Selections from Early Middle English, 1130-1250. Part 1: Texts
Author: Unknown
Date: 2008-08-24T00:00:00+00:00
Keywords: English literature -- Middle English; 1100-1500

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Title: Selections from Early Middle English, 1130-1250. Part 1: Texts

Editor: Joseph Hall

Release date: August 24, 2008 [eBook #26413]
Most recently updated: January 4, 2021

Language: English

Credits: Produced by Louise Hope, David Starner and the Online
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⁊ (Tironian ampersand)
þ̵ (thorn with stroke—also see below)
ę (e with tail, “e caudata”)
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SELECTIONS FROM
EARLY MIDDLE ENGLISH
1130-1250

EDITED WITH INTRODUCTIONS AND NOTES

BY

JOSEPH HALL

M.A., Hon. D.Litt., Durham University

PART I: TEXTS

OXFORD

AT THE CLARENDON PRESS

M CM XX

OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

LONDON   EDINBURGH   GLASGOW   NEW YORK
TORONTO   MELBOURNE   CAPE TOWN   BOMBAY
HUMPHREY MILFORD
PUBLISHER TO THE UNIVERSITY

PREFACE

Some of the texts in this book have already appeared in the Specimens of Early English edited by the Rev. Richard Morris. But Nos. i, ii, iv, vii, xiii and xv are new, the important shorter pieces, Nos. vi, viii, xvi, xviii, xxi and xxiii, are printed in full, and some, as Nos. viii and ix, are taken from additional or better manuscripts. The pieces are arranged tentatively in what appears to be the chronological order of their composition, but Nos. xix and xvii should have come before the Ancrene Wisse, and No. vii has been placed next to the Proverbs of Alfred, from which it appears to be derived. It is hoped that those who study the older book will find in the present one a useful supplement.

The texts follow the manuscripts in all details. The syntax being comparatively simple, there is not much to be gained by modern punctuation, and that of the manuscripts has gained a fresh importance from theories which have been founded upon it. Where obvious mistakes have been corrected in the text, notice is always given in the footnotes. Additions are made within square brackets, and interlineations are printed between accents.

My best thanks are due to the custodians of the libraries for the facilities which with uniform kindness they extended to me in the collation of the manuscripts.

J. H.

Woodstock,
January, 1920.

TABLE
OF
PIECES AND MANUSCRIPTS

PAGE

I.

Worcester Fragments

Worcester Cathedral Library, 174.

1

II.

Saint Godric’s Hymns

British Museum, Royal 5 F. vii.

5

III.

The Peterborough Chronicle (A.D. 1132-1154)

Bodleian, Laud Misc. 636.

5

IV.

Charter of Henry the Second

B. M., Harleian Charter iii B. 49.

11

V.

A Parable

B. M., Cotton Vespasian A. xxii.

12

VI.

The Proverbs of Alfred

Jesus Coll. Oxford, Arch. E. 29.

18

VII.

Memento Mori

Same as No. VI.

29

VIII.

Poema Morale

Lambeth, 487.

B. M., Egerton 613.

Trinity Coll. Camb., B. 14. 52.

30, 31

IX.

Ancrene Wisse A

Corpus Christi Coll. Camb., 402.

Caius Coll., 234.

54, 55

IX.

Ancrene Wisse B

Corpus MS., as before.

B. M., Cotton Nero A. xiv, with passages from C inserted between asterisks.

Variants upon MS. Nero from B. M., Cotton Titus D. xviii (without any indicating letter) and B. M., Cotton Cleopatra C. vi (= C). B indicates agreement of T and C as against N.

60, 61

X.

In Diebus Dominicis

Lambeth, 487.

76

XI.

Hic Dicendum est de Propheta

Same as for No. X.

79

XII.

Sermons for Palm Sunday and Easter Day

Trinity Coll. Camb., B. 14. 52.

82

XIII.

Vices and Virtues

B. M., Stowe 34.

88

XIV.

Laȝamon

B. M., Cotton Caligula A. ix.

B. M., Cotton Otho C. xiii.

94, 95

XV.

Orm

Bodleian, Junius 1.

112

XVI.

Sawles Warde

Bodleian, 34 (to l. 339, p. 127).

B. M., Royal 17 A. xxvii (from l. 339, p. 127 to end).

117

XVII.

Saint Katherine

B. M., Royal 17 A. xxvii.

128

XVIII.

The Orison of our Lady

B. M., Cotton Nero A. xiv.

132

XIX.

Saint Juliana

B. M., Royal 17 A. xxvii.

Bodleian, 34.

138, 139

XX.

The Owl and the Nightingale

Jesus Coll. Oxford, Arch. E. 29.

B. M., Cotton Caligula A. ix.

148, 149

XXI.

The Bestiary

B. M., Arundel 292.

176

XXII.

Genesis and Exodus

Corpus Christi Coll. Camb., 444.

197

XXIII.

Kentish Sermons

Bodleian, Laud Misc. 471.

214

CORRIGENDA

The listed corrections have been made in the text and marked with mouse-hover popups like this.

1/17 | [nu beoþ]
2/30 | [fei]ȝe
11/1 | þurh   MS kurh
12/15 | alisendnesse
14/58 | filio
17/162 | descendi
83/32 | For viam pro read vestimenta prosternebant
85/79 | secla
87/161 | Omit words in brackets at beginning of line
150/16 | þat
152/57 | wit
154/104 | bysemar
160/183 | nyht
160/185 | vych
160/191 | quaþ
166/289 | In footnote, Þule
167/289 | In footnote, Þule
167/310 | eue
168/336 | Murehþe ilyche
168/339 | holy
221/248 | iheed for ihee[r]d

I. WORCESTER FRAGMENTS

“Worcester Cathedral Library, 174.... Its contents are ... (2) the scrap here marked A; (3) the pieces B and C with five more fragments of the same poem. A completes the page on which the glossary ends, and B is on the verso of the leaf. The leaves have been slightly shorn at one side and reduced at top and bottom, but probably to no great extent: the conjectural complement, which is here printed within square brackets, is for the most part fairly obvious, the more so as portions of the lost letters often remain. The whole MS. is in the same large square hand, but the pieces in verse, which are written continuously, like prose, are less carefully executed. The handwriting is of the second half of the twelfth century, perhaps about 1180 A.D. The Latin headings are not in the MS.”

A. Sicut Oues absque Pastore

[S]

anctus beda was iboren her on breotene mid us ·

2. writen] [bec] Varnhagen.
3. englisc] englise MS.

⁊ he wisliche [writen] awende
þ̵ þeo englisc leoden þurh weren ilerde ·

⁊ he þeo c[not]ten unwreih · þe questiuns hoteþ ·

5 þa derne diȝelnesse · þe de[or]wurþe is ·
ælfric abbod þe we alquin hoteþ ·

7. [fif] V.

he was bocare · ⁊ þe [fif] bec wende ·

Genesis · Exodus · Vtronomius · Numerus · Leuiticus ·
þ[urh] þeos weren ilærde ure leoden · on englisc ·

10 þet weren þeos biscop[es þeo] bodeden cristendom

11. Ripum] Sipum MS.
13. Paulin] [Cwiche]lm Wright.

wilfrid of Ripum · Johan of beoferlai · Cuþb[ert] of Dunholme · Oswald of wireceastre · Egwin of heoueshame · æl[dhelm] of malmesburi · Swiþþun · æþelwold · Aidan · Biern of wincæstre · [Pau]lin of rofecæstre · S. Dunston · ⁊ S. ælfeih of cantore · buri ·

15 þeos læ[rden] ure leodan on englisc ·
næs deorc heore liht · ac hit fæire glod ·

[nu is] þeo leore forleten · ⁊ þet folc is forloren ·

[nu beoþ] oþre leoden · þeo læ[reþ] ure folc ·

⁊ feole of þen lorþeines losiæþ · ⁊ þ̵ folc forþ mid

20 Nu sæiþ [ure] drihten þus · Sicut aquila prouocat
pullos suos ad uolandum · ⁊ super eo[s uolitat ·]

22. þis] þus V.

þis beoþ godes word to worlde asende ·
þ̵ we sceolen fæier feþ [festen to him] ·

B. Homo Putredo et Filius Hominis Vermis

en earde ·

⁊ alle þeo isceæftan · þe him to [s]cu[l]en ·

3. [þe]ne Buchholz. [þon]ne Haufe.

⁊ mid muchele cre[fte · þe]ne mon he idihte ·

⁊ him on ileide · lif ⁊ soule ·

5 Softliche he heo isom[nede] · ac þær biþ sor idol ·
þ̵ bodeþ þ̵ bearn : þonne hit iboren biþ ·

7. hit [greoneþ ond woan]eþ B.

hit [woan]eþ ⁊ mænet þeo weowe ·

⁊ þene seoruhfule siþ · ⁊ þ̵ sori idol ·

9. [⁊ li]came H.   [hire li]came Singer.

þ̵ soule schal [⁊ li]came · sorliche idælen ·

10 forþon hit cumeþ weopinde · ⁊ woniende iwiteþ ·

11. [D]eaþ H., B.   [thonne D]eath S.

[swo D]eaþ mid his pricke · pineþ þene licame ·
he walkeþ ⁊ wendeþ ⁊ woneþ [oftes]iþes ·

13. wome MS.

he sæiþ on his bedde · wo me þ̵ ic libbe ·
þ̵ æffre mine lif dawes · þus [lon]ge me ilesteþ ·

15 for heui is his greoning · ⁊ seorhful is his woaning ·

⁊ al [biþ] his siþ · mid seorwe biwunden ·
him deaueþ þa æren : him dimmeþ [þa] iȝen ·
him scerpeþ þe neose · him scrinckeþ þa lippen ·

19. [him ... skin] no gap in MS.

him scorteþ [þe] tunge · [him starkeþ his skin ·]

20 him trukeþ his iwit · him teoreþ his miht ·

21. þe ban] perhaps he stan.

him coldeþ his [siden ·] liggeþ þe ban stille ·
þonne biþ þ̵ soule hus · seoruhliche bereaued ·

23. [at] B., [of] H.

[at] also muchele wunne · þe þer inne wunede ·
þus biþ þæs bearnes · [bod]unge ifulled ·

25 þeo moder greoneþ · ⁊ þ̵ bearn woaneþ ·

So biþ þeo [bu]rdtid · mid ba`le´wen imenged ·

27. In MS. the second half of this line is sorhliche to dæl... copied by mistake from the next line.

so biþ eft þe feorþsiþ · Mid seoruwen al bewunden ·
þonne þe licame ⁊ þe sowle · soriliche to[dæl]eþ :

þonne biþ þ̵ wræcche lif · iended al mid sori siþ ·

30. [fei]ge Zupitza, [bodi]ge S.

30 þonne biþ þe [fei]ȝe · iflut to þen flore ·
he biþ eastward istreiht · he biþ sone stif ·

32. [col]deþ Z., [hear]deth S.

he [col]deþ also clei · hit is him ikunde ·

Mon hine met mid one ȝerde · ⁊ þa mol[de] seoþþen ·
ne mot he of þære molde · habben nammore ·

35 þonne þ̵ rihte imet · [rih]tliche tæcheþ ·
þonne liþ þe clei clot · colde on þen flore ·

⁊ him sone from [fleoþ] · þeo he ær freome dude ·
nulleþ heo mid honden · his heafod riht wen[den] ·
heom þuncheþ þ̵ hore honden · swuþe beoþ ifuled ·

40 Gif heo hondleþ þe[ne d]eade · seoþþen his deaȝes beoþ igon ·

41. The last half of this line is due to l. 43.

sone cumeþ þ̵ wrecche wif · þe [forh]oweþ þene earfeþ siþ ·
forbindeþ þæs dædan muþ · ⁊ his dimme eȝen ·

43. [þonne] H.   [Ec] B.   44. þarinne] [þon]ne S., [In]ne H., B.

[þon]ne þet riche wif · forhoweþ þene earueþ siþ ·
for ufel is þeo wrecche lufe · [þari]nne þeo un blisse cumaþ ·

45 þonne besihþ þeo soule · sorliche to þen lich[ame ·]

C. Confabulabor cum Amaritudine Animae Meae

[    ] þu me · þeo hwule þet ic wunede inne þe ·
for þu were leas ⁊ lutiȝ · ⁊ u[n]riht lufedest ·

Godnesse ⁊ riht · æfre þu onscunedest ·
hwar is nu þe[o mo]dinesse · swo muchel þe þu lufedæst ·

5. [pa]newes Holthausen.

5 hwar beoþ nu þeo pundes · þurh [pa]newes igædered ·
heo weren monifolde · bi markes itolde ·

7. þe] e in darker ink.

hwar beoþ [nu] þeo Goldfæten · þeo þe Guldene · comen to þine honden ·
þin blisse is [nu] al agon · min seoruwe is fornon ·
hwar beoþ nu þine wæde · þe þ[u] wel lufedest ·

10. [sibbe] no gap in MS.

10 hwar beoþ [sibbe ·] þe seten sori ofer þe ·
beden swuþe ȝeorne · [þet] þe come bote ·
heom þuþte alto longe · þ̵ þu were on liue ·
for heo [we]ren grædie · to gripen þine æihte ·
nu heo hi dæleþ heom imong · [heo] doþ þe wiþ uten ·

15 ac nu heo beoþ fuse · to bringen þe ut of huse,
b[rin]gen þe ut æt þire dure · of weolen þu ært bedæled ·
hwui noldest þ[u be]þenchen me · þeo hwile ic was innen þe ·

18. semdest] scendest S.

ac semdest me mid sunne · fo[rþon] ic seoruhful eam ·
weile þ̵ ic souhte · so seoruhfulne · buc ·

20. [lo]kien S., [ma]kien H., [þe ma]kien B.

20 noldest þ[u lo]kien lufe · wiþ ilærede men ·
ȝiuen ham of þine Gode · þ̵ heo þe fo[re] beden ·
heo mihten mid salm songe · þine sunne acwenchen ·

Mid [ho]re messe · þine misdeden fore biddan ·

24. leofli[c] B.

heo mihten offrian loc · leofli[che] for þe ·

25 swuþe deor wurþe lac · licame cristes ·

26. þæne Z., in MS. þære.

þurh þæne þu were · alese[d] from helle wite ·

⁊ mid his reade blode · þ̵ he ȝeat on rode ·
þo þu we[re] ifreoed to farene into heouene ·
ac þu fenge to þeowdome · þurh þæs de[ofles] lore ·

30 Bi þe hit is iseid · ⁊ soþ hit is on boken ·

Qui custodit diuitias ser[uus] est diuitiis
þu were þeow · þines weolan ·
noldest þu nouht þær of d[ælen ·] for drihtenes willæn ·
ac æfre þu grædiliche · gæderedest þe more ·

35 lu[þer]liche eart þu forloren · from al þ̵ þu lufedest ·

36. [weo]we H., [ece] we S.

⁊ ic scal wræcche soule [· weo]we nu driæn ·
eart þu nu loþ ⁊ unwurþ · alle þine freonden ·

38. nu ham] nu han MS.

nu ham [þun]cheþ alto long · þ̵ þu ham neih list ·
ær þu beo ibrouht · þaer þu be[on] scalt ·

40 on deope sæþe · on durelease huse ·
þær wurmes wældeþ · al [þet þe] wurþest was ·
füweles quale holde · þe þu icwemdest ær ·

43. þære] [kunde] S., H., B.

Mid alre [þære] swetnesse · þeo þu swuþe lufedest ·
þeo swetnesse is nu al agon · þ̵ b[ittere] þe biþ fornon ·

45 þ̵ bittere ilæsteþ æffre · þ̵ swete ne cumeþ þe [næffre ·]

II. SAINT GODRIC’S HYMNS

“Royal 5 F vii, British Museum ... apparently an inserted leaf. This leaf ... belongs to the beginning of the thirteenth century....”

A

S
ainte marie uirgine
moder ihesu cristes nazarene

3. Over onfo, onfong in later hand.
4. wið] w corr. out of þ.

onfo schild help þin godric ·
onfang bring heȝilich wið þe in godes riche ·

S

5 ainte marie xpistes bur

6. maidenes] id corr. out of rd.

maidenes clenhad moderes flur ·
dilie min sinne rix in min mod ·
bring me `to´ winne wið þe selfd God.

B

Crist and sainte marie swa on scamel me iledde

10 þat ic on þis erðe ne silde wid mine bare fote i tredie ·

C

S
ainte Nicholaes godes druð ·
tymbre us faire scone hus ·

At þi burth at þi bare.

Sainte nicholaes, bring vs wel þare.

III. THE PETERBOROUGH CHRONICLE

“Laud Misc. 636, Bodleian Library (MS. E).... A new hand begins with 1132 and continues to the end in 1155 A.D.”

The Anarchy
f. 88 v]
M·C·XXXII. Ðis gear com henri king to þis land. þa com henri abbot ⁊ uureide þe muneces of burch to þe king forþi ð he uuolde underþeden ð mynstre to clunie. sua ð te king was wel neh be paht. ⁊ sende efter þe muneces. ⁊ þur`h´ godes milce ⁊ þur`h´ þe biscop of Seresberi ⁊ te biscop of lincol ⁊ te oþre ricemen þe 5 þer wæron þa wiste þe king ð he feorde mid suicdom. Þa he nan mor ne mihte. þa uuolde he ð his nefe sculde ben abbot in burch. oc xpist it ne uuolde. Was it noht suithe lang þer efter þatte king sende efter him. ⁊ dide him gyuen up ð abbotrice of burch. ⁊ faren ut of lande. ⁊ te king iaf ð abbotrice an prior of S’ neod Martin was 10 ge haten. he com on S’ petres messe dei mid micel wurscipe into the minstre.

20. þa wes treson a Emerson, in MS. þa westre sona. M·C·XXXV. On þis gære for se king henri ouer sæ æt te lammasse. ⁊ ð oþer dei þa he lai an slep in scip. þa þestrede þe dæi ouer al landes ⁊ uuard þe sunne suilc als it 15 uuare thre niht ald mone. an sterres abuten him at middæi. Wur`þ´en men suiðe of uundred ⁊ of dred ⁊ sæden ð micel þing sculde cumen her efter. sua dide. for þat ilc gær warth þe king ded. ð oþer daei efter S’ Andreas massedæi · on normandi. Þa wes treson a þas landes. for æuricman sone ræuede oþer þe mihte. 20 Þa namen his sune ⁊ his frend ⁊ brohten his lic to englelande ⁊ bebiriend in Redinge. Godman he wes ⁊ micel æie wes of him. durste nanman misdon wið oðer on his time. Pais he makede men ⁊ dær. Wua sua bare his byrthen gold ⁊ sylure. durste nan man sei to him naht bute god. 25

Enmang þis was his nefe cumen to englelande Stephne de blais. ⁊ com to lundene. ⁊ te lundenisce folc him underfeng. ⁊ senden ęfter þe ærcebiscop Willelm curbuil. ⁊ halechede him to kinge on midewintre dæi. On þis kinges time wes al unfrið ⁊ yfel ⁊ ræflac. for agenes him risen sona þa ricemen þe wæron swikes. alre fyrst Balduin 30 de Reduers ⁊ held Execestre agenes him. ⁊ te king it be sæt. ⁊ siððan Balduin acordede. Þa tocan þa oðre ⁊ helden her castles agenes him. ⁊ dauid king of scotland toc to uuerrien him · þa þohuuethere þat here sandes feorden betwyx heom. ⁊ hi to gædere comen ⁊ wurðe sæhte. þoþ it litel forstode. 35

M·C·XXX`VII´. Ð is gære for þe `king´ Stephne ofer sæ to normandi ⁊ ther wes under fangen for þi ð hi uuenden ð he sculde ben alsuic alse the eom wes. ⁊ for he hadde get his tresor. ac he to deld it ⁊ scatered sotlice. Micel hadde henri king gadered gold ⁊ syluer. ⁊ na god ne dide me for his saule thar of. 40

