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Title: Chaucer's Translation of Boethius's 'De Consolatione Philosophiae'
Author: Geoffrey Chaucer
Editor: Richard Morris
Release Date: February 12, 2013 [EBook #42083]
Language: English
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Chaucer's Translation of
BOETHIUS'S "DE CONSOLATIONE
PHILOSOPHIÆ"
EARLY ENGLISH TEXT SOCIETY
Extra Series, No. 5
1868
(Reprinted 1889, 1894, 1895, etc., 1969)
Price 40s.
Chaucer's Translation of
BOETHIUS'S "DE CONSOLATIONE
PHILOSOPHIÆ"
Edited From
British Museum Additional MS. 10,340
Collated With
Cambridge University Library MS. Ii.3.21
By
RICHARD MORRIS
_Published for_
THE EARLY ENGLISH TEXT SOCIETY
_by the_
OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
London New York Toronto
First Published 1868
Reprinted 1889, 1894, 1895, etc.,
and 1969
Extra Series, No. 5
Originally printed by
Richard Clay & Sons Ltd., London and Bungay
and now reprinted lithographically in Great Britain
at the University Press, Oxford
by Vivian Ridler
Printer to the University
INTRODUCTION.
When master hands like those of Gibbon and Hallam have sketched the life
of _Boethius_, it is well that no meaner man should attempt to mar their
pictures. They drew, perhaps, the most touching scene in Middle-age
literary history,--the just man in prison, awaiting death, consoled by
the Philosophy that had been his light in life, and handing down to
posterity for their comfort and strength the presence of her whose
silver rays had been his guide as well under the stars of Fortune as the
mirk of Fate. With Milton in his dark days, Boece in prison could say,--
'I argue not
Against Heaven's hand or will, nor bate a jot
Of heart or hope; but still bear up and steer
Right onward. What supports me, dost thou ask?
The conscience, friend, to have lost them overplied
In liberty's defence, my noble task,
Of which all Europe rings from side to side.'
For, indeed, the echoes of Boethius, Boethius, rang out loud from every
corner of European Literature. An Alfred awoke them in England, a
Chaucer, a Caxton would not let them die; an Elizabeth revived them
among the glorious music of her reign.[I-1] To us, though far off, they
come with a sweet sound. 'The angelic' Thomas Aquinas commented on him,
and many others followed the saint's steps. Dante read him, though,
strange to say, he speaks of the Consolation as 'a book not known by
many.'[I-2] Belgium had her translations--both Flemish[I-3] and
French[I-4]; Germany hers,[I-5] France hers,[I-6] Italy hers.[I-7] The
Latin editors are too numerous to be catalogued here, and manuscripts
abound in all our great libraries.
No philosopher was so bone of the bone and flesh of the flesh of
Middle-age writers as Boethius. Take up what writer you will, and you
find not only the sentiments, but the very words of the distinguished
old Roman. And surely we who read him in Chaucer's tongue, will not
refuse to say that his full-circling meed of glory was other than
deserved. Nor can we marvel that at the end of our great poet's life, he
was glad that he had swelled the chorus of Boethius' praise; and 'of the
translacioun of Boece de Consolacioun,' thanked 'oure Lord Ihesu Crist
and his moder, and alle the seintes in heuen.'
The impression made by Boethius on Chaucer was evidently very deep. Not
only did he translate him directly, as in the present work, but he read
his beloved original over and over again, as witness the following list,
incomplete of course, of passages from Chaucer's poems translated more
or less literally from the _De Consolatione_:
[Footnote I-1: Other translations are by John Walton of Osney, in
verse, in 1410 (Reg. MS. 18, A 13), first printed at Tavistock in
1525, and to be edited some time or other for the E.E.T.S. An
anonymous prose version in the Bodleian. George Coluile, alias
Coldewel, 1556; J. T. 1609; H. Conningesbye, 1664; Lord Preston,
1695, 1712; W. Causton, 1730; Redpath, 1785; R. Duncan, 1789;
anon. 1792 (Lowndes).]
[Footnote I-2: Dante, in his _Convito_, says, "Misimi a legger
quello _non conosciuto da molti_ libro di Boezio, nel quale
captivo e discacciato consolato s'avea."]
[Footnote I-3: Printed at Ghent, 1485.]
[Footnote I-4: By Reynier de Seinct Trudon, printed at Bruges,
1477.]
[Footnote I-5: An old version of the 11th cent., printed by Graff,
and a modern one printed at Nuremberg, 1473.]
[Footnote I-6: By Jean de Méung, printed at Paris, 1494.]
[Footnote I-7: By Varchi, printed at Florence, 1551; Parma, 1798.]
I. LOVE.
Wost thou nat wel the olde clerkes sawe,
That who schal yeve a lover eny lawe,
Love is a grettere lawe, by my pan,
Then may be yeve to (of) eny erthly man?
(_Knightes Tale, Aldine Series_, vol. ii. p. 36, 37.)
But what is he şat may [gh]eue a lawe to loueres. loue is a gretter
lawe and a strengere to hym self şan any lawe şat men may [gh]euen.
(_Chaucer's Prose Translation_, p. 108.)
_Quis legem det amantibus?
Major lex amor est sibi._
(Boeth., lib. iii. met. 12.)
II. A DRUNKEN MAN.
A dronke man wot wel he hath an hous,
But he not[I-8] which the righte wey is thider.
(_Knightes Tale_, vol. ii. p. 39.)
_Ry[gh]t as a dronke man not nat[I-9] by whiche paşe he may retourne
home to hys house._
(Chaucer's Trans., p. 67.)
_Sed velut ebrius, domum quo tramite revertatur, ignorat._
(Boeth., lib. iii. pr. 2.)
[Footnote I-8: The Harl. MS. reads _not nat_, to the confusion of
the metre.]
[Footnote I-9: = ne wot nat = knows not.]
III. THE CHAIN OF LOVE.
The firste moevere of the cause above,
Whan he first made the fayre cheyne of love,
Gret was theffect, and heigh was his entente;
Wel wist he why, and what therof he mente;
_For with that faire cheyne of love he bond
The fyr, the watir, the eyr, and eek the lond
In certeyn boundes, that they may not flee._
(_Knightes Tale_, p. 92.)
That şe world with stable feith / varieth acordable chaungynges //
şat the contraryos qualite of element[gh] holden amonge hem self
aliaunce perdurable / şat phebus the sonne with his goldene
chariet / bryngeth forth the rosene day / şat the mone hath
commaundement ouer the nyhtes // whiche nyhtes hesperus the eue
sterre hat[h] browt // şat şe se gredy to flowen constreyneth with
a certeyn ende hise floodes / so şat it is nat l[e]ueful to
strechche hise brode termes or bowndes vp-on the erthes // şat is
to seyn to couere alle the erthe // Al this a-cordaunce of thinges
is bownden with looue / şat gouerneth erthe and see / and [he]
hath also commaundement[gh] to the heuenes / and yif this looue
slakede the brydelis / alle thinges şat now louen hem to-gederes /
wolden maken a batayle contynuely and stryuen to fordoon the
fasoun of this worlde / the which they now leden in acordable
feith by fayre moeuynges // this looue halt to-gideres poeples /
ioygned with an hooly bond / and knytteth sacrement of maryages of
chaste looues // And loue enditeth lawes to trewe felawes // O
weleful weere mankynde / yif thilke loue şat gouerneth heuene
gouerned yowre corages /.
(_Chaucer's Boethius_, bk. ii. met. 8.)
Quod mundus stabili fide
Concordes variat vices,
Quod pugnantia semina
Foedus perpetuum tenent,
Quod Phoebus roseum diem
Curru provehit aureo,
Ut quas duxerit Hesperus
Phoebe noctibus imperet,
Ut fluctus avidum mare
Certo fine coerceat,
Ne terris liceat vagis
Latos tundere terminos;
_Hanc rerum seriem ligat,
Terras ac pelagus regens,
Et coelo imperitans amor._
Hic si fræna remiserit,
Quicquid nunc amat invicem,
Bellum continuo geret:
Et quam nunc socia fide
Pulcris motibus incitant,
Certent solvere machinam.
Hic sancto populos quoque
Junctos foedere continet,
Hic et conjugii sacrum
Castis nectit amoribus,
Hic fidis etiam sua
Dictat jura sodalibus.
O felix hominum genus,
Si vestros animos amor,
Quo cælum regitur, regat.
(_Boeth._, lib. ii. met. 8.)
Love, that of erth and se hath governaunce!
Love, that his hestes hath in hevene hye!
Love, that with an holsom alliaunce
Halt peples joyned, as hym liste hem gye!
Love, that knetteth law and compaignye,
And couples doth in vertu for to dwelle!
(_Troylus & Cryseyde_, st. 243, vol. iv. p. 296.)
That, that the world with faith, which that is stable
Dyverseth so, his stoundes concordynge;--
That elementz, that ben so discordable,
Holden a bond, perpetualy durynge;--
That Phebus mot his rosy carte forth brynge,
And that the mone hath lordschip overe the nyghte;--
Al this doth Love, ay heryed be his myght!
That, that the se, that gredy is to flowen,
Constreyneth to a certeyn ende so
Hise flodes, that so fiersly they ne growen
To drenchen erth and alle for everemo;
And if that Love aught lete his brydel go,
Al that now loveth asonder sholde lepe,
And lost were al that Love halt now to kepe.
(_Ibid._ st. 244, 245.)
IV. MUTABILITY DIRECTED AND LIMITED BY AN IMMUTABLE AND DIVINE
INTELLIGENCE.
That same prynce and moevere eek, quod he,
Hath stabled, in this wrecched world adoun,
Certeyn dayes and duracioun
To alle that er engendrid in this place,
Over the whiche day they may nat pace,
Al mowe they yit wel here dayes abregge;
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Than may men wel by this ordre discerne
That thilke moevere stabul is and eterne.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
And therfore of his wyse purveaunce
He hath so wel biset his ordenaunce,
That spices of thinges and progressiouns
Schullen endure by successiouns
And nat eterne be, withoute any lye.
(_Knightes Tale_, vol. ii. p. 92, 93.)
Şe engendrynge of alle şinges quod she and alle şe progressiouns
of muuable nature. and alle şat moeueş in any manere takiş hys
causes. hys ordre. and hys formes. of şe stablenesse of şe deuyne
şou[gh]t [and thilke deuyne thowht] şat is yset and put in şe toure.
şat is to seyne in şe hey[gh]t of şe simplicite of god. stablisiş
many manere gyses to şinges şat ben to don.
(_Chaucer's Boethius_, bk. iv. pr. 6, p. 134.)
V. THE PART IS DERIVED FROM THE WHOLE, THE IMPERFECT FROM THE PERFECT.
Wel may men knowe, but it be a fool,
That every partye dyryveth from his hool.
For nature hath nat take his bygynnyng
Of no partye ne cantel of a thing,
But of a thing that parfyt is and stable,
Descendyng so, til it be corumpable.
(_Knightes Tale_, vol. ii. p. 92.)
For al şing şat is cleped inperfit . is proued inperfit by şe
amenusynge of perfeccioun . or of şing şat is perfit . and her-of
comeş it . şat in euery şing general . yif şat . şat men seen any
şing şat is inperfit . certys in şilke general şer mot ben somme
şing şat is perfit. For yif so be şat perfeccioun is don awey .
men may nat şinke nor seye fro whennes şilke şing is şat is cleped
inperfit . For şe nature of şinges ne token nat her bygynnyng of
şinges amenused and inperfit . but it procediş of şingus şat ben
al hool . and absolut . and descendeş so doune in-to outerest
şinges and in-to şingus empty and wiş-oute fruyt . but as I haue
shewed a litel her byforne . şat yif şer be a blisfulnesse şat be
frele and vein and inperfit . şer may no man doute . şat şer nys
som blisfulnesse şat is sad stedfast and perfit.'
(bk. iii. pr. 10, p. 89.)
Omne enim quod imperfectum esse dicitur, id deminutione perfecti
imperfectum esse perhibetur. Quo fit ut si in quolibet genere
imperfectum quid esse videatur, in eo perfectum quoque aliquod
esse necesse sit. Etenim perfectione sublata, unde illud, quod
imperfectum perhibetur, extiterit, ne fingi quidem potest. _Neque
enim ab diminutis inconsummatisque natura rerum cepit exordium,
sed ab integris absolutisque procedens in hæc extrema atque effoeta
dilabitur._ Quod si, uti paulo ante monstravimus, est quædam boni
fragilis imperfecta felicitas, esse aliquam solidam perfectamque
non potest dubitari.
(_Boeth._, lib. iii. pr. 10.)
VI. GENTILITY.
For gentilnesse nys but renomé
Of thin auncestres, for her heigh bounté
Which is a straunge thing to thy persone.
(_The Wyf of Bathes Tale_, vol. ii. p. 241.)
For if şe name of gentilesse be referred to renoun and clernesse
of linage. şan is gentil name but a foreine şing.
(_Chaucer's Boethius_, p. 78.)
_Quæ_ [nobilitas], _si ad claritudinem refertur, aliena est._
(_Boethius_, lib. iii. pr. 6.)
VII. NERO'S CRUELTY.
No teer out of his eyen for that sighte
Ne cam; but sayde, a fair womman was sche.
Gret wonder is how that he couthe or mighte
Be domesman on hir dede beauté.
(_The Monkes Tale_, vol. iii. p. 217.)
Ne no tere ne wette his face, but he was so hard-herted şat he
my[gh]te ben domesman or iuge of hire dede beauté.
(_Chaucer's Boethius_, p. 55.)
Ora non tinxit lacrymis, sed esse
Censor extincti potuit decoris.
(_Boethius_, lib. ii. met. 6.)
VIII. PREDESTINATION AND FREE-WILL.
In 'Troylus and Cryseyde' we find the following long passage taken from
Boethius, book v. prose 2, 3.
Book iv. st. 134, vol. iv. p. 339.
(1) Syn God seth every thynge, out of doutaunce,
And hem disponeth, thorugh his ordinaunce,
In hire merites sothely for to be,
As they shul comen by predesteyné
136
(2) For som men seyn if God seth al byforne,
Ne God may not deseyved ben pardé!
Than moot it fallen, theigh men hadde it sworne,
That purveyaunce hath seyn befor to be,
Wherfor I seye, that, from eterne, if he
Hathe wiste byforn our thought ek as oure dede,
We have no fre choys, as thise clerkes rede.
137
(3) For other thoughte, nor other dede also,
Myghte nevere ben, but swich as purveyaunce,
Which may nat ben deceyved nevere moo,
Hath feled byforne, withouten ignoraunce;
For if ther myghte ben a variaunce,
To wrythen out fro Goddes purveyinge,
Ther nere no prescience of thynge comynge;
138
(4) But it were rather an opinyon
Uncertein, and no stedfast forseynge;
And certes that were an abusyon
That God shold han no parfit clere wetynge,
More than we men, that han douteous wenynge,
But swich an erroure upon God to gesse
Were fals, and foule, and wikked corsednesse.
139
(5) They seyn right thus, that thynge is nat to come,
For that the prescience hath seyne byfore
That it shal come; but they seyn that therfore
That it shal come, therfor the purveyaunce
Woot it bifore, withouten ignorance.
140
(6) And in this manere this necessité
Retourneth in his part contrarye agayn;
For nedfully byhoveth it not to be,
That thilke thynges fallen in certeyn
That ben purveyed; but nedly, as they seyne,
Bihoveth it that thynges, which that falle,
That thei in certein ben purveied alle.
141
(7) I mene as though I labourede me in this,
To enqueren which thynge cause of whiche thynge be;
(8) As, whether that the prescience of God is
The certein cause of the necessité
Of thynges that to comen ben, pardé!
Or, if necessité of thynge comynge
Be cause certein of the purveyinge.
142
(9) But now nenforce I me nat in shewynge
How the ordre of causes stant; but wel woot I
That it bihoveth that the bifallynge
Of thynges, wiste bifor certeinly,
Be necessarie, al seme it nat therby
That prescience put fallynge necessaire
To thynge to come, al falle it foule or faire.
143
(10) For, if ther sit a man yonde on a see, [seat]
Than by necessité bihoveth it,
That certes thyn opinioun soth be,
That wenest or conjectest that he sit;
And, further over, now ayeinwarde yit,
Lo right so is it on the part contrarie,
As thus,--nowe herkene, for I wol nat tarie:--
144
(11) I sey, that if the opinion of the
Be soth for that he sit, than seye I this,
That he moot sitten by necessité;
And thus necessité in either is,
For in hym nede of sittynge is, ywis,
And in the, nede of soth; and thus forsoth
Ther mot necessité ben in yow bothe.
145
(12) But thow maist seyne, the man sit nat therfore,
That thyn opinioun of his sittynge sothe is;
But rather, for the man sat there byfore,
Therfor is thyn opinioun soth, ywys;
And I seye, though the cause of soth of this
Cometh of his sittynge, yet necessité
Is interchaunged both in hym and the.
146
(13) Thus in the same wyse, out of doutaunce,
I may wel maken, as it semeth me,
My resonynge of Goddes purveiaunce,
And of the thynges that to comen be; . . .
147
(14) For although that for thynge shal come, ywys,
Therfor it is purveyed certeynly,
Nat that it cometh for it purveied is;
Yet, natheles, bihoveth it nedfully,
That thynge to come be purveied trewly;
Or elles thynges that purveied be.
That they bitiden by necessité.
148
(15) And this sufficeth right ynough, certeyn,
For to distruye oure fre choys everydele.
(1) Quæ tamen ille ab æterno cuncta prospiciens providentiæ cernit
intuitus, et suis quæque meritis prædestinata disponit. . . . .
(_Boethius_, lib. v. pr. 2.) . . . . . . . . . . . .
(2) Nam si cuncta prospicit Deus neque falli ullo modo potest,
evenire necesse est, quod providentia futurum esse præviderit.
Quare si ab æterno non facta hominum modo, sed etiam consilia
voluntatesque prænoscit, nulla erit arbitrii libertas;
(3) Neque enim vel factum aliud ullum vel quælibet existere
poterit voluntas, nisi quam nescia falli providentia divina
præsenserit. Nam si res aliorsum, quam provisæ sunt detorqueri
valent, non jam erit futuri firma præscientia;
(4) Sed opinio potius incerta; quod de Deo nefas credere judico.
(5) Aiunt enim non ideo quid esse eventurum quoniam id providentia
futurum esse prospexerit; sed e contrario potius, quoniam quid
futurum est, id divinam providentiam latere non possit.
(6) Eoque modo necessarium est hoc in contrariam relabi partem;
neque enim necesse est contingere quæ providentur, sed necesse est
quæ futura sunt provideri.
(7) Quasi vero quæ cujusque rei causa sit,
(8) Præscientiane futurorum necessitatis an futurorum necessitas
providentiæ, laboretur.
(9) At nos illud demonstrare nitamur, quoquo modo sese habeat ordo
causarum, necessarium esse eventum præscitarum rerum, etiam si
præscientia futuris rebus eveniendi necessitatem non videatur
inferre.
(10) Etenim si quispiam sedeat, opinionem quæ eum sedere conjectat
veram esse necesse est: at e converso rursus,
(11) Si de quopiam vera sit opinio quoniam sedet eum sedere
necesse est. In utroque igitur necessitas inest: in hoc quidem
sedendi, at vero in altero veritatis.
(12) Sed non idcirco quisque sedet, quoniam vera est opinio: sed
hæc potius vera est, quoniam quempiam sedere præcessit. Ita cum
causa veritatis ex altera parte procedat, inest tamen communis in
utraque necessitas.
(13) Similia de providentia futurisque rebus ratiocinari patet.
(14) Nam etiam si idcirco, quoniam futura sunt, providentur: non
vero ideo, quoniam providentur, eveniunt: nihilo minus tamen a Deo
vel ventura provideri, vel provisa evenire necesse est:
(15) Quod ad perimendam arbitrii libertatem solum satis est.
(lib. v. pr. 3.)
See _Chaucer's Boethius_, pp. 154-6.
IX. THE GRIEF OF REMEMBERING BYGONE HAPPINESS.
For, of fortunes scharp adversité,
The worste kynde of infortune is this,
A man to han ben in prosperité,
And it remembren, when it passed is.
(_Troylus and Cryseyde_, bk. iii. st. 226, vol. iv. p. 291.)
Sed hoc est, quod recolentem me vehementius coquit. Nam in omni
adversitate fortunæ infelicissimum genus est infortunii, fuisse
felicem.[I-10]
(_Boethius_, lib. ii. pr. 4.)
[Footnote I-10: Cf. Dante, _Inferno_, V. 121.
Nessun maggior dolore
Che ricordarsi del tempo felice
Nella miseria; e ciò sa 'l tuo Dottore.]
X. VULTURES TEAR THE STOMACH OF TITYUS IN HELL.
----Syciphus in Helle,
Whos stomak fowles tyren everemo,
That hyghten volturis.
(_Troylus and Cryseyde_, book i. st. 113, p. 140.)
Şe fowel şat hy[gh]t voltor şat etiş şe stomak or şe giser of ticius.
(_Chaucer's Boethius_, p. 107.)
XI. THE MUTABILITY OF FORTUNE.
For if hire (Fortune's) whiel stynte any thinge to torne
Thanne cessed she Fortune anon to be.
(_Troylus and Cryseyde_, bk. i. st. 122, p. 142.)
If fortune bygan to dwelle stable. she cesed[e] şan to ben fortune.
(_Chaucer's Boethius_, p. 32.)
(Compare stanzas 120, 121, p. 142, and stanza 136, p. 146, of 'Troylus
and Cryseyde' with pp. 31, 33, 35, and p. 34 of Chaucer's Boethius.)
At omnium mortalium stolidissime, si manere incipit, fors esse
desistit.
(_Boethius_, lib. ii. prose 1.)
XII. WORLDLY SELYNESSE
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Imedled is with many a bitternesse.
Ful angwyshous than is, God woote, quod she,
Condicion of veyn prosperité!
For oyther joies comen nought yfeere,
Or elles no wight hath hem alwey here.
(_Troylus and Cryseyde_, bk. iii. st. 110, p. 258.)
Şe swetnesse of mannes welefulnesse is yspranid wiş many[e]
bitternesses.
(_Chaucer's Boethius_, p. 42.)
--ful anguissous şing is şe condicioun of mans goodes. For eyşer
it comeş al to-gidre to a wy[gh]t. or ellys it lasteş not perpetuely.
(_Ib._ p. 41.)
Quam multis amaritudinibus humanæ felicitatis dulcedo respersa
est!
(_Boethius_, lib. ii. prose 4.)
Anxia enim res est humanorum conditio bonorum, et quæ vel nunquam
tota proveniat, vel nunquam perpetua subsistat.
(_Ib._)
O, brotel wele of mannes joie unstable!
With what wight so thow be, or how thow pleye,
Oither he woot that thow joie art muable,
Or woot it nought, it mot ben on of tweyen:
Now if he woot it not, how may he seyen
That he hath veray joie and selynesse,
That is of ignoraunce ay in distresse?
Now if he woote that joie is transitorie,
As every joie of worldly thynge mot fle,
Thanne every tyme he that hath in memorie,
The drede of lesyng maketh hym that he
May in no parfyte selynesse be:
And if to lese his joie, he sette not a myte,
Than semeth it, that joie is worth ful lite.
(_Troylus and Cryseyde_, bk. iii. st. 111, 112, vol. iv. p. 258.)
(1) What man şat şis toumblyng welefulnesse leediş, eişer he woot
şat [it] is chaungeable. or ellis he woot it nat. And yif he woot
it not. what blisful fortune may şer be in şe blyndenesse of
ignoraunce.
(2) And yif he woot şat it is chaungeable. he mot alwey ben adrad
şat he ne lese şat şing. şat he ne douteş nat but şat he may
leesen it. . . . . . For whiche şe continuel drede şat he haş
ne suffriş hym nat to ben weleful. Or ellys yif he leese it he
wene[ş] to be dispised and forleten hit. Certis eke şat is a ful
lytel goode şat is born wiş euene hert[e] whan it is loost.
(_Chaucer's Boethius_, pp. 43, 44.)
(1) Quem caduca ista felicitas vehit, vel scit eam, vel nescit
esse mutabilem. Si nescit, quænam beata sors esse potest
ignorantiæ in cæcitate?
(2) Si scit, metuat necesse est, ne amittat, quod amitti posse non
dubitat; quare continuus timor non sinit esse felicem. An vel si
amiserit, negligendum putat? Sic quoque perexile bonum est, quod
æquo animo feratur amissum.
(_Boethius_, lib. ii. prose 4.)
XIII. FORTUNE.
----Fortune
That semeth trewest when she wol bigyle,
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
And, when a wight is from hire whiel ithrowe,
Than laugheth she, and maketh hym the mowe.
(_Troylus and Cryseyde_, bk. iii. st. 254, vol. iv. p. 299.)
She (Fortune) vseş ful flatryng familarité wiş hem şat she
enforceş to bygyle.
(_Chaucer's Boethius_, p. 30.)
. . . . . . . She lau[gh]eş and scorneş şe wepyng of hem şe
whiche she haş maked wepe wiş hir free wille . . . . Yif şat a
wy[gh]t is seyn weleful and ouerşrowe in an houre.
(_Ib._ p. 33.)
In book v., stanza 260, vol. v. p. 75, Chaucer describes how the soul of
Hector, after his death, ascended 'up to the holughnesse of the seventhe
spere.' In so doing he seems to have had before him met. 1, book 4, of
Boethius, where the 'soul' is described as passing into the heaven's
utmost sphere, and looking down on the world below. See _Chaucer's
Boethius_, p. 110, 111.
Ætas Prima is of course a metrical version of lib. ii. met. 5.
Hampole speaks of the wonderful sight of the Lynx; perhaps he was
indebted to Boethius for the hint. --(See _Boethius_, book 3, pr. 8,
p. 81.)
I have seen the following elsewhere:
(1) Value not beauty, for it may be destroyed by a three days'
fever.
(See _Chaucer's Boethius_, p. 81.)
(2) There is no greater plague than the enmity of thy familiar
friend.
(See _Chaucer's_ translation, p. 77.)
* * * * *
Chaucer did not English Boethius second-hand, through any early French
version, as some have supposed, but made his translation with the Latin
original before him.
Jean de Méung's version, the only early French translation, perhaps,
accessible to Chaucer, is not always literal, while the present
translation is seldom free or periphrastic, but conforms closely to the
Latin, and is at times awkwardly literal. A few passages, taken
haphazard, will make this sufficiently clear.
_Et dolor ætatem jussit inesse suam._ And sorou haş comaunded his
age to be in me (p. 4).
Et ma douleur {com}ma{n}da a vieillesse
Entrer en moy / ains quen fust hors ieunesse.
_Mors hominum felix, quæ se nec dulcibus annis
Inserit, et mæstis sæpe vocata venit._
Şilke deeş of men is welful şat ne comeş not in [gh]eres şat ben
swete (i. _mirie_). but comeş to wrecches often yclepid. (p. 4)
On dit la mort des ho{m}es estre eureuse
Qui ne vie{n}t pas en saiso{n} pla{n}tureuse
Mais des tristes mo{u}lt souue{n}t appellee
Elle y affuit nue / seche et pelee.
_Querimoniam lacrymabilem._ Wepli compleynte (p. 5). Fr. ma
complainte moy esmouuant a pleurs.
_Styli officio._ Wiş office of poyntel (p. 5). Fr. (que ie
reduisse) p{ar} escript.
_Inexhaustus._ Swiche . . . şat it ne my[gh]t[e] not be emptid (p.
5). Fr. inconsumptible.
_Scenicas meretriculas._ Comune strumpetis of siche a place şat
men clepen şe theatre (p. 6). Fr. ces ribaudelles fardees.
_Præcipiti profundo._ In ouer-şrowyng depnesse (p. 7).
[L]As que la pensee de lomme
Est troublee et plongie comme
En _abisme precipitee_
Sa propre lumiere gastee.
_Nec pervetusta nec incelebris._ Neyşer ouer-oolde ne vnsolempne
(p. 11). Fr. desquelz la memoire nest pas trop ancienne ou no{n}
recitee.
_Inter secreta otia._ Among my secre restyng whiles (p. 14). Fr.
entre mes secrettes {et} oyseuses estudes.
_Palatini canes._ Şe houndys of şe palays (p. 15). Fr. les chiens
du palais.
_Masculæ prolis._ Of şi masculyn children (p. 37). Fr. de ta
lignie masculine.
_Ad singularem felicitatis tuæ cumulum venire delectat._ It
deliteş me to comen now to şe singuler vphepyng of şi welefulnesse
(p. 37). Fr. Il me plait venir au singulier monceau de ta
felicite.
_Consulare imperium._ Emperie of consulers (p. 51). Fr. le{m}pire
consulaire.
_Hoc ipsum brevis habitaculi._ Of şilke litel habitacle (p. 57).
Fr. de cest trespetit habitacle.
_Late patentes plagas._ Şe brode shewyng contreys (p. 60).
QVico{n}ques tend a gloire vaine
Et le croit estre souueraine
Voye _les regions pate{n}tes_
Du ciel . . . . . .
_Ludens hominum cura._ Şe pleiyng besines of men (p. 68).
Si quil tollist par doulz estude
Des hommes la solicitude . .
_Hausi coelum._ I took heuene (p. 10). Fr. ie . . . regarday le
ciel.
_Certamen adversum præfectum prætorii communis commodi ratione
suscepi._ I took strif a[gh]eins şe prouost of şe pretorie for comune
profit (p. 15). Fr. ie entrepris lestrif a lencontre du prefect du
parlement royal a cause de la commune vtilite.
_At cujus criminis arguimur summam quæris?_ But axest şou in somme
of what gilt I am accused? (p. 17). Fr. Mais demandes tu la somme
du pechie duquel pechie nous so{m}mes arguez?
_Fortuita temeritate._ By fortunouse fortune (p. 26). Fr. par
fortuite folie.
_Quos premunt septem gelidi triones._ Alle şe peoples şat ben
vndir şe colde sterres şat hy[gh]ten şe seuene triones (p. 55). Fr.
ceulx de septentrion.
_Ita ego quoque tibi veluti corollarium dabo._ Ry[gh]t so wil I
[gh]eue şe here as a corolarie or a mede of coroune (p. 91). Fr.
semblablement ie te donneray ainsi que vng correlaire.
_In stadio._ In şe stadie or in şe forlonge (p. 119). Fr. ou (for
au) champ.
_Conjecto._ I coniecte (p. 154). Fr. ie coniecture.
_Nimium . . . adversari ac repugnare videtur._ It semeş . . . to
repugnen and to contrarien gretly. Fr. Ce semble chose trop
contraire et repugnante.
_Universitatis ambitum._ Envirounynge of şe vniuersite (p. 165).
Fr. lauironnement de luniuersalite.
_Rationis universum._ Vniuersite of resoun (p. 165). Fr.
luniuersalite de Raison.
_Scientiam nunquam deficientis instantiæ rectius æstimabis._ Şou
shalt demen [it] more ry[gh]tfully şat it is science of presence or
of instaunce şat neuer ne fayleş (p. 174). Fr. mais tu la diras
plus droittement et mieulx science de instante p{re}sentialite non
iamais defaillant mais eternelle.
Many of the above examples are very bald renderings of the original, and
are only quoted here to show that Chaucer did not make his translation
from the French.
Chaucer is not always felicitous in his translations:--thus he
translates _clavus atque gubernaculum_ by _keye and a stiere_ (p. 103),
and _compendium_ (gain, acquisition) by _abreggynge_ (abridging,
curtailment), p. 151. Many terms make their appearance in English for
the first time,--and most of them have become naturalized, and are such
as we could ill spare. Some few are rather uncommon, as _gouernaile_
(gubernaculum), p. 27; _arbitre_ (arbitrium), p. 154. As Chaucer takes
the trouble to explain _inestimable_ (inæstimabilis), p. 158, it could
not have been a very familiar term.
Our translator evidently took note of various readings, for on p. 31 he
notes a variation of the original. On p. 51 he uses _armurers_
(= armures) to render _arma_, though most copies agree in reading
_arva_.
There are numerous glosses and explanations of particular passages,
which seem to be interpolated by Chaucer himself. Thus he explains what
is meant by the _heritage of Socrates_ (p. 10, 11); he gives the
meaning of _coemption_ (p. 15); of _Euripus_ (p. 33); of the _porch_
(p. 166).[I-11] Some of his definitions are very quaint; as, for
instance, that of Tragedy--'_a dité of a prosperité for a tyme şat endiş
in wrechednesse_' (p. 35). One would think that the following definition
of Tragedian would be rather superfluous after this,--'_a maker of dites
şat hy[gh]ten_ (are called) _tregedies_' (p. 77).
_Melliflui . . . oris Homerus_
is thus quaintly Englished: _Homer wiş şe hony mouşe, şat is to seyn.
homer wiş şe swete dites_ (p. 153).
* * * * *
The present translation of the _De Consolatione_ is taken from
Additional MS. 10,340, which is supposed to be the _oldest_ manuscript
that exists in our public libraries. After it was all copied out and
ready for press, Mr Bradshaw was kind enough to procure me, for the
purpose of collation, the loan of the Camb. University MS. Ii. 3. 21,
from which the various readings at the foot of the pages are taken.
Had I had an opportunity of examining the Cambridge MS. carefully
throughout before the work was so far advanced, I should certainly have
selected it in preference to the text now given to the reader. Though
not so ancient as the British Museum MS., it is far more correct in its
grammatical inflexions, and is no doubt a copy of an older and very
accurate text.
The Additional MS. is written by a scribe who was unacquainted with the
force of the final _-e_. Thus he adds it to the preterites of strong
verbs, which do not require it; he omits it in the preterites of weak
verbs where it is wanted, and attaches it to passive participles (of
weak verbs), where it is superfluous. The scribe of the Cambridge MS. is
careful to preserve the final _-e_ where it is a sign (1) of the
definite declension of the adjective; (2) of the plural adjective;
(3) of the infinitive mood; (4) of the preterite of weak verbs; (5) of
present participles;[I-12] (6) of the 2nd pers. pret. indic. of strong
verbs; (7) of adverbs; (8) of an older vowel ending.
The Addit. MS. has frequently _thilk_ (singular and plural), and _-nes_
(in _wrechednes_, &c.), when the Camb. MS. has _thilke_[I-13] and
_-nesse_.
For further differences the reader may consult the numerous collations
at the foot of the page.
If the Chaucer Society obtains that amount of patronage from the
literary public which it deserves, but unfortunately has yet not
succeeded in getting, so that it may be enabled to go on with the great
work which has been so successfully commenced, then the time may come
when I shall have the opportunity of editing the Camb. MS. of Chaucer's
Boethius for that Society, and lovers of Early English Literature will
have two texts instead of one.
[Footnote I-11: See pages 39, 50, 61, 94, 111, 133, 149, 153,
159.]
[Footnote I-12: In the Canterbury Tales we find participles in
_-yngë_.]
[Footnote I-13: It is nearly always _thilkë_ in the Canterbury
Tales.]
APPENDIX TO INTRODUCTION.
The last of the ancients, and one who forms a link between the classical
period of literature and that of the middle ages, in which he was a
favourite author, is Boethius, a man of fine genius, and interesting
both from his character and his death. It is well known that after
filling the dignities of Consul and Senator in the court of Theodoric,
he fell a victim to the jealousy of a sovereign, from whose memory, in
many respects glorious, the stain of that blood has never been effaced.
The _Consolation of Philosophy_, the chief work of Boethius, was written
in his prison. Few books are more striking from the circumstances of
their production. Last of the classic writers, in style not impure,
though displaying too lavishly that poetic exuberance which had
distinguished the two or three preceding centuries, in elevation of
sentiment equal to any of the philosophers, and mingling a Christian
sanctity with their lessons, he speaks from his prison in the swan-like
tones of dying eloquence. The philosophy that consoled him in bonds, was
soon required in the sufferings of a cruel death. Quenched in his blood,
the lamp he had trimmed with a skilful hand gave no more light; the
language of Tully and Virgil soon ceased to be spoken; and many ages
were to pass away, before learned diligence restored its purity, and the
union of genius with imitation taught a few modern writers to surpass in
eloquence the Latinity of Boethius. --(Hallam's _Literature of Europe_,
i. 2, 4th ed. 1854.)
The Senator Boethius is the last of the Romans whom Cato or Tully could
have acknowledged for their countryman. As a wealthy orphan, he
inherited the patrimony and honours of the Anician family, a name
ambitiously assumed by the kings and emperors of the age; and the
appellation of Manlius asserted his genuine or fabulous descent from a
race of consuls and dictators, who had repulsed the Gauls from the
Capitol, and sacrificed their sons to the discipline of the Republic. In
the youth of Boethius the studies of Rome were not totally abandoned; a
Virgil is now extant, corrected by the hand of a consul; and the
professors of grammar, rhetoric, and jurisprudence, were maintained in
their privileges and pensions by the liberality of the Goths. But the
erudition of the Latin language was insufficient to satiate his ardent
curiosity; and Boethius is said to have employed eighteen laborious
years in the schools of Athens, which were supported by the zeal, the
learning, and the diligence of Proclus and his disciples. The reason and
piety of their Roman pupil were fortunately saved from the contagion of
mystery and magic, which polluted the groves of the Academy, but he
imbibed the spirit, and imitated the method, of his dead and living
masters, who attempted to reconcile the strong and subtle sense of
Aristotle with the devout contemplation and sublime fancy of Plato.
After his return to Rome, and his marriage with the daughter of his
friend, the patrician Symmachus, Boethius still continued, in a palace
of ivory and [glass] to prosecute the same studies. The Church was
edified by his profound defence of the orthodox creed against the Arian,
the Eutychian, and the Nestorian heresies; and the Catholic unity was
explained or exposed in a formal treatise by the _indifference_ of three
distinct though consubstantial persons. For the benefit of his Latin
readers, his genius submitted to teach the first elements of the arts
and sciences of Greece. The geometry of Euclid, the music of Pythagoras,
the arithmetic of Nicomachus, the mechanics of Archimedes, the astronomy
of Ptolemy, the theology of Plato, and the logic of Aristotle, with the
commentary of Porphyry, were translated and illustrated by the
indefatigable pen of the Roman senator. And he alone was esteemed
capable of describing the wonders of art, a sun-dial, a water-clock, or
a sphere which represented the motions of the planets. From these
abstruse speculations, Boethius stooped, or, to speak more truly, he
rose to the social duties of public and private life: the indigent were
relieved by his liberality; and his eloquence, which flattery might
compare to the voice of Demosthenes or Cicero, was uniformly exerted in
the cause of innocence and humanity. Such conspicuous merit was felt and
rewarded by a discerning prince: the dignity of Boethius was adorned
with the titles of consul and patrician, and his talents were usefully
employed in the important station of master of the offices.
Notwithstanding the equal claims of the East and West, his two sons were
created, in their tender youth, the consuls of the same year. On the
memorable day of their inauguration, they proceeded in solemn pomp from
their palace to the forum amidst the applause of the senate and people;
and their joyful father, the true Consul of Rome, after pronouncing an
oration in the praise of his royal benefactor, distributed a triumphal
largess in the games of the circus. Prosperous in his fame and fortunes,
in his public honours and private alliances, in the cultivation of
science and the consciousness of virtue, Boethius might have been styled
happy, if that precarious epithet could be safely applied before the
last term of the life of man.
A philosopher, liberal of his wealth and parsimonious of his time, might
be insensible to the common allurements of ambition, the thirst of gold
and employment. And some credit may be due to the asseveration of
Boethius, that he had reluctantly obeyed the divine Plato, who enjoins
every virtuous citizen to rescue the state from the usurpation of vice
and ignorance. For the integrity of his public conduct he appeals to the
memory of his country. His authority had restrained the pride and
oppression of the royal officers, and his eloquence had delivered
Paulianus from the dogs of the palace. He had always pitied, and often
relieved, the distress of the provincials, whose fortunes were exhausted
by public and private rapine; and Boethius alone had courage to oppose
the tyranny of the Barbarians, elated by conquest, excited by avarice,
and, as he complains, encouraged by impunity. In these honourable
contests his spirit soared above the consideration of danger, and
perhaps of prudence; and we may learn from the example of Cato, that a
character of pure and inflexible virtue is the most apt to be misled by
prejudice, to be heated by enthusiasm, and to confound private enmities
with public justice. The disciple of Plato might exaggerate the
infirmities of nature, and the imperfections of society; and the mildest
form of a Gothic kingdom, even the weight of allegiance and gratitude,
must be insupportable to the free spirit of a Roman patriot. But the
favour and fidelity of Boethius declined in just proportion with the
public happiness; and an unworthy colleague was imposed to divide and
control the power of the master of the offices. In the last gloomy
season of Theodoric, he indignantly felt that he was a slave; but as his
master had only power over his life, he stood without arms and without
fear against the face of an angry Barbarian, who had been provoked to
believe that the safety of the senate was incompatible with his own. The
Senator Albinus was accused and already convicted on the presumption of
_hoping_, as it was said, the liberty of Rome.
"If Albinus be criminal," exclaimed the orator, "the senate and myself
are all guilty of the same crime. If we are innocent, Albinus is equally
entitled to the protection of the laws." These laws might not have
punished the simple and barren wish of an unattainable blessing; but
they would have shown less indulgence to the rash confession of
Boethius, that, had he known of a conspiracy, the tyrant never should.
The advocate of Albinus was soon involved in the danger and perhaps the
guilt of his client; their signature (which they denied as a forgery)
was affixed to the original address, inviting the emperor to deliver
Italy from the Goths; and three witnesses of honourable rank, perhaps of
infamous reputation, attested the treasonable designs of the Roman
patrician. Yet his innocence must be presumed, since he was deprived by
Theodoric of the means of justification, and rigorously confined in the
tower of Pavia, while the senate, at the distance of five hundred miles,
pronounced a sentence of confiscation and death against the most
illustrious of its members. At the command of the Barbarians, the occult
science of a philosopher was stigmatized with the names of sacrilege and
magic. A devout and dutiful attachment to the senate was condemned as
criminal by the trembling voices of the senators themselves; and their
ingratitude deserved the wish or prediction of Boethius, that, after
him, none should be found guilty of the same offence.
While Boethius, oppressed with fetters, expected each moment the
sentence or the stroke of death, he composed in the tower of Pavia the
_Consolation of Philosophy_; a golden volume not unworthy of the leisure
of Plato or Tully, but which claims incomparable merit from the
barbarism of the times and the situation of the author. The celestial
guide, whom he had so long invoked at Rome and Athens, now condescended
to illumine his dungeon, to revive his courage, and to pour into his
wounds her salutary balm. She taught him to compare his long prosperity
and his recent distress, and to conceive new hopes from the inconstancy
of fortune. Reason had informed him of the precarious condition of her
gifts; experience had satisfied him of their real value; he had enjoyed
them without guilt; he might resign them without a sigh, and calmly
disdain the impotent malice of his enemies, who had left him happiness,
since they had left him virtue. From the earth, Boethius ascended to
heaven in search of the SUPREME GOOD; explored the metaphysical
labyrinth of chance and destiny, of prescience and free-will, of time
and eternity; and generously attempted to reconcile the perfect
attributes of the Deity with the apparent disorders of his moral and
physical government. Such topics of consolation, so obvious, so vague,
or so abstruse, are ineffectual to subdue the feelings of human nature.
Yet the sense of misfortune may be diverted by the labour of thought;
and the sage who could artfully combine in the same work the various
riches of philosophy, poetry, and eloquence, must already have possessed
the intrepid calmness which he affected to seek. Suspense, the worst of
evils, was at length determined by the ministers of death, who executed,
and perhaps exceeded, the inhuman mandate of Theodoric. A strong cord
was fastened round the head of Boethius, and forcibly tightened till his
eyes almost started from their sockets; and some mercy may be discovered
in the milder torture of beating him with clubs till he expired. But his
genius survived to diffuse a ray of knowledge over the darkest ages of
the Latin world; the writings of the philosopher were translated by the
most glorious of the English kings, and the third emperor of the name of
Otho removed to a more honourable tomb the bones of a Catholic saint,
who, from his Arian persecutors, had acquired the honours of martyrdom
and the fame of miracles. In the last hours of Boethius, he derived some
comfort from the safety of his two sons, of his wife, and of his
father-in-law, the venerable Symmachus. But the grief of Symmachus was
indiscreet, and perhaps disrespectful; he had presumed to lament, he
might dare to revenge, the death of an injured friend. He was dragged in
chains from Rome to the palace of Ravenna; and the suspicions of
Theodoric could only be appeased by the blood of an innocent and aged
senator.--Gibbon's _Decline and Fall_, 1838, vol. vii. p. 45-52 (without
the notes).
INDEX
_(Giving the first line of each Metre, the first words of each Prose,
and the corresponding page of the translation)._
Book Metre Prose Page
I 1 -- Carmina qui quondam studio florente peregi 4
" -- 1 Hæc dum mecum tacitus ipse reputarem 5
" 2 -- Heu, quam præcipiti mersa profundo 7
" -- 2 Sed medicinæ, inquit, potius tempus est 8
" 3 -- Tunc me discussa liquerunt nocte tenebræ 9
" -- 3 Haud aliter tristitiæ nebulis dissolutis,
hausi coelum 10
" 4 -- Quisquis composito serenus ævo 12
" -- 4 Sentisne, inquit, hæc, atque animo
illabuntur tuo? 13
" 5 -- O stelliferi conditor orbis 21
" -- 5 Hæc ubi continuato dolore delatravi 23
" 6 -- Cum Phoebi radiis grave 25
" -- 6 Primum igitur paterisne me pauculis
rogationibus 26
" 7 -- Nubibus atris 29
II -- 1 Posthæc paulisper obticuit 29
" 1 -- Hæc cum superba verterit vices dextra 33
" -- 2 Vellem autem pauca tecum fortunæ ipsius 33
" 2 -- Si quantas rapidis flatibus incitus 35
" -- 3 His igitur si pro se tecum fortuna
loqueretur 36
" 3 -- Cum polo Phoebus roseis quadrigis 39
" -- 4 Tum ego, Vera, inquam, commemoras 39
" 4 -- Quisquis volet perennem 44
" -- 5 Sed quoniam rationum jam in te mearum
fomenta 45
" 5 -- Felix nimium prior ætas 50
" -- 6 Quid autem de dignitatibus, potentiaque
disseram 51
" 6 -- Novimus quantas dederit ruinas 55
" -- 7 Tum ego, Scis, inquam, ipsa 56
" 7 -- Quicumque solam mente præcipiti petit 60
" -- 8 Sed ne me inexorabile contra fortunam 61
" 8 -- Quod mundus stabili fide 62
III -- 1 Jam cantum illa finierat 63
" 1 -- Qui serere ingenuum volet agrum 64
" -- 2 Tum defixo paululum visu 64
" 2 -- Quantas rerum flectat habenas 68
" -- 3 Vos quoque, o terrena animalia 69
" 3 -- Quamvis fluente dives auri gurgite 71
" -- 4 Sed dignitates honorabilem reverendumque 72
" 4 -- Quamvis se Tyrio superbus ostro 74
" -- 5 An vero regna regumque familiaritas
efficere potentem valent? 75
" 5 -- Qui se volet esse potentem 77
" -- 6 Gloria vero quam fallax sæpe,
quam turpis est! 77
" 6 -- Omne hominum genus in terris 78
" -- 7 Quid autem de corporis voluptatibus loquar? 79
" 7 -- Habet omnis hoc voluptas 80
" -- 8 Nihil igitur dubium est, quin 80
" 8 -- Eheu, quam miseros tramite devio 81
" -- 9 Hactenus mendacis formam felicitatis
ostendisse 82
" 9 -- O qui perpetua mundum ratione gubernas 87
" -- 10 Quoniam igitur quæ sit imperfecti 88
" 10 -- Huc omnes pariter venite capti 94
" -- 11 Assentior, inquam. 95
" 11 -- Quisquis profunda mente vestigat verum 100
" -- 12 Tum ego, Platoni, inquam, vehementer
assentior 101
" 12 -- Felix qui potuit boni 106
IV -- 1 Hæc cum Philosophia, dignitate 108
" 1 -- Sunt etenim pennæ volucres mihi 110
" -- 2 Tum ego, Papæ, inquam, ut magna promittis! 112
" 2 -- Quos vides sedere celso 118
" -- 3 Videsne igitur quanto in coeno probra
volvantur 119
" 3 -- Vela Neritii ducis 122
" -- 4 Tum ego, Fateor, inquam, nec injuria
dici video 123
" 4 -- Quid tantos juvat excitare motus 130
" -- 5 Hic ego, Video, inquam, quæ sit vel
felicitas 131
" 5 -- Si quis Arcturi sidera nescit 132
" -- 6 Ita est, inquam. 133
" 6 -- Si vis celsi jura tonantis 143
" -- 7 Jamne igitur vides, quid hæc omnia
quæ diximus, consequatur? 144
" 7 -- Bella bis quinis operatus annis 147
V -- 1 Dixerat, orationisque cursum ad alia quædam 149
" 1 -- Rupis Achæmeniæ scopulis, ubi versa
sequentum 151
" -- 2 Animadverto, inquam, idque uti tu dicis,
ita esse consentio. 152
" 2 -- Puro clarum lumine Phoebum 153
" -- 3 Tum ego, En, inquam, difficiliori rursus
ambiguitate confundor. 154
" 3 -- Quænam discors foedera rerum 159
" -- 4 Tum illa, Vetus, inquit, hæc est de
Providentia querela 161
" 4 -- Quondam porticus attulit 166
" -- 5 Quod si in corporibus sentiendis, quamvis 168
" 5 -- Quam variis terras animalia permeant
figuris! 170
" -- 6 Quoniam igitur, uti paulo ante
monstratum est 171
Appendix.--Ætas Prima 180
" Balades de Vilage sanz Peinture 182
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
++[I]NCIPIT TABULA LIBRI BOICII DE CONSOLAC{I}O{N}E PHILOSOPHIE.
[_Additional MS. 10,340, fol. 3._]
[Sidenote: [fol. 3.]]
LIBER PRIMUS.
1 Carmina qui quondam studio flore{n}te p{er}egi.
2 Hic dum mecum tacitus.
3 Heu q{ua}m precipiti.
4 Set medicine inquit tempus.
5 Tunc me discussa.
6 Haut[C-1] aliter tristicie.
7 Quisquis composito.
8 Sentis ne inquit.
9 O stelliferi conditor orbis.
10 Hic ubi continuato dolore.
11 Cum phebi radijs.
12 Primu{m} igit{ur} pateris rogac{i}o{n}ib{us}.
13 Nubib{us} atris condita.
EXPLICIT LIBER PRIMUS.
LIBER SECUNDUS.
1 Postea paulisper[C-2] conticuit.
2 Hec cum superba.
3 Uellem autem pauca.
4 Si quantas rapidis.
5 His igitur si {et} pro se.
6 Cum primo polo.
7 Tunc ego uera inq{ua}m.
8 Contraq{ue}.
9 Quisq{ui}s ualet p{er}hennem cantus.
10 Set cum racionu{m} iam in te.
11 Felix i{n} miru{m} iam prior etas.
12 Quid au{tem} de dignitatib{us}.
13 Nouim{us} quantos dederat.
14 Tu{m} ego scis inq{ua}m.
15 Quicu{n}q{ue} solam mente.
16 Set ne me inexorabile.
17 Q{uo}d mu{n}dus stabile fide.
EXPLICIT LIBER S{E}C{UN}DUS.
LIBER TERCIUS.
1 Iam tantu{m} illa.
2 Qui serere ingeniu{m}.
3 Tunc defixo paululu{m}.
4 Quantas reru{m} flectat.
5 Uos quoq{ue} terrena a{n}i{m}alia.
6 Qua{m}uis fluenter diues.
7 Set dignitatib{us}.
8 Qua{m}uis se tirio.
9 An uero regna.
10 Qui se ualet esse potentem.
11 Gloria uero q{uam} fallax.
12 Omne hominu{m} genus in terris.
13 Quid au{tem} de corporib{us}.
14 Habet hoc uoluptas.
15 Nichil igit{ur} dubiu{m} est.
16 Heu q{ue} miseros tramite.
17 Hacten{us} me{n}dacio forma{m}.
18 O qui p{er}petua.
19 Q{uonia}m igit{ur} qui scit.
20 Nunc omnes pariter.
21 Assencior inq{ua}m cuncta.
22 Quisq{ue} profunda.
23 Tunc ego platoni inq{ua}m.
24 Felix qui poterit.
EXPLICIT LIBER T{ER}CIUS.
LIBER QUARTUS.
1 Hec cum philosophia.
2 Sunt eteni{m} penne.
3 Tunc ego pape inq{uam}.
4 Quos uides sedere celsos.
5 Uides ne igitur quanto.
6 U[e]la naricij ducis.
7 Tunc ego fateor inq{ua}m.
8 Quid tantos iuuat.
9 Huic ego uideo inq{ua}m.
10 Si quis arcturi[C-3] sydera.
11 Ita est inq{ua}m.
12 Si uis celsi iura.
13 Iam ne igit{ur} uides.
14 Bella bis quinis.
EXPLICIT LIBER QUARTUS.
INCIPIT LIBER QUINTUS.
1 Dixerat orac{i}onis q{ue} cursu{m}.
2 Rupis achemenie.
3 Animaduerto inq{ua}m.
4 Puro claru{m} lumine.
5 Tamen ego en inq{ua}m.
6 Que nam discors.
7 Tamen illa uetus.
8 Quonda{m} porticus attulit.
9 Quod si i{n} corporib{us}.
10 Qua{m} uarijs figuris.
11 Quonia{m} igit{ur} uti paulo ante.
EXPLICIT LIBER QUI{N}TUS {ET} ULTIMUS.
[Footnote C-1: MS. hanc.]
[Footnote C-2: MS. luper.]
[Footnote C-3: MS. arituri.]
[[pg 4]]
[Headnote:
BOETHIUS DEPLORES HIS MISFORTUNES.]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 3 _b_.]]
*LIBER PRIMUS.
INCIPIT LIBER BOICII DE CO{N}SOLAC{I}O{N}E PHILOSOPHIE.
Car{m}i{n}a qui q{u}onda{m} studio flore{n}te p{er}egi.
[Sidenote: [The fyrste Met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: Boethius deplores his misfortunes in the following
pathetic elegy.]
++Allas I wepyng am constreined to bygynne vers of
sorouful matere. ¶ Şat whilom in florysching
studie made delitable ditees. For loo rendyng muses
of poetes enditen to me şinges to be writen. and drery 4
v{er}s of wrecchednes weten my face wiş v{er}ray teers.
¶ At şe leest no drede ne my[gh]t[e] ouer-come şo muses.
şat şei ne were{n} felawes {and} folweden my wey. şat is
to seyne when I was exiled.
[Sidenote: ypalage antithesis]
şei şat weren glorie of 8
my you[gh]th whilom weleful {and} grene co{n}forten now şe
sorouful werdes of me olde man.
[Sidenote: Laments his immature old age.]
for elde is comen vnwarly
vpon me hasted by şe harmes şat I haue. {and}
sorou haş comau{n}ded his age to be in me. ¶ Heeres 12
hore ben schad ouertymelyche vpon myne heued. and
şe slak[e] skyn trembleş vpon myn emty body.
[Sidenote: Death turns a deaf ear to the wretched.]
şilk[e]
deeş of men is welful şat ne comeş not in [gh]eres şat
ben swete (.i. mirie.) but comeş to wrecches often 16
yclepid.
[Linenotes:
1 _of_--MS. of of.
2 _florysching_--floryssynge
3 _rendyng_--rendynge
4 _be_--ben
5 _wrecchednes_--wrecchednesse
_teers_--teeres
6 _leest_--leeste
_my[gh]t[e] ouer-come_--myhte ouercomen
8 _seyne when_--seyn whan
9 _you[gh]th_--MS. şo[gh]t, C. yowthe
10 _sorouful werdes_--sorful wierdes [i. fata]
12 _sorou_--sorwe
_haş_--MS. haşe
_be_--ben
13 _hore_--hoore
_ben_--arn
_myne_--myn
14 _slak[e]_--slake
_vpon_--of
_emty_--emptyd
_şilk[e]_--thilke
15 _welful_--weleful
_comeş not_--comth nat
16 _.i. mirie_--omitted]
¶ Allas allas wiş how deef an eere deeş cruel
to{ur}neş awey fro wrecches {and} naieş to closen wepyng
eyen.
[Sidenote: When Fortune was favourable Death came near Boethius,
but in his adversity life is unpleasantly protracted.]
¶ While fortune vnfeişful fauored[e] me 20
wiş ly[gh]te goodes (.s. temp{or}els.) şe sorouful houre şat
is to seyne şe deeş had[de] almost dreynt myne heued.
¶ But now for fortune clowdy haş chaunged hir disceyuable
chere to me warde. myn vnpitouse lijf draweş 24
a long vnagreable dwellynges in me.
[Sidenote: Why did his friends call him happy? He stood not firm
that hath thus fallen.]
¶ O [gh]e my
frendes what or wherto auaunted[e] [gh]e me to be weleful: [[pg 5]]
for he şat haş fallen stood not i{n} stedfast degree.
[Linenotes:
19 _tourneş_--torneth
_naieş_--nayteth
_wepyng_--wepynge
20 _While_--Whil
_fauored[e]_--fauorede
21 _ly[gh]te_--lyhte
_.s. temporels_--omitted
_sorouful houre_--sorwful howr{e}
22 _seyne_--seyn
_had[de]_--hadde
_myne_--myn
23 _haş_--MS. haşe
_chaunged hir disceyuable_--chaungyd hyre deceyuable
24 _vnpitouse lijf_--vnpietous lyf]
[Headnote:
PHILOSOPHY APPEARS TO BOETHIUS.]
HIC DUM MECUM TACITUS.
[Sidenote: [The firste p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: Philosophy appears to Boethius, like a beautiful woman,
and of great age.]
++IN şe mene while şat I stille recorded[e] şise şinges 28
wiş my self. {and} markede my wepli compleynte wiş
office of poyntel. I saw stondyng aboue şe hey[gh]t of my
heued a woman of ful greet reuerence by semblaunt
hir eyen brennyng {and} clere seing ouer şe comune 32
my[gh]t of men. wiş a lijfly colo{ur} {and} wiş swiche vigoure
{and} strenkeş şat it ne my[gh]t[e] not be emptid. ¶ Al
were it so şat sche was ful of so greet age. şat men ne
wolde not trowe i{n} no manere şat sche were of oure 36
elde.
[Sidenote: Her height could not be determined, for there were
times when she raised her head higher than the heavens.]
şe stature of hir was of a doutous iugement. for
su{m}tyme sche constreyned[e] {and} schronk hir selue{n}
lyche to şe comune mesure of men. {and} su{m}tyme it
semed[e] şat sche touched[e] şe heuene wiş şe hey[gh]te 40
of hir heued. and when sche hef hir heued heyer sche
p{er}ced[e] şe selue heuene. so şat şe sy[gh]t of men lokyng
was i{n} ydel.
[Sidenote: Her clothes were finely wrought and indissoluble, but
dark and dusky, like old besmoked images.]
¶ Hir cloşes weren maked of ry[gh]t delye
şredes {and} subtil crafte of p{er}durable matere. şe wyche 44
cloşes sche hadde wouen wiş hir owen hondes: as I
knew wel aftir by hir selfe. declaryng {and} schewyng
to me şe beaute. şe wiche cloşes a derkenes of a forleten
and dispised elde had[de] duskid {and} dirkid as 48
it is wo{n}t to dirken by-smoked ymages.
[Sidenote: On the lower hem of her garment was the letter Pi
and on the upper Theta.]
¶ In şe neşerest[e]
hem or bordure of şese cloşes me{n} redden [[pg 6]]
ywouen in swiche a gregkysche .P. şat signifieş şe lijf
actif. And abouen ş{a}t l{ett}re in şe hey[gh]est[e] bordure 52
a grekysche T. şat signifieş şe lijf contemplatif.
[Linenotes:
26 _auaunted[e]_--auauntede
_be_--ben
27 _haş_--MS. haşe
_not_--nat
_stedfast_--stidefast
28 _In şe mene_--omitted
_recorded[e]_--recordede
30 _saw_--MS. sawe, C. sawh
_stondyng above_--MS. studiyng aboue, C. stondinge abouen
_hey[gh]t_--heyhte
_my_--myn
31 _greet_--gret
32 _brennyng_--brennynge
_clere seing_--cleer seynge
33 _swiche_--swych
34 _strenkeş_--strengthe
_it----emptid_--it myhte nat ben emted
_Al_--alle
36 _wolde----trowe_--wolden nat trowen
37 _iugement_--Iuggement
38 _sumtyme_--somtyme
_constreyned[e]_--constreynede
_schronk_--MS. schronke, C. shronk
39 _lyche_--lyk
40 _semed[e]_--semede
_touched[e]_--towchede
41 _when_--whan
_hef_--MS. heued, C. hef
_heyer_--hyere
42 _perced[e]_--percede
_sy[gh]t_--syhte
_lokyng_--lookynge
44 _crafte_--craft
45 _wouen_--MS. wonnen, C. wouen
_owen hondes_--owne handes
46 _knew_--MS. knewe, C. knewh
_selfe declaryng_--self declarynge
_schewyng_--shewynge
47 _derkenes_--dirknesse
_forleten_--forletyn
48 _dispised_--despised
_had[de] duskid_--hadde dusked
_dirkid_--derked
49 _by-smoked_--the smokede
_neşerest[e]_--nethereste
50 _şese_--thise
51 _swiche_--omitted
_gregkysche_--grekyssh{e}
_signifieş_--syngnifieth
52 _hey[gh]est[e]_--heyeste]
[Headnote:
A DESCRIPTION OF PHILOSOPHY.]
[Sidenote: Between the letters were steps like a ladder.]
¶ And by-twene şese two l{ett}res şere weren seien degrees
nobly wrou[gh]t in manere of laddres. By wyche
degrees men my[gh]t[en] clymbe fro şe neşemast[e] l{ett}re 56
to şe ouermast[e].
[Sidenote: Philosophy's garments were tattered and torn, and
pieces had been carried violently off.]
¶ Naşeles hondes of su{m} men
hadde korue ş{a}t cloşe by vyolence {and} by strenkeş.
¶ And eueryche man of hem hadde born away syche
peces as he my[gh]te geet[e].
[Sidenote: In her right hand she bore her books, and in her left a
sceptre.]
¶ And forsoşe şis forsaide 60
woman ber bookes in hir ry[gh]t honde. {and} in hir lefte
honde sche ber a ceptre. ¶ And when sche sau[gh] şese
poetical muses ap{ro}chen aboute my bedde. {and} endytyng
wordes to my wepynges. sche was a lytel ameued 64
and glowed[e] wiş cruel eyen.
[Sidenote: Philosophy bids the Muses leave Boethius, as they only
increase his sorrow with their sweet venom.]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 4.]]
¶ Who q{uo}d sche haş
suffred ap{ro}chen to şis seek[e] man şise comune strumpetis
of siche a place şat *men clepen şe theatr{e}.
¶ Şe wyche only ne asswagen not his sorowes. wiş no 68
remedies. but şei wolde fede {and} norysche hem wiş
swete venym. ¶ Forsoşe şise ben şo şat wiş şornes
{and} prykkynges of talent[gh] or affecciou{n}s wiche şat
ben no şing frutefiyng nor p{ro}fitable destroyen şe 72
cornes plenteuouse of frutes of reson.
[Sidenote: They may accustom the mind to bear grief, but cannot
free it from its malady.]
¶ For şei
holden şe hertes of men i{n} usage. but şei ne delyuere
not folk fro maladye. but if [gh]e muses hadde wişdrawen
fro me wiş [gh]oure flateries. any vnkonnyng
{and} vnp{ro}fitable [[pg 7]]
man as men ben wont to fynde comunely amonges 77
şe peple. I wolde wene suffre şe lasse greuously.
[Linenotes:
54 _by-twene şese_--bytwixen thise
_şere_--ther
_seien_--seyn
55 _nobly wrou[gh]t_--nobely ywroght
_wyche_--whiche
56 _my[gh]t[en] clymbe_--myhten clymbyn
_neşemast[e]_--nethereste
57 _ouermast[e]_--vppereste
_sum_--some
58 _hadde korue_--hadden koruen
_cloşe_--cloth
_strenkeş_--strengthe
59 _born_--MS. borne, C. born
_away syche_--awey swiche
60 _geet[e]_--geten
_forsaide_--forseide
61 _ber_--MS. bere, C. bar
_bookes_--smale bookes
_honde_--hand
_lefte honde_--left hand
62 _ber_--MS. bere, C. baar
_sau[gh] şese_--say thise
63 _bedde_--bed
_endytyng_--enditynge
64 _ameued_--amoued
65 _glowed[e]_--glowede
_haş_--MS. haşe, C. hath
66 _seek[e]_--sike
_şise_--the
_strumpetis_--strompetes
67 _siche_--swich
_clepen_--clepyn
68 _only ne_--nat oonly ne
_not his_--nat hise
_no_--none
69 _wolde fede_--wolden feeden
_norysche hem_--noryssyn hym
72 _ben_--ne ben
_frutefiyng_--fructefiynge
73 _cornes plenteuouse_--corn plentyuos
74 _şe_ and _ne_--both omitted
75 _not_--nat
_if [gh]e_--MS. if şe, C. yif ye
_hadde_--hadden
76 _vnkonnyng_--vnkunnynge
78 _peple_--poeple]
[Headnote:
PHILOSOPHY REBUKES THE MUSES.]
[Sidenote: Philosophy is deeply grieved, because they have not
seduced one of the profane, but one who has been brought up in
Eleatic and Academic studies.]
¶ For-why in syche an vnp{ro}fitable man myne ententes
weren no şing endamaged. ¶ But [gh]e wişdrawen me 80
şis man şat haş ben norysched in studies or scoles of
Eleaticis {and} of achademicis in grece.
[Sidenote: She bids the syrens begone.]
¶ But goş now
raşer awey [gh]e meremaydenes wyche ben swete til it
be at şe laste. {and} suffreş şis man to be cured {and} 84
heled by myne muses. şat is to say by notful sciences.
[Sidenote: Blushing for shame they pass the threshold.]
¶ And şus şis compaygnie of muses I-blamed casten
wroşely şe chere adou{n}ward to şe erşe {and} schewyng
by redenesse hir schame şei passeden sorowfuly şe 88
şreschefolde. ¶ And I of whom şe sy[gh]t plonged i{n}
teres was derked so şat I ne my[gh]t[e] not knowe what
şat woman was of so i{m}perial auctorite.
[Sidenote: Boethius is astonished at the presence of the august
dame.]
¶ I wex al
a-besid {and} astoned. {and} caste my sy[gh]t adoune in to şe 92
erşe. {and} bygan stille forto abide what sche wolde don
afterwarde. ¶ Şo come sche nere {and} sette hir doun
vpon şe vterrest[e] corner of my bedde.
[Sidenote: Philosophy expresses her concern for Boethius.]
{and} sche byholdyng
my chere şat was cast to şe erşe heuy {and} 96
greuous of wepyng. co{m}pleinede wiş şise wordes ş{a}t I
schal sey şe p{er}t{ur}bac{i}ou{n} of my şou[gh]t.
[Linenotes:
79 _syche_--swhiche
_myne_--myn
80 _weren_--ne weeren
_[gh]e_--ye
81 _haş_--MS. haşe, C. hath
_ben_--be
_scoles_--schooles
82 _goş_--MS. goşe, C. goth
83 _wyche_--whiche şat
85 _say_--seyn
_notful_--noteful
86 _I-blamed_--Iblamyd
87 _wroşely_--wrothly
_adounward_--downward
88 _redenesse_--rednesse
_sorowfuly_--sorwfully
89 _şreschefolde_--thresshfold
_sy[gh]t_--syhte
90 _derked_--dyrked
_my[gh]t[e]----knowe_--myhte nat knowen
91 _wex_--wax
92 _a-besid_--abaysshed
_caste_--cast
_adoune in to_--down to
93 _don_--MS. done
95 _vterrest[e] corner_--vttereste corner{e}
_bedde_--bed
97 _compleinede_--compley[n]de
98 _sey_--seyen]
[Headnote:
PHILOSOPHY ADDRESSES BOETHIUS.]
HEU Q{UAM} PRECIPITI MERSA PROFUNDO.
[Sidenote: [The 2de Met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: Drowned in the depth of cares the mind loses its proper
clearness.]
++Allas how şe şou[gh]t of man dreint in ouer şrowyng
depnesse dulleş {and} forletiş hys p{ro}pre clerenesse. 100
myntynge to gone in to foreyne derknesses as
ofte as hys anoious bisines wexiş wiş-oute{n} mesure.
ş{a}t is dryuen to {and} fro wiş worldly wyndes. [[pg 8]]
[Sidenote: Man in his freedom knew each region of the sky, the
motions of the planets, and was wont to investigate the causes of
storms, the nature and properties of the seasons, and the hidden
causes of nature.]
¶ Şis
man şat su{m}tyme was fre to who{m} şe heuene was open 104
{and} knowen {and} was wont to gone in heuenelyche
paşes. {and} sau[gh] şe ly[gh]tnesse of şe rede sunne. {and} sau[gh]
şe sterres of şe colde moone. {and} wyche sterre i{n}
heuene vseş wandryng risorses yflit by dyuerse speres. 108
¶ Şis man ouer comere hadde co{m}p{re}hendid al şis by
noumbre. of accountyng in astronomye. ¶ And ouer
şis he was wont to seche şe causes whennes şe sounyng
wy{n}des moeuen {and} bisien şe smoşe water of şe 112
see. {and} what spirit turneş şe stable heuene. {and}
whi şe sterre ryseş oute of şe reede eest. to falle
in şe westren wawes. and what attempriş şe lusty
houres of şe fyrste somer sesou{n} şat hi[gh]teş {and} apparaileş 116
şe erşe wiş rosene floures. ¶ And who
makeş şat plenteuouse autu{m}pne in fulle [gh]eres fletiş
wiş heuy grapes. ¶ And eke şis ma{n} was wont to
telle şe dyuerses causes of nature şat weren yhid. 120
[Sidenote: But now, alas, he is constrained to keep his face to
the ground.]
¶ Allas now lieş he emptid of ly[gh]t of hys şou[gh]t. {and}
hys nekke is p{re}ssid wiş heuy cheynes {and} bereş his
chere enclined adoune for şe greet[e] wey[gh]t. and is
constreyned to loke on foule erşe. 124
[Linenotes:
101 _gone_--goon
102 _bisines_--bysynesse
_outen_--owte
103 _worldly_--wordely
104 _sumtyme_--whilom
105 _gone_--goon
106 _paşes_--paathes
_sau[gh]_--sawh
_ly[gh]tnesse_--lythnesse
_sunne_--sonne
_sau[gh]_--MS. sue, C. sawgh
107 _wyche_--which
108 _risorses_--recourses
111 _seche_--seken
_sounyng_--sownynge
114 _ryseş oute_--aryseth owt
_falle_--fallen
115 _westren_--westrene
116 _fyrste_--fyrst
119 _eke_--ek
120 _dyuerses_--diuerse
_yhid_--MS. yhidde
121 _lieş_--lith
_emptid_--emted
123 _adoune_--adown
_greet[e] wey[gh]t_--grete weyhte
124 _loke----foule_--looken on the fool]
[Headnote:
PHILOSOPHY ENLIGHTENS BOETHIUS.]
SET MEDICINE INQUIT TEMPUS.
[Sidenote: [The ij^de p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: More need of medicine than of complaint.]
++Bvt tyme is now q{uo}d sche of medicine more şen of
compleynte. ¶ Forsoşe şen sche entendyng to
me warde wiş al şe lokyng of hir eyen saide.
[Sidenote: Philosophy addresses Boethius.]
¶ Art
not şou he q{uo}d sche şat su{m}tyme I-norschid wiş my 128
mylke {and} fostre[d] wiş my meetes were ascaped {and}
comen to corage of a p{er}fit man. ¶ Certys I [gh]af şe
syche armures şat [gh]if şou şi self ne haddest first caste [[pg 9]]
hem away. şei schulden haue defendid şe in sykernesse 132
şat may not be ouer-comen. ¶ Knowest şou me not.
[Sidenote: She fears his silence proceeds from shame rather than
from stupidity.]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 4 _b_.]]
*Why art şou stille. is it for schame or for astonynge.
It were me leuer şat it were for schame. but it semeş
me şat astony{n}ge haş opp{re}ssed şe.
[Sidenote: She finds him, however, in a lethargy, the distemper of
a disordered mind.]
¶ And whan 136
sche say me not oonly stille. but wiş-outen office of
tonge {and} al doumbe. sche leide hir honde softely vpon
my brest {and} seide. ¶ Here nis no p{er}il q{uod} sche.
¶ He is fallen in to a litargie. whiche şat is a comune 140
sekenes to hertes şat ben desceiued. ¶ He haş a litel
for[gh]eten hym self. but certis he schal ly[gh]tly reme{m}bren
hym self. ¶ [Gh]if so be şat he haş knowe{n} me or now.
[Sidenote: To make his recovery an easy matter, she wipes his
eyes, which were darkened by the clouds of mortal things, and
dries up his tears.]
{and} şat he may so done I wil wipe a litel hys eyen. 144
şat ben derked by şe cloude of mortel şinges ¶ Şise
wordes seide sche. and wiş şe lappe of hir garment
yplitid in a frounce sche dried[e] myn eyen şat were
ful of şe wawes of my wepynges. 148
[Linenotes:
125, 126 _şen_--than
127 _al_--alle
_saide_--seyde
128 _sumtyme_--whilom
_I-norschid_--MS. I-norschide, C. noryssed
129 _fostre[d]_--fostered
_my_--myne
130 _Certys_--Certes
_[gh]af_, yaf
131 _syche_--swiche
_[gh]if_--yif
_caste_--C. cast
132 _away_--awey
_schulden haue_--sholden han
133 _not be_--nat ben
_Knowest şou_--knowestow
134 _art şou_--artow
136 _haş_--MS. haşe
138 _tonge_--tunge
_doumbe_--dowmb
_honde_--hand
139 _Here_--her
140 _litargie whiche_--litarge which
141 _sekenes_--sykenesse
141, 143 _haş_--MS. haşe
144 _done_--doon
_wil wipe_--wol wypen
146 _garment_--garnement
147 _dried[e]_--dryede
_were_--weeren
148 _ful_--fulle]
[Headnote:
BOETHIUS RECOGNIZES HIS PHYSICIAN.]
TUNC ME DISCUSSA.
[Sidenote: [The 3^de Met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: Her touch dispels the darkness of his soul, just as the
heavy vapours, that darken the skies and obscure the sunlight, are
chased away by the north wind, causing the return of the hidden
day, when the sun smites our wondering sight with his sudden
light.]
++Şus when şat ny[gh]t was discussed {and} chased awey.
derknesses forleften me. {and} to myn eyen repeyre
a[gh]eyne her firste strenkeş. and ry[gh]t by ensample as
şe sonne is hid when şe sterres ben clustred. şat is to 152
sey whe{n} sterres ben couered wiş cloudes by a swifte
wynde şat hy[gh]t chorus. {and} şat şe firmame{n}t stont
derked by wete ploungy cloudes. and şat şe sterres not
apperen vpo{n} heuene. ¶ So şat şe ny[gh]t semeş sprad 156
vpo{n} erşe. ¶ Yif şan şe wynde şat hy[gh]t borias
sent out of şe kaues of şe contre of Trace betiş şis [[pg 10]]
ny[gh]t. şat is to seyn chasiş it away {and} descouereş şe
closed day. ¶ Şan schineş pheb{us} yshaken wiş 160
sodeyne ly[gh]t {and} smyteş wiş hys bemes i{n} m{er}uely{n}g
eyen.
[Linenotes:
149 _when_--whan
150 _myn_--myne
_repeyre_--repeyrede
151 _a[gh]eyne_--omitted
_her firste_--hir fyrst
152 _hid_--MS. hidde, C. hid
_when_--whan
153 _sey_--seyn
_when_--whan
154 _hy[gh]t_--heyhte
_chorus_--MS. thorus
_stont_--MS. stonde, C. stant
157 _şan_--thanne
_wynde_--wynd
_hy[gh]t_--hyhte
158 _sent_--isent
160 _şan_--thanne
161 _sodeyne_--sodeyn]
[Headnote:
THE TRIALS OF PHILOSOPHY AND PHILOSOPHERS.]
HAUT[1] ALITER TRISTICIE.
[Footnote 1: MS. hanc.]
[Sidenote: [The 3^de p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: The clouds of sorrow being dispelled, Boethius
recollects the features of his Physician, whom he discovers to be
Philosophy.]
++Ry[gh]t so {and} none oşer wyse şe cloudes of sorowe
dissolued {and} don awey. ¶ I took heuene. {and} 164
receyuede mynde to knowe şe face of my fyciscien.
¶ So şat I sette myne eyen on hir {and} festned[e] my
lokyng. I byholde my norice philosophie. in whos
houses I hadde conuersed {and} haunted fro my [gh]ouşe. 168
{and} I seide şus.
[Sidenote: He addresses her.]
¶ O şou maistresse of alle uertues
descendid fro şe souereyne sete. Whi art şou comen
in to şis solitarie place of myn exil. ¶ Art şou comen
for ş{o}u art mad coupable wiş me of fals[e] blames. 172
[Sidenote: She expresses her concern for him, and tells him that
she is willing to share his misfortunes.]
¶ O q{uod} sche my norry scholde I forsake şe now. and
scholde I not parte wiş şe by comune trauaille şe charge
şat şou hast suffred for envie of my name. ¶ Certis
it nar[e] not leueful ne sittyng to philosophie to leten 176
wiş-outen compaignie şe wey of hym şat is i{n}nocent.
[Sidenote: She fears not any accusation, as if it were a new
thing.]
¶ Scholde I şan redoute my blame {and} agrisen as şou[gh]
şer were byfallen a newe şing. q. d. non. ¶ For
trowest şou şat philosophi be now alşerfirst assailed 180
i{n} p{er}ils by folk of wicked[e] maneres.
[Sidenote: For before the age of Plato she contended against
folly, and by her help Socrates triumphed over an unjust death.]
¶ Haue I not
stryuen wiş ful greet strife in olde tyme byfore şe
age of my plato a[gh]eins şe foolhardines of foly {and}
eke şe same plato lyuyng. hys maistre socrates 184
deserued[e] victorie of vnry[gh]tful deeş in my presence.
[Sidenote: Of the inheritance of Socrates the rout of Epicureans
and Stoics wanted to get a part.]
¶ Şe heritage of wyche socrates. şe h{er}itage is to seyne
şe doctrine of şe whiche soc{ra}tes in hys oppiniou{n} of [[pg 11]]
felicite şat I clepe welfulnesse ¶ Whan şat şe people 188
of epicuriens {and} stoyciens {and} many oşer enforceden
hem to go rauische eueryche man for his part şat is
to seyne. şat to eueryche of hem wolde drawen to şe
defence of his oppiniou{n} şe wordes of socrates. 192
[Sidenote: Philosophy withstood them, whereupon they tore her
robe, and, departing with the shreds, imagined that they had got
possession of her.]
¶ Şei
as in p{ar}tie of hir preye todrowe{n} me criynge {and}
debatyng şer a[gh]eins. {and} tornen {and} torente{n} my cloşes
şat I hadde woue{n} wiş myn handes. {and} wiş şe
cloutes şat şei hadden arased oute of my cloşes. şei 196
wenten awey wenyng şat I hadde gon wiş he{m} euery
dele.
[Sidenote: Thus, clothed with her spoils, they deceived many.]
In whiche epicuryens {and} stoyciens. for as
myche as şer semed[e] so{m}me traces {and} steppes of
myne habit.
[Sidenote: [* fol. 5.]]
şe folye of men wenyng şo epicuryens 200
{and} stoyciens my *familers p{er}uertede (.s. p{er}sequend{o})
so{m}me şoru[gh] şe errour of şe wikked[e] or vnkunnyng[e]
multitude of hem.
[Sidenote: Philosophy adduces examples of wise men, who had
laboured under difficulties on account of being her disciples.]
¶ Şis is to seyne for şei
semeden philosophres: şei weren p{ur}sued to şe deeş 204
and slayn. ¶ So yif şou hast not knowen şe exilynge
of anaxogore. ne şe empoysenyng of socrates. ne şe
to{ur}ment[gh] of [gh]eno for şei [weren] straungers. ¶ [Gh]it
my[gh]test şou haue knowe{n} şe senectiens {and} şe Canyos 208
{and} şe sorancis of wyche folk şe renou{n} is neyşer ouer
oolde ne vnsolempne. ¶ Şe whiche men no şing ellys
ne brou[gh]t[e] hem to şe deeş but oonly for şei weren
enfourmed of my maneres. {and} semede{n} moste vnlyke 212
to şe studies of wicked folk. ¶ And forşi şou au[gh]test
not to wondre şou[gh] ş{a}t I in şe bitter see of şis lijf be
fordryuen wiş tempestes blowyng aboute. [[pg 12]]
[Sidenote: It is the aim of Philosophy to displease the wicked,
who are more to be despised than dreaded, for they have no
leader.]
in şe whiche
te{m}peste şis is my most p{ur}pos şat is to seyn to displese 216
to wikked[e] men. ¶ Of whiche schrews al be
şe oost neuer so grete it is to dispyse. for it nis gouerned
wiş no leder of resoune. but it is rauysched only by
flityng errour folyly {and} ly[gh]tly.
[Sidenote: If Philosophy is attacked by the wicked, she retires
within her fortress, leaving the enemy busy among the useless
baggage, and laughing to scorn such hunters of trifles.]
¶ And if şei somtyme 220
maky{n}g an ost a[gh]eynest vs assaile vs as strengere. oure
leder draweş to gedir hys rycchesse i{n} to hys toure.
{and} şei ben ententif aboute sarpulers or sachels vnp{ro}fitable
forto taken. but we şat ben hey[gh] abouen syker 224
fro al tumulte {and} wode noise. ben stored {and} enclosed
in syche a palays. whider as şat chateryng or anoying
folye ne may not attayne. ¶ We scorne swiche
rauiners {and} honters of foulest[e] şinges. 228
[Linenotes:
163 _none oşer_--non oother
_sorowe_--sorwe
165 _knowe_--knowen
166 _myne_--myn
_festned[e]_--fastnede
170 _fro_--from
170, 171 _art şou_--artow
172 _mad_--MS. made, C. maked
_fals[e]_--false
174 _parte_--parten
176 _nar[e]_--nere
_sittyng_--sittinge
178 _şan_--thanne
179 _şing_--thing
_q.d. non_--omitted
180 _trowest şou_--trowestow
_alşerfirst_--alderfirst
181 _wicked[e]_--wikkede
182 _strife_--strif
183 _a[gh]eins_--ayenis
_foolhardines_--foolhardinesse
_foly_--folie
184 _eke_--ek
185 _deserued[e]_--desseruede
186 _wyche_--the which
_seyne_--seyn
188 _welfulnesse_--welefulnesse
189 _oşer_--oothre
190 _go_--gon
_eueryche_--euerich
191 _seyne_--seyn
_to_--omitted
_eueryche_--euerich
194 _tornen_--_read_ coruen, C. koruen
195 _wouen_--MS. wonne{n}, C. wouen
196 _arased_--arraced
197 _gon_--MS. gone, C. gon
198 _dele_--del
199 _myche_--moche
_semed[e]_--semede
{and}--or
200 _myne_--myn
_wenyng_--MS. wevyng, C. weninge
202 _şoru[gh]_--thorw
_wikked[e]_--wikkede
_vnkunnyng[e]_--vnkunnynge
203 _seyne_--seyn ş{a}t
204 _semeden_--semede
_pursued_--MS. pursuede, C. pursued
205 _slayn_--MS. slayne, C. slayn
207 [_weren_]--weeren
208 _my[gh]test şou haue_--myhtestow han
209 _sorancis_--sorans
_wyche_--which
_is_--nis
210 _oolde_--MS. colde, C. old
211 _brou[gh]t[e]_--browhte
212 _enfourmed_--MS. vnfourmed, C. enformyd
_my_--myne
_vnlyke_--vnlyk
213 _wicked folk_--wikkede foolk{e}
_au[gh]test_--owhtest
214 _wondre_--wondren
_bitter_--bittre
216 _displese_--displesen
217 _wikked[e]_--wikkede
_schrews_--shrewes
218 _oost_--glossed _acies_ in C.
_grete_--gret
219, 222 _leder_--leder{e}
220 _flityng_--fleetynge
_ly[gh]tly_--lythly
_if_--yif
221 _a[gh]eynest_--ayenis
222 _to----rycchesse_, to gydere hise rychesses
_toure_--towr
224 _hey[gh]_--heye
225 _al_--alle
_ben_--omitted
_stored_--warnestored
226 _syche_--swich
_şat_--omitted
227 _scorne_--schorne
228 _rauiners----şinges_--rauyneres & henteres of fowleste thinges]
[Headnote:
THE AIM OF PHILOSOPHY.]
QUISQ{UI}S COMPOSITO.
[Sidenote: [The ferthe Met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: He who hath triumphed over fate, and remained
insensible to the changes of Fortune, shall not be moved by
storms, nor by the fires of Vesuvius, nor by the fiercest
thunderbolts.]
++Who so it be şat is clere of vertue sad {and} wel ordinat
of lyuyng. şat haş put vnderfote şe prowed[e]
wierdes {and} lokiş vpry[gh]t vpon eyşer fortune. he may
holde hys chiere vndiscomfited. ¶ Şe rage ne şe manace 232
of şe co{m}moeuyng or chasyng vpwarde hete fro şe
botme. ne schal not moeue şat man. ne şe vnstable
mountaigne şat hy[gh]t veseuus. şat wircheş oute şoru[gh]
hys broken[e] chemineys smokyng fires. ¶ Ne şe wey 236
of şonder ly[gh]t şat is wont to smyte hey[gh]e toures ne
schal not mouene şat man.
[Sidenote: Fear not the tyrant's rage.]
¶ Wherto şen wrecches
drede [gh]e tyrauntes şat ben wode {and} felownes wiş-outen
ony strenkeş.
[Sidenote: He who neither fears nor hopes for anything disarms the
tyrant.]
¶ Hope after no şing ne drede nat. {and} 240
so schalt şou desarmen şe ire of şilke vnmy[gh]ty tyraunt. [[pg 13]]
[Sidenote: He whose heart fails him, yields his arms, and forges
his own fetters.]
¶ But who so şat quakyng dredeş or desireş şing şat
nis not stable of his ry[gh]t. şat man şat so doş haş cast
awey hys schelde {and} is remoeued fro hys place. {and} 244
enlaceş hym i{n} şe cheyne wiş whiche he may be
drawen.
[Linenotes:
229 _clere_--cleer
230 _lyuyng_--leuynge
_haş_--MS. haşe
_vnderfote_--vndir-foot
_prowed[e]_--prowde
231 _may----chiere_--may his cheere holde
232 _manace_--manesses
233 _şe_--şe see
235 _hy[gh]t_--hihte
_veseuus_--MS. vesenus
_wircheş_--writith
236 _broken[e]_--brokene
_smokyng_--smokynge
237 _smyte_--smyten
238 _Wherto şen_--wharto thanne
239 _felownes----ony_--felonos withowte any
241 _schalt şou desarmen_--shaltow deseruien
243 _doş_--MS. doşe, C. doth
_haş_--MS. haşe, C. hath
_cast_--MS. caste, C. cast
244 _schelde_--sheld
_remoeued fro_--remwed from
245 _whiche_--the which
_be_--ben]
[Headnote:
BOETHIUS SPEAKS OF HIS TROUBLES.]
SENTIS NE INQUIT.
[Sidenote: [The verthe p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: Philosophy seeks to know the malady of Boethius.]
++FElest şou q{uod} sche şise şinges {and} entren şei ou[gh]t
in şi corage. ¶ Art şou like an asse to şe harpe. 248
Whi wepest şou whi spillest şou teres. ¶ Yif şou
abidest after helpe of şi leche. şe byhoueş discouere şi
wounde.
[Sidenote: Boethius complains of Fortune's unrelenting rage.]
¶ Şo .I. şat hadde gadered strenkeş in my
corage answered[e] {and} seide. {and} nedeş it [gh]itte q{uod} 252
.I. of rehersyng or of amonic{i}ou{n}. {and} scheweş it not
ynou[gh] by hym self şe scharpnes of fortune şat wexeş
woode a[gh]eynes me.
[Sidenote: Is not she moved, he asks, with the aspect of his
prison?]
¶ Ne moeueş it nat şe to seen şe
face or şe man{er}e of şis place (.i. p{r}isou{n}.).
[Sidenote: His library, his habit, and his countenance are all
changed.]
¶ Is şis 256
şe librarie wyche şat şou haddest chosen for a ry[gh]t
certeyne sege to şe i{n} myne house. ¶ Şere as şou
desputest of[te] wiş me of şe sciences of şinges touching
diuinitee {and} touchyng mankynde. ¶ Was şan 260
myn habit swiche as it is now. was şan my face or
[Interlinear: quasi d{ice}ret non.]
my chere swiche as now.
¶ Whan I sou[gh]t[e] wiş şe
secretys of nature. whan şou enfo{ur}medest my maners
{and} şe resou{n} of al my lijf. to şe ensaumple of şe ordre 264
of heuene.
[Sidenote: Is this, he asks, the reward of his fidelity?]
[Interlinear: ironice]
¶ Is nat şis şe gerdou{n} şat I refere to şe
to whom I haue be obeisaunt. ¶ Certis şou enfo{ur}medist
by şe mouşe of plato şis sentence.
[Sidenote: Plato (de Rep. v.) says that those Commonwealths are
most happy that are governed by philosophers, or by those who
study to be so.]
şat is to
seyne şat co{m}mune şinges or comunabletes weren 268
blysful yif şei şat haden studied al fully to wisdom [[pg 14]]
gouerneden şilke şinges.
[Sidenote: [* fol. 5 _b_.]]
or ellys yif it so by-felle şat
şe gouernours *of co{m}munalites studieden in grete wisdomes.
[Linenotes:
247 _Felest şou_--Felistow
_ou[gh]t_--awht
248 _art şou_--artow
249 _wepest şou_--wepistow
_spillest şou_--spillestow
252 _answered[e]_--answerede
255 _woode_--wood
257 _wyche_--which
258 _myne house şere_--myn hows ther
259 _desputest of[te]_--desputedest ofte
260 _şan_--thanne
261 _it_ and _şan_--both omitted
261, 262 _swiche_--swich
262 _sou[gh]t[e]_--sowhte
263 _secretys_--secret[gh]
_my_--MS. me, C. my
264 _al_--alle
265 _gerdoun_--gerdouns
266 _enfourmedist_--conformedest
267 _mouşe_--mowht
268 _comunabletes_--comunalitees
270 _by-felle_--byfille
271 _in grete wisdomes_--to geten wysdom]
[Headnote:
PHILOSOPHERS TO BE POLITICIANS.]
[Sidenote: The same Plato urged philosophers to take upon them the
management of public affairs, lest it should fall into the hands
of unprincipled citizens.]
¶ Şou saidest eke by şe mouşe of şe same 272
plato şat it was a necessarie cause wyse men to taken
{and} desire şe gou{er}nau{n}ce of comune şi{n}ges. for şat şe
gou{er}nementes of comune citees y-left in şe hondes of
felonous to{ur}mento{ur}s Citi[gh]enis ne scholde not brynge 276
inne pestile{n}ce {and} destrucc{i}ou{n} to goode folk.
[Sidenote: Boethius declares that he desired to put in practice
(in the management of public affairs) what he had learnt in his
retirement.]
¶ And
şerfore I folowynge şilk auctoritee (.s. platonis). desiryng
to put[te] furşe in execusiou{n} {and} in acte of comune
admi{ni}st{ra}c{i}ou{n} şo şinges şat .I. hadde lerned of şe 280
among my secre restyng whiles. ¶ Şou {and} god ş{a}t
put[te] şee in şe şou[gh]tis of wise folk ben knowen wiş
me şat no şing brou[gh]t[e] me to maistrie or dignite: but
şe comune studie of al goodenes.
[Sidenote: He sought to do good to all, but became involved in
discord with the wicked.]
¶ And şer-of comeş 284
it şat by-twixen wikked folk {and} me han ben greuouse
discordes. şat ne my[gh]ten not be relesed by p{ra}yeres.
[Sidenote: Consciousness of integrity made him despise the anger
of the most powerful.]
¶ For şis libertee haş fredom of conscience şat şe wraşşe
of more my[gh]ty folk haş alwey ben despised of me for 288
saluac{i}ou{n} of ry[gh]t.
[Sidenote: He opposed Conigastus, and put a stop to the doings of
Triguilla.]
¶ How ofte haue .I. resisted {and}
wişstonde şilk man şat hy[gh]t[e] conigaste şat made
alwey assautes a[gh]eins şe p{ro}pre fortunes of poure feble
folke. ¶ How ofte haue .I. [gh]itte put of. or cast out 292
hy{m} trigwille p{ro}uost of şe kynges hous boşe of şe
wronges şat he hadde bygon[ne] to done {and} eke fully
p{er}formed. ¶ How ofte haue I couered {and} defended
by şe auctorite of me put a[gh]eins p{er}ils.
[Sidenote: He put his authority in peril for the defence of poor
folk.]
şat is to seine put 296
myne auctorite in peril for şe wreched pore folke. şat
şe couetise of straungeres vnpunysched to{ur}mentid alwey [[pg 15]]
wiş myseses {and} greuaunces oute of noumbre.
[Linenotes:
272 _eke_--ek
275 _comune_--omitted
_y-left_--MS. ylefte, C. yleft
276 _Citi[gh]enis_--citesenes
_brynge inne_--bryngen in
278 _şerfore_--therfor
_şilk_--thilke
_desiryng_--desired
279 _put[te] furşe_--putten forth
280 _şo_--thilke
282 _put[te]_--putte
283 _brou[gh]t[e]_--ne browhte
284 _şe_--omitted
_al goodenes_--alle goodnesse
_comeş_--comth
287, 288 _haş_--MS. haşe
289 _saluacioun_--sauacioun
290 _şilk_--thilke
_hy[gh]t[e]_--hyhte
290 _conigaste_--MS. coniugaste
292 _ofte_--ofte ek
_[gh]itte_--omitted
294 _bygon[ne]_--bygunne
_done_--don
295 _couered_--MS. couerede, C. couered
296 _put_--MS. putte, C. put
_seine_--seyn
297 _myne_--myn
298 _vnpunysched_--vnpunyssed
299 _myseses_--myseyses]
[Headnote:
BOETHIUS DEFENDS HIS OWN CONDUCT.]
[Sidenote: I never deviated, he says, from the path of justice.]
¶ Neuer man drow me [gh]itte fro ry[gh]t to wro{n}g. When I say şe 300
fortunes {and} şe rychesse of şe people of şe p{ro}uinces
ben harmed eyşer by p{r}iue rauynes or by comune
tributis or cariages.
[Sidenote: I felt for those that were wrongfully oppressed.]
as sory was I as şei şat suffred[e]
şe harme. _Glosa._ ¶ Whan şat theodoric şe kyng of 304
gothes in a dere [gh]ere hadde hys gerners ful of corne
{and} comaundede şat no ma{n} ne schold[e] bie no corne
til his corne were solde {and} şat at a dere greuous pris.
¶ But I w{i}t{h}stod şat ordinaunce {and} ouer-com it 308
knowy{n}g al şis şe kyng hym self. ¶ Coempciou{n} şat
is to seyn comune achat or bying to-gidere şat were
establissed vpon poeple by swiche a manere imposiciou{n}
as who so bou[gh]t[e] a busshel corn he most[e] [gh]eue şe 312
ky{n}g şe fifte p{ar}t. _Textus._
[Sidenote: I opposed successfully Coemption in Campania.]
¶ Whan it was in şe
soure hungry tyme şere was establissed or cried greuous
{and} inplitable coempciou{n} şat men seyn wel it schulde
greetly to{ur}me{n}tyn {and} endamagen al şe p{ro}uince of 316
co{m}paigne I took strif a[gh]eins şe p{ro}uost of şe pretorie
for comune p{ro}fit. ¶ And şe kyng knowyng of it I
ouercom it so şat şe coempciou{n} ne was not axed ne
took effect.
[Sidenote: I saved Paulinus out of the hands of the hounds of the
palace (_Palatini canes_).]
¶ Paulyn a counseiller of Rome şe rychesse 320
of şe whyche paulyn şe houndys of şe palays. şat is to
seyn şe officeres wolde han deuoured by hope {and}
couetise ¶ [Gh]it drow I hym out of şe Iowes .s. faucib{us}
of hem şat gapede{n}.
[Sidenote: I defended Albinus against Cyprian.]
¶ And for as myche as şe peyne 324
of şe accusac{i}ou{n} aiuged byforn ne scholde not sodeynly
henten ne punischen wrongfuly Albyn a counseiller of
Rome. I put[te] me a[gh]enis şe hates
{and} indignac{i}ou{n}s [[pg 16]]
of şe accuso{ur} Ciprian. ¶ Is it not şan ynought yseyn 328
şat I haue p{ur}chased greet[e] discordes a[gh]eins my self.
[Sidenote: For the love of justice I forfeited all favour at
Court.]
but I aughte be more asseured a[gh]enis alle oşer folk şat
for şe loue of ry[gh]twisnesse .I. ne reserued[e] neuer no
şing to my self to hem ward of şe kynges halle .s. officers. 332
by şe whiche I were şe more syker. ¶ But şoru[gh] şe
same accuso{ur}s accusyng I am co{n}dempned.
[Linenotes:
300 _drow_--MS. drowe, C. weth drowh
_[gh]itte_--yit
_wrong_--wronge
301 _rychesse_--richesses
_şe_ (2)--omitted
302 _harmed eyşer_--harmyd or amenused owther
303 _tributis_--tribut[gh]
_suffred[e]_--suffreden
304 _harme_--harm
305 _[gh]ere_--yer
_hys_--hise
305, 306, 307 _corne_--corn
306 _schold[e] bie_--sholde byen
308 _But I withstod_--Boece withstood (MS. withstode)
_com_--MS. come, C. com
311 _swiche_--swich
312 _bou[gh]t[e]_--bowhte
_busshel_--bossel
_most[e] [gh]eue_--moste yeue
315 _inplitable_--vnplitable
_seyn_--sayen
319 _ouercom_--MS. ouercome, C. ouer com
320 _counseiller_--consoler
_rychesse_--rychesses
321 _whyche_--which
322 _wolde_--wolden
323 _drow_--MS. drowe, C. drowh
324 _myche_--moche
326 _punischen_--punisse
327 _putt[e]_--putte
328 _yseyn_--MS. yseyne
329 _greet[e]_--grete
330 _aughte be_--owhte be the
_oşer_--oothre
333 _by şe whiche_--by which
_şoru[gh] şe_--thorw tho]
[Headnote:
THE ACCUSERS OF BOETHIUS.]
[Sidenote: Boethius makes mention of his accusers, Basilius,
Opilio, Gaudentius, men who had been commanded to leave the city
on account of their many crimes.]
¶ Of şe noumbre of whiche accuso{ur}s one basilius şat somtyme
was chased out of şe kynges seruice. is now co{m}pelled 336
i{n} accusyng of my name for nede of foreine
moneye. ¶ Also opilion {and} Gaudenci{us} han accused
me. al be it so şat şe Iustice regal hadde su{m}tyme demed
hem boşe to go in to exil. for her treccheries {and} fraudes 340
wiş-outen noumbre. ¶ To whiche iugement şei wolde
not obeye. but defended[e] hem by sykernesse of holy
houses.
[Sidenote: [* fol. 6.]]
*şat is to seyne fledden in to seyntuaries. {and}
whan şis was ap{er}ceiued to şe kyng. he comaunded[e] 344
but şat şei voided[e] şe citee of Rauenne by certeyne
day assigned şat men scholde merken hem on şe forheued
wiş an hoke of iren {and} chasen hem out of toune.
¶ Now what şing semeş şe my[gh]t[e] be lykned to şis 348
cruelte.
[Sidenote: But, on the day this sentence was to be executed, they
accused him, and their testimony against him was accepted.]
For certys şilk same day was receyued şe accusyng
of my name by şilk[e] same accuso{ur}s. ¶ What
may be seid herto. haş my studie {and} my konnyng
deserued şus. or ellys şe forseide dampnaciou{n} of me. 352
made şat hem ry[gh]tful accuso{ur}s or no (q.d. no{n}).
[Sidenote: Fortune, if not ashamed at this, might at least blush
for the baseness of the accusers.]
¶ Was not fortune asshamed of şis. [Certes alle hadde
nat fortune ben asshamyd] şat i{n}nocence was accused. 355
[gh]it au[gh]t[e] sche haue had schame of şe filşe of myn accuso{ur}s.
[Linenotes:
335 _whiche_--the whiche
_one_--oon
_somtyme_--whilom
339 _sumtyme_--whilon
340 _go_--gon
_her_--hir
341 _wiş-outen_--withowte
_wolde not_--nolden nat
342 _defended[e]_--defendedyn
_by_--by the
343 _seyne_--seyn
_seyntuaries_--sentuarye
344 _was_--omitted
_comaunded[e]_--comaundede
345 _voided[e]_--voidede
_certeyne_--certeyn
346 _men_--me
_merken_--marke
347 _hoke of iren_--hoot yren
348 _şe_--omitted
_my[gh]t[e] be_--myhte ben
349 _şilk_--thilke
350 _şilk[e]_--thilke
351 _be_--ben
_seid_--MS. seide, C. seyd
_haş_--MS. haşe
354, 355 [_Certes----asshamyd_]--from C.
356 _au[gh]t[e]_--owte
_haue had_--han had, MS. hadde]
[[pg 17]]
[Headnote:
THE ACCUSATIONS AGAINST BOETHIUS.]
¶ But axest şou in so{m}me of what gilt .I.
am accused.
[Sidenote: Boethius says he is accused of trying to save the
Senate, and of having embarrassed an informer against the Senate.]
men seyne şat I wolde sauen şe co{m}paignie
of şe senato{ur}s. ¶ And desirest şou to here
in what manere .I. am accused şat I scholde han distourbed 360
şe accuso{ur} to beren l{ett}res. by whiche he
scholde han maked şe senatours gilty a[gh]eins şe kynges
Real maieste. ¶ O meistresse what demest şou of
şis. schal .I. forsake şis blame şat I ne be no schame to 364
şe (q. d. no{n}).
[Sidenote: It is true that he tried to save the Senate, for he has
and will have its best interests always at heart.]
¶ Certis .I. haue wold it. şat is to
seyne şe sauuaciou{n} of şe senat. ne I schal neuer leten
to wilne it. {and} şat I confesse {and} am a-knowe. but
şe entent of şe accusour to be destourbed schal cese. 368
¶ For schal I clepe it a felonie şan or a synne şat I
haue desired şe sauuaciou{n} of şe ordre of şe senat.
and certys [gh]it hadde şilk same senat don by me şoru[gh]
her decret[gh] {and} hire iugementys as şou[gh] it were a synne 372
or a felonie şat is to seyne to wilne şe sauuaciou{n} of
he{m} (.s senat{us}).
[Sidenote: (Folly cannot change the merit of things.]
¶ But folye şat lieth alwey to hym
self may not chaunge şe merit of şinges.
[Sidenote: According to Socrates' judgment it is not lawful to
hide the truth nor assent to a falsehood.)]
¶ Ne .I.
trowe not by şe iugement of socrates ş{a}t it were leueful 376
to me to hide şe soşe. ne assent[e] to lesynges.
¶ But certys how so euer it be of şis I put[te] it to gessen
or p{re}ise{n} to şe iugeme{n}t of şe {and} of wise folk. ¶ Of
whiche şing al şe ordinaunce {and} şe soşe for as moche 380
as folk şat ben to comen aftir our{e} dayes scholle{n}
knowen it.
[Sidenote: Boethius determines to transmit an account of his
prosecution to posterity.]
¶ I haue put it in scripture {and} remembraunce.
for touching şe l{ett}res falsly maked. by
whiche l{ett}res I am accused to han hooped şe fredom of 384
Rome. What app{er}teneş me to speken şer-of.
[Sidenote: Boethius says that he could have defeated his accusers
had he been allowed the use of their confessions.]
Of whiche l{ett}res şe fraude hadde ben schewed ap{er}tly if
I hadde had libertee forto han vsed {and} ben at şe [[pg 18]]
co{n}fessiou{n} of myn accuso{ur}s. ¶ Şe whiche şing in 388
alle nedys haş grete strenkeş. ¶ For what oş{er} fredo{m}
may men hopen.
[Sidenote: But there is now no remains of liberty to be hoped
for.]
Certys I wolde şat some oş{er} fredom
my[gh]t[e] be hoped. ¶ I wolde şan haue answered by
şe wordes of a man şat hy[gh]t[e] Canius. for whan he was 392
accused by Gayus Cesar Germeins son şat he (cani{us})
was knowyng {and} consentyng of a coniurac{i}ou{n} maked
a[gh]eins hym (.s. Gai{us}). ¶ Şis Canius answered[e]
şus. ¶ Yif I had[de] wist it şou haddest not wist it. 396
[Linenotes:
357 _axest şou_--axestow
358 _seyne_--seyn
_sauen_--saue
359 _desirest şou_--desires thow
_here_--hereen
362 _maked_--MS. maken, C. makyd
363 _demest şou_--demestow
365 _wold_--MS. wolde, C. wold
366 _seyne_--seyn
367 _şat_--omitted
_am_--I am
368 _be_--ben
369 _it_--it thanne
_şan_--omitted
371 _şilk_--thilke
372 _her_--hir
_hire_--hir
_şou[gh]_--thogh
373 _or_--and
_seyne_--seyn
374 _lieth_--MS. lieşe, C. lieth
377 _assent[e]_--assente
381 _schollen_--shellen
382 {and}--{and} in
385 _speken_--speke
385-86 _of----lettres_--C. omits
386 _if_--yif
387 _had_--MS. hade, C. had
388 _myn_--myne
389 _haş_--MS. haşe, C. hath
_grete_--gret
_what_--omitted
390 _some_--som
391 _my[gh]t[e] be_--myhte ben
_şan haue_--thanne han
392 _hy[gh]t[e]_--hyhte
394 _maked_--ymaked
395 _answered[e]_--answerede
396 _had[de]_--hadde]
[Headnote:
BOETHIUS COMPLAINS TO PHILOSOPHY.]
[Sidenote: It is not strange that the wicked should conspire
against virtue.]
In whiche şing sorwe haş not so dulled my witte
ş{a}t I pleyne oonly şat schrewed[e] folk apparailen
folies a[gh]eins vertues. ¶ But I wondre gretly how şat
şei may p{er}forme şinges şat şei had[de] hoped forto 400
done.
[Sidenote: The will to do ill proceeds from the defects of human
nature.]
For why. to wylne schrewednesse şat comeş
p{ar}auenture of oure defaute. ¶ But it is lyke to a
monstre {and} a meruaille.
[Sidenote: It is a marvel how such evil acts can be done under the
eye of an Omniscient God.]
¶ How şat in şe p{re}se{n}t
sy[gh]t of god may ben acheued {and} p{er}formed swiche 404
şinges. as euery felonous man haş conceyued in hys
şou[gh]t a[gh]eins i{n}nocent. ¶ For whiche şing oon of şi
familers not vnskilfully axed şus.
[Sidenote: If there be a God, whence proceeds evil? If there is
none, whence arises good?]
¶ [Gh]if god is. whennes
comen wikked[e] şinges. {and} yif god ne is whennes 408
comen goode şinges. but al hadde it ben leueful şat
felonous folk şat now desiren şe bloode {and} şe deeş of
alle goode men. {and} eke of al şe senat han wilned to
gone destroien me. whom şei han seyn alwey bataile{n} 412
{and} defenden goode men {and} eke al şe senat. [Gh]it
hadde I not desserued of şe fadres. şat is to seyne of
şe senatours şat şei scholde wilne my destrucc{i}ou{n}.
[Sidenote: Boethius defends the integrity of his life.]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 6 _b_.]]
¶ Şou remembrest wele as I gesse şat whan I wolde [[pg 19]]
don or *seyn any şing. şou şi self alwey p{re}sent reweledest me. 417
[Sidenote: He defended the Senate at Verona.]
¶ At şe citee of verone wha{n} şat şe
kyng gredy of comune slau[gh]ter. caste hym to t{ra}nsporten
vpon al şe ordre of şe senat. şe gilt of his real 420
maieste of şe whiche gilt şat albyn was accused. wiş
how grete sykernesse of p{er}il to me defended[e] I al
şe senat.
[Sidenote: He spake only the truth, and did not boast.]
¶ Şou wost wel şat I seide soşe. ne I
auaunted[e] me neuer in preysyng of my self. 424
[Sidenote: (Boasting lessens the pleasure of a self approving
conscience.)]
¶ For
alwey when any wy[gh]t resceiueş p{re}ciouse renou{n} in
auauntyng hym self of hys werkes: he amenusiş şe
secre of hys conscience. ¶ But now şou mayst wel
seen to what ende I am comen for myne i{n}nocence. 428
[Linenotes:
397 _whiche_--which
_sorwe_--sorw
_haş_--MS. haşe
_witte_--wit
398 _schrewed[e]_--shrewede
399 _folies_--felonies
_vertues_--vertu
400 _had[de]_--han
401 _done_--don
_comeş_--comth
402 _lyke to a_--lyk a
404 _sy[gh]t_--syhte
405 _haş_--MS. haşe
406 _innocent_--innocent[gh]
_whiche_--which
408 _wikked[e]_--wykkede
410 _bloode_--blod
411 _eke_--ek
412 _gone_--gon {and}
_seyn_--seyen
413 _eke_--ek
414 _seyne_--seyn
415 _scholde_--sholden
416 _wele_--wel
417 _don_--MS. done, C. doon
_seyn_--seyen
418 _şe_ (1)--omitted
419 _slau[gh]ter_--slawhtre
420 _transporten vpon_--transpor vp
422 _grete_--gret
_defended[e]_--deffendede
423 _seide soşe_--seye soth
424 _auaunted[e]_--auauntede
425 _when_--whan
_preciouse_--presious]
[Headnote:
OF HIS FALSE ACCUSERS.]
[Sidenote: But as the reward of his innocence he is made to suffer
the punishment due to the blackest crime.]
I receiue peyne of fals felonie in gerdou{n} of verray
vertue. ¶ And what open co{n}fessiou{n} of felonie
had[de] euer iugis so accordaunt i{n} cruelte. şat is to
seyne as myne accusyng haş. ¶ Şat oşer errour of 432
mans witte or ellys co{n}diciou{n} of fortune şat is vncerteyne
to al mortal folk ne submytted[e] su{m}me of he{m}. şat is
to seyne şat it ne cheyned[e] su{m}me iuge to han pitee
or compassiou{n}. 436
[Sidenote: Had he been accused of a design to burn temples,
massacre priests, he would have been allowed to confront his
accusers.]
¶ For al şou[gh] I had[de] ben accused
şat I wolde brenne holy houses. {and} strangle p{re}stys
wiş wicked swerde. ¶ or şat .I. had[de] grayşed deeş
to alle goode men algatis şe sentence scholde han
punysched me p{re}sent confessed or co{n}uict.
[Sidenote: But now this is denied him, and he is proscribed and
condemned to death.]
¶ But 440
now I am remewed fro şe Citee of rome almost fyue-hundreş
şousand pas. I am wiş outen defence dampned
to p{ro}sc{ri}pciou{n} {and} to şe deeş. for şe studie {and}
bountees şat I haue done to şe senat. ¶ But o wel ben 444
şei worşi of mercye (as who seiş nay.) şer my[gh]t[e] neuer
[gh]it non of hem ben conuicte. Of swiche a blame as [[pg 20]]
myn is of swiche t{r}espas myn accuso{ur}s seyen ful wel şe dignitee.
[Linenotes:
429 _in_--for
430 _vertue_--vertu
431 _had[de]_--hadde
432 _seyne_--seyn
_myne_--myn
_haş_--MS. haşe
433 _witte_--wit
_vncerteyne_--vncerteyn
434 _al_--alle
_submytted[e]_--submittede
435 _seyne_--seyn
_cheyned[e]_--enclinede
436 _had[de]_--hadde
438 _wicked_--wykkede
_had[de]_--hadde
441 _almost_--almest
442 _şousand_--MS. şousas
_wiş outen_--withowte
444 _done_--doon
445 _my[gh]t[e]_--myhte
446 _ben_--be
_swiche_--swich
447 _myn_ (_both_)--myne
_swiche_--whiche
_seyen_--sayen]
[Headnote:
BOETHIUS ACCUSED OF SORCERY.]
[Sidenote: Boethius says that his enemies accused him of sorcery.]
şe wiche dignite for şei wolde derken it 448
wiş medelyng of some felonye. şei beren me on honde
{and} lieden. şat I hadde polute {and} defouled my conscience
wiş sacrelege. for couetise of dignite. ¶ And
certys şou şi self şat art plaunted in me chacedest oute 452
şe sege of my corage al couetise of mortal şinges. ne
sacrilege ne had[de] no leue to han a place in me byforne
şine eyen.
[Sidenote: He affirms that he has always followed the golden maxim
of Pythagoras,-- #hepou Theô#.]
¶ For şou drouppedest euery day in myn
eer{e}s {and} in my şou[gh]t şilk comaundement of pictogoras. 456
şat is to seyne men schal seruen to god. {and} not to
goddes. ¶ Ne it was no couenaunt ne no nede to
taken helpe of şe foulest spirites. ¶ I şat şou hast
ordeyned or set in syche excellence ş{a}t [şou] makedest 460
me lyke to god. and ouer şis şe ry[gh]t clene secre
chaumbre of myn house.
[Sidenote: His family and friends could clear him from all
suspicion of the crime of sorcery.]
şat is to seye my wijf {and} şe
co{m}paignie of myn honeste frendis. {and} my wyues
fadir as wel holy as worşi to ben reuerenced şoru[gh] 464
hys owen dedis. defenden me of al suspecciou{n} of syche
blame. ¶ But o malice. ¶ For şei şat accusen me
taken of şe philosophie feişe of so grete blame.
[Sidenote: Because he has given himself up to Philosophy, his
enemies accuse him of using unlawful arts.]
¶ For 467
şei trowen şat .I. haue had affinite to malyfice or
enchau{n}tement[gh]
by cause şat I am replenissed {and} fulfilled
wiş şi techynges. {and} enformed of şi maners.
¶ And şus it sufficeş not only şat şi reuerence ne auayle
me not. but [gh]if şat şou of şi fre wille raşer be blemissed 472
wiş myne offensiou{n}. ¶ But certys to şe harmes şat I
haue şere bytydeş [gh]it şis encrece of harme.
[Linenotes:
448 _wolde_--wolden
449 _some_--som
_beren_--baren
_on honde_--an hand
450 _polute_--polut
451 _sacrelege_--C. _has_ sorcerie _as a gloss to_ sacrilege
453 _al_--alle
454 _had[de]_--hadde
_byforne_--byforn
455 _drouppedest_--droppedest
_myn_--myne
456 _şilk_--thilke
457 _seyne_--seyn
_seruen_--serue
_god_--godde
459 _helpe_--help
_spirites_--spirite
460 _set_--MS. sette, C. set
_syche_--swiche
[_şou_]--thow
461 _lyke_--lyk
462 _house_--hows
_seye_--seyn
463 _myn_--my
465 _owen_--owne
_of al_--from alle
_syche_--swich
467 _philosophie_--philosophre
_feişe_--feyth
_grete_--gret
468 _had_--MS. hadde, C. had
473 _myne_--myn
474 _şere_--ther
_harme_--harm]
[[pg 21]]
[Headnote:
BOETHIUS DEPLORES THE POPULAR CENSURE.]
şat şe gessinge {and} şe iugement of myche folk ne loken no
şing to şe[de]sertys of şinges but only to şe aue{n}t{ur}e 476
of fortune.
[Sidenote: Most people imagine that that only should be judged to
be undertaken with prudent foresight which is crowned with
success.]
¶ And iugen şat only swiche şinges ben
p{ur}ueied of god. whiche şat temporel welefulnesse
co{m}mendiş. _Glosa._ ¶ As şus şat yif a wy[gh]t haue
prosperite. he is a good man {and} worşi to haue şat 480
p{ro}sperite.
[Sidenote: The unfortunate lose the good opinion of the world.]
and who so haş aduersite he is a wikked
man. {and} god haş forsake hym. {and} he is worşi to
haue şat aduersite. ¶ Şis is şe opiniou{n} of so{m}me
folke.
[Sidenote: [* Text begins again.]]
*{and} şer of comeş şat good gessyng. ¶ Fyrste of 484
al şi{n}g forsakeş wrecches certys it greueş me to şink[e]
ry[gh]t now şe dyuerse sentences şat şe poeple seiş of
me. ¶ And şus moche I seye şat şe laste charge of
contrarious fortune is şis.
[Sidenote: [* fol. 7.]]
*şat whan şat ony blame is 488
laid vpon a caytif. men wenen şat he haş deserued şat
he suffreş.
[Sidenote: Boethius laments the loss of his dignities and
reputation.]
¶ And I şat am put awey fro{m} goode men
{and} despoiled from dignitees {and} defoulid of my name
by gessyng haue suffred torment for my goode dedis. 492
[Sidenote: The wicked, he says, sin with impunity, while the
innocent are deprived of security, protection, and defence.]
¶ Certys me semeş şat I se şe felonus couines of
wikked men abounden in ioie {and} in gladnes. ¶ And
I se şat euery lorel shapiş hy{m} to fynde oute newe
fraudes forto accusen goode folke. and I se şat goode 496
men ben ou{er}şrowen for drede of my p{er}il. ¶ and
euery luxurious to{ur}mentour dar don alle felonie vnpunissed
{and} ben excited şerto by [gh]iftes. and i{n}nocent[gh]
ne ben not oonly despoiled of sykernesse but of defence 500
{and} şerfore me list to crien to god in şis manere.
[Linenotes:
475 _myche_--moche
476 _şe[de]sertys_--the desert[gh]
479 _Glosa_--glose
480 _good_--MS. goode, C. good
_haue_--han
481 _so_--omitted in C.
481, 482 _haş_--MS. haşe
483 _haue_--han
484 _Fyrste_--fyrst
485 _al_--alle
_şink[e]_--thinke
488 _ony_--any
489 _laid_--MS. laide, C. leyd
_haş_--MS. haşe
490 _put_--MS. putte, C. put
491 _from_--of
494 _abounden_--habownden
_gladnes_--gladnesse
495 _oute_--owt
496 _accusen_--accuse
497 _ben_--beth
501 _manere_--wise]
[Headnote:
THE CRUEL CHANGES OF FORTUNE]
O STELLIFERI CONDITOR ORBIS.
[Sidenote: [The fifthe met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: Author of the starry sky, Thou, seated on high, turnest
the spheres, and imposest laws upon the stars and planets.]
++O şou maker of şe whele şat bereş şe sterres. whiche
şat art fastned to şi p{er}durable chayere. {and}
turnest şe heuene wiş a rauyssyng sweigh{e}
{and} {con}streinest [[pg 22]]
şe sterres to suffren şi lawe. ¶ So ş{a}t şe 505
mone somtyme schynyng wiş hir ful hornes metyng
wiş alle şe bemes of şe sonne.
[Sidenote: The sun obscures the lesser lights, and quenches even
the moon's light.]
¶ Hir broşer hideş şe
sterres şat ben lasse. {and} somtyme whan şe mone 508
pale wiş hir derke hornes approcheş şe sonne. leesith
hir ly[gh]tes.
[Sidenote: Thou raisest Hesperus to usher in the shades of night,
and again causest him to be the harbinger of day, whence his name
Lucifer.]
¶ And şat şe euesterre esperus whiche
şat in şe first[e] tyme of şe ny[gh]t bryngeş furşe hir
colde arysynges comeş eft a[gh]eynes hir vsed cours. {and} 512
is pale by şe morwe at şe rysynge of şe sonne. and is
şan cleped lucifer. ¶ Şou restreinest şe day by schorter
dwellyng in şe tyme of colde wynter şat makeş şe
leues to falle. ¶ Şou diuidest şe swifte tides of şe 516
ny[gh]t when şe hote somer is comen.
[Sidenote: Thou controllest the changing seasons of the year.]
¶ Şi my[gh]t attempre[ş]
şo variau{n}t[gh] sesons of şe [gh]ere. so şat
[gh]epherus şe deboneire wynde bringeş a[gh]ein in şe first[e]
somer sesou{n} şe leues şat şe wynde şat hy[gh]t[e] boreas 520
haş reft awey in autu{m}pne. şat is to seyne in şe laste
eende of somer. and şe sedes şat şe sterre şat hy[gh]t arctur{us}
saw ben waxen hey[e] cornes whan şe sterre
sirius eschaufeş hym. 524
[Sidenote: All nature is bound by thy eternal law.]
¶ Şere nis no şing vnbounde
from hys olde lawe ne forleteş hym of hys p{ro}pre estat.
[Linenotes:
502 _whele_--whel
_whiche_--which
503 _fastned_--yfastned
_chayere_--chayer
504 _sweighe_--sweyh
_constreinest_, MS. contreuiest, C. constreynest
506 _hir_--her{e}
508 _lasse_--lesse
510 _esperus whiche_--hesperus which
511 _first[e]_--fyrste
_furşe_--forth
512 _eft_--est
514 _restreinest_--MS. restreniest
516 _to_--omitted
518 _attempre[ş] şo_--atempreth the
_sesons_--sesoun
_[gh]ere_--yer
519 _wynde bringeş_--wynd brengeth
520 _wynde_--wynd
_hy[gh]t[e]_--hihte
521 _reft_--MS. refte, C. reft
_seyne_--seyn
522 _hy[gh]t_--hihte
_arcturus_--MS. aritur{us}
523 _saw_--MS. saweş, C. sawgh
_hey[e]_--hyye
524 _hym_--hem
_şere_--ther
_şing_--thinge
525 _from_--fram
_forleteş hym of_--forleetheth şe werke of]
[Headnote:
CONTRASTED WITH THE ORDER OF NATURE.]
[Sidenote: Why, then, leavest thou man's actions uncontrolled?]
¶ O şou gouerno{ur} gouernyng alle şinges by certeyne
ende. why refusest şou oonly to gouerne şe werkes of
men by dewe manere.
[Sidenote: Why should fickle fortune be allowed to work such
mighty changes in the world?]
¶ Whi suffrest ş{o}u şat slidyng 528
fortune turneş to grete vtter chaungynges of şinges.
so şat anoious peyne şat scholde duelly punissh{e} felouns
punissit[gh] innocent[gh].
[Sidenote: The wicked are prosperous, while the righteous are in
adversity.]
¶ And folk of wikked[e]
man{er}es sitten in hei[gh]e chaiers. {and} anoienge folk 532
treden {and} şat vnry[gh]tfully in şe nekkes of holy men. [[pg 23]]
¶ And vertue clere {and} schynyng naturely is hid in
dirke dirkenesses. {and} şe ry[gh]tful man beriş şe blame
{and} şe peyne of şe felowne. ¶ Ne şe forsweryng ne 536
şe fraude couered {and} kembd wiş a fals colo{ur} ne
a-noyeş not to schrewes. ¶ Şe whiche schrewes whan
hem lyst to vsen her strengşe şei reioisen hem to
putte{n} vndir hem şe souerayne kynges. whiche ş{a}t 540
poeple wiş[outen] noumbre dreden.
[Sidenote: O thou that bindest the disagreeing elements, look upon
this wretched earth, and, as thou dost govern the spacious
heavens, so let the earth be firmly bound.]
¶ O şou what so
euer şou be şat knyttes[t] alle bondes of şinges loke
on şise wrecched[e] erşes. we men şat ben nat a
foule party but a faire party of so grete a werke we 544
ben turmentid in şe see of fortune. ¶ Şou gouerno{ur}
wişdraw {and} restreyne şe rauyssinge flodes {and} fastne
{and} forme şise erşes stable wiş şilke [bonde] wiş
whiche şou gouernest şe heuene şat is so large. 548
[Linenotes:
527 _refusest şou_--refowsestow
529 _to----şinges_--so grete entrechaunginges of thynges
531 _punissit[gh]_--punysshe
_wikked[e]_--wykkede
532 _hei[gh]e_--heer{e}
533 _in_--oon
534 {and}--omitted
536 _Ne şe forsweryng_--Ne forswerynge
537 _kembd_--MS. kembde, C. kembd
541 _wiş[outen]_--withhowtyn
542 _knyttes[t]_--knyttest
543 _wrecched[e]_--wrecchede
544 _a_ (2)--omitted
545 _şe_--this
546 _wişdraw_--MS. wişdrawe, C. withdrawh
_şe_--thei
547 _forme_--ferme
[_bonde_]--from C.
_wiş_--by]
[Headnote:
PHILOSOPHY CONSOLES BOETHIUS,]
HIC UBI CONTINUATO DOLORE.
[Sidenote: [The fyfthe p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: Philosophy consoles Boethius.]
++Whan I hadde wiş a continuel sorwe sobbed or
broken out şise şinges sche wiş hir chere peisible
{and} no şi{n}g amoeued. wiş my compleyntes seide ş{us}.
whan I say şe q{uod} sche sorweful {and} wepyng I wist[e] 552
on-one şat şou were a wrecche {and} exiled. but I
wist[e] neuer how fer şine exile was: [gh]if şi tale ne
hadde schewed it to me. but certys al be şou fer fro şi
contre.
[Sidenote: [* fol. 7 _b_.]]
şou nart *nat put out of it. but şou hast 556
fayled of şi weye {and} gon amys.
[Sidenote: She speaks to him of his country.]
¶ and yif şou hast
leuer forto wene şan şou be put out of şi contre. şan
hast şou put oute şi self raşer şen ony oşer wy[gh]t haş.
[Linenotes:
550 _broken_--borken
552 _wist[e]_--wyste
553 _on-one_--anon
554 _wist[e]_--wyste
_fer_--ferr{e}
555 _ne hadde_--nadde
557 _gon_--MS. gone, C. gon
558 _leuer_--leuer{e}
558, 559 _put_--MS. putte, C. put
559 _haş_--MS. haşe]
[Headnote:
AND PROPOSES TO ADMINISTER REMEDIES.]
¶ For no wy[gh]t but şi self ne my[gh]t[e] neuer haue don 560
şat to şe. [[pg 24]]
[Sidenote: She reminds him that he is a citizen of a country not
governed by a giddy multitude, but #heis koiranos estin, heis
basileus#.]
¶ For [gh]if şou remembre of what contre şou
art born. it nis not gou{er}ned by emp{er}oures. ne by
gouernement of multitude. as weren şe contres of hem
of athenes. ¶ But o lorde {and} o kyng {and} şat is god 564
şat is lorde of şi contree. whiche şat reioiseş hym of
şe dwellyng of hys Cite[gh]enis. {and} not forto putte hem
in exile. Of şe whiche lorde it is a souerayne fredom
to be gouerned by şe bridel of hym and obeie to his 568
iustice.
[Sidenote: The Commonwealth of Boethius.]
¶ Hast şou for[gh]eten şilke ry[gh]t olde lawe of şi
Citee. in şe whiche Citee it is ordeyned {and} establissed
şat what wy[gh]t şat haş leuer founden şer i{n}ne hys sete
or hys house. şen ellys where: he may not be exiled 572
by no ry[gh]t fro şat place. ¶ For who so şat is co{n}tened
in-wiş şe paleis [{and} the clos] of şilke Citee. şer nis
no drede şat he may deserue to ben exiled. ¶ But
who şat letteş şe wille forto enhabit[e] şere. he forleteş 576
also to deserue to ben Cite[gh]ein of şilke Citee.
[Sidenote: Philosophy says she is moved more by the looks of
Boethius than by his gloomy prison.]
¶ So şat I seye şat şe face of şis place ne amoeueş me
nat so myche as şine owen face. Ne .I. ne axe not
raşer şe walles of şi librarie apparailled {and} wrou[gh]t 580
wiş yvory {and} wiş glas şan after şe sete of şi şou[gh]t.
[Sidenote: Books are to be valued on account of the _thoughts_
they contain.]
In whiche I putte nat somtyme bookes. but .I. putte
şat şat makeş bookes worşi of p{ri}s or p{re}cious şat is
to sein şe sentence of my books. ¶ {And} certeinly of 584
şi dec{er}tes by-stowed in co{m}mune good. şou hast seid
soşe but after şe multitude of şi goode dedys. şou hast
seid fewe. {and} of şe vnhonestee or falsnesse of şinges
şat ben opposed a[gh]eins şe. şou hast remembred şinges 588
şat be{n} knowe to alle folk.
[Sidenote: Boethius has rightfully and briefly recounted the
frauds of his accusers.]
and of şe felonies {and}
fraudes of şine accuso{ur}s. it semeş şe haue I-touched
it forsoşe ry[gh]tfully {and} schortly. ¶ Al my[gh]ten şo
same şinges bettere {and} more plentiuousely be couth [[pg 25]]
in şe mouşe of şe poeple ş{a}t knoweş al şis. ¶ Şou 593
hast eke blamed gretly {and} compleyned of şe wrongful
dede of şe senat. ¶ And şou hast sorwed for my
blame.
[Sidenote: Thou hast, said Philosophy, bewailed the loss of thy
good name, thou hast complained against Fortune, and against the
unequal distribution of rewards and punishments.]
{and} şou hast wepen for şe damage of şi renoune 596
şat is appaired. {and} şi laste sorwe eschaufed
a[gh]eins fortune {and} co{m}pleinest şat gerdou{n}s ne ben not
euenliche [gh]olde to şe desertes of folk. {and} in şe l{att}re
ende of şi woode muse şou p{r}iedest ş{a}t şilke pees şat 600
gouerneş şe heuene scholde gou{er}ne şe erşe ¶ But
for şat many tribulac{i}ou{n}s of affecc{i}ou{n}s han assailed
şe. {and} sorwe {and} Ire {and} wepyng todrawen şee
dyuersely
[Sidenote: Strong medicines are not proper for thee now,
distracted by grief, anger, and sadness.]
¶ As şou art now feble of şou[gh]t. my[gh]tyer 604
remedies ne schullen not [gh]it touchen şe for whiche
we wil[e] vsen somedel ly[gh]ter medicines.
[Sidenote: Light medicines must prepare thee for sharper
remedies.]
So şat şilk[e]
passiou{n}s şat ben woxen harde in swellyng by p{er}turbac{i}ou{n}
folowyng in to şi şou[gh]t mowen woxe esy 608
{and} softe to receyue{n} şe strenkeş of a more my[gh]ty {and}
more egre medicine by an esier touchyng.
[Linenotes:
560 _my[gh]t[e]_--myhte
_haue_--han
_don_--MS. done, C. don
562 _born_--MS. borne, C. born
566 _hys_--hise
_putte_--put
568 _be_--ben
571 _haş_--MS. haşe
572 _house_--hows
574 [_and----clos_]--from C.
576 _wille_--wyl
_enhabit[e]_--enhabyte
578 _seye_--sey
_amoeueş_--moueth
579 _myche_--mochel
_owen_--owne
_ne_ (2)--omitted
582 _putte_ (_both_)--put
_somtyme_--whilom
585 _decertes_--desertes
_seid_--MS. seide, C. seyde
586 _soşe_--soth
587 _seid_--MS. seide, C. seyd
588 _opposed_--aposyd
599 _knowe_--knowyn
592 _be couth_--MS. be couth{e}, C. ben cowth
596 _wepen_--wopen
597 _laste_--last
_eschaufed_--eschaufede
598 _not_--omitted
599 _[gh]olde_--yolden
602 _many_--manye
604 _my[gh]tyer_--myhtyer{e}
605 _whiche_--which
606 _wil[e]_--wol
_ly[gh]ter_--lyhter{e}
_şilk[e]_--thilke
607 _harde_--hard
608 _folowyng_--Flowyng
_woxe_--wexen
610 _esier_--esyer{e}]
[Headnote:
PHILOSOPHY QUESTIONS BOETHIUS.]
CU{M} PHEBI RADIIS G{RA}UE CA{N}C{R}I SID{US} ENESTUAT.
[Sidenote: [The sixte met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: He who sows his seed when the sun is in the Sign of
Cancer, must look for no produce.]
++Whan şat şe heuy sterre of şe cancre eschaufeş by
şe beme of pheb{us}. şat is to seyne whan şat pheb{us} 612
şe sonne is in şe signe of şe Cancre. Who so [gh]eueş
şan largely hys sedes to şe feldes şat refuse to receiuen
hem. lete hym gon bygyled of trust şat he
hadde to hys corn. to acorns or okes.
[Sidenote: Think not to ingather violets in the wintry and stormy
season.]
yif şou wilt 616
gadre violett[gh]. ne go şou not to şe purp{er} wode whan
şe felde chirkynge agriseş of colde by şe felnesse of
şe wynde şat hy[gh]t aquilon
[Sidenote: If you wish for wine in autumn let the tendrils of the
vine be free in the spring.]
Yif şou desirest or
¶ wolt vsen grapes ne seke şou nat wiş a gloto{n}us hande [[pg 26]]
to streine {and} p{re}sse şe stalkes of şe vine in şe first 621
somer sesou{n}. for bachus şe god of wyne haş raşer
[gh]euen his [gh]iftes to autu{m}pne şe latter ende of somer.
[Sidenote: To every work God assigns a proper time, nor suffers
anything to pass its bounds.]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 8.]]
¶ God tokeniş {and} assigneş *şe tymes. ablyng hem 624
to her p{ro}pre offices. ¶ Ne he ne suffreş not stoundes
whiche şat hym self haş deuided {and} co{n}streined to
be medeled to gidre
[Sidenote: Success does not await him who departs from the
appointed order of things.]
¶ And forşi he şat forleteş
certeyne ordinaunce of doynge by ou{er}şrowyng wey. 628
he ne haş no glade issue or ende of hys werkes.
[Linenotes:
612 _beme_--beemes
_seyne_--seyn
614 _hys_--hise
_refuse_--refusen
615 after _hem_ C. adds [s. corn]
_lete hym gon_ (MS. _gone_)--lat hym gon
616 _or_--of
_wilt gadre_--wolt gadery
618 _felde_--feeld
_felnesse_--felnesses
619 _hy[gh]t_--hyhte
620 _hande_--hond
622 _haş_--MS. haşe
625 _her propre_--heer{e} propres
_not_--nat the
626 _haş_--MS. haşe
627 _be medeled_--ben I-medled
628 _certeyne_--certeyn
629 _haş_--MS. haşe]
[Headnote:
DISCOVERS THE CAUSE OF HIS DISTEMPER.]
PRIMU{M} IGITUR PATERIS ROGACIONIB{US}.
[Sidenote: [The syxte p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: Philosophy proposes to question Boethius.]
++FIrst wolt şou suffre me to touche {and} assaie şe stat
of şi şou[gh]t by a fewe demaundes. so şat I may
vnderstonde what be şe manere of şi curac{i}ou{n}. ¶ Axe 632
me q{uod} .I. atte şi wille what şou wilt. {and} I schal
answer{e}.
[Sidenote: _P._ Is the world governed by Chance?]
¶ Şo saide sche şus. wheşer wenest şou q{uo}d
sche ş{a}t şis worlde be gouerned by foolisshe happes
{and} fortunes. or elles wenest şou şat şer be i{n} it any 636
gouerneme{n}t of resou{n}.
[Sidenote: _B._ By no means. The Creator presides over his own
works.]
Certes q{uod} .I. ne trowe not
in no manere şat so certeyne şinges scholde be moeued
by fortunouse fortune. but I wot wel şat god maker
{and} mayster is gouerno{ur} of şis werk.
[Sidenote: I shall never swerve from this opinion.]
Ne neuer nas 640
[gh]it day şat my[gh]t[e] putte me oute of şe soşenesse of
şat sentence.
[Sidenote: _P._ Yes! Thou didst say as much when thou didst
declare man alone to be destitute of divine care.]
¶ So is it q{uod} sche. for şe same şing
songe şou a lytel here byforne {and} byweyledest {and}
byweptest. şat only men weren put oute of şe cure of 644
god. ¶ For of alle oşer şinges şou ne doutest nat
şat şei nere gouerned by reso{n}.
[Sidenote: Still thou seemest to labour under some defect even in
this conviction.]
but how (.i. pape.).
I wondre gretly certes whi şat şou art seek. sişen şou
art put in to so holesom a sentence. but lat vs seken 648
depper. I coniecte şat şere lakkeş I not what. [[pg 27]]
[Sidenote: Tell me how the world is governed.]
but sey me şis. sişen şat şou ne doutest nat ş{a}t şis worlde
be gouerned by god ¶ wiş swycche gouernailes takest
şou hede şat it is gouerned.
[Sidenote: _B._ I do not thoroughly comprehend your question.]
¶ vnneş q{uod} .I. knowe 652
.I. şe sente{n}ce of şi q{ue}stiou{n}. so şat I ne may nat
[gh]it answeren to şi demaundes.
[Sidenote: _P._ I was not deceived, then, when I said there was
some defect in thy sentiment.]
¶ I nas nat deceiued
q{uod} sche şat şere ne faileş su{m}what. by whiche şe
maladie of p{er}turbac{i}ou{n} is crept in to şi şou[gh]t. so 656
as şe strengşe of şe paleys schynyng is open.
[Sidenote: Tell me what is the chief end of all things; and
whither all things tend.]
¶ But
seye me şis reme{m}brest şou ou[gh]t what is şe ende of
şi şinges. whider şat şe entenc{i}ou{n} of al kynde tendeş.
¶ I haue herd told it somtyme q{uod} .I. but drerynesse 660
haş dulled my memorie. ¶ Certys q{uod} sche
şou wost wel whe{n}nes şat alle şinges ben comen {and}
p{ro}ceded.
[Sidenote: _B._ God is the beginning of all things.]
I wot wel q{uod} .I. {and} ansewered[e] şat
god is şe bygynnyng of al.
[Sidenote: _P._ How, then, art thou ignorant of their end?]
¶ And how may şis be 664
q{uod} sche şat sişen ş{o}u knowest şe bygynnyng of
şinges. şat şou ne knowest not what is şe endyng of
şinges.
[Sidenote: But it is the nature of these perturbations (which thou
endurest) to unsettle men's minds.]
but swiche ben şe customes of p{er}turbac{i}ou{n}s.
{and} şis power şei han. şat şei may moeue a ma{n} fro 668
hys place. şat is to seyne from şe stablenes {and} p{er}fecc{i}ou{n}
of hys knowyng. but certys şei may not al
arace hym ne alyene hy{m} in al. ¶ But I wolde şat
şou woldest answere to şis.
[Sidenote: Dost thou remember that thou art a man?]
¶ Remembrest şou şat 672
şou art a man
[Sidenote: _B._ Certainly I do.]
¶ _Boice._ ¶ Whi scholde I nat remembre
şat q{uod} .I.
[Sidenote: _P._ What is man?]
_Philosophie._ ¶ Maiste şou not telle
me şan q{uod} sche what şing is a man.
[Sidenote: _B._ If you ask me whether I am a rational and mortal
creature, I know and confess I am.]
¶ Axest not
me q{uod} I. wheşir şat be a resonable best mortel. I 676
wot wel {and} I confesse wel şat I am it.
[Sidenote: _P._ But dost thou not know that thou art more than
this?]
¶ Wistest
şou neuer [gh]it şat şou were ony oşer şing q{uod} she.
[Linenotes:
630 _wolt şou_--woltow
_stat_--estat
633 _atte_--at
_wilt_--wolt
635 _worlde_--world
_foolisshe_--foolyssh
636 _fortunes_--fortunows
638 _scholde_--sholden
639 _wot_--MS. wote, C. woot
641 _my[gh]t[e] putte_--myhte put
644 _put_--MS. putte
645 _doutest_--dowtedest
646 _how_--owh
647 _seek sişen_--syk{e} syn
648 _put_--MS. putte, C. put
649 _depper_--depper{e}
_not what_--not ner{e} what
650 _sişen_--syn
_worlde_--world
651 _takest şou_--takestow
658 _seye_--sey
_remembrest şou_--remenbres thow
_ou[gh]t_--omitted
659 _al_--alle
660 _herd told_--MS. herde tolde
_herd told it_--herd yt toold
661 _haş_--MS. haşe
663 _proceded_--procedeth
_ansewered[e]_--answerede
664 _şe_--omitted
_al_--alle
665 _sişen_--syn
668 _fro_--owt of
669 _seyne from_--seyn fro
672 _Remembrest şou_--Remenbresthow
674 _Maiste şou_--Maysthow
675 _şan_--şanne
_şing_--thinge
_Axest_--Axestow
677 _Wistest şou_--wystesthow
678 _şing_--thinge]
[[pg 28]]
[Headnote:
BOETHIUS NEEDS LIGHT REMEDIES.]
[Sidenote: _B._ No.]
No q{uod} .I.
[Sidenote: _P._ Now I know the principal cause of thy distemper.]
now wot I q{uod} she oşer cause of şi
maladie {and} şat ry[gh]t grete ¶ Şou hast left forto 680
knowe şi self what şou art. şoru[gh] whiche I haue pleynelyche
knowen şe cause of şi maladie. or ellis şe
entre of recoueryng of şin hele.
[Sidenote: Thou hast lost the knowledge of thyself, thou knowest
not the end of things, and hast forgotten how the world is
governed.]
¶ Forwhy for şou
art co{n}founded wiş for[gh]etyng of şi self. forşi sorwest 684
şou şat şou art exiled of şi p{ro}pre goodes. ¶ And
for şou ne wost what is şe ende of şinges. for[şi] demest
[şou] şat felono{us} {and} wikked men ben my[gh]ty {and} weleful
for şou hast for[gh]eten by whiche gouernement[gh] şe worlde 688
is gouerned. ¶ Forşi wenest şou şat şise mutac{i}ou{n}s
of fortune fleten wiş oute{n} gouerno{ur}.
[Sidenote: These are not only great occasions of disease, but also
causes of death itself.]
şise ben grete
causes not oonly to maladie. but certes grete causes to
deeş
[Sidenote: I thank God that Reason hath not wholly deserted thee.]
¶ But I şanke şe auctour {and} şe makere of 692
heele şat nat{ur}e haş not al forleten şe.
[Sidenote: I have some hope of thy recovery since thou believest
that the world is under Divine Providence, for this small spark
shall produce vital heat.]
{and} I haue
g[r]ete norissinges of şi hele. {and} şat is şe soşe sentence
of gou{er}nau{n}ce of şe worlde.
[Sidenote: [* fol. 8 _b_.]]
şat şou byleuest
şat şe gou{er}nynge of it nis nat subgit ne vnderput 696
to şe folie *of şise happes auenterouses. but to şe
resou{n} of god ¶ And şer fore doute şe noşing.
For of şis litel spark şine heet of lijf schal shine.
[Sidenote: But as this is not the time for stronger remedies, and
because it is natural to embrace false opinions so soon as we have
laid aside the true, from whence arises a mist that darkens the
understanding, I shall endeavour therefore to dissipate these
vapours so that you may perceive the true light.]
¶ But
for as muche as it is not tyme [gh]itte of fastere remedies 700
¶ And şe nature of şou[gh]tes disseiued is şis şat as ofte
as şei casten aweye soşe opyniou{n}s: şei cloşen hem in
fals[e] opiniou{n}s. [of which{e} false opyniou{n}s] şe derknesse
of p{er}turbac{i}ou{n} wexeş vp. şat comfoundeş şe verray 704
insy[gh]t. {and} şat derkenes schal .I. say somwhat to
maken şi{n}ne {and} wayk by ly[gh]t {and} meenelyche remedies.
so şat after şat şe derknes of desseyuynge
desyrynges is don awey. şou mow[e] knowe şe schynyng 708
of verray ly[gh]t.
[Linenotes:
680 _hast left_--MS. haste lefte, C. hast left
681 _knowe_--knowen
_pleynelyche knowen_--pleynly fwonde [= founde]
684 _sorwest şou_--sorwistow
686 _for[şi] demest [şou]_--For thy demesthow
687 _wikked_--MS. wilked, C. wykkyd
688 _worlde_--world
689 _wenest şou_--wenestow
690 _outen_--owte
693 _haş_--MS. haşe
_al_--alle
694 _şi_--thin
696 _vnderput_--vndyrputte
697 _to_ (2)--omitted
698 _fore_--for
_noşing_--nothinge
699 _spark şine heet_--sparke thin hete
700 _muche_--meche
702 _aweye_--away
703 [_of----opyniouns_]--from C.
705 _insy[gh]t_--insyhte
_say_--assaye
706 _ly[gh]t_--lyhte
708 _don_--MS. don{e}
_mow[e]_--mowe]
[[pg 29]]
[Headnote:
HE IS NOT TO TAKE HIS LOSSES TO HEART.]
NUBIB{US} ATRIS CONDITA.
[Sidenote: [The seuende Metyr.]]
[Sidenote: Black clouds obscure the light of the stars.]
++ŞE sterres cou{er}ed wiş blak[e] cloudes ne mowen
geten a dou{n} no ly[gh]t.
[Sidenote: If the south wind renders the sea tempestuous, the
waves, fouled with mud, will lose their glassy clearness.]
[Gh]if şe trouble wy{n}de şat
hy[gh]t auster stormynge {and} walwy{n}g şe see medleş şe 712
heete şat is to seyne şe boylyng vp from şe botme
¶ Şe wawes ş{a}t somtyme weren clere as glas {and}
lyke to şe fair[e] bry[gh]t[e] dayes wişstant anon şe
sy[gh]tes of men. by şe filşe {and} ordure şat is resolued. 716
{and} şe fletyng streme şat royleş dou{n} dyuersely fro
hey[gh]e mou{n}taignes is arestid {and} resisted ofte tyme
by şe encountrynge of a stoon ş{a}t is dep{ar}tid {and}
fallen from some roche. 720
[Sidenote: If thou wouldst see truth by the clearest light, pursue
the path of right.]
¶ And forşi yif şou wilt
loken {and} demen soşe wiş clere ly[gh]t. {and} holde şe
weye wiş a ry[gh]t paşe.
