Redistribuito da: classicistranieri.com | Facciamo una biblioteca multiediale. Meglio. E ci dispiace per gli altri! The Project Gutenberg EBook of Chaucer's Translation of Boethius's 'De Consolatione Philosophiae', by Geoffrey Chaucer This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org 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 Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DE CONSOLATIONE PHILOSOPHIAE *** Produced by Louise Hope, David Starner, JackMcJiggins and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net [This text is intended for users whose text readers cannot use the "real" (Unicode/UTF-8) version of the file. Characters that could not be fully displayed have been "unpacked" and shown in brackets: [Gh] [gh] (yogh) [-h] [~u] (h with bar, u with tilde: both rare) [;] inverted semicolon (rare) All other bracketed letters or letter groups are in the original. Greek phrases in the Sidenotes have been transliterated and shown between #marks# as #hepou theô#. The "oe" ligature is shown as two letters, without further marking. Linenotes refer to the Cambridge MS.; see end of Introduction. "H." in the Linenotes is not explained; Skeat's edition of Chaucer's _Complete Works_ says that it refers to MS. Harley 2421. _Text format:_ In the printed book, line numbers were squeezed in wherever there was room. For the e-text, they have been regularized to the EETS-standard multiples of 4. Line divisions and page numbers were retained for use with the Index and linenotes, except that some very short words have been moved up or down to avoid awkward gaps. Headnotes have been moved to the nearest convenient line break. Italics representing expanded abbreviations are shown in b{ra}ces. Other italics are shown conventionally with _lines_. Superscripts are shown with ^ (caret); they always continue to the end of the word. Oversized initial letters are shown with double leading ++ as ++A. In the Appendix, decorative final letters are shown with single + as dar+, sprong+. Italic thorn (ț) and yogh ([gh]) seem to have been unavailable to the printer; both letters have been formatted to match the surrounding text. The inverted semicolon (rare) is shown in brackets as [;]. In the primary text, anomalous spellings with initial "u" or non-initial "v" are not individually noted. Other errors, whether corrected or not, are listed at the end of the e-text. For this e-text, Chaucer's translation of the _Consolatio_ is given twice: first as printed, with all notes and apparatus, and then as text alone.] 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 țat may [gh]eue a lawe to loueres. loue is a gretter lawe and a strengere to hym self țan any lawe țat 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 pațe 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 țe world with stable feith / varieth acordable chaungynges // țat the contraryos qualite of element[gh] holden amonge hem self aliaunce perdurable / țat phebus the sonne with his goldene chariet / bryngeth forth the rosene day / țat the mone hath commaundement ouer the nyhtes // whiche nyhtes hesperus the eue sterre hat[h] browt // țat țe se gredy to flowen constreyneth with a certeyn ende hise floodes / so țat it is nat l[e]ueful to strechche hise brode termes or bowndes vp-on the erthes // țat is to seyn to couere alle the erthe // Al this a-cordaunce of thinges is bownden with looue / țat gouerneth erthe and see / and [he] hath also commaundement[gh] to the heuenes / and yif this looue slakede the brydelis / alle thinges țat 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 țat 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.) Țe engendrynge of alle ținges quod she and alle țe progressiouns of muuable nature. and alle țat moeueț in any manere takiț hys causes. hys ordre. and hys formes. of țe stablenesse of țe deuyne țou[gh]t [and thilke deuyne thowht] țat is yset and put in țe toure. țat is to seyne in țe hey[gh]t of țe simplicite of god. stablisiț many manere gyses to ținges țat 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 țing țat is cleped inperfit . is proued inperfit by țe amenusynge of perfeccioun . or of țing țat is perfit . and her-of comeț it . țat in euery țing general . yif țat . țat men seen any țing țat is inperfit . certys in țilke general țer mot ben somme țing țat is perfit. For yif so be țat perfeccioun is don awey . men may nat ținke nor seye fro whennes țilke țing is țat is cleped inperfit . For țe nature of ținges ne token nat her bygynnyng of ținges amenused and inperfit . but it procediț of țingus țat ben al hool . and absolut . and descendeț so doune in-to outerest ținges and in-to țingus empty and wiț-oute fruyt . but as I haue shewed a litel her byforne . țat yif țer be a blisfulnesse țat be frele and vein and inperfit . țer may no man doute . țat țer nys som blisfulnesse țat 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 țe name of gentilesse be referred to renoun and clernesse of linage. țan is gentil name but a foreine țing. (_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 țat 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.) Țe fowel țat hy[gh]t voltor țat etiț țe stomak or țe 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] țan 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.) Țe swetnesse of mannes welefulnesse is yspranid wiț many[e] bitternesses. (_Chaucer's Boethius_, p. 42.) --ful anguissous țing is țe condicioun of mans goodes. For eyțer it comeț al to-gidre to a wy[gh]t. or ellys it lasteț 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 țat țis toumblyng welefulnesse leediț, eițer he woot țat [it] is chaungeable. or ellis he woot it nat. And yif he woot it not. what blisful fortune may țer be in țe blyndenesse of ignoraunce. (2) And yif he woot țat it is chaungeable. he mot alwey ben adrad țat he ne lese țat țing. țat he ne douteț nat but țat he may leesen it. . . . . . For whiche țe continuel drede țat he haț ne suffriț hym nat to ben weleful. Or ellys yif he leese it he wene[ț] to be dispised and forleten hit. Certis eke țat is a ful lytel goode țat is born wiț 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) vseț ful flatryng familarité wiț hem țat she enforceț to bygyle. (_Chaucer's Boethius_, p. 30.) .  .  .  .  .  .  . She lau[gh]eț and scorneț țe wepyng of hem țe whiche she haț maked wepe wiț hir free wille  .  .  .  . Yif țat a wy[gh]t is seyn weleful and ouerțrowe 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 haț 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._ Țilke deeț of men is welful țat ne comeț not in [gh]eres țat ben swete (i. _mirie_). but comeț 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._ Wiț office of poyntel (p. 5). Fr. (que ie reduisse) p{ar} escript. _Inexhaustus._ Swiche . . . țat it ne my[gh]t[e] not be emptid (p. 5). Fr. inconsumptible. _Scenicas meretriculas._ Comune strumpetis of siche a place țat men clepen țe theatre (p. 6). Fr. ces ribaudelles fardees. _Præcipiti profundo._ In ouer-țrowyng 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._ Neyțer 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._ Țe houndys of țe palays (p. 15). Fr. les chiens du palais. _Masculæ prolis._ Of ți masculyn children (p. 37). Fr. de ta lignie masculine. _Ad singularem felicitatis tuæ cumulum venire delectat._ It deliteț me to comen now to țe singuler vphepyng of ți 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 țilke litel habitacle (p. 57). Fr. de cest trespetit habitacle. _Late patentes plagas._ Țe 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._ Țe 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 țe prouost of țe 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 țou 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 țe peoples țat ben vndir țe colde sterres țat hy[gh]ten țe seuene triones (p. 55). Fr. ceulx de septentrion. _Ita ego quoque tibi veluti corollarium dabo._ Ry[gh]t so wil I [gh]eue țe here as a corolarie or a mede of coroune (p. 91). Fr. semblablement ie te donneray ainsi que vng correlaire. _In stadio._ In țe stadie or in țe forlonge (p. 119). Fr. ou (for au) champ. _Conjecto._ I coniecte (p. 154). Fr. ie coniecture. _Nimium . . . adversari ac repugnare videtur._ It semeț . . . to repugnen and to contrarien gretly. Fr. Ce semble chose trop contraire et repugnante. _Universitatis ambitum._ Envirounynge of țe vniuersite (p. 165). Fr. lauironnement de luniuersalite. _Rationis universum._ Vniuersite of resoun (p. 165). Fr. luniuersalite de Raison. _Scientiam nunquam deficientis instantiæ rectius æstimabis._ Țou shalt demen [it] more ry[gh]tfully țat it is science of presence or of instaunce țat neuer ne fayleț (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 țat endiț in wrechednesse_' (p. 35). One would think that the following definition of Tragedian would be rather superfluous after this,--'_a maker of dites țat hy[gh]ten_ (are called) _tregedies_' (p. 77). _Melliflui . . . oris Homerus_ is thus quaintly Englished: _Homer wiț țe hony mouțe, țat is to seyn. homer wiț țe 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. ¶ Țat whilom in florysching studie made delitable ditees. For loo rendyng muses of poetes enditen to me ținges to be writen. and drery 4 v{er}s of wrecchednes weten my face wiț v{er}ray teers. ¶ At țe leest no drede ne my[gh]t[e] ouer-come țo muses. țat ței ne were{n} felawes {and} folweden my wey. țat is to seyne when I was exiled. [Sidenote: ypalage antithesis] ței țat weren glorie of 8 my you[gh]th whilom weleful {and} grene co{n}forten now țe sorouful werdes of me olde man. [Sidenote: Laments his immature old age.] for elde is comen vnwarly vpon me hasted by țe harmes țat I haue. {and} sorou haț comau{n}ded his age to be in me. ¶ Heeres 12 hore ben schad ouertymelyche vpon myne heued. and țe slak[e] skyn trembleț vpon myn emty body. [Sidenote: Death turns a deaf ear to the wretched.] țilk[e] deeț of men is welful țat ne comeț not in [gh]eres țat ben swete (.i. mirie.) but comeț 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. țo[gh]t, C. yowthe 10 _sorouful werdes_--sorful wierdes [i. fata] 12 _sorou_--sorwe _haț_--MS. hațe _be_--ben 13 _hore_--hoore _ben_--arn _myne_--myn 14 _slak[e]_--slake _vpon_--of _emty_--emptyd _țilk[e]_--thilke 15 _welful_--weleful _comeț not_--comth nat 16 _.i. mirie_--omitted] ¶ Allas allas wiț how deef an eere deeț cruel to{ur}neț awey fro wrecches {and} naieț to closen wepyng eyen. [Sidenote: When Fortune was favourable Death came near Boethius, but in his adversity life is unpleasantly protracted.] ¶ While fortune vnfeițful fauored[e] me 20 wiț ly[gh]te goodes (.s. temp{or}els.) țe sorouful houre țat is to seyne țe deeț had[de] almost dreynt myne heued. ¶ But now for fortune clowdy haț chaunged hir disceyuable chere to me warde. myn vnpitouse lijf draweț 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 țat haț fallen stood not i{n} stedfast degree. [Linenotes: 19 _tourneț_--torneth _naieț_--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 _haț_--MS. hațe _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 țe mene while țat I stille recorded[e] țise ținges 28 wiț my self. {and} markede my wepli compleynte wiț office of poyntel. I saw stondyng aboue țe hey[gh]t of my heued a woman of ful greet reuerence by semblaunt hir eyen brennyng {and} clere seing ouer țe comune 32 my[gh]t of men. wiț a lijfly colo{ur} {and} wiț swiche vigoure {and} strenkeț țat it ne my[gh]t[e] not be emptid. ¶ Al were it so țat sche was ful of so greet age. țat men ne wolde not trowe i{n} no manere țat 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.] țe stature of hir was of a doutous iugement. for su{m}tyme sche constreyned[e] {and} schronk hir selue{n} lyche to țe comune mesure of men. {and} su{m}tyme it semed[e] țat sche touched[e] țe heuene wiț țe hey[gh]te 40 of hir heued. and when sche hef hir heued heyer sche p{er}ced[e] țe selue heuene. so țat țe 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 cloțes weren maked of ry[gh]t delye țredes {and} subtil crafte of p{er}durable matere. țe wyche 44 cloțes sche hadde wouen wiț hir owen hondes: as I knew wel aftir by hir selfe. declaryng {and} schewyng to me țe beaute. țe wiche cloțes 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 țe nețerest[e] hem or bordure of țese cloțes me{n} redden [[pg 6]] ywouen in swiche a gregkysche .P. țat signifieț țe lijf actif. And abouen ț{a}t l{ett}re in țe hey[gh]est[e] bordure 52 a grekysche T. țat signifieț țe lijf contemplatif. [Linenotes: 26 _auaunted[e]_--auauntede _be_--ben 27 _haț_--MS. hațe _not_--nat _stedfast_--stidefast 28 _In țe 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 _strenkeț_--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 _nețerest[e]_--nethereste 50 _țese_--thise 51 _swiche_--omitted _gregkysche_--grekyssh{e} _signifieț_--syngnifieth 52 _hey[gh]est[e]_--heyeste] [Headnote: A DESCRIPTION OF PHILOSOPHY.] [Sidenote: Between the letters were steps like a ladder.] ¶ And by-twene țese two l{ett}res țere weren seien degrees nobly wrou[gh]t in manere of laddres. By wyche degrees men my[gh]t[en] clymbe fro țe nețemast[e] l{ett}re 56 to țe ouermast[e]. [Sidenote: Philosophy's garments were tattered and torn, and pieces had been carried violently off.] ¶ Națeles hondes of su{m} men hadde korue ț{a}t cloțe by vyolence {and} by strenkeț. ¶ 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 forsoțe țis 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] țese poetical muses ap{ro}chen aboute my bedde. {and} endytyng wordes to my wepynges. sche was a lytel ameued 64 and glowed[e] wiț 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 haț suffred ap{ro}chen to țis seek[e] man țise comune strumpetis of siche a place țat *men clepen țe theatr{e}. ¶ Țe wyche only ne asswagen not his sorowes. wiț no 68 remedies. but ței wolde fede {and} norysche hem wiț swete venym. ¶ Forsoțe țise ben țo țat wiț țornes {and} prykkynges of talent[gh] or affecciou{n}s wiche țat ben no țing frutefiyng nor p{ro}fitable destroyen țe 72 cornes plenteuouse of frutes of reson. [Sidenote: They may accustom the mind to bear grief, but cannot free it from its malady.] ¶ For ței holden țe hertes of men i{n} usage. but ței ne delyuere not folk fro maladye. but if [gh]e muses hadde wițdrawen fro me wiț [gh]oure flateries. any vnkonnyng {and} vnp{ro}fitable [[pg 7]] man as men ben wont to fynde comunely amonges 77 țe peple. I wolde wene suffre țe lasse greuously. [Linenotes: 54 _by-twene țese_--bytwixen thise _țere_--ther _seien_--seyn 55 _nobly wrou[gh]t_--nobely ywroght _wyche_--whiche 56 _my[gh]t[en] clymbe_--myhten clymbyn _nețemast[e]_--nethereste 57 _ouermast[e]_--vppereste _sum_--some 58 _hadde korue_--hadden koruen _cloțe_--cloth _strenkeț_--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] țese_--say thise 63 _bedde_--bed _endytyng_--enditynge 64 _ameued_--amoued 65 _glowed[e]_--glowede _haț_--MS. hațe, C. hath 66 _seek[e]_--sike _țise_--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 _țe_ and _ne_--both omitted 75 _not_--nat _if [gh]e_--MS. if țe, 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 țing endamaged. ¶ But [gh]e wițdrawen me 80 țis man țat haț ben norysched in studies or scoles of Eleaticis {and} of achademicis in grece. [Sidenote: She bids the syrens begone.] ¶ But goț now rațer awey [gh]e meremaydenes wyche ben swete til it be at țe laste. {and} suffreț țis man to be cured {and} 84 heled by myne muses. țat is to say by notful sciences. [Sidenote: Blushing for shame they pass the threshold.] ¶ And țus țis compaygnie of muses I-blamed casten wroțely țe chere adou{n}ward to țe erțe {and} schewyng by redenesse hir schame ței passeden sorowfuly țe 88 țreschefolde. ¶ And I of whom țe sy[gh]t plonged i{n} teres was derked so țat I ne my[gh]t[e] not knowe what țat 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 țe 92 erțe. {and} bygan stille forto abide what sche wolde don afterwarde. ¶ Țo come sche nere {and} sette hir doun vpon țe vterrest[e] corner of my bedde. [Sidenote: Philosophy expresses her concern for Boethius.] {and} sche byholdyng my chere țat was cast to țe erțe heuy {and} 96 greuous of wepyng. co{m}pleinede wiț țise wordes ț{a}t I schal sey țe p{er}t{ur}bac{i}ou{n} of my țou[gh]t. [Linenotes: 79 _syche_--swhiche _myne_--myn 80 _weren_--ne weeren _[gh]e_--ye 81 _haț_--MS. hațe, C. hath _ben_--be _scoles_--schooles 82 _goț_--MS. goțe, C. goth 83 _wyche_--whiche țat 85 _say_--seyn _notful_--noteful 86 _I-blamed_--Iblamyd 87 _wroțely_--wrothly _adounward_--downward 88 _redenesse_--rednesse _sorowfuly_--sorwfully 89 _țreschefolde_--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 țe țou[gh]t of man dreint in ouer țrowyng depnesse dulleț {and} forletiț hys p{ro}pre clerenesse. 100 myntynge to gone in to foreyne derknesses as ofte as hys anoious bisines wexiț wiț-oute{n} mesure. ț{a}t is dryuen to {and} fro wiț 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.] ¶ Țis man țat su{m}tyme was fre to who{m} țe heuene was open 104 {and} knowen {and} was wont to gone in heuenelyche pațes. {and} sau[gh] țe ly[gh]tnesse of țe rede sunne. {and} sau[gh] țe sterres of țe colde moone. {and} wyche sterre i{n} heuene vseț wandryng risorses yflit by dyuerse speres. 108 ¶ Țis man ouer comere hadde co{m}p{re}hendid al țis by noumbre. of accountyng in astronomye. ¶ And ouer țis he was wont to seche țe causes whennes țe sounyng wy{n}des moeuen {and} bisien țe smoțe water of țe 112 see. {and} what spirit turneț țe stable heuene. {and} whi țe sterre ryseț oute of țe reede eest. to falle in țe westren wawes. and what attempriț țe lusty houres of țe fyrste somer sesou{n} țat hi[gh]teț {and} apparaileț 116 țe erțe wiț rosene floures. ¶ And who makeț țat plenteuouse autu{m}pne in fulle [gh]eres fletiț wiț heuy grapes. ¶ And eke țis ma{n} was wont to telle țe dyuerses causes of nature țat weren yhid. 120 [Sidenote: But now, alas, he is constrained to keep his face to the ground.] ¶ Allas now lieț he emptid of ly[gh]t of hys țou[gh]t. {and} hys nekke is p{re}ssid wiț heuy cheynes {and} bereț his chere enclined adoune for țe greet[e] wey[gh]t. and is constreyned to loke on foule erțe. 124 [Linenotes: 101 _gone_--goon 102 _bisines_--bysynesse _outen_--owte 103 _worldly_--wordely 104 _sumtyme_--whilom 105 _gone_--goon 106 _pațes_--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 _ryseț oute_--aryseth owt _falle_--fallen 115 _westren_--westrene 116 _fyrste_--fyrst 119 _eke_--ek 120 _dyuerses_--diuerse _yhid_--MS. yhidde 121 _lieț_--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 țen of compleynte. ¶ Forsoțe țen sche entendyng to me warde wiț al țe lokyng of hir eyen saide. [Sidenote: Philosophy addresses Boethius.] ¶ Art not țou he q{uo}d sche țat su{m}tyme I-norschid wiț my 128 mylke {and} fostre[d] wiț my meetes were ascaped {and} comen to corage of a p{er}fit man. ¶ Certys I [gh]af țe syche armures țat [gh]if țou ți self ne haddest first caste [[pg 9]] hem away. ței schulden haue defendid țe in sykernesse 132 țat may not be ouer-comen. ¶ Knowest țou me not. [Sidenote: She fears his silence proceeds from shame rather than from stupidity.] [Sidenote: [* fol. 4 _b_.]] *Why art țou stille. is it for schame or for astonynge. It were me leuer țat it were for schame. but it semeț me țat astony{n}ge haț opp{re}ssed țe. [Sidenote: She finds him, however, in a lethargy, the distemper of a disordered mind.] ¶ And whan 136 sche say me not oonly stille. but wiț-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 țat is a comune 140 sekenes to hertes țat ben desceiued. ¶ He haț a litel for[gh]eten hym self. but certis he schal ly[gh]tly reme{m}bren hym self. ¶ [Gh]if so be țat he haț 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} țat he may so done I wil wipe a litel hys eyen. 144 țat ben derked by țe cloude of mortel ținges ¶ Țise wordes seide sche. and wiț țe lappe of hir garment yplitid in a frounce sche dried[e] myn eyen țat were ful of țe wawes of my wepynges. 148 [Linenotes: 125, 126 _țen_--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 țou_--knowestow 134 _art țou_--artow 136 _haț_--MS. hațe 138 _tonge_--tunge _doumbe_--dowmb _honde_--hand 139 _Here_--her 140 _litargie whiche_--litarge which 141 _sekenes_--sykenesse 141, 143 _haț_--MS. hațe 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.] ++Țus when țat ny[gh]t was discussed {and} chased awey. derknesses forleften me. {and} to myn eyen repeyre a[gh]eyne her firste strenkeț. and ry[gh]t by ensample as țe sonne is hid when țe sterres ben clustred. țat is to 152 sey whe{n} sterres ben couered wiț cloudes by a swifte wynde țat hy[gh]t chorus. {and} țat țe firmame{n}t stont derked by wete ploungy cloudes. and țat țe sterres not apperen vpo{n} heuene. ¶ So țat țe ny[gh]t semeț sprad 156 vpo{n} erțe. ¶ Yif țan țe wynde țat hy[gh]t borias sent out of țe kaues of țe contre of Trace betiț țis [[pg 10]] ny[gh]t. țat is to seyn chasiț it away {and} descouereț țe closed day. ¶ Țan schineț pheb{us} yshaken wiț 160 sodeyne ly[gh]t {and} smyteț wiț 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 _țan_--thanne _wynde_--wynd _hy[gh]t_--hyhte 158 _sent_--isent 160 _țan_--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 oțer wyse țe cloudes of sorowe dissolued {and} don awey. ¶ I took heuene. {and} 164 receyuede mynde to knowe țe face of my fyciscien. ¶ So țat 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]ouțe. 168 {and} I seide țus. [Sidenote: He addresses her.] ¶ O țou maistresse of alle uertues descendid fro țe souereyne sete. Whi art țou comen in to țis solitarie place of myn exil. ¶ Art țou comen for ț{o}u art mad coupable wiț 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 țe now. and scholde I not parte wiț țe by comune trauaille țe charge țat țou hast suffred for envie of my name. ¶ Certis it nar[e] not leueful ne sittyng to philosophie to leten 176 wiț-outen compaignie țe wey of hym țat is i{n}nocent. [Sidenote: She fears not any accusation, as if it were a new thing.] ¶ Scholde I țan redoute my blame {and} agrisen as țou[gh] țer were byfallen a newe țing. q. d. non. ¶ For trowest țou țat philosophi be now alțerfirst 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 wiț ful greet strife in olde tyme byfore țe age of my plato a[gh]eins țe foolhardines of foly {and} eke țe same plato lyuyng. hys maistre socrates 184 deserued[e] victorie of vnry[gh]tful deeț in my presence. [Sidenote: Of the inheritance of Socrates the rout of Epicureans and Stoics wanted to get a part.] ¶ Țe heritage of wyche socrates. țe h{er}itage is to seyne țe doctrine of țe whiche soc{ra}tes in hys oppiniou{n} of [[pg 11]] felicite țat I clepe welfulnesse ¶ Whan țat țe people 188 of epicuriens {and} stoyciens {and} many oțer enforceden hem to go rauische eueryche man for his part țat is to seyne. țat to eueryche of hem wolde drawen to țe defence of his oppiniou{n} țe 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.] ¶ Ței as in p{ar}tie of hir preye todrowe{n} me criynge {and} debatyng țer a[gh]eins. {and} tornen {and} torente{n} my cloțes țat I hadde woue{n} wiț myn handes. {and} wiț țe cloutes țat ței hadden arased oute of my cloțes. ței 196 wenten awey wenyng țat I hadde gon wiț he{m} euery dele. [Sidenote: Thus, clothed with her spoils, they deceived many.] In whiche epicuryens {and} stoyciens. for as myche as țer semed[e] so{m}me traces {and} steppes of myne habit. [Sidenote: [* fol. 5.]] țe folye of men wenyng țo epicuryens 200 {and} stoyciens my *familers p{er}uertede (.s. p{er}sequend{o}) so{m}me țoru[gh] țe errour of țe 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.] ¶ Țis is to seyne for ței semeden philosophres: ței weren p{ur}sued to țe deeț 204 and slayn. ¶ So yif țou hast not knowen țe exilynge of anaxogore. ne țe empoysenyng of socrates. ne țe to{ur}ment[gh] of [gh]eno for ței [weren] straungers. ¶ [Gh]it my[gh]test țou haue knowe{n} țe senectiens {and} țe Canyos 208 {and} țe sorancis of wyche folk țe renou{n} is neyțer ouer oolde ne vnsolempne. ¶ Țe whiche men no țing ellys ne brou[gh]t[e] hem to țe deeț but oonly for ței weren enfourmed of my maneres. {and} semede{n} moste vnlyke 212 to țe studies of wicked folk. ¶ And forți țou au[gh]test not to wondre țou[gh] ț{a}t I in țe bitter see of țis lijf be fordryuen wiț 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 țe whiche te{m}peste țis is my most p{ur}pos țat is to seyn to displese 216 to wikked[e] men. ¶ Of whiche schrews al be țe oost neuer so grete it is to dispyse. for it nis gouerned wiț 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 ței somtyme 220 maky{n}g an ost a[gh]eynest vs assaile vs as strengere. oure leder draweț to gedir hys rycchesse i{n} to hys toure. {and} ței ben ententif aboute sarpulers or sachels vnp{ro}fitable forto taken. but we țat ben hey[gh] abouen syker 224 fro al tumulte {and} wode noise. ben stored {and} enclosed in syche a palays. whider as țat chateryng or anoying folye ne may not attayne. ¶ We scorne swiche rauiners {and} honters of foulest[e] ținges. 228 [Linenotes: 163 _none oțer_--non oother _sorowe_--sorwe 165 _knowe_--knowen 166 _myne_--myn _festned[e]_--fastnede 170 _fro_--from 170, 171 _art țou_--artow 172 _mad_--MS. made, C. maked _fals[e]_--false 174 _parte_--parten 176 _nar[e]_--nere _sittyng_--sittinge 178 _țan_--thanne 179 _țing_--thing _q.d. non_--omitted 180 _trowest țou_--trowestow _alțerfirst_--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 _oțer_--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 _țoru[gh]_--thorw _wikked[e]_--wikkede _vnkunnyng[e]_--vnkunnynge 203 _seyne_--seyn ț{a}t 204 _semeden_--semede _pursued_--MS. pursuede, C. pursued 205 _slayn_--MS. slayne, C. slayn 207 [_weren_]--weeren 208 _my[gh]test țou 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 _țat_--omitted 227 _scorne_--schorne 228 _rauiners----ținges_--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 țat is clere of vertue sad {and} wel ordinat of lyuyng. țat haț put vnderfote țe prowed[e] wierdes {and} lokiț vpry[gh]t vpon eyțer fortune. he may holde hys chiere vndiscomfited. ¶ Țe rage ne țe manace 232 of țe co{m}moeuyng or chasyng vpwarde hete fro țe botme. ne schal not moeue țat man. ne țe vnstable mountaigne țat hy[gh]t veseuus. țat wircheț oute țoru[gh] hys broken[e] chemineys smokyng fires. ¶ Ne țe wey 236 of țonder ly[gh]t țat is wont to smyte hey[gh]e toures ne schal not mouene țat man. [Sidenote: Fear not the tyrant's rage.] ¶ Wherto țen wrecches drede [gh]e tyrauntes țat ben wode {and} felownes wiț-outen ony strenkeț. [Sidenote: He who neither fears nor hopes for anything disarms the tyrant.] ¶ Hope after no țing ne drede nat. {and} 240 so schalt țou desarmen țe ire of țilke vnmy[gh]ty tyraunt. [[pg 13]] [Sidenote: He whose heart fails him, yields his arms, and forges his own fetters.] ¶ But who so țat quakyng dredeț or desireț țing țat nis not stable of his ry[gh]t. țat man țat so doț haț cast awey hys schelde {and} is remoeued fro hys place. {and} 244 enlaceț hym i{n} țe cheyne wiț whiche he may be drawen. [Linenotes: 229 _clere_--cleer 230 _lyuyng_--leuynge _haț_--MS. hațe _vnderfote_--vndir-foot _prowed[e]_--prowde 231 _may----chiere_--may his cheere holde 232 _manace_--manesses 233 _țe_--țe see 235 _hy[gh]t_--hihte _veseuus_--MS. vesenus _wircheț_--writith 236 _broken[e]_--brokene _smokyng_--smokynge 237 _smyte_--smyten 238 _Wherto țen_--wharto thanne 239 _felownes----ony_--felonos withowte any 241 _schalt țou desarmen_--shaltow deseruien 243 _doț_--MS. doțe, C. doth _haț_--MS. hațe, 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 țou q{uod} sche țise ținges {and} entren ței ou[gh]t in ți corage. ¶ Art țou like an asse to țe harpe. 248 Whi wepest țou whi spillest țou teres. ¶ Yif țou abidest after helpe of ți leche. țe byhoueț discouere ți wounde. [Sidenote: Boethius complains of Fortune's unrelenting rage.] ¶ Țo .I. țat hadde gadered strenkeț in my corage answered[e] {and} seide. {and} nedeț it [gh]itte q{uod} 252 .I. of rehersyng or of amonic{i}ou{n}. {and} scheweț it not ynou[gh] by hym self țe scharpnes of fortune țat wexeț woode a[gh]eynes me. [Sidenote: Is not she moved, he asks, with the aspect of his prison?] ¶ Ne moeueț it nat țe to seen țe face or țe man{er}e of țis place (.i. p{r}isou{n}.). [Sidenote: His library, his habit, and his countenance are all changed.] ¶ Is țis 256 țe librarie wyche țat țou haddest chosen for a ry[gh]t certeyne sege to țe i{n} myne house. ¶ Țere as țou desputest of[te] wiț me of țe sciences of ținges touching diuinitee {and} touchyng mankynde. ¶ Was țan 260 myn habit swiche as it is now. was țan my face or [Interlinear: quasi d{ice}ret non.] my chere swiche as now. ¶ Whan I sou[gh]t[e] wiț țe secretys of nature. whan țou enfo{ur}medest my maners {and} țe resou{n} of al my lijf. to țe ensaumple of țe ordre 264 of heuene. [Sidenote: Is this, he asks, the reward of his fidelity?] [Interlinear: ironice] ¶ Is nat țis țe gerdou{n} țat I refere to țe to whom I haue be obeisaunt. ¶ Certis țou enfo{ur}medist by țe mouțe of plato țis 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.] țat is to seyne țat co{m}mune ținges or comunabletes weren 268 blysful yif ței țat haden studied al fully to wisdom [[pg 14]] gouerneden țilke ținges. [Sidenote: [* fol. 5 _b_.]] or ellys yif it so by-felle țat țe gouernours *of co{m}munalites studieden in grete wisdomes. [Linenotes: 247 _Felest țou_--Felistow _ou[gh]t_--awht 248 _art țou_--artow 249 _wepest țou_--wepistow _spillest țou_--spillestow 252 _answered[e]_--answerede 255 _woode_--wood 257 _wyche_--which 258 _myne house țere_--myn hows ther 259 _desputest of[te]_--desputedest ofte 260 _țan_--thanne 261 _it_ and _țan_--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 _mouțe_--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.] ¶ Țou saidest eke by țe mouțe of țe same 272 plato țat it was a necessarie cause wyse men to taken {and} desire țe gou{er}nau{n}ce of comune ți{n}ges. for țat țe gou{er}nementes of comune citees y-left in țe 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 țerfore I folowynge țilk auctoritee (.s. platonis). desiryng to put[te] furțe in execusiou{n} {and} in acte of comune admi{ni}st{ra}c{i}ou{n} țo ținges țat .I. hadde lerned of țe 280 among my secre restyng whiles. ¶ Țou {and} god ț{a}t put[te] țee in țe țou[gh]tis of wise folk ben knowen wiț me țat no țing brou[gh]t[e] me to maistrie or dignite: but țe comune studie of al goodenes. [Sidenote: He sought to do good to all, but became involved in discord with the wicked.] ¶ And țer-of comeț 284 it țat by-twixen wikked folk {and} me han ben greuouse discordes. țat 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 țis libertee haț fredom of conscience țat țe wrațțe of more my[gh]ty folk haț 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} wițstonde țilk man țat hy[gh]t[e] conigaste țat made alwey assautes a[gh]eins țe 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 țe kynges hous boțe of țe wronges țat he hadde bygon[ne] to done {and} eke fully p{er}formed. ¶ How ofte haue I couered {and} defended by țe auctorite of me put a[gh]eins p{er}ils. [Sidenote: He put his authority in peril for the defence of poor folk.] țat is to seine put 296 myne auctorite in peril for țe wreched pore folke. țat țe couetise of straungeres vnpunysched to{ur}mentid alwey [[pg 15]] wiț 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 _țerfore_--therfor _țilk_--thilke _desiryng_--desired 279 _put[te] furțe_--putten forth 280 _țo_--thilke 282 _put[te]_--putte 283 _brou[gh]t[e]_--ne browhte 284 _țe_--omitted _al goodenes_--alle goodnesse _comeț_--comth 287, 288 _haț_--MS. hațe 289 _saluacioun_--sauacioun 290 _țilk_--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 țe 300 fortunes {and} țe rychesse of țe people of țe p{ro}uinces ben harmed eyțer 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 ței țat suffred[e] țe harme. _Glosa._ ¶ Whan țat theodoric țe kyng of 304 gothes in a dere [gh]ere hadde hys gerners ful of corne {and} comaundede țat no ma{n} ne schold[e] bie no corne til his corne were solde {and} țat at a dere greuous pris. ¶ But I w{i}t{h}stod țat ordinaunce {and} ouer-com it 308 knowy{n}g al țis țe kyng hym self. ¶ Coempciou{n} țat is to seyn comune achat or bying to-gidere țat 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 țe 312 ky{n}g țe fifte p{ar}t. _Textus._ [Sidenote: I opposed successfully Coemption in Campania.] ¶ Whan it was in țe soure hungry tyme țere was establissed or cried greuous {and} inplitable coempciou{n} țat men seyn wel it schulde greetly to{ur}me{n}tyn {and} endamagen al țe p{ro}uince of 316 co{m}paigne I took strif a[gh]eins țe p{ro}uost of țe pretorie for comune p{ro}fit. ¶ And țe kyng knowyng of it I ouercom it so țat țe 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 țe rychesse 320 of țe whyche paulyn țe houndys of țe palays. țat is to seyn țe officeres wolde han deuoured by hope {and} couetise ¶ [Gh]it drow I hym out of țe Iowes .s. faucib{us} of hem țat gapede{n}. [Sidenote: I defended Albinus against Cyprian.] ¶ And for as myche as țe peyne 324 of țe 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 țe hates {and} indignac{i}ou{n}s [[pg 16]] of țe accuso{ur} Ciprian. ¶ Is it not țan ynought yseyn 328 țat 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 oțer folk țat for țe loue of ry[gh]twisnesse .I. ne reserued[e] neuer no țing to my self to hem ward of țe kynges halle .s. officers. 332 by țe whiche I were țe more syker. ¶ But țoru[gh] țe 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 _țe_ (2)--omitted 302 _harmed eyțer_--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 _oțer_--oothre 333 _by țe whiche_--by which _țoru[gh] țe_--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 țe noumbre of whiche accuso{ur}s one basilius țat somtyme was chased out of țe 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 țat țe Iustice regal hadde su{m}tyme demed hem boțe to go in to exil. for her treccheries {and} fraudes 340 wiț-outen noumbre. ¶ To whiche iugement ței wolde not obeye. but defended[e] hem by sykernesse of holy houses. [Sidenote: [* fol. 6.]] *țat is to seyne fledden in to seyntuaries. {and} whan țis was ap{er}ceiued to țe kyng. he comaunded[e] 344 but țat ței voided[e] țe citee of Rauenne by certeyne day assigned țat men scholde merken hem on țe forheued wiț an hoke of iren {and} chasen hem out of toune. ¶ Now what țing semeț țe my[gh]t[e] be lykned to țis 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 țilk same day was receyued țe accusyng of my name by țilk[e] same accuso{ur}s. ¶ What may be seid herto. haț my studie {and} my konnyng deserued țus. or ellys țe forseide dampnaciou{n} of me. 352 made țat 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 țis. [Certes alle hadde nat fortune ben asshamyd] țat i{n}nocence was accused. 355 [gh]it au[gh]t[e] sche haue had schame of țe filțe of myn accuso{ur}s. [Linenotes: 335 _whiche_--the whiche _one_--oon _somtyme_--whilom 339 _sumtyme_--whilon 340 _go_--gon _her_--hir 341 _wiț-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 _țe_--omitted _my[gh]t[e] be_--myhte ben 349 _țilk_--thilke 350 _țilk[e]_--thilke 351 _be_--ben _seid_--MS. seide, C. seyd _haț_--MS. hațe 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 țou 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 țat I wolde sauen țe co{m}paignie of țe senato{ur}s. ¶ And desirest țou to here in what manere .I. am accused țat I scholde han distourbed 360 țe accuso{ur} to beren l{ett}res. by whiche he scholde han maked țe senatours gilty a[gh]eins țe kynges Real maieste. ¶ O meistresse what demest țou of țis. schal .I. forsake țis blame țat I ne be no schame to 364 țe (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. țat is to seyne țe sauuaciou{n} of țe senat. ne I schal neuer leten to wilne it. {and} țat I confesse {and} am a-knowe. but țe entent of țe accusour to be destourbed schal cese. 368 ¶ For schal I clepe it a felonie țan or a synne țat I haue desired țe sauuaciou{n} of țe ordre of țe senat. and certys [gh]it hadde țilk same senat don by me țoru[gh] her decret[gh] {and} hire iugementys as țou[gh] it were a synne 372 or a felonie țat is to seyne to wilne țe sauuaciou{n} of he{m} (.s senat{us}). [Sidenote: (Folly cannot change the merit of things.] ¶ But folye țat lieth alwey to hym self may not chaunge țe merit of ținges. [Sidenote: According to Socrates' judgment it is not lawful to hide the truth nor assent to a falsehood.)] ¶ Ne .I. trowe not by țe iugement of socrates ț{a}t it were leueful 376 to me to hide țe soțe. ne assent[e] to lesynges. ¶ But certys how so euer it be of țis I put[te] it to gessen or p{re}ise{n} to țe iugeme{n}t of țe {and} of wise folk. ¶ Of whiche țing al țe ordinaunce {and} țe soțe for as moche 380 as folk țat 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 țe l{ett}res falsly maked. by whiche l{ett}res I am accused to han hooped țe fredom of 384 Rome. What app{er}teneț me to speken țer-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 țe fraude hadde ben schewed ap{er}tly if I hadde had libertee forto han vsed {and} ben at țe [[pg 18]] co{n}fessiou{n} of myn accuso{ur}s. ¶ Țe whiche țing in 388 alle nedys haț grete strenkeț. ¶ For what oț{er} fredo{m} may men hopen. [Sidenote: But there is now no remains of liberty to be hoped for.] Certys I wolde țat some oț{er} fredom my[gh]t[e] be hoped. ¶ I wolde țan haue answered by țe wordes of a man țat hy[gh]t[e] Canius. for whan he was 392 accused by Gayus Cesar Germeins son țat he (cani{us}) was knowyng {and} consentyng of a coniurac{i}ou{n} maked a[gh]eins hym (.s. Gai{us}). ¶ Țis Canius answered[e] țus. ¶ Yif I had[de] wist it țou haddest not wist it. 396 [Linenotes: 357 _axest țou_--axestow 358 _seyne_--seyn _sauen_--saue 359 _desirest țou_--desires thow _here_--hereen 362 _maked_--MS. maken, C. makyd 363 _demest țou_--demestow 365 _wold_--MS. wolde, C. wold 366 _seyne_--seyn 367 _țat_--omitted _am_--I am 368 _be_--ben 369 _it_--it thanne _țan_--omitted 371 _țilk_--thilke 372 _her_--hir _hire_--hir _țou[gh]_--thogh 373 _or_--and _seyne_--seyn 374 _lieth_--MS. liețe, 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 _haț_--MS. hațe, C. hath _grete_--gret _what_--omitted 390 _some_--som 391 _my[gh]t[e] be_--myhte ben _țan 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 țing sorwe haț not so dulled my witte ț{a}t I pleyne oonly țat schrewed[e] folk apparailen folies a[gh]eins vertues. ¶ But I wondre gretly how țat ței may p{er}forme ținges țat ței had[de] hoped forto 400 done. [Sidenote: The will to do ill proceeds from the defects of human nature.] For why. to wylne schrewednesse țat comeț 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 țat in țe p{re}se{n}t sy[gh]t of god may ben acheued {and} p{er}formed swiche 404 ținges. as euery felonous man haț conceyued in hys țou[gh]t a[gh]eins i{n}nocent. ¶ For whiche țing oon of ți familers not vnskilfully axed țus. [Sidenote: If there be a God, whence proceeds evil? If there is none, whence arises good?] ¶ [Gh]if god is. whennes comen wikked[e] ținges. {and} yif god ne is whennes 408 comen goode ținges. but al hadde it ben leueful țat felonous folk țat now desiren țe bloode {and} țe deeț of alle goode men. {and} eke of al țe senat han wilned to gone destroien me. whom ței han seyn alwey bataile{n} 412 {and} defenden goode men {and} eke al țe senat. [Gh]it hadde I not desserued of țe fadres. țat is to seyne of țe senatours țat ței scholde wilne my destrucc{i}ou{n}. [Sidenote: Boethius defends the integrity of his life.] [Sidenote: [* fol. 6 _b_.]] ¶ Țou remembrest wele as I gesse țat whan I wolde [[pg 19]] don or *seyn any țing. țou ți self alwey p{re}sent reweledest me. 417 [Sidenote: He defended the Senate at Verona.] ¶ At țe citee of verone wha{n} țat țe kyng gredy of comune slau[gh]ter. caste hym to t{ra}nsporten vpon al țe ordre of țe senat. țe gilt of his real 420 maieste of țe whiche gilt țat albyn was accused. wiț how grete sykernesse of p{er}il to me defended[e] I al țe senat. [Sidenote: He spake only the truth, and did not boast.] ¶ Țou wost wel țat I seide soțe. 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 resceiueț p{re}ciouse renou{n} in auauntyng hym self of hys werkes: he amenusiț țe secre of hys conscience. ¶ But now țou mayst wel seen to what ende I am comen for myne i{n}nocence. 428 [Linenotes: 397 _whiche_--which _sorwe_--sorw _haț_--MS. hațe _witte_--wit 398 _schrewed[e]_--shrewede 399 _folies_--felonies _vertues_--vertu 400 _had[de]_--han 401 _done_--don _comeț_--comth 402 _lyke to a_--lyk a 404 _sy[gh]t_--syhte 405 _haț_--MS. hațe 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 _țe_ (1)--omitted 419 _slau[gh]ter_--slawhtre 420 _transporten vpon_--transpor vp 422 _grete_--gret _defended[e]_--deffendede 423 _seide soțe_--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. țat is to seyne as myne accusyng haț. ¶ Țat oțer errour of 432 mans witte or ellys co{n}diciou{n} of fortune țat is vncerteyne to al mortal folk ne submytted[e] su{m}me of he{m}. țat is to seyne țat 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 țou[gh] I had[de] ben accused țat I wolde brenne holy houses. {and} strangle p{re}stys wiț wicked swerde. ¶ or țat .I. had[de] grayțed deeț to alle goode men algatis țe 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 țe Citee of rome almost fyue-hundreț țousand pas. I am wiț outen defence dampned to p{ro}sc{ri}pciou{n} {and} to țe deeț. for țe studie {and} bountees țat I haue done to țe senat. ¶ But o wel ben 444 ței worți of mercye (as who seiț nay.) țer 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 țe dignitee. [Linenotes: 429 _in_--for 430 _vertue_--vertu 431 _had[de]_--hadde 432 _seyne_--seyn _myne_--myn _haț_--MS. hațe 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 _țousand_--MS. țousas _wiț 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.] țe wiche dignite for ței wolde derken it 448 wiț medelyng of some felonye. ței beren me on honde {and} lieden. țat I hadde polute {and} defouled my conscience wiț sacrelege. for couetise of dignite. ¶ And certys țou ți self țat art plaunted in me chacedest oute 452 țe sege of my corage al couetise of mortal ținges. ne sacrilege ne had[de] no leue to han a place in me byforne ține eyen. [Sidenote: He affirms that he has always followed the golden maxim of Pythagoras,-- #hepou Theô#.] ¶ For țou drouppedest euery day in myn eer{e}s {and} in my țou[gh]t țilk comaundement of pictogoras. 456 țat is to seyne men schal seruen to god. {and} not to goddes. ¶ Ne it was no couenaunt ne no nede to taken helpe of țe foulest spirites. ¶ I țat țou hast ordeyned or set in syche excellence ț{a}t [țou] makedest 460 me lyke to god. and ouer țis țe 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.] țat is to seye my wijf {and} țe co{m}paignie of myn honeste frendis. {and} my wyues fadir as wel holy as worți to ben reuerenced țoru[gh] 464 hys owen dedis. defenden me of al suspecciou{n} of syche blame. ¶ But o malice. ¶ For ței țat accusen me taken of țe philosophie feițe of so grete blame. [Sidenote: Because he has given himself up to Philosophy, his enemies accuse him of using unlawful arts.] ¶ For 467 ței trowen țat .I. haue had affinite to malyfice or enchau{n}tement[gh] by cause țat I am replenissed {and} fulfilled wiț ți techynges. {and} enformed of ți maners. ¶ And țus it sufficeț not only țat ți reuerence ne auayle me not. but [gh]if țat țou of ți fre wille rațer be blemissed 472 wiț myne offensiou{n}. ¶ But certys to țe harmes țat I haue țere bytydeț [gh]it țis 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 _țilk_--thilke 457 _seyne_--seyn _seruen_--serue _god_--godde 459 _helpe_--help _spirites_--spirite 460 _set_--MS. sette, C. set _syche_--swiche [_țou_]--thow 461 _lyke_--lyk 462 _house_--hows _seye_--seyn 463 _myn_--my 465 _owen_--owne _of al_--from alle _syche_--swich 467 _philosophie_--philosophre _feițe_--feyth _grete_--gret 468 _had_--MS. hadde, C. had 473 _myne_--myn 474 _țere_--ther _harme_--harm] [[pg 21]] [Headnote: BOETHIUS DEPLORES THE POPULAR CENSURE.] țat țe gessinge {and} țe iugement of myche folk ne loken no țing to țe[de]sertys of ținges but only to țe 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 țat only swiche ținges ben p{ur}ueied of god. whiche țat temporel welefulnesse co{m}mendiț. _Glosa._ ¶ As țus țat yif a wy[gh]t haue prosperite. he is a good man {and} worți to haue țat 480 p{ro}sperite. [Sidenote: The unfortunate lose the good opinion of the world.] and who so haț aduersite he is a wikked man. {and} god haț forsake hym. {and} he is worți to haue țat aduersite. ¶ Țis is țe opiniou{n} of so{m}me folke. [Sidenote: [* Text begins again.]] *{and} țer of comeț țat good gessyng. ¶ Fyrste of 484 al ți{n}g forsakeț wrecches certys it greueț me to țink[e] ry[gh]t now țe dyuerse sentences țat țe poeple seiț of me. ¶ And țus moche I seye țat țe laste charge of contrarious fortune is țis. [Sidenote: [* fol. 7.]] *țat whan țat ony blame is 488 laid vpon a caytif. men wenen țat he haț deserued țat he suffreț. [Sidenote: Boethius laments the loss of his dignities and reputation.] ¶ And I țat 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 semeț țat I se țe felonus couines of wikked men abounden in ioie {and} in gladnes. ¶ And I se țat euery lorel shapiț hy{m} to fynde oute newe fraudes forto accusen goode folke. and I se țat goode 496 men ben ou{er}țrowen for drede of my p{er}il. ¶ and euery luxurious to{ur}mentour dar don alle felonie vnpunissed {and} ben excited țerto by [gh]iftes. and i{n}nocent[gh] ne ben not oonly despoiled of sykernesse but of defence 500 {and} țerfore me list to crien to god in țis manere. [Linenotes: 475 _myche_--moche 476 _țe[de]sertys_--the desert[gh] 479 _Glosa_--glose 480 _good_--MS. goode, C. good _haue_--han 481 _so_--omitted in C. 481, 482 _haț_--MS. hațe 483 _haue_--han 484 _Fyrste_--fyrst 485 _al_--alle _țink[e]_--thinke 488 _ony_--any 489 _laid_--MS. laide, C. leyd _haț_--MS. hațe 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 țou maker of țe whele țat bereț țe sterres. whiche țat art fastned to ți p{er}durable chayere. {and} turnest țe heuene wiț a rauyssyng sweigh{e} {and} {con}streinest [[pg 22]] țe sterres to suffren ți lawe. ¶ So ț{a}t țe 505 mone somtyme schynyng wiț hir ful hornes metyng wiț alle țe bemes of țe sonne. [Sidenote: The sun obscures the lesser lights, and quenches even the moon's light.] ¶ Hir broțer hideț țe sterres țat ben lasse. {and} somtyme whan țe mone 508 pale wiț hir derke hornes approcheț țe 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 țat țe euesterre esperus whiche țat in țe first[e] tyme of țe ny[gh]t bryngeț furțe hir colde arysynges comeț eft a[gh]eynes hir vsed cours. {and} 512 is pale by țe morwe at țe rysynge of țe sonne. and is țan cleped lucifer. ¶ Țou restreinest țe day by schorter dwellyng in țe tyme of colde wynter țat makeț țe leues to falle. ¶ Țou diuidest țe swifte tides of țe 516 ny[gh]t when țe hote somer is comen. [Sidenote: Thou controllest the changing seasons of the year.] ¶ Ți my[gh]t attempre[ț] țo variau{n}t[gh] sesons of țe [gh]ere. so țat [gh]epherus țe deboneire wynde bringeț a[gh]ein in țe first[e] somer sesou{n} țe leues țat țe wynde țat hy[gh]t[e] boreas 520 haț reft awey in autu{m}pne. țat is to seyne in țe laste eende of somer. and țe sedes țat țe sterre țat hy[gh]t arctur{us} saw ben waxen hey[e] cornes whan țe sterre sirius eschaufeț hym. 524 [Sidenote: All nature is bound by thy eternal law.] ¶ Țere nis no țing vnbounde from hys olde lawe ne forleteț 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 _furțe_--forth 512 _eft_--est 514 _restreinest_--MS. restreniest 516 _to_--omitted 518 _attempre[ț] țo_--atempreth the _sesons_--sesoun _[gh]ere_--yer 519 _wynde bringeț_--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. saweț, C. sawgh _hey[e]_--hyye 524 _hym_--hem _țere_--ther _țing_--thinge 525 _from_--fram _forleteț hym of_--forleetheth țe werke of] [Headnote: CONTRASTED WITH THE ORDER OF NATURE.] [Sidenote: Why, then, leavest thou man's actions uncontrolled?] ¶ O țou gouerno{ur} gouernyng alle ținges by certeyne ende. why refusest țou oonly to gouerne țe werkes of men by dewe manere. [Sidenote: Why should fickle fortune be allowed to work such mighty changes in the world?] ¶ Whi suffrest ț{o}u țat slidyng 528 fortune turneț to grete vtter chaungynges of ținges. so țat anoious peyne țat 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} țat vnry[gh]tfully in țe nekkes of holy men. [[pg 23]] ¶ And vertue clere {and} schynyng naturely is hid in dirke dirkenesses. {and} țe ry[gh]tful man beriț țe blame {and} țe peyne of țe felowne. ¶ Ne țe forsweryng ne 536 țe fraude couered {and} kembd wiț a fals colo{ur} ne a-noyeț not to schrewes. ¶ Țe whiche schrewes whan hem lyst to vsen her strengțe ței reioisen hem to putte{n} vndir hem țe souerayne kynges. whiche ț{a}t 540 poeple wiț[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 țou what so euer țou be țat knyttes[t] alle bondes of ținges loke on țise wrecched[e] erțes. we men țat ben nat a foule party but a faire party of so grete a werke we 544 ben turmentid in țe see of fortune. ¶ Țou gouerno{ur} wițdraw {and} restreyne țe rauyssinge flodes {and} fastne {and} forme țise erțes stable wiț țilke [bonde] wiț whiche țou gouernest țe heuene țat is so large. 548 [Linenotes: 527 _refusest țou_--refowsestow 529 _to----ținges_--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 țe forsweryng_--Ne forswerynge 537 _kembd_--MS. kembde, C. kembd 541 _wiț[outen]_--withhowtyn 542 _knyttes[t]_--knyttest 543 _wrecched[e]_--wrecchede 544 _a_ (2)--omitted 545 _țe_--this 546 _wițdraw_--MS. wițdrawe, C. withdrawh _țe_--thei 547 _forme_--ferme [_bonde_]--from C. _wiț_--by] [Headnote: PHILOSOPHY CONSOLES BOETHIUS,] HIC UBI CONTINUATO DOLORE. [Sidenote: [The fyfthe p{ro}se.]] [Sidenote: Philosophy consoles Boethius.] ++Whan I hadde wiț a continuel sorwe sobbed or broken out țise ținges sche wiț hir chere peisible {and} no ți{n}g amoeued. wiț my compleyntes seide ț{us}. whan I say țe q{uod} sche sorweful {and} wepyng I wist[e] 552 on-one țat țou were a wrecche {and} exiled. but I wist[e] neuer how fer ține exile was: [gh]if ți tale ne hadde schewed it to me. but certys al be țou fer fro ți contre. [Sidenote: [* fol. 7 _b_.]] țou nart *nat put out of it. but țou hast 556 fayled of ți weye {and} gon amys. [Sidenote: She speaks to him of his country.] ¶ and yif țou hast leuer forto wene țan țou be put out of ți contre. țan hast țou put oute ți self rațer țen ony oțer wy[gh]t haț. [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 _haț_--MS. hațe] [Headnote: AND PROPOSES TO ADMINISTER REMEDIES.] ¶ For no wy[gh]t but ți self ne my[gh]t[e] neuer haue don 560 țat to țe. [[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 țou remembre of what contre țou art born. it nis not gou{er}ned by emp{er}oures. ne by gouernement of multitude. as weren țe contres of hem of athenes. ¶ But o lorde {and} o kyng {and} țat is god 564 țat is lorde of ți contree. whiche țat reioiseț hym of țe dwellyng of hys Cite[gh]enis. {and} not forto putte hem in exile. Of țe whiche lorde it is a souerayne fredom to be gouerned by țe bridel of hym and obeie to his 568 iustice. [Sidenote: The Commonwealth of Boethius.] ¶ Hast țou for[gh]eten țilke ry[gh]t olde lawe of ți Citee. in țe whiche Citee it is ordeyned {and} establissed țat what wy[gh]t țat haț leuer founden țer i{n}ne hys sete or hys house. țen ellys where: he may not be exiled 572 by no ry[gh]t fro țat place. ¶ For who so țat is co{n}tened in-wiț țe paleis [{and} the clos] of țilke Citee. țer nis no drede țat he may deserue to ben exiled. ¶ But who țat letteț țe wille forto enhabit[e] țere. he forleteț 576 also to deserue to ben Cite[gh]ein of țilke Citee. [Sidenote: Philosophy says she is moved more by the looks of Boethius than by his gloomy prison.] ¶ So țat I seye țat țe face of țis place ne amoeueț me nat so myche as ține owen face. Ne .I. ne axe not rațer țe walles of ți librarie apparailled {and} wrou[gh]t 580 wiț yvory {and} wiț glas țan after țe sete of ți țou[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 țat țat makeț bookes worți of p{ri}s or p{re}cious țat is to sein țe sentence of my books. ¶ {And} certeinly of 584 ți dec{er}tes by-stowed in co{m}mune good. țou hast seid soțe but after țe multitude of ți goode dedys. țou hast seid fewe. {and} of țe vnhonestee or falsnesse of ținges țat ben opposed a[gh]eins țe. țou hast remembred ținges 588 țat be{n} knowe to alle folk. [Sidenote: Boethius has rightfully and briefly recounted the frauds of his accusers.] and of țe felonies {and} fraudes of ține accuso{ur}s. it semeț țe haue I-touched it forsoțe ry[gh]tfully {and} schortly. ¶ Al my[gh]ten țo same ținges bettere {and} more plentiuousely be couth [[pg 25]] in țe mouțe of țe poeple ț{a}t knoweț al țis. ¶ Țou 593 hast eke blamed gretly {and} compleyned of țe wrongful dede of țe senat. ¶ And țou 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} țou hast wepen for țe damage of ți renoune 596 țat is appaired. {and} ți laste sorwe eschaufed a[gh]eins fortune {and} co{m}pleinest țat gerdou{n}s ne ben not euenliche [gh]olde to țe desertes of folk. {and} in țe l{att}re ende of ți woode muse țou p{r}iedest ț{a}t țilke pees țat 600 gouerneț țe heuene scholde gou{er}ne țe erțe ¶ But for țat many tribulac{i}ou{n}s of affecc{i}ou{n}s han assailed țe. {and} sorwe {and} Ire {and} wepyng todrawen țee dyuersely [Sidenote: Strong medicines are not proper for thee now, distracted by grief, anger, and sadness.] ¶ As țou art now feble of țou[gh]t. my[gh]tyer 604 remedies ne schullen not [gh]it touchen țe for whiche we wil[e] vsen somedel ly[gh]ter medicines. [Sidenote: Light medicines must prepare thee for sharper remedies.] So țat țilk[e] passiou{n}s țat ben woxen harde in swellyng by p{er}turbac{i}ou{n} folowyng in to ți țou[gh]t mowen woxe esy 608 {and} softe to receyue{n} țe strenkeț 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 _haț_--MS. hațe 572 _house_--hows 574 [_and----clos_]--from C. 576 _wille_--wyl _enhabit[e]_--enhabyte 578 _seye_--sey _amoeueț_--moueth 579 _myche_--mochel _owen_--owne _ne_ (2)--omitted 582 _putte_ (_both_)--put _somtyme_--whilom 585 _decertes_--desertes _seid_--MS. seide, C. seyde 586 _soțe_--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} _țilk[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 țat țe heuy sterre of țe cancre eschaufeț by țe beme of pheb{us}. țat is to seyne whan țat pheb{us} 612 țe sonne is in țe signe of țe Cancre. Who so [gh]eueț țan largely hys sedes to țe feldes țat refuse to receiuen hem. lete hym gon bygyled of trust țat he hadde to hys corn. to acorns or okes. [Sidenote: Think not to ingather violets in the wintry and stormy season.] yif țou wilt 616 gadre violett[gh]. ne go țou not to țe purp{er} wode whan țe felde chirkynge agriseț of colde by țe felnesse of țe wynde țat hy[gh]t aquilon [Sidenote: If you wish for wine in autumn let the tendrils of the vine be free in the spring.] Yif țou desirest or ¶ wolt vsen grapes ne seke țou nat wiț a gloto{n}us hande [[pg 26]] to streine {and} p{re}sse țe stalkes of țe vine in țe first 621 somer sesou{n}. for bachus țe god of wyne haț rațer [gh]euen his [gh]iftes to autu{m}pne țe latter ende of somer. [Sidenote: To every work God assigns a proper time, nor suffers anything to pass its bounds.] [Sidenote: [* fol. 8.]] ¶ God tokeniț {and} assigneț *țe tymes. ablyng hem 624 to her p{ro}pre offices. ¶ Ne he ne suffreț not stoundes whiche țat hym self haț 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 forți he țat forleteț certeyne ordinaunce of doynge by ou{er}țrowyng wey. 628 he ne haț 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 _haț_--MS. hațe 625 _her propre_--heer{e} propres _not_--nat the 626 _haț_--MS. hațe 627 _be medeled_--ben I-medled 628 _certeyne_--certeyn 629 _haț_--MS. hațe] [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 țou suffre me to touche {and} assaie țe stat of ți țou[gh]t by a fewe demaundes. so țat I may vnderstonde what be țe manere of ți curac{i}ou{n}. ¶ Axe 632 me q{uod} .I. atte ți wille what țou wilt. {and} I schal answer{e}. [Sidenote: _P._ Is the world governed by Chance?] ¶ Țo saide sche țus. whețer wenest țou q{uo}d sche ț{a}t țis worlde be gouerned by foolisshe happes {and} fortunes. or elles wenest țou țat țer 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 țat so certeyne ținges scholde be moeued by fortunouse fortune. but I wot wel țat god maker {and} mayster is gouerno{ur} of țis werk. [Sidenote: I shall never swerve from this opinion.] Ne neuer nas 640 [gh]it day țat my[gh]t[e] putte me oute of țe soțenesse of țat 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 țe same țing songe țou a lytel here byforne {and} byweyledest {and} byweptest. țat only men weren put oute of țe cure of 644 god. ¶ For of alle oțer ținges țou ne doutest nat țat ței 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 țat țou art seek. sițen țou art put in to so holesom a sentence. but lat vs seken 648 depper. I coniecte țat țere lakkeț I not what. [[pg 27]] [Sidenote: Tell me how the world is governed.] but sey me țis. sițen țat țou ne doutest nat ț{a}t țis worlde be gouerned by god ¶ wiț swycche gouernailes takest țou hede țat it is gouerned. [Sidenote: _B._ I do not thoroughly comprehend your question.] ¶ vnneț q{uod} .I. knowe 652 .I. țe sente{n}ce of ți q{ue}stiou{n}. so țat I ne may nat [gh]it answeren to ți 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 țat țere ne faileț su{m}what. by whiche țe maladie of p{er}turbac{i}ou{n} is crept in to ți țou[gh]t. so 656 as țe strengțe of țe paleys schynyng is open. [Sidenote: Tell me what is the chief end of all things; and whither all things tend.] ¶ But seye me țis reme{m}brest țou ou[gh]t what is țe ende of ți ținges. whider țat țe entenc{i}ou{n} of al kynde tendeț. ¶ I haue herd told it somtyme q{uod} .I. but drerynesse 660 haț dulled my memorie. ¶ Certys q{uod} sche țou wost wel whe{n}nes țat alle ținges ben comen {and} p{ro}ceded. [Sidenote: _B._ God is the beginning of all things.] I wot wel q{uod} .I. {and} ansewered[e] țat god is țe bygynnyng of al. [Sidenote: _P._ How, then, art thou ignorant of their end?] ¶ And how may țis be 664 q{uod} sche țat sițen ț{o}u knowest țe bygynnyng of ținges. țat țou ne knowest not what is țe endyng of ținges. [Sidenote: But it is the nature of these perturbations (which thou endurest) to unsettle men's minds.] but swiche ben țe customes of p{er}turbac{i}ou{n}s. {and} țis power ței han. țat ței may moeue a ma{n} fro 668 hys place. țat is to seyne from țe stablenes {and} p{er}fecc{i}ou{n} of hys knowyng. but certys ței may not al arace hym ne alyene hy{m} in al. ¶ But I wolde țat țou woldest answere to țis. [Sidenote: Dost thou remember that thou art a man?] ¶ Remembrest țou țat 672 țou art a man [Sidenote: _B._ Certainly I do.] ¶ _Boice._ ¶ Whi scholde I nat remembre țat q{uod} .I. [Sidenote: _P._ What is man?] _Philosophie._ ¶ Maiste țou not telle me țan q{uod} sche what țing 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. whețir țat be a resonable best mortel. I 676 wot wel {and} I confesse wel țat I am it. [Sidenote: _P._ But dost thou not know that thou art more than this?] ¶ Wistest țou neuer [gh]it țat țou were ony oțer țing q{uod} she. [Linenotes: 630 _wolt țou_--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 sițen_--syk{e} syn 648 _put_--MS. putte, C. put 649 _depper_--depper{e} _not what_--not ner{e} what 650 _sițen_--syn _worlde_--world 651 _takest țou_--takestow 658 _seye_--sey _remembrest țou_--remenbres thow _ou[gh]t_--omitted 659 _al_--alle 660 _herd told_--MS. herde tolde _herd told it_--herd yt toold 661 _haț_--MS. hațe 663 _proceded_--procedeth _ansewered[e]_--answerede 664 _țe_--omitted _al_--alle 665 _sițen_--syn 668 _fro_--owt of 669 _seyne from_--seyn fro 672 _Remembrest țou_--Remenbresthow 674 _Maiste țou_--Maysthow 675 _țan_--țanne _țing_--thinge _Axest_--Axestow 677 _Wistest țou_--wystesthow 678 _țing_--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 oțer cause of ți maladie {and} țat ry[gh]t grete ¶ Țou hast left forto 680 knowe ți self what țou art. țoru[gh] whiche I haue pleynelyche knowen țe cause of ți maladie. or ellis țe entre of recoueryng of țin 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 țou art co{n}founded wiț for[gh]etyng of ți self. forți sorwest 684 țou țat țou art exiled of ți p{ro}pre goodes. ¶ And for țou ne wost what is țe ende of ținges. for[ți] demest [țou] țat felono{us} {and} wikked men ben my[gh]ty {and} weleful for țou hast for[gh]eten by whiche gouernement[gh] țe worlde 688 is gouerned. ¶ Forți wenest țou țat țise mutac{i}ou{n}s of fortune fleten wiț oute{n} gouerno{ur}. [Sidenote: These are not only great occasions of disease, but also causes of death itself.] țise ben grete causes not oonly to maladie. but certes grete causes to deeț [Sidenote: I thank God that Reason hath not wholly deserted thee.] ¶ But I țanke țe auctour {and} țe makere of 692 heele țat nat{ur}e haț not al forleten țe. [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 ți hele. {and} țat is țe soțe sentence of gou{er}nau{n}ce of țe worlde. [Sidenote: [* fol. 8 _b_.]] țat țou byleuest țat țe gou{er}nynge of it nis nat subgit ne vnderput 696 to țe folie *of țise happes auenterouses. but to țe resou{n} of god ¶ And țer fore doute țe noțing. For of țis litel spark ține 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 țe nature of țou[gh]tes disseiued is țis țat as ofte as ței casten aweye soțe opyniou{n}s: ței cloțen hem in fals[e] opiniou{n}s. [of which{e} false opyniou{n}s] țe derknesse of p{er}turbac{i}ou{n} wexeț vp. țat comfoundeț țe verray 704 insy[gh]t. {and} țat derkenes schal .I. say somwhat to maken ți{n}ne {and} wayk by ly[gh]t {and} meenelyche remedies. so țat after țat țe derknes of desseyuynge desyrynges is don awey. țou mow[e] knowe țe 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 țou_--sorwistow 686 _for[ți] demest [țou]_--For thy demesthow 687 _wikked_--MS. wilked, C. wykkyd 688 _worlde_--world 689 _wenest țou_--wenestow 690 _outen_--owte 693 _haț_--MS. hațe _al_--alle 694 _ți_--thin 696 _vnderput_--vndyrputte 697 _to_ (2)--omitted 698 _fore_--for _noțing_--nothinge 699 _spark ține 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.] ++ȚE sterres cou{er}ed wiț 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 țe trouble wy{n}de țat hy[gh]t auster stormynge {and} walwy{n}g țe see medleț țe 712 heete țat is to seyne țe boylyng vp from țe botme ¶ Țe wawes ț{a}t somtyme weren clere as glas {and} lyke to țe fair[e] bry[gh]t[e] dayes wițstant anon țe sy[gh]tes of men. by țe filțe {and} ordure țat is resolued. 716 {and} țe fletyng streme țat royleț dou{n} dyuersely fro hey[gh]e mou{n}taignes is arestid {and} resisted ofte tyme by țe encountrynge of a stoon ț{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 forți yif țou wilt loken {and} demen soțe wiț clere ly[gh]t. {and} holde țe weye wiț a ry[gh]t pațe. [Sidenote: Away with joy, fear, hope, and sorrow.] ¶ Weyue țou ioie. drif fro țe drede. fleme țou hope. ne lat no sorwe ap{ro}che. [Sidenote: Let none of these passions cloud thy mind.] țat is to sein lat noon of țise four passiou{n}s ouer come țe. 724 or blynde țe. [Sidenote: Where these things control, the soul is bound by strong fetters.] for cloudy {and} dirke is țilk țou[gh]t {and} bounde w{i}t{h} bridles. where as țise ținges regnen. EXPLICIT LIBER PRIMUS. [Linenotes: 710 _blak[e]_--blake 712 _stormynge_--turnyng 713 _from_--fro 714 _somtyme_--whilom 715 _lyke_--lyk _fair[e]----wițstant_ (MS. wițstante)--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 _soțe_--soth _clere_--cleer _holde_--holden 722 _weye_--wey _pațe_--paath 724 _come_--comen 725 _blynde_--blende _țilk_--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 țis she stynte a litel. and after țat she hadde gadred by atempre stillenesse myn attenciou{n} she 728 seide țus. [Sidenote: Thou art, she says, affected by the loss of thy former fortune.] ¶ As who so my[gh]t[e] seye țus. After țise ținges she stynt[e] a lytel. {and} whanne she ap{er}ceiued[e] by atempre stillenesse țat I was ententif to herkene hire. she bygan to speke in țis wyse. ¶ Yif 732 I q{uod} she haue vnderstonde{n} {and} knowe vtterly țe [[pg 30]] causes {and} țe habit of ți maladie. țou languissed {and} art deffeted for talent {and} desijr of ți rațer fortune. [Sidenote: It hath perverted thy faculties.] ¶ She țat ilke fortune only țat is chaunged as țou 736 feinest to țe ward. haț p{er}uerted țe clerenesse {and} țe astat of ți corage. [Sidenote: I am well acquainted with all the wiles of that Prodigy (_i. e._ Fortune).] ¶ I vnderstonde țe felefolde colo{ur} {and} deceites of țilke merueillous monstre fortune. and how she vseț ful flatryng familarite wiț hem 740 țat she enforceț to bygyle. so longe til țat she co{n}founde wiț vnsuffreable sorwe hem țat she haț left in despeir vnpurueyed. [Sidenote: Though she has left thee, thou hast not lost anything of beauty or of worth.] ¶ and if țou remembrest wel țe kynde țe maners {and} țe desert of țilke fortune. țow 744 shalt wel knowe as in hir țou neuer ne haddest ne hast ylost any fair țing. But as I trowe I shal not gretly trauaile to don țe remembren of țise ținges. [Sidenote: Thou wert once proof against her allurements.] ¶ For țou were wont to hurtlen [{and} despysen] hir 748 wiț manly wordes whan she was blaundissinge {and} presente {and} p{ur}sewedest hir wiț sentences țat were drawe{n} oute of myne entre. țat 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 bytideț nat wiț oute{n} a maner chau{n}gyng of curages. and so is it byfallen țat țou art dep{ar}ted a litel fro țe pees of ți țou[gh]t. [Sidenote: But with some gentle emollients I shall prepare thee for stronger medicines.] but now is tyme țat țou drynke {and} atast[e] some softe {and} delitable ținges. so țat whan 756 ței ben entred wiț i{n}ne țe. 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 furțe țerfore țe suasiou{n} of swetnesse Rethoryen. whiche țat goț oonly țe ry[gh]t wey whil she forsakeț not myne 760 estatut[gh]. ¶ And wiț Rethorice com forțe musice a damoisel of oure house țat syngeț now ly[gh]ter moedes or p{ro}lac{i}ou{n}s now heuyer. [[pg 31]] [Sidenote: [* fol. 9.]] *what ayleț țe man. what is it țat haț cast țe in to murnyng {and} in to wepyng. 764 I trow[e] țat țou hast sen some newe țing {and} uncouțe. [Sidenote: Thou thinkest that Fortune is changed towards thee.] ¶ Țou wenest țat fortune be chaunged a[gh]eins țe [Sidenote: But thou art deceived.] ¶ But țou wenest wrong. yif țou [țat] wene. [Sidenote: In this misadventure of thine she hath preserved her constancy in changing.] Alwey țo ben hire maners. she haț rațer [kept] as to 768 țe ward hire p{ro}pre stablenes in țe chaungyng of hyre self. ¶ Ry[gh]t swyche was she whan she flatered[e] țe. {and} desseiued[e] țe wiț vnleueful lykynges of false welefulnesse. [Sidenote: You have seen the double face of this blind divinity.] țou hast now knowen {and} ataynt 772 țe doutous or double visage of țilke blynde goddesse fortune. ¶ She țat [gh]it couereț hir {and} wympleț hir to oțer folk. haț shewed hir euerydel to țe. ¶ [Gh]if țou app{ro}uest hir {and} țenkest țat she is good. vse 776 hir maners {and} pleyne țe nat. [Sidenote: If thou dost abhor her perfidy cast her off, for her sports are dangerous.] ¶ And if țou agrisest hir fals[e] trecherie. dispise {and} cast aweye hir țat pleyeț so harmefully. for she țat is now cause of so myche sorwe to țe. sholde be to țe cause of pees {and} 780 [of] ioie. ¶ she haț forsaken țe forsoțe. țe whiche țat neuer man may be syker țat she ne shal forsake hym. _Glose._ ¶ But națeles some bookes han țe text țus. For soțe she haț forsaken țe ne țer nis no man 784 syker țat she ne haț not forsaken. [Sidenote: Is that happiness which is so transient?] ¶ Holdest țou țan țilke welefulnesse p{re}ciouse to țe țat 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 derworți to țe. whiche țat nis not feițful forto dwelle. {and} whan she goț aweye țat 788 she bryngeț a wy[gh]t in sorwe ¶ For syn she may nat be wițholde{n} at a mans wille. she makeț hym a wrecche whe{n} she dep{ar}teț fro hym. [Sidenote: What is she (Fortune) but the presage of future calamity?] ¶ What oțer țing is flitti{n}g fortune but a manere shewyng of wrycchednesse [[pg 32]] țat is to comen. ne it ne suffriț nat oo[n]ly to loken 793 of țing țat is p{re}sent byforne țe eyen of man. but wisdom lokeț {and} mesureț țe ende of ținges. [Sidenote: Her mutability should make men neither fear her threats nor desire her favours.] {and} țe same chau{n}gyng from one to an oțer. țat is to seyne 796 fro aduersite to p{ro}sperite makeț țat țe manaces of fortune ne ben not forto dreden. ne țe flatrynges of hir to ben desired. ¶ Țus atte țe last it byhoueț țe to suffren wiț euene wille in pacience al țat is don 800 inwiț țe floor of fortune. țat is to seyne in țis 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 _haț_--MS. hațe 738 _astat_--estat _felefolde_--feelefold 739 _colour_--colours _deceites_ (MS. decrites)--deceytes _merueillous_--meruayles 742 _haț_--MS. hațe 743 _if_--yif 746 _any_ (MS. my)--any _țing_--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 furțe_--MS. Come; C. Com now forth 760 _goț_--MS. goțe 761 _com_--MS. come, C. com 762 _house_--hows _ly[gh]ter_--lyhter{e} 763 _prolaciouns_--p{ro}basyons _heuyer_--heuyer{e} _ayleț_--eyleth 765 _trow[e]_--trowe _sen_--MS. sene, C. seyn _some_--som _țing_--thinge _uncouțe_--vnkowth 766 _a[gh]eins_--ayein 767 _wenest_--weenes [_țat_]--C. that 768 _haț_--MS. hațe [_kept_]--from C. 769 _stablenes in țe_--stabylnesse standeth in the 770 _swyche_--swich 771 _vnleueful_--vnlefful 775 _haț_--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. _haț_--MS. hațe 783 _text_--texte 784 _haț_--MS. hațe 785 _forsaken_--forsake _Holdest țou_--holdestow 786 _țan_--thanne _preciouse_--p{re}syes 787 _derworți_--dereworthe _whiche_--which 788 _feițful_--feythfulle _goț_--MS. goțe _aweye_--awey 790 _mans_--mannys 791 _when_--wan _țing_--thinge 793 _suffriț_--suffiseth 794 _of țing_--on thynge _byforne_--MS. byforne byforne _man_--a man 795 _mesureț_--amesureth 796 _from one_--fram oon _seyne_--seyn 797 _fro_--from _to_--into 799 _atte țe last_--at the laste] [Headnote: PHILOSOPHY EXPOSTULATES WITH BOETHIUS.] [Sidenote: If you submit to her yoke you must patiently endure her inflictions.] ¶ Syțen țou hast oones put ți nekke vnder țe [gh]okke of hir. for if țou wilt write a lawe of wendyng {and} of dwellyng to fortune whiche țat țou hast chosen frely 804 to be ți lady [Sidenote: Impatience will only embitter your loss.] ¶ Art țou nat wrongful in țat {and} makest fortune wroțe {and} asp{er}e by țin inpacience. {and} [gh]it țou mayst not chaungen hir. [Sidenote: You cannot choose your port if you leave your vessel to the mercy of the winds.] ¶ Yif țou co{m}mittest [{and}] bitakest ți sayles to țe wynde. țou shalt 808 be shouen not țider țat țou woldest(:) but whider țat țe wy{n}de shoueț țe ¶ Yif țou castest ți seedes in țe feldes țou sholdest haue in mynde țat țe [gh]eres ben oțer while plenteuous {and} oț{er} while bareyne. [Sidenote: You have given yourself up to Fortune; it becomes you therefore to obey her commands.] ¶ Țou 812 hast bytaken țiself to țe gouernaunce of fortune. {and} forți it byhoueț țe to ben obeisaunt to țe manere of ți lady. [Sidenote: Would you stop the rolling of her wheel?] and enforcest țou țe to aresten or wițstonden țe swyftnesse {and} țe sweyes of hir to{ur}nyng 816 whele. [Sidenote: Fool! if Fortune once became stable she would cease to exist.] ¶ O țou fool of alle mortel fooles if fortune bygan to dwelle stable. she cesed[e] țan to ben fortune. [Linenotes: 801 _seyne_--seyn _worlde_--world 802 _Syțen_--Syn _[gh]okke_--yok{e} 803 _if_--yif _write_--wryten 804 _whiche_--which 805 _lady_--ladye _Art țou_--Artow 806 _wroțe_--wroth _țin_--thine 807 _chaungen_--chaunge 808 [_and_]--from C. 809 _țider_--thedyr _whider_--whedyr 811 _haue_--han 814 _manere_--maneres 815 {and}--omitted _wițstonden_--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 wiț a proude ry[gh]t hande haț turnid hir chau{n}gyng stoundes she fareț lyke țe maners 820 of țe boillyng eurippe. _Glose._ Eurippe is an arme of țe see ț{a}t ebbith {and} flowiț. {and} somtyme țe streme is on one syde {and} somtyme on țat oțer. _Texte_ [Sidenote: She hurls kings from their thrones, and exalts the captive.] ¶ She cruel fortune kasteț adoune kynges țat somtyme weren 824 ydred. {and} she deceiuable enhau{n}seth vp țe humble chere of hym țat is discomfited. [Sidenote: She turns a deaf ear to the tears and cries of the wretched.] {and} she neyțer hereț ne reccheț of wrecched[e] wepynges. {and} she is so harde țat she lau[gh]eț {and} scorneț țe wepyng of hem țe whiche 828 she haț maked wepe wiț 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.] ¶ Țus she pleyeț {and} ț{us} she p{re}ueț hir strengțe {and} sheweț a grete wondre to alle hir seruau{n}t[gh]. ¶ Yif țat a wy[gh]t is seyn weleful {and} ou{er}țrowe in an houre. 832 [Linenotes: 819 _proude_--prowd _hande_--hand _haț_--MS. hațe 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 _reccheț_--rekkeț _wrecched[e]_--wrecchede _harde_--hard 828 _lau[gh]eț_--lyssheth _wepyng_--wepynges 830 _strengțe_--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 wiț țee a fewe ținges vsynge țe wordes of fortune tak heede now ți self. yif ț{a}t she axeț ry[gh]t. [Sidenote: Why do you accuse me (Fortune) as guilty?] [Sidenote: [* fol. 9 _b_.]] *¶ O țou man wher fore makest țou me gilty by ține euerydayes pleynynges. what wronges 836 haue I don țe. [Sidenote: What goods or advantages have I deprived you of?] what goodes haue I byreft țe țat weren ține. stryf or plete wiț me by fore what iuge țat țou wilt of țe possessiou{n} of rycchesse or of dignites [Sidenote: Can you prove that ever any man had a fixed property in his riches?] ¶ And yif țou maist shewe me țat euer any mortal man haț 840 receyued any of țese ținges to ben his in p{ro}pre. țan wol I graunt[e] frely țat [alle] țilke ținges were{n} ține whiche țat țou axest. [Sidenote: You came naked into the world, and I cherished you and encompassed you with affluence.] ¶ Whan țat nature brou[gh]t[e] țe forțe out of ți moder wombe. I receyued[e] țe naked 844 {and} nedy of al țing. {and} I norysshed[e] țe wiț my [[pg 34]] rychesse. {and} was redy {and} ententif țo{ru}[gh] my fauo{ur} to sustene țe. ¶ And țat makeț țe now i{n}pacient a[gh]eins me. {and} I envirounde țe wiț al țe habundaunce {and} 848 shinyng of al goodes țat ben in my ry[gh]t. [Sidenote: Now that I have a mind to withdraw my bounty, be thankful and complain not.] ¶ Now it lykeț me to wiț drawe myne hande. țou hast had grace as he țat haț vsed of foreyne goodes. țou hast no ry[gh]t to pleyne țe. as țou[gh] țou haddest vtterly lorn alle ți 852 ținges. whi pleynest țou țan. I haue don țe no wrong. [Sidenote: Riches and honours are subject to me.] Ricches hono{ur}es {and} swyche oțer ținges ben of my ry[gh]t. [Sidenote: They are my servants, and come and go with me.] ¶ My seruauntes knowen me for hir lady. ței comen wiț me {and} dep{ar}ten whan I wende. I dar wel 856 affermen hardyly. țat yif țo ținges of whiche țou pleynest țat țou hast forlorn hadde ben ține. țou ne haddest not lorn he{m}. [Sidenote: Shall I alone be forbidden to use my own right?] ¶ shal I țan 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 țe heuene to 860 make clere dayes. {and} after țat to keuere țe same dayes wiț derke ny[gh]tes. [Sidenote: Is not the earth covered with frost as well as with flowers?] ¶ Țe erțe haț eke leue to apparaile țe visage of țe erțe now w{i}t{h} floures {and} now wiț fruyt. {and} to confounde he{m} so{m}tyme wiț raynes {and} 864 wiț coldes. [Sidenote: The sea sometimes appears calm, and at other times terrifies us with its tempestuous waves.] ¶ Țe see haț eke hys ry[gh]t to be somtyme calme {and} blaundyshing wiț smoțe water. {and} somtyme to be horrible wiț wawes {and} wiț tempestes. [Sidenote: Shall I be bound to constancy by the covetousness of men?] ¶ But țe couetyse of men țat may not be staunched 868 shal it bynde me to be stedfast. syn țat stedfastnesse is vnkouț to my maneres. ¶ Swyche is my strengțe. [Sidenote: I turn my rolling wheel and amuse myself with exalting what was low, and bringing down what was high.] {and} țis pley. I pley[e] co{n}tinuely. I tourne țe whirly{n}g whele wiț țe tournyng cercle ¶ I am glade to chaunge 872 țe lowest to țe heyeste. {and} țe heyest to țe loweste. [Linenotes: 833 _plete_--pleten 834 _tak_--MS. take, C. tak 835 _makest țou_--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 _haț_--MS. hațe 841 _țese_--tho _his_--hise 842 _graunt[e]_--grau{n}te [_alle_]--from C. 845 _al țing_--alle thinges _norysshed[e]_--noryssede 846 _rychesse_--rychesses 848, 849 _al_--alle 848 _habundaunce_--abou{n}dau{n}ce 850 _wiț----hande_--withdrawen myn hand _had_--MS. hadde, C. had 851 _haț_--MS. hațe 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 țe_--coeu{er}yn tho 862 _derke_--dirk _erțe_--yer _haț_--MS. hațe 864 _confounde_--co{n}fownden 865 _haț_--MS. hațe 866 _calme_--kalm 867 (2nd) _wiț_--omitted 869 _stedfast_--stidefast _stedfastnesse_--stidefastnesse 870 _vnkouț_--MS. vnkouțe, 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.] worțe vp yif țou wilt. so it be by țis lawe. țat țou ne holde not țat I do țe wronge țou[gh] țou descende dou{n} whanne resou{n} of my pleye axeț it. [Sidenote: Know you not the history of Croesus and of Paulus Æmilius?] Wost țou 876 not how Cresus kyng of lyndens of whiche kyng Cir{us} was ful sore agast a litel byforne țat țis rewlyche Cresus was cau[gh]t of Cirus {and} lad to țe fijr to be brent. but țat a reyne desce{n}ded[e] dou{n} from heuene 880 țat rescowed[e] hym ¶ And is it out of ți mynde how țat Paulus consul of Rome whan he hadde take țe kyng of p{er}ciens weep pitou[s]ly for țe captiuitee of țe 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 oțer ținges bywaylen țe criinges of 884 Tragedies. but only țe dedes of fortune. țat wiț an vnwar stroke ouert{ur}neț țe realmes of grete nobley ¶ _Glose._ Tragedie is to seyne a dite of a p{ro}sp{er}ite for a tyme țat endiț 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 țou 888 in grek whan țou were [gh]onge țat in țe entre or in țe seler of Iuppiter țer ben couched two tunnes. țat on is ful of good țat oțer is ful of harme. [Sidenote: What if you have drunk too deep of the first vessel?] ¶ What ry[gh]t hast țou to pleyne. yif țou hast taken more plenteuously 892 of țe goode syde țat is to seyne of my rycchesse {and} p{ro}sp{er}ites. {and} what eke. yif I be nat departed fro țe. [Sidenote: My mutability gives thee hope of happier days.] What eke. yif my mutabilitee [gh]iueț țe ry[gh]tful cause of hope to han [gh]it better ți{n}ges. [Sidenote: Desire not to be exempted from the vicissitudes of humanity.] ¶ Națeles desmaie țe 896 nat in ți țou[gh]t. and ț{o}u țat art put in comune realme of alle: ne desijr[e] nat to lyue by ține oonly p{ro}pre ry[gh]t. [Linenotes: 874 _worțe_--worth _wilt_--wolt 876 _doun_--adou{n} _whanne_--wan _pleye_--pley _Wost țou_--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 _țe_--omitted 887 _seyne_--seyn 890 _tunnes_--tonnes 891 _harme_--harm 892 _hast țou_--hasthow 893 _seyne_--seyn _rycchesse_--rychesses 894 _I be nat_--I ne be nat al 896 _better_--beter{e} 898 _lyue_--lyuen _ține_--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.] ++ȚOu[gh] plentee țat is goddesse of rycches hielde adou{n} wiț ful horn. {and} wițdraweț nat hir hand. ¶ As 900 many recches as țe see turneț vpwardes sandes whan it is moeued wiț rauysshing blastes. or ellys as many [[pg 36]] rycches as țer shynen bry[gh]t[e] sterres on heuene on țe sterry ny[gh]t. [Gh]it for al țat 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 *țat god receyueț gladly her p{ra}yers {and} [gh]eueț hem as ful large muche golde {and} app{ar}aileț coueytous folk wiț noble or clere hono{ur}s. [gh]it semeț hem haue I-gete noțing. 908 but alwey her cruel ravyne deuourynge al țat ței han geten shewiț oțer gapinges. țat is to seye gapen {and} desiren [gh]it after moo rycchesse. [Sidenote: What rein can restrain unbounded avarice?] ¶ What brideles my[gh]ten wițholde to any certeyne ende țe desordene 912 coueitise of men ¶ Whan euere țe rațer ț{a}t it fletiț in large [gh]iftis: țe more ay brenneț in hem țe țrest of hauyng. [Sidenote: He who thinks himself poor, though he be rich, doth truly labour under poverty.] ¶ Certis he țat quakyng {and} dredeful weneț hym seluen nedy. he ne lyueț 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 _wițholde_--wytholden _certeyne_--certeyn 914 _țrest_--thurst 915 _dredeful_--dredful 916 _lyueț_--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.] ++Țerfore yif țat fortune spake wiț țe for hir self in țis manere. For soțe țou ne haddest [nat] what țou my[gh]test answere. and if țou hast any ți{n}g wherwiț. țou mayist ry[gh]tfully tellen ți co{m}pleynt. ¶ It 920 byhoueț țe to shewen it. {and} .I. wol [gh]eue țe 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 țan țise ben faire ținges {and} enoyntid wiț hony swetnesse of rethorike {and} musike. {and} only while ței ben herd ței 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. țis is to seyn țat wrecches felen țe harmes țat ței suffren more greuously țan țe remedies or țe delites of țise wordes mowe gladen or comforten hem. so țat 928 whan țise ținges stynten forto sou{n}[e] in eres. țe sorwe [[pg 37]] țat is inset greueț țe țou[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 țise ne ben [gh]it none remedies of ți maladie. but ței ben a manere norissinges of ți sorwe [gh]it rebel 932 a[gh]eyne ți curac{i}ou{n}. [Sidenote: When time serves, I will administer those things that shall reach the seat of your disease.] ¶ For whan țat tyme is. I shal moue swiche ținges țat p{er}cen hem self depe. [Sidenote: But you are not among the number of the wretched.] ¶ But națeles ț{a}t țou shalt not wilne to leten ți self a wrecche. ¶ Hast țou for[gh]eten țe nou{m}bre {and} țe 936 manere of ți 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 țat țe souerayn men of țe Citee toke{n} țe in cure {and} kepynge whan țou were orphelyn of fadir {and} modir. {and} were chosen i{n} affinite of p{r}inces of țe Citee. 940 ¶ And țou bygu{n}ne rațer to ben leef {and} deere țan forto ben a ney[gh]bo{ur}. țe whiche țing is țe most p{re}ciouse kynde of any p{ro}pinquitee or aliau{n}ce țat may ben. ¶ Who is it țat ne seide țou nere ry[gh]t weleful 944 wiț so grete a nobley of ți fadres in lawe. [Sidenote: nor of your virtuous wife, and manly sons.] ¶ {And} wiț țe chastite of ți wijf. {and} wiț țe oportunite {and} noblesse of ți masculyn children. țat is to seyne ți sones {and} ou{er} al țis me lyst to passe of comune ținges. 