41. Þa] no paragraph in MS.
46. After maked erasure of two letters.
56. After þumbes, ⁊ deleted. Þa `þe´ king Stephne to englalande com þa macod he his gadering æt Oxeneford. ⁊ þar he nam þe biscop Roger of Sereberi ⁊ Alexander biscop of lincol ⁊ te canceler Roger hise neues. ⁊ dide ælle in prisun. til hi iafen up here castles. Þa the suikes under gæton ð he milde man was ⁊ softe ⁊ god. ⁊ na iustise ne dide. þa dide`n´ hi alle 45 wunder. Hi hadden him manred maked ⁊ athes suoren. ac hi nan treuthe ne heolden. alle he wæron for sworen and here treothes for loren. for æuric riceman his castles makede ⁊ agænes him heolden. ⁊ fylden þe land ful of castles. Hi suencten suyðe þe uureccemen of þe land mid castel weorces. þa þe castles uuaren 50 maked þa fylden hi mid deoules ⁊ yuelemen. Þa namen hi þa men þe hi wenden ð ani god hefde`n´. bathe be nihtes. ⁊ be dæies. carlmen ⁊ wimmen. ⁊ diden heom `in prisun´ efter gold ⁊ syluer. ⁊ pined heom; untellendlice pining. for ne uuæren næure nan martyrs swa pined alse hi wæron. Me henged up bi the fet ⁊ smoked heom · mid 55 ful smoke. Me henged bi the þumbes other bi the hefed. ⁊ hengen bryniges on `her´ fet. Me dide cnotted strenges abuton here [f. 89 v] hæued. ⁊ uurythen to ð it gæde to þe `h´ærnes. Hi diden heom in quarterne þar nadres ⁊ snakes ⁊ pades wæron inne. ⁊ drapen heom swa. Sume hi diden in crucethus ð is in an cęste þat was scort ⁊ nareu. ⁊ 60 un dep. ⁊ dide scærpe stanes þer inne. ⁊ þrengde þe man þær inne. ð him bræcon alle þe limes. In mani of þe castles wæron lof ⁊ grim. ð wæron rachenteges ð twa oþer thre men hadden onoh to bæron onne. þat was sua maced. ð is fæstned to an beom. ⁊ diden an scærp iren abuton þa mannes throte ⁊ his hals. ð he `ne´ myhte nowiderwardes. 65 ne sitten ne lien ne slepen. oc bæron al ð iren. Mani þusen hi drapen mid hungær. J ne can ne i ne mai tellen alle þe wunder ne alle þe pines ð hi diden wreccemen on þis land. ⁊ ð lastede þa ·xix· wintre wile Stephne was king ⁊ æure it was uuerse ⁊ uuerse. Hi læiden gæildes o`n´ the tunes æure umwile ⁊ clepeden it tenserie. þa 70 þe uureccemen ne hadden nan more to gyuen. þa ræueden hi ⁊ brendon alle the tunes. ð wel þu myhtes faren al a dæis fare sculdest thu neure finden man in tune sittende. ne land tiled. Þa was corn dære. ⁊ flec ⁊ cæse ⁊ butere. for nan ne wæs o þe land. Wrecce men sturuen of hungær. sume ieden on ælmes þe waren sum wile 75 ricemen. sume flugen ut of lande. Wes næure gæt mare wre`c´ce hed on land. ne næure hethen men werse ne diden þan hi diden. For ouer sithon ne for baren `hi´ nouther circe ne cyrce iærd. oc namen al þe god ð þar inne was. ⁊ brenden sythen þe cyrce ⁊ alte gædere. Ne hi ne forbaren biscopes land ne abbotes ne preostes. ac ræueden 80 81. þe ouer] þeouer MS.
97. After moste, alse erased.
99. strengthe corrected out of strengthre. munekes ⁊ clerekes. ⁊ æuricman other þe ouer myhte. Gif twa men oþer ·iii· coman ridend to an tun. al þe tunscipe flugæn for heom. wenden ð hi wæron ræueres. Þe biscopes ⁊ leredmen heom cursede æure. oc was heom naht þar of. for hi uueron al forcursæd ⁊ for suoren ⁊ for loren. War sæ me tilede. þe erthe ne bar nan corn. for þe land 85 was al fordon. mid suilce dædes. ⁊ hi sæden openlice ð xpist slep. ⁊ his halechen. Suilc ⁊ mare þanne we cunnen sæin. we þolenden xix· wintre for ure sinnes. [f. 90 r] On al þis yuele time heold Martin abbot his abbotrice ·xx· wintre ⁊ half gær ⁊ viii· dæis. mid micel suinc. ⁊ fand þe munekes ⁊ te gestes al þat heom be houed ⁊ heold mycel 90 carited in the hus. ⁊ þoþwethere wrohte on þe circe ⁊ sette þar to landes ⁊ rentes. ⁊ goded it suythe. ⁊ læt it refen ⁊ brohte heom into þe neuuæ mynstre on S’ Petres mæsse dæi mid micel wurtscipe. ð was · anno ab incarnatione domini · M·c·xl. a combustione loci ·xxiii· ⁊ he for `to´ Rome. ⁊ þær wæs wæl under fangen fram þe pape 95 Eugenie. ⁊ be gæt thare priuilegies. an of alle þe landes of þabbotrice. ⁊ an oþer of þe landes þe lien to þe circewican. ⁊ gif he leng moste liuen alse he mint to don of þe horderwycan. And he be gæt in landes þat ricemen hefden mid strengthe. Of Willelm malduit þe heold Rogingham þæ castel. he wan Cotingham ⁊ Estun. ⁊ Of hugo of 100 Walteuile he uuan hyrtlingberi · ⁊ Stanewig. ⁊ lx · sol. of Aldewingle `ælc gær´. And he makede manie munekes ⁊ plantede winiærd. ⁊ makede mani weorkes. ⁊ wende þe tun betere þan it ær waes. ⁊ waes god munec ⁊ god man. ⁊ forþi him luueden god ⁊ gode men. 105

Nu we willen sægen sumdel wat belamp on Stephnes kinges time. On his time þe iudeus of Noruuic bohton an xpisten cild be foren estren ⁊ pineden him alle þe ilce pining ð ure drihten was pined. ⁊ on langfridæi him on rode hengen for ure drihtines luue. ⁊ sythen byrieden him. wenden ð it sculde ben for holen. oc ure dryhtin 110 atywede ð he was hali martyr. ⁊ to munekes him namen. ⁊ bebyried him heglice in þe minstre. ⁊ he maket þur[h] ure drihtin wunderlice ⁊ manifældlice miracles. ⁊ hatte he S’ Willelm.

M·C·XXXVI`II´. O n þis gær com dauid king of Scotland mid ormete færd to þis land. wolde winnan þis land. 115 ⁊ him com togænes Willelm eorl of Albamar þe þe king adde beteht euorwic ⁊ to other æuez men mid fæumen ⁊ fuhten wid heom. ⁊ flemden þe king æt te Standard. ⁊ sloghen suithe micel of his genge. [f. 90 v]

M·C·XL. O n þis gær wolde þe king Stephne tæcen Rodbert eorl 120 of gloucestre þe kinges sune · Henries. ac he ne myhte for he wart it war. Þer efter in þe lengten þestrede þe sunne ⁊ te dæi. abuton non tid dæies. þa men eten. ð me lihtede candles to æten bi. ⁊ þat was ·xiii· kalend. April’. wæron men suythe of wundred. Þer efter fordfeorde Willelm ærcebiscop of cantwarberi. 125 ⁊ te king makede Teodbald ærcebiscop þe was abbot in the bec. Þer efter wæx suythe micel uuerre be tuyx þe king ⁊ Randolf eorl of cæstre noht for þi ð he ne iaf him al ð he cuthe axen him. alse he dide alle othre. oc æfre þe mare he iaf heom. þe wærse hi wæron him. Þe eorl heold lincol agænes þe king. ⁊ be nam him al ð he 130 ahte to hauen. ⁊ te king for þider ⁊ besætte him ⁊ his brother Willelm de R[om]are in þe castel. ⁊ te æorl stæl ut ⁊ ferde efter Rodbert eorl of gloucestre. ⁊ brohte him þider mid micel ferd. ⁊ fuhten suythe on Candel masse dæi agenes heore lauerd. ⁊ namen him for his men [h]im suyken ⁊ flugæn. ⁊ læd him to Bristowe ⁊ 135 diden þar in prisun ⁊ [fe]teres. 135-45. MS. rubbed here. þa was al engleland styred mar þan ær wæs. ⁊ al yuel wæ[s i]n lande. Þer efter com þe kinges dohter henries þe hefde ben emperi[ce] i[n A]lamanie. ⁊ nu wæs cuntesse in Angou. ⁊ com to lundene ⁊ te lundenissce folc hire wolde tæcen. ⁊ scæ fleh ⁊ forles þar mic[el.] Þer efter þe biscop of Wincestre henri 140 þe kinges brother Stephnes spac wid Rodbert eorl ⁊ wyd þemperice ⁊ suor heom athas ð he neure ma mid te king his brother wolde halden. ⁊ cursede alle þe men þe mid h[im] heoldon. ⁊ sæde heom ð he uuolde ííuen heom up Wincestre. ⁊ dide heom cumen þider. Þa hi þær inne wæren. þa com þe kinges cuen [mid al]hire strengthe. 145 ⁊ besæt heom. ð þer wæs inne micel hungær. Þa hi ne leng ne muhten þolen þa stali hi ut ⁊ flugen. ⁊ hi wurthen war wid uten ⁊ folecheden heom. ⁊ namen Rodbert eorl of gloucestre. ⁊ ledden him to Rouecestre. ⁊ diden him þare in prisun. ⁊ te emperice fleh in to an minstre. [f. 91 r] Þa feorden þe wisemen betwyx þe kinges 150 freond ⁊ te eorles freond ⁊ sahtlede sua ð me sculde leten ut þe king of prisun for þe eorl. ⁊ te eorl for þe king. ⁊ sua diden. Sithen þerefter sa`t´hleden þe king ⁊ Randolf eorl at Stanford. ⁊ athes suoren ⁊ treuthes fæston ð her nouþer sculde be suiken other. ⁊ it ne for stod naht. for þe king him sithen nam in hamtun. þurhc wicci 155 ræd. ⁊ dide him in prisun. ⁊ ef sones he let him ut þurhc wærse red. to ð forewarde ð he suor on halidom ⁊ gysles fand. þat he alle his castles sculde íiuen up. Sume he iaf up ⁊ sume ne iaf he noht. ⁊ dide þanne wærse þanne he hær sculde. Þa was engleland suythe to deled. sume helden mid te king. ⁊ sume mid þemperice. for þa þe 160 king was in prisun þa wenden þe eorles ⁊ te ricemen þat he neure mare sculde cumen ut. ⁊ sæh`t´leden wyd þemperice. ⁊ brohten hire into Oxenford. ⁊ iauen hire þe burch. Þa þe king was ute þa herde ð sægen. ⁊ toc his feord ⁊ besæt hire in þe tur. ⁊ me læt hire dun on niht of þe tur mid rapes. ⁊ stal ut. ⁊ scæ fleh ⁊ iæde on fote to 165 Walingford. Þær efter scæ ferde ouer sæ. ⁊ hi of normandi wenden alle fra þe king. to þe eorl of Angæu. sume here þankes ⁊ sume here unþankes. for he be sæt heom til hi aiauen up here castles. ⁊ hi nan helpe ne hæfden of þe kinge. Þa ferde Eustace þe kinges sune to france ⁊ nam þe kinges suster of france to wife. wende to bigæton 170 normandi þær þurh. oc he spedde litel. ⁊ be gode rihte for he was an yuel man. for ware se he [com he] 172. MS. mutilated here. dide mare yuel þanne god. he reuede þe landes ⁊ læide mic[ele gilde]s on. He brohte his wif to engle land. ⁊ dide hire in þe caste[l of Can]teberi. God wimman scæ wæs. oc scæ hedde litel blisse mid him. ⁊ xpist ne wolde ð he sculde 175 lange rixan. ⁊ wærd ded ⁊ his moder beien. ⁊ te eorl of Angæu wærd ded. ⁊ his sune henri toc to þe rice. ⁊ te Cuen of france to dælde fra þe king. ⁊ scæ com to þe iunge eorl henri. ⁊ he toc hire to wiue. ⁊ al [f. 91 v] peitou mid hire. Þa ferde he mid micel færd into engle[la]nd. ⁊ wan castles. ⁊ te king ferde agenes him mid 180 micel mare ferd. ⁊ þoþwæthere fuhtten hi noht. oc ferden þe ærcebiscop ⁊ te wise me`n´ betwux heom. ⁊ makede ð sahte ð te king sculde ben lauerd ⁊ king wile he liuede. ⁊ æfter his dæi ware henri king. ⁊ he held`e´ him for fader ⁊ he him for sune. ⁊ sib ⁊ sæhte sculde ben betwyx heom. ⁊ on al engleland. Þis ⁊ te othre foruuardes 185 þet hi makeden. suoren to halden þe king ⁊ te eorl ⁊ te biscopes & te eorles ⁊ ricemen alle. Þa was þe eorl under fangen æt Wincestre ⁊ æt lundene mid micel wurtscipe. ⁊ alle diden him manred. ⁊ suoren þe pais to halden. ⁊ hit ward sone suythe god pais. sua ð neure was here. Þa was þe king strengere þanne he æuert her was. ⁊ te eorl 190 ferde ouer sæ. ⁊ al folc him luuede for he dide god iustise ⁊ makede pais.

M·C·LIIII. O n þis gær wærd þe king Stephne ded ⁊ bebyried þer his wif `⁊ his sune´ wæron bebyried æt fauresfeld. þæt minstre hi makeden. Þa þe king was ded. þa was þe eorl 195 beionde sæ. ⁊ ne durste nan man don oþer bute god for þe micel eie of him. þa he to engleland com. þa was he underfangen mid micel wurtscipe. and to king bletcæd in lundene on þe sunnen dæi be foren midwinter dæi. ⁊ held þær micel curt.

203. MS. mutilated and defaced from this place onward.
204. byried in MS. Þat ilce dæi þat Martin abbot of burch sculde þider faren. þa 200 sæclede he ⁊ ward ded ·iiii· Ñ. iañ. ⁊ te munekes innen dæis cusen oþer of heom sælf. Willelm de Walteuile is gehaten. god clerc ⁊ god man. ⁊ wæl luued of þe kinge ⁊ of alle godemen. and o[n cyric]en byrieden þabbot hehlice ⁊ sone þe cosan abbot ferde ⁊ te muneces [mid him to] oxenforde to þe king [⁊ he] iaf him þat abbotrice. ⁊ he 205 ferde him son[e to linc]ol ⁊ was þ[ær bletcæd to] abbot ær he ham come. ⁊ [sithen] was under fangen [mid mic]el [wurtscipe at] burch. mid [mice]l processiun. ⁊ sua he was alsua at Ramesæie. ⁊ at Torney. ⁊ at . . n ⁊ Spallding ⁊ at S. l. bares. ⁊ . . . ⁊ [he nu is] abbot. ⁊ fa[ire] haued begunnon. xp[ist] him un[ne gode endinge]. 210

IV. CHARTER OF HENRY THE SECOND

“Harleian Charter III B. 49, British Museum.... The document is in a French record hand, and the writer was evidently little versed in the insular script. He uses both þ and th, ƿ and w.”

H’ [þ]urh 1. MS kurh
4. Cantuarabirȝ] last letter ȝ or g; the one has been corrected out of the other: so too in deȝe, l. 6.
14. þingan] þimgan MS. godes ȝefu ænglelandes king gret ealle mine bissceopas ⁊ ealle mine eorlas ⁊ ealle mine scirereuan ⁊ ealle mine þeinas frencisce ⁊ englisce · on þan sciran þe teobalt ercebisceop ⁊ se hiret æt xpistes chyrchen on Cantuarabirȝ habbad land inne freondlice ⁊ ic keþe eow þ̵ ic hebbe heom geunnon þ̵ hi beon ælc þare lande wurþa 5 þe hi eafdon en Edwardes kinges deȝe · ⁊ on Willelmes kinges mines furþur ealdefader · ⁊ on Henrices kinges mines ealdefader · ⁊ saca ⁊ Socne · on strande ⁊ on Streame. On wudan · ⁊ on feldan · tolles ⁊ theames · grithbriches · ⁊ hamsocne · ⁊ forstalles · ⁊ infangenesthiafes · ⁊ fleamene frimtha · ofer heore agene men · binnan Burgan ⁊ butan · 10 swa ful ⁊ swa ford swa mine agene Wicneres hit sechan scolden · ⁊ ofer swa fele þeinas swa ich heom to leten habban. And ic nelle þ̵ eni man enig þing þer on theo · butan hi ⁊ heara wicneras · þe hi hit bitechan · willað · ne frencisce ne englisce · for þan þingan þe ich habbe criste þas gerichtan forgifan minre Saule to echere alisendnesse ⁊ ic 15 nelle geþauian þ̵ enig man þis abrece bi minan fullen frenscipan. God geau gehealde.

V. A PARABLE

“Cotton Vespasian A 22, British Museum. It is composite; a second MS., 224 × 153 mm. in two columns, begins at f. 54 with the pieces printed in OEH i. 217-45. It is written in a small and crabbed hand unlike that of a professed scribe. The use of the contraction marks is unsystematic and the readings are sometimes uncertain.”

Rex Suos Iudicans

11. se] fe MS.
18. sum ... fend added on margin. Printed as shown in text, without leading space.
20. dierewurð] dierewurd MS.
⁊ aldren over an erasure.
21. þeínen over an erasure.
22. scewie] scepie MS.
28. wiðinne] hit hī MS.
29. ⁊ þer ... sandon added lengthwise on margin. [H] it ȝelamp þ̵ an rice king wes. strang ⁊ mihti. his `land´ gélest wide ⁊ side. his folc was `swiðe´ ærfeðtelle. his under þéoden ȝéwer on his cyne rice wuneden. Þa be fel hit swa þ̵ him a þance beféll · to under ȝeíte wá an alle his cyne rice him were frend oðer fend. hold oðer fá. ⁊ he nam him tó rede þ̵ heom wolde 5 ȝearceon anæ grate laðienge. ⁊ þider ȝeclepíen all his underþéod. þ̵ hi bi éne féce to his curt `berie´ come sceolde ⁊ sette ænne déȝie. þ̵ hi alle be þe látst to þa deȝ`i´e. þer were. Ac þis ȝesceod he hadde isétt bi tweone frend ⁊ fend. þ̵ þan hi come mistlice to bérie. ȝef he frend wére. me hine sceolde derewrlice forð clepien. ⁊ do hine wasse. 10 ⁊ ȝiéfe him hís formemete. þ̵ him to lang ne þuhte to abiden of se laford to þe none inn come. Gief he fend wére. me sceolden ánon eter gat ȝemete mid gode repples ⁊ stiarne swépen. ⁊ stiarne híne besíé. ⁊ binde him hand ⁊ fétt. ⁊ do hine in to þiesternesse. ⁊ þer abide of all his ȝeferen were ȝegadered. þ̵ hi alle clone. símle 15 belócen were. Þa sende se king his ærndraches of fif ceðen to alle his under þeoden. to ȝelaðie þis folc. hwet bute ícome súm cófer sum láter`sum frend sum fend´. ⁊ was idon bí ham al swá ær cweðe [we] þ̵ isett was. Þa hit þer to com. þ̵ se hlaford in to þar halle come. mid his dierewurð ȝeferede. mid ǽrlen ⁊ aldren. mid cn`i´hten 20 mid þeínen. þa cweð se hlafor to his. Æér þann we mid ure frienden toðe mete gó. scewie we þes uncoðe mæn ur ȝefó. þa hi to for him cóme. þa wénte he hin to ham ⁊ þus cweð. Un [f. 56 v^2] wraste man wat lacede ȝéu an alle míre rice þat ȝíe hatrede ⁊ widerwardnesse aȝénes me ȝe win[ne] sceolde. ⁊ to mine `fá´ ȝebugon. Swá ibrúce ic mine 25 rice ne scule ȝíe mine mete ibite. ac scule þa þe hit mid mire lufe ȝearnede. Þa þis was iségd. þa were cofe abruden into þesternesse. þe hi sturfe hungre. ⁊ se hlaford nam wiðinne to is frenden ⁊ et ⁊ dranc ⁊ macede hine wel bliðe mid his `⁊ þer hi hadden brad ⁊ win. ⁊ vii. sandon´. 30