[Sidenote: Away with joy, fear, hope, and sorrow.]
¶ Weyue şou ioie. drif fro şe
drede. fleme şou hope. ne lat no sorwe ap{ro}che.
[Sidenote: Let none of these passions cloud thy mind.]
şat is
to sein lat noon of şise four passiou{n}s ouer come şe. 724
or blynde şe.
[Sidenote: Where these things control, the soul is bound by strong
fetters.]
for cloudy {and} dirke is şilk şou[gh]t {and}
bounde w{i}t{h} bridles. where as şise şinges regnen.
EXPLICIT LIBER PRIMUS.
[Linenotes:
710 _blak[e]_--blake
712 _stormynge_--turnyng
713 _from_--fro
714 _somtyme_--whilom
715 _lyke_--lyk
_fair[e]----wişstant_ (MS. wişstante)--fayr{e} cleer{e} dayes
{and} brihte withstand
716 _sy[gh]tes_--syhtes
717 _streme_--strem
718 _hey[gh]e_--hy
720 _from some_--fram som
_wilt_--wolt
721 _soşe_--soth
_clere_--cleer
_holde_--holden
722 _weye_--wey
_paşe_--paath
724 _come_--comen
725 _blynde_--blende
_şilk_--thilke]
[Headnote:
PHILOSOPHY EXHIBITS TO BOETHIUS THE WILES OF FORTUNE.]
INCIPIT LIBER SECUNDUS.
POSTEA [PAU]LISPER CONTICUIT.
[Sidenote: [The fyrst p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: Philosophy exhorts Boethius not to torment himself on
account of his losses.]
++After şis she stynte a litel. and after şat she hadde
gadred by atempre stillenesse myn attenciou{n} she 728
seide şus.
[Sidenote: Thou art, she says, affected by the loss of thy former
fortune.]
¶ As who so my[gh]t[e] seye şus. After şise
şinges she stynt[e] a lytel. {and} whanne she ap{er}ceiued[e]
by atempre stillenesse şat I was ententif to
herkene hire. she bygan to speke in şis wyse. ¶ Yif 732
I q{uod} she haue vnderstonde{n} {and} knowe vtterly şe [[pg 30]]
causes {and} şe habit of şi maladie. şou languissed {and}
art deffeted for talent {and} desijr of şi raşer fortune.
[Sidenote: It hath perverted thy faculties.]
¶ She şat ilke fortune only şat is chaunged as şou 736
feinest to şe ward. haş p{er}uerted şe clerenesse {and} şe
astat of şi corage.
[Sidenote: I am well acquainted with all the wiles of that Prodigy
(_i. e._ Fortune).]
¶ I vnderstonde şe felefolde
colo{ur} {and} deceites of şilke merueillous monstre fortune.
and how she vseş ful flatryng familarite wiş hem 740
şat she enforceş to bygyle. so longe til şat she co{n}founde
wiş vnsuffreable sorwe hem şat she haş left
in despeir vnpurueyed.
[Sidenote: Though she has left thee, thou hast not lost anything
of beauty or of worth.]
¶ and if şou remembrest wel
şe kynde şe maners {and} şe desert of şilke fortune. şow 744
shalt wel knowe as in hir şou neuer ne haddest ne
hast ylost any fair şing. But as I trowe I shal not
gretly trauaile to don şe remembren of şise şinges.
[Sidenote: Thou wert once proof against her allurements.]
¶ For şou were wont to hurtlen [{and} despysen] hir 748
wiş manly wordes whan she was blaundissinge {and}
presente {and} p{ur}sewedest hir wiş sentences şat were
drawe{n} oute of myne entre. şat is to seyne out of
myn i{n}formac{i}ou{n}
[Sidenote: But sudden change works a great alteration in the minds
of men, hence it is that thou art departed from thy usual peace of
mind.]
¶ But no sudeyne mutac{i}ou{n} ne 752
bytideş nat wiş oute{n} a maner chau{n}gyng of curages.
and so is it byfallen şat şou art dep{ar}ted a litel fro
şe pees of şi şou[gh]t.
[Sidenote: But with some gentle emollients I shall prepare thee
for stronger medicines.]
but now is tyme şat şou drynke
{and} atast[e] some softe {and} delitable şinges. so şat whan 756
şei ben entred wiş i{n}ne şe. it mow make weye to
strenger drynkes of medycynes.
[Sidenote: Approach then, Rhetoric, with thy persuasive charms,
and therewith let Music also draw near.]
¶ Com nowe furşe
şerfore şe suasiou{n} of swetnesse Rethoryen. whiche
şat goş oonly şe ry[gh]t wey whil she forsakeş not myne 760
estatut[gh]. ¶ And wiş Rethorice com forşe musice a
damoisel of oure house şat syngeş now ly[gh]ter moedes
or p{ro}lac{i}ou{n}s now heuyer. [[pg 31]]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 9.]]
*what ayleş şe man. what
is it şat haş cast şe in to murnyng {and} in to wepyng. 764
I trow[e] şat şou hast sen some newe şing {and} uncouşe.
[Sidenote: Thou thinkest that Fortune is changed towards thee.]
¶ Şou wenest şat fortune be chaunged a[gh]eins şe
[Sidenote: But thou art deceived.]
¶ But şou wenest wrong. yif şou [şat] wene.
[Sidenote: In this misadventure of thine she hath preserved her
constancy in changing.]
Alwey şo ben hire maners. she haş raşer [kept] as to 768
şe ward hire p{ro}pre stablenes in şe chaungyng of hyre
self. ¶ Ry[gh]t swyche was she whan she flatered[e]
şe. {and} desseiued[e] şe wiş vnleueful lykynges of
false welefulnesse.
[Sidenote: You have seen the double face of this blind divinity.]
şou hast now knowen {and} ataynt 772
şe doutous or double visage of şilke blynde goddesse
fortune. ¶ She şat [gh]it couereş hir {and} wympleş hir
to oşer folk. haş shewed hir euerydel to şe. ¶ [Gh]if
şou app{ro}uest hir {and} şenkest şat she is good. vse 776
hir maners {and} pleyne şe nat.
[Sidenote: If thou dost abhor her perfidy cast her off, for her
sports are dangerous.]
¶ And if şou agrisest
hir fals[e] trecherie. dispise {and} cast aweye hir şat
pleyeş so harmefully. for she şat is now cause of so
myche sorwe to şe. sholde be to şe cause of pees {and} 780
[of] ioie. ¶ she haş forsaken şe forsoşe. şe whiche
şat neuer man may be syker şat she ne shal forsake
hym. _Glose._ ¶ But naşeles some bookes han şe text
şus. For soşe she haş forsaken şe ne şer nis no man 784
syker şat she ne haş not forsaken.
[Sidenote: Is that happiness which is so transient?]
¶ Holdest şou
şan şilke welefulnesse p{re}ciouse to şe şat shal passen.
[Sidenote: Is the attendance of Fortune so dear to thee, whose
stay is so uncertain, and whose removal causes such grief?]
{and} is p{re}sent fortune derworşi to şe. whiche şat nis
not feişful forto dwelle. {and} whan she goş aweye şat 788
she bryngeş a wy[gh]t in sorwe ¶ For syn she may nat
be wişholde{n} at a mans wille. she makeş hym a wrecche
whe{n} she dep{ar}teş fro hym.
[Sidenote: What is she (Fortune) but the presage of future
calamity?]
¶ What oşer şing is
flitti{n}g fortune but a manere shewyng of wrycchednesse [[pg 32]]
şat is to comen. ne it ne suffriş nat oo[n]ly to loken 793
of şing şat is p{re}sent byforne şe eyen of man. but
wisdom lokeş {and} mesureş şe ende of şinges.
[Sidenote: Her mutability should make men neither fear her threats
nor desire her favours.]
{and} şe
same chau{n}gyng from one to an oşer. şat is to seyne 796
fro aduersite to p{ro}sperite makeş şat şe manaces of
fortune ne ben not forto dreden. ne şe flatrynges of
hir to ben desired. ¶ Şus atte şe last it byhoueş şe
to suffren wiş euene wille in pacience al şat is don 800
inwiş şe floor of fortune. şat is to seyne in şis worlde.
[Linenotes:
727 _she_ (2)--I
729 _my[gh]t[e] seye_--myht{e} seyn
730 _stynt[e]_--stynte
732 _hire_--here
733 _knowe vtterly_--knowen owtrely
734 _languissed_--languyssest
737 _haş_--MS. haşe
738 _astat_--estat
_felefolde_--feelefold
739 _colour_--colours
_deceites_ (MS. decrites)--deceytes
_merueillous_--meruayles
742 _haş_--MS. haşe
743 _if_--yif
746 _any_ (MS. my)--any
_şing_--thinge
747 _trauaile_--travaylen
_don_--do
_remembren of_--remenbre on
748 [_and despysen_]--from C.
749 _was_--omitted
750 _were_--weren
751 _myne_--myn
_seyne_--sayn
752 _sudeyne_--sodeyn
753 _outen_--owte
757 _inne_--in
_mow----weye_--mowe maken way
758 _strenger_--strengere
_Com nowe furşe_--MS. Come; C. Com now forth
760 _goş_--MS. goşe
761 _com_--MS. come, C. com
762 _house_--hows
_ly[gh]ter_--lyhter{e}
763 _prolaciouns_--p{ro}basyons
_heuyer_--heuyer{e}
_ayleş_--eyleth
765 _trow[e]_--trowe
_sen_--MS. sene, C. seyn
_some_--som
_şing_--thinge
_uncouşe_--vnkowth
766 _a[gh]eins_--ayein
767 _wenest_--weenes
[_şat_]--C. that
768 _haş_--MS. haşe
[_kept_]--from C.
769 _stablenes in şe_--stabylnesse standeth in the
770 _swyche_--swich
771 _vnleueful_--vnlefful
775 _haş_--MS. had, C. hat
776 _good_--MS. goode, C. god
777 _agrisest_--MS. agrised, C. agrysyst
778 _fals[e]_--false
780 _myche_--mochel
781 [_of_]--from C.
_haş_--MS. haşe
783 _text_--texte
784 _haş_--MS. haşe
785 _forsaken_--forsake
_Holdest şou_--holdestow
786 _şan_--thanne
_preciouse_--p{re}syes
787 _derworşi_--dereworthe
_whiche_--which
788 _feişful_--feythfulle
_goş_--MS. goşe
_aweye_--awey
790 _mans_--mannys
791 _when_--wan
_şing_--thinge
793 _suffriş_--suffiseth
794 _of şing_--on thynge
_byforne_--MS. byforne byforne
_man_--a man
795 _mesureş_--amesureth
796 _from one_--fram oon
_seyne_--seyn
797 _fro_--from
_to_--into
799 _atte şe last_--at the laste]
[Headnote:
PHILOSOPHY EXPOSTULATES WITH BOETHIUS.]
[Sidenote: If you submit to her yoke you must patiently endure her
inflictions.]
¶ Syşen şou hast oones put şi nekke vnder şe [gh]okke
of hir. for if şou wilt write a lawe of wendyng {and} of
dwellyng to fortune whiche şat şou hast chosen frely 804
to be şi lady
[Sidenote: Impatience will only embitter your loss.]
¶ Art şou nat wrongful in şat {and}
makest fortune wroşe {and} asp{er}e by şin inpacience.
{and} [gh]it şou mayst not chaungen hir.
[Sidenote: You cannot choose your port if you leave your vessel to
the mercy of the winds.]
¶ Yif şou co{m}mittest
[{and}] bitakest şi sayles to şe wynde. şou shalt 808
be shouen not şider şat şou woldest(:) but whider şat
şe wy{n}de shoueş şe ¶ Yif şou castest şi seedes in şe
feldes şou sholdest haue in mynde şat şe [gh]eres ben
oşer while plenteuous {and} oş{er} while bareyne.
[Sidenote: You have given yourself up to Fortune; it becomes you
therefore to obey her commands.]
¶ Şou 812
hast bytaken şiself to şe gouernaunce of fortune.
{and} forşi it byhoueş şe to ben obeisaunt to şe manere
of şi lady.
[Sidenote: Would you stop the rolling of her wheel?]
and enforcest şou şe to aresten or wişstonden
şe swyftnesse {and} şe sweyes of hir to{ur}nyng 816
whele.
[Sidenote: Fool! if Fortune once became stable she would cease to
exist.]
¶ O şou fool of alle mortel fooles if fortune
bygan to dwelle stable. she cesed[e] şan to ben fortune.
[Linenotes:
801 _seyne_--seyn
_worlde_--world
802 _Syşen_--Syn
_[gh]okke_--yok{e}
803 _if_--yif
_write_--wryten
804 _whiche_--which
805 _lady_--ladye
_Art şou_--Artow
806 _wroşe_--wroth
_şin_--thine
807 _chaungen_--chaunge
808 [_and_]--from C.
809 _şider_--thedyr
_whider_--whedyr
811 _haue_--han
814 _manere_--maneres
815 {and}--omitted
_wişstonden_--withholden
816 _sweyes_--swey[gh]
818 _cesed[e]_--cesede]
[[pg 33]]
[Headnote:
THE INCONSTANCY OF FORTUNE.]
HEC CUM SUPERBA.
[Sidenote: [The fyrst met{ur}.]
[Sidenote: Fortune is as inconstant as the ebb and flow of
Euripus.]
++Whan fortune wiş a proude ry[gh]t hande haş turnid
hir chau{n}gyng stoundes she fareş lyke şe maners 820
of şe boillyng eurippe. _Glose._ Eurippe is an arme of
şe see ş{a}t ebbith {and} flowiş. {and} somtyme şe streme
is on one syde {and} somtyme on şat oşer. _Texte_
[Sidenote: She hurls kings from their thrones, and exalts the
captive.]
¶ She
cruel fortune kasteş adoune kynges şat somtyme weren 824
ydred. {and} she deceiuable enhau{n}seth vp şe humble
chere of hym şat is discomfited.
[Sidenote: She turns a deaf ear to the tears and cries of the
wretched.]
{and} she neyşer hereş
ne reccheş of wrecched[e] wepynges. {and} she is so harde
şat she lau[gh]eş {and} scorneş şe wepyng of hem şe whiche 828
she haş maked wepe wiş hir free wille.
[Sidenote: Thus she sports and boasts her power and presents a
marvel to her servants if, in the space of an hour, a man is
hurled from happiness into adversity.]
¶ Şus she
pleyeş {and} ş{us} she p{re}ueş hir strengşe {and} sheweş a
grete wondre to alle hir seruau{n}t[gh]. ¶ Yif şat a wy[gh]t
is seyn weleful {and} ou{er}şrowe in an houre. 832
[Linenotes:
819 _proude_--prowd
_hande_--hand
_haş_--MS. haşe
820 _lyke_--lik
821 _arme_--arm
822 _streme_--strem
823 _one_--o
821 _adoune_--adown
_somtyme_--whilom
825 _ydred_ (MS. _ydredde_)--ydrad
_humble_--vmble
827 _reccheş_--rekkeş
_wrecched[e]_--wrecchede
_harde_--hard
828 _lau[gh]eş_--lyssheth
_wepyng_--wepynges
830 _strengşe_--strengthes]
[Headnote:
PROSPERITY DOES NOT CONSTITUTE FELICITY.]
VELLEM AUTE{M} PAUCA.
[Sidenote: [The secunde p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: Philosophy expostulates with Boethius in the name of
Fortune.]
++CErtis I wolde plete wiş şee a fewe şinges vsynge
şe wordes of fortune tak heede now şi self. yif ş{a}t
she axeş ry[gh]t.
[Sidenote: Why do you accuse me (Fortune) as guilty?]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 9 _b_.]]
*¶ O şou man wher fore makest şou
me gilty by şine euerydayes pleynynges. what wronges 836
haue I don şe.
[Sidenote: What goods or advantages have I deprived you of?]
what goodes haue I byreft şe şat weren
şine. stryf or plete wiş me by fore what iuge şat şou
wilt of şe possessiou{n} of rycchesse or of dignites
[Sidenote: Can you prove that ever any man had a fixed property in
his riches?]
¶ And
yif şou maist shewe me şat euer any mortal man haş 840
receyued any of şese şinges to ben his in p{ro}pre. şan
wol I graunt[e] frely şat [alle] şilke şinges were{n} şine
whiche şat şou axest.
[Sidenote: You came naked into the world, and I cherished you and
encompassed you with affluence.]
¶ Whan şat nature brou[gh]t[e] şe
forşe out of şi moder wombe. I receyued[e] şe naked 844
{and} nedy of al şing. {and} I norysshed[e] şe wiş my [[pg 34]]
rychesse. {and} was redy {and} ententif şo{ru}[gh] my fauo{ur} to
sustene şe. ¶ And şat makeş şe now i{n}pacient a[gh]eins
me. {and} I envirounde şe wiş al şe habundaunce {and} 848
shinyng of al goodes şat ben in my ry[gh]t.
[Sidenote: Now that I have a mind to withdraw my bounty, be
thankful and complain not.]
¶ Now it
lykeş me to wiş drawe myne hande. şou hast had grace
as he şat haş vsed of foreyne goodes. şou hast no ry[gh]t to
pleyne şe. as şou[gh] şou haddest vtterly lorn alle şi 852
şinges. whi pleynest şou şan. I haue don şe no wrong.
[Sidenote: Riches and honours are subject to me.]
Ricches hono{ur}es {and} swyche oşer şinges ben of my
ry[gh]t.
[Sidenote: They are my servants, and come and go with me.]
¶ My seruauntes knowen me for hir lady. şei
comen wiş me {and} dep{ar}ten whan I wende. I dar wel 856
affermen hardyly. şat yif şo şinges of whiche şou
pleynest şat şou hast forlorn hadde ben şine. şou ne
haddest not lorn he{m}.
[Sidenote: Shall I alone be forbidden to use my own right?]
¶ shal I şan only be defended
to vse my ry[gh]t.
[Sidenote: Doth not heaven give us sunny days and obscure the same
with dark nights?]
¶ Certis it is leueful to şe heuene to 860
make clere dayes. {and} after şat to keuere şe same dayes
wiş derke ny[gh]tes.
[Sidenote: Is not the earth covered with frost as well as with
flowers?]
¶ Şe erşe haş eke leue to apparaile
şe visage of şe erşe now w{i}t{h} floures {and} now wiş
fruyt. {and} to confounde he{m} so{m}tyme wiş raynes {and} 864
wiş coldes.
[Sidenote: The sea sometimes appears calm, and at other times
terrifies us with its tempestuous waves.]
¶ Şe see haş eke hys ry[gh]t to be somtyme
calme {and} blaundyshing wiş smoşe water. {and}
somtyme to be horrible wiş wawes {and} wiş tempestes.
[Sidenote: Shall I be bound to constancy by the covetousness of
men?]
¶ But şe couetyse of men şat may not be staunched 868
shal it bynde me to be stedfast. syn şat stedfastnesse
is vnkouş to my maneres. ¶ Swyche is my strengşe.
[Sidenote: I turn my rolling wheel and amuse myself with exalting
what was low, and bringing down what was high.]
{and} şis pley. I pley[e] co{n}tinuely. I tourne şe whirly{n}g
whele wiş şe tournyng cercle ¶ I am glade to chaunge 872
şe lowest to şe heyeste. {and} şe heyest to şe loweste.
[Linenotes:
833 _plete_--pleten
834 _tak_--MS. take, C. tak
835 _makest şou_--makes thow
836 _wronges_--wro{n}ge
837 _don_--MS. done, C. don
_byreft_--MS. byrefte, C. byreft
838 _stryf_--MS. stryue, C. stryf
_plete_--pleten
_by fore_--by forn
839 _wilt_--wolt
_rycchesse_--rychesses
840 _shewe_--shewyn
_euer_--eu{er}e
_haş_--MS. haşe
841 _şese_--tho
_his_--hise
842 _graunt[e]_--grau{n}te
[_alle_]--from C.
845 _al şing_--alle thinges
_norysshed[e]_--noryssede
846 _rychesse_--rychesses
848, 849 _al_--alle
848 _habundaunce_--abou{n}dau{n}ce
850 _wiş----hande_--withdrawen myn hand
_had_--MS. hadde, C. had
851 _haş_--MS. haşe
852 _vtterly_--outrely
_lorn_--MS. lorne, C. for lorn.
853 _don_--MS. done, C. don
854 _Ricches_--Rychesses
858 _forlorn_--MS. forlorne, C. forlorn
859 _lorn_--MS. lorne, C. lorn
860 _vse_--vsen
861 _keuere şe_--coeu{er}yn tho
862 _derke_--dirk
_erşe_--yer
_haş_--MS. haşe
864 _confounde_--co{n}fownden
865 _haş_--MS. haşe
866 _calme_--kalm
867 (2nd) _wiş_--omitted
869 _stedfast_--stidefast
_stedfastnesse_--stidefastnesse
870 _vnkouş_--MS. vnkouşe, C. vnkowth
_Swyche_--Swych
871 _pley[e]_--pleye
872 _whele_--wheel
_glade_--glad
_chaunge_--chaungy{n}]
[[pg 35]]
[Headnote:
BE SUBJECT TO FORTUNE'S CHANGES.]
[Sidenote: Ascend if you will, but come down when my sport
requires it.]
worşe vp yif şou wilt. so it be by şis lawe. şat şou
ne holde not şat I do şe wronge şou[gh] şou descende
dou{n} whanne resou{n} of my pleye axeş it.
[Sidenote: Know you not the history of Croesus and of Paulus
Æmilius?]
Wost şou 876
not how Cresus kyng of lyndens of whiche kyng Cir{us}
was ful sore agast a litel byforne şat şis rewlyche
Cresus was cau[gh]t of Cirus {and} lad to şe fijr to be
brent. but şat a reyne desce{n}ded[e] dou{n} from heuene 880
şat rescowed[e] hym ¶ And is it out of şi mynde how
şat Paulus consul of Rome whan he hadde take şe
kyng of p{er}ciens weep pitou[s]ly for şe captiuitee of şe
self[e] kyng.
[Sidenote: What else does the weeping muse of Tragedy deplore but
the overthrow of kingdoms by the indiscriminate strokes of
Fortune?]
What oşer şinges bywaylen şe criinges of 884
Tragedies. but only şe dedes of fortune. şat wiş an
vnwar stroke ouert{ur}neş şe realmes of grete nobley
¶ _Glose._ Tragedie is to seyne a dite of a p{ro}sp{er}ite for
a tyme şat endiş in wrechednesse.
[Sidenote: Did you not learn whilst a youth, that at the gates of
Jove's palace stand two vessels, one full of blessings, the other
of woes?]
Lernedest nat şou 888
in grek whan şou were [gh]onge şat in şe entre or in şe
seler of Iuppiter şer ben couched two tunnes. şat on
is ful of good şat oşer is ful of harme.
[Sidenote: What if you have drunk too deep of the first vessel?]
¶ What ry[gh]t
hast şou to pleyne. yif şou hast taken more plenteuously 892
of şe goode syde şat is to seyne of my rycchesse {and}
p{ro}sp{er}ites. {and} what eke. yif I be nat departed fro şe.
[Sidenote: My mutability gives thee hope of happier days.]
What eke. yif my mutabilitee [gh]iueş şe ry[gh]tful cause of
hope to han [gh]it better şi{n}ges.
[Sidenote: Desire not to be exempted from the vicissitudes of
humanity.]
¶ Naşeles desmaie şe 896
nat in şi şou[gh]t. and ş{o}u şat art put in comune realme
of alle: ne desijr[e] nat to lyue by şine oonly p{ro}pre ry[gh]t.
[Linenotes:
874 _worşe_--worth
_wilt_--wolt
876 _doun_--adou{n}
_whanne_--wan
_pleye_--pley
_Wost şou_--wistesthow
877 _kyng_ (1)--the kyng
_lyndens_--lydyens
878 _byforne_--byforn
880 _reyne descended[e]_--rayn dessendede
_from_--fro
881 _rescowed[e]_--rescowede
882 _take_--takyn
885 _an_--a
886 _şe_--omitted
887 _seyne_--seyn
890 _tunnes_--tonnes
891 _harme_--harm
892 _hast şou_--hasthow
893 _seyne_--seyn
_rycchesse_--rychesses
894 _I be nat_--I ne be nat al
896 _better_--beter{e}
898 _lyue_--lyuen
_şine_--thin]
[Headnote:
THE COVETOUS ARE EVER DISCONTENTED.]
SI Q{UA}NTAS RAPIDIS.
[Sidenote: [the secu{n}de met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: Though Plenty, from her teeming horn, poured down as
many riches on the world as there are sands on the sea-shore, or
stars in heaven, mankind would not cease to complain.]
++ŞOu[gh] plentee şat is goddesse of rycches hielde adou{n}
wiş ful horn. {and} wişdraweş nat hir hand. ¶ As 900
many recches as şe see turneş vpwardes sandes whan it
is moeued wiş rauysshing blastes. or ellys as many [[pg 36]]
rycches as şer shynen bry[gh]t[e] sterres on heuene on şe
sterry ny[gh]t. [Gh]it for al şat mankynde nolde not cesce to 904
wope wrecched[e] pleyntes.
[Sidenote: Though Heaven may grant every desire, they will still
cry for more.]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 10.]]
¶ And al be it so *şat
god receyueş gladly her p{ra}yers {and} [gh]eueş hem as ful
large muche golde {and} app{ar}aileş coueytous folk wiş
noble or clere hono{ur}s. [gh]it semeş hem haue I-gete noşing. 908
but alwey her cruel ravyne deuourynge al şat şei
han geten shewiş oşer gapinges. şat is to seye gapen
{and} desiren [gh]it after moo rycchesse.
[Sidenote: What rein can restrain unbounded avarice?]
¶ What brideles
my[gh]ten wişholde to any certeyne ende şe desordene 912
coueitise of men ¶ Whan euere şe raşer ş{a}t it fletiş in
large [gh]iftis: şe more ay brenneş in hem şe şrest of
hauyng.
[Sidenote: He who thinks himself poor, though he be rich, doth
truly labour under poverty.]
¶ Certis he şat quakyng {and} dredeful weneş
hym seluen nedy. he ne lyueş neu{er}e mo ryche. 916
[Linenotes:
899 _rycches_--rychesses
901 _recches_--rychesses
_vpwardes_--vpward
902 _rauysshing_--rauyssynge
903 _rycches_--rychesses
_bry[gh]t[e]_--bryhte
_on_ (1)--in
904 _ny[gh]t_--nyhtes
905 _wope wrecched[e]_--wepe wrecchede
906 _her_--hir
_ful_--fool
907 _muche_--meche
_folk_--men
908 _haue_--hauen
_I-gete_--I-getyn
909 _her_--hir
910 _seye_--seyn
911 _rycchesse_--rychesses
912 _wişholde_--wytholden
_certeyne_--certeyn
914 _şrest_--thurst
915 _dredeful_--dredful
916 _lyueş_--leueth]
[Headnote:
BOETHIUS IS NOT UNHAPPY.]
HIIS IGITUR SI PRO SE.
[Sidenote: [The thrydde p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: If Fortune spake thus to you, you could not defend your
complaint.]
++Şerfore yif şat fortune spake wiş şe for hir self in
şis manere. For soşe şou ne haddest [nat] what
şou my[gh]test answere. and if şou hast any şi{n}g wherwiş.
şou mayist ry[gh]tfully tellen şi co{m}pleynt. ¶ It 920
byhoueş şe to shewen it. {and} .I. wol [gh]eue şe space to
tellen it.
[Sidenote: _B._ What you have said is very specious, but such
discourses are only sweet while they strike our ears.]
¶ Certeynely q{uod} I şan şise ben faire
şinges {and} enoyntid wiş hony swetnesse of rethorike
{and} musike. {and} only while şei ben herd şei ben 924
deliciouse.
[Sidenote: They cannot efface the deep impressions that misery has
made in the heart.]
¶ But to wrecches is a deppere felyng of
harme. şis is to seyn şat wrecches felen şe harmes şat
şei suffren more greuously şan şe remedies or şe delites
of şise wordes mowe gladen or comforten hem. so şat 928
whan şise şinges stynten forto sou{n}[e] in eres. şe sorwe [[pg 37]]
şat is inset greueş şe şou[gh]t.
[Sidenote: _P._ So it is indeed; for my arguments are not designed
as remedies, but as lenitives only.]
Ry[gh]t so is it q{uod} she.
¶ For şise ne ben [gh]it none remedies of şi maladie. but
şei ben a manere norissinges of şi sorwe [gh]it rebel 932
a[gh]eyne şi curac{i}ou{n}.
[Sidenote: When time serves, I will administer those things that
shall reach the seat of your disease.]
¶ For whan şat tyme is. I shal
moue swiche şinges şat p{er}cen hem self depe.
[Sidenote: But you are not among the number of the wretched.]
¶ But
naşeles ş{a}t şou shalt not wilne to leten şi self a
wrecche. ¶ Hast şou for[gh]eten şe nou{m}bre {and} şe 936
manere of şi welefulnesse.
[Sidenote: I shall not speak of your happiness in being provided
for (in your orphanage) by the chief men of the city; nor of your
noble alliance with Festus and Symmachus;]
I holde me stille how şat
şe souerayn men of şe Citee toke{n} şe in cure {and}
kepynge whan şou were orphelyn of fadir {and} modir.
{and} were chosen i{n} affinite of p{r}inces of şe Citee. 940
¶ And şou bygu{n}ne raşer to ben leef {and} deere şan
forto ben a ney[gh]bo{ur}. şe whiche şing is şe most p{re}ciouse
kynde of any p{ro}pinquitee or aliau{n}ce şat may
ben. ¶ Who is it şat ne seide şou nere ry[gh]t weleful 944
wiş so grete a nobley of şi fadres in lawe.
[Sidenote: nor of your virtuous wife, and manly sons.]
¶ {And} wiş
şe chastite of şi wijf. {and} wiş şe oportunite {and}
noblesse of şi masculyn children. şat is to seyne şi
sones {and} ou{er} al şis me lyst to passe of comune şinges. 948
¶ How şou haddest in şi şou[gh]t dignitees şat weren
warned to olde men. but it deliteş me to comen now to
şe singuler vphepyng of şi welefulnesse. ¶ Yif any
fruyt of mortal şinges may han any wey[gh]te or price of 952
welefulnesse.
[Sidenote: Can you ever forget the memorable day that saw your two
sons invested with the dignity of Consuls?]
¶ My[gh]test şou euere for[gh]eten for any
charge of harme şat my[gh]t[e] byfallen. şe remembrau{n}ce
of şilke day şat şou sey[e] şi two sones maked conseillers.
{and} ylad to gidre from şin house vndir so gret 956
assemble of senatours. {and} vndir şe blyşenesse of poeple.
{and} whan şou say[e] hem sette in şe court in her
chaieres of dignites. ¶ Şou rethorien or p{ro}nou{n}cere [[pg 38]]
of kynges p{re}ysinges. deseruedest glorie of wit {and} of 960
eloquence.
[Sidenote: When in the circus you satisfied the expectant
multitude with a triumphal largess?]
whan şou sittyng bytwix şi two sones conseillers
in şe place şat hy[gh]t Circo. {and} fulfildest şe
abydyng of multitude of poeple şat was sprad about şe
wiş large p{ra}ysynge {and} laude as me{n} syngen in victories. 964
[Sidenote: By your expressions you flattered Fortune, and obtained
from her a gift which never before fell to any private person.]
şo [gh]aue şou wordes of fortune as I trowe. şat
is to seyne. şo feffedest şou fortune wiş glosynge
wordes {and} desseiuedest hir. whan she accoied[e] şe
{and} norsshed[e] şe as hir owen delices. ¶ Şou hast 968
had of fortune a [gh]ifte şat is to seyn swiche gerdou{n}
şat she neu[er]e [gh]af to p{re}ue man
[Sidenote: Will you therefore call Fortune to account?]
¶ Wilt şou şerfore
leye a rekenyng wiş fortune.
[Sidenote: She now begins, I own, to look unkindly on you; but if
you consider the number of your blessings, you must confess that
you are still happy.]
she haş now twynkeled
first vpon şe wiş a wykked eye. ¶ Yif şou considere 972
şe nou{m}bre {and} şe manere of şi blysses. {and} of şi
sorwes.
[Sidenote: [* fol. 10 _b_.]]
*şou maist nat forsake şat şou nart [gh]it blysful.
[Linenotes:
918 [_nat_]--from C.
919 _if_--yif
920 _mayist_--mayst
_tellen_--defendyn
921 _[gh]eue_--yeuyn
922 _şan_--thanne
_ben_--bet (= beth)
923 _swetnesse_--swetenesse
924 _while_--whil
_herd_--MS. herde
926 _harme_--harm
928 _mowe_--mowen
929 _soun[e]_-sowne
930 _inset_--MS. insette, C. inset
932 _sorwe_--sorwes
933 _a[gh]eyne_--ayein
934 _moue swiche_--moeue swych
938 _souerayn_--sou{er}ane
943 _ney[gh]bour_--neysshebo{ur}
944 _nere_--were
945 _nobley_--nobleye
_fadres_--fadyr-is
947 _seyne_--seyn
948 _lyst_--lyste
_passe of_--passen the
949 _şou[gh]t_--yowthe
950 _warned_--werned
952 _fruyt_--frute
_price_--p{r}is
953 _My[gh]test şow_--myhtes-thow
954 _harme_--harm
_my[gh]t[e] byfallen_--myhte befalle
955 _sey[e]_--saye
956 _from_--fro
_gret_--MS. grete, C. gret
958 _say[e]_--saye
_sette_--set
_her_--heer{e}
961 _bytwix_--bytwyen
962 _hy[gh]t_--hihte
963 _of_ (1)--of the
_about_--abowten
964 _wiş_--w{i}t{h} so
965 _[gh]aue_--MS. şan, C. yaue
_of_--to
966 _seyne_--seyn
967 _accoied[e]_--acoyede
968 _norsshed[e]_--noryssede
_owen_--owne
_şou----of_--thow bar away of
969 _had_--MS. hadde
_swiche_--swich
970 _preue_--pryue
971 _leye_--lye
_haş_--MS. haşe
972 _wykked_--wyckede
973 _blysses_--blysse
974 _forsake_--forsakyn
_nart_--art
_blysful_--blysseful]
[Headnote:
ADVERSITY IS BUT TRANSIENT.]
[Sidenote: These evils that you suffer are but transitory.]
For if şou şerfore wenest şi self nat weleful for şinges
şat şo semeden ioyful ben passed. ¶ Şer nis nat whi 976
şou sholdest wene şi self a wrecche. for şinges şat now
semen soory passen also. ¶ Art şou now comen firste
a sodeyne gest in to şe shadowe or tabernacle of şis
lijf.
[Sidenote: Can there be any stability in human affairs, when the
life of man is exposed to dissolution every hour?]
or trowest şou ş{a}t any stedfastnesse be in mannis 980
şinges. ¶ Whan ofte a swifte houre dissolueş şe same
man. şat is to seyne whan şe soule dep{ar}tiş fro şe
body. For al şou[gh] şat yelde is şer any feiş şat fortunous
şinges willen dwelle.
[Sidenote: The last day of life puts an end to Prosperity.]
[gh]it naşeles şe last[e] day 984
of a ma{n}nis lijf is a man{er}e deeş to fortune. {and} also
to şilke şat haş dwelt.
[Sidenote: What matters it then, whether you by death leave it, or
it (Fortune) by flight doth leave you?]
{and} şerfore what wenist şou
şar recche yif şou forlete hir i{n} dey{n}ge or ellys ş{a}t she
fortune forlete şe i{n} fleenge awey. 988
[Linenotes:
978 _soory_--sorye
_firste_--fyrst
979 _sodeyne_--sodeyn
_shadowe_--shadwe
980 _stedfastnesse_--stedefastnesse
981 _swifte_--swyft
_dissolueş_--dyssoluede
983 _al şou[gh] şat_--al ş{a}t thowgh
_fortunous_--fortune
984 _willen dwelle_--wolen dwellyn
_last[e]_--laste
986 _haş_--MS. haşe
_wenist şou_--weenestow
987 _şar recche_--dar recke
988 _awey_--away]
[[pg 39]]
[Headnote:
MANY BLESSINGS STILL REMAIN.]
CUM PRIMO POLO.
[Sidenote: [The .iij. Met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: The stars pale before the light of the rising sun.]
++Whan phebus şe sonne bygynneş to spreden his clerenesse
w{i}t{h} rosene chariettes. şan şe sterre ydimmyd
paleş hir white cheres. by şe flamus of şe so{n}ne şat
ouer comeş şe sterre ly[gh]t. ¶ Şis is to seyn whan şe 992
sonne is risen şe day sterre wexiş pale {and} lesiş hir
ly[gh]t for şe grete bry[gh]tnesse of şe sonne.
[Sidenote: Westerly winds deck the wood with roses, but easterly
winds cause their beauty to fade.]
¶ Whan şe
wode wexeş redy of rosene floures in şe first somer
sesou{n} şoru[gh] şe breşe of şe wynde Zephirus şat wexeş 996
warme. ¶ Yif şe cloudy wynde auster blowe felliche.
şan goş awey şe fayrnesse of şornes.
[Sidenote: Now the sea is calm, and again it is tempestuous.]
Ofte şe see is
clere {and} calme wişoute moeuy{n}g floodes. And ofte
şe horrible wynde aq{u}ilon moeueş boylyng tempestes 1000
{and} ouer whelweş şe see.
[Sidenote: If all things thus vary, will you trust in transitory
riches?]
¶ Yif şe forme of şis worlde
is so [[gh]eelde] stable. {and} yif it to{ur}niş by so many
entrechau{n}gynges. wilt şou şa{n} truste{n} in şe trublynge
fortunes of me{n}. wilt şou trowen i{n} flittyng goodes. 1004
[Sidenote: All here below is unstedfast and unstable.]
It is certeyne {and} establissed by lawe p{er}durable şat no
şi{n}g ş{a}t is engendred nys stedfast no stable.
[Linenotes:
989 _his_--hyr
990 _şan_--thanne
991 _flamus_--flambes
995 _redy_--rody
_rosene_--rosyn
997 _warme_--warm
998 _goş_--MS. goşe, C. goth
_fayrnesse_--fayrenesse
999 _clere_--cleer
_calme_--kalm
1000 _wynde_--wynd
1001 _whelweş_--welueeth
1002 [_[gh]eelde_]--from C.
1003, 1004 _wilt şou_--wolthow
1003 _şan_--thanne
_trublynge_--towmbly{n}ge
1004 _in flittyng_--on flettynge
1005 _It is_--is it
1006 _no_--ne
_stable_--estable]
[Headnote:
MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR.]
TUNC EGO UERA INQ{UA}M.
[Sidenote: [The ferthe prose.]]
[Sidenote: _B._ I cannot deny my sudden and early prosperity.]
++ŞAnne seide I şus. O norice of alle uertues şou
seist ful soşe. ¶ Ne I may nat forsake şe ry[gh]t[e] 1008
swifte cours of my p{ro}speritee. şat is to seine. şat
p{ro}speritee ne be comen to me wondir swiftly {and}
soone. but şis is a şing şat gretly smertiş me whan it
remembreş me.
[Sidenote: It is the remembrance of former happiness that adds
most to man's infelicity.]
¶ For in alle aduersitees of fortune şe 1012
most vnsely kynde of contrariouse fortune is to han
ben weleful.
[Sidenote: _P._ Recollect that you have yet much affluence.]
¶ But şat şou q{uo}d she abaist şus şe
to{ur}ment of şi fals[e] opiniou{n} şat maist şou not ry[gh]tfully
blamen ne aretten to şinges. as who seiş for şou [[pg 40]]
hast [gh]itte many habundaunces of şinges. ¶ _Textus._ 1017
For al be it so şat şe ydel name of auenterouse welefulnesse
moeueş şe now. it is leueful şat şou rekene
w{i}t{h} me of how many[e] şinges şou hast [gh]it plentee. 1020
[Sidenote: What you esteemed most precious in your happy days, you
still retain, and ought therefore not to complain.]
¶ And şerfore yif şat şilke şing şat şou haddest for
most p{re}cious in alle şi rycchesse of fortune be kept
to şe by şe grace of god vnwemmed {and} vndefouled.
Mayst şou şa{n} pleyne ry[gh]tfully vpon şe myschief of fortune. 1024
syn şou hast [gh]it şi best[e] şinges. ¶ Certys [gh]it
lyueş in goode poynt şilke p{re}cious hono{ur} of mankynde.
[Sidenote: Symmachus, dear to you as life, is safe and in health.]
¶ Symacus şi wyues fadir whiche şat is a
man maked al of sapience {and} of vertue. şe whiche 1028
man şou woldest b[i]en redely wiş şe pris of şin owen
lijf. he byweyleş şe wronges şat men don to şee. {and}
not for hym self. for he liueş in sykernesse of any
sentence put a[gh]eins him.
[Sidenote: Your wife Rusticiana is also alive, and bewails her
separation from you.]
¶ And [gh]it lyueş şi wif şat 1032
is attempre of witte {and} passyng oşer women in clennes
of chastitee. and for I wol closen shortly her bountes
she is lyke to hir fadir. I telle şe welle şat she lyueş
looş of hir life. {and} kepiş to şee oonly hir goost. {and} 1036
is al maat {and} ouer-comen by wepyng {and} sorwe for
desire of şe ¶ In şe whiche şing only I mot graunten
şat şi welefulnesse is amenused.
[Sidenote: Why need I mention your two sons, in whom so much of
the wit and spirit of their sire and grandsire doth shine?]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 11.]]
¶ What shal I seyn
eke of şi two sones conseillours of whiche as of children 1040
of hir age şer shineş *şe lyknesse of şe witte of
hir fadir {and} of hir eldefadir.
[Sidenote: And since it is the chief care of man to preserve life;
you are still most happy in the possession of blessings which all
men value more than life.]
and sişen şe souereyn
cure of alle mortel folke is to sauen hir owe{n} lyues.
[Linenotes:
1008 _soşe_--soth
_Ne I may_--Ne I ne may
1009 _seine_--seyn
1011 _a_--omitted
_gretly_--gretely
1012 _aduersitees_--adu{er}syte
1013 _most_--mooste
1014 _abaist_--abyest
1015 _tourment_--torment[gh]
_fals[e]_--false
1016 _seiş_--MS. seişe, C. seyh
1017 _[gh]itte_--yit
1019 _leueful_--leefful
1020 _many[e] şinges_--manye grete thinges
1022 _alle_--al
1023 _şe by_--the yit by
1024 _myschief_--meschef
1025 _best[e]_--beste
1026 _lyueş_--leueth
_goode_--good
1027 _whiche_--which
1028 _al_--alle
_of_ (2)--omitted
1029 _b[i]en_--byen
_owen_--owne
1030 _byweyleş_--bewayleth
_don_--MS. done, C. don
1031 _liueş_--leueth
1033 _witte_--wyt
_women_--wymmen
1034 _shortly_--shortely
1035 _lyke_--lik
_welle_--wel
1036 _hir life_--this lyf
1037 _maat_--maad
1038 _whiche_--weche
1039 _amenused_--amenyssed
_seyn_--(MS. seyne) seyn
1041 _lyknesse_--lykenesse
_witte_--wyt
1042 {and} (1)--or
_eldefadir_--eldyr fadyr
_sişen_--syn
1043 _folke_--folk]
[Headnote:
THE CONDITION OF HUMAN BLISS.]
¶ O how weleful art şou şou[gh] şou knowe şi goodes. 1044
¶ But [gh]itte ben şer şinges dwelly{n}g to şe wardes şat no [[pg 41]]
man douteş şat şei ne ben more derworşe to şe şen
şine owen lijf.
[Sidenote: Dry up thy tears, thou hast still present comfort and
hope of future felicity.]
¶ And forşi drie şi teres for [gh]itte nys
nat eueriche fortune al hateful to şe warde. ne ou{er} 1048
greet tempest haş nat [gh]it fallen vpon şe. whan şat şin
ancres cliue fast[e] şat neişer wole suffre şe comfort of şis
tyme p{re}sent. ne şe hope of tyme comynge to passen
ne to falle{n}.
[Sidenote: _B._ I hope these will never fail me.]
¶ And I p{re}ie q{uod} I şat fast[e] mot[en] 1052
şei holden. ¶ For whiles şat şei halden. how so eu{er}e
şat şinges ben. I shal wel fleten furşe and eschapen.
[Sidenote: But do you not see how low I am fallen?]
¶ But şou mayst wel seen how greet[e] apparailes {and}
aray şat me lakkeş şat ben passed awey fro me. 1056
[Sidenote: _P._ I should think that I had made progress if you did
not repine so at your fate.]
¶ I haue su{m}what auau{n}ced {and} forşered şe q{uod} she. if
şat şou anoie nat or forşenke nat of al şi fortune. As
who seiş. ¶ I haue somwhat comforted şe so şat şou
tempest nat şe şus wiş al şi fortune. syn şou hast 1060
[gh]it şi best[e] şinges.
[Sidenote: It grieves me to hear you complain while you possess so
many comforts.]
¶ But I may nat suffre şin
delices. şat pleinst so wepyng. {and} anguissous for şat
oşer lakkeş somwhat to şi welefulnesse.
[Sidenote: Every one, however happy, has something to complain
of.]
¶ For what
man is so sad or of so p{er}fit welefulnesse. şat he ne 1064
stryueş or pleyneş on some half a[gh]eine şe qualitee of
his estat.
[Sidenote: The condition of human enjoyment is anxious; for either
it comes not all at once, or makes no long stay when it does
come.]
¶ For whi ful anguissous şing is şe condiciou{n}
of mans goodes. ¶ For eyşer it comeş al to
gidre to a wy[gh]t. or ellys it lasteş not p{er}petuely. 1068
[Linenotes:
1044 _art şou şou[gh]_--arthow yif
1045 _But [gh]itte_--for yit
_dwellyng_--dwellyd
_wardes_--ward
1046 _şat_--than
_derworşe_--dereworthe
_şen şine_--than thin
1047 _[gh]itte_--yit
1049 _haş_--MS. haşe
_şin_--thyne
1050 _cliue fast[e]_--cleuen faste
_wole suffre_--wolen suffren
1052 _fallen_--faylen
_fast[e] mot[en]_--faste moten
1053 _holden_--halden
1054 _furşe_--forth
1055 _mayst_--mayste
_greet[e]_--grete
1058 _forşenke_--forthinke
1061 _best[e]_--beste
_suffre şin_--suffren thi
1063 _oşer_--ther
1064 _perfit_--parfyt
1065 _or_--and
_some half a[gh]eine_--som halue ayen
1067 _mans_--mannes
_comeş al_--comth nat al
1068 _lasteş_--last
_perpetuely_--p{er}petuel]
[Headnote:
HAPPINESS ARISES FROM CONTENTMENT.]
[Sidenote: One man is very wealthy, but his birth is obscure.]
¶ For som man haş grete rycchesse. but he is asshamed
of hys vngentil lynage.
[Sidenote: Another is conspicuous for nobility of descent, but is
surrounded by indigence.]
{and} som man is renomed
of noblesse of kynrede. but he is enclosed in so
grete angre for nede of şinges. şat hym were leuer şat 1072
he were vnknowe.
[Sidenote: A third is blest with both advantages, but is
unmarried.]
and som ma{n} habundeş boşe i{n}
rychesse {and} noblesse. but [gh]it he bywaileş hys chast[e]
lijf. for he haş no wijf. [[pg 42]]
[Sidenote: This man is happy in a wife, but is childless, while
that other man has the joy of children, but is mortified by their
evil ways.]
¶ and som man is wel {and}
selily maried but he haş no children. {and} norissheş his 1076
ricchesse to şe heires of straunge folk. ¶ And som
man is gladded wiş children. but he wepiş ful sory for
şe trespas of his son or of his dou[gh]tir.
[Sidenote: Thus we see that no man can agree easily with the state
of his fortune.]
¶ and for şis
şer accordeş no wy[gh]t ly[gh]tly to şe condic{i}ou{n} of his fortune.
for alwey to euery man şere is i{n} mest somwhat 1081
şat vnassaieş he ne wot not or ellys he drediş şat he
haş assaied.
[Sidenote: The senses of the happy are refined and delicate, and
they are impatient if anything is untoward.]
¶ {And} adde şis also şat euery weleful
man haş a wel delicat felyng. ¶ So şat but yif alle 1084
şinges fallen at hys owen wille for he inpacient or is
nat vsed to han none aduersitee. an-oone he is şrowe
ado[-u]ne for euery lytel şing.
[Sidenote: The happiness of the most fortunate depends on
trifles.]
¶ And ful lytel şinges
ben şo şat wişdrawen şe so{m}me or şe p{er}fecc{i}ou{n} of 1088
blisfulnesse fro hem şat ben most fortunat.
[Sidenote: How many would think themselves in heaven if they had
only a part of the remnant of thy fortune!]
¶ How
many men trowest şou wolde demen hem self to ben
almost in heuene yif şei my[gh]ten atteyne to şe leest[e]
p{ar}tie of şe remenaunt of şi fortune. ¶ Şis same place 1092
şat şou clepist exil is contre to hem şat enhabiten
here.
[Sidenote: Thy miseries proceed from the thought that thou art
miserable.]
{and} forşi. Noşing wrecched. but whan şou
wenest it
[Sidenote: Every lot may be happy to the man who bears his
condition with equanimity and courage.]
¶ As who seiş. şou[gh] şi self ne no wy[gh]t
ellys nys no wrecche but whan he weneş hym self a 1096
wrecche by reputac{i}ou{n} of his corage.
[Linenotes:
1069 _rycchesse_--Rychesses
1070 _renomed_--renowned
1072 _angre for_--Angwysshe of
_leuer_--leu{er}e
1074 _chast[e]_--caste
1075, 1076 _haş_--MS. haşe
1076 _maried_--ymaryed
_his_--hise
1077 _ricchesse_--Rychesses
_heires_--eyres
_folk_--foolkys
1080 _şer_--ş{er} ne
1081 _mest_--omitted
1082 _vnassaieş_--vnassaied
_wot_--MS. wote, C. wot
1083, 1084 _haş_--MS. haşe
1084 _wel_--ful
1085 _fallen_--byfalle
_wille_--wyl
1086 _none_--non
_an-oone_--Anon
_şrowe_--throwen
1087 _ado[-u]ne_--adou{n}
1090 _wolde_--wolden
1095 _it_--hyt
_who_--ho
1096 _no_--a]
[Headnote:
THE SOURCE OF TRUE HAPPINESS.]
CONTRAQ{UE}.
[Sidenote: When patience is lost then a change of state is
desired.]
++And a[gh]einewarde al fortune is blisful to a man by şe
agreablete or by şe egalite of hym şat suffreş it.
¶ What man is şat. şat is so weleful şat nolde chau{n}ge{n} 1100
his estat whan he haş lorn pacience. şe swetnesse of
mannes welefulnesse is yspranid wiş many[e] bitternesses.
şe whiche welefulnesse al şou[gh] it seme swete {and} [[pg 43]]
ioyeful to hym şat vseş it. [gh]it may it not be wiş-holden 1104
şat it ne goş away whan it wol.
[Sidenote: How much is human felicity embittered!]
¶ Şan is it wel sen
how wrecched is şe blisfulnesse of mortel şinges.
[Sidenote: It will not stay with those that endure their lot with
equanimity, nor bring comfort to anxious minds.]
şat neiş{er} it dwelliş p{er}petuel wiş hem şat euery fortune
receyuen agreablely or egaly. ¶ Ne it ne deliteş not in 1108
al. to hem şat ben anguissous.
[Sidenote: Why then, O mortals, do ye seek abroad for that
felicity which is to be found within yourselves?]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 11 _b_.]]
¶ O ye mortel folkes
what seke *[gh]e şan blisfulnesse oute of [gh]oure self. whiche
şat is put in [gh]oure self. Erro{ur} {and} folie co{n}fou{n}deş
[gh]ow ¶ I shal shewe şe shortly. şe poynt of souereyne 1112
blisfulnesse.
[Sidenote: Nothing is more precious than thyself.]
Is şer any şing to şe more p{re}ciouse şan
şi self ¶ Şou wilt answere nay.
[Sidenote: If thou hast command over thyself, Fortune cannot
deprive thee of it.]
¶ Şan if it so be şat
şou art my[gh]ty ouer şi self şat is to seyn by tranquillitee
of şi soule. şan hast şou şing i{n} şi power şat şou 1116
noldest neuer lesen. ne fortune may nat by-nyme it şe.
[Sidenote: Happiness does not consist in things transitory.]
{and} şat şou mayst knowe şat blisfulnesse [ne] may
nat standen in şinges şat ben fortunous {and} te{m}perel.
[Sidenote: If happiness be the supreme good of nature, then that
thing cannot be it which can be withdrawn from us.]
¶ Now vndirstonde {and} gadir it to gidir şus 1120
yif blisfulnesse be şe souereyne goode of nature şat
liueş by resou{n} ¶ Ne şilke şing nis nat souereyne
goode şat may be taken awey in any wyse. for more
worşi şing {and} more digne is şilke şing ş{a}t may nat be 1124
taken awey.
[Sidenote: Instability of fortune is not susceptive of true
happiness.]
¶ Şan shewiş it wele şat şe vnstablenesse
of fortune may nat attayne to receyue verray
blisfulnes. ¶ And [gh]it more ouer.
[Sidenote: He who is led by fading felicity, either knows that it
is changeable or does not know it.]
¶ What man şat
şis toumblyng welefulnesse leediş. eişer he woot şat 1128
[it] is chaungeable. or ellis he woot it nat.
[Sidenote: If he knows it not, what happiness has he in the
blindness of his ignorance?]
¶ And yif
he woot it not. what blisful fortune may şer be in şe
blyndenesse of ignorau{n}ce. and yif he woot şat it is
chaungeable. he mot alwey ben adrad ş{a}t he ne lese 1132
şat şing. şat he ne douteş nat but şat he may leesen it.
[Linenotes:
1098 _a[gh]einewarde al_--ayeinward alle
1099 _it_--hyt
1101 _whan_--what
_haş_--MS. haşe
_lorn_--MS. lorne, C. lost
1102 _yspranid_--spraynyd
_bitternesses_--beternesses
1104 _hym_--hem
_it_--hyt
_be_--ben
1105 _goş_--MS. geşe
_wol_--woole
_sen_--MS. sene
1107 _dwelliş_--dureth
1109 _folkes_--folk{e}
1110 _oute_--owt
1112 _shortly_--shortely
1114 _wilt_--MS. wilte, C. wolt
_if_--yif
1117 _by-nyme_--be-neme
1118 _blisfulnesse [ne]_--blyssefulnesse ne
1120 _to gidir_--to gidere
1121, 1122 _souereyne goode_--sou{er}eyn good
1125 _wele_--wel
1126 _receyue_--resseyuen
1129 [_it_]--from C.
_it_--hyt
1130 _be_--ben
1131 _blyndenesse_--blyndnesse]
[[pg 44]]
[Headnote:
RICHES DO NOT CONSTITUTE HAPPINESS.]
[Sidenote: If he knows it is fleeting he must be afraid of losing
it, and this fear will not suffer him to be happy.]
¶ As whoo seiş he mot ben alwey agast lest he
leese şat he wot wel he may leese. ¶ For whiche şe
continuel drede şat he haş ne suffriş hym nat to ben 1136
weleful. ¶ Or ellys yif he leese it he wene to be
dispised {and} forleten hit. ¶ Certis eke şat is a ful
lytel goode şat is born wiş euene hert[e] whan it is
loost. ¶ Şat is to seyne şat men don no more force. 1140
of şe lost şan of şe hauynge.
[Sidenote: Since thou art convinced of the soul's immortality,
thou canst not doubt that if death puts an end to human felicity,
that all men when they die, are plunged into the depths of
misery.]
¶ And for as myche as
şou şi self art he to who{m} it haş ben shewid {and} p{ro}ued
by ful many[e] demonstrac{i}ou{n}s. as I woot wel şat şe
soules of men ne mowen nat dien in no wise. and eke 1144
syn it is clere. {and} certeyne şat fortunous welefulnesse
endiş by şe deeş of şe body. ¶ It may nat ben douted
şat yif şat deeş may take awey blysfulnesse şat al şe
kynde of mortal şi{n}g{us} ne descendiş in to wrecchednesse 1148
by şe ende of şe deeş.
[Sidenote: But we know that many have sought to obtain felicity,
by undergoing not only death, but pains and torments.]
¶ And syn we knowen
wel şat many a man haş sou[gh]t şe fruit of blisfulnesse
nat only wiş suffryng of deeş. but eke wiş suffryng of
peynes {and} to{ur}mentes.
[Sidenote: How then can this present life make men truly happy,
since when it is ended they do not become miserable?]
how my[gh]t[e] şan şis p{re}sent 1152
lijf make men blisful. syn şat whanne şilke self[e]
lijf is endid. it ne makeş folk no wrecches.
[Linenotes:
1134 _it_--hyt
_seiş_--MS. seişe, C. seyth
1135 _wot_--MS. wote, C. wot
_leese_ (2)--leese it
_whiche_--which
1136 _haş_--MS. haşe
1137 _ellys_--omitted
_wene_--weneth
1138 _hit_--omitted
1139 _goode_--good
_born_--MS. borne, C. born
_hert[e]_--herte
1140 _seyne_--seyn
_don_--MS. done, C. do
_force_--fors
1142 _haş_--MS. haşe
1143 _many[e]_--manye
1144 _mowen_--mowe
_dien_--deyen
1145 _clere_--cleer
_certeyne_--certeyn
1147 _al_--alle
1150 _haş_--MS. haşe
_fruit_--frut
1152 _my[gh]t[e]_--myhte
1153 _make_--maken
_self[e]_--selue]
[Headnote:
RICHES HAVE NO INTRINSIC VALUE.]
QUISQUIS UOLET[2] P{ER}HENNEM CAUTUS.
[Footnote 2: MS. ualet.]
[Sidenote: [The ferthe met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: He who would have a stable and lasting seat must not
build upon lofty hills; nor upon the sands, if he would escape the
violence of winds and waves.]
++What maner man stable {and} war şat wil founden hym
a p{er}durable sete {and} ne wil not be cast doune 1156
wiş şe loude blastes of şe wynde Eurus. {and} wil dispise
şe see manassynge wiş floodes ¶ Lat hym eschewe to
bilde on şe cop of şe mou{n}tay{n}gne. or in şe moyste
sandes. ¶ For şe fel[le] wynde auster to{ur}menteş şe cop 1160
of şe mou{n}tayngne wiş alle his strengşes. ¶ and şe
lowe see sandes refuse to beren şe heuy wey[gh]te. [[pg 45]]
[Sidenote: If thou wilt flee perilous fortune, lay thy foundation
upon the firmer stone, so that thou mayst grow old in thy
stronghold.]
{and} forşi yif şou wolt flee şe p{er}ilous auenture şat is to
seine of şe worlde ¶ Haue mynde certeynly to ficchyn 1164
şi house of a myrie site in a lowe stoone. ¶ For al
şou[gh] şe wynde troublyng şe see şondre wiş ouereşrowynges
¶ Şou şat art put i{n} quiete {and} welful by
strengşe of şi palys shalt leden a cleer age. scornyng 1168
şe wodenesses and şe Ires of şe eir.
[Linenotes:
1155, 1156, 1157 _wil_--wole
1156 _be cast_--MS. be caste, C. ben cast
1157 _wynde_--wynd
1158 _eschewe_--eschewen
1160 _fel[le]_--felle
1161 _his_--hise
1162 _lowe_--lavse
_see_--omitted
_refuse_--refusen
_wey[gh]te_--wyhte
1163 _flee_--fleen
1164 _seine_--seyn
1165 _şi_--thin
_lowe stoone_--lowh stoon
1167 _welful_--weleful
1169 _wodenesses_--woodnesses]
[Headnote:
GLORY NOT IN RICHES; THEY ADD NOTHING TO VIRTUE.]
SET CUM RACIONU{M} IAM IN TE.
[Sidenote: [The fyfthe p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: It is now time to use stronger medicines, since lighter
remedies have taken effect.]
++But for as moche as şe noryssinges of my resou{n}s
descenden now in to şe. I trowe it were tyme to
vsen a litel strenger medicynes.
[Sidenote: What is there in the gifts of Fortune that is not vile
and despicable?]
¶ Now vndirstonde 1172
here al were it so şat şe [gh]iftis of fortune nar[e] nat
brutel ne t{ra}nsitorie.
[Sidenote: [* fol. 12.]]
what is şer in hem şat may be
şine *in any tyme. or ellis şat it nys foule if şat it be
considered {and} lokid p{er}fitely.
[Sidenote: Are riches precious in themselves, or in men's
estimation?]
¶ Richesse ben şei 1176
p{re}ciouse by şe nature of hem self. or ellys by şe
nature of şe.
[Sidenote: What is most precious in them, quantity or quality?]
What is most worşi of rycchesse. is it
nat golde or my[gh]t of moneye assembled.
[Sidenote: Bounty is more glorious than niggardliness.]
¶ Certis
şilke golde {and} şilke moneye shineş {and} [gh]eueş better 1180
renou{n} to hem şat dispenden it. şen to şilke folke şat
mokeren it.
[Sidenote: Avarice is always hateful, while liberality is
praise-worthy.]
For auarice makeş alwey mokeres to be
hated. {and} largesse makeş folke clere of renou{n}
¶ For syn şat swiche şi{n}g as is t{ra}nsfered from o 1184
man to an oşer ne may nat dwellen wiş no man.
[Sidenote: Money cannot be more precious than when it is dispensed
liberally to others.]
Certis şan is şilke moneye p{re}cious. whan it is translated
in to oşer folk. {and} stynteş to ben had by
vsage of large [gh]euy{n}g of hym şat haş [gh]euen it. 1188
[Sidenote: If one man's coffers contained all the money in the
world, every one else would be in want of it.]
{and} also yif al şe moneye şat is ouer-al in şe world were
gadered towar[d] o man. it sholde maken al oşer men [[pg 46]]
to ben nedy as of şat. ¶ And certys a voys al hool
şat is to seyn wiş-oute amenusynge fulfilleş to gyder 1192
şe heryng of myche folke.
[Sidenote: Riches cannot be dispensed without diminution.]
but Certys [gh]oure rycchesse
ne mowen nat passen vnto myche folk wiş-oute amenussyng
¶ And whan şei ben apassed. nedys şei maken
hem pore şat forgon şe rycchesses.
[Sidenote: O the poverty of riches, that cannot be enjoyed by many
at the same time, nor can be possessed by one without
impoverishing others!]
¶ O streite {and} 1196
nedy clepe I şise rycchesses. syn şat many folke [ne]
may nat han it al. ne al may it nat comen to on man
wiş-oute pouerte of al oşer folke. ¶ And şe shynynge
of ge{m}mes şat I clepe p{re}ciouse stones. draweş it nat 1200
şe eyen of folk in to hem warde. şat is to seyne for şe
beaute.
[Sidenote: The beauty of precious stones consists only in their
brightness, wherefore I marvel that men admire that which is
motionless, lifeless, and irrational.]
¶ For certys yif şer were beaute or bounte
in shynyng of stones. şilke clerenesse is of şe stones
hem self. {and} nat of men. ¶ For whiche I wondre 1204
gretly şat men merueilen on swiche şinges. ¶ For
whi what şing is it şat yif it wa{n}teş moeuyng {and}
ioynture of soule {and} body şat by ry[gh]t my[gh]t[e] semen
a faire creature to hym şat haş a soule of resou{n}. 1208
[Sidenote: Precious stones are indeed the workmanship of the
Creator, but their beauty is infinitely below the excellency of
man's nature.]
¶ For al be it so şat ge{m}mes drawen to hem self a
litel of şe laste beaute of şe worlde. şoru[gh] şe entent
of hir creato{ur} {and} şoru[gh] şe distincc{i}ou{n} of hem self.
[gh]it for as myche as şei ben put vndir [gh]oure excellence. 1212
şei han not desserued by no weye şat [gh]e shullen
merueylen on hem.
[Sidenote: Doth the beauty of the field delight thee?]
¶ And şe beaute of feeldes deliteş
it nat mychel vnto [gh]ow.
[Sidenote: _B._ Why should it not? for it is a beautiful part of a
beautiful whole.]
_Boyce._ ¶ Whi sholde it nat 1215
deliten vs. syn şat it is a ry[gh]t fayr porciou{n} of şe ry[gh]t
fair werk. şat is to seyn of şis worlde.
[Sidenote: Hence, we admire the face of the sea, the heavens, as
well as the sun, moon, and stars.]
¶ And ry[gh]t
so ben we gladed somtyme of şe face of şe see whan
it is clere. And also merueylen we on şe heuene {and}
on şe sterres. {and} on şe sonne. {and} on şe mone. [[pg 47]]
[Sidenote: _P._ Do these things concern thee? darest thou glory in
them?]
_Philosophie._ ¶ App{er}teineş q{uo}d she any of şilke 1221
şinges to şe. whi darst şou glorifie şe in şe shynynge
of any swiche şinges.
[Sidenote: Do the flowers adorn you with their variety?]
Art şou distingwed {and} embelised
by şe spryngyng floures of şe first somer 1224
sesou{n}. or swelliş şi plente in fruytes of somer. whi
art şou rauyshed wiş ydel ioies.
[Sidenote: Why embracest thou things wherein thou hast no
property?]
why enbracest şou
straunge goodes as şei weren şine.
[Sidenote: Fortune can never make that thine which the nature of
things forbids to be so.]
Fortune shal neuer
maken şat swiche şinges ben şine şat nature of şinges 1228
maked foreyne fro şe.
[Sidenote: The fruits of the earth are designed for the support of
beasts.]
¶ Syche is şat wiş-oute{n}
doute şe fruytes of şe erşe owen to ben on şe
norssinge of bestes.
[Sidenote: If you seek only the necessities of nature, the
affluence of Fortune will be useless.]
¶ And if şou wilt fulfille şi
nede after şat it suffiseş to nature şan is it no nede 1232
şat şou seke after şe sup{er}fluite of fortune.
[Sidenote: Nature is content with a little, and superfluity will
be both disagreeable and hurtful.]
¶ For
wiş ful fewe şinges {and} w{i}t{h} ful lytel şing nature
halt hire appaied. {and} yif şou wilt achoken şe fulfillyng
of nat{ur}e wiş sup{er}fluites ¶ Certys şilke 1236
şinges ş{a}t şou wilt şresten or pouren in to nature
shullen ben vnioyeful to şe or ellis anoies.
[Sidenote: Does it add to a man's worth to shine in variety of
costly clothing?]
¶ Wenest
şou eke şat it be a fair şinge to shine wiş dyuerse
cloşing.
[Sidenote: The things really to be admired are the beauty of the
stuff or the workmanship of it.]
of whiche cloşing yif şe beaute be agreable 1240
to loken vpon. I wol merueylen on şe nature of şe
matere of şilke cloşes. or ellys on şe werkeman şat
wrou[gh]t[e] hem.
[Sidenote: Doth a great retinue make thee happy?]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 12 _b_.]]
but al so a longe route of meyne. makiş
şat a blisful *man.
[Sidenote: If thy servants be vicious, they are a great burden to
the house, and pernicious enemies to the master of it.]
şe whiche seruauntes yif şei ben 1244
vicio[-u]s of condic{i}ou{n}s it is a greet charge {and} a
destrucc{i}ou{n} to şe house. {and} a g{r}eet enmye to şe lorde
hym self
[Sidenote: If they be good, why should the probity of others be
put to thy account?]
¶ {And} yif şei ben goode men how shal
straung[e] or foreyne goodenes ben put in şe nou{m}bre 1248
of şi rycchesse.
[Sidenote: Upon the whole, then, none of those enjoyments which
thou didst consider as thy own did ever properly belong to thee.]
so ş{a}t by alle şise forseide şinges. it is
clerly shewed şat neuer none of şilke şinges şat şou
accou{m}ptedest for şin goodes nas nat şi goode.
[Sidenote: If they be not desirable, why shouldst thou grieve for
the loss of them?]
¶ In
şe whiche şinges yif şer be no beaute to ben desired. 1252
[Linenotes:
1172 _strenger_--strenger{e}
_vndirstonde_--vndyrstond
1173 _nar[e]_--ne weere
1174 _be şine_--ben thyn
1175 _foule_--fowl
1176 _Richesse_--Rychessis
1178 _rycchesse_--rychesses
1179, 1180 _golde_--gold
1180 _better_--betere
1181 _şen_--thanne
1182 _mokeres_--mokereres
1183 _folke clere_--folk cler
1184 _swiche_--swich
_from_--fram
1187 _stynteş_--stenteth
1188 _haş_--MS. haşe
1189 _world_--worlde
1190 _al_--alle
1191 _al hool_--omitted
1193 _myche folke_--moche folk{e}
_rycchesse_--rychesses
1194 _myche_--moche
1196 _forgon_--MS. forgone
1197 _şise_--this
_rycchesses_--rychesse
[_ne_]--from C.
1198 _on_--o
1199 _wiş-oute_--with-owten
_al_--alle
_folke_--folk{e}
1200 _preciouse_--p{re}syous
1201 _in_--omitted
_warde_--ward
_seyne_--seyn
1202 _beaute_ (1)--beautes
_For_--but
1203 _in_--in the
1204 _whiche_--which
1207 _ioynture_--Ioyngture
1208 _faire_--fayr
_haş_--MS. haşe
1210 _laste_--last
_worlde_--world
1212 _myche_--mochel
1213 _desserued_--MS. desseyued, C. desseruyd
_weye_--wey
_shullen_--sholden
1215 _mychel_--mochel
1217 _fair werk_--fayr{e} werke
_worlde_--world
1219 _clere_--cler
1222 _darst şou glorifie_--darsthow gloryfyen
1225 _in_--in the
1229 _Syche_--Soth
1230 _on_--to
1231, 1235, 1237 _wilt_--wolt
1238 _shullen_--shollen
1239 _fair_--fayre
1240 _whiche_--which
1242 _werkeman_--werkman
1246 _house_--hows
_lorde_--lord
1248 _goodenes_--goodnesse
1250 _shewed_--I-shewyd
_none_--oon
1251 _şin_--thine
_goode_--good]
[[pg 48]]
[Headnote:
RICHES BRING ANXIETIES.]
whi sholdest şou be sory yif şou leese hem. or whi
sholdest şou reioysen şe to holden hem.
[Sidenote: If they are fair by nature, what is that to thee?]
¶ For if şei
ben fair of hire owen kynde. what app{er}teneş şat to şe.
[Sidenote: They would be equally agreeable whether thine or not.]
for as wel sholde şei han ben faire by hem self. 1256
şou[gh] şei were{n} dep{ar}tid from alle şin rycchesse.
[Sidenote: They are not to be reckoned precious because they are
counted amongst thy goods, but because they seemed so before thou
didst desire to possess them.]
¶ For-why
faire ne p{re}cio[-u]s ne weren şei nat. for şat şei
comen amonges şi rycchesse. but for şei semeden fair
{and} p{re}cious. şerfore şou haddest leuer rekene hem 1260
amonges şi rycchesse.
[Sidenote: What, then, is it we so clamorously demand of Fortune?]
but what desirest şou of fortune
wiş so greet a noyse {and} wiş so greet a fare
[Sidenote: Is it to drive away indigence by abundance?]
¶ I
trowe şou seke to dryue awey nede wiş habundaunce
of şinges.
[Sidenote: But the very reverse of this happens, for there is need
of many helps to keep a variety of valuable goods.]
¶ But certys it turneş to [gh]ow al in şe 1264
contrarie. for whi certys it nediş of ful many[e] helpynges
to kepen şe dyuersite of preciouse ostelment[gh].
[Sidenote: They want most things who have the most.]
and soşe it is şat of many[e] şinges han şei nede şat
many[e] şinges han.
[Sidenote: They want the fewest who measure their abundance by the
necessities of nature, and not by the superfluity of their
desires.]
{and} a[gh]eyneward of litel nediş 1268
hem şat mesuren hir fille after şe nede of kynde {and}
nat after şe outrage of couetyse
[Sidenote: Is there no good planted within ourselves, that we are
obliged to go abroad to seek it?]
¶ Is it şan so şat ye
men ne han no p{ro}pre goode. I-set in [gh]ow. For
whiche [gh]e moten seken outwardes [gh]oure goodes in 1272
foreine {and} subgit şinges.
[Sidenote: Are things so changed and inverted, that god-like man
should think that he has no other worth but what he derives from
the possession of inanimate objects?]
¶ So is şan şe condic{i}ou{n}
of şinges turned vpso dou{n}. şat a man şat is a devyne
beest by merit of hys resou{n}. şinkeş şat hy{m}
self nys neyşer fair ne noble. but if it be şoru[gh] 1276
possessiou{n} of ostelmentes. şat ne han no soules.
[Linenotes:
1255 _fair_--fayr{e}
_hire owen_--hyr owne
1256 _sholde_--sholden
_self_--selue
1257 _şin rycchesse_--thyne rychesses
1259 _amonges_--among{e}
1259, 1261 _rycchesse_--Rychesses
1259 _fair_--fayr{e}
1260 _leuer rekene_--leu{er}e rekne
1262 _greet_ (2)--grete
1265, 1267 _many[e]_--manye
1267 _soşe_--soth
1272 _outwardes_--owtward
1276 _fair_--fayr{e}
_if_--yif]
[Headnote:
IGNORANCE CRIMINAL IN MAN.]
[Sidenote: Inferior things are satisfied with their own
endowments, while man (the image of God) seeks to adorn his nature
with things infinitely below him, not understanding how much he
dishonours his Maker.]
¶ And certys al oş{er} şi{n}ges ben appaied of hire owen
beautes. but [gh]e men şat ben semblable to god by [gh]our{e}
resonable şou[gh]t desiren to apparaille [gh]our{e} excellent 1280
kynde of şe lowest[e] pinges. ne [gh]e ne vndirstonde nat
how gret a wro{n}g [gh]e don to [gh]oure creato{ur}.
[Sidenote: God intended man to excel all earthly creatures, yet
you debase your dignity and prerogative below the lowest beings.]
for he
wolde şat man kynde were moost worşi {and} noble of
any oşer erşely şinges. and [gh]e şresten adou{n} [gh]oure [[pg 49]]
dignitees by-neşen şe lowest[e] şinges.
[Sidenote: In placing your happiness in despicable trifles, you
acknowledge yourselves of less value than these trifles, and well
do you merit to be so esteemed.]
¶ For if şat al 1285
şe good of euery şing be more p{re}ciouse şan is şilk
şing whos şat şe good is. syn [gh]e demen şat şe
foulest[e] şinges ben [gh]oure goodes. şanne summytten 1288
[gh]e {and} putten [gh]oure self vndir şo foulest[e] şinges by
[gh]oure estimac{i}ou{n}. ¶ And certis şis bitidiş nat wiş
out [gh]our{e} desert.
[Sidenote: Man only excels other creatures when he knows himself.]
For certys swiche is şe co{n}dic{i}ou{n}
of al man kynde şat oonly whan it haş knowyng of it 1292
self. şan passeş it i{n} noblesse alle oşer şinges.
[Sidenote: When he ceases to do so, he sinks below beasts.]
and whan it forletiş şe knowyng of it self. şan it is
brou[gh]t byneşen alle beestes.
[Sidenote: Ignorance is natural to beasts, but in men it is
unnatural and criminal.]
¶ For-why alle oşer
[leuynge] beestes han of kynde to knowe not hem 1296
self. but whan şat men leten şe knowyng of hem self.
it comeş hem of vice.
[Sidenote: How weak an error is it to believe that anything
foreign to your nature can be an ornament to it.]
but how brode sheweş şe erro{ur}
{and} şe folie of [gh]ow men şat wenen şat ony şing may
ben apparailled wiş straunge apparaillement[gh] ¶ but 1300
for-soşe şat may nat be don.
[Sidenote: If a thing appear beautiful on account of its external
embellishments, we admire and praise those embellishments alone.]
for yif a wy[gh]t shyneş wiş
şi{n}ges şat ben put to hym. as şus. yif şilke şinges
shynen wiş whiche a man is apparailled. ¶ Certis
şilke şinges ben commendid {and} p{re}ised wiş whiche 1304
he is apparailled.
[Sidenote: The thing covered still continues in its natural
impurity.]
¶ But naşeles şe şing şat is
couered {and} wrapped vndir şat dwelleş in his filşe.
[Sidenote: I deny that to be a good which is hurtful to its
owner.]
and I denye şat şilke şing be good şat anoyeş hym
şat haş it.
[Sidenote: Am I deceived in this? You will say no; for riches have
often hurt their possessors.]
¶ Gabbe I of şis. şou wolt seye nay. 1308
¶ Certys rycchesse han anoyed ful ofte hem şat han şe
rycchesse.
[Sidenote: Every wicked man desires another's wealth, and esteems
him alone happy who is in possession of riches.]
¶ Syn şat euery wicked shrew {and} for
hys wickednesse şe more gredy aftir oşer folkes rycchesse
wher so euer it be in any place. be it golde or 1312
p{re}cious stones. [[pg 50]]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 13.]]
{and} weniş hym *only most worşi şat
haş hem
[Sidenote: You, therefore, who now so much dread the instruments
of assassination, if you had been born a poor wayfaring man,
might, with an empty purse, have sung in the face of robbers.]
¶ şou şan şat so besy dredest now şe swerde
{and} şe spere. yif şou haddest entred in şe paşe of şis
lijf a voide wayfaryng man. şan woldest şou syng[e] 1316
by-fore şe şeef. ¶ As who seiş a poure man şat bereş
no rycchesse on hym by şe weye. may boldly syng[e]
byforne şeues. for he haş nat wher-of to ben robbed.
[Sidenote: O the transcendant felicity of riches! No sooner have
you obtained them, than you cease to be secure.]
¶ O preciouse {and} ry[gh]t clere is şe blysfulnesse of 1320
mortal rycchesse. şat wha{n} şou hast geten it. şan hast
şou lorn şi syke[r]nesse.
[Linenotes:
1278 _hire owen_--hir owne
1281 _ne_ (2)--omitted
_vndirstonde_--vndyrstondyn
1282 _gret_--MS. grete, C. gret
1284 _oşer erşely_--oothre worldly
_şresten_--threste
1285 _by-neşen_--by-nethe
_if_--yif
1286 _good_--MS. goode, C. good
_şing_--thinge
_preciouse_--p{re}syos
_şilk şing_--thilke thinge
1287 _şe_ (2)--tho
1288 _summytten_--submitten
1289 _self_--seluen
_foulest[e]_--fowleste
1290 _bitidiş_--tydeth
1291 _out_--owte
_desert_--desertes
1292 _al_--alle
1293 _self_--selue
1294 _it is_--is it
1296 [_leuynge_]--from C.
_hem_--hym
1297 _şat_--omitted
1298 _comeş_--comth
1299 _şing_--thinge
1302 _put_--MS. putte, C. put
1303 _whiche_--which
1306 _filşe_--felthe
1307 _şing_--thinge
_good_--MS. goode, C. good
1308 _haş_--MS. haşe
1309 _rycchesse_--Rychesses
_şe_--tho
1310 _rycchesse_--Rychesses
_shrew_--shrewe
1311 _rycchesse_--rychesses
1312 _golde_--gold
1314 _haş_--MS. haşe, C. hat
_besy_--bysy
_swerde_--swerd
1315 _paşe_--paath
1316 _wayfaryng_--wayferynge
_syng[e]_--synge
1317 _by-fore_--by-forn
_seiş_--MS. seişe, C. seyth
_poure_--pore
_bereş_--berth
1318 _boldly syng[e]_--boldely synge
1319 _haş_--MS. haşe
1320 _preciouse_--p{re}cyos
_clere_--cler
1321 _rycchesse_--rychesses
1322 _lorn_--MS. lorne, C. lorn]
[Headnote:
THE GOLDEN AGE.]
FELIX IN MIRU{M} PRIOR ETAS.
[Sidenote: [The fyfthe met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: Happy was the first age of men. They were contented
with what the faithful earth produced.]
++Blysful was şe first age of men. şei helden hem
apaied wiş şe metes şat şe trewe erşes brou[gh]ten 1324
furşe. ¶ şei ne destroyed[e] ne desceyued[e] not hem
self wiş outerage.
[Sidenote: With acorns they satisfied their hunger.]
¶ şei weren wont ly[gh]tly to slaken
her hunger at euene wiş acornes of okes
[Sidenote: They knew not Hypocras nor Hydromel.]
¶ şei ne
couşe nat medle şe [gh]ift of bacus to şe clere hony. 1328
şat is to seyn. şei couşe make no piment of clarre.
[Sidenote: They did not dye the Serian fleece in Tyrian purple.]
ne şei couşe nat medle şe bri[gh]t[e] flies of şe co{n}tre
of siriens wiş şe venym of tirie. şis is to seyne. şei
couşe nat dien white flies of sirien contre wiş şe 1332
blode of a manar shelfysshe. şat men fynden in tyrie.
wiş whiche blode men deien purper.
[Sidenote: They slept upon the grass, and drank of the running
stream, and reclined under the shadow of the tall pine.]
¶ şei slepen
holesom slepes vpon şe gras. and dronken of şe rynnyng
watres. {and} laien vndir şe shadowe of şe hey[gh]e 1336
pyne trees.
[Sidenote: No man yet ploughed the deep, nor did the merchant
traffick with foreign shores.]
¶ Ne no gest ne no straunger [ne] karf
[gh]it şe heye see wiş oores or wiş shippes. ne şei ne
hadden seyne [gh]itte none newe strondes
to leden merchaundyse [[pg 51]]
in to dyuerse co{n}tres.
[Sidenote: The warlike trumpet was hushed and still.]
¶ şo weren şe cruel 1340
clariou{n}s ful whist {and} ful stille.
[Sidenote: Bloodshed had not yet arisen through hateful quarrels.]
ne blode yshed by
egre hate ne hadde nat deied [gh]it armurers.
[Sidenote: Nothing could stimulate their rage to engage in war,
when they saw that wounds and scars were the only meeds.]
for wherto
or whiche woodenesse of enmys wolde first moeuen
armes. whan şei seien cruel woundes ne none medes 1344
ben of blood yshad
[Sidenote: O that those days would come again!]
¶ I wolde şat oure tymes sholde
turne a[gh]eyne to şe oolde maneres.
[Sidenote: The thirst of wealth torments all; it rages more
fiercely than Ætna's fires.]
¶ But şe anguissous
loue of hauyng brenneş in folke moore cruely şan şe
fijr of şe Mou{n}taigne of Ethna şat euer brenneş. 1348
[Sidenote: Cursed be the wretch who first brought gold to light.]
¶ Allas what was he şat first dalf vp şe gobets or
şe wey[gh]tys of gold couered vndir erşe. {and} şe p{re}cious
stones şat wolden han ben hid. he dalf vp p{re}cious
perils. şat is to seyne şat he şat hem first vp dalf. he 1352
dalf vp a p{re}cious peril.
[Sidenote: It has since proved perilous to many a man.]
for-whi. for şe p{re}ciousnesse
of swyche haş many man ben in peril.
[Linenotes:
1324 _erşes_--feeldes
1325 _furşe_--forth
_destroyed[e]_--dystroyede
1327 _her_--hyr
_at_--MS. as, C. at
_euene_--euen
1328 _couşe_--cowde
_medle_--medly
_[gh]ift_--yifte
_clere_--cleer
1329 _couşe_--cowde
_of_--nor
1330 _couşe_--cowde
_bri[gh]t[e] flies_--bryhte flee[gh]es
1331 _siriens_--Seryens
_seyne_--seyn
1332 _couşe_--cowde
_dien_--deyen
_flies_--fle[gh]es
1333 _blode_--blood
_shelfysshe_--shyllefyssh
1334 _blode_--blood
1335 _holesom_--holsom
_rynnyng watres_--rennynge wateres
_shadowe_--shadwes
_hey[gh]e_--heye
1337 _pyne_--pyn
_no_ (2)--omitted
[_ne_]--from C.
_karf_--karue
1339 _hadden seyne [gh]itte_--hadde seyn yit
1341 _whist_--hust
_blode yshed_--blod I-shad
1343 _whiche woodenesse_--whych wodnesse
1344 _seien_--say
1346 _turne a[gh]eyne_--torne ayein
1347 _folke_--folk
1348 _şe_--omitted
_euer_--ay
1351 _hid_--MS. hidde, C. hydd
1352 _seyne_--seyn
_he_ (2)--omitted
1354 _swyche_--swych thinge
_haş_--MS. haşe
_ben_--be]
[Headnote:
OF DIGNITIES AND POWERS.]
QUID AUTE{M} DE DIGNITATIB{US} {ET} C{ETERA}.
[Sidenote: [The sixte p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: But why should I discourse of dignities and powers
which (though you are ignorant of true honour and real power) you
extol to the skies?]
++But what shal I seyne of dignitees {and} of powers.
şe whiche [ye] men ş{a}t neişer knowen verray dignitee 1356
ne verray power areysen hem as heye as şe
heuene.
[Sidenote: When they fall to the lot of a wicked man, they produce
greater calamities than the flaming eruption of Ætna, or the most
impetuous deluge.]
şe whiche dignitees {and} powers yif şei come
to any wicked man şei don [as] greet[e] damages {and}
distrucc{i}ou{n} as doş şe fla{m}me of şe Mou{n}taigne 1360
Ethna whan şe fla{m}me wit walwiş vp ne no deluge
ne doş so cruel harmes.
[Sidenote: You remember that your ancestors desired to abolish the
Consular government (the commencement of the Roman liberty),
because of the pride of the Consuls; as their ancestors before for
the same consideration had suppressed the title of King.]
¶ Certys ye remembriş wel
as I trowe şat şilke dignitee şat men clepiş şe emperie
of {con}sulers şe whiche şat somtyme was bygynnyng 1364
of fredom. ¶ [Gh]oure eldres coueiteden to han
don a-wey şat dignitee for şe p{r}ide of şe conseilers.
[Linenotes:
1355 _seyne_--seye
1358 _come_--comen
1359 _don_--MS. done, C. don
_[as] greet[e]_--as grete
1360 _distruccioun_--destrucciou{n}s
_doş_--MS. doşe, C. doth
_flamme_--flaumbe
1361 _flamme_--flawmbe
_wit_--omitted
1362 _doş_--MS. doşe, C. doth
1363 _clepiş_--clepyn
1364 _whiche_--whych
_somtyme_--whilom
1366 _for_--MS. of, C. for]
[[pg 52]]
[Headnote:
HONOURS NOT INTRINSICALLY GOOD,]
¶ And ry[gh]t for şe same p{r}ide [gh]oure eldres byforne şat
tyme hadden don awey out of şe Citee of rome şe 1368
kynges name. şat is to seien. şei nolden haue no
lenger no kyng ¶ But now yif so be ş{a}t dignitees
{and} powers ben [gh]euen to goode men. şe whiche şing
is ful [gh]elde. what agreable şi{n}ges is şer in şo dignitees. 1372
or powers. but only şe goodenes of folk şat vsen hem.
[Linenotes:
1368 _don_--MS. done, C. don
1369 _seien_--seyn
1370 _lenger_--lenger{e}
_kyng_--kynge
1371 _whiche_--which
1373 _folk_--foolkys]
[Headnote:
FOR THEY FALL TO THE LOT OF THE WICKED.]
[Sidenote: Virtue is not embellished by dignities, but dignities
derive honour from virtue.]
¶ And şerfore it is şus şat hono{ur} ne comeş nat to
vertue for cause of dignite. but a[gh]einward. hono{ur}
comeş to dignite by cause of vertue.
[Sidenote: But what is this power, so much celebrated and
desired?]
but whiche is 1376
[gh]oure derworşe power şat is so clere {and} so requerable
[Sidenote: What are they over whom you exercise authority?]
¶ O [gh]e erşelyche bestes considere [gh]e nat ouer whiche
şing şat it semeş şat [gh]e han power.
[Sidenote: If thou sawest a mouse assuming command over other
mice, wouldst thou not almost burst with laughter?]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 13 _b_.]]
¶ Now yif şou
say[e] a mouse amo{n}g{us} *oşer myse şat chalenged[e] to 1380
hymself ward ry[gh]t {and} power ouer alle oşer myse. how
gret scorne woldest şou han of hit. ¶ _Glosa._ ¶ So
fareş it by men. şe body haş power ouer şe body.
[Sidenote: What is more feeble than man, to whom the bite of a fly
may be the cause of death?]
For yif şow loke wel vpon şe body of a wy[gh]t what 1384
şing shalt şou fynde moore frele şan is mannes kynde.
şe whiche ben ful ofte slayn wiş bytynge of smale
flies. or ellys wiş şe entryng of crepyng wormes in to
şe priuetees of mennes bodyes.
[Sidenote: But how can any man obtain dominion over another,
unless it be over his body, or, what is inferior to his
body,--over his possessions, the gifts of Fortune?]
¶ But wher shal 1388
men fynden any man şat may exercen or haunten any
ry[gh]t vpon an oşer ma{n} but oonly vpon hys body. or
ellys vpo{n} şinges şat ben lower şen şe body. whiche
I clepe fortunous possessiou{n}s
[Sidenote: Can you ever command a freeborn soul?]
¶ Mayst şou euer haue 1392
any comaundement ouer a fre corage
[Sidenote: Can you disturb a soul consistent with itself, and knit
together by the bond of reason?]
¶ Mayst şou
remuen fro şe estat of hys p{ro}pre reste. a şou[gh]t şat is
cleuyng to gider in hym self by stedfast resou{n}. ¶ As
somtyme a tiraunt wende to co{n}founde a freeman of 1396
corage ¶ {And} wende to co{n}streyne hym by to{ur}ment [[pg 53]]
to maken hym dyscoueren {and} acusen folk şat wisten
of a coniurac{i}ou{n}. whiche I clepe a confederacie şat
was cast a[gh]eins şis tyraunt
[Sidenote: Have you not read how Anaxarchus bit off his tongue and
spat it in the face of Nicocreon?]
¶ But şis free man boot 1400
of hys owen tunge. {and} cast it in şe visage of şilke
woode tyrau{n}te. ¶ So şat şe to{ur}ment[gh] şat şis
tyrau{n}t wende to han maked mater{e} of cruelte. şis
wyse man maked[e it] matere of vertues.
[Sidenote: What is it that one man can do to another that does not
admit of retaliation?]
¶ But what 1404
şing is it şat a man may don to an oşer man. şat he
ne may receyue şe same şing of oşer folke i{n} hym
self. or şus. ¶ What may a man don to folk. şat folk
ne may don hym şe same.
[Sidenote: Busiris used to kill his guests, but at last himself
was killed by Hercules, his guest.]
¶ I haue herd told of 1408
busirides şat was wo{n}t to sleen hys gestes şat herburghden
in hys hous. and he was slayn hym self of
ercules şat was hys gest
[Sidenote: Regulus put his Carthaginian prisoners in chains, but
was afterwards obliged to submit to the fetters of his enemies.]
¶ Regulus had[de] taken in
bataile many men of affrike. and cast hem in to fetteres. 1412
but sone after he most[e] [gh]iue hys handes to
ben bounden w{i}t{h} şe cheynes of hem şat he had[de]
somtyme ou{er}comen.
[Sidenote: Is he mighty that dares not inflict what he would upon
another for fear of a requital?]
¶ Wenest şou şan şat he be
my[gh]ty. şat may nat don a şing. şat oşer ne may don 1416
hym. şat he doş to oşer.
[Sidenote: If powers and honours were intrinsically good, they
would never be attained by the wicked.]
{and} [gh]it more ou{er} yif it so
were şat şise dignites or poweres hadden any p{ro}pre
or naturel goodnesse in hem self neuer nolden şei
comen to shrewes.
[Sidenote: An union of things opposite is repugnant to nature.]
¶ For contrarious şinges ne ben 1420
not wont to ben yfelawshiped togidres. ¶ Nature refuseş
şat contra[r]ious şinges ben yioigned.
[Sidenote: But as wicked men do obtain the highest honours, it is
clear that honours are not in themselves good, otherwise they
would not fall to the share of the unworthy.]
¶ And so
as I am in certeyne şat ry[gh]t wikked folk han dignitees
ofte tymes. şan sheweş it wel şat dignitees {and} powers 1424
ne ben not goode of hir owen kynde. syn şat şei suffren
hem self to cleue{n} or ioynen hem to shrewes.
[Sidenote: The worst of men have often the largest share of
Fortune's gifts.]
¶ And certys şe same şing may most digneliche Iugen
{and} seyen of alle şe [gh]iftis of fortune
şat most plenteuously [[pg 54]]
comen to shrewes.
[Sidenote: We judge him to be valiant who has given evidence of
his fortitude.]
¶ Of şe whiche [gh]iftys I 1429
trowe şat it au[gh]t[e] ben considered şat no man doutiş
şat he nis strong. in whom he seeş strengşe. {and} in
whom şat swiftnesse is ¶ Soşe it is şat he is swyfte. 1432
[Sidenote: So music maketh a musician, &c.]
Also musyk makeş musiciens. {and} fysik makeş phisiciens.
{and} rethorik rethoriens.
[Sidenote: The nature of everything consists in doing what is
peculiar to itself, and it repels what is contrary to it.]
¶ For whi şe nature
of euery şing makiş his p{ro}pretee. ne it is nat
ent{er}medled wiş şe effect{is} of co{n}trarious şinges. 1436
[Linenotes:
1374 _comeş_--comth
1375, 1376 _vertue_--vertu
1376 _comeş_--comth
_by_--for
_whiche_--which
1377 _derworşe_--dereworthe
_clere_--cleer
1378 _whiche_--which
1379 _han_--MS. hanne, C. han
1380 _say[e]_--saye
_mouse amongus_--mous amonges
_myse_--mus[gh]
1382 _scorne_--scorn
1383 _haş_--MS. haşe
1385 _mannes_--man
1386 _şe----slayn_--the whiche men wel ofte ben slayn
1388 _mennes bodyes_--mannes body
1391 _lower_--lower{e}
_whiche_--the which
1395 _stedfast_--stidefast
1396 _somtyme_--whylom
1399 _whiche_--which
1401 _owen_--owne
1406 _receyue_--resseyuen
_oşer_--oothre
1408 _herd told_--MS. herde tolde, C. herd told
1409 _hys_--hise
_herburghden_--herberweden
1410 _slayn_--sleyn
1411 _had[de]_--hadde
1413 _most[e]_--moste
1414 _bounden_--bownde
_cheynes_--MS. şeues, C. cheynes
_had[de]_--hadde
1415 _somtyme_--whylom
1416 _şat----şing_--that hath no power to don a thinge
_oşer_--oothre
1417 _hym_--in hym
_doş_--MS. doşe, C. doth
_to oşer_--in oothre
1421 _togidres_--to-gider{e}
1423 _certeyne_--certein
1424 _tymes_--tyme
1425 _owen_--owne
1429 _whiche_--which
1430 _au[gh]t[e]_--owhte
1432 _Soşe_--soth
_swyfte_--swyft
1435 _is_--nis
1436 _effectis_--effect]
[Headnote:
POWER DOES NOT CONFER GOODNESS.]
¶ And as of wil it chaseş oute şinges şat to it ben
contrarie
[Sidenote: Riches cannot restrain avarice. Power cannot make a man
master of himself if he is the slave of his lusts.]
¶ But certys rycchesse may nat restreyne
auarice vnstaunched ¶ Ne power [ne] makeş nat a
ma{n} my[gh]ty ouer hym self. whiche şat vicious lustis 1440
holden destreined wiş cheins şat ne mowen nat ben
vnbounden.
[Sidenote: Dignities conferred upon base men do not make them
worthy, but rather expose their want of merit.]
{and} dignitees şat ben [gh]euen to shrewed[e]
folk nat oonly ne makiş hem nat digne. but it sheweş
raşer al openly şat şei ben vnworşi {and} vndigne. 1444
[Sidenote: Why is it so? 'Tis because you give false names to
things. You dignify riches, power, and honours, with names they
have no title to.]
¶ And whi is it ş{us}. ¶ Certis for [gh]e han ioye to
clepen şinges wiş fals[e] names. şat beren hem al in
şe co{n}t{ra}rie. şe whiche names ben ful ofte reproued
by şe effect of şe same şinges.
[Sidenote: [* fol. 14.]]
so şat *şise ilke rycchesse 1448
ne au[gh]ten nat by ry[gh]t to ben cleped rycchesse.
ne whiche power ne au[gh]t[e] not ben cleped power. ne
whiche dignitee ne au[gh]t[e] nat ben cleped dignitee.
[Sidenote: In fine, the same may be said of all the gifts of
Fortune, in which nothing is desirable, nothing of natural good in
them, since they are not always allotted to good men, nor make
them good to whom they are attached.]
¶ And at şe laste I may conclude şe same şinge of 1452
al şe [gh]iftes of fortune in whiche şer nis no şing to
ben desired. ne şat haş in hym self naturel bounte.
¶ as it is ful wel sene. for neyşer şei ne ioygne{n}
hem nat alwey to goode men. ne maken hem alwey 1456
goode to who{m} şei be{n} y-ioigned.
[Linenotes:
1437 _oute_--owt
1441 _ben_--be
1442 _shrewed[e]_--shrewede
1446 _fals[e]_--false
_al_--alle
1447 _whiche_--which
1449 _au[gh]ten_--owhten
_rycchesse_--rychesses
1450 _whiche_--swich
_au[gh]t[e]_--owhte
1451 _whiche_--swich
_au[gh]t[e]_--owht
1453 _al_--alle
1454 _haş_--MS. haşe
1455 _sene_--I-seene]
[[pg 55]]
[Headnote:
NERO'S CRUELTY.]
NOUIMUS QUANTOS DEDERAT.
[Sidenote: [The sixte Met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: We know what ruin Nero did.]
++WE han wel knowen how many g{r}eet[e] harmes {and}
destrucc{i}ou{n}s weren doñ by şe Emp{er}oure Nero.
[Sidenote: He burnt Rome, he slew the conscript fathers, murdered
his brother, and spilt his mother's blood.]
¶ He letee brenne şe citee of Rome {and} made slen şe 1460
senato{ur}s. and he cruel somtyme slou[gh] hys broşer. {and}
he was maked moyst wiş şe blood of hys modir. şat is
to seyn he let sleen {and} slitte{n} şe body of his modir to
seen where he was conceiued.
[Sidenote: He looked unmoved upon his mother's corpse, and passed
judgment upon her beauty.]
{and} he loked[e] on euery 1464
half vpon hir colde dede body. ne no tere ne wette
his face. but he was so hard herted şat he my[gh]t[e] ben
domesman or Iuge of hire dede beaute.
[Sidenote: Yet this parricide ruled over all lands, illumined by
the sun in his diurnal course, and controlled the frozen regions
of the pole.]
¶ And [gh]itte
neuerşeles gouerned[e] şis Nero by Ceptre al şe peoples 1468
şat phebus şe sonne may seen comyng from his outerest
arysyng til he hidde his bemes vndir şe wawes. ¶ şat
is to seyne. he gouerned[e] alle şe peoples by Ceptre imp{er}ial
şat şe so{n}ne goş aboute from est to west ¶ And 1472
eke şis Nero goueyrende by Ceptre. alle şe peoples şat
ben vndir şe colde sterres şat hy[gh]ten şe seuene triones.
şis is to seyn he gouerned[e] alle şe poeples şat ben vndir
şe p{ar}ties of şe norşe.
[Sidenote: He governed, too, the people in the torrid zone.]
¶ And eke Nero gouerned[e] 1476
alle şe poeples şat şe violent wynde Nothus scorchiş
{and} bakiş şe brennynge sandes by his drie hete. şat
is to seyne. alle şe poeples in şe souşe.
[Sidenote: But yet Nero's power could not tame his ferocious
mind.]
[but yit ne
myhte nat al his heye power torne the woodnesse of 1480
this wykkyd nero /
[Sidenote: It is a grievous thing when power strengthens the arm
of him whose will prompts him to deeds of cruelty.]
Allas it is greuous fortune it is]. as
ofte as wicked swerde is ioygned to cruel venym. şat is
to sein. venimous cruelte to lordshipe.
[Linenotes:
1458 _greet[e]_--grete
1460 _letee_--let
1461 _somtyme slou[gh]_--whilom slow
1463 _let_--lette
1464 _where_--wher
1465 _half_--halue
1466 _my[gh]t[e]_--myhte
1467 _hire_--hyr
1468 _neuerşeles_--natheles
_gouerned[e]_--gou{er}nede
_al_--alle
1469 _from_--fram
_outerest_--owtereste
1470 _hidde_--hide
1471 _seyne_--seyn
1472 _goş_--MS. goşe, C. goth
1473 _goueyrende_--gou{er}nyd
1474 _triones_--tyryones
1475 _gouerned[e]_--gou{er}nede
1476 _parties_--p{ar}ty
_norşe_--north
_gouerned[e]_--gou{er}nede
1477 _wynde_--wynd
_scorchiş_--scorklith
1479 _seyne_--seyn
_souşe_--sowth
1479-81 [_but----it is_]--MS. _has_: but ne how greuous fortune is
1482 _swerde_--swerd]
[[pg 56]]
[Headnote:
THE LOVE OF GLORY.]
TU{M} EGO SCIS INQ{UA}M.
[Sidenote: [The seuende p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: _B._ Thou knowest that I did not covet mortal and
transitory things.]
++ŞAnne seide I şus. şou wost wel şiself şat şe 1484
couetise of mortal şinges ne hadden neuer lordshipe
of me. but I haue wel desired matere of şinges
to done. as who seiş.
[Sidenote: I only wished to exercise my virtue in public concerns,
lest it should grow feeble by inactivity.]
I desired[e] to han matere of
gou{er}naunce ouer comunalites. ¶ For vertue stille ne 1488
sholde not elden. şat is to seyn. şat list şat or he wex
olde ¶ His uertue şat lay now ful stille. ne sholde
nat p{er}isshe vnexcercised i{n} gouernaunce of comune.
¶ For whiche men my[gh]ten speke or write{n} of his 1492
goode gouernement.
[Sidenote: _P._ A love of glory is one of those things that may
captivate minds naturally great, but not yet arrived at the
perfection of virtue.]
¶ _Philosophie._ ¶ For soşe q{uo}d
she. {and} şat is a şing şat may drawen to gouernaunce
swiche hertes as ben worşi {and} noble of hir nature.
but naşeles it may nat drawen or tollen swiche hertes as 1496
ben y-brou[gh]t to şe ful[le] p{er}fecciou{n} of vertue. şat is
to seyn couetyse of glorie {and} renou{n} to han wel
administred şe comune şinges. or doon goode decertes
to p{ro}fit of şe comune.
[Sidenote: But consider how small and void of weight is that
glory.]
for se now {and} considere how 1500
litel {and} how voide of al prise is şilke glorie.
[Sidenote: Astronomy teaches us that this globe of earth is but a
speck compared with the extent of the heavens, and is as nothing
if compared with the magnitude of the celestial sphere.]
¶ Certeine
şing is as şou hast lerned by demonstrac{i}ou{n} of
astronomye şat al şe envyronynge of şe erşe aboute
ne halt but şe resou{n} of a prykke at regard of şe gretnesse 1504
of heuene. şat is to seye. şat yif şat şer were
maked co{m}parisou{n} of şe erşe to şe gretnesse of
heuene. men wolde Iugen in alle şat erşe [ne] helde
no space
[Sidenote: Ptolemy shows that only one-fourth of this earth is
inhabited by living creatures.]
¶ Of şe whiche litel regiou{n} of şis worlde 1508
şe ferşe partie is enhabitid wiş lyuyng beestes şat
we knowen. as şou hast şi self lerned by tholome şat
p{ro}uit[-h] it.
[Sidenote: Deduct from this the space occupied by seas, marshes,
lakes, and deserts, and there remains but a small proportion left
for the abode of man.]
¶ yif şou haddest wiş drawen {and} abated
in şi şou[gh]te fro şilke ferşe partie as myche space as şe 1512
see {and} [the] mareys contenen {and} ouergon {and} as
myche space as şe regiou{n} of droughte ou{er}streccheş.
[Linenotes:
1487 _desired[e]_--desyr{e}
1489 _wex olde_--wax old
1492 _whiche_--which
_speke_--spekyn
1496 _tollen_--MS. tellen, C. tollen
1497 _ful[le]_--fulle
1501 _al prise_--alle prys
1505 _seye_--seyn
1507 _wolde_--woldyn
_alle_--al
[_ne_]--from C.
1510 _lerned_--ylerned
1512 _şou[gh]te_--thowht
_myche_--moche
1513 [_the_]--from C.
1514 _myche space_--moche spaces]
[[pg 57]]
[Headnote:
FAME IS CIRCUMSCRIBED.]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 14 _b_.]]
şat is to seye sandes {and} desertes wel vnneş sholde
*şer dwellen a ry[gh]t streite place to şe habitaciou{n} of 1516
men.
[Sidenote: And do you, who are confined to the least point of this
point, think of nothing but of blazing far and wide your name and
reputation?]
{and} [gh]e şan şat ben environed {and} closed wiş
i{n}ne şe leest[e] prikke of şilk prikke şenke [gh]e to
manifesten [gh]oure renou{n} {and} don [gh]oure name to ben
born forşe.
[Sidenote: What is there great in a glory so circumscribed?]
but [gh]our{e} glorie şat is so narwe {and} so 1520
streyt yşronge{n} in to so litel boundes. how myche
conteinşe it in largesse {and} in greet doynge.
[Sidenote: Even in this contracted circle, there is a great
variety of nations, to whom not only the fame of particular men,
but even of great cities, cannot extend.]
And also
sette şis şer to şat many a nac{i}ou{n} dyuerse of tonge
{and} of maneres. {and} eke of resou{n} of hir lyuyng ben 1524
enhabitid in şe cloos of şilke litel habitacle. ¶ To şe
whiche nac{i}ou{n}s what for difficulte of weyes. {and} what
for diu{er}site of langages. {and} what for defaute of
vnusage entercomunynge of marchau{n}dise. nat only şe 1528
names of singler men ne may [nat] strecchen. but eke
şe fame of Citees ne may nat strecchen.
[Sidenote: In the time of Marcus Tullius the fame of Rome did not
reach beyond Mount Caucasus.]
¶ At şe
last[e] Certis in şe tyme of Marcus tulyus as hym
self writeş in his book şat şe renou{n} of şe comune of 1532
Rome ne hadde nat [gh]itte passed ne clou{m}ben ou{er} şe
mou{n}taigne şat hy[gh]t Caucasus. {and} [gh]itte was şilk
tyme rome wel wexen {and} gretly redouted of şe p{ar}thes.
and eke of oşer folk enhabityng aboute.
[Sidenote: How narrow, then, is that glory which you labour to
propagate.]
¶ Sest şou 1536
nat şan how streit {and} how comp{re}ssed is şilke glorie
şat [gh]e t{ra}uaile{n} aboute to shew {and} to multiplie.
[Sidenote: Shall the glory of a Roman citizen reach those places
where the name even of Rome was never heard?]
May şan şe glorie of a singlere Romeyne strecchen şider
as şe fame of şe name of Rome may nat clymben ne 1540
passen.
[Sidenote: Customs and institutions differ in different
countries.]
¶ And eke sest ş{o}u nat şat şe maners of
diu{er}se folk {and} eke hir lawes ben discordau{n}t amonge
hem self.
[Sidenote: What is praise-worthy in one is blame-worthy in
another.]
so ş{a}t şilke şing şat so{m}men iugen worşi of
p{re}ysynge. oşer folk iugen şat it is worşi of torment. 1544
[Linenotes:
1515 _seye_--seyn
1516 _streite_--streyt
1517 _şan_--thanne
1518 _inne_--in
_leest[e]_--leste
_şilk_--thilke
_şenke [gh]e_--thinken ye
1520 _born forşe_--MS. borne, C. born, forth
_narwe_--narwh
1521 _streyt_--streyte
_myche_--mochel
1522 _conteinşe_--coueyteth
1525 _habitacle_--MS. habitache, C. habytacule
1529 [_nat_]--from C.
1531 _last[e]_--laste
1532 _writeş_--writ
1533 _hadde_--hadden
_[gh]itte_--omitted
1534 _hy[gh]t_--hyhte
_şilk_--thikke
1535 _wexen_--waxen
1536 _Sest şou_--sestow
1538 _shew_--shewe
1539 _singlere_--singler]
[Headnote:
FAME IS NOT ETERNAL.]
[Sidenote: It is not the interest of any man who desires renown to
have his name spread through many countries.]
¶ and şer of comeş şat şou[gh] a man delite hy{m} in
p{re}ysyng of his renou{n}. he ne may nat i{n} no wise [[pg 58]]
bryngen furşe ne sprede{n} his name to many manere
peoples.
[Sidenote: He ought, therefore, to be satisfied with the glory he
has acquired at home.]
¶ And şerfore euery man{er} man au[gh]te to ben 1548
paied of hys glorie şat is puplissed among hys owen
ney[gh]bores.
[Sidenote: But of how many personages, illustrious in their times,
have the memorials been lost through the carelessness and neglect
of writers.]
¶ And şilke noble renou{n} shal be
restreyned wiş-i{n}ne şe boundes of o maner folk but how
many a man şat was ful noble in his tyme. haş şe 1552
nedy {and} wrecched for[gh]etynge of writers put oute of
mynde {and} don awey.
[Sidenote: But writings do not preserve the names of men for
ever.]
¶ Al be it so şat certys şilke
writynges p{ro}fiten litel. şe whiche writy{n}ges longe {and}
derke elde doş aweye boşe he{m} {and} eke her auto{ur}s. 1556
[Sidenote: But perhaps you suppose that you shall secure
immortality if your names are transmitted to future ages.]
but [gh]e men semen to geten [gh]ow a p{er}durablete whan [gh]e
şenke şat in tyme comyng [gh]oure fame shal lasten.
[Sidenote: If you consider the infinite space of eternity you will
have no reason to rejoice in this supposition.]
¶ But
naşeles yif şou wilt maken co{m}parisou{n} to şe endeles
space of eternite what şing hast şou by whiche şou 1560
maist reioysen şe of lo{n}g lastyng of şi name.
[Sidenote: If a _moment_ be compared with 10,000 years, there is a
proportion between them, though a very small one.]
¶ For
if şer were maked co{m}parysou{n} of şe abidyng of a
mome{n}t to ten şousand wynter. for as myche as boşe
şo spaces ben endid. ¶ For [gh]it haş şe moment some 1564
porciou{n} of hit al şou[gh] it a litel be.
[Sidenote: But this number of years, multiplied by whatever sum
you please, vanishes when compared with the infinite extent of
eternity.]
¶ But naşeles
şilke self nou{m}bre of [gh]eres. and eke as many [gh]eres as
şer to may be multiplied. ne may nat certys be comparisou{n}d
to şe p{er}durablete şat is een[de]les.
[Sidenote: There may be comparison between finite things, but none
between the infinite and finite.]
¶ For of 1568
şinges şat han ende may be mad co{m}parisou{n} [but of
thinges that ben w{i}t{h}-owtyn ende to thinges ş{a}t han ende
may be maked no {com}parysou{n}].
[Sidenote: Hence it is, that Fame (however lasting), compared with
eternity, will seem absolutely nothing.]
¶ And for şi is it al
şou[gh] renou{n} of as longe tyme as euer şe lyst to şinken 1572
were şou[gh]t by şe regard of et{er}nite. şat is vnstauncheable
{and} infinit. it ne sholde nat oonly semen litel. but
pleinliche ry[gh]t nou[gh]t.
[Sidenote: But yet you do good from no other view than to have the
empty applause of the people, foregoing the pleasures of a good
conscience in order to have the insignificant praises of other
people.]
¶ But [gh]e men certys ne konne
don no şing ary[gh]t. but [gh]if it be for şe
audience of poeple. [[pg 59]]
{and} for ydel rumo{ur}s. {and} [gh]e forsaken şe grete worşinesse
of conscience {and} of vertue. {and} [gh]e seke{n} [gh]oure 1578
gerdou{n}s of şe smale wordes of st{ra}nge folke.
[Linenotes:
1545 _comeş_--comth it
1547 _furşe_--forth
_manere_--maner
1548 _şerfore_--ther-for
_au[gh]te_--owhte
1549 _paied_--apayed
_hys owen_--hise owne
1550 _ney[gh]bores_--nesshebours
_be_--ben
1552 _haş_--MS. haşe
1553 _put_ (MS. _putte_) _oute_--put owt
1556 _derke_--derk
_doş aweye_--MS. doşe, C. doth a-wey
_her autours_--hir actorros
1557 _[gh]e_--yow
_semen_--semeth
1558 _comyng_--to comynge
1559 _wilt_--wolt
1560 _whiche_--which
1563 _myche_--mochel
1564 _şo_--the
_haş_--MS. haşe
_some_--som
1566 _self_--selue
1567 _be_ (2)--ben
1568 _een[de]les_--endeles
1569 _mad_--MS. made, C. maked
[_but----comparysoun_]--from C.
1573 _by_--to]
[Headnote:
VANITY REPROVED.]
[Sidenote: This silly vanity was once thus ingeniously and
pleasantly rallied.]
¶ Haue now here {and} vndirstonde i{n} şe ly[gh]tnesse of whiche 1580
p{r}ide {and} veyne glorie. how a man scorned[e] festiualy
{and} myrily swiche vanite.
[Sidenote: A certain man, who had assumed the name of a
philosopher through a love of vain-glory, was told by a man of
humour that he could prove he was a philosopher by bearing
patiently the injuries offered him.]
somtyme şere was a man şat
had[de] assaied wiş striuyng wordes an oşer ma{n}. ¶ şe
whiche nat for vsage of verrey vertue. but for proude 1584
veyne glorie had[de] take{n} vpon hym falsly şe name
of a philosopher. ¶ şis raşer man şat I speke of
şou[gh]t[e] he wolde assay[e] where he şilke were a
philosopher or no.
[Sidenote: [* fol. 15.]]
şat is to seyne yif he wolde han suffred 1588
ly[gh]tly in pacience şe wro{n}ges *şat weren don vnto hym.
[Sidenote: After counterfeiting patience for a while, the sophist
said to the other, 'You must surely confess that I am a
philosopher.']
¶ şis feined[e] philosophre took pacience a
litel while. {and} whan he hadde receiued wordes of
outerage he as in stryuynge a[gh]eine {and} reioysynge of 1592
hym self seide at şe last[e] ry[gh]t şus. ¶ vndirstondest
şou nat şat I am a philosophere.
[Sidenote: 'I might have believed it,' said the other, 'had you
held your tongue.']
şat oşer man answered[e]
a[gh]ein ful bityngly {and} seide. ¶ I had[de]
wel vndirstonden [yt]. yif şou haddest holde{n} şi tonge 1596
stille.
[Sidenote: What advantage is it to great and worthy men to be
extolled after death?]
¶ But what is it to şise noble worşi men.
For certys of swyche folk speke .I. şat seken glorie wiş
vertue. what is it q{uo}d she. what atteiniş fame to
swiche folk whan şe body is resolued by şe deeş. atte 1600
şe last[e].
[Sidenote: If body and soul die, then there can be no glory; nor
can there be when he (to whom it is ascribed) does not exist.]
¶ For yif so be şat men dien in al. şat is
to seyne body {and} soule. şe whiche şing oure resou{n}
defendiş vs to byleuen şanne is şere no glorie in no
wyse. For what sholde şilke glorie ben. for he of 1604
who{m} şis glorie is seid to be nis ry[gh]t nou[gh]t in no wise.
[Sidenote: But if the soul is immortal when it leaves the body, it
takes no thought of the joys of this world.]
and [gh]if şe soule whiche şat haş in it self science of
goode werkes vnbounden fro şe p{r}isou{n} of şe erşe [[pg 60]]
wendeş frely to şe heuene. dispiseş it nou[gh]t şan alle 1608
erşely occupac{i}ou{n}s. {and} beynge i{n} heuene reioiseş şat
it is exempt from alle erşely şinges [as wo seith /
thanne rekketh the sowle of no glorye of renou{n} of this
world]. 1612
[Linenotes:
1580 _whiche_--swych
1581 _scorned[e]_--scornede
1582 _swiche_--swych
_somtyme_--whilom
1583 _had[de]_--hadde
1584 _whiche_--which
_proude_--prowd
1586 _speke_--spak
1587 _şou[gh]t[e]_--thowhte
_assay[e]_--assaye
1588 _seyne_--seyn
1590 _feined[e]_--feynede
1592 _a[gh]eine_--ayein
1593 _last[e]_--laste
_vndirstondest şou_--vndyrstondow
1594 _answered[e]_--answerde
1595 _had[de]_--hadde
1596 [_yt_]--from C.
1601 _last[e]_--laste
1602 _seyne_--seyn
1604 _for_ (2)--whan
1605 _şis_--thilke
_seid_--MS. seide, C. seyd
_nou[gh]t_--nawht
1606 _haş_--MS. haşe
1608 _nou[gh]t şan_--nat thanne
1610 _from_--fro
1610-1612 [_as----world_]--from C.]
[Headnote:
DEATH PUTS AN END TO RENOWN.]
QUICUMQ{UE} SOLAM MENTE.
[Sidenote: [The 7th Metre.]]
[Sidenote: Let him who seeks fame, thinking it to be the sovereign
good, look upon the broad universe and this circumscribed earth;
and he will then despise a glorious name limited to such a
confined space.]
++Who so şat wiş ouerşrowyng şou[gh]t only sekeş glorie
of fame. {and} weniş şat it be souereyne good
¶ Lete hym loke vpon şe brode shewyng contreys of
şe heue{n}. {and} vpo{n} şe streite sete of şis erşe. {and} 1616
he shal be ashamed of şe encres of his name. şat may
nat fulfille şe litel compas of şe erşe. ¶ O what
coueiten proude folke to liften vpon hire nekkes in
ydel {and} dedely [gh]ok of şis worlde.
[Sidenote: Will splendid titles and renown prolong a man's life?]
¶ For al şou[gh] 1620
[ş{a}t] renoune y-spradde passynge to ferne poeples goş
by dyuerse tonges. and al şou[gh] grete houses {and} kynredes
shyne wiş clere titles of hono{ur}s.
[Sidenote: In the grave there is no distinction between high and
low.]
[gh]it naşeles
deeş dispiseş al heye glorie of fame. {and} deeş wrappeş 1624
to gidre şe heye heuedes {and} şe lowe {and} makeş egal
{and} euene şe heyest[e] to şe lowest[e].
[Sidenote: Where is the good Fabricius now?]
¶ where
wone{n} now şe bones of trewe fabricius.
[Sidenote: Where the noble Brutus, or stern Cato?]
what is
now brutus or stiern Caton şe şinne fame [gh]it lastynge 1628
of hir ydel names is markid wiş a fewe lettres.
[Sidenote: Their empty names still live, but of their persons we
know nothing.]
but al şou[gh] we han knowe{n} şe faire wordes of şe fames of
hem. it is nat [gh]euen to knowe he{m} şat ben dede {and}
consumpt.
[Sidenote: Fame cannot make you known.]
Liggiş şanne stille al vtterly vnknowable 1632
ne fame ne makeş [gh]ow nat knowe. and yif [gh]e wene
to lyuen şe leng{er} for wynde of [gh]oure mortal name.
whan o cruel day shal rauyshe [gh]ow. şan is şe secunde
deeş dwellyng in [gh]ow.
[Sidenote: It will be effaced by conquering Time, so that death
will be doubly victorious.]
_Glosa._ şe first deeş he clepiş 1636
here şe dep{ar}tynge of şe body {and} şe soule. ¶ and [[pg 61]]
şe secunde deeş he clepeş as here. şe styntynge of
şe renoune of fame.[3]
[Linenotes:
1615 _Lete_--Lat
_loke_--looken
1616 _sete_--Cyte
1617 _be_--ben
1619 _vpon_--vp
1620 _and dedely_--in the dedly
1621 _y-spradde_--ysprad
[_şat_]--from C.
_ferne_--MS. serue, C. ferne
_goş_--MS. goşe, C. goth
1622 {and} (2)--or
1623 _shyne_--shynen
_clere_--cler
1624 _al_--alle
1626 _heyest[e]_--heyoste
_lowest[e]_--loweste
1628 _stiern_--MS. sciern, C. stierne
1632 _consumpt_--{con}sumpte
1634 _lenger_--longer{e}
1637 _şe_ (1)--omitted
1639 _renoune_--renou{n}]
[Footnote 3: The next three chapters are from the Camb. MS.]
[Headnote:
ADVERSE FORTUNE IS BENEFICIAL.]
[SET NE ME INEXORABILE CONTRA.
[Sidenote: [The viij p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: 'But do not believe,' said Philosophy, 'that I am an
implacable enemy to Fortune.]
++BVt for-as-mochel as thow shalt nat wenen q{uod} she 1640
ş{a}t I bere vntretable batayle ayenis fortune //
[Sidenote: This inconstant dame sometimes deserves well of men,
when she appears in her true colours.]
yit som-tyme it by-falleth ş{a}t she desseyuable desserueth
to han ryht good thank of men // {And} ş{a}t is whan she
hir{e} self opneth / {and} whan she descou{er}eth hir frownt / 1644
{and} sheweth hir maneres p{ar}-auentur{e} yit vndirstondesthow
nat ş{a}t .I. shal seye //
[Sidenote: And what I say may perhaps appear paradoxical.]
it is a wondyr ş{a}t .I.
desyr{e} to telle /
[Sidenote: That is, that adverse fortune is more beneficial than
prosperous fortune.]
{and} forthi vnnethe may I. vnpleyten my
sentense w{i}t{h} wordes for I. deme ş{a}t contraryos fortune 1648
p{ro}fiteth mor{e} to men than fortune debonayr{e} //
[Sidenote: The latter lies and deceives us, the former displays
her natural inconstancy.]
For al-wey whan fortune semeth debonayr{e} than she lyeth
falsly in by-hetynge the hope of welefulnesse // but forsothe
{con}traryos fortune is alwey sothfast / whan she 1652
sheweth hir self vnstable thorw hyr chau{n}gynge //
[Sidenote: That deceives us, this instructs us; that, by a
fallacious show of good, enslaves the mind; this, by the knowledge
of her fickleness, frees and absolves it.]
the amyable fortune desseyueth folk / the contrarye fortune
techeth // the amyable fortune byndeth w{i}t{h} the beaute
of false goodys the hertes of folk ş{a}t vsen he{m} / the 1656
contrarye fortune vnbyndeth he{m} by ş^e knowynge of
freele welefulnesse //
[Sidenote: The one is wavering and incapable of reflection, the
other is staid and wise through experience of adversity.]
the amyable fortune maysthow sen
alwey wyndynge {and} flowynge / {and} eu{er}e mysknowynge 1659
of hir self // the contrarye fortune is a-tempre {and} restreynyd
{and} wys thorw excersyse of hir aduersyte //
[Sidenote: Lastly, prosperous fortune leads men astray. Adversity
teaches them wherein real happiness consists.]
at the laste amyable fortune w{i}t{h} hir flaterynges draweth
mys wandrynge men fro the souereyne good // the contraryos
fortune ledith ofte folk ayein to sothfast goodes / 1664
{and} haleth hem ayein as w{i}t{h} an hooke /
[Sidenote: It renders us no inconsiderable service in enabling us
to recognize our true friends.]
weenesthow
thanne ş{a}t thow owhtest to leten this a lytel thing / ş{a}t
this aspre {and} horible fortune hath discoueryd to the / the
thowhtes of thy trewe frendes // For-why this ilke fortune 1668
hath departyd {and} vncou{er}yd to the bothe the [[pg 62]]
certeyn vysages {and} ek the dowtos visages of thy
felawes // wha{n} she dep{ar}tyd awey fro the / she took
awey hyr frendes {and} lafte the thyne frendes // 1672
[Sidenote: At what price would you not have bought this knowledge
in your prosperity?]
now whan thow wer{e} ryche {and} weleful as the semede / w{i}t{h}
how mochel woldesthow han bowht the fulle knowynge
of this // ş{a}t is to seyn the knowynge of thy
verray freendes //
[Sidenote: Complain not, then, of loss of wealth, since thou hast
found infinitely greater riches in your true friends.]
now pleyne the nat thanne of Rychesse 1676
.I.-lorn syn thow hast fowndyn the moste p{re}syos kynde
of Rychesses ş{a}t is to seyn thy verray frendes.
[Headnote:
ALL THINGS BOUND BY THE CHAIN OF LOVE.]
QUOD MU{N}DUS STABILI FIDE.
[Sidenote: [The viij Met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: This world, by an invariable order, suffers change.]
++THat ş^e world w{i}t{h} stable feith / varieth acordable
chaungynges //
[Sidenote: Elements, that by nature disagree, are restrained by
concord.]
ş{a}t the contraryos qualite of element[gh] 1680
holden among{e} hem self aliau{n}ce p{er}durable / ş{a}t pheb{us}
the sonne w{i}t{h} his goldene chariet / bryngeth forth the
rosene day / ş{a}t the mone hath {com}mau{n}dement ou{er} the
nyhtes // whiche nyhtes hesp{er}us the eue sterre hat browt // 1684
[Sidenote: The sea is thus kept within its proper bounds.]
ş{a}t ş^e se gredy to flowen constreyneth w{i}t{h} a certeyn ende
hise floodes / so ş{a}t it is nat l[e]ueful to strechche hise
brode termes or bowndes vp-on the erthes // ş{a}t is to seyn
to cou{er}e alle the erthe //
[Sidenote: This concord is produced by love, which governeth earth
and sea, and extends its influence to the heavens.]
Al this a-cordau{n}ce of thinges 1688
is bownden w{i}t{h} looue / ş{a}t gou{er}neth erthe {and} see / {and}
hath also {com}mau{n}dement[gh] to the heuenes /
[Sidenote: If this chain of love were broken all things would be
in perpetual strife, and the world would go to ruin.]
{and} yif
this looue slakede the brydelis / alle thinges ş{a}t now
louen hem to gederes / wolden maken a batayle contynuely 1692
{and} stryuen to fordoon the fasou{n} of this worlde /
the which they now leden in acordable feith by fayre
moeuynges //
[Sidenote: Love binds nations together, it ties the nuptial knot,
and dictates binding laws to friendship.]
this looue halt to gideres poeples Ioygned
w{i}t{h} an hooly bond / {and} knytteth sacrement of maryages 1696
of chaste looues // And loue enditeth lawes to
trewe felawes //
[Sidenote: Men were truly blest if governed by this celestial
love!']
O weleful weer{e} mankynde / yif thilke
loue ş{a}t gouerneth heuene gouerned[e] yowr{e} corages /
EXPLICIT LIB{ER} 2_^us_.
[Linenote:
1690 _hath_--H. he hath]
[[pg 63]]
[Headnote:
BOETHIUS IS COMFORTED BY PHILOSOPHY'S SONG.]
INCIPIT LIB{ER} 3^_us_.
IAM CANTU{M} ILLA FINIERAT.
[Sidenote: [The fyrste p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: Philosophy now ended her song.]
++By this she hadde endid hir{e} song{e} / whan the swetnesse 1700
of hir{e} ditee hadde thorw p{er}ced me ş{a}t was desirous
of herkninge /
[Sidenote: I was so charmed that I kept a listening as if she were
still speaking.]
{and} .I. astoned hadde yit streyhte myn
Eres / ş{a}t is to seyn to herkne the bet / what she wolde
seye //
[Sidenote: At last I said, O sovereign comforter of dejected
minds, how much hast thou refreshed me with the energy of thy
discourse, so that I now think myself almost an equal match for
Fortune and able to resist her blows.]
so ş{a}t a litel her{e} aft{er} .I. seyde thus // O thow 1704
ş{a}t art sou{er}eyn comfort of Angwissos corages // So thow
hast remou{n}ted {and} norysshed me w{i}t{h} the weyhte of thy
sentenses {and} w{i}t{h} delit of thy syngynge // so ş{a}t .I. trowe
nat now ş{a}t .I. be vnparygal to the strokes of fortune / as 1708
who seyth. I. dar wel now suffren al the assautes of fortune
{and} wel deffende me fro hyr //
[Sidenote: I fear not, therefore, thy remedies, but earnestly
desire to hear what they are.]
{and} tho remedies
whyche ş{a}t thow seydest hir{e} byforn weren ryht sharpe
Nat oonly p{a}t .I. am nat agrysen of hem now // but .I. desiros 1712
of herynge axe gretely to heeren tho remedyes //
[Sidenote: _P._ When I perceived that, silent and attentive, you
received my words, I expected to find such a state of mind in you,
or rather, I created in you such an one.]
than seyde she thus // ş{a}t feelede .I. ful wel q{uod} she //
whan ş{a}t thow ententyf {and} stylle rauysshedest my
wordes // {and} .I. abood til ş{a}t thow haddest swych habyte 1716
of thy thowght as thow hast now // or elles tyl ş{a}t .I.
my self had[de] maked to the the same habyt / which
ş{a}t is a moore verray thing{e} //
[Sidenote: What remains to be said is of such a nature that when
it is first tasted it is pungent and unpleasant, but when once
swallowed it turns sweet, and is grateful to the stomach.]
And certes the remenau{n}t
of thinges ş{a}t ben yit to seye / ben swyche // ş{a}t fyrst 1720
whan men tasten hem they ben bytynge / but whan
they ben resseyuyd w{i}t{h}-inne a whyht than ben they
swete //
[Sidenote: But because you say you would now gladly hear, with
what desire would you burn if you could imagine whither I am going
to lead you?]
but for thow seyst ş{a}t thow art so desirous to
herkne hem // wit[h] how gret brennynge woldesthow 1724
glowen / yif thow wystest whyder .I. wol leden the //
[Sidenote: _B._ Whither is that, I pray?]
whydyr{e} is ş{a}t q{uod} .I. //
[Sidenote: _P._ To that true felicity, of which you seem to have
but a faint foretaste.]
to thilke verray welefulnesse
q{uod} she // of whyche thynge herte dremeth //
[Sidenote: But your sight is clouded with false forms, so that it
cannot yet behold this same felicity.]
but for as moche as thy syhte is ocupied {and} distorbed / by 1728
Imagynasyon of herthely thynges / thow mayst nat yit
sen thilke selue welefulnesse //
[Sidenote: _B._ Show me, I pray, that true happiness without
delay.]
do q{uod} .I. {and} shewe
me / what is thilke verray welefulnesse / .I. preye the [[pg 64]]
w{i}t{h}-howte tarynge //
[Sidenote: _P._ I will gladly do so at your desire, but I will
first describe that false cause (of happiness), so that you may be
better able to comprehend the exact model.]
ş{a}t wole .I. gladly don q{uod} she / 1732
for the cause of the // but .I. wol fyrst marken the by
wordes / {and} I wol enforcen me to enformen the //
thilke false cause of blysfulnesse ş{a}t thow more knowest /
so ş{a}t whan thow hast fully by-holden thilke false 1736
goodes {and} torned thyne eyen to ş{a}t oother syde / thow
mowe knowe the clernesse of verray blysfulnesse //]
[Linenotes:
1702 _streyhte_--H. strenghed
1712 _am nat_--H. nam nought
1718 _had[de]_--H. hade
1734 _wol_--H. shall{e}
1739 _wil_--wole
_felde_--feeld]
[Headnote:
AWAY WITH FALSE FELICITY!]
[Sidenote: * Here the Add. MS. begins again.]
*QUI SERERE I{N}GENIUM.
[Sidenote: [The fyrst met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: He who would sow seed must first clear the ground of
useless weeds, so that he may reap an abundant harvest.]
¶ Who so wil sowe a felde plentiuous. lat hym first
delyuer it of şornes {and} kerue asondre wiş his hooke 1740
şe bushes {and} şe ferne so şat şe corne may come{n} heuy
of eres {and} of greins.
[Sidenote: Honey tastes all the sweeter to a palate disgusted by
offensive flavours.]
hony is şe more swete yif mouşes
han firste tastid sauoures ş{a}t ben wikke.
[Sidenote: The stars shine all the clearer when the southern
showery blasts cease to blow.]
¶ şe sterres
shynen more agreably whan şe wynde Nothus letiş his 1744
ploungy blastes.
[Sidenote: When Lucifer has chased away the dark night, then
Phoebus mounts his gay chariot.]
{and} aftir şat lucifer şe day sterre haş
chased awey şe derke ny[gh]t. şe day şe feir{e}r lediş şe
rosene horse of şe sonne.
[Sidenote: So you, beholding the false felicity, and withdrawing
your neck from the yoke of earthly affections, will soon see the
sovereign good.]
¶ Ry[gh]t so şou byholdyng
first şe fals[e] goodes. bygynne to wişdrawe şi nek[ke] 1748
fro şe [gh]ok of erşely affecc{i}ou{n}s. {and} afterwarde şe
verrey goodes sholle{n} entre i{n} to şi corage.
[Linenotes:
1740 _delyuer_--delyuere
_of_--fro
_hooke_--hook
1741 _bushes_--bosses
_ferne_--fern
_corne_--korn
1743 _firste_--fyrst
_wikke_--wyckyd
1744 _wynde_--wynd
_his_--hise
1745 _haş_--MS. haşe
1746 _feirer_--fayrere
1747 _horse_--hors
_Ry[gh]t_--And Ryht
1748 _fals[e]_--false
_bygynne_--bygyn
_wişdrawe_--w{i}t{h} drawen
_nek[ke]_--nekke
1749 _afterwarde_--afft{er}ward
1750 _entre_--entren]
[Headnote:
THE DESIRE OF THE TRUE GOOD.]
TUNC DEFIXO PAULULU{M}.
[Sidenote: [The 2^de p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: Philosophy, with a serious air, and appearing to
recollect herself, and to rouse up all her faculties, thus began.]
++ŞO fastned[e] she a lytel şe sy[gh]t of hir eyen {and} wişdrow
hir ry[gh]t as it were in to şe streite sete of hir 1752
şou[gh]t. {and} bygan to speke ry[gh]t ş{us}.
[Sidenote: All the cares and desires of men seek one
end--happiness.]
Alle şe cures
q{uo}d she of mortal folk whiche şat trauaylen hem i{n}
many manere studies gon certys by diu{er}se weies.
[Sidenote: [* fol. 15 _b_.]]
¶ But naşeles şei enforced hem *to comen oonly to on 1756
ende of blisfulnesse [[pg 65]]
[Sidenote: True happiness is that complete good which, once
obtained, leaves nothing more to be desired.]
[And blysfulnesse] is swiche a goode
şat who so haş geten it he ne may ouer şat no şing more
desiire.
[Sidenote: It is the sovereign good, and comprehends all others.
It lacks nothing, otherwise it could not be the supreme good.]
and şis şing for soşe is şe souereyne good şat conteiniş
in hym self al man{er}e goodes. to şe whiche goode 1760
yif şere failed[e] any şing. it my[gh]t[e] nat ben souereyne
goode. ¶ For şan were şere som goode out of şis ilke souereyne
goode ş{a}t my[gh]t[e] ben desired.
[Sidenote: Happiness is, therefore, that perfect state, in which
all other goods meet and centre.]
Now is it clere {and}
certeyne şa{n} şat blisfulnesse is a p{er}fit estat
by şe congregac{i}ou{n} 1764
of alle goodes.
[Sidenote: It is the object which all men strive after.]
¶ şe whiche blisfulnesse as
I haue seid alle mortal folke enforcen hem to geten by
dyuerse weyes.
[Sidenote: A desire of the true good is a natural instinct, but
error misleads them to pursue false joys.]
¶ For-whi şe couetise of verray goode
is naturely y-plaunted in şe hertys of men. ¶ But şe 1768
myswandryng erro{ur} myslediş hem in to fals[e] goodes.
[Sidenote: Some, imagining the supreme good to consist in lacking
nothing, labour for an abundance of _riches_; others, supposing
that this good lies in the _reverence_ and _esteem_ of their
fellow men, strive to acquire honourable positions.]
¶ of şe whiche men some of hem wenen şat souereygne
goode is to lyue wiş outen nede of any şing.
{and} t{ra}ueile{n} hem to ben habundaunt of rycchesse. 1772
and some oşer men deme{n}. şat sou{er}ein goode be forto
be ry[gh]t digne of reu{er}ences. {and} enforce{n} hem to ben
reu{er}enced among hir ney[gh]bo{ur}s. by şe hono{ur}s şat şei
han ygeten
[Sidenote: There are some, again, who place it in supreme _power_,
and seek to rule, or to be favoured by the ruling powers.]
¶ {and} some folk şer ben şat halden şat 1776
ry[gh]t hey[gh]e power to be souereyn goode. {and} enforcen
he{m} forto regnen or ellys to ioigne{n} he{m} to hem şat
regnen.
[Sidenote: There are those who fancy _fame_ to be the height of
happiness, and seek by the arts of war or peace to get renown.]
¶ And it semeş to some oşer folk şat noblesse
of renou{n} be şe sou{er}ein goode. {and} hasten hem to 1780
geten glorious name by şe artes of werre or of pees.
[Sidenote: Many there are who believe nothing to be better than
_joy_ and _gladness_, and think it delightful to plunge into
luxury.]
and many folke mesuren {and} gessen ş{a}t sou{er}ein goode
be ioye {and} gladnesse {and} wenen şat it be ry[gh]t blisful
[thyng{e}] to ploungen hem i{n} uoluptuous delit.
[Sidenote: Some there are who use these causes and ends
interchangeably, as those who desire riches as a means of getting
power; or who desire power in order to get money or renown.]
¶ And 1784
şer ben folk şat enterchaungen şe causes {and} şe endes
of şise forseide goodes as şei şat desire{n} rycchesse to [[pg 66]]
han power {and} delices. Or ellis şei desiren power forto
han moneye or for cause of renou{n}.
[Sidenote: In all they do they have a particular end in view.]
¶ In şise şinges 1788
{and} i{n} swyche oşer şinges is to{ur}ned al şe entenc{i}ou{n}
of desirynges {and} [of] werkes of me{n}. ¶ As şus.
[Linenotes:
1751 _fastned[e]_--fastnede
_wişdrow_--MS. wişdrowen, C. w{i}t{h} drowh
1752 _sete_--Cyte
1756 _enforced_--enforsen
1757 [_And blysfulnesse_]--from C.
_goode_--good
1758 _so_--so ş{a}t
_haş_--MS. haşe
1759 _souereyne_--sou{er}eyn
1760 _al_--alle
_goode_--good
1761 _şere_--ther
_failed[e]_--faylyde
_my[gh]t[e]_--myhte
_souereyne goode_--sou{er}eyn good
1762 _şan_--thanne
_şere_--ther
_goode_--good
_souereyne_--sou{er}eyn
1763 _goode_--good
_my[gh]t[e]_--myhte
1764 _certeyne_--certein
1766 _seid_--MS. seide, C. seyd
_folke_--foolk
1767 _goode_--good
1769 _fals[e]_--false
1770 _souereygne goode is_--sou{er}eyn good be
1771 _lyue wiş outen_--lyuen w{i}t{h} owte
1772 _rycchesse_--Rychesses
1773 _some_--som
_goode be_--good ben
1774 _be_--ben
1775 _ney[gh]bours_--nesshebors
1776 _halden_--holden
1777 _hey[gh]e_--heyh
_to_--omitted
_goode_--good
1780 _goode_--good
1781 _or_--{and}
1782 _folke_--folk
_goode_--good
1783 _be_--by
1784 [_thynge_]--from C.
1786 _rycchesse_--rychesses
1787 _delices_--delytes
1789 _oşer_--oothre
_al_--alle
1790 [_of_]--from C.]
[Headnote:
FRIENDSHIP A SACRED THING.]
[Sidenote: Nobility and popular favour are sought after by some in
order to become famous.]
¶ Noblesse {and} fauo{ur} of poeple whiche şat [gh]iueş as it
semeş a manere clernesse of renou{n}.
[Sidenote: By others, wives and children are only desired as
sources of pleasure.]
¶ and wijf {and} 1792
children şat men desiren for cause of delit {and} mirinesse.
[Sidenote: Friendship must not be reckoned among the goods of
fortune, but among those of virtue, for it is a very sacred
thing.]
¶ But forsoşe frendes ne shollen nat ben rekkened
among şe goodes of fortune but of vertue. for it
is a ful holy man{er}e şing.
[Sidenote: All else are desired either for the power or pleasure
they afford.]
alle şise oşer şinges forsoşe 1796
ben taken for cause of power. or ellis for cause of
delit.
[Sidenote: The goods of the body fall under the same predicament.]
¶ Certis now am I redy to referen şe goodes of
şe body to şise forseide şinges abouen.
[Sidenote: Strength and a good stature seem to give power and
worthiness.]
¶ For it semeş
ş{a}t strengşe {and} gretnesse of body [gh]euen power {and} 1800
worşinesse.
[Sidenote: Beauty and swiftness give glory and fame; and health
gives delight.]
¶ and şat beaute {and} swiftenesse [gh]euen
noblesse {and} glorie of renou{n}. {and} hele of body semeş
[gh]iuen delit.
[Sidenote: In all these happiness alone is sought.]
¶ In alle şise şi{n}g{us} it semeş oonly şat
blisfulnesse is desired.
[Sidenote: What a man most wishes for, that he esteems the supreme
good, which, as we have defined, is happiness.]
¶ For-whi şilke şing şat euery 1804
man desireş moost ouer alle şinges. he demiş şat be şe
souereyne goode. ¶ But I haue diffined şat blisfulnesse
is şe souereyne goode. for whiche euery wy[gh]t
demiş şat şilke estat şat he desireş ouer alle şinges şat 1808
it be şe blisfulnesse.
[Sidenote: Thou hast now before thee a view of human felicity
(falsely so called), that is, riches, honours, power, glory, and
delight, which last _Epicurus_ considered as the sovereign good.]
¶ Now hast şou şan byforne
[thy eyen] almost al şe p{ur}posed forme of şe welfulnesse
of ma{n}ky{n}de. şat is to seyne rycchesse. hono{ur}s.
power. glorie. {and} delit[gh]. şe whiche delit oonly considered 1812
Epicurus Iuged {and} establissed. şat delit is şe
souereyne goode. for as myche as alle oşer şinges as
hym şou[gh]t[e] by-refte awey ioie {and} myrşe fro{m} şe
herte.
[Sidenote: I now return to the inclinations and pursuits of
mankind.]
¶ But I reto{ur}ne a[gh]eyne to şe studies of meen. 1816
of whiche men şe corage alwey rehersiş {and} seekeş şe [[pg 67]]
souereyne goode of alle be it so ş{a}t it be wiş a derke
memorie [but he not by whiche paath].
[Sidenote: Their minds are bent upon the chief good, and are ever
seeking it with a darkened understanding, like a drunken man, who
cannot find his way home.]
¶ Ry[gh]t as a
dronke ma{n} not nat by whiche paşe he may reto{ur}ne 1820
home to hys house.
[Sidenote: Do they go astray who strive to keep themselves from
want?]
¶ Semeş it şanne şat folk folyen
{and} erren şat enforcen he{m} to haue nede of no şing
[Linenotes:
1794 _shollen_--sholden
1795 _şe_--tho
1796 _oşer_--oothre
1801 _swiftenesse_--sweftnesse
1803 _[gh]iuen_--MS. [gh]iueş, C. yeuen
1806, 1807 _souereyne goode_--sou{er}eyn good
1807 _whiche_--whych
1809 _şe_--omitted
_şan byforne_--thanne byforn
1810 [_thy eyen_]--from C.; MS. _has_ [gh]euen a[gh]eyne
_almost_--almest
_welfulnesse_--welefulnesse
1811 _seyne rycchesse_--seyn Rychesses
1814 _souereyne goode_--sou{er}eyn good
_myche_--moche
_oşer_--oothre
1815 _şou[gh]t[e]_--thowhte
_from_--fram
1816 _a[gh]eyne_--ayein
1818 _souereyne goode_--sou{er}eyn good
_of_--omitted
_alle_--al
_derke_--dirkyd
1819 [_but----paath_]--from C.
1820 _dronke_--dronken
_paşe_--paath
1821 _home_--hym]
[Headnote:
ALL SEEK THE CHIEF GOOD.]
[Sidenote: By no means. No state is happier than that in which a
man is above want, and independent of others.]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 16.]]
¶ Certys şer nys non oşer şing şat may so weel p{er}fo{ur}ny
blisfulnesse as an estat plenteuo{us} *of alle 1824
goodes şat ne haş nede of none oşer şing. but şat it is
suffisant of hy{m} self. vnto hym self.
[Sidenote: Are they guilty of folly that seek esteem and
reverence?]
and foleyen
swyche folk şanne. şat wenen şat şilk şing ş{a}t is
ry[gh]t goode. şat it be eke ry[gh]t worşi of honour {and} of 1828
reuerence.
[Sidenote: No; for that is not contemptible for which all men
strive.]
¶ Certis nay. for şat şing nys neyşer foule
ne worşi to ben dispised şat al şe entenc{i}ou{n} of mortel
folke trauaille forto geten it.
[Sidenote: Is not power to be reckoned amongst desirable goods?]
¶ And power au[gh]t[e]
nat şat eke to be rekened amonges goodes
[Sidenote: Why not? For that is not an insignificant good which
invests a man with authority and command.]
what ellis. 1832
for it nys nat to wene şat şilke şing şat is most
worşi of alle şinges be feble {and} wiş out strengşe {and}
clernesse of renou{n} au[gh]te şat to ben dispised.
[Sidenote: Fame also is to be regarded, for everything excellent
is also shining and renowned.]
¶ Certys
şer may no man forsake şat al şing şat is ry[gh]t excellent 1836
{and} noble. şat it ne semeş to be ry[gh]t clere {and} renomed.
[Sidenote: We hardly need say that happiness is not an unjoyous
and melancholy state, for in the pursuit of the smallest matters
men seek only pleasure.]
¶ For certis it nediş nat to seie. şat blisfulnesse
be anguissous ne dreri ne subgit to greua{n}ces ne
to sorwes. syn şat in ry[gh]t litel şi{n}g{us} folk seken to 1840
haue {and} to vsen şat may deliten hem.
[Sidenote: Hence it is that mankind seek riches, &c., because by
them they hope to get independence, honour, &c.]
¶ Certys şise
ben şe şi{n}ges şat men wolen {and} desyren to geten.
and for şis cause desiren şei rycches. dignites. regnes.
glorie {and} delices ¶ For şerby wenen şei to han suffisau{n}ce 1844
hono{ur} power. renou{n} {and} gladnesse.