948 ¶ How țou haddest in ți țou[gh]t dignitees țat weren warned to olde men. but it deliteț me to comen now to țe singuler vphepyng of ți welefulnesse. ¶ Yif any fruyt of mortal ținges 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 țou euere for[gh]eten for any charge of harme țat my[gh]t[e] byfallen. țe remembrau{n}ce of țilke day țat țou sey[e] ți two sones maked conseillers. {and} ylad to gidre from țin house vndir so gret 956 assemble of senatours. {and} vndir țe blyțenesse of poeple. {and} whan țou say[e] hem sette in țe court in her chaieres of dignites. ¶ Țou 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 țou sittyng bytwix ți two sones conseillers in țe place țat hy[gh]t Circo. {and} fulfildest țe abydyng of multitude of poeple țat was sprad about țe wiț 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.] țo [gh]aue țou wordes of fortune as I trowe. țat is to seyne. țo feffedest țou fortune wiț glosynge wordes {and} desseiuedest hir. whan she accoied[e] țe {and} norsshed[e] țe as hir owen delices. ¶ Țou hast 968 had of fortune a [gh]ifte țat is to seyn swiche gerdou{n} țat she neu[er]e [gh]af to p{re}ue man [Sidenote: Will you therefore call Fortune to account?] ¶ Wilt țou țerfore leye a rekenyng wiț 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 haț now twynkeled first vpon țe wiț a wykked eye. ¶ Yif țou considere 972 țe nou{m}bre {and} țe manere of ți blysses. {and} of ți sorwes. [Sidenote: [* fol. 10 _b_.]] *țou maist nat forsake țat țou nart [gh]it blysful. [Linenotes: 918 [_nat_]--from C. 919 _if_--yif 920 _mayist_--mayst _tellen_--defendyn 921 _[gh]eue_--yeuyn 922 _țan_--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 _țou[gh]t_--yowthe 950 _warned_--werned 952 _fruyt_--frute _price_--p{r}is 953 _My[gh]test țow_--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 _wiț_--w{i}t{h} so 965 _[gh]aue_--MS. țan, C. yaue _of_--to 966 _seyne_--seyn 967 _accoied[e]_--acoyede 968 _norsshed[e]_--noryssede _owen_--owne _țou----of_--thow bar away of 969 _had_--MS. hadde _swiche_--swich 970 _preue_--pryue 971 _leye_--lye _haț_--MS. hațe 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 țou țerfore wenest ți self nat weleful for ținges țat țo semeden ioyful ben passed. ¶ Țer nis nat whi 976 țou sholdest wene ți self a wrecche. for ținges țat now semen soory passen also. ¶ Art țou now comen firste a sodeyne gest in to țe shadowe or tabernacle of țis lijf. [Sidenote: Can there be any stability in human affairs, when the life of man is exposed to dissolution every hour?] or trowest țou ț{a}t any stedfastnesse be in mannis 980 ținges. ¶ Whan ofte a swifte houre dissolueț țe same man. țat is to seyne whan țe soule dep{ar}tiț fro țe body. For al țou[gh] țat yelde is țer any feiț țat fortunous ținges willen dwelle. [Sidenote: The last day of life puts an end to Prosperity.] [gh]it națeles țe last[e] day 984 of a ma{n}nis lijf is a man{er}e deeț to fortune. {and} also to țilke țat haț dwelt. [Sidenote: What matters it then, whether you by death leave it, or it (Fortune) by flight doth leave you?] {and} țerfore what wenist țou țar recche yif țou forlete hir i{n} dey{n}ge or ellys ț{a}t she fortune forlete țe i{n} fleenge awey. 988 [Linenotes: 978 _soory_--sorye _firste_--fyrst 979 _sodeyne_--sodeyn _shadowe_--shadwe 980 _stedfastnesse_--stedefastnesse 981 _swifte_--swyft _dissolueț_--dyssoluede 983 _al țou[gh] țat_--al ț{a}t thowgh _fortunous_--fortune 984 _willen dwelle_--wolen dwellyn _last[e]_--laste 986 _haț_--MS. hațe _wenist țou_--weenestow 987 _țar 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 țe sonne bygynneț to spreden his clerenesse w{i}t{h} rosene chariettes. țan țe sterre ydimmyd paleț hir white cheres. by țe flamus of țe so{n}ne țat ouer comeț țe sterre ly[gh]t. ¶ Țis is to seyn whan țe 992 sonne is risen țe day sterre wexiț pale {and} lesiț hir ly[gh]t for țe grete bry[gh]tnesse of țe sonne. [Sidenote: Westerly winds deck the wood with roses, but easterly winds cause their beauty to fade.] ¶ Whan țe wode wexeț redy of rosene floures in țe first somer sesou{n} țoru[gh] țe brețe of țe wynde Zephirus țat wexeț 996 warme. ¶ Yif țe cloudy wynde auster blowe felliche. țan goț awey țe fayrnesse of țornes. [Sidenote: Now the sea is calm, and again it is tempestuous.] Ofte țe see is clere {and} calme wițoute moeuy{n}g floodes. And ofte țe horrible wynde aq{u}ilon moeueț boylyng tempestes 1000 {and} ouer whelweț țe see. [Sidenote: If all things thus vary, will you trust in transitory riches?] ¶ Yif țe forme of țis worlde is so [[gh]eelde] stable. {and} yif it to{ur}niț by so many entrechau{n}gynges. wilt țou ța{n} truste{n} in țe trublynge fortunes of me{n}. wilt țou trowen i{n} flittyng goodes. 1004 [Sidenote: All here below is unstedfast and unstable.] It is certeyne {and} establissed by lawe p{er}durable țat no ți{n}g ț{a}t is engendred nys stedfast no stable. [Linenotes: 989 _his_--hyr 990 _țan_--thanne 991 _flamus_--flambes 995 _redy_--rody _rosene_--rosyn 997 _warme_--warm 998 _goț_--MS. goțe, C. goth _fayrnesse_--fayrenesse 999 _clere_--cleer _calme_--kalm 1000 _wynde_--wynd 1001 _whelweț_--welueeth 1002 [_[gh]eelde_]--from C. 1003, 1004 _wilt țou_--wolthow 1003 _țan_--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.] ++ȚAnne seide I țus. O norice of alle uertues țou seist ful soțe. ¶ Ne I may nat forsake țe ry[gh]t[e] 1008 swifte cours of my p{ro}speritee. țat is to seine. țat p{ro}speritee ne be comen to me wondir swiftly {and} soone. but țis is a țing țat gretly smertiț me whan it remembreț me. [Sidenote: It is the remembrance of former happiness that adds most to man's infelicity.] ¶ For in alle aduersitees of fortune țe 1012 most vnsely kynde of contrariouse fortune is to han ben weleful. [Sidenote: _P._ Recollect that you have yet much affluence.] ¶ But țat țou q{uo}d she abaist țus țe to{ur}ment of ți fals[e] opiniou{n} țat maist țou not ry[gh]tfully blamen ne aretten to ținges. as who seiț for țou [[pg 40]] hast [gh]itte many habundaunces of ținges. ¶ _Textus._ 1017 For al be it so țat țe ydel name of auenterouse welefulnesse moeueț țe now. it is leueful țat țou rekene w{i}t{h} me of how many[e] ținges țou 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 țerfore yif țat țilke țing țat țou haddest for most p{re}cious in alle ți rycchesse of fortune be kept to țe by țe grace of god vnwemmed {and} vndefouled. Mayst țou ța{n} pleyne ry[gh]tfully vpon țe myschief of fortune. 1024 syn țou hast [gh]it ți best[e] ținges. ¶ Certys [gh]it lyueț in goode poynt țilke p{re}cious hono{ur} of mankynde. [Sidenote: Symmachus, dear to you as life, is safe and in health.] ¶ Symacus ți wyues fadir whiche țat is a man maked al of sapience {and} of vertue. țe whiche 1028 man țou woldest b[i]en redely wiț țe pris of țin owen lijf. he byweyleț țe wronges țat men don to țee. {and} not for hym self. for he liueț 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 lyueț ți wif țat 1032 is attempre of witte {and} passyng oțer women in clennes of chastitee. and for I wol closen shortly her bountes she is lyke to hir fadir. I telle țe welle țat she lyueț looț of hir life. {and} kepiț to țee oonly hir goost. {and} 1036 is al maat {and} ouer-comen by wepyng {and} sorwe for desire of țe ¶ In țe whiche țing only I mot graunten țat ți 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 ți two sones conseillours of whiche as of children 1040 of hir age țer shineț *țe lyknesse of țe 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 sițen țe souereyn cure of alle mortel folke is to sauen hir owe{n} lyues. [Linenotes: 1008 _soțe_--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 _seiț_--MS. seițe, C. seyh 1017 _[gh]itte_--yit 1019 _leueful_--leefful 1020 _many[e] ținges_--manye grete thinges 1022 _alle_--al 1023 _țe by_--the yit by 1024 _myschief_--meschef 1025 _best[e]_--beste 1026 _lyueț_--leueth _goode_--good 1027 _whiche_--which 1028 _al_--alle _of_ (2)--omitted 1029 _b[i]en_--byen _owen_--owne 1030 _byweyleț_--bewayleth _don_--MS. done, C. don 1031 _liueț_--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 _sițen_--syn 1043 _folke_--folk] [Headnote: THE CONDITION OF HUMAN BLISS.] ¶ O how weleful art țou țou[gh] țou knowe ți goodes. 1044 ¶ But [gh]itte ben țer ținges dwelly{n}g to țe wardes țat no [[pg 41]] man douteț țat ței ne ben more derworțe to țe țen ține owen lijf. [Sidenote: Dry up thy tears, thou hast still present comfort and hope of future felicity.] ¶ And forți drie ți teres for [gh]itte nys nat eueriche fortune al hateful to țe warde. ne ou{er} 1048 greet tempest haț nat [gh]it fallen vpon țe. whan țat țin ancres cliue fast[e] țat neițer wole suffre țe comfort of țis tyme p{re}sent. ne țe 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 țat fast[e] mot[en] 1052 ței holden. ¶ For whiles țat ței halden. how so eu{er}e țat ținges ben. I shal wel fleten furțe and eschapen. [Sidenote: But do you not see how low I am fallen?] ¶ But țou mayst wel seen how greet[e] apparailes {and} aray țat me lakkeț țat 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} forțered țe q{uod} she. if țat țou anoie nat or forțenke nat of al ți fortune. As who seiț. ¶ I haue somwhat comforted țe so țat țou tempest nat țe țus wiț al ți fortune. syn țou hast 1060 [gh]it ți best[e] ținges. [Sidenote: It grieves me to hear you complain while you possess so many comforts.] ¶ But I may nat suffre țin delices. țat pleinst so wepyng. {and} anguissous for țat oțer lakkeț somwhat to ți welefulnesse. [Sidenote: Every one, however happy, has something to complain of.] ¶ For what man is so sad or of so p{er}fit welefulnesse. țat he ne 1064 stryueț or pleyneț on some half a[gh]eine țe 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 țing is țe condiciou{n} of mans goodes. ¶ For eyțer it comeț al to gidre to a wy[gh]t. or ellys it lasteț not p{er}petuely. 1068 [Linenotes: 1044 _art țou țou[gh]_--arthow yif 1045 _But [gh]itte_--for yit _dwellyng_--dwellyd _wardes_--ward 1046 _țat_--than _derworțe_--dereworthe _țen ține_--than thin 1047 _[gh]itte_--yit 1049 _haț_--MS. hațe _țin_--thyne 1050 _cliue fast[e]_--cleuen faste _wole suffre_--wolen suffren 1052 _fallen_--faylen _fast[e] mot[en]_--faste moten 1053 _holden_--halden 1054 _furțe_--forth 1055 _mayst_--mayste _greet[e]_--grete 1058 _forțenke_--forthinke 1061 _best[e]_--beste _suffre țin_--suffren thi 1063 _oțer_--ther 1064 _perfit_--parfyt 1065 _or_--and _some half a[gh]eine_--som halue ayen 1067 _mans_--mannes _comeț al_--comth nat al 1068 _lasteț_--last _perpetuely_--p{er}petuel] [Headnote: HAPPINESS ARISES FROM CONTENTMENT.] [Sidenote: One man is very wealthy, but his birth is obscure.] ¶ For som man haț 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 ținges. țat hym were leuer țat 1072 he were vnknowe. [Sidenote: A third is blest with both advantages, but is unmarried.] and som ma{n} habundeț boțe i{n} rychesse {and} noblesse. but [gh]it he bywaileț hys chast[e] lijf. for he haț 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 haț no children. {and} norissheț his 1076 ricchesse to țe heires of straunge folk. ¶ And som man is gladded wiț children. but he wepiț ful sory for țe 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 țis țer accordeț no wy[gh]t ly[gh]tly to țe condic{i}ou{n} of his fortune. for alwey to euery man țere is i{n} mest somwhat 1081 țat vnassaieț he ne wot not or ellys he drediț țat he haț assaied. [Sidenote: The senses of the happy are refined and delicate, and they are impatient if anything is untoward.] ¶ {And} adde țis also țat euery weleful man haț a wel delicat felyng. ¶ So țat but yif alle 1084 ținges fallen at hys owen wille for he inpacient or is nat vsed to han none aduersitee. an-oone he is țrowe ado[-u]ne for euery lytel țing. [Sidenote: The happiness of the most fortunate depends on trifles.] ¶ And ful lytel ținges ben țo țat wițdrawen țe so{m}me or țe p{er}fecc{i}ou{n} of 1088 blisfulnesse fro hem țat 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 țou wolde demen hem self to ben almost in heuene yif ței my[gh]ten atteyne to țe leest[e] p{ar}tie of țe remenaunt of ți fortune. ¶ Țis same place 1092 țat țou clepist exil is contre to hem țat enhabiten here. [Sidenote: Thy miseries proceed from the thought that thou art miserable.] {and} forți. Noțing wrecched. but whan țou wenest it [Sidenote: Every lot may be happy to the man who bears his condition with equanimity and courage.] ¶ As who seiț. țou[gh] ți self ne no wy[gh]t ellys nys no wrecche but whan he weneț 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 _haț_--MS. hațe 1076 _maried_--ymaryed _his_--hise 1077 _ricchesse_--Rychesses _heires_--eyres _folk_--foolkys 1080 _țer_--ț{er} ne 1081 _mest_--omitted 1082 _vnassaieț_--vnassaied _wot_--MS. wote, C. wot 1083, 1084 _haț_--MS. hațe 1084 _wel_--ful 1085 _fallen_--byfalle _wille_--wyl 1086 _none_--non _an-oone_--Anon _țrowe_--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 țe agreablete or by țe egalite of hym țat suffreț it. ¶ What man is țat. țat is so weleful țat nolde chau{n}ge{n} 1100 his estat whan he haț lorn pacience. țe swetnesse of mannes welefulnesse is yspranid wiț many[e] bitternesses. țe whiche welefulnesse al țou[gh] it seme swete {and} [[pg 43]] ioyeful to hym țat vseț it. [gh]it may it not be wiț-holden 1104 țat it ne goț away whan it wol. [Sidenote: How much is human felicity embittered!] ¶ Țan is it wel sen how wrecched is țe blisfulnesse of mortel ținges. [Sidenote: It will not stay with those that endure their lot with equanimity, nor bring comfort to anxious minds.] țat neiț{er} it dwelliț p{er}petuel wiț hem țat euery fortune receyuen agreablely or egaly. ¶ Ne it ne deliteț not in 1108 al. to hem țat 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 țan blisfulnesse oute of [gh]oure self. whiche țat is put in [gh]oure self. Erro{ur} {and} folie co{n}fou{n}deț [gh]ow ¶ I shal shewe țe shortly. țe poynt of souereyne 1112 blisfulnesse. [Sidenote: Nothing is more precious than thyself.] Is țer any țing to țe more p{re}ciouse țan ți self ¶ Țou wilt answere nay. [Sidenote: If thou hast command over thyself, Fortune cannot deprive thee of it.] ¶ Țan if it so be țat țou art my[gh]ty ouer ți self țat is to seyn by tranquillitee of ți soule. țan hast țou țing i{n} ți power țat țou 1116 noldest neuer lesen. ne fortune may nat by-nyme it țe. [Sidenote: Happiness does not consist in things transitory.] {and} țat țou mayst knowe țat blisfulnesse [ne] may nat standen in ținges țat 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 țus 1120 yif blisfulnesse be țe souereyne goode of nature țat liueț by resou{n} ¶ Ne țilke țing nis nat souereyne goode țat may be taken awey in any wyse. for more worți țing {and} more digne is țilke țing ț{a}t may nat be 1124 taken awey. [Sidenote: Instability of fortune is not susceptive of true happiness.] ¶ Țan shewiț it wele țat țe 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 țat țis toumblyng welefulnesse leediț. eițer he woot țat 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 țer be in țe blyndenesse of ignorau{n}ce. and yif he woot țat it is chaungeable. he mot alwey ben adrad ț{a}t he ne lese 1132 țat țing. țat he ne douteț nat but țat he may leesen it. [Linenotes: 1098 _a[gh]einewarde al_--ayeinward alle 1099 _it_--hyt 1101 _whan_--what _haț_--MS. hațe _lorn_--MS. lorne, C. lost 1102 _yspranid_--spraynyd _bitternesses_--beternesses 1104 _hym_--hem _it_--hyt _be_--ben 1105 _goț_--MS. gețe _wol_--woole _sen_--MS. sene 1107 _dwelliț_--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 seiț he mot ben alwey agast lest he leese țat he wot wel he may leese. ¶ For whiche țe continuel drede țat he haț ne suffriț hym nat to ben 1136 weleful. ¶ Or ellys yif he leese it he wene to be dispised {and} forleten hit. ¶ Certis eke țat is a ful lytel goode țat is born wiț euene hert[e] whan it is loost. ¶ Țat is to seyne țat men don no more force. 1140 of țe lost țan of țe 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 țou ți self art he to who{m} it haț ben shewid {and} p{ro}ued by ful many[e] demonstrac{i}ou{n}s. as I woot wel țat țe soules of men ne mowen nat dien in no wise. and eke 1144 syn it is clere. {and} certeyne țat fortunous welefulnesse endiț by țe deeț of țe body. ¶ It may nat ben douted țat yif țat deeț may take awey blysfulnesse țat al țe kynde of mortal ți{n}g{us} ne descendiț in to wrecchednesse 1148 by țe ende of țe deeț. [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 țat many a man haț sou[gh]t țe fruit of blisfulnesse nat only wiț suffryng of deeț. but eke wiț 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] țan țis p{re}sent 1152 lijf make men blisful. syn țat whanne țilke self[e] lijf is endid. it ne makeț folk no wrecches. [Linenotes: 1134 _it_--hyt _seiț_--MS. seițe, C. seyth 1135 _wot_--MS. wote, C. wot _leese_ (2)--leese it _whiche_--which 1136 _haț_--MS. hațe 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 _haț_--MS. hațe 1143 _many[e]_--manye 1144 _mowen_--mowe _dien_--deyen 1145 _clere_--cleer _certeyne_--certeyn 1147 _al_--alle 1150 _haț_--MS. hațe _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 țat wil founden hym a p{er}durable sete {and} ne wil not be cast doune 1156 wiț țe loude blastes of țe wynde Eurus. {and} wil dispise țe see manassynge wiț floodes ¶ Lat hym eschewe to bilde on țe cop of țe mou{n}tay{n}gne. or in țe moyste sandes. ¶ For țe fel[le] wynde auster to{ur}menteț țe cop 1160 of țe mou{n}tayngne wiț alle his strengțes. ¶ and țe lowe see sandes refuse to beren țe 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} forți yif țou wolt flee țe p{er}ilous auenture țat is to seine of țe worlde ¶ Haue mynde certeynly to ficchyn 1164 ți house of a myrie site in a lowe stoone. ¶ For al țou[gh] țe wynde troublyng țe see țondre wiț ouerețrowynges ¶ Țou țat art put i{n} quiete {and} welful by strengțe of ți palys shalt leden a cleer age. scornyng 1168 țe wodenesses and țe Ires of țe 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 _ți_--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 țe noryssinges of my resou{n}s descenden now in to țe. 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 țat țe [gh]iftis of fortune nar[e] nat brutel ne t{ra}nsitorie. [Sidenote: [* fol. 12.]] what is țer in hem țat may be ține *in any tyme. or ellis țat it nys foule if țat it be considered {and} lokid p{er}fitely. [Sidenote: Are riches precious in themselves, or in men's estimation?] ¶ Richesse ben ței 1176 p{re}ciouse by țe nature of hem self. or ellys by țe nature of țe. [Sidenote: What is most precious in them, quantity or quality?] What is most worți of rycchesse. is it nat golde or my[gh]t of moneye assembled. [Sidenote: Bounty is more glorious than niggardliness.] ¶ Certis țilke golde {and} țilke moneye shineț {and} [gh]eueț better 1180 renou{n} to hem țat dispenden it. țen to țilke folke țat mokeren it. [Sidenote: Avarice is always hateful, while liberality is praise-worthy.] For auarice makeț alwey mokeres to be hated. {and} largesse makeț folke clere of renou{n} ¶ For syn țat swiche ți{n}g as is t{ra}nsfered from o 1184 man to an oțer ne may nat dwellen wiț no man. [Sidenote: Money cannot be more precious than when it is dispensed liberally to others.] Certis țan is țilke moneye p{re}cious. whan it is translated in to oțer folk. {and} stynteț to ben had by vsage of large [gh]euy{n}g of hym țat haț [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 țe moneye țat is ouer-al in țe world were gadered towar[d] o man. it sholde maken al oțer men [[pg 46]] to ben nedy as of țat. ¶ And certys a voys al hool țat is to seyn wiț-oute amenusynge fulfilleț to gyder 1192 țe heryng of myche folke. [Sidenote: Riches cannot be dispensed without diminution.] but Certys [gh]oure rycchesse ne mowen nat passen vnto myche folk wiț-oute amenussyng ¶ And whan ței ben apassed. nedys ței maken hem pore țat forgon țe 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 țise rycchesses. syn țat many folke [ne] may nat han it al. ne al may it nat comen to on man wiț-oute pouerte of al oțer folke. ¶ And țe shynynge of ge{m}mes țat I clepe p{re}ciouse stones. draweț it nat 1200 țe eyen of folk in to hem warde. țat is to seyne for țe 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 țer were beaute or bounte in shynyng of stones. țilke clerenesse is of țe stones hem self. {and} nat of men. ¶ For whiche I wondre 1204 gretly țat men merueilen on swiche ținges. ¶ For whi what țing is it țat yif it wa{n}teț moeuyng {and} ioynture of soule {and} body țat by ry[gh]t my[gh]t[e] semen a faire creature to hym țat haț 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 țat ge{m}mes drawen to hem self a litel of țe laste beaute of țe worlde. țoru[gh] țe entent of hir creato{ur} {and} țoru[gh] țe distincc{i}ou{n} of hem self. [gh]it for as myche as ței ben put vndir [gh]oure excellence. 1212 ței han not desserued by no weye țat [gh]e shullen merueylen on hem. [Sidenote: Doth the beauty of the field delight thee?] ¶ And țe beaute of feeldes deliteț 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 țat it is a ry[gh]t fayr porciou{n} of țe ry[gh]t fair werk. țat is to seyn of țis 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 țe face of țe see whan it is clere. And also merueylen we on țe heuene {and} on țe sterres. {and} on țe sonne. {and} on țe mone. [[pg 47]] [Sidenote: _P._ Do these things concern thee? darest thou glory in them?] _Philosophie._ ¶ App{er}teineț q{uo}d she any of țilke 1221 ținges to țe. whi darst țou glorifie țe in țe shynynge of any swiche ținges. [Sidenote: Do the flowers adorn you with their variety?] Art țou distingwed {and} embelised by țe spryngyng floures of țe first somer 1224 sesou{n}. or swelliț ți plente in fruytes of somer. whi art țou rauyshed wiț ydel ioies. [Sidenote: Why embracest thou things wherein thou hast no property?] why enbracest țou straunge goodes as ței weren ține. [Sidenote: Fortune can never make that thine which the nature of things forbids to be so.] Fortune shal neuer maken țat swiche ținges ben ține țat nature of ținges 1228 maked foreyne fro țe. [Sidenote: The fruits of the earth are designed for the support of beasts.] ¶ Syche is țat wiț-oute{n} doute țe fruytes of țe erțe owen to ben on țe norssinge of bestes. [Sidenote: If you seek only the necessities of nature, the affluence of Fortune will be useless.] ¶ And if țou wilt fulfille ți nede after țat it suffiseț to nature țan is it no nede 1232 țat țou seke after țe sup{er}fluite of fortune. [Sidenote: Nature is content with a little, and superfluity will be both disagreeable and hurtful.] ¶ For wiț ful fewe ținges {and} w{i}t{h} ful lytel țing nature halt hire appaied. {and} yif țou wilt achoken țe fulfillyng of nat{ur}e wiț sup{er}fluites ¶ Certys țilke 1236 ținges ț{a}t țou wilt țresten or pouren in to nature shullen ben vnioyeful to țe or ellis anoies. [Sidenote: Does it add to a man's worth to shine in variety of costly clothing?] ¶ Wenest țou eke țat it be a fair ținge to shine wiț dyuerse cloțing. [Sidenote: The things really to be admired are the beauty of the stuff or the workmanship of it.] of whiche cloțing yif țe beaute be agreable 1240 to loken vpon. I wol merueylen on țe nature of țe matere of țilke cloțes. or ellys on țe werkeman țat 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. makiț țat 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.] țe whiche seruauntes yif ței ben 1244 vicio[-u]s of condic{i}ou{n}s it is a greet charge {and} a destrucc{i}ou{n} to țe house. {and} a g{r}eet enmye to țe lorde hym self [Sidenote: If they be good, why should the probity of others be put to thy account?] ¶ {And} yif ței ben goode men how shal straung[e] or foreyne goodenes ben put in țe nou{m}bre 1248 of ți rycchesse. [Sidenote: Upon the whole, then, none of those enjoyments which thou didst consider as thy own did ever properly belong to thee.] so ț{a}t by alle țise forseide ținges. it is clerly shewed țat neuer none of țilke ținges țat țou accou{m}ptedest for țin goodes nas nat ți goode. [Sidenote: If they be not desirable, why shouldst thou grieve for the loss of them?] ¶ In țe whiche ținges yif țer be no beaute to ben desired. 1252 [Linenotes: 1172 _strenger_--strenger{e} _vndirstonde_--vndyrstond 1173 _nar[e]_--ne weere 1174 _be ține_--ben thyn 1175 _foule_--fowl 1176 _Richesse_--Rychessis 1178 _rycchesse_--rychesses 1179, 1180 _golde_--gold 1180 _better_--betere 1181 _țen_--thanne 1182 _mokeres_--mokereres 1183 _folke clere_--folk cler 1184 _swiche_--swich _from_--fram 1187 _stynteț_--stenteth 1188 _haț_--MS. hațe 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 _țise_--this _rycchesses_--rychesse [_ne_]--from C. 1198 _on_--o 1199 _wiț-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 _haț_--MS. hațe 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 țou 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 _țin_--thine _goode_--good] [[pg 48]] [Headnote: RICHES BRING ANXIETIES.] whi sholdest țou be sory yif țou leese hem. or whi sholdest țou reioysen țe to holden hem. [Sidenote: If they are fair by nature, what is that to thee?] ¶ For if ței ben fair of hire owen kynde. what app{er}teneț țat to țe. [Sidenote: They would be equally agreeable whether thine or not.] for as wel sholde ței han ben faire by hem self. 1256 țou[gh] ței were{n} dep{ar}tid from alle țin 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 ței nat. for țat ței comen amonges ți rycchesse. but for ței semeden fair {and} p{re}cious. țerfore țou haddest leuer rekene hem 1260 amonges ți rycchesse. [Sidenote: What, then, is it we so clamorously demand of Fortune?] but what desirest țou of fortune wiț so greet a noyse {and} wiț so greet a fare [Sidenote: Is it to drive away indigence by abundance?] ¶ I trowe țou seke to dryue awey nede wiț habundaunce of ținges. [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 turneț to [gh]ow al in țe 1264 contrarie. for whi certys it nediț of ful many[e] helpynges to kepen țe dyuersite of preciouse ostelment[gh]. [Sidenote: They want most things who have the most.] and soțe it is țat of many[e] ținges han ței nede țat many[e] ținges 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 nediț 1268 hem țat mesuren hir fille after țe nede of kynde {and} nat after țe outrage of couetyse [Sidenote: Is there no good planted within ourselves, that we are obliged to go abroad to seek it?] ¶ Is it țan so țat 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 ținges. [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 țan țe condic{i}ou{n} of ținges turned vpso dou{n}. țat a man țat is a devyne beest by merit of hys resou{n}. ținkeț țat hy{m} self nys neyțer fair ne noble. but if it be țoru[gh] 1276 possessiou{n} of ostelmentes. țat ne han no soules. [Linenotes: 1255 _fair_--fayr{e} _hire owen_--hyr owne 1256 _sholde_--sholden _self_--selue 1257 _țin 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 _soțe_--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 oț{er} ți{n}ges ben appaied of hire owen beautes. but [gh]e men țat ben semblable to god by [gh]our{e} resonable țou[gh]t desiren to apparaille [gh]our{e} excellent 1280 kynde of țe 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 țat man kynde were moost worți {and} noble of any oțer erțely ținges. and [gh]e țresten adou{n} [gh]oure [[pg 49]] dignitees by-nețen țe lowest[e] ținges. [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 țat al 1285 țe good of euery țing be more p{re}ciouse țan is țilk țing whos țat țe good is. syn [gh]e demen țat țe foulest[e] ținges ben [gh]oure goodes. țanne summytten 1288 [gh]e {and} putten [gh]oure self vndir țo foulest[e] ținges by [gh]oure estimac{i}ou{n}. ¶ And certis țis bitidiț nat wiț out [gh]our{e} desert. [Sidenote: Man only excels other creatures when he knows himself.] For certys swiche is țe co{n}dic{i}ou{n} of al man kynde țat oonly whan it haț knowyng of it 1292 self. țan passeț it i{n} noblesse alle oțer ținges. [Sidenote: When he ceases to do so, he sinks below beasts.] and whan it forletiț țe knowyng of it self. țan it is brou[gh]t bynețen alle beestes. [Sidenote: Ignorance is natural to beasts, but in men it is unnatural and criminal.] ¶ For-why alle oțer [leuynge] beestes han of kynde to knowe not hem 1296 self. but whan țat men leten țe knowyng of hem self. it comeț 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 sheweț țe erro{ur} {and} țe folie of [gh]ow men țat wenen țat ony țing may ben apparailled wiț straunge apparaillement[gh] ¶ but 1300 for-soțe țat 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 shyneț wiț ți{n}ges țat ben put to hym. as țus. yif țilke ținges shynen wiț whiche a man is apparailled. ¶ Certis țilke ținges ben commendid {and} p{re}ised wiț whiche 1304 he is apparailled. [Sidenote: The thing covered still continues in its natural impurity.] ¶ But națeles țe țing țat is couered {and} wrapped vndir țat dwelleț in his filțe. [Sidenote: I deny that to be a good which is hurtful to its owner.] and I denye țat țilke țing be good țat anoyeț hym țat haț it. [Sidenote: Am I deceived in this? You will say no; for riches have often hurt their possessors.] ¶ Gabbe I of țis. țou wolt seye nay. 1308 ¶ Certys rycchesse han anoyed ful ofte hem țat han țe rycchesse. [Sidenote: Every wicked man desires another's wealth, and esteems him alone happy who is in possession of riches.] ¶ Syn țat euery wicked shrew {and} for hys wickednesse țe more gredy aftir oțer 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} weniț hym *only most worți țat haț 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.] ¶ țou țan țat so besy dredest now țe swerde {and} țe spere. yif țou haddest entred in țe pațe of țis lijf a voide wayfaryng man. țan woldest țou syng[e] 1316 by-fore țe țeef. ¶ As who seiț a poure man țat bereț no rycchesse on hym by țe weye. may boldly syng[e] byforne țeues. for he haț 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 țe blysfulnesse of 1320 mortal rycchesse. țat wha{n} țou hast geten it. țan hast țou lorn ți syke[r]nesse. [Linenotes: 1278 _hire owen_--hir owne 1281 _ne_ (2)--omitted _vndirstonde_--vndyrstondyn 1282 _gret_--MS. grete, C. gret 1284 _oțer erțely_--oothre worldly _țresten_--threste 1285 _by-nețen_--by-nethe _if_--yif 1286 _good_--MS. goode, C. good _țing_--thinge _preciouse_--p{re}syos _țilk țing_--thilke thinge 1287 _țe_ (2)--tho 1288 _summytten_--submitten 1289 _self_--seluen _foulest[e]_--fowleste 1290 _bitidiț_--tydeth 1291 _out_--owte _desert_--desertes 1292 _al_--alle 1293 _self_--selue 1294 _it is_--is it 1296 [_leuynge_]--from C. _hem_--hym 1297 _țat_--omitted 1298 _comeț_--comth 1299 _țing_--thinge 1302 _put_--MS. putte, C. put 1303 _whiche_--which 1306 _filțe_--felthe 1307 _țing_--thinge _good_--MS. goode, C. good 1308 _haț_--MS. hațe 1309 _rycchesse_--Rychesses _țe_--tho 1310 _rycchesse_--Rychesses _shrew_--shrewe 1311 _rycchesse_--rychesses 1312 _golde_--gold 1314 _haț_--MS. hațe, C. hat _besy_--bysy _swerde_--swerd 1315 _pațe_--paath 1316 _wayfaryng_--wayferynge _syng[e]_--synge 1317 _by-fore_--by-forn _seiț_--MS. seițe, C. seyth _poure_--pore _bereț_--berth 1318 _boldly syng[e]_--boldely synge 1319 _haț_--MS. hațe 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 țe first age of men. ței helden hem apaied wiț țe metes țat țe trewe erțes brou[gh]ten 1324 furțe. ¶ ței ne destroyed[e] ne desceyued[e] not hem self wiț outerage. [Sidenote: With acorns they satisfied their hunger.] ¶ ței weren wont ly[gh]tly to slaken her hunger at euene wiț acornes of okes [Sidenote: They knew not Hypocras nor Hydromel.] ¶ ței ne couțe nat medle țe [gh]ift of bacus to țe clere hony. 1328 țat is to seyn. ței couțe make no piment of clarre. [Sidenote: They did not dye the Serian fleece in Tyrian purple.] ne ței couțe nat medle țe bri[gh]t[e] flies of țe co{n}tre of siriens wiț țe venym of tirie. țis is to seyne. ței couțe nat dien white flies of sirien contre wiț țe 1332 blode of a manar shelfysshe. țat men fynden in tyrie. wiț 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.] ¶ ței slepen holesom slepes vpon țe gras. and dronken of țe rynnyng watres. {and} laien vndir țe shadowe of țe 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 țe heye see wiț oores or wiț shippes. ne ței 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.] ¶ țo weren țe 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 ței seien cruel woundes ne none medes 1344 ben of blood yshad [Sidenote: O that those days would come again!] ¶ I wolde țat oure tymes sholde turne a[gh]eyne to țe oolde maneres. [Sidenote: The thirst of wealth torments all; it rages more fiercely than Ætna's fires.] ¶ But țe anguissous loue of hauyng brenneț in folke moore cruely țan țe fijr of țe Mou{n}taigne of Ethna țat euer brenneț. 1348 [Sidenote: Cursed be the wretch who first brought gold to light.] ¶ Allas what was he țat first dalf vp țe gobets or țe wey[gh]tys of gold couered vndir erțe. {and} țe p{re}cious stones țat wolden han ben hid. he dalf vp p{re}cious perils. țat is to seyne țat he țat 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 țe p{re}ciousnesse of swyche haț many man ben in peril. [Linenotes: 1324 _erțes_--feeldes 1325 _furțe_--forth _destroyed[e]_--dystroyede 1327 _her_--hyr _at_--MS. as, C. at _euene_--euen 1328 _couțe_--cowde _medle_--medly _[gh]ift_--yifte _clere_--cleer 1329 _couțe_--cowde _of_--nor 1330 _couțe_--cowde _bri[gh]t[e] flies_--bryhte flee[gh]es 1331 _siriens_--Seryens _seyne_--seyn 1332 _couțe_--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 _țe_--omitted _euer_--ay 1351 _hid_--MS. hidde, C. hydd 1352 _seyne_--seyn _he_ (2)--omitted 1354 _swyche_--swych thinge _haț_--MS. hațe _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. țe whiche [ye] men ț{a}t neițer knowen verray dignitee 1356 ne verray power areysen hem as heye as țe 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.] țe whiche dignitees {and} powers yif ței come to any wicked man ței don [as] greet[e] damages {and} distrucc{i}ou{n} as doț țe fla{m}me of țe Mou{n}taigne 1360 Ethna whan țe fla{m}me wit walwiț vp ne no deluge ne doț 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 remembriț wel as I trowe țat țilke dignitee țat men clepiț țe emperie of {con}sulers țe whiche țat somtyme was bygynnyng 1364 of fredom. ¶ [Gh]oure eldres coueiteden to han don a-wey țat dignitee for țe p{r}ide of țe conseilers. [Linenotes: 1355 _seyne_--seye 1358 _come_--comen 1359 _don_--MS. done, C. don _[as] greet[e]_--as grete 1360 _distruccioun_--destrucciou{n}s _doț_--MS. doțe, C. doth _flamme_--flaumbe 1361 _flamme_--flawmbe _wit_--omitted 1362 _doț_--MS. doțe, C. doth 1363 _clepiț_--clepyn 1364 _whiche_--whych _somtyme_--whilom 1366 _for_--MS. of, C. for] [[pg 52]] [Headnote: HONOURS NOT INTRINSICALLY GOOD,] ¶ And ry[gh]t for țe same p{r}ide [gh]oure eldres byforne țat tyme hadden don awey out of țe Citee of rome țe 1368 kynges name. țat is to seien. ței nolden haue no lenger no kyng ¶ But now yif so be ț{a}t dignitees {and} powers ben [gh]euen to goode men. țe whiche țing is ful [gh]elde. what agreable ți{n}ges is țer in țo dignitees. 1372 or powers. but only țe goodenes of folk țat 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 țerfore it is țus țat hono{ur} ne comeț nat to vertue for cause of dignite. but a[gh]einward. hono{ur} comeț to dignite by cause of vertue. [Sidenote: But what is this power, so much celebrated and desired?] but whiche is 1376 [gh]oure derworțe power țat is so clere {and} so requerable [Sidenote: What are they over whom you exercise authority?] ¶ O [gh]e erțelyche bestes considere [gh]e nat ouer whiche țing țat it semeț țat [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 țou say[e] a mouse amo{n}g{us} *oțer myse țat chalenged[e] to 1380 hymself ward ry[gh]t {and} power ouer alle oțer myse. how gret scorne woldest țou han of hit. ¶ _Glosa._ ¶ So fareț it by men. țe body haț power ouer țe body. [Sidenote: What is more feeble than man, to whom the bite of a fly may be the cause of death?] For yif țow loke wel vpon țe body of a wy[gh]t what 1384 țing shalt țou fynde moore frele țan is mannes kynde. țe whiche ben ful ofte slayn wiț bytynge of smale flies. or ellys wiț țe entryng of crepyng wormes in to țe 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 țat may exercen or haunten any ry[gh]t vpon an oțer ma{n} but oonly vpon hys body. or ellys vpo{n} ținges țat ben lower țen țe body. whiche I clepe fortunous possessiou{n}s [Sidenote: Can you ever command a freeborn soul?] ¶ Mayst țou 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 țou remuen fro țe estat of hys p{ro}pre reste. a țou[gh]t țat 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 țat wisten of a coniurac{i}ou{n}. whiche I clepe a confederacie țat was cast a[gh]eins țis tyraunt [Sidenote: Have you not read how Anaxarchus bit off his tongue and spat it in the face of Nicocreon?] ¶ But țis free man boot 1400 of hys owen tunge. {and} cast it in țe visage of țilke woode tyrau{n}te. ¶ So țat țe to{ur}ment[gh] țat țis tyrau{n}t wende to han maked mater{e} of cruelte. țis 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 țing is it țat a man may don to an oțer man. țat he ne may receyue țe same țing of oțer folke i{n} hym self. or țus. ¶ What may a man don to folk. țat folk ne may don hym țe 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 țat was wo{n}t to sleen hys gestes țat herburghden in hys hous. and he was slayn hym self of ercules țat 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} țe cheynes of hem țat 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 țou țan țat he be my[gh]ty. țat may nat don a țing. țat oțer ne may don 1416 hym. țat he doț to oțer. [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 țat țise dignites or poweres hadden any p{ro}pre or naturel goodnesse in hem self neuer nolden ței comen to shrewes. [Sidenote: An union of things opposite is repugnant to nature.] ¶ For contrarious ținges ne ben 1420 not wont to ben yfelawshiped togidres. ¶ Nature refuseț țat contra[r]ious ținges 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 țat ry[gh]t wikked folk han dignitees ofte tymes. țan sheweț it wel țat dignitees {and} powers 1424 ne ben not goode of hir owen kynde. syn țat ței 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 țe same țing may most digneliche Iugen {and} seyen of alle țe [gh]iftis of fortune țat most plenteuously [[pg 54]] comen to shrewes. [Sidenote: We judge him to be valiant who has given evidence of his fortitude.] ¶ Of țe whiche [gh]iftys I 1429 trowe țat it au[gh]t[e] ben considered țat no man doutiț țat he nis strong. in whom he seeț strengțe. {and} in whom țat swiftnesse is ¶ Soțe it is țat he is swyfte. 1432 [Sidenote: So music maketh a musician, &c.] Also musyk makeț musiciens. {and} fysik makeț 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 țe nature of euery țing makiț his p{ro}pretee. ne it is nat ent{er}medled wiț țe effect{is} of co{n}trarious ținges. 1436 [Linenotes: 1374 _comeț_--comth 1375, 1376 _vertue_--vertu 1376 _comeț_--comth _by_--for _whiche_--which 1377 _derworțe_--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 _haț_--MS. hațe 1385 _mannes_--man 1386 _țe----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 _oțer_--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. țeues, C. cheynes _had[de]_--hadde 1415 _somtyme_--whylom 1416 _țat----țing_--that hath no power to don a thinge _oțer_--oothre 1417 _hym_--in hym _doț_--MS. doțe, C. doth _to oțer_--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 _Soțe_--soth _swyfte_--swyft 1435 _is_--nis 1436 _effectis_--effect] [Headnote: POWER DOES NOT CONFER GOODNESS.] ¶ And as of wil it chaseț oute ținges țat 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] makeț nat a ma{n} my[gh]ty ouer hym self. whiche țat vicious lustis 1440 holden destreined wiț cheins țat 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 țat ben [gh]euen to shrewed[e] folk nat oonly ne makiț hem nat digne. but it sheweț rațer al openly țat ței ben vnworți {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 ț{us}. ¶ Certis for [gh]e han ioye to clepen ținges wiț fals[e] names. țat beren hem al in țe co{n}t{ra}rie. țe whiche names ben ful ofte reproued by țe effect of țe same ținges. [Sidenote: [* fol. 14.]] so țat *țise 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 țe laste I may conclude țe same ținge of 1452 al țe [gh]iftes of fortune in whiche țer nis no țing to ben desired. ne țat haț in hym self naturel bounte. ¶ as it is ful wel sene. for neyțer ței ne ioygne{n} hem nat alwey to goode men. ne maken hem alwey 1456 goode to who{m} ței 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 _haț_--MS. hațe 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 doń by țe 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 țe citee of Rome {and} made slen țe 1460 senato{ur}s. and he cruel somtyme slou[gh] hys broțer. {and} he was maked moyst wiț țe blood of hys modir. țat is to seyn he let sleen {and} slitte{n} țe 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 țat 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 neuerțeles gouerned[e] țis Nero by Ceptre al țe peoples 1468 țat phebus țe sonne may seen comyng from his outerest arysyng til he hidde his bemes vndir țe wawes. ¶ țat is to seyne. he gouerned[e] alle țe peoples by Ceptre imp{er}ial țat țe so{n}ne goț aboute from est to west ¶ And 1472 eke țis Nero goueyrende by Ceptre. alle țe peoples țat ben vndir țe colde sterres țat hy[gh]ten țe seuene triones. țis is to seyn he gouerned[e] alle țe poeples țat ben vndir țe p{ar}ties of țe norțe. [Sidenote: He governed, too, the people in the torrid zone.] ¶ And eke Nero gouerned[e] 1476 alle țe poeples țat țe violent wynde Nothus scorchiț {and} bakiț țe brennynge sandes by his drie hete. țat is to seyne. alle țe poeples in țe souțe. [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. țat 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 _neuerțeles_--natheles _gouerned[e]_--gou{er}nede _al_--alle 1469 _from_--fram _outerest_--owtereste 1470 _hidde_--hide 1471 _seyne_--seyn 1472 _goț_--MS. goțe, C. goth 1473 _goueyrende_--gou{er}nyd 1474 _triones_--tyryones 1475 _gouerned[e]_--gou{er}nede 1476 _parties_--p{ar}ty _norțe_--north _gouerned[e]_--gou{er}nede 1477 _wynde_--wynd _scorchiț_--scorklith 1479 _seyne_--seyn _souțe_--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.] ++ȚAnne seide I țus. țou wost wel țiself țat țe 1484 couetise of mortal ținges ne hadden neuer lordshipe of me. but I haue wel desired matere of ținges to done. as who seiț. [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. țat is to seyn. țat list țat or he wex olde ¶ His uertue țat 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 soțe q{uo}d she. {and} țat is a țing țat may drawen to gouernaunce swiche hertes as ben worți {and} noble of hir nature. but națeles it may nat drawen or tollen swiche hertes as 1496 ben y-brou[gh]t to țe ful[le] p{er}fecciou{n} of vertue. țat is to seyn couetyse of glorie {and} renou{n} to han wel administred țe comune ținges. or doon goode decertes to p{ro}fit of țe 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 țilke 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 țing is as țou hast lerned by demonstrac{i}ou{n} of astronomye țat al țe envyronynge of țe erțe aboute ne halt but țe resou{n} of a prykke at regard of țe gretnesse 1504 of heuene. țat is to seye. țat yif țat țer were maked co{m}parisou{n} of țe erțe to țe gretnesse of heuene. men wolde Iugen in alle țat erțe [ne] helde no space [Sidenote: Ptolemy shows that only one-fourth of this earth is inhabited by living creatures.] ¶ Of țe whiche litel regiou{n} of țis worlde 1508 țe ferțe partie is enhabitid wiț lyuyng beestes țat we knowen. as țou hast ți self lerned by tholome țat 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 țou haddest wiț drawen {and} abated in ți țou[gh]te fro țilke ferțe partie as myche space as țe 1512 see {and} [the] mareys contenen {and} ouergon {and} as myche space as țe regiou{n} of droughte ou{er}streccheț. [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 _țou[gh]te_--thowht _myche_--moche 1513 [_the_]--from C. 1514 _myche space_--moche spaces] [[pg 57]] [Headnote: FAME IS CIRCUMSCRIBED.] [Sidenote: [* fol. 14 _b_.]] țat is to seye sandes {and} desertes wel vnneț sholde *țer dwellen a ry[gh]t streite place to țe 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 țan țat ben environed {and} closed wiț i{n}ne țe leest[e] prikke of țilk prikke țenke [gh]e to manifesten [gh]oure renou{n} {and} don [gh]oure name to ben born forțe. [Sidenote: What is there great in a glory so circumscribed?] but [gh]our{e} glorie țat is so narwe {and} so 1520 streyt yțronge{n} in to so litel boundes. how myche conteințe 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 țis țer to țat many a nac{i}ou{n} dyuerse of tonge {and} of maneres. {and} eke of resou{n} of hir lyuyng ben 1524 enhabitid in țe cloos of țilke litel habitacle. ¶ To țe 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 țe 1528 names of singler men ne may [nat] strecchen. but eke țe 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 țe last[e] Certis in țe tyme of Marcus tulyus as hym self writeț in his book țat țe renou{n} of țe comune of 1532 Rome ne hadde nat [gh]itte passed ne clou{m}ben ou{er} țe mou{n}taigne țat hy[gh]t Caucasus. {and} [gh]itte was țilk tyme rome wel wexen {and} gretly redouted of țe p{ar}thes. and eke of oțer folk enhabityng aboute. [Sidenote: How narrow, then, is that glory which you labour to propagate.] ¶ Sest țou 1536 nat țan how streit {and} how comp{re}ssed is țilke glorie țat [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 țan țe glorie of a singlere Romeyne strecchen țider as țe fame of țe name of Rome may nat clymben ne 1540 passen. [Sidenote: Customs and institutions differ in different countries.] ¶ And eke sest ț{o}u nat țat țe 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 ț{a}t țilke țing țat so{m}men iugen worți of p{re}ysynge. oțer folk iugen țat it is worți of torment. 1544 [Linenotes: 1515 _seye_--seyn 1516 _streite_--streyt 1517 _țan_--thanne 1518 _inne_--in _leest[e]_--leste _țilk_--thilke _țenke [gh]e_--thinken ye 1520 _born forțe_--MS. borne, C. born, forth _narwe_--narwh 1521 _streyt_--streyte _myche_--mochel 1522 _conteințe_--coueyteth 1525 _habitacle_--MS. habitache, C. habytacule 1529 [_nat_]--from C. 1531 _last[e]_--laste 1532 _writeț_--writ 1533 _hadde_--hadden _[gh]itte_--omitted 1534 _hy[gh]t_--hyhte _țilk_--thikke 1535 _wexen_--waxen 1536 _Sest țou_--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 țer of comeț țat țou[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 furțe 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 țerfore euery man{er} man au[gh]te to ben 1548 paied of hys glorie țat 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 țilke noble renou{n} shal be restreyned wiț-i{n}ne țe boundes of o maner folk but how many a man țat was ful noble in his tyme. haț țe 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 țat certys țilke writynges p{ro}fiten litel. țe whiche writy{n}ges longe {and} derke elde doț aweye boțe 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 țenke țat 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 națeles yif țou wilt maken co{m}parisou{n} to țe endeles space of eternite what țing hast țou by whiche țou 1560 maist reioysen țe of lo{n}g lastyng of ți name. [Sidenote: If a _moment_ be compared with 10,000 years, there is a proportion between them, though a very small one.] ¶ For if țer were maked co{m}parysou{n} of țe abidyng of a mome{n}t to ten țousand wynter. for as myche as boțe țo spaces ben endid. ¶ For [gh]it haț țe moment some 1564 porciou{n} of hit al țou[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 națeles țilke self nou{m}bre of [gh]eres. and eke as many [gh]eres as țer to may be multiplied. ne may nat certys be comparisou{n}d to țe p{er}durablete țat is een[de]les. [Sidenote: There may be comparison between finite things, but none between the infinite and finite.] ¶ For of 1568 ținges țat han ende may be mad co{m}parisou{n} [but of thinges that ben w{i}t{h}-owtyn ende to thinges ț{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 ți is it al țou[gh] renou{n} of as longe tyme as euer țe lyst to ținken 1572 were țou[gh]t by țe regard of et{er}nite. țat 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 țing ary[gh]t. but [gh]if it be for țe audience of poeple. [[pg 59]] {and} for ydel rumo{ur}s. {and} [gh]e forsaken țe grete worținesse of conscience {and} of vertue. {and} [gh]e seke{n} [gh]oure 1578 gerdou{n}s of țe smale wordes of st{ra}nge folke. [Linenotes: 1545 _comeț_--comth it 1547 _furțe_--forth _manere_--maner 1548 _țerfore_--ther-for _au[gh]te_--owhte 1549 _paied_--apayed _hys owen_--hise owne 1550 _ney[gh]bores_--nesshebours _be_--ben 1552 _haț_--MS. hațe 1553 _put_ (MS. _putte_) _oute_--put owt 1556 _derke_--derk _doț aweye_--MS. doțe, 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 _țo_--the _haț_--MS. hațe _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} țe 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 țere was a man țat had[de] assaied wiț striuyng wordes an oțer ma{n}. ¶ țe whiche nat for vsage of verrey vertue. but for proude 1584 veyne glorie had[de] take{n} vpon hym falsly țe name of a philosopher. ¶ țis rațer man țat I speke of țou[gh]t[e] he wolde assay[e] where he țilke were a philosopher or no. [Sidenote: [* fol. 15.]] țat is to seyne yif he wolde han suffred 1588 ly[gh]tly in pacience țe wro{n}ges *țat 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.'] ¶ țis 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 țe last[e] ry[gh]t țus. ¶ vndirstondest țou nat țat I am a philosophere. [Sidenote: 'I might have believed it,' said the other, 'had you held your tongue.'] țat oțer man answered[e] a[gh]ein ful bityngly {and} seide. ¶ I had[de] wel vndirstonden [yt]. yif țou haddest holde{n} ți tonge 1596 stille. [Sidenote: What advantage is it to great and worthy men to be extolled after death?] ¶ But what is it to țise noble worți men. For certys of swyche folk speke .I. țat seken glorie wiț vertue. what is it q{uo}d she. what atteiniț fame to swiche folk whan țe body is resolued by țe deeț. atte 1600 țe 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 țat men dien in al. țat is to seyne body {and} soule. țe whiche țing oure resou{n} defendiț vs to byleuen țanne is țere no glorie in no wyse. For what sholde țilke glorie ben. for he of 1604 who{m} țis 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 țe soule whiche țat haț in it self science of goode werkes vnbounden fro țe p{r}isou{n} of țe erțe [[pg 60]] wendeț frely to țe heuene. dispiseț it nou[gh]t țan alle 1608 erțely occupac{i}ou{n}s. {and} beynge i{n} heuene reioiseț țat it is exempt from alle erțely ținges [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 _țou[gh]t[e]_--thowhte _assay[e]_--assaye 1588 _seyne_--seyn 1590 _feined[e]_--feynede 1592 _a[gh]eine_--ayein 1593 _last[e]_--laste _vndirstondest țou_--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 _țis_--thilke _seid_--MS. seide, C. seyd _nou[gh]t_--nawht 1606 _haț_--MS. hațe 1608 _nou[gh]t țan_--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 țat wiț ouerțrowyng țou[gh]t only sekeț glorie of fame. {and} weniț țat it be souereyne good ¶ Lete hym loke vpon țe brode shewyng contreys of țe heue{n}. {and} vpo{n} țe streite sete of țis erțe. {and} 1616 he shal be ashamed of țe encres of his name. țat may nat fulfille țe litel compas of țe erțe. ¶ O what coueiten proude folke to liften vpon hire nekkes in ydel {and} dedely [gh]ok of țis worlde. [Sidenote: Will splendid titles and renown prolong a man's life?] ¶ For al țou[gh] 1620 [ț{a}t] renoune y-spradde passynge to ferne poeples goț by dyuerse tonges. and al țou[gh] grete houses {and} kynredes shyne wiț clere titles of hono{ur}s. [Sidenote: In the grave there is no distinction between high and low.] [gh]it națeles deeț dispiseț al heye glorie of fame. {and} deeț wrappeț 1624 to gidre țe heye heuedes {and} țe lowe {and} makeț egal {and} euene țe heyest[e] to țe lowest[e]. [Sidenote: Where is the good Fabricius now?] ¶ where wone{n} now țe bones of trewe fabricius. [Sidenote: Where the noble Brutus, or stern Cato?] what is now brutus or stiern Caton țe ținne fame [gh]it lastynge 1628 of hir ydel names is markid wiț a fewe lettres. [Sidenote: Their empty names still live, but of their persons we know nothing.] but al țou[gh] we han knowe{n} țe faire wordes of țe fames of hem. it is nat [gh]euen to knowe he{m} țat ben dede {and} consumpt. [Sidenote: Fame cannot make you known.] Liggiț țanne stille al vtterly vnknowable 1632 ne fame ne makeț [gh]ow nat knowe. and yif [gh]e wene to lyuen țe leng{er} for wynde of [gh]oure mortal name. whan o cruel day shal rauyshe [gh]ow. țan is țe secunde deeț dwellyng in [gh]ow. [Sidenote: It will be effaced by conquering Time, so that death will be doubly victorious.] _Glosa._ țe first deeț he clepiț 1636 here țe dep{ar}tynge of țe body {and} țe soule. ¶ and [[pg 61]] țe secunde deeț he clepeț as here. țe styntynge of țe 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 [_țat_]--from C. _ferne_--MS. serue, C. ferne _goț_--MS. goțe, 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 _țe_ (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 ț{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 ț{a}t she desseyuable desserueth to han ryht good thank of men // {And} ț{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 ț{a}t .I. shal seye // [Sidenote: And what I say may perhaps appear paradoxical.] it is a wondyr ț{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 ț{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 ț{a}t vsen he{m} / the 1656 contrarye fortune vnbyndeth he{m} by ț^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 ț{a}t thow owhtest to leten this a lytel thing / ț{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 // ț{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 ț{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 ț^e world w{i}t{h} stable feith / varieth acordable chaungynges // [Sidenote: Elements, that by nature disagree, are restrained by concord.] ț{a}t the contraryos qualite of element[gh] 1680 holden among{e} hem self aliau{n}ce p{er}durable / ț{a}t pheb{us} the sonne w{i}t{h} his goldene chariet / bryngeth forth the rosene day / ț{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.] ț{a}t ț^e se gredy to flowen constreyneth w{i}t{h} a certeyn ende hise floodes / so ț{a}t it is nat l[e]ueful to strechche hise brode termes or bowndes vp-on the erthes // ț{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 / ț{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 ț{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 ț{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 ț{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 / ț{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 ț{a}t a litel her{e} aft{er} .I. seyde thus // O thow 1704 ț{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 ț{a}t .I. trowe nat now ț{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 ț{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 // ț{a}t feelede .I. ful wel q{uod} she // whan ț{a}t thow ententyf {and} stylle rauysshedest my wordes // {and} .I. abood til ț{a}t thow haddest swych habyte 1716 of thy thowght as thow hast now // or elles tyl ț{a}t .I. my self had[de] maked to the the same habyt / which ț{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 ț{a}t ben yit to seye / ben swyche // ț{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 ț{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 ț{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.] ț{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 ț{a}t thow more knowest / so ț{a}t whan thow hast fully by-holden thilke false 1736 goodes {and} torned thyne eyen to ț{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 țornes {and} kerue asondre wiț his hooke 1740 țe bushes {and} țe ferne so țat țe 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 țe more swete yif mouțes han firste tastid sauoures ț{a}t ben wikke. [Sidenote: The stars shine all the clearer when the southern showery blasts cease to blow.] ¶ țe sterres shynen more agreably whan țe wynde Nothus letiț his 1744 ploungy blastes. [Sidenote: When Lucifer has chased away the dark night, then Phoebus mounts his gay chariot.] {and} aftir țat lucifer țe day sterre haț chased awey țe derke ny[gh]t. țe day țe feir{e}r lediț țe rosene horse of țe 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 țou byholdyng first țe fals[e] goodes. bygynne to wițdrawe ți nek[ke] 1748 fro țe [gh]ok of erțely affecc{i}ou{n}s. {and} afterwarde țe verrey goodes sholle{n} entre i{n} to ți 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 _haț_--MS. hațe 1746 _feirer_--fayrere 1747 _horse_--hors _Ry[gh]t_--And Ryht 1748 _fals[e]_--false _bygynne_--bygyn _wițdrawe_--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.] ++ȚO fastned[e] she a lytel țe sy[gh]t of hir eyen {and} wițdrow hir ry[gh]t as it were in to țe streite sete of hir 1752 țou[gh]t. {and} bygan to speke ry[gh]t ț{us}. [Sidenote: All the cares and desires of men seek one end--happiness.] Alle țe cures q{uo}d she of mortal folk whiche țat trauaylen hem i{n} many manere studies gon certys by diu{er}se weies. [Sidenote: [* fol. 15 _b_.]] ¶ But națeles ței 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 țat who so haț geten it he ne may ouer țat no țing more desiire. [Sidenote: It is the sovereign good, and comprehends all others. It lacks nothing, otherwise it could not be the supreme good.] and țis țing for soțe is țe souereyne good țat conteiniț in hym self al man{er}e goodes. to țe whiche goode 1760 yif țere failed[e] any țing. it my[gh]t[e] nat ben souereyne goode. ¶ For țan were țere som goode out of țis ilke souereyne goode ț{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 ța{n} țat blisfulnesse is a p{er}fit estat by țe congregac{i}ou{n} 1764 of alle goodes. [Sidenote: It is the object which all men strive after.] ¶ țe 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 țe couetise of verray goode is naturely y-plaunted in țe hertys of men. ¶ But țe 1768 myswandryng erro{ur} myslediț 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 țe whiche men some of hem wenen țat souereygne goode is to lyue wiț outen nede of any țing. {and} t{ra}ueile{n} hem to ben habundaunt of rycchesse. 1772 and some oțer men deme{n}. țat 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 țe hono{ur}s țat ței 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 țer ben țat halden țat 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 țat 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 semeț to some oțer folk țat noblesse of renou{n} be țe sou{er}ein goode. {and} hasten hem to 1780 geten glorious name by țe 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 ț{a}t sou{er}ein goode be ioye {and} gladnesse {and} wenen țat 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 țer ben folk țat enterchaungen țe causes {and} țe endes of țise forseide goodes as ței țat desire{n} rycchesse to [[pg 66]] han power {and} delices. Or ellis ței desiren power forto han moneye or for cause of renou{n}. [Sidenote: In all they do they have a particular end in view.] ¶ In țise ținges 1788 {and} i{n} swyche oțer ținges is to{ur}ned al țe entenc{i}ou{n} of desirynges {and} [of] werkes of me{n}. ¶ As țus. [Linenotes: 1751 _fastned[e]_--fastnede _wițdrow_--MS. wițdrowen, C. w{i}t{h} drowh 1752 _sete_--Cyte 1756 _enforced_--enforsen 1757 [_And blysfulnesse_]--from C. _goode_--good 1758 _so_--so ț{a}t _haț_--MS. hațe 1759 _souereyne_--sou{er}eyn 1760 _al_--alle _goode_--good 1761 _țere_--ther _failed[e]_--faylyde _my[gh]t[e]_--myhte _souereyne goode_--sou{er}eyn good 1762 _țan_--thanne _țere_--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 wiț 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 _oțer_--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 țat [gh]iueț as it semeț a manere clernesse of renou{n}. [Sidenote: By others, wives and children are only desired as sources of pleasure.] ¶ and wijf {and} 1792 children țat 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 forsoțe frendes ne shollen nat ben rekkened among țe goodes of fortune but of vertue. for it is a ful holy man{er}e țing. [Sidenote: All else are desired either for the power or pleasure they afford.] alle țise oțer ținges forsoțe 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 țe goodes of țe body to țise forseide ținges abouen. [Sidenote: Strength and a good stature seem to give power and worthiness.] ¶ For it semeț ț{a}t strengțe {and} gretnesse of body [gh]euen power {and} 1800 worținesse. [Sidenote: Beauty and swiftness give glory and fame; and health gives delight.] ¶ and țat beaute {and} swiftenesse [gh]euen noblesse {and} glorie of renou{n}. {and} hele of body semeț [gh]iuen delit. [Sidenote: In all these happiness alone is sought.] ¶ In alle țise ți{n}g{us} it semeț oonly țat 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 țilke țing țat euery 1804 man desireț moost ouer alle ținges. he demiț țat be țe souereyne goode. ¶ But I haue diffined țat blisfulnesse is țe souereyne goode. for whiche euery wy[gh]t demiț țat țilke estat țat he desireț ouer alle ținges țat 1808 it be țe 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 țou țan byforne [thy eyen] almost al țe p{ur}posed forme of țe welfulnesse of ma{n}ky{n}de. țat is to seyne rycchesse. hono{ur}s. power. glorie. {and} delit[gh]. țe whiche delit oonly considered 1812 Epicurus Iuged {and} establissed. țat delit is țe souereyne goode. for as myche as alle oțer ținges as hym țou[gh]t[e] by-refte awey ioie {and} myrțe fro{m} țe herte. [Sidenote: I now return to the inclinations and pursuits of mankind.] ¶ But I reto{ur}ne a[gh]eyne to țe studies of meen. 1816 of whiche men țe corage alwey rehersiț {and} seekeț țe [[pg 67]] souereyne goode of alle be it so ț{a}t it be wiț 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 pațe he may reto{ur}ne 1820 home to hys house. [Sidenote: Do they go astray who strive to keep themselves from want?] ¶ Semeț it țanne țat folk folyen {and} erren țat enforcen he{m} to haue nede of no țing [Linenotes: 1794 _shollen_--sholden 1795 _țe_--tho 1796 _oțer_--oothre 1801 _swiftenesse_--sweftnesse 1803 _[gh]iuen_--MS. [gh]iueț, C. yeuen 1806, 1807 _souereyne goode_--sou{er}eyn good 1807 _whiche_--whych 1809 _țe_--omitted _țan 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 _oțer_--oothre 1815 _țou[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 _pațe_--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 țer nys non oțer țing țat may so weel p{er}fo{ur}ny blisfulnesse as an estat plenteuo{us} *of alle 1824 goodes țat ne haț nede of none oțer țing. but țat 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 țanne. țat wenen țat țilk țing ț{a}t is ry[gh]t goode. țat it be eke ry[gh]t worți of honour {and} of 1828 reuerence. [Sidenote: No; for that is not contemptible for which all men strive.] ¶ Certis nay. for țat țing nys neyțer foule ne worți to ben dispised țat al țe 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 țat 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 țat țilke țing țat is most worți of alle ținges be feble {and} wiț out strengțe {and} clernesse of renou{n} au[gh]te țat to ben dispised. [Sidenote: Fame also is to be regarded, for everything excellent is also shining and renowned.] ¶ Certys țer may no man forsake țat al țing țat is ry[gh]t excellent 1836 {and} noble. țat it ne semeț 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 nediț nat to seie. țat blisfulnesse be anguissous ne dreri ne subgit to greua{n}ces ne to sorwes. syn țat in ry[gh]t litel ți{n}g{us} folk seken to 1840 haue {and} to vsen țat may deliten hem. [Sidenote: Hence it is that mankind seek riches, &c., because by them they hope to get independence, honour, &c.] ¶ Certys țise ben țe ți{n}ges țat men wolen {and} desyren to geten. and for țis cause desiren ței rycches. dignites. regnes. glorie {and} delices ¶ For țerby wenen ței to han suffisau{n}ce 1844 hono{ur} power. renou{n} {and} gladnesse. [Sidenote: However varied their desires, _happiness_ is their sole pursuit.] ¶ țanne is it goode. ț{a}t men seken țus by so many dyu{er}se studies. In whiche desijr it may ly[gh]tly be shew{e}d. how grete is țe strengțe 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 țat 1848 men han dyuerse sentences {and} discordyng algates men accordyn alle in lyuynge țe ende of goode. [Linenotes: 1823 _perfourny_--p{er}forme 1825 _haț_--MS. hațe _none_--non 1827 _țilk_--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 likeț me to shew[e] by subtil songe wiț slakke {and} delitable sou{n} of strenges how țat nature my[gh]ty enclineț 1852 {and} flitteț gouernement[gh] of ținges ¶ {and} by whiche lawes she p{ur}ueiable kepiț țe grete worlde. {and} how she bindynge restreineț alle țing{us} by a bonde țat 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 țat țe liou{n}s of 1856 țe contree of pene beren țe fair[e] cheines. {and} taken metes of țe handes of folk țat [gh]euen it hem. {and} dreden her sturdy maystres of whiche ței ben wont to suffren [betinges]. yif țat hir horrible mouțes ben bi-bled. 1860 țat is to sein of bestes devoured. ¶ Hir corage of tyme passeț țat haț ben ydel {and} rested. repaireț a[gh]ein țat ței roren greuously. {and} reme{m}bren on hir nature. {and} slaken hir nekkes from hir cheins vnbounden. 1864 and hir maistre first to-teren wiț blody toțe assaieț țe woode wrațțes of hem. ¶ țis is to sein ței 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 țe Iangland brid țat syngiț on țe heye braunches. țis is to sein in țe wode {and} 1868 after is inclosed in a streit cage. ¶ al țou[gh] [ț{a}t] țe pleiyng besines of men [gh]eueț hem honied[e] drinkes {and} large metes. wiț swete studie. ¶ [gh]it națeles yif țilke brid skippynge oute of hir streite cage seeț țe 1872 agreable shadewes of țe wodes. she defouleț wiț hir fete hir metes yshad {and} sekeț mournyng oonly țe wode {and} twitriț desirynge țe wode wiț 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.] ¶ țe [gh]erde of a tree țat is haled adou{n} by my[gh]ty 1876 strengțe bowiț redely țe croppe adou{n}. but yif țat țe [[pg 69]] hande of hym țat it bente lat it gon a[gh]ein. ¶ An oon țe crop lokeț 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.] ¶ țe sonne phebus țat failleț at euene in țe westrene wawes retorniț a[gh]ein 1880 eftsones his cart by a priue pațe țere as it is wont aryse. [Sidenote: All things pursue their proper course, obedient to the source of order.] ¶ Alle ținges seken a[gh]ein in to hir p{ro}pre cours. and alle ținges reioisen hem of hir retournynge a[gh]ein to hir nature ne noon ordinaunce nis bytaken to 1884 ți{n}ges but țat. [Sidenote: Hence, throughout the world entire stability is found, for all things, having fulfilled their appointed course, return from whence they came.] țat haț ioignynge țe endynge to țe bygynnynge. {and} haț makid țe cours of it self stable țat it chaungeț 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 _passeț_--passed 1864 _from_--fram _vnbounden_--vnbownde 1865 _to-teren_--to-torn _toțe_--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 _twitriț_--twiterith 1877 _croppe_--crop 1878 _hande_--hand _bente_--bent 1880 _failleț_--falleth 1881 _cart_--carte _a_--omitted _pațe_--paath 1883 _of_--MS. of of 1885 _haț_--MS. hațe _ioignynge_--Ioyned 1886 _haț_--MS. hațe] [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 țat ben erțelich{e} bestes dreme{n} 1888 alwey [yowre bygynnynge] al țou[gh] it be wiț a ținne ymaginac{i}ou{n}. {and} by a maner țou[gh]t al be it nat clerly ne p{er}fitly [gh]e looken from a fer til țilk 1891 verray fyn of blisfulnesse. and țerfore țe naturel entenc{i}ou{n} ledeț [gh]ow to țilk verray good ¶ But many manere errours misto{ur}niț [gh]ow țer 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 țat be țilke ținges by whiche a man weniț to gete hym blysfulnesse. yif țat he may comen 1896 to țilke ende țat he weneț 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 țat moneye or hono{ur}s or țise oțer forseide ținges bryngen to men swiche a țing țat no goode ne faille hem. ne semeț faille. ¶ Certys țan wil I graunt[e] 1900 țat ței ben maked blisful. by țilke ținges țat ței 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 țat țilke ți{n}ges ne mowe nat p{er}fo{ur}men țat ței by-heten {and} țat țer be defaute of many goodes. ¶ Sheweț it nat țan clerely ț{a}t fals 1904 beaute of blisfulnesse is knowe {and} a-teint in țilke ținges. ¶ First {and} forward țou ți self țat 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 țat in țe haboundaunce of alle țilk[e] rycchesses 1908 țou were neuer anguissous or sory in ți corage of any wrong or greuau{n}ce țat by-tidde țe on any syde. [Linenotes: 1889 [_yowre bygynnynge_]--from C. _al_--MS. as, C. Al 1891 _from_--fram _til țilk_--to thylke 1892 _țe_--omitted 1893 _țilk_--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 _țilk[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 remembreț me nat țat euere I was so free of my țou[gh]t. țat 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.] ț{a}t was țat țou lakkedest țat țou noldest han lakked. or ellys țou haddest țat țou noldest han had. [Sidenote: _B._ That's quite true.] ry[gh]t so is it q{uod} I țan. [Sidenote: _P._ Then you did desire the presence of the one and the absence of the other?] desiredest țou țe p{re}sence of țat oon {and} țe absence of țat oțer. 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 soțe q{uod} she țan nediț țer somwhat țat euery man desireț. [Sidenote: _B._ Certainly he is.] [gh]e țer nediț q{uod} I. [Sidenote: _P._ If a man lack anything can he be supremely happy?] ¶ Certis q{uod} she {and} he țat haț 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} țou q{uo}d she in alle țe plente of ți rycchesse haddest țilke 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.] ¶ țanne may nat rycchesse maken țat a man nis nedy. ne țat he be suffisaunt to hym self. {and} 1924 țat was it ț{a}t ței byhy[gh]ten as it semeț. [Sidenote: Money may part company with its owner, however unwilling he may be to lose it.] ¶ and eke certys I trowe țat țis be gretly to consydere țat moneye ne haț nat in hys owen kynde țat it ne may ben by-nomen of hem țat 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 țou nat by-knowen it q{uod} she. whan euery day țe strenger folke by-nymen it fram țe 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 țise foreine compleintes or quereles of 1932 plety{n}g{us}. ¶ But for țat men axen a[gh]eine her moneye țat haț 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.] țan q{uo}d she haț 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 _țat----lakkedest_--And was nat ț{a}t q{uod} she for ț{a}t the lacked som-what 1915 _had_--MS. hadde, C. had 1917 _graunt[e]_--grau{n}te 1919 _haț_--MS. hațe _a wy[gh]t_--awht 1921 _alle_--al 1922 _rycchesse_--Rychesses _lak_--lakke 1923 _rycchesse_--Rychesses 1927 _haț_--MS. hațe _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 _haț_--MS. hațe _be_--ben 1936 _haț_--MS. hațe _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 nediț no helpe yif he ne hadde no moneye țat he my[gh]t[e] leese. [Sidenote: _B._ That is beyond all doubt.] ¶ țat 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.] țanne is țis ți{n}g turned in to țe contrarie 1940 q{uod} she ¶ For rycchesse țat men wenen sholde make suffisau{n}ce. ței maken a man rațer 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 țe manere or țe gise q{uod} she țat rycches may dryuen awey nede. ¶ Riche folk 1944 may ței neițer han hungre ne țrest. țise ryche men may ței feele no colde on hir lymes in wynter. [Sidenote: You will say that the rich have wherewithal to satisfy these wants.] ¶ But țou wilt answere țat ryche men han y-nou[gh] wher wiț ței may staunchen her hunger. {and} slaken her țrest 1948 {and} don awey colde. [Sidenote: By riches indigence may be alleviated, but they cannot satisfy every want.] ¶ In țis 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 țou[gh] țis nede țat is alwey gapyng {and} gredy be fulfilled wiț rycchesses. {and} axe 1952 any țing [gh]it dwelleț țanne a nede țat 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 țat litel țing suffiseț to nature. but certys to auarice ynou[gh] ne suffiseț no ținge. [Sidenote: If riches, then, add to our wants, why should you think that they can supply all your necessities?] [Sidenote: [* fol. 17.]] *¶ For syn țat rychesse ne may nat 1956 al don awey nede. but rychesse maken nede. what may it țanne be țat [gh]e wenen țat rychesses mowen [gh]eue{n} [gh]ow suffisau{n}ce. [Linenotes: 1938 _nediț 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 _țrest_--thurst 1946 _ței_--the _colde_--coold _in_--on 1947 _wilt answere_--wolt Answeren _y-nou[gh]_--y-now 1948 _țrest_--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 țat 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 țou[gh] he hadde his nekke I-charged wiț p{re}ciouse stones of țe rede see. {and} țou[gh] he do erye his feldes plentiuo{us} wiț an hundreț oxen neuere 1964 ne shal his bytyng bysynesse forleten hym while he lyueț. ne țe 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 _țou[gh]_--thow 1964 _erye_--Ere _hundreț_--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 ței ben comen make ței hym 1968 honorable {and} reuerent. [Sidenote: But have they power to destroy vice or implant virtue in the heart?] han ței nat so grete strengțe țat ței may putte vertues in țe hertis of folk. țat vsen țe lordshipes of hem. or ellys may ței don awey țe vices. [Sidenote: So far from expelling vicious habits, they only render them more conspicuous.] Certys ței [ne] ben nat wont to don awey wikkednesses. 1972 but ței ben wont rațer to shew[en] wikkednesses. [Sidenote: Hence arises the indignation when we see dignities given to wicked men.] {and} țer of comeț it țat I haue ry[gh]t grete desdeyne. țat 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 țing catullus clepid a consul of Rome țat 1976 hy[gh]t noni{us} postum. or boch. as who seiț he clepiț hy{m} a congregac{i}ou{n} of uices in his brest as a postum is ful of corrupc{i}ou{n}. al were țis 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 țou nat țan how gret vylenye 1980 dignitees don to wikked men. ¶ Certys vnworțines of wikked men shold{e} ben țe lasse ysen yif ței 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 țou ți self ne my[gh]test nat ben brou[gh]t wiț as many p{er}ils as țou 1984 my[gh]test suffren țat ț{o}u woldest bere ți magistrat wiț decorat. țat is to seyn. țat for no p{er}il țat my[gh]t[e] bifalle{n} țe by țe offence of țe kyng theodorik țou noldest nat ben felawe in gouernaunce w{i}t{h} decorat. whanne 1988 țou say[e] țat 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 worți of reuerence țat I deme {and} holde vnworți to han țilke 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 țou saie a man țat were fulfilled of wisdom. certys țou ne my[gh]test nat demen ț{a}t he were vnworți to țe [[pg 73]] hono{ur}. or ellys to țe 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 transporteț dignite anon to țilke 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 _comeț_--comth _grete desdeyne_--gret desdaign 1976 _whiche_--which 1977 _hy[gh]t_--hyhte _nonius_--MS. vonn{us}, C. nomy{us} _boch_--MS. boțe, C. boch _clepiț_--clepyd 1979 _nonius_--MS. uonn{us}, C. nomy{us} _set_--MS. sette, C. set 1980 _Sest țou_--Sesthow _țan_--thanne _vylenye_--fylonye 1981 _vnworțines_--vnworthynesse 1982 _ben_--be _ysen_--MS. ysene, C. I-sene 1984 _many_--manye 1985 _bere_--beren 1986 _my[gh]t[e]_--myhte 1987 _țe_ (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 țat 2000 ței ne han no p{ro}pre beaute of dignite. ¶ And [gh]it men au[gh]ten take more hede in țis. [Sidenote: Dignities conferred upon shrews only make their vices the more conspicuous.] ¶ For if it so be țat he is most out cast țat most folk dispisen. or as dignite ne may nat maken shrewes worți of no reuerences. țan 2004 makeț dignites shrewes more dispised țan p{re}ised. țe whiche shrewes dignit[e] scheweț 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 soțe nat vnpunissed. țat is forto sein. țat shrewes reuengen hem a[gh]einward vpon dignites. for ței [gh]elden 2008 a[gh]ein to dignites as gret gerdou{n} whan ței byspotten {and} defoulen dignites wiț 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 țou mow[e] knowe țat țilke verray reuerence ne may nat comen by țe shadewy t{ra}nsitorie dignitees. 2012 vndirstonde now țis. yif țat 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 țilke 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 țat 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 ț{a}t a wykkyd whyght be so mochel the fowler{e} {and} the moore owt cast ț{a}t he is despised of most folk so as dignete 2004-2007 _maken----soțe_--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 _țe shadewy_--thyse shadwye 2013 _vndirstonde_--vndyrstond _țis_--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 stinteț 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 comeț nat to folk of hir p{ro}pre strengțe of nat{ur}e. but only of țe fals[e] [[pg 74]] opiniou{n} of folk. țat is to sein. țat wenen țat dignites 2024 maken folk digne of hono{ur}. An on țerfore whan țat ței comen țer as folk ne knowe{n} nat țilke dignites. her hono{ur}s vanissen awey {and} țat on oon. but țat is a-mong straung folk. maist țou sein. [Sidenote: Do they always endure in those places that gave birth to them?] but amo{n}g{us} 2028 hem țat ței weren born duren țilk[e] dignites alwey. [Sidenote: The Prætorate was once a great honour, but now it is only an empty name and a heavy expense.] ¶ Certys țe dignite of țe p{ro}uostrie of Rome was somtyme a grete power. now is it no țing but an ydel name. {and} țe rente of țe 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 țe office to taken he[de] to țe vitailes of țe poeple as of corne {and} what oțer ținges he was holden amonges grete. but what țing is more nowe out cast țanne țilke 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. țat țilke țing țat haț no p{ro}pre beaute of hym self resceyueț somtyme pris {and} shinynge {and} somtyme lesiț it by țe 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 țat dignites țanne ne mowen 2040 nat maken folk digne of reuerence. {and} yif ț{a}t dignites wexen foule of hir wille by țe filțe of shrewes. ¶ and yif țat dignites lesen hir shynynge by chaungyng of tymes. and yif ței wexen foule by estimac{i}ou{n} of 2044 poeple. what is it țat ței han in hem self of beaute țat au[gh]te ben desired. as who seiț none. țanne ne mowen ței [gh]iuen no beaute of dignite to none oțer. [Linenotes: 2020 _enchaufen_--eschaufen 2021 _myche_--mochel 2022 _be_--ben 2023 _fals[e]_--false 2024 _țat_ (2)--omitted 2027 _her_--hyr _vanissen_--vanesshen 2028 _a-mong_--amonges _straung_--strau{n}ge _but_--ne 2029 _țat_--ther _duren țilk[e]_--ne duren nat thylke 2030 _somtyme_--whylom 2031 _grete_--gret 2032 _țe_ (2)--omitted 2033 _somtyme_--whylom _țe_--MS. țe țe 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 _haț_--MS. hațe 2042 _filțe_--felthe 2043 _țat_--omitted 2046 _au[gh]te_--owhte _none_--non 2047 _ței_--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 țat țe proude nero wiț al his woode luxurie 2048 kembed hym {and} apparailed hym wiț faire purp{er}s of Tirie {and} wiț white perles. Algates [gh]itte throf he hateful to alle folk ¶ țis is to seyn țat 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 țis wicked Nero hadde gret 2052 lordship {and} [gh]af somtyme to țe dredeful senatours țe vnworshipful setes of dignites. ¶ vnworshipful setes he clepiț here fore țat Nero țat was so wikked [gh]af țo dignites. [Sidenote: Who then can think that felicity resides in honours given by vicious shrews?] who wolde țanne resonably wenen țat 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 ței 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 dureț 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 țe olde age of tyme passeț. {and} eke of p{re}sent tyme now is ful of ensau{m}ples how ț{a}t kynges țat 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 țing 2064 {and} a cler țing is power țat 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 țat power of realmes be auctour {and} maker of blisfulnesse. yif țilke power lakkeț on any side. amenusiț it nat țilke blisfulnesse {and} bryngeț 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 țat realmes of mankynde stretchen b{r}oode. [gh]it mot țer nede ben myche folk ouer whiche țat euery kyng ne haț no lordshipe no comaundement ¶ and certys vpon țilke syde țat 2072 power failleț whiche țat makiț folk blisful. ry[gh]t on țat same side nou{n}power entriț vndirneț țat makeț hem wreches. [Sidenote: Kings, therefore, have a larger portion of misery than of felicity.] ¶ In țis manere țanne moten kynges han more porciou{n} of wrechednesse țan of welefulnesse. 2076 [Linenotes: 2060 _my[gh]ty_--MS. vnmy[gh]ty, C. myhty 2062 _passeț_--passed _of_ (2)--omitted 2063 _kynges țat han_--kynges ben 2066 _kepe_--kepen 2067 _maker_--maker{e} 2069 _yif_--yit _realmes_--the Reaumes 2070 _stretchen_--strechchen _myche_--moche 2071 _haț_--MS. hațe 2073 _whiche_--whych 2074 _vndirneț_--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 țat was kyng of sisile țat had[de] assaied țe p{er}il of his estat shewid[e] by similitude țe dredes of realmes by gastnesse of a swerde țat heng ouer țe heued of his familier. [Sidenote: What then is this thing called Power, which cannot do away with care or fear?] what țing is țan țis power țat 2080 may nat don awey țe bytynges of besines ne eschewe [[pg 76]] țe 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 ței lyuen *in sykernesse. but ței may nat. and [gh]it ței glorifien hem in her power [Sidenote: Is he powerful who cannot do what he wishes?] ¶ Holdest țou țan țat țilk[e] man 2084 be my[gh]ty țat ț{o}u seest țat he wolde don țat 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 țou țan hym a my[gh]ty man țat haț environed hise sydes wiț men of armes or seruauntes {and} dredeț more [hem] țat he makeț agast. 