35. of mihte added on margin.
36. halst] MS. alste.
37. awiðhst] the last six letters on margin. At beginning of following line hst eorðe belucst mid.
38. þan] MS. þ̵ = þat.
44. his] he MS.
48. sielfe] sielþe MS.
50. chereð] cheteð MS. ¶[N]u gode menn understandeð þis bispel. Þes king is ure hlaford almihti god þe is king ofer alle kingen. ⁊ hlaford ofer alle hlafordé. S[t]rang he his ⁊ michti. for he ȝesceop alle þing of nahte. ⁊ na þing ne máȝi áȝenes his wille. ne him wiðstande. for þan him séigd se wítíȝe. Qui celorum contines tronos ⁊ c. þ̵ is. hlaford `of mihte´ 35 þe halst hefenen þrimsettles. ⁊ tó neowelnes`se´ þe under eorðe is be locést. ·iii· prou. þe dunan þu a`wiðhst´ mid þina hand; he is íwiss mihti for þan þe non mihté nis buton fram him. His land is all þes middenard. for he alle ȝesceop. ⁊ all dihte wið ute swince. He us is · king · ⁊ sceppend. ⁊ fader. ⁊ hlaford. King for he mid rihtwisnesse 40 diht `man ⁊ engel god ⁊ euel´. sceppende. for he us machede lichame ⁊ sawle ableow. feder for he us fett ⁊ scred. ⁊ forðteh alse is cyldren. hlaford forþan þe is ȝéie ⁊ drednesse is ofer hus. ⁊ `þas´ áh to bienne. He is hure fader. he lenð us his eorðe tó tolie. his corn to sawe. his eorðe us werpð corn ⁊ westm. níatt. ⁊ dierchin. his loht leóem ⁊ lif. 45 his wáter · drench ⁊ fiscẏnn. his fér manifeald þenínge. his sónne. mone. sterren. rien. dáw. wind. wude. `unitald fultume´ al þ̵ we habbeð of þése feder we habbeð. of wam we alle ⁊ us sielfe habbeð. Múȝe we ahct clepeien hine moder wene we. ȝíe muȝe we. hwat deð si moder hire bearn. formes[t] hi hit chereð ⁊ blissið be þe lichte. ⁊ 50 seþe hi dieð under hire árme [f. 57 r^1] oðer hi`s´ hafed heleð to don him slepe. ⁊ reste. Þis deð all ȝíure drihte. he blisseð hus mid dȝéies licht. h[e] sweueð hus mid þiestre nicht. Gíet for an oðre þing god ȝescop þa niht. He wat wel þ̵ maníȝe men bieð sa ful of ȝéscung. mihti efre ísí. Ná ȝewóld ham selfe. to bigeten wrldlic échte. þer for 55 56. hafð] hafd MS.
57. word] worder MS.
61. self cweð] selþ cwed MS.
71. þesen] þ corr. out of p. god hafð ȝescepe ham reste. súme `wile´ hare`s´ unþances. ȝeíet he cweð a wunder word to þar sawle bi þa witíe ysaiam. Numquid potest mulier obliuisci infantem suum ut non misereatur filio uteri sui. þ̵ is la líef maȝíe wiman forȝeten his oge cild. þ̵ hi ne milsi. hire bárn of hire ogen innoð. ⁊ ȝief hi for ȝiet þah hwéðer nell íc 60 for ȝete þe cweð drihte. be þam þe he fader is ⁊ lafórd he him self cweð be þe witíe. Si ego pater ubi est honor meus. si dominus ubi est tim`or´ meus. þ̵ is. gif ic fader ham. wer his mi manscipe. ȝif ic. hlaford wer hís mine aȝéíe? þer fore. G. m. ure king. we oȝeð wr`h´mint. hur sceappend al þat we bieð. ure fader soðe lufe. ur h`l´aford 65 drednesse. ⁊ þis is séo king þe wile wíte an alle his underþeode wá hine lufeð ⁊ hwa hine hateð. hwá him is frend oðer fend. ⁊ þer for he hað ȝelaðed alle fol[c]. to ane dȝéíe. þ̵ is dome`s´ dȝeíe. þ̵ hi alle þer beon be þe latst. hwé seden ærst þ̵ þes ærndraces wer isent of fif cheðen. swa ibeoð. þas fif cheðen beoð fif lágan. for þan þe god is 70 þurh þesen ȝecnówé. Si forme lage þ̵ is si ȝécénde lage. þe god sett formest an þes mannes heorte. þ̵ is þat non man ne don oðere. buton þ̵ þe he wolde þ̵ me ded[e] him. ⁊ don his nixtan al þ̵ he wolde þ̵ me ded[e]him. Wið ute þeser láge ni`s´ man þe ȝescod habbe. Ærndraces of þisser lage wer abel. Seth. enoc. Nóe. ⁊ swíce gode 75 man. Seðe þes middenard was ȝestaþeled fram þa forme man to þa latst þe wrð ét þes [f. 57 r^2] wrldes ende. nas tid ne týme ne ne wrð. þ̵ god ne send gode mænn his folc forte ȝelaðie to his rice. Ac si láge sóne adiligde. þurh unwreaste leahtrum ⁊ manifald sénne. Þer efter arerde god þas lage þurh moẏsen þe heretoche of his 80 folce þe he þa ȝecás. ⁊ wráte his him self in stanene wax br`e´dene. ⁊ si ȝeleste sume wíle. ⁊ þer of were larþawes ⁊ ȝelaðieres Moises ⁊ aaron. ⁊ samuel. ⁊ fele oðre. Swa lange þ̵ si alswa swið[e] abreað. ⁊ adiliȝede. þurh unhersamnesse. wat hit com to þa time þe god sende þe halie witíge. ⁊ hi þa arérdon mid hare wríte þurh þes halíe gastes 85 gífe `þa´ god lage. ⁊ rihtleceden þ̵ folc swa se hi mihten. ⁊ bodeden ure`s´ hlafordes to cýme ses helendes ihesu cristes. þe sceolde his aȝén wille. þurh his gastes ȝífe in ure heorte wríte. ⁊ don ús mid his mihte þ̵ stef creft ne 89. ne corr. out of na.
90. manifeald sénne] manifead fénne MS.
98. þurh] þurl MS.
100. ur] un MS. mihte. ⁊ an þesser láȝe of þe witȝin. wer laðieres móche. Eft bine fece ⁊ þes lare ⁊ lage swiðe acolede þurh manifea[l]d 90 sénne. ⁊ hur ⁊ hur þurh false gódes þe ælc þiode ham selfe macéde. sume of golde. súm of silure. of treowe. of stane. ⁊ awente godes lof ⁊ wrhminte fram þe sceappende to þare ȝesceafte. swa þ̵ þa ure halende wes accenned of þam unwemmede mede sante Marie. al se middennard was mid senne begripe. ⁊ al fol`c´ ȝede in to þe`s´ diefles muðe. buton 95 wel feáwe of wam his lefe moder wes istriened. he þa arerd alle godnisse. ⁊ sette his halíe láge. ⁊ þat þe móre his. ȝiaf miht ⁊ strencþe þurh þe gief of his gaste his hesne to fulforðie. þ̵ non oðre laȝe ne mihte. ⁊ understandeð hwu. Þri ampres were an mancyn ær his to cyme. Ure acenneng wes ful. ur lif unwreast. ur deað grislic. he 100 com ⁊ brochte þri þin[g] þer aȝén. he wes acénde of þe clene mede. þe efer þurh lefede mede. hi`s´ lif was haliȝe. his deað ful of milce. his clene acennende clénséde ure fule acennende. his hali lif rihtlecede ure unwreaste lif. his admoded deað ofer com. ⁊ fordede ure soriȝe ⁊ ȝelice deað. þís is [f. 57 v^1] si fierðe láge. An þisser were ærndraces ⁊ 105 ȝelaðieres þa apostles ⁊ þe leorninch[n]ihtes. þer efter ures helendes upstíȝe to heuene. þa apostles ⁊ hare íunglenges þe[r] efter come halíe men ⁊ þe hafedmen þe nu beoð in halíe cyrce. ⁊ wrðeð of domes déȝe. þurh þes hali gastes ȝífe. ⁊ al swa ure helende ham leórde. maníȝe þing [t]ehten þa folce to freme. ⁊ þis is si fifte lage. An þisser beoð bedeles 110 ⁊ laðieres to berie archebiscopes. ⁊ biscopes. prestes. ⁊ hare ȝegeng. Ac þah we fif næmmíe. 112. hi] hit MS.
118. þan] þ̵ MS.
oðre] ooðre MS.
121. þan] þ̵ MS.
witerlice] witetlice MS.
124. þan] þ̵ MS. alle hi [beoð an] on godes wille. ⁊ élc of ham ȝestrenð ⁊ fulfellþ oðre. Of þeses fif ceþen ⁊ of hare bedeles we habbeð ȝéu ȝéséd. Of þe folce we siggeð þ̵ hit cumþ fastlice. fram middenardes anginn alse fele alse deade beoð alse fele beoð to berie ícóme. wat frend. 115 wat fá. ⁊ elce déȝíe þícce þringeð. Ac ȝief ȝé habbeð understande þ̵ we ȝíu er séde. eter gate me his scýft. ⁊ þer me hi to ȝesceodeð. Si gate þ̵ is elces mannes endedeíe. þan he stepð ut of þese life into þan oðre. Ac we sede ȝehw. þ̵ ȝief he frend were me sceolde ȝief him his mórȝe mete þ̵ he þe bet mihte abide þann more mete. Swa hit is here. 120 þan se gode man þe godes lufe hað ȝéfolged to is ende cumþ. witerlice wið ut uúantruce þer cumeð þe hali engles him tó. ⁊ ȝéf hað ahte uniwasse oðer hit wrð ȝewasse iþer pine of þe deaðe þe he her þáleð. oðer efter mid eðelice lette. ⁊ þan lat me þa sawle to merchestowe. þ̵ his se morȝemete si blisse þe he hað an þar sawle. þat wite ȝe wel. 125 nan halege nað his fulle blisse er he under fó adomes deíe his licame. þ̵ wrð se fulle mete. þan se mann mid sawle ⁊ mid licame under-fangð sicernesse of écer blisse. ⁊ wat belimpð hit ȝief he fend his `þe´ to þare gate cumþ? God þurh his [f. 57 v^2] mucele milce ne letes us nefer fandie. Ac naþeles ȝief he fend his an unwreast mann þer beoð 130 anú ȝeréd`i´e. þe weregede gastes þe hine uniredlice underfangeð 131. mid] min MS.
140. þo corr. out of to | hali ȝewitien MS.
143. þan] þ̵ MS.   middenard] middernad MS.   þan] þ̵ MS.
144. cwaceð] cwaced MS.
149. self] selþ MS. mid stiarne swupen. Alse fele unþeawes alse hade upe him ⁊ sennenn. al swa fendes he þer ȝemet. hīne to underfó. ⁊ to don hīne into þiesternesse. oft a domes dȝéi alle godes fend simle fram his ȝesecðe abroden bienn ⁊ hi[n] to hare lean ham þe lange scel ȝeleste. Þus hit hað íbí ⁊ 135 is. ⁊ wrð oft domesdei. Ac þann hit þer to cumþ þ̵ se hlaford á þe mucele deíe. cumþ forté ísí ⁊ frend ⁊ fend. þann cumþ all his underþiede him to fore. þer he sit mid his derewrþe ȝefered mid niȝen anglene had. mid þer unwēmmed meide his moder. mid his apostlen. mid þa hágefaderen. ⁊ þo halíȝe wítien. mid martiren. mi[d] hali 140 confessoren mid halie meiden. mid al þan þe þer midenarde for his lufe werpeð abéc. ⁊ lagelice her him þenið. wic ȝeíe. wic drednesse wurð þer. þan þat fer to for him abernð þ̵ middenard. þan si eorðe alle cwaceð þan þe sterren falleð. si sunne ⁊ se mone aþestreð for godes brictnesse. þe wlcne to gað. and si hali rode tacne mid þe 145 spere ⁊ mid þe neiles þurh angles beoð forð ibrocht. þann þe angles cwaciað. ⁊ tó richtwíse ham adredeð. wat sceol se senfulle don. þe isecgð þer his richtwise deme. þe non ne maíe bechece. non beswice. he his him self witnisse ⁊ deme. Wat sceol se wrecce don. þe bufon iséȝð his hlaford þe he ȝegremed áfeð. under him helle muð open. 150 abuuten him all folc. him selfe bi s`c´a[n]dlice senne beswapen. þer ne mái non frend oðre helpe. ælc had innóh to donne an him selfe. 153. seieð] seied MS.
160. gṛod MS.
162. þe] q̣þe MS.
167. cóm] cón MS.
170. Seðe] sede MS. Þan seieð ham god þe geltẏ mannen ȝe seneȝeden. an ȝeur écenesse. ⁊ ȝe scule [f. 58 r^1] birne an mire écenisse. Ȝe seneȝden alse lange alse ȝé lefede ⁊ ȝe scule birne alse longe as íc lefie. Witeð into éce fer. þe is 155 `ȝ´æarced mine fó ⁊ his ȝegen. Son[e] hi wrðeð abroden of his ȝesecþe. ⁊ þan sone geð se hlaford mid his frenden to his mete. þ̵ his to is esten. þe seið an þan hali write Delicie méé sunt esse cum filiis hominum. þat is. Mine esten beoð wunian mid mannen bearnen. Ac we sed[en] ȝíu litl her þ̵ hi sceolden abben god brad ⁊ uin. ⁊ vii 160 sonden. hi sculen habe þ̵ brad þe seið iþe godspel. Ego sum panis uiuus qui de celo descendi. Þet is. Ic ám cwuce bread þe astah fram hefene. seȝð ure helende. Se þe of þese brad ett. ne sterfeð he nefer. Þis bread was ímaced of ane `h´wete corne. al swa se he cweð ȝeðe godspelle. Nisi granum frumenti. ⁊ c. þis corn was ȝesawen 165 þurh þes ængles muð into ðes meidenes ære Marie. in þare burh of nazareth. þis corn cóm fer`s´t inne bethléem. þ̵ cweð us of breade. hit wex ⁊ bleówu. in iudea. hit rípede in ierusalem. Judas ⁊ þat leoðre folc hit répén. ⁊ deden hit an þar rode alswa alse be twenen melstanent. Seðe hit was idon into þer berient alswa into hófne. þanen 170 hit was ibroht up into heofene to þes hahes hlafordes borde. þer hit fet. ⁊ engles. ⁊ mancinn in écenisse. ⁊ þis is hare b`r´ead. hwer scule we win finden? Al swa se he cweð. Ego sum uitis uera. ⁊ c.

VI. THE PROVERBS OF ALFRED

“Jesus College, Oxford, E 29, formerly Arch. i. 29 (J).... written not long after 1276 (Anglia xxx, 222).... Our piece is written continuously as prose, each stanza forming a paragraph, but iv and v are in one without l. 54, which is here supplied, while l. 43 is written at the end of the preceding paragraph and similarly the lines beginning viii-xvii, xix-xxiii. The scribe was evidently struggling with an original which he could not always read; see footnote to l. 105.

“.... the copy of the Poema Morale in the same MS. has undergone a drastic revision which sets it apart among the versions of that poem, and the version of the Owl and Nightingale has suffered, though not to the same extent. On the other hand MS. T was copied by a man who was incapable of remodelling it; though a ruin, it often preserves in details the original.”

Incipiunt documenta Regis Aluredi.

Þus Queþ Alured

A

T Seuorde     séte þeynes monye.

fele Biscopes.     and feole. bok iléred.

Eorles prute.     knyhtes egleche.

þar wes þe eorl Alurich.

5 of þare lawe swiþe wis.

And ek Ealured     englene hurde.

Englene durlyng;
on englene londe he wes kyng.

Heom he bi gon lére.

10 so ye mawe i hure.

hw hi. heore lif     lede scholden.

Alured. he wes in englene lond.

and king. wel swiþe strong.

He wes king. and he wes clerek.

15 wel he luuede godes werk.

He wes wis on his word.     and war. on his werke.

he wes þe wysuste mon;
þat wes englelonde on.

ii

36. þe] wc MS.

Þvs queþ Alured     englene frouer.

20 wolde ye mi leode.     lusten éure louerde.

he óu wolde wyssye.     wisliche þinges.

hw ye myhte worldes.     wrþsipes welde.

and ek eure saule.     somnen to criste.

wyse were þe wordes.     þe seyde þe king Alured. |

Mildeliche ich Munye.     myne leoue freond.

26 poure and riche.     leode myne
þat ye alle a drede.     vre dryhten crist.

luuyen hine and lykyen.     for he is louerd of lyf.

He is one. god;     ouer alle godnesse.

30 He is one gleaw.     ouer alle glednesse.

He is one. blisse.     ouer alle blissen.

He is one monne.     Mildest mayster.

He is one. folkes     fader. and frouer.

He is one. rihtwis.     and so riche king.

35 þat him ne schal beo wone.     nouht of his wille.

þe hine her on worlde.     wrþie þencheþ.

iii

Þvs queþ alured.     englene urouer.

Ne may non ryhtwis king.     vnder criste seoluen.

Bute if he beo     in boke ilered.

40 And he. his wyttes     swiþe wel kunne.

And he cunne lettres.     lokie him seolf one.

hw he schule his lond     laweliche holde.

iv

52. After mon, erasure of two letters.

Þus queþ Alured.

Þe eorl and þe eþelyng.

45 ibureþ vnder gódne. king.

þat lond to leden.

myd lawelyche deden.

And þe clerek and þe knyht.

he schulle démen euelyche riht.

50 þe poure. and þe ryche.

démen ilyche.

Hwych so þe mon soweþ;
al swuch he schal mowe.

And eueruyches monnes dom.     to his owere dure churreþ.

v

[Þus queþ Alured.]

55 þan knyhte bi houeþ.     kenliche on to fóne.

for to werie þat lond.     wiþ hunger and wiþ herivnge.

þat þe chireche habbe gryþ.

And þe cheorl beo in fryþ.

his sedes to sowen.

60 his medes to mowen.

And his plouh beo i dryue.

to vre alre bihoue.

þis is þes knyhtes lawe.

loke he þat hit wel fare.

vi

65 Þvs queþ Alured.

þe mon. þe on his youhþe.     yeorne leorneþ.

wit and wisdom.     and i writen reden;
he may beon on elde.     wenliche lorþeu.

And þe þat nule one youhþe     yeorne leorny.

70 wit and wysdom.     and iwriten rede.

þat him schal on elde.     sore rewe.

þenne cumeþ elde.

and vnhelþe.

þenne beoþ his wéne

75 ful wroþe isene.

Boþe heo beoþ bi swike.     and eke hi beoþ a swunde.

vii

85. After wismon, ut deleted.

þus queþ Alured.

Wyþ vte wysdome     is weole wel vnwurþ.

for þey o mon ahte.     huntseuenti Acres.

80 and he hi hadde isowen.     alle myd reade golde.

And þ̵ | gold greowe.     so gres doþ on eorþe.

nere he for his weole.     neuer þe furþer.

Bute he him of frumþe.     freond iwrche.

for. hwat is gold. bute ston.

85 bute if hit haueþ wismon.

viii

91. þenne he wule after yeue in l. 90.

þus queþ Alured.

Ne scolde neuer yongmon     howyen to swiþe.

þeih him his wyse     wel ne lykie.

Ne þeih he ne welde.     al þat he wolde.

90 for god may. yeue     god after vuele.

weole after wowe.     þenne he wule.

wel is him þat hit ischapen is.

ix

105. youþe in darker ink in a space too large for it; similarly doweþes, l. 118; wlonk, l. 124; vouh, l. 129; Mayþenes, l. 130.

þus seyþ Alured.

Strong hit is to reowe.

95 a yeyn þe séé þat floweþ.

so it is to swynke.

a yeyn vnylimpe.

þe mon. þe on his youhþe.

swo swinkeþ.

100 and worldes weole her iwinþ.

þat he may on elde.

idelnesse holde.

And ek myd his worldes weole.

god iqueme er he quele.

105 youþe and al þat he haueþ i drowe.

is þenne wel bi towe.

x
þus queþ Alured.

Monymon weneþ     þat he wene ne þarf.

longes lyues.     ac him lyeþ þe wrench.

110 for þanne his lyues     alre best luuede.

þenne he schal léten;     lyf his owe.

for nys no wrt uexynde     a wude. ne a velde.

þat euer mvwe þas feye     furþ vp holde.

Not no mon þene tyme.

115 hwanne he schal. heonne turne.

Ne nomon þene ende.

hwenne he schal heonne wende.

Dryhten hit one wot.     doweþes louerd.

hwanne [we] vre lif     leten schule.

xi

122. yetst] yefst MS.

120 þus queþ Alured.

Yf þu seoluer and gold.

yetst and weldest in þis world.

Neuer vpen eorþe.

to wlonk. þu ny wrþe.

125 Ayhte nys non ildre istreon;
ac hit is godes lone.

hwanne hit is his wille.     þar of we schulle wende.

And vre owe lyf.     myd alle for leten.

þanne schulle vre ifon.     to vre vouh. gripen.

130 welden vre Mayþenes.     and leten vs by hinde.

xii
þus queþ Alured.

Ne ilef þu nouht to fele.     uppe þe séé þat floweþ.

If þu hafst madmes     monye and inowe.

gold and seoluer.     hit schal gnyde to nouht.

to duste hit schal dryuen.     Dryhten schal | libben euere.

136 Monymon for his gold.     haueþ godes vrre.

And for his seoluer.     hym seolue for yemeþ.     for yeteþ and for leseþ.

Betere him by come     iboren þat he nére.

xiii

149. After þe, þ erased.

þus queþ Alured.

140 Lvsteþ ye me leode.

ower is þe neode.

And ich eu wille lére.     wit and wisdom.

þat alle þing ouer goþ.

syker he may sitte.     þe hyne haueþ to i vere.

145 For þeyh his eyhte him a go.

his wit ne a goþ hym neuer mo.

for ne may he for vare.

þe hyne haueþ to vere.

þe wile his owe lyf.     ileste mote.

xiv

150 þus queþ Alured.

If þu hauest seorewe.

ne seye þu hit nouht þan arewe.

seye hit þine sadelbowe.     and ryd þe singinde forþ.

þenne wile wene.     þet þine wise ne con;

155 þat þe þine wise wel lyke.

serewe if þu hauest.     and þe erewe hit wot;
by fore. he þe meneþ;
by hynde he þe teleþ.

þu hit myht segge swyhc mon.

160 þat þe ful wel on.

wyþ vte echere ore.

he on þe Muchele more.

By hud hit on þire heorte;
þat þe eft ne smeorte.

165 Ne let þu hyne wite.

al þat þin heorte by wite.

xv
þus queþ Alured.

Ne schal tu neuere þi wif.     by hire wlyte cheose.

for neuer nóne þinge.     þat heo to þe bryngeþ.

170 Ac leorne hire custe.     heo cuþeþ hi wel sone.

For mony mon for ayhte.     vuele iauhteþ.

And ofte mon of fayre.     frakele icheoseþ.

wo is him þat vuel wif.

bryngeþ to his cotlyf.

175 So him is alyue;
þat vuele ywyueþ.

For he schal vppen eorþe.

dreori i wurþe.

Monymon singeþ.

180 þat wif hom bryngeþ.

wiste he hwat he brouhte.

wepen he myhte.

xvi
þus queþ Alured.

Ne wurþ þu neuer so wod.     ne so wyn drunke.

185 þat éuere segge þine wife.     alle þine wille.

For if þu iseye þe bi vore.     þine ivo alle.

And þu hi myd worde     iwreþþed heuedest.

Ne scholde heo hit lete.     for þing lyuyinde.

þat heo ne scholde þe forþ vp breyde.     of þine baleu syþes.

190 wymmon is word. woþ.     ⁊ haueþ tunge to swift.

þeyh heo wel wolde.

ne may heo. hi no wiht welde.

xvii
þus queþ Alfred. |

Idelschipe and ouer prute.

195 þat lereþ yong wif vuele þewes.

And ofte þat wolde.

do. þat heo ne scholde.

þene vnþev lihte.

leten heo myhte.

200 If heo ofte a swóte     for swunke were.

þeyh hit is vuel to buwe.

þat beo nule treowe.

For ofte Museþ þe kat.     after hire moder.

þe mon þat let wymmon     his mayster iwurþe.

205 Ne schal he neuer beon ihurd.

his wordes louerd.

Ac heo hine schal steorne
to trayen. and to teóne.

And selde wurþ he blyþe and gled.

210 þe mon þat is his wiues qued.

Mony appel is bryht wiþ vte.     and Bitter wiþ inne.

So is mony wymmon.     on hyre fader bure.

Schene vnder schete.     and þeyh heo is schendful.

So is mony gedelyng.     godlyche on horse.

215 and is þeyh lutel wurþ.

wlonk bi þe glede.

and v́uel at þare neode.

xviii

219. Eure MS.
224. mod] first stroke of m erased.

þus queþ. Alured.

[N]eure þu bi þine lyue.

220 þe word of þine wyue.

to swiþe þu. ne aréde.

If heo beo i wreþþed
myd worde. oþer myd dede.

wymmon wepeþ for mod.

225 oftere þan for eny god.

And ofte lude ⁊ stille.

for to vor drye hire wille.

Heo wepeþ oþer hwile.

for to do þe gyle.

230 Salomon hit haueþ i sed.

þat wymmon can wel vuelne red.

þe hire red foleweþ.

heo bryngeþ hine to seorewe.

for hit seyþ in þe loþ.