[Sidenote: However varied their desires, _happiness_ is their sole
pursuit.]
¶ şanne
is it goode. ş{a}t men seken şus by so many dyu{er}se
studies. In whiche desijr it may ly[gh]tly be shew{e}d.
how grete is şe strengşe of nature. [[pg 68]]
[Sidenote: However various men's opinions are respecting
happiness, all agree in pursuing it as the end of their actions
and desires.]
¶ For how so şat 1848
men han dyuerse sentences {and} discordyng algates men
accordyn alle in lyuynge şe ende of goode.
[Linenotes:
1823 _perfourny_--p{er}forme
1825 _haş_--MS. haşe
_none_--non
1827 _şilk_--thilke
1828 _goode_--good
1829 _foule_--fowl
1830 _al_--welneyh alle
1831 _trauaille_--trauaylen
_au[gh]t[e]_--owhte
1832 _be_--ben
1834 _out_--owte
1835 _au[gh]te_--owhte
1836 _al_--alle
1837 _be_--ben
_clere_--cleer
1843 _rycches_--Rychesses
1846 _goode_--good
1847 _be_--ben
1848 _grete_--gret
1849 _algates_--Allegates
1850 _goode_--good]
[Headnote:
OF NATURE'S LAWS.]
Q{UA}NTAS RER{UM} FLECTAT.
[Sidenote: [The 2^de Met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: I will now sing of Nature's laws, by which the universe
is governed.]
++IT likeş me to shew[e] by subtil songe wiş slakke {and}
delitable sou{n} of strenges how şat nature my[gh]ty enclineş 1852
{and} flitteş gouernement[gh] of şinges ¶ {and} by
whiche lawes she p{ur}ueiable kepiş şe grete worlde. {and}
how she bindynge restreineş alle şing{us} by a bonde şat
may nat be vnbounden.
[Sidenote: [j]]
[Sidenote: The Punic lion submits to man, and dreads the keeper's
lash; yet, if he once taste blood, his savage instincts revive,
and his keeper falls a victim to his fury.]
¶ Al be it so şat şe liou{n}s of 1856
şe contree of pene beren şe fair[e] cheines. {and} taken
metes of şe handes of folk şat [gh]euen it hem. {and}
dreden her sturdy maystres of whiche şei ben wont to
suffren [betinges]. yif şat hir horrible mouşes ben bi-bled. 1860
şat is to sein of bestes devoured. ¶ Hir corage
of tyme passeş şat haş ben ydel {and} rested. repaireş
a[gh]ein şat şei roren greuously. {and} reme{m}bren on hir
nature. {and} slaken hir nekkes from hir cheins vnbounden. 1864
and hir maistre first to-teren wiş blody toşe
assaieş şe woode wraşşes of hem. ¶ şis is to sein şei
freten hir maister.
[Sidenote: [ij]]
[Sidenote: If the caged bird though daintily fed, gets a sight of
the pleasant grove where she was wont to sing, she will spurn her
food, and pine for the beloved woods.]
¶ And şe Iangland brid şat syngiş
on şe heye braunches. şis is to sein in şe wode {and} 1868
after is inclosed in a streit cage. ¶ al şou[gh] [ş{a}t] şe
pleiyng besines of men [gh]eueş hem honied[e] drinkes
{and} large metes. wiş swete studie. ¶ [gh]it naşeles yif
şilke brid skippynge oute of hir streite cage seeş şe 1872
agreable shadewes of şe wodes. she defouleş wiş hir
fete hir metes yshad {and} sekeş mournyng oonly şe
wode {and} twitriş desirynge şe wode wiş hir swete
voys.
[Sidenote: [iij]]
[Sidenote: The sapling, bent down by a mighty hand, will resume
its natural position as soon as the restraining force is removed.]
¶ şe [gh]erde of a tree şat is haled adou{n} by my[gh]ty 1876
strengşe bowiş redely şe croppe adou{n}. but yif şat şe [[pg 69]]
hande of hym şat it bente lat it gon a[gh]ein. ¶ An oon
şe crop lokeş vp ry[gh]t to heuene.
[Sidenote: [iiij]]
[Sidenote: Though the sun sets in the western main at eve, yet by
a secret path he takes his wonted journey toward the east.]
¶ şe sonne phebus
şat failleş at euene in şe westrene wawes retorniş a[gh]ein 1880
eftsones his cart by a priue paşe şere as it is wont
aryse.
[Sidenote: All things pursue their proper course, obedient to the
source of order.]
¶ Alle şinges seken a[gh]ein in to hir p{ro}pre
cours. and alle şinges reioisen hem of hir retournynge
a[gh]ein to hir nature ne noon ordinaunce nis bytaken to 1884
şi{n}ges but şat.
[Sidenote: Hence, throughout the world entire stability is found,
for all things, having fulfilled their appointed course, return
from whence they came.]
şat haş ioignynge şe endynge to şe
bygynnynge. {and} haş makid şe cours of it self stable
şat it chaungeş nat fro{m} hys p{ro}pre kynde.
[Linenotes:
1851 _shew[e]_--shewe
1854 _whiche_--MS. swiche, C. whyche
_worlde_--world
1856 _be_--ben
_vnbounden_--vnbownde
1857 _fair[e]_--fayr{e}
1860 [_betinges_]--from C.
1862 _passeş_--passed
1864 _from_--fram
_vnbounden_--vnbownde
1865 _to-teren_--to-torn
_toşe_--toth
1867 _Iangland_--Iangelynge
1869 _streit_--streyht
1870 _pleiyng_--MS. pleinyng, C. pleyynge
_besines_--bysynesse
_honied[e]_--honyede
1872 _oute_--owt
1873 _agreable_--agreables
1874 _fete_--feet
1875 _twitriş_--twiterith
1877 _croppe_--crop
1878 _hande_--hand
_bente_--bent
1880 _failleş_--falleth
1881 _cart_--carte
_a_--omitted
_paşe_--paath
1883 _of_--MS. of of
1885 _haş_--MS. haşe
_ioignynge_--Ioyned
1886 _haş_--MS. haşe]
[Headnote:
THE SEARCH AFTER FELICITY.]
VOSQ{UE} TERRENA ANIMALIA.
[Sidenote: [The 3^de p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: O earthly animals, you have an indistinct perception of
your beginning, and you have ever the true end of felicity in
view, but your natural instincts are perverted by many errors.]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 16 _b_.]]
*++CErtis also [gh]e men şat ben erşelich{e} bestes dreme{n} 1888
alwey [yowre bygynnynge] al şou[gh] it be wiş a
şinne ymaginac{i}ou{n}. {and} by a maner şou[gh]t al be it
nat clerly ne p{er}fitly [gh]e looken from a fer til şilk 1891
verray fyn of blisfulnesse. and şerfore şe naturel entenc{i}ou{n}
ledeş [gh]ow to şilk verray good ¶ But
many manere errours misto{ur}niş [gh]ow şer fro.
[Sidenote: Can men obtain the end they have in view by the means
they usually employ in the pursuit of happiness?]
¶ Considere
now yif şat be şilke şinges by whiche a man
weniş to gete hym blysfulnesse. yif şat he may comen 1896
to şilke ende şat he weneş to come by nature
[Sidenote: If riches and honours and the like make men happy, so
that they shall want for nothing, then happiness may be procured
by these acquisitions.]
¶ For
yif şat moneye or hono{ur}s or şise oşer forseide şinges
bryngen to men swiche a şing şat no goode ne faille
hem. ne semeş faille. ¶ Certys şan wil I graunt[e] 1900
şat şei ben maked blisful. by şilke şinges şat şei han
geten.
[Sidenote: But if these things cannot make good what they promise,
if there still be something to be desired, then they are
delusions, and the felicity after all is a counterfeit.]
¶ but yif so be şat şilke şi{n}ges ne mowe nat
p{er}fo{ur}men şat şei by-heten {and} şat şer be defaute of
many goodes. ¶ Sheweş it nat şan clerely ş{a}t fals 1904
beaute of blisfulnesse is knowe {and} a-teint in şilke
şinges. ¶ First {and} forward şou şi self şat haddest
haboundaunces of rycchesses nat long agon. [[pg 70]]
[Sidenote: In your prosperity were you never annoyed by some wrong
or grievance?]
¶ I axe
[gh]if şat in şe haboundaunce of alle şilk[e] rycchesses 1908
şou were neuer anguissous or sory in şi corage of any
wrong or greuau{n}ce şat by-tidde şe on any syde.
[Linenotes:
1889 [_yowre bygynnynge_]--from C.
_al_--MS. as, C. Al
1891 _from_--fram
_til şilk_--to thylke
1892 _şe_--omitted
1893 _şilk_--thylke
1895 _be_--by
1896 _gete_--geten
1899 _swiche_--swych
_goode_--good
1900 _wil_--wole
_graunt[e]_--grau{n}te
1904 _many_--manye
_clerely_--clerly
_fals_--false
1905 _knowe_--knowen
1908 _şilk[e]_--thylke]
[Headnote:
NONE ARE FREE FROM CARE.]
[Sidenote: _B._ I must confess that I cannot remember ever being
wholly free from some trouble or other.]
¶ Certys q{uo}d I it remembreş me nat şat euere I was
so free of my şou[gh]t. şat I ne was al-wey in anguysh{e} of 1912
somwhat.
[Sidenote: _P._ That was because something was absent which you
did desire, or something present which you would fain be quit of.]
ş{a}t was şat şou lakkedest şat şou noldest
han lakked. or ellys şou haddest şat şou noldest
han had.
[Sidenote: _B._ That's quite true.]
ry[gh]t so is it q{uod} I şan.
[Sidenote: _P._ Then you did desire the presence of the one and
the absence of the other?]
desiredest şou
şe p{re}sence of şat oon {and} şe absence of şat oşer. 1916
[Sidenote: _B._ I confess I did.]
I graunt[e] wel q{uod} .I.
[Sidenote: _P._ Every man is in need of what he desires.]
for soşe q{uod} she şan nediş şer
somwhat şat euery man desireş.
[Sidenote: _B._ Certainly he is.]
[gh]e şer nediş q{uod} I.
[Sidenote: _P._ If a man lack anything can he be supremely happy?]
¶ Certis q{uod} she {and} he şat haş lakke or nede of a
wy[gh]t nis nat in euery way suffisaunt to hym self. 1920
[Sidenote: _B._ No.]
no q{uod} .I.
[Sidenote: _P._ Did you not in your abundance want for somewhat?]
{and} şou q{uo}d she in alle şe plente of şi
rycchesse haddest şilke lak of suffisaunce.
[Sidenote: _B._ What then if I did?]
¶ what
ellis q{uod} .I.
[Sidenote: _P._ It follows that riches cannot put a man beyond all
want, although this was what they seemed to promise.]
¶ şanne may nat rycchesse maken şat a
man nis nedy. ne şat he be suffisaunt to hym self. {and} 1924
şat was it ş{a}t şei byhy[gh]ten as it semeş.
[Sidenote: Money may part company with its owner, however
unwilling he may be to lose it.]
¶ and eke
certys I trowe şat şis be gretly to consydere şat moneye
ne haş nat in hys owen kynde şat it ne may ben by-nomen
of hem şat han it maugre hem.
[Sidenote: _B._ I confess that's true.]
¶ I by-knowe 1928
it wel q{uod} I
[Sidenote: _P._ It ought to be confessed when every day we see
_might_ prevailing over _right_.]
¶ whi sholdest şou nat by-knowen it
q{uod} she. whan euery day şe strenger folke by-nymen
it fram şe febler maugre hem.
[Sidenote: From whence springs so much litigation, but from this,
that men seek to recover their own of which they have been
unjustly deprived?]
¶ Fro whennes comen
ellys alle şise foreine compleintes or quereles of 1932
plety{n}g{us}. ¶ But for şat men axen a[gh]eine her moneye
şat haş be by-nomen hem by force or by gyle. {and}
alwey maugre hem.
[Sidenote: _B._ Nothing is more true.]
¶ Ry[gh]t so it is q{uod} I.
[Sidenote: _P._ Then a man needs the assistance of others in order
to keep his riches.]
şan q{uo}d
she haş a man nede to seke{n} hym foreyne helpe by 1936
whiche he may defende hys moneye. who may say nay q{uod} .I.
[Linenotes:
1913 _şat----lakkedest_--And was nat ş{a}t q{uod} she for
ş{a}t the lacked som-what
1915 _had_--MS. hadde, C. had
1917 _graunt[e]_--grau{n}te
1919 _haş_--MS. haşe
_a wy[gh]t_--awht
1921 _alle_--al
1922 _rycchesse_--Rychesses
_lak_--lakke
1923 _rycchesse_--Rychesses
1927 _haş_--MS. haşe
_owen_--owne
1930 _strenger folke by-nymen_--strenger{e} folk by-nemyn
1931 _fram_--fro
_febler_--febeler{e}
_Fro_--for
1933 _a[gh]eine_--ayeyn
1934 _haş_--MS. haşe
_be_--ben
1936 _haş_--MS. haşe
_helpe_--help
1937 _say_--sey]
[[pg 71]]
[Headnote:
RICHES BRING ANXIETIES.]
[Sidenote: If he had no money to lose he would not stand in need
of this help?]
¶ Certis q{uod} she {and} hym nediş no helpe
yif he ne hadde no moneye şat he my[gh]t[e] leese.
[Sidenote: _B._ That is beyond all doubt.]
¶ şat
is doutles q{uod} .I.
[Sidenote: _P._ Then the very reverse of what was expected (from
riches) takes place? For riches add to a man's necessities.]
şanne is şis şi{n}g turned in to şe contrarie 1940
q{uod} she ¶ For rycchesse şat men wenen sholde
make suffisau{n}ce. şei maken a man raşer han nede of
foreine helpe.
[Sidenote: Tell me how do riches drive away necessity? Are not
rich men liable to hunger, thirst, and cold?]
¶ whiche is şe manere or şe gise q{uod}
she şat rycches may dryuen awey nede. ¶ Riche folk 1944
may şei neişer han hungre ne şrest. şise ryche men
may şei feele no colde on hir lymes in wynter.
[Sidenote: You will say that the rich have wherewithal to satisfy
these wants.]
¶ But
şou wilt answere şat ryche men han y-nou[gh] wher wiş
şei may staunchen her hunger. {and} slaken her şrest 1948
{and} don awey colde.
[Sidenote: By riches indigence may be alleviated, but they cannot
satisfy every want.]
¶ In şis wise may nede be co{n}forted
by rycchesses. but certys nede ne may nat al
out{er}ly be don awey.
[Sidenote: Even if gaping and greedy necessity be filled with
riches, yet some cravings will remain.]
for şou[gh] şis nede şat is alwey
gapyng {and} gredy be fulfilled wiş rycchesses. {and} axe 1952
any şing [gh]it dwelleş şanne a nede şat my[gh]t[e] ben fulfilled.
[Sidenote: A little suffices for nature, but avarice never has
enough.]
¶ I holde me stille {and} telle nat how şat litel
şing suffiseş to nature. but certys to auarice ynou[gh] ne
suffiseş no şinge.
[Sidenote: If riches, then, add to our wants, why should you think
that they can supply all your necessities?]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 17.]]
*¶ For syn şat rychesse ne may nat 1956
al don awey nede. but rychesse maken nede. what may
it şanne be şat [gh]e wenen şat rychesses mowen [gh]eue{n}
[gh]ow suffisau{n}ce.
[Linenotes:
1938 _nediş no helpe_--nedede non help
1939 _my[gh]t[e]_--myhte
1940 _doutles_--dowteles
1941 _rycchesse_--Rychesses
1943 _helpe_--help
_whiche_--whych
1944 _rycches_--Rychesse
_dryuen_--dryue
1945 _hungre_--hungyr
_şrest_--thurst
1946 _şei_--the
_colde_--coold
_in_--on
1947 _wilt answere_--wolt Answeren
_y-nou[gh]_--y-now
1948 _şrest_--thurst
1949 _colde_--coold
1950 _nat_--omitted
1951 _outerly_--vtrely
1953 _my[gh]t[e] ben_--myhte be
1957 _rychesse_--Rychesses]
QUAMUIS FLUENTER DIUES.
[Sidenote: [The 3^de Met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: The rich man, had he a river of gold, would never rest
content.]
++Al were it so şat a ryche couetous man hadde riuer 1960
fletynge alle of golde [gh]itte sholde it neuer staunche
hys couetise.
[Sidenote: Though his neck be loaded with precious pearls, and his
fields be covered with innumerable herds, yet shall unquiet care
never forsake him; and at his death his riches shall not bear him
company.]
¶ And şou[gh] he hadde his nekke I-charged
wiş p{re}ciouse stones of şe rede see. {and} şou[gh] he do
erye his feldes plentiuo{us} wiş an hundreş oxen neuere 1964
ne shal his bytyng bysynesse forleten hym while he
lyueş. ne şe ly[gh]t[e] rychesses ne shal nat beren hym [[pg 72]]
compaignie whanne he is dede.
[Linenotes:
1960 _riuer_--a Ryu{er}
1961 _alle_--al
_golde_--gold
_[gh]itte_--yit
_staunche_--stau{n}chyn
1962, 1963 _şou[gh]_--thow
1964 _erye_--Ere
_hundreş_--hundred
1965 _while_--whyl
1966 _ly[gh]t[e]_--lyhte
_shal_--shol
1967 _dede_--ded]
[Headnote:
OF DIGNITIES.]
SET DIGNITATIB{US}.[4]
[Footnote 4: Read _dignitates_.]
[Sidenote: [The 4^the p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: It may be said that _dignities_ confer honour on their
possessors.]
++Bvt dignitees to whom şei ben comen make şei hym 1968
honorable {and} reuerent.
[Sidenote: But have they power to destroy vice or implant virtue
in the heart?]
han şei nat so grete strengşe
şat şei may putte vertues in şe hertis of folk. şat vsen
şe lordshipes of hem. or ellys may şei don awey şe
vices.
[Sidenote: So far from expelling vicious habits, they only render
them more conspicuous.]
Certys şei [ne] ben nat wont to don awey wikkednesses. 1972
but şei ben wont raşer to shew[en] wikkednesses.
[Sidenote: Hence arises the indignation when we see dignities
given to wicked men.]
{and} şer of comeş it şat I haue ry[gh]t grete desdeyne.
şat dignites ben [gh]euen ofte to wicked men.
[Sidenote: Hence Catullus' resentment against Nonius, whom he
calls the botch, or impostume of the State.]
¶ For whiche şing catullus clepid a consul of Rome şat 1976
hy[gh]t noni{us} postum. or boch. as who seiş he clepiş
hy{m} a congregac{i}ou{n} of uices in his brest as a postum
is ful of corrupc{i}ou{n}. al were şis noni{us} set in a
chayere of dignitee.
[Sidenote: The deformities of wicked men would be less apparent if
they were in more obscure situations.]
Sest şou nat şan how gret vylenye 1980
dignitees don to wikked men. ¶ Certys vnworşines of
wikked men shold{e} ben şe lasse ysen yif şei nere renomed
of none hono{ur}s.
[Sidenote: Would you free yourself from peril by accepting a
magistracy along with Decoratus a buffoon and informer?]
¶ Certys şou şi self ne
my[gh]test nat ben brou[gh]t wiş as many p{er}ils as şou 1984
my[gh]test suffren şat ş{o}u woldest bere şi magistrat wiş
decorat. şat is to seyn. şat for no p{er}il şat my[gh]t[e] bifalle{n}
şe by şe offence of şe kyng theodorik şou noldest
nat ben felawe in gouernaunce w{i}t{h} decorat. whanne 1988
şou say[e] şat he had[de] wikkid corage of a likerous
shrewe {and} of an acusor.
[Sidenote: Honours do not render undeserving persons worthy of
esteem.]
¶ Ne I ne may nat for swiche
honours Iuge{n} hem worşi of reuerence şat I deme {and}
holde vnworşi to han şilke same hono{ur}s.
[Sidenote: If you find a man endowed with wisdom you deem him
worthy of respect and of the wisdom which he professes.]
¶ Now yif 1992
şou saie a man şat were fulfilled of wisdom. certys şou
ne my[gh]test nat demen ş{a}t he were vnworşi to şe [[pg 73]]
hono{ur}. or ellys to şe wisdom of whiche he is fulfilled.
[Sidenote: _B._ I could not do otherwise.]
No q{uod} .I.
[Sidenote: _P._ Virtue has her proper worth, which she ever
transfers to her votaries.]
¶ Certys dignitees q{uod} she app{er}tienen 1996
p{ro}perly to vertue. {and} uertue transporteş dignite anon
to şilke man to whiche she hir self is conioigned.
[Linenotes:
1969 _make_--maken
1969 _grete_--gret
1972 [_ne_]--from C.
_ben_--be
1972, 1973 _wikkednesses_--wykkydnesse
1973 _to_--omitted
_shew[en]_--shewen
1974 _comeş_--comth
_grete desdeyne_--gret desdaign
1976 _whiche_--which
1977 _hy[gh]t_--hyhte
_nonius_--MS. vonn{us}, C. nomy{us}
_boch_--MS. boşe, C. boch
_clepiş_--clepyd
1979 _nonius_--MS. uonn{us}, C. nomy{us}
_set_--MS. sette, C. set
1980 _Sest şou_--Sesthow
_şan_--thanne
_vylenye_--fylonye
1981 _vnworşines_--vnworthynesse
1982 _ben_--be
_ysen_--MS. ysene, C. I-sene
1984 _many_--manye
1985 _bere_--beren
1986 _my[gh]t[e]_--myhte
1987 _şe_ (2)--omitted
1988 _whanne_--whan
1989 _say[e]_--saye
_had[de]_--hadde
1994 _demen_--deme
1995 _whiche_--which
1996 _quod she_--omitted
1997 _vertue_--vertu
_uertue_--vertu
1998 _whiche_--whych]
[Headnote:
DIGNITIES APPERTAIN TO VIRTUE.]
[Sidenote: Honours conferred by the populace do not make men
worthy of them, for they have no intrinsic merit to bestow.]
¶ And for as moche as hono{ur}s of poeple ne may nat
maken folk digne of hono{ur}. it is wel seyn clerly şat 2000
şei ne han no p{ro}pre beaute of dignite. ¶ And [gh]it men
au[gh]ten take more hede in şis.
[Sidenote: Dignities conferred upon shrews only make their vices
the more conspicuous.]
¶ For if it so be şat he
is most out cast şat most folk dispisen. or as dignite ne
may nat maken shrewes worşi of no reuerences. şan 2004
makeş dignites shrewes more dispised şan p{re}ised. şe
whiche shrewes dignit[e] scheweş to moche folk
[Sidenote: Nor do dignities themselves escape without injury; for
worthless men take their revenge upon them, and defile them by
their contagious villanies.]
¶ {and}
for soşe nat vnpunissed. şat is forto sein. şat shrewes
reuengen hem a[gh]einward vpon dignites. for şei [gh]elden 2008
a[gh]ein to dignites as gret gerdou{n} whan şei byspotten
{and} defoulen dignites wiş hire vylenie.
[Sidenote: These shadowy honours have nothing in their nature to
procure respect; for if a man, having borne the honours of the
consulate, should go among barbarians would this honour gain him
their respect?]
¶ And for as
moche as şou mow[e] knowe şat şilke verray reuerence
ne may nat comen by şe shadewy t{ra}nsitorie dignitees. 2012
vndirstonde now şis. yif şat a man hadde vsed {and}
hadde many manere dignites of consules {and} were
come{n} p{er}auenture amonges straunge nac{i}ou{n}s. sholde
şilke hono{ur} maken hym worshipful {and} redouted of 2016
straunge folk
[Sidenote: If respect were an attribute of honour it would
infallibly bring esteem everywhere, just as heat is ever an
attribute of fire.]
¶ Certys yif şat honour of poeple were
a naturel [gh]ifte to dignites. it ne my[gh]te neuer cesen
nowher amonges no maner folke to done hys office.
[Linenotes:
2000 _clerly_--MS. clerkly, C. clerly
2002 _au[gh]ten----hede_--owhten taken mor heed
2002-3 _For----dignite_--For yif so be ş{a}t a wykkyd whyght be
so mochel the fowler{e} {and} the moore owt cast ş{a}t he
is despised of most folk so as dignete
2004-2007 _maken----soşe_--maken shrewes digne of Reu{er}ence
the whych shrewes dignete sheweth to moche foolk thanne
makith dignete shrewes rather so moche mor{e} despised than
preysed {and} forsothe
2008 _[gh]elden_--yilden
2009 _byspotten_--by-spetten
2010 _hire_--hyr
2011 _moche_--mochel
_mow[e]_--mowe
2012 _şe shadewy_--thyse shadwye
2013 _vndirstonde_--vndyrstond
_şis_--thus
2014 _hadde_--had
2018 _[gh]ifte_--yift
2019 _folke_--foolk
_done_--don]
[Headnote:
DIGNITIES DO CONFER ESTEEM.]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 17 _b_.]]
¶ Ry[gh]t as fire i{n} euery contre ne stinteş nat to 2020
enchaufen {and} *to ben hote.
[Sidenote: Honours arise from the false opinions of men, and
vanish when they come among those who do not esteem them, that is,
among foreign nations.]
but for as myche as forto
be holden honorable or reuerent ne comeş nat to folk of
hir p{ro}pre strengşe of nat{ur}e. but only of şe fals[e] [[pg 74]]
opiniou{n} of folk. şat is to sein. şat wenen şat dignites 2024
maken folk digne of hono{ur}. An on şerfore whan şat
şei comen şer as folk ne knowe{n} nat şilke dignites.
her hono{ur}s vanissen awey {and} şat on oon. but şat is
a-mong straung folk. maist şou sein.
[Sidenote: Do they always endure in those places that gave birth
to them?]
but amo{n}g{us} 2028
hem şat şei weren born duren şilk[e] dignites alwey.
[Sidenote: The Prætorate was once a great honour, but now it is
only an empty name and a heavy expense.]
¶ Certys şe dignite of şe p{ro}uostrie of Rome was somtyme
a grete power. now is it no şing but an ydel
name. {and} şe rente of şe senatorie a g{r}et charge. 2032
[Sidenote: What is more vile than the office of the
superintendency of provisions?]
{and} yif a whi[gh]t somtyme hadde şe office to taken he[de] to
şe vitailes of şe poeple as of corne {and} what oşer şinges
he was holden amonges grete. but what şing is more
nowe out cast şanne şilke p{ro}uostrie
[Sidenote: That which hath no innate beauty must lose its
splendour or value according as popular opinion varies concerning
it.]
¶ And as I haue 2036
seid a litel here byforne. şat şilke şing şat haş no
p{ro}pre beaute of hym self resceyueş somtyme pris {and}
shinynge {and} somtyme lesiş it by şe opiniou{n} of
vsaunces.
[Sidenote: If dignities cannot confer esteem, if they become vile
through filthy shrews, if they lose their lustre by the change of
times, if they become worthless by the change of popular opinion,
what beauty do they possess which should make them desirable, or
what dignity can they confer on others?]
¶ Now yif şat dignites şanne ne mowen 2040
nat maken folk digne of reuerence. {and} yif ş{a}t dignites
wexen foule of hir wille by şe filşe of shrewes. ¶ and
yif şat dignites lesen hir shynynge by chaungyng of
tymes. and yif şei wexen foule by estimac{i}ou{n} of 2044
poeple. what is it şat şei han in hem self of beaute
şat au[gh]te ben desired. as who seiş none. şanne ne
mowen şei [gh]iuen no beaute of dignite to none oşer.
[Linenotes:
2020 _enchaufen_--eschaufen
2021 _myche_--mochel
2022 _be_--ben
2023 _fals[e]_--false
2024 _şat_ (2)--omitted
2027 _her_--hyr
_vanissen_--vanesshen
2028 _a-mong_--amonges
_straung_--strau{n}ge
_but_--ne
2029 _şat_--ther
_duren şilk[e]_--ne duren nat thylke
2030 _somtyme_--whylom
2031 _grete_--gret
2032 _şe_ (2)--omitted
2033 _somtyme_--whylom
_şe_--MS. şe şe
2034 _corne_--corn
_what_--omitted
2035 _more nowe_--now more
2036 _cast_--MS. caste, C. cast
2037 _seid_--MS. seide, C. seyd
_here byforne_--her by-forn
_haş_--MS. haşe
2042 _filşe_--felthe
2043 _şat_--omitted
2046 _au[gh]te_--owhte
_none_--non
2047 _şei_--MS. [gh]e, C. they
_none_--non]
QUA{M}UIS SE TIRIO.
[Sidenote: [The 4^the Met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: Nero, though invested with the purple and adorned with
pearls, was hated by all men.]
++Al be it so şat şe proude nero wiş al his woode luxurie 2048
kembed hym {and} apparailed hym wiş faire purp{er}s
of Tirie {and} wiş white perles. Algates [gh]itte throf he
hateful to alle folk ¶ şis is to seyn şat
al was he by-hated [[pg 75]]
of alle folk.
[Sidenote: Yet he had lordship, and gave to the senators the
dishonoured seats of dignity.]
¶ [gh]itte şis wicked Nero hadde gret 2052
lordship {and} [gh]af somtyme to şe dredeful senatours şe
vnworshipful setes of dignites. ¶ vnworshipful setes
he clepiş here fore şat Nero şat was so wikked [gh]af şo
dignites.
[Sidenote: Who then can think that felicity resides in honours
given by vicious shrews?]
who wolde şanne resonably wenen şat blysfulnesse 2056
were in swiche hono{ur}s as ben [gh]euen by vicious
shrewes.
[Linenotes:
2048 _al_ (2)--alle
2049 _kembed_--kembde
_apparailed_--MS. apparailen, C. a-paraylede
2050 _[gh]itte_--yit
2053 _lordship_--lorshippe
_[gh]af somtyme_--yaf whylom
_dredeful_--reu{er}enc[gh]
2055 _fore_--for
_[gh]af_--yaf]
[Headnote:
KINGDOMS DO NOT MAKE A MAN MIGHTY.]
AN UERO REGNA.
[Sidenote: [The 5^the p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: _P._ Do kingdoms and a familiarity with princes make a
man mighty?]
++Bvt regnes {and} familarites of kynges may şei maken a
ma{n} to ben my[gh]ty.
[Sidenote: _B._ Why should they not if they are durable?]
how ellys. ¶ whanne hir 2060
blysfulnesse dureş p{er}petuely
[Sidenote: _P._ Past ages, as well as the present, furnish us with
many examples of princes who have met with dismal reverses of
fortune.]
but certys şe olde age of
tyme passeş. {and} eke of p{re}sent tyme now is ful of
ensau{m}ples how ş{a}t kynges şat han chaunged in to
wrechednesse out of hir welefulnesse.
[Sidenote: O then how noble and glorious a thing is power that is
too weak to preserve itself!]
¶ O a noble şing 2064
{and} a cler şing is power şat is nat founden my[gh]ty to
kepe it self.
[Sidenote: If dominion brings felicity, then misery will follow if
it be defective.]
¶ And yif şat power of realmes be auctour
{and} maker of blisfulnesse. yif şilke power lakkeş on
any side. amenusiş it nat şilke blisfulnesse {and} bryngeş 2068
in wrechednesse.
[Sidenote: But human rule has its limits, therefore wherever power
ceases there impotence enters, bringing misery along with it.]
but yif al be it so şat realmes of mankynde
stretchen b{r}oode. [gh]it mot şer nede ben myche
folk ouer whiche şat euery kyng ne haş no lordshipe
no comaundement ¶ and certys vpon şilke syde şat 2072
power failleş whiche şat makiş folk blisful. ry[gh]t on şat
same side nou{n}power entriş vndirneş şat makeş hem
wreches.
[Sidenote: Kings, therefore, have a larger portion of misery than
of felicity.]
¶ In şis manere şanne moten kynges han
more porciou{n} of wrechednesse şan of welefulnesse. 2076
[Linenotes:
2060 _my[gh]ty_--MS. vnmy[gh]ty, C. myhty
2062 _passeş_--passed
_of_ (2)--omitted
2063 _kynges şat han_--kynges ben
2066 _kepe_--kepen
2067 _maker_--maker{e}
2069 _yif_--yit
_realmes_--the Reaumes
2070 _stretchen_--strechchen
_myche_--moche
2071 _haş_--MS. haşe
2073 _whiche_--whych
2074 _vndirneş_--vndyr-nethe]
[Headnote:
POWER DOES NOT DRIVE AWAY CARE.]
[Sidenote: Dionysius of Sicily, conscious of this condition,
exhibited the fears and cares of royalty by the terror of a naked
sword hanging over the head of his friend and flatterer Damocles.]
¶ A tyraunt şat was kyng of sisile şat had[de] assaied
şe p{er}il of his estat shewid[e] by similitude şe dredes
of realmes by gastnesse of a swerde şat heng ouer şe
heued of his familier.
[Sidenote: What then is this thing called Power, which cannot do
away with care or fear?]
what şing is şan şis power şat 2080
may nat don awey şe bytynges of besines ne eschewe [[pg 76]]
şe prikkes of drede.
[Sidenote: Men would live in security but cannot, and yet they
glory in their power.]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 18.]]
and certys [gh]it wolden şei lyuen
*in sykernesse. but şei may nat. and [gh]it şei glorifien
hem in her power
[Sidenote: Is he powerful who cannot do what he wishes?]
¶ Holdest şou şan şat şilk[e] man 2084
be my[gh]ty şat ş{o}u seest şat he wolde don şat he may
nat don.
[Sidenote: Is he a mighty man who goes surrounded with an armed
guard, to terrify those whom he himself fears, and whose power
depends solely upon his numerous retinue?]
¶ And holdest şou şan hym a my[gh]ty man
şat haş environed hise sydes wiş men of armes or
seruauntes {and} dredeş more [hem] şat he makeş agast. 2088
şen şei dreden hym. {and} şat is put in şe handes of hise
seruaunt[gh]. for he sholde seme my[gh]ty but of familiers
[or] seruaunt[gh] of ky{n}ges.
[Sidenote: Why need I enlarge upon the favourites of princes
having thus displayed the imbecility of kings!]
¶ what sholde I telle şe
any şing. syn şat I my self haue shewed şe şat realmes 2092
hem self ben ful of gret feblenesse.
[Sidenote: Their prosperity is affected by the caprice of their
fortunate masters as well as by the adversity to which they are
incident.]
şe whiche familiers
certis şe real power of kynges in hool estat {and} in estat
abated ful [ofte] şroweş adou{n}.
[Sidenote: Nero only allowed his master Seneca to choose the
manner of his death.]
¶ Nero co{n}streined[e]
his familier {and} his maistre seneca to chesen on what 2096
deeş he wolde deien.
[Sidenote: Antonius (Caracalla) commanded Papinian to be slain by
the swords of his soldiers.]
¶ Antonius comau{n}did[e] şat
kny[gh]tis slowen wiş her swerdis Papinian his familier
whiche Papinian had[de] ben long tyme ful my[gh]ty
a-monges hem of şe courte.
[Sidenote: Yet both would have given up all they possessed.]
and [gh]it certis şei wolde boşe 2100
han renou{n}ced her power.
[Sidenote: Seneca begged for poverty and exile. But relentless
fortune precipitated them to destruction, and did not permit them
to choose their fate.]
of whiche [two] senek enforced[e]
hym to [gh]iue{n} to Nero his rychesses. {and} also
to han gon in to solitarie exil. ¶ But whan şe grete
wey[gh]t. şat is to sein of lordes power or of fortune 2104
draweş hem şat sholden falle. neyşer of hem ne
my[gh]t[e] do şat he wolde.
[Sidenote: What then is Power, which terrifies its possessors, and
which cannot be got rid of at pleasure?]
what şing is şanne şilke
power şat şou[gh] men han it şat şei ben agast. ¶ {and}
whan şou woldest han it şou nart nat siker. ¶ And 2108
yif şou woldest forleten it şou mayst nat eschewen it.
[Sidenote: No advantage is to be gained by friendship based on
prosperity instead of virtue.]
¶ But wheşir swiche men ben frendes at nede as ben
conseiled by fortune {and} nat by vertue.
[Sidenote: Adversity will turn this sort of friendship into
enmity. And what greater plague can there be than the enmity of
thy familiar friend?]
Certys swiche
folk as weleful fortune makeş frendes. contrarious fortune [[pg 77]]
makeş hem enmyse. ¶ And what pestilence is 2113
more my[gh]ty forto anoye a wi[gh]t şan a familier enemy.
[Linenotes:
2077 _had[de]_--hadde
2078 _shewid[e]_--shewede
2079 _realmes_--Reaumes
_swerde_--swerd
_heng_--MS. henge, C. heng
2081 _besines_--bysynesse
2083 _[gh]it_--yif
_glorifien_--gloryfye
2084 _şilk[e]_--thylke
2087 _haş_--MS. haşe
_environed_--enuyrownede
2088 [_hem_]--from C.
2089 _şen_--than
2091 [_or_]--from C.
2092 _realmes_--Reames
2093 _feblenesse_--feblesse
2094 _real_--Ryal
2095 [_ofte_]--from C.
_constreined[e]_--co{n}streynede
2096 _his_ (1)--hyr
_seneca_--Senek
2097 _comaundid[e]_--comau{n}dede
2098 _her_--hyr
2099 _whiche_--which
_had[de] ben long_--ş{a}t hadde ben longe
2100 _courte_--court
_wolde_--wolden
2101 [_two_]--from C.
_enforced[e]_--enforcede
2102 _[gh]iuen_--yeuen
_his_--hyse
2104 _wey[gh]t_--weyhte
2105 _sholden_--sholen
2106 _my[gh]t[e]_--myhte]
[Headnote:
GLORY IS DECEPTIVE.]
QUI SE UALET[5] ESSE POTENTEM.
[Footnote 5: Read _uolet_]
[Sidenote: [The 5^the Met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: He who would obtain sovereign power must obtain
conquest over himself, and not yield to his passions.]
++Who so wolde ben my[gh]ty he mot dau{n}ten hys cruel
corage. ne put[te] nat his nekke ouercomen vndir 2116
şe foule reines of lecherie.
[Sidenote: Though your dominion extended from India to Thule, yet
if thou art tormented by care thou hast no real power.]
for al be it so şat şi lordship[e]
strecche so fer şat şe contre Inde quakiş at şi
comaundement. or at şi lawes. {and} şat şe leest isle in
şe see şat hy[gh]t tile be şral to şe ¶ [gh]it yif şou mayst 2120
nat pute{n} awey şi foule derk[e] desijres {and} dryue{n}
oute fro şe wreched co{m}pleyntes. Certis it nis no
power şat şou hast.
[Linenotes:
2115 _wolde ben_--wole be
2116 _put[te]_--putte
2117 _lordship[e]_--lordshype
2119 _comaundement_--comau{n}dement[gh]
_leest isle_--last Ile
2120 _hy[gh]t_--hyhte
2121 _puten_--putten
_derk[e]_--dyrke
2122 _oute_--owt]
[Headnote:
GENTILITY IS FOREIGN TO RENOWN.]
GLORIA UERO QUA{M} FALLAX.
[Sidenote: [The 6^the p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: How deceptive and deformed a thing is glory! Well did
the Tragedian exclaim--#ô doxa doxa myrioisi dê brotôn, ouden
gegôsi bioton ônkôsas megan#, for the undeserving have been
crowned with glory and renown by popular and erring opinion.]
++Bvt glorie how deceiuable {and} how foule is it ofte. for 2124
whiche şing nat vnskilfully a tregedien şat is to
sein a maker of dites şat hy[gh]ten tregedies cried[e] {and}
seide. ¶ O glorie glorie q{uod} he. şou nart no şing
ellys to şousandes of folkes. but a gret sweller of eres. 2128
for many[e] han had ful gret renou{n} by şe fals[e] oppiniou{n}
of poeple.
[Sidenote: What can be more infamous than renoun founded on the
prejudices of the vulgar?]
and what şing may ben şou[gh]t fouler
şen swiche p{re}isynge
[Sidenote: Those that are undeservedly praised ought to blush for
shame.]
for şilk[e] folk şat be{n} p{re}ised
falsly. şei moten nedes han shame of hir p{re}isynges. 2132
[Sidenote: If a wise man gets well-merited praise it does not add
to his felicity.]
{and} yif şat folk han gete{n} hem şank or p{re}ysyng by
her desertes. what şing haş şilk pris echid or encresed
to şe conscience of wise folk ş{a}t mesure{n} hire
good. not by şe rumo{ur} of şe poeple. but by şe soşefastnesse 2136
of conscience.
[Sidenote: If it be a good thing to spread abroad one's fame, it
must be dishonourable not to do so.]
{and} yif it seme a fair şing a
man to han encresid {and} sprad his name. şan folweş
it. şat it is demed to ben a foule şinge yif it ne be [[pg 78]]
ysprad ne encresed.
[Sidenote: But a good name cannot penetrate everywhere, and the
most illustrious names must be unknown to the greatest part of the
world.]
but as I seide a litel her byforne. 2140
şat syn şer mot nedes ben many folk to whiche folk şe
renou{n} of a man ne may nat comen. it byfalleş şat he
şat şou wenest be glorious {and} renomed. semiş in şe
nexte p{ar}ties of şe erşe to ben wiş out glorie. {and} wiş 2144
out renou{n}.
[Sidenote: The favour of the people is worth but little as it is
seldom judicious and never permanent.]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 18 _b_.]]
¶ and certis amo{n}ges şise şinges I ne trowe
nat şat şe p{r}is {and} grace of şe poeple nis neişer worşi
*to ben remembrid ne comeş of wise iugement. ne is
ferm p{er}durably.
[Sidenote: How empty and transitory are titles of nobility!]
¶ But now of şis name of gentilesse. 2148
what man is it şat ne may wel seen how veyne {and}
how flittyng a şing it is.
[Sidenote: Gentility is wholly foreign to renown, and to those who
boast of noble birth.]
¶ For if şe name of gentilesse
be referred to renou{n} {and} clernesse of linage. şan
is gentil name but a for[e]ine şing. şat is to sein to 2152
hem şat glorifien hem of hir linage.
[Sidenote: Nobility is fame derived from the merits of one's
ancestors.]
¶ For it semeş
şat gentilesse be a maner p{re}ysynge şat comeş of decert
of auncestres.
[Sidenote: If praise can give nobility they are noble who are
praised.]
¶ And yif p{re}ysynge makeş gentilesse
şan moten şei nedes be gentil şat ben p{re}ysed. 2156
[Sidenote: Then if thou hast no nobility of thy own, thou canst
not derive any splendour from the merits of others.]
For whiche şing it folweş. şat yif şou ne haue no gentilesse
of şi self. şat is to sein pris ş{a}t comeş of şi deserte
foreine gentilesse ne makeş şe nat gentil.
[Sidenote: If there be any good in nobleness of birth, it consists
alone in this, that it imposes an obligation upon its possessors
not to degenerate from the virtues of their ancestors.]
¶ But certis
yif şer be any goode in gentilesse. I trowe it be i{n} al 2160
oonly şis. şat it semeş as şat a maner necessitee be imposed
to gentil men. for şat şei ne sholden nat outraien
or forliuen fro şe uertues of hire noble kynrede.
[Linenotes:
2124 _foule_--fowl
2125 _whiche_--whych
2126 _maker_--maker{e}
_cried[e]_--cryde
2127 _he_--she
2128 _sweller_--sweller{e}
2129 _many[e]_--manye
_had_--MS. hadde, C. had
_fals[e]_--false
2130 _fouler_--fowler{e}
2131 _şen_--thanne
_şilk[e]_--thylke
2133 _or_--of
2134 _haş_--MS. haşe
_şilke_--thylke
2139 _foule şinge_--fowl thing
2140 _ne_--{and}
_byforne_--byforn
2144 _parties_--partye
_erşe_--Erthes
_out_--owte
2145 _out_--owhte
2148 _ferm_--ferme
2149 _veyne_--veyn
2150 _if_--yif
2154 _comeş of_--comth of the
2157 _whiche_--which
2158 _pris_--preys
_comeş_--comth
2160 _goode_--good
_in_ (2)--omitted
2161 _maner_--maner{e}]
OMNE HOMINU{M} GENUS IN TERRIS.
[Sidenote: [The 6^th Metre.]]
[Sidenote: All men have the same origin.]
++Al şe linage of men şat ben i{n} erşe ben of semblable 2164
burşe.
[Sidenote: They have one father and one king, who gave the moon
her horns, and adorned the sun with his rays.]
On al one is fadir of şinges. On alone
minyst[r]eş alle şinges. ¶ He [gh]af to şe sonne hys
bemes. he [gh]af to şe moone hir hornes.
[Sidenote: The same gave the earth to man and adorned the sky with
stars.]
he [gh]af şe men to
şe erşe. he [gh]af şe sterres to şe heuene.
[Sidenote: He breathed into man the breath of life.]
¶ he encloseş 2168
wiş membres şe soules şat comen fro hys heye sete. [[pg 79]]
[Sidenote: All men spring from this illustrious source.]
¶ şanne comen alle mortal folk of noble seed.
[Sidenote: Why then do they boast of pedigree?]
whi noysen [gh]e or bosten of [gh]oure eldris
[Sidenote: He alone is ignoble who submits to vice and forgets his
noble origin.]
¶ For yif şou
look[e] [gh]oure bygy{n}ny{n}g. and god [gh]oure aucto{ur} {and} 2172
[gh]oure makere. şan is şer no forlyued wy[gh]t but [gh]if he
norisse his corage vnto vices {and} forlete his p{ro}pre
burşe.
[Linenotes:
2166 _hys_--hyse
2167 _hir_--hyse
2169 _fro hys_--fram hyse
2170 _seed_--sede
2171 _bosten_--MS. voscen, C. bosten
2172 _look[e]_--loke]
[Headnote:
SENSUAL PLEASURES FULL OF ANXIETY.]
QUID AUTEM DE CORPORIBUS.[6]
[Footnote 6: Read _corporis voluptatibus_.]
[Sidenote: [The 7^the p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: But what shall I say with respect to sensual pleasures,
the desire of which is full of anxiety, and the enjoyment of them
full of repentance?]
++But what shal I seie of delices of body. of whic[h]e 2176
delices şe desiringes ben ful of anguisse. {and} şe
fulfillinges of he{m} ben ful of penaunce.
[Sidenote: What diseases and intolerable pains (the merited fruits
of vice) are these delights wont to bring upon those who enjoy
them!]
¶ How grete
sekenesse {and} how grete sorwes vnsuffrable ry[gh]t as a
manere fruit of wickednesse ben şilke delices wont to 2180
bryngen to şe bo[d]ies of folk şat vsen hem.
[Sidenote: I am unable to see what joy is to be found in the
gratification of them.]
¶ Of
whiche delices I not what ioye may ben had of hir
moeuyng.
[Sidenote: The remembrance of criminal indulgence brings with it
bitter remorse.]
¶ But şis woot I wel şat who so euere wil
remembren hym of hys luxuries. he shal wel vndirstonde. 2184
şat şe issues of delices ben sorowful {and} sory.
[Sidenote: If such things make men happy, then may brutes attain
to felicity, since by their instinct they are urged to satisfy
their bodily delights.]
¶ And yif şilke delices mowen make folk blisful. şan
by şe same cause moten şise bestes ben clepid blisful.
¶ Of whiche bestes al şe entenc{i}ou{n} hasteş to fulfille 2188
hire bodyly iolyte.
[Sidenote: A wife and children do not always bring happiness, for
some have found tormentors in their own offspring.]
and şe gladnesse of wijf [{and}]
children were [an] honest şing. but it haş ben seid.
şat it is ouer myche a[gh]eins kynde şat children han ben
fou{n}den tormentours to hir fadres I not how many. 2192
¶ Of whiche children how bitynge is euery condic{i}ou{n}.
It nedeş nat to tellen it şe şat hast or şis tyme assaied
it. {and} art [gh]it now anguysso{us}.
[Sidenote: I approve of this opinion of Euripides, that he who is
childless is happy in his misfortune.]
In şis approue I şe
sentence of my disciple Euridippus. şat seide şat he 2196
şat haş no children is weleful by i{n}fortune.
[Linenotes:
2173 _is_--nis
2176 _delices_--delites
_body_--bodye
2177 _anguisse_--Angwyssh
2178 _grete_--gret
2179 _sekenesse_--sykenesse
_grete sorwes_--gret soruwes
2180 _fruit_--frut
2182 _had_--MS. hadde, C. had
2183 _wil_--wole
2184 _hys_--hyse
2185 _sorowful_--sorwful
_sory_--sorye
2186 _make_--makyn
2189 [_and_]--from C.
2190 [_an_]--from C.
_haş_--haşe
_seid_--MS. seide, C. seyd
2191 _myche_--mochel
2192 _many_--manye
2196 _Euridippus_--Eurydyppys; _read_ Euripides
2197 _haş_--MS. haşe]
[[pg 80]]
[Headnote:
NO HAPPINESS IN EXTERNAL THINGS.]
HABET HOC UOLUPTAS.
[Sidenote: [The 7^de Met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: Pleasure leaves a pain behind it.]
++Euery delit haş şis. şat it anguisseş hem wiş prikkes
ş{a}t vsen it.
[Sidenote: The bee gives us agreeable honey, but try to hold it,
and it quickly flies, leaving its sting behind.]
¶ It resembliş to şise flying flyes şat
we clepen been. şat aftre şat şe bee haş shed hys agreable 2200
honies he fleeş awey {and} styngeş şe hertes of he{m}
şat ben ysmyte wiş bytynge ouer longe holdynge.
[Linenotes:
2198 _Euery_--MS. Ouery, C. Every
2198, 2200 _haş_--MS. haşe
_shed hys_--shad hyse]
[Headnote:
MEN ARE LED ASTRAY BY IGNORANCE.]
NICHIL IGITUR DUBIUM EST.
[Sidenote: [The 8^the p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: It appears then that happiness is not to be found in
the above-mentioned external things.]
++Now nis it no doute şan ş{a}t şise weyes ne ben a
maner mysledy{n}g to blisfulnesse. ne şat şei ne 2204
mowe nat leden folke şider as şei byheten to lede{n}
hem.
[Sidenote: These false ways are perplexed with many evils, as I
shall presently show thee.]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 19.]]
¶ But wiş how grete harmes şise *forseide weyes
ben enlaced. ¶ I shal shewe şe shortly.
[Sidenote: Do you want to amass wealth, then you must take it from
your neighbours.]
¶ For whi
yif şou enforcest şe to assemble moneye. şou most by-reuen 2208
hym his moneye şat haş it.
[Sidenote: Would you shine in dignities, then you must beg for
them and disgrace yourself by a humiliating supplication.]
and yif şou wilt
shynen wiş dignites. şou most bysechen {and} supplien
hem şat [gh]iue{n} şo dignitees. ¶ And yif şou coueitest
by hono{ur} to gon by-fore oşer folk ş{o}u shalt defoule şi 2212
self by hu{m}blesse of axing.
[Sidenote: If power be your ambition, you expose yourself to the
snares of inferiors.]
yif şou desiryst power.
şou shalt by awaites of şi subgit[gh] anoyously be cast
vndir many p{er}iles.
[Sidenote: Do you ask for glory, to be distracted by vexations and
so lose all security.]
axest şou glorie ş{o}u shalt ben so
destrat by aspre şinges şat şou shalt forgone sykernesse. 2216
[Sidenote: Do you prefer a voluptuous life? Think then that all
men will despise him who is a thrall to his body.]
¶ And yif şou wilt leden şi lijf in delices.
euery whi[gh]t shal dispisen şe {and} forleten şe as şou şat
art şral to şing şat is ry[gh]t foule {and} brutel. şat is [to]
sein seruau{n}t to şi body.
[Sidenote: They build upon a weak foundation that place bodily
delights above their own reason.]
¶ Now is it şan wel yseen 2220
how lytel {and} how brutel possessiou{n} şei coueiten şat
putten şe goodes of şe body abouen hire owe{n} resou{n}.
[Sidenote: Can you surpass the elephant in bulk, or the bull in
strength?]
¶ For mayst şou so{ur}mou{n}te{n} şise olifuñt[gh] in gretnesse
or wey[gh]t of body. Or mayst şou ben strenger şan şe 2224
bole.
[Sidenote: Art thou swifter than the tiger?]
Mayst şou ben swifter şan şe tigre.
[Sidenote: Behold the immense extent of the heavens and cease to
admire vile or lesser things.]
biholde şe
spaces {and} şe stablenesse {and} şe swyfte cours of şe [[pg 81]]
heuene. {and} stynte somtyme to wondren on foule
şinges.
[Sidenote: Admire what is still more admirable, the consummate
wisdom that governs them.]
şe whiche heuene certys nis nat raşer for şise 2228
şinges to ben wondred vpon. şan for şe resou{n} by
whiche it is gouerned.
[Sidenote: How fleeting is beauty!]
but şe shynynge of şi forme şat
is to seien şe beaute of şi body. how swiftly passyng is
it {and} how transitorie.
[Sidenote: It fades sooner than the vernal flowers.]
¶ Certis it is more flittynge 2232
şan şe mutabilite of floures of şe som{er} sesou{n}.
[Sidenote: For, as Aristotle says, if a man were lynx-eyed and
could look into the entrails of Alcibiades (so fair outwardly) he
would find all foul and loathsome.]
For so
as aristotil telleş şat yif şat men hadden eyen of a
beest şat hi[gh]t lynx. so şat şe lokyng of folk my[gh]t[e]
percen şoru[gh] şe şinges ş{a}t wişstonden it. who so lokid 2236
şan in şe entrailes of şe body of alcibiades şat was
ful fayr in şe sup{er}fice wiş oute. it shulde seme ry[gh]t
foule.
[Sidenote: Thy nature does not make thee seem beautiful, but the
imperfect view of thy admirers.]
{and} for şi yif şou semest faire. şi nature ne
makiş nat şat. but şe desceiuau{n}ce of şe fieblesse of şe 2240
eyen şat loken.
[Sidenote: Prize bodily perfections as much as you will, yet a
three days' fever will destroy them.]
¶ But p{re}ise şe goodes of şi body as
moche as euer şe list. so şat şou know[e] algates şat
what so it be. şat is to seyn of şe goodes of şi body
whiche şat ş{o}u wondrest vpon may ben destroied or 2244
dessolued by şe hete of a feuere of şre dayes. ¶ Of
alle whiche forseide şinges I may reduce{n} şis shortly in
a so{m}me.
[Sidenote: Worldly goods do not give what they promise, do not
comprise every good, are not the paths to felicity, nor can of
themselves make any one happy.]
¶ şat şise worldly goodes whiche şat ne
mowen nat [gh]iuen şat şei byheten. ne ben nat p{er}fit by 2248
şe congregac{i}ou{n} of alle goodes. şat şei ne ben nat
weyes ne paşes şat bryngen men to blysfulnesse ne
maken men to ben blysful.
[Linenotes:
2203 _nis_--is
2204 _mysledyng_--mysledynges
2205 _folke_--folk
2208 _enforcest_--MS. enforced, C. enforcest
2209 _haş_--MS. haşe
_wilt_--wolt
2211 _[gh]iuen_--yeuen
2212 _gon_--MS. gone, C. gon
_by-fore_--byforn
_shalt_--shal
2213 _by_--thorw
2214 _by_--be
_be_--ben
2216 _destrat_--MS. destralle, C. destrat
_forgone_--forgoon
2217 _wilt_--wolt
2218 _whi[gh]t_--wyht
2219 _foule_--fowl
[_to_]--from C.
2220 _yseen_--seen
2221 _brutel_--brotel
2222 _owen_--owne
2224 _wey[gh]t_--weyhty
_strenger_--strenger{e}
2225 _swifter_--swyfter{e}
_biholde_--by-hold
2227 _stynte_--stynt
2228 _whiche_--whych
2230 _whiche_--wych
2231 _seien_--seyn
2234 _as_--omitted
2235 _hi[gh]t_--hyhte
_my[gh]t[e]_--myhte
2237 _alcibiades_--MS. alcidiades
2238 _fayr_--fayr{e}
_şe_--omitted
_shulde_--sholde
2239 _foule_--fowl
_faire_--fayr
_ne_--omitted
2240 _desceiuaunce of şe fieblesse_--deceyuable or the feblesse
2242 _moche_--mochel
_know[e]_--knowe
2243 _şe_--omitted
_şi body whiche_--the body whych
2247 _a_--omitted]
[Headnote:
MEN PURSUE FALSE JOYS.]
HEU Q{UE} MISEROS TRAMITE.
[Sidenote: [The 8^the Met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: Alas! how through folly and ignorance do men stray from
the path of true happiness!]
++Allas whiche folie {and} whiche ignorau{n}ce myslediş 2252
wandryng wrecches fro şe paşe of verrey good.
[Sidenote: Ye do not seek gold upon trees nor diamonds from the
vine.]
¶ Certis [gh]e ne seken no golde in grene trees. ne [gh]e ne
gadren [nat] p{re}cious stones in şe vines. [[pg 82]]
[Sidenote: Ye lay not your nets to catch fish upon the lofty
hills.]
ne [gh]e ne
hiden nat [gh]oure gynnes in hey[gh]e mou{n}taignes to kachen 2256
fisshe of whiche [gh]e may maken ryche festes.
[Sidenote: The hunter goes not to the Tyrrhene waters to hunt the
roe.]
and yif
[gh]ow lykeş to hunte to roos. [gh]e ne gon nat to şe foordes
of şe water şat hy[gh]t tyrene.
[Sidenote: Men know where to look for white pearls, and for the
fish that yields the purple dye.]
{and} ouer şis men knowen
wel şe crikes {and} şe cau{er}nes of şe see yhidd in şe 2260
floodes. {and} knowen eke whiche water is most plentiuo{us}
of white perles. {and} knowen whiche water habundeş
most of rede purpre. şat is to seyen of a maner shelfisshe
w{i}t{h} whiche men dien purpre.
[Sidenote: They know where the most delicate of the finny race
abound and where the fierce sea-urchin is to be found.]
{and} knowen 2264
whiche strondes habounden most of tendre fisshes or
of sharpe fisshes şat hy[gh]ten echynnys.
[Sidenote: But where the Sovereign Good abides blinded mortals
never know, but plunge into the earth below to look for that which
has its dwelling in the heavens.]
but folk suffren
hem self to ben so blynde şat hem ne recchiş nat to
knowe where şilk[e] goodes ben yhidd whiche şat şei 2268
coueiten but ploungen hem in erşe {and} seken şere
şilke goode ş{a}t so{ur}mou{n}teş şe heuene şat bereş şe
sterres.
[Sidenote: What doom do the silly race deserve?]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 19 _b_.]]
¶ what *p{re}yere may I make şat be digne to
şe nice şou[gh]tis of men.
[Sidenote: May they pursue such false joys, and having obtained
them, too late find out the value of the true.]
but I p{re}ye şat şei coueite{n} 2272
rycches {and} hono{ur}s so şat whan şei han geten şo
false goodes wiş greet trauayle şat şerby şei mowe
knowen şe verray goodes.
[Linenotes:
2252 _whiche_ (_both_)--whych
2253 _paşe_--paath
_good_--goode
2254 _golde_--gold]
[Headnote:
THE INSUFFICIENCY OF WORLDLY BLISS.]
HACTENUS MENDACIS FORMA{M}.
[Sidenote: [The 9^ne p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: _P._ I have been describing the form of counterfeit
happiness, and if you have considered it attentively I shall
proceed to give you a perfect view of the true.]
++IT suffisiş şat I haue shewed hider to şe forme of 2276
false wilfulnesse. so şat yif şou look[e] now clerely
şe ordre of myn entenc{i}ou{n} requeriş from hennes forşe
to shewe{n} şe verray wilfulnesse.
[Sidenote: _B._ I now see that there is no sufficiency in riches,
no power in royalty, no esteem in dignities, nor nobility in
renown, nor joy in carnal pleasures.]
¶ For q{uod} .I. (b) [I.]
se wel now şat suffisau{n}ce may nat comen by richesse. ne 2280
power by realmes. ne reuere{n}ce by dignitees. ne gentilesse
by glorie. ne ioye by delices. and (p) hast şou wel
knowen q{uo}d she şe cause whi it is. Certis me semeş
q{uod} .I. şat .I. se hem ry[gh]t as şou[gh]
it were şoru[gh] a litel [[pg 83]]
clifte.
[Sidenote: I have a glimpse of the cause of all this, but I should
like a more distinct view.]
but me were leuer knowen hem more openly of 2285
şe. Certys q{uod} she şe resou{n} is al redy
[Sidenote: _P._ The cause is obvious--for that which is by nature
one and indivisible human ignorance separates and divides, and
reverses the true order of things.]
¶ For
şilk şing şat symply is on şing wiş outen ony
diuisiou{n}. şe errour {and} folie of mankynde departeş 2288
{and} diuidiş it. {and} mislediş it {and} t{ra}nsporteş from
verray {and} p{er}fit goode. to goodes şat ben false {and}
inp{er}fit.
[Sidenote: Does that state which needs nothing stand in need of
power?]
¶ But seye me şis. wenest şou şat he şat haş
nede of power şat hy{m} ne lakkeş no şing.
[Sidenote: _B._ I should say no. _P._ Right! That which wants
power needs external aid.]
Nay q{uo}d 2292
.I ¶ Certis q{uo}d she şou seist ary[gh]t. For yif so be
ş{a}t şer is a şing şat in any p{ar}tie be fieble of power.
[Sidenote: _B._ That is true! _P._ Sufficiency and power therefore
are of one nature. _B._ It seems so indeed.]
Certis as in şat it most[e] nedes be nedy of foreine
helpe. ¶ Ri[gh]t so it is q{uo}d .I. Suffisaunce and power 2296
ben şan of on kynde ¶ So semeş it q{uod} I.
[Sidenote: _P._ Are power and sufficiency to be despised? Are they
not rather worthy of universal respect?]
¶ And
demyst şou q{uo}d she şat a şing şat is of şis manere.
şat is to seine suffisau{n}t {and} my[gh]ty
au[gh]t[e] to ben dispised.
or ellys ş{a}t it be ry[gh]t digne of reuerences abouen 2300
alle şinges.
[Sidenote: _B._ They are doubtless highly estimable. _P._ Add
respect to sufficiency and power, and consider all three as one
and the same thing.]
¶ Certys q{uo}d I it nys no doute şat it
nis ry[gh]t worşi to ben reuerenced. ¶ Lat vs q{uo}d she şan
adden reuerence to suffisaunce {and} to power ¶ So şat
we demen şat şise şre şinges ben alle o şing.
[Sidenote: _B._ I see no objection to that view.]
¶ Certis 2304
q{uo}d I lat vs adden it. yif we willen graunten şe soşe.
[Sidenote: _P._ But can that be obscure and ignoble which
possesses three such attributes? is it not noble and worthy of a
shining reputation?]
what demest şou şan q{uo}d she is şat a dirke şing {and}
nat noble şat is suffisau{n}t reu{er}ent {and} my[gh]ty. or ellys 2307
şat is ry[gh]t clere {and} ry[gh]t noble of celebrete of renou{n}.
[Linenotes:
2256 _hey[gh]e_--the hyye
_kachen_--kachche
2257 _fisshe_--fyssh
2258 _hunte_--honte
_roos_--Rooes
2259 _hy[gh]t_--hyhte
2260 _crikes_--brykes
_yhidd_--MS. yhidde, C. I-hyd
2261, 2262 _whiche_--whych
2263 _shelfisshe_--shelle fysh
2264, 2265 _whiche_--whych
2264 _dien_--deyen
2265 _of_--w{i}t{h}
2266 _echynnys_--MS. ethynnys, C. Echynnys
2268 _yhidd_--MS. yhidde, C. I-hydd
2270 _goode_--good
2271 _make_--maken
2273 _rycches_--Rychesse
2277 _wilfulnesse_--welefulnesse
_look[e]_--loke
_clerely_--clerly
2279 _wilfulnesse_--welefulnesse
_For_--For-sothe
[_I._]--from C.
2280 _richesse_--Rychesses
2281 _realmes_--Reames
2287 _şilk_--thylke
_on_--o
2290 _goode_--good
2291 _seye_--sey
_haş_--MS. haşe
2294 _fieble_--febler{e}
2295 _most[e]_--mot
2296 _helpe_--help
2297 _on_--o
2298 _demyst şou_--demesthow
2299 _seine_--seyn
_au[gh]t[e]_--owhte
2300 _reuerences_--Reu{er}ence
2302 _nis ry[gh]t_--is ryht
2304 _alle_--al
2305 _willen_--wolen
2306 _dirke_--dyrk
2308 _clere_--cler
_of celebrete_--by celebryte]
[Headnote:
THE UNITY OF TRUE FELICITY.]
[Sidenote: He who is most powerful and worthy of renown--if he
lack fame which he cannot give to himself, must (by this defect)
seem in some measure more weak and abject.]
¶ Considere şan q{uo}d she as we han grau{n}tid her byforne.
şat he şat ne haş ne[de] of no şing {and} is most
my[gh]ty {and} most digne of hono{ur} yif hym nediş any
clernesse of renou{n} whiche clernesse he my[gh]t[e] nat 2312
graunten of hym self. ¶ So şat for lakke of şilke
clerenesse he my[gh]t[e] seme febler on any syde or şe
more outcaste. _Glosa._ şis is to seyne nay. [[pg 84]]
[Sidenote: He that is sufficiently mighty and esteemed will have
necessarily an illustrious name.]
¶ For who
so şat is suffisau{n}t my[gh]ty {and} reuerent. clernesse of 2316
renou{n} folweş of şe forseide şinges. he haş it alredy of
hys suffisaunce.
[Sidenote: _B._ I cannot deny it, for reputation seems inseparable
from the advantages you have just mentioned.]
boice. I may nat q{uo}d I denye it.
¶ But I mot graunten as it is. şat şis şing be ry[gh]t
celebrable by clernesse of renou{n} {and} noblesse.
[Sidenote: _P._ Therefore Renown differs in no wise from the three
above-mentioned attributes.]
¶ şan 2320
folweş it q{uo}d she şat we adden clernesse of renou{n} to
şe şre forseide şinges. so şat şer ne be amonges hem
no difference. {and} şis is a consequente q{uo}d .I.
[Sidenote: And if any one then stands in need of no external aid,
can have all he wants, and is illustrious and respected--is not
his condition very agreeable and pleasant?]
şis şing şan q{uo}d she şat ne haş no nede of no foreine 2324
şing. {and} şat may don alle şinges by his strengşes.
{and} şat is noble {and} hono{ur}able. nis nat şat a myrie
şing {and} a ioyful.
[Sidenote: _B._ I cannot conceive how such a one can have grief or
trouble.]
_boice._ but wenest q{uo}d I ş{a}t any
sorow my[gh]t[e] comen to şis şing şat is swiche. ¶ Certys 2328
I may nat şinke.
[Sidenote: _P._ It must then be a state of happiness; and we may
also affirm that sufficiency, power, nobility, differ only in
name, but not in substance.]
_P._ ¶ şanne moten we graunt[e] q{uod}
she şat şis şing be ful of gladnesse yif şe şorseide şinges
be soşe. ¶ And also certys mote we graunten. şat
suffisaunce power noblesse reuerence {and} gladnesse ben 2332
only dyuerse bynames. but hir substaunce haş no
diu{er}site.
[Sidenote: _B._ It is a necessary consequence.]
_Boice._ It mot nedely be so q{uo}d .I.
[Sidenote: _P._ The depravity of mankind then divides that which
is essentially indivisible; and, seeking for a part of that which
has no parts, they miss the entire thing which they so much
desire.]
_P._ şilke
şinge şan q{uo}d she şat is oon {and} simple i{n} his nature.
[Sidenote: [* fol. 20.]]
şe wikkednesse of men departiş it *diuidiş it. {and} 2336
whan şei enforcen hem to gete p{ar}tie of a şing şat ne
haş no part. şei ne geten hem neişer şilk[e] p{ar}tie şat
nis none. ne şe şing al hole şat şei ne desire nat.
[Sidenote: _B._ How is that?]
_.b._ In whiche manere q{uo}d .I.
[Sidenote: _P._ He that seeks riches in order to avoid poverty, is
not solicitous about power; he prefers meanness and obscurity, and
denies himself many natural pleasures that he may not lessen his
heaps of pelf.]
_p._ şilke man q{uo}d she şat 2340
sekeş rychesse to fleen pouerte. he ne trauayleş hym
nat to for to gete power for he haş leuer ben dirk {and}
vile. {and} eke wişdraweş from hym selfe many naturel
delit[gh] for he nolde lesen şe moneye şat he haş assembled. 2344
[Sidenote: He who lacks power, is pricked with trouble, and
rendered an outcast and obscure by his sordid ways, does not
possess sufficiency.]
but certis in şis manere he ne getiş hym nat [[pg 85]]
suffisaunce şat power forletiş. {and} şat moleste p{re}keş.
{and} şat filşe makeş outcaste. {and} şat derknesse hideş.
[Sidenote: He who only aims at power squanders his riches, and
despises delights and honours unaccompanied by power.]
and certis he ş{a}t desireş only power he wastiş {and} 2348
scatriş rychesse {and} dispiseş delices {and} eke hono{ur}
şat is wiş out power. ne he ne p{re}iseş glorie no şing.
[Linenotes:
2310 _haş_--MS. haşe
2312 _whiche_--whych
_my[gh]t[e]_--myhte
2314 _clerenesse_--clernesse
_my[gh]t[e]_--myhte
_febler_--the febeler{e}
2315 _seyne_--seyn
2317 _haş_--MS. haşe
2324 _haş_--MS. haşe
2325 _his_--hyse
2326 _myrie_--mery
2327 _wenest_--whennes
2328 _sorow my[gh]t[e]_--sorwe myhte
2329 _graunt[e]_--grau{n}te
2331 _be_--ben
_also certys_--certes also
2333 _haş_--MS. haşe
2334 _nedely_--nedly
2335 _şinge_--thing
2337 _gete_--geten
2338 _haş_--MS. haşe
_şilk[e]_--thilke
2339 _none_--non
_hole_--hool
2340 _whiche_--whych
2341 _rychesse_--Rychesses
_fleen_--MS. sleen, C. flen
2342 _leuer_--leu{er}
2343 _vile_--vyl
_selfe_--self
2344 _delit[gh]_--delices
_lesen_--lese
_haş_--MS. haşe
2346 _prekeş_--prykketh
2347 _derknesse_--dyrknesse
2349 _scatriş_--schatereth
_delices_--delyc[gh]
2350 _wiş out_--w{i}t{h} owte]
[Headnote:
OF FALSE FELICITY.]
¶ Certys şus seest şou wel şat many şi{n}g{us} failen to
hym. for he haş somtyme faute of many necessites. 2352
[Sidenote: Such a one must be subject to many anxieties.]
{and} many anguysses biten hym
[Sidenote: And when he cannot get rid of these evils he ceases to
have what he most desired--power.]
¶ {and} whan he may
nat don şo defautes awey. he forleteş to ben my[gh]ty.
{and} şat is şe şing şat he most desireş.
[Sidenote: In the same way honour, glory, and pleasure, are all
inseparable; he that seeks one without the other will fail to
obtain his desires.]
{and} ry[gh]t şus
may I make semblable resou{n}s of hono{ur}s {and} of glorie 2356
{and} of delices. ¶ For so as euery of şise forseide
şinges is şe same şat şise oşer şinges ben. şat is to
sein. al oon şing. who so şat euer sekeş to geten şat
oon of şise {and} nat şat oşer. he ne geteş nat şat he 2360
desireş.
[Sidenote: _B._ What then if a man should desire to gain them all
at once?]
_Boice._ ¶ what seist şou şan yif şat a man
coueiteş to geten alle şise şinges to gider.
[Sidenote: _P._ He would then indeed desire perfect felicity--but
can he ever expect to find it in the acquisitions above mentioned,
which do not perform what they promise?]
_P._ Certys
q{uo}d she .I. wolde seie şat he wolde geten hym souereyne
blisfulnes. but şat shal he nat fynde in şo şinges 2364
şat .I. haue shewed şat ne mowe nat [gh]euen şat şei by-heten.
[Sidenote: _B._ No, surely!]
_boice._ Certys no q{uo}d .I.
[Sidenote: _P._ Then happiness is not to be sought in these things
which are falsely supposed capable of satisfying our desires?]
¶ şan q{uod} she ne
sholden men nat by no weye seken blysfulnesse in
swiche şinges as men wenen şat şei ne mowe 2368
[gh]euen but o şing senglely of alle ş{a}t me{n} seken.
[Sidenote: _B._ I confess it, and nothing can be more truly
affirmed than this.]
I graunt[e] wel q{uo}d .I. ne no soşer şing ne may nat
ben said.
[Sidenote: Turn your mind's eye upon the reverse of all this
_false felicity_ and you will perceive _the true happiness_.]
_P._ ¶ Now hast şou şan q{uo}d she şe forme
{and} şe causes of false welefulnesse. ¶ Now turne {and} 2372
flitte şe eyen of şi şou[gh]t. for şere shalt şou seen an oon
şilk verray blysfulnesse ş{a}t I haue byhy[gh]t şee.
[Sidenote: _B._ It is very clear, and I had a complete view of it
when you explained to me the causes of its counterfeit.]
_b._ Certys q{uo}d .I. it is cler {and} opyn. şou[gh] şat it were to
a blynde man. {and} şat shewedest şou me [ful wel] a 2376
lytel her byforne. whan şou enforcedest şe to shewe me [[pg 86]]
şe causes of şe false blysfulnesse
[Sidenote: True felicity consists in a state of sufficiency, of
power, and honour--as well as of a shining reputation and every
desirable pleasure: and I must confess that true felicity is that
which is bestowed by these advantages, as they are in reality all
one and the same.]
¶ For but yif I be by-giled.
şan is şilke şe verray p{er}fit blisfulnesse şat p{er}fitly
makiş a man suffisau{n}t. my[gh]ty. hono{ur}able noble. 2380
{and} ful of gladnesse. {and} for şou shalt wel knowe şat I
haue wel vndirstonden şise şinges wiş i{n}ne myne herte.
I knowe wel şilke blisfulnesse şat may verrayly [gh]euen
on of şe forseide şinges syn şei ben al oon .I. knowe 2384
douteles şat şilke şing is şe fulle of blysfulnesse.
[Sidenote: _P._ O my nursling, how happy are you in this
conviction, provided you add but one limitation.]
_P._ O my nurry q{uod} she by şis oppiniou{n} q{uo}d she I
sey[e] şat şou art blisful yif şou putte şis şer to şat I
shal seine.
[Sidenote: _B._ What is that?]
what is şat q{uo}d .I.
[Sidenote: _P._ Thinkest thou that any thing in this world can
confer this happiness? (the sovereign good).]
¶ Trowest şou şat 2388
şer be any şing in şis erşely mortal toumblyng şinges
şat may bryngen şis estat.
[Sidenote: _B._ I think not; for nothing can be desirable beyond
such a state of perfection.]
Certys q{uo}d I trowe it nat.
{and} şou hast shewed me wel şat ouer şilke goode şer
is no şing more to ben desired.
[Sidenote: _P._ These imperfect things above mentioned only confer
the shadow of the supreme good, or at most only an imperfect
felicity, but they cannot bestow true and perfect happiness.]
_P._ şise şinges şan 2392
q{uo}d she. şat is to seyne erşely suffisaunce {and} power.
{and} swiche şinges eyşer şei semen likenesse of verray
goode. or ellys it semeş şat şei [gh]euen to mortal folk a
maner of goodes şat ne ben nat perfit. ¶ But şilke 2396
goode şat is verray {and} p{er}fit. şat may şei nat [gh]euen.
[Sidenote: _B._ I quite agree with you.]
_boice._ I. accorde me wel q{uo}d .I.
[Sidenote: _P._ Then, knowing the difference between true and
false felicity you must now learn where to look for this supreme
felicity.]
şan q{uo}d she for as
moche as şou hast knowen whiche is şilke verray blisfulnesse.
{and} eke whiche şilke şinges ben şat lien 2400
falsly blisfulnesse. şat is to seyne. şat by desceit
seme{n} verray goodes.
[Sidenote: [* fol. 20 _b_.]]
¶ Now byhoueş şe to knowe{n}
*whennes {and} where şou mowe seek[e] şilke verray
blisfulnesse. ¶ Certys q{uo}d I şat desijr I gretly {and} 2404
haue abiden longe tyme to herkene it.
[Sidenote: _P._ But, as Plato says that even in the least things
the Divine assistance ought to be implored, what ought we do, to
render us worthy of so important a discovery as the true source
and seat of the sovereign good?]
¶ But for as
moche q{uo}d she as it likeş to my disciple plato in his
book of i{n} thimeo. şat in ry[gh]t lytel şinges men sholde
bysechen şe helpe of god. ¶ what iugest şou şat be 2408
[now] to done so şat we may deserue to fynde şe sete of [[pg 87]]
şilke souereyne goode.
[Sidenote: _B._ Let us invoke the Father of all things.]
_B._ ¶ Certys q{uo}d .I. I. deme
şat we shulle clepen to şe fadir of alle goodes. ¶ For
wiş outen hym nis şer no şing founden ary[gh]t.
[Sidenote: You are right, said Philosophy, and thus she sang:--]
şou seist 2412
a-ry[gh]t q{uo}d she. and bygan on-one to syngen ry[gh]t şus.
[Linenotes:
2351 _many_--manye
2352 _haş_--MS. haşe
_faute_--defaute
2353 _may_--ne may
2354 _don_--MS. done, C. don
2356 _make_--maken
2357 _forseide_--MS. sorseide
2363 _souereyne_--sou{er}eyn
2365 _mowe_--mowen
2368 _wenen_--wene
_mowe_--mowen
2370 _graunt[e]_--grau{n}te
_soşer_--sother{e}
2371 _said_--MS. saide, C. sayd
2376 [_ful wel_]--from C.
2377 _byforne_--by-forn
2378 _blysfulnesse_--MS. blyndenesse, C. blysfulnesse
2385 _of_--omitted
2386 _nurry_--norye
2387 _sey[e]_--seye
2388 _seine_--seyn
2389 _şis_--thise
2390 _nat_--nawht
2393 _seyne_--sey
2395 _[gh]euen_--yeue
2397 _goode_--good
2399 _whiche_--which
2401 _seyne_--seyn
2402 _knowen_--knowe
2403 _seek[e]_--seke
2405 _herkene_--herknen
2407 _sholde_--sholden
2408 _bysechen_--by-shechen
_helpe_--help
2409 [_now_]--from C.
2410 _souereyne goode_--verray good
2411 _shulle_--shollen
_to_--omitted
2413 _on-one_--anon]
[Headnote:
IN SEEKING SUPREME FELICITY THE DIVINE AID IS TO BE INVOKED.]
O QUI PERPETUA.
[Sidenote: [The 9^ne Met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: O Father and Maker of heaven and earth, by whose
eternal reason the world is governed, and by whose supreme command
Time flows from the birth of ages, Thou, firm and unchanged
thyself, makest all things else to move!]
++O şou fadir creatour of heuene {and} of erşes şat
gouernest şis worlde by p{er}durable resou{n} şat comaundist
şe tymes for to gon from tyme şat age had[de] 2416
bygy{n}ny{n}g. şou şat dwellest şi self ay stedfast {and}
stable {and} [gh]iuest alle oşer şinges to ben moeued.
[Sidenote: Thy sovereign will to floating matter gave its various
forms, impelled by no exterior causes, but by the Idea of the Best
in thy great mind conceived void of malice.]
ne forein causes necesseden şe neuer to co{m}poune werke
of floterynge mater. but only şe forme of souereyne 2420
goode y-set wiş i{n}ne [şe] wiş outen envie şat moeued[e]
şe frely.
[Sidenote: Fairest thyself bearing the world's figure in thy
thought, thou didst create the world after that prototype, and
dost draw all things from the image of the fair Supreme, and dost
command that this world should have perfect parts.]
şou şat art alşerfairest beryng şe faire worlde
in şi şou[gh]t. formedest şis worlde to şe likkenesse
semblable of şat faire worlde in şi şou[gh]t. şou drawest 2424
alle şinges of şi souereyne ensampler. {and} comaundedist
şat şis worlde p{er}fitlyche ymaked haue frely {and}
absolut hyse p{er}fit parties.
[Sidenote: By harmonious measures thou dost bind fast the
elements, so that there is no discordance between things cold and
hot, or between the moist and the dry.]
¶ şou byndest şe element[gh]
by noumbres p{ro}porcionables. şat şe colde şinges 2428
mowen accorde wiş şe hote şinges. {and} şe drye şi{n}ges
wiş şe moyst şinges.
[Sidenote: That the fire may not fly too high, and that weight may
not press the earth and water lower than they are now placed,]
şat şe fire şat is purest ne fleye
nat ouer heye. ne şat şe heuynesse ne drawe nat adou{n}
ouer lowe şe erşes şat ben plounged in şe watres. 2432
[Linenotes:
2415 _worlde_--world
2416 _from----age_--from syn ş{a}t age
_had[de]_--hadde
2417 _stedfast_--stedefast
2418 _oşer_--oothre
2419 _forein_--foreyne
_werke_--werk
2420 _souereyne goode_--sou{er}eyn good
2421 _y-set_--MS. y-sette, C. Iset
_wiş inne_--w{i}t{h} in
[_şe_]--the
_wiş outen_--w{i}t{h} owte
_moeued[e]_--moeuede
2422 _alşerfairest_--alderfayrest
2422-24-26 _worlde_--world
2423 _likkenesse_--lyknesse
2426 _and absolut_--C. omits
2427 _hyse_--hys
2430 _fire_--fyr
_fleye_--fle
2431 _drawe_--drawen]
[Headnote:
GOD IS THE FOUNTAIN OF FELICITY.]
[Sidenote: thou didst join the Middle Soul (of a threefold nature)
moving all things, and then by agreeing numbers didst resolve it.]
¶ şou knyttest to-gidre şe mene soule of treble kynde
moeuyng alle şinges. {and} diuidest it by membres accordynge.
[Sidenote: When that is done, cut into two orbs, it moves about
returning to itself, and then encompassing the profound mind doth
by that fair idea turn the heaven.]
¶ And whan it is şus diuided it haş assembled
a moeuyng in two roundes. ¶ It goş to to{ur}ne 2436
a[gh]ein to hym owen self. {and} environeş a fulle deep [[pg 88]]
şou[gh]t. {and} to{ur}niş şe heuene by semblable ymage.
[Sidenote: Thou by such causes dost raise all souls and lesser
lives, and adaptest them to their light vehicles.]
şou by eue{n}lyk causes enhau{n}sest şe soules {and} şe lasse
liues {and} ablynge hem heye by ly[gh]t[e] cartes. 2440
[Sidenote: Thou sowest them in heaven and earth, and they return
to thee by thy kind law like a recoiling flame.]
şou sewest hem in to heuene {and} in to erşe. {and} whan şei
ben conuertid to şe by şi benigne lawe. ¶ şou makest
hem retorne a[gh]eine to şe by a[gh]ein ledyng fijr.
[Sidenote: O Father, elevate our souls and let them behold thy
august throne.]
¶ O
fadir yif şou to şi şou[gh]t to stien vp in to şi streite sete. 2444
{and} graunte [hym] to enviroune şe welle of good.
[Sidenote: Let them behold the fountain of all good. Dispel the
mists of sense, remove the weights of earth-born cares, and in thy
splendour shine (in our minds).]
{and} şe ly[gh]te yfounde graunte hym to ficchen şe clere sy[gh]tes
of hys corage in şe. ¶ And scatre şou {and} to-breke
[thow] şe wey[gh]tes {and} şe cloudes of erşely heuynesse. 2448
{and} shyne şou by şi bry[gh]tnes.
[Sidenote: For thou art ever clear, and to the good art peace and
rest. He who looks on thee beholds beginning, support, guide, path
and goal, combined!]
for şou art clernesse şou
art peisible to debonaire folke. ¶ şou şi self art bygy{n}ny{n}ge.
berere. ledere. paş {and} t{er}me to loke on şe
[şat] is oure ende. _Glose._ 2452
[Linenotes:
2435 _haş_--MS. haşe
2436 _goş_--MS. goşe
2437 _owen_--C. omits
2438 _tourniş_--MS. to{ur}nişe
2439 _euenlyk_--euene lyke
2440 _ly[gh]t[e]_--lyhte
2442 _benigne_--bygynnynge
2444 _yif_--yiue
_şi streite_--the streyte
2445 [_hym_]--from C.
2446 _ly[gh]te_--lyht
2448 [_thow_]--from C.
2449 _bry[gh]tnes_--bryhtnesse
2451 _paş_--MS. paşe; paath
2452 [_şat_]--that]
[Headnote:
GOD THE SUPREME GOOD.]
QUONIAM IGITUR QUI SCIT.[7]
[Footnote 7: Read que sit.]
[Sidenote: [The 10^the p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: Now that thou hast had a faithful representation of
future felicity as well as of the true happiness, I shall show
thee in what the Perfection of Happiness consists.]
++FOr as moche şan as şou hast seyn. whiche is şe
forme of goode şat nys nat p{er}fit. {and} whiche is şe
forme of goode şat is p{er}fit. now trowe I şat it were
goode to shewe in what şis p{er}fecc{i}ou{n} of blisfulnesse is 2456
set.
[Sidenote: Our best plan will be to inquire whether there be in
nature such a good as thou hast lately defined, lest we be
deceived by the vanity of Imagination and be carried beyond the
truth of the matter subjected to our inquiry.]
{and} in şis şing I trowe şat we sholden first enquere
forto witen yif şat any swiche manere goode as şilke
goode şat şou hast diffinissed a lytel her byforne. şat
is to seine souereyne goode may be founden in şe nature 2460
of şinges. For şat veyne ymaginac{i}ou{n} of şou[gh]t ne
desceiue vs nat. {and} putte vs oute of şe soşefastnesse
of şilke şinge şat is su{m}myttid to vs. şis is to seyne.
but it may nat ben denoyed şat şilke goode ne is. 2464
¶ and şat it nis ry[gh]t as a welle of alle goodes.
[Sidenote: The sovereign good does exist, and is the source of all
other good.]
¶ For
al şing şat is cleped i{n}p{er}fit.
is proued i{n}p{er}fit by şe [[pg 89]]
amenusynge of p{er}fecc{i}ou{n}. or of şing şat is p{er}fit.
[Sidenote: [* fol. 21.]]
[Sidenote: When we say that a thing is _imperfect_ we assert that
there is something else of its kind _perfect_.]
{and} her of comeş it. şat in euery şing general. yif şat. 2468
şat men seen any şing şat is i{n}p{er}fit *certys in şilke general
şer mot ben so{m}me şing şat is p{er}fit. ¶ For yif so
be şat p{er}fecc{i}ou{n} is don awey. men may nat şinke
nor seye fro whe{n}nes şilke şing is şat is cleped inperfit. 2472
[Sidenote: Nature takes not her origin from things diminished and
imperfect; but, proceeding from an entire and absolute substance,
descends into the remotest and most fruitless things.]
¶ For şe nature of şinges ne token nat her bygynnyng
of şinges amenused {and} i{n}p{er}fit. but it p{ro}cediş of
şi{n}g{us} şat ben al hool. {and} absolut. {and} descendeş so
doune in to outerest şinges {and} in to şi{n}g{us} empty {and} 2476
wiş oute fruyt.
[Sidenote: If there be an imperfect and fading felicity there must
also be one stable and perfect.]
but as I haue shewed a litel her byforne.
şat yif şer be a blisfulnesse şat be frele {and} vein {and}
inp{er}fit. şer may no man doute. şat şer nys som blisfulnesse
şat is sad stedfast {and} p{er}fit. b. şis is concludid 2480
q{uo}d I fermely {and} soşefastly.
[Sidenote: But now consider wherein this felicity resides. That
God is the governor of all things is proved by the universal
opinion of all men.]
_P._ But co{n}sidere
also q{uo}d she in wham şis blisfulnesse enhabiteş. şe
co{m}mune acordaunce {and} conceite of şe corages of men
p{ro}ueş {and} graunteş şat god p{r}ince of alle şi{n}g{us} is 2484
good.
[Sidenote: For since nothing may be conceived better than God,
then He who has no equal in goodness must be good.]
¶ For so as no şing ne may ben şou[gh]t bettre şan
god. it may nat ben douted şan şat [he ş{a}t] no şing is
bettre. şat he nys good.
[Sidenote: Reason clearly demonstrates (1) that God is good, and
(2) that the sovereign good exists in him.]
¶ Certys resou{n} sheweş şat
god is so goode şat it p{ro}ueş by verray force şat p{er}fit 2488
goode is in hym.
[Sidenote: If it were not so He could not be the Ruler of all
things, for there would be some other being excelling him who
possesses the supreme good and who must have existed before Him.]
¶ For yif god ne is swiche. he ne
may nat ben p{r}ince of alle şinges. for certis som şing
possessyng in hy{m} self p{er}fit goode sholde ben more
şan god. {and} [it] sholde seme şat şilke şing were first 2492
{and} elder şan god.
[Sidenote: And we have already shown that the perfect precedes the
imperfect;]
¶ For we han shewed ap{er}tly şat
alle şinges şat ben p{er}fit. ben first or şinges şat ben inperfit.
[Linenotes:
2453 _whiche_--which
2454-55-56-58-59 _goode_--good
2454 _whiche_--whych
2457 _set_--MS. sette, C. set
2460 _seine_--seyn
_souereyne goode_--souereyn good
_be founden_--ben fownde
2461 _veyne_--veyn
2463 _şis is to seyne_--C. omits
2464 _denoyed_--MS. deuoyded, C. denoyed
_goode_--good
2465 _of_--MS. of of
2466 _al şing_--alle thing
2468 _her of comeş_--ther of comht
2470 _somme_--som
2471 _don_--MS. done, C. don
2473 _token_--took
2475 _hool_--hoole
2476 _doune_--down
2477 _wiş oute fruyt_--w{i}t{h} owten frut
2480 _stedfast_--stydefast
2481 _fermely_--MS. fennely, C. fermely
_soşefastly_--sothfastly
2486 [_he şat_]--from C.
_is bettre_--nis bettr{e}
2488-89-91 _goode_--good
2489 _swiche_--swych
2492 [_it_]--from C.
_seme_--semen
2493 _elder_--elder{e}]
[Headnote:
GOD THE SOURCE OF TRUE FELICITY.]
[Sidenote: wherefore, that our reasonings may not run on with
infinity, we must confess that the Supreme God is full of perfect
and consummate good.]
¶ And for şi for as moche as [that] my resou{n}
or my p{ro}ces ne go nat awey wişoute an ende. we 2496
ou[gh]t[e] to graunten şat şe souereyne god is ry[gh]t ful of
souereyne p{er}fit goode. [[pg 90]]
[Sidenote: And as we have seen that the perfect good is true
happiness, it follows that the true felicity resides in the
Supreme Divinity.]
and we han establissed şat şe
souereyne goode is verrey blisfulnesse. şan mot it nedes
ben [ş{a}t verray blysfulnesse is] yset i{n} souereyne god. 2500
_B._ şis take I wel q{uo}d .I. ne şis ne may nat be wişseid
in no manere.
[Sidenote: But let us see how we can firmly and irrefragably prove
that the Supreme God contains in his own nature a plenitude of
perfect and consummate good.]
¶ But I p{re}ie şe q{uo}d she see now how
şou mayst preuen holily {and} wiş-oute{n} corrupciou{n} şis
şat I haue seid. şat şe souereyne god is ry[gh]t ful of 2504
souereyne goode. [In whych man{er}e q{uo}d I.] wenest
şou ou[gh]t q{uo}d she şat şis p{r}ince of alle şinges haue
ytake şilke souereyne good any where şan of hym self.
¶ of whiche souereyne goode men p{ro}ueş şat he is ful 2508
ry[gh]t as şou my[gh]test şinken. şat god şat haş blisfulnesse
in hym self. {and} şat ilke blisfulnesse şat is in hym
were diu{er}s in substaunce.
[Sidenote: If you think that God has received this good from
without, then you must believe that the giver of this good is more
excellent than God the receiver.]
¶ For yif şou wene şat
god haue receyued şilke good oute of hy{m} self. şou 2512
mayst wene şat he şat [gh]af şilke good to god. be more
goode şan is god.
[Sidenote: But we have concluded that there is nothing more
excellent than God.]
¶ But I am byknowen {and} confesse
{and} şat ry[gh]t dignely şat god is ry[gh]t worşi abouen alle
şinges.
[Sidenote: But if this supreme good is in Him by nature, and is
nevertheless of a different substance, we cannot conceive, since
God is the author of all things, what could have united these two
substances differing one from another.]
¶ And yif so be şat şis good be in hym by 2516
nature. but şat it is diu{er}s from [hym] by wenyng
resou{n}. syn we speke of god p{r}ince of alle şinges feyne
who so feyne may. who was he şat [hath] co{n}ioigned
şise diu{er}s şinges to-gidre.
[Sidenote: Lastly, a thing which essentially differs from another
cannot be the same with that from which it is supposed to differ.]
{and} eke at şe last[e] se 2520
wel şat o şing şat is diu{er}s from any şing. şat şilke
şing nis nat şat same şing. fro whiche it is vndirstonde{n}
to ben diu{er}s.
[Sidenote: Consequently, what in its nature differs from the chief
good cannot be the supreme good.]
şan folweş it. şat şilke şi{n}g şat
by hys nature is dyuers from souereyne good. şat şat 2524
şing nys nat souereyne good.
[Sidenote: But it would be impious and profane thus to conceive of
God, since nothing can excel Him in goodness and worth.]
but certys şat were a
felonous corsednesse to şinken şat of hym. şat no şing
nis more worşe.
[Sidenote: In fact, nothing can exist whose nature is better than
its origin.]
For alwey of alle şinges. şe nat{ur}e
of hem ne may nat ben better şan his bygy{n}nyng. 2528
[Linenotes:
2495 [_that_]--from C.
2496 _proces_--p{ro}cesses
2497 _ou[gh]t[e]_--owen
2498 _goode_--good
2499 _souereyne goode_--souereyn good
2500 [_şat----is_]--from C.
_yset_--MS. ysette, C. set
2501 _be_--ben
_wişseid_--MS. wişseide, C. withseid
2503 _wiş-outen_--w{i}t{h}-owte
2504 _seid_--MS. seide, C. seyd
2505 _souereyne goode_--souereyn good
[_In----I_]--from C.
2506 _ou[gh]t_--awht
2507 _şan of_--owt of
2508 _whiche_--whych
_souereyne goode_--souereyn good
2509 _haş_--MS. haşe
2510 _şat ilke_--thilke
2511 _were_--weren
2514 _goode_--worth
2517 _from_--fro
[_hym_]--from C.
2518 _feyne_--faigne
2519 _feyne_--feigne
[_hath_]--from C.
2520 _last[e]_--laste
2521 _o_--a
2522 _whiche_--whych
2524 _from_--fro
2527 _nis_--is
2528 _better_--bettre]
[Headnote:
THERE CANNOT BE TWO CHIEF GOODS.]
[Sidenote: We may therefore conclude that the Author of all things
is really and substantially the supreme Good.]
¶ For whiche I may concluden by ry[gh]t uerray resou{n}. [[pg 91]]
şat şilke şat is bygynnyng of alle şinges. şilke same
şing is good in his substaunce.
[Sidenote: _B._ Most rightly said!]
_B._ şou hast seid ry[gh]tfully
q{uo}d .I.
[Sidenote: _P._ But you have owned that true felicity is the
sovereign good; then you must also grant that God is that true
felicity.]
_P._ But we han graunted q{uo}d she şat 2532
souereyne good is blysfulnes. şat is soşe q{uo}d .I. şan
q{uo}d she mote we nedes graunten {and} confessen şat
şilke same souereyne goode be god.
[Sidenote: _B._ Your conclusions follow from your premises.]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 21 _b_.]]
¶ Certys *q{uo}d
.I. I ne may nat denye ne wişstonde şe resou{n}s p{ur}posed. 2536
and I see wel şat it folweş by strengşe of şe
p{re}misses.
[Sidenote: _P._ Let us see whether we cannot prove this more
convincingly by considering it in this view, that there cannot be
two sovereign goods which differ in themselves.]
¶ Loke nowe q{uo}d she yif şis be proued
[yit] more fermely şus. ¶ şat şer ne mowen nat ben
two souereyne goodes şat ben diuerse amo[n]ges hem 2540
self.
[Sidenote: For it is plain that of the goods that differ one
cannot be what the other is; wherefore neither of them can be
perfect where one wants the other.]
şat on is nat şat şat oşer is. şan [ne] mowen
neişer of hem ben p{er}fit. so as eyşer of hem lakkiş to
oşir.
[Sidenote: That which is not perfect cannot be the supreme good.]
but şat şat nis nat p{er}fit men may seen apertly
şat it nis nat souereyne.
[Sidenote: Neither can the chief good be essentially different.]
şe şinges şan şat ben 2544
souereynely goode ne mowen by no wey ben diuerse.
[Sidenote: But it has been shown that God and happiness are the
chief good, wherefore the sovereign felicity and the Supreme
Divinity are one and the same.]
¶ But I haue wel conclude şat blisfulnesse {and} god ben
[the] souereyne goode. For whiche it mot nedes be şat
souereyne blisfulnesse is souerey[ne] dyuynite. ¶ No 2548
şing q{uo}d I nis more soşefast şan şis ne more ferme by
resou{n}. ne a more worşi şing şan god may nat ben
concluded.
[Sidenote: Following then the examples of geometricians who deduce
their consequences from their propositions, I shall deduce to thee
something like a corollary as follows:--]
_P._ vpon şise şinges şan q{uo}d she. ry[gh]t as
şise geometriens whan şei han shewed her p{ro}posiciou{n}s 2552
ben wont to brynge{n} in şinges şat şei clepen porismes
or declarac{i}ou{n}s of forseide şinges. ry[gh]t so wil I [gh]eue
şe here as a corolarie or a mede of coroune.
[Sidenote: Because by the attainment of felicity men become happy,
and as felicity is the same as Divinity itself, therefore by the
attainment of Divinity men are made happy.]
For whi.
for as moche as by şe getynge of blisfulnesse men ben 2556
maked blysful. {and} blisfulnesse is diuinite. ¶ şan is
it manifest {and} open şat by şe gety{n}g of diuinite men
ben makid blisful.
[Sidenote: But as by the participation of justice or of wisdom men
become just or wise,]
ry[gh]t as by şe getynge of iustice . . .
{and} by şe getyng of sapience şei ben maked wise. 2560
[Linenotes:
2529 _whiche_--whych
2531 _seid_--MS. seide, C. seyd
2533 _soşe_--soth
2534 _mote_--moten
2539 [_yit_]--from C.
2541 _is_ (1)--nis
_oşer_--othre
[_ne_]--from C.
2546 _conclude_--concluded
2547 [_the_] from C.
_goode_--good
_be_--ben
2549 _soşefast_--sothfast
_ferme_--MS. forme, C. ferme
2552 _proposiciouns_--MS. p{ro}porsiou{n}s, C. p{ro}posiciou{n}s
2553 _porismes_--MS. poeismes, C. porysmes
2554 _wil_--wole]
[Headnote:
THE HAPPY MAN IS A GOD.]
[Sidenote: so by partaking of Divinity they must necessarily,
and by parity of reason, become gods.]
¶ Ry[gh]t so nedes by şe semblable resou{n}
wha{n} şei han getyn [[pg 92]]
diuinite şei ben maked goddys.
[Sidenote: Every happy man then is a god. But by nature there is
only _One_; but by participation of Divine essence there may be
many gods.]
şan is euery blisful
man god. ¶ But certis by nature. şer nys but oon god.
but by şe p{ar}ticipac{i}ou{n}s of diuinite şere ne letteş ne 2564
disturbeş no şing şat şer ne ben many goddes. ¶ şis
is q{uo}d .I. a faire şing {and} a p{re}cious. ¶ Clepe it as
ş{o}u wolt. be it corolarie or porisme or mede of coroune
or declarynges ¶ Certys q{uo}d she no şing nis fairer. 2568
şan is şe şing şat by resou{n} sholde ben added to şise
forseide şinges. what şing q{uo}d .I.
[Sidenote: But as happiness seems to be an assemblage of many
things, ought we not to consider whether these several things
constitute conjointly the body of happiness, or whether there is
not some one of these particular things that may complete the
substance or essence of it, and to which all the rest have a
relation?]
¶ So q{uo}d she as
it semeş şat blisfulnesse conteniş many şinges. it were
forto witen wheşir [ş{a}t] alle şise şinges maken or 2572
conioignen as a maner body of blysfulnesse by diuersite
of parties or [of] me{m}bris. Or ellys yif any of alle
şilke şi{n}g{us} be swyche şat it acomplise by hy{m} self şe
substaunce of blisfulnesse. so şat alle şise oşer şinges 2576
ben referred and brou[gh]t to blisfulnesse. şat is to seyne
as to şe chief of hem.
[Sidenote: _B._ Illustrate this matter by proper examples.]
¶ I wolde q{uo}d I şat şou
makedest me clerly to vndirstonde what şou seist. {and}
şat şou recordest me şe forseide şinges.
[Sidenote: _P._ As you grant that happiness is a good, you may say
the same of all the other goods; for perfect sufficiency is
identical with supreme felicity; so is supreme power, likewise
high rank, a shining reputation, and perfect pleasure.]
¶ Haue I nat 2580
iuged q{uo}d she. şat blisfulnesse is goode. [gh]is forsoşe
q{uo}d .I. {and} şat souereyne goode. ¶ Adde şan q{uo}d
she şilke goode şat is maked blisfulnes to alle şe forseide
şinges. ¶ For şilke same blisfulnesse şat is 2584
demed to ben souereyne suffisaunce. şilke self is
souereyne power. souereyne reuerence. sou{er}eyne clernesse
or noblesse {and} souereyne delit.
[Sidenote: What say you, then; are all these things, sufficiency,
power, and the rest, to be considered as constituent parts of
felicity? or are they to be referred to the sovereign good as
their source and principal?]
what seist şou
şan of alle şise şinges. şat is to seyne. suffisance power 2588
{and} şise oşer şinges. ben şei şan as membris of blisfulnesse.
or ben şei referred {and} brou[gh]t to souereyne good.
¶ Ry[gh]t as alle şinges şat ben brou[gh]t to şe chief of hem.
[Linenotes:
2563 _oon_--o
2564 _letteş_--let
2566 _faire_--fayr
2567 _porisme_--MS. pousme, C. porisme
2572 [_şat_]--from C.
2573 _maner_--maner{e}
_by_--be
2574 [_of_]--from C.
2575 _swyche_--swych
2576 _oşer_--oothr{e}
2577 _seyne_--seyn
2578 _chief_--chef
2581 _goode [gh]is_--good ys
2582 _souereyne goode_--sou{er}eyn good
2583 _goode_--good
2585 _self_--selue
2588 _şise_--C. omits
_seyne_--seyn
2589 _oşer_--oothre]
[Headnote:
GOOD, THE RULE AND SQUARE OF THINGS DESIRABLE.]
[Sidenote: _B._ I see what you are aiming at, and I am desirous to
hear your arguments.]
b. I vndirstonde wel q{uo}d .I. what şou p{ur}posest to [[pg 93]]
seke. but I desijr[e] to herkene şat şou shewe it me. 2593
[Sidenote: _P._ If all these things were members of felicity, they
would differ one from another, for it is the property of diverse
parts to compose one body.]
_p._ Take now şus şe discressiou{n} of şis questiou{n} q{uo}d
she. yif al şise şinges q{uo}d she weren membris to
felicite. şan weren şei diu{er}se şat oon fro şat oşer. 2596
¶ And swiche is şe nat{ur}e of p{ar}ties or of membris.
şat dyuerse me{m}bris compounen a body.
[Sidenote: But it has been well shown that all these things are
the same and do not differ--therefore they are not parts, for if
they were, happiness might be made up of one member--which is
absurd and impossible.]
¶ Certis
q{uo}d I it haş wel ben shewed her byforne. şat alle şise
şinges ben alle on şing. şan ben şei none membris q{uo}d 2600
she.
[Sidenote: [* fol. 22.]]
for ellys it sholde seme şat blisfulnesse were
conioigned *al of one membre alone. but şat is a şi{n}g
şat may nat ben doon.
[Sidenote: _B._ This I doubt not, but I desire to hear the
sequel.]
şis şing q{uo}d .I. nys nat
doutous. but I abide to herkene şe remenaunt of şe 2604
questiou{n}.
[Sidenote: _P._ All the things above-mentioned must be tried by
Good, as the rule and square.]
şis is ope{n} {and} clere q{uo}d she. şat alle oşer
şinges ben referred {and} brou[gh]t to goode.
[Sidenote: Sufficiency, power, &c., are all desired, because they
are esteemed a good.]
¶ For şerfore
is suffisaunce requered. For it is demed to ben
good. {and} forşi is power requered. for men trowen also 2608
şat it be goode. and şis same şing mowe we şinken {and}
coueiten of reuerence {and} of noblesse {and} of delit.
[Sidenote: Good is the cause why all things are desired.]
şan is souereyne good şe soume {and} şe cause of alle şat
au[gh]t[e] be desired.
[Sidenote: For that which contains no good, either in reality or
appearance, can never be desired.]
forwhi şilke şing şat wiş-holdeş no 2612
good in it self ne semblaunce of goode it ne may nat
wel in no manere be desired ne requered.
[Sidenote: On the contrary, things not essentially good are
desired because they appear to be real goods.]
{and} şe contrarie.
For şou[gh] şat şinges by hir nature ne ben nat
goode algates yif men wene şat şei be{n} goode [gh]it ben 2616
şei desired as şou[gh] [ş{a}t] şei were verrayly goode.
[Sidenote: Hence, Good is esteemed as the cause and end of all
things that we desire.]
{and} şerfore is it şat men au[gh]te{n} to wene by ry[gh]t şat bounte
be souereyne fyn {and} şe cause of alle şinges şat ben to
requeren.
[Sidenote: That which is the cause of our desiring any thing is
itself what we chiefly want.]
¶ But certis şilke ş{a}t is cause for whiche 2620
men requeren any şing. ¶ it semeş şat şilke same
şing be most desired.
[Sidenote: If a man desire to ride on account of health--it is not
the ride he wants so much as its salutary effects.]
as şus yif şat a wy[gh]t wolde ryde
for cause of hele. he ne desireş nat so mychel şe
moeuyng to ryden as şe effect of his heele. [[pg 94]]
[Sidenote: Since all things are sought after for the sake of Good,
they cannot be more desirable than the good itself.]
Now şan 2624
syn şat alle şinges ben requered for şe grace of good.
şei ne ben [nat] desired of alle folk more şan şe same
good
[Sidenote: It has been shown that all the aforesaid things are
only pursued for the sake of happiness--hence it is clear that
good and happiness are essentially the same.]
¶ But we han graunted şat blysfulnesse is şat
şing for whiche şat alle şise oşer şinges ben desired. 2628
şan is it şus şat certis only blisfulnesse is requered {and}
desired ¶ By whiche şing it sheweş clerely şat good
{and} blisfulnesse is al oone {and} şe same substaunce.
[Sidenote: _B._ I see no cause to differ from you.]
¶ I se nat q{uo}d I wher fore şat men my[gh]t[en] discorden 2632
in şis.
[Sidenote: _P._ It has been proved that God and happiness are
identical and inseparable.]
_p._ {and} we han shewed şat god {and} verrey blysfulnesse
is al oon şing
[Sidenote: _B._ That is true.]
¶ şat is soşe q{uod} .I.
[Sidenote: Therefore the substance of God is also the same as that
of the Supreme Good.]
şan mowe we conclude sikerly ş{a}t şe substaunce of god is
set in şilke same good {and} in noon oşer place. 2636
[Linenotes:
2591 _brou[gh]t_--MS wrou[gh]t, C. browht
2593 _desijr[e] to herkene_--desir{e} for to herkne
2594 _Take_--tak
2596 _fro_--from
2597 _swiche_--swhych
2600 _on şing_--othing
2602 _one_--on
2603 _ben doon_--be don
2604 _herkene_--herknen
2605 _clere_--cler
_oşer_--oothre
2606 _goode_--good
2609 _goode_--good
_mowe_--mowen
2617 [_şat_]--from C.
_were verrayly_--weeren verraylyche
2618 _şerfore_--therfor
_au[gh]ten_--owhten
2619 _alle_--alle the
2620 _whiche_--whych
2623 _mychel_--mochel
2624 _moeuyng_--moeuynge
2626 [_nat_]--from C.
2628 _oşer_--oothr{e}
2630 _clerely_--clerly
_good and blisfulnesse_--of good {and} of blysfulnesse
2631 _oone_--oon
2632 _my[gh]t[en]_--myhten
2634 _oon_--oo
_soşe_--soth
2635 _mowe_--mowen
2636 _set_--MS. sette, C. set]
[Headnote:
GOD A HAVEN OF REST.]
NUNC OMNES PARITER {ET}C.
[Sidenote: [The 10^the Met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: Come hither, all ye that are captives--bound and
fettered with the chains of earthly desires;--come to this source
of goodness, where you shall find rest and security.]
++O Comeş alle to-gidre now [gh]e şat ben ycau[gh]t {and}
ybounde wiş wicked[e] cheines by şe deceiuable
delit of erşely şinges inhabytynge in [gh]oure şou[gh]t. here
shal ben şe reste of [gh]oure laboures. here is şe hauene 2640
stable in peisible quiete. şis al oone is şe open refut to
wreches.
[Sidenote: [Chaucer's gloss upon the Text.]
_Glosa._ şis is to seyn. şat [gh]e şat ben combred
{and} deceyued wiş worldly affecc{i}ou{n}s comeş now
to şis souereyne good şat is god. şat is refut to hem şat 2644
wolen come to hym.
[Sidenote: Not the gold of Tagus or of Hermus, nor the gems of
India, can clear the mental sight from vain delusions, but rather
darken it.]
_Textus._ ¶ Alle şe şinges şat şe
ryuere Tagus [gh]iueş [gh]ow wiş his golden[e] grauels. or
ellys alle şe şynges şat şe ryuere herm{us}. [gh]iueş wiş his
rede brynke. or şat yndus [gh]iueş şat is nexte şe hote 2648
p{ar}tie of şe worlde. şat medeleş şe grene stones
(smaragd{e}) wiş şe white (margarits). ne sholde nat
cleren şe lokynge of [gh]oure şo[gh]t. but hiden raşer [gh]oure
blynde corages wiş i{n}ne hire dirkenesse
[Sidenote: Such sources of our delight are found in the earth's
gloomy caverns,--but the bright light that rules the heavens
dispels the darkness of the soul.]
¶ Alle şat 2652
likeş [gh]ow here {and} excitiş {and} moeueş [gh]oure şou[gh]tes.
şe erşe haş noryshed it in hys lowe caues. but şe [[pg 95]]
shynyng by şe whiche şe heuene is gouerned {and}
whennes şat it haş hys strengşe şat chaseş şe derke 2656
ouerşrowyng of şe soule.
[Sidenote: He who has seen this light will confess that the beams
of the sun are weak and dim.]
¶ And who so euer may
knowen şilke ly[gh]t of blisfulnesse. he shal wel seine şat
şe white bemes of şe sonne ne ben nat cleer.
[Linenotes:
2638 _wicked[e]_--wyckyde
2639, 2640 _here_--her
2640 _hauene_--MS. heuene, C. hauene
2641 _al oone_--allone
2643 _worldly_--worldely
2645 _come_--comyn
2646 _golden[e] grauels_--goldene grauayles
2647 _şynges_--MS. rynges, C. thinges
_hermus_--MS. herin{us}, C. herynus
2648 _nexte_--next
2649 _worlde_--world
2654, 2656 _haş_--MS. haşe
2654 _hys_--hyse
2656 _chaseş şe derke_--eschueth the dyrke
2657 _euer_--C. omits
2658 _seine_--seyn]
[Headnote:
MEN DO NOT SEEK TRUE FELICITY.]
ASSENCIOR INQ{UA}M CUNCTA. Boice.
[Sidenote: [The 11 p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: _B._ I assent, and am convinced by the force of your
arguments.]
++I assent[e] me q{uo}d .I. For alle şise şinges ben 2660
strongly bounden wiş ry[gh]t ferme resou{n}s.
[Sidenote: _P._ But how greatly would you value it, did you fully
know what this good is?]
how mychel wilt şou p{re}isen it q{uo}d she. yif şat şou
knowe what şilke goode is.
[Sidenote: _B._ I should value it infinitely if at the same time I
might attain to the knowledge of God, who is the sovereign good.]
I wol p{re}ise it q{uo}d I by
price wiş outen ende. ¶ yif it shal bytyde me to 2664
knowe also to-gidre god şat is good.
[Sidenote: _P._ I shall elucidate this matter by incontrovertible
reasons if thou wilt grant me those things which I have before
laid down as conclusions.]
¶ certys q{uo}d she
ş{a}t shal I do şe by verray resou{n}.
[Sidenote: [* fol. 22 _b_.]]
yif şat şo şinges şat
I haue conclude[d] a litel her by *forne dwellen oonly
in hir first[e] graunty{n}g.
[Sidenote: _B._ I grant them all.]
_Boice._ şei dwellen graunted 2668
to şe q{uo}d .I. şis is to seyne as who seiş .I. graunt şi
forseide conclusiou{n}s.
[Sidenote: _P._ Have I not shown that the things which the
majority of mankind so eagerly pursue are not true and perfect
goods, for they differ from one another; and because where one of
them is absent the others cannot confer absolute happiness (or
good)?]
¶ Haue I nat shewed şe q{uo}d
she şat şe şinges şat ben requered of many folke. ne
ben nat verray goodes ne p{er}fit. for şei ben diu{er}se şat 2672
oon fro şat oşer. {and} so as eche of hem is lakkyng to
oşer. şei ne han no power to bryngen a good ş{a}t is ful
{and} absolute.
[Sidenote: Have I not shown, too, that the true and chief good is
made up of an assemblage of all the goods in such a way, that if
sufficiency is an attribute of this good, it must at the same time
possess power, reverence, &c.]
¶ But şan atte arst ben şei verray good
whan şei ben gadred to-gidre al in to a forme {and} in 2676
to oon wirchy{n}g. so şat şilke şing şat is suffisaunce.
şilk same be power {and} reuerence. {and} noblesse {and}
mirşe.
[Sidenote: If they be not one and the same, why should they be
classed among desirable things?]
¶ And forsoşe but alle şise şi{n}ges ben alle o
same şing şei ne han nat wher by şat şei mowen ben 2680
put in şe nou{m}bre of şinges. şat au[gh]ten ben requered
or desired. _b._ ¶ It is shewed q{uo}d .I. ne her of may
şer no man douten.
[Sidenote: While these things differ from one another they are not
goods; but as soon as they become one then they are made
goods.--Do not they owe their being good to their unity?]
_p._ şe şinges şan q{uo}d she şat ne
ben none goodes whan şei ben diu{er}se. {and} whan şei [[pg 96]]
bygynnen to ben al o şing. şan ben şei goodes. ne 2685
comiş it hem nat şan by şe getynge of unite şat şei ben
maked goodes.
[Sidenote: _B._ So it appears.]
_b._ so it semeş q{uo}d .I.
[Sidenote: _P._ Do you confess that everything that is good
becomes such by the participation of the sovereign good or no?]
but alle şing şat
is good q{uo}d she grauntest şou şat it be good
by p{ar}ticipac{i}ou{n} 2688
of good or no.
[Sidenote: _B._ It is so.]
¶ I graunt[e] it q{uo}d .I.
[Linenotes:
2660 _assent[e]_--assente
2662 _mychel_--mochel
2663 _goode_--good
2664 _price_--prys
2669 _is_--omitted
_seyne_--seyn
2671 _folke_--folkes
2673 _oşer_--oothre
_eche_--ech
2675 _absolute_--absolut
_atte arst_--at erste
2676 _al_--alle
_a_--O
2677 _to_--omitted
_wirchyng_--wyrkynge
2678 _şilk_--thilke
2681 _put_--MS. putte, C. put
_au[gh]ten_--owhten
2684 _none_--no
2685 _al o_--alle oon
2686 _comiş_--comth
2689 _graunt[e]_--graunte]
[Headnote:
UNITY NECESSARY TO EXISTENCE.]
[Sidenote: _P._ Then you must own that unity and good are the same
(for the substance of those things must be the same, whose effects
do not naturally differ).]
¶ şan mayst şou graunt[en] it q{uo}d she by sembleable
resou{n} şat oon {and} good ben o same şing. ¶ For of
şinges [of] whiche şat şe effect nis nat naturely diuerse 2692
nedys şe substaunce mot ben o same şinge.
[Sidenote: _B._ I cannot gainsay it.]
I ne may
nat denye it q{uo}d I.
[Sidenote: _P._ Do you not perceive that everything which exists
is permanent so long as it preserves its unity--but as soon as it
loses this, it is dissolved and annihilated?]
¶ Hast şou nat knowen wel q{uo}d
she. şat al şing şat is haş so longe his dwellyng {and}
his substaunce. as longe is it oone. ¶ but wha{n} it 2696
forletiş to ben oone it mot nedis dien {and} corrumpe togidre.
[Sidenote: _B._ How so?]
¶ In whiche manere q{uo}d .I.
[Sidenote: _P._ In the animal creation as long as the soul and the
body are united and conjoined in one, this being is called an
animal or beast, but when the union is dissolved by the separation
of these, the animal perishes and is no longer a beast.]
¶ Ry[gh]t as in
beestes q{uod} she. whan şe soule {and} şe body ben
co{n}ioigned in oon {and} dwellen to-gidre it is cleped a 2700
beest. {and} whan hire vnite is destroied by disseueraunce
şat oon fram ş{a}t oşir. şan sheweş it wel şat it is a
dede şi{n}g. {and} şat it is no lenger no beste.
[Sidenote: The same may be said of man and all other things; they
subsist while unity is preserved, but as soon as that is destroyed
the things themselves lose their existence.]
{and} şe
body of a wy[gh]t while it dwelleş in oon forme by coniuncc{i}ou{n}
of membris it is wel seyn şat it is a figure of 2705
mankynde. and yif şe partyes of şe body ben [so]
diuide[d] {and} disseuered şat oon fro şat oşir şat şei
destroien vnite. şe body forletiş to ben şat it was byforne. 2708
¶ And who so wolde renne in şe same manere
by alle şinges he sholde seen şat wiş outen doute euery
şinge is in his substaunce as longe as it is oon. {and}
whan it forletiş to ben oon it dieş {and} p{er}issiş.
[Sidenote: _B._ I believe we should find this true in every case.]
_boice._ 2712
whan I considre q{uo}d I many şinges I see noon oş{er}.
[Linenotes:
2690 _mayst şou graunt[en]_--mosthow grau{n}ten
2692 [_of_]--from C.
2695 _al_--alle
_haş_--MS. haşe
2696, 2697 _oone_--oon
2698 _whiche_--which
2703 _dede_--ded
_lenger_--lenger{e}
_beste_--beest
2704 _while_--whil
_oon_--oo
2706 _[so] diuide[d]_--so deuydyd
2709 _so_--omitted
2713 _many_--manye]
[Headnote:
NATURE SUSTAINS VEGETATION.]
[Sidenote: _P._ Is there anything which acts naturally that
forgoes this desire of existence and wishes for death and
corruption?]
¶ Is şer any şing şanne q{uo}d she şat in as moche as
it lyueş naturely. şat forletiş şe appetit or talent of 2715
hys beynge. {and} desireş to come to deeş
{and} to corrupc{i}ou{n}. [[pg 97]]
[Sidenote: _B._ I do not find any creature endowed with volition,
which, of itself and without constraint, renounces or despises
life and self-preservation or willingly hastens to destruction.]
¶ yif I considere q{uod} I şe beestes şat han
any manere nature of willy{n}ge or of nillynge I ne
fynde no şing. but yif it be constreyned fro wiş out
forşe. şat forletiş or dispiseş to lyue {and} to dure{n} 2720
or şat wole his şankes hasten hy{m} to dien. ¶ For
euery beest trauayleş hy{m} to defende {and} kepe şe
sauuac{i}ou{n} of lijf. {and} escheweş deeş {and} destrucc{i}ou{n}.
[Sidenote: But with regard to herbs and trees, I am doubtful
whether I ought to have the same opinion of them, for they have no
sensitive soul, nor any natural volition like animals.]
_b._ but certys I doute me of herbes {and} of trees. şat is 2724
to seyn şat I am in a doute of swiche şinges as herbes
or trees şat ne han no fely{n}g soule. ne no naturel
wirchynges seruy{n}g to appetite as beestes han wheşer
şei han appetite to dwelle{n} {and} to duren.
[Sidenote: _P._ There is no cause for doubt in respect to these.]
¶ Certis 2728
q{uo}d she ne şer of şar şe nat doute.
[Sidenote: Herbs and trees first choose a convenient place to grow
in, where, agreeably to their respective natures, they are sure to
thrive, and are in no danger of perishing; for some grow on
plains, some on mountains, &c.; and if you try to transplant them,
they forthwith wither and die.]
¶ Now look
vpon şise herbes {and} şise trees. şei waxen firste in
swiche place as be{n} couenable to hem. in whiche place
şei ne mowen nat sone dien ne dryen as longe as hire 2732
nature may defenden he{m}. ¶ For some of hem waxen
in feldes {and} some in mou{n}taignes. {and} oşir waxen i{n}
mareis. [_A leaf lost here, and supplied from C._]
[{and} oothre cleuyn on Roches / {and} soume waxen plentyuos 2736
in sondes / {and} yif ş{a}t any wyht enforce hym to
beryn hem in to oother places / they wexen drye //
[Sidenote: To everything that vegetates, nature gives what is
needful for its subsistence, and takes care that they should not
perish before their time.]
For natur{e} yeueth to eu{er}y thing ş{a}t /
ş{a}t is co{n}uenient to
hym {and} trauaylith ş{a}t they ne dye nat as longe as they 2740
han power to dwellyn {and} to lyuen //
[Sidenote: Need I tell you that plants are nourished by their
roots (which are so many mouths hid in the earth), and diffuse
strength throughout the whole plant, as through their marrow?]
what woltow seyn
of this / ş{a}t they drawen alle hyr norysshynges by hyr
rootes / ryht as they haddyn hyr Mowthes I.-plounged 2743
w{i}t{h} in the erthes / {and} shedyn by hyr maryes (i. medull{as})
hyr wode {and} hyr bark /
[Sidenote: And further, it is admirably contrived that the pith,
the most tender part of plants, is hid in the middle of the trunk,
surrounded with hard and solid wood, and with an outer coat of
bark to ward off the storms and weather.]
{and} what woltow seyn
of this ş{a}t thilke thing / ş{a}t is ryht softe as the marye (i.
sapp) is / ş{a}t is alwey hidd in the feete al w{i}t{h} inne {and}
ş{a}t it is defendid fro w{i}t{h} owte by the stidefastnesse of 2748
wode // {and} ş{a}t the vttereste bark is put ayenis
the destemprau{n}ce
of the heuene / as a defendowr myhty to suffren [[pg 98]]
harm /
[Sidenote: Admire, too, the diligence of nature in propagating
plants by a multiplicity of seeds, which are as a foundation for a
building, not to remain for a time, but as it were for ever.]
{and} thus certes maystow wel sen / how gret is
the diligence of natur{e} / For alle thinges renouelen {and} 2752
pupllisen hem w{i}t{h} seed .I.-multiplyed / nether nis no man
ş{a}t ne wot wel ş{a}t they ne ben ryht as a foundement {and}
edyfice for to duren / nat only for a tyme / but ryht as forto
duren p{er}durablely by generacyou{n} //
[Sidenote: Things inanimate incline to what is most suitable to
their beings, and to preserve continuance.]
{and} the thinges ek 2756
ş{a}t men wenen ne hauen none sowles / ne desir{e} they nat ech
of hem by sem[b]lable resou{n} to kepyn ş{a}t that is hirs / ş{a}t
is to seyn ş{a}t is acordynge to hyr natur{e} in conseruaciou{n}
of hyr beynge {and} endurynge //
[Sidenote: For why should the flame mount upwards by lightness,
and the earth tend towards its centre by gravity (weight), unless
these motions were agreeable to their respective natures?]
For wher for elles berith 2760
lythnesse the flaumbes vp / {and} the weyhte p{re}sseth the
erthe a-dou{n} // but For as moche as thilke places and
thilke moeuynges ben couenable to eu{er}ich of hem //
[Linenotes:
2718 _willynge_--wylnynge
_or_--{and}
2719 _şing_--beest
_out forşe_--owte forth
2720 _lyue_--lyuen
2723 _of lijf_--of hys lyf
2726 _soule_--sowles
2727 _appetite_--appetites
2729 _look_--loke
2730 _waxen firste_--wexen fyrst
2733, 2734 _some_--som
2734 _oşir_--oothre
2753 _pupllisen_--H. publisshen)
2755 _edyfice_--MS. edyfite
_a tyme_--H. oon) tyme
2758 _that_--H. omits
_hirs_--H. his]
[Headnote:
THE LOVE OF LIFE IS INSTINCTIVE.]
[Sidenote: Whatever is agreeable to the nature of a thing
preserves it. So what is contrary to its nature destroys it.]
{and} forsothe eu{er}y thing kepith thilke ş{a}t is acordynge 2764
{and} propre to hym // ryht as thinges ş{a}t ben contraryes
{and} enemys corompen hem //
[Sidenote: Dense bodies, such as stones, resist an easy separation
of parts; whereas the particles of liquid or flowing things, such
as air and water, are easily separated and soon reunited.]
{and} yit the harde thinges
as stoones clyuen {and} holden hyr partyes to gydere
ryht faste {and} harde / {and} deffenden hem in withstondenge 2768
ş{a}t they ne departe nat lyhtly a twyne // {and} the
thinges ş{a}t ben softe {and} fletynge as is water {and} Eyr
they departyn lyhtly // {and} yeuen place to hem ş{a}t
brekyn or deuyden hem // but natheles they retorne{n} 2772
sone ayein in to the same thinges fro whennes they ben
arraced //
[Sidenote: Fire avoids and utterly refuses any such division.]
but fyr [fleet[-h]] {and} refuseth alle deuysyou{n} /
[Sidenote: I am not now treating of the voluntary motion of a
conscious soul, but of the natural intention and instinct.]
ne I. ne trete nat heer{e} now of weleful moeuynges of the
sowle ş{a}t is knowynge // but of the naturel entenciou{n} 2776
of thinges //
[Sidenote: We swallow our meat without thinking of it, and we draw
our breath in sleep without perception.]
As thus ryht as we swolwe the mete ş{a}t we
resseyuen {and} ne thinke nat on it / {and} as we drawen
owr{e} breth in slepynge ş{a}t we wite it nat whil we slepyt //
[Sidenote: The love of life in animals is not derived from an
intellectual will, but from natural principles implanted in them.]
For certes in the beestys the loue of hyr lyuynges ne of 2780
hyr beeinges ne comth nat of the wilnynges of the sowle //
but of the bygynnyngis of natur{e} //
[Sidenote: For the will, induced by powerful reasons, sometimes
chooses and embraces death, although nature dreads and abhors it.]
For certes thorw
constreynynge causes / wil desireth {and} embraceth ful
ofte tyme / the deth ş{a}t natur{e} dredith
// that is to seyn [[pg 99]]
as thus that a man may ben constreynyd so by som 2785
cause that his wil desireth and taketh the deth which
ş{a}t natur{e} hateth {and} dredeth ful sore //
[Sidenote: And, on the contrary, we see that concupiscence (by
which alone the human race is perpetuated) is often restrained by
the will.]
And som tyme
we seeth the contrarye / as thus that the wil of a wight / 2788
destorbeth {and} constreyneth ş{a}t ş{a}t natur{e} desireth / and
requereth al-wey // that is to sein the werk of gen{er}aciou{n} /
by the whiche gen{er}aciou{n} only / dwelleth {and} is sustenyd
the longe durablete of mortal thinges //
[Sidenote: Self-love possessed by every creature is not the
product of volition, but proceeds from a natural impression or
intention of nature.]
And thus 2792
this charite and this Loue ş{a}t eu{er}y thing hath to hym
self ne comth nat of the moeuynge of the sowle / but of
the entenciou{n} of natur{e} //
[Sidenote: Providence has implanted in all created things an
instinct, for the purpose of self-preservation, by which they
desire to prolong existence to its utmost limits.]
For the puruyance of god
hat yeuen to thinges ş{a}t ben creat of hym / this ş{a}t is 2796
a ful gret cause / to lyuen {and} to duren / for which they
desiren naturelly hyr lyf as longe as eu{er} they mowen //
[Linenotes:
2774 [_fleeth_]--from H.
2775 _weleful_--H. wilfull{e}
2779 _slepyt_--H. slepe{n}
2788 _seeth_--H. seen)
_wil_--H. will{e}
2792 _And_--H. as
2796 _hat_--H. haue]
[Headnote:
THE WILL IS SUPERIOR TO INSTINCT.]
[Sidenote: Doubt not, therefore, that everything which exists
desires existence and avoids dissolution.]
For w[h]ych thou maist nat drede by no manere / that
alle the thinges / that ben anywher{e} / that they ne requeren 2800
naturelly / the ferme stablenesse of p{er}durable
dwellynge / and ek the eschuynge of destruccyou{n} //
[Sidenote: _B._ You have made those things perfectly plain and
intelligible, which before were obscure and doubtful.]
B //
now confesse I. wel q{uod} I. that I. see wel now certeynly /
w{i}t{h} owte dowtes / the thinges that whylom semeden 2804
vncerteyn to me /
[Sidenote: _P._ That which desires to subsist desires also to
retain its unity for if this be taken away it cannot continue to
exist.]
P. // but q{uod} she thilke thyng ş{a}t
desiret[-h] to be {and} to dwellyn p{er}durablely / he desireth
to ben oon // For yif ş{a}t that oon weer{e} destroied // certes
beinge ne shulde ther non dwellyn to no wiht //
[Sidenote: _B._ That is very true!]
that 2808
is sot[-h] q{uod} I. //
[Sidenote: _P._ All things then desire one thing--unity.]
Thanne q{uod} she desirin alle thinges
oon //
[Sidenote: _B._ They do.]
.I. assente q{uod} .I. //
[Sidenote: _P._ Unity then is the same as good.]
{and} I haue shewyd q{uod} she
that thilke same oon is thilke that is good //
[Sidenote: _B._ Yes.]
B // ye forsothe
q{uod} I. //
[Sidenote: _P._ Thus all things desire good--and it is one and the
same good that all creatures desire.]
Alle thinges thanne q{uod} she requyren 2812
good // And thilke good thanne [şow] maist descryuen
ryht thus // Good is thilke thing ş{a}t euery wyht desireth //
[Sidenote: _B._ Nothing is more true. For either all things must
be reduced to nothing (or have no relation to anything else), and,
destitute of a head, float about without control or order; or if
there be anything to which all things tend, that must be the
supreme good.]
Ther ne may be thowht q{uod} .I. no moor{e}
verray thing / for either alle thinges ben referred {and} 2816
browht to nowht / {and} floteryn w{i}t{h} owte gou{er}nour
despoiled of oon / as of hir propre heued / or elles yif [[pg 100]]
ther be any thinge / to which ş{a}t alle thinges tenden
{and} hyen / that thing moste ben the souereyn good of 2820
alle goodes /
[Sidenote: _P._ I rejoice greatly, my dear pupil, that you so
clearly apprehend this truth, of which but just now you were
ignorant.]
P /. thanne seyde she thus // O my norry
q{uod} she I haue gret gladnesse of the // For thow
hast fichched in thin herte the myddel sothtfastnesse //
that is to seyn the prykke // but this thing hath ben 2824
descouered to the / in that thow seydyst ş{a}t thow
wystest nat a lytel her by-forn //
[Sidenote: _B._ What was that?]
what was th{a}t q{uod} I. //
[Headnote:
THE END OF ALL THINGS.]
[Sidenote: _P._ The _End of all things_. And this is what every
one desires; but we have shown that _good_ is the thing desired by
all, therefore _Good_ is the _End of all things_.]
That thow ne wystest nat q{uod} she whych was
the ende of thinges // and Certes that is the thing ş{a}t 2828
eu{er}y wiht desireth // and for as mochel as we han
gaderid / {and} co{m}p{re}hendyd that good is thilke thing
that is desired of alle / thanne moten we nedes confessun /
that good is the fyn of alle thinges. 2832
[Linenotes:
2800 _the_--H. şo
2806 _perdurablely_--H. p{er}durably
2807 _destroied_--H. destrued
2811 _thilke_ (1)--H. ilke
2818 _heued or elles_--H. hede or els
2820 _hyen_--H. hyen) to
_moste_--H. must]
[Headnote:
TRUTH INTUITIVE.]
QUISQUIS P{RO}FUNDA MENTE.
[Sidenote: [The .11. Met{ru}m.]]
[Sidenote: He who seeks truth with deep research and is unwilling
to go wrong, should collect his slumbering thoughts, and turn the
inner light upon the soul itself.]
++WHo so that sekith sot[-h] by a deep thoght And
coueyteth nat to ben deseyuyd by no mys-weyes //
lat hym rollen {and} trenden w{i}t{h} Inne hym self / the Lyht
of his inward syhte // And lat hym gader{e} ayein enclynynge 2836
in to a compas the longe moeuynges of hys
thowhtes /
[Sidenote: The knowledge that he seeks without he will find
treasured up in the recesses of the mind.]
And lat hym techen his corage that he hath
enclosed {and} hyd / in his tresors / al ş{a}t he compaseth or
sekith fro w{i}t{h} owte //
[Sidenote: The light of Truth will disperse Error's dark clouds,
and shine forth brighter than the sun.]
And thanne thilke thing that the 2840
blake cloude of errour whilom hadde y-couered / shal
lyhten more clerly tha{n}ne pheb{us} hym self ne shyneth //
[Sidenote: [Chaucer's gloss.]]
Glosa // who so wole seken the dep[e] grounde / of soth 2843
in his thowht / {and} wol nat be deceyuyd by false p{ro}posiciou{n}s /
that goon amys fro the trouthe // lat hym wel
examine / {and} rolle w{i}t{h} inne hym self the natur{e} {and}
the p{ro}pretes of the thing // and lat hym yit eft sones
examine {and} rollen his thowhtes by good deliberaciou{n} 2848
or that he deme // and lat hym techen his sowle that it [[pg 101]]
hat by naturel pryncyplis kyndeliche y-hyd w{i}t{h} in
it self alle the trowthe the whiche he ymagynith to ben
in thinges w{i}t{h} owte // And thanne alle the dyrknesse of 2852
his mysknowynge shal seen more euydently to [şe]
syhte of his vndyrstondynge thanne the sonne ne semyth
to [şe] syhte w{i}t{h} owte forth /
[Sidenote: For when the body enclosed the soul and cast oblivion
o'er its powers it did wholly exterminate the heaven-born light.]
For certes the body
bryngynge the weyhte of foryetynge / ne hath nat chasyd 2856
owt of yowr{e} thowhte al the clernesse of yowre knowyng //
[Sidenote: The germs of truth were latent within, and were fanned
into action by the gentle breath of learning.]
For certeynly the seed of sooth haldith {and} clyueth
w{i}t{h} in yowr{e} corage / {and} it is a-waked {and} excited by
the wynde {and} by the blastes of doctryne //
[Sidenote: Were not truth implanted in the heart, how could man
distinguish right from wrong?]
For wher{e} 2860
for elles demen ye of yowr{e} owne wyl the ryhtes whan
ye ben axed // but yif so wer{e} ş{a}t the noryssynges of
resou{n} ne lyuede .I.-plowngyd in the depthe of yowr{e}
herte // this [is] to seyn how sholden men demen şe 2864
sooth of any thing ş{a}t weer{e} axed / yif ther neer{e} a
Roote of sothfastnesse ş{a}t weer{e} yplowngyd {and} hyd in
the natur{e}[l] pryncyplis / the whiche sothfastnesse
lyued w{i}t{h} in the depnesse of the thowght //
[Sidenote: So, if what Plato taught is true, 'to learn is no other
than to remember what had been before forgotten.']
{and} yif 2868
so be ş{a}t the Muse {and} the doctryne of plato syngyth
sooth // al ş{a}t eu{er}y whyht lerneth / he ne doth no
thing elles tha{n}ne but recordeth as me{n} recordyn thinges
ş{a}t ben foryetyn. 2872
[Linenotes:
2838 _his_--H. şis
_that_--H. {and} ş{a}t
2841 _blake_--H. blak
_hadde y-couered_--H. had cou{er}ed
2842 _lyhten_--H. light
2843 _dep[e]_--C. dep, H. depe
2847 _thing_--H. şyng{es}
2863 _depthe_--H. depe
2864 [_is_]--from H.
_sholden_--H. shulde
2867 _nature[l]_--H. nat{ur}ell{e}]
[Headnote:
THE WORLD GOVERNED BY GOD.]
TUM EGO PLATONI INQ{UA}M.
[Sidenote: [The .12. p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: _B._ I am quite of Plato's opinion, for you have now a
second time recalled these things to my remembrance which had been
forgotten, first by the contagious union of soul and body, and
afterwards by the pressure of my afflictions.]
++THanne seide I thus // I acorde me gretly to plato / for
thow remenbrist {and} recordist me thise thinges yit]
[Sidenote: [*_Addit. MS. 10,340, fol. 23._]]
*şe seconde tyme. şat is to seyn. first whan I lost[e] my
memorie by şe co{n}tagio[-u]s coniuncc{i}ou{n} of şe body wiş 2876
şe soule. {and} eftsones afterward whan I lost[e] it co{n}founded
by şe charge {and} by şe burden of my sorwe.
[Sidenote: _P._ If you will reflect upon the concessions you have
already made, you will soon call to mind that truth, of which you
lately confessed your ignorance.]
¶ And şan sayde she şus. ¶ If şou look[e] q{uo}d she
firste şe şinges şat şou hast graunted it ne shal nat 2880
ben ry[gh]t feer şat şou ne shalt remembren şilke şing şat [[pg 102]]
şou seidest şat şou nistest nat.
[Sidenote: _B._ What is that?]
what şing q{uo}d I.
[Sidenote: _P._ It was, by what power the world is governed.]
¶ by whiche gouerme{n}t q{uo}d she şat şis worlde is
gouerned.
[Sidenote: _B._ With regard to that, I own I confessed my
ignorance, but though I now remotely see what you infer, yet I
wish for further explanation from you.]
Me remembriş it wel q{uo}d I. {and} I confesse 2884
wel şat I ne wist[e] it nat ¶ But al be it so şat
I se now fro{m} afer what şou p{ur}posest ¶ Algates I
desire [gh]it to herkene it of şe more pleynely.
[Sidenote: _P._ You acknowledged a little while ago that this
world was governed by God?]
¶ şou ne
wendest nat q{uo}d she a litel here byforne şat men 2888
sholden doute şat şis worlde is gouerned by god.
[Sidenote: _B._ I still cling to this opinion, and will give you
my reasons for this belief.]
¶ Certys q{uo}d I ne [gh]itte doute I it nau[gh]t. ne I nil
neuer wene şat it were to doute. as who seiş. but I
wot wel şat god gouerneş şis worlde. ¶ And I shal 2892
shortly answere şe by what resou{n}s I am brou[gh]t to şis.
[Sidenote: The discordant elements of this world would never have
assumed their present form unless there had been a wise
Intelligence to unite them; and even after such a union, the
joining of such opposites would have disunited and ruined the
fabric made up of them, had not the same conjoining hand kept them
together.]
¶ şis worlde q{uod} I of so many dyuerse {and} co{n}trarious
p{ar}ties ne my[gh]ten neuer han ben assembled in o forme.
but yif şere ne were oon şat conioigned so many[e 2896
diu{er}se] şinges. ¶ And şe same diuersite of hire
natures şat so discordeden şat oon fro şat oşer most[e]
dep{ar}ten {and} vnioigne{n} şe şi{n}ges şat ben co{n}ioigned.
yif şere ne were oon şat contened[e] şat he haş co{n}ioigned 2900
{and} ybounde.
[Sidenote: The order that reigns throughout nature could not
proceed so regularly and uniformly if there were not a Being,
unchangeable and stedfast, to order and dispose so great a
diversity of changes.]
ne şe certein ordre of nature ne
sholde. nat brynge furşe so ordinee moeuynge. by
places. by tymes. by doynges. by spaces. by qualites.
yif şere ne were oon şat were ay stedfast dwellynge. 2904
şat ordeyned[e] {and} disposed[e] şise diuersites of
moeuynges.
[Sidenote: This Being, the creator and ruler of all things, I call
God.]
¶ and şilke şinge what so euer it be. by
whiche şat alle şinges ben maked {and} ylad. I clepe
hym god şat is a worde şat is vsed to alle folke. 2908
[Sidenote: _P._ As thy sentiments on these points are so just I
have but little more to do--for thou mayest be happy and secure,
and revisit thy own country.]
şan seide she. syn şou felest şus şise şinges q{uo}d she. I
trowe şat I haue lytel more to done. şat şou my[gh]ty of
wilfulnesse hool {and} sounde ne se eftsones şi contre.
[Linenotes:
2875, 2877 _lost[e]_--loste
2878 _burden_--burdene
2879 _look[e]_--looke
2880 _firste_--fyrst
2883 _whiche_--which
_gouerment_--gou{er}nement
_worlde_--wordyl
2885 _wist[e]_--wiste
2887 _pleynely_--pleynly
2888 _here byforne_--her byforn
2889 _worlde is_--world nis
2890 _[gh]itte doute_--yit ne dowte
_nil_--nel
2892 _wot_--MS. wote, C. wot
2892, 2894 _worlde_--world
2893 _answere_--answeren
2894 _many_--manye
2895 _my[gh]ten_--myhte
2896 _şere_--ther
_many[e]_--manye
2897 [_diuerse_]--from C.
_hire_--hir
2898 _most[e]_--moste
2900 _şere_--ther
_contened[e]_--contenede
_haş_--MS. haşe
2902 _furşe_--forth
_ordinee moeuynge_--ordene moeuynges
2904 _şere_--ther
_stedfast_--stidefast
2905 _ordeyned[e]_--ordeynede
_disposed[e]_--disponede
2907 _whiche_--which
_ben_--be
_ylad_--MS. yladde, C. I-ladd
2908 _worde_--word
_folke_--foolk
2911 _wilfulnesse_--welefulnesse]
[Headnote:
GOD IS ALL-SUFFICIENT.]
[Sidenote: But let us reflect a little more upon these matters.]
¶ But lat vs loken şe şinges şat we han
p{ur}posed her-byforn. [[pg 103]]
[Sidenote: Did we not agree that _Sufficiency_ is of the nature of
true happiness?]
¶ Haue I nat nou{m}bred {and} seid q{uod} she 2913
şat suffisaunce is in blisfulnesse.
[Sidenote: And have we not seen that God is that true felicity,
and that He needs no external aid nor instruments?]
{and} we han accorded
şat god is {and} şilke same blisfulnesse. ¶ yis forsoşe q{uo}d
I. {and} şat to gouerne şis worlde q{uod} she. ne shal he 2916
neuer han nede of none helpe fro wişoute.
[Sidenote: For if he should, he would not be self-sufficient.]
for ellys yif
he had[de] nede of any helpe. he ne sholde not haue
[no] ful suffisau{n}ce. [gh]is şus it mot nedes be q{uo}d I.
[Sidenote: And he directs all things by himself alone?]
¶ şan ordeyneş he by hym self al oon alle şinges q{uo}d 2920
she.
[Sidenote: _B._ It cannot be gainsaid.]
şat may nat ben denied q{uo}d I.
[Sidenote: _P._ I have shown that God is the chief good; God must,
therefore, direct and order all things by _good_, since he governs
them by himself, whom we have proved to be the _supreme good_, and
he is that helm and rudder, by which this machine of the world is
steadily and securely conducted.]
¶ And I haue
shewed şat god is şe same good. ¶ It reme{m}breş me
wel q{uo}d I. ¶ şan ordeineş he alle şinges by şilke
goode q{uod} she. Syn he whiche we han accorded to 2924
ben good gouerneş alle şi{n}g{us} by hym self. {and} he is a
keye {and} a stiere by whiche şat şe edifice of şis worlde
is ykept stable {and} wiş oute corumpynge
[Sidenote: _B._ I entirely agree to this, and partly anticipated
your remarks.]
¶ I accorde
me gretly q{uod} I. {and} I ap{er}ceiuede a litel here byforn 2928
şat şou woldest seyne şus. Al be it so şat it were by
a şinne suspeciou{n}.
[Sidenote: _P._ I believe it; for your eyes are now more intent
upon these great truths relating to true felicity; but what I am
going to say is not less open to your view.]
I trowe it wel q{uo}d she. ¶ For as
I trowe şou leedest nowe more ententifly şine eyen to
loken şe verray goodes ¶ but naşeles şe şinges şat I 2932
shal telle şe [gh]it ne sheweş nat lasse to loken.
[Sidenote: _B._ What is that?]
what is
şat q{uo}d I.
[Sidenote: _P._ As we believe that God governs all things by his
goodness, and that all things have a natural tendency towards the
_good_, can it be doubted but that they all voluntarily submit to
the will and control of their ruler?]
¶ So as men trowen q{uo}d she {and} şat
ry[gh]tfully şat god gouerneş alle şinges by şe keye of his
goodnesse. ¶ And alle şise same şinges as I [haue] 2936
tau[gh]t şe. hasten hem by naturel ente{n}c{i}ou{n} to comen
to goode şer may no man doute{n}. şat şei ne ben
gouerned uoluntariely. {and} şat şei ne conuerten [hem]
nat of her owe{n} wille to şe wille of hire ordeno{ur}. 2940
[Linenotes:
2912 _han_--ha
2913 _seid_--MS. seide, C. seyd
2916 _worlde_--world
2917 _none helpe_--non help
2918 _had[de]_--hadde
_helpe_--help
2919 [_no_]--from C.
2920 _al oon_--allone
2921 _ben denied_--be denoyed
2924, 2926 _whiche_--which
2925 _ben_--be
2926 _worlde_--world
2928 _gretly_--gretely
_here_--her
2929 _seyne_--seye
2931 _nowe_--now
2932 _naşeles_--nat[h]les
2935 _ry[gh]tfully_--MS. on ry[gh]tfully
2936 [_haue_]--from C.
2938 _goode_--good
2939 [_hem_]--from C.
2940 _nat_--omitted
_her_--hir
_owen_--owne
_wille_ (_both_)--wil
_hire_--hyr]
[Headnote:
ALL THINGS SUBMIT TO GOD.]
as şei şat ben accordyng {and} enclinynge to her gouerno{ur}
{and} her kyng. [[pg 104]]
[Sidenote: _B._ It cannot be otherwise. There would be no safety
for those who obey, if the discord of a portion were allowed.]
¶ It mot nedys be so q{uo}d. I.
[Sidenote: [* Fol. 23 _b_.]]
*¶ For şe realme ne sholde not seme blisful [gh]if şere were a [gh]ok
of mysdrawynges in diu{er}se p{ar}ties ne şe sauynge of 2944
obedient şinges ne sholde nat be.
[Sidenote: _P._ Is there anything that follows the dictates of
nature that seeks to counteract the will of God?]
şan is şere no şing
q{uo}d she ş{a}t kepiş hys nature[;] şat enforceş hym to
gone a[gh]eyne god.
[Sidenote: _B._ No.]
¶ No q{uo}d. I.
[Sidenote: _P._ If there should be any such, it could not prevail
against him, who is supremely happy and consequently omnipotent.]
¶ And if şat any şi{n}g
enforced[e] hym to wişstonde god. my[gh]t[e] it auayle at 2948
şe laste a[gh]eyns hym şat we han g{ra}unted to ben al
my[gh]ty by şe ry[gh]t of blisfulnesse. ¶ Certis q{uo}d I al
outerly it ne my[gh]t[e] nat auaylen hym.
[Sidenote: Then there is nothing that either will or can withstand
this supreme good?]
şan is şere no
şing q{uo}d she şat eyşer wol or may wişstonde to şis 2952
souereyne good.
[Sidenote: _B._ Nothing, certainly.]
¶ I trowe nat q{uo}d. I
[Sidenote: _P._ It is then the supreme good that governs and
orders all things powerfully and benignly.]
¶ şan is
şilke şe souereyne good q{uo}d she şat alle şi{n}g{us}
gouerneş strongly {and} ordeyneş hem softly.
[Sidenote: _B._ I am delighted with your _conclusions_, but much
more with your _language_; so that fools may be ashamed of their
objections to the divine government.]
şa{n} seide I
şus. I delite me q{uo}d I nat oonly in şe endes or in şe 2956
so{m}mes of [the] resou{n}s şat şou hast concludid {and}
p{ro}ued. ¶ But şilke wordes şat ş{o}u vsest deliten me
moche more. ¶ So at şe last[e] fooles şat so{m}tyme
renden greet[e] şinges au[gh]te{n} ben asshamed of hem 2960
self.
[Sidenote: [Chaucer's gloss.]]
¶ şat is to seyne ş{a}t we fooles şat rep{re}henden
wickedly şe şi{n}g{us} şat touchen goddes gouernaunce we
au[gh]te{n} ben asshamed of oure self. As I şat seide god
refuseş oonly şe werkes of men. {and} ne entremetiş nat 2964
of he{m}.
[Sidenote: _P._ You have read the Poets' fables, how the Giants
stormed heaven--how they were repulsed and punished according to
their deserts; but may we not compare our reasons together, for by
so doing some clear spark of truth may shine forth?]
_p._ şou hast wel herd q{uo}d she şe fables of şe
poetes. how şe geauntes assailden şe heuene wiş şe
goddes. but for soşe şe debonaire force of god disposed[e]
hem so as it was worşi. şat is to seyne distroied[e] şe 2968
geauntes. as it was worşi. ¶ But wilt şou şat we
ioygnen togedre şilke same resou{n}s. for p{er}auenture of
swiche coniuncc{i}ou{n} may sterten vp some faire sp{er}kele
of soşe
[Sidenote: _B._ As you please.]
¶ Do q{uo}d I as şe list.
[Sidenote: _P._ Is God omnipotent?]
wenest şou q{uo}d she 2972
şat god ne is almy[gh]ty. no man is in doute of it. [[pg 105]]
[Sidenote: _B._ No one doubts it.]
Certys
q{uo}d I no wy[gh]t ne defendiş it if he be in hys mynde.
[Linenotes:
2941 _her_--hyr
2943 _realme_--Reaume
_seme_--semen
2945 _şere_--ther
2947 _gone a[gh]eyne_--goon ayein
2948 _enforced[e]_--enforcede
_my[gh]t[e]_--myhte
_auayle_--auaylen
2949 _a[gh]eyns_--a-yenis
2951 _outerly_--owtrely
_my[gh]t[e]_--myhte
_auaylen_--MS. aualeyne, C. auaylen
_hym_--hem
_şere_--ther
2952 _wol_--wole
_wişstonde_--w{i}t{h}-stondyn
_şis souereyne_--his sou{er}eyn
2955 _softly_--softtely
2957 _sommes_--somme
[_the_]--from C.
2959 _last[e]_--laste
2960 _greet[e]_--grete
2960, 2963 _au[gh]ten_--owhten
2961 _seyne_--seyn
2965 _of hem_--of it
_herd_--MS. herde, C. herd
2967 _disposed[e]_--desposede
2968 _seyne distroied[e]_--seyn destroyede
2971 _swiche_--swych
_some_--som
2972 _soşe_--soth
_list_--liste
2973 _is_ (1)--be
_man_--omitted
_is_ (2)--nis
2974 _defendiş_--dowteth]
[Headnote:
EVIL HAS NO EXISTENCE.]
[Sidenote: _P._ If he is almighty, there are, then, no limits to
his power?]
but he q{uo}d she şat is al my[gh]ty şere nis no şing şat he
ne may do.
[Sidenote: _B._ He can doubtless do all things.]
şat is soşe q{uo}d I.
[Sidenote: _P._ May God do evil?]
May god done yuel 2976
q{uo}d she.
[Sidenote: _B._ No.]
nay for soşe q{uo}d. I.
[Sidenote: _P._ Is evil nothing, since God, who is almighty,
cannot do it?]
¶ şan is yuel no şing
q{uo}d she. ¶ Syn şat he ne may not done yuel şat
may done alle şinges.
[Sidenote: _B._ Dost thou mock me or play with me, leading me with
thy arguments into an inextricable labyrinth, and enclosing me in
a wonderful circle of Divine Simplicity?]
scornest şou me q{uo}d. I. or ellys
pleyest şou or deceiuest şou me. şat hast so wouen me 2980
wiş şi resou{n}s. şe house of didalus so entrelaced. şat it
is vnable to ben vnlaced. şou şat oşer while entrest
şere şou issest {and} oşer while issest şere şou entrest.
ne fooldest şou nat to gidre by replicac{i}ou{n} of wordes a 2984
maner wondirful cercle or envirounynge of symplicite
deuyne.
[Sidenote: For thou didst first begin with happiness, and didst
say that it was the sovereign good, and that it resided in God;
then, that God was that _Good_ and the perfection of happiness;
and, hence, thou didst infer that nobody could be happy unless he
became likewise a God.]
¶ For certys a litel her byforn{e} whan şou bygu{n}ne
atte blisfulnesse ş{o}u seidest şat it is souereyne
good. {and} seidest şat it is set in souereyne god. {and} şat 2988
god is şe ful[le] blisfulnesse. for whiche şou [gh]af[e] me
as a couenable [gh]ifte. şat is to seyne ş{a}t no wy[gh]t nis
blisful. but yif he be good al so şer wiş
[Sidenote: Again, thou saidst that the very form of good was the
substance whereof God and happiness were composed, and that it was
the object and desire of all things in nature.]
{and} seidest
eke şat şe forme of goode is şe substaunce of god. {and} 2992
of blisfulnesse. {and} seidest ş{a}t şilke same oone is şilke
same goode şat is requered {and} desired of al şe kynde
of şinges.
[Sidenote: Thou didst prove that God rules the world by his
goodness, and that all things willingly obeyed him; and that evil
has no existence.]
{and} şou p{ro}euedest in disputynge şat god
gouerneş alle [the] şinges of şe worlde by şe gouernementys 2996
of bountee. {and} seydest şat alle şinges wolen
ybeyen to hym. and seidest şat şe nature of yuel nis
no şing.
[Sidenote: These truths you established by forcible and natural
arguments, and by no strained and far-fetched reasons.]
{and} şise şinges ne shewedest şou nat wiş no
resou{n}s ytake fro wişoute but by proues in cercles {and} 3000
homelyche knowen. ¶ şe whiche p{ro}eues drawen to hem
self hir feiş {and} hir accorde eu{er}iche [of] hem of oşer. şan
seide she şus.
[Sidenote: _P._ I have not deluded you, for by the Divine aid we
have accomplished our chief task.]
I ne scorne şe nat ne pleye ne desseyue
şe. but I haue shewed to şe şinge şat is grettest ouer [[pg 106]]
alle şinges by şe [gh]ifte of god şat we some tyme prayden 3005
[Linenotes:
2975 _şere_--ther
2976 _do_--C. omits
_soşe_--soth
_done_--don
2978, 2979 _done_--don
2980 _wouen_--MS. wonnen, C. wouen
2981 _house_--hows
2983 _şere_ (_both_)--ther
2987 _atte_--at
2988 _set_--MS. sette, C. set
2989 _ful[le]_--fulle
_whiche_--which
_[gh]af[e]_--yaue
2990 _[gh]ifte_--yift
_seyne_--seyn
2992, 2994 _goode_--good
2993 _oone_--oon
2994 _al_--alle
2996 [_the_]--from C.
2998 _ybeyen_--obeyen
2999 _no_ (2)--none
3000 _ytake_--I-taken
3001 _homelyche_--hoomlich
3002 _eueriche_--eu{er}ich
[_of_]--from C.
3004 _şe şinge_--the the thing
3005 _[gh]ifte_--yift
_some tyme prayden_--whilom preyeden]
[Headnote:
GOD IS LIKE A SPHERE.]
[Sidenote: I have proved to you that it is an essential property
of the Divine nature not to go out of itself, nor to receive into
itself anything extraneous.]
¶ For şis is şe forme of [the] deuyne substaunce. şat
is swiche şat it ne slydeş nat in to outerest foreine
şinges. ne ne rec[e]yueş no st{ra}nge şinges in hym. 3008
[Sidenote: Parmenides says of the Deity that _God is like a
well-rounded sphere_.]
but ry[gh]t as p{ar}maynws seide in grek of şilke deuyne substaunce.
he seide şus şat şilke deuyne substaunce
torneş şe worlde {and} şilke cercle moeueable of şinges
while şilke dyuyne substau{n}ce kepiş it self wiş outen 3012
moeuynge.
[Sidenote: He causes the moving globe to revolve, but is himself
immovable.]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 24.]]
şat *is to seyne şat it ne moeuiş neuere mo.
{and} [gh]itte it moeueş alle oşer şinges.
[Sidenote: If I have chosen my arguments from the subjects within
range of our discussion, do not let that surprise you, for, as
Plato has taught us, there ought to be an alliance between the
words and the subject of discourse.]
but na-şeles yif I
[haue] stered resou{n}s şat ne ben nat taken fro wiş oute
şe compas of şe şinge of whiche we treten. but resou{n}s 3016
şat ben bystowed wiş i{n}ne şat compas şere nis nat whi
şat şou sholde[st] merueylen. sen şou hast lerned by
şe sentence of plato şat nedes şe wordes moten ben
cosynes to şo şinges of whiche şei speken. 3020
[Linenotes:
3006 [_the_]--from C.
3007 _swiche_--swich
3009 _parmaynws_--a p{ar}manides
3011 _worlde_--world
3012 _while_--whil
_wiş outen_--w{i}t{h} owte
3013 _seyne_--seyn
3014 _[gh]itte_--yit
_oşer_--oothre
3015 [_haue_]--from C.
3016 _whiche_--which
3017 _wiş inne_--w{i}t{h} in
3020 _cosynes_--MS. conceyued, C. cosynes
_şo_--şe
_whiche_--which]
[Headnote:
THE POWER OF MUSIC.]
FELIX QUI POTERIT. {ET} CET{ER}A.
[Sidenote: [The .12. Met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: Happy is he that hath seen the lucid spring of truth!
Happy the man that hath freed himself from terrestrial chains!]
++Blisful is şat man şat may seen şe clere welle of good.
blisful is he şat may vnbynde hym fro şe bonde of
heuy erşe.
[Sidenote: The Thracian poet, consumed with grief for the loss of
his wife, sought relief from music.]
¶ şe poete of t{ra}ce [orphe{us}] şat somtyme
hadde ry[gh]t greet sorowe for şe deeş of hys wijf.
[Sidenote: His mournful songs drew the woods along; the rolling
rivers ceased to flow; the savage beasts became heedless of their
prey; the timid hare was not aghast at the hound.]
aftir şat 3024
he hadde maked by hys wepely songes şe wodes meueable
to rennen. {and} hadde ymaked şe ryueres to stonden
stille. {and} maked şe hertys {and} hyndes to ioignen
dredles hir sides to cruel lyou{n}s to herkene his songe. 3028
{and} had[de] maked şat şe hare was nat agast of şe
hounde whiche şat was plesed by hys songe.
[Sidenote: But the songs that did all things tame, could not allay
their master's ardent love.]
so şat
whane şe most[e] ardaunt loue of hys wijf brende şe
entrailes of his brest. ne şe songes şat hadde ouer [[pg 107]]
comen alle şinges ne my[gh]ten nat assuage hir lorde 3033
orpheus.
[Sidenote: He bewailed the cruelty of the gods above, and
descended to Pluto's realm.]
¶ He pleyned[e] hym of şe godes şat were{n}
cruel to hym. he wente hym to şe houses of helle
[Sidenote: There he struck his tuneful strings and sang,
exhausting all the harmonious art imparted to him by his mother
Calliope.]
{and} şere he tempred[e] hys blaundissyng songes by resounyng 3036
of hys strenges. ¶ And spak {and} song in
wepynge alle şat euer he hadde resceyued {and} laued
oute of şe noble welles of hys modir calliope şe goddesse.
[Sidenote: In songs dictated both by grief and love, he implored
the infernal powers to give him back his Eurydice.]
{and} he song wiş as mychel as he my[gh]t[e] of 3040
wepynge. {and} wiş as myche as loue şat doubled[e] his
sorwe my[gh]t[e] [gh]euen hym {and} teche hy{m} in his seke
h{er}te. ¶ And he commoeuede şe helle {and} requered[e]
{and} sou[gh]te by swete p{re}iere şe lordes of soules in helle 3044
of relesynge. şat is to seyne to [gh]elden hym hys wif.
[Sidenote: Cerberus, Hell's three-headed porter, stood amazed;]
¶ Cerberus şe porter of helle wiş his şre heuedes was
cau[gh]t {and} al abaist for şe new[e] songe.
[Sidenote: the Furies, tormentors of guilty souls, did weep;]
{and} şe şre goddesses
furijs {and} vengerisse of felonies şat to{ur}mente{n} 3048
{and} agaste{n} şe soules by anoye wexen sorweful {and} sory
{and} wepen teres for pitee.
[Sidenote: Ixion, tormented by the revolving wheel, found rest;]
şan was nat şe heued of
Ixion{e} yto{ur}mented by şe ou{er}şrowi{n}g whele.
[Sidenote: Tantalus, suffering from a long and raging thirst,
despised the stream;]
¶ And
tantalus şat was destroied by şe woodnesse of longe 3052
şrust dispiseş şe flodes to drynke.
[Sidenote: and the greedy vulture did cease to eat and tear the
growing liver of Tityus.]
şe fowel şat hy[gh]t
voltor şat etiş şe stomak or şe giser of ticius is so fulfilled
of his songe şat it nil etyn ne tyren no more.
[Linenotes:
3022 _vnbynde_--vnbyndyn
_bonde_--bondes
3023 [_orpheus_]--from C.
_somtyme_--whilom
3024 _sorowe_--sorwe
3028 _dredles_--dredeles
_to herkene_--forto herknen
3029 _had[de]_--hadde
3030 _şat_ (2)--omitted
3031 _most[e]_--moste
3032 _hadde_--hadden
3033 _assuage_--asswagen
_lorde_--lord
3034 _pleyned[e]_--pleynede
_godes_--heuene goodes
3035 _wente_--MS. wenten, C. wente
3036 _tempred[e] hys_--temprede hise
3037 _of hys_--C. omits
_spak_--MS. spakke, C. spak
_song_--MS. songe, C. soonge
3038 _alle_--al
3039 _oute_--owt
_goddesse_--goddes
3040 _song_--MS. songe, C. soonge
_mychel_--mochel
3041 _myche_--moche
_doubled[e]_--dowblede
3042 _my[gh]t[e]_--myhte
_[gh]euen_--yeue
_teche_--thechen
_in----herte_--omitted
3043 _commoeuede_--MS. comaunded, C. co{m}moeuede
3044 _sou[gh]te_--by-sowhte
3045 _[gh]elden_--yilden
3046 _his_--hise
3047 _cau[gh]t_--MS. cau[gh]te, C. cawht
_new[e] songe_--newe song
3049 _anoye----sorweful_--anoy woxen soruful
3050 _şan_--tho ne
3051 _whele_--wheel
3053 _şrust_--thurst
_hy[gh]t_--hihte
3054 _fulfilled_--fulfyld
3055 _songe_--song]
[Headnote:
FIX NOT THE THOUGHTS ON EARTHLY THINGS.]
[Sidenote: At length Pluto himself relented, crying out, 'We are
overcome! Let us give him back his wife, he hath well won her by
his song.]
¶ Atte şe laste şe lorde {and} Iuge of soules was moeued 3056
to misericordes {and} cried[e] we ben ouer comen q{uo}d
he. yif[e] we to orpheus his wijf to bere hym co{m}paignye
he haş welle I-bou[gh]t hir by his faire songe {and}
his ditee. [[pg 108]]
[Sidenote: But we will lay this injunction upon him. Till he
escape the infernal bounds, he shall not cast a backward look.']
but we wil putte{n} a lawe in şis. {and} couenaunt 3060
in şe [gh]ifte. ş{a}t is to seyne. şat til he be out of
helle yif he loke byhynden hym [ş{a}t] hys wijf shal
come{n} a[gh]eine to vs
[Sidenote: But, who shall give a lover any law? Love is a greater
law than may be given to any earthly man.]
¶ but what is he şat may [gh]eue a
lawe to loueres. loue is a gretter lawe {and} a strengere to 3064
hym self şan any lawe ş{a}t men may [gh]euen.
[Sidenote: Alas! having left the realms of night, Orpheus cast a
look behind and lost his too-much-loved Euridice.]
¶ Allas
whan Orpheus {and} his wijf were al most at şe termes of
şe ny[gh]t. şat is to seyne at şe last[e] boundes of helle.
Orpheus loked[e] abakwarde on Erudice his wijf {and} 3068
lost[e] hir {and} was deed.
[Sidenote: This fable belongs to all you, whose minds would view
the Sovereign Good.]
¶ şis fable app{er}teineş to
[gh]ow alle who so euer desireş or sekiş to lede his şou[gh]te
in to şe souereyne day. şat is to seyne to clerenes[se]
of souereyne goode.
[Sidenote: For he who fixes his thoughts upon earthly things and
low, must lose the noble and heaven-imparted Good.]
¶ For who so şat eu{er}e be so ouer 3072
come{n} şat he fycche hys eyen in to şe put[te] of helle.
şat is to seyne who so setteş his şou[gh]tes in erşely
şinges. al şat euer he haş drawen of şe noble good
celestial he lesiş it whan he lokeş şe helles. şat is to 3076
seyne to lowe şinges of şe erşe.
EXPLICIT LIBER TERCIUS.
[Linenotes:
3056 _Atte_--At
_lorde_--lord
3057 _cried[e]_--cryde
3058 _yif[e]_--yiue
3059 _haş_--MS. haşe
_welle_--wel
_faire_--C. omits
_songe_--song
3060 _wil putten_--wol putte
3062 _byhynden_--by-hynde
[_şat_]--from C.
3063 _to_--vn-to
3064 _gretter_--gret
3066 _were al most_--weren almest
3067 _last[e]_--laste
3068 _loked[e] abakwarde_--lookede abacward
3069 _lost[e]_--loste
3070 _şou[gh]te_--thowht
3071 _clerenes[se]_--clernesse
3072 _souereyne goode_--sou{er}eyn god
3073 _put[te]_--putte
3074 _setteş_--sette
3075 _haş_--MS. haşe]
[Headnote:
THE EXISTENCE OF EVIL.]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 24 _b_.]]
*INCIPIT LIBER QUARTUS.
HEC CUM PHILOSOPHIA DIGNITATE UULT{US}.
[Sidenote: [The 1^ma p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: When P. with grace and dignity had poured forth her
songs, I, not quite quit of my load of grief, interrupted her as
she was continuing her discourse.]
++Whanne philosophie hadde songe{n} softly {and} delitably
şe forseide şinges kepynge şe dignitee of hir
choere in şe wey[gh]te of hir wordes. I şan şat ne hadde 3080
nat al out{er}ly for[gh]eten şe wepyng {and} mournyng
şat was set in myne herte for-brek şe entenc{i}ou{n} of hir
şat entended[e] [gh]itte to seyne oş{er} şinges.
[Sidenote: All your discourses, O my conductress to the true
light! have been very clear and unanswerable, both by the divine
testimony which they carry along with them, and by thy
irrefragable arguments.]
¶ Se q{uo}d
I. şou şat art gideresse of verray ly[gh]te şe şinges şat şou 3084
hast seid [me] hider to ben to me so clere
{and} so shewyng [[pg 109]]
by şe deuyne lokyng of hem {and} by şi resou{n}s şat
şei ne mowe nat ben ouercomen.
[Sidenote: Through the oppression of grief I had forgotten these
truths, but was not wholly ignorant of them.]
¶ And şilke şi{n}g{us}
şat şou toldest me. al be it so şat I hadde som tyme 3088
fo[r][gh]eten hem for [the] sorwe of şe wronge şat haş ben
don to me. [gh]it naşeles şei ne were nat alouterly vnknowen
to me.
[Sidenote: The principal cause of my trouble is this--that, whilst
the absolute Ruler of all things is goodness itself, evil exists
and is allowed to pass unpunished.]
but şis same is namly a gret cause of
my sorwe. şat so as şe gouernoure of şinges is goode. 3092
yif şat yuelys mowen ben by any weyes. or ellys yif
şat yuelys passen wiş outen punyssheinge.
[Sidenote: This, to say the least, is astonishing.]
şe whiche
şinge oonly how worşi it is to ben wondred vpon. şou
considerest it weel şi self certeynly.
[Sidenote: Moreover, while _vice_ flourishes _virtue_ is not only
unrewarded, but trampled under foot by base and profligate men,
and suffers the punishment due to impiety.]
but [gh]itte to şis 3096
şing şere is an oşer şing y-ioigned more to ben ywondred
vpon. ¶ For felonie is emperisse {and} flowreş ful of
rycchesse. and vertues nis nat al oonly wiş outen medes.
but it is cast vndir {and} fortroden vndir şe feet of felonous 3100
folk. {and} it abieş şe to{ur}me{n}tes in sted of
wicked felou{n}s
[Sidenote: Here is cause for wonderment, since such things are
possible under the government of an omniscient and omnipotent God,
who wills nothing but what is the best.]
¶ Of al[le] whiche şing şer nis no wy[gh]t
şat [may] merueyllen ynou[gh] ne compleyne şat swiche
şinges ben don in şe regne of god şat alle şinges woot. 3104
and alle şinges may {and} ne wool nat but only goode
şinges.
[Sidenote: _P._ It were indeed, not only marvellous, but also
horribly monstrous, if, in the well-regulated family of so great a
master, the worthless vessels should be honoured and the precious
ones be despised:--but it is not so.]
¶ şan seide she şus. certys q{uo}d she şat were
a grete meruayle {and} an enbaissynge wişouten ende.
{and} wel more horrible şan alle monstres yif it were as 3108
ş{o}u wenest. şat is to sein. şat in şe ry[gh]t ordeyne house
of so mochel a fader {and} an ordenour of meyne. şat şe
vesseles şat ben foule {and} vyle sholde ben hono{ur}ed
{and} heried. and şe p{re}cious uesseles sholde ben defouled 3112
{and} vyle. but it nis nat so.
[Sidenote: For if the conclusions we have come to, be sound and
irrefragable, we must confess that under God's rule the _good_ are
always powerful and mighty, and the _wicked_ weak and
contemptible;]
For yif şe şinges
şat I haue co{n}cluded a litel here byforne ben kept hoole [[pg 110]]
{and} vnraced. şou shalt wel knowe by şe auctorite of
god. of şe whos regne I speke şat certys şe good[e] 3116
folk ben alwey my[gh]ty. {and} shrewes ben alwey yuel {and}
feble.
[Sidenote: that vice never passes unpunished, nor virtue goes
unrewarded;]
ne şe vices ben neu{e}re mo wiş outen peyne[;] ne
şe vertues ne ben nat wiş outen mede.
[Sidenote: that happiness attends good men, and misfortune falls
to the lot of the wicked.]
and şat blisfulnesses
comen alwey to goode folke. {and} infortune comeş 3120
alwey to wicked folke.
[Sidenote: These and many other truths of like nature shall be
proved to thee, and shall put an end to thy complaints, and
strengthen thee with firmness and solidity.]
¶ And şou shalt wel knowe
many[e] şinges of şis kynde ş{a}t sholle cessen şi pleyntes.
{and} stedfast şe wiş stedfast saddenesse.
[Sidenote: Having shown you a picture of true felicity, and
wherein it resides, I shall now trace out the way which will lead
you to your home.]
¶ And for şou
hast seyn şe forme of şe verray blisfulnesse by me şat 3124
[haue] somtyme I-shewed it şe. And şou hast knowen
i{n} whom blysfulnesse is set. alle şinges I treted ş{a}t I
trowe ben nessessarie to put[te] furşe ¶ I shal shewe
şe. şe weye şat shal brynge şe a[gh]eyne vnto şi house 3128
[Sidenote: I will give your soul wings to soar aloft, so that all
tribulation being removed, you may, under my guiding, by my road,
and with my vehicle, return whole and sound into your own
country.]
{and} I shal ficche feşeres in şi şou[gh]t by whiche it may
arysen in hey[gh]te. so şat al tribulac{i}ou{n} don awey şou
by my gidyng & by my paşe {and} by my sledes shalt
mowen retourne hool {and} sounde in to şi contre. 3132
[Linenotes:
3078 _softly_--softely
3080 _choere in_--cheere {and}
3082 _set_--MS. sette, C. set
_myne_--Myn
_for-brek_--MS. for-breke, C. Forbrak
3083 _entended[e]_--entendede
3084 _ly[gh]te_--lyht
3085 _seid_--MS. seide, C. seid
[_me_]--from C.
3086 _şi_--the
3087 _mowe_--mowen
3088 _som tyme_--whilom
3089 [_the_]--from C.
_wronge_--wrong
_haş_--MS. haşe
3090 _don_--MS. done, C. don
_were_--weeren
3091 _namly_--namely
3092 _goode_--good
3094 _wiş outen_--w{i}t{h} owte
3095 _şinge_--thing
3097 _şere_--ther
_ben ywondred_--be wondryd
3098 _flowreş_--MS. folweş, C. flowrith
3099 _rycchesse_--Rychesses
_vertues_--vertu
_wiş outen_--w{i}t{h} owte
3101 _in sted_--in stide
3102 _wicked_--wikkede
_al[le]_--alle
_şing_--thinges
3103 [_may_]--from C.
3104 _don_--MS. done, C. doon
3105 _wool_--wole
_goode_--good
3107 _grete_--gret
_enbaissynge_--enbasshinge
3108 _alle_--al
3109 _ordeyne house_--ordenee hows
3111, 3113 _vyle_--vyl
3112 _heried_--he heryed
_sholde_--sholden
3113 _şe_--tho
3114 _here byforne_--her byforn
_kept_--MS. kepte, C. kept
3116 _good[e]_--goode
3117 _alwey_ (2)----_feble_--alwey owt cast {and} feble
3118, 3119 _wiş outen_--w{i}t{h} owte
3119 _vertues_--vertuus
3122 _many[e]_--manye
_sholle cessen_--shollen cesen
3123 _stedfast----stedfast_--strengthyn the w{i}t{h} stidfast
3124 _seyn_--MS. seyne, C. seyn
3125 [_haue_]--from C.
_somtyme_--whilom
3126 _set_--MS. sette, C. I-set
3127 _put[te] furşe_--putten forth
3128 _weye_--wey
_brynge_--bryngen
_şi house_--thin hows
3129 _ficche_--fycchen
3130 _arysen_--areysen
_don_--MS. done, C. ydoñ
3131 _paşe_--paath
_shalt mowen_--shal mowe
3132 _sounde_--sownd]
[Headnote:
VIRTUE NEVER GOES UNREWARDED.]
SU{N}T ETENIM PENNE. {ET} C{ETERA}.
[Sidenote: [The fyrste met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: I have nimble wings that enable the mind to rise from
earth to heaven, to leave the clouds behind, to pass the region of
perpetual flame, and to reach the starry mansion, journeying
either by Phoebus' radiant path, or accompanying cold and aged
Saturn, or riding, as a soldier, with Mars.]
++I Haue for soşe swifte feşeres şat surmou{n}ten şe hey[gh]t
of şe heuene whan şe swifte şou[gh]t haş cloşed it self.
in şo feşeres it dispiseş şe hat[e]ful erşes. {and} surmou{n}teş
şe hey[gh]enesse of şe greet[e] eyir. {and} it seiş şe 3136
cloudes by-hynde hir bak {and} passeş şe hey[gh]t of şe
regiou{n} of şe fire şat eschaufiş by şe swifte moeuyng of
şe firmament. til şat she a-reisiş hir in til şe houses ş{a}t
beren şe sterres. {and} ioygneş hir weyes wiş şe sonne [[pg 111]]
phebus. {and} felawshipeş şe weye of şe olde colde 3141
saturnus. and she ymaked a kny[gh]t of şe clere sterre.
[Sidenote: [Chaucer's Gloss.]]
şat is to seyne şat şe soule is maked goddys kny[gh]t by
şe sekyng of treuşe to comen to şe verray knowlege of 3144
god.
[Sidenote: Through every sphere she (the mind) runs where night is
most cloudless and where the sky is decked with stars, until she
reaches the heaven's utmost sphere--]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 25.]]
and şilke soule renne[ş] by şe cercle *of şe sterres
in alle şe places şere as şe shynyng ny[gh]t is depeynted.
şat is to seyne şe ny[gh]t şat is cloudeles. for on ny[gh]tes şat
ben cloudeles it semeş as şe heuene were peynted wiş 3148
dyuerse ymages of sterres. {and} whan şe soule haş gon
ynou[gh] she shal forleten şe last[e] poynt of şe heuene.
[Linenotes:
3133 _hey[gh]t of şe heuene_--heyhte of heuene
3134 _haş_--MS. haşe
3136 _hey[gh]enesse----eyir_--Rou{n}dnesse of the grete ayr
_seiş_--seth
3137 _hir_--his
3138 _fire_--Fyr
_eschaufiş_--MS. eschaufişe
3139 _she_--he
_hir_--hym
3140 _hir_--his
3141 _weye_--wey
_şe----saturnus_--MS. saturnus şe olde colde
3142 _saturnus_--sat{ur}nis
_she_--he
3143 _soule_--thowght
3144 _treuşe_--trowthe
_knowlege_--knoleche
3145 _soule_--thoght
3146 _depeynted_--painted
3149-50 _and whan----she shal_--{and} whanne he hath I-doon
ther{e} I-nowh he shal
3149 _haş_--MS. haşe
3150 _şe last[e]----heuene_--the laste heuene]
[Headnote:
VICE IS ALWAYS PUNISHED.]
[Sidenote: then pressing on she shall be prepared to see the true
Source of Light, where the great King of kings bears his mighty
sceptre, and holds the reins of the universe.]
{and} she shal p{re}ssen {and} wenden on şe bak of şe swifte
firmament. and she shal ben maked p{er}fit of şe dredefulle 3152
clerenesse of god. ¶ şere haldeş şe lorde of kynges
şe ceptre of his my[gh]t {and} atte{m}p{er}eş şe gouernementes
of şis worlde.
[Sidenote: Here the great Judge, standing in shining robes, firmly
guides his winged chariot, and rules the tumultuous affairs of the
world.]
{and} şe shynynge iuge of şinges stable i{n}
hy{m} self gouerneş şe swifte carte. şat is to seyne şe 3156
circuler moeuyng of [the] sonne.
[Sidenote: If you at length shall arrive at this abode, you will
say this is my country--here I was born--and here will I abide.]
{and} yif şi weye ledeş
şe a[gh]eyne so şat şou be brou[gh]t şider. şan wilt şou seye
now şat şat is şe contre şat şou requeredest of whiche şou
ne haddest no mynde. but now it remenbreş me wel 3160
here was I born. here wil I fastne my degree. here wil
I dwelle.
[Sidenote: And should you deign to look on the gloomy earth,
you'll see those tyrants, the fear of wretched folk, banished from
those fair realms.]
but yif şe lyke şan to loken on şe derkenesse
of şe erşe şat şou hast for-leten. şan shalt şou seen şat
şise felonous tyrauntes şat şe wrecched[e] poeple dredeş 3164
now shule ben exiled from şilke faire contre.
[Linenotes:
3151-2 _she_--he
3152-3 _of şe----of god_--of the worshipful lyht of god
3153 _şere haldeş_--ther halt
3155 _şis worlde_--the world
3156 _carte_--cart or wayn
3157 [_the_]--from C.
3159 _whiche_--which
3161 _here_ (1, 2, 3)--her
_born_--MS. borne, C. born
_wil_ (1)--wol
_wil_ (2)--wole
3162 _lyke_--liketh
_derkenesse_--dyrknesses
3164 _wrecched[e]_--wrecchede
3165 _shule_--shollen
_from_--fro]
[[pg 112]]
[Headnote:
THE GOOD ARE ALWAYS STRONG.]
TUNC EGO PAPE INQ{UA}M. {ET} C{ETERA}.
[Sidenote: [The 2^e p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: _B._ Ah! thou promisest me great things indeed!--but
without delay, satisfy the expectations you have raised.]
++ŞAnne seide I şus. [owh] I wondre me şat şou by-hetest
me so grete şinges. ne I ne doute nat şat ş{o}u
ne mayst wel p{er}forme şat şou by-hetest. but I preie şe 3168
oonly şis. şat şou ne tarie nat to telle me şilke şinges
şat şou hast meoued.
[Sidenote: _P._ You must first be convinced that the good are
always strong and powerful and the wicked destitute of strength.]
first q{uo}d she şou most nedes
knowen. ş{a}t good[e] folk ben al wey strong[e] {and}
my[gh]ty. and şe shrewes ben feble {and} desert {and} naked 3172
of alle strengşes.
[Sidenote: These assertions do mutually demonstrate each other.]
and of şise şinges certys eueryche of
hem is declared {and} shewed by oş{er}.
[Sidenote: For since good and evil are contrary, if good be
powerful evil must be impotent.]
¶ For so as good
{and} yuel ben two cont{ra}ries. yif so be şat goode be
stedfast. şa{n} sheweş şe fieblesse of yuel al openly. 3176
[Sidenote: And if the frailty of evil is known, the strength and
stability of good must also be known to you.]
and yif şou knowe clerely şe freelnesse of yuel. şe stedfastnesse
of goode is knowen.
[Sidenote: But to convince you I shall proceed to prove it from
both these principles, establishing these truths, by arguments
drawn first from one of these topics and then from the other.]
but for as moche as şe fey of
my sentence shal be şe more ferme {and} habou{n}daunt. I
wil goon by şat oon wey {and} by şat oşer {and} I wil conferme 3180
şe şinges şat ben p{ur}posed now on şis side {and}
now on ş{a}t syde.
[Sidenote: Two things are necessary to every action--the Will and
the Power; if either be wanting, nothing can be effected.]
¶ Two şinges şer ben in whiche şe
effect of alle şe dedes of man kynde standiş. şat is to
seyn. wil {and} power. and yif şat oon of şise two fayleş 3184
şere nis no şing şat may be don.
[Sidenote: A man can do nothing without the concurrence of his
will, and if power faileth the will is of no effect.]
for yif şat wil lakkeş
şere nys no wy[gh]t şat vndirtakeş to done şat he wol not
don. and yif power fayleş şe wille nis but i{n} ydel {and}
stant for nau[gh]t.
[Sidenote: Hence, if you see a person desirous of getting what he
cannot procure, you are sure he lacks power to obtain it.]
and şer of comeş it şat yif şou se a 3188
wy[gh]t şat wolde gete{n} şat he may nat geten. şou mayst
nat douten şat power ne fayleş hy{m} to haue{n} şat he
wolde. ¶ şis is open {and} clere q{uo}d I. ne it may nat
ben denyed in no manere.
[Sidenote: And if you see another do what he had a mind to do, can
you doubt that he had the power to do it?]
and yif şou se a wy[gh]t q{uo}d 3192
she. şat haş don şat he wolde don ş{o}u nilt nat douten
şat he ne haş had power to done it.
[Sidenote: _B._ No, surely. _P._ A man, then, is esteemed
powerful in respect of what he is able to do, and weak in
relation to what he is unable to perform.]
no q{uo}d. I. and in
şat. şat euery wy[gh]t may. in şat şat men may holden
hym my[gh]ty. as who seiş i{n} as moche
as a man is my[gh]ty [[pg 113]]
to done a şing. in so moche men halden hy{m} my[gh]ty. 3197
and in şat şat he ne may. in şat men demen hym to
ben feble.
[Sidenote: _B._ That is true.]
I confesse it wel q{uo}d I.
[Sidenote: _P._ Do you remember that I proved that the will of
man, following different pursuits, seeks happiness only?]
Remembriş şe q{uo}d
she şat I. haue gadred {and} shewed by forseide resou{n}s 3200
şat al şe entenc{i}ou{n} of şe wil of ma{n}kynde whiche şat
is lad by diuerse studies hastiş to comen to blisfulnesse.
¶ It reme{m}breş me wel q{uo}d I şat it hath ben shewed.
[Linenotes:
3166 [_owh_]--from C.
3171 _good[e]_--goode
_strong[e]_--stronge
3172 _desert_--dishert
3173 _eueryche_--eu{er}ich
3175 _goode_--good
3176 _stedfast_--stidefast
3177 _freelnesse_--frelenesse
_stedfastnesse_--stidefastnesse
3178 _goode_--good
3180 _oon_--oo
_wil_ (2)--wole
3185-6 _şere_--ther
3185 _don_--MS. done, C. don
3186 _done_--don
3187 _wille_--wil
3188 _comeş_--comht
3189 _mayst_--MS. mayste, C. mayst
3191 _clere_--cler
3192 _denyed_--denoyed
3193-4 _haş_--MS. haşe
3193 _don_ (_both_)--MS. done, C. doon
3194 _had_--MS. hadde, C. had
_done_--doon
3196 _as moche_--so moche
3197 _done_--doon
_moche_--mochel
_halden_--halt
3201 _whiche_--which
3202 _lad_--MS. ladde, C. lad
3203 _it hath ben_--MS. I herde şe, C. it hath ben]
[Headnote:
THE IMPOTENCY OF THE WICKED.]
[Sidenote: Do you recollect too, that it has been shown that
happiness is the supreme good of men--and all desire this good,
since all seek happiness?]
{and} recordeş şe nat şan q{uo}d she. şat blisfulnesse is 3204
şilke same goode şat men requeren.
[Sidenote: [* fol. 25 _b_.]]
so şat whan şat
blisfulnesse is requered *of alle. şat goode [also] is
requered {and} desired of al. It recordeş me wel q{uo}d I.
for haue it gretly alwey ficche[d] in my memorie.
[Sidenote: All men, then, good and bad, seek to acquire good?]
alle 3208
folk şan q{uo}d she goode {and} eke badde enforcen he{m}
wiş oute difference of entenc{i}ou{n} to come{n} to goode.
şat is a uerray consequence q{uo}d I.
[Sidenote: And it is certain that when men obtain good they become
good?]
and certeyne is q{uo}d
she şat by şe gety{n}g of goode ben men ymaked goode. 3212
[Sidenote: _B._ It is most certain.]
şis is certeyne q{uo}d. I.
[Sidenote: _P._ Do good men, then, get what they desire?]
¶ şan geten goode men şat şei
desiren.
[Sidenote: _B._ It seems so.]
so semeş it q{uo}d I.
[Sidenote: _P._ If evil men obtain the good, they can be no longer
evil?]
but wicked[e] folk q{uo}d
she yif şei geten şe goode şat şei desire{n} şei [ne]
mowen nat ben wicked.
[Sidenote: _B._ It is so.]
so is it q{uo}d .I.
[Sidenote: _P._ Since then both parties pursue the good, which
only the virtuous obtain, we must believe that good men are
powerful, and that the wicked are weak and feeble?]
¶ şan so as 3216
şat oon {and} şat oşer [q{uod} she] desiren good. {and} şe
goode folk geten good {and} nat şe wicked folk ¶ şan
nis it no doute şat şe goode folk ne ben my[gh]ty {and} şe
wicked folk ben feble.
[Sidenote: _B._ None can doubt this, save such as either consider
not rightly the nature of things, or are incapable of
comprehending the force of any reasoning.]
¶ who so şat euer q{uo}d I 3220
douteş of şis. he ne may nat considre şe nature of
şi{n}ges. ne şe consequence of resou{n}. and ouer şis q{uo}d she.
[Linenotes:
3205-6 _goode_--good
3206 [_also_]--from C.
3207 _al_--alle
_It----I_--it ne recordeth me nat q{uod} I
3210-12(1)-15 _goode_--good
3214 _wicked[e]_--wikkede
3215 [_ne_]--from C.
3216 _mowen_--mowe
3217 [_quod she_]--from C.
3218 _wicked_--wilk{e} (? wikke)
3220 _wicked_--wikkede]
[Headnote:
THE WICKED DO NOT SEEK ARIGHT THE SUPREME GOOD.]
[Sidenote: _P._ If two beings have the same end in view--and one
of them accomplishes his purpose by the use of natural means,
while the other not using legitimate means does not attain his
end--which of these two is the most powerful?]
¶ yif şat şer ben two şinges şat han o same 3223
p{ur}pos by kynde. {and} şat one of he{m} p{ur}sueş {and} p{er}formeş
şilke same şinge by naturel office. {and} şat oşer
ne may nat done şilk naturel office. but folweş by
oşer manere şan is couenable to nat{ur}e ¶ Hym şat
acomplisiş hys p{ur}pos kyndely.
{and} [gh]it he ne acomplisiş [[pg 114]]
nat hys owen purpos. wheşer of şise two demest 3229
şou for more my[gh]ty.
[Sidenote: _B._ Illustrate your meaning more clearly.]
¶ yif şat I coniecte q{uo}d .I. şat
şou wilt seye algates. [gh]it I desire to herkene it more
pleynely of şe.
[Sidenote: _P._ The motion of walking is natural to man? And this
motion is the natural office of the feet? Do you grant this?]
şou nilt nat şan denye q{uo}d she şat şe 3232
moeueme{n}t[gh] of goynge nis in men by kynde. no for soşe
q{uo}d I. ne şou ne doutest nat q{uo}d she ş{a}t şilke naturel
office of goynge ne be şe office of feet.
[Sidenote: _B._ I do.]
I ne doute
it nat q{uo}d .I.
[Sidenote: _P._ If, then, he who is able to use his feet walks,
whilst another lacking this power creeps on his hands--surely he
that is able to move naturally upon his feet is more powerful than
he who cannot.]
şan q{uo}d she yif şat a wy[gh]t be my[gh]ty to 3236
moeue {and} goş vpon hys feet. and anoşer to whom
şilke naturel office of feet lakkeş. enforceş hym to gone
crepynge vpo{n} hys handes. ¶ whiche of şise two au[gh]te
to ben holden more my[gh]ty by ry[gh]t. knyt furşe şe remenaunt 3240
q{uo}d I. ¶ For no wy[gh]t ne douteş şat he şat
may gone by nat{ur}el office of feet. ne be more my[gh]ty
şan he şat ne may nat
[Sidenote: _P._ The good and bad seek the supreme good: the good
by the natural means of virtue--the wicked by gratifying divers
desires of earthly things (which is not the natural way of
obtaining it).]
¶ but şe souereyne good q{uo}d
she şat is euenlyche p{ur}posed to şe good folk {and} to 3244
badde. şe good folke seken it by naturel office of
uertues. {and} şe shrewes enforcen hem to geten it by
dyuerse couetise of erşely şinges. whiche şat nis no
naturel office to geten şilke same souereyne goode. 3248
[Sidenote: Do you think otherwise?]
trowest şou şat it be any oşer wyse.
[Sidenote: _B._ The consequence is plain, and that follows from
what has been granted--that the good are powerful, while the
wicked are feeble.]
nay q{uo}d .I. for şe
co{n}seque{n}ce is open {and} shewynge of şinges şat I haue
graunted. ¶ şat nedes goode folk moten ben my[gh]ty.
{and} shrewes feble {and} vnmy[gh]ty.
[Sidenote: _P._ You rightly anticipate me; for it is a good sign,
as physicians well know, when Nature exerts herself and resists
the malady.]
¶ şou rennest ary[gh]t 3252
byfore me q{uo}d she. {and} şis is şe iugement şat is to
seyn. ¶ I iuge of şe ry[gh]t as şise leches ben wont forto
hopen of seke folk whan şei ap{er}ceyuen şat nature is
redressed {and} wişstondeş to şe maladie.
[Sidenote: But, as you are so quick of apprehension, I shall
continue this mode of reasoning.]
¶ But for I 3256
see şe now al redy to şe vndirstandynge I shal shewe
şe more şilke {and} continuel resou{n}s.
[Sidenote: The weakness of the wicked is conspicuous--they cannot
attain the end to which their natural disposition prompts and
almost compels them; what would become of them without this
natural prompting, so powerful and irresistible?]
¶ For loke now
how gretly shewiş şe feblesse {and} infirmite of wicked [[pg 115]]
folke. şat ne mowen nat come to şat hire naturel 3260
entenc{i}ou{n} ledeş hem. {and} [gh]itte almost şilk naturel
entenc{i}ou{n} constreineş hem. ¶ and what wer{e} to deme
şan of shrewes. yif şilke naturel helpe hadde for-leten
hem. ¶ şe whiche naturel helpe of entenc{i}ou{n} goş alwey 3264
byforne hem. {and} is so grete şat vnneş it may be
ou{er}comen.
[Sidenote: Consider how great is the impotence of the wicked. (The
greater the things desired, but unaccomplished, the less is the
power of him that desires, and is unable to attain his end.)]
¶ Considre şan how gret defaute of power
{and} how gret feblesse şere is in grete felonous folk as
who seiş şe gretter şi{n}ges şat ben coueited {and} şe desire 3268
nat accomplissed of şe lasse my[gh]t is he şat coueiteş it
{and} may nat acomplisse. ¶ And forşi philosophie seiş
şus by souereyne good.
[Sidenote: The wicked seek after no trivial things--which they
fail to obtain; but they aspire in vain to the sovereign good,
which they endeavour day and night to obtain.]
¶ Sherewes ne requere nat
ly[gh]t[e] medes ne veyne gaines whiche şei ne may nat 3272
folwen ne holden. but şei fayle{n} of şilke some of şe
hey[gh]te of şinges şat is to seyne souereyne good. ne şise
wrecches ne comen nat to şe effect of souereyne good.
[Sidenote: [* fol. 26.]]
*şe whiche şei enforcen hem oonly to gete{n} by ny[gh]tes 3276
{and} by dayes.
[Sidenote: The good attain the end of their desires, and therein
their power is manifested.]
¶ In şe getyn[g] of whiche goode şe
strengşe of good folk. is ful wel ysen.
[Sidenote: For as you deem him a good walker that goes to the end
of his journey, so you must esteem him powerful that attains his
desires, beyond which there is nothing to desire.]
For ry[gh]t so as
ş{o}u my[gh]test demen hym my[gh]ty of goynge şat goş on
hys feet til he my[gh]t[e] come to şilke place fro şe whiche 3280
place şere ne lay no wey forşer to be gon. Ry[gh]t so
most şou nedes demen hym for ry[gh]t my[gh]ty şat getiş
{and} atteiniş to şe ende of alle şinges şat ben to desire.
by-[gh]onde şe whiche ende şat şer nis no şing to desire. 3284
[Linenotes:
3226 _şilk_--thilke
3229 _owen_--owne
3231 _wilt_--wolt
_herkene_--herkne
3232 _pleynely_--pleynly
_denye_--denoye
3233 _moeuement[gh]_--Moeuement
3237 _goş_--MS. goşe
_hys_--hise
3238 _gone_--goon
3239 _hys_--hise
_whiche_--which
3240 _more_--the Moore
_furşe_--forth
3242 _gone_--gon
3245 _good_--goode
3246 _uertues_--vertuus
3247 _whiche_--which
3248 _goode_--good
3253 _byfore_--by-forn
3254 _forto_--to
3255 _seke_--sike
3259 _wicked_--wikkede
3260 _come_--comyn
3261 _şilk_--thilke
3262 _deme_--demen
3263-4 _helpe_--help
3264 _whiche_--which
_goş_--MS. goşe
3265 _grete_--gret
_vnneş_--vnnethe
_be ouercomen_--ben ou{er}come
3267 _şere_--ther
_grete_--wikkede
3268 _şinges_--thing
_ben_--is
3271 _Sherewes ne requere_--ne shrewes ne requeren
3272 _ly[gh]t[e]_--lyhte
_veyne_--veyn
_nat_--omitted
3276 _whiche_--which
3277 _getyn[g]_--getinge
_whiche goode_--which good
3278 _ysen_--MS. and C. ysene
3279 _goş_--MS. goşe
3280 _my[gh]t[e]_--myhte
3281 _şere_--ther
_lay_--laye
_forşer_--forthere
_be_--ben
3283 _desire_--desired
3284 _şat_--omitted]
[Headnote:
THE WICKED HAVE NO REAL EXISTENCE.]
[Sidenote: Wicked men, then, are destitute of those powers which
the good so amply possess.]
¶ Of whiche power of good folk men may conclude şat
wicked men semen to ben bareyne {and} naked of alle
strengşe.
[Sidenote: Wherefore do they leave virtue, and follow vice? Is it
because they are ignorant of good?]
For whi forleten şei v{er}tues {and} folwen
vices. nis it nat for şat şei ne knowen nat şe goodes. 3288
[Sidenote: What is more weak and base than the blindness of
ignorance? Or do they know the way they ought to follow, but are
led astray by lust and covetousness?]
¶ But what şing is more feble {and} more caitif şan is şe [[pg 116]]
blyndenesse of ignoraunce. or ellys şei knowen ful wel
whiche şinges şat şei au[gh]ten to folwen ¶ but lecherye
{and} couetise ouerşroweş hem mysturned.
[Sidenote: And so, indeed, weak-minded men are overpowered by
intemperance, for they cannot resist vicious temptations.]
¶ and certis 3292
so doş distemp{er}aunce to feble men. şat ne mowe{n} nat
wrastle a[gh]eins şe vices
[Sidenote: Do they willingly desert Good and turn to Evil? If they
do so, they not only cease to be powerful, but even cease to
exist.]
¶ Ne knowen şei nat şan wel
şat şei foreleten şe good wilfully. {and} turnen hem vilfully
to vices. ¶ And in şis wise şei ne forleten nat 3296
oonly to ben my[gh]ty. but şei forleten al outerly in any
wise forto ben
[Sidenote: For those who neglect the common end of all beings,
cease to exist.]
¶ For şei şat forleten şe comune fyn of
alle şinges şat ben. şei for-leten also şerwiş al forto
ben.
[Sidenote: You may marvel that I assert that the wicked, the
majority of the human race, have no existence--but it is, however,
most true.]
and p{er}auenture it sholde semen to som folk şat 3300
şis were a merueile to seyne şat shrewes whiche şat
contienen şe more p{ar}tie of me{n} ne ben nat. ne han no
beynge. ¶ but naşeles it is so. {and} şus stant şis şing
[Sidenote: That the wicked are bad I do not deny--but I do not
admit that they have any real existence.]
for şei şat ben shrewes I denye nat şat şei ben shrewes. 3304
but I denye {and} sey[e] symplely and pleynly şat şei
[ne] ben nat. ne han no beynge.
[Sidenote: You may call a corpse a dead man, but you cannot with
propriety call it a man.]
for ry[gh]t as şou my[gh]test
seyn of şe careyne of a man şat it were a ded man.
¶ but şou ne my[gh]test nat symplely callen it a man. 3308
[Sidenote: So the vicious are profligate men, but I cannot confess
they absolutely exist.]
¶ So graunt[e] I wel for soşe şat vicious folk ben
wicked. but I ne may nat graunten absolutely {and}
symplely şat şei ben.
[Sidenote: That thing exists that preserves its rank, nature, and
constitution, but when it loses these essentials it ceases to be.]
¶ For şilk şing şat wiş
holdeş ordre {and} kepiş nature. şilk şing is {and} haş 3312
beynge. but şat şing şat faileş of şat. şat is to seyne
he ş{a}t forletiş naturel ordre he for-letiş şilk beyng
şat is set in hys nature.
[Sidenote: But, you may say that the wicked have a _power_ to act,
nor do I deny it; but their power is an effect of weakness.]
but şou wolt sein şat shrewes
mowen. ¶ Certys şat ne denye I nat. ¶ but certys 3316
hir power ne descendeş nat of strengşe but of feblesse.
[Sidenote: They can do evil, but this they could not do, if they
retained the power of doing good.]
for şei mowen don wickednesses. şe whiche şei ne
my[gh]ten nat don yif şei my[gh]te{n} dwelle in şe forme {and}
in şe doynge of goode folke. [[pg 117]]
[Sidenote: This power, then, clearly shows their impotence.]
¶ And şilke power 3320
sheweş ful euydently şat şei ne mowen ry[gh]t nau[gh]t.
[Linenotes:
3285 _whiche_--the which
_şat_--ş{a}t the
3286 _ben_--be
3291 _au[gh]ten to folwen_--owhten folwe
3293 _doş_--MS. doşe, C. doth
3394 _wrastle_--wrastlen
3295 _vilfully_--wilsfully
3297 _outerly_--owtrely
3301 _seyne_--seyen
3304-5 _denye_--denoye
3305 _sey[e] symplely_--seye sympeli
3306 [_ne_]--from C.
3307 _seyn_--seyen
3309 _graunt[e]_--graunte
3311-12 _şilk_--thilke
3312 _haş_--MS. haşe
3313 _şat_ (1)--what
_seyne_--seyn
3314 _şilk_--thilke
3315 _set_--MS. sette, C. set
3316 _denye_--denoye
3318 _don_--MS. done, C. don
3319 _my[gh]ten_ (1)--myhte
_dwelle_--dwellin
3320 _goode_--good]
[Headnote:
POWER, AN ATTRIBUTE OF THE CHIEF GOOD.]
[Sidenote: For as evil is nothing, it is clear that while the
wicked can only do evil they can do nothing.]
¶ For so as I haue gadered {and} p{ro}ued a lytel her byforn
şat yuel is nau[gh]t. {and} so as shrewes mowen oonly
but shrewednesse. şis conclusiou{n} is al clere. şat 3324
shrewes ne mowen ry[gh]t nat to han power.
[Sidenote: That you may understand the force of this power, I have
proved that nothing is more powerful than the sovereign good.]
and for as
moche as şou vndirstonde whiche is şe strengşe şat is
power of shrewes. I haue diffinised a lytel here byforn
şat no şing nis so my[gh]ty as souereyne good
[Sidenote: _B._ That is true.]
¶ şat is 3328
soşe q{uo}d .I.
[Sidenote: _P._ And that supreme good can do no evil?]
[{and} thilke same souereyn good may don
non yuel //
[Sidenote: _B._ Certainly not.]
Certes no q{uod} I]
[Sidenote: _P._ Is there any one who thinks that man can do all
things?]
¶ Is şer any wy[gh]t şan
q{uo}d she şat weniş şat men mowen don alle şinges.
[Sidenote: _B._ No sane man can think so.]
No man q{uo}d .I. but yif he be out of hys witte.
[Sidenote: _P._ But men may do evil.]
¶ but 3332
certys sherewes mowen doñ yuel q{uo}d she.
[Sidenote: _B._ I would to God they could not.]
¶ [gh]e wolde
god q{uo}d I şat şei ne my[gh]te{n} don none.
[Sidenote: _P._ Since he that can do good, can do all things, and
he that has power to do evil cannot do all things, therefore the
evil-doers are less powerful.]
şat q{uo}d she
so as he şat is my[gh]ty to done oonly but good[e] şinges
may don alle şinges. and şei şat ben my[gh]ty to done 3336
yuel[e] şinges ne mowen nat alle şinges. şan is şis open
şing {and} manifest şat şei ş{a}t mowe{n} don yuel ben of
lasse power.
[Sidenote: Let me add too that _power_ is one of the things to be
desired, and that all such things are to be referred to the chief
good (the perfection of their nature).]
and [gh]itte to p{ro}ue şis conclusiou{n} şere
helpeş me şis şat I haue shewed here byforne. şat al 3340
power is to be nou{m}bred amonge şinges şat men au[gh]ten
requere. {and} haue shewed şat alle şi{n}ges şat au[gh]ten ben
desired ben referred to good ry[gh]t as to a manere hey[gh]te
of hyr nature.
[Sidenote: But the power of doing evil has no relation to that
Good, therefore it is not desirable; but as all power is
desirable, it is clear that the ability to do evil is not power.]
¶ But for to mowen don yuel {and} 3344
felonye ne may nat ben referred to good. şan nis nat
yuel of şe nou{m}bre of şinges şat au[gh]te{n}.
[Sidenote: [* fol. 26 _b_.]]
*be desired. but
al power au[gh]t[e] ben desired {and} requered. ¶ şan is
it open {and} cler şat şe power ne şe moeuyng of shrewes 3348
nis no powere.
[Sidenote: It clearly follows from this reasoning, that the good
only are powerful while the vicious are feeble.]
{and} of alle şise şinges it sheweş wel şat
şe goode folk ben certeynly my[gh]ty. {and} şe shrewes ben [[pg 118]]
douteles vnmy[gh]ty
[Sidenote: And Plato's opinion is hereby verified that the _wise_
only have the power to do what they desire; the wicked may follow
the dictates of their lusts, but their great aim and desire,
_i. e._ HAPPINESS, they can never attain.]
¶ And it is clere {and} open şat şilke
sentence of plato is uerray {and} soşe. ş{a}t seyş şat oonly 3352
wiseme{n} may [doon] şat şei desiren. {and} shrewes
mowen haunten şat hem lykeş. but şat şei desiren şat
is to seyne to comen to souereyne good şei ne han no
power to acomplissen şat.
[Sidenote: The wicked may gratify their desires, thinking to
attain the chief good (for which they wish), but they can never
possess it, for impiety and vice can never be crowned with
happiness.]
¶ For shrewes don şat hem 3356
list whan by şo şinges in whiche şei deliten şei wenen
to atteyne to şilke good şat şei desiren. but şei ne geten
ne atteynen nat şer to. ¶ for vices ne comen nat to
blisfulnesse. 3360
[Linenotes:
3324 _shrewednesse_--shrewednesses
_clere_--cleer
3325 _nat----power_--nawht ne han no power
3326 _whiche_--which
_şat is_--of this
3327 _here_--her
3328 _nis_--is
3329 _soşe_--soth
3329, 3330 [_and thilke----quod I_]--from C.
3334 _don_--MS. done, C. don
_none şat_--non thanne
3335 _done_--doon
_good[e]_--goode
3336 _don_--MS. done, C. don
_done_--don
3337 _yuel[e]_--yuele
_şis_--it
3338 _don_--MS. done, C. don
3339 _[gh]itte_--yit
_şere_--ther
3340 _shewed here byforne_--Ishewed her by-forn
_al_--alle
3341 _amonge_--among
3344 _don_--MS. done, C. don
3346 _au[gh]ten be_--owhte ben
3347 _al_--alle
_au[gh]t[e]_--owhte
3351 _clere_--cler
3352 _soşe_--soth
_şat seyş_--MS. but sişe, C. ş{a}t seyth
3353 [_doon_]--from C.
3355 _seyne_--seyn
3357 _whiche_--which]
[Headnote:
THE WICKED ARE UNHAPPY.]
QUOS UIDES SEDERE CELSOS.
[Sidenote: [The ij^de Met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: Whosoever might strip of their purple coverings, proud
kings, who, surrounded by their guards, sit on lofty thrones, and
whose stern looks wear fierce threatenings, and boiling breasts
breathe fury; would see those mighty lords inwardly fettered, and
tormented by lust, passion, grief, and delusive hopes.]
++Who so şat şe couertures of her veyn apparailes
my[gh]t[e] strepen of şise proude kynges şat şou
seest sitten on hey[gh]e in her chayeres glyterynge in
shynynge purpre envyroned wiş sorweful arm{ur}es 3364
manasyng wiş cruel mouşe. blowyng by woodnesse of
herte. ¶ He sholde se şan şat ilke lordes beren wiş
i{n}ne hir corages ful streyte cheynes for leccherye tormentiş
he{m} on şat oon syde wiş gredy venyms {and} 3368
troublable Ire şat araiseş in hem şe floodes of troublynges
tourmentiş vpon şat oşer side hir şou[gh]t. or sorwe halt
he{m} wery or ycau[gh]t. or slidyng {and} disseyuyng hope
tourmentiş hem.
[Sidenote: Since, then, so many tyrants bear sway over one
head--that lord, oppressed by so many masters (i. e. vices), is
weak and feeble, and his actions are not obedient to his will.]
And şerfore syn şou seest on heed. 3372
şat is to seyne oon tyraunt bere so many[e] tyrauntis.
şa{n} ne doş şilk tyraunt nat şat he desiriş. syn he
is cast doune wiş so many[e] wicked lordes. şat is to
seyn wiş so many[e] vices. şat han so wicked lordshipes 3376
ouer hym.
[Linenotes:
3361-63 _her_--hir
3362 _my[gh]t[e]_--myhte
3363 _hey[gh]e_--heygh
3364 _sorweful_--sorwful
3365 _mouşe_--Mowth
3366 _se_--seen
_ilke_--thilke
3368 _on_--in
3369 _hem_--hym
3371 _disseyuyng_--deceyuynge
3373 _seyne_--seyn
_bere_--beeren
3373-75-76 _many[e]_--manye
3373 _tyrauntis_--tyranyes
3374 _doş_--MS. doşe
_şilk_--thilke
3375 _doune_--down
_wicked_--wikkede
3376 _wicked_--wikkedly]
[[pg 119]]
[Headnote:
THEY DO NOT ESCAPE PUNISHMENT.]
VIDES NE IGITUR QUANTO.
[Sidenote: [The iij.^de p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: See you not in how great and filthy a mire the wicked
wallow?]
++SEest şou nat şan in how gret filşe şise shrewes ben
ywrapped. {and} wiş whiche cleernesse şise good
folk shynen.
[Sidenote: This is a proof that good folks do not go unrewarded,
nor do the evil-doers escape punishment.]
In şis sheweş it wel şat to good folk ne 3380
lakkeş neuer mo hir medes. ne shrewes ne lakken
neuer mo to{ur}mentis.
[Sidenote: Every action is done for a certain end, and that end is
the reward of the action.]
for of alle şinges şat ben ydon
şilke şing for whiche any şing is doon. it semeş as by
ry[gh]t şat şilke şing be şe mede of şat. as şus. ¶ yif a 3384
man renneş in şe stadie or in şe forlonge for şe corone.
şan lieş şe mede in şe corone for whiche he renneş.
[Sidenote: But Happiness is that good for which all things are
done. Therefore happiness is the reward which all the human race
seek as the reward of their actions.]
¶ And I haue shewed şat blisfulnesse is şilke same
good for whiche şat alle şi{n}g{us} ben don. şan is şilke 3388
same good p{ur}posed to şe werkes of mankynde ry[gh]t as
a comune mede.
[Sidenote: This good is inseparable from the virtuous, therefore
virtue can never want its reward.]
whiche mede ne may ben disseuered
fro good folk. for no wy[gh]t as by ry[gh]t fro şennes forşe
ş{a}t hym lakkiş goodnesse ne shal ben cleped good. 3392
For whiche şing folk of good[e] maneres her medes ne
forsaken hem neuer mo.
[Sidenote: Evil men may rage as they please against the good, but
the crown of the wise shall not fall nor fade.]
For al be it so şat sherewes
waxen as wood as hem list a[gh]eynes good[e] folk. [gh]itte
neuer şe les şe corone of wise men ne shal nat fallen 3396
ne faden.
[Sidenote: The wickedness of another cannot deprive a virtuous
soul of its own honour.]
¶ For foreine shrewednesse ne bynymeş
nat fro şe corages of good[e] folk hire p{ro}pre honoure.
[Linenotes:
3379 _whiche_--which
3380 _good_--goode
3381 _ne_ (2)--omitted
3383 _whiche_--which
3385 _forlonge_--forlong
3386-88-90 _whiche_--which
3391 _forşe_--forth
3393 _whiche_--which
_good[e]_--goode
3395 _wood_--woode
_good[e]_--goode
3396 _les_--leese
_ne_--omitted
3398 _good[e]_--goode]
[Headnote:
THE REWARD OF THE GOOD.]
[Sidenote: If a man pride himself on the possession of an
advantage received from another, he may be deprived of it, either
by the giver or by others.]
but yif şat any wy[gh]t reioiseş hem of goodnesse şat şei
had[de] taken fro wişoute. as who seiş yif [ş{a}t] any 3400
wy[gh]t had[de] hys goodnesse of any oşer man şan of
hym self. certys he şat [gh]af hym şilke goodnesse or
ellys som oşer wy[gh]t my[gh]t[e] bynym[e] it hym.
[Sidenote: But, as the reward of the virtuous is derived from
virtue, a man cannot lose this meed unless he ceases to be
virtuous.]
but for
as moche as to euery wy[gh]t hys owen p{ro}pre bounte 3404
[gh]eueş hy{m} hys mede. şan at arst shal he faylen of
mede whan he forletiş to ben good.
[Sidenote: Lastly, since a reward is desired because it is
supposed to be a good, can we believe that he who is capable of
good is deprived of the recompence?]
{and} at şe laste so
as alle medes be{n} requered for men wenen şat şei ben
good[e]. who is he şat wolde deme şat he şat is ry[gh]t [[pg 120]]
my[gh]ty of goode were p{ar}tles of mede. 3409
[Sidenote: What reward shall he receive?]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 27.]]
*{and} of what
mede shal he be gerdoned.
[Sidenote: Certainly the fairest and richest of all rewards.]
certys of ry[gh]t faire mede
{and} ry[gh]t greet abouen alle medes.
[Sidenote: Call to mind that excellent corollary I have already
given thee, and reason thus:--]
¶ Remembre şe of
şilk noble corolarie şat I [gh]af şe a lytel here byforne. 3412
{and} gadre it to gidre in şis manere.
[Sidenote: Since the supreme good is happiness, it follows that
all good men are happy in as much as they are good; but if they
are happy they must become as it were gods.]
so as god hym self
is blisfulnesse. şan is it clere {and} certeyn. şat alle good
folk ben makid blisful for şei ben good[e]. and şilke
folk şat ben blisful it accordiş {and} is couenable to ben 3416
godde[s].
[Sidenote: The reward (_i. e._ divinity) of the righteous is such
that no time can impair it, no power can diminish it, nor can any
wickedness obscure it.]
şan is şe mede of goode folk swiche. şat no
day [ne] shal enpeyren it. ne no wickednesse shal endirken
it. ne power of no wy[gh]t ne shal nat amenusen it
şat is to seyn to ben maked goddes.
[Sidenote: Since, then, happiness belongs to good men, punishment
inseparably attends the wicked.]
¶ and syn it is 3420
şus şat goode men ne faylen neuer mo of hir{e} medes.
[Linenotes:
3399 _reioiseş_--reioyse
_hem_--hym
_şei had[de]_--he hadde
3400 [_şat_]--from C.
3401 _had[de]_--hadde
3402 _self_--MS. selk
3403 _my[gh]t[e] bynym[e]_--myhte be-nyme
3404 _owen_--owne
3406 _laste_--last
3408 _good[e]_--goode
_wolde_--nolde
3409 _goode_--good
_of_ (2)--of the
3411 _greet_--grete
3412 _here byforne_--her by-forn
3413 _god_--good
3414 _is_ (1)--his
_clere_--cleer
3415 _good[e]_--goode
3417 _godde[s]_--goddes
_swiche_--swich
3418 [_ne_]--from C.
_endirken_--derken]
[Headnote:
VIRTUE EXALTS MANKIND.]
¶ certys no wise man ne may doute of şe vndep{ar}table
peyne of shrewes. ¶ şat is to seyn şat şe peyne of
shrewes ne dep{ar}tiş nat from hem self neuer mo. 3424
[Sidenote: For since _good_ and _evil_ are contraries, so are
_rewards_ and _punishments_.]
¶ For so as goode {and} yuel {and} peyne {and} medes ben
contrarie it mot nedes ben ş{a}t ry[gh]t as we seen by-tiden
in gerdou{n} of goode.
[Sidenote: It is evident that rewards follow good actions, and
punishments attend evil actions; then as virtue itself is the
reward of the virtuous, so vice is the punishment of the vicious.]
şat also mot şe peyne of yuel
answer{e} by şe contrarie partye to shrewes. now şan so 3428
as bounte {and} prowesse ben şe medes to goode folk.
also is shrewednesse it self torment to shrewes
[Sidenote: He who is punished with pain and uneasiness knows that
he is afflicted with evil.]
¶ şan
who so şat euer is entecched {and} defouled wiş yuel.
[Sidenote: If, then, the wicked did rightly understand themselves
they would perceive that they are not exempted from punishment.]
yif shrewes wolen şan p{re}isen hem self may it semen 3432
to hem şat şei ben wiş oute{n} p{ar}tye of tourment.
[Sidenote: Since vice, the extreme and worst kind of evil, not
only afflicts them, but infects and entirely pollutes them.]
syn şei ben swiche şat şe [vtteriste wikkednesse / ş{a}t is to
seyn wikkede thewes / which ş{a}t is the] out{er}este {and}
şe w[or]ste kynde of shrewednesse ne defouliş nat ne 3436
entecehiş nat hem oonly but infectiş {and} enuenemyş
he{m} gretely
[Sidenote: But contemplate the punishment of the wicked.]
¶ And al so loke on shrewes şat ben şe
contrarie p{ar}tye of goode men.
how grete peyne felawshipeş [[pg 121]]
{and} folweş hem.
[Sidenote: You have been taught that _unity_ is essential to being
and is good--and all that have this unity are good; whatsoever,
then, fails to be good ceases to exist.]
¶ For şou hast lerned a litel 3440
here byforn şat al şi{n}g şat is {and} haş beynge is oon.
{and} şilke same oon is good. şan is şis consequence şat
it semeş wel. şat al şat is {and} haş bey{n}ge is good. şis
is to seyne. as who seiş şat beynge {and} vnite {and} 3444
goodnesse is al oon. {and} in şis manere it folweş şan.
şat al şing şat faileş to ben good. it styntiş forto be.
{and} forto haue any beynge.
[Sidenote: So that it appears that evil men must cease to be what
they were.]
wher fore it is şat shrewes
stynten forto ben şat şei weren.
[Sidenote: That they were once men, the outward form of the body,
which still remains, clearly testifies.]
but şilke oşer forme 3448
of mankynde. şat is to seyne şe forme of şe body wiş
oute. shewiş [gh]it şat şise shrewes were somtyme men.
[Linenotes:
3422 _wise man_--wysman
_şe_--omitted
_vndepartable_--MS. vndirp{ar}table, C. vndepartable
3423 _of_ (1)--of the
3428 _answere_--answery
_şe_--omitted
3434 [_vtteriste----is the_]--from C.
3438 _gretely_--gretly
3439 _grete_--gret
3441 _al_--alle
_haş_--MS. haşe
3443 _al_--alle
_haş_--MS. haşe
3446 _al_--alle
3447 _haue_--han
3448 _stynten_--MS. styntent
3450 _were somtyme_--weeren whilom]
[Headnote:
HE WHO CEASES TO BE VIRTUOUS CEASES TO BE A MAN.]
[Sidenote: Wherefore, when they degenerate into wickedness they
lose their human nature.]
¶ wher fore whan şei ben p{er}uerted {and} torned in to
malice. certys şan han şei forlorn şe nature of mankynde. 3452
[Sidenote: But as virtue alone exalts one man above other men, it
is evident that vice, which divests a man of his nature, must sink
him below humanity.]
but so as oonly bounte {and} prowesse may enhawnse
euery man ouer oşer men. şan mot it nedes be
şat shrewes whiche şat shrewednesse haş cast out of şe
condic{i}ou{n} of mankynde ben put vndir şe merite {and} 3456
şe deserte of men.
[Sidenote: You cannot, therefore, esteem him to be a man whom you
see thus transformed by his vices.]
şan bitidiş it şat yif şou seest a
wy[gh]t şat be t{ra}nsformed in to vices. şou ne mayst nat
wene şat he be a man.
[Sidenote: The greedy robber, you will say, is like a _wolf_.]
¶ For [gh]if he [be] ardaunt in
auarice. {and} şat he be a rauyno{ur} by violence of 3460
foreine rychesse. şou shalt seyn şat he is lyke to a
wolf.
[Sidenote: He who gives no rest to his abusive tongue, you may
liken to a _hound_.]
{and} yif he be felonous {and} wiş out reste {and}
ex{er}cise hys tonge to chidynges. şou shalt lykene hym
to şe hounde.
[Sidenote: Does he delight in fraud and trickery? then is he like
young _foxes_.]
{and} yif he be a p{re}ue awaito{ur} yhid {and} 3464
reioyseş hym to rauysshe by wyles. şou shalt seyne
hym lyke to şe fox whelpes.
[Sidenote: Is he intemperate in his anger? then men will compare
him to a raging _lion_.]
¶ And yif he be distempre
{and} quakiş for ire men shal wene şat he bereş
şe corage of a lyou{n}.
[Sidenote: If he be a coward, he will be likened to a _hart_.]
{and} yif he be dredeful {and} fleynge 3468
and dredeş şinges şat ne au[gh]ten nat ben dred. men
shal holde hym lyke to şe h{er}te. [[pg 122]]
[Sidenote: If he be slow, dull, and lazy, then is he like an
_ass_.]
{and} yif he be slowe
{and} astoned {and} lache. he lyueş as an asse.
[Sidenote: Is he fickle and inconstant? Then is he like a _bird_.]
{and} yif he
be ly[gh]t {and} vnstedfast of corage {and} chaungeş ay his 3472
studies. he is lickened to briddes.
[Sidenote: Doth he wallow in filthy lusts? Then doth he roll
himself in the mire like a nasty _sow_.]
¶ {and} yif he be
plounged in foule {and} vnclene luxuries. he is wişholden
in şe foule delices of şe foule soowe.
[Sidenote: It follows, then, that he who ceases to be virtuous,
ceases to be a man; and, since he cannot attain divinity, he is
turned into a beast.]
¶ şan folweş it
şat he şat forletiş bountee {and} prowesse. he forletiş to 3476
ben a man. syn he ne may nat passe in to şe condic{i}ou{n}
of god. he is tourned in to a beest.
[Linenotes:
3452 _forlorn_--MS. forlorne, C. forlorn
3453 _as_--omitted
_enhawnse_--enhawsen
3455 _whiche_--which
_haş_--MS. haşe
3459 [_be_]--from C.
3464 _yhid_--MS. yhidde, C. I-hidd
3465 _seyne_--seyn
3468 _dredeful_--dredful
3469 _ben_--to ben
_dred_--MS. dredde, C. dredd
3470 _holde_--holden
_lyke_--lyk
_herte_--hert
_slowe_--slowh
3472 _vnstedfast_--vnstidefast
_his_--hise
3475 _şan_--MS. şat, C. thanne
3477 _passe_--passen]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 27 _b_.]]
*V[E]LA NARICII DUCIS.
[Sidenote: [The 3^de Met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: Ulysses was driven by the eastern winds upon the shores
of that isle where Circe dwelt, who, having entertained her guests
with magic draughts, transformed them into divers shapes--one into
a boar, another into a lion;]
++Evrus şe wynde aryueş şe sayles of vlixes duc of şe
contre of narice. {and} hys wandryng shippes by şe 3480
see in to şe isle şere as Circe şe fayre goddesse dou[gh]ter
of şe sonne dwelleş şat medlyş to hir newe gestes
drynkes şat ben touched {and} maked wiş enchau{n}tment[gh].
{and} after şat hir hande my[gh]ty of şe herbes 3484
had[de] chau{n}ged hir gestes i{n} to dyuerse maneres. şat
oon of hem is couered his face wiş forme of a boor. şat
oşer is chau{n}ged in to a lyou{n} of şe contre of marmorike.
{and} his nayles {and} his teşe wexen.
[Sidenote: some into howling wolves, and others into Indian
tigers.]
¶ şat 3488
oşer of hem is newliche chaunged in to a wolf. {and}
howeliş whan he wolde wepe. şat oşer goş debonairly
in şe house as a tigre of Inde.
[Sidenote: But Mercury, the Arcadian god, rescued Ulysses from the
Circean charms. Yet his mariners, having drunk of her infected
drinks, were changed to swine, and fed on acorns.]
but al be it so şat şe
godhed of mercurie şat is cleped şe bride of arcadie haş 3492
had mercie of şe duc vlixes byseged wiş diu{er}se yueles
{and} haş vnbounden hym fro şe pestilence of hys
oosteresse algates şe rowers {and} şe maryners hadden by
şis ydrawen in to hir mouşes {and} dronken şe wicked[e] 3496
drynkes şei şat were woxen swyne hadden by şis [[pg 123]]
chau{n}ged hire mete of brede forto ete acorns of ookes.
[Sidenote: All traces of the human form were lost, and they were
bereft of speech.]
non of hir lymes ne dwelliş wiş he{m} hoole. but
şei han lost şe voys {and} şe body.
[Sidenote: Their souls, unchanged, bewailed their dreadful fate.]
Oonly hir{e} şou[gh]t 3500
dwelleş wiş hem stable ş{a}t wepiş {and} bywailiş şe
monstruous chaungynge şat şei suffren.
[Sidenote: O most weak, are Circe's powers compared with the
potency of vice, to transform the human shape!]
¶ O ouer ly[gh]t
hand. as who seiş. ¶ O feble {and} ly[gh]t is şe hand of
Circes şe enchaunteresse şat chaungeş şe bodies of folk 3504
in to bestes to regarde {and} to co{m}parisou{n} of mutac{i}ou{n}
şat is makid by vices.
[Sidenote: Circe's herbs may change the body, but cannot touch the
mind, the inward strength of man.]
ne şe herbes of circes ne ben nat
my[gh]ty. for al be it so şat şei may chau{n}gen şe lymes
of şe body. ¶ algates [gh]it şei may nat chau{n}ge şe 3508
hertes. for wiş inne is yhid şe strengşe {and} şe vigour
of me{n} in şe secre toure of hire hertys. şat is to seyn
şe strengşe of resou{n}.
[Sidenote: But vice is more potent than Circe's poisonous charms.]
but şilke uenyms of vices to-drawen
a man to hem more my[gh]tily şan şe venym of 3512
circes.
[Sidenote: Though it leaves the body whole, it pierces the inner
man, and inflicts a deadly wound upon the soul.]
¶ For vices ben so cruel şat şei percen {and}
şoru[gh] passen şe corage wiş i{n}ne. {and} şou[gh] şei ne anoye
nat şe body. [gh]itte vices wooden to distroien men by
wounde of şou[gh]t. 3516
[Linenotes:
3479 _aryueş_--aryuede
_vlixes_--MS. vluxies, C. vlixes
3481 _Circe_--Circes
3483 _enchauntment[gh]_--enchauntement[gh]
3484 _hande_--hand
_of_--ou{er}
3485 _had[de]_--hadde
_gestes_--MS. goostes, C. gestes
3486 _boor_--boer{e}
3488 _his_ (1)--hise
_his teşe_--hise teth
3489 _newliche_--neweliche
3490 _goş_--MS. goşe
3491 _house_--hows
3492 _bride_--bryd
_haş_--MS. haşe
3493 _mercie_--MS. mercurie, C. mercy
3494 _haş_--MS. haşe
3495 _oosteresse_--oostesse
3496 _wicked[e]_--wikkede
3497 _were woxen swyne_--weeren wexen swyn
3498 _chaunged_--Ichaunged
_brede_--bred
_forto_--MS. {and} forto
_ete acorns_--eten akkornes
3499 _hoole_--hool
3501 _wepiş_--MS. kepiş, C. weepith
3502 _monstruous_--MS. monstronous, C. Monstruos
3504 _Circes_--MS. Cirtes
_folk_--folkys
3509 _yhid_--MS. yhidde, C. I-hydd
3515 _wooden_--MS. wolden, C. wooden]
[Headnote:
THE WICKED ARE TORMENTED BY A THREEFOLD WRETCHEDNESS.]
TUNC EGO FATEOR INQ{UA}M.
[Sidenote: [The ferthe p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: _B._ I confess that vicious men are rightly called
beasts.]
++Şan seide I şus I confesse {and} am aknowe q{uo}d I. ne
I ne se nat şat men may seyn as by ry[gh]t.
[Sidenote: They retain the outward form of man, but the qualities
of their souls prove them to be beasts.]
ş{a}t
shrewes ne ben nat chaunged in to beestes by şe
qualite of hir soules. ¶ Al be it so ş{a}t şei kepen [gh]itte 3520
şe forme of şe body of mankynde.
[Sidenote: I wish, however, that the wicked were without the power
to annoy and hurt good men.]
but I nolde nat of
shrewes of whiche şe şou[gh]t cruel woodeş alwey in to
destrucc{i}ou{n} of good[e] men. şat it wer{e} leueful to hem
to done şat.
[Sidenote: _P._ They have no power, as I shall presently show
you.]
¶ Certys q{uo}d she ne it nis nat leueful 3524
to hem as I shal wel shewen şe in couenable place.
[Sidenote: But were this power, which men ascribe to them, taken
away from the wicked, they would be relieved of the greatest part
of their punishment.]
¶ But naşeles yif so were şat şilke şat me{n} wene{n} ben
leueful for shrewes were bynomen hem. so şat şei ne [[pg 124]]
my[gh]ten nat anoyen or don harme to goode men. ¶ Certys 3528
a gret p{ar}ty of şe peyne to shrewes shulde ben allegged
{and} releued.
[Sidenote: The wicked are more unhappy when they have accomplished
their evil designs than when they fail to do so.]
¶ For al be it so ş{a}t şis ne seme nat
credible şing p{er}auent{ur}e to so{m}me folk [gh]it mot it
nedes be şat shrewes ben more wrecches {and} vnsely. 3532
whan şei may don {and} p{er}forme şat şei coueiten [than
yif they myhte nat complyssen ş{a}t they coueyten].
[Sidenote: If it is a miserable thing to will evil, it is a
greater unhappiness to have the power to execute it, without which
power the wicked desires would languish without effect.]
¶ For
yif so be şat it be wrecchednesse to wilne to don yuel[;]
şan is it more wrecchednesse to mowen don yuel. 3536
wiş oute whiche moeuyng şe wrecched wille sholde
languisshe wiş oute effecte.
[Sidenote: Since, then, each of these three things (_i. e._ the
will, the power, and the accomplishment of evil) hath its misery,
therefore a threefold wretchedness afflicts those who both will,
can, and do commit sin.]
¶ şan syn şat eueryche of
şise şinges haş hys wrecchednesse. şat is to seyne wil
to done yuel. and moeuynge to done yuel. it mot nedes 3540
be. şat şei (shrewes) ben constreyned by şre vnselynesses
şat wolen {and} mowen {and} p{er}formen felonyes
{and} shrewednesses.
[Sidenote: _B._ I grant it--but still I wish the vicious were
without this misfortune.]
¶ I accorde me q{uo}d I. but I
desire gretely şat shrewes losten sone şilke vnselynesses. 3544
şat is to seyne şat shrewes were despoyled of moeuyng
to don yuel.
[Sidenote: _P._ They shall be despoiled of it sooner than you wish
perhaps, or than they themselves imagine.]
¶ so shulle{n} şei q{uo}d she.
[Sidenote: [* fol. 28.]]
sonnere
p{er}auenture şen ş{o}u woldest *or sonnere şen şei hem
self wenen to lakken mowynge to done yuel.
[Sidenote: In the narrow limits of this life, nothing, however
tardy it appears, can seem to an immortal soul to have a very long
duration.]
¶ For 3548
şere nis no şing so late in so short bou{n}des of şis lijf
şat is longe to abide. namelyche to a corage inmortel.
[Sidenote: The great hopes, and the subtle machinations of the
wicked, are often suddenly frustrated, by which an end is put to
their wickedness.]
Of whiche shrewes şe grete hope {and} şe heye co{m}passy{n}g{us}
of shrewednesse is often destroyed by a 3552
sodeyne ende or şei ben war. {and} şat şing establiş to
shrewes şe ende of hir shrewednesse.
[Sidenote: If vice renders men wretched, the longer they are
vicious the longer must they be miserable.]
¶ For yif şat
shrewednesse makişe wrecches. şan mot he nedes be
most wrecched şat lengest is a shrewe.
[Sidenote: And they would be infinitely wretched if death did not
put an end to their crimes.]
şe whiche 3556
wicked shrewes wolde ydemen aldirmost vnsely {and}
caytifs yif şat hir shrewednes ne were yfinissed. at şe [[pg 125]]
leste weye by şe outerest[e] deeş.
[Sidenote: It is clear, as I have already shown, that eternal
misery is infinite.]
for [yif] I haue concluded
soşe of şe vnselynesse of shrewednesse. şan sheweş 3560
it clerely şat şilke shrewednesse is wiş outen ende şe
whiche is certeyne to ben p{er}durable.
[Sidenote: _B._ This consequence appears to be just, but difficult
to assent to.]
¶ Certys q{uo}d I
şis [conclusion] is harde {and} wonderful to graunte. ¶ But
I knowe wel şat it accordeş moche to [the] şi{n}ges şat I 3564
haue graunted her byforne.
[Sidenote: _P._ You think rightly; but if you cannot assent to my
conclusion you ought to show that the premises are false, or that
the consequences are unfairly deduced; for if the premises be
granted, you cannot reject the inferences from them.]
¶ şou hast q{uo}d she şe ry[gh]t
estimac{i}ou{n} of şis. but who so euere wene şat it be an
harde şing to acorde hym to a conclusiou{n}. it is ry[gh]t
şat he shewe şat so{m}me of şe p{re}misses ben fals. or 3568
ellys he mot shewe şat şe colasiou{n} of p{re}posic{i}ou{n}s
nis nat spedful to a necessarie conclusio{n}. ¶ and yif it
be nat so. but şat şe p{re}misses ben yg{ra}nted şer nis
nat whi he sholde blame şe argument.
[Sidenote: What I am about to say is not less wonderful, and it
follows necessarily from the same premises.]
for şis şing şat 3572
I shal telle şe nowe ne shal not seme lasse wondirful.
[Linenotes:
3517 _aknowe_--aknowe it
3518 _seyn_--sayn
3523 _good[e]_--goode
3524 _done_--don
3526 _ben_--be
3527 _for_--to
3528 _my[gh]ten_--myhte
_don_--MS. done, C. doon
_harme_--harm
3529 _gret_--MS. grete, C. gret
3533-36 _don_--MS. done, C. doon
3533-34 [_than----coueyten_]--from C.
3537 _moeuyng_--mowynge
_wille_--wil
3539 _haş_--MS. haşe
_seyne_--seyn
3540 _done_ (1)--doon
_moeuynge to done_--Mowynge to don
_mot_--MS. mote, C. mot
3544 _gretely_--gretly
3545 _seyne_--seyn
_were_--weeren
_moeuyng_--mowynge
3548 _wenen_--weene
_to lakken----yuel_--omitted
3549 _şere_--ther
_so_ (2)--the
3550 _longe_--long
3552 _shrewednesse_--shrewednesses
_often_--ofte
3558 _shrewednes_--shrewednesse
_yfinissed_--fynyshed
3559 _weye_--wey
_outerest[e]_--owtteryste
[_yif_]--from C.
3560 _soşe_--soth
3561 _clerely_--cleerly
3563 [_conclusion_]--from C.
_harde_--hard
3564 [_the_]--from C.
3567 _harde_--hard
3568 _fals_--false
3573 _nowe_--now]
[Headnote:
THE WRETCHEDNESS OF THE WICKED IS DIMINISHED BY PUNISHMENT.]
but of şe şinges şat ben taken al so it is necessarie as
who so seiş it folweş of şat whiche şat is p{ur}posed
byforn.
[Sidenote: _B._ What is that?]
what is şat q{uo}d I.
[Sidenote: _P._ That the wicked who have been punished for their
crimes, are happier than if justice had allowed them to go
unpunished.]
¶ certys q{uo}d she şat is 3576
şat ş{a}t şise wicked shrewes ben more blysful or ellys
lasse wrecches. şat byen şe tourmentes şat şei han
deserued. şan yif no peyne of Iustice ne chastied[e]
hem.
[Sidenote: I do not appeal to popular arguments, that punishment
corrects vice, that the fear of chastisement leads them to take
the right path, and that the sufferings of evil-doers deter others
from vice, but I believe that guilty men, unpunished, become much
more unhappy in another way.]
ne şis ne seye I nat now for şat any man my[gh]t[e] 3580
şenk[e] şat şe maneres of shrewes ben coriged {and}
chastised by veniaunce. {and} şat şei ben brou[gh]t to şe
ry[gh]t wey by şe drede of şe tourment. ne for şat şei
[gh]euen to oşer folk ensample to fleyen fro{m} vices. ¶ But 3584
I vndirstonde [gh]itte [in] an oşer manere şat shrewes
ben more vnsely whan şei ne ben nat punissed al be it
so şat şere ne ben had no resou{n} or lawe of correcc{i}ou{n}.
ne none ensample of lokynge.
[Sidenote: _B._ In what way do you mean?]
¶ And what manere 3588
shal şat ben q{uo}d I. ouşer şan haş ben told here [[pg 126]]
byforn
[Sidenote: _P._ Are not good people happy, and evil folk
miserable?]
¶ Haue we nat graunted şan q{uo}d she şat
good[e] folk ben blysful. {and} shrewes ben wrecches.
[Sidenote: _B._ Yes.]
[gh]is q{uo}d I.
[Sidenote: _P._ If good be added to the wretchedness of a man,
will not he be happier than another whose misery has no element of
good in it?]
[thanne q{uod} she] [gh]if şat any good were 3592
added to şe wrecchenesse of any wy[gh]t. nis he nat more
blisful şan he şat ne haş no medelyng of goode in hys
solitarie wrecchednesse.
[Sidenote: _B._ It seems so.]
so semeş it q{uo}d I.
[Sidenote: _P._ And if to the same wretched being another misery
be annexed, does not he become more wretched than he whose misery
is alleviated by the participation of some good?]
and what
seyst şou şan q{uo}d she of şilke wrecche şat lakkeş alle 3596
goodes. so şat no goode nis medeled in hys wrecchednesse.
{and} [gh]itte ouer alle hys wickednesse for whiche
he is a wrecche şat şer be [gh]itte anoşer yuel anexid {and}
knyt to hym. shal not men demen hym more vnsely 3600
şan şilke wrecche of whiche şe vnselynesse is re[le]ued
by şe p{ar}ticipac{i}ou{n} of som goode.
[Sidenote: _B._ He does.]
whi sholde he nat
q{uo}d I.
[Sidenote: _P._ When evil men are punished they have a degree of
good annexed to their wretchedness, to wit, the punishment itself,
which as it is the effect of justice is good.]
¶ şan certys q{uo}d she han shrewes whan şei
ben punissed somwhat of good anexid to hir wrecchednesse. 3604
şat is to seyne şe same peyne şat şei suffren
whiche şat is good by şe resou{n} of Iustice.
[Sidenote: And when these wretches escape punishment something
more of ill (_i. e._ exemption from punishment) is added to their
condition.]
And whan
şilke same shrewes ascapen wiş outen tourment. şan
han şei somwhat more of yuel [gh]it ouer şe wickednesse 3608
şat şei han don. şat is to seye defaute of peyne.
whiche defaute of peyne şou hast graunted is yuel.
[Sidenote: _B._ I cannot deny it.]
¶ For şe desert of felonye I ne may nat denye it q{uo}d I.
[Sidenote: _P._ Much more unhappy are the wicked when they enjoy
an unmerited impunity than when they suffer a lawful
chastisement.]
¶ Moche more şan q{uo}d she ben shrewes vnsely 3612
whan şei ben wrongfully delyuered fro peyne. şan
whan şei beş punissed by ry[gh]tful vengeaunce.
[Sidenote: It is just to punish evil-doers, and unjust that they
should escape punishment.]
but şis is
open şi{n}g {and} clere şat it is ry[gh]t şat shrewes ben
punissed. {and} it is wickednesse {and} wrong şat şei 3616
escapin vnpunissed.
[Sidenote: _B._ Nobody denies that.]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 28 _b_.]]
¶ who my[gh]t[e] denye *şat q{uo}d I.
[Sidenote: _P._ Everything, too, which is just is good; and, on
the contrary, whatsoever is unjust is evil.]
but q{uo}d she may any ma{n} denye. şat al şat is ry[gh]t nis
good. {and} also şe contrarie. şat alle şat is wrong nis
wicked. [[pg 127]]
[Sidenote: _B._ These are just inferences from our former
premises.]
certys q{uo}d I şise şinges ben clere ynou[gh]. {and} 3620
şat we han concludid a litel here byforn{e}.
[Sidenote: But is there any punishment for the soul after death of
the body?]
but I p{re}ye
şe şat şou telle me yif şou accordest to leten no to{ur}ment
to şe soules aftir şat şe body is dedid by şe deşe.
şis [is] to seyn. vndirstondest şou ou[gh]t şat soules han 3624
any to{ur}ment after şe deşe of şe body.
[Sidenote: _P._ Yes, and great ones too. Some punishments are
rigorous and eternal.]
¶ Certis q{uo}d
she [gh]e {and} şat ry[gh]t grete. of whiche soules q{uo}d she I
trowe şat so{m}me ben to{ur}mentid by asprenesse of
peyne.
[Sidenote: Others have a corrective and purifying force, and are
of finite duration.]
{and} so{m}me soules I trowe be exc{er}cised by a 3628
p{ur}ging mekenesse.
[Sidenote: But this is not to our purpose.]
but my conseil nys nat to determyne
of şis peyne. but I haue trauayled and told it
hider to.
[Sidenote: I want you to see that the power of the wicked is in
reality nothing, that the wicked never go unpunished; that their
licence to do evil is not of long duration, and that the wicked
would be more unhappy if it were longer, and infinitely wretched
if it were to continue for ever.]
¶ For şou sholdest knowe şat şe mowynge
[.i. myght] of shrewes whiche mowynge şe semeş to 3632
ben. vnworşi nis no mowynge. {and} eke of shrewes of
whiche şou pleynedest şat şei ne were nat punissed.
şat şou woldest seen şat şei ne weren neuer mo wiş
outen şe torment of hire wickednesse. {and} of şe licence 3636
of mowynge to done yuel. şat şou p{re}idest şat it
my[gh]t[e] sone ben endid. {and} şat şou woldest fayne
lerne. şat it ne sholde nat longe endure. {and} şat
shrewes ben more vnsely yif şei were of lenger duryng. 3640
{and} most vnsely yif şei weren p{er}durable.
[Sidenote: After this I showed that evil men are more unhappy,
having escaped punishment, than if justly chastised.]
{and} after
şis I haue shewed şe şat more vnsely ben shrewes
whan şei escapen wiş oute ry[gh]tful peyne. şan whan şei
ben punissed by ry[gh]tful uengeaunce.
[Sidenote: Wherefore when they are supposed to get off scot-free
they suffer most grievously.]
and of şis sentence 3644
folweş it şat şan be{n} shrewes constreyned atte laste wiş
most greuous tourment. whan men wene şat şei ne ben
nat ypunissed.
[Sidenote: _B._ Your reasoning appears convincing and conclusive.
But your arguments are opposed to current opinions, and would
hardly command assent, or even a hearing.]
whan I considre şi resou{n}s q{uo}d I. I.
ne trowe nat şat men seyn any şing more verrely. {and} 3648
yif I to{ur}ne a[gh]eyn to şe studies of men. who is [he] to
who{m} it sholde seme şat [he] ne sholde nat only leue{n}
şise şinges. but eke gladly herkene he{m}.
[Sidenote: _P._ It is so. For those accustomed to the darkness of
error cannot fix their eyes on the light of perspicuous truth,
like birds of night which are blinded by the full light of day.]
Certys q{uo}d
she so it is. but men may nat. for şei han hire eyen so [[pg 128]]
wont to derkenesse of erşely şinges. şat şei may nat 3653
liften hem vp to şe ly[gh]t of clere soşefastnes. ¶ But
şei ben lyke to briddes of whiche şe ny[gh]t ly[gh]tneş hyre
lookyng. {and} şe day blyndeş hem.
[Sidenote: They consider only the gratification of their lusts,
they think there is happiness in the liberty of doing evil and in
exemption from punishment.]
for whan men loken 3656
nat şe ordre of şinges but hire lustes {and} talent[gh]. şei
wene şat oşir şe leue or şe mowynge to done wickednesse
or ellys şe escapi{n}g wiş oute peyne be weleful.
[Linenotes:
3575 _who so seiş_--ho seyth
_whiche_--which
3578 _byen_--a-byen
3579 _chastied[e]_--chastysede
3580 _my[gh]t[e]_--myhte
3581 _şenk[e]_--thinke
3584 _[gh]euen_--MS. [gh]euene, C. yeuen
_fleyen_--flen
3585 _[gh]itte_--yif
[_in_]--from C.
3588 _none_--non
3589 _ouşer_--oother
_haş_--MS. haşe
_ben_--be
_told_--MS. tolde, C. told
3591 _good[e]_--goode
3592 [_thanne----she_]--from C.
3594 _blisful_--weleful
_haş_--MS. haşe
3594-97 _goode_--good
3598 _alle_--al
_whiche_--which
3600 _knyt_--knytte
3601 _re[le]ued_--releued
3602 _goode_--good
3605 _seyne_--seyn
3606 _whiche_--which
3607 _outen_--owte
3609 _don_--MS. done
_seye_--seyn
3610 _whiche_--which
3611 _desert_--deserte
3614 _beş_--MS. beşe, C. ben
3615 _clere_--cler
3617 _my[gh]t[e]_--myhte
3618 _is ry[gh]t nis_--MS. nis ry[gh]t is
3619 _alle_--al
_nis wicked_--is wykke
3621 _here_--her
3623 _dedid_--endyd
_deşe_--deth
3624 [_is_]--from C.
_ou[gh]t_--awht
3625 _deşe_--deth
3626 _grete_--gret
3628 _be_--ben
3629 _determyne_--determenye
3630 _peyne_--peynes
_told_--MS. tolde
3632 [_.i. myght_]--from C.
3632-34 _whiche_--which
3633 _eke_--ek
3635 _seen_--seyn
3637 _done_--don
3638 _my[gh]t[e]_--myhte
_fayne lerne_--fayn lernen
3639 _endure_--dur{e}
3645 _atte_--at the
_laste_--MS. şast, C. laste
3647 _resouns_--resoun
3649-50 [_he_]--from C.
3651 _eke_--ek
3653 _derkenesse_--derknesse
3654 _clere soşefastnes_--cleer sothfastnesse
3655 _whiche_--which
3658 _oşir_--eyther
_done_--don
3659 _escaping_--schapynge]
[Headnote:
VIRTUE ITS OWN REWARD.]
[Sidenote: Do you attend to the eternal law written in your own
heart. Conform your mind to what is good, and you will stand in no
need of a judge to confer a reward upon you--for you have it
already in the enjoyment of the best of things (_i. e._ virtue).]
but co{n}sider{e} şe iugement of şe p{er}durable lawe. for if 3660
şou conferme şi corage to şe beste şinges. şou ne hast
no nede to no iuge to [gh]iue{n} şe p{r}is or meede. for şou
hast ioigned şi self to şe most excellent şing.
[Sidenote: If you indulge in vice, you need no other
chastisement--you have degraded yourself into a lower order of
beings.]
and yif
şou haue enclined şi studies to şe wicked şinges. ne 3664
seek no foreyn wrekere out of şi self. for şou şi self
hast şrest şe in to wicked şinges. ry[gh]t as şou my[gh]test
loken by dyuerse tymes şe foule erşe {and} şe heuene.
{and} şat alle oşer şinges stynten fro wiş oute. so şat 3668
şou [ner{e} neyther in heuene ne in erthe] ne say[e] no
şing more. şan sholde it semen to şe as by only resou{n}
of lokynge. şat şou were in şe sterres. {and} now in şe
erşe.
[Sidenote: The multitude doth not consider this.]
but şe poeple ne lokeş nat on şise şinges.
[Sidenote: What then? Shall we take them as our models who
resemble beasts?]
what 3672
şan shal we şan app{ro}chen vs to hem şat I haue
shewed şat şei ben lyke to şe bestes. (q. d. no{n})
[Linenotes:
3662 _to_ (1)--of
3665 _foreyn_--foreyne
3666 _şrest_--thryst
_wicked_--wikke
3669 [_nere----erthe_]--from C.
_heuene_--C. heuenene
_say[e]_--C. saye
3672 _on_--in
3674 _lyke_--lyk
_q. d._--MS. q{uo}d]
[Headnote:
THE WICKED NEED PITY.]
[Sidenote: If a man who had lost his sight, having even forgotten
his blindness, should declare that his faculties were all perfect,
shall we weakly believe that those who retain their sight are
blind?]
¶ And what wilt şou seyne of şis ¶ yif şat a man
hadde al forlorn hys sy[gh]t. {and} had[de] for[gh]eten şat he 3676
euer saw {and} wende ş{a}t no şing ne fayled[e] hym of
p{er}fecc{i}ou{n} of ma{n}kynde. now we şat my[gh]ten sen şe
same şing wolde we nat wene şat he were bly{n}de (q. d.
sic).
[Sidenote: The vulgar will not assent to what I am going to say,
though supported by conclusive arguments--to wit, that persons are
more unhappy that do wrong than those who suffer wrong.]
ne also ne accordeş nat şe poeple to şat I shal 3680
seyne. şe whiche şing is susteyned by a stronge foundement
of resou{n}s. şat is to seyn şat more vnsely ben şei
şat don wrong to oşer folk. şen şei şat şe wrong [[pg 129]]
suffren.
[Sidenote: _B._ I would willingly hear your reasons.]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 29.]]
¶ I wolde heren şilke *same resou{n}s q{uo}d I 3684
[Sidenote: _P._ Do you deny that every wicked man deserves
punishment?]
¶ Deniest şou q{uo}d she şat alle shrewes ne ben worşi
to han to{ur}ment.
[Sidenote: _B._ No, I do not.]
nay q{uo}d I.
[Sidenote: _P._ I am satisfied that impious men are in many ways
miserable.]
but q{uo}d she I am certeyne
by many resou{n}s şat shrewes ben vnsely.
[Sidenote: _B._ They are so.]
it accordeş
q{uo}d I.
[Sidenote: _P._ Then those that deserve punishment are miserable.]
şan [ne] dowtest şou nat q{uo}d she şat 3688
şilke folk şat ben worşi of to{ur}ment şat şei ne ben
wrecches.
[Sidenote: _B._ I admit it.]
It accordeş wel q{uo}d I.
[Sidenote: _P._ If you were a judge, upon whom would you inflict
punishment? upon the wrong-doer, or upon the injured?]
yif şou were şan
q{uo}d she yset a Iuge or a knower of şinges. wheşer
trowest şou ş{a}t men sholde to{ur}ment[e] hym şat haş 3692
don şe wronge. or hym şat haş suffred şe wronge.
[Sidenote: _B._ I should not hesitate to punish the offender as a
satisfaction to the sufferer.]
I ne doute nat q{uo}d I. şat I nolde don suffissaunt satisfacc{i}ou{n}
to hym şat had[de] suffred şe wrong by şe
sorwe of hym şat had[de] don şe wronge.
[Sidenote: _P._ Then you would deem the injuring person more
unhappy than he who had been wronged?]
¶ şan 3696
semeş it q{uo}d she şat şe doar of wrong is more wrecche
şan he şat haş suffred şe wrong.
[Sidenote: _B._ That follows naturally.]
şat folweş wel q{uo}d [I].
[Sidenote: _P._ From this then, and other reasons of like nature,
it seems that vice makes men miserable, and an injury done to any
man is the misery of the doer, and not of the sufferer.]
şan q{uo}d she by şise causes {and} by oşer causes
şat ben enforced by şe same roate şat filşe or synne by 3700
şe p{ro}pre nature of it makeş men wretches. {and} it
sheweş wel şat şe wrong şat me{n} don nis nat şe
wrecchenesse of hym şat receyueş şe wrong. but şe
wrecchednesse of hym şat doş şe wronge
[Sidenote: But our advocates think differently--they try to obtain
pity for those that have suffered cruelty and oppression;]
¶ but certys 3704
q{uo}d she şise orato{ur}s or aduocat[gh] don al şe contrarie
for şei enforcen hem to co{m}moeue şe iuges to han pite
of he{m} şat han suffred {and} resceyued şe şinges şat ben
greuous {and} aspre.
[Sidenote: but the juster pity is really due to the oppressors,
who ought, therefore, to be led to judgment as the sick are to the
physician, not by angry but by merciful and kind accusers, so
that, by the physic of chastisement, they may be cured of their
vices.]
{and} [gh]itte men sholden more ry[gh]tfully 3708
han pitee on hem şat don şe greuaunces {and} şe
wronges. şe whiche shrewes it were a more couenable
şing şat şe accuso{ur}s or aduocat[gh] not wroşe but pitous
{and} debonaire ladden şe shrewes şat han don wro{n}g to 3712
şe Iugement. ry[gh]t as men leden seke folk to şe leche.
[Linenotes:
3675 _wilt şou seyne_--woltow seyn
3676 _forlorn_--MS. forlorne, C. for-lorn
_sy[gh]t_--syhte
_had[de]_--hadde
3677 _saw_--MS. sawe, C. sawh
_fayled[e]_--faylede
3678 _sen_--MS. sene, C. sen
3679 _şing_--thinges
_q. d._--MS. q{uod}
3681 _whiche_--which
3683 _don_--MS. done, C. don
_oşer_--oothr{e}
3688 [_ne_]--from C.
3691 _yset_--MS. ysette, C. yset
_wheşer_--omitted
3692 _tourment[e]_--tormenten
3692-3 _haş_--MS. haşe
3693 _wronge_ (2)--wrong
3695 _had[de]_--hadde
3696 _had[de]_--hadden
_wronge_--wrong
3697 _doar_--doere
3698 _haş_--MS. haşe
3699 [_I_]--from C. [[_word moved to l. 3698_]]
3700 _ben_--ben of
_roate_--Roote
3703-4 _but----wronge_--omitted
3704 _doş_--MS. doşe
3711 _wroşe_--wroth
3712 _şe_--tho
_don_--MS. done, C. don
3713 _seke_--syke]
[Headnote:
THE DUTY OF ADVOCATES.]
for şat şei sholden seken out şe maladies of synne by
to{ur}ment[gh]. [[pg 130]]
[Sidenote: I would not have the guilty defrauded by their
advocates. Their duty is to accuse, and not to excuse offenders.]
and by şis couenaunt eyşer şe entent of şe
defendo{ur}s or aduocat[gh] sholde fayle {and} cesen in al. or 3716
ellys yif şe office of aduocat[gh] wolde bettre p{ro}fiten to
men. it sholde be to{ur}ned in to şe habit of accusac{i}ou{n}.
şat is [to] s[e]yn şei sholde{n} accuse shrewes. {and} nat
excuse hem.
[Sidenote: Were it permitted the wicked to get a slight view of
virtue's beauty, which they have forsaken, and could they be
persuaded of the purifying effects of lawful chastisement, they
surely would not consider punishment as an evil, but would
willingly give themselves up to justice and refuse the defence of
their advocates.]
{and} eke şe shrewes hem self. [gh]it it were 3720
leueful to hem to seen at any clifte şe vertue şat şei
han forleten. {and} sawen şat şei sholde putten adou{n}
şe filşes of hire vices by [the] to{ur}ment[gh] of peynes. şei
ne au[gh]ten nat ry[gh]t for şe reco{m}pensac{i}ou{n} forto geten 3724
hem bounte {and} prowesse whiche şat şei han lost demen
ne holden şat şilke peynes weren to{ur}mentes to hem.
{and} eke şei wolden refuse şe attendau{n}ce of hir aduocat[gh]
{and} taken hem self to hire iuges {and} to hir accusours. 3728
[Sidenote: The wise hate nobody, only a fool hates good men; and
it is as irrational to hate the wicked.]
for whiche it bytideş [ş{a}t] as to şe wise folk
şer nis no place ylete to hate. şat is to seyn. şat hate
ne haş no place amonges wise men. ¶ For no wy[gh]t
wolde haten gode men. but yif he were ouer moche a 3732
fole. ¶ and forto haten shrewes it nis no resou{n}.
[Sidenote: Vice is a sickness of the soul, and needs our
compassion, and not our hate, for the distempers of the soul are
more deplorable than those of the body, and have more claims upon
our compassion.]
¶ For ry[gh]t so as languissing is maladie of body. ry[gh]t
so ben vices {and} sy{n}ne maladies of corage. ¶ and so as
we ne deme nat şat şei şat ben seek of hire body ben 3736
worşi to ben hated. but raşer worşi of pite. wel more
worşi nat to ben hated. but forto ben had in pite ben
şei of whiche şe şou[gh]tes ben constreined by felonous
wickednesse. şat is more cruel şa{n} any languissinge of 3740
body.
[Linenotes:
3715 _tourment[gh]_--torment
_şe_ (2)--omitted
3719 _[to] s[e]yn_--to seyn
3722 _sawen_--sawh
_sholde_--sholden
3723 [_the_]--from C.
3724 _au[gh]ten_--owhte
3725-29 _whiche_--which
3729 _bytideş_--MS. byndeş, C. bytidith
[_şat_]--from C.
3730 _ylete_--I-leten
3731 _haş_--MS. haşe
3732 _wolde_--nyl
_moche_--mochel
3733 _fole_--fool
3736 _seek_--syke]
[Headnote:
THE FOLLY OF WAR.]
QUID TANTOS IUUAT.
[Sidenote: [The ferthe Met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: What frenzy causes man to hasten on his fate, that is,
by war or by strife.]
++What deliteş it [gh]ow to exciten so grete moewynges of
hatredes {and} to hasten {and} bisien [the] fatal disposic{i}ou{n}
of [gh]oure deeş wiş [gh]oure p{ro}pre handes. şat is 3744
to seyn by batailes or [by] contek.
[Sidenote: If death is desired he delays not to come.]
for yif [gh]e axen şe
deeş it hastisiş hym of hys owen wille. ne deeş ne [[pg 131]]
tarieş nat hys swifte hors.
[Sidenote: Why do they who are exposed to the assaults of beasts
of prey and venomous reptiles seek to slay each other with the
sword.]
and [the] men şat şe serpent[gh]
{and} şe lyou{n}s. {and} şe tigre. {and} şe beere {and} şe 3748
boore seken to sleen wiş her teşe. [gh]it şilke same men
seken to sleen eueryche of hem oşer wiş swerde.
[Sidenote: Lo! their manners and opinions do not accord, wherefore
they engage in unjust wars, and fiercely urge on each other's
destiny.]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 29 _b_.]]
loo for
her man{er}s ben *diuerse {and} discordaunt ¶ şei
moeuen vnry[gh]tful oostes {and} cruel batailes. {and} wilne 3752
to p{er}isse by enterchaungynge of dartes.
[Sidenote: But this is no just reason for shedding blood.]
but şe resou{n}
of cruelte nis nat ynou[gh] ry[gh]tful.
[Sidenote: Wouldst thou reward each as he deserves? Then love the
good as they deserve, and have pity upon the wicked.]
wilt şou şan [gh]elden a
couenable gerdou{n} to şe desertes of men ¶ Loue ry[gh]tfully
goode folk[;] {and} haue pite on shrewes. 3756
[Linenotes:
3743 [_the_]--from C.
3745 [_by_]--from C.
3746 _hastisiş_--hasteth
_owen wille_--owne wyl
3747 [_the_]--from C.
3749 _boore_--boor
_teşe_--teth
3750 _swerde_--swerd
3751 _her_--hir
3752 _wilne_--wylnen
3753 _enterchaungynge_--entrechaungynges]
[Headnote:
THE OPERATIONS OF CHANCE.]
HINC EGO UIDEO INQ{UA}M. {ET} CET{ERA}.
[Sidenote: [The fyfthe p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: _B._ I see plainly the nature of that felicity which
attends the virtues of the good, and of the misery that follows
the vices of the wicked.]
++Şus see I wel q{uo}d I. eyşer what blisfulnesse or ellys
what vnselinesse is estab[l]issed in şe desertys of
goode men {and} of shrewes.
[Sidenote: But in Fortune I see a mixture of good and evil. The
wise man prefers riches, &c., to poverty, &c.]
¶ but in şis ilke fortune
of poeple I see somwhat of goode. {and} somwhat of 3760
yuel. for no wise man haş nat leuer ben exiled pore
{and} nedy {and} nameles. şan forto dwellen in hys Citee
{and} flouren of rychesses. {and} be redoutable by honoure.
{and} stronge of power
[Sidenote: And wisdom appears more illustrious, when wise men are
governors and impart their felicity to their subjects; and when
imprisonment, torture, &c., are inflicted only upon bad citizens.]
for in şis wise more clerely {and} 3764
more witnesfully is şe office of wise men ytretid whan
şe blisfulnes {and} [the] pouste of gouerno{ur}s is as it
were yshad amonges poeples şat ben ney[gh]boures {and}
subgit[gh]. syn şat namely prisou{n} lawe {and} şise oşer 3768
to{ur}ment[gh] of lawful peynes ben raşer owed to felonous
Cite[gh]eins. for şe whiche felonous Cite[gh]eins şo peynes
ben establissed. şan for goode folk.
[Sidenote: Why, then, should things undergo so unnatural a
change? Why should the worthy suffer and the vicious receive
the reward of virtue?]
¶ şan I m{er}ueile
me gretly q{uo}d I. whi [ş{a}t] şe şinges ben so mys 3772
entrechaunged. şat to{ur}ment[gh] felounes pressen {and}
confounden goode folk. {and} shrewes rauyssen medes of
vertue {and} ben i{n} hono{ur}s. {and} in grete estatis. [[pg 132]]
[Sidenote: I should like to hear the reason of so unjust a
distribution.]
and I
desire eke to wite{n} of şe. what semeş şe to ben şe 3776
resou{n} of şis so wrongful a confusiou{n}
[Sidenote: I should not marvel so much if _Chance_ were the cause
of all this confusion.]
¶ For I wolde
wondre wel şe lasse yif I trowed[e] şat alle şise şinges
were medeled by fortuouse hap.
[Sidenote: But I am overwhelmed with astonishment when I reflect,
that God the director of all things thus unequally distributes
rewards and punishments.]
¶ But now hepeş
{and} encreseş myne astonyenge god gouerno{ur} of şinges. 3780
şat so as god [gh]eueş ofte tymes to good[e] men goodes
{and} myrşes. {and} to shrewes yuel and aspre şinges.
{and} [gh]eueş a[gh]eynewarde to goode folk hardnesse. {and} to
shrewes [he] g{ra}unteş hem her wille {and} şat şei desiren. 3784
[Sidenote: What difference is there, then, unless we know the
cause, between God's proceedings and the operations of Chance?]
what difference şan may şer be bitwixen ş{a}t şat
god doş. {and} şe hap of fortune. yif men ne knowe nat
şe cause whi şat [it] is.
[Sidenote: _P._ It is not at all surprising that you think you see
irregularities, when you are ignorant of that order by which God
proceeds.]
it nis no merueile q{uo}d she şou[gh]
şat men wenen şat şer be somwhat folysche and confus 3788
whan şe resou{n} of şe order is vnknowe.
[Sidenote: But, forasmuch as God, the good governor, presides over
all, rest assured that all things are done rightly and as they
ought to be done.]
¶ But alle
şou[gh] şou ne know nat şe cause of so gret a disposic{i}ou{n}.
naşeles for as moche as god şe good[e] gouernour attempreş
{and} gouerneş şe world. ne doute şe nat şat 3792
alle şinges ne ben doon ary[gh]t.
[Linenotes:
3760 _goode_--good
3761 _haş_--MS. haşe
_nat_--omitted
_leuer_--leu{er}e
3762 _şan_--MS. şat, C. than
3763 _redoutable_--MS. redentable, C. redowtable
3764 _stronge_--strong
_clerely_--clerly
3766 [_the_]--from C.
3767 _ney[gh]boures_--nesshebors
3769 _lawful_--laweful
3771 _goode_--good
3772 [_şat_]--from C.
3775 _grete_--gret
3776 _to witen_--forto weten
3778 _trowed[e]_--trowede
_alle_--al
3779 _were_--weeren
_fortuouse_--fortunous
3780 _myne_--myn
3781 _good[e]_--goode
3782 _yuel_--yuelis
3783 _hardnesse_--hardnesses
3784 [_he_]--from C.
_wille_--wyl
3785 _difference_--MS. differenee
3786 _doş_--MS. doşe
_hap_--happe
3787 [_it_]--from C.
_it_--ne it
3788 _confus_--confuse
3789 _alle_--al
3791 _good[e]_--goode
3793 _ne_--omitted]
[Headnote:
THE HIDDEN CAUSES OF THINGS.]
SI QUIS ARCTURI[8] SYDERA.
[Footnote 8: MS. arituri]
[Sidenote: [The fyfthe Met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: He who knows not that the Bear is seen near the Pole,
nor has observed the path of Boötes, will marvel at their
appearance.]
++Who so şat ne knowe nat şe sterres of arctour
yto{ur}ned neye to şe souereyne contre or point.
şat is to seyne yto{ur}ned neye to şe souereyne pool of şe 3796
firmament {and} woot nat whi şe sterre boetes passeş or
gaderiş his wey[n]es. {and} drencheş his late flaumbes in
şe see. {and} whi şat boetes şe sterre vnfoldiş his ouer
swifte arisynges. şan shal he wo{n}dre{n} of şe lawe of şe 3800
heye eyre.
[Sidenote: The vulgar are alarmed when shadows terrestrial obscure
the moon's brightness, causing the stars to be displayed.]
{and} eke if şat he ne knowe nat why şat şe
hornes of şe ful[le] moene waxen pale {and} infect by şe
bou{n}des of şe derke ny[gh]t ¶ and how şe moene dirk
{and} confuse discouereş şe sterres. şat she had[de] [[pg 133]]
ycouered by hir clere visage.
[Sidenote: Thinking the eclipse the result of enchantment, they
sought to destroy the charms by the tinkling of brazen vessels or
cymbals.]
şe co{m}mune errour moeueş 3805
folk {and} makiş wery hir bacines of bras by şikke
strookes. şat is to seyne şat şer is a maner poeple şat
hy[gh]t[e] coribandes şat wenen şat whan şe moone is in 3808
şe eclips şat it be enchau{n}tid. and şerfore forto rescowe
şe moone şei betyn hire basines wiş şikke strokes.
[Sidenote: Yet none marvel when the north-west wind renders the
sea tempestuous; nor when vast heaps of congealed snow are melted
by the warm rays of the sun, because the causes are apparent.]
¶ Ne no man ne wondreş whan şe blastes of şe wynde
chorus betyn şe strondes of şe see by quakynge floodes. 3812
ne no man ne wondreş whan şe wey[gh]te of şe snowe
yhardid by şe colde. is resolued by şe brennynge hete
of phebus şe sonne. ¶ For here seen men redyly şe
causes.
[Sidenote: Things whose causes are unknown disquiet the human
mind.]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 30.]]
but şe *causes yhid şat is to seye in heuene 3816
trouble şe brestes of men.
[Sidenote: The fickle mob stands amazed at every rare or sudden
phenomenon.]
¶ şe moeueable poeple is
a-stoned of alle şinges şat comen selde {and} sodeynely in
oure age.
[Sidenote: Fear and wonder, however, soon cease when ignorance
given place to certain knowledge.]
but yif şe troubly errour of oure ignora{n}ce
departid[e] from vs. so şat we wisten şe causes whi şat 3820
swiche şinges bitiden. certys şei sholde{n} cesse to seme
wondres.
[Linenotes:
3794 _arctour_--MS. aritour
3795 _neye_--neygh
3796 _seyne_--seyn
_neye_--nygh
3797-99 _boetes_--MS. boeces, C. boetes
3798 _his_ (1)--hise
_wey[n]es_--weynes
3802 _ful[le]_--fulle
3804 _had[de]_--hadde
3806 _bacines_--MS. batines
_şikke_--MS. şilke, C. thilke
3807 _seyne_--seyn
3808 _hy[gh]t[e]_--hihte
3809 _eclips_--eclypse
3812 _chorus_--MS. thorus, C. chorus
3813 _snowe_--sonwh = snowh
3815 _here_--her
_redyly_--redely
3816 _yhid_--MS. yhidde, C. I-hid
_seye_--seyn
3817 _trouble_--trowblen
3820 _departid[e] from_--departede fro]
[Headnote:
FIVE GREAT QUESTIONS.]
ITA EST INQ{UA}M.
[Sidenote: [The syxte p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: _B._ So it is. But as thou hast promised to unfold the
hidden causes of things, and unveil things wrapt up in darkness; I
pray thee deliver me from my present perplexity, and explain the
mystery I mentioned to you.]
++Şvs is it q{uo}d I. but so as şou hast [gh]euen or byhy[gh]t
me to vnwrappe{n} şe hidde causes of şinges ¶ and 3824
to discoueren me şe resou{n}s couered w{i}t{h} dirknesses I
p{re}ye şe şat şou diuise {and} Iuge me of şis matere. {and}
şat şou do me to vndrestonde{n} it. ¶ For şis miracle
or şis wondre troubleş me ry[gh]t gretely.
[Sidenote: _P._ You ask me to declare to you the most intricate of
all questions, which I am afraid can scarce be answered.]
{and} şan she a 3828
litel [what] smylyng seide. ¶ şou clepest me q{uo}d
she to telle şing. şat is grettest of alle şinges şat mowen
ben axed. ¶ And to şe whiche questiou{n} vnneş[e]s is
şere au[gh]t ynow to lauen it. as who seiş. vnneşes is şer 3832
suffisauntly any şing to answere p{er}fitly to şi questiou{n}.
[Sidenote: For the subject is of such a kind, that when one doubt
is removed, innumerable others, like the heads of the hydra,
spring up.]
¶ For şe matere of it is swiche şat whan oon doute is [[pg 134]]
determined {and} kut awey şer wexe{n} oşer doutes wiş-outen
nou{m}bre. ry[gh]t as şe heuedes waxen of ydre şe 3836
serpent şat hercules slou[gh].
[Sidenote: Nor would there be any end of them unless they were
restrained by a quick and vigorous effort of the mind.]
¶ Ne şere ne were no
man{er}e ne noon ende. but yif şat a wy[gh]t co{n}streined[e]
şo doutes. by a ry[gh]t lyuely {and} a quik fire of şou[gh]t. şat
is to seyn by vigo{ur} {and} strengşe of witte.
[Sidenote: The question whereof you want a solution embraces the
five following points: 1. Simplicity, or unity of Providence. 2.
The order and course of Destiny.]
¶ For in 3840
şis matere me{n} weren wont to maken questiou{n}s of şe
simplicite of şe p{ur}ueaunce of god {and} of şe ordre of
destine.
[Sidenote: 3. Sudden chance. 4. Prescience of God, and divine
predestination. 5. Free-will.]
{and} of sodeyne hap. {and} of şe knowyng {and}
p{re}destinac{i}ou{n} deuine {and} of şe lyberte of fre wille. 3844
şe whiche şing şou şi self ap{er}ceiust wel of what wey[gh]t
şei ben. but for as mochel as şe knowynge of şise
şinges is a manere porc{i}ou{n} to şe medicine to şe. al be it
so şat I haue lytel tyme to don it.
[Sidenote: I will try to treat of these things:--]
[gh]it naşeles I wole 3848
enforcen me to shewe somwhat of it. ¶ but al şou[gh]
şe norissinges of dite of musike deliteş şe şow most
suffren. {and} forberen a litel of şilk delite while şat I
weue (contexo) to şe resou{n}s yknyt by ordre ¶ As it likeş 3852
to şe q{uo}d I so do.
[Sidenote: Resuming her discourse as from a new principle,
Philosophy argued as follows:--]
¶ şo spak she ry[gh]t a[s] by an oşer
bygynnyn[ge] {and} seide şus.
[Sidenote: The generation of all things, every progression of
things liable to change, and everything that moveth, derive their
causes, order, and form from the immutability of the divine
understanding.]
¶ şe enge{n}drynge of alle
şinges q{uo}d she {and} alle şe progressiou{n}s of muuable
nat{ur}e. {and} alle ş{a}t moeueş in any manere takiş hys 3856
causes. hys ordre. {and} hys formes. of şe stablenesse of şe
deuyne şou[gh]t
[Sidenote: Providence directs all things by a variety of means.]
[{and} thilke deuyne thowht] şat is yset {and}
put in şe toure. şat is to seyne in şe hey[gh]t of şe simplicite
of god. stablisiş many manere gyses to şinges şat 3860
ben to don.
[Sidenote: These means, referred only to the divine intelligence,
are called Providence; but when contemplated in relation to the
things which receive motion and order from them, are called
Destiny.]
¶ şe whiche manere whan şat men loken
it i{n} şilke pure clerenesse of şe deuyne i{n}telligence. it
is ycleped p{ur}ueaunce ¶ but whan şilke manere is referred
by me{n} to şinges şat it moeueş {and} disponeş şan [[pg 135]]
of olde men. it was cleped destine.
[Linenotes:
3823 _byhy[gh]t_--by-hyhte
3824 _hidde_--hyd
3826 _preye_--p{re}ey
_diuise_--deuyse
3827 _do_--don
3828 _gretely_--gretly
3829 [_what_]--from C.
3832 _şere au[gh]t_--ther awht
3834 _swiche_--swych
_oon_--o
3835 _wişouten noumbre_--w{i}t{h}-owte nowmbyr
3836 _waxen_--wexen
3837 _şere_--ther
3838 _constreined[e]_--constreynede
3839 _lyuely_--lyfly
3840 _witte_--wit
3843 _hap_--happe
3845 _wey[gh]t_--wyht
3848 _wole_--wol
3850 _şow_--MS. now, C. ş{o}u
_most suffren_--MS. moste to souereyne; C. most suffren
3851 _şilk_--thilke
3853 _şo_--so
_spak_--MS. spake, C. spak
_a[s]_--as
3856 _alle_--al
3858 [_and----thowht_]--from C.
_yset_--MS. ysette, C. yset
3859 _toure_--towr
_seyne_--seyn
_hey[gh]t_--heyhte
3861 _don_--done
3862 _clerenesse_--klennesse]
[Headnote:
OF FATE AND PROVIDENCE.]
[Sidenote: Reflection on the efficacy of the one and the other
will soon cause us to see their differences.]
¶ şe whiche 3865
şinges yif şat any wy[gh]t lokeş wel in his şou[gh]t.
şe strengşe of şat oon {and} of şat oşer he shal ly[gh]tly mowen
seen şat şise two şinges ben diuers.
[Sidenote: Providence is the divine intelligence manifested in the
disposition of worldly affairs.]
¶ For p{ur}ueau{n}ce 3868
is şilke deuyne resou{n} şat is establissed in şe souereyne
p{r}ince of şinges. şe whiche p{ur}ueaunce disponiş alle
şinges.
[Sidenote: Destiny or Fate is that inherent state or condition of
movable things by means whereof Providence retains them in the
order in which she has placed them.]
but destine is şe disposic{i}ou{n} {and} ordenaunce
cleuynge to moeuable şinges. by şe whiche disposic{i}ou{n} 3872
şe p{ur}ueaunce knyteş alle şinges in hire ordres.
[Sidenote: Providence embraces all things, although diverse and
infinite; but Fate gives motion to every individual thing, and in
the place and under the form appropriated to it.]
¶ For p{ur}ueaunce enbraceş alle şi{n}ges to hepe. al şou[gh] şat
şei ben dyuerse {and} al şou[gh] şei ben wiş outen fyn. but
destynie dep{ar}teş {and} ordeyneş alle şinges singlerly 3876
{and} diuideş. in moeuynges. in places. in formes. in
tymes. dep{ar}tiş [as] şus.
[Sidenote: So that the explication of this order of things wrapt
up in the divine intelligence is Providence; and being unfolded
according to time and other circumstances, may be called Fate.]
so şat şe vnfoldyng of temp{or}el
ordenaunce assembled {and} ooned in şe lokyng of
şe deuyne şou[gh]t ¶ Is p{ur}ueaunce {and} şilke same 3880
assemblynge. {and} oonyng diuided {and} vnfolden by
tymes. lat şat ben called destine.
[Sidenote: Though these things appear to differ, yet one of them
depends on the other, for the order of Fate proceeds from the
unity of Providence.]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 30 _b_.]]
{and} al be *it so şat
şise şinges ben dyuerse. [gh]itte naşeles hangeş şat oon
on şat oşer. forwhi şe ordre destinal p{ro}cediş of şe 3884
simplicite of purueaunce.
[Sidenote: For as a workman, who has formed in his head the plan
of a work which he is desirous to finish, executes it afterwards,
and produces after a time all the different parts of the model
which he has conceived;]
for ry[gh]t as a werkma{n} şat
ap{er}ceiueş in hys şou[gh]t şe forme of şe şing şat he wil
make moeueş şe effect of şe werke. {and} lediş şat he
had[de] loked byforne in hys şou[gh]t symply {and} p{re}sently 3888
by temp{or}el şou[gh]t.
[Sidenote: so God in the plan of his Providence disposes
everything to be brought about in a certain order and in a proper
time;]
¶ Certys ry[gh]t so god disponiş
in hys p{ur}ueaunce singlerly {and} stably şe şinges
şat ben to done. but he amynistreş in many maneres
{and} in dyuerse tymes by destyne. şilke same şinges 3892
şat he haş disponed şan wheşir şat destine be excercised.
[Linenotes:
3872 _cleuynge_--clyuynge
3875 _wiş outen fyn_--Infynyte
3876 _singlerly_--syngulerly
3877 _in_ (3)--MS. {and}, C. in
3878 _departiş_--omitted
[_as_]--from C.
_so şat_--lat
3884 _on_--of
3886 _wil_--wol
3888 _had[de]_--hadde
_symply_--symplely
3889 _şou[gh]t_--ordinau{n}ce
3890 _singlerly_--syngulerly
_stably_--stablely
3893 _haş_--MS. haşe]
[Headnote:
PROVIDENCE CONTROLS FATE.]
[Sidenote: and afterwards, by the ministry of Fate, he
accomplishes what he has planned, conformably to that order and
that time.]
eyşer by so{m}me dyuyne spirites seruaunte[gh] to
şe deuyne p{ur}ueaunce. or ellys by so{m}me soule (a{n}i{m}a
mundi). or ellys by al nature seruynge to god. or ellys [[pg 136]]
by şe celestial moeuyng of sterres. or ellys by şe vertue 3897
of aungels. or ellys by şe dyuerse subtilite of deueles.
or ellys by any of he{m}. or ellys by hem alle şe destynal
ordynau{n}ce is ywouen or accomplissed. certys it is open 3900
şing şat şe p{ur}ueaunce is an vnmoeueable {and} symple
forme of şinges to done. {and} şe moeueable bonde {and}
şe temp{or}el ordynaunce of şinges whiche şat şe deuyne
simplicite of p{ur}ueaunce haş ordeyned to done. şat is 3904
destine.
[Sidenote: So then, however Fate be exercised, it is evident that
things subject to Destiny are under the control of Providence,
which disposes Destiny.]
For whiche it is şat alle şinges şat ben put
vndir destine ben certys subgit[gh] to p{ur}ueaunce. to
whiche p{ur}ueaunce destine it self is subgit {and} vndir.
[Sidenote: But some things under Providence are exempt from the
control of Fate; being stably fixed near to the Divinity himself,
and beyond the movement of Destiny.]
¶ But so{m}me şinges ben put vndir purueaunce şat 3908
so{ur}mounten şe ordinaunce of destine. {and} şo ben
şilke şat stably ben yficched ney to şe first godhed şei
so{ur}mou{n}ten şe ordre of destinal moeuablite.
[Sidenote: For even, as among several circles revolving round one
common centre, that which is innermost approaches nearest to the
simplicity of the middle points, and is, as it were, a centre,
round which the outward ones revolve;]
¶ For
ry[gh]t as cercles şat to{ur}nen aboute a same Centre or 3912
about a poynt. şilke cercle şat is inrest or moost wiş-ynne
ioineş to şe symplesse of şe myddel {and} is as it
were a Centre or a poynt to şat oşer cercles şat tourne{n}
aboute{n} hym.
[Sidenote: whilst the outermost, revolving in a wider
circumference, the further it is from the centre describes a
larger space--but yet, if this circle or anything else be joined
to the middle point, it is constrained to be immovable.]
¶ and şilke şat is outerest compased by 3916
larger envyronnynge is vnfolden by larger spaces in so
mochel as it is forşest fro şe mydel symplicite of şe
poynt. and yif şer be any şi{n}g şat knytteş {and} felawshippeş
hym selfe to şilke mydel poynt it is constreyned 3920
in to symplicite. şat is to seyn in to [vn]moeueablete.
{and} it ceseth to ben shad {and} to fleti{n} dyuersly.
[Sidenote: By parity of reason, the further anything is removed
from the first intelligence, so much the more is it under the
control of Destiny;]
¶ Ry[gh]t
so by semblable resou{n}. şilke şinge şat dep{ar}tiş firşest
fro şe first şou[gh]t of god. it is vnfolde{n} {and} su{m}mittid 3924
to grettere bondes of destine.
[Sidenote: and the nearer anything approaches to this
Intelligence, the centre of all things, the more stable it
becomes, and the less dependent upon Destiny.]
and in so moche is şe
şing more free {and} lovs fro destyne as it axeş {and}
holdeş hym ner to şilke Centre of şinges. şat is to [[pg 137]]
seyne god.
[Linenotes:
3894 _eyşer_--owther
_seruaunte[gh]_--MS. seruaunce[gh]
3895 _somme_--som
3896 _al_--alle
3897 _moeuyng_--moeuynges
3900 _ywouen_--MS. ywonnen, C. ywouen
_or_--{and}
3902 _bonde_--bond
3904 _haş_--MS. haşe
3905 _whiche_--which
3912 _as_--as of
3913 _about_--a-bowte
_inrest_--innerest
3917 _larger_ (1)--a large
3918 _mochel_--moche
_forşest_--ferther{e}
3920 _selfe_--self
3921 _[vn]moeueablete_--vnmoeuablete
3922 _ceseth_--MS. fleşe, C. cesith
3923 _şinge_--thing
3924 _of_--MS. to, C. of
3926 _lovs_--laus
3927 _ner_--ner{e}]
[Headnote:
DESTINY RULES NATURE.]
[Sidenote: And if we suppose that the thing in question is joined
to the stability of the supreme mind, it then becomes immovable,
and is beyond the necessity and power of destiny.]
¶ and if şe şinge cleueş to şe stedfastnesse 3928
of şe şou[gh]t of god. {and} be wiş oute moeuyng certys it
so{ur}mounteş şe necessite of destyne.
[Sidenote: As reasoning is to the understanding, as that which is
produced to that which exists of itself, as time to eternity, as
the circle to the centre, so is the movable order of Fate to the
stable simplicity of Providence.]
şan ry[gh]t swiche
comparisou{n} as [it] is of skilynge to vndirstondyng {and}
of şing şat is engendred to şing şat is. {and} of tyme to 3932
eternite. {and} of şe cercle to şe Centre. ry[gh]t so is şe
ordre of moeueable destine to şe stable symplicite of
p{ur}ueaunce.
[Sidenote: Destiny rules nature.]
¶ şilke ordinaunce moeueş şe heuene
{and} şe sterres {and} attempreş şe elyment[gh] to gider 3936
amonges hem self. {and} t{ra}nsformeş hem by enterchau{n}gable
mutac{i}ou{n}. ¶ and şilke same ordre neweş
a[gh]ein alle şinges growyng {and} fallyng a-doune by sembleables
p{ro}gressiou{n}s of seedes {and} of sexes. şat is 3940
to sein. male {and} female.
[Sidenote: It controls the actions of men by an indissoluble chain
of causes, and is, like their origin, immutable.]
and şis ilke ordre co{n}streyneş
şe fortunes {and} şe dedes of men by a bonde of causes
nat able to ben vnbou{n}den (indissolubili). şe whiche
destinal causes whanne şei passen oute fro şe bygynnynges 3944
of şe vnmoeueable purueaunce it mot nedes
be şat şei ne be nat mutable.
[Sidenote: Thus, then, are all things well conducted, since that
invariable order of cause has its origin in the simplicity of the
Divine mind, and by its inherent immutability exercises a
restraint upon mutable things, and preserves them from
irregularity.]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 31.]]
{and} şus ben şe şinges ful
wel ygouerned. yif şat şe symplicite dwelly{n}ge *in şe
deuyne şou[gh]t sheweş furşe şe ordre of causes. vnable to 3948
be I-bowed. {and} şis ordre constreyneş by hys p{ro}pre
stablete şe moeueable şinges. or ellys şei sholde fleten
folily
[Sidenote: To those who understand not this order, things appear
confused--nevertheless, the proper condition of all things directs
and inclines it to their true good.]
for whiche it is şat alle şinges semen to be confus
{and} trouble to vs men. for we ne mowe nat co{n}sider{e} 3952
şilke ordinaunce. ¶ Naşeles şe p{ro}pre manere of
euery şing dressynge hem to goode disponit hem alle.
[Sidenote: For there is nothing done for the sake of evil, not
even by the wicked, who, in seeking for felicity, are led astray
by crooked error.]
for şere nis no şinge don for cause of yuel. ne şilke
şing şat is don by wicked[e] folk nis nat don for yuel 3956
şe whiche shrewes as I haue shewed [ful] plentiuously
seken goode. but wicked errour mysto{ur}niş he{m}.
[Linenotes:
3928 _seyne_--seyn
_şinge cleueş_--thing clyueth
_stedfastnesse_--stydefastnesse
3930 _swiche_--swych
3931 [_it_]--from C.
3932 _to_ (2)--MS. of, C. to
3937 _enterchaungable_--MS. enterchau{n}gyngable,
C. entrechaungeable
3939 _a-doune_--a-down
_sembleables_--semblable
3942 _bonde_--bond
3943 _ben vnbounden_--be vnbownde
3944 _oute_--owt
3948 _furşe_--forth
3949 _I-bowed_--MS. vnbounde{n}, C. I-bowed
3950 _sholde_--sholden
3951 _whiche_--which
3952 _mowe_--mowen
3956 _wicked[e]_--wykkede
3957 [_ful_]--from C.
3958 _goode_--good]
[[pg 138]]
[Headnote:
NOTHING DONE FOR EVIL'S SAKE.]
[Sidenote: But the order proceeding from the centre of supreme
goodness does not mislead any.]
¶ Ne şe ordre comynge fro şe poynt of souereyne goode ne
declineş nat fro hys bygynnynge.
[Sidenote: But you may say, what greater confusion can there be
than that both prosperous and adverse things should at times
happen to good men, and that evil men should at one time enjoy
their desires and at another be tormented by hateful things.]
but şou mayst sein 3960
what vnreste may ben a wors co{n}fusiou{n} şan ş{a}t goode
men han so{m}me tyme aduersite. {and} so{m}tyme p{ro}sperite.
¶ and shrewes also han now şinges şat şei
desiren.
[Sidenote: Are men wise enough to discover, whether those whom
they believe to be virtuous or wicked, are so in reality?]
{and} now şi{n}ges şat şei haten ¶ wheşer men 3964
lyuen now in swiche hoolnesse of şou[gh]t. as who seiş.
ben men now so wise. şat swiche folk as şei demen to
ben goode folk or shrewes ş{a}t it mot nedes ben şat folk
ben swiche as şei wenen.
[Sidenote: Opinions differ as to this matter. Some who are deemed
worthy of reward by one person, are deemed unworthy by another.]
but in şis manere şe domes 3968
of men discorden. şat şilke men ş{a}t so{m}me folk demen
worşi of mede. oşer folk demen hem worşi of to{ur}ment.
[Sidenote: But, suppose it were possible for one to distinguish
with certainty between the good and the bad?]
but lat vs graunt[e] I pose şat som man may wel demen
or knowen şe goode folk {and} şe badde.
[Sidenote: Then he must have as accurate a knowledge of the mind
as one has of the body.]
May he şan 3972
knowen {and} seen şilke inrest attemp{er}aunce of corages.
as it haş ben wont to be said of bodyes. as who saiş
may a man speken {and} determine of attemp{er}aunce in
corages. as men were wont to demen or speken of complexiou{n}s 3976
{and} attemp{er}aunces of bodies (q' non).
[Sidenote: It is miraculous to him who knows it not, why sweet
things are agreeable to some bodies, and bitter to others; why
some sick persons are relieved by lenitives and others by sharper
remedies.]
ne it [ne] is nat an vnlyke miracle to hem şat ne knowe{n}
it nat. ¶ As who seiş. but is lyke a merueil or a
miracle to hem şat ne knowe{n} it nat. whi şat swete 3980
şinges [ben] couenable to some bodies şat ben hool {and}
to some bodies bittre şinges ben couenable. {and} also
whi şat some seke folk ben holpen w{i}t{h} ly[gh]t medicines
[{and} some folk ben holpen w{i}t{h} sharppe medicynes] 3984
[Sidenote: It is no marvel to the leech, who knows the causes of
disease, and their cures.]
but naşeles şe leche ş{a}t knoweş şe manere {and} şe attemp{er}aunce
of heele {and} of maladie ne merueileş of it no
şing.
[Sidenote: What constitutes the health of the mind, but goodness?
And what are its maladies, but vice?]
but what oşer şing semeş hele of corages but
bounte {and} prowesse. {and} what oşer şing semeş maladie 3988
of corages but vices.
[Sidenote: Who is the preserver of good, or the driver away of
evil, but God, the physician of souls, who knows what is necessary
for men, and bestows it upon them?]
who is ellys kep{er}e of good or
dryuere awey of yuel but god gouerno{ur} {and} leecher of [[pg 139]]
şou[gh]tes. şe whiche god wha{n} he haş by-holden from şe
heye toure of hys p{ur}ueaunce he knoweş what is 3992
couenable to euery wy[gh]t. {and} leneş hem şat he wot
[şat] is couenable to hem.
[Sidenote: From this source springs that great marvel--_the order
of destiny_--wrought by the wisdom of God, and marveled at by
ignorant men.]
Loo here of comeş {and}
here of is don şis noble miracle of şe ordre destinal.
[Linenotes:
3959 _goode_--good
3960 _declineş_--MS. enclineş, C. declynyth
3961 _wors_--worse
3962 _somme tyme_--somtyme
3965 _swiche_--swych
3967 _goode_--good
_mot_--moste
3971 _graunt[e]_--graunte
3973 _inrest_--Inneryste
3974 _haş_--MS. haşe
_said_--MS. saide, C. seyd
3975 _determine_--det{er}minen
3978 [_ne_]--from C.
_vnlyke_--vn-lyk
3979 _lyke_--lik
3981 [_ben_]--from C.
_hool_--hoole
3984 [_and----medicynes_]--from C.
3991 _haş_--MS. haşe
3993 _wot_--MS. wote, C. wot
3994 [_şat_]--from C.
3995 _don_--MS. done, C. don
_miracle_--MS. mirache, C. myracle
_ordre_--MS. ordre of]
[Headnote:
GOD THE SOUL'S PHYSICIAN.]
whan god şat alle knoweş doş swiche şing. of whiche 3996
şing [şat] vnknowyng folk ben astoned
[Sidenote: But, now let us notice a few things concerning the
depth of the Divine knowledge which human reason may comprehend.]
but forto constreine
as who seiş ¶ But forto co{m}prehende {and} telle
a fewe şinges of şe deuyne depnesse şe whiche şat mans
resou{n} may vnderstonde.
[Sidenote: The man you deem just, may appear otherwise to the
omniscient eye of Providence.]
¶ şilk man şat şou wenest 4000
to ben ry[gh]t Iuste {and} ry[gh]t kepyng of eq{u}ite. şe contrarie
of şat semeş to şe deuyne p{ur}ueaunce şat al woot.
¶ And lucan my familier telleş şat şe victories cause
liked[e] to şe goddes {and} causes ouercomen liked[e] to 4004
cato{u}n.
[Sidenote: When you see apparent irregularities--unexpected and
unwished for--deem them to be rightly done.]
şan what so euer şou mayst seen şat is don in
şis [world] vnhoped or vnwened. certys it is şe ry[gh]t[e]
ordre of şinges. but as to şi wicked[e] oppiniou{n} it is a
co{n}fusiou{n}.
[Sidenote: Let us suppose a man so well behaved, as to be approved
of God and man--but not endowed with firmness of mind, so that the
reverses of fortune will cause him to forgo his probity, since
with it he cannot retain his prosperity.]
but I suppose şat som man be so wel yşewed. 4008
şat şe deuyne Iugement {and} şe Iugeme{n}t of mankynde
accorden hem to gidre of hym. but he is so vnstedfast
of corage [şat] yif any aduersite come to hym he wolde
for-leten p{er}auenture to continue i{n}nocence by şe 4012
whiche he ne may nat wişholden fortune.
[Sidenote: A wise Providence, knowing that adversity might destroy
this man's integrity, averts from him that adversity which he is
not able to sustain.]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 31 _b_.]]
¶ şan şe
wise dispensac{i}ou{n} of god spareş hym şe whiche
man{er}e adu{er}site *my[gh]t[e] enpeyren. ¶ For şat god
wil nat suffren hym to trauaile. to whom şat trauayl 4016
nis nat couenable.
[Sidenote: Another man is thoroughly virtuous, and approaches to
the purity of the deity--him Providence deems it an injustice to
oppress by adversity, and therefore exempts him even from bodily
disease.]
¶ An oş{er} man is p{er}fit in alle
uertues. {and} is an holy man {and} neye to god so şat şe
p{ur}ueaunce of god wolde demen şat it were a felony
şat he were touched wiş any aduersites. so şat he ne 4020
wil nat suffre şat swiche a man be moeued wiş any [[pg 140]]
manere maladie. ¶ But so as seide a philosophre [the
moore excellent by me]. şe adu{er}sites comen nat (he
seide in grec[;]) şere ş{a}t uertues han edified şe bodie 4024
of şe holy man.
[Sidenote: Providence often gives the direction of public affairs
to good men, in order to curb and restrain the malice of the
wicked.]
and ofte tyme it bitideş şat şe
so{m}me of şinges şat ben to don is taken to good folk
to gouerne. for şat şe malice habundaunt of shrewes
sholde ben abatid.
[Sidenote: To some is given a mixture of good and evil, according
to what is most suitable to the dispositions of their minds.]
{and} god [gh]eueş {and} dep{ar}tiş to oşer 4028
folk p{ro}sp[er]ites {and} aduersites ymedeled to hepe aftir
şe qualite of hire corages {and} remordiş som folk by
adu{er}sites.
[Sidenote: Upon some are laid moderate afflictions, lest they wax
proud by too long a course of prosperity.]
for şei ne sholden nat wexen proude by
longe welefulnesse.
[Sidenote: Others suffer great adversities that their virtues may
be exercised, and strengthened by the practice of patience.]
{and} oşer folk he suffreş to ben 4032
trauayled wiş harde şinges. ¶ For şat şei sholden conferme
şe vertues of corage by şe vsage {and} ex{er}citac{i}ou{n}
of pacie{n}ce.
[Sidenote: Some fear to be afflicted with what they are able to
endure. Others despise what they are unable to bear; and God
punishes them with calamities, to make them sensible of their
presumption.]
and oşer folke dreden more şen şei au[gh]ten
şe wiche şei my[gh]t[en] wel beren. {and} şilke folk god 4036
lediş in to exp{er}ience of hem self by aspre {and} sorweful
şinges.
[Sidenote: Many have purchased a great name by a glorious death.]
¶ And many oşer folk han bou[gh]t honorable
renoune of şis worlde by şe pris of glorious deeş.
[Sidenote: Others by their unshaken fortitude, have shown that
virtue cannot be overcome by adversity.]
and som men şat ne mowen nat ben ouer-comen by 4040
tourment han [gh]euen ensample to oşer folk şat vertue ne
may nat be ouer-comen by aduersites.
[[Transcriber's Note:
The sidenote "Others despise what they are unable to bear" does not
correspond to anything in the text. Skeat's edition includes the
phrase "and somme dispyse that they mowe nat beren" (Book IV,
Prose 6: _Ita Est Inquam_).]]
[Linenotes:
3996 _alle_--al
_doş_--MS. doşe
_whiche_--which
3997 [_şat_]--from C.
3999 _mans_--mannes
4000 _şilk_--thilke
4004 _liked[e]_ (_both_)--lykede
4005 _is don_--MS. is to don
4006 [_world_]--from C.
_ry[gh]t[e]_--ryhte
4007 _wicked[e]_--wykkede
4010 _vnstedfast_--vnstydefast
4011 [_şat_]--from C.
_wolde_--wol
4015 _manere_--man
_my[gh]t[e]_--myhte
4016 _wil_--wol
4018 _neye_--negh
4021 _wil_--wol
_swiche_--swych
4022 _manere_--bodyly
4022-3 [_the----me_]--from C.
4023 _şe aduersites----nat_--omitted
4024 _şere_--omitted
4026 _don_--done
_to_ (2)--MS. so
_to good----gouerne_--to gou{er}ne to goode folk
4028 _oşer_--oothr{e}
4030 _som_--some
4031 _sholden_--sholde
4033 _conferme_--confermen
4034 _corage_--corages
4036 _my[gh]t[en]_--myhten
4037 _hem_--hym
_sorweful_--sorwful
4038 _oşer_--oothr{e}
4039 _worlde_--world
_of_ (2)--of the
4041 _oşer_--othr{e}]
[Headnote:
HOW PROVIDENCE DEALS WITH MANKIND.]
[Sidenote: These things are done justly, and in order, and are for
the good of those to whom they happen.]
¶ and of alle
şise şinges şer nis no doute ş{a}t şei ne ben don ry[gh]tfully
{and} ordeinly to şe p{ro}fit of hem to whom we 4044
seen şise şinges bitide.
[Sidenote: From the same causes it happens, that sometimes
adversity and sometimes prosperity falls to the lot of the
wicked.]
¶ For certys şat aduersite
comeş some tyme to shrewes. {and} some tyme şat şei
desiren it comeş of şise forseide causes
[Sidenote: None are surprised to see bad men afflicted--they get
what they deserve.]
{and} of sorweful
şinges şat bytyden to shrewes. Certys no man ne 4048
wondreş. For alle me{n} wenen şat şei han wel deserued it.
[Sidenote: Their punishment, too, may cause amendment, or deter
others from like vices.]
{and} şei ben of wicked m{er}ite of whiche
shrewes şe to{ur}ment som tyme agasteş oşer to done [[pg 141]]
folies. {and} som tyme it amendeş hem şat suffren şe 4052
to{ur}mentis.
[Sidenote: When the wicked enjoy felicity--the good should learn
how little these external advantages are to be prized, which may
fall to the lot of the most worthless.]
¶ And şe p{ro}sp{er}ite şat is [gh]euen to
shrewes sheweş a grete argument to good[e] folk what
şing şei sholde demen of şilk wilfulnesse şe whiche
p{ro}sperite men seen ofte serue to shrewes.
[Sidenote: Another reason for dispensing worldly bliss to the
wicked is, that indigence would prompt naturally violent and
rapacious minds to commit the greatest enormities.]
in şe whiche 4056
şing I trowe şat god dispensiş. for p{er}auenture şe nature
of som man is so ouerşrowyng to yuel {and} so vncouenable
şat şe nedy pouerte of hys house-hold my[gh]t[e]
raşer egren hym to done felonies.
[Sidenote: Their disease God cures by the medicine of money.]
and to şe maladie 4060
of hym god puttiş remedie to [gh]iuen hym rychesse.
[Sidenote: Some men will cease to do wrong for fear, lest their
wealth be lost through their crimes.]
{and} som oşer man byholdiş hys conscience defouled wiş
synnes {and} makiş co{m}parisou{n} of his fortune {and} of
hym self ¶ and drediş p{er}auenture şat hys blisfulnesse 4064
of whiche şe vsage is ioyful to hym şat şe lesynge of
şilke blisfulnesse ne be nat sorweful to hym. {and} şerfore
he wol chaunge hys maneres. and for he drediş
to lese hys fortune. he forletiş hys wickednesse. 4068
[Sidenote: Upon others unmerited happiness is conferred, which at
last precipitates them into deserved destruction.]
to oşer folk is welefulnesse y[gh]eue{n} vnworşily şe whiche
ouerşroweş hem in to destrucc{i}ou{n} şat şei han deserued.
[Sidenote: To some there is given the power of chastisement, in
order both to exercise the virtues of the good and to punish the
wicked.]
and to som oşer folk is [gh]euen power to
punisse{n}. for şat it shal be cause of continuac{i}ou{n} {and} 4072
ex{er}cisinge to good[e] folk. {and} cause of to{ur}ment to
shrewes.
[Sidenote: For as there is no alliance between good and bad, so
neither can the vicious agree together.]
¶ For so as şer nis none alyaunce bytwixe
good[e] folke {and} shrewes. ne shrewes ne mowen nat
accorde{n} amo{n}ges hem self
[Sidenote: And how should they? Their vices make them at war with
themselves, rending and tearing their consciences, and there is
scarce anything they do, but what afterwards they disapprove of.]
{and} whi nat. for shrewes 4076
discorde{n} of hem self by her vices şe whiche vices al to
renden her consciences. {and} don oft[e] tyme şinges şe
whiche şinges whan şei han don hem. şei demen şat
şo şinges ne sholde nat han ben don.
[Sidenote: Hence arises a signal miracle brought about by
Providence--that evil men have often made wicked men good.]
for whiche şinge 4080
şilke souereyne p{ur}ueaunce haş maked oft[e] tyme
[fair{e}] miracle so ş{a}t shrewes han maked oftyme [[pg 142]]
shrewes to ben good[e] men.
[Sidenote: For these latter having suffered injuries from the
former, have become virtuous, in order that they might not
resemble those whom they so detested.]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 32.]]
for whan şat som shrewes
*seen şat şei suffren wrongfully felonies of oşer shrewes 4084
şei wexen eschaufed in to hat[e] of hem şat anoien
hem. {and} retournen to şe fruit of uertue. when şei
studien to ben vnlyke to he{m} şat şei han hated.
[Linenotes:
4046 _comeş_--comth
_some_ (_both_)--som
_şat şei_--MS. şei şat, C. ş{a}t that they
4047 _comeş_--comth
_sorweful_--sorwful
4050 _wicked_--wykkede
_merite_--MS. u{er}ite, C. m{er}yte
4051 _oşer_--oothr{e}
_done_--don
4052 _folies_--felonies
4054 _grete_--gret
_good[e]_--goode
4055 _sholde_--sholden
_şilk_--thilke
4056 _serue_--seruen
_whiche_--which
4057 _dispensiş_--MS. dispisiş, C. dispensith
4059 _my[gh]t[e]_--myhte
4060 _done_--don
4061 _rychesse_--Rychesses
4065 _whiche_--which
4068 MS. wrongly inserts _welefulnesse_ after _wickednesse_
4069-71 _oşer_--oothr{e}
4073 _good[e]_--goode
4074 _none_--non
4075 _good[e]_--goode
4076 _accorden_--acordy
4078 _don_--MS. done, C. don
_oft[e]_--ofte
4079 _don_--MS. done, C. don
4080 _sholde_--sholden
_whiche şinge_--which thing
4081 _haş_--MS. haşe
_oft[e]_--ofte
4082 [_faire_]--from C.
_oftyme_--omitted
4083 _good[e]_--goode
4085 _hat[e]_--hate
_anoien_--anoyeden
4087 _studien_--omitted
_vnlyke_--vnlyk]
[Headnote:
EVIL IS OVERRULED FOR GOOD.]
[Sidenote: It is only the Divine power that can turn evil to good,
overruling it for his own purposes.]
¶ Certys şis only is şe deuyne my[gh]t to şe whiche my[gh]t 4088
yueles ben şan good. whan it vseş şo yueles couenably
{and} draweş out şe effect of any good. as who seiş şat
yuel is good oonly by şe my[gh]t of god. for şe my[gh]t of
god ordeyneş şilk yuel to good. For oon ordre enbrasiş 4092
alle şinges. so şat what wy[gh]t [ş{a}t] dep{ar}tiş fro
şe resou{n} of şe ordre whiche şat is assigned to hym.
algates [gh]it he slideş in to an oş{er} ordre.
[Sidenote: Nothing occurs by the caprice of chance in the realms
of Divine Providence.]
so şat noşing
nis leueful to folye in şe realme of şe deuyne p{ur}ueaunce. 4096
as who seiş no şing nis wişouten ordinaunce in
şe realme of şe deuyne purueaunce.
[Sidenote: Since God is the governor of all things, it is not
lawful to man to attempt to comprehend the whole of the Divine
economy, or to explain it in words.]
¶ Syn şat şe ry[gh]t
strong[e] god gouerniş alle şinges in şis worlde for it
nis nat leueful to no man to co{m}p{re}henden by witte ne 4100
vnfolden by worde alle şe subtil ordinaunces {and} disposic{i}ou{n}s
of şe deuyne entent.
[Sidenote: Let it suffice to know that God orders all things for
the best.]
for oonly it au[gh]t[e]
suffice to han loked şat god hym self makere of alle
natures ordeyniş and dressiş alle şinges to good.
[Sidenote: And while he retains things created after his own
likeness conformably to his goodness, he banishes evil by the
cause of destiny out of his empire.]
while 4104
şat he hastiş to wişhalden şe şinges şat he haş maked
in to hys semblaunce. şat is to seyn forto wişholden
şinges in to good. for he hym self is good he chaseş
oute al yuel of şe boundes of hys co{m}munalite by şe 4108
ordre of necessite destinable.
[Sidenote: So that those evils which you seem to see are only
imaginary.]
For whiche it folweş şat
yif şou loke şe p{ur}ueaunce ordeynynge şe şinges şat
men wenen ben haboundaunt in erşes. şou ne shalt not
seen in no place no şing of yuel.
[Sidenote: But you are exhausted and weary with the prolixity of
my reasoning, and look for relief from the harmony of my verse.]
¶ but I se now şat 4112
şou art charged wiş şe wey[gh]te of şe questiou[n] {and} [[pg 143]]
wery wiş lengşe of my resou{n}. {and} şat şou abidest som
swetnesse of songe.
[Sidenote: Take, then, this draught, with which when refreshed,
you may more strongly proceed to higher matters.]
tak şa{n} şis drau[gh]t {and} whan şou
art wel refresshed {and} refet şou shalt ben more stedfast 4116
to stye in to heyere questiou{n}s.
[Linenotes:
4089-90 _good_--goode
4092 _şilk_--thilke
4093 [_şat_]--from C.
4094 _şe_ (2)--thilke
_whiche_--which
4096 _realme_--Reame
4099 _strong[e]_--stronge
_worlde_--world
4100 _no_--omitted
_witte_--wit
4101 _worde alle_--word al
4102 _au[gh]t[e]_--owhte
4104 _good while_--goode wyl
4105 _haş_--MS. haşe
4108 _of_ (1)--fro
4109 _whiche_--which
4111 _ben haboundaunt_--ben out{ra}ious / or habowndant
4115 _tak_--MS. take, C. tak
4116 _refet_--refect
_shalt ben_--shal be
_stedfast_--stydefast]
[Headnote:
LOVE TEMPERS ALL THINGS.]
SI UIS CELSI IURA.
[Sidenote: [The syxte Met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: If thou wouldst explore the laws of the high Thunderer,
behold the lofty heavens, where, bound by fixed laws, the stars
keep their ancient peace.]
++Yif şou wolt demen in şi pur{e} şou[gh]t şe ry[gh]tes or şe
lawes of şe heye şund[ere]re. şat is to seyne of god.
loke şou {and} bihold şe hey[gh]tes of souereyne heuene. 4120
¶ şere kepen şe sterres by ry[gh]tful alliaunce of şinges
hir olde pees.
[Sidenote: There the rosy Sun does not invade the moon's colder
sphere. Nor doth the Bear stray from his appointed bounds, to
quench his light in the western main.]
şe sonne ymoeued by hys rody fire. ne
destourbiş nat şe colde cercle of şe moone. ¶ Ne şe
sterre yclepid şe bere. ş{a}t encliniş hys rauyssynge 4124
courses abouten şe souereyne hey[gh]t of şe worlde. ne şe
same sterre vrsa nis neuer mo wasshen in şe depe
westerne see. ne coueitiş nat to dy[gh]en hys flaumbes in
şe see of [the] occian. al şou[gh] he see oşer sterres yplounged 4128
in to şe see.
[Sidenote: Vesper always makes its wonted appearance at eve.
Lucifer ushers in the morn.]
¶ And hesperus şe sterre
bodiş {and} telliş alwey şe late ny[gh]tes. And lucifer şe
sterre bryngeş a[gh]eyne şe clere day.
[Sidenote: So mutual love moves all things, and from the starry
region banishes all strife.]
¶ And şus makiş
loue enterchaungeable şe p{er}durable courses. {and} şus 4132
is discordable bataile yput oute of şe contre of şe sterres.
[Sidenote: This concord in equal measures tempers the elements, so
that the moist atoms war no more with the dry, nor heat with cold
contends; but the aspiring flame soars aloft, while down the heavy
earth descends.]
şis accordaunce atte{m}preş by euene-lyke manere[s] şe
elementes. şat şe moyste şinges striuen nat wiş şe
drye şinges. but [gh]iuen place by stoundes. and şat şe 4136
colde şinges ioynen hem by feiş to şe hote şinges. {and}
şat şe ly[gh]t[e] fyre arist in to hey[gh]te. {and} şe heuy erşes
aualen by her wey[gh]tes.
[Sidenote: By these same causes the flowing year yields sweet
smells in the warm spring-tide; the hot summer ripens the corn.]
¶ by şise same cause şe floury
yere [gh]eldeş swote smellys in şe fyrste somer sesou{n} 4140
warmynge. {and} şe hote somer dryeş şe cornes.
[Sidenote: Autumn comes crowned with plenty, and winter wets the
earth with showers.]
{and} autumpne comeş a[gh]eyne heuy of apples.
and şe fletyng [[pg 144]]
reyne bydeweş şe wynter. şis attemp{er}aunce noryssiş
{and} brynggeş furşe al şinge şat brediş lyfe in şis 4144
worlde.
[Sidenote: These changes give life and growth to all that breathe;
and at last by death efface whatever has had birth.]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 32 _b_.]]
¶ and şilk same attemp{er}aunce rauyssyng hideş
{and} bynymeş {and} drencheş vndir şe last[e] deşe alle
*şinges yborn.
[Sidenote: Meanwhile the world's Creator, the Source of all, the
Lawgiver, the wise Judge, sits above equitably directing all
things.]
¶ Amonges şise şinges sitteş şe heye
makere kyng {and} lorde. welle {and} bygynnynge. lawe 4148
{and} wise Iuge. to don equite {and} gouerniş {and} encliniş
şe bridles of şinges.
[Sidenote: Those things which have been set in motion by him are
also checked and forced to move in an endless round, lest they go
from their source, and become chaotic.]
{and} şo şinges şat he stireş to don
by moeuynge he wişdraweş {and} arestiş {and} affermiş şe
moeueable or wandryng şinges. ¶ For [gh]if şat he ne 4152
clepiş nat a[gh]ein şe ry[gh]t goynge of şinges. {and} [gh]if şat he
ne constreyned[e] hem nat eftesones in to roundenesse
enclined şe şinges ş{a}t ben now continued by stable
ordinaunce. şei sholde deperten from hir welle. şat is 4156
to sein from hir bygynnynge {and} failen. şat is to sein
to{ur}nen in to nau[gh]t.
[Sidenote: This love is common to all things, and all things tend
to good; so, urged by this, they all revert to that First Cause
that gave them being.]
¶ şis is şe co{m}mune loue of alle
şinges. {and} alle şi{n}ges axen to be holden by şe fyn of
good. For ellys ne my[gh]ten şei nat lasten yif şei ne 4160
come nat eftesones a[gh]eine by loue retourned to şe cause
şat haş [gh]euen he{m} beynge. şat is to seyn to god.
[Linenotes:
4118 _şou wolt_--ş{o}u wys wilt
4119 _şund[ere]re_--thonderer{e}
_seyne_--seyn
4120 _bihold_--MS. biholde, C. byhold
4122 _rody_--MS. redy, C. rody
_fire_--Fyr
4123 _cercle_--clerke
4125 _courses_--cours
_hey[gh]t_--heyhte
4127 _westerne_--westrene
_dy[gh]en_--deeyn
4128 [_the_]--from C.
_he see_--MS. it sewe, C. he see
_oşer_--oothr{e}
4131 _a[gh]eyne_--ayein
4133 _oute_--owt
4134 _euene-lyke manere[s]_--euenelyk maneres
4135 _striuen_--stryuynge
_nat_--omitted
4136 _but_--omitted
4138 _ly[gh]t[e] fyre arist_--lyhte fyr arysith
4140 _yere_--[gh]er
4142 _comeş a[gh]eyne_--comth ayein
4143 _reyne_--reyn
4144 _furşe al şinge_--forth alle thing
_brediş lyfe_--berith lyf
4145 _worlde_--world
_şilk_--thilke
4146 _last[e] deşe_--laste deth
4147 _yborn_--MS. yborne, C. I-born
4148 _lorde_--lord
4149 _wise_--wys
4150 _stireş_--sterith
_don_--gon
4151 _şe_--omitted
4153 _clepiş_--klepede
4154 _constreyned[e]_--constreynede
_roundenesse_--Rowndnesses
4156 _sholde_--sholden
4158 _tournen_--torne
_of_--to
4159 _be_--ben
4161 _eftesones a[gh]eine_--eft sones ayein
4162 _haş_--MS. haşe]
[Headnote:
ALL FORTUNE IS BENEFICIAL.]
IAM NE IGITUR UIDES.
[Sidenote: [The seuende p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: _P._ Do you see what follows from our arguments?]
++Sest şou nat şan what şing folweş alle şe şinges şat I
haue seid.
[Sidenote: _B._ What is it?]
what şing q{uo}d I.
[Sidenote: _P._ That all fortune is good.]
¶ Certys q{uo}d she 4164
outerly şat al fortune is good.
[Sidenote: _B._ How can that be?]
and how may şat be
q{uo}d .I.
[Sidenote: _P._ Since all fortune, whether prosperous or adverse,
is for the reward of the good or the punishment of the bad, all
fortune is good which is either just or useful.]
¶ Now vndirstand q{uo}d she so as [alle
fortune wheyther so it be Ioyeful fortune / or aspr{e}]
fortune is [gh]iuen eişer by cause of g{er}donynge or ellys of 4168
ex{er}cisynge of goode folk or ellys by cause to punissen.
or ellys to chastysen shrewes. ¶ şan is alle fortune [[pg 145]]
good. şe whiche fortune is certeyne şat it be eişer ry[gh]tful
or p{ro}fitable.
[Sidenote: But let us put this opinion among those positions which
thou saidst were not commonly believed by the people.]
¶ For soşe şis is a ful verray resou{n} 4172
q{uo}d I. and yif I considere şe p{ur}ueau{n}ce {and} şe
destine şat şou tau[gh]test me a litel here byforne şis sentence
is susteyned by stedfast resou{n}s. but yif it like
vnto şe lat vs nou{m}bre hem amonges şilk[e] şinges of 4176
whiche şou seidest a litel here byforne şat şei ne were
nat able to ben ywened to şe poeple.
[Sidenote: _P._ Why so?]
¶ whi so q{uo}d she.
[Sidenote: _B._ Because it is a common expression that _the
fortune of such a one is bad_.]
for şat şe comune worde of men mysusiş q{uo}d I.
şis manere speche of fortune. {and} sein ofte tymes [ş{a}t] 4180
şe fortune of som wy[gh]t is wicked.
[Linenotes:
4163 _şing_--thinge
4165 _outerly_--al owtrely
_al_--alle
4166-7 [_alle----aspre_]--from C.
4169 _goode_--good
4174 _here byforne_--her by-forn
4175 _stedfast_--stydefast
4176 _noumbre_--nowmbren
_şilk[e]_--thilke
4177 _here byforne_--her by-forn
4178 _ywened_--weened
4179 _worde_--word]
[Headnote:
PUNISHMENT IS BENEFICIAL.]
[Sidenote: _P._ Do you wish me to conform for awhile to the
language of the people, lest we should seem to depart too much
from the popular mode of expression?]
wilt şou şan q{uo}d
she şat I p{ro}che a litel to şe wordes of şe poeple so it
seme nat to hem şat I be ouer moche dep{ar}tid as fro şe
vsage of man kynde.
[Sidenote: _B._ As you please.]
as şou wolt q{uo}d I.
[Sidenote: _P._ Is everything profitable that is good?]
¶ Demest 4184
şou nat q{uo}d she şat al şing şat p{ro}fitiş is good.
[Sidenote: _B._ Yes, certainly.]
[gh]is q{uo}d I.
[Sidenote: _P._ That which exercises or corrects is profitable?]
certis şilk şing şat ex{er}cisiş or corigiş profitiş.
[Sidenote: _B._ It is.]
I confesse it wel q{uo}d I.
[Sidenote: _P._ Therefore it is good?]
şan is it good q{uo}d she.
[Sidenote: _B._ Yes.]
whi nat q{uo}d I.
[Sidenote: _P._ This is the fortune of the virtuous who combat
with adversity, or of those who, relinquishing vice, pursue the
path of virtue?]
but şis is şe fortune [q{uod} she] of 4188
hem şat eişer ben put in vertue {and} batailen a[gh]eins
aspre şinges. or ellys of hem şat eschewen {and} declinen
fro vices {and} taken şe weye of vertue.
[Sidenote: _B._ It is.]
¶ şis ne may
nat I denye q{uo}d I
[Sidenote: _P._ The vulgar regard that prosperity which is
bestowed as a reward on the good to be beneficial, and they
believe those calamities by which the wicked are punished as the
most miserable things that can be imagined.]
¶ But what seist şou of şe myrye 4192
fortune şat is [gh]euen to good folk in gerdou{n} deuiniş
ou[gh]t şe poeples şat it is wicked. nay forsoşe q{uo}d I. but
şei demen as it soşe is şat it is ry[gh]t good. ¶ And what
seist şou of şat oşer fortune q{uo}d she. şat al şou[gh] it 4196
be aspre {and} restreiniş şe shrewes by ry[gh]tful tourment.
weniş ou[gh]t şe poeple ş{a}t it be good. nay q{uo}d I. ¶ But
şe poeple demiş şat it be most wrecched of alle şinges
şat may ben şou[gh]t.
[Sidenote: But in following the popular opinion, let us beware of
being involved in some new and incredible consequence.]
war now {and} loke wel q{uo}d she 4200
lest şat we in folwyng şe opyniou{n} of poeple haue confessed
{and} co{n}cluded şing şat is vnable to be wened to [[pg 146]]
şe poeple.
[Sidenote: _B._ What is that?]
what is şat q{uo}d I
[Sidenote: _P._ We have decided that the fortune of the virtuous
or of those growing up in virtue must needs be good--but that the
fortune of the wicked must be most wretched.]
¶ Certys q{uo}d she it
folweş or comeş of şinges ş{a}t ben graunted şat alle 4204
fortune what so euer it be. of hem şat eyşer ben i{n}
possessiou{n} of vertue. [or in the encres of vertu] or ellys
in şe purchasynge of vertue. şat şilke fortune is good.
¶ And şat alle fortune is ry[gh]t wicked to hem şat 4208
dwellen in shrewednesse. as who seiş. {and} şus weneş
nat şe poeple.
[Linenotes:
4180 [_şat_]--from C.
4181 _wicked_--wykkede
4182 _proche_--aproche
4185 _al_--alle
4186 _şilk_--thilke
4188 [_quod she_]--from C.
4191 _weye_--wey
4193 _deuiniş_--demyth
4194 _ou[gh]t_--awht
4195 _soşe_--soth
4198 _ou[gh]t_--awht
4199 _be_--is
4204 _comeş_--comth
4206 [_or----vertu_] from C.
4208 _wicked_--wykkede]
[Headnote:
THE FORTUNE OF THE VIRTUOUS IS GOOD.]
[Sidenote: _B._ That's true, though none dare acknowledge it.]
¶ şat is soşe q{uo}d I. ¶ Al be it so
şat noma{n} dar confesse{n} it ne byknowen it.
[Sidenote: _P._ Why so? The wise man ought not to be cast down,
when he has to wage war with Fortune, no more than the valiant man
ought to be dismayed on hearing the noise of the battle.]
¶ whi so
q{uo}d she.
[Sidenote: [* fol. 33.]]
For ry[gh]t as no strong man ne semeş nat to 4212
abassen or disdaigne{n} as *ofte tyme as he hereş şe noise
of şe bataile. ne also it ne semeş nat to şe wyse man to
beren it greuously as oft[e] as he is lad in to şe strif of
fortune.
[Sidenote: The dangers of war enable the one to acquire more
glory, and the difficulties of the other aid him to confirm and
improve his wisdom.]
for boşe to şat on man {and} eke to şat oş{er} 4216
şilke difficulte is şe matere to şat oon man of encrese
of his glorious renou{n}. {and} to şat oşer man to conferme
hys sapience. şat is to seine şe asprenesse of hys estat.
[Sidenote: Thus virtue, in its literal acceptation, is a power
that, relying on its own strength, overcomes all obstacles.]
¶ For şerfore is it called uertue. for şat it susteniş {and} 4220
enforceş by hys strengşes şat it nis nat ouer-come{n} by
aduersites.
[Sidenote: You, who have made so much progress in virtue, are not
to be carried away by delights and bodily lusts.]
¶ Ne certys şou şat art put in şe encrese
or in şe hey[gh]t of uertue ne hast nat comen to fleten wiş
delices {and} forto welken in bodyly lust.
[Sidenote: You must engage in a fierce conflict with every
fortune--with adversity, lest it dismay you--with prosperity, lest
it corrupt you.]
¶ şou sowest 4224
or plauntest a ful egre bataile in şi corage a[gh]eins euery
fortune. for şat şe sorweful fortune ne co{n}fou{n}de şe nat.
ne şat şe myrye fortune ne corrumpe şe nat.
[Sidenote: Seize the _golden mean_ with all your strength. All
below or above this line is a contemptible and a thankless
felicity.]
¶ Occupy
şe mene by stedfast strengşes. for al şat euer is vndir 4228
şe mene. or ellys al şat ou{er}-passeş şe mene despiseş
welefulnesses. ¶ As who seiş. it is vicious {and} ne haş
no mede of hys trauaile.
[Sidenote: The choice of fortune lies in your own hands, but
remember that even adverse fortune, unless it exercises the
virtues of the good or chastises the wicked, is a punishment.]
¶ For it is set in [gh]our{e} hand.
as who seiş it lieş in [gh]our{e} power what fortune [gh]ow is 4232
leuest. şat is to seyne good or yuel. ¶ For alle fortune
şat semeş sharpe or aspre yif it ne ex{er}cise nat şe good [[pg 147]]
folk. ne chastisiş şe wicked folk. it punisseş.
[Linenotes:
4210 _soşe_--soth
4211 _confessen_--co{n}fesse
4212 _no strong_--the stronge
4213 _abassen_--abayssen
4215 _oft[e]_--ofte
4219 _seine_--seyn
4223 _hey[gh]t_--heyhte
4224 _welken_--wellen
4226 _confounde_--MS. co{n}fou{n}ded, C. confownde
4227 _Occupy_--Ocupye
4228 _stedfast_--stydefast
4230 _haş_--MS. haşe
4231 _set_--MS. sette, C. set
4232 _lieş_--lith
4233 _seyne_--seyn
4234 _sharpe_--sharp]
[Headnote:
WE CHOOSE OUR OWN FORTUNE.]
BELLA BIS QUENIS. {ET} C{ETERA}.
[Sidenote: [The seuende Met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: Atrides carried on a ten years' war to punish the
licentious Paris.]
++ŞE wrekere attrides ¶ şat is to seyne agamenon şat 4236
wrou[gh]t[e] {and} continued[e] şe batailes by ten [gh]ere
recouered[e] {and} p{ur}ged[e] in wrekyng by şe destrucc{i}ou{n}
of troie şe loste chambres of mariage of hys broşer
şis is to seyn şat [he] agamenon wan a[gh]ein Eleine şat 4240
was Menelaus wif his broşer.
[Sidenote: With blood he purchased propitious gales for the
Grecian fleet, by casting off all fatherly pity, and sacrificing
his daughter Iphigenia to the vengeance of Diana.]
In şe mene while şat
şilke agamenon desired[e] to [gh]euen sailes to şe grekyssh{e}
nauye {and} bou[gh]t[e] a[gh]ein şe wyndes by blode. he
vncloşed[e] hym of pite as fad{er}. {and} şe sory p{re}st 4244
[gh]iueş in sacrifiynge şe wreched kuyttyng of şrote of şe
dou[gh]ter. ¶ şat is to sein şat agamenon lete kuytte{n} şe
şrote of hys dou[gh]ter by şe prest. to maken alliaunce wiş
hys goddes. {and} for to haue wynde wiş whiche he 4248
my[gh]t[e] wende to troie.
[Sidenote: Ulysses bewailed his lost mates, devoured by
Polyphemus, but, having deprived the Cyclop of his sight, he
rejoiced to hear the monster's roar.]
¶ Itakus şat is to sein vlixies
bywept[e] hys felawes ylorn şe whiche felawes şe
fiers[e] pholifem{us} ligginge in his grete Caue had[de]
freten {and} dreint in hys empty wombe. but naşeles 4252
polifem{us} wood for his blinde visage [gh]eld to vlixies ioye
by hys sorowful teres. şis is to seyn şat vlixes smot
oute şe eye of poliphem{us} şat stod in hys forhede.
[Linenotes:
4236 _seyne_--seyn
4237 _wrou[gh]t[e]_--wrowhte
_continued[e]_--continuede
_[gh]ere_--[gh]er
4238 _purged[e]_--purgede
4240 [_he_]--from C.
_wan_--MS. wanne, C. wan
4242 _desired[e]_--desirede
4243 _bou[gh]t[e]_--bowhte
_blode_--blod
4244 _vncloşed[e]_--vnclothede
_as_--of
4245 _kuyttyng_--MS. knyttyng, C. kuttynge
4246 _lete_--let
_kuytten_--MS. knytte{n}, C. kuttyn
4248 _haue_--han
4249 _my[gh]t[e] wende_--myhte wenden
4250 _bywept[e]_--by-wepte
_ylorn_--MS. ylorne, C. y-lorn
4251 _fiers[e]_--feerse
_had[de]_--hadde
4253 _[gh]eld_--yald
4254 _sorowful_--sorwful
_smot_--MS. smote, C. smot
4255 _oute_--owt
_stod_--MS. stode, C. stood
_forhede_--forehed]
[Headnote:
THE LABOURS OF HERCULES.]
for whiche vlixes hadde ioie whan he saw poliphem{us} 4256
wepyng {and} blynde.
[Sidenote: Hercules is renowned for his many labours, so
successfully overcome.]
¶ Hercules is celebrable for hys
hard[e] trauaile
[Sidenote: He overthrew the proud Centaurs;]
he dawntede şe proude Centauris half
hors half man.
[Sidenote: he slew the Nemean lion and wore his skin as a trophy
of his victory;]
{and} he rafte şe despoylynge fro şe
cruel lyou{n} şat is to seyne he slou[gh] şe lyou{n} {and} [[pg 148]]
rafte hy{m} hys skyn.
[Sidenote: he smote the Harpies with his arrows;]
he smot şe brids şat hy[gh]te{n} 4261
arpijs [in şe palude of lyrne] wiş certeyne arwes.
[Sidenote: he caried off the golden apples of the Hesperides, and
killed the watchful dragon;]
he rauyssed[e] applis fro şe wakyng dragou{n}. {and}
hys hand was şe more heuy for şe golde[ne] 4264
metal.
[Sidenote: he bound Cerberus with a threefold chain;]
He drou[gh] Cerberus şe hound of helle by
hys treble cheyne.
[Sidenote: he gave the body of proud Diomede as food for the
tyrant's horses;]
he ouer-comer as it is seid haş
put an vnmeke lorde fodre to hys cruel hors ¶ şis is
to sein. şat hercules slou[gh] diomedes {and} made his hors 4268
to etyn hym.
[Sidenote: he slew the serpent Hydra;]
and he hercules slou[gh] Idra şe serpent {and}
brend[e] şe venym.
[Sidenote: he caused Achelous to hide his blushing head within his
banks;]
and achelaus şe flode defouled[e] in
his forhede dreint[e] his shamefast visage in his
strondes. şis is to sein şat achelaus couşe transfigure 4272
hym self in to dyuerse lykenesse. {and} as he fau[gh]t wiş
orcules at şe laste he t{ur}nid[e] hym in to a bole and
hercules brak of oon of hys hornes. {and} achelaus for
shame hidde hym in hys ryuer.
[Sidenote: he left Antæus dead upon the Lybian shore;]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 33 _b_.]]
¶ And [he] hercules 4276
*cast[e] adou{n} Antheus şe geaunt in şe strondes of
libye.
[Sidenote: he appeased Evander's wrath by killing Cacus;]
{and} kacus apaised[e] şe wraşşes of euander. şis
is to sein şat hercules slou[gh] şe Monstre kacus {and}
apaised[e] wiş şat deeş şe wraşşe of euander.
[Sidenote: he slew the Erymanthean boar;]
¶ And 4280
şe bristled[e] boor marked[e] wiş scomes şe sholdres of
hercules. şe whiche sholdres şe heye cercle of heuene
sholde şreste.
[Sidenote: and bore the weight of Atlas upon his shoulders.]
{and} şe laste of his labo{ur}s was şat he
sustened[e] şe heuene vpo{n} his nekke vnbowed.
[Sidenote: These labours justly raised him to the rank of a god.]
{and} he 4284
deserued[e] eftsones şe heuene to ben şe pris of his
laste trauayle
[Sidenote: Go then, ye noble souls, and follow the path of this
great example.]
¶ Goş now şan [gh]e stronge men şere as
şe heye weye of şe grete ensample ledeş [gh]ou. ¶ O nice
men whi nake [gh]e [gh]oure bakkes. as who seiş.
[Sidenote: O ye slothful ones, wherefore do ye basely fly!]
¶ O [gh]e 4288
slowe {and} delicat men whi fley [gh]e aduersites. {and} ne [[pg 149]]
fy[gh]te{n} nat a[gh]eins hem by vertue to wynnen şe mede of
şe heuene.
[Sidenote: He who conquers earth doth gain the heavens.]
for şe erşe ouer-come{n} [gh]eueş şe sterres.
¶ şis is to seyne şat whan şat erşely lust is ouer-comen. 4292
a man is maked worşi to şe heuene.
EXPLICIT LIBER QUARTUS.
[Linenotes:
4256 _saw_--say
4258 _hard[e] trauaile_--harde trauayles
_dawntede_--MS. dawnded, C. dawntede
4259 _half_--MS. hals
_rafte_--byrafte
_fro_--from
4260 _seyne_--seyn
4261 _smot_--MS. smote, C. smot
4262 [_in----lyrne_]--from C.
4263 _rauyssed[e]_--rauysshede
4266 _seid_--MS. seide, C. sayd
_haş_--MS. haşe
4267 _lorde_--lord
4269 _etyn_--freten
4270 _brend[e]_--brende
_flode defouled[e]_--flood defowlede
4271 _forhede dreint[e]_--forhed dreynte
4273 _lykenesse_--lyknesses
4274 _turnid[e]_--tornede
4275 _brak_--MS. brake, C. brak
_hys_--hise
4276 [_he_]--from C.
4278-80 _apaised[e]_--apaysede
4281 _bristled[e]_--brystelede
_marked[e]_--markede
4282 _cercle_--clerke
4283 _şreste_--thriste
4285 _deserued[e]_--deseruede
4286 _Goş_--MS. Goşe
_şere_--ther
4287 _weye_--way
4288 _nake_--MS. make, C. nake
4289 _slowe_--MS. slou[gh], C. slowe
_fley_--flee
4292 _seyne_--seyn]
[Headnote:
THE EXISTENCE OF CHANCE.]
INCIPIT LIBER QUINTUS.
DIXERAT ORACIONISQ{UE} CURSUM.
[Sidenote: [The fyrste prose.]]
[Sidenote: When Philosophy had thus spoken, and was about to
discuss other matters I interrupted her.]
++She hadde seid {and} to{ur}ned[e] şe cours of hir resou{n} to
so{m}me oş{er} şinges to ben tretid {and} to ben ysped.
[Sidenote: _B._ Thy exhortation is just and worthy of thy
authority, but thou saidst that the question of the Divine
Superintendence or Providence is involved with many others--and
this I believe.]
şan seide I. Certys ry[gh]tful is şin amonestyng {and} ful 4296
digne by auctorite. but şat şou seidest som tyme şat
şe questiou{n} of şe deuyne p{ur}ueaunce is enlaced wiş
many oşer questiou{n}s. I vndir-stonde wel {and} p{ro}ue it
by şe same şinge.
[Sidenote: I am desirous, however, of knowing whether there be
such a thing as _Chance_, and what thou thinkest it is.]
but I axe yif şat şou wenest şat hap 4300
be any şing in any weys. {and} if şou wenest şat hap be
any [thing] what is it.
[Sidenote: _P._ I hasten to fulfil my promise and to show the road
to your own country.]
şan q{uo}d she. I haste me to
[gh]elden {and} assoilen şe to şe dette of my byheste {and}
to shewen {and} opnen şe wey by whiche wey şou maist 4304
come a[gh]ein to şi contre.
[Sidenote: But although these things you question me about are
profitable to know, yet they lead us a little out of our way.]
¶ but al be it so şat şe şinges
whiche şat şou axest b{e}n ry[gh]t p{ro}fitable to knowe.
[gh]itte ben şei diuers somwhat fro şe paşe of my purpos.
[Sidenote: And by straying from the path you may be too fatigued
to return to the right road.]
And it is to douten şat şou ne be maked weery by 4308
mysweys so şat şou ne mayst nat suffise to mesure{n} şe
ry[gh]t weye.
[Sidenote: _B._ Don't be afraid of that, for it will refresh me as
much as rest to know these things in which I am delightfully
interested.]
¶ Ne doute şe şer-of no şing q{uo}d I. for
forto knowen şilke şinges to-gidre in şe whiche şinges
I delite me gretly. şat shal ben to me in stede of reste. 4312
Syn it nis nat to douten of şe şinges folwy{n}ge whan
euery side of şi disputisou{n} shal be stedfast to me by
vndoutous feiş. şan seide she. şat manere wol I don
şe. {and} byga{n} to speken ry[gh]t şus [[pg 150]]
[Sidenote: _P._ I will then comply with thy requests.]
¶ Certys q{uo}d she 4316
yif any wy[gh]t diffinisse hap in şis manere. şat is to seyn.
[Linenotes:
4294 _seid_--MS. seide, C. seyd
_şe_--by
4297 _som tyme_--whilom
4298 _şe_ (2)--thy
4300 _şinge_--thing
4302 [_thing_]--from C.
4303 _[gh]elden_--yilden
_assoilen_--MS. assailen, C. assoylen
_byheste_--byhest
4304-6 _whiche_--which
4306 _ben_--MS. b{e}n{e}
4307 _paşe_--paath
4312 _stede_--styde
4314 _disputisoun_--disputaciou{n}
_be_--han ben
_stedfast_--stydefast
4317 _seyn_--seyng]
[Headnote:
DEFINITION OF CHANCE.]
[Sidenote: If we define Chance to be an event produced by an
unintelligent motion, and not by a chain or connection of causes,
I should then affirm that Chance is nothing and an empty sound.]
şat hap is bytidynge y-brou[gh]t forşe by foelyshe
moeuynge. {and} by no knyttyng of causes. ¶ I conferme
şat hap nis ry[gh]t nau[gh]t in no wise. and I deme al 4320
outerly şat hap nis ne dwelliş but a voys. ¶ As who
seiş. but an ydel worde wiş outen any significac{i}ou{n} of
şing summittid to şat vois.
[Sidenote: What room is there for folly and disorder where all
things are restrained by order, through the ordinance of God?]
for what place my[gh]t[e] ben
left or dwellynge to folie {and} to disordinau{n}ce. syn şat 4324
god lediş {and} streyniş alle şinges by ordre.
[Sidenote: For it is a great truth that nothing can spring out of
nothing.]
¶ For şis
sentence is verray {and} soşe şat no şinge ne haş his
beynge of nou[gh]t. to [the] whiche sentence none of şise
olde folk ne wişseide neuere al be it so şat şei ne 4328
vndirstoden ne moeueden it nau[gh]t by god p{r}ince {and}
gynner of wirkyng. but şei casten as a manere foundement
of subgit material. şat is to seyn of [the] nature
of alle resou{n}.
[Sidenote: Now, if anything arises without the operation of a
cause, it proceeds from nothing.]
{and} [gh]if şat ony şinge is woxen or comen 4332
of no causes. şan shal it seme şat şilke şinge is comen
or woxen of nou[gh]t.
[Sidenote: But if this is impossible, then there can be no such a
thing as Chance, as we have defined it.]
but yif şis ne may nat ben don.
şan is it nat possible şat şere haş ben any swiche şing
as I haue diffinissid a litel here byforne.
[Sidenote: _B._ Is there nothing, then, that may be called Chance
or Fortune?]
¶ How shal 4336
it şan ben q{uo}d I. nis şer şan no şing şat by ry[gh]t may
be cleped eyşer hap{pe} or ellis auenture of fortune.
[Sidenote: Is there nothing (hid from the vulgar) to which these
words may be applied?]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 34.]]
or is
şer ou[gh]t al *be it so şat it is hidd fro şe poeple to
whiche şise wordes ben couenable.
[Sidenote: _P._ Aristotle defines this matter with much precision
and probability.]
Myn aristotul q{uo}d 4340
she. in şe book of his phisik diffinisseş şis şing by
short resou{n} and ney[gh]e to şe soşe.
[Sidenote: _B._ How?]
¶ In whiche manere
q{uo}d I.
[Sidenote: _P._ So often as a man does anything for the sake of
any other thing, and another thing than what he intended to do is
produced by other causes, that thing so produced is called
_Chance_.]
¶ As ofte q{uo}d she as men don any şing for
grace of any oşer şing. {and} an oşer şinge şan şilke 4344
şing şat men ententen to doon bytideş by som[e] causes
it is ycleped hap{pe}.
[Sidenote: As if a man trench the ground for tillage and find
gold, then this is believed to happen by chance, although it is
not so.]
¶ Ry[gh]t as a man dalf şe erşe by
cause of tylienge of şe felde. {and} fond şere a gobet of [[pg 151]]
golde by-doluen. şan wenen folk şat it is fallen by fortunous 4348
bytydyng. but for soşe it nis nat for nau[gh]t for
it haş hys p{ro}pre causes of whiche causes şe cours vnforseyn
and vnwar semiş to han maked hap{pe}.
[Sidenote: For if the tiller had not ploughed the field, and if
the hider of the gold had not concealed it in that spot, the gold
had not been found.]
¶ For
yif şe tilier in şe erşe ne delue nat in şe felde. and yif 4352
şe hider of şe golde ne hadde hidd şe golde in şilke
place. şe golde ne had[de] nat ben founde.
[Sidenote: These, then, are the causes of a fortuitous acquisition
which proceeds from a conflux of encountering causes, and not from
the intention of the doer.]
şise ben
şan şe causes of şe abreggynge of fortune hap. şe whiche
abreggynge of fortune hap comeş of causes encountrynge 4356
{and} flowyng to-gidre to hem selfe. {and} nat by şe entenc{i}ou{n}
of şe doer.
[Sidenote: For neither the hider of the gold nor the husbandman
intended or understood that the gold should be found.]
¶ For neişer şe hider of şe gold.
ne şe deluer of şe felde ne vndirstanden nat şat şe
golde sholde han be founde. but as I seide.
[Sidenote: But it happened by the concurrence of these two causes
that the one did dig where the other had hidden the money.]
it bytidde 4360
{and} ran to-gidre şat he dalf şere as şat oşer hadde hidd
şe golde.
[Sidenote: Chance, then, is an unexpected event, by a concurrence
of causes, following an action designed for a particular purpose.]
Now may I şus diffinissen hap{pe}. ¶ Hap{pe}
is an vnwar bytydyng of causes assembled in şinges şat
ben don for som oşer şinge. but şilke ordre p{ro}cedynge 4364
by an vneschewable byndynge to-gidre.
[Sidenote: This concurrence of causes proceeds from that order
which flows from the fountain of Providence and disposes all
things as to place and time.]
whiche şat
descendeş fro şe wel of purueaunce şat ordeineş alle
şinges i{n} hir{e} places {and} in hire tymes makeş şat şe
causes rennen {and} assemblen to-gidre. 4368
[Linenotes:
4318 _forşe_--forth
4322 _worde_--word
4323 _my[gh]t[e]_--myhte
4324 _left_--lefte
4325 _streyniş_--constreynyth
4326 _soşe_--soth
_no şinge_--nothing
_haş_--MS. haşe
4327 [_the_]--from C.
4330 _gynner_--bygynner{e}
4331 [_the_]--from C.
4332 _[gh]if_--MS. [gh]it, C. yif
_şinge_--thing
4335 _şat----ben_--ş{a}t hap be
_haş_--MS. haşe
_swiche_--swych
4338 _happe_--hap
4339 _hidd_--MS. hidde, C. hidd
4340 _whiche_--which
4342 _ney[gh]e_--nehg
_whiche_--which
4343 _don_--MS. done, C. don
4344 _şinge_--thing
4345 _som[e]_--some
4346 _happe_--hap
4347 _of_ (1)--to
_fond_--MS. fonde, C. fownde
4348 _golde_--gold
_fallen_--byfalle
4349 _for_ (2)--of
4350 _haş_--MS. haşe
_hys_--hise
4351 _happe_--hap
4352 _tilier_--tylyer{e}
_delue_--dolue
4353 _hider_--hyder{e}
_golde_--gold
_hidd_--MS. hidde
4353-4 _golde_--gold
4354 _had[de]_--hadde
4355 _fortune_--fortuit
_whiche_--which
4356 _fortune_--fortuit
_comeş_--comth
4357 _flowyng_--MS. folwyng, C. flowynge
_selfe_--self
4358 _doer_--doer{e}
_hider_--hider{e}
4359 _deluer_--deluer{e}
_felde_--feeld
_vndirstanden_--vndirstoden
4360 _golde_--gold
4361 _hidd_--MS. hidde, C. hyd
4362 _happe_ (_both_)--hap
4365 _whiche_--which
4366 _descendeş_--MS. defendeş, C. descendith
_wel_--welle]
RUPIS ACHEMENIE.
[Sidenote: [The fyrste Met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: Where the flying Parthian doth pierce his pursuers with
his shafts, there from the Achemenian heights flow the Tigris and
Euphrates, but soon their streams divide and flow into separate
channels.]
++TIgris [{and}] eufrates resoluen {and} spryngen of a welle in
şe kragges of şe roche of şe contre of achemenye şer{e}
as şe fleenge [batayle] ficchiş hire dartes reto{ur}nid in
şe brestes of hem şat folwen hem. ¶ And sone aftre 4372
şe same ryueres tigris {and} eufrates vnioygne{n} {and} dep{ar}ten
hir{e} watres. [[pg 152]]
[Sidenote: But should they unite again, in the impetuous stream,
boats, ships, and trees would be all intermingled, whirled about;
and blind Chance seems to direct the current's course.]
and yif şei comen to-gidre {and} ben
assembled {and} clepid to-gidre in to o cours. şan moten
şilke şinges fletyn to-gidre whiche şat şe water of şe 4376
entrechau{n}gyng flode bry{n}geş şe shippes {and} şe stokkes
araced wiş şe flood moten assemble. {and} şe watres
ymedlyd wrappiş or implieş many fortunel happes or
maneres.
[Sidenote: But the sloping earth, the laws of fluids, govern these
things.]
şe whiche wandryng happes naşeles şilke enclinyng 4380
lowenes of şe erşe. {and} şe flowynge ordre of
şe slidyng water gouerniş.
[Sidenote: So though Chance seems to wander unrestrained, it is
nevertheless curbed and restrained by Divine Providence.]
¶ Ry[gh]t so fortune şat
semeş as [şat] it fletiş wiş slaked or vngouerned[e]
bridles. It suffriş bridles şat is to seyn to ben gouerned 4384
{and} passeş by şilke lawe. şat is to sein by şe deuyne
ordinaunce.
[Linenotes:
4369 [_and_]--from C.
_a_--oo
4371 [_batayle_]--from C.
4373 _şe_--tho
4374 _to-gidre_--to-gyderes
4376 _whiche_--which
4377 _flode_--flod
4378 _assemble_--assemblyn
4380 _enclinyng_--declynynge
4381 _lowenes_--lownesse
4383 [_şat_]--from C.
_vngouerned[e]_--vngou{er}nede
4385 _şe_--thilke]
[Headnote:
ON FREE WILL.]
A{N}I{M}ADUERTO INQ{UA}M.
[Sidenote: [The .2^de. p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: _B._ Is there any _free-will_ in this chain of cohering
causes?]
++Şis vndirstonde I wel q{uo}d I. {and} accorde wel şat it
is ry[gh]t as şou seist. but I axe yif şer be any liberte 4388
or fre wil in şis ordre of causes şat cliue{n} şus to-gidre
in hem self.
[Sidenote: Or doth the _chain of destiny_ constrain the motions of
the human mind?]
¶ or ellys I wolde witen yif şat şe
destinal cheine co{n}streiniş şe moeueuynge of şe corages
of me{n}.
[Sidenote: _P._ There is a freedom of the will possessed by every
rational being.]
yis q{uo}d she şer is liberte of fre wille. ne şer 4392
ne was neuer no nature of resou{n} şat it ne hadde liberte
of fre wille.
[Sidenote: A rational being has judgment to judge of and discern
everything.]
¶ For euery şing şat may naturely vsen
resou{n}. it haş doom by whiche it discerniş {and} demiş
euery şing.
[Sidenote: Of himself he knows what he is to avoid or to desire.
He seeks what he judges desirable, and he shuns what he deems
should be avoided.]
¶ şan knoweş it by it self şinges şat be{n} 4396
to fleen. {and} şinges şat ben to desiren. {and} şilk şing
şat any wy[gh]t demeş to ben desired ş{a}t axeş or desireş
he {and} fleeş [thilke] şing şat he troueş ben to fleen.
[Linenotes:
4389 _or_--of
4390 _hem_--hym
4392 _yis_--MS. yif, C. yis
4392-94 _wille_--wil
4395 _whiche_--which
4397 _şilk_--thilke
4399 [_thilke_]--from C.]
[Headnote:
PROVIDENCE SEES ALL THINGS.]
[Sidenote: A rational being possesses, then, the liberty of
choosing and rejecting.]
¶ wher-fore in alle şinges ş{a}t resou{n} is. i{n} hem also is 4400
libertee of willyng {and} of nillynge.
[Sidenote: This liberty is not equal in all beings.]
¶ But I ne ordeyne
nat. as who seiş. I ne graunte nat şat şis lib{er}tee be
euene like in alle şinges.
[Sidenote: In heavenly substances, as spirits, &c., judgment is
clear, and the will is incorruptible, and has a ready and
efficacious power of doing things which are desired.]
forwhi in şe souereyns deuynes
substau{n}ces.
[Sidenote: [* fol. 34 _b_.]]
şat is to *seyn in spirit[gh] ¶ Iugement is 4404
more clere {and} wil nat be corumped. {and} haş my[gh]t [[pg 153]]
redy to speden şinges şat ben desired.
[Sidenote: The souls of men must needs be more free when employed
in the contemplation of the Divine Mind, and less so when they
enter into a body, and still less free when enclosed and confined
in earthly members; but the most extreme servitude is when they
are given over to vice and wholly fallen from their proper
reason.]
¶ But şe soules
of men moten nedes ben more free whan şei loken hem
in şe speculac{i}ou{n} or lokynge of şe deuyne şou[gh]t. {and} 4408
lasse free whan şei sliden in to şe bodies. {and} [gh]it lasse
free whan şei ben gadred to-gidre {and} co{m}p{re}hendid in
erşely membris. but şe last[e] seruage is whan şat şei
ben [gh]eue{n} to vices. {and} han yfalle fro şe possessiou{n} of 4412
hire p{ro}pre resou{n}
[Sidenote: For at once they are enveloped by the cloud of
ignorance and are troubled by pernicious desires, by yielding to
which they aid and increase that slavery which they brought upon
themselves, and thus even under the liberty proper to them, they
remain captives.]
¶ For after şat şei han cast aweye
hir eyen fro şe ly[gh]t of şe souereyn soşefastnesse to lowe
şinges {and} dirke ¶ Anon şei dirken by şe cloude of
ignoraunce {and} ben troubled by felonous talent[gh]. to şe 4416
whiche talent[gh] whan şei app{ro}chen {and} assenten. şei
hepen {and} encresen şe seruage whiche şei han ioigned
to hem self. and in şis manere şei ben caitifs fro hire
p{ro}pre libertee.
[Sidenote: Yet the eye of Providence, beholding all things from
eternity, sees all this and disposes according to their merit all
things as they are predestinated.]
şe whiche şinges naşeles şe lokynge of 4420
şe deuyne purueaunce seeş ş{a}t alle şinges byholdeş
{and} seeş fro et{er}ne. and ordeyneş hem eueryche i{n} her
merites. as şei ben p{ro}destinat.
[Sidenote: He, as Homer says of the sun, _sees and hears all
things_.]
{and} it is seid in grek.
şat alle şinges he seeş {and} alle şinges he hereş. 4424
[Linenotes:
4405 _haş_--MS. haşe
4411 _last[e]_--laste
4412 _fro_--from
4415 _cloude_--clowdes
4418 _whiche_--which
4423 _seid_--MS. seide, C. seyd]
PURO CLARU{M} LUMINE.
[Sidenote: [The .2^de. Met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: The sweet-tongued Homer sings of the sun's pure light.
Yet the sun's beams cannot pierce into the inner bowels of the
earth, nor into the depths of the sea.]
++HOmer wiş şe hony mouşe. şat is to seyn. homer
wiş şe swete dites syngeş şat şe sonne is cleer by
pure ly[gh]t. naşeles [gh]it ne may it nat by şe inferme ly[gh]t
of hys bemes breke{n} or p{er}ce{n} şe inwarde entrailes of 4428
şe erşe. or ellys of şe see.
[Sidenote: But God, the world's maker, beholding from on high, has
his vision impeded neither by earth nor cloud.]
¶ so ne seeş nat god makere
of şe grete worlde to hym şat lokeş alle şinges from on
heye ne wişstandiş nat no şinges by heuynesses of erşe.
ne şe ny[gh]t ne wişstondeş nat to hy{m} by şe blake 4432
cloudes.
[Sidenote: At a glance he sees all events, present, past, and
future.]
¶ şilke god seeş i{n} o strook of şou[gh]t alle
şinges şat ben or weren or schullen come.
[Sidenote: God, then, that alone sees all things, may indeed be
called the true Sun.]
¶ and şilke
god for he lokeş {and} seeş alle şinges al oon. şou maist [[pg 154]]
seyn şat he is şe verray sonne. 4436
[Linenotes:
4425 _mouşe_--Mowth
4428 _percen_--MS. p{er}te{n}, C. p{er}cen
_inwarde_--inward
4430 _worlde_--world
_on heye_--an hegh
4431 _nat_--omitted
4434 _schullen come_--shollen comyn
4435 _al oon_--alone]
[Headnote:
GOD'S FOREKNOWLEDGE AND MAN'S FREE WILL.]
TAMEN EGO EN INQ{UA}M.
[Sidenote: [The .3^de. p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: _B._ I am distracted by a more difficult doubt than
ever.]
++ŞAn seide I now am I co{n}fou{n}ded by a more harde
doute şan I was. what doute is şat q{uo}d she.
¶ For certys I coniecte now by whiche şinges şou art
troubled.
[Sidenote: God's foreknowledge seems to me inconsistent with man's
free-will.]
It semeş q{uo}d I to repugnen {and} to contrarien 4440
gretly şat god knoweş byforn alle şinges. {and}
şat şer is any fredom of liberte.
[Sidenote: For if God foresees all things, and cannot be deceived,
then that which Providence hath foreseen must needs happen.]
for yif so be şat god
lokeş alle şinges byforn. ne god ne may nat ben
desseiuid in no manere. şan mot it nedes ben şat alle 4444
şinges bytyden şe whiche şat şe purueaunce of god haş
sein byforn to comen.
[Sidenote: If God from eternity doth foreknow not only the works,
but the designs and wills of men, there can be no liberty of
will--nor can there be any other action or will than that which a
Divine and infallible Providence hath foreseen.]
¶ For whiche yif şat god
knoweş by-forn nat oonly şe werkes of men. but also
hir conseils {and} hir willes. şan ne shal şer be no 4448
liberte of arbitre. ne certys şer ne may ben noon oşer
dede ne no wille but şilke whiche şe deuyne purueaunce
şat ne may nat ben desseiued haş feled byforn
[Sidenote: For if things fall out contrary to such foreseeing, and
are wrested another way, the prescience of God in regard to
futurity would not be sure and unerring--it would be nothing but
an uncertain opinion of them: but I take it to be impious and
unlawful to believe this of God.]
¶ For
yif şat şei my[gh]ten wryşen awey in oşer manere şan şei 4452
ben purueyed. şan ne sholde şer ben no stedfast p{re}science
of şinge to comen but raşer an vncerteyn
oppiniou{n}. şe whiche şinge to trowen on god I deme it
felonie {and} vnleueful.
[Sidenote: Nor do I approve of the reasoning made use of by some.
For they say that a thing is not necessarily to happen because God
hath foreseen it, but rather because it is to happen it cannot be
hid from the divine Providence.]
¶ Ne I ne proeue nat şilk 4456
same resou{n}. as who seiş I ne allowe nat. or I ne p{re}ise
nat şilke same resou{n} by whiche şat som men wenen
şat şei mowen assoilen {and} vnknytten şe knot of şis
questiou{n}. ¶ For certys şei seyn ş{a}t şing nis nat to 4460
come for şat şe purueaunce of god haş seyn it byforn{e}.
şat is to comen but raşer şe cont{ra}rie. ¶ And şat
is şis şat for şat şe şing is to comen şat şerfore
ne may it nat ben hyd fro şe purueaunce of god. 4464
[Sidenote: [* fol. 35.]]
[Sidenote: Now by this reason necessity appears to change sides.
For it is not necessary that the things which are foreseen should
happen, but it is necessary that the things which are to befall
should be foreseen.]
*{and} in şis manere şis necessite slydiş a[gh]ein in to şe [[pg 155]]
contrarie p{ar}tie. ne it ne byhoueş [nat] nedes şat şinges
bytiden şat ben ypurueid. [but it by-houeth nedes /
ş{a}t thinges ş{a}t ben to comyn ben yporueyid] but as it 4468
were yt{ra}uailed.
[Sidenote: As if the question was, which was the cause of the
other--_prescience_ the cause of the necessity of future events,
or the _necessity_ the cause of the prescience of future events?]
as who seiş. şat şilke answere p{ro}cediş
ry[gh]t as şou[gh] men trauailden or weren bysy to
enqueren şe whiche şing is cause of whiche şinges. as
wheşer şe p{re}science is cause of şe necessite of şinges to 4472
comen. or ellys şat şe necessite of şi{n}ges to comen is
cause of şe purueau{n}ce.
[Sidenote: But I will prove that, however the order of causes may
stand, the event of things foreseen is necessary, although
prescience doth not seem to impose a necessity upon future things
to fall out.]
¶ But I ne enforce me nat now
to shewe{n} it şat şe bytidyng of şinges y-wist byforn is
necessarie. how so or in what manere şat şe ordre of 4476
causes haş it self. al şou[gh] şat it ne seme nat şat şe
p{re}science brynge in necessite of bytydynge of şinges
to comen.
[Sidenote: For if a man sit--the belief in the sitting is true;
and, on the other hand, if the opinion is true of his sitting, he
must needs sit.]
¶ For certys yif şat any wy[gh]t sitteş it byhoueş
by necessite şat şe oppiniou{n} be soşe of hym 4480
ş{a}t coniectiş şat he sitteş. and a[gh]einward. al so is it of
şe contrarie. yif şe oppiniou{n} be soşe of any wy[gh]t for
şat he sitteş it byhoueş by necessite şat he sitte
[Sidenote: In both cases there is a necessity--in the latter that
the person sits--in the former, that the opinion concerning the
other is true.]
¶ şan
is here necessite in şat oon {and} in ş{a}t oşer. for in şat 4484
oon is necessite of sittynge.
[Sidenote: But the man does not sit because the opinion of his
sitting is true, but the opinion is true because the action of his
being seated was antecedent in time.]
{and} certys in şat oşer is
necessite of soşe but şerfore ne sitteş nat a wy[gh]t for şat
şe oppiniou{n} of sittyng is soşe. but şe oppiniou{n} is
raşer soşe for şat a wy[gh]t sitteş by-forn.
[Sidenote: So that although the cause of truth arises from the
sitting, there is a common necessity in both.]
and şus al 4488
şou[gh] ş{a}t şe cause of soşe comeş of [şe] syttyng. and
nat of şe trewe oppiniou{n}. Algates [gh]itte is şer comune
necessite in şat oon {and} in şat oşer.
[Sidenote: Thus may we reason concerning Providence and future
events.]
¶ şus sheweş it
ş{a}t I may make semblable skils of şe p{ur}ueau{n}ce of god 4492
{and} of şinges to come.
[Sidenote: For allowing things are foreseen because they are to
happen, and that they do not befall because they are foreseen, it
is necessary that future events should be foreseen of God, or if
foreseen that they should happen; and this alone is sufficient to
destroy all idea of _free-will_.]
¶ For al şou[gh] for şat şat şinges
ben to comen. şer-fore ben şei p{ur}ueid. nat certys for
şei ben p{ur}ueid. şer-fore ne bytide şei nat. [gh]it naşeles
byhoueş it by necessite şat eişer şe şinges to comen 4496
ben yp{ur}ueied of god. or ellys şat şe şinges şat ben
p{ur}ueied of god bitiden [.s.] by necessite. ¶ And şis [[pg 156]]
şing oonly suffiseş I-nou[gh] to distroien şe fredome of
oure arbitre. şat is to seyn of oure fre wille
[Sidenote: But it is preposterous to make the happening of
temporal things the cause of eternal prescience, which we do in
imagining that God foresees future events because they are to
happen.]
¶ But now 4500
[certes] sheweş it wel how fer fro şe soşe {and} how vp
so dou{n} is şis şing şat we seyn şat şe bytidinge of
temp{or}el şinges is şe cause of şe eterne p{re}science.
¶ But forto wenen şat god p{ur}ueiş [the] şinges to comen. 4504
for şei ben to comen. what oşer şing is it but forto
wene şat şilke şinges şat bitiden som tyme ben causes
of şilke souereyne p{ur}ueaunce şat is i{n} god.
[Sidenote: And, moreover, when I know that anything exists, it is
necessary for my belief that it should be.]
¶ And
her-to I adde [gh]itte şis şing şat ry[gh]t as whan şat I woot 4508
şat o şing is it byhoueş by necessite şat şilke self şing be.
[Sidenote: So also when I know that an event shall come to pass,
it must needs happen.]
{and} eke şat whan I haue knowe şat any şi{n}ge shal
bitiden so byhoueş it by necessite ş{a}t şilk[e] same
şing bytide.
[Sidenote: The event, therefore, of a thing foreseen must befall.]
so folweş it şan şat şe bytydynge of şe 4512
şinge Iwist by-forn ne may nat ben eschewed.
[Sidenote: Lastly, if a person judge a thing to be different to
what it is--this is not knowledge, but a false opinion of it, and
far from the true knowledge.]
¶ And
at şe last[e] yif şat any wy[gh]t wene a şing to ben oşer
weyes şan it is. it nys nat oonly vnscience. but it is deceiuable
oppiniou{n} ful diuerse {and} fer fro şe soşe of 4516
science.
[Linenotes:
4437 _harde_--hard
4445 _haş_--MS. haş{e}
4446 _whiche_--which
4450 _wille_--wil
_whiche_--which ş{a}t
4451 _haş_--MS. haşe
4453 _stedfast_--stydefast
4454-55 _şinge_--thing
4455 _on_--of
4456 _şilk_--thilke
4458 _whiche_--which
4459 _knot_--knotte
4461 _come_--comyn
_haş_--MS. haşe
4464 _hyd_--MS. hydde, C. hidde
4466 [_nat_]--from C.
4467-8 [_but----yporueyid_]--from C.
4471 _şinges_--thing
4477 _haş_--MS. haşe
4480-82 _soşe_--soth
4486 _soşe_--sooth
4487 _soşe_--soth
4488 _soşe_--sooth
4489 _soşe comeş_--sooth comth
[_şe_]--from C.
4490 _comune_--MS. comme, C. comune
4493 _come_--comyn
4494 _to_--omitted
4494-95 _purueid_--MS. p{ur}ueide, C. p{ur}ueyid
4498 [_.s._]--from C.
4499 _fredome_--freedom
4500 _wille_--wil
4501 [_certes_]--from C.
4504 _purueiş_--MS. p{ur}ueişe
[_the_]--from C.
4506 _bitiden_--bytydden
_som tyme_--whilom
4509 _o_--a
_self_--selue
4510 _şinge_--thing
4511 _şilk[e]_--thilke
4513 _şinge_--thing
4514 _last[e]_--laste
4515 _nys_--is]
[Headnote:
FREEDOM OF THE HUMAN WILL.]
[Sidenote: If, therefore, a thing be so to happen that the event
of it is neither necessary nor certain, how can any one foresee
what is to happen?]
¶ wher-fore yif any şing be so to comen so şat
şe bytydynge of it ne be nat certeyne ne necessarie.
¶ who may weten [byforn] ş{a}t şilke şing is to come.
[Sidenote: For as pure knowledge has no element in it of
falsehood, so what is comprehended by true knowledge cannot be
otherwise than as comprehended.]
¶ For ry[gh]t as science ne may nat be medelyd wiş falsnesse. 4520
as who seiş şat yif I woot a şing. it ne may nat
be fals şat I ne woot it. ¶ Ry[gh]t so şilk şing şat
is conceyued by science ne may [nat] ben noon
oş{er} weyes şan [as] it is conceiued.
[Sidenote: Hence it is that true knowledge cannot err, because
everything must precisely be what true knowledge perceives it to
be.]
For şat is şe cause 4524
whi şat science wa{n}tiş lesynge. as who seiş. whi şat
witynge ne receyueş nat lesynge of şat it woot. ¶ For
it byhoueş by necessite şat euery şi{n}ge [be] ry[gh]t as science
co{m}p{re}hendiş it to be.
[Sidenote: What follows, then? How does God foreknow these
uncertain contingencies?]
what shal I şan sein. ¶ In 4528
whiche man{er}e knoweş god byforn şe şinges to comen.
¶ yif şei ne be nat certeyne. [[pg 157]]
[Sidenote: For if he thinks that a thing will inevitably happen,
which possibly may not, he is deceived--but this is sheer
blasphemy.]
¶ For yif şat he deme
şat şei ben to comen vneschewably.
[Sidenote: [* fol. 35 _b_.]]
{and} so may be şat
it is possible şat şei ne shulle{n} *nat comen. god is 4532
desseiued. but nat only to trowen şat god is desseiued.
but for to speke it wiş mouşe it is a felonous sy{n}ne.
[Sidenote: But if God discerns that just as things are to come
they shall come; if he knows that they may or may not come, what
sort of prescience is this, which comprehends nothing certain,
nothing invariable?]
¶ But yif şat god woot şat ry[gh]t so as şinges ben to
comen. so shulle şei comen. so şat he wit[e] egaly. as 4536
who seiş indifferently şat şinges mowen ben don or
ellys nat don. what is şilke p{re}science şat ne comp{re}hendiş
no certeyne şinge ne stable.
[Sidenote: Or how does divine prescience differ from human
opinion, if He hath an uncertain judgment of things, whereof the
events are uncertain and unfixed?]
or ellys what difference
is şer bytwixe şe p{re}science. {and} şilke iape-worşi 4540
dyuynynge of Tiresie şe diuino{ur} şat seide. ¶ Al şat
I seie q{uo}d he eyşer it shal be. or ellys it ne shal nat
be. Or ellis how moche is worşe şe diuyne p{re}science
more şan şe oppiniou{n} of mankynde yif so be şat it 4544
demeş şe şinges vncerteyne as me{n} don. of şe whiche
domes of men şe bytydynge nis nat certeyne.
[Sidenote: But if there can be no uncertainty in his knowledge,
who is the source of all certainty; the event of all things which
he foreknows must be fixed and inevitable.]
¶ But
yif so be ş{a}t noon vncerteyne şinge may ben in hym
şat is ry[gh]t certeyne welle of alle şinges. şa{n} is şe 4548
bytydynge certeyne of şilke şinges whiche he haş wist
byforn fermely to come{n}.
[Sidenote: Whence it follows that men have no freedom in their
designs and actions; because the Divine Mind, endowed with an
infallible foresight, constrains and binds them to a certain
event.]
For whiche it folweş şat şe
fredom of şe co{n}seils {and} of şe werkes of mankynde nis
non syn şat şe şou[gh]t of god seeş alle şinges w{i}t{h} outen 4552
erro{ur} of falsnesse byndeş {and} co{n}streiniş hem to a
bitidynge by necessite. and yif [this] şi{n}g be on-is
grau{n}tid {and} receyued. şat is to seyn. şat şer nis no
fre wille. şan sheweş it wel how gret distrucc{i}ou{n} {and} 4556
how grete damages şer folwen of şinges of mankynde.
[Linenotes:
4518 _it_--hit
4519 [_byforn_]--from C.
4522 _fals_--false
4523 [_nat_]--from C.
_ben_--MS. by, C. ben
4524 _şan [as] it is_--MS. şan it is be
4527 [_be_]--from C.
4529 _whiche_--which
4534 _mouşe_--Mowth
4536 _shulle_--shullyn
_wit[e]_--wite
4538 _don_--MS. done, C. y-doon
4543 _moche_--mochel
_worşe_--worth
4549 _haş_--MS. haşe
4550 _whiche_--which
4551 _mankynde_--man-kynd
4554 [_this_]--from C.
4555 _grauntid_--ygraunted]
[Headnote:
FATE UNDER THE CONTROL OF PROVIDENCE.]
¶ For in ydel ben şer şan p{ur}posed and byhy[gh]t medes
of goode folk. {and} peynes to badde folk. syn şat no
moeuynge of free corage uoluntarie ne haş nat deserued 4560
hem. şat is to seyn neişer mede nor peyne.
[Sidenote: Rewards and punishments now deemed just and equitable,
will be considered most unjust, when, it is allowed, that mankind
are not prompted by any will of their own, to either virtue or
vice, but in all their actions are impelled by a fatal necessity.]
¶ And it
sholde seme şan şat şilke şinge is alşer worste whiche
şat is nowe demed. for alş{er} moste iuste {and} moste [[pg 158]]
ry[gh]tful. şat is to seyn şat shrewes ben punyssed. or 4564
ellys ş{a}t good[e] folk ben ygerdoned. şe whiche folk
syn şat şe p{ro}pre wille [ne] sent hem nat to ş{a}t oon ne
to şat oşer. şat is to seyn. neşer to good[e] ne to
harme. but constreineş hem certeyne necessite of şinges 4568
to comen.
[Sidenote: Nor would there be such things as virtue or vice, but
such a medley of the one and the other as would be productive of
the greatest confusion.]
¶ şanne ne sholle{n} şer neuer ben ne neuer
weren vice ne vertue. but it sholde raşer ben co{n}fusiou{n}
of alle desertes medlid wişoute discresiou{n}. ¶ And
[gh]itte şer folweş an oşer i{n}co{n}uenient of şe whiche şer 4572
ne may ben şou[gh]t ne more felonous ne more wikke.
[Sidenote: And from this it will follow--that since all order
comes of Divine Providence, and that there is no freedom of the
human will, that also our vices must be referred to the author of
all good--which is a most impious opinion.]
{and} şat is şis şat so as şe ordre of şinges is yledd {and}
comeş of şe purueaunce of god. ne şat no şing nis
leueful to şe conseils of mankynde. as who seiş şat 4576
men han no power to done no şing. ne wilne no şing.
şan folweş it şat oure vices ben refferred to şe mak[er]e
of alle good. as who seiş şan folweş it. şat god au[gh]t[e]
han şe blame of oure vices. syn he co{n}streiniş by 4580
necessite to don vices.
[Sidenote: Then is it useless to hope for anything from God, or to
pray to him.]
şan nis şer no resou{n} to han
hopen in god. ne forto p{re}ien to god.
[Sidenote: For why should men do either, when all they can desire
is irreversibly predestined?]
¶ For what
sholde any wy[gh]t hopen to god. or whi sholde he p{re}ien
to god. syn şat şe ordenaunce of destine whiche şat ne 4584
may nat ben enclined. knytteş {and} streiniş alle şinges
şat men may desire{n}.
[Sidenote: Hope and prayer being thus ineffectual, all intercourse
is cut off between God and man.]
¶ şan sholde şere be don awey
şilke oonly alliaunce bytwixen god {and} men. şat is to
seien to hopen {and} to p{re}ien.
[Sidenote: By reverent and humble supplication we earn divine
grace, a most inestimable favour, and are able to associate with
the Deity, and to unite ourselves to the inaccessible light.]
but by şe p{re}is of ry[gh]tfulnesse 4588
{and} of veray mekenesse we deserue şe gerdou{n}
of şe deuyne grace whiche şat is inestimable. şat is to
sein şat it is so grete şat it ne may nat ben ful yp{re}ised.
{and} şis is oonly şe manere. şat is to seyen hope {and} 4592
prayeres. for whiche it semeş şat [men] mowen speken
wiş god. {and} by resou{n} of supplicac{i}ou{n}
ben conioigned [[pg 159]]
to şilk clernesse şat nis nat app{ro}ched no raşer or
şat men byseken it {and} emp{re}nten it.
[Sidenote: If men believe that hope and prayer have no power
because of the necessity of future events, by what other way can
we be united, and hold fast to the sovereign Lord of all things?]
And yif men 4596
ne wene [nat] şat [hope] ne p{re}iers ne han no strengşes.
by şe necessite of şinges to comen y-resceiued. what
şi{n}g is şer şan by whiche we mowen be co{n}ioygned
{and} clyuen to şilke souereyne p{r}ince of şinges.
[Sidenote: Wherefore mankind must be dissevered and disunited from
the source of its existence, and shrink from its beginning.]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 36.]]
¶ For 4600
whiche it byhoueş by necessite şat şe lynage of mankynde
as *şou songe a litel here byforne ben dep{ar}ted
{and} vnioyned from hys welle {and} faylen of hys bygynnynge.
şat is to seien god. 4604
[Linenotes:
4558 _medes of_--Meedes to
4560 _haş_--MS. haşe
4562 _alşer worste whiche_--alderworst which
4563 _nowe_--MS. newe, C. now
_alşer moste iuste_--alder moost Iust
_moste_--most
4565-67 _good[e]_--goode
4566 _wille_--wil
[_ne_]--from C.
4571 _wişoute_--w{i}t{h}-owten
4573 _şou[gh]t_--thoght
4574 _yledd_--MS. yledde, C. yled
4575 _comeş_--comth
4577 _done_--doon
4578 _mak[er]e_--maker{e}
4579 _au[gh]t[e]_--owhte
4584 _whiche_--which
4588 _preis_--prys
_ry[gh]tfulnesse_--Rihtwessenesse
4589 _deserue_--desseruyn
4590 _deuyne_--MS. deuynes, C. dyuyne
4590-93 _whiche_--which
4591 _grete_--gret
4593 [_men_]--from C.
_speken_--speke
4595 _şilk_--thilke
4596 _emprenten_--impetrent
4597 [_nat_]--from C.
[_hope_]--from C.
4601 _whiche_--which
4602 _byforne_--by-forn]
[Headnote:
THE UNKNOWN CANNOT BE DESIRED.]
QUE NAM DISCORS
[Sidenote: [The .3^de. Met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: Say what discordant cause looses the bonds of things?]
++What discordable cause haş to-rent {and} vnioigned şe
byndyng or şe alliaunce of şinges. şat is to seyne
şe coniuncc{i}ou{n} of god {and} of man.
[Sidenote: What power doth make these two great truths (_i. e._
Providence and Free-will) contend, which when separate are plain
and clear, but united appear dark and perplexed?]
¶ whiche god
haş establissed so grete bataile bitwixe{n} şise two soşefast 4608
or verray şinges. şat is to sein bytwixen şe p{ur}ueaunce
of god {and} fre wille. şat şei ben synguler {and}
diuided. ne şat şei ne wolen nat ben medeled ne
coupled to-gidre. but şer nis no discorde to [tho] verray 4612
şinges. but şei cleuen certeyne al wey to hem self.
[Sidenote: The mind of man encumbered by the earthly body, can
never, with her cloudy sight, discover the subtle and close bonds
of things.]
but şe şou[gh]t of man co{n}founded {and} ouerşrowen by şe dirke
membris of şe body ne may nat by fir of his dirk[ed]
lokynge. şat is to seyn by şe vigo{ur} of hys insy[gh]t while 4616
şe soule is in şe body knowen şe şinne subtil knyttynges
of şinges.
[Sidenote: But why does man burn with ardour to learn the hidden
notes of truth?]
¶ But wherfore eschaufiş it so by so
grete loue to fynden şilke note[s] of soşe y-cou{er}ed. (_glosa_)
şat is to sein wherfore eschaufiş şe şou[gh]t of man by so 4620
grete desir to knowen şilke notificac{i}ou{n}s şat ben yhidd
vndir şe couerto{ur}s of soşe.
[Sidenote: Why gropes he for he knows not what? None seek to know
what is known.]
woot it ou[gh]t şilke şinges
şat it anguissous desireş to knowe. as who seiş nay. [[pg 160]]
¶ For no man ne trauaileş forto witen şinges şat he woot. 4624
{and} şerfore şe texte seiş şus. ¶ [_Glosa_] Si eni{m} a{n}i{m}a
ignorat istas subtiles co{n}nexiones. r{espo}nde. vn{de} est
q{uo}d desiderat scire cu{m} nil ignotu{m} possit desiderare.
¶ But who traua[i]leş to wyten şinges y-knowe.
[Sidenote: If he knows them not, what does he so blindly seek?]
and yif 4628
şat he ne knoweş hem nat. what sekiş şilke blynde
şou[gh]t.
[Sidenote: Who wishes for things he hath never known?]
what is he şat desireş any şinge of whiche he
woot ry[gh]t nat. as who seiş who so desiriş any şing
nedis som what he knoweş of it. or ellys he ne couşe 4632
nat desire it. or who may folwen şinges şat ne ben nat
ywist
[Sidenote: Or if he seek, where shall he find them? Or if he find,
how shall he be sure that he has found what he sought for?]
¶ and şou[gh] [ş{a}t] he seke şo şinges where shal
he fynde{n} hem. what wy[gh]t şat is al vnknowynge {and}
ignoraunt may knowe şe forme şat is yfounde.
[Sidenote: The pure soul that sees the divine thought, knows all
the secret chains of things.]
¶ But 4636
whan şe soule byholdeş {and} seeş şe heye şou[gh]t. şat is
to seyn god. şan knoweş it to-gidre şe so{m}me {and} şe
singularites. şat is to seyn şe p{r}inciples {and} eueryche
by hym self.
[Sidenote: Yet, though now hidden in its fleshly members, it hath
some remembrance of its pure state--it retains the sums of things,
but has lost their particulars.]
¶ But now while şe soule is hidd in şe 4640
cloude {and} in şe derknesse of şe membris of şe body.
it ne haş nat al for[gh]eten it selfe. but it wişholdeş şe
so{m}me of şinges {and} lesiş şe singularites.
[Sidenote: He who seeks truth is not in either circumstance
(_i. e._ seeking for what he knows or knows not), he knoweth not
all things, nor hath he wholly forgotten all.]
şan who so
şat sekeş soşenesse. he nis in neiş{er} nouşir habit. for 4644
he not nat alle ne he ne haş nat alle for-[gh]eten.
[Sidenote: But he ponders on what he knows, that he may add those
things that he hath forgotten to those that he retains.]
¶ But
[gh]itte hym remembriş şe so{m}me of şinges şat he wişholdeş
{and} axeş cou{n}seil {and} tretiş depelyche şi{n}ges
ysein byforne. [_Glosa_] şat is to sein şe grete so{m}me in 4648
hys mynde. [_textus_] so şat he mowe adden şe p{ar}ties
şat he haş for[gh]eten. to şilke şat he haş wişholden.
[Linenotes:
4605 _haş_--MS. haşe
4606 _seyne_--seyn
4607 _whiche_--which
4608 _haş_--MS. haşe
_grete_--gret
_soşefast_--soothfast
4610 _wille_--wil
4612 _discorde_--discord
[_tho_]--from C.
4613 _cleuen_--clyuen
4615 _dirk[ed]_--derkyd
4616 _while_--whil
4617 _knowen_--knowe
4619-21 _grete_--gret
_note[s]_--notes
4619 _soşe_--soth
4621 _yhidd_--MS. yhidde, C. Ihyd
4622 _soşe_--sooth
_şinges_--thing
4625 [_Glosa_]--from C.
4630 _şinge_--thing
_whiche_--which
4631 _woot_--not
_nat_--nawht
4632 _couşe_--kowde
4634 [_şat_]--from C.
_where_--wher
4635 _what_--MS. şat, C. what
_vnknowynge_--vnkunnynge
4639 _eueryche_--eu{er}ych
4640 _while_--whil
_şe_--MS. şe şe
_hidd_--MS. hidde, C. hidde
4641 _derknesse_--derkenesse
4642 _haş_--MS. haşe
_selfe_--self
4644 _nouşir habit_--nother habite
4645 _alle_ (_both_)--al
_haş_--MS. haşe
4648 [_Glosa_]--from C.
4649 [_textus_]--from C.
4650 _haş_ (_both_)--MS. haşe]
[[pg 161]]
[Headnote:
ANSWERS TO OBJECTIONS AGAINST PROVIDENCE.]
TAMEN ILLA UETUS INQ{U}IT HEC EST.
[Sidenote: [The 4^the p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: _P._ This is the old objection against Providence, so
ably handled by Cicero in his _Book of Divination_; and you
yourself have anxiously discussed it.]
++Şanne seide she. şis is q{uo}d she şe olde questiou{n} of
şe p{ur}ueaunce of god. {and} marcus tulius whan he 4652
deuided[e] şe deuinac{i}ou{n}s. şat is to sein in hys booke
şat he wroot of deuinac{i}ou{n}s. he moeued[e] gretly şis
questiou{n}. {and} şou şi self hast sou[gh]t it mochel {and}
outerly {and} lo{n}g[e].
[Sidenote: But neither of you have offered a satisfactory solution
of the difficulty.]
but [gh]it ne haş it nat ben determined 4656
ne yspedd fermely {and} diligently of any of yow.
[Sidenote: The cause of this mystery is that the human
understanding cannot conceive the simplicity of the divine
prescience, for if it were possible to comprehend this, every
difficulty would at once disappear.]
¶ And şe cause of şis derkenesse {and} [of this] difficulte
is for şat şe moeuynge of şe resou{n} of mankynde ne
may nat moeue{n} to. şat is to sein applien or ioygnen to 4660
şe simplicite of şe deuyne p{re}science. ¶ şe whiche
symplicite of şe deuyne p{re}science [gh]if şat men [myhten
thinken it in any maner{e} / ş{a}t is to seyn /
ş{a}t yif men] my[gh]te
şinken {and} co{m}p{re}henden şe şinges as god seeş hem. 4664
şan ne sholde şer dwellen outerly no doute.
[Sidenote: I shall, therefore, try to explain and solve this
difficult question.]
şe whiche
resou{n} {and} cause of difficulte I shal assaie at şe laste
to shewen {and} to speden.
[Sidenote: [* fol. 36 _b_.]]
¶ whan I haue *firste
[yspendyd / {and}] ansewered to şo resou{n}s by whiche ş{o}u 4668
art ymoeued.
[Sidenote: I ask, then, why you do not approve the reasoning of
such as think--that Prescience does not obstruct the liberty of
the will, because it is not the necessitating cause of future
events?]
¶ For I axe whi ş{o}u wenest şat şilk[e]
resou{n}s of hem şat assoilen şis questiou{n} ne ben nat
spedeful ynou[gh] ne sufficient şe whiche soluc{i}ou{n} or şe
whiche resou{n} for şat it demiş şat şe p{re}science nis nat 4672
cause of necessite to şinges to comen. şan ne weneş it
nat şat fredom of wille be distourbed or ylett by p{re}science.
[Linenotes:
4653 _deuided[e]_--deuynede
_booke_--book
4654 _moeued[e]_--moeuede
4655 _sou[gh]t_--I-sowht
4656 _long[e]_--longe
_haş_--MS. haşe
4657 _yspedd_--MS. yspedde, C. Isped
_fermely_--MS. feruently, C. fermely
4658 _derkenesse_--dirknesse
[_of this_]--from C.
4662-3 [_myhten----men_]--from C.
4663 _my[gh]te_--myhten
4667 _firste_--fyrst
4668 [_yspendyd and_]--from C.
_şo_--the
_whiche_--which
4669 _art_--MS. arte
_şilk[e]_--thilke
4671 _spedeful_--spedful
4672 _whiche_--which
4674 _wille_--wyl]
[Headnote:
NECESSITY AND PRESCIENCE.]
[Sidenote: Do you draw an argument of the necessity of future
events, from any other topic than this,--that those things which
are foreknown must of necessity happen?]
for ne drawest şou nat argumentes from ellys
where of şe necessite of şinges to comen. As who seiş 4676
any oşer wey şan şus. but şat şilke şinge[s] şat şe p{re}scie{n}ce
woot byforn [ne] mowen nat vnbitide. şat is to
seyn şat şei moten bitide.
[Sidenote: If divine prescience imposes no necessity upon future
things, must not the issue of things be voluntary, and man's will
free and unconstrained?]
¶ But şan yif şat p{re}science
ne putteş no necessite to şinges to comen. as şou şi self 4680
hast confessed it {and} byknowen a litel herbyforn{e}.
¶ what [[pg 162]]
cause [or what] is it. as who seiş şere may no cause be.
by whiche şat şe endes (exitus) uoluntarie of şinges
my[gh]ten be constreyned to certeyne bitydyng.
[Sidenote: For argument sake let us suppose there is no
prescience, would, then, the events which proceed from free-will
alone be under the power of necessity?]
¶ For 4684
by grace of possessiou{n}. so şat şou mowe şe better vndirstonde
şis şat folweş. ¶ I pose (inpossibile) şat
şer ne be no p{re}science. şan axe I q{uo}d she in as
moche as app{er}teniş to şat. sholde şan şinges şat 4688
comen of frewille ben constreined to bytiden by
necessite.
[Sidenote: _B._ No.]
{Boici}us. nay q{uo}d I.
[Sidenote: _P._ Let us, then, admit Prescience, but that it
imposes no necessity on what is to happen; the freedom of the will
would still remain entire and absolute.]
şan a[gh]einward q{uo}d
she. I suppose şat şere be p{re}science but şat ne putteş
no necessite to şinges. şan trowe I şat şilk self fredom 4692
of wille shal dwelle{n} al hool {and} absolut {and} vnbounden.
[Sidenote: But although Prescience, you may say, is not the
necessary cause of future events, yet it is a sign that they shall
necessarily happen, and hence it follows that, although there were
no prescience, future events would still be an inevitable
necessity.]
but şou wolt sein şat al be it so şat p{re}science
nis nat cause of şe necessite of bitidynge to şinges to
comen. ¶ Algates [gh]itte it is a signe ş{a}t şe şinges ben 4696
to bytiden by necessite. by şis manere şan al şou[gh] şe
p{re}science ne hadde neuer yben. [gh]it algate or at şe
lest[e] wey. it is certeyne şing şat şe e{n}dys {and} şe
bitydynges of şinges to come{n} sholde ben necessarie. 4700
[Sidenote: For the sign of a thing is not really the thing itself,
but only points out what the individual is.]
¶ For euery sygne sheweş {and} signifieş oonly what şe
şing is ¶ but it ne makiş nat şe şing şat it signifieş.
[Sidenote: Wherefore, it must be first proved that everything
happens by necessity before we can conclude that prescience is a
sign of that necessity.]
¶ For whiche it byhoueş firste to shewen şat no şing
ne bitidiş [ş{a}t it ne bytydith] by necessite. so şat it 4704
may apere ş{a}t şe p{re}scie{n}ce is signe of şis necessite
[Sidenote: For if there be no necessity, prescience cannot be the
sign of that which has no existence.]
¶ or ellys yif şere nere no necessite. certys şilke p{re}science
ne my[gh]t[e] nat ben signe of şinge şat nis nat.
[Linenotes:
4677 _şinge[s]_--thinges
4683 _whiche_--which
4685 _better_--beter{e}
4688 _moche_--mochel
4689 _frewille_--free wyl
4691 _şat ne_--şat is ne
4692 _şat_--MS. şan
_şilk self_--thilke selue
4693 _wille_--wil
4699 _lest[e]_--leeste
4700 _sholde_--sholden
4703 _whiche_--which
_firste_--fyrst
4704 [_şat----bytydith_]--from C.
4707 _my[gh]t[e]_--myhte
_şinge_--thing]
[Headnote:
NOT ALL THINGS CONTROLLED BY NECESSITY.]
[Sidenote: The assertion that nothing happens but by necessity,
must be proved by arguments drawn from causes connected and
agreeing with this necessity, and not from signs or foreign
causes.]
¶ But certys it is nowe certeyne şat şe preue of şis 4708
susteniş by stedfast resou{n} ne shal nat ben ladd ne
p{ro}ued by signes ne by argumentys ytaken fro wiş oute.
but by causes couenable {and} necessarie ¶ But şou
mayst sein how may it be şat şe şinges ne bitiden nat 4712
şat ben ypurueyed to comen. but certys ry[gh]t as we [[pg 163]]
trowen şat şo şinges whiche şat şe p{ur}ueau{n}ce woot byforn
to comen. ne ben nat to bitiden. but [ş{a}t] ne sholde
we nat demen. but raşer al şou[gh] [şat] şei schal bitiden. 4716
[gh]it ne haue şei no necessite of hire kynde to bitiden.
{and} şis maist şou ly[gh]tly ap{er}ceyue{n} by şis şat I shal
seyn.
[Sidenote: We see many things when they are done before our eyes;
such as a charioteer driving his chariot, and other things of like
nature.]
but we seen many şinges whan şei ben don byforn
oure eyen ry[gh]t as men seen şe karter worken in şe 4720
to{ur}nynge {and} in attempryng or in adressy{n}g of hys
kartes or chariottes. ¶ and by şis manere as who seiş
mayst şou vnd{er}sto{n}de of alle manere oşir werkeme{n}.
[Sidenote: Now, is there any necessity which compels these things
to be done?]
¶ Is şere şanne any necessite as who seiş in oure lokynge 4724
[ş{a}t] constreineş or compelliş any of şilke şinges
to ben don so.
[Sidenote: _B._ No. For if all things were moved by
compulsion--the efforts of art would be vain and fruitless.]
b. nay q{uo}d I ¶ For in ydel {and} in
veyne were alle şe effect of crafte yif şat alle şinges
weren moeued by constreynynge. şat is to seyn by constreynynge 4728
of oure eyen or of oure sy[gh]t.
[Sidenote: _P._ The things, then, which are done are under no
necessity that they should be done; then first before they were
done, they were under no necessity of coming to pass; wherefore
some things happen, the event of which is unconstrained by
necessity.]
_P._ şise şi{n}g{us}
şan q{uo}d she şat whan men don hem ne han non
necessite şat men don hem. eke şo same şinges first or
şei be don. şei ben to comen wiş out necessite.
[Sidenote: [* fol. 37.]]
for whi 4732
şer ben so{m}me şinges to bytide of whiche şe endys
{and} şe bitidynges of hem ben absolut *{and} quit of alle
necessite.
[Sidenote: These things therefore, although foreknown, have free
events: for as the knowledge of present things imposes no
necessity upon things which are now done, so neither does the
foreknowledge of futurities necessitate the things which are to
come.]
for certys I ne trowe nat şat any man wolde seyn
şis. şat şo şinges şat men don now ş{a}t şei ne weren 4736
to bitiden. first or şei were ydon ¶ and şilk same
şinges al şou[gh] ş{a}t men hadde{n} ywyst hem by-forn.
[gh]itte şei han fre bitidynges. for ry[gh]t as science of
şinges p{re}sent ne bryngeş in no necessite to şinges 4740
[ş{a}t men doon // Ryht so the p{re}science of thinges to
comen ne bryngeth in no necessite to thinges] to bytiden
[Sidenote: But you may doubt whether there can be any certain
prescience of things, of which the event is not necessitated: for
here there seems to be an evident contradiction.]
but şou mayst seyn şat of şilke same it is ydouted. as
wheşer şat of şilke şinges şat ne han non endes {and} 4744
bytidynges necessaryes yif şer-of may ben any p{re}science
[Linenotes:
4708 _nowe_--now
4709 _susteniş_--ysustenyd
_stedfast_--stydefast
_ladd_--MS. ladde, C. lad
4714 _whiche_--which
4715 [_şat_]--from C.
_sholde_--sholden
4716 _demen_--MS. denyen
[_şat_]--from C.
4717 _necessite_--MS. necessites
4721 _hys_--hise
4725 [_şat_]--from C.
4727 _veyne_--veyn
_alle_--al
_crafte_--craft
4729 _şise_--MS. şise şise, C. the
4732 _wiş out_--w{i}t{h}-owte
4733 _bytide_--bytyden
_whiche_--which
4737 _were_--weeren
_ydon_--MS. ydone, C. I-doon
_şilk_--thilke
4741-2 [_şat----thinges_]--from C.
4744 _endes_--issues]
[[pg 164]]
[Headnote:
THE NATURE OF TRUE KNOWLEDGE.]
[Sidenote: If things are foreknown, you may contend they must
necessarily happen; and if their event is not necessary, they
cannot be foreseen, because true knowledge can comprehend nothing
but what is absolutely certain.]
¶ For certys şei seme to discorde. for şou
wenest şat yif şat şinges ben yseyn byforn şat necessite
folweş hem. and yif ({et} putas) necessite faileş hem şei ne 4748
my[gh]ten nat ben wist byforn. {and} şat no şinge ne may
ben comp{re}hendid by science but certeyne.
[Sidenote: And if things uncertain in their events are foreseen as
certain, this knowledge is nothing more than a false opinion.]
{and} yif şo
şinges şat ne han no certeyne bytidynges ben ypurueied
as certeyn.
[Sidenote: For it is very remote from true knowledge to judge of
things otherwise than they really are.]
it sholde ben dirkenesse of oppiniou{n} nat 4752
soşefastnesse of science [{and} ş{o}u weenyst ş{a}t it be diu{er}se
fro the hoolnesse of science / ş{a}t any man sholde deme
a thing to ben oother weys thanne it is it self].
[Sidenote: The cause of this error is that men imagine that their
knowledge is wholly derived from the nature of the things known,
whereas it is quite the reverse.]
and şe
cause of şis errour is. şat of alle şe şinges şat euery 4756
wy[gh]t haş yknowe. şei wenen şat şo şinges ben y-knowe
al oonly by şe strengşe {and} by şe nature of şe şinges
şat ben ywyst or yknowe. {and} it is al şe contrarie. for
alle şat eu{er}e is yknowe.
[Sidenote: Things are not known from their inherent properties,
but by the faculties of the observer.]
it is raşer comp{re}hendid {and} 4760
yknowe{n} nat after his strengeş {and} hys nature. but after
şe faculte şat is to seyn şe power {and} [the] nature of
hem şat knowen.
[Sidenote: The roundness of a body affects the sight in one way,
and the touch in another.]
{and} for şat şis shal mowe shewen by
a short ensample şe same roundenes of a body .O. oşer 4764
weyes şe sy[gh]t of şe eye knoweş it. {and} oşer weyes şe
touchi{n}g.
[Sidenote: The eye, from afar, darts its rays upon the object, and
by beholding it comprehends its form.]
şe lokynge by castynge of his bemes waiteş
{and} seeş fro afer alle şe body to-gider wiş oute mouynge
of it self.
[Sidenote: But the object is not distinguished by the touch unless
the hand comes in contact with it and feels it all round.]
but şe touchinge cliuiş {and} conioigneş to şe 4768
rounde body (orbi) {and} moueş abouten şe environynge.
{and} comp{re}hendiş by p{ar}ties şe roundenesse.
[Linenotes:
4746 _seme_--semyn
_discorde_--discorden
4749 _şat_--yif
4753-5 [_and----self_]--from C.
4757 _haş_--MS. haşe
4760 _alle_--al
4763 _mowe_--mowen
4764 _roundenes_--Rowndnesse
4765 _sy[gh]t_--sihte
4767 _alle_--al
4769 _abouten_--abowte
4770 _roundenesse_--Rowndnesse]
[Headnote:
SENSE, REASON, AND INTELLIGENCE.]
[Sidenote: Man himself is surveyed in divers ways--by the senses,
by the imagination, by reason, and by the intelligence (of the
Deity).]
¶ and şe man hym self oşer weies wyt byholdiş hym. {and}
oş{er}weyes ymaginac{i}ou{n} {and} oşer weyes resou{n}. {and} 4772
oşer weyes intelligence.
[Sidenote: The senses take note of his material figure--the
imagination considers the form alone, exclusive of the matter.]
¶ For şe wit co{m}p{re}he{n}diş
fro wiş outen furşe şe figure of şe body of şe man. şat
is establissed in şe matere subiect. But şe ymaginac{i}ou{n}
[comp{re}hendith only the figur{e} w{i}t{h} owte the mater{e} / 4776
[Sidenote: Reason transcends the imaginations, and examining
existences in general discovers the particular species, but the
eye of Intelligence soars still higher; for, going beyond the
bounds of what is general, it surveys the _simple forms_
themselves, by its own pure and subtle thought:]
Resou{n} surmou{n}teth ymaginaciou{n}]
{and} co{m}p{re}hendeş [[pg 165]]
by an vniuersel lokynge şe co{mmun}e spece (sp{eci}em)
şat is in şe singuler peces. ¶ But şe eye of intelligence
is hey[gh]er for it so{ur}mou{n}teş şe envirounynge of şe 4780
vniu{er}site {and} lookeş ouer şat by pure subtilite of şou[gh]t.
[Sidenote: in which this is chiefly to be considered, that the
higher power of perception embraces the lower; but the inferior
cannot attain to the energy of the superior:]
şilk same symple forme of man şat is p{er}durably in şe
deuyne şou[gh]t. in whiche şis au[gh]t[e] gretely to ben considered
şat şe heyest strengşe to co{m}prehenden şinges 4784
enbraceş {and} conteyneş şe lower[e] strengşe [but the
lower{e} strengthe ne arysith nat in no maner{e} to heyer{e}
strengthe].
[Sidenote: for the senses cannot go beyond the perception of
matter; the imagination cannot comprehend existences in general,
nor can the reason conceive the simple form.]
for wit ne may no şinge co{m}p{re}hende oute of
matere. ne şe ymagynac{i}ou{n} ne lokeş nat şe vniuerseles 4788
speces. ne resou{n} ne takeş nat şe symple forme. so as
i{n}telligence takeş it.
[Sidenote: But the Intelligence looking down (as from above) and
having conceived the form, discerns all things that are below it,
and comprehends what does not fall within the reach of the other
faculties of the mind.]
but şe intelligence şat lokeş al
abouen whan it haş co{m}p{re}hendid şe forme it knoweş
{and} demeş alle şe şinges şat be{n} vndir şat forme. but 4792
she knoweş he{m} vndir şilke manere in şe whiche it
comp{re}hendiş şilke same symple forme şat ne may
neuer be knowen to non of şat oşer. şat is to seyn to
non of şo şre forseide strengşes of şe soule.
[Sidenote: Without the aid of those faculties Intelligence
comprehends things _formally_ (_i. e._ by beholding their simple
forms) by one effort of mind.]
for it 4796
knoweş şe vniuersite of resou{n} {and} şe figure of
şe ymaginac{i}ou{n}.
{and} şe sensible mat{er}ial conseiued. {and} şou
wenest ş{a}t it be diuerse fro şe hoolnesse of science. şat
any man sholde deme a şing to ben oş{er}weyes şan it is 4800
it self {and} şe cause of şis erro{ur} {et}c'. {vt sup}ra. by wit.
[Sidenote: Reason, without the aid of Imagination and Sense, in
considering things in general, comprehends all imaginable and
sensible things.]
ne it ne vseş nat nor of resou{n} ne of ymaginac{i}ou{n} ne
of wit wiş oute forşe but it byholdeş alle şinges so as I
shal seye. by a strok of şou[gh]t formely wiş oute disco{ur}s 4804
or collac{i}ou{n} ¶ Certys resou{n} whan it lokeş any şing
vniu{er}sel it ne vseş nat of ymaginac{i}ou{n} nor of wit {and}
algates [gh]it [it] co{m}prendiş şe şinges ymaginable {and}
sensible.
[Sidenote: For instance, reason defines her general conceptions
thus:--]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 37 _b_.]]
for resou{n} is she şat *diffinisseş şe vniuersel 4808
of hir conseite ry[gh]t şus. [[pg 166]]
[Sidenote: Man is a rational two-footed animal, which, though it
be a general idea, yet every one knows that man thus defined is
perceived both by the imagination and the senses, notwithstanding
that in this instance reason does not make use of imagination or
the senses, but of her own rational conception.]
¶ Man is a resonable t[w]o-footid
beest. and how so şat şis knowynge [is] vniuersel.
[gh]it nys şer no wy[gh]t şat ne woot wel. şat a ma{n} is [a thing]
ymaginable {and} sensible ¶ and şis same co{n}sidereş wel 4812
resou{n}. but şat nis nat by ymaginac{i}ou{n}. nor by witte.
but it lokiş it by [a] resonable concepc{i}ou{n}.
[Sidenote: The imagination also, although it derives its power of
seeing and forming figures from the senses, yet in the absence and
without the use of the senses it considers and comprehends all
sensible things by its own imaginative power.]
¶ Also ymaginac{i}ou{n}
al be it so. şat it takeş of wit şe bygyny{n}g{us}
to seen {and} to formen şe figures. algates al şou[gh] şat wit 4816
ne ware not p{re}sent. [gh]it it envirouniş {and} co{m}p{re}hendiş
alle şinges sensible. nat by resou{n} sensible of demynge.
but by resou{n} ymaginatif.
[Sidenote: Do not you see that men attain to the knowledge of
things more by their own faculties, than by the inherent property
of things?]
¶ sest şou nat şan şat alle
şe şinges in knowynge vsen more of hir faculte or of hir 4820
power. şan şei don of [the] faculte or of power of şinges
şat ben yknowen.
[Sidenote: Nor is it unreasonable that it should be so--for since
every judgment is the act of the person judging; every one must
needs do his own work by the help of his own faculties, and not by
the aid of foreign power.]
ne şat nis no wronge. for so as euery
iugement is şe dede or şe doynge of hym şat demeş. It 4823
byhoueş şat euery wy[gh]t p{er}forme şe werke {and} hys entenc{i}ou{n}
nat of forein power[;] but of hys propre power.
[Linenotes:
4774 _fro wiş outen furşe_--w{i}t{h} owte forth
4776-7 [_comprehendith----ymaginacioun_]--from C.
4777 _comprehendeş_--MS. co{m}p{re}hendynge
4778 _an_--omitted
4780 _hey[gh]er_--heyer{e}
4783 _whiche_--which
_au[gh]t[e]_--owhte
4784 _heyest_--heyiste
4785 _lower[e]_--lower{e}
4785-7 [_but----strengthe_]--from C.
4787 _wit_--witte
_oute_--owt
4791 _haş_--MS. haşe
4793 _whiche_--which
4795-6 _non_--none
4796 _strengşes_--thinges
4798-4801 _and şou----vt supra_--omitted
4805 _collacioun_--MS. callac{i}ou{n}, C. collaciou{n}
4806 _wit_--witte
4810 [_is_]--from C.
4813 _witte_--wit
4821 _don_--MS. done, C. doon
[_the_]--from C.
4822 _yknowen_--Iknowe]
_no wronge_--nat wrong
4824 _werke_--werk
4825 _forein_--foreyne]
[Headnote:
HOW OUR KNOWLEDGE OF OUTWARD THINGS IS GAINED.]
QUONDAM PORTICUS ATTULIT.
[Sidenote: [The 4^the Met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: Fallacious and obscure was the lore of the Stoics,]
++ŞE porche şat is to sein a gate of şe toune of athenis
şer as philosophres hadde hir congregac{i}ou{n} to dispoyten.
{and} şilke porche brou[gh]t[e] so{m}tyme olde men ful 4828
derke in hire sentences. ş{a}t is to sein philosophers şat
hy[gh]ten stoiciens.
[Sidenote: who taught that images of things obvious to the senses
were imprinted on the mind by external objects, and that the soul
is at first like a mirror or a clean parchment, free from figures
and letters.]
şat wenden şat ymages [{and}] sensibilites
şat is to sein sensible ymaginac{i}ou{n}s. or ellys ymaginac{i}ou{n}
of sensible şinges were{n} i{n}p{re}ntid in to soules 4832
fro bodies wiş oute forşe. ¶ As who seiş şat şilke
stoiciens wenden ş{a}t şe soule hadde ben naked of it
self. as a mirour or a clene p{ar}chemyn. so şat alle
fygures mosten [fyrst] comen fro şinges fro wiş oute in to 4836
soules. {and} ben inp{re}ntid in to soules. _Textus._ Ry[gh]t
as we ben wont some tyme by a swift poyntel to ficchen
l{ett}res emp{re}ntid in şe smoşenesse or in şe plainesse of
şe table of wex. or in p{ar}chemyn şat ne haş no figure [[pg 167]]
[ne] note in it.
[Sidenote: But if the mind is passive in receiving the impressions
of outward objects, whence proceeds the knowledge by which the
mind comprehends all things?]
_Glosa._ But now arguiş boece a[gh]eins şat 4841
oppiniou{n} {and} seiş şus. but yif şe şriuyng soule ne
vnplitiş no şing. şat is to sein ne doş no şing by hys
p{ro}pre moeuynges. but suffriş {and} lieş subgit to şe 4844
figures {and} to şe notes of bodyes wiş oute forşe. {and}
[gh]eldeş ymages ydel {and} veyne in şe manere of a
mirour. whennes şriueş şan or whennes comeş şan
şilke knowyng in oure soule. şat discerniş {and} byholdeş 4848
alle şinges.
[Sidenote: Whence its force to conceive individual existences, to
separate those things when known, to unite divided things, and to
choose and change its path, soaring to the highest and descending
to the lowest things--and returning to itself, to confute false
things by the true?]
and whennes is şilke strengşe şat
byholdeş şe syngulere şinges. or whennes is şe strengşe
şat dyuydeş şinges yknowe. {and} şilke stre{n}gşe şat
gadereş to-gidre şe şinges deuided. {and} şe strengşe şat 4852
cheseş hys entrechau{n}ged wey for som tyme it heueş
vp şe heued. şat is to sein şat it heueş vp şe ente{n}c{i}ou{n}
to ry[gh]t heye şinges. {and} som tyme it discendiş in
to ry[gh]t lowe şinges. {and} whan it retourniş in to hym 4856
self. it rep{re}uiş {and} destroieş şe false şinges by şe
trewe şinges.
[Sidenote: This cause is more efficacious and powerful to see and
to know things, than that cause which receives the characters
impressed like servile matter.]
¶ Certys şis strengşe is cause more
efficient {and} mochel more my[gh]ty to seen {and} to knowe
şinges. şan şilke cause şat suffriş and resceyueş şe 4860
notes {and} şe figures inp{re}ssed in manere of matere
[Sidenote: Yet the sense in the living body excites and moves the
mental powers; as when the light striking the eyes causes them to
see, or as the voice rushing into the ear excites hearing.]
algates
şe passiou{n} şat is to seyn şe suffraunce or şe wit
i{n} şe quik[e] body goş byforne excitynge {and} moeuyng
şe strengşes of şe şou[gh]te. ry[gh]t so as whan şat 4864
clerenesse smyteş şe eyen {and} moeuiş hem to seen. or
ry[gh]t so as voys or soune hurtliş to şe eres {and} co{m}moeuiş
hem to herkne.
[Sidenote: Then is the force of thought excited; it calls forth
the images within itself, and adds to them the outward forms,
blending external images with the counterparts concealed within.]
şan is şe stre{n}gşe of şe şou[gh]t
ymoeuid {and} excitid {and} clepeş furşe şe semblable 4868
moeuynges şe speces şat it halt wiş i{n}ne it self. {and}
addiş şo speces to şe notes {and} to şe şinges wiş out
forşe. {and} medeleş şe ymages of şinges wiş out forşe
to şe forme[s] yhid wiş i{n}ne hym self. 4872
[Linenotes:
4827 _hadde_--hadden
_dispoyten_--desputen
4828 _brou[gh]t[e]_--browhte
4830 [_and_]--from C.
4837 _inprentid_--aprentyd
4838 _some tyme_--somtyme
_swift_--swyfte
4840 _haş_--MS. haşe
4843 _vnplitiş_--vnpleyteth
_doş_--MS. doşe
4845 _şe_--tho
4863 _quik[e]_--qwyke
_goş_--MS. goşe
4864 _şou[gh]te_--thoght
4865 _clerenesse_--cleernesse
4866 _soune_--sown
4868 _furşe_--forth
4870 _out_--owte
4871 _out forşe_--owte forth
4872 _forme[s]_--formes
_yhid_--I-hidde]
[[pg 168]]
[Headnote:
INTELLIGENCE A DIVINE ATTRIBUTE.]
Q{UO}D SI IN CORPORIB{US} SENCIEND{IS}.
[Sidenote: [* fol. 38.]]
*QUESTIO.
[Sidenote: [The .5.^the p{ro}se.]]
[Sidenote: Although there are in objects certain qualities which
strike externally upon the senses, and put their instruments in
motion; although the passive impression upon the body precedes the
action of the mind,]
++But what [yif] şat in bodies to be{n} feelid şat is
to sein in şe takynge of knowelechinge of bodyly
şinges. and al be it so şat şe qualites of bodies ş{a}t ben 4875
obiect fro wiş oute forşe moeuen {and} entalenten şe instrumentes
of şe wittes.
[Sidenote: and although the former rouses the latter to action,
yet if in the perception of bodily things, the soul is not by the
impression of external things made to know these things, but by
its own power judgeth of these bodily impressions,]
and al be it so şat şe passiou{n}
of şe body şat is to seyn şe witte [or the] suffrau{n}ce
[goth to-forn the strengthe of the workynge corage / the
which passiou{n} or suffraunce] clepiş furşe şe dede of 4880
şe şou[gh]t in hym self. {and} moeueş {and} exiteş in şis
mene while şe formes ş{a}t resten wiş in forşe. and yif
şat i{n} sensible bodies as I haue seid oure corage nis nat
ytau[gh]t or enp{re}ntid by passiou{n} to knowe şise şinges. 4884
but demiş {and} knoweş of hys owen strengşe şe passiou{n}
or suffrau{n}ce subiect to şe body.
[Sidenote: how much more shall those pure spiritual beings (as God
or angels) discern things by an act of their understanding alone,
without the aid of impressions from external objects?]
Moche more şan şoo
şinges şat ben absolut {and} quit fram alle talent[gh] or
affecc{i}ou{n}s of bodies. as god or hys aungels ne folwen 4888
nat in discernynge şinges obiect from wiş oute forşe.
but şei accomplissen {and} speden şe dede of hir şou[gh]t
[Sidenote: For this reason, then, there are several sorts of
knowing distributed among various beings.]
by şis resou{n}.
¶ şan şere comen many manere knowynges
to dyu{er}se {and} differy{n}g substaunces.
[Sidenote: For sense (or sensation) destitute of all other
knowledge is allotted to those creatures that have no motion, as
shell-fish.]
for şe wit 4892
of şe body şe whiche witte is naked {and} despoyled of
alle oşer knowynges. şilke witte comeş to bestes şat ne
mowen nat moeuen hem self here ne şere. as oystres
{and} muscles {and} oşer swiche shelle fysshe of şe see. 4896
ş{a}t cliue{n} {and} ben norissed to roches.
[Sidenote: But imagination is given to such brutes capable of
motion, and having in some degree the power of desiring or
refusing.]
but şe ymaginac{i}ou{n}
comeş to remuable bestes şat seme{n} to han talent
to fleen or to desiren any şinge.
[Sidenote: Reason, however, is the attribute of man alone, as
Intelligence is that of God.]
but resou{n} is al only to
şe lynage of mankynde ry[gh]t as i{n}telligence is oonly şe 4900
deuyne nature.
[Sidenote: Hence His (i. e. God's) knowledge exceeds all other,
comprehending both what belongs to His own nature, and what is
comprehended by all inferior creatures.]
of whiche it folweş şat şilke knowyng
is more worşe şan [th]is[e] oşer. syn it knoweş by hys
p{ro}pre nature nat only hys subiect. as who seiş it ne [[pg 169]]
knoweş nat al oonly şat app{er}teiniş p{ro}prely to hys 4904
knowynge. but it knoweş şe subgit[gh] of alle oşer knowynges.
[Linenotes:
4873 [_yif_]--from C.
4878 [_or the_]--from C.
_suffraunce_--MS. suffisau{n}ce, C. suffraunce
4879-80 [_goth----suffraunce_]--from C.
4883 _seid_--MS. seide, C. seyd
4887 _quit_--quite
4888 _hys_--hise
4889 _discernynge_--MS. discryuyng, C. discernynge
_from_--fro
4893-94 _witte_--wit
4895 _mowen_--mowe
_here ne şere_--her {and} ther
4901 _whiche_--which
4902 _[th]is[e] oşer_--thise oothr{e}]
[Headnote:
THE POWERS OF SENSE AND IMAGINATION.]
[Sidenote: But how shall it be then, if sense and imagination
oppose reason, affirming that the general idea of things, which
reason thinks it so perfectly sees, is nothing?]
but how shal it şan be yif şat wit {and} ymaginac{i}ou{n}
stryuen a[gh]eins resonynge {and} sein şat of şilke
vniuersel şinges. şat resou{n} weneş to seen şat it nis 4908
ry[gh]t nau[gh]t.
[Sidenote: For what falls under the cognisance of the senses and
imagination cannot be general.]
for wit {and} ymaginac{i}ou{n} seyn şat şat. şat
is sensible or ymaginable it ne may nat ben vniuersel.
şan is eişer şe iugement of resou{n} [soth]. ne şat
şer nis no şinge sensible. or ellys for şat resou{n} woot 4912
wel şat many şinges ben subiect to wit {and} to ymaginac{i}ou{n}.
şan is şe co{n}sepc{i}ou{n} of resou{n} veyn {and} fals
whiche şat lookeş {and} co{m}p{re}hendiş. şat şat is
sensible {and} synguler as uniuersele.
[Sidenote: But if reason should answer to this--that in her idea
of what is general she comprehends whatever is sensible and
imaginable; but as to the senses and imagination, they cannot
attain to the knowledge of what is general, since their knowledge
is confined to material figures; and therefore in all real
knowledge of things we must give the greatest credit to that
faculty which has a more steadfast and perfect judgment of
things.]
and [gh]if şat resou{n} 4916
wolde answeren a[gh]ein to şise two şat is to sein to wit
{and} to ymaginac{i}ou{n}. {and} sein şat soşely she hir self.
şat is to seyn şat resou{n} lokeş {and} comp{re}hendiş by
resou{n} of vniuersalite. boşe şat şat is sensible {and} şat 4920
şat is ymaginable. {and} şat şilke two şat is to seyn wit
{and} ymaginac{i}ou{n} ne mowe{n} nat strecchen ne enhaunsen
hem self to knowynge of vniuersalite for şat
şe knowy{n}g of hem ne may exceden nor so{ur}mou{n}te{n} 4924
şe bodyly figure[s] ¶ Certys of şe knowyng of şinges
men au[gh]ten raşer [gh]eue credence to şe more stedfast {and}
to şe more p{er}fit iugement.
[Sidenote: In a controversy of this kind ought not we, who possess
faculties of reason, &c., to side with reason and espouse her
cause?]
In şis manere stryuynge
şan we şat han strengşe of resonynge {and} of ymaginynge 4928
{and} of wit şat is to seyn by resou{n} {and} by ymaginac{i}ou{n}
{and} by wit. [{and}] we sholde raşer p{re}ise şe cause
of resou{n}. as who seiş şan şe cause of wit or ymaginac{i}ou{n}.
[Linenotes:
4907 _a[gh]eins_--ayein
4908 _vniuersel_--vniu{er}sels
4911 [_soth_]--from C.
4914 _fals whiche_--false which
4917 _wit_--witte
4918 _soşely_--soothly
4923 _knowynge_--knowy
4926 _[gh]eue_--yeuen
_stedfast_--stidefast
4930 [_and_]--from C.
4931 _or_--{and} of]
[Headnote:
REASON SHOULD SUBMIT TO INTELLIGENCE.]
[Sidenote: The case is entirely similar when human reason thinks
the Divine Intelligence cannot behold future events in any other
way than she herself is capable of perceiving them.]
semblable şinge is it şat şe resou{n} of mankynde 4932
ne weneş nat şat şe deuyne intelligence byholdeş or
knoweş şinges to comen. but ry[gh]t as şe resou{n} of mankynde
knoweş hem.
[Sidenote: For thus you argue:--
What things are not necessitated cannot be foreknown; therefore
there is no prescience of these things, for, if there were,
everything would be fixed by an absolute necessity.]
for şou arguist {and} seist şus. şat
yif it ne seme nat to men şat so{m}me şinges han certeyne [[pg 170]]
{and} necessarie bytidynges. şei ne mowen nat ben wist 4937
byforn certeynely to bytiden. şa{n} nis [ther] no p{re}science
of şilke şinges. {and} yif we trowen şat p{re}science
ben in şise şinges. şan is şer no şinge şat it ne 4940
bitidiş by necessite.
[Sidenote: If it were possible to enjoy the intelligence of the
Deity, we should then deem it right that sense and imagination
should yield to reason, and also judge it proper that human reason
should submit to the Divine Intelligence.]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 38 _b_.]]
but certys yif we my[gh]te{n} han şe
iugeme{n}t of şe deuyne şou[gh]t as we *ben p{ar}son{er}s of
resou{n}. ry[gh]t so as we han demed. it byhoueş şat ymaginac{i}ou{n}
{and} wit ben byneşe resou{n}. ry[gh]t so wolde 4944
we deme{n} şat it were ry[gh]tful şing şat ma{n}s resou{n}
au[gh]t[e] to su{m}mitten it self {and} to ben byneşe şe deuyne
şou[gh]t.
[Sidenote: Let us, therefore, strive to elevate ourselves to the
height of the supreme intelligence--there shall reason see what
she cannot discover in herself; and that is in what manner the
prescience of God sees and defines all things; although they have
no certain event; and she will see that this is no mere
conjecture, but rather simple, supreme, and unlimited knowledge.]
for whiche şat yif we mowen. as who seiş.
şat yif şat we mowe{n} I conseil[e] şat we enhanse vs in 4948
to şe hey[gh]t of şilke souereyne i{n}telligence. for şere shal
resou{n} wel seen şat şat it ne may nat by-holden in it
self. and certys şat is şis in what manere şe p{re}science
of god seeş alle şinges c{er}teins {and} difinissed al şou[gh] şei
ne han no certein issues or by-tydynges. ne şis is non 4953
oppiniou{n} but it is raşer şe simplicite of şe souereyn
science şat nis nat enclosed nor yshet wişi{n}ne no boundes.
[Linenotes:
4938 [_ther_]--from C.
4939 _trowen_--trowe
4942 _parsoners_--parsoneres
4945 _mans_--mannes
4946 _au[gh]t[e]_--owte
4947 _whiche_--which
4948 _şat yif_--yif ş{a}t
4949 _hey[gh]t_--heihte
_şere_--ther
4952 _şou[gh]_--MS. şou[gh]t
4955 _no_--none]
QUAM UARIIS FIGURIS.
[Sidenote: [The 5^the Met{ur}.]]
[Sidenote: Various are the shapes of created beings. Some creep
along the ground and trace the dust in furrows as they go;]
++ŞE bestes passen by şe erşes by ful dyuerse figures 4956
for so{m}me of hem han hir bodies strau[gh]t {and}
crepe{n} in şe dust {and} drawen after he{m} a t{ra}is or a
forghe contynued. şat is to sein as addres or snakes.
[Sidenote: others with nimble wings float through the air;]
and oşer bestes by [the] wandryng ly[gh]tnesse of hir 4960
wenges beten şe wyndes {and} ouer-swymme{n} şe spaces
of şe longe eyer by moist flee[y]nge.
[Sidenote: some with their feet impress the ground, or tread
lightly o'er the meads, or seek the shady grove.]
and oşer bestes
gladen hem to diggen her traas or her stappes i{n} şe
erşe wiş hir goynge or wiş her feet. or to gone eyşe[r] 4964
by şe grene feldes or [elles] to walken vnder şe wodes.
[Sidenote: Though we see an endless variety of forms, yet all are
prone; to the earth they bend their looks, increasing the
heaviness of their dull sense.]
{and} al be it so ş{a}t şou seest şat şei
alle discorden by [[pg 171]]
dyuerse formes. algate hir{e} [faces] enclini[n]g heuieş hir{e}
dulle wittes.
[Sidenote: Man alone doth raise aloft his noble head; light and
erect he spurns the earth.]
Onlyche şe lynage of man heueş heyest hys 4968
hey[gh]e heued {and} stondeş ly[gh]t wiş hys vpry[gh]t body {and}
byholdeş şe erşe vndir hym.
[Sidenote: Thou art admonished by this figure then, unless by
sense deceived, that whilst taught by thy lofty mien to look
above, thou shouldst elevate thy mind lest it sink below its
proper level.]
[and] but-[gh]if şou erşely man
wexest yuel oute of şi witte. şis figure amonesteş şe ş{a}t
axest şe heuene wiş şi ry[gh]t[e] visage. {and} hast areised 4972
şi forhede to beren vp on heye şi corage so şat şi şou[gh]t
ne be nat yheuied ne put lowe vndir foot. sen şat şi
body is so heye areised.
[Linenotes:
4957 _somme_--som
4959 _forghe contynued_--forwh Ikonntynued
_addres_--nadris
4960 [_the_]--from C.
4963 _hem_--hem self
_stappes_--steppis
4964 _or to gone_--{and} to gon
_eyşe[r]_--eyther
4965 [_elles_]--from C.
4967 [_faces_]--from C.
_algate_--algates
_enclini[n]g_--enclynyd
4968 _Onlyche_--Oonly
_heyest_--heyeste
4970 _erşe_--erthes
4971 _oute_--owt
_witte_--wit
4972 _ry[gh]t[e]_--ryhte
_hast_--MS. haşe, C. hast
4973 _forhede_--foreheuyd
_on heye_--a heygh
4974 _foot sen_--foote syn]
[Headnote:
DEFINITION OF ETERNITY.]
PR{O}SA VLTI{M}A.
QUONIA{M} IGITUR UTI PAULO ANTE.
[Sidenote: [The 6^te p{ro}se {and} the laste.]]
[Sidenote: Since everything which is known is not, as I have
shown, perceived by its own inherent properties, but by the
faculties of those comprehending them, let us now examine the
disposition of the Divine nature.]
++ŞEr-fore şan as I haue shewed a litel her byforne şat 4976
al şinge şat is ywist nis nat knowen by hys nature
p{ro}pre. but by şe nature of he{m} şat comp{re}henden it.
¶ Lat vs loke now in as moche as it is leueful to vs. as
who seiş lat vs loken now as we mowen whiche ş{a}t şe 4980
estat is of şe deuyne substaunce so şat we mowen [ek]
knowen what his science is.
[Sidenote: All rational creatures agree in affirming that God is
eternal.]
şe comune iugement of alle
creatures resonables şan is şis şat god is eterne. lat vs
considere şa{n} what is et{er}nite. For certys şat shal 4984
shewen vs to-gidre şe deuyne nature {and} şe deuyne
science
[Sidenote: And eternity is a full, total, and perfect possession
of a life which shall never end. This will appear more clearly
from a comparison with temporal things.]
¶ Eternite şan is p{er}fit possessiou{n} {and} al
togidre of lijf interminable {and} şat sheweş more clerely
by şe co{m}parisou{n} or collac{i}ou{n} of temp{or}el şinges. 4988
[Sidenote: Temporal existence proceeds from the past to the
present, and thence to the future.]
for al şing şat lyueş in tyme it is p{re}sent {and} p{ro}cediş fro
preterit[gh] in to fut{ur}es. şat is to sein. fro tyme passed
in to tyme comynge.
[Sidenote: And there is nothing under the law of time, which can
at once comprehend the whole space of its existence.]
ne şer nis no şing establissed i{n}
tyme şat may enbracen to-gidre al şe space of hys lijf. 4992
[Linenotes:
4977 _al şinge_--alle thinges
4979 _moche_--mochel
4980 _loken_--loke
_whiche_--which
4981 [_ek_]--from C.
4987 _clerely_--cleerly
4989 _al_--alle]
[Headnote:
THE WORLD IS NOT ETERNAL.]
[Sidenote: Having lost _yesterday_ it does not as yet enjoy
_to-morrow_; and as for _to-day_ it consists only in the present
transitory moment.]
for certys [gh]it ne haş it nat taken şe tyme of şe morwe.
{and} it haş lost şat of [gh]ister-day. and certys in şe lijf
of şis day [gh]e ne lyuen no more but ry[gh]t
as in şis moeueable [[pg 172]]
{and} t{ra}nsitorie moment.
[Sidenote: Whatever, therefore, is subjected to a temporal
condition, as Aristotle thought of the world, may be without
beginning and without end; and although its duration may extend to
an infinity of time, yet it cannot rightly be called eternal: for
it doth not comprehend at once the whole extent of its infinite
duration, having no knowledge of things future which are not yet
arrived.]
şan şilke şinge şat suffriş 4996
temp{or}el condic{i}ou{n}. a[l]şough{e} şat [it] bygan neuer
to be. ne şough{e} it neu{er}e cese forto be. as aristotle
demde of şe worlde. and al şou[gh] şat şe lif of it be
strecchid wiş infinite of tyme.
[Sidenote: [* fol. 39.]]
[gh]it al*gates nis it no 5000
swiche şing şat men my[gh]ten trowen by ry[gh]t şat it is
eterne. for al şou[gh] şat it comp{re}hende {and} embrace şe
space of life infinite. [gh]it algates ne [em]braceş it nat şe
space of şe lif alto-gidre. for it ne haş nat şe fut{ur}es 5004
şat ne ben nat [gh]it. ne it ne haş no lenger şe p{re}t{er}it[gh]
şat ben ydon or ypassed.
[Sidenote: For what is eternal must be always present to itself
and master of itself, and have always with it the infinite
succession of time.]
but şilke şing şan şat haş
{and} co{m}prehendiş to-gidre alle şe plente of şe lif i{n}terminable.
to whom şere ne failiş nat of şe fut{ur}e. 5008
{and} to whom şer nis nat of şe p{re}t{er}it escapid nor
ypassed. şilk[e] same is ywitnessed or yproued by ry[gh]t
to ben eterne. and it byhoueş by necessite şat şilke
şinge be alwey p{re}sent to hym self {and} co{m}potent. as 5012
who seiş alwey p{re}sent to hym self {and} so my[gh]ty şat al
by ry[gh]t at hys plesaunce. {and} ş{a}t he haue al p{re}sent
şe infinit of şe moeuable tyme.
[Sidenote: Therefore some philosophers, who had heard that Plato
believed that this world had neither beginning nor end, falsely
concluded, that the created universe was coeternal with its
Creator.]
wherfore som men
trowe{n} wrongefully şat whan şei heren şat it semid[e] 5016
to plato şat şis worlde ne had[de] neuer bygynnynge
of tyme. ne şat it neu{er}e shal haue faylynge. şei wenen
i{n} şis man{er}e şat şis worlde ben maked coet{er}ne wiş
his makere. as who seiş. şei wenen şat şis worlde {and} 5020
god ben maked to-gidre eterne. and it is a wrongful
wenynge.
[Sidenote: But it is one thing to be conducted through a life of
infinite duration, which was Plato's opinion of the world, and
another thing to comprehend at once the whole extent of this
duration as present which, it is manifest, can only belong to the
Divine mind.]
for oşer şing is it to ben yladd by lif interminable
as plato graunted[e] to şe worlde. {and} oşer
şing is it to embracen to-gidre alle şe p{re}sence to şe lif 5024
interminable. şe whiche şing it is clere {and} manifest
şat it is p{ro}pre to şe deuine şou[gh]t. [[pg 173]]
[Sidenote: Nor ought it to seem to us that God is prior to and
more ancient than his creatures by the space of time, but rather
by the simple and undivided properties of his nature.]
ne it ne sholde nat
semen to vs şat god is elder şan şinges şat ben ymaked
by quantite of tyme. but raşer by şe p{ro}prete of hys 5028
symple nature.
[Sidenote: The infinite progression of temporal things imitates
the ever-present condition of an immovable life:]
for şis ilke infinit[e] moeuyng of temp{or}el
şinges folwiş şis p{re}sentarie estat of şe lijf i{n}moeueable.
[Linenotes:
4993-4 _haş_--MS. haşe
4993 _şe_ (2)--to
4994 _şat_--the tyme
4997 _a[l]şoughe_--al-thogh
[_it_]--from C.
4999 _worlde_--world
5001 _swiche_--swych
5002 _eterne_--from C., MS. eternite
5003 _life_--lyf
5004-5-6 _haş_--MS. haşe
5006 _ydon_--MS. ydone, C. I-doon
5007 _alle_--al
5008-9 _nat_--nawht
5010 _şilk[e]_--thilke
_or_--{and}
5014 _by_--be
5016 _semid[e]_--semede
5017 _worlde_--world
_had[de]_--hadde
5018 _haue_--han
5019-20 _worlde_--world
5022 _yladd_--MS. yladde, C. I-lad
5023 _worlde_--world
5024 _embracen_--enbrace
_alle_--al
_presence to_--p{re}sent of
5025 _clere_--cleer]
[Headnote:
GOD IS ETERNAL.]
[Sidenote: and since it cannot copy nor equal it from an immovable
and simply present state, it passes into motion and into an
infinite measure of past and future time.]
{and} so as it ne may nat contrefeten it ne feyne{n}
it ne ben euene lyke to it. for şe inmoeueablete. şat is 5032
to seyn şat is i{n} şe eternite of god. ¶ it faileş {and}
falleş in to moeuynge fro şe simplicite of [the] p{re}sence
of god. {and} disencresiş to şe infinite quantite of
fut{ur}e {and} of p{re}terit.
[Sidenote: But since it cannot possess at once the whole extent of
its duration, yet, as it never ceases wholly to be, it faintly
emulates _that_ whose perfection it can neither attain nor
express, by attaching itself to the present fleeting moment,
which, because it resembles the durable present time, imparts to
those things that partake of it an appearance of existence.]
{and} so as it ne may nat han togidre 5036
al şe plente of şe lif. algates [gh]itte for as moche as
it ne cesiş neuere forto ben in som manere it semeş
somde[l] to vs şat it folwiş {and} resembliş şilke şing
ş{a}t it ne may nat attayne to. ne fulfille. {and} byndeş it 5040
self to som manere p{re}sence of şis litel {and} swifte
moment. şe whiche p{re}sence of şis lytele {and} swifte
moment. for şat it bereş a manere ymage or lykenesse
of şe ay dwellynge p{re}sence of god. it graunteş to 5044
swiche manere şinges as it bitidiş to şat it semeş hem
şat şise şinges han ben {and} ben
[Sidenote: But as it cannot stop or abide it pursues its course
through infinite time, and by gliding along it continues its
duration, the plenitude of which it could not comprehend, by
abiding in a permanent state.]
{and} for [ş{a}t] şe p{re}sence
of swiche litel moment ne may nat dwelle şer-for
[it] rauyssid[e] {and} took şe infinit[e] wey of tyme. şat 5048
is to seyn by successiou{n}. {and} by şis man{er}e it is ydon.
for şat it sholde continue şe lif in goynge of şe whiche
lif it ne my[gh]t[e] nat embrace şe plente in dwellynge.
[Sidenote: If we would follow Plato in giving things their right
names, let us say that God is _eternal_ and the world
_perpetual_.]
{and} for şi yif we willen putte worşi name[s] to şinges 5052
{and} folwen plato. lat vs seyn şa{n} soşely şat god is
et{er}ne. {and} şat şe worlde is p{er}petuel.
[Sidenote: His knowledge, surpassing the progression of time, is
ever present, containing the infinite space of past and future
times, and embraces in his clear insight all things, as if they
were now transacting.]
şan syn şat
euery iugeme{n}t knoweş {and} comp{re}hendiş by hys owen
nature şinges şat ben subiect vnto hym. şere is soşely 5056
al-wey to god an et{er}ne {and} p{re}sentarie estat. {and} şe
science of hym şat ouer-passeş alle
temp{or}el moe[ue]m{en}t [[pg 174]]
dwelliş in şe symplicite of hys p{re}sence {and} embraceş
{and} considereş alle şe infinit spaces of tymes 5060
p{re}terit[gh] {and} fut{ur}es {and} lokeş in şis symple knowynge
alle şinges of p{re}t{er}it ry[gh]t as şei weren ydoon p{re}sently
ry[gh]t now
[Sidenote: Prescience is, then, a foreknowledge, not of what is to
come, but of the present and _never-failing now_ (in which God
sees all things as if immovably present).]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 39 _b_.]]
¶ yif şou wolt şan şenke {and} avise{n} şe
p{re}science by whiche it knoweş al[le] şi{n}ges *şou ne 5064
shalt nat demen it as p{re}science of şinges to comen.
[Linenotes:
5032 _lyke_--lyk
5034 [_the_]--from C.
5039 _somde[l]_--somdel
5040 _fulfille_--fullfyllen
5041 _litel_--from C., MS. lykly
5042 _whiche_--which
_lytele_--from C., MS. lykly
5046 _ben_ (1)--yben
[_şat_]--from C.
5047 _swiche_--swych
5048 [_it_]--from C.
5051 _my[gh]t[e]_--myhte
5052 _willen putte_--wollen putten
_name[s]_--names
5053 _soşely_--sothly
5054 _worlde_--world
5055 _owen_--owne
5056 _soşely_--sothly
5057 _al-wey_--al-weys
5058 _alle_--al
_moe[ue]ment_--moeueme{n}t
5063 _şenke_--thinken
_avisen_--auyse
5064 _whiche_--which
_al[le]_--alle]
[Headnote:
DEFINITION OF PRESCIENCE.]
but şou shalt deme{n} [it] more ry[gh]tfully şat it is science
of presence or of instaunce şat neuer ne fayleş.
[Sidenote: Therefore _foreknowledge_ is not so applicable a term
as _providence_--for God looks down upon all things from the
summit of the universe.]
for whiche it nis nat ycleped p{ro}uidence but it sholde raşer 5068
be cleped purueaunce şat is establissed ful fer fro ry[gh]t
lowe şinges. {and} byholdeş from a-fer alle şinges ry[gh]t as
it were fro şe heye hey[gh]te of şinges.
[Sidenote: Do you think that God imposes a necessity on things by
beholding them? It is not so in human affairs.]
whi axest şou şan
or why disputest şou şan şat şilke şinges ben don by 5072
necessite whiche şat ben yseyen {and} yknowen by şe
deuyne sy[gh]t. syn şat for soşe men ne maken nat şilke
şi{n}ges necessarie. whiche şat şe[i] seen be ydoon in
hir{e} sy[gh]t.
[Sidenote: Does your view of an action lay any necessity upon it?]
for addiş şi byholdynge any necessite to şilke 5076
şinges şat şou byholdest p{re}sent.
[Sidenote: _B._ No.]
¶ Nay q{uo}d I.
[Sidenote: _P._ By parity of reason it is clear that whilst you
see only some things in a limited instant, God sees all things in
his ever-present time.]
_p._ Certys şan yif men my[gh]te maken any digne comparisou{n}
or collac{i}ou{n} of şe p{re}sence diuine. {and} of şe p{re}
of mankynde. ry[gh]t so as [gh]e seen so{m}me şinges in şis 5080
temp{or}el presente. ry[gh]t so seeş god alle şinges by hys
eterne p{re}sent.
[Sidenote: His Divine prescience therefore does not change the
nature of things--but only beholds those things as present to him
which shall in time be produced.]
¶ wherfore şis dyuyne p{re}science ne
chaungeş nat şe nature ne şe p{ro}prete of şinges but
byholdeş swyche şinges present to hym ward. as şei 5084
shollen bytiden to [gh]ow ward in tyme to come.
[Sidenote: Nor does he judge confusedly of them, but knows at one
view what will necessarily and what will not necessarily happen.]
ne it ne
co{n}foundeş nat şe Iugement[gh] of şinges but by of sy[gh]t
of hys şou[gh]t he knoweş şe şinges to comen as wel 5087
necessarie as nat necessarie. ry[gh]t so as whan [gh]e seen togidre
a man walke on şe erşe {and} şe sonne arysen in
[the] heuene. al be it so şat [gh]e seen {and} byholde{n} şat
oon {and} şat oşer to-gidre.
[gh]it naşeles [gh]e demen {and} [[pg 175]]
discerne şat şat oon is uolu{n}tarie
{and} şat oşer is necessarie. 5092
[Linenotes:
5066 _shalt_--shal
[_it_]--from C.
5068 _whiche_--which
5074-76 _sy[gh]t_--syhte
5075 _whiche_--which
_şe[i]_--they
5085 _come_--comyn
5086 _of sy[gh]t_--O syhte
5087 _he knoweş_--MS. repeats
5090 [_the_]--from C.
5092 _discerne_--discernen]
[Headnote:
THE NATURE OF DIVINE PRESCIENCE.]
[Sidenote: The eye of God, seeing all things, doth not alter the
properties of things, for everything is present to him, though its
temporal event is future.]
¶ Ry[gh]t so şan [the] deuyne lokynge byholdynge
alle şi{n}ges vndir hym ne troubleş nat şe qualite of
şinges şat ben certeynely p{re}sent to hy{m} ward. but as
to şe condic{i}ou{n} of tyme for soşe şei ben fut{ur}e. 5096
[Sidenote: When God knows that anything is to be, he knows at the
same time that it is not under the necessity of being--but this is
not conjecture, but certain knowledge founded upon truth.]
for whiche it folwiş şat şis nis non oppiniou{n}. but raşer a
stedfast knowyng ystrengeşed by soşenes. şat whan
şat god knoweş any şinge to be he ne vnwoot nat şat
şilke şinge wanteş necessite to be. şis is to seyn şat 5100
whan şat god knoweş any şinge to bitide. he woot wel
şat it ne haş no necessite to bitide.
[Sidenote: If you insist that _what God foresees shall and must
happen; and that which cannot do otherwise than happen, must needs
happen_, and so bind me to admit a necessity, I must confess that
things are under such a restraint; but it is a truth that we
scarce can comprehend, unless we be acquainted with the Divine
counsels.]
{and} yif ş{o}u seist
here şat şilke şinge şat god seeş to bytide it ne may
nat vnbytide. as who seiş it mot bitide. ¶ and şilke 5104
şinge şat şat ne may nat vnbytide it mot bitide by
necessite. and şat şou streine me to şis name of necessite.
certys I wol wel confessen {and} byknowe a şinge of
ful sadde trouşe. but vnneş shal şere any wy[gh]t [mowe] 5108
seen it or comen şer-to. but yif şat he be byholder of şe
deuyne şou[gh]te.
[Sidenote: For I will answer you thus. That the thing which is to
happen in relation to the Divine knowledge is necessary; but,
considered in its own nature, seems free and absolute.]
¶ for I wol answer{e} şe şus. şat şilke
şinge şat is future whan it is referred to şe deuyne 5111
knowy{n}g şan is it necessarie. but certys whan it is vndirstonden
in hys owen kynde me{n} sen it [is] vtterly fre
{and} absolut from alle necessite.
[Sidenote: There are two kinds of necessity--one simple; as men
must necessarily die--the other is conditional, as if you know a
man walks he must necessarily walk--for that which is known cannot
be otherwise than what it is apprehended to be.]
for certys şer ben two
maneres of necessites. şat oon necessite is symple as
şus. şat it byhoueş by necessite şat alle men be mortal 5116
or dedely. an oş{er} necessite is condicionel as şus. yif
şou wost şat a man walkiş. it byhoueş by necessite şat
he walke. şilke şinge şan şat any wy[gh]t haş yknowe to
be. it ne may ben non oşer weyes şan he knoweş it to be. 5120
[Linenotes:
5093 [_the_]--from C.
5097 _whiche_--which
5098 _stedfast_--stidefast
_soşenes_--sothnesse
5102 _haş_--MS. haşe
5104 _bitide_--bide
5108 _sadde_--sad
_vnneş_--vnnethe
[_mowe_]--from C.
5109 _comen_--come
5110 _şou[gh]te_--thoght
_answere_--answeren
5113 _sen_--MS. sene, C. sen
[_is_]--from C.
5117 _dedely_--dedly
5119 _haş_--MS. haşe]
[Headnote:
PRESCIENCE AND NECESSITY.]
[Sidenote: But this condition does not infer the absolute
necessity, for the nature of the thing itself does not here
constitute the necessity, but the necessity arises from the
conjunction of the condition.]
¶ but şis condicioun ne draweş nat wiş hir şilke
necessite symple. For certys şis necessite condicionel.
şe p{ro}pre nature of it ne makeş it nau[gh]t.
but şe adiecc{i}ou{n} [[pg 176]]
of şe condic{i}ou{n} makiş it.
[Sidenote: No necessity compels a man to walk who does so
willingly, but it must be necessary that he walk when he does step
forward.]
for no necessite ne constreyneş 5124
a man to [gon / ş{a}t] gooş by his p{ro}pre wille. al be it
so şat whan he gooş şat it is necessarie şat he gooş.
[Sidenote: So everything that is present to the eye of Providence
must assuredly be, although there is nothing in its own nature to
constitute that necessity.]
¶ Ry[gh]t on şis same manere şan. yif şat şe p{ur}ueaunce
of god seeş any şing p{re}sent.
[Sidenote: [* fol. 40.]]
şan mot şilke *şinge be 5128
by necessite. al şou[gh] şat it ne haue no necessite of hys
owen nature.
[Sidenote: Since God beholds all future events proceeding from
free-will as actually present--these events in relation to Divine
sight are necessary--yet in relation to themselves they are
absolutely free.]
but certys şe fut{ur}es şat bytyden by fredom
of arbitre god seeş hem alle to-gidre p{re}sent[gh]. şise
şinges şan [yif] şei ben referred to şe deuyne sy[gh]t. 5132
şan ben şei maked necessarie to şe condic{i}ou{n} of şe
deuyne knowynge. but certys yif şilke şinges ben considred
by hem self şei ben absolut of necessite. {and} ne
forleten nat ne cesen nat of şe liberte of hire owe{n} 5136
natur{e}.
[Sidenote: All things which God foresees shall surely come to
pass; but some of these things proceed from free-will, which
although they happen,]
şan certys wiş outen doute alle şe şing{us}
shollen be doon whiche şat god woot by-forn şat şei
ben to comen. but so{m}me of hem comen {and} bitiden of
[free] arbitre or of fre wille. şat al be it so şat şei bytiden. 5140
[Linenotes:
5121 _condicioun_--from C., MS. _necessite_
5123 _nau[gh]t_--nat
5125 [_gon şat_]--from C.
_wille_--wil
5128 _mot_--MS. mote, C. mot
5131 _present[gh]_--p{re}sent
5132 [_yif_]--from C.
_sy[gh]t_--syhte
5137 _wiş outen_--w{i}t{h}-owte
5138 _whiche_--which
5139 _somme_--som
5140 [_free_]--from C.]
[Headnote:
PROVIDENCE AND HUMAN INTENTIONS.]
[Sidenote: yet do not thereby change their nature, as before they
happened they had it in their power not to happen.]
[gh]it algates ne lese şei nat hire p{ro}pre nature ne
beynge. by şe whiche first or şat şei were doon şei
hadden power nat to han bitidd.
[Sidenote: But it is a thing of no moment then, whether things are
necessary in their own nature or not, since by the condition of
the Divine knowledge they fell out as if they were necessitated.]
_Boece._ what is şis
to seyn şa{n} q{uo}d I. şat şinges ne ben nat necessarie by 5144
hire p{ro}pre nature. so as şei comen in alle maneres in
şe lykenesse of necessite by şe condic{i}ou{n} of şe deuyne
science.
[Sidenote: _P._ The difference is explained in the instances
lately given you, of the man walking, &c.]
{Ph}ilosoph{ie}. şis is şe difference q{uo}d she. şat
şo şinges şat I p{ur}posed[e] şe a litel here byforn. şat 5148
is to seyn şe sonne arysynge {and} şe man walkynge şat
şerwhiles şat şilke şinges ben ydon. şei ne my[gh]ten nat
ben vndon.
[Sidenote: The event of the former was necessary before it befell,
whereas that of the latter was altogether free.]
naşeles şat oon of hem or it was ydon it
byhoued[e] by necessite şat it was ydon. but nat şat 5152
oş{er}. ry[gh]t so it is here şat şe şinges şat god haş p{re}sent.
wiş outen doute şei shulle ben.
but so{m}me of hem descendiş [[pg 177]]
of şe nature of şinges as şe sonne arysynge.
{and} so{m}me descendiş of şe power of şe doers as şe man 5156
walkynge.
[Sidenote: _B._ Then I did not go from the truth when I said that
some things referred to the Divine knowledge are necessary, while
considered in themselves they are not under the bond of
necessity.]
¶ şan seide I. no wronge şat yif şat şise
şinges ben referred to şe deuyne knowynge şan ben şei
necessarie. {and} yif şei ben considered by he{m} selfe şan
ben şei absolut from şe bonde of necessite.
[Sidenote: In the same way everything that is an object of sense
is _general_ when considered in relation to reason--but particular
when considered by itself.]
ry[gh]t so [as] 5160
alle şinges şat appiereş or sheweş to şe wittes yif şou
referre it to resou{n} it is vniuersel. {and} yif şou referre
it or look[e] it to it self. şan is it sy{n}guler.
[Sidenote: But you may say--If I am able to change my purpose I
can deceive providence by changing that which she hath foreseen I
would do.]
but now
yif şou seist şus ş{a}t yif it be in my power to chaunge 5164
my p{ur}pose. şan shal I voide şe p{ur}ueaunce of god.
whan şat p{er}auenture I shal han chau{n}ged şo şinges
şat he knoweş byforn. şan shal I answere şe şus
[Linenotes:
5141 _ne_ (2)--C. in
5142 _whiche_--which
_were doon_--weeryn Idoon
5143 _bitidd_--MS. bitidde, C. bityd
5148 _purposed[e]_--p{ur}posede
5150 _ydon_--MS. ydone, C. I-doon
_my[gh]ten_--myhte
5151 _vndon_--MS. vndone, C. vndoon
5151-2 _ydon_--MS. ydone, C. I-doon
5152 _byhoued[e]_--houyd
5153 _haş_--MS. haşe
5154 _wiş outen_--with-owte
_shulle_--shollen
5156 _doers_--doeres
5157 _wronge_--wrong
5159 _selfe_--self
5160 _from_--fro
_bonde_--bond
[_as_]--from C.
5163 _look[e]_--loke
5166 _şo_--the]
[Headnote:
GOD'S KNOWLEDGE FIXED AND UNCHANGED.]
[Sidenote: _P._ You may perhaps alter your purpose--but as
providence takes note of your intentions, you cannot deceive her;
for you cannot escape the divine prescience though you have the
power, through a free-will, to vary and diversify your actions.]
¶ Certys şou maist wel chaungen şi p{ur}pos but for as 5168
mochel as şe p{re}sent soşenesse of şe deuyne p{ur}ueaunce
byholdeş şat şou mayst chau{n}ge{n} şi p{ur}pose. {and}
wheşir şou wolt chaunge it or no. {and} whider-ward
şat şou tourne it. ş{o}u maist nat eschewen şe deuyne 5172
p{re}science ry[gh]t as şou ne mayst nat fleen şe sy[gh]t of şe
p{re}sent eye. al şou[gh] şat şou tourne şi self by şi fre
wille in to dyu{er}se acc{i}ou{n}.
[Sidenote: But you may say--Shall the divine knowledge be changed
according to the mutability of my disposition, and the
apprehensions of the Deity fluctuated with my changing purposes?]
¶ But şou mayst seyn
a[gh]eyne how shal it şan be. shal nat şe dyuyne science 5176
ben chaunged by my disposic{i}ou{n} whan şat I wol o
şing now {and} now an oşer. {and} şilke p{re}science ne
semeş it nat to enterchau{n}ge stoundes of knowynges.
as who seiş. ne shal it nat seme to vs şat şe deuyne 5180
p{re}science enterchaungeş hys dyuers stoundes of knowynge.
so şat it knowe so{m}me tyme o şing {and} so{m}me tyme
şe contrarie.
[Sidenote: No, indeed! The view of the Deity foreruns every future
event, and brings it back into the presence of his own knowledge,
which does not vary, as you imagine, to conform to your caprices,
but remaining fixed, at once foresees and comprehends all your
changes.]
¶ No for soşe. [q{uod} I] for şe deuyne sy[gh]t 5183
renneş to-forne {and} seeş alle fut{ur}es {and} clepeş hem a[gh]ein
{and} reto{ur}niş hem to şe p{re}sence of
hys p{ro}pre knowynge. [[pg 178]]
ne he ne entrechaungeş nat [so] as şou wenest şe
stoundes of forknowyng [as] now şis now şat. but he
ay dwellynge comiş byforn {and} enbraceş at o strook 5188
alle şi mutac{i}ou{n}s.
[Sidenote: This faculty of comprehending and seeing all things as
present, God does not receive from the issue of futurities, but
from the simplicity of his own nature.]
and şis p{re}sence to co{m}p{re}henden
{and} to sen alle şinges. god ne haş nat take{n} it of şe
bitydynge of şinges forto come. but of hys p{ro}pre symplicite.
[Linenotes:
5169 _soşenesse_--sothnesse
5170 _chaungen_--chaunge
5173 _sy[gh]t_--syhte
5175 _wille_--wyl
5177 _wol_--wole
5179 _enterchaunge_--MS. enterchau{n}gyng, C. entrechau{n}ge
5181 _hys_--hise
5182 _somme_ (1)--su{m}
_somme_ (2)--som
5183 _sy[gh]t_--syhte
5184 _to-forne_--to-forn
5186 [_so_]--from C.
5187 [_as_]--from C.
5188 _comiş_--comth
5190 _haş_--MS. haşe]
[Headnote:
AN ANSWER TO FORMER OBJECTIONS.]
[Sidenote: Here, then, is an answer to your former objection--that
it is folly to think that our future actions and events are the
causes of the prescience of God.]
¶ and her by is assoiled şilke şing şat şou 5192
puttest a litel her byforne. şat is to seyne şat it is vnworşi
şinge to seyn şat oure futures [gh]euen cause of şe
science of god
[Sidenote: For the Divine mind, embracing and comprehending all
things by a present knowledge, plans and directs all things and is
not dependent upon futurity.]
[Sidenote: [* fol. 41 _b_.]]
¶ For c{er}tys *şis strengşe of şe deuyne
science whiche şat enbraceş alle şinge by his p{re}sentarie 5196
knowynge establisseş manere to alle şi{n}g{us} {and} it
ne awiş nat to lattere şinges.
[Sidenote: Since no necessity is imposed upon things by the Divine
prescience, there remains to men an inviolable freedom of will.]
{and} syn şat şise şinges
ben şus. şat is to seyn syn şat necessite nis nat in
şinges by şe deuyne p{re}science. şan is şer fredom of 5200
arbitre. şat dwelleş hool {and} vnwemmed to mortal men.
[Sidenote: And those laws are just which assign rewards and
punishments to men possessing free-will.]
ne şe lawes ne p{ur}pose nat wikkedly meedes {and} peynes
to şe willynges of men şat ben vnbounde {and} quit of
alle necessite.
[Sidenote: Moreover, God, who sits on high, foreknows all things,
and the eternal presence of his knowledge concurs with the future
quality of our actions, dispensing rewards to good and punishments
to evil men.]
¶ And god byholder {and} forwiter of 5204
alle şinges dwelliş aboue {and} şe p{re}sent eternite of hys
sy[gh]t renneş alwey wiş şe dyuerse qualite of oure dedes
dispe{n}syng {and} ordeynynge medes to good[e] men. {and}
tourment[gh] to wicked men.
[Sidenote: Nor are our hopes and prayers reposed in, and addressed
to God in vain, which when they are sincere cannot be
inefficacious nor unsuccessful.]
ne in ydel ne i{n} veyn ne ben 5208
şer nat put in god hope {and} p{ra}yeres. şat ne mowen
nat ben vnspedful ne wiş oute effect whan şei ben ry[gh]tful
[Sidenote: Resist and turn from vice--honour and love virtue,
exalt your mind to God (the truest hope), offer up your prayers
with humility.]
¶ wişstond şan {and} eschewe şou vices. worshippe
{and} loue şou vertus. areise şi corage to ry[gh]tful hoopes. 5212
[gh]elde şou humble p{re}iers an hey[gh]e.
[Sidenote: If you are sincere you will feel that you are under an
obligation to lead a good and virtuous life, inasmuch as all your
actions and works are done in the presence of an all-discerning
Judge.]
grete necessite of
prowesse {and} vertue is encharged {and} comaunded to
[gh]ow yif [gh]e nil nat dissimulen. ¶ Syn şat [gh]e worchen
{and} doon. şat is to seyn [gh]oure dedes {and} [gh]oure workes 5216
by-fore şe eyen of şe Iuge şat seeş {and} demeş alle [[pg 179]]
şinges. [To whom be goye {and} worshipe bi Infynyt
tymes / AMEN.]
EXPLICIT LIBER QUINTUS. {ET} VLTIM{US}.
[Linenotes:
5193 _seyne_--seyn
5196 _whiche_--which
5198 _awiş_--oweth
5199 _şat is to----prescience_--omitted
5203 _vnbounde_--vnbownden
_quit_--quite
5206 _sy[gh]t_--sihte
5207 _good[e]_--goode
5211 _wişstond_--MS. wişstonde, C. withstond
5213 _an hey[gh]e_--a heygh
_grete_--Gret
5215 _worchen_--workyn
5216 {and} (2)--or
5217 _by-fore_--by-forn
5218 [_To whom----Amen_]--from C.; MS. reads _et cetera_ after
'şinges.' C. ends with the following rubric:
Explicit expliceat luder{e} scriptor eat
Finito libro sit laus {et} gloria {Christ}o
Corpore scribentis sit gr{ati}a cunctipotentis]
[[pg 180]]
[Headnote:
ÆTAS PRIMA.]
APPENDIX.
[_Camb. Univ. MS._ Ii. 3. 21, _fol._ 52 _b_.]
Chawc{er} vp-on this fyfte met{ur} of the second book
++A Blysful lyf a paysyble {and} a swete
Ledden the poeples in the former age
They helde hem paied of the fructes ş{a}t şey ete
Whiche ş{a}t the feldes yaue hem by vsage 4
They ne weer{e} nat forpampred w{i}t{h} owtrage
Onknowyn was ş^e quyerne {and} ek the melle
They eten mast hawes {and} swych pownage
And dronken wat{er} of the colde welle 8
¶ Yit nas the grownd nat wownded w{i}t{h} ş^e plowh
But corn vp-sprong vnsowe of mannes hond
Şe which they gnodded {and} eete nat half .I.-nowh
No man yit knewe the forwes of his lond 12
No man the fyr owt of the flynt yit fonde
Vn-koruen and vn-grobbed lay the vyne
No man yit in the morter spices grond
To clarre ne to sawse of galentyne 16
¶ No Madyr welde or wod no litester{e}
Ne knewh / the fles was of is former hewe
No flessh ne wyste offence of egge or sper{e}
No coyn ne knewh man which is fals or trewe 20
No ship yit karf the wawes grene {and} blewe
No Marchau{n}t yit ne fette owt-landissh war{e}
No batails trompes for the werres folk ne knewe
Ne towres heye {and} walles rownde or square 24
¶ What sholde it han avayled to werreye [[pg 181]]
Ther lay no p{ro}fyt ther was no rychesse
[Sidenote: [fol. 53.]]
But corsed was the tyme .I. dar+ wel seye
Ş{a}t men fyrst dede hir swety bysynesse 28
To grobbe vp metal lurkynge in dirkenesse
{And} in şe Ryuerys fyrst gemmys sowhte
Allas than sprong+ vp al the cursydnesse
Of coueytyse ş{a}t fyrst owr sorwe browhte 32
¶ Thyse tyrau{n}t[gh] put hem gladly nat in pres
No places wyldnesse ne no busshes for to wynne
Ther pou{er}te is as seith diogenes
Ther as vitayle ek is so skars {and} thinne 36
Ş{a}t nat but mast or apples is ther Inne
But ş{er} as bagges ben {and} fat vitaile
Ther wol they gon {and} spar{e} for no synne
W{i}t{h} al hir ost the Cyte forto a-sayle 40
¶ Yit was no paleis chaumbres ne non halles
In kaues {and} wodes softe {and} swete
Sleptin this blyssed folk+ w{i}t{h}-owte walles
On gras or leues in p{ar}fyt Ioye reste {and} quiete 44
No down of fetheres ne no bleched shete
Was kyd to hem but in surte they slepte
Hir hertes weer{e} al on w{i}t{h}-owte galles
Eu{er}ych of hem his feith to oother kepte 48
¶ Vnforged was the hawberke {and} the plate
Ş^e lambyssh poeple voyded of alle vyse
Hadden no fantesye to debate
But eche of hem wolde oother wel cheryce 52
No p{r}ide non enuye non Auaryce
No lord no taylage by no tyranye
Vmblesse {and} pes good feith the emp{er}ice
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
¶ Yit was nat Iuppit{er} the lykerous [[pg 182]]
Ş{a}t fyrst was fadyr of delicasie
Come in this world ne nembroth desyrous
To regne had nat maad his towres hye 60
Allas allas now may [men] wepe And crye
For in owr{e} dayes nis but couetyse
Dowblenesse {and} tresou{n} {and} enuye
Poyson {and} manslawhtr{e} {and} mordre in sondry wyse 64
[Linenotes:
39, 40 MS. transposes the lines
44 _On_--MS. Or
56 A line omitted, but no gap left for one.]
[Headnote:
BALADES DE VILAGE SANZ PEINTURE.]
CAUS{ER} / BALADES DE VILAGE SANZ PEINT{UR}E
¶ This wrecched worlde-is t{ra}nsmutaciou{n}
As wele / or wo / now poeer{e} {and} now hono{ur}
W{i}t{h}-owten ordyr or wis descresyou{n}
Gou{er}ned is by fortunes errour 4
But natheles the lakke of hyr fauowr+
Ne may nat don me syngen thowh I. deye
[Sidenote: [fol. 53 _b_.]]
Iay tout p{er}du mou{n} temps {et} mou{n} labour
For fynaly fortune .I. the deffye 8
¶ Yit is me left the lyht of my resou{n}
To knowen frend fro foo in thi merowr+
So mochel hath yit thy whirlynge vp {and} down
I-tawht me for to knowe in an howr 12
But trewely no fors of thi reddowr+
To hym ş{a}t ou{er} hym self hath the maystrye
My suffysau{n}ce shal be my socour+
For fynaly fortune I. thee deffye 16
¶ O socrates ş{o}u stidfast chau{m}pyou{n}
She neu{er} myht[e] be thi tormentowr
Thow neu{er} dreddest hyr opp{re}ssyou{n}
Ne in hyr cher{e} fownde thow no sauour+ 20
Thow knewe wel the deseyte of hyr colour+
And ş{a}t hir most[e] worshipe is to lye
I knew hir ek a fals dissimulour+
For fynaly fortune .I. the deffye 24
[[pg 183]]
LE RESPOU{N}CE DE FORTUNE A PLEINTIF.
¶ No man ys wrechchyd but hym self yt wene
{And} he ş{a}t hath hym self hat suffisaunce
Whi seysthow tha{n}ne y am [to] the so kene
Ş{a}t hast thy self owt of my gou{er}nau{n}ce 28
Sey thus grau{n}t m{er}cy of thyn habou{n}dau{n}ce
That thow hast lent or this why wolt ş{o}u stryue
What woost thow yit how y the wol auau{n}ce
{And} ek thow hast thy beste frende a-lyue 32
¶ I haue the tawht deuisyou{n} by-twene
Frend of effect+ {and} frende of cowntenau{n}ce
The nedeth nat the galle of no hyene
Ş{a}t cureth eyen derkyd for penau{n}ce 36
Now se[st] thow cleer ş{a}t weere in ignorau{n}ce
Yit halt thin ancre {and} yit thow mayst aryue
Ther bownte berth the keye of my substau{n}ce
{And} ek ş{o}u hast thy beste frende alyue 40
¶ How manye haue .I. refused to sustigne
Syn .I. the fostred haue in thy plesau{n}ce
Wolthow thanne make a statute on şy quyene
Ş{a}t .I. shal ben ay at thy ordynau{n}ce 44
Thow born art in my regne of varyau{n}ce
Abowte the wheel w{i}t{h} oother most thow dryue
My loore is bet than wikke is thi greuau{n}ce
{And} ek şou hast thy beste frende a-lyue 48
[Linenotes:
37 _se[st]_--partly erased and _ist_ written on it in a later hand.
41 _igne_ of _sustigne_ is in a later hand.]
LE RESPOU{N}CE DU PLEINTIF COU{N}TR{E} FORTUNE.
[Sidenote: [fol. 54.]]
¶ Thy loor{e} y dempne / it is adu{er}syte
My frend maysthow nat reuen blynde goddesse
Ş{a}t .I. thy frendes knowe .I. thanke to the
Tak hem agayn / lat hem go lye on p{re}sse 52
The negardye in kepynge hyr rychesse
P{re}nostik is thow wolt hir+ towr+ asayle
Wikke appetyt comth ay before sykenesse [[pg 184]]
In general this rewle may nat fayle 56
LE RESPOU{N}CE DE FORTUNE COU{N}TR{E} LE PLEINTIF
¶ Thow pynchest at my mutabylyte
For .I. the lente a drope of my rychesse
And now me lykyth to w{i}t{h}-drawe me
Whi sholdysthow my realte ap{re}sse 60
The see may ebbe {and} flowen moor{e} or lesse
The welkne hath myht to shyne reyne or hayle
Ryht so mot .I. kythen my brutelnesse
In general this rewle may nat fayle 64
LE PLEINTIF
¶ Lo excussyou{n} of the maieste
Ş{a}t al purueyeth of his ryhtwysnesse
That same thinge fortune clepyn ye
Ye blynde beestys ful of lewednesse 68
The heuene hath p{ro}prete of sykyrnesse
This world hath eu{er} resteles trauayle
Thy laste day is ende of myn inter[e]sse
In general this rewele may nat fayle 72
LENUOY DE FORTUNE
¶ Prynses .I. prey yow of yowr{e} gentilesses
Lat nat this man on me thus crye {and} pleyne
And .I. shal quyte yow yowr{e} bysynesse
At my requeste as thre of yow or tweyne 76
Ş{a}t but yow lest releue hym of hys peyne
Preyeth hys best frend of his noblesse
That to som beter{e} estat he may attayne
* * * * *
* * * *
_CHAUCER'S TEXT ONLY_
The following section contains the text alone of Chaucer's translation
of _De Consolatione Philosophiae_, without the editor's annotations.
It is followed by the Glossarial Index.
LIBER PRIMUS.
INCIPIT LIBER BOICII DE CO{N}SOLAC{I}O{N}E PHILOSOPHIE.
Car{m}i{n}a qui q{u}onda{m} studio flore{n}te p{er}egi.
[Sidenote: [The fyrste Met{ur}.]]
++Allas I wepyng am constreined to bygynne vers of sorouful matere.
¶ Şat whilom in florysching studie made delitable ditees. For loo
rendyng muses of poetes enditen to me şinges to be writen. and drery
v{er}s of wrecchednes weten my face wiş v{er}ray teers. ¶ At şe leest
no drede ne my[gh]t[e] ouer-come şo muses. şat şei ne were{n} felawes
{and} folweden my wey. şat is to seyne when I was exiled. şei şat weren
glorie of my you[gh]th whilom weleful {and} grene co{n}forten now şe
sorouful werdes of me olde man. for elde is comen vnwarly vpon me hasted
by şe harmes şat I haue. {and} sorou haş comau{n}ded his age to be in
me. ¶ Heeres hore ben schad ouertymelyche vpon myne heued. and şe
slak[e] skyn trembleş vpon myn emty body. şilk[e] deeş of men is welful
şat ne comeş not in [gh]eres şat ben swete (.i. mirie.) but comeş to
wrecches often yclepid.
¶ Allas allas wiş how deef an eere deeş cruel to{ur}neş awey fro
wrecches {and} naieş to closen wepyng eyen. ¶ While fortune vnfeişful
fauored[e] me wiş ly[gh]te goodes (.s. temp{or}els.) şe sorouful houre
şat is to seyne şe deeş had[de] almost dreynt myne heued. ¶ But now for
fortune clowdy haş chaunged hir disceyuable chere to me warde. myn
vnpitouse lijf draweş a long vnagreable dwellynges in me. ¶ O [gh]e my
frendes what or wherto auaunted[e] [gh]e me to be weleful: for he şat
haş fallen stood not i{n} stedfast degree.
HIC DUM MECUM TACITUS.
[Sidenote: [The firste p{ro}se.]]
++IN şe mene while şat I stille recorded[e] şise şinges wiş my self.
{and} markede my wepli compleynte wiş office of poyntel. I saw stondyng
aboue şe hey[gh]t of my heued a woman of ful greet reuerence by
semblaunt hir eyen brennyng {and} clere seing ouer şe comune my[gh]t of
men. wiş a lijfly colo{ur} {and} wiş swiche vigoure {and} strenkeş şat
it ne my[gh]t[e] not be emptid. ¶ Al were it so şat sche was ful of so
greet age. şat men ne wolde not trowe i{n} no manere şat sche were of
oure elde. şe stature of hir was of a doutous iugement. for su{m}tyme
sche constreyned[e] {and} schronk hir selue{n} lyche to şe comune mesure
of men. {and} su{m}tyme it semed[e] şat sche touched[e] şe heuene wiş şe
hey[gh]te of hir heued. and when sche hef hir heued heyer sche
p{er}ced[e] şe selue heuene. so şat şe sy[gh]t of men lokyng was i{n}
ydel. ¶ Hir cloşes weren maked of ry[gh]t delye şredes {and} subtil
crafte of p{er}durable matere. şe wyche cloşes sche hadde wouen wiş hir
owen hondes: as I knew wel aftir by hir selfe. declaryng {and} schewyng
to me şe beaute. şe wiche cloşes a derkenes of a forleten and dispised
elde had[de] duskid {and} dirkid as it is wo{n}t to dirken by-smoked
ymages. ¶ In şe neşerest[e] hem or bordure of şese cloşes me{n} redden
ywouen in swiche a gregkysche .P. şat signifieş şe lijf actif. And
abouen ş{a}t l{ett}re in şe hey[gh]est[e] bordure a grekysche T. şat
signifieş şe lijf contemplatif. ¶ And by-twene şese two l{ett}res şere
weren seien degrees nobly wrou[gh]t in manere of laddres. By wyche
degrees men my[gh]t[en] clymbe fro şe neşemast[e] l{ett}re to şe
ouermast[e]. ¶ Naşeles hondes of su{m} men hadde korue ş{a}t cloşe by
vyolence {and} by strenkeş. ¶ And eueryche man of hem hadde born away
syche peces as he my[gh]te geet[e]. ¶ And forsoşe şis forsaide woman ber
bookes in hir ry[gh]t honde. {and} in hir lefte honde sche ber a ceptre.
¶ And when sche sau[gh] şese poetical muses ap{ro}chen aboute my bedde.
{and} endytyng wordes to my wepynges. sche was a lytel ameued and
glowed[e] wiş cruel eyen. ¶ Who q{uo}d sche haş suffred ap{ro}chen to
şis seek[e] man şise comune strumpetis of siche a place şat men clepen
şe theatr{e}. ¶ Şe wyche only ne asswagen not his sorowes. wiş no
remedies. but şei wolde fede {and} norysche hem wiş swete venym.
¶ Forsoşe şise ben şo şat wiş şornes {and} prykkynges of talent[gh] or
affecciou{n}s wiche şat ben no şing frutefiyng nor p{ro}fitable
destroyen şe cornes plenteuouse of frutes of reson. ¶ For şei holden şe
hertes of men i{n} usage. but şei ne delyuere not folk fro maladye. but
if [gh]e muses hadde wişdrawen fro me wiş [gh]oure flateries. any
vnkonnyng {and} vnp{ro}fitable man as men ben wont to fynde comunely
amonges şe peple. I wolde wene suffre şe lasse greuously. ¶ For-why in
syche an vnp{ro}fitable man myne ententes weren no şing endamaged. ¶ But
[gh]e wişdrawen me şis man şat haş ben norysched in studies or scoles of
Eleaticis {and} of achademicis in grece. ¶ But goş now raşer awey [gh]e
meremaydenes wyche ben swete til it be at şe laste. {and} suffreş şis
man to be cured {and} heled by myne muses. şat is to say by notful
sciences. ¶ And şus şis compaygnie of muses I-blamed casten wroşely şe
chere adou{n}ward to şe erşe {and} schewyng by redenesse hir schame şei
passeden sorowfuly şe şreschefolde. ¶ And I of whom şe sy[gh]t plonged
i{n} teres was derked so şat I ne my[gh]t[e] not knowe what şat woman
was of so i{m}perial auctorite. ¶ I wex al a-besid {and} astoned. {and}
caste my sy[gh]t adoune in to şe erşe. {and} bygan stille forto abide
what sche wolde don afterwarde. ¶ Şo come sche nere {and} sette hir doun
vpon şe vterrest[e] corner of my bedde. {and} sche byholdyng my chere
şat was cast to şe erşe heuy {and} greuous of wepyng. co{m}pleinede wiş
şise wordes ş{a}t I schal sey şe p{er}t{ur}bac{i}ou{n} of my şou[gh]t.
HEU Q{UAM} PRECIPITI MERSA PROFUNDO.
[Sidenote: [The 2de Met{ur}.]]
++Allas how şe şou[gh]t of man dreint in ouer şrowyng depnesse dulleş
{and} forletiş hys p{ro}pre clerenesse. myntynge to gone in to foreyne
derknesses as ofte as hys anoious bisines wexiş wiş-oute{n} mesure.
ş{a}t is dryuen to {and} fro wiş worldly wyndes. ¶ Şis man şat su{m}tyme
was fre to who{m} şe heuene was open {and} knowen {and} was wont to gone
in heuenelyche paşes. {and} sau[gh] şe ly[gh]tnesse of şe rede sunne.
{and} sau[gh] şe sterres of şe colde moone. {and} wyche sterre i{n}
heuene vseş wandryng risorses yflit by dyuerse speres. ¶ Şis man ouer
comere hadde co{m}p{re}hendid al şis by noumbre. of accountyng in
astronomye. ¶ And ouer şis he was wont to seche şe causes whennes şe
sounyng wy{n}des moeuen {and} bisien şe smoşe water of şe see. {and}
what spirit turneş şe stable heuene. {and} whi şe sterre ryseş oute of
şe reede eest. to falle in şe westren wawes. and what attempriş şe lusty
houres of şe fyrste somer sesou{n} şat hi[gh]teş {and} apparaileş şe
erşe wiş rosene floures. ¶ And who makeş şat plenteuouse autu{m}pne in
fulle [gh]eres fletiş wiş heuy grapes. ¶ And eke şis ma{n} was wont to
telle şe dyuerses causes of nature şat weren yhid. ¶ Allas now lieş he
emptid of ly[gh]t of hys şou[gh]t. {and} hys nekke is p{re}ssid wiş heuy
cheynes {and} bereş his chere enclined adoune for şe greet[e] wey[gh]t.
and is constreyned to loke on foule erşe.
SET MEDICINE INQUIT TEMPUS.
[Sidenote: [The ij^de p{ro}se.]]
++Bvt tyme is now q{uo}d sche of medicine more şen of compleynte.
¶ Forsoşe şen sche entendyng to me warde wiş al şe lokyng of hir eyen
saide. ¶ Art not şou he q{uo}d sche şat su{m}tyme I-norschid wiş my
mylke {and} fostre[d] wiş my meetes were ascaped {and} comen to corage
of a p{er}fit man. ¶ Certys I [gh]af şe syche armures şat [gh]if şou şi
self ne haddest first caste hem away. şei schulden haue defendid şe in
sykernesse şat may not be ouer-comen. ¶ Knowest şou me not. Why art şou
stille. is it for schame or for astonynge. It were me leuer şat it were
for schame. but it semeş me şat astony{n}ge haş opp{re}ssed şe. ¶ And
whan sche say me not oonly stille. but wiş-outen office of tonge {and}
al doumbe. sche leide hir honde softely vpon my brest {and} seide.
¶ Here nis no p{er}il q{uod} sche. ¶ He is fallen in to a litargie.
whiche şat is a comune sekenes to hertes şat ben desceiued. ¶ He haş a
litel for[gh]eten hym self. but certis he schal ly[gh]tly reme{m}bren
hym self. ¶ [Gh]if so be şat he haş knowe{n} me or now. {and} şat he may
so done I wil wipe a litel hys eyen. şat ben derked by şe cloude of
mortel şinges ¶ Şise wordes seide sche. and wiş şe lappe of hir garment
yplitid in a frounce sche dried[e] myn eyen şat were ful of şe wawes of
my wepynges.
TUNC ME DISCUSSA.
[Sidenote: [The 3^de Met{ur}.]]
++Şus when şat ny[gh]t was discussed {and} chased awey. derknesses
forleften me. {and} to myn eyen repeyre a[gh]eyne her firste strenkeş.
and ry[gh]t by ensample as şe sonne is hid when şe sterres ben clustred.
şat is to sey whe{n} sterres ben couered wiş cloudes by a swifte wynde
şat hy[gh]t chorus. {and} şat şe firmame{n}t stont derked by wete
ploungy cloudes. and şat şe sterres not apperen vpo{n} heuene. ¶ So şat
şe ny[gh]t semeş sprad vpo{n} erşe. ¶ Yif şan şe wynde şat hy[gh]t
borias sent out of şe kaues of şe contre of Trace betiş şis ny[gh]t. şat
is to seyn chasiş it away {and} descouereş şe closed day. ¶ Şan schineş
pheb{us} yshaken wiş sodeyne ly[gh]t {and} smyteş wiş hys bemes i{n}
m{er}uely{n}g eyen.
HAUT ALITER TRISTICIE.
[Sidenote: [The 3^de p{ro}se.]]
++Ry[gh]t so {and} none oşer wyse şe cloudes of sorowe dissolued {and}
don awey. ¶ I took heuene. {and} receyuede mynde to knowe şe face of my
fyciscien. ¶ So şat I sette myne eyen on hir {and} festned[e] my lokyng.
I byholde my norice philosophie. in whos houses I hadde conuersed {and}
haunted fro my [gh]ouşe. {and} I seide şus. ¶ O şou maistresse of alle
uertues descendid fro şe souereyne sete. Whi art şou comen in to şis
solitarie place of myn exil. ¶ Art şou comen for ş{o}u art mad coupable
wiş me of fals[e] blames. ¶ O q{uod} sche my norry scholde I forsake şe
now. and scholde I not parte wiş şe by comune trauaille şe charge şat
şou hast suffred for envie of my name. ¶ Certis it nar[e] not leueful ne
sittyng to philosophie to leten wiş-outen compaignie şe wey of hym şat
is i{n}nocent. ¶ Scholde I şan redoute my blame {and} agrisen as şou[gh]
şer were byfallen a newe şing. q. d. non. ¶ For trowest şou şat
philosophi be now alşerfirst assailed i{n} p{er}ils by folk of wicked[e]
maneres. ¶ Haue I not stryuen wiş ful greet strife in olde tyme byfore
şe age of my plato a[gh]eins şe foolhardines of foly {and} eke şe same
plato lyuyng. hys maistre socrates deserued[e] victorie of vnry[gh]tful
deeş in my presence. ¶ Şe heritage of wyche socrates. şe h{er}itage is
to seyne şe doctrine of şe whiche soc{ra}tes in hys oppiniou{n} of
felicite şat I clepe welfulnesse ¶ Whan şat şe people of epicuriens
{and} stoyciens {and} many oşer enforceden hem to go rauische eueryche
man for his part şat is to seyne. şat to eueryche of hem wolde drawen to
şe defence of his oppiniou{n} şe wordes of socrates. ¶ Şei as in
p{ar}tie of hir preye todrowe{n} me criynge {and} debatyng şer
a[gh]eins. {and} tornen {and} torente{n} my cloşes şat I hadde woue{n}
wiş myn handes. {and} wiş şe cloutes şat şei hadden arased oute of my
cloşes. şei wenten awey wenyng şat I hadde gon wiş he{m} euery dele. In
whiche epicuryens {and} stoyciens. for as myche as şer semed[e] so{m}me
traces {and} steppes of myne habit. şe folye of men wenyng şo epicuryens
{and} stoyciens my familers p{er}uertede (.s. p{er}sequend{o}) so{m}me
şoru[gh] şe errour of şe wikked[e] or vnkunnyng[e] multitude of hem.
¶ Şis is to seyne for şei semeden philosophres: şei weren p{ur}sued to
şe deeş and slayn. ¶ So yif şou hast not knowen şe exilynge of
anaxogore. ne şe empoysenyng of socrates. ne şe to{ur}ment[gh] of
[gh]eno for şei [weren] straungers. ¶ [Gh]it my[gh]test şou haue
knowe{n} şe senectiens {and} şe Canyos {and} şe sorancis of wyche folk
şe renou{n} is neyşer ouer oolde ne vnsolempne. ¶ Şe whiche men no şing
ellys ne brou[gh]t[e] hem to şe deeş but oonly for şei weren enfourmed
of my maneres. {and} semede{n} moste vnlyke to şe studies of wicked
folk. ¶ And forşi şou au[gh]test not to wondre şou[gh] ş{a}t I in şe
bitter see of şis lijf be fordryuen wiş tempestes blowyng aboute. in şe
whiche te{m}peste şis is my most p{ur}pos şat is to seyn to displese to
wikked[e] men. ¶ Of whiche schrews al be şe oost neuer so grete it is to
dispyse. for it nis gouerned wiş no leder of resoune. but it is
rauysched only by flityng errour folyly {and} ly[gh]tly. ¶ And if şei
somtyme maky{n}g an ost a[gh]eynest vs assaile vs as strengere. oure
leder draweş to gedir hys rycchesse i{n} to hys toure. {and} şei ben
ententif aboute sarpulers or sachels vnp{ro}fitable forto taken. but we
şat ben hey[gh] abouen syker fro al tumulte {and} wode noise. ben stored
{and} enclosed in syche a palays. whider as şat chateryng or anoying
folye ne may not attayne. ¶ We scorne swiche rauiners {and} honters of
foulest[e] şinges.
QUISQ{UI}S COMPOSITO.
[Sidenote: [The ferthe Met{ur}.]]
++Who so it be şat is clere of vertue sad {and} wel ordinat of lyuyng.
şat haş put vnderfote şe prowed[e] wierdes {and} lokiş vpry[gh]t vpon
eyşer fortune. he may holde hys chiere vndiscomfited. ¶ Şe rage ne şe
manace of şe co{m}moeuyng or chasyng vpwarde hete fro şe botme. ne schal
not moeue şat man. ne şe vnstable mountaigne şat hy[gh]t veseuus. şat
wircheş oute şoru[gh] hys broken[e] chemineys smokyng fires. ¶ Ne şe wey
of şonder ly[gh]t şat is wont to smyte hey[gh]e toures ne schal not
mouene şat man. ¶ Wherto şen wrecches drede [gh]e tyrauntes şat ben wode
{and} felownes wiş-outen ony strenkeş. ¶ Hope after no şing ne drede
nat. {and} so schalt şou desarmen şe ire of şilke vnmy[gh]ty tyraunt.
¶ But who so şat quakyng dredeş or desireş şing şat nis not stable of
his ry[gh]t. şat man şat so doş haş cast awey hys schelde {and} is
remoeued fro hys place. {and} enlaceş hym i{n} şe cheyne wiş whiche he
may be drawen.
SENTIS NE INQUIT.
[Sidenote: [The verthe p{ro}se.]]
++FElest şou q{uod} sche şise şinges {and} entren şei ou[gh]t in şi
corage. ¶ Art şou like an asse to şe harpe. Whi wepest şou whi spillest
şou teres. ¶ Yif şou abidest after helpe of şi leche. şe byhoueş
discouere şi wounde. ¶ Şo .I. şat hadde gadered strenkeş in my corage
answered[e] {and} seide. {and} nedeş it [gh]itte q{uod} .I. of rehersyng
or of amonic{i}ou{n}. {and} scheweş it not ynou[gh] by hym self şe
scharpnes of fortune şat wexeş woode a[gh]eynes me. ¶ Ne moeueş it nat
şe to seen şe face or şe man{er}e of şis place (.i. p{r}isou{n}.). ¶ Is
şis şe librarie wyche şat şou haddest chosen for a ry[gh]t certeyne sege
to şe i{n} myne house. ¶ Şere as şou desputest of[te] wiş me of şe
sciences of şinges touching diuinitee {and} touchyng mankynde. ¶ Was şan
myn habit swiche as it is now. was şan my face or my chere swiche as
now.
[Interlinear: quasi d{ice}ret non.]
¶ Whan I sou[gh]t[e] wiş şe secretys of nature. whan şou enfo{ur}medest
my maners {and} şe resou{n} of al my lijf. to şe ensaumple of şe ordre
of heuene.
[Interlinear: ironice]
¶ Is nat şis şe gerdou{n} şat I refere to şe to whom I haue be
obeisaunt. ¶ Certis şou enfo{ur}medist by şe mouşe of plato şis
sentence. şat is to seyne şat co{m}mune şinges or comunabletes weren
blysful yif şei şat haden studied al fully to wisdom gouerneden şilke
şinges. or ellys yif it so by-felle şat şe gouernours of co{m}munalites
studieden in grete wisdomes. ¶ Şou saidest eke by şe mouşe of şe same
plato şat it was a necessarie cause wyse men to taken {and} desire şe
gou{er}nau{n}ce of comune şi{n}ges. for şat şe gou{er}nementes of comune
citees y-left in şe hondes of felonous to{ur}mento{ur}s Citi[gh]enis ne
scholde not brynge inne pestile{n}ce {and} destrucc{i}ou{n} to goode
folk. ¶ And şerfore I folowynge şilk auctoritee (.s. platonis). desiryng
to put[te] furşe in execusiou{n} {and} in acte of comune
admi{ni}st{ra}c{i}ou{n} şo şinges şat .I. hadde lerned of şe among my
secre restyng whiles. ¶ Şou {and} god ş{a}t put[te] şee in şe şou[gh]tis
of wise folk ben knowen wiş me şat no şing brou[gh]t[e] me to maistrie
or dignite: but şe comune studie of al goodenes. ¶ And şer-of comeş it
şat by-twixen wikked folk {and} me han ben greuouse discordes. şat ne
my[gh]ten not be relesed by p{ra}yeres. ¶ For şis libertee haş fredom of
conscience şat şe wraşşe of more my[gh]ty folk haş alwey ben despised of
me for saluac{i}ou{n} of ry[gh]t. ¶ How ofte haue .I. resisted {and}
wişstonde şilk man şat hy[gh]t[e] conigaste şat made alwey assautes
a[gh]eins şe p{ro}pre fortunes of poure feble folke. ¶ How ofte haue .I.
[gh]itte put of. or cast out hy{m} trigwille p{ro}uost of şe kynges hous
boşe of şe wronges şat he hadde bygon[ne] to done {and} eke fully
p{er}formed. ¶ How ofte haue I couered {and} defended by şe auctorite of
me put a[gh]eins p{er}ils. şat is to seine put myne auctorite in peril
for şe wreched pore folke. şat şe couetise of straungeres vnpunysched
to{ur}mentid alwey wiş myseses {and} greuaunces oute of noumbre. ¶ Neuer
man drow me [gh]itte fro ry[gh]t to wro{n}g. When I say şe fortunes
{and} şe rychesse of şe people of şe p{ro}uinces ben harmed eyşer by
p{r}iue rauynes or by comune tributis or cariages. as sory was I as şei
şat suffred[e] şe harme. _Glosa._ ¶ Whan şat theodoric şe kyng of gothes
in a dere [gh]ere hadde hys gerners ful of corne {and} comaundede şat no
ma{n} ne schold[e] bie no corne til his corne were solde {and} şat at a
dere greuous pris. ¶ But I w{i}t{h}stod şat ordinaunce {and} ouer-com it
knowy{n}g al şis şe kyng hym self. ¶ Coempciou{n} şat is to seyn comune
achat or bying to-gidere şat were establissed vpon poeple by swiche a
manere imposiciou{n} as who so bou[gh]t[e] a busshel corn he most[e]
[gh]eue şe ky{n}g şe fifte p{ar}t. _Textus._ ¶ Whan it was in şe soure
hungry tyme şere was establissed or cried greuous {and} inplitable
coempciou{n} şat men seyn wel it schulde greetly to{ur}me{n}tyn {and}
endamagen al şe p{ro}uince of co{m}paigne I took strif a[gh]eins şe
p{ro}uost of şe pretorie for comune p{ro}fit. ¶ And şe kyng knowyng of
it I ouercom it so şat şe coempciou{n} ne was not axed ne took effect.
¶ Paulyn a counseiller of Rome şe rychesse of şe whyche paulyn şe
houndys of şe palays. şat is to seyn şe officeres wolde han deuoured by
hope {and} couetise ¶ [Gh]it drow I hym out of şe Iowes .s. faucib{us}
of hem şat gapede{n}. ¶ And for as myche as şe peyne of şe
accusac{i}ou{n} aiuged byforn ne scholde not sodeynly henten ne
punischen wrongfuly Albyn a counseiller of Rome. I put[te] me a[gh]enis
şe hates {and} indignac{i}ou{n}s of şe accuso{ur} Ciprian. ¶ Is it not
şan ynought yseyn şat I haue p{ur}chased greet[e] discordes a[gh]eins my
self. but I aughte be more asseured a[gh]enis alle oşer folk şat for şe
loue of ry[gh]twisnesse .I. ne reserued[e] neuer no şing to my self to
hem ward of şe kynges halle .s. officers. by şe whiche I were şe more
syker. ¶ But şoru[gh] şe same accuso{ur}s accusyng I am co{n}dempned.
¶ Of şe noumbre of whiche accuso{ur}s one basilius şat somtyme was
chased out of şe kynges seruice. is now co{m}pelled i{n} accusyng of my
name for nede of foreine moneye. ¶ Also opilion {and} Gaudenci{us} han
accused me. al be it so şat şe Iustice regal hadde su{m}tyme demed hem
boşe to go in to exil. for her treccheries {and} fraudes wiş-outen
noumbre. ¶ To whiche iugement şei wolde not obeye. but defended[e] hem
by sykernesse of holy houses. şat is to seyne fledden in to seyntuaries.
{and} whan şis was ap{er}ceiued to şe kyng. he comaunded[e] but şat şei
voided[e] şe citee of Rauenne by certeyne day assigned şat men scholde
merken hem on şe forheued wiş an hoke of iren {and} chasen hem out of
toune. ¶ Now what şing semeş şe my[gh]t[e] be lykned to şis cruelte. For
certys şilk same day was receyued şe accusyng of my name by şilk[e] same
accuso{ur}s. ¶ What may be seid herto. haş my studie {and} my konnyng
deserued şus. or ellys şe forseide dampnaciou{n} of me. made şat hem
ry[gh]tful accuso{ur}s or no (q.d. no{n}). ¶ Was not fortune asshamed of
şis. [Certes alle hadde nat fortune ben asshamyd] şat i{n}nocence was
accused. [gh]it au[gh]t[e] sche haue had schame of şe filşe of myn
accuso{ur}s. ¶ But axest şou in so{m}me of what gilt .I. am accused. men
seyne şat I wolde sauen şe co{m}paignie of şe senato{ur}s. ¶ And
desirest şou to here in what manere .I. am accused şat I scholde han
distourbed şe accuso{ur} to beren l{ett}res. by whiche he scholde han
maked şe senatours gilty a[gh]eins şe kynges Real maieste. ¶ O
meistresse what demest şou of şis. schal .I. forsake şis blame şat I ne
be no schame to şe (q. d. no{n}). ¶ Certis .I. haue wold it. şat is to
seyne şe sauuaciou{n} of şe senat. ne I schal neuer leten to wilne it.
{and} şat I confesse {and} am a-knowe. but şe entent of şe accusour to
be destourbed schal cese. ¶ For schal I clepe it a felonie şan or a
synne şat I haue desired şe sauuaciou{n} of şe ordre of şe senat. and
certys [gh]it hadde şilk same senat don by me şoru[gh] her decret[gh]
{and} hire iugementys as şou[gh] it were a synne or a felonie şat is to
seyne to wilne şe sauuaciou{n} of he{m} (.s senat{us}). ¶ But folye şat
lieth alwey to hym self may not chaunge şe merit of şinges. ¶ Ne .I.
trowe not by şe iugement of socrates ş{a}t it were leueful to me to hide
şe soşe. ne assent[e] to lesynges. ¶ But certys how so euer it be of şis
I put[te] it to gessen or p{re}ise{n} to şe iugeme{n}t of şe {and} of
wise folk. ¶ Of whiche şing al şe ordinaunce {and} şe soşe for as moche
as folk şat ben to comen aftir our{e} dayes scholle{n} knowen it. ¶ I
haue put it in scripture {and} remembraunce. for touching şe l{ett}res
falsly maked. by whiche l{ett}res I am accused to han hooped şe fredom
of Rome. What app{er}teneş me to speken şer-of. Of whiche l{ett}res şe
fraude hadde ben schewed ap{er}tly if I hadde had libertee forto han
vsed {and} ben at şe co{n}fessiou{n} of myn accuso{ur}s. ¶ Şe whiche
şing in alle nedys haş grete strenkeş. ¶ For what oş{er} fredo{m} may
men hopen. Certys I wolde şat some oş{er} fredom my[gh]t[e] be hoped.
¶ I wolde şan haue answered by şe wordes of a man şat hy[gh]t[e] Canius.
for whan he was accused by Gayus Cesar Germeins son şat he (cani{us})
was knowyng {and} consentyng of a coniurac{i}ou{n} maked a[gh]eins hym
(.s. Gai{us}). ¶ Şis Canius answered[e] şus. ¶ Yif I had[de] wist it şou
haddest not wist it. In whiche şing sorwe haş not so dulled my witte
ş{a}t I pleyne oonly şat schrewed[e] folk apparailen folies a[gh]eins
vertues. ¶ But I wondre gretly how şat şei may p{er}forme şinges şat şei
had[de] hoped forto done. For why. to wylne schrewednesse şat comeş
p{ar}auenture of oure defaute. ¶ But it is lyke to a monstre {and} a
meruaille. ¶ How şat in şe p{re}se{n}t sy[gh]t of god may ben acheued
{and} p{er}formed swiche şinges. as euery felonous man haş conceyued in
hys şou[gh]t a[gh]eins i{n}nocent. ¶ For whiche şing oon of şi familers
not vnskilfully axed şus. ¶ [Gh]if god is. whennes comen wikked[e]
şinges. {and} yif god ne is whennes comen goode şinges. but al hadde it
ben leueful şat felonous folk şat now desiren şe bloode {and} şe deeş of
alle goode men. {and} eke of al şe senat han wilned to gone destroien
me. whom şei han seyn alwey bataile{n} {and} defenden goode men {and}
eke al şe senat. [Gh]it hadde I not desserued of şe fadres. şat is to
seyne of şe senatours şat şei scholde wilne my destrucc{i}ou{n}. ¶ Şou
remembrest wele as I gesse şat whan I wolde don or seyn any şing. şou şi
self alwey p{re}sent reweledest me. ¶ At şe citee of verone wha{n} şat
şe kyng gredy of comune slau[gh]ter. caste hym to t{ra}nsporten vpon al
şe ordre of şe senat. şe gilt of his real maieste of şe whiche gilt şat
albyn was accused. wiş how grete sykernesse of p{er}il to me defended[e]
I al şe senat. ¶ Şou wost wel şat I seide soşe. ne I auaunted[e] me
neuer in preysyng of my self. ¶ For alwey when any wy[gh]t resceiueş
p{re}ciouse renou{n} in auauntyng hym self of hys werkes: he amenusiş şe
secre of hys conscience. ¶ But now şou mayst wel seen to what ende I am
comen for myne i{n}nocence. I receiue peyne of fals felonie in gerdou{n}
of verray vertue. ¶ And what open co{n}fessiou{n} of felonie had[de]
euer iugis so accordaunt i{n} cruelte. şat is to seyne as myne accusyng
haş. ¶ Şat oşer errour of mans witte or ellys co{n}diciou{n} of fortune
şat is vncerteyne to al mortal folk ne submytted[e] su{m}me of he{m}.
şat is to seyne şat it ne cheyned[e] su{m}me iuge to han pitee or
compassiou{n}. ¶ For al şou[gh] I had[de] ben accused şat I wolde brenne
holy houses. {and} strangle p{re}stys wiş wicked swerde. ¶ or şat .I.
had[de] grayşed deeş to alle goode men algatis şe sentence scholde han
punysched me p{re}sent confessed or co{n}uict. ¶ But now I am remewed
fro şe Citee of rome almost fyue-hundreş şousand pas. I am wiş outen
defence dampned to p{ro}sc{ri}pciou{n} {and} to şe deeş. for şe studie
{and} bountees şat I haue done to şe senat. ¶ But o wel ben şei worşi of
mercye (as who seiş nay.) şer my[gh]t[e] neuer [gh]it non of hem ben
conuicte. Of swiche a blame as myn is of swiche t{r}espas myn
accuso{ur}s seyen ful wel şe dignitee. şe wiche dignite for şei wolde
derken it wiş medelyng of some felonye. şei beren me on honde {and}
lieden. şat I hadde polute {and} defouled my conscience wiş sacrelege.
for couetise of dignite. ¶ And certys şou şi self şat art plaunted in me
chacedest oute şe sege of my corage al couetise of mortal şinges. ne
sacrilege ne had[de] no leue to han a place in me byforne şine eyen.
¶ For şou drouppedest euery day in myn eer{e}s {and} in my şou[gh]t şilk
comaundement of pictogoras. şat is to seyne men schal seruen to god.
{and} not to goddes. ¶ Ne it was no couenaunt ne no nede to taken helpe
of şe foulest spirites. ¶ I şat şou hast ordeyned or set in syche
excellence ş{a}t [şou] makedest me lyke to god. and ouer şis şe ry[gh]t
clene secre chaumbre of myn house. şat is to seye my wijf {and} şe
co{m}paignie of myn honeste frendis. {and} my wyues fadir as wel holy as
worşi to ben reuerenced şoru[gh] hys owen dedis. defenden me of al
suspecciou{n} of syche blame. ¶ But o malice. ¶ For şei şat accusen me
taken of şe philosophie feişe of so grete blame. ¶ For şei trowen şat
.I. haue had affinite to malyfice or enchau{n}tement[gh] by cause şat I
am replenissed {and} fulfilled wiş şi techynges. {and} enformed of şi
maners. ¶ And şus it sufficeş not only şat şi reuerence ne auayle me
not. but [gh]if şat şou of şi fre wille raşer be blemissed wiş myne
offensiou{n}. ¶ But certys to şe harmes şat I haue şere bytydeş [gh]it
şis encrece of harme. şat şe gessinge {and} şe iugement of myche folk ne
loken no şing to şe[de]sertys of şinges but only to şe aue{n}t{ur}e of
fortune. ¶ And iugen şat only swiche şinges ben p{ur}ueied of god.
whiche şat temporel welefulnesse co{m}mendiş. _Glosa._ ¶ As şus şat yif
a wy[gh]t haue prosperite. he is a good man {and} worşi to haue şat
p{ro}sperite. and who so haş aduersite he is a wikked man. {and} god haş
forsake hym. {and} he is worşi to haue şat aduersite. ¶ Şis is şe
opiniou{n} of so{m}me folke. {and} şer of comeş şat good gessyng.
¶ Fyrste of al şi{n}g forsakeş wrecches certys it greueş me to şink[e]
ry[gh]t now şe dyuerse sentences şat şe poeple seiş of me. ¶ And şus
moche I seye şat şe laste charge of contrarious fortune is şis. şat whan
şat ony blame is laid vpon a caytif. men wenen şat he haş deserued şat
he suffreş. ¶ And I şat am put awey fro{m} goode men {and} despoiled
from dignitees {and} defoulid of my name by gessyng haue suffred torment
for my goode dedis. ¶ Certys me semeş şat I se şe felonus couines of
wikked men abounden in ioie {and} in gladnes. ¶ And I se şat euery lorel
shapiş hy{m} to fynde oute newe fraudes forto accusen goode folke. and I
se şat goode men ben ou{er}şrowen for drede of my p{er}il. ¶ and euery
luxurious to{ur}mentour dar don alle felonie vnpunissed {and} ben
excited şerto by [gh]iftes. and i{n}nocent[gh] ne ben not oonly
despoiled of sykernesse but of defence {and} şerfore me list to crien to
god in şis manere.
O STELLIFERI CONDITOR ORBIS.
[Sidenote: [The fifthe met{ur}.]]
++O şou maker of şe whele şat bereş şe sterres. whiche şat art fastned
to şi p{er}durable chayere. {and} turnest şe heuene wiş a rauyssyng
sweigh{e} {and} {con}streinest şe sterres to suffren şi lawe. ¶ So ş{a}t
şe mone somtyme schynyng wiş hir ful hornes metyng wiş alle şe bemes of
şe sonne. ¶ Hir broşer hideş şe sterres şat ben lasse. {and} somtyme
whan şe mone pale wiş hir derke hornes approcheş şe sonne. leesith hir
ly[gh]tes. ¶ And şat şe euesterre esperus whiche şat in şe first[e] tyme
of şe ny[gh]t bryngeş furşe hir colde arysynges comeş eft a[gh]eynes hir
vsed cours. {and} is pale by şe morwe at şe rysynge of şe sonne. and is
şan cleped lucifer. ¶ Şou restreinest şe day by schorter dwellyng in şe
tyme of colde wynter şat makeş şe leues to falle. ¶ Şou diuidest şe
swifte tides of şe ny[gh]t when şe hote somer is comen. ¶ Şi my[gh]t
attempre[ş] şo variau{n}t[gh] sesons of şe [gh]ere. so şat [gh]epherus
şe deboneire wynde bringeş a[gh]ein in şe first[e] somer sesou{n} şe
leues şat şe wynde şat hy[gh]t[e] boreas haş reft awey in autu{m}pne.
şat is to seyne in şe laste eende of somer. and şe sedes şat şe sterre
şat hy[gh]t arctur{us} saw ben waxen hey[e] cornes whan şe sterre sirius
eschaufeş hym. ¶ Şere nis no şing vnbounde from hys olde lawe ne
forleteş hym of hys p{ro}pre estat. ¶ O şou gouerno{ur} gouernyng alle
şinges by certeyne ende. why refusest şou oonly to gouerne şe werkes of
men by dewe manere. ¶ Whi suffrest ş{o}u şat slidyng fortune turneş to
grete vtter chaungynges of şinges. so şat anoious peyne şat scholde
duelly punissh{e} felouns punissit[gh] innocent[gh]. ¶ And folk of
wikked[e] man{er}es sitten in hei[gh]e chaiers. {and} anoienge folk
treden {and} şat vnry[gh]tfully in şe nekkes of holy men. ¶ And vertue
clere {and} schynyng naturely is hid in dirke dirkenesses. {and} şe
ry[gh]tful man beriş şe blame {and} şe peyne of şe felowne. ¶ Ne şe
forsweryng ne şe fraude couered {and} kembd wiş a fals colo{ur} ne
a-noyeş not to schrewes. ¶ Şe whiche schrewes whan hem lyst to vsen her
strengşe şei reioisen hem to putte{n} vndir hem şe souerayne kynges.
whiche ş{a}t poeple wiş[outen] noumbre dreden. ¶ O şou what so euer şou
be şat knyttes[t] alle bondes of şinges loke on şise wrecched[e] erşes.
we men şat ben nat a foule party but a faire party of so grete a werke
we ben turmentid in şe see of fortune. ¶ Şou gouerno{ur} wişdraw {and}
restreyne şe rauyssinge flodes {and} fastne {and} forme şise erşes
stable wiş şilke [bonde] wiş whiche şou gouernest şe heuene şat is so
large.
HIC UBI CONTINUATO DOLORE.
[Sidenote: [The fyfthe p{ro}se.]]
++Whan I hadde wiş a continuel sorwe sobbed or broken out şise şinges
sche wiş hir chere peisible {and} no şi{n}g amoeued. wiş my compleyntes
seide ş{us}. whan I say şe q{uod} sche sorweful {and} wepyng I wist[e]
on-one şat şou were a wrecche {and} exiled. but I wist[e] neuer how fer
şine exile was: [gh]if şi tale ne hadde schewed it to me. but certys al
be şou fer fro şi contre. şou nart nat put out of it. but şou hast
fayled of şi weye {and} gon amys. ¶ and yif şou hast leuer forto wene
şan şou be put out of şi contre. şan hast şou put oute şi self raşer şen
ony oşer wy[gh]t haş. ¶ For no wy[gh]t but şi self ne my[gh]t[e] neuer
haue don şat to şe. ¶ For [gh]if şou remembre of what contre şou art
born. it nis not gou{er}ned by emp{er}oures. ne by gouernement of
multitude. as weren şe contres of hem of athenes. ¶ But o lorde {and} o
kyng {and} şat is god şat is lorde of şi contree. whiche şat reioiseş
hym of şe dwellyng of hys Cite[gh]enis. {and} not forto putte hem in
exile. Of şe whiche lorde it is a souerayne fredom to be gouerned by şe
bridel of hym and obeie to his iustice. ¶ Hast şou for[gh]eten şilke
ry[gh]t olde lawe of şi Citee. in şe whiche Citee it is ordeyned {and}
establissed şat what wy[gh]t şat haş leuer founden şer i{n}ne hys sete
or hys house. şen ellys where: he may not be exiled by no ry[gh]t fro
şat place. ¶ For who so şat is co{n}tened in-wiş şe paleis [{and} the
clos] of şilke Citee. şer nis no drede şat he may deserue to ben exiled.
¶ But who şat letteş şe wille forto enhabit[e] şere. he forleteş also to
deserue to ben Cite[gh]ein of şilke Citee. ¶ So şat I seye şat şe face
of şis place ne amoeueş me nat so myche as şine owen face. Ne .I. ne axe
not raşer şe walles of şi librarie apparailled {and} wrou[gh]t wiş yvory
{and} wiş glas şan after şe sete of şi şou[gh]t. In whiche I putte nat
somtyme bookes. but .I. putte şat şat makeş bookes worşi of p{ri}s or
p{re}cious şat is to sein şe sentence of my books. ¶ {And} certeinly of
şi dec{er}tes by-stowed in co{m}mune good. şou hast seid soşe but after
şe multitude of şi goode dedys. şou hast seid fewe. {and} of şe
vnhonestee or falsnesse of şinges şat ben opposed a[gh]eins şe. şou hast
remembred şinges şat be{n} knowe to alle folk. and of şe felonies {and}
fraudes of şine accuso{ur}s. it semeş şe haue I-touched it forsoşe
ry[gh]tfully {and} schortly. ¶ Al my[gh]ten şo same şinges bettere {and}
more plentiuousely be couth in şe mouşe of şe poeple ş{a}t knoweş al
şis. ¶ Şou hast eke blamed gretly {and} compleyned of şe wrongful dede
of şe senat. ¶ And şou hast sorwed for my blame. {and} şou hast wepen
for şe damage of şi renoune şat is appaired. {and} şi laste sorwe
eschaufed a[gh]eins fortune {and} co{m}pleinest şat gerdou{n}s ne ben
not euenliche [gh]olde to şe desertes of folk. {and} in şe l{att}re ende
of şi woode muse şou p{r}iedest ş{a}t şilke pees şat gouerneş şe heuene
scholde gou{er}ne şe erşe ¶ But for şat many tribulac{i}ou{n}s of
affecc{i}ou{n}s han assailed şe. {and} sorwe {and} Ire {and} wepyng
todrawen şee dyuersely ¶ As şou art now feble of şou[gh]t. my[gh]tyer
remedies ne schullen not [gh]it touchen şe for whiche we wil[e] vsen
somedel ly[gh]ter medicines. So şat şilk[e] passiou{n}s şat ben woxen
harde in swellyng by p{er}turbac{i}ou{n} folowyng in to şi şou[gh]t
mowen woxe esy {and} softe to receyue{n} şe strenkeş of a more my[gh]ty
{and} more egre medicine by an esier touchyng.
CU{M} PHEBI RADIIS G{RA}UE CA{N}C{R}I SID{US} ENESTUAT.
[Sidenote: [The sixte met{ur}.]]
++Whan şat şe heuy sterre of şe cancre eschaufeş by şe beme of pheb{us}.
şat is to seyne whan şat pheb{us} şe sonne is in şe signe of şe Cancre.
Who so [gh]eueş şan largely hys sedes to şe feldes şat refuse to
receiuen hem. lete hym gon bygyled of trust şat he hadde to hys corn. to
acorns or okes. yif şou wilt gadre violett[gh]. ne go şou not to şe
purp{er} wode whan şe felde chirkynge agriseş of colde by şe felnesse of
şe wynde şat hy[gh]t aquilon ¶ Yif şou desirest or wolt vsen grapes ne
seke şou nat wiş a gloto{n}us hande to streine {and} p{re}sse şe stalkes
of şe vine in şe first somer sesou{n}. for bachus şe god of wyne haş
raşer [gh]euen his [gh]iftes to autu{m}pne şe latter ende of somer.
¶ God tokeniş {and} assigneş şe tymes. ablyng hem to her p{ro}pre
offices. ¶ Ne he ne suffreş not stoundes whiche şat hym self haş deuided
{and} co{n}streined to be medeled to gidre ¶ And forşi he şat forleteş
certeyne ordinaunce of doynge by ou{er}şrowyng wey. he ne haş no glade
issue or ende of hys werkes.
PRIMU{M} IGITUR PATERIS ROGACIONIB{US}.
[Sidenote: [The syxte p{ro}se.]]
++FIrst wolt şou suffre me to touche {and} assaie şe stat of şi şou[gh]t
by a fewe demaundes. so şat I may vnderstonde what be şe manere of şi
curac{i}ou{n}. ¶ Axe me q{uod} .I. atte şi wille what şou wilt. {and} I
schal answer{e}. ¶ Şo saide sche şus. wheşer wenest şou q{uo}d sche
ş{a}t şis worlde be gouerned by foolisshe happes {and} fortunes. or
elles wenest şou şat şer be i{n} it any gouerneme{n}t of resou{n}.
Certes q{uod} .I. ne trowe not in no manere şat so certeyne şinges
scholde be moeued by fortunouse fortune. but I wot wel şat god maker
{and} mayster is gouerno{ur} of şis werk. Ne neuer nas [gh]it day şat
my[gh]t[e] putte me oute of şe soşenesse of şat sentence. ¶ So is it
q{uod} sche. for şe same şing songe şou a lytel here byforne {and}
byweyledest {and} byweptest. şat only men weren put oute of şe cure of
god. ¶ For of alle oşer şinges şou ne doutest nat şat şei nere gouerned
by reso{n}. but how (.i. pape.). I wondre gretly certes whi şat şou art
seek. sişen şou art put in to so holesom a sentence. but lat vs seken
depper. I coniecte şat şere lakkeş I not what. but sey me şis. sişen şat
şou ne doutest nat ş{a}t şis worlde be gouerned by god ¶ wiş swycche
gouernailes takest şou hede şat it is gouerned. ¶ vnneş q{uod} .I. knowe
.I. şe sente{n}ce of şi q{ue}stiou{n}. so şat I ne may nat [gh]it
answeren to şi demaundes. ¶ I nas nat deceiued q{uod} sche şat şere ne
faileş su{m}what. by whiche şe maladie of p{er}turbac{i}ou{n} is crept
in to şi şou[gh]t. so as şe strengşe of şe paleys schynyng is open.
¶ But seye me şis reme{m}brest şou ou[gh]t what is şe ende of şi şinges.
whider şat şe entenc{i}ou{n} of al kynde tendeş. ¶ I haue herd told it
somtyme q{uod} .I. but drerynesse haş dulled my memorie. ¶ Certys q{uod}
sche şou wost wel whe{n}nes şat alle şinges ben comen {and} p{ro}ceded.
I wot wel q{uod} .I. {and} ansewered[e] şat god is şe bygynnyng of al.
¶ And how may şis be q{uod} sche şat sişen ş{o}u knowest şe bygynnyng of
şinges. şat şou ne knowest not what is şe endyng of şinges. but swiche
ben şe customes of p{er}turbac{i}ou{n}s. {and} şis power şei han. şat
şei may moeue a ma{n} fro hys place. şat is to seyne from şe stablenes
{and} p{er}fecc{i}ou{n} of hys knowyng. but certys şei may not al arace
hym ne alyene hy{m} in al. ¶ But I wolde şat şou woldest answere to şis.
¶ Remembrest şou şat şou art a man ¶ _Boice._ ¶ Whi scholde I nat
remembre şat q{uod} .I. _Philosophie._ ¶ Maiste şou not telle me şan
q{uod} sche what şing is a man. ¶ Axest not me q{uod} I. wheşir şat be a
resonable best mortel. I wot wel {and} I confesse wel şat I am it.
¶ Wistest şou neuer [gh]it şat şou were ony oşer şing q{uod} she. No
q{uod} .I. now wot I q{uod} she oşer cause of şi maladie {and} şat
ry[gh]t grete ¶ Şou hast left forto knowe şi self what şou art. şoru[gh]
whiche I haue pleynelyche knowen şe cause of şi maladie. or ellis şe
entre of recoueryng of şin hele. ¶ Forwhy for şou art co{n}founded wiş
for[gh]etyng of şi self. forşi sorwest şou şat şou art exiled of şi
p{ro}pre goodes. ¶ And for şou ne wost what is şe ende of şinges.
for[şi] demest [şou] şat felono{us} {and} wikked men ben my[gh]ty {and}
weleful for şou hast for[gh]eten by whiche gouernement[gh] şe worlde is
gouerned. ¶ Forşi wenest şou şat şise mutac{i}ou{n}s of fortune fleten
wiş oute{n} gouerno{ur}. şise ben grete causes not oonly to maladie. but
certes grete causes to deeş ¶ But I şanke şe auctour {and} şe makere of
heele şat nat{ur}e haş not al forleten şe. {and} I haue g[r]ete
norissinges of şi hele. {and} şat is şe soşe sentence of gou{er}nau{n}ce
of şe worlde. şat şou byleuest şat şe gou{er}nynge of it nis nat subgit
ne vnderput to şe folie of şise happes auenterouses. but to şe resou{n}
of god ¶ And şer fore doute şe noşing. For of şis litel spark şine heet
of lijf schal shine. ¶ But for as muche as it is not tyme [gh]itte of
fastere remedies ¶ And şe nature of şou[gh]tes disseiued is şis şat as
ofte as şei casten aweye soşe opyniou{n}s: şei cloşen hem in fals[e]
opiniou{n}s. [of which{e} false opyniou{n}s] şe derknesse of
p{er}turbac{i}ou{n} wexeş vp. şat comfoundeş şe verray insy[gh]t. {and}
şat derkenes schal .I. say somwhat to maken şi{n}ne {and} wayk by
ly[gh]t {and} meenelyche remedies. so şat after şat şe derknes of
desseyuynge desyrynges is don awey. şou mow[e] knowe şe schynyng of
verray ly[gh]t.
NUBIB{US} ATRIS CONDITA.
[Sidenote: [The seuende Metyr.]]
++ŞE sterres cou{er}ed wiş blak[e] cloudes ne mowen geten a dou{n} no
ly[gh]t. [Gh]if şe trouble wy{n}de şat hy[gh]t auster stormynge {and}
walwy{n}g şe see medleş şe heete şat is to seyne şe boylyng vp from şe
botme ¶ Şe wawes ş{a}t somtyme weren clere as glas {and} lyke to şe
fair[e] bry[gh]t[e] dayes wişstant anon şe sy[gh]tes of men. by şe filşe
{and} ordure şat is resolued. {and} şe fletyng streme şat royleş dou{n}
dyuersely fro hey[gh]e mou{n}taignes is arestid {and} resisted ofte tyme
by şe encountrynge of a stoon ş{a}t is dep{ar}tid {and} fallen from some
roche. ¶ And forşi yif şou wilt loken {and} demen soşe wiş clere
ly[gh]t. {and} holde şe weye wiş a ry[gh]t paşe. ¶ Weyue şou ioie. drif
fro şe drede. fleme şou hope. ne lat no sorwe ap{ro}che. şat is to sein
lat noon of şise four passiou{n}s ouer come şe. or blynde şe. for cloudy
{and} dirke is şilk şou[gh]t {and} bounde w{i}t{h} bridles. where as
şise şinges regnen.
EXPLICIT LIBER PRIMUS.
INCIPIT LIBER SECUNDUS.
POSTEA [PAU]LISPER CONTICUIT.
[Sidenote: [The fyrst p{ro}se.]]
++After şis she stynte a litel. and after şat she hadde gadred by
atempre stillenesse myn attenciou{n} she seide şus. ¶ As who so
my[gh]t[e] seye şus. After şise şinges she stynt[e] a lytel. {and}
whanne she ap{er}ceiued[e] by atempre stillenesse şat I was ententif to
herkene hire. she bygan to speke in şis wyse. ¶ Yif I q{uod} she haue
vnderstonde{n} {and} knowe vtterly şe causes {and} şe habit of şi
maladie. şou languissed {and} art deffeted for talent {and} desijr of şi
raşer fortune. ¶ She şat ilke fortune only şat is chaunged as şou
feinest to şe ward. haş p{er}uerted şe clerenesse {and} şe astat of şi
corage. ¶ I vnderstonde şe felefolde colo{ur} {and} deceites of şilke
merueillous monstre fortune. and how she vseş ful flatryng familarite
wiş hem şat she enforceş to bygyle. so longe til şat she co{n}founde wiş
vnsuffreable sorwe hem şat she haş left in despeir vnpurueyed. ¶ and if
şou remembrest wel şe kynde şe maners {and} şe desert of şilke fortune.
şow shalt wel knowe as in hir şou neuer ne haddest ne hast ylost any
fair şing. But as I trowe I shal not gretly trauaile to don şe remembren
of şise şinges. ¶ For şou were wont to hurtlen [{and} despysen] hir wiş
manly wordes whan she was blaundissinge {and} presente {and}
p{ur}sewedest hir wiş sentences şat were drawe{n} oute of myne entre.
şat is to seyne out of myn i{n}formac{i}ou{n} ¶ But no sudeyne
mutac{i}ou{n} ne bytideş nat wiş oute{n} a maner chau{n}gyng of curages.
and so is it byfallen şat şou art dep{ar}ted a litel fro şe pees of şi
şou[gh]t. but now is tyme şat şou drynke {and} atast[e] some softe {and}
delitable şinges. so şat whan şei ben entred wiş i{n}ne şe. it mow make
weye to strenger drynkes of medycynes. ¶ Com nowe furşe şerfore şe
suasiou{n} of swetnesse Rethoryen. whiche şat goş oonly şe ry[gh]t wey
whil she forsakeş not myne estatut[gh]. ¶ And wiş Rethorice com forşe
musice a damoisel of oure house şat syngeş now ly[gh]ter moedes or
p{ro}lac{i}ou{n}s now heuyer. what ayleş şe man. what is it şat haş cast
şe in to murnyng {and} in to wepyng. I trow[e] şat şou hast sen some
newe şing {and} uncouşe. ¶ Şou wenest şat fortune be chaunged a[gh]eins
şe ¶ But şou wenest wrong. yif şou [şat] wene. Alwey şo ben hire maners.
she haş raşer [kept] as to şe ward hire p{ro}pre stablenes in şe
chaungyng of hyre self. ¶ Ry[gh]t swyche was she whan she flatered[e]
şe. {and} desseiued[e] şe wiş vnleueful lykynges of false welefulnesse.
şou hast now knowen {and} ataynt şe doutous or double visage of şilke
blynde goddesse fortune. ¶ She şat [gh]it couereş hir {and} wympleş hir
to oşer folk. haş shewed hir euerydel to şe. ¶ [Gh]if şou app{ro}uest
hir {and} şenkest şat she is good. vse hir maners {and} pleyne şe nat.
¶ And if şou agrisest hir fals[e] trecherie. dispise {and} cast aweye
hir şat pleyeş so harmefully. for she şat is now cause of so myche sorwe
to şe. sholde be to şe cause of pees {and} [of] ioie. ¶ she haş forsaken
şe forsoşe. şe whiche şat neuer man may be syker şat she ne shal forsake
hym. _Glose._ ¶ But naşeles some bookes han şe text şus. For soşe she
haş forsaken şe ne şer nis no man syker şat she ne haş not forsaken.
¶ Holdest şou şan şilke welefulnesse p{re}ciouse to şe şat shal passen.
{and} is p{re}sent fortune derworşi to şe. whiche şat nis not feişful
forto dwelle. {and} whan she goş aweye şat she bryngeş a wy[gh]t in
sorwe ¶ For syn she may nat be wişholde{n} at a mans wille. she makeş
hym a wrecche whe{n} she dep{ar}teş fro hym. ¶ What oşer şing is
flitti{n}g fortune but a manere shewyng of wrycchednesse şat is to
comen. ne it ne suffriş nat oo[n]ly to loken of şing şat is p{re}sent
byforne şe eyen of man. but wisdom lokeş {and} mesureş şe ende of
şinges. {and} şe same chau{n}gyng from one to an oşer. şat is to seyne
fro aduersite to p{ro}sperite makeş şat şe manaces of fortune ne ben not
forto dreden. ne şe flatrynges of hir to ben desired. ¶ Şus atte şe last
it byhoueş şe to suffren wiş euene wille in pacience al şat is don inwiş
şe floor of fortune. şat is to seyne in şis worlde. ¶ Syşen şou hast
oones put şi nekke vnder şe [gh]okke of hir. for if şou wilt write a
lawe of wendyng {and} of dwellyng to fortune whiche şat şou hast chosen
frely to be şi lady ¶ Art şou nat wrongful in şat {and} makest fortune
wroşe {and} asp{er}e by şin inpacience. {and} [gh]it şou mayst not
chaungen hir. ¶ Yif şou co{m}mittest [{and}] bitakest şi sayles to şe
wynde. şou shalt be shouen not şider şat şou woldest(:) but whider şat
şe wy{n}de shoueş şe ¶ Yif şou castest şi seedes in şe feldes şou
sholdest haue in mynde şat şe [gh]eres ben oşer while plenteuous {and}
oş{er} while bareyne. ¶ Şou hast bytaken şiself to şe gouernaunce of
fortune. {and} forşi it byhoueş şe to ben obeisaunt to şe manere of şi
lady. and enforcest şou şe to aresten or wişstonden şe swyftnesse {and}
şe sweyes of hir to{ur}nyng whele. ¶ O şou fool of alle mortel fooles if
fortune bygan to dwelle stable. she cesed[e] şan to ben fortune.
HEC CUM SUPERBA.
[Sidenote: [The fyrst met{ur}.]
++Whan fortune wiş a proude ry[gh]t hande haş turnid hir chau{n}gyng
stoundes she fareş lyke şe maners of şe boillyng eurippe. _Glose._
Eurippe is an arme of şe see ş{a}t ebbith {and} flowiş. {and} somtyme şe
streme is on one syde {and} somtyme on şat oşer. _Texte_ ¶ She cruel
fortune kasteş adoune kynges şat somtyme weren ydred. {and} she
deceiuable enhau{n}seth vp şe humble chere of hym şat is discomfited.
{and} she neyşer hereş ne reccheş of wrecched[e] wepynges. {and} she is
so harde şat she lau[gh]eş {and} scorneş şe wepyng of hem şe whiche she
haş maked wepe wiş hir free wille. ¶ Şus she pleyeş {and} ş{us} she
p{re}ueş hir strengşe {and} sheweş a grete wondre to alle hir
seruau{n}t[gh]. ¶ Yif şat a wy[gh]t is seyn weleful {and} ou{er}şrowe in
an houre.
VELLEM AUTE{M} PAUCA.
[Sidenote: [The secunde p{ro}se.]]
++CErtis I wolde plete wiş şee a fewe şinges vsynge şe wordes of fortune
tak heede now şi self. yif ş{a}t she axeş ry[gh]t. ¶ O şou man wher fore
makest şou me gilty by şine euerydayes pleynynges. what wronges haue I
don şe. what goodes haue I byreft şe şat weren şine. stryf or plete wiş
me by fore what iuge şat şou wilt of şe possessiou{n} of rycchesse or of
dignites ¶ And yif şou maist shewe me şat euer any mortal man haş
receyued any of şese şinges to ben his in p{ro}pre. şan wol I graunt[e]
frely şat [alle] şilke şinges were{n} şine whiche şat şou axest. ¶ Whan
şat nature brou[gh]t[e] şe forşe out of şi moder wombe. I receyued[e] şe
naked {and} nedy of al şing. {and} I norysshed[e] şe wiş my rychesse.
{and} was redy {and} ententif şo{ru}[gh] my fauo{ur} to sustene şe.
¶ And şat makeş şe now i{n}pacient a[gh]eins me. {and} I envirounde şe
wiş al şe habundaunce {and} shinyng of al goodes şat ben in my ry[gh]t.
¶ Now it lykeş me to wiş drawe myne hande. şou hast had grace as he şat
haş vsed of foreyne goodes. şou hast no ry[gh]t to pleyne şe. as şou[gh]
şou haddest vtterly lorn alle şi şinges. whi pleynest şou şan. I haue
don şe no wrong. Ricches hono{ur}es {and} swyche oşer şinges ben of my
ry[gh]t. ¶ My seruauntes knowen me for hir lady. şei comen wiş me {and}
dep{ar}ten whan I wende. I dar wel affermen hardyly. şat yif şo şinges
of whiche şou pleynest şat şou hast forlorn hadde ben şine. şou ne
haddest not lorn he{m}. ¶ shal I şan only be defended to vse my ry[gh]t.
¶ Certis it is leueful to şe heuene to make clere dayes. {and} after şat
to keuere şe same dayes wiş derke ny[gh]tes. ¶ Şe erşe haş eke leue to
apparaile şe visage of şe erşe now w{i}t{h} floures {and} now wiş fruyt.
{and} to confounde he{m} so{m}tyme wiş raynes {and} wiş coldes. ¶ Şe see
haş eke hys ry[gh]t to be somtyme calme {and} blaundyshing wiş smoşe
water. {and} somtyme to be horrible wiş wawes {and} wiş tempestes. ¶ But
şe couetyse of men şat may not be staunched shal it bynde me to be
stedfast. syn şat stedfastnesse is vnkouş to my maneres. ¶ Swyche is my
strengşe. {and} şis pley. I pley[e] co{n}tinuely. I tourne şe whirly{n}g
whele wiş şe tournyng cercle ¶ I am glade to chaunge şe lowest to şe
heyeste. {and} şe heyest to şe loweste. worşe vp yif şou wilt. so it be
by şis lawe. şat şou ne holde not şat I do şe wronge şou[gh] şou
descende dou{n} whanne resou{n} of my pleye axeş it. Wost şou not how
Cresus kyng of lyndens of whiche kyng Cir{us} was ful sore agast a litel
byforne şat şis rewlyche Cresus was cau[gh]t of Cirus {and} lad to şe
fijr to be brent. but şat a reyne desce{n}ded[e] dou{n} from heuene şat
rescowed[e] hym ¶ And is it out of şi mynde how şat Paulus consul of
Rome whan he hadde take şe kyng of p{er}ciens weep pitou[s]ly for şe
captiuitee of şe self[e] kyng. What oşer şinges bywaylen şe criinges of
Tragedies. but only şe dedes of fortune. şat wiş an vnwar stroke
ouert{ur}neş şe realmes of grete nobley ¶ _Glose._ Tragedie is to seyne
a dite of a p{ro}sp{er}ite for a tyme şat endiş in wrechednesse.
Lernedest nat şou in grek whan şou were [gh]onge şat in şe entre or in
şe seler of Iuppiter şer ben couched two tunnes. şat on is ful of good
şat oşer is ful of harme. ¶ What ry[gh]t hast şou to pleyne. yif şou
hast taken more plenteuously of şe goode syde şat is to seyne of my
rycchesse {and} p{ro}sp{er}ites. {and} what eke. yif I be nat departed
fro şe. What eke. yif my mutabilitee [gh]iueş şe ry[gh]tful cause of
hope to han [gh]it better şi{n}ges. ¶ Naşeles desmaie şe nat in şi
şou[gh]t. and ş{o}u şat art put in comune realme of alle: ne desijr[e]
nat to lyue by şine oonly p{ro}pre ry[gh]t.
SI Q{UA}NTAS RAPIDIS.
[Sidenote: [the secu{n}de met{ur}.]]
++ŞOu[gh] plentee şat is goddesse of rycches hielde adou{n} wiş ful
horn. {and} wişdraweş nat hir hand. ¶ As many recches as şe see turneş
vpwardes sandes whan it is moeued wiş rauysshing blastes. or ellys as
many rycches as şer shynen bry[gh]t[e] sterres on heuene on şe sterry
ny[gh]t. [Gh]it for al şat mankynde nolde not cesce to wope wrecched[e]
pleyntes. ¶ And al be it so şat god receyueş gladly her p{ra}yers {and}
[gh]eueş hem as ful large muche golde {and} app{ar}aileş coueytous folk
wiş noble or clere hono{ur}s. [gh]it semeş hem haue I-gete noşing. but
alwey her cruel ravyne deuourynge al şat şei han geten shewiş oşer
gapinges. şat is to seye gapen {and} desiren [gh]it after moo rycchesse.
¶ What brideles my[gh]ten wişholde to any certeyne ende şe desordene
coueitise of men ¶ Whan euere şe raşer ş{a}t it fletiş in large
[gh]iftis: şe more ay brenneş in hem şe şrest of hauyng. ¶ Certis he şat
quakyng {and} dredeful weneş hym seluen nedy. he ne lyueş neu{er}e mo
ryche.
HIIS IGITUR SI PRO SE.
[Sidenote: [The thrydde p{ro}se.]]
++Şerfore yif şat fortune spake wiş şe for hir self in şis manere. For
soşe şou ne haddest [nat] what şou my[gh]test answere. and if şou hast
any şi{n}g wherwiş. şou mayist ry[gh]tfully tellen şi co{m}pleynt. ¶ It
byhoueş şe to shewen it. {and} .I. wol [gh]eue şe space to tellen it.
¶ Certeynely q{uod} I şan şise ben faire şinges {and} enoyntid wiş hony
swetnesse of rethorike {and} musike. {and} only while şei ben herd şei
ben deliciouse. ¶ But to wrecches is a deppere felyng of harme. şis is
to seyn şat wrecches felen şe harmes şat şei suffren more greuously şan
şe remedies or şe delites of şise wordes mowe gladen or comforten hem.
so şat whan şise şinges stynten forto sou{n}[e] in eres. şe sorwe şat is
inset greueş şe şou[gh]t. Ry[gh]t so is it q{uod} she. ¶ For şise ne ben
[gh]it none remedies of şi maladie. but şei ben a manere norissinges of
şi sorwe [gh]it rebel a[gh]eyne şi curac{i}ou{n}. ¶ For whan şat tyme
is. I shal moue swiche şinges şat p{er}cen hem self depe. ¶ But naşeles
ş{a}t şou shalt not wilne to leten şi self a wrecche. ¶ Hast şou
for[gh]eten şe nou{m}bre {and} şe manere of şi welefulnesse. I holde me
stille how şat şe souerayn men of şe Citee toke{n} şe in cure {and}
kepynge whan şou were orphelyn of fadir {and} modir. {and} were chosen
i{n} affinite of p{r}inces of şe Citee. ¶ And şou bygu{n}ne raşer to ben
leef {and} deere şan0 forto ben a ney[gh]bo{ur}. şe whiche şing is şe
most p{re}ciouse kynde of any p{ro}pinquitee or aliau{n}ce şat may ben.
¶ Who is it şat ne seide şou nere ry[gh]t weleful wiş so grete a nobley
of şi fadres in lawe. ¶ {And} wiş şe chastite of şi wijf. {and} wiş şe
oportunite {and} noblesse of şi masculyn children. şat is to seyne şi
sones {and} ou{er} al şis me lyst to passe of comune şinges. ¶ How şou
haddest in şi şou[gh]t dignitees şat weren warned to olde men. but it
deliteş me to comen now to şe singuler vphepyng of şi welefulnesse.
¶ Yif any fruyt of mortal şinges may han any wey[gh]te or price of
welefulnesse. ¶ My[gh]test şou euere for[gh]eten for any charge of harme
şat my[gh]t[e] byfallen. şe remembrau{n}ce of şilke day şat şou sey[e]
şi two sones maked conseillers. {and} ylad to gidre from şin house vndir
so gret assemble of senatours. {and} vndir şe blyşenesse of poeple.
{and} whan şou say[e] hem sette in şe court in her chaieres of dignites.
¶ Şou rethorien or p{ro}nou{n}cere of kynges p{re}ysinges. deseruedest
glorie of wit {and} of eloquence. whan şou sittyng bytwix şi two sones
conseillers in şe place şat hy[gh]t Circo. {and} fulfildest şe abydyng
of multitude of poeple şat was sprad about şe wiş large p{ra}ysynge
{and} laude as me{n} syngen in victories. şo [gh]aue şou wordes of
fortune as I trowe. şat is to seyne. şo feffedest şou fortune wiş
glosynge wordes {and} desseiuedest hir. whan she accoied[e] şe {and}
norsshed[e] şe as hir owen delices. ¶ Şou hast had of fortune a [gh]ifte
şat is to seyn swiche gerdou{n} şat she neu[er]e [gh]af to p{re}ue man
¶ Wilt şou şerfore leye a rekenyng wiş fortune. she haş now twynkeled
first vpon şe wiş a wykked eye. ¶ Yif şou considere şe nou{m}bre {and}
şe manere of şi blysses. {and} of şi sorwes. şou maist nat forsake şat
şou nart [gh]it blysful. For if şou şerfore wenest şi self nat weleful
for şinges şat şo semeden ioyful ben passed. ¶ Şer nis nat whi şou
sholdest wene şi self a wrecche. for şinges şat now semen soory passen
also. ¶ Art şou now comen firste a sodeyne gest in to şe shadowe or
tabernacle of şis lijf. or trowest şou ş{a}t any stedfastnesse be in
mannis şinges. ¶ Whan ofte a swifte houre dissolueş şe same man. şat is
to seyne whan şe soule dep{ar}tiş fro şe body. For al şou[gh] şat yelde
is şer any feiş şat fortunous şinges willen dwelle. [gh]it naşeles şe
last[e] day of a ma{n}nis lijf is a man{er}e deeş to fortune. {and} also
to şilke şat haş dwelt. {and} şerfore what wenist şou şar recche yif şou
forlete hir i{n} dey{n}ge or ellys ş{a}t she fortune forlete şe i{n}
fleenge awey.
CUM PRIMO POLO.
[Sidenote: [The .iij. Met{ur}.]]
++Whan phebus şe sonne bygynneş to spreden his clerenesse w{i}t{h}
rosene chariettes. şan şe sterre ydimmyd paleş hir white cheres. by şe
flamus of şe so{n}ne şat ouer comeş şe sterre ly[gh]t. ¶ Şis is to seyn
whan şe sonne is risen şe day sterre wexiş pale {and} lesiş hir ly[gh]t
for şe grete bry[gh]tnesse of şe sonne. ¶ Whan şe wode wexeş redy of
rosene floures in şe first somer sesou{n} şoru[gh] şe breşe of şe wynde
Zephirus şat wexeş warme. ¶ Yif şe cloudy wynde auster blowe felliche.
şan goş awey şe fayrnesse of şornes. Ofte şe see is clere {and} calme
wişoute moeuy{n}g floodes. And ofte şe horrible wynde aq{u}ilon moeueş
boylyng tempestes {and} ouer whelweş şe see. ¶ Yif şe forme of şis
worlde is so [[gh]eelde] stable. {and} yif it to{ur}niş by so many
entrechau{n}gynges. wilt şou şa{n} truste{n} in şe trublynge fortunes of
me{n}. wilt şou trowen i{n} flittyng goodes. It is certeyne {and}
establissed by lawe p{er}durable şat no şi{n}g ş{a}t is engendred nys
stedfast no stable.
TUNC EGO UERA INQ{UA}M.
[Sidenote: [The ferthe prose.]]
++ŞAnne seide I şus. O norice of alle uertues şou seist ful soşe. ¶ Ne I
may nat forsake şe ry[gh]t[e] swifte cours of my p{ro}speritee. şat is
to seine. şat p{ro}speritee ne be comen to me wondir swiftly {and}
soone. but şis is a şing şat gretly smertiş me whan it remembreş me.
¶ For in alle aduersitees of fortune şe most vnsely kynde of
contrariouse fortune is to han ben weleful. ¶ But şat şou q{uo}d she
abaist şus şe to{ur}ment of şi fals[e] opiniou{n} şat maist şou not
ry[gh]tfully blamen ne aretten to şinges. as who seiş for şou hast
[gh]itte many habundaunces of şinges. ¶ _Textus._ For al be it so şat şe
ydel name of auenterouse welefulnesse moeueş şe now. it is leueful şat
şou rekene w{i}t{h} me of how many[e] şinges şou hast [gh]it plentee.
¶ And şerfore yif şat şilke şing şat şou haddest for most p{re}cious in
alle şi rycchesse of fortune be kept to şe by şe grace of god vnwemmed
{and} vndefouled. Mayst şou şa{n} pleyne ry[gh]tfully vpon şe myschief
of fortune. syn şou hast [gh]it şi best[e] şinges. ¶ Certys [gh]it lyueş
in goode poynt şilke p{re}cious hono{ur} of mankynde.¶ Symacus şi wyues
fadir whiche şat is a man maked al of sapience {and} of vertue. şe
whiche man şou woldest b[i]en redely wiş şe pris of şin owen lijf. he
byweyleş şe wronges şat men don to şee. {and} not for hym self. for he
liueş in sykernesse of any sentence put a[gh]eins him. ¶ And [gh]it
lyueş şi wif şat is attempre of witte {and} passyng oşer women in
clennes of chastitee. and for I wol closen shortly her bountes she is
lyke to hir fadir. I telle şe welle şat she lyueş looş of hir life.
{and} kepiş to şee oonly hir goost. {and} is al maat {and} ouer-comen by
wepyng {and} sorwe for desire of şe ¶ In şe whiche şing only I mot
graunten şat şi welefulnesse is amenused. ¶ What shal I seyn eke of şi
two sones conseillours of whiche as of children of hir age şer shineş şe
lyknesse of şe witte of hir fadir {and} of hir eldefadir. and sişen şe
souereyn cure of alle mortel folke is to sauen hir owe{n} lyues. ¶ O how
weleful art şou şou[gh] şou knowe şi goodes. ¶ But [gh]itte ben şer
şinges dwelly{n}g to şe wardes şat no man douteş şat şei ne ben more
derworşe to şe şen şine owen lijf. ¶ And forşi drie şi teres for
[gh]itte nys nat eueriche fortune al hateful to şe warde. ne ou{er}
greet tempest haş nat [gh]it fallen vpon şe. whan şat şin ancres cliue
fast[e] şat neişer wole suffre şe comfort of şis tyme p{re}sent. ne şe
hope of tyme comynge to passen ne to falle{n}. ¶ And I p{re}ie q{uod} I
şat fast[e] mot[en] şei holden. ¶ For whiles şat şei halden. how so
eu{er}e şat şinges ben. I shal wel fleten furşe and eschapen. ¶ But şou
mayst wel seen how greet[e] apparailes {and} aray şat me lakkeş şat ben
passed awey fro me. ¶ I haue su{m}what auau{n}ced {and} forşered şe
q{uod} she. if şat şou anoie nat or forşenke nat of al şi fortune. As
who seiş. ¶ I haue somwhat comforted şe so şat şou tempest nat şe şus
wiş al şi fortune. syn şou hast [gh]it şi best[e] şinges. ¶ But I may
nat suffre şin delices. şat pleinst so wepyng. {and} anguissous for şat
oşer lakkeş somwhat to şi welefulnesse. ¶ For what man is so sad or of
so p{er}fit welefulnesse. şat he ne stryueş or pleyneş on some half
a[gh]eine şe qualitee of his estat. ¶ For whi ful anguissous şing is şe
condiciou{n} of mans goodes. ¶ For eyşer it comeş al to gidre to a
wy[gh]t. or ellys it lasteş not p{er}petuely. ¶ For som man haş grete
rycchesse. but he is asshamed of hys vngentil lynage. {and} som man is
renomed of noblesse of kynrede. but he is enclosed in so grete angre for
nede of şinges. şat hym were leuer şat he were vnknowe. and som ma{n}
habundeş boşe i{n} rychesse {and} noblesse. but [gh]it he bywaileş hys
chast[e] lijf. for he haş no wijf. ¶ and som man is wel {and} selily
maried but he haş no children. {and} norissheş his ricchesse to şe
heires of straunge folk. ¶ And som man is gladded wiş children. but he
wepiş ful sory for şe trespas of his son or of his dou[gh]tir. ¶ and for
şis şer accordeş no wy[gh]t ly[gh]tly to şe condic{i}ou{n} of his
fortune. for alwey to euery man şere is i{n} mest somwhat şat vnassaieş
he ne wot not or ellys he drediş şat he haş assaied. ¶ {And} adde şis
also şat euery weleful man haş a wel delicat felyng. ¶ So şat but yif
alle şinges fallen at hys owen wille for he inpacient or is nat vsed to
han none aduersitee. an-oone he is şrowe ado[-u]ne for euery lytel şing.
¶ And ful lytel şinges ben şo şat wişdrawen şe so{m}me or şe
p{er}fecc{i}ou{n} of blisfulnesse fro hem şat ben most fortunat. ¶ How
many men trowest şou wolde demen hem self to ben almost in heuene yif
şei my[gh]ten atteyne to şe leest[e] p{ar}tie of şe remenaunt of şi
fortune. ¶ Şis same place şat şou clepist exil is contre to hem şat
enhabiten here. {and} forşi. Noşing wrecched. but whan şou wenest it
¶ As who seiş. şou[gh] şi self ne no wy[gh]t ellys nys no wrecche but
whan he weneş hym self a wrecche by reputac{i}ou{n} of his corage.
CONTRAQ{UE}.
++And a[gh]einewarde al fortune is blisful to a man by şe agreablete or
by şe egalite of hym şat suffreş it. ¶ What man is şat. şat is so
weleful şat nolde chau{n}ge{n} his estat whan he haş lorn pacience. şe
swetnesse of mannes welefulnesse is yspranid wiş many[e] bitternesses.
şe whiche welefulnesse al şou[gh] it seme swete {and} ioyeful to hym şat
vseş it. [gh]it may it not be wiş-holden şat it ne goş away whan it wol.
¶ Şan is it wel sen how wrecched is şe blisfulnesse of mortel şinges.
şat neiş{er} it dwelliş p{er}petuel wiş hem şat euery fortune receyuen
agreablely or egaly. ¶ Ne it ne deliteş not in al. to hem şat ben
anguissous. ¶ O ye mortel folkes what seke [gh]e şan blisfulnesse oute
of [gh]oure self. whiche şat is put in [gh]oure self. Erro{ur} {and}
folie co{n}fou{n}deş [gh]ow ¶ I shal shewe şe shortly. şe poynt of
souereyne blisfulnesse. Is şer any şing to şe more p{re}ciouse şan şi
self ¶ Şou wilt answere nay. ¶ Şan if it so be şat şou art my[gh]ty ouer
şi self şat is to seyn by tranquillitee of şi soule. şan hast şou şing
i{n} şi power şat şou noldest neuer lesen. ne fortune may nat by-nyme it
şe. {and} şat şou mayst knowe şat blisfulnesse [ne] may nat standen in
şinges şat ben fortunous {and} te{m}perel. ¶ Now vndirstonde {and} gadir
it to gidir şus yif blisfulnesse be şe souereyne goode of nature şat
liueş by resou{n} ¶ Ne şilke şing nis nat souereyne goode şat may be
taken awey in any wyse. for more worşi şing {and} more digne is şilke
şing ş{a}t may nat be taken awey. ¶ Şan shewiş it wele şat şe
vnstablenesse of fortune may nat attayne to receyue verray blisfulnes.
¶ And [gh]it more ouer. ¶ What man şat şis toumblyng welefulnesse
leediş. eişer he woot şat [it] is chaungeable. or ellis he woot it nat.
¶ And yif he woot it not. what blisful fortune may şer be in şe
blyndenesse of ignorau{n}ce. and yif he woot şat it is chaungeable. he
mot alwey ben adrad ş{a}t he ne lese şat şing. şat he ne douteş nat but
şat he may leesen it. ¶ As whoo seiş he mot ben alwey agast lest he
leese şat he wot wel he may leese. ¶ For whiche şe continuel drede şat
he haş ne suffriş hym nat to ben weleful. ¶ Or ellys yif he leese it he
wene to be dispised {and} forleten hit. ¶ Certis eke şat is a ful lytel
goode şat is born wiş euene hert[e] whan it is loost. ¶ Şat is to seyne
şat men don no more force. of şe lost şan of şe hauynge. ¶ And for as
myche as şou şi self art he to who{m} it haş ben shewid {and} p{ro}ued
by ful many[e] demonstrac{i}ou{n}s. as I woot wel şat şe soules of men
ne mowen nat dien in no wise. and eke syn it is clere. {and} certeyne
şat fortunous welefulnesse endiş by şe deeş of şe body. ¶ It may nat ben
douted şat yif şat deeş may take awey blysfulnesse şat al şe kynde of
mortal şi{n}g{us} ne descendiş in to wrecchednesse by şe ende of şe
deeş. ¶ And syn we knowen wel şat many a man haş sou[gh]t şe fruit of
blisfulnesse nat only wiş suffryng of deeş. but eke wiş suffryng of
peynes {and} to{ur}mentes. how my[gh]t[e] şan şis p{re}sent lijf make
men blisful. syn şat whanne şilke self[e] lijf is endid. it ne makeş
folk no wrecches.
QUISQUIS UOLET P{ER}HENNEM CAUTUS.
[Sidenote: [The ferthe met{ur}.]]
++What maner man stable {and} war şat wil founden hym a p{er}durable
sete {and} ne wil not be cast doune wiş şe loude blastes of şe wynde
Eurus. {and} wil dispise şe see manassynge wiş floodes ¶ Lat hym eschewe
to bilde on şe cop of şe mou{n}tay{n}gne. or in şe moyste sandes. ¶ For
şe fel[le] wynde auster to{ur}menteş şe cop of şe mou{n}tayngne wiş alle
his strengşes. ¶ and şe lowe see sandes refuse to beren şe heuy
wey[gh]te. {and} forşi yif şou wolt flee şe p{er}ilous auenture şat is
to seine of şe worlde ¶ Haue mynde certeynly to ficchyn şi house of a
myrie site in a lowe stoone. ¶ For al şou[gh] şe wynde troublyng şe see
şondre wiş ouereşrowynges ¶ Şou şat art put i{n} quiete {and} welful by
strengşe of şi palys shalt leden a cleer age. scornyng şe wodenesses and
şe Ires of şe eir.
SET CUM RACIONU{M} IAM IN TE.
[Sidenote: [The fyfthe p{ro}se.]]
++But for as moche as şe noryssinges of my resou{n}s descenden now in to
şe. I trowe it were tyme to vsen a litel strenger medicynes. ¶ Now
vndirstonde here al were it so şat şe [gh]iftis of fortune nar[e] nat
brutel ne t{ra}nsitorie. what is şer in hem şat may be şine in any tyme.
or ellis şat it nys foule if şat it be considered {and} lokid
p{er}fitely. ¶ Richesse ben şei p{re}ciouse by şe nature of hem self. or
ellys by şe nature of şe. What is most worşi of rycchesse. is it nat
golde or my[gh]t of moneye assembled. ¶ Certis şilke golde {and} şilke
moneye shineş {and} [gh]eueş better renou{n} to hem şat dispenden it.
şen to şilke folke şat mokeren it. For auarice makeş alwey mokeres to be
hated. {and} largesse makeş folke clere of renou{n} ¶ For syn şat swiche
şi{n}g as is t{ra}nsfered from o man to an oşer ne may nat dwellen wiş
no man. Certis şan is şilke moneye p{re}cious. whan it is translated in
to oşer folk. {and} stynteş to ben had by vsage of large [gh]euy{n}g of
hym şat haş [gh]euen it. {and} also yif al şe moneye şat is ouer-al in
şe world were gadered towar[d] o man. it sholde maken al oşer men to ben
nedy as of şat. ¶ And certys a voys al hool şat is to seyn wiş-oute
amenusynge fulfilleş to gyder şe heryng of myche folke. but Certys
[gh]oure rycchesse ne mowen nat passen vnto myche folk wiş-oute
amenussyng ¶ And whan şei ben apassed. nedys şei maken hem pore şat
forgon şe rycchesses. ¶ O streite {and} nedy clepe I şise rycchesses.
syn şat many folke [ne] may nat han it al. ne al may it nat comen to on
man wiş-oute pouerte of al oşer folke. ¶ And şe shynynge of ge{m}mes şat
I clepe p{re}ciouse stones. draweş it nat şe eyen of folk in to hem
warde. şat is to seyne for şe beaute. ¶ For certys yif şer were beaute
or bounte in shynyng of stones. şilke clerenesse is of şe stones hem
self. {and} nat of men. ¶ For whiche I wondre gretly şat men merueilen
on swiche şinges. ¶ For whi what şing is it şat yif it wa{n}teş moeuyng
{and} ioynture of soule {and} body şat by ry[gh]t my[gh]t[e] semen a
faire creature to hym şat haş a soule of resou{n}. ¶ For al be it so şat
ge{m}mes drawen to hem self a litel of şe laste beaute of şe worlde.
şoru[gh] şe entent of hir creato{ur} {and} şoru[gh] şe distincc{i}ou{n}
of hem self. [gh]it for as myche as şei ben put vndir [gh]oure
excellence. şei han not desserued by no weye şat [gh]e shullen merueylen
on hem. ¶ And şe beaute of feeldes deliteş it nat mychel vnto [gh]ow.
_Boyce._ ¶ Whi sholde it nat deliten vs. syn şat it is a ry[gh]t fayr
porciou{n} of şe ry[gh]t fair werk. şat is to seyn of şis worlde. ¶ And
ry[gh]t so ben we gladed somtyme of şe face of şe see whan it is clere.
And also merueylen we on şe heuene {and} on şe sterres. {and} on şe
sonne. {and} on şe mone. _Philosophie._ ¶ App{er}teineş q{uo}d she any
of şilke şinges to şe. whi darst şou glorifie şe in şe shynynge of any
swiche şinges. Art şou distingwed {and} embelised by şe spryngyng
floures of şe first somer sesou{n}. or swelliş şi plente in fruytes of
somer. whi art şou rauyshed wiş ydel ioies. why enbracest şou straunge
goodes as şei weren şine. Fortune shal neuer maken şat swiche şinges ben
şine şat nature of şinges maked foreyne fro şe. ¶ Syche is şat
wiş-oute{n} doute şe fruytes of şe erşe owen to ben on şe norssinge of
bestes. ¶ And if şou wilt fulfille şi nede after şat it suffiseş to
nature şan is it no nede şat şou seke after şe sup{er}fluite of fortune.
¶ For wiş ful fewe şinges {and} w{i}t{h} ful lytel şing nature halt hire
appaied. {and} yif şou wilt achoken şe fulfillyng of nat{ur}e wiş
sup{er}fluites ¶ Certys şilke şinges ş{a}t şou wilt şresten or pouren in
to nature shullen ben vnioyeful to şe or ellis anoies. ¶ Wenest şou eke
şat it be a fair şinge to shine wiş dyuerse cloşing. of whiche cloşing
yif şe beaute be agreable to loken vpon. I wol merueylen on şe nature of
şe matere of şilke cloşes. or ellys on şe werkeman şat wrou[gh]t[e] hem.
but al so a longe route of meyne. makiş şat a blisful man. şe whiche
seruauntes yif şei ben vicio[-u]s of condic{i}ou{n}s it is a greet
charge {and} a destrucc{i}ou{n} to şe house. {and} a g{r}eet enmye to şe
lorde hym self ¶ {And} yif şei ben goode men how shal straung[e] or
foreyne goodenes ben put in şe nou{m}bre of şi rycchesse. so ş{a}t by
alle şise forseide şinges. it is clerly shewed şat neuer none of şilke
şinges şat şou accou{m}ptedest for şin goodes nas nat şi goode. ¶ In şe
whiche şinges yif şer be no beaute to ben desired. whi sholdest şou be
sory yif şou leese hem. or whi sholdest şou reioysen şe to holden hem.
¶ For if şei ben fair of hire owen kynde. what app{er}teneş şat to şe.
for as wel sholde şei han ben faire by hem self. şou[gh] şei were{n}
dep{ar}tid from alle şin rycchesse. ¶ For-why faire ne p{re}cio[-u]s ne
weren şei nat. for şat şei comen amonges şi rycchesse. but for şei
semeden fair {and} p{re}cious. şerfore şou haddest leuer rekene hem
amonges şi rycchesse. but what desirest şou of fortune wiş so greet a
noyse {and} wiş so greet a fare ¶ I trowe şou seke to dryue awey nede
wiş habundaunce of şinges. ¶ But certys it turneş to [gh]ow al in şe
contrarie. for whi certys it nediş of ful many[e] helpynges to kepen şe
dyuersite of preciouse ostelment[gh]. and soşe it is şat of many[e]
şinges han şei nede şat many[e] şinges han. {and} a[gh]eyneward of litel
nediş hem şat mesuren hir fille after şe nede of kynde {and} nat after
şe outrage of couetyse ¶ Is it şan so şat ye men ne han no p{ro}pre
goode. I-set in [gh]ow. For whiche [gh]e moten seken outwardes [gh]oure
goodes in foreine {and} subgit şinges. ¶ So is şan şe condic{i}ou{n} of
şinges turned vpso dou{n}. şat a man şat is a devyne beest by merit of
hys resou{n}. şinkeş şat hy{m} self nys neyşer fair ne noble. but if it
be şoru[gh] possessiou{n} of ostelmentes. şat ne han no soules. ¶ And
certys al oş{er} şi{n}ges ben appaied of hire owen beautes. but [gh]e
men şat ben semblable to god by [gh]our{e} resonable şou[gh]t desiren to
apparaille [gh]our{e} excellent kynde of şe lowest[e] pinges. ne [gh]e
ne vndirstonde nat how gret a wro{n}g [gh]e don to [gh]oure creato{ur}.
for he wolde şat man kynde were moost worşi {and} noble of any oşer
erşely şinges. and [gh]e şresten adou{n} [gh]oure dignitees by-neşen şe
lowest[e] şinges. ¶ For if şat al şe good of euery şing be more
p{re}ciouse şan is şilk şing whos şat şe good is. syn [gh]e demen şat şe
foulest[e] şinges ben [gh]oure goodes. şanne summytten [gh]e {and}
putten [gh]oure self vndir şo foulest[e] şinges by [gh]oure
estimac{i}ou{n}. ¶ And certis şis bitidiş nat wiş out [gh]our{e} desert.
For certys swiche is şe co{n}dic{i}ou{n} of al man kynde şat oonly whan
it haş knowyng of it self. şan passeş it i{n} noblesse alle oşer şinges.
and whan it forletiş şe knowyng of it self. şan it is brou[gh]t byneşen
alle beestes. ¶ For-why alle oşer [leuynge] beestes han of kynde to
knowe not hem self. but whan şat men leten şe knowyng of hem self. it
comeş hem of vice. but how brode sheweş şe erro{ur} {and} şe folie of
[gh]ow men şat wenen şat ony şing may ben apparailled wiş straunge
apparaillement[gh] ¶ but for-soşe şat may nat be don. for yif a wy[gh]t
shyneş wiş şi{n}ges şat ben put to hym. as şus. yif şilke şinges shynen
wiş whiche a man is apparailled. ¶ Certis şilke şinges ben commendid
{and} p{re}ised wiş whiche he is apparailled. ¶ But naşeles şe şing şat
is couered {and} wrapped vndir şat dwelleş in his filşe. and I denye şat
şilke şing be good şat anoyeş hym şat haş it. ¶ Gabbe I of şis. şou wolt
seye nay. ¶ Certys rycchesse han anoyed ful ofte hem şat han şe
rycchesse. ¶ Syn şat euery wicked shrew {and} for hys wickednesse şe
more gredy aftir oşer folkes rycchesse wher so euer it be in any place.
be it golde or p{re}cious stones. {and} weniş hym only most worşi şat
haş hem ¶ şou şan şat so besy dredest now şe swerde {and} şe spere. yif
şou haddest entred in şe paşe of şis lijf a voide wayfaryng man. şan
woldest şou syng[e] by-fore şe şeef. ¶ As who seiş a poure man şat bereş
no rycchesse on hym by şe weye. may boldly syng[e] byforne şeues. for he
haş nat wher-of to ben robbed. ¶ O preciouse {and} ry[gh]t clere is şe
blysfulnesse of mortal rycchesse. şat wha{n} şou hast geten it. şan hast
şou lorn şi syke[r]nesse.
FELIX IN MIRU{M} PRIOR ETAS.
[Sidenote: [The fyfthe met{ur}.]]
++Blysful was şe first age of men. şei helden hem apaied wiş şe metes
şat şe trewe erşes brou[gh]ten furşe. ¶ şei ne destroyed[e] ne
desceyued[e] not hem self wiş outerage. ¶ şei weren wont ly[gh]tly to
slaken her hunger at euene wiş acornes of okes ¶ şei ne couşe nat medle
şe [gh]ift of bacus to şe clere hony. şat is to seyn. şei couşe make no
piment of clarre. ne şei couşe nat medle şe bri[gh]t[e] flies of şe
co{n}tre of siriens wiş şe venym of tirie. şis is to seyne. şei couşe
nat dien white flies of sirien contre wiş şe blode of a manar
shelfysshe. şat men fynden in tyrie. wiş whiche blode men deien purper.
¶ şei slepen holesom slepes vpon şe gras. and dronken of şe rynnyng
watres. {and} laien vndir şe shadowe of şe hey[gh]e pyne trees. ¶ Ne no
gest ne no straunger [ne] karf [gh]it şe heye see wiş oores or wiş
shippes. ne şei ne hadden seyne [gh]itte none newe strondes to leden
merchaundyse in to dyuerse co{n}tres. ¶ şo weren şe cruel clariou{n}s
ful whist {and} ful stille. ne blode yshed by egre hate ne hadde nat
deied [gh]it armurers. for wherto or whiche woodenesse of enmys wolde
first moeuen armes. whan şei seien cruel woundes ne none medes ben of
blood yshad ¶ I wolde şat oure tymes sholde turne a[gh]eyne to şe oolde
maneres. ¶ But şe anguissous loue of hauyng brenneş in folke moore
cruely şan şe fijr of şe Mou{n}taigne of Ethna şat euer brenneş. ¶ Allas
what was he şat first dalf vp şe gobets or şe wey[gh]tys of gold couered
vndir erşe. {and} şe p{re}cious stones şat wolden han ben hid. he dalf
vp p{re}cious perils. şat is to seyne şat he şat hem first vp dalf. he
dalf vp a p{re}cious peril. for-whi. for şe p{re}ciousnesse of swyche
haş many man ben in peril.
QUID AUTE{M} DE DIGNITATIB{US} {ET} C{ETERA}.
[Sidenote: [The sixte p{ro}se.]]
++But what shal I seyne of dignitees {and} of powers. şe whiche [ye] men
ş{a}t neişer knowen verray dignitee ne verray power areysen hem as heye
as şe heuene. şe whiche dignitees {and} powers yif şei come to any
wicked man şei don [as] greet[e] damages {and} distrucc{i}ou{n} as doş
şe fla{m}me of şe Mou{n}taigne Ethna whan şe fla{m}me wit walwiş vp ne
no deluge ne doş so cruel harmes. ¶ Certys ye remembriş wel as I trowe
şat şilke dignitee şat men clepiş şe emperie of {con}sulers şe whiche
şat somtyme was bygynnyng of fredom. ¶ [Gh]oure eldres coueiteden to han
don a-wey şat dignitee for şe p{r}ide of şe conseilers. ¶ And ry[gh]t
for şe same p{r}ide [gh]oure eldres byforne şat tyme hadden don awey out
of şe Citee of rome şe kynges name. şat is to seien. şei nolden haue no
lenger no kyng ¶ But now yif so be ş{a}t dignitees {and} powers ben
[gh]euen to goode men. şe whiche şing is ful [gh]elde. what agreable
şi{n}ges is şer in şo dignitees. or powers. but only şe goodenes of folk
şat vsen hem. ¶ And şerfore it is şus şat hono{ur} ne comeş nat to
vertue for cause of dignite. but a[gh]einward. hono{ur} comeş to dignite
by cause of vertue. but whiche is [gh]oure derworşe power şat is so
clere {and} so requerable ¶ O [gh]e erşelyche bestes considere [gh]e nat
ouer whiche şing şat it semeş şat [gh]e han power. ¶ Now yif şou say[e]
a mouse amo{n}g{us} oşer myse şat chalenged[e] to hymself ward ry[gh]t
{and} power ouer alle oşer myse. how gret scorne woldest şou han of hit.
¶ _Glosa._ ¶ So fareş it by men. şe body haş power ouer şe body. For yif
şow loke wel vpon şe body of a wy[gh]t what şing shalt şou fynde moore
frele şan is mannes kynde. şe whiche ben ful ofte slayn wiş bytynge of
smale flies. or ellys wiş şe entryng of crepyng wormes in to şe
priuetees of mennes bodyes. ¶ But wher shal men fynden any man şat may
exercen or haunten any ry[gh]t vpon an oşer ma{n} but oonly vpon hys
body. or ellys vpo{n} şinges şat ben lower şen şe body. whiche I clepe
fortunous possessiou{n}s ¶ Mayst şou euer haue any comaundement ouer a
fre corage ¶ Mayst şou remuen fro şe estat of hys p{ro}pre reste. a
şou[gh]t şat is cleuyng to gider in hym self by stedfast resou{n}. ¶ As
somtyme a tiraunt wende to co{n}founde a freeman of corage ¶ {And} wende
to co{n}streyne hym by to{ur}ment to maken hym dyscoueren {and} acusen
folk şat wisten of a coniurac{i}ou{n}. whiche I clepe a confederacie şat
was cast a[gh]eins şis tyraunt ¶ But şis free man boot of hys owen
tunge. {and} cast it in şe visage of şilke woode tyrau{n}te. ¶ So şat şe
to{ur}ment[gh] şat şis tyrau{n}t wende to han maked mater{e} of cruelte.
şis wyse man maked[e it] matere of vertues. ¶ But what şing is it şat a
man may don to an oşer man. şat he ne may receyue şe same şing of oşer
folke i{n} hym self. or şus. ¶ What may a man don to folk. şat folk ne
may don hym şe same. ¶ I haue herd told of busirides şat was wo{n}t to
sleen hys gestes şat herburghden in hys hous. and he was slayn hym self
of ercules şat was hys gest ¶ Regulus had[de] taken in bataile many men
of affrike. and cast hem in to fetteres. but sone after he most[e]
[gh]iue hys handes to ben bounden w{i}t{h} şe cheynes of hem şat he
had[de] somtyme ou{er}comen. ¶ Wenest şou şan şat he be my[gh]ty. şat
may nat don a şing. şat oşer ne may don hym. şat he doş to oşer. {and}
[gh]it more ou{er} yif it so were şat şise dignites or poweres hadden
any p{ro}pre or naturel goodnesse in hem self neuer nolden şei comen to
shrewes. ¶ For contrarious şinges ne ben not wont to ben yfelawshiped
togidres. ¶ Nature refuseş şat contra[r]ious şinges ben yioigned. ¶ And
so as I am in certeyne şat ry[gh]t wikked folk han dignitees ofte tymes.
şan sheweş it wel şat dignitees {and} powers ne ben not goode of hir
owen kynde. syn şat şei suffren hem self to cleue{n} or ioynen hem to
shrewes. ¶ And certys şe same şing may most digneliche Iugen {and} seyen
of alle şe [gh]iftis of fortune şat most plenteuously comen to shrewes.
¶ Of şe whiche [gh]iftys I trowe şat it au[gh]t[e] ben considered şat no
man doutiş şat he nis strong. in whom he seeş strengşe. {and} in whom
şat swiftnesse is ¶ Soşe it is şat he is swyfte. Also musyk makeş
musiciens. {and} fysik makeş phisiciens. {and} rethorik rethoriens.
¶ For whi şe nature of euery şing makiş his p{ro}pretee. ne it is nat
ent{er}medled wiş şe effect{is} of co{n}trarious şinges. ¶ And as of wil
it chaseş oute şinges şat to it ben contrarie ¶ But certys rycchesse may
nat restreyne auarice vnstaunched ¶ Ne power [ne] makeş nat a ma{n}
my[gh]ty ouer hym self. whiche şat vicious lustis holden destreined wiş
cheins şat ne mowen nat ben vnbounden. {and} dignitees şat ben [gh]euen
to shrewed[e] folk nat oonly ne makiş hem nat digne. but it sheweş raşer
al openly şat şei ben vnworşi {and} vndigne. ¶ And whi is it ş{us}.
¶ Certis for [gh]e han ioye to clepen şinges wiş fals[e] names. şat
beren hem al in şe co{n}t{ra}rie. şe whiche names ben ful ofte reproued
by şe effect of şe same şinges. so şat şise ilke rycchesse ne au[gh]ten
nat by ry[gh]t to ben cleped rycchesse. ne whiche power ne au[gh]t[e]
not ben cleped power. ne whiche dignitee ne au[gh]t[e] nat ben cleped
dignitee. ¶ And at şe laste I may conclude şe same şinge of al şe
[gh]iftes of fortune in whiche şer nis no şing to ben desired. ne şat
haş in hym self naturel bounte. ¶ as it is ful wel sene. for neyşer şei
ne ioygne{n} hem nat alwey to goode men. ne maken hem alwey goode to
who{m} şei be{n} y-ioigned.
NOUIMUS QUANTOS DEDERAT.
[Sidenote: [The sixte Met{ur}.]]
++WE han wel knowen how many g{r}eet[e] harmes {and} destrucc{i}ou{n}s
weren doñ by şe Emp{er}oure Nero. ¶ He letee brenne şe citee of Rome
{and} made slen şe senato{ur}s. and he cruel somtyme slou[gh] hys
broşer. {and} he was maked moyst wiş şe blood of hys modir. şat is to
seyn he let sleen {and} slitte{n} şe body of his modir to seen where he
was conceiued. {and} he loked[e] on euery half vpon hir colde dede body.
ne no tere ne wette his face. but he was so hard herted şat he
my[gh]t[e] ben domesman or Iuge of hire dede beaute. ¶ And [gh]itte
neuerşeles gouerned[e] şis Nero by Ceptre al şe peoples şat phebus şe
sonne may seen comyng from his outerest arysyng til he hidde his bemes
vndir şe wawes. ¶ şat is to seyne. he gouerned[e] alle şe peoples by
Ceptre imp{er}ial şat şe so{n}ne goş aboute from est to west ¶ And eke
şis Nero goueyrende by Ceptre. alle şe peoples şat ben vndir şe colde
sterres şat hy[gh]ten şe seuene triones. şis is to seyn he gouerned[e]
alle şe poeples şat ben vndir şe p{ar}ties of şe norşe. ¶ And eke Nero
gouerned[e] alle şe poeples şat şe violent wynde Nothus scorchiş {and}
bakiş şe brennynge sandes by his drie hete. şat is to seyne. alle şe
poeples in şe souşe. [but yit ne myhte nat al his heye power torne the
woodnesse of this wykkyd nero / Allas it is greuous fortune it is]. as
ofte as wicked swerde is ioygned to cruel venym. şat is to sein.
venimous cruelte to lordshipe.
TU{M} EGO SCIS INQ{UA}M.
[Sidenote: [The seuende p{ro}se.]]
++ŞAnne seide I şus. şou wost wel şiself şat şe couetise of mortal
şinges ne hadden neuer lordshipe of me. but I haue wel desired matere of
şinges to done. as who seiş. I desired[e] to han matere of gou{er}naunce
ouer comunalites. ¶ For vertue stille ne sholde not elden. şat is to
seyn. şat list şat or he wex olde ¶ His uertue şat lay now ful stille.
ne sholde nat p{er}isshe vnexcercised i{n} gouernaunce of comune. ¶ For
whiche men my[gh]ten speke or write{n} of his goode gouernement.
¶ _Philosophie._ ¶ For soşe q{uo}d she. {and} şat is a şing şat may
drawen to gouernaunce swiche hertes as ben worşi {and} noble of hir
nature. but naşeles it may nat drawen or tollen swiche hertes as ben
y-brou[gh]t to şe ful[le] p{er}fecciou{n} of vertue. şat is to seyn
couetyse of glorie {and} renou{n} to han wel administred şe comune
şinges. or doon goode decertes to p{ro}fit of şe comune. for se now
{and} considere how litel {and} how voide of al prise is şilke glorie.
¶ Certeine şing is as şou hast lerned by demonstrac{i}ou{n} of
astronomye şat al şe envyronynge of şe erşe aboute ne halt but şe
resou{n} of a prykke at regard of şe gretnesse of heuene. şat is to
seye. şat yif şat şer were maked co{m}parisou{n} of şe erşe to şe
gretnesse of heuene. men wolde Iugen in alle şat erşe [ne] helde no
space ¶ Of şe whiche litel regiou{n} of şis worlde şe ferşe partie is
enhabitid wiş lyuyng beestes şat we knowen. as şou hast şi self lerned
by tholome şat p{ro}uit[-h] it. ¶ yif şou haddest wiş drawen {and}
abated in şi şou[gh]te fro şilke ferşe partie as myche space as şe see
{and} [the] mareys contenen {and} ouergon {and} as myche space as şe
regiou{n} of droughte ou{er}streccheş. şat is to seye sandes {and}
desertes wel vnneş sholde şer dwellen a ry[gh]t streite place to şe
habitaciou{n} of men. {and} [gh]e şan şat ben environed {and} closed wiş
i{n}ne şe leest[e] prikke of şilk prikke şenke [gh]e to manifesten
[gh]oure renou{n} {and} don [gh]oure name to ben born forşe. but
[gh]our{e} glorie şat is so narwe {and} so streyt yşronge{n} in to so
litel boundes. how myche conteinşe it in largesse {and} in greet doynge.
And also sette şis şer to şat many a nac{i}ou{n} dyuerse of tonge {and}
of maneres. {and} eke of resou{n} of hir lyuyng ben enhabitid in şe
cloos of şilke litel habitacle. ¶ To şe whiche nac{i}ou{n}s what for
difficulte of weyes. {and} what for diu{er}site of langages. {and} what
for defaute of vnusage entercomunynge of marchau{n}dise. nat only şe
names of singler men ne may [nat] strecchen. but eke şe fame of Citees
ne may nat strecchen. ¶ At şe last[e] Certis in şe tyme of Marcus tulyus
as hym self writeş in his book şat şe renou{n} of şe comune of Rome ne
hadde nat [gh]itte passed ne clou{m}ben ou{er} şe mou{n}taigne şat
hy[gh]t Caucasus. {and} [gh]itte was şilk tyme rome wel wexen {and}
gretly redouted of şe p{ar}thes. and eke of oşer folk enhabityng aboute.
¶ Sest şou nat şan how streit {and} how comp{re}ssed is şilke glorie şat
[gh]e t{ra}uaile{n} aboute to shew {and} to multiplie. May şan şe glorie
of a singlere Romeyne strecchen şider as şe fame of şe name of Rome may
nat clymben ne passen. ¶ And eke sest ş{o}u nat şat şe maners of
diu{er}se folk {and} eke hir lawes ben discordau{n}t amonge hem self. so
ş{a}t şilke şing şat so{m}men iugen worşi of p{re}ysynge. oşer folk
iugen şat it is worşi of torment. ¶ and şer of comeş şat şou[gh] a man
delite hy{m} in p{re}ysyng of his renou{n}. he ne may nat i{n} no wise
bryngen furşe ne sprede{n} his name to many manere peoples. ¶ And
şerfore euery man{er} man au[gh]te to ben paied of hys glorie şat is
puplissed among hys owen ney[gh]bores. ¶ And şilke noble renou{n} shal
be restreyned wiş-i{n}ne şe boundes of o maner folk but how many a man
şat was ful noble in his tyme. haş şe nedy {and} wrecched for[gh]etynge
of writers put oute of mynde {and} don awey. ¶ Al be it so şat certys
şilke writynges p{ro}fiten litel. şe whiche writy{n}ges longe {and}
derke elde doş aweye boşe he{m} {and} eke her auto{ur}s. but [gh]e men
semen to geten [gh]ow a p{er}durablete whan [gh]e şenke şat in tyme
comyng [gh]oure fame shal lasten. ¶ But naşeles yif şou wilt maken
co{m}parisou{n} to şe endeles space of eternite what şing hast şou by
whiche şou maist reioysen şe of lo{n}g lastyng of şi name. ¶ For if şer
were maked co{m}parysou{n} of şe abidyng of a mome{n}t to ten şousand
wynter. for as myche as boşe şo spaces ben endid. ¶ For [gh]it haş şe
moment some porciou{n} of hit al şou[gh] it a litel be. ¶ But naşeles
şilke self nou{m}bre of [gh]eres. and eke as many [gh]eres as şer to may
be multiplied. ne may nat certys be comparisou{n}d to şe p{er}durablete
şat is een[de]les. ¶ For of şinges şat han ende may be mad
co{m}parisou{n} [but of thinges that ben w{i}t{h}-owtyn ende to thinges
ş{a}t han ende may be maked no {com}parysou{n}]. ¶ And for şi is it al
şou[gh] renou{n} of as longe tyme as euer şe lyst to şinken were
şou[gh]t by şe regard of et{er}nite. şat is vnstauncheable {and}
infinit. it ne sholde nat oonly semen litel. but pleinliche ry[gh]t
nou[gh]t. ¶ But [gh]e men certys ne konne don no şing ary[gh]t. but
[gh]if it be for şe audience of poeple. {and} for ydel rumo{ur}s. {and}
[gh]e forsaken şe grete worşinesse of conscience {and} of vertue. {and}
[gh]e seke{n} [gh]oure gerdou{n}s of şe smale wordes of st{ra}nge folke.
¶ Haue now here {and} vndirstonde i{n} şe ly[gh]tnesse of whiche p{r}ide
{and} veyne glorie. how a man scorned[e] festiualy {and} myrily swiche
vanite. somtyme şere was a man şat had[de] assaied wiş striuyng wordes
an oşer ma{n}. ¶ şe whiche nat for vsage of verrey vertue. but for
proude veyne glorie had[de] take{n} vpon hym falsly şe name of a
philosopher. ¶ şis raşer man şat I speke of şou[gh]t[e] he wolde
assay[e] where he şilke were a philosopher or no. şat is to seyne yif he
wolde han suffred ly[gh]tly in pacience şe wro{n}ges şat weren don vnto
hym. ¶ şis feined[e] philosophre took pacience a litel while. {and} whan
he hadde receiued wordes of outerage he as in stryuynge a[gh]eine {and}
reioysynge of hym self seide at şe last[e] ry[gh]t şus. ¶ vndirstondest
şou nat şat I am a philosophere. şat oşer man answered[e] a[gh]ein ful
bityngly {and} seide. ¶ I had[de] wel vndirstonden [yt]. yif şou haddest
holde{n} şi tonge stille. ¶ But what is it to şise noble worşi men. For
certys of swyche folk speke .I. şat seken glorie wiş vertue. what is it
q{uo}d she. what atteiniş fame to swiche folk whan şe body is resolued
by şe deeş. atte şe last[e]. ¶ For yif so be şat men dien in al. şat is
to seyne body {and} soule. şe whiche şing oure resou{n} defendiş vs to
byleuen şanne is şere no glorie in no wyse. For what sholde şilke glorie
ben. for he of who{m} şis glorie is seid to be nis ry[gh]t nou[gh]t in
no wise. and [gh]if şe soule whiche şat haş in it self science of goode
werkes vnbounden fro şe p{r}isou{n} of şe erşe wendeş frely to şe
heuene. dispiseş it nou[gh]t şan alle erşely occupac{i}ou{n}s. {and}
beynge i{n} heuene reioiseş şat it is exempt from alle erşely şinges [as
wo seith / thanne rekketh the sowle of no glorye of renou{n} of this
world].
QUICUMQ{UE} SOLAM MENTE.
[Sidenote: [The 7th Metre.]]
++Who so şat wiş ouerşrowyng şou[gh]t only sekeş glorie of fame. {and}
weniş şat it be souereyne good ¶ Lete hym loke vpon şe brode shewyng
contreys of şe heue{n}. {and} vpo{n} şe streite sete of şis erşe. {and}
he shal be ashamed of şe encres of his name. şat may nat fulfille şe
litel compas of şe erşe. ¶ O what coueiten proude folke to liften vpon
hire nekkes in ydel {and} dedely [gh]ok of şis worlde. ¶ For al şou[gh]
[ş{a}t] renoune y-spradde passynge to ferne poeples goş by dyuerse
tonges. and al şou[gh] grete houses {and} kynredes shyne wiş clere
titles of hono{ur}s. [gh]it naşeles deeş dispiseş al heye glorie of
fame. {and} deeş wrappeş to gidre şe heye heuedes {and} şe lowe {and}
makeş egal {and} euene şe heyest[e] to şe lowest[e]. ¶ where wone{n} now
şe bones of trewe fabricius. what is now brutus or stiern Caton şe şinne
fame [gh]it lastynge of hir ydel names is markid wiş a fewe lettres. but
al şou[gh] we han knowe{n} şe faire wordes of şe fames of hem. it is nat
[gh]euen to knowe he{m} şat ben dede {and} consumpt. Liggiş şanne stille
al vtterly vnknowable ne fame ne makeş [gh]ow nat knowe. and yif [gh]e
wene to lyuen şe leng{er} for wynde of [gh]oure mortal name. whan o
cruel day shal rauyshe [gh]ow. şan is şe secunde deeş dwellyng in
[gh]ow. _Glosa._ şe first deeş he clepiş here şe dep{ar}tynge of şe body
{and} şe soule. ¶ and şe secunde deeş he clepeş as here. şe styntynge of
şe renoune of fame.
[SET NE ME INEXORABILE CONTRA.
[Sidenote: [The viij p{ro}se.]]
++BVt for-as-mochel as thow shalt nat wenen q{uod} she ş{a}t I bere
vntretable batayle ayenis fortune // yit som-tyme it by-falleth ş{a}t
she desseyuable desserueth to han ryht good thank of men // {And} ş{a}t
is whan she hir{e} self opneth / {and} whan she descou{er}eth hir frownt
/ {and} sheweth hir maneres p{ar}-auentur{e} yit vndirstondesthow nat
ş{a}t .I. shal seye // it is a wondyr ş{a}t .I. desyr{e} to telle /
{and} forthi vnnethe may I. vnpleyten my sentense w{i}t{h} wordes for I.
deme ş{a}t contraryos fortune p{ro}fiteth mor{e} to men than fortune
debonayr{e} // For al-wey whan fortune semeth debonayr{e} than she lyeth
falsly in by-hetynge the hope of welefulnesse // but forsothe
{con}traryos fortune is alwey sothfast / whan she sheweth hir self
vnstable thorw hyr chau{n}gynge // the amyable fortune desseyueth folk /
the contrarye fortune techeth // the amyable fortune byndeth w{i}t{h}
the beaute of false goodys the hertes of folk ş{a}t vsen he{m} / the
contrarye fortune vnbyndeth he{m} by ş^e knowynge of freele welefulnesse
// the amyable fortune maysthow sen alwey wyndynge {and} flowynge /
{and} eu{er}e mysknowynge of hir self // the contrarye fortune is
a-tempre {and} restreynyd {and} wys thorw excersyse of hir aduersyte //
at the laste amyable fortune w{i}t{h} hir flaterynges draweth mys
wandrynge men fro the souereyne good // the contraryos fortune ledith
ofte folk ayein to sothfast goodes / {and} haleth hem ayein as w{i}t{h}
an hooke / weenesthow thanne ş{a}t thow owhtest to leten this a lytel
thing / ş{a}t this aspre {and} horible fortune hath discoueryd to the /
the thowhtes of thy trewe frendes // For-why this ilke fortune hath
departyd {and} vncou{er}yd to the bothe the certeyn vysages {and} ek the
dowtos visages of thy felawes // wha{n} she dep{ar}tyd awey fro the /
she took awey hyr frendes {and} lafte the thyne frendes // now whan thow
wer{e} ryche {and} weleful as the semede / w{i}t{h} how mochel
woldesthow han bowht the fulle knowynge of this // ş{a}t is to seyn the
knowynge of thy verray freendes // now pleyne the nat thanne of Rychesse
.I.-lorn syn thow hast fowndyn the moste p{re}syos kynde of Rychesses
ş{a}t is to seyn thy verray frendes.
QUOD MU{N}DUS STABILI FIDE.
[Sidenote: [The viij Met{ur}.]]
++THat ş^e world w{i}t{h} stable feith / varieth acordable chaungynges
// ş{a}t the contraryos qualite of element[gh] holden among{e} hem self
aliau{n}ce p{er}durable / ş{a}t pheb{us} the sonne w{i}t{h} his goldene
chariet / bryngeth forth the rosene day / ş{a}t the mone hath
{com}mau{n}dement ou{er} the nyhtes // whiche nyhtes hesp{er}us the eue
sterre hat browt // ş{a}t ş^e se gredy to flowen constreyneth w{i}t{h} a
certeyn ende hise floodes / so ş{a}t it is nat l[e]ueful to strechche
hise brode termes or bowndes vp-on the erthes // ş{a}t is to seyn to
cou{er}e alle the erthe // Al this a-cordau{n}ce of thinges is bownden
w{i}t{h} looue / ş{a}t gou{er}neth erthe {and} see / {and} hath also
{com}mau{n}dement[gh] to the heuenes / {and} yif this looue slakede the
brydelis / alle thinges ş{a}t now louen hem to gederes / wolden maken a
batayle contynuely {and} stryuen to fordoon the fasou{n} of this worlde
/ the which they now leden in acordable feith by fayre moeuynges // this
looue halt to gideres poeples Ioygned w{i}t{h} an hooly bond / {and}
knytteth sacrement of maryages of chaste looues // And loue enditeth
lawes to trewe felawes // O weleful weer{e} mankynde / yif thilke loue
ş{a}t gouerneth heuene gouerned[e] yowr{e} corages /
EXPLICIT LIB{ER} 2_^us_.
INCIPIT LIB{ER} 3._^us_
IAM CANTU{M} ILLA FINIERAT.
[Sidenote: [The fyrste p{ro}se.]]
++By this she hadde endid hir{e} song{e} / whan the swetnesse of hir{e}
ditee hadde thorw p{er}ced me ş{a}t was desirous of herkninge / {and}
.I. astoned hadde yit streyhte myn Eres / ş{a}t is to seyn to herkne the
bet / what she wolde seye // so ş{a}t a litel her{e} aft{er} .I. seyde
thus // O thow ş{a}t art sou{er}eyn comfort of Angwissos corages // So
thow hast remou{n}ted {and} norysshed me w{i}t{h} the weyhte of thy
sentenses {and} w{i}t{h} delit of thy syngynge // so ş{a}t .I. trowe nat
now ş{a}t .I. be vnparygal to the strokes of fortune / as who seyth. I.
dar wel now suffren al the assautes of fortune {and} wel deffende me fro
hyr // {and} tho remedies whyche ş{a}t thow seydest hir{e} byforn weren
ryht sharpe Nat oonly p{a}t .I. am nat agrysen of hem now // but .I.
desiros of herynge axe gretely to heeren tho remedyes // than seyde she
thus // ş{a}t feelede .I. ful wel q{uod} she // whan ş{a}t thow ententyf
{and} stylle rauysshedest my wordes // {and} .I. abood til ş{a}t thow
haddest swych habyte of thy thowght as thow hast now // or elles tyl
ş{a}t .I. my self had[de] maked to the the same habyt / which ş{a}t is a
moore verray thing{e} // And certes the remenau{n}t of thinges ş{a}t ben
yit to seye / ben swyche // ş{a}t fyrst whan men tasten hem they ben
bytynge / but whan they ben resseyuyd w{i}t{h}-inne a whyht than ben
they swete // but for thow seyst ş{a}t thow art so desirous to herkne
hem // wit[h] how gret brennynge woldesthow glowen / yif thow wystest
whyder .I. wol leden the // whydyr{e} is ş{a}t q{uod} .I. // to thilke
verray welefulnesse q{uod} she // of whyche thynge herte dremeth // but
for as moche as thy syhte is ocupied {and} distorbed / by Imagynasyon of
herthely thynges / thow mayst nat yit sen thilke selue welefulnesse //
do q{uod} .I. {and} shewe me / what is thilke verray welefulnesse / .I.
preye the w{i}t{h}-howte tarynge // ş{a}t wole .I. gladly don q{uod} she
/ for the cause of the // but .I. wol fyrst marken the by wordes / {and}
I wol enforcen me to enformen the // thilke false cause of blysfulnesse
ş{a}t thow more knowest / so ş{a}t whan thow hast fully by-holden thilke
false goodes {and} torned thyne eyen to ş{a}t oother syde / thow mowe
knowe the clernesse of verray blysfulnesse //]
QUI SERERE I{N}GENIUM.
[Sidenote: [The fyrst met{ur}.]]
¶ Who so wil sowe a felde plentiuous. lat hym first delyuer it of şornes
{and} kerue asondre wiş his hooke şe bushes {and} şe ferne so şat şe
corne may come{n} heuy of eres {and} of greins. hony is şe more swete
yif mouşes han firste tastid sauoures ş{a}t ben wikke. ¶ şe sterres
shynen more agreably whan şe wynde Nothus letiş his ploungy blastes.
{and} aftir şat lucifer şe day sterre haş chased awey şe derke ny[gh]t.
şe day şe feir{e}r lediş şe rosene horse of şe sonne. ¶ Ry[gh]t so şou
byholdyng first şe fals[e] goodes. bygynne to wişdrawe şi nek[ke] fro şe
[gh]ok of erşely affecc{i}ou{n}s. {and} afterwarde şe verrey goodes
sholle{n} entre i{n} to şi corage.
TUNC DEFIXO PAULULU{M}.
[Sidenote: [The 2^de p{ro}se.]]
++ŞO fastned[e] she a lytel şe sy[gh]t of hir eyen {and} wişdrow hir
ry[gh]t as it were in to şe streite sete of hir şou[gh]t. {and} bygan to
speke ry[gh]t ş{us}. Alle şe cures q{uo}d she of mortal folk whiche şat
trauaylen hem i{n} many manere studies gon certys by diu{er}se weies.
¶ But naşeles şei enforced hem to comen oonly to on ende of blisfulnesse
[And blysfulnesse] is swiche a goode şat who so haş geten it he ne may
ouer şat no şing more desiire. and şis şing for soşe is şe souereyne
good şat conteiniş in hym self al man{er}e goodes. to şe whiche goode
yif şere failed[e] any şing. it my[gh]t[e] nat ben souereyne goode.
¶ For şan were şere som goode out of şis ilke souereyne goode ş{a}t
my[gh]t[e] ben desired. Now is it clere {and} certeyne şa{n} şat
blisfulnesse is a p{er}fit estat by şe congregac{i}ou{n} of alle goodes.
¶ şe whiche blisfulnesse as I haue seid alle mortal folke enforcen hem
to geten by dyuerse weyes. ¶ For-whi şe couetise of verray goode is
naturely y-plaunted in şe hertys of men. ¶ But şe myswandryng erro{ur}
myslediş hem in to fals[e] goodes. ¶ of şe whiche men some of hem wenen
şat souereygne goode is to lyue wiş outen nede of any şing. {and}
t{ra}ueile{n} hem to ben habundaunt of rycchesse. and some oşer men
deme{n}. şat sou{er}ein goode be forto be ry[gh]t digne of reu{er}ences.
{and} enforce{n} hem to ben reu{er}enced among hir ney[gh]bo{ur}s. by şe
hono{ur}s şat şei han ygeten ¶ {and} some folk şer ben şat halden şat
ry[gh]t hey[gh]e power to be souereyn goode. {and} enforcen he{m} forto
regnen or ellys to ioigne{n} he{m} to hem şat regnen. ¶ And it semeş to
some oşer folk şat noblesse of renou{n} be şe sou{er}ein goode. {and}
hasten hem to geten glorious name by şe artes of werre or of pees. and
many folke mesuren {and} gessen ş{a}t sou{er}ein goode be ioye {and}
gladnesse {and} wenen şat it be ry[gh]t blisful [thyng{e}] to ploungen
hem i{n} uoluptuous delit. ¶ And şer ben folk şat enterchaungen şe
causes {and} şe endes of şise forseide goodes as şei şat desire{n}
rycchesse to han power {and} delices. Or ellis şei desiren power forto
han moneye or for cause of renou{n}. ¶ In şise şinges {and} i{n} swyche
oşer şinges is to{ur}ned al şe entenc{i}ou{n} of desirynges {and} [of]
werkes of me{n}. ¶ As şus. ¶ Noblesse {and} fauo{ur} of poeple whiche
şat [gh]iueş as it semeş a manere clernesse of renou{n}. ¶ and wijf
{and} children şat men desiren for cause of delit {and} mirinesse. ¶ But
forsoşe frendes ne shollen nat ben rekkened among şe goodes of fortune
but of vertue. for it is a ful holy man{er}e şing. alle şise oşer şinges
forsoşe ben taken for cause of power. or ellis for cause of delit.
¶ Certis now am I redy to referen şe goodes of şe body to şise forseide
şinges abouen. ¶ For it semeş ş{a}t strengşe {and} gretnesse of body
[gh]euen power {and} worşinesse. ¶ and şat beaute {and} swiftenesse
[gh]euen noblesse {and} glorie of renou{n}. {and} hele of body semeş
[gh]iuen delit. ¶ In alle şise şi{n}g{us} it semeş oonly şat
blisfulnesse is desired. ¶ For-whi şilke şing şat euery man desireş
moost ouer alle şinges. he demiş şat be şe souereyne goode. ¶ But I haue
diffined şat blisfulnesse is şe souereyne goode. for whiche euery
wy[gh]t demiş şat şilke estat şat he desireş ouer alle şinges şat it be
şe blisfulnesse. ¶ Now hast şou şan byforne [thy eyen] almost al şe
p{ur}posed forme of şe welfulnesse of ma{n}ky{n}de. şat is to seyne
rycchesse. hono{ur}s. power. glorie. {and} delit[gh]. şe whiche delit
oonly considered Epicurus Iuged {and} establissed. şat delit is şe
souereyne goode. for as myche as alle oşer şinges as hym şou[gh]t[e]
by-refte awey ioie {and} myrşe fro{m} şe herte. ¶ But I reto{ur}ne
a[gh]eyne to şe studies of meen. of whiche men şe corage alwey rehersiş
{and} seekeş şe souereyne goode of alle be it so ş{a}t it be wiş a derke
memorie [but he not by whiche paath]. ¶ Ry[gh]t as a dronke ma{n} not
nat by whiche paşe he may reto{ur}ne home to hys house. ¶ Semeş it şanne
şat folk folyen {and} erren şat enforcen he{m} to haue nede of no şing
¶ Certys şer nys non oşer şing şat may so weel p{er}fo{ur}ny
blisfulnesse as an estat plenteuo{us} of alle goodes şat ne haş nede of
none oşer şing. but şat it is suffisant of hy{m} self. vnto hym self.
and foleyen swyche folk şanne. şat wenen şat şilk şing ş{a}t is ry[gh]t
goode. şat it be eke ry[gh]t worşi of honour {and} of reuerence.
¶ Certis nay. for şat şing nys neyşer foule ne worşi to ben dispised şat
al şe entenc{i}ou{n} of mortel folke trauaille forto geten it. ¶ And
power au[gh]t[e] nat şat eke to be rekened amonges goodes what ellis.
for it nys nat to wene şat şilke şing şat is most worşi of alle şinges
be feble {and} wiş out strengşe {and} clernesse of renou{n} au[gh]te şat
to ben dispised. ¶ Certys şer may no man forsake şat al şing şat is
ry[gh]t excellent {and} noble. şat it ne semeş to be ry[gh]t clere {and}
renomed. ¶ For certis it nediş nat to seie. şat blisfulnesse be
anguissous ne dreri ne subgit to greua{n}ces ne to sorwes. syn şat in
ry[gh]t litel şi{n}g{us} folk seken to haue {and} to vsen şat may
deliten hem. ¶ Certys şise ben şe şi{n}ges şat men wolen {and} desyren
to geten. and for şis cause desiren şei rycches. dignites. regnes.
glorie {and} delices ¶ For şerby wenen şei to han suffisau{n}ce hono{ur}
power. renou{n} {and} gladnesse. ¶ şanne is it goode. ş{a}t men seken
şus by so many dyu{er}se studies. In whiche desijr it may ly[gh]tly be
shew{e}d. how grete is şe strengşe of nature. ¶ For how so şat men han
dyuerse sentences {and} discordyng algates men accordyn alle in lyuynge
şe ende of goode.
Q{UA}NTAS RER{UM} FLECTAT.
[Sidenote: [The 2^de Met{ur}.]]
++IT likeş me to shew[e] by subtil songe wiş slakke {and} delitable
sou{n} of strenges how şat nature my[gh]ty enclineş {and} flitteş
gouernement[gh] of şinges ¶ {and} by whiche lawes she p{ur}ueiable kepiş
şe grete worlde. {and} how she bindynge restreineş alle şing{us} by a
bonde şat may nat be vnbounden.
[Sidenote: [j]]
¶ Al be it so şat şe liou{n}s of şe contree of pene beren şe fair[e]
cheines. {and} taken metes of şe handes of folk şat [gh]euen it hem.
{and} dreden her sturdy maystres of whiche şei ben wont to suffren
[betinges]. yif şat hir horrible mouşes ben bi-bled. şat is to sein of
bestes devoured. ¶ Hir corage of tyme passeş şat haş ben ydel {and}
rested. repaireş a[gh]ein şat şei roren greuously. {and} reme{m}bren on
hir nature. {and} slaken hir nekkes from hir cheins vnbounden. and hir
maistre first to-teren wiş blody toşe assaieş şe woode wraşşes of hem.
¶ şis is to sein şei freten hir maister.
[Sidenote: [ij]]
¶ And şe Iangland brid şat syngiş on şe heye braunches. şis is to sein
in şe wode {and} after is inclosed in a streit cage. ¶ al şou[gh]
[ş{a}t] şe pleiyng besines of men [gh]eueş hem honied[e] drinkes {and}
large metes. wiş swete studie. ¶ [gh]it naşeles yif şilke brid skippynge
oute of hir streite cage seeş şe agreable shadewes of şe wodes. she
defouleş wiş hir fete hir metes yshad {and} sekeş mournyng oonly şe wode
{and} twitriş desirynge şe wode wiş hir swete voys.
[Sidenote: [iij]]
¶ şe [gh]erde of a tree şat is haled adou{n} by my[gh]ty strengşe bowiş
redely şe croppe adou{n}. but yif şat şe hande of hym şat it bente lat
it gon a[gh]ein. ¶ An oon şe crop lokeş vp ry[gh]t to heuene.
[Sidenote: [iiij]]
¶ şe sonne phebus şat failleş at euene in şe westrene wawes retorniş
a[gh]ein eftsones his cart by a priue paşe şere as it is wont aryse.
¶ Alle şinges seken a[gh]ein in to hir p{ro}pre cours. and alle şinges
reioisen hem of hir retournynge a[gh]ein to hir nature ne noon
ordinaunce nis bytaken to şi{n}ges but şat. şat haş ioignynge şe endynge
to şe bygynnynge. {and} haş makid şe cours of it self stable şat it
chaungeş nat fro{m} hys p{ro}pre kynde.
VOSQ{UE} TERRENA ANIMALIA.
[Sidenote: [The 3^de p{ro}se.]]
++CErtis also [gh]e men şat ben erşelich{e} bestes dreme{n} alwey [yowre
bygynnynge] al şou[gh] it be wiş a şinne ymaginac{i}ou{n}. {and} by a
maner şou[gh]t al be it nat clerly ne p{er}fitly [gh]e looken from a fer
til şilk verray fyn of blisfulnesse. and şerfore şe naturel
entenc{i}ou{n} ledeş [gh]ow to şilk verray good ¶ But many manere
errours misto{ur}niş [gh]ow şer fro. ¶ Considere now yif şat be şilke
şinges by whiche a man weniş to gete hym blysfulnesse. yif şat he may
comen to şilke ende şat he weneş to come by nature ¶ For yif şat moneye
or hono{ur}s or şise oşer forseide şinges bryngen to men swiche a şing
şat no goode ne faille hem. ne semeş faille. ¶ Certys şan wil I
graunt[e] şat şei ben maked blisful. by şilke şinges şat şei han geten.
¶ but yif so be şat şilke şi{n}ges ne mowe nat p{er}fo{ur}men şat şei
by-heten {and} şat şer be defaute of many goodes. ¶ Sheweş it nat şan
clerely ş{a}t fals beaute of blisfulnesse is knowe {and} a-teint in
şilke şinges. ¶ First {and} forward şou şi self şat haddest
haboundaunces of rycchesses nat long agon. ¶ I axe [gh]if şat in şe
haboundaunce of alle şilk[e] rycchesses şou were neuer anguissous or
sory in şi corage of any wrong or greuau{n}ce şat by-tidde şe on any
syde. ¶ Certys q{uo}d I it remembreş me nat şat euere I was so free of
my şou[gh]t. şat I ne was al-wey in anguysh{e} of somwhat. ş{a}t was şat
şou lakkedest şat şou noldest han lakked. or ellys şou haddest şat şou
noldest han had. ry[gh]t so is it q{uod} I şan. desiredest şou şe
p{re}sence of şat oon {and} şe absence of şat oşer. I graunt[e] wel
q{uod} .I. for soşe q{uod} she şan nediş şer somwhat şat euery man
desireş. [gh]e şer nediş q{uod} I. ¶ Certis q{uod} she {and} he şat haş
lakke or nede of a wy[gh]t nis nat in euery way suffisaunt to hym self.
no q{uod} .I. {and} şou q{uo}d she in alle şe plente of şi rycchesse
haddest şilke lak of suffisaunce. ¶ what ellis q{uod} .I. ¶ şanne may
nat rycchesse maken şat a man nis nedy. ne şat he be suffisaunt to hym
self. {and} şat was it ş{a}t şei byhy[gh]ten as it semeş. ¶ and eke
certys I trowe şat şis be gretly to consydere şat moneye ne haş nat in
hys owen kynde şat it ne may ben by-nomen of hem şat han it maugre hem.
¶ I by-knowe it wel q{uod} I ¶ whi sholdest şou nat by-knowen it q{uod}
she. whan euery day şe strenger folke by-nymen it fram şe febler maugre
hem. ¶ Fro whennes comen ellys alle şise foreine compleintes or quereles
of plety{n}g{us}. ¶ But for şat men axen a[gh]eine her moneye şat haş be
by-nomen hem by force or by gyle. {and} alwey maugre hem. ¶ Ry[gh]t so
it is q{uod} I. şan q{uo}d she haş a man nede to seke{n} hym foreyne
helpe by whiche he may defende hys moneye. who may say nay q{uod} .I.
¶ Certis q{uod} she {and} hym nediş no helpe yif he ne hadde no moneye
şat he my[gh]t[e] leese. ¶ şat is doutles q{uod} .I. şanne is şis şi{n}g
turned in to şe contrarie q{uod} she ¶ For rycchesse şat men wenen
sholde make suffisau{n}ce. şei maken a man raşer han nede of foreine
helpe. ¶ whiche is şe manere or şe gise q{uod} she şat rycches may
dryuen awey nede. ¶ Riche folk may şei neişer han hungre ne şrest. şise
ryche men may şei feele no colde on hir lymes in wynter. ¶ But şou wilt
answere şat ryche men han y-nou[gh] wher wiş şei may staunchen her
hunger. {and} slaken her şrest {and} don awey colde. ¶ In şis wise may
nede be co{n}forted by rycchesses. but certys nede ne may nat al
out{er}ly be don awey. for şou[gh] şis nede şat is alwey gapyng {and}
gredy be fulfilled wiş rycchesses. {and} axe any şing [gh]it dwelleş
şanne a nede şat my[gh]t[e] ben fulfilled. ¶ I holde me stille {and}
telle nat how şat litel şing suffiseş to nature. but certys to auarice
ynou[gh] ne suffiseş no şinge. ¶ For syn şat rychesse ne may nat al don
awey nede. but rychesse maken nede. what may it şanne be şat [gh]e wenen
şat rychesses mowen [gh]eue{n} [gh]ow suffisau{n}ce.
QUAMUIS FLUENTER DIUES.
[Sidenote: [The 3^de Met{ur}.]]
++Al were it so şat a ryche couetous man hadde riuer fletynge alle of
golde [gh]itte sholde it neuer staunche hys couetise. ¶ And şou[gh] he
hadde his nekke I-charged wiş p{re}ciouse stones of şe rede see. {and}
şou[gh] he do erye his feldes plentiuo{us} wiş an hundreş oxen neuere ne
shal his bytyng bysynesse forleten hym while he lyueş. ne şe ly[gh]t[e]
rychesses ne shal nat beren hym compaignie whanne he is dede.
SET DIGNITATIB{US}.
[Sidenote: [The 4^the p{ro}se.]]
++Bvt dignitees to whom şei ben comen make şei hym honorable {and}
reuerent. han şei nat so grete strengşe şat şei may putte vertues in şe
hertis of folk. şat vsen şe lordshipes of hem. or ellys may şei don awey
şe vices. Certys şei [ne] ben nat wont to don awey wikkednesses. but şei
ben wont raşer to shew[en] wikkednesses. {and} şer of comeş it şat I
haue ry[gh]t grete desdeyne. şat dignites ben [gh]euen ofte to wicked
men. ¶ For whiche şing catullus clepid a consul of Rome şat hy[gh]t
noni{us} postum. or boch. as who seiş he clepiş hy{m} a
congregac{i}ou{n} of uices in his brest as a postum is ful of
corrupc{i}ou{n}. al were şis noni{us} set in a chayere of dignitee. Sest
şou nat şan how gret vylenye dignitees don to wikked men. ¶ Certys
vnworşines of wikked men shold{e} ben şe lasse ysen yif şei nere renomed
of none hono{ur}s. ¶ Certys şou şi self ne my[gh]test nat ben brou[gh]t
wiş as many p{er}ils as şou my[gh]test suffren şat ş{o}u woldest bere şi
magistrat wiş decorat. şat is to seyn. şat for no p{er}il şat my[gh]t[e]
bifalle{n} şe by şe offence of şe kyng theodorik şou noldest nat ben
felawe in gouernaunce w{i}t{h} decorat. whanne şou say[e] şat he had[de]
wikkid corage of a likerous shrewe {and} of an acusor. ¶ Ne I ne may nat
for swiche honours Iuge{n} hem worşi of reuerence şat I deme {and} holde
vnworşi to han şilke same hono{ur}s. ¶ Now yif şou saie a man şat were
fulfilled of wisdom. certys şoune my[gh]test nat demen ş{a}t he were
vnworşi to şe hono{ur}. or ellys to şe wisdom of whiche he is fulfilled.
No q{uod} .I. ¶ Certys dignitees q{uod} she app{er}tienen p{ro}perly to
vertue. {and} uertue transporteş dignite anon to şilke man to whiche she
hir self is conioigned. ¶ And for as moche as hono{ur}s of poeple ne may
nat maken folk digne of hono{ur}. it is wel seyn clerly şat şei ne han
no p{ro}pre beaute of dignite. ¶ And [gh]it men au[gh]ten take more hede
in şis. ¶ For if it so be şat he is most out cast şat most folk
dispisen. or as dignite ne may nat maken shrewes worşi of no reuerences.
şan makeş dignites shrewes more dispised şan p{re}ised. şe whiche
shrewes dignit[e] scheweş to moche folk ¶ {and} for soşe nat vnpunissed.
şat is forto sein. şat shrewes reuengen hem a[gh]einward vpon dignites.
for şei [gh]elden a[gh]ein to dignites as gret gerdou{n} whan şei
byspotten {and} defoulen dignites wiş hire vylenie. ¶ And for as moche
as şou mow[e] knowe şat şilke verray reuerence ne may nat comen by şe
shadewy t{ra}nsitorie dignitees. vndirstonde now şis. yif şat a man
hadde vsed {and} hadde many manere dignites of consules {and} were
come{n} p{er}auenture amonges straunge nac{i}ou{n}s. sholde şilke
hono{ur} maken hym worshipful {and} redouted of straunge folk ¶ Certys
yif şat honour of poeple were a naturel [gh]ifte to dignites. it ne
my[gh]te neuer cesen nowher amonges no maner folke to done hys office.
¶ Ry[gh]t as fire i{n} euery contre ne stinteş nat to enchaufen {and} to
ben hote. but for as myche as forto be holden honorable or reuerent ne
comeş nat to folk of hir p{ro}pre strengşe of nat{ur}e. but only of şe
fals[e] opiniou{n} of folk. şat is to sein. şat wenen şat dignites maken
folk digne of hono{ur}. An on şerfore whan şat şei comen şer as folk ne
knowe{n} nat şilke dignites. her hono{ur}s vanissen awey {and} şat on
oon. but şat is a-mong straung folk. maist şou sein. but amo{n}g{us} hem
şat şei weren born duren şilk[e] dignites alwey. ¶ Certys şe dignite of
şe p{ro}uostrie of Rome was somtyme a grete power. now is it no şing but
an ydel name. {and} şe rente of şe senatorie a g{r}et charge. {and} yif
a whi[gh]t somtyme hadde şe office to taken he[de] to şe vitailes of şe
poeple as of corne {and} what oşer şinges he was holden amonges grete.
but what şing is more nowe out cast şanne şilke p{ro}uostrie ¶ And as I
haue seid a litel here byforne. şat şilke şing şat haş no p{ro}pre
beaute of hym self resceyueş somtyme pris {and} shinynge {and} somtyme
lesiş it by şe opiniou{n} of vsaunces. ¶ Now yif şat dignites şanne ne
mowen nat maken folk digne of reuerence. {and} yif ş{a}t dignites wexen
foule of hir wille by şe filşe of shrewes. ¶ and yif şat dignites lesen
hir shynynge by chaungyng of tymes. and yif şei wexen foule by
estimac{i}ou{n} of poeple. what is it şat şei han in hem self of beaute
şat au[gh]te ben desired. as who seiş none. şanne ne mowen şei [gh]iuen
no beaute of dignite to none oşer.
QUA{M}UIS SE TIRIO.
[Sidenote: [The 4^the Met{ur}.]]
++Al be it so şat şe proude nero wiş al his woode luxurie kembed hym
{and} apparailed hym wiş faire purp{er}s of Tirie {and} wiş white
perles. Algates [gh]itte throf he hateful to alle folk ¶ şis is to seyn
şat al was he by-hated of alle folk. ¶ [gh]itte şis wicked Nero hadde
gret lordship {and} [gh]af somtyme to şe dredeful senatours şe
vnworshipful setes of dignites. ¶ vnworshipful setes he clepiş here fore
şat Nero şat was so wikked [gh]af şo dignites. who wolde şanne resonably
wenen şat blysfulnesse were in swiche hono{ur}s as ben [gh]euen by
vicious shrewes.
AN UERO REGNA.
[Sidenote: [The 5^the p{ro}se.]]
++Bvt regnes {and} familarites of kynges may şei maken a ma{n} to ben
my[gh]ty. how ellys. ¶ whanne hir blysfulnesse dureş p{er}petuely but
certys şe olde age of tyme passeş. {and} eke of p{re}sent tyme now is
ful of ensau{m}ples how ş{a}t kynges şat han chaunged in to wrechednesse
out of hir welefulnesse. ¶ O a noble şing {and} a cler şing is power şat
is nat founden my[gh]ty to kepe it self. ¶ And yif şat power of realmes
be auctour {and} maker of blisfulnesse. yif şilke power lakkeş on any
side. amenusiş it nat şilke blisfulnesse {and} bryngeş in wrechednesse.
but yif al be it so şat realmes of mankynde stretchen b{r}oode. [gh]it
mot şer nede ben myche folk ouer whiche şat euery kyng ne haş no
lordshipe no comaundement ¶ and certys vpon şilke syde şat power failleş
whiche şat makiş folk blisful. ry[gh]t on şat same side nou{n}power
entriş vndirneş şat makeş hem wreches. ¶ In şis manere şanne moten
kynges han more porciou{n} of wrechednesse şan of welefulnesse. ¶ A
tyraunt şat was kyng of sisile şat had[de] assaied şe p{er}il of his
estat shewid[e] by similitude şe dredes of realmes by gastnesse of a
swerde şat heng ouer şe heued of his familier. what şing is şan şis
power şat may nat don awey şe bytynges of besines ne eschewe şe prikkes
of drede. and certys [gh]it wolden şei lyuen in sykernesse. but şei may
nat. and [gh]it şei glorifien hem in her power ¶ Holdest şou şan şat
şilk[e] man be my[gh]ty şat ş{o}u seest şat he wolde don şat he may nat
don. ¶ And holdest şou şan hym a my[gh]ty man şat haş environed hise
sydes wiş men of armes or seruauntes {and} dredeş more [hem] şat he
makeş agast. şen şei dreden hym. {and} şat is put in şe handes of hise
seruaunt[gh]. for he sholde seme my[gh]ty but of familiers [or]
seruaunt[gh] of ky{n}ges. ¶ what sholde I telle şe any şing. syn şat I
my self haue shewed şe şat realmes hem self ben ful of gret feblenesse.
şe whiche familiers certis şe real power of kynges in hool estat {and}
in estat abated ful [ofte] şroweş adou{n}. ¶ Nero co{n}streined[e] his
familier {and} his maistre seneca to chesen on what deeş he wolde deien.
¶ Antonius comau{n}did[e] şat kny[gh]tis slowen wiş her swerdis Papinian
his familier whiche Papinian had[de] ben long tyme ful my[gh]ty a-monges
hem of şe courte. and [gh]it certis şei wolde boşe han renou{n}ced her
power. of whiche [two] senek enforced[e] hym to [gh]iue{n} to Nero his
rychesses. {and} also to han gon in to solitarie exil. ¶ But whan şe
grete wey[gh]t. şat is to sein of lordes power or of fortune draweş hem
şat sholden falle. neyşer of hem ne my[gh]t[e] do şat he wolde. what
şing is şanne şilke power şat şou[gh] men han it şat şei ben agast.
¶ {and} whan şou woldest han it şou nart nat siker. ¶ And yif şou
woldest forleten it şou mayst nat eschewen it. ¶ But wheşir swiche men
ben frendes at nede as ben conseiled by fortune {and} nat by vertue.
Certys swiche folk as weleful fortune makeş frendes. contrarious fortune
makeş hem enmyse. ¶ And what pestilence is more my[gh]ty forto anoye a
wi[gh]t şan a familier enemy.
QUI SE UALET ESSE POTENTEM.
[Sidenote: [The 5^the Met{ur}.]]
++Who so wolde ben my[gh]ty he mot dau{n}ten hys cruel corage. ne
put[te] nat his nekke ouercomen vndir şe foule reines of lecherie. for
al be it so şat şi lordship[e] strecche so fer şat şe contre Inde quakiş
at şi comaundement. or at şi lawes. {and} şat şe leest isle in şe see
şat hy[gh]t tile be şral to şe ¶ [gh]it yif şou mayst nat pute{n} awey
şi foule derk[e] desijres {and} dryue{n} oute fro şe wreched
co{m}pleyntes. Certis it nis no power şat şou hast.
GLORIA UERO QUA{M} FALLAX.
[Sidenote: [The 6^the p{ro}se.]]
++Bvt glorie how deceiuable {and} how foule is it ofte. for whiche şing
nat vnskilfully a tregedien şat is to sein a maker of dites şat
hy[gh]ten tregedies cried[e] {and} seide. ¶ O glorie glorie q{uod} he.
şou nart no şing ellys to şousandes of folkes. but a gret sweller of
eres. for many[e] han had ful gret renou{n} by şe fals[e] oppiniou{n} of
poeple. and what şing may ben şou[gh]t fouler şen swiche p{re}isynge for
şilk[e] folk şat be{n} p{re}ised falsly. şei moten nedes han shame of
hir p{re}isynges. {and} yif şat folk han gete{n} hem şank or p{re}ysyng
by her desertes. what şing haş şilk pris echid or encresed to şe
conscience of wise folk ş{a}t mesure{n} hire good. not by şe rumo{ur} of
şe poeple. but by şe soşefastnesse of conscience. {and} yif it seme a
fair şing a man to han encresid {and} sprad his name. şan folweş it. şat
it is demed to ben a foule şinge yif it ne be ysprad ne encresed. but as
I seide a litel her byforne. şat syn şer mot nedes ben many folk to
whiche folk şe renou{n} of a man ne may nat comen. it byfalleş şat he
şat şou wenest be glorious {and} renomed. semiş in şe nexte p{ar}ties of
şe erşe to ben wiş out glorie. {and} wiş out renou{n}. ¶ and certis
amo{n}ges şise şinges I ne trowe nat şat şe p{r}is {and} grace of şe
poeple nis neişer worşi to ben remembrid ne comeş of wise iugement. ne
is ferm p{er}durably. ¶ But now of şis name of gentilesse. what man is
it şat ne may wel seen how veyne {and} how flittyng a şing it is. ¶ For
if şe name of gentilesse be referred to renou{n} {and} clernesse of
linage. şan is gentil name but a for[e]ine şing. şat is to sein to hem
şat glorifien hem of hir linage. ¶ For it semeş şat gentilesse be a
maner p{re}ysynge şat comeş of decert of auncestres. ¶ And yif
p{re}ysynge makeş gentilesse şan moten şei nedes be gentil şat ben
p{re}ysed. For whiche şing it folweş. şat yif şou ne haue no gentilesse
of şi self. şat is to sein pris ş{a}t comeş of şi deserte foreine
gentilesse ne makeş şe nat gentil. ¶ But certis yif şer be any goode in
gentilesse. I trowe it be i{n} al oonly şis. şat it semeş as şat a maner
necessitee be imposed to gentil men. for şat şei ne sholden nat outraien
or forliuen fro şe uertues of hire noble kynrede.
OMNE HOMINU{M} GENUS IN TERRIS.
[Sidenote: [The 6^th Metre.]]
++Al şe linage of men şat ben i{n} erşe ben of semblable burşe. On al
one is fadir of şinges. On alone minyst[r]eş alle şinges. ¶ He [gh]af to
şe sonne hys bemes. he [gh]af to şe moone hir hornes. he [gh]af şe men
to şe erşe. he [gh]af şe sterres to şe heuene. ¶ he encloseş wiş membres
şe soules şat comen fro hys heye sete. ¶ şanne comen alle mortal folk of
noble seed. whi noysen [gh]e or bosten of [gh]oure eldris ¶ For yif şou
look[e] [gh]oure bygy{n}ny{n}g. and god [gh]oure aucto{ur} {and}
[gh]oure makere. şan is şer no forlyued wy[gh]t but [gh]if he norisse
his corage vnto vices {and} forlete his p{ro}pre burşe.
QUID AUTEM DE CORPORIBUS.
[Sidenote: [The 7^the p{ro}se.]]
++But what shal I seie of delices of body. of whic[h]e delices şe
desiringes ben ful of anguisse. {and} şe fulfillinges of he{m} ben ful
of penaunce. ¶ How grete sekenesse {and} how grete sorwes vnsuffrable
ry[gh]t as a manere fruit of wickednesse ben şilke delices wont to
bryngen to şe bo[d]ies of folk şat vsen hem. ¶ Of whiche delices I not
what ioye may ben had of hir moeuyng. ¶ But şis woot I wel şat who so
euere wil remembren hym of hys luxuries. he shal wel vndirstonde. şat şe
issues of delices ben sorowful {and} sory. ¶ And yif şilke delices mowen
make folk blisful. şan by şe same cause moten şise bestes ben clepid
blisful. ¶ Of whiche bestes al şe entenc{i}ou{n} hasteş to fulfille hire
bodyly iolyte. and şe gladnesse of wijf [{and}] children were [an]
honest şing. but it haş ben seid. şat it is ouer myche a[gh]eins kynde
şat children han ben fou{n}den tormentours to hir fadres I not how many.
¶ Of whiche children how bitynge is euery condic{i}ou{n}. It nedeş nat
to tellen it şe şat hast or şis tyme assaied it. {and} art [gh]it now
anguysso{us}. In şis approue I şe sentence of my disciple Euridippus.
şat seide şat he şat haş no children is weleful by i{n}fortune.
HABET HOC UOLUPTAS.
[Sidenote: [The 7^de Met{ur}.]]
++Euery delit haş şis. şat it anguisseş hem wiş prikkes ş{a}t vsen it.
¶ It resembliş to şise flying flyes şat we clepen been. şat aftre şat şe
bee haş shed hys agreable honies he fleeş awey {and} styngeş şe hertes
of he{m} şat ben ysmyte wiş bytynge ouer longe holdynge.
NICHIL IGITUR DUBIUM EST.
[Sidenote: [The 8^the p{ro}se.]]
++Now nis it no doute şan ş{a}t şise weyes ne ben a maner mysledy{n}g to
blisfulnesse. ne şat şei ne mowe nat leden folke şider as şei byheten to
lede{n} hem. ¶ But wiş how grete harmes şise forseide weyes ben enlaced.
¶ I shal shewe şe shortly. ¶ For whi yif şou enforcest şe to assemble
moneye. şou most by-reuen hym his moneye şat haş it. and yif şou wilt
shynen wiş dignites. şou most bysechen {and} supplien hem şat [gh]iue{n}
şo dignitees. ¶ And yif şou coueitest by hono{ur} to gon by-fore oşer
folk ş{o}u shalt defoule şi self by hu{m}blesse of axing. yif şou
desiryst power. şou shalt by awaites of şi subgit[gh] anoyously be cast
vndir many p{er}iles. axest şou glorie ş{o}u shalt ben so destrat by
aspre şinges şat şou shalt forgone sykernesse. ¶ And yif şou wilt leden
şi lijf in delices. euery whi[gh]t shal dispisen şe {and} forleten şe as
şou şat art şral to şing şat is ry[gh]t foule {and} brutel. şat is [to]
sein seruau{n}t to şi body. ¶ Now is it şan wel yseen how lytel {and}
how brutel possessiou{n} şei coueiten şat putten şe goodes of şe body
abouen hire owe{n} resou{n}. ¶ For mayst şou so{ur}mou{n}te{n} şise
olifuñt[gh] in gretnesse or wey[gh]t of body. Or mayst şou ben strenger
şan şe bole. Mayst şou ben swifter şan şe tigre. biholde şe spaces {and}
şe stablenesse {and} şe swyfte cours of şe heuene. {and} stynte somtyme
to wondren on foule şinges. şe whiche heuene certys nis nat raşer for
şise şinges to ben wondred vpon. şan for şe resou{n} by whiche it is
gouerned. but şe shynynge of şi forme şat is to seien şe beaute of şi
body. how swiftly passyng is it {and} how transitorie. ¶ Certis it is
more flittynge şan şe mutabilite of floures of şe som{er} sesou{n}. For
so as aristotil telleş şat yif şat men hadden eyen of a beest şat
hi[gh]t lynx. so şat şe lokyng of folk my[gh]t[e] percen şoru[gh] şe
şinges ş{a}t wişstonden it. who so lokid şan in şe entrailes of şe body
of alcibiades şat was ful fayr in şe sup{er}fice wiş oute. it shulde
seme ry[gh]t foule. {and} for şi yif şou semest faire. şi nature ne
makiş nat şat. but şe desceiuau{n}ce of şe fieblesse of şe eyen şat
loken. ¶ But p{re}ise şe goodes of şi body as moche as euer şe list. so
şat şou know[e] algates şat what so it be. şat is to seyn of şe goodes
of şi body whiche şat ş{o}u wondrest vpon may ben destroied or dessolued
by şe hete of a feuere of şre dayes. ¶ Of alle whiche forseide şinges I
may reduce{n} şis shortly in a so{m}me. ¶ şat şise worldly goodes whiche
şat ne mowen nat [gh]iuen şat şei byheten. ne ben nat p{er}fit by şe
congregac{i}ou{n} of alle goodes. şat şei ne ben nat weyes ne paşes şat
bryngen men to blysfulnesse ne maken men to ben blysful.
HEU Q{UE} MISEROS TRAMITE.
[Sidenote: [The 8^the Met{ur}.]]
++Allas whiche folie {and} whiche ignorau{n}ce myslediş wandryng
wrecches fro şe paşe of verrey good. ¶ Certis [gh]e ne seken no golde in
grene trees. ne [gh]e ne gadren [nat] p{re}cious stones in şe vines. ne
[gh]e ne hiden nat [gh]oure gynnes in hey[gh]e mou{n}taignes to kachen
fisshe of whiche [gh]e may maken ryche festes. and yif [gh]ow lykeş to
hunte to roos. [gh]e ne gon nat to şe foordes of şe water şat hy[gh]t
tyrene. {and} ouer şis men knowen wel şe crikes {and} şe cau{er}nes of
şe see yhidd in şe floodes. {and} knowen eke whiche water is most
plentiuo{us} of white perles. {and} knowen whiche water habundeş most of
rede purpre. şat is to seyen of a maner shelfisshe w{i}t{h} whiche men
dien purpre. {and} knowen whiche strondes habounden most of tendre
fisshes or of sharpe fisshes şat hy[gh]ten echynnys. but folk suffren
hem self to ben so blynde şat hem ne recchiş nat to knowe where şilk[e]
goodes ben yhidd whiche şat şei coueiten but ploungen hem in erşe {and}
seken şere şilke goode ş{a}t so{ur}mou{n}teş şe heuene şat bereş şe
sterres. ¶ what p{re}yere may I make şat be digne to şe nice şou[gh]tis
of men. but I p{re}ye şat şei coueite{n} rycches {and} hono{ur}s so şat
whan şei han geten şo false goodes wiş greet trauayle şat şerby şei mowe
knowen şe verray goodes.
HACTENUS MENDACIS FORMA{M}.
[Sidenote: [The 9^ne p{ro}se.]]
++IT suffisiş şat I haue shewed hider to şe forme of false wilfulnesse.
so şat yif şou look[e] now clerely şe ordre of myn entenc{i}ou{n}
requeriş from hennes forşe to shewe{n} şe verray wilfulnesse. ¶ For
q{uod} .I. (b) [I.] se wel now şat suffisau{n}ce may nat comen by
richesse. ne power by realmes. ne reuere{n}ce by dignitees. ne
gentilesse by glorie. ne ioye by delices. and (p) hast şou wel knowen
q{uo}d she şe cause whi it is. Certis me semeş q{uod} .I. şat .I. se hem
ry[gh]t as şou[gh] it were şoru[gh] a litel clifte. but me were leuer
knowen hem more openly of şe. Certys q{uod} she şe resou{n} is al redy
¶ For şilk şing şat symply is on şing wiş outen ony diuisiou{n}. şe
errour {and} folie of mankynde departeş {and} diuidiş it. {and} mislediş
it {and} t{ra}nsporteş from verray {and} p{er}fit goode. to goodes şat
ben false {and} inp{er}fit. ¶ But seye me şis. wenest şou şat he şat haş
nede of power şat hy{m} ne lakkeş no şing. Nay q{uo}d .I ¶ Certis q{uo}d
she şou seist ary[gh]t. For yif so be ş{a}t şer is a şing şat in any
p{ar}tie be fieble of power. Certis as in şat it most[e] nedes be nedy
of foreine helpe. ¶ Ri[gh]t so it is q{uo}d .I. Suffisaunce and power
ben şan of on kynde ¶ So semeş it q{uod} I. ¶ And demyst şou q{uo}d she
şat a şing şat is of şis manere. şat is to seine suffisau{n}t {and}
my[gh]ty au[gh]t[e] to ben dispised. or ellys ş{a}t it be ry[gh]t digne
of reuerences abouen alle şinges. ¶ Certys q{uo}d I it nys no doute şat
it nis ry[gh]t worşi to ben reuerenced. ¶ Lat vs q{uo}d she şan adden
reuerence to suffisaunce {and} to power ¶ So şat we demen şat şise şre
şinges ben alle o şing. ¶ Certis q{uo}d I lat vs adden it. yif we willen
graunten şe soşe. what demest şou şan q{uo}d she is şat a dirke şing
{and} nat noble şat is suffisau{n}t reu{er}ent {and} my[gh]ty. or ellys
şat is ry[gh]t clere {and} ry[gh]t noble of celebrete of renou{n}.
¶ Considere şan q{uo}d she as we han grau{n}tid her byforne. şat he şat
ne haş ne[de] of no şing {and} is most my[gh]ty {and} most digne of
hono{ur} yif hym nediş any clernesse of renou{n} whiche clernesse he
my[gh]t[e] nat graunten of hym self. ¶ So şat for lakke of şilke
clerenesse he my[gh]t[e] seme febler on any syde or şe more outcaste.
_Glosa._ şis is to seyne nay. ¶ For who so şat is suffisau{n}t my[gh]ty
{and} reuerent. clernesse of renou{n} folweş of şe forseide şinges. he
haş it alredy of hys suffisaunce. boice. I may nat q{uo}d I denye it.
¶ But I mot graunten as it is. şat şis şing be ry[gh]t celebrable by
clernesse of renou{n} {and} noblesse. ¶ şan folweş it q{uo}d she şat we
adden clernesse of renou{n} to şe şre forseide şinges. so şat şer ne be
amonges hem no difference. {and} şis is a consequente q{uo}d .I. şis
şing şan q{uo}d she şat ne haş no nede of no foreine şing. {and} şat may
don alle şinges by his strengşes. {and} şat is noble {and} hono{ur}able.
nis nat şat a myrie şing {and} a ioyful. _boice._ but wenest q{uo}d I
ş{a}t any sorow my[gh]t[e] comen to şis şing şat is swiche. ¶ Certys I
may nat şinke. _P._ ¶ şanne moten we graunt[e] q{uod} she şat şis şing
be ful of gladnesse yif şe şorseide şinges be soşe. ¶ And also certys
mote we graunten. şat suffisaunce power noblesse reuerence {and}
gladnesse ben only dyuerse bynames. but hir substaunce haş no
diu{er}site. _Boice._ It mot nedely be so q{uo}d .I. _P._ şilke şinge
şan q{uo}d she şat is oon {and} simple i{n} his nature. şe wikkednesse
of men departiş it diuidiş it. {and} whan şei enforcen hem to gete
p{ar}tie of a şing şat ne haş no part. şei ne geten hem neişer şilk[e]
p{ar}tie şat nis none. ne şe şing al hole şat şei ne desire nat. _.b._
In whiche manere q{uo}d .I. _p._ şilke man q{uo}d she şat sekeş rychesse
to fleen pouerte. he ne trauayleş hym nat to for to gete power for he
haş leuer ben dirk {and} vile. {and} eke wişdraweş from hym selfe many
naturel delit[gh] for he nolde lesen şe moneye şat he haş assembled. but
certis in şis manere he ne getiş hym nat suffisaunce şat power forletiş.
{and} şat moleste p{re}keş. {and} şat filşe makeş outcaste. {and} şat
derknesse hideş. and certis he ş{a}t desireş only power he wastiş {and}
scatriş rychesse {and} dispiseş delices {and} eke hono{ur} şat is wiş
out power. ne he ne p{re}iseş glorie no şing. ¶ Certys şus seest şou wel
şat many şi{n}g{us} failen to hym. for he haş somtyme faute of many
necessites. {and} many anguysses biten hym ¶ {and} whan he may nat don
şo defautes awey. he forleteş to ben my[gh]ty. {and} şat is şe şing şat
he most desireş. {and} ry[gh]t şus may I make semblable resou{n}s of
hono{ur}s {and} of glorie {and} of delices. ¶ For so as euery of şise
forseide şinges is şe same şat şise oşer şinges ben. şat is to sein. al
oon şing. who so şat euer sekeş to geten şat oon of şise {and} nat şat
oşer. he ne geteş nat şat he desireş. _Boice._ ¶ what seist şou şan yif
şat a man coueiteş to geten alle şise şinges to gider. _P._ Certys
q{uo}d she .I. wolde seie şat he wolde geten hym souereyne blisfulnes.
but şat shal he nat fynde in şo şinges şat .I. haue shewed şat ne mowe
nat [gh]euen şat şei by-heten. _boice._ Certys no q{uo}d .I. ¶ şan
q{uod} she ne sholden men nat by no weye seken blysfulnesse in swiche
şinges as men wenen şat şei ne mowe [gh]euen but o şing senglely of alle
ş{a}t me{n} seken. I graunt[e] wel q{uo}d .I. ne no soşer şing ne may
nat ben said. _P._ ¶ Now hast şou şan q{uo}d she şe forme {and} şe
causes of false welefulnesse. ¶ Now turne {and} flitte şe eyen of şi
şou[gh]t. for şere shalt şou seen an oon şilk verray blysfulnesse ş{a}t
I haue byhy[gh]t şee. _b._ Certys q{uo}d .I. it is cler {and} opyn.
şou[gh] şat it were to a blynde man. {and} şat shewedest şou me [ful
wel] a lytel her byforne. whan şou enforcedest şe to shewe me şe causes
of şe false blysfulnesse ¶ For but yif I be by-giled. şan is şilke şe
verray p{er}fit blisfulnesse şat p{er}fitly makiş a man suffisau{n}t.
my[gh]ty. hono{ur}able noble. {and} ful of gladnesse. {and} for şou
shalt wel knowe şat I haue wel vndirstonden şise şinges wiş i{n}ne myne
herte. I knowe wel şilke blisfulnesse şat may verrayly [gh]euen on of şe
forseide şinges syn şei ben al oon .I. knowe douteles şat şilke şing is
şe fulle of blysfulnesse. _P._ O my nurry q{uod} she by şis oppiniou{n}
q{uo}d she I sey[e] şat şou art blisful yif şou putte şis şer to şat I
shal seine. what is şat q{uo}d .I. ¶ Trowest şou şat şer be any şing in
şis erşely mortal toumblyng şinges şat may bryngen şis estat. Certys
q{uo}d I trowe it nat. {and} şou hast shewed me wel şat ouer şilke goode
şer is no şing more to ben desired. _P._ şise şinges şan q{uo}d she. şat
is to seyne erşely suffisaunce {and} power. {and} swiche şinges eyşer
şei semen likenesse of verray goode. or ellys it semeş şat şei [gh]euen
to mortal folk a maner of goodes şat ne ben nat perfit. ¶ But şilke
goode şat is verray {and} p{er}fit. şat may şei nat [gh]euen. _boice._
I. accorde me wel q{uo}d .I. şan q{uo}d she for as moche as şou hast
knowen whiche is şilke verray blisfulnesse. {and} eke whiche şilke
şinges ben şat lien falsly blisfulnesse. şat is to seyne. şat by desceit
seme{n} verray goodes. ¶ Now byhoueş şe to knowe{n} whennes {and} where
şou mowe seek[e] şilke verray blisfulnesse. ¶ Certys q{uo}d I şat desijr
I gretly {and} haue abiden longe tyme to herkene it. ¶ But for as moche
q{uo}d she as it likeş to my disciple plato in his book of i{n} thimeo.
şat in ry[gh]t lytel şinges men sholde bysechen şe helpe of god. ¶ what
iugest şou şat be [now] to done so şat we may deserue to fynde şe sete
of şilke souereyne goode. _B._ ¶ Certys q{uo}d .I. I. deme şat we shulle
clepen to şe fadir of alle goodes. ¶ For wiş outen hym nis şer no şing
founden ary[gh]t. şou seist a-ry[gh]t q{uo}d she. and bygan on-one to
syngen ry[gh]t şus.
O QUI PERPETUA.
[Sidenote: [The 9^ne Met{ur}.]]
++O şou fadir creatour of heuene {and} of erşes şat gouernest şis worlde
by p{er}durable resou{n} şat comaundist şe tymes for to gon from tyme
şat age had[de] bygy{n}ny{n}g. şou şat dwellest şi self ay stedfast
{and} stable {and} [gh]iuest alle oşer şinges to ben moeued. ne forein
causes necesseden şe neuer to co{m}poune werke of floterynge mater. but
only şe forme of souereyne goode y-set wiş i{n}ne [şe] wiş outen envie
şat moeued[e] şe frely. şou şat art alşerfairest beryng şe faire worlde
in şi şou[gh]t. formedest şis worlde to şe likkenesse semblable of şat
faire worlde in şi şou[gh]t. şou drawest alle şinges of şi souereyne
ensampler. {and} comaundedist şat şis worlde p{er}fitlyche ymaked haue
frely {and} absolut hyse p{er}fit parties. ¶ şou byndest şe element[gh]
by noumbres p{ro}porcionables. şat şe colde şinges mowen accorde wiş şe
hote şinges. {and} şe drye şi{n}ges wiş şe moyst şinges. şat şe fire şat
is purest ne fleye nat ouer heye. ne şat şe heuynesse ne drawe nat
adou{n} ouer lowe şe erşes şat ben plounged in şe watres. ¶ şou knyttest
to-gidre şe mene soule of treble kynde moeuyng alle şinges. {and}
diuidest it by membres accordynge. ¶ And whan it is şus diuided it haş
assembled a moeuyng in two roundes. ¶ It goş to to{ur}ne a[gh]ein to hym
owen self. {and} environeş a fulle deep şou[gh]t. {and} to{ur}niş şe
heuene by semblable ymage. şou by eue{n}lyk causes enhau{n}sest şe
soules {and} şe lasse liues {and} ablynge hem heye by ly[gh]t[e] cartes.
şou sewest hem in to heuene {and} in to erşe. {and} whan şei ben
conuertid to şe by şi benigne lawe. ¶ şou makest hem retorne a[gh]eine
to şe by a[gh]ein ledyng fijr. ¶ O fadir yif şou to şi şou[gh]t to stien
vp in to şi streite sete. {and} graunte [hym] to enviroune şe welle of
good. {and} şe ly[gh]te yfounde graunte hym to ficchen şe clere
sy[gh]tes of hys corage in şe. ¶ And scatre şou {and} to-breke [thow] şe
wey[gh]tes {and} şe cloudes of erşely heuynesse. {and} shyne şou by şi
bry[gh]tnes. for şou art clernesse şou art peisible to debonaire folke.
¶ şou şi self art bygy{n}ny{n}ge. berere. ledere. paş {and} t{er}me to
loke on şe [şat] is oure ende. _Glose._
QUONIAM IGITUR QUI SCIT.
[Sidenote: [The 10^the p{ro}se.]]
++FOr as moche şan as şou hast seyn. whiche is şe forme of goode şat nys
nat p{er}fit. {and} whiche is şe forme of goode şat is p{er}fit. now
trowe I şat it were goode to shewe in what şis p{er}fecc{i}ou{n} of
blisfulnesse is set. {and} in şis şing I trowe şat we sholden first
enquere forto witen yif şat any swiche manere goode as şilke goode şat
şou hast diffinissed a lytel her byforne. şat is to seine souereyne
goode may be founden in şe nature of şinges. For şat veyne
ymaginac{i}ou{n} of şou[gh]t ne desceiue vs nat. {and} putte vs oute of
şe soşefastnesse of şilke şinge şat is su{m}myttid to vs. şis is to
seyne. but it may nat ben denoyed şat şilke goode ne is. ¶ and şat it
nis ry[gh]t as a welle of alle goodes. ¶ For al şing şat is cleped
i{n}p{er}fit. is proued i{n}p{er}fit by şe amenusynge of
p{er}fecc{i}ou{n}. or of şing şat is p{er}fit. {and} her of comeş it.
şat in euery şing general. yif şat. şat men seen any şing şat is
i{n}p{er}fit certys in şilke general şer mot ben so{m}me şing şat is
p{er}fit. ¶ For yif so be şat p{er}fecc{i}ou{n} is don awey. men may nat
şinke nor seye fro whe{n}nes şilke şing is şat is cleped inperfit. ¶ For
şe nature of şinges ne token nat her bygynnyng of şinges amenused {and}
i{n}p{er}fit. but it p{ro}cediş of şi{n}g{us} şat ben al hool. {and}
absolut. {and} descendeş so doune in to outerest şinges {and} in to
şi{n}g{us} empty {and} wiş oute fruyt. but as I haue shewed a litel her
byforne. şat yif şer be a blisfulnesse şat be frele {and} vein {and}
inp{er}fit. şer may no man doute. şat şer nys som blisfulnesse şat is
sad stedfast {and} p{er}fit. b. şis is concludid q{uo}d I fermely {and}
soşefastly. _P._ But co{n}sidere also q{uo}d she in wham şis
blisfulnesse enhabiteş. şe co{m}mune acordaunce {and} conceite of şe
corages of men p{ro}ueş {and} graunteş şat god p{r}ince of alle
şi{n}g{us} is good. ¶ For so as no şing ne may ben şou[gh]t bettre şan
god. it may nat ben douted şan şat [he ş{a}t] no şing is bettre. şat he
nys good. ¶ Certys resou{n} sheweş şat god is so goode şat it p{ro}ueş
by verray force şat p{er}fit goode is in hym. ¶ For yif god ne is
swiche. he ne may nat ben p{r}ince of alle şinges. for certis som şing
possessyng in hy{m} self p{er}fit goode sholde ben more şan god. {and}
[it] sholde seme şat şilke şing were first {and} elder şan god. ¶ For we
han shewed ap{er}tly şat alle şinges şat ben p{er}fit. ben first or
şinges şat ben inperfit. ¶ And for şi for as moche as [that] my resou{n}
or my p{ro}ces ne go nat awey wişoute an ende. we ou[gh]t[e] to graunten
şat şe souereyne god is ry[gh]t ful of souereyne p{er}fit goode. and we
han establissed şat şe souereyne goode is verrey blisfulnesse. şan mot
it nedes ben [ş{a}t verray blysfulnesse is] yset i{n} souereyne god.
_B._ şis take I wel q{uo}d .I. ne şis ne may nat be wişseid in no
manere. ¶ But I p{re}ie şe q{uo}d she see now how şou mayst preuen
holily {and} wiş-oute{n} corrupciou{n} şis şat I haue seid. şat şe
souereyne god is ry[gh]t ful of souereyne goode. [In whych man{er}e
q{uo}d I.] wenest şou ou[gh]t q{uo}d she şat şis p{r}ince of alle şinges
haue ytake şilke souereyne good any where şan of hym self. ¶ of whiche
souereyne goode men p{ro}ueş şat he is ful ry[gh]t as şou my[gh]test
şinken. şat god şat haş blisfulnesse in hym self. {and} şat ilke
blisfulnesse şat is in hym were diu{er}s in substaunce. ¶ For yif şou
wene şat god haue receyued şilke good oute of hy{m} self. şou mayst wene
şat he şat [gh]af şilke good to god. be more goode şan is god. ¶ But I
am byknowen {and} confesse {and} şat ry[gh]t dignely şat god is ry[gh]t
worşi abouen alle şinges. ¶ And yif so be şat şis good be in hym by
nature. but şat it is diu{er}s from [hym] by wenyng resou{n}. syn we
speke of god p{r}ince of alle şinges feyne who so feyne may. who was he
şat [hath] co{n}ioigned şise diu{er}s şinges to-gidre. {and} eke at şe
last[e] se wel şat o şing şat is diu{er}s from any şing. şat şilke şing
nis nat şat same şing. fro whiche it is vndirstonde{n} to ben diu{er}s.
şan folweş it. şat şilke şi{n}g şat by hys nature is dyuers from
souereyne good. şat şat şing nys nat souereyne good. but certys şat were
a felonous corsednesse to şinken şat of hym. şat no şing nis more worşe.
For alwey of alle şinges. şe nat{ur}e of hem ne may nat ben better şan
his bygy{n}nyng. ¶ For whiche I may concluden by ry[gh]t uerray
resou{n}. şat şilke şat is bygynnyng of alle şinges. şilke same şing is
good in his substaunce. _B._ şou hast seid ry[gh]tfully q{uo}d .I. _P._
But we han graunted q{uo}d she şat souereyne good is blysfulnes. şat is
soşe q{uo}d .I. şan q{uo}d she mote we nedes graunten {and} confessen
şat şilke same souereyne goode be god. ¶ Certys q{uo}d .I. I ne may nat
denye ne wişstonde şe resou{n}s p{ur}posed. and I see wel şat it folweş
by strengşe of şe p{re}misses. ¶ Loke nowe q{uo}d she yif şis be proued
[yit] more fermely şus. ¶ şat şer ne mowen nat ben two souereyne goodes
şat ben diuerse amo[n]ges hem self. şat on is nat şat şat oşer is. şan
[ne] mowen neişer of hem ben p{er}fit. so as eyşer of hem lakkiş to
oşir. but şat şat nis nat p{er}fit men may seen apertly şat it nis nat
souereyne. şe şinges şan şat ben souereynely goode ne mowen by no wey
ben diuerse. ¶ But I haue wel conclude şat blisfulnesse {and} god ben
[the] souereyne goode. For whiche it mot nedes be şat souereyne
blisfulnesse is souerey[ne] dyuynite. ¶ No şing q{uo}d I nis more
soşefast şan şis ne more ferme by resou{n}. ne a more worşi şing şan god
may nat ben concluded. _P._ vpon şise şinges şan q{uo}d she. ry[gh]t as
şise geometriens whan şei han shewed her p{ro}posiciou{n}s ben wont to
brynge{n} in şinges şat şei clepen porismes or declarac{i}ou{n}s of
forseide şinges. ry[gh]t so wil I [gh]eue şe here as a corolarie or a
mede of coroune. For whi. for as moche as by şe getynge of blisfulnesse
men ben maked blysful. {and} blisfulnesse is diuinite. ¶ şan is it
manifest {and} open şat by şe gety{n}g of diuinite men ben makid
blisful. ry[gh]t as by şe getynge of iustice . . . {and} by şe getyng of
sapience şei ben maked wise. ¶ Ry[gh]t so nedes by şe semblable resou{n}
wha{n} şei han getyn diuinite şei ben maked goddys. şan is euery blisful
man god. ¶ But certis by nature. şer nys but oon god. but by şe
p{ar}ticipac{i}ou{n}s of diuinite şere ne letteş ne disturbeş no şing
şat şer ne ben many goddes. ¶ şis is q{uo}d .I. a faire şing {and} a
p{re}cious. ¶ Clepe it as ş{o}u wolt. be it corolarie or porisme or mede
of coroune or declarynges ¶ Certys q{uo}d she no şing nis fairer. şan is
şe şing şat by resou{n} sholde ben added to şise forseide şinges. what
şing q{uo}d .I. ¶ So q{uo}d she as it semeş şat blisfulnesse conteniş
many şinges. it were forto witen wheşir [ş{a}t] alle şise şinges maken
or conioignen as a maner body of blysfulnesse by diuersite of parties or
[of] me{m}bris. Or ellys yif any of alle şilke şi{n}g{us} be swyche şat
it acomplise by hy{m} self şe substaunce of blisfulnesse. so şat alle
şise oşer şinges ben referred and brou[gh]t to blisfulnesse. şat is to
seyne as to şe chief of hem. ¶ I wolde q{uo}d I şat şou makedest me
clerly to vndirstonde what şou seist. {and} şat şou recordest me şe
forseide şinges. ¶ Haue I nat iuged q{uo}d she. şat blisfulnesse is
goode. [gh]is forsoşe q{uo}d .I. {and} şat souereyne goode. ¶ Adde şan
q{uo}d she şilke goode şat is maked blisfulnes to alle şe forseide
şinges. ¶ For şilke same blisfulnesse şat is demed to ben souereyne
suffisaunce. şilke self is souereyne power. souereyne reuerence.
sou{er}eyne clernesse or noblesse {and} souereyne delit. what seist şou
şan of alle şise şinges. şat is to seyne. suffisance power {and} şise
oşer şinges. ben şei şan as membris of blisfulnesse. or ben şei referred
{and} brou[gh]t to souereyne good. ¶ Ry[gh]t as alle şinges şat ben
brou[gh]t to şe chief of hem. b. I vndirstonde wel q{uo}d .I. what şou
p{ur}posest to seke. but I desijr[e] to herkene şat şou shewe it me.
_p._ Take now şus şe discressiou{n} of şis questiou{n} q{uo}d she. yif
al şise şinges q{uo}d she weren membris to felicite. şan weren şei
diu{er}se şat oon fro şat oşer. ¶ And swiche is şe nat{ur}e of p{ar}ties
or of membris. şat dyuerse me{m}bris compounen a body. ¶ Certis q{uo}d I
it haş wel ben shewed her byforne. şat alle şise şinges ben alle on
şing. şan ben şei none membris q{uo}d she. for ellys it sholde seme şat
blisfulnesse were conioigned al of one membre alone. but şat is a şi{n}g
şat may nat ben doon. şis şing q{uo}d .I. nys nat doutous. but I abide
to herkene şe remenaunt of şe questiou{n}. şis is ope{n} {and} clere
q{uo}d she. şat alle oşer şinges ben referred {and} brou[gh]t to goode.
¶ For şerfore is suffisaunce requered. For it is demed to ben good.
{and} forşi is power requered. for men trowen also şat it be goode. and
şis same şing mowe we şinken {and} coueiten of reuerence {and} of
noblesse {and} of delit. şan is souereyne good şe soume {and} şe cause
of alle şat au[gh]t[e] be desired. forwhi şilke şing şat wiş-holdeş no
good in it self ne semblaunce of goode it ne may nat wel in no manere be
desired ne requered. {and} şe contrarie. For şou[gh] şat şinges by hir
nature ne ben nat goode algates yif men wene şat şei be{n} goode [gh]it
ben şei desired as şou[gh] [ş{a}t] şei were verrayly goode. {and}
şerfore is it şat men au[gh]te{n} to wene by ry[gh]t şat bounte be
souereyne fyn {and} şe cause of alle şinges şat ben to requeren. ¶ But
certis şilke ş{a}t is cause for whiche men requeren any şing. ¶ it semeş
şat şilke same şing be most desired. as şus yif şat a wy[gh]t wolde ryde
for cause of hele. he ne desireş nat so mychel şe moeuyng to ryden as şe
effect of his heele. Now şan syn şat alle şinges ben requered for şe
grace of good. şei ne ben [nat] desired of alle folk more şan şe same
good ¶ But we han graunted şat blysfulnesse is şat şing for whiche şat
alle şise oşer şinges ben desired. şan is it şus şat certis only
blisfulnesse is requered {and} desired ¶ By whiche şing it sheweş
clerely şat good {and} blisfulnesse is al oone {and} şe same substaunce.
¶ I se nat q{uo}d I wher fore şat men my[gh]t[en] discorden in şis. _p._
{and} we han shewed şat god {and} verrey blysfulnesse is al oon şing
¶ şat is soşe q{uod} .I. şan mowe we conclude sikerly ş{a}t şe
substaunce of god is set in şilke same good {and} in noon oşer place.
NUNC OMNES PARITER {ET}C.
[Sidenote: [The 10^the Met{ur}.]]
++O Comeş alle to-gidre now [gh]e şat ben ycau[gh]t {and} ybounde wiş
wicked[e] cheines by şe deceiuable delit of erşely şinges inhabytynge in
[gh]oure şou[gh]t. here shal ben şe reste of [gh]oure laboures. here is
şe hauene stable in peisible quiete. şis al oone is şe open refut to
wreches. _Glosa._ şis is to seyn. şat [gh]e şat ben combred {and}
deceyued wiş worldly affecc{i}ou{n}s comeş now to şis souereyne good şat
is god. şat is refut to hem şat wolen come to hym. _Textus._ ¶ Alle şe
şinges şat şe ryuere Tagus [gh]iueş [gh]ow wiş his golden[e] grauels. or
ellys alle şe şynges şat şe ryuere herm{us}. [gh]iueş wiş his rede
brynke. or şat yndus [gh]iueş şat is nexte şe hote p{ar}tie of şe
worlde. şat medeleş şe grene stones (smaragd{e}) wiş şe white
(margarits). ne sholde nat cleren şe lokynge of [gh]oure şo[gh]t. but
hiden raşer [gh]oure blynde corages wiş i{n}ne hire dirkenesse ¶ Alle
şat likeş [gh]ow here {and} excitiş {and} moeueş [gh]oure şou[gh]tes. şe
erşe haş noryshed it in hys lowe caues. but şe shynyng by şe whiche şe
heuene is gouerned {and} whennes şat it haş hys strengşe şat chaseş şe
derke ouerşrowyng of şe soule. ¶ And who so euer may knowen şilke
ly[gh]t of blisfulnesse. he shal wel seine şat şe white bemes of şe
sonne ne ben nat cleer.
ASSENCIOR INQ{UA}M CUNCTA. Boice.
[Sidenote: [The 11 p{ro}se.]]
++I assent[e] me q{uo}d .I. For alle şise şinges ben strongly bounden
wiş ry[gh]t ferme resou{n}s. how mychel wilt şou p{re}isen it q{uo}d
she. yif şat şou knowe what şilke goode is. I wol p{re}ise it q{uo}d I
by price wiş outen ende. ¶ yif it shal bytyde me to knowe also to-gidre
god şat is good. ¶ certys q{uo}d she ş{a}t shal I do şe by verray
resou{n}. yif şat şo şinges şat I haue conclude[d] a litel her by forne
dwellen oonly in hir first[e] graunty{n}g. _Boice._ şei dwellen graunted
to şe q{uo}d .I. şis is to seyne as who seiş .I. graunt şi forseide
conclusiou{n}s. ¶ Haue I nat shewed şe q{uo}d she şat şe şinges şat ben
requered of many folke. ne ben nat verray goodes ne p{er}fit. for şei
ben diu{er}se şat oon fro şat oşer. {and} so as eche of hem is lakkyng
to oşer. şei ne han no power to bryngen a good ş{a}t is ful {and}
absolute. ¶ But şan atte arst ben şei verray good whan şei ben gadred
to-gidre al in to a forme {and} in to oon wirchy{n}g. so şat şilke şing
şat is suffisaunce. şilk same be power {and} reuerence. {and} noblesse
{and} mirşe. ¶ And forsoşe but alle şise şi{n}ges ben alle o same şing
şei ne han nat wher by şat şei mowen ben put in şe nou{m}bre of şinges.
şat au[gh]ten ben requered or desired. _b._ ¶ It is shewed q{uo}d .I. ne
her of may şer no man douten. _p._ şe şinges şan q{uo}d she şat ne ben
none goodes whan şei ben diu{er}se. {and} whan şei bygynnen to ben al o
şing. şan ben şei goodes. ne comiş it hem nat şan by şe getynge of unite
şat şei ben maked goodes. _b._ so it semeş q{uo}d .I. but alle şing şat
is good q{uo}d she grauntest şou şat it be good by p{ar}ticipac{i}ou{n}
of good or no. ¶ I graunt[e] it q{uo}d .I. ¶ şan mayst şou graunt[en] it
q{uo}d she by sembleable resou{n} şat oon {and} good ben o same şing.
¶ For of şinges [of] whiche şat şe effect nis nat naturely diuerse nedys
şe substaunce mot ben o same şinge. I ne may nat denye it q{uo}d I.
¶ Hast şou nat knowen wel q{uo}d she. şat al şing şat is haş so longe
his dwellyng {and} his substaunce. as longe is it oone. ¶ but wha{n} it
forletiş to ben oone it mot nedis dien {and} corrumpe togidre. ¶ In
whiche manere q{uo}d .I. ¶ Ry[gh]t as in beestes q{uod} she. whan şe
soule {and} şe body ben co{n}ioigned in oon {and} dwellen to-gidre it is
cleped a beest. {and} whan hire vnite is destroied by disseueraunce şat
oon fram ş{a}t oşir. şan sheweş it wel şat it is a dede şi{n}g. {and}
şat it is no lenger no beste. {and} şe body of a wy[gh]t while it
dwelleş in oon forme by coniuncc{i}ou{n} of membris it is wel seyn şat
it is a figure of mankynde. and yif şe partyes of şe body ben [so]
diuide[d] {and} disseuered şat oon fro şat oşir şat şei destroien vnite.
şe body forletiş to ben şat it was byforne. ¶ And who so wolde renne in
şe same manere by alle şinges he sholde seen şat wiş outen doute euery
şinge is in his substaunce as longe as it is oon. {and} whan it forletiş
to ben oon it dieş {and} p{er}issiş. _boice._ whan I considre q{uo}d I
many şinges I see noon oş{er}. ¶ Is şer any şing şanne q{uo}d she şat in
as moche as it lyueş naturely. şat forletiş şe appetit or talent of hys
beynge. {and} desireş to come to deeş {and} to corrupc{i}ou{n}. ¶ yif I
considere q{uod} I şe beestes şat han any manere nature of willy{n}ge or
of nillynge I ne fynde no şing. but yif it be constreyned fro wiş out
forşe. şat forletiş or dispiseş to lyue {and} to dure{n} or şat wole his
şankes hasten hy{m} to dien. ¶ For euery beest trauayleş hy{m} to
defende {and} kepe şe sauuac{i}ou{n} of lijf. {and} escheweş deeş {and}
destrucc{i}ou{n}. _b._ but certys I doute me of herbes {and} of trees.
şat is to seyn şat I am in a doute of swiche şinges as herbes or trees
şat ne han no fely{n}g soule. ne no naturel wirchynges seruy{n}g to
appetite as beestes han wheşer şei han appetite to dwelle{n} {and} to
duren. ¶ Certis q{uo}d she ne şer of şar şe nat doute. ¶ Now look vpon
şise herbes {and} şise trees. şei waxen firste in swiche place as be{n}
couenable to hem. in whiche place şei ne mowen nat sone dien ne dryen as
longe as hire nature may defenden he{m}. ¶ For some of hem waxen in
feldes {and} some in mou{n}taignes. {and} oşir waxen i{n} mareis.
[_A leaf lost here, and supplied from C._] [{and} oothre cleuyn on
Roches / {and} soume waxen plentyuos in sondes / {and} yif ş{a}t any
wyht enforce hym to beryn hem in to oother places / they wexen drye //
For natur{e} yeueth to eu{er}y thing ş{a}t / ş{a}t is co{n}uenient to
hym {and} trauaylith ş{a}t they ne dye nat as longe as they han power to
dwellyn {and} to lyuen // what woltow seyn of this / ş{a}t they drawen
alle hyr norysshynges by hyr rootes / ryht as they haddyn hyr Mowthes
I.-plounged w{i}t{h} in the erthes / {and} shedyn by hyr maryes (i.
medull{as}) hyr wode {and} hyr bark / {and} what woltow seyn of this
ş{a}t thilke thing / ş{a}t is ryht softe as the marye (i. sapp) is /
ş{a}t is alwey hidd in the feete al w{i}t{h} inne {and} ş{a}t it is
defendid fro w{i}t{h} owte by the stidefastnesse of wode // {and} ş{a}t
the vttereste bark is put ayenis the destemprau{n}ce of the heuene / as
a defendowr myhty to suffren harm / {and} thus certes maystow wel sen /
how gret is the diligence of natur{e} / For alle thinges renouelen {and}
pupllisen hem w{i}t{h} seed .I.-multiplyed / nether nis no man ş{a}t ne
wot wel ş{a}t they ne ben ryht as a foundement {and} edyfice for to
duren / nat only for a tyme / but ryht as forto duren p{er}durablely by
generacyou{n} // {and} the thinges ek ş{a}t men wenen ne hauen none
sowles / ne desir{e} they nat ech of hem by sem[b]lable resou{n} to
kepyn ş{a}t that is hirs / ş{a}t is to seyn ş{a}t is acordynge to hyr
natur{e} in conseruaciou{n} of hyr beynge {and} endurynge // For wher
for elles berith lythnesse the flaumbes vp / {and} the weyhte p{re}sseth
the erthe a-dou{n} // but For as moche as thilke places and thilke
moeuynges ben couenable to eu{er}ich of hem // {and} forsothe eu{er}y
thing kepith thilke ş{a}t is acordynge {and} propre to hym // ryht as
thinges ş{a}t ben contraryes {and} enemys corompen hem // {and} yit the
harde thinges as stoones clyuen {and} holden hyr partyes to gydere ryht
faste {and} harde / {and} deffenden hem in withstondenge ş{a}t they ne
departe nat lyhtly a twyne // {and} the thinges ş{a}t ben softe {and}
fletynge as is water {and} Eyr they departyn lyhtly // {and} yeuen place
to hem ş{a}t brekyn or deuyden hem // but natheles they retorne{n} sone
ayein in to the same thinges fro whennes they ben arraced // but fyr
[fleet[-h]] {and} refuseth alle deuysyou{n} / ne I. ne trete nat heer{e}
now of weleful moeuynges of the sowle ş{a}t is knowynge // but of the
naturel entenciou{n} of thinges // As thus ryht as we swolwe the mete
ş{a}t we resseyuen {and} ne thinke nat on it / {and} as we drawen owr{e}
breth in slepynge ş{a}t we wite it nat whil we slepyt // For certes in
the beestys the loue of hyr lyuynges ne of hyr beeinges ne comth nat of
the wilnynges of the sowle // but of the bygynnyngis of natur{e} // For
certes thorw constreynynge causes / wil desireth {and} embraceth ful
ofte tyme / the deth ş{a}t natur{e} dredith // that is to seyn as thus
that a man may ben constreynyd so by som cause that his wil desireth and
taketh the deth which ş{a}t natur{e} hateth {and} dredeth ful sore //
And som tyme we seeth the contrarye / as thus that the wil of a wight /
destorbeth {and} constreyneth ş{a}t ş{a}t natur{e} desireth / and
requereth al-wey // that is to sein the werk of gen{er}aciou{n} / by the
whiche gen{er}aciou{n} only / dwelleth {and} is sustenyd the longe
durablete of mortal thinges // And thus this charite and this Loue ş{a}t
eu{er}y thing hath to hym self ne comth nat of the moeuynge of the sowle
/ but of the entenciou{n} of natur{e} // For the puruyance of god hat
yeuen to thinges ş{a}t ben creat of hym / this ş{a}t is a ful gret cause
/ to lyuen {and} to duren / for which they desiren naturelly hyr lyf as
longe as eu{er} they mowen // For w[h]ych thou maist nat drede by no
manere / that alle the thinges / that ben anywher{e} / that they ne
requeren naturelly / the ferme stablenesse of p{er}durable dwellynge /
and ek the eschuynge of destruccyou{n} // B // now confesse I. wel
q{uod} I. that I. see wel now certeynly / w{i}t{h} owte dowtes / the
thinges that whylom semeden vncerteyn to me / P. // but q{uod} she
thilke thyng ş{a}t desiret[-h] to be {and} to dwellyn p{er}durablely /
he desireth to ben oon // For yif ş{a}t that oon weer{e} destroied //
certes beinge ne shulde ther non dwellyn to no wiht // that is sot[-h]
q{uod} I. // Thanne q{uod} she desirin alle thinges oon // .I. assente
q{uod} .I. // {and} I haue shewyd q{uod} she that thilke same oon is
thilke that is good // B // ye forsothe q{uod} I. // Alle thinges thanne
q{uod} she requyren good // And thilke good thanne [şow] maist descryuen
ryht thus // Good is thilke thing ş{a}t euery wyht desireth // Ther ne
may be thowht q{uod} .I. no moor{e} verray thing / for either alle
thinges ben referred {and} browht to nowht / {and} floteryn w{i}t{h}
owte gou{er}nour despoiled of oon / as of hir propre heued / or elles
yif ther be any thinge / to which ş{a}t alle thinges tenden {and} hyen /
that thing moste ben the souereyn good of alle goodes / P /. thanne
seyde she thus // O my norry q{uod} she I haue gret gladnesse of the //
For thow hast fichched in thin herte the myddel sothtfastnesse // that
is to seyn the prykke // but this thing hath ben descouered to the / in
that thow seydyst ş{a}t thow wystest nat a lytel her by-forn // what was
th{a}t q{uod} I. // That thow ne wystest nat q{uod} she whych was the
ende of thinges // and Certes that is the thing ş{a}t eu{er}y wiht
desireth // and for as mochel as we han gaderid / {and} co{m}p{re}hendyd
that good is thilke thing that is desired of alle / thanne moten we
nedes confessun / that good is the fyn of alle thinges.
QUISQUIS P{RO}FUNDA MENTE.
[Sidenote: [The .11. Met{ru}m.]]
++WHo so that sekith sot[-h] by a deep thoght And coueyteth nat to ben
deseyuyd by no mys-weyes // lat hym rollen {and} trenden w{i}t{h} Inne
hym self / the Lyht of his inward syhte // And lat hym gader{e} ayein
enclynynge in to a compas the longe moeuynges of hys thowhtes / And lat
hym techen his corage that he hath enclosed {and} hyd / in his tresors /
al ş{a}t he compaseth or sekith fro w{i}t{h} owte // And thanne thilke
thing that the blake cloude of errour whilom hadde y-couered / shal
lyhten more clerly tha{n}ne pheb{us} hym self ne shyneth // Glosa // who
so wole seken the dep[e] grounde / of soth in his thowht / {and} wol nat
be deceyuyd by false p{ro}posiciou{n}s / that goon amys fro the trouthe
// lat hym wel examine / {and} rolle w{i}t{h} inne hym self the natur{e}
{and} the p{ro}pretes of the thing // and lat hym yit eft sones examine
{and} rollen his thowhtes by good deliberaciou{n} or that he deme // and
lat hym techen his sowle that it hat by naturel pryncyplis kyndeliche
y-hyd w{i}t{h} in it self alle the trowthe the whiche he ymagynith to
ben in thinges w{i}t{h} owte // And thanne alle the dyrknesse of his
mysknowynge shal seen more euydently to [şe] syhte of his vndyrstondynge
thanne the sonne ne semyth to [şe] syhte w{i}t{h} owte forth / For
certes the body bryngynge the weyhte of foryetynge / ne hath nat chasyd
owt of yowr{e} thowhte al the clernesse of yowre knowyng // For
certeynly the seed of sooth haldith {and} clyueth w{i}t{h} in yowr{e}
corage / {and} it is a-waked {and} excited by the wynde {and} by the
blastes of doctryne // For wher{e} for elles demen ye of yowr{e} owne
wyl the ryhtes whan ye ben axed // but yif so wer{e} ş{a}t the
noryssynges of resou{n} ne lyuede .I.-plowngyd in the depthe of yowr{e}
herte // this [is] to seyn how sholden men demen şe sooth of any thing
ş{a}t weer{e} axed / yif ther neer{e} a Roote of sothfastnesse ş{a}t
weer{e} yplowngyd {and} hyd in the natur{e}[l] pryncyplis / the whiche
sothfastnesse lyued w{i}t{h} in the depnesse of the thowght // {and} yif
so be ş{a}t the Muse {and} the doctryne of plato syngyth sooth // al
ş{a}t eu{er}y whyht lerneth / he ne doth no thing elles tha{n}ne but
recordeth as me{n} recordyn thinges ş{a}t ben foryetyn.
TUM EGO PLATONI INQ{UA}M.
[Sidenote: [The .12. p{ro}se.]]
++THanne seide I thus // I acorde me gretly to plato / for thow
remenbrist {and} recordist me thise thinges yit] şe seconde tyme. şat is
to seyn. first whan I lost[e] my memorie by şe co{n}tagio[-u]s
coniuncc{i}ou{n} of şe body wiş şe soule. {and} eftsones afterward whan
I lost[e] it co{n}founded by şe charge {and} by şe burden of my sorwe.
¶ And şan sayde she şus. ¶ If şou look[e] q{uo}d she firste şe şinges
şat şou hast graunted it ne shal nat ben ry[gh]t feer şat şou ne shalt
remembren şilke şing şat şou seidest şat şou nistest nat. what şing
q{uo}d I. ¶ by whiche gouerme{n}t q{uo}d she şat şis worlde is gouerned.
Me remembriş it wel q{uo}d I. {and} I confesse wel şat I ne wist[e] it
nat ¶ But al be it so şat I se now fro{m} afer what şou p{ur}posest
¶ Algates I desire [gh]it to herkene it of şe more pleynely. ¶ şou ne
wendest nat q{uo}d she a litel here byforne şat men sholden doute şat
şis worlde is gouerned by god. ¶ Certys q{uo}d I ne [gh]itte doute I it
nau[gh]t. ne I nil neuer wene şat it were to doute. as who seiş. but I
wot wel şat god gouerneş şis worlde. ¶ And I shal shortly answere şe by
what resou{n}s I am brou[gh]t to şis. ¶ şis worlde q{uod} I of so many
dyuerse {and} co{n}trarious p{ar}ties ne my[gh]ten neuer han ben
assembled in o forme. but yif şere ne were oon şat conioigned so many[e
diu{er}se] şinges. ¶ And şe same diuersite of hire natures şat so
discordeden şat oon fro şat oşer most[e] dep{ar}ten {and} vnioigne{n} şe
şi{n}ges şat ben co{n}ioigned. yif şere ne were oon şat contened[e] şat
he haş co{n}ioigned {and} ybounde. ne şe certein ordre of nature ne
sholde. nat brynge furşe so ordinee moeuynge. by places. by tymes. by
doynges. by spaces. by qualites. yif şere ne were oon şat were ay
stedfast dwellynge. şat ordeyned[e] {and} disposed[e] şise diuersites of
moeuynges. ¶ and şilke şinge what so euer it be. by whiche şat alle
şinges ben maked {and} ylad. I clepe hym god şat is a worde şat is vsed
to alle folke. şan seide she. syn şou felest şus şise şinges q{uo}d she.
I trowe şat I haue lytel more to done. şat şou my[gh]ty of wilfulnesse
hool {and} sounde ne se eftsones şi contre. ¶ But lat vs loken şe şinges
şat we han p{ur}posed her-byforn. ¶ Haue I nat nou{m}bred {and} seid
q{uod} she şat suffisaunce is in blisfulnesse. {and} we han accorded şat
god is {and} şilke same blisfulnesse. ¶ yis forsoşe q{uo}d I. {and} şat
to gouerne şis worlde q{uod} she. ne shal he neuer han nede of none
helpe fro wişoute. for ellys yif he had[de] nede of any helpe. he ne
sholde not haue [no] ful suffisau{n}ce. [gh]is şus it mot nedes be
q{uo}d I. ¶ şan ordeyneş he by hym self al oon alle şinges q{uo}d she.
şat may nat ben denied q{uo}d I. ¶ And I haue shewed şat god is şe same
good. ¶ It reme{m}breş me wel q{uo}d I. ¶ şan ordeineş he alle şinges by
şilke goode q{uod} she. Syn he whiche we han accorded to ben good
gouerneş alle şi{n}g{us} by hym self. {and} he is a keye {and} a stiere
by whiche şat şe edifice of şis worlde is ykept stable {and} wiş oute
corumpynge ¶ I accorde me gretly q{uod} I. {and} I ap{er}ceiuede a litel
here byforn şat şou woldest seyne şus. Al be it so şat it were by a
şinne suspeciou{n}. I trowe it wel q{uo}d she. ¶ For as I trowe şou
leedest nowe more ententifly şine eyen to loken şe verray goodes ¶ but
naşeles şe şinges şat I shal telle şe [gh]it ne sheweş nat lasse to
loken. what is şat q{uo}d I. ¶ So as men trowen q{uo}d she {and} şat
ry[gh]tfully şat god gouerneş alle şinges by şe keye of his goodnesse.
¶ And alle şise same şinges as I [haue] tau[gh]t şe. hasten hem by
naturel ente{n}c{i}ou{n} to comen to goode şer may no man doute{n}. şat
şei ne ben gouerned uoluntariely. {and} şat şei ne conuerten [hem] nat
of her owe{n} wille to şe wille of hire ordeno{ur}. as şei şat ben
accordyng {and} enclinynge to her gouerno{ur} {and} her kyng. ¶ It mot
nedys be so q{uo}d. I. ¶ For şe realme ne sholde not seme blisful [gh]if
şere were a [gh]ok of mysdrawynges in diu{er}se p{ar}ties ne şe sauynge
of obedient şinges ne sholde nat be. şan is şere no şing q{uo}d she
ş{a}t kepiş hys nature[;] şat enforceş hym to gone a[gh]eyne god. ¶ No
q{uo}d. I. ¶ And if şat any şi{n}g enforced[e] hym to wişstonde god.
my[gh]t[e] it auayle at şe laste a[gh]eyns hym şat we han g{ra}unted to
ben al my[gh]ty by şe ry[gh]t of blisfulnesse. ¶ Certis q{uo}d I al
outerly it ne my[gh]t[e] nat auaylen hym. şan is şere no şing q{uo}d she
şat eyşer wol or may wişstonde to şis souereyne good. ¶ I trowe nat
q{uo}d. I ¶ şan is şilke şe souereyne good q{uo}d she şat alle
şi{n}g{us} gouerneş strongly {and} ordeyneş hem softly. şa{n} seide I
şus. I delite me q{uo}d I nat oonly in şe endes or in şe so{m}mes of
[the] resou{n}s şat şou hast concludid {and} p{ro}ued. ¶ But şilke
wordes şat ş{o}u vsest deliten me moche more. ¶ So at şe last[e] fooles
şat so{m}tyme renden greet[e] şinges au[gh]te{n} ben asshamed of hem
self. ¶ şat is to seyne ş{a}t we fooles şat rep{re}henden wickedly şe
şi{n}g{us} şat touchen goddes gouernaunce we au[gh]te{n} ben asshamed of
oure self. As I şat seide god refuseş oonly şe werkes of men. {and} ne
entremetiş nat of he{m}. _p._ şou hast wel herd q{uo}d she şe fables of
şe poetes. how şe geauntes assailden şe heuene wiş şe goddes. but for
soşe şe debonaire force of god disposed[e] hem so as it was worşi. şat
is to seyne distroied[e] şe geauntes. as it was worşi. ¶ But wilt şou
şat we ioygnen togedre şilke same resou{n}s. for p{er}auenture of swiche
coniuncc{i}ou{n} may sterten vp some faire sp{er}kele of soşe ¶ Do
q{uo}d I as şe list. wenest şou q{uo}d she şat god ne is almy[gh]ty. no
man is in doute of it. Certys q{uo}d I no wy[gh]t ne defendiş it if he
be in hys mynde. but he q{uo}d she şat is al my[gh]ty şere nis no şing
şat he ne may do. şat is soşe q{uo}d I. May god done yuel q{uo}d she.
nay for soşe q{uo}d. I. ¶ şan is yuel no şing q{uo}d she. ¶ Syn şat he
ne may not done yuel şat may done alle şinges. scornest şou me q{uo}d.
I. or ellys pleyest şou or deceiuest şou me. şat hast so wouen me wiş şi
resou{n}s. şe house of didalus so entrelaced. şat it is vnable to ben
vnlaced. şou şat oşer while entrest şere şou issest {and} oşer while
issest şere şou entrest. ne fooldest şou nat to gidre by
replicac{i}ou{n} of wordes a maner wondirful cercle or envirounynge of
symplicite deuyne. ¶ For certys a litel her byforn{e} whan şou bygu{n}ne
atte blisfulnesse ş{o}u seidest şat it is souereyne good. {and} seidest
şat it is set in souereyne god. {and} şat god is şe ful[le]
blisfulnesse. for whiche şou [gh]af[e] me as a couenable [gh]ifte. şat
is to seyne ş{a}t no wy[gh]t nis blisful. but yif he be good al so şer
wiş {and} seidest eke şat şe forme of goode is şe substaunce of god.
{and} of blisfulnesse. {and} seidest ş{a}t şilke same oone is şilke same
goode şat is requered {and} desired of al şe kynde of şinges. {and} şou
p{ro}euedest in disputynge şat god gouerneş alle [the] şinges of şe
worlde by şe gouernementys of bountee. {and} seydest şat alle şinges
wolen ybeyen to hym. and seidest şat şe nature of yuel nis no şing.
{and} şise şinges ne shewedest şou nat wiş no resou{n}s ytake fro
wişoute but by proues in cercles {and} homelyche knowen. ¶ şe whiche
p{ro}eues drawen to hem self hir feiş {and} hir accorde eu{er}iche [of]
hem of oşer. şan seide she şus. I ne scorne şe nat ne pleye ne desseyue
şe. but I haue shewed to şe şinge şat is grettest ouer alle şinges by şe
[gh]ifte of god şat we some tyme prayden ¶ For şis is şe forme of [the]
deuyne substaunce. şat is swiche şat it ne slydeş nat in to outerest
foreine şinges. ne ne rec[e]yueş no st{ra}nge şinges in hym. but ry[gh]t
as p{ar}maynws seide in grek of şilke deuyne substaunce. he seide şus
şat şilke deuyne substaunce torneş şe worlde {and} şilke cercle
moeueable of şinges while şilke dyuyne substau{n}ce kepiş it self wiş
outen moeuynge. şat is to seyne şat it ne moeuiş neuere mo. {and}
[gh]itte it moeueş alle oşer şinges. but na-şeles yif I [haue] stered
resou{n}s şat ne ben nat taken fro wiş oute şe compas of şe şinge of
whiche we treten. but resou{n}s şat ben bystowed wiş i{n}ne şat compas
şere nis nat whi şat şou sholde[st] merueylen. sen şou hast lerned by şe
sentence of plato şat nedes şe wordes moten ben cosynes to şo şinges of
whiche şei speken.
FELIX QUI POTERIT. {ET} CET{ER}A.
[Sidenote: [The .12. Met{ur}.]]
++Blisful is şat man şat may seen şe clere welle of good. blisful is he
şat may vnbynde hym fro şe bonde of heuy erşe. ¶ şe poete of t{ra}ce
[orphe{us}] şat somtyme hadde ry[gh]t greet sorowe for şe deeş of hys
wijf. aftir şat he hadde maked by hys wepely songes şe wodes meueable to
rennen. {and} hadde ymaked şe ryueres to stonden stille. {and} maked şe
hertys {and} hyndes to ioignen dredles hir sides to cruel lyou{n}s to
herkene his songe. {and} had[de] maked şat şe hare was nat agast of şe
hounde whiche şat was plesed by hys songe. so şat whane şe most[e]
ardaunt loue of hys wijf brende şe entrailes of his brest. ne şe songes
şat hadde ouer comen alle şinges ne my[gh]ten nat assuage hir lorde
orpheus. ¶ He pleyned[e] hym of şe godes şat were{n} cruel to hym. he
wente hym to şe houses of helle {and} şere he tempred[e] hys
blaundissyng songes by resounyng of hys strenges. ¶ And spak {and} song
in wepynge alle şat euer he hadde resceyued {and} laued oute of şe noble
welles of hys modir calliope şe goddesse. {and} he song wiş as mychel as
he my[gh]t[e] of wepynge. {and} wiş as myche as loue şat doubled[e] his
sorwe my[gh]t[e] [gh]euen hym {and} teche hy{m} in his seke h{er}te.
¶ And he commoeuede şe helle {and} requered[e] {and} sou[gh]te by swete
p{re}iere şe lordes of soules in helle of relesynge. şat is to seyne to
[gh]elden hym hys wif. ¶ Cerberus şe porter of helle wiş his şre heuedes
was cau[gh]t {and} al abaist for şe new[e] songe. {and} şe şre goddesses
furijs {and} vengerisse of felonies şat to{ur}mente{n} {and} agaste{n}
şe soules by anoye wexen sorweful {and} sory {and} wepen teres for
pitee. şan was nat şe heued of Ixion{e} yto{ur}mented by şe
ou{er}şrowi{n}g whele. ¶ And tantalus şat was destroied by şe woodnesse
of longe şrust dispiseş şe flodes to drynke. şe fowel şat hy[gh]t voltor
şat etiş şe stomak or şe giser of ticius is so fulfilled of his songe
şat it nil etyn ne tyren no more. ¶ Atte şe laste şe lorde {and} Iuge of
soules was moeued to misericordes {and} cried[e] we ben ouer comen
q{uo}d he. yif[e] we to orpheus his wijf to bere hym co{m}paignye he haş
welle I-bou[gh]t hir by his faire songe {and} his ditee. but we wil
putte{n} a lawe in şis. {and} couenaunt in şe [gh]ifte. ş{a}t is to
seyne. şat til he be out of helle yif he loke byhynden hym [ş{a}t] hys
wijf shal come{n} a[gh]eine to vs ¶ but what is he şat may [gh]eue a
lawe to loueres. loue is a gretter lawe {and} a strengere to hym self
şan any lawe ş{a}t men may [gh]euen. ¶ Allas whan Orpheus {and} his wijf
were al most at şe termes of şe ny[gh]t. şat is to seyne at şe last[e]
boundes of helle. Orpheus loked[e] abakwarde on Erudice his wijf {and}
lost[e] hir {and} was deed. ¶ şis fable app{er}teineş to [gh]ow alle who
so euer desireş or sekiş to lede his şou[gh]te in to şe souereyne day.
şat is to seyne to clerenes[se] of souereyne goode. ¶ For who so şat
eu{er}e be so ouer come{n} şat he fycche hys eyen in to şe put[te] of
helle. şat is to seyne who so setteş his şou[gh]tes in erşely şinges. al
şat euer he haş drawen of şe noble good celestial he lesiş it whan he
lokeş şe helles. şat is to seyne to lowe şinges of şe erşe.
EXPLICIT LIBER TERCIUS.
INCIPIT LIBER QUARTUS.
HEC CUM PHILOSOPHIA DIGNITATE UULT{US}.
[Sidenote: [The 1^ma p{ro}se.]]
++Whanne philosophie hadde songe{n} softly {and} delitably şe forseide
şinges kepynge şe dignitee of hir choere in şe wey[gh]te of hir wordes.
I şan şat ne hadde nat al out{er}ly for[gh]eten şe wepyng {and} mournyng
şat was set in myne herte for-brek şe entenc{i}ou{n} of hir şat
entended[e] [gh]itte to seyne oş{er} şinges. ¶ Se q{uo}d I. şou şat art
gideresse of verray ly[gh]te şe şinges şat şou hast seid [me] hider to
ben to me so clere {and} so shewyng by şe deuyne lokyng of hem {and} by
şi resou{n}s şat şei ne mowe nat ben ouercomen. ¶ And şilke şi{n}g{us}
şat şou toldest me. al be it so şat I hadde som tyme fo[r][gh]eten hem
for [the] sorwe of şe wronge şat haş ben don to me. [gh]it naşeles şei
ne were nat alouterly vnknowen to me. but şis same is namly a gret cause
of my sorwe. şat so as şe gouernoure of şinges is goode. yif şat yuelys
mowen ben by any weyes. or ellys yif şat yuelys passen wiş outen
punyssheinge. şe whiche şinge oonly how worşi it is to ben wondred vpon.
şou considerest it weel şi self certeynly. but [gh]itte to şis şing şere
is an oşer şing y-ioigned more to ben ywondred vpon. ¶ For felonie is
emperisse {and} flowreş ful of rycchesse. and vertues nis nat al oonly
wiş outen medes. but it is cast vndir {and} fortroden vndir şe feet of
felonous folk. {and} it abieş şe to{ur}me{n}tes in sted of wicked
felou{n}s ¶ Of al[le] whiche şing şer nis no wy[gh]t şat [may]
merueyllen ynou[gh] ne compleyne şat swiche şinges ben don in şe regne
of god şat alle şinges woot. and alle şinges may {and} ne wool nat but
only goode şinges. ¶ şan seide she şus. certys q{uo}d she şat were a
grete meruayle {and} an enbaissynge wişouten ende. {and} wel more
horrible şan alle monstres yif it were as ş{o}u wenest. şat is to sein.
şat in şe ry[gh]t ordeyne house of so mochel a fader {and} an ordenour
of meyne. şat şe vesseles şat ben foule {and} vyle sholde ben hono{ur}ed
{and} heried. and şe p{re}cious uesseles sholde ben defouled {and} vyle.
but it nis nat so. For yif şe şinges şat I haue co{n}cluded a litel here
byforne ben kept hoole {and} vnraced. şou shalt wel knowe by şe
auctorite of god. of şe whos regne I speke şat certys şe good[e] folk
ben alwey my[gh]ty. {and} shrewes ben alwey yuel {and} feble. ne şe
vices ben neu{e}re mo wiş outen peyne[;] ne şe vertues ne ben nat wiş
outen mede. and şat blisfulnesses comen alwey to goode folke. {and}
infortune comeş alwey to wicked folke. ¶ And şou shalt wel knowe many[e]
şinges of şis kynde ş{a}t sholle cessen şi pleyntes. {and} stedfast şe
wiş stedfast saddenesse. ¶ And for şou hast seyn şe forme of şe verray
blisfulnesse by me şat [haue] somtyme I-shewed it şe. And şou hast
knowen i{n} whom blysfulnesse is set. alle şinges I treted ş{a}t I trowe
ben nessessarie to put[te] furşe ¶ I shal shewe şe. şe weye şat shal
brynge şe a[gh]eyne vnto şi house {and} I shal ficche feşeres in şi
şou[gh]t by whiche it may arysen in hey[gh]te. so şat al
tribulac{i}ou{n} don awey şou by my gidyng & by my paşe {and} by my
sledes shalt mowen retourne hool {and} sounde in to şi contre.
SU{N}T ETENIM PENNE. {ET} C{ETERA}.
[Sidenote: [The fyrste met{ur}.]]
++I Haue for soşe swifte feşeres şat surmou{n}ten şe hey[gh]t of şe
heuene whan şe swifte şou[gh]t haş cloşed it self. in şo feşeres it
dispiseş şe hat[e]ful erşes. {and} surmou{n}teş şe hey[gh]enesse of şe
greet[e] eyir. {and} it seiş şe cloudes by-hynde hir bak {and} passeş şe
hey[gh]t of şe regiou{n} of şe fire şat eschaufiş by şe swifte moeuyng
of şe firmament. til şat she a-reisiş hir in til şe houses ş{a}t beren
şe sterres. {and} ioygneş hir weyes wiş şe sonne phebus. {and}
felawshipeş şe weye of şe olde colde saturnus. and she ymaked a kny[gh]t
of şe clere sterre. şat is to seyne şat şe soule is maked goddys
kny[gh]t by şe sekyng of treuşe to comen to şe verray knowlege of god.
and şilke soule renne[ş] by şe cercle of şe sterres in alle şe places
şere as şe shynyng ny[gh]t is depeynted. şat is to seyne şe ny[gh]t şat
is cloudeles. for on ny[gh]tes şat ben cloudeles it semeş as şe heuene
were peynted wiş dyuerse ymages of sterres. {and} whan şe soule haş gon
ynou[gh] she shal forleten şe last[e] poynt of şe heuene. {and} she shal
p{re}ssen {and} wenden on şe bak of şe swifte firmament. and she shal
ben maked p{er}fit of şe dredefulle clerenesse of god. ¶ şere haldeş şe
lorde of kynges şe ceptre of his my[gh]t {and} atte{m}p{er}eş şe
gouernementes of şis worlde. {and} şe shynynge iuge of şinges stable
i{n} hy{m} self gouerneş şe swifte carte. şat is to seyne şe circuler
moeuyng of [the] sonne. {and} yif şi weye ledeş şe a[gh]eyne so şat şou
be brou[gh]t şider. şan wilt şou seye now şat şat is şe contre şat şou
requeredest of whiche şou ne haddest no mynde. but now it remenbreş me
wel here was I born. here wil I fastne my degree. here wil I dwelle. but
yif şe lyke şan to loken on şe derkenesse of şe erşe şat şou hast
for-leten. şan shalt şou seen şat şise felonous tyrauntes şat şe
wrecched[e] poeple dredeş now shule ben exiled from şilke faire contre.
TUNC EGO PAPE INQ{UA}M. {ET} C{ETERA}.
[Sidenote: [The 2^e p{ro}se.]]
++ŞAnne seide I şus. [owh] I wondre me şat şou by-hetest me so grete
şinges. ne I ne doute nat şat ş{o}u ne mayst wel p{er}forme şat şou
by-hetest. but I preie şe oonly şis. şat şou ne tarie nat to telle me
şilke şinges şat şou hast meoued. first q{uo}d she şou most nedes
knowen. ş{a}t good[e] folk ben al wey strong[e] {and} my[gh]ty. and şe
shrewes ben feble {and} desert {and} naked of alle strengşes. and of
şise şinges certys eueryche of hem is declared {and} shewed by oş{er}.
¶ For so as good {and} yuel ben two cont{ra}ries. yif so be şat goode be
stedfast. şa{n} sheweş şe fieblesse of yuel al openly. and yif şou knowe
clerely şe freelnesse of yuel. şe stedfastnesse of goode is knowen. but
for as moche as şe fey of my sentence shal be şe more ferme {and}
habou{n}daunt. I wil goon by şat oon wey {and} by şat oşer {and} I wil
conferme şe şinges şat ben p{ur}posed now on şis side {and} now on ş{a}t
syde. ¶ Two şinges şer ben in whiche şe effect of alle şe dedes of man
kynde standiş. şat is to seyn. wil {and} power. and yif şat oon of şise
two fayleş şere nis no şing şat may be don. for yif şat wil lakkeş şere
nys no wy[gh]t şat vndirtakeş to done şat he wol not don. and yif power
fayleş şe wille nis but i{n} ydel {and} stant for nau[gh]t. and şer of
comeş it şat yif şou se a wy[gh]t şat wolde gete{n} şat he may nat
geten. şou mayst nat douten şat power ne fayleş hy{m} to haue{n} şat he
wolde. ¶ şis is open {and} clere q{uo}d I. ne it may nat ben denyed in
no manere. and yif şou se a wy[gh]t q{uo}d she. şat haş don şat he wolde
don ş{o}u nilt nat douten şat he ne haş had power to done it. no q{uo}d.
I. and in şat. şat euery wy[gh]t may. in şat şat men may holden hym
my[gh]ty. as who seiş i{n} as moche as a man is my[gh]ty to done a şing.
in so moche men halden hy{m} my[gh]ty. and in şat şat he ne may. in şat
men demen hym to ben feble. I confesse it wel q{uo}d I. Remembriş şe
q{uo}d she şat I. haue gadred {and} shewed by forseide resou{n}s şat al
şe entenc{i}ou{n} of şe wil of ma{n}kynde whiche şat is lad by diuerse
studies hastiş to comen to blisfulnesse. ¶ It reme{m}breş me wel q{uo}d
I şat it hath ben shewed. {and} recordeş şe nat şan q{uo}d she. şat
blisfulnesse is şilke same goode şat men requeren. so şat whan şat
blisfulnesse is requered of alle. şat goode [also] is requered {and}
desired of al. It recordeş me wel q{uo}d I. for haue it gretly alwey
ficche[d] in my memorie. alle folk şan q{uo}d she goode {and} eke badde
enforcen he{m} wiş oute difference of entenc{i}ou{n} to come{n} to
goode. şat is a uerray consequence q{uo}d I. and certeyne is q{uo}d she
şat by şe gety{n}g of goode ben men ymaked goode. şis is certeyne
q{uo}d. I. ¶ şan geten goode men şat şei desiren. so semeş it q{uo}d I.
but wicked[e] folk q{uo}d she yif şei geten şe goode şat şei desire{n}
şei [ne] mowen nat ben wicked. so is it q{uo}d .I. ¶ şan so as şat oon
{and} şat oşer [q{uod} she] desiren good. {and} şe goode folk geten good
{and} nat şe wicked folk ¶ şan nis it no doute şat şe goode folk ne ben
my[gh]ty {and} şe wicked folk ben feble. ¶ who so şat euer q{uo}d I
douteş of şis. he ne may nat considre şe nature of şi{n}ges. ne şe
consequence of resou{n}. and ouer şis q{uo}d she. ¶ yif şat şer ben two
şinges şat han o same p{ur}pos by kynde. {and} şat one of he{m}
p{ur}sueş {and} p{er}formeş şilke same şinge by naturel office. {and}
şat oşer ne may nat done şilk naturel office. but folweş by oşer manere
şan is couenable to nat{ur}e ¶ Hym şat acomplisiş hys p{ur}pos kyndely.
{and} [gh]it he ne acomplisiş nat hys owen purpos. wheşer of şise two
demest şou for more my[gh]ty. ¶ yif şat I coniecte q{uo}d .I. şat şou
wilt seye algates. [gh]it I desire to herkene it more pleynely of şe.
şou nilt nat şan denye q{uo}d she şat şe moeueme{n}t[gh] of goynge nis
in men by kynde. no for soşe q{uo}d I. ne şou ne doutest nat q{uo}d she
ş{a}t şilke naturel office of goynge ne be şe office of feet. I ne doute
it nat q{uo}d .I. şan q{uo}d she yif şat a wy[gh]t be my[gh]ty to moeue
{and} goş vpon hys feet. and anoşer to whom şilke naturel office of feet
lakkeş. enforceş hym to gone crepynge vpo{n} hys handes. ¶ whiche of
şise two au[gh]te to ben holden more my[gh]ty by ry[gh]t. knyt furşe şe
remenaunt q{uo}d I. ¶ For no wy[gh]t ne douteş şat he şat may gone by
nat{ur}el office of feet. ne be more my[gh]ty şan he şat ne may nat
¶ but şe souereyne good q{uo}d she şat is euenlyche p{ur}posed to şe
good folk {and} to badde. şe good folke seken it by naturel office of
uertues. {and} şe shrewes enforcen hem to geten it by dyuerse couetise
of erşely şinges. whiche şat nis no naturel office to geten şilke same
souereyne goode. trowest şou şat it be any oşer wyse. nay q{uo}d .I. for
şe co{n}seque{n}ce is open {and} shewynge of şinges şat I haue graunted.
¶ şat nedes goode folk moten ben my[gh]ty. {and} shrewes feble {and}
vnmy[gh]ty. ¶ şou rennest ary[gh]t byfore me q{uo}d she. {and} şis is şe
iugement şat is to seyn. ¶ I iuge of şe ry[gh]t as şise leches ben wont
forto hopen of seke folk whan şei ap{er}ceyuen şat nature is redressed
{and} wişstondeş to şe maladie. ¶ But for I see şe now al redy to şe
vndirstandynge I shal shewe şe more şilke {and} continuel resou{n}s.
¶ For loke now how gretly shewiş şe feblesse {and} infirmite of wicked
folke. şat ne mowen nat come to şat hire naturel entenc{i}ou{n} ledeş
hem. {and} [gh]itte almost şilk naturel entenc{i}ou{n} constreineş hem.
¶ and what wer{e} to deme şan of shrewes. yif şilke naturel helpe hadde
for-leten hem. ¶ şe whiche naturel helpe of entenc{i}ou{n} goş alwey
byforne hem. {and} is so grete şat vnneş it may be ou{er}comen.
¶ Considre şan how gret defaute of power {and} how gret feblesse şere is
in grete felonous folk as who seiş şe gretter şi{n}ges şat ben coueited
{and} şe desire nat accomplissed of şe lasse my[gh]t is he şat coueiteş
it {and} may nat acomplisse. ¶ And forşi philosophie seiş şus by
souereyne good. ¶ Sherewes ne requere nat ly[gh]t[e] medes ne veyne
gaines whiche şei ne may nat folwen ne holden. but şei fayle{n} of şilke
some of şe hey[gh]te of şinges şat is to seyne souereyne good. ne şise
wrecches ne comen nat to şe effect of souereyne good. şe whiche şei
enforcen hem oonly to gete{n} by ny[gh]tes {and} by dayes. ¶ In şe
getyn[g] of whiche goode şe strengşe of good folk. is ful wel ysen. For
ry[gh]t so as ş{o}u my[gh]test demen hym my[gh]ty of goynge şat goş on
hys feet til he my[gh]t[e] come to şilke place fro şe whiche place şere
ne lay no wey forşer to be gon. Ry[gh]t so most şou nedes demen hym for
ry[gh]t my[gh]ty şat getiş {and} atteiniş to şe ende of alle şinges şat
ben to desire. by-[gh]onde şe whiche ende şat şer nis no şing to desire.
¶ Of whiche power of good folk men may conclude şat wicked men semen to
ben bareyne {and} naked of alle strengşe. For whi forleten şei v{er}tues
{and} folwen vices. nis it nat for şat şei ne knowen nat şe goodes.
¶ But what şing is more feble {and} more caitif şan is şe blyndenesse of
ignoraunce. or ellys şei knowen ful wel whiche şinges şat şei au[gh]ten
to folwen ¶ but lecherye {and} couetise ouerşroweş hem mysturned. ¶ and
certis so doş distemp{er}aunce to feble men. şat ne mowe{n} nat wrastle
a[gh]eins şe vices ¶ Ne knowen şei nat şan wel şat şei foreleten şe good
wilfully. {and} turnen hem vilfully to vices. ¶ And in şis wise şei ne
forleten nat oonly to ben my[gh]ty. but şei forleten al outerly in any
wise forto ben ¶ For şei şat forleten şe comune fyn of alle şinges şat
ben. şei for-leten also şerwiş al forto ben. and p{er}auenture it sholde
semen to som folk şat şis were a merueile to seyne şat shrewes whiche
şat contienen şe more p{ar}tie of me{n} ne ben nat. ne han no beynge.
¶ but naşeles it is so. {and} şus stant şis şing for şei şat ben shrewes
I denye nat şat şei ben shrewes. but I denye {and} sey[e] symplely and
pleynly şat şei [ne] ben nat. ne han no beynge. for ry[gh]t as şou
my[gh]test seyn of şe careyne of a man şat it were a ded man. ¶ but şou
ne my[gh]test nat symplely callen it a man. ¶ So graunt[e] I wel for
soşe şat vicious folk ben wicked. but I ne may nat graunten absolutely
{and} symplely şat şei ben. ¶ For şilk şing şat wiş holdeş ordre {and}
kepiş nature. şilk şing is {and} haş beynge. but şat şing şat faileş of
şat. şat is to seyne he ş{a}t forletiş naturel ordre he for-letiş şilk
beyng şat is set in hys nature. but şou wolt sein şat shrewes mowen.
¶ Certys şat ne denye I nat. ¶ but certys hir power ne descendeş nat of
strengşe but of feblesse. for şei mowen don wickednesses. şe whiche şei
ne my[gh]ten nat don yif şei my[gh]te{n} dwelle in şe forme {and} in şe
doynge of goode folke. ¶ And şilke power sheweş ful euydently şat şei ne
mowen ry[gh]t nau[gh]t. ¶ For so as I haue gadered {and} p{ro}ued a
lytel her byforn şat yuel is nau[gh]t. {and} so as shrewes mowen oonly
but shrewednesse. şis conclusiou{n} is al clere. şat shrewes ne mowen
ry[gh]t nat to han power. and for as moche as şou vndirstonde whiche is
şe strengşe şat is power of shrewes. I haue diffinised a lytel here
byforn şat no şing nis so my[gh]ty as souereyne good ¶ şat is soşe
q{uo}d .I. [{and} thilke same souereyn good may don non yuel // Certes
no q{uod} I] ¶ Is şer any wy[gh]t şan q{uo}d she şat weniş şat men mowen
don alle şinges. No man q{uo}d .I. but yif he be out of hys witte. ¶ but
certys sherewes mowen doñ yuel q{uo}d she. ¶ [gh]e wolde god q{uo}d I
şat şei ne my[gh]te{n} don none. şat q{uo}d she so as he şat is my[gh]ty
to done oonly but good[e] şinges may don alle şinges. and şei şat ben
my[gh]ty to done yuel[e] şinges ne mowen nat alle şinges. şan is şis
open şing {and} manifest şat şei ş{a}t mowe{n} don yuel ben of lasse
power. and [gh]itte to p{ro}ue şis conclusiou{n} şere helpeş me şis şat
I haue shewed here byforne. şat al power is to be nou{m}bred amonge
şinges şat men au[gh]ten requere. {and} haue shewed şat alle şi{n}ges
şat au[gh]ten ben desired ben referred to good ry[gh]t as to a manere
hey[gh]te of hyr nature. ¶ But for to mowen don yuel {and} felonye ne
may nat ben referred to good. şan nis nat yuel of şe nou{m}bre of şinges
şat au[gh]te{n}. be desired. but al power au[gh]t[e] ben desired {and}
requered. ¶ şan is it open {and} cler şat şe power ne şe moeuyng of
shrewes nis no powere. {and} of alle şise şinges it sheweş wel şat şe
goode folk ben certeynly my[gh]ty. {and} şe shrewes ben douteles
vnmy[gh]ty ¶ And it is clere {and} open şat şilke sentence of plato is
uerray {and} soşe. ş{a}t seyş şat oonly wiseme{n} may [doon] şat şei
desiren. {and} shrewes mowen haunten şat hem lykeş. but şat şei desiren
şat is to seyne to comen to souereyne good şei ne han no power to
acomplissen şat. ¶ For shrewes don şat hem list whan by şo şinges in
whiche şei deliten şei wenen to atteyne to şilke good şat şei desiren.
but şei ne geten ne atteynen nat şer to. ¶ for vices ne comen nat to
blisfulnesse.
QUOS UIDES SEDERE CELSOS.
[Sidenote: [The ij^de Met{ur}.]]
++Who so şat şe couertures of her veyn apparailes my[gh]t[e] strepen of
şise proude kynges şat şou seest sitten on hey[gh]e in her chayeres
glyterynge in shynynge purpre envyroned wiş sorweful arm{ur}es manasyng
wiş cruel mouşe. blowyng by woodnesse of herte. ¶ He sholde se şan şat
ilke lordes beren wiş i{n}ne hir corages ful streyte cheynes for
leccherye tormentiş he{m} on şat oon syde wiş gredy venyms {and}
troublable Ire şat araiseş in hem şe floodes of troublynges tourmentiş
vpon şat oşer side hir şou[gh]t. or sorwe halt he{m} wery or ycau[gh]t.
or slidyng {and} disseyuyng hope tourmentiş hem. And şerfore syn şou
seest on heed. şat is to seyne oon tyraunt bere so many[e] tyrauntis.
şa{n} ne doş şilk tyraunt nat şat he desiriş. syn he is cast doune wiş
so many[e] wicked lordes. şat is to seyn wiş so many[e] vices. şat han
so wicked lordshipes ouer hym.
VIDES NE IGITUR QUANTO.
[Sidenote: [The iij.^de p{ro}se.]]
++SEest şou nat şan in how gret filşe şise shrewes ben ywrapped. {and}
wiş whiche cleernesse şise good folk shynen. In şis sheweş it wel şat to
good folk ne lakkeş neuer mo hir medes. ne shrewes ne lakken neuer mo
to{ur}mentis. for of alle şinges şat ben ydon şilke şing for whiche any
şing is doon. it semeş as by ry[gh]t şat şilke şing be şe mede of şat.
as şus. ¶ yif a man renneş in şe stadie or in şe forlonge for şe corone.
şan lieş şe mede in şe corone for whiche he renneş. ¶ And I haue shewed
şat blisfulnesse is şilke same good for whiche şat alle şi{n}g{us} ben
don. şan is şilke same good p{ur}posed to şe werkes of mankynde ry[gh]t
as a comune mede. whiche mede ne may ben disseuered fro good folk. for
no wy[gh]t as by ry[gh]t fro şennes forşe ş{a}t hym lakkiş goodnesse ne
shal ben cleped good. For whiche şing folk of good[e] maneres her medes
ne forsaken hem neuer mo. For al be it so şat sherewes waxen as wood as
hem list a[gh]eynes good[e] folk. [gh]itte neuer şe les şe corone of
wise men ne shal nat fallen ne faden. ¶ For foreine shrewednesse ne
bynymeş nat fro şe corages of good[e] folk hire p{ro}pre honoure. but
yif şat any wy[gh]t reioiseş hem of goodnesse şat şei had[de] taken fro
wişoute. as who seiş yif [ş{a}t] any wy[gh]t had[de] hys goodnesse of
any oşer man şan of hym self. certys he şat [gh]af hym şilke goodnesse
or ellys som oşer wy[gh]t my[gh]t[e] bynym[e] it hym. but for as moche
as to euery wy[gh]t hys owen p{ro}pre bounte [gh]eueş hy{m} hys mede.
şan at arst shal he faylen of mede whan he forletiş to ben good. {and}
at şe laste so as alle medes be{n} requered for men wenen şat şei ben
good[e]. who is he şat wolde deme şat he şat is ry[gh]t my[gh]ty of
goode were p{ar}tles of mede. {and} of what mede shal he be gerdoned.
certys of ry[gh]t faire mede {and} ry[gh]t greet abouen alle medes.
¶ Remembre şe of şilk noble corolarie şat I [gh]af şe a lytel here
byforne. {and} gadre it to gidre in şis manere. so as god hym self is
blisfulnesse. şan is it clere {and} certeyn. şat alle good folk ben
makid blisful for şei ben good[e]. and şilke folk şat ben blisful it
accordiş {and} is couenable to ben godde[s]. şan is şe mede of goode
folk swiche. şat no day [ne] shal enpeyren it. ne no wickednesse shal
endirken it. ne power of no wy[gh]t ne shal nat amenusen it şat is to
seyn to ben maked goddes. ¶ and syn it is şus şat goode men ne faylen
neuer mo of hir{e} medes. ¶ certys no wise man ne may doute of şe
vndep{ar}table peyne of shrewes. ¶ şat is to seyn şat şe peyne of
shrewes ne dep{ar}tiş nat from hem self neuer mo. ¶ For so as goode
{and} yuel {and} peyne {and} medes ben contrarie it mot nedes ben ş{a}t
ry[gh]t as we seen by-tiden in gerdou{n} of goode. şat also mot şe peyne
of yuel answer{e} by şe contrarie partye to shrewes. now şan so as
bounte {and} prowesse ben şe medes to goode folk. also is shrewednesse
it self torment to shrewes ¶ şan who so şat euer is entecched {and}
defouled wiş yuel. yif shrewes wolen şan p{re}isen hem self may it semen
to hem şat şei ben wiş oute{n} p{ar}tye of tourment. syn şei ben swiche
şat şe [vtteriste wikkednesse / ş{a}t is to seyn wikkede thewes / which
ş{a}t is the] out{er}este {and} şe w[or]ste kynde of shrewednesse ne
defouliş nat ne entecehiş nat hem oonly but infectiş {and} enuenemyş
he{m} gretely ¶ And al so loke on shrewes şat ben şe contrarie p{ar}tye
of goode men. how grete peyne felawshipeş {and} folweş hem. ¶ For şou
hast lerned a litel here byforn şat al şi{n}g şat is {and} haş beynge is
oon. {and} şilke same oon is good. şan is şis consequence şat it semeş
wel. şat al şat is {and} haş bey{n}ge is good. şis is to seyne. as who
seiş şat beynge {and} vnite {and} goodnesse is al oon. {and} in şis
manere it folweş şan. şat al şing şat faileş to ben good. it styntiş
forto be. {and} forto haue any beynge. wher fore it is şat shrewes
stynten forto ben şat şei weren. but şilke oşer forme of mankynde. şat
is to seyne şe forme of şe body wiş oute. shewiş [gh]it şat şise shrewes
were somtyme men. ¶ wher fore whan şei ben p{er}uerted {and} torned in
to malice. certys şan han şei forlorn şe nature of mankynde. but so as
oonly bounte {and} prowesse may enhawnse euery man ouer oşer men. şan
mot it nedes be şat shrewes whiche şat shrewednesse haş cast out of şe
condic{i}ou{n} of mankynde ben put vndir şe merite {and} şe deserte of
men. şan bitidiş it şat yif şou seest a wy[gh]t şat be t{ra}nsformed in
to vices. şou ne mayst nat wene şat he be a man. ¶ For [gh]if he [be]
ardaunt in auarice. {and} şat he be a rauyno{ur} by violence of foreine
rychesse. şou shalt seyn şat he is lyke to a wolf. {and} yif he be
felonous {and} wiş out reste {and} ex{er}cise hys tonge to chidynges.
şou shalt lykene hym to şe hounde. {and} yif he be a p{re}ue awaito{ur}
yhid {and} reioyseş hym to rauysshe by wyles. şou shalt seyne hym lyke
to şe fox whelpes. ¶ And yif he be distempre {and} quakiş for ire men
shal wene şat he bereş şe corage of a lyou{n}. {and} yif he be dredeful
{and} fleynge and dredeş şinges şat ne au[gh]ten nat ben dred. men shal
holde hym lyke to şe h{er}te. {and} yif he be slowe {and} astoned {and}
lache. he lyueş as an asse. {and} yif he be ly[gh]t {and} vnstedfast of
corage {and} chaungeş ay his studies. he is lickened to briddes. ¶ {and}
yif he be plounged in foule {and} vnclene luxuries. he is wişholden in
şe foule delices of şe foule soowe. ¶ şan folweş it şat he şat forletiş
bountee {and} prowesse. he forletiş to ben a man. syn he ne may nat
passe in to şe condic{i}ou{n} of god. he is tourned in to a beest.
V[E]LA NARICII DUCIS.
[Sidenote: [The 3^de Met{ur}.]]
++Evrus şe wynde aryueş şe sayles of vlixes duc of şe contre of narice.
{and} hys wandryng shippes by şe see in to şe isle şere as Circe şe
fayre goddesse dou[gh]ter of şe sonne dwelleş şat medlyş to hir newe
gestes drynkes şat ben touched {and} maked wiş enchau{n}tment[gh]. {and}
after şat hir hande my[gh]ty of şe herbes had[de] chau{n}ged hir gestes
i{n} to dyuerse maneres. şat oon of hem is couered his face wiş forme of
a boor. şat oşer is chau{n}ged in to a lyou{n} of şe contre of
marmorike. {and} his nayles {and} his teşe wexen. ¶ şat oşer of hem is
newliche chaunged in to a wolf. {and} howeliş whan he wolde wepe. şat
oşer goş debonairly in şe house as a tigre of Inde. but al be it so şat
şe godhed of mercurie şat is cleped şe bride of arcadie haş had mercie
of şe duc vlixes byseged wiş diu{er}se yueles {and} haş vnbounden hym
fro şe pestilence of hys oosteresse algates şe rowers {and} şe maryners
hadden by şis ydrawen in to hir mouşes {and} dronken şe wicked[e]
drynkes şei şat were woxen swyne hadden by şis chau{n}ged hire mete of
brede forto ete acorns of ookes. non of hir lymes ne dwelliş wiş he{m}
hoole. but şei han lost şe voys {and} şe body. Oonly hir{e} şou[gh]t
dwelleş wiş hem stable ş{a}t wepiş {and} bywailiş şe monstruous
chaungynge şat şei suffren. ¶ O ouer ly[gh]t hand. as who seiş. ¶ O
feble {and} ly[gh]t is şe hand of Circes şe enchaunteresse şat chaungeş
şe bodies of folk in to bestes to regarde {and} to co{m}parisou{n} of
mutac{i}ou{n} şat is makid by vices. ne şe herbes of circes ne ben nat
my[gh]ty. for al be it so şat şei may chau{n}gen şe lymes of şe body.
¶ algates [gh]it şei may nat chau{n}ge şe hertes. for wiş inne is yhid
şe strengşe {and} şe vigour of me{n} in şe secre toure of hire hertys.
şat is to seyn şe strengşe of resou{n}. but şilke uenyms of vices
to-drawen a man to hem more my[gh]tily şan şe venym of circes. ¶ For
vices ben so cruel şat şei percen {and} şoru[gh] passen şe corage wiş
i{n}ne. {and} şou[gh] şei ne anoye nat şe body. [gh]itte vices wooden to
distroien men by wounde of şou[gh]t.
TUNC EGO FATEOR INQ{UA}M.
[Sidenote: [The ferthe p{ro}se.]]
++Şan seide I şus I confesse {and} am aknowe q{uo}d I. ne I ne se nat
şat men may seyn as by ry[gh]t. ş{a}t shrewes ne ben nat chaunged in to
beestes by şe qualite of hir soules. ¶ Al be it so ş{a}t şei kepen
[gh]itte şe forme of şe body of mankynde. but I nolde nat of shrewes of
whiche şe şou[gh]t cruel woodeş alwey in to destrucc{i}ou{n} of good[e]
men. şat it wer{e} leueful to hem to done şat. ¶ Certys q{uo}d she ne it
nis nat leueful to hem as I shal wel shewen şe in couenable place. ¶ But
naşeles yif so were şat şilke şat me{n} wene{n} ben leueful for shrewes
were bynomen hem. so şat şei ne my[gh]ten nat anoyen or don harme to
goode men. ¶ Certys a gret p{ar}ty of şe peyne to shrewes shulde ben
allegged {and} releued. ¶ For al be it so ş{a}t şis ne seme nat credible
şing p{er}auent{ur}e to so{m}me folk [gh]it mot it nedes be şat shrewes
ben more wrecches {and} vnsely. whan şei may don {and} p{er}forme şat
şei coueiten [than yif they myhte nat complyssen ş{a}t they coueyten].
¶ For yif so be şat it be wrecchednesse to wilne to don yuel[;] şan is
it more wrecchednesse to mowen don yuel. wiş oute whiche moeuyng şe
wrecched wille sholde languisshe wiş oute effecte. ¶ şan syn şat
eueryche of şise şinges haş hys wrecchednesse. şat is to seyne wil to
done yuel. and moeuynge to done yuel. it mot nedes be. şat şei (shrewes)
ben constreyned by şre vnselynesses şat wolen {and} mowen {and}
p{er}formen felonyes {and} shrewednesses. ¶ I accorde me q{uo}d I. but I
desire gretely şat shrewes losten sone şilke vnselynesses. şat is to
seyne şat shrewes were despoyled of moeuyng to don yuel. ¶ so shulle{n}
şei q{uo}d she. sonnere p{er}auenture şen ş{o}u woldest or sonnere şen
şei hem self wenen to lakken mowynge to done yuel. ¶ For şere nis no
şing so late in so short bou{n}des of şis lijf şat is longe to abide.
namelyche to a corage inmortel. Of whiche shrewes şe grete hope {and} şe
heye co{m}passy{n}g{us} of shrewednesse is often destroyed by a sodeyne
ende or şei ben war. {and} şat şing establiş to shrewes şe ende of hir
shrewednesse. ¶ For yif şat shrewednesse makişe wrecches. şan mot he
nedes be most wrecched şat lengest is a shrewe. şe whiche wicked shrewes
wolde ydemen aldirmost vnsely {and} caytifs yif şat hir shrewednes ne
were yfinissed. at şe leste weye by şe outerest[e] deeş. for [yif] I
haue concluded soşe of şe vnselynesse of shrewednesse. şan sheweş it
clerely şat şilke shrewednesse is wiş outen ende şe whiche is certeyne
to ben p{er}durable. ¶ Certys q{uo}d I şis [conclusion] is harde {and}
wonderful to graunte. ¶ But I knowe wel şat it accordeş moche to [the]
şi{n}ges şat I haue graunted her byforne. ¶ şou hast q{uo}d she şe
ry[gh]t estimac{i}ou{n} of şis. but who so euere wene şat it be an harde
şing to acorde hym to a conclusiou{n}. it is ry[gh]t şat he shewe şat
so{m}me of şe p{re}misses ben fals. or ellys he mot shewe şat şe
colasiou{n} of p{re}posic{i}ou{n}s nis nat spedful to a necessarie
conclusio{n}. ¶ and yif it be nat so. but şat şe p{re}misses ben
yg{ra}nted şer nis nat whi he sholde blame şe argument. for şis şing şat
I shal telle şe nowe ne shal not seme lasse wondirful. but of şe şinges
şat ben taken al so it is necessarie as who so seiş it folweş of şat
whiche şat is p{ur}posed byforn. what is şat q{uo}d I. ¶ certys q{uo}d
she şat is şat ş{a}t şise wicked shrewes ben more blysful or ellys lasse
wrecches. şat byen şe tourmentes şat şei han deserued. şan yif no peyne
of Iustice ne chastied[e] hem. ne şis ne seye I nat now for şat any man
my[gh]t[e] şenk[e] şat şe maneres of shrewes ben coriged {and} chastised
by veniaunce. {and} şat şei ben brou[gh]t to şe ry[gh]t wey by şe drede
of şe tourment. ne for şat şei [gh]euen to oşer folk ensample to fleyen
fro{m} vices. ¶ But I vndirstonde [gh]itte [in] an oşer manere şat
shrewes ben more vnsely whan şei ne ben nat punissed al be it so şat
şere ne ben had no resou{n} or lawe of correcc{i}ou{n}. ne none ensample
of lokynge. ¶ And what manere shal şat ben q{uo}d I. ouşer şan haş ben
told here byforn ¶ Haue we nat graunted şan q{uo}d she şat good[e] folk
ben blysful. {and} shrewes ben wrecches. [gh]is q{uo}d I. [thanne q{uod}
she] [gh]if şat any good were added to şe wrecchenesse of any wy[gh]t.
nis he nat more blisful şan he şat ne haş no medelyng of goode in hys
solitarie wrecchednesse. so semeş it q{uo}d I. and what seyst şou şan
q{uo}d she of şilke wrecche şat lakkeş alle goodes. so şat no goode nis
medeled in hys wrecchednesse. {and} [gh]itte ouer alle hys wickednesse
for whiche he is a wrecche şat şer be [gh]itte anoşer yuel anexid {and}
knyt to hym. shal not men demen hym more vnsely şan şilke wrecche of
whiche şe vnselynesse is re[le]ued by şe p{ar}ticipac{i}ou{n} of som
goode. whi sholde he nat q{uo}d I. ¶ şan certys q{uo}d she han shrewes
whan şei ben punissed somwhat of good anexid to hir wrecchednesse. şat
is to seyne şe same peyne şat şei suffren whiche şat is good by şe
resou{n} of Iustice. And whan şilke same shrewes ascapen wiş outen
tourment. şan han şei somwhat more of yuel [gh]it ouer şe wickednesse
şat şei han don. şat is to seye defaute of peyne. whiche defaute of
peyne şou hast graunted is yuel. ¶ For şe desert of felonye I ne may nat
denye it q{uo}d I. ¶ Moche more şan q{uo}d she ben shrewes vnsely whan
şei ben wrongfully delyuered fro peyne. şan whan şei beş punissed by
ry[gh]tful vengeaunce. but şis is open şi{n}g {and} clere şat it is
ry[gh]t şat shrewes ben punissed. {and} it is wickednesse {and} wrong
şat şei escapin vnpunissed. ¶ who my[gh]t[e] denye şat q{uo}d I. but
q{uo}d she may any ma{n} denye. şat al şat is ry[gh]t nis good. {and}
also şe contrarie. şat alle şat is wrong nis wicked. certys q{uo}d I
şise şinges ben clere ynou[gh]. {and} şat we han concludid a litel here
byforn{e}. but I p{re}ye şe şat şou telle me yif şou accordest to leten
no to{ur}ment to şe soules aftir şat şe body is dedid by şe deşe. şis
[is] to seyn. vndirstondest şou ou[gh]t şat soules han any to{ur}ment
after şe deşe of şe body. ¶ Certis q{uo}d she [gh]e {and} şat ry[gh]t
grete. of whiche soules q{uo}d she I trowe şat so{m}me ben to{ur}mentid
by asprenesse of peyne. {and} so{m}me soules I trowe be exc{er}cised by
a p{ur}ging mekenesse. but my conseil nys nat to determyne of şis peyne.
but I haue trauayled and told it hider to. ¶ For şou sholdest knowe şat
şe mowynge [.i. myght] of shrewes whiche mowynge şe semeş to ben.
vnworşi nis no mowynge. {and} eke of shrewes of whiche şou pleynedest
şat şei ne were nat punissed. şat şou woldest seen şat şei ne weren
neuer mo wiş outen şe torment of hire wickednesse. {and} of şe licence
of mowynge to done yuel. şat şou p{re}idest şat it my[gh]t[e] sone ben
endid. {and} şat şou woldest fayne lerne. şat it ne sholde nat longe
endure. {and} şat shrewes ben more vnsely yif şei were of lenger duryng.
{and} most vnsely yif şei weren p{er}durable. {and} after şis I haue
shewed şe şat more vnsely ben shrewes whan şei escapen wiş oute
ry[gh]tful peyne. şan whan şei ben punissed by ry[gh]tful uengeaunce.
and of şis sentence folweş it şat şan be{n} shrewes constreyned atte
laste wiş most greuous tourment. whan men wene şat şei ne ben nat
ypunissed. whan I considre şi resou{n}s q{uo}d I. I. ne trowe nat şat
men seyn any şing more verrely. {and} yif I to{ur}ne a[gh]eyn to şe
studies of men. who is [he] to who{m} it sholde seme şat [he] ne sholde
nat only leue{n} şise şinges. but eke gladly herkene he{m}. Certys
q{uo}d she so it is. but men may nat. for şei han hire eyen so wont to
derkenesse of erşely şinges. şat şei may nat liften hem vp to şe ly[gh]t
of clere soşefastnes. ¶ But şei ben lyke to briddes of whiche şe ny[gh]t
ly[gh]tneş hyre lookyng. {and} şe day blyndeş hem. for whan men loken
nat şe ordre of şinges but hire lustes {and} talent[gh]. şei wene şat
oşir şe leue or şe mowynge to done wickednesse or ellys şe escapi{n}g
wiş oute peyne be weleful. but co{n}sider{e} şe iugement of şe
p{er}durable lawe. for if şou conferme şi corage to şe beste şinges. şou
ne hast no nede to no iuge to [gh]iue{n} şe p{r}is or meede. for şou
hast ioigned şi self to şe most excellent şing. and yif şou haue
enclined şi studies to şe wicked şinges. ne seek no foreyn wrekere out
of şi self. for şou şi self hast şrest şe in to wicked şinges. ry[gh]t
as şou my[gh]test loken by dyuerse tymes şe foule erşe {and} şe heuene.
{and} şat alle oşer şinges stynten fro wiş oute. so şat şou [ner{e}
neyther in heuene ne in erthe] ne say[e] no şing more. şan sholde it
semen to şe as by only resou{n} of lokynge. şat şou were in şe sterres.
{and} now in şe erşe. but şe poeple ne lokeş nat on şise şinges. what
şan shal we şan app{ro}chen vs to hem şat I haue shewed şat şei ben lyke
to şe bestes. (q. d. no{n}) ¶ And what wilt şou seyne of şis ¶ yif şat a
man hadde al forlorn hys sy[gh]t. {and} had[de] for[gh]eten şat he euer
saw {and} wende ş{a}t no şing ne fayled[e] hym of p{er}fecc{i}ou{n} of
ma{n}kynde. now we şat my[gh]ten sen şe same şing wolde we nat wene şat
he were bly{n}de (q. d. sic). ne also ne accordeş nat şe poeple to şat I
shal seyne. şe whiche şing is susteyned by a stronge foundement of
resou{n}s. şat is to seyn şat more vnsely ben şei şat don wrong to oşer
folk. şen şei şat şe wrong suffren. ¶ I wolde heren şilke same resou{n}s
q{uo}d I ¶ Deniest şou q{uo}d she şat alle shrewes ne ben worşi to han
to{ur}ment. nay q{uo}d I. but q{uo}d she I am certeyne by many resou{n}s
şat shrewes ben vnsely. it accordeş q{uo}d I. şan [ne] dowtest şou nat
q{uo}d she şat şilke folk şat ben worşi of to{ur}ment şat şei ne ben
wrecches. It accordeş wel q{uo}d I. yif şou were şan q{uo}d she yset a
Iuge or a knower of şinges. wheşer trowest şou ş{a}t men sholde
to{ur}ment[e] hym şat haş don şe wronge. or hym şat haş suffred şe
wronge. I ne doute nat q{uo}d I. şat I nolde don suffissaunt
satisfacc{i}ou{n} to hym şat had[de] suffred şe wrong by şe sorwe of hym
şat had[de] don şe wronge. ¶ şan semeş it q{uo}d she şat şe doar of
wrong is more wrecche şan he şat haş suffred şe wrong. şat folweş wel
q{uo}d [I]. şan q{uo}d she by şise causes {and} by oşer causes şat ben
enforced by şe same roate şat filşe or synne by şe p{ro}pre nature of it
makeş men wretches. {and} it sheweş wel şat şe wrong şat me{n} don nis
nat şe wrecchenesse of hym şat receyueş şe wrong. but şe wrecchednesse
of hym şat doş şe wronge ¶ but certys q{uo}d she şise orato{ur}s or
aduocat[gh] don al şe contrarie for şei enforcen hem to co{m}moeue şe
iuges to han pite of he{m} şat han suffred {and} resceyued şe şinges şat
ben greuous {and} aspre. {and} [gh]itte men sholden more ry[gh]tfully
han pitee on hem şat don şe greuaunces {and} şe wronges. şe whiche
shrewes it were a more couenable şing şat şe accuso{ur}s or aduocat[gh]
not wroşe but pitous {and} debonaire ladden şe shrewes şat han don
wro{n}g to şe Iugement. ry[gh]t as men leden seke folk to şe leche. for
şat şei sholden seken out şe maladies of synne by to{ur}ment[gh]. and by
şis couenaunt eyşer şe entent of şe defendo{ur}s or aduocat[gh] sholde
fayle {and} cesen in al. or ellys yif şe office of aduocat[gh] wolde
bettre p{ro}fiten to men. it sholde be to{ur}ned in to şe habit of
accusac{i}ou{n}. şat is [to] s[e]yn şei sholde{n} accuse shrewes. {and}
nat excuse hem. {and} eke şe shrewes hem self. [gh]it it were leueful to
hem to seen at any clifte şe vertue şat şei han forleten. {and} sawen
şat şei sholde putten adou{n} şe filşes of hire vices by [the]
to{ur}ment[gh] of peynes. şei ne au[gh]ten nat ry[gh]t for şe
reco{m}pensac{i}ou{n} forto geten hem bounte {and} prowesse whiche şat
şei han lost demen ne holden şat şilke peynes weren to{ur}mentes to hem.
{and} eke şei wolden refuse şe attendau{n}ce of hir aduocat[gh] {and}
taken hem self to hire iuges {and} to hir accusours. for whiche it
bytideş [ş{a}t] as to şe wise folk şer nis no place ylete to hate. şat
is to seyn. şat hate ne haş no place amonges wise men. ¶ For no wy[gh]t
wolde haten gode men. but yif he were ouer moche a fole. ¶ and forto
haten shrewes it nis no resou{n}. ¶ For ry[gh]t so as languissing is
maladie of body. ry[gh]t so ben vices {and} sy{n}ne maladies of corage.
¶ and so as we ne deme nat şat şei şat ben seek of hire body ben worşi
to ben hated. but raşer worşi of pite. wel more worşi nat to ben hated.
but forto ben had in pite ben şei of whiche şe şou[gh]tes ben
constreined by felonous wickednesse. şat is more cruel şa{n} any
languissinge of body.
QUID TANTOS IUUAT.
[Sidenote: [The ferthe Met{ur}.]]
++What deliteş it [gh]ow to exciten so grete moewynges of hatredes {and}
to hasten {and} bisien [the] fatal disposic{i}ou{n} of [gh]oure deeş wiş
[gh]oure p{ro}pre handes. şat is to seyn by batailes or [by] contek. for
yif [gh]e axen şe deeş it hastisiş hym of hys owen wille. ne deeş ne
tarieş nat hys swifte hors. and [the] men şat şe serpent[gh] {and} şe
lyou{n}s. {and} şe tigre. {and} şe beere {and} şe boore seken to sleen
wiş her teşe. [gh]it şilke same men seken to sleen eueryche of hem oşer
wiş swerde. loo for her man{er}s ben diuerse {and} discordaunt ¶ şei
moeuen vnry[gh]tful oostes {and} cruel batailes. {and} wilne to
p{er}isse by enterchaungynge of dartes. but şe resou{n} of cruelte nis
nat ynou[gh] ry[gh]tful. wilt şou şan [gh]elden a couenable gerdou{n} to
şe desertes of men ¶ Loue ry[gh]tfully goode folk[;] {and} haue pite on
shrewes.
HINC EGO UIDEO INQ{UA}M. {ET} CET{ERA}.
[Sidenote: [The fyfthe p{ro}se.]]
++Şus see I wel q{uo}d I. eyşer what blisfulnesse or ellys what
vnselinesse is estab[l]issed in şe desertys of goode men {and} of
shrewes. ¶ but in şis ilke fortune of poeple I see somwhat of goode.
{and} somwhat of yuel. for no wise man haş nat leuer ben exiled pore
{and} nedy {and} nameles. şan forto dwellen in hys Citee {and} flouren
of rychesses. {and} be redoutable by honoure. {and} stronge of power for
in şis wise more clerely {and} more witnesfully is şe office of wise men
ytretid whan şe blisfulnes {and} [the] pouste of gouerno{ur}s is as it
were yshad amonges poeples şat ben ney[gh]boures {and} subgit[gh]. syn
şat namely prisou{n} lawe {and} şise oşer to{ur}ment[gh] of lawful
peynes ben raşer owed to felonous Cite[gh]eins. for şe whiche felonous
Cite[gh]eins şo peynes ben establissed. şan for goode folk. ¶ şan I
m{er}ueile me gretly q{uo}d I. whi [ş{a}t] şe şinges ben so mys
entrechaunged. şat to{ur}ment[gh] felounes pressen {and} confounden
goode folk. {and} shrewes rauyssen medes of vertue {and} ben i{n}
hono{ur}s. {and} in grete estatis. and I desire eke to wite{n} of şe.
what semeş şe to ben şe resou{n} of şis so wrongful a confusiou{n} ¶ For
I wolde wondre wel şe lasse yif I trowed[e] şat alle şise şinges were
medeled by fortuouse hap. ¶ But now hepeş {and} encreseş myne astonyenge
god gouerno{ur} of şinges. şat so as god [gh]eueş ofte tymes to good[e]
men goodes {and} myrşes. {and} to shrewes yuel and aspre şinges. {and}
[gh]eueş a[gh]eynewarde to goode folk hardnesse. {and} to shrewes [he]
g{ra}unteş hem her wille {and} şat şei desiren. what difference şan may
şer be bitwixen ş{a}t şat god doş. {and} şe hap of fortune. yif men ne
knowe nat şe cause whi şat [it] is. it nis no merueile q{uo}d she
şou[gh] şat men wenen şat şer be somwhat folysche and confus whan şe
resou{n} of şe order is vnknowe. ¶ But alle şou[gh] şou ne know nat şe
cause of so gret a disposic{i}ou{n}. naşeles for as moche as god şe
good[e] gouernour attempreş {and} gouerneş şe world. ne doute şe nat şat
alle şinges ne ben doon ary[gh]t.
SI QUIS ARCTURI SYDERA.
[Sidenote: [The fyfthe Met{ur}.]]
++Who so şat ne knowe nat şe sterres of arctour yto{ur}ned neye to şe
souereyne contre or point. şat is to seyne yto{ur}ned neye to şe
souereyne pool of şe firmament {and} woot nat whi şe sterre boetes
passeş or gaderiş his wey[n]es. {and} drencheş his late flaumbes in şe
see. {and} whi şat boetes şe sterre vnfoldiş his ouer swifte arisynges.
şan shal he wo{n}dre{n} of şe lawe of şe heye eyre. {and} eke if şat he
ne knowe nat why şat şe hornes of şe ful[le] moene waxen pale {and}
infect by şe bou{n}des of şe derke ny[gh]t ¶ and how şe moene dirk {and}
confuse discouereş şe sterres. şat she had[de] ycouered by hir clere
visage. şe co{m}mune errour moeueş folk {and} makiş wery hir bacines of
bras by şikke strookes. şat is to seyne şat şer is a maner poeple şat
hy[gh]t[e] coribandes şat wenen şat whan şe moone is in şe eclips şat it
be enchau{n}tid. and şerfore forto rescowe şe moone şei betyn hire
basines wiş şikke strokes. ¶ Ne no man ne wondreş whan şe blastes of şe
wynde chorus betyn şe strondes of şe see by quakynge floodes. ne no man
ne wondreş whan şe wey[gh]te of şe snowe yhardid by şe colde. is
resolued by şe brennynge hete of phebus şe sonne. ¶ For here seen men
redyly şe causes. but şe causes yhid şat is to seye in heuene trouble şe
brestes of men. ¶ şe moeueable poeple is a-stoned of alle şinges şat
comen selde {and} sodeynely in oure age. but yif şe troubly errour of
oure ignora{n}ce departid[e] from vs. so şat we wisten şe causes whi şat
swiche şinges bitiden. certys şei sholde{n} cesse to seme wondres.
ITA EST INQ{UA}M.
[Sidenote: [The syxte p{ro}se.]]
{Ş}vs is it q{uo}d I. but so as şou hast [gh]euen or byhy[gh]t me to
vnwrappe{n} şe hidde causes of şinges ¶ and to discoueren me şe
resou{n}s couered w{i}t{h} dirknesses I p{re}ye şe şat şou diuise {and}
Iuge me of şis matere. {and} şat şou do me to vndrestonde{n} it. ¶ For
şis miracle or şis wondre troubleş me ry[gh]t gretely. {and} şan she a
litel [what] smylyng seide. ¶ şou clepest me q{uo}d she to telle şing.
şat is grettest of alle şinges şat mowen ben axed. ¶ And to şe whiche
questiou{n} vnneş[e]s is şere au[gh]t ynow to lauen it. as who seiş.
vnneşes is şer suffisauntly any şing to answere p{er}fitly to şi
questiou{n}. ¶ For şe matere of it is swiche şat whan oon doute is
determined {and} kut awey şer wexe{n} oşer doutes wiş-outen nou{m}bre.
ry[gh]t as şe heuedes waxen of ydre şe serpent şat hercules slou[gh].
¶ Ne şere ne were no man{er}e ne noon ende. but yif şat a wy[gh]t
co{n}streined[e] şo doutes. by a ry[gh]t lyuely {and} a quik fire of
şou[gh]t. şat is to seyn by vigo{ur} {and} strengşe of witte. ¶ For in
şis matere me{n} weren wont to maken questiou{n}s of şe simplicite of şe
p{ur}ueaunce of god {and} of şe ordre of destine. {and} of sodeyne hap.
{and} of şe knowyng {and} p{re}destinac{i}ou{n} deuine {and} of şe
lyberte of fre wille. şe whiche şing şou şi self ap{er}ceiust wel of
what wey[gh]t şei ben. but for as mochel as şe knowynge of şise şinges
is a manere porc{i}ou{n} to şe medicine to şe. al be it so şat I haue
lytel tyme to don it. [gh]it naşeles I wole enforcen me to shewe somwhat
of it. ¶ but al şou[gh] şe norissinges of dite of musike deliteş şe şow
most suffren. {and} forberen a litel of şilk delite while şat I weue
(contexo) to şe resou{n}s yknyt by ordre ¶ As it likeş to şe q{uo}d I so
do. ¶ şo spak she ry[gh]t a[s] by an oşer bygynnyn[ge] {and} seide şus.
¶ şe enge{n}drynge of alle şinges q{uo}d she {and} alle şe
progressiou{n}s of muuable nat{ur}e. {and} alle ş{a}t moeueş in any
manere takiş hys causes. hys ordre. {and} hys formes. of şe stablenesse
of şe deuyne şou[gh]t [{and} thilke deuyne thowht] şat is yset {and} put
in şe toure. şat is to seyne in şe hey[gh]t of şe simplicite of god.
stablisiş many manere gyses to şinges şat ben to don. ¶ şe whiche manere
whan şat men loken it i{n} şilke pure clerenesse of şe deuyne
i{n}telligence. it is ycleped p{ur}ueaunce ¶ but whan şilke manere is
referred by me{n} to şinges şat it moeueş {and} disponeş şan of olde
men. it was cleped destine. ¶ şe whiche şinges yif şat any wy[gh]t lokeş
wel in his şou[gh]t. şe strengşe of şat oon {and} of şat oşer he shal
ly[gh]tly mowen seen şat şise two şinges ben diuers. ¶ For
p{ur}ueau{n}ce is şilke deuyne resou{n} şat is establissed in şe
souereyne p{r}ince of şinges. şe whiche p{ur}ueaunce disponiş alle
şinges. but destine is şe disposic{i}ou{n} {and} ordenaunce cleuynge to
moeuable şinges. by şe whiche disposic{i}ou{n} şe p{ur}ueaunce knyteş
alle şinges in hire ordres. ¶ For p{ur}ueaunce enbraceş alle şi{n}ges to
hepe. al şou[gh] şat şei ben dyuerse {and} al şou[gh] şei ben wiş outen
fyn. but destynie dep{ar}teş {and} ordeyneş alle şinges singlerly {and}
diuideş. in moeuynges. in places. in formes. in tymes. dep{ar}tiş [as]
şus. so şat şe vnfoldyng of temp{or}el ordenaunce assembled {and} ooned
in şe lokyng of şe deuyne şou[gh]t ¶ Is p{ur}ueaunce {and} şilke same
assemblynge. {and} oonyng diuided {and} vnfolden by tymes. lat şat ben
called destine. {and} al be it so şat şise şinges ben dyuerse. [gh]itte
naşeles hangeş şat oon on şat oşer. forwhi şe ordre destinal p{ro}cediş
of şe simplicite of purueaunce. for ry[gh]t as a werkma{n} şat
ap{er}ceiueş in hys şou[gh]t şe forme of şe şing şat he wil make moeueş
şe effect of şe werke. {and} lediş şat he had[de] loked byforne in hys
şou[gh]t symply {and} p{re}sently by temp{or}el şou[gh]t. ¶ Certys
ry[gh]t so god disponiş in hys p{ur}ueaunce singlerly {and} stably şe
şinges şat ben to done. but he amynistreş in many maneres {and} in
dyuerse tymes by destyne. şilke same şinges şat he haş disponed şan
wheşir şat destine be excercised. eyşer by so{m}me dyuyne spirites
seruaunte[gh] to şe deuyne p{ur}ueaunce. or ellys by so{m}me soule
(a{n}i{m}a mundi). or ellys by al nature seruynge to god. or ellys by şe
celestial moeuyng of sterres. or ellys by şe vertue of aungels. or ellys
by şe dyuerse subtilite of deueles. or ellys by any of he{m}. or ellys
by hem alle şe destynal ordynau{n}ce is ywouen or accomplissed. certys
it is open şing şat şe p{ur}ueaunce is an vnmoeueable {and} symple forme
of şinges to done. {and} şe moeueable bonde {and} şe temp{or}el
ordynaunce of şinges whiche şat şe deuyne simplicite of p{ur}ueaunce haş
ordeyned to done. şat is destine. For whiche it is şat alle şinges şat
ben put vndir destine ben certys subgit[gh] to p{ur}ueaunce. to whiche
p{ur}ueaunce destine it self is subgit {and} vndir. ¶ But so{m}me şinges
ben put vndir purueaunce şat so{ur}mounten şe ordinaunce of destine.
{and} şo ben şilke şat stably ben yficched ney to şe first godhed şei
so{ur}mou{n}ten şe ordre of destinal moeuablite. ¶ For ry[gh]t as
cercles şat to{ur}nen aboute a same Centre or about a poynt. şilke
cercle şat is inrest or moost wiş-ynne ioineş to şe symplesse of şe
myddel {and} is as it were a Centre or a poynt to şat oşer cercles şat
tourne{n} aboute{n} hym. ¶ and şilke şat is outerest compased by larger
envyronnynge is vnfolden by larger spaces in so mochel as it is forşest
fro şe mydel symplicite of şe poynt. and yif şer be any şi{n}g şat
knytteş {and} felawshippeş hym selfe to şilke mydel poynt it is
constreyned in to symplicite. şat is to seyn in to [vn]moeueablete.
{and} it ceseth to ben shad {and} to fleti{n} dyuersly. ¶ Ry[gh]t so by
semblable resou{n}. şilke şinge şat dep{ar}tiş firşest fro şe first
şou[gh]t of god. it is vnfolde{n} {and} su{m}mittid to grettere bondes
of destine. and in so moche is şe şing more free {and} lovs fro destyne
as it axeş {and} holdeş hym ner to şilke Centre of şinges. şat is to
seyne god. ¶ and if şe şinge cleueş to şe stedfastnesse of şe şou[gh]t
of god. {and} be wiş oute moeuyng certys it so{ur}mounteş şe necessite
of destyne. şan ry[gh]t swiche comparisou{n} as [it] is of skilynge to
vndirstondyng {and} of şing şat is engendred to şing şat is. {and} of
tyme to eternite. {and} of şe cercle to şe Centre. ry[gh]t so is şe
ordre of moeueable destine to şe stable symplicite of p{ur}ueaunce.
¶ şilke ordinaunce moeueş şe heuene {and} şe sterres {and} attempreş şe
elyment[gh] to gider amonges hem self. {and} t{ra}nsformeş hem by
enterchau{n}gable mutac{i}ou{n}. ¶ and şilke same ordre neweş a[gh]ein
alle şinges growyng {and} fallyng a-doune by sembleables
p{ro}gressiou{n}s of seedes {and} of sexes. şat is to sein. male {and}
female. and şis ilke ordre co{n}streyneş şe fortunes {and} şe dedes of
men by a bonde of causes nat able to ben vnbou{n}den (indissolubili). şe
whiche destinal causes whanne şei passen oute fro şe bygynnynges of şe
vnmoeueable purueaunce it mot nedes be şat şei ne be nat mutable. {and}
şus ben şe şinges ful wel ygouerned. yif şat şe symplicite dwelly{n}ge
in şe deuyne şou[gh]t sheweş furşe şe ordre of causes. vnable to be
I-bowed. {and} şis ordre constreyneş by hys p{ro}pre stablete şe
moeueable şinges. or ellys şei sholde fleten folily for whiche it is şat
alle şinges semen to be confus {and} trouble to vs men. for we ne mowe
nat co{n}sider{e} şilke ordinaunce. ¶ Naşeles şe p{ro}pre manere of
euery şing dressynge hem to goode disponit hem alle. for şere nis no
şinge don for cause of yuel. ne şilke şing şat is don by wicked[e] folk
nis nat don for yuel şe whiche shrewes as I haue shewed [ful]
plentiuously seken goode. but wicked errour mysto{ur}niş he{m}. ¶ Ne şe
ordre comynge fro şe poynt of souereyne goode ne declineş nat fro hys
bygynnynge. but şou mayst sein what vnreste may ben a wors
co{n}fusiou{n} şan ş{a}t goode men han so{m}me tyme aduersite. {and}
so{m}tyme p{ro}sperite. ¶ and shrewes also han now şinges şat şei
desiren. {and} now şi{n}ges şat şei haten ¶ wheşer men lyuen now in
swiche hoolnesse of şou[gh]t. as who seiş. ben men now so wise. şat
swiche folk as şei demen to ben goode folk or shrewes ş{a}t it mot nedes
ben şat folk ben swiche as şei wenen. but in şis manere şe domes of men
discorden. şat şilke men ş{a}t so{m}me folk demen worşi of mede. oşer
folk demen hem worşi of to{ur}ment. but lat vs graunt[e] I pose şat som
man may wel demen or knowen şe goode folk {and} şe badde. May he şan
knowen {and} seen şilke inrest attemp{er}aunce of corages. as it haş ben
wont to be said of bodyes. as who saiş may a man speken {and} determine
of attemp{er}aunce in corages. as men were wont to demen or speken of
complexiou{n}s {and} attemp{er}aunces of bodies (q' non). ne it [ne] is
nat an vnlyke miracle to hem şat ne knowe{n} it nat. ¶ As who seiş. but
is lyke a merueil or a miracle to hem şat ne knowe{n} it nat. whi şat
swete şinges [ben] couenable to some bodies şat ben hool {and} to some
bodies bittre şinges ben couenable. {and} also whi şat some seke folk
ben holpen w{i}t{h} ly[gh]t medicines [{and} some folk ben holpen
w{i}t{h} sharppe medicynes] but naşeles şe leche ş{a}t knoweş şe manere
{and} şe attemp{er}aunce of heele {and} of maladie ne merueileş of it no
şing. but what oşer şing semeş hele of corages but bounte {and}
prowesse. {and} what oşer şing semeş maladie of corages but vices. who
is ellys kep{er}e of good or dryuere awey of yuel but god gouerno{ur}
{and} leecher of şou[gh]tes. şe whiche god wha{n} he haş by-holden from
şe heye toure of hys p{ur}ueaunce he knoweş what is couenable to euery
wy[gh]t. {and} leneş hem şat he wot [şat] is couenable to hem. Loo here
of comeş {and} here of is don şis noble miracle of şe ordre destinal.
whan god şat alle knoweş doş swiche şing. of whiche şing [şat] vnknowyng
folk ben astoned but forto constreine as who seiş ¶ But forto
co{m}prehende {and} telle a fewe şinges of şe deuyne depnesse şe whiche
şat mans resou{n} may vnderstonde. ¶ şilk man şat şou wenest to ben
ry[gh]t Iuste {and} ry[gh]t kepyng of eq{u}ite. şe contrarie of şat
semeş to şe deuyne p{ur}ueaunce şat al woot. ¶ And lucan my familier
telleş şat şe victories cause liked[e] to şe goddes {and} causes
ouercomen liked[e] to cato{u}n. şan what so euer şou mayst seen şat is
don in şis [world] vnhoped or vnwened. certys it is şe ry[gh]t[e] ordre
of şinges. but as to şi wicked[e] oppiniou{n} it is a co{n}fusiou{n}.
but I suppose şat som man be so wel yşewed. şat şe deuyne Iugement {and}
şe Iugeme{n}t of mankynde accorden hem to gidre of hym. but he is so
vnstedfast of corage [şat] yif any aduersite come to hym he wolde
for-leten p{er}auenture to continue i{n}nocence by şe whiche he ne may
nat wişholden fortune. ¶ şan şe wise dispensac{i}ou{n} of god spareş hym
şe whiche man{er}e adu{er}site my[gh]t[e] enpeyren. ¶ For şat god wil
nat suffren hym to trauaile. to whom şat trauayl nis nat couenable. ¶ An
oş{er} man is p{er}fit in alle uertues. {and} is an holy man {and} neye
to god so şat şe p{ur}ueaunce of god wolde demen şat it were a felony
şat he were touched wiş any aduersites. so şat he ne wil nat suffre şat
swiche a man be moeued wiş any manere maladie. ¶ But so as seide a
philosophre [the moore excellent by me]. şe adu{er}sites comen nat (he
seide in grec[;]) şere ş{a}t uertues han edified şe bodie of şe holy
man. and ofte tyme it bitideş şat şe so{m}me of şinges şat ben to don is
taken to good folk to gouerne. for şat şe malice habundaunt of shrewes
sholde ben abatid. {and} god [gh]eueş {and} dep{ar}tiş to oşer folk
p{ro}sp[er]ites {and} aduersites ymedeled to hepe aftir şe qualite of
hire corages {and} remordiş som folk by adu{er}sites. for şei ne sholden
nat wexen proude by longe welefulnesse. {and} oşer folk he suffreş to
ben trauayled wiş harde şinges. ¶ For şat şei sholden conferme şe
vertues of corage by şe vsage {and} ex{er}citac{i}ou{n} of pacie{n}ce.
and oşer folke dreden more şen şei au[gh]ten şe wiche şei my[gh]t[en]
wel beren. {and} şilke folk god lediş in to exp{er}ience of hem self by
aspre {and} sorweful şinges. ¶ And many oşer folk han bou[gh]t honorable
renoune of şis worlde by şe pris of glorious deeş. and som men şat ne
mowen nat ben ouer-comen by tourment han [gh]euen ensample to oşer folk
şat vertue ne may nat be ouer-comen by aduersites. ¶ and of alle şise
şinges şer nis no doute ş{a}t şei ne ben don ry[gh]tfully {and} ordeinly
to şe p{ro}fit of hem to whom we seen şise şinges bitide. ¶ For certys
şat aduersite comeş some tyme to shrewes. {and} some tyme şat şei
desiren it comeş of şise forseide causes {and} of sorweful şinges şat
bytyden to shrewes. Certys no man ne wondreş. For alle me{n} wenen şat
şei han wel deserued it. {and} şei ben of wicked m{er}ite of whiche
shrewes şe to{ur}ment som tyme agasteş oşer to done folies. {and} som
tyme it amendeş hem şat suffren şe to{ur}mentis. ¶ And şe p{ro}sp{er}ite
şat is [gh]euen to shrewes sheweş a grete argument to good[e] folk what
şing şei sholde demen of şilk wilfulnesse şe whiche p{ro}sperite men
seen ofte serue to shrewes. in şe whiche şing I trowe şat god dispensiş.
for p{er}auenture şe nature of som man is so ouerşrowyng to yuel {and}
so vncouenable şat şe nedy pouerte of hys house-hold my[gh]t[e] raşer
egren hym to done felonies. and to şe maladie of hym god puttiş remedie
to [gh]iuen hym rychesse. {and} som oşer man byholdiş hys conscience
defouled wiş synnes {and} makiş co{m}parisou{n} of his fortune {and} of
hym self ¶ and drediş p{er}auenture şat hys blisfulnesse of whiche şe
vsage is ioyful to hym şat şe lesynge of şilke blisfulnesse ne be nat
sorweful to hym. {and} şerfore he wol chaunge hys maneres. and for he
drediş to lese hys fortune. he forletiş hys wickednesse. to oşer folk is
welefulnesse y[gh]eue{n} vnworşily şe whiche ouerşroweş hem in to
destrucc{i}ou{n} şat şei han deserued. and to som oşer folk is [gh]euen
power to punisse{n}. for şat it shal be cause of continuac{i}ou{n} {and}
ex{er}cisinge to good[e] folk. {and} cause of to{ur}ment to shrewes.
¶ For so as şer nis none alyaunce bytwixe good[e] folke {and} shrewes.
ne shrewes ne mowen nat accorde{n} amo{n}ges hem self {and} whi nat. for
shrewes discorde{n} of hem self by her vices şe whiche vices al to
renden her consciences. {and} don oft[e] tyme şinges şe whiche şinges
whan şei han don hem. şei demen şat şo şinges ne sholde nat han ben don.
for whiche şinge şilke souereyne p{ur}ueaunce haş maked oft[e] tyme
[fair{e}] miracle so ş{a}t shrewes han maked oftyme shrewes to ben
good[e] men. for whan şat som shrewes seen şat şei suffren wrongfully
felonies of oşer shrewes şei wexen eschaufed in to hat[e] of hem şat
anoien hem. {and} retournen to şe fruit of uertue. when şei studien to
ben vnlyke to he{m} şat şei han hated. ¶ Certys şis only is şe deuyne
my[gh]t to şe whiche my[gh]t yueles ben şan good. whan it vseş şo yueles
couenably {and} draweş out şe effect of any good. as who seiş şat yuel
is good oonly by şe my[gh]t of god. for şe my[gh]t of god ordeyneş şilk
yuel to good. For oon ordre enbrasiş alle şinges. so şat what wy[gh]t
[ş{a}t] dep{ar}tiş fro şe resou{n} of şe ordre whiche şat is assigned to
hym. algates [gh]it he slideş in to an oş{er} ordre. so şat noşing nis
leueful to folye in şe realme of şe deuyne p{ur}ueaunce. as who seiş no
şing nis wişouten ordinaunce in şe realme of şe deuyne purueaunce. ¶ Syn
şat şe ry[gh]t strong[e] god gouerniş alle şinges in şis worlde for it
nis nat leueful to no man to co{m}p{re}henden by witte ne vnfolden by
worde alle şe subtil ordinaunces {and} disposic{i}ou{n}s of şe deuyne
entent. for oonly it au[gh]t[e] suffice to han loked şat god hym self
makere of alle natures ordeyniş and dressiş alle şinges to good. while
şat he hastiş to wişhalden şe şinges şat he haş maked in to hys
semblaunce. şat is to seyn forto wişholden şinges in to good. for he hym
self is good he chaseş oute al yuel of şe boundes of hys co{m}munalite
by şe ordre of necessite destinable. For whiche it folweş şat yif şou
loke şe p{ur}ueaunce ordeynynge şe şinges şat men wenen ben haboundaunt
in erşes. şou ne shalt not seen in no place no şing of yuel. ¶ but I se
now şat şou art charged wiş şe wey[gh]te of şe questiou[n] {and} wery
wiş lengşe of my resou{n}. {and} şat şou abidest som swetnesse of songe.
tak şa{n} şis drau[gh]t {and} whan şou art wel refresshed {and} refet
şou shalt ben more stedfast to stye in to heyere questiou{n}s.
SI UIS CELSI IURA.
[Sidenote: [The syxte Met{ur}.]]
++Yif şou wolt demen in şi pur{e} şou[gh]t şe ry[gh]tes or şe lawes of
şe heye şund[ere]re. şat is to seyne of god. loke şou {and} bihold şe
hey[gh]tes of souereyne heuene. ¶ şere kepen şe sterres by ry[gh]tful
alliaunce of şinges hir olde pees. şe sonne ymoeued by hys rody fire. ne
destourbiş nat şe colde cercle of şe moone. ¶ Ne şe sterre yclepid şe
bere. ş{a}t encliniş hys rauyssynge courses abouten şe souereyne
hey[gh]t of şe worlde. ne şe same sterre vrsa nis neuer mo wasshen in şe
depe westerne see. ne coueitiş nat to dy[gh]en hys flaumbes in şe see of
[the] occian. al şou[gh] he see oşer sterres yplounged in to şe see.
¶ And hesperus şe sterre bodiş {and} telliş alwey şe late ny[gh]tes. And
lucifer şe sterre bryngeş a[gh]eyne şe clere day. ¶ And şus makiş loue
enterchaungeable şe p{er}durable courses. {and} şus is discordable
bataile yput oute of şe contre of şe sterres. şis accordaunce
atte{m}preş by euene-lyke manere[s] şe elementes. şat şe moyste şinges
striuen nat wiş şe drye şinges. but [gh]iuen place by stoundes. and şat
şe colde şinges ioynen hem by feiş to şe hote şinges. {and} şat şe
ly[gh]t[e] fyre arist in to hey[gh]te. {and} şe heuy erşes aualen by her
wey[gh]tes. ¶ by şise same cause şe floury yere [gh]eldeş swote smellys
in şe fyrste somer sesou{n} warmynge. {and} şe hote somer dryeş şe
cornes. {and} autumpne comeş a[gh]eyne heuy of apples. and şe fletyng
reyne bydeweş şe wynter. şis attemp{er}aunce noryssiş {and} brynggeş
furşe al şinge şat brediş lyfe in şis worlde. ¶ and şilk same
attemp{er}aunce rauyssyng hideş {and} bynymeş {and} drencheş vndir şe
last[e] deşe alle şinges yborn. ¶ Amonges şise şinges sitteş şe heye
makere kyng {and} lorde. welle {and} bygynnynge. lawe {and} wise Iuge.
to don equite {and} gouerniş {and} encliniş şe bridles of şinges. {and}
şo şinges şat he stireş to don by moeuynge he wişdraweş {and} arestiş
{and} affermiş şe moeueable or wandryng şinges. ¶ For [gh]if şat he ne
clepiş nat a[gh]ein şe ry[gh]t goynge of şinges. {and} [gh]if şat he ne
constreyned[e] hem nat eftesones in to roundenesse enclined şe şinges
ş{a}t ben now continued by stable ordinaunce. şei sholde deperten from
hir welle. şat is to sein from hir bygynnynge {and} failen. şat is to
sein to{ur}nen in to nau[gh]t. ¶ şis is şe co{m}mune loue of alle
şinges. {and} alle şi{n}ges axen to be holden by şe fyn of good. For
ellys ne my[gh]ten şei nat lasten yif şei ne come nat eftesones
a[gh]eine by loue retourned to şe cause şat haş [gh]euen he{m} beynge.
şat is to seyn to god.
IAM NE IGITUR UIDES.
[Sidenote: [The seuende p{ro}se.]]
++Sest şou nat şan what şing folweş alle şe şinges şat I haue seid. what
şing q{uo}d I. ¶ Certys q{uo}d she outerly şat al fortune is good. and
how may şat be q{uo}d .I. ¶ Now vndirstand q{uo}d she so as [alle
fortune wheyther so it be Ioyeful fortune / or aspr{e}] fortune is
[gh]iuen eişer by cause of g{er}donynge or ellys of ex{er}cisynge of
goode folk or ellys by cause to punissen. or ellys to chastysen shrewes.
¶ şan is alle fortune good. şe whiche fortune is certeyne şat it be
eişer ry[gh]tful or p{ro}fitable. ¶ For soşe şis is a ful verray
resou{n} q{uo}d I. and yif I considere şe p{ur}ueau{n}ce {and} şe
destine şat şou tau[gh]test me a litel here byforne şis sentence is
susteyned by stedfast resou{n}s. but yif it like vnto şe lat vs
nou{m}bre hem amonges şilk[e] şinges of whiche şou seidest a litel here
byforne şat şei ne were nat able to ben ywened to şe poeple. ¶ whi so
q{uo}d she. for şat şe comune worde of men mysusiş q{uo}d I. şis manere
speche of fortune. {and} sein ofte tymes [ş{a}t] şe fortune of som
wy[gh]t is wicked. wilt şou şan q{uo}d she şat I p{ro}che a litel to şe
wordes of şe poeple so it seme nat to hem şat I be ouer moche dep{ar}tid
as fro şe vsage of man kynde. as şou wolt q{uo}d I. ¶ Demest şou nat
q{uo}d she şat al şing şat p{ro}fitiş is good. [gh]is q{uo}d I. certis
şilk şing şat ex{er}cisiş or corigiş profitiş. I confesse it wel q{uo}d
I. şan is it good q{uo}d she. whi nat q{uo}d I. but şis is şe fortune
[q{uod} she] of hem şat eişer ben put in vertue {and} batailen a[gh]eins
aspre şinges. or ellys of hem şat eschewen {and} declinen fro vices
{and} taken şe weye of vertue. ¶ şis ne may nat I denye q{uo}d I ¶ But
what seist şou of şe myrye fortune şat is [gh]euen to good folk in
gerdou{n} deuiniş ou[gh]t şe poeples şat it is wicked. nay forsoşe
q{uo}d I. but şei demen as it soşe is şat it is ry[gh]t good. ¶ And what
seist şou of şat oşer fortune q{uo}d she. şat al şou[gh] it be aspre
{and} restreiniş şe shrewes by ry[gh]tful tourment. weniş ou[gh]t şe
poeple ş{a}t it be good. nay q{uo}d I. ¶ But şe poeple demiş şat it be
most wrecched of alle şinges şat may ben şou[gh]t. war now {and} loke
wel q{uo}d she lest şat we in folwyng şe opyniou{n} of poeple haue
confessed {and} co{n}cluded şing şat is vnable to be wened to şe poeple.
what is şat q{uo}d I ¶ Certys q{uo}d she it folweş or comeş of şinges
ş{a}t ben graunted şat alle fortune what so euer it be. of hem şat eyşer
ben i{n} possessiou{n} of vertue. [or in the encres of vertu] or ellys
in şe purchasynge of vertue. şat şilke fortune is good. ¶ And şat alle
fortune is ry[gh]t wicked to hem şat dwellen in shrewednesse. as who
seiş. {and} şus weneş nat şe poeple. ¶ şat is soşe q{uo}d I. ¶ Al be it
so şat noma{n} dar confesse{n} it ne byknowen it. ¶ whi so q{uo}d she.
For ry[gh]t as no strong man ne semeş nat to abassen or disdaigne{n} as
ofte tyme as he hereş şe noise of şe bataile. ne also it ne semeş nat to
şe wyse man to beren it greuously as oft[e] as he is lad in to şe strif
of fortune. for boşe to şat on man {and} eke to şat oş{er} şilke
difficulte is şe matere to şat oon man of encrese of his glorious
renou{n}. {and} to şat oşer man to conferme hys sapience. şat is to
seine şe asprenesse of hys estat. ¶ For şerfore is it called uertue. for
şat it susteniş {and} enforceş by hys strengşes şat it nis nat
ouer-come{n} by aduersites. ¶ Ne certys şou şat art put in şe encrese or
in şe hey[gh]t of uertue ne hast nat comen to fleten wiş delices {and}
forto welken in bodyly lust. ¶ şou sowest or plauntest a ful egre
bataile in şi corage a[gh]eins euery fortune. for şat şe sorweful
fortune ne co{n}fou{n}de şe nat. ne şat şe myrye fortune ne corrumpe şe
nat. ¶ Occupy şe mene by stedfast strengşes. for al şat euer is vndir şe
mene. or ellys al şat ou{er}-passeş şe mene despiseş welefulnesses. ¶ As
who seiş. it is vicious {and} ne haş no mede of hys trauaile. ¶ For it
is set in [gh]our{e} hand. as who seiş it lieş in [gh]our{e} power what
fortune [gh]ow is leuest. şat is to seyne good or yuel. ¶ For alle
fortune şat semeş sharpe or aspre yif it ne ex{er}cise nat şe good folk.
ne chastisiş şe wicked folk. it punisseş.
BELLA BIS QUENIS. {ET} C{ETERA}.
[Sidenote: [The seuende Met{ur}.]]
++ŞE wrekere attrides ¶ şat is to seyne agamenon şat wrou[gh]t[e] {and}
continued[e] şe batailes by ten [gh]ere recouered[e] {and} p{ur}ged[e]
in wrekyng by şe destrucc{i}ou{n} of troie şe loste chambres of mariage
of hys broşer şis is to seyn şat [he] agamenon wan a[gh]ein Eleine şat
was Menelaus wif his broşer. In şe mene while şat şilke agamenon
desired[e] to [gh]euen sailes to şe grekyssh{e} nauye {and} bou[gh]t[e]
a[gh]ein şe wyndes by blode. he vncloşed[e] hym of pite as fad{er}.
{and} şe sory p{re}st [gh]iueş in sacrifiynge şe wreched kuyttyng of
şrote of şe dou[gh]ter. ¶ şat is to sein şat agamenon lete kuytte{n} şe
şrote of hys dou[gh]ter by şe prest. to maken alliaunce wiş hys goddes.
{and} for to haue wynde wiş whiche he my[gh]t[e] wende to troie.
¶ Itakus şat is to sein vlixies bywept[e] hys felawes ylorn şe whiche
felawes şe fiers[e] pholifem{us} ligginge in his grete Caue had[de]
freten {and} dreint in hys empty wombe. but naşeles polifem{us} wood for
his blinde visage [gh]eld to vlixies ioye by hys sorowful teres. şis is
to seyn şat vlixes smot oute şe eye of poliphem{us} şat stod in hys
forhede. for whiche vlixes hadde ioie whan he saw poliphem{us} wepyng
{and} blynde. ¶ Hercules is celebrable for hys hard[e] trauaile he
dawntede şe proude Centauris half hors half man. {and} he rafte şe
despoylynge fro şe cruel lyou{n} şat is to seyne he slou[gh] şe lyou{n}
{and} rafte hy{m} hys skyn. he smot şe brids şat hy[gh]te{n} arpijs [in
şe palude of lyrne] wiş certeyne arwes. he rauyssed[e] applis fro şe
wakyng dragou{n}. {and} hys hand was şe more heuy for şe golde[ne]
metal. He drou[gh] Cerberus şe hound of helle by hys treble cheyne. he
ouer-comer as it is seid haş put an vnmeke lorde fodre to hys cruel hors
¶ şis is to sein. şat hercules slou[gh] diomedes {and} made his hors to
etyn hym. and he hercules slou[gh] Idra şe serpent {and} brend[e] şe
venym. and achelaus şe flode defouled[e] in his forhede dreint[e] his
shamefast visage in his strondes. şis is to sein şat achelaus couşe
transfigure hym self in to dyuerse lykenesse. {and} as he fau[gh]t wiş
orcules at şe laste he t{ur}nid[e] hym in to a bole and hercules brak of
oon of hys hornes. {and} achelaus for shame hidde hym in hys ryuer.
¶ And [he] hercules cast[e] adou{n} Antheus şe geaunt in şe strondes of
libye. {and} kacus apaised[e] şe wraşşes of euander. şis is to sein şat
hercules slou[gh] şe Monstre kacus {and} apaised[e] wiş şat deeş şe
wraşşe of euander. ¶ And şe bristled[e] boor marked[e] wiş scomes şe
sholdres of hercules. şe whiche sholdres şe heye cercle of heuene sholde
şreste. {and} şe laste of his labo{ur}s was şat he sustened[e] şe heuene
vpo{n} his nekke vnbowed. {and} he deserued[e] eftsones şe heuene to ben
şe pris of his laste trauayle ¶ Goş now şan [gh]e stronge men şere as şe
heye weye of şe grete ensample ledeş [gh]ou. ¶ O nice men whi nake [gh]e
[gh]oure bakkes. as who seiş. ¶ O [gh]e slowe {and} delicat men whi fley
[gh]e aduersites. {and} ne fy[gh]te{n} nat a[gh]eins hem by vertue to
wynnen şe mede of şe heuene. for şe erşe ouer-come{n} [gh]eueş şe
sterres. ¶ şis is to seyne şat whan şat erşely lust is ouer-comen. a man
is maked worşi to şe heuene.
EXPLICIT LIBER QUARTUS.
INCIPIT LIBER QUINTUS.
DIXERAT ORACIONISQ{UE} CURSUM.
[Sidenote: [The fyrste prose.]]
++She hadde seid {and} to{ur}ned[e] şe cours of hir resou{n} to so{m}me
oş{er} şinges to ben tretid {and} to ben ysped. şan seide I. Certys
ry[gh]tful is şin amonestyng {and} ful digne by auctorite. but şat şou
seidest som tyme şat şe questiou{n} of şe deuyne p{ur}ueaunce is enlaced
wiş many oşer questiou{n}s. I vndir-stonde wel {and} p{ro}ue it by şe
same şinge. but I axe yif şat şou wenest şat hap be any şing in any
weys. {and} if şou wenest şat hap be any [thing] what is it. şan q{uo}d
she. I haste me to [gh]elden {and} assoilen şe to şe dette of my byheste
{and} to shewen {and} opnen şe wey by whiche wey şou maist come a[gh]ein
to şi contre. ¶ but al be it so şat şe şinges whiche şat şou axest b{e}n
ry[gh]t p{ro}fitable to knowe. [gh]itte ben şei diuers somwhat fro şe
paşe of my purpos. And it is to douten şat şou ne be maked weery by
mysweys so şat şou ne mayst nat suffise to mesure{n} şe ry[gh]t weye.
¶ Ne doute şe şer-of no şing q{uo}d I. for forto knowen şilke şinges
to-gidre in şe whiche şinges I delite me gretly. şat shal ben to me in
stede of reste. Syn it nis nat to douten of şe şinges folwy{n}ge whan
euery side of şi disputisou{n} shal be stedfast to me by vndoutous feiş.
şan seide she. şat manere wol I don şe. {and} byga{n} to speken ry[gh]t
şus ¶ Certys q{uo}d she yif any wy[gh]t diffinisse hap in şis manere.
şat is to seyn. şat hap is bytidynge y-brou[gh]t forşe by foelyshe
moeuynge. {and} by no knyttyng of causes. ¶ I conferme şat hap nis
ry[gh]t nau[gh]t in no wise. and I deme al outerly şat hap nis ne
dwelliş but a voys. ¶ As who seiş. but an ydel worde wiş outen any
significac{i}ou{n} of şing summittid to şat vois. for what place
my[gh]t[e] ben left or dwellynge to folie {and} to disordinau{n}ce. syn
şat god lediş {and} streyniş alle şinges by ordre. ¶ For şis sentence is
verray {and} soşe şat no şinge ne haş his beynge of nou[gh]t. to [the]
whiche sentence none of şise olde folk ne wişseide neuere al be it so
şat şei ne vndirstoden ne moeueden it nau[gh]t by god p{r}ince {and}
gynner of wirkyng. but şei casten as a manere foundement of subgit
material. şat is to seyn of [the] nature of alle resou{n}. {and} [gh]if
şat ony şinge is woxen or comen of no causes. şan shal it seme şat şilke
şinge is comen or woxen of nou[gh]t. but yif şis ne may nat ben don. şan
is it nat possible şat şere haş ben any swiche şing as I haue
diffinissid a litel here byforne. ¶ How shal it şan ben q{uo}d I. nis
şer şan no şing şat by ry[gh]t may be cleped eyşer hap{pe} or ellis
auenture of fortune. or is şer ou[gh]t al be it so şat it is hidd fro şe
poeple to whiche şise wordes ben couenable. Myn aristotul q{uo}d she. in
şe book of his phisik diffinisseş şis şing by short resou{n} and
ney[gh]e to şe soşe. ¶ In whiche manere q{uo}d I. ¶ As ofte q{uo}d she
as men don any şing for grace of any oşer şing. {and} an oşer şinge şan
şilke şing şat men ententen to doon bytideş by som[e] causes it is
ycleped hap{pe}. ¶ Ry[gh]t as a man dalf şe erşe by cause of tylienge of
şe felde. {and} fond şere a gobet of golde by-doluen. şan wenen folk şat
it is fallen by fortunous bytydyng. but for soşe it nis nat for nau[gh]t
for it haş hys p{ro}pre causes of whiche causes şe cours vnforseyn and
vnwar semiş to han maked hap{pe}. ¶ For yif şe tilier in şe erşe ne
delue nat in şe felde. and yif şe hider of şe golde ne hadde hidd şe
golde in şilke place. şe golde ne had[de] nat ben founde. şise ben şan
şe causes of şe abreggynge of fortune hap. şe whiche abreggynge of
fortune hap comeş of causes encountrynge {and} flowyng to-gidre to hem
selfe. {and} nat by şe entenc{i}ou{n} of şe doer. ¶ For neişer şe hider
of şe gold. ne şe deluer of şe felde ne vndirstanden nat şat şe golde
sholde han be founde. but as I seide. it bytidde {and} ran to-gidre şat
he dalf şere as şat oşer hadde hidd şe golde. Now may I şus diffinissen
hap{pe}. ¶ Hap{pe} is an vnwar bytydyng of causes assembled in şinges
şat ben don for som oşer şinge. but şilke ordre p{ro}cedynge by an
vneschewable byndynge to-gidre. whiche şat descendeş fro şe wel of
purueaunce şat ordeineş alle şinges i{n} hir{e} places {and} in hire
tymes makeş şat şe causes rennen {and} assemblen to-gidre.
RUPIS ACHEMENIE.
[Sidenote: [The fyrste Met{ur}.]]
++TIgris [{and}] eufrates resoluen {and} spryngen of a welle in şe
kragges of şe roche of şe contre of achemenye şer{e} as şe fleenge
[batayle] ficchiş hire dartes reto{ur}nid in şe brestes of hem şat
folwen hem. ¶ And sone aftre şe same ryueres tigris {and} eufrates
vnioygne{n} {and} dep{ar}ten hir{e} watres. and yif şei comen to-gidre
{and} ben assembled {and} clepid to-gidre in to o cours. şan moten şilke
şinges fletyn to-gidre whiche şat şe water of şe entrechau{n}gyng flode
bry{n}geş şe shippes {and} şe stokkes araced wiş şe flood moten
assemble. {and} şe watres ymedlyd wrappiş or implieş many fortunel
happes or maneres. şe whiche wandryng happes naşeles şilke enclinyng
lowenes of şe erşe. {and} şe flowynge ordre of şe slidyng water
gouerniş. ¶ Ry[gh]t so fortune şat semeş as [şat] it fletiş wiş slaked
or vngouerned[e] bridles. It suffriş bridles şat is to seyn to ben
gouerned {and} passeş by şilke lawe. şat is to sein by şe deuyne
ordinaunce.
A{N}I{M}ADUERTO INQ{UA}M.
[Sidenote: [The .2^de. p{ro}se.]]
++Şis vndirstonde I wel q{uo}d I. {and} accorde wel şat it is ry[gh]t as
şou seist. but I axe yif şer be any liberte or fre wil in şis ordre of
causes şat cliue{n} şus to-gidre in hem self. ¶ or ellys I wolde witen
yif şat şe destinal cheine co{n}streiniş şe moeueuynge of şe corages of
me{n}. yis q{uo}d she şer is liberte of fre wille. ne şer ne was neuer
no nature of resou{n} şat it ne hadde liberte of fre wille. ¶ For euery
şing şat may naturely vsen resou{n}. it haş doom by whiche it discerniş
{and} demiş euery şing. ¶ şan knoweş it by it self şinges şat be{n} to
fleen. {and} şinges şat ben to desiren. {and} şilk şing şat any wy[gh]t
demeş to ben desired ş{a}t axeş or desireş he {and} fleeş [thilke] şing
şat he troueş ben to fleen. ¶ wher-fore in alle şinges ş{a}t resou{n}
is. i{n} hem also is libertee of willyng {and} of nillynge. ¶ But I ne
ordeyne nat. as who seiş. I ne graunte nat şat şis lib{er}tee be euene
like in alle şinges. forwhi in şe souereyns deuynes substau{n}ces. şat
is to seyn in spirit[gh] ¶ Iugement is more clere {and} wil nat be
corumped. {and} haş my[gh]t redy to speden şinges şat ben desired. ¶ But
şe soules of men moten nedes ben more free whan şei loken hem in şe
speculac{i}ou{n} or lokynge of şe deuyne şou[gh]t. {and} lasse free whan
şei sliden in to şe bodies. {and} [gh]it lasse free whan şei ben gadred
to-gidre {and} co{m}p{re}hendid in erşely membris. but şe last[e]
seruage is whan şat şei ben [gh]eue{n} to vices. {and} han yfalle fro şe
possessiou{n} of hire p{ro}pre resou{n} ¶ For after şat şei han cast
aweye hir eyen fro şe ly[gh]t of şe souereyn soşefastnesse to lowe
şinges {and} dirke ¶ Anon şei dirken by şe cloude of ignoraunce {and}
ben troubled by felonous talent[gh]. to şe whiche talent[gh] whan şei
app{ro}chen {and} assenten. şei hepen {and} encresen şe seruage whiche
şei han ioigned to hem self. and in şis manere şei ben caitifs fro hire
p{ro}pre libertee. şe whiche şinges naşeles şe lokynge of şe deuyne
purueaunce seeş ş{a}t alle şinges byholdeş {and} seeş fro et{er}ne. and
ordeyneş hem eueryche i{n} her merites. as şei ben p{ro}destinat. {and}
it is seid in grek. şat alle şinges he seeş {and} alle şinges he hereş.
PURO CLARU{M} LUMINE.
[Sidenote: [The .2^de. Met{ur}.]]
++HOmer wiş şe hony mouşe. şat is to seyn. homer wiş şe swete dites
syngeş şat şe sonne is cleer by pure ly[gh]t. naşeles [gh]it ne may it
nat by şe inferme ly[gh]t of hys bemes breke{n} or p{er}ce{n} şe inwarde
entrailes of şe erşe. or ellys of şe see. ¶ so ne seeş nat god makere of
şe grete worlde to hym şat lokeş alle şinges from on heye ne wişstandiş
nat no şinges by heuynesses of erşe. ne şe ny[gh]t ne wişstondeş nat to
hy{m} by şe blake cloudes. ¶ şilke god seeş i{n} o strook of şou[gh]t
alle şinges şat ben or weren or schullen come. ¶ and şilke god for he
lokeş {and} seeş alle şinges al oon. şou maist seyn şat he is şe verray
sonne.
TAMEN EGO EN INQ{UA}M.
[Sidenote: [The .3^de. p{ro}se.]]
++ŞAn seide I now am I co{n}fou{n}ded by a more harde doute şan I was.
what doute is şat q{uo}d she. ¶ For certys I coniecte now by whiche
şinges şou art troubled. It semeş q{uo}d I to repugnen {and} to
contrarien gretly şat god knoweş byforn alle şinges. {and} şat şer is
any fredom of liberte. for yif so be şat god lokeş alle şinges byforn.
ne god ne may nat ben desseiuid in no manere. şan mot it nedes ben şat
alle şinges bytyden şe whiche şat şe purueaunce of god haş sein byforn
to comen. ¶ For whiche yif şat god knoweş by-forn nat oonly şe werkes of
men. but also hir conseils {and} hir willes. şan ne shal şer be no
liberte of arbitre. ne certys şer ne may ben noon oşer dede ne no wille
but şilke whiche şe deuyne purueaunce şat ne may nat ben desseiued haş
feled byforn ¶ For yif şat şei my[gh]ten wryşen awey in oşer manere şan
şei ben purueyed. şan ne sholde şer ben no stedfast p{re}science of
şinge to comen but raşer an vncerteyn oppiniou{n}. şe whiche şinge to
trowen on god I deme it felonie {and} vnleueful. ¶ Ne I ne proeue nat
şilk same resou{n}. as who seiş I ne allowe nat. or I ne p{re}ise nat
şilke same resou{n} by whiche şat som men wenen şat şei mowen assoilen
{and} vnknytten şe knot of şis questiou{n}. ¶ For certys şei seyn ş{a}t
şing nis nat to come for şat şe purueaunce of god haş seyn it byforn{e}.
şat is to comen but raşer şe cont{ra}rie. ¶ And şat is şis şat for şat
şe şing is to comen şat şerfore ne may it nat ben hyd fro şe purueaunce
of god. {and} in şis manere şis necessite slydiş a[gh]ein in to şe
contrarie p{ar}tie. ne it ne byhoueş [nat] nedes şat şinges bytiden şat
ben ypurueid. [but it by-houeth nedes / ş{a}t thinges ş{a}t ben to comyn
ben yporueyid] but as it were yt{ra}uailed. as who seiş. şat şilke
answere p{ro}cediş ry[gh]t as şou[gh] men trauailden or weren bysy to
enqueren şe whiche şing is cause of whiche şinges. as wheşer şe
p{re}science is cause of şe necessite of şinges to comen. or ellys şat
şe necessite of şi{n}ges to comen is cause of şe purueau{n}ce. ¶ But I
ne enforce me nat now to shewe{n} it şat şe bytidyng of şinges y-wist
byforn is necessarie. how so or in what manere şat şe ordre of causes
haş it self. al şou[gh] şat it ne seme nat şat şe p{re}science brynge in
necessite of bytydynge of şinges to comen. ¶ For certys yif şat any
wy[gh]t sitteş it byhoueş by necessite şat şe oppiniou{n} be soşe of hym
ş{a}t coniectiş şat he sitteş. and a[gh]einward. al so is it of şe
contrarie. yif şe oppiniou{n} be soşe of any wy[gh]t for şat he sitteş
it byhoueş by necessite şat he sitte ¶ şan is here necessite in şat oon
{and} in ş{a}t oşer. for in şat oon is necessite of sittynge. {and}
certys in şat oşer is necessite of soşe but şerfore ne sitteş nat a
wy[gh]t for şat şe oppiniou{n} of sittyng is soşe. but şe oppiniou{n} is
raşer soşe for şat a wy[gh]t sitteş by-forn. and şus al şou[gh] ş{a}t şe
cause of soşe comeş of [şe] syttyng. and nat of şe trewe oppiniou{n}.
Algates [gh]itte is şer comune necessite in şat oon {and} in şat oşer.
¶ şus sheweş it ş{a}t I may make semblable skils of şe p{ur}ueau{n}ce of
god {and} of şinges to come. ¶ For al şou[gh] for şat şat şinges ben to
comen. şer-fore ben şei p{ur}ueid. nat certys for şei ben p{ur}ueid.
şer-fore ne bytide şei nat. [gh]it naşeles byhoueş it by necessite şat
eişer şe şinges to comen ben yp{ur}ueied of god. or ellys şat şe şinges
şat ben p{ur}ueied of god bitiden [.s.] by necessite. ¶ And şis şing
oonly suffiseş I-nou[gh] to distroien şe fredome of oure arbitre. şat is
to seyn of oure fre wille ¶ But now [certes] sheweş it wel how fer fro
şe soşe {and} how vp so dou{n} is şis şing şat we seyn şat şe bytidinge
of temp{or}el şinges is şe cause of şe eterne p{re}science. ¶ But forto
wenen şat god p{ur}ueiş [the] şinges to comen. for şei ben to comen.
what oşer şing is it but forto wene şat şilke şinges şat bitiden som
tyme ben causes of şilke souereyne p{ur}ueaunce şat is i{n} god. ¶ And
her-to I adde [gh]itte şis şing şat ry[gh]t as whan şat I woot şat o
şing is it byhoueş by necessite şat şilke self şing be. {and} eke şat
whan I haue knowe şat any şi{n}ge shal bitiden so byhoueş it by
necessite ş{a}t şilk[e] same şing bytide. so folweş it şan şat şe
bytydynge of şe şinge Iwist by-forn ne may nat ben eschewed. ¶ And at şe
last[e] yif şat any wy[gh]t wene a şing to ben oşer weyes şan it is. it
nys nat oonly vnscience. but it is deceiuable oppiniou{n} ful diuerse
{and} fer fro şe soşe of science. ¶ wher-fore yif any şing be so to
comen so şat şe bytydynge of it ne be nat certeyne ne necessarie. ¶ who
may weten [byforn] ş{a}t şilke şing is to come. ¶ For ry[gh]t as science
ne may nat be medelyd wiş falsnesse. as who seiş şat yif I woot a şing.
it ne may nat be fals şat I ne woot it. ¶ Ry[gh]t so şilk şing şat is
conceyued by science ne may [nat] ben noon oş{er} weyes şan [as] it is
conceiued. For şat is şe cause whi şat science wa{n}tiş lesynge. as who
seiş. whi şat witynge ne receyueş nat lesynge of şat it woot. ¶ For it
byhoueş by necessite şat euery şi{n}ge [be] ry[gh]t as science
co{m}p{re}hendiş it to be. what shal I şan sein. ¶ In whiche man{er}e
knoweş god byforn şe şinges to comen. ¶ yif şei ne be nat certeyne.
¶ For yif şat he deme şat şei ben to comen vneschewably. {and} so may be
şat it is possible şat şei ne shulle{n} nat comen. god is desseiued. but
nat only to trowen şat god is desseiued. but for to speke it wiş mouşe
it is a felonous sy{n}ne. ¶ But yif şat god woot şat ry[gh]t so as
şinges ben to comen. so shulle şei comen. so şat he wit[e] egaly. as who
seiş indifferently şat şinges mowen ben don or ellys nat don. what is
şilke p{re}science şat ne comp{re}hendiş no certeyne şinge ne stable. or
ellys what difference is şer bytwixe şe p{re}science. {and} şilke
iape-worşi dyuynynge of Tiresie şe diuino{ur} şat seide. ¶ Al şat I seie
q{uo}d he eyşer it shal be. or ellys it ne shal nat be. Or ellis how
moche is worşe şe diuyne p{re}science more şan şe oppiniou{n} of
mankynde yif so be şat it demeş şe şinges vncerteyne as me{n} don. of şe
whiche domes of men şe bytydynge nis nat certeyne. ¶ But yif so be ş{a}t
noon vncerteyne şinge may ben in hym şat is ry[gh]t certeyne welle of
alle şinges. şa{n} is şe bytydynge certeyne of şilke şinges whiche he
haş wist byforn fermely to come{n}. For whiche it folweş şat şe fredom
of şe co{n}seils {and} of şe werkes of mankynde nis non syn şat şe
şou[gh]t of god seeş alle şinges w{i}t{h} outen erro{ur} of falsnesse
byndeş {and} co{n}streiniş hem to a bitidynge by necessite. and yif
[this] şi{n}g be on-is grau{n}tid {and} receyued. şat is to seyn. şat
şer nis no fre wille. şan sheweş it wel how gret distrucc{i}ou{n} {and}
how grete damages şer folwen of şinges of mankynde. ¶ For in ydel ben
şer şan p{ur}posed and byhy[gh]t medes of goode folk. {and} peynes to
badde folk. syn şat no moeuynge of free corage uoluntarie ne haş nat
deserued hem. şat is to seyn neişer mede nor peyne. ¶ And it sholde seme
şan şat şilke şinge is alşer worste whiche şat is nowe demed. for
alş{er} moste iuste {and} moste ry[gh]tful. şat is to seyn şat shrewes
ben punyssed. or ellys ş{a}t good[e] folk ben ygerdoned. şe whiche folk
syn şat şe p{ro}pre wille [ne] sent hem nat to ş{a}t oon ne to şat oşer.
şat is to seyn. neşer to good[e] ne to harme. but constreineş hem
certeyne necessite of şinges to comen. ¶ şanne ne sholle{n} şer neuer
ben ne neuer weren vice ne vertue. but it sholde raşer ben
co{n}fusiou{n} of alle desertes medlid wişoute discresiou{n}. ¶ And
[gh]itte şer folweş an oşer i{n}co{n}uenient of şe whiche şer ne may ben
şou[gh]t ne more felonous ne more wikke. {and} şat is şis şat so as şe
ordre of şinges is yledd {and} comeş of şe purueaunce of god. ne şat no
şing nis leueful to şe conseils of mankynde. as who seiş şat men han no
power to done no şing. ne wilne no şing. şan folweş it şat oure vices
ben refferred to şe mak[er]e of alle good. as who seiş şan folweş it.
şat god au[gh]t[e] han şe blame of oure vices. syn he co{n}streiniş by
necessite to don vices. şan nis şer no resou{n} to han hopen in god. ne
forto p{re}ien to god. ¶ For what sholde any wy[gh]t hopen to god. or
whi sholde he p{re}ien to god. syn şat şe ordenaunce of destine whiche
şat ne may nat ben enclined. knytteş {and} streiniş alle şinges şat men
may desire{n}. ¶ şan sholde şere be don awey şilke oonly alliaunce
bytwixen god {and} men. şat is to seien to hopen {and} to p{re}ien. but
by şe p{re}is of ry[gh]tfulnesse {and} of veray mekenesse we deserue şe
gerdou{n} of şe deuyne grace whiche şat is inestimable. şat is to sein
şat it is so grete şat it ne may nat ben ful yp{re}ised. {and} şis is
oonly şe manere. şat is to seyen hope {and} prayeres. for whiche it
semeş şat [men] mowen speken wiş god. {and} by resou{n} of
supplicac{i}ou{n} ben conioigned to şilk clernesse şat nis nat
app{ro}ched no raşer or şat men byseken it {and} emp{re}nten it. And yif
men ne wene [nat] şat [hope] ne p{re}iers ne han no strengşes. by şe
necessite of şinges to comen y-resceiued. what şi{n}g is şer şan by
whiche we mowen be co{n}ioygned {and} clyuen to şilke souereyne p{r}ince
of şinges. ¶ For whiche it byhoueş by necessite şat şe lynage of
mankynde as şou songe a litel here byforne ben dep{ar}ted {and} vnioyned
from hys welle {and} faylen of hys bygynnynge. şat is to seien god.
QUE NAM DISCORS
[Sidenote: [The .3^de. Met{ur}.]]
++What discordable cause haş to-rent {and} vnioigned şe byndyng or şe
alliaunce of şinges. şat is to seyne şe coniuncc{i}ou{n} of god {and} of
man. ¶ whiche god haş establissed so grete bataile bitwixe{n} şise two
soşefast or verray şinges. şat is to sein bytwixen şe p{ur}ueaunce of
god {and} fre wille. şat şei ben synguler {and} diuided. ne şat şei ne
wolen nat ben medeled ne coupled to-gidre. but şer nis no discorde to
[tho] verray şinges. but şei cleuen certeyne al wey to hem self. but şe
şou[gh]t of man co{n}founded {and} ouerşrowen by şe dirke membris of şe
body ne may nat by fir of his dirk[ed] lokynge. şat is to seyn by şe
vigo{ur} of hys insy[gh]t while şe soule is in şe body knowen şe şinne
subtil knyttynges of şinges. ¶ But wherfore eschaufiş it so by so grete
loue to fynden şilke note[s] of soşe y-cou{er}ed. (_glosa_) şat is to
sein wherfore eschaufiş şe şou[gh]t of man by so grete desir to knowen
şilke notificac{i}ou{n}s şat ben yhidd vndir şe couerto{ur}s of soşe.
woot it ou[gh]t şilke şinges şat it anguissous desireş to knowe. as who
seiş nay. ¶ For no man ne trauaileş forto witen şinges şat he woot.
{and} şerfore şe texte seiş şus. ¶ [_Glosa_] Si eni{m} a{n}i{m}a ignorat
istas subtiles co{n}nexiones. r{espo}nde. vn{de} est q{uo}d desiderat
scire cu{m} nil ignotu{m} possit desiderare. ¶ But who traua[i]leş to
wyten şinges y-knowe. and yif şat he ne knoweş hem nat. what sekiş şilke
blynde şou[gh]t. what is he şat desireş any şinge of whiche he woot
ry[gh]t nat. as who seiş who so desiriş any şing nedis som what he
knoweş of it. or ellys he ne couşe nat desire it. or who may folwen
şinges şat ne ben nat ywist ¶ and şou[gh] [ş{a}t] he seke şo şinges
where shal he fynde{n} hem. what wy[gh]t şat is al vnknowynge {and}
ignoraunt may knowe şe forme şat is yfounde. ¶ But whan şe soule
byholdeş {and} seeş şe heye şou[gh]t. şat is to seyn god. şan knoweş it
to-gidre şe so{m}me {and} şe singularites. şat is to seyn şe
p{r}inciples {and} eueryche by hym self. ¶ But now while şe soule is
hidd in şe cloude {and} in şe derknesse of şe membris of şe body. it ne
haş nat al for[gh]eten it selfe. but it wişholdeş şe so{m}me of şinges
{and} lesiş şe singularites. şan who so şat sekeş soşenesse. he nis in
neiş{er} nouşir habit. for he not nat alle ne he ne haş nat alle
for-[gh]eten. ¶ But [gh]itte hym remembriş şe so{m}me of şinges şat he
wişholdeş {and} axeş cou{n}seil {and} tretiş depelyche şi{n}ges ysein
byforne. [_Glosa_] şat is to sein şe grete so{m}me in hys mynde.
[_textus_] so şat he mowe adden şe p{ar}ties şat he haş for[gh]eten. to
şilke şat he haş wişholden.
TAMEN ILLA UETUS INQ{U}IT HEC EST.
[Sidenote: [The 4^the p{ro}se.]]
++Şanne seide she. şis is q{uo}d she şe olde questiou{n} of şe
p{ur}ueaunce of god. {and} marcus tulius whan he deuided[e] şe
deuinac{i}ou{n}s. şat is to sein in hys booke şat he wroot of
deuinac{i}ou{n}s. he moeued[e] gretly şis questiou{n}. {and} şou şi self
hast sou[gh]t it mochel {and} outerly {and} lo{n}g[e]. but [gh]it ne haş
it nat ben determined ne yspedd fermely {and} diligently of any of yow.
¶ And şe cause of şis derkenesse {and} [of this] difficulte is for şat
şe moeuynge of şe resou{n} of mankynde ne may nat moeue{n} to. şat is to
sein applien or ioygnen to şe simplicite of şe deuyne p{re}science. ¶ şe
whiche symplicite of şe deuyne p{re}science [gh]if şat men [myhten
thinken it in any maner{e} / ş{a}t is to seyn / ş{a}t yif men] my[gh]te
şinken {and} co{m}p{re}henden şe şinges as god seeş hem. şan ne sholde
şer dwellen outerly no doute. şe whiche resou{n} {and} cause of
difficulte I shal assaie at şe laste to shewen {and} to speden. ¶ whan I
haue firste [yspendyd / {and}] ansewered to şo resou{n}s by whiche ş{o}u
art ymoeued. ¶ For I axe whi ş{o}u wenest şat şilk[e] resou{n}s of hem
şat assoilen şis questiou{n} ne ben nat spedeful ynou[gh] ne sufficient
şe whiche soluc{i}ou{n} or şe whiche resou{n} for şat it demiş şat şe
p{re}science nis nat cause of necessite to şinges to comen. şan ne weneş
it nat şat fredom of wille be distourbed or ylett by p{re}science. for
ne drawest şou nat argumentes from ellys where of şe necessite of şinges
to comen. As who seiş any oşer wey şan şus. but şat şilke şinge[s] şat
şe p{re}scie{n}ce woot byforn [ne] mowen nat vnbitide. şat is to seyn
şat şei moten bitide. ¶ But şan yif şat p{re}science ne putteş no
necessite to şinges to comen. as şou şi self hast confessed it {and}
byknowen a litel herbyforn{e}. ¶ what cause [or what] is it. as who seiş
şere may no cause be. by whiche şat şe endes (exitus) uoluntarie of
şinges my[gh]ten be constreyned to certeyne bitydyng. ¶ For by grace of
possessiou{n}. so şat şou mowe şe better vndirstonde şis şat folweş. ¶ I
pose (inpossibile) şat şer ne be no p{re}science. şan axe I q{uo}d she
in as moche as app{er}teniş to şat. sholde şan şinges şat comen of
frewille ben constreined to bytiden by necessite. {Boici}us. nay q{uo}d
I. şan a[gh]einward q{uo}d she. I suppose şat şere be p{re}science but
şat ne putteş no necessite to şinges. şan trowe I şat şilk self fredom
of wille shal dwelle{n} al hool {and} absolut {and} vnbounden. but şou
wolt sein şat al be it so şat p{re}science nis nat cause of şe necessite
of bitidynge to şinges to comen. ¶ Algates [gh]itte it is a signe ş{a}t
şe şinges ben to bytiden by necessite. by şis manere şan al şou[gh] şe
p{re}science ne hadde neuer yben. [gh]it algate or at şe lest[e] wey. it
is certeyne şing şat şe e{n}dys {and} şe bitydynges of şinges to come{n}
sholde ben necessarie. ¶ For euery sygne sheweş {and} signifieş oonly
what şe şing is ¶ but it ne makiş nat şe şing şat it signifieş. ¶ For
whiche it byhoueş firste to shewen şat no şing ne bitidiş [ş{a}t it ne
bytydith] by necessite. so şat it may apere ş{a}t şe p{re}scie{n}ce is
signe of şis necessite ¶ or ellys yif şere nere no necessite. certys
şilke p{re}science ne my[gh]t[e] nat ben signe of şinge şat nis nat.
¶ But certys it is nowe certeyne şat şe preue of şis susteniş by
stedfast resou{n} ne shal nat ben ladd ne p{ro}ued by signes ne by
argumentys ytaken fro wiş oute. but by causes couenable {and} necessarie
¶ But şou mayst sein how may it be şat şe şinges ne bitiden nat şat ben
ypurueyed to comen. but certys ry[gh]t as we trowen şat şo şinges whiche
şat şe p{ur}ueau{n}ce woot byforn to comen. ne ben nat to bitiden. but
[ş{a}t] ne sholde we nat demen. but raşer al şou[gh] [şat] şei schal
bitiden. [gh]it ne haue şei no necessite of hire kynde to bitiden. {and}
şis maist şou ly[gh]tly ap{er}ceyue{n} by şis şat I shal seyn. but we
seen many şinges whan şei ben don byforn oure eyen ry[gh]t as men seen
şe karter worken in şe to{ur}nynge {and} in attempryng or in adressy{n}g
of hys kartes or chariottes. ¶ and by şis manere as who seiş mayst şou
vnd{er}sto{n}de of alle manere oşir werkeme{n}. ¶ Is şere şanne any
necessite as who seiş in oure lokynge [ş{a}t] constreineş or compelliş
any of şilke şinges to ben don so. b. nay q{uo}d I ¶ For in ydel {and}
in veyne were alle şe effect of crafte yif şat alle şinges weren moeued
by constreynynge. şat is to seyn by constreynynge of oure eyen or of
oure sy[gh]t. _P._ şise şi{n}g{us} şan q{uo}d she şat whan men don hem
ne han non necessite şat men don hem. eke şo same şinges first or şei be
don. şei ben to comen wiş out necessite. for whi şer ben so{m}me şinges
to bytide of whiche şe endys {and} şe bitidynges of hem ben absolut
{and} quit of alle necessite. for certys I ne trowe nat şat any man
wolde seyn şis. şat şo şinges şat men don now ş{a}t şei ne weren to
bitiden. first or şei were ydon ¶ and şilk same şinges al şou[gh] ş{a}t
men hadde{n} ywyst hem by-forn. [gh]itte şei han fre bitidynges. for
ry[gh]t as science of şinges p{re}sent ne bryngeş in no necessite to
şinges [ş{a}t men doon // Ryht so the p{re}science of thinges to comen
ne bryngeth in no necessite to thinges] to bytiden but şou mayst seyn
şat of şilke same it is ydouted. as wheşer şat of şilke şinges şat ne
han non endes {and} bytidynges necessaryes yif şer-of may ben any
p{re}science ¶ For certys şei seme to discorde. for şou wenest şat yif
şat şinges ben yseyn byforn şat necessite folweş hem. and yif ({et}
putas) necessite faileş hem şei ne my[gh]ten nat ben wist byforn. {and}
şat no şinge ne may ben comp{re}hendid by science but certeyne. {and}
yif şo şinges şat ne han no certeyne bytidynges ben ypurueied as
certeyn. it sholde ben dirkenesse of oppiniou{n} nat soşefastnesse of
science [{and} ş{o}u weenyst ş{a}t it be diu{er}se fro the hoolnesse of
science / ş{a}t any man sholde deme a thing to ben oother weys thanne it
is it self]. and şe cause of şis errour is. şat of alle şe şinges şat
euery wy[gh]t haş yknowe. şei wenen şat şo şinges ben y-knowe al oonly
by şe strengşe {and} by şe nature of şe şinges şat ben ywyst or yknowe.
{and} it is al şe contrarie. for alle şat eu{er}e is yknowe. it is raşer
comp{re}hendid {and} yknowe{n} nat after his strengeş {and} hys nature.
but after şe faculte şat is to seyn şe power {and} [the] nature of hem
şat knowen. {and} for şat şis shal mowe shewen by a short ensample şe
same roundenes of a body .O. oşer weyes şe sy[gh]t of şe eye knoweş it.
{and} oşer weyes şe touchi{n}g. şe lokynge by castynge of his bemes
waiteş {and} seeş fro afer alle şe body to-gider wiş oute mouynge of it
self. but şe touchinge cliuiş {and} conioigneş to şe rounde body (orbi)
{and} moueş abouten şe environynge. {and} comp{re}hendiş by p{ar}ties şe
roundenesse. ¶ and şe man hym self oşer weies wyt byholdiş hym. {and}
oş{er}weyes ymaginac{i}ou{n} {and} oşer weyes resou{n}. {and} oşer weyes
intelligence. ¶ For şe wit co{m}p{re}he{n}diş fro wiş outen furşe şe
figure of şe body of şe man. şat is establissed in şe matere subiect.
But şe ymaginac{i}ou{n} [comp{re}hendith only the figur{e} w{i}t{h} owte
the mater{e} / Resou{n} surmou{n}teth ymaginaciou{n}] {and}
co{m}p{re}hendeş by an vniuersel lokynge şe co{mmun}e spece (sp{eci}em)
şat is in şe singuler peces. ¶ But şe eye of intelligence is hey[gh]er
for it so{ur}mou{n}teş şe envirounynge of şe vniu{er}site {and} lookeş
ouer şat by pure subtilite of şou[gh]t. şilk same symple forme of man
şat is p{er}durably in şe deuyne şou[gh]t. in whiche şis au[gh]t[e]
gretely to ben considered şat şe heyest strengşe to co{m}prehenden
şinges enbraceş {and} conteyneş şe lower[e] strengşe [but the lower{e}
strengthe ne arysith nat in no maner{e} to heyer{e} strengthe]. for wit
ne may no şinge co{m}p{re}hende oute of matere. ne şe ymagynac{i}ou{n}
ne lokeş nat şe vniuerseles speces. ne resou{n} ne takeş nat şe symple
forme. so as i{n}telligence takeş it. but şe intelligence şat lokeş al
abouen whan it haş co{m}p{re}hendid şe forme it knoweş {and} demeş alle
şe şinges şat be{n} vndir şat forme. but she knoweş he{m} vndir şilke
manere in şe whiche it comp{re}hendiş şilke same symple forme şat ne may
neuer be knowen to non of şat oşer. şat is to seyn to non of şo şre
forseide strengşes of şe soule. for it knoweş şe vniuersite of resou{n}
{and} şe figure of şe ymaginac{i}ou{n}. {and} şe sensible mat{er}ial
conseiued. {and} şou wenest ş{a}t it be diuerse fro şe hoolnesse of
science. şat any man sholde deme a şing to ben oş{er}weyes şan it is it
self {and} şe cause of şis erro{ur} {et}c'. {vt sup}ra. by wit. ne it ne
vseş nat nor of resou{n} ne of ymaginac{i}ou{n} ne of wit wiş oute forşe
but it byholdeş alle şinges so as I shal seye. by a strok of şou[gh]t
formely wiş oute disco{ur}s or collac{i}ou{n} ¶ Certys resou{n} whan it
lokeş any şing vniu{er}sel it ne vseş nat of ymaginac{i}ou{n} nor of wit
{and} algates [gh]it [it] co{m}prendiş şe şinges ymaginable {and}
sensible. for resou{n} is she şat diffinisseş şe vniuersel of hir
conseite ry[gh]t şus. ¶ Man is a resonable t[w]o-footid beest. and how
so şat şis knowynge [is] vniuersel. [gh]it nys şer no wy[gh]t şat ne
woot wel. şat a ma{n} is [a thing] ymaginable {and} sensible ¶ and şis
same co{n}sidereş wel resou{n}. but şat nis nat by ymaginac{i}ou{n}. nor
by witte. but it lokiş it by [a] resonable concepc{i}ou{n}. ¶ Also
ymaginac{i}ou{n} al be it so. şat it takeş of wit şe bygyny{n}g{us} to
seen {and} to formen şe figures. algates al şou[gh] şat wit ne ware not
p{re}sent. [gh]it it envirouniş {and} co{m}p{re}hendiş alle şinges
sensible. nat by resou{n} sensible of demynge. but by resou{n}
ymaginatif. ¶ sest şou nat şan şat alle şe şinges in knowynge vsen more
of hir faculte or of hir power. şan şei don of [the] faculte or of power
of şinges şat ben yknowen. ne şat nis no wronge. for so as euery
iugement is şe dede or şe doynge of hym şat demeş. It byhoueş şat euery
wy[gh]t p{er}forme şe werke {and} hys entenc{i}ou{n} nat of forein
power[;] but of hys propre power.
QUONDAM PORTICUS ATTULIT.
[Sidenote: [The 4^the Met{ur}.]]
++ŞE porche şat is to sein a gate of şe toune of athenis şer as
philosophres hadde hir congregac{i}ou{n} to dispoyten. {and} şilke
porche brou[gh]t[e] so{m}tyme olde men ful derke in hire sentences.
ş{a}t is to sein philosophers şat hy[gh]ten stoiciens. şat wenden şat
ymages [{and}] sensibilites şat is to sein sensible ymaginac{i}ou{n}s.
or ellys ymaginac{i}ou{n} of sensible şinges were{n} i{n}p{re}ntid in to
soules fro bodies wiş oute forşe. ¶ As who seiş şat şilke stoiciens
wenden ş{a}t şe soule hadde ben naked of it self. as a mirour or a clene
p{ar}chemyn. so şat alle fygures mosten [fyrst] comen fro şinges fro wiş
oute in to soules. {and} ben inp{re}ntid in to soules. _Textus._ Ry[gh]t
as we ben wont some tyme by a swift poyntel to ficchen l{ett}res
emp{re}ntid in şe smoşenesse or in şe plainesse of şe table of wex. or
in p{ar}chemyn şat ne haş no figure [ne] note in it. _Glosa._ But now
arguiş boece a[gh]eins şat oppiniou{n} {and} seiş şus. but yif şe
şriuyng soule ne vnplitiş no şing. şat is to sein ne doş no şing by hys
p{ro}pre moeuynges. but suffriş {and} lieş subgit to şe figures {and} to
şe notes of bodyes wiş oute forşe. {and} [gh]eldeş ymages ydel {and}
veyne in şe manere of a mirour. whennes şriueş şan or whennes comeş şan
şilke knowyng in oure soule. şat discerniş {and} byholdeş alle şinges.
and whennes is şilke strengşe şat byholdeş şe syngulere şinges. or
whennes is şe strengşe şat dyuydeş şinges yknowe. {and} şilke stre{n}gşe
şat gadereş to-gidre şe şinges deuided. {and} şe strengşe şat cheseş hys
entrechau{n}ged wey for som tyme it heueş vp şe heued. şat is to sein
şat it heueş vp şe ente{n}c{i}ou{n} to ry[gh]t heye şinges. {and} som
tyme it discendiş in to ry[gh]t lowe şinges. {and} whan it retourniş in
to hym self. it rep{re}uiş {and} destroieş şe false şinges by şe trewe
şinges. ¶ Certys şis strengşe is cause more efficient {and} mochel more
my[gh]ty to seen {and} to knowe şinges. şan şilke cause şat suffriş and
resceyueş şe notes {and} şe figures inp{re}ssed in manere of matere
algates şe passiou{n} şat is to seyn şe suffraunce or şe wit i{n} şe
quik[e] body goş byforne excitynge {and} moeuyng şe strengşes of şe
şou[gh]te. ry[gh]t so as whan şat clerenesse smyteş şe eyen {and} moeuiş
hem to seen. or ry[gh]t so as voys or soune hurtliş to şe eres {and}
co{m}moeuiş hem to herkne. şan is şe stre{n}gşe of şe şou[gh]t ymoeuid
{and} excitid {and} clepeş furşe şe semblable moeuynges şe speces şat it
halt wiş i{n}ne it self. {and} addiş şo speces to şe notes {and} to şe
şinges wiş out forşe. {and} medeleş şe ymages of şinges wiş out forşe to
şe forme[s] yhid wiş i{n}ne hym self.
Q{UO}D SI IN CORPORIB{US} SENCIEND{IS}.
QUESTIO.
[Sidenote: [The .5.^the p{ro}se.]]
++But what [yif] şat in bodies to be{n} feelid şat is to sein in şe
takynge of knowelechinge of bodyly şinges. and al be it so şat şe
qualites of bodies ş{a}t ben obiect fro wiş oute forşe moeuen {and}
entalenten şe instrumentes of şe wittes. and al be it so şat şe
passiou{n} of şe body şat is to seyn şe witte [or the] suffrau{n}ce
[goth to-forn the strengthe of the workynge corage / the which
passiou{n} or suffraunce] clepiş furşe şe dede of şe şou[gh]t in hym
self. {and} moeueş {and} exiteş in şis mene while şe formes ş{a}t resten
wiş in forşe. and yif şat i{n} sensible bodies as I haue seid oure
corage nis nat ytau[gh]t or enp{re}ntid by passiou{n} to knowe şise
şinges. but demiş {and} knoweş of hys owen strengşe şe passiou{n} or
suffrau{n}ce subiect to şe body. Moche more şan şoo şinges şat ben
absolut {and} quit fram alle talent[gh] or affecc{i}ou{n}s of bodies. as
god or hys aungels ne folwen nat in discernynge şinges obiect from wiş
oute forşe. but şei accomplissen {and} speden şe dede of hir şou[gh]t by
şis resou{n}. ¶ şan şere comen many manere knowynges to dyu{er}se {and}
differy{n}g substaunces. for şe wit of şe body şe whiche witte is naked
{and} despoyled of alle oşer knowynges. şilke witte comeş to bestes şat
ne mowen nat moeuen hem self here ne şere. as oystres {and} muscles
{and} oşer swiche shelle fysshe of şe see. ş{a}t cliue{n} {and} ben
norissed to roches. but şe ymaginac{i}ou{n} comeş to remuable bestes şat
seme{n} to han talent to fleen or to desiren any şinge. but resou{n} is
al only to şe lynage of mankynde ry[gh]t as i{n}telligence is oonly şe
deuyne nature. of whiche it folweş şat şilke knowyng is more worşe şan
[th]is[e] oşer. syn it knoweş by hys p{ro}pre nature nat only hys
subiect. as who seiş it ne knoweş nat al oonly şat app{er}teiniş
p{ro}prely to hys knowynge. but it knoweş şe subgit[gh] of alle oşer
knowynges. but how shal it şan be yif şat wit {and} ymaginac{i}ou{n}
stryuen a[gh]eins resonynge {and} sein şat of şilke vniuersel şinges.
şat resou{n} weneş to seen şat it nis ry[gh]t nau[gh]t. for wit {and}
ymaginac{i}ou{n} seyn şat şat. şat is sensible or ymaginable it ne may
nat ben vniuersel. şan is eişer şe iugement of resou{n} [soth]. ne şat
şer nis no şinge sensible. or ellys for şat resou{n} woot wel şat many
şinges ben subiect to wit {and} to ymaginac{i}ou{n}. şan is şe
co{n}sepc{i}ou{n} of resou{n} veyn {and} fals whiche şat lookeş {and}
co{m}p{re}hendiş. şat şat is sensible {and} synguler as uniuersele. and
[gh]if şat resou{n} wolde answeren a[gh]ein to şise two şat is to sein
to wit {and} to ymaginac{i}ou{n}. {and} sein şat soşely she hir self.
şat is to seyn şat resou{n} lokeş {and} comp{re}hendiş by resou{n} of
vniuersalite. boşe şat şat is sensible {and} şat şat is ymaginable.
{and} şat şilke two şat is to seyn wit {and} ymaginac{i}ou{n} ne mowe{n}
nat strecchen ne enhaunsen hem self to knowynge of vniuersalite for şat
şe knowy{n}g of hem ne may exceden nor so{ur}mou{n}te{n} şe bodyly
figure[s] ¶ Certys of şe knowyng of şinges men au[gh]ten raşer [gh]eue
credence to şe more stedfast {and} to şe more p{er}fit iugement. In şis
manere stryuynge şan we şat han strengşe of resonynge {and} of
ymaginynge {and} of wit şat is to seyn by resou{n} {and} by
ymaginac{i}ou{n} {and} by wit. [{and}] we sholde raşer p{re}ise şe cause
of resou{n}. as who seiş şan şe cause of wit or ymaginac{i}ou{n}.
semblable şinge is it şat şe resou{n} of mankynde ne weneş nat şat şe
deuyne intelligence byholdeş or knoweş şinges to comen. but ry[gh]t as
şe resou{n} of mankynde knoweş hem. for şou arguist {and} seist şus. şat
yif it ne seme nat to men şat so{m}me şinges han certeyne {and}
necessarie bytidynges. şei ne mowen nat ben wist byforn certeynely to
bytiden. şa{n} nis [ther] no p{re}science of şilke şinges. {and} yif we
trowen şat p{re}science ben in şise şinges. şan is şer no şinge şat it
ne bitidiş by necessite. but certys yif we my[gh]te{n} han şe iugeme{n}t
of şe deuyne şou[gh]t as we ben p{ar}son{er}s of resou{n}. ry[gh]t so as
we han demed. it byhoueş şat ymaginac{i}ou{n} {and} wit ben byneşe
resou{n}. ry[gh]t so wolde we deme{n} şat it were ry[gh]tful şing şat
ma{n}s resou{n} au[gh]t[e] to su{m}mitten it self {and} to ben byneşe şe
deuyne şou[gh]t. for whiche şat yif we mowen. as who seiş. şat yif şat
we mowe{n} I conseil[e] şat we enhanse vs in to şe hey[gh]t of şilke
souereyne i{n}telligence. for şere shal resou{n} wel seen şat şat it ne
may nat by-holden in it self. and certys şat is şis in what manere şe
p{re}science of god seeş alle şinges c{er}teins {and} difinissed al
şou[gh] şei ne han no certein issues or by-tydynges. ne şis is non
oppiniou{n} but it is raşer şe simplicite of şe souereyn science şat nis
nat enclosed nor yshet wişi{n}ne no boundes.
QUAM UARIIS FIGURIS.
[Sidenote: [The 5^the Met{ur}.]]
++ŞE bestes passen by şe erşes by ful dyuerse figures for so{m}me of hem
han hir bodies strau[gh]t {and} crepe{n} in şe dust {and} drawen after
he{m} a t{ra}is or a forghe contynued. şat is to sein as addres or
snakes. and oşer bestes by [the] wandryng ly[gh]tnesse of hir wenges
beten şe wyndes {and} ouer-swymme{n} şe spaces of şe longe eyer by moist
flee[y]nge. and oşer bestes gladen hem to diggen her traas or her
stappes i{n} şe erşe wiş hir goynge or wiş her feet. or to gone eyşe[r]
by şe grene feldes or [elles] to walken vnder şe wodes. {and} al be it
so ş{a}t şou seest şat şei alle discorden by dyuerse formes. algate
hir{e} [faces] enclini[n]g heuieş hir{e} dulle wittes. Onlyche şe lynage
of man heueş heyest hys hey[gh]e heued {and} stondeş ly[gh]t wiş hys
vpry[gh]t body {and} byholdeş şe erşe vndir hym. [and] but-[gh]if şou
erşely man wexest yuel oute of şi witte. şis figure amonesteş şe ş{a}t
axest şe heuene wiş şi ry[gh]t[e] visage. {and} hast areised şi forhede
to beren vp on heye şi corage so şat şi şou[gh]t ne be nat yheuied ne
put lowe vndir foot. sen şat şi body is so heye areised.
PR{O}SA VLTI{M}A.
QUONIA{M} IGITUR UTI PAULO ANTE.
[Sidenote: [The 6^te p{ro}se {and} the laste.]]
++ŞEr-fore şan as I haue shewed a litel her byforne şat al şinge şat is
ywist nis nat knowen by hys nature p{ro}pre. but by şe nature of he{m}
şat comp{re}henden it. ¶ Lat vs loke now in as moche as it is leueful to
vs. as who seiş lat vs loken now as we mowen whiche ş{a}t şe estat is of
şe deuyne substaunce so şat we mowen [ek] knowen what his science is. şe
comune iugement of alle creatures resonables şan is şis şat god is
eterne. lat vs considere şa{n} what is et{er}nite. For certys şat shal
shewen vs to-gidre şe deuyne nature {and} şe deuyne science ¶ Eternite
şan is p{er}fit possessiou{n} {and} al togidre of lijf interminable
{and} şat sheweş more clerely by şe co{m}parisou{n} or collac{i}ou{n} of
temp{or}el şinges. for al şing şat lyueş in tyme it is p{re}sent {and}
p{ro}cediş fro preterit[gh] in to fut{ur}es. şat is to sein. fro tyme
passed in to tyme comynge. ne şer nis no şing establissed i{n} tyme şat
may enbracen to-gidre al şe space of hys lijf. for certys [gh]it ne haş
it nat taken şe tyme of şe morwe. {and} it haş lost şat of
[gh]ister-day. and certys in şe lijf of şis day [gh]e ne lyuen no more
but ry[gh]t as in şis moeueable {and} t{ra}nsitorie moment. şan şilke
şinge şat suffriş temp{or}el condic{i}ou{n}. a[l]şough{e} şat [it] bygan
neuer to be. ne şough{e} it neu{er}e cese forto be. as aristotle demde
of şe worlde. and al şou[gh] şat şe lif of it be strecchid wiş infinite
of tyme. [gh]it algates nis it no swiche şing şat men my[gh]ten trowen
by ry[gh]t şat it is eterne. for al şou[gh] şat it comp{re}hende {and}
embrace şe space of life infinite. [gh]it algates ne [em]braceş it nat
şe space of şe lif alto-gidre. for it ne haş nat şe fut{ur}es şat ne ben
nat [gh]it. ne it ne haş no lenger şe p{re}t{er}it[gh] şat ben ydon or
ypassed. but şilke şing şan şat haş {and} co{m}prehendiş to-gidre alle
şe plente of şe lif i{n}terminable. to whom şere ne failiş nat of şe
fut{ur}e. {and} to whom şer nis nat of şe p{re}t{er}it escapid nor
ypassed. şilk[e] same is ywitnessed or yproued by ry[gh]t to ben eterne.
and it byhoueş by necessite şat şilke şinge be alwey p{re}sent to hym
self {and} co{m}potent. as who seiş alwey p{re}sent to hym self {and} so
my[gh]ty şat al by ry[gh]t at hys plesaunce. {and} ş{a}t he haue al
p{re}sent şe infinit of şe moeuable tyme. wherfore som men trowe{n}
wrongefully şat whan şei heren şat it semid[e] to plato şat şis worlde
ne had[de] neuer bygynnynge of tyme. ne şat it neu{er}e shal haue
faylynge. şei wenen i{n} şis man{er}e şat şis worlde ben maked
coet{er}ne wiş his makere. as who seiş. şei wenen şat şis worlde {and}
god ben maked to-gidre eterne. and it is a wrongful wenynge. for oşer
şing is it to ben yladd by lif interminable as plato graunted[e] to şe
worlde. {and} oşer şing is it to embracen to-gidre alle şe p{re}sence to
şe lif interminable. şe whiche şing it is clere {and} manifest şat it is
p{ro}pre to şe deuine şou[gh]t. ne it ne sholde nat semen to vs şat god
is elder şan şinges şat ben ymaked by quantite of tyme. but raşer by şe
p{ro}prete of hys symple nature. for şis ilke infinit[e] moeuyng of
temp{or}el şinges folwiş şis p{re}sentarie estat of şe lijf
i{n}moeueable. {and} so as it ne may nat contrefeten it ne feyne{n} it
ne ben euene lyke to it. for şe inmoeueablete. şat is to seyn şat is
i{n} şe eternite of god. ¶ it faileş {and} falleş in to moeuynge fro şe
simplicite of [the] p{re}sence of god. {and} disencresiş to şe infinite
quantite of fut{ur}e {and} of p{re}terit. {and} so as it ne may nat han
togidre al şe plente of şe lif. algates [gh]itte for as moche as it ne
cesiş neuere forto ben in som manere it semeş somde[l] to vs şat it
folwiş {and} resembliş şilke şing ş{a}t it ne may nat attayne to. ne
fulfille. {and} byndeş it self to som manere p{re}sence of şis litel
{and} swifte moment. şe whiche p{re}sence of şis lytele {and} swifte
moment. for şat it bereş a manere ymage or lykenesse of şe ay dwellynge
p{re}sence of god. it graunteş to swiche manere şinges as it bitidiş to
şat it semeş hem şat şise şinges han ben {and} ben {and} for [ş{a}t] şe
p{re}sence of swiche litel moment ne may nat dwelle şer-for [it]
rauyssid[e] {and} took şe infinit[e] wey of tyme. şat is to seyn by
successiou{n}. {and} by şis man{er}e it is ydon. for şat it sholde
continue şe lif in goynge of şe whiche lif it ne my[gh]t[e] nat embrace
şe plente in dwellynge. {and} for şi yif we willen putte worşi name[s]
to şinges {and} folwen plato. lat vs seyn şa{n} soşely şat god is
et{er}ne. {and} şat şe worlde is p{er}petuel. şan syn şat euery
iugeme{n}t knoweş {and} comp{re}hendiş by hys owen nature şinges şat ben
subiect vnto hym. şere is soşely al-wey to god an et{er}ne {and}
p{re}sentarie estat. {and} şe science of hym şat ouer-passeş alle
temp{or}el moe[ue]m{en}t dwelliş in şe symplicite of hys p{re}sence
{and} embraceş {and} considereş alle şe infinit spaces of tymes
p{re}terit[gh] {and} fut{ur}es {and} lokeş in şis symple knowynge alle
şinges of p{re}t{er}it ry[gh]t as şei weren ydoon p{re}sently ry[gh]t
now ¶ yif şou wolt şan şenke {and} avise{n} şe p{re}science by whiche it
knoweş al[le] şi{n}ges şou ne shalt nat demen it as p{re}science of
şinges to comen. but şou shalt deme{n} [it] more ry[gh]tfully şat it is
science of presence or of instaunce şat neuer ne fayleş. for whiche it
nis nat ycleped p{ro}uidence but it sholde raşer be cleped purueaunce
şat is establissed ful fer fro ry[gh]t lowe şinges. {and} byholdeş from
a-fer alle şinges ry[gh]t as it were fro şe heye hey[gh]te of şinges.
whi axest şou şan or why disputest şou şan şat şilke şinges ben don by
necessite whiche şat ben yseyen {and} yknowen by şe deuyne sy[gh]t. syn
şat for soşe men ne maken nat şilke şi{n}ges necessarie. whiche şat
şe[i] seen be ydoon in hir{e} sy[gh]t. for addiş şi byholdynge any
necessite to şilke şinges şat şou byholdest p{re}sent. ¶ Nay q{uo}d I.
_p._ Certys şan yif men my[gh]te maken any digne comparisou{n} or
collac{i}ou{n} of şe p{re}sence diuine. {and} of şe p{re}sence of
mankynde. ry[gh]t so as [gh]e seen so{m}me şinges in şis temp{or}el
presente. ry[gh]t so seeş god alle şinges by hys eterne p{re}sent.
¶ wherfore şis dyuyne p{re}science ne chaungeş nat şe nature ne şe
p{ro}prete of şinges but byholdeş swyche şinges present to hym ward. as
şei shollen bytiden to [gh]ow ward in tyme to come. ne it ne
co{n}foundeş nat şe Iugement[gh] of şinges but by of sy[gh]t of hys
şou[gh]t he knoweş şe şinges to comen as wel necessarie as nat
necessarie. ry[gh]t so as whan [gh]e seen togidre a man walke on şe erşe
{and} şe sonne arysen in [the] heuene. al be it so şat [gh]e seen {and}
byholde{n} şat oon {and} şat oşer to-gidre. [gh]it naşeles [gh]e demen
{and} discerne şat şat oon is uolu{n}tarie {and} şat oşer is necessarie.
¶ Ry[gh]t so şan [the] deuyne lokynge byholdynge alle şi{n}ges vndir hym
ne troubleş nat şe qualite of şinges şat ben certeynely p{re}sent to
hy{m} ward. but as to şe condic{i}ou{n} of tyme for soşe şei ben
fut{ur}e. for whiche it folwiş şat şis nis non oppiniou{n}. but raşer a
stedfast knowyng ystrengeşed by soşenes. şat whan şat god knoweş any
şinge to be he ne vnwoot nat şat şilke şinge wanteş necessite to be. şis
is to seyn şat whan şat god knoweş any şinge to bitide. he woot wel şat
it ne haş no necessite to bitide. {and} yif ş{o}u seist here şat şilke
şinge şat god seeş to bytide it ne may nat vnbytide. as who seiş it mot
bitide. ¶ and şilke şinge şat şat ne may nat vnbytide it mot bitide by
necessite. and şat şou streine me to şis name of necessite. certys I wol
wel confessen {and} byknowe a şinge of ful sadde trouşe. but vnneş shal
şere any wy[gh]t [mowe] seen it or comen şer-to. but yif şat he be
byholder of şe deuyne şou[gh]te. ¶ for I wol answer{e} şe şus. şat şilke
şinge şat is future whan it is referred to şe deuyne knowy{n}g şan is it
necessarie. but certys whan it is vndirstonden in hys owen kynde me{n}
sen it [is] vtterly fre {and} absolut from alle necessite. for certys
şer ben two maneres of necessites. şat oon necessite is symple as şus.
şat it byhoueş by necessite şat alle men be mortal or dedely. an oş{er}
necessite is condicionel as şus. yif şou wost şat a man walkiş. it
byhoueş by necessite şat he walke. şilke şinge şan şat any wy[gh]t haş
yknowe to be. it ne may ben non oşer weyes şan he knoweş it to be. ¶ but
şis condicioun ne draweş nat wiş hir şilke necessite symple. For certys
şis necessite condicionel. şe p{ro}pre nature of it ne makeş it
nau[gh]t. but şe adiecc{i}ou{n} of şe condic{i}ou{n} makiş it. for no
necessite ne constreyneş a man to [gon / ş{a}t] gooş by his p{ro}pre
wille. al be it so şat whan he gooş şat it is necessarie şat he gooş.
şan mot şilke şinge be by necessite. al şou[gh] şat it ne haue no
necessite of hys owen nature. ¶ Ry[gh]t on şis same manere şan. yif şat
şe p{ur}ueaunce of god seeş any şing p{re}sent. but certys şe fut{ur}es
şat bytyden by fredom of arbitre god seeş hem alle to-gidre
p{re}sent[gh]. şise şinges şan [yif] şei ben referred to şe deuyne
sy[gh]t. şan ben şei maked necessarie to şe condic{i}ou{n} of şe deuyne
knowynge. but certys yif şilke şinges ben considred by hem self şei ben
absolut of necessite. {and} ne forleten nat ne cesen nat of şe liberte
of hire owe{n} natur{e}. şan certys wiş outen doute alle şe şing{us}
shollen be doon whiche şat god woot by-forn şat şei ben to comen. but
so{m}me of hem comen {and} bitiden of [free] arbitre or of fre wille.
şat al be it so şat şei bytiden. [gh]it algates ne lese şei nat hire
p{ro}pre nature ne beynge. by şe whiche first or şat şei were doon şei
hadden power nat to han bitidd. _Boece._ what is şis to seyn şa{n}
q{uo}d I. şat şinges ne ben nat necessarie by hire p{ro}pre nature. so
as şei comen in alle maneres in şe lykenesse of necessite by şe
condic{i}ou{n} of şe deuyne science. {Ph}ilosoph{ie}. şis is şe
difference q{uo}d she. şat şo şinges şat I p{ur}posed[e] şe a litel here
byforn. şat is to seyn şe sonne arysynge {and} şe man walkynge şat
şerwhiles şat şilke şinges ben ydon. şei ne my[gh]ten nat ben vndon.
naşeles şat oon of hem or it was ydon it byhoued[e] by necessite şat it
was ydon. but nat şat oş{er}. ry[gh]t so it is here şat şe şinges şat
god haş p{re}sent. wiş outen doute şei shulle ben. but so{m}me of hem
descendiş of şe nature of şinges as şe sonne arysynge. {and} so{m}me
descendiş of şe power of şe doers as şe man walkynge. ¶ şan seide I. no
wronge şat yif şat şise şinges ben referred to şe deuyne knowynge şan
ben şei necessarie. {and} yif şei ben considered by he{m} selfe şan ben
şei absolut from şe bonde of necessite. ry[gh]t so [as] alle şinges şat
appiereş or sheweş to şe wittes yif şou referre it to resou{n} it is
vniuersel. {and} yif şou referre it or look[e] it to it self. şan is it
sy{n}guler. but now yif şou seist şus ş{a}t yif it be in my power to
chaunge my p{ur}pose. şan shal I voide şe p{ur}ueaunce of god. whan şat
p{er}auenture I shal han chau{n}ged şo şinges şat he knoweş byforn. şan
shal I answere şe şus ¶ Certys şou maist wel chaungen şi p{ur}pos but
for as mochel as şe p{re}sent soşenesse of şe deuyne p{ur}ueaunce
byholdeş şat şou mayst chau{n}ge{n} şi p{ur}pose. {and} wheşir şou wolt
chaunge it or no. {and} whider-ward şat şou tourne it. ş{o}u maist nat
eschewen şe deuyne p{re}science ry[gh]t as şou ne mayst nat fleen şe
sy[gh]t of şe p{re}sent eye. al şou[gh] şat şou tourne şi self by şi fre
wille in to dyu{er}se acc{i}ou{n}. ¶ But şou mayst seyn a[gh]eyne how
shal it şan be. shal nat şe dyuyne science ben chaunged by my
disposic{i}ou{n} whan şat I wol o şing now {and} now an oşer. {and}
şilke p{re}science ne semeş it nat to enterchau{n}ge stoundes of
knowynges. as who seiş. ne shal it nat seme to vs şat şe deuyne
p{re}science enterchaungeş hys dyuers stoundes of knowynge. so şat it
knowe so{m}me tyme o şing {and} so{m}me tyme şe contrarie. ¶ No for
soşe. [q{uod} I] for şe deuyne sy[gh]t renneş to-forne {and} seeş alle
fut{ur}es {and} clepeş hem a[gh]ein {and} reto{ur}niş hem to şe
p{re}sence of hys p{ro}pre knowynge. ne he ne entrechaungeş nat [so] as
şou wenest şe stoundes of forknowyng [as] now şis now şat. but he ay
dwellynge comiş byforn {and} enbraceş at o strook alle şi
mutac{i}ou{n}s. and şis p{re}sence to co{m}p{re}henden {and} to sen alle
şinges. god ne haş nat take{n} it of şe bitydynge of şinges forto come.
but of hys p{ro}pre symplicite. ¶ and her by is assoiled şilke şing şat
şou puttest a litel her byforne. şat is to seyne şat it is vnworşi şinge
to seyn şat oure futures [gh]euen cause of şe science of god ¶ For
c{er}tys şis strengşe of şe deuyne science whiche şat enbraceş alle
şinge by his p{re}sentarie knowynge establisseş manere to alle
şi{n}g{us} {and} it ne awiş nat to lattere şinges. {and} syn şat şise
şinges ben şus. şat is to seyn syn şat necessite nis nat in şinges by şe
deuyne p{re}science. şan is şer fredom of arbitre. şat dwelleş hool
{and} vnwemmed to mortal men. ne şe lawes ne p{ur}pose nat wikkedly
meedes {and} peynes to şe willynges of men şat ben vnbounde {and} quit
of alle necessite. ¶ And god byholder {and} forwiter of alle şinges
dwelliş aboue {and} şe p{re}sent eternite of hys sy[gh]t renneş alwey
wiş şe dyuerse qualite of oure dedes dispe{n}syng {and} ordeynynge medes
to good[e] men. {and} tourment[gh] to wicked men. ne in ydel ne i{n}
veyn ne ben şer nat put in god hope {and} p{ra}yeres. şat ne mowen nat
ben vnspedful ne wiş oute effect whan şei ben ry[gh]tful ¶ wişstond şan
{and} eschewe şou vices. worshippe {and} loue şou vertus. areise şi
corage to ry[gh]tful hoopes. [gh]elde şou humble p{re}iers an hey[gh]e.
grete necessite of prowesse {and} vertue is encharged {and} comaunded to
[gh]ow yif [gh]e nil nat dissimulen. ¶ Syn şat [gh]e worchen {and} doon.
şat is to seyn [gh]oure dedes {and} [gh]oure workes by-fore şe eyen of
şe Iuge şat seeş {and} demeş alle şinges. [To whom be goye {and}
worshipe bi Infynyt tymes / AMEN.]
EXPLICIT LIBER QUINTUS. {ET} VLTIM{US}.
* * * *
* * * * *
GLOSSARIAL INDEX.
[[Pages 180-184 are the Appendix and _Balades_, each with separate
line numbering.]]
ABAIST = ABYEST, sufferest, endurest, 39/1014
ABAIST, abashed, 107/3047
ABASSEN, to be abashed, dismayed, 146/4213
ABESID (= ABAYSSHED), abashed, 7/92
ABIDE, to await, 7/93.
'ABIDE after' = look after, expect, 13/250;
_p.p._ Abiden, waited, 86/2405
Abieş, suffers, 109/3101
ABLYNGE, enabling, fitting (_aptans_), 26/624, 88/2440
Abood, abode, 63/1716
Aboven, above, 6/52
Abreggynge, curtailing; hence _gain_ obtained by curtailment
(_compendium_), 151/4355
Accoie, to soothe, quiet (_demulcere_), 38/967
Accordaunce, agreement, 143/4134
Accordaunt, agreeing, unanimous, 19/431
Accorde, to agree, 42/1080
Accoumpte, account, 47/1251
Accountyng, calculation, 8/110
Achat, purchase, 15/310
Acheve, to achieve, accomplish, 18/404
Achoken, to choke, 47/1235
Acomplise, Acomplisse, to accomplish, 92/2575, 118/3356
Acordable, agreeing, 62/1694
Acusor, informer, 72/1990
Addre (Nadre), adder, 170/4959
Adoune, down, downward, 7/92
Adounward, downwards, 7/87
Adrad, in fear, afraid, 43/1132
Adresse, to direct, control, 163/4721
Afer, afar, 164/4767
Agast, aghast, frightened, 76/2107
Agaste, to terrify, frighten, 141/4051
Agon, ago, 70/1907
Agreableté, goodwill, 42/1099
Agrisen, to be afraid, dread, 10/178, 31/777
Ajuge, to adjudge, 15/325
Aknowe, acknowledged, 17/367
Aldirmost, most of all, 124/3557
Algates, Algate, yet, nevertheless, 19/439, 68/1849, 81/2242,
162/4696, 4698
Allegge, to alleviate, 124/3529
Alouterly, utterly, entirely, 109/3090
Alşerfairest, fairest of all, 87/2422
Alşerfirst, first of all, 10/180
Alşermoste, most of all, 158/4563
Alşerworste, worst of all, 157/4562
Alyene, to alienate, 27/671
Amenuse, to lessen, diminish, 19/426, 40/1039
Amenusynge, diminution, 46/1192
Ameve, Amoeve, Amove, to move, 6/64, 23/551
Amoneste, to admonish, 171/4971
Amonestyng, admonition, exhortation, 149/4296
Amongus, amongst, 52/1380
Amonicioun, admonition, 13/253
Amynistre, to administer, 135/3891
Ancre, anchor, 41/1050
Angre, grief, misery, 41/1072
Anguisse, Angysse, anguish, 79/2177;
to torment, 80/2198
Anguissous, anxious, sorrowful, 41/1062, 1066
Anoie, to be grieved, be sorry, 41/1058
Anoienge, 22/532
Anoies, hurtful, 47/1238
Anoious, annoying, hurtful, 7/102
An-oone, anon, 42/1086
Anoyously, dangerously, hurtfully, 80/2214
Apaise, to appease, 148/4278
Apasse, to pass away, go, 46/1195
Aperceive, to perceive, 16/344, 134/3845
Apertly, plainly, 17/386, 91/2543
Appaie, to please, satisfy, 47/1235
Appaire, to impair, 25/597
Apparaile, to clothe, adorn, 8/116
Apparaillement, clothing, ornament, 49/1300
Appertiene, to appertain, 73/1996
Applien, bend to, join, 161/4660
Apresse, to oppress, 184/60
Aprochen, to approach, 6/63, 66
Arace, Arase, Arrace, to tear, tear from, separate, 11/196, 27/671,
98/2774, 152/4278
Araise, Areise, Areyse, to raise, 51/1357, 118/3369, 178/5212
Arbitre, will, free will, 156/4500
Ardaunt, ardent, 106/3031
Aresten, to stop, arrest, 32/815
Aretten, to ascribe to, impute to, 40/1016
Arist, arises, 143/4138
Armurers, armours, arms, 51/1342
Armures, armour, 9/131
Arst, first, 95/2675
Arwe, arrow, 148/4262
Arysynge, rising, 22/512
Aryve, to bring to shore, 122/3479
Asayle, to assail, 181/40
Ascape, to escape, 8/129
Asondre, asunder, 64/1740
Aspre, sharp, rough, 32/806, 80/2216
Asprenesse, sharpness, 127/3627
Assaie, to essay, 42/1083
Assemble, to gather together, amass (money), 80/2208
Asseure, to assure, 16/330
Assoilen, to absolve, pay, unloose, dissolve, 149/4303, 154/4459
Astat, estate, state, 30/738
Astoned, astonished, 7/92, 63/1702;
_stupidus_, 122/3471
Astonynge, Astonyenge, astonishment, 9/134, 132/3780
Ataste, to taste, 30/756
Ataynt, Ateint, attained, knowing, experienced, 31/772, 69/1905
Attayne, to reach, 12/227
Atte, at the, 95/2675
Attemperaunce, tempering, temperament, 138/3973, 144/4145
Attempre, to temper, moderate, 8/115, 111/3154;
control, 163/4721;
(_adj._) modest, 29/728, 40/1033
Atteyne, to attain, 118/3358
Atwyne, in two, 98/2769
Avalen, to fall down, 143/4139
Avaunce, to advance, further, 41/1057
Avaunte, to boast, 5/26, 19/426
Auctorité, authority, 7/91
Aventerouse, fortuitous, 28/697, 40/1018
Aventure, event, 21/476
Autour, author, 58/1556
Au[gh]te, ought, 11/213
Avisen, to consider, 174/5063
Awaite, snare, 80/2214
Awaitour, one who lies in wait, 121/3463
Awiş = aweş, oweth (_debet_), 178/5198
Ay, ever, 184/55
Ay-dwellynge, ever-dwelling, 173/5044
Ayenis, against, 97/2749
Axe, to ask, 17/357, 24/579
A[gh]eins, A[gh]eynes, A[gh]eynest, against, 10/183, 11/194,
12/221, 13/255
A[gh]einewarde, on the contrary, on the other hand, 42/1098
Bacine, basin, 133/3806
Batailen, to war on, do battle against, 18/412
Been, bees, 80/2200
Ber, did bear, 6/61
Bere, Bear, 143/4124
Beren on hond, to accuse falsely, 20/449
Bet, better, 63/1703
Bibled, covered over with blood, 48/1860
Bisien, to trouble, 8/112
Bitake. _See_ Bytake.
Bitidd, happened, 176/5143
Bitwixen. _See_ Bytwixen.
Blaundissinge, flattering, 30/749
Blaundyshing, flattery, blandishment, 34/866
Bleched, bleached, 181/45
Blemisse, to blemish, abuse (_lacero_), 20/472
Blyssed, blessed, 181/43
Blyşenesse, joyfulness, 37/957
Boch, botch, blain, sore, 72/1977
Bode, to foretell, 143/4130
Bole, bull, 148/4274
Boot, did bite, 53/1400
Bordure, border, hem, 6/50
Bosten, to boast, 79/2171
Botme, bottom, 12/234
Bounté, Bownté, goodness, kindness, 19/444, 46/1202, 183/39
Brenne (_pret._ Brende), to burn, 19/437, 106/3031
Brid, bird, 68/1867
Bristlede, bristly, 148/4281
Brode, broadly, plainly, 49/1298
Brutel, brittle, fragile, 45/1174
Brutelnesse, brittleness, frailty, 184/63
Burşe, birth, 78/2165
Busshel (corn), 15/312
Bydolven (_p.p._), buried, 151/4348
Byen (for _abyen_), suffer, 125/3578
Byforen, BYFORN, BYFORNE, before, 20/454
Bygunne, didst begin, 37/941
Bygyle, to beguile, 25/615
Byhate, to hate, 75/2051
Byheste, promise, 149/4303
Byhete, to promise, 61/1651, 69/1903
Byhynde, Byhynden, behind, 108/3062, 110/3137
Byhy[gh]t, promised, 70/1925, 85/2374, 157/4558
Byknowen, Byknowe, to acknowledge, 146/4211, 175/5107;
_p.p._ Byknowen, 90/2514
Byleve, believe, 28/695
Byname, an additional name, 84/2333
Byneşen, beneath, 49/1295
Bynomen (_p.p._), taken from, 124/3527
Bynyme, to deprive of, take away, 43/1117, 70/1930
Byreft, bereft, 33/837
Byseche, to beseech, 86/2408
Bysmoked, besmoked, 5/49
Byspotte, to defile, 73/2009
Bystowe, to bestow, 24/585
Bysynesse, toil, 184/75
Bytake, to entrust, 32/808
Bytide (_pret._ BYTIDDE, _p.p._ BYTID), to befall, happen,
20/474, 151/4360, 155/4467
Bytwene, between, 6/54
Bytwixen, betwixt, 132/3785
Bytynge, biting, sharp, 63/1721
Bywepe, to weep for, 26/644
Byweyle, to bewail, 26/643
Caitif, Caytif, wretched, 21/489, 116/3289
Careyne, carcase, corpse, 116/3307
Cariages, taxes (_vectigalia_), 15/303
Celebrable, commendable, noted, 84/2320, 147/4257
Certein, certain, 170/4952
Cese, to cease, 36/904, 130/3716
Cesse, to cease, 133/3821
Chalenge, to claim, 52/1380
Chastie, Chastysen, to chastise, 125/3579, 145/4170
Chayere, chair, seat, 21/503
Cheminey, furnace (_caminus_), 12/236
Cheryce, to cherish, 181/52
Chesen, to choose, 76/2096
Cheyn, chain, 8/122
Chiere, CHERE, CHOERE, face, countenance, 8/123, 12/232, 108/3080
Chirkynge, groaning (_stridens_), 25/618
Clarré, a kind of wine, 50/1329
Cleer, serene, 45/1168
Clepe, to call, 4/17, 11/188, 17/369
Clifte, fissure, cleft, 130/3721
Cliven, CLIVE, to stick, cling, adhere to, 41/1050, 101/2858, 159/4600
Cloumben = CLOMBEN, climbed, ascended, 57/1533
Coempcioun, coemption, 15/309
Coeterne, coeternal, 172/5019
Colasioun, collation, 125/3569
Collacioun, comparison, 165/4805
Combred, troubled, 94/2642
Commoeve, to move, 107/3043
Commoevyng, moving (_excitans_), 12/233
Communalité, commonwealth, 14/271, 142/4108
Comparisoune, to compare, 58/1567
Complyssen, to accomplish, 124/3534
Compotent, having the mastery (_compos_), 172/5012
Compoune, to compose, form, 87/2419, 93/2598
Comprende, comprehend, 165/4807
Comunableté, commonwealth, 13/268
Comune, common, 9/140, 15/310
Confederacie, conspiracy, 53/1399
Confus, confused, 132/3788
Conjecte, to conjecture, 27/649, 114/3230
Conjoignen, to join, 92/2573
Conjuracioun, conspiracy, 18/394, 53/1399
Consequente, consequence, 84/2323
Constreyne, to constrain, contract, 5/38
Consuler (CONSEILER), consul, 51/1364, 1366
Consumpt (_consumptus_), consumed, 60/1632
Contek, contest, strife, 130/3745
Contene, Contienen, to contain, comprehend, 24/573, 116/3302
Contrarien, to be opposed to, adverse to, 154/4440
Contrarious, adverse, opposite, 21/488, 53/1420
Contrefeten, to counterfeit, 173/5031
Convenably, fitly, conveniently, 142/4089
Convict, convicted, 19/440
Cop, top, summit, 44/1159
Corage, mind, spirit, 118/3367, 119/3398
Corige, to correct, 125/3581
Corompe, Corrumpe, to become corrupt, 98/2766, 96/2697
Corone, Coroune, a crown, 119/3385, 91/2555
Corsed, cursed, 181/27
Corsednesse, cursedness, 90/2526
Corumpynge, corruption, 103/2927
Cosyne, cousin, 106/3020
Couche, to lay, set, 35/890
Coupable, guilty, 10/172
Couth, known, 25/592
Coveite, to covet, 51/1365
Covenable, fit, convenient, 97/2731
Covertour, Coverture, covering, 118/3361, 159/4622
Covetise, Coveytyse, covetousness, 20/451, 181/32
Covine, deceit, collusion, 21/493
Coyn, money, 180/20
Creat, created, 99/2796
Crike, creek, 82/2260
Croppe, top, 69/1877
Curacioun, cure (_curatio_), 26/632
Curage, 30/753. _See_ Corage.
Cure, care, 64/1753
Dalf (_pret._ of _delven_), dug, delved, 51/1349
Damoisel, damsel, 30/762
Dampnacioun, condemnation, 16/352
Daunten, Dawnte, to subdue, daunt, 77/2115, 147/4258
Debonairly, mildly, 122/3490
Deboneire, gentle (_mitis_), 22/519;
good, 88/2450
Deceivable, deceptive, 77/2124
Dede, did, 181/28
Dedid, made dead, 127/3623
Deef, deaf, 4/18
Deere, dear, 37/941
Deeş, death, 4/15
Defaute, fault, defect, 18/402
Defende, to forbid, 34/859
Deffeted, enfeebled, weakened, 30/735
Defoule, to defile, 21/491, 68/1873
Degrees, steps, 6/54
Delices, delight, delights (_deliciæ_), 38/968, 41/1062, 66/1787
Delitable, delectable, 30/756
Delitably, delightfully, 108/3078
Delve, should dig, 151/4352
Delver, a digger, 151/4359
Delyé, thin, fine, 5/43. Fr. _délié_.
Dempne, to condemn, 183/49
Denoye, to deny, 88/2464
Departe, to separate, 29/719
Depelyche, deeply, 160/4647
Depeynte, to depict, 111/3146
Depper, deeper, 27/649
Derke, Derken, to darken, 7/90, 20/448
Derworşe, Derworşi, precious, 31/787, 41/1046
Desarmen, disarm, 13/241
Desceivaunce, deception, 81/2240
Desceive, Desseive, to deceive, 9/141, 38/967
Descryven, to describe, 99/2813
Desmaie, to dismay, 35/896
Desordene, inordinate, 36/912
Despoylynge, spoil, prey, 147/4259
Destempraunce, severity, 97/2749
Destinal, fatal, 135/3884
Destourbe, disturb, 143/4123
Destrat, distracted, 80/2216
Destreine, to constrain, bind, 54/1441
Diffinisse, to define, 88/2459, 165/4808
Digne, worthy, just, 43/1124, 149/4297
Digneliche, worthily, 53/1427
Dirke, dark, 83/2306
Dirke, Dirken, to make dark, darken, 5/48, 49
Dirkenesse, darkness, 23/535
Disceyvable, deceptive, 4/23
Discordable, discordant, 143/4133
Discorde, to disagree, 94/2632, 102/2898
Discordyng, disagreeing, discordant, 68/1849
Discours, judgment, reason, 165/4804
Discressioun, discretion, 93/2594
Discussed, dispersed, scattered, 9/149
Disdaignen, to disdain (_indignari_), 146/4213
Disencrese, to decrease, 173/5035
Disordinaunce, disorder, 150/4324
Dispenden, to spend, expend, 45/1181
Dispone, to dispose, 135/3864
Disputisoun, disputation, 149/4314
Disseveraunce, separation, 96/2701
Dissimulen, to dissemble, 178/5215
Distempre, intemperate, 121/3466
Distingwed, distinguished, 47/1223
Dité, ditty, 134/3850
Divinour, diviner, 157/4541
Domesman, judge, 55/1467
Doom, judgment, 152/4395
Doumbe, dumb, 9/138
Doutous, Dowtos, doubtful, 5/37
Dowblenesse, duplicity, 182/63
Drede, dread, 21/497
Dredeful, timid, 121/3468
Dredles, fearless, 106/3028
Dreint, Dreynt, drowned, drenched, 4/22, 7/99, 148/4271
Dresse, to direct, order, 137/3954, 142/4104
Drouppe, to drop, 20/455
Drow, drew, 15/300
Duelly, duly, 22/530
Dulle, to become dull, 7/100
Dure, Duren, to last, 98/2755
Duske, to make dusk or dim, 5/48
Dyverses (_pl._), divers, 8/120
Dyvynynge, divination, 157/4541
Echid, increased, 77/2134
Echynnys, sea-urchins, 82/2266
Egalité, equality, evenness (of mind), 42/1099
Egaly, equally, evenly, 43/1108, 157/4536
Egge, edge, 180/19
Egre, sharp, 25/610
Egren, to urge, excite, 141/4060
Eir, air, 45/1169
Ek, Eke, also, 40/1040, 181/36
Elde, old age, 5/48
Eldefadir, grandfather, 40/1042
Elder, older, 89/2493
Embelise, to embellish, 47/1223
Emperie, government, 51/1363
Emperisse, empress, 109/3098
Empoysenyng, poisoning, 11/206 (_venenum_)
Emprente, to imprint, 166/4839
Emprenten, obtain (translates the Latin, _impetrent_), 159/4596.
Perhaps a mistake for _empetren_.
Emptid, exhausted, 5/34
Enbaissynge, a debasing, 109/3107
Enbrase, embrace, 142/4092
Enchaufen, to make hot, _chafe_, 73/2020
Encharge, to impose, 178/5214
Enchaunteresse, enchantress, 123/3504
Endamagen, to damage, 15/316
Endirken, to obscure, 120/3418
Enditen, to indite, 4/4
Enfourme, to inform, instruct, 11/212, 13/263
Enhaunse, Enhawnse, to raise, exalt (_enhance_), 33/825
Enlace, to bind, entangle, entertwine, perplex, 13/245,
80/2207, 149/4298
Enoynte, to anoint, 36/923
Enpeyren, to impair, 120/3418, 139/4015
Ensample, example, 9/151
Entalenten, to excite, 168/4876
Entecche, defile, pollute, 120/3431
Entendyng, intent, looking stedfastly on, 8/126
Entente, to intend, 150/4345
Ententes, endeavours, labours, 7/79
Ententif, attentive, intent, 12/223, 29/731
Ententifly, attentively, 103/2931
Enterchaunge, to interchange, 65/1785, 131/3753
Entercomunynge, commerce, communication, 57/1528
Entermedle, to intermix, 54/1436
Entré (_adytum_), 30/751
Entrechaunge, to interchange, 39/1003
Entrelaced, intermingled, entangled, 105/2981
Entremete, intermeddle, 104/2964
Enveneme, to poison, infect, 120/3437
Enviroune, to surround, 34/848, 88/2437
Environynge, circumference, 164/4769
Erşeliche, Erşelyche, earthly, 52/1378, 69/1888
Erye, to plough, ear, 71/1964
Eschapen, to escape, 41/1054
Eschaufe, to become hot, to burn, 22/524
Eschewen, to avoid, escape, 177/5172
Eschuynge, eschewing, 99/2802
Establisse, to establish, 15/311
Eterne, eternal;
fro eterne = from eternity, 153/4422
Eternité, eternity, 171/4986
Evenliche, evenly, 25/599
Everyche, every, 11/190;
each, 181/48
Evesterre, evening star, 22/510
Excussyoun, execution, 184/65
Exercen, to exercise, practise, 52/1389
Exercitacioun, exercise, 140/4034
Exilynge, banishment, 11/205
Exite, to excite, 168/4881
Eyen, eyes, 183/36
Eyer, air, 170/4962
Fader, father, 18/414
Familarité, familiarity, 30/740
Familers, familiars, 18/407
Fantesye, fancy, inclination, 181/51
Fasoun, fashion, 62/1693
Feffe, (?) 38/966
Fel, felle, fierce, 44/1160
Felawschipe, to accompany, 111/3141
Felefold, manifold, 30/738
Felliche, fiercely, 39/997
Felnesse, fierceness, 25/618
Felonous, wicked, depraved, 18/405
Felonye, crime, 124/3542
Fer, far, 23/554
Ferm, firm, 78/2148
Fermely, firmly, 157/4550
Ferne, fern, 64/1741
Ferne, distant, 60/1621
Ferşe, fourth, 56/1509
Festivaly, gaily, 59/1581
Festne, to fasten, fix, 10/166
Fette, fetched, 180/22
Fey, faith, truth, 112/3178
Ficchen, to fix, fasten, 45/1164, 88/2446
Fieblesse, feebleness, 81/2240, 112/3176
Fille, abundance, 48/1269
Flaumbe, flame, 98/2761
Fleme, to banish, 29/723
Fles, fleece, 180/18
Flete, Fleten, to float, flow, pass away, abound, 8/118,
28/690, 146/4223, 152/4376
Fletynge, flowing, 71/1961
Fley, flee, 149/4289
Fleyen, to flee, 125/3584
Flies, fleece, 50/1330
Flitte, to remove, 68/1853
Flittyng, changing, fickle, 78/2150
Flityng, flitting, 12/220
Flotere, to float, 99/2817
Floterynge, floating, 87/2420
Flouren, to flourish, 131/3763
Fodre, fodder, 148/4267
Foleyen, Folyen, to act foolishly, 67/1821, 1826
Folyly, foolishly, 12/220
Fooldest, foldest, 105/2984
Forbrek, broke, interrupted, 108/3082
Fordoon, to undo, destroy, 62/1693
Fordryven, driven about, 12/215
Foreyne, foreign, 34/851
Forghe, furrow, 170/4959
Forheved, forehead, 16/346
Forknowyng, foreknowledge, 178/5187
Forleften, left (_pret._ of _forleve_, _linquo_), 9/150
Forlete, to cease, 96/2697;
leave, forsake, 22/525
Forleten (_p.p._), neglected, forsaken, 5/47
Forliven, degenerate from (_degenero_), 78/2163
Forlorn, lost, 34/858, 121/3452
Forme, an error for _ferme_, to make firm, 23/547
Forpampred, overpampered, 180/5
Fors, force;
'no fors,' no matter, 182/13
Forsweryng, perjury, 23/536
Forşenke, to be sorry, grieved, 41/1058
Forşere, to further, promote, 41/1057
Forşest, farthest, 136/3918
Forşi, therefore, 28/689
Fortroden, trodden upon, trampled, 109/3100
Fortunel, fortuitous, 152/4379
Fortunouse, Fortuouse, fortuitous, 26/639, 38/983, 132/3779
Forwes, furrows, 180/12
Forwiter, foreknower, 178/5204
Foryetyn, forgotten, 101/2872
Foundement, foundation, 98/2754
Fowel, bird, 107/3053
Fram, from, 70/1931
Freele, frail, 61/1658
Frete, to eat, devour, 147/4252
Frounce, flounce, 9/147
Fructe, fruit, 180/3
Frutefiyng, fructifying, fruitful, 6/72
Fulfilling, satisfying, 79/2178
Fycche, fix, 108/3073. _See_ Ficchen.
Fyn, end, 69/1892
Gabbe, 'gabbe I?' am I deceived? 49/1308
Galentyne, a dish in ancient cookery made of sopped bread
and spices (_Halliwell_), 180/16
Galles, galls, 181/47
Gapen, to desire, be greedy for, 15/324, 36/910
Gapinge, desire, 36/910
Gastnesse, terror, fear, 75/2079
Geaunt, giant, 104/2966
Gentilesse, nobility, 78/2154
Geometrien, geometrician, 91/2552
Gerdoned, rewarded, 120/3410
Gerdoun, reward, 13/265
Gerner, garner, 15/305
Gesse, Gessen, to deem, suppose, estimate, 17/378, 19/416, 65/1782
Gessinge, opinion, 21/475
Gest, guest, 38/979
Gideresse, a female guide, 108/3084
Gise, guise, mode, 71/1943
Giser, gizzard, 107/3054
Glotonus, greedy, 26/620
Gnodded, pounded, 180/11
Gobet, a bit (of gold), 51/1349
Godhed, divinity, 122/3492
Goost, spirit, ghost, 40/1036
Governaile, government (_gubernaculum_), 27/651
Governaunce, control, 32/813
Goye, joy, 179/5218
Grayşe, to devise, prepare, 19/438
Grobbe up, to grub up, 181/29
Grond, did grind, 180/15
Gynne, snare, trap, 82/2256
Gynner, beginner, 150/4330
Gyse, guise, mode, 134/3860
Habitacle, habitation, 57/1525
Habunde, to abound, 41/1073
Halden, to hold, 41/1053
Hale, to draw, drag, 61/1665
Halt, holds, 56/1504
Hardnesse, hardship, 132/3783
Hardyly, boldly, 34/857
Hastise, to hasten, 131/3746
Haunten, to frequent, 10/168;
to practise, exercise, 52/1389
Heeres, hairs, 4/12
Heet, heat, 28/699
Hef, raised, heaved, 5/41
Hele, health, 93/2623
Henten, to seize, 15/326
Hepen, to heap up, increase, 153/4418
Herburghden, harboured, lodged, 53/1409
Herie, to praise, 109/3112
Hert, hart, 106/3027
Herted, hearted, 55/1466
Heve, to raise, heave, 171/4968
Heved, head, 4/13
Hevenelyche, heavenly, 8/105
Hevie, to make heavy, 171/4967
Hey, high, 22/523
Heyere, higher, 143/4117
Hey[gh]e, high, 171/4969
Hielde, pour, 35/899
Hi[gh]te, to adorn, 8/116
Hoke, hook, 16/347
Holily, wholly, entirely, 90/2503
Homelyche, homely, 105/3001
Hond, hand, 20/449
Honter, a hunter, 12/228
Hool, whole, 46/1191
Hoolnesse, wholeness, 164/4754
Hoope, to hope, 17/384
Hore, hoary, 4/13
Humblesse, humility, 80/2213
Hungry tyme, time of famine, 15/314
Hurtlen, to rush against, to oppose, 30/748, 167/4866
Hyene, hyæna, 185/35
Hy[gh]t, is called, 9/154, 25/619
Hy[gh]ten, are called, 77/2126
Ibou[gh]t, bought, 157/4540
Ibowed, bent, turned, 137/3949
Icharged, loaded, 71/1962
Igete, gotten, 36/908
Ilorn, lost, 62/1677
Imperial, august (_imperiosus_), 7/91
Implie, to fold, enclose, 152/4379
Infortune, misfortune, 79/2197
Inmoeveable, immovable, 173/5030
Inmoeveableté, immobility, 173/5032
Inorschid, nourished, nurtured, 8/128
I-nowh, enough, 180/11
Inperfit, imperfect, 83/2291
Inplitable (_inexplicabilis_), 15/315
Inprente, to imprint, 166/4832
Inpressed, impressed, 167/4861
Inrest, innermost, 136/3913
Instaunce (_instantia_), presence, 174/5067
Intil, into, 110/3139
Inwiş, within, 32/801
Issest, issuest, 105/2983
Iwist, known, 156/4513
Jangland, chattering, 68/1867
Jape-worthi, ridiculous, 157/4540
Jolyté, pleasure, 79/2189
Jowes, jaws, 15/323
Joygnen, to join, 54/1455
Joynture, juncture, joining, 46/1207
Juge, a judge, 19/431;
to judge, 53/1427
Jugement, judgment, 114/3253
Karf (_pret._ of Kerven), cut, 50/1337
Kembd, KEMBED, combed, 23/537
Kerve, to cut, 64/1740
Kevere, cover, obscure, 34/861
Keye, helm (_clavus_), 103/2926
Knowelechinge, knowledge, 168/4874
Kny[gh]t, soldier, 111/3142
Konnyng, knowledge, 16/351
Korue (_p.p._), cut, rent, 6/58
Kuytten, to cut, 147/4246
Kyd, known, 181/46
Kyndeliche, Kyndely, naturally, 101/2850, 114/3228
Kythen, to make known, show, 184/63
Lache, slow, lazy, 122/3471
Lad (_p.p._), led, 35/879
Laddre, ladder, 6/55
Lambyssh, lamb-like, 181/50
Languisse, to languish, 30/734, 130/3740
Lappe, flap, 9/146
Largesse, liberality, 45/1183
Lasse, less, 22/508
Leche, Leecher, physician, 13/250, 114/3254, 139/3990
Leef, dear, 37/941
Leesen, Leese, to lose, 22/509, 43/1133
Lene, to give, 139/3993
Lenger, longer, 52/1370
Lesynge, loss, 141/4066
Lesynge, leasing, lie, 156/4525
Leten, to leave, 10/176;
to esteem, 61/1666
Leve, permission, leave, 128/3658
Leveful, allowable, lawful, 10/176
Ligge, to lie, 60/1632, 147/4251
Liifly, lively, lifelike, 5/33
Likerous, lecherous, 72/1989
Litargie, lethargy, 9/140
Litestere, a dyer, 180/17
Lokyng, sight, 10/167
Loos, praise
Looş, loath, 40/1036
Lorel, a wretch, 21/495
Lorn, lost, 34/859
Lous, loose, free, 136/3926
Lykynge, pleasure, 31/771
Lymes, limbs, 71/1946
Lynage, lineage, 41/1070
Lythnesse, lightness, 98/2761
Ly[gh]te goodes, temporal goods, 4/21
Ly[gh]tly, easily, 12/220
Ly[gh]tne, to enlighten, 128/3655
Ly[gh]tnesse, light, brightness, 8/106
Maat, weary, dejected, 40/1037
Magistrat, magistracy, 72/1985
Maistresse, mistress, 10/169
Malice, _nefas_, wickedness, 20/466
Malyfice, _maleficium_, 20/468
Manace, menace, 12/232
Manase, to menace, 118/3365
Manassynge, threatening, 44/1158
Mareis, Mareys, marsh, 56/1513, 97/2735
Margarits, pearls, 94/2650
Marye, pith, marrow, 97/2744
Maugré, in spite of, 70/1928
Mede, meed, reward, 91/2555
Medle, to mix, _Medelyng_, mixing, mixture, 20/449, 122/3482, 126/3594
Meenelyche, moderate, 28/706
Meistresse, mistress, 17/363
Melle, mill, 180/6
Mene, the mean or middle path, 146/4228
Meremaydenes, mermaids, 7/83
Merken, to mark, 16/346
Mervaille, Merveile, marvel, 18/403, 132/3787
Merveilen, to marvel, 46/1205
Mervelyng, wondering, 10/161
Mest, most, 42/1081
Mesuren, to measure, 65/1782
Meyné, servants, domestics, 47/1243
Mirie, pleasant, sweet, 4/16
Mirinesse, pleasure, 66/1793
Misericorde, mercy, pity, 107/3057
Mistourne, to misturn, mislead, 69/1894
Mochel, great, 62/1674, 109/3110
Moeveable, mobile, fickle, 133/3817
Moeven, to move, 8/112, 150/4329
Moewyng, moving, motion, 130/3742
Mokere, to hoard up, 45/1182
Mokere, miser, 45/1182. A mistake for _mokerere_.
Molesté, trouble, grief, 85/2346
Monstre, prodigy, 18/403
More, greater, 129/3697
Morwe, morning, 22/513
Mosten (_pl._), must, 166/4836
Mot, must, 40/1038
Mowen, be able, 25/608
Mowynge, ability, power, 124/3548
Myche, much, 21/475
Mychel, much, 46/1215
Myntynge, purposing, endeavouring, 7/101
Myrie, pleasant, 45/1165
Myrily, pleasantly, 59/1582
Myrşes, pleasures, 132/3782
Mys, badly, wrongly, 131/3772
Mysese, grievance, trouble, 15/299
Mysknowynge, ignorant, 61/1659
Mysweys, wrong paths, 149/4309
Naie, to refuse, 4/19
Nake, to make naked, 148/4288
Nameles, unrenowned, 131/3762
Namelyche, Namly, especially, 124/3550
Nare, were not, 10/176
Nart, art not, 23/556
Narwe, narrow, 57/1520
Nas, was not, 180/9
Naşeles, nevertheless, 6/57
Nat, not, 23/556
Necesseden, necessitated, 87/2419
Nedely, of necessity, 84/2334
Negardye, (_sb._) misers, 183/53
Nere, were not, 26/646
Neşemaste, lowest, nethermost, 6/56
Neşereste, lowest, 6/50
Newe, to renew, 137/3938
Newliche, recently, 122/3489
Nice, foolish, 148/4287
Nil, will not, 107/3055
Nillynge, being unwilling, 97/2718
Nilt, wilt not, 112/3193
Nis, is not, 12/218
Niste, knew not, 102/2882
Noblesse, nobleness, 37/947
Nobley, nobility, nobleness, 37/945
Nolden, would not, 52/1369
Norice, nurse, 10/167
Norisse, to nourish, 79/2174
Norry, nursling, pupil, 10/173
Norssinge, nourishment, support, 47/1231;
nutriment, 37/932
Not, know not (_1st pers._), 27/649
Notful, useful, 7/85
Nounpower, impotence, 75/2074
Nouşir, neither, 160/4644
Noyse, to make a noise (about a thing), to brag, 79/2171
Nurry (_see_ Norry), 86/2386
Nys, is not, 45/1175
O, one, 24/564
Obeisaunt, obedient, 13/266, 32/814
Object, presented, 168/4889
Occupye, to seize, 146/4227
Offence, hurt, damage, 180/19
Offensioun, offence, 20/473
Olifunt[gh], elephants, 80/2223
Onknowyn, unknown, 180/6
Onlyche, only, 171/4968
Onone, Onoon, at once, anon, 23/553, 74/2027
Ony, any, 21/488
Ooned, united, 135/3879
Oor, oar, 50/1338
Oosteresse, hostess, 122/3495
Or, ere, before, 9/143
Ordeinly, orderly, 140/4044
Ordenour, ordainer, 109/3110
Ordeyne, orderly, 109/3109
Ordinat, ordered, settled, 12/229
Ordinee, orderly, 102/2902
Ordure, filth, 29/716
Ostelment[gh], furniture, goods, 48/1266
Oşerweyes, otherwise (_aliter_), 164/4772
Outerage, excess, 50/1326
Outerest, extremest, remotest, 55/1469, 89/2476
Outerly, utterly, 108/3081
Outraien, do harm (?), 78/2162
Over-comere, conqueror, 8/109
Overmaste, highest, uppermost, 6/57
Overmyche, overmuch, very much, 79/2191
Overoolde, very old, 11/209
Overşrowen, prostrate, 21/497
Overşrowyng, forward, headstrong, 7/99, 141/4058
Overtymelyche, untimely, 4/13
Owh, an exclamation (_papæ_), 112/3166
Owtrage, excess, 180/5
Paied, satisfied, 58/1549
Paleis, pale, 24/574
Palude, marsh, 148/4262
Paraventure, peradventure, 18/402
Parchemyn, parchment, 166/4835
Parsoners, sharers, partakers, 170/4942
Partles, without a share, 120/3409
Pas, paces, 19/442
Paysyble, peaceable, peaceful, 180/1
Peisible, quiet, placid, 23/550, 88/2450
Percen, to pierce, 81/2236
Perdurable, lasting, perpetual, 5/44, 21/503
Perdurableté, immortality, 58/1557
Perfitlyche, _Perfitly_, perfectly, 87/2426, 133/3833
Perfourny, to afford, furnish, 67/1823
Perisse, to perish, 96/2712
Perturbacioun, perturbation, 7/98
Perverte, to destroy, 11/201
Peyne, punishment, 121/3439
Piment, a kind of drink, 50/1329
Plenté, fulness, 173/5037
Plentevous, affluent, 67/1824
Plentivous, yielding abundantly, fertile, 64/1739
Plentivously, abundantly, 25/592
Plete, argue, plead, 33/833
Pletyngus, pleadings, debates (at law), 70/1933
Pleyne, to complain, 31/777
Pleynelyche, plainly, 28/681
Pleynt, complaint, 110/3122
Plonge, Ploungen, to plunge, 7/89, 65/1784
Ploungy, wet, rainy (_imbrifer_), 64/1745
Polute, polluted, 20/450
Pose, to put a case, cf. put a _poser_, 162/4686
Pousté, power, 131/3766
Pownage, pasturage, 180/7
Poyntel, style, 166/4838
Preiere, prayer, 107/3044
Preisen, to estimate, judge, 7/379
Preisynge, praising, 77/2131
Preke, to prick, 85/2346
Prenostik, prognostic, 183/54
Presentarie, present, 178/5196
Preterit, preterite, past, 171/4990
Pretorie, the imperial body-guard, 15/317
Prevé, secret, 121/3464
Preven, to prove, 90/2503
Prie, to pray, 25/600
Pris, value;
'worşi of _pris_,' precious, 24/583
Proche, to approach, 145/4182
Proeve, to approve, 154/4456
Punisse, to punish, 22/531
Puplisse, to publish, spread, propagate, 58/1549, 98/2753
Purper, purple, 25/617
Purpose, to propose, 176/5148
Purveaunce, providence, 134/3863
Purveiable, provident, foreseeing, 68/1854
Purveie, to ordain, order, 21/478
Purvyance, providence, 99/2795
Quereles, complaints, 70/1932
Quik, living, 134/3839
Quyene, queen, 183/43
Quyerne, a mill, 180/6
Rafte, bereft, 147/4259
Raşer, earlier, former, 30/735
Raviner, a plunderer, 12/228
Ravische, to snatch, 11/190
Ravyne, plunder, rapine, 15/302, 36/909
Ravynour, plunderer, 121/3460
Ravysse, to carry off, 131/3774
Real, royal, 19/420
Recche, to care, reck, 33/827, 38/987
Recompensacioun, recompense, 130/3724
Recorde, to recount, recall, 92/2580, 101/2871
Reddowr, severity, rigour, 182/13
Redenesse, redness, flushing, 7/88
Redoutable, venerable, 131/3763
Redoute, to fear, 10/178, 57/1535
Redy = rody, red, ruddy, 39/995
Refet, refreshed, 143/4116
Reft (away), carried off, 22/521
Refut, refuge, 94/2644
Regne, kingdom, 67/1843
Regnen, to reign, rule, 29/726
Remewe, to remove, 19/441
Remorde, to vex, trouble, 140/4030
Remuable, able to remove from one place to another, 168/4898
Remuen, to remove, 52/1394
Renomed, renowned, 41/1070, 78/2143
Renovele, to renew, 98/2752
Replenisse, to replenish, 20/469
Reprere, to reprove, 167/4857
Repugnen, to be repugnant to, 154/4440
Requerable, desirable, 52/1377
Requere, to require, 99/2790
Rescowe, to recover, 133/3809
Rescowe, to rescue, 35/881
Resolve, to loosen, melt, 133/3814
Resoune, to resound, 107/3036
Rethoryen, rhetorical, 30/759
Rewlyche, pitiable, sorrowful, 35/878
Risorse = recourse (_recursus_), course, 8/108
Rody, ruddy, 143/4122
Roos, roes, 82/2258
Rosene, roseat, 8/117
Route, company, 47/1243
Royle, to run, roll, 29/717
Rynnyng, running, 50/1335
Ry[gh]twisnesse, righteousness, equity, 16/331
Sachel, satchel, sack, 12/223
Sad, stable, 41/1064
Saddenesse, stability, 110/3123
Sarpuler, a sack made of coarse cloth (_Sarcinula_), 12/223
Sauuacioun, safety, salvation, 97/2723
Sau[gh], Say, saw, 8/106, 9/137
Saye, sawest, 37/958
Schad, shed, 4/13
Schrew, a wicked person, a wretch, 12/217
Schrewed, wicked, 18/398
Schrewednesse, wickedness, 18/401, 117/3324
Schronk, shrunk, 5/38
Schulden (_pl._), should, 9/132
Schullen (_pl._), shall, 25/605
Scom, foam, froth, 148/4281
Scripture, writing, 17/382
Sege, seat, 13/258
Seien (_pl._), saw, 51/1344
Seien (_p.p._), seen, 6/54
Selde, seldom, 133/3818
Seler, cellar, 35/890
Selily, happily, blissfully, 42/1076
Selve, very, 5/42
Semblable, like, 48/1279
Semblaunce, likeness, 142/4106
Semblaunt, appearance, countenance, 5/31
Senglely, singly, 85/2369
Sensibilites, sensations, 166/4830
Servage, servitude, 153/4411
Sewe, to follow, 88/2441
Seye, sawest, 37/955
Seyntuaries, sanctuaries, 16/343
Shad, divided, spread, 136/3922
Sholdres, shoulders, 148/4281
Sich, such, 6/67
Sikerly, certainly, 94/2635
Singler, individual, single, 57/1529
Singlerly, singly, 135/3890
Sittyng, fitting, becoming, 10/176
Skilynge, reason, 137/3931
Slaken, to slake (hunger), 50/1326
Slede, sledge, 110/3131
Sleen, Slen, to slay, 53/1409, 55/1460
Slou[gh], slew, 55/1461
Smaragde, emerald, 94/2650
Smerte, to smart, pain, 39/1011
Smot, smote, 147/4254
Smoşe, smooth, 8/112
Sodeyn, sudden, 10/161
Somedel, somewhat, 25/606
Somer, summer, 22/517
Songen (_p.p._), sung, 108/3078
Soory, sorry, grievous, 38/978
Soşe, true, 17/377, 118/3352
Soşefastly, truly, 89/2481
Soşely, truly, 169/4918
Soşenesse, truth, 26/641
Sothfast, true, 61/1652
Soun, sound, 68/1852
Soune, to sound, 37/929
Sounyng, sounding, roaring, 8/111
Sovereyne, supreme, 90/2508
Sovereynely, supremely, 91/2545
Sourmounte, to surpass, 80/2223
Spece, species, 165/4789
Speculacioun, looking, contemplation, 153/4408
Spedeful, Spedful, efficacious, conducive, 125/3570, 161/4671
Speden, to make clear, explain, 161/4667
Spere, sphere, 8/108
Sperkele, spark, 104/2971
Sprad, spread (_p.p._), 9/156
Stableté, stability, 137/3950
Stablise, to establish, 134/3860
Stably, firmly, 135/3890
Stappe, step, 170/4963
Staunche, to satisfy, 71/1948, 1961
Stere, to move (_agitare_), 106/3015
Sterre, star, 36/903
Sterry, starry, 36/904
Sterten, to start, 104/2971
Stidefastnesse, stability, strength, 97/2748
Stidfast, steadfast, 182/17
Stien, to ascend, 88/2444
Stiere, _steer_, rudder (_gubernaculum_), 103/2926
Stiern, stern, 60/1628
Stoon, stone, 45/1165
Stormynge, making stormy, 29/712
Stont, stands, 9/154
Stoundes, times, 178/5187
Strau[gh]t, stretched, extended, 170/4957
Strengere, stronger, 12/221
Strenkeş, strength, 12/240
Streyhte, stretched, 63/1702
Streyne, to restrain, 150/4325
Strond, strand, 51/1339
Strook, stroke, 153/4433
Strumpet, 6/66
Stye, to ascend, 143/4117
Stynte, to stop, 37/929
Styntynge, stopping, ceasing, 61/1638
Suasioun, persuasion (_suadela_), 30/759
Subgit, subject, 48/1273
Submytte, to compel, force (_summitto_), 19/434
Sudeyn, sudden, 30/752
Suffisaunce, sufficiency, 70/1922
Suffisaunt, sufficient, 70/1924
Suffisauntly, sufficiently, 133/3833
Summitte, Summytte, to submit, 49/1288, 136/3924
Superfice, surface, 81/2238
Supplien, to supplicate, 80/2210
Surté, security, 181/46
Sustigne, to sustain, 183/41
Sweighe, whirl, circular motion (_turbo_), 22/504
Swerd, sword, 19/438
Swety, sweaty, 181/28
Sweyes, whirlings, 32/816
Swich, such, 20/446
Swolwe, to swallow, 98/2777
Syker, secure, safe, 12/224, 16/333
Sykernesse, security, safety, 9/132
Symplesse, simplicity, 136/3914
Syn, since, 31/789
Syşen, since, 32/802
Talent, affection, desire, will, 6/71, 168/4887
Taylage, tollage, 181/54
Şar, need, 38/987
Şerwhiles, whilst, 176/5150
Şilke, the same, that, 99/2814
Şo, Şoo (_pl._), the, 11/200, 168/4886
Şondre, thunder, 45/1166
Şoru[gh], through, 11/202
Şreschefolde, threshold, 7/89
Şrest, thirst, 36/914, 71/1945
Şreste, Şresten, thrust, 47/1237, 148/4283
Throf, throve, flourished, 74/2050
Şrust, thirst, 107/3053
Til, to, 69/1891
Tilier, a tiller, 151/4352
To-breke, break in pieces, 88/2447
Todrowen (_pl._), drew asunder, 11/193
Toforne, before, 177/5184
Togidres, together, 53/1421
To hepe, together, 140/4029
Tokene, to token, 26/624
Tollen, to draw, 56/1496
Torenten (_pl._), rent asunder, 11/194
To-teren, tear in pieces, 68/1865
Traas, Trais, trace, track, 170/4958, 4963
Transporten, throw on (_transferre_), 19/419
Travaille, labour, toil, 10/174
Travayle, to toil, labour, 64/1754
Travayle, labour, 148/4286
Tregedie, tragedy, 77/2126
Tregedien, tragedian, 77/2125
Trenden, to roll, turn, 100/2835
Troublable, troublesome, 118/3369
Trouble, turbid, stormy, 29/711
Troubly, troubled, cloudy (_nubilus_), 133/3819
Trowen, to trow, believe, 20/468, 152/4399
Twitre, to twitter, 68/1875
Twynkel, to wink, 38/971
Tylienge, tilling, 151/4347
Tyren, to tear, 107/3055
Umblesse, humility, 181/55
Unagreable, unpleasant, disagreeable, 4/25
Unassaieş, untried, 42/1082
Unbitide, not to happen, 161/4678
Unbowed, unbent, 148/4284
Uncovenable, unmeet, importunate (_importunus_), 141/4058
Undefouled, undefiled, 40/1023
Undepartable, inseparable, 120/3422
Underput, put under, subject, 28/696
Understonde, to understand, 30/733, 43/1120
Undigne, unworthy, 54/1444
Undirneş, underneath, 75/2074
Undiscomfited, not discomfited (_invictus_), 12/232
Undoutous, indubitable, 149/4315
Uneschewably, unavoidably, 157/4531
Ungentil, ignoble, 41/1070
Ungrobbed, ungrubbed, 180/14
Unhonestee, disreputableness, 24/587
Unhoped, unexpected, 139/4006
Université, whole, 165/4797
Unjoynen, Unjoygnen, to separate, 151/4373
Unknowyng, ignorant, 139/3997
Unknytten, to unloose (_dissolvere_), 154/4459
Unkonnyng, Unkunnynge, unknowing, ignorant, 7/76, 11/202
Unkorven, uncut, 180/14
Unkouş, unknown, foreign, 34/870
Unlace, to disentangle, 105/2982
Unleveful, illicit, unlawful, 154/4456
Unmeke, fierce, cruel, 148/4267
Unmoeveable, immovable, 136/3901
Unmoeveableté, immobility, 136/3921
Unmy[gh]ty, weak, impotent, 13/241
Unneş, scarcely, 27/652
Unparygal, unequal, 63/1708
Unpitouse, cruel, 4/24
Unpleyten, to explain, 61/1647
Unplite, explain, unfold, 167/4843
Unpunissed, unpunished, 21/498
Unpurveyed, unforeseen, 30/743
Unraced, unbroken, whole, 110/3115
Unry[gh]tful, unjust, 10/185
Unry[gh]tfully, unrightfully, unjustly, 23/533
Unscience, unreal knowledge, no knowledge, 156/4515
Unsely, wretched, 39/1013
Unselynesse, wretchedness, 124/3544
Unskilfuly, unwisely, improperly, 18/407
Unsolempne, not famous, not celebrated, 11/210
Unsowe, unsown, 180/10
Unspedful, unsuccessful, 178/5210
Unstauncheable, unlimited, infinite, 58/1573
Unstaunched, uncurbed, unrestrained, 54/1439
Unsuffrable, intolerable, 79/2179
Unusage, unfrequency, 57/1528
Untretable, inexorable, implacable, 61/1641
Unwar, unexpected, 35/886
Unwarly, unaware, unexpectedly, 4/10
Unwemmed, inviolate, 40/1023, 178/5201
Unwened, unexpected, 139/4006
Unwoot, knows not, 175/5099
Unworshipful, dishonoured, 75/2054
Uphepyng, heaping up, 37/951
Upsodoun, upside down, 48/1274, 156/4501
Upsprong, upsprung, 180/10
Used, accustomed, wonted, 22/512
Uterreste, extremest, outermost, 7/95
Vanisse, to vanish, 74/2027
Variaunt, varying, 22/518
Vengerisse, a she-avenger, 107/3048
Verray, Verrey, true, 19/429
Vilfully (Wilsfully), wilfully, 116/3295
Voide, having an empty purse (_vacuus_), 50/1316
Voyded (of), emptied of, free from, 181/50
Wakyng, watchful, 148/4263
Walwe, to toss, 51/1361
Walwyng, tossing, 29/712
Wan, did win, 147/4240
War, be aware, take care, 145/4200
Warne, to refuse, deny, 37/950
Wawe, a wave, 8/115
Wayk, weak, 28/706
Weep (_pret._), wept, 35/883
Welde, wild, 180/17. It may mean _boiled_, since another copy
reads _wellyd_.
Weleful, Welful, prosperous, joyful, 4/15
Welefulnesse, Welfulnesse, prosperity, felicity, 11/188, 21/478
Welken, to wither, fade, 146/4224
Welkne, welkin, 184/62
Welle, well, source, 157/4548
Wende, weened, thought, 53/1397
Wenge, wing, 170/4961
Wenynge, opinion, 172/5022
Wepen (_p.p._), wept, 25/596
Wepli, tearful, 5/29
Werdes, fates, destinies, 4/10
Werreye, to make war, 181/25
Weten, to know, 156/4519
Wex, wax, 167/4840
Weyve, to waive, forsake, 29/722
Wham, whom, 89/2482
Whelwe, to toss, roll, 39/1001
Whiderward, whither, 177/5171
Whist, hushed, 51/1341
Wierdes, fates, destinies, 12/231
Wikke, wicked, bad, 64/1743
Willynge, desire, 178/5203
Wilne, to desire, 17/367
Wilnynge, desire, 98/2781
Wirche, to work, 12/235
Wirchyng, working, operation, 95/2677
Wist, known, 170/4937
Witen, to know, learn, 88/2458, 132/3776, 160/4624
Wişdrow, withdrew, 64/1751
Wişhalden, to withhold, 142/4105
Wişoute forşe, outwardly, 165/4803
Wişseid, denied, 90/2501
Wişstant, withstand, 29/715
Wişstonde (_p.p._), withstood, 14/290
Witnesfully, attestedly, publicly, 131/3765
Witynge, knowledge, 156/4526
Wod, woad, 180/17
Wod, Wode, mad, raging, 12/225
Wode, wood, 39/995
Wodenesse, rage, madness, 45/1169, 107/3052
Wolen (_pl._), will, 94/2645
Woltow, wilt thou, 97/2741
Wone, to dwell, 60/1627
Woode, Wode, furious, mad, 25/600
Woode, to rage, 123/3515
Woodnesse, rage, madness, 107/3052
Woot, knows, 43/1128
Wope, to weep, 36/905
Worchen, to work, 178/5215
Wost, knowest, 19/423
Woxe, to increase, wax, grow, 25/608
Woxen (_p.p._), grown, 25/607
Wrekere, avenger, 128/3665
Wrekyng, vengeance, 147/4238
Wroşely, grieved, sad, 7/87
Wryşen, twist, turn, wrest, 154/4452
Wymple, to cover with a veil or wimple, 31/774
Wyt, sense, 164/4771
Wy[gh]t, wight, person, 19/425
Yave (_pl._), gave, 180/4
Yben, been, 162/4698
Ybeyen, to obey, 105/2998
Ycau[gh]t, caught, captured, 118/3371
Ycleped, called, 150/4346
Ydel, '_in ydel_,' in vain, 5/43
Ydred, feared, 33/825
Yfelawshiped, associated, united, 53/1421
Yficched, fixed, 136/3910
Yfinissed, finished, 125/3558
Yflit, flitted, removed, 8/108
Ygeten, gotten, 65/1776
Yhardid, hardened, 133/3814
Yheuied, made heavy, 171/4974
Ylad, led, 37/956, 172/5022
Ylete, permitted, 130/3730
Ylett, hindered, 161/4674
Ylorn, lost, 147/4250
Ymaginable, possessing imagination, 166/4812
Ymaked, made, 87/2426
Ymedeled, mixed, 140/4029
Ynou[gh], enough, 71/1947
Yplitid, pleated, folded, 9/147
YPORVEYID, YPURVEID, foreseen, 155/4467, 4468
Ysen, seen, 72/1982
Yshad, shed, scattered, 68/1874
Yshet, shut, 170/4955
Ysmyte, smitten, 80/2202
Yspedd, made clear, determined, 161/4657;
despatched, 149/4295
Yspendyd, examined (_expediero_), 161/4668
Ysprad, spread, 78/2140
Yspranid, sprinkled, mixed, 42/1102.
_Read_ yspraind.
Ystrengeşed, strengthened, 175/5098
Yşewed, behaved, 139/4008
Yşrongen, pressed, squeezed, 57/1521
Ytravailed, laboured, 155/4469
Ytretid, handled, performed, 131/3765
Yvel, evil, 105/2976
Ywened, believed, 145/4178
Ywist, known, 155/4475
Ywoven, woven, 6/51
Ywyst, known, 164/4759
Y[gh]even, given, 141/4069
[Gh]af, gave, 8/130
[Gh]eelde, [Gh]elde, seldom, 39/1002, 52/1372
[Gh]eld, yielded, 147/4253
[Gh]elden, to yield, 149/4303
[Gh]eve, to give, 149/4291
[Gh]evyng, giving, 45/1188
[Gh]if, if, 9/131
[Gh]is, yes, 103/2919
[Gh]isterday, yesterday, 171/4994
[Gh]itte, yet, 156/4508
[Gh]ok, [Gh]okke, yoke, 32/802, 60/1620
[Gh]olde (_p.p._), yielded, 25/599
[Gh]onge, young, 35/889
[Gh]ouşe, youth, 10/168
* * * * *
* * * *
_Errors and Inconsistencies_ (Noted by Transcriber)
_Introduction_
(8) Præscientiane futurorum necessitatis an futurorum necessitas
providentiæ, laboretur.
[[dot or flyspeck over last u in "futurorum" in two different
printings]]
_keye and a stiere_ (p. 103)
[[italicized "_keye_ and a stiere": changed to match
primary text]]
_Primary Text_
[Sidenote: [The fyrst met{ur}.]
[[no closing bracket]]
[Linenote: 852 ... _lorn_--MS. lorne, C. for lorn.]
[[printed as shown, with no space for hyphen at line break]]
[SET NE ME INEXORABILE CONTRA.
...
of verray blysfulnesse //]
[[brackets open on page 61 and close on page 64]]
nat now ş{a}t .I. be vnparygal to the strokes of fortune / as 1708
who seyth. I. dar wel now suffren al the assautes of fortune
[[spacing unchanged: expected "seyth .I."]
¶ But forsoşe frendes ne shollen nat ben rekkened
[[printed "rek-/kened" at line break;
expected spelling "rekened"]]
[Linenote: 2049 ... _apparailed_--MS. apparailen, C. a-paraylede]
[[hyphen in "apparailen" invisible]]
[Sidenote: What can be more infamous than renoun founded on the
prejudices of the vulgar?] [[spelling unchanged]]
[Sidenote: _P._ Thinkest thou that any thing in this world can confer
this happiness? (the sovereign good).]
[["t" in "this world" invisible]]
[Sidenote: He who looks on thee beholds beginning, support, guide,
path and goal, combined!] [beginning support, guide]
{and} her of comeş it. şat in euery şing general. yif şat. 2468
şat men seen any şing şat is i{n}p{er}fit *certys in şilke general
şer mot ben so{m}me şing şat is p{er}fit.
[[text printed as shown, but "yif şat. şat" may be an error:
Skeat edition has only one "şat"]]
[Sidenote: [Chaucer's gloss upon the Text.]
[[no closing bracket]]
[Headnote: MEN DO NOT SEEK TRUE FELICITY.]
[[final . missing or invisible]]
... in şat şat men may holden
hym my[gh]ty. 3196
[[text printed as shown, but "in şat şat" may be an error:
Skeat edition has only one "şat"]]
şe w[or]ste kynde of shrewednesse ne defouliş nat ne 3436
entecehiş nat hem oonly but infectiş {and} enuenemyş
[[text unchanged: expected form "entecchiş"]
... şan sheweş 3560
it clerely şat şilke shrewednesse is wiş outen ende ...
[[text printed as shown, but may be an error for "wrecchednesse"
as in Skeat; sidenote has "eternal misery is infinite"]]
[Sidenote: ... and being unfolded according to time and other
circumstances, may be called Fate.]
[[invisible hyphen in "circumstances"]]
[Sidenote: For there is nothing done for the sake of evil, not even
by the wicked ...] [["n" in "even" invisible]]
[Sidenote: From this source springs that great marvel ...] [[spring]]
[Linenote: 4006 [_world_]--from C.]
[4006--[_world_]--from C.]
[l. 4423] as şei ben p{ro}destinat.
[[text unchanged: may be editorial error for "p{re}destinat"
as in l. 3844]]
[Sidenote: For what falls under the cognisance of the senses and
imagination cannot be general.]
[[invisible hyphen in "imagination"]]
[Linenote: 5148 _purposed[e]_--p{ur}posede]
[[invisible hyphen in "p{ur}posede"]]
_Glossary_
Alşermoste, most of all, 158/4563
Alşerworste, worst of all, 157/4562
[[Both are two words in primary text: Alşer moste, Alşer worste]]
Anguissous, anxious, sorrowful, 41/1062, 1066 [41/1062, 1606]
Anoienge, 22/532 [[definition missing]]
Fel, felle, fierce 44/1160
[[citation "44/1160" supplied by transcriber]]
Taylage, tollage, 181/54 [181/524]
End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Chaucer's Translation of Boethius's
'De Consolatione Philosophiae', by Geoffrey Chaucer
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