2088 țen ței dreden hym. {and} țat is put in țe 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 țe any țing. syn țat I my self haue shewed țe țat 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.] țe whiche familiers certis țe real power of kynges in hool estat {and} in estat abated ful [ofte] țroweț 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 deeț he wolde deien. [Sidenote: Antonius (Caracalla) commanded Papinian to be slain by the swords of his soldiers.] ¶ Antonius comau{n}did[e] țat kny[gh]tis slowen wiț her swerdis Papinian his familier whiche Papinian had[de] ben long tyme ful my[gh]ty a-monges hem of țe courte. [Sidenote: Yet both would have given up all they possessed.] and [gh]it certis ței wolde boțe 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 țe grete wey[gh]t. țat is to sein of lordes power or of fortune 2104 draweț hem țat sholden falle. neyțer of hem ne my[gh]t[e] do țat he wolde. [Sidenote: What then is Power, which terrifies its possessors, and which cannot be got rid of at pleasure?] what țing is țanne țilke power țat țou[gh] men han it țat ței ben agast. ¶ {and} whan țou woldest han it țou nart nat siker. ¶ And 2108 yif țou woldest forleten it țou mayst nat eschewen it. [Sidenote: No advantage is to be gained by friendship based on prosperity instead of virtue.] ¶ But whețir 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 makeț frendes. contrarious fortune [[pg 77]] makeț hem enmyse. ¶ And what pestilence is 2113 more my[gh]ty forto anoye a wi[gh]t țan 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 _țilk[e]_--thylke 2087 _haț_--MS. hațe _environed_--enuyrownede 2088 [_hem_]--from C. 2089 _țen_--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_--ț{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 țe 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 țat ți lordship[e] strecche so fer țat țe contre Inde quakiț at ți comaundement. or at ți lawes. {and} țat țe leest isle in țe see țat hy[gh]t tile be țral to țe ¶ [gh]it yif țou mayst 2120 nat pute{n} awey ți foule derk[e] desijres {and} dryue{n} oute fro țe wreched co{m}pleyntes. Certis it nis no power țat țou 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 țing nat vnskilfully a tregedien țat is to sein a maker of dites țat hy[gh]ten tregedies cried[e] {and} seide. ¶ O glorie glorie q{uod} he. țou nart no țing ellys to țousandes of folkes. but a gret sweller of eres. 2128 for many[e] han had ful gret renou{n} by țe fals[e] oppiniou{n} of poeple. [Sidenote: What can be more infamous than renoun founded on the prejudices of the vulgar?] and what țing may ben țou[gh]t fouler țen swiche p{re}isynge [Sidenote: Those that are undeservedly praised ought to blush for shame.] for țilk[e] folk țat be{n} p{re}ised falsly. ței 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 țat folk han gete{n} hem țank or p{re}ysyng by her desertes. what țing haț țilk pris echid or encresed to țe conscience of wise folk ț{a}t mesure{n} hire good. not by țe rumo{ur} of țe poeple. but by țe soțefastnesse 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 țing a man to han encresid {and} sprad his name. țan folweț it. țat it is demed to ben a foule ținge 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 țat syn țer mot nedes ben many folk to whiche folk țe renou{n} of a man ne may nat comen. it byfalleț țat he țat țou wenest be glorious {and} renomed. semiț in țe nexte p{ar}ties of țe erțe to ben wiț out glorie. {and} wiț 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 țise ținges I ne trowe nat țat țe p{r}is {and} grace of țe poeple nis neițer worți *to ben remembrid ne comeț of wise iugement. ne is ferm p{er}durably. [Sidenote: How empty and transitory are titles of nobility!] ¶ But now of țis name of gentilesse. 2148 what man is it țat ne may wel seen how veyne {and} how flittyng a țing it is. [Sidenote: Gentility is wholly foreign to renown, and to those who boast of noble birth.] ¶ For if țe name of gentilesse be referred to renou{n} {and} clernesse of linage. țan is gentil name but a for[e]ine țing. țat is to sein to 2152 hem țat glorifien hem of hir linage. [Sidenote: Nobility is fame derived from the merits of one's ancestors.] ¶ For it semeț țat gentilesse be a maner p{re}ysynge țat comeț of decert of auncestres. [Sidenote: If praise can give nobility they are noble who are praised.] ¶ And yif p{re}ysynge makeț gentilesse țan moten ței nedes be gentil țat 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 țing it folweț. țat yif țou ne haue no gentilesse of ți self. țat is to sein pris ț{a}t comeț of ți deserte foreine gentilesse ne makeț țe 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 țer be any goode in gentilesse. I trowe it be i{n} al 2160 oonly țis. țat it semeț as țat a maner necessitee be imposed to gentil men. for țat ței ne sholden nat outraien or forliuen fro țe 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 _țen_--thanne _țilk[e]_--thylke 2133 _or_--of 2134 _haț_--MS. hațe _țilke_--thylke 2139 _foule ținge_--fowl thing 2140 _ne_--{and} _byforne_--byforn 2144 _parties_--partye _erțe_--Erthes _out_--owte 2145 _out_--owhte 2148 _ferm_--ferme 2149 _veyne_--veyn 2150 _if_--yif 2154 _comeț of_--comth of the 2157 _whiche_--which 2158 _pris_--preys _comeț_--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 țe linage of men țat ben i{n} erțe ben of semblable 2164 burțe. [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 ținges. On alone minyst[r]eț alle ținges. ¶ He [gh]af to țe sonne hys bemes. he [gh]af to țe moone hir hornes. [Sidenote: The same gave the earth to man and adorned the sky with stars.] he [gh]af țe men to țe erțe. he [gh]af țe sterres to țe heuene. [Sidenote: He breathed into man the breath of life.] ¶ he encloseț 2168 wiț membres țe soules țat comen fro hys heye sete. [[pg 79]] [Sidenote: All men spring from this illustrious source.] ¶ țanne 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 țou look[e] [gh]oure bygy{n}ny{n}g. and god [gh]oure aucto{ur} {and} 2172 [gh]oure makere. țan is țer no forlyued wy[gh]t but [gh]if he norisse his corage vnto vices {and} forlete his p{ro}pre burțe. [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 țe desiringes ben ful of anguisse. {and} țe 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 țilke delices wont to 2180 bryngen to țe bo[d]ies of folk țat 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 țis woot I wel țat who so euere wil remembren hym of hys luxuries. he shal wel vndirstonde. 2184 țat țe 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 țilke delices mowen make folk blisful. țan by țe same cause moten țise bestes ben clepid blisful. ¶ Of whiche bestes al țe entenc{i}ou{n} hasteț 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 țe gladnesse of wijf [{and}] children were [an] honest țing. but it haț ben seid. țat it is ouer myche a[gh]eins kynde țat 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 nedeț nat to tellen it țe țat hast or țis 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 țis approue I țe sentence of my disciple Euridippus. țat seide țat he 2196 țat haț 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. _haț_--hațe _seid_--MS. seide, C. seyd 2191 _myche_--mochel 2192 _many_--manye 2196 _Euridippus_--Eurydyppys; _read_ Euripides 2197 _haț_--MS. hațe] [[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 haț țis. țat it anguisseț hem wiț prikkes ț{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 resembliț to țise flying flyes țat we clepen been. țat aftre țat țe bee haț shed hys agreable 2200 honies he fleeț awey {and} styngeț țe hertes of he{m} țat ben ysmyte wiț bytynge ouer longe holdynge. [Linenotes: 2198 _Euery_--MS. Ouery, C. Every 2198, 2200 _haț_--MS. hațe _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 țan ț{a}t țise weyes ne ben a maner mysledy{n}g to blisfulnesse. ne țat ței ne 2204 mowe nat leden folke țider as ței byheten to lede{n} hem. [Sidenote: These false ways are perplexed with many evils, as I shall presently show thee.] [Sidenote: [* fol. 19.]] ¶ But wiț how grete harmes țise *forseide weyes ben enlaced. ¶ I shal shewe țe shortly. [Sidenote: Do you want to amass wealth, then you must take it from your neighbours.] ¶ For whi yif țou enforcest țe to assemble moneye. țou most by-reuen 2208 hym his moneye țat haț it. [Sidenote: Would you shine in dignities, then you must beg for them and disgrace yourself by a humiliating supplication.] and yif țou wilt shynen wiț dignites. țou most bysechen {and} supplien hem țat [gh]iue{n} țo dignitees. ¶ And yif țou coueitest by hono{ur} to gon by-fore oțer folk ț{o}u shalt defoule ți 2212 self by hu{m}blesse of axing. [Sidenote: If power be your ambition, you expose yourself to the snares of inferiors.] yif țou desiryst power. țou shalt by awaites of ți 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 țou glorie ț{o}u shalt ben so destrat by aspre ținges țat țou 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 țou wilt leden ți lijf in delices. euery whi[gh]t shal dispisen țe {and} forleten țe as țou țat art țral to țing țat is ry[gh]t foule {and} brutel. țat is [to] sein seruau{n}t to ți body. [Sidenote: They build upon a weak foundation that place bodily delights above their own reason.] ¶ Now is it țan wel yseen 2220 how lytel {and} how brutel possessiou{n} ței coueiten țat putten țe goodes of țe body abouen hire owe{n} resou{n}. [Sidenote: Can you surpass the elephant in bulk, or the bull in strength?] ¶ For mayst țou so{ur}mou{n}te{n} țise olifuńt[gh] in gretnesse or wey[gh]t of body. Or mayst țou ben strenger țan țe 2224 bole. [Sidenote: Art thou swifter than the tiger?] Mayst țou ben swifter țan țe tigre. [Sidenote: Behold the immense extent of the heavens and cease to admire vile or lesser things.] biholde țe spaces {and} țe stablenesse {and} țe swyfte cours of țe [[pg 81]] heuene. {and} stynte somtyme to wondren on foule ținges. [Sidenote: Admire what is still more admirable, the consummate wisdom that governs them.] țe whiche heuene certys nis nat rațer for țise 2228 ținges to ben wondred vpon. țan for țe resou{n} by whiche it is gouerned. [Sidenote: How fleeting is beauty!] but țe shynynge of ți forme țat is to seien țe beaute of ți body. how swiftly passyng is it {and} how transitorie. [Sidenote: It fades sooner than the vernal flowers.] ¶ Certis it is more flittynge 2232 țan țe mutabilite of floures of țe 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 telleț țat yif țat men hadden eyen of a beest țat hi[gh]t lynx. so țat țe lokyng of folk my[gh]t[e] percen țoru[gh] țe ținges ț{a}t wițstonden it. who so lokid 2236 țan in țe entrailes of țe body of alcibiades țat was ful fayr in țe sup{er}fice wiț 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 ți yif țou semest faire. ți nature ne makiț nat țat. but țe desceiuau{n}ce of țe fieblesse of țe 2240 eyen țat loken. [Sidenote: Prize bodily perfections as much as you will, yet a three days' fever will destroy them.] ¶ But p{re}ise țe goodes of ți body as moche as euer țe list. so țat țou know[e] algates țat what so it be. țat is to seyn of țe goodes of ți body whiche țat ț{o}u wondrest vpon may ben destroied or 2244 dessolued by țe hete of a feuere of țre dayes. ¶ Of alle whiche forseide ținges I may reduce{n} țis 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.] ¶ țat țise worldly goodes whiche țat ne mowen nat [gh]iuen țat ței byheten. ne ben nat p{er}fit by 2248 țe congregac{i}ou{n} of alle goodes. țat ței ne ben nat weyes ne pațes țat 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 _haț_--MS. hațe _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} _țe_--omitted _shulde_--sholde 2239 _foule_--fowl _faire_--fayr _ne_--omitted 2240 _desceiuaunce of țe fieblesse_--deceyuable or the feblesse 2242 _moche_--mochel _know[e]_--knowe 2243 _țe_--omitted _ți 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 myslediț 2252 wandryng wrecches fro țe pațe 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 țe 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 lykeț to hunte to roos. [gh]e ne gon nat to țe foordes of țe water țat hy[gh]t tyrene. [Sidenote: Men know where to look for white pearls, and for the fish that yields the purple dye.] {and} ouer țis men knowen wel țe crikes {and} țe cau{er}nes of țe see yhidd in țe 2260 floodes. {and} knowen eke whiche water is most plentiuo{us} of white perles. {and} knowen whiche water habundeț most of rede purpre. țat 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 țat 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 țat hem ne recchiț nat to knowe where țilk[e] goodes ben yhidd whiche țat ței 2268 coueiten but ploungen hem in erțe {and} seken țere țilke goode ț{a}t so{ur}mou{n}teț țe heuene țat bereț țe sterres. [Sidenote: What doom do the silly race deserve?] [Sidenote: [* fol. 19 _b_.]] ¶ what *p{re}yere may I make țat be digne to țe nice țou[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 țat ței coueite{n} 2272 rycches {and} hono{ur}s so țat whan ței han geten țo false goodes wiț greet trauayle țat țerby ței mowe knowen țe verray goodes. [Linenotes: 2252 _whiche_ (_both_)--whych 2253 _pațe_--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 suffisiț țat I haue shewed hider to țe forme of 2276 false wilfulnesse. so țat yif țou look[e] now clerely țe ordre of myn entenc{i}ou{n} requeriț from hennes forțe to shewe{n} țe 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 țat 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 țou wel knowen q{uo}d she țe cause whi it is. Certis me semeț q{uod} .I. țat .I. se hem ry[gh]t as țou[gh] it were țoru[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 țe. Certys q{uod} she țe 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 țilk țing țat symply is on țing wiț outen ony diuisiou{n}. țe errour {and} folie of mankynde departeț 2288 {and} diuidiț it. {and} mislediț it {and} t{ra}nsporteț from verray {and} p{er}fit goode. to goodes țat ben false {and} inp{er}fit. [Sidenote: Does that state which needs nothing stand in need of power?] ¶ But seye me țis. wenest țou țat he țat haț nede of power țat hy{m} ne lakkeț no țing. [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 țou seist ary[gh]t. For yif so be ț{a}t țer is a țing țat 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 țat it most[e] nedes be nedy of foreine helpe. ¶ Ri[gh]t so it is q{uo}d .I. Suffisaunce and power 2296 ben țan of on kynde ¶ So semeț it q{uod} I. [Sidenote: _P._ Are power and sufficiency to be despised? Are they not rather worthy of universal respect?] ¶ And demyst țou q{uo}d she țat a țing țat is of țis manere. țat is to seine suffisau{n}t {and} my[gh]ty au[gh]t[e] to ben dispised. or ellys ț{a}t it be ry[gh]t digne of reuerences abouen 2300 alle ținges. [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 țat it nis ry[gh]t worți to ben reuerenced. ¶ Lat vs q{uo}d she țan adden reuerence to suffisaunce {and} to power ¶ So țat we demen țat țise țre ținges ben alle o țing. [Sidenote: _B._ I see no objection to that view.] ¶ Certis 2304 q{uo}d I lat vs adden it. yif we willen graunten țe soțe. [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 țou țan q{uo}d she is țat a dirke țing {and} nat noble țat is suffisau{n}t reu{er}ent {and} my[gh]ty. or ellys 2307 țat 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 _țilk_--thylke _on_--o 2290 _goode_--good 2291 _seye_--sey _haț_--MS. hațe 2294 _fieble_--febler{e} 2295 _most[e]_--mot 2296 _helpe_--help 2297 _on_--o 2298 _demyst țou_--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 țan q{uo}d she as we han grau{n}tid her byforne. țat he țat ne haț ne[de] of no țing {and} is most my[gh]ty {and} most digne of hono{ur} yif hym nediț any clernesse of renou{n} whiche clernesse he my[gh]t[e] nat 2312 graunten of hym self. ¶ So țat for lakke of țilke clerenesse he my[gh]t[e] seme febler on any syde or țe more outcaste. _Glosa._ țis is to seyne nay. [[pg 84]] [Sidenote: He that is sufficiently mighty and esteemed will have necessarily an illustrious name.] ¶ For who so țat is suffisau{n}t my[gh]ty {and} reuerent. clernesse of 2316 renou{n} folweț of țe forseide ținges. he haț 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. țat țis țing 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.] ¶ țan 2320 folweț it q{uo}d she țat we adden clernesse of renou{n} to țe țre forseide ținges. so țat țer ne be amonges hem no difference. {and} țis 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?] țis țing țan q{uo}d she țat ne haț no nede of no foreine 2324 țing. {and} țat may don alle ținges by his strengțes. {and} țat is noble {and} hono{ur}able. nis nat țat a myrie țing {and} a ioyful. [Sidenote: _B._ I cannot conceive how such a one can have grief or trouble.] _boice._ but wenest q{uo}d I ț{a}t any sorow my[gh]t[e] comen to țis țing țat is swiche. ¶ Certys 2328 I may nat ținke. [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._ ¶ țanne moten we graunt[e] q{uod} she țat țis țing be ful of gladnesse yif țe țorseide ținges be soțe. ¶ And also certys mote we graunten. țat suffisaunce power noblesse reuerence {and} gladnesse ben 2332 only dyuerse bynames. but hir substaunce haț 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._ țilke ținge țan q{uo}d she țat is oon {and} simple i{n} his nature. [Sidenote: [* fol. 20.]] țe wikkednesse of men departiț it *diuidiț it. {and} 2336 whan ței enforcen hem to gete p{ar}tie of a țing țat ne haț no part. ței ne geten hem neițer țilk[e] p{ar}tie țat nis none. ne țe țing al hole țat ței 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._ țilke man q{uo}d she țat 2340 sekeț rychesse to fleen pouerte. he ne trauayleț hym nat to for to gete power for he haț leuer ben dirk {and} vile. {and} eke wițdraweț from hym selfe many naturel delit[gh] for he nolde lesen țe moneye țat he haț 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 țis manere he ne getiț hym nat [[pg 85]] suffisaunce țat power forletiț. {and} țat moleste p{re}keț. {and} țat filțe makeț outcaste. {and} țat derknesse hideț. [Sidenote: He who only aims at power squanders his riches, and despises delights and honours unaccompanied by power.] and certis he ț{a}t desireț only power he wastiț {and} 2348 scatriț rychesse {and} dispiseț delices {and} eke hono{ur} țat is wiț out power. ne he ne p{re}iseț glorie no țing. [Linenotes: 2310 _haț_--MS. hațe 2312 _whiche_--whych _my[gh]t[e]_--myhte 2314 _clerenesse_--clernesse _my[gh]t[e]_--myhte _febler_--the febeler{e} 2315 _seyne_--seyn 2317 _haț_--MS. hațe 2324 _haț_--MS. hațe 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 _haț_--MS. hațe 2334 _nedely_--nedly 2335 _ținge_--thing 2337 _gete_--geten 2338 _haț_--MS. hațe _țilk[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 _haț_--MS. hațe 2346 _prekeț_--prykketh 2347 _derknesse_--dyrknesse 2349 _scatriț_--schatereth _delices_--delyc[gh] 2350 _wiț out_--w{i}t{h} owte] [Headnote: OF FALSE FELICITY.] ¶ Certys țus seest țou wel țat many ți{n}g{us} failen to hym. for he haț 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 țo defautes awey. he forleteț to ben my[gh]ty. {and} țat is țe țing țat he most desireț. [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 țus may I make semblable resou{n}s of hono{ur}s {and} of glorie 2356 {and} of delices. ¶ For so as euery of țise forseide ținges is țe same țat țise oțer ținges ben. țat is to sein. al oon țing. who so țat euer sekeț to geten țat oon of țise {and} nat țat oțer. he ne geteț nat țat he 2360 desireț. [Sidenote: _B._ What then if a man should desire to gain them all at once?] _Boice._ ¶ what seist țou țan yif țat a man coueiteț to geten alle țise ținges 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 țat he wolde geten hym souereyne blisfulnes. but țat shal he nat fynde in țo ținges 2364 țat .I. haue shewed țat ne mowe nat [gh]euen țat ței 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?] ¶ țan q{uod} she ne sholden men nat by no weye seken blysfulnesse in swiche ținges as men wenen țat ței ne mowe 2368 [gh]euen but o țing senglely of alle ț{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 soțer țing 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 țou țan q{uo}d she țe forme {and} țe causes of false welefulnesse. ¶ Now turne {and} 2372 flitte țe eyen of ți țou[gh]t. for țere shalt țou seen an oon țilk verray blysfulnesse ț{a}t I haue byhy[gh]t țee. [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. țou[gh] țat it were to a blynde man. {and} țat shewedest țou me [ful wel] a 2376 lytel her byforne. whan țou enforcedest țe to shewe me [[pg 86]] țe causes of țe 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. țan is țilke țe verray p{er}fit blisfulnesse țat p{er}fitly makiț a man suffisau{n}t. my[gh]ty. hono{ur}able noble. 2380 {and} ful of gladnesse. {and} for țou shalt wel knowe țat I haue wel vndirstonden țise ținges wiț i{n}ne myne herte. I knowe wel țilke blisfulnesse țat may verrayly [gh]euen on of țe forseide ținges syn ței ben al oon .I. knowe 2384 douteles țat țilke țing is țe 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 țis oppiniou{n} q{uo}d she I sey[e] țat țou art blisful yif țou putte țis țer to țat I shal seine. [Sidenote: _B._ What is that?] what is țat q{uo}d .I. [Sidenote: _P._ Thinkest thou that any thing in this world can confer this happiness? (the sovereign good).] ¶ Trowest țou țat 2388 țer be any țing in țis erțely mortal toumblyng ținges țat may bryngen țis 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} țou hast shewed me wel țat ouer țilke goode țer is no țing 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._ țise ținges țan 2392 q{uo}d she. țat is to seyne erțely suffisaunce {and} power. {and} swiche ținges eyțer ței semen likenesse of verray goode. or ellys it semeț țat ței [gh]euen to mortal folk a maner of goodes țat ne ben nat perfit. ¶ But țilke 2396 goode țat is verray {and} p{er}fit. țat may ței 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.] țan q{uo}d she for as moche as țou hast knowen whiche is țilke verray blisfulnesse. {and} eke whiche țilke ținges ben țat lien 2400 falsly blisfulnesse. țat is to seyne. țat by desceit seme{n} verray goodes. [Sidenote: [* fol. 20 _b_.]] ¶ Now byhoueț țe to knowe{n} *whennes {and} where țou mowe seek[e] țilke verray blisfulnesse. ¶ Certys q{uo}d I țat 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 likeț to my disciple plato in his book of i{n} thimeo. țat in ry[gh]t lytel ținges men sholde bysechen țe helpe of god. ¶ what iugest țou țat be 2408 [now] to done so țat we may deserue to fynde țe sete of [[pg 87]] țilke souereyne goode. [Sidenote: _B._ Let us invoke the Father of all things.] _B._ ¶ Certys q{uo}d .I. I. deme țat we shulle clepen to țe fadir of alle goodes. ¶ For wiț outen hym nis țer no țing founden ary[gh]t. [Sidenote: You are right, said Philosophy, and thus she sang:--] țou seist 2412 a-ry[gh]t q{uo}d she. and bygan on-one to syngen ry[gh]t țus. [Linenotes: 2351 _many_--manye 2352 _haț_--MS. hațe _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 _soțer_--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 _țis_--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 țou fadir creatour of heuene {and} of erțes țat gouernest țis worlde by p{er}durable resou{n} țat comaundist țe tymes for to gon from tyme țat age had[de] 2416 bygy{n}ny{n}g. țou țat dwellest ți self ay stedfast {and} stable {and} [gh]iuest alle oțer ținges 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 țe neuer to co{m}poune werke of floterynge mater. but only țe forme of souereyne 2420 goode y-set wiț i{n}ne [țe] wiț outen envie țat moeued[e] țe 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.] țou țat art alțerfairest beryng țe faire worlde in ți țou[gh]t. formedest țis worlde to țe likkenesse semblable of țat faire worlde in ți țou[gh]t. țou drawest 2424 alle ținges of ți souereyne ensampler. {and} comaundedist țat țis 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.] ¶ țou byndest țe element[gh] by noumbres p{ro}porcionables. țat țe colde ținges 2428 mowen accorde wiț țe hote ținges. {and} țe drye ți{n}ges wiț țe moyst ținges. [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,] țat țe fire țat is purest ne fleye nat ouer heye. ne țat țe heuynesse ne drawe nat adou{n} ouer lowe țe erțes țat ben plounged in țe watres. 2432 [Linenotes: 2415 _worlde_--world 2416 _from----age_--from syn ț{a}t age _had[de]_--hadde 2417 _stedfast_--stedefast 2418 _oțer_--oothre 2419 _forein_--foreyne _werke_--werk 2420 _souereyne goode_--sou{er}eyn good 2421 _y-set_--MS. y-sette, C. Iset _wiț inne_--w{i}t{h} in [_țe_]--the _wiț outen_--w{i}t{h} owte _moeued[e]_--moeuede 2422 _alțerfairest_--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.] ¶ țou knyttest to-gidre țe mene soule of treble kynde moeuyng alle ținges. {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 țus diuided it haț assembled a moeuyng in two roundes. ¶ It goț to to{ur}ne 2436 a[gh]ein to hym owen self. {and} environeț a fulle deep [[pg 88]] țou[gh]t. {and} to{ur}niț țe heuene by semblable ymage. [Sidenote: Thou by such causes dost raise all souls and lesser lives, and adaptest them to their light vehicles.] țou by eue{n}lyk causes enhau{n}sest țe soules {and} țe 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.] țou sewest hem in to heuene {and} in to erțe. {and} whan ței ben conuertid to țe by ți benigne lawe. ¶ țou makest hem retorne a[gh]eine to țe by a[gh]ein ledyng fijr. [Sidenote: O Father, elevate our souls and let them behold thy august throne.] ¶ O fadir yif țou to ți țou[gh]t to stien vp in to ți streite sete. 2444 {and} graunte [hym] to enviroune țe 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} țe ly[gh]te yfounde graunte hym to ficchen țe clere sy[gh]tes of hys corage in țe. ¶ And scatre țou {and} to-breke [thow] țe wey[gh]tes {and} țe cloudes of erțely heuynesse. 2448 {and} shyne țou by ți 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 țou art clernesse țou art peisible to debonaire folke. ¶ țou ți self art bygy{n}ny{n}ge. berere. ledere. paț {and} t{er}me to loke on țe [țat] is oure ende. _Glose._ 2452 [Linenotes: 2435 _haț_--MS. hațe 2436 _goț_--MS. goțe 2437 _owen_--C. omits 2438 _tourniț_--MS. to{ur}nițe 2439 _euenlyk_--euene lyke 2440 _ly[gh]t[e]_--lyhte 2442 _benigne_--bygynnynge 2444 _yif_--yiue _ți streite_--the streyte 2445 [_hym_]--from C. 2446 _ly[gh]te_--lyht 2448 [_thow_]--from C. 2449 _bry[gh]tnes_--bryhtnesse 2451 _paț_--MS. pațe; paath 2452 [_țat_]--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 țan as țou hast seyn. whiche is țe forme of goode țat nys nat p{er}fit. {and} whiche is țe forme of goode țat is p{er}fit. now trowe I țat it were goode to shewe in what țis 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 țis țing I trowe țat we sholden first enquere forto witen yif țat any swiche manere goode as țilke goode țat țou hast diffinissed a lytel her byforne. țat is to seine souereyne goode may be founden in țe nature 2460 of ținges. For țat veyne ymaginac{i}ou{n} of țou[gh]t ne desceiue vs nat. {and} putte vs oute of țe soțefastnesse of țilke ținge țat is su{m}myttid to vs. țis is to seyne. but it may nat ben denoyed țat țilke goode ne is. 2464 ¶ and țat 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 țing țat is cleped i{n}p{er}fit. is proued i{n}p{er}fit by țe [[pg 89]] amenusynge of p{er}fecc{i}ou{n}. or of țing țat 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 comeț it. țat in euery țing general. yif țat. 2468 țat men seen any țing țat is i{n}p{er}fit *certys in țilke general țer mot ben so{m}me țing țat is p{er}fit. ¶ For yif so be țat p{er}fecc{i}ou{n} is don awey. men may nat ținke nor seye fro whe{n}nes țilke țing is țat 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 țe nature of ținges ne token nat her bygynnyng of ținges amenused {and} i{n}p{er}fit. but it p{ro}cediț of ți{n}g{us} țat ben al hool. {and} absolut. {and} descendeț so doune in to outerest ținges {and} in to ți{n}g{us} empty {and} 2476 wiț 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. țat yif țer be a blisfulnesse țat be frele {and} vein {and} inp{er}fit. țer may no man doute. țat țer nys som blisfulnesse țat is sad stedfast {and} p{er}fit. b. țis is concludid 2480 q{uo}d I fermely {and} soțefastly. [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 țis blisfulnesse enhabiteț. țe co{m}mune acordaunce {and} conceite of țe corages of men p{ro}ueț {and} graunteț țat god p{r}ince of alle ți{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 țing ne may ben țou[gh]t bettre țan god. it may nat ben douted țan țat [he ț{a}t] no țing is bettre. țat he nys good. [Sidenote: Reason clearly demonstrates (1) that God is good, and (2) that the sovereign good exists in him.] ¶ Certys resou{n} sheweț țat god is so goode țat it p{ro}ueț by verray force țat 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 ținges. for certis som țing possessyng in hy{m} self p{er}fit goode sholde ben more țan god. {and} [it] sholde seme țat țilke țing were first 2492 {and} elder țan god. [Sidenote: And we have already shown that the perfect precedes the imperfect;] ¶ For we han shewed ap{er}tly țat alle ținges țat ben p{er}fit. ben first or ținges țat 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 _țis is to seyne_--C. omits 2464 _denoyed_--MS. deuoyded, C. denoyed _goode_--good 2465 _of_--MS. of of 2466 _al țing_--alle thing 2468 _her of comeț_--ther of comht 2470 _somme_--som 2471 _don_--MS. done, C. don 2473 _token_--took 2475 _hool_--hoole 2476 _doune_--down 2477 _wiț oute fruyt_--w{i}t{h} owten frut 2480 _stedfast_--stydefast 2481 _fermely_--MS. fennely, C. fermely _soțefastly_--sothfastly 2486 [_he țat_]--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 ți for as moche as [that] my resou{n} or my p{ro}ces ne go nat awey wițoute an ende. we 2496 ou[gh]t[e] to graunten țat țe 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 țat țe souereyne goode is verrey blisfulnesse. țan mot it nedes ben [ț{a}t verray blysfulnesse is] yset i{n} souereyne god. 2500 _B._ țis take I wel q{uo}d .I. ne țis ne may nat be wițseid 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 țe q{uo}d she see now how țou mayst preuen holily {and} wiț-oute{n} corrupciou{n} țis țat I haue seid. țat țe souereyne god is ry[gh]t ful of 2504 souereyne goode. [In whych man{er}e q{uo}d I.] wenest țou ou[gh]t q{uo}d she țat țis p{r}ince of alle ținges haue ytake țilke souereyne good any where țan of hym self. ¶ of whiche souereyne goode men p{ro}ueț țat he is ful 2508 ry[gh]t as țou my[gh]test ținken. țat god țat haț blisfulnesse in hym self. {and} țat ilke blisfulnesse țat 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 țou wene țat god haue receyued țilke good oute of hy{m} self. țou 2512 mayst wene țat he țat [gh]af țilke good to god. be more goode țan is god. [Sidenote: But we have concluded that there is nothing more excellent than God.] ¶ But I am byknowen {and} confesse {and} țat ry[gh]t dignely țat god is ry[gh]t worți abouen alle ținges. [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 țat țis good be in hym by 2516 nature. but țat it is diu{er}s from [hym] by wenyng resou{n}. syn we speke of god p{r}ince of alle ținges feyne who so feyne may. who was he țat [hath] co{n}ioigned țise diu{er}s ținges 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 țe last[e] se 2520 wel țat o țing țat is diu{er}s from any țing. țat țilke țing nis nat țat same țing. 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.] țan folweț it. țat țilke ți{n}g țat by hys nature is dyuers from souereyne good. țat țat 2524 țing 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 țat were a felonous corsednesse to ținken țat of hym. țat no țing nis more worțe. [Sidenote: In fact, nothing can exist whose nature is better than its origin.] For alwey of alle ținges. țe nat{ur}e of hem ne may nat ben better țan 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 [_țat----is_]--from C. _yset_--MS. ysette, C. set 2501 _be_--ben _wițseid_--MS. wițseide, C. withseid 2503 _wiț-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 _țan of_--owt of 2508 _whiche_--whych _souereyne goode_--souereyn good 2509 _haț_--MS. hațe 2510 _țat 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]] țat țilke țat is bygynnyng of alle ținges. țilke same țing is good in his substaunce. [Sidenote: _B._ Most rightly said!] _B._ țou 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 țat 2532 souereyne good is blysfulnes. țat is soțe q{uo}d .I. țan q{uo}d she mote we nedes graunten {and} confessen țat țilke 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 wițstonde țe resou{n}s p{ur}posed. 2536 and I see wel țat it folweț by strengțe of țe 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 țis be proued [yit] more fermely țus. ¶ țat țer ne mowen nat ben two souereyne goodes țat 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.] țat on is nat țat țat oțer is. țan [ne] mowen neițer of hem ben p{er}fit. so as eyțer of hem lakkiț to oțir. [Sidenote: That which is not perfect cannot be the supreme good.] but țat țat nis nat p{er}fit men may seen apertly țat it nis nat souereyne. [Sidenote: Neither can the chief good be essentially different.] țe ținges țan țat 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 țat blisfulnesse {and} god ben [the] souereyne goode. For whiche it mot nedes be țat souereyne blisfulnesse is souerey[ne] dyuynite. ¶ No 2548 țing q{uo}d I nis more soțefast țan țis ne more ferme by resou{n}. ne a more worți țing țan 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 țise ținges țan q{uo}d she. ry[gh]t as țise geometriens whan ței han shewed her p{ro}posiciou{n}s 2552 ben wont to brynge{n} in ținges țat ței clepen porismes or declarac{i}ou{n}s of forseide ținges. ry[gh]t so wil I [gh]eue țe 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 țe getynge of blisfulnesse men ben 2556 maked blysful. {and} blisfulnesse is diuinite. ¶ țan is it manifest {and} open țat by țe 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 țe getynge of iustice . . . {and} by țe getyng of sapience ței ben maked wise. 2560 [Linenotes: 2529 _whiche_--whych 2531 _seid_--MS. seide, C. seyd 2533 _soțe_--soth 2534 _mote_--moten 2539 [_yit_]--from C. 2541 _is_ (1)--nis _oțer_--othre [_ne_]--from C. 2546 _conclude_--concluded 2547 [_the_] from C. _goode_--good _be_--ben 2549 _soțefast_--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 țe semblable resou{n} wha{n} ței han getyn [[pg 92]] diuinite ței 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.] țan is euery blisful man god. ¶ But certis by nature. țer nys but oon god. but by țe p{ar}ticipac{i}ou{n}s of diuinite țere ne letteț ne 2564 disturbeț no țing țat țer ne ben many goddes. ¶ țis is q{uo}d .I. a faire țing {and} a p{re}cious. ¶ Clepe it as ț{o}u wolt. be it corolarie or porisme or mede of coroune or declarynges ¶ Certys q{uo}d she no țing nis fairer. 2568 țan is țe țing țat by resou{n} sholde ben added to țise forseide ținges. what țing 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 semeț țat blisfulnesse conteniț many ținges. it were forto witen whețir [ț{a}t] alle țise ținges 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 țilke ți{n}g{us} be swyche țat it acomplise by hy{m} self țe substaunce of blisfulnesse. so țat alle țise oțer ținges 2576 ben referred and brou[gh]t to blisfulnesse. țat is to seyne as to țe chief of hem. [Sidenote: _B._ Illustrate this matter by proper examples.] ¶ I wolde q{uo}d I țat țou makedest me clerly to vndirstonde what țou seist. {and} țat țou recordest me țe forseide ținges. [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. țat blisfulnesse is goode. [gh]is forsoțe q{uo}d .I. {and} țat souereyne goode. ¶ Adde țan q{uo}d she țilke goode țat is maked blisfulnes to alle țe forseide ținges. ¶ For țilke same blisfulnesse țat is 2584 demed to ben souereyne suffisaunce. țilke 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 țou țan of alle țise ținges. țat is to seyne. suffisance power 2588 {and} țise oțer ținges. ben ței țan as membris of blisfulnesse. or ben ței referred {and} brou[gh]t to souereyne good. ¶ Ry[gh]t as alle ținges țat ben brou[gh]t to țe chief of hem. [Linenotes: 2563 _oon_--o 2564 _letteț_--let 2566 _faire_--fayr 2567 _porisme_--MS. pousme, C. porisme 2572 [_țat_]--from C. 2573 _maner_--maner{e} _by_--be 2574 [_of_]--from C. 2575 _swyche_--swych 2576 _oțer_--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 _țise_--C. omits _seyne_--seyn 2589 _oțer_--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 țou p{ur}posest to [[pg 93]] seke. but I desijr[e] to herkene țat țou 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 țus țe discressiou{n} of țis questiou{n} q{uo}d she. yif al țise ținges q{uo}d she weren membris to felicite. țan weren ței diu{er}se țat oon fro țat oțer. 2596 ¶ And swiche is țe nat{ur}e of p{ar}ties or of membris. țat 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 haț wel ben shewed her byforne. țat alle țise ținges ben alle on țing. țan ben ței none membris q{uo}d 2600 she. [Sidenote: [* fol. 22.]] for ellys it sholde seme țat blisfulnesse were conioigned *al of one membre alone. but țat is a ți{n}g țat may nat ben doon. [Sidenote: _B._ This I doubt not, but I desire to hear the sequel.] țis țing q{uo}d .I. nys nat doutous. but I abide to herkene țe remenaunt of țe 2604 questiou{n}. [Sidenote: _P._ All the things above-mentioned must be tried by Good, as the rule and square.] țis is ope{n} {and} clere q{uo}d she. țat alle oțer ținges ben referred {and} brou[gh]t to goode. [Sidenote: Sufficiency, power, &c., are all desired, because they are esteemed a good.] ¶ For țerfore is suffisaunce requered. For it is demed to ben good. {and} forți is power requered. for men trowen also 2608 țat it be goode. and țis same țing mowe we ținken {and} coueiten of reuerence {and} of noblesse {and} of delit. [Sidenote: Good is the cause why all things are desired.] țan is souereyne good țe soume {and} țe cause of alle țat au[gh]t[e] be desired. [Sidenote: For that which contains no good, either in reality or appearance, can never be desired.] forwhi țilke țing țat wiț-holdeț 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} țe contrarie. For țou[gh] țat ținges by hir nature ne ben nat goode algates yif men wene țat ței be{n} goode [gh]it ben 2616 ței desired as țou[gh] [ț{a}t] ței were verrayly goode. [Sidenote: Hence, Good is esteemed as the cause and end of all things that we desire.] {and} țerfore is it țat men au[gh]te{n} to wene by ry[gh]t țat bounte be souereyne fyn {and} țe cause of alle ținges țat ben to requeren. [Sidenote: That which is the cause of our desiring any thing is itself what we chiefly want.] ¶ But certis țilke ț{a}t is cause for whiche 2620 men requeren any țing. ¶ it semeț țat țilke same țing 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 țus yif țat a wy[gh]t wolde ryde for cause of hele. he ne desireț nat so mychel țe moeuyng to ryden as țe 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 țan 2624 syn țat alle ținges ben requered for țe grace of good. ței ne ben [nat] desired of alle folk more țan țe 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 țat blysfulnesse is țat țing for whiche țat alle țise oțer ținges ben desired. 2628 țan is it țus țat certis only blisfulnesse is requered {and} desired ¶ By whiche țing it sheweț clerely țat good {and} blisfulnesse is al oone {and} țe same substaunce. [Sidenote: _B._ I see no cause to differ from you.] ¶ I se nat q{uo}d I wher fore țat men my[gh]t[en] discorden 2632 in țis. [Sidenote: _P._ It has been proved that God and happiness are identical and inseparable.] _p._ {and} we han shewed țat god {and} verrey blysfulnesse is al oon țing [Sidenote: _B._ That is true.] ¶ țat is soțe q{uod} .I. [Sidenote: Therefore the substance of God is also the same as that of the Supreme Good.] țan mowe we conclude sikerly ț{a}t țe substaunce of god is set in țilke same good {and} in noon oțer 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 țing_--othing 2602 _one_--on 2603 _ben doon_--be don 2604 _herkene_--herknen 2605 _clere_--cler _oțer_--oothre 2606 _goode_--good 2609 _goode_--good _mowe_--mowen 2617 [_țat_]--from C. _were verrayly_--weeren verraylyche 2618 _țerfore_--therfor _au[gh]ten_--owhten 2619 _alle_--alle the 2620 _whiche_--whych 2623 _mychel_--mochel 2624 _moeuyng_--moeuynge 2626 [_nat_]--from C. 2628 _oțer_--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 _soțe_--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 Comeț alle to-gidre now [gh]e țat ben ycau[gh]t {and} ybounde wiț wicked[e] cheines by țe deceiuable delit of erțely ținges inhabytynge in [gh]oure țou[gh]t. here shal ben țe reste of [gh]oure laboures. here is țe hauene 2640 stable in peisible quiete. țis al oone is țe open refut to wreches. [Sidenote: [Chaucer's gloss upon the Text.] _Glosa._ țis is to seyn. țat [gh]e țat ben combred {and} deceyued wiț worldly affecc{i}ou{n}s comeț now to țis souereyne good țat is god. țat is refut to hem țat 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 țe ținges țat țe ryuere Tagus [gh]iueț [gh]ow wiț his golden[e] grauels. or ellys alle țe țynges țat țe ryuere herm{us}. [gh]iueț wiț his rede brynke. or țat yndus [gh]iueț țat is nexte țe hote 2648 p{ar}tie of țe worlde. țat medeleț țe grene stones (smaragd{e}) wiț țe white (margarits). ne sholde nat cleren țe lokynge of [gh]oure țo[gh]t. but hiden rațer [gh]oure blynde corages wiț 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 țat 2652 likeț [gh]ow here {and} excitiț {and} moeueț [gh]oure țou[gh]tes. țe erțe haț noryshed it in hys lowe caues. but țe [[pg 95]] shynyng by țe whiche țe heuene is gouerned {and} whennes țat it haț hys strengțe țat chaseț țe derke 2656 ouerțrowyng of țe 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 țilke ly[gh]t of blisfulnesse. he shal wel seine țat țe white bemes of țe 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 _țynges_--MS. rynges, C. thinges _hermus_--MS. herin{us}, C. herynus 2648 _nexte_--next 2649 _worlde_--world 2654, 2656 _haț_--MS. hațe 2654 _hys_--hyse 2656 _chaseț țe 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 țise ținges ben 2660 strongly bounden wiț 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 țou p{re}isen it q{uo}d she. yif țat țou knowe what țilke 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 wiț outen ende. ¶ yif it shal bytyde me to 2664 knowe also to-gidre god țat 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 ț{a}t shal I do țe by verray resou{n}. [Sidenote: [* fol. 22 _b_.]] yif țat țo ținges țat 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._ ței dwellen graunted 2668 to țe q{uo}d .I. țis is to seyne as who seiț .I. graunt ți 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 țe q{uo}d she țat țe ținges țat ben requered of many folke. ne ben nat verray goodes ne p{er}fit. for ței ben diu{er}se țat 2672 oon fro țat oțer. {and} so as eche of hem is lakkyng to oțer. ței ne han no power to bryngen a good ț{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 țan atte arst ben ței verray good whan ței ben gadred to-gidre al in to a forme {and} in 2676 to oon wirchy{n}g. so țat țilke țing țat is suffisaunce. țilk same be power {and} reuerence. {and} noblesse {and} mirțe. [Sidenote: If they be not one and the same, why should they be classed among desirable things?] ¶ And forsoțe but alle țise ți{n}ges ben alle o same țing ței ne han nat wher by țat ței mowen ben 2680 put in țe nou{m}bre of ținges. țat au[gh]ten ben requered or desired. _b._ ¶ It is shewed q{uo}d .I. ne her of may țer 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._ țe ținges țan q{uo}d she țat ne ben none goodes whan ței ben diu{er}se. {and} whan ței [[pg 96]] bygynnen to ben al o țing. țan ben ței goodes. ne 2685 comiț it hem nat țan by țe getynge of unite țat ței ben maked goodes. [Sidenote: _B._ So it appears.] _b._ so it semeț 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 țing țat is good q{uo}d she grauntest țou țat 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 _oțer_--oothre _eche_--ech 2675 _absolute_--absolut _atte arst_--at erste 2676 _al_--alle _a_--O 2677 _to_--omitted _wirchyng_--wyrkynge 2678 _țilk_--thilke 2681 _put_--MS. putte, C. put _au[gh]ten_--owhten 2684 _none_--no 2685 _al o_--alle oon 2686 _comiț_--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).] ¶ țan mayst țou graunt[en] it q{uo}d she by sembleable resou{n} țat oon {and} good ben o same țing. ¶ For of ținges [of] whiche țat țe effect nis nat naturely diuerse 2692 nedys țe substaunce mot ben o same ținge. [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 țou nat knowen wel q{uo}d she. țat al țing țat is haț so longe his dwellyng {and} his substaunce. as longe is it oone. ¶ but wha{n} it 2696 forletiț 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 țe soule {and} țe 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 țat oon fram ț{a}t oțir. țan sheweț it wel țat it is a dede ți{n}g. {and} țat 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} țe body of a wy[gh]t while it dwelleț in oon forme by coniuncc{i}ou{n} of membris it is wel seyn țat it is a figure of 2705 mankynde. and yif țe partyes of țe body ben [so] diuide[d] {and} disseuered țat oon fro țat oțir țat ței destroien vnite. țe body forletiț to ben țat it was byforne. 2708 ¶ And who so wolde renne in țe same manere by alle ținges he sholde seen țat wiț outen doute euery ținge is in his substaunce as longe as it is oon. {and} whan it forletiț to ben oon it dieț {and} p{er}issiț. [Sidenote: _B._ I believe we should find this true in every case.] _boice._ 2712 whan I considre q{uo}d I many ținges I see noon oț{er}. [Linenotes: 2690 _mayst țou graunt[en]_--mosthow grau{n}ten 2692 [_of_]--from C. 2695 _al_--alle _haț_--MS. hațe 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 țer any țing țanne q{uo}d she țat in as moche as it lyueț naturely. țat forletiț țe appetit or talent of 2715 hys beynge. {and} desireț to come to deeț {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 țe beestes țat han any manere nature of willy{n}ge or of nillynge I ne fynde no țing. but yif it be constreyned fro wiț out forțe. țat forletiț or dispiseț to lyue {and} to dure{n} 2720 or țat wole his țankes hasten hy{m} to dien. ¶ For euery beest trauayleț hy{m} to defende {and} kepe țe sauuac{i}ou{n} of lijf. {and} escheweț deeț {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. țat is 2724 to seyn țat I am in a doute of swiche ținges as herbes or trees țat ne han no fely{n}g soule. ne no naturel wirchynges seruy{n}g to appetite as beestes han whețer ței 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 țer of țar țe 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 țise herbes {and} țise trees. ței waxen firste in swiche place as be{n} couenable to hem. in whiche place ței 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} oțir 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 ț{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 ț{a}t / ț{a}t is co{n}uenient to hym {and} trauaylith ț{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 / ț{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 ț{a}t thilke thing / ț{a}t is ryht softe as the marye (i. sapp) is / ț{a}t is alwey hidd in the feete al w{i}t{h} inne {and} ț{a}t it is defendid fro w{i}t{h} owte by the stidefastnesse of 2748 wode // {and} ț{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 ț{a}t ne wot wel ț{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 ț{a}t men wenen ne hauen none sowles / ne desir{e} they nat ech of hem by sem[b]lable resou{n} to kepyn ț{a}t that is hirs / ț{a}t is to seyn ț{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 _țing_--beest _out forțe_--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 _oțir_--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 ț{a}t is acordynge 2764 {and} propre to hym // ryht as thinges ț{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 ț{a}t they ne departe nat lyhtly a twyne // {and} the thinges ț{a}t ben softe {and} fletynge as is water {and} Eyr they departyn lyhtly // {and} yeuen place to hem ț{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 ț{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 ț{a}t we resseyuen {and} ne thinke nat on it / {and} as we drawen owr{e} breth in slepynge ț{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 ț{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 ț{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 ț{a}t ț{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 ț{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 ț{a}t ben creat of hym / this ț{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 ț{a}t desiret[-h] to be {and} to dwellyn p{er}durablely / he desireth to ben oon // For yif ț{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 [țow] maist descryuen ryht thus // Good is thilke thing ț{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 ț{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 ț{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 ț{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. țo 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 ț{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 [țe] syhte of his vndyrstondynge thanne the sonne ne semyth to [țe] 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} ț{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 țe 2864 sooth of any thing ț{a}t weer{e} axed / yif ther neer{e} a Roote of sothfastnesse ț{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 ț{a}t the Muse {and} the doctryne of plato syngyth sooth // al ț{a}t eu{er}y whyht lerneth / he ne doth no thing elles tha{n}ne but recordeth as me{n} recordyn thinges ț{a}t ben foryetyn. 2872 [Linenotes: 2838 _his_--H. țis _that_--H. {and} ț{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. țyng{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._]] *țe seconde tyme. țat is to seyn. first whan I lost[e] my memorie by țe co{n}tagio[-u]s coniuncc{i}ou{n} of țe body wiț 2876 țe soule. {and} eftsones afterward whan I lost[e] it co{n}founded by țe charge {and} by țe 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 țan sayde she țus. ¶ If țou look[e] q{uo}d she firste țe ținges țat țou hast graunted it ne shal nat 2880 ben ry[gh]t feer țat țou ne shalt remembren țilke țing țat [[pg 102]] țou seidest țat țou nistest nat. [Sidenote: _B._ What is that?] what țing q{uo}d I. [Sidenote: _P._ It was, by what power the world is governed.] ¶ by whiche gouerme{n}t q{uo}d she țat țis 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 remembriț it wel q{uo}d I. {and} I confesse 2884 wel țat I ne wist[e] it nat ¶ But al be it so țat I se now fro{m} afer what țou p{ur}posest ¶ Algates I desire [gh]it to herkene it of țe more pleynely. [Sidenote: _P._ You acknowledged a little while ago that this world was governed by God?] ¶ țou ne wendest nat q{uo}d she a litel here byforne țat men 2888 sholden doute țat țis 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 țat it were to doute. as who seiț. but I wot wel țat god gouerneț țis worlde. ¶ And I shal 2892 shortly answere țe by what resou{n}s I am brou[gh]t to țis. [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.] ¶ țis 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 țere ne were oon țat conioigned so many[e 2896 diu{er}se] ținges. ¶ And țe same diuersite of hire natures țat so discordeden țat oon fro țat oțer most[e] dep{ar}ten {and} vnioigne{n} țe ți{n}ges țat ben co{n}ioigned. yif țere ne were oon țat contened[e] țat he haț 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 țe certein ordre of nature ne sholde. nat brynge furțe so ordinee moeuynge. by places. by tymes. by doynges. by spaces. by qualites. yif țere ne were oon țat were ay stedfast dwellynge. 2904 țat ordeyned[e] {and} disposed[e] țise diuersites of moeuynges. [Sidenote: This Being, the creator and ruler of all things, I call God.] ¶ and țilke ținge what so euer it be. by whiche țat alle ținges ben maked {and} ylad. I clepe hym god țat is a worde țat 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.] țan seide she. syn țou felest țus țise ținges q{uo}d she. I trowe țat I haue lytel more to done. țat țou my[gh]ty of wilfulnesse hool {and} sounde ne se eftsones ți 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 _țere_--ther _many[e]_--manye 2897 [_diuerse_]--from C. _hire_--hir 2898 _most[e]_--moste 2900 _țere_--ther _contened[e]_--contenede _haț_--MS. hațe 2902 _furțe_--forth _ordinee moeuynge_--ordene moeuynges 2904 _țere_--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 țe ținges țat 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 țat 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 țat god is {and} țilke same blisfulnesse. ¶ yis forsoțe q{uo}d I. {and} țat to gouerne țis worlde q{uod} she. ne shal he 2916 neuer han nede of none helpe fro wițoute. [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 țus it mot nedes be q{uo}d I. [Sidenote: And he directs all things by himself alone?] ¶ țan ordeyneț he by hym self al oon alle ținges q{uo}d 2920 she. [Sidenote: _B._ It cannot be gainsaid.] țat 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 țat god is țe same good. ¶ It reme{m}breț me wel q{uo}d I. ¶ țan ordeineț he alle ținges by țilke goode q{uod} she. Syn he whiche we han accorded to 2924 ben good gouerneț alle ți{n}g{us} by hym self. {and} he is a keye {and} a stiere by whiche țat țe edifice of țis worlde is ykept stable {and} wiț 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 țat țou woldest seyne țus. Al be it so țat it were by a ținne 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 țou leedest nowe more ententifly ține eyen to loken țe verray goodes ¶ but națeles țe ținges țat I 2932 shal telle țe [gh]it ne sheweț nat lasse to loken. [Sidenote: _B._ What is that?] what is țat 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} țat ry[gh]tfully țat god gouerneț alle ținges by țe keye of his goodnesse. ¶ And alle țise same ținges as I [haue] 2936 tau[gh]t țe. hasten hem by naturel ente{n}c{i}ou{n} to comen to goode țer may no man doute{n}. țat ței ne ben gouerned uoluntariely. {and} țat ței ne conuerten [hem] nat of her owe{n} wille to țe 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 _națeles_--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 ței țat 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 țe realme ne sholde not seme blisful [gh]if țere were a [gh]ok of mysdrawynges in diu{er}se p{ar}ties ne țe sauynge of 2944 obedient ținges ne sholde nat be. [Sidenote: _P._ Is there anything that follows the dictates of nature that seeks to counteract the will of God?] țan is țere no țing q{uo}d she ț{a}t kepiț hys nature[;] țat enforceț 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 țat any ți{n}g enforced[e] hym to wițstonde god. my[gh]t[e] it auayle at 2948 țe laste a[gh]eyns hym țat we han g{ra}unted to ben al my[gh]ty by țe 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?] țan is țere no țing q{uo}d she țat eyțer wol or may wițstonde to țis 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.] ¶ țan is țilke țe souereyne good q{uo}d she țat alle ți{n}g{us} gouerneț strongly {and} ordeyneț 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.] ța{n} seide I țus. I delite me q{uo}d I nat oonly in țe endes or in țe 2956 so{m}mes of [the] resou{n}s țat țou hast concludid {and} p{ro}ued. ¶ But țilke wordes țat ț{o}u vsest deliten me moche more. ¶ So at țe last[e] fooles țat so{m}tyme renden greet[e] ținges au[gh]te{n} ben asshamed of hem 2960 self. [Sidenote: [Chaucer's gloss.]] ¶ țat is to seyne ț{a}t we fooles țat rep{re}henden wickedly țe ți{n}g{us} țat touchen goddes gouernaunce we au[gh]te{n} ben asshamed of oure self. As I țat seide god refuseț oonly țe werkes of men. {and} ne entremetiț 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._ țou hast wel herd q{uo}d she țe fables of țe poetes. how țe geauntes assailden țe heuene wiț țe goddes. but for soțe țe debonaire force of god disposed[e] hem so as it was worți. țat is to seyne distroied[e] țe 2968 geauntes. as it was worți. ¶ But wilt țou țat we ioygnen togedre țilke same resou{n}s. for p{er}auenture of swiche coniuncc{i}ou{n} may sterten vp some faire sp{er}kele of soțe [Sidenote: _B._ As you please.] ¶ Do q{uo}d I as țe list. [Sidenote: _P._ Is God omnipotent?] wenest țou q{uo}d she 2972 țat 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 defendiț it if he be in hys mynde. [Linenotes: 2941 _her_--hyr 2943 _realme_--Reaume _seme_--semen 2945 _țere_--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 _țere_--ther 2952 _wol_--wole _wițstonde_--w{i}t{h}-stondyn _țis 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 _soțe_--soth _list_--liste 2973 _is_ (1)--be _man_--omitted _is_ (2)--nis 2974 _defendiț_--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 țat is al my[gh]ty țere nis no țing țat he ne may do. [Sidenote: _B._ He can doubtless do all things.] țat is soțe q{uo}d I. [Sidenote: _P._ May God do evil?] May god done yuel 2976 q{uo}d she. [Sidenote: _B._ No.] nay for soțe q{uo}d. I. [Sidenote: _P._ Is evil nothing, since God, who is almighty, cannot do it?] ¶ țan is yuel no țing q{uo}d she. ¶ Syn țat he ne may not done yuel țat may done alle ținges. [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 țou me q{uo}d. I. or ellys pleyest țou or deceiuest țou me. țat hast so wouen me 2980 wiț ți resou{n}s. țe house of didalus so entrelaced. țat it is vnable to ben vnlaced. țou țat oțer while entrest țere țou issest {and} oțer while issest țere țou entrest. ne fooldest țou 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 țou bygu{n}ne atte blisfulnesse ț{o}u seidest țat it is souereyne good. {and} seidest țat it is set in souereyne god. {and} țat 2988 god is țe ful[le] blisfulnesse. for whiche țou [gh]af[e] me as a couenable [gh]ifte. țat is to seyne ț{a}t no wy[gh]t nis blisful. but yif he be good al so țer wiț [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 țat țe forme of goode is țe substaunce of god. {and} 2992 of blisfulnesse. {and} seidest ț{a}t țilke same oone is țilke same goode țat is requered {and} desired of al țe kynde of ținges. [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} țou p{ro}euedest in disputynge țat god gouerneț alle [the] ținges of țe worlde by țe gouernementys 2996 of bountee. {and} seydest țat alle ținges wolen ybeyen to hym. and seidest țat țe nature of yuel nis no țing. [Sidenote: These truths you established by forcible and natural arguments, and by no strained and far-fetched reasons.] {and} țise ținges ne shewedest țou nat wiț no resou{n}s ytake fro wițoute but by proues in cercles {and} 3000 homelyche knowen. ¶ țe whiche p{ro}eues drawen to hem self hir feiț {and} hir accorde eu{er}iche [of] hem of oțer. țan seide she țus. [Sidenote: _P._ I have not deluded you, for by the Divine aid we have accomplished our chief task.] I ne scorne țe nat ne pleye ne desseyue țe. but I haue shewed to țe ținge țat is grettest ouer [[pg 106]] alle ținges by țe [gh]ifte of god țat we some tyme prayden 3005 [Linenotes: 2975 _țere_--ther 2976 _do_--C. omits _soțe_--soth _done_--don 2978, 2979 _done_--don 2980 _wouen_--MS. wonnen, C. wouen 2981 _house_--hows 2983 _țere_ (_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 _țe ținge_--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 țis is țe forme of [the] deuyne substaunce. țat is swiche țat it ne slydeț nat in to outerest foreine ținges. ne ne rec[e]yueț no st{ra}nge ținges 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 țilke deuyne substaunce. he seide țus țat țilke deuyne substaunce torneț țe worlde {and} țilke cercle moeueable of ținges while țilke dyuyne substau{n}ce kepiț it self wiț outen 3012 moeuynge. [Sidenote: He causes the moving globe to revolve, but is himself immovable.] [Sidenote: [* fol. 24.]] țat *is to seyne țat it ne moeuiț neuere mo. {and} [gh]itte it moeueț alle oțer ținges. [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-țeles yif I [haue] stered resou{n}s țat ne ben nat taken fro wiț oute țe compas of țe ținge of whiche we treten. but resou{n}s 3016 țat ben bystowed wiț i{n}ne țat compas țere nis nat whi țat țou sholde[st] merueylen. sen țou hast lerned by țe sentence of plato țat nedes țe wordes moten ben cosynes to țo ținges of whiche ței speken. 3020 [Linenotes: 3006 [_the_]--from C. 3007 _swiche_--swich 3009 _parmaynws_--a p{ar}manides 3011 _worlde_--world 3012 _while_--whil _wiț outen_--w{i}t{h} owte 3013 _seyne_--seyn 3014 _[gh]itte_--yit _oțer_--oothre 3015 [_haue_]--from C. 3016 _whiche_--which 3017 _wiț inne_--w{i}t{h} in 3020 _cosynes_--MS. conceyued, C. cosynes _țo_--țe _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 țat man țat may seen țe clere welle of good. blisful is he țat may vnbynde hym fro țe bonde of heuy erțe. [Sidenote: The Thracian poet, consumed with grief for the loss of his wife, sought relief from music.] ¶ țe poete of t{ra}ce [orphe{us}] țat somtyme hadde ry[gh]t greet sorowe for țe deeț 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 țat 3024 he hadde maked by hys wepely songes țe wodes meueable to rennen. {and} hadde ymaked țe ryueres to stonden stille. {and} maked țe hertys {and} hyndes to ioignen dredles hir sides to cruel lyou{n}s to herkene his songe. 3028 {and} had[de] maked țat țe hare was nat agast of țe hounde whiche țat was plesed by hys songe. [Sidenote: But the songs that did all things tame, could not allay their master's ardent love.] so țat whane țe most[e] ardaunt loue of hys wijf brende țe entrailes of his brest. ne țe songes țat hadde ouer [[pg 107]] comen alle ținges 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 țe godes țat were{n} cruel to hym. he wente hym to țe 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} țere he tempred[e] hys blaundissyng songes by resounyng 3036 of hys strenges. ¶ And spak {and} song in wepynge alle țat euer he hadde resceyued {and} laued oute of țe noble welles of hys modir calliope țe goddesse. [Sidenote: In songs dictated both by grief and love, he implored the infernal powers to give him back his Eurydice.] {and} he song wiț as mychel as he my[gh]t[e] of 3040 wepynge. {and} wiț as myche as loue țat doubled[e] his sorwe my[gh]t[e] [gh]euen hym {and} teche hy{m} in his seke h{er}te. ¶ And he commoeuede țe helle {and} requered[e] {and} sou[gh]te by swete p{re}iere țe lordes of soules in helle 3044 of relesynge. țat is to seyne to [gh]elden hym hys wif. [Sidenote: Cerberus, Hell's three-headed porter, stood amazed;] ¶ Cerberus țe porter of helle wiț his țre heuedes was cau[gh]t {and} al abaist for țe new[e] songe. [Sidenote: the Furies, tormentors of guilty souls, did weep;] {and} țe țre goddesses furijs {and} vengerisse of felonies țat to{ur}mente{n} 3048 {and} agaste{n} țe soules by anoye wexen sorweful {and} sory {and} wepen teres for pitee. [Sidenote: Ixion, tormented by the revolving wheel, found rest;] țan was nat țe heued of Ixion{e} yto{ur}mented by țe ou{er}țrowi{n}g whele. [Sidenote: Tantalus, suffering from a long and raging thirst, despised the stream;] ¶ And tantalus țat was destroied by țe woodnesse of longe 3052 țrust dispiseț țe flodes to drynke. [Sidenote: and the greedy vulture did cease to eat and tear the growing liver of Tityus.] țe fowel țat hy[gh]t voltor țat etiț țe stomak or țe giser of ticius is so fulfilled of his songe țat 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 _țat_ (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 _țan_--tho ne 3051 _whele_--wheel 3053 _țrust_--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 țe laste țe 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 haț 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 țis. {and} couenaunt 3060 in țe [gh]ifte. ț{a}t is to seyne. țat til he be out of helle yif he loke byhynden hym [ț{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 țat may [gh]eue a lawe to loueres. loue is a gretter lawe {and} a strengere to 3064 hym self țan any lawe ț{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 țe termes of țe ny[gh]t. țat is to seyne at țe 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.] ¶ țis fable app{er}teineț to [gh]ow alle who so euer desireț or sekiț to lede his țou[gh]te in to țe souereyne day. țat 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 țat eu{er}e be so ouer 3072 come{n} țat he fycche hys eyen in to țe put[te] of helle. țat is to seyne who so setteț his țou[gh]tes in erțely ținges. al țat euer he haț drawen of țe noble good celestial he lesiț it whan he lokeț țe helles. țat is to 3076 seyne to lowe ținges of țe erțe. EXPLICIT LIBER TERCIUS. [Linenotes: 3056 _Atte_--At _lorde_--lord 3057 _cried[e]_--cryde 3058 _yif[e]_--yiue 3059 _haț_--MS. hațe _welle_--wel _faire_--C. omits _songe_--song 3060 _wil putten_--wol putte 3062 _byhynden_--by-hynde [_țat_]--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 _țou[gh]te_--thowht 3071 _clerenes[se]_--clernesse 3072 _souereyne goode_--sou{er}eyn god 3073 _put[te]_--putte 3074 _setteț_--sette 3075 _haț_--MS. hațe] [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 țe forseide ținges kepynge țe dignitee of hir choere in țe wey[gh]te of hir wordes. I țan țat ne hadde 3080 nat al out{er}ly for[gh]eten țe wepyng {and} mournyng țat was set in myne herte for-brek țe entenc{i}ou{n} of hir țat entended[e] [gh]itte to seyne oț{er} ținges. [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. țou țat art gideresse of verray ly[gh]te țe ținges țat țou 3084 hast seid [me] hider to ben to me so clere {and} so shewyng [[pg 109]] by țe deuyne lokyng of hem {and} by ți resou{n}s țat ței ne mowe nat ben ouercomen. [Sidenote: Through the oppression of grief I had forgotten these truths, but was not wholly ignorant of them.] ¶ And țilke ți{n}g{us} țat țou toldest me. al be it so țat I hadde som tyme 3088 fo[r][gh]eten hem for [the] sorwe of țe wronge țat haț ben don to me. [gh]it națeles ței 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 țis same is namly a gret cause of my sorwe. țat so as țe gouernoure of ținges is goode. 3092 yif țat yuelys mowen ben by any weyes. or ellys yif țat yuelys passen wiț outen punyssheinge. [Sidenote: This, to say the least, is astonishing.] țe whiche ținge oonly how worți it is to ben wondred vpon. țou considerest it weel ți 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 țis 3096 țing țere is an oțer țing y-ioigned more to ben ywondred vpon. ¶ For felonie is emperisse {and} flowreț ful of rycchesse. and vertues nis nat al oonly wiț outen medes. but it is cast vndir {and} fortroden vndir țe feet of felonous 3100 folk. {and} it abieț țe 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 țing țer nis no wy[gh]t țat [may] merueyllen ynou[gh] ne compleyne țat swiche ținges ben don in țe regne of god țat alle ținges woot. 3104 and alle ținges may {and} ne wool nat but only goode ținges. [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.] ¶ țan seide she țus. certys q{uo}d she țat were a grete meruayle {and} an enbaissynge wițouten ende. {and} wel more horrible țan alle monstres yif it were as 3108 ț{o}u wenest. țat is to sein. țat in țe ry[gh]t ordeyne house of so mochel a fader {and} an ordenour of meyne. țat țe vesseles țat ben foule {and} vyle sholde ben hono{ur}ed {and} heried. and țe 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 țe ținges țat I haue co{n}cluded a litel here byforne ben kept hoole [[pg 110]] {and} vnraced. țou shalt wel knowe by țe auctorite of god. of țe whos regne I speke țat certys țe 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 țe vices ben neu{e}re mo wiț outen peyne[;] ne țe vertues ne ben nat wiț outen mede. [Sidenote: that happiness attends good men, and misfortune falls to the lot of the wicked.] and țat blisfulnesses comen alwey to goode folke. {and} infortune comeț 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 țou shalt wel knowe many[e] ținges of țis kynde ț{a}t sholle cessen ți pleyntes. {and} stedfast țe wiț 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 țou hast seyn țe forme of țe verray blisfulnesse by me țat 3124 [haue] somtyme I-shewed it țe. And țou hast knowen i{n} whom blysfulnesse is set. alle ținges I treted ț{a}t I trowe ben nessessarie to put[te] furțe ¶ I shal shewe țe. țe weye țat shal brynge țe a[gh]eyne vnto ți 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 fețeres in ți țou[gh]t by whiche it may arysen in hey[gh]te. so țat al tribulac{i}ou{n} don awey țou by my gidyng & by my pațe {and} by my sledes shalt mowen retourne hool {and} sounde in to ți 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 _ți_--the 3087 _mowe_--mowen 3088 _som tyme_--whilom 3089 [_the_]--from C. _wronge_--wrong _haț_--MS. hațe 3090 _don_--MS. done, C. don _were_--weeren 3091 _namly_--namely 3092 _goode_--good 3094 _wiț outen_--w{i}t{h} owte 3095 _ținge_--thing 3097 _țere_--ther _ben ywondred_--be wondryd 3098 _flowreț_--MS. folweț, C. flowrith 3099 _rycchesse_--Rychesses _vertues_--vertu _wiț outen_--w{i}t{h} owte 3101 _in sted_--in stide 3102 _wicked_--wikkede _al[le]_--alle _țing_--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 _țe_--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 _wiț 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] furțe_--putten forth 3128 _weye_--wey _brynge_--bryngen _ți house_--thin hows 3129 _ficche_--fycchen 3130 _arysen_--areysen _don_--MS. done, C. ydoń 3131 _pațe_--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 soțe swifte fețeres țat surmou{n}ten țe hey[gh]t of țe heuene whan țe swifte țou[gh]t haț cloțed it self. in țo fețeres it dispiseț țe hat[e]ful erțes. {and} surmou{n}teț țe hey[gh]enesse of țe greet[e] eyir. {and} it seiț țe 3136 cloudes by-hynde hir bak {and} passeț țe hey[gh]t of țe regiou{n} of țe fire țat eschaufiț by țe swifte moeuyng of țe firmament. til țat she a-reisiț hir in til țe houses ț{a}t beren țe sterres. {and} ioygneț hir weyes wiț țe sonne [[pg 111]] phebus. {and} felawshipeț țe weye of țe olde colde 3141 saturnus. and she ymaked a kny[gh]t of țe clere sterre. [Sidenote: [Chaucer's Gloss.]] țat is to seyne țat țe soule is maked goddys kny[gh]t by țe sekyng of treuțe to comen to țe 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 țilke soule renne[ț] by țe cercle *of țe sterres in alle țe places țere as țe shynyng ny[gh]t is depeynted. țat is to seyne țe ny[gh]t țat is cloudeles. for on ny[gh]tes țat ben cloudeles it semeț as țe heuene were peynted wiț 3148 dyuerse ymages of sterres. {and} whan țe soule haț gon ynou[gh] she shal forleten țe last[e] poynt of țe heuene. [Linenotes: 3133 _hey[gh]t of țe heuene_--heyhte of heuene 3134 _haț_--MS. hațe 3136 _hey[gh]enesse----eyir_--Rou{n}dnesse of the grete ayr _seiț_--seth 3137 _hir_--his 3138 _fire_--Fyr _eschaufiț_--MS. eschaufițe 3139 _she_--he _hir_--hym 3140 _hir_--his 3141 _weye_--wey _țe----saturnus_--MS. saturnus țe olde colde 3142 _saturnus_--sat{ur}nis _she_--he 3143 _soule_--thowght 3144 _treuțe_--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 _haț_--MS. hațe 3150 _țe 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 țe bak of țe swifte firmament. and she shal ben maked p{er}fit of țe dredefulle 3152 clerenesse of god. ¶ țere haldeț țe lorde of kynges țe ceptre of his my[gh]t {and} atte{m}p{er}eț țe gouernementes of țis worlde. [Sidenote: Here the great Judge, standing in shining robes, firmly guides his winged chariot, and rules the tumultuous affairs of the world.] {and} țe shynynge iuge of ținges stable i{n} hy{m} self gouerneț țe swifte carte. țat is to seyne țe 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 ți weye ledeț țe a[gh]eyne so țat țou be brou[gh]t țider. țan wilt țou seye now țat țat is țe contre țat țou requeredest of whiche țou ne haddest no mynde. but now it remenbreț 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 țe lyke țan to loken on țe derkenesse of țe erțe țat țou hast for-leten. țan shalt țou seen țat țise felonous tyrauntes țat țe wrecched[e] poeple dredeț 3164 now shule ben exiled from țilke faire contre. [Linenotes: 3151-2 _she_--he 3152-3 _of țe----of god_--of the worshipful lyht of god 3153 _țere haldeț_--ther halt 3155 _țis 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.] ++ȚAnne seide I țus. [owh] I wondre me țat țou by-hetest me so grete ținges. ne I ne doute nat țat ț{o}u ne mayst wel p{er}forme țat țou by-hetest. but I preie țe 3168 oonly țis. țat țou ne tarie nat to telle me țilke ținges țat țou 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 țou most nedes knowen. ț{a}t good[e] folk ben al wey strong[e] {and} my[gh]ty. and țe shrewes ben feble {and} desert {and} naked 3172 of alle strengțes. [Sidenote: These assertions do mutually demonstrate each other.] and of țise ținges certys eueryche of hem is declared {and} shewed by oț{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 țat goode be stedfast. ța{n} sheweț țe 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 țou knowe clerely țe freelnesse of yuel. țe 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 țe fey of my sentence shal be țe more ferme {and} habou{n}daunt. I wil goon by țat oon wey {and} by țat oțer {and} I wil conferme 3180 țe ținges țat ben p{ur}posed now on țis side {and} now on ț{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 ținges țer ben in whiche țe effect of alle țe dedes of man kynde standiț. țat is to seyn. wil {and} power. and yif țat oon of țise two fayleț 3184 țere nis no țing țat 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 țat wil lakkeț țere nys no wy[gh]t țat vndirtakeț to done țat he wol not don. and yif power fayleț țe 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 țer of comeț it țat yif țou se a 3188 wy[gh]t țat wolde gete{n} țat he may nat geten. țou mayst nat douten țat power ne fayleț hy{m} to haue{n} țat he wolde. ¶ țis 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 țou se a wy[gh]t q{uo}d 3192 she. țat haț don țat he wolde don ț{o}u nilt nat douten țat he ne haț 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 țat. țat euery wy[gh]t may. in țat țat men may holden hym my[gh]ty. as who seiț i{n} as moche as a man is my[gh]ty [[pg 113]] to done a țing. in so moche men halden hy{m} my[gh]ty. 3197 and in țat țat he ne may. in țat 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?] Remembriț țe q{uo}d she țat I. haue gadred {and} shewed by forseide resou{n}s 3200 țat al țe entenc{i}ou{n} of țe wil of ma{n}kynde whiche țat is lad by diuerse studies hastiț to comen to blisfulnesse. ¶ It reme{m}breț me wel q{uo}d I țat 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 _țere_--ther 3185 _don_--MS. done, C. don 3186 _done_--don 3187 _wille_--wil 3188 _comeț_--comht 3189 _mayst_--MS. mayste, C. mayst 3191 _clere_--cler 3192 _denyed_--denoyed 3193-4 _haț_--MS. hațe 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 țe, 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} recordeț țe nat țan q{uo}d she. țat blisfulnesse is 3204 țilke same goode țat men requeren. [Sidenote: [* fol. 25 _b_.]] so țat whan țat blisfulnesse is requered *of alle. țat goode [also] is requered {and} desired of al. It recordeț 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 țan q{uo}d she goode {and} eke badde enforcen he{m} wiț oute difference of entenc{i}ou{n} to come{n} to goode. țat 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 țat by țe gety{n}g of goode ben men ymaked goode. 3212 [Sidenote: _B._ It is most certain.] țis is certeyne q{uo}d. I. [Sidenote: _P._ Do good men, then, get what they desire?] ¶ țan geten goode men țat ței desiren. [Sidenote: _B._ It seems so.] so semeț 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 ței geten țe goode țat ței desire{n} ței [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?] ¶ țan so as 3216 țat oon {and} țat oțer [q{uod} she] desiren good. {and} țe goode folk geten good {and} nat țe wicked folk ¶ țan nis it no doute țat țe goode folk ne ben my[gh]ty {and} țe 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 țat euer q{uo}d I 3220 douteț of țis. he ne may nat considre țe nature of ți{n}ges. ne țe consequence of resou{n}. and ouer țis 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 țat țer ben two ținges țat han o same 3223 p{ur}pos by kynde. {and} țat one of he{m} p{ur}sueț {and} p{er}formeț țilke same ținge by naturel office. {and} țat oțer ne may nat done țilk naturel office. but folweț by oțer manere țan is couenable to nat{ur}e ¶ Hym țat acomplisiț hys p{ur}pos kyndely. {and} [gh]it he ne acomplisiț [[pg 114]] nat hys owen purpos. whețer of țise two demest 3229 țou for more my[gh]ty. [Sidenote: _B._ Illustrate your meaning more clearly.] ¶ yif țat I coniecte q{uo}d .I. țat țou wilt seye algates. [gh]it I desire to herkene it more pleynely of țe. [Sidenote: _P._ The motion of walking is natural to man? And this motion is the natural office of the feet? Do you grant this?] țou nilt nat țan denye q{uo}d she țat țe 3232 moeueme{n}t[gh] of goynge nis in men by kynde. no for soțe q{uo}d I. ne țou ne doutest nat q{uo}d she ț{a}t țilke naturel office of goynge ne be țe 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.] țan q{uo}d she yif țat a wy[gh]t be my[gh]ty to 3236 moeue {and} goț vpon hys feet. and anoțer to whom țilke naturel office of feet lakkeț. enforceț hym to gone crepynge vpo{n} hys handes. ¶ whiche of țise two au[gh]te to ben holden more my[gh]ty by ry[gh]t. knyt furțe țe remenaunt 3240 q{uo}d I. ¶ For no wy[gh]t ne douteț țat he țat may gone by nat{ur}el office of feet. ne be more my[gh]ty țan he țat 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 țe souereyne good q{uo}d she țat is euenlyche p{ur}posed to țe good folk {and} to 3244 badde. țe good folke seken it by naturel office of uertues. {and} țe shrewes enforcen hem to geten it by dyuerse couetise of erțely ținges. whiche țat nis no naturel office to geten țilke same souereyne goode. 3248 [Sidenote: Do you think otherwise?] trowest țou țat it be any oțer 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 țe co{n}seque{n}ce is open {and} shewynge of ținges țat I haue graunted. ¶ țat 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.] ¶ țou rennest ary[gh]t 3252 byfore me q{uo}d she. {and} țis is țe iugement țat is to seyn. ¶ I iuge of țe ry[gh]t as țise leches ben wont forto hopen of seke folk whan ței ap{er}ceyuen țat nature is redressed {and} wițstondeț to țe maladie. [Sidenote: But, as you are so quick of apprehension, I shall continue this mode of reasoning.] ¶ But for I 3256 see țe now al redy to țe vndirstandynge I shal shewe țe more țilke {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 shewiț țe feblesse {and} infirmite of wicked [[pg 115]] folke. țat ne mowen nat come to țat hire naturel 3260 entenc{i}ou{n} ledeț hem. {and} [gh]itte almost țilk naturel entenc{i}ou{n} constreineț hem. ¶ and what wer{e} to deme țan of shrewes. yif țilke naturel helpe hadde for-leten hem. ¶ țe whiche naturel helpe of entenc{i}ou{n} goț alwey 3264 byforne hem. {and} is so grete țat vnneț 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 țan how gret defaute of power {and} how gret feblesse țere is in grete felonous folk as who seiț țe gretter ți{n}ges țat ben coueited {and} țe desire 3268 nat accomplissed of țe lasse my[gh]t is he țat coueiteț it {and} may nat acomplisse. ¶ And forți philosophie seiț țus 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 ței ne may nat 3272 folwen ne holden. but ței fayle{n} of țilke some of țe hey[gh]te of ținges țat is to seyne souereyne good. ne țise wrecches ne comen nat to țe effect of souereyne good. [Sidenote: [* fol. 26.]] *țe whiche ței 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 țe getyn[g] of whiche goode țe strengțe 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 ț{o}u my[gh]test demen hym my[gh]ty of goynge țat goț on hys feet til he my[gh]t[e] come to țilke place fro țe whiche 3280 place țere ne lay no wey forțer to be gon. Ry[gh]t so most țou nedes demen hym for ry[gh]t my[gh]ty țat getiț {and} atteiniț to țe ende of alle ținges țat ben to desire. by-[gh]onde țe whiche ende țat țer nis no țing to desire. 3284 [Linenotes: 3226 _țilk_--thilke 3229 _owen_--owne 3231 _wilt_--wolt _herkene_--herkne 3232 _pleynely_--pleynly _denye_--denoye 3233 _moeuement[gh]_--Moeuement 3237 _goț_--MS. goțe _hys_--hise 3238 _gone_--goon 3239 _hys_--hise _whiche_--which 3240 _more_--the Moore _furțe_--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 _țilk_--thilke 3262 _deme_--demen 3263-4 _helpe_--help 3264 _whiche_--which _goț_--MS. goțe 3265 _grete_--gret _vnneț_--vnnethe _be ouercomen_--ben ou{er}come 3267 _țere_--ther _grete_--wikkede 3268 _ținges_--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 _goț_--MS. goțe 3280 _my[gh]t[e]_--myhte 3281 _țere_--ther _lay_--laye _forțer_--forthere _be_--ben 3283 _desire_--desired 3284 _țat_--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 țat wicked men semen to ben bareyne {and} naked of alle strengțe. [Sidenote: Wherefore do they leave virtue, and follow vice? Is it because they are ignorant of good?] For whi forleten ței v{er}tues {and} folwen vices. nis it nat for țat ței ne knowen nat țe 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 țing is more feble {and} more caitif țan is țe [[pg 116]] blyndenesse of ignoraunce. or ellys ței knowen ful wel whiche ținges țat ței au[gh]ten to folwen ¶ but lecherye {and} couetise ouerțroweț hem mysturned. [Sidenote: And so, indeed, weak-minded men are overpowered by intemperance, for they cannot resist vicious temptations.] ¶ and certis 3292 so doț distemp{er}aunce to feble men. țat ne mowe{n} nat wrastle a[gh]eins țe 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 ței nat țan wel țat ței foreleten țe good wilfully. {and} turnen hem vilfully to vices. ¶ And in țis wise ței ne forleten nat 3296 oonly to ben my[gh]ty. but ței forleten al outerly in any wise forto ben [Sidenote: For those who neglect the common end of all beings, cease to exist.] ¶ For ței țat forleten țe comune fyn of alle ținges țat ben. ței for-leten also țerwiț 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 țat 3300 țis were a merueile to seyne țat shrewes whiche țat contienen țe more p{ar}tie of me{n} ne ben nat. ne han no beynge. ¶ but națeles it is so. {and} țus stant țis țing [Sidenote: That the wicked are bad I do not deny--but I do not admit that they have any real existence.] for ței țat ben shrewes I denye nat țat ței ben shrewes. 3304 but I denye {and} sey[e] symplely and pleynly țat ței [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 țou my[gh]test seyn of țe careyne of a man țat it were a ded man. ¶ but țou 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 soțe țat vicious folk ben wicked. but I ne may nat graunten absolutely {and} symplely țat ței ben. [Sidenote: That thing exists that preserves its rank, nature, and constitution, but when it loses these essentials it ceases to be.] ¶ For țilk țing țat wiț holdeț ordre {and} kepiț nature. țilk țing is {and} haț 3312 beynge. but țat țing țat faileț of țat. țat is to seyne he ț{a}t forletiț naturel ordre he for-letiț țilk beyng țat 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 țou wolt sein țat shrewes mowen. ¶ Certys țat ne denye I nat. ¶ but certys 3316 hir power ne descendeț nat of strengțe but of feblesse. [Sidenote: They can do evil, but this they could not do, if they retained the power of doing good.] for ței mowen don wickednesses. țe whiche ței ne my[gh]ten nat don yif ței my[gh]te{n} dwelle in țe forme {and} in țe doynge of goode folke. [[pg 117]] [Sidenote: This power, then, clearly shows their impotence.] ¶ And țilke power 3320 sheweț ful euydently țat ței ne mowen ry[gh]t nau[gh]t. [Linenotes: 3285 _whiche_--the which _țat_--ț{a}t the 3286 _ben_--be 3291 _au[gh]ten to folwen_--owhten folwe 3293 _doț_--MS. doțe, 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 _țilk_--thilke 3312 _haț_--MS. hațe 3313 _țat_ (1)--what _seyne_--seyn 3314 _țilk_--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 țat yuel is nau[gh]t. {and} so as shrewes mowen oonly but shrewednesse. țis conclusiou{n} is al clere. țat 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 țou vndirstonde whiche is țe strengțe țat is power of shrewes. I haue diffinised a lytel here byforn țat no țing nis so my[gh]ty as souereyne good [Sidenote: _B._ That is true.] ¶ țat is 3328 soțe 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 țer any wy[gh]t țan q{uo}d she țat weniț țat men mowen don alle ținges. [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 doń yuel q{uo}d she. [Sidenote: _B._ I would to God they could not.] ¶ [gh]e wolde god q{uo}d I țat ței 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.] țat q{uo}d she so as he țat is my[gh]ty to done oonly but good[e] ținges may don alle ținges. and ței țat ben my[gh]ty to done 3336 yuel[e] ținges ne mowen nat alle ținges. țan is țis open țing {and} manifest țat ței ț{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 țis conclusiou{n} țere helpeț me țis țat I haue shewed here byforne. țat al 3340 power is to be nou{m}bred amonge ținges țat men au[gh]ten requere. {and} haue shewed țat alle ți{n}ges țat 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. țan nis nat yuel of țe nou{m}bre of ținges țat au[gh]te{n}. [Sidenote: [* fol. 26 _b_.]] *be desired. but al power au[gh]t[e] ben desired {and} requered. ¶ țan is it open {and} cler țat țe power ne țe 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 țise ținges it sheweț wel țat țe goode folk ben certeynly my[gh]ty. {and} țe 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 țat țilke sentence of plato is uerray {and} soțe. ț{a}t seyț țat oonly 3352 wiseme{n} may [doon] țat ței desiren. {and} shrewes mowen haunten țat hem lykeț. but țat ței desiren țat is to seyne to comen to souereyne good ței ne han no power to acomplissen țat. [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 țat hem 3356 list whan by țo ținges in whiche ței deliten ței wenen to atteyne to țilke good țat ței desiren. but ței ne geten ne atteynen nat țer 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 _țat is_--of this 3327 _here_--her 3328 _nis_--is 3329 _soțe_--soth 3329, 3330 [_and thilke----quod I_]--from C. 3334 _don_--MS. done, C. don _none țat_--non thanne 3335 _done_--doon _good[e]_--goode 3336 _don_--MS. done, C. don _done_--don 3337 _yuel[e]_--yuele _țis_--it 3338 _don_--MS. done, C. don 3339 _[gh]itte_--yit _țere_--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 _soțe_--soth _țat seyț_--MS. but sițe, C. ț{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 țat țe couertures of her veyn apparailes my[gh]t[e] strepen of țise proude kynges țat țou seest sitten on hey[gh]e in her chayeres glyterynge in shynynge purpre envyroned wiț sorweful arm{ur}es 3364 manasyng wiț cruel mouțe. blowyng by woodnesse of herte. ¶ He sholde se țan țat ilke lordes beren wiț i{n}ne hir corages ful streyte cheynes for leccherye tormentiț he{m} on țat oon syde wiț gredy venyms {and} 3368 troublable Ire țat araiseț in hem țe floodes of troublynges tourmentiț vpon țat oțer side hir țou[gh]t. or sorwe halt he{m} wery or ycau[gh]t. or slidyng {and} disseyuyng hope tourmentiț 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 țerfore syn țou seest on heed. 3372 țat is to seyne oon tyraunt bere so many[e] tyrauntis. ța{n} ne doț țilk tyraunt nat țat he desiriț. syn he is cast doune wiț so many[e] wicked lordes. țat is to seyn wiț so many[e] vices. țat 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 _mouțe_--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 _doț_--MS. doțe _țilk_--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 țou nat țan in how gret filțe țise shrewes ben ywrapped. {and} wiț whiche cleernesse țise good folk shynen. [Sidenote: This is a proof that good folks do not go unrewarded, nor do the evil-doers escape punishment.] In țis sheweț it wel țat to good folk ne 3380 lakkeț 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 ținges țat ben ydon țilke țing for whiche any țing is doon. it semeț as by ry[gh]t țat țilke țing be țe mede of țat. as țus. ¶ yif a 3384 man renneț in țe stadie or in țe forlonge for țe corone. țan lieț țe mede in țe corone for whiche he renneț. [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 țat blisfulnesse is țilke same good for whiche țat alle ți{n}g{us} ben don. țan is țilke 3388 same good p{ur}posed to țe 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 țennes forțe ț{a}t hym lakkiț goodnesse ne shal ben cleped good. 3392 For whiche țing 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 țat sherewes waxen as wood as hem list a[gh]eynes good[e] folk. [gh]itte neuer țe les țe 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 bynymeț nat fro țe 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 _forțe_--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 țat any wy[gh]t reioiseț hem of goodnesse țat ței had[de] taken fro wițoute. as who seiț yif [ț{a}t] any 3400 wy[gh]t had[de] hys goodnesse of any oțer man țan of hym self. certys he țat [gh]af hym țilke goodnesse or ellys som oțer 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]eueț hy{m} hys mede. țan at arst shal he faylen of mede whan he forletiț 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 țe laste so as alle medes be{n} requered for men wenen țat ței ben good[e]. who is he țat wolde deme țat he țat 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 țe of țilk noble corolarie țat I [gh]af țe a lytel here byforne. 3412 {and} gadre it to gidre in țis 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. țan is it clere {and} certeyn. țat alle good folk ben makid blisful for ței ben good[e]. and țilke folk țat ben blisful it accordiț {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.] țan is țe mede of goode folk swiche. țat no day [ne] shal enpeyren it. ne no wickednesse shal endirken it. ne power of no wy[gh]t ne shal nat amenusen it țat 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 țus țat goode men ne faylen neuer mo of hir{e} medes. [Linenotes: 3399 _reioiseț_--reioyse _hem_--hym _ței had[de]_--he hadde 3400 [_țat_]--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 țe vndep{ar}table peyne of shrewes. ¶ țat is to seyn țat țe peyne of shrewes ne dep{ar}tiț 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 ț{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.] țat also mot țe peyne of yuel answer{e} by țe contrarie partye to shrewes. now țan so 3428 as bounte {and} prowesse ben țe 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.] ¶ țan who so țat euer is entecched {and} defouled wiț yuel. [Sidenote: If, then, the wicked did rightly understand themselves they would perceive that they are not exempted from punishment.] yif shrewes wolen țan p{re}isen hem self may it semen 3432 to hem țat ței ben wiț 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 ței ben swiche țat țe [vtteriste wikkednesse / ț{a}t is to seyn wikkede thewes / which ț{a}t is the] out{er}este {and} țe w[or]ste kynde of shrewednesse ne defouliț nat ne 3436 entecehiț nat hem oonly but infectiț {and} enuenemyț he{m} gretely [Sidenote: But contemplate the punishment of the wicked.] ¶ And al so loke on shrewes țat ben țe contrarie p{ar}tye of goode men. how grete peyne felawshipeț [[pg 121]] {and} folweț 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 țou hast lerned a litel 3440 here byforn țat al ți{n}g țat is {and} haț beynge is oon. {and} țilke same oon is good. țan is țis consequence țat it semeț wel. țat al țat is {and} haț bey{n}ge is good. țis is to seyne. as who seiț țat beynge {and} vnite {and} 3444 goodnesse is al oon. {and} in țis manere it folweț țan. țat al țing țat faileț to ben good. it styntiț 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 țat shrewes stynten forto ben țat ței weren. [Sidenote: That they were once men, the outward form of the body, which still remains, clearly testifies.] but țilke oțer forme 3448 of mankynde. țat is to seyne țe forme of țe body wiț oute. shewiț [gh]it țat țise shrewes were somtyme men. [Linenotes: 3422 _wise man_--wysman _țe_--omitted _vndepartable_--MS. vndirp{ar}table, C. vndepartable 3423 _of_ (1)--of the 3428 _answere_--answery _țe_--omitted 3434 [_vtteriste----is the_]--from C. 3438 _gretely_--gretly 3439 _grete_--gret 3441 _al_--alle _haț_--MS. hațe 3443 _al_--alle _haț_--MS. hațe 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 ței ben p{er}uerted {and} torned in to malice. certys țan han ței forlorn țe 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 oțer men. țan mot it nedes be țat shrewes whiche țat shrewednesse haț cast out of țe condic{i}ou{n} of mankynde ben put vndir țe merite {and} 3456 țe deserte of men. [Sidenote: You cannot, therefore, esteem him to be a man whom you see thus transformed by his vices.] țan bitidiț it țat yif țou seest a wy[gh]t țat be t{ra}nsformed in to vices. țou ne mayst nat wene țat he be a man. [Sidenote: The greedy robber, you will say, is like a _wolf_.] ¶ For [gh]if he [be] ardaunt in auarice. {and} țat he be a rauyno{ur} by violence of 3460 foreine rychesse. țou shalt seyn țat 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} wiț out reste {and} ex{er}cise hys tonge to chidynges. țou shalt lykene hym to țe 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 reioyseț hym to rauysshe by wyles. țou shalt seyne hym lyke to țe fox whelpes. [Sidenote: Is he intemperate in his anger? then men will compare him to a raging _lion_.] ¶ And yif he be distempre {and} quakiț for ire men shal wene țat he bereț țe 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 dredeț ținges țat ne au[gh]ten nat ben dred. men shal holde hym lyke to țe 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 lyueț 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} chaungeț 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 wițholden in țe foule delices of țe 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.] ¶ țan folweț it țat he țat forletiț bountee {and} prowesse. he forletiț to 3476 ben a man. syn he ne may nat passe in to țe 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 _haț_--MS. hațe 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 _țan_--MS. țat, 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 țe wynde aryueț țe sayles of vlixes duc of țe contre of narice. {and} hys wandryng shippes by țe 3480 see in to țe isle țere as Circe țe fayre goddesse dou[gh]ter of țe sonne dwelleț țat medlyț to hir newe gestes drynkes țat ben touched {and} maked wiț enchau{n}tment[gh]. {and} after țat hir hande my[gh]ty of țe herbes 3484 had[de] chau{n}ged hir gestes i{n} to dyuerse maneres. țat oon of hem is couered his face wiț forme of a boor. țat oțer is chau{n}ged in to a lyou{n} of țe contre of marmorike. {and} his nayles {and} his tețe wexen. [Sidenote: some into howling wolves, and others into Indian tigers.] ¶ țat 3488 oțer of hem is newliche chaunged in to a wolf. {and} howeliț whan he wolde wepe. țat oțer goț debonairly in țe 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 țat țe godhed of mercurie țat is cleped țe bride of arcadie haț 3492 had mercie of țe duc vlixes byseged wiț diu{er}se yueles {and} haț vnbounden hym fro țe pestilence of hys oosteresse algates țe rowers {and} țe maryners hadden by țis ydrawen in to hir mouțes {and} dronken țe wicked[e] 3496 drynkes ței țat were woxen swyne hadden by țis [[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 dwelliț wiț he{m} hoole. but ței han lost țe voys {and} țe body. [Sidenote: Their souls, unchanged, bewailed their dreadful fate.] Oonly hir{e} țou[gh]t 3500 dwelleț wiț hem stable ț{a}t wepiț {and} bywailiț țe monstruous chaungynge țat ței 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 seiț. ¶ O feble {and} ly[gh]t is țe hand of Circes țe enchaunteresse țat chaungeț țe bodies of folk 3504 in to bestes to regarde {and} to co{m}parisou{n} of mutac{i}ou{n} țat is makid by vices. [Sidenote: Circe's herbs may change the body, but cannot touch the mind, the inward strength of man.] ne țe herbes of circes ne ben nat my[gh]ty. for al be it so țat ței may chau{n}gen țe lymes of țe body. ¶ algates [gh]it ței may nat chau{n}ge țe 3508 hertes. for wiț inne is yhid țe strengțe {and} țe vigour of me{n} in țe secre toure of hire hertys. țat is to seyn țe strengțe of resou{n}. [Sidenote: But vice is more potent than Circe's poisonous charms.] but țilke uenyms of vices to-drawen a man to hem more my[gh]tily țan țe 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 țat ței percen {and} țoru[gh] passen țe corage wiț i{n}ne. {and} țou[gh] ței ne anoye nat țe body. [gh]itte vices wooden to distroien men by wounde of țou[gh]t. 3516 [Linenotes: 3479 _aryueț_--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 tețe_--hise teth 3489 _newliche_--neweliche 3490 _goț_--MS. goțe 3491 _house_--hows 3492 _bride_--bryd _haț_--MS. hațe 3493 _mercie_--MS. mercurie, C. mercy 3494 _haț_--MS. hațe 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 _wepiț_--MS. kepiț, 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.] ++Țan seide I țus I confesse {and} am aknowe q{uo}d I. ne I ne se nat țat 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.] ț{a}t shrewes ne ben nat chaunged in to beestes by țe qualite of hir soules. ¶ Al be it so ț{a}t ței kepen [gh]itte 3520 țe forme of țe 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 țe țou[gh]t cruel woodeț alwey in to destrucc{i}ou{n} of good[e] men. țat it wer{e} leueful to hem to done țat. [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 țe 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 națeles yif so were țat țilke țat me{n} wene{n} ben leueful for shrewes were bynomen hem. so țat ței ne [[pg 124]] my[gh]ten nat anoyen or don harme to goode men. ¶ Certys 3528 a gret p{ar}ty of țe 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 ț{a}t țis ne seme nat credible țing p{er}auent{ur}e to so{m}me folk [gh]it mot it nedes be țat shrewes ben more wrecches {and} vnsely. 3532 whan ței may don {and} p{er}forme țat ței coueiten [than yif they myhte nat complyssen ț{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 țat it be wrecchednesse to wilne to don yuel[;] țan is it more wrecchednesse to mowen don yuel. 3536 wiț oute whiche moeuyng țe wrecched wille sholde languisshe wiț 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.] ¶ țan syn țat eueryche of țise ținges haț hys wrecchednesse. țat is to seyne wil to done yuel. and moeuynge to done yuel. it mot nedes 3540 be. țat ței (shrewes) ben constreyned by țre vnselynesses țat 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 țat shrewes losten sone țilke vnselynesses. 3544 țat is to seyne țat 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} ței q{uo}d she. [Sidenote: [* fol. 28.]] sonnere p{er}auenture țen ț{o}u woldest *or sonnere țen ței 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 țere nis no țing so late in so short bou{n}des of țis lijf țat 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 țe grete hope {and} țe heye co{m}passy{n}g{us} of shrewednesse is often destroyed by a 3552 sodeyne ende or ței ben war. {and} țat țing establiț to shrewes țe ende of hir shrewednesse. [Sidenote: If vice renders men wretched, the longer they are vicious the longer must they be miserable.] ¶ For yif țat shrewednesse makițe wrecches. țan mot he nedes be most wrecched țat lengest is a shrewe. [Sidenote: And they would be infinitely wretched if death did not put an end to their crimes.] țe whiche 3556 wicked shrewes wolde ydemen aldirmost vnsely {and} caytifs yif țat hir shrewednes ne were yfinissed. at țe [[pg 125]] leste weye by țe outerest[e] deeț. [Sidenote: It is clear, as I have already shown, that eternal misery is infinite.] for [yif] I haue concluded soțe of țe vnselynesse of shrewednesse. țan sheweț 3560 it clerely țat țilke shrewednesse is wiț outen ende țe 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 țis [conclusion] is harde {and} wonderful to graunte. ¶ But I knowe wel țat it accordeț moche to [the] ți{n}ges țat 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.] ¶ țou hast q{uo}d she țe ry[gh]t estimac{i}ou{n} of țis. but who so euere wene țat it be an harde țing to acorde hym to a conclusiou{n}. it is ry[gh]t țat he shewe țat so{m}me of țe p{re}misses ben fals. or 3568 ellys he mot shewe țat țe 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 țat țe p{re}misses ben yg{ra}nted țer nis nat whi he sholde blame țe argument. [Sidenote: What I am about to say is not less wonderful, and it follows necessarily from the same premises.] for țis țing țat 3572 I shal telle țe 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 _haț_--MS. hațe _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 _țere_--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 _soțe_--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 țe ținges țat ben taken al so it is necessarie as who so seiț it folweț of țat whiche țat is p{ur}posed byforn. [Sidenote: _B._ What is that?] what is țat 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 țat is 3576 țat ț{a}t țise wicked shrewes ben more blysful or ellys lasse wrecches. țat byen țe tourmentes țat ței han deserued. țan 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 țis ne seye I nat now for țat any man my[gh]t[e] 3580 țenk[e] țat țe maneres of shrewes ben coriged {and} chastised by veniaunce. {and} țat ței ben brou[gh]t to țe ry[gh]t wey by țe drede of țe tourment. ne for țat ței [gh]euen to oțer folk ensample to fleyen fro{m} vices. ¶ But 3584 I vndirstonde [gh]itte [in] an oțer manere țat shrewes ben more vnsely whan ței ne ben nat punissed al be it so țat țere 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 țat ben q{uo}d I. ouțer țan haț ben told here [[pg 126]] byforn [Sidenote: _P._ Are not good people happy, and evil folk miserable?] ¶ Haue we nat graunted țan q{uo}d she țat 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 țat any good were 3592 added to țe wrecchenesse of any wy[gh]t. nis he nat more blisful țan he țat ne haț no medelyng of goode in hys solitarie wrecchednesse. [Sidenote: _B._ It seems so.] so semeț 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 țou țan q{uo}d she of țilke wrecche țat lakkeț alle 3596 goodes. so țat no goode nis medeled in hys wrecchednesse. {and} [gh]itte ouer alle hys wickednesse for whiche he is a wrecche țat țer be [gh]itte anoțer yuel anexid {and} knyt to hym. shal not men demen hym more vnsely 3600 țan țilke wrecche of whiche țe vnselynesse is re[le]ued by țe 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.] ¶ țan certys q{uo}d she han shrewes whan ței ben punissed somwhat of good anexid to hir wrecchednesse. 3604 țat is to seyne țe same peyne țat ței suffren whiche țat is good by țe 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 țilke same shrewes ascapen wiț outen tourment. țan han ței somwhat more of yuel [gh]it ouer țe wickednesse 3608 țat ței han don. țat is to seye defaute of peyne. whiche defaute of peyne țou hast graunted is yuel. [Sidenote: _B._ I cannot deny it.] ¶ For țe 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 țan q{uo}d she ben shrewes vnsely 3612 whan ței ben wrongfully delyuered fro peyne. țan whan ței beț punissed by ry[gh]tful vengeaunce. [Sidenote: It is just to punish evil-doers, and unjust that they should escape punishment.] but țis is open ți{n}g {and} clere țat it is ry[gh]t țat shrewes ben punissed. {and} it is wickednesse {and} wrong țat ței 3616 escapin vnpunissed. [Sidenote: _B._ Nobody denies that.] [Sidenote: [* fol. 28 _b_.]] ¶ who my[gh]t[e] denye *țat 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. țat al țat is ry[gh]t nis good. {and} also țe contrarie. țat alle țat is wrong nis wicked. [[pg 127]] [Sidenote: _B._ These are just inferences from our former premises.] certys q{uo}d I țise ținges ben clere ynou[gh]. {and} 3620 țat 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 țe țat țou telle me yif țou accordest to leten no to{ur}ment to țe soules aftir țat țe body is dedid by țe dețe. țis [is] to seyn. vndirstondest țou ou[gh]t țat soules han 3624 any to{ur}ment after țe dețe of țe body. [Sidenote: _P._ Yes, and great ones too. Some punishments are rigorous and eternal.] ¶ Certis q{uo}d she [gh]e {and} țat ry[gh]t grete. of whiche soules q{uo}d she I trowe țat 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 țis 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 țou sholdest knowe țat țe mowynge [.i. myght] of shrewes whiche mowynge țe semeț to 3632 ben. vnworți nis no mowynge. {and} eke of shrewes of whiche țou pleynedest țat ței ne were nat punissed. țat țou woldest seen țat ței ne weren neuer mo wiț outen țe torment of hire wickednesse. {and} of țe licence 3636 of mowynge to done yuel. țat țou p{re}idest țat it my[gh]t[e] sone ben endid. {and} țat țou woldest fayne lerne. țat it ne sholde nat longe endure. {and} țat shrewes ben more vnsely yif ței were of lenger duryng. 3640 {and} most vnsely yif ței weren p{er}durable. [Sidenote: After this I showed that evil men are more unhappy, having escaped punishment, than if justly chastised.] {and} after țis I haue shewed țe țat more vnsely ben shrewes whan ței escapen wiț oute ry[gh]tful peyne. țan whan ței ben punissed by ry[gh]tful uengeaunce. [Sidenote: Wherefore when they are supposed to get off scot-free they suffer most grievously.] and of țis sentence 3644 folweț it țat țan be{n} shrewes constreyned atte laste wiț most greuous tourment. whan men wene țat ței 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 ți resou{n}s q{uo}d I. I. ne trowe nat țat men seyn any țing more verrely. {and} 3648 yif I to{ur}ne a[gh]eyn to țe studies of men. who is [he] to who{m} it sholde seme țat [he] ne sholde nat only leue{n} țise ținges. 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 ței han hire eyen so [[pg 128]] wont to derkenesse of erțely ținges. țat ței may nat 3653 liften hem vp to țe ly[gh]t of clere soțefastnes. ¶ But ței ben lyke to briddes of whiche țe ny[gh]t ly[gh]tneț hyre lookyng. {and} țe day blyndeț 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 țe ordre of ținges but hire lustes {and} talent[gh]. ței wene țat oțir țe leue or țe mowynge to done wickednesse or ellys țe escapi{n}g wiț oute peyne be weleful. [Linenotes: 3575 _who so seiț_--ho seyth _whiche_--which 3578 _byen_--a-byen 3579 _chastied[e]_--chastysede 3580 _my[gh]t[e]_--myhte 3581 _țenk[e]_--thinke 3584 _[gh]euen_--MS. [gh]euene, C. yeuen _fleyen_--flen 3585 _[gh]itte_--yif [_in_]--from C. 3588 _none_--non 3589 _ouțer_--oother _haț_--MS. hațe _ben_--be _told_--MS. tolde, C. told 3591 _good[e]_--goode 3592 [_thanne----she_]--from C. 3594 _blisful_--weleful _haț_--MS. hațe 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 _beț_--MS. bețe, 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 _dețe_--deth 3624 [_is_]--from C. _ou[gh]t_--awht 3625 _dețe_--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. țast, C. laste 3647 _resouns_--resoun 3649-50 [_he_]--from C. 3651 _eke_--ek 3653 _derkenesse_--derknesse 3654 _clere soțefastnes_--cleer sothfastnesse 3655 _whiche_--which 3658 _oțir_--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} țe iugement of țe p{er}durable lawe. for if 3660 țou conferme ți corage to țe beste ținges. țou ne hast no nede to no iuge to [gh]iue{n} țe p{r}is or meede. for țou hast ioigned ți self to țe most excellent țing. [Sidenote: If you indulge in vice, you need no other chastisement--you have degraded yourself into a lower order of beings.] and yif țou haue enclined ți studies to țe wicked ținges. ne 3664 seek no foreyn wrekere out of ți self. for țou ți self hast țrest țe in to wicked ținges. ry[gh]t as țou my[gh]test loken by dyuerse tymes țe foule erțe {and} țe heuene. {and} țat alle oțer ținges stynten fro wiț oute. so țat 3668 țou [ner{e} neyther in heuene ne in erthe] ne say[e] no țing more. țan sholde it semen to țe as by only resou{n} of lokynge. țat țou were in țe sterres. {and} now in țe erțe. [Sidenote: The multitude doth not consider this.] but țe poeple ne lokeț nat on țise ținges. [Sidenote: What then? Shall we take them as our models who resemble beasts?] what 3672 țan shal we țan app{ro}chen vs to hem țat I haue shewed țat ței ben lyke to țe bestes. (q. d. no{n}) [Linenotes: 3662 _to_ (1)--of 3665 _foreyn_--foreyne 3666 _țrest_--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 țou seyne of țis ¶ yif țat a man hadde al forlorn hys sy[gh]t. {and} had[de] for[gh]eten țat he 3676 euer saw {and} wende ț{a}t no țing ne fayled[e] hym of p{er}fecc{i}ou{n} of ma{n}kynde. now we țat my[gh]ten sen țe same țing wolde we nat wene țat 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 accordeț nat țe poeple to țat I shal 3680 seyne. țe whiche țing is susteyned by a stronge foundement of resou{n}s. țat is to seyn țat more vnsely ben ței țat don wrong to oțer folk. țen ței țat țe wrong [[pg 129]] suffren. [Sidenote: _B._ I would willingly hear your reasons.] [Sidenote: [* fol. 29.]] ¶ I wolde heren țilke *same resou{n}s q{uo}d I 3684 [Sidenote: _P._ Do you deny that every wicked man deserves punishment?] ¶ Deniest țou q{uo}d she țat alle shrewes ne ben worți 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 țat shrewes ben vnsely. [Sidenote: _B._ They are so.] it accordeț q{uo}d I. [Sidenote: _P._ Then those that deserve punishment are miserable.] țan [ne] dowtest țou nat q{uo}d she țat 3688 țilke folk țat ben worți of to{ur}ment țat ței ne ben wrecches. [Sidenote: _B._ I admit it.] It accordeț 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 țou were țan q{uo}d she yset a Iuge or a knower of ținges. whețer trowest țou ț{a}t men sholde to{ur}ment[e] hym țat haț 3692 don țe wronge. or hym țat haț suffred țe 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. țat I nolde don suffissaunt satisfacc{i}ou{n} to hym țat had[de] suffred țe wrong by țe sorwe of hym țat had[de] don țe wronge. [Sidenote: _P._ Then you would deem the injuring person more unhappy than he who had been wronged?] ¶ țan 3696 semeț it q{uo}d she țat țe doar of wrong is more wrecche țan he țat haț suffred țe wrong. [Sidenote: _B._ That follows naturally.] țat folweț 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.] țan q{uo}d she by țise causes {and} by oțer causes țat ben enforced by țe same roate țat filțe or synne by 3700 țe p{ro}pre nature of it makeț men wretches. {and} it sheweț wel țat țe wrong țat me{n} don nis nat țe wrecchenesse of hym țat receyueț țe wrong. but țe wrecchednesse of hym țat doț țe 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 țise orato{ur}s or aduocat[gh] don al țe contrarie for ței enforcen hem to co{m}moeue țe iuges to han pite of he{m} țat han suffred {and} resceyued țe ținges țat 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 țat don țe greuaunces {and} țe wronges. țe whiche shrewes it were a more couenable țing țat țe accuso{ur}s or aduocat[gh] not wroțe but pitous {and} debonaire ladden țe shrewes țat han don wro{n}g to 3712 țe Iugement. ry[gh]t as men leden seke folk to țe leche. [Linenotes: 3675 _wilt țou 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 _țing_--thinges _q. d._--MS. q{uod} 3681 _whiche_--which 3683 _don_--MS. done, C. don _oțer_--oothr{e} 3688 [_ne_]--from C. 3691 _yset_--MS. ysette, C. yset _whețer_--omitted 3692 _tourment[e]_--tormenten 3692-3 _haț_--MS. hațe 3693 _wronge_ (2)--wrong 3695 _had[de]_--hadde 3696 _had[de]_--hadden _wronge_--wrong 3697 _doar_--doere 3698 _haț_--MS. hațe 3699 [_I_]--from C. [[_word moved to l. 3698_]] 3700 _ben_--ben of _roate_--Roote 3703-4 _but----wronge_--omitted 3704 _doț_--MS. doțe 3711 _wroțe_--wroth 3712 _țe_--tho _don_--MS. done, C. don 3713 _seke_--syke] [Headnote: THE DUTY OF ADVOCATES.] for țat ței sholden seken out țe 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 țis couenaunt eyțer țe entent of țe defendo{ur}s or aduocat[gh] sholde fayle {and} cesen in al. or 3716 ellys yif țe office of aduocat[gh] wolde bettre p{ro}fiten to men. it sholde be to{ur}ned in to țe habit of accusac{i}ou{n}. țat is [to] s[e]yn ței 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 țe shrewes hem self. [gh]it it were 3720 leueful to hem to seen at any clifte țe vertue țat ței han forleten. {and} sawen țat ței sholde putten adou{n} țe filțes of hire vices by [the] to{ur}ment[gh] of peynes. ței ne au[gh]ten nat ry[gh]t for țe reco{m}pensac{i}ou{n} forto geten 3724 hem bounte {and} prowesse whiche țat ței han lost demen ne holden țat țilke peynes weren to{ur}mentes to hem. {and} eke ței wolden refuse țe 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 bytideț [ț{a}t] as to țe wise folk țer nis no place ylete to hate. țat is to seyn. țat hate ne haț 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 țat ței țat ben seek of hire body ben 3736 worți to ben hated. but rațer worți of pite. wel more worți nat to ben hated. but forto ben had in pite ben ței of whiche țe țou[gh]tes ben constreined by felonous wickednesse. țat is more cruel ța{n} any languissinge of 3740 body. [Linenotes: 3715 _tourment[gh]_--torment _țe_ (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 _bytideț_--MS. byndeț, C. bytidith [_țat_]--from C. 3730 _ylete_--I-leten 3731 _haț_--MS. hațe 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 deliteț it [gh]ow to exciten so grete moewynges of hatredes {and} to hasten {and} bisien [the] fatal disposic{i}ou{n} of [gh]oure deeț wiț [gh]oure p{ro}pre handes. țat is 3744 to seyn by batailes or [by] contek. [Sidenote: If death is desired he delays not to come.] for yif [gh]e axen țe deeț it hastisiț hym of hys owen wille. ne deeț ne [[pg 131]] tarieț 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 țat țe serpent[gh] {and} țe lyou{n}s. {and} țe tigre. {and} țe beere {and} țe 3748 boore seken to sleen wiț her tețe. [gh]it țilke same men seken to sleen eueryche of hem oțer wiț 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 ¶ ței 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 țe 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 țou țan [gh]elden a couenable gerdou{n} to țe 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 _hastisiț_--hasteth _owen wille_--owne wyl 3747 [_the_]--from C. 3749 _boore_--boor _tețe_--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.] ++Țus see I wel q{uo}d I. eyțer what blisfulnesse or ellys what vnselinesse is estab[l]issed in țe 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 țis ilke fortune of poeple I see somwhat of goode. {and} somwhat of 3760 yuel. for no wise man haț nat leuer ben exiled pore {and} nedy {and} nameles. țan 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 țis wise more clerely {and} 3764 more witnesfully is țe office of wise men ytretid whan țe blisfulnes {and} [the] pouste of gouerno{ur}s is as it were yshad amonges poeples țat ben ney[gh]boures {and} subgit[gh]. syn țat namely prisou{n} lawe {and} țise oțer 3768 to{ur}ment[gh] of lawful peynes ben rațer owed to felonous Cite[gh]eins. for țe whiche felonous Cite[gh]eins țo peynes ben establissed. țan 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?] ¶ țan I m{er}ueile me gretly q{uo}d I. whi [ț{a}t] țe ținges ben so mys 3772 entrechaunged. țat 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 țe. what semeț țe to ben țe 3776 resou{n} of țis 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 țe lasse yif I trowed[e] țat alle țise ținges 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 hepeț {and} encreseț myne astonyenge god gouerno{ur} of ținges. 3780 țat so as god [gh]eueț ofte tymes to good[e] men goodes {and} myrțes. {and} to shrewes yuel and aspre ținges. {and} [gh]eueț a[gh]eynewarde to goode folk hardnesse. {and} to shrewes [he] g{ra}unteț hem her wille {and} țat ței desiren. 3784 [Sidenote: What difference is there, then, unless we know the cause, between God's proceedings and the operations of Chance?] what difference țan may țer be bitwixen ț{a}t țat god doț. {and} țe hap of fortune. yif men ne knowe nat țe cause whi țat [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 țou[gh] țat men wenen țat țer be somwhat folysche and confus 3788 whan țe resou{n} of țe 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 țou[gh] țou ne know nat țe cause of so gret a disposic{i}ou{n}. națeles for as moche as god țe good[e] gouernour attempreț {and} gouerneț țe world. ne doute țe nat țat 3792 alle ținges ne ben doon ary[gh]t. [Linenotes: 3760 _goode_--good 3761 _haț_--MS. hațe _nat_--omitted _leuer_--leu{er}e 3762 _țan_--MS. țat, 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 [_țat_]--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 _doț_--MS. doțe _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 țat ne knowe nat țe sterres of arctour yto{ur}ned neye to țe souereyne contre or point. țat is to seyne yto{ur}ned neye to țe souereyne pool of țe 3796 firmament {and} woot nat whi țe sterre boetes passeț or gaderiț his wey[n]es. {and} drencheț his late flaumbes in țe see. {and} whi țat boetes țe sterre vnfoldiț his ouer swifte arisynges. țan shal he wo{n}dre{n} of țe lawe of țe 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 țat he ne knowe nat why țat țe hornes of țe ful[le] moene waxen pale {and} infect by țe bou{n}des of țe derke ny[gh]t ¶ and how țe moene dirk {and} confuse discouereț țe sterres. țat 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.] țe co{m}mune errour moeueț 3805 folk {and} makiț wery hir bacines of bras by țikke strookes. țat is to seyne țat țer is a maner poeple țat hy[gh]t[e] coribandes țat wenen țat whan țe moone is in 3808 țe eclips țat it be enchau{n}tid. and țerfore forto rescowe țe moone ței betyn hire basines wiț țikke 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 wondreț whan țe blastes of țe wynde chorus betyn țe strondes of țe see by quakynge floodes. 3812 ne no man ne wondreț whan țe wey[gh]te of țe snowe yhardid by țe colde. is resolued by țe brennynge hete of phebus țe sonne. ¶ For here seen men redyly țe causes. [Sidenote: Things whose causes are unknown disquiet the human mind.] [Sidenote: [* fol. 30.]] but țe *causes yhid țat is to seye in heuene 3816 trouble țe brestes of men. [Sidenote: The fickle mob stands amazed at every rare or sudden phenomenon.] ¶ țe moeueable poeple is a-stoned of alle ținges țat comen selde {and} sodeynely in oure age. [Sidenote: Fear and wonder, however, soon cease when ignorance given place to certain knowledge.] but yif țe troubly errour of oure ignora{n}ce departid[e] from vs. so țat we wisten țe causes whi țat 3820 swiche ținges bitiden. certys ței 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 _țikke_--MS. țilke, 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.] ++Țvs is it q{uo}d I. but so as țou hast [gh]euen or byhy[gh]t me to vnwrappe{n} țe hidde causes of ținges ¶ and 3824 to discoueren me țe resou{n}s couered w{i}t{h} dirknesses I p{re}ye țe țat țou diuise {and} Iuge me of țis matere. {and} țat țou do me to vndrestonde{n} it. ¶ For țis miracle or țis wondre troubleț 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} țan she a 3828 litel [what] smylyng seide. ¶ țou clepest me q{uo}d she to telle țing. țat is grettest of alle ținges țat mowen ben axed. ¶ And to țe whiche questiou{n} vnneț[e]s is țere au[gh]t ynow to lauen it. as who seiț. vnnețes is țer 3832 suffisauntly any țing to answere p{er}fitly to ți 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 țe matere of it is swiche țat whan oon doute is [[pg 134]] determined {and} kut awey țer wexe{n} oțer doutes wiț-outen nou{m}bre. ry[gh]t as țe heuedes waxen of ydre țe 3836 serpent țat 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 țere ne were no man{er}e ne noon ende. but yif țat a wy[gh]t co{n}streined[e] țo doutes. by a ry[gh]t lyuely {and} a quik fire of țou[gh]t. țat is to seyn by vigo{ur} {and} strengțe 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 țis matere me{n} weren wont to maken questiou{n}s of țe simplicite of țe p{ur}ueaunce of god {and} of țe ordre of destine. [Sidenote: 3. Sudden chance. 4. Prescience of God, and divine predestination. 5. Free-will.] {and} of sodeyne hap. {and} of țe knowyng {and} p{re}destinac{i}ou{n} deuine {and} of țe lyberte of fre wille. 3844 țe whiche țing țou ți self ap{er}ceiust wel of what wey[gh]t ței ben. but for as mochel as țe knowynge of țise ținges is a manere porc{i}ou{n} to țe medicine to țe. al be it so țat I haue lytel tyme to don it. [Sidenote: I will try to treat of these things:--] [gh]it națeles I wole 3848 enforcen me to shewe somwhat of it. ¶ but al țou[gh] țe norissinges of dite of musike deliteț țe țow most suffren. {and} forberen a litel of țilk delite while țat I weue (contexo) to țe resou{n}s yknyt by ordre ¶ As it likeț 3852 to țe q{uo}d I so do. [Sidenote: Resuming her discourse as from a new principle, Philosophy argued as follows:--] ¶ țo spak she ry[gh]t a[s] by an oțer bygynnyn[ge] {and} seide țus. [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.] ¶ țe enge{n}drynge of alle ținges q{uo}d she {and} alle țe progressiou{n}s of muuable nat{ur}e. {and} alle ț{a}t moeueț in any manere takiț hys 3856 causes. hys ordre. {and} hys formes. of țe stablenesse of țe deuyne țou[gh]t [Sidenote: Providence directs all things by a variety of means.] [{and} thilke deuyne thowht] țat is yset {and} put in țe toure. țat is to seyne in țe hey[gh]t of țe simplicite of god. stablisiț many manere gyses to ținges țat 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.] ¶ țe whiche manere whan țat men loken it i{n} țilke pure clerenesse of țe deuyne i{n}telligence. it is ycleped p{ur}ueaunce ¶ but whan țilke manere is referred by me{n} to ținges țat it moeueț {and} disponeț țan [[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 _țere au[gh]t_--ther awht 3834 _swiche_--swych _oon_--o 3835 _wițouten noumbre_--w{i}t{h}-owte nowmbyr 3836 _waxen_--wexen 3837 _țere_--ther 3838 _constreined[e]_--constreynede 3839 _lyuely_--lyfly 3840 _witte_--wit 3843 _hap_--happe 3845 _wey[gh]t_--wyht 3848 _wole_--wol 3850 _țow_--MS. now, C. ț{o}u _most suffren_--MS. moste to souereyne; C. most suffren 3851 _țilk_--thilke 3853 _țo_--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.] ¶ țe whiche 3865 ținges yif țat any wy[gh]t lokeț wel in his țou[gh]t. țe strengțe of țat oon {and} of țat oțer he shal ly[gh]tly mowen seen țat țise two ținges ben diuers. [Sidenote: Providence is the divine intelligence manifested in the disposition of worldly affairs.] ¶ For p{ur}ueau{n}ce 3868 is țilke deuyne resou{n} țat is establissed in țe souereyne p{r}ince of ținges. țe whiche p{ur}ueaunce disponiț alle ținges. [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 țe disposic{i}ou{n} {and} ordenaunce cleuynge to moeuable ținges. by țe whiche disposic{i}ou{n} 3872 țe p{ur}ueaunce knyteț alle ținges 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 enbraceț alle ți{n}ges to hepe. al țou[gh] țat ței ben dyuerse {and} al țou[gh] ței ben wiț outen fyn. but destynie dep{ar}teț {and} ordeyneț alle ținges singlerly 3876 {and} diuideț. in moeuynges. in places. in formes. in tymes. dep{ar}tiț [as] țus. [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 țat țe vnfoldyng of temp{or}el ordenaunce assembled {and} ooned in țe lokyng of țe deuyne țou[gh]t ¶ Is p{ur}ueaunce {and} țilke same 3880 assemblynge. {and} oonyng diuided {and} vnfolden by tymes. lat țat 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 țat țise ținges ben dyuerse. [gh]itte națeles hangeț țat oon on țat oțer. forwhi țe ordre destinal p{ro}cediț of țe 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} țat ap{er}ceiueț in hys țou[gh]t țe forme of țe țing țat he wil make moeueț țe effect of țe werke. {and} lediț țat he had[de] loked byforne in hys țou[gh]t symply {and} p{re}sently 3888 by temp{or}el țou[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 disponiț in hys p{ur}ueaunce singlerly {and} stably țe ținges țat ben to done. but he amynistreț in many maneres {and} in dyuerse tymes by destyne. țilke same ținges 3892 țat he haț disponed țan whețir țat destine be excercised. [Linenotes: 3872 _cleuynge_--clyuynge 3875 _wiț outen fyn_--Infynyte 3876 _singlerly_--syngulerly 3877 _in_ (3)--MS. {and}, C. in 3878 _departiț_--omitted [_as_]--from C. _so țat_--lat 3884 _on_--of 3886 _wil_--wol 3888 _had[de]_--hadde _symply_--symplely 3889 _țou[gh]t_--ordinau{n}ce 3890 _singlerly_--syngulerly _stably_--stablely 3893 _haț_--MS. hațe] [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.] eyțer by so{m}me dyuyne spirites seruaunte[gh] to țe 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 țe celestial moeuyng of sterres. or ellys by țe vertue 3897 of aungels. or ellys by țe dyuerse subtilite of deueles. or ellys by any of he{m}. or ellys by hem alle țe destynal ordynau{n}ce is ywouen or accomplissed. certys it is open 3900 țing țat țe p{ur}ueaunce is an vnmoeueable {and} symple forme of ținges to done. {and} țe moeueable bonde {and} țe temp{or}el ordynaunce of ținges whiche țat țe deuyne simplicite of p{ur}ueaunce haț ordeyned to done. țat 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 țat alle ținges țat 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 ținges ben put vndir purueaunce țat 3908 so{ur}mounten țe ordinaunce of destine. {and} țo ben țilke țat stably ben yficched ney to țe first godhed ței so{ur}mou{n}ten țe 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 țat to{ur}nen aboute a same Centre or 3912 about a poynt. țilke cercle țat is inrest or moost wiț-ynne ioineț to țe symplesse of țe myddel {and} is as it were a Centre or a poynt to țat oțer cercles țat 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 țilke țat is outerest compased by 3916 larger envyronnynge is vnfolden by larger spaces in so mochel as it is forțest fro țe mydel symplicite of țe poynt. and yif țer be any ți{n}g țat knytteț {and} felawshippeț hym selfe to țilke mydel poynt it is constreyned 3920 in to symplicite. țat 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}. țilke ținge țat dep{ar}tiț firțest fro țe first țou[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 țe țing more free {and} lovs fro destyne as it axeț {and} holdeț hym ner to țilke Centre of ținges. țat is to [[pg 137]] seyne god. [Linenotes: 3894 _eyțer_--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 _haț_--MS. hațe 3905 _whiche_--which 3912 _as_--as of 3913 _about_--a-bowte _inrest_--innerest 3917 _larger_ (1)--a large 3918 _mochel_--moche _forțest_--ferther{e} 3920 _selfe_--self 3921 _[vn]moeueablete_--vnmoeuablete 3922 _ceseth_--MS. flețe, C. cesith 3923 _ținge_--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 țe ținge cleueț to țe stedfastnesse 3928 of țe țou[gh]t of god. {and} be wiț oute moeuyng certys it so{ur}mounteț țe 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.] țan ry[gh]t swiche comparisou{n} as [it] is of skilynge to vndirstondyng {and} of țing țat is engendred to țing țat is. {and} of tyme to 3932 eternite. {and} of țe cercle to țe Centre. ry[gh]t so is țe ordre of moeueable destine to țe stable symplicite of p{ur}ueaunce. [Sidenote: Destiny rules nature.] ¶ țilke ordinaunce moeueț țe heuene {and} țe sterres {and} attempreț țe elyment[gh] to gider 3936 amonges hem self. {and} t{ra}nsformeț hem by enterchau{n}gable mutac{i}ou{n}. ¶ and țilke same ordre neweț a[gh]ein alle ținges growyng {and} fallyng a-doune by sembleables p{ro}gressiou{n}s of seedes {and} of sexes. țat 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 țis ilke ordre co{n}streyneț țe fortunes {and} țe dedes of men by a bonde of causes nat able to ben vnbou{n}den (indissolubili). țe whiche destinal causes whanne ței passen oute fro țe bygynnynges 3944 of țe vnmoeueable purueaunce it mot nedes be țat ței 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} țus ben țe ținges ful wel ygouerned. yif țat țe symplicite dwelly{n}ge *in țe deuyne țou[gh]t sheweț furțe țe ordre of causes. vnable to 3948 be I-bowed. {and} țis ordre constreyneț by hys p{ro}pre stablete țe moeueable ținges. or ellys ței 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 țat alle ținges semen to be confus {and} trouble to vs men. for we ne mowe nat co{n}sider{e} 3952 țilke ordinaunce. ¶ Națeles țe p{ro}pre manere of euery țing 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 țere nis no ținge don for cause of yuel. ne țilke țing țat is don by wicked[e] folk nis nat don for yuel 3956 țe whiche shrewes as I haue shewed [ful] plentiuously seken goode. but wicked errour mysto{ur}niț he{m}. [Linenotes: 3928 _seyne_--seyn _ținge cleueț_--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 _furțe_--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 țe ordre comynge fro țe poynt of souereyne goode ne declineț 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 țou mayst sein 3960 what vnreste may ben a wors co{n}fusiou{n} țan ț{a}t goode men han so{m}me tyme aduersite. {and} so{m}tyme p{ro}sperite. ¶ and shrewes also han now ținges țat ței desiren. [Sidenote: Are men wise enough to discover, whether those whom they believe to be virtuous or wicked, are so in reality?] {and} now ți{n}ges țat ței haten ¶ whețer men 3964 lyuen now in swiche hoolnesse of țou[gh]t. as who seiț. ben men now so wise. țat swiche folk as ței demen to ben goode folk or shrewes ț{a}t it mot nedes ben țat folk ben swiche as ței 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 țis manere țe domes 3968 of men discorden. țat țilke men ț{a}t so{m}me folk demen worți of mede. oțer folk demen hem worți 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 țat som man may wel demen or knowen țe goode folk {and} țe badde. [Sidenote: Then he must have as accurate a knowledge of the mind as one has of the body.] May he țan 3972 knowen {and} seen țilke inrest attemp{er}aunce of corages. as it haț ben wont to be said of bodyes. as who saiț 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 țat ne knowe{n} it nat. ¶ As who seiț. but is lyke a merueil or a miracle to hem țat ne knowe{n} it nat. whi țat swete 3980 ținges [ben] couenable to some bodies țat ben hool {and} to some bodies bittre ținges ben couenable. {and} also whi țat 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 națeles țe leche ț{a}t knoweț țe manere {and} țe attemp{er}aunce of heele {and} of maladie ne merueileț of it no țing. [Sidenote: What constitutes the health of the mind, but goodness? And what are its maladies, but vice?] but what oțer țing semeț hele of corages but bounte {and} prowesse. {and} what oțer țing semeț 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]] țou[gh]tes. țe whiche god wha{n} he haț by-holden from țe heye toure of hys p{ur}ueaunce he knoweț what is 3992 couenable to euery wy[gh]t. {and} leneț hem țat he wot [țat] 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 comeț {and} here of is don țis noble miracle of țe ordre destinal. [Linenotes: 3959 _goode_--good 3960 _declineț_--MS. enclineț, 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 _haț_--MS. hațe _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 _haț_--MS. hațe 3993 _wot_--MS. wote, C. wot 3994 [_țat_]--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 țat alle knoweț doț swiche țing. of whiche 3996 țing [țat] 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 seiț ¶ But forto co{m}prehende {and} telle a fewe ținges of țe deuyne depnesse țe whiche țat mans resou{n} may vnderstonde. [Sidenote: The man you deem just, may appear otherwise to the omniscient eye of Providence.] ¶ țilk man țat țou wenest 4000 to ben ry[gh]t Iuste {and} ry[gh]t kepyng of eq{u}ite. țe contrarie of țat semeț to țe deuyne p{ur}ueaunce țat al woot. ¶ And lucan my familier telleț țat țe victories cause liked[e] to țe 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.] țan what so euer țou mayst seen țat is don in țis [world] vnhoped or vnwened. certys it is țe ry[gh]t[e] ordre of ținges. but as to ți 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 țat som man be so wel yțewed. 4008 țat țe deuyne Iugement {and} țe Iugeme{n}t of mankynde accorden hem to gidre of hym. but he is so vnstedfast of corage [țat] yif any aduersite come to hym he wolde for-leten p{er}auenture to continue i{n}nocence by țe 4012 whiche he ne may nat wițholden 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_.]] ¶ țan țe wise dispensac{i}ou{n} of god spareț hym țe whiche man{er}e adu{er}site *my[gh]t[e] enpeyren. ¶ For țat god wil nat suffren hym to trauaile. to whom țat 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 oț{er} man is p{er}fit in alle uertues. {and} is an holy man {and} neye to god so țat țe p{ur}ueaunce of god wolde demen țat it were a felony țat he were touched wiț any aduersites. so țat he ne 4020 wil nat suffre țat swiche a man be moeued wiț any [[pg 140]] manere maladie. ¶ But so as seide a philosophre [the moore excellent by me]. țe adu{er}sites comen nat (he seide in grec[;]) țere ț{a}t uertues han edified țe bodie 4024 of țe 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 bitideț țat țe so{m}me of ținges țat ben to don is taken to good folk to gouerne. for țat țe 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]eueț {and} dep{ar}tiț to oțer 4028 folk p{ro}sp[er]ites {and} aduersites ymedeled to hepe aftir țe qualite of hire corages {and} remordiț 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 ței 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} oțer folk he suffreț to ben 4032 trauayled wiț harde ținges. ¶ For țat ței sholden conferme țe vertues of corage by țe 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 oțer folke dreden more țen ței au[gh]ten țe wiche ței my[gh]t[en] wel beren. {and} țilke folk god 4036 lediț in to exp{er}ience of hem self by aspre {and} sorweful ținges. [Sidenote: Many have purchased a great name by a glorious death.] ¶ And many oțer folk han bou[gh]t honorable renoune of țis worlde by țe pris of glorious deeț. [Sidenote: Others by their unshaken fortitude, have shown that virtue cannot be overcome by adversity.] and som men țat ne mowen nat ben ouer-comen by 4040 tourment han [gh]euen ensample to oțer folk țat 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 _doț_--MS. doțe _whiche_--which 3997 [_țat_]--from C. 3999 _mans_--mannes 4000 _țilk_--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 [_țat_]--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 _țe aduersites----nat_--omitted 4024 _țere_--omitted 4026 _don_--done _to_ (2)--MS. so _to good----gouerne_--to gou{er}ne to goode folk 4028 _oțer_--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 _oțer_--oothr{e} 4039 _worlde_--world _of_ (2)--of the 4041 _oțer_--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 țise ținges țer nis no doute ț{a}t ței ne ben don ry[gh]tfully {and} ordeinly to țe p{ro}fit of hem to whom we 4044 seen țise ținges bitide. [Sidenote: From the same causes it happens, that sometimes adversity and sometimes prosperity falls to the lot of the wicked.] ¶ For certys țat aduersite comeț some tyme to shrewes. {and} some tyme țat ței desiren it comeț of țise forseide causes [Sidenote: None are surprised to see bad men afflicted--they get what they deserve.] {and} of sorweful ținges țat bytyden to shrewes. Certys no man ne 4048 wondreț. For alle me{n} wenen țat ței han wel deserued it. [Sidenote: Their punishment, too, may cause amendment, or deter others from like vices.] {and} ței ben of wicked m{er}ite of whiche shrewes țe to{ur}ment som tyme agasteț oțer to done [[pg 141]] folies. {and} som tyme it amendeț hem țat suffren țe 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 țe p{ro}sp{er}ite țat is [gh]euen to shrewes sheweț a grete argument to good[e] folk what țing ței sholde demen of țilk wilfulnesse țe 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 țe whiche 4056 țing I trowe țat god dispensiț. for p{er}auenture țe nature of som man is so ouerțrowyng to yuel {and} so vncouenable țat țe nedy pouerte of hys house-hold my[gh]t[e] rațer egren hym to done felonies. [Sidenote: Their disease God cures by the medicine of money.] and to țe maladie 4060 of hym god puttiț 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 oțer man byholdiț hys conscience defouled wiț synnes {and} makiț co{m}parisou{n} of his fortune {and} of hym self ¶ and drediț p{er}auenture țat hys blisfulnesse 4064 of whiche țe vsage is ioyful to hym țat țe lesynge of țilke blisfulnesse ne be nat sorweful to hym. {and} țerfore he wol chaunge hys maneres. and for he drediț to lese hys fortune. he forletiț hys wickednesse. 4068 [Sidenote: Upon others unmerited happiness is conferred, which at last precipitates them into deserved destruction.] to oțer folk is welefulnesse y[gh]eue{n} vnworțily țe whiche ouerțroweț hem in to destrucc{i}ou{n} țat ței 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 oțer folk is [gh]euen power to punisse{n}. for țat 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 țer 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 țe whiche vices al to renden her consciences. {and} don oft[e] tyme ținges țe whiche ținges whan ței han don hem. ței demen țat țo ținges 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 ținge 4080 țilke souereyne p{ur}ueaunce haț maked oft[e] tyme [fair{e}] miracle so ț{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 țat som shrewes *seen țat ței suffren wrongfully felonies of oțer shrewes 4084 ței wexen eschaufed in to hat[e] of hem țat anoien hem. {and} retournen to țe fruit of uertue. when ței studien to ben vnlyke to he{m} țat ței han hated. [Linenotes: 4046 _comeț_--comth _some_ (_both_)--som _țat ței_--MS. ței țat, C. ț{a}t that they 4047 _comeț_--comth _sorweful_--sorwful 4050 _wicked_--wykkede _merite_--MS. u{er}ite, C. m{er}yte 4051 _oțer_--oothr{e} _done_--don 4052 _folies_--felonies 4054 _grete_--gret _good[e]_--goode 4055 _sholde_--sholden _țilk_--thilke 4056 _serue_--seruen _whiche_--which 4057 _dispensiț_--MS. dispisiț, 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 _oțer_--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 ținge_--which thing 4081 _haț_--MS. hațe _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 țis only is țe deuyne my[gh]t to țe whiche my[gh]t 4088 yueles ben țan good. whan it vseț țo yueles couenably {and} draweț out țe effect of any good. as who seiț țat yuel is good oonly by țe my[gh]t of god. for țe my[gh]t of god ordeyneț țilk yuel to good. For oon ordre enbrasiț 4092 alle ținges. so țat what wy[gh]t [ț{a}t] dep{ar}tiț fro țe resou{n} of țe ordre whiche țat is assigned to hym. algates [gh]it he slideț in to an oț{er} ordre. [Sidenote: Nothing occurs by the caprice of chance in the realms of Divine Providence.] so țat noțing nis leueful to folye in țe realme of țe deuyne p{ur}ueaunce. 4096 as who seiț no țing nis wițouten ordinaunce in țe realme of țe 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 țat țe ry[gh]t strong[e] god gouerniț alle ținges in țis worlde for it nis nat leueful to no man to co{m}p{re}henden by witte ne 4100 vnfolden by worde alle țe subtil ordinaunces {and} disposic{i}ou{n}s of țe 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 țat god hym self makere of alle natures ordeyniț and dressiț alle ținges 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 țat he hastiț to wițhalden țe ținges țat he haț maked in to hys semblaunce. țat is to seyn forto wițholden ținges in to good. for he hym self is good he chaseț oute al yuel of țe boundes of hys co{m}munalite by țe 4108 ordre of necessite destinable. [Sidenote: So that those evils which you seem to see are only imaginary.] For whiche it folweț țat yif țou loke țe p{ur}ueaunce ordeynynge țe ținges țat men wenen ben haboundaunt in erțes. țou ne shalt not seen in no place no țing 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 țat 4112 țou art charged wiț țe wey[gh]te of țe questiou[n] {and} [[pg 143]] wery wiț lengțe of my resou{n}. {and} țat țou abidest som swetnesse of songe. [Sidenote: Take, then, this draught, with which when refreshed, you may more strongly proceed to higher matters.] tak ța{n} țis drau[gh]t {and} whan țou art wel refresshed {and} refet țou shalt ben more stedfast 4116 to stye in to heyere questiou{n}s. [Linenotes: 4089-90 _good_--goode 4092 _țilk_--thilke 4093 [_țat_]--from C. 4094 _țe_ (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 _haț_--MS. hațe 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 țou wolt demen in ți pur{e} țou[gh]t țe ry[gh]tes or țe lawes of țe heye țund[ere]re. țat is to seyne of god. loke țou {and} bihold țe hey[gh]tes of souereyne heuene. 4120 ¶ țere kepen țe sterres by ry[gh]tful alliaunce of ținges 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.] țe sonne ymoeued by hys rody fire. ne destourbiț nat țe colde cercle of țe moone. ¶ Ne țe sterre yclepid țe bere. ț{a}t encliniț hys rauyssynge 4124 courses abouten țe souereyne hey[gh]t of țe worlde. ne țe same sterre vrsa nis neuer mo wasshen in țe depe westerne see. ne coueitiț nat to dy[gh]en hys flaumbes in țe see of [the] occian. al țou[gh] he see oțer sterres yplounged 4128 in to țe see. [Sidenote: Vesper always makes its wonted appearance at eve. Lucifer ushers in the morn.] ¶ And hesperus țe sterre bodiț {and} telliț alwey țe late ny[gh]tes. And lucifer țe sterre bryngeț a[gh]eyne țe clere day. [Sidenote: So mutual love moves all things, and from the starry region banishes all strife.] ¶ And țus makiț loue enterchaungeable țe p{er}durable courses. {and} țus 4132 is discordable bataile yput oute of țe contre of țe 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.] țis accordaunce atte{m}preț by euene-lyke manere[s] țe elementes. țat țe moyste ținges striuen nat wiț țe drye ținges. but [gh]iuen place by stoundes. and țat țe 4136 colde ținges ioynen hem by feiț to țe hote ținges. {and} țat țe ly[gh]t[e] fyre arist in to hey[gh]te. {and} țe heuy erțes 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 țise same cause țe floury yere [gh]eldeț swote smellys in țe fyrste somer sesou{n} 4140 warmynge. {and} țe hote somer dryeț țe cornes. [Sidenote: Autumn comes crowned with plenty, and winter wets the earth with showers.] {and} autumpne comeț a[gh]eyne heuy of apples. and țe fletyng [[pg 144]] reyne bydeweț țe wynter. țis attemp{er}aunce noryssiț {and} brynggeț furțe al ținge țat brediț lyfe in țis 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 țilk same attemp{er}aunce rauyssyng hideț {and} bynymeț {and} drencheț vndir țe last[e] dețe alle *ținges yborn. [Sidenote: Meanwhile the world's Creator, the Source of all, the Lawgiver, the wise Judge, sits above equitably directing all things.] ¶ Amonges țise ținges sitteț țe heye makere kyng {and} lorde. welle {and} bygynnynge. lawe 4148 {and} wise Iuge. to don equite {and} gouerniț {and} encliniț țe bridles of ținges. [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} țo ținges țat he stireț to don by moeuynge he wițdraweț {and} arestiț {and} affermiț țe moeueable or wandryng ținges. ¶ For [gh]if țat he ne 4152 clepiț nat a[gh]ein țe ry[gh]t goynge of ținges. {and} [gh]if țat he ne constreyned[e] hem nat eftesones in to roundenesse enclined țe ținges ț{a}t ben now continued by stable ordinaunce. ței sholde deperten from hir welle. țat is 4156 to sein from hir bygynnynge {and} failen. țat 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.] ¶ țis is țe co{m}mune loue of alle ținges. {and} alle ți{n}ges axen to be holden by țe fyn of good. For ellys ne my[gh]ten ței nat lasten yif ței ne 4160 come nat eftesones a[gh]eine by loue retourned to țe cause țat haț [gh]euen he{m} beynge. țat is to seyn to god. [Linenotes: 4118 _țou wolt_--ț{o}u wys wilt 4119 _țund[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 _oțer_--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 _comeț a[gh]eyne_--comth ayein 4143 _reyne_--reyn 4144 _furțe al ținge_--forth alle thing _brediț lyfe_--berith lyf 4145 _worlde_--world _țilk_--thilke 4146 _last[e] dețe_--laste deth 4147 _yborn_--MS. yborne, C. I-born 4148 _lorde_--lord 4149 _wise_--wys 4150 _stireț_--sterith _don_--gon 4151 _țe_--omitted 4153 _clepiț_--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 _haț_--MS. hațe] [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 țou nat țan what țing folweț alle țe ținges țat I haue seid. [Sidenote: _B._ What is it?] what țing q{uo}d I. [Sidenote: _P._ That all fortune is good.] ¶ Certys q{uo}d she 4164 outerly țat al fortune is good. [Sidenote: _B._ How can that be?] and how may țat 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 eițer 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. ¶ țan is alle fortune [[pg 145]] good. țe whiche fortune is certeyne țat it be eițer 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 soțe țis is a ful verray resou{n} 4172 q{uo}d I. and yif I considere țe p{ur}ueau{n}ce {and} țe destine țat țou tau[gh]test me a litel here byforne țis sentence is susteyned by stedfast resou{n}s. but yif it like vnto țe lat vs nou{m}bre hem amonges țilk[e] ținges of 4176 whiche țou seidest a litel here byforne țat ței ne were nat able to ben ywened to țe 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 țat țe comune worde of men mysusiț q{uo}d I. țis manere speche of fortune. {and} sein ofte tymes [ț{a}t] 4180 țe fortune of som wy[gh]t is wicked. [Linenotes: 4163 _țing_--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 _țilk[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 țou țan q{uo}d she țat I p{ro}che a litel to țe wordes of țe poeple so it seme nat to hem țat I be ouer moche dep{ar}tid as fro țe vsage of man kynde. [Sidenote: _B._ As you please.] as țou wolt q{uo}d I. [Sidenote: _P._ Is everything profitable that is good?] ¶ Demest 4184 țou nat q{uo}d she țat al țing țat p{ro}fitiț is good. [Sidenote: _B._ Yes, certainly.] [gh]is q{uo}d I. [Sidenote: _P._ That which exercises or corrects is profitable?] certis țilk țing țat ex{er}cisiț or corigiț profitiț. [Sidenote: _B._ It is.] I confesse it wel q{uo}d I. [Sidenote: _P._ Therefore it is good?] țan 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 țis is țe fortune [q{uod} she] of 4188 hem țat eițer ben put in vertue {and} batailen a[gh]eins aspre ținges. or ellys of hem țat eschewen {and} declinen fro vices {and} taken țe weye of vertue. [Sidenote: _B._ It is.] ¶ țis 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 țou of țe myrye 4192 fortune țat is [gh]euen to good folk in gerdou{n} deuiniț ou[gh]t țe poeples țat it is wicked. nay forsoțe q{uo}d I. but ței demen as it soțe is țat it is ry[gh]t good. ¶ And what seist țou of țat oțer fortune q{uo}d she. țat al țou[gh] it 4196 be aspre {and} restreiniț țe shrewes by ry[gh]tful tourment. weniț ou[gh]t țe poeple ț{a}t it be good. nay q{uo}d I. ¶ But țe poeple demiț țat it be most wrecched of alle ținges țat may ben țou[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 țat we in folwyng țe opyniou{n} of poeple haue confessed {and} co{n}cluded țing țat is vnable to be wened to [[pg 146]] țe poeple. [Sidenote: _B._ What is that?] what is țat 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 folweț or comeț of ținges ț{a}t ben graunted țat alle 4204 fortune what so euer it be. of hem țat eyțer ben i{n} possessiou{n} of vertue. [or in the encres of vertu] or ellys in țe purchasynge of vertue. țat țilke fortune is good. ¶ And țat alle fortune is ry[gh]t wicked to hem țat 4208 dwellen in shrewednesse. as who seiț. {and} țus weneț nat țe poeple. [Linenotes: 4180 [_țat_]--from C. 4181 _wicked_--wykkede 4182 _proche_--aproche 4185 _al_--alle 4186 _țilk_--thilke 4188 [_quod she_]--from C. 4191 _weye_--wey 4193 _deuiniț_--demyth 4194 _ou[gh]t_--awht 4195 _soțe_--soth 4198 _ou[gh]t_--awht 4199 _be_--is 4204 _comeț_--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.] ¶ țat is soțe q{uo}d I. ¶ Al be it so țat 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 semeț nat to 4212 abassen or disdaigne{n} as *ofte tyme as he hereț țe noise of țe bataile. ne also it ne semeț nat to țe wyse man to beren it greuously as oft[e] as he is lad in to țe 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 boțe to țat on man {and} eke to țat oț{er} 4216 țilke difficulte is țe matere to țat oon man of encrese of his glorious renou{n}. {and} to țat oțer man to conferme hys sapience. țat is to seine țe asprenesse of hys estat. [Sidenote: Thus virtue, in its literal acceptation, is a power that, relying on its own strength, overcomes all obstacles.] ¶ For țerfore is it called uertue. for țat it susteniț {and} 4220 enforceț by hys strengțes țat 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 țou țat art put in țe encrese or in țe hey[gh]t of uertue ne hast nat comen to fleten wiț 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.] ¶ țou sowest 4224 or plauntest a ful egre bataile in ți corage a[gh]eins euery fortune. for țat țe sorweful fortune ne co{n}fou{n}de țe nat. ne țat țe myrye fortune ne corrumpe țe nat. [Sidenote: Seize the _golden mean_ with all your strength. All below or above this line is a contemptible and a thankless felicity.] ¶ Occupy țe mene by stedfast strengțes. for al țat euer is vndir 4228 țe mene. or ellys al țat ou{er}-passeț țe mene despiseț welefulnesses. ¶ As who seiț. it is vicious {and} ne haț 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 seiț it lieț in [gh]our{e} power what fortune [gh]ow is 4232 leuest. țat is to seyne good or yuel. ¶ For alle fortune țat semeț sharpe or aspre yif it ne ex{er}cise nat țe good [[pg 147]] folk. ne chastisiț țe wicked folk. it punisseț. [Linenotes: 4210 _soțe_--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 _haț_--MS. hațe 4231 _set_--MS. sette, C. set 4232 _lieț_--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.] ++ȚE wrekere attrides ¶ țat is to seyne agamenon țat 4236 wrou[gh]t[e] {and} continued[e] țe batailes by ten [gh]ere recouered[e] {and} p{ur}ged[e] in wrekyng by țe destrucc{i}ou{n} of troie țe loste chambres of mariage of hys broțer țis is to seyn țat [he] agamenon wan a[gh]ein Eleine țat 4240 was Menelaus wif his broțer. [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 țe mene while țat țilke agamenon desired[e] to [gh]euen sailes to țe grekyssh{e} nauye {and} bou[gh]t[e] a[gh]ein țe wyndes by blode. he vncloțed[e] hym of pite as fad{er}. {and} țe sory p{re}st 4244 [gh]iueț in sacrifiynge țe wreched kuyttyng of țrote of țe dou[gh]ter. ¶ țat is to sein țat agamenon lete kuytte{n} țe țrote of hys dou[gh]ter by țe prest. to maken alliaunce wiț hys goddes. {and} for to haue wynde wiț 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 țat is to sein vlixies bywept[e] hys felawes ylorn țe whiche felawes țe fiers[e] pholifem{us} ligginge in his grete Caue had[de] freten {and} dreint in hys empty wombe. but națeles 4252 polifem{us} wood for his blinde visage [gh]eld to vlixies ioye by hys sorowful teres. țis is to seyn țat vlixes smot oute țe eye of poliphem{us} țat 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 _vncloțed[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 țe 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 țe despoylynge fro țe cruel lyou{n} țat is to seyne he slou[gh] țe lyou{n} {and} [[pg 148]] rafte hy{m} hys skyn. [Sidenote: he smote the Harpies with his arrows;] he smot țe brids țat hy[gh]te{n} 4261 arpijs [in țe palude of lyrne] wiț certeyne arwes. [Sidenote: he caried off the golden apples of the Hesperides, and killed the watchful dragon;] he rauyssed[e] applis fro țe wakyng dragou{n}. {and} hys hand was țe more heuy for țe golde[ne] 4264 metal. [Sidenote: he bound Cerberus with a threefold chain;] He drou[gh] Cerberus țe 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 haț put an vnmeke lorde fodre to hys cruel hors ¶ țis is to sein. țat hercules slou[gh] diomedes {and} made his hors 4268 to etyn hym. [Sidenote: he slew the serpent Hydra;] and he hercules slou[gh] Idra țe serpent {and} brend[e] țe venym. [Sidenote: he caused Achelous to hide his blushing head within his banks;] and achelaus țe flode defouled[e] in his forhede dreint[e] his shamefast visage in his strondes. țis is to sein țat achelaus couțe transfigure 4272 hym self in to dyuerse lykenesse. {and} as he fau[gh]t wiț orcules at țe 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 țe geaunt in țe strondes of libye. [Sidenote: he appeased Evander's wrath by killing Cacus;] {and} kacus apaised[e] țe wrațțes of euander. țis is to sein țat hercules slou[gh] țe Monstre kacus {and} apaised[e] wiț țat deeț țe wrațțe of euander. [Sidenote: he slew the Erymanthean boar;] ¶ And 4280 țe bristled[e] boor marked[e] wiț scomes țe sholdres of hercules. țe whiche sholdres țe heye cercle of heuene sholde țreste. [Sidenote: and bore the weight of Atlas upon his shoulders.] {and} țe laste of his labo{ur}s was țat he sustened[e] țe heuene vpo{n} his nekke vnbowed. [Sidenote: These labours justly raised him to the rank of a god.] {and} he 4284 deserued[e] eftsones țe heuene to ben țe pris of his laste trauayle [Sidenote: Go then, ye noble souls, and follow the path of this great example.] ¶ Goț now țan [gh]e stronge men țere as țe heye weye of țe grete ensample ledeț [gh]ou. ¶ O nice men whi nake [gh]e [gh]oure bakkes. as who seiț. [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 țe mede of țe heuene. [Sidenote: He who conquers earth doth gain the heavens.] for țe erțe ouer-come{n} [gh]eueț țe sterres. ¶ țis is to seyne țat whan țat erțely lust is ouer-comen. 4292 a man is maked worți to țe 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 _haț_--MS. hațe 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 _țreste_--thriste 4285 _deserued[e]_--deseruede 4286 _Goț_--MS. Goțe _țere_--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] țe cours of hir resou{n} to so{m}me oț{er} ținges 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.] țan seide I. Certys ry[gh]tful is țin amonestyng {and} ful 4296 digne by auctorite. but țat țou seidest som tyme țat țe questiou{n} of țe deuyne p{ur}ueaunce is enlaced wiț many oțer questiou{n}s. I vndir-stonde wel {and} p{ro}ue it by țe same ținge. [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 țat țou wenest țat hap 4300 be any țing in any weys. {and} if țou wenest țat hap be any [thing] what is it. [Sidenote: _P._ I hasten to fulfil my promise and to show the road to your own country.] țan q{uo}d she. I haste me to [gh]elden {and} assoilen țe to țe dette of my byheste {and} to shewen {and} opnen țe wey by whiche wey țou maist 4304 come a[gh]ein to ți 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 țat țe ținges whiche țat țou axest b{e}n ry[gh]t p{ro}fitable to knowe. [gh]itte ben ței diuers somwhat fro țe pațe 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 țat țou ne be maked weery by 4308 mysweys so țat țou ne mayst nat suffise to mesure{n} țe 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 țe țer-of no țing q{uo}d I. for forto knowen țilke ținges to-gidre in țe whiche ținges I delite me gretly. țat shal ben to me in stede of reste. 4312 Syn it nis nat to douten of țe ținges folwy{n}ge whan euery side of ți disputisou{n} shal be stedfast to me by vndoutous feiț. țan seide she. țat manere wol I don țe. {and} byga{n} to speken ry[gh]t țus [[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 țis manere. țat is to seyn. [Linenotes: 4294 _seid_--MS. seide, C. seyd _țe_--by 4297 _som tyme_--whilom 4298 _țe_ (2)--thy 4300 _ținge_--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 _pațe_--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.] țat hap is bytidynge y-brou[gh]t forțe by foelyshe moeuynge. {and} by no knyttyng of causes. ¶ I conferme țat hap nis ry[gh]t nau[gh]t in no wise. and I deme al 4320 outerly țat hap nis ne dwelliț but a voys. ¶ As who seiț. but an ydel worde wiț outen any significac{i}ou{n} of țing summittid to țat 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 țat 4324 god lediț {and} streyniț alle ținges by ordre. [Sidenote: For it is a great truth that nothing can spring out of nothing.] ¶ For țis sentence is verray {and} soțe țat no ținge ne haț his beynge of nou[gh]t. to [the] whiche sentence none of țise olde folk ne wițseide neuere al be it so țat ței ne 4328 vndirstoden ne moeueden it nau[gh]t by god p{r}ince {and} gynner of wirkyng. but ței casten as a manere foundement of subgit material. țat 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 țat ony ținge is woxen or comen 4332 of no causes. țan shal it seme țat țilke ținge 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 țis ne may nat ben don. țan is it nat possible țat țere haț ben any swiche țing 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 țan ben q{uo}d I. nis țer țan no țing țat by ry[gh]t may be cleped eyțer 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 țer ou[gh]t al *be it so țat it is hidd fro țe poeple to whiche țise wordes ben couenable. [Sidenote: _P._ Aristotle defines this matter with much precision and probability.] Myn aristotul q{uo}d 4340 she. in țe book of his phisik diffinisseț țis țing by short resou{n} and ney[gh]e to țe soțe. [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 țing for grace of any oțer țing. {and} an oțer ținge țan țilke 4344 țing țat men ententen to doon bytideț 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 țe erțe by cause of tylienge of țe felde. {and} fond țere a gobet of [[pg 151]] golde by-doluen. țan wenen folk țat it is fallen by fortunous 4348 bytydyng. but for soțe it nis nat for nau[gh]t for it haț hys p{ro}pre causes of whiche causes țe cours vnforseyn and vnwar semiț 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 țe tilier in țe erțe ne delue nat in țe felde. and yif 4352 țe hider of țe golde ne hadde hidd țe golde in țilke place. țe 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.] țise ben țan țe causes of țe abreggynge of fortune hap. țe whiche abreggynge of fortune hap comeț of causes encountrynge 4356 {and} flowyng to-gidre to hem selfe. {and} nat by țe entenc{i}ou{n} of țe doer. [Sidenote: For neither the hider of the gold nor the husbandman intended or understood that the gold should be found.] ¶ For neițer țe hider of țe gold. ne țe deluer of țe felde ne vndirstanden nat țat țe 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 țat he dalf țere as țat oțer hadde hidd țe golde. [Sidenote: Chance, then, is an unexpected event, by a concurrence of causes, following an action designed for a particular purpose.] Now may I țus diffinissen hap{pe}. ¶ Hap{pe} is an vnwar bytydyng of causes assembled in ținges țat ben don for som oțer ținge. but țilke 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 țat descendeț fro țe wel of purueaunce țat ordeineț alle ținges i{n} hir{e} places {and} in hire tymes makeț țat țe causes rennen {and} assemblen to-gidre. 4368 [Linenotes: 4318 _forțe_--forth 4322 _worde_--word 4323 _my[gh]t[e]_--myhte 4324 _left_--lefte 4325 _streyniț_--constreynyth 4326 _soțe_--soth _no ținge_--nothing _haț_--MS. hațe 4327 [_the_]--from C. 4330 _gynner_--bygynner{e} 4331 [_the_]--from C. 4332 _[gh]if_--MS. [gh]it, C. yif _ținge_--thing 4335 _țat----ben_--ț{a}t hap be _haț_--MS. hațe _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 _ținge_--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 _haț_--MS. hațe _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 _comeț_--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 _descendeț_--MS. defendeț, 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 țe kragges of țe roche of țe contre of achemenye țer{e} as țe fleenge [batayle] ficchiț hire dartes reto{ur}nid in țe brestes of hem țat folwen hem. ¶ And sone aftre 4372 țe 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 ței comen to-gidre {and} ben assembled {and} clepid to-gidre in to o cours. țan moten țilke ținges fletyn to-gidre whiche țat țe water of țe 4376 entrechau{n}gyng flode bry{n}geț țe shippes {and} țe stokkes araced wiț țe flood moten assemble. {and} țe watres ymedlyd wrappiț or implieț many fortunel happes or maneres. [Sidenote: But the sloping earth, the laws of fluids, govern these things.] țe whiche wandryng happes națeles țilke enclinyng 4380 lowenes of țe erțe. {and} țe flowynge ordre of țe slidyng water gouerniț. [Sidenote: So though Chance seems to wander unrestrained, it is nevertheless curbed and restrained by Divine Providence.] ¶ Ry[gh]t so fortune țat semeț as [țat] it fletiț wiț slaked or vngouerned[e] bridles. It suffriț bridles țat is to seyn to ben gouerned 4384 {and} passeț by țilke lawe. țat is to sein by țe deuyne ordinaunce. [Linenotes: 4369 [_and_]--from C. _a_--oo 4371 [_batayle_]--from C. 4373 _țe_--tho 4374 _to-gidre_--to-gyderes 4376 _whiche_--which 4377 _flode_--flod 4378 _assemble_--assemblyn 4380 _enclinyng_--declynynge 4381 _lowenes_--lownesse 4383 [_țat_]--from C. _vngouerned[e]_--vngou{er}nede 4385 _țe_--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?] ++Țis vndirstonde I wel q{uo}d I. {and} accorde wel țat it is ry[gh]t as țou seist. but I axe yif țer be any liberte 4388 or fre wil in țis ordre of causes țat cliue{n} țus 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 țat țe destinal cheine co{n}streiniț țe moeueuynge of țe corages of me{n}. [Sidenote: _P._ There is a freedom of the will possessed by every rational being.] yis q{uo}d she țer is liberte of fre wille. ne țer 4392 ne was neuer no nature of resou{n} țat it ne hadde liberte of fre wille. [Sidenote: A rational being has judgment to judge of and discern everything.] ¶ For euery țing țat may naturely vsen resou{n}. it haț doom by whiche it discerniț {and} demiț euery țing. [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.] ¶ țan knoweț it by it self ținges țat be{n} 4396 to fleen. {and} ținges țat ben to desiren. {and} țilk țing țat any wy[gh]t demeț to ben desired ț{a}t axeț or desireț he {and} fleeț [thilke] țing țat he troueț ben to fleen. [Linenotes: 4389 _or_--of 4390 _hem_--hym 4392 _yis_--MS. yif, C. yis 4392-94 _wille_--wil 4395 _whiche_--which 4397 _țilk_--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 ținges ț{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 seiț. I ne graunte nat țat țis lib{er}tee be euene like in alle ținges. [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 țe souereyns deuynes substau{n}ces. [Sidenote: [* fol. 34 _b_.]] țat is to *seyn in spirit[gh] ¶ Iugement is 4404 more clere {and} wil nat be corumped. {and} haț my[gh]t [[pg 153]] redy to speden ținges țat 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 țe soules of men moten nedes ben more free whan ței loken hem in țe speculac{i}ou{n} or lokynge of țe deuyne țou[gh]t. {and} 4408 lasse free whan ței sliden in to țe bodies. {and} [gh]it lasse free whan ței ben gadred to-gidre {and} co{m}p{re}hendid in erțely membris. but țe last[e] seruage is whan țat ței ben [gh]eue{n} to vices. {and} han yfalle fro țe 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 țat ței han cast aweye hir eyen fro țe ly[gh]t of țe souereyn soțefastnesse to lowe ținges {and} dirke ¶ Anon ței dirken by țe cloude of ignoraunce {and} ben troubled by felonous talent[gh]. to țe 4416 whiche talent[gh] whan ței app{ro}chen {and} assenten. ței hepen {and} encresen țe seruage whiche ței han ioigned to hem self. and in țis manere ței 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.] țe whiche ținges națeles țe lokynge of 4420 țe deuyne purueaunce seeț ț{a}t alle ținges byholdeț {and} seeț fro et{er}ne. and ordeyneț hem eueryche i{n} her merites. as ței ben p{ro}destinat. [Sidenote: He, as Homer says of the sun, _sees and hears all things_.] {and} it is seid in grek. țat alle ținges he seeț {and} alle ținges he hereț. 4424 [Linenotes: 4405 _haț_--MS. hațe 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 wiț țe hony mouțe. țat is to seyn. homer wiț țe swete dites syngeț țat țe sonne is cleer by pure ly[gh]t. națeles [gh]it ne may it nat by țe inferme ly[gh]t of hys bemes breke{n} or p{er}ce{n} țe inwarde entrailes of 4428 țe erțe. or ellys of țe see. [Sidenote: But God, the world's maker, beholding from on high, has his vision impeded neither by earth nor cloud.] ¶ so ne seeț nat god makere of țe grete worlde to hym țat lokeț alle ținges from on heye ne wițstandiț nat no ținges by heuynesses of erțe. ne țe ny[gh]t ne wițstondeț nat to hy{m} by țe blake 4432 cloudes. [Sidenote: At a glance he sees all events, present, past, and future.] ¶ țilke god seeț i{n} o strook of țou[gh]t alle ținges țat ben or weren or schullen come. [Sidenote: God, then, that alone sees all things, may indeed be called the true Sun.] ¶ and țilke god for he lokeț {and} seeț alle ținges al oon. țou maist [[pg 154]] seyn țat he is țe verray sonne. 4436 [Linenotes: 4425 _mouțe_--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.] ++ȚAn seide I now am I co{n}fou{n}ded by a more harde doute țan I was. what doute is țat q{uo}d she. ¶ For certys I coniecte now by whiche ținges țou art troubled. [Sidenote: God's foreknowledge seems to me inconsistent with man's free-will.] It semeț q{uo}d I to repugnen {and} to contrarien 4440 gretly țat god knoweț byforn alle ținges. {and} țat țer 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 țat god lokeț alle ținges byforn. ne god ne may nat ben desseiuid in no manere. țan mot it nedes ben țat alle 4444 ținges bytyden țe whiche țat țe purueaunce of god haț 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 țat god knoweț by-forn nat oonly țe werkes of men. but also hir conseils {and} hir willes. țan ne shal țer be no 4448 liberte of arbitre. ne certys țer ne may ben noon oțer dede ne no wille but țilke whiche țe deuyne purueaunce țat ne may nat ben desseiued haț 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 țat ței my[gh]ten wryțen awey in oțer manere țan ței 4452 ben purueyed. țan ne sholde țer ben no stedfast p{re}science of ținge to comen but rațer an vncerteyn oppiniou{n}. țe whiche ținge 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 țilk 4456 same resou{n}. as who seiț I ne allowe nat. or I ne p{re}ise nat țilke same resou{n} by whiche țat som men wenen țat ței mowen assoilen {and} vnknytten țe knot of țis questiou{n}. ¶ For certys ței seyn ț{a}t țing nis nat to 4460 come for țat țe purueaunce of god haț seyn it byforn{e}. țat is to comen but rațer țe cont{ra}rie. ¶ And țat is țis țat for țat țe țing is to comen țat țerfore ne may it nat ben hyd fro țe 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 țis manere țis necessite slydiț a[gh]ein in to țe [[pg 155]] contrarie p{ar}tie. ne it ne byhoueț [nat] nedes țat ținges bytiden țat ben ypurueid. [but it by-houeth nedes / ț{a}t thinges ț{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 seiț. țat țilke answere p{ro}cediț ry[gh]t as țou[gh] men trauailden or weren bysy to enqueren țe whiche țing is cause of whiche ținges. as whețer țe p{re}science is cause of țe necessite of ținges to 4472 comen. or ellys țat țe necessite of ți{n}ges to comen is cause of țe 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 țat țe bytidyng of ținges y-wist byforn is necessarie. how so or in what manere țat țe ordre of 4476 causes haț it self. al țou[gh] țat it ne seme nat țat țe p{re}science brynge in necessite of bytydynge of ținges 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 țat any wy[gh]t sitteț it byhoueț by necessite țat țe oppiniou{n} be soțe of hym 4480 ț{a}t coniectiț țat he sitteț. and a[gh]einward. al so is it of țe contrarie. yif țe oppiniou{n} be soțe of any wy[gh]t for țat he sitteț it byhoueț by necessite țat 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.] ¶ țan is here necessite in țat oon {and} in ț{a}t oțer. for in țat 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 țat oțer is necessite of soțe but țerfore ne sitteț nat a wy[gh]t for țat țe oppiniou{n} of sittyng is soțe. but țe oppiniou{n} is rațer soțe for țat a wy[gh]t sitteț by-forn. [Sidenote: So that although the cause of truth arises from the sitting, there is a common necessity in both.] and țus al 4488 țou[gh] ț{a}t țe cause of soțe comeț of [țe] syttyng. and nat of țe trewe oppiniou{n}. Algates [gh]itte is țer comune necessite in țat oon {and} in țat oțer. [Sidenote: Thus may we reason concerning Providence and future events.] ¶ țus sheweț it ț{a}t I may make semblable skils of țe p{ur}ueau{n}ce of god 4492 {and} of ținges 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 țou[gh] for țat țat ținges ben to comen. țer-fore ben ței p{ur}ueid. nat certys for ței ben p{ur}ueid. țer-fore ne bytide ței nat. [gh]it națeles byhoueț it by necessite țat eițer țe ținges to comen 4496 ben yp{ur}ueied of god. or ellys țat țe ținges țat ben p{ur}ueied of god bitiden [.s.] by necessite. ¶ And țis [[pg 156]] țing oonly suffiseț I-nou[gh] to distroien țe fredome of oure arbitre. țat 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] sheweț it wel how fer fro țe soțe {and} how vp so dou{n} is țis țing țat we seyn țat țe bytidinge of temp{or}el ținges is țe cause of țe eterne p{re}science. ¶ But forto wenen țat god p{ur}ueiț [the] ținges to comen. 