235 as scumes for teoþ.

hit is i furn i seyd.

þ̵ cold red is quene red.

hu he is vnlede.

þat foleweþ hire rede.

240 Ich hit ne segge nouht for þan.

þat god þing. ys god wymmon.

þe mon þe hi may i cheose.     and i couere over oþre.

xix
þus queþ Alured.

Monymon weneþ     þat he weny ne þarf.

245 Freond þat he habbe.     þar me him vayre bi hat.

Seyþ him vayre bi vore.     and frakele bi hynde.

so me may þane loþe     lengust lede.

Ne ilef þu neuer þane mon.

þat is of feole spechen.

250 Ne alle þe þinge.

þat þu i herest singen.

Mony mon haueþ swikelne muþ.

milde and monne for cuþ.

Nele he þe cuþe.     hwenne he þe wule bi kache.

xx

256. his elþe. mon is glev MS.

255 þus queþ Alured.

Þvrh sawe mon is wis.     And þurh hiselþe. glev.

þurh lesinge mon is loþ.     and þurh luþre wrenches.

And | vnwurþ.

And þurh hokede honde. þat he bereþ.

260 him seolue he for vareþ.

From lesynge þu þe wune.

And alle vnþewes þu þe bi schune.

so myht þu on þeode.

leof beon in alle leode.

265 And luue þyne nexte.     he is at þe neode gód.

At chepynge. and at chyreche.

freond þu þe iwurche.

wyþ pouere and wiþ riche.

wiþ alle monne ilyche.

270 þanne myht þu sikerliche.     sely sytte.

And ek faren ouer lond le
hwider so beoþ þi wille.

xxi
þus queþ Alured.

Alle world ayhte

275 schulle bi cumen to nouhte.

And vyches cunnes madmes.     to mixe schulen i Multen.

And vre owe lif.     lutel hwile ileste.

for þeyh o mon.     wolde al þe worlde.

And al þe wunne.     þe þar inne wunyeþ.

280 Ne myhte he þar myde his lif.     none hwile holde.

Ac al he schal for leten.     on a litel stunde.

And schal vre blisse;     to balewe us iwurþe.

Bute if we wurcheþ.     wyllen cristes.

Nu biþenche we þanne vs sulue.

285 vre lif to leden.     so crist vs gynneþ lere.

þanne mawe we wenen.     þat he wule vs wrþie.

for so seyde salomon. þe wise.

þe mon þat her wel deþ.

he cumeþ þar he lyen foþ.

290 on his lyues ende.

he hit schal a vynde.

xxii
þus queþ Alured.

Ne gabbe þu ne schotte.

ne chid þu wyþ none sotte.

295 ne myd manyes cunnes tales.

ne chid þu wiþ nenne dwales.

Ne neuer þu ne bigynne.

to telle þine tyþinges.

At nones fremannes borde.

300 ne haue þu to vale worde.

Mid fewe worde. wismon
fele bi luken wel con.

And sottes bolt is sone iscohte.

for þi ich holde hine for dote.

305 þat sayþ al his wille.

þanne he scholde beon stille.

For ofte tunge brekeþ bon;
þeyh heo seolf nabbe non.

xxiii
þus queþ Alured.

310 Wis child is fader blisse.

Jf hit so bi tydeþ     þat þu bern ibidest.

þe hwile hit is lutel.     ler him mon þewes.

þanne hit is | wexynde;     hit schal wende þar to.

þe betere hit schal iwurþe

315 euer buuen eorþe.

Ac if þu him lest welde.     werende on worlde.

lude and stille.

his owene wille.

hwanne cumeþ ealde.

320 ne myht þu hyne awelde.

þanne deþ hit sone.

þat þe biþ vnyqueme.

Ofer howeþ þin ibod.

and makeþ þe ofte sory mod.

325 Betere þe were.

iboren þat he nere.

for betere is child vnbore.     þane vnbuhsum.

þe mon þe spareþ yeorde.     and yonge childe.

and let hit arixlye.     þat he hit areche ne may.

330 þat him schal on ealde;     sore reowe.     Amen.

Expliciunt dicta Regis Aluredi.

VII. MEMENTO MORI

“As for no. vi.”

Mon may longe lyues wene.

Ac ofte him lyeþ þe wrench.

feyr weder turneþ ofte in to reyne.

⁊ wunderliche makeþ his blench.

5 þar vore mon. þu þe by þench.

Al schal falwy þi grene.

waylaway. nys king ne quene.

þat ne schal drynke of deþes drench.

Mon er þu falle of þi bench.

10 þyne sunne þu aquench.

Nis non so strong. ne sterk. ne kene.

þat may ago deþes wyþer blench.|

Yung and olde. briht and schene.

Alle he ryueþ on o streng.

15 Fox and ferlych is his wrench.

Ne may no mon þar to yeynes.

way laway þreting ne bene.

Mede. liste. ne leches drench.

Mon let sunne and lustes þine.

20 wel þu do ⁊ wel þu þench.

Do bi salomones rede.

Mon. ⁊ þenne þu schalt wel do.

Do as he þe tauhte and seyde.

þat þin endinge þe bringeþ to.

25 þenne ne schaltu neuer mys do.

Ac sore þu myht þe adrede.

way laway such weneþ to lede.

Long lif. and blysse vnder fo.

Ac deþ luteþ in his scho.

30 Hym stilliche. to for do.

Mon hwi nultu þe bi knowe.

Mon hwi nultu þe bi seo.

of fule fulþe þu art isowe.

wurmes fode. þu schalt beo.

35 her nauestu blisse dayes þre.

Ac þi lif al þu last in wowe.

weylawey deþ þe schal a dun þrowe.

þer þu wenest heyust to steo.

In deþ schal þi lyf endi.

40 And in wop al þi gleo.

World and weole. þe bi swikeþ.

I wis heo beoþ þine ifo.

If þe world wiþ weole þe slykeþ
þat is for to do þe wo.

45 þare fore. let lust ouer go.

And eft hit þe likeþ. |
weylawey. sore he him bi swikeþ.

þat for one stunde oþer two.

wurcheþ him pyne. euer mo.

50 Mon. ne do þu nouht swo.

VIII. POEMA MORALE
(Lambeth MS.)

“i. Lambeth 487 (L), a small quarto, 177 × 135 mm., of 67 leaves, written towards the end of the twelfth century... nos. x, xi. of this book are also taken from it. The words printed in clarendon in these three pieces are written in red, not inserted afterwards by a rubricator but done at the same time as the rest of the text. The PM ends with fordemet, l. 270, in the middle of a page; the final t has a flourish for its cross stroke; the copyist had apparently no knowledge of any more.

“ii. iii. Egerton 613, B. M.... has two copies of the PM: the second (e) furnishes here a complement to the Lambeth MS. as far as l. 370, with which it ends; the first (E) is used to complete the text. e was written in the first quarter of the thirteenth century, E is somewhat later; the former has accents, the latter none.

“iv. Trinity College, Cambridge, B. 14. 52 (T), on vellum, 135 × 105 mm.; written early in the thirteenth century.... A leaf is lost after f 8, and a new hand begins with f 9; the PM appears to be a distinct MS. (Anglia, iv. 408). The initials of each line are capitals and written apart from their words. A later hand has glossed aihte 42, goodes; ore 53, favour, grace; lean 64, deserving; manke 70, Manca, Mancus.”

In the Lambeth MS, passages “printed in clarendon” are shown here in dark-red boldface.

Trinity MS
Parallel Texts

Indentation in the Egerton MSS. (lines 271-end) is as in the original.

ich em nu alder þene ich wes awintre ⁊ a lare.

2. ịḥc̣ ich MS.   mi ịc̣ḥ ahte; wit in margin MS.

Ich welde mare þene ich dede mi `wit´ ahte bon mare.

Wel longe ich habbe child ibon a worde ⁊ a dede
þa`h´ ich bo a wintre ald to ȝung ich em on rede.

5 vnnet lif ich habbe iled. ⁊ ȝet me þingþ ilede.

þenne ich me bi þenche wel ful sare ich me adrede.

mest al þ̵ ich habbe idon bi fealt to child hade.

Wel late ich habbe me bi þocht; bute God me nu rede.

Fole idel word ich habbe iqueðen soððen ich speke kuðe.

10 fole ȝunge dede idon; þe me of þinchet nuðe.

Mest al þ̵ me likede er nu; hit me mis likeð
þa muchel fulieð his wil; hine solf he biswikeð.

Ich mihte habbe bet idon. hefde ich þe iselþe.

14. un helẹþe MS.

Nu ich walde ah ich ne mei; for elde ⁊ for un helþe.

15 Elde me is bi stolen on. er ich hit wiste.

ne michte ich seon bi fore me. for smike ne for miste.

Erȝe we beoð to done god. ⁊ to ufele al to þriste.

Mare eie stondeð men of monne þanne hom do of criste.

þe wel ne doð þe hwile þe ho muȝen. wel oft hit schal rowen;

20 þenne ȝe mawen sculen ⁊ repen þ̵ ho er sowen.

Do he to gode þ̵ he muȝe þe hwile þ̵ he bo aliue.

ne lipnie na mon to | muchel to childe ne to wiue.

þe him solue forȝet for wiue ne for childe;
he scal cumen in uuel stude bute him God bo milde.

25 Sendeð sum god bi foren eow. þe hw[i]le þ̵ ȝe muȝen to houene.

for betere is an elmesse biforen; þenne boð efter souene.

27. ịḷich MS.
28. ịḥ ich MS.

Alto lome ich habbe igult a werke ⁊ o worde.

Al to muchel ich habbe ispent. to litel ihud in horde.

Ne beo þe loure þene þe solf; ne þin mei. ne þin maȝe.

30 Soht is þ̵ is oðer`s´ monnes frond betre þen his aȝen.

Ne lipnie wif to hire were. ne were to his wiue
bo for him solue ech .Mon. þe `h´wile þ̵ he bo aliue.

Wis is þe to him solue þench þe hwile þe mot libben.

for sone wule hine forȝeten þe fremede ⁊ þe sibbe.

35 þe wel ne deð þe hwile he mai; ne scal wenne he walde.

Monies monnes sare iswinc habbeð oft un holde.

Ne scal na mon don afirst. ne slawen wel to done.

for moni mon bihateð wel þe hit forȝeteð sone.

Þe .Mon. þe wule siker bon to habben Godes blisse.

40 do wel him solf hwile þ̵ he mai; þenne haueð he his mid iwisse.

þes riche .Men. weneð bon siker þurh walle ⁊ þurh diche.

þe deð his echte on sikere stude he hit sent to heueneriche.

for þer ne þerf he bon of dred of fure ne of þoue
þer ne | þerf he him binimen þe laðe ne þe loue.

45. ȝeve] v corr. out of f MS.

45 þer ne þerf he habben kare of ȝeve ne of ȝelde.

þider he sent. ⁊ solf bereð to lutel ⁊ to selde.

þider we sculen draȝen ⁊ don wel ofte ⁊ ilome.

for þer ne scal me us naut binimen mid wrangwise dome.

þider ȝe sculen ȝorne draȝen. walde ȝe god ileue.

50. þer] þ̵ MS.

50 for ne mei þer hit ou binimen king ne reue.

Al þ̵ beste þ̵ we hefden þider we hit solde senden
for þer we hit michte finden eft. ⁊ habben buten ende.

Þo þe er doð eni God for habben godes are.

al he hit scal finden eft þer ⁊ hundred fald mare.

55 Þe þet echte wile halden wel hwile þe he muȝe es welden.

Giue hies for godes luue; þenne deþ hes wel ihalden.

Vre swinc ⁊ ure tilþe is ofte iwoned to swinden.

Ach þ̵ þe we doð for godes luue; eft we sculen al finden.

Ne scal nan ufel bon un bocht. ne nan god unforȝolden.

60 vfel we doþ al to muchel. ⁊ god lesse þenne we sculden.

Þo þe mest doð nu to gode. ⁊ þe lest to laðe.

Eiðer to lutel ⁊ to muchel scal þunchen eft hom baþe.

Þer me scal ure werkes weien bi foran þe heuen king.

and ȝeuen us ure swinkes lan efter ure erninge.

65 Ech mon mid þ̵ he hauet. mei buggen houene riche.

þe mare haueþ ⁊ þe þe lesse; baþe hi | muȝen iliche.

Al se mid his p`e´nie alse oðer mið his punde.

þ̵ is þe wunderlukeste chep; þ̵ eni mon efre funde.

⁊ þe ðe mare ne mai don; do hit mid his gode þonke.

70 Alse wel se þe þe haueð golde fele manke.

⁊ oft god kon mare þonc þen þe him ȝeueð lesse.

⁊ his werkes ⁊ his weȝes his milce. ⁊ rihtwisnesse.

lutel lac is gode lof; þ̵ kumeð of gode wille.

⁊ ec lete muchel ȝeue of þan þe herte is ille.

75 Houene ⁊ horþe he ouer sich. his eȝen boð swa brichte.

Sunne ⁊ mone ⁊ houen fur boð þestre aȝein his lihte.

Nis him noht for holen ni hud. swa muchele boð his mihte.

nis hit ne swa derne [idon] ne [a] swa þostre nihte.

he wat wet þenkeð ⁊ hwet doð alle quike wihte.

80 Nis na lauerd swich se is crist. ne king swuch ure drihten.

houene ⁊ orðe ⁊ al þ̵ is biloken is in his honde.

82. ịṣ his MS.
83. After fuȝeles in, k deleted.

he deð al þ̵ his wil is; a wettre ⁊ alonde.

He makede fisses in þe se ⁊ fuȝeles in þe lifte.

he wit ⁊ waldeð alle þing ⁊ scop alle scefte.

85 he is hord buten horde ⁊ ende buten ende.

he ane is eure an ilche stude wende þer þu wende.

he is buuen us ⁊ bi noþen. bi foren ⁊ bi hinden.

þe þe deð godes wille uwer he mei him finden.

Helche rune he iherð ⁊ wat alle deden.

90 he þurþ sicheþ uches monnes þonc. Wi hwat scal us to rede.

We þ̵ brokeð godes hese ⁊ gulteð swa ilome.

hwet scule we seggen oðer don et þe muchele dome.

Þa þe luueden unriht ⁊ ufel lif | leden.

Wet sculen ho seggen oðer don; þen þe engles bon of dred.

95 hwet sculen we beren biforen us mid hom scule we iquemen.

þo þe neure god ne dude þe houenliche deme.

þer sculen bon doule swa fole þ̵ wulleð us for wreien.

⁊ nabbeð hi naþing forȝeten of al þ̵ ho iseȝen.

Al þ̵ we mis duden her; ho hit wulleð kuðe þere.

100. Supplied from MS. e.

100 [buten wé habbe hit íbét. ðe hwile wé her wére]

Al ho habbeð in hore write; þ̵ we mis duden here.

þach we nusten ne ni seȝen. ho weren ure ifere.

Hwet sculen ordlinghe`s´ don. þa swicen ⁊ ta forsworene
hwi boð fole iclepede. ⁊ swa lut icorene.

105. ẉ hwon MS.

105 wi hwi weren ho bi ȝeten to hwon weren ho iborene.

þ̵ sculen bon to deþe idemet. ⁊ eure ma for lorene.

Ech .Mon. scal him solue þer bi clepie ⁊ bidemen.

108. temen] demen MS.

his aȝen werch ⁊ his þonc te witnesse he scal temen.

ne mei him na .Mon. alsa wel demen ne alswa rihte

110 for nan ne knauð him ase ȝere; buten ane drihte.

111. before werkes, werhes deleted.

Ech .Mon. wat him solue best; his werkes. ⁊ his wille.

Þe ðe lest wat bi seiþ ofte mest; þe hit al wat is stille.

nis nan witnesse alse muchel se monne`s´ aȝen horte.

Wa se seið þ̵ he bo hal. him solf wat best his smirte.

115 Ech .Mon. scal h[i]m solf demen to deðe oðer to liue.

þa witnesse of his aȝen werch; hine þer to scal driue.

Al þet ech .Mon haueð idon soððen he com to monne
sculde he | hit sechen o boke iwriten he scal iþenchen þenne.

Ah drihten ne demeð nenne .Mon. efter his biginnigge.

120 ah al his lif scal bon suilch boð his endinge.

ȝef þ̵ his uuel al hit is uuel ⁊ God ȝefe god his ende.

God ȝeue þ̵ ure ende bo god. ⁊ wite þ̵ he us lende.

þe .Mon. þ̵ uuel don na god. ne neure god lif leden.

er deð ⁊ dom come to his dure he mei him sare adreden.

125 þ̵ he ne muȝe þenne biden are. for þ̵ itit ilome.

for þi he is wis þe biet ⁊ bit ⁊ bet bi fore dome.

Wenne deð is attere dure wel late he biddeþ are.

Wel late he latheð uuel werc; þe ne mei hit don ne mare.

þ̵ achten we to leuen wel. for ure drihten solf hit seide.

130. þing̣chþ MS.

130 A hwilke time se eure .Mon. of þinchþ his mis dede.

Oþer raþer oðer later; milce he scal imeten.

132. þe] we MS.

Ac þe þ̵ þer naf[ð] nocht ibet; wel muchel he haueð to beten.

Monimon seit hwa rechð of pine þe scal habben þende.

Ne bidde ich na bet bo alesed a domes dei of bende.

135 lutel he wat wet is pine. ⁊ lutel he hit scaweð
hwice hete is þer þa saule wuneð hu biter wind þer blaweð.

hefde he bon þer enne dei oðer twa bare tide;
nolde he for al middenerd þe þerdde þer abiden.

þet habbeð iseid þ[e] comen þonen þa hit wisten mid iwissen.

140 wa wurð sorȝe seueȝer. for souenihte blisse.

In hure blisse þe | þe ende haueð. for endelese pine.

betere is wori water drunch; þen atter meind mid wine.

Swines brede is swiðe swete. swa is of wilde dore.

144. abuh] abuṭẹh MS.

alto dore he is abuh; þe ȝefð þer fore his swore.

145 Ful wombe mei lihtliche speken of hunger. ⁊ of festen;
swa mei of pine þe ne cnauð þe scal a ilesten.

Hefð he ifonded summe stunde; he wolde al seggen oðer.

Et lete him were wif. child. suster. feder ⁊ broðer.

Al he walde ⁊ oðerluker don ⁊ oðerluker þenchen

150 Wenne he bi þohte on helle fur þe nawiht ne mei quenchen.

Eure he walde her inne wawe ⁊ ine wene wunien;

152. Before þe, me deleted.

Wið þ̵ þe mihte helle pine bi flien ⁊ bi sunien

Et lete him were al world wele ⁊ orðliche blisse.

for to þ̵ muchele blisse cumen is murþe mid iwisse.

155 Iwule nu cumen eft to þe dome þ̵ ich er ow of sede

A þa dei ⁊ at ta dome us helpe crist ⁊ rede.

þer we muȝen bon eþe offerd ⁊ herde us adreden.

þer he scal al son him bi foren his word ⁊ ec his deden.

Al scal þer bon þenne cud þer men luȝen her ent stelen.

160 Al scal þer bon þanne unwron; þ̵ men wruȝen her ⁊ helen.

We sculen alre monne lif iknauwen al se ure ahen.

þer sculen eueningges bon þe riche ⁊ þe laȝe.

163. skamie] smakie MS.

Ne scal na mon skamie þer ne þerf he him a dreden.

Gif him her of þincþ | his gult ⁊ bet his misdede.

165 for him ne scameþ ne ne gromeð þe sculen bon iborȝen.

Ach þo þre habbeþ scome ⁊ grome ⁊ oft fele sorȝe.

Þe dom scal sone bon idon ne lest he nawiht longe.

ne scal him na mon mene þer of strengþe ne of wronge.

þe sculen habbe herdne dom þa her weren herde.

170 þa þe uuele holden wreche men ⁊ uuele laȝe redde.

Ec efter þ̵ he efþ idon sal þer þenne [beon] idemet.

172. Supplied from MS. e.

[bliðe mei hé ðenne beon. þe god háfð wel icwemed]

Alle þa þi sprunge boþ of adam ⁊ of eue.

Alle hi sculen cumen þider for soðe we hit ileueð.

175 þa þe habbeð wel idon efter hore mihte.

to houene riche hi sculen faren forð mid ure drihte.

Þa þe habbeð doules werc idon. ⁊ þer inne bo ifunde.

178. mid ṃịḍ MS.

hi sculen faren forð mid him in to helle grunde.

Þer hi sculen wunien a buten are ⁊ ende.

180 Ne brekeþ neure drihte helle gate for lesen hi of bende.

Nis na sullic þech hom bo wa ⁊ hom bo uneade.

Ne scal neure eft crist þolie deþ for lesen hom of deaþe.

Enes drihten helle brec his frond he ut brochte.

him solf he þolede deð for him . wel dore he hom bohte.

185 Nalde hit mei do for mei. ne suster for broðer.

nalde hit sune do for fader. ne na mon for oðer.

Vre alre lauerd for his þrelles ipined wes a rode.

vre bendes he unbon[d] ⁊ bohte us mid his blode.

We ȝeueð | uneðe for his luue a stuche of ure brede.

190 Ne þenke we noht þ̵ he scal deme þa quike ⁊ þa dede.

Muchele luue he us cudde. walde we hit understonde
þ̵ ure eldre misduden; we habbeð uuele on honde.

Deþ com in þis middenerde þurh þes doules honde.

⁊ sake ⁊ sorȝe ⁊ swinc a watere ⁊ a londe.

195 Vre forme fader gult. we abuȝeð alle.

196. Supplied from MS. e.

[eal his óf spring efter him. en hearme is bi fealle.]

þurst ⁊ hunger. chele ⁊ hete. helde ⁊ unhelðe.

þurh him deð com in þis middenerd ⁊ oðer uniselðe.

Nere na mon elles ded ne sec ne nan unsele.

200 ac mihten libben eure ma a blisse ⁊ a hele.

lutel hit þuncheð moni mon. ac muchel wes þa sunne.

for hwam alle þolieð deð þe comen of hore cunne.

203. ḥọṛẹ ure MS.

Hore sunne ⁊ ec ure aȝen sare us mei of þinche.

þurh sunne we libbeð alle in sorȝe ⁊ in swinke.

205 Suððen God nom swa muchele wrake for are misdede;

We þe swa muchel ⁊ swa ofte mis doð. we muȝen eðe us adrede.

207. bare] þare MS.

Adam and his of sprung for are bare sunne.

Wes fele undret wintre an helle pine ⁊ an unwunne.

þa þe ledden hore lif mid unriht ⁊ mid wrange.

210. do] doṇ MS.

210 buten hit gode`s´ milce do ho sculen bon þer wel longe.

Godes wisdom is wel muchel ⁊ alswa is his mihte

⁊ nis his milce naut lesse. ac bi þan ilke iwichte.

Mare he ane mei for ȝeuen. þen | al folc gulte cunne.

Sulf douel mihte habben milce. ȝif he hit bigunne.

215 Þa þe godes milce secheð; he iwis mei ha ifinden.

Ac helle king is are les with þa þe he mei binden.

þe þe deþ is wille mest; he haueð wurst mede.

218. baþ̵ MS.   scal] scab MS.

His baþ scal bon wallinde. his bað scal bon berninde glede.

Wurst he deð his gode frond; þenne his fulle fond;

220 God scilde alle godes frond. a wih swilche freonde.

Neure in helle hi com. ne þer ne come reche.

þach ich elches worldes wele. þer me mahte feche
þ̵ his wulle seggen on þat wise men us seiden.

⁊ aboken hit writen þer [me] mei hit reden.

225 Ich hit wille seggen þan þe hit hom solf nusten.

warni hom wið hore unfrome. ȝif ho me wulleð lusten.

vnderstondeð nu to me edi men ⁊ arme.

Ich wulle tellen of helle pin; ⁊ wernin ow wið herme.

229. ịṣ his MS.

In helle his hunger ⁊ þurst; twa uuele iuere.

230 þas þolieð þa [þe] weren maket niþinges here.

Þer is waning ⁊ wow. efter eche streche.

ho fareð from hete to hete. ⁊ hech to frure þe wreche.

þenne hi bið in þere hete; þe chele him þunchet blisse.

þenne hi cumeð eft to þe chele; of hete hi habbeð misse.

235 hi hem deð wa inoch nabbeð hi nane blisse.

236. wurs] þurs MS.
237. mọuȝen MS.

Nute hi hweþer hem deþ wurs mid neure nane wisse.

hi walkeð eure ⁊ secheð reste | ac `ho´ ne muȝen imeten.

for þi þe ho nolden þe hwile þ̵ ho mihten here sunne beten.

ho secheð reste þer nis nan. for þi ne muȝen hi es finden.

240 Ac walkeð weri up ⁊ dun; se water deþ mid winde.

þo boð þa þe weren her a þanke unstedefeste.

⁊ þa þe gode biheten heste ⁊ nolden hit ileste.

þa þe god werc bigunnen ⁊ ful enden hit nolden.

Nu witen her. ⁊ nuðe þer. ⁊ nusten hwat hi wolden.

245 þer is bernunde pich hore saule to baþien inne.

þa þe ledden here lif in werre ⁊ in winne.

þer is fur þ̵ is undret fald hattre. þene bo ure.

Ne mei quenchen salt weter ne uersc of þe burne.

þis is þ̵ fur þ̵ efre bernd ne mei nawiht hit quenchen;

250 Þer inne boð þa þe was to lof wreche men to swenchen.

þa þe weren swikelemen ⁊ ful of uuel wrenchen.

þa þe mihten uuel don. þe þe lef hit wes to þenchen.

Þe luueden tening ⁊ stale. hordom ⁊ drunken.

⁊ a doules werche bliþeliche swunken.

255. lese] lele MS.

255 Þa þe weren swa lese þ̵ me hom ne mihte ileuen.

Med ierne domes men. ⁊ wrongwise reuen.

þ̵ oðer monnes wif lof. his aȝen et lete.

þo þe sungede muchel; a drunke ⁊ an ete.

þe wreche mon binom his ehte. ⁊ leide his on horde.

260 þ̵ lutel let of godes borde. ⁊ godes worde.

⁊ þo þe his aȝen nalde ȝeuen þer he isech | þe node

Ne nalde iheren godes sonde. þenne he hit herde bode.

Þe þ̵ is oðers monnes þing. loure þene hit sculde.

⁊ weren to gredi of solure ⁊ of golde.

265 ⁊ þa þe untrownesse duden þon þe ho scu`l´den bon holde.

⁊ leten þet ho sculden don. ⁊ duden þ̵ ho wolden.

267. weṇren MS.

Þa þe weren eure abuten þisse worldes echte.

269. iquemde] iquende MS.

⁊ duden al þ̵ þe laþe gast hechte to ⁊ tachte.

⁊ alle þe þen anigewise doulen i quemde.

270 Þa boð nu mid him in helle fordon ⁊ fordemet.

(EGERTON MS., SECOND COPY.)

Bute þá þe óf ðufte sare heore mis dede.

⁊ gunne heore gultes beten ⁊ betere líf læde.

Þer beoð neddren ⁊ snaken. éuete ⁊ frute.

þa tereð. ⁊ freteð. þe uuele speke. þe nið fulle. ⁊ te prute.

275 Neure sunne ðer ne scínð. ne mone ne steorre.

þer is muchel godes hate. ⁊ muchel godes eorre.

Æure ðer ís uuel sméch. ðusternesse ⁊ eie.

nis ðer neure oðer líht. ðene þe swierte leie.

Þer ligget ladliche fund. in strange raketeȝe.

280 þ̵ beoð þa ðe wére mid gode on heuene wel heȝe.

Þer beoð ateliche fund. ⁊ eisliche wihte.

þas scule þa wrecche í fon. þe suneȝede ðurh sihte.

283. is ịṣ MS.

Þer is ðe laðe sathanas. ⁊ belzebud sé ealde.

eaðe hi muȝen beo óf dréd. þe híne scule bi healde.

285 Ne mei nan heorte hit iðenche. ne tunge ne can telle.

hu muchel píne na hu uele sunden ínne helle.

Wið þa pine ðe þer beoð. nelle ich eow naht leoȝen.

nis hit bute gamen ⁊ gléo. eal þ̵ man mei hér dreoȝen.

End ȝut ne deð heom naht sa wá. ín ða laðe bende. |

290. After habbe, l erased.

þ̵ hí witeð þ̵ heore píne sceal neure habbe ende.

291 Þar beoð þa heðene men. þé wǽre laȝe liese.

þe nes naht óf godes bi bode. ne óf godes hése.

[U]uele cristene men. hí beoð heore ifere.

þa ðe heore cristen dom. uuele heo`l´de hére.

295 [Ȝ]ut hí beoð á wurse stede. on ðeré helle grunde.

ne sculen hí neure cumen út. for marke ne for punde.

[N]e mei heom naðer helpen þer. íbede ne elmesse.

for nis naðer inne helle. áre ne for ȝiuenesse.

Sculde him éch man ðe hwile hé muȝe óf ðas helle píne.

300 ⁊ werni ech hís freond þer wið swa ich habbe mine.

Þá ðe sculden heom ne cunne. ich heom wulle teche.

ich kan beon ȝief ich sceal. lichame ⁊ sawle leche.

Léte wé þ̵ god for but. ealle manne cunne.

⁊ do wé þ̵ hé us hét. ⁊ sculde wé us wið sunne.

305 Luuie we god mid ure heorte. ⁊ mid al ure mihte.

⁊ ure émcristen eal us sulf. swa us lerde drihte.

Eal þ̵ me rǽt ⁊ eal þ̵ me singð. bi fore godes borde.

308. eal] Eeal MS.
309. Ealle] alle MS.   níwe] n corr. out of r.

eal hít hanget ⁊ bi halt. bi ðisse twam worde.

Ealle godes laȝe he fulð. ðe níwe ⁊ ða ealde.

310 þe ðe ðas twá luue háfð. ⁊ wel hí wule healde.

Ac hí beoð wunder earueð healde. swá ófte gulteð ealle.

Fór hít ís strang to stande lange. ⁊ líht ís to fealle.

[A]ac drihte crist hé ȝíue us strengðe. stande þ̵ wé mote.

⁊ óf ealle ure gultes `unne´ us cume to bote.

W

315 é wilnieð éfter woruld wéle. ðe lange ne mei leste.

⁊ leggeð eal ure iswinch. ón ðinȝe unste`de´ feste. |

Swunche wé for godes luue. healf þ̵ wé doð for æhte.

ne béo wé naht swá óf bicherd. ne sa uuele bi kehte.

Ȝif wé serueden gode swa wé doð ermínges.

320 mare wé hedden en héuene. ðenne eorles hér ⁊ kinges.

Né muȝen hí werien heom wið chele. wið þurste ne wið hunger.

ne wið ulde. ne wið deaðe. þe uldre ne ðe ȝeonger.

Ac ðer nis hunger ne ðurst. ne dieð. ne unhelðe ne elde.

of þisse riche wé ðencheð ófte. ⁊ of þere to selde.

325 Wé scolden ealle us biðenche ófte. ⁊ wél ilome.

hwét wé beoð to whán wé scule. ⁊ óf hwán wé come.

Hú litle hwíle wé beoþ hér. hú lange elle`s´ hwáre.

hwét wé muȝe habben hér. ⁊ hwét finde þere.

Ȝíef wé were wise men. ðis wé scolde ðenche.

330 bute wé wurðe us íwer. ðeos woruld wule us for drenche.

Mest ealle men he ȝíueð drinche. óf ane deofles scenche.

hé sceal him cunne sculde wél. ȝíf hé híne nele screnche.

M
id ealmihtiȝes godes luue. ute wé us bi werien.

wið ðises wrecches woreldes luue. þ̵ hé maȝe us derien.

335 Mid festen ælmes ⁊ ibede. werie wé us wið sunne.

Mið ða wepne ðe god haueð. bi ȝíten man cunne.

Léte wé þe brade strét. ⁊ ðene wei bene.

338. let] ḷec MS.

þe let þ̵ niȝeðe dél to helle of manne. ⁊ ma ich wéne.

Gá wé ðene nærewne wei. ⁊ ðene wei grene.

340 ðer forð fareð litel folc. ac hit is feir ⁊ scéne.

Þé brade strét is ure íwill. ðe ís us lað to forlǽte.

þa ðe eal folȝeð hís íwill. fareð bi ðusse stréte.

Hí muȝen lihtliche gán mid ðere under hulde.

344. wude] wade MS.

ðurh ane godlíese wude `in to´ ane bare felde.

345 [Þ]e nærewei ís godes hése. ðer forð fareð wél fiewe.

þ̵ beoð ða ðe heom sculdeð ȝeorne wið ǽche un ðeawe.

[Þ]as gað uníeðe ȝeanes ðe clíue. aȝean þe heaȝe hulle.

ðas leteð eal heore aȝen wíll. for godes hése to fulle.

[G]a wé alle þene wei. for he us wule bringe.

350 mid te feawe feire men. be foren heuen kinge.

Þer is ealre murhðe mest. mid englene sange.

ðe ís a þusend wintre ðer. ne ðincð him naht to lange.

Þe ðe lest haueð. hafð swa michel þ̵ hé ne bit namare.

þe ða blisse for ðas for lét hít him mei reowe sare.

355 [N]e mei nan uuel ne na wane beon inne godes riche.

ðeh þer beoð wununges fele. æch oðer uniliche.

Sume ðer habbeð lesse murhðe. ⁊ sume habbeð mare.

æfter ðan þe dude her. efter ðan þ̵ he swanc sare.

[N]e sceal ðer beon ne bried ne wín. ne oðer cunnes éste.

360 god ane sceal beo eche líf. ⁊ blisse. ⁊ éche reste.

[N]é sceal ðer beo fah ne græi. ne kuning ne `er´míne.

ne aquierne. ne martres cheole. ne beuer né sabelíne.

[N]e sceal ðer beo sciet ne scrud. ne woruld wele nane.

eal þe murhðe þe me us bi hat. al hít sceal beo god ane.

365 [N]e mei na murhðe. beo swa muchel. se is godes sihte.

[H]e ís soð sunne ⁊ briht. ⁊ dei ábuten nihte.

[H]e is ælches godes ful. nis him na wið uten.

na god nis him wane þe wunieð him abuten.

Þer is wéle ábute gane. ⁊ reste abuten swinche.

370 þe mei ⁊ nele ðider cume. sare hit him sceal óf ðinche.

(EGERTON MS., FIRST COPY.)

Þer is blisse a buten treȝe. ⁊ lif a buten deaþe
þe eure scullen wunien þer. bliþe muwen ben eþe

Þer is ȝeoȝeðe bute ulde. ⁊ hele a buten vn helðe
nis þer so`re´we ne sor. ne neure nan vn sealþe

375 Þer me scal drihte sulf i seon. swa he is mid iwisse
he one mai ⁊ scal al beo. engle ⁊ manne blisse

And ðeh ne beod heore eȝe naht. alle iliche brihte
ði nabbed hi nouht iliche. alle of godes lihte

On þisse `liue´ hi neren nout. alle of one mihte

380 ne þer ne scullen hi habben god. alle bi one ȝihte

Þo scullen more of him seon. þe luuede him her more

⁊ more icnawen ⁊ iwiten. his mihte ⁊ his ore

On him hi scullen finden alþat man mai to lesten
hali boc hi sculle i seon. al þat hi her nusten

385 Crist scal one beon inou. alle his durlinges
he one is muchele mare ⁊ betere. þanne alle oþere þinges

Inoh he haued þe hine haueð. þe alle þing wealded

388. hem] e above ị MS.

of him to sene nis no sed. wel hem is þe hine bi healdeð

God is so mere ⁊ swa muchel. in his godcunnesse

390 þ̵ al þ̵ is. ⁊ al þat wes is wurse. þenne he ⁊ lesse

Ne mai it neure no man oþer segge mid iwisse
hu muchele murhðe habbet þo. þe beod inne godes blisse

T
o þere blisse us bringe god. þe rixlet abuten ende
þenne he vre soule vn bint. of licames bende

395 Crist ȝyue us leden her swilc lif. ⁊ habben her swilc ende
þat we moten þuder come. wanne we henne wende. AmeN.

POEMA MORALE
(Trinity MS.)

Lambeth MS (above)
Parallel Texts

I
ch am nu elder þan ich was a wintre ⁊ a lore.

Ich wealde more þan idude mi wit oh to be more

To longe ich habbe child iben a worde ⁊ a dade.

Þeih ibie a winter eald to jung ich am on rade.

5 Vnnet lif ich habbe ilad ⁊ ȝiet me þincheð ilade

Þan ibiðenche me þar on wel sore ime adrade.

Mast al ich habbe idon is idelnesse ⁊ chilce.

Wel late ich habbe me bi þoht bute me god do milce.

Fele idel word ich habbe ispeken seðen ich speken cuðe.

10 ⁊ fele ȝeunge dade idon þe me ofðinkeð nuðe.

Alto lome ich habbe igult a werke ⁊ a worde.

Alto muchel ic habbe ispend to litel ileid on horde.

Mast al þat me likede ar nu hit me mislicað.

Þe mu[c]hel folȝeð his iwil him selfen he biswicað.

15 Ich mihte habben bet idon. hadde ich þo iselðe

Nu ich wolde ac ine mai for elde ⁊ for unhalðe.

Elde me is bistolen on ar ich hit iwiste

Ne mai ich isien bifore me for smeche ne for miste.

19. Ar ȝe MS.   juel] j corr. out of ȝ.

Arȝe we beð to don god to juel al to þriste

20 More eie stondeð man of man þan him do of criste.

Þe wel ne deð þe hwile he mai wel ofte hit sal him rewen.

Þan alle men sulle ripen þat hie ar sewen.

23. hebeð MS.

Do al to gode þat he muȝe ech þe hwile he beð aliue.

Ne lipne noman to muchel to childe ne to wiue. |

Þe þe him selfe forȝiet for wiue oðer for childe

26 He sal cumen on euel stede bute him god be milde.

Sende god biforen him man þe hwile he mai to heuene

For betre is on almesse biforen þan ben after seuene.

Ne bie þe leuere þan þe self ne þi mæi ne þi mowe

30 Sot is þe is oðer mannes frend betere þan his owen.

31. After hire were, ac erased.

Ne hopie wif to hire were ne were to his wiue

Be for him self afric man þe hwile he beð aliue.

Wis þe him selue biðencheð þe hwile he mót libben

For sone willeð him forȝiete þe fremde ⁊ þe sibbe.

35 Þe wel ne doð þe hwile he mai ne sal he þan he wolde.

For manimannes sore iswinc habbeð ofte unholde.

Ne solde noman don a furst ne laten wel to done

38. bihoteð] o above ạ MS.

For maniman bihoteð wel þat hi forȝieteð sone.

Þe man þe wile siker ben to habben godes blisse.

40 Do wel him self þe hwile he mai þanne haueð hes mid iwisse.

Þe richemen weneð siker ben þu`r´ch wallen ⁊ thurh dichen.

He deð his aihte an siker stede þe hit sent to heueriche.

For þar`f he´ ben ofdrad of fure ne of þieue.

Þar ne mai hit him binime þe loðe ne þe lieue.

45 Þar ne þarf he habben care of here ne of ȝielde

Þider we sendeð ⁊ ec bereð to litel ⁊ to selde.

Þider `we solden´ drawen ⁊ don wel ofte ⁊ ilome.

For þar ne sal me us naht binime mid wrong wise dome. |

Þider we solde ȝierne drawen wolde ȝie me ileuen.

50 For ne mai hit us binime no king ne no sẏrreue.

Alþat beste þat we habbeð her þider we solde sende.

For þar we mihte finden eft. ⁊ habben abuten ende.

Se þe her doð ani god for`to´ haben godes ore.

Al he hit sal eft finde þar ⁊ hundredfealde more.

55. holde] o above ạ MS.
56. ȝieue] ȝ corr. out of G.

55 Se þe aihte wile holde wel þe hwile hes muȝe wealden.

Ȝieue hes for godes luue þanne doð hes wel ihealden.

For ure swinch ⁊ ure tilðe is ofte wuned to swinde.

Ac al þat we ȝieueð for godes luue al we hit sulen eft finden.

Ne sal þar non euel ben unboht ne god unforȝolden.

60 Euel we doð al to muchel ⁊ god lasse þan we solden.

Se þe mast doð nu to gode ⁊ se last to lothe.

Eiðer to litel ⁊ to muchel hem sal þunche boðe.

Þar me sal ure werkes weiȝen bifore þan heuen kinge.

⁊ ȝieuen us ure werkes lean after ure erninge.

65 Africh man mid þat he haueð mai bugge heueriche

Þe þe more haueð ⁊ þe þe lasse boðe iliche.

Alse on mid his peni se oðer mid his punde

Þis is þet wunderlukeste ware þat animan funde.

⁊ se þe more ne mai don mid his gode iþanke.

70 Alse wel se þe þe haued goldes fele manke.

And ofte god can more þanc þan þe him ȝieueð lasse.

Al his werkes ⁊ his weies is milce ⁊ rihtwi[s]nesse. |

Litel lóc is gode lef þe cumeð of gode wille

⁊ eðlate muchel ȝieue þan his herte is ille.

75 Heuene ⁊ erðe he ouer sihð his eien beð ful brihte.

Nis him no þing forholen swo muchel is his mihte.

Ne bie hit no swo derne idon ne on swo þuster nihte.

He wot hwat þencheð ⁊ hwat doð alle quike wihte

Nis louerd swilch is crist ne king swilch ure drihte

80 Boðe ȝiemeð þe his bien bi daie ⁊ bi nihte.

Heuene ⁊ erðe ⁊ al þat is biloken is in his honden

He doð al þat his wille is awatere ⁊ alonde.

He makeð þe fisses in þe sa þe fueles on þe lofte.

He wit ⁊ wealdeð alle þing ⁊ he sop alle safte.

85 He is ord a buten ord ⁊ ende abuten ende

He is one afre on eche stede wende þar þu wende.

He is buuen us ⁊ bineðen biforen ⁊ bihinde

88. godeswille MS.

Þe godes wille doð aihware he maiȝ him finde

Elche rune he hereð ⁊ he wot alle dade

90 He þurh sihð elches mannes þanc wi hwat sal us to rade.

We þe brekeð godes has ⁊ gulteð swo ilome

92. After don, an erasure of about ten letters.
93. unriht] r corr. out of l MS.

Hwat sulle we seggen oðer don á te muchele dome

We þe luueden unriht ⁊ euel lif ladden

Hwat sulle we seggen oðer don þar ængles beð ofdradde

95 Hwat sulle we beren us biforen mid hwan sulle we iqueme

We þe nafre god ne duden þan heuenliche deme. |

Þar sulle ben deflen swo fele þat willeð us forwreien.

Nabbeð hie no þing forȝieten of þat hie her iseien.

Alþat hie iseien her hie willeð cuðen þare

100 Bute we haben hit ibet þe hwile we here waren.

Al hie habbeð on here write þat we misduden here.

Þeih we hes ne niseien hie waren ure iferen.

Hwat sullen horlinges don þes wichen ⁊ þe forsworene

Wi swo fele beð icleped swo fewe bed icorene

105 Wi hwi waren hie biȝiete to hwan waren hie iborene.

Þe sulle ben to deaðe idemd ⁊ afremo forlorene.

Elch man `sal´ þar biclepien himselfen ⁊ ec demen.

108. His] Hic MS.

His oȝen werc ⁊ his þanc to witnesse he sal temen.

Nemai him noman alse wel demen ne alse rihte

110 For non ne cnoweð hine alse wel buten one drihte.

Man wot him self best his werkes ⁊ his wille.

Se þe last wot he seið ofte mast se þit al wot is stille

Nis no witnesse alse muchel se mannes oȝen hierte

Hwo se seið þat hie beð hol him self wot his smierte.

115 Elch man sal him selfen demen to deaðe oðer to liue.

Þe witnesse of his oȝen werc to oðer þan hine sal driue.

Alþat afri man haueð idon seðen he cam to manne

Swo he hit iseie abóc iwrite he sal hit þenche þanne.

Ac drihte ne demeð noman after his biginninge

120 Ac al his lif sal ben teald after his endinge. |

Ȝief þe endinge is god al hit is god· ⁊ euel ȝief euel is þe ende.

God ȝieue þat ure ende be god ⁊ ȝieue þat he us lende.

Se man þe nafre nele don god ne nafre god lif lade.

Are deað ⁊ dom cumeð to his dure he maiȝ him sore a drade

125 Þat he ne muȝe þanne bidden ore for þat itit ilome.

For þi he wis þe bit ⁊ biȝiet ⁊ bet bifore dome.

Þanne þe deað is ate dure wel late he biddeð ore.

Wel late he lateð euel werc þan he hit ne mai don no more.

Senne lat þe ⁊ þu nah him þan þu hit ne miht do no more;

130 For þi he is sot þe swo abit to habben godes ore.

Þeih hweðere we hit leueð wel for drihte self hit sade.

Elche time sal þe man of þunche his misdade

133. After imete, acþ erased.

Oðer raðer oðer later milce he sal imete.

Ac þe þe her naueð ibet muchel he haued to bete

135 Maniman seið hwo reche pine þe sal habben ende

Ne bidde ich no bet bie ich alesed a domesdai of bende.

137. ḥis MS.   After cnoweð, erasure of hwil.

Litel wot he `h´wat is pine ⁊ litel he cnoweð

Hwilch hit is þar sowle wunieð hwu biter wind þar bloweð.

Hadde he ben þar on oðer two bare tiden.

140. After Nolde erasure of two letters.   almidden MS.

140 Nolde he for al midden eard þe þridde þar abiden.

Þat habbed isaid þe come þanne þit wiste mid iwisse.

Wo wurðe soreȝe seue ȝier for seue nihte blisse.

⁊ ure blisse þe ende haueð for ende lease pine

Betere is wori water þan atter imengd mid wine.

145 Swines brade is wel swete swo is of wilde diere.

Ac al to diere he hit abuið þe ȝiefð þar fore his swiere.

Ful wombe mai lihtliche speken of hunger ⁊ of fasten

Swo mai of pine þe not hwat is pine þe sal ilasten. |

Hadde fonded sume stunde he wolde seggen oðer

150 Eðlate him ware wif ⁊ child suster ⁊ fader ⁊ broðer.

Al he wolde oðerluker don ⁊ oðerluker þenche

Þan he biðohte an helle fur þat no wiht ne mai quenche.

153. After wunien, wið þan he mihte erased.

Afre he wolde her in wo ⁊ in wane wunien

Wið þan he mihte helle fur biflen ⁊ bisunien.

155 Eðlate him ware al wele ⁊ erðeliche blisse

For to þe muchele blisse cume þis murie mid iwisse.

157. ẹfṭ eft MS.

¶Ich wulle nu cumen eft to þe dome þe ich eow ar of sade.

On þe daie ⁊ on þe dome us helpe crist ⁊ rade

Þar we muȝen ben sore offerd ⁊ harde us ofdrade.

160 Þar elch sal al isien him biforen his word ⁊ ec his dade.

Al sal þar ben þanne cuð þat men luȝen her ⁊ halen.

Al sal þar ben þanne unwrien þat men her hudden ⁊ stalen.

We sullen alre manne lif icnowen alse ure oȝen

Þar sullen efninges ben to þe heie ⁊ to þe loȝe.

165. þiar] a corr. out of e.

165 Ne sal þeih no man samie þiar ne þarf he him adrade.

Ȝief him her ofþincheð his gult ⁊ bet his mis dade.

For hem ne sameð ne ne grameð þe sulle ben iboreȝe

Ac þoðre habbeð same ⁊ grame ⁊ oðer fele soreȝe.

169. sal] þal MS.

Þe dom sal ben sone idon ne last hit nowiht longe

170 Ne sal him noman mene þar of strencðe ne of wronge

Þo sulle habben hardne dom þe here waren hardde

Þo þe euel hielden wreche men ⁊ euel laȝe arerde.

173. idemð MS.

Elch after þat he haueð idon sal þar ben þanne idemd

Bliðe mai he þanne ben þe god haueð wel iquemd.

175 Alle þo þe sprunge beð of adam ⁊ of eue

Alle hie sulle þider cume for soðe we hit ileued. |

Þo þe habbed wel idon after here mihte

To heueriche hie sulle fare forð mid ure drihte.

Þo þe deueles werkes habeð idon ⁊ þar inne beð ifunde

180. After fare, þ elided.

180 Hie sulle fare forð mid hem in to helle grunde.

Þar hie sulle wunien abuten ore ⁊ ende.

Brecð nafre eft crist helle dure for lesen hem of bende

Nis no sellich þeih hem be wo ⁊ þeih hem be uneaðe

Ne sal nafre eft crist þolien deað for lesen hem of deaðe.

185 Ænes drihten helle brac his frend he ut brohte

Him self he þolede deað for hem wel diere he hes bohte.

Nolde hit moȝe don for mai ne suster [for] broðer

Nolde sune don for fader ne no man for oðer.

Vre alre louerd for his þralles ipined he was arode

190 Ure bendes he unbond ⁊ bohte us mid his blode.

We ȝieueð uneaðe for his luue a steche of ure breade

Ne þenche we naht þar þat sal deme þe quica ⁊ þe deade.

Muchel luue he us kedde wolde we hit understonde.

194. misduden] u over ẹ MS.

Þat ure elderne mi`s´duden we habeð euel an honde.

195 Deað cam in þis middenærd þurh ealde deueles onde

⁊ senne ⁊ soreȝe ⁊ iswinch awatere ⁊ [a]londe.

Vre foremes faderes gult we abugeð alle

Al his ofsprung after him in harem is biualle

Þurst ⁊ hunger. chele ⁊ hete ⁊ alle unhalðe.

200 Þurh deað cam in þis midden eard ⁊ oðer unisalðe.

Nare noman elles dead ne sic ne unsele

Ac mihte libbe afremo ablisse ⁊ an hale. |

Litel lac is gode lief þe cumeð of gode wille.

⁊ eðlate muchel ȝieue þan his herte is ille

205 Litel hit þuncheð maniman ac muchel was þe senne

For hwan alle þolieð deað þe comen of here kenne

207. After muȝe, rewen deleted MS.

Here senne ⁊ ec ure oȝen us muȝe sore of þunche

For senne we libeð alle her in soreȝe ⁊ in swunche.

Seðen god nam swo mukel wrache for one misdede

210. þo altered to þe.

210 We þe swo ofte misdoð we muȝen us eaðe ofdrade.

Adam ⁊ al his ofspreng for one bare senne.

Was fele hundred wintre an helle a pine ⁊ unwenne.

213. After lif, an erasure, on which mid.
214. do corr. out of to.
215. mulchel MS.   After ⁊, an erasure.

Þo þe ladeð here lif mid unrihte ⁊ mid wronge

Bute hit godes milce do hie sulle wunie þar longe.

215 Godes wisdom is wel muchel ⁊ alsse is his mihte

Ac nis his mihte nowiht lasse ac biðer ilke wihte.

More he one maiȝ forȝieue þan alle folc gulte cunne

Self deuel mihte habben milce ȝief he hit bigunne.

Þeþe godes milche secð iwis he mai hes finden

220 Ac helle king is ore leas wið þo þe he mai binden.

Se deð his wille mast he sal habbe werest mede

His bað sal be wallinde pich his bed barnende glede.

Werse he doð his gode wines þan his fiendes

God silde alle godes friend wið swo euele friende.

225. Before reche, þ erased MS.

225 Nafre an helle ine cam ne cumen ich þar ne reche

Þeih ich aches woreldes wele þare mihte feche.

Þeih ich wille seggen eow þat wise men us saden

⁊ [a] boc hit is write þar me hit mai rade. |

Ic wille seggen hit þo þe hit hem self nesten

230. After here, an erasure of one letter MS.

230 ⁊ warnin hem wið here unfreme ȝief hie me willeð hlesten.

Vnderstondeð nu to meward eadimen ⁊ arme

Ich wille tellen eow of helle pine ⁊ warnin eow wið harme.

An helle hunger ⁊ þurst euel two iferen.

Þos pine þolieð þo þe ware meteniðinges here.

235 Þar is woning ⁊ wop after ache strate

Hie fareð fram hate [to] chele fram chele to hate.

[Þ]an hie beð in þe hate chele hem þuncheð blisse

[Þ]an hie cumeð eft to chele of hate hie habbeð misse.

[E]iðer doð `hem´ wo inoh nabbeð none lisse.

240 [N]iten hweðer hem doð wers to nafre none wisse.

[H]ie walkeð afre ⁊ secheð reste ac hie hes ne muȝen imeten.

[F]or þi þe hie nolde þe hwile hie mihten here senne beten.

[H]ie sec`h´eð reste þar non nis ac hie hies ne muȝen ifinden.

[A]c walkeð weri up ⁊ dun se water doð mid winde

245 [Þ]at beð þo þe waren her an þanc unstedefaste

[⁊] þo þe gode biheten aihte ⁊ hit him ilaste.

[⁊] þo þe god werc bigunnen ⁊ ful endin hit nolden.

248. ṃesten MS.

[N]u waren her ⁊ nu þar ⁊ nesten hwat he wolden

[Þ]ar is pich þat afre walleð þar sulle wunien inne

250. After ⁊, h erased MS.

250 [Þ]o þe ladeð here lif on werre ⁊ an unwinne.

[Þ]ar is fur þis hundredfeald hatere þan be ure.

[N]e mai hit quenche salt water ne auene stream ne sture.

[Þ]is is þat fur þat afre barneð ne mai no wiht [hit] quenche.

[Þ]ar inne beð þe was to lef wreche men to swenche. |

Þo þe [waren] swikele men ⁊ ful of euele wrenchen.

256 ⁊ þo þe mihten euel don ⁊ lief hit was to þenchen.

Þe luueden rauing ⁊ stale hordom ⁊ druken

258. bliðeliche] second i corr. out of l.

⁊ an defles werkes bliðeliche swunken.

Þo þe waren swo lease men þat mes ne mihte leuen

260 Medȝierne domes men ⁊ w`r´ongwise reuen.

261. After was, erasure of three letters MS.

Þo þe oðer mannes wif was lief her oȝen eðlate

⁊ þo þe sunegeden muchel on druken ⁊ on ate.

263. After men, one letter erased.

Þe wreche men binomen here aihte ⁊ leide his on horde.

Þe litel lete of godes bode ⁊ of godes worde.

265 ⁊ þe his oȝen nolde ȝieue þar he iseih þe niede

Ne nolde ihere godes men þan he sat at his biede.

Þo þe was oðer mannes þing leuere þan hit solde

⁊ waren alto gradi of siluer ⁊ of golde.

Þo þe untrewnesse deden þan þe he solden ben holde.

270 ⁊ leten al þat hie solden don ⁊ deden þat hie wolden.

Þo þe waren ȝietceres of þis wereldes aihte

⁊ dude al þat þe loðe gost hem tihte to ⁊ taihte.

⁊ Al `þo´ þe ani wise deuel iquemde

274. hem MS.

Þo beð mid him in helle fordon ⁊ demde.

275 Bute þo þe ofðuhte sore here misdade

⁊ Gunne here gultes bete ⁊ betere lif lade.

277. fruden] d corr. out of ct MS.

Þar beð naddren ⁊ snaken. eueten ⁊ fruden

Þe tereð ⁊ freteð þo euele swiken þe niðfule ⁊ þe prude

Nafre sunne þar ne sineð ne mone ne storre.

280 Þar is muchel godes hete ⁊ muchel godes oerre. |

Afre þar is euel smech þiesternesse ⁊ eie

Nis þar nafre oder liht þan þe swarte leie.

Þar ligeð ateliche fiend in stronge raketeie

Þat beð þo þe waren mid god angles swiðe heie.

285 Þat beð ateliche fiend ⁊ Eiseliche wihten

Þo sulle þe wreche sowle isien þe sinegeden þurh sihte

Þar is se loðe sathanas ⁊ belzebub se ealde

Eaðe he muȝen ben sore ofdrad þe sullen hes bihealde.

Nemai non herte hit þenche ne tunge hit ne mai telle

290 Hwu muchele pine ne hwu fele senden in helle

Of þo pine þe þar bieð nelle ich eow naht lie

292. mai corr. out of marg MS.

Nis hit bute gamen ⁊ glie of þat man mai here drie.

⁊ ȝiet ne doð hem naht alse wo in þe loðe bende

Swo þat he witen þat here pine sal nafre habben ende

295 Þar beð þe haðene men þe waren laȝe lease.

Þe nes naht of godes bode ne of godes hease.

Euele cristene men hie beð here iferen

Þo þe here cristendom euele hielden here.

⁊ ȝiet he beð awerse stede aniðer helle grunde

300 Ne sullen nafre cumen út for peni ne for punde.

Ne mai hem noðer helpe þar ibede ne almesse

For naht solden bidde þar ore ne forȝieuenesse.

Silde him elch man þe hwile he mai wið þos helle pine.

⁊ warnie his frend þar wið swo ich habbe ido mine.

305 Þo þe silde hem ne cunnen ich hem wille tache

[I]ch can ben aiðer ȝief isal lichame ⁊ sowle lache. |

307. After þat, w erased.

Late we þat god forbet alle mankenne

⁊ do we þat he us hat ⁊ silde we us wid senne.

Luue we god mid ure herte ⁊ mid al ure mihte

310 ⁊ ure emcristen alse us self swo us tached drihte.

Al þat me radeð ⁊ singed bifore godes borde

Al hit hangeð ⁊ halt bi þese twam worde

313. godel MS.

Alle godes laȝes hie fulleð þe newe ⁊ þe ealde

Þe þe þos two luues halt ⁊ wile hes wel healde.

315. gulteð] t over ḍ MS.

315 Ac hie bieð wel arefeð heald swo ofte we gulteð alle

For hit is strong te stonde longe ⁊ liht hit is to falle.

Ac drihte crist ȝeue us strengðe stonde þat we moten

⁊ of alle ure gultes ȝieue us cume bote.

We wilnieð after wereldes wele þe longe ne mai ilaste

320 ⁊ legeð mast al ure swinc on þing unstedefaste.

Swunke [we] for godes luue half þat we doð for eihte.

Nare we naht swo ofte bicherd ne swo euele bikeihte

Ȝief we serueden god half þat we doð for erminges

We mihten habben more an heuene þa[n] ȝierles ⁊ kinges

325 Ne muȝe we werien naðer ne wið þurst ne wið hunger

326. After elde, ne wið elde MS.

Ne wid elde ne wið deað þe elder ne þe ȝeunger

Ac þar nis hunger ne þurst. deað ne unhalðe ne elde.

Of þesse riche we þencheð to ofte of þare alto selde.

329. ilomo MS.

We solden biþenchen us wel ofte ⁊ ilome

330 Hwat we beð to hwan we sullen ⁊ of hwan we come.

Hwu litle hwile we bieð her hwu longe elles ḥware

Hwat we muȝen habben her ⁊ hwat we findeð þare. |

Ȝief [we] waren wise men þus we solden þenchen

Bute we wurðen us iwar þis wereld us wile drenchen

335 Mast alle men hit ȝieueð drinken of on euele senche

He sal him cunnen silde wel ȝief hit him nele screnche.

Mid al mihtin godes luue úte we us biwerien

[W]ið þesses wreches woreldes luue þat hit ne muȝe us derien.

Mid almesse. mid fasten ⁊ mid ibeden werie we us wid senne.

340 Mid þo wapne þe god haued ȝieue alle man kenne.

[L]ate we þe brode strate ⁊ þane weiȝ bene

[Þ]e lat þe nieðe dal to helle of manne me mai wene.

343. Gowe MS.

Go we þane narewe pað ⁊ þene wei grene

[Þ]ar forð fareð wel litel folc ⁊ eche is fair ⁊ isene

345 [Þ]e brode strate is ure wil. þe is loð te læte.

[Þ]o þe folȝeð here iwil hie fareð bi þare strate.

[H]ie muȝen lihtliche cumen mid þare niðer helde

[Þ]urh one godelease wude to one bare felde

[Þ]a narewe pað is godes has · þar forð fareð wel feawe

350 [Þ]at beð þo þe hem sildeð ȝierne wið achen unðeawe.

351. After uneaðe, cliue deleted MS.

[Þ]os goð uneaðe aȝien þe cliue ⁊ aȝien þe heie hulle

[Þ]os leten al here iwil for godes luue to fulle.

[G]o we alle þane wei for he us wile bringe

Mid þo feawe faire men bi fore þe heuen kinge

355 [Þ]ar is alre blisse mast mid angles songe.

[Þ]e is a þusend wintre þar ne þuncheð hit him naht longe. |

357. After haueð, bli deleted and sse corr. into sswo.

Þe last haueð blisse he haueð sswo muchel þat he ne bit no more

Þe þat blisse forgoð hit sal him rewen sore.

Ne mai non euel ne non wane ben in godes riche

360 Þeih þar ben wuniinges fele elch oðer uniliche

Sume þar habbeð lasse blisse ⁊ sume þar habbeð more

Elch after þat he dude her after þane þe swanc sore

Ne sal þar ben bread ne win ne oðer kennes este

God one sal ben ache lif ⁊ blisse ⁊ ache reste.

365 Ne sal þar ben foh ne grai ne cunin ne ermine

Ne aquerne ne metheschele ne beuer ne sabeline.

Ne sal þar ben naðer scat ne srud ne wereldes wele none.

Al þe blisse þe me us bihat al hit sal ben god one

Ne mai no blisse ben alse muchel se is godes sihte.

370 He is soð sunne ⁊ briht ⁊ dai a bute nihte.

He is aches godes ful nis him no wiht uten.

Nones godes hem nis wane þe wunieð him abuten.

Þar is wele a buten wane ⁊ reste a buten swunche.

Þe muȝen ⁊ nelleð þider cume hit hem mai of þunche.

375 Þar is blisse a buten treiȝe ⁊ lif abuten deaðe

Þo þe afre sulle wunie þar bliðe hie muȝe ben eaðe.

Þar is ȝieuð abuten elde ⁊ hale abuten unhalðe

Nis þar sareȝe ne sor non ne nafre unisalðe.

Þar me drihte self isien swo se is mid iwisse

380 He one mai ⁊ sal al ben angles ⁊ manne blisse. |

381. bed, or beð: leaf pared away.

⁊ þeih ne bed here eien naht alle iliche brihte

Hi nabbeð naht iliche muchel alle of godes lihte

On þesse liue he naren naht alle of ore mihte

Ne þar ne sullen habben god. alle bi one wihte.

385 Þo sullen more of him isien þe luueden hine more

⁊ more icnowen ⁊ ec witen his mihte ⁊ his ore

On him hie sulle finden al þat man mai to hleste

On him he sullen ec isien al þat hie ar nesten.

[C]rist sal one bien inoȝh alle his derlinges.

390 [Þ]e one is muche more ⁊ betere þan alle oðer þinges.

[I]noh he haueð þe hine haueð þe alle þing wealdeð

392. After isiene, erasure of one letter.

[O]f him to isiene nis non sæd swo fair he is to bihelden

[G]od is swo mere ⁊ swo muchel in his godcunnesse

[Þ]at al þat elles was ⁊ is is fele werse ⁊ lasse.

395 [Ne] mai hit nafre noman oðer seggen mid iwisse

[H]wu muchele murihðe habbeð þo þe beð in godes blisse

397. After buten, erasure of one letter.

[T]o þare blisse us bringe god þe rixleð a buten ende.

[Þ]ane he ure sowle unbint of lichamliche bende

[C]rist ȝieue us laden her swilch lif ⁊ habben her swilch ende;

400 [Þ]at we moten þider cumen þane we henne wende.

AMEN.

POEMA MORALE:
Parallel Texts

Lambeth MS
Trinity MS

(Lambeth MS.)

(Trinity MS.)

ich em nu alder þene ich wes awintre ⁊ a lare.

Ich welde mare þene ich dede mi `wit´ ahte bon mare.

Wel longe ich habbe child ibon a worde ⁊ a dede
þa`h´ ich bo a wintre ald to ȝung ich em on rede.

5 vnnet lif ich habbe iled. ⁊ ȝet me þingþ ilede.

þenne ich me bi þenche wel ful sare ich me adrede.

mest al þ̵ ich habbe idon bi fealt to child hade.

Wel late ich habbe me bi þocht; bute God me nu rede.

Fole idel word ich habbe iqueðen soððen ich speke kuðe.

10 fole ȝunge dede idon; þe me of þinchet nuðe.

I
ch am nu elder þan ich was a wintre ⁊ a lore.

Ich wealde more þan idude mi wit oh to be more

To longe ich habbe child iben a worde ⁊ a dade.

Þeih ibie a winter eald to jung ich am on rade.

5 Vnnet lif ich habbe ilad ⁊ ȝiet me þincheð ilade

Þan ibiðenche me þar on wel sore ime adrade.

Mast al ich habbe idon is idelnesse ⁊ chilce.

Wel late ich habbe me bi þoht bute me god do milce.

Fele idel word ich habbe ispeken seðen ich speken cuðe.

10 ⁊ fele ȝeunge dade idon þe me ofðinkeð nuðe.

Alto lome ich habbe igult a werke ⁊ a worde.

Alto muchel ic habbe ispend to litel ileid on horde.

Mest al þ̵ me likede er nu; hit me mis likeð
þa muchel fulieð his wil; hine solf he biswikeð.

Ich mihte habbe bet idon. hefde ich þe iselþe.

Nu ich walde ah ich ne mei; for elde ⁊ for un helþe.

15 Elde me is bi stolen on. er ich hit wiste.

ne michte ich seon bi fore me. for smike ne for miste.

Erȝe we beoð to done god. ⁊ to ufele al to þriste.

Mare eie stondeð men of monne þanne hom do of criste.

þe wel ne doð þe hwile þe ho muȝen. wel oft hit schal rowen;

20 þenne ȝe mawen sculen ⁊ repen þ̵ ho er sowen.

Do he to gode þ̵ he muȝe þe hwile þ̵ he bo aliue.

ne lipnie na mon to | muchel to childe ne to wiue.

þe him solue forȝet for wiue ne for childe;
he scal cumen in uuel stude bute him God bo milde.

25 Sendeð sum god bi foren eow. þe hw[i]le þ̵ ȝe muȝen to houene.

for betere is an elmesse biforen; þenne boð efter souene.

Alto lome ich habbe igult a werke ⁊ o worde.

Al to muchel ich habbe ispent. to litel ihud in horde.

Mast al þat me likede ar nu hit me mislicað.

Þe mu[c]hel folȝeð his iwil him selfen he biswicað.

15 Ich mihte habben bet idon. hadde ich þo iselðe

Nu ich wolde ac ine mai for elde ⁊ for unhalðe.

Elde me is bistolen on ar ich hit iwiste

Ne mai ich isien bifore me for smeche ne for miste.

Arȝe we beð to don god to juel al to þriste

20 More eie stondeð man of man þan him do of criste.

Þe wel ne deð þe hwile he mai wel ofte hit sal him rewen.

Þan alle men sulle ripen þat hie ar sewen.

Do al to gode þat he muȝe ech þe hwile he beð aliue.

Ne lipne noman to muchel to childe ne to wiue. |

25 Þe þe him selfe forȝiet for wiue oðer for childe

He sal cumen on euel stede bute him god be milde.

Sende god biforen him man þe hwile he mai to heuene

For betre is on almesse biforen þan ben after seuene.

Ne beo þe loure þene þe solf; ne þin mei. ne þin maȝe.

30 Soht is þ̵ is oðer`s´ monnes frond betre þen his aȝen.

Ne lipnie wif to hire were. ne were to his wiue
bo for him solue ech .Mon. þe `h´wile þ̵ he bo aliue.

Ne bie þe leuere þan þe self ne þi mæi ne þi mowe

30 Sot is þe is oðer mannes frend betere þan his owen.

Ne hopie wif to hire were ne were to his wiue

Be for him self afric man þe hwile he beð aliue.

Wis is þe to him solue þench þe hwile þe mot libben.

for sone wule hine forȝeten þe fremede ⁊ þe sibbe.

35 þe wel ne deð þe hwile he mai; ne scal wenne he walde.

Monies monnes sare iswinc habbeð oft un holde.

Ne scal na mon don afirst. ne slawen wel to done.

for moni mon bihateð wel þe hit forȝeteð sone.

Þe .Mon. þe wule siker bon to habben Godes blisse.

40 do wel him solf hwile þ̵ he mai; þenne haueð he his mid iwisse.

þes riche .Men. weneð bon siker þurh walle ⁊ þurh diche.

þe deð his echte on sikere stude he hit sent to heueneriche.

for þer ne þerf he bon of dred of fure ne of þoue
þer ne | þerf he him binimen þe laðe ne þe loue.

45 þer ne þerf he habben kare of ȝeve ne of ȝelde.

þider he sent. ⁊ solf bereð to lutel ⁊ to selde.

Wis þe him selue biðencheð þe hwile he mót libben

For sone willeð him forȝiete þe fremde ⁊ þe sibbe.

35 Þe wel ne doð þe hwile he mai ne sal he þan he wolde.

For manimannes sore iswinc habbeð ofte unholde.

Ne solde noman don a furst ne laten wel to done

For maniman bihoteð wel þat hi forȝieteð sone.

Þe man þe wile siker ben to habben godes blisse.

40 Do wel him self þe hwile he mai þanne haueð hes mid iwisse.

Þe richemen weneð siker ben þu`r´ch wallen ⁊ thurh dichen.

He deð his aihte an siker stede þe hit sent to heueriche.

For þar`f he´ ben ofdrad of fure ne of þieue.

Þar ne mai hit him binime þe loðe ne þe lieue.

45 Þar ne þarf he habben care of here ne of ȝielde

Þider we sendeð ⁊ ec bereð to litel ⁊ to selde.

þider we sculen draȝen ⁊ don wel ofte ⁊ ilome.

for þer ne scal me us naut binimen mid wrangwise dome.

þider ȝe sculen ȝorne draȝen. walde ȝe god ileue.

50 for ne mei þer hit ou binimen king ne reue.

Al þ̵ beste þ̵ we hefden þider we hit solde senden
for þer we hit michte finden eft. ⁊ habben buten ende.

Þo þe er doð eni God for habben godes are.

al he hit scal finden eft þer ⁊ hundred fald mare.

55 Þe þet echte wile halden wel hwile þe he muȝe es welden.

Giue hies for godes luue; þenne deþ hes wel ihalden.

Þider `we solden´ drawen ⁊ don wel ofte ⁊ ilome.

For þar ne sal me us naht binime mid wrong wise dome. |

Þider we solde ȝierne drawen wolde ȝie me ileuen.

50 For ne mai hit us binime no king ne no sẏrreue.

Alþat beste þat we habbeð her þider we solde sende.

For þar we mihte finden eft. ⁊ habben abuten ende.

Se þe her doð ani god for`to´ haben godes ore.

Al he hit sal eft finde þar ⁊ hundredfealde more.

55 Se þe aihte wile holde wel þe hwile hes muȝe wealden.

Ȝieue hes for godes luue þanne doð hes wel ihealden.

Vre swinc ⁊ ure tilþe is ofte iwoned to swinden.

Ach þ̵ þe we doð for godes luue; eft we sculen al finden.

Ne scal nan ufel bon un bocht. ne nan god unforȝolden.

60 vfel we doþ al to muchel. ⁊ god lesse þenne we sculden.

Þo þe mest doð nu to gode. ⁊ þe lest to laðe.

Eiðer to lutel ⁊ to muchel scal þunchen eft hom baþe.

Þer me scal ure werkes weien bi foran þe heuen king.

and ȝeuen us ure swinkes lan efter ure erninge.

For ure swinch ⁊ ure tilðe is ofte wuned to swinde.

Ac al þat we ȝieueð for godes luue al we hit sulen eft finden.

Ne sal þar non euel ben unboht ne god unforȝolden.

60 Euel we doð al to muchel ⁊ god lasse þan we solden.

Se þe mast doð nu to gode ⁊ se last to lothe.

Eiðer to litel ⁊ to muchel hem sal þunche boðe.

Þar me sal ure werkes weiȝen bifore þan heuen kinge.

⁊ ȝieuen us ure werkes lean after ure erninge.

65 Ech mon mid þ̵ he hauet. mei buggen houene riche.

þe mare haueþ ⁊ þe þe lesse; baþe hi | muȝen iliche.

Al se mid his p`e´nie alse oðer mið his punde.

þ̵ is þe wunderlukeste chep; þ̵ eni mon efre funde.

⁊ þe ðe mare ne mai don; do hit mid his gode þonke.

70 Alse wel se þe þe haueð golde fele manke.

⁊ oft god kon mare þonc þen þe him ȝeueð lesse.

⁊ his werkes ⁊ his weȝes his milce. ⁊ rihtwisnesse.

65 Africh man mid þat he haueð mai bugge heueriche

Þe þe more haueð ⁊ þe þe lasse boðe iliche.

Alse on mid his peni se oðer mid his punde

Þis is þet wunderlukeste ware þat animan funde.

⁊ se þe more ne mai don mid his gode iþanke.

70 Alse wel se þe þe haued goldes fele manke.

And ofte god can more þanc þan þe him ȝieueð lasse.

Al his werkes ⁊ his weies is milce ⁊ rihtwi[s]nesse. |

lutel lac is gode lof; þ̵ kumeð of gode wille.

⁊ ec lete muchel ȝeue of þan þe herte is ille.

75 Houene ⁊ horþe he ouer sich. his eȝen boð swa brichte.

Sunne ⁊ mone ⁊ houen fur boð þestre aȝein his lihte.

Litel lóc is gode lef þe cumeð of gode wille

⁊ eðlate muchel ȝieue þan his herte is ille.

75 Heuene ⁊ erðe he ouer sihð his eien beð ful brihte.

Nis him noht for holen ni hud. swa muchele boð his mihte.

nis hit ne swa derne [idon] ne [a] swa þostre nihte.

he wat wet þenkeð ⁊ hwet doð alle quike wihte.

80 Nis na lauerd swich se is crist. ne king swuch ure drihten.

Nis him no þing forholen swo muchel is his mihte.

Ne bie hit no swo derne idon ne on swo þuster nihte.

He wot hwat þencheð ⁊ hwat doð alle quike wihte

Nis louerd swilch is crist ne king swilch ure drihte

80 Boðe ȝiemeð þe his bien bi daie ⁊ bi nihte.

houene ⁊ orðe ⁊ al þ̵ is biloken is in his honde.

he deð al þ̵ his wil is; a wettre ⁊ alonde.

He makede fisses in þe se ⁊ fuȝeles in þe lifte.

he wit ⁊ waldeð alle þing ⁊ scop alle scefte.

85 he is hord buten horde ⁊ ende buten ende.

he ane is eure an ilche stude wende þer þu wende.

he is buuen us ⁊ bi noþen. bi foren ⁊ bi hinden.

þe þe deð godes wille uwer he mei him finden.

Heuene ⁊ erðe ⁊ al þat is biloken is in his honden

He doð al þat his wille is awatere ⁊ alonde.

He makeð þe fisses in þe sa þe fueles on þe lofte.

He wit ⁊ wealdeð alle þing ⁊ he sop alle safte.

85 He is ord a buten ord ⁊ ende abuten ende

He is one afre on eche stede wende þar þu wende.

He is buuen us ⁊ bineðen biforen ⁊ bihinde

Þe godes wille doð aihware he maiȝ him finde

Helche rune he iherð ⁊ wat alle deden.

90 he þurþ sicheþ uches monnes þonc. Wi hwat scal us to rede.

We þ̵ brokeð godes hese ⁊ gulteð swa ilome.

hwet scule we seggen oðer don et þe muchele dome.

Þa þe luueden unriht ⁊ ufel lif | leden.

Wet sculen ho seggen oðer don; þen þe engles bon of dred.

Elche rune he hereð ⁊ he wot alle dade

90 He þurh sihð elches mannes þanc wi hwat sal us to rade.

We þe brekeð godes has ⁊ gulteð swo ilome

Hwat sulle we seggen oðer don á te muchele dome

We þe luueden unriht ⁊ euel lif ladden

Hwat sulle we seggen oðer don þar ængles beð ofdradde

95 hwet sculen we beren biforen us mid hom scule we iquemen.

þo þe neure god ne dude þe houenliche deme.

þer sculen bon doule swa fole þ̵ wulleð us for wreien.

⁊ nabbeð hi naþing forȝeten of al þ̵ ho iseȝen.

95 Hwat sulle we beren us biforen mid hwan sulle we iqueme

We þe nafre god ne duden þan heuenliche deme. |

Þar sulle ben deflen swo fele þat willeð us forwreien.

Nabbeð hie no þing forȝieten of þat hie her iseien.

Al þ̵ we mis duden her; ho hit wulleð kuðe þere.

100 [buten wé habbe hit íbét. ðe hwile wé her wére]

Al ho habbeð in hore write; þ̵ we mis duden here.

þach we nusten ne ni seȝen. ho weren ure ifere.

Alþat hie iseien her hie willeð cuðen þare

100 Bute we haben hit ibet þe hwile we here waren.

Al hie habbeð on here write þat we misduden here.

Þeih we hes ne niseien hie waren ure iferen.

Hwet sculen ordlinghe`s´ don. þa swicen ⁊ ta forsworene
hwi boð fole iclepede. ⁊ swa lut icorene.

105 wi hwi weren ho bi ȝeten to hwon weren ho iborene.

þ̵ sculen bon to deþe idemet. ⁊ eure ma for lorene.

Ech .Mon. scal him solue þer bi clepie ⁊ bidemen.

his aȝen werch ⁊ his þonc te witnesse he scal temen.

ne mei him na .Mon. alsa wel demen ne alswa rihte

110 for nan ne knauð him ase ȝere; buten ane drihte.

Ech .Mon. wat him solue best; his werkes. ⁊ his wille.

Þe ðe lest wat bi seiþ ofte mest; þe hit al wat is stille.

nis nan witnesse alse muchel se monne`s´ aȝen horte.

Wa se seið þ̵ he bo hal. him solf wat best his smirte.

Hwat sullen horlinges don þes wichen ⁊ þe forsworene

Wi swo fele beð icleped swo fewe bed icorene

105 Wi hwi waren hie biȝiete to hwan waren hie iborene.

Þe sulle ben to deaðe idemd ⁊ afremo forlorene.

Elch man `sal´ þar biclepien himselfen ⁊ ec demen.

His oȝen werc ⁊ his þanc to witnesse he sal temen.

Nemai him noman alse wel demen ne alse rihte

110 For non ne cnoweð hine alse wel buten one drihte.

Man wot him self best his werkes ⁊ his wille.

Se þe last wot he seið ofte mast se þit al wot is stille

Nis no witnesse alse muchel se mannes oȝen hierte

Hwo se seið þat hie beð hol him self wot his smierte.

115 Ech .Mon. scal h[i]m solf demen to deðe oðer to liue.

þa witnesse of his aȝen werch; hine þer to scal driue.

Al þet ech .Mon haueð idon soððen he com to monne
sculde he | hit sechen o boke iwriten he scal iþenchen þenne.

Ah drihten ne demeð nenne .Mon. efter his biginnigge.

120 ah al his lif scal bon suilch boð his endinge.

115 Elch man sal him selfen demen to deaðe oðer to liue.

Þe witnesse of his oȝen werc to oðer þan hine sal driue.

Alþat afri man haueð idon seðen he cam to manne

Swo he hit iseie abóc iwrite he sal hit þenche þanne.

Ac drihte ne demeð noman after his biginninge

120 Ac al his lif sal ben teald after his endinge. |

ȝef þ̵ his uuel al hit is uuel ⁊ God ȝefe god his ende.

God ȝeue þ̵ ure ende bo god. ⁊ wite þ̵ he us lende.

þe .Mon. þ̵ uuel don na god. ne neure god lif leden.

er deð ⁊ dom come to his dure he mei him sare adreden.

125 þ̵ he ne muȝe þenne biden are. for þ̵ itit ilome.

for þi he is wis þe biet ⁊ bit ⁊ bet bi fore dome.

Ȝief þe endinge is god al hit is god· ⁊ euel ȝief euel is þe ende.

God ȝieue þat ure ende be god ⁊ ȝieue þat he us lende.

Se man þe nafre nele don god ne nafre god lif lade.

Are deað ⁊ dom cumeð to his dure he maiȝ him sore a drade

125 Þat he ne muȝe þanne bidden ore for þat itit ilome.

For þi he wis þe bit ⁊ biȝiet ⁊ bet bifore dome.

Wenne deð is attere dure wel late he biddeþ are.

Wel late he latheð uuel werc; þe ne mei hit don ne mare.

Þanne þe deað is ate dure wel late he biddeð ore.

Wel late he lateð euel werc þan he hit ne mai don no more.

Senne lat þe ⁊ þu nah him þan þu hit ne miht do no more;

130 For þi he is sot þe swo abit to habben godes ore.

þ̵ achten we to leuen wel. for ure drihten solf hit seide.

130 A hwilke time se eure .Mon. of þinchþ his mis dede.

Oþer raþer oðer later; milce he scal imeten.

Ac þe þ̵ þer naf[ð] nocht ibet; wel muchel he haueð to beten.

Þeih hweðere we hit leueð wel for drihte self hit sade.

Elche time sal þe man of þunche his misdade

Oðer raðer oðer later milce he sal imete.

Ac þe þe her naueð ibet muchel he haued to bete

Monimon seit hwa rechð of pine þe scal habben þende.

Ne bidde ich na bet bo alesed a domes dei of bende.

135 lutel he wat wet is pine. ⁊ lutel he hit scaweð
hwice hete is þer þa saule wuneð hu biter wind þer blaweð.

hefde he bon þer enne dei oðer twa bare tide;
nolde he for al middenerd þe þerdde þer abiden.

þet habbeð iseid þ[e] comen þonen þa hit wisten mid iwissen.

140 wa wurð sorȝe seueȝer. for souenihte blisse.

135 Maniman seið hwo reche pine þe sal habben ende

Ne bidde ich no bet bie ich alesed a domesdai of bende.

Litel wot he `h´wat is pine ⁊ litel he cnoweð

Hwilch hit is þar sowle wunieð hwu biter wind þar bloweð.

Hadde he ben þar on oðer two bare tiden.

140 Nolde he for al midden eard þe þridde þar abiden.

Þat habbed isaid þe come þanne þit wiste mid iwisse.

Wo wurðe soreȝe seue ȝier for seue nihte blisse.

In hure blisse þe | þe ende haueð. for endelese pine.

betere is wori water drunch; þen atter meind mid wine.

Swines brede is swiðe swete. swa is of wilde dore.

alto dore he is abuh; þe ȝefð þer fore his swore.

145 Ful wombe mei lihtliche speken of hunger. ⁊ of festen;
swa mei of pine þe ne cnauð þe scal a ilesten.

Hefð he ifonded summe stunde; he wolde al seggen oðer.

Et lete him were wif. child. suster. feder ⁊ broðer.

⁊ ure blisse þe ende haueð for ende lease pine

Betere is wori water þan atter imengd mid wine.

145 Swines brade is wel swete swo is of wilde diere.

Ac al to diere he hit abuið þe ȝiefð þar fore his swiere.

Ful wombe mai lihtliche speken of hunger ⁊ of fasten

Swo mai of pine þe not hwat is pine þe sal ilasten. |

Hadde fonded sume stunde he wolde seggen oðer

150 Eðlate him ware wif ⁊ child suster ⁊ fader ⁊ broðer.

Al he walde ⁊ oðerluker don ⁊ oðerluker þenchen

150 Wenne he bi þohte on helle fur þe nawiht ne mei quenchen.

Eure he walde her inne wawe ⁊ ine wene wunien;

Wið þ̵ þe mihte helle pine bi flien ⁊ bi sunien

Et lete him were al world wele ⁊ orðliche blisse.

for to þ̵ muchele blisse cumen is murþe mid iwisse.

Al he wolde oðerluker don ⁊ oðerluker þenche

Þan he biðohte an helle fur þat no wiht ne mai quenche.

Afre he wolde her in wo ⁊ in wane wunien

Wið þan he mihte helle fur biflen ⁊ bisunien.

155 Eðlate him ware al wele ⁊ erðeliche blisse

For to þe muchele blisse cume þis murie mid iwisse.

155 Iwule nu cumen eft to þe dome þ̵ ich er ow of sede

A þa dei ⁊ at ta dome us helpe crist ⁊ rede.

þer we muȝen bon eþe offerd ⁊ herde us adreden.

þer he scal al son him bi foren his word ⁊ ec his deden.

Al scal þer bon þenne cud þer men luȝen her ent stelen.

160 Al scal þer bon þanne unwron; þ̵ men wruȝen her ⁊ helen.

We sculen alre monne lif iknauwen al se ure ahen.

þer sculen eueningges bon þe riche ⁊ þe laȝe.

Ne scal na mon skamie þer ne þerf he him a dreden.

Gif him her of þincþ | his gult ⁊ bet his misdede.

165 for him ne scameþ ne ne gromeð þe sculen bon iborȝen.

¶Ich wulle nu cumen eft to þe dome þe ich eow ar of sade.

On þe daie ⁊ on þe dome us helpe crist ⁊ rade

Þar we muȝen ben sore offerd ⁊ harde us ofdrade.

160 Þar elch sal al isien him biforen his word ⁊ ec his dade.

Al sal þar ben þanne cuð þat men luȝen her ⁊ halen.

Al sal þar ben þanne unwrien þat men her hudden ⁊ stalen.

We sullen alre manne lif icnowen alse ure oȝen

Þar sullen efninges ben to þe heie ⁊ to þe loȝe.

165 Ne sal þeih no man samie þiar ne þarf he him adrade.

Ȝief him her ofþincheð his gult ⁊ bet his mis dade.

For hem ne sameð ne ne grameð þe sulle ben iboreȝe

Ach þo þre habbeþ scome ⁊ grome ⁊ oft fele sorȝe.

Þe dom scal sone bon idon ne lest he nawiht longe.

ne scal him na mon mene þer of strengþe ne of wronge.

þe sculen habbe herdne dom þa her weren herde.

170 þa þe uuele holden wreche men ⁊ uuele laȝe redde.

Ec efter þ̵ he efþ idon sal þer þenne [beon] idemet.

[bliðe mei hé ðenne beon. þe god háfð wel icwemed]

Ac þoðre habbeð same ⁊ grame ⁊ oðer fele soreȝe.

Þe dom sal ben sone idon ne last hit nowiht longe

170 Ne sal him noman mene þar of strencðe ne of wronge

Þo sulle habben hardne dom þe here waren hardde

Þo þe euel hielden wreche men ⁊ euel laȝe arerde.

Elch after þat he haueð idon sal þar ben þanne idemd

Bliðe mai he þanne ben þe god haueð wel iquemd.

Alle þa þi sprunge boþ of adam ⁊ of eue.

Alle hi sculen cumen þider for soðe we hit ileueð.

175 þa þe habbeð wel idon efter hore mihte.

to houene riche hi sculen faren forð mid ure drihte.

Þa þe habbeð doules werc idon. ⁊ þer inne bo ifunde.

hi sculen faren forð mid him in to helle grunde.

Þer hi sculen wunien a buten are ⁊ ende.

180 Ne brekeþ neure drihte helle gate for lesen hi of bende.

175 Alle þo þe sprunge beð of adam ⁊ of eue

Alle hie sulle þider cume for soðe we hit ileued. |

Þo þe habbed wel idon after here mihte

To heueriche hie sulle fare forð mid ure drihte.

Þo þe deueles werkes habeð idon ⁊ þar inne beð ifunde

180 Hie sulle fare forð mid hem in to helle grunde.

Þar hie sulle wunien abuten ore ⁊ ende.

Brecð nafre eft crist helle dure for lesen hem of bende

Nis na sullic þech hom bo wa ⁊ hom bo uneade.

Ne scal neure eft crist þolie deþ for lesen hom of deaþe.

Enes drihten helle brec his frond he ut brochte.

him solf he þolede deð for him . wel dore he hom bohte.

185 Nalde hit mei do for mei. ne suster for broðer.

nalde hit sune do for fader. ne na mon for oðer.

Nis no sellich þeih hem be wo ⁊ þeih hem be uneaðe

Ne sal nafre eft crist þolien deað for lesen hem of deaðe.

185 Ænes drihten helle brac his frend he ut brohte

Him self he þolede deað for hem wel diere he hes bohte.

Nolde hit moȝe don for mai ne suster [for] broðer

Nolde sune don for fader ne no man for oðer.

Vre alre lauerd for his þrelles ipined wes a rode.

vre bendes he unbon[d] ⁊ bohte us mid his blode.

We ȝeueð | uneðe for his luue a stuche of ure brede.

190 Ne þenke we noht þ̵ he scal deme þa quike ⁊ þa dede.

Muchele luue he us cudde. walde we hit understonde
þ̵ ure eldre misduden; we habbeð uuele on honde.

Deþ com in þis middenerde þurh þes doules honde.

⁊ sake ⁊ sorȝe ⁊ swinc a watere ⁊ a londe.

Vre alre louerd for his þralles ipined he was arode

190 Ure bendes he unbond ⁊ bohte us mid his blode.

We ȝieueð uneaðe for his luue a steche of ure breade

Ne þenche we naht þar þat sal deme þe quica ⁊ þe deade.

Muchel luue he us kedde wolde we hit understonde.

Þat ure elderne mi`s´duden we habeð euel an honde.

195 Deað cam in þis middenærd þurh ealde deueles onde

⁊ senne ⁊ soreȝe ⁊ iswinch awatere ⁊ [a]londe.

195 Vre forme fader gult. we abuȝeð alle.

[eal his óf spring efter him. en hearme is bi fealle.]

þurst ⁊ hunger. chele ⁊ hete. helde ⁊ unhelðe.

þurh him deð com in þis middenerd ⁊ oðer uniselðe.

Nere na mon elles ded ne sec ne nan unsele.

200 ac mihten libben eure ma a blisse ⁊ a hele.

Vre foremes faderes gult we abugeð alle

Al his ofsprung after him in harem is biualle

Þurst ⁊ hunger. chele ⁊ hete ⁊ alle unhalðe.

200 Þurh deað cam in þis midden eard ⁊ oðer unisalðe.

Nare noman elles dead ne sic ne unsele

Ac mihte libbe afremo ablisse ⁊ an hale. |

Litel lac is gode lief þe cumeð of gode wille.

⁊ eðlate muchel ȝieue þan his herte is ille

lutel hit þuncheð moni mon. ac muchel wes þa sunne.

for hwam alle þolieð deð þe comen of hore cunne.

Hore sunne ⁊ ec ure aȝen sare us mei of þinche.

þurh sunne we libbeð alle in sorȝe ⁊ in swinke.

205 Suððen God nom swa muchele wrake for are misdede;

We þe swa muchel ⁊ swa ofte mis doð. we muȝen eðe us adrede.

Adam and his of sprung for are bare sunne.

Wes fele undret wintre an helle pine ⁊ an unwunne.

þa þe ledden hore lif mid unriht ⁊ mid wrange.

210 buten hit gode`s´ milce do ho sculen bon þer wel longe.

Godes wisdom is wel muchel ⁊ alswa is his mihte

⁊ nis his milce naut lesse. ac bi þan ilke iwichte.

205 Litel hit þuncheð maniman ac muchel was þe senne

For hwan alle þolieð deað þe comen of here kenne

Here senne ⁊ ec ure oȝen us muȝe sore of þunche

For senne we libeð alle her in soreȝe ⁊ in swunche.

Seðen god nam swo mukel wrache for one misdede

210 We þe swo ofte misdoð we muȝen us eaðe ofdrade.

Adam ⁊ al his ofspreng for one bare senne.

Was fele hundred wintre an helle a pine ⁊ unwenne.

Þo þe ladeð here lif mid unrihte ⁊ mid wronge

Bute hit godes milce do hie sulle wunie þar longe.

215 Godes wisdom is wel muchel ⁊ alsse is his mihte

Ac nis his mihte nowiht lasse ac biðer ilke wihte.

Mare he ane mei for ȝeuen. þen | al folc gulte cunne.

Sulf douel mihte habben milce. ȝif he hit bigunne.

215 Þa þe godes milce secheð; he iwis mei ha ifinden.

Ac helle king is are les with þa þe he mei binden.

þe þe deþ is wille mest; he haueð wurst mede.

His baþ scal bon wallinde. his bað scal bon berninde glede.

More he one maiȝ forȝieue þan alle folc gulte cunne

Self deuel mihte habben milce ȝief he hit bigunne.

Þeþe godes milche secð iwis he mai hes finden

220 Ac helle king is ore leas wið þo þe he mai binden.

Se deð his wille mast he sal habbe werest mede

His bað sal be wallinde pich his bed barnende glede.

Wurst he deð his gode frond; þenne his fulle fond;

220 God scilde alle godes frond. a wih swilche freonde.

Neure in helle hi com. ne þer ne come reche.

þach ich elches worldes wele. þer me mahte feche
þ̵ his wulle seggen on þat wise men us seiden.

⁊ aboken hit writen þer [me] mei hit reden.

225 Ich hit wille seggen þan þe hit hom solf nusten.

warni hom wið hore unfrome. ȝif ho me wulleð lusten.

vnderstondeð nu to me edi men ⁊ arme.

Ich wulle tellen of helle pin; ⁊ wernin ow wið herme.

In helle his hunger ⁊ þurst; twa uuele iuere.

230 þas þolieð þa [þe] weren maket niþinges here.

Werse he doð his gode wines þan his fiendes

God silde alle godes friend wið swo euele friende.

225 Nafre an helle ine cam ne cumen ich þar ne reche

Þeih ich aches woreldes wele þare mihte feche.

Þeih ich wille seggen eow þat wise men us saden

⁊ [a] boc hit is write þar me hit mai rade. |

Ic wille seggen hit þo þe hit hem self nesten

230 ⁊ warnin hem wið here unfreme ȝief hie me willeð hlesten.

Vnderstondeð nu to meward eadimen ⁊ arme

Ich wille tellen eow of helle pine ⁊ warnin eow wið harme.

An helle hunger ⁊ þurst euel two iferen.

Þos pine þolieð þo þe ware meteniðinges here.

Þer is waning ⁊ wow. efter eche streche.

ho fareð from hete to hete. ⁊ hech to frure þe wreche.

þenne hi bið in þere hete; þe chele him þunchet blisse.

þenne hi cumeð eft to þe chele; of hete hi habbeð misse.

235 hi hem deð wa inoch nabbeð hi nane blisse.

235 Þar is woning ⁊ wop after ache strate

Hie fareð fram hate [to] chele fram chele to hate.

[Þ]an hie beð in þe hate chele hem þuncheð blisse

[Þ]an hie cumeð eft to chele of hate hie habbeð misse.

[E]iðer doð `hem´ wo inoh nabbeð none lisse.

Nute hi hweþer hem deþ wurs mid neure nane wisse.

hi walkeð eure ⁊ secheð reste | ac `ho´ ne muȝen imeten.

for þi þe ho nolden þe hwile þ̵ ho mihten here sunne beten.

ho secheð reste þer nis nan. for þi ne muȝen hi es finden.

240 Ac walkeð weri up ⁊ dun; se water deþ mid winde.

þo boð þa þe weren her a þanke unstedefeste.

⁊ þa þe gode biheten heste ⁊ nolden hit ileste.

þa þe god werc bigunnen ⁊ ful enden hit nolden.

240 [N]iten hweðer hem doð wers to nafre none wisse.

[H]ie walkeð afre ⁊ secheð reste ac hie hes ne muȝen imeten.

[F]or þi þe hie nolde þe hwile hie mihten here senne beten.

[H]ie sec`h´eð reste þar non nis ac hie hies ne muȝen ifinden.

[A]c walkeð weri up ⁊ dun se water doð mid winde

245 [Þ]at beð þo þe waren her an þanc unstedefaste

[⁊] þo þe gode biheten aihte ⁊ hit him ilaste.

[⁊] þo þe god werc bigunnen ⁊ ful endin hit nolden.

Nu witen her. ⁊ nuðe þer. ⁊ nusten hwat hi wolden.

245 þer is bernunde pich hore saule to baþien inne.

þa þe ledden here lif in werre ⁊ in winne.

þer is fur þ̵ is undret fald hattre. þene bo ure.

Ne mei quenchen salt weter ne uersc of þe burne.

þis is þ̵ fur þ̵ efre bernd ne mei nawiht hit quenchen;

250 Þer inne boð þa þe was to lof wreche men to swenchen.

þa þe weren swikelemen ⁊ ful of uuel wrenchen.

þa þe mihten uuel don. þe þe lef hit wes to þenchen.

Þe luueden tening ⁊ stale. hordom ⁊ drunken.

⁊ a doules werche bliþeliche swunken.

255 Þa þe weren swa lese þ̵ me hom ne mihte ileuen.

Med ierne domes men. ⁊ wrongwise reuen.

þ̵ oðer monnes wif lof. his aȝen et lete.

þo þe sungede muchel; a drunke ⁊ an ete.

þe wreche mon binom his ehte. ⁊ leide his on horde.

260 þ̵ lutel let of godes borde. ⁊ godes worde.

[N]u waren her ⁊ nu þar ⁊ nesten hwat he wolden

[Þ]ar is pich þat afre walleð þar sulle wunien inne

250 [Þ]o þe ladeð here lif on werre ⁊ an unwinne.

[Þ]ar is fur þis hundredfeald hatere þan be ure.

[N]e mai hit quenche salt water ne auene stream ne sture.

[Þ]is is þat fur þat afre barneð ne mai no wiht [hit] quenche.

[Þ]ar inne beð þe was to lef wreche men to swenche. |

255 Þo þe [waren] swikele men ⁊ ful of euele wrenchen.

⁊ þo þe mihten euel don ⁊ lief hit was to þenchen.

Þe luueden rauing ⁊ stale hordom ⁊ druken

⁊ an defles werkes bliðeliche swunken.

Þo þe waren swo lease men þat mes ne mihte leuen

260 Medȝierne domes men ⁊ w`r´ongwise reuen.

Þo þe oðer mannes wif was lief her oȝen eðlate

⁊ þo þe sunegeden muchel on druken ⁊ on ate.

Þe wreche men binomen here aihte ⁊ leide his on horde.

Þe litel lete of godes bode ⁊ of godes worde.

⁊ þo þe his aȝen nalde ȝeuen þer he isech | þe node

Ne nalde iheren godes sonde. þenne he hit herde bode.

Þe þ̵ is oðers monnes þing. loure þene hit sculde.

⁊ weren to gredi of solure ⁊ of golde.

265 ⁊ þa þe untrownesse duden þon þe ho scu`l´den bon holde.

⁊ leten þet ho sculden don. ⁊ duden þ̵ ho wolden.

Þa þe weren eure abuten þisse worldes echte.

⁊ duden al þ̵ þe laþe gast hechte to ⁊ tachte.

⁊ alle þe þen anigewise doulen i quemde.

270 Þa boð nu mid him in helle fordon ⁊ fordemet.

265 ⁊ þe his oȝen nolde ȝieue þar he iseih þe niede

Ne nolde ihere godes men þan he sat at his biede.

Þo þe was oðer mannes þing leuere þan hit solde

⁊ waren alto gradi of siluer ⁊ of golde.

Þo þe untrewnesse deden þan þe he solden ben holde.

270 ⁊ leten al þat hie solden don ⁊ deden þat hie wolden.

Þo þe waren ȝietceres of þis wereldes aihte

⁊ dude al þat þe loðe gost hem tihte to ⁊ taihte.

⁊ Al `þo´ þe ani wise deuel iquemde

Þo beð mid him in helle fordon ⁊ demde.

(EGERTON MS., SECOND COPY.)

Bute þá þe óf ðufte sare heore mis dede.

⁊ gunne heore gultes beten ⁊ betere líf læde.

Þer beoð neddren ⁊ snaken. éuete ⁊ frute.

þa tereð. ⁊ freteð. þe uuele speke. þe nið fulle. ⁊ te prute.

275 Neure sunne ðer ne scínð. ne mone ne steorre.

þer is muchel godes hate. ⁊ muchel godes eorre.

Æure ðer ís uuel sméch. ðusternesse ⁊ eie.

nis ðer neure oðer líht. ðene þe swierte leie.

Þer ligget ladliche fund. in strange raketeȝe.

280 þ̵ beoð þa ðe wére mid gode on heuene wel heȝe.

Þer beoð ateliche fund. ⁊ eisliche wihte.

þas scule þa wrecche í fon. þe suneȝede ðurh sihte.

275 Bute þo þe ofðuhte sore here misdade

⁊ Gunne here gultes bete ⁊ betere lif lade.

Þar beð naddren ⁊ snaken. eueten ⁊ fruden

Þe tereð ⁊ freteð þo euele swiken þe niðfule ⁊ þe prude

Nafre sunne þar ne sineð ne mone ne storre.

280 Þar is muchel godes hete ⁊ muchel godes oerre. |

Afre þar is euel smech þiesternesse ⁊ eie

Nis þar nafre oder liht þan þe swarte leie.

Þar ligeð ateliche fiend in stronge raketeie

Þat beð þo þe waren mid god angles swiðe heie.

285 Þat beð ateliche fiend ⁊ Eiseliche wihten

Þo sulle þe wreche sowle isien þe sinegeden þurh sihte

Þer is ðe laðe sathanas. ⁊ belzebud sé ealde.

eaðe hi muȝen beo óf dréd. þe híne scule bi healde.

285 Ne mei nan heorte hit iðenche. ne tunge ne can telle.

hu muchel píne na hu uele sunden ínne helle.

Wið þa pine ðe þer beoð. nelle ich eow naht leoȝen.

nis hit bute gamen ⁊ gléo. eal þ̵ man mei hér dreoȝen.

End ȝut ne deð heom naht sa wá. ín ða laðe bende. |

290 þ̵ hí witeð þ̵ heore píne sceal neure habbe ende.

Þar is se loðe sathanas ⁊ belzebub se ealde

Eaðe he muȝen ben sore ofdrad þe sullen hes bihealde.

Nemai non herte hit þenche ne tunge hit ne mai telle

290 Hwu muchele pine ne hwu fele senden in helle

Of þo pine þe þar bieð nelle ich eow naht lie

Nis hit bute gamen ⁊ glie of þat man mai here drie.

⁊ ȝiet ne doð hem naht alse wo in þe loðe bende

Swo þat he witen þat here pine sal nafre habben ende

Þar beoð þa heðene men. þé wǽre laȝe liese.

þe nes naht óf godes bi bode. ne óf godes hése.

[U]uele cristene men. hí beoð heore ifere.

þa ðe heore cristen dom. uuele heo`l´de hére.

295 [Ȝ]ut hí beoð á wurse stede. on ðeré helle grunde.

ne sculen hí neure cumen út. for marke ne for punde.

[N]e mei heom naðer helpen þer. íbede ne elmesse.

for nis naðer inne helle. áre ne for ȝiuenesse.

Sculde him éch man ðe hwile hé muȝe óf ðas helle píne.

300 ⁊ werni ech hís freond þer wið swa ich habbe mine.

Þá ðe sculden heom ne cunne. ich heom wulle teche.

ich kan beon ȝief ich sceal. lichame ⁊ sawle leche.

295 Þar beð þe haðene men þe waren laȝe lease.

Þe nes naht of godes bode ne of godes hease.

Euele cristene men hie beð here iferen

Þo þe here cristendom euele hielden here.

⁊ ȝiet he beð awerse stede aniðer helle grunde

300 Ne sullen nafre cumen út for peni ne for punde.

Ne mai hem noðer helpe þar ibede ne almesse

For naht solden bidde þar ore ne forȝieuenesse.

Silde him elch man þe hwile he mai wið þos helle pine.

⁊ warnie his frend þar wið swo ich habbe ido mine.

305 Þo þe silde hem ne cunnen ich hem wille tache

[I]ch can ben aiðer ȝief isal lichame ⁊ sowle lache. |

Léte wé þ̵ god for but. ealle manne cunne.

⁊ do wé þ̵ hé us hét. ⁊ sculde wé us wið sunne.

305 Luuie we god mid ure heorte. ⁊ mid al ure mihte.

⁊ ure émcristen eal us sulf. swa us lerde drihte.

Eal þ̵ me rǽt ⁊ eal þ̵ me singð. bi fore godes borde.

eal hít hanget ⁊ bi halt. bi ðisse twam worde.

Ealle godes laȝe he fulð. ðe níwe ⁊ ða ealde.

310 þe ðe ðas twá luue háfð. ⁊ wel hí wule healde.

Ac hí beoð wunder earueð healde. swá ófte gulteð ealle.

Fór hít ís strang to stande lange. ⁊ líht ís to fealle.

[A]ac drihte crist hé ȝíue us strengðe. stande þ̵ wé mote.

⁊ óf ealle ure gultes `unne´ us cume to bote.

Late we þat god forbet alle mankenne

⁊ do we þat he us hat ⁊ silde we us wid senne.

Luue we god mid ure herte ⁊ mid al ure mihte

310 ⁊ ure emcristen alse us self swo us tached drihte.

Al þat me radeð ⁊ singed bifore godes borde

Al hit hangeð ⁊ halt bi þese twam worde

Alle godes laȝes hie fulleð þe newe ⁊ þe ealde

Þe þe þos two luues halt ⁊ wile hes wel healde.

315 Ac hie bieð wel arefeð heald swo ofte we gulteð alle

For hit is strong te stonde longe ⁊ liht hit is to falle.

Ac drihte crist ȝeue us strengðe stonde þat we moten

⁊ of alle ure gultes ȝieue us cume bote.

315

W
é wilnieð éfter woruld wéle. ðe lange ne mei leste.

⁊ leggeð eal ure iswinch. ón ðinȝe unste`de´ feste. |

Swunche wé for godes luue. healf þ̵ wé doð for æhte.

ne béo wé naht swá óf bicherd. ne sa uuele bi kehte.

Ȝif wé serueden gode swa wé doð ermínges.

320 mare wé hedden en héuene. ðenne eorles hér ⁊ kinges.

Né muȝen hí werien heom wið chele. wið þurste ne wið hunger.

ne wið ulde. ne wið deaðe. þe uldre ne ðe ȝeonger.

Ac ðer nis hunger ne ðurst. ne dieð. ne unhelðe ne elde.

of þisse riche wé ðencheð ófte. ⁊ of þere to selde.

We wilnieð after wereldes wele þe longe ne mai ilaste

320 ⁊ legeð mast al ure swinc on þing unstedefaste.

Swunke [we] for godes luue half þat we doð for eihte.

Nare we naht swo ofte bicherd ne swo euele bikeihte

Ȝief we serueden god half þat we doð for erminges

We mihten habben more an heuene þa[n] ȝierles ⁊ kinges

325 Ne muȝe we werien naðer ne wið þurst ne wið hunger

Ne wid elde ne wið deað þe elder ne þe ȝeunger

Ac þar nis hunger ne þurst. deað ne unhalðe ne elde.

Of þesse riche we þencheð to ofte of þare alto selde.

325 Wé scolden ealle us biðenche ófte. ⁊ wél ilome.

hwét wé beoð to whán wé scule. ⁊ óf hwán wé come.

Hú litle hwíle wé beoþ hér. hú lange elle`s´ hwáre.

hwét wé muȝe habben hér. ⁊ hwét finde þere.

Ȝíef wé were wise men. ðis wé scolde ðenche.

330 bute wé wurðe us íwer. ðeos woruld wule us for drenche.

Mest ealle men he ȝíueð drinche. óf ane deofles scenche.

hé sceal him cunne sculde wél. ȝíf hé híne nele screnche.

We solden biþenchen us wel ofte ⁊ ilome

330 Hwat we beð to hwan we sullen ⁊ of hwan we come.

Hwu litle hwile we bieð her hwu longe elles ḥware

Hwat we muȝen habben her ⁊ hwat we findeð þare. |

Ȝief [we] waren wise men þus we solden þenchen

Bute we wurðen us iwar þis wereld us wile drenchen

335 Mast alle men hit ȝieueð drinken of on euele senche

He sal him cunnen silde wel ȝief hit him nele screnche.

M
id ealmihtiȝes godes luue. ute wé us bi werien.

wið ðises wrecches woreldes luue. þ̵ hé maȝe us derien.

335 Mid festen ælmes ⁊ ibede. werie wé us wið sunne.

Mið ða wepne ðe god haueð. bi ȝíten man cunne.

Léte wé þe brade strét. ⁊ ðene wei bene.

þe let þ̵ niȝeðe dél to helle of manne. ⁊ ma ich wéne.

Gá wé ðene nærewne wei. ⁊ ðene wei grene.

340 ðer forð fareð litel folc. ac hit is feir ⁊ scéne.

Þé brade strét is ure íwill. ðe ís us lað to forlǽte.

þa ðe eal folȝeð hís íwill. fareð bi ðusse stréte.

Hí muȝen lihtliche gán mid ðere under hulde.

ðurh ane godlíese wude `in to´ ane bare felde.

Mid al mihtin godes luue úte we us biwerien

[W]ið þesses wreches woreldes luue þat hit ne muȝe us derien.

Mid almesse. mid fasten ⁊ mid ibeden werie we us wid senne.

340 Mid þo wapne þe god haued ȝieue alle man kenