, and þy drynke.
Ouer mesure yn glotonye,
Þenk þat þou shalt stynk and rote,
218
And þe fouler shal þy body stynke,
For thy ryche metë, and þy drynke.
Euery man ȝyue tente to þys,
And se how vyle hys body ys.
Twey dayys or þre mow hyt loke
Mete, ar man hyt ete or toke;
But as sone as hyt ys yn þe ȝoten,
Yn half a day þan ys hyt roten;
Ryȝt vyle, and alþer meste,
Þan hyt ys of any ouþer beste.
Se weyl þys! þan mayst þou fynde,
how vyle þan ys þyn ownë kynde.
And se how vyle hys body ys.
Twey dayys or þre mow hyt loke
Mete, ar man hyt ete or toke;
But as sone as hyt ys yn þe ȝoten,
Yn half a day þan ys hyt roten;
Ryȝt vyle, and alþer meste,
Þan hyt ys of any ouþer beste.
Se weyl þys! þan mayst þou fynde,
how vyle þan ys þyn ownë kynde.
Þys rychë man that y of telle,
Wente nat oonly þarfor to helle,
But, for þat he wuldë noght
Ȝyue to Laȝare þat he besoght,
Ne noȝt only for glotonye,
Ne auaryce, ne for beryng hye,
Noȝt for-þy, þe leste of þys,
Myȝt brynge a man to Iuwys.
Wente nat oonly þarfor to helle,
But, for þat he wuldë noght
Ȝyue to Laȝare þat he besoght,
Ne noȝt only for glotonye,
Ne auaryce, ne for beryng hye,
Noȝt for-þy, þe leste of þys,
Myȝt brynge a man to Iuwys.
why was God moste wyþ hym wroth?
For he dyd þe pore man loth,
And for he dyd hys houndes oute late
To byte þe Laȝare at þe ȝate;
And, for he dyde hym þat dyspyte,
God wrathede hym astyte,
And deyneþ nat to nemne hys name,
For he dede þe pore man shame,
But calleþ hym yn þe gospel, ryche,
As vnkyndë and vnbryche.
For ful comunly shalt þou fynde
Oftë rychë men vnkynde.
For he dyd þe pore man loth,
And for he dyd hys houndes oute late
To byte þe Laȝare at þe ȝate;
And, for he dyde hym þat dyspyte,
God wrathede hym astyte,
And deyneþ nat to nemne hys name,
For he dede þe pore man shame,
But calleþ hym yn þe gospel, ryche,
As vnkyndë and vnbryche.
For ful comunly shalt þou fynde
Oftë rychë men vnkynde.
Lorde! how shul þese robbers fare,
Þat þe pore pepyl pelyn ful bare,—
Erlës, kynȝtës, and barouns,
And ouþer lordyngës of tounnes;
Iustyses, shryues, and baylyuys,
Þat þe lawës alle to-ryues,
And þe pore men alle to-pyle;
To ryche men do þey but as þey wylle.
Þat þe pore pepyl pelyn ful bare,—
Erlës, kynȝtës, and barouns,
And ouþer lordyngës of tounnes;
Iustyses, shryues, and baylyuys,
219
And þe pore men alle to-pyle;
To ryche men do þey but as þey wylle.
Þys ryche man, as þe gospel seys,
was but to .o. man vncurteys,
And hadde so mochë pyne þarfore;
On hem wyl fallë mochë more
Þat many pore men pyle and bete,
For God no synne wyl þey nat lete.
Swych ryche men þat are aȝens Goddys pes,
Þenkeþ on Laȝare and on Dyues;
And beþ nat pynede wyþ Satanas
For porë men, as Dyues was,
And ys, and euer shal be;
Ȝyt robbed he neuer golde ne fee.
By þys skylle, þan mow ȝe se,
Þat ȝe are wers þan was he.
He dyde but lete an hounde hym to;
Ȝe rychë men, weyl wers ȝe do!
Ȝe wyl noun houndës to hem lete,
But, ȝe self, hem sle and bete.
He ne dyd but werned hym of hys mete;
And ȝe, robbe al þat ȝe mow gete;
Ȝe are as Dyues, þat wyl naght ȝyue;
And wers, for ȝe robbe þat þey shulde by lyue.
Of mochë peyne ȝe mow ȝow drede,
For ȝe do weyl wers þan Dyues dede.
was but to .o. man vncurteys,
And hadde so mochë pyne þarfore;
On hem wyl fallë mochë more
Þat many pore men pyle and bete,
For God no synne wyl þey nat lete.
Swych ryche men þat are aȝens Goddys pes,
Þenkeþ on Laȝare and on Dyues;
And beþ nat pynede wyþ Satanas
For porë men, as Dyues was,
And ys, and euer shal be;
Ȝyt robbed he neuer golde ne fee.
By þys skylle, þan mow ȝe se,
Þat ȝe are wers þan was he.
He dyde but lete an hounde hym to;
Ȝe rychë men, weyl wers ȝe do!
Ȝe wyl noun houndës to hem lete,
But, ȝe self, hem sle and bete.
He ne dyd but werned hym of hys mete;
And ȝe, robbe al þat ȝe mow gete;
Ȝe are as Dyues, þat wyl naght ȝyue;
And wers, for ȝe robbe þat þey shulde by lyue.
Of mochë peyne ȝe mow ȝow drede,
For ȝe do weyl wers þan Dyues dede.
Ȝe rychë men, God wyl ȝow charge
Þat ȝe ȝyue ȝoure almës large;
Nat ouer powere, neuer a deyl,
But ȝyue þat, þat ȝe mow ful weyl;
And nat allonely largëly,
But with loue, þat ys, curtesy;
Ȝyueþ curteysly, and nat to bete,
Ȝow were bettyr ȝoure almës lete.
Þat ȝe ȝyue ȝoure almës large;
Nat ouer powere, neuer a deyl,
But ȝyue þat, þat ȝe mow ful weyl;
And nat allonely largëly,
But with loue, þat ys, curtesy;
220
Ȝow were bettyr ȝoure almës lete.
Ȝyf a pore man take ons or twyys,
Mysdo hym nat, ȝyf þou be wys,
Ne seye hym noun oþer vyleynye;
Þan doust þou larges and curteysye.
More þank þou getest for swych ȝyuyng
Þan seuene so moche with chydyng.
Herefore Seynt Ihon þe aumenere seys,
And techyþ men to be curteys.
Mysdo hym nat, ȝyf þou be wys,
Ne seye hym noun oþer vyleynye;
Þan doust þou larges and curteysye.
More þank þou getest for swych ȝyuyng
Þan seuene so moche with chydyng.
Herefore Seynt Ihon þe aumenere seys,
And techyþ men to be curteys.
[The Tale of St. John the Almoner, and his great Liberality and Courtesy.]
Hyt seyþ Seynt Ihon þe aumenere
Pore men called hym Goddys spensere;
He was bysshope and patryarke
Of Constantynë, noble starke.
Of hym ȝede ful fyr þe name,
Of large almës men ȝaue hym name.
A pylgryme herde of hym þus seye,
And to hys palys he toke þe weye;
whan he cam þer, he sagh seynt Ihon
Dele þe pore folk ful gode wone;
He seyd he wulde hym ouercharge,
To wete wheþer seynt Ihon were large.
Pore men called hym Goddys spensere;
He was bysshope and patryarke
Of Constantynë, noble starke.
Of hym ȝede ful fyr þe name,
Of large almës men ȝaue hym name.
A pylgryme herde of hym þus seye,
And to hys palys he toke þe weye;
whan he cam þer, he sagh seynt Ihon
Dele þe pore folk ful gode wone;
He seyd he wulde hym ouercharge,
To wete wheþer seynt Ihon were large.
He com, and asked þe charyte,
And seynt Ihon, þat was so fre,
He commaundede hys seriaunte
For to ȝyue hym syxe besaunte.
Þys pylgrym ȝede and chaunged hys wede,
More to aske, ȝyf he myȝt spede.
And seyd he hadde goun many a gate,
And to þe cyte he was com late,
And of spensys had he non,
So hadde he yn pylgrymage gon.
Seynt Ihon commaundede hys aumenere
To ȝyue hym ouþer syxe, for he had mystere.
Þe aumener parceyued weyl þat tyme
Þat hyt was þe same pylgryme
Þat toke byfore þe charyte,
And seyd, “syre, þys ys he.”
Noþeles, oþer wroth or glad,
He ȝaf hym, þat seyn Ihon bad.
And seynt Ihon, þat was so fre,
He commaundede hys seriaunte
For to ȝyue hym syxe besaunte.
Þys pylgrym ȝede and chaunged hys wede,
More to aske, ȝyf he myȝt spede.
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And to þe cyte he was com late,
And of spensys had he non,
So hadde he yn pylgrymage gon.
Seynt Ihon commaundede hys aumenere
To ȝyue hym ouþer syxe, for he had mystere.
Þe aumener parceyued weyl þat tyme
Þat hyt was þe same pylgryme
Þat toke byfore þe charyte,
And seyd, “syre, þys ys he.”
Noþeles, oþer wroth or glad,
He ȝaf hym, þat seyn Ihon bad.
Þys pylgrym eft besydë nam,
And eftë þe þryd tymë cam
yn a-noþer wede þan he was ore,
And asked at seynt Ihon ȝyt more.
Þe aumenere was wroth þerfore,
Þat he asked so oute of skore,
Syn hym was ȝyue so largëly,
And ȝyt he asked, and was gredy.
But Seynt Ihon, he was fre,
And yn ful gretë charyte
He commaunded to hym a-none
To ȝyue hym twelue besauntes echone:
“Peráuenture, God wyl me proue
what y wyl do for hys loue,
Oþer hyt ys God hym selue;
Þarfore ȝyf hym besauntes twelue;
Or he proueþ me a-noþer wey,
Ȝyf y wyl any of hys myssey;
Þarfore ȝyueþ with godë wyl
And curteysye, with-outyn yl.”
And eftë þe þryd tymë cam
yn a-noþer wede þan he was ore,
And asked at seynt Ihon ȝyt more.
Þe aumenere was wroth þerfore,
Þat he asked so oute of skore,
Syn hym was ȝyue so largëly,
And ȝyt he asked, and was gredy.
But Seynt Ihon, he was fre,
And yn ful gretë charyte
He commaunded to hym a-none
To ȝyue hym twelue besauntes echone:
“Peráuenture, God wyl me proue
what y wyl do for hys loue,
Oþer hyt ys God hym selue;
Þarfore ȝyf hym besauntes twelue;
Or he proueþ me a-noþer wey,
Ȝyf y wyl any of hys myssey;
Þarfore ȝyueþ with godë wyl
And curteysye, with-outyn yl.”
Þys tale y toldë ȝow þys tyde,
Þat ȝe with no pore men chyde;
ȝyf þou chydyng with hym makes,
whan þyn almes of þe he takes,
He byeþ hyt dere with hys myssawe,
And shame þerwith, and drede, and awe.
Ȝyf for þat ȝyft þou wylt haue mede,
Mysdo hym nat, yn wurde ne dede.
Þat ȝe with no pore men chyde;
222
whan þyn almes of þe he takes,
He byeþ hyt dere with hys myssawe,
And shame þerwith, and drede, and awe.
Ȝyf for þat ȝyft þou wylt haue mede,
Mysdo hym nat, yn wurde ne dede.
Also hyt ys grete curteysye
To ȝyue ȝoure almës hastylye;
Nat for to makë long delay,
To late a wrecchë stonde al day
Cryyng at þy ȝate yn colde;
He byeþ þyn almes on manyfolde,
And þogh þou ȝyue hym lytyl or noght,
Algate hyt ys dere y-boghte.
And, þarfore hyt were weyl doun
To ȝyue þyn almës gladly and soun.
To ȝyue ȝoure almës hastylye;
Nat for to makë long delay,
To late a wrecchë stonde al day
Cryyng at þy ȝate yn colde;
He byeþ þyn almes on manyfolde,
And þogh þou ȝyue hym lytyl or noght,
Algate hyt ys dere y-boghte.
And, þarfore hyt were weyl doun
To ȝyue þyn almës gladly and soun.
And y warne ȝow alle of o þyng,
Forþenkeþ nat of ȝoure almes-ȝyuyng.
Ȝyf þou forþenkest, þou getyst maugre,
Þy ȝyft ys nat yn charyte;
Ryght so dyd þe bysshope Troyle,
For hys almes he made grete doyle,
Þat a sykenes hym ouer haf
For largë almes þat he ȝaf.
Seynt Ihoun þe aumenere telleþ how,
And as he seyþ, y shal telle ȝow;
A gode ensample, as we rede,
Þat none forþynke hys almës dede.
Forþenkeþ nat of ȝoure almes-ȝyuyng.
Ȝyf þou forþenkest, þou getyst maugre,
Þy ȝyft ys nat yn charyte;
Ryght so dyd þe bysshope Troyle,
For hys almes he made grete doyle,
Þat a sykenes hym ouer haf
For largë almes þat he ȝaf.
Seynt Ihoun þe aumenere telleþ how,
And as he seyþ, y shal telle ȝow;
A gode ensample, as we rede,
Þat none forþynke hys almës dede.
[The Tale of Bishop Troylus and his Thirty Pounds.]
Þys yche seynt Ihon þe aumenere
was a patryark of grete powere;
Vndyr hym was bysshope Troylus,
Þat for to haue tresour was coueytous.
And on a day, as fyl to be
Þat seynt Ihon ȝaf hys charyte,
Þe bysshope Troylë, for cumforte,
with hym wentë for dysporte,
To se þe folk þat þyrdyr come
Of many cuntres þat oute were nome.
Þat ychë tyme þat chaunce gan falle,
Seynt Ihon hadde nat to ȝyue hem alle;
But a man, þat was þere,
Rouned yn seynt Ihons ere.
‘Þat he hadde broght þat ychë stounde
To syre Troylë þyrty pounde,
And he myȝt helpë, ȝyf he wylde,
Þat hys dolë were fulfylde.’
was a patryark of grete powere;
Vndyr hym was bysshope Troylus,
Þat for to haue tresour was coueytous.
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Þat seynt Ihon ȝaf hys charyte,
Þe bysshope Troylë, for cumforte,
with hym wentë for dysporte,
To se þe folk þat þyrdyr come
Of many cuntres þat oute were nome.
Þat ychë tyme þat chaunce gan falle,
Seynt Ihon hadde nat to ȝyue hem alle;
But a man, þat was þere,
Rouned yn seynt Ihons ere.
‘Þat he hadde broght þat ychë stounde
To syre Troylë þyrty pounde,
And he myȝt helpë, ȝyf he wylde,
Þat hys dolë were fulfylde.’
Seynt Ihon to Troyle bygan to sermun
with ensamples of gode resun,
“Þat he hadde pyte of here cryyng;
To se hem wepe, was reuful þyng;
For God shal þanke alle at þe laste day yn dede,
Þat of þe pore for hys loue han pyte at nede.
what ys hyt wrþ to preche yn cherche,
whan men yn dedë wyl nat werche?
And now hyt ys so on þy party,
Thou hast besauntes of golde redy,
Þat þou mayst helpe, ȝyf þat þou wylt,
Þat þys pore peple be nat spylt.”
with ensamples of gode resun,
“Þat he hadde pyte of here cryyng;
To se hem wepe, was reuful þyng;
For God shal þanke alle at þe laste day yn dede,
Þat of þe pore for hys loue han pyte at nede.
what ys hyt wrþ to preche yn cherche,
whan men yn dedë wyl nat werche?
And now hyt ys so on þy party,
Thou hast besauntes of golde redy,
Þat þou mayst helpe, ȝyf þat þou wylt,
Þat þys pore peple be nat spylt.”
what for almes, and what for despyte,
Troylë commaunded al styte
Þat þo þrytty pounde of golde
were ȝyue þere seynt Ihōn̄ wolde.
Troylë commaunded al styte
Þat þo þrytty pounde of golde
were ȝyue þere seynt Ihōn̄ wolde.
To þe pore was hyt so delte and dryue,
Þat euery besaunt was furþ ȝyue.
whan allë haddë þat þere cam,
Seynt Ihōn̄ and Troylë homward nam:
Troyle fyl yn a grete syknes
For sorow of hys large almes;
Þat sorow hadde hym so ouercome,
Þat þe feuer hadde hym nome.
He wende weyl þat he hadde be lore,
So lytyl hope yn hym was bore.
Hys godë hopë was ful badde,
For hym þoghte lore, þat pore men hadde.
Þat euery besaunt was furþ ȝyue.
whan allë haddë þat þere cam,
224
Troyle fyl yn a grete syknes
For sorow of hys large almes;
Þat sorow hadde hym so ouercome,
Þat þe feuer hadde hym nome.
He wende weyl þat he hadde be lore,
So lytyl hope yn hym was bore.
Hys godë hopë was ful badde,
For hym þoghte lore, þat pore men hadde.
Seynt Ihon wulde nat Troyle forgete,
He sente aftyr hym to þe mete;
But he excused hym, and seyd nay,
And seyd þat he yn þe feuer lay,
And to þe deþe he hoped weyl,
Þarefore ne myȝt he come þat sele.
He sente aftyr hym to þe mete;
But he excused hym, and seyd nay,
And seyd þat he yn þe feuer lay,
And to þe deþe he hoped weyl,
Þarefore ne myȝt he come þat sele.
whan Seynt Ihon herde þat seye,
Þat Troyle supposed for to deye,
Asswyþë to hym he ȝede,
And cunseyled hym to haue no drede;
“Drede þe noght, my godë sone,
Goddës manere we owe to kone;
For alle þo þat he loueþ dere,
he chasteþ hem on many manere;
And as he sendeþ to þè, sykenes,
He wyl sende hele whan hys wyl es.”
Þat Troyle supposed for to deye,
Asswyþë to hym he ȝede,
And cunseyled hym to haue no drede;
“Drede þe noght, my godë sone,
Goddës manere we owe to kone;
For alle þo þat he loueþ dere,
he chasteþ hem on many manere;
And as he sendeþ to þè, sykenes,
He wyl sende hele whan hys wyl es.”
Seynt Ihon wyst wele hys herte,
Hys sykënes, and alle hys querte;
Þarfore he seydë on þys wyse—
For he knew hys coueytyse,—
“Þy golde þat was to me so redy,
To me þou lentyst hyt, graunte mercy;
For y was yn wyl, for þe feste,
Þat euery hadde a peny, who so hadde leste.
But y myȝt nat so of myne,
But y hadde borowed at þe of þyne;
Þo þrytty pounde, God haþ me sente,
And here þey are now, þy presente;
And asswyþe þey shul be payd,
No lenger shul þey be delayd.”
Hys sykënes, and alle hys querte;
Þarfore he seydë on þys wyse—
For he knew hys coueytyse,—
“Þy golde þat was to me so redy,
To me þou lentyst hyt, graunte mercy;
For y was yn wyl, for þe feste,
Þat euery hadde a peny, who so hadde leste.
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But y hadde borowed at þe of þyne;
Þo þrytty pounde, God haþ me sente,
And here þey are now, þy presente;
And asswyþe þey shul be payd,
No lenger shul þey be delayd.”
Seynt Ihon called hys chaumberleyn,
And tolde hem to Troyle, be summe certeyn.
Anoun cumforted was Troyle so weyl
Þat hys sykenes he forgate eche deyl,
And so smartly, yn tyme so lyte,
Þat þey allë myȝt wele wyte
Þat þe feuer þat hym so shoke
was for þe monye þat he toke.
And tolde hem to Troyle, be summe certeyn.
Anoun cumforted was Troyle so weyl
Þat hys sykenes he forgate eche deyl,
And so smartly, yn tyme so lyte,
Þat þey allë myȝt wele wyte
Þat þe feuer þat hym so shoke
was for þe monye þat he toke.
He dyde on hys cloþys astyte,
And to Seynt Ihon he wrote a skryte;
Þys skryt conteyneþ, as hyt seyþ þore,
Þese samë wurdës, lesse ne more:
“God þe ȝelde, my lorde Syre Ihon,
Þe besauntes þat were delte echon,
Þat y lente þe, þrytty pounde,
Yn hande y haue hem hole and sounde.”
And Troyle dyde þe skryt weyl sele,
And syþen ros vp yn gode hele;
And went hym homë with seynt Ihon;
Of euyl felte he no more non.
And to Seynt Ihon he wrote a skryte;
Þys skryt conteyneþ, as hyt seyþ þore,
Þese samë wurdës, lesse ne more:
“God þe ȝelde, my lorde Syre Ihon,
Þe besauntes þat were delte echon,
Þat y lente þe, þrytty pounde,
Yn hande y haue hem hole and sounde.”
And Troyle dyde þe skryt weyl sele,
And syþen ros vp yn gode hele;
And went hym homë with seynt Ihon;
Of euyl felte he no more non.
But Ihesu, þat seëþ al þyng,
Shewed to Troyle þys tokenyng
How he hadde lore a rychë holde,
And for auaryce he hyt solde.
Shewed to Troyle þys tokenyng
How he hadde lore a rychë holde,
And for auaryce he hyt solde.
Troyle tolde, he sagh þys syght
At þe fyrst slepe of þe nyght:
Hym was shewed a paleys,
So fayre was neuer noun, hyt seys;
For alle hyt was of betyn golde,
Alle þat euer stode on molde.
Myȝte no man aymë þe largenesse,
Ne tungë tellë þe feyrnesse.
Þer-yn was so noble atyre,
Shynyng as golde, flammyng as fyre.
Aboute þe ȝatë wrytyn was
Þat Troyle beheldë a long space,
And ofte he reddë þat wrytyng,
And haddë þeryn grete lykyng;
Þys was þere wryte,—as seynt Ihon telles,
And as men of þys story spellys,—
“Reste and hous with-outyn ende,
Þe bysshope Troylë shal to wende.”
At þe fyrst slepe of þe nyght:
226
So fayre was neuer noun, hyt seys;
For alle hyt was of betyn golde,
Alle þat euer stode on molde.
Myȝte no man aymë þe largenesse,
Ne tungë tellë þe feyrnesse.
Þer-yn was so noble atyre,
Shynyng as golde, flammyng as fyre.
Aboute þe ȝatë wrytyn was
Þat Troyle beheldë a long space,
And ofte he reddë þat wrytyng,
And haddë þeryn grete lykyng;
Þys was þere wryte,—as seynt Ihon telles,
And as men of þys story spellys,—
“Reste and hous with-outyn ende,
Þe bysshope Troylë shal to wende.”
Þus þoght Troylë yn hys bedde,
As he ofte on þe lettyr redde.
Þan wende Troylë sykyrly weyl,
Þe kyng hadde ȝyue hyt hym eche deyl;
Þarefore syre Troylë was ful gladde
Þat he swyche a paleys hadde.
As he ofte on þe lettyr redde.
Þan wende Troylë sykyrly weyl,
Þe kyng hadde ȝyue hyt hym eche deyl;
Þarefore syre Troylë was ful gladde
Þat he swyche a paleys hadde.
Vnneþë þenne hys yȝe was glent,
Þat one fro God þydyr was sent,
And commaunded alle yn rape
A-wey þat wrytyng for to skrape.
Alle þat spakë of syre Troyle
was skraped a-wey, as who sey oyle.
Þat one fro God þydyr was sent,
And commaunded alle yn rape
A-wey þat wrytyng for to skrape.
Alle þat spakë of syre Troyle
was skraped a-wey, as who sey oyle.
Sone aftyrward, with-yn a lytyl,
was þere wryte anoþer tytyl;
Þys tytyl þat was latter wryte,
Þus moche hyt ys for to wyte,
“Rest, and hous, and wonyng,
Graunteþ, and ȝyueþ, heuene kyng,
To Ihon þe patryark so fre,
with-outyn ende yn ioye to be,
For þrytty poundë þat he boghte,
And to almës dede hem broghte.”
was þere wryte anoþer tytyl;
Þys tytyl þat was latter wryte,
Þus moche hyt ys for to wyte,
“Rest, and hous, and wonyng,
Graunteþ, and ȝyueþ, heuene kyng,
To Ihon þe patryark so fre,
227
For þrytty poundë þat he boghte,
And to almës dede hem broghte.”
And Troylë waked sone anone,
And tolde hys dremë to seynt Ihon,
Euery deyl how he hadde sen,
And was ordeyned to haue ben.
“Þarfore,” he seyde, “fro henne forward
Ne shal y neuer be to pore man hard;
So feyre ys dyȝte to hem to lyue,
Þat blely wyl to pore men ȝyue.”
But algate Troyle þat tyme had tynte
Þe fyrst paleys þat God hadde hym mynte.
And tolde hys dremë to seynt Ihon,
Euery deyl how he hadde sen,
And was ordeyned to haue ben.
“Þarfore,” he seyde, “fro henne forward
Ne shal y neuer be to pore man hard;
So feyre ys dyȝte to hem to lyue,
Þat blely wyl to pore men ȝyue.”
But algate Troyle þat tyme had tynte
Þe fyrst paleys þat God hadde hym mynte.
Ȝe lordynges þat haue y-now,
Þys talë haue y tolde for ȝow,
Þat ȝe ne repente ȝow of largés
Þat ȝe ȝyue to ȝoure almés;
And þenkeþ on þe bysshope Troyle
Þat for large almës made grete doyle,
Þat ȝe ne lese nat þat paleys
Þat God ordeyneþ to alle curteys;
For who so ȝyueþ curteysly,
Hyt fordoþe þe synne of glotonye.
Þys talë haue y tolde for ȝow,
Þat ȝe ne repente ȝow of largés
Þat ȝe ȝyue to ȝoure almés;
And þenkeþ on þe bysshope Troyle
Þat for large almës made grete doyle,
Þat ȝe ne lese nat þat paleys
Þat God ordeyneþ to alle curteys;
For who so ȝyueþ curteysly,
Hyt fordoþe þe synne of glotonye.
Of mete, glotonye wyl bygynne;
Almës þerof fordoþe þat synne.
Almës fordoþ alle wykkednes,
And quenchyþ synne, and makyþ hyt les.
Almës semeþ hyt cumþ of loue
Þat þou ȝyuest to man for God aboue,
Oþer for hym þat þou ȝyuest þore,
Or hym þat þou ȝyuest hyt fore.
Almës, þou wost weyl, ys a ȝyfte;
And for þe ȝyuyng, man ys vplyfte.
Almës þerof fordoþe þat synne.
Almës fordoþ alle wykkednes,
And quenchyþ synne, and makyþ hyt les.
Almës semeþ hyt cumþ of loue
Þat þou ȝyuest to man for God aboue,
Oþer for hym þat þou ȝyuest þore,
Or hym þat þou ȝyuest hyt fore.
Almës, þou wost weyl, ys a ȝyfte;
And for þe ȝyuyng, man ys vplyfte.
Ȝyue gladly, for God, þyn almës here;
Hym ȝyue þou hyt on alle manere,
And for hys loue, to hys meyne,
Ȝyf þou of hym wylt loued be.
So wyl ȝyftys louë tylle,
And gadyr many one to gode wylle.
Hym ȝyue þou hyt on alle manere,
And for hys loue, to hys meyne,
Ȝyf þou of hym wylt loued be.
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And gadyr many one to gode wylle.
For ȝyftys, twey loues mayst þou haue,
And boþe be tymës mow þe saue.
Þe fyrst ys, ȝyf þou ȝyue þy þynges
To hauë louë of lordynges:
For þy ȝyfte þou mayst be herde,
And saue þy godë yn þe werlde;
But þat love lasteþ lytyl whyle,
And aȝens God hyt wyl þe fyle.
And boþe be tymës mow þe saue.
Þe fyrst ys, ȝyf þou ȝyue þy þynges
To hauë louë of lordynges:
For þy ȝyfte þou mayst be herde,
And saue þy godë yn þe werlde;
But þat love lasteþ lytyl whyle,
And aȝens God hyt wyl þe fyle.
Þe toþer loue is noght for þys;
Hyt askeþ noght but heuene blys;
And þat loue ys, euery deyl,
loue of God and pore man weyl.
what ys loue vnto men pore?
Almës to hem ys recouere;
Almës dede of loue ys wey,
Noþer mysdo, noþer myssey;
Þan wyl God almyghty loue þe;
Þy loue ys þan with charyte.
Hyt askeþ noght but heuene blys;
And þat loue ys, euery deyl,
loue of God and pore man weyl.
what ys loue vnto men pore?
Almës to hem ys recouere;
Almës dede of loue ys wey,
Noþer mysdo, noþer myssey;
Þan wyl God almyghty loue þe;
Þy loue ys þan with charyte.
Charyte ys, þe certeyn to lere,
loue of þyn euyncrysten dere.
So sone þerto, noght wyl þe lede,
Ne so moche, as wyl almës dede.
Charyte ys, þe longyng of loue,
As y haue tolde ȝow here aboue;
For alle þat euer þou mayst do,—
But loue yn charyte be þerto—
Alle þat euer hast þou wroght,
Stant þe ellës al at noght.
loue of þyn euyncrysten dere.
So sone þerto, noght wyl þe lede,
Ne so moche, as wyl almës dede.
Charyte ys, þe longyng of loue,
As y haue tolde ȝow here aboue;
For alle þat euer þou mayst do,—
But loue yn charyte be þerto—
Alle þat euer hast þou wroght,
Stant þe ellës al at noght.
Se now what seynt Poulë seys
Yn a pystyl, þe samë weys,—
“Þogh y speke as weyl with tung
As any man or aungel haþ song,
And y lyue nat with charyte,
No þyng auayleþ hyt to me.
For y do þan ryȝt as þe bras,
And as þe tympan, þat bete was;
Þe bras, to oþer, ȝyueþ grete sown,
And bet hym self vp and down.
And þogh y speke al yn prephecye,
And haue þe kunnyng of euery maystrye,
And, with gode beleue myght seye
Þe hylles to turne yn-to þe valey,
ȝyf hyt ne be with charyte wroght,
Ellës, he seyþ þat y am noght.
Þogh y ȝyue alle my wurldës gode
Vnto porë mennys fode,
And ȝyue my body for to brenne
Opunly oþer men to kenne,
But ȝyf þar be charyte with alle,
My mede þarfore shal be ful smalle.”
Yn a pystyl, þe samë weys,—
“Þogh y speke as weyl with tung
As any man or aungel haþ song,
And y lyue nat with charyte,
No þyng auayleþ hyt to me.
For y do þan ryȝt as þe bras,
And as þe tympan, þat bete was;
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And bet hym self vp and down.
And þogh y speke al yn prephecye,
And haue þe kunnyng of euery maystrye,
And, with gode beleue myght seye
Þe hylles to turne yn-to þe valey,
ȝyf hyt ne be with charyte wroght,
Ellës, he seyþ þat y am noght.
Þogh y ȝyue alle my wurldës gode
Vnto porë mennys fode,
And ȝyue my body for to brenne
Opunly oþer men to kenne,
But ȝyf þar be charyte with alle,
My mede þarfore shal be ful smalle.”
loke now how many godenesse þer are,
with-outë charyte noght but bare.
wylt þou know þy self, and se
Ȝyf þou wone yn charyte?
with-outë charyte noght but bare.
wylt þou know þy self, and se
Ȝyf þou wone yn charyte?
Charyte suffreþ boþe gode and yl,
And charyte ys of reuful wyl,
Charyte haþ noun enuye,
And charyte wyl no felunnye;
Charyte ys nat Irus,
And charyte ys nat coueytous;
Charyte wyl no bostful preysyng;
he wyl noght but ryȝtwys þyng;
Charyte loueþ no fantome,
No þynges þat euyl may of come;
He haþ no ioye of wykkednes,
But loueþ alle þat sothfast es;
Alle godenes he vp bereþ;
Alle he suffreþ, and noun he dereþ;
Gode hope he haþ yn ryghtwys þyng,
And alle he susteyneþ to þe endyng;
Charyte ne fayleþ noght,
Ne no þyng þat with hym ys wroght.
when alle prophecyes are alle gone,
And alle tunges are leyde echone,
And alle craftys fordo shul be,
Þan lasteþ stedfast charyte.”
And charyte ys of reuful wyl,
Charyte haþ noun enuye,
And charyte wyl no felunnye;
Charyte ys nat Irus,
And charyte ys nat coueytous;
Charyte wyl no bostful preysyng;
he wyl noght but ryȝtwys þyng;
Charyte loueþ no fantome,
No þynges þat euyl may of come;
He haþ no ioye of wykkednes,
But loueþ alle þat sothfast es;
Alle godenes he vp bereþ;
Alle he suffreþ, and noun he dereþ;
Gode hope he haþ yn ryghtwys þyng,
And alle he susteyneþ to þe endyng;
Charyte ne fayleþ noght,
Ne no þyng þat with hym ys wroght.
when alle prophecyes are alle gone,
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And alle craftys fordo shul be,
Þan lasteþ stedfast charyte.”
Þus seyþ seynt Poule, and mochë more,
Yn hys pystyl of hys lore.
Seynt charyte ys gode and hende,
lastyng with God with-outyn ende.
Yn hys pystyl of hys lore.
Seynt charyte ys gode and hende,
lastyng with God with-outyn ende.
Gode hyt were to loue hyt weyl,
And folowe hyt with oure dede sumdeyl.
Ȝyf we þys charyte wyl haue,
Ȝyue we þe pore whan þey vs craue;
Ȝyue we hem, as hyt ys oure myȝt,
with-oute myssaw or any fyȝt;
Þan ys hyt curteys almës dede;
Þank of God þan ys oure mede,
And shal stonde ful stalwurþly
Aȝens þe synne of glotonye,
As y haue tolde ȝow here byfore,
And furþer shal y telle ȝow now more.
And folowe hyt with oure dede sumdeyl.
Ȝyf we þys charyte wyl haue,
Ȝyue we þe pore whan þey vs craue;
Ȝyue we hem, as hyt ys oure myȝt,
with-oute myssaw or any fyȝt;
Þan ys hyt curteys almës dede;
Þank of God þan ys oure mede,
And shal stonde ful stalwurþly
Aȝens þe synne of glotonye,
As y haue tolde ȝow here byfore,
And furþer shal y telle ȝow now more.
At þe begynnyng y spake of þys,
Ete ne drynk but þat nede ys.
who so doþ hyt oute of mesure,
Hele of body may nat dure,
And to hys soule, hyt ys dedly synne,
Þat custummable ys þer-ynne;
And penaunce harde þarfore shal go,
But we kepe vs weyl þerfro.
Ete ne drynk but þat nede ys.
who so doþ hyt oute of mesure,
Hele of body may nat dure,
And to hys soule, hyt ys dedly synne,
Þat custummable ys þer-ynne;
And penaunce harde þarfore shal go,
But we kepe vs weyl þerfro.
Loke yn þys sawe what Catoun seys,
Þat ys wyys and ryȝt curteys,
“Ȝyf þou yn hele wylt dure,
Ete and drynk of swych mesure
Þat þy strenkþe be nat þe lesse;
For, drynkyng oute of skylle,
Þy body bryng hyt wylle
To sorowe and to sykënesse.”
Þat ys wyys and ryȝt curteys,
“Ȝyf þou yn hele wylt dure,
Ete and drynk of swych mesure
Þat þy strenkþe be nat þe lesse;
For, drynkyng oute of skylle,
Þy body bryng hyt wylle
To sorowe and to sykënesse.”
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And ouþer spyces haþ glotonye:
To ete þy mete ouer brennynglye
And lustly, whan þou hyt getyst,
And takest noun hede what þou etyst.
To ete þy mete ouer brennynglye
And lustly, whan þou hyt getyst,
And takest noun hede what þou etyst.
Anoþer spyce ys noght to pay,
As a beste to ete al day,
And kepyst nonë certeyn tyme,
Þe settyng at none or pryme,
Noþer ouþer tyme þat fallyþ to man,
But as a beste þat no resun kan.
Me þenkeþ weyl hyt ys resun
To callë swych a man ‘glotoun.’
Twyys on þe day ys sustynaunce
To man þat haþ gode cheuysaunce.
Þe cheuysauncë, woste þou how,
To man þat haþ metë ynow,
Þogh he be man of trauayle,
Hyt were y-now with-outë fayle.
As a beste to ete al day,
And kepyst nonë certeyn tyme,
Þe settyng at none or pryme,
Noþer ouþer tyme þat fallyþ to man,
But as a beste þat no resun kan.
Me þenkeþ weyl hyt ys resun
To callë swych a man ‘glotoun.’
Twyys on þe day ys sustynaunce
To man þat haþ gode cheuysaunce.
Þe cheuysauncë, woste þou how,
To man þat haþ metë ynow,
Þogh he be man of trauayle,
Hyt were y-now with-outë fayle.
But þo men þat haue no swynk,
Þat delyte hem yn mete or drynk,
Þe apostyl Poulë spekþ of þo,
And dampneþ many one to wo.
He seyþ “woo to þo þat erly ȝerne,
Þat go and hauntë þe tauerne,
Yn wyne or ale to haue lykyng;
Cursednes hem folowyþ at þe endyng.
Of swych, here wombës are here Cryst;
Þat ys here loue, þat ys here tryst.”
Alle þys he meneþ sykyrly
For man þat loueþ moche glotonye.
Þat delyte hem yn mete or drynk,
Þe apostyl Poulë spekþ of þo,
And dampneþ many one to wo.
He seyþ “woo to þo þat erly ȝerne,
Þat go and hauntë þe tauerne,
Yn wyne or ale to haue lykyng;
Cursednes hem folowyþ at þe endyng.
Of swych, here wombës are here Cryst;
Þat ys here loue, þat ys here tryst.”
Alle þys he meneþ sykyrly
For man þat loueþ moche glotonye.
Ȝungë chyldryn, þey mow wele,
On þe day, etë þre mele;
For sum of hem wex ful tyte,
Þarefor ys more, here appetyte;
And ȝyt behoueþ tyme be þar-to,
Or men mowe wyþ hem mysdo;
For, þus seyþ þe oldë man
Yn a prouerbe þat he can,
“Ȝyue þy chylde when he wyl kraue,
And þy whelpe whyl hyt wyl haue,
Þan mayst þou make yn a stounde
A foulë chylde and a feyrë hounde.”
So mayst þou be enchesoun
To make þy chylde a glotoun.
On þe day, etë þre mele;
For sum of hem wex ful tyte,
Þarefor ys more, here appetyte;
And ȝyt behoueþ tyme be þar-to,
Or men mowe wyþ hem mysdo;
For, þus seyþ þe oldë man
Yn a prouerbe þat he can,
232
And þy whelpe whyl hyt wyl haue,
Þan mayst þou make yn a stounde
A foulë chylde and a feyrë hounde.”
So mayst þou be enchesoun
To make þy chylde a glotoun.
A-nouþer vyce ys ȝyt to graunte,
Þat rychë men mochyl haunte,
Þat many one are so daungerous,
And oute of mesure esquaymous,
Þat hys kokë may no day
Greyþë hym hys mete to pay.
Þat me þenkeþ a feble manere;
A vylanye hyt ys to here;
For euery coke wulde, at hys myȝt,
hys lordës metë were wel dyȝt:
wheþer hyt be lorde or lady,
Me þenkeþ hyt ys a spyce of glotonye.
hyt semeþ, were hyt at þy wyl,
Ouer mesure þou wuldest þe fyl.
Þat rychë men mochyl haunte,
Þat many one are so daungerous,
And oute of mesure esquaymous,
Þat hys kokë may no day
Greyþë hym hys mete to pay.
Þat me þenkeþ a feble manere;
A vylanye hyt ys to here;
For euery coke wulde, at hys myȝt,
hys lordës metë were wel dyȝt:
wheþer hyt be lorde or lady,
Me þenkeþ hyt ys a spyce of glotonye.
hyt semeþ, were hyt at þy wyl,
Ouer mesure þou wuldest þe fyl.
Rerë sopers yn pryuyte,
with glotonye, echone þey be;
And þyr ys mochë wastë ynne,
And gadryng of ouþer synne.
Þefte behoueþ þe sumdele þore,
And glotonye algatë more;
And leccherye ys quene or kyng;
For hym ys all þat gaderyng.
with glotonye, echone þey be;
And þyr ys mochë wastë ynne,
And gadryng of ouþer synne.
Þefte behoueþ þe sumdele þore,
And glotonye algatë more;
And leccherye ys quene or kyng;
For hym ys all þat gaderyng.
Ȝyt are þer ouþer rere sopers,
with men þat seruë knyȝtys and squyers;
For al þe day þan wyl þey be
Before here maysters yn soberte;
But whan here maysters are broght to bedde,
Þan wyl þey fonde þat þey be fedde,
And sytte vp þare wyþ recolage
And ȝyt do mochë more outrage;
To þe mydnyght ys but a þrowe,
But hyt be, tyl þe cok krowe.
Þese men are clumbë on a grece
To glotonyë with þat spece.
with men þat seruë knyȝtys and squyers;
For al þe day þan wyl þey be
Before here maysters yn soberte;
But whan here maysters are broght to bedde,
Þan wyl þey fonde þat þey be fedde,
And sytte vp þare wyþ recolage
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To þe mydnyght ys but a þrowe,
But hyt be, tyl þe cok krowe.
Þese men are clumbë on a grece
To glotonyë with þat spece.
Also fallë men yn plyght,
Þat sytte vp þe Þursday at nyght.
And ouerlong ete flesshe and drunke
Aftyr þat mydnyght ys runge,
Or fysshe or flesshe þat suffreþ dede,
Þat shulde on þe Fryday faste watyr & brede;
Swych etyng þey shul sore abeye,
But þey amende hem are þey deye.
Þe Fryday nyght ys,—þys shalt þou leue,—
Aftyr þe Þursday at eue;
Þe nyght cumþ byfore þe day,
Þat ys now of þe newë lay.
Þat sytte vp þe Þursday at nyght.
And ouerlong ete flesshe and drunke
Aftyr þat mydnyght ys runge,
Or fysshe or flesshe þat suffreþ dede,
Þat shulde on þe Fryday faste watyr & brede;
Swych etyng þey shul sore abeye,
But þey amende hem are þey deye.
Þe Fryday nyght ys,—þys shalt þou leue,—
Aftyr þe Þursday at eue;
Þe nyght cumþ byfore þe day,
Þat ys now of þe newë lay.
As y haue tolde of rere sopers,
Þe same falleþ of erly dyners;
Dyners are oute of skyl and resun
On þe Sunday, or hye messe be doun.
Þogh þou haue haste, here ȝyt a messe,
Al holy, and no lesse,
And nat symple, a sakare,
For hyt ys nat y-now for þe,
But hyt be for lordys powere,
Or pylgrymage þat haþ no pere.
Þe same falleþ of erly dyners;
Dyners are oute of skyl and resun
On þe Sunday, or hye messe be doun.
Þogh þou haue haste, here ȝyt a messe,
Al holy, and no lesse,
And nat symple, a sakare,
For hyt ys nat y-now for þe,
But hyt be for lordys powere,
Or pylgrymage þat haþ no pere.
Are þou oght ete, þys ys my rede,
Take holy watyr and holy brede;
For yn auenture kas, hyt may þe saue,
Ȝyf housel ne shryftë þou mayst haue.
Take holy watyr and holy brede;
For yn auenture kas, hyt may þe saue,
Ȝyf housel ne shryftë þou mayst haue.
Alle oþer tymes ys glotonye,
But hyt be grete enchesun why.
On oþer hygh dayys, ȝyf þat þou may,—
Þogh þat hyt be nat Sunday,—
Here þy messë ar þou dyne;
Ȝyf þou do nat, ellys ys hyt pyne.
But hyt be grete enchesun why.
On oþer hygh dayys, ȝyf þat þou may,—
Þogh þat hyt be nat Sunday,—
Here þy messë ar þou dyne;
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lordës þat haue prestes at wyl,
Me þenketh þey trespas ful yl,
Þat any day ete, are þey here messe,
But ȝyf hyt be þurgh harder dystresse.
Me þenketh þey trespas ful yl,
Þat any day ete, are þey here messe,
But ȝyf hyt be þurgh harder dystresse.
þe men þat are of holy cherche,
Þey wetë weyl how þey shul werche;
But swych y tellë hardyly,
Þat swych a preste douþ glotonye,
Þat leuyþ hys messe on þe auter
For to go to a dyner.
So ne shuld he do, for no þyng,
For loue ne awe of no lordyng,
But ȝyf hyt were for a grete nede
Þat shuld hym falle, or a grete drede.
Þey wetë weyl how þey shul werche;
But swych y tellë hardyly,
Þat swych a preste douþ glotonye,
Þat leuyþ hys messe on þe auter
For to go to a dyner.
So ne shuld he do, for no þyng,
For loue ne awe of no lordyng,
But ȝyf hyt were for a grete nede
Þat shuld hym falle, or a grete drede.
Now haue we tolde yn lytyl space
how þat glotonye cumþ yn place
On many maner dyuers wyse,
And how we shul knowe allë þyse.
how þat glotonye cumþ yn place
On many maner dyuers wyse,
And how we shul knowe allë þyse.
Ȝyf any seþ hym so coupáble
Þat yn þys ys custummáble,
leuë hem, and do no more,
And askë penauncë þarefore,
And God ys curteys, and wul wele
Forȝyue þe þy trespas euery dele.
God graunte vs, for hys swete mercy,
To kepe vs alle fro glotonye!
Þat yn þys ys custummáble,
leuë hem, and do no more,
And askë penauncë þarefore,
And God ys curteys, and wul wele
Forȝyue þe þy trespas euery dele.
God graunte vs, for hys swete mercy,
To kepe vs alle fro glotonye!
[Of Lechery.]
Now shul we speke of leccherye,
Þat foloweþ þe synne of glotonye;
Hyt ys þe laste of seuene,
And, fyrþest hyt ys fro heuene.
wharefore þan hyt ys so?
For hyt dampneþ euer two.
Þou mayst synne þy self yn wyl,
But with anoþer þou shalt fulfyl.
Forsoþe þey are to folehardy
Þat haunte þe synne of lecchery;
For why, to do alle ouþer synnes,
Þe lyghtlyer þe fende hem wynnes.
Þat foloweþ þe synne of glotonye;
Hyt ys þe laste of seuene,
And, fyrþest hyt ys fro heuene.
wharefore þan hyt ys so?
For hyt dampneþ euer two.
Þou mayst synne þy self yn wyl,
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Forsoþe þey are to folehardy
Þat haunte þe synne of lecchery;
For why, to do alle ouþer synnes,
Þe lyghtlyer þe fende hem wynnes.
On seuene maners shal y shewe
How lecherye þan ys a shrewe.
How lecherye þan ys a shrewe.
Þe fyrst ys ‘fornycacyon,’
whan two vnweddyd haue mysdon,
As sengle knaue and sengle tarne,
whan þey synne to-gedyr ȝerne;
Þe leste hyt ys of allë seuene,
Ȝyt hyt forbarreþ þe blys of heuene.
whan two vnweddyd haue mysdon,
As sengle knaue and sengle tarne,
whan þey synne to-gedyr ȝerne;
Þe leste hyt ys of allë seuene,
Ȝyt hyt forbarreþ þe blys of heuene.
Þe touþer ys ‘awoutry,’
whan weddyd and weddyd to-gedyr lye,
As weddyd man takeþ anoþers wyfe,
Þat ys þe morë synful lyfe.
Ȝyf weddyd man, sengle woman takeþ,
Forsoþe spousebrechë þere he makyþ.
Ȝyf weddyd wyfe take sengle man,
Alle spousebreche tel y hyt þan;
For þey haue broke with-outë fayle
Þe chastë bondë of spousayle.
whan weddyd and weddyd to-gedyr lye,
As weddyd man takeþ anoþers wyfe,
Þat ys þe morë synful lyfe.
Ȝyf weddyd man, sengle woman takeþ,
Forsoþe spousebrechë þere he makyþ.
Ȝyf weddyd wyfe take sengle man,
Alle spousebreche tel y hyt þan;
For þey haue broke with-outë fayle
Þe chastë bondë of spousayle.
Þe þryddë synnë ys þe werst,
Þe clerk[es] calleþ hyt ‘yncest,’
whan men take kyn yn felawrede,
And wyþ hem doþ flesshëly dede;
Þe ner[ë] syb she ys hys kynde,
Þe morë plyȝt shal he þere fynde.
Or ȝyf he with a woman synne,
Þat sum of hys kyn haþ endyd ynne,
Þat ys to sey, haþ ley here by,
Þe more plyȝt ys þat lecchery;
Þus hyt seyþ yn þe decre,
He calleþ hyt an ‘affynyte’;
Affynyte hyt makeþ alle an ende,
hys blode þarto no more may wende.
Þe clerk[es] calleþ hyt ‘yncest,’
whan men take kyn yn felawrede,
And wyþ hem doþ flesshëly dede;
Þe ner[ë] syb she ys hys kynde,
Þe morë plyȝt shal he þere fynde.
Or ȝyf he with a woman synne,
Þat sum of hys kyn haþ endyd ynne,
Þat ys to sey, haþ ley here by,
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Þus hyt seyþ yn þe decre,
He calleþ hyt an ‘affynyte’;
Affynyte hyt makeþ alle an ende,
hys blode þarto no more may wende.
Þe fourþe synne ys more perylous,
with man and womman relygyus;
Ȝyf þey haue made professyoun
Boþe vn-to relygyoun,
Moche ys to chargë þat folye
Ȝyf þey to-gedyr do leccherye.
Relygyous man also ys to blame,
Þat yn þe wurlde takeþ a foule fame,
For he may kepe hym weyl þerfro,
Alonë þar hym neuer go.
with man and womman relygyus;
Ȝyf þey haue made professyoun
Boþe vn-to relygyoun,
Moche ys to chargë þat folye
Ȝyf þey to-gedyr do leccherye.
Relygyous man also ys to blame,
Þat yn þe wurlde takeþ a foule fame,
For he may kepe hym weyl þerfro,
Alonë þar hym neuer go.
Þe fyfþe ys mochë for to drede,
To rauysh a womman here maydenhede,
Þat ys to say, a-ȝens here wylle,
But ȝyf she grauntë weyl þar-tylle;
And, þogh she to hym consente,
he ys holde to here auaunsement;
For ȝyf she ȝyue here to folye,
She kan nat leuë tyl she deye;
And he þat broght here to þat bysmere,
For here foly he shal answere.
To rauysh a womman here maydenhede,
Þat ys to say, a-ȝens here wylle,
But ȝyf she grauntë weyl þar-tylle;
And, þogh she to hym consente,
he ys holde to here auaunsement;
For ȝyf she ȝyue here to folye,
She kan nat leuë tyl she deye;
And he þat broght here to þat bysmere,
For here foly he shal answere.
Þe syxtë reyseþ gretë stryfe,
To rauys anouþer mannys wyfe;
For aȝens God hyt ys euyl dede,
And to þe worlde also mochyl drede.
Ȝyf hyt be aȝens here wyl,
Þe more he douþ hym seluen yl.
A clerk, ȝyf [þat] he ordred be,
hys synne ys more þan ouþer þre
For he douþ þat he shulde forbede,
And chastyse ouþer of swyche dede,
And þarto mochyl morë kan
Þan a-noþer lewed man.
Þou lewed man, knowest also
what ys to lete, what ys to do;
Þou knowyst as weyl, euery poynt,
As þe prest þat ys a-noynt,
And wost what peryl ys þerynne;
Þou mayst noȝt sey, to fende þy synne.
To rauys anouþer mannys wyfe;
For aȝens God hyt ys euyl dede,
And to þe worlde also mochyl drede.
Ȝyf hyt be aȝens here wyl,
Þe more he douþ hym seluen yl.
A clerk, ȝyf [þat] he ordred be,
hys synne ys more þan ouþer þre
For he douþ þat he shulde forbede,
And chastyse ouþer of swyche dede,
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Þan a-noþer lewed man.
Þou lewed man, knowest also
what ys to lete, what ys to do;
Þou knowyst as weyl, euery poynt,
As þe prest þat ys a-noynt,
And wost what peryl ys þerynne;
Þou mayst noȝt sey, to fende þy synne.
Also do þesë lordynges,
Þey trespas mochë yn twey þynges;
Þey rauys a mayden aȝens here wyl,
And mennys wyuys þey lede awey þertyl;
A grete vylanye þarto he dous
Ȝyf he make þerof hys rous;
Þe dedë ys confusyun,
And more ys þe dyffamacyun.
Þey trespas mochë yn twey þynges;
Þey rauys a mayden aȝens here wyl,
And mennys wyuys þey lede awey þertyl;
A grete vylanye þarto he dous
Ȝyf he make þerof hys rous;
Þe dedë ys confusyun,
And more ys þe dyffamacyun.
Þe seuenest ys foulest leccherye—
Comoun wymmen to lyggë by—
Of al þe ouþer þat we haue seyde.
longyng of loue ys þerë nede,
For to louë one a-lone,
Þan here þat tak[e]þ euerychone.
Foul ys þat lust and þat peryl,
To loue here þat al men go tyl.
Ful foulë ys þat forreyne
Þat ys comon for al, certeyne;
Þerfore, what as euer be yn þy þoght,
Comun wymmen take þou noght,
For many kas þat may falle,
Þat pryuë ys to telle ȝow alle.
Comoun wymmen to lyggë by—
Of al þe ouþer þat we haue seyde.
longyng of loue ys þerë nede,
For to louë one a-lone,
Þan here þat tak[e]þ euerychone.
Foul ys þat lust and þat peryl,
To loue here þat al men go tyl.
Ful foulë ys þat forreyne
Þat ys comon for al, certeyne;
Þerfore, what as euer be yn þy þoght,
Comun wymmen take þou noght,
For many kas þat may falle,
Þat pryuë ys to telle ȝow alle.
And somë toldë mow weyl be,
Þat are nat holde yn pryuyte;
One ys, she may take þy broþer,
Fadyr, or sybkynd, as wel as ouþer.
Anoþer, for cuntek and foule stryfe,
Þou mayst, þurgh here, lese þy lyfe.
Þe þred[dë] ys þe werstë wem;
Meseles, men seye, vsen hem;
And, who takeþ hem yn þat hete,
Clennesse of body he may sone lete.
Moche wo þan, ys swyche to take,
For þesë þre lakkës sake;
And moche may be þat wommans mone,
For she shal answere for hem echone
Þat haue ydo any synne wyþ hyre,
At domes day, þe day of Ire.
Þat are nat holde yn pryuyte;
One ys, she may take þy broþer,
Fadyr, or sybkynd, as wel as ouþer.
Anoþer, for cuntek and foule stryfe,
Þou mayst, þurgh here, lese þy lyfe.
Þe þred[dë] ys þe werstë wem;
238
And, who takeþ hem yn þat hete,
Clennesse of body he may sone lete.
Moche wo þan, ys swyche to take,
For þesë þre lakkës sake;
And moche may be þat wommans mone,
For she shal answere for hem echone
Þat haue ydo any synne wyþ hyre,
At domes day, þe day of Ire.
Þarefore, ȝe men, takeþ none,
Ne ȝe wymmen, takeþ but one.
Ȝyf man or womman may nat be chaste,
Take, and do no morë waste,
One of whom ȝoure loue wyl be,
And ȝyueþ nat ȝoure bodyys to alle ylych fre.
Ne ȝe wymmen, takeþ but one.
Ȝyf man or womman may nat be chaste,
Take, and do no morë waste,
One of whom ȝoure loue wyl be,
And ȝyueþ nat ȝoure bodyys to alle ylych fre.
Seuene maner synnes y haue ȝow tolde,
Þe whych cumbren men on many folde,
And þe leste of alle þese seuene
Forbarreþ a man þe blys of heuene.
who-so wyl be clene of þyse,
Aȝens hys flessh behoueþ hym ryse,
And wyþ hyt fyȝt ful faste
Þat hyt be algate dowün kaste,
And elles may he neuer be clene,
hys flessh hys enmy wyl hym sone tene:
Of swych a fyȝt a sample y kan,
Of seynt Benet þat holy man.
Seynt Gregory telþ for þe nones
how seynt Benet was tempted onys.
Þe whych cumbren men on many folde,
And þe leste of alle þese seuene
Forbarreþ a man þe blys of heuene.
who-so wyl be clene of þyse,
Aȝens hys flessh behoueþ hym ryse,
And wyþ hyt fyȝt ful faste
Þat hyt be algate dowün kaste,
And elles may he neuer be clene,
hys flessh hys enmy wyl hym sone tene:
Of swych a fyȝt a sample y kan,
Of seynt Benet þat holy man.
Seynt Gregory telþ for þe nones
how seynt Benet was tempted onys.
[The Tale of St. Benet's Temptation, and how he freed himself by rolling in Thorns and Nettles.]
As seynt Benet sate yn hys celle,
To tempte hym com a fend of helle
Yn a lykenes of a bryd.
A ‘þrostyl’ ys þe namë kyd;
hyt come fleyng by seynt Benet,
And, mery synggyng, by hym hym set;
Noþeles, he hadde grete ferly
Þat hyt flegh hym so ny.
Seynt Benet wende he myȝt hyt ha take,
For hyt sate by hym so spake.
he blessed hym fyrst, and bedde hys hande
To take þe brydde þat was syttande;
As sone as he hadde made þe croyce,
Þe bryde flegh furþ, and left hys voys.
Þat þrostel sagh he no more;
hyt become, he ne wyst whore.
To tempte hym com a fend of helle
Yn a lykenes of a bryd.
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hyt come fleyng by seynt Benet,
And, mery synggyng, by hym hym set;
Noþeles, he hadde grete ferly
Þat hyt flegh hym so ny.
Seynt Benet wende he myȝt hyt ha take,
For hyt sate by hym so spake.
he blessed hym fyrst, and bedde hys hande
To take þe brydde þat was syttande;
As sone as he hadde made þe croyce,
Þe bryde flegh furþ, and left hys voys.
Þat þrostel sagh he no more;
hyt become, he ne wyst whore.
Þan come on hym so sodenly
So grete temptyng of lecchery,
Þat neuer er, syn he was bore,
So grete temptyng was hym byfore;
Þe fendë þan put yn hys þoght
Þat he hadde, or seye, or wroght.
So grete temptyng of lecchery,
Þat neuer er, syn he was bore,
So grete temptyng was hym byfore;
Þe fendë þan put yn hys þoght
Þat he hadde, or seye, or wroght.
Onës he sagh a feyre womman,
And al day yn hys þoght she ran;
Swych þoght so hadde hym ouercome,
Þat þe þoght of God, hyt had ny fornome;
And foule longyng had hym so take
Þat hys ermytage he hadde nygh forsake;
But Ihesu, þat seeþ al þyng,
he sagh weyl hys grete temptyng;
Þogh he suffred hym weyl be to-blaste,
he suffred hym nat be dowün kaste;
Þe fende may nat but tempte þy wyl,
Þe selfe behoueþ þe dede fulfyl;
And for he stode so stalwrþly,
Þe holy goste was to hym redy.
And al day yn hys þoght she ran;
Swych þoght so hadde hym ouercome,
Þat þe þoght of God, hyt had ny fornome;
And foule longyng had hym so take
Þat hys ermytage he hadde nygh forsake;
But Ihesu, þat seeþ al þyng,
he sagh weyl hys grete temptyng;
Þogh he suffred hym weyl be to-blaste,
he suffred hym nat be dowün kaste;
Þe fende may nat but tempte þy wyl,
Þe selfe behoueþ þe dede fulfyl;
And for he stode so stalwrþly,
Þe holy goste was to hym redy.
with-oute hys cellë, þornës wore,
And netles grewe, þat byten sore;
So haddë grace made hym stedfaste,
Þat al hys cloþys of he kast,
And alle naked hym-self he wrappe
Among þe þornës þat were sharpe,
And among þe netles echone,
Tyl hys temptacyun was al gone.
240
So haddë grace made hym stedfaste,
Þat al hys cloþys of he kast,
And alle naked hym-self he wrappe
Among þe þornës þat were sharpe,
And among þe netles echone,
Tyl hys temptacyun was al gone.
Þe þornes prykked, þe netles dyd byte,
Of flesshly temptacyun þey made hym quyte,
So clene, þat neuer aftyrward
was he tempted more so hard
Of hys flessh, þat was hys fo,
he dyde hyt þere so mochë wo.
Seþþen, loued he Ihesu cryst wel more
Þan he dede, euer byfore,
And hadde to hym more loue longyng
Þan byfore hys hard temptyng.
Of flesshly temptacyun þey made hym quyte,
So clene, þat neuer aftyrward
was he tempted more so hard
Of hys flessh, þat was hys fo,
he dyde hyt þere so mochë wo.
Seþþen, loued he Ihesu cryst wel more
Þan he dede, euer byfore,
And hadde to hym more loue longyng
Þan byfore hys hard temptyng.
Þys tale y tolde for þat enchesun,
To stand aȝens temptacyun;
For who-so wyl hys soulë saue,
Many a fyȝt behoueþ hym haue
Aȝens þe spyces of lecchery,
Ar he wynne of hym þe maystry.
To stand aȝens temptacyun;
For who-so wyl hys soulë saue,
Many a fyȝt behoueþ hym haue
Aȝens þe spyces of lecchery,
Ar he wynne of hym þe maystry.
Seynt Poule techyþ vs for þat batayle
A sykyr fyght þat wyl nat fayle;
He seyþ, “y forbede ȝow echoun,
with womman for to go alone.”
For who-so douþ hyt, sone and lyȝtly
He consentyþ to lecchery;
Þou alone, alone with hyre,
þy þoght, by herte, cumþ sone on fyre;
Be þou neuer so chaste ne straunge,
Be ȝe alone, þyn herte wyl chaunge;
And God commaundeþ boþe þe and me,
Oure herte to stable yn chastyte.
He seyþ nat, to whom he wyl kalle,
But spekeþ comunly to vs alle;
And þogh he calle alle comunly,
Sum are called more specyally;
For specyaly þat comandeþ he
To men þat are of hygh degre,
As to bysshopes, and persones,
To prestys, and ouþer relygyons;
To þese ys specyal comaundement;
Þurgh þese to ouþer hyt shal be sent.
Þarefore he byddeþ, with wurdës smarte,
Þat þey be allë chaste of herte.
A sykyr fyght þat wyl nat fayle;
He seyþ, “y forbede ȝow echoun,
with womman for to go alone.”
For who-so douþ hyt, sone and lyȝtly
He consentyþ to lecchery;
Þou alone, alone with hyre,
þy þoght, by herte, cumþ sone on fyre;
Be þou neuer so chaste ne straunge,
Be ȝe alone, þyn herte wyl chaunge;
And God commaundeþ boþe þe and me,
Oure herte to stable yn chastyte.
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But spekeþ comunly to vs alle;
And þogh he calle alle comunly,
Sum are called more specyally;
For specyaly þat comandeþ he
To men þat are of hygh degre,
As to bysshopes, and persones,
To prestys, and ouþer relygyons;
To þese ys specyal comaundement;
Þurgh þese to ouþer hyt shal be sent.
Þarefore he byddeþ, with wurdës smarte,
Þat þey be allë chaste of herte.
what ys hyt wurþ to be, with-outen, clene,
whan fylþë ys withynne þe sene?
For many one, whan þey to bedde are broȝt,
Delyten hem yn fylþys of þoght.
Swych þoghtës are synnës greue,
Ȝyf þey þè pay, or be þè leue;
And ȝyf hyt pay þè so, swych foule þoȝt,
Þat þe dede were do, ȝyf þou moght,
Certes hyt ys nat to drede
Þat þy wyl ne shal answere for þe dede.
For ȝyf þou myȝtyst, þou wuldest, do,
Þy wyl consenteþ weyl þarto;
Þou art a lechoure yn þat kas,
Þyn hertëwyl ys grete trespas.
whan fylþë ys withynne þe sene?
For many one, whan þey to bedde are broȝt,
Delyten hem yn fylþys of þoght.
Swych þoghtës are synnës greue,
Ȝyf þey þè pay, or be þè leue;
And ȝyf hyt pay þè so, swych foule þoȝt,
Þat þe dede were do, ȝyf þou moght,
Certes hyt ys nat to drede
Þat þy wyl ne shal answere for þe dede.
For ȝyf þou myȝtyst, þou wuldest, do,
Þy wyl consenteþ weyl þarto;
Þou art a lechoure yn þat kas,
Þyn hertëwyl ys grete trespas.
Anoþer spyce, more synne hyt ys,
whan þou sekest þy wyl of flesshe,
To þe lust of lecchery,
Yn handlyng, or dremyng of foly,
Þurgh þoghtes or syghtës þat þou sees,
And yn alle ouþer pryuytes;
God hym-self forbedeþ alle þys;
Þey gete no parte of heuene blys:
Yn shryfte forgetë noght of þyse;
How ofte þou dedyst, and on what wyse.
whan þou sekest þy wyl of flesshe,
To þe lust of lecchery,
Yn handlyng, or dremyng of foly,
Þurgh þoghtes or syghtës þat þou sees,
And yn alle ouþer pryuytes;
God hym-self forbedeþ alle þys;
Þey gete no parte of heuene blys:
Yn shryfte forgetë noght of þyse;
How ofte þou dedyst, and on what wyse.
242
Ȝyt þyr ys a-noþer spyce
Þat cumþ of þe fendes malyce,
Þat he douþ vs alle falle ynne,
yn dreme slepyng þat we are ynne.
And þat yche temptacyun
May be twey maner of enchesun;
Þe fyrste ys syghte, þe touþer ys þoght,
with-outë þese, dremest þou noght;
For swyche þyng þou mayst se with ye,
Þat hyt turneþ to þoght of felonye.
Þat cumþ of þe fendes malyce,
Þat he douþ vs alle falle ynne,
yn dreme slepyng þat we are ynne.
And þat yche temptacyun
May be twey maner of enchesun;
Þe fyrste ys syghte, þe touþer ys þoght,
with-outë þese, dremest þou noght;
For swyche þyng þou mayst se with ye,
Þat hyt turneþ to þoght of felonye.
Ȝyf þou þenkest ofte of þat syght,
Þat wey of þoght gadreþ myȝt,
And knyttyþ harde ryȝt as a seme,
And sheweþ on þe nyȝt yn dreme.
Yn þat dreme, ȝyf þou do lecherye,
hyt makeþ þe þoght of vylayné;
Ȝyf any do hyt ones þurgh chaunce,
Þan ys þerfore but lyȝt penaunce;
Ȝyf hyt be donë þurgh custome,
Þan falleþ þarfore harder dome;
For euery tyme, at alþer leste,
Behoueþ þe shewe to þe preste:
Hyt ys a wysdom to shewe hyt alle;
Hyt may be moche, þat þe þenkeþ smalle.
Þe prestë, he can euene charge,
For whyche he shal ȝyue penaunce large.
Þat wey of þoght gadreþ myȝt,
And knyttyþ harde ryȝt as a seme,
And sheweþ on þe nyȝt yn dreme.
Yn þat dreme, ȝyf þou do lecherye,
hyt makeþ þe þoght of vylayné;
Ȝyf any do hyt ones þurgh chaunce,
Þan ys þerfore but lyȝt penaunce;
Ȝyf hyt be donë þurgh custome,
Þan falleþ þarfore harder dome;
For euery tyme, at alþer leste,
Behoueþ þe shewe to þe preste:
Hyt ys a wysdom to shewe hyt alle;
Hyt may be moche, þat þe þenkeþ smalle.
Þe prestë, he can euene charge,
For whyche he shal ȝyue penaunce large.
lecchery ys also grete ȝernyng
To be desyred þurgh feyre cloþyng,
what wymmen hem tyfe with ownë wyl,
To foly loue, ouþer men to tylle.
Ȝyf men, þurgh here feyre atyre,
wyþ hem to do foly, haue desyre,
Þey shul answere for here synne,
For þey are rote, and fyrst bygynne;
Noþeles, þe cónsentour
Shal be holde for a lechour;
Euene peynë shul þey bere,
Þe toon þe touþer shal answere.
To be desyred þurgh feyre cloþyng,
what wymmen hem tyfe with ownë wyl,
To foly loue, ouþer men to tylle.
Ȝyf men, þurgh here feyre atyre,
wyþ hem to do foly, haue desyre,
Þey shul answere for here synne,
For þey are rote, and fyrst bygynne;
Noþeles, þe cónsentour
243
Euene peynë shul þey bere,
Þe toon þe touþer shal answere.
Ȝyt sey men yn þe oldë lawe,
Þat, of a þefe and hys felawe,
O dome shul þey boþë haue,
Þe toon ne toþer shul men nat saue;
And ȝyt men sey, as men gos,
As foule ys he þat halt, as he þat fos.
Þat, of a þefe and hys felawe,
O dome shul þey boþë haue,
Þe toon ne toþer shul men nat saue;
And ȝyt men sey, as men gos,
As foule ys he þat halt, as he þat fos.
Anoþer spyce eke he forbedeþ,
Þat many one ful lytyl dredeþ:
To suffre a lechour or lechours
To hauntë foly yn here hous.
Þe prophete spekeþ ful euyl of þo;
Þey shul haue part of peyne and wo;
And þus seyþ þe prophete Osee,
As moche defouled as hordam shal be.
Þat many one ful lytyl dredeþ:
To suffre a lechour or lechours
To hauntë foly yn here hous.
Þe prophete spekeþ ful euyl of þo;
Þey shul haue part of peyne and wo;
And þus seyþ þe prophete Osee,
As moche defouled as hordam shal be.
A-noþer spyce, þat mochë dereþ,
hauntë þey þat erandes bereþ
To do a lechour for to spede,
Or ȝyuen conseyl to do þe dede,
Or susteyne one with maystry:
Swych men are castel of lechery.
Þus seyþ þe prophete seynt Danyel;
And holy wryt wytnesseþ hyt wel.
hauntë þey þat erandes bereþ
To do a lechour for to spede,
Or ȝyuen conseyl to do þe dede,
Or susteyne one with maystry:
Swych men are castel of lechery.
Þus seyþ þe prophete seynt Danyel;
And holy wryt wytnesseþ hyt wel.
what sey ȝe of þese lordynges
Þat a-vowe here men to do swych þyngys?
Þat men dur nat hem chastyse
with holy cherche, ne oþer wyse.
Swych men areysen baner
Aȝens holy cherches power,
And hem self are castel and toure
For to manteynë þe lechoure.
who so a-voweþ a man to do euyl,
he ys no sybber þan þe deuyl;
For þe fende wulde þat al shulde be
Dampned, as weyl as ys he.
Þat a-vowe here men to do swych þyngys?
Þat men dur nat hem chastyse
with holy cherche, ne oþer wyse.
Swych men areysen baner
Aȝens holy cherches power,
And hem self are castel and toure
For to manteynë þe lechoure.
who so a-voweþ a man to do euyl,
he ys no sybber þan þe deuyl;
244
Dampned, as weyl as ys he.
Ȝyt of ȝouþe men shulde haue drede,
Of þat men donë yn chyldhede;
Þat may be turned to lechery,
For chyldryn ofte to-gedyr ly.
Of þat men donë yn chyldhede;
Þat may be turned to lechery,
For chyldryn ofte to-gedyr ly.
Ȝyf þou oght dedyst and hopest, hyt ys
Yn þy wyt, synne of foule flessh:
Y cunseyl þe to telle þe prest,
For peryl may fallë, weyl þou seest;
Þyn ynwyt telleþ þe þat skyl
Of what þou dest þat ys peryl,
For comunly, þat men done yn ȝenkþe,
Yn agë haunte þey hyt on lenkþe;
And mowe nat leue þat foule vsage
Þat þey toke yn ȝouþe yn rage.
yn a prouerbe of olde Englys
Tellë men, and soþe hyt ys,
“Þat ȝougþë wones, yn agë mones;”
Þat þou dedyst ones, þou dedyst eftsones.
Þarefore loke what þy ȝouþë was,
And yn þy age amende þy trespas.
Yn þy wyt, synne of foule flessh:
Y cunseyl þe to telle þe prest,
For peryl may fallë, weyl þou seest;
Þyn ynwyt telleþ þe þat skyl
Of what þou dest þat ys peryl,
For comunly, þat men done yn ȝenkþe,
Yn agë haunte þey hyt on lenkþe;
And mowe nat leue þat foule vsage
Þat þey toke yn ȝouþe yn rage.
yn a prouerbe of olde Englys
Tellë men, and soþe hyt ys,
“Þat ȝougþë wones, yn agë mones;”
Þat þou dedyst ones, þou dedyst eftsones.
Þarefore loke what þy ȝouþë was,
And yn þy age amende þy trespas.
A-noþer spyce, ware þe fro þys
Foly, a womman for to kys;
For seldë kys[eth] any frende,
Þat lechery ne ys þoght or neuende.
kyssyng ys, for loue to wynne,
And ys erand for flesshly synne;
Man or womman, loke for-þy,
wharefore þou kyssest, whom, & why.
Foly, a womman for to kys;
For seldë kys[eth] any frende,
Þat lechery ne ys þoght or neuende.
kyssyng ys, for loue to wynne,
And ys erand for flesshly synne;
Man or womman, loke for-þy,
wharefore þou kyssest, whom, & why.
Ȝyt ys þer a spyce to mene
For hem þat shuld be chaste and clene,
As þo men þat are of hygh degree,
Of holy cherches owne meyne;
Þesë men shuld for no þyng
Come yn wymmens handëlyng;
Ne womman, þat godë couþe,
Shuld kyssë any prestys mouþe;
For þere may nat but synne aryse;
hys mouþ ys halewed to Goddys seruyse.
For hem þat shuld be chaste and clene,
As þo men þat are of hygh degree,
Of holy cherches owne meyne;
Þesë men shuld for no þyng
245
Ne womman, þat godë couþe,
Shuld kyssë any prestys mouþe;
For þere may nat but synne aryse;
hys mouþ ys halewed to Goddys seruyse.
Ne prest oghte no woman touche,
For, of foule touchyng, synne men souche.
Seynt Ierom seyþ ‘he shuld noȝt
haue any woman yn hys þoght;’
For swych þoght, shal neuer weyl werche,
with man þat ys of holy cherche.
lestene now what Ierom seyde
To hys suster þat hym preyde;
She besoghte hym on alle maners
Þat he wulde haue here yn hys preyers;
Seynt Ierom spake aȝen to hyre,
Haluyndele as hyt were yn Ire,
“Y prey God, þat mynde of þe,
Yn my þoghtë, neuer be.”
For, of foule touchyng, synne men souche.
Seynt Ierom seyþ ‘he shuld noȝt
haue any woman yn hys þoght;’
For swych þoght, shal neuer weyl werche,
with man þat ys of holy cherche.
lestene now what Ierom seyde
To hys suster þat hym preyde;
She besoghte hym on alle maners
Þat he wulde haue here yn hys preyers;
Seynt Ierom spake aȝen to hyre,
Haluyndele as hyt were yn Ire,
“Y prey God, þat mynde of þe,
Yn my þoghtë, neuer be.”
wenest þou nat he dred hym nede,
whan he to hys suster þus seyde?
he dredde hym of sum wykked wrenche
whan he ne durstë on here þenche.
For soþe þan shulde þey mochë drede
Þat are alday with hem yn dede.
whan he to hys suster þus seyde?
he dredde hym of sum wykked wrenche
whan he ne durstë on here þenche.
For soþe þan shulde þey mochë drede
Þat are alday with hem yn dede.
Þe fende whan he may any tyce—
Þat ys, yn handlyng of sum vyce—
Þat ychë cumþ hym wel to pay,
Þan þynkeþ he, he haþ wonne a pray;
And namely of þese holy men,
Þat were hym leuer þan ouþer ten,
And a holy man were hym leuer tylle
To flesshly lust or wykked wylle
Þan an hundred ouþer mo
Þat rekkë neuer whedyr þey go.
Þat ys, yn handlyng of sum vyce—
Þat ychë cumþ hym wel to pay,
Þan þynkeþ he, he haþ wonne a pray;
And namely of þese holy men,
Þat were hym leuer þan ouþer ten,
And a holy man were hym leuer tylle
To flesshly lust or wykked wylle
Þan an hundred ouþer mo
Þat rekkë neuer whedyr þey go.
246
[The Tale of the Jew who heard some Devils' Reports of their Deeds to Satan; and how the Devil who got a Bishop to pat a Nun on the Back was most praisd.]
Seynt Gregory telleþ, for gode mennys prew,
Þat sum tyme was onës a Iew,
And trauayled o tyme by þe cuntre,
By iurnes þydyr þat he wulde be.
Fyl so, he nyghtede yn a wasteyne,
Þere he sagh no stede certeyne;
he sagh no stede where wast best
To lygge a nyght and take hys rest.
But an olde temple he sagh stondyng,
þat, sum tyme, folke mysbeleuyng
Made here sacrifyse þer-ynne
To here god, þat hyght Apolyne;
Þys Iew restede þere þat nyȝt,
And toke hys esë as he myȝt.
Þat sum tyme was onës a Iew,
And trauayled o tyme by þe cuntre,
By iurnes þydyr þat he wulde be.
Fyl so, he nyghtede yn a wasteyne,
Þere he sagh no stede certeyne;
he sagh no stede where wast best
To lygge a nyght and take hys rest.
But an olde temple he sagh stondyng,
þat, sum tyme, folke mysbeleuyng
Made here sacrifyse þer-ynne
To here god, þat hyght Apolyne;
Þys Iew restede þere þat nyȝt,
And toke hys esë as he myȝt.
As þe Iew lay þere alone,
To hym-self he made hys mone,
Þat he beleued on swych a lawe
Þat myȝt nat saue hym on no sawe.
Of Ihesu Cryst, he hadde herd speke,
How Iewes dyd hym on þe rodë steke.
Þurgh grete þan ynspyracyun,
He þoght so on hys passyun
Þat oure feyþ yn hys hertë ran,
Al be hyt he were no crysten man;
So, what for trouþe, and what for doute,
He made þe croys hym al a-boute,
And seþþen leyd hym downe to slepe;
Of ouþer, ȝaf he no more kepe.
To hym-self he made hys mone,
Þat he beleued on swych a lawe
Þat myȝt nat saue hym on no sawe.
247
How Iewes dyd hym on þe rodë steke.
Þurgh grete þan ynspyracyun,
He þoght so on hys passyun
Þat oure feyþ yn hys hertë ran,
Al be hyt he were no crysten man;
So, what for trouþe, and what for doute,
He made þe croys hym al a-boute,
And seþþen leyd hym downe to slepe;
Of ouþer, ȝaf he no more kepe.
Sone at þe mydnyȝt he gan to wake
Þurgh grete noyse and cry, & sore to quake;
He lokèd vp, and sagh þere sytte
Fendës fele þat fouly flytte;
he sagh one syttë yn a cheyre,
Þat foule lokèd, and foule gan bere;
He bad hem allë ȝelde a-counte,
Here dedës what þey wulde amounte;
what þey hadde do many ȝeres,
He aresoned hem on hys maners;
To oon he cast enchesoun,
“Sey þou, felaw, what þou hast doun!”
“At a weddyng,” he seyde, “y was,
And, þere y dyd grete trespas;
Y slogh, þurgh myȝt of honde,
Boþe þe wyfe and þe husbonde;
And y dyd ȝyt a-noþer chek,
Alle þe ouþer y broght on cuntek,
And euery, y made ouþres foo,
Þat euery man gan ouþer slo.”
Þurgh grete noyse and cry, & sore to quake;
He lokèd vp, and sagh þere sytte
Fendës fele þat fouly flytte;
he sagh one syttë yn a cheyre,
Þat foule lokèd, and foule gan bere;
He bad hem allë ȝelde a-counte,
Here dedës what þey wulde amounte;
what þey hadde do many ȝeres,
He aresoned hem on hys maners;
To oon he cast enchesoun,
“Sey þou, felaw, what þou hast doun!”
“At a weddyng,” he seyde, “y was,
And, þere y dyd grete trespas;
Y slogh, þurgh myȝt of honde,
Boþe þe wyfe and þe husbonde;
And y dyd ȝyt a-noþer chek,
Alle þe ouþer y broght on cuntek,
And euery, y made ouþres foo,
Þat euery man gan ouþer slo.”
Þe mayster fend gan hym beholde,
And sette at noȝt þat he hadde tolde.
“For þat, how long hast þou be þore?”
“A twelue monþe,” he seyd, “and no more.”
“For þy dede þou getyst maugre,
And þarto ȝyt shalt þou bete be.”
And sette at noȝt þat he hadde tolde.
“For þat, how long hast þou be þore?”
“A twelue monþe,” he seyd, “and no more.”
248
And þarto ȝyt shalt þou bete be.”
with hym wulde he no more stryue;
He called an-ouþer furthe belyue;
Felunlyche, with yȝen grym,
“where hast þou be?” seyd he to hym.
“Yn þe seë, haue y bene,
And moche sorow made men betwene;
Y haue broght to grete encumbre
Shyppes and men with-outë noumbre,
what yn cuntek, and yn tempest,
Twenty þousand at þe lest.”
Þe deuyl seyd, “þat ys no doute;
how long hast þou be þere-aboute?”
“Seuene wyntyr, al to-gydyr,
hauë y be haunted þedyr.”
Satan comaunded, for hys seruyse
He shuld be put to hys Iuwyse.
He called an-ouþer furthe belyue;
Felunlyche, with yȝen grym,
“where hast þou be?” seyd he to hym.
“Yn þe seë, haue y bene,
And moche sorow made men betwene;
Y haue broght to grete encumbre
Shyppes and men with-outë noumbre,
what yn cuntek, and yn tempest,
Twenty þousand at þe lest.”
Þe deuyl seyd, “þat ys no doute;
how long hast þou be þere-aboute?”
“Seuene wyntyr, al to-gydyr,
hauë y be haunted þedyr.”
Satan comaunded, for hys seruyse
He shuld be put to hys Iuwyse.
Þe þred deuyl was forþë fette
Byfore Satan, þer he was sette;
Satan seyd, “where ware þou?
How þou hast sped, sey me now.”
“A-boute a bysshope y haue be long,
Ȝyf y myȝt hym yn synnë fong;
But yn hym ys so grete bounte
Þat y myȝt neuer turne hym to þe.
But, þys nyȝt y haue so sped,
Þat hym with temptyng so fer haue led,
Þat y hope, y haue hys þoght
A party to my wyllë broght.
Þyr com to hym, for hys godenesse,
A nunne, y wene a pryores,
Sum þyng of hym for to here
Þat she perauenture myȝt of lere;
Algate, y broght hyt so to an ende,
Þat, what tyme þat she shul wende,
He smote here a lytyl on þe bak
Yn pleyyng, whan he to here spak.
God wyst what was yn hys þoȝt
And yn hys herte, for y wyst hyt noȝt.”
Byfore Satan, þer he was sette;
Satan seyd, “where ware þou?
How þou hast sped, sey me now.”
“A-boute a bysshope y haue be long,
Ȝyf y myȝt hym yn synnë fong;
But yn hym ys so grete bounte
Þat y myȝt neuer turne hym to þe.
But, þys nyȝt y haue so sped,
Þat hym with temptyng so fer haue led,
Þat y hope, y haue hys þoght
A party to my wyllë broght.
Þyr com to hym, for hys godenesse,
A nunne, y wene a pryores,
Sum þyng of hym for to here
Þat she perauenture myȝt of lere;
Algate, y broght hyt so to an ende,
249
He smote here a lytyl on þe bak
Yn pleyyng, whan he to here spak.
God wyst what was yn hys þoȝt
And yn hys herte, for y wyst hyt noȝt.”
Satan asked ‘how long whyle
he hadde be aboute, hym to gyle.’
“Fourty wyntyr, and alle yn drede,
Ȝyt myȝt y neuer so moche spede,
Ne neuer er bryng hym to plyght
But þat y ded þys samë nyȝt.”
he hadde be aboute, hym to gyle.’
“Fourty wyntyr, and alle yn drede,
Ȝyt myȝt y neuer so moche spede,
Ne neuer er bryng hym to plyght
But þat y ded þys samë nyȝt.”
Ful weyl payd was Satanas
Þat he hadde broght hym to þat cas:
He ros aȝens hym, and made hym blysse,
And profred hym hys mouþe to kysse,
And seyd, ‘he was weyl wurþy
For to come and sytte hym by.’
Þat he hadde broght hym to þat cas:
He ros aȝens hym, and made hym blysse,
And profred hym hys mouþe to kysse,
And seyd, ‘he was weyl wurþy
For to come and sytte hym by.’
Before hem alle, þat ychë tyde,
he sette hym by hym, syde be syde,
And seyd, “ende þat þou hast bygunne;
For þat þou hast do, my loue þou hast wunne.”
he sette hym by hym, syde be syde,
And seyd, “ende þat þou hast bygunne;
For þat þou hast do, my loue þou hast wunne.”
Þys ychë Iew þat þerë lay,
In þe temple with grete affray,
Y trowe for soþe he slept ful lytyl,
whan he herde þat grete chapytyl;
Ȝyf he hadde slept, hym neded awake,
Ȝyf he were wakyng, he shulde a quake,
For Satan asked þere he sat,
“who lyþ þere, and what ys þat?
who durst so hardy be
To lye þere with-oute leue of me?
Goþe swyþe, one or two to-gedyr,
And, what he be, bryngeþ hym hedyr.”
In þe temple with grete affray,
Y trowe for soþe he slept ful lytyl,
whan he herde þat grete chapytyl;
Ȝyf he hadde slept, hym neded awake,
Ȝyf he were wakyng, he shulde a quake,
For Satan asked þere he sat,
“who lyþ þere, and what ys þat?
who durst so hardy be
To lye þere with-oute leue of me?
Goþe swyþe, one or two to-gedyr,
And, what he be, bryngeþ hym hedyr.”
Þe deuylys come un-to hys bedde,
And styrte aȝen, þey were so dredde;
Þe bedde, ne hym, ne durst þey touche,
So had he marked hym with þe crouche.
250
Þe bedde, ne hym, ne durst þey touche,
So had he marked hym with þe crouche.
Þey turned aȝen to syre Satan,
And seyd, þey durst nat brynge þat man.
He asked ‘why þat chaunce byfel;’
Þey seyd, hyt was “a lore vessel,
An empty vessel þat marked was
From þe and þyne, syre Satanas;
Þe vessel, whan hyt þere was leyde,
Vn-to vs hyt longed nede.
Alas þe whyle þey gunne to reme!
He haþ hys mark þat wyl hym ȝeme.”
And seyd, þey durst nat brynge þat man.
He asked ‘why þat chaunce byfel;’
Þey seyd, hyt was “a lore vessel,
An empty vessel þat marked was
From þe and þyne, syre Satanas;
Þe vessel, whan hyt þere was leyde,
Vn-to vs hyt longed nede.
Alas þe whyle þey gunne to reme!
He haþ hys mark þat wyl hym ȝeme.”
Þe Iew þey called ‘a voyde vessel,’
And forsoþë, so hyt fel;
Voydë he was of hys lawe,
For he forsoke hyt for fyne awe;
‘Lore,’ for he hadde nat oure lawe take
Seþþe he hadde hys owne forsake.
For þys þyng, y hope þey seyd,
And called þe Iew a vessel voyd.
But þey myȝt nat do hym no dere,
Noþer to Satanas lede ne bere;
So hadde he hym with þe croyce blessed,
Þat of hym algate þey myssed.
Þe fendës and syre Satanas
Þan wente awey, cryying ‘alas!’
And forsoþë, so hyt fel;
Voydë he was of hys lawe,
For he forsoke hyt for fyne awe;
‘Lore,’ for he hadde nat oure lawe take
Seþþe he hadde hys owne forsake.
For þys þyng, y hope þey seyd,
And called þe Iew a vessel voyd.
But þey myȝt nat do hym no dere,
Noþer to Satanas lede ne bere;
So hadde he hym with þe croyce blessed,
Þat of hym algate þey myssed.
Þe fendës and syre Satanas
Þan wente awey, cryying ‘alas!’
Þe Iewë þo asswyþe a-ros,—
hyt was no wundyr þoȝ hym gros,—
Vn-to þe bysshope sone he ȝede
And tolde hym what he sagh yn dede;
Þe crystendome at hym he toke,
And, hys fals[ë] lawe forsoke,
And beleued oure lawe echedeyl,
And þe bysshope amended hym weyl.
hyt was no wundyr þoȝ hym gros,—
Vn-to þe bysshope sone he ȝede
And tolde hym what he sagh yn dede;
Þe crystendome at hym he toke,
And, hys fals[ë] lawe forsoke,
And beleued oure lawe echedeyl,
And þe bysshope amended hym weyl.
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Þys talë to ȝow haue y tolde,
how þe fendë halt hym bolde
whan he haþ tyced an holy man
with any temptacyun þat he kan,
hym þenkeþ he haþ do a grete chaffare;
And namely þo þat ordred are,
whedyr hyt be yn a womman handlyng,
Or yn any oþer lusty þyng;
Þarefore lordynges þat kun wel se,
Amendeþ ȝow, pur charyte,
And makeþ nat a-mys þe toye,
Þat þe fende of ȝou haue Ioye.
how þe fendë halt hym bolde
whan he haþ tyced an holy man
with any temptacyun þat he kan,
hym þenkeþ he haþ do a grete chaffare;
And namely þo þat ordred are,
whedyr hyt be yn a womman handlyng,
Or yn any oþer lusty þyng;
Þarefore lordynges þat kun wel se,
Amendeþ ȝow, pur charyte,
And makeþ nat a-mys þe toye,
Þat þe fende of ȝou haue Ioye.
Prest wel y-lettred ys to blame,
Þat letteþ nat, for drede ne shame,
To pley with wommen, and to rage;
For, aftyr pleyyng, cumþ outrage.
Ofte men se, and haue herd seye,
Þat swyche men go an euyl weye.
Þat letteþ nat, for drede ne shame,
To pley with wommen, and to rage;
For, aftyr pleyyng, cumþ outrage.
Ofte men se, and haue herd seye,
Þat swyche men go an euyl weye.
Ȝyue þou a-mong hem mayst na lyue,
But some algatë on þe clyue,
Take þou ensample at seynt Ierom;
Do as he dyd, and go fro hom.
But some algatë on þe clyue,
Take þou ensample at seynt Ierom;
Do as he dyd, and go fro hom.
Seynt Ierom wente yn-to deserte,
For drede of synne and foly grete.
Men asked hym why he þedyr ȝede,
Syn he was an holy man yn dede;
“y wentë þedyr, synne to fle,
Y dredde hyt wlde ha maystred me;
Synne of womman wyl with me fyȝt,
And y fele me yn moche vnmyȝt.
For ȝyf y a-bydë þat batayle,
Y drede þat y shal falle or fayle;
And ȝyf y fle þat ychë bekyr,
Y hopë þan y may be sekyr:”
Þarfore me þenkeþ, foles are þo
Þat fyȝt, and mow[ë] be þar-fro,
Þat fyȝt[ë] so þe deþ to haue
whan þey mow fle, hem self to saue.
For drede of synne and foly grete.
Men asked hym why he þedyr ȝede,
Syn he was an holy man yn dede;
“y wentë þedyr, synne to fle,
Y dredde hyt wlde ha maystred me;
Synne of womman wyl with me fyȝt,
And y fele me yn moche vnmyȝt.
For ȝyf y a-bydë þat batayle,
Y drede þat y shal falle or fayle;
And ȝyf y fle þat ychë bekyr,
Y hopë þan y may be sekyr:”
Þarfore me þenkeþ, foles are þo
Þat fyȝt, and mow[ë] be þar-fro,
Þat fyȝt[ë] so þe deþ to haue
whan þey mow fle, hem self to saue.
Þarefore, ȝe prestes þat dwel at hom,
Þenkeþ on þe drede of seynt Ierom,
And wommans felawshepe for to fle
For doute of synne, for so ded he.
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And wommans felawshepe for to fle
For doute of synne, for so ded he.
But of wymmen hyt ys grete wundyr,
hyt fareþ with hem as fyre and tundyr;
Comunly forsake þey none
Þat euer ys made of flessh and bone.
Ȝyf she wulde to foly here take,
Þe prest algate she myȝt forsake;
For þer ys none, þat she ne may
Haue a sengle man to here pay.
And ȝyf she wulde algate mysdo,
A knaue myȝt best beseme here to,
Þan hyt were to take a prest,
For synne and sclaunder were þere lest.
But how as euer men preche or spelle,
Of prestës wyues men here euer telle.
hyt fareþ with hem as fyre and tundyr;
Comunly forsake þey none
Þat euer ys made of flessh and bone.
Ȝyf she wulde to foly here take,
Þe prest algate she myȝt forsake;
For þer ys none, þat she ne may
Haue a sengle man to here pay.
And ȝyf she wulde algate mysdo,
A knaue myȝt best beseme here to,
Þan hyt were to take a prest,
For synne and sclaunder were þere lest.
But how as euer men preche or spelle,
Of prestës wyues men here euer telle.
Of ouþer wyues y wyl naght say,
Þey do nat wrong, but al day;
But y dare sey, as y haue herde,
On Englys toung to alle þe werlde.
Þey do nat wrong, but al day;
But y dare sey, as y haue herde,
On Englys toung to alle þe werlde.
Ȝyf þyr be oþer mayden or wyfe
Þat dysturbleþ þe holy lyfe
Of þe prest, þurgh lecchery,
Aȝens here shal kalle and crye
Alle þat are yn paradys,
And alle þat yn purgatory lys;
And allë þat are yn þys lyue
Aȝens here shul aryse and stryue;
For euery prest, aftyr þe sacré,
He parteþ þere Goddys body yn þre,
And offreþ hem to þe fadyr yn heuene
On þys wyse, as y shal neuene;
The fyrst he offreþ hem to blys,
To hem þat yn heuene ys;
Þe toþer he offreþ for vs alle here,
Þat we to hym be boþe lefe and dere;
Þe þryde he offreþ to haue memóry
For soules þat are yn purgatóry,
Þat God bryng hem oute of peyne
And brynge to þe ioye þat ys certeyne.
Þat dysturbleþ þe holy lyfe
Of þe prest, þurgh lecchery,
Aȝens here shal kalle and crye
Alle þat are yn paradys,
And alle þat yn purgatory lys;
And allë þat are yn þys lyue
Aȝens here shul aryse and stryue;
For euery prest, aftyr þe sacré,
He parteþ þere Goddys body yn þre,
And offreþ hem to þe fadyr yn heuene
On þys wyse, as y shal neuene;
The fyrst he offreþ hem to blys,
To hem þat yn heuene ys;
Þe toþer he offreþ for vs alle here,
Þat we to hym be boþe lefe and dere;
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For soules þat are yn purgatóry,
Þat God bryng hem oute of peyne
And brynge to þe ioye þat ys certeyne.
Certys, she douþ ful moche a-mys,
Þe womman þat dysturbleþ alle þys.
For, þo soulës are no þyng
wurscheped with þat offryng,
Noþer vs to cunseyl, or to rede,
Ne hyt helpeþ nat þe dede;
Allë þarefore þat now are,
And þat shul be, and now are fare,
Shul dampne þat womman to be lore,
And curse þe tyme þat she was bore;
And þarwith-alle, ne shal she be quyt,
Ȝyt shal hyre dampne hyre owne ynwyt
Þat ychë day þat alle shal ryse
Before Ihesu, þat hygh Iustyse.
Þe womman þat dysturbleþ alle þys.
For, þo soulës are no þyng
wurscheped with þat offryng,
Noþer vs to cunseyl, or to rede,
Ne hyt helpeþ nat þe dede;
Allë þarefore þat now are,
And þat shul be, and now are fare,
Shul dampne þat womman to be lore,
And curse þe tyme þat she was bore;
And þarwith-alle, ne shal she be quyt,
Ȝyt shal hyre dampne hyre owne ynwyt
Þat ychë day þat alle shal ryse
Before Ihesu, þat hygh Iustyse.
lokeþ, ȝe wymmen, what ȝe do!
Ȝyf ȝe dyd oght, doþe no more so,
Or harder penaunce, with bytter teres,
Shul ȝe do here, or ellës wheres.
And shame hyt ys euer aywhare
To be kalled ‘a prestës mare.’
Ȝyf ȝe dyd oght, doþe no more so,
Or harder penaunce, with bytter teres,
Shul ȝe do here, or ellës wheres.
And shame hyt ys euer aywhare
To be kalled ‘a prestës mare.’
Of swych one, y shal ȝow telle
Þat þe fendë bare to helle;
Þys chauncë fyl, þat ys so hard,
Yn þe tyme of gode Edward,—
Edward, syre Henryës sone,—
And þe tale ys weyl to mone.
Þat þe fendë bare to helle;
Þys chauncë fyl, þat ys so hard,
Yn þe tyme of gode Edward,—
Edward, syre Henryës sone,—
And þe tale ys weyl to mone.
[The Tale of the Priest's Concubine, and how Fiends carried off her Dead Body.]
Þyr was a prest ryȝt amerous,—
And amerous men are lechours;—
Þys prest, þe moste part of hys lyfe,
Helde a womman as hys wyfe,
Þat no tymë he hare lete,
Só þoght hym þe synnë swete.
Yn synne, and yn foly desyre,
Foure chyldryn he gate on hyre.
Þese chyldryn, as þey wox more,
He sette hem vn-to scole to lore;
So þey lernede, þat þe þre
were ordeyned, prestes to be;
Þe fourþë sone was a scoler,
To lernë more he dyde hys power.
when þey were prestys, here fadyr deyde,—
Þe prest þat y er of seyde,—
Þys ychë womman lefte a-lyue
Aftyr hym foure ȝere or fyue.
Þese foure chyldryn had grete þoght
How þey were yn synne furþe broght,
And how here modyr leued ynne,
Alle here lyfe, yn dedly synne;
Þey preyde here, for allë chaunce,
To be of godë répentaunce,
And forþynkë here mysdede
with sorow of hert, and wyþ drede.
And amerous men are lechours;—
254
Helde a womman as hys wyfe,
Þat no tymë he hare lete,
Só þoght hym þe synnë swete.
Yn synne, and yn foly desyre,
Foure chyldryn he gate on hyre.
Þese chyldryn, as þey wox more,
He sette hem vn-to scole to lore;
So þey lernede, þat þe þre
were ordeyned, prestes to be;
Þe fourþë sone was a scoler,
To lernë more he dyde hys power.
when þey were prestys, here fadyr deyde,—
Þe prest þat y er of seyde,—
Þys ychë womman lefte a-lyue
Aftyr hym foure ȝere or fyue.
Þese foure chyldryn had grete þoght
How þey were yn synne furþe broght,
And how here modyr leued ynne,
Alle here lyfe, yn dedly synne;
Þey preyde here, for allë chaunce,
To be of godë répentaunce,
And forþynkë here mysdede
with sorow of hert, and wyþ drede.
But þus answered she to hem alle,
“For no þyng þat may befalle,
Shal y neuer repentë me
whyle y haue ȝow prestës þre
Þat for me mow rede and synge,
And, ful weyl, me to blys brynge;
So may my soule to God be broght
For any synne þat I haue wroght;
But wylle ȝe allë fourë do
A þyng þat y prey ȝow to?
kepyþ my body, at ȝoure myȝt,
Þre dayys, and þre nyȝt,
Yn þys hous whan y am dede,
And y hope be saued fro þe quede,
Þogh y haue lyued a synful lyfe,
And haue be called a prestës wyfe.”
“For no þyng þat may befalle,
Shal y neuer repentë me
whyle y haue ȝow prestës þre
Þat for me mow rede and synge,
And, ful weyl, me to blys brynge;
So may my soule to God be broght
For any synne þat I haue wroght;
But wylle ȝe allë fourë do
A þyng þat y prey ȝow to?
kepyþ my body, at ȝoure myȝt,
Þre dayys, and þre nyȝt,
255
And y hope be saued fro þe quede,
Þogh y haue lyued a synful lyfe,
And haue be called a prestës wyfe.”
Þat graunted þey euery deyl,
For þey wende ha do hyt wele.
Sone aftyrward she euyld,
And deyd sunner þan she wylde.
For þey wende ha do hyt wele.
Sone aftyrward she euyld,
And deyd sunner þan she wylde.
here chyldryn, as þey hadde here het,
To wake here body were þey set:
Þe fyrst nyght þat þey shulde here wake,
At mydnyȝt þe berë gan to quake;
Here fourë sonys þat saye hyt stere,
leyd on hond, and helde þe bere;
Þe ouþer men hadde swychë drede
Þat euery man hys wëy ȝede;
with mochë drede and hydous syght
Askaped þey on þe fyrst nyȝt.
To wake here body were þey set:
Þe fyrst nyght þat þey shulde here wake,
At mydnyȝt þe berë gan to quake;
Here fourë sonys þat saye hyt stere,
leyd on hond, and helde þe bere;
Þe ouþer men hadde swychë drede
Þat euery man hys wëy ȝede;
with mochë drede and hydous syght
Askaped þey on þe fyrst nyȝt.
Þe toþer nyȝt þat þe chyldryn woke,
At þe mydnyȝt þe berë quoke,
And alle þat sate or þerby stode,
For dredë wendë ha wox wode:
Þat nyȝt shewed he more hys ire,
Þat hys power was moche yn hyre.
with sorowful syȝt and grete affray
He drogh þe body þere hyt lay,
And to þe dore þe fende hyt broght;
Þat tymë fyrþer myȝt he noght.
Here fourë sones, with mochë peyne,
Efte hadde þe body yn aȝeyne;
Aboute þe body a rope þey wonde,
And to þe berë fast þey bonde;
So algate þe body with hem lefte;
At þat nyȝt was hyt nat refte.
At þe mydnyȝt þe berë quoke,
And alle þat sate or þerby stode,
For dredë wendë ha wox wode:
Þat nyȝt shewed he more hys ire,
Þat hys power was moche yn hyre.
with sorowful syȝt and grete affray
He drogh þe body þere hyt lay,
And to þe dore þe fende hyt broght;
Þat tymë fyrþer myȝt he noght.
Here fourë sones, with mochë peyne,
Efte hadde þe body yn aȝeyne;
Aboute þe body a rope þey wonde,
And to þe berë fast þey bonde;
So algate þe body with hem lefte;
At þat nyȝt was hyt nat refte.
Þe þred nyȝt, moste sorow gan falle;
At þe mydnyȝt, as þey woke alle,
Come fendës fele, with loþely brous,
And fylden allë ful þe hous,
Þey toke þe body and þe bere
wyþ lothly cry, þat alle myȝt here;
And bare hyt furþe þat none wyst whore,
with-outen ende for euermore.
here sones hyt seyd, and hoped wel,
Þat body and soule was lore eche deyl.
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Come fendës fele, with loþely brous,
And fylden allë ful þe hous,
Þey toke þe body and þe bere
wyþ lothly cry, þat alle myȝt here;
And bare hyt furþe þat none wyst whore,
with-outen ende for euermore.
here sones hyt seyd, and hoped wel,
Þat body and soule was lore eche deyl.
Þe ȝongest sone þat was a scolere,
He preched þys yn stedys here;
Þurgh Ingland, yn euery cuntre,
he tolde þys tale of grete pyte,
Oueral as he went a-boute,
(He spared noþer for shame ne doute)
Aȝens wymmen þat prestës take,
For hys ownë modyr sake;
For to dampne and stroye þat synne,
Þat no womman falle þer-ynne.
He preched þys yn stedys here;
Þurgh Ingland, yn euery cuntre,
he tolde þys tale of grete pyte,
Oueral as he went a-boute,
(He spared noþer for shame ne doute)
Aȝens wymmen þat prestës take,
For hys ownë modyr sake;
For to dampne and stroye þat synne,
Þat no womman falle þer-ynne.
Ȝe wommen, þenkeþ on þys tale,
And takeþ hyt for no troteuale!
Goddes veniaunce was hyt, and hys Ire,
To amende vs alle for loue of hyre.
And takeþ hyt for no troteuale!
Goddes veniaunce was hyt, and hys Ire,
To amende vs alle for loue of hyre.
Yn a prouerbe, telle men þys,
“He wyys ys, þat ware ys,”
And wysdom es, and feyre maystrye,
To chastyse vs wyþ ouþres folye.
“He wyys ys, þat ware ys,”
And wysdom es, and feyre maystrye,
To chastyse vs wyþ ouþres folye.
Of prestës kan y sey no þyng,—
So seyd y at þe bygynnyng,—
Noþer of clerkys neuer a deyl,
Þéy wote what ys ylle and weyl;
But þus haue y herde for certeyn,
Yn þe worlde ys none so gode skryueyne—
Þogh he were wyser þan Salamon
And bettyr langaged þat was Mercyon
And leued yn age a þousend ȝere—
Ne myȝt telle þe sorow and were,
Ne þe peyne, þat þe preste shal drye,
Þat haunteþ þat synne of lecchery.
Þey are wroth whan any þus precheþ,
But holy wryt þus vs telleþ and techeþ.
So seyd y at þe bygynnyng,—
Noþer of clerkys neuer a deyl,
Þéy wote what ys ylle and weyl;
But þus haue y herde for certeyn,
Yn þe worlde ys none so gode skryueyne—
Þogh he were wyser þan Salamon
And bettyr langaged þat was Mercyon
257
Ne myȝt telle þe sorow and were,
Ne þe peyne, þat þe preste shal drye,
Þat haunteþ þat synne of lecchery.
Þey are wroth whan any þus precheþ,
But holy wryt þus vs telleþ and techeþ.
Now turne we aȝen þere we spak
Of handlyng synnë, þat yche lak;
Y tolde of handlyng synne as y kouþe,
And now wyþ foly kyssyng with mouþe.
Of handlyng synnë, þat yche lak;
Y tolde of handlyng synne as y kouþe,
And now wyþ foly kyssyng with mouþe.
kyssyng doþe moche more euyl
whan handlyng cumþ of þe deuyl;
Some wene þat kyssyng ys no synne,
But grete peryl falleþ þer-ynne.
Be þou neuer so chaste and straunge,
kyssyng wyl þyn hertë chaunge;
Hyt ys forbode, be þou weyl ware,
But ȝyf hyt be here, þat furþe þe bare;
Þy wyfë þou mayst kysse with ryȝt,
Ȝyt yn sum poynt mayst þou falle yn plyȝt.
Seynt Ierom, he spekeþ of þys,
Ouer moche for to daunte and kysse;
Daunte a womman oute of skylle,
when no tyme were, she wyl þer-tyl.
whan handlyng cumþ of þe deuyl;
Some wene þat kyssyng ys no synne,
But grete peryl falleþ þer-ynne.
Be þou neuer so chaste and straunge,
kyssyng wyl þyn hertë chaunge;
Hyt ys forbode, be þou weyl ware,
But ȝyf hyt be here, þat furþe þe bare;
Þy wyfë þou mayst kysse with ryȝt,
Ȝyt yn sum poynt mayst þou falle yn plyȝt.
Seynt Ierom, he spekeþ of þys,
Ouer moche for to daunte and kysse;
Daunte a womman oute of skylle,
when no tyme were, she wyl þer-tyl.
Maner þer ys of foule kyssyng,
As ys of dede and of handlyng,
Þat falleþ ofte yn pryuyte,
But þat shal nat be tolde for me;
Noþeles, hyt mote be tolde
Yn shryftë, boþe with ȝunge and olde.
As ys of dede and of handlyng,
Þat falleþ ofte yn pryuyte,
But þat shal nat be tolde for me;
Noþeles, hyt mote be tolde
Yn shryftë, boþe with ȝunge and olde.
Sum maner kyssyng ys ful grete vyce,
And wommens hertys to synne wyl tyse;
And who so delyteþ hym þer-ynne,
wommen to foly for to wynne,
Y do hym weyl to vndyrstande,
So may he go yn deuyl hande.
And wommens hertys to synne wyl tyse;
And who so delyteþ hym þer-ynne,
wommen to foly for to wynne,
Y do hym weyl to vndyrstande,
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Ȝyt mayst þou synne yn lecherye
Yn þe lokyng of þyn yȝe;
Beholde nat wymmen ouer mochyl;
Here syȝte makeþ mennys þoghtes fykyl;
And who-so haþ a feble herte,
hys ye ys euer ouerthuerte.
Þyn ye ys þyn messager
To brynge þy dedë yn powere;
Yn swychë syȝt ys mochë gylte;
Shryue þe þerof ȝyf þou wylt.
Yn þe lokyng of þyn yȝe;
Beholde nat wymmen ouer mochyl;
Here syȝte makeþ mennys þoghtes fykyl;
And who-so haþ a feble herte,
hys ye ys euer ouerthuerte.
Þyn ye ys þyn messager
To brynge þy dedë yn powere;
Yn swychë syȝt ys mochë gylte;
Shryue þe þerof ȝyf þou wylt.
Ȝyt ys þer more of lecherye
Þat ys do with sorsorye,
Sorsorye þat ys wycchëcrafte;
He þat ys with þe fendë lafte
Grete synne hyt ys, y ȝeue þe a ȝyfte;
Þenk þer-on yn þy shryfte.
To man þat ys yn gode beleue,
wycchecrafte shal hym neuer greue;
Be þou yn gode lyfe, and byleue ryȝt,
And alle þe wecches wyþ alle here myȝt
Shul neuer drecche þe where-so þou art
with no queyntysë of here artt:
Þat sheweþ weyl seynt Cypryene,
he was a nygromancyene,
how he myȝt neuer a mayden wynne
with wycchëcrafte here þoghte to synne:
why? For here lyfe was gode and clene,
And stedfaste byleue yn here was sene.
Þat ys do with sorsorye,
Sorsorye þat ys wycchëcrafte;
He þat ys with þe fendë lafte
Grete synne hyt ys, y ȝeue þe a ȝyfte;
Þenk þer-on yn þy shryfte.
To man þat ys yn gode beleue,
wycchecrafte shal hym neuer greue;
Be þou yn gode lyfe, and byleue ryȝt,
And alle þe wecches wyþ alle here myȝt
Shul neuer drecche þe where-so þou art
with no queyntysë of here artt:
Þat sheweþ weyl seynt Cypryene,
he was a nygromancyene,
how he myȝt neuer a mayden wynne
with wycchëcrafte here þoghte to synne:
why? For here lyfe was gode and clene,
And stedfaste byleue yn here was sene.
[The Tale of St. Justyne, and how the Sign of the Cross protected her from Devils.]
Yn Antyoche, þat noble cyte,
wonede þys mayden of grete bounte;
here name men callë seynt Iustyne,
For Ihesu Cryst she suffred pyne.
whan she had takë crystendam
Euery day to scole she nam,
To þe scolë, for to lere
Þe loue of God, and haue hyt dere.
wonede þys mayden of grete bounte;
here name men callë seynt Iustyne,
For Ihesu Cryst she suffred pyne.
259
Euery day to scole she nam,
To þe scolë, for to lere
Þe loue of God, and haue hyt dere.
And as she went to þe scole hous,
A lorde þat hyghte ‘Agladyus’—
A gretë mayster and a syre—
was a-namourd so on hyre
Þat he ne wyst what do he myȝt,
She was so semëly by syȝt.
He comë vn-to Cypryene,
Þys clerk, þys nygromancyene,
And tolde hym al þe enchesun
Of hys grete temptacyun.
A lorde þat hyghte ‘Agladyus’—
A gretë mayster and a syre—
was a-namourd so on hyre
Þat he ne wyst what do he myȝt,
She was so semëly by syȝt.
He comë vn-to Cypryene,
Þys clerk, þys nygromancyene,
And tolde hym al þe enchesun
Of hys grete temptacyun.
Fast he preyde, and hette hym mede
Ȝyf þat he coudë do sum dede,
were hyt godë, were hyt ylle,
Þat he myȝt haue of here hys wylle.
“Iustyne,” he seyd þan, “hattë she
Þe feyre mayden þat marreþ me.”
And Cypryene hette hym for of hys
Þat þe mayden shulde be hys.
Ȝyf þat he coudë do sum dede,
were hyt godë, were hyt ylle,
Þat he myȝt haue of here hys wylle.
“Iustyne,” he seyd þan, “hattë she
Þe feyre mayden þat marreþ me.”
And Cypryene hette hym for of hys
Þat þe mayden shulde be hys.
Cypryene made þan hys queyntyse,
And ded þe fendys many one vpryse,
And comaunded þat Iustyne were lede
Vn-to syre Agladyous bed.
Þe forme of here fadyr and modyr þey nam,
And yn here lykenes to Iustyne cam,
And badde, here wyl shuldë be went
To Agladyous comaundement.
And ded þe fendys many one vpryse,
And comaunded þat Iustyne were lede
Vn-to syre Agladyous bed.
Þe forme of here fadyr and modyr þey nam,
And yn here lykenes to Iustyne cam,
And badde, here wyl shuldë be went
To Agladyous comaundement.
Iustyne hadde grete wundyr of þys,
And wyþ þe croys she gan here blys,
Þan þey vanysshed aweye asswyþe;
She þanked God and was ful blyþe.
Þryys þey come, on þre manere,
Beforë Iustyne to apere;
And here cunseyl was euer þus
“we rede ȝow take Agladyus.”
At euery tyme þat þus þey here besoght,
Þe croys was euer yn here þoght,
And made hyt euer hem betwene,
And alle here cunseyl was no more sene;
hadde none of hem lenger powere
with here to speke, or come here nere.
Þryys ouercomë hadde þey bene,
And þus þey tolde to Cypryene.
And wyþ þe croys she gan here blys,
Þan þey vanysshed aweye asswyþe;
She þanked God and was ful blyþe.
Þryys þey come, on þre manere,
Beforë Iustyne to apere;
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“we rede ȝow take Agladyus.”
At euery tyme þat þus þey here besoght,
Þe croys was euer yn here þoght,
And made hyt euer hem betwene,
And alle here cunseyl was no more sene;
hadde none of hem lenger powere
with here to speke, or come here nere.
Þryys ouercomë hadde þey bene,
And þus þey tolde to Cypryene.
Cypryene haddë grete ferly,
And asked ‘for whom hyt was, and why
Þat þey ne myȝtë of here spede,
But euer ouercome awey þey ȝede.’
Þan spak to hym a fende of helle,
“Syker me here with me to dwelle,
And þat þou ne shalt, for loue ne eye,
Beleue on þat y shal þe seye.”
And asked ‘for whom hyt was, and why
Þat þey ne myȝtë of here spede,
But euer ouercome awey þey ȝede.’
Þan spak to hym a fende of helle,
“Syker me here with me to dwelle,
And þat þou ne shalt, for loue ne eye,
Beleue on þat y shal þe seye.”
whan he hadde seyde hym hys certeynte,
“Now,” seyd þe fende, “y shal telle þe:
She beleueþ on one men calle Ihesus,
He þat confoundeþ euermore vs;
She ouercomeþ vs with a croys;
when we se hyt, we haue no voys;
Þe sygne þerof euer we fle,
And drede we haue when we hyt se;
Oure myȝt ys noght, no neuer shal,
Ouer any þat blesseþ hym with-al.
Iustyne þerwyþ defendeþ here so
Þat we ne may haue with here to do;
And, for here lyfe ys gode and clene,
Oure maystry may ryȝt noȝt be sene;
For ȝyf she lyued yn wykkednes,
Þan myȝte we do to here sum stres.”
“Now,” seyd þe fende, “y shal telle þe:
She beleueþ on one men calle Ihesus,
He þat confoundeþ euermore vs;
She ouercomeþ vs with a croys;
when we se hyt, we haue no voys;
Þe sygne þerof euer we fle,
And drede we haue when we hyt se;
Oure myȝt ys noght, no neuer shal,
Ouer any þat blesseþ hym with-al.
Iustyne þerwyþ defendeþ here so
Þat we ne may haue with here to do;
And, for here lyfe ys gode and clene,
Oure maystry may ryȝt noȝt be sene;
For ȝyf she lyued yn wykkednes,
Þan myȝte we do to here sum stres.”
Cypryen seyd vnto þat fende,
“Ihesus ys nat þan ȝoure frende,
Hyt may weyl be hym-self haþ myȝt
Syn ȝe drede hys croys be syght;
And ys nat ȝyt þe samë tre,
Haþ þat tokene more myȝt þan ȝe?”
“Ȝee,” seyde the fendë, “certaynly,
Ouer vs alle he haþ maystry;
And euermore so shal be doun
For hyt was hys owne passyoun;
No þyng þat man may of hym sey,
Doþe oure powere so moche a-weye
As nemne þat passyun and þat rode
Þat he shedde on, hys swetë blode;
Heuene and helle þat passyun douten,
And creatures allë þarto louten,
And specyaly ‘Ihesus,’ þat name
Ys our shenshyp and oure shame.”
“Ihesus ys nat þan ȝoure frende,
261
Syn ȝe drede hys croys be syght;
And ys nat ȝyt þe samë tre,
Haþ þat tokene more myȝt þan ȝe?”
“Ȝee,” seyde the fendë, “certaynly,
Ouer vs alle he haþ maystry;
And euermore so shal be doun
For hyt was hys owne passyoun;
No þyng þat man may of hym sey,
Doþe oure powere so moche a-weye
As nemne þat passyun and þat rode
Þat he shedde on, hys swetë blode;
Heuene and helle þat passyun douten,
And creatures allë þarto louten,
And specyaly ‘Ihesus,’ þat name
Ys our shenshyp and oure shame.”
when Cypryen þys vndyrstode,
He forsoke hem, and bycom gode,
And alle þe crafte þat he hadde haunted,
And Crystendome to take he graunted;
He dyd breke his maumetrye,
And dyd hyt brenne byfore hys ye;
Seþþen at þe bysshope of þe cyte
He dyd hym crysten man to be,
Seþþen he was so stedfast
Yn þe beleue, þurgh þe holy gast,
Þat he was ordeyned dekene hye,
And seþþen bysshope he was wurþy;
Seþen made he Iustyne, abbas
Of alle þe ladyes, as wurþy was.
He forsoke hem, and bycom gode,
And alle þe crafte þat he hadde haunted,
And Crystendome to take he graunted;
He dyd breke his maumetrye,
And dyd hyt brenne byfore hys ye;
Seþþen at þe bysshope of þe cyte
He dyd hym crysten man to be,
Seþþen he was so stedfast
Yn þe beleue, þurgh þe holy gast,
Þat he was ordeyned dekene hye,
And seþþen bysshope he was wurþy;
Seþen made he Iustyne, abbas
Of alle þe ladyes, as wurþy was.
Swyche grace fel seþþen on hom,
Þat boþe þey suffred martyrdom;
And now ys Cypryen with God so herd
Þat he ys wurschypde yn alle þe werlde;
And she ys callede Seynt Iustyne,
A martyr and an holy vyrgyne.
Þat boþe þey suffred martyrdom;
And now ys Cypryen with God so herd
Þat he ys wurschypde yn alle þe werlde;
262
A martyr and an holy vyrgyne.
Þys tale y tolde to ȝow aboute,
Þat ȝe ne dur no wycchecrafte doute,
Ȝyf þou be—þat ys to mene—
Yn beleuë gode, and lyfë clene.
who-so þurgh wycchëcrafte haþ tene,
Prey to God and seynt Cypryene
And to þe mayden Seynt Iustyne,
Þat þey delyuer hem fro þat pyne.
Þat ȝe ne dur no wycchecrafte doute,
Ȝyf þou be—þat ys to mene—
Yn beleuë gode, and lyfë clene.
who-so þurgh wycchëcrafte haþ tene,
Prey to God and seynt Cypryene
And to þe mayden Seynt Iustyne,
Þat þey delyuer hem fro þat pyne.
Þarefore, þou man and þou wyfe,
Ȝyf þou be of clenë lyfe,
Þar þe noght drede no wycchëcrafte
Noþer temptyng of þe deuylys shafte;
And ȝyf þou be yn dedly synne,
To hys temptyng he may þe wynne.
Ȝyf þou be of clenë lyfe,
Þar þe noght drede no wycchëcrafte
Noþer temptyng of þe deuylys shafte;
And ȝyf þou be yn dedly synne,
To hys temptyng he may þe wynne.
Ȝyt þer ys spekyng of vylaynye
Þat longeþ vnto lecherye,
And oftë tyme of foulë speche
Falleþ þarfor hard[ë] wreche;
Of foulë herte cumþ foulë þoȝt;
Of foulë þoȝt, foule wurdys are broȝt.
Þe foulë wurde, þe speker dereþ,
And þat hyt hereþ and furþ bereþ;
Y hauë toldë of þys lak
Yn þe fyfþe comaundement, þer y spak,
whan y of a nunnë tolde,
Þat coudë nat here tungë holde.
Þat longeþ vnto lecherye,
And oftë tyme of foulë speche
Falleþ þarfor hard[ë] wreche;
Of foulë herte cumþ foulë þoȝt;
Of foulë þoȝt, foule wurdys are broȝt.
Þe foulë wurde, þe speker dereþ,
And þat hyt hereþ and furþ bereþ;
Y hauë toldë of þys lak
Yn þe fyfþe comaundement, þer y spak,
whan y of a nunnë tolde,
Þat coudë nat here tungë holde.
Ȝyt ys þyr a spyce of leccherye,
Auauntëment of olde folye:
A kaynard and an oldë folte,
Þat þryfte haþ loste, and boghte a bolte,
he shal become[n] a dyssour,
And telleþ how he was a lecchour;
Ioye he haþ, hym-self to dyffame
Of alle hys synnes þat he kan name,
And auante hym alle an hye,
And make men lagh at hys foly;
And þat ys nat þe synnë leste,
Auaunte þy synne to hym þat þou sest.
Auauntëment of olde folye:
A kaynard and an oldë folte,
Þat þryfte haþ loste, and boghte a bolte,
he shal become[n] a dyssour,
And telleþ how he was a lecchour;
Ioye he haþ, hym-self to dyffame
Of alle hys synnes þat he kan name,
And auante hym alle an hye,
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And þat ys nat þe synnë leste,
Auaunte þy synne to hym þat þou sest.
Sodom sank, and Gomore,
For þey kryed here synne aywhore;
Þese twey cytees, boþe þey sank,
For þey hadde ioye at synne þat stank.
Feyrer hyt were, oure synne forhele,
Þan make auauntement þer-of to fele;
Þe apostle seyþ þys autoryte,
“Ȝyf þou be nat chaste, be þou pryue;”
Telle hyt þy prest, and to no mo;
For oþer tellyng, ys boþe synne and wo.
For þey kryed here synne aywhore;
Þese twey cytees, boþe þey sank,
For þey hadde ioye at synne þat stank.
Feyrer hyt were, oure synne forhele,
Þan make auauntement þer-of to fele;
Þe apostle seyþ þys autoryte,
“Ȝyf þou be nat chaste, be þou pryue;”
Telle hyt þy prest, and to no mo;
For oþer tellyng, ys boþe synne and wo.
Ȝyt ys þyr a specyal spece
Þat doþ leccherye klymbe by a grece:
who so wyllë ȝyftës ȝyue,
On lecheryë he may cleue;
For synne, no ȝyftys þou receyue;
For doute of gyle þou shalt hem weyue;
For whan a lechour haþ ȝyue hys mede,
Þan hopeþ he weyl þat he shal spede.
Y rede, ȝe wommen, ȝyueþ gode entent,
For medë ȝe wyl sone consent;
Many one for mede doþ ful euyl,
Men sey ofte ‘mede ys þe deuyl.’
Þat doþ leccherye klymbe by a grece:
who so wyllë ȝyftës ȝyue,
On lecheryë he may cleue;
For synne, no ȝyftys þou receyue;
For doute of gyle þou shalt hem weyue;
For whan a lechour haþ ȝyue hys mede,
Þan hopeþ he weyl þat he shal spede.
Y rede, ȝe wommen, ȝyueþ gode entent,
For medë ȝe wyl sone consent;
Many one for mede doþ ful euyl,
Men sey ofte ‘mede ys þe deuyl.’
Ȝyt spekeþ he of a more tresun
Þat for lechery ys doun;
Ȝyf men or womman be so wylde
To fordo a getyng of a chylde
wyþ wurde or dede, syn hyt ys gete,
with mete or drynk þat þey do ȝete,
Or oþer strenkþë, þat hyt dye,
Þan þey doun ful grete folye;
with slaghter hast þou þere hyd,
Þat þy lecherye ys nat kyd;
Gretly yn euyl þou art coupáble
Yn twey synnës, and dampnáble.
Þat for lechery ys doun;
Ȝyf men or womman be so wylde
To fordo a getyng of a chylde
wyþ wurde or dede, syn hyt ys gete,
with mete or drynk þat þey do ȝete,
Or oþer strenkþë, þat hyt dye,
Þan þey doun ful grete folye;
with slaghter hast þou þere hyd,
Þat þy lecherye ys nat kyd;
Gretly yn euyl þou art coupáble
Yn twey synnës, and dampnáble.
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A-noþer vyleynye þyr ys,
To do a womman synne þurgh stres:
Ȝyf a womman mete paráuenture
Yn pryuë stedë, a lechour,
Ȝyf he wyl do with here synne,
And she ne may a-weyë wynne
But she swerë oþys grym
A-noþer tyme to come to hym,
Or he makeþ here trouth-plyght
Anoþer tymë when she myȝt,
For þat trouþë, y answere
Þat no perel shal she bere;
She nat synneþ nat dedly,
Hyt ys nó wyl, but maystry;
Better ys to skape with an oþe,
Þan synne dedly, and God be wrothe.
Here-of myȝt men mochë speke,
Of trouþë þat men alle day breke,
For, fals trouþës, and fykyl,
For lechery, are ȝyue mechyl.
To do a womman synne þurgh stres:
Ȝyf a womman mete paráuenture
Yn pryuë stedë, a lechour,
Ȝyf he wyl do with here synne,
And she ne may a-weyë wynne
But she swerë oþys grym
A-noþer tyme to come to hym,
Or he makeþ here trouth-plyght
Anoþer tymë when she myȝt,
For þat trouþë, y answere
Þat no perel shal she bere;
She nat synneþ nat dedly,
Hyt ys nó wyl, but maystry;
Better ys to skape with an oþe,
Þan synne dedly, and God be wrothe.
Here-of myȝt men mochë speke,
Of trouþë þat men alle day breke,
For, fals trouþës, and fykyl,
For lechery, are ȝyue mechyl.
Ȝyf þou a womman trouþë plyght
Out of holy cherchës syȝt;
Men oght nat so for to do
Þogh þat frendes consente þarto;
For holy cherche oght fyrst for to wyte
Of here gederyng, ȝyf hyt may sytte
Out of holy cherchës syȝt;
Men oght nat so for to do
Þogh þat frendes consente þarto;
For holy cherche oght fyrst for to wyte
Of here gederyng, ȝyf hyt may sytte
Of allë folës are þey fyles,
Þat gentyl wymmen begylys
with a trouþë of tresun
To reuë here, here warysun,
But she do by here ordynaunce
Of hem þat shuldë here auaunce.
Þat gentyl wymmen begylys
with a trouþë of tresun
To reuë here, here warysun,
But she do by here ordynaunce
Of hem þat shuldë here auaunce.
And a womman loueþ ofte yn pryuyte
Þat for here falleþ nat weyl to be;
Ȝyf she to þat ȝeueþ here treuþe,
Þat ys here ful mochë reuþe;
Þat trewþe dar she nat be a-knowe,
For drede þat she haþ loued so lowe.
Þurgh cunseyl of here frendys wylle,
She ys þan ȝyue a-noþer vntyl;
Y dar sey hyt hardyly,
‘Þat womman leueþ yn lechery;
And þat ychë man also
To whom she ȝaf fyrst trouþë to,
Ȝyf he any ouþer wedde,
Or with any go to bedde,
Ȝyf þey boþe wulde haue do þat
Þat here mouþes to-gedyr spak,
And haue fulfylled, at here myȝt,
Here pryue trouþë þat þey plyȝt.’
Þat for here falleþ nat weyl to be;
Ȝyf she to þat ȝeueþ here treuþe,
Þat ys here ful mochë reuþe;
265
For drede þat she haþ loued so lowe.
Þurgh cunseyl of here frendys wylle,
She ys þan ȝyue a-noþer vntyl;
Y dar sey hyt hardyly,
‘Þat womman leueþ yn lechery;
And þat ychë man also
To whom she ȝaf fyrst trouþë to,
Ȝyf he any ouþer wedde,
Or with any go to bedde,
Ȝyf þey boþe wulde haue do þat
Þat here mouþes to-gedyr spak,
And haue fulfylled, at here myȝt,
Here pryue trouþë þat þey plyȝt.’
A wers[ë] spycë ȝyt men holdes,
To begyle a womman with wordys;
To ȝyue here trouþë but lyghtly
For no þyng but for lygge here by;
with þat gyle þou makest here asent,
And bryngest ȝow boþe to cumbrement.
To begyle a womman with wordys;
To ȝyue here trouþë but lyghtly
For no þyng but for lygge here by;
with þat gyle þou makest here asent,
And bryngest ȝow boþe to cumbrement.
Þarfore now y warne ȝow alle,
Man and woman, for þyng may falle,
Þat ȝe be neuer so fole-hardy
To ȝyue ȝoure trouþe so pryuyly,
Ne wommans trouþë for to take,
Ne trouþë ȝyue for weddyng sake,
Tyl holy cherche haue demyd ryȝt
wyþ lokyng of frendes syght.
Man and woman, for þyng may falle,
Þat ȝe be neuer so fole-hardy
To ȝyue ȝoure trouþe so pryuyly,
Ne wommans trouþë for to take,
Ne trouþë ȝyue for weddyng sake,
Tyl holy cherche haue demyd ryȝt
wyþ lokyng of frendes syght.
Pryuytes manye falle þer-ynne;
Þyn ynwyt þe telleþ whych ys synne;
Sum pryuytes of lechery
Yn opun speche are vyleynye;
Þarfor wyl y nat hem alle descryue,
But alle behoueþ vs þer-of shryue;
Þyn ynwyt wote what þou hast wroght,
And whych ys synne, and whych ys noȝt;
Alle þese spyces þat y haue tolde,
On dyuers maners are synnës folde.
Þyn ynwyt þe telleþ whych ys synne;
Sum pryuytes of lechery
Yn opun speche are vyleynye;
Þarfor wyl y nat hem alle descryue,
But alle behoueþ vs þer-of shryue;
266
And whych ys synne, and whych ys noȝt;
Alle þese spyces þat y haue tolde,
On dyuers maners are synnës folde.
Ȝyf þy flesshë ofte aryse
Yn wyl or dede to many of þyse,
Þat þou mayst nat þy flesshë daunte,
Þat sum algate behoueþ þe haunte,
Be nat þarfor yn wanhope;
Alle may be quenchyde with a drope,
Ȝyf þou mayst for þy synnë grete,
And be yn wyl hyt for to lete.
For many a gode man, olde and ȝonge,
haþ be yn flesshëly temptyng;
So was seynt Poule, þe holy man,
Hys flesshe was temptyde with Satan;
Seynt Benet was so, ȝe herde me telle,
He was yn poynt to leue hys celle;
And ouþer men mo of relygyun
Haue be yn hard temptacyun;
But man behoueþ pryue hys myȝt,
Aȝens hys ownë flesshe to fyȝt;
For ȝyf þou late hyt haue hys wyl,
wyltou, neltou, hyt wyl þe spylle.
Yn wyl or dede to many of þyse,
Þat þou mayst nat þy flesshë daunte,
Þat sum algate behoueþ þe haunte,
Be nat þarfor yn wanhope;
Alle may be quenchyde with a drope,
Ȝyf þou mayst for þy synnë grete,
And be yn wyl hyt for to lete.
For many a gode man, olde and ȝonge,
haþ be yn flesshëly temptyng;
So was seynt Poule, þe holy man,
Hys flesshe was temptyde with Satan;
Seynt Benet was so, ȝe herde me telle,
He was yn poynt to leue hys celle;
And ouþer men mo of relygyun
Haue be yn hard temptacyun;
But man behoueþ pryue hys myȝt,
Aȝens hys ownë flesshe to fyȝt;
For ȝyf þou late hyt haue hys wyl,
wyltou, neltou, hyt wyl þe spylle.
And y shal telle here, ȝyf ȝe wyl,
A talë for þe samë skylle,
Þat a man myshopë noght
Þogh he haue grete temptyng of þoght.
A talë for þe samë skylle,
Þat a man myshopë noght
Þogh he haue grete temptyng of þoght.
[The Tale of the tempted Hermit, or How we should never Despair.]
Seynt Gregory telleþ, for oure profyte,
How þyr was onys an ermyte:
Þys ermyte had grete temptyng
yn hys þoght, ouer alle þyng;
And as þys temptyng on hym ran,
He ȝede vnto an oldë man
And tolde hym allë, vp an downe,
Of hys grete temptacyun.
Þat olde man seyd to hym astyte
‘He was nat wurþy to be an Ermyte,
Þat swychë þoghtës shuldë þynke,
And þoght of womman wulde hym synke.’
How þyr was onys an ermyte:
Þys ermyte had grete temptyng
yn hys þoght, ouer alle þyng;
And as þys temptyng on hym ran,
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And tolde hym allë, vp an downe,
Of hys grete temptacyun.
Þat olde man seyd to hym astyte
‘He was nat wurþy to be an Ermyte,
Þat swychë þoghtës shuldë þynke,
And þoght of womman wulde hym synke.’
Þys oldë man gan hym so stoute,
Þat hys gode hope was alle yn doute;
For þe wurdes þat þe olde man gan seye,
Yn-to þe wurlde he toke þe weye.
As he cam goyng yn þe strete,
An holy abbot gan he mete;
Þe abbotys name was Apollo,
And sone he spake þe ermyte to;
Þe ermyte hadde so sory þoght,
Aȝen to þe abbote spake he noght.
Þat hys gode hope was alle yn doute;
For þe wurdes þat þe olde man gan seye,
Yn-to þe wurlde he toke þe weye.
As he cam goyng yn þe strete,
An holy abbot gan he mete;
Þe abbotys name was Apollo,
And sone he spake þe ermyte to;
Þe ermyte hadde so sory þoght,
Aȝen to þe abbote spake he noght.
Þys abbot was a ful wys man,
And yn hys þoȝt ful sone hyt ran,
And be þe semlant of þe ermyte,
Þat he was yn grete sorowe and syte;
Þe abbot asked hym ones or twyys;
At þe laste þe ermyte seyd hys auys.
“Y am,” he seyd, “broȝt allë down
with flesshly temptacyun;
And at an oldë man y was,
And tolde hym alle my hardë kas;
And he seyd, y was nat wurþy,
Þe ermytagë to com ny,
Ne was yn wey me to saue,
whyl y shulde swych þoȝtës haue;
And, for he comforted me so yl,
Yn-to þe worlde now ys my wyl,
And lyue þere best wyse þat y may,
Syn y serue nat God to pay.”
And yn hys þoȝt ful sone hyt ran,
And be þe semlant of þe ermyte,
Þat he was yn grete sorowe and syte;
Þe abbot asked hym ones or twyys;
At þe laste þe ermyte seyd hys auys.
“Y am,” he seyd, “broȝt allë down
with flesshly temptacyun;
And at an oldë man y was,
And tolde hym alle my hardë kas;
And he seyd, y was nat wurþy,
Þe ermytagë to com ny,
Ne was yn wey me to saue,
whyl y shulde swych þoȝtës haue;
And, for he comforted me so yl,
Yn-to þe worlde now ys my wyl,
268
Syn y serue nat God to pay.”
Þan seyde þe abbot syre Apollo,
“Þe olde man wyst nat what was to do;
Þou mayst se now, by my vysage,
Þat y am olde, and weyl yn age,
And y fele a ful hard prykyl
Þat my flesshe tempteþ me mykyl,
Vnneþë ys hyt day ne oure
Þat y ne am þar-with tempted soure;
But þogh my þoght be oute of skyl,
To do ȝyt wers[ë], y ne wyl;
Ne more shalt þou þy self mysdo,
Þogh þou be tempted neuer so.
Y rede, þat yn godenes þat þou dwelle,
And turne aȝen vnto þy celle,
And fonde aȝens þy flesshe to fyȝt,
And late hyt nat haue alle þe myȝt.”
He broȝte þys ermyte to swyche certeyne,
Þat to hys celle he turned aȝeyne.
“Þe olde man wyst nat what was to do;
Þou mayst se now, by my vysage,
Þat y am olde, and weyl yn age,
And y fele a ful hard prykyl
Þat my flesshe tempteþ me mykyl,
Vnneþë ys hyt day ne oure
Þat y ne am þar-with tempted soure;
But þogh my þoght be oute of skyl,
To do ȝyt wers[ë], y ne wyl;
Ne more shalt þou þy self mysdo,
Þogh þou be tempted neuer so.
Y rede, þat yn godenes þat þou dwelle,
And turne aȝen vnto þy celle,
And fonde aȝens þy flesshe to fyȝt,
And late hyt nat haue alle þe myȝt.”
He broȝte þys ermyte to swyche certeyne,
Þat to hys celle he turned aȝeyne.
Þe abbot knew [wel] alle þe pas
where þe olde man wonyng was;
Þedyrwarde þe wey he nam.
And when he a lytyl besydë cam,
He sette hym dowun, and preyd Ihesu
Ful of myȝt and [of] vertu,
Þat þe olde man myȝt fele sum þyng
Of þe ermytes flesshely temptyng,
To chastyse hym for hys broþer,
Þat he myscumfort eft noun oþer.
where þe olde man wonyng was;
Þedyrwarde þe wey he nam.
And when he a lytyl besydë cam,
He sette hym dowun, and preyd Ihesu
Ful of myȝt and [of] vertu,
Þat þe olde man myȝt fele sum þyng
Of þe ermytes flesshely temptyng,
To chastyse hym for hys broþer,
Þat he myscumfort eft noun oþer.
when he hadde leye yn orysun
long with grete deuocyun,
He ros vp, and byhelde,
And sagh a blak man stonde yn þe felde,
And to þe olde man arwes ded shete
Ryȝt many, and sum wel grete.
So many arwes to hym he drogh,
Þat þe olde man felt temptyng ynogh;
Þe arwes were temptacyons,
And sharpë sterynges, and felons;
So many and smart, he hem hadde,
Þat he sate as he hadde be madde,
Þat wytte hadde lorë, as he sat,
Or was yn a were to do sum-what.
Ar he aght seyd, ar dyd any dede,
Þe same weye þat þe ermyte ȝede,
Þat yche wey þe ermyte ȝede ynne
To þe worlde, to do hys synne.
long with grete deuocyun,
He ros vp, and byhelde,
And sagh a blak man stonde yn þe felde,
And to þe olde man arwes ded shete
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So many arwes to hym he drogh,
Þat þe olde man felt temptyng ynogh;
Þe arwes were temptacyons,
And sharpë sterynges, and felons;
So many and smart, he hem hadde,
Þat he sate as he hadde be madde,
Þat wytte hadde lorë, as he sat,
Or was yn a were to do sum-what.
Ar he aght seyd, ar dyd any dede,
Þe same weye þat þe ermyte ȝede,
Þat yche wey þe ermyte ȝede ynne
To þe worlde, to do hys synne.
Þe abbot Appollo say euerydeyl;
And how he was temptede, he wyst hyt weyl,
And fonded for to take þe strete,
with þat olde man for to mete:
he seyd, “olde man! what dost þou here,
And why hast þou so mornyng chere?
whydyr hast þou þoght to go?
Be syȝt hyt semeþ þat þe were wo.”
And how he was temptede, he wyst hyt weyl,
And fonded for to take þe strete,
with þat olde man for to mete:
he seyd, “olde man! what dost þou here,
And why hast þou so mornyng chere?
whydyr hast þou þoght to go?
Be syȝt hyt semeþ þat þe were wo.”
Þe oldë man seyd ryȝt noȝt,
But hyt ran hym weyl yn þoȝt
Þat þe abbot had inspyracyun,
And wyst hys grete temptacyun;
For shame he myȝt nat telle how smart
Þe temptyng þat come to hys hert;
But þe abbot wyst for certeyn,
And bad hym to turne aȝeyn;
And shewed hym weyl for two þynges,
why þat he hadde no temptynges;
He seyd, ‘þe fende of hym ne roȝte,
Ne hym to tempte aboutë soȝte,
Ne þoght hys lyfe so moche wurþy,
For he helde hym self so holy,
And blamed oþer for here fallyng,’
“Þy lyfe hym þynkeþ ys wurþ no þyng;
To gode men ys hyt grete passyun
To fele þe fendes temptacyun;
And for he tempted þe noȝt here,
Yn ouþer stede þou shalt by hyt dere;
Ne late þou nat lyȝtly by þo
Þat are tempted of flesshly wo,
But, þenk weyl þat þey are gode,
Ȝyf þey þat temptyng with-stode,
And are sykerer aftyr temptynges,
And kepe hem better with many þynges;
And ȝyt men sey God loueþ hem noȝt,
Þat haue no temptyng yn dede ne þoght.
Þys temptyng was for þy despyte
Þat þou haddest of þe gode ermyte
whan he hys temptyng to þe shrofe,
And þy cumforte awey hym drofe.”
But hyt ran hym weyl yn þoȝt
Þat þe abbot had inspyracyun,
And wyst hys grete temptacyun;
For shame he myȝt nat telle how smart
Þe temptyng þat come to hys hert;
But þe abbot wyst for certeyn,
And bad hym to turne aȝeyn;
And shewed hym weyl for two þynges,
why þat he hadde no temptynges;
He seyd, ‘þe fende of hym ne roȝte,
Ne hym to tempte aboutë soȝte,
Ne þoght hys lyfe so moche wurþy,
270
And blamed oþer for here fallyng,’
“Þy lyfe hym þynkeþ ys wurþ no þyng;
To gode men ys hyt grete passyun
To fele þe fendes temptacyun;
And for he tempted þe noȝt here,
Yn ouþer stede þou shalt by hyt dere;
Ne late þou nat lyȝtly by þo
Þat are tempted of flesshly wo,
But, þenk weyl þat þey are gode,
Ȝyf þey þat temptyng with-stode,
And are sykerer aftyr temptynges,
And kepe hem better with many þynges;
And ȝyt men sey God loueþ hem noȝt,
Þat haue no temptyng yn dede ne þoght.
Þys temptyng was for þy despyte
Þat þou haddest of þe gode ermyte
whan he hys temptyng to þe shrofe,
And þy cumforte awey hym drofe.”
At þys pas þys tale tolde ys
For temptacyons of mannys flesshe,
Þat none ne myscumforte hym
Þogh þat hys flesshe be bryst and brym.
So holy man was neuer none
Þat temptacyun ne hat hym ouergone,
were hyt lytyl, or were hyt mykyl,
Þat of hys flesshe ne haþ hadde sum prykyl;
And þo þat wyl be ryȝt certeyne,
Cumforte hem weyl to fyȝt aȝeyn,
For no man may yn certeyn be,
But he fyȝt flesshly lustys to fle.
For temptacyons of mannys flesshe,
Þat none ne myscumforte hym
Þogh þat hys flesshe be bryst and brym.
So holy man was neuer none
Þat temptacyun ne hat hym ouergone,
were hyt lytyl, or were hyt mykyl,
Þat of hys flesshe ne haþ hadde sum prykyl;
And þo þat wyl be ryȝt certeyne,
Cumforte hem weyl to fyȝt aȝeyn,
For no man may yn certeyn be,
But he fyȝt flesshly lustys to fle.
God graunte vs allë now fro heþen
Oure flesshë so to holde be-neþen,
And oure soules so to save aboue,
Þat God of heuene vs allë loue.
Oure flesshë so to holde be-neþen,
And oure soules so to save aboue,
Þat God of heuene vs allë loue.
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Here bygynneþ Sacrylage.
Of þese dedly synnës seuene,
Þat we wraþþe with, God of heuene,
Of hem haue we touched neyde
As holy men haue wryten and seyd;
Ȝyt mow[ë] we nát weyl werche
Ȝyf we forgetë holy cherche,
holy cherche, our modyr dere,
Of here shul we telle ȝow here,
How men synne, and on what wyse,
Aȝens þat falleþ to here fraunchyse.
Þat we wraþþe with, God of heuene,
Of hem haue we touched neyde
As holy men haue wryten and seyd;
Ȝyt mow[ë] we nát weyl werche
Ȝyf we forgetë holy cherche,
holy cherche, our modyr dere,
Of here shul we telle ȝow here,
How men synne, and on what wyse,
Aȝens þat falleþ to here fraunchyse.
Þat aȝens here fraunchyse falles,
‘Sacrylegë’ men hyt calles;
‘Sacrylegë,’ frenche hyt ys,
Menyng of ‘mysdede’ or ‘mys.’
‘Mysdedë to holynes,’
‘Sacrylege’ on Englysshe ys;
Allë þyng þat men with-holde,
Stole or reftë, ȝyue or solde,
with-outë leue of here wytyng,
Þat kepë holy cherches þyng,
Alle swych þyng ys sacrylege,
with-outë leue ys alle outrage.
‘Sacrylegë’ men hyt calles;
‘Sacrylegë,’ frenche hyt ys,
Menyng of ‘mysdede’ or ‘mys.’
‘Mysdedë to holynes,’
‘Sacrylege’ on Englysshe ys;
Allë þyng þat men with-holde,
Stole or reftë, ȝyue or solde,
with-outë leue of here wytyng,
Þat kepë holy cherches þyng,
Alle swych þyng ys sacrylege,
with-outë leue ys alle outrage.
Now of þe fyrst þat we haue spoke,
Þey þat hauë cherches broke,
And stole þo þynges þat were þer-ynne,
‘Sacrylage’ men calle þat synne.
Þey þat hauë cherches broke,
And stole þo þynges þat were þer-ynne,
‘Sacrylage’ men calle þat synne.
Ȝyf þyng vnhalewed were forgete,
Þat yn holy cherche were lete,
Or halewed þyng yn ouþer stede lay,
And oght þerof were bore away,
where hyt werë ȝyue or solde,
For sacrylege, alle ys hyt tolde.
Þat yn holy cherche were lete,
Or halewed þyng yn ouþer stede lay,
And oght þerof were bore away,
where hyt werë ȝyue or solde,
For sacrylege, alle ys hyt tolde.
Many vyces þerto longe;
Alle are þey synne, but sum are stronge;
y shal ȝow telle of sum maners
As ‘manuel pecchés’ me lers.
But, vnkynde and enuyous,
Ouerdo, proud, and daungerous,
Euermorë fynde þey teyl,
Þogh a man sey neuer so weyl;
Noþeles, so weyl y nat seyd,
But þat to my sawe, blame may be leyd
For foule englyssh, and feble ryme
Seyde oute of resun many tyme;
But God ȝelde hem at here endyng,
Þat wyl amende myn vnkunnyng;
But who so blameþ and wyl nat amende,
He doþe nat as þe curteys kende.
Go we furþe now on oure werk:—
Alle are þey synne, but sum are stronge;
y shal ȝow telle of sum maners
272
But, vnkynde and enuyous,
Ouerdo, proud, and daungerous,
Euermorë fynde þey teyl,
Þogh a man sey neuer so weyl;
Noþeles, so weyl y nat seyd,
But þat to my sawe, blame may be leyd
For foule englyssh, and feble ryme
Seyde oute of resun many tyme;
But God ȝelde hem at here endyng,
Þat wyl amende myn vnkunnyng;
But who so blameþ and wyl nat amende,
He doþe nat as þe curteys kende.
Go we furþe now on oure werk:—
Ȝyf a man yn euyl smyte a clerk,
Yn sacrylage he falleþ ylle
Ȝyf he dyde hyt by hys wylle.
Ȝyf he be man of relygyoun,
Þou art to blame with more resun;
Twey skyles are ful perylous,
Boþe ordred and relygyous.
Yn sacrylage he falleþ ylle
Ȝyf he dyde hyt by hys wylle.
Ȝyf he be man of relygyoun,
Þou art to blame with more resun;
Twey skyles are ful perylous,
Boþe ordred and relygyous.
Also relygyous are to wyte,
Þat for maystry wyl gladly smyte;
Þey ogh to be suffráble and meke,
And no foly on ouþer men seke;
Hys tung shuld be hys fauchoun;
Hys strokes shulde be hys orysun;
Ȝyf any be yn foly stoute,
Holde yn cloystre, and com nat out.
Þat for maystry wyl gladly smyte;
Þey ogh to be suffráble and meke,
And no foly on ouþer men seke;
Hys tung shuld be hys fauchoun;
Hys strokes shulde be hys orysun;
Ȝyf any be yn foly stoute,
Holde yn cloystre, and com nat out.
Also may he be sore a-ferde
Þat doþ vyleynye yn chyrche ȝerde,
Namly, syn hyt halewed was,
Þe more he doþë of trespas.
Vnkynde man ys he hardly
Þat yn cherche ȝerde doþ vyleyny;
Oure long hous hyt ys to come,
To reste yn, tyl þe day of dome.
Þerfore we shuld, ȝyf we were kynde,
kepe hyt clene with godë mynde.
Þat doþ vyleynye yn chyrche ȝerde,
Namly, syn hyt halewed was,
Þe more he doþë of trespas.
Vnkynde man ys he hardly
Þat yn cherche ȝerde doþ vyleyny;
273
To reste yn, tyl þe day of dome.
Þerfore we shuld, ȝyf we were kynde,
kepe hyt clene with godë mynde.
And þese prestes me þynkeþ do synne
Þat late here bestys fyle þer-ynne.
Þe gres ys hys þat þerë grenes,
Þe placë ys þe parysshenes.
Þat late here bestys fyle þer-ynne.
Þe gres ys hys þat þerë grenes,
Þe placë ys þe parysshenes.
But lordës þat haue seynorye,
Þey do þeryn most vyleynye;
For þer hope ys, whan þey shul deye,
Þat yn þe cherche men shul hem leye;
And y shal telle a lytyl wyȝt,
how a bonde man bourded with a knyȝt;
And þe borde ys gode to here,
who-so loueþ wurdes to lere.
Þey do þeryn most vyleynye;
For þer hope ys, whan þey shul deye,
Þat yn þe cherche men shul hem leye;
And y shal telle a lytyl wyȝt,
how a bonde man bourded with a knyȝt;
And þe borde ys gode to here,
who-so loueþ wurdes to lere.
[The Tale of the Reproof that a Norfolk Bondman gave a Knight for not respecting the Sanctity of a Churchyard.]
Yn Northfolk, yn a tounne,
wonede a knyȝt besyde a persone;
Fyl hyt so, þe knyȝtes manere
was nat fro þe cherche ful fere;
And was hyt þan, as oftyn falles,
Brokë were þe cherche-ȝerde walles.
wonede a knyȝt besyde a persone;
Fyl hyt so, þe knyȝtes manere
was nat fro þe cherche ful fere;
And was hyt þan, as oftyn falles,
Brokë were þe cherche-ȝerde walles.
Þe lordës hyrdës often lete
Hys bestys yn-to þe cherche ȝerde & ete;
Þe bestys dyd as þey mote nede,
Fyled oueral þere þey ȝede.
A bond man say þat, and was wo
Þat þe bestys shuld þere go;
He com to þe lorde, and seyd hym þys:—
“Lorde,” he seyde, “ȝoure bestys go mys;
Ȝoure hyrde doþ wrong, and ȝourë knauys,
Þat late ȝoure bestys fyle þus þese grauys;
Þere mennys bonys shuldë lye,
Bestës shuld do no vyleynye.”
Hys bestys yn-to þe cherche ȝerde & ete;
Þe bestys dyd as þey mote nede,
Fyled oueral þere þey ȝede.
A bond man say þat, and was wo
Þat þe bestys shuld þere go;
He com to þe lorde, and seyd hym þys:—
“Lorde,” he seyde, “ȝoure bestys go mys;
Ȝoure hyrde doþ wrong, and ȝourë knauys,
Þat late ȝoure bestys fyle þus þese grauys;
Þere mennys bonys shuldë lye,
Bestës shuld do no vyleynye.”
274
Þe lordes answere was sumwhat vyle,
And þat falleþ euyl to a man gentyle;
“weyl were hyt do ryȝt for þe nones
To wurschyþ swych[ë] cherlës bones;
what wurschyp shuld men make
Aboute swych cherlës bodyes blake?”
Þe bonde man answerëd and seyd
wurdys to-gedyr ful weyl leyd:
“Þe lorde þat made of erþë, erles,
Of þe same erþe made he cherles;
Erlës myȝt, and lordës stut,
As cherlës shal yn erþe be put;
Erlës, cherlës, alle at ones,
Shal none knowe ȝoure, fro oure, bones.”
And þat falleþ euyl to a man gentyle;
“weyl were hyt do ryȝt for þe nones
To wurschyþ swych[ë] cherlës bones;
what wurschyp shuld men make
Aboute swych cherlës bodyes blake?”
Þe bonde man answerëd and seyd
wurdys to-gedyr ful weyl leyd:
“Þe lorde þat made of erþë, erles,
Of þe same erþe made he cherles;
Erlës myȝt, and lordës stut,
As cherlës shal yn erþe be put;
Erlës, cherlës, alle at ones,
Shal none knowe ȝoure, fro oure, bones.”
Þe lorde lestened þe wurdës weyl
And recorded hem euery deyl;
No morë to hym wulde he seye,
But, lete hym go furþe hys weye;
He seyd þe bestys shulde no more,
By hys wyl, comë þore.
Seþen he closed þe chercheȝerde so
Þat no best myȝt come þarto
For to ete, ne fyle þer-ynne;
So þoȝt hym seþen, þat hyt was synne.
And recorded hem euery deyl;
No morë to hym wulde he seye,
But, lete hym go furþe hys weye;
He seyd þe bestys shulde no more,
By hys wyl, comë þore.
Seþen he closed þe chercheȝerde so
Þat no best myȝt come þarto
For to ete, ne fyle þer-ynne;
So þoȝt hym seþen, þat hyt was synne.
Þyr are but fewë lordës now
Þat turne a wrde so wel to prow;
But, who seyþ hem any skylle,
Mysseye aȝen, fouly þey wylle.
Lordynges,—þyr are ynow of þo,
Of gentyl men, þyr are but fo.
Þat turne a wrde so wel to prow;
But, who seyþ hem any skylle,
Mysseye aȝen, fouly þey wylle.
Lordynges,—þyr are ynow of þo,
Of gentyl men, þyr are but fo.
Hyt ys defended yn þe decre,
Þat none yn cherche shal beryed be,
But bysshope, or abbot of relygyun,
Or prest þat ys of gode renoun.
Þat none yn cherche shal beryed be,
But bysshope, or abbot of relygyun,
Or prest þat ys of gode renoun.
A man þat haþ no gode fame ryfe
Of dede, of hew, of holy lyfe,
Of gode feyþ, ne of charyte
Yn almes dede, ne of ouþer bounte,
Me þenkeþ hyt were ful perylous
To berye swych one yn Goddes house;
with swych ys holy cherche but fyled,
And hem self are moste bygyled.
Ȝyf þe soulë be nat wurþy
Þat þe body lygge so solempny,
Þan haþ þe soulë morë peyne;
Þat men wurschyp þe body, ys veyne.
Of dede, of hew, of holy lyfe,
Of gode feyþ, ne of charyte
275
Me þenkeþ hyt were ful perylous
To berye swych one yn Goddes house;
with swych ys holy cherche but fyled,
And hem self are moste bygyled.
Ȝyf þe soulë be nat wurþy
Þat þe body lygge so solempny,
Þan haþ þe soulë morë peyne;
Þat men wurschyp þe body, ys veyne.
wykked men and vserers,
lechours, and lordys of foule maners,
Þat mow ȝyue pens ful godë wone,
Þey shul be leyde yn toumbe of stone,
And hys ymáge ful feyre depeynte,
Ryȝt as hé were a cors seynt;
Þe wrecched soule, þe soþe to seye,
Shal a-bye alle þe noblye,
And sum for euer be broȝt to bale;
And þerby wyl y telle a tale.
lechours, and lordys of foule maners,
Þat mow ȝyue pens ful godë wone,
Þey shul be leyde yn toumbe of stone,
And hys ymáge ful feyre depeynte,
Ryȝt as hé were a cors seynt;
Þe wrecched soule, þe soþe to seye,
Shal a-bye alle þe noblye,
And sum for euer be broȝt to bale;
And þerby wyl y telle a tale.
[The Tale of Valentine, and how Devils puld his Body out of its Grave in the Church.]
Þyr was a man þat hyght Valentyne,
Playtour he was, and ryche man fyne,
For of þe cherche of Myleyne was he playtour,
More for mede þan Goddes onour.
Besyde Genë, a noble cytë,
Deyde Valentyne, and beryed shuld be;
Yn seynt Syxtes cherchë shuld he lye;
So ordeyned men whan he shuld deye.
Þe fyrste nyȝt þat he was þere leyde,
Þe wardeynes of þe cherche vpbreyde,
And herd one cry, rewly and shyl,
As he were put oute aȝens hys wyl.
Playtour he was, and ryche man fyne,
For of þe cherche of Myleyne was he playtour,
More for mede þan Goddes onour.
Besyde Genë, a noble cytë,
Deyde Valentyne, and beryed shuld be;
Yn seynt Syxtes cherchë shuld he lye;
So ordeyned men whan he shuld deye.
Þe fyrste nyȝt þat he was þere leyde,
Þe wardeynes of þe cherche vpbreyde,
And herd one cry, rewly and shyl,
276
Þe wardeynes asked what þat myȝt be,
“Ryse we vp alle, and go we se.”
Þere he was beryed, þydyr þey ran,
And sagh many fendes aboute þys man;
And of hys graue þey oute hym pulde;
Oute of þe cherche, drawe hym þey wulde;
Þe deuylys droȝ hym by þe fete
As hyt were careyne þat dogges ete.
Þe wardeynes werë sore affryght
For þat noysë and þat syght;
Aȝen to here bedde þey ȝede;
Þey durst no lenger dwelle for drede.
On þe morne whan þey were ryse,
Þey ȝede to þe graue, þere þey were so agryse;
Þer-yn alle aboute þey soght,
But þe body founde þey noȝt.
Þey opende þe dores, and loked aboute,
And fonde þe body lygge þere with-oute;
Þe fete ybounde to-gedyr ful faste,
And as a foulë careyne caste.
“Ryse we vp alle, and go we se.”
Þere he was beryed, þydyr þey ran,
And sagh many fendes aboute þys man;
And of hys graue þey oute hym pulde;
Oute of þe cherche, drawe hym þey wulde;
Þe deuylys droȝ hym by þe fete
As hyt were careyne þat dogges ete.
Þe wardeynes werë sore affryght
For þat noysë and þat syght;
Aȝen to here bedde þey ȝede;
Þey durst no lenger dwelle for drede.
On þe morne whan þey were ryse,
Þey ȝede to þe graue, þere þey were so agryse;
Þer-yn alle aboute þey soght,
But þe body founde þey noȝt.
Þey opende þe dores, and loked aboute,
And fonde þe body lygge þere with-oute;
Þe fete ybounde to-gedyr ful faste,
And as a foulë careyne caste.
Seynt Gregory seyþ hardly,
Þere he lay fyrst, he was nat wurþy;
But hys soule hadde pyne þe more
For þe pompe and pryde þat he was leyd þore.
Þere he lay fyrst, he was nat wurþy;
But hys soule hadde pyne þe more
For þe pompe and pryde þat he was leyd þore.
lordes are besy aboute to haue
Proude stones lyggyng an hye on here graue;
Þurgh þat pryde þey mowe be lore,
Þogh þey hadde do no synne byfore;
Hyt helpyþ ryȝt noght, þe toumbe of pryde,
whan þe soule fro pyne may hyt nat hyde.
Proude stones lyggyng an hye on here graue;
Þurgh þat pryde þey mowe be lore,
Þogh þey hadde do no synne byfore;
Hyt helpyþ ryȝt noght, þe toumbe of pryde,
whan þe soule fro pyne may hyt nat hyde.
277
Ȝyf þou euer vsedest halewed þyng,
And wystyst hyt fyl to cherches offryng,
Hyt ys grete synne, y do þe to knowne,
Ȝyf þou helde hyt as for þyn owne.
Ȝyf þou wyþhelde any þyng seþyn
Þat hyt was to holy cherche ȝeuyn,
Þyn or ouþres, with-outë leue
Of parsone, or prest, or cherchë reue;
Hyt ys sacrylage, y þe plyȝt,
To wyþholde þat falleþ to cherchë ryȝt.
And wystyst hyt fyl to cherches offryng,
Hyt ys grete synne, y do þe to knowne,
Ȝyf þou helde hyt as for þyn owne.
Ȝyf þou wyþhelde any þyng seþyn
Þat hyt was to holy cherche ȝeuyn,
Þyn or ouþres, with-outë leue
Of parsone, or prest, or cherchë reue;
Hyt ys sacrylage, y þe plyȝt,
To wyþholde þat falleþ to cherchë ryȝt.
Ȝyf þou dedyst euer þat vnlawe,
A man oute of holy cherche to drawe
Seþen þat he toke hym þar-tyl,
Þou hast synned yn moche vnskyl.
But ȝyf he hadde do aȝens þe assyse
Þat fyl to holy cherches fraunchyse,
Slayn one þar-ynne, or robbed hyt,
Hyt shulde nat þan saue hym, by my wyt.
A man oute of holy cherche to drawe
Seþen þat he toke hym þar-tyl,
Þou hast synned yn moche vnskyl.
But ȝyf he hadde do aȝens þe assyse
Þat fyl to holy cherches fraunchyse,
Slayn one þar-ynne, or robbed hyt,
Hyt shulde nat þan saue hym, by my wyt.
Þe lewed man, holy cherche wyl forbede
To stounde yn þe chaunsel whyl men rede:
who-so-euer þarto ys custummer,
Þogh he be of grete powere,
Boþe he synneþ and doþe greuaunce
Aȝens þe clergy ordynaunce.
To stounde yn þe chaunsel whyl men rede:
who-so-euer þarto ys custummer,
Þogh he be of grete powere,
Boþe he synneþ and doþe greuaunce
Aȝens þe clergy ordynaunce.
But ȝyt do wymmen gretter folye
Þat vse to stonde among þe clergye,
Oþer at matyns, or at messe,
But ȝyf hyt were yn cas of stresse;
For þerof may come temptacyun,
And dysturblyng of deuocyun;
For foule þoght cumþ of feble ye-syȝt,
And fordoþë grace with ryȝt;
And with a tale hyt may be shewed,
Þat ys gode boþe for lered and lewed.
Þat vse to stonde among þe clergye,
Oþer at matyns, or at messe,
But ȝyf hyt were yn cas of stresse;
For þerof may come temptacyun,
And dysturblyng of deuocyun;
For foule þoght cumþ of feble ye-syȝt,
And fordoþë grace with ryȝt;
And with a tale hyt may be shewed,
Þat ys gode boþe for lered and lewed.
278
[The Tale of the Temptation of St. John Chrysostom's Deacon.]
An holy man telleþ vs þus,
Men calle hym Ion Crysostomus;
He was a bysshope, and ful gode clerk,
Þat shewe hys bokës of hys werk;
Swych grace of God, grauntede hym was,
At euery tyme þat he song hys masse
Þe holy goste to hym was sent
whan he shulde receyue þe sacrament;
Certeynly, aftyr þe sacrë,
Yn a dowue lyknes he myȝt se,
So whyte and so blesful, and so clere,
whan he vsed vpp-on þe autere.
Men calle hym Ion Crysostomus;
He was a bysshope, and ful gode clerk,
Þat shewe hys bokës of hys werk;
Swych grace of God, grauntede hym was,
At euery tyme þat he song hys masse
Þe holy goste to hym was sent
whan he shulde receyue þe sacrament;
Certeynly, aftyr þe sacrë,
Yn a dowue lyknes he myȝt se,
So whyte and so blesful, and so clere,
whan he vsed vpp-on þe autere.
Of þat cumfort, and þat syȝt,
He þanked oftë God almyȝt.
Þe fendë hadde þarwith enuye,
And wulde shewe hys wykked maystry.
He þanked oftë God almyȝt.
Þe fendë hadde þarwith enuye,
And wulde shewe hys wykked maystry.
A day seynt Ion shulde synge hys messe,
Þe fende made hym yn womman lyknesse,
weyl atyrede, with mochë pryde,
And stodë ouþer men besyde.
Þe fende made hym yn womman lyknesse,
weyl atyrede, with mochë pryde,
And stodë ouþer men besyde.
Þe dekene þat serued seynt Ion,
At here turnyng tymes echon
He behelde þys womman weyl,
And hys herte chaunged euery deyl;
Temptacyun of þys womman,
Ouer al yn hys þoȝt hyt ran.
At here turnyng tymes echon
He behelde þys womman weyl,
And hys herte chaunged euery deyl;
Temptacyun of þys womman,
Ouer al yn hys þoȝt hyt ran.
Þe bysshope, aftyr þe sacrë,
Shulde receyue God, as byfyl to be;
As he stode and heylde þe oste,
He loked vp aftyr þe holy goste;
But þat tyme ne come hyt noȝt.
Seynt Ion hadde þarfor grete þoȝt,
He soght yn hys herte aboute,
But þeryn foundë he no doute
Þat fyl to synne, ne dedly þyng
To lette þe holy gostes comyng.
Shulde receyue God, as byfyl to be;
As he stode and heylde þe oste,
He loked vp aftyr þe holy goste;
But þat tyme ne come hyt noȝt.
Seynt Ion hadde þarfor grete þoȝt,
279
But þeryn foundë he no doute
Þat fyl to synne, ne dedly þyng
To lette þe holy gostes comyng.
He called hys dekene to hym bylyue,
And cunseyled hym ‘he shuld hym shryue
Þyf he felt oght hym wyþ-ynne,’
“Any maner of dedly synne
Yn þoght or dede þat þou mayst mene;
Of alle, y pray þe, shryue þe clene.”
And cunseyled hym ‘he shuld hym shryue
Þyf he felt oght hym wyþ-ynne,’
“Any maner of dedly synne
Yn þoght or dede þat þou mayst mene;
Of alle, y pray þe, shryue þe clene.”
Þe dekene þan opunly with mouþe
Shroue hym of allë þat he couþe.
He seyde, “of o þyng y haue gret doute:
Yn þoghtës, whan we turnede aboute,
On a womman myn yȝe ys y-caste;
Þe syȝte of here myn herte to-blaste
And, swal yn my herte so grete,
Þe þoȝt of here ne coude y lete;
But God and ȝow, mercy y crye
Of þat þoȝt and þat folye.”
Shroue hym of allë þat he couþe.
He seyde, “of o þyng y haue gret doute:
Yn þoghtës, whan we turnede aboute,
On a womman myn yȝe ys y-caste;
Þe syȝte of here myn herte to-blaste
And, swal yn my herte so grete,
Þe þoȝt of here ne coude y lete;
But God and ȝow, mercy y crye
Of þat þoȝt and þat folye.”
Þe bysshope seyd hyt was tresun
Of þe fendes temptacyun.
Of þat synne he asoyled hym fre,
And ȝede aȝen to hys degre.
Of þe fendes temptacyun.
Of þat synne he asoyled hym fre,
And ȝede aȝen to hys degre.
Þe dekene loked at þe nexte turnyng,
She was a-wey, he sagh no þyng;
Þe holy goste come furþe a-none,
And shewed hym to þe bysshope Ione;
And seynt Ioun was þer-of blyþe,
And þanked God ful felë syþe.
She was a-wey, he sagh no þyng;
Þe holy goste come furþe a-none,
And shewed hym to þe bysshope Ione;
And seynt Ioun was þer-of blyþe,
And þanked God ful felë syþe.
For wommens sake, þys tale y tolde,
Þat þey oute of þe chaunsel holde
wyþ here kercheues, þe deuylys sayle,
Elles shal þey go to helle, boþe top and tayle;
For at hym þey lernë alle
To temptë men yn synne to falle.
To synne þey calle men, alle þat þey may,
why shuld þey ellës make hem so gay?
For no-þyng elles are þey so dyȝt,
But for to blyndë mennës syȝt.
Certes hyt semeþ, at alle endes,
Þat many of hem are but fendes.
Þat þey oute of þe chaunsel holde
wyþ here kercheues, þe deuylys sayle,
Elles shal þey go to helle, boþe top and tayle;
280
To temptë men yn synne to falle.
To synne þey calle men, alle þat þey may,
why shuld þey ellës make hem so gay?
For no-þyng elles are þey so dyȝt,
But for to blyndë mennës syȝt.
Certes hyt semeþ, at alle endes,
Þat many of hem are but fendes.
And ȝe clerkes nedeþ to be wyse,
Ȝow nedeþ cune ȝow self chastyse;
Ȝe mowë se yn holy wryt
How ȝe shul kepe ȝoure ownë wyt.
Ȝow nedeþ cune ȝow self chastyse;
Ȝe mowë se yn holy wryt
How ȝe shul kepe ȝoure ownë wyt.
whan ȝe at Goddës seruyse are,
Ȝe shul nat þan aboute ȝow stare,
Specyaly wymmen to be-holde,
Ne for to Iangle wurdës bolde.
Ȝe shul nat þan aboute ȝow stare,
Specyaly wymmen to be-holde,
Ne for to Iangle wurdës bolde.
Clerk with skyl shulde be pryue,
And nat yn cherche of wurdës fre;
Ne dysturble men with hys rage,
For hyt ys called sacrylage.
And nat yn cherche of wurdës fre;
Ne dysturble men with hys rage,
For hyt ys called sacrylage.
kepe þy body yn cherche fro synne,
Þy menbrys and þy wyt with-ynne;
Specyally þy þoȝt and þy syȝt,
Þan may þy preyer be made alle ryȝt.
Þy menbrys and þy wyt with-ynne;
Specyally þy þoȝt and þy syȝt,
Þan may þy preyer be made alle ryȝt.
Also hyt ys vyleynye to werche,
A lewed man to plete yn cherche,
lay courte, or elles counte,
Þer any man myȝt dampned be;
Ne quest take of endytëment
yn holy cherche, oþer ȝerde purseynt;
Ne sysours oght nat to enquere
Of felonye, ne of þeftë þere;
Þou þat hym wreyest, þou mayst weyl se
Þou demyst hym with þat ys yn þe.
Ȝyf þou yn cherche dest any of þyse,
Þou trespast aȝens þe fraunchyse.
A lewed man to plete yn cherche,
lay courte, or elles counte,
Þer any man myȝt dampned be;
Ne quest take of endytëment
yn holy cherche, oþer ȝerde purseynt;
Ne sysours oght nat to enquere
Of felonye, ne of þeftë þere;
Þou þat hym wreyest, þou mayst weyl se
Þou demyst hym with þat ys yn þe.
Ȝyf þou yn cherche dest any of þyse,
Þou trespast aȝens þe fraunchyse.
Ȝyf þou euer hauntedest swych outrage,
yn holy cherche with wymmen to rage,
Þat so ferfurþ was þy wyl
Þat þy naturë dydë spyl,—
Þere, y sey, þou synnest dedly;
Ȝe, morë þan þou lay here by.
For þus sey þey þat clergy can,
he myȝt betyde slaghter of man;
Also holy wryt hyt forbedes,
with womman to do flesshely dedes;
Yn holy stede, hyt ys grete awe
Þe dede to do, or speke with sawe;
And nam[ë]ly þer men do messe,
Many more folde þe synnë ys.
And, for to fle[en] swych trespas,
Y shal ȝow telle an auenturs kas.
281
Þat so ferfurþ was þy wyl
Þat þy naturë dydë spyl,—
Þere, y sey, þou synnest dedly;
Ȝe, morë þan þou lay here by.
For þus sey þey þat clergy can,
he myȝt betyde slaghter of man;
Also holy wryt hyt forbedes,
with womman to do flesshely dedes;
Yn holy stede, hyt ys grete awe
Þe dede to do, or speke with sawe;
And nam[ë]ly þer men do messe,
Many more folde þe synnë ys.
And, for to fle[en] swych trespas,
Y shal ȝow telle an auenturs kas.
[The Tale of the Sacrilegious Husband and Wife who stuck together.]
Þyr was a man, and hyght Rychere,
A ryche of pens and of powere;
hyt telleþ algate he hadde enmys,
Oþer for hys gode, or for folys;
Of hem hadde he swyche drede & eye,
he fled and woned yn an abbeye.
A ryche of pens and of powere;
hyt telleþ algate he hadde enmys,
Oþer for hys gode, or for folys;
Of hem hadde he swyche drede & eye,
he fled and woned yn an abbeye.
Þe abbot ded hym a chambre werche
For hys ese, fast by þe cherche;
And he and hyse hadde here wonnyng,
wyfe and chylde, and ouþer þyng.
For hys ese, fast by þe cherche;
And he and hyse hadde here wonnyng,
wyfe and chylde, and ouþer þyng.
O nyȝt þyr was, he knewe hys wyfe
Of flesshely dede, as fyl here lyfe;
And God was nat payd, and wlde hyt noȝt,
So ny þe cherche, swyche dede were wroȝt;
Þey myghte no more be broghte a-sondre
Þan dog and bych þat men on wondre.
Betydde a shame, þey gun to crye,
Þat wundyr fyl on here folye.
Of flesshely dede, as fyl here lyfe;
And God was nat payd, and wlde hyt noȝt,
So ny þe cherche, swyche dede were wroȝt;
Þey myghte no more be broghte a-sondre
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Betydde a shame, þey gun to crye,
Þat wundyr fyl on here folye.
Men asked sone what was þat drede;
At þe laste, hyt shewed yn dede.
Sone oueral ȝedë þat fame;
Ȝow þar nat aske ȝyf þey þoȝt shame.
At þe laste, hyt shewed yn dede.
Sone oueral ȝedë þat fame;
Ȝow þar nat aske ȝyf þey þoȝt shame.
Þys man dyd þe munkes to kalle,
And specyaly besoghte hem alle
To praye for hem yn orysun
Þat þey myghtë be undoun.
“And largëly we wul ȝow ȝyue,
And wurschyp þys stede whyl þat we lyue;
Þat God almyȝty graunte hyt be so
Þat oure synne he wyl vndo.”
Þese munkes besoghte for hem a bone,
And God almyȝty graunted hyt sone.
And specyaly besoghte hem alle
To praye for hem yn orysun
Þat þey myghtë be undoun.
“And largëly we wul ȝow ȝyue,
And wurschyp þys stede whyl þat we lyue;
Þat God almyȝty graunte hyt be so
Þat oure synne he wyl vndo.”
Þese munkes besoghte for hem a bone,
And God almyȝty graunted hyt sone.
Þere, þurgh alle here ordynaunce,
Þey dede to wryte yn boke þys chaunce,
For to shewe hyt euer more,
Þat ouþer myȝt beware þar-fore.
Þey dede to wryte yn boke þys chaunce,
For to shewe hyt euer more,
Þat ouþer myȝt beware þar-fore.
Þys chaunce fyl nat for hem allone,
But for to warne vs euerychone,
Þat we shul euermorë drede,
Yn holy place to do þat dede.
For, moche more dampnacyun
wyl falle of fornycacyun,
And, ȝyt more for auowtrye
Of prestys or wyuës lecherye,
whan God toke wreche, þat many of spake,
For a dede þat was do yn ryȝt wedlake.
But for to warne vs euerychone,
Þat we shul euermorë drede,
Yn holy place to do þat dede.
For, moche more dampnacyun
wyl falle of fornycacyun,
And, ȝyt more for auowtrye
Of prestys or wyuës lecherye,
whan God toke wreche, þat many of spake,
For a dede þat was do yn ryȝt wedlake.
Þys yche chaunce, to ȝow y tolde,
For hyt ys gode yn herte to holde,
Namly men of holy cherche,
Þat þey þer-ynne no swyche dede werche.
For hyt ys gode yn herte to holde,
Namly men of holy cherche,
Þat þey þer-ynne no swyche dede werche.
283
karolles, wrastlynges, or somour games,
who-so euer haunteþ any swyche shames
Yn cherche, oþer yn cherchëȝerd,
Of sacrylage he may be a-ferd;
Or entyrludës, or syngynge,
Or tabure bete, or oþer pypynge,
Alle swychë þyng forbodyn es,
whyle þe prest stondeþ at messe.
Alle swyche, to euery gode preste ys lothe,
And sunner wyl he make hym wroth
Þan hé wyl, þat haþ no wyt,
Ne vndyrstondeþ nat holy wryt;
And specyaly, at hyghe tymes,
karolles to synge, and redë rymys,
Noght yn nonë holy stedes,
Þat myȝt dysturble þe prestës bedes,
Or ȝyf he were yn orysun
Or any ouþer deuocyun,
Sacrylage ys alle hyt tolde,
Þys and many oþer folde.
who-so euer haunteþ any swyche shames
Yn cherche, oþer yn cherchëȝerd,
Of sacrylage he may be a-ferd;
Or entyrludës, or syngynge,
Or tabure bete, or oþer pypynge,
Alle swychë þyng forbodyn es,
whyle þe prest stondeþ at messe.
Alle swyche, to euery gode preste ys lothe,
And sunner wyl he make hym wroth
Þan hé wyl, þat haþ no wyt,
Ne vndyrstondeþ nat holy wryt;
And specyaly, at hyghe tymes,
karolles to synge, and redë rymys,
Noght yn nonë holy stedes,
Þat myȝt dysturble þe prestës bedes,
Or ȝyf he were yn orysun
Or any ouþer deuocyun,
Sacrylage ys alle hyt tolde,
Þys and many oþer folde.
But for to leue, yn cherche to daunce,
Y shal ȝow telle a ful grete chaunce,
And y trow, þe most þat fel
Ys as soþ as þe gospel;
And fyl þys chauncë yn þys londe,
Yn Ingland, as y vndyrstonde;
Yn a kynges tyme þat hyght Edward,
Fyl þys chaunce þat was so hard.
Y shal ȝow telle a ful grete chaunce,
And y trow, þe most þat fel
Ys as soþ as þe gospel;
And fyl þys chauncë yn þys londe,
Yn Ingland, as y vndyrstonde;
Yn a kynges tyme þat hyght Edward,
Fyl þys chaunce þat was so hard.
The Tale of the Sacrilegious Carollers, and how they danst together for twelve Months without stopping, and then went hopping about singly ever afterwards.]
Hyt was vpp-on a crystemesse nyȝt
Þat twelue folys a karolle dyȝt;
yn wodehed, as hyt were yn cuntek
Þey come to a tounne men calles Colbek;
Þe cherche of þe tounne þat þey to come,
Ys of seynt Magne þat suffred martyrdome;
Of seynt Bukcestre hyt ys also,
Seynt Magnes suster, þat þey come to.
here names of alle, þus fonde y wryte,
And as y wote, now shul ȝe wyte:
here lodës-man þat made hem glew,
Þus ys wryte, he hyȝte Gerlew;
Twey maydens were yn here coueyne,
Mayden Merswynde and Wybessyne;
Alle þese come þedyr for þat enchesone,
Of þe prestës doghtyr of þe tounne.
Þat twelue folys a karolle dyȝt;
284
Þey come to a tounne men calles Colbek;
Þe cherche of þe tounne þat þey to come,
Ys of seynt Magne þat suffred martyrdome;
Of seynt Bukcestre hyt ys also,
Seynt Magnes suster, þat þey come to.
here names of alle, þus fonde y wryte,
And as y wote, now shul ȝe wyte:
here lodës-man þat made hem glew,
Þus ys wryte, he hyȝte Gerlew;
Twey maydens were yn here coueyne,
Mayden Merswynde and Wybessyne;
Alle þese come þedyr for þat enchesone,
Of þe prestës doghtyr of þe tounne.
Þe prest hyȝt Robert, as y kan ame;
Aȝone, hyght hys sone by name;
Hys doghter, þat þese men wulde haue,
Þus ys wryte, þat she hyȝt Aue;
Echoune consented to o wyl,
who shuld go, Aue oute to tyl:
Þey graunted echone out to sende
Boþe Wybessynë and Merswynde.
Aȝone, hyght hys sone by name;
Hys doghter, þat þese men wulde haue,
Þus ys wryte, þat she hyȝt Aue;
Echoune consented to o wyl,
who shuld go, Aue oute to tyl:
Þey graunted echone out to sende
Boþe Wybessynë and Merswynde.
Þese wommen ȝede and tolled here oute
wyþ hem to karolle þe cherche aboute.
Beune ordeyned here karollyng;
Gerlew endyted what þey shuld syng:
Þys ys þe karolle þat þey sunge,
As telleþ þe latyn tunge,
“Equitabat Beuo per siluam frondosam,
Ducebat secum Merswyndam formosam,
Quid stamus, cur non imus?”
[OMITTED]
“By þe leued wode rode Beuolyne,
wyþ hym he leddë feyre Merswyne;
why stondë we? why go we noght?”
Þys ys þe karolle þat Grysly wroght.
Þys songe sunge þey yn þe chercheȝerd,—
Of foly were þey no þyng aferd,—
Vn-to þe matynes were alle done,
And þe messe shuld bygynnë sone.
wyþ hem to karolle þe cherche aboute.
Beune ordeyned here karollyng;
Gerlew endyted what þey shuld syng:
Þys ys þe karolle þat þey sunge,
As telleþ þe latyn tunge,
“Equitabat Beuo per siluam frondosam,
Ducebat secum Merswyndam formosam,
Quid stamus, cur non imus?”
[OMITTED]
285
wyþ hym he leddë feyre Merswyne;
why stondë we? why go we noght?”
Þys ys þe karolle þat Grysly wroght.
Þys songe sunge þey yn þe chercheȝerd,—
Of foly were þey no þyng aferd,—
Vn-to þe matynes were alle done,
And þe messe shuld bygynnë sone.
Þe preste hym reuest to begynne messe,
And þey ne left þerfore, neuer þe lesse,
But daunsed furþe as þey bygan;
For alle þe messë þey ne blan.
And þey ne left þerfore, neuer þe lesse,
But daunsed furþe as þey bygan;
For alle þe messë þey ne blan.
Þe preste, þat stode at þe autere
And herde here noysë and here bere,
Fro þe auter down he nam,
And to þe cherchë porche he cam,
And seyd, “on Goddes behalue, y ȝow forbede
Þat ȝe no lenger do swych dede;
But comeþ yn, on feyre manere,
Goddës seruysë for to here,
And doþ at Crystyn mennys lawe;
karolleþ no more for Crystys awe,
wurschyppeþ hym with alle ȝoure myȝt,
Þat of þe vyrgyne was bore þys nyȝt.”
And herde here noysë and here bere,
Fro þe auter down he nam,
And to þe cherchë porche he cam,
And seyd, “on Goddes behalue, y ȝow forbede
Þat ȝe no lenger do swych dede;
But comeþ yn, on feyre manere,
Goddës seruysë for to here,
And doþ at Crystyn mennys lawe;
karolleþ no more for Crystys awe,
wurschyppeþ hym with alle ȝoure myȝt,
Þat of þe vyrgyne was bore þys nyȝt.”
For alle hys byddyng, lefte þey noȝt,
But daunsed furþ, as þey þoȝt.
Þe prest þarefore was sore a-greued,
he preyd God þat he on beleuyd,
And for seynt Magne, þat he wulde so werche,
yn whos wurschyp, sette was þe cherche,
Þat swych a veniaunce were on hem sent
Are þey oute of þat stedé were went,
Þat þey myȝt euer, ryȝt so wende
Vnto þat tymë tweluemonth ende:
(Yn þe latyne þat y fonde þore,
he seyþ nat ‘tweluemonth,’ but ‘euermore.’)
He cursed hem þere alsaume
As þey karoled on here gaume.
But daunsed furþ, as þey þoȝt.
Þe prest þarefore was sore a-greued,
he preyd God þat he on beleuyd,
And for seynt Magne, þat he wulde so werche,
yn whos wurschyp, sette was þe cherche,
Þat swych a veniaunce were on hem sent
Are þey oute of þat stedé were went,
Þat þey myȝt euer, ryȝt so wende
Vnto þat tymë tweluemonth ende:
286
he seyþ nat ‘tweluemonth,’ but ‘euermore.’)
He cursed hem þere alsaume
As þey karoled on here gaume.
as sone as þe preste hadde so spoke,
Euery hande yn ouþer so fast was loke,
Þat no man myȝt with no wundyr
Þat tweluemonþe parte hem asundyr.
Euery hande yn ouþer so fast was loke,
Þat no man myȝt with no wundyr
Þat tweluemonþe parte hem asundyr.
Þe preste ȝede yn, whan þys was done,
And commaunded hys sone Aȝone
Þat he shulde go swyþe aftyr Aue,
Oute of þat karolle algate to haue.
But al to late þat wurde was seyd,
For on hem alle was þe veniaunce leyd.
And commaunded hys sone Aȝone
Þat he shulde go swyþe aftyr Aue,
Oute of þat karolle algate to haue.
But al to late þat wurde was seyd,
For on hem alle was þe veniaunce leyd.
Aȝone wende weyl for to spede;
Vn-to þe karolle asswyþe he ȝede;
hys systyr by þe arme he hente,
And, þe arme fro þe body wente.
Men wundred allë, þat þere wore,
And merueyle mowe ȝe herë more,
For seþen he had þe arme yn hande,
Þe body ȝede furþ karoland;
And noþer body, ne þe arme,
Bledde neuer blodë, colde ne warme,
But was as drye, with al þe haunche,
As of a stok were ryue a braunche.
Vn-to þe karolle asswyþe he ȝede;
hys systyr by þe arme he hente,
And, þe arme fro þe body wente.
Men wundred allë, þat þere wore,
And merueyle mowe ȝe herë more,
For seþen he had þe arme yn hande,
Þe body ȝede furþ karoland;
And noþer body, ne þe arme,
Bledde neuer blodë, colde ne warme,
But was as drye, with al þe haunche,
As of a stok were ryue a braunche.
Aȝone to hys fadyr went,
And broght hym a sory present:
“loke, fadyr,” he seyd, “and haue hyt here,
Þe armë of þy doghtyr dere
Þat was myn ownë syster Aue,
Þat y wende y myȝt a saue.
Þy cursyng, now sene hyt ys
with veniaunce on þyn ownë flessh;
Fellyche þou cursedest, and ouer sone;
Þou askedest veniaunce, þou hast þy bone.”
And broght hym a sory present:
“loke, fadyr,” he seyd, “and haue hyt here,
Þe armë of þy doghtyr dere
Þat was myn ownë syster Aue,
Þat y wende y myȝt a saue.
Þy cursyng, now sene hyt ys
with veniaunce on þyn ownë flessh;
Fellyche þou cursedest, and ouer sone;
Þou askedest veniaunce, þou hast þy bone.”
Ȝow þar nat aske ȝyf þere was wo
with þe preste and with many mo.
287
Þe prest þat cursed for þat daunce,
On some of hys, fyl hardë chaunce.
he toke hys doghtyr arme forlorn
And byryëd hyt on þe morn;
Þe nextë day, þe arme of Aue,
he fonde hyt lyggyng aboue þe graue.
he byryed hyt on anouþer day,
And eft aboue þe graue hyt lay;
Þe þryddë tyme he byryed hyt,
And eft was hyt kast oute of þe pyt.
Þe prest wulde byrye hyt no more;
hé dredde þe veniaunce ferly sore;
yn-to þe cherche he bare þe arme,
For drede and doute of morë harme,
hé ordeyned hyt for to be,
Þat euery man myȝt with ye hyt se.
On some of hys, fyl hardë chaunce.
he toke hys doghtyr arme forlorn
And byryëd hyt on þe morn;
Þe nextë day, þe arme of Aue,
he fonde hyt lyggyng aboue þe graue.
he byryed hyt on anouþer day,
And eft aboue þe graue hyt lay;
Þe þryddë tyme he byryed hyt,
And eft was hyt kast oute of þe pyt.
Þe prest wulde byrye hyt no more;
hé dredde þe veniaunce ferly sore;
yn-to þe cherche he bare þe arme,
For drede and doute of morë harme,
hé ordeyned hyt for to be,
Þat euery man myȝt with ye hyt se.
Þese men þat ȝede so karolland
Alle þat ȝerë hand yn hand,
Þey neuer oute of þat stede ȝede,
Ne nonë myȝt hem þennë lede;
Þere þe cursyng fyrst bygan,
yn þat place, a-boute þey ran,
Þat neuer ne felte þey no werynes—
As many bodyes, for goyng, dos—
Ne metë etë, ne drank drynke,
Ne sleptë onely a-lepy wynke;
Nyȝt, ne day, þey wyst of none,
whan hyt was come, whan hyt was gone;
Frost ne snogh, hayle ne reyne,
Of colde ne hete, felte þey no peyne;
Heere ne naylës neuer grewe,
Ne solowed cloþes, ne turned hewe;
Þundyr ne lyȝtnyng dyd hem no dere,
Goddes mercy dyd hyt fro hem were;
But sungge þat songge þat þe wo wroȝt,
“why stondë we, why go we noȝt?”
Alle þat ȝerë hand yn hand,
Þey neuer oute of þat stede ȝede,
Ne nonë myȝt hem þennë lede;
Þere þe cursyng fyrst bygan,
yn þat place, a-boute þey ran,
Þat neuer ne felte þey no werynes—
As many bodyes, for goyng, dos—
Ne metë etë, ne drank drynke,
Ne sleptë onely a-lepy wynke;
Nyȝt, ne day, þey wyst of none,
whan hyt was come, whan hyt was gone;
Frost ne snogh, hayle ne reyne,
Of colde ne hete, felte þey no peyne;
Heere ne naylës neuer grewe,
Ne solowed cloþes, ne turned hewe;
Þundyr ne lyȝtnyng dyd hem no dere,
Goddes mercy dyd hyt fro hem were;
But sungge þat songge þat þe wo wroȝt,
“why stondë we, why go we noȝt?”
what man shuld þyr, be, yn þys lyue,
Þat ne wulde hyt see, and þedyr dryue?
Þe Emperoure Henry come fro Rome
For to see þys hard[ë] dome;
whan he hem say, he weptë sore
For þe myschefe þat he sagh þore;
He ded come wryȝtës for to make
Coueryng ouer hem, for tempest sake;
But þat þey wroght, hyt was yn veyn,
For, hyt come to no certeyn;
For þat þey settë on oo day,
On þe touþer, downe hyt lay;
Ones, twyys, þryys, þus þey wroȝt,
And alle here makyng was for noȝt;
Myght no coueryng hyle hem fro colde
Tyl tyme of mercy, þat Cryst hyt wolde.
288
Þe Emperoure Henry come fro Rome
For to see þys hard[ë] dome;
whan he hem say, he weptë sore
For þe myschefe þat he sagh þore;
He ded come wryȝtës for to make
Coueryng ouer hem, for tempest sake;
But þat þey wroght, hyt was yn veyn,
For, hyt come to no certeyn;
For þat þey settë on oo day,
On þe touþer, downe hyt lay;
Ones, twyys, þryys, þus þey wroȝt,
And alle here makyng was for noȝt;
Myght no coueryng hyle hem fro colde
Tyl tyme of mercy, þat Cryst hyt wolde.
Tyme of grace fyl þurgh hys myȝt
At þe twelvemonth ende, on þe ȝolë nyȝt,
Þe same oure þat þe prest hem banned,
Þe samë oure, atwynne þey woned;
Þat houre þat he cursed hem ynne,
Þat samë oure þey ȝede atwynne:
And, as yn twynkelyng of an ye,
Yn-to þe cherchë gun þey flye,
And on þe pauement þey fyl alle downe,
As þey hade be dede, or fal yn a swone.
At þe twelvemonth ende, on þe ȝolë nyȝt,
Þe same oure þat þe prest hem banned,
Þe samë oure, atwynne þey woned;
Þat houre þat he cursed hem ynne,
Þat samë oure þey ȝede atwynne:
And, as yn twynkelyng of an ye,
Yn-to þe cherchë gun þey flye,
And on þe pauement þey fyl alle downe,
As þey hade be dede, or fal yn a swone.
Þre days, styl, þey lay echone,
Þat none steryd, oþer flesshe or bone,
And, at þe þre days ende,
To lyfe God grauntede hem to wende.
Þey sette hem vpp, and spak apert
To þe parysshe prest, syre Robert:
“Þou art ensample and enchesun
Of oure long confusyun;
Þou maker art of oure trauayle,
Þat ys to many grete meruayle;
And þy traueyle shalt þou sone ende,
For to þy long home, some shalt þou wende.”
Þat none steryd, oþer flesshe or bone,
And, at þe þre days ende,
To lyfe God grauntede hem to wende.
Þey sette hem vpp, and spak apert
To þe parysshe prest, syre Robert:
“Þou art ensample and enchesun
Of oure long confusyun;
Þou maker art of oure trauayle,
Þat ys to many grete meruayle;
And þy traueyle shalt þou sone ende,
289
Alle þey ryse þat ychë tyde,
But Auë; she lay dede besyde;
Grete sorowe had here fadyr, here broþer,
Merueyle and drede had allë ouþer,
Y trow no drede of soulë dede,
But with pyne was broght þe body dede.
Þe fyrst man was þe fadyr, þe prest,
Þat, deyd aftyr þe doȝtyr nest,
Þys ychë arme þat was of Aue,
Þat, nonë myȝt leye yn graue,
Þe emperoure dyd a vessel werche
To do hyt yn, and hange yn þe cherche,
Þat alle men myȝt se hyt and knawe,
And þenk on þe chaunce when men hyt sawe.
But Auë; she lay dede besyde;
Grete sorowe had here fadyr, here broþer,
Merueyle and drede had allë ouþer,
Y trow no drede of soulë dede,
But with pyne was broght þe body dede.
Þe fyrst man was þe fadyr, þe prest,
Þat, deyd aftyr þe doȝtyr nest,
Þys ychë arme þat was of Aue,
Þat, nonë myȝt leye yn graue,
Þe emperoure dyd a vessel werche
To do hyt yn, and hange yn þe cherche,
Þat alle men myȝt se hyt and knawe,
And þenk on þe chaunce when men hyt sawe.
Þese men þat hadde go þus karolland
Alle þe ȝere, fast hand yn hand,
Þogh þat þey were þan asunder,
Ȝyt alle þe worlde spake of hem wunder:
Þat same hoppyng þat þey fyrst ȝede,
Þat daunce ȝede þey þurgh land and lede;
And as þey ne myȝt fyrst be vnbounde,
So efte to-gedyr myȝt þey neuer be founde,
Ne myȝt þey neuer come aȝeyn
To-gedyr, to oo stede certeyn.
Alle þe ȝere, fast hand yn hand,
Þogh þat þey were þan asunder,
Ȝyt alle þe worlde spake of hem wunder:
Þat same hoppyng þat þey fyrst ȝede,
Þat daunce ȝede þey þurgh land and lede;
And as þey ne myȝt fyrst be vnbounde,
So efte to-gedyr myȝt þey neuer be founde,
Ne myȝt þey neuer come aȝeyn
To-gedyr, to oo stede certeyn.
Foure ȝede to þe courte of Rome,
And euer hoppyng aboute þey nome;
with sundyr lepys come þey þedyr,
But þey come neuer efte to-gedyr;
Here cloþes ne roted, ne naylës grewe,
Ne heere ne wax, ne solowed hewe,
Ne neuer hadde þey amendëment,
Þat we herde, at any corseynt,
But at þe vyrgyne Seynt Edyght,
Þere was he botened, seynt Teodryght;
On oure lady day, yn lenten tyde,
As he slepte here toumbe besyde,
Þere he hade hys medycyne,
At seynt Edyght, þe holy vyrgyne.
And euer hoppyng aboute þey nome;
with sundyr lepys come þey þedyr,
But þey come neuer efte to-gedyr;
Here cloþes ne roted, ne naylës grewe,
Ne heere ne wax, ne solowed hewe,
Ne neuer hadde þey amendëment,
Þat we herde, at any corseynt,
But at þe vyrgyne Seynt Edyght,
Þere was he botened, seynt Teodryght;
On oure lady day, yn lenten tyde,
As he slepte here toumbe besyde,
290
At seynt Edyght, þe holy vyrgyne.
Brunyng, þe bysshope of seynt Tolous,
wrote þys tale so merueylous;
Seþþe was hys name of more renoun,
Men called hym þe pope Leoun;
Þys at þe court of Rome þey wyte,
And yn þe kronykeles hyt ys wryte,
Yn many stedys be-ȝounde þe see,
More þan ys yn þys cuntre;
Þarfor men seye, an weyl ys trowed,
“Þe nere þe cherche, þe fyrþer fro God.”
wrote þys tale so merueylous;
Seþþe was hys name of more renoun,
Men called hym þe pope Leoun;
Þys at þe court of Rome þey wyte,
And yn þe kronykeles hyt ys wryte,
Yn many stedys be-ȝounde þe see,
More þan ys yn þys cuntre;
Þarfor men seye, an weyl ys trowed,
“Þe nere þe cherche, þe fyrþer fro God.”
So fare men here by þys tale:
Some holde hyt but a trotëuale;
Yn oþer stedys hyt ys ful dere,
And for grete merueyle þey wyl hyt here;
A tale hyt ys of feyre shewyng,
Ensample and drede aȝens cursyng;
Þys tale y tolde ȝow, to make ȝow aferde,
Yn cherche to karolle, or yn cherche ȝerde,
Namely aȝens þe prestys wylle;
leueþ, whan he byddeþ ȝow be stylle,
Some holde hyt but a trotëuale;
Yn oþer stedys hyt ys ful dere,
And for grete merueyle þey wyl hyt here;
A tale hyt ys of feyre shewyng,
Ensample and drede aȝens cursyng;
Þys tale y tolde ȝow, to make ȝow aferde,
Yn cherche to karolle, or yn cherche ȝerde,
Namely aȝens þe prestys wylle;
leueþ, whan he byddeþ ȝow be stylle,
Ianglyng longeþ to sacrylage;
Þar-of takeþ þe fende taylage;
Iangle we yn cherche neuer so lyte,
Alle þat we do Iangle, þe fende doþe wryte,
And shal shewe hyt before oure face
whan hys rolle ys broght yn place:
And y shal tellë, as y kan,
A bourdë of an holy man.
Þar-of takeþ þe fende taylage;
Iangle we yn cherche neuer so lyte,
Alle þat we do Iangle, þe fende doþe wryte,
And shal shewe hyt before oure face
whan hys rolle ys broght yn place:
And y shal tellë, as y kan,
A bourdë of an holy man.
[The Tale of the Devil's Disappointment with the Chattering Women.]
Shortly to tellë, and nat longe,
An holy man hys messë songe;
And at þe messe, whan tymë fel
Þe dekene to redë þe gospel,
Yn hys redyng, none wyst why,
he logh a grete laghter an hy.
An holy man hys messë songe;
And at þe messe, whan tymë fel
Þe dekene to redë þe gospel,
291
he logh a grete laghter an hy.
Þe preste, and oþer þat þere stode,
helde hym a fole, þat coude no gode.
Seþþë, whan þe messe was done,
Þe preste asked þe dekene sone,
‘why þat he so ferde, and how
þat he, yn hys gospel, logh?’
Moche þarfore he gan hym blame,
For þe lewed folk þoght hyt shame.
helde hym a fole, þat coude no gode.
Seþþë, whan þe messe was done,
Þe preste asked þe dekene sone,
‘why þat he so ferde, and how
þat he, yn hys gospel, logh?’
Moche þarfore he gan hym blame,
For þe lewed folk þoght hyt shame.
Þe dekene told hym why hyt fel
þere to laghe yn hys gospel:
“As y redde þat ychë tyde,
Twey wymmen Iangled þere besyde;
Betwyx hem to, y say a fende
with penne and parchëmen yn honde,
And, wrote alle þat euer þey spake,
Pryuyly be-hynde here bake.
þere to laghe yn hys gospel:
“As y redde þat ychë tyde,
Twey wymmen Iangled þere besyde;
Betwyx hem to, y say a fende
with penne and parchëmen yn honde,
And, wrote alle þat euer þey spake,
Pryuyly be-hynde here bake.
whan hys rolle was wryte alle ful,
To drawe hyt oute he gan to pul;
with hys teþe he gan to drawe,
And hardë for to tugge and gnawe,
Þat hys rolle to-braste and rofe;
And hys hede aȝens þe walle drofe
Só hard, and so ferly sore,
Whan hys parchemen was no more.
To drawe hyt oute he gan to pul;
with hys teþe he gan to drawe,
And hardë for to tugge and gnawe,
Þat hys rolle to-braste and rofe;
And hys hede aȝens þe walle drofe
Só hard, and so ferly sore,
Whan hys parchemen was no more.
whan y say þat, y lete so gode,
Y brast on laghter þere y stode,
Þat he so mochë sorow hadde,
As hys wrytyng was alle to-fade;
And when he parceyued þat y wyste,
He al to-drofe hyt with hys fyste,
And went a-wey, alle for shame;
þarfore y logh and hadde gode game.”
Y brast on laghter þere y stode,
Þat he so mochë sorow hadde,
As hys wrytyng was alle to-fade;
And when he parceyued þat y wyste,
He al to-drofe hyt with hys fyste,
And went a-wey, alle for shame;
þarfore y logh and hadde gode game.”
Þe prest hym asked ‘whedyr he say mo.’
“Many,” he seyd, “y sagh þere go,
And wrote oueral þere men tolde,
But none so moche þat y dyde beholde;
Hym behelde y weyl ynogh,
For þat he dyd, þere-at y logh.”
Þan wyst þe prest, þurgh þat syȝt
Þat he was weyl with God almyȝt.
“Many,” he seyd, “y sagh þere go,
And wrote oueral þere men tolde,
But none so moche þat y dyde beholde;
Hym behelde y weyl ynogh,
292
Þan wyst þe prest, þurgh þat syȝt
Þat he was weyl with God almyȝt.
For Ianglers, þys tale y tolde,
Þat þey yn cherche here tungës holde.
Speke to God yn þy preyere,
And þat shal nat þe fendë here.
Þou Iangler, take þou godë kepe,
hyt were wel bettyr þou were on slepe;
Ȝyf hyt ne be amended here,
Elleswere shalt þou a-bye hyt dere.
Þat þey yn cherche here tungës holde.
Speke to God yn þy preyere,
And þat shal nat þe fendë here.
Þou Iangler, take þou godë kepe,
hyt were wel bettyr þou were on slepe;
Ȝyf hyt ne be amended here,
Elleswere shalt þou a-bye hyt dere.
Sacrylage also may be for tyþe;
yn þat, synne men ful oftë syþe.
Of allë þyng, þat þe neweþ,
Tyþe ryȝtly, ór elles hyt þe reweþ.
Of þe werst þou shalt nat ȝyue,
For þan lesest þou þy gode yn þy lyue;
Ne ȝyue hyt nat with wykked wyl,
For al þe touþer, mayst þou þan spyl;
Ȝyue God þe best þat þou mayst haue,
And alle þe touþer he wyl þe saue.
yn þat, synne men ful oftë syþe.
Of allë þyng, þat þe neweþ,
Tyþe ryȝtly, ór elles hyt þe reweþ.
Of þe werst þou shalt nat ȝyue,
For þan lesest þou þy gode yn þy lyue;
Ne ȝyue hyt nat with wykked wyl,
For al þe touþer, mayst þou þan spyl;
Ȝyue God þe best þat þou mayst haue,
And alle þe touþer he wyl þe saue.
Foure þynges are ȝyuë specyaly
To euery man þat tyþeþ ryȝtly;
Þe fyrst ys, long lyfe to haue;
Þe touþer, þe yn gode hele to saue;
Þe þryd ys, gracë gode with-ynne;
Þe fourþe, forȝyuenes of þy synne:
Ȝyf þou wylt haue any of þyse,
Tyþë weyl, and on gode syse.
To euery man þat tyþeþ ryȝtly;
Þe fyrst ys, long lyfe to haue;
Þe touþer, þe yn gode hele to saue;
Þe þryd ys, gracë gode with-ynne;
Þe fourþe, forȝyuenes of þy synne:
Ȝyf þou wylt haue any of þyse,
Tyþë weyl, and on gode syse.
ȝyf þou turnedest, for worldes wynnyng,
halewed place, or holy þyng,
Cherche ȝerde, or þere chapyl was,
Tymber, stones, eren, or glas,
Curteynes, or ouþer vestyment,
Or any oþer vesselement
Þat falleþ to holy cherches seruyse,
And vsest hem on ouþer wyse,
Þy wytyng;—þou synnest dedly
Yn sacrylage certeynly.
halewed place, or holy þyng,
Cherche ȝerde, or þere chapyl was,
Tymber, stones, eren, or glas,
Curteynes, or ouþer vestyment,
Or any oþer vesselement
Þat falleþ to holy cherches seruyse,
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Þy wytyng;—þou synnest dedly
Yn sacrylage certeynly.
Þarto shal y preue my sawe
By a tale of þe oldë lawe;
And þys tale yn þat tyme fyl,
Þat was of þe prophete Danyël.
By a tale of þe oldë lawe;
And þys tale yn þat tyme fyl,
Þat was of þe prophete Danyël.
[The Tale of Belshazzar's Feast, and the Prophet Daniel.]
Þyr was a kyng of grete powere;
yn hys tyme was none hys pere;
ynogh he hadde of worldës myȝt,
And Baltazar hys namë hyȝt.
yn hys tyme was none hys pere;
ynogh he hadde of worldës myȝt,
And Baltazar hys namë hyȝt.
Þys kyng was a paynym,
and with oste he come to Ierusalem,
And robbed þe temple, þys Baltaȝare,
And þe tresour awey bare;
Þe vessel þat was of ryche metalle,
Þat Goddes temple was seruede with-alle,
þat, and more, he dyd aloyne,
And ledde hem yn-to Babyloyne.
and with oste he come to Ierusalem,
And robbed þe temple, þys Baltaȝare,
And þe tresour awey bare;
Þe vessel þat was of ryche metalle,
Þat Goddes temple was seruede with-alle,
þat, and more, he dyd aloyne,
And ledde hem yn-to Babyloyne.
Sone aftyrward, þys ychë kyng
Deyd, and madë hys endyng.
hys sone reyned yn þat same,
And Baltaȝarë was hys name;
Alle þe vessel with hym lefte,
Þat hys fadyr hadd stole and refte.
Deyd, and madë hys endyng.
hys sone reyned yn þat same,
And Baltaȝarë was hys name;
Alle þe vessel with hym lefte,
Þat hys fadyr hadd stole and refte.
A day he made a noble feste
with barons and with rychë geste;
Þys vessel þat hys fadyr stale,
Rychely he dyd hym serue with-alle;
Of þe vessel þey ete and dranke,
But to God made þey no þanke;
But yn alle here moste gladyng,
To fals goddys þey made wurschypyng.
A kandelstyke stode þe kyng before,
Þat oute of Ierusalem was bore;
Þe kyng lokede to þat candelstyke,
And sagh besyde a grete ferlyke:
Vndyr þe kandelstyke, a lytel logh,
He sagh an hande wryte on þe wogh;
No morë he sagh þan þe hande,
But þe lettres were weyl farande;
he redde hyt as he sate on þe des,
“Mane techel fares.”
No more þyr was þere wryte;
On englys þus ys hyt to wyte,
‘To mornë shal departyng be,
Of þy ryche kyngdom fro þe.’
with barons and with rychë geste;
Þys vessel þat hys fadyr stale,
Rychely he dyd hym serue with-alle;
Of þe vessel þey ete and dranke,
But to God made þey no þanke;
But yn alle here moste gladyng,
To fals goddys þey made wurschypyng.
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Þat oute of Ierusalem was bore;
Þe kyng lokede to þat candelstyke,
And sagh besyde a grete ferlyke:
Vndyr þe kandelstyke, a lytel logh,
He sagh an hande wryte on þe wogh;
No morë he sagh þan þe hande,
But þe lettres were weyl farande;
he redde hyt as he sate on þe des,
“Mane techel fares.”
No more þyr was þere wryte;
On englys þus ys hyt to wyte,
‘To mornë shal departyng be,
Of þy ryche kyngdom fro þe.’
Þe kyng vndyrstode no þyng of þys,
Ne none of hysë coude hym wys.
As he þys hand began to holde,
hys herte bygan to tremle and colde;
he shewed hyt to alle hys ássemble,
And crydë hyt þurgh þe cyte,
‘Þat ȝyf any coude do hym to wyte,
what hyt mente, þat þere was wryte,
He shulde haue of hym grete mede,
Þat coudë vndo þat yn dede.’
But none of alle, forsoþe to wene,
Coude telle þe kyng what hyt wlde mene.
Ne none of hysë coude hym wys.
As he þys hand began to holde,
hys herte bygan to tremle and colde;
he shewed hyt to alle hys ássemble,
And crydë hyt þurgh þe cyte,
‘Þat ȝyf any coude do hym to wyte,
what hyt mente, þat þere was wryte,
He shulde haue of hym grete mede,
Þat coudë vndo þat yn dede.’
But none of alle, forsoþe to wene,
Coude telle þe kyng what hyt wlde mene.
But þe quene seyd sone anone:
“Syre kyng, y wotë where ys one,
Þat kan do ȝow alle to knowe
what ys wrytë on þe wowe.
yn þys cyte, yn a strete,
woneþ a ful wys prophete,
hys name men callë Danyël,
he shal vndo þe wrytyng wel.”
“Syre kyng, y wotë where ys one,
Þat kan do ȝow alle to knowe
what ys wrytë on þe wowe.
yn þys cyte, yn a strete,
woneþ a ful wys prophete,
hys name men callë Danyël,
he shal vndo þe wrytyng wel.”
Þe kyng aftyr Danyël sente,
And þe prophete to hym wente;
Þe kyng hym preyd, byfore hem alle,
To tellë hem what shulde befalle.
And þe prophete to hym wente;
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To tellë hem what shulde befalle.
Þe prophete wuldë no þyng hyde:
“Þe hand þat þou sawe yn þe euyntyde,
hyt was sent fro God almyȝt,
Þat hys wraþþe ys to þe dyȝt,
For þou were serued of þe vesseles
Þat of hys temple were Ieuwels;
Þys day before, of hem þou ete,
And no wurschyp of hym þou lete,
Þat ys God, alle þyng weldande,
And þe and þyne haþ yn hys hande;
But to fals goddes þou madest onour
with vessel of hys owne tresour;
And for þou dedyst boþe euyl, and seyd,
Þy kyngdom ys yn balaunce leyd,
Tyl ryȝt be-demeþ, with euyn hand,
To wham hyt shal be ȝyue, þy land.
Þurgh dome of God, hyt ys so dryue,
To twey maner of folke þy land ys ȝyue;
Medys, and Persys, þy land shul haue;
Þe, ne þyne, mayst þou nat saue.
Here ys wryte þe samë wyse,
Y sey to þe, ryȝt as hyt seyse.”
“Þe hand þat þou sawe yn þe euyntyde,
hyt was sent fro God almyȝt,
Þat hys wraþþe ys to þe dyȝt,
For þou were serued of þe vesseles
Þat of hys temple were Ieuwels;
Þys day before, of hem þou ete,
And no wurschyp of hym þou lete,
Þat ys God, alle þyng weldande,
And þe and þyne haþ yn hys hande;
But to fals goddes þou madest onour
with vessel of hys owne tresour;
And for þou dedyst boþe euyl, and seyd,
Þy kyngdom ys yn balaunce leyd,
Tyl ryȝt be-demeþ, with euyn hand,
To wham hyt shal be ȝyue, þy land.
Þurgh dome of God, hyt ys so dryue,
To twey maner of folke þy land ys ȝyue;
Medys, and Persys, þy land shul haue;
Þe, ne þyne, mayst þou nat saue.
Here ys wryte þe samë wyse,
Y sey to þe, ryȝt as hyt seyse.”
Þe samë nyȝt þe lande was lore,
Þe kyng was slayn, and awey bore.
Þe kyng was slayn, and awey bore.
Here mayst þou se, euyl-wunne þyng,
with eyre shal neuer make gode endyng,
Namly, with þyng of holy cherche
Shalt þou neuer spede wel to werche.
Þat mayst þou se by parsones eyres,
hyt fareþ with hem as doþe with þese feyres;
Now ys þe feyrë bygged weyl,
And on þe morne ys þer neuer a deyl:
Ryche tresoure, now furþe men leye,
And on þe touþer day hyt ys alle aweye;
O day, to-gedyr men mowe hyt se,
A-nouther, sprede þurgh all þe cuntre.
with eyre shal neuer make gode endyng,
Namly, with þyng of holy cherche
Shalt þou neuer spede wel to werche.
Þat mayst þou se by parsones eyres,
hyt fareþ with hem as doþe with þese feyres;
Now ys þe feyrë bygged weyl,
And on þe morne ys þer neuer a deyl:
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And on þe touþer day hyt ys alle aweye;
O day, to-gedyr men mowe hyt se,
A-nouther, sprede þurgh all þe cuntre.
Þus fareþ hyt by þese parsones cosynes;
Þát þe parsone wynnyþ, þe cosyne tynes;
yn þe parsones tyme, rychely he lyueþ,
Aftyr hym, no man of hym ȝyueþ;
yn hys tyme, ofte pens he telleþ,
Aftyr hym, for pouert, penys he selleþ.
Þát þe parsone wynnyþ, þe cosyne tynes;
yn þe parsones tyme, rychely he lyueþ,
Aftyr hym, no man of hym ȝyueþ;
yn hys tyme, ofte pens he telleþ,
Aftyr hym, for pouert, penys he selleþ.
Also with purchasours ryȝt so hyt fareþ,
Alle þat þey bygge, here eyrës bareþ;
A purchasoure may beye þyng, & with lawe,
with-oute any dede of wrong or sawe;
But lokeþ, ȝyue he wynne þat katel weyl,
wharewith he byeþ hyt euerydeyl.
Ȝyf he haue wunne þe penys ryȝt,
Þan haþ he þe lande with-outë plyȝt;
Ȝyue he haue wunne þe penys falsle,
with ryȝt to þe lande com neuer he.
with fals[ë] weyght, of fals[ë] peys,
And many falshede ouþer weys;
And ȝyt moste, with fals sweryng,
wynneþ manyone moche þyng;
with swyche þyng, wene þou hyt noȝt
Þat þe hous ne lande was ryȝtly boȝt.
Alle þat þey bygge, here eyrës bareþ;
A purchasoure may beye þyng, & with lawe,
with-oute any dede of wrong or sawe;
But lokeþ, ȝyue he wynne þat katel weyl,
wharewith he byeþ hyt euerydeyl.
Ȝyf he haue wunne þe penys ryȝt,
Þan haþ he þe lande with-outë plyȝt;
Ȝyue he haue wunne þe penys falsle,
with ryȝt to þe lande com neuer he.
with fals[ë] weyght, of fals[ë] peys,
And many falshede ouþer weys;
And ȝyt moste, with fals sweryng,
wynneþ manyone moche þyng;
with swyche þyng, wene þou hyt noȝt
Þat þe hous ne lande was ryȝtly boȝt.
Vnneþ lasteþ aght þat men bye
with þat ys wunne with marchaundye;
Yn erytage nat long hyt vayleþ,
Þe þred eyre leseþ, þat ouþer trauayleþ;
Vnneþe ys any þat haþ gode grace
To lyuë weyl with swych purchace,
Oþer lyue þey a bysyly lyfe,
Or lese hyt for pouert and for stryfe;
For þys men se, and seye alday,
“Þe þred eyre selleþ alle away.”
with þat ys wunne with marchaundye;
Yn erytage nat long hyt vayleþ,
Þe þred eyre leseþ, þat ouþer trauayleþ;
Vnneþe ys any þat haþ gode grace
To lyuë weyl with swych purchace,
Oþer lyue þey a bysyly lyfe,
Or lese hyt for pouert and for stryfe;
For þys men se, and seye alday,
“Þe þred eyre selleþ alle away.”
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For sacrylage, alle þys ys tolde,
Þat vesselment of cherche ys wyþholde,—
Chaleys, cloth, boke, or lome,—
For sacrylage cumþ ofte hard dome;
yn alle þe poyntës seyd before,
Þat fro holy cherche, oght haþ bore,
Or aght mysdo on any wyse
Þat longeþ vn-to þe fraunchyse,
Y or þou, yn any outrage,
we synne dedly yn sacrylage.
Þat vesselment of cherche ys wyþholde,—
Chaleys, cloth, boke, or lome,—
For sacrylage cumþ ofte hard dome;
yn alle þe poyntës seyd before,
Þat fro holy cherche, oght haþ bore,
Or aght mysdo on any wyse
Þat longeþ vn-to þe fraunchyse,
Y or þou, yn any outrage,
we synne dedly yn sacrylage.
Gode ȝyue vs grace so to serue here
Holy cherche, oure modyr dere,
Here so to serue, and wurschyp make,
Þat we be hyre, and she vs take.
Holy cherche, oure modyr dere,
Here so to serue, and wurschyp make,
Þat we be hyre, and she vs take.
Here bygynne the Seuenþe Sacramentys of holy cherche.
[Of Holy Bapteme.]
The fyrst sacrament ys holy bapteme,
Houe of watyr, and noyted with creme;
‘Crystendom,’ or ‘crystynyng,’
Þat ys on englys, oure spekyng.
Houe of watyr, and noyted with creme;
‘Crystendom,’ or ‘crystynyng,’
Þat ys on englys, oure spekyng.
Crystendom, to cryst hyt longeþ,
And to alle þat crystendom vndyrfongeþ;
Þys ys þe fyrst and pryncypalle,
Þurgh þe whych we are saued alle;
Saued we are, þurgh crystendam,
Of þe heued synne of Adam,
yn whych synne alle mankynde ys bore,
Ȝyt, and shal be, and was byfore.
And to alle þat crystendom vndyrfongeþ;
Þys ys þe fyrst and pryncypalle,
Þurgh þe whych we are saued alle;
Saued we are, þurgh crystendam,
Of þe heued synne of Adam,
yn whych synne alle mankynde ys bore,
Ȝyt, and shal be, and was byfore.
Adams synnë was so grefe,
Þat þyr was to God, none so lefe,
Þyt he ne shulde to hellë gone
But he were wasshe yn þe fonte stone,
yn fonte stone and watyr baptysed,
As Ihesu cryst haþ dyuysed.
Þat þyr was to God, none so lefe,
Þyt he ne shulde to hellë gone
But he were wasshe yn þe fonte stone,
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As Ihesu cryst haþ dyuysed.
Ȝyf þou beleue þat any wham
ys saued with-oute crystyndam,
y seye, forsoþe þou hast mys went
Aȝens þys holy sacrament.
ys saued with-oute crystyndam,
y seye, forsoþe þou hast mys went
Aȝens þys holy sacrament.
Ofte we here þe lewed men seye,
Þat erre ful moche oute of þe weye,
Þat of þe Iewës seye sum oun,
‘Þey ne wote wheþer þey be saued or noun;’
But of sum prestes ys gretter tene,
Þat so of þe Iewës also wene;
Certes, þey are alle yn were,
And yn þe feyþ þey are nat clere,
For, shal neuer Iewe þat deyeþ Iewe,
Of heuene blys haue part ne prewe,
But he be crystened yn þe holy gaste,
And yn þe sacrament be ful stedfast.
Þat erre ful moche oute of þe weye,
Þat of þe Iewës seye sum oun,
‘Þey ne wote wheþer þey be saued or noun;’
But of sum prestes ys gretter tene,
Þat so of þe Iewës also wene;
Certes, þey are alle yn were,
And yn þe feyþ þey are nat clere,
For, shal neuer Iewe þat deyeþ Iewe,
Of heuene blys haue part ne prewe,
But he be crystened yn þe holy gaste,
And yn þe sacrament be ful stedfast.
Lo, here a wurde to leue ȝoure drede!
yn þe gospel þat we rede,
Þat god Ihesu vs allë techeþ
Þurgh seynt Mark, þat hyt precheþ,
“He þat beleueþ and ys baptysed,
He shal be saued, so ys dyuysed;
And he þat beleueþ nat, forsoþe & ywys,
Boþe body and soulë, lore he ys.”
yn þe gospel þat we rede,
Þat god Ihesu vs allë techeþ
Þurgh seynt Mark, þat hyt precheþ,
“He þat beleueþ and ys baptysed,
He shal be saued, so ys dyuysed;
And he þat beleueþ nat, forsoþe & ywys,
Boþe body and soulë, lore he ys.”
loke how ȝe mow be a-bawed,
þat seye þat þe Iewe ys saued!
Þe Iewe, þe oldë lawë kan,
But þat alone may saue no man;
And þarfore was hyt fyled and left,
For heuenë blys, vs hyt refte
Þurgh Adams synne fro vs echone,
Tyl hyt was clensed yn flume Iordone,
whan Ihesu was baptysed þer-ynne
For to wasshe awey þat synne;
And al þat euer to Cryst wyl teme,
Behoueþ be baptysed yn watyr and creme:
Þan art þou clene, þou shalt beleue,
Of Adams synnë, and of Eue.
þat seye þat þe Iewe ys saued!
Þe Iewe, þe oldë lawë kan,
But þat alone may saue no man;
And þarfore was hyt fyled and left,
For heuenë blys, vs hyt refte
Þurgh Adams synne fro vs echone,
Tyl hyt was clensed yn flume Iordone,
whan Ihesu was baptysed þer-ynne
For to wasshe awey þat synne;
And al þat euer to Cryst wyl teme,
Behoueþ be baptysed yn watyr and creme:
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Of Adams synnë, and of Eue.
Þarfore hyt ys þe fyrst sacrament
Þat þou art to, fyrst made present;
Lokë þat þou kunne hyt knowe;
hyt makeþ þe hygh, þere þou were lowe,
hyt makeþ þe fre, þat er were þralle,
Fro þe fendës seruage alle,
Þat þe þar neuer þe fendë drede
But hyt be þurgh þyn owne mysdede.
Þat þou art to, fyrst made present;
Lokë þat þou kunne hyt knowe;
hyt makeþ þe hygh, þere þou were lowe,
hyt makeþ þe fre, þat er were þralle,
Fro þe fendës seruage alle,
Þat þe þar neuer þe fendë drede
But hyt be þurgh þyn owne mysdede.
Ȝyf a chylde be dedë bore—
Þogh hyt were quyk yn wombe byfore—
And, receyue nat þe bapteme,
Of heuene may hyt neuer cleme;
with-outë doute, beleue ȝe þys,
Þat hyt shal neuer come to blys;
Ne peyne of hetë, ne of colde,
Hyt shal non fele, no ryȝt hyt wolde;
Hyt noght mysdyd, ne serued wo,
Ne to nonë shal hyt go;
Þys ys peyne with-outen ende,
hyt shal neuer to Ioyë wende.
Gretë grace ys to hem lent,
Þat here receyue þys sacrament.
Þogh hyt were quyk yn wombe byfore—
And, receyue nat þe bapteme,
Of heuene may hyt neuer cleme;
with-outë doute, beleue ȝe þys,
Þat hyt shal neuer come to blys;
Ne peyne of hetë, ne of colde,
Hyt shal non fele, no ryȝt hyt wolde;
Hyt noght mysdyd, ne serued wo,
Ne to nonë shal hyt go;
Þys ys peyne with-outen ende,
hyt shal neuer to Ioyë wende.
Gretë grace ys to hem lent,
Þat here receyue þys sacrament.
Also, ȝe þat heue chyldryn al day,
loke ȝe be stedfast yn oure lay,
Þat nonë haue yn hertë doute,
Ne to wycchecrafte leste no loute.
loke ȝe be stedfast yn oure lay,
Þat nonë haue yn hertë doute,
Ne to wycchecrafte leste no loute.
Þou settest þy self yn borghgage
To teche þe chylde whan hyt haþ age;
Ȝyf þou se hyt mysdo or seye,
Þou shalt teche hyt better wey,
Ȝyf hyt be so þat þou maght,
Þou art holde þat hyt be taght;
Quyte þe weyl oute of borghgang,
Þat þou ne haue for hyt no wrang.
To teche þe chylde whan hyt haþ age;
Ȝyf þou se hyt mysdo or seye,
Þou shalt teche hyt better wey,
Ȝyf hyt be so þat þou maght,
Þou art holde þat hyt be taght;
Quyte þe weyl oute of borghgang,
Þat þou ne haue for hyt no wrang.
loke also, ȝyf þou euer ware
Yn place þere wymmen chyldryn bare;
Ȝyf þou sawe hyt yn perel of dede,
And þou ne coudest do bote ne rede,
Ne seyë wurde, ne helpe at nede,
So þat hyt to þe deþë ȝede;
Þou shalt þerforë perel haue;
Vnkunnyng shal þe nat saue;
For euery man, boþe hygh and logh,
Þe poyntes of bapteme oweþ to knowe,
To helpe chyldryn yn many kas;
Men wete neuer what nede one has.
who so ne kan, y rede hym lere
Yn syȝte, yn dede, and he may here.
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Ȝyf þou sawe hyt yn perel of dede,
And þou ne coudest do bote ne rede,
Ne seyë wurde, ne helpe at nede,
So þat hyt to þe deþë ȝede;
Þou shalt þerforë perel haue;
Vnkunnyng shal þe nat saue;
For euery man, boþe hygh and logh,
Þe poyntes of bapteme oweþ to knowe,
To helpe chyldryn yn many kas;
Men wete neuer what nede one has.
who so ne kan, y rede hym lere
Yn syȝte, yn dede, and he may here.
Y shal ȝow teche, as y herde telle
Onës a frerë menor spelle:
“Ȝyf þou se a chylde yn swyche perel
Þat none may saue hyt with no wylle,
Sey þan þus, ȝyf þou haue haste,
“y crysten þe yn þe name of þe fadyr & sone & holy gast,”
And ȝyue, what þou wylt, hyt a name,
And kast on water; þan ys hyt frame;
And ȝyf þou ȝyue hyt namë none,
Noþer Robert, Wyllyam, no Ione,
Loke þat þese wurdës be weyl seyd,
And water þer-on algate leyde;
And þat þyr be none ouþer waste,
But yn þe fadyr and sone, and holy gaste;
Þese wurdes forȝete þou naght,
Ne watyr, what as euer elles be wroȝt.”
Onës a frerë menor spelle:
“Ȝyf þou se a chylde yn swyche perel
Þat none may saue hyt with no wylle,
Sey þan þus, ȝyf þou haue haste,
“y crysten þe yn þe name of þe fadyr & sone & holy gast,”
And ȝyue, what þou wylt, hyt a name,
And kast on water; þan ys hyt frame;
And ȝyf þou ȝyue hyt namë none,
Noþer Robert, Wyllyam, no Ione,
Loke þat þese wurdës be weyl seyd,
And water þer-on algate leyde;
And þat þyr be none ouþer waste,
But yn þe fadyr and sone, and holy gaste;
Þese wurdes forȝete þou naght,
Ne watyr, what as euer elles be wroȝt.”
Mydwyuës þat wyþ wymmen wone,
Alle þe poyntes, behoueþ hem kone;
Prestes shuld teche hem þe ordynaunce,
what þey shuld sey and do yn chaunce,
And examyne her what she couthe,
what she shuld do, and seye with mouþe.
Alle þe poyntes, behoueþ hem kone;
Prestes shuld teche hem þe ordynaunce,
what þey shuld sey and do yn chaunce,
And examyne her what she couthe,
what she shuld do, and seye with mouþe.
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[The Tale of the Midwife who christend a Child wrongly.]
Y shal ȝow telle of a mydwyfe,
Þat loste a chylde, boþe soule & lyfe.
he tolde hyt yn hys sermoun,
And ȝaue here ofte hys malysoun.
Þat loste a chylde, boþe soule & lyfe.
he tolde hyt yn hys sermoun,
And ȝaue here ofte hys malysoun.
Þys mydwyfe, whan þe chylde was bore,
She helde hyt on here lappe before;
And whan she sawe þat hyt shulde deye,
She bygan, loudë for to crye,
And seyd, “God and seynt Ione
Crysten þe chylde, boþe flesshe and bone.”
She helde hyt on here lappe before;
And whan she sawe þat hyt shulde deye,
She bygan, loudë for to crye,
And seyd, “God and seynt Ione
Crysten þe chylde, boþe flesshe and bone.”
Þys mydwyffe noghte ellës seyde,
And yn þe cherche-ȝerde þey wulde hyt haue leyde,
As a-nouþer chyld shuld ha be
Þat hade receyuede þe solempte.
And yn þe cherche-ȝerde þey wulde hyt haue leyde,
As a-nouþer chyld shuld ha be
Þat hade receyuede þe solempte.
Þe prest askede þe mydwyffe,
‘Ȝyfe hyt were cristenede whan hyt hade lyffe,
And who hyt cristened, and on what manere,
And what was seyde, þat any myghte here.’
‘Ȝyfe hyt were cristenede whan hyt hade lyffe,
And who hyt cristened, and on what manere,
And what was seyde, þat any myghte here.’
Þe mydwyffe seyde unto þe prest,
“Þys herde þey þat stode me nest,
‘Þat God almyghty and Seynt Ioun
ȝyue þe chylde cristendom yn flesshe and boun.’”
“Þys herde þey þat stode me nest,
‘Þat God almyghty and Seynt Ioun
ȝyue þe chylde cristendom yn flesshe and boun.’”
Þan seyd þe preste, “God and seynt Iame
Ȝyue þe boþe sorow and shame,
And Crystys malysun haue þou for-þy,
And alle þe ouþer þat were þe by!
Yn euyl tymë were þou bore,
For yn þy defaute, a soule ys lore.”
She was commaunded she shuld no more
Come eftesones þere chyldryn were bore.
Ȝyue þe boþe sorow and shame,
And Crystys malysun haue þou for-þy,
And alle þe ouþer þat were þe by!
Yn euyl tymë were þou bore,
For yn þy defaute, a soule ys lore.”
She was commaunded she shuld no more
Come eftesones þere chyldryn were bore.
Mydwyues, y tolde thys tale for ȝow,
Þat ȝyf ȝe kunnat, lerneþ how
To sauë þat, God boȝt ful dere,
Þe poyntes of bapteme y rede ȝow lere;
Mydwyfe ys a perylus þyng
But she kunne þe poyntes of crystenyng;
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To sauë þat, God boȝt ful dere,
Þe poyntes of bapteme y rede ȝow lere;
Mydwyfe ys a perylus þyng
But she kunne þe poyntes of crystenyng;
Ne beleueþ nat on þese shappers,
Ȝoure mysdede ful mykyl deres;
y wolde þo shappers were on lowe,
And al þo þat on hem trowe.
Ȝoure mysdede ful mykyl deres;
y wolde þo shappers were on lowe,
And al þo þat on hem trowe.
Þe beleue ys, ‘þe fadyr and sone & holy gaste;’
Alle ouþer beleue ys wykked and waste;
Þurgh hem ys alle þyng shape & wroȝt,
And ouþer shappers ne are noȝt;
God ys shapper of alle þyng,
he wote þe mydward, and þe endyng;
Þe oþer shappers, þat men of seye,
Hyt ys a beleue of deuyl weye.
Alle ouþer beleue ys wykked and waste;
Þurgh hem ys alle þyng shape & wroȝt,
And ouþer shappers ne are noȝt;
God ys shapper of alle þyng,
he wote þe mydward, and þe endyng;
Þe oþer shappers, þat men of seye,
Hyt ys a beleue of deuyl weye.
Þe mete þat ȝe leye at þe chyldës hede
For swyche shappers, were bettyr leued;
Ȝyf hyt for hem þerë lye,
Þan ys hyt a wykked erysye;
ley hyt for þe loue of þe holy gaste,
Fadyr, and sone, oo God stedfaste,
As wysly as he become a chylde,
Bore of Marye, mayden mylde,
Þat he ȝyue hyt to lyue yn gode grace,
And gode endyng, and se hys face.
For swyche shappers, were bettyr leued;
Ȝyf hyt for hem þerë lye,
Þan ys hyt a wykked erysye;
ley hyt for þe loue of þe holy gaste,
Fadyr, and sone, oo God stedfaste,
As wysly as he become a chylde,
Bore of Marye, mayden mylde,
Þat he ȝyue hyt to lyue yn gode grace,
And gode endyng, and se hys face.
Ȝyf þou were euer so vnwys
For to crystene a chyldë twys,
Or ȝyf þou euer consentedest þar-to
Þat any ouþer shulde so do,—
At home, as yn pryuyte,
Anouþer tyme, þat men myȝt se,—
For ȝyf hyt were baptysed at hame
wyþ alle þe poyntes of bapteme name,
Þan were hyt aȝens þe feyþe to werche,
Eftesones to baptyse hyt at cherche;
But ȝyf þou suppose þyr fayleþ a poynte
Þat to þe crystendom shuld a-mounte,
Þan were hyt nat for to drede
For to fulfyl þat shulde be nede;
For alle þe poyntes of watyr & creme,
Þurgh alle crystendom ys o bapteme,
O baptemë, and nat two,
Of alle þe poyntes þat þou sest do.
Þarfore he þat ys ones baptysed,
Ones for euer ys; þus ys auysed.
For to crystene a chyldë twys,
Or ȝyf þou euer consentedest þar-to
Þat any ouþer shulde so do,—
At home, as yn pryuyte,
Anouþer tyme, þat men myȝt se,—
For ȝyf hyt were baptysed at hame
wyþ alle þe poyntes of bapteme name,
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Eftesones to baptyse hyt at cherche;
But ȝyf þou suppose þyr fayleþ a poynte
Þat to þe crystendom shuld a-mounte,
Þan were hyt nat for to drede
For to fulfyl þat shulde be nede;
For alle þe poyntes of watyr & creme,
Þurgh alle crystendom ys o bapteme,
O baptemë, and nat two,
Of alle þe poyntes þat þou sest do.
Þarfore he þat ys ones baptysed,
Ones for euer ys; þus ys auysed.
Also, ȝe þat chyldryn heue,
ȝ shul nat forȝete ne leue
To teche hyt pater noster & crede;
Ȝyf ȝe ne do, hyt ys to drede.
ȝ shul nat forȝete ne leue
To teche hyt pater noster & crede;
Ȝyf ȝe ne do, hyt ys to drede.
To foly þou shalt nat drawe ne wone
Þy goddoȝtyr ne þy godsone,
Namely to þat vylayny
Þat falleþ vn-to lechery,
Ne to no foly þat may be;
Þou shalt teche hem synne to fle.
Ne nat be so fole hardy,
Þy goddoȝtyr to lye þe by,
Ne for to dwelle a-lone with þe,
For perel þat may falle and be.
Þy goddoȝtyr ne þy godsone,
Namely to þat vylayny
Þat falleþ vn-to lechery,
Ne to no foly þat may be;
Þou shalt teche hem synne to fle.
Ne nat be so fole hardy,
Þy goddoȝtyr to lye þe by,
Ne for to dwelle a-lone with þe,
For perel þat may falle and be.
Many a pryuy peryl þyr ys,
And specyaly yn drunkenes;
yn drunkenes men wyl rage,
And, ragyng wyl reyse korage;
And sonë may a man be shent
Þat doþe aȝens þe comaundement.
And specyaly yn drunkenes;
yn drunkenes men wyl rage,
And, ragyng wyl reyse korage;
And sonë may a man be shent
Þat doþe aȝens þe comaundement.
Seynt Gregory telleþ yn hys spelle
Of swyche a shame þat onës felle.
Of swyche a shame þat onës felle.
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[The Tale of the Bad Bourgeois who lay with his God-daughter and was kild for it.]
A man hefe onës at þe fonte
A maydë chylde, as men are wonte;
Þys mayde wax, and bygan to belde
weyl yn-to womans elde;
And at Ester tyme gan hyt falle
whan men hadde fastë lenten alle,
Þys man bysoghte, for specyalte,
Þat hys god-doȝtyr wyþ hym myȝt be,
And alle þat ychë Esterday
And lenger, ȝyf hyt were here pay.
A maydë chylde, as men are wonte;
Þys mayde wax, and bygan to belde
weyl yn-to womans elde;
And at Ester tyme gan hyt falle
whan men hadde fastë lenten alle,
Þys man bysoghte, for specyalte,
Þat hys god-doȝtyr wyþ hym myȝt be,
And alle þat ychë Esterday
And lenger, ȝyf hyt were here pay.
Þe fadyr and þe modyr graunted sone;
Þey þoȝt none euyl myȝt be done.
Þys man, for drunkenes & vnryȝt,
lay by hys god-doȝtyr þat yche nyȝt:
Þys man on þe mornë þoȝt
How synfully þat he hadde wroȝt;
Ful grete þoȝte þan was he ynne,
Þat he hadde do so greuus a synne;
Twey þoghtes yn hys hertë come,
To go to þe cherche, or byde at home:
“Ȝyf y vnto þe cherchë ȝede,
Of venïaunce y haue grete drede;
And, ȝyf y nat þedyr go,
Men wyl wene y haue do sum wo.”
So algate vnto þe cherche he name;
he drede nat God, but morë shame.
Þey þoȝt none euyl myȝt be done.
Þys man, for drunkenes & vnryȝt,
lay by hys god-doȝtyr þat yche nyȝt:
Þys man on þe mornë þoȝt
How synfully þat he hadde wroȝt;
Ful grete þoȝte þan was he ynne,
Þat he hadde do so greuus a synne;
Twey þoghtes yn hys hertë come,
To go to þe cherche, or byde at home:
“Ȝyf y vnto þe cherchë ȝede,
Of venïaunce y haue grete drede;
And, ȝyf y nat þedyr go,
Men wyl wene y haue do sum wo.”
So algate vnto þe cherche he name;
he drede nat God, but morë shame.
Þe fyrst day, he dred hym sore
he shuld be cumbred sumwore,
And ȝyt a-noþer he lokede ay,
whyche tyme þe fende wulde bere hym away;
Alle þe woke, for worldës shame,
He ȝede to þe cherche, but lytyl to frame;
he shuld be cumbred sumwore,
And ȝyt a-noþer he lokede ay,
whyche tyme þe fende wulde bere hym away;
305
He ȝede to þe cherche, but lytyl to frame;
whan he hadde long a-bydë so,
And, no skaþe come hym to,
Þys þoght he yn hys herte ful raþe,
For he hadde þarfore no skaþe,
he wendë God had hyt forgete
As ouþer men do þat haue forlete;
Or þoȝt þat he hadde hyt forȝyue,
And hym neded nat þer-of be shryue,
Ne shulde þerof come no myschaunce,
For he was of so longe suffraunce.
And, no skaþe come hym to,
Þys þoght he yn hys herte ful raþe,
For he hadde þarfore no skaþe,
he wendë God had hyt forgete
As ouþer men do þat haue forlete;
Or þoȝt þat he hadde hyt forȝyue,
And hym neded nat þer-of be shryue,
Ne shulde þerof come no myschaunce,
For he was of so longe suffraunce.
But God, þat fórȝeteþ no þyng,
he sente þarfore grete heuenyng;
Þe seuenþe day þys man deyde,
As þe holy man vs seyde;
Sone aftyr þat byryed he was,
Veniaunce come for þat trespas;
Vpp of hys graue a fyre vpp smote—
Ful stynkyng and ful hote—
And brenned þat cursed body alle,
And stone and erþe, boþe grete and smalle;
Alle was so brend yn-to þe grounde,
Þat of hys body myȝt noȝt be founde.
he sente þarfore grete heuenyng;
Þe seuenþe day þys man deyde,
As þe holy man vs seyde;
Sone aftyr þat byryed he was,
Veniaunce come for þat trespas;
Vpp of hys graue a fyre vpp smote—
Ful stynkyng and ful hote—
And brenned þat cursed body alle,
And stone and erþe, boþe grete and smalle;
Alle was so brend yn-to þe grounde,
Þat of hys body myȝt noȝt be founde.
Here mow ȝe here apertly why
God toke veniaunce greuusly,
Þat God shewed so moche hys Ire,
For he synned þat tyme with hyre
Þat he lyfte of þe fonte stone:
hyt ys a warnyng to vs echone
þat we kepe þe sacrament,
Oure bapteme þat God haþ sent;
And þat we bettyr hyt holde
For þys tale þat y ȝow tolde.
Ȝe, Ihesu lordë, þou hyt graunte
þat we mow holdë þat cunnaunte
þat we at þe fonte stonë make,
Ihesu to serue, and Satanas forsake.
God toke veniaunce greuusly,
Þat God shewed so moche hys Ire,
For he synned þat tyme with hyre
Þat he lyfte of þe fonte stone:
hyt ys a warnyng to vs echone
þat we kepe þe sacrament,
Oure bapteme þat God haþ sent;
And þat we bettyr hyt holde
For þys tale þat y ȝow tolde.
Ȝe, Ihesu lordë, þou hyt graunte
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þat we at þe fonte stonë make,
Ihesu to serue, and Satanas forsake.
[Of Confirmation.]
The secunde sacrament, y vndyrstonde,
Ys graunted of þe bysshop honde;
Men kalle hyt ‘confyrmacyon,’
A sykernesse neuer more vndon
wyþ no lawe, ne with no skylle,
But ȝyf ȝe self algatë wylle;
As ȝyf þou boghtest house and land
with charter at þy neghburs hande,
Þou mayst holde hyt for euer-more,
So bapteme þe saueþ ones þore;
And ȝyf hyt be graunted of þe kyng,
Þat þou hast boght, þan ys syker þyng;
Syker ys, þat yn rolle ys leyde,
For þan may hyt neuer be wyþseyde;
þe rollyng fordoþe croppe and rote,
And ryȝt of þo þat wulde þe mote;
Rollyng, and þe grete assyse,
Aftyr hem may no lawë ryse.
Ys graunted of þe bysshop honde;
Men kalle hyt ‘confyrmacyon,’
A sykernesse neuer more vndon
wyþ no lawe, ne with no skylle,
But ȝyf ȝe self algatë wylle;
As ȝyf þou boghtest house and land
with charter at þy neghburs hande,
Þou mayst holde hyt for euer-more,
So bapteme þe saueþ ones þore;
And ȝyf hyt be graunted of þe kyng,
Þat þou hast boght, þan ys syker þyng;
Syker ys, þat yn rolle ys leyde,
For þan may hyt neuer be wyþseyde;
þe rollyng fordoþe croppe and rote,
And ryȝt of þo þat wulde þe mote;
Rollyng, and þe grete assyse,
Aftyr hem may no lawë ryse.
Þus fareþ hyt of confyrmacyun
Aftyr tyme þat bapteme ys doun;
Confyrmacyun ys more ne lesse,
But aftyr crystenyng, gode sykernesse;
Þys bapteme ys charter of ryȝt
Þat fordoþë Adams plyȝt,
And, þat ys of grete pouste,
Þat fro þe fende hyt byeþ þe fre,
And defendeþ þe þyn erytage,
Þat þou mayst holde hyt yn alle þyn age,
And saue þy statë euery deyl,
Ȝyf þou kepe þy charter weyl;
Ouer þys, ȝyf hyt be þy lordes wylle
Þat he þy charter wyl fulfyle,
Þan art þou stalworth þurgh hys powere,
And þy charter made more clere.
Aftyr tyme þat bapteme ys doun;
Confyrmacyun ys more ne lesse,
But aftyr crystenyng, gode sykernesse;
Þys bapteme ys charter of ryȝt
Þat fordoþë Adams plyȝt,
And, þat ys of grete pouste,
Þat fro þe fende hyt byeþ þe fre,
And defendeþ þe þyn erytage,
Þat þou mayst holde hyt yn alle þyn age,
And saue þy statë euery deyl,
Ȝyf þou kepe þy charter weyl;
Ouer þys, ȝyf hyt be þy lordes wylle
Þat he þy charter wyl fulfyle,
307
And þy charter made more clere.
Þe bysshope ys as lorde or kyng
To conferme þy crystenyng;
He confermeþ þat we haue take
whan we haue Satan forsake,
Oure crystendom, þat hyt be sekyr
To fende vs aȝens þe fendës bekyr,
Þan ys oure charter quyte and clere,
Confermyng with þe bysshopes powere.
To conferme þy crystenyng;
He confermeþ þat we haue take
whan we haue Satan forsake,
Oure crystendom, þat hyt be sekyr
To fende vs aȝens þe fendës bekyr,
Þan ys oure charter quyte and clere,
Confermyng with þe bysshopes powere.
And ȝe shul alle weyl vndyrstande,
whan chyldryn are blessed of þe bysshopys hande,
Þat blessyng ys contermacyoun
Aȝens þe fendes temptacyun,
And makeþ vs stalwurþe yn batayle
whan þe fende wyl vs asayle;
Þan are we made Goddes champyons,
Aȝens þe fendës, Goddys felons;
þan haue we receyued fully myȝt
Aȝens þe fendë for to fyȝt;
And ȝyf we be yn beleue stedfaste,
we haue powere, dowun hym to kaste.
whan chyldryn are blessed of þe bysshopys hande,
Þat blessyng ys contermacyoun
Aȝens þe fendes temptacyun,
And makeþ vs stalwurþe yn batayle
whan þe fende wyl vs asayle;
Þan are we made Goddes champyons,
Aȝens þe fendës, Goddys felons;
þan haue we receyued fully myȝt
Aȝens þe fendë for to fyȝt;
And ȝyf we be yn beleue stedfaste,
we haue powere, dowun hym to kaste.
Certes, þo men moche mysdo,
Þat a-byde long, are þey go þar-to;
And wommen, gretly ouer alle þyng,
þat wyl nat here chyldryn bryng
To receyue þe sacrament
At þe bysshopes confyrment;
For some wete weyl, þat chyldryn kepe,
Þat many are drecched yn here slepe;
Þe fende hem sheweþ grete affray,
To some on nyȝt, and some a day,
How þat he, may hem greue,
To make ouþer men mysbeleue;
Some men hyt here, & some men hyt sees,
Yn many stedys, vanytes,
More before þe sacrament
Þan aftyr, whan he ys shent;
Hys powere ys þan moche fordoun
Þurgh þys confyrmacyun;
For þat oght we, to beleuë ryȝt,
þat þys sacrament haþ þat myȝt.
Þat a-byde long, are þey go þar-to;
And wommen, gretly ouer alle þyng,
þat wyl nat here chyldryn bryng
To receyue þe sacrament
At þe bysshopes confyrment;
For some wete weyl, þat chyldryn kepe,
Þat many are drecched yn here slepe;
Þe fende hem sheweþ grete affray,
To some on nyȝt, and some a day,
How þat he, may hem greue,
To make ouþer men mysbeleue;
308
Yn many stedys, vanytes,
More before þe sacrament
Þan aftyr, whan he ys shent;
Hys powere ys þan moche fordoun
Þurgh þys confyrmacyun;
For þat oght we, to beleuë ryȝt,
þat þys sacrament haþ þat myȝt.
Anoþer poynt, here-to longeþ,
Þat lewed men nat vndyrstandyþ:
“Þou man or womman, be nat so wylde
To holde to þe bysshope þyn owne chylde;
For ȝyf þou do, art commare
To hym þat hyt, gat or bare;
Ȝyf a frende man holde hyt þore,
To wedde þat chylde, he may neuer more;
þys longeþ to þys sacrament;
Þarefor ȝyueþ gode entent.”
Þat lewed men nat vndyrstandyþ:
“Þou man or womman, be nat so wylde
To holde to þe bysshope þyn owne chylde;
For ȝyf þou do, art commare
To hym þat hyt, gat or bare;
Ȝyf a frende man holde hyt þore,
To wedde þat chylde, he may neuer more;
þys longeþ to þys sacrament;
Þarefor ȝyueþ gode entent.”
yn þys skyllë, as y kan,
hyt ys grete perel to an vncouþe man,
A maydë chyldë for to holde
Byfore þe bysshope, as y er tolde,
But ȝyf he askë fyrst byfore,
what hyt ys, and where was bore;
Elles perauenture yn hys lyue
he myȝt haue þat chylde to wyue;
Or ȝyf she ȝyue here to folye,
he myȝt, yn kas, lygge here by;
Þys kas ys nat often seen,
But hyt may fallë, or haþ ben;
Þarfore, noþer mo ne lesse,
But ‘wyys ys, þat ware ys.’
hyt ys grete perel to an vncouþe man,
A maydë chyldë for to holde
Byfore þe bysshope, as y er tolde,
But ȝyf he askë fyrst byfore,
what hyt ys, and where was bore;
Elles perauenture yn hys lyue
he myȝt haue þat chylde to wyue;
Or ȝyf she ȝyue here to folye,
he myȝt, yn kas, lygge here by;
Þys kas ys nat often seen,
But hyt may fallë, or haþ ben;
Þarfore, noþer mo ne lesse,
But ‘wyys ys, þat ware ys.’
Now of þys confyrmacyun
wyl we leue oure sermoun;
God ȝyue vs gracë, for hys myȝt,
yn þe beleue to ferme vs ryȝt,
Þat þe holy goste with vs wone,
Þat cumþ of þe fadyr and of þe sone.
wyl we leue oure sermoun;
God ȝyue vs gracë, for hys myȝt,
yn þe beleue to ferme vs ryȝt,
Þat þe holy goste with vs wone,
Þat cumþ of þe fadyr and of þe sone.
309
[Of the Sacrament of the Altar.]
God almyȝty, þat al þyng weldes,
wyndës, watrys, wodes, & feldes,
As soþely as þou madest of noȝt
Alle créatures þat euer were wroȝt,
Forȝyue me, to day, Lorde, my synne,
Þat y þys wrþys sacrament mowe begynne,
And wurschypfully þar-of to speke,
Þat we þe beleuë neuer breke;
Ne for to tellë, yn þys long,
Þyng, þat falle-of, may any wrong,
But þat máy be, þe to queme,
And vs yn stedfaste beleue to ȝeme.
wyndës, watrys, wodes, & feldes,
As soþely as þou madest of noȝt
Alle créatures þat euer were wroȝt,
Forȝyue me, to day, Lorde, my synne,
Þat y þys wrþys sacrament mowe begynne,
And wurschypfully þar-of to speke,
Þat we þe beleuë neuer breke;
Ne for to tellë, yn þys long,
Þyng, þat falle-of, may any wrong,
But þat máy be, þe to queme,
And vs yn stedfaste beleue to ȝeme.
Goddës sone, of heuene a-boue,
He shewed vs alle, for gretë loue;
For whan hys passyun neyghed nye,
To hys dyscyplys þat were hym bye,
He ȝaue hys body hem to fede,—
More loue ne myȝt he shewe yn dede,—
Þat þey shuldë myndë haue
On hym, þat he myȝt hem saue;
Ȝyt aftyrward he lete hym slo
with ful vyle deþ, and pynyng wo;
For vs, and hem, ded he þys,
To bryngë vs echone to blys,
Ne more loue ne myȝt he do,
Ne neuer man, myȝt so do;
For vs he ded hyt, þys ys certeyn,
Þat we shuld loue hym weyl aȝen;
Þogh we vs self ȝaf an hundryd syþe,
O poynt of loue ne myȝt we kyþe
vn-to þe loue þat he haþ vs doun,
For hyt ys oure saluacyun;
And of vs, askeþ he ryȝt noȝt
But þat may weyl y-nogh be wroȝt,
No þyng but loue-longyng,
To loue hym weyl ouer alle þyng,
And for hys loue to leuë synne;
hys loue, hys blys, þan mow we wynne;
For þou mayst neuer haue hym to þe,
But, þou wylt fyrst synnë fle;
Alle þyng he loueþ, but synne he hates;
Ȝyf þou hym louest, with synne þou wlates.
Ȝyf þou loue one, þe behoueþ nedes
Forsake þat þyng þat he þe forbedes;
Elles, hyt ys tolde no loue,
And namëly to God a-boue.
He shewed vs alle, for gretë loue;
For whan hys passyun neyghed nye,
To hys dyscyplys þat were hym bye,
He ȝaue hys body hem to fede,—
More loue ne myȝt he shewe yn dede,—
Þat þey shuldë myndë haue
On hym, þat he myȝt hem saue;
Ȝyt aftyrward he lete hym slo
with ful vyle deþ, and pynyng wo;
For vs, and hem, ded he þys,
To bryngë vs echone to blys,
Ne more loue ne myȝt he do,
Ne neuer man, myȝt so do;
For vs he ded hyt, þys ys certeyn,
Þat we shuld loue hym weyl aȝen;
Þogh we vs self ȝaf an hundryd syþe,
O poynt of loue ne myȝt we kyþe
vn-to þe loue þat he haþ vs doun,
For hyt ys oure saluacyun;
And of vs, askeþ he ryȝt noȝt
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No þyng but loue-longyng,
To loue hym weyl ouer alle þyng,
And for hys loue to leuë synne;
hys loue, hys blys, þan mow we wynne;
For þou mayst neuer haue hym to þe,
But, þou wylt fyrst synnë fle;
Alle þyng he loueþ, but synne he hates;
Ȝyf þou hym louest, with synne þou wlates.
Ȝyf þou loue one, þe behoueþ nedes
Forsake þat þyng þat he þe forbedes;
Elles, hyt ys tolde no loue,
And namëly to God a-boue.
And þou mayst nat loue hym with no greyth,
But þou haue of hym gode feyþe,
Þat ys to seye, to beleue hyt weyl,
Alle þat ys wryte of hym euerydeyl.
Stedfast beleue, of loue hyt comes;
And of beleuë, loue men nomes:
So ys þe toon with þe touþer;
with stedfast beleue, loue ys þe broþer.
But þou haue of hym gode feyþe,
Þat ys to seye, to beleue hyt weyl,
Alle þat ys wryte of hym euerydeyl.
Stedfast beleue, of loue hyt comes;
And of beleuë, loue men nomes:
So ys þe toon with þe touþer;
with stedfast beleue, loue ys þe broþer.
To whom ogh þan oure loue be went,
But to þe beleue of þys sacrament?
Þys, oght to beleue, euery crysten man,
And lerne þe beleue of one þat kan,
‘Þat þe bred þat sacred ys
At þe auter, ys Goddys flessh:’
Boþe flesshe and blodë þer ys leyd,
Þurgh þe wurdes þat þe prest haþ seyd,
Þat lyȝte with-ynne þe vyrgyne Marye,
And on þe rode for vs wulde deye,
And fro deþ to lyue he ros,
God and man, yn myȝt and los.
But to þe beleue of þys sacrament?
Þys, oght to beleue, euery crysten man,
And lerne þe beleue of one þat kan,
‘Þat þe bred þat sacred ys
At þe auter, ys Goddys flessh:’
Boþe flesshe and blodë þer ys leyd,
Þurgh þe wurdes þat þe prest haþ seyd,
Þat lyȝte with-ynne þe vyrgyne Marye,
And on þe rode for vs wulde deye,
And fro deþ to lyue he ros,
God and man, yn myȝt and los.
For who so beleueþ nat clere
yn þe sacrament of þe autere,
He shal neuer þe blys a-byde,
For no þyng þat may betyde.
yn þe sacrament of þe autere,
311
For no þyng þat may betyde.
Yn þe oldë lawë, þus ys wryte,
Boþe Iewes and crysten weyl hyt wete,
“God seyd, and hyt was wroȝt;
he commaunded alle þyng of noȝt.”
Þese wurdës are verry and clere;
Dauyd hem seyth yn þe sautere;
Syn he made alle þat noȝt er was,
lesse maystry were hyt þan yn kas,
For to chaunge þe lekënes
Yn-to an ouþer þyng þat es;
þe lykënes of bred and wyne,
Yn flesshe and blode to turne hyt ynne;
Yn flessh and blode þe brede be broȝt,
Syn he madë alle of noȝt.
Boþe Iewes and crysten weyl hyt wete,
“God seyd, and hyt was wroȝt;
he commaunded alle þyng of noȝt.”
Þese wurdës are verry and clere;
Dauyd hem seyth yn þe sautere;
Syn he made alle þat noȝt er was,
lesse maystry were hyt þan yn kas,
For to chaunge þe lekënes
Yn-to an ouþer þyng þat es;
þe lykënes of bred and wyne,
Yn flesshe and blode to turne hyt ynne;
Yn flessh and blode þe brede be broȝt,
Syn he madë alle of noȝt.
Ȝyf þou se hyt nat with bodly syȝt,
Þy soule with-ynne shal beleue hyt ryȝt;
And ȝyf þou felë no sauour,
But ryghtely wyne, and brede of flour,
Þat ys þe wysdom of Goddys ordynaunce
For to saue vs alle fro þys chaunce;
For ȝyf hyt fyl, as flesshe to take,
wlate we shulde, and hyt forsake;
And for he wulde nat men hyt forsoke,
But þat alle men hyt vndyrtoke,
Þarfore hys wysdom, hys ownë rede,
Sauerþ hyt yn wyne and brede;
Hyt semeþ bredë, as be syȝt,
And as brede, sauer haþ ryȝt;
Noþyr þe syȝt, noþer þe felyng,
Haþ þer-of any certeyn þyng;
what shal þan, þe most saue,
But stedfast beleue þat þou shalt haue?
Stedfast beleue of euery deyl,
Þat shal þan, saue þe weyl.
And some haue sey hyt bodyly,
To whom he shewed hys mercy;
Lo here a tale for of ȝow sum,
Þat y fonde yn ‘vitas patrum.’
Þy soule with-ynne shal beleue hyt ryȝt;
And ȝyf þou felë no sauour,
But ryghtely wyne, and brede of flour,
Þat ys þe wysdom of Goddys ordynaunce
For to saue vs alle fro þys chaunce;
For ȝyf hyt fyl, as flesshe to take,
wlate we shulde, and hyt forsake;
And for he wulde nat men hyt forsoke,
But þat alle men hyt vndyrtoke,
Þarfore hys wysdom, hys ownë rede,
Sauerþ hyt yn wyne and brede;
Hyt semeþ bredë, as be syȝt,
And as brede, sauer haþ ryȝt;
Noþyr þe syȝt, noþer þe felyng,
Haþ þer-of any certeyn þyng;
what shal þan, þe most saue,
But stedfast beleue þat þou shalt haue?
Stedfast beleue of euery deyl,
Þat shal þan, saue þe weyl.
312
To whom he shewed hys mercy;
Lo here a tale for of ȝow sum,
Þat y fonde yn ‘vitas patrum.’
[The Tale of the Priest for whom the Sacramental Bread and Wine were turnd into a Child's Flesh and Blood.]
Þyr was a man of relygyoun;
Of almës he had grete renoun;
But, for þe fende wulde haue hym shent,
He beleued nat yn þe sacrament,
And seyd ‘hyt was nat Ihesu
Þat conceyued was þurgh vertu;
Ne Ihesu was nat þe oblé
Þat reysed was at þe sacré;
And þo þat wurschep ded þarto,
To beleue hyt, was nat to do.’
Of almës he had grete renoun;
But, for þe fende wulde haue hym shent,
He beleued nat yn þe sacrament,
And seyd ‘hyt was nat Ihesu
Þat conceyued was þurgh vertu;
Ne Ihesu was nat þe oblé
Þat reysed was at þe sacré;
And þo þat wurschep ded þarto,
To beleue hyt, was nat to do.’
Byfore twey abbotes þus he tolde;
Þese abbotes wryte þys tale to holde;
hyt oght be tolde to euery wham
Þat ys aȝens þe crystendam,
Tyl hyt be preued with clergye
wheþer hyt be beleue or erysye.
Þese abbotes wryte þys tale to holde;
hyt oght be tolde to euery wham
Þat ys aȝens þe crystendam,
Tyl hyt be preued with clergye
wheþer hyt be beleue or erysye.
Þese abbotes shewed hym þe ryȝt weye
with alle þe ensamples þat þey coude seye;
And he seyd ‘þat hyt was lye,
But ȝyf he sagh hyt with hys ye.’
“Doþe þan so þat y hyt se,
Þan wyl y beleue þat hyt may be.”
with alle þe ensamples þat þey coude seye;
And he seyd ‘þat hyt was lye,
But ȝyf he sagh hyt with hys ye.’
“Doþe þan so þat y hyt se,
Þan wyl y beleue þat hyt may be.”
Þese abbotes preyd a ful seuen nyȝt
Þat God wulde shewe hym, þurgh hys myȝt,
Yn flesshe and blode on þe autere,
To cónferme hys beleuë clere;
And hym-self preyd specyaly
Þat God wulde shewe hym also yn body;
“Lorde,” he seyde, “for no mysbeleue
Þat þou shuldest, with me þe greue,
But for to shewe þe ryȝt soþenes
Þat þou art þe sacrament of þe messe,
Þat y may make ouþer certeyn
whan y with yën haue þe seyn!”
Þat God wulde shewe hym, þurgh hys myȝt,
Yn flesshe and blode on þe autere,
313
And hym-self preyd specyaly
Þat God wulde shewe hym also yn body;
“Lorde,” he seyde, “for no mysbeleue
Þat þou shuldest, with me þe greue,
But for to shewe þe ryȝt soþenes
Þat þou art þe sacrament of þe messe,
Þat y may make ouþer certeyn
whan y with yën haue þe seyn!”
Þe abbotes lay yn orysun
Tyl alle þe seuen nyȝt were doun;
þe seuenþe day, to þe cherche þey cam,
And þe touþer man with hem þey nam;
A sege was ordeyned for hem þre
To beholdë alle þe pryuyte
Of þat holy sacrament
Þat shewed was yn here present:
Betwyxe hem sate þys ychë man
Of whom þe myracle fyrst began.
Tyl alle þe seuen nyȝt were doun;
þe seuenþe day, to þe cherche þey cam,
And þe touþer man with hem þey nam;
A sege was ordeyned for hem þre
To beholdë alle þe pryuyte
Of þat holy sacrament
Þat shewed was yn here present:
Betwyxe hem sate þys ychë man
Of whom þe myracle fyrst began.
whan þe vble was on þe auter leyd,
And þe prest þe wurdes had seyd,
Alle þre þoȝt þan verrylyk,
Before þe prest, þat a chyld lay quyk
Yn feyrë forme of flesshe and blode;
Þys say þey þre, þere þey stode.
And þe prest þe wurdes had seyd,
Alle þre þoȝt þan verrylyk,
Before þe prest, þat a chyld lay quyk
Yn feyrë forme of flesshe and blode;
Þys say þey þre, þere þey stode.
whan þe preste shulde parte þe sacrament,
An aungel dowun from heuene was sent,
And sacryfyed þe chylde ryȝt þare;
As þe prest hyt brak, þe aungel hyt share;
þe blode yn-to þe chaleys ran
Of þat chylde, boþe God and man.
An aungel dowun from heuene was sent,
And sacryfyed þe chylde ryȝt þare;
As þe prest hyt brak, þe aungel hyt share;
þe blode yn-to þe chaleys ran
Of þat chylde, boþe God and man.
Þys man ȝede to þe heyȝest degre,
To housel hym, as fyl to be;
Hym þoght þe prest broȝte on þe pateyn
Morselles of þe chylde alle newe sleyn,
And bedde hym a morsel of þe flesshe
with alle ȝe blode þer-on alle fresshe.
To housel hym, as fyl to be;
314
Morselles of þe chylde alle newe sleyn,
And bedde hym a morsel of þe flesshe
with alle ȝe blode þer-on alle fresshe.
Þan gan he cry, with loudë steuene,
“Mercy! Goddys sone of heuene!
Þe brede þat y sagh on þe auter lye,
Hyt ys þy body; y se hyt with ye.
Of þe brede, þurgh sacrament,
To flesshe and blode hyt ys alle went;
Þys y beleue, and euer y shal;
For verryly we se hyt alle.”
“Mercy! Goddys sone of heuene!
Þe brede þat y sagh on þe auter lye,
Hyt ys þy body; y se hyt with ye.
Of þe brede, þurgh sacrament,
To flesshe and blode hyt ys alle went;
Þys y beleue, and euer y shal;
For verryly we se hyt alle.”
whan he and þey were alle certeyn,
yn forme of brede hyt turned aȝeyn;
He ded hym housel as ouþer wore,
And was a gode man for euermore;
And alle þe toþer beþ þe better,
Þat heren þys tale, or redyn þys lettyr.
yn forme of brede hyt turned aȝeyn;
He ded hym housel as ouþer wore,
And was a gode man for euermore;
And alle þe toþer beþ þe better,
Þat heren þys tale, or redyn þys lettyr.
Þe prest þat sacreþ Goddys body,
Hym behoueþ bé clene nedëly:
A lewed man þat shal hym receyue,
Alle maner of fylþe, behoueþ hym weyue.
Hym behoueþ bé clene nedëly:
A lewed man þat shal hym receyue,
Alle maner of fylþe, behoueþ hym weyue.
Be þou neuer so gode a preste,
Ne so grete wyttë yn þy breste,
Y rede þe here how þe propertes are shewed,
Þogh þe langage be but lewed.
Ne so grete wyttë yn þy breste,
Y rede þe here how þe propertes are shewed,
Þogh þe langage be but lewed.
Þou wost weyl þat þe vblè
Ys but a lytyl þyng to se;
So shal we be lytyl yn wyl,
lytyl and meke, with-outyn yl,
Noȝt yn pryde, ne naȝt yn heghþe,
For no wysdom ne for no sleghþe,
Þat we ne falle with Lucyfere,
For proude men wonë with hym þere.
Ys but a lytyl þyng to se;
So shal we be lytyl yn wyl,
lytyl and meke, with-outyn yl,
Noȝt yn pryde, ne naȝt yn heghþe,
315
Þat we ne falle with Lucyfere,
For proude men wonë with hym þere.
Þe vblè ys made of whete,
Þe louelyest cornë þat men ete;
So shal we be meke and louely
To allë þo þat beþ vs by;
Þys mekënes ys aȝens Ire,
Þat ys with Lucyfere yn fyre.
Þe louelyest cornë þat men ete;
So shal we be meke and louely
To allë þo þat beþ vs by;
Þys mekënes ys aȝens Ire,
Þat ys with Lucyfere yn fyre.
Þe paste of þe vblè, nat ne ogh
Be made of any maner of soure dogh;
For þe soure dogh makeþ alle soure
Þe swetnes þat cumþ of þe floure.
By þys soure dogh ys tokenyng
Þat enuye ys a wykked þyng,
For hyt fordoþe swetnes of dede
Þat God shulde ȝyue for soulë mede;
Þarfore makeþ he none herbergerye
Þere he fyndeþ byfore, enuye.
Be made of any maner of soure dogh;
For þe soure dogh makeþ alle soure
Þe swetnes þat cumþ of þe floure.
By þys soure dogh ys tokenyng
Þat enuye ys a wykked þyng,
For hyt fordoþe swetnes of dede
Þat God shulde ȝyue for soulë mede;
Þarfore makeþ he none herbergerye
Þere he fyndeþ byfore, enuye.
A vertu also yn þe whete ys,
Þat ys moche aȝens sloghnes;
For whetë cornës wyl nat prykke,
As otës dowün, or barlykke;
Ne we shulde nat haue any prykyl
Of ydylnes ouer mykyl.
Þat ys moche aȝens sloghnes;
For whetë cornës wyl nat prykke,
As otës dowün, or barlykke;
Ne we shulde nat haue any prykyl
Of ydylnes ouer mykyl.
Ydylnes gruccheþ, and ys heuy of þoȝt,
And also sonë wroþe for noȝt;
And þat wraþþë cumþ of sorowe,
Þat of wanhope wyl mochë borowe.
Þys sacrament of þe messe
loueþ noun swyche ydulnesse,
Ne, with noun, wyl he dwelle,
But þere men of Ioyë spelle.
And also sonë wroþe for noȝt;
And þat wraþþë cumþ of sorowe,
Þat of wanhope wyl mochë borowe.
Þys sacrament of þe messe
loueþ noun swyche ydulnesse,
Ne, with noun, wyl he dwelle,
316
Þe paste to þe vblè seyd byforne,
Shal nat be of no medel corne,
But allë onëly of wete;
Þe mastlyoun shul men lete.
Þat yche meneþ, with no wyse
we shul vs medel with coueytyse,
And namëly with auaryce,
For þat ys tolde a wykked vyce.
Shal nat be of no medel corne,
But allë onëly of wete;
Þe mastlyoun shul men lete.
Þat yche meneþ, with no wyse
we shul vs medel with coueytyse,
And namëly with auaryce,
For þat ys tolde a wykked vyce.
Also þou seest þe vblè ys þynne,
And grete dunhede ys noun þer-ynne;
And þat wyl weyl sygnyfye
Aȝens þe synne of glotonye;
For þere ne wyl þe sacrament reste,
þere glotonye wyl hym oute keste.
And grete dunhede ys noun þer-ynne;
And þat wyl weyl sygnyfye
Aȝens þe synne of glotonye;
For þere ne wyl þe sacrament reste,
þere glotonye wyl hym oute keste.
And þou seest, þe vblè ys whyte;
And we shul hauë noun delyte
Of no maner of flesshely lak,
Of lechery, þat makeþ vs blak.
And we shul hauë noun delyte
Of no maner of flesshely lak,
Of lechery, þat makeþ vs blak.
Þese are þe seuene propertes
Yn þe vblè, as þou sees;
And euery properte þer-ynne
Ys aȝens a dedly synne.
Yn þe vblè, as þou sees;
And euery properte þer-ynne
Ys aȝens a dedly synne.
Aȝens þys sacrament, þan do þo
Þat are yn synne, and þar-to go,
Or are yn wyl aȝen to wende
To synne, and hemself shende.
Þat are yn synne, and þar-to go,
Or are yn wyl aȝen to wende
To synne, and hemself shende.
Also a preste þat goþ, syngeþ hys messe,
þat yn dedly synnë ys,
An hunder folde he synneþ more
Þan ȝyf he, a lewed man wore.
þat yn dedly synnë ys,
An hunder folde he synneþ more
Þan ȝyf he, a lewed man wore.
Alle þey þat receyue þys sacrament
yn dedly synne, or wykked entent,
yn any óf þese ychë seuene
Þat þou hast me herdë neuene,
Hyt ys to here dampnacyun,
And þarfore veniaunce shal be doun.
And, here y shal telle a tale,
How hyt ys to þo men bale.
yn dedly synne, or wykked entent,
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Þat þou hast me herdë neuene,
Hyt ys to here dampnacyun,
And þarfore veniaunce shal be doun.
And, here y shal telle a tale,
How hyt ys to þo men bale.
[The Tale of the Priest who was enabled to see Folk's sins in their Faces.]
A parysshe prest was yn a tounne,
A man of ful grete dyscrecyounne;—
Dyscrecyun, a ryȝt wyt ys,
On boþe partys ryȝtly to ges;—
Of hys parysshenes he vndyrstode,
whyche were yl, and whych were gode;
Tweyn he haddë for to gete,
Þat neuer wuldë synnë lete.
A man of ful grete dyscrecyounne;—
Dyscrecyun, a ryȝt wyt ys,
On boþe partys ryȝtly to ges;—
Of hys parysshenes he vndyrstode,
whyche were yl, and whych were gode;
Tweyn he haddë for to gete,
Þat neuer wuldë synnë lete.
And fyl hyt at an esterne,
Þat a prest shul none ouþer werne
But ȝyf hyt be þe gretter synne,
As yn cursyng, or yn vnbuxyme.
Þys prest was yn gretë þoȝt
wheþer he shulde housel hem or noȝt;
he preyd God, of heuene kyng,
Þat he wulde sende hym sum tokenyng
wheþer hé shulde hem forbede;
To housel hem, he þoȝt grete drede.
Þat a prest shul none ouþer werne
But ȝyf hyt be þe gretter synne,
As yn cursyng, or yn vnbuxyme.
Þys prest was yn gretë þoȝt
wheþer he shulde housel hem or noȝt;
he preyd God, of heuene kyng,
Þat he wulde sende hym sum tokenyng
wheþer hé shulde hem forbede;
To housel hem, he þoȝt grete drede.
Fro God he had þys answere:
‘Þat echone shuld hys owne charge bere,
And þat he shulde warne hyt none,
But ȝyue hyt furþe to euerychone;’
“Do þou as Ihesu dyd yn dede,
And þou shalt no man hyt forbede,
Ne morë þan he ded Iudas,
Þat haddë do ful grete trespas.”
‘Þat echone shuld hys owne charge bere,
And þat he shulde warne hyt none,
But ȝyue hyt furþe to euerychone;’
“Do þou as Ihesu dyd yn dede,
And þou shalt no man hyt forbede,
Ne morë þan he ded Iudas,
Þat haddë do ful grete trespas.”
he ȝaue hyt to alle with myldë mode
whan brede was turned to flessh & blode.
For some þat hyt takeþ, hyt shal hem saue,
And some þarforë peyne shal haue;
Aftyr þey are of synnë clene,
So shal hyt on hem be sene.”
whan brede was turned to flessh & blode.
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And some þarforë peyne shal haue;
Aftyr þey are of synnë clene,
So shal hyt on hem be sene.”
Ȝyt preyde he God of morë grace,
Þat he myȝt knowë hem by face,
Þe whyche receyued hyt wurþyly,
And whyche to have hyt were wurþy.
And God graunted hym hys wyl,
To knowe þe godë fro þe yl.
Þat he myȝt knowë hem by face,
Þe whyche receyued hyt wurþyly,
And whyche to have hyt were wurþy.
And God graunted hym hys wyl,
To knowe þe godë fro þe yl.
Þe folk þat to þe prestë went
For to receyue þe sacrament,
Of some þe faces were as bryȝt
As þe sunne ys, ón days lyȝt;
And some, here vysages al blake,
Þat no þyng myȝt hem blaker make;
And somë were as rede as blode,
Staryng ryȝt as þey had be wode;
And sum were swolle, þe vyseges stout,
As þoȝ here yȝen shulde burble out;
And sum gnapped here fete & handes,
As doggës doun þat gnawe here bandes;
And sum hadde vysages of meselrye;
And some were lyke foule maumetrye:
Many wundrys were on hem sene,
Mo þan he myȝt se at þat tyme.
For to receyue þe sacrament,
Of some þe faces were as bryȝt
As þe sunne ys, ón days lyȝt;
And some, here vysages al blake,
Þat no þyng myȝt hem blaker make;
And somë were as rede as blode,
Staryng ryȝt as þey had be wode;
And sum were swolle, þe vyseges stout,
As þoȝ here yȝen shulde burble out;
And sum gnapped here fete & handes,
As doggës doun þat gnawe here bandes;
And sum hadde vysages of meselrye;
And some were lyke foule maumetrye:
Many wundrys were on hem sene,
Mo þan he myȝt se at þat tyme.
Þe prest, whan he say alle þys,
Of þat syȝt he gan hym grys;
For þat syȝt was hydous,
And dreful, and perylous.
Of þat syȝt he gan hym grys;
For þat syȝt was hydous,
And dreful, and perylous.
Ȝyt preyd he God, with gode entent,
Þat he myȝt wyte, what al þat ment;
And God almyȝty loued hym weyl,
And wuldë shewe hym euerydeyl;
“Þo men þat are so bryȝt
As þe sun, on day[e]s lyȝt,
Þo men are ȝyt yn charyte,
And clene of synne, & wurschepeþ me;
Þo men þat were so blake,
Þat no þyng myȝt hem blaker make,
Þey are lecchours foule with-ynne,
And haue no wyl to leue here synne;
Þo men þat werë rede as blode,
Þey are Irus, and wykked of mode,
here euene crystyn for to slo
with deþ, or, with pyne do wo;
Þo þat þou sagh with swolle vysage,
Þey are enuyous ouer outrage;
And þo þat gnapped here finger endes,
Are bakbyters betwyxë frendys;
Þo þat þou sagh, meselles be syȝt,
Þey loue more gode þan God almyȝt;
Þo þat þou sagh lyke maumetrye,
On worldly þyng þey most affye;
More loue þey gode þat hé haþ sent
þan þey do hym þat alle haþ lent;
þese maner men are ȝyt yn wyl,
yn here synne to lyuë stylle;
And þarfore shal þe sacrament
On hem aske hardë Iugëment,
Þat þey haue receyue hyt vnwurþyly,
And serued þe fende, hys enemy.
Þat he myȝt wyte, what al þat ment;
And God almyȝty loued hym weyl,
And wuldë shewe hym euerydeyl;
“Þo men þat are so bryȝt
As þe sun, on day[e]s lyȝt,
Þo men are ȝyt yn charyte,
And clene of synne, & wurschepeþ me;
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Þat no þyng myȝt hem blaker make,
Þey are lecchours foule with-ynne,
And haue no wyl to leue here synne;
Þo men þat werë rede as blode,
Þey are Irus, and wykked of mode,
here euene crystyn for to slo
with deþ, or, with pyne do wo;
Þo þat þou sagh with swolle vysage,
Þey are enuyous ouer outrage;
And þo þat gnapped here finger endes,
Are bakbyters betwyxë frendys;
Þo þat þou sagh, meselles be syȝt,
Þey loue more gode þan God almyȝt;
Þo þat þou sagh lyke maumetrye,
On worldly þyng þey most affye;
More loue þey gode þat hé haþ sent
þan þey do hym þat alle haþ lent;
þese maner men are ȝyt yn wyl,
yn here synne to lyuë stylle;
And þarfore shal þe sacrament
On hem aske hardë Iugëment,
Þat þey haue receyue hyt vnwurþyly,
And serued þe fende, hys enemy.
Þys tale y tolde for loue of þo
Þat yn synne to housel go,
Or beþ yn wylle to turne aȝeyn;
For alle here trauayle þey do yn veyn.
Þat yn synne to housel go,
Or beþ yn wylle to turne aȝeyn;
For alle here trauayle þey do yn veyn.
Ȝyf þou, whan þy housel shalt take,
Be yn wylle þy synne to forsake
For euermore yn stedfaste herte,
Þogh þou synne sone aftyr, and smert,
Ȝyt God takeþ hyt nat to so grete grym
As ȝyf þou yn tresoun receyuedest hym.
Be yn wylle þy synne to forsake
For euermore yn stedfaste herte,
Þogh þou synne sone aftyr, and smert,
Ȝyt God takeþ hyt nat to so grete grym
As ȝyf þou yn tresoun receyuedest hym.
yn no þyng wote y more tresun,
Þan brynge þy lorde to hys felun;
And ȝyt men sey here synne ys grefe,
Þat bryngeþ a trew man on a þefe;
And ȝyf þou do þus, þy wytande,
þan chargë men hyt most yn hande;
þarfore loke þat þou wyte noȝt,
No synne hyde yn herte ne þoȝt,
Ne wyl nat wyte for neuer more
whan þou receyuest God ryȝt þore.
Þan brynge þy lorde to hys felun;
And ȝyt men sey here synne ys grefe,
320
And ȝyf þou do þus, þy wytande,
þan chargë men hyt most yn hande;
þarfore loke þat þou wyte noȝt,
No synne hyde yn herte ne þoȝt,
Ne wyl nat wyte for neuer more
whan þou receyuest God ryȝt þore.
Also þe clerk þat haunteþ synne,
But he leue, and þer-of blynne,
He shal nat serue at þe auter,
Noþer halewed þyng to comë ner.
But he leue, and þer-of blynne,
He shal nat serue at þe auter,
Noþer halewed þyng to comë ner.
Y touched langer of þys outrage
whan y spake of sacrylage,
Þat þe holy gost shewed hym noȝt
For þe dekene synned yn þoȝt,
Yn þe tale of Ion Crysostomus;
Þys tale ys tolde for ȝow and vs.
whan y spake of sacrylage,
Þat þe holy gost shewed hym noȝt
For þe dekene synned yn þoȝt,
Yn þe tale of Ion Crysostomus;
Þys tale ys tolde for ȝow and vs.
Also he ys wurþy to be shent,
Þat, sone aftyr þe sacrament,
To foly and to synne hym draweþ:
lytyl of Goddes veniaunce hym aweþ.
Þat, sone aftyr þe sacrament,
To foly and to synne hym draweþ:
lytyl of Goddes veniaunce hym aweþ.
Ȝyf þou forgete or ouersyttes
Tyme of housel, þat þou weyl wytes,
lytel fors of hym þou ȝyues,
Þou louest hym nat þat þou by lyues,
And ouer alle þyng he loueþ þe beste,
And þou ne wylt, a nyȝtys geste,
lete hym herber yn hys hous;
Þou art vnkynde ryȝt merueylous,
Þat alle þe ȝere þou latest hym weyue,
And with wurschyþ þou wylt nat hyt receyue.
God manaceþ swyche, for swyche enchesun,
And ryȝt hyt wyl, and gode resun;
For swychë men are holde vntrewe
Yn þe olde lawe, and eke yn þe newe.
Comaundement yn þe olde lawe was,
‘Ones yn þe ȝere to shewe þy trespas;’
þe newe law ys of more onour
‘Ones to receyue þy creatoure,’
Ones yn þe ȝerë, to knowleche,
Þy lorde to pes, for drede of wreche.
Tyme of housel, þat þou weyl wytes,
lytel fors of hym þou ȝyues,
Þou louest hym nat þat þou by lyues,
And ouer alle þyng he loueþ þe beste,
And þou ne wylt, a nyȝtys geste,
lete hym herber yn hys hous;
Þou art vnkynde ryȝt merueylous,
Þat alle þe ȝere þou latest hym weyue,
And with wurschyþ þou wylt nat hyt receyue.
God manaceþ swyche, for swyche enchesun,
And ryȝt hyt wyl, and gode resun;
For swychë men are holde vntrewe
Yn þe olde lawe, and eke yn þe newe.
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‘Ones yn þe ȝere to shewe þy trespas;’
þe newe law ys of more onour
‘Ones to receyue þy creatoure,’
Ones yn þe ȝerë, to knowleche,
Þy lorde to pes, for drede of wreche.
Þat prest, y blame ouer alle þyng,
Þat with-oute skylle lettyþ to synge;
For many a soulë myȝt be saued
with þe messe þat he haþ leued;
For al[lë] þat yn peynë ys,
Abydeþ þe socoure of þe messe;
For euery messe makeþ memórye
Of soules þat are yn purgatórye;
Mochë þanke shal þat prest haue,
Þat helpeþ, hem for to saue;
For no þyng may hem so moche auayle
Of here peyne and here trauayle,
As þe sacrament of þe autere,
Ne makeþ hem of peyne so clere.
Þat with-oute skylle lettyþ to synge;
For many a soulë myȝt be saued
with þe messe þat he haþ leued;
For al[lë] þat yn peynë ys,
Abydeþ þe socoure of þe messe;
For euery messe makeþ memórye
Of soules þat are yn purgatórye;
Mochë þanke shal þat prest haue,
Þat helpeþ, hem for to saue;
For no þyng may hem so moche auayle
Of here peyne and here trauayle,
As þe sacrament of þe autere,
Ne makeþ hem of peyne so clere.
And þat may y shewe apertly
By a tale of seint Gregorye;
Seynt Gregory telleþ for þe same,
By a tale of seint Gregorye;
Seynt Gregory telleþ for þe same,
[The Tale of the Priest who was waited on by a Dead Lord whom he afterwards sang out of Purgatory.]
þer was a prest, Felyx was hys name;
Bysyde hys wonyng yn a paþ
was a wasshyng yn an hote baþ
Þys prest þedyr oftë ȝede
To wasshe hym whan he haddë nede.
Þys prest þere euer redy fonde
A man þat serued hym to fote and honde;
he drogh hys hosen of, and hys shone,
And efte was redy hem on to done;
At euery tyme þat he þedyr cam,
hys shone and hys hosen, of he nam,
And serued hym at euery a tyde,
Yn þe water, and eke besyde.
Bysyde hys wonyng yn a paþ
was a wasshyng yn an hote baþ
Þys prest þedyr oftë ȝede
To wasshe hym whan he haddë nede.
Þys prest þere euer redy fonde
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he drogh hys hosen of, and hys shone,
And efte was redy hem on to done;
At euery tyme þat he þedyr cam,
hys shone and hys hosen, of he nam,
And serued hym at euery a tyde,
Yn þe water, and eke besyde.
Þys prest, þat cam þedyr so ofte,
Þat þys man serued so softe,
he ne asked hym neuer more
when he was, ne how he come þore;
But euery tymë was redy
And serued hym peynyblëly.
Þat þys man serued so softe,
he ne asked hym neuer more
when he was, ne how he come þore;
But euery tymë was redy
And serued hym peynyblëly.
Þys prest þoȝt he serued hym weyl,
“hys trauayle wyl y quyte sum deyl.”
On o day he þedyr þoȝt,
And, twey loues with hym he broȝt;
yn-to þe baþ, ȝede þe prest,
And, wesshe hym, as he dyd neste:
Þys man was þere hym aȝayne;
To serue hym weyl, he dyde hys mayne;
“hys trauayle wyl y quyte sum deyl.”
On o day he þedyr þoȝt,
And, twey loues with hym he broȝt;
yn-to þe baþ, ȝede þe prest,
And, wesshe hym, as he dyd neste:
Þys man was þere hym aȝayne;
To serue hym weyl, he dyde hys mayne;
Þys preste, whan he shuld furþë go,
He ȝaue þe man þese louës two,
And þanked hym moche, hys seruyse,
And more he wuldë ouþer wyse.
He ȝaue þe man þese louës two,
And þanked hym moche, hys seruyse,
And more he wuldë ouþer wyse.
Þys man answered þe prest aȝeyn:
“Þys brede þou broȝtest to me yn veyn,
For neuer morë shal y ete
Bredë, ne noun ouþer mete.
Y am a man, þat ys dede,
Þat neuer more shal etë brede.”
“Þys brede þou broȝtest to me yn veyn,
For neuer morë shal y ete
Bredë, ne noun ouþer mete.
Y am a man, þat ys dede,
Þat neuer more shal etë brede.”
Þe preste asked “on what manere
Ys hyt þat þou wonest þus here?”
Þys yche man answered and seyd,
“Y was lorde here, are y deyde;
And þys seruyse þat y am ynne,
ys þe peynë for my synne;
But y pray þe, pur charyte,
Offre on þe auter þese loues for me;
And y beseche þe, ouer alle þyng,
Þat syxe messys for me þou synge,
For, were þey sunge, y hope to wende
Yn-to þe ioye with-outen ende.
whan þe syxtë messe ys lefte,
Ȝyf þou ne fyndë me here efte,
know þou þan soþëly ywys
Þat for þy prayere y am broȝt yn blys.”
Ys hyt þat þou wonest þus here?”
Þys yche man answered and seyd,
“Y was lorde here, are y deyde;
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ys þe peynë for my synne;
But y pray þe, pur charyte,
Offre on þe auter þese loues for me;
And y beseche þe, ouer alle þyng,
Þat syxe messys for me þou synge,
For, were þey sunge, y hope to wende
Yn-to þe ioye with-outen ende.
whan þe syxtë messe ys lefte,
Ȝyf þou ne fyndë me here efte,
know þou þan soþëly ywys
Þat for þy prayere y am broȝt yn blys.”
þys prest, alle þat wokë long,
Fór þys same man preyd and song;
And whan þe wokë was alle gone,
Þe prest cam þedyr, and fondë none.
he beleued þan weyl þat he was broȝt
To blys, for, he fonde hym noȝt.
Fór þys same man preyd and song;
And whan þe wokë was alle gone,
Þe prest cam þedyr, and fondë none.
he beleued þan weyl þat he was broȝt
To blys, for, he fonde hym noȝt.
By þys tale þan mowe ȝe se,
þat hyt ys grete charyte,
Messes for the dede to synge,
Þe soulës oute of þyne to brynge.
þat hyt ys grete charyte,
Messes for the dede to synge,
Þe soulës oute of þyne to brynge.
Passyng alle þyng, hyt haþ powere,
Þe sacrament of þe autere,
And namëly whan hyt ys doun
with godë mannes deuocyun;
Hym, wyl God sunner here
þan one þat ys nat hym so dere.
Þe sacrament of þe autere,
And namëly whan hyt ys doun
with godë mannes deuocyun;
Hym, wyl God sunner here
þan one þat ys nat hym so dere.
yn þe seuenþe comaundement
Toucheþ to þys sacrament,
Yn a talë of a knyȝt,
How þe prest þat lyueþ nat ryȝt,
Of hys preyer ys lytyl prowe,
And þere telleþ hyt weyl how;
And y shal telle a-nouþer here,
Of a messë of a frere.
Toucheþ to þys sacrament,
Yn a talë of a knyȝt,
How þe prest þat lyueþ nat ryȝt,
Of hys preyer ys lytyl prowe,
And þere telleþ hyt weyl how;
And y shal telle a-nouþer here,
Of a messë of a frere.
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[The Tale of the Suffolk Man who was taken out of Purgatory by two Masses his Wife got sung for him.]
A man yn Souþfolke onës deyde
Besydë Sudbyry, men seyde.
For þat man, swych grace was dyȝt,
Þat hym was graunted to come a nyȝt
For to spekë wyþ hys wyfe
To amende þe defaute of hys lyfe:
“Ȝyf a messe were for me doun
with gode mannes deuocyoun,
y hope,” he seyd, “to blys go,
And be delyuerd of alle my wo;
Y prey þe, pur charyte,
To trauayle so moche for me.”
Besydë Sudbyry, men seyde.
For þat man, swych grace was dyȝt,
Þat hym was graunted to come a nyȝt
For to spekë wyþ hys wyfe
To amende þe defaute of hys lyfe:
“Ȝyf a messe were for me doun
with gode mannes deuocyoun,
y hope,” he seyd, “to blys go,
And be delyuerd of alle my wo;
Y prey þe, pur charyte,
To trauayle so moche for me.”
She graunted hym þat ychë bone,
And ros vp on þe mornë sone,
And, vn-to þe frerës ȝede,
For þere hoped she best to spede.
She cam, and spak with a frere,
And preyd she myȝt hys messë here,
And for here housbunde soule to synge,
And she wulde ȝyuë hym offrynge.
And ros vp on þe mornë sone,
And, vn-to þe frerës ȝede,
For þere hoped she best to spede.
She cam, and spak with a frere,
And preyd she myȝt hys messë here,
And for here housbunde soule to synge,
And she wulde ȝyuë hym offrynge.
Þe frere ded here a messe
yn comune, as þe seruyse ys;
whan þys messë sungë was
She went home a godë pas.
Þe nyȝt aftyr, þan come he,
“Slepest þou?” he seyd; ‘nay,’ seyd she,
‘Be ȝe ȝyt,’ she seyd, ‘yn blys?
þe messë for ȝow sungen ys.’
“þe messe,” he seyde, “þou dedyst be do,
A party hyt halpë þer-vn-to;
My parte y had, of þat messe,
As of þyng þat comune ys;
Ȝyf one for me were specyale seyde,
Þat ouþer for me blys had nede,—
Ȝyf þe prest were of lyfe so gode
Þat God hys preyer vndyrstode—
Y hopë þan, grace to haue,
Þat hys messë myȝt me saue.”
Ofte he seyd[ë] to hys wyfe
“A prest! A prest! of clenë lyfe.”
yn comune, as þe seruyse ys;
whan þys messë sungë was
She went home a godë pas.
Þe nyȝt aftyr, þan come he,
“Slepest þou?” he seyd; ‘nay,’ seyd she,
‘Be ȝe ȝyt,’ she seyd, ‘yn blys?
þe messë for ȝow sungen ys.’
“þe messe,” he seyde, “þou dedyst be do,
A party hyt halpë þer-vn-to;
My parte y had, of þat messe,
As of þyng þat comune ys;
Ȝyf one for me were specyale seyde,
Þat ouþer for me blys had nede,—
Ȝyf þe prest were of lyfe so gode
325
Y hopë þan, grace to haue,
Þat hys messë myȝt me saue.”
Ofte he seyd[ë] to hys wyfe
“A prest! A prest! of clenë lyfe.”
On þe mornë, sone she ȝede
To þe frerës eft god spede,
And shewed hyt to þe pryour,
And prey[ed] hym of socour,
‘Ȝyf he had any broþer,
Þat he hoped, were better þan oþer,
Þat wyl syngë me a messe
For a man þat dedë ys;
And at myn esë he shal haue,
To a pytaunce, þat he wyl craue.’
To þe frerës eft god spede,
And shewed hyt to þe pryour,
And prey[ed] hym of socour,
‘Ȝyf he had any broþer,
Þat he hoped, were better þan oþer,
Þat wyl syngë me a messe
For a man þat dedë ys;
And at myn esë he shal haue,
To a pytaunce, þat he wyl craue.’
Þe pryor spake vn-to a frere,
And prey[ed] hym on alle manere
Þat he wulde a messë synge
For þat soule þat she made preyng.
And prey[ed] hym on alle manere
Þat he wulde a messë synge
For þat soule þat she made preyng.
Þe frerë was an holy man;
And ar þat he hys messe bygan,
He preyde to God hys orysoun
Yn ful grete afflyccyoun,
Þat hyt myȝt be, hym to pay,
Þe messe þat he shulde synge þat day.
And ar þat he hys messe bygan,
He preyde to God hys orysoun
Yn ful grete afflyccyoun,
Þat hyt myȝt be, hym to pay,
Þe messe þat he shulde synge þat day.
whan þe messe was do to ende,
He bad þe womman home to wende;
“And, whan þou more eftë heres,
Cum and sey to ourë freres.”
He bad þe womman home to wende;
“And, whan þou more eftë heres,
Cum and sey to ourë freres.”
Þe nyȝt aftyr, lesteneþ now,
He come, and seyd, “slepest þou?”
‘Nay,’ she sayd, ‘how farë ȝe?’
“weyl,” he seyd, “and so wurþ þe.”
‘were ȝe pay[ed] of þat messe,
Þat, for ȝow, sungyn ys?’
“Ȝe,” he seyd, “graunte mercy,
Þys messe to me ys more wurþy
Þan alle þe worlde, an hunder syþe,
Ne myȝt haue made me halfe so blyþe;
hys preyer was to God so dere,
Þat he besoghte, þat wlde he here,
Ȝyf he had preyd for an hundred mo,
Fro pyne to blys, he had broȝt þo;
For what þyng he hade asked bone,
God had graunted hyt hym as sone;
And haue gode day, for now y wende
To þe ioye with-outyn ende.”
God late vs neuer þer-of mysse,
with-outyn ende to haue þat blys!
He come, and seyd, “slepest þou?”
‘Nay,’ she sayd, ‘how farë ȝe?’
“weyl,” he seyd, “and so wurþ þe.”
‘were ȝe pay[ed] of þat messe,
Þat, for ȝow, sungyn ys?’
“Ȝe,” he seyd, “graunte mercy,
Þys messe to me ys more wurþy
Þan alle þe worlde, an hunder syþe,
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hys preyer was to God so dere,
Þat he besoghte, þat wlde he here,
Ȝyf he had preyd for an hundred mo,
Fro pyne to blys, he had broȝt þo;
For what þyng he hade asked bone,
God had graunted hyt hym as sone;
And haue gode day, for now y wende
To þe ioye with-outyn ende.”
God late vs neuer þer-of mysse,
with-outyn ende to haue þat blys!
Þys wyfe come sonë on þe morne,
And fyl on knees þe frere byforne,
And toldë hym weyl, euery deyl,
How he, for hys prayer, yn ioye was weyl;
And þe frere ful weyl þarby lete,
And þanked God; and for ioye he grete.
weyl were hym at hys endyng
Þat had swych a prest for hym to synge!
And fyl on knees þe frere byforne,
And toldë hym weyl, euery deyl,
How he, for hys prayer, yn ioye was weyl;
And þe frere ful weyl þarby lete,
And þanked God; and for ioye he grete.
weyl were hym at hys endyng
Þat had swych a prest for hym to synge!
Yn þys tale, þan, shewed ys,
Ouer alle gode þan ys þe messe;
For þe sacrament of þe autere
Oueral passeþ hys powere;
Yn þat messe, þey hem affye,
Þe soules þat are yn purgatorye,
For hyt makeþ mencyun of þe passyun
As Ihesu Cryst to deþ was doun;
Þe sone ys offred to þe fadyr yn heuene
For þe soules þat þe prest wyl neuene.
Ouer alle gode þan ys þe messe;
For þe sacrament of þe autere
Oueral passeþ hys powere;
Yn þat messe, þey hem affye,
Þe soules þat are yn purgatorye,
For hyt makeþ mencyun of þe passyun
As Ihesu Cryst to deþ was doun;
Þe sone ys offred to þe fadyr yn heuene
For þe soules þat þe prest wyl neuene.
Also, þys talë wyl mene
Þat þe preste be gode and clene;
Þan wyl Ihesu Cryst hym here,
For what þyng he makeþ preyere:
Preye he for body, or for soule,
Þat ys yn pyne, or here yn noye,
Boþe wyl God almyȝty saue,
what-so þe godë prest wyl craue.
Þat þe preste be gode and clene;
Þan wyl Ihesu Cryst hym here,
For what þyng he makeþ preyere:
Preye he for body, or for soule,
Þat ys yn pyne, or here yn noye,
Boþe wyl God almyȝty saue,
what-so þe godë prest wyl craue.
Nat only for soules ys he herd,
But also for vs, yn þys world;
Be a man yn sykenes, or yn prysoun,
weyferyng, or yn temptacyun,
Or yn any ouþer trauayle,
Þe sacrament wyl vs auayle;
hyt wyl delyuer vs out of peyne,
Ȝyf oure beleuë be certeyne;
And þat was weyl shewed yn dede
Yn Ingland, so seyþ seynt Bede;
Yn hys bokys wrytyn þyr ys
A feyre myrácle of þe messe.
327
Be a man yn sykenes, or yn prysoun,
weyferyng, or yn temptacyun,
Or yn any ouþer trauayle,
Þe sacrament wyl vs auayle;
hyt wyl delyuer vs out of peyne,
Ȝyf oure beleuë be certeyne;
And þat was weyl shewed yn dede
Yn Ingland, so seyþ seynt Bede;
Yn hys bokys wrytyn þyr ys
A feyre myrácle of þe messe.
[Bede's Tale of Jumna and Tumna; or, How an Abbot's Mass-singing made the Fetters fall off a Knight in Prison.]
what tyme seynt Bede was man lyuand,
were many kyngës yn þys land;
Betwyxë tweyn was grete batayle,
For whych þyng y telle þys merueyle;
þe toon hyght Edfryde of þe norþe cuntre,
þe toþer of Lyndëseye was he:
Edfryde had grete seygnourye,
Seynt Audre housbonde, of Ely.
þys batayle was, þurgh here boþe assent,
Besyde a watyr, men calle Trent:
Syre Edfrydes broþer hyȝt Elfwynne,
He was slayn þe batayle ynne;
On boþe partyys, ne was none
So feyre a knyȝt of flesshe and bone,
Ne so doȝty was of armes;
Þarfore seynt Bede pleyneþ hys harmys.
were many kyngës yn þys land;
Betwyxë tweyn was grete batayle,
For whych þyng y telle þys merueyle;
þe toon hyght Edfryde of þe norþe cuntre,
þe toþer of Lyndëseye was he:
Edfryde had grete seygnourye,
Seynt Audre housbonde, of Ely.
þys batayle was, þurgh here boþe assent,
Besyde a watyr, men calle Trent:
Syre Edfrydes broþer hyȝt Elfwynne,
He was slayn þe batayle ynne;
On boþe partyys, ne was none
So feyre a knyȝt of flesshe and bone,
Ne so doȝty was of armes;
Þarfore seynt Bede pleyneþ hys harmys.
An noþer knȝyt also was felte dowun
Almoste dede, and fyl yn swoun:
Þe namë of þys ȝungë knyȝt,
‘Iumna,’ seyþ seynt Bede, he hyȝt.
whan þys Iumna had long leyn,
He couerd, and sette hym vp aȝeyn,
And stopped hys woundes, þey shuld nat blede,
And as he myȝt, þennë he ȝede
To seke hym helpe agher to haue,
Or frendës fynde, þat hym myȝt saue.
Almoste dede, and fyl yn swoun:
Þe namë of þys ȝungë knyȝt,
‘Iumna,’ seyþ seynt Bede, he hyȝt.
whan þys Iumna had long leyn,
He couerd, and sette hym vp aȝeyn,
328
And as he myȝt, þennë he ȝede
To seke hym helpe agher to haue,
Or frendës fynde, þat hym myȝt saue.
And as he wente with mochë drede,
He was take with kyng Eldrede,
And, broght vn-to a lordyng,
An Erle þat heldë of þat kyng.
Þe Erle asked hym ‘what he was,
And where he had be yn hard kas?’
He was take with kyng Eldrede,
And, broght vn-to a lordyng,
An Erle þat heldë of þat kyng.
Þe Erle asked hym ‘what he was,
And where he had be yn hard kas?’
For drede of deþ, he was affryȝt,
And durst nat sey he was a knyȝt;
He seyd, “seyre, ȝyf þy wyl be,
Y am an husband of þe cuntre;
Y was wunt to lede vytayle
To knyȝtës þat were yn batayle;
And now y am a porë man,
Yn þys maner fro þe batayle wan,
And wyl fonde to saue my lyfe
Tyl y may comë to my wyfe.”
Þe erle þan made a leche be stoundes
Tende to hym, to hele hys woundes.
And durst nat sey he was a knyȝt;
He seyd, “seyre, ȝyf þy wyl be,
Y am an husband of þe cuntre;
Y was wunt to lede vytayle
To knyȝtës þat were yn batayle;
And now y am a porë man,
Yn þys maner fro þe batayle wan,
And wyl fonde to saue my lyfe
Tyl y may comë to my wyfe.”
Þe erle þan made a leche be stoundes
Tende to hym, to hele hys woundes.
Þat tyme were here many thedys,
Many vságes yn many ledys;
For euery kyng, yn þat dawe,
Beleued on dyuers lawe;
Sum were crystyn, on oure fay,
And some beleued on paynyms lay;
Þarfore þat tyme was mykyl þro,
And ofte was boþë werre and wo;
Ȝyf any kyng myȝt of oþers men take,
He shuld hem selle, or yn seruage make.
Many vságes yn many ledys;
For euery kyng, yn þat dawe,
Beleued on dyuers lawe;
Sum were crystyn, on oure fay,
And some beleued on paynyms lay;
Þarfore þat tyme was mykyl þro,
And ofte was boþë werre and wo;
Ȝyf any kyng myȝt of oþers men take,
He shuld hem selle, or yn seruage make.
wharfore y telle so of þys knyȝt,
þe erle dyd hym bynde euery nyȝt
þat he ne shuld[ë] fro hem fle,
Ne stele awey to hys cuntre;
Noþeles, for alle þat þey myȝt hym bynde,
A-noþer tyme, lose, þey myȝt hym fynde;
Só fast, þey neuer hym bonde,
Þat lose a-noþer tyme þey hym fonde.
þe erle dyd hym bynde euery nyȝt
þat he ne shuld[ë] fro hem fle,
Ne stele awey to hys cuntre;
Noþeles, for alle þat þey myȝt hym bynde,
329
Só fast, þey neuer hym bonde,
Þat lose a-noþer tyme þey hym fonde.
Þys boundë knyȝt hyght Iumna,
And had a broþer þat hyȝt Tumna;
þys Tumna was prest relygyous,
For he was abbot of an house;
So long he leued yn þat estre
Þat for hys name he hyȝt Tuncestre;
Þat tounne, as y vndyrstande,
hyt was yn Northhumber-lande.
And had a broþer þat hyȝt Tumna;
þys Tumna was prest relygyous,
For he was abbot of an house;
So long he leued yn þat estre
Þat for hys name he hyȝt Tuncestre;
Þat tounne, as y vndyrstande,
hyt was yn Northhumber-lande.
þys abbot herd tydyng certeyn
Þat Iumna was yn batayle slayn;
He come to Trent, þys abbot Tumna,
And fonde a body ryȝt lyke Iumna;
Onóurablye he dyd hyt graue
Yn hys cherche, þere he wulde hyt haue,
And song þarforë, day and ouþer,
For he went he had be hys broþer.
Þat Iumna was yn batayle slayn;
He come to Trent, þys abbot Tumna,
And fonde a body ryȝt lyke Iumna;
Onóurablye he dyd hyt graue
Yn hys cherche, þere he wulde hyt haue,
And song þarforë, day and ouþer,
For he went he had be hys broþer.
Þogh þat Tumna had chose wrong,
hys broþer had þe godenesse of hys song;
For God alle wote, and wyst hyt þere
For whom he madë hys preyere;
how as euer men, þys knyȝt at eue bonde,
Þe bondes, on þe morne, vndo þey fonde;
Men myȝt neuer hym yn bondes so feste
Þat þey þat tyme ne gunne al to-braste.
hys broþer had þe godenesse of hys song;
For God alle wote, and wyst hyt þere
For whom he madë hys preyere;
how as euer men, þys knyȝt at eue bonde,
Þe bondes, on þe morne, vndo þey fonde;
Men myȝt neuer hym yn bondes so feste
Þat þey þat tyme ne gunne al to-braste.
Þo men þat had þys man yn holde,
Þys wundyr to þe erle þey tolde;
Þe erle had þer-of gretë wundyr
Þys wundyr to þe erle þey tolde;
Þe erle had þer-of gretë wundyr
Þat hys bondes were so a sunder,
He seyd ‘hym self wulde with hym speke,
To wytë why hys bondes dyd breke.’
He seyd ‘hym self wulde with hym speke,
To wytë why hys bondes dyd breke.’
Before þe erlë was he fette,
And þe erle, ful feyre he grette,
“Sey me now,” he seyd, “bele amye,
“kanst þou weyl on sorcerye?
Sum wycchecrafte þou doust aboute bere,
Þat þy bondes mow þe nat dere.
For soþe,” he seyd, “sum what þou dos,
Þat euer-more þey fynde þe los.”
And þe erle, ful feyre he grette,
“Sey me now,” he seyd, “bele amye,
330
Sum wycchecrafte þou doust aboute bere,
Þat þy bondes mow þe nat dere.
For soþe,” he seyd, “sum what þou dos,
Þat euer-more þey fynde þe los.”
he seyd, “on whycchecrafte beleue y noȝt,
Ne for me shal none be wroȝt,
Ne wyl nat be, þurgh fendys crafte,
Vnbonde, ne with no whycchëcrafte.
Syre erle,” he seyd, “hyt ys a-nouþer;
Yn my cuntre y haue a broþer
Þat supposyþ weyl þat y am slayn,
For y come nat home agayn;
For me he syngeþ euery day a messe;
Prest, and abbot, for soþe he ys;
Y wote weyl, þát ys þe enchesun
Þat my bondes are so ondoun,
For, no þyng haþ powere
Aȝens þe sacrement of þe autere;
And ȝyf y were dede yn ouþer werlde,
hys preyer shulde for me be herde,
To bryngë me of pyne and wo
And aftyrward to blys[së] go.”
Ne for me shal none be wroȝt,
Ne wyl nat be, þurgh fendys crafte,
Vnbonde, ne with no whycchëcrafte.
Syre erle,” he seyd, “hyt ys a-nouþer;
Yn my cuntre y haue a broþer
Þat supposyþ weyl þat y am slayn,
For y come nat home agayn;
For me he syngeþ euery day a messe;
Prest, and abbot, for soþe he ys;
Y wote weyl, þát ys þe enchesun
Þat my bondes are so ondoun,
For, no þyng haþ powere
Aȝens þe sacrement of þe autere;
And ȝyf y were dede yn ouþer werlde,
hys preyer shulde for me be herde,
To bryngë me of pyne and wo
And aftyrward to blys[së] go.”
Alle þe meyne þan, and þe erle,
Supposed weyl he was no cherle,
As he to hem byfore hadde seyd,
whan þey on hym fyrst handës leyd;
By hys semblant and feyre beryng
Hym semed weyl to be a lordyng;
By hys speche, þey vndyrstode
Þat he was man of gentyl blode.
Supposed weyl he was no cherle,
As he to hem byfore hadde seyd,
whan þey on hym fyrst handës leyd;
By hys semblant and feyre beryng
Hym semed weyl to be a lordyng;
By hys speche, þey vndyrstode
Þat he was man of gentyl blode.
Þe erle toke hym yn pryuyte;
Of when he was, telle hym shulde he;
“Sey me þe soþe, and, as y am knyȝt,
Þou ne shalt haue for me, skaþe ne plyȝt.”
“Syn ȝe me behete ȝoure pes and gryth,
Y am þe kyngës man Edfryth;
Armës y bare yn þe batayle,
with alle my powere hym to auayle.”
“So me þoȝt,” seyd þe erle,
“Þe semed nat to be a cherle;
But, for þát y here þe seye,
Þou were wurþy for to deye,
For þou hylpë þer to slo,
Þat alle my kyn ys dede me fro;
But, langer þat y sykerd þe,
Shalt þou haue no skaþe for me.”
Of when he was, telle hym shulde he;
“Sey me þe soþe, and, as y am knyȝt,
Þou ne shalt haue for me, skaþe ne plyȝt.”
“Syn ȝe me behete ȝoure pes and gryth,
Y am þe kyngës man Edfryth;
Armës y bare yn þe batayle,
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“So me þoȝt,” seyd þe erle,
“Þe semed nat to be a cherle;
But, for þát y here þe seye,
Þou were wurþy for to deye,
For þou hylpë þer to slo,
Þat alle my kyn ys dede me fro;
But, langer þat y sykerd þe,
Shalt þou haue no skaþe for me.”
He ȝede and solde hym for raunsoun
At London to a Frysoun,—
A Frysoun ȝe shul vndyrstande
To a marchaunde of Fryslande;—
Þys Frysun wulde þys man furþe lede,
And, dyd on hym bondes for drede;
For he ne shulde skape by þe weye,
He dyd on hym, bondes for to leye;
But hyt auayled hym no þyng
Neuer a day, þat byndyng;
For yn þat oure þat þe messe was sunge,
Þe bondes to-braste, and alle to-sprunge.
At London to a Frysoun,—
A Frysoun ȝe shul vndyrstande
To a marchaunde of Fryslande;—
Þys Frysun wulde þys man furþe lede,
And, dyd on hym bondes for drede;
For he ne shulde skape by þe weye,
He dyd on hym, bondes for to leye;
But hyt auayled hym no þyng
Neuer a day, þat byndyng;
For yn þat oure þat þe messe was sunge,
Þe bondes to-braste, and alle to-sprunge.
Þys Frysoun þoȝt ‘how may þys be?
hé may ryȝt weyl fro me fle;
Chaunsfullyche hyt vayled noȝt,
þe katel þat y wyþ hym boȝt.’
hé may ryȝt weyl fro me fle;
Chaunsfullyche hyt vayled noȝt,
þe katel þat y wyþ hym boȝt.’
þe Frysoun seyd, “wylt þou weyl
Restore aȝen alle my katel,
And y shal ȝyue þe leue to go
To þy cuntre, þere þou come fro;
But fyrst þou shalt me trouþë plyght,
And trewly holde hyt at alle þy myȝt,
To brynge þe katel, and ȝyue for þe,
And ellës y grauntë þe nat fre.”
he graunted hym alle þat he seyd,
And trouþe yn hande with hand[ë] leyd.
Restore aȝen alle my katel,
And y shal ȝyue þe leue to go
To þy cuntre, þere þou come fro;
But fyrst þou shalt me trouþë plyght,
And trewly holde hyt at alle þy myȝt,
To brynge þe katel, and ȝyue for þe,
And ellës y grauntë þe nat fre.”
he graunted hym alle þat he seyd,
And trouþe yn hande with hand[ë] leyd.
þys Iumna went to þe kyng Loyre,
þat was kyng of Kaunterbyre;
he was seynt Audre syster sone,
And Iumna was wonte with here to wone;
Of alle hys state, boþe wo and wele,
Iumna tolde þe kyng euery deyl;
Þe kyng þan ȝaue hym hys raunsoun,
And he bare hyt to Londoun to þe Frysoun.
þat was kyng of Kaunterbyre;
he was seynt Audre syster sone,
And Iumna was wonte with here to wone;
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Iumna tolde þe kyng euery deyl;
Þe kyng þan ȝaue hym hys raunsoun,
And he bare hyt to Londoun to þe Frysoun.
Syþen ȝede he home, þys knyȝt Iumna,
To hys broþer þe abbot Tumna,
And tolde hym of alle hys wo-fare,
And of alle hys cumforte yn alle hys care.
Þe abbot ful weyl þan vndyrstode
Þat hys messe dyd hym grete gode,
And þat þe sacrament gan hym borowe
Oute of seruage and out of sorowe.
To hys broþer þe abbot Tumna,
And tolde hym of alle hys wo-fare,
And of alle hys cumforte yn alle hys care.
Þe abbot ful weyl þan vndyrstode
Þat hys messe dyd hym grete gode,
And þat þe sacrament gan hym borowe
Oute of seruage and out of sorowe.
Þys tale telleþ vs seynt Bede,
Yn þe gestys of Inglond þat we rede.
Yn þe gestys of Inglond þat we rede.
By þys talë, mow men lere
Þat þe messe helpeþ vs weyl here;
For vs lyuyng, hyt makeþ memórye,
As weyl as for soules yn purgatórye;
Euery man shal beleue þat ryȝt,
Þat holpe wyl be, as was þe knyȝt.
Þat þe messe helpeþ vs weyl here;
For vs lyuyng, hyt makeþ memórye,
As weyl as for soules yn purgatórye;
Euery man shal beleue þat ryȝt,
Þat holpe wyl be, as was þe knyȝt.
Þys sacrament helpeþ nat ȝyt a-lone,
But deuoute offrynges also echone;
Alle þat we offre at þe messe,
Alle oure saluacyun hyt ys;
Nat onely for to saue þo þat dede beþ,
But þe quyke also hyt saueþ and redeþ;
As weyl haue þe quyke, þe pru,
As þe dede, þereof vertu;
Quyke and dedë, more and lesse,
Alle are saued þurgh þe masse.
But deuoute offrynges also echone;
Alle þat we offre at þe messe,
Alle oure saluacyun hyt ys;
Nat onely for to saue þo þat dede beþ,
But þe quyke also hyt saueþ and redeþ;
As weyl haue þe quyke, þe pru,
As þe dede, þereof vertu;
Quyke and dedë, more and lesse,
Alle are saued þurgh þe masse.
þe offryng ys also a present
þat hyt be oure helpe, þe sacrament,
To þe fadyr of heuene bysyly,
For whom þou offrest, to haue mercy.
þat hyt be oure helpe, þe sacrament,
To þe fadyr of heuene bysyly,
For whom þou offrest, to haue mercy.
A tale y fondë onës wryte;
And as y wote, þan shul ȝe wyte;
And weyl a-cordeþ yn alle þyng,
Þat God ys payd of gode offryng.
And as y wote, þan shul ȝe wyte;
And weyl a-cordeþ yn alle þyng,
Þat God ys payd of gode offryng.
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[The Tale of the Miner, and how his Wife's Offerings for his Soul fed him while he was buried alive in a Mine.]
Þyr was a man beȝunde þe see,
A mynour, woned yn a cyte,—
Mynurs, þey make yn hyllys holes,
As yn þe west cuntre men seke coles.—
A mynour, woned yn a cyte,—
Mynurs, þey make yn hyllys holes,
As yn þe west cuntre men seke coles.—
Þys mynur soȝte stones vndyr þe molde,
Þat men make of, syluer and golde;
he wroȝt on a day, and holed yn þe hyl;
A perylous chauncë to hym fyl;
For, a grete party of þat yche myne
Fyl dowun yn þe hole, and closed hym ynne.
Þat men make of, syluer and golde;
he wroȝt on a day, and holed yn þe hyl;
A perylous chauncë to hym fyl;
For, a grete party of þat yche myne
Fyl dowun yn þe hole, and closed hym ynne.
hys felaus alle, þat were hym hende,
Þat he were dede, weyl soþely wende;
Þey ȝede and toke hem alle to rede,
And tolde hys wyfe þat he was dede.
Þat he were dede, weyl soþely wende;
Þey ȝede and toke hem alle to rede,
And tolde hys wyfe þat he was dede.
Þys womman pleyned here husbonde sore—
wulde God þat many swyche wommen wore!—
She hylpe hys soule yn allë þyng,
In almës dede, and yn offryng;
She offred for hym to þe auter,
Ful of wynë, a pecher,
And a feyrë lofe with-alle,
Euery day as for a pryncypalle;
Alle þat twelue moneþ stabëly,
But o day þat passed forby.
wulde God þat many swyche wommen wore!—
She hylpe hys soule yn allë þyng,
In almës dede, and yn offryng;
She offred for hym to þe auter,
Ful of wynë, a pecher,
And a feyrë lofe with-alle,
Euery day as for a pryncypalle;
Alle þat twelue moneþ stabëly,
But o day þat passed forby.
Fewe swyche wymmen now we fynde,
Þat to here husbondes are so kynde!
But þys wyfe, at alle here myȝt,
Ded for hym boþe day and nyȝt.
Þat to here husbondes are so kynde!
But þys wyfe, at alle here myȝt,
Ded for hym boþe day and nyȝt.
Fyl hyt at þe twelue moneþ ende,
Hys felaws to þe mounteyne gun wende,
And comë to þe same stede efte,
Þere þey last here werk [i-]lefte.
Ryȝt þere, þey fyrst bygan,
And perced þurgh vn-to þys man.
Hys felaws to þe mounteyne gun wende,
And comë to þe same stede efte,
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Ryȝt þere, þey fyrst bygan,
And perced þurgh vn-to þys man.
Þe man yn godë state þey fonde,
lyuyng with-outë wem or wounde;
Euerychone, þey hadde grete ferly,
And þat was gretë resun why;
Alle þo men were yn grete were,
How he had lyued alle þat ȝere.
But he tolde hem euerychone
How he hadde lyued þere alone;
“Y haue lyued gracyous lyfe,
Þurgh þe curtesye of my wyfe,
For euery day she haþ me sent
Brede and wynë to present;
But o day certys ete y noȝt,
For, no mete was to me broȝt.”
lyuyng with-outë wem or wounde;
Euerychone, þey hadde grete ferly,
And þat was gretë resun why;
Alle þo men were yn grete were,
How he had lyued alle þat ȝere.
But he tolde hem euerychone
How he hadde lyued þere alone;
“Y haue lyued gracyous lyfe,
Þurgh þe curtesye of my wyfe,
For euery day she haþ me sent
Brede and wynë to present;
But o day certys ete y noȝt,
For, no mete was to me broȝt.”
Þey led þys man vnto þe tounne,
And tolde þys myracle vp and dounne,
Fyrst, þur[o]gh þe cyte,
And seþþë þur[o]gh þe cuntre.
Þey asked hym, at þe laste,
Þat day þat he dyd[ë] faste;
He tolde hem þe day[ë]s name,
And hys wyfë seyd þe same;
Þat day she offred neuer a deyl;
Þe gode fryday, he myȝt be weyl.
And tolde þys myracle vp and dounne,
Fyrst, þur[o]gh þe cyte,
And seþþë þur[o]gh þe cuntre.
Þey asked hym, at þe laste,
Þat day þat he dyd[ë] faste;
He tolde hem þe day[ë]s name,
And hys wyfë seyd þe same;
Þat day she offred neuer a deyl;
Þe gode fryday, he myȝt be weyl.
Now mow ȝe here, þat almës dede,
Gostëly a man wyl fede,
And so mow ȝe weyl vndyrstande
Þat God ys payd of gode offrande.
Gostëly a man wyl fede,
And so mow ȝe weyl vndyrstande
Þat God ys payd of gode offrande.
But fór alle þys tale, yn ȝoure lyues,
Truste ȝe nat moche ón ȝoure wyues,
Ne on ȝoure chyldryn, for no þyng,
But makeþ ȝe self, ȝoure offryng:
For, so kynde a womman as y of tolde,
lyueþ nat now, be þou bolde;
Ne no clerk, þat þys ryme redys,
Shal fynde a womman of so kynde dedes.’
Truste ȝe nat moche ón ȝoure wyues,
Ne on ȝoure chyldryn, for no þyng,
But makeþ ȝe self, ȝoure offryng:
335
lyueþ nat now, be þou bolde;
Ne no clerk, þat þys ryme redys,
Shal fynde a womman of so kynde dedes.’
Ȝe men þat are now yn present,
þat haue herd me rede þys sacrament,
how ouer alle þyng hyt haþ powere,
Þe sacrament of þe autere,
As y haue here to ȝow shewed
—Nat to lered onely, but eke to lewed,—
Ȝe lewed men, y telle hyt ȝow,
Þese clerkys kun hyt weyl y-now,
Pray we alle oure creatoure,
Þe sacrament oure sauyoure,
Þat body and soule he wyl vs saue,
And we hym loue, and he vs haue!
þat haue herd me rede þys sacrament,
how ouer alle þyng hyt haþ powere,
Þe sacrament of þe autere,
As y haue here to ȝow shewed
—Nat to lered onely, but eke to lewed,—
Ȝe lewed men, y telle hyt ȝow,
Þese clerkys kun hyt weyl y-now,
Pray we alle oure creatoure,
Þe sacrament oure sauyoure,
Þat body and soule he wyl vs saue,
And we hym loue, and he vs haue!
[Of Penance.]
The fourþe sacráment ys penaunce,
Þat ys for synnë a quytaunce;
God graunte vs alle, penaunce to do,
For we haue gretë nede þarto.
Þat ys for synnë a quytaunce;
God graunte vs alle, penaunce to do,
For we haue gretë nede þarto.
Aȝens þys, þan, synnë þo
Þat to shryftë onely go
with-oute any manér of smert
Of felyng, of sorowe of hert;
Euery man shulde haue a-fore þoȝt
How and whan hys synne was wroȝt,
And beþenke hym weyl on euery dede,
Fyrst are he to shryftë ȝede;
Elles, asoyled may he nat be clene,
Of forȝetë synnes, y mene.
Ouer lytyl fors certys he ȝyueþ
Of any penaunce, or how he lyueþ;
Swychë men, here synne þey synke,
þat recchë nat þer-on to þynke.
Some men, whan here synne ys wroȝt,
Hyt no more cumþ yn here þoȝt,
And ȝyueþ no fors, þat he forȝeteþ
hys synne; and hym þe fend eteþ.
leuer ys hym late hem alle weyue,
þan any hard penaunce receyue.
Þat to shryftë onely go
with-oute any manér of smert
Of felyng, of sorowe of hert;
Euery man shulde haue a-fore þoȝt
How and whan hys synne was wroȝt,
And beþenke hym weyl on euery dede,
Fyrst are he to shryftë ȝede;
Elles, asoyled may he nat be clene,
Of forȝetë synnes, y mene.
Ouer lytyl fors certys he ȝyueþ
Of any penaunce, or how he lyueþ;
336
þat recchë nat þer-on to þynke.
Some men, whan here synne ys wroȝt,
Hyt no more cumþ yn here þoȝt,
And ȝyueþ no fors, þat he forȝeteþ
hys synne; and hym þe fend eteþ.
leuer ys hym late hem alle weyue,
þan any hard penaunce receyue.
Ȝyf þou wylt haue þe sacrament,
Þe behoueþ ȝyue weyl bettyr entent,
And recordë euery dede
with sorow of herte, and with drede,
And forþynke, with mochë mone,
Þat þou ne mayst þenk on echone;
And ȝyf þou shryue þe euery deyl
Of þo, þat þe meneþ weyl,
Þat þou ne lettë for no shame
To tellë opunly þy blame:
Swyche a man þat þus ys shryue,
May be asoyled, and penaunce ȝyue.
Þe behoueþ ȝyue weyl bettyr entent,
And recordë euery dede
with sorow of herte, and with drede,
And forþynke, with mochë mone,
Þat þou ne mayst þenk on echone;
And ȝyf þou shryue þe euery deyl
Of þo, þat þe meneþ weyl,
Þat þou ne lettë for no shame
To tellë opunly þy blame:
Swyche a man þat þus ys shryue,
May be asoyled, and penaunce ȝyue.
penaunce may be ȝyue to none
But he shryue hys synnes echone,
And be of godë répentaunce;
No prest may elles ȝyue hym penaunce;
Penaunce pyneþ þy flessh and þe fende,
And plesyþ God, and makyþ hym frende.
Aftyr, ȝyf þou þenk on þat
Synne þat þou yn shryfte forȝat,
Þou art holde to telle hyt þy prest
whan þou hast mynde þer-of yn brest.
But he shryue hys synnes echone,
And be of godë répentaunce;
No prest may elles ȝyue hym penaunce;
Penaunce pyneþ þy flessh and þe fende,
And plesyþ God, and makyþ hym frende.
Aftyr, ȝyf þou þenk on þat
Synne þat þou yn shryfte forȝat,
Þou art holde to telle hyt þy prest
whan þou hast mynde þer-of yn brest.
whan þou hast þy synne forsake,
And þy penaunce þer-forë take,
Forȝete nat þan þat þou ne do
Þe penaunce þat he ioyneþ þe to.
Ȝyf þou forȝetest, þou shalt bey hyt harde
yn purgatórye aftyrwarde;
For o day þat þou forȝetest here,
A ȝere, þere þou shalt by hyt dere.
And þy penaunce þer-forë take,
Forȝete nat þan þat þou ne do
337
Ȝyf þou forȝetest, þou shalt bey hyt harde
yn purgatórye aftyrwarde;
For o day þat þou forȝetest here,
A ȝere, þere þou shalt by hyt dere.
And ȝyf þou fallest eft yn synne,
Efte þy shryfte alle newe bygynne,
And do gode dedës þer-with-alle,
For þat es of penaunce pryncypalle;
Ȝyf þou ne do, verrement
Þou synnest yn þys sacrament;
For of þat man, hyt ys grete drede,
Þat wyþdraghþ hym fro godë dede.
Efte þy shryfte alle newe bygynne,
And do gode dedës þer-with-alle,
For þat es of penaunce pryncypalle;
Ȝyf þou ne do, verrement
Þou synnest yn þys sacrament;
For of þat man, hyt ys grete drede,
Þat wyþdraghþ hym fro godë dede.
Many man also þenkeþ þys þoȝt,
‘þat werk of penaunce auayleþ noȝt
þe whylys þat he ys yn synne;’
But þan had he most nede to bygynne;
For godë dedës and penaunce
Reysyn a man to répentaunce;
For many þyngës, gode hyt ys,
Þogh hyt auayle hym naght yn blys.
‘þat werk of penaunce auayleþ noȝt
þe whylys þat he ys yn synne;’
But þan had he most nede to bygynne;
For godë dedës and penaunce
Reysyn a man to répentaunce;
For many þyngës, gode hyt ys,
Þogh hyt auayle hym naght yn blys.
þe prest wote neuer what he menes,
Þat for lytyl, curseþ hys parysshenes;
Þat yche shepard ȝyueþ no gode kepe,
Þat betecheþ þe wulfe hys shepe;
At þe last acounte shal he mysfalle,
whan he shal answere for hem alle;
And þe lordë shal þe shepard hate,
þat wasteþ hys store, and bryngeþ o gate;
Þe lordë boȝt þe shepe ful dere,
lese hem nat þan so lyȝtly here;
Þoȝ þey outrage, and do foly,
He shal nat sle hem with felony;
he shal hem chastyse with smert speche,
with small baytynges, and nat with wreche.
Þat for lytyl, curseþ hys parysshenes;
Þat yche shepard ȝyueþ no gode kepe,
Þat betecheþ þe wulfe hys shepe;
At þe last acounte shal he mysfalle,
whan he shal answere for hem alle;
And þe lordë shal þe shepard hate,
þat wasteþ hys store, and bryngeþ o gate;
Þe lordë boȝt þe shepe ful dere,
lese hem nat þan so lyȝtly here;
Þoȝ þey outrage, and do foly,
He shal nat sle hem with felony;
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with small baytynges, and nat with wreche.
As þe gode shepard kepyþ hys shepe,
So shalle þe prest, hys parysshenes kepe;
Þere shepe gone wrong besyde þe paþ,
Þe shepard cryeþ for drede of skaþe;
And ȝyf þey wyl nat at hys crye
Turne aȝen to here pasture nye,
Þan setteþ he on hys hounde,
And bayteþ hem a wel gode stounde,
And bryngeþ hem to her pasture weyl,
Ne sleþ he ȝyt none, neuer a deyl.
So shalle þe prest, hys parysshenes kepe;
Þere shepe gone wrong besyde þe paþ,
Þe shepard cryeþ for drede of skaþe;
And ȝyf þey wyl nat at hys crye
Turne aȝen to here pasture nye,
Þan setteþ he on hys hounde,
And bayteþ hem a wel gode stounde,
And bryngeþ hem to her pasture weyl,
Ne sleþ he ȝyt none, neuer a deyl.
with þese prestes hyt shulde fare so,
whan here parysshenes oghte mysdo;
wyþ feyre techyng, and godë spelles,
And stoutly, whan þey wyl nat elles,
And with ordynaryys of holy cherche,
Tyl þat þey wyl ryȝtly werche;
Nat with cursyng, þat es slaghter euyl,
So sone betake hem to þe deuyl.
Haue to hem swych charyte
As þou wuldest God hadde to þe;
kowardyse hyt ys, and foule maystry,
To þrowe a faucoun at euery flye;
Of flyes men mow hem weyl spourge,
And þrowe to hem naght but a scourge;
No more shal no prest þrawe,
But a scorge, þat ys loue awe.
whan here parysshenes oghte mysdo;
wyþ feyre techyng, and godë spelles,
And stoutly, whan þey wyl nat elles,
And with ordynaryys of holy cherche,
Tyl þat þey wyl ryȝtly werche;
Nat with cursyng, þat es slaghter euyl,
So sone betake hem to þe deuyl.
Haue to hem swych charyte
As þou wuldest God hadde to þe;
kowardyse hyt ys, and foule maystry,
To þrowe a faucoun at euery flye;
Of flyes men mow hem weyl spourge,
And þrowe to hem naght but a scourge;
No more shal no prest þrawe,
But a scorge, þat ys loue awe.
Lewed man, þou shalt cursyng doute,
And to þy prest þou shalt nat stoute;
Be he wykked, or be he gode,
Þou shalt to hym be þolëmode.
And to þy prest þou shalt nat stoute;
Be he wykked, or be he gode,
Þou shalt to hym be þolëmode.
Hyt ys nat a lytyl þyng
For to fallë yn cursyng,
For hyt reueþ þe þy gostly frendes,
And betecheþ þe vn-to þe fendes,
And hyt forbarreþ alle gode dedes
Þat þe shuld helpe yn alle þy nedes,
Tyl þou com to amendëment
with penaunce, þat ys, þys sacrament.
For to fallë yn cursyng,
For hyt reueþ þe þy gostly frendes,
And betecheþ þe vn-to þe fendes,
And hyt forbarreþ alle gode dedes
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Tyl þou com to amendëment
with penaunce, þat ys, þys sacrament.
Yn sacrylage, y tolde a tale
how cursyng breweþ mochë bale,
Þat alle þe ȝere hopped aboute,
Þat wulde nat þe prestys byddyng doute.
how cursyng breweþ mochë bale,
Þat alle þe ȝere hopped aboute,
Þat wulde nat þe prestys byddyng doute.
Now wyl we leuë, at þys tyme,
Of penaunce morë for to ryme,
For y shal tellë þer-of more
At shryftë, whan y comë þore;
God ȝyue me gracë so to telle,
To shamë alle þe fendes of helle!
Of penaunce morë for to ryme,
For y shal tellë þer-of more
At shryftë, whan y comë þore;
God ȝyue me gracë so to telle,
To shamë alle þe fendes of helle!
[Of the Fifth Sacrament—Holy Orders.]
Now of þe fyfþë sacrament,
Þe order of þe bysshopes presentement.
þys falleþ to þese lordynges,
As popës, emperoures, and kynges,
And to alle þat clerkys auaunce
To holy cherches portynaunce;
Swyche men, þat are of grete nobley,
Yn þys sacrament þan synne þey,
Þat þey graunte, for mede þat þey take,
Vnwurþyly, a bysshope to make,
Of whom þat ys þe famë ryfe
Þat he ys, of febyl lyfe,
Or oþer to auaunce, hyt ys folye,
wyþoutyn resonable clergye.
Þe order of þe bysshopes presentement.
þys falleþ to þese lordynges,
As popës, emperoures, and kynges,
And to alle þat clerkys auaunce
To holy cherches portynaunce;
Swyche men, þat are of grete nobley,
Yn þys sacrament þan synne þey,
Þat þey graunte, for mede þat þey take,
Vnwurþyly, a bysshope to make,
Of whom þat ys þe famë ryfe
Þat he ys, of febyl lyfe,
Or oþer to auaunce, hyt ys folye,
wyþoutyn resonable clergye.
Clerk behoueþ hym for to be,
Þat shulde receyue swyche dygnyte
For to gouerne holy cherche;
with clergy, behoueþ hym algate werche.
But now ys fulfylled þe prophecye
Þat, sorë wepyng, seyþ Isaye,
“Ryȝt swych shal be þe prest
As þe lewed man lyue, þou sest.”
Þat shulde receyue swyche dygnyte
For to gouerne holy cherche;
with clergy, behoueþ hym algate werche.
But now ys fulfylled þe prophecye
Þat, sorë wepyng, seyþ Isaye,
“Ryȝt swych shal be þe prest
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lytyl kan lasse þe lewed man
þan some of þesë prestës kan.
who ȝyuen hem more to worldly þyng
þan prestës do, for alle here prechyng?
þan some of þesë prestës kan.
who ȝyuen hem more to worldly þyng
þan prestës do, for alle here prechyng?
ȝyf he be clerk, and euyl dous,
Of hym ys nat to make no rous.
what vayleþ to vndyrstonde þe lettyr,
And hys lyfe be neuer þe bettyr?
Alle þat clergye, y telle it but lore,
when he lyueþ neuer þe bettyr þer-fore.
Of hym ys nat to make no rous.
what vayleþ to vndyrstonde þe lettyr,
And hys lyfe be neuer þe bettyr?
Alle þat clergye, y telle it but lore,
when he lyueþ neuer þe bettyr þer-fore.
But how seyþ Salamon yn hys spellyng,
“wo þe land, þere chylde ys kyng!”
And wo þe folk, þat kan nat lyue
whan holy cherchë ys mys-ȝyue!
And to þe husbonde, wo ys hys lyfe,
þat haþ yn hys hous a fole to wyfe!
“wo þe land, þere chylde ys kyng!”
And wo þe folk, þat kan nat lyue
whan holy cherchë ys mys-ȝyue!
And to þe husbonde, wo ys hys lyfe,
þat haþ yn hys hous a fole to wyfe!
ȝe lordes, do ȝe Goddes ordynaunce,
And godë men ȝe shul auaunce;
To gode men ȝyueþ ȝoure benefyces
Þat kun hem kepe fro wykked vyces;
Þan make ȝe gode presentëment
To order of þys sacrament.
And godë men ȝe shul auaunce;
To gode men ȝyueþ ȝoure benefyces
Þat kun hem kepe fro wykked vyces;
Þan make ȝe gode presentëment
To order of þys sacrament.
Also, haþ he wykkedly doun
Þat letteþ gode mannes eleccyoun;
‘Eleccyoun’ ys, ‘weyl chesyng
A gode man to kepe holy þyng.’
Þese hyghë men do grete trespas,
Þat chese nat ryȝt, alas! alas!
Þát were wurþy, hem þey spare,
And þe vnwurþy auaunced are;
And, þat ys nat lytyl synne
To hem þat hyt ȝyuen, and eke so wynne;
Hyt may be tolde for symonye,
For ȝyfte to auaunce þe vnwurþy.
Þat letteþ gode mannes eleccyoun;
‘Eleccyoun’ ys, ‘weyl chesyng
A gode man to kepe holy þyng.’
Þese hyghë men do grete trespas,
Þat chese nat ryȝt, alas! alas!
Þát were wurþy, hem þey spare,
And þe vnwurþy auaunced are;
And, þat ys nat lytyl synne
To hem þat hyt ȝyuen, and eke so wynne;
Hyt may be tolde for symonye,
For ȝyfte to auaunce þe vnwurþy.
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By a tale, y may ȝow shewe
þat hyt ys synne to chese a shrewe;
And ȝyt ys he yn wers entent,
þat letteþ gode mannes auauncëment.
þat hyt ys synne to chese a shrewe;
And ȝyt ys he yn wers entent,
þat letteþ gode mannes auauncëment.
Seynt Gregory telleþ þarfore a tale
þat telþ many one, what grete and smale,
he telleþ mo hymself a-lone,
þan alle þe doctours do echone.
þat telþ many one, what grete and smale,
he telleþ mo hymself a-lone,
þan alle þe doctours do echone.
[The Tale of Paschasius's Punishment for not agreeing to the Election of the best Man for Pope.]
Yn þe cherche of Rome, he telleþ þus,
A dekene was þat hyghte Pascasyus,
A man of almës þan was he,
Þat ofte of þe porë had pyte;
Þat yche tyme was elleccyone
To chese here pope, as er was wone.
A dekene was þat hyghte Pascasyus,
A man of almës þan was he,
Þat ofte of þe porë had pyte;
Þat yche tyme was elleccyone
To chese here pope, as er was wone.
Twey men were yn choys to take,
Oþer Laurence, oþer Symake;
hys felaus alle, Symakus chese,
So þat Laurence hys voys lese;
Pascasyus graunted neuer þartyl,
But chese Laurence at hys owne wyl;
He repented hym neuer noȝt,
But yn Laurencë stode hys þoȝt.
Oþer Laurence, oþer Symake;
hys felaus alle, Symakus chese,
So þat Laurence hys voys lese;
Pascasyus graunted neuer þartyl,
But chese Laurence at hys owne wyl;
He repented hym neuer noȝt,
But yn Laurencë stode hys þoȝt.
Yn þys popes tyme, syre Symakus,
Deyde þe dekene Pascasyus:
Þys dekene was an holy man,
As yn þe cuntre þe famë ran,
And dyd þys myrácle, as ȝe mowe here:
A wode man touched on hys bere,
And a party of hys cloþyng,
And a-none he hadde botenyng.
Deyde þe dekene Pascasyus:
Þys dekene was an holy man,
As yn þe cuntre þe famë ran,
And dyd þys myrácle, as ȝe mowe here:
A wode man touched on hys bere,
And a party of hys cloþyng,
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longë, aftyr þat þys was,
Fyl of þys dekene a merueylous kas;
For þere besydë, yn a paþ
was a wasshyng, at an hote baþ;
‘Termes’ men calle þat watyr wasshele,
For many one had þerat here hele.
Fyl of þys dekene a merueylous kas;
For þere besydë, yn a paþ
was a wasshyng, at an hote baþ;
‘Termes’ men calle þat watyr wasshele,
For many one had þerat here hele.
Þus þe holy bysshope seynt Germyne
Com þedyr to be wasshe þer-ynne;
Þere fonde he þys dekene Pascas,
And at þe watyr seruyng was:
Þys bysshope merueyled yn hys þoȝt,
wheþer hyt were Pascas or noȝt;
At þe laste, seynt Germyne seyde
“Art þou nat Pascas þat deyde,
Þat we helde a man holy?”
“Ȝys,” seyd Pascas, “hyt am y;
And at þys water, serue y þus,
For y graunted neuer to Symakus,
But to Laurence, with alle my myȝt,
Þat was nat so gode yn Goddys syȝt;
y ne repented yn alle my hope,
For y wulde haue hadde hym pope.
But wuldest þou prey for me, Germyne,
y shulde come sone oute of þys pyne;
And þat mayst þou wete yn þys manere,
Ȝyf þou fynde me no more here.”
Com þedyr to be wasshe þer-ynne;
Þere fonde he þys dekene Pascas,
And at þe watyr seruyng was:
Þys bysshope merueyled yn hys þoȝt,
wheþer hyt were Pascas or noȝt;
At þe laste, seynt Germyne seyde
“Art þou nat Pascas þat deyde,
Þat we helde a man holy?”
“Ȝys,” seyd Pascas, “hyt am y;
And at þys water, serue y þus,
For y graunted neuer to Symakus,
But to Laurence, with alle my myȝt,
Þat was nat so gode yn Goddys syȝt;
y ne repented yn alle my hope,
For y wulde haue hadde hym pope.
But wuldest þou prey for me, Germyne,
y shulde come sone oute of þys pyne;
And þat mayst þou wete yn þys manere,
Ȝyf þou fynde me no more here.”
Þe bysshope Germyne, home he ȝede,
And preyd to God for hys mysdede.
Þe nextë tyme þat he come þore,
Of Pascas, sagh he no more.
And preyd to God for hys mysdede.
Þe nextë tyme þat he come þore,
Of Pascas, sagh he no more.
Lokë, lordes, how ȝe mysdo,
Þat eleccyoun dystroubleþ so;
For a ȝyfte, or a presént,
Ȝe suffre holy cherche to be shent;
Ȝourë synnë shal be greuous,
whan þys dekene Pascasyus,
For so lytyl, to purgatorye ȝede,
For whom was shewed myrácle yn dede.
Þat eleccyoun dystroubleþ so;
For a ȝyfte, or a presént,
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Ȝourë synnë shal be greuous,
whan þys dekene Pascasyus,
For so lytyl, to purgatorye ȝede,
For whom was shewed myrácle yn dede.
Aȝens God, he ys nat quyte,
Þat suffreþ for hys owne profyte,
Holy cherche, wrongly be ȝyue
To þo men þat wykkedly lyue;
Þey shul be a-couped of tresoun,
As traytours yn eleccyoun;
Many shul go a deuyl wey,
Or be encumbred or þey dey.
Þat suffreþ for hys owne profyte,
Holy cherche, wrongly be ȝyue
To þo men þat wykkedly lyue;
Þey shul be a-couped of tresoun,
As traytours yn eleccyoun;
Many shul go a deuyl wey,
Or be encumbred or þey dey.
Ȝyt shal y telle, among þese talys,
A tale þat now late fyl yn Wales:
yn þe tyme of seynt Dauy
Fyl þys þyng, a grete ferly.
A tale þat now late fyl yn Wales:
yn þe tyme of seynt Dauy
Fyl þys þyng, a grete ferly.
[A Tale of Warning against buying Bishoprics, and worshipping Bad Bishops' Bodies.]
As þe munkës shulde do werche
werk þat fyl vn-to here cherche,
As þey dalue dowun yn þe clay,
Þey fonde a bysshope alle hole lay,
with flesshe and blode, and hole sendal,
And, wyþ ouþer vestement alle,
As fresshë as he were depeynt.
þey wende he had be a corseynt;
þey toke hym vp, euerychone,
And, leyd hym vppon a stone,
And wurscheped hyt moche with-alle,
For þey wende myrácles shulde falle.
At hygh feste tymës of þe ȝere
Þey ensensed þe body as þe hygh autere.
werk þat fyl vn-to here cherche,
As þey dalue dowun yn þe clay,
Þey fonde a bysshope alle hole lay,
with flesshe and blode, and hole sendal,
And, wyþ ouþer vestement alle,
As fresshë as he were depeynt.
þey wende he had be a corseynt;
þey toke hym vp, euerychone,
And, leyd hym vppon a stone,
And wurscheped hyt moche with-alle,
For þey wende myrácles shulde falle.
At hygh feste tymës of þe ȝere
Þey ensensed þe body as þe hygh autere.
A nyȝt, whan þe sekesteyn yn bede was leyd,
Hym þoȝt one come, and to hym seyd,
“Ensense þe body no more so,
Ne do no wurschep þar-vnto.”
Hym þoȝt one come, and to hym seyd,
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Ne do no wurschep þar-vnto.”
Þe sekesteyn, for alle þat defense,
Ȝyt he ȝaue þe body ensense.
Anouþer nyȝt, fór þat same,
Efte þe sekesteyn he gan blame,
and seyd, “holde hyt no more yn prys,
þat yche body, þat þere lys.”
þe munkë seyd, “telle me why
þat he to wurschep ne ys wurþy.”
“loke to morne, and þou mayst wyte
what lyþ yn hys mytyr wryte.”
Ȝyt he ȝaue þe body ensense.
Anouþer nyȝt, fór þat same,
Efte þe sekesteyn he gan blame,
and seyd, “holde hyt no more yn prys,
þat yche body, þat þere lys.”
þe munkë seyd, “telle me why
þat he to wurschep ne ys wurþy.”
“loke to morne, and þou mayst wyte
what lyþ yn hys mytyr wryte.”
Þe munkë ros vp on þe morne,
And, fonde yn hys mytyr horne
Þesë verse wryte on a scrowe,
For þat he shulde þe bettyr trowe:
Þese are þo ychë twey verse,
Þat to holynes are reuers,
Quem lapis ille tegit, sandalia viliter emit;
Estuat in baratro, pessimus ille latro.
“he þat þys stone hyleþ one lyche,
wykkedly boȝt hys bysshopryche.
yn helle he welleþ pynë grefe,
For alþerwerst þan was he þefe.”
And, fonde yn hys mytyr horne
Þesë verse wryte on a scrowe,
For þat he shulde þe bettyr trowe:
Þese are þo ychë twey verse,
Þat to holynes are reuers,
Quem lapis ille tegit, sandalia viliter emit;
Estuat in baratro, pessimus ille latro.
“he þat þys stone hyleþ one lyche,
wykkedly boȝt hys bysshopryche.
yn helle he welleþ pynë grefe,
For alþerwerst þan was he þefe.”
Alþerwerst þen shal hem be,
Þat for mede come to dygnyte.
hyt ys nat to speke, ne to preche,
Þe clergye werche moche aftyr wreche.
Þat for mede come to dygnyte.
hyt ys nat to speke, ne to preche,
Þe clergye werche moche aftyr wreche.
Ne þou shalt no dedë werche,
Noþer to iangle, yn holy cherche;
Namely yn tyme of holy feste,
Þán shuldë men iangle leste.
Þat tyme make many one, gaderyng
yn holy cherche of ydul þyng;
And of alle shalt þou ȝelde acounte,
To whos godenesse hyt shuld amounte.
y haue touched of þys outrage
whan y spake of sacrylage.
Noþer to iangle, yn holy cherche;
Namely yn tyme of holy feste,
Þán shuldë men iangle leste.
Þat tyme make many one, gaderyng
yn holy cherche of ydul þyng;
And of alle shalt þou ȝelde acounte,
To whos godenesse hyt shuld amounte.
y haue touched of þys outrage
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Ne þou oghtes nat to be enchesun
To sturble mannys deuocyoun.
Ȝyf þou ne wylte Goddes seruyse here,
lette none ouþer of here preyere;
Fole ys, þat foly þat wyl nat drede,
And more þat letteþ alle oþer gode dede.
Ryȝt so seyþ Salamon þe wyse,
Vs alle of foly to chastyse.
To sturble mannys deuocyoun.
Ȝyf þou ne wylte Goddes seruyse here,
lette none ouþer of here preyere;
Fole ys, þat foly þat wyl nat drede,
And more þat letteþ alle oþer gode dede.
Ryȝt so seyþ Salamon þe wyse,
Vs alle of foly to chastyse.
Clerk to bete, or handes on ley
yn vyolence, hyt ys grete eye;
Hyt longeþ to þys sacrament
Þurgh bysshopës commaundëment;
yn sacrylagë þer y spake,
y touched of þat ychë lak;
And yn þe ten commaundëmens,
y wene y touched of þys defens;
Þarforë, now hyt ys beste,
Of þys sacrament to reste.
yn vyolence, hyt ys grete eye;
Hyt longeþ to þys sacrament
Þurgh bysshopës commaundëment;
yn sacrylagë þer y spake,
y touched of þat ychë lak;
And yn þe ten commaundëmens,
y wene y touched of þys defens;
Þarforë, now hyt ys beste,
Of þys sacrament to reste.
God grauntë þesë lordynges,
weyl to do yn allë þynges,
And late hem neuer here soulës lese
For no wrongës þat þey chese!
weyl to do yn allë þynges,
And late hem neuer here soulës lese
For no wrongës þat þey chese!
[Of the Sixth Sacrament,—Marriage.]
The syxte sacrament ys matrymony,
Þére hyt ys do ryȝtwusly;
God comaundeþ yn hys boke
Þat man shuldë hyt weyl loke;
For he stabled hyt yn paradys,
hyt ys holde yn þe morë prys;
And yn Kana Galyle
He turnede water yn wyne to be.
Þére hyt ys do ryȝtwusly;
God comaundeþ yn hys boke
Þat man shuldë hyt weyl loke;
For he stabled hyt yn paradys,
hyt ys holde yn þe morë prys;
And yn Kana Galyle
He turnede water yn wyne to be.
Aȝens þys ychë sacrament
Do many onë verrement;
yn þys, do þo men ful ylle,
Þat wedden any aȝens here wylle;
Here wyl behoueþ to-gedyr consente,
Are þe prest do þe sacrament.
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yn þys, do þo men ful ylle,
Þat wedden any aȝens here wylle;
Here wyl behoueþ to-gedyr consente,
Are þe prest do þe sacrament.
Ne þou ne shalt [not] do þy myȝt
Þat two be weddyd with vnryȝt.
Synne þou wystest þat þey shulde noȝt
with no skyl togedyr be broȝt,
Þou synnest moche þurgh þys resun,
For þey mow neuer be weyl vndoun.
Þat two be weddyd with vnryȝt.
Synne þou wystest þat þey shulde noȝt
with no skyl togedyr be broȝt,
Þou synnest moche þurgh þys resun,
For þey mow neuer be weyl vndoun.
Ne þou shalt nat, for no gode—
þoȝt hyt be þyn ownë blode—
Dysturble hyt þere hyt oȝt to be,
Ȝyf þey haue do hére wyl fre.
þoȝt hyt be þyn ownë blode—
Dysturble hyt þere hyt oȝt to be,
Ȝyf þey haue do hére wyl fre.
Ȝyf þou wost þe soþe of euery deyl,
Þat two are weddyd, and oȝt nat weyl,
But þou shewe hyt, þou dost grete synne
To one þat may do bote þer-ynne;
For, þus ys þe gospel sawe,
And þe same seyþ landës lawe,
‘Þat who so consenteþ to a þefe,
Euene peyne shul þey haue grefe.’
Þat two are weddyd, and oȝt nat weyl,
But þou shewe hyt, þou dost grete synne
To one þat may do bote þer-ynne;
For, þus ys þe gospel sawe,
And þe same seyþ landës lawe,
‘Þat who so consenteþ to a þefe,
Euene peyne shul þey haue grefe.’
Of foly trouþës þat are ȝyue,
Þare-of byfore y haue ȝow shryue;
Y haue tolde hyt as y couþe,
How men falsen here trouþes with mouþe;
whan y spake of lecherye,
Y spakë þer of þat foly,
And yn þe syxtë commaundment
Þere spekþ hyt of þys asent;
Þarfore nedeþ me nat here
To spekë more of þys matere;
But, y pray euery man
Þat hys crystendom loueþ, or kan,
Þat þey neuer swych þyng graunte,
Two to wedde of fals cunnaunte;
For many come neuer yn wedlak
But for þe fyrst cunnaunt þat men spak.
Þare-of byfore y haue ȝow shryue;
Y haue tolde hyt as y couþe,
How men falsen here trouþes with mouþe;
whan y spake of lecherye,
Y spakë þer of þat foly,
And yn þe syxtë commaundment
Þere spekþ hyt of þys asent;
Þarfore nedeþ me nat here
To spekë more of þys matere;
But, y pray euery man
Þat hys crystendom loueþ, or kan,
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Two to wedde of fals cunnaunte;
For many come neuer yn wedlak
But for þe fyrst cunnaunt þat men spak.
Also, for men by-hete hem largely,
Are chyldryn wedded ofte for-þy;
For þyr are many wedded for gode,
And for no stedfast loue of blode,
And, þat ys no ryȝt weddyng;
Hyt quemeþ nat to heuene kyng.
Many one weddeþ euery deyl
For þe loue of syre kateyl;
whan hyt ys go, and ys alle bare,
Þan ys þe weddyng sorowe & kare;
loue ande catel þan ys awey,
And ‘welaweye’ þey cry and sey.
Are chyldryn wedded ofte for-þy;
For þyr are many wedded for gode,
And for no stedfast loue of blode,
And, þat ys no ryȝt weddyng;
Hyt quemeþ nat to heuene kyng.
Many one weddeþ euery deyl
For þe loue of syre kateyl;
whan hyt ys go, and ys alle bare,
Þan ys þe weddyng sorowe & kare;
loue ande catel þan ys awey,
And ‘welaweye’ þey cry and sey.
And ȝe men þat brekyn cunnaunte,
Ȝe selfe falsen þat ȝe fyrst graunte;
Þan ys weddelak þurgh ȝow shent,
Þat was þe fyrst sacrament;
Þe shende hyt wyþ ȝoure fals behetyng,
And þey noȝt weddë but þe þyng;
So, betwyxe fals and coueytous,
ys welaweyë broȝt to hous.
Of þys myȝt men mochë speke,
But leuer ys me my mouþe to steke
Þan y spak oȝt oute of skore,
For sone y myȝt be blamed þarfore.
God ȝyue hem grace, þo þat shul wedde,
Yn ryȝt wedlak be broȝt to bedde;
And delyuer hem of here wyues
Þat oute of skyle chyden and stryues!
Ȝe selfe falsen þat ȝe fyrst graunte;
Þan ys weddelak þurgh ȝow shent,
Þat was þe fyrst sacrament;
Þe shende hyt wyþ ȝoure fals behetyng,
And þey noȝt weddë but þe þyng;
So, betwyxe fals and coueytous,
ys welaweyë broȝt to hous.
Of þys myȝt men mochë speke,
But leuer ys me my mouþe to steke
Þan y spak oȝt oute of skore,
For sone y myȝt be blamed þarfore.
God ȝyue hem grace, þo þat shul wedde,
Yn ryȝt wedlak be broȝt to bedde;
And delyuer hem of here wyues
Þat oute of skyle chyden and stryues!
[Of the Seventh Sacrament,—Aneylyng or Extreme Unction.]
Now of þe seuenþe sacrament:
Þese clerkys kalle hyt ‘oynament,’
On Englys hyt ys ‘anelyng’
whan man shal make hys endyng;
Seynt Iamë stable[d] hyt for to be
A sacrament þurgh crystyanyte.
Þese clerkys kalle hyt ‘oynament,’
On Englys hyt ys ‘anelyng’
whan man shal make hys endyng;
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A sacrament þurgh crystyanyte.
Ȝyf þou aske hyt wyþ gode wyl,
Of wykked gostes gest þou noun yl,
Ne þe fende haþ no powere
þy body for to comë nere.
Ȝyf þou of dedly synne be shryue,
þo þat are venyal beþ þe forȝyue;
þou mayst þan sykerly go þy weye,
what tyme as euer þat þou shalt deye.
Of wykked gostes gest þou noun yl,
Ne þe fende haþ no powere
þy body for to comë nere.
Ȝyf þou of dedly synne be shryue,
þo þat are venyal beþ þe forȝyue;
þou mayst þan sykerly go þy weye,
what tyme as euer þat þou shalt deye.
Ȝe þat loue þys sacrament,
Here mowe ȝe lerne, ȝyueþ gode entent.
Þat tymë þat þou shalt wende,
And draghest vn-to þy lyuës ende,
Þou shalt aske deuoutëly
Anelyng to þy body;
Þoȝt hyt be broȝt redy to þe,
Asked behoueþ hyt algate be.
Here mowe ȝe lerne, ȝyueþ gode entent.
Þat tymë þat þou shalt wende,
And draghest vn-to þy lyuës ende,
Þou shalt aske deuoutëly
Anelyng to þy body;
Þoȝt hyt be broȝt redy to þe,
Asked behoueþ hyt algate be.
Ȝyf þou vnwetyng hyt haue,
hyt helpeþ þe nat so moche to saue
As ȝyf þou asked hyt by name;
Þus seyþ þe apostle seynt Iame;
For whan þou askest hyt with gode wyl,
Þou mekyst þe þan to fulfyl
Þe sacramentes of holy cherche
with beleue, and gostely to werche;
Þan ys holy cherche holde þurgh ryȝt
To pray for þe boþe day and nyȝt.
hyt helpeþ þe nat so moche to saue
As ȝyf þou asked hyt by name;
Þus seyþ þe apostle seynt Iame;
For whan þou askest hyt with gode wyl,
Þou mekyst þe þan to fulfyl
Þe sacramentes of holy cherche
with beleue, and gostely to werche;
Þan ys holy cherche holde þurgh ryȝt
To pray for þe boþe day and nyȝt.
Hyt ys to be holde yn prys,
For hyt saueþ man on twey partys;
Þe soule hyt bryngeþ to saluacyoun,
And for hele of body hyt ys doun.
For hyt saueþ man on twey partys;
Þe soule hyt bryngeþ to saluacyoun,
And for hele of body hyt ys doun.
But many one þus hope and seye,
‘Anele hem nat but þey shulde deye;
For ȝyf he turne aȝen to lyfe,
He shulde lygge no more by hys wyfe.’
Al þo þat beleueþ þys,
wykkedly þey beleue a-mys.
Holy cherche makeþ no menyng,
For swyche þyng defende anelyng;
But yn euery an euyl strong—
lygge þou shortë whyle or long—
Þou shalt aske þys sacrament,
with gode wyl and gode entent,
Syn hyt auayleþ but lyghtly
But hyt be asked derwurly.
‘Anele hem nat but þey shulde deye;
For ȝyf he turne aȝen to lyfe,
He shulde lygge no more by hys wyfe.’
Al þo þat beleueþ þys,
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Holy cherche makeþ no menyng,
For swyche þyng defende anelyng;
But yn euery an euyl strong—
lygge þou shortë whyle or long—
Þou shalt aske þys sacrament,
with gode wyl and gode entent,
Syn hyt auayleþ but lyghtly
But hyt be asked derwurly.
Þy gode wyl shal stonde for oght,
Ȝyf þou hyt aske, and haue hyt noȝt;
For some are now a-lyue þou seest,
And dede are he may haue þe preste;
Þarfore, askë hyt be tyme,
For, deþ cumþ now as yn swyme;
yn euery sykenes, aske hyt al-weys;
God almyȝty ys ryȝt curteys,
he seeþ þy wyl, what þou wuldest haue,
Hys mercy ys þe more þe to saue.
Ȝyf þou hyt aske, and haue hyt noȝt;
For some are now a-lyue þou seest,
And dede are he may haue þe preste;
Þarfore, askë hyt be tyme,
For, deþ cumþ now as yn swyme;
yn euery sykenes, aske hyt al-weys;
God almyȝty ys ryȝt curteys,
he seeþ þy wyl, what þou wuldest haue,
Hys mercy ys þe more þe to saue.
Ihesu, y þanke þe of þy grace,
Þat hast lent me wyt and space,
Þys yn Englys for to drawe,
As holy men haue seyd yn sawe;
For lewed men hyt may auayle,
For hem y tokë þys trauayle.
Þat hast lent me wyt and space,
Þys yn Englys for to drawe,
As holy men haue seyd yn sawe;
For lewed men hyt may auayle,
For hem y tokë þys trauayle.
Of þys sacrament wyl y blynne;
Of shryfte, to telle, y wyl bygynne;
God ȝyue me gracë so to seye,
Of shryfte to shewë þe ryȝt weye,
Þat we receyue, are we be went,
with-outë synne, þys sacrament.
Of shryfte, to telle, y wyl bygynne;
God ȝyue me gracë so to seye,
Of shryfte to shewë þe ryȝt weye,
Þat we receyue, are we be went,
with-outë synne, þys sacrament.
Here bygynneþ shryfte.
The lyȝt of grace þat neuer haþ ende,
From whom al cumþ, and to al men sende;
Of alle godenes, wel and bygynnyng
Ys God of heuene, and of erþe kyng,
Hym wurschepeþ alle, as wel ys wurþy,
Gostly þynges as weyl as dedly,
Alle creatures doun hym onoure,
Ihesu, þat ryche emperoure;
Þou, Ihesu, lyȝt my soule with-ynne,
And graunte me swychë to bygynne
Þat hyt mowe be, þe to queme,
And vs alle fro synnë ȝeme!
Namly, of shryftë so to seye,
Þat we mow make vs redy wey
Aȝens þe fende, þat ys oure fo,
Þarto God graunte vs alle to go.
From whom al cumþ, and to al men sende;
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Ys God of heuene, and of erþe kyng,
Hym wurschepeþ alle, as wel ys wurþy,
Gostly þynges as weyl as dedly,
Alle creatures doun hym onoure,
Ihesu, þat ryche emperoure;
Þou, Ihesu, lyȝt my soule with-ynne,
And graunte me swychë to bygynne
Þat hyt mowe be, þe to queme,
And vs alle fro synnë ȝeme!
Namly, of shryftë so to seye,
Þat we mow make vs redy wey
Aȝens þe fende, þat ys oure fo,
Þarto God graunte vs alle to go.
Tweluë poyntes þyr are yn shryfte,
And tweluë graces of here ȝyfte,
And yn alle þesë, are but þre
whych are to do, and whych are to fle.
And tweluë graces of here ȝyfte,
And yn alle þesë, are but þre
whych are to do, and whych are to fle.
To telle hyt shortly, alle at gesse,
Þe fyrst ys þe grete godënesse,
How yt ȝyueþ hem grace to þryue,
Þo men þat wyl bleþely hem shryue;
Syþen, fro what þyng men shulde hem loke
Þat shryftë blely vndyrtoke;
And how many þynges, behoueþ hem haue,
Þat, ryȝtly, here shryfte wyl craue.
Þe fyrst ys þe grete godënesse,
How yt ȝyueþ hem grace to þryue,
Þo men þat wyl bleþely hem shryue;
Syþen, fro what þyng men shulde hem loke
Þat shryftë blely vndyrtoke;
And how many þynges, behoueþ hem haue,
Þat, ryȝtly, here shryfte wyl craue.
Yn tokenyng, to holde vs lowe,
And oure wykkednes for to knowe,
Hyt ys ordeyned, þurgh Goddys ȝyfte,
To man, fór to knowe oure shryfte.
And oure wykkednes for to knowe,
Hyt ys ordeyned, þurgh Goddys ȝyfte,
To man, fór to knowe oure shryfte.
For vnbuxumnesse of oure fadyr Adam
And Eue—þurgh prydë þat fyrst cam,
Þat Goddes commaundëment þey brake—
knowlachyng behoueþ vs allë make;
And þurgh a-nother resun ryȝt gode,
Syn Ihesu Cryst toke flesshe and blode,
And was cloþed yn oure man-hede,
And wyst oure wykkednes & oure nede,
To man behoueþ vs to telle oure trespas,
Syn he knew alle þat yn man was.
For whan we shryue vs to þe preste,
To God we shewe vs yn mannes breste;
Þan wotë boþë God and man,
Oure lyfe, þat alle may wete and kan;
Now we shul, telle ȝow sone,
what ys to leue, and what to done.
And Eue—þurgh prydë þat fyrst cam,
Þat Goddes commaundëment þey brake—
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And þurgh a-nother resun ryȝt gode,
Syn Ihesu Cryst toke flesshe and blode,
And was cloþed yn oure man-hede,
And wyst oure wykkednes & oure nede,
To man behoueþ vs to telle oure trespas,
Syn he knew alle þat yn man was.
For whan we shryue vs to þe preste,
To God we shewe vs yn mannes breste;
Þan wotë boþë God and man,
Oure lyfe, þat alle may wete and kan;
Now we shul, telle ȝow sone,
what ys to leue, and what to done.
The fyrste poynt of shryfte.
Þe fyrst poynt of þy shryfte oweþ to be,
‘with þy gode wyl and hertë fre,
whan þou art yn þy lyfë best,
Awey þou shalt þy synnë kest;’
For þan wurschepest þou God aboue,
And forsakest þy synne for hys loue.
‘with þy gode wyl and hertë fre,
whan þou art yn þy lyfë best,
Awey þou shalt þy synnë kest;’
For þan wurschepest þou God aboue,
And forsakest þy synne for hys loue.
Dauyd seyþ, yn wurde to fulfyl,
God shrofe hym with hys gode wyl;
Abyde nat tyl þou most nedly,
For þan hyt ys with fors and maystry;
Þou shryuest þe þan for drede,
Nat for loue, but more for nede;
Þan semeþ hyt þat hyt shulde be
Þat þy synne forsakeþ þe.
Swyche shryftë made Acor þe þefe:
whan he shulde go to pynë grefe,
He shrof hys synne, how he hadde stole
Þre þyngës þat he hade forhole,
A mantle of skarlet, a rolle of golde,
And syluer, he hydde vndyr molde;
Yn þe byble men mow hyt se,
Yn þe story of Iosue.
God shrofe hym with hys gode wyl;
Abyde nat tyl þou most nedly,
For þan hyt ys with fors and maystry;
Þou shryuest þe þan for drede,
Nat for loue, but more for nede;
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Þat þy synne forsakeþ þe.
Swyche shryftë made Acor þe þefe:
whan he shulde go to pynë grefe,
He shrof hys synne, how he hadde stole
Þre þyngës þat he hade forhole,
A mantle of skarlet, a rolle of golde,
And syluer, he hydde vndyr molde;
Yn þe byble men mow hyt se,
Yn þe story of Iosue.
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The Secunde poynt of shryfte.
þe secunde poynt ys next þyr-by,
‘þat þou shalt shryue þe hastyly;’
For whan þou doust yn longe respyte,
hyt ys forȝete, þat long ys olyte.
Seynt Bernard þarfore, to swych chyt,
And seyþ ‘moche forȝyt, þat longe abyt.’
‘þat þou shalt shryue þe hastyly;’
For whan þou doust yn longe respyte,
hyt ys forȝete, þat long ys olyte.
Seynt Bernard þarfore, to swych chyt,
And seyþ ‘moche forȝyt, þat longe abyt.’
Anouþer skyl ys, þat þou shalt hyt haste,
For yn þy synne þy lyfe ys waste;
For, as moche as þe tyme doþ amounte,
For euery oure, shalt þou ȝelde acounte,
Ȝyf hyt so were, þou myȝtest had space,
And wuldest nat come to shryfte ne grace.
For yn þy synne þy lyfe ys waste;
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For euery oure, shalt þou ȝelde acounte,
Ȝyf hyt so were, þou myȝtest had space,
And wuldest nat come to shryfte ne grace.
Ȝyt, þyr ys þe þred resun
þat hastyly shal þy shryfte be doun;
For yn þat tyme þat þy synne ys,
Þou art departed fro heuene blys,
And fro alle þe felawrede
Þat shulde þe helpë at þy nede,
And fro þe preyers of holy cherche,
And fro alle gode dedes, þat men þer werche;
Alle þe prayers, with-outë fayle,
To þe blys of heuene, þe mow nat auayle.
þat hastyly shal þy shryfte be doun;
For yn þat tyme þat þy synne ys,
Þou art departed fro heuene blys,
And fro alle þe felawrede
Þat shulde þe helpë at þy nede,
And fro þe preyers of holy cherche,
And fro alle gode dedes, þat men þer werche;
Alle þe prayers, with-outë fayle,
To þe blys of heuene, þe mow nat auayle.
Algate y rede, þou do gode dede;
To ryse fro synne, hyt wyl þe spede,
And bettyr wyl hyt pay God almyȝt,
And þy penaunce shal be þe more lyȝt,
And, þe more grace shalt þou haue,
Þe for to shryue and saue.
To ryse fro synne, hyt wyl þe spede,
And bettyr wyl hyt pay God almyȝt,
And þy penaunce shal be þe more lyȝt,
And, þe more grace shalt þou haue,
Þe for to shryue and saue.
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The þred poynt of shryfte.
Þe þryd poynt of þy shryfte,
‘Opunly þyn herte vp lyfte:’
So byt God to me and þe,
Þat opunly shal þy shryftë be.
‘Opunly þyn herte vp lyfte:’
So byt God to me and þe,
Þat opunly shal þy shryftë be.
Salamon to vs seyþ, and kalleþ,
‘Seuene tymes on a day þe ryȝtwys man falleþ;’
As oftë þan behoueþ þe ryse,
Ȝyf þou lyue yn ryȝt seruyse.
Þus seyþ þe clerke seynt Austyne,
Þat was a mayster of dyuyne,
‘Ȝyf þou to many prestes atwynne,
Al holyche wylt shryue þy synne,
Þou shalt fynde grace and forȝyuenes,
And mede to þe, for þy mekenes.’
‘Seuene tymes on a day þe ryȝtwys man falleþ;’
As oftë þan behoueþ þe ryse,
Ȝyf þou lyue yn ryȝt seruyse.
Þus seyþ þe clerke seynt Austyne,
Þat was a mayster of dyuyne,
‘Ȝyf þou to many prestes atwynne,
Al holyche wylt shryue þy synne,
Þou shalt fynde grace and forȝyuenes,
And mede to þe, for þy mekenes.’
Þre þyngës mayst þou fynde,
Þat wyl þe oute of synnë bynde;
Þat wyl þe oute of synnë bynde;
Þe fyrst ys, þat þou mayst lere,
And many dyuers samples here,
Of euery prest, a lessoun,
To knowë þy saluacyoun;
Ȝyf þou haue herde of many a-pryse,
þe morë þou canst, of queyntyse.
And many dyuers samples here,
Of euery prest, a lessoun,
To knowë þy saluacyoun;
Ȝyf þou haue herde of many a-pryse,
þe morë þou canst, of queyntyse.
þe touþer me þenkeþ a gode resoun,
Þat quyteþ þe fro dampnacyoun,
þe ofter þat þou shewest þy blame,
þe more me þenkeþ þou hast of shame;
þe shame þat þou hast yn þy shewyng,
hyt ys forȝyuenes, to gode endyng.
Þat quyteþ þe fro dampnacyoun,
þe ofter þat þou shewest þy blame,
þe more me þenkeþ þou hast of shame;
þe shame þat þou hast yn þy shewyng,
hyt ys forȝyuenes, to gode endyng.
Þe þred, ys, þat þe weyl weres,
For þou shalt be yn alle preyers
Of alle þe prestes þat þe haue shryue,
As longë tyme as euer þey lyue,
For þey are holdë þar-vn-to;
þe order of prest wyl hyt be so;
þe mo prestës þat for þe prey,
þe sunner art þou yn gode wey;
And, at þe day of Iugëment,
To God þey shul make þy present,
þat þou werë clenë shryue,
And þat þey mow be þe forȝyue.
For þou shalt be yn alle preyers
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As longë tyme as euer þey lyue,
For þey are holdë þar-vn-to;
þe order of prest wyl hyt be so;
þe mo prestës þat for þe prey,
þe sunner art þou yn gode wey;
And, at þe day of Iugëment,
To God þey shul make þy present,
þat þou werë clenë shryue,
And þat þey mow be þe forȝyue.
þo þat þou hast here hyd,
þurgh alle þe werld þey shul be kyd,
And askë domë on þe þere,
þat þou, of hem, neuer shryuë were;
For allë þyng þat euer ȝyt was,
Shal þe acoupe of þy trespas;
Þe synnë hymself shal forwreye;
Þyn Inwyt, on þe self, þe dome shal leye.
þurgh alle þe werld þey shul be kyd,
And askë domë on þe þere,
þat þou, of hem, neuer shryuë were;
For allë þyng þat euer ȝyt was,
Shal þe acoupe of þy trespas;
Þe synnë hymself shal forwreye;
Þyn Inwyt, on þe self, þe dome shal leye.
þe fourþe poynt of shryfte.
Þe fourþë poynt, ful feyre hyt ys,
‘yn shryftë to haue mekënes.’
‘yn shryftë to haue mekënes.’
She chese þat vertu, oure lady,
So seyþ “magnificat,” here owne storye,
‘Þe gretë mekenes many folde
Yn hys hand-mayden, God wlde beholde.’
So seyþ “magnificat,” here owne storye,
‘Þe gretë mekenes many folde
Yn hys hand-mayden, God wlde beholde.’
Syn mekenes ys so noble a ȝyfte,
For-ȝete hyt nat yn ȝourë shryfte.
So spekeþ þe gospel of þys vertu,
How a mesyl come to Ihesu
with gode wyl, and on knees hym sette,
And ful myldely, Ihesu he grette;
“lorde,” he seyd, “þou mayst me saue
Ȝyf þou wylt, and y hele haue.”
Ihesu sagh hys myldënes,
And seyd “y wyl hele, alle þy sykenes.”
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So spekeþ þe gospel of þys vertu,
How a mesyl come to Ihesu
with gode wyl, and on knees hym sette,
And ful myldely, Ihesu he grette;
“lorde,” he seyd, “þou mayst me saue
Ȝyf þou wylt, and y hele haue.”
Ihesu sagh hys myldënes,
And seyd “y wyl hele, alle þy sykenes.”
He þat ys yn dedly synne,
Gostely he ys a mesyl with-ynne;
He þat wyl hys helë seke,
To hys prest he mote be meke;
Ȝyf þou meke þe to þy prest,
Þou mekës þe to Goddës brest;
Ȝyf þou be to hym ful stour,
Þou doust to God grete dysonour;
he sytteþ þere, yn Goddys se;
To deme þy synne, he haþ pouste;
Ȝyf he blame þe for þyn euyl,
þat þou hast serued moche þe deuyl,
Defendë nat þy folye,
yn pryde ne yn ypocrysye;
Noþer on þy self lye þou noȝt,
To seye þyng þat þou neuer wroȝt;
Ne forsake nat þy synne to wreye;
More and lesse, behoueþ þe seye.
Gostely he ys a mesyl with-ynne;
He þat wyl hys helë seke,
To hys prest he mote be meke;
Ȝyf þou meke þe to þy prest,
Þou mekës þe to Goddës brest;
Ȝyf þou be to hym ful stour,
Þou doust to God grete dysonour;
he sytteþ þere, yn Goddys se;
To deme þy synne, he haþ pouste;
Ȝyf he blame þe for þyn euyl,
þat þou hast serued moche þe deuyl,
Defendë nat þy folye,
yn pryde ne yn ypocrysye;
Noþer on þy self lye þou noȝt,
To seye þyng þat þou neuer wroȝt;
Ne forsake nat þy synne to wreye;
More and lesse, behoueþ þe seye.
þe fyueþe poynt of shryfte.
Go we now to þe fyfþe poynt:
To þe þrydde hyt ys a ioynt,
þere y spake of ofte shryuyng,
To tellë many prestes a þyng.
To þe þrydde hyt ys a ioynt,
þere y spake of ofte shryuyng,
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what men are þo þat shryue hem bleþly,
But þo þat synne but lyȝtly?
For þo þat haue do synnës grete,
Vnneþë wyl þey any lete.
Ȝyf þey here any predycacyoun,
Or sum ouþer chaunse be doun,
Ȝyt wyl þey neuer shryue here shame,
So are þey bounde yn þe fendës hame.
But þo þat synne but lyȝtly?
For þo þat haue do synnës grete,
Vnneþë wyl þey any lete.
Ȝyf þey here any predycacyoun,
Or sum ouþer chaunse be doun,
Ȝyt wyl þey neuer shryue here shame,
So are þey bounde yn þe fendës hame.
And somë lette, for hard penaunce,
For to telle here grete cumberaunce.
And somë lette here synne to seye,
For doute of prest, þat wyl hem bewreye:
No shame myȝt to mochë be
To þe prest þat telleþ þat pryuyte.
For to telle here grete cumberaunce.
And somë lette here synne to seye,
For doute of prest, þat wyl hem bewreye:
No shame myȝt to mochë be
To þe prest þat telleþ þat pryuyte.
letteþ nat, ȝoure synne to telle;
Þenkeþ on þe peynes of helle;
what day þat ȝe dyd ȝoure synne,
And how long ȝe haue lyued þer-ynne,
what tyme, ánd how, hyt was wroȝt;
Alle hyt nede þurghout be soghte.
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what day þat ȝe dyd ȝoure synne,
And how long ȝe haue lyued þer-ynne,
what tyme, ánd how, hyt was wroȝt;
Alle hyt nede þurghout be soghte.
Seynt Dauyd, þe holy prophete,
Seyþ, þese wurdes, ful swete,
“Alle my shryftë and my shame
Haþ so couerd and hyd my blame,
þat þe fende may haue no syȝt,
Me to bewreyë with no plyȝt;
Ne God of heuene wyl nat se
Any þyng þat wyl dampnë me.”
Ȝyf þou shryue þe apertly,
Þou mayst be sekyr to haue mercy.
Seyþ, þese wurdes, ful swete,
“Alle my shryftë and my shame
Haþ so couerd and hyd my blame,
þat þe fende may haue no syȝt,
Me to bewreyë with no plyȝt;
Ne God of heuene wyl nat se
Any þyng þat wyl dampnë me.”
Ȝyf þou shryue þe apertly,
Þou mayst be sekyr to haue mercy.
The syxte poynt of shryfte.
Þe syxte poynt ys, sorowe of herte;
Þat oght to be bytter and smerte
whan þou þenkest on þe gode dedes,
þat, God haþ do for þy nedes,
And þou hast do, as þou weyl wost,
Þyng, þat, he hateþ moste.
Þat oght to be bytter and smerte
whan þou þenkest on þe gode dedes,
þat, God haþ do for þy nedes,
And þou hast do, as þou weyl wost,
Þyng, þat, he hateþ moste.
No creatures ne hateþ he noȝt,
But synnë þat ys do or wroȝt;
Ne he hateþ nat þe fende of helle,
Þe crëature of hym y telle,
But þe wykkednes, pryde and synne
Þat yn hym ys, and wyl nat blynne;
Ne was þyr neuer aungel so bryȝt,
Ne man so weyl with God almyȝt,
Þat, ȝyf he had synned dedly,
To hellë pyne he was wurþy;
Þat oght þey boþe to sorowe and kare,
Þat yn dedly synnë are.
But synnë þat ys do or wroȝt;
Ne he hateþ nat þe fende of helle,
Þe crëature of hym y telle,
But þe wykkednes, pryde and synne
Þat yn hym ys, and wyl nat blynne;
Ne was þyr neuer aungel so bryȝt,
Ne man so weyl with God almyȝt,
Þat, ȝyf he had synned dedly,
To hellë pyne he was wurþy;
Þat oght þey boþe to sorowe and kare,
Þat yn dedly synnë are.
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God hym self, of mageste,
Vnto hys lykenes he formed þe;
he made þy soule boþe fayre and clene,
And to hys ownë godhede sene;
And whan þou synnest, þou turnest wyk,
And makest þy soulë black as pyk;
Þát God had made to hym so weyl,
Þou makest hyt lyke þe fende echedeyl.
Sorowe oghte þan, þyn hertë bynde,
Þat þou art tó hym so vnkynde;
Þou dysonourest hym yn þat outrage,
And reuylyst hys feyre ymage.
Vnto hys lykenes he formed þe;
he made þy soule boþe fayre and clene,
And to hys ownë godhede sene;
And whan þou synnest, þou turnest wyk,
And makest þy soulë black as pyk;
Þát God had made to hym so weyl,
Þou makest hyt lyke þe fende echedeyl.
Sorowe oghte þan, þyn hertë bynde,
Þat þou art tó hym so vnkynde;
Þou dysonourest hym yn þat outrage,
And reuylyst hys feyre ymage.
Of þys þyng þan ȝyuest þou leste,
whan þou cumst laghyng to þe prest;
Euyl oghtest þou laghe, coudest þou se
How þou bryngest þy dome with þe;
Aboute þy nekke, hanggeþ a wyþþe,
Þat haþ þe departed fro Goddys gryþþe:
Þy self beryst þan, on þy bak,
Þy vylë synne þat makeþ þe blak;
May nonë fro þat dome þe borowe,
But ȝyf hyt be with byttyr sorowe.
whan þou cumst laghyng to þe prest;
Euyl oghtest þou laghe, coudest þou se
How þou bryngest þy dome with þe;
Aboute þy nekke, hanggeþ a wyþþe,
Þat haþ þe departed fro Goddys gryþþe:
Þy self beryst þan, on þy bak,
Þy vylë synne þat makeþ þe blak;
May nonë fro þat dome þe borowe,
But ȝyf hyt be with byttyr sorowe.
Goddys treytour, and ryȝt vyleyn!
Hast þou no mynde of Marye Maudeleyn,
How she soȝt oure lorde Ihesus
Yn Symundës hous leprous?
Opone þyn herte, þy gostly eres,
And þenke on herë byttyr teres!
She cam nat laghyng to þe feste,
Noþer for game, noþer for geste;
She com wepyng with here yne,
Of Ihesu to haue medycyne;
She broȝt a smel of grete sauour,
Þat tokeneþ loue and grete onour;
with here terës þat she lete,
þarwyþ she wyssh Ihesu fete:
So behoueþ vs with here to grete,
Ȝyf we, oure synne, wyl truly lete;
And, but we haue sorowe for oure synne,
Þe mercy of God mow we nat wynne.
Hast þou no mynde of Marye Maudeleyn,
How she soȝt oure lorde Ihesus
Yn Symundës hous leprous?
Opone þyn herte, þy gostly eres,
And þenke on herë byttyr teres!
She cam nat laghyng to þe feste,
Noþer for game, noþer for geste;
She com wepyng with here yne,
Of Ihesu to haue medycyne;
She broȝt a smel of grete sauour,
Þat tokeneþ loue and grete onour;
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þarwyþ she wyssh Ihesu fete:
So behoueþ vs with here to grete,
Ȝyf we, oure synne, wyl truly lete;
And, but we haue sorowe for oure synne,
Þe mercy of God mow we nat wynne.
þe seuenþe poynt of shryfte.
The seuenþe poynt ys a gode resun,
‘Þat þy shryfte be wysly doun,’
Þat ys to sey, to a wys man,
Þat þy shryfte vndrystondë kan;
Nat to one þat haþ no wyt
Of vndyrstondyng of holy wryt.
Seynt Austyn seyþ þys skyl,
Do þyr-aftyr who so wyl,
‘Of synnë, who so wyl hym lese,
A wyse shryftfadyr behoueþ hym chese;
And þat may byndë and vnbynde,
Swych a man behoueþ hym fynde.”
‘Þat þy shryfte be wysly doun,’
Þat ys to sey, to a wys man,
Þat þy shryfte vndrystondë kan;
Nat to one þat haþ no wyt
Of vndyrstondyng of holy wryt.
Seynt Austyn seyþ þys skyl,
Do þyr-aftyr who so wyl,
‘Of synnë, who so wyl hym lese,
A wyse shryftfadyr behoueþ hym chese;
And þat may byndë and vnbynde,
Swych a man behoueþ hym fynde.”
A prest þat ys no clergye ynne,
How can he weyl dystyncte þy synne?
But now, oueralle, se we mowne
An holywatyr clerk of a tounne,
þat lytyl haþ lerned yn hys lyue,
he ys ordeyned a prest to shryue.
Ȝyf he shulde a shryfadyr be,
hym behoueþ haue lerned of sum degre,
Or lerned, or herde, of some þat couþe,
Ar he had be prest yn hys ȝouþe;
And moche behoueþ hym stody and se,
Or lerne at sum, yn pryuyte.
he may lyue, as a gode man,
Þoghe he lytyl clergy kan;
But for to preche, or herë shryfte,
Of clergy behoueþ hym sum þryfte.
How can he weyl dystyncte þy synne?
But now, oueralle, se we mowne
An holywatyr clerk of a tounne,
þat lytyl haþ lerned yn hys lyue,
he ys ordeyned a prest to shryue.
Ȝyf he shulde a shryfadyr be,
hym behoueþ haue lerned of sum degre,
Or lerned, or herde, of some þat couþe,
Ar he had be prest yn hys ȝouþe;
And moche behoueþ hym stody and se,
Or lerne at sum, yn pryuyte.
he may lyue, as a gode man,
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But for to preche, or herë shryfte,
Of clergy behoueþ hym sum þryfte.
And allë prestes haue nat powere
For to assoylë þe ryȝt clere,
But hyt be þy parysshe preste,
Or haue hys leuë at þe leste,
Or at þy parsone or vycary,
For þese haue of þy soule maystry:
Aske hem leue, and haue no gylt,
And shryuë þe þan, where þou wylt.
For to assoylë þe ryȝt clere,
But hyt be þy parysshe preste,
Or haue hys leuë at þe leste,
Or at þy parsone or vycary,
For þese haue of þy soule maystry:
Aske hem leue, and haue no gylt,
And shryuë þe þan, where þou wylt.
The eyȝtþe poynt of shryfte.
The eyghtþe poynt of þe twelue,
‘Þy shryfte shal be alle of þy selue,’
Of þyn ownë proper dede,
And bewreye none ouþer, y þe forbede.
Þyn ownë foly þou shalt seye,
And none ouþer body bewreye.
‘Þy shryfte shal be alle of þy selue,’
Of þyn ownë proper dede,
And bewreye none ouþer, y þe forbede.
Þyn ownë foly þou shalt seye,
And none ouþer body bewreye.
Dauyd seyþ yn þe sautere
Þese wurdes, þurgh Goddys powere,—
he spekeþ as weyl to lerned as to lewed,—
“Myn owne lyfe, lorde, y haue þe shewed;
None ouþer mannes y wyl dyscrye,
For þat were boþe synne and vyleynye.”
Þese wurdes, þurgh Goddys powere,—
he spekeþ as weyl to lerned as to lewed,—
“Myn owne lyfe, lorde, y haue þe shewed;
None ouþer mannes y wyl dyscrye,
For þat were boþe synne and vyleynye.”
Ȝyue gode tent, to þys poynt,
Þou prest þat art a-noynt!
Ȝyf a man telle þe hys synne,
And a-noþer be menged þer-ynne,—
As ȝyf hyt were yn lecherye,
Or hylp to sle, or robborye,
For þese may nat a man weyl do
Alone, but ouþer be þar-vnto,—
Aske aftyr none ouþer name,
But lestene wyl hys ownë blame;
For ȝyf þou any ouþer man namest,
Y dar weyl seye þou hym dyffamest;
hyt ys grete synne to hym and þe
To aske or telle þat shulde nat be;
hyt ys bakbytyng, and no shryfte;
hyt ys a spyce of euyl þryfte.
Þou prest þat art a-noynt!
Ȝyf a man telle þe hys synne,
And a-noþer be menged þer-ynne,—
As ȝyf hyt were yn lecherye,
Or hylp to sle, or robborye,
For þese may nat a man weyl do
Alone, but ouþer be þar-vnto,—
Aske aftyr none ouþer name,
But lestene wyl hys ownë blame;
For ȝyf þou any ouþer man namest,
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hyt ys grete synne to hym and þe
To aske or telle þat shulde nat be;
hyt ys bakbytyng, and no shryfte;
hyt ys a spyce of euyl þryfte.
Þou lewed man, y forbede þe weyl,
Þogh þe prest aske, bewreye þou no deyl;
Bewreyë weyl þyn ownë dede,
But none ouþer, y þe forbede.
y tolde langer yn myn auys,
Loke algate þy preste be wys.
Þogh þe prest aske, bewreye þou no deyl;
Bewreyë weyl þyn ownë dede,
But none ouþer, y þe forbede.
y tolde langer yn myn auys,
Loke algate þy preste be wys.
Do nat as þe pharysu,
Preydë God aȝens hys pru;
He ȝede to þe cherche with a man
Þat men calle a publycan,—
A publycan ys, yn oure sawe,
A synful man, oute of þe lawe;
Þys pharysu ys to mene ‘byfore,’
As forby alle, and fro ouþer shore,—
Þys pharysu bygan to prey,
And seyd, as a shrewe shulde sey,
“Lordë, þanked mote þou be,
y am nat, as y ouþer se,
Coueytous, ne lecherous of flesshe,
And nat as he, þys publycan, ys:
Euery woke y fastë twys,
And ȝyue my tyþes of rychë prys.”
Preydë God aȝens hys pru;
He ȝede to þe cherche with a man
Þat men calle a publycan,—
A publycan ys, yn oure sawe,
A synful man, oute of þe lawe;
Þys pharysu ys to mene ‘byfore,’
As forby alle, and fro ouþer shore,—
Þys pharysu bygan to prey,
And seyd, as a shrewe shulde sey,
“Lordë, þanked mote þou be,
y am nat, as y ouþer se,
Coueytous, ne lecherous of flesshe,
And nat as he, þys publycan, ys:
Euery woke y fastë twys,
And ȝyue my tyþes of rychë prys.”
Loke how he made hys auauntement
Of þat gode þat God hadde hym sent;
ȝe, syre, on a wykked wyse,
Oþer men for tó despyce;
hys owne godenes, coude he nat sey,
But algate ouþer, behoueþ hym wreye.
Of þat gode þat God hadde hym sent;
ȝe, syre, on a wykked wyse,
Oþer men for tó despyce;
hys owne godenes, coude he nat sey,
But algate ouþer, behoueþ hym wreye.
Besydë stode þe pupblycan,
And knew hym self a wykked man,
And durst nat loke to God vpward,
But knokked on hys brest ful harde,
And seyd with herte ful drefully,
“Lorde, þou haue on me mercy!”
And knew hym self a wykked man,
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But knokked on hys brest ful harde,
And seyd with herte ful drefully,
“Lorde, þou haue on me mercy!”
Þe þublycan had mochë þanke;
Þe pharysu, byfore God he stanke.
Þus seyþ þe gospel, þat we alle knowe,
“who so makeþ hym hygh, he shal be lowe;
And, who loghyþ hym yn skylle,
Gode heghnes he shal come tylle.”
Þe pharysu, byfore God he stanke.
Þus seyþ þe gospel, þat we alle knowe,
“who so makeþ hym hygh, he shal be lowe;
And, who loghyþ hym yn skylle,
Gode heghnes he shal come tylle.”
Some, whan þey here shryfte bygynne,
he shal hepe on God hys synne,
And seyþ algate, ‘he ne may noȝt
kepe hym, but synne be wroȝt.’
he shal hepe on God hys synne,
And seyþ algate, ‘he ne may noȝt
kepe hym, but synne be wroȝt.’
And some sey, whan þey do euyl,
Hyt was algate þurgh þe deuyl;
And some sey, as y haue herde,
‘A! syre! so synneþ alle þe werlde.’
Of þy self, shal nat be seyd;
On þe, shal alle þe blame be leyd;
God blameþ þe for þy mysdede,
why seyst þou þan, ‘þe behoueþ nede?’
Ne no fende may but temptë þe;
Þe dede shal alle þyn ownë be;
Ne at þe worlde mayst þou noȝt kest;
Do þy self weyl, hyt ys þe best;
Here mayst þou se wyþ godë skyl,
Alle hyt ys at þyn ownë wyl.
Hyt was algate þurgh þe deuyl;
And some sey, as y haue herde,
‘A! syre! so synneþ alle þe werlde.’
Of þy self, shal nat be seyd;
On þe, shal alle þe blame be leyd;
God blameþ þe for þy mysdede,
why seyst þou þan, ‘þe behoueþ nede?’
Ne no fende may but temptë þe;
Þe dede shal alle þyn ownë be;
Ne at þe worlde mayst þou noȝt kest;
Do þy self weyl, hyt ys þe best;
Here mayst þou se wyþ godë skyl,
Alle hyt ys at þyn ownë wyl.
The nyȝnþe poynt of shryfte.
þe nyȝnþë seyþ ‘hyt ys folyOn þy self for to lye.’
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Ne more synne, þan þou done has;
Ne forhele nat þy mysdede;
Goddes veniaunce shalt þou drede.
[The Bible-Tale of Ananias and Sapphira.]
Seynt Luke seyþ hys autoryte,
Yn þe bygynnyng of crystyanyte,
Þe apostoles wente aboute to preche—
Þe crystyndom for to preche—
how men shuld þe worlde forsake,
And what mede þarforë take;
Ryche men solde here lande and fee,
And come to þe apostoles yn pouerte.
Yn þe bygynnyng of crystyanyte,
Þe apostoles wente aboute to preche—
Þe crystyndom for to preche—
how men shuld þe worlde forsake,
And what mede þarforë take;
Ryche men solde here lande and fee,
And come to þe apostoles yn pouerte.
A ryche man, þat hyghte Ananye,
He solde hys godë plenerlye;
þe syluer þat he þarfore tolde,
þerof a party he ded withholde;—
Hys wyfe cunseyled wel þar-to
Þat he shulde nat awey alle do;—
Þe touþer partë, alle he lete,
And keste hyt at seynt Peter fete.
He solde hys godë plenerlye;
þe syluer þat he þarfore tolde,
þerof a party he ded withholde;—
Hys wyfe cunseyled wel þar-to
Þat he shulde nat awey alle do;—
Þe touþer partë, alle he lete,
And keste hyt at seynt Peter fete.
Seynt Petyr parceyued anoun
þat þyr was þere gylë doun:
he seyd, “y comaundë þe,
Alle þat þyr was, þou shewe hyt me.”
Ananyas þan swore hym þore,
he solde hys þyng, for no more.
Seynt Peter, þan seyd astyt,
“why lyest þou on þe holy spyryt?”
þys Ananyas fyl dowun dede,
As, blak, as any lede.
Men tokë þe body asswyþe,
And byryed hyt, þat ychë syþe.
þat þyr was þere gylë doun:
he seyd, “y comaundë þe,
Alle þat þyr was, þou shewe hyt me.”
Ananyas þan swore hym þore,
he solde hys þyng, for no more.
Seynt Peter, þan seyd astyt,
“why lyest þou on þe holy spyryt?”
þys Ananyas fyl dowun dede,
As, blak, as any lede.
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And byryed hyt, þat ychë syþe.
hys wyfe come byfore hem alle,—
Saphyra, men here calle;—
She cunseyled þat hyt was hyd,
But she ne wyst what was betyd.
Seyn Peter asked here þe soþe ywys,
“hast þou no more þan now here ys?”
Saphyra answered and seyd,
“Y haue no more þan here ys leyd.”
“þou lyest,” he seyde, “þe soþe y se,
And nat ȝyt al onely to me,
But þou lyest vnto þe holy goste,
þat alle þyng wote, and myȝt haþ moste.”
Asswyþë, yn a lytyl stounde,
She fyl dowun dede vnto þe grounde.
Men byryed sone here body
Besyde here husbonde Anany.
Saphyra, men here calle;—
She cunseyled þat hyt was hyd,
But she ne wyst what was betyd.
Seyn Peter asked here þe soþe ywys,
“hast þou no more þan now here ys?”
Saphyra answered and seyd,
“Y haue no more þan here ys leyd.”
“þou lyest,” he seyde, “þe soþe y se,
And nat ȝyt al onely to me,
But þou lyest vnto þe holy goste,
þat alle þyng wote, and myȝt haþ moste.”
Asswyþë, yn a lytyl stounde,
She fyl dowun dede vnto þe grounde.
Men byryed sone here body
Besyde here husbonde Anany.
Here-fore y rede þat þou soþe seye
To þy prest, as þou shust deye.
To þy prest, as þou shust deye.
Yn þy shryfte, lye þou neuer a deyl;
holy wryt forbedeþ hyt weyl.
þou seyst hyt nat vnto þe prest,
þou shewest hyt vnto Goddys breste;
Boþe to God and to man,
Þat oure defaute, seeþ alle, and kan.
holy wryt forbedeþ hyt weyl.
þou seyst hyt nat vnto þe prest,
þou shewest hyt vnto Goddys breste;
Boþe to God and to man,
Þat oure defaute, seeþ alle, and kan.
Gode graunte vs þe soþe to sey,
And clene be shryuë ar we dey!
And clene be shryuë ar we dey!
þe tenþe poynt of shryfte.
Þe tenþë poynte of shryfte, þys ys:
‘Ȝyf þou shalt haue forȝyuënes,
Þy synne naked shalt þou make,
And opunly, hyt forsake.’
‘Ȝyf þou shalt haue forȝyuënes,
Þy synne naked shalt þou make,
And opunly, hyt forsake.’
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hyle hem nat with feyrë wurde,
Þat semeþ to gadyr þy synnes to hurde:
yn tyfed wurdys þat slyked are,
Semeþ þy synnes þat þey noȝt were;
yn swyche wurdys, þe fende ys queynte
To make þy shryftë fals and feynte.
No queyntyse make þou þerynne,
But sey ryȝt as þou dedyst þy synne.
Þat semeþ to gadyr þy synnes to hurde:
yn tyfed wurdys þat slyked are,
Semeþ þy synnes þat þey noȝt were;
yn swyche wurdys, þe fende ys queynte
To make þy shryftë fals and feynte.
No queyntyse make þou þerynne,
But sey ryȝt as þou dedyst þy synne.
þou mayst nat þy synnës wryte,
Yn shryftë þe so to quyte,
Ȝyf þou mayste speke, and haste space
To fynde a preste yn any place,
with mouþe to speke, and nat to hyde,
Elles hyt ys a spyce of pryde:
Seynt Austyn seyþ, algate þy lyue,
‘wyþ mouþe opunly, þou þe shryue.’
Yn shryftë þe so to quyte,
Ȝyf þou mayste speke, and haste space
To fynde a preste yn any place,
with mouþe to speke, and nat to hyde,
Elles hyt ys a spyce of pryde:
Seynt Austyn seyþ, algate þy lyue,
‘wyþ mouþe opunly, þou þe shryue.’
þe eleuenþe poynt of shryfte.
þe elleuenþe poynt shul we knowe,
‘To þy prest þou bere þe lowe,
Blelyche yn penaunce for to do
Alle þat he ioyneþ þe vnto.’
‘To þy prest þou bere þe lowe,
Blelyche yn penaunce for to do
Alle þat he ioyneþ þe vnto.’
Þou shalt make no fals delay,
Penaunce to takë at þy pay;
Hyt ys sloghnes and feyntés
To take penaunce at þy dyuys;
For þy synne, þe ryȝt penaunce
Shal be þe prestës ordynaunce:
Þus seyþ þe clerk, seynt Austyn,
“Þe prestes mercy, þou do þe ynne;
Þe prest ys crystys vycarye;
Do þe alle yn hys mercy.”
Penaunce to takë at þy pay;
Hyt ys sloghnes and feyntés
To take penaunce at þy dyuys;
For þy synne, þe ryȝt penaunce
Shal be þe prestës ordynaunce:
Þus seyþ þe clerk, seynt Austyn,
“Þe prestes mercy, þou do þe ynne;
Þe prest ys crystys vycarye;
Do þe alle yn hys mercy.”
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Ȝyf þe prest be of any resun,
He wote weyl what shal be doun;
he wote what penaunce þe falleþ to haue,
And what þy state ys, and what hyt wyl craue.
And, þus þou wost weyl at gesse,
Ȝyf þou were now yn a sykenes,
And wuldest þou do, for to lyue,
Alle þat þy leche wulde þe ȝyue;
To þy soule, do þe samë wyse,
Þy penaunce, as þe prest seyse.
He wote weyl what shal be doun;
he wote what penaunce þe falleþ to haue,
And what þy state ys, and what hyt wyl craue.
And, þus þou wost weyl at gesse,
Ȝyf þou were now yn a sykenes,
And wuldest þou do, for to lyue,
Alle þat þy leche wulde þe ȝyue;
To þy soule, do þe samë wyse,
Þy penaunce, as þe prest seyse.
Many aȝens þe prest þey kaste,
Þat þey mowe noþer bydde ne faste,
But ȝyf þey algate penaunce shul do,
Þan þay seye hyt behoueþ be so;
No þyng aftyr hys dedys ylle,
But algate at hys ownë wylle.
Þat þey mowe noþer bydde ne faste,
But ȝyf þey algate penaunce shul do,
Þan þay seye hyt behoueþ be so;
No þyng aftyr hys dedys ylle,
But algate at hys ownë wylle.
wenest þou so to come to heuene,
with lyghte penaunce as þou wylt neuene?
But y warne þe of þys cas;
Þarto ys many a streytë pas.
Þe manhede of God wulde noȝt
Haue heuene, but hyt were boȝt.
what wenest þou haue hyt for so lytyl here,
whan God and man boȝt hyt so dere?
By heuene with þy penaunce,
Or, ellës-where, kepe harder chaunce.
with lyghte penaunce as þou wylt neuene?
But y warne þe of þys cas;
Þarto ys many a streytë pas.
Þe manhede of God wulde noȝt
Haue heuene, but hyt were boȝt.
what wenest þou haue hyt for so lytyl here,
whan God and man boȝt hyt so dere?
By heuene with þy penaunce,
Or, ellës-where, kepe harder chaunce.
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þe twelueþ poynt of shryfte.
þe twelueþe poynt of oure resun:
‘Alle holy oweþ þy shryfte be doun;
No poynt þou shalt with-holde,
For, alle holy, hyt oweþ to be tolde;’
And, þat shal y shewë þe
On two maners; þy shryfte al hole shall be.
‘Alle holy oweþ þy shryfte be doun;
No poynt þou shalt with-holde,
For, alle holy, hyt oweþ to be tolde;’
And, þat shal y shewë þe
On two maners; þy shryfte al hole shall be.
Ȝyf þou þe shryue by parcelles,
Þe holy man seyþ, þy shryfte þou steles;
Ȝyf þou shewe one, o party,
And anoþer prest þou tellest anoþer foly,
Þat shryfte ys noȝt, þy soule ys betrayd,
And God almyȝty ys mys-payd;
For to echoun þyn herte was stoken,
A synne þou heldë þer-ynne loken;
þat þou with-helde, was nat forȝyue;
Þou shewedest hyt nat, hyt ys vnshryue.
Þe holy man seyþ, þy shryfte þou steles;
Ȝyf þou shewe one, o party,
And anoþer prest þou tellest anoþer foly,
Þat shryfte ys noȝt, þy soule ys betrayd,
And God almyȝty ys mys-payd;
For to echoun þyn herte was stoken,
A synne þou heldë þer-ynne loken;
þat þou with-helde, was nat forȝyue;
Þou shewedest hyt nat, hyt ys vnshryue.
Body ne soulë ys payd weyl
Tyl þou haue tolde þy synne eche deyl;
Telle alle þy synnes, and with-holde noun;
Or elles, y seye, shryfte ys þyr noun;
For, ȝyt haþ þe fende pouste
For to make sorowe yn þe.
Tyl þou haue tolde þy synne eche deyl;
Telle alle þy synnes, and with-holde noun;
Or elles, y seye, shryfte ys þyr noun;
For, ȝyt haþ þe fende pouste
For to make sorowe yn þe.
lo here, ensample þat ys certeyn,
Þat noun may sey þer-aȝeyn;
Ȝyf þou yn þy body haue woundës fyue,
Þat, þe leste may for-do þy lyue,
And hele hem allë but o wunde,
Ȝyt may þat on, brynge þe to grounde.
Þat noun may sey þer-aȝeyn;
Ȝyf þou yn þy body haue woundës fyue,
Þat, þe leste may for-do þy lyue,
And hele hem allë but o wunde,
Ȝyt may þat on, brynge þe to grounde.
[The Tale of how Shrift made a Woman's unconfest Sin fly out of her Mouth as a ‘Blak,’ a ‘Fende of Helle.’]
Of a womman y herde onys spelle,
þat alle here synnës wulde nat telle;
þys wumman hadde do a synful dede;
here shamed to telle hyt for drede.
þat alle here synnës wulde nat telle;
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here shamed to telle hyt for drede.
On a day, grace was here ȝyue,
þat she þoȝte she wulde be shryue:
þys womman come vnto a frere,
And, preyd hym, here lyfe to here.
As she sat here shryftë ynne,
She þoȝte vppon þys ychë synne;
Þe frerë cumforted here weyl,
Boldely to sey euery deyl;
hys cumforte madë here ryȝt bolde,
So þat she furþe þe synnë tolde,
þat she haddë longe forhole,
þurgh cunseyl of þe deuyl stole;
But, at þat ychë breyde
þat she furþe þe synnë seyde,
Come fleyng oute, at here mouþe a blak,
Ryȝt as she þe wurdë spak:
þe frerë sagh hyt apertly,
And þanked God of hys mercy.
þat she þoȝte she wulde be shryue:
þys womman come vnto a frere,
And, preyd hym, here lyfe to here.
As she sat here shryftë ynne,
She þoȝte vppon þys ychë synne;
Þe frerë cumforted here weyl,
Boldely to sey euery deyl;
hys cumforte madë here ryȝt bolde,
So þat she furþe þe synnë tolde,
þat she haddë longe forhole,
þurgh cunseyl of þe deuyl stole;
But, at þat ychë breyde
þat she furþe þe synnë seyde,
Come fleyng oute, at here mouþe a blak,
Ryȝt as she þe wurdë spak:
þe frerë sagh hyt apertly,
And þanked God of hys mercy.
þat ychë blak, y dar wel telle
þat hyt was a fende of helle,
þat myȝt no lenger yn here reste
whan þe synnë oute gan breste;
But as longe as she þe synne forhale,
Þe deuyl helde ful stylle hys stale;
For euer-more he wyl a-byde
whyl o synnë may hym hyde;
And, for þat yche resun why,
Shryue we oure synnë, alle holy;
Nat by parcelles, to prestes atwynne;
To one, alle holy, shryue þy synne;
To o preste telle hyt euery deyl,
Þan art þou shryuë holy weyl:
At oure shryfte, God ȝyue vs myȝt
Þese poyntes to kunne, and shewe hem ryȝt.
þat hyt was a fende of helle,
þat myȝt no lenger yn here reste
whan þe synnë oute gan breste;
But as longe as she þe synne forhale,
Þe deuyl helde ful stylle hys stale;
For euer-more he wyl a-byde
whyl o synnë may hym hyde;
And, for þat yche resun why,
Shryue we oure synnë, alle holy;
Nat by parcelles, to prestes atwynne;
To one, alle holy, shryue þy synne;
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Þan art þou shryuë holy weyl:
At oure shryfte, God ȝyue vs myȝt
Þese poyntes to kunne, and shewe hem ryȝt.
Now haue ȝe herde þe poyntës twelue,
how euery man shal shryue hym selue,
And of þese poyntes lerned sum deyl,
how ȝe mow[ë] shryue ȝow weyl.
Prestës oghte hem alle to kunne,
lewed men to teche and monne;
And but þey techë hem þys lore,
Here perel ys weyl þe more.
how euery man shal shryue hym selue,
And of þese poyntes lerned sum deyl,
how ȝe mow[ë] shryue ȝow weyl.
Prestës oghte hem alle to kunne,
lewed men to teche and monne;
And but þey techë hem þys lore,
Here perel ys weyl þe more.
Moche ys shryftë for to preyse;
Þe dede, to lyue, he may vpreyse;
A soulë þat ys dede þurgh synne,
Þurgh shryftë comþ gracë þer-ynne.
Many godenesse myȝt men telle,
How shryfte confoundeþ þe deuyl of helle.
Lesteneþ, godë men, to lere,
Þe grace of shryftë ȝe mow here.
Þe dede, to lyue, he may vpreyse;
A soulë þat ys dede þurgh synne,
Þurgh shryftë comþ gracë þer-ynne.
Many godenesse myȝt men telle,
How shryfte confoundeþ þe deuyl of helle.
Lesteneþ, godë men, to lere,
Þe grace of shryftë ȝe mow here.
The fyrste grace þat shryfte ȝyueþ.
þe fyrst grace þat þy shryfte shal ȝyue,
he makeþ þy soulë for to lyue.
whan þy mouþe with shryfte ys opun,
Deþ and synne are boþe oute lopun.
he makeþ þy soulë for to lyue.
whan þy mouþe with shryfte ys opun,
Deþ and synne are boþe oute lopun.
Salamon seyþ, þat ys wys,
Yn a bokë of Prouerbyys,
“Þe weye of lyue, with-outyn ende,
Oute of ryȝtwys mannes mouþe shal wende.”
Of þe mouþe þat ys vnryȝt,
hyd hys synne fro grace and lyȝt;
Þy mouþë no gracë cumþ ynne,
whan þyn herte ys ded yn synne:
Deþ and lyfe, ȝe mowe weyl se,
To-gedyr mow þey neuer be.
Yn a bokë of Prouerbyys,
“Þe weye of lyue, with-outyn ende,
Oute of ryȝtwys mannes mouþe shal wende.”
Of þe mouþe þat ys vnryȝt,
hyd hys synne fro grace and lyȝt;
Þy mouþë no gracë cumþ ynne,
whan þyn herte ys ded yn synne:
Deþ and lyfe, ȝe mowe weyl se,
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For somë, whan þey come to shryfte,
No more wyl þey here herte vp lyfte
To God for grace, but beþ harde as stone,
So longe haue þey with here synne gone;
Sorowe of synnë haue þey noȝt,
So ys here soule beneþë broȝt.
No more wyl þey here herte vp lyfte
To God for grace, but beþ harde as stone,
So longe haue þey with here synne gone;
Sorowe of synnë haue þey noȝt,
So ys here soule beneþë broȝt.
For, a lymme þat ys ded or drye
Þurgh sykenes, or smete yn pallësye,
Þogh men prykkë hyt wyþ oghte,
For hyt ys dede, hyt feleþ noȝte;
No more of grace, þe soule may fonge,
Þat haþ ley yn synne so longe;
But Ihesu cryst, þat none wyl tyne,
he boghte alle mankynde wyþ pyne,
And graunteþ hym grace, hys shryfte bygynne,
And yn hys shryfte, to sorowe hys synne.
Þurgh sykenes, or smete yn pallësye,
Þogh men prykkë hyt wyþ oghte,
For hyt ys dede, hyt feleþ noȝte;
No more of grace, þe soule may fonge,
Þat haþ ley yn synne so longe;
But Ihesu cryst, þat none wyl tyne,
he boghte alle mankynde wyþ pyne,
And graunteþ hym grace, hys shryfte bygynne,
And yn hys shryfte, to sorowe hys synne.
Þurgh swyche sorow, cumþ þe lyfe of grace,
Þe deþ of synne awey to chace.
Þan ys þys a feyrë ȝyfte,
Þe lyfe of euer, þurg þy shryfte;
Þy soule þat was for synnë lore,
Þurgh shryfte haþ grace and lyfe byfore;
Þys ys þe grace and þe fyrst vertu,
Þat shryfte doþ to þy soulë pru.
Þe deþ of synne awey to chace.
Þan ys þys a feyrë ȝyfte,
Þe lyfe of euer, þurg þy shryfte;
Þy soule þat was for synnë lore,
Þurgh shryfte haþ grace and lyfe byfore;
Þys ys þe grace and þe fyrst vertu,
Þat shryfte doþ to þy soulë pru.
þe secunde grace þat shryfte ȝyueþ.
A-noþer ȝyfte he ȝyueþ large;
hyt aleggeþ þe of heuy charge;
For euery synne, as hyt amounteþ,
Shalt þou haue, whan deþ acounteþ;
But yn euery tyme þat þou shryuest þe,
Of pyne shalt þou vncharged be;
For, þe prest haþ powere
To asoyle þe quyte and clere.
hyt aleggeþ þe of heuy charge;
For euery synne, as hyt amounteþ,
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But yn euery tyme þat þou shryuest þe,
Of pyne shalt þou vncharged be;
For, þe prest haþ powere
To asoyle þe quyte and clere.
ȝyf þou for synne mayst haue sorowe,
Fro heuy pyne hyt wyl þe borowe;
Body and soule moche ys a-legged,
whan of synne þou art a-bregged;
kyndly, ys þat man heuy
Fro heuy pyne hyt wyl þe borowe;
Body and soule moche ys a-legged,
whan of synne þou art a-bregged;
kyndly, ys þat man heuy
Loke what Iope seyþ, þat was of suffraunce;
Þat haþ synned wykkedly.
He spekeþ to God for swyche a chaunce,
“Lorde,” he seyþ, “weyl y hyt se,
My synne ys allë áȝens me;
For, whan y þenke on my synne,
Ful of angwys y am with-ynne;
For heuy byrdon, þat y of hem bere,
Y am confounded, my self to were.”
Þat haþ synned wykkedly.
He spekeþ to God for swyche a chaunce,
“Lorde,” he seyþ, “weyl y hyt se,
My synne ys allë áȝens me;
For, whan y þenke on my synne,
Ful of angwys y am with-ynne;
For heuy byrdon, þat y of hem bere,
Y am confounded, my self to were.”
And y haue oftë herd men seye,
And y wote my self þe certeyn wey,
Þat, when men haue synned dedly,
Here soule ys mornyng and heuy,
And cumbred ful of þoȝt and drede,
Ne he haþ no wyl to do gode dede;
But whan þey haue be clenë shryue
And do þe penaunce þat was hem ȝyue,
Hem þoȝt hem self wundyr lyȝt,
And, lesse dremed on þe nyȝt.
And y wote my self þe certeyn wey,
Þat, when men haue synned dedly,
Here soule ys mornyng and heuy,
And cumbred ful of þoȝt and drede,
Ne he haþ no wyl to do gode dede;
But whan þey haue be clenë shryue
And do þe penaunce þat was hem ȝyue,
Hem þoȝt hem self wundyr lyȝt,
And, lesse dremed on þe nyȝt.
Yn alle þys worlde [n]ys so heuy þyng,
As yn synne to haue dwellyng;
Þe synne God hateþ, þat on hem hangeþ;
And Goddës hatred, helle hyt fangeþ;
Þan ys wundyr, þat þe erþe hym bereþ,
But onely þat Goddys mercy hym wereþ,
And wyl [nat] þat he were cumbred or shent,
But a-bydeth hys amendëment;
So ys þe ȝyfte of shryftë large,
And leseþ men of heuy charge;
Y rede we loue hyt, at alle our myȝt,
For body and soule, hyt makeþ lyȝt.
As yn synne to haue dwellyng;
Þe synne God hateþ, þat on hem hangeþ;
And Goddës hatred, helle hyt fangeþ;
Þan ys wundyr, þat þe erþe hym bereþ,
But onely þat Goddys mercy hym wereþ,
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But a-bydeth hys amendëment;
So ys þe ȝyfte of shryftë large,
And leseþ men of heuy charge;
Y rede we loue hyt, at alle our myȝt,
For body and soule, hyt makeþ lyȝt.
The þred grace þat shryfte ȝyueþ.
þe þred grace of hys ȝeuyng
ys, as hyt were, anoyntyng:
Anoyntyng ys gode for body sore,
And shryfte ys a-noyntyng for euermore;
For, shryfte ys a sacrament,
hyt ys a grace, to alle men lent;
And, who-so cumþ weyl þar-tyl,
Fourë þynges he haþ þurgh skyl;—
ys, as hyt were, anoyntyng:
Anoyntyng ys gode for body sore,
And shryfte ys a-noyntyng for euermore;
For, shryfte ys a sacrament,
hyt ys a grace, to alle men lent;
And, who-so cumþ weyl þar-tyl,
Fourë þynges he haþ þurgh skyl;—
Þe fyrst þyng þou shalt beleue ynne,
To haue forȝyuenes for þy synne,
Ȝyf þat þou truly þe shryue,
And weyl holde hyt yn þy lyue.
To haue forȝyuenes for þy synne,
Ȝyf þat þou truly þe shryue,
And weyl holde hyt yn þy lyue.
Mekenes ys þe touþer, men telle,
And yn godë hope to dwelle,
Þat þe shryfte, þat we to go,
Alle oure synne may quenche and slo.
And yn godë hope to dwelle,
Þat þe shryfte, þat we to go,
Alle oure synne may quenche and slo.
Þe þred ys, þat he shal fonde
To brynge hym oute of þe fendës bonde;
For þus hyt seyþ, weyl y wote,
yn a boke þat seynt Austyn wrote:
‘Yn wey to heuene, may no man be,
But he haue wyl, hys bande to fle.’
To brynge hym oute of þe fendës bonde;
For þus hyt seyþ, weyl y wote,
yn a boke þat seynt Austyn wrote:
‘Yn wey to heuene, may no man be,
But he haue wyl, hys bande to fle.’
Þe fourþë þyng þat shal be dyȝt,
Alle hole þy wyl, to God almyȝt,
Hym to wurschepe ouer alle,
Þat he wulde to shryfte þe calle,
And brynge þe áȝen to hys grace
Þat þou lostest with þy wanlace.
Alle hole þy wyl, to God almyȝt,
Hym to wurschepe ouer alle,
Þat he wulde to shryfte þe calle,
And brynge þe áȝen to hys grace
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whan þou art ȝolde to be hys seruaunt,
Fals hym nat, but holde hym cunnaunt;
Hyt ys alle hys, þat þou lyuest by,
Serue nat þan hys en[e]my!
Fals hym nat, but holde hym cunnaunt;
Hyt ys alle hys, þat þou lyuest by,
Serue nat þan hys en[e]my!
The fourþe grace þat shryfte ȝyueþ.
Þe fourþë grace ys weyl to telle,
how shryfte shendeþ þe fende of helle.
Ȝy[f] þou wylt make þe deuyl shent,
And with-stonde hys tycëment,
with no þyng mayst þou do hym so wo
As louë ofte to shryftë go;
Þan ys he a-shamed to tempte þe,
For þat þou bewreyyst hys pryuyte:
Þys seyþ Salamon þe kyng,
‘Ȝyf þou shewe þy frende a þyng,
And he þat pryuyte bewreye,
Þe loue betwenë ȝow shal deye.’
how shryfte shendeþ þe fende of helle.
Ȝy[f] þou wylt make þe deuyl shent,
And with-stonde hys tycëment,
with no þyng mayst þou do hym so wo
As louë ofte to shryftë go;
Þan ys he a-shamed to tempte þe,
For þat þou bewreyyst hys pryuyte:
Þys seyþ Salamon þe kyng,
‘Ȝyf þou shewe þy frende a þyng,
And he þat pryuyte bewreye,
Þe loue betwenë ȝow shal deye.’
Sykyr þou be, certeynly,
Þe fende þe fleþ ful hastyly:
whan þou shryuest þe for hys shame,
Þat ys shenshepe vnto hys name;
Hym shameþ þat he ys ouercome,
For þan ys moche of hys myȝt ouernome,
And euermore he ys þe more coward
For to tempte þe aftyrward.
Þe fende þe fleþ ful hastyly:
whan þou shryuest þe for hys shame,
Þat ys shenshepe vnto hys name;
Hym shameþ þat he ys ouercome,
For þan ys moche of hys myȝt ouernome,
And euermore he ys þe more coward
For to tempte þe aftyrward.
Syn þat God haþ swyche grace lent
Þurgh oure shryfte to make hym shent,
Fonde we þan, and leuë noȝt,
Þat he were to shamë broȝt;
Certys we shuld haue gode wyl
To shendë hym þat wulde vs spyl.
Þurgh oure shryfte to make hym shent,
Fonde we þan, and leuë noȝt,
Þat he were to shamë broȝt;
Certys we shuld haue gode wyl
To shendë hym þat wulde vs spyl.
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Anouþer cumfort ys wel to mene,
þat shent þe fende, and doþe hym tene:
Ȝyf he ys aboute to temptë þe
To any synne, what so hyt be,
Ȝyf þou with-stonde þe temptacyoun,
And parceyuest what he wld haue doun,
Þan halt he hym shamly dysceyued,
Þat of hys queyntyse þou art parceyued;
Ne he shal neuer efte haue þat powere,
Of þat synne to tempte þe nere;
For þy wyþstondyng haþ hym rafte,
Of hys temptyng, alle þe crafte.
þat shent þe fende, and doþe hym tene:
Ȝyf he ys aboute to temptë þe
To any synne, what so hyt be,
Ȝyf þou with-stonde þe temptacyoun,
And parceyuest what he wld haue doun,
Þan halt he hym shamly dysceyued,
Þat of hys queyntyse þou art parceyued;
Ne he shal neuer efte haue þat powere,
Of þat synne to tempte þe nere;
For þy wyþstondyng haþ hym rafte,
Of hys temptyng, alle þe crafte.
Blessed ys shryfte with God almyȝt,
For hyt confoundeþ þe deuyl doun ryȝt;
God ȝyue vs grace, þe fende to shende,
And vn-to shryfte oure wyl alle wende.
For hyt confoundeþ þe deuyl doun ryȝt;
God ȝyue vs grace, þe fende to shende,
And vn-to shryfte oure wyl alle wende.
The fyfueþ grace þat shryfte ȝyueþ.
Ȝyt þyr ys a feyrë ȝyfte
Þat vs purcháceþ þe grace of shryfte;
hyt makeþ vs lefe, þere we were loþe,
hyt peseþ God whan he ys wroþe.
wroþë shul we neuer hym make,
But hyt were for synnë sake;
Ȝyue þou þe shryue, and mercy cry,
God forȝyueþ all þy foly.
Þat vs purcháceþ þe grace of shryfte;
hyt makeþ vs lefe, þere we were loþe,
hyt peseþ God whan he ys wroþe.
wroþë shul we neuer hym make,
But hyt were for synnë sake;
Ȝyue þou þe shryue, and mercy cry,
God forȝyueþ all þy foly.
weyl oȝt we loue hym as lorde and syre,
Þat wyl so sone forȝyue hys yre;
Þarfore seyþ seynt Bernard,
Þat noun, to shryfte, be slogh ne hard.
Haue þou mekenes with répentaunce,
And hope yn shryfte gode áffyaunce,
How þou hast myȝt merueylusly
Ouer God, and hyse þat are hym by,
And ouercomest hym gracyously,
Þat noun may wynnë with maystry;
For allë þyng, for drede hym douteþ,
And to hys domë, alle þyng louteþ.
Þat wyl so sone forȝyue hys yre;
Þarfore seyþ seynt Bernard,
Þat noun, to shryfte, be slogh ne hard.
Haue þou mekenes with répentaunce,
And hope yn shryfte gode áffyaunce,
How þou hast myȝt merueylusly
Ouer God, and hyse þat are hym by,
And ouercomest hym gracyously,
Þat noun may wynnë with maystry;
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And to hys domë, alle þyng louteþ.
Shryfte, þou art of grete vertu,
And purchacest to vs grete pru;
For whan þou comst byfore þe kyng,
Forgyuënes ys þyn askyng;
And þat yche kyng loueþ þe so wel,
Þat he forȝyueþ þe euery deyl.
And purchacest to vs grete pru;
For whan þou comst byfore þe kyng,
Forgyuënes ys þyn askyng;
And þat yche kyng loueþ þe so wel,
Þat he forȝyueþ þe euery deyl.
Shryfte, þou art Goddes messangere;
Þou makyst synful, aungelys pere;
Þou purchasest vs, pes and gryþ;
So seyþ to vs þe prophete Dauyd:
whan he was yn synnë shent,
And dampnable yn Iugëment,
A wurde he seyde to þe prophete,
“Y haue synned; y wyl of lete.”
Natan þe prophete forȝaue hys synne
whan he seyd þat he wulde blynne.
Þe glose here-on seyþ redyly,
‘he þat shryueþ hym parfytely,
Asswyþë, for þat shryfte,
He haþ forȝyuenes, of Goddys ȝyfte.’
Þou makyst synful, aungelys pere;
Þou purchasest vs, pes and gryþ;
So seyþ to vs þe prophete Dauyd:
whan he was yn synnë shent,
And dampnable yn Iugëment,
A wurde he seyde to þe prophete,
“Y haue synned; y wyl of lete.”
Natan þe prophete forȝaue hys synne
whan he seyd þat he wulde blynne.
Þe glose here-on seyþ redyly,
‘he þat shryueþ hym parfytely,
Asswyþë, for þat shryfte,
He haþ forȝyuenes, of Goddys ȝyfte.’
He þat þenkeþ for to be shryue,
And hope hyt ys to be forȝyue,
Ȝyf hyt so be þat he with-drawe
Hys mys-dede, for Goddys awe,
Þan may y, ful weyl proue
Þat þe prophete Dauyd seyde aboue:
Þus he seyd yn hys lyue,
“Y haue þoȝtë me to shryue,
And God forȝauë me, as sone,
Alle þe synnes þat y haue done.”
Yn þe byble men fynde þese þynges,
Yn a boke þat ys of kynges.
And hope hyt ys to be forȝyue,
Ȝyf hyt so be þat he with-drawe
Hys mys-dede, for Goddys awe,
Þan may y, ful weyl proue
Þat þe prophete Dauyd seyde aboue:
Þus he seyd yn hys lyue,
“Y haue þoȝtë me to shryue,
And God forȝauë me, as sone,
Alle þe synnes þat y haue done.”
Yn þe byble men fynde þese þynges,
Yn a boke þat ys of kynges.
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The syxte grace þat shryfte ȝyueþ.
The syxtë grace of shryfte to neuene,
Hyt ioyeþ alle þe court of heuene.
whan þou þe mekest to make þy shryfte,
Þe aungelys of heuene þou ȝyuest a ȝyfte;
A swetnes of ioye ys hem among,
Þat ys confermed with gospel song;
‘Yn heuene, ys more ioye auenaunt,
Of a synful man repentaunt,
Þan of nynty aungelys and nyne
Þat neuer synned, ne were wurþy pyne;’
Þys ys Goddys ownë wurde,
And redde yn chyrchë at hys borde.
Hyt ioyeþ alle þe court of heuene.
whan þou þe mekest to make þy shryfte,
Þe aungelys of heuene þou ȝyuest a ȝyfte;
A swetnes of ioye ys hem among,
Þat ys confermed with gospel song;
‘Yn heuene, ys more ioye auenaunt,
Of a synful man repentaunt,
Þan of nynty aungelys and nyne
Þat neuer synned, ne were wurþy pyne;’
Þys ys Goddys ownë wurde,
And redde yn chyrchë at hys borde.
whan þou repentest with þy gode wyl,
And clene art shryue of alle þyn yl,
Þe aungelys make for þe a þankyng,
Þat þou fulfyllest here grete longyng;
Longyng, ful ofte þe aungelys make,
what tyme we wyl oure synnes forsake,
Þat we were redy to haue þat blys
That for vs ordeyned ys;
For þurgh þe manhede of Ihesus,
Ys here ioye fulfylled yn vs.
And clene art shryue of alle þyn yl,
Þe aungelys make for þe a þankyng,
Þat þou fulfyllest here grete longyng;
Longyng, ful ofte þe aungelys make,
what tyme we wyl oure synnes forsake,
Þat we were redy to haue þat blys
That for vs ordeyned ys;
For þurgh þe manhede of Ihesus,
Ys here ioye fulfylled yn vs.
Þan ys hyt on þe touþer party
whan we synnë dedly;
we lese þe ioye þat þey are ynne,
For long lyggyng yn oure synne.
Y trowe euery man þat had þys þoȝt,
wulde ful sone of synne be broȝt,
Þogh hyt were for noun þer þyng,
But for þe aungelys grete longyng;
Shryue we vs þan, most and leste,
And make þe aungelys a feyre feste.
whan we synnë dedly;
we lese þe ioye þat þey are ynne,
For long lyggyng yn oure synne.
Y trowe euery man þat had þys þoȝt,
wulde ful sone of synne be broȝt,
Þogh hyt were for noun þer þyng,
But for þe aungelys grete longyng;
Shryue we vs þan, most and leste,
And make þe aungelys a feyre feste.
Shryftë ys þe ȝate of heuene,
Hyt ys a wey þat ledeþ vs euene;
And at þe entre, ys none forsake
Þat ys weyl shryue, and haþ penaunce take;
And, þo þat vnshryuë be,
þere þey getë none entre.
Allas, þat oure synne ys so grefe,
Þat leseþ þe ioye þat we are lefe!
God graunte vs alle swych shryfte to take,
Þat we, þe aungeles, ioye mow make!
Hyt ys a wey þat ledeþ vs euene;
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Þat ys weyl shryue, and haþ penaunce take;
And, þo þat vnshryuë be,
þere þey getë none entre.
Allas, þat oure synne ys so grefe,
Þat leseþ þe ioye þat we are lefe!
God graunte vs alle swych shryfte to take,
Þat we, þe aungeles, ioye mow make!
The seuenþe grace þat shryfte ȝyueþ.
The seuenþe ys, and þat weyl endyþ,
‘Þat oure shryfte, þe deuyl blyndeþ.’
whan he made vs falle yn plyght,
He refte vs allë gostely syȝt;
Fro synne to synne he made vs falle,
And oure fadres byfore vs alle.
Y rede we ȝelde hym þe countre paye,
And blyndë we hym fro hys praye.
‘Þat oure shryfte, þe deuyl blyndeþ.’
whan he made vs falle yn plyght,
He refte vs allë gostely syȝt;
Fro synne to synne he made vs falle,
And oure fadres byfore vs alle.
Y rede we ȝelde hym þe countre paye,
And blyndë we hym fro hys praye.
we put oute hys yȝe gostly
whan we shryue vs opunly;
Certes he may nat knowe vs efte,
For oure shryfte haþ hym þe syȝt refte.
þat may weyl y-shewed be
with a tale of an autoryte.
whan we shryue vs opunly;
Certes he may nat knowe vs efte,
For oure shryfte haþ hym þe syȝt refte.
þat may weyl y-shewed be
with a tale of an autoryte.
[A Tale of How to put the Devil's Eye out spiritually, or How by Shrift a Man made himself invisible to the Fiend who before used to lead him about chaind.]
Þyr was onys an ermyte,
Þat was euer yn Gode parfyte;
So moche he hadde of Goddys grace,
Þat he coude knowe, yn euery place,
whych men were yn dedly synne,
And who was godë lyfe with-ynne;
And also, he myȝt se weyl
Þyng þat was spyrytuele.
Þat was euer yn Gode parfyte;
So moche he hadde of Goddys grace,
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whych men were yn dedly synne,
And who was godë lyfe with-ynne;
And also, he myȝt se weyl
Þyng þat was spyrytuele.
An halyday fyl, as ys þe acyse,
Men to go to Goddys seruyse;
Þys erymyte lened hym on a walle,
And badde hys bedys, and loked ouer-alle,
And beheld þe folke þat come yn þe gate,
whyche come erlye, and whyche late,
whyche come with gode deuocyoun,
And whyche for ouþer enchesoun:
Alle sagh þys ermyte euerydeyl,
who come wrong, and who come weyl.
Men to go to Goddys seruyse;
Þys erymyte lened hym on a walle,
And badde hys bedys, and loked ouer-alle,
And beheld þe folke þat come yn þe gate,
whyche come erlye, and whyche late,
whyche come with gode deuocyoun,
And whyche for ouþer enchesoun:
Alle sagh þys ermyte euerydeyl,
who come wrong, and who come weyl.
As he stode, he toke gode hede,
How a deuyl, a man gan lede;
with hym he com alle weyl þe gate,
And ledde hym to þe chyrchë ȝate,
And yn to þe cherchëȝerde;
Forþer durst he nat, for ferde.
And whan he yn-to þe cherch shuld go,
Þan brast þe fendës chayn yn two;
Þe fende stode stylle, and loked a-boute,
And a-bode þys man wyþ-oute;
On hys clawys he helde þys cheyne,
And loked what tyme he come aȝeyne.
þe holy man ȝaue godë tent
whyder þat ychë man was went.
þat ychë man, þat was yn synne,
And haddë longë leye þer-ynne;
Þurgh grace óf þe holy spyryt,
he ȝede and shrouë hym astyt,
And þoȝt neuer to turne aȝeyn,
But sorowed þat hé þer-ynne had leyn.
How a deuyl, a man gan lede;
with hym he com alle weyl þe gate,
And ledde hym to þe chyrchë ȝate,
And yn to þe cherchëȝerde;
Forþer durst he nat, for ferde.
And whan he yn-to þe cherch shuld go,
Þan brast þe fendës chayn yn two;
Þe fende stode stylle, and loked a-boute,
And a-bode þys man wyþ-oute;
On hys clawys he helde þys cheyne,
And loked what tyme he come aȝeyne.
þe holy man ȝaue godë tent
whyder þat ychë man was went.
þat ychë man, þat was yn synne,
And haddë longë leye þer-ynne;
Þurgh grace óf þe holy spyryt,
he ȝede and shrouë hym astyt,
And þoȝt neuer to turne aȝeyn,
But sorowed þat hé þer-ynne had leyn.
whan þat þys man shryuë was,
And was passed þat synful pas,
As þys man come outë þere,
Þe fende loked aboute euery-where,
And coude nat fynde hym, for no nede,
Among þe ouþer, þere þey ȝede;
Þe syȝtë of hym hadde he lore,
Al þogh he ȝede next hym byfore.
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As þys man come outë þere,
Þe fende loked aboute euery-where,
And coude nat fynde hym, for no nede,
Among þe ouþer, þere þey ȝede;
Þe syȝtë of hym hadde he lore,
Al þogh he ȝede next hym byfore.
Long loked þat foulë wyght,
And coude nat se hym with no syȝt;
He stode stylle tyl alle men were goun,
But syȝtë of hym hadde he noun.
Þys holy ermyte to hym ȝede:
“Treytur,” he seyd, “for what nede
Stanst þou here; telle hyt me,
Yn Goddys name, y cóniure þe.”
And coude nat se hym with no syȝt;
He stode stylle tyl alle men were goun,
But syȝtë of hym hadde he noun.
Þys holy ermyte to hym ȝede:
“Treytur,” he seyd, “for what nede
Stanst þou here; telle hyt me,
Yn Goddys name, y cóniure þe.”
Þan answered þat glotoun,
“y abyde here my prysoun,
Þat long haþ be vndyr my hande,
And haue led hym aboute with þys bande;
Langer wente he yn fro me,
He come nat oute ȝyt, þat y coude se;
Among many, y haue hym soȝte;
Me þenkeþ wundyr, y fynde hym noȝte.”
“y abyde here my prysoun,
Þat long haþ be vndyr my hande,
And haue led hym aboute with þys bande;
Langer wente he yn fro me,
He come nat oute ȝyt, þat y coude se;
Among many, y haue hym soȝte;
Me þenkeþ wundyr, y fynde hym noȝte.”
Þys ermyte hyed fast and ran,
And ouertoke þys ychë man,
And, preyd hym a stounde to dwelle,
And of hys lyfe, sumwhat to telle:
“Y graunte,” he seyd, “to þe to seye.
To þe cherche, as y wente my weye
y felte me charged yn a synne,—
And, long had y leye þere-ynne,—
y þoȝte y wulde me þer-of shryue,
And amende þe trespas yn my lyue.
At þe cherche, y shroue me weyl,
Plenerly of euery deyl;
Blessed be now God almyȝt,
Me þynkeþ y am wundyrly lyȝt.”
And ouertoke þys ychë man,
And, preyd hym a stounde to dwelle,
And of hys lyfe, sumwhat to telle:
“Y graunte,” he seyd, “to þe to seye.
To þe cherche, as y wente my weye
y felte me charged yn a synne,—
And, long had y leye þere-ynne,—
y þoȝte y wulde me þer-of shryue,
And amende þe trespas yn my lyue.
At þe cherche, y shroue me weyl,
Plenerly of euery deyl;
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Me þynkeþ y am wundyrly lyȝt.”
Þan þoȝte þe Ermyte astyte,
þat whan men haue yn synne delyte,
Þan haþ þe fendë enchesoun
To byndë hym as a presun;
And whan he haþ wyl, hym to shryue,
Hys bandys brest, and al to-ryue;
And, whan he ys clenë shryuyn,
Þe deuyl knoweþ hym no more syþen.
þat whan men haue yn synne delyte,
Þan haþ þe fendë enchesoun
To byndë hym as a presun;
And whan he haþ wyl, hym to shryue,
Hys bandys brest, and al to-ryue;
And, whan he ys clenë shryuyn,
Þe deuyl knoweþ hym no more syþen.
Þe holy man come þan to þe deuyl,
And bad he shulde do no man euyl,
But go to helle, þere he come fro,
Euer to dwelle yn pyne and wo.
And bad he shulde do no man euyl,
But go to helle, þere he come fro,
Euer to dwelle yn pyne and wo.
Þarfore, y rede þat we bygynne
To shryuë vs of alle our synne.
To shryuë vs of alle our synne.
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The eyghte grace þat shryfte ȝyueþ.
Newë þy shryftë euer ylyke,
hyt makeþ Iesu cryst to þe meke.
hyt makeþ Iesu cryst to þe meke.
Ȝyt þyr ys a properte,
Þat euer ylyke þy shryfte shal be;
As ofte as þou yn synne doust falle,
As oftë rys vp fro hem alle,
Nat, wyþ no feyntyse,
with verry shryftë shalt þou ryse.
Þat euer ylyke þy shryfte shal be;
As ofte as þou yn synne doust falle,
As oftë rys vp fro hem alle,
Nat, wyþ no feyntyse,
with verry shryftë shalt þou ryse.
Baptem, fro Adams synne vs drewe,
But shryfte clenseþ vs euery day newe;
we synful mow þarfore be bolde;
To vs ys shryfte a blysful holde;
As ofte as þou to shryfte art went,
As ofte helpeþ þe, þe sacrament:
Here-of spekeþ Isayë
A wurde yn hys prophesye,
“whan man haþ fylled hys soule with ylle
Þurgh hys ownë wykked wylle,
y rede hym þat he oftë synge
wurschyp vn-to oure heuene kynge.”
Þys song to mene, yn my resoun,
Ys trewë shryfte, and oftë doun.
Þyr ys no þyng þat man may neuene,
Þat more stereþ God of heuene,
Of vs synful to haue mercy,
Þan doþ shryfte, þere hyt ys do trewly.
who so syngeþ to God with shryfte,
For hys song he ȝyueþ hym a ȝyfte;
Hys ȝyfte ys ioye with-outyn wo,
Þat þe fendë was kast fro.
But shryfte clenseþ vs euery day newe;
we synful mow þarfore be bolde;
To vs ys shryfte a blysful holde;
As ofte as þou to shryfte art went,
As ofte helpeþ þe, þe sacrament:
Here-of spekeþ Isayë
A wurde yn hys prophesye,
“whan man haþ fylled hys soule with ylle
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y rede hym þat he oftë synge
wurschyp vn-to oure heuene kynge.”
Þys song to mene, yn my resoun,
Ys trewë shryfte, and oftë doun.
Þyr ys no þyng þat man may neuene,
Þat more stereþ God of heuene,
Of vs synful to haue mercy,
Þan doþ shryfte, þere hyt ys do trewly.
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For hys song he ȝyueþ hym a ȝyfte;
Hys ȝyfte ys ioye with-outyn wo,
Þat þe fendë was kast fro.
On many maner myȝt men proue
How shryfte ys gode to oure byhoue;
But longe hyt werë for to dwelle,
Þe propertees, alle for to telle,
But touche y wyl, two or þre,
Þat ȝe mow weyl warned be.
How shryfte ys gode to oure byhoue;
But longe hyt werë for to dwelle,
Þe propertees, alle for to telle,
But touche y wyl, two or þre,
Þat ȝe mow weyl warned be.
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That þou falle nat yn wanhope.
Haue no wanhope, for no maner of kas;
Be nat lyke Kaym ne Iudas.
Þe werst þarfore, y wylle fyrst grope,
Þat man kalle ‘wanhope:’
Al tymes ys God more wroþer with þys
Þan with any oþer þyng þat ys;
Þyr ys no synne þat men of rede,
Só moche withseyþ þe godhede;
For wanhope wenyþ þat þe foly
Be more þan Goddës mercy;
And ȝyf þou wene þat synne be more,
Þou wenest þat þe godhede, so moche ne wore,
Ne had so mochë myȝt hym ynne,
Þat hyt myȝt fórȝyue alle þy synne.
Be nat lyke Kaym ne Iudas.
Þe werst þarfore, y wylle fyrst grope,
Þat man kalle ‘wanhope:’
Al tymes ys God more wroþer with þys
Þan with any oþer þyng þat ys;
Þyr ys no synne þat men of rede,
Só moche withseyþ þe godhede;
For wanhope wenyþ þat þe foly
Be more þan Goddës mercy;
And ȝyf þou wene þat synne be more,
Þou wenest þat þe godhede, so moche ne wore,
Ne had so mochë myȝt hym ynne,
Þat hyt myȝt fórȝyue alle þy synne.
Se how wanhope, man wyl shende
Aȝens þe godhede with-outyn ende!
Hyt ys no wundyr, þogh he be wroþe;
Hyt aȝenseyþ hys myȝt & hys mercy boþe.
Aȝens þe godhede with-outyn ende!
Hyt ys no wundyr, þogh he be wroþe;
Hyt aȝenseyþ hys myȝt & hys mercy boþe.
Swych shryfte madë wreched Kaym,
whan he hadde hys broþer slayn;
‘Of God,’ he seyd, ‘he was nat wurþy,
For hys grete synne, to haue mercy.’
For hys wanhope, þat foule glotoun,
God ȝaue hym hys malysun;
And alle þo, þat trowe synne may be
Morë þan Goddës pyte.
whan he hadde hys broþer slayn;
‘Of God,’ he seyd, ‘he was nat wurþy,
For hys grete synne, to haue mercy.’
For hys wanhope, þat foule glotoun,
God ȝaue hym hys malysun;
And alle þo, þat trowe synne may be
Morë þan Goddës pyte.
And swych shryftë, made Iudas;
He shrouë hym of hys trespas,
He hadde grete sorowe and contrycyun
Þat he ded hys lorde tresun;
Þer-of he repented hym so gretly,
he ȝede and hyng hym self ful hy;
He shroue hym with grete répentaunce,
But of Goddys mercy he hadde none affyaunce.
He shrouë hym of hys trespas,
He hadde grete sorowe and contrycyun
Þat he ded hys lorde tresun;
Þer-of he repented hym so gretly,
he ȝede and hyng hym self ful hy;
He shroue hym with grete répentaunce,
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Here mowe ȝe se, þat shryfte and sorowe
Alle only may no man borowe,
But he haue gode hope, whan he ys shryue,
Þat hys synne shal be forȝyue:
Þys shal ȝe beleue, with-outë nay,
Þat, God wyl forȝyue, and may.
Alle only may no man borowe,
But he haue gode hope, whan he ys shryue,
Þat hys synne shal be forȝyue:
Þys shal ȝe beleue, with-outë nay,
Þat, God wyl forȝyue, and may.
An holy man þys samë spelleþ
Þat of Iudas wanhope telleþ,
‘For hys wanhope, God wroþer was,
Þan for hys tresun or ouþer trespas;
Hys wanhope toke he more to grefe,
Þan hys takyng, as a þefe.’
Þat of Iudas wanhope telleþ,
‘For hys wanhope, God wroþer was,
Þan for hys tresun or ouþer trespas;
Hys wanhope toke he more to grefe,
Þan hys takyng, as a þefe.’
Ihesu, ful of mercy mylde,
Fro wanhope vs allë shylde,
And graunte vs alle swych hope & stedfast trouþe
þat þy mercy on vs haue rouþe!
Fro wanhope vs allë shylde,
And graunte vs alle swych hope & stedfast trouþe
þat þy mercy on vs haue rouþe!
That þou excuse nat þy synne.
Ȝyt þer ys an vnþryfte
Þat doþ moche skaþe yn shryfte;
Þat þou defendest þe fro plyȝt,
And puttest þy synne on God almyȝt.
So dyd oure fadyr Adam,
whan God of heuene to hym cam,
And seyd, “Adam, why art þou yn synne?”
“lorde,” he seyd, “my wyfe made me bygynne;
Þat ychë wyfe þat þou me wroȝt,
She synned fyrst, and y noȝt.”
Þat doþ moche skaþe yn shryfte;
Þat þou defendest þe fro plyȝt,
And puttest þy synne on God almyȝt.
So dyd oure fadyr Adam,
whan God of heuene to hym cam,
And seyd, “Adam, why art þou yn synne?”
“lorde,” he seyd, “my wyfe made me bygynne;
Þat ychë wyfe þat þou me wroȝt,
She synned fyrst, and y noȝt.”
Seeþ how Adam bygan to lye,
And put on God hys owne folye!
For, God forbede þat tre,
Þat he ne shulde ete þer-of, ne she:
Seeþ how he ded, þat God forbede,
And dyd aftyr hys wyuës rede;
He wulde haue excused hys fame,
As who seyþ ‘God was to blame;’
Þese lewed men sey, and erre ful ylle,
And seye ‘hyt was alle Goddys wylle.’
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For, God forbede þat tre,
Þat he ne shulde ete þer-of, ne she:
Seeþ how he ded, þat God forbede,
And dyd aftyr hys wyuës rede;
He wulde haue excused hys fame,
As who seyþ ‘God was to blame;’
Þese lewed men sey, and erre ful ylle,
And seye ‘hyt was alle Goddys wylle.’
Ȝyf þat hyt Goddys wyl shulde be,
why forbede he hym þat tre?
Hyt may nat be, for no nede,
Þat God wulde be do, he shulde forbede;
Syn he forbed, hyt shulde be noȝt,
Aȝens hys byddyng, Adam hyt wroȝt;
Þan hyt semeþ, hyt was but suffraunce,
Nat hys wyl, nat hys ordynaunce,
But lete hym haue alle hys fre wyl,
Hym self for to saue or spyl.
why forbede he hym þat tre?
Hyt may nat be, for no nede,
Þat God wulde be do, he shulde forbede;
Syn he forbed, hyt shulde be noȝt,
Aȝens hys byddyng, Adam hyt wroȝt;
Þan hyt semeþ, hyt was but suffraunce,
Nat hys wyl, nat hys ordynaunce,
But lete hym haue alle hys fre wyl,
Hym self for to saue or spyl.
Nay, nay! Adam, alle mys ȝede,
On God to put alle hys mysdede,
As who seyþ ‘he shulde nat be shent,
But Eue brak þe commaundëment,
For she ȝaue hym þe appul here lete,
And God was gylty þat he hyt ete.’
He myȝt a fórsake, and seyd nay,
But whan he toke hyt, he brake þe lay.
On God to put alle hys mysdede,
As who seyþ ‘he shulde nat be shent,
But Eue brak þe commaundëment,
For she ȝaue hym þe appul here lete,
And God was gylty þat he hyt ete.’
He myȝt a fórsake, and seyd nay,
But whan he toke hyt, he brake þe lay.
Ȝyf a man me now forbede
þyng þat y ne shulde haue of dede,
y were to blame ȝyf y hyt toke;
Bettyr were fyrst þat y hyt forsoke;
So myȝt Adam haue hyt forsake,
For God for-bede þat none shuld be take.
Syn he dyd þus aȝens hys forbode,
Ho dar sey hyt was þe wyl of God?
þyng þat y ne shulde haue of dede,
y were to blame ȝyf y hyt toke;
Bettyr were fyrst þat y hyt forsoke;
So myȝt Adam haue hyt forsake,
For God for-bede þat none shuld be take.
Syn he dyd þus aȝens hys forbode,
Ho dar sey hyt was þe wyl of God?
Ȝyt þyr are many þat þus seye,
Þat alle here wyte on God wul leye,
And tellë men þus apertly
Þey mow nat holdë fro foly,
And sey þey mowe nat lyuë chaste,
But nedly hym behoueþ do waste.
Þat alle here wyte on God wul leye,
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Þey mow nat holdë fro foly,
And sey þey mowe nat lyuë chaste,
But nedly hym behoueþ do waste.
Y seye, as þe holy man seys,
He lyeþ apertely on alle weys;
For ȝyf þat he wulde do now folye
wyþ a womman yn lecherye,
And ȝyf a-noþer, hyt myȝt se,
At þat tyme he wulde late be;
He ne letteþ for Goddes comaundement,
But for hym þat þere ys present.
He lyeþ apertely on alle weys;
For ȝyf þat he wulde do now folye
wyþ a womman yn lecherye,
And ȝyf a-noþer, hyt myȝt se,
At þat tyme he wulde late be;
He ne letteþ for Goddes comaundement,
But for hym þat þere ys present.
Alle þo þat sey ‘hem byhoueþ nedely,’
Þey acoupe God of here folye.
why shulde he þat þyng forbede,
Þat nedely moste be do yn dede?
hyt were foly, comaunde a þyng
Þat myȝt nat ȝyue no warantyng.
Þey acoupe God of here folye.
why shulde he þat þyng forbede,
Þat nedely moste be do yn dede?
hyt were foly, comaunde a þyng
Þat myȝt nat ȝyue no warantyng.
yn twey þynges, wykkedly þey sey,
Þat on God here blame alle leye;
Lyers algate þey are strong;
A-noþer, þey hepe on God here wrong;
wykkedly þey synne on þese maners,
Þey make hym wers þan ben here peres.
Þat on God here blame alle leye;
Lyers algate þey are strong;
A-noþer, þey hepe on God here wrong;
wykkedly þey synne on þese maners,
Þey make hym wers þan ben here peres.
That þou make nat þy synne lytyl to seme.
Make nat þy synne, lytyl to seme;
Telle smale and grete, ȝyf þou God queme.
Telle smale and grete, ȝyf þou God queme.
Ȝyt þer ys an enchesun
ys kalled ‘dymynucyun’:
On englys, hyt ys to mene,
To make þy synne lytyl to seme;
Hyt ys to mene also anoþer þyng,
Of þy synne to make shedyng;
And þys may be on two manere,
whan hyt shuld be hole and clere:—
whan þou tellest but þe grete,
þe smalë synnes þan wylt þou lete;
þese clerkys kalle hem ‘cyrcumstauncys,’
To þe grete synnes are þey puruyaunces;
þou puruéyst fyrst, yn þy þoȝt
How þe grete synnes shulde be wroȝt;
Oftyn tyme, a foule þoȝt and an yl,
wyþ lykyng þer-yn, gadereþ a wyl
Aftyr þat wyl, cumþ a syȝt;
Aftyr a syghte, a speche ful ryȝt;
weytyng yn wey, and þarto ȝyftes;
Alle þese, to þe dede a man lyftes;
Alle þese kalle men ‘cyrcumstaunces,’
Þat vn-to þe grete dede men haunces.
ys kalled ‘dymynucyun’:
On englys, hyt ys to mene,
To make þy synne lytyl to seme;
Hyt ys to mene also anoþer þyng,
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And þys may be on two manere,
whan hyt shuld be hole and clere:—
whan þou tellest but þe grete,
þe smalë synnes þan wylt þou lete;
þese clerkys kalle hem ‘cyrcumstauncys,’
To þe grete synnes are þey puruyaunces;
þou puruéyst fyrst, yn þy þoȝt
How þe grete synnes shulde be wroȝt;
Oftyn tyme, a foule þoȝt and an yl,
wyþ lykyng þer-yn, gadereþ a wyl
Aftyr þat wyl, cumþ a syȝt;
Aftyr a syghte, a speche ful ryȝt;
weytyng yn wey, and þarto ȝyftes;
Alle þese, to þe dede a man lyftes;
Alle þese kalle men ‘cyrcumstaunces,’
Þat vn-to þe grete dede men haunces.
Lo here ensample of oure tale;
Þou sëest stykkës þat are smale,
Þey brenne fyrst, feyre and shyre,
To brynge þe grete stokkes sone on fyre:
Ryȝt so do þése smale, þe with-ynne,
A gretë synnë to bygynne;
Þarfore y warne þe, yn þy lyfe,
Of swychë smale þat þou þe shryue;
For ȝyf þou for-hele hem with þy wyl,
So mayst þou þy soulë spyl.
Þou sëest stykkës þat are smale,
Þey brenne fyrst, feyre and shyre,
To brynge þe grete stokkes sone on fyre:
Ryȝt so do þése smale, þe with-ynne,
A gretë synnë to bygynne;
Þarfore y warne þe, yn þy lyfe,
Of swychë smale þat þou þe shryue;
For ȝyf þou for-hele hem with þy wyl,
So mayst þou þy soulë spyl.
Ryȝt so fareþ forholen synne,
As fyre, borë bosum ynne;
At þe lastë, hyt hym dereþ,
And brennyþ þat hym aboutë bereþ;
For no synne may be hyd,
Þat hyt ne behoueþ opunly be kyd;
Ȝyf hyt be shewed here apert,
Yn ouþer stede hyt ys couert;
And ȝyf þou hydë here þy blame,
hyt shal be shewed to þy shame.
As fyre, borë bosum ynne;
At þe lastë, hyt hym dereþ,
And brennyþ þat hym aboutë bereþ;
For no synne may be hyd,
Þat hyt ne behoueþ opunly be kyd;
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Yn ouþer stede hyt ys couert;
And ȝyf þou hydë here þy blame,
hyt shal be shewed to þy shame.
Seynt Austyn seyþ a wurde to charge,
Of Goddys ȝyfte, how hyt ys large:
“Shryueþ ȝoure dedës and ȝoure þoȝt,
For God forȝyueþ alle or noȝt;
Oþer forȝyueþ he alle with gladehede,
Or alle abydeþ to hys wraþhede.
Ȝyf þou be allë fully shryue,
Forsoþe þan be þey all forȝyue;
Ȝyf þou þe shryue of alle but one,
Noþer he forȝyueþ þat, ne none.”
Of Goddys ȝyfte, how hyt ys large:
“Shryueþ ȝoure dedës and ȝoure þoȝt,
For God forȝyueþ alle or noȝt;
Oþer forȝyueþ he alle with gladehede,
Or alle abydeþ to hys wraþhede.
Ȝyf þou be allë fully shryue,
Forsoþe þan be þey all forȝyue;
Ȝyf þou þe shryue of alle but one,
Noþer he forȝyueþ þat, ne none.”
Yn ryȝt resun þese clerkys telle,
yn þat stede þere God shal dwelle
Plenerly, hyt behoueþ be clene,
Þat no synnë mowe be sene.
whan synne ys shryue, and clene eche deyl
Þere wyl God, holde hys hostele;
Þe mantel of loue ys leyd ful euene,
Þat heleþ Ihesu and kyng of heuene.
Yn o stede ne mowe þey reste;
God or þe fendë, outë keste;
One of þese, behoueþ þe chese;
Take þe toon, þe touþer þou lese.
Y wulde holde hym more þan wode,
Þat cheseþ þe wykked, and leueþ þe gode.
Take we God on oure party,
And fle we þe fendës cumpany.
yn þat stede þere God shal dwelle
Plenerly, hyt behoueþ be clene,
Þat no synnë mowe be sene.
whan synne ys shryue, and clene eche deyl
Þere wyl God, holde hys hostele;
Þe mantel of loue ys leyd ful euene,
Þat heleþ Ihesu and kyng of heuene.
Yn o stede ne mowe þey reste;
God or þe fendë, outë keste;
One of þese, behoueþ þe chese;
Take þe toon, þe touþer þou lese.
Y wulde holde hym more þan wode,
Þat cheseþ þe wykked, and leueþ þe gode.
Take we God on oure party,
And fle we þe fendës cumpany.
That þou make no skornyng yn shryfte.
Skorne nat, and seye þou wylt forsake
Þy synne, and eft aȝen hyt take.
Þy synne, and eft aȝen hyt take.
392
Ȝyt wyl y warne þe of o þyng,
Yn shryftë make þou no skornyng.
Lytyl mayst þou spede þat whyle,
Ȝyf þou shryuë þe with gyle;
For ȝyf þou make þy shryftë feynt,
Sykyr þou be, þou shalt be a-teynt,
whan [þat] þou art nat yn wyl
Þe to wyþdrawë fro þyn yl.
Yn shryftë make þou no skornyng.
Lytyl mayst þou spede þat whyle,
Ȝyf þou shryuë þe with gyle;
For ȝyf þou make þy shryftë feynt,
Sykyr þou be, þou shalt be a-teynt,
whan [þat] þou art nat yn wyl
Þe to wyþdrawë fro þyn yl.
what doust þou byfore þe prest,
And, hast déseyt yn þy brest?
Asoyled mayst þou neuer be,
But þou wylt þy synnë fle.
with skornë wenest þou þe quyte
As a fals ypocryte,
Þat þou holdest nat cunnaunt,
þat þou hetest and takest an hand.
And, hast déseyt yn þy brest?
Asoyled mayst þou neuer be,
But þou wylt þy synnë fle.
with skornë wenest þou þe quyte
As a fals ypocryte,
Þat þou holdest nat cunnaunt,
þat þou hetest and takest an hand.
A lytyl tale y wyl ȝow telle,
How he was shryue, þe fende of helle.
How he was shryue, þe fende of helle.
[The Tale of how the Devil came to be Shriven.]
An holy man, þat God was dere,
Onës sat, shryftë to here;
To hym come þe fende of helle,
Yn form of a man, hys synne to telle;—
Þe holy man wende hyt had be
A man yn flessh as he dyd se;
On hys knees he sett hym downe,
with þe prest, for to roune,
And tolde hys wykkednes ful bostely.
Þe gode man lestned, þat satte hym by;
He seyde, “y haue be yn þe se;
Þere þre þousend shyppes were dreynt þurgh me;
“And alle þe folk with-outë numbre,
Allë broȝt y hem to kumbre;
Aboue, yn-to þe wynde y wente,
And broȝt hem alle to þat turment;
On land y haue do more tresun
wyþ fyre and slaghtyr yn euery toune,
And alle þe skaþe y myȝt of mone,
Tó hem þat yn borwës wone;
y haue made wraþþe and euyl wyl
Betwyxë hem þat wulde none yl,
And sle echoun ouþer at here myȝt,
More with wrong, þan with ryȝt.
Onës sat, shryftë to here;
To hym come þe fende of helle,
Yn form of a man, hys synne to telle;—
Þe holy man wende hyt had be
A man yn flessh as he dyd se;
On hys knees he sett hym downe,
with þe prest, for to roune,
And tolde hys wykkednes ful bostely.
Þe gode man lestned, þat satte hym by;
He seyde, “y haue be yn þe se;
Þere þre þousend shyppes were dreynt þurgh me;
393
Allë broȝt y hem to kumbre;
Aboue, yn-to þe wynde y wente,
And broȝt hem alle to þat turment;
On land y haue do more tresun
wyþ fyre and slaghtyr yn euery toune,
And alle þe skaþe y myȝt of mone,
Tó hem þat yn borwës wone;
y haue made wraþþe and euyl wyl
Betwyxë hem þat wulde none yl,
And sle echoun ouþer at here myȝt,
More with wrong, þan with ryȝt.
“Yn pryde, yn Ire, yn enuye,
yn slouþë, and yn coueytyse,
yn glotonye, and yn lecherye,
Y delyte me yn euery vyleynye;
Foule flessh dedes þat are ouer rank,
More þan ouþer y take to þank;
But, pryde algate, and coueytyse,
Y may nat leue, ne none of þyse;
Ten þousend men dampned be
Yn þese two, for loue of me;
when y fynde hem custummably
Yn þese two synnës alle redy,
Ful weyl payeþ me þat synne,
And bounde are þey to me þer-ynne;
Þan do þey, ryȝt as y wyl,
Allë wrong wyþ-outë skylle;
Fro wykked to wers, y do hem falle,
For y am mayster ouer hem alle;
Ȝyf þey wulde wake, y do hem slepe,
And yn ydulnes to lepe;
For whan þey are yn beddë broȝt,
y do hem synne yn ydul þoȝt;
yn þoȝt of folye, and foule delyte,
“I do hem þenkë þan ful tyte.
yn slouþë, and yn coueytyse,
yn glotonye, and yn lecherye,
Y delyte me yn euery vyleynye;
Foule flessh dedes þat are ouer rank,
More þan ouþer y take to þank;
But, pryde algate, and coueytyse,
Y may nat leue, ne none of þyse;
Ten þousend men dampned be
Yn þese two, for loue of me;
when y fynde hem custummably
Yn þese two synnës alle redy,
Ful weyl payeþ me þat synne,
And bounde are þey to me þer-ynne;
Þan do þey, ryȝt as y wyl,
Allë wrong wyþ-outë skylle;
Fro wykked to wers, y do hem falle,
For y am mayster ouer hem alle;
Ȝyf þey wulde wake, y do hem slepe,
And yn ydulnes to lepe;
For whan þey are yn beddë broȝt,
y do hem synne yn ydul þoȝt;
yn þoȝt of folye, and foule delyte,
394
“Certes y may nat telle hyt alle,
þe synne þat y haue do, and more shal.
Cryst, loue y neuer a deyl,
Ne none þat on hym byleueþ weyl,
For, yn euery dedly synne
y am bounde, and may nat blynne.
þe synne þat y haue do, and more shal.
Cryst, loue y neuer a deyl,
Ne none þat on hym byleueþ weyl,
For, yn euery dedly synne
y am bounde, and may nat blynne.
“Y dyd neuer commaundement
þat God vn-to þe folk haþ sent.
Þe sacramentys of holy cherche,
y loued hem neuer, ne neuer wulde werche.
Pryue synne and sacrylage,
Þat loue y moste, and rycolage.
holy cherche, despyse and fyle,
þat wyl y bleþly, alle my whyle.”
þat God vn-to þe folk haþ sent.
Þe sacramentys of holy cherche,
y loued hem neuer, ne neuer wulde werche.
Pryue synne and sacrylage,
Þat loue y moste, and rycolage.
holy cherche, despyse and fyle,
þat wyl y bleþly, alle my whyle.”
þe holy man, lestnë bygan,
And, had wundyr of þat o man
Þat he myȝt so moche synnë do,
As he a-couped hym self vn-to:
Þe godë man, for alle þys chaunce,
Sagh yn hym no répentaunce,
Ne no sorowe made of contrycyun
For no synne þat he had doun.
He seyd, “hast þou any shame of þy synne
Þat þou hást be so moche ynne?”
And, had wundyr of þat o man
Þat he myȝt so moche synnë do,
As he a-couped hym self vn-to:
Þe godë man, for alle þys chaunce,
Sagh yn hym no répentaunce,
Ne no sorowe made of contrycyun
For no synne þat he had doun.
He seyd, “hast þou any shame of þy synne
Þat þou hást be so moche ynne?”
Þe fende answered to hym aȝen:
“Wytë þou weyl for certeyn,
Þere y dyd but one or two,
Y wulde haue do twenty and mo.”
“Þan art þou,” he seyd, “a wykked deuyl,
Þat þou repentest þe of none euyl.”
“Ȝe, certeys,” he seyd, “so y am,
A fende of helle, to þe y cam.”
“Y coniure þe þat þou me telle—
Syn þou art a fende of helle—
For what maner þyng a lyue,
“Þat þou come hedyr, þe to shryue?”
“Now behoueþ me nedely
Telle þe euerydel, and why.
“Wytë þou weyl for certeyn,
Þere y dyd but one or two,
Y wulde haue do twenty and mo.”
“Þan art þou,” he seyd, “a wykked deuyl,
Þat þou repentest þe of none euyl.”
“Ȝe, certeys,” he seyd, “so y am,
A fende of helle, to þe y cam.”
“Y coniure þe þat þou me telle—
Syn þou art a fende of helle—
For what maner þyng a lyue,
395
“Now behoueþ me nedely
Telle þe euerydel, and why.
“Y se men come to shryfte so þykke,—
Of some, here soules as blak as pykke,
And as grymly on to se
As any fende yn helle may be,—
Þo samë men, when þey are shryue,
So moche bryȝtnes ys hem ȝyue,
Þat no sonnë ys so bryȝt
As here soules yn Goddys syȝt.
Y wyst my self hydus and blak,
And no þyng haþ so mochë lak;
Þurgh my shryfte, y wende to spede,
To haue turned so bryȝt as ouþer ȝede.”
Of some, here soules as blak as pykke,
And as grymly on to se
As any fende yn helle may be,—
Þo samë men, when þey are shryue,
So moche bryȝtnes ys hem ȝyue,
Þat no sonnë ys so bryȝt
As here soules yn Goddys syȝt.
Y wyst my self hydus and blak,
And no þyng haþ so mochë lak;
Þurgh my shryfte, y wende to spede,
To haue turned so bryȝt as ouþer ȝede.”
“Þou art dyceyued, foule treytoure!
Þy shryfte may haue no swyche onour;
Hyt may neuer do þe pru,
Þe feyrehede of shryfte, ne þe vertu.
Þo þat þou sawe so blak with-ynne,
Þey are repentaunt of here synne,
And are now come to ryȝt gode wyl,
To do penaunce, and no more yl;
And þurgh þe shryfte þat þey haue take,
Þey are asoyled, and synne forsake.
Þere-of cumþ alle here beute
Yn here soules, as þou mayst se;
But þou þat hast no répentaunce,
But loue and lykyng yn cumbraunce,
To feyrehede shalt þou neuer wende,
But blak and foule wyþ-outyn ende;
A deuyl þou come; to Satan þou go!
To þat sorowe þat þou come fro.”
he wente a-wey, alle for-lore,
A deuyl, as he was byfore.
Þy shryfte may haue no swyche onour;
Hyt may neuer do þe pru,
Þe feyrehede of shryfte, ne þe vertu.
Þo þat þou sawe so blak with-ynne,
Þey are repentaunt of here synne,
And are now come to ryȝt gode wyl,
To do penaunce, and no more yl;
And þurgh þe shryfte þat þey haue take,
Þey are asoyled, and synne forsake.
Þere-of cumþ alle here beute
Yn here soules, as þou mayst se;
But þou þat hast no répentaunce,
But loue and lykyng yn cumbraunce,
To feyrehede shalt þou neuer wende,
But blak and foule wyþ-outyn ende;
A deuyl þou come; to Satan þou go!
396
he wente a-wey, alle for-lore,
A deuyl, as he was byfore.
Þarfore, gode men, wyte ȝe weyl,
Shryfte saueþ nat a-lone eche dyl,
But ȝe haue gode répentaunce,
And of foryȝuenes gode affyaunce,
And yn gode wyl, ȝow to withholde
Fro þe synnes þat byfore are tolde.
Shryfte saueþ nat a-lone eche dyl,
But ȝe haue gode répentaunce,
And of foryȝuenes gode affyaunce,
And yn gode wyl, ȝow to withholde
Fro þe synnes þat byfore are tolde.
God graunte vs grace, swyche shryfte to make,
And for oure synne swyche penaunce take,
Þat we be neuer more a-teynt
For fals shryuyng, ne for feynt;
But graunte vs alle vs self to ȝeme,
And yn oure shryfte Ihesu to queme!
And for oure synne swyche penaunce take,
Þat we be neuer more a-teynt
For fals shryuyng, ne for feynt;
But graunte vs alle vs self to ȝeme,
And yn oure shryfte Ihesu to queme!
Amen!
Here endyþ Manuel Pecché.
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