4504 for ței ben to comen. what oțer țing is it but forto wene țat țilke ținges țat bitiden som tyme ben causes of țilke souereyne p{ur}ueaunce țat 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 țis țing țat ry[gh]t as whan țat I woot 4508 țat o țing is it byhoueț by necessite țat țilke self țing be. [Sidenote: So also when I know that an event shall come to pass, it must needs happen.] {and} eke țat whan I haue knowe țat any ți{n}ge shal bitiden so byhoueț it by necessite ț{a}t țilk[e] same țing bytide. [Sidenote: The event, therefore, of a thing foreseen must befall.] so folweț it țan țat țe bytydynge of țe 4512 ținge 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 țe last[e] yif țat any wy[gh]t wene a țing to ben oțer weyes țan it is. it nys nat oonly vnscience. but it is deceiuable oppiniou{n} ful diuerse {and} fer fro țe soțe of 4516 science. [Linenotes: 4437 _harde_--hard 4445 _haț_--MS. haț{e} 4446 _whiche_--which 4450 _wille_--wil _whiche_--which ț{a}t 4451 _haț_--MS. hațe 4453 _stedfast_--stydefast 4454-55 _ținge_--thing 4455 _on_--of 4456 _țilk_--thilke 4458 _whiche_--which 4459 _knot_--knotte 4461 _come_--comyn _haț_--MS. hațe 4464 _hyd_--MS. hydde, C. hidde 4466 [_nat_]--from C. 4467-8 [_but----yporueyid_]--from C. 4471 _ținges_--thing 4477 _haț_--MS. hațe 4480-82 _soțe_--soth 4486 _soțe_--sooth 4487 _soțe_--soth 4488 _soțe_--sooth 4489 _soțe comeț_--sooth comth [_țe_]--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 _purueiț_--MS. p{ur}ueițe [_the_]--from C. 4506 _bitiden_--bytydden _som tyme_--whilom 4509 _o_--a _self_--selue 4510 _ținge_--thing 4511 _țilk[e]_--thilke 4513 _ținge_--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 țing be so to comen so țat țe bytydynge of it ne be nat certeyne ne necessarie. ¶ who may weten [byforn] ț{a}t țilke țing 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 wiț falsnesse. 4520 as who seiț țat yif I woot a țing. it ne may nat be fals țat I ne woot it. ¶ Ry[gh]t so țilk țing țat is conceyued by science ne may [nat] ben noon oț{er} weyes țan [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 țat is țe cause 4524 whi țat science wa{n}tiț lesynge. as who seiț. whi țat witynge ne receyueț nat lesynge of țat it woot. ¶ For it byhoueț by necessite țat euery ți{n}ge [be] ry[gh]t as science co{m}p{re}hendiț it to be. [Sidenote: What follows, then? How does God foreknow these uncertain contingencies?] what shal I țan sein. ¶ In 4528 whiche man{er}e knoweț god byforn țe ținges to comen. ¶ yif ței 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 țat he deme țat ței ben to comen vneschewably. [Sidenote: [* fol. 35 _b_.]] {and} so may be țat it is possible țat ței ne shulle{n} *nat comen. god is 4532 desseiued. but nat only to trowen țat god is desseiued. but for to speke it wiț mouțe 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 țat god woot țat ry[gh]t so as ținges ben to comen. so shulle ței comen. so țat he wit[e] egaly. as 4536 who seiț indifferently țat ținges mowen ben don or ellys nat don. what is țilke p{re}science țat ne comp{re}hendiț no certeyne ținge 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 țer bytwixe țe p{re}science. {and} țilke iape-worți 4540 dyuynynge of Tiresie țe diuino{ur} țat seide. ¶ Al țat I seie q{uo}d he eyțer it shal be. or ellys it ne shal nat be. Or ellis how moche is worțe țe diuyne p{re}science more țan țe oppiniou{n} of mankynde yif so be țat it 4544 demeț țe ținges vncerteyne as me{n} don. of țe whiche domes of men țe 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 ț{a}t noon vncerteyne ținge may ben in hym țat is ry[gh]t certeyne welle of alle ținges. ța{n} is țe 4548 bytydynge certeyne of țilke ținges whiche he haț 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 folweț țat țe fredom of țe co{n}seils {and} of țe werkes of mankynde nis non syn țat țe țou[gh]t of god seeț alle ținges w{i}t{h} outen 4552 erro{ur} of falsnesse byndeț {and} co{n}streiniț hem to a bitidynge by necessite. and yif [this] ți{n}g be on-is grau{n}tid {and} receyued. țat is to seyn. țat țer nis no fre wille. țan sheweț it wel how gret distrucc{i}ou{n} {and} 4556 how grete damages țer folwen of ținges of mankynde. [Linenotes: 4518 _it_--hit 4519 [_byforn_]--from C. 4522 _fals_--false 4523 [_nat_]--from C. _ben_--MS. by, C. ben 4524 _țan [as] it is_--MS. țan it is be 4527 [_be_]--from C. 4529 _whiche_--which 4534 _mouțe_--Mowth 4536 _shulle_--shullyn _wit[e]_--wite 4538 _don_--MS. done, C. y-doon 4543 _moche_--mochel _worțe_--worth 4549 _haț_--MS. hațe 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 țer țan p{ur}posed and byhy[gh]t medes of goode folk. {and} peynes to badde folk. syn țat no moeuynge of free corage uoluntarie ne haț nat deserued 4560 hem. țat is to seyn neițer 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 țan țat țilke ținge is alțer worste whiche țat is nowe demed. for alț{er} moste iuste {and} moste [[pg 158]] ry[gh]tful. țat is to seyn țat shrewes ben punyssed. or 4564 ellys ț{a}t good[e] folk ben ygerdoned. țe whiche folk syn țat țe p{ro}pre wille [ne] sent hem nat to ț{a}t oon ne to țat oțer. țat is to seyn. nețer to good[e] ne to harme. but constreineț hem certeyne necessite of ținges 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.] ¶ țanne ne sholle{n} țer neuer ben ne neuer weren vice ne vertue. but it sholde rațer ben co{n}fusiou{n} of alle desertes medlid wițoute discresiou{n}. ¶ And [gh]itte țer folweț an oțer i{n}co{n}uenient of țe whiche țer 4572 ne may ben țou[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} țat is țis țat so as țe ordre of ținges is yledd {and} comeț of țe purueaunce of god. ne țat no țing nis leueful to țe conseils of mankynde. as who seiț țat 4576 men han no power to done no țing. ne wilne no țing. țan folweț it țat oure vices ben refferred to țe mak[er]e of alle good. as who seiț țan folweț it. țat god au[gh]t[e] han țe blame of oure vices. syn he co{n}streiniț by 4580 necessite to don vices. [Sidenote: Then is it useless to hope for anything from God, or to pray to him.] țan nis țer 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 țat țe ordenaunce of destine whiche țat ne 4584 may nat ben enclined. knytteț {and} streiniț alle ținges țat men may desire{n}. [Sidenote: Hope and prayer being thus ineffectual, all intercourse is cut off between God and man.] ¶ țan sholde țere be don awey țilke oonly alliaunce bytwixen god {and} men. țat 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 țe p{re}is of ry[gh]tfulnesse 4588 {and} of veray mekenesse we deserue țe gerdou{n} of țe deuyne grace whiche țat is inestimable. țat is to sein țat it is so grete țat it ne may nat ben ful yp{re}ised. {and} țis is oonly țe manere. țat is to seyen hope {and} 4592 prayeres. for whiche it semeț țat [men] mowen speken wiț god. {and} by resou{n} of supplicac{i}ou{n} ben conioigned [[pg 159]] to țilk clernesse țat nis nat app{ro}ched no rațer or țat 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] țat [hope] ne p{re}iers ne han no strengțes. by țe necessite of ținges to comen y-resceiued. what ți{n}g is țer țan by whiche we mowen be co{n}ioygned {and} clyuen to țilke souereyne p{r}ince of ținges. [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 byhoueț by necessite țat țe lynage of mankynde as *țou songe a litel here byforne ben dep{ar}ted {and} vnioyned from hys welle {and} faylen of hys bygynnynge. țat is to seien god. 4604 [Linenotes: 4558 _medes of_--Meedes to 4560 _haț_--MS. hațe 4562 _alțer worste whiche_--alderworst which 4563 _nowe_--MS. newe, C. now _alțer moste iuste_--alder moost Iust _moste_--most 4565-67 _good[e]_--goode 4566 _wille_--wil [_ne_]--from C. 4571 _wițoute_--w{i}t{h}-owten 4573 _țou[gh]t_--thoght 4574 _yledd_--MS. yledde, C. yled 4575 _comeț_--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 _țilk_--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 haț to-rent {and} vnioigned țe byndyng or țe alliaunce of ținges. țat is to seyne țe 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 haț establissed so grete bataile bitwixe{n} țise two soțefast 4608 or verray ținges. țat is to sein bytwixen țe p{ur}ueaunce of god {and} fre wille. țat ței ben synguler {and} diuided. ne țat ței ne wolen nat ben medeled ne coupled to-gidre. but țer nis no discorde to [tho] verray 4612 ținges. but ței 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 țe țou[gh]t of man co{n}founded {and} ouerțrowen by țe dirke membris of țe body ne may nat by fir of his dirk[ed] lokynge. țat is to seyn by țe vigo{ur} of hys insy[gh]t while 4616 țe soule is in țe body knowen țe ținne subtil knyttynges of ținges. [Sidenote: But why does man burn with ardour to learn the hidden notes of truth?] ¶ But wherfore eschaufiț it so by so grete loue to fynden țilke note[s] of soțe y-cou{er}ed. (_glosa_) țat is to sein wherfore eschaufiț țe țou[gh]t of man by so 4620 grete desir to knowen țilke notificac{i}ou{n}s țat ben yhidd vndir țe couerto{ur}s of soțe. [Sidenote: Why gropes he for he knows not what? None seek to know what is known.] woot it ou[gh]t țilke ținges țat it anguissous desireț to knowe. as who seiț nay. [[pg 160]] ¶ For no man ne trauaileț forto witen ținges țat he woot. 4624 {and} țerfore țe texte seiț țus. ¶ [_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]leț to wyten ținges y-knowe. [Sidenote: If he knows them not, what does he so blindly seek?] and yif 4628 țat he ne knoweț hem nat. what sekiț țilke blynde țou[gh]t. [Sidenote: Who wishes for things he hath never known?] what is he țat desireț any ținge of whiche he woot ry[gh]t nat. as who seiț who so desiriț any țing nedis som what he knoweț of it. or ellys he ne couțe 4632 nat desire it. or who may folwen ținges țat 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 țou[gh] [ț{a}t] he seke țo ținges where shal he fynde{n} hem. what wy[gh]t țat is al vnknowynge {and} ignoraunt may knowe țe forme țat is yfounde. [Sidenote: The pure soul that sees the divine thought, knows all the secret chains of things.] ¶ But 4636 whan țe soule byholdeț {and} seeț țe heye țou[gh]t. țat is to seyn god. țan knoweț it to-gidre țe so{m}me {and} țe singularites. țat is to seyn țe 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 țe soule is hidd in țe 4640 cloude {and} in țe derknesse of țe membris of țe body. it ne haț nat al for[gh]eten it selfe. but it wițholdeț țe so{m}me of ținges {and} lesiț țe 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.] țan who so țat sekeț soțenesse. he nis in neiț{er} nouțir habit. for 4644 he not nat alle ne he ne haț 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 remembriț țe so{m}me of ținges țat he wițholdeț {and} axeț cou{n}seil {and} tretiț depelyche ți{n}ges ysein byforne. [_Glosa_] țat is to sein țe grete so{m}me in 4648 hys mynde. [_textus_] so țat he mowe adden țe p{ar}ties țat he haț for[gh]eten. to țilke țat he haț wițholden. [Linenotes: 4605 _haț_--MS. hațe 4606 _seyne_--seyn 4607 _whiche_--which 4608 _haț_--MS. hațe _grete_--gret _soțefast_--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 _soțe_--soth 4621 _yhidd_--MS. yhidde, C. Ihyd 4622 _soțe_--sooth _ținges_--thing 4625 [_Glosa_]--from C. 4630 _ținge_--thing _whiche_--which 4631 _woot_--not _nat_--nawht 4632 _couțe_--kowde 4634 [_țat_]--from C. _where_--wher 4635 _what_--MS. țat, C. what _vnknowynge_--vnkunnynge 4639 _eueryche_--eu{er}ych 4640 _while_--whil _țe_--MS. țe țe _hidd_--MS. hidde, C. hidde 4641 _derknesse_--derkenesse 4642 _haț_--MS. hațe _selfe_--self 4644 _nouțir habit_--nother habite 4645 _alle_ (_both_)--al _haț_--MS. hațe 4648 [_Glosa_]--from C. 4649 [_textus_]--from C. 4650 _haț_ (_both_)--MS. hațe] [[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.] ++Țanne seide she. țis is q{uo}d she țe olde questiou{n} of țe p{ur}ueaunce of god. {and} marcus tulius whan he 4652 deuided[e] țe deuinac{i}ou{n}s. țat is to sein in hys booke țat he wroot of deuinac{i}ou{n}s. he moeued[e] gretly țis questiou{n}. {and} țou ți 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 haț 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 țe cause of țis derkenesse {and} [of this] difficulte is for țat țe moeuynge of țe resou{n} of mankynde ne may nat moeue{n} to. țat is to sein applien or ioygnen to 4660 țe simplicite of țe deuyne p{re}science. ¶ țe whiche symplicite of țe deuyne p{re}science [gh]if țat men [myhten thinken it in any maner{e} / ț{a}t is to seyn / ț{a}t yif men] my[gh]te ținken {and} co{m}p{re}henden țe ținges as god seeț hem. 4664 țan ne sholde țer dwellen outerly no doute. [Sidenote: I shall, therefore, try to explain and solve this difficult question.] țe whiche resou{n} {and} cause of difficulte I shal assaie at țe laste to shewen {and} to speden. [Sidenote: [* fol. 36 _b_.]] ¶ whan I haue *firste [yspendyd / {and}] ansewered to țo resou{n}s by whiche ț{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 ț{o}u wenest țat țilk[e] resou{n}s of hem țat assoilen țis questiou{n} ne ben nat spedeful ynou[gh] ne sufficient țe whiche soluc{i}ou{n} or țe whiche resou{n} for țat it demiț țat țe p{re}science nis nat 4672 cause of necessite to ținges to comen. țan ne weneț it nat țat 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 _haț_--MS. hațe 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. _țo_--the _whiche_--which 4669 _art_--MS. arte _țilk[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 țou nat argumentes from ellys where of țe necessite of ținges to comen. As who seiț 4676 any oțer wey țan țus. but țat țilke ținge[s] țat țe p{re}scie{n}ce woot byforn [ne] mowen nat vnbitide. țat is to seyn țat ței 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 țan yif țat p{re}science ne putteț no necessite to ținges to comen. as țou ți self 4680 hast confessed it {and} byknowen a litel herbyforn{e}. ¶ what [[pg 162]] cause [or what] is it. as who seiț țere may no cause be. by whiche țat țe endes (exitus) uoluntarie of ținges 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 țat țou mowe țe better vndirstonde țis țat folweț. ¶ I pose (inpossibile) țat țer ne be no p{re}science. țan axe I q{uo}d she in as moche as app{er}teniț to țat. sholde țan ținges țat 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.] țan a[gh]einward q{uo}d she. I suppose țat țere be p{re}science but țat ne putteț no necessite to ținges. țan trowe I țat țilk 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 țou wolt sein țat al be it so țat p{re}science nis nat cause of țe necessite of bitidynge to ținges to comen. ¶ Algates [gh]itte it is a signe ț{a}t țe ținges ben 4696 to bytiden by necessite. by țis manere țan al țou[gh] țe p{re}science ne hadde neuer yben. [gh]it algate or at țe lest[e] wey. it is certeyne țing țat țe e{n}dys {and} țe bitydynges of ținges 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 sheweț {and} signifieț oonly what țe țing is ¶ but it ne makiț nat țe țing țat it signifieț. [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 byhoueț firste to shewen țat no țing ne bitidiț [ț{a}t it ne bytydith] by necessite. so țat it 4704 may apere ț{a}t țe p{re}scie{n}ce is signe of țis necessite [Sidenote: For if there be no necessity, prescience cannot be the sign of that which has no existence.] ¶ or ellys yif țere nere no necessite. certys țilke p{re}science ne my[gh]t[e] nat ben signe of ținge țat nis nat. [Linenotes: 4677 _ținge[s]_--thinges 4683 _whiche_--which 4685 _better_--beter{e} 4688 _moche_--mochel 4689 _frewille_--free wyl 4691 _țat ne_--țat is ne 4692 _țat_--MS. țan _țilk self_--thilke selue 4693 _wille_--wil 4699 _lest[e]_--leeste 4700 _sholde_--sholden 4703 _whiche_--which _firste_--fyrst 4704 [_țat----bytydith_]--from C. 4707 _my[gh]t[e]_--myhte _ținge_--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 țat țe preue of țis 4708 susteniț by stedfast resou{n} ne shal nat ben ladd ne p{ro}ued by signes ne by argumentys ytaken fro wiț oute. but by causes couenable {and} necessarie ¶ But țou mayst sein how may it be țat țe ținges ne bitiden nat 4712 țat ben ypurueyed to comen. but certys ry[gh]t as we [[pg 163]] trowen țat țo ținges whiche țat țe p{ur}ueau{n}ce woot byforn to comen. ne ben nat to bitiden. but [ț{a}t] ne sholde we nat demen. but rațer al țou[gh] [țat] ței schal bitiden. 4716 [gh]it ne haue ței no necessite of hire kynde to bitiden. {and} țis maist țou ly[gh]tly ap{er}ceyue{n} by țis țat 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 ținges whan ței ben don byforn oure eyen ry[gh]t as men seen țe karter worken in țe 4720 to{ur}nynge {and} in attempryng or in adressy{n}g of hys kartes or chariottes. ¶ and by țis manere as who seiț mayst țou vnd{er}sto{n}de of alle manere oțir werkeme{n}. [Sidenote: Now, is there any necessity which compels these things to be done?] ¶ Is țere țanne any necessite as who seiț in oure lokynge 4724 [ț{a}t] constreineț or compelliț any of țilke ținges 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 țe effect of crafte yif țat alle ținges weren moeued by constreynynge. țat 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._ țise ți{n}g{us} țan q{uo}d she țat whan men don hem ne han non necessite țat men don hem. eke țo same ținges first or ței be don. ței ben to comen wiț out necessite. [Sidenote: [* fol. 37.]] for whi 4732 țer ben so{m}me ținges to bytide of whiche țe endys {and} țe 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 țat any man wolde seyn țis. țat țo ținges țat men don now ț{a}t ței ne weren 4736 to bitiden. first or ței were ydon ¶ and țilk same ținges al țou[gh] ț{a}t men hadde{n} ywyst hem by-forn. [gh]itte ței han fre bitidynges. for ry[gh]t as science of ținges p{re}sent ne bryngeț in no necessite to ținges 4740 [ț{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 țou mayst seyn țat of țilke same it is ydouted. as whețer țat of țilke ținges țat ne han non endes {and} 4744 bytidynges necessaryes yif țer-of may ben any p{re}science [Linenotes: 4708 _nowe_--now 4709 _susteniț_--ysustenyd _stedfast_--stydefast _ladd_--MS. ladde, C. lad 4714 _whiche_--which 4715 [_țat_]--from C. _sholde_--sholden 4716 _demen_--MS. denyen [_țat_]--from C. 4717 _necessite_--MS. necessites 4721 _hys_--hise 4725 [_țat_]--from C. 4727 _veyne_--veyn _alle_--al _crafte_--craft 4729 _țise_--MS. țise țise, C. the 4732 _wiț out_--w{i}t{h}-owte 4733 _bytide_--bytyden _whiche_--which 4737 _were_--weeren _ydon_--MS. ydone, C. I-doon _țilk_--thilke 4741-2 [_țat----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 ței seme to discorde. for țou wenest țat yif țat ținges ben yseyn byforn țat necessite folweț hem. and yif ({et} putas) necessite faileț hem ței ne 4748 my[gh]ten nat ben wist byforn. {and} țat no ținge 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 țo ținges țat 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 soțefastnesse of science [{and} ț{o}u weenyst ț{a}t it be diu{er}se fro the hoolnesse of science / ț{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 țe cause of țis errour is. țat of alle țe ținges țat euery 4756 wy[gh]t haț yknowe. ței wenen țat țo ținges ben y-knowe al oonly by țe strengțe {and} by țe nature of țe ținges țat ben ywyst or yknowe. {and} it is al țe contrarie. for alle țat eu{er}e is yknowe. [Sidenote: Things are not known from their inherent properties, but by the faculties of the observer.] it is rațer comp{re}hendid {and} 4760 yknowe{n} nat after his strengeț {and} hys nature. but after țe faculte țat is to seyn țe power {and} [the] nature of hem țat knowen. [Sidenote: The roundness of a body affects the sight in one way, and the touch in another.] {and} for țat țis shal mowe shewen by a short ensample țe same roundenes of a body .O. oțer 4764 weyes țe sy[gh]t of țe eye knoweț it. {and} oțer weyes țe touchi{n}g. [Sidenote: The eye, from afar, darts its rays upon the object, and by beholding it comprehends its form.] țe lokynge by castynge of his bemes waiteț {and} seeț fro afer alle țe body to-gider wiț 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 țe touchinge cliuiț {and} conioigneț to țe 4768 rounde body (orbi) {and} moueț abouten țe environynge. {and} comp{re}hendiț by p{ar}ties țe roundenesse. [Linenotes: 4746 _seme_--semyn _discorde_--discorden 4749 _țat_--yif 4753-5 [_and----self_]--from C. 4757 _haț_--MS. hațe 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 țe man hym self oțer weies wyt byholdiț hym. {and} oț{er}weyes ymaginac{i}ou{n} {and} oțer weyes resou{n}. {and} 4772 oțer weyes intelligence. [Sidenote: The senses take note of his material figure--the imagination considers the form alone, exclusive of the matter.] ¶ For țe wit co{m}p{re}he{n}diț fro wiț outen furțe țe figure of țe body of țe man. țat is establissed in țe matere subiect. But țe 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}hendeț [[pg 165]] by an vniuersel lokynge țe co{mmun}e spece (sp{eci}em) țat is in țe singuler peces. ¶ But țe eye of intelligence is hey[gh]er for it so{ur}mou{n}teț țe envirounynge of țe 4780 vniu{er}site {and} lookeț ouer țat by pure subtilite of țou[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:] țilk same symple forme of man țat is p{er}durably in țe deuyne țou[gh]t. in whiche țis au[gh]t[e] gretely to ben considered țat țe heyest strengțe to co{m}prehenden ținges 4784 enbraceț {and} conteyneț țe lower[e] strengțe [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 ținge co{m}p{re}hende oute of matere. ne țe ymagynac{i}ou{n} ne lokeț nat țe vniuerseles 4788 speces. ne resou{n} ne takeț nat țe symple forme. so as i{n}telligence takeț 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 țe intelligence țat lokeț al abouen whan it haț co{m}p{re}hendid țe forme it knoweț {and} demeț alle țe ținges țat be{n} vndir țat forme. but 4792 she knoweț he{m} vndir țilke manere in țe whiche it comp{re}hendiț țilke same symple forme țat ne may neuer be knowen to non of țat oțer. țat is to seyn to non of țo țre forseide strengțes of țe 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 knoweț țe vniuersite of resou{n} {and} țe figure of țe ymaginac{i}ou{n}. {and} țe sensible mat{er}ial conseiued. {and} țou wenest ț{a}t it be diuerse fro țe hoolnesse of science. țat any man sholde deme a țing to ben oț{er}weyes țan it is 4800 it self {and} țe cause of țis 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 vseț nat nor of resou{n} ne of ymaginac{i}ou{n} ne of wit wiț oute forțe but it byholdeț alle ținges so as I shal seye. by a strok of țou[gh]t formely wiț oute disco{ur}s 4804 or collac{i}ou{n} ¶ Certys resou{n} whan it lokeț any țing vniu{er}sel it ne vseț nat of ymaginac{i}ou{n} nor of wit {and} algates [gh]it [it] co{m}prendiț țe ținges ymaginable {and} sensible. [Sidenote: For instance, reason defines her general conceptions thus:--] [Sidenote: [* fol. 37 _b_.]] for resou{n} is she țat *diffinisseț țe vniuersel 4808 of hir conseite ry[gh]t țus. [[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 țat țis knowynge [is] vniuersel. [gh]it nys țer no wy[gh]t țat ne woot wel. țat a ma{n} is [a thing] ymaginable {and} sensible ¶ and țis same co{n}sidereț wel 4812 resou{n}. but țat nis nat by ymaginac{i}ou{n}. nor by witte. but it lokiț 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. țat it takeț of wit țe bygyny{n}g{us} to seen {and} to formen țe figures. algates al țou[gh] țat wit 4816 ne ware not p{re}sent. [gh]it it envirouniț {and} co{m}p{re}hendiț alle ținges 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 țou nat țan țat alle țe ținges in knowynge vsen more of hir faculte or of hir 4820 power. țan ței don of [the] faculte or of power of ținges țat 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 țat nis no wronge. for so as euery iugement is țe dede or țe doynge of hym țat demeț. It 4823 byhoueț țat euery wy[gh]t p{er}forme țe werke {and} hys entenc{i}ou{n} nat of forein power[;] but of hys propre power. [Linenotes: 4774 _fro wiț outen furțe_--w{i}t{h} owte forth 4776-7 [_comprehendith----ymaginacioun_]--from C. 4777 _comprehendeț_--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 _haț_--MS. hațe 4793 _whiche_--which 4795-6 _non_--none 4796 _strengțes_--thinges 4798-4801 _and țou----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,] ++ȚE porche țat is to sein a gate of țe toune of athenis țer as philosophres hadde hir congregac{i}ou{n} to dispoyten. {and} țilke porche brou[gh]t[e] so{m}tyme olde men ful 4828 derke in hire sentences. ț{a}t is to sein philosophers țat 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.] țat wenden țat ymages [{and}] sensibilites țat is to sein sensible ymaginac{i}ou{n}s. or ellys ymaginac{i}ou{n} of sensible ținges were{n} i{n}p{re}ntid in to soules 4832 fro bodies wiț oute forțe. ¶ As who seiț țat țilke stoiciens wenden ț{a}t țe soule hadde ben naked of it self. as a mirour or a clene p{ar}chemyn. so țat alle fygures mosten [fyrst] comen fro ținges fro wiț 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 țe smoțenesse or in țe plainesse of țe table of wex. or in p{ar}chemyn țat ne haț 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 arguiț boece a[gh]eins țat 4841 oppiniou{n} {and} seiț țus. but yif țe țriuyng soule ne vnplitiț no țing. țat is to sein ne doț no țing by hys p{ro}pre moeuynges. but suffriț {and} lieț subgit to țe 4844 figures {and} to țe notes of bodyes wiț oute forțe. {and} [gh]eldeț ymages ydel {and} veyne in țe manere of a mirour. whennes țriueț țan or whennes comeț țan țilke knowyng in oure soule. țat discerniț {and} byholdeț 4848 alle ținges. [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 țilke strengțe țat byholdeț țe syngulere ținges. or whennes is țe strengțe țat dyuydeț ținges yknowe. {and} țilke stre{n}gțe țat gadereț to-gidre țe ținges deuided. {and} țe strengțe țat 4852 cheseț hys entrechau{n}ged wey for som tyme it heueț vp țe heued. țat is to sein țat it heueț vp țe ente{n}c{i}ou{n} to ry[gh]t heye ținges. {and} som tyme it discendiț in to ry[gh]t lowe ținges. {and} whan it retourniț in to hym 4856 self. it rep{re}uiț {and} destroieț țe false ținges by țe trewe ținges. [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 țis strengțe is cause more efficient {and} mochel more my[gh]ty to seen {and} to knowe ținges. țan țilke cause țat suffriț and resceyueț țe 4860 notes {and} țe 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 țe passiou{n} țat is to seyn țe suffraunce or țe wit i{n} țe quik[e] body goț byforne excitynge {and} moeuyng țe strengțes of țe țou[gh]te. ry[gh]t so as whan țat 4864 clerenesse smyteț țe eyen {and} moeuiț hem to seen. or ry[gh]t so as voys or soune hurtliț to țe eres {and} co{m}moeuiț 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.] țan is țe stre{n}gțe of țe țou[gh]t ymoeuid {and} excitid {and} clepeț furțe țe semblable 4868 moeuynges țe speces țat it halt wiț i{n}ne it self. {and} addiț țo speces to țe notes {and} to țe ținges wiț out forțe. {and} medeleț țe ymages of ținges wiț out forțe to țe forme[s] yhid wiț 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 _haț_--MS. hațe 4843 _vnplitiț_--vnpleyteth _doț_--MS. doțe 4845 _țe_--tho 4863 _quik[e]_--qwyke _goț_--MS. goțe 4864 _țou[gh]te_--thoght 4865 _clerenesse_--cleernesse 4866 _soune_--sown 4868 _furțe_--forth 4870 _out_--owte 4871 _out forțe_--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] țat in bodies to be{n} feelid țat is to sein in țe takynge of knowelechinge of bodyly ținges. and al be it so țat țe qualites of bodies ț{a}t ben 4875 obiect fro wiț oute forțe moeuen {and} entalenten țe instrumentes of țe 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 țat țe passiou{n} of țe body țat is to seyn țe witte [or the] suffrau{n}ce [goth to-forn the strengthe of the workynge corage / the which passiou{n} or suffraunce] clepiț furțe țe dede of 4880 țe țou[gh]t in hym self. {and} moeueț {and} exiteț in țis mene while țe formes ț{a}t resten wiț in forțe. and yif țat i{n} sensible bodies as I haue seid oure corage nis nat ytau[gh]t or enp{re}ntid by passiou{n} to knowe țise ținges. 4884 but demiț {and} knoweț of hys owen strengțe țe passiou{n} or suffrau{n}ce subiect to țe 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 țan țoo ținges țat 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 ținges obiect from wiț oute forțe. but ței accomplissen {and} speden țe dede of hir țou[gh]t [Sidenote: For this reason, then, there are several sorts of knowing distributed among various beings.] by țis resou{n}. ¶ țan țere 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 țe wit 4892 of țe body țe whiche witte is naked {and} despoyled of alle oțer knowynges. țilke witte comeț to bestes țat ne mowen nat moeuen hem self here ne țere. as oystres {and} muscles {and} oțer swiche shelle fysshe of țe see. 4896 ț{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 țe ymaginac{i}ou{n} comeț to remuable bestes țat seme{n} to han talent to fleen or to desiren any ținge. [Sidenote: Reason, however, is the attribute of man alone, as Intelligence is that of God.] but resou{n} is al only to țe lynage of mankynde ry[gh]t as i{n}telligence is oonly țe 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 folweț țat țilke knowyng is more worțe țan [th]is[e] oțer. syn it knoweț by hys p{ro}pre nature nat only hys subiect. as who seiț it ne [[pg 169]] knoweț nat al oonly țat app{er}teiniț p{ro}prely to hys 4904 knowynge. but it knoweț țe subgit[gh] of alle oțer 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 țere_--her {and} ther 4901 _whiche_--which 4902 _[th]is[e] oțer_--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 țan be yif țat wit {and} ymaginac{i}ou{n} stryuen a[gh]eins resonynge {and} sein țat of țilke vniuersel ținges. țat resou{n} weneț to seen țat 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 țat țat. țat is sensible or ymaginable it ne may nat ben vniuersel. țan is eițer țe iugement of resou{n} [soth]. ne țat țer nis no ținge sensible. or ellys for țat resou{n} woot 4912 wel țat many ținges ben subiect to wit {and} to ymaginac{i}ou{n}. țan is țe co{n}sepc{i}ou{n} of resou{n} veyn {and} fals whiche țat lookeț {and} co{m}p{re}hendiț. țat țat 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 țat resou{n} 4916 wolde answeren a[gh]ein to țise two țat is to sein to wit {and} to ymaginac{i}ou{n}. {and} sein țat soțely she hir self. țat is to seyn țat resou{n} lokeț {and} comp{re}hendiț by resou{n} of vniuersalite. boțe țat țat is sensible {and} țat 4920 țat is ymaginable. {and} țat țilke two țat is to seyn wit {and} ymaginac{i}ou{n} ne mowe{n} nat strecchen ne enhaunsen hem self to knowynge of vniuersalite for țat țe knowy{n}g of hem ne may exceden nor so{ur}mou{n}te{n} 4924 țe bodyly figure[s] ¶ Certys of țe knowyng of ținges men au[gh]ten rațer [gh]eue credence to țe more stedfast {and} to țe 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 țis manere stryuynge țan we țat han strengțe of resonynge {and} of ymaginynge 4928 {and} of wit țat is to seyn by resou{n} {and} by ymaginac{i}ou{n} {and} by wit. [{and}] we sholde rațer p{re}ise țe cause of resou{n}. as who seiț țan țe 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 _soțely_--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 ținge is it țat țe resou{n} of mankynde 4932 ne weneț nat țat țe deuyne intelligence byholdeț or knoweț ținges to comen. but ry[gh]t as țe resou{n} of mankynde knoweț 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 țou arguist {and} seist țus. țat yif it ne seme nat to men țat so{m}me ținges han certeyne [[pg 170]] {and} necessarie bytidynges. ței ne mowen nat ben wist 4937 byforn certeynely to bytiden. ța{n} nis [ther] no p{re}science of țilke ținges. {and} yif we trowen țat p{re}science ben in țise ținges. țan is țer no ținge țat it ne 4940 bitidiț 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 țe iugeme{n}t of țe deuyne țou[gh]t as we *ben p{ar}son{er}s of resou{n}. ry[gh]t so as we han demed. it byhoueț țat ymaginac{i}ou{n} {and} wit ben bynețe resou{n}. ry[gh]t so wolde 4944 we deme{n} țat it were ry[gh]tful țing țat ma{n}s resou{n} au[gh]t[e] to su{m}mitten it self {and} to ben bynețe țe deuyne țou[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 țat yif we mowen. as who seiț. țat yif țat we mowe{n} I conseil[e] țat we enhanse vs in 4948 to țe hey[gh]t of țilke souereyne i{n}telligence. for țere shal resou{n} wel seen țat țat it ne may nat by-holden in it self. and certys țat is țis in what manere țe p{re}science of god seeț alle ținges c{er}teins {and} difinissed al țou[gh] ței ne han no certein issues or by-tydynges. ne țis is non 4953 oppiniou{n} but it is rațer țe simplicite of țe souereyn science țat nis nat enclosed nor yshet wiți{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 _țat yif_--yif ț{a}t 4949 _hey[gh]t_--heihte _țere_--ther 4952 _țou[gh]_--MS. țou[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;] ++ȚE bestes passen by țe erțes by ful dyuerse figures 4956 for so{m}me of hem han hir bodies strau[gh]t {and} crepe{n} in țe dust {and} drawen after he{m} a t{ra}is or a forghe contynued. țat is to sein as addres or snakes. [Sidenote: others with nimble wings float through the air;] and oțer bestes by [the] wandryng ly[gh]tnesse of hir 4960 wenges beten țe wyndes {and} ouer-swymme{n} țe spaces of țe 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 oțer bestes gladen hem to diggen her traas or her stappes i{n} țe erțe wiț hir goynge or wiț her feet. or to gone eyțe[r] 4964 by țe grene feldes or [elles] to walken vnder țe 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 ț{a}t țou seest țat ței alle discorden by [[pg 171]] dyuerse formes. algate hir{e} [faces] enclini[n]g heuieț hir{e} dulle wittes. [Sidenote: Man alone doth raise aloft his noble head; light and erect he spurns the earth.] Onlyche țe lynage of man heueț heyest hys 4968 hey[gh]e heued {and} stondeț ly[gh]t wiț hys vpry[gh]t body {and} byholdeț țe erțe 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 țou erțely man wexest yuel oute of ți witte. țis figure amonesteț țe ț{a}t axest țe heuene wiț ți ry[gh]t[e] visage. {and} hast areised 4972 ți forhede to beren vp on heye ți corage so țat ți țou[gh]t ne be nat yheuied ne put lowe vndir foot. sen țat ți 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 _eyțe[r]_--eyther 4965 [_elles_]--from C. 4967 [_faces_]--from C. _algate_--algates _enclini[n]g_--enclynyd 4968 _Onlyche_--Oonly _heyest_--heyeste 4970 _erțe_--erthes 4971 _oute_--owt _witte_--wit 4972 _ry[gh]t[e]_--ryhte _hast_--MS. hațe, 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.] ++ȚEr-fore țan as I haue shewed a litel her byforne țat 4976 al ținge țat is ywist nis nat knowen by hys nature p{ro}pre. but by țe nature of he{m} țat comp{re}henden it. ¶ Lat vs loke now in as moche as it is leueful to vs. as who seiț lat vs loken now as we mowen whiche ț{a}t țe 4980 estat is of țe deuyne substaunce so țat we mowen [ek] knowen what his science is. [Sidenote: All rational creatures agree in affirming that God is eternal.] țe comune iugement of alle creatures resonables țan is țis țat god is eterne. lat vs considere ța{n} what is et{er}nite. For certys țat shal 4984 shewen vs to-gidre țe deuyne nature {and} țe 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 țan is p{er}fit possessiou{n} {and} al togidre of lijf interminable {and} țat sheweț more clerely by țe co{m}parisou{n} or collac{i}ou{n} of temp{or}el ținges. 4988 [Sidenote: Temporal existence proceeds from the past to the present, and thence to the future.] for al țing țat lyueț in tyme it is p{re}sent {and} p{ro}cediț fro preterit[gh] in to fut{ur}es. țat 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 țer nis no țing establissed i{n} tyme țat may enbracen to-gidre al țe space of hys lijf. 4992 [Linenotes: 4977 _al ținge_--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 haț it nat taken țe tyme of țe morwe. {and} it haț lost țat of [gh]ister-day. and certys in țe lijf of țis day [gh]e ne lyuen no more but ry[gh]t as in țis 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.] țan țilke ținge țat suffriț 4996 temp{or}el condic{i}ou{n}. a[l]țough{e} țat [it] bygan neuer to be. ne țough{e} it neu{er}e cese forto be. as aristotle demde of țe worlde. and al țou[gh] țat țe lif of it be strecchid wiț infinite of tyme. [Sidenote: [* fol. 39.]] [gh]it al*gates nis it no 5000 swiche țing țat men my[gh]ten trowen by ry[gh]t țat it is eterne. for al țou[gh] țat it comp{re}hende {and} embrace țe space of life infinite. [gh]it algates ne [em]braceț it nat țe space of țe lif alto-gidre. for it ne haț nat țe fut{ur}es 5004 țat ne ben nat [gh]it. ne it ne haț no lenger țe p{re}t{er}it[gh] țat 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 țilke țing țan țat haț {and} co{m}prehendiț to-gidre alle țe plente of țe lif i{n}terminable. to whom țere ne failiț nat of țe fut{ur}e. 5008 {and} to whom țer nis nat of țe p{re}t{er}it escapid nor ypassed. țilk[e] same is ywitnessed or yproued by ry[gh]t to ben eterne. and it byhoueț by necessite țat țilke ținge be alwey p{re}sent to hym self {and} co{m}potent. as 5012 who seiț alwey p{re}sent to hym self {and} so my[gh]ty țat al by ry[gh]t at hys plesaunce. {and} ț{a}t he haue al p{re}sent țe infinit of țe 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 țat whan ței heren țat it semid[e] 5016 to plato țat țis worlde ne had[de] neuer bygynnynge of tyme. ne țat it neu{er}e shal haue faylynge. ței wenen i{n} țis man{er}e țat țis worlde ben maked coet{er}ne wiț his makere. as who seiț. ței wenen țat țis 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 oțer țing is it to ben yladd by lif interminable as plato graunted[e] to țe worlde. {and} oțer țing is it to embracen to-gidre alle țe p{re}sence to țe lif 5024 interminable. țe whiche țing it is clere {and} manifest țat it is p{ro}pre to țe deuine țou[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 țat god is elder țan ținges țat ben ymaked by quantite of tyme. but rațer by țe 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 țis ilke infinit[e] moeuyng of temp{or}el ținges folwiț țis p{re}sentarie estat of țe lijf i{n}moeueable. [Linenotes: 4993-4 _haț_--MS. hațe 4993 _țe_ (2)--to 4994 _țat_--the tyme 4997 _a[l]țoughe_--al-thogh [_it_]--from C. 4999 _worlde_--world 5001 _swiche_--swych 5002 _eterne_--from C., MS. eternite 5003 _life_--lyf 5004-5-6 _haț_--MS. hațe 5006 _ydon_--MS. ydone, C. I-doon 5007 _alle_--al 5008-9 _nat_--nawht 5010 _țilk[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 țe inmoeueablete. țat is 5032 to seyn țat is i{n} țe eternite of god. ¶ it faileț {and} falleț in to moeuynge fro țe simplicite of [the] p{re}sence of god. {and} disencresiț to țe 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 țe plente of țe lif. algates [gh]itte for as moche as it ne cesiț neuere forto ben in som manere it semeț somde[l] to vs țat it folwiț {and} resembliț țilke țing ț{a}t it ne may nat attayne to. ne fulfille. {and} byndeț it 5040 self to som manere p{re}sence of țis litel {and} swifte moment. țe whiche p{re}sence of țis lytele {and} swifte moment. for țat it bereț a manere ymage or lykenesse of țe ay dwellynge p{re}sence of god. it graunteț to 5044 swiche manere ținges as it bitidiț to țat it semeț hem țat țise ținges 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 [ț{a}t] țe p{re}sence of swiche litel moment ne may nat dwelle țer-for [it] rauyssid[e] {and} took țe infinit[e] wey of tyme. țat 5048 is to seyn by successiou{n}. {and} by țis man{er}e it is ydon. for țat it sholde continue țe lif in goynge of țe whiche lif it ne my[gh]t[e] nat embrace țe 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 ți yif we willen putte worți name[s] to ținges 5052 {and} folwen plato. lat vs seyn ța{n} soțely țat god is et{er}ne. {and} țat țe 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.] țan syn țat euery iugeme{n}t knoweț {and} comp{re}hendiț by hys owen nature ținges țat ben subiect vnto hym. țere is soțely 5056 al-wey to god an et{er}ne {and} p{re}sentarie estat. {and} țe science of hym țat ouer-passeț alle temp{or}el moe[ue]m{en}t [[pg 174]] dwelliț in țe symplicite of hys p{re}sence {and} embraceț {and} considereț alle țe infinit spaces of tymes 5060 p{re}terit[gh] {and} fut{ur}es {and} lokeț in țis symple knowynge alle ținges of p{re}t{er}it ry[gh]t as ței 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 țou wolt țan țenke {and} avise{n} țe p{re}science by whiche it knoweț al[le] ți{n}ges *țou ne 5064 shalt nat demen it as p{re}science of ținges 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 [_țat_]--from C. 5047 _swiche_--swych 5048 [_it_]--from C. 5051 _my[gh]t[e]_--myhte 5052 _willen putte_--wollen putten _name[s]_--names 5053 _soțely_--sothly 5054 _worlde_--world 5055 _owen_--owne 5056 _soțely_--sothly 5057 _al-wey_--al-weys 5058 _alle_--al _moe[ue]ment_--moeueme{n}t 5063 _țenke_--thinken _avisen_--auyse 5064 _whiche_--which _al[le]_--alle] [Headnote: DEFINITION OF PRESCIENCE.] but țou shalt deme{n} [it] more ry[gh]tfully țat it is science of presence or of instaunce țat neuer ne fayleț. [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 rațer 5068 be cleped purueaunce țat is establissed ful fer fro ry[gh]t lowe ținges. {and} byholdeț from a-fer alle ținges ry[gh]t as it were fro țe heye hey[gh]te of ținges. [Sidenote: Do you think that God imposes a necessity on things by beholding them? It is not so in human affairs.] whi axest țou țan or why disputest țou țan țat țilke ținges ben don by 5072 necessite whiche țat ben yseyen {and} yknowen by țe deuyne sy[gh]t. syn țat for soțe men ne maken nat țilke ți{n}ges necessarie. whiche țat țe[i] seen be ydoon in hir{e} sy[gh]t. [Sidenote: Does your view of an action lay any necessity upon it?] for addiț ți byholdynge any necessite to țilke 5076 ținges țat țou 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 țan yif men my[gh]te maken any digne comparisou{n} or collac{i}ou{n} of țe p{re}sence diuine. {and} of țe p{re} of mankynde. ry[gh]t so as [gh]e seen so{m}me ținges in țis 5080 temp{or}el presente. ry[gh]t so seeț god alle ținges 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 țis dyuyne p{re}science ne chaungeț nat țe nature ne țe p{ro}prete of ținges but byholdeț swyche ținges present to hym ward. as ței 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}foundeț nat țe Iugement[gh] of ținges but by of sy[gh]t of hys țou[gh]t he knoweț țe ținges to comen as wel 5087 necessarie as nat necessarie. ry[gh]t so as whan [gh]e seen togidre a man walke on țe erțe {and} țe sonne arysen in [the] heuene. al be it so țat [gh]e seen {and} byholde{n} țat oon {and} țat oțer to-gidre. [gh]it națeles [gh]e demen {and} [[pg 175]] discerne țat țat oon is uolu{n}tarie {and} țat oțer is necessarie. 5092 [Linenotes: 5066 _shalt_--shal [_it_]--from C. 5068 _whiche_--which 5074-76 _sy[gh]t_--syhte 5075 _whiche_--which _țe[i]_--they 5085 _come_--comyn 5086 _of sy[gh]t_--O syhte 5087 _he knoweț_--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 țan [the] deuyne lokynge byholdynge alle ți{n}ges vndir hym ne troubleț nat țe qualite of ținges țat ben certeynely p{re}sent to hy{m} ward. but as to țe condic{i}ou{n} of tyme for soțe ței 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 folwiț țat țis nis non oppiniou{n}. but rațer a stedfast knowyng ystrengețed by soțenes. țat whan țat god knoweț any ținge to be he ne vnwoot nat țat țilke ținge wanteț necessite to be. țis is to seyn țat 5100 whan țat god knoweț any ținge to bitide. he woot wel țat it ne haț 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 ț{o}u seist here țat țilke ținge țat god seeț to bytide it ne may nat vnbytide. as who seiț it mot bitide. ¶ and țilke 5104 ținge țat țat ne may nat vnbytide it mot bitide by necessite. and țat țou streine me to țis name of necessite. certys I wol wel confessen {and} byknowe a ținge of ful sadde trouțe. but vnneț shal țere any wy[gh]t [mowe] 5108 seen it or comen țer-to. but yif țat he be byholder of țe deuyne țou[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} țe țus. țat țilke ținge țat is future whan it is referred to țe deuyne 5111 knowy{n}g țan 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 țer ben two maneres of necessites. țat oon necessite is symple as țus. țat it byhoueț by necessite țat alle men be mortal 5116 or dedely. an oț{er} necessite is condicionel as țus. yif țou wost țat a man walkiț. it byhoueț by necessite țat he walke. țilke ținge țan țat any wy[gh]t haț yknowe to be. it ne may ben non oțer weyes țan he knoweț it to be. 5120 [Linenotes: 5093 [_the_]--from C. 5097 _whiche_--which 5098 _stedfast_--stidefast _soțenes_--sothnesse 5102 _haț_--MS. hațe 5104 _bitide_--bide 5108 _sadde_--sad _vnneț_--vnnethe [_mowe_]--from C. 5109 _comen_--come 5110 _țou[gh]te_--thoght _answere_--answeren 5113 _sen_--MS. sene, C. sen [_is_]--from C. 5117 _dedely_--dedly 5119 _haț_--MS. hațe] [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 țis condicioun ne draweț nat wiț hir țilke necessite symple. For certys țis necessite condicionel. țe p{ro}pre nature of it ne makeț it nau[gh]t. but țe adiecc{i}ou{n} [[pg 176]] of țe condic{i}ou{n} makiț 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 constreyneț 5124 a man to [gon / ț{a}t] gooț by his p{ro}pre wille. al be it so țat whan he gooț țat it is necessarie țat he gooț. [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 țis same manere țan. yif țat țe p{ur}ueaunce of god seeț any țing p{re}sent. [Sidenote: [* fol. 40.]] țan mot țilke *ținge be 5128 by necessite. al țou[gh] țat 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 țe fut{ur}es țat bytyden by fredom of arbitre god seeț hem alle to-gidre p{re}sent[gh]. țise ținges țan [yif] ței ben referred to țe deuyne sy[gh]t. 5132 țan ben ței maked necessarie to țe condic{i}ou{n} of țe deuyne knowynge. but certys yif țilke ținges ben considred by hem self ței ben absolut of necessite. {and} ne forleten nat ne cesen nat of țe 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,] țan certys wiț outen doute alle țe țing{us} shollen be doon whiche țat god woot by-forn țat ței ben to comen. but so{m}me of hem comen {and} bitiden of [free] arbitre or of fre wille. țat al be it so țat ței bytiden. 5140 [Linenotes: 5121 _condicioun_--from C., MS. _necessite_ 5123 _nau[gh]t_--nat 5125 [_gon țat_]--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 _wiț 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 ței nat hire p{ro}pre nature ne beynge. by țe whiche first or țat ței were doon ței 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 țis to seyn ța{n} q{uo}d I. țat ținges ne ben nat necessarie by 5144 hire p{ro}pre nature. so as ței comen in alle maneres in țe lykenesse of necessite by țe condic{i}ou{n} of țe deuyne science. [Sidenote: _P._ The difference is explained in the instances lately given you, of the man walking, &c.] {Ph}ilosoph{ie}. țis is țe difference q{uo}d she. țat țo ținges țat I p{ur}posed[e] țe a litel here byforn. țat 5148 is to seyn țe sonne arysynge {and} țe man walkynge țat țerwhiles țat țilke ținges ben ydon. ței 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.] națeles țat oon of hem or it was ydon it byhoued[e] by necessite țat it was ydon. but nat țat 5152 oț{er}. ry[gh]t so it is here țat țe ținges țat god haț p{re}sent. wiț outen doute ței shulle ben. but so{m}me of hem descendiț [[pg 177]] of țe nature of ținges as țe sonne arysynge. {and} so{m}me descendiț of țe power of țe doers as țe 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.] ¶ țan seide I. no wronge țat yif țat țise ținges ben referred to țe deuyne knowynge țan ben ței necessarie. {and} yif ței ben considered by he{m} selfe țan ben ței absolut from țe 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 ținges țat appiereț or sheweț to țe wittes yif țou referre it to resou{n} it is vniuersel. {and} yif țou referre it or look[e] it to it self. țan 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 țou seist țus ț{a}t yif it be in my power to chaunge 5164 my p{ur}pose. țan shal I voide țe p{ur}ueaunce of god. whan țat p{er}auenture I shal han chau{n}ged țo ținges țat he knoweț byforn. țan shal I answere țe țus [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 _haț_--MS. hațe 5154 _wiț 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 _țo_--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 țou maist wel chaungen ți p{ur}pos but for as 5168 mochel as țe p{re}sent soțenesse of țe deuyne p{ur}ueaunce byholdeț țat țou mayst chau{n}ge{n} ți p{ur}pose. {and} whețir țou wolt chaunge it or no. {and} whider-ward țat țou tourne it. ț{o}u maist nat eschewen țe deuyne 5172 p{re}science ry[gh]t as țou ne mayst nat fleen țe sy[gh]t of țe p{re}sent eye. al țou[gh] țat țou tourne ți self by ți 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 țou mayst seyn a[gh]eyne how shal it țan be. shal nat țe dyuyne science 5176 ben chaunged by my disposic{i}ou{n} whan țat I wol o țing now {and} now an oțer. {and} țilke p{re}science ne semeț it nat to enterchau{n}ge stoundes of knowynges. as who seiț. ne shal it nat seme to vs țat țe deuyne 5180 p{re}science enterchaungeț hys dyuers stoundes of knowynge. so țat it knowe so{m}me tyme o țing {and} so{m}me tyme țe 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 soțe. [q{uod} I] for țe deuyne sy[gh]t 5183 renneț to-forne {and} seeț alle fut{ur}es {and} clepeț hem a[gh]ein {and} reto{ur}niț hem to țe p{re}sence of hys p{ro}pre knowynge. [[pg 178]] ne he ne entrechaungeț nat [so] as țou wenest țe stoundes of forknowyng [as] now țis now țat. but he ay dwellynge comiț byforn {and} enbraceț at o strook 5188 alle ți 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 țis p{re}sence to co{m}p{re}henden {and} to sen alle ținges. god ne haț nat take{n} it of țe bitydynge of ținges forto come. but of hys p{ro}pre symplicite. [Linenotes: 5169 _soțenesse_--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 _comiț_--comth 5190 _haț_--MS. hațe] [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 țilke țing țat țou 5192 puttest a litel her byforne. țat is to seyne țat it is vnworți ținge to seyn țat oure futures [gh]euen cause of țe 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 *țis strengțe of țe deuyne science whiche țat enbraceț alle ținge by his p{re}sentarie 5196 knowynge establisseț manere to alle ți{n}g{us} {and} it ne awiț nat to lattere ținges. [Sidenote: Since no necessity is imposed upon things by the Divine prescience, there remains to men an inviolable freedom of will.] {and} syn țat țise ținges ben țus. țat is to seyn syn țat necessite nis nat in ținges by țe deuyne p{re}science. țan is țer fredom of 5200 arbitre. țat dwelleț hool {and} vnwemmed to mortal men. [Sidenote: And those laws are just which assign rewards and punishments to men possessing free-will.] ne țe lawes ne p{ur}pose nat wikkedly meedes {and} peynes to țe willynges of men țat 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 ținges dwelliț aboue {and} țe p{re}sent eternite of hys sy[gh]t renneț alwey wiț țe 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 țer nat put in god hope {and} p{ra}yeres. țat ne mowen nat ben vnspedful ne wiț oute effect whan ței 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.] ¶ wițstond țan {and} eschewe țou vices. worshippe {and} loue țou vertus. areise ți corage to ry[gh]tful hoopes. 5212 [gh]elde țou 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 țat [gh]e worchen {and} doon. țat is to seyn [gh]oure dedes {and} [gh]oure workes 5216 by-fore țe eyen of țe Iuge țat seeț {and} demeț alle [[pg 179]] ținges. [To whom be goye {and} worshipe bi Infynyt tymes / AMEN.] EXPLICIT LIBER QUINTUS. {ET} VLTIM{US}. [Linenotes: 5193 _seyne_--seyn 5196 _whiche_--which 5198 _awiț_--oweth 5199 _țat is to----prescience_--omitted 5203 _vnbounde_--vnbownden _quit_--quite 5206 _sy[gh]t_--sihte 5207 _good[e]_--goode 5211 _wițstond_--MS. wițstonde, 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 'ținges.' 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 ț{a}t țey ete Whiche ț{a}t the feldes yaue hem by vsage 4 They ne weer{e} nat forpampred w{i}t{h} owtrage Onknowyn was ț^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} ț^e plowh But corn vp-sprong vnsowe of mannes hond Țe 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 Ț{a}t men fyrst dede hir swety bysynesse 28 To grobbe vp metal lurkynge in dirkenesse {And} in țe Ryuerys fyrst gemmys sowhte Allas than sprong+ vp al the cursydnesse Of coueytyse ț{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 Ț{a}t nat but mast or apples is ther Inne But ț{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 Ț^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]] Ț{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 ț{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 ț{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 ț{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 ț{a}t hath hym self hat suffisaunce Whi seysthow tha{n}ne y am [to] the so kene Ț{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 ț{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 Ț{a}t cureth eyen derkyd for penau{n}ce 36 Now se[st] thow cleer ț{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 ț{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 țy quyene Ț{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 țou 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 Ț{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 Ț{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 Ț{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. ¶ Țat whilom in florysching studie made delitable ditees. For loo rendyng muses of poetes enditen to me ținges to be writen. and drery v{er}s of wrecchednes weten my face wiț v{er}ray teers. ¶ At țe leest no drede ne my[gh]t[e] ouer-come țo muses. țat ței ne were{n} felawes {and} folweden my wey. țat is to seyne when I was exiled. ței țat weren glorie of my you[gh]th whilom weleful {and} grene co{n}forten now țe sorouful werdes of me olde man. for elde is comen vnwarly vpon me hasted by țe harmes țat I haue. {and} sorou haț comau{n}ded his age to be in me. ¶ Heeres hore ben schad ouertymelyche vpon myne heued. and țe slak[e] skyn trembleț vpon myn emty body. țilk[e] deeț of men is welful țat ne comeț not in [gh]eres țat ben swete (.i. mirie.) but comeț to wrecches often yclepid. ¶ Allas allas wiț how deef an eere deeț cruel to{ur}neț awey fro wrecches {and} naieț to closen wepyng eyen. ¶ While fortune vnfeițful fauored[e] me wiț ly[gh]te goodes (.s. temp{or}els.) țe sorouful houre țat is to seyne țe deeț had[de] almost dreynt myne heued. ¶ But now for fortune clowdy haț chaunged hir disceyuable chere to me warde. myn vnpitouse lijf draweț a long vnagreable dwellynges in me. ¶ O [gh]e my frendes what or wherto auaunted[e] [gh]e me to be weleful: for he țat haț fallen stood not i{n} stedfast degree. HIC DUM MECUM TACITUS. [Sidenote: [The firste p{ro}se.]] ++IN țe mene while țat I stille recorded[e] țise ținges wiț my self. {and} markede my wepli compleynte wiț office of poyntel. I saw stondyng aboue țe hey[gh]t of my heued a woman of ful greet reuerence by semblaunt hir eyen brennyng {and} clere seing ouer țe comune my[gh]t of men. wiț a lijfly colo{ur} {and} wiț swiche vigoure {and} strenkeț țat it ne my[gh]t[e] not be emptid. ¶ Al were it so țat sche was ful of so greet age. țat men ne wolde not trowe i{n} no manere țat sche were of oure elde. țe stature of hir was of a doutous iugement. for su{m}tyme sche constreyned[e] {and} schronk hir selue{n} lyche to țe comune mesure of men. {and} su{m}tyme it semed[e] țat sche touched[e] țe heuene wiț țe hey[gh]te of hir heued. and when sche hef hir heued heyer sche p{er}ced[e] țe selue heuene. so țat țe sy[gh]t of men lokyng was i{n} ydel. ¶ Hir cloțes weren maked of ry[gh]t delye țredes {and} subtil crafte of p{er}durable matere. țe wyche cloțes sche hadde wouen wiț hir owen hondes: as I knew wel aftir by hir selfe. declaryng {and} schewyng to me țe beaute. țe wiche cloțes 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 țe nețerest[e] hem or bordure of țese cloțes me{n} redden ywouen in swiche a gregkysche .P. țat signifieț țe lijf actif. And abouen ț{a}t l{ett}re in țe hey[gh]est[e] bordure a grekysche T. țat signifieț țe lijf contemplatif. ¶ And by-twene țese two l{ett}res țere weren seien degrees nobly wrou[gh]t in manere of laddres. By wyche degrees men my[gh]t[en] clymbe fro țe nețemast[e] l{ett}re to țe ouermast[e]. ¶ Națeles hondes of su{m} men hadde korue ț{a}t cloțe by vyolence {and} by strenkeț. ¶ And eueryche man of hem hadde born away syche peces as he my[gh]te geet[e]. ¶ And forsoțe țis forsaide woman ber bookes in hir ry[gh]t honde. {and} in hir lefte honde sche ber a ceptre. ¶ And when sche sau[gh] țese poetical muses ap{ro}chen aboute my bedde. {and} endytyng wordes to my wepynges. sche was a lytel ameued and glowed[e] wiț cruel eyen. ¶ Who q{uo}d sche haț suffred ap{ro}chen to țis seek[e] man țise comune strumpetis of siche a place țat men clepen țe theatr{e}. ¶ Țe wyche only ne asswagen not his sorowes. wiț no remedies. but ței wolde fede {and} norysche hem wiț swete venym. ¶ Forsoțe țise ben țo țat wiț țornes {and} prykkynges of talent[gh] or affecciou{n}s wiche țat ben no țing frutefiyng nor p{ro}fitable destroyen țe cornes plenteuouse of frutes of reson. ¶ For ței holden țe hertes of men i{n} usage. but ței ne delyuere not folk fro maladye. but if [gh]e muses hadde wițdrawen fro me wiț [gh]oure flateries. any vnkonnyng {and} vnp{ro}fitable man as men ben wont to fynde comunely amonges țe peple. I wolde wene suffre țe lasse greuously. ¶ For-why in syche an vnp{ro}fitable man myne ententes weren no țing endamaged. ¶ But [gh]e wițdrawen me țis man țat haț ben norysched in studies or scoles of Eleaticis {and} of achademicis in grece. ¶ But goț now rațer awey [gh]e meremaydenes wyche ben swete til it be at țe laste. {and} suffreț țis man to be cured {and} heled by myne muses. țat is to say by notful sciences. ¶ And țus țis compaygnie of muses I-blamed casten wroțely țe chere adou{n}ward to țe erțe {and} schewyng by redenesse hir schame ței passeden sorowfuly țe țreschefolde. ¶ And I of whom țe sy[gh]t plonged i{n} teres was derked so țat I ne my[gh]t[e] not knowe what țat woman was of so i{m}perial auctorite. ¶ I wex al a-besid {and} astoned. {and} caste my sy[gh]t adoune in to țe erțe. {and} bygan stille forto abide what sche wolde don afterwarde. ¶ Țo come sche nere {and} sette hir doun vpon țe vterrest[e] corner of my bedde. {and} sche byholdyng my chere țat was cast to țe erțe heuy {and} greuous of wepyng. co{m}pleinede wiț țise wordes ț{a}t I schal sey țe p{er}t{ur}bac{i}ou{n} of my țou[gh]t. HEU Q{UAM} PRECIPITI MERSA PROFUNDO. [Sidenote: [The 2de Met{ur}.]] ++Allas how țe țou[gh]t of man dreint in ouer țrowyng depnesse dulleț {and} forletiț hys p{ro}pre clerenesse. myntynge to gone in to foreyne derknesses as ofte as hys anoious bisines wexiț wiț-oute{n} mesure. ț{a}t is dryuen to {and} fro wiț worldly wyndes. ¶ Țis man țat su{m}tyme was fre to who{m} țe heuene was open {and} knowen {and} was wont to gone in heuenelyche pațes. {and} sau[gh] țe ly[gh]tnesse of țe rede sunne. {and} sau[gh] țe sterres of țe colde moone. {and} wyche sterre i{n} heuene vseț wandryng risorses yflit by dyuerse speres. ¶ Țis man ouer comere hadde co{m}p{re}hendid al țis by noumbre. of accountyng in astronomye. ¶ And ouer țis he was wont to seche țe causes whennes țe sounyng wy{n}des moeuen {and} bisien țe smoțe water of țe see. {and} what spirit turneț țe stable heuene. {and} whi țe sterre ryseț oute of țe reede eest. to falle in țe westren wawes. and what attempriț țe lusty houres of țe fyrste somer sesou{n} țat hi[gh]teț {and} apparaileț țe erțe wiț rosene floures. ¶ And who makeț țat plenteuouse autu{m}pne in fulle [gh]eres fletiț wiț heuy grapes. ¶ And eke țis ma{n} was wont to telle țe dyuerses causes of nature țat weren yhid. ¶ Allas now lieț he emptid of ly[gh]t of hys țou[gh]t. {and} hys nekke is p{re}ssid wiț heuy cheynes {and} bereț his chere enclined adoune for țe greet[e] wey[gh]t. and is constreyned to loke on foule erțe. SET MEDICINE INQUIT TEMPUS. [Sidenote: [The ij^de p{ro}se.]] ++Bvt tyme is now q{uo}d sche of medicine more țen of compleynte. ¶ Forsoțe țen sche entendyng to me warde wiț al țe lokyng of hir eyen saide. ¶ Art not țou he q{uo}d sche țat su{m}tyme I-norschid wiț my mylke {and} fostre[d] wiț my meetes were ascaped {and} comen to corage of a p{er}fit man. ¶ Certys I [gh]af țe syche armures țat [gh]if țou ți self ne haddest first caste hem away. ței schulden haue defendid țe in sykernesse țat may not be ouer-comen. ¶ Knowest țou me not. Why art țou stille. is it for schame or for astonynge. It were me leuer țat it were for schame. but it semeț me țat astony{n}ge haț opp{re}ssed țe. ¶ And whan sche say me not oonly stille. but wiț-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 țat is a comune sekenes to hertes țat ben desceiued. ¶ He haț a litel for[gh]eten hym self. but certis he schal ly[gh]tly reme{m}bren hym self. ¶ [Gh]if so be țat he haț knowe{n} me or now. {and} țat he may so done I wil wipe a litel hys eyen. țat ben derked by țe cloude of mortel ținges ¶ Țise wordes seide sche. and wiț țe lappe of hir garment yplitid in a frounce sche dried[e] myn eyen țat were ful of țe wawes of my wepynges. TUNC ME DISCUSSA. [Sidenote: [The 3^de Met{ur}.]] ++Țus when țat ny[gh]t was discussed {and} chased awey. derknesses forleften me. {and} to myn eyen repeyre a[gh]eyne her firste strenkeț. and ry[gh]t by ensample as țe sonne is hid when țe sterres ben clustred. țat is to sey whe{n} sterres ben couered wiț cloudes by a swifte wynde țat hy[gh]t chorus. {and} țat țe firmame{n}t stont derked by wete ploungy cloudes. and țat țe sterres not apperen vpo{n} heuene. ¶ So țat țe ny[gh]t semeț sprad vpo{n} erțe. ¶ Yif țan țe wynde țat hy[gh]t borias sent out of țe kaues of țe contre of Trace betiț țis ny[gh]t. țat is to seyn chasiț it away {and} descouereț țe closed day. ¶ Țan schineț pheb{us} yshaken wiț sodeyne ly[gh]t {and} smyteț wiț 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 oțer wyse țe cloudes of sorowe dissolued {and} don awey. ¶ I took heuene. {and} receyuede mynde to knowe țe face of my fyciscien. ¶ So țat 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]ouțe. {and} I seide țus. ¶ O țou maistresse of alle uertues descendid fro țe souereyne sete. Whi art țou comen in to țis solitarie place of myn exil. ¶ Art țou comen for ț{o}u art mad coupable wiț me of fals[e] blames. ¶ O q{uod} sche my norry scholde I forsake țe now. and scholde I not parte wiț țe by comune trauaille țe charge țat țou hast suffred for envie of my name. ¶ Certis it nar[e] not leueful ne sittyng to philosophie to leten wiț-outen compaignie țe wey of hym țat is i{n}nocent. ¶ Scholde I țan redoute my blame {and} agrisen as țou[gh] țer were byfallen a newe țing. q. d. non. ¶ For trowest țou țat philosophi be now alțerfirst assailed i{n} p{er}ils by folk of wicked[e] maneres. ¶ Haue I not stryuen wiț ful greet strife in olde tyme byfore țe age of my plato a[gh]eins țe foolhardines of foly {and} eke țe same plato lyuyng. hys maistre socrates deserued[e] victorie of vnry[gh]tful deeț in my presence. ¶ Țe heritage of wyche socrates. țe h{er}itage is to seyne țe doctrine of țe whiche soc{ra}tes in hys oppiniou{n} of felicite țat I clepe welfulnesse ¶ Whan țat țe people of epicuriens {and} stoyciens {and} many oțer enforceden hem to go rauische eueryche man for his part țat is to seyne. țat to eueryche of hem wolde drawen to țe defence of his oppiniou{n} țe wordes of socrates. ¶ Ței as in p{ar}tie of hir preye todrowe{n} me criynge {and} debatyng țer a[gh]eins. {and} tornen {and} torente{n} my cloțes țat I hadde woue{n} wiț myn handes. {and} wiț țe cloutes țat ței hadden arased oute of my cloțes. ței wenten awey wenyng țat I hadde gon wiț he{m} euery dele. In whiche epicuryens {and} stoyciens. for as myche as țer semed[e] so{m}me traces {and} steppes of myne habit. țe folye of men wenyng țo epicuryens {and} stoyciens my familers p{er}uertede (.s. p{er}sequend{o}) so{m}me țoru[gh] țe errour of țe wikked[e] or vnkunnyng[e] multitude of hem. ¶ Țis is to seyne for ței semeden philosophres: ței weren p{ur}sued to țe deeț and slayn. ¶ So yif țou hast not knowen țe exilynge of anaxogore. ne țe empoysenyng of socrates. ne țe to{ur}ment[gh] of [gh]eno for ței [weren] straungers. ¶ [Gh]it my[gh]test țou haue knowe{n} țe senectiens {and} țe Canyos {and} țe sorancis of wyche folk țe renou{n} is neyțer ouer oolde ne vnsolempne. ¶ Țe whiche men no țing ellys ne brou[gh]t[e] hem to țe deeț but oonly for ței weren enfourmed of my maneres. {and} semede{n} moste vnlyke to țe studies of wicked folk. ¶ And forți țou au[gh]test not to wondre țou[gh] ț{a}t I in țe bitter see of țis lijf be fordryuen wiț tempestes blowyng aboute. in țe whiche te{m}peste țis is my most p{ur}pos țat is to seyn to displese to wikked[e] men. ¶ Of whiche schrews al be țe oost neuer so grete it is to dispyse. for it nis gouerned wiț no leder of resoune. but it is rauysched only by flityng errour folyly {and} ly[gh]tly. ¶ And if ței somtyme maky{n}g an ost a[gh]eynest vs assaile vs as strengere. oure leder draweț to gedir hys rycchesse i{n} to hys toure. {and} ței ben ententif aboute sarpulers or sachels vnp{ro}fitable forto taken. but we țat ben hey[gh] abouen syker fro al tumulte {and} wode noise. ben stored {and} enclosed in syche a palays. whider as țat chateryng or anoying folye ne may not attayne. ¶ We scorne swiche rauiners {and} honters of foulest[e] ținges. QUISQ{UI}S COMPOSITO. [Sidenote: [The ferthe Met{ur}.]] ++Who so it be țat is clere of vertue sad {and} wel ordinat of lyuyng. țat haț put vnderfote țe prowed[e] wierdes {and} lokiț vpry[gh]t vpon eyțer fortune. he may holde hys chiere vndiscomfited. ¶ Țe rage ne țe manace of țe co{m}moeuyng or chasyng vpwarde hete fro țe botme. ne schal not moeue țat man. ne țe vnstable mountaigne țat hy[gh]t veseuus. țat wircheț oute țoru[gh] hys broken[e] chemineys smokyng fires. ¶ Ne țe wey of țonder ly[gh]t țat is wont to smyte hey[gh]e toures ne schal not mouene țat man. ¶ Wherto țen wrecches drede [gh]e tyrauntes țat ben wode {and} felownes wiț-outen ony strenkeț. ¶ Hope after no țing ne drede nat. {and} so schalt țou desarmen țe ire of țilke vnmy[gh]ty tyraunt. ¶ But who so țat quakyng dredeț or desireț țing țat nis not stable of his ry[gh]t. țat man țat so doț haț cast awey hys schelde {and} is remoeued fro hys place. {and} enlaceț hym i{n} țe cheyne wiț whiche he may be drawen. SENTIS NE INQUIT. [Sidenote: [The verthe p{ro}se.]] ++FElest țou q{uod} sche țise ținges {and} entren ței ou[gh]t in ți corage. ¶ Art țou like an asse to țe harpe. Whi wepest țou whi spillest țou teres. ¶ Yif țou abidest after helpe of ți leche. țe byhoueț discouere ți wounde. ¶ Țo .I. țat hadde gadered strenkeț in my corage answered[e] {and} seide. {and} nedeț it [gh]itte q{uod} .I. of rehersyng or of amonic{i}ou{n}. {and} scheweț it not ynou[gh] by hym self țe scharpnes of fortune țat wexeț woode a[gh]eynes me. ¶ Ne moeueț it nat țe to seen țe face or țe man{er}e of țis place (.i. p{r}isou{n}.). ¶ Is țis țe librarie wyche țat țou haddest chosen for a ry[gh]t certeyne sege to țe i{n} myne house. ¶ Țere as țou desputest of[te] wiț me of țe sciences of ținges touching diuinitee {and} touchyng mankynde. ¶ Was țan myn habit swiche as it is now. was țan my face or my chere swiche as now. [Interlinear: quasi d{ice}ret non.] ¶ Whan I sou[gh]t[e] wiț țe secretys of nature. whan țou enfo{ur}medest my maners {and} țe resou{n} of al my lijf. to țe ensaumple of țe ordre of heuene. [Interlinear: ironice] ¶ Is nat țis țe gerdou{n} țat I refere to țe to whom I haue be obeisaunt. ¶ Certis țou enfo{ur}medist by țe mouțe of plato țis sentence. țat is to seyne țat co{m}mune ținges or comunabletes weren blysful yif ței țat haden studied al fully to wisdom gouerneden țilke ținges. or ellys yif it so by-felle țat țe gouernours of co{m}munalites studieden in grete wisdomes. ¶ Țou saidest eke by țe mouțe of țe same plato țat it was a necessarie cause wyse men to taken {and} desire țe gou{er}nau{n}ce of comune ți{n}ges. for țat țe gou{er}nementes of comune citees y-left in țe 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 țerfore I folowynge țilk auctoritee (.s. platonis). desiryng to put[te] furțe in execusiou{n} {and} in acte of comune admi{ni}st{ra}c{i}ou{n} țo ținges țat .I. hadde lerned of țe among my secre restyng whiles. ¶ Țou {and} god ț{a}t put[te] țee in țe țou[gh]tis of wise folk ben knowen wiț me țat no țing brou[gh]t[e] me to maistrie or dignite: but țe comune studie of al goodenes. ¶ And țer-of comeț it țat by-twixen wikked folk {and} me han ben greuouse discordes. țat ne my[gh]ten not be relesed by p{ra}yeres. ¶ For țis libertee haț fredom of conscience țat țe wrațțe of more my[gh]ty folk haț alwey ben despised of me for saluac{i}ou{n} of ry[gh]t. ¶ How ofte haue .I. resisted {and} wițstonde țilk man țat hy[gh]t[e] conigaste țat made alwey assautes a[gh]eins țe 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 țe kynges hous boțe of țe wronges țat he hadde bygon[ne] to done {and} eke fully p{er}formed. ¶ How ofte haue I couered {and} defended by țe auctorite of me put a[gh]eins p{er}ils. țat is to seine put myne auctorite in peril for țe wreched pore folke. țat țe couetise of straungeres vnpunysched to{ur}mentid alwey wiț myseses {and} greuaunces oute of noumbre. ¶ Neuer man drow me [gh]itte fro ry[gh]t to wro{n}g. When I say țe fortunes {and} țe rychesse of țe people of țe p{ro}uinces ben harmed eyțer by p{r}iue rauynes or by comune tributis or cariages. as sory was I as ței țat suffred[e] țe harme. _Glosa._ ¶ Whan țat theodoric țe kyng of gothes in a dere [gh]ere hadde hys gerners ful of corne {and} comaundede țat no ma{n} ne schold[e] bie no corne til his corne were solde {and} țat at a dere greuous pris. ¶ But I w{i}t{h}stod țat ordinaunce {and} ouer-com it knowy{n}g al țis țe kyng hym self. ¶ Coempciou{n} țat is to seyn comune achat or bying to-gidere țat 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 țe ky{n}g țe fifte p{ar}t. _Textus._ ¶ Whan it was in țe soure hungry tyme țere was establissed or cried greuous {and} inplitable coempciou{n} țat men seyn wel it schulde greetly to{ur}me{n}tyn {and} endamagen al țe p{ro}uince of co{m}paigne I took strif a[gh]eins țe p{ro}uost of țe pretorie for comune p{ro}fit. ¶ And țe kyng knowyng of it I ouercom it so țat țe coempciou{n} ne was not axed ne took effect. ¶ Paulyn a counseiller of Rome țe rychesse of țe whyche paulyn țe houndys of țe palays. țat is to seyn țe officeres wolde han deuoured by hope {and} couetise ¶ [Gh]it drow I hym out of țe Iowes .s. faucib{us} of hem țat gapede{n}. ¶ And for as myche as țe peyne of țe 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 țe hates {and} indignac{i}ou{n}s of țe accuso{ur} Ciprian. ¶ Is it not țan ynought yseyn țat I haue p{ur}chased greet[e] discordes a[gh]eins my self. but I aughte be more asseured a[gh]enis alle oțer folk țat for țe loue of ry[gh]twisnesse .I. ne reserued[e] neuer no țing to my self to hem ward of țe kynges halle .s. officers. by țe whiche I were țe more syker. ¶ But țoru[gh] țe same accuso{ur}s accusyng I am co{n}dempned. ¶ Of țe noumbre of whiche accuso{ur}s one basilius țat somtyme was chased out of țe 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 țat țe Iustice regal hadde su{m}tyme demed hem boțe to go in to exil. for her treccheries {and} fraudes wiț-outen noumbre. ¶ To whiche iugement ței wolde not obeye. but defended[e] hem by sykernesse of holy houses. țat is to seyne fledden in to seyntuaries. {and} whan țis was ap{er}ceiued to țe kyng. he comaunded[e] but țat ței voided[e] țe citee of Rauenne by certeyne day assigned țat men scholde merken hem on țe forheued wiț an hoke of iren {and} chasen hem out of toune. ¶ Now what țing semeț țe my[gh]t[e] be lykned to țis cruelte. For certys țilk same day was receyued țe accusyng of my name by țilk[e] same accuso{ur}s. ¶ What may be seid herto. haț my studie {and} my konnyng deserued țus. or ellys țe forseide dampnaciou{n} of me. made țat hem ry[gh]tful accuso{ur}s or no (q.d. no{n}). ¶ Was not fortune asshamed of țis. [Certes alle hadde nat fortune ben asshamyd] țat i{n}nocence was accused. [gh]it au[gh]t[e] sche haue had schame of țe filțe of myn accuso{ur}s. ¶ But axest țou in so{m}me of what gilt .I. am accused. men seyne țat I wolde sauen țe co{m}paignie of țe senato{ur}s. ¶ And desirest țou to here in what manere .I. am accused țat I scholde han distourbed țe accuso{ur} to beren l{ett}res. by whiche he scholde han maked țe senatours gilty a[gh]eins țe kynges Real maieste. ¶ O meistresse what demest țou of țis. schal .I. forsake țis blame țat I ne be no schame to țe (q. d. no{n}). ¶ Certis .I. haue wold it. țat is to seyne țe sauuaciou{n} of țe senat. ne I schal neuer leten to wilne it. {and} țat I confesse {and} am a-knowe. but țe entent of țe accusour to be destourbed schal cese. ¶ For schal I clepe it a felonie țan or a synne țat I haue desired țe sauuaciou{n} of țe ordre of țe senat. and certys [gh]it hadde țilk same senat don by me țoru[gh] her decret[gh] {and} hire iugementys as țou[gh] it were a synne or a felonie țat is to seyne to wilne țe sauuaciou{n} of he{m} (.s senat{us}). ¶ But folye țat lieth alwey to hym self may not chaunge țe merit of ținges. ¶ Ne .I. trowe not by țe iugement of socrates ț{a}t it were leueful to me to hide țe soțe. ne assent[e] to lesynges. ¶ But certys how so euer it be of țis I put[te] it to gessen or p{re}ise{n} to țe iugeme{n}t of țe {and} of wise folk. ¶ Of whiche țing al țe ordinaunce {and} țe soțe for as moche as folk țat ben to comen aftir our{e} dayes scholle{n} knowen it. ¶ I haue put it in scripture {and} remembraunce. for touching țe l{ett}res falsly maked. by whiche l{ett}res I am accused to han hooped țe fredom of Rome. What app{er}teneț me to speken țer-of. Of whiche l{ett}res țe fraude hadde ben schewed ap{er}tly if I hadde had libertee forto han vsed {and} ben at țe co{n}fessiou{n} of myn accuso{ur}s. ¶ Țe whiche țing in alle nedys haț grete strenkeț. ¶ For what oț{er} fredo{m} may men hopen. Certys I wolde țat some oț{er} fredom my[gh]t[e] be hoped. ¶ I wolde țan haue answered by țe wordes of a man țat hy[gh]t[e] Canius. for whan he was accused by Gayus Cesar Germeins son țat he (cani{us}) was knowyng {and} consentyng of a coniurac{i}ou{n} maked a[gh]eins hym (.s. Gai{us}). ¶ Țis Canius answered[e] țus. ¶ Yif I had[de] wist it țou haddest not wist it. In whiche țing sorwe haț not so dulled my witte ț{a}t I pleyne oonly țat schrewed[e] folk apparailen folies a[gh]eins vertues. ¶ But I wondre gretly how țat ței may p{er}forme ținges țat ței had[de] hoped forto done. For why. to wylne schrewednesse țat comeț p{ar}auenture of oure defaute. ¶ But it is lyke to a monstre {and} a meruaille. ¶ How țat in țe p{re}se{n}t sy[gh]t of god may ben acheued {and} p{er}formed swiche ținges. as euery felonous man haț conceyued in hys țou[gh]t a[gh]eins i{n}nocent. ¶ For whiche țing oon of ți familers not vnskilfully axed țus. ¶ [Gh]if god is. whennes comen wikked[e] ținges. {and} yif god ne is whennes comen goode ținges. but al hadde it ben leueful țat felonous folk țat now desiren țe bloode {and} țe deeț of alle goode men. {and} eke of al țe senat han wilned to gone destroien me. whom ței han seyn alwey bataile{n} {and} defenden goode men {and} eke al țe senat. [Gh]it hadde I not desserued of țe fadres. țat is to seyne of țe senatours țat ței scholde wilne my destrucc{i}ou{n}. ¶ Țou remembrest wele as I gesse țat whan I wolde don or seyn any țing. țou ți self alwey p{re}sent reweledest me. ¶ At țe citee of verone wha{n} țat țe kyng gredy of comune slau[gh]ter. caste hym to t{ra}nsporten vpon al țe ordre of țe senat. țe gilt of his real maieste of țe whiche gilt țat albyn was accused. wiț how grete sykernesse of p{er}il to me defended[e] I al țe senat. ¶ Țou wost wel țat I seide soțe. ne I auaunted[e] me neuer in preysyng of my self. ¶ For alwey when any wy[gh]t resceiueț p{re}ciouse renou{n} in auauntyng hym self of hys werkes: he amenusiț țe secre of hys conscience. ¶ But now țou 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. țat is to seyne as myne accusyng haț. ¶ Țat oțer errour of mans witte or ellys co{n}diciou{n} of fortune țat is vncerteyne to al mortal folk ne submytted[e] su{m}me of he{m}. țat is to seyne țat it ne cheyned[e] su{m}me iuge to han pitee or compassiou{n}. ¶ For al țou[gh] I had[de] ben accused țat I wolde brenne holy houses. {and} strangle p{re}stys wiț wicked swerde. ¶ or țat .I. had[de] grayțed deeț to alle goode men algatis țe sentence scholde han punysched me p{re}sent confessed or co{n}uict. ¶ But now I am remewed fro țe Citee of rome almost fyue-hundreț țousand pas. I am wiț outen defence dampned to p{ro}sc{ri}pciou{n} {and} to țe deeț. for țe studie {and} bountees țat I haue done to țe senat. ¶ But o wel ben ței worți of mercye (as who seiț nay.) țer 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 țe dignitee. țe wiche dignite for ței wolde derken it wiț medelyng of some felonye. ței beren me on honde {and} lieden. țat I hadde polute {and} defouled my conscience wiț sacrelege. for couetise of dignite. ¶ And certys țou ți self țat art plaunted in me chacedest oute țe sege of my corage al couetise of mortal ținges. ne sacrilege ne had[de] no leue to han a place in me byforne ține eyen. ¶ For țou drouppedest euery day in myn eer{e}s {and} in my țou[gh]t țilk comaundement of pictogoras. țat is to seyne men schal seruen to god. {and} not to goddes. ¶ Ne it was no couenaunt ne no nede to taken helpe of țe foulest spirites. ¶ I țat țou hast ordeyned or set in syche excellence ț{a}t [țou] makedest me lyke to god. and ouer țis țe ry[gh]t clene secre chaumbre of myn house. țat is to seye my wijf {and} țe co{m}paignie of myn honeste frendis. {and} my wyues fadir as wel holy as worți to ben reuerenced țoru[gh] hys owen dedis. defenden me of al suspecciou{n} of syche blame. ¶ But o malice. ¶ For ței țat accusen me taken of țe philosophie feițe of so grete blame. ¶ For ței trowen țat .I. haue had affinite to malyfice or enchau{n}tement[gh] by cause țat I am replenissed {and} fulfilled wiț ți techynges. {and} enformed of ți maners. ¶ And țus it sufficeț not only țat ți reuerence ne auayle me not. but [gh]if țat țou of ți fre wille rațer be blemissed wiț myne offensiou{n}. ¶ But certys to țe harmes țat I haue țere bytydeț [gh]it țis encrece of harme. țat țe gessinge {and} țe iugement of myche folk ne loken no țing to țe[de]sertys of ținges but only to țe aue{n}t{ur}e of fortune. ¶ And iugen țat only swiche ținges ben p{ur}ueied of god. whiche țat temporel welefulnesse co{m}mendiț. _Glosa._ ¶ As țus țat yif a wy[gh]t haue prosperite. he is a good man {and} worți to haue țat p{ro}sperite. and who so haț aduersite he is a wikked man. {and} god haț forsake hym. {and} he is worți to haue țat aduersite. ¶ Țis is țe opiniou{n} of so{m}me folke. {and} țer of comeț țat good gessyng. ¶ Fyrste of al ți{n}g forsakeț wrecches certys it greueț me to țink[e] ry[gh]t now țe dyuerse sentences țat țe poeple seiț of me. ¶ And țus moche I seye țat țe laste charge of contrarious fortune is țis. țat whan țat ony blame is laid vpon a caytif. men wenen țat he haț deserued țat he suffreț. ¶ And I țat 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 semeț țat I se țe felonus couines of wikked men abounden in ioie {and} in gladnes. ¶ And I se țat euery lorel shapiț hy{m} to fynde oute newe fraudes forto accusen goode folke. and I se țat goode men ben ou{er}țrowen for drede of my p{er}il. ¶ and euery luxurious to{ur}mentour dar don alle felonie vnpunissed {and} ben excited țerto by [gh]iftes. and i{n}nocent[gh] ne ben not oonly despoiled of sykernesse but of defence {and} țerfore me list to crien to god in țis manere. O STELLIFERI CONDITOR ORBIS. [Sidenote: [The fifthe met{ur}.]] ++O țou maker of țe whele țat bereț țe sterres. whiche țat art fastned to ți p{er}durable chayere. {and} turnest țe heuene wiț a rauyssyng sweigh{e} {and} {con}streinest țe sterres to suffren ți lawe. ¶ So ț{a}t țe mone somtyme schynyng wiț hir ful hornes metyng wiț alle țe bemes of țe sonne. ¶ Hir broțer hideț țe sterres țat ben lasse. {and} somtyme whan țe mone pale wiț hir derke hornes approcheț țe sonne. leesith hir ly[gh]tes. ¶ And țat țe euesterre esperus whiche țat in țe first[e] tyme of țe ny[gh]t bryngeț furțe hir colde arysynges comeț eft a[gh]eynes hir vsed cours. {and} is pale by țe morwe at țe rysynge of țe sonne. and is țan cleped lucifer. ¶ Țou restreinest țe day by schorter dwellyng in țe tyme of colde wynter țat makeț țe leues to falle. ¶ Țou diuidest țe swifte tides of țe ny[gh]t when țe hote somer is comen. ¶ Ți my[gh]t attempre[ț] țo variau{n}t[gh] sesons of țe [gh]ere. so țat [gh]epherus țe deboneire wynde bringeț a[gh]ein in țe first[e] somer sesou{n} țe leues țat țe wynde țat hy[gh]t[e] boreas haț reft awey in autu{m}pne. țat is to seyne in țe laste eende of somer. and țe sedes țat țe sterre țat hy[gh]t arctur{us} saw ben waxen hey[e] cornes whan țe sterre sirius eschaufeț hym. ¶ Țere nis no țing vnbounde from hys olde lawe ne forleteț hym of hys p{ro}pre estat. ¶ O țou gouerno{ur} gouernyng alle ținges by certeyne ende. why refusest țou oonly to gouerne țe werkes of men by dewe manere. ¶ Whi suffrest ț{o}u țat slidyng fortune turneț to grete vtter chaungynges of ținges. so țat anoious peyne țat 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} țat vnry[gh]tfully in țe nekkes of holy men. ¶ And vertue clere {and} schynyng naturely is hid in dirke dirkenesses. {and} țe ry[gh]tful man beriț țe blame {and} țe peyne of țe felowne. ¶ Ne țe forsweryng ne țe fraude couered {and} kembd wiț a fals colo{ur} ne a-noyeț not to schrewes. ¶ Țe whiche schrewes whan hem lyst to vsen her strengțe ței reioisen hem to putte{n} vndir hem țe souerayne kynges. whiche ț{a}t poeple wiț[outen] noumbre dreden. ¶ O țou what so euer țou be țat knyttes[t] alle bondes of ținges loke on țise wrecched[e] erțes. we men țat ben nat a foule party but a faire party of so grete a werke we ben turmentid in țe see of fortune. ¶ Țou gouerno{ur} wițdraw {and} restreyne țe rauyssinge flodes {and} fastne {and} forme țise erțes stable wiț țilke [bonde] wiț whiche țou gouernest țe heuene țat is so large. HIC UBI CONTINUATO DOLORE. [Sidenote: [The fyfthe p{ro}se.]] ++Whan I hadde wiț a continuel sorwe sobbed or broken out țise ținges sche wiț hir chere peisible {and} no ți{n}g amoeued. wiț my compleyntes seide ț{us}. whan I say țe q{uod} sche sorweful {and} wepyng I wist[e] on-one țat țou were a wrecche {and} exiled. but I wist[e] neuer how fer ține exile was: [gh]if ți tale ne hadde schewed it to me. but certys al be țou fer fro ți contre. țou nart nat put out of it. but țou hast fayled of ți weye {and} gon amys. ¶ and yif țou hast leuer forto wene țan țou be put out of ți contre. țan hast țou put oute ți self rațer țen ony oțer wy[gh]t haț. ¶ For no wy[gh]t but ți self ne my[gh]t[e] neuer haue don țat to țe. ¶ For [gh]if țou remembre of what contre țou art born. it nis not gou{er}ned by emp{er}oures. ne by gouernement of multitude. as weren țe contres of hem of athenes. ¶ But o lorde {and} o kyng {and} țat is god țat is lorde of ți contree. whiche țat reioiseț hym of țe dwellyng of hys Cite[gh]enis. {and} not forto putte hem in exile. Of țe whiche lorde it is a souerayne fredom to be gouerned by țe bridel of hym and obeie to his iustice. ¶ Hast țou for[gh]eten țilke ry[gh]t olde lawe of ți Citee. in țe whiche Citee it is ordeyned {and} establissed țat what wy[gh]t țat haț leuer founden țer i{n}ne hys sete or hys house. țen ellys where: he may not be exiled by no ry[gh]t fro țat place. ¶ For who so țat is co{n}tened in-wiț țe paleis [{and} the clos] of țilke Citee. țer nis no drede țat he may deserue to ben exiled. ¶ But who țat letteț țe wille forto enhabit[e] țere. he forleteț also to deserue to ben Cite[gh]ein of țilke Citee. ¶ So țat I seye țat țe face of țis place ne amoeueț me nat so myche as ține owen face. Ne .I. ne axe not rațer țe walles of ți librarie apparailled {and} wrou[gh]t wiț yvory {and} wiț glas țan after țe sete of ți țou[gh]t. In whiche I putte nat somtyme bookes. but .I. putte țat țat makeț bookes worți of p{ri}s or p{re}cious țat is to sein țe sentence of my books. ¶ {And} certeinly of ți dec{er}tes by-stowed in co{m}mune good. țou hast seid soțe but after țe multitude of ți goode dedys. țou hast seid fewe. {and} of țe vnhonestee or falsnesse of ținges țat ben opposed a[gh]eins țe. țou hast remembred ținges țat be{n} knowe to alle folk. and of țe felonies {and} fraudes of ține accuso{ur}s. it semeț țe haue I-touched it forsoțe ry[gh]tfully {and} schortly. ¶ Al my[gh]ten țo same ținges bettere {and} more plentiuousely be couth in țe mouțe of țe poeple ț{a}t knoweț al țis. ¶ Țou hast eke blamed gretly {and} compleyned of țe wrongful dede of țe senat. ¶ And țou hast sorwed for my blame. {and} țou hast wepen for țe damage of ți renoune țat is appaired. {and} ți laste sorwe eschaufed a[gh]eins fortune {and} co{m}pleinest țat gerdou{n}s ne ben not euenliche [gh]olde to țe desertes of folk. {and} in țe l{att}re ende of ți woode muse țou p{r}iedest ț{a}t țilke pees țat gouerneț țe heuene scholde gou{er}ne țe erțe ¶ But for țat many tribulac{i}ou{n}s of affecc{i}ou{n}s han assailed țe. {and} sorwe {and} Ire {and} wepyng todrawen țee dyuersely ¶ As țou art now feble of țou[gh]t. my[gh]tyer remedies ne schullen not [gh]it touchen țe for whiche we wil[e] vsen somedel ly[gh]ter medicines. So țat țilk[e] passiou{n}s țat ben woxen harde in swellyng by p{er}turbac{i}ou{n} folowyng in to ți țou[gh]t mowen woxe esy {and} softe to receyue{n} țe strenkeț 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 țat țe heuy sterre of țe cancre eschaufeț by țe beme of pheb{us}. țat is to seyne whan țat pheb{us} țe sonne is in țe signe of țe Cancre. Who so [gh]eueț țan largely hys sedes to țe feldes țat refuse to receiuen hem. lete hym gon bygyled of trust țat he hadde to hys corn. to acorns or okes. yif țou wilt gadre violett[gh]. ne go țou not to țe purp{er} wode whan țe felde chirkynge agriseț of colde by țe felnesse of țe wynde țat hy[gh]t aquilon ¶ Yif țou desirest or wolt vsen grapes ne seke țou nat wiț a gloto{n}us hande to streine {and} p{re}sse țe stalkes of țe vine in țe first somer sesou{n}. for bachus țe god of wyne haț rațer [gh]euen his [gh]iftes to autu{m}pne țe latter ende of somer. ¶ God tokeniț {and} assigneț țe tymes. ablyng hem to her p{ro}pre offices. ¶ Ne he ne suffreț not stoundes whiche țat hym self haț deuided {and} co{n}streined to be medeled to gidre ¶ And forți he țat forleteț certeyne ordinaunce of doynge by ou{er}țrowyng wey. he ne haț no glade issue or ende of hys werkes. PRIMU{M} IGITUR PATERIS ROGACIONIB{US}. [Sidenote: [The syxte p{ro}se.]] ++FIrst wolt țou suffre me to touche {and} assaie țe stat of ți țou[gh]t by a fewe demaundes. so țat I may vnderstonde what be țe manere of ți curac{i}ou{n}. ¶ Axe me q{uod} .I. atte ți wille what țou wilt. {and} I schal answer{e}. ¶ Țo saide sche țus. whețer wenest țou q{uo}d sche ț{a}t țis worlde be gouerned by foolisshe happes {and} fortunes. or elles wenest țou țat țer be i{n} it any gouerneme{n}t of resou{n}. Certes q{uod} .I. ne trowe not in no manere țat so certeyne ținges scholde be moeued by fortunouse fortune. but I wot wel țat god maker {and} mayster is gouerno{ur} of țis werk. Ne neuer nas [gh]it day țat my[gh]t[e] putte me oute of țe soțenesse of țat sentence. ¶ So is it q{uod} sche. for țe same țing songe țou a lytel here byforne {and} byweyledest {and} byweptest. țat only men weren put oute of țe cure of god. ¶ For of alle oțer ținges țou ne doutest nat țat ței nere gouerned by reso{n}. but how (.i. pape.). I wondre gretly certes whi țat țou art seek. sițen țou art put in to so holesom a sentence. but lat vs seken depper. I coniecte țat țere lakkeț I not what. but sey me țis. sițen țat țou ne doutest nat ț{a}t țis worlde be gouerned by god ¶ wiț swycche gouernailes takest țou hede țat it is gouerned. ¶ vnneț q{uod} .I. knowe .I. țe sente{n}ce of ți q{ue}stiou{n}. so țat I ne may nat [gh]it answeren to ți demaundes. ¶ I nas nat deceiued q{uod} sche țat țere ne faileț su{m}what. by whiche țe maladie of p{er}turbac{i}ou{n} is crept in to ți țou[gh]t. so as țe strengțe of țe paleys schynyng is open. ¶ But seye me țis reme{m}brest țou ou[gh]t what is țe ende of ți ținges. whider țat țe entenc{i}ou{n} of al kynde tendeț. ¶ I haue herd told it somtyme q{uod} .I. but drerynesse haț dulled my memorie. ¶ Certys q{uod} sche țou wost wel whe{n}nes țat alle ținges ben comen {and} p{ro}ceded. I wot wel q{uod} .I. {and} ansewered[e] țat god is țe bygynnyng of al. ¶ And how may țis be q{uod} sche țat sițen ț{o}u knowest țe bygynnyng of ținges. țat țou ne knowest not what is țe endyng of ținges. but swiche ben țe customes of p{er}turbac{i}ou{n}s. {and} țis power ței han. țat ței may moeue a ma{n} fro hys place. țat is to seyne from țe stablenes {and} p{er}fecc{i}ou{n} of hys knowyng. but certys ței may not al arace hym ne alyene hy{m} in al. ¶ But I wolde țat țou woldest answere to țis. ¶ Remembrest țou țat țou art a man ¶ _Boice._ ¶ Whi scholde I nat remembre țat q{uod} .I. _Philosophie._ ¶ Maiste țou not telle me țan q{uod} sche what țing is a man. ¶ Axest not me q{uod} I. whețir țat be a resonable best mortel. I wot wel {and} I confesse wel țat I am it. ¶ Wistest țou neuer [gh]it țat țou were ony oțer țing q{uod} she. No q{uod} .I. now wot I q{uod} she oțer cause of ți maladie {and} țat ry[gh]t grete ¶ Țou hast left forto knowe ți self what țou art. țoru[gh] whiche I haue pleynelyche knowen țe cause of ți maladie. or ellis țe entre of recoueryng of țin hele. ¶ Forwhy for țou art co{n}founded wiț for[gh]etyng of ți self. forți sorwest țou țat țou art exiled of ți p{ro}pre goodes. ¶ And for țou ne wost what is țe ende of ținges. for[ți] demest [țou] țat felono{us} {and} wikked men ben my[gh]ty {and} weleful for țou hast for[gh]eten by whiche gouernement[gh] țe worlde is gouerned. ¶ Forți wenest țou țat țise mutac{i}ou{n}s of fortune fleten wiț oute{n} gouerno{ur}. țise ben grete causes not oonly to maladie. but certes grete causes to deeț ¶ But I țanke țe auctour {and} țe makere of heele țat nat{ur}e haț not al forleten țe. {and} I haue g[r]ete norissinges of ți hele. {and} țat is țe soțe sentence of gou{er}nau{n}ce of țe worlde. țat țou byleuest țat țe gou{er}nynge of it nis nat subgit ne vnderput to țe folie of țise happes auenterouses. but to țe resou{n} of god ¶ And țer fore doute țe noțing. For of țis litel spark ține heet of lijf schal shine. ¶ But for as muche as it is not tyme [gh]itte of fastere remedies ¶ And țe nature of țou[gh]tes disseiued is țis țat as ofte as ței casten aweye soțe opyniou{n}s: ței cloțen hem in fals[e] opiniou{n}s. [of which{e} false opyniou{n}s] țe derknesse of p{er}turbac{i}ou{n} wexeț vp. țat comfoundeț țe verray insy[gh]t. {and} țat derkenes schal .I. say somwhat to maken ți{n}ne {and} wayk by ly[gh]t {and} meenelyche remedies. so țat after țat țe derknes of desseyuynge desyrynges is don awey. țou mow[e] knowe țe schynyng of verray ly[gh]t. NUBIB{US} ATRIS CONDITA. [Sidenote: [The seuende Metyr.]] ++ȚE sterres cou{er}ed wiț blak[e] cloudes ne mowen geten a dou{n} no ly[gh]t. [Gh]if țe trouble wy{n}de țat hy[gh]t auster stormynge {and} walwy{n}g țe see medleț țe heete țat is to seyne țe boylyng vp from țe botme ¶ Țe wawes ț{a}t somtyme weren clere as glas {and} lyke to țe fair[e] bry[gh]t[e] dayes wițstant anon țe sy[gh]tes of men. by țe filțe {and} ordure țat is resolued. {and} țe fletyng streme țat royleț dou{n} dyuersely fro hey[gh]e mou{n}taignes is arestid {and} resisted ofte tyme by țe encountrynge of a stoon ț{a}t is dep{ar}tid {and} fallen from some roche. ¶ And forți yif țou wilt loken {and} demen soțe wiț clere ly[gh]t. {and} holde țe weye wiț a ry[gh]t pațe. ¶ Weyue țou ioie. drif fro țe drede. fleme țou hope. ne lat no sorwe ap{ro}che. țat is to sein lat noon of țise four passiou{n}s ouer come țe. or blynde țe. for cloudy {and} dirke is țilk țou[gh]t {and} bounde w{i}t{h} bridles. where as țise ținges regnen. EXPLICIT LIBER PRIMUS. INCIPIT LIBER SECUNDUS. POSTEA [PAU]LISPER CONTICUIT. [Sidenote: [The fyrst p{ro}se.]] ++After țis she stynte a litel. and after țat she hadde gadred by atempre stillenesse myn attenciou{n} she seide țus. ¶ As who so my[gh]t[e] seye țus. After țise ținges she stynt[e] a lytel. {and} whanne she ap{er}ceiued[e] by atempre stillenesse țat I was ententif to herkene hire. she bygan to speke in țis wyse. ¶ Yif I q{uod} she haue vnderstonde{n} {and} knowe vtterly țe causes {and} țe habit of ți maladie. țou languissed {and} art deffeted for talent {and} desijr of ți rațer fortune. ¶ She țat ilke fortune only țat is chaunged as țou feinest to țe ward. haț p{er}uerted țe clerenesse {and} țe astat of ți corage. ¶ I vnderstonde țe felefolde colo{ur} {and} deceites of țilke merueillous monstre fortune. and how she vseț ful flatryng familarite wiț hem țat she enforceț to bygyle. so longe til țat she co{n}founde wiț vnsuffreable sorwe hem țat she haț left in despeir vnpurueyed. ¶ and if țou remembrest wel țe kynde țe maners {and} țe desert of țilke fortune. țow shalt wel knowe as in hir țou neuer ne haddest ne hast ylost any fair țing. But as I trowe I shal not gretly trauaile to don țe remembren of țise ținges. ¶ For țou were wont to hurtlen [{and} despysen] hir wiț manly wordes whan she was blaundissinge {and} presente {and} p{ur}sewedest hir wiț sentences țat were drawe{n} oute of myne entre. țat is to seyne out of myn i{n}formac{i}ou{n} ¶ But no sudeyne mutac{i}ou{n} ne bytideț nat wiț oute{n} a maner chau{n}gyng of curages. and so is it byfallen țat țou art dep{ar}ted a litel fro țe pees of ți țou[gh]t. but now is tyme țat țou drynke {and} atast[e] some softe {and} delitable ținges. so țat whan ței ben entred wiț i{n}ne țe. it mow make weye to strenger drynkes of medycynes. ¶ Com nowe furțe țerfore țe suasiou{n} of swetnesse Rethoryen. whiche țat goț oonly țe ry[gh]t wey whil she forsakeț not myne estatut[gh]. ¶ And wiț Rethorice com forțe musice a damoisel of oure house țat syngeț now ly[gh]ter moedes or p{ro}lac{i}ou{n}s now heuyer. what ayleț țe man. what is it țat haț cast țe in to murnyng {and} in to wepyng. I trow[e] țat țou hast sen some newe țing {and} uncouțe. ¶ Țou wenest țat fortune be chaunged a[gh]eins țe ¶ But țou wenest wrong. yif țou [țat] wene. Alwey țo ben hire maners. she haț rațer [kept] as to țe ward hire p{ro}pre stablenes in țe chaungyng of hyre self. ¶ Ry[gh]t swyche was she whan she flatered[e] țe. {and} desseiued[e] țe wiț vnleueful lykynges of false welefulnesse. țou hast now knowen {and} ataynt țe doutous or double visage of țilke blynde goddesse fortune. ¶ She țat [gh]it couereț hir {and} wympleț hir to oțer folk. haț shewed hir euerydel to țe. ¶ [Gh]if țou app{ro}uest hir {and} țenkest țat she is good. vse hir maners {and} pleyne țe nat. ¶ And if țou agrisest hir fals[e] trecherie. dispise {and} cast aweye hir țat pleyeț so harmefully. for she țat is now cause of so myche sorwe to țe. sholde be to țe cause of pees {and} [of] ioie. ¶ she haț forsaken țe forsoțe. țe whiche țat neuer man may be syker țat she ne shal forsake hym. _Glose._ ¶ But națeles some bookes han țe text țus. For soțe she haț forsaken țe ne țer nis no man syker țat she ne haț not forsaken. ¶ Holdest țou țan țilke welefulnesse p{re}ciouse to țe țat shal passen. {and} is p{re}sent fortune derworți to țe. whiche țat nis not feițful forto dwelle. {and} whan she goț aweye țat she bryngeț a wy[gh]t in sorwe ¶ For syn she may nat be wițholde{n} at a mans wille. she makeț hym a wrecche whe{n} she dep{ar}teț fro hym. ¶ What oțer țing is flitti{n}g fortune but a manere shewyng of wrycchednesse țat is to comen. ne it ne suffriț nat oo[n]ly to loken of țing țat is p{re}sent byforne țe eyen of man. but wisdom lokeț {and} mesureț țe ende of ținges. {and} țe same chau{n}gyng from one to an oțer. țat is to seyne fro aduersite to p{ro}sperite makeț țat țe manaces of fortune ne ben not forto dreden. ne țe flatrynges of hir to ben desired. ¶ Țus atte țe last it byhoueț țe to suffren wiț euene wille in pacience al țat is don inwiț țe floor of fortune. țat is to seyne in țis worlde. ¶ Syțen țou hast oones put ți nekke vnder țe [gh]okke of hir. for if țou wilt write a lawe of wendyng {and} of dwellyng to fortune whiche țat țou hast chosen frely to be ți lady ¶ Art țou nat wrongful in țat {and} makest fortune wroțe {and} asp{er}e by țin inpacience. {and} [gh]it țou mayst not chaungen hir. ¶ Yif țou co{m}mittest [{and}] bitakest ți sayles to țe wynde. țou shalt be shouen not țider țat țou woldest(:) but whider țat țe wy{n}de shoueț țe ¶ Yif țou castest ți seedes in țe feldes țou sholdest haue in mynde țat țe [gh]eres ben oțer while plenteuous {and} oț{er} while bareyne. ¶ Țou hast bytaken țiself to țe gouernaunce of fortune. {and} forți it byhoueț țe to ben obeisaunt to țe manere of ți lady. and enforcest țou țe to aresten or wițstonden țe swyftnesse {and} țe sweyes of hir to{ur}nyng whele. ¶ O țou fool of alle mortel fooles if fortune bygan to dwelle stable. she cesed[e] țan to ben fortune. HEC CUM SUPERBA. [Sidenote: [The fyrst met{ur}.] ++Whan fortune wiț a proude ry[gh]t hande haț turnid hir chau{n}gyng stoundes she fareț lyke țe maners of țe boillyng eurippe. _Glose._ Eurippe is an arme of țe see ț{a}t ebbith {and} flowiț. {and} somtyme țe streme is on one syde {and} somtyme on țat oțer. _Texte_ ¶ She cruel fortune kasteț adoune kynges țat somtyme weren ydred. {and} she deceiuable enhau{n}seth vp țe humble chere of hym țat is discomfited. {and} she neyțer hereț ne reccheț of wrecched[e] wepynges. {and} she is so harde țat she lau[gh]eț {and} scorneț țe wepyng of hem țe whiche she haț maked wepe wiț hir free wille. ¶ Țus she pleyeț {and} ț{us} she p{re}ueț hir strengțe {and} sheweț a grete wondre to alle hir seruau{n}t[gh]. ¶ Yif țat a wy[gh]t is seyn weleful {and} ou{er}țrowe in an houre. VELLEM AUTE{M} PAUCA. [Sidenote: [The secunde p{ro}se.]] ++CErtis I wolde plete wiț țee a fewe ținges vsynge țe wordes of fortune tak heede now ți self. yif ț{a}t she axeț ry[gh]t. ¶ O țou man wher fore makest țou me gilty by ține euerydayes pleynynges. what wronges haue I don țe. what goodes haue I byreft țe țat weren ține. stryf or plete wiț me by fore what iuge țat țou wilt of țe possessiou{n} of rycchesse or of dignites ¶ And yif țou maist shewe me țat euer any mortal man haț receyued any of țese ținges to ben his in p{ro}pre. țan wol I graunt[e] frely țat [alle] țilke ținges were{n} ține whiche țat țou axest. ¶ Whan țat nature brou[gh]t[e] țe forțe out of ți moder wombe. I receyued[e] țe naked {and} nedy of al țing. {and} I norysshed[e] țe wiț my rychesse. {and} was redy {and} ententif țo{ru}[gh] my fauo{ur} to sustene țe. ¶ And țat makeț țe now i{n}pacient a[gh]eins me. {and} I envirounde țe wiț al țe habundaunce {and} shinyng of al goodes țat ben in my ry[gh]t. ¶ Now it lykeț me to wiț drawe myne hande. țou hast had grace as he țat haț vsed of foreyne goodes. țou hast no ry[gh]t to pleyne țe. as țou[gh] țou haddest vtterly lorn alle ți ținges. whi pleynest țou țan. I haue don țe no wrong. Ricches hono{ur}es {and} swyche oțer ținges ben of my ry[gh]t. ¶ My seruauntes knowen me for hir lady. ței comen wiț me {and} dep{ar}ten whan I wende. I dar wel affermen hardyly. țat yif țo ținges of whiche țou pleynest țat țou hast forlorn hadde ben ține. țou ne haddest not lorn he{m}. ¶ shal I țan only be defended to vse my ry[gh]t. ¶ Certis it is leueful to țe heuene to make clere dayes. {and} after țat to keuere țe same dayes wiț derke ny[gh]tes. ¶ Țe erțe haț eke leue to apparaile țe visage of țe erțe now w{i}t{h} floures {and} now wiț fruyt. {and} to confounde he{m} so{m}tyme wiț raynes {and} wiț coldes. ¶ Țe see haț eke hys ry[gh]t to be somtyme calme {and} blaundyshing wiț smoțe water. {and} somtyme to be horrible wiț wawes {and} wiț tempestes. ¶ But țe couetyse of men țat may not be staunched shal it bynde me to be stedfast. syn țat stedfastnesse is vnkouț to my maneres. ¶ Swyche is my strengțe. {and} țis pley. I pley[e] co{n}tinuely. I tourne țe whirly{n}g whele wiț țe tournyng cercle ¶ I am glade to chaunge țe lowest to țe heyeste. {and} țe heyest to țe loweste. worțe vp yif țou wilt. so it be by țis lawe. țat țou ne holde not țat I do țe wronge țou[gh] țou descende dou{n} whanne resou{n} of my pleye axeț it. Wost țou not how Cresus kyng of lyndens of whiche kyng Cir{us} was ful sore agast a litel byforne țat țis rewlyche Cresus was cau[gh]t of Cirus {and} lad to țe fijr to be brent. but țat a reyne desce{n}ded[e] dou{n} from heuene țat rescowed[e] hym ¶ And is it out of ți mynde how țat Paulus consul of Rome whan he hadde take țe kyng of p{er}ciens weep pitou[s]ly for țe captiuitee of țe self[e] kyng. What oțer ținges bywaylen țe criinges of Tragedies. but only țe dedes of fortune. țat wiț an vnwar stroke ouert{ur}neț țe realmes of grete nobley ¶ _Glose._ Tragedie is to seyne a dite of a p{ro}sp{er}ite for a tyme țat endiț in wrechednesse. Lernedest nat țou in grek whan țou were [gh]onge țat in țe entre or in țe seler of Iuppiter țer ben couched two tunnes. țat on is ful of good țat oțer is ful of harme. ¶ What ry[gh]t hast țou to pleyne. yif țou hast taken more plenteuously of țe goode syde țat is to seyne of my rycchesse {and} p{ro}sp{er}ites. {and} what eke. yif I be nat departed fro țe. What eke. yif my mutabilitee [gh]iueț țe ry[gh]tful cause of hope to han [gh]it better ți{n}ges. ¶ Națeles desmaie țe nat in ți țou[gh]t. and ț{o}u țat art put in comune realme of alle: ne desijr[e] nat to lyue by ține oonly p{ro}pre ry[gh]t. SI Q{UA}NTAS RAPIDIS. [Sidenote: [the secu{n}de met{ur}.]] ++ȚOu[gh] plentee țat is goddesse of rycches hielde adou{n} wiț ful horn. {and} wițdraweț nat hir hand. ¶ As many recches as țe see turneț vpwardes sandes whan it is moeued wiț rauysshing blastes. or ellys as many rycches as țer shynen bry[gh]t[e] sterres on heuene on țe sterry ny[gh]t. [Gh]it for al țat mankynde nolde not cesce to wope wrecched[e] pleyntes. ¶ And al be it so țat god receyueț gladly her p{ra}yers {and} [gh]eueț hem as ful large muche golde {and} app{ar}aileț coueytous folk wiț noble or clere hono{ur}s. [gh]it semeț hem haue I-gete noțing. but alwey her cruel ravyne deuourynge al țat ței han geten shewiț oțer gapinges. țat is to seye gapen {and} desiren [gh]it after moo rycchesse. ¶ What brideles my[gh]ten wițholde to any certeyne ende țe desordene coueitise of men ¶ Whan euere țe rațer ț{a}t it fletiț in large [gh]iftis: țe more ay brenneț in hem țe țrest of hauyng. ¶ Certis he țat quakyng {and} dredeful weneț hym seluen nedy. he ne lyueț neu{er}e mo ryche. HIIS IGITUR SI PRO SE. [Sidenote: [The thrydde p{ro}se.]] ++Țerfore yif țat fortune spake wiț țe for hir self in țis manere. For soțe țou ne haddest [nat] what țou my[gh]test answere. and if țou hast any ți{n}g wherwiț. țou mayist ry[gh]tfully tellen ți co{m}pleynt. ¶ It byhoueț țe to shewen it. {and} .I. wol [gh]eue țe space to tellen it. ¶ Certeynely q{uod} I țan țise ben faire ținges {and} enoyntid wiț hony swetnesse of rethorike {and} musike. {and} only while ței ben herd ței ben deliciouse. ¶ But to wrecches is a deppere felyng of harme. țis is to seyn țat wrecches felen țe harmes țat ței suffren more greuously țan țe remedies or țe delites of țise wordes mowe gladen or comforten hem. so țat whan țise ținges stynten forto sou{n}[e] in eres. țe sorwe țat is inset greueț țe țou[gh]t. Ry[gh]t so is it q{uod} she. ¶ For țise ne ben [gh]it none remedies of ți maladie. but ței ben a manere norissinges of ți sorwe [gh]it rebel a[gh]eyne ți curac{i}ou{n}. ¶ For whan țat tyme is. I shal moue swiche ținges țat p{er}cen hem self depe. ¶ But națeles ț{a}t țou shalt not wilne to leten ți self a wrecche. ¶ Hast țou for[gh]eten țe nou{m}bre {and} țe manere of ți welefulnesse. I holde me stille how țat țe souerayn men of țe Citee toke{n} țe in cure {and} kepynge whan țou were orphelyn of fadir {and} modir. {and} were chosen i{n} affinite of p{r}inces of țe Citee. ¶ And țou bygu{n}ne rațer to ben leef {and} deere țan0 forto ben a ney[gh]bo{ur}. țe whiche țing is țe most p{re}ciouse kynde of any p{ro}pinquitee or aliau{n}ce țat may ben. ¶ Who is it țat ne seide țou nere ry[gh]t weleful wiț so grete a nobley of ți fadres in lawe. ¶ {And} wiț țe chastite of ți wijf. {and} wiț țe oportunite {and} noblesse of ți masculyn children. țat is to seyne ți sones {and} ou{er} al țis me lyst to passe of comune ținges. ¶ How țou haddest in ți țou[gh]t dignitees țat weren warned to olde men. but it deliteț me to comen now to țe singuler vphepyng of ți welefulnesse. ¶ Yif any fruyt of mortal ținges may han any wey[gh]te or price of welefulnesse. ¶ My[gh]test țou euere for[gh]eten for any charge of harme țat my[gh]t[e] byfallen. țe remembrau{n}ce of țilke day țat țou sey[e] ți two sones maked conseillers. {and} ylad to gidre from țin house vndir so gret assemble of senatours. {and} vndir țe blyțenesse of poeple. {and} whan țou say[e] hem sette in țe court in her chaieres of dignites. ¶ Țou rethorien or p{ro}nou{n}cere of kynges p{re}ysinges. deseruedest glorie of wit {and} of eloquence. whan țou sittyng bytwix ți two sones conseillers in țe place țat hy[gh]t Circo. {and} fulfildest țe abydyng of multitude of poeple țat was sprad about țe wiț large p{ra}ysynge {and} laude as me{n} syngen in victories. țo [gh]aue țou wordes of fortune as I trowe. țat is to seyne. țo feffedest țou fortune wiț glosynge wordes {and} desseiuedest hir. whan she accoied[e] țe {and} norsshed[e] țe as hir owen delices. ¶ Țou hast had of fortune a [gh]ifte țat is to seyn swiche gerdou{n} țat she neu[er]e [gh]af to p{re}ue man ¶ Wilt țou țerfore leye a rekenyng wiț fortune. she haț now twynkeled first vpon țe wiț a wykked eye. ¶ Yif țou considere țe nou{m}bre {and} țe manere of ți blysses. {and} of ți sorwes. țou maist nat forsake țat țou nart [gh]it blysful. For if țou țerfore wenest ți self nat weleful for ținges țat țo semeden ioyful ben passed. ¶ Țer nis nat whi țou sholdest wene ți self a wrecche. for ținges țat now semen soory passen also. ¶ Art țou now comen firste a sodeyne gest in to țe shadowe or tabernacle of țis lijf. or trowest țou ț{a}t any stedfastnesse be in mannis ținges. ¶ Whan ofte a swifte houre dissolueț țe same man. țat is to seyne whan țe soule dep{ar}tiț fro țe body. For al țou[gh] țat yelde is țer any feiț țat fortunous ținges willen dwelle. [gh]it națeles țe last[e] day of a ma{n}nis lijf is a man{er}e deeț to fortune. {and} also to țilke țat haț dwelt. {and} țerfore what wenist țou țar recche yif țou forlete hir i{n} dey{n}ge or ellys ț{a}t she fortune forlete țe i{n} fleenge awey. CUM PRIMO POLO. [Sidenote: [The .iij. Met{ur}.]] ++Whan phebus țe sonne bygynneț to spreden his clerenesse w{i}t{h} rosene chariettes. țan țe sterre ydimmyd paleț hir white cheres. by țe flamus of țe so{n}ne țat ouer comeț țe sterre ly[gh]t. ¶ Țis is to seyn whan țe sonne is risen țe day sterre wexiț pale {and} lesiț hir ly[gh]t for țe grete bry[gh]tnesse of țe sonne. ¶ Whan țe wode wexeț redy of rosene floures in țe first somer sesou{n} țoru[gh] țe brețe of țe wynde Zephirus țat wexeț warme. ¶ Yif țe cloudy wynde auster blowe felliche. țan goț awey țe fayrnesse of țornes. Ofte țe see is clere {and} calme wițoute moeuy{n}g floodes. And ofte țe horrible wynde aq{u}ilon moeueț boylyng tempestes {and} ouer whelweț țe see. ¶ Yif țe forme of țis worlde is so [[gh]eelde] stable. {and} yif it to{ur}niț by so many entrechau{n}gynges. wilt țou ța{n} truste{n} in țe trublynge fortunes of me{n}. wilt țou trowen i{n} flittyng goodes. It is certeyne {and} establissed by lawe p{er}durable țat no ți{n}g ț{a}t is engendred nys stedfast no stable. TUNC EGO UERA INQ{UA}M. [Sidenote: [The ferthe prose.]] ++ȚAnne seide I țus. O norice of alle uertues țou seist ful soțe. ¶ Ne I may nat forsake țe ry[gh]t[e] swifte cours of my p{ro}speritee. țat is to seine. țat p{ro}speritee ne be comen to me wondir swiftly {and} soone. but țis is a țing țat gretly smertiț me whan it remembreț me. ¶ For in alle aduersitees of fortune țe most vnsely kynde of contrariouse fortune is to han ben weleful. ¶ But țat țou q{uo}d she abaist țus țe to{ur}ment of ți fals[e] opiniou{n} țat maist țou not ry[gh]tfully blamen ne aretten to ținges. as who seiț for țou hast [gh]itte many habundaunces of ținges. ¶ _Textus._ For al be it so țat țe ydel name of auenterouse welefulnesse moeueț țe now. it is leueful țat țou rekene w{i}t{h} me of how many[e] ținges țou hast [gh]it plentee. ¶ And țerfore yif țat țilke țing țat țou haddest for most p{re}cious in alle ți rycchesse of fortune be kept to țe by țe grace of god vnwemmed {and} vndefouled. Mayst țou ța{n} pleyne ry[gh]tfully vpon țe myschief of fortune. syn țou hast [gh]it ți best[e] ținges. ¶ Certys [gh]it lyueț in goode poynt țilke p{re}cious hono{ur} of mankynde.¶ Symacus ți wyues fadir whiche țat is a man maked al of sapience {and} of vertue. țe whiche man țou woldest b[i]en redely wiț țe pris of țin owen lijf. he byweyleț țe wronges țat men don to țee. {and} not for hym self. for he liueț in sykernesse of any sentence put a[gh]eins him. ¶ And [gh]it lyueț ți wif țat is attempre of witte {and} passyng oțer women in clennes of chastitee. and for I wol closen shortly her bountes she is lyke to hir fadir. I telle țe welle țat she lyueț looț of hir life. {and} kepiț to țee oonly hir goost. {and} is al maat {and} ouer-comen by wepyng {and} sorwe for desire of țe ¶ In țe whiche țing only I mot graunten țat ți welefulnesse is amenused. ¶ What shal I seyn eke of ți two sones conseillours of whiche as of children of hir age țer shineț țe lyknesse of țe witte of hir fadir {and} of hir eldefadir. and sițen țe souereyn cure of alle mortel folke is to sauen hir owe{n} lyues. ¶ O how weleful art țou țou[gh] țou knowe ți goodes. ¶ But [gh]itte ben țer ținges dwelly{n}g to țe wardes țat no man douteț țat ței ne ben more derworțe to țe țen ține owen lijf. ¶ And forți drie ți teres for [gh]itte nys nat eueriche fortune al hateful to țe warde. ne ou{er} greet tempest haț nat [gh]it fallen vpon țe. whan țat țin ancres cliue fast[e] țat neițer wole suffre țe comfort of țis tyme p{re}sent. ne țe hope of tyme comynge to passen ne to falle{n}. ¶ And I p{re}ie q{uod} I țat fast[e] mot[en] ței holden. ¶ For whiles țat ței halden. how so eu{er}e țat ținges ben. I shal wel fleten furțe and eschapen. ¶ But țou mayst wel seen how greet[e] apparailes {and} aray țat me lakkeț țat ben passed awey fro me. ¶ I haue su{m}what auau{n}ced {and} forțered țe q{uod} she. if țat țou anoie nat or forțenke nat of al ți fortune. As who seiț. ¶ I haue somwhat comforted țe so țat țou tempest nat țe țus wiț al ți fortune. syn țou hast [gh]it ți best[e] ținges. ¶ But I may nat suffre țin delices. țat pleinst so wepyng. {and} anguissous for țat oțer lakkeț somwhat to ți welefulnesse. ¶ For what man is so sad or of so p{er}fit welefulnesse. țat he ne stryueț or pleyneț on some half a[gh]eine țe qualitee of his estat. ¶ For whi ful anguissous țing is țe condiciou{n} of mans goodes. ¶ For eyțer it comeț al to gidre to a wy[gh]t. or ellys it lasteț not p{er}petuely. ¶ For som man haț 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 ținges. țat hym were leuer țat he were vnknowe. and som ma{n} habundeț boțe i{n} rychesse {and} noblesse. but [gh]it he bywaileț hys chast[e] lijf. for he haț no wijf. ¶ and som man is wel {and} selily maried but he haț no children. {and} norissheț his ricchesse to țe heires of straunge folk. ¶ And som man is gladded wiț children. but he wepiț ful sory for țe trespas of his son or of his dou[gh]tir. ¶ and for țis țer accordeț no wy[gh]t ly[gh]tly to țe condic{i}ou{n} of his fortune. for alwey to euery man țere is i{n} mest somwhat țat vnassaieț he ne wot not or ellys he drediț țat he haț assaied. ¶ {And} adde țis also țat euery weleful man haț a wel delicat felyng. ¶ So țat but yif alle ținges fallen at hys owen wille for he inpacient or is nat vsed to han none aduersitee. an-oone he is țrowe ado[-u]ne for euery lytel țing. ¶ And ful lytel ținges ben țo țat wițdrawen țe so{m}me or țe p{er}fecc{i}ou{n} of blisfulnesse fro hem țat ben most fortunat. ¶ How many men trowest țou wolde demen hem self to ben almost in heuene yif ței my[gh]ten atteyne to țe leest[e] p{ar}tie of țe remenaunt of ți fortune. ¶ Țis same place țat țou clepist exil is contre to hem țat enhabiten here. {and} forți. Noțing wrecched. but whan țou wenest it ¶ As who seiț. țou[gh] ți self ne no wy[gh]t ellys nys no wrecche but whan he weneț 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 țe agreablete or by țe egalite of hym țat suffreț it. ¶ What man is țat. țat is so weleful țat nolde chau{n}ge{n} his estat whan he haț lorn pacience. țe swetnesse of mannes welefulnesse is yspranid wiț many[e] bitternesses. țe whiche welefulnesse al țou[gh] it seme swete {and} ioyeful to hym țat vseț it. [gh]it may it not be wiț-holden țat it ne goț away whan it wol. ¶ Țan is it wel sen how wrecched is țe blisfulnesse of mortel ținges. țat neiț{er} it dwelliț p{er}petuel wiț hem țat euery fortune receyuen agreablely or egaly. ¶ Ne it ne deliteț not in al. to hem țat ben anguissous. ¶ O ye mortel folkes what seke [gh]e țan blisfulnesse oute of [gh]oure self. whiche țat is put in [gh]oure self. Erro{ur} {and} folie co{n}fou{n}deț [gh]ow ¶ I shal shewe țe shortly. țe poynt of souereyne blisfulnesse. Is țer any țing to țe more p{re}ciouse țan ți self ¶ Țou wilt answere nay. ¶ Țan if it so be țat țou art my[gh]ty ouer ți self țat is to seyn by tranquillitee of ți soule. țan hast țou țing i{n} ți power țat țou noldest neuer lesen. ne fortune may nat by-nyme it țe. {and} țat țou mayst knowe țat blisfulnesse [ne] may nat standen in ținges țat ben fortunous {and} te{m}perel. ¶ Now vndirstonde {and} gadir it to gidir țus yif blisfulnesse be țe souereyne goode of nature țat liueț by resou{n} ¶ Ne țilke țing nis nat souereyne goode țat may be taken awey in any wyse. for more worți țing {and} more digne is țilke țing ț{a}t may nat be taken awey. ¶ Țan shewiț it wele țat țe vnstablenesse of fortune may nat attayne to receyue verray blisfulnes. ¶ And [gh]it more ouer. ¶ What man țat țis toumblyng welefulnesse leediț. eițer he woot țat [it] is chaungeable. or ellis he woot it nat. ¶ And yif he woot it not. what blisful fortune may țer be in țe blyndenesse of ignorau{n}ce. and yif he woot țat it is chaungeable. he mot alwey ben adrad ț{a}t he ne lese țat țing. țat he ne douteț nat but țat he may leesen it. ¶ As whoo seiț he mot ben alwey agast lest he leese țat he wot wel he may leese. ¶ For whiche țe continuel drede țat he haț ne suffriț hym nat to ben weleful. ¶ Or ellys yif he leese it he wene to be dispised {and} forleten hit. ¶ Certis eke țat is a ful lytel goode țat is born wiț euene hert[e] whan it is loost. ¶ Țat is to seyne țat men don no more force. of țe lost țan of țe hauynge. ¶ And for as myche as țou ți self art he to who{m} it haț ben shewid {and} p{ro}ued by ful many[e] demonstrac{i}ou{n}s. as I woot wel țat țe soules of men ne mowen nat dien in no wise. and eke syn it is clere. {and} certeyne țat fortunous welefulnesse endiț by țe deeț of țe body. ¶ It may nat ben douted țat yif țat deeț may take awey blysfulnesse țat al țe kynde of mortal ți{n}g{us} ne descendiț in to wrecchednesse by țe ende of țe deeț. ¶ And syn we knowen wel țat many a man haț sou[gh]t țe fruit of blisfulnesse nat only wiț suffryng of deeț. but eke wiț suffryng of peynes {and} to{ur}mentes. how my[gh]t[e] țan țis p{re}sent lijf make men blisful. syn țat whanne țilke self[e] lijf is endid. it ne makeț folk no wrecches. QUISQUIS UOLET P{ER}HENNEM CAUTUS. [Sidenote: [The ferthe met{ur}.]] ++What maner man stable {and} war țat wil founden hym a p{er}durable sete {and} ne wil not be cast doune wiț țe loude blastes of țe wynde Eurus. {and} wil dispise țe see manassynge wiț floodes ¶ Lat hym eschewe to bilde on țe cop of țe mou{n}tay{n}gne. or in țe moyste sandes. ¶ For țe fel[le] wynde auster to{ur}menteț țe cop of țe mou{n}tayngne wiț alle his strengțes. ¶ and țe lowe see sandes refuse to beren țe heuy wey[gh]te. {and} forți yif țou wolt flee țe p{er}ilous auenture țat is to seine of țe worlde ¶ Haue mynde certeynly to ficchyn ți house of a myrie site in a lowe stoone. ¶ For al țou[gh] țe wynde troublyng țe see țondre wiț ouerețrowynges ¶ Țou țat art put i{n} quiete {and} welful by strengțe of ți palys shalt leden a cleer age. scornyng țe wodenesses and țe Ires of țe eir. SET CUM RACIONU{M} IAM IN TE. [Sidenote: [The fyfthe p{ro}se.]] ++But for as moche as țe noryssinges of my resou{n}s descenden now in to țe. I trowe it were tyme to vsen a litel strenger medicynes. ¶ Now vndirstonde here al were it so țat țe [gh]iftis of fortune nar[e] nat brutel ne t{ra}nsitorie. what is țer in hem țat may be ține in any tyme. or ellis țat it nys foule if țat it be considered {and} lokid p{er}fitely. ¶ Richesse ben ței p{re}ciouse by țe nature of hem self. or ellys by țe nature of țe. What is most worți of rycchesse. is it nat golde or my[gh]t of moneye assembled. ¶ Certis țilke golde {and} țilke moneye shineț {and} [gh]eueț better renou{n} to hem țat dispenden it. țen to țilke folke țat mokeren it. For auarice makeț alwey mokeres to be hated. {and} largesse makeț folke clere of renou{n} ¶ For syn țat swiche ți{n}g as is t{ra}nsfered from o man to an oțer ne may nat dwellen wiț no man. Certis țan is țilke moneye p{re}cious. whan it is translated in to oțer folk. {and} stynteț to ben had by vsage of large [gh]euy{n}g of hym țat haț [gh]euen it. {and} also yif al țe moneye țat is ouer-al in țe world were gadered towar[d] o man. it sholde maken al oțer men to ben nedy as of țat. ¶ And certys a voys al hool țat is to seyn wiț-oute amenusynge fulfilleț to gyder țe heryng of myche folke. but Certys [gh]oure rycchesse ne mowen nat passen vnto myche folk wiț-oute amenussyng ¶ And whan ței ben apassed. nedys ței maken hem pore țat forgon țe rycchesses. ¶ O streite {and} nedy clepe I țise rycchesses. syn țat many folke [ne] may nat han it al. ne al may it nat comen to on man wiț-oute pouerte of al oțer folke. ¶ And țe shynynge of ge{m}mes țat I clepe p{re}ciouse stones. draweț it nat țe eyen of folk in to hem warde. țat is to seyne for țe beaute. ¶ For certys yif țer were beaute or bounte in shynyng of stones. țilke clerenesse is of țe stones hem self. {and} nat of men. ¶ For whiche I wondre gretly țat men merueilen on swiche ținges. ¶ For whi what țing is it țat yif it wa{n}teț moeuyng {and} ioynture of soule {and} body țat by ry[gh]t my[gh]t[e] semen a faire creature to hym țat haț a soule of resou{n}. ¶ For al be it so țat ge{m}mes drawen to hem self a litel of țe laste beaute of țe worlde. țoru[gh] țe entent of hir creato{ur} {and} țoru[gh] țe distincc{i}ou{n} of hem self. [gh]it for as myche as ței ben put vndir [gh]oure excellence. ței han not desserued by no weye țat [gh]e shullen merueylen on hem. ¶ And țe beaute of feeldes deliteț it nat mychel vnto [gh]ow. _Boyce._ ¶ Whi sholde it nat deliten vs. syn țat it is a ry[gh]t fayr porciou{n} of țe ry[gh]t fair werk. țat is to seyn of țis worlde. ¶ And ry[gh]t so ben we gladed somtyme of țe face of țe see whan it is clere. And also merueylen we on țe heuene {and} on țe sterres. {and} on țe sonne. {and} on țe mone. _Philosophie._ ¶ App{er}teineț q{uo}d she any of țilke ținges to țe. whi darst țou glorifie țe in țe shynynge of any swiche ținges. Art țou distingwed {and} embelised by țe spryngyng floures of țe first somer sesou{n}. or swelliț ți plente in fruytes of somer. whi art țou rauyshed wiț ydel ioies. why enbracest țou straunge goodes as ței weren ține. Fortune shal neuer maken țat swiche ținges ben ține țat nature of ținges maked foreyne fro țe. ¶ Syche is țat wiț-oute{n} doute țe fruytes of țe erțe owen to ben on țe norssinge of bestes. ¶ And if țou wilt fulfille ți nede after țat it suffiseț to nature țan is it no nede țat țou seke after țe sup{er}fluite of fortune. ¶ For wiț ful fewe ținges {and} w{i}t{h} ful lytel țing nature halt hire appaied. {and} yif țou wilt achoken țe fulfillyng of nat{ur}e wiț sup{er}fluites ¶ Certys țilke ținges ț{a}t țou wilt țresten or pouren in to nature shullen ben vnioyeful to țe or ellis anoies. ¶ Wenest țou eke țat it be a fair ținge to shine wiț dyuerse cloțing. of whiche cloțing yif țe beaute be agreable to loken vpon. I wol merueylen on țe nature of țe matere of țilke cloțes. or ellys on țe werkeman țat wrou[gh]t[e] hem. but al so a longe route of meyne. makiț țat a blisful man. țe whiche seruauntes yif ței ben vicio[-u]s of condic{i}ou{n}s it is a greet charge {and} a destrucc{i}ou{n} to țe house. {and} a g{r}eet enmye to țe lorde hym self ¶ {And} yif ței ben goode men how shal straung[e] or foreyne goodenes ben put in țe nou{m}bre of ți rycchesse. so ț{a}t by alle țise forseide ținges. it is clerly shewed țat neuer none of țilke ținges țat țou accou{m}ptedest for țin goodes nas nat ți goode. ¶ In țe whiche ținges yif țer be no beaute to ben desired. whi sholdest țou be sory yif țou leese hem. or whi sholdest țou reioysen țe to holden hem. ¶ For if ței ben fair of hire owen kynde. what app{er}teneț țat to țe. for as wel sholde ței han ben faire by hem self. țou[gh] ței were{n} dep{ar}tid from alle țin rycchesse. ¶ For-why faire ne p{re}cio[-u]s ne weren ței nat. for țat ței comen amonges ți rycchesse. but for ței semeden fair {and} p{re}cious. țerfore țou haddest leuer rekene hem amonges ți rycchesse. but what desirest țou of fortune wiț so greet a noyse {and} wiț so greet a fare ¶ I trowe țou seke to dryue awey nede wiț habundaunce of ținges. ¶ But certys it turneț to [gh]ow al in țe contrarie. for whi certys it nediț of ful many[e] helpynges to kepen țe dyuersite of preciouse ostelment[gh]. and soțe it is țat of many[e] ținges han ței nede țat many[e] ținges han. {and} a[gh]eyneward of litel nediț hem țat mesuren hir fille after țe nede of kynde {and} nat after țe outrage of couetyse ¶ Is it țan so țat 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 ținges. ¶ So is țan țe condic{i}ou{n} of ținges turned vpso dou{n}. țat a man țat is a devyne beest by merit of hys resou{n}. ținkeț țat hy{m} self nys neyțer fair ne noble. but if it be țoru[gh] possessiou{n} of ostelmentes. țat ne han no soules. ¶ And certys al oț{er} ți{n}ges ben appaied of hire owen beautes. but [gh]e men țat ben semblable to god by [gh]our{e} resonable țou[gh]t desiren to apparaille [gh]our{e} excellent kynde of țe 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 țat man kynde were moost worți {and} noble of any oțer erțely ținges. and [gh]e țresten adou{n} [gh]oure dignitees by-nețen țe lowest[e] ținges. ¶ For if țat al țe good of euery țing be more p{re}ciouse țan is țilk țing whos țat țe good is. syn [gh]e demen țat țe foulest[e] ținges ben [gh]oure goodes. țanne summytten [gh]e {and} putten [gh]oure self vndir țo foulest[e] ținges by [gh]oure estimac{i}ou{n}. ¶ And certis țis bitidiț nat wiț out [gh]our{e} desert. For certys swiche is țe co{n}dic{i}ou{n} of al man kynde țat oonly whan it haț knowyng of it self. țan passeț it i{n} noblesse alle oțer ținges. and whan it forletiț țe knowyng of it self. țan it is brou[gh]t bynețen alle beestes. ¶ For-why alle oțer [leuynge] beestes han of kynde to knowe not hem self. but whan țat men leten țe knowyng of hem self. it comeț hem of vice. but how brode sheweț țe erro{ur} {and} țe folie of [gh]ow men țat wenen țat ony țing may ben apparailled wiț straunge apparaillement[gh] ¶ but for-soțe țat may nat be don. for yif a wy[gh]t shyneț wiț ți{n}ges țat ben put to hym. as țus. yif țilke ținges shynen wiț whiche a man is apparailled. ¶ Certis țilke ținges ben commendid {and} p{re}ised wiț whiche he is apparailled. ¶ But națeles țe țing țat is couered {and} wrapped vndir țat dwelleț in his filțe. and I denye țat țilke țing be good țat anoyeț hym țat haț it. ¶ Gabbe I of țis. țou wolt seye nay. ¶ Certys rycchesse han anoyed ful ofte hem țat han țe rycchesse. ¶ Syn țat euery wicked shrew {and} for hys wickednesse țe more gredy aftir oțer folkes rycchesse wher so euer it be in any place. be it golde or p{re}cious stones. {and} weniț hym only most worți țat haț hem ¶ țou țan țat so besy dredest now țe swerde {and} țe spere. yif țou haddest entred in țe pațe of țis lijf a voide wayfaryng man. țan woldest țou syng[e] by-fore țe țeef. ¶ As who seiț a poure man țat bereț no rycchesse on hym by țe weye. may boldly syng[e] byforne țeues. for he haț nat wher-of to ben robbed. ¶ O preciouse {and} ry[gh]t clere is țe blysfulnesse of mortal rycchesse. țat wha{n} țou hast geten it. țan hast țou lorn ți syke[r]nesse. FELIX IN MIRU{M} PRIOR ETAS. [Sidenote: [The fyfthe met{ur}.]] ++Blysful was țe first age of men. ței helden hem apaied wiț țe metes țat țe trewe erțes brou[gh]ten furțe. ¶ ței ne destroyed[e] ne desceyued[e] not hem self wiț outerage. ¶ ței weren wont ly[gh]tly to slaken her hunger at euene wiț acornes of okes ¶ ței ne couțe nat medle țe [gh]ift of bacus to țe clere hony. țat is to seyn. ței couțe make no piment of clarre. ne ței couțe nat medle țe bri[gh]t[e] flies of țe co{n}tre of siriens wiț țe venym of tirie. țis is to seyne. ței couțe nat dien white flies of sirien contre wiț țe blode of a manar shelfysshe. țat men fynden in tyrie. wiț whiche blode men deien purper. ¶ ței slepen holesom slepes vpon țe gras. and dronken of țe rynnyng watres. {and} laien vndir țe shadowe of țe hey[gh]e pyne trees. ¶ Ne no gest ne no straunger [ne] karf [gh]it țe heye see wiț oores or wiț shippes. ne ței ne hadden seyne [gh]itte none newe strondes to leden merchaundyse in to dyuerse co{n}tres. ¶ țo weren țe 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 ței seien cruel woundes ne none medes ben of blood yshad ¶ I wolde țat oure tymes sholde turne a[gh]eyne to țe oolde maneres. ¶ But țe anguissous loue of hauyng brenneț in folke moore cruely țan țe fijr of țe Mou{n}taigne of Ethna țat euer brenneț. ¶ Allas what was he țat first dalf vp țe gobets or țe wey[gh]tys of gold couered vndir erțe. {and} țe p{re}cious stones țat wolden han ben hid. he dalf vp p{re}cious perils. țat is to seyne țat he țat hem first vp dalf. he dalf vp a p{re}cious peril. for-whi. for țe p{re}ciousnesse of swyche haț 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. țe whiche [ye] men ț{a}t neițer knowen verray dignitee ne verray power areysen hem as heye as țe heuene. țe whiche dignitees {and} powers yif ței come to any wicked man ței don [as] greet[e] damages {and} distrucc{i}ou{n} as doț țe fla{m}me of țe Mou{n}taigne Ethna whan țe fla{m}me wit walwiț vp ne no deluge ne doț so cruel harmes. ¶ Certys ye remembriț wel as I trowe țat țilke dignitee țat men clepiț țe emperie of {con}sulers țe whiche țat somtyme was bygynnyng of fredom. ¶ [Gh]oure eldres coueiteden to han don a-wey țat dignitee for țe p{r}ide of țe conseilers. ¶ And ry[gh]t for țe same p{r}ide [gh]oure eldres byforne țat tyme hadden don awey out of țe Citee of rome țe kynges name. țat is to seien. ței nolden haue no lenger no kyng ¶ But now yif so be ț{a}t dignitees {and} powers ben [gh]euen to goode men. țe whiche țing is ful [gh]elde. what agreable ți{n}ges is țer in țo dignitees. or powers. but only țe goodenes of folk țat vsen hem. ¶ And țerfore it is țus țat hono{ur} ne comeț nat to vertue for cause of dignite. but a[gh]einward. hono{ur} comeț to dignite by cause of vertue. but whiche is [gh]oure derworțe power țat is so clere {and} so requerable ¶ O [gh]e erțelyche bestes considere [gh]e nat ouer whiche țing țat it semeț țat [gh]e han power. ¶ Now yif țou say[e] a mouse amo{n}g{us} oțer myse țat chalenged[e] to hymself ward ry[gh]t {and} power ouer alle oțer myse. how gret scorne woldest țou han of hit. ¶ _Glosa._ ¶ So fareț it by men. țe body haț power ouer țe body. For yif țow loke wel vpon țe body of a wy[gh]t what țing shalt țou fynde moore frele țan is mannes kynde. țe whiche ben ful ofte slayn wiț bytynge of smale flies. or ellys wiț țe entryng of crepyng wormes in to țe priuetees of mennes bodyes. ¶ But wher shal men fynden any man țat may exercen or haunten any ry[gh]t vpon an oțer ma{n} but oonly vpon hys body. or ellys vpo{n} ținges țat ben lower țen țe body. whiche I clepe fortunous possessiou{n}s ¶ Mayst țou euer haue any comaundement ouer a fre corage ¶ Mayst țou remuen fro țe estat of hys p{ro}pre reste. a țou[gh]t țat 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 țat wisten of a coniurac{i}ou{n}. whiche I clepe a confederacie țat was cast a[gh]eins țis tyraunt ¶ But țis free man boot of hys owen tunge. {and} cast it in țe visage of țilke woode tyrau{n}te. ¶ So țat țe to{ur}ment[gh] țat țis tyrau{n}t wende to han maked mater{e} of cruelte. țis wyse man maked[e it] matere of vertues. ¶ But what țing is it țat a man may don to an oțer man. țat he ne may receyue țe same țing of oțer folke i{n} hym self. or țus. ¶ What may a man don to folk. țat folk ne may don hym țe same. ¶ I haue herd told of busirides țat was wo{n}t to sleen hys gestes țat herburghden in hys hous. and he was slayn hym self of ercules țat 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} țe cheynes of hem țat he had[de] somtyme ou{er}comen. ¶ Wenest țou țan țat he be my[gh]ty. țat may nat don a țing. țat oțer ne may don hym. țat he doț to oțer. {and} [gh]it more ou{er} yif it so were țat țise dignites or poweres hadden any p{ro}pre or naturel goodnesse in hem self neuer nolden ței comen to shrewes. ¶ For contrarious ținges ne ben not wont to ben yfelawshiped togidres. ¶ Nature refuseț țat contra[r]ious ținges ben yioigned. ¶ And so as I am in certeyne țat ry[gh]t wikked folk han dignitees ofte tymes. țan sheweț it wel țat dignitees {and} powers ne ben not goode of hir owen kynde. syn țat ței suffren hem self to cleue{n} or ioynen hem to shrewes. ¶ And certys țe same țing may most digneliche Iugen {and} seyen of alle țe [gh]iftis of fortune țat most plenteuously comen to shrewes. ¶ Of țe whiche [gh]iftys I trowe țat it au[gh]t[e] ben considered țat no man doutiț țat he nis strong. in whom he seeț strengțe. {and} in whom țat swiftnesse is ¶ Soțe it is țat he is swyfte. Also musyk makeț musiciens. {and} fysik makeț phisiciens. {and} rethorik rethoriens. ¶ For whi țe nature of euery țing makiț his p{ro}pretee. ne it is nat ent{er}medled wiț țe effect{is} of co{n}trarious ținges. ¶ And as of wil it chaseț oute ținges țat to it ben contrarie ¶ But certys rycchesse may nat restreyne auarice vnstaunched ¶ Ne power [ne] makeț nat a ma{n} my[gh]ty ouer hym self. whiche țat vicious lustis holden destreined wiț cheins țat ne mowen nat ben vnbounden. {and} dignitees țat ben [gh]euen to shrewed[e] folk nat oonly ne makiț hem nat digne. but it sheweț rațer al openly țat ței ben vnworți {and} vndigne. ¶ And whi is it ț{us}. ¶ Certis for [gh]e han ioye to clepen ținges wiț fals[e] names. țat beren hem al in țe co{n}t{ra}rie. țe whiche names ben ful ofte reproued by țe effect of țe same ținges. so țat țise 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 țe laste I may conclude țe same ținge of al țe [gh]iftes of fortune in whiche țer nis no țing to ben desired. ne țat haț in hym self naturel bounte. ¶ as it is ful wel sene. for neyțer ței ne ioygne{n} hem nat alwey to goode men. ne maken hem alwey goode to who{m} ței 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 doń by țe Emp{er}oure Nero. ¶ He letee brenne țe citee of Rome {and} made slen țe senato{ur}s. and he cruel somtyme slou[gh] hys broțer. {and} he was maked moyst wiț țe blood of hys modir. țat is to seyn he let sleen {and} slitte{n} țe 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 țat he my[gh]t[e] ben domesman or Iuge of hire dede beaute. ¶ And [gh]itte neuerțeles gouerned[e] țis Nero by Ceptre al țe peoples țat phebus țe sonne may seen comyng from his outerest arysyng til he hidde his bemes vndir țe wawes. ¶ țat is to seyne. he gouerned[e] alle țe peoples by Ceptre imp{er}ial țat țe so{n}ne goț aboute from est to west ¶ And eke țis Nero goueyrende by Ceptre. alle țe peoples țat ben vndir țe colde sterres țat hy[gh]ten țe seuene triones. țis is to seyn he gouerned[e] alle țe poeples țat ben vndir țe p{ar}ties of țe norțe. ¶ And eke Nero gouerned[e] alle țe poeples țat țe violent wynde Nothus scorchiț {and} bakiț țe brennynge sandes by his drie hete. țat is to seyne. alle țe poeples in țe souțe. [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. țat is to sein. venimous cruelte to lordshipe. TU{M} EGO SCIS INQ{UA}M. [Sidenote: [The seuende p{ro}se.]] ++ȚAnne seide I țus. țou wost wel țiself țat țe couetise of mortal ținges ne hadden neuer lordshipe of me. but I haue wel desired matere of ținges to done. as who seiț. I desired[e] to han matere of gou{er}naunce ouer comunalites. ¶ For vertue stille ne sholde not elden. țat is to seyn. țat list țat or he wex olde ¶ His uertue țat 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 soțe q{uo}d she. {and} țat is a țing țat may drawen to gouernaunce swiche hertes as ben worți {and} noble of hir nature. but națeles it may nat drawen or tollen swiche hertes as ben y-brou[gh]t to țe ful[le] p{er}fecciou{n} of vertue. țat is to seyn couetyse of glorie {and} renou{n} to han wel administred țe comune ținges. or doon goode decertes to p{ro}fit of țe comune. for se now {and} considere how litel {and} how voide of al prise is țilke glorie. ¶ Certeine țing is as țou hast lerned by demonstrac{i}ou{n} of astronomye țat al țe envyronynge of țe erțe aboute ne halt but țe resou{n} of a prykke at regard of țe gretnesse of heuene. țat is to seye. țat yif țat țer were maked co{m}parisou{n} of țe erțe to țe gretnesse of heuene. men wolde Iugen in alle țat erțe [ne] helde no space ¶ Of țe whiche litel regiou{n} of țis worlde țe ferțe partie is enhabitid wiț lyuyng beestes țat we knowen. as țou hast ți self lerned by tholome țat p{ro}uit[-h] it. ¶ yif țou haddest wiț drawen {and} abated in ți țou[gh]te fro țilke ferțe partie as myche space as țe see {and} [the] mareys contenen {and} ouergon {and} as myche space as țe regiou{n} of droughte ou{er}streccheț. țat is to seye sandes {and} desertes wel vnneț sholde țer dwellen a ry[gh]t streite place to țe habitaciou{n} of men. {and} [gh]e țan țat ben environed {and} closed wiț i{n}ne țe leest[e] prikke of țilk prikke țenke [gh]e to manifesten [gh]oure renou{n} {and} don [gh]oure name to ben born forțe. but [gh]our{e} glorie țat is so narwe {and} so streyt yțronge{n} in to so litel boundes. how myche conteințe it in largesse {and} in greet doynge. And also sette țis țer to țat many a nac{i}ou{n} dyuerse of tonge {and} of maneres. {and} eke of resou{n} of hir lyuyng ben enhabitid in țe cloos of țilke litel habitacle. ¶ To țe 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 țe names of singler men ne may [nat] strecchen. but eke țe fame of Citees ne may nat strecchen. ¶ At țe last[e] Certis in țe tyme of Marcus tulyus as hym self writeț in his book țat țe renou{n} of țe comune of Rome ne hadde nat [gh]itte passed ne clou{m}ben ou{er} țe mou{n}taigne țat hy[gh]t Caucasus. {and} [gh]itte was țilk tyme rome wel wexen {and} gretly redouted of țe p{ar}thes. and eke of oțer folk enhabityng aboute. ¶ Sest țou nat țan how streit {and} how comp{re}ssed is țilke glorie țat [gh]e t{ra}uaile{n} aboute to shew {and} to multiplie. May țan țe glorie of a singlere Romeyne strecchen țider as țe fame of țe name of Rome may nat clymben ne passen. ¶ And eke sest ț{o}u nat țat țe maners of diu{er}se folk {and} eke hir lawes ben discordau{n}t amonge hem self. so ț{a}t țilke țing țat so{m}men iugen worți of p{re}ysynge. oțer folk iugen țat it is worți of torment. ¶ and țer of comeț țat țou[gh] a man delite hy{m} in p{re}ysyng of his renou{n}. he ne may nat i{n} no wise bryngen furțe ne sprede{n} his name to many manere peoples. ¶ And țerfore euery man{er} man au[gh]te to ben paied of hys glorie țat is puplissed among hys owen ney[gh]bores. ¶ And țilke noble renou{n} shal be restreyned wiț-i{n}ne țe boundes of o maner folk but how many a man țat was ful noble in his tyme. haț țe nedy {and} wrecched for[gh]etynge of writers put oute of mynde {and} don awey. ¶ Al be it so țat certys țilke writynges p{ro}fiten litel. țe whiche writy{n}ges longe {and} derke elde doț aweye boțe he{m} {and} eke her auto{ur}s. but [gh]e men semen to geten [gh]ow a p{er}durablete whan [gh]e țenke țat in tyme comyng [gh]oure fame shal lasten. ¶ But națeles yif țou wilt maken co{m}parisou{n} to țe endeles space of eternite what țing hast țou by whiche țou maist reioysen țe of lo{n}g lastyng of ți name. ¶ For if țer were maked co{m}parysou{n} of țe abidyng of a mome{n}t to ten țousand wynter. for as myche as boțe țo spaces ben endid. ¶ For [gh]it haț țe moment some porciou{n} of hit al țou[gh] it a litel be. ¶ But națeles țilke self nou{m}bre of [gh]eres. and eke as many [gh]eres as țer to may be multiplied. ne may nat certys be comparisou{n}d to țe p{er}durablete țat is een[de]les. ¶ For of ținges țat han ende may be mad co{m}parisou{n} [but of thinges that ben w{i}t{h}-owtyn ende to thinges ț{a}t han ende may be maked no {com}parysou{n}]. ¶ And for ți is it al țou[gh] renou{n} of as longe tyme as euer țe lyst to ținken were țou[gh]t by țe regard of et{er}nite. țat 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 țing ary[gh]t. but [gh]if it be for țe audience of poeple. {and} for ydel rumo{ur}s. {and} [gh]e forsaken țe grete worținesse of conscience {and} of vertue. {and} [gh]e seke{n} [gh]oure gerdou{n}s of țe smale wordes of st{ra}nge folke. ¶ Haue now here {and} vndirstonde i{n} țe ly[gh]tnesse of whiche p{r}ide {and} veyne glorie. how a man scorned[e] festiualy {and} myrily swiche vanite. somtyme țere was a man țat had[de] assaied wiț striuyng wordes an oțer ma{n}. ¶ țe whiche nat for vsage of verrey vertue. but for proude veyne glorie had[de] take{n} vpon hym falsly țe name of a philosopher. ¶ țis rațer man țat I speke of țou[gh]t[e] he wolde assay[e] where he țilke were a philosopher or no. țat is to seyne yif he wolde han suffred ly[gh]tly in pacience țe wro{n}ges țat weren don vnto hym. ¶ țis 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 țe last[e] ry[gh]t țus. ¶ vndirstondest țou nat țat I am a philosophere. țat oțer man answered[e] a[gh]ein ful bityngly {and} seide. ¶ I had[de] wel vndirstonden [yt]. yif țou haddest holde{n} ți tonge stille. ¶ But what is it to țise noble worți men. For certys of swyche folk speke .I. țat seken glorie wiț vertue. what is it q{uo}d she. what atteiniț fame to swiche folk whan țe body is resolued by țe deeț. atte țe last[e]. ¶ For yif so be țat men dien in al. țat is to seyne body {and} soule. țe whiche țing oure resou{n} defendiț vs to byleuen țanne is țere no glorie in no wyse. For what sholde țilke glorie ben. for he of who{m} țis glorie is seid to be nis ry[gh]t nou[gh]t in no wise. and [gh]if țe soule whiche țat haț in it self science of goode werkes vnbounden fro țe p{r}isou{n} of țe erțe wendeț frely to țe heuene. dispiseț it nou[gh]t țan alle erțely occupac{i}ou{n}s. {and} beynge i{n} heuene reioiseț țat it is exempt from alle erțely ținges [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 țat wiț ouerțrowyng țou[gh]t only sekeț glorie of fame. {and} weniț țat it be souereyne good ¶ Lete hym loke vpon țe brode shewyng contreys of țe heue{n}. {and} vpo{n} țe streite sete of țis erțe. {and} he shal be ashamed of țe encres of his name. țat may nat fulfille țe litel compas of țe erțe. ¶ O what coueiten proude folke to liften vpon hire nekkes in ydel {and} dedely [gh]ok of țis worlde. ¶ For al țou[gh] [ț{a}t] renoune y-spradde passynge to ferne poeples goț by dyuerse tonges. and al țou[gh] grete houses {and} kynredes shyne wiț clere titles of hono{ur}s. [gh]it națeles deeț dispiseț al heye glorie of fame. {and} deeț wrappeț to gidre țe heye heuedes {and} țe lowe {and} makeț egal {and} euene țe heyest[e] to țe lowest[e]. ¶ where wone{n} now țe bones of trewe fabricius. what is now brutus or stiern Caton țe ținne fame [gh]it lastynge of hir ydel names is markid wiț a fewe lettres. but al țou[gh] we han knowe{n} țe faire wordes of țe fames of hem. it is nat [gh]euen to knowe he{m} țat ben dede {and} consumpt. Liggiț țanne stille al vtterly vnknowable ne fame ne makeț [gh]ow nat knowe. and yif [gh]e wene to lyuen țe leng{er} for wynde of [gh]oure mortal name. whan o cruel day shal rauyshe [gh]ow. țan is țe secunde deeț dwellyng in [gh]ow. _Glosa._ țe first deeț he clepiț here țe dep{ar}tynge of țe body {and} țe soule. ¶ and țe secunde deeț he clepeț as here. țe styntynge of țe 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 ț{a}t I bere vntretable batayle ayenis fortune // yit som-tyme it by-falleth ț{a}t she desseyuable desserueth to han ryht good thank of men // {And} ț{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 ț{a}t .I. shal seye // it is a wondyr ț{a}t .I. desyr{e} to telle / {and} forthi vnnethe may I. vnpleyten my sentense w{i}t{h} wordes for I. deme ț{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 ț{a}t vsen he{m} / the contrarye fortune vnbyndeth he{m} by ț^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 ț{a}t thow owhtest to leten this a lytel thing / ț{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 // ț{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 ț{a}t is to seyn thy verray frendes. QUOD MU{N}DUS STABILI FIDE. [Sidenote: [The viij Met{ur}.]] ++THat ț^e world w{i}t{h} stable feith / varieth acordable chaungynges // ț{a}t the contraryos qualite of element[gh] holden among{e} hem self aliau{n}ce p{er}durable / ț{a}t pheb{us} the sonne w{i}t{h} his goldene chariet / bryngeth forth the rosene day / ț{a}t the mone hath {com}mau{n}dement ou{er} the nyhtes // whiche nyhtes hesp{er}us the eue sterre hat browt // ț{a}t ț^e se gredy to flowen constreyneth w{i}t{h} a certeyn ende hise floodes / so ț{a}t it is nat l[e]ueful to strechche hise brode termes or bowndes vp-on the erthes // ț{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 / ț{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 ț{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 ț{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 ț{a}t was desirous of herkninge / {and} .I. astoned hadde yit streyhte myn Eres / ț{a}t is to seyn to herkne the bet / what she wolde seye // so ț{a}t a litel her{e} aft{er} .I. seyde thus // O thow ț{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 ț{a}t .I. trowe nat now ț{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 ț{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 // ț{a}t feelede .I. ful wel q{uod} she // whan ț{a}t thow ententyf {and} stylle rauysshedest my wordes // {and} .I. abood til ț{a}t thow haddest swych habyte of thy thowght as thow hast now // or elles tyl ț{a}t .I. my self had[de] maked to the the same habyt / which ț{a}t is a moore verray thing{e} // And certes the remenau{n}t of thinges ț{a}t ben yit to seye / ben swyche // ț{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 ț{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 ț{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 // ț{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 ț{a}t thow more knowest / so ț{a}t whan thow hast fully by-holden thilke false goodes {and} torned thyne eyen to ț{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 țornes {and} kerue asondre wiț his hooke țe bushes {and} țe ferne so țat țe corne may come{n} heuy of eres {and} of greins. hony is țe more swete yif mouțes han firste tastid sauoures ț{a}t ben wikke. ¶ țe sterres shynen more agreably whan țe wynde Nothus letiț his ploungy blastes. {and} aftir țat lucifer țe day sterre haț chased awey țe derke ny[gh]t. țe day țe feir{e}r lediț țe rosene horse of țe sonne. ¶ Ry[gh]t so țou byholdyng first țe fals[e] goodes. bygynne to wițdrawe ți nek[ke] fro țe [gh]ok of erțely affecc{i}ou{n}s. {and} afterwarde țe verrey goodes sholle{n} entre i{n} to ți corage. TUNC DEFIXO PAULULU{M}. [Sidenote: [The 2^de p{ro}se.]] ++ȚO fastned[e] she a lytel țe sy[gh]t of hir eyen {and} wițdrow hir ry[gh]t as it were in to țe streite sete of hir țou[gh]t. {and} bygan to speke ry[gh]t ț{us}. Alle țe cures q{uo}d she of mortal folk whiche țat trauaylen hem i{n} many manere studies gon certys by diu{er}se weies. ¶ But națeles ței enforced hem to comen oonly to on ende of blisfulnesse [And blysfulnesse] is swiche a goode țat who so haț geten it he ne may ouer țat no țing more desiire. and țis țing for soțe is țe souereyne good țat conteiniț in hym self al man{er}e goodes. to țe whiche goode yif țere failed[e] any țing. it my[gh]t[e] nat ben souereyne goode. ¶ For țan were țere som goode out of țis ilke souereyne goode ț{a}t my[gh]t[e] ben desired. Now is it clere {and} certeyne ța{n} țat blisfulnesse is a p{er}fit estat by țe congregac{i}ou{n} of alle goodes. ¶ țe whiche blisfulnesse as I haue seid alle mortal folke enforcen hem to geten by dyuerse weyes. ¶ For-whi țe couetise of verray goode is naturely y-plaunted in țe hertys of men. ¶ But țe myswandryng erro{ur} myslediț hem in to fals[e] goodes. ¶ of țe whiche men some of hem wenen țat souereygne goode is to lyue wiț outen nede of any țing. {and} t{ra}ueile{n} hem to ben habundaunt of rycchesse. and some oțer men deme{n}. țat 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 țe hono{ur}s țat ței han ygeten ¶ {and} some folk țer ben țat halden țat 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 țat regnen. ¶ And it semeț to some oțer folk țat noblesse of renou{n} be țe sou{er}ein goode. {and} hasten hem to geten glorious name by țe artes of werre or of pees. and many folke mesuren {and} gessen ț{a}t sou{er}ein goode be ioye {and} gladnesse {and} wenen țat it be ry[gh]t blisful [thyng{e}] to ploungen hem i{n} uoluptuous delit. ¶ And țer ben folk țat enterchaungen țe causes {and} țe endes of țise forseide goodes as ței țat desire{n} rycchesse to han power {and} delices. Or ellis ței desiren power forto han moneye or for cause of renou{n}. ¶ In țise ținges {and} i{n} swyche oțer ținges is to{ur}ned al țe entenc{i}ou{n} of desirynges {and} [of] werkes of me{n}. ¶ As țus. ¶ Noblesse {and} fauo{ur} of poeple whiche țat [gh]iueț as it semeț a manere clernesse of renou{n}. ¶ and wijf {and} children țat men desiren for cause of delit {and} mirinesse. ¶ But forsoțe frendes ne shollen nat ben rekkened among țe goodes of fortune but of vertue. for it is a ful holy man{er}e țing. alle țise oțer ținges forsoțe ben taken for cause of power. or ellis for cause of delit. ¶ Certis now am I redy to referen țe goodes of țe body to țise forseide ținges abouen. ¶ For it semeț ț{a}t strengțe {and} gretnesse of body [gh]euen power {and} worținesse. ¶ and țat beaute {and} swiftenesse [gh]euen noblesse {and} glorie of renou{n}. {and} hele of body semeț [gh]iuen delit. ¶ In alle țise ți{n}g{us} it semeț oonly țat blisfulnesse is desired. ¶ For-whi țilke țing țat euery man desireț moost ouer alle ținges. he demiț țat be țe souereyne goode. ¶ But I haue diffined țat blisfulnesse is țe souereyne goode. for whiche euery wy[gh]t demiț țat țilke estat țat he desireț ouer alle ținges țat it be țe blisfulnesse. ¶ Now hast țou țan byforne [thy eyen] almost al țe p{ur}posed forme of țe welfulnesse of ma{n}ky{n}de. țat is to seyne rycchesse. hono{ur}s. power. glorie. {and} delit[gh]. țe whiche delit oonly considered Epicurus Iuged {and} establissed. țat delit is țe souereyne goode. for as myche as alle oțer ținges as hym țou[gh]t[e] by-refte awey ioie {and} myrțe fro{m} țe herte. ¶ But I reto{ur}ne a[gh]eyne to țe studies of meen. of whiche men țe corage alwey rehersiț {and} seekeț țe souereyne goode of alle be it so ț{a}t it be wiț a derke memorie [but he not by whiche paath]. ¶ Ry[gh]t as a dronke ma{n} not nat by whiche pațe he may reto{ur}ne home to hys house. ¶ Semeț it țanne țat folk folyen {and} erren țat enforcen he{m} to haue nede of no țing ¶ Certys țer nys non oțer țing țat may so weel p{er}fo{ur}ny blisfulnesse as an estat plenteuo{us} of alle goodes țat ne haț nede of none oțer țing. but țat it is suffisant of hy{m} self. vnto hym self. and foleyen swyche folk țanne. țat wenen țat țilk țing ț{a}t is ry[gh]t goode. țat it be eke ry[gh]t worți of honour {and} of reuerence. ¶ Certis nay. for țat țing nys neyțer foule ne worți to ben dispised țat al țe entenc{i}ou{n} of mortel folke trauaille forto geten it. ¶ And power au[gh]t[e] nat țat eke to be rekened amonges goodes what ellis. for it nys nat to wene țat țilke țing țat is most worți of alle ținges be feble {and} wiț out strengțe {and} clernesse of renou{n} au[gh]te țat to ben dispised. ¶ Certys țer may no man forsake țat al țing țat is ry[gh]t excellent {and} noble. țat it ne semeț to be ry[gh]t clere {and} renomed. ¶ For certis it nediț nat to seie. țat blisfulnesse be anguissous ne dreri ne subgit to greua{n}ces ne to sorwes. syn țat in ry[gh]t litel ți{n}g{us} folk seken to haue {and} to vsen țat may deliten hem. ¶ Certys țise ben țe ți{n}ges țat men wolen {and} desyren to geten. and for țis cause desiren ței rycches. dignites. regnes. glorie {and} delices ¶ For țerby wenen ței to han suffisau{n}ce hono{ur} power. renou{n} {and} gladnesse. ¶ țanne is it goode. ț{a}t men seken țus by so many dyu{er}se studies. In whiche desijr it may ly[gh]tly be shew{e}d. how grete is țe strengțe of nature. ¶ For how so țat men han dyuerse sentences {and} discordyng algates men accordyn alle in lyuynge țe ende of goode. Q{UA}NTAS RER{UM} FLECTAT. [Sidenote: [The 2^de Met{ur}.]] ++IT likeț me to shew[e] by subtil songe wiț slakke {and} delitable sou{n} of strenges how țat nature my[gh]ty enclineț {and} flitteț gouernement[gh] of ținges ¶ {and} by whiche lawes she p{ur}ueiable kepiț țe grete worlde. {and} how she bindynge restreineț alle țing{us} by a bonde țat may nat be vnbounden. [Sidenote: [j]] ¶ Al be it so țat țe liou{n}s of țe contree of pene beren țe fair[e] cheines. {and} taken metes of țe handes of folk țat [gh]euen it hem. {and} dreden her sturdy maystres of whiche ței ben wont to suffren [betinges]. yif țat hir horrible mouțes ben bi-bled. țat is to sein of bestes devoured. ¶ Hir corage of tyme passeț țat haț ben ydel {and} rested. repaireț a[gh]ein țat ței roren greuously. {and} reme{m}bren on hir nature. {and} slaken hir nekkes from hir cheins vnbounden. and hir maistre first to-teren wiț blody toțe assaieț țe woode wrațțes of hem. ¶ țis is to sein ței freten hir maister. [Sidenote: [ij]] ¶ And țe Iangland brid țat syngiț on țe heye braunches. țis is to sein in țe wode {and} after is inclosed in a streit cage. ¶ al țou[gh] [ț{a}t] țe pleiyng besines of men [gh]eueț hem honied[e] drinkes {and} large metes. wiț swete studie. ¶ [gh]it națeles yif țilke brid skippynge oute of hir streite cage seeț țe agreable shadewes of țe wodes. she defouleț wiț hir fete hir metes yshad {and} sekeț mournyng oonly țe wode {and} twitriț desirynge țe wode wiț hir swete voys. [Sidenote: [iij]] ¶ țe [gh]erde of a tree țat is haled adou{n} by my[gh]ty strengțe bowiț redely țe croppe adou{n}. but yif țat țe hande of hym țat it bente lat it gon a[gh]ein. ¶ An oon țe crop lokeț vp ry[gh]t to heuene. [Sidenote: [iiij]] ¶ țe sonne phebus țat failleț at euene in țe westrene wawes retorniț a[gh]ein eftsones his cart by a priue pațe țere as it is wont aryse. ¶ Alle ținges seken a[gh]ein in to hir p{ro}pre cours. and alle ținges reioisen hem of hir retournynge a[gh]ein to hir nature ne noon ordinaunce nis bytaken to ți{n}ges but țat. țat haț ioignynge țe endynge to țe bygynnynge. {and} haț makid țe cours of it self stable țat it chaungeț nat fro{m} hys p{ro}pre kynde. VOSQ{UE} TERRENA ANIMALIA. [Sidenote: [The 3^de p{ro}se.]] ++CErtis also [gh]e men țat ben erțelich{e} bestes dreme{n} alwey [yowre bygynnynge] al țou[gh] it be wiț a ținne ymaginac{i}ou{n}. {and} by a maner țou[gh]t al be it nat clerly ne p{er}fitly [gh]e looken from a fer til țilk verray fyn of blisfulnesse. and țerfore țe naturel entenc{i}ou{n} ledeț [gh]ow to țilk verray good ¶ But many manere errours misto{ur}niț [gh]ow țer fro. ¶ Considere now yif țat be țilke ținges by whiche a man weniț to gete hym blysfulnesse. yif țat he may comen to țilke ende țat he weneț to come by nature ¶ For yif țat moneye or hono{ur}s or țise oțer forseide ținges bryngen to men swiche a țing țat no goode ne faille hem. ne semeț faille. ¶ Certys țan wil I graunt[e] țat ței ben maked blisful. by țilke ținges țat ței han geten. ¶ but yif so be țat țilke ți{n}ges ne mowe nat p{er}fo{ur}men țat ței by-heten {and} țat țer be defaute of many goodes. ¶ Sheweț it nat țan clerely ț{a}t fals beaute of blisfulnesse is knowe {and} a-teint in țilke ținges. ¶ First {and} forward țou ți self țat haddest haboundaunces of rycchesses nat long agon. ¶ I axe [gh]if țat in țe haboundaunce of alle țilk[e] rycchesses țou were neuer anguissous or sory in ți corage of any wrong or greuau{n}ce țat by-tidde țe on any syde. ¶ Certys q{uo}d I it remembreț me nat țat euere I was so free of my țou[gh]t. țat I ne was al-wey in anguysh{e} of somwhat. ț{a}t was țat țou lakkedest țat țou noldest han lakked. or ellys țou haddest țat țou noldest han had. ry[gh]t so is it q{uod} I țan. desiredest țou țe p{re}sence of țat oon {and} țe absence of țat oțer. I graunt[e] wel q{uod} .I. for soțe q{uod} she țan nediț țer somwhat țat euery man desireț. [gh]e țer nediț q{uod} I. ¶ Certis q{uod} she {and} he țat haț lakke or nede of a wy[gh]t nis nat in euery way suffisaunt to hym self. no q{uod} .I. {and} țou q{uo}d she in alle țe plente of ți rycchesse haddest țilke lak of suffisaunce. ¶ what ellis q{uod} .I. ¶ țanne may nat rycchesse maken țat a man nis nedy. ne țat he be suffisaunt to hym self. {and} țat was it ț{a}t ței byhy[gh]ten as it semeț. ¶ and eke certys I trowe țat țis be gretly to consydere țat moneye ne haț nat in hys owen kynde țat it ne may ben by-nomen of hem țat han it maugre hem. ¶ I by-knowe it wel q{uod} I ¶ whi sholdest țou nat by-knowen it q{uod} she. whan euery day țe strenger folke by-nymen it fram țe febler maugre hem. ¶ Fro whennes comen ellys alle țise foreine compleintes or quereles of plety{n}g{us}. ¶ But for țat men axen a[gh]eine her moneye țat haț be by-nomen hem by force or by gyle. {and} alwey maugre hem. ¶ Ry[gh]t so it is q{uod} I. țan q{uo}d she haț 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 nediț no helpe yif he ne hadde no moneye țat he my[gh]t[e] leese. ¶ țat is doutles q{uod} .I. țanne is țis ți{n}g turned in to țe contrarie q{uod} she ¶ For rycchesse țat men wenen sholde make suffisau{n}ce. ței maken a man rațer han nede of foreine helpe. ¶ whiche is țe manere or țe gise q{uod} she țat rycches may dryuen awey nede. ¶ Riche folk may ței neițer han hungre ne țrest. țise ryche men may ței feele no colde on hir lymes in wynter. ¶ But țou wilt answere țat ryche men han y-nou[gh] wher wiț ței may staunchen her hunger. {and} slaken her țrest {and} don awey colde. ¶ In țis wise may nede be co{n}forted by rycchesses. but certys nede ne may nat al out{er}ly be don awey. for țou[gh] țis nede țat is alwey gapyng {and} gredy be fulfilled wiț rycchesses. {and} axe any țing [gh]it dwelleț țanne a nede țat my[gh]t[e] ben fulfilled. ¶ I holde me stille {and} telle nat how țat litel țing suffiseț to nature. but certys to auarice ynou[gh] ne suffiseț no ținge. ¶ For syn țat rychesse ne may nat al don awey nede. but rychesse maken nede. what may it țanne be țat [gh]e wenen țat rychesses mowen [gh]eue{n} [gh]ow suffisau{n}ce. QUAMUIS FLUENTER DIUES. [Sidenote: [The 3^de Met{ur}.]] ++Al were it so țat a ryche couetous man hadde riuer fletynge alle of golde [gh]itte sholde it neuer staunche hys couetise. ¶ And țou[gh] he hadde his nekke I-charged wiț p{re}ciouse stones of țe rede see. {and} țou[gh] he do erye his feldes plentiuo{us} wiț an hundreț oxen neuere ne shal his bytyng bysynesse forleten hym while he lyueț. ne țe 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 ței ben comen make ței hym honorable {and} reuerent. han ței nat so grete strengțe țat ței may putte vertues in țe hertis of folk. țat vsen țe lordshipes of hem. or ellys may ței don awey țe vices. Certys ței [ne] ben nat wont to don awey wikkednesses. but ței ben wont rațer to shew[en] wikkednesses. {and} țer of comeț it țat I haue ry[gh]t grete desdeyne. țat dignites ben [gh]euen ofte to wicked men. ¶ For whiche țing catullus clepid a consul of Rome țat hy[gh]t noni{us} postum. or boch. as who seiț he clepiț hy{m} a congregac{i}ou{n} of uices in his brest as a postum is ful of corrupc{i}ou{n}. al were țis noni{us} set in a chayere of dignitee. Sest țou nat țan how gret vylenye dignitees don to wikked men. ¶ Certys vnworțines of wikked men shold{e} ben țe lasse ysen yif ței nere renomed of none hono{ur}s. ¶ Certys țou ți self ne my[gh]test nat ben brou[gh]t wiț as many p{er}ils as țou my[gh]test suffren țat ț{o}u woldest bere ți magistrat wiț decorat. țat is to seyn. țat for no p{er}il țat my[gh]t[e] bifalle{n} țe by țe offence of țe kyng theodorik țou noldest nat ben felawe in gouernaunce w{i}t{h} decorat. whanne țou say[e] țat he had[de] wikkid corage of a likerous shrewe {and} of an acusor. ¶ Ne I ne may nat for swiche honours Iuge{n} hem worți of reuerence țat I deme {and} holde vnworți to han țilke same hono{ur}s. ¶ Now yif țou saie a man țat were fulfilled of wisdom. certys țoune my[gh]test nat demen ț{a}t he were vnworți to țe hono{ur}. or ellys to țe 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 transporteț dignite anon to țilke 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 țat ței ne han no p{ro}pre beaute of dignite. ¶ And [gh]it men au[gh]ten take more hede in țis. ¶ For if it so be țat he is most out cast țat most folk dispisen. or as dignite ne may nat maken shrewes worți of no reuerences. țan makeț dignites shrewes more dispised țan p{re}ised. țe whiche shrewes dignit[e] scheweț to moche folk ¶ {and} for soțe nat vnpunissed. țat is forto sein. țat shrewes reuengen hem a[gh]einward vpon dignites. for ței [gh]elden a[gh]ein to dignites as gret gerdou{n} whan ței byspotten {and} defoulen dignites wiț hire vylenie. ¶ And for as moche as țou mow[e] knowe țat țilke verray reuerence ne may nat comen by țe shadewy t{ra}nsitorie dignitees. vndirstonde now țis. yif țat 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 țilke hono{ur} maken hym worshipful {and} redouted of straunge folk ¶ Certys yif țat 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 stinteț nat to enchaufen {and} to ben hote. but for as myche as forto be holden honorable or reuerent ne comeț nat to folk of hir p{ro}pre strengțe of nat{ur}e. but only of țe fals[e] opiniou{n} of folk. țat is to sein. țat wenen țat dignites maken folk digne of hono{ur}. An on țerfore whan țat ței comen țer as folk ne knowe{n} nat țilke dignites. her hono{ur}s vanissen awey {and} țat on oon. but țat is a-mong straung folk. maist țou sein. but amo{n}g{us} hem țat ței weren born duren țilk[e] dignites alwey. ¶ Certys țe dignite of țe p{ro}uostrie of Rome was somtyme a grete power. now is it no țing but an ydel name. {and} țe rente of țe senatorie a g{r}et charge. {and} yif a whi[gh]t somtyme hadde țe office to taken he[de] to țe vitailes of țe poeple as of corne {and} what oțer ținges he was holden amonges grete. but what țing is more nowe out cast țanne țilke p{ro}uostrie ¶ And as I haue seid a litel here byforne. țat țilke țing țat haț no p{ro}pre beaute of hym self resceyueț somtyme pris {and} shinynge {and} somtyme lesiț it by țe opiniou{n} of vsaunces. ¶ Now yif țat dignites țanne ne mowen nat maken folk digne of reuerence. {and} yif ț{a}t dignites wexen foule of hir wille by țe filțe of shrewes. ¶ and yif țat dignites lesen hir shynynge by chaungyng of tymes. and yif ței wexen foule by estimac{i}ou{n} of poeple. what is it țat ței han in hem self of beaute țat au[gh]te ben desired. as who seiț none. țanne ne mowen ței [gh]iuen no beaute of dignite to none oțer. QUA{M}UIS SE TIRIO. [Sidenote: [The 4^the Met{ur}.]] ++Al be it so țat țe proude nero wiț al his woode luxurie kembed hym {and} apparailed hym wiț faire purp{er}s of Tirie {and} wiț white perles. Algates [gh]itte throf he hateful to alle folk ¶ țis is to seyn țat al was he by-hated of alle folk. ¶ [gh]itte țis wicked Nero hadde gret lordship {and} [gh]af somtyme to țe dredeful senatours țe vnworshipful setes of dignites. ¶ vnworshipful setes he clepiț here fore țat Nero țat was so wikked [gh]af țo dignites. who wolde țanne resonably wenen țat 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 ței maken a ma{n} to ben my[gh]ty. how ellys. ¶ whanne hir blysfulnesse dureț p{er}petuely but certys țe olde age of tyme passeț. {and} eke of p{re}sent tyme now is ful of ensau{m}ples how ț{a}t kynges țat han chaunged in to wrechednesse out of hir welefulnesse. ¶ O a noble țing {and} a cler țing is power țat is nat founden my[gh]ty to kepe it self. ¶ And yif țat power of realmes be auctour {and} maker of blisfulnesse. yif țilke power lakkeț on any side. amenusiț it nat țilke blisfulnesse {and} bryngeț in wrechednesse. but yif al be it so țat realmes of mankynde stretchen b{r}oode. [gh]it mot țer nede ben myche folk ouer whiche țat euery kyng ne haț no lordshipe no comaundement ¶ and certys vpon țilke syde țat power failleț whiche țat makiț folk blisful. ry[gh]t on țat same side nou{n}power entriț vndirneț țat makeț hem wreches. ¶ In țis manere țanne moten kynges han more porciou{n} of wrechednesse țan of welefulnesse. ¶ A tyraunt țat was kyng of sisile țat had[de] assaied țe p{er}il of his estat shewid[e] by similitude țe dredes of realmes by gastnesse of a swerde țat heng ouer țe heued of his familier. what țing is țan țis power țat may nat don awey țe bytynges of besines ne eschewe țe prikkes of drede. and certys [gh]it wolden ței lyuen in sykernesse. but ței may nat. and [gh]it ței glorifien hem in her power ¶ Holdest țou țan țat țilk[e] man be my[gh]ty țat ț{o}u seest țat he wolde don țat he may nat don. ¶ And holdest țou țan hym a my[gh]ty man țat haț environed hise sydes wiț men of armes or seruauntes {and} dredeț more [hem] țat he makeț agast. țen ței dreden hym. {and} țat is put in țe 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 țe any țing. syn țat I my self haue shewed țe țat realmes hem self ben ful of gret feblenesse. țe whiche familiers certis țe real power of kynges in hool estat {and} in estat abated ful [ofte] țroweț adou{n}. ¶ Nero co{n}streined[e] his familier {and} his maistre seneca to chesen on what deeț he wolde deien. ¶ Antonius comau{n}did[e] țat kny[gh]tis slowen wiț her swerdis Papinian his familier whiche Papinian had[de] ben long tyme ful my[gh]ty a-monges hem of țe courte. and [gh]it certis ței wolde boțe 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 țe grete wey[gh]t. țat is to sein of lordes power or of fortune draweț hem țat sholden falle. neyțer of hem ne my[gh]t[e] do țat he wolde. what țing is țanne țilke power țat țou[gh] men han it țat ței ben agast. ¶ {and} whan țou woldest han it țou nart nat siker. ¶ And yif țou woldest forleten it țou mayst nat eschewen it. ¶ But whețir swiche men ben frendes at nede as ben conseiled by fortune {and} nat by vertue. Certys swiche folk as weleful fortune makeț frendes. contrarious fortune makeț hem enmyse. ¶ And what pestilence is more my[gh]ty forto anoye a wi[gh]t țan 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 țe foule reines of lecherie. for al be it so țat ți lordship[e] strecche so fer țat țe contre Inde quakiț at ți comaundement. or at ți lawes. {and} țat țe leest isle in țe see țat hy[gh]t tile be țral to țe ¶ [gh]it yif țou mayst nat pute{n} awey ți foule derk[e] desijres {and} dryue{n} oute fro țe wreched co{m}pleyntes. Certis it nis no power țat țou 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 țing nat vnskilfully a tregedien țat is to sein a maker of dites țat hy[gh]ten tregedies cried[e] {and} seide. ¶ O glorie glorie q{uod} he. țou nart no țing ellys to țousandes of folkes. but a gret sweller of eres. for many[e] han had ful gret renou{n} by țe fals[e] oppiniou{n} of poeple. and what țing may ben țou[gh]t fouler țen swiche p{re}isynge for țilk[e] folk țat be{n} p{re}ised falsly. ței moten nedes han shame of hir p{re}isynges. {and} yif țat folk han gete{n} hem țank or p{re}ysyng by her desertes. what țing haț țilk pris echid or encresed to țe conscience of wise folk ț{a}t mesure{n} hire good. not by țe rumo{ur} of țe poeple. but by țe soțefastnesse of conscience. {and} yif it seme a fair țing a man to han encresid {and} sprad his name. țan folweț it. țat it is demed to ben a foule ținge yif it ne be ysprad ne encresed. but as I seide a litel her byforne. țat syn țer mot nedes ben many folk to whiche folk țe renou{n} of a man ne may nat comen. it byfalleț țat he țat țou wenest be glorious {and} renomed. semiț in țe nexte p{ar}ties of țe erțe to ben wiț out glorie. {and} wiț out renou{n}. ¶ and certis amo{n}ges țise ținges I ne trowe nat țat țe p{r}is {and} grace of țe poeple nis neițer worți to ben remembrid ne comeț of wise iugement. ne is ferm p{er}durably. ¶ But now of țis name of gentilesse. what man is it țat ne may wel seen how veyne {and} how flittyng a țing it is. ¶ For if țe name of gentilesse be referred to renou{n} {and} clernesse of linage. țan is gentil name but a for[e]ine țing. țat is to sein to hem țat glorifien hem of hir linage. ¶ For it semeț țat gentilesse be a maner p{re}ysynge țat comeț of decert of auncestres. ¶ And yif p{re}ysynge makeț gentilesse țan moten ței nedes be gentil țat ben p{re}ysed. For whiche țing it folweț. țat yif țou ne haue no gentilesse of ți self. țat is to sein pris ț{a}t comeț of ți deserte foreine gentilesse ne makeț țe nat gentil. ¶ But certis yif țer be any goode in gentilesse. I trowe it be i{n} al oonly țis. țat it semeț as țat a maner necessitee be imposed to gentil men. for țat ței ne sholden nat outraien or forliuen fro țe uertues of hire noble kynrede. OMNE HOMINU{M} GENUS IN TERRIS. [Sidenote: [The 6^th Metre.]] ++Al țe linage of men țat ben i{n} erțe ben of semblable burțe. On al one is fadir of ținges. On alone minyst[r]eț alle ținges. ¶ He [gh]af to țe sonne hys bemes. he [gh]af to țe moone hir hornes. he [gh]af țe men to țe erțe. he [gh]af țe sterres to țe heuene. ¶ he encloseț wiț membres țe soules țat comen fro hys heye sete. ¶ țanne comen alle mortal folk of noble seed. whi noysen [gh]e or bosten of [gh]oure eldris ¶ For yif țou look[e] [gh]oure bygy{n}ny{n}g. and god [gh]oure aucto{ur} {and} [gh]oure makere. țan is țer no forlyued wy[gh]t but [gh]if he norisse his corage vnto vices {and} forlete his p{ro}pre burțe. 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 țe desiringes ben ful of anguisse. {and} țe 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 țilke delices wont to bryngen to țe bo[d]ies of folk țat vsen hem. ¶ Of whiche delices I not what ioye may ben had of hir moeuyng. ¶ But țis woot I wel țat who so euere wil remembren hym of hys luxuries. he shal wel vndirstonde. țat țe issues of delices ben sorowful {and} sory. ¶ And yif țilke delices mowen make folk blisful. țan by țe same cause moten țise bestes ben clepid blisful. ¶ Of whiche bestes al țe entenc{i}ou{n} hasteț to fulfille hire bodyly iolyte. and țe gladnesse of wijf [{and}] children were [an] honest țing. but it haț ben seid. țat it is ouer myche a[gh]eins kynde țat 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 nedeț nat to tellen it țe țat hast or țis tyme assaied it. {and} art [gh]it now anguysso{us}. In țis approue I țe sentence of my disciple Euridippus. țat seide țat he țat haț no children is weleful by i{n}fortune. HABET HOC UOLUPTAS. [Sidenote: [The 7^de Met{ur}.]] ++Euery delit haț țis. țat it anguisseț hem wiț prikkes ț{a}t vsen it. ¶ It resembliț to țise flying flyes țat we clepen been. țat aftre țat țe bee haț shed hys agreable honies he fleeț awey {and} styngeț țe hertes of he{m} țat ben ysmyte wiț bytynge ouer longe holdynge. NICHIL IGITUR DUBIUM EST. [Sidenote: [The 8^the p{ro}se.]] ++Now nis it no doute țan ț{a}t țise weyes ne ben a maner mysledy{n}g to blisfulnesse. ne țat ței ne mowe nat leden folke țider as ței byheten to lede{n} hem. ¶ But wiț how grete harmes țise forseide weyes ben enlaced. ¶ I shal shewe țe shortly. ¶ For whi yif țou enforcest țe to assemble moneye. țou most by-reuen hym his moneye țat haț it. and yif țou wilt shynen wiț dignites. țou most bysechen {and} supplien hem țat [gh]iue{n} țo dignitees. ¶ And yif țou coueitest by hono{ur} to gon by-fore oțer folk ț{o}u shalt defoule ți self by hu{m}blesse of axing. yif țou desiryst power. țou shalt by awaites of ți subgit[gh] anoyously be cast vndir many p{er}iles. axest țou glorie ț{o}u shalt ben so destrat by aspre ținges țat țou shalt forgone sykernesse. ¶ And yif țou wilt leden ți lijf in delices. euery whi[gh]t shal dispisen țe {and} forleten țe as țou țat art țral to țing țat is ry[gh]t foule {and} brutel. țat is [to] sein seruau{n}t to ți body. ¶ Now is it țan wel yseen how lytel {and} how brutel possessiou{n} ței coueiten țat putten țe goodes of țe body abouen hire owe{n} resou{n}. ¶ For mayst țou so{ur}mou{n}te{n} țise olifuńt[gh] in gretnesse or wey[gh]t of body. Or mayst țou ben strenger țan țe bole. Mayst țou ben swifter țan țe tigre. biholde țe spaces {and} țe stablenesse {and} țe swyfte cours of țe heuene. {and} stynte somtyme to wondren on foule ținges. țe whiche heuene certys nis nat rațer for țise ținges to ben wondred vpon. țan for țe resou{n} by whiche it is gouerned. but țe shynynge of ți forme țat is to seien țe beaute of ți body. how swiftly passyng is it {and} how transitorie. ¶ Certis it is more flittynge țan țe mutabilite of floures of țe som{er} sesou{n}. For so as aristotil telleț țat yif țat men hadden eyen of a beest țat hi[gh]t lynx. so țat țe lokyng of folk my[gh]t[e] percen țoru[gh] țe ținges ț{a}t wițstonden it. who so lokid țan in țe entrailes of țe body of alcibiades țat was ful fayr in țe sup{er}fice wiț oute. it shulde seme ry[gh]t foule. {and} for ți yif țou semest faire. ți nature ne makiț nat țat. but țe desceiuau{n}ce of țe fieblesse of țe eyen țat loken. ¶ But p{re}ise țe goodes of ți body as moche as euer țe list. so țat țou know[e] algates țat what so it be. țat is to seyn of țe goodes of ți body whiche țat ț{o}u wondrest vpon may ben destroied or dessolued by țe hete of a feuere of țre dayes. ¶ Of alle whiche forseide ținges I may reduce{n} țis shortly in a so{m}me. ¶ țat țise worldly goodes whiche țat ne mowen nat [gh]iuen țat ței byheten. ne ben nat p{er}fit by țe congregac{i}ou{n} of alle goodes. țat ței ne ben nat weyes ne pațes țat 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 myslediț wandryng wrecches fro țe pațe of verrey good. ¶ Certis [gh]e ne seken no golde in grene trees. ne [gh]e ne gadren [nat] p{re}cious stones in țe 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 lykeț to hunte to roos. [gh]e ne gon nat to țe foordes of țe water țat hy[gh]t tyrene. {and} ouer țis men knowen wel țe crikes {and} țe cau{er}nes of țe see yhidd in țe floodes. {and} knowen eke whiche water is most plentiuo{us} of white perles. {and} knowen whiche water habundeț most of rede purpre. țat 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 țat hy[gh]ten echynnys. but folk suffren hem self to ben so blynde țat hem ne recchiț nat to knowe where țilk[e] goodes ben yhidd whiche țat ței coueiten but ploungen hem in erțe {and} seken țere țilke goode ț{a}t so{ur}mou{n}teț țe heuene țat bereț țe sterres. ¶ what p{re}yere may I make țat be digne to țe nice țou[gh]tis of men. but I p{re}ye țat ței coueite{n} rycches {and} hono{ur}s so țat whan ței han geten țo false goodes wiț greet trauayle țat țerby ței mowe knowen țe verray goodes. HACTENUS MENDACIS FORMA{M}. [Sidenote: [The 9^ne p{ro}se.]] ++IT suffisiț țat I haue shewed hider to țe forme of false wilfulnesse. so țat yif țou look[e] now clerely țe ordre of myn entenc{i}ou{n} requeriț from hennes forțe to shewe{n} țe verray wilfulnesse. ¶ For q{uod} .I. (b) [I.] se wel now țat 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 țou wel knowen q{uo}d she țe cause whi it is. Certis me semeț q{uod} .I. țat .I. se hem ry[gh]t as țou[gh] it were țoru[gh] a litel clifte. but me were leuer knowen hem more openly of țe. Certys q{uod} she țe resou{n} is al redy ¶ For țilk țing țat symply is on țing wiț outen ony diuisiou{n}. țe errour {and} folie of mankynde departeț {and} diuidiț it. {and} mislediț it {and} t{ra}nsporteț from verray {and} p{er}fit goode. to goodes țat ben false {and} inp{er}fit. ¶ But seye me țis. wenest țou țat he țat haț nede of power țat hy{m} ne lakkeț no țing. Nay q{uo}d .I ¶ Certis q{uo}d she țou seist ary[gh]t. For yif so be ț{a}t țer is a țing țat in any p{ar}tie be fieble of power. Certis as in țat it most[e] nedes be nedy of foreine helpe. ¶ Ri[gh]t so it is q{uo}d .I. Suffisaunce and power ben țan of on kynde ¶ So semeț it q{uod} I. ¶ And demyst țou q{uo}d she țat a țing țat is of țis manere. țat is to seine suffisau{n}t {and} my[gh]ty au[gh]t[e] to ben dispised. or ellys ț{a}t it be ry[gh]t digne of reuerences abouen alle ținges. ¶ Certys q{uo}d I it nys no doute țat it nis ry[gh]t worți to ben reuerenced. ¶ Lat vs q{uo}d she țan adden reuerence to suffisaunce {and} to power ¶ So țat we demen țat țise țre ținges ben alle o țing. ¶ Certis q{uo}d I lat vs adden it. yif we willen graunten țe soțe. what demest țou țan q{uo}d she is țat a dirke țing {and} nat noble țat is suffisau{n}t reu{er}ent {and} my[gh]ty. or ellys țat is ry[gh]t clere {and} ry[gh]t noble of celebrete of renou{n}. ¶ Considere țan q{uo}d she as we han grau{n}tid her byforne. țat he țat ne haț ne[de] of no țing {and} is most my[gh]ty {and} most digne of hono{ur} yif hym nediț any clernesse of renou{n} whiche clernesse he my[gh]t[e] nat graunten of hym self. ¶ So țat for lakke of țilke clerenesse he my[gh]t[e] seme febler on any syde or țe more outcaste. _Glosa._ țis is to seyne nay. ¶ For who so țat is suffisau{n}t my[gh]ty {and} reuerent. clernesse of renou{n} folweț of țe forseide ținges. he haț it alredy of hys suffisaunce. boice. I may nat q{uo}d I denye it. ¶ But I mot graunten as it is. țat țis țing be ry[gh]t celebrable by clernesse of renou{n} {and} noblesse. ¶ țan folweț it q{uo}d she țat we adden clernesse of renou{n} to țe țre forseide ținges. so țat țer ne be amonges hem no difference. {and} țis is a consequente q{uo}d .I. țis țing țan q{uo}d she țat ne haț no nede of no foreine țing. {and} țat may don alle ținges by his strengțes. {and} țat is noble {and} hono{ur}able. nis nat țat a myrie țing {and} a ioyful. _boice._ but wenest q{uo}d I ț{a}t any sorow my[gh]t[e] comen to țis țing țat is swiche. ¶ Certys I may nat ținke. _P._ ¶ țanne moten we graunt[e] q{uod} she țat țis țing be ful of gladnesse yif țe țorseide ținges be soțe. ¶ And also certys mote we graunten. țat suffisaunce power noblesse reuerence {and} gladnesse ben only dyuerse bynames. but hir substaunce haț no diu{er}site. _Boice._ It mot nedely be so q{uo}d .I. _P._ țilke ținge țan q{uo}d she țat is oon {and} simple i{n} his nature. țe wikkednesse of men departiț it diuidiț it. {and} whan ței enforcen hem to gete p{ar}tie of a țing țat ne haț no part. ței ne geten hem neițer țilk[e] p{ar}tie țat nis none. ne țe țing al hole țat ței ne desire nat. _.b._ In whiche manere q{uo}d .I. _p._ țilke man q{uo}d she țat sekeț rychesse to fleen pouerte. he ne trauayleț hym nat to for to gete power for he haț leuer ben dirk {and} vile. {and} eke wițdraweț from hym selfe many naturel delit[gh] for he nolde lesen țe moneye țat he haț assembled. but certis in țis manere he ne getiț hym nat suffisaunce țat power forletiț. {and} țat moleste p{re}keț. {and} țat filțe makeț outcaste. {and} țat derknesse hideț. and certis he ț{a}t desireț only power he wastiț {and} scatriț rychesse {and} dispiseț delices {and} eke hono{ur} țat is wiț out power. ne he ne p{re}iseț glorie no țing. ¶ Certys țus seest țou wel țat many ți{n}g{us} failen to hym. for he haț somtyme faute of many necessites. {and} many anguysses biten hym ¶ {and} whan he may nat don țo defautes awey. he forleteț to ben my[gh]ty. {and} țat is țe țing țat he most desireț. {and} ry[gh]t țus may I make semblable resou{n}s of hono{ur}s {and} of glorie {and} of delices. ¶ For so as euery of țise forseide ținges is țe same țat țise oțer ținges ben. țat is to sein. al oon țing. who so țat euer sekeț to geten țat oon of țise {and} nat țat oțer. he ne geteț nat țat he desireț. _Boice._ ¶ what seist țou țan yif țat a man coueiteț to geten alle țise ținges to gider. _P._ Certys q{uo}d she .I. wolde seie țat he wolde geten hym souereyne blisfulnes. but țat shal he nat fynde in țo ținges țat .I. haue shewed țat ne mowe nat [gh]euen țat ței by-heten. _boice._ Certys no q{uo}d .I. ¶ țan q{uod} she ne sholden men nat by no weye seken blysfulnesse in swiche ținges as men wenen țat ței ne mowe [gh]euen but o țing senglely of alle ț{a}t me{n} seken. I graunt[e] wel q{uo}d .I. ne no soțer țing ne may nat ben said. _P._ ¶ Now hast țou țan q{uo}d she țe forme {and} țe causes of false welefulnesse. ¶ Now turne {and} flitte țe eyen of ți țou[gh]t. for țere shalt țou seen an oon țilk verray blysfulnesse ț{a}t I haue byhy[gh]t țee. _b._ Certys q{uo}d .I. it is cler {and} opyn. țou[gh] țat it were to a blynde man. {and} țat shewedest țou me [ful wel] a lytel her byforne. whan țou enforcedest țe to shewe me țe causes of țe false blysfulnesse ¶ For but yif I be by-giled. țan is țilke țe verray p{er}fit blisfulnesse țat p{er}fitly makiț a man suffisau{n}t. my[gh]ty. hono{ur}able noble. {and} ful of gladnesse. {and} for țou shalt wel knowe țat I haue wel vndirstonden țise ținges wiț i{n}ne myne herte. I knowe wel țilke blisfulnesse țat may verrayly [gh]euen on of țe forseide ținges syn ței ben al oon .I. knowe douteles țat țilke țing is țe fulle of blysfulnesse. _P._ O my nurry q{uod} she by țis oppiniou{n} q{uo}d she I sey[e] țat țou art blisful yif țou putte țis țer to țat I shal seine. what is țat q{uo}d .I. ¶ Trowest țou țat țer be any țing in țis erțely mortal toumblyng ținges țat may bryngen țis estat. Certys q{uo}d I trowe it nat. {and} țou hast shewed me wel țat ouer țilke goode țer is no țing more to ben desired. _P._ țise ținges țan q{uo}d she. țat is to seyne erțely suffisaunce {and} power. {and} swiche ținges eyțer ței semen likenesse of verray goode. or ellys it semeț țat ței [gh]euen to mortal folk a maner of goodes țat ne ben nat perfit. ¶ But țilke goode țat is verray {and} p{er}fit. țat may ței nat [gh]euen. _boice._ I. accorde me wel q{uo}d .I. țan q{uo}d she for as moche as țou hast knowen whiche is țilke verray blisfulnesse. {and} eke whiche țilke ținges ben țat lien falsly blisfulnesse. țat is to seyne. țat by desceit seme{n} verray goodes. ¶ Now byhoueț țe to knowe{n} whennes {and} where țou mowe seek[e] țilke verray blisfulnesse. ¶ Certys q{uo}d I țat desijr I gretly {and} haue abiden longe tyme to herkene it. ¶ But for as moche q{uo}d she as it likeț to my disciple plato in his book of i{n} thimeo. țat in ry[gh]t lytel ținges men sholde bysechen țe helpe of god. ¶ what iugest țou țat be [now] to done so țat we may deserue to fynde țe sete of țilke souereyne goode. _B._ ¶ Certys q{uo}d .I. I. deme țat we shulle clepen to țe fadir of alle goodes. ¶ For wiț outen hym nis țer no țing founden ary[gh]t. țou seist a-ry[gh]t q{uo}d she. and bygan on-one to syngen ry[gh]t țus. O QUI PERPETUA. [Sidenote: [The 9^ne Met{ur}.]] ++O țou fadir creatour of heuene {and} of erțes țat gouernest țis worlde by p{er}durable resou{n} țat comaundist țe tymes for to gon from tyme țat age had[de] bygy{n}ny{n}g. țou țat dwellest ți self ay stedfast {and} stable {and} [gh]iuest alle oțer ținges to ben moeued. ne forein causes necesseden țe neuer to co{m}poune werke of floterynge mater. but only țe forme of souereyne goode y-set wiț i{n}ne [țe] wiț outen envie țat moeued[e] țe frely. țou țat art alțerfairest beryng țe faire worlde in ți țou[gh]t. formedest țis worlde to țe likkenesse semblable of țat faire worlde in ți țou[gh]t. țou drawest alle ținges of ți souereyne ensampler. {and} comaundedist țat țis worlde p{er}fitlyche ymaked haue frely {and} absolut hyse p{er}fit parties. ¶ țou byndest țe element[gh] by noumbres p{ro}porcionables. țat țe colde ținges mowen accorde wiț țe hote ținges. {and} țe drye ți{n}ges wiț țe moyst ținges. țat țe fire țat is purest ne fleye nat ouer heye. ne țat țe heuynesse ne drawe nat adou{n} ouer lowe țe erțes țat ben plounged in țe watres. ¶ țou knyttest to-gidre țe mene soule of treble kynde moeuyng alle ținges. {and} diuidest it by membres accordynge. ¶ And whan it is țus diuided it haț assembled a moeuyng in two roundes. ¶ It goț to to{ur}ne a[gh]ein to hym owen self. {and} environeț a fulle deep țou[gh]t. {and} to{ur}niț țe heuene by semblable ymage. țou by eue{n}lyk causes enhau{n}sest țe soules {and} țe lasse liues {and} ablynge hem heye by ly[gh]t[e] cartes. țou sewest hem in to heuene {and} in to erțe. {and} whan ței ben conuertid to țe by ți benigne lawe. ¶ țou makest hem retorne a[gh]eine to țe by a[gh]ein ledyng fijr. ¶ O fadir yif țou to ți țou[gh]t to stien vp in to ți streite sete. {and} graunte [hym] to enviroune țe welle of good. {and} țe ly[gh]te yfounde graunte hym to ficchen țe clere sy[gh]tes of hys corage in țe. ¶ And scatre țou {and} to-breke [thow] țe wey[gh]tes {and} țe cloudes of erțely heuynesse. {and} shyne țou by ți bry[gh]tnes. for țou art clernesse țou art peisible to debonaire folke. ¶ țou ți self art bygy{n}ny{n}ge. berere. ledere. paț {and} t{er}me to loke on țe [țat] is oure ende. _Glose._ QUONIAM IGITUR QUI SCIT. [Sidenote: [The 10^the p{ro}se.]] ++FOr as moche țan as țou hast seyn. whiche is țe forme of goode țat nys nat p{er}fit. {and} whiche is țe forme of goode țat is p{er}fit. now trowe I țat it were goode to shewe in what țis p{er}fecc{i}ou{n} of blisfulnesse is set. {and} in țis țing I trowe țat we sholden first enquere forto witen yif țat any swiche manere goode as țilke goode țat țou hast diffinissed a lytel her byforne. țat is to seine souereyne goode may be founden in țe nature of ținges. For țat veyne ymaginac{i}ou{n} of țou[gh]t ne desceiue vs nat. {and} putte vs oute of țe soțefastnesse of țilke ținge țat is su{m}myttid to vs. țis is to seyne. but it may nat ben denoyed țat țilke goode ne is. ¶ and țat it nis ry[gh]t as a welle of alle goodes. ¶ For al țing țat is cleped i{n}p{er}fit. is proued i{n}p{er}fit by țe amenusynge of p{er}fecc{i}ou{n}. or of țing țat is p{er}fit. {and} her of comeț it. țat in euery țing general. yif țat. țat men seen any țing țat is i{n}p{er}fit certys in țilke general țer mot ben so{m}me țing țat is p{er}fit. ¶ For yif so be țat p{er}fecc{i}ou{n} is don awey. men may nat ținke nor seye fro whe{n}nes țilke țing is țat is cleped inperfit. ¶ For țe nature of ținges ne token nat her bygynnyng of ținges amenused {and} i{n}p{er}fit. but it p{ro}cediț of ți{n}g{us} țat ben al hool. {and} absolut. {and} descendeț so doune in to outerest ținges {and} in to ți{n}g{us} empty {and} wiț oute fruyt. but as I haue shewed a litel her byforne. țat yif țer be a blisfulnesse țat be frele {and} vein {and} inp{er}fit. țer may no man doute. țat țer nys som blisfulnesse țat is sad stedfast {and} p{er}fit. b. țis is concludid q{uo}d I fermely {and} soțefastly. _P._ But co{n}sidere also q{uo}d she in wham țis blisfulnesse enhabiteț. țe co{m}mune acordaunce {and} conceite of țe corages of men p{ro}ueț {and} graunteț țat god p{r}ince of alle ți{n}g{us} is good. ¶ For so as no țing ne may ben țou[gh]t bettre țan god. it may nat ben douted țan țat [he ț{a}t] no țing is bettre. țat he nys good. ¶ Certys resou{n} sheweț țat god is so goode țat it p{ro}ueț by verray force țat p{er}fit goode is in hym. ¶ For yif god ne is swiche. he ne may nat ben p{r}ince of alle ținges. for certis som țing possessyng in hy{m} self p{er}fit goode sholde ben more țan god. {and} [it] sholde seme țat țilke țing were first {and} elder țan god. ¶ For we han shewed ap{er}tly țat alle ținges țat ben p{er}fit. ben first or ținges țat ben inperfit. ¶ And for ți for as moche as [that] my resou{n} or my p{ro}ces ne go nat awey wițoute an ende. we ou[gh]t[e] to graunten țat țe souereyne god is ry[gh]t ful of souereyne p{er}fit goode. and we han establissed țat țe souereyne goode is verrey blisfulnesse. țan mot it nedes ben [ț{a}t verray blysfulnesse is] yset i{n} souereyne god. _B._ țis take I wel q{uo}d .I. ne țis ne may nat be wițseid in no manere. ¶ But I p{re}ie țe q{uo}d she see now how țou mayst preuen holily {and} wiț-oute{n} corrupciou{n} țis țat I haue seid. țat țe souereyne god is ry[gh]t ful of souereyne goode. [In whych man{er}e q{uo}d I.] wenest țou ou[gh]t q{uo}d she țat țis p{r}ince of alle ținges haue ytake țilke souereyne good any where țan of hym self. ¶ of whiche souereyne goode men p{ro}ueț țat he is ful ry[gh]t as țou my[gh]test ținken. țat god țat haț blisfulnesse in hym self. {and} țat ilke blisfulnesse țat is in hym were diu{er}s in substaunce. ¶ For yif țou wene țat god haue receyued țilke good oute of hy{m} self. țou mayst wene țat he țat [gh]af țilke good to god. be more goode țan is god. ¶ But I am byknowen {and} confesse {and} țat ry[gh]t dignely țat god is ry[gh]t worți abouen alle ținges. ¶ And yif so be țat țis good be in hym by nature. but țat it is diu{er}s from [hym] by wenyng resou{n}. syn we speke of god p{r}ince of alle ținges feyne who so feyne may. who was he țat [hath] co{n}ioigned țise diu{er}s ținges to-gidre. {and} eke at țe last[e] se wel țat o țing țat is diu{er}s from any țing. țat țilke țing nis nat țat same țing. fro whiche it is vndirstonde{n} to ben diu{er}s. țan folweț it. țat țilke ți{n}g țat by hys nature is dyuers from souereyne good. țat țat țing nys nat souereyne good. but certys țat were a felonous corsednesse to ținken țat of hym. țat no țing nis more worțe. For alwey of alle ținges. țe nat{ur}e of hem ne may nat ben better țan his bygy{n}nyng. ¶ For whiche I may concluden by ry[gh]t uerray resou{n}. țat țilke țat is bygynnyng of alle ținges. țilke same țing is good in his substaunce. _B._ țou hast seid ry[gh]tfully q{uo}d .I. _P._ But we han graunted q{uo}d she țat souereyne good is blysfulnes. țat is soțe q{uo}d .I. țan q{uo}d she mote we nedes graunten {and} confessen țat țilke same souereyne goode be god. ¶ Certys q{uo}d .I. I ne may nat denye ne wițstonde țe resou{n}s p{ur}posed. and I see wel țat it folweț by strengțe of țe p{re}misses. ¶ Loke nowe q{uo}d she yif țis be proued [yit] more fermely țus. ¶ țat țer ne mowen nat ben two souereyne goodes țat ben diuerse amo[n]ges hem self. țat on is nat țat țat oțer is. țan [ne] mowen neițer of hem ben p{er}fit. so as eyțer of hem lakkiț to oțir. but țat țat nis nat p{er}fit men may seen apertly țat it nis nat souereyne. țe ținges țan țat ben souereynely goode ne mowen by no wey ben diuerse. ¶ But I haue wel conclude țat blisfulnesse {and} god ben [the] souereyne goode. For whiche it mot nedes be țat souereyne blisfulnesse is souerey[ne] dyuynite. ¶ No țing q{uo}d I nis more soțefast țan țis ne more ferme by resou{n}. ne a more worți țing țan god may nat ben concluded. _P._ vpon țise ținges țan q{uo}d she. ry[gh]t as țise geometriens whan ței han shewed her p{ro}posiciou{n}s ben wont to brynge{n} in ținges țat ței clepen porismes or declarac{i}ou{n}s of forseide ținges. ry[gh]t so wil I [gh]eue țe here as a corolarie or a mede of coroune. For whi. for as moche as by țe getynge of blisfulnesse men ben maked blysful. {and} blisfulnesse is diuinite. ¶ țan is it manifest {and} open țat by țe gety{n}g of diuinite men ben makid blisful. ry[gh]t as by țe getynge of iustice . . . {and} by țe getyng of sapience ței ben maked wise. ¶ Ry[gh]t so nedes by țe semblable resou{n} wha{n} ței han getyn diuinite ței ben maked goddys. țan is euery blisful man god. ¶ But certis by nature. țer nys but oon god. but by țe p{ar}ticipac{i}ou{n}s of diuinite țere ne letteț ne disturbeț no țing țat țer ne ben many goddes. ¶ țis is q{uo}d .I. a faire țing {and} a p{re}cious. ¶ Clepe it as ț{o}u wolt. be it corolarie or porisme or mede of coroune or declarynges ¶ Certys q{uo}d she no țing nis fairer. țan is țe țing țat by resou{n} sholde ben added to țise forseide ținges. what țing q{uo}d .I. ¶ So q{uo}d she as it semeț țat blisfulnesse conteniț many ținges. it were forto witen whețir [ț{a}t] alle țise ținges maken or conioignen as a maner body of blysfulnesse by diuersite of parties or [of] me{m}bris. Or ellys yif any of alle țilke ți{n}g{us} be swyche țat it acomplise by hy{m} self țe substaunce of blisfulnesse. so țat alle țise oțer ținges ben referred and brou[gh]t to blisfulnesse. țat is to seyne as to țe chief of hem. ¶ I wolde q{uo}d I țat țou makedest me clerly to vndirstonde what țou seist. {and} țat țou recordest me țe forseide ținges. ¶ Haue I nat iuged q{uo}d she. țat blisfulnesse is goode. [gh]is forsoțe q{uo}d .I. {and} țat souereyne goode. ¶ Adde țan q{uo}d she țilke goode țat is maked blisfulnes to alle țe forseide ținges. ¶ For țilke same blisfulnesse țat is demed to ben souereyne suffisaunce. țilke self is souereyne power. souereyne reuerence. sou{er}eyne clernesse or noblesse {and} souereyne delit. what seist țou țan of alle țise ținges. țat is to seyne. suffisance power {and} țise oțer ținges. ben ței țan as membris of blisfulnesse. or ben ței referred {and} brou[gh]t to souereyne good. ¶ Ry[gh]t as alle ținges țat ben brou[gh]t to țe chief of hem. b. I vndirstonde wel q{uo}d .I. what țou p{ur}posest to seke. but I desijr[e] to herkene țat țou shewe it me. _p._ Take now țus țe discressiou{n} of țis questiou{n} q{uo}d she. yif al țise ținges q{uo}d she weren membris to felicite. țan weren ței diu{er}se țat oon fro țat oțer. ¶ And swiche is țe nat{ur}e of p{ar}ties or of membris. țat dyuerse me{m}bris compounen a body. ¶ Certis q{uo}d I it haț wel ben shewed her byforne. țat alle țise ținges ben alle on țing. țan ben ței none membris q{uo}d she. for ellys it sholde seme țat blisfulnesse were conioigned al of one membre alone. but țat is a ți{n}g țat may nat ben doon. țis țing q{uo}d .I. nys nat doutous. but I abide to herkene țe remenaunt of țe questiou{n}. țis is ope{n} {and} clere q{uo}d she. țat alle oțer ținges ben referred {and} brou[gh]t to goode. ¶ For țerfore is suffisaunce requered. For it is demed to ben good. {and} forți is power requered. for men trowen also țat it be goode. and țis same țing mowe we ținken {and} coueiten of reuerence {and} of noblesse {and} of delit. țan is souereyne good țe soume {and} țe cause of alle țat au[gh]t[e] be desired. forwhi țilke țing țat wiț-holdeț no good in it self ne semblaunce of goode it ne may nat wel in no manere be desired ne requered. {and} țe contrarie. For țou[gh] țat ținges by hir nature ne ben nat goode algates yif men wene țat ței be{n} goode [gh]it ben ței desired as țou[gh] [ț{a}t] ței were verrayly goode. {and} țerfore is it țat men au[gh]te{n} to wene by ry[gh]t țat bounte be souereyne fyn {and} țe cause of alle ținges țat ben to requeren. ¶ But certis țilke ț{a}t is cause for whiche men requeren any țing. ¶ it semeț țat țilke same țing be most desired. as țus yif țat a wy[gh]t wolde ryde for cause of hele. he ne desireț nat so mychel țe moeuyng to ryden as țe effect of his heele. Now țan syn țat alle ținges ben requered for țe grace of good. ței ne ben [nat] desired of alle folk more țan țe same good ¶ But we han graunted țat blysfulnesse is țat țing for whiche țat alle țise oțer ținges ben desired. țan is it țus țat certis only blisfulnesse is requered {and} desired ¶ By whiche țing it sheweț clerely țat good {and} blisfulnesse is al oone {and} țe same substaunce. ¶ I se nat q{uo}d I wher fore țat men my[gh]t[en] discorden in țis. _p._ {and} we han shewed țat god {and} verrey blysfulnesse is al oon țing ¶ țat is soțe q{uod} .I. țan mowe we conclude sikerly ț{a}t țe substaunce of god is set in țilke same good {and} in noon oțer place. NUNC OMNES PARITER {ET}C. [Sidenote: [The 10^the Met{ur}.]] ++O Comeț alle to-gidre now [gh]e țat ben ycau[gh]t {and} ybounde wiț wicked[e] cheines by țe deceiuable delit of erțely ținges inhabytynge in [gh]oure țou[gh]t. here shal ben țe reste of [gh]oure laboures. here is țe hauene stable in peisible quiete. țis al oone is țe open refut to wreches. _Glosa._ țis is to seyn. țat [gh]e țat ben combred {and} deceyued wiț worldly affecc{i}ou{n}s comeț now to țis souereyne good țat is god. țat is refut to hem țat wolen come to hym. _Textus._ ¶ Alle țe ținges țat țe ryuere Tagus [gh]iueț [gh]ow wiț his golden[e] grauels. or ellys alle țe țynges țat țe ryuere herm{us}. [gh]iueț wiț his rede brynke. or țat yndus [gh]iueț țat is nexte țe hote p{ar}tie of țe worlde. țat medeleț țe grene stones (smaragd{e}) wiț țe white (margarits). ne sholde nat cleren țe lokynge of [gh]oure țo[gh]t. but hiden rațer [gh]oure blynde corages wiț i{n}ne hire dirkenesse ¶ Alle țat likeț [gh]ow here {and} excitiț {and} moeueț [gh]oure țou[gh]tes. țe erțe haț noryshed it in hys lowe caues. but țe shynyng by țe whiche țe heuene is gouerned {and} whennes țat it haț hys strengțe țat chaseț țe derke ouerțrowyng of țe soule. ¶ And who so euer may knowen țilke ly[gh]t of blisfulnesse. he shal wel seine țat țe white bemes of țe 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 țise ținges ben strongly bounden wiț ry[gh]t ferme resou{n}s. how mychel wilt țou p{re}isen it q{uo}d she. yif țat țou knowe what țilke goode is. I wol p{re}ise it q{uo}d I by price wiț outen ende. ¶ yif it shal bytyde me to knowe also to-gidre god țat is good. ¶ certys q{uo}d she ț{a}t shal I do țe by verray resou{n}. yif țat țo ținges țat I haue conclude[d] a litel her by forne dwellen oonly in hir first[e] graunty{n}g. _Boice._ ței dwellen graunted to țe q{uo}d .I. țis is to seyne as who seiț .I. graunt ți forseide conclusiou{n}s. ¶ Haue I nat shewed țe q{uo}d she țat țe ținges țat ben requered of many folke. ne ben nat verray goodes ne p{er}fit. for ței ben diu{er}se țat oon fro țat oțer. {and} so as eche of hem is lakkyng to oțer. ței ne han no power to bryngen a good ț{a}t is ful {and} absolute. ¶ But țan atte arst ben ței verray good whan ței ben gadred to-gidre al in to a forme {and} in to oon wirchy{n}g. so țat țilke țing țat is suffisaunce. țilk same be power {and} reuerence. {and} noblesse {and} mirțe. ¶ And forsoțe but alle țise ți{n}ges ben alle o same țing ței ne han nat wher by țat ței mowen ben put in țe nou{m}bre of ținges. țat au[gh]ten ben requered or desired. _b._ ¶ It is shewed q{uo}d .I. ne her of may țer no man douten. _p._ țe ținges țan q{uo}d she țat ne ben none goodes whan ței ben diu{er}se. {and} whan ței bygynnen to ben al o țing. țan ben ței goodes. ne comiț it hem nat țan by țe getynge of unite țat ței ben maked goodes. _b._ so it semeț q{uo}d .I. but alle țing țat is good q{uo}d she grauntest țou țat it be good by p{ar}ticipac{i}ou{n} of good or no. ¶ I graunt[e] it q{uo}d .I. ¶ țan mayst țou graunt[en] it q{uo}d she by sembleable resou{n} țat oon {and} good ben o same țing. ¶ For of ținges [of] whiche țat țe effect nis nat naturely diuerse nedys țe substaunce mot ben o same ținge. I ne may nat denye it q{uo}d I. ¶ Hast țou nat knowen wel q{uo}d she. țat al țing țat is haț so longe his dwellyng {and} his substaunce. as longe is it oone. ¶ but wha{n} it forletiț 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 țe soule {and} țe body ben co{n}ioigned in oon {and} dwellen to-gidre it is cleped a beest. {and} whan hire vnite is destroied by disseueraunce țat oon fram ț{a}t oțir. țan sheweț it wel țat it is a dede ți{n}g. {and} țat it is no lenger no beste. {and} țe body of a wy[gh]t while it dwelleț in oon forme by coniuncc{i}ou{n} of membris it is wel seyn țat it is a figure of mankynde. and yif țe partyes of țe body ben [so] diuide[d] {and} disseuered țat oon fro țat oțir țat ței destroien vnite. țe body forletiț to ben țat it was byforne. ¶ And who so wolde renne in țe same manere by alle ținges he sholde seen țat wiț outen doute euery ținge is in his substaunce as longe as it is oon. {and} whan it forletiț to ben oon it dieț {and} p{er}issiț. _boice._ whan I considre q{uo}d I many ținges I see noon oț{er}. ¶ Is țer any țing țanne q{uo}d she țat in as moche as it lyueț naturely. țat forletiț țe appetit or talent of hys beynge. {and} desireț to come to deeț {and} to corrupc{i}ou{n}. ¶ yif I considere q{uod} I țe beestes țat han any manere nature of willy{n}ge or of nillynge I ne fynde no țing. but yif it be constreyned fro wiț out forțe. țat forletiț or dispiseț to lyue {and} to dure{n} or țat wole his țankes hasten hy{m} to dien. ¶ For euery beest trauayleț hy{m} to defende {and} kepe țe sauuac{i}ou{n} of lijf. {and} escheweț deeț {and} destrucc{i}ou{n}. _b._ but certys I doute me of herbes {and} of trees. țat is to seyn țat I am in a doute of swiche ținges as herbes or trees țat ne han no fely{n}g soule. ne no naturel wirchynges seruy{n}g to appetite as beestes han whețer ței han appetite to dwelle{n} {and} to duren. ¶ Certis q{uo}d she ne țer of țar țe nat doute. ¶ Now look vpon țise herbes {and} țise trees. ței waxen firste in swiche place as be{n} couenable to hem. in whiche place ței 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} oțir 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 ț{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 ț{a}t / ț{a}t is co{n}uenient to hym {and} trauaylith ț{a}t they ne dye nat as longe as they han power to dwellyn {and} to lyuen // what woltow seyn of this / ț{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 ț{a}t thilke thing / ț{a}t is ryht softe as the marye (i. sapp) is / ț{a}t is alwey hidd in the feete al w{i}t{h} inne {and} ț{a}t it is defendid fro w{i}t{h} owte by the stidefastnesse of wode // {and} ț{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 ț{a}t ne wot wel ț{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 ț{a}t men wenen ne hauen none sowles / ne desir{e} they nat ech of hem by sem[b]lable resou{n} to kepyn ț{a}t that is hirs / ț{a}t is to seyn ț{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 ț{a}t is acordynge {and} propre to hym // ryht as thinges ț{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 ț{a}t they ne departe nat lyhtly a twyne // {and} the thinges ț{a}t ben softe {and} fletynge as is water {and} Eyr they departyn lyhtly // {and} yeuen place to hem ț{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 ț{a}t is knowynge // but of the naturel entenciou{n} of thinges // As thus ryht as we swolwe the mete ț{a}t we resseyuen {and} ne thinke nat on it / {and} as we drawen owr{e} breth in slepynge ț{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 ț{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 ț{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 ț{a}t ț{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 ț{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 ț{a}t ben creat of hym / this ț{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 ț{a}t desiret[-h] to be {and} to dwellyn p{er}durablely / he desireth to ben oon // For yif ț{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 [țow] maist descryuen ryht thus // Good is thilke thing ț{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 ț{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 ț{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 ț{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 ț{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 [țe] syhte of his vndyrstondynge thanne the sonne ne semyth to [țe] 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} ț{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 țe sooth of any thing ț{a}t weer{e} axed / yif ther neer{e} a Roote of sothfastnesse ț{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 ț{a}t the Muse {and} the doctryne of plato syngyth sooth // al ț{a}t eu{er}y whyht lerneth / he ne doth no thing elles tha{n}ne but recordeth as me{n} recordyn thinges ț{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] țe seconde tyme. țat is to seyn. first whan I lost[e] my memorie by țe co{n}tagio[-u]s coniuncc{i}ou{n} of țe body wiț țe soule. {and} eftsones afterward whan I lost[e] it co{n}founded by țe charge {and} by țe burden of my sorwe. ¶ And țan sayde she țus. ¶ If țou look[e] q{uo}d she firste țe ținges țat țou hast graunted it ne shal nat ben ry[gh]t feer țat țou ne shalt remembren țilke țing țat țou seidest țat țou nistest nat. what țing q{uo}d I. ¶ by whiche gouerme{n}t q{uo}d she țat țis worlde is gouerned. Me remembriț it wel q{uo}d I. {and} I confesse wel țat I ne wist[e] it nat ¶ But al be it so țat I se now fro{m} afer what țou p{ur}posest ¶ Algates I desire [gh]it to herkene it of țe more pleynely. ¶ țou ne wendest nat q{uo}d she a litel here byforne țat men sholden doute țat țis worlde is gouerned by god. ¶ Certys q{uo}d I ne [gh]itte doute I it nau[gh]t. ne I nil neuer wene țat it were to doute. as who seiț. but I wot wel țat god gouerneț țis worlde. ¶ And I shal shortly answere țe by what resou{n}s I am brou[gh]t to țis. ¶ țis 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 țere ne were oon țat conioigned so many[e diu{er}se] ținges. ¶ And țe same diuersite of hire natures țat so discordeden țat oon fro țat oțer most[e] dep{ar}ten {and} vnioigne{n} țe ți{n}ges țat ben co{n}ioigned. yif țere ne were oon țat contened[e] țat he haț co{n}ioigned {and} ybounde. ne țe certein ordre of nature ne sholde. nat brynge furțe so ordinee moeuynge. by places. by tymes. by doynges. by spaces. by qualites. yif țere ne were oon țat were ay stedfast dwellynge. țat ordeyned[e] {and} disposed[e] țise diuersites of moeuynges. ¶ and țilke ținge what so euer it be. by whiche țat alle ținges ben maked {and} ylad. I clepe hym god țat is a worde țat is vsed to alle folke. țan seide she. syn țou felest țus țise ținges q{uo}d she. I trowe țat I haue lytel more to done. țat țou my[gh]ty of wilfulnesse hool {and} sounde ne se eftsones ți contre. ¶ But lat vs loken țe ținges țat we han p{ur}posed her-byforn. ¶ Haue I nat nou{m}bred {and} seid q{uod} she țat suffisaunce is in blisfulnesse. {and} we han accorded țat god is {and} țilke same blisfulnesse. ¶ yis forsoțe q{uo}d I. {and} țat to gouerne țis worlde q{uod} she. ne shal he neuer han nede of none helpe fro wițoute. for ellys yif he had[de] nede of any helpe. he ne sholde not haue [no] ful suffisau{n}ce. [gh]is țus it mot nedes be q{uo}d I. ¶ țan ordeyneț he by hym self al oon alle ținges q{uo}d she. țat may nat ben denied q{uo}d I. ¶ And I haue shewed țat god is țe same good. ¶ It reme{m}breț me wel q{uo}d I. ¶ țan ordeineț he alle ținges by țilke goode q{uod} she. Syn he whiche we han accorded to ben good gouerneț alle ți{n}g{us} by hym self. {and} he is a keye {and} a stiere by whiche țat țe edifice of țis worlde is ykept stable {and} wiț oute corumpynge ¶ I accorde me gretly q{uod} I. {and} I ap{er}ceiuede a litel here byforn țat țou woldest seyne țus. Al be it so țat it were by a ținne suspeciou{n}. I trowe it wel q{uo}d she. ¶ For as I trowe țou leedest nowe more ententifly ține eyen to loken țe verray goodes ¶ but națeles țe ținges țat I shal telle țe [gh]it ne sheweț nat lasse to loken. what is țat q{uo}d I. ¶ So as men trowen q{uo}d she {and} țat ry[gh]tfully țat god gouerneț alle ținges by țe keye of his goodnesse. ¶ And alle țise same ținges as I [haue] tau[gh]t țe. hasten hem by naturel ente{n}c{i}ou{n} to comen to goode țer may no man doute{n}. țat ței ne ben gouerned uoluntariely. {and} țat ței ne conuerten [hem] nat of her owe{n} wille to țe wille of hire ordeno{ur}. as ței țat ben accordyng {and} enclinynge to her gouerno{ur} {and} her kyng. ¶ It mot nedys be so q{uo}d. I. ¶ For țe realme ne sholde not seme blisful [gh]if țere were a [gh]ok of mysdrawynges in diu{er}se p{ar}ties ne țe sauynge of obedient ținges ne sholde nat be. țan is țere no țing q{uo}d she ț{a}t kepiț hys nature[;] țat enforceț hym to gone a[gh]eyne god. ¶ No q{uo}d. I. ¶ And if țat any ți{n}g enforced[e] hym to wițstonde god. my[gh]t[e] it auayle at țe laste a[gh]eyns hym țat we han g{ra}unted to ben al my[gh]ty by țe ry[gh]t of blisfulnesse. ¶ Certis q{uo}d I al outerly it ne my[gh]t[e] nat auaylen hym. țan is țere no țing q{uo}d she țat eyțer wol or may wițstonde to țis souereyne good. ¶ I trowe nat q{uo}d. I ¶ țan is țilke țe souereyne good q{uo}d she țat alle ți{n}g{us} gouerneț strongly {and} ordeyneț hem softly. ța{n} seide I țus. I delite me q{uo}d I nat oonly in țe endes or in țe so{m}mes of [the] resou{n}s țat țou hast concludid {and} p{ro}ued. ¶ But țilke wordes țat ț{o}u vsest deliten me moche more. ¶ So at țe last[e] fooles țat so{m}tyme renden greet[e] ținges au[gh]te{n} ben asshamed of hem self. ¶ țat is to seyne ț{a}t we fooles țat rep{re}henden wickedly țe ți{n}g{us} țat touchen goddes gouernaunce we au[gh]te{n} ben asshamed of oure self. As I țat seide god refuseț oonly țe werkes of men. {and} ne entremetiț nat of he{m}. _p._ țou hast wel herd q{uo}d she țe fables of țe poetes. how țe geauntes assailden țe heuene wiț țe goddes. but for soțe țe debonaire force of god disposed[e] hem so as it was worți. țat is to seyne distroied[e] țe geauntes. as it was worți. ¶ But wilt țou țat we ioygnen togedre țilke same resou{n}s. for p{er}auenture of swiche coniuncc{i}ou{n} may sterten vp some faire sp{er}kele of soțe ¶ Do q{uo}d I as țe list. wenest țou q{uo}d she țat god ne is almy[gh]ty. no man is in doute of it. Certys q{uo}d I no wy[gh]t ne defendiț it if he be in hys mynde. but he q{uo}d she țat is al my[gh]ty țere nis no țing țat he ne may do. țat is soțe q{uo}d I. May god done yuel q{uo}d she. nay for soțe q{uo}d. I. ¶ țan is yuel no țing q{uo}d she. ¶ Syn țat he ne may not done yuel țat may done alle ținges. scornest țou me q{uo}d. I. or ellys pleyest țou or deceiuest țou me. țat hast so wouen me wiț ți resou{n}s. țe house of didalus so entrelaced. țat it is vnable to ben vnlaced. țou țat oțer while entrest țere țou issest {and} oțer while issest țere țou entrest. ne fooldest țou 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 țou bygu{n}ne atte blisfulnesse ț{o}u seidest țat it is souereyne good. {and} seidest țat it is set in souereyne god. {and} țat god is țe ful[le] blisfulnesse. for whiche țou [gh]af[e] me as a couenable [gh]ifte. țat is to seyne ț{a}t no wy[gh]t nis blisful. but yif he be good al so țer wiț {and} seidest eke țat țe forme of goode is țe substaunce of god. {and} of blisfulnesse. {and} seidest ț{a}t țilke same oone is țilke same goode țat is requered {and} desired of al țe kynde of ținges. {and} țou p{ro}euedest in disputynge țat god gouerneț alle [the] ținges of țe worlde by țe gouernementys of bountee. {and} seydest țat alle ținges wolen ybeyen to hym. and seidest țat țe nature of yuel nis no țing. {and} țise ținges ne shewedest țou nat wiț no resou{n}s ytake fro wițoute but by proues in cercles {and} homelyche knowen. ¶ țe whiche p{ro}eues drawen to hem self hir feiț {and} hir accorde eu{er}iche [of] hem of oțer. țan seide she țus. I ne scorne țe nat ne pleye ne desseyue țe. but I haue shewed to țe ținge țat is grettest ouer alle ținges by țe [gh]ifte of god țat we some tyme prayden ¶ For țis is țe forme of [the] deuyne substaunce. țat is swiche țat it ne slydeț nat in to outerest foreine ținges. ne ne rec[e]yueț no st{ra}nge ținges in hym. but ry[gh]t as p{ar}maynws seide in grek of țilke deuyne substaunce. he seide țus țat țilke deuyne substaunce torneț țe worlde {and} țilke cercle moeueable of ținges while țilke dyuyne substau{n}ce kepiț it self wiț outen moeuynge. țat is to seyne țat it ne moeuiț neuere mo. {and} [gh]itte it moeueț alle oțer ținges. but na-țeles yif I [haue] stered resou{n}s țat ne ben nat taken fro wiț oute țe compas of țe ținge of whiche we treten. but resou{n}s țat ben bystowed wiț i{n}ne țat compas țere nis nat whi țat țou sholde[st] merueylen. sen țou hast lerned by țe sentence of plato țat nedes țe wordes moten ben cosynes to țo ținges of whiche ței speken. FELIX QUI POTERIT. {ET} CET{ER}A. [Sidenote: [The .12. Met{ur}.]] ++Blisful is țat man țat may seen țe clere welle of good. blisful is he țat may vnbynde hym fro țe bonde of heuy erțe. ¶ țe poete of t{ra}ce [orphe{us}] țat somtyme hadde ry[gh]t greet sorowe for țe deeț of hys wijf. aftir țat he hadde maked by hys wepely songes țe wodes meueable to rennen. {and} hadde ymaked țe ryueres to stonden stille. {and} maked țe hertys {and} hyndes to ioignen dredles hir sides to cruel lyou{n}s to herkene his songe. {and} had[de] maked țat țe hare was nat agast of țe hounde whiche țat was plesed by hys songe. so țat whane țe most[e] ardaunt loue of hys wijf brende țe entrailes of his brest. ne țe songes țat hadde ouer comen alle ținges ne my[gh]ten nat assuage hir lorde orpheus. ¶ He pleyned[e] hym of țe godes țat were{n} cruel to hym. he wente hym to țe houses of helle {and} țere he tempred[e] hys blaundissyng songes by resounyng of hys strenges. ¶ And spak {and} song in wepynge alle țat euer he hadde resceyued {and} laued oute of țe noble welles of hys modir calliope țe goddesse. {and} he song wiț as mychel as he my[gh]t[e] of wepynge. {and} wiț as myche as loue țat doubled[e] his sorwe my[gh]t[e] [gh]euen hym {and} teche hy{m} in his seke h{er}te. ¶ And he commoeuede țe helle {and} requered[e] {and} sou[gh]te by swete p{re}iere țe lordes of soules in helle of relesynge. țat is to seyne to [gh]elden hym hys wif. ¶ Cerberus țe porter of helle wiț his țre heuedes was cau[gh]t {and} al abaist for țe new[e] songe. {and} țe țre goddesses furijs {and} vengerisse of felonies țat to{ur}mente{n} {and} agaste{n} țe soules by anoye wexen sorweful {and} sory {and} wepen teres for pitee. țan was nat țe heued of Ixion{e} yto{ur}mented by țe ou{er}țrowi{n}g whele. ¶ And tantalus țat was destroied by țe woodnesse of longe țrust dispiseț țe flodes to drynke. țe fowel țat hy[gh]t voltor țat etiț țe stomak or țe giser of ticius is so fulfilled of his songe țat it nil etyn ne tyren no more. ¶ Atte țe laste țe 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 haț welle I-bou[gh]t hir by his faire songe {and} his ditee. but we wil putte{n} a lawe in țis. {and} couenaunt in țe [gh]ifte. ț{a}t is to seyne. țat til he be out of helle yif he loke byhynden hym [ț{a}t] hys wijf shal come{n} a[gh]eine to vs ¶ but what is he țat may [gh]eue a lawe to loueres. loue is a gretter lawe {and} a strengere to hym self țan any lawe ț{a}t men may [gh]euen. ¶ Allas whan Orpheus {and} his wijf were al most at țe termes of țe ny[gh]t. țat is to seyne at țe last[e] boundes of helle. Orpheus loked[e] abakwarde on Erudice his wijf {and} lost[e] hir {and} was deed. ¶ țis fable app{er}teineț to [gh]ow alle who so euer desireț or sekiț to lede his țou[gh]te in to țe souereyne day. țat is to seyne to clerenes[se] of souereyne goode. ¶ For who so țat eu{er}e be so ouer come{n} țat he fycche hys eyen in to țe put[te] of helle. țat is to seyne who so setteț his țou[gh]tes in erțely ținges. al țat euer he haț drawen of țe noble good celestial he lesiț it whan he lokeț țe helles. țat is to seyne to lowe ținges of țe erțe. 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 țe forseide ținges kepynge țe dignitee of hir choere in țe wey[gh]te of hir wordes. I țan țat ne hadde nat al out{er}ly for[gh]eten țe wepyng {and} mournyng țat was set in myne herte for-brek țe entenc{i}ou{n} of hir țat entended[e] [gh]itte to seyne oț{er} ținges. ¶ Se q{uo}d I. țou țat art gideresse of verray ly[gh]te țe ținges țat țou hast seid [me] hider to ben to me so clere {and} so shewyng by țe deuyne lokyng of hem {and} by ți resou{n}s țat ței ne mowe nat ben ouercomen. ¶ And țilke ți{n}g{us} țat țou toldest me. al be it so țat I hadde som tyme fo[r][gh]eten hem for [the] sorwe of țe wronge țat haț ben don to me. [gh]it națeles ței ne were nat alouterly vnknowen to me. but țis same is namly a gret cause of my sorwe. țat so as țe gouernoure of ținges is goode. yif țat yuelys mowen ben by any weyes. or ellys yif țat yuelys passen wiț outen punyssheinge. țe whiche ținge oonly how worți it is to ben wondred vpon. țou considerest it weel ți self certeynly. but [gh]itte to țis țing țere is an oțer țing y-ioigned more to ben ywondred vpon. ¶ For felonie is emperisse {and} flowreț ful of rycchesse. and vertues nis nat al oonly wiț outen medes. but it is cast vndir {and} fortroden vndir țe feet of felonous folk. {and} it abieț țe to{ur}me{n}tes in sted of wicked felou{n}s ¶ Of al[le] whiche țing țer nis no wy[gh]t țat [may] merueyllen ynou[gh] ne compleyne țat swiche ținges ben don in țe regne of god țat alle ținges woot. and alle ținges may {and} ne wool nat but only goode ținges. ¶ țan seide she țus. certys q{uo}d she țat were a grete meruayle {and} an enbaissynge wițouten ende. {and} wel more horrible țan alle monstres yif it were as ț{o}u wenest. țat is to sein. țat in țe ry[gh]t ordeyne house of so mochel a fader {and} an ordenour of meyne. țat țe vesseles țat ben foule {and} vyle sholde ben hono{ur}ed {and} heried. and țe p{re}cious uesseles sholde ben defouled {and} vyle. but it nis nat so. For yif țe ținges țat I haue co{n}cluded a litel here byforne ben kept hoole {and} vnraced. țou shalt wel knowe by țe auctorite of god. of țe whos regne I speke țat certys țe good[e] folk ben alwey my[gh]ty. {and} shrewes ben alwey yuel {and} feble. ne țe vices ben neu{e}re mo wiț outen peyne[;] ne țe vertues ne ben nat wiț outen mede. and țat blisfulnesses comen alwey to goode folke. {and} infortune comeț alwey to wicked folke. ¶ And țou shalt wel knowe many[e] ținges of țis kynde ț{a}t sholle cessen ți pleyntes. {and} stedfast țe wiț stedfast saddenesse. ¶ And for țou hast seyn țe forme of țe verray blisfulnesse by me țat [haue] somtyme I-shewed it țe. And țou hast knowen i{n} whom blysfulnesse is set. alle ținges I treted ț{a}t I trowe ben nessessarie to put[te] furțe ¶ I shal shewe țe. țe weye țat shal brynge țe a[gh]eyne vnto ți house {and} I shal ficche fețeres in ți țou[gh]t by whiche it may arysen in hey[gh]te. so țat al tribulac{i}ou{n} don awey țou by my gidyng & by my pațe {and} by my sledes shalt mowen retourne hool {and} sounde in to ți contre. SU{N}T ETENIM PENNE. {ET} C{ETERA}. [Sidenote: [The fyrste met{ur}.]] ++I Haue for soțe swifte fețeres țat surmou{n}ten țe hey[gh]t of țe heuene whan țe swifte țou[gh]t haț cloțed it self. in țo fețeres it dispiseț țe hat[e]ful erțes. {and} surmou{n}teț țe hey[gh]enesse of țe greet[e] eyir. {and} it seiț țe cloudes by-hynde hir bak {and} passeț țe hey[gh]t of țe regiou{n} of țe fire țat eschaufiț by țe swifte moeuyng of țe firmament. til țat she a-reisiț hir in til țe houses ț{a}t beren țe sterres. {and} ioygneț hir weyes wiț țe sonne phebus. {and} felawshipeț țe weye of țe olde colde saturnus. and she ymaked a kny[gh]t of țe clere sterre. țat is to seyne țat țe soule is maked goddys kny[gh]t by țe sekyng of treuțe to comen to țe verray knowlege of god. and țilke soule renne[ț] by țe cercle of țe sterres in alle țe places țere as țe shynyng ny[gh]t is depeynted. țat is to seyne țe ny[gh]t țat is cloudeles. for on ny[gh]tes țat ben cloudeles it semeț as țe heuene were peynted wiț dyuerse ymages of sterres. {and} whan țe soule haț gon ynou[gh] she shal forleten țe last[e] poynt of țe heuene. {and} she shal p{re}ssen {and} wenden on țe bak of țe swifte firmament. and she shal ben maked p{er}fit of țe dredefulle clerenesse of god. ¶ țere haldeț țe lorde of kynges țe ceptre of his my[gh]t {and} atte{m}p{er}eț țe gouernementes of țis worlde. {and} țe shynynge iuge of ținges stable i{n} hy{m} self gouerneț țe swifte carte. țat is to seyne țe circuler moeuyng of [the] sonne. {and} yif ți weye ledeț țe a[gh]eyne so țat țou be brou[gh]t țider. țan wilt țou seye now țat țat is țe contre țat țou requeredest of whiche țou ne haddest no mynde. but now it remenbreț me wel here was I born. here wil I fastne my degree. here wil I dwelle. but yif țe lyke țan to loken on țe derkenesse of țe erțe țat țou hast for-leten. țan shalt țou seen țat țise felonous tyrauntes țat țe wrecched[e] poeple dredeț now shule ben exiled from țilke faire contre. TUNC EGO PAPE INQ{UA}M. {ET} C{ETERA}. [Sidenote: [The 2^e p{ro}se.]] ++ȚAnne seide I țus. [owh] I wondre me țat țou by-hetest me so grete ținges. ne I ne doute nat țat ț{o}u ne mayst wel p{er}forme țat țou by-hetest. but I preie țe oonly țis. țat țou ne tarie nat to telle me țilke ținges țat țou hast meoued. first q{uo}d she țou most nedes knowen. ț{a}t good[e] folk ben al wey strong[e] {and} my[gh]ty. and țe shrewes ben feble {and} desert {and} naked of alle strengțes. and of țise ținges certys eueryche of hem is declared {and} shewed by oț{er}. ¶ For so as good {and} yuel ben two cont{ra}ries. yif so be țat goode be stedfast. ța{n} sheweț țe fieblesse of yuel al openly. and yif țou knowe clerely țe freelnesse of yuel. țe stedfastnesse of goode is knowen. but for as moche as țe fey of my sentence shal be țe more ferme {and} habou{n}daunt. I wil goon by țat oon wey {and} by țat oțer {and} I wil conferme țe ținges țat ben p{ur}posed now on țis side {and} now on ț{a}t syde. ¶ Two ținges țer ben in whiche țe effect of alle țe dedes of man kynde standiț. țat is to seyn. wil {and} power. and yif țat oon of țise two fayleț țere nis no țing țat may be don. for yif țat wil lakkeț țere nys no wy[gh]t țat vndirtakeț to done țat he wol not don. and yif power fayleț țe wille nis but i{n} ydel {and} stant for nau[gh]t. and țer of comeț it țat yif țou se a wy[gh]t țat wolde gete{n} țat he may nat geten. țou mayst nat douten țat power ne fayleț hy{m} to haue{n} țat he wolde. ¶ țis is open {and} clere q{uo}d I. ne it may nat ben denyed in no manere. and yif țou se a wy[gh]t q{uo}d she. țat haț don țat he wolde don ț{o}u nilt nat douten țat he ne haț had power to done it. no q{uo}d. I. and in țat. țat euery wy[gh]t may. in țat țat men may holden hym my[gh]ty. as who seiț i{n} as moche as a man is my[gh]ty to done a țing. in so moche men halden hy{m} my[gh]ty. and in țat țat he ne may. in țat men demen hym to ben feble. I confesse it wel q{uo}d I. Remembriț țe q{uo}d she țat I. haue gadred {and} shewed by forseide resou{n}s țat al țe entenc{i}ou{n} of țe wil of ma{n}kynde whiche țat is lad by diuerse studies hastiț to comen to blisfulnesse. ¶ It reme{m}breț me wel q{uo}d I țat it hath ben shewed. {and} recordeț țe nat țan q{uo}d she. țat blisfulnesse is țilke same goode țat men requeren. so țat whan țat blisfulnesse is requered of alle. țat goode [also] is requered {and} desired of al. It recordeț me wel q{uo}d I. for haue it gretly alwey ficche[d] in my memorie. alle folk țan q{uo}d she goode {and} eke badde enforcen he{m} wiț oute difference of entenc{i}ou{n} to come{n} to goode. țat is a uerray consequence q{uo}d I. and certeyne is q{uo}d she țat by țe gety{n}g of goode ben men ymaked goode. țis is certeyne q{uo}d. I. ¶ țan geten goode men țat ței desiren. so semeț it q{uo}d I. but wicked[e] folk q{uo}d she yif ței geten țe goode țat ței desire{n} ței [ne] mowen nat ben wicked. so is it q{uo}d .I. ¶ țan so as țat oon {and} țat oțer [q{uod} she] desiren good. {and} țe goode folk geten good {and} nat țe wicked folk ¶ țan nis it no doute țat țe goode folk ne ben my[gh]ty {and} țe wicked folk ben feble. ¶ who so țat euer q{uo}d I douteț of țis. he ne may nat considre țe nature of ți{n}ges. ne țe consequence of resou{n}. and ouer țis q{uo}d she. ¶ yif țat țer ben two ținges țat han o same p{ur}pos by kynde. {and} țat one of he{m} p{ur}sueț {and} p{er}formeț țilke same ținge by naturel office. {and} țat oțer ne may nat done țilk naturel office. but folweț by oțer manere țan is couenable to nat{ur}e ¶ Hym țat acomplisiț hys p{ur}pos kyndely. {and} [gh]it he ne acomplisiț nat hys owen purpos. whețer of țise two demest țou for more my[gh]ty. ¶ yif țat I coniecte q{uo}d .I. țat țou wilt seye algates. [gh]it I desire to herkene it more pleynely of țe. țou nilt nat țan denye q{uo}d she țat țe moeueme{n}t[gh] of goynge nis in men by kynde. no for soțe q{uo}d I. ne țou ne doutest nat q{uo}d she ț{a}t țilke naturel office of goynge ne be țe office of feet. I ne doute it nat q{uo}d .I. țan q{uo}d she yif țat a wy[gh]t be my[gh]ty to moeue {and} goț vpon hys feet. and anoțer to whom țilke naturel office of feet lakkeț. enforceț hym to gone crepynge vpo{n} hys handes. ¶ whiche of țise two au[gh]te to ben holden more my[gh]ty by ry[gh]t. knyt furțe țe remenaunt q{uo}d I. ¶ For no wy[gh]t ne douteț țat he țat may gone by nat{ur}el office of feet. ne be more my[gh]ty țan he țat ne may nat ¶ but țe souereyne good q{uo}d she țat is euenlyche p{ur}posed to țe good folk {and} to badde. țe good folke seken it by naturel office of uertues. {and} țe shrewes enforcen hem to geten it by dyuerse couetise of erțely ținges. whiche țat nis no naturel office to geten țilke same souereyne goode. trowest țou țat it be any oțer wyse. nay q{uo}d .I. for țe co{n}seque{n}ce is open {and} shewynge of ținges țat I haue graunted. ¶ țat nedes goode folk moten ben my[gh]ty. {and} shrewes feble {and} vnmy[gh]ty. ¶ țou rennest ary[gh]t byfore me q{uo}d she. {and} țis is țe iugement țat is to seyn. ¶ I iuge of țe ry[gh]t as țise leches ben wont forto hopen of seke folk whan ței ap{er}ceyuen țat nature is redressed {and} wițstondeț to țe maladie. ¶ But for I see țe now al redy to țe vndirstandynge I shal shewe țe more țilke {and} continuel resou{n}s. ¶ For loke now how gretly shewiț țe feblesse {and} infirmite of wicked folke. țat ne mowen nat come to țat hire naturel entenc{i}ou{n} ledeț hem. {and} [gh]itte almost țilk naturel entenc{i}ou{n} constreineț hem. ¶ and what wer{e} to deme țan of shrewes. yif țilke naturel helpe hadde for-leten hem. ¶ țe whiche naturel helpe of entenc{i}ou{n} goț alwey byforne hem. {and} is so grete țat vnneț it may be ou{er}comen. ¶ Considre țan how gret defaute of power {and} how gret feblesse țere is in grete felonous folk as who seiț țe gretter ți{n}ges țat ben coueited {and} țe desire nat accomplissed of țe lasse my[gh]t is he țat coueiteț it {and} may nat acomplisse. ¶ And forți philosophie seiț țus by souereyne good. ¶ Sherewes ne requere nat ly[gh]t[e] medes ne veyne gaines whiche ței ne may nat folwen ne holden. but ței fayle{n} of țilke some of țe hey[gh]te of ținges țat is to seyne souereyne good. ne țise wrecches ne comen nat to țe effect of souereyne good. țe whiche ței enforcen hem oonly to gete{n} by ny[gh]tes {and} by dayes. ¶ In țe getyn[g] of whiche goode țe strengțe of good folk. is ful wel ysen. For ry[gh]t so as ț{o}u my[gh]test demen hym my[gh]ty of goynge țat goț on hys feet til he my[gh]t[e] come to țilke place fro țe whiche place țere ne lay no wey forțer to be gon. Ry[gh]t so most țou nedes demen hym for ry[gh]t my[gh]ty țat getiț {and} atteiniț to țe ende of alle ținges țat ben to desire. by-[gh]onde țe whiche ende țat țer nis no țing to desire. ¶ Of whiche power of good folk men may conclude țat wicked men semen to ben bareyne {and} naked of alle strengțe. For whi forleten ței v{er}tues {and} folwen vices. nis it nat for țat ței ne knowen nat țe goodes. ¶ But what țing is more feble {and} more caitif țan is țe blyndenesse of ignoraunce. or ellys ței knowen ful wel whiche ținges țat ței au[gh]ten to folwen ¶ but lecherye {and} couetise ouerțroweț hem mysturned. ¶ and certis so doț distemp{er}aunce to feble men. țat ne mowe{n} nat wrastle a[gh]eins țe vices ¶ Ne knowen ței nat țan wel țat ței foreleten țe good wilfully. {and} turnen hem vilfully to vices. ¶ And in țis wise ței ne forleten nat oonly to ben my[gh]ty. but ței forleten al outerly in any wise forto ben ¶ For ței țat forleten țe comune fyn of alle ținges țat ben. ței for-leten also țerwiț al forto ben. and p{er}auenture it sholde semen to som folk țat țis were a merueile to seyne țat shrewes whiche țat contienen țe more p{ar}tie of me{n} ne ben nat. ne han no beynge. ¶ but națeles it is so. {and} țus stant țis țing for ței țat ben shrewes I denye nat țat ței ben shrewes. but I denye {and} sey[e] symplely and pleynly țat ței [ne] ben nat. ne han no beynge. for ry[gh]t as țou my[gh]test seyn of țe careyne of a man țat it were a ded man. ¶ but țou ne my[gh]test nat symplely callen it a man. ¶ So graunt[e] I wel for soțe țat vicious folk ben wicked. but I ne may nat graunten absolutely {and} symplely țat ței ben. ¶ For țilk țing țat wiț holdeț ordre {and} kepiț nature. țilk țing is {and} haț beynge. but țat țing țat faileț of țat. țat is to seyne he ț{a}t forletiț naturel ordre he for-letiț țilk beyng țat is set in hys nature. but țou wolt sein țat shrewes mowen. ¶ Certys țat ne denye I nat. ¶ but certys hir power ne descendeț nat of strengțe but of feblesse. for ței mowen don wickednesses. țe whiche ței ne my[gh]ten nat don yif ței my[gh]te{n} dwelle in țe forme {and} in țe doynge of goode folke. ¶ And țilke power sheweț ful euydently țat ței ne mowen ry[gh]t nau[gh]t. ¶ For so as I haue gadered {and} p{ro}ued a lytel her byforn țat yuel is nau[gh]t. {and} so as shrewes mowen oonly but shrewednesse. țis conclusiou{n} is al clere. țat shrewes ne mowen ry[gh]t nat to han power. and for as moche as țou vndirstonde whiche is țe strengțe țat is power of shrewes. I haue diffinised a lytel here byforn țat no țing nis so my[gh]ty as souereyne good ¶ țat is soțe q{uo}d .I. [{and} thilke same souereyn good may don non yuel // Certes no q{uod} I] ¶ Is țer any wy[gh]t țan q{uo}d she țat weniț țat men mowen don alle ținges. No man q{uo}d .I. but yif he be out of hys witte. ¶ but certys sherewes mowen doń yuel q{uo}d she. ¶ [gh]e wolde god q{uo}d I țat ței ne my[gh]te{n} don none. țat q{uo}d she so as he țat is my[gh]ty to done oonly but good[e] ținges may don alle ținges. and ței țat ben my[gh]ty to done yuel[e] ținges ne mowen nat alle ținges. țan is țis open țing {and} manifest țat ței ț{a}t mowe{n} don yuel ben of lasse power. and [gh]itte to p{ro}ue țis conclusiou{n} țere helpeț me țis țat I haue shewed here byforne. țat al power is to be nou{m}bred amonge ținges țat men au[gh]ten requere. {and} haue shewed țat alle ți{n}ges țat 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. țan nis nat yuel of țe nou{m}bre of ținges țat au[gh]te{n}. be desired. but al power au[gh]t[e] ben desired {and} requered. ¶ țan is it open {and} cler țat țe power ne țe moeuyng of shrewes nis no powere. {and} of alle țise ținges it sheweț wel țat țe goode folk ben certeynly my[gh]ty. {and} țe shrewes ben douteles vnmy[gh]ty ¶ And it is clere {and} open țat țilke sentence of plato is uerray {and} soțe. ț{a}t seyț țat oonly wiseme{n} may [doon] țat ței desiren. {and} shrewes mowen haunten țat hem lykeț. but țat ței desiren țat is to seyne to comen to souereyne good ței ne han no power to acomplissen țat. ¶ For shrewes don țat hem list whan by țo ținges in whiche ței deliten ței wenen to atteyne to țilke good țat ței desiren. but ței ne geten ne atteynen nat țer to. ¶ for vices ne comen nat to blisfulnesse. QUOS UIDES SEDERE CELSOS. [Sidenote: [The ij^de Met{ur}.]] ++Who so țat țe couertures of her veyn apparailes my[gh]t[e] strepen of țise proude kynges țat țou seest sitten on hey[gh]e in her chayeres glyterynge in shynynge purpre envyroned wiț sorweful arm{ur}es manasyng wiț cruel mouțe. blowyng by woodnesse of herte. ¶ He sholde se țan țat ilke lordes beren wiț i{n}ne hir corages ful streyte cheynes for leccherye tormentiț he{m} on țat oon syde wiț gredy venyms {and} troublable Ire țat araiseț in hem țe floodes of troublynges tourmentiț vpon țat oțer side hir țou[gh]t. or sorwe halt he{m} wery or ycau[gh]t. or slidyng {and} disseyuyng hope tourmentiț hem. And țerfore syn țou seest on heed. țat is to seyne oon tyraunt bere so many[e] tyrauntis. ța{n} ne doț țilk tyraunt nat țat he desiriț. syn he is cast doune wiț so many[e] wicked lordes. țat is to seyn wiț so many[e] vices. țat han so wicked lordshipes ouer hym. VIDES NE IGITUR QUANTO. [Sidenote: [The iij.^de p{ro}se.]] ++SEest țou nat țan in how gret filțe țise shrewes ben ywrapped. {and} wiț whiche cleernesse țise good folk shynen. In țis sheweț it wel țat to good folk ne lakkeț neuer mo hir medes. ne shrewes ne lakken neuer mo to{ur}mentis. for of alle ținges țat ben ydon țilke țing for whiche any țing is doon. it semeț as by ry[gh]t țat țilke țing be țe mede of țat. as țus. ¶ yif a man renneț in țe stadie or in țe forlonge for țe corone. țan lieț țe mede in țe corone for whiche he renneț. ¶ And I haue shewed țat blisfulnesse is țilke same good for whiche țat alle ți{n}g{us} ben don. țan is țilke same good p{ur}posed to țe 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 țennes forțe ț{a}t hym lakkiț goodnesse ne shal ben cleped good. For whiche țing folk of good[e] maneres her medes ne forsaken hem neuer mo. For al be it so țat sherewes waxen as wood as hem list a[gh]eynes good[e] folk. [gh]itte neuer țe les țe corone of wise men ne shal nat fallen ne faden. ¶ For foreine shrewednesse ne bynymeț nat fro țe corages of good[e] folk hire p{ro}pre honoure. but yif țat any wy[gh]t reioiseț hem of goodnesse țat ței had[de] taken fro wițoute. as who seiț yif [ț{a}t] any wy[gh]t had[de] hys goodnesse of any oțer man țan of hym self. certys he țat [gh]af hym țilke goodnesse or ellys som oțer 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]eueț hy{m} hys mede. țan at arst shal he faylen of mede whan he forletiț to ben good. {and} at țe laste so as alle medes be{n} requered for men wenen țat ței ben good[e]. who is he țat wolde deme țat he țat 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 țe of țilk noble corolarie țat I [gh]af țe a lytel here byforne. {and} gadre it to gidre in țis manere. so as god hym self is blisfulnesse. țan is it clere {and} certeyn. țat alle good folk ben makid blisful for ței ben good[e]. and țilke folk țat ben blisful it accordiț {and} is couenable to ben godde[s]. țan is țe mede of goode folk swiche. țat no day [ne] shal enpeyren it. ne no wickednesse shal endirken it. ne power of no wy[gh]t ne shal nat amenusen it țat is to seyn to ben maked goddes. ¶ and syn it is țus țat goode men ne faylen neuer mo of hir{e} medes. ¶ certys no wise man ne may doute of țe vndep{ar}table peyne of shrewes. ¶ țat is to seyn țat țe peyne of shrewes ne dep{ar}tiț nat from hem self neuer mo. ¶ For so as goode {and} yuel {and} peyne {and} medes ben contrarie it mot nedes ben ț{a}t ry[gh]t as we seen by-tiden in gerdou{n} of goode. țat also mot țe peyne of yuel answer{e} by țe contrarie partye to shrewes. now țan so as bounte {and} prowesse ben țe medes to goode folk. also is shrewednesse it self torment to shrewes ¶ țan who so țat euer is entecched {and} defouled wiț yuel. yif shrewes wolen țan p{re}isen hem self may it semen to hem țat ței ben wiț oute{n} p{ar}tye of tourment. syn ței ben swiche țat țe [vtteriste wikkednesse / ț{a}t is to seyn wikkede thewes / which ț{a}t is the] out{er}este {and} țe w[or]ste kynde of shrewednesse ne defouliț nat ne entecehiț nat hem oonly but infectiț {and} enuenemyț he{m} gretely ¶ And al so loke on shrewes țat ben țe contrarie p{ar}tye of goode men. how grete peyne felawshipeț {and} folweț hem. ¶ For țou hast lerned a litel here byforn țat al ți{n}g țat is {and} haț beynge is oon. {and} țilke same oon is good. țan is țis consequence țat it semeț wel. țat al țat is {and} haț bey{n}ge is good. țis is to seyne. as who seiț țat beynge {and} vnite {and} goodnesse is al oon. {and} in țis manere it folweț țan. țat al țing țat faileț to ben good. it styntiț forto be. {and} forto haue any beynge. wher fore it is țat shrewes stynten forto ben țat ței weren. but țilke oțer forme of mankynde. țat is to seyne țe forme of țe body wiț oute. shewiț [gh]it țat țise shrewes were somtyme men. ¶ wher fore whan ței ben p{er}uerted {and} torned in to malice. certys țan han ței forlorn țe nature of mankynde. but so as oonly bounte {and} prowesse may enhawnse euery man ouer oțer men. țan mot it nedes be țat shrewes whiche țat shrewednesse haț cast out of țe condic{i}ou{n} of mankynde ben put vndir țe merite {and} țe deserte of men. țan bitidiț it țat yif țou seest a wy[gh]t țat be t{ra}nsformed in to vices. țou ne mayst nat wene țat he be a man. ¶ For [gh]if he [be] ardaunt in auarice. {and} țat he be a rauyno{ur} by violence of foreine rychesse. țou shalt seyn țat he is lyke to a wolf. {and} yif he be felonous {and} wiț out reste {and} ex{er}cise hys tonge to chidynges. țou shalt lykene hym to țe hounde. {and} yif he be a p{re}ue awaito{ur} yhid {and} reioyseț hym to rauysshe by wyles. țou shalt seyne hym lyke to țe fox whelpes. ¶ And yif he be distempre {and} quakiț for ire men shal wene țat he bereț țe corage of a lyou{n}. {and} yif he be dredeful {and} fleynge and dredeț ținges țat ne au[gh]ten nat ben dred. men shal holde hym lyke to țe h{er}te. {and} yif he be slowe {and} astoned {and} lache. he lyueț as an asse. {and} yif he be ly[gh]t {and} vnstedfast of corage {and} chaungeț ay his studies. he is lickened to briddes. ¶ {and} yif he be plounged in foule {and} vnclene luxuries. he is wițholden in țe foule delices of țe foule soowe. ¶ țan folweț it țat he țat forletiț bountee {and} prowesse. he forletiț to ben a man. syn he ne may nat passe in to țe 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 țe wynde aryueț țe sayles of vlixes duc of țe contre of narice. {and} hys wandryng shippes by țe see in to țe isle țere as Circe țe fayre goddesse dou[gh]ter of țe sonne dwelleț țat medlyț to hir newe gestes drynkes țat ben touched {and} maked wiț enchau{n}tment[gh]. {and} after țat hir hande my[gh]ty of țe herbes had[de] chau{n}ged hir gestes i{n} to dyuerse maneres. țat oon of hem is couered his face wiț forme of a boor. țat oțer is chau{n}ged in to a lyou{n} of țe contre of marmorike. {and} his nayles {and} his tețe wexen. ¶ țat oțer of hem is newliche chaunged in to a wolf. {and} howeliț whan he wolde wepe. țat oțer goț debonairly in țe house as a tigre of Inde. but al be it so țat țe godhed of mercurie țat is cleped țe bride of arcadie haț had mercie of țe duc vlixes byseged wiț diu{er}se yueles {and} haț vnbounden hym fro țe pestilence of hys oosteresse algates țe rowers {and} țe maryners hadden by țis ydrawen in to hir mouțes {and} dronken țe wicked[e] drynkes ței țat were woxen swyne hadden by țis chau{n}ged hire mete of brede forto ete acorns of ookes. non of hir lymes ne dwelliț wiț he{m} hoole. but ței han lost țe voys {and} țe body. Oonly hir{e} țou[gh]t dwelleț wiț hem stable ț{a}t wepiț {and} bywailiț țe monstruous chaungynge țat ței suffren. ¶ O ouer ly[gh]t hand. as who seiț. ¶ O feble {and} ly[gh]t is țe hand of Circes țe enchaunteresse țat chaungeț țe bodies of folk in to bestes to regarde {and} to co{m}parisou{n} of mutac{i}ou{n} țat is makid by vices. ne țe herbes of circes ne ben nat my[gh]ty. for al be it so țat ței may chau{n}gen țe lymes of țe body. ¶ algates [gh]it ței may nat chau{n}ge țe hertes. for wiț inne is yhid țe strengțe {and} țe vigour of me{n} in țe secre toure of hire hertys. țat is to seyn țe strengțe of resou{n}. but țilke uenyms of vices to-drawen a man to hem more my[gh]tily țan țe venym of circes. ¶ For vices ben so cruel țat ței percen {and} țoru[gh] passen țe corage wiț i{n}ne. {and} țou[gh] ței ne anoye nat țe body. [gh]itte vices wooden to distroien men by wounde of țou[gh]t. TUNC EGO FATEOR INQ{UA}M. [Sidenote: [The ferthe p{ro}se.]] ++Țan seide I țus I confesse {and} am aknowe q{uo}d I. ne I ne se nat țat men may seyn as by ry[gh]t. ț{a}t shrewes ne ben nat chaunged in to beestes by țe qualite of hir soules. ¶ Al be it so ț{a}t ței kepen [gh]itte țe forme of țe body of mankynde. but I nolde nat of shrewes of whiche țe țou[gh]t cruel woodeț alwey in to destrucc{i}ou{n} of good[e] men. țat it wer{e} leueful to hem to done țat. ¶ Certys q{uo}d she ne it nis nat leueful to hem as I shal wel shewen țe in couenable place. ¶ But națeles yif so were țat țilke țat me{n} wene{n} ben leueful for shrewes were bynomen hem. so țat ței ne my[gh]ten nat anoyen or don harme to goode men. ¶ Certys a gret p{ar}ty of țe peyne to shrewes shulde ben allegged {and} releued. ¶ For al be it so ț{a}t țis ne seme nat credible țing p{er}auent{ur}e to so{m}me folk [gh]it mot it nedes be țat shrewes ben more wrecches {and} vnsely. whan ței may don {and} p{er}forme țat ței coueiten [than yif they myhte nat complyssen ț{a}t they coueyten]. ¶ For yif so be țat it be wrecchednesse to wilne to don yuel[;] țan is it more wrecchednesse to mowen don yuel. wiț oute whiche moeuyng țe wrecched wille sholde languisshe wiț oute effecte. ¶ țan syn țat eueryche of țise ținges haț hys wrecchednesse. țat is to seyne wil to done yuel. and moeuynge to done yuel. it mot nedes be. țat ței (shrewes) ben constreyned by țre vnselynesses țat wolen {and} mowen {and} p{er}formen felonyes {and} shrewednesses. ¶ I accorde me q{uo}d I. but I desire gretely țat shrewes losten sone țilke vnselynesses. țat is to seyne țat shrewes were despoyled of moeuyng to don yuel. ¶ so shulle{n} ței q{uo}d she. sonnere p{er}auenture țen ț{o}u woldest or sonnere țen ței hem self wenen to lakken mowynge to done yuel. ¶ For țere nis no țing so late in so short bou{n}des of țis lijf țat is longe to abide. namelyche to a corage inmortel. Of whiche shrewes țe grete hope {and} țe heye co{m}passy{n}g{us} of shrewednesse is often destroyed by a sodeyne ende or ței ben war. {and} țat țing establiț to shrewes țe ende of hir shrewednesse. ¶ For yif țat shrewednesse makițe wrecches. țan mot he nedes be most wrecched țat lengest is a shrewe. țe whiche wicked shrewes wolde ydemen aldirmost vnsely {and} caytifs yif țat hir shrewednes ne were yfinissed. at țe leste weye by țe outerest[e] deeț. for [yif] I haue concluded soțe of țe vnselynesse of shrewednesse. țan sheweț it clerely țat țilke shrewednesse is wiț outen ende țe whiche is certeyne to ben p{er}durable. ¶ Certys q{uo}d I țis [conclusion] is harde {and} wonderful to graunte. ¶ But I knowe wel țat it accordeț moche to [the] ți{n}ges țat I haue graunted her byforne. ¶ țou hast q{uo}d she țe ry[gh]t estimac{i}ou{n} of țis. but who so euere wene țat it be an harde țing to acorde hym to a conclusiou{n}. it is ry[gh]t țat he shewe țat so{m}me of țe p{re}misses ben fals. or ellys he mot shewe țat țe 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 țat țe p{re}misses ben yg{ra}nted țer nis nat whi he sholde blame țe argument. for țis țing țat I shal telle țe nowe ne shal not seme lasse wondirful. but of țe ținges țat ben taken al so it is necessarie as who so seiț it folweț of țat whiche țat is p{ur}posed byforn. what is țat q{uo}d I. ¶ certys q{uo}d she țat is țat ț{a}t țise wicked shrewes ben more blysful or ellys lasse wrecches. țat byen țe tourmentes țat ței han deserued. țan yif no peyne of Iustice ne chastied[e] hem. ne țis ne seye I nat now for țat any man my[gh]t[e] țenk[e] țat țe maneres of shrewes ben coriged {and} chastised by veniaunce. {and} țat ței ben brou[gh]t to țe ry[gh]t wey by țe drede of țe tourment. ne for țat ței [gh]euen to oțer folk ensample to fleyen fro{m} vices. ¶ But I vndirstonde [gh]itte [in] an oțer manere țat shrewes ben more vnsely whan ței ne ben nat punissed al be it so țat țere ne ben had no resou{n} or lawe of correcc{i}ou{n}. ne none ensample of lokynge. ¶ And what manere shal țat ben q{uo}d I. ouțer țan haț ben told here byforn ¶ Haue we nat graunted țan q{uo}d she țat good[e] folk ben blysful. {and} shrewes ben wrecches. [gh]is q{uo}d I. [thanne q{uod} she] [gh]if țat any good were added to țe wrecchenesse of any wy[gh]t. nis he nat more blisful țan he țat ne haț no medelyng of goode in hys solitarie wrecchednesse. so semeț it q{uo}d I. and what seyst țou țan q{uo}d she of țilke wrecche țat lakkeț alle goodes. so țat no goode nis medeled in hys wrecchednesse. {and} [gh]itte ouer alle hys wickednesse for whiche he is a wrecche țat țer be [gh]itte anoțer yuel anexid {and} knyt to hym. shal not men demen hym more vnsely țan țilke wrecche of whiche țe vnselynesse is re[le]ued by țe p{ar}ticipac{i}ou{n} of som goode. whi sholde he nat q{uo}d I. ¶ țan certys q{uo}d she han shrewes whan ței ben punissed somwhat of good anexid to hir wrecchednesse. țat is to seyne țe same peyne țat ței suffren whiche țat is good by țe resou{n} of Iustice. And whan țilke same shrewes ascapen wiț outen tourment. țan han ței somwhat more of yuel [gh]it ouer țe wickednesse țat ței han don. țat is to seye defaute of peyne. whiche defaute of peyne țou hast graunted is yuel. ¶ For țe desert of felonye I ne may nat denye it q{uo}d I. ¶ Moche more țan q{uo}d she ben shrewes vnsely whan ței ben wrongfully delyuered fro peyne. țan whan ței beț punissed by ry[gh]tful vengeaunce. but țis is open ți{n}g {and} clere țat it is ry[gh]t țat shrewes ben punissed. {and} it is wickednesse {and} wrong țat ței escapin vnpunissed. ¶ who my[gh]t[e] denye țat q{uo}d I. but q{uo}d she may any ma{n} denye. țat al țat is ry[gh]t nis good. {and} also țe contrarie. țat alle țat is wrong nis wicked. certys q{uo}d I țise ținges ben clere ynou[gh]. {and} țat we han concludid a litel here byforn{e}. but I p{re}ye țe țat țou telle me yif țou accordest to leten no to{ur}ment to țe soules aftir țat țe body is dedid by țe dețe. țis [is] to seyn. vndirstondest țou ou[gh]t țat soules han any to{ur}ment after țe dețe of țe body. ¶ Certis q{uo}d she [gh]e {and} țat ry[gh]t grete. of whiche soules q{uo}d she I trowe țat 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 țis peyne. but I haue trauayled and told it hider to. ¶ For țou sholdest knowe țat țe mowynge [.i. myght] of shrewes whiche mowynge țe semeț to ben. vnworți nis no mowynge. {and} eke of shrewes of whiche țou pleynedest țat ței ne were nat punissed. țat țou woldest seen țat ței ne weren neuer mo wiț outen țe torment of hire wickednesse. {and} of țe licence of mowynge to done yuel. țat țou p{re}idest țat it my[gh]t[e] sone ben endid. {and} țat țou woldest fayne lerne. țat it ne sholde nat longe endure. {and} țat shrewes ben more vnsely yif ței were of lenger duryng. {and} most vnsely yif ței weren p{er}durable. {and} after țis I haue shewed țe țat more vnsely ben shrewes whan ței escapen wiț oute ry[gh]tful peyne. țan whan ței ben punissed by ry[gh]tful uengeaunce. and of țis sentence folweț it țat țan be{n} shrewes constreyned atte laste wiț most greuous tourment. whan men wene țat ței ne ben nat ypunissed. whan I considre ți resou{n}s q{uo}d I. I. ne trowe nat țat men seyn any țing more verrely. {and} yif I to{ur}ne a[gh]eyn to țe studies of men. who is [he] to who{m} it sholde seme țat [he] ne sholde nat only leue{n} țise ținges. but eke gladly herkene he{m}. Certys q{uo}d she so it is. but men may nat. for ței han hire eyen so wont to derkenesse of erțely ținges. țat ței may nat liften hem vp to țe ly[gh]t of clere soțefastnes. ¶ But ței ben lyke to briddes of whiche țe ny[gh]t ly[gh]tneț hyre lookyng. {and} țe day blyndeț hem. for whan men loken nat țe ordre of ținges but hire lustes {and} talent[gh]. ței wene țat oțir țe leue or țe mowynge to done wickednesse or ellys țe escapi{n}g wiț oute peyne be weleful. but co{n}sider{e} țe iugement of țe p{er}durable lawe. for if țou conferme ți corage to țe beste ținges. țou ne hast no nede to no iuge to [gh]iue{n} țe p{r}is or meede. for țou hast ioigned ți self to țe most excellent țing. and yif țou haue enclined ți studies to țe wicked ținges. ne seek no foreyn wrekere out of ți self. for țou ți self hast țrest țe in to wicked ținges. ry[gh]t as țou my[gh]test loken by dyuerse tymes țe foule erțe {and} țe heuene. {and} țat alle oțer ținges stynten fro wiț oute. so țat țou [ner{e} neyther in heuene ne in erthe] ne say[e] no țing more. țan sholde it semen to țe as by only resou{n} of lokynge. țat țou were in țe sterres. {and} now in țe erțe. but țe poeple ne lokeț nat on țise ținges. what țan shal we țan app{ro}chen vs to hem țat I haue shewed țat ței ben lyke to țe bestes. (q. d. no{n}) ¶ And what wilt țou seyne of țis ¶ yif țat a man hadde al forlorn hys sy[gh]t. {and} had[de] for[gh]eten țat he euer saw {and} wende ț{a}t no țing ne fayled[e] hym of p{er}fecc{i}ou{n} of ma{n}kynde. now we țat my[gh]ten sen țe same țing wolde we nat wene țat he were bly{n}de (q. d. sic). ne also ne accordeț nat țe poeple to țat I shal seyne. țe whiche țing is susteyned by a stronge foundement of resou{n}s. țat is to seyn țat more vnsely ben ței țat don wrong to oțer folk. țen ței țat țe wrong suffren. ¶ I wolde heren țilke same resou{n}s q{uo}d I ¶ Deniest țou q{uo}d she țat alle shrewes ne ben worți to han to{ur}ment. nay q{uo}d I. but q{uo}d she I am certeyne by many resou{n}s țat shrewes ben vnsely. it accordeț q{uo}d I. țan [ne] dowtest țou nat q{uo}d she țat țilke folk țat ben worți of to{ur}ment țat ței ne ben wrecches. It accordeț wel q{uo}d I. yif țou were țan q{uo}d she yset a Iuge or a knower of ținges. whețer trowest țou ț{a}t men sholde to{ur}ment[e] hym țat haț don țe wronge. or hym țat haț suffred țe wronge. I ne doute nat q{uo}d I. țat I nolde don suffissaunt satisfacc{i}ou{n} to hym țat had[de] suffred țe wrong by țe sorwe of hym țat had[de] don țe wronge. ¶ țan semeț it q{uo}d she țat țe doar of wrong is more wrecche țan he țat haț suffred țe wrong. țat folweț wel q{uo}d [I]. țan q{uo}d she by țise causes {and} by oțer causes țat ben enforced by țe same roate țat filțe or synne by țe p{ro}pre nature of it makeț men wretches. {and} it sheweț wel țat țe wrong țat me{n} don nis nat țe wrecchenesse of hym țat receyueț țe wrong. but țe wrecchednesse of hym țat doț țe wronge ¶ but certys q{uo}d she țise orato{ur}s or aduocat[gh] don al țe contrarie for ței enforcen hem to co{m}moeue țe iuges to han pite of he{m} țat han suffred {and} resceyued țe ținges țat ben greuous {and} aspre. {and} [gh]itte men sholden more ry[gh]tfully han pitee on hem țat don țe greuaunces {and} țe wronges. țe whiche shrewes it were a more couenable țing țat țe accuso{ur}s or aduocat[gh] not wroțe but pitous {and} debonaire ladden țe shrewes țat han don wro{n}g to țe Iugement. ry[gh]t as men leden seke folk to țe leche. for țat ței sholden seken out țe maladies of synne by to{ur}ment[gh]. and by țis couenaunt eyțer țe entent of țe defendo{ur}s or aduocat[gh] sholde fayle {and} cesen in al. or ellys yif țe office of aduocat[gh] wolde bettre p{ro}fiten to men. it sholde be to{ur}ned in to țe habit of accusac{i}ou{n}. țat is [to] s[e]yn ței sholde{n} accuse shrewes. {and} nat excuse hem. {and} eke țe shrewes hem self. [gh]it it were leueful to hem to seen at any clifte țe vertue țat ței han forleten. {and} sawen țat ței sholde putten adou{n} țe filțes of hire vices by [the] to{ur}ment[gh] of peynes. ței ne au[gh]ten nat ry[gh]t for țe reco{m}pensac{i}ou{n} forto geten hem bounte {and} prowesse whiche țat ței han lost demen ne holden țat țilke peynes weren to{ur}mentes to hem. {and} eke ței wolden refuse țe attendau{n}ce of hir aduocat[gh] {and} taken hem self to hire iuges {and} to hir accusours. for whiche it bytideț [ț{a}t] as to țe wise folk țer nis no place ylete to hate. țat is to seyn. țat hate ne haț 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 țat ței țat ben seek of hire body ben worți to ben hated. but rațer worți of pite. wel more worți nat to ben hated. but forto ben had in pite ben ței of whiche țe țou[gh]tes ben constreined by felonous wickednesse. țat is more cruel ța{n} any languissinge of body. QUID TANTOS IUUAT. [Sidenote: [The ferthe Met{ur}.]] ++What deliteț it [gh]ow to exciten so grete moewynges of hatredes {and} to hasten {and} bisien [the] fatal disposic{i}ou{n} of [gh]oure deeț wiț [gh]oure p{ro}pre handes. țat is to seyn by batailes or [by] contek. for yif [gh]e axen țe deeț it hastisiț hym of hys owen wille. ne deeț ne tarieț nat hys swifte hors. and [the] men țat țe serpent[gh] {and} țe lyou{n}s. {and} țe tigre. {and} țe beere {and} țe boore seken to sleen wiț her tețe. [gh]it țilke same men seken to sleen eueryche of hem oțer wiț swerde. loo for her man{er}s ben diuerse {and} discordaunt ¶ ței moeuen vnry[gh]tful oostes {and} cruel batailes. {and} wilne to p{er}isse by enterchaungynge of dartes. but țe resou{n} of cruelte nis nat ynou[gh] ry[gh]tful. wilt țou țan [gh]elden a couenable gerdou{n} to țe 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.]] ++Țus see I wel q{uo}d I. eyțer what blisfulnesse or ellys what vnselinesse is estab[l]issed in țe desertys of goode men {and} of shrewes. ¶ but in țis ilke fortune of poeple I see somwhat of goode. {and} somwhat of yuel. for no wise man haț nat leuer ben exiled pore {and} nedy {and} nameles. țan forto dwellen in hys Citee {and} flouren of rychesses. {and} be redoutable by honoure. {and} stronge of power for in țis wise more clerely {and} more witnesfully is țe office of wise men ytretid whan țe blisfulnes {and} [the] pouste of gouerno{ur}s is as it were yshad amonges poeples țat ben ney[gh]boures {and} subgit[gh]. syn țat namely prisou{n} lawe {and} țise oțer to{ur}ment[gh] of lawful peynes ben rațer owed to felonous Cite[gh]eins. for țe whiche felonous Cite[gh]eins țo peynes ben establissed. țan for goode folk. ¶ țan I m{er}ueile me gretly q{uo}d I. whi [ț{a}t] țe ținges ben so mys entrechaunged. țat 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 țe. what semeț țe to ben țe resou{n} of țis so wrongful a confusiou{n} ¶ For I wolde wondre wel țe lasse yif I trowed[e] țat alle țise ținges were medeled by fortuouse hap. ¶ But now hepeț {and} encreseț myne astonyenge god gouerno{ur} of ținges. țat so as god [gh]eueț ofte tymes to good[e] men goodes {and} myrțes. {and} to shrewes yuel and aspre ținges. {and} [gh]eueț a[gh]eynewarde to goode folk hardnesse. {and} to shrewes [he] g{ra}unteț hem her wille {and} țat ței desiren. what difference țan may țer be bitwixen ț{a}t țat god doț. {and} țe hap of fortune. yif men ne knowe nat țe cause whi țat [it] is. it nis no merueile q{uo}d she țou[gh] țat men wenen țat țer be somwhat folysche and confus whan țe resou{n} of țe order is vnknowe. ¶ But alle țou[gh] țou ne know nat țe cause of so gret a disposic{i}ou{n}. națeles for as moche as god țe good[e] gouernour attempreț {and} gouerneț țe world. ne doute țe nat țat alle ținges ne ben doon ary[gh]t. SI QUIS ARCTURI SYDERA. [Sidenote: [The fyfthe Met{ur}.]] ++Who so țat ne knowe nat țe sterres of arctour yto{ur}ned neye to țe souereyne contre or point. țat is to seyne yto{ur}ned neye to țe souereyne pool of țe firmament {and} woot nat whi țe sterre boetes passeț or gaderiț his wey[n]es. {and} drencheț his late flaumbes in țe see. {and} whi țat boetes țe sterre vnfoldiț his ouer swifte arisynges. țan shal he wo{n}dre{n} of țe lawe of țe heye eyre. {and} eke if țat he ne knowe nat why țat țe hornes of țe ful[le] moene waxen pale {and} infect by țe bou{n}des of țe derke ny[gh]t ¶ and how țe moene dirk {and} confuse discouereț țe sterres. țat she had[de] ycouered by hir clere visage. țe co{m}mune errour moeueț folk {and} makiț wery hir bacines of bras by țikke strookes. țat is to seyne țat țer is a maner poeple țat hy[gh]t[e] coribandes țat wenen țat whan țe moone is in țe eclips țat it be enchau{n}tid. and țerfore forto rescowe țe moone ței betyn hire basines wiț țikke strokes. ¶ Ne no man ne wondreț whan țe blastes of țe wynde chorus betyn țe strondes of țe see by quakynge floodes. ne no man ne wondreț whan țe wey[gh]te of țe snowe yhardid by țe colde. is resolued by țe brennynge hete of phebus țe sonne. ¶ For here seen men redyly țe causes. but țe causes yhid țat is to seye in heuene trouble țe brestes of men. ¶ țe moeueable poeple is a-stoned of alle ținges țat comen selde {and} sodeynely in oure age. but yif țe troubly errour of oure ignora{n}ce departid[e] from vs. so țat we wisten țe causes whi țat swiche ținges bitiden. certys ței sholde{n} cesse to seme wondres. ITA EST INQ{UA}M. [Sidenote: [The syxte p{ro}se.]] {Ț}vs is it q{uo}d I. but so as țou hast [gh]euen or byhy[gh]t me to vnwrappe{n} țe hidde causes of ținges ¶ and to discoueren me țe resou{n}s couered w{i}t{h} dirknesses I p{re}ye țe țat țou diuise {and} Iuge me of țis matere. {and} țat țou do me to vndrestonde{n} it. ¶ For țis miracle or țis wondre troubleț me ry[gh]t gretely. {and} țan she a litel [what] smylyng seide. ¶ țou clepest me q{uo}d she to telle țing. țat is grettest of alle ținges țat mowen ben axed. ¶ And to țe whiche questiou{n} vnneț[e]s is țere au[gh]t ynow to lauen it. as who seiț. vnnețes is țer suffisauntly any țing to answere p{er}fitly to ți questiou{n}. ¶ For țe matere of it is swiche țat whan oon doute is determined {and} kut awey țer wexe{n} oțer doutes wiț-outen nou{m}bre. ry[gh]t as țe heuedes waxen of ydre țe serpent țat hercules slou[gh]. ¶ Ne țere ne were no man{er}e ne noon ende. but yif țat a wy[gh]t co{n}streined[e] țo doutes. by a ry[gh]t lyuely {and} a quik fire of țou[gh]t. țat is to seyn by vigo{ur} {and} strengțe of witte. ¶ For in țis matere me{n} weren wont to maken questiou{n}s of țe simplicite of țe p{ur}ueaunce of god {and} of țe ordre of destine. {and} of sodeyne hap. {and} of țe knowyng {and} p{re}destinac{i}ou{n} deuine {and} of țe lyberte of fre wille. țe whiche țing țou ți self ap{er}ceiust wel of what wey[gh]t ței ben. but for as mochel as țe knowynge of țise ținges is a manere porc{i}ou{n} to țe medicine to țe. al be it so țat I haue lytel tyme to don it. [gh]it națeles I wole enforcen me to shewe somwhat of it. ¶ but al țou[gh] țe norissinges of dite of musike deliteț țe țow most suffren. {and} forberen a litel of țilk delite while țat I weue (contexo) to țe resou{n}s yknyt by ordre ¶ As it likeț to țe q{uo}d I so do. ¶ țo spak she ry[gh]t a[s] by an oțer bygynnyn[ge] {and} seide țus. ¶ țe enge{n}drynge of alle ținges q{uo}d she {and} alle țe progressiou{n}s of muuable nat{ur}e. {and} alle ț{a}t moeueț in any manere takiț hys causes. hys ordre. {and} hys formes. of țe stablenesse of țe deuyne țou[gh]t [{and} thilke deuyne thowht] țat is yset {and} put in țe toure. țat is to seyne in țe hey[gh]t of țe simplicite of god. stablisiț many manere gyses to ținges țat ben to don. ¶ țe whiche manere whan țat men loken it i{n} țilke pure clerenesse of țe deuyne i{n}telligence. it is ycleped p{ur}ueaunce ¶ but whan țilke manere is referred by me{n} to ținges țat it moeueț {and} disponeț țan of olde men. it was cleped destine. ¶ țe whiche ținges yif țat any wy[gh]t lokeț wel in his țou[gh]t. țe strengțe of țat oon {and} of țat oțer he shal ly[gh]tly mowen seen țat țise two ținges ben diuers. ¶ For p{ur}ueau{n}ce is țilke deuyne resou{n} țat is establissed in țe souereyne p{r}ince of ținges. țe whiche p{ur}ueaunce disponiț alle ținges. but destine is țe disposic{i}ou{n} {and} ordenaunce cleuynge to moeuable ținges. by țe whiche disposic{i}ou{n} țe p{ur}ueaunce knyteț alle ținges in hire ordres. ¶ For p{ur}ueaunce enbraceț alle ți{n}ges to hepe. al țou[gh] țat ței ben dyuerse {and} al țou[gh] ței ben wiț outen fyn. but destynie dep{ar}teț {and} ordeyneț alle ținges singlerly {and} diuideț. in moeuynges. in places. in formes. in tymes. dep{ar}tiț [as] țus. so țat țe vnfoldyng of temp{or}el ordenaunce assembled {and} ooned in țe lokyng of țe deuyne țou[gh]t ¶ Is p{ur}ueaunce {and} țilke same assemblynge. {and} oonyng diuided {and} vnfolden by tymes. lat țat ben called destine. {and} al be it so țat țise ținges ben dyuerse. [gh]itte națeles hangeț țat oon on țat oțer. forwhi țe ordre destinal p{ro}cediț of țe simplicite of purueaunce. for ry[gh]t as a werkma{n} țat ap{er}ceiueț in hys țou[gh]t țe forme of țe țing țat he wil make moeueț țe effect of țe werke. {and} lediț țat he had[de] loked byforne in hys țou[gh]t symply {and} p{re}sently by temp{or}el țou[gh]t. ¶ Certys ry[gh]t so god disponiț in hys p{ur}ueaunce singlerly {and} stably țe ținges țat ben to done. but he amynistreț in many maneres {and} in dyuerse tymes by destyne. țilke same ținges țat he haț disponed țan whețir țat destine be excercised. eyțer by so{m}me dyuyne spirites seruaunte[gh] to țe 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 țe celestial moeuyng of sterres. or ellys by țe vertue of aungels. or ellys by țe dyuerse subtilite of deueles. or ellys by any of he{m}. or ellys by hem alle țe destynal ordynau{n}ce is ywouen or accomplissed. certys it is open țing țat țe p{ur}ueaunce is an vnmoeueable {and} symple forme of ținges to done. {and} țe moeueable bonde {and} țe temp{or}el ordynaunce of ținges whiche țat țe deuyne simplicite of p{ur}ueaunce haț ordeyned to done. țat is destine. For whiche it is țat alle ținges țat 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 ținges ben put vndir purueaunce țat so{ur}mounten țe ordinaunce of destine. {and} țo ben țilke țat stably ben yficched ney to țe first godhed ței so{ur}mou{n}ten țe ordre of destinal moeuablite. ¶ For ry[gh]t as cercles țat to{ur}nen aboute a same Centre or about a poynt. țilke cercle țat is inrest or moost wiț-ynne ioineț to țe symplesse of țe myddel {and} is as it were a Centre or a poynt to țat oțer cercles țat tourne{n} aboute{n} hym. ¶ and țilke țat is outerest compased by larger envyronnynge is vnfolden by larger spaces in so mochel as it is forțest fro țe mydel symplicite of țe poynt. and yif țer be any ți{n}g țat knytteț {and} felawshippeț hym selfe to țilke mydel poynt it is constreyned in to symplicite. țat 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}. țilke ținge țat dep{ar}tiț firțest fro țe first țou[gh]t of god. it is vnfolde{n} {and} su{m}mittid to grettere bondes of destine. and in so moche is țe țing more free {and} lovs fro destyne as it axeț {and} holdeț hym ner to țilke Centre of ținges. țat is to seyne god. ¶ and if țe ținge cleueț to țe stedfastnesse of țe țou[gh]t of god. {and} be wiț oute moeuyng certys it so{ur}mounteț țe necessite of destyne. țan ry[gh]t swiche comparisou{n} as [it] is of skilynge to vndirstondyng {and} of țing țat is engendred to țing țat is. {and} of tyme to eternite. {and} of țe cercle to țe Centre. ry[gh]t so is țe ordre of moeueable destine to țe stable symplicite of p{ur}ueaunce. ¶ țilke ordinaunce moeueț țe heuene {and} țe sterres {and} attempreț țe elyment[gh] to gider amonges hem self. {and} t{ra}nsformeț hem by enterchau{n}gable mutac{i}ou{n}. ¶ and țilke same ordre neweț a[gh]ein alle ținges growyng {and} fallyng a-doune by sembleables p{ro}gressiou{n}s of seedes {and} of sexes. țat is to sein. male {and} female. and țis ilke ordre co{n}streyneț țe fortunes {and} țe dedes of men by a bonde of causes nat able to ben vnbou{n}den (indissolubili). țe whiche destinal causes whanne ței passen oute fro țe bygynnynges of țe vnmoeueable purueaunce it mot nedes be țat ței ne be nat mutable. {and} țus ben țe ținges ful wel ygouerned. yif țat țe symplicite dwelly{n}ge in țe deuyne țou[gh]t sheweț furțe țe ordre of causes. vnable to be I-bowed. {and} țis ordre constreyneț by hys p{ro}pre stablete țe moeueable ținges. or ellys ței sholde fleten folily for whiche it is țat alle ținges semen to be confus {and} trouble to vs men. for we ne mowe nat co{n}sider{e} țilke ordinaunce. ¶ Națeles țe p{ro}pre manere of euery țing dressynge hem to goode disponit hem alle. for țere nis no ținge don for cause of yuel. ne țilke țing țat is don by wicked[e] folk nis nat don for yuel țe whiche shrewes as I haue shewed [ful] plentiuously seken goode. but wicked errour mysto{ur}niț he{m}. ¶ Ne țe ordre comynge fro țe poynt of souereyne goode ne declineț nat fro hys bygynnynge. but țou mayst sein what vnreste may ben a wors co{n}fusiou{n} țan ț{a}t goode men han so{m}me tyme aduersite. {and} so{m}tyme p{ro}sperite. ¶ and shrewes also han now ținges țat ței desiren. {and} now ți{n}ges țat ței haten ¶ whețer men lyuen now in swiche hoolnesse of țou[gh]t. as who seiț. ben men now so wise. țat swiche folk as ței demen to ben goode folk or shrewes ț{a}t it mot nedes ben țat folk ben swiche as ței wenen. but in țis manere țe domes of men discorden. țat țilke men ț{a}t so{m}me folk demen worți of mede. oțer folk demen hem worți of to{ur}ment. but lat vs graunt[e] I pose țat som man may wel demen or knowen țe goode folk {and} țe badde. May he țan knowen {and} seen țilke inrest attemp{er}aunce of corages. as it haț ben wont to be said of bodyes. as who saiț 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 țat ne knowe{n} it nat. ¶ As who seiț. but is lyke a merueil or a miracle to hem țat ne knowe{n} it nat. whi țat swete ținges [ben] couenable to some bodies țat ben hool {and} to some bodies bittre ținges ben couenable. {and} also whi țat 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 națeles țe leche ț{a}t knoweț țe manere {and} țe attemp{er}aunce of heele {and} of maladie ne merueileț of it no țing. but what oțer țing semeț hele of corages but bounte {and} prowesse. {and} what oțer țing semeț 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 țou[gh]tes. țe whiche god wha{n} he haț by-holden from țe heye toure of hys p{ur}ueaunce he knoweț what is couenable to euery wy[gh]t. {and} leneț hem țat he wot [țat] is couenable to hem. Loo here of comeț {and} here of is don țis noble miracle of țe ordre destinal. whan god țat alle knoweț doț swiche țing. of whiche țing [țat] vnknowyng folk ben astoned but forto constreine as who seiț ¶ But forto co{m}prehende {and} telle a fewe ținges of țe deuyne depnesse țe whiche țat mans resou{n} may vnderstonde. ¶ țilk man țat țou wenest to ben ry[gh]t Iuste {and} ry[gh]t kepyng of eq{u}ite. țe contrarie of țat semeț to țe deuyne p{ur}ueaunce țat al woot. ¶ And lucan my familier telleț țat țe victories cause liked[e] to țe goddes {and} causes ouercomen liked[e] to cato{u}n. țan what so euer țou mayst seen țat is don in țis [world] vnhoped or vnwened. certys it is țe ry[gh]t[e] ordre of ținges. but as to ți wicked[e] oppiniou{n} it is a co{n}fusiou{n}. but I suppose țat som man be so wel yțewed. țat țe deuyne Iugement {and} țe Iugeme{n}t of mankynde accorden hem to gidre of hym. but he is so vnstedfast of corage [țat] yif any aduersite come to hym he wolde for-leten p{er}auenture to continue i{n}nocence by țe whiche he ne may nat wițholden fortune. ¶ țan țe wise dispensac{i}ou{n} of god spareț hym țe whiche man{er}e adu{er}site my[gh]t[e] enpeyren. ¶ For țat god wil nat suffren hym to trauaile. to whom țat trauayl nis nat couenable. ¶ An oț{er} man is p{er}fit in alle uertues. {and} is an holy man {and} neye to god so țat țe p{ur}ueaunce of god wolde demen țat it were a felony țat he were touched wiț any aduersites. so țat he ne wil nat suffre țat swiche a man be moeued wiț any manere maladie. ¶ But so as seide a philosophre [the moore excellent by me]. țe adu{er}sites comen nat (he seide in grec[;]) țere ț{a}t uertues han edified țe bodie of țe holy man. and ofte tyme it bitideț țat țe so{m}me of ținges țat ben to don is taken to good folk to gouerne. for țat țe malice habundaunt of shrewes sholde ben abatid. {and} god [gh]eueț {and} dep{ar}tiț to oțer folk p{ro}sp[er]ites {and} aduersites ymedeled to hepe aftir țe qualite of hire corages {and} remordiț som folk by adu{er}sites. for ței ne sholden nat wexen proude by longe welefulnesse. {and} oțer folk he suffreț to ben trauayled wiț harde ținges. ¶ For țat ței sholden conferme țe vertues of corage by țe vsage {and} ex{er}citac{i}ou{n} of pacie{n}ce. and oțer folke dreden more țen ței au[gh]ten țe wiche ței my[gh]t[en] wel beren. {and} țilke folk god lediț in to exp{er}ience of hem self by aspre {and} sorweful ținges. ¶ And many oțer folk han bou[gh]t honorable renoune of țis worlde by țe pris of glorious deeț. and som men țat ne mowen nat ben ouer-comen by tourment han [gh]euen ensample to oțer folk țat vertue ne may nat be ouer-comen by aduersites. ¶ and of alle țise ținges țer nis no doute ț{a}t ței ne ben don ry[gh]tfully {and} ordeinly to țe p{ro}fit of hem to whom we seen țise ținges bitide. ¶ For certys țat aduersite comeț some tyme to shrewes. {and} some tyme țat ței desiren it comeț of țise forseide causes {and} of sorweful ținges țat bytyden to shrewes. Certys no man ne wondreț. For alle me{n} wenen țat ței han wel deserued it. {and} ței ben of wicked m{er}ite of whiche shrewes țe to{ur}ment som tyme agasteț oțer to done folies. {and} som tyme it amendeț hem țat suffren țe to{ur}mentis. ¶ And țe p{ro}sp{er}ite țat is [gh]euen to shrewes sheweț a grete argument to good[e] folk what țing ței sholde demen of țilk wilfulnesse țe whiche p{ro}sperite men seen ofte serue to shrewes. in țe whiche țing I trowe țat god dispensiț. for p{er}auenture țe nature of som man is so ouerțrowyng to yuel {and} so vncouenable țat țe nedy pouerte of hys house-hold my[gh]t[e] rațer egren hym to done felonies. and to țe maladie of hym god puttiț remedie to [gh]iuen hym rychesse. {and} som oțer man byholdiț hys conscience defouled wiț synnes {and} makiț co{m}parisou{n} of his fortune {and} of hym self ¶ and drediț p{er}auenture țat hys blisfulnesse of whiche țe vsage is ioyful to hym țat țe lesynge of țilke blisfulnesse ne be nat sorweful to hym. {and} țerfore he wol chaunge hys maneres. and for he drediț to lese hys fortune. he forletiț hys wickednesse. to oțer folk is welefulnesse y[gh]eue{n} vnworțily țe whiche ouerțroweț hem in to destrucc{i}ou{n} țat ței han deserued. and to som oțer folk is [gh]euen power to punisse{n}. for țat 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 țer 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 țe whiche vices al to renden her consciences. {and} don oft[e] tyme ținges țe whiche ținges whan ței han don hem. ței demen țat țo ținges ne sholde nat han ben don. for whiche ținge țilke souereyne p{ur}ueaunce haț maked oft[e] tyme [fair{e}] miracle so ț{a}t shrewes han maked oftyme shrewes to ben good[e] men. for whan țat som shrewes seen țat ței suffren wrongfully felonies of oțer shrewes ței wexen eschaufed in to hat[e] of hem țat anoien hem. {and} retournen to țe fruit of uertue. when ței studien to ben vnlyke to he{m} țat ței han hated. ¶ Certys țis only is țe deuyne my[gh]t to țe whiche my[gh]t yueles ben țan good. whan it vseț țo yueles couenably {and} draweț out țe effect of any good. as who seiț țat yuel is good oonly by țe my[gh]t of god. for țe my[gh]t of god ordeyneț țilk yuel to good. For oon ordre enbrasiț alle ținges. so țat what wy[gh]t [ț{a}t] dep{ar}tiț fro țe resou{n} of țe ordre whiche țat is assigned to hym. algates [gh]it he slideț in to an oț{er} ordre. so țat noțing nis leueful to folye in țe realme of țe deuyne p{ur}ueaunce. as who seiț no țing nis wițouten ordinaunce in țe realme of țe deuyne purueaunce. ¶ Syn țat țe ry[gh]t strong[e] god gouerniț alle ținges in țis worlde for it nis nat leueful to no man to co{m}p{re}henden by witte ne vnfolden by worde alle țe subtil ordinaunces {and} disposic{i}ou{n}s of țe deuyne entent. for oonly it au[gh]t[e] suffice to han loked țat god hym self makere of alle natures ordeyniț and dressiț alle ținges to good. while țat he hastiț to wițhalden țe ținges țat he haț maked in to hys semblaunce. țat is to seyn forto wițholden ținges in to good. for he hym self is good he chaseț oute al yuel of țe boundes of hys co{m}munalite by țe ordre of necessite destinable. For whiche it folweț țat yif țou loke țe p{ur}ueaunce ordeynynge țe ținges țat men wenen ben haboundaunt in erțes. țou ne shalt not seen in no place no țing of yuel. ¶ but I se now țat țou art charged wiț țe wey[gh]te of țe questiou[n] {and} wery wiț lengțe of my resou{n}. {and} țat țou abidest som swetnesse of songe. tak ța{n} țis drau[gh]t {and} whan țou art wel refresshed {and} refet țou shalt ben more stedfast to stye in to heyere questiou{n}s. SI UIS CELSI IURA. [Sidenote: [The syxte Met{ur}.]] ++Yif țou wolt demen in ți pur{e} țou[gh]t țe ry[gh]tes or țe lawes of țe heye țund[ere]re. țat is to seyne of god. loke țou {and} bihold țe hey[gh]tes of souereyne heuene. ¶ țere kepen țe sterres by ry[gh]tful alliaunce of ținges hir olde pees. țe sonne ymoeued by hys rody fire. ne destourbiț nat țe colde cercle of țe moone. ¶ Ne țe sterre yclepid țe bere. ț{a}t encliniț hys rauyssynge courses abouten țe souereyne hey[gh]t of țe worlde. ne țe same sterre vrsa nis neuer mo wasshen in țe depe westerne see. ne coueitiț nat to dy[gh]en hys flaumbes in țe see of [the] occian. al țou[gh] he see oțer sterres yplounged in to țe see. ¶ And hesperus țe sterre bodiț {and} telliț alwey țe late ny[gh]tes. And lucifer țe sterre bryngeț a[gh]eyne țe clere day. ¶ And țus makiț loue enterchaungeable țe p{er}durable courses. {and} țus is discordable bataile yput oute of țe contre of țe sterres. țis accordaunce atte{m}preț by euene-lyke manere[s] țe elementes. țat țe moyste ținges striuen nat wiț țe drye ținges. but [gh]iuen place by stoundes. and țat țe colde ținges ioynen hem by feiț to țe hote ținges. {and} țat țe ly[gh]t[e] fyre arist in to hey[gh]te. {and} țe heuy erțes aualen by her wey[gh]tes. ¶ by țise same cause țe floury yere [gh]eldeț swote smellys in țe fyrste somer sesou{n} warmynge. {and} țe hote somer dryeț țe cornes. {and} autumpne comeț a[gh]eyne heuy of apples. and țe fletyng reyne bydeweț țe wynter. țis attemp{er}aunce noryssiț {and} brynggeț furțe al ținge țat brediț lyfe in țis worlde. ¶ and țilk same attemp{er}aunce rauyssyng hideț {and} bynymeț {and} drencheț vndir țe last[e] dețe alle ținges yborn. ¶ Amonges țise ținges sitteț țe heye makere kyng {and} lorde. welle {and} bygynnynge. lawe {and} wise Iuge. to don equite {and} gouerniț {and} encliniț țe bridles of ținges. {and} țo ținges țat he stireț to don by moeuynge he wițdraweț {and} arestiț {and} affermiț țe moeueable or wandryng ținges. ¶ For [gh]if țat he ne clepiț nat a[gh]ein țe ry[gh]t goynge of ținges. {and} [gh]if țat he ne constreyned[e] hem nat eftesones in to roundenesse enclined țe ținges ț{a}t ben now continued by stable ordinaunce. ței sholde deperten from hir welle. țat is to sein from hir bygynnynge {and} failen. țat is to sein to{ur}nen in to nau[gh]t. ¶ țis is țe co{m}mune loue of alle ținges. {and} alle ți{n}ges axen to be holden by țe fyn of good. For ellys ne my[gh]ten ței nat lasten yif ței ne come nat eftesones a[gh]eine by loue retourned to țe cause țat haț [gh]euen he{m} beynge. țat is to seyn to god. IAM NE IGITUR UIDES. [Sidenote: [The seuende p{ro}se.]] ++Sest țou nat țan what țing folweț alle țe ținges țat I haue seid. what țing q{uo}d I. ¶ Certys q{uo}d she outerly țat al fortune is good. and how may țat 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 eițer 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. ¶ țan is alle fortune good. țe whiche fortune is certeyne țat it be eițer ry[gh]tful or p{ro}fitable. ¶ For soțe țis is a ful verray resou{n} q{uo}d I. and yif I considere țe p{ur}ueau{n}ce {and} țe destine țat țou tau[gh]test me a litel here byforne țis sentence is susteyned by stedfast resou{n}s. but yif it like vnto țe lat vs nou{m}bre hem amonges țilk[e] ținges of whiche țou seidest a litel here byforne țat ței ne were nat able to ben ywened to țe poeple. ¶ whi so q{uo}d she. for țat țe comune worde of men mysusiț q{uo}d I. țis manere speche of fortune. {and} sein ofte tymes [ț{a}t] țe fortune of som wy[gh]t is wicked. wilt țou țan q{uo}d she țat I p{ro}che a litel to țe wordes of țe poeple so it seme nat to hem țat I be ouer moche dep{ar}tid as fro țe vsage of man kynde. as țou wolt q{uo}d I. ¶ Demest țou nat q{uo}d she țat al țing țat p{ro}fitiț is good. [gh]is q{uo}d I. certis țilk țing țat ex{er}cisiț or corigiț profitiț. I confesse it wel q{uo}d I. țan is it good q{uo}d she. whi nat q{uo}d I. but țis is țe fortune [q{uod} she] of hem țat eițer ben put in vertue {and} batailen a[gh]eins aspre ținges. or ellys of hem țat eschewen {and} declinen fro vices {and} taken țe weye of vertue. ¶ țis ne may nat I denye q{uo}d I ¶ But what seist țou of țe myrye fortune țat is [gh]euen to good folk in gerdou{n} deuiniț ou[gh]t țe poeples țat it is wicked. nay forsoțe q{uo}d I. but ței demen as it soțe is țat it is ry[gh]t good. ¶ And what seist țou of țat oțer fortune q{uo}d she. țat al țou[gh] it be aspre {and} restreiniț țe shrewes by ry[gh]tful tourment. weniț ou[gh]t țe poeple ț{a}t it be good. nay q{uo}d I. ¶ But țe poeple demiț țat it be most wrecched of alle ținges țat may ben țou[gh]t. war now {and} loke wel q{uo}d she lest țat we in folwyng țe opyniou{n} of poeple haue confessed {and} co{n}cluded țing țat is vnable to be wened to țe poeple. what is țat q{uo}d I ¶ Certys q{uo}d she it folweț or comeț of ținges ț{a}t ben graunted țat alle fortune what so euer it be. of hem țat eyțer ben i{n} possessiou{n} of vertue. [or in the encres of vertu] or ellys in țe purchasynge of vertue. țat țilke fortune is good. ¶ And țat alle fortune is ry[gh]t wicked to hem țat dwellen in shrewednesse. as who seiț. {and} țus weneț nat țe poeple. ¶ țat is soțe q{uo}d I. ¶ Al be it so țat noma{n} dar confesse{n} it ne byknowen it. ¶ whi so q{uo}d she. For ry[gh]t as no strong man ne semeț nat to abassen or disdaigne{n} as ofte tyme as he hereț țe noise of țe bataile. ne also it ne semeț nat to țe wyse man to beren it greuously as oft[e] as he is lad in to țe strif of fortune. for boțe to țat on man {and} eke to țat oț{er} țilke difficulte is țe matere to țat oon man of encrese of his glorious renou{n}. {and} to țat oțer man to conferme hys sapience. țat is to seine țe asprenesse of hys estat. ¶ For țerfore is it called uertue. for țat it susteniț {and} enforceț by hys strengțes țat it nis nat ouer-come{n} by aduersites. ¶ Ne certys țou țat art put in țe encrese or in țe hey[gh]t of uertue ne hast nat comen to fleten wiț delices {and} forto welken in bodyly lust. ¶ țou sowest or plauntest a ful egre bataile in ți corage a[gh]eins euery fortune. for țat țe sorweful fortune ne co{n}fou{n}de țe nat. ne țat țe myrye fortune ne corrumpe țe nat. ¶ Occupy țe mene by stedfast strengțes. for al țat euer is vndir țe mene. or ellys al țat ou{er}-passeț țe mene despiseț welefulnesses. ¶ As who seiț. it is vicious {and} ne haț no mede of hys trauaile. ¶ For it is set in [gh]our{e} hand. as who seiț it lieț in [gh]our{e} power what fortune [gh]ow is leuest. țat is to seyne good or yuel. ¶ For alle fortune țat semeț sharpe or aspre yif it ne ex{er}cise nat țe good folk. ne chastisiț țe wicked folk. it punisseț. BELLA BIS QUENIS. {ET} C{ETERA}. [Sidenote: [The seuende Met{ur}.]] ++ȚE wrekere attrides ¶ țat is to seyne agamenon țat wrou[gh]t[e] {and} continued[e] țe batailes by ten [gh]ere recouered[e] {and} p{ur}ged[e] in wrekyng by țe destrucc{i}ou{n} of troie țe loste chambres of mariage of hys broțer țis is to seyn țat [he] agamenon wan a[gh]ein Eleine țat was Menelaus wif his broțer. In țe mene while țat țilke agamenon desired[e] to [gh]euen sailes to țe grekyssh{e} nauye {and} bou[gh]t[e] a[gh]ein țe wyndes by blode. he vncloțed[e] hym of pite as fad{er}. {and} țe sory p{re}st [gh]iueț in sacrifiynge țe wreched kuyttyng of țrote of țe dou[gh]ter. ¶ țat is to sein țat agamenon lete kuytte{n} țe țrote of hys dou[gh]ter by țe prest. to maken alliaunce wiț hys goddes. {and} for to haue wynde wiț whiche he my[gh]t[e] wende to troie. ¶ Itakus țat is to sein vlixies bywept[e] hys felawes ylorn țe whiche felawes țe fiers[e] pholifem{us} ligginge in his grete Caue had[de] freten {and} dreint in hys empty wombe. but națeles polifem{us} wood for his blinde visage [gh]eld to vlixies ioye by hys sorowful teres. țis is to seyn țat vlixes smot oute țe eye of poliphem{us} țat 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 țe proude Centauris half hors half man. {and} he rafte țe despoylynge fro țe cruel lyou{n} țat is to seyne he slou[gh] țe lyou{n} {and} rafte hy{m} hys skyn. he smot țe brids țat hy[gh]te{n} arpijs [in țe palude of lyrne] wiț certeyne arwes. he rauyssed[e] applis fro țe wakyng dragou{n}. {and} hys hand was țe more heuy for țe golde[ne] metal. He drou[gh] Cerberus țe hound of helle by hys treble cheyne. he ouer-comer as it is seid haț put an vnmeke lorde fodre to hys cruel hors ¶ țis is to sein. țat hercules slou[gh] diomedes {and} made his hors to etyn hym. and he hercules slou[gh] Idra țe serpent {and} brend[e] țe venym. and achelaus țe flode defouled[e] in his forhede dreint[e] his shamefast visage in his strondes. țis is to sein țat achelaus couțe transfigure hym self in to dyuerse lykenesse. {and} as he fau[gh]t wiț orcules at țe 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 țe geaunt in țe strondes of libye. {and} kacus apaised[e] țe wrațțes of euander. țis is to sein țat hercules slou[gh] țe Monstre kacus {and} apaised[e] wiț țat deeț țe wrațțe of euander. ¶ And țe bristled[e] boor marked[e] wiț scomes țe sholdres of hercules. țe whiche sholdres țe heye cercle of heuene sholde țreste. {and} țe laste of his labo{ur}s was țat he sustened[e] țe heuene vpo{n} his nekke vnbowed. {and} he deserued[e] eftsones țe heuene to ben țe pris of his laste trauayle ¶ Goț now țan [gh]e stronge men țere as țe heye weye of țe grete ensample ledeț [gh]ou. ¶ O nice men whi nake [gh]e [gh]oure bakkes. as who seiț. ¶ 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 țe mede of țe heuene. for țe erțe ouer-come{n} [gh]eueț țe sterres. ¶ țis is to seyne țat whan țat erțely lust is ouer-comen. a man is maked worți to țe heuene. EXPLICIT LIBER QUARTUS. INCIPIT LIBER QUINTUS. DIXERAT ORACIONISQ{UE} CURSUM. [Sidenote: [The fyrste prose.]] ++She hadde seid {and} to{ur}ned[e] țe cours of hir resou{n} to so{m}me oț{er} ținges to ben tretid {and} to ben ysped. țan seide I. Certys ry[gh]tful is țin amonestyng {and} ful digne by auctorite. but țat țou seidest som tyme țat țe questiou{n} of țe deuyne p{ur}ueaunce is enlaced wiț many oțer questiou{n}s. I vndir-stonde wel {and} p{ro}ue it by țe same ținge. but I axe yif țat țou wenest țat hap be any țing in any weys. {and} if țou wenest țat hap be any [thing] what is it. țan q{uo}d she. I haste me to [gh]elden {and} assoilen țe to țe dette of my byheste {and} to shewen {and} opnen țe wey by whiche wey țou maist come a[gh]ein to ți contre. ¶ but al be it so țat țe ținges whiche țat țou axest b{e}n ry[gh]t p{ro}fitable to knowe. [gh]itte ben ței diuers somwhat fro țe pațe of my purpos. And it is to douten țat țou ne be maked weery by mysweys so țat țou ne mayst nat suffise to mesure{n} țe ry[gh]t weye. ¶ Ne doute țe țer-of no țing q{uo}d I. for forto knowen țilke ținges to-gidre in țe whiche ținges I delite me gretly. țat shal ben to me in stede of reste. Syn it nis nat to douten of țe ținges folwy{n}ge whan euery side of ți disputisou{n} shal be stedfast to me by vndoutous feiț. țan seide she. țat manere wol I don țe. {and} byga{n} to speken ry[gh]t țus ¶ Certys q{uo}d she yif any wy[gh]t diffinisse hap in țis manere. țat is to seyn. țat hap is bytidynge y-brou[gh]t forțe by foelyshe moeuynge. {and} by no knyttyng of causes. ¶ I conferme țat hap nis ry[gh]t nau[gh]t in no wise. and I deme al outerly țat hap nis ne dwelliț but a voys. ¶ As who seiț. but an ydel worde wiț outen any significac{i}ou{n} of țing summittid to țat vois. for what place my[gh]t[e] ben left or dwellynge to folie {and} to disordinau{n}ce. syn țat god lediț {and} streyniț alle ținges by ordre. ¶ For țis sentence is verray {and} soțe țat no ținge ne haț his beynge of nou[gh]t. to [the] whiche sentence none of țise olde folk ne wițseide neuere al be it so țat ței ne vndirstoden ne moeueden it nau[gh]t by god p{r}ince {and} gynner of wirkyng. but ței casten as a manere foundement of subgit material. țat is to seyn of [the] nature of alle resou{n}. {and} [gh]if țat ony ținge is woxen or comen of no causes. țan shal it seme țat țilke ținge is comen or woxen of nou[gh]t. but yif țis ne may nat ben don. țan is it nat possible țat țere haț ben any swiche țing as I haue diffinissid a litel here byforne. ¶ How shal it țan ben q{uo}d I. nis țer țan no țing țat by ry[gh]t may be cleped eyțer hap{pe} or ellis auenture of fortune. or is țer ou[gh]t al be it so țat it is hidd fro țe poeple to whiche țise wordes ben couenable. Myn aristotul q{uo}d she. in țe book of his phisik diffinisseț țis țing by short resou{n} and ney[gh]e to țe soțe. ¶ In whiche manere q{uo}d I. ¶ As ofte q{uo}d she as men don any țing for grace of any oțer țing. {and} an oțer ținge țan țilke țing țat men ententen to doon bytideț by som[e] causes it is ycleped hap{pe}. ¶ Ry[gh]t as a man dalf țe erțe by cause of tylienge of țe felde. {and} fond țere a gobet of golde by-doluen. țan wenen folk țat it is fallen by fortunous bytydyng. but for soțe it nis nat for nau[gh]t for it haț hys p{ro}pre causes of whiche causes țe cours vnforseyn and vnwar semiț to han maked hap{pe}. ¶ For yif țe tilier in țe erțe ne delue nat in țe felde. and yif țe hider of țe golde ne hadde hidd țe golde in țilke place. țe golde ne had[de] nat ben founde. țise ben țan țe causes of țe abreggynge of fortune hap. țe whiche abreggynge of fortune hap comeț of causes encountrynge {and} flowyng to-gidre to hem selfe. {and} nat by țe entenc{i}ou{n} of țe doer. ¶ For neițer țe hider of țe gold. ne țe deluer of țe felde ne vndirstanden nat țat țe golde sholde han be founde. but as I seide. it bytidde {and} ran to-gidre țat he dalf țere as țat oțer hadde hidd țe golde. Now may I țus diffinissen hap{pe}. ¶ Hap{pe} is an vnwar bytydyng of causes assembled in ținges țat ben don for som oțer ținge. but țilke ordre p{ro}cedynge by an vneschewable byndynge to-gidre. whiche țat descendeț fro țe wel of purueaunce țat ordeineț alle ținges i{n} hir{e} places {and} in hire tymes makeț țat țe causes rennen {and} assemblen to-gidre. RUPIS ACHEMENIE. [Sidenote: [The fyrste Met{ur}.]] ++TIgris [{and}] eufrates resoluen {and} spryngen of a welle in țe kragges of țe roche of țe contre of achemenye țer{e} as țe fleenge [batayle] ficchiț hire dartes reto{ur}nid in țe brestes of hem țat folwen hem. ¶ And sone aftre țe same ryueres tigris {and} eufrates vnioygne{n} {and} dep{ar}ten hir{e} watres. and yif ței comen to-gidre {and} ben assembled {and} clepid to-gidre in to o cours. țan moten țilke ținges fletyn to-gidre whiche țat țe water of țe entrechau{n}gyng flode bry{n}geț țe shippes {and} țe stokkes araced wiț țe flood moten assemble. {and} țe watres ymedlyd wrappiț or implieț many fortunel happes or maneres. țe whiche wandryng happes națeles țilke enclinyng lowenes of țe erțe. {and} țe flowynge ordre of țe slidyng water gouerniț. ¶ Ry[gh]t so fortune țat semeț as [țat] it fletiț wiț slaked or vngouerned[e] bridles. It suffriț bridles țat is to seyn to ben gouerned {and} passeț by țilke lawe. țat is to sein by țe deuyne ordinaunce. A{N}I{M}ADUERTO INQ{UA}M. [Sidenote: [The .2^de. p{ro}se.]] ++Țis vndirstonde I wel q{uo}d I. {and} accorde wel țat it is ry[gh]t as țou seist. but I axe yif țer be any liberte or fre wil in țis ordre of causes țat cliue{n} țus to-gidre in hem self. ¶ or ellys I wolde witen yif țat țe destinal cheine co{n}streiniț țe moeueuynge of țe corages of me{n}. yis q{uo}d she țer is liberte of fre wille. ne țer ne was neuer no nature of resou{n} țat it ne hadde liberte of fre wille. ¶ For euery țing țat may naturely vsen resou{n}. it haț doom by whiche it discerniț {and} demiț euery țing. ¶ țan knoweț it by it self ținges țat be{n} to fleen. {and} ținges țat ben to desiren. {and} țilk țing țat any wy[gh]t demeț to ben desired ț{a}t axeț or desireț he {and} fleeț [thilke] țing țat he troueț ben to fleen. ¶ wher-fore in alle ținges ț{a}t resou{n} is. i{n} hem also is libertee of willyng {and} of nillynge. ¶ But I ne ordeyne nat. as who seiț. I ne graunte nat țat țis lib{er}tee be euene like in alle ținges. forwhi in țe souereyns deuynes substau{n}ces. țat is to seyn in spirit[gh] ¶ Iugement is more clere {and} wil nat be corumped. {and} haț my[gh]t redy to speden ținges țat ben desired. ¶ But țe soules of men moten nedes ben more free whan ței loken hem in țe speculac{i}ou{n} or lokynge of țe deuyne țou[gh]t. {and} lasse free whan ței sliden in to țe bodies. {and} [gh]it lasse free whan ței ben gadred to-gidre {and} co{m}p{re}hendid in erțely membris. but țe last[e] seruage is whan țat ței ben [gh]eue{n} to vices. {and} han yfalle fro țe possessiou{n} of hire p{ro}pre resou{n} ¶ For after țat ței han cast aweye hir eyen fro țe ly[gh]t of țe souereyn soțefastnesse to lowe ținges {and} dirke ¶ Anon ței dirken by țe cloude of ignoraunce {and} ben troubled by felonous talent[gh]. to țe whiche talent[gh] whan ței app{ro}chen {and} assenten. ței hepen {and} encresen țe seruage whiche ței han ioigned to hem self. and in țis manere ței ben caitifs fro hire p{ro}pre libertee. țe whiche ținges națeles țe lokynge of țe deuyne purueaunce seeț ț{a}t alle ținges byholdeț {and} seeț fro et{er}ne. and ordeyneț hem eueryche i{n} her merites. as ței ben p{ro}destinat. {and} it is seid in grek. țat alle ținges he seeț {and} alle ținges he hereț. PURO CLARU{M} LUMINE. [Sidenote: [The .2^de. Met{ur}.]] ++HOmer wiț țe hony mouțe. țat is to seyn. homer wiț țe swete dites syngeț țat țe sonne is cleer by pure ly[gh]t. națeles [gh]it ne may it nat by țe inferme ly[gh]t of hys bemes breke{n} or p{er}ce{n} țe inwarde entrailes of țe erțe. or ellys of țe see. ¶ so ne seeț nat god makere of țe grete worlde to hym țat lokeț alle ținges from on heye ne wițstandiț nat no ținges by heuynesses of erțe. ne țe ny[gh]t ne wițstondeț nat to hy{m} by țe blake cloudes. ¶ țilke god seeț i{n} o strook of țou[gh]t alle ținges țat ben or weren or schullen come. ¶ and țilke god for he lokeț {and} seeț alle ținges al oon. țou maist seyn țat he is țe verray sonne. TAMEN EGO EN INQ{UA}M. [Sidenote: [The .3^de. p{ro}se.]] ++ȚAn seide I now am I co{n}fou{n}ded by a more harde doute țan I was. what doute is țat q{uo}d she. ¶ For certys I coniecte now by whiche ținges țou art troubled. It semeț q{uo}d I to repugnen {and} to contrarien gretly țat god knoweț byforn alle ținges. {and} țat țer is any fredom of liberte. for yif so be țat god lokeț alle ținges byforn. ne god ne may nat ben desseiuid in no manere. țan mot it nedes ben țat alle ținges bytyden țe whiche țat țe purueaunce of god haț sein byforn to comen. ¶ For whiche yif țat god knoweț by-forn nat oonly țe werkes of men. but also hir conseils {and} hir willes. țan ne shal țer be no liberte of arbitre. ne certys țer ne may ben noon oțer dede ne no wille but țilke whiche țe deuyne purueaunce țat ne may nat ben desseiued haț feled byforn ¶ For yif țat ței my[gh]ten wryțen awey in oțer manere țan ței ben purueyed. țan ne sholde țer ben no stedfast p{re}science of ținge to comen but rațer an vncerteyn oppiniou{n}. țe whiche ținge to trowen on god I deme it felonie {and} vnleueful. ¶ Ne I ne proeue nat țilk same resou{n}. as who seiț I ne allowe nat. or I ne p{re}ise nat țilke same resou{n} by whiche țat som men wenen țat ței mowen assoilen {and} vnknytten țe knot of țis questiou{n}. ¶ For certys ței seyn ț{a}t țing nis nat to come for țat țe purueaunce of god haț seyn it byforn{e}. țat is to comen but rațer țe cont{ra}rie. ¶ And țat is țis țat for țat țe țing is to comen țat țerfore ne may it nat ben hyd fro țe purueaunce of god. {and} in țis manere țis necessite slydiț a[gh]ein in to țe contrarie p{ar}tie. ne it ne byhoueț [nat] nedes țat ținges bytiden țat ben ypurueid. [but it by-houeth nedes / ț{a}t thinges ț{a}t ben to comyn ben yporueyid] but as it were yt{ra}uailed. as who seiț. țat țilke answere p{ro}cediț ry[gh]t as țou[gh] men trauailden or weren bysy to enqueren țe whiche țing is cause of whiche ținges. as whețer țe p{re}science is cause of țe necessite of ținges to comen. or ellys țat țe necessite of ți{n}ges to comen is cause of țe purueau{n}ce. ¶ But I ne enforce me nat now to shewe{n} it țat țe bytidyng of ținges y-wist byforn is necessarie. how so or in what manere țat țe ordre of causes haț it self. al țou[gh] țat it ne seme nat țat țe p{re}science brynge in necessite of bytydynge of ținges to comen. ¶ For certys yif țat any wy[gh]t sitteț it byhoueț by necessite țat țe oppiniou{n} be soțe of hym ț{a}t coniectiț țat he sitteț. and a[gh]einward. al so is it of țe contrarie. yif țe oppiniou{n} be soțe of any wy[gh]t for țat he sitteț it byhoueț by necessite țat he sitte ¶ țan is here necessite in țat oon {and} in ț{a}t oțer. for in țat oon is necessite of sittynge. {and} certys in țat oțer is necessite of soțe but țerfore ne sitteț nat a wy[gh]t for țat țe oppiniou{n} of sittyng is soțe. but țe oppiniou{n} is rațer soțe for țat a wy[gh]t sitteț by-forn. and țus al țou[gh] ț{a}t țe cause of soțe comeț of [țe] syttyng. and nat of țe trewe oppiniou{n}. Algates [gh]itte is țer comune necessite in țat oon {and} in țat oțer. ¶ țus sheweț it ț{a}t I may make semblable skils of țe p{ur}ueau{n}ce of god {and} of ținges to come. ¶ For al țou[gh] for țat țat ținges ben to comen. țer-fore ben ței p{ur}ueid. nat certys for ței ben p{ur}ueid. țer-fore ne bytide ței nat. [gh]it națeles byhoueț it by necessite țat eițer țe ținges to comen ben yp{ur}ueied of god. or ellys țat țe ținges țat ben p{ur}ueied of god bitiden [.s.] by necessite. ¶ And țis țing oonly suffiseț I-nou[gh] to distroien țe fredome of oure arbitre. țat is to seyn of oure fre wille ¶ But now [certes] sheweț it wel how fer fro țe soțe {and} how vp so dou{n} is țis țing țat we seyn țat țe bytidinge of temp{or}el ținges is țe cause of țe eterne p{re}science. ¶ But forto wenen țat god p{ur}ueiț [the] ținges to comen. for ței ben to comen. what oțer țing is it but forto wene țat țilke ținges țat bitiden som tyme ben causes of țilke souereyne p{ur}ueaunce țat is i{n} god. ¶ And her-to I adde [gh]itte țis țing țat ry[gh]t as whan țat I woot țat o țing is it byhoueț by necessite țat țilke self țing be. {and} eke țat whan I haue knowe țat any ți{n}ge shal bitiden so byhoueț it by necessite ț{a}t țilk[e] same țing bytide. so folweț it țan țat țe bytydynge of țe ținge Iwist by-forn ne may nat ben eschewed. ¶ And at țe last[e] yif țat any wy[gh]t wene a țing to ben oțer weyes țan it is. it nys nat oonly vnscience. but it is deceiuable oppiniou{n} ful diuerse {and} fer fro țe soțe of science. ¶ wher-fore yif any țing be so to comen so țat țe bytydynge of it ne be nat certeyne ne necessarie. ¶ who may weten [byforn] ț{a}t țilke țing is to come. ¶ For ry[gh]t as science ne may nat be medelyd wiț falsnesse. as who seiț țat yif I woot a țing. it ne may nat be fals țat I ne woot it. ¶ Ry[gh]t so țilk țing țat is conceyued by science ne may [nat] ben noon oț{er} weyes țan [as] it is conceiued. For țat is țe cause whi țat science wa{n}tiț lesynge. as who seiț. whi țat witynge ne receyueț nat lesynge of țat it woot. ¶ For it byhoueț by necessite țat euery ți{n}ge [be] ry[gh]t as science co{m}p{re}hendiț it to be. what shal I țan sein. ¶ In whiche man{er}e knoweț god byforn țe ținges to comen. ¶ yif ței ne be nat certeyne. ¶ For yif țat he deme țat ței ben to comen vneschewably. {and} so may be țat it is possible țat ței ne shulle{n} nat comen. god is desseiued. but nat only to trowen țat god is desseiued. but for to speke it wiț mouțe it is a felonous sy{n}ne. ¶ But yif țat god woot țat ry[gh]t so as ținges ben to comen. so shulle ței comen. so țat he wit[e] egaly. as who seiț indifferently țat ținges mowen ben don or ellys nat don. what is țilke p{re}science țat ne comp{re}hendiț no certeyne ținge ne stable. or ellys what difference is țer bytwixe țe p{re}science. {and} țilke iape-worți dyuynynge of Tiresie țe diuino{ur} țat seide. ¶ Al țat I seie q{uo}d he eyțer it shal be. or ellys it ne shal nat be. Or ellis how moche is worțe țe diuyne p{re}science more țan țe oppiniou{n} of mankynde yif so be țat it demeț țe ținges vncerteyne as me{n} don. of țe whiche domes of men țe bytydynge nis nat certeyne. ¶ But yif so be ț{a}t noon vncerteyne ținge may ben in hym țat is ry[gh]t certeyne welle of alle ținges. ța{n} is țe bytydynge certeyne of țilke ținges whiche he haț wist byforn fermely to come{n}. For whiche it folweț țat țe fredom of țe co{n}seils {and} of țe werkes of mankynde nis non syn țat țe țou[gh]t of god seeț alle ținges w{i}t{h} outen erro{ur} of falsnesse byndeț {and} co{n}streiniț hem to a bitidynge by necessite. and yif [this] ți{n}g be on-is grau{n}tid {and} receyued. țat is to seyn. țat țer nis no fre wille. țan sheweț it wel how gret distrucc{i}ou{n} {and} how grete damages țer folwen of ținges of mankynde. ¶ For in ydel ben țer țan p{ur}posed and byhy[gh]t medes of goode folk. {and} peynes to badde folk. syn țat no moeuynge of free corage uoluntarie ne haț nat deserued hem. țat is to seyn neițer mede nor peyne. ¶ And it sholde seme țan țat țilke ținge is alțer worste whiche țat is nowe demed. for alț{er} moste iuste {and} moste ry[gh]tful. țat is to seyn țat shrewes ben punyssed. or ellys ț{a}t good[e] folk ben ygerdoned. țe whiche folk syn țat țe p{ro}pre wille [ne] sent hem nat to ț{a}t oon ne to țat oțer. țat is to seyn. nețer to good[e] ne to harme. but constreineț hem certeyne necessite of ținges to comen. ¶ țanne ne sholle{n} țer neuer ben ne neuer weren vice ne vertue. but it sholde rațer ben co{n}fusiou{n} of alle desertes medlid wițoute discresiou{n}. ¶ And [gh]itte țer folweț an oțer i{n}co{n}uenient of țe whiche țer ne may ben țou[gh]t ne more felonous ne more wikke. {and} țat is țis țat so as țe ordre of ținges is yledd {and} comeț of țe purueaunce of god. ne țat no țing nis leueful to țe conseils of mankynde. as who seiț țat men han no power to done no țing. ne wilne no țing. țan folweț it țat oure vices ben refferred to țe mak[er]e of alle good. as who seiț țan folweț it. țat god au[gh]t[e] han țe blame of oure vices. syn he co{n}streiniț by necessite to don vices. țan nis țer 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 țat țe ordenaunce of destine whiche țat ne may nat ben enclined. knytteț {and} streiniț alle ținges țat men may desire{n}. ¶ țan sholde țere be don awey țilke oonly alliaunce bytwixen god {and} men. țat is to seien to hopen {and} to p{re}ien. but by țe p{re}is of ry[gh]tfulnesse {and} of veray mekenesse we deserue țe gerdou{n} of țe deuyne grace whiche țat is inestimable. țat is to sein țat it is so grete țat it ne may nat ben ful yp{re}ised. {and} țis is oonly țe manere. țat is to seyen hope {and} prayeres. for whiche it semeț țat [men] mowen speken wiț god. {and} by resou{n} of supplicac{i}ou{n} ben conioigned to țilk clernesse țat nis nat app{ro}ched no rațer or țat men byseken it {and} emp{re}nten it. And yif men ne wene [nat] țat [hope] ne p{re}iers ne han no strengțes. by țe necessite of ținges to comen y-resceiued. what ți{n}g is țer țan by whiche we mowen be co{n}ioygned {and} clyuen to țilke souereyne p{r}ince of ținges. ¶ For whiche it byhoueț by necessite țat țe lynage of mankynde as țou songe a litel here byforne ben dep{ar}ted {and} vnioyned from hys welle {and} faylen of hys bygynnynge. țat is to seien god. QUE NAM DISCORS [Sidenote: [The .3^de. Met{ur}.]] ++What discordable cause haț to-rent {and} vnioigned țe byndyng or țe alliaunce of ținges. țat is to seyne țe coniuncc{i}ou{n} of god {and} of man. ¶ whiche god haț establissed so grete bataile bitwixe{n} țise two soțefast or verray ținges. țat is to sein bytwixen țe p{ur}ueaunce of god {and} fre wille. țat ței ben synguler {and} diuided. ne țat ței ne wolen nat ben medeled ne coupled to-gidre. but țer nis no discorde to [tho] verray ținges. but ței cleuen certeyne al wey to hem self. but țe țou[gh]t of man co{n}founded {and} ouerțrowen by țe dirke membris of țe body ne may nat by fir of his dirk[ed] lokynge. țat is to seyn by țe vigo{ur} of hys insy[gh]t while țe soule is in țe body knowen țe ținne subtil knyttynges of ținges. ¶ But wherfore eschaufiț it so by so grete loue to fynden țilke note[s] of soțe y-cou{er}ed. (_glosa_) țat is to sein wherfore eschaufiț țe țou[gh]t of man by so grete desir to knowen țilke notificac{i}ou{n}s țat ben yhidd vndir țe couerto{ur}s of soțe. woot it ou[gh]t țilke ținges țat it anguissous desireț to knowe. as who seiț nay. ¶ For no man ne trauaileț forto witen ținges țat he woot. {and} țerfore țe texte seiț țus. ¶ [_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]leț to wyten ținges y-knowe. and yif țat he ne knoweț hem nat. what sekiț țilke blynde țou[gh]t. what is he țat desireț any ținge of whiche he woot ry[gh]t nat. as who seiț who so desiriț any țing nedis som what he knoweț of it. or ellys he ne couțe nat desire it. or who may folwen ținges țat ne ben nat ywist ¶ and țou[gh] [ț{a}t] he seke țo ținges where shal he fynde{n} hem. what wy[gh]t țat is al vnknowynge {and} ignoraunt may knowe țe forme țat is yfounde. ¶ But whan țe soule byholdeț {and} seeț țe heye țou[gh]t. țat is to seyn god. țan knoweț it to-gidre țe so{m}me {and} țe singularites. țat is to seyn țe p{r}inciples {and} eueryche by hym self. ¶ But now while țe soule is hidd in țe cloude {and} in țe derknesse of țe membris of țe body. it ne haț nat al for[gh]eten it selfe. but it wițholdeț țe so{m}me of ținges {and} lesiț țe singularites. țan who so țat sekeț soțenesse. he nis in neiț{er} nouțir habit. for he not nat alle ne he ne haț nat alle for-[gh]eten. ¶ But [gh]itte hym remembriț țe so{m}me of ținges țat he wițholdeț {and} axeț cou{n}seil {and} tretiț depelyche ți{n}ges ysein byforne. [_Glosa_] țat is to sein țe grete so{m}me in hys mynde. [_textus_] so țat he mowe adden țe p{ar}ties țat he haț for[gh]eten. to țilke țat he haț wițholden. TAMEN ILLA UETUS INQ{U}IT HEC EST. [Sidenote: [The 4^the p{ro}se.]] ++Țanne seide she. țis is q{uo}d she țe olde questiou{n} of țe p{ur}ueaunce of god. {and} marcus tulius whan he deuided[e] țe deuinac{i}ou{n}s. țat is to sein in hys booke țat he wroot of deuinac{i}ou{n}s. he moeued[e] gretly țis questiou{n}. {and} țou ți self hast sou[gh]t it mochel {and} outerly {and} lo{n}g[e]. but [gh]it ne haț it nat ben determined ne yspedd fermely {and} diligently of any of yow. ¶ And țe cause of țis derkenesse {and} [of this] difficulte is for țat țe moeuynge of țe resou{n} of mankynde ne may nat moeue{n} to. țat is to sein applien or ioygnen to țe simplicite of țe deuyne p{re}science. ¶ țe whiche symplicite of țe deuyne p{re}science [gh]if țat men [myhten thinken it in any maner{e} / ț{a}t is to seyn / ț{a}t yif men] my[gh]te ținken {and} co{m}p{re}henden țe ținges as god seeț hem. țan ne sholde țer dwellen outerly no doute. țe whiche resou{n} {and} cause of difficulte I shal assaie at țe laste to shewen {and} to speden. ¶ whan I haue firste [yspendyd / {and}] ansewered to țo resou{n}s by whiche ț{o}u art ymoeued. ¶ For I axe whi ț{o}u wenest țat țilk[e] resou{n}s of hem țat assoilen țis questiou{n} ne ben nat spedeful ynou[gh] ne sufficient țe whiche soluc{i}ou{n} or țe whiche resou{n} for țat it demiț țat țe p{re}science nis nat cause of necessite to ținges to comen. țan ne weneț it nat țat fredom of wille be distourbed or ylett by p{re}science. for ne drawest țou nat argumentes from ellys where of țe necessite of ținges to comen. As who seiț any oțer wey țan țus. but țat țilke ținge[s] țat țe p{re}scie{n}ce woot byforn [ne] mowen nat vnbitide. țat is to seyn țat ței moten bitide. ¶ But țan yif țat p{re}science ne putteț no necessite to ținges to comen. as țou ți self hast confessed it {and} byknowen a litel herbyforn{e}. ¶ what cause [or what] is it. as who seiț țere may no cause be. by whiche țat țe endes (exitus) uoluntarie of ținges my[gh]ten be constreyned to certeyne bitydyng. ¶ For by grace of possessiou{n}. so țat țou mowe țe better vndirstonde țis țat folweț. ¶ I pose (inpossibile) țat țer ne be no p{re}science. țan axe I q{uo}d she in as moche as app{er}teniț to țat. sholde țan ținges țat comen of frewille ben constreined to bytiden by necessite. {Boici}us. nay q{uo}d I. țan a[gh]einward q{uo}d she. I suppose țat țere be p{re}science but țat ne putteț no necessite to ținges. țan trowe I țat țilk self fredom of wille shal dwelle{n} al hool {and} absolut {and} vnbounden. but țou wolt sein țat al be it so țat p{re}science nis nat cause of țe necessite of bitidynge to ținges to comen. ¶ Algates [gh]itte it is a signe ț{a}t țe ținges ben to bytiden by necessite. by țis manere țan al țou[gh] țe p{re}science ne hadde neuer yben. [gh]it algate or at țe lest[e] wey. it is certeyne țing țat țe e{n}dys {and} țe bitydynges of ținges to come{n} sholde ben necessarie. ¶ For euery sygne sheweț {and} signifieț oonly what țe țing is ¶ but it ne makiț nat țe țing țat it signifieț. ¶ For whiche it byhoueț firste to shewen țat no țing ne bitidiț [ț{a}t it ne bytydith] by necessite. so țat it may apere ț{a}t țe p{re}scie{n}ce is signe of țis necessite ¶ or ellys yif țere nere no necessite. certys țilke p{re}science ne my[gh]t[e] nat ben signe of ținge țat nis nat. ¶ But certys it is nowe certeyne țat țe preue of țis susteniț by stedfast resou{n} ne shal nat ben ladd ne p{ro}ued by signes ne by argumentys ytaken fro wiț oute. but by causes couenable {and} necessarie ¶ But țou mayst sein how may it be țat țe ținges ne bitiden nat țat ben ypurueyed to comen. but certys ry[gh]t as we trowen țat țo ținges whiche țat țe p{ur}ueau{n}ce woot byforn to comen. ne ben nat to bitiden. but [ț{a}t] ne sholde we nat demen. but rațer al țou[gh] [țat] ței schal bitiden. [gh]it ne haue ței no necessite of hire kynde to bitiden. {and} țis maist țou ly[gh]tly ap{er}ceyue{n} by țis țat I shal seyn. but we seen many ținges whan ței ben don byforn oure eyen ry[gh]t as men seen țe karter worken in țe to{ur}nynge {and} in attempryng or in adressy{n}g of hys kartes or chariottes. ¶ and by țis manere as who seiț mayst țou vnd{er}sto{n}de of alle manere oțir werkeme{n}. ¶ Is țere țanne any necessite as who seiț in oure lokynge [ț{a}t] constreineț or compelliț any of țilke ținges to ben don so. b. nay q{uo}d I ¶ For in ydel {and} in veyne were alle țe effect of crafte yif țat alle ținges weren moeued by constreynynge. țat is to seyn by constreynynge of oure eyen or of oure sy[gh]t. _P._ țise ți{n}g{us} țan q{uo}d she țat whan men don hem ne han non necessite țat men don hem. eke țo same ținges first or ței be don. ței ben to comen wiț out necessite. for whi țer ben so{m}me ținges to bytide of whiche țe endys {and} țe bitidynges of hem ben absolut {and} quit of alle necessite. for certys I ne trowe nat țat any man wolde seyn țis. țat țo ținges țat men don now ț{a}t ței ne weren to bitiden. first or ței were ydon ¶ and țilk same ținges al țou[gh] ț{a}t men hadde{n} ywyst hem by-forn. [gh]itte ței han fre bitidynges. for ry[gh]t as science of ținges p{re}sent ne bryngeț in no necessite to ținges [ț{a}t men doon // Ryht so the p{re}science of thinges to comen ne bryngeth in no necessite to thinges] to bytiden but țou mayst seyn țat of țilke same it is ydouted. as whețer țat of țilke ținges țat ne han non endes {and} bytidynges necessaryes yif țer-of may ben any p{re}science ¶ For certys ței seme to discorde. for țou wenest țat yif țat ținges ben yseyn byforn țat necessite folweț hem. and yif ({et} putas) necessite faileț hem ței ne my[gh]ten nat ben wist byforn. {and} țat no ținge ne may ben comp{re}hendid by science but certeyne. {and} yif țo ținges țat ne han no certeyne bytidynges ben ypurueied as certeyn. it sholde ben dirkenesse of oppiniou{n} nat soțefastnesse of science [{and} ț{o}u weenyst ț{a}t it be diu{er}se fro the hoolnesse of science / ț{a}t any man sholde deme a thing to ben oother weys thanne it is it self]. and țe cause of țis errour is. țat of alle țe ținges țat euery wy[gh]t haț yknowe. ței wenen țat țo ținges ben y-knowe al oonly by țe strengțe {and} by țe nature of țe ținges țat ben ywyst or yknowe. {and} it is al țe contrarie. for alle țat eu{er}e is yknowe. it is rațer comp{re}hendid {and} yknowe{n} nat after his strengeț {and} hys nature. but after țe faculte țat is to seyn țe power {and} [the] nature of hem țat knowen. {and} for țat țis shal mowe shewen by a short ensample țe same roundenes of a body .O. oțer weyes țe sy[gh]t of țe eye knoweț it. {and} oțer weyes țe touchi{n}g. țe lokynge by castynge of his bemes waiteț {and} seeț fro afer alle țe body to-gider wiț oute mouynge of it self. but țe touchinge cliuiț {and} conioigneț to țe rounde body (orbi) {and} moueț abouten țe environynge. {and} comp{re}hendiț by p{ar}ties țe roundenesse. ¶ and țe man hym self oțer weies wyt byholdiț hym. {and} oț{er}weyes ymaginac{i}ou{n} {and} oțer weyes resou{n}. {and} oțer weyes intelligence. ¶ For țe wit co{m}p{re}he{n}diț fro wiț outen furțe țe figure of țe body of țe man. țat is establissed in țe matere subiect. But țe 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}hendeț by an vniuersel lokynge țe co{mmun}e spece (sp{eci}em) țat is in țe singuler peces. ¶ But țe eye of intelligence is hey[gh]er for it so{ur}mou{n}teț țe envirounynge of țe vniu{er}site {and} lookeț ouer țat by pure subtilite of țou[gh]t. țilk same symple forme of man țat is p{er}durably in țe deuyne țou[gh]t. in whiche țis au[gh]t[e] gretely to ben considered țat țe heyest strengțe to co{m}prehenden ținges enbraceț {and} conteyneț țe lower[e] strengțe [but the lower{e} strengthe ne arysith nat in no maner{e} to heyer{e} strengthe]. for wit ne may no ținge co{m}p{re}hende oute of matere. ne țe ymagynac{i}ou{n} ne lokeț nat țe vniuerseles speces. ne resou{n} ne takeț nat țe symple forme. so as i{n}telligence takeț it. but țe intelligence țat lokeț al abouen whan it haț co{m}p{re}hendid țe forme it knoweț {and} demeț alle țe ținges țat be{n} vndir țat forme. but she knoweț he{m} vndir țilke manere in țe whiche it comp{re}hendiț țilke same symple forme țat ne may neuer be knowen to non of țat oțer. țat is to seyn to non of țo țre forseide strengțes of țe soule. for it knoweț țe vniuersite of resou{n} {and} țe figure of țe ymaginac{i}ou{n}. {and} țe sensible mat{er}ial conseiued. {and} țou wenest ț{a}t it be diuerse fro țe hoolnesse of science. țat any man sholde deme a țing to ben oț{er}weyes țan it is it self {and} țe cause of țis erro{ur} {et}c'. {vt sup}ra. by wit. ne it ne vseț nat nor of resou{n} ne of ymaginac{i}ou{n} ne of wit wiț oute forțe but it byholdeț alle ținges so as I shal seye. by a strok of țou[gh]t formely wiț oute disco{ur}s or collac{i}ou{n} ¶ Certys resou{n} whan it lokeț any țing vniu{er}sel it ne vseț nat of ymaginac{i}ou{n} nor of wit {and} algates [gh]it [it] co{m}prendiț țe ținges ymaginable {and} sensible. for resou{n} is she țat diffinisseț țe vniuersel of hir conseite ry[gh]t țus. ¶ Man is a resonable t[w]o-footid beest. and how so țat țis knowynge [is] vniuersel. [gh]it nys țer no wy[gh]t țat ne woot wel. țat a ma{n} is [a thing] ymaginable {and} sensible ¶ and țis same co{n}sidereț wel resou{n}. but țat nis nat by ymaginac{i}ou{n}. nor by witte. but it lokiț it by [a] resonable concepc{i}ou{n}. ¶ Also ymaginac{i}ou{n} al be it so. țat it takeț of wit țe bygyny{n}g{us} to seen {and} to formen țe figures. algates al țou[gh] țat wit ne ware not p{re}sent. [gh]it it envirouniț {and} co{m}p{re}hendiț alle ținges sensible. nat by resou{n} sensible of demynge. but by resou{n} ymaginatif. ¶ sest țou nat țan țat alle țe ținges in knowynge vsen more of hir faculte or of hir power. țan ței don of [the] faculte or of power of ținges țat ben yknowen. ne țat nis no wronge. for so as euery iugement is țe dede or țe doynge of hym țat demeț. It byhoueț țat euery wy[gh]t p{er}forme țe 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}.]] ++ȚE porche țat is to sein a gate of țe toune of athenis țer as philosophres hadde hir congregac{i}ou{n} to dispoyten. {and} țilke porche brou[gh]t[e] so{m}tyme olde men ful derke in hire sentences. ț{a}t is to sein philosophers țat hy[gh]ten stoiciens. țat wenden țat ymages [{and}] sensibilites țat is to sein sensible ymaginac{i}ou{n}s. or ellys ymaginac{i}ou{n} of sensible ținges were{n} i{n}p{re}ntid in to soules fro bodies wiț oute forțe. ¶ As who seiț țat țilke stoiciens wenden ț{a}t țe soule hadde ben naked of it self. as a mirour or a clene p{ar}chemyn. so țat alle fygures mosten [fyrst] comen fro ținges fro wiț 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 țe smoțenesse or in țe plainesse of țe table of wex. or in p{ar}chemyn țat ne haț no figure [ne] note in it. _Glosa._ But now arguiț boece a[gh]eins țat oppiniou{n} {and} seiț țus. but yif țe țriuyng soule ne vnplitiț no țing. țat is to sein ne doț no țing by hys p{ro}pre moeuynges. but suffriț {and} lieț subgit to țe figures {and} to țe notes of bodyes wiț oute forțe. {and} [gh]eldeț ymages ydel {and} veyne in țe manere of a mirour. whennes țriueț țan or whennes comeț țan țilke knowyng in oure soule. țat discerniț {and} byholdeț alle ținges. and whennes is țilke strengțe țat byholdeț țe syngulere ținges. or whennes is țe strengțe țat dyuydeț ținges yknowe. {and} țilke stre{n}gțe țat gadereț to-gidre țe ținges deuided. {and} țe strengțe țat cheseț hys entrechau{n}ged wey for som tyme it heueț vp țe heued. țat is to sein țat it heueț vp țe ente{n}c{i}ou{n} to ry[gh]t heye ținges. {and} som tyme it discendiț in to ry[gh]t lowe ținges. {and} whan it retourniț in to hym self. it rep{re}uiț {and} destroieț țe false ținges by țe trewe ținges. ¶ Certys țis strengțe is cause more efficient {and} mochel more my[gh]ty to seen {and} to knowe ținges. țan țilke cause țat suffriț and resceyueț țe notes {and} țe figures inp{re}ssed in manere of matere algates țe passiou{n} țat is to seyn țe suffraunce or țe wit i{n} țe quik[e] body goț byforne excitynge {and} moeuyng țe strengțes of țe țou[gh]te. ry[gh]t so as whan țat clerenesse smyteț țe eyen {and} moeuiț hem to seen. or ry[gh]t so as voys or soune hurtliț to țe eres {and} co{m}moeuiț hem to herkne. țan is țe stre{n}gțe of țe țou[gh]t ymoeuid {and} excitid {and} clepeț furțe țe semblable moeuynges țe speces țat it halt wiț i{n}ne it self. {and} addiț țo speces to țe notes {and} to țe ținges wiț out forțe. {and} medeleț țe ymages of ținges wiț out forțe to țe forme[s] yhid wiț 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] țat in bodies to be{n} feelid țat is to sein in țe takynge of knowelechinge of bodyly ținges. and al be it so țat țe qualites of bodies ț{a}t ben obiect fro wiț oute forțe moeuen {and} entalenten țe instrumentes of țe wittes. and al be it so țat țe passiou{n} of țe body țat is to seyn țe witte [or the] suffrau{n}ce [goth to-forn the strengthe of the workynge corage / the which passiou{n} or suffraunce] clepiț furțe țe dede of țe țou[gh]t in hym self. {and} moeueț {and} exiteț in țis mene while țe formes ț{a}t resten wiț in forțe. and yif țat i{n} sensible bodies as I haue seid oure corage nis nat ytau[gh]t or enp{re}ntid by passiou{n} to knowe țise ținges. but demiț {and} knoweț of hys owen strengțe țe passiou{n} or suffrau{n}ce subiect to țe body. Moche more țan țoo ținges țat 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 ținges obiect from wiț oute forțe. but ței accomplissen {and} speden țe dede of hir țou[gh]t by țis resou{n}. ¶ țan țere comen many manere knowynges to dyu{er}se {and} differy{n}g substaunces. for țe wit of țe body țe whiche witte is naked {and} despoyled of alle oțer knowynges. țilke witte comeț to bestes țat ne mowen nat moeuen hem self here ne țere. as oystres {and} muscles {and} oțer swiche shelle fysshe of țe see. ț{a}t cliue{n} {and} ben norissed to roches. but țe ymaginac{i}ou{n} comeț to remuable bestes țat seme{n} to han talent to fleen or to desiren any ținge. but resou{n} is al only to țe lynage of mankynde ry[gh]t as i{n}telligence is oonly țe deuyne nature. of whiche it folweț țat țilke knowyng is more worțe țan [th]is[e] oțer. syn it knoweț by hys p{ro}pre nature nat only hys subiect. as who seiț it ne knoweț nat al oonly țat app{er}teiniț p{ro}prely to hys knowynge. but it knoweț țe subgit[gh] of alle oțer knowynges. but how shal it țan be yif țat wit {and} ymaginac{i}ou{n} stryuen a[gh]eins resonynge {and} sein țat of țilke vniuersel ținges. țat resou{n} weneț to seen țat it nis ry[gh]t nau[gh]t. for wit {and} ymaginac{i}ou{n} seyn țat țat. țat is sensible or ymaginable it ne may nat ben vniuersel. țan is eițer țe iugement of resou{n} [soth]. ne țat țer nis no ținge sensible. or ellys for țat resou{n} woot wel țat many ținges ben subiect to wit {and} to ymaginac{i}ou{n}. țan is țe co{n}sepc{i}ou{n} of resou{n} veyn {and} fals whiche țat lookeț {and} co{m}p{re}hendiț. țat țat is sensible {and} synguler as uniuersele. and [gh]if țat resou{n} wolde answeren a[gh]ein to țise two țat is to sein to wit {and} to ymaginac{i}ou{n}. {and} sein țat soțely she hir self. țat is to seyn țat resou{n} lokeț {and} comp{re}hendiț by resou{n} of vniuersalite. boțe țat țat is sensible {and} țat țat is ymaginable. {and} țat țilke two țat is to seyn wit {and} ymaginac{i}ou{n} ne mowe{n} nat strecchen ne enhaunsen hem self to knowynge of vniuersalite for țat țe knowy{n}g of hem ne may exceden nor so{ur}mou{n}te{n} țe bodyly figure[s] ¶ Certys of țe knowyng of ținges men au[gh]ten rațer [gh]eue credence to țe more stedfast {and} to țe more p{er}fit iugement. In țis manere stryuynge țan we țat han strengțe of resonynge {and} of ymaginynge {and} of wit țat is to seyn by resou{n} {and} by ymaginac{i}ou{n} {and} by wit. [{and}] we sholde rațer p{re}ise țe cause of resou{n}. as who seiț țan țe cause of wit or ymaginac{i}ou{n}. semblable ținge is it țat țe resou{n} of mankynde ne weneț nat țat țe deuyne intelligence byholdeț or knoweț ținges to comen. but ry[gh]t as țe resou{n} of mankynde knoweț hem. for țou arguist {and} seist țus. țat yif it ne seme nat to men țat so{m}me ținges han certeyne {and} necessarie bytidynges. ței ne mowen nat ben wist byforn certeynely to bytiden. ța{n} nis [ther] no p{re}science of țilke ținges. {and} yif we trowen țat p{re}science ben in țise ținges. țan is țer no ținge țat it ne bitidiț by necessite. but certys yif we my[gh]te{n} han țe iugeme{n}t of țe deuyne țou[gh]t as we ben p{ar}son{er}s of resou{n}. ry[gh]t so as we han demed. it byhoueț țat ymaginac{i}ou{n} {and} wit ben bynețe resou{n}. ry[gh]t so wolde we deme{n} țat it were ry[gh]tful țing țat ma{n}s resou{n} au[gh]t[e] to su{m}mitten it self {and} to ben bynețe țe deuyne țou[gh]t. for whiche țat yif we mowen. as who seiț. țat yif țat we mowe{n} I conseil[e] țat we enhanse vs in to țe hey[gh]t of țilke souereyne i{n}telligence. for țere shal resou{n} wel seen țat țat it ne may nat by-holden in it self. and certys țat is țis in what manere țe p{re}science of god seeț alle ținges c{er}teins {and} difinissed al țou[gh] ței ne han no certein issues or by-tydynges. ne țis is non oppiniou{n} but it is rațer țe simplicite of țe souereyn science țat nis nat enclosed nor yshet wiți{n}ne no boundes. QUAM UARIIS FIGURIS. [Sidenote: [The 5^the Met{ur}.]] ++ȚE bestes passen by țe erțes by ful dyuerse figures for so{m}me of hem han hir bodies strau[gh]t {and} crepe{n} in țe dust {and} drawen after he{m} a t{ra}is or a forghe contynued. țat is to sein as addres or snakes. and oțer bestes by [the] wandryng ly[gh]tnesse of hir wenges beten țe wyndes {and} ouer-swymme{n} țe spaces of țe longe eyer by moist flee[y]nge. and oțer bestes gladen hem to diggen her traas or her stappes i{n} țe erțe wiț hir goynge or wiț her feet. or to gone eyțe[r] by țe grene feldes or [elles] to walken vnder țe wodes. {and} al be it so ț{a}t țou seest țat ței alle discorden by dyuerse formes. algate hir{e} [faces] enclini[n]g heuieț hir{e} dulle wittes. Onlyche țe lynage of man heueț heyest hys hey[gh]e heued {and} stondeț ly[gh]t wiț hys vpry[gh]t body {and} byholdeț țe erțe vndir hym. [and] but-[gh]if țou erțely man wexest yuel oute of ți witte. țis figure amonesteț țe ț{a}t axest țe heuene wiț ți ry[gh]t[e] visage. {and} hast areised ți forhede to beren vp on heye ți corage so țat ți țou[gh]t ne be nat yheuied ne put lowe vndir foot. sen țat ți 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.]] ++ȚEr-fore țan as I haue shewed a litel her byforne țat al ținge țat is ywist nis nat knowen by hys nature p{ro}pre. but by țe nature of he{m} țat comp{re}henden it. ¶ Lat vs loke now in as moche as it is leueful to vs. as who seiț lat vs loken now as we mowen whiche ț{a}t țe estat is of țe deuyne substaunce so țat we mowen [ek] knowen what his science is. țe comune iugement of alle creatures resonables țan is țis țat god is eterne. lat vs considere ța{n} what is et{er}nite. For certys țat shal shewen vs to-gidre țe deuyne nature {and} țe deuyne science ¶ Eternite țan is p{er}fit possessiou{n} {and} al togidre of lijf interminable {and} țat sheweț more clerely by țe co{m}parisou{n} or collac{i}ou{n} of temp{or}el ținges. for al țing țat lyueț in tyme it is p{re}sent {and} p{ro}cediț fro preterit[gh] in to fut{ur}es. țat is to sein. fro tyme passed in to tyme comynge. ne țer nis no țing establissed i{n} tyme țat may enbracen to-gidre al țe space of hys lijf. for certys [gh]it ne haț it nat taken țe tyme of țe morwe. {and} it haț lost țat of [gh]ister-day. and certys in țe lijf of țis day [gh]e ne lyuen no more but ry[gh]t as in țis moeueable {and} t{ra}nsitorie moment. țan țilke ținge țat suffriț temp{or}el condic{i}ou{n}. a[l]țough{e} țat [it] bygan neuer to be. ne țough{e} it neu{er}e cese forto be. as aristotle demde of țe worlde. and al țou[gh] țat țe lif of it be strecchid wiț infinite of tyme. [gh]it algates nis it no swiche țing țat men my[gh]ten trowen by ry[gh]t țat it is eterne. for al țou[gh] țat it comp{re}hende {and} embrace țe space of life infinite. [gh]it algates ne [em]braceț it nat țe space of țe lif alto-gidre. for it ne haț nat țe fut{ur}es țat ne ben nat [gh]it. ne it ne haț no lenger țe p{re}t{er}it[gh] țat ben ydon or ypassed. but țilke țing țan țat haț {and} co{m}prehendiț to-gidre alle țe plente of țe lif i{n}terminable. to whom țere ne failiț nat of țe fut{ur}e. {and} to whom țer nis nat of țe p{re}t{er}it escapid nor ypassed. țilk[e] same is ywitnessed or yproued by ry[gh]t to ben eterne. and it byhoueț by necessite țat țilke ținge be alwey p{re}sent to hym self {and} co{m}potent. as who seiț alwey p{re}sent to hym self {and} so my[gh]ty țat al by ry[gh]t at hys plesaunce. {and} ț{a}t he haue al p{re}sent țe infinit of țe moeuable tyme. wherfore som men trowe{n} wrongefully țat whan ței heren țat it semid[e] to plato țat țis worlde ne had[de] neuer bygynnynge of tyme. ne țat it neu{er}e shal haue faylynge. ței wenen i{n} țis man{er}e țat țis worlde ben maked coet{er}ne wiț his makere. as who seiț. ței wenen țat țis worlde {and} god ben maked to-gidre eterne. and it is a wrongful wenynge. for oțer țing is it to ben yladd by lif interminable as plato graunted[e] to țe worlde. {and} oțer țing is it to embracen to-gidre alle țe p{re}sence to țe lif interminable. țe whiche țing it is clere {and} manifest țat it is p{ro}pre to țe deuine țou[gh]t. ne it ne sholde nat semen to vs țat god is elder țan ținges țat ben ymaked by quantite of tyme. but rațer by țe p{ro}prete of hys symple nature. for țis ilke infinit[e] moeuyng of temp{or}el ținges folwiț țis p{re}sentarie estat of țe lijf i{n}moeueable. {and} so as it ne may nat contrefeten it ne feyne{n} it ne ben euene lyke to it. for țe inmoeueablete. țat is to seyn țat is i{n} țe eternite of god. ¶ it faileț {and} falleț in to moeuynge fro țe simplicite of [the] p{re}sence of god. {and} disencresiț to țe infinite quantite of fut{ur}e {and} of p{re}terit. {and} so as it ne may nat han togidre al țe plente of țe lif. algates [gh]itte for as moche as it ne cesiț neuere forto ben in som manere it semeț somde[l] to vs țat it folwiț {and} resembliț țilke țing ț{a}t it ne may nat attayne to. ne fulfille. {and} byndeț it self to som manere p{re}sence of țis litel {and} swifte moment. țe whiche p{re}sence of țis lytele {and} swifte moment. for țat it bereț a manere ymage or lykenesse of țe ay dwellynge p{re}sence of god. it graunteț to swiche manere ținges as it bitidiț to țat it semeț hem țat țise ținges han ben {and} ben {and} for [ț{a}t] țe p{re}sence of swiche litel moment ne may nat dwelle țer-for [it] rauyssid[e] {and} took țe infinit[e] wey of tyme. țat is to seyn by successiou{n}. {and} by țis man{er}e it is ydon. for țat it sholde continue țe lif in goynge of țe whiche lif it ne my[gh]t[e] nat embrace țe plente in dwellynge. {and} for ți yif we willen putte worți name[s] to ținges {and} folwen plato. lat vs seyn ța{n} soțely țat god is et{er}ne. {and} țat țe worlde is p{er}petuel. țan syn țat euery iugeme{n}t knoweț {and} comp{re}hendiț by hys owen nature ținges țat ben subiect vnto hym. țere is soțely al-wey to god an et{er}ne {and} p{re}sentarie estat. {and} țe science of hym țat ouer-passeț alle temp{or}el moe[ue]m{en}t dwelliț in țe symplicite of hys p{re}sence {and} embraceț {and} considereț alle țe infinit spaces of tymes p{re}terit[gh] {and} fut{ur}es {and} lokeț in țis symple knowynge alle ținges of p{re}t{er}it ry[gh]t as ței weren ydoon p{re}sently ry[gh]t now ¶ yif țou wolt țan țenke {and} avise{n} țe p{re}science by whiche it knoweț al[le] ți{n}ges țou ne shalt nat demen it as p{re}science of ținges to comen. but țou shalt deme{n} [it] more ry[gh]tfully țat it is science of presence or of instaunce țat neuer ne fayleț. for whiche it nis nat ycleped p{ro}uidence but it sholde rațer be cleped purueaunce țat is establissed ful fer fro ry[gh]t lowe ținges. {and} byholdeț from a-fer alle ținges ry[gh]t as it were fro țe heye hey[gh]te of ținges. whi axest țou țan or why disputest țou țan țat țilke ținges ben don by necessite whiche țat ben yseyen {and} yknowen by țe deuyne sy[gh]t. syn țat for soțe men ne maken nat țilke ți{n}ges necessarie. whiche țat țe[i] seen be ydoon in hir{e} sy[gh]t. for addiț ți byholdynge any necessite to țilke ținges țat țou byholdest p{re}sent. ¶ Nay q{uo}d I. _p._ Certys țan yif men my[gh]te maken any digne comparisou{n} or collac{i}ou{n} of țe p{re}sence diuine. {and} of țe p{re}sence of mankynde. ry[gh]t so as [gh]e seen so{m}me ținges in țis temp{or}el presente. ry[gh]t so seeț god alle ținges by hys eterne p{re}sent. ¶ wherfore țis dyuyne p{re}science ne chaungeț nat țe nature ne țe p{ro}prete of ținges but byholdeț swyche ținges present to hym ward. as ței shollen bytiden to [gh]ow ward in tyme to come. ne it ne co{n}foundeț nat țe Iugement[gh] of ținges but by of sy[gh]t of hys țou[gh]t he knoweț țe ținges to comen as wel necessarie as nat necessarie. ry[gh]t so as whan [gh]e seen togidre a man walke on țe erțe {and} țe sonne arysen in [the] heuene. al be it so țat [gh]e seen {and} byholde{n} țat oon {and} țat oțer to-gidre. [gh]it națeles [gh]e demen {and} discerne țat țat oon is uolu{n}tarie {and} țat oțer is necessarie. ¶ Ry[gh]t so țan [the] deuyne lokynge byholdynge alle ți{n}ges vndir hym ne troubleț nat țe qualite of ținges țat ben certeynely p{re}sent to hy{m} ward. but as to țe condic{i}ou{n} of tyme for soțe ței ben fut{ur}e. for whiche it folwiț țat țis nis non oppiniou{n}. but rațer a stedfast knowyng ystrengețed by soțenes. țat whan țat god knoweț any ținge to be he ne vnwoot nat țat țilke ținge wanteț necessite to be. țis is to seyn țat whan țat god knoweț any ținge to bitide. he woot wel țat it ne haț no necessite to bitide. {and} yif ț{o}u seist here țat țilke ținge țat god seeț to bytide it ne may nat vnbytide. as who seiț it mot bitide. ¶ and țilke ținge țat țat ne may nat vnbytide it mot bitide by necessite. and țat țou streine me to țis name of necessite. certys I wol wel confessen {and} byknowe a ținge of ful sadde trouțe. but vnneț shal țere any wy[gh]t [mowe] seen it or comen țer-to. but yif țat he be byholder of țe deuyne țou[gh]te. ¶ for I wol answer{e} țe țus. țat țilke ținge țat is future whan it is referred to țe deuyne knowy{n}g țan 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 țer ben two maneres of necessites. țat oon necessite is symple as țus. țat it byhoueț by necessite țat alle men be mortal or dedely. an oț{er} necessite is condicionel as țus. yif țou wost țat a man walkiț. it byhoueț by necessite țat he walke. țilke ținge țan țat any wy[gh]t haț yknowe to be. it ne may ben non oțer weyes țan he knoweț it to be. ¶ but țis condicioun ne draweț nat wiț hir țilke necessite symple. For certys țis necessite condicionel. țe p{ro}pre nature of it ne makeț it nau[gh]t. but țe adiecc{i}ou{n} of țe condic{i}ou{n} makiț it. for no necessite ne constreyneț a man to [gon / ț{a}t] gooț by his p{ro}pre wille. al be it so țat whan he gooț țat it is necessarie țat he gooț. țan mot țilke ținge be by necessite. al țou[gh] țat it ne haue no necessite of hys owen nature. ¶ Ry[gh]t on țis same manere țan. yif țat țe p{ur}ueaunce of god seeț any țing p{re}sent. but certys țe fut{ur}es țat bytyden by fredom of arbitre god seeț hem alle to-gidre p{re}sent[gh]. țise ținges țan [yif] ței ben referred to țe deuyne sy[gh]t. țan ben ței maked necessarie to țe condic{i}ou{n} of țe deuyne knowynge. but certys yif țilke ținges ben considred by hem self ței ben absolut of necessite. {and} ne forleten nat ne cesen nat of țe liberte of hire owe{n} natur{e}. țan certys wiț outen doute alle țe țing{us} shollen be doon whiche țat god woot by-forn țat ței ben to comen. but so{m}me of hem comen {and} bitiden of [free] arbitre or of fre wille. țat al be it so țat ței bytiden. [gh]it algates ne lese ței nat hire p{ro}pre nature ne beynge. by țe whiche first or țat ței were doon ței hadden power nat to han bitidd. _Boece._ what is țis to seyn ța{n} q{uo}d I. țat ținges ne ben nat necessarie by hire p{ro}pre nature. so as ței comen in alle maneres in țe lykenesse of necessite by țe condic{i}ou{n} of țe deuyne science. {Ph}ilosoph{ie}. țis is țe difference q{uo}d she. țat țo ținges țat I p{ur}posed[e] țe a litel here byforn. țat is to seyn țe sonne arysynge {and} țe man walkynge țat țerwhiles țat țilke ținges ben ydon. ței ne my[gh]ten nat ben vndon. națeles țat oon of hem or it was ydon it byhoued[e] by necessite țat it was ydon. but nat țat oț{er}. ry[gh]t so it is here țat țe ținges țat god haț p{re}sent. wiț outen doute ței shulle ben. but so{m}me of hem descendiț of țe nature of ținges as țe sonne arysynge. {and} so{m}me descendiț of țe power of țe doers as țe man walkynge. ¶ țan seide I. no wronge țat yif țat țise ținges ben referred to țe deuyne knowynge țan ben ței necessarie. {and} yif ței ben considered by he{m} selfe țan ben ței absolut from țe bonde of necessite. ry[gh]t so [as] alle ținges țat appiereț or sheweț to țe wittes yif țou referre it to resou{n} it is vniuersel. {and} yif țou referre it or look[e] it to it self. țan is it sy{n}guler. but now yif țou seist țus ț{a}t yif it be in my power to chaunge my p{ur}pose. țan shal I voide țe p{ur}ueaunce of god. whan țat p{er}auenture I shal han chau{n}ged țo ținges țat he knoweț byforn. țan shal I answere țe țus ¶ Certys țou maist wel chaungen ți p{ur}pos but for as mochel as țe p{re}sent soțenesse of țe deuyne p{ur}ueaunce byholdeț țat țou mayst chau{n}ge{n} ți p{ur}pose. {and} whețir țou wolt chaunge it or no. {and} whider-ward țat țou tourne it. ț{o}u maist nat eschewen țe deuyne p{re}science ry[gh]t as țou ne mayst nat fleen țe sy[gh]t of țe p{re}sent eye. al țou[gh] țat țou tourne ți self by ți fre wille in to dyu{er}se acc{i}ou{n}. ¶ But țou mayst seyn a[gh]eyne how shal it țan be. shal nat țe dyuyne science ben chaunged by my disposic{i}ou{n} whan țat I wol o țing now {and} now an oțer. {and} țilke p{re}science ne semeț it nat to enterchau{n}ge stoundes of knowynges. as who seiț. ne shal it nat seme to vs țat țe deuyne p{re}science enterchaungeț hys dyuers stoundes of knowynge. so țat it knowe so{m}me tyme o țing {and} so{m}me tyme țe contrarie. ¶ No for soțe. [q{uod} I] for țe deuyne sy[gh]t renneț to-forne {and} seeț alle fut{ur}es {and} clepeț hem a[gh]ein {and} reto{ur}niț hem to țe p{re}sence of hys p{ro}pre knowynge. ne he ne entrechaungeț nat [so] as țou wenest țe stoundes of forknowyng [as] now țis now țat. but he ay dwellynge comiț byforn {and} enbraceț at o strook alle ți mutac{i}ou{n}s. and țis p{re}sence to co{m}p{re}henden {and} to sen alle ținges. god ne haț nat take{n} it of țe bitydynge of ținges forto come. but of hys p{ro}pre symplicite. ¶ and her by is assoiled țilke țing țat țou puttest a litel her byforne. țat is to seyne țat it is vnworți ținge to seyn țat oure futures [gh]euen cause of țe science of god ¶ For c{er}tys țis strengțe of țe deuyne science whiche țat enbraceț alle ținge by his p{re}sentarie knowynge establisseț manere to alle ți{n}g{us} {and} it ne awiț nat to lattere ținges. {and} syn țat țise ținges ben țus. țat is to seyn syn țat necessite nis nat in ținges by țe deuyne p{re}science. țan is țer fredom of arbitre. țat dwelleț hool {and} vnwemmed to mortal men. ne țe lawes ne p{ur}pose nat wikkedly meedes {and} peynes to țe willynges of men țat ben vnbounde {and} quit of alle necessite. ¶ And god byholder {and} forwiter of alle ținges dwelliț aboue {and} țe p{re}sent eternite of hys sy[gh]t renneț alwey wiț țe 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 țer nat put in god hope {and} p{ra}yeres. țat ne mowen nat ben vnspedful ne wiț oute effect whan ței ben ry[gh]tful ¶ wițstond țan {and} eschewe țou vices. worshippe {and} loue țou vertus. areise ți corage to ry[gh]tful hoopes. [gh]elde țou 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 țat [gh]e worchen {and} doon. țat is to seyn [gh]oure dedes {and} [gh]oure workes by-fore țe eyen of țe Iuge țat seeț {and} demeț alle ținges. [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 Abieț, 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 Alțerfairest, fairest of all, 87/2422 Alțerfirst, first of all, 10/180 Alțermoste, most of all, 158/4563 Alțerworste, 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 Awiț = aweț, 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 Blyțenesse, 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 Burțe, 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 Bynețen, 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 Deeț, 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 Derworțe, Derworți, 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 Erțeliche, Erțelyche, 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 Ferțe, 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 Forțenke, to be sorry, grieved, 41/1058 Forțere, to further, promote, 41/1057 Forțest, farthest, 136/3918 Forți, 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 Grayțe, 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 Inwiț, 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 Looț, 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 Myrțes, 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 Națeles, 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 Nețemaste, lowest, nethermost, 6/56 Nețereste, 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 Nouțir, 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 Oțerweyes, 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 Overțrowen, prostrate, 21/497 Overțrowyng, 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; 'worți 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 Rațer, 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 Smoțe, 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 Soțe, true, 17/377, 118/3352 Soțefastly, truly, 89/2481 Soțely, truly, 169/4918 Soțenesse, 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 Strenkeț, 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 Syțen, since, 32/802 Talent, affection, desire, will, 6/71, 168/4887 Taylage, tollage, 181/54 Țar, need, 38/987 Țerwhiles, whilst, 176/5150 Țilke, the same, that, 99/2814 Țo, Țoo (_pl._), the, 11/200, 168/4886 Țondre, thunder, 45/1166 Țoru[gh], through, 11/202 Țreschefolde, threshold, 7/89 Țrest, thirst, 36/914, 71/1945 Țreste, Țresten, thrust, 47/1237, 148/4283 Throf, throve, flourished, 74/2050 Țrust, 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 Unassaieț, 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 Undirneț, 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 Unkouț, 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 Unneț, 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 Wițdrow, withdrew, 64/1751 Wițhalden, to withhold, 142/4105 Wițoute forțe, outwardly, 165/4803 Wițseid, denied, 90/2501 Wițstant, withstand, 29/715 Wițstonde (_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 Wroțely, grieved, sad, 7/87 Wryțen, 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. Ystrengețed, strengthened, 175/5098 Yțewed, behaved, 139/4008 Yțrongen, 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]ouțe, 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 ț{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 forsoțe 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 comeț it. țat in euery țing general. yif țat. 2468 țat men seen any țing țat is i{n}p{er}fit *certys in țilke general țer mot ben so{m}me țing țat is p{er}fit. [[text printed as shown, but "yif țat. țat" may be an error: Skeat edition has only one "țat"]] [Sidenote: [Chaucer's gloss upon the Text.] [[no closing bracket]] [Headnote: MEN DO NOT SEEK TRUE FELICITY.] [[final . missing or invisible]] ... in țat țat men may holden hym my[gh]ty. 3196 [[text printed as shown, but "in țat țat" may be an error: Skeat edition has only one "țat"]] țe w[or]ste kynde of shrewednesse ne defouliț nat ne 3436 entecehiț nat hem oonly but infectiț {and} enuenemyț [[text unchanged: expected form "entecchiț"] ... țan sheweț 3560 it clerely țat țilke shrewednesse is wiț 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 ței 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_ Alțermoste, most of all, 158/4563 Alțerworste, worst of all, 157/4562 [[Both are two words in primary text: Alțer moste, Alțer 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 Redistribuito da: classicistranieri.com | Facciamo una biblioteca multiediale. Meglio. E ci dispiace per gli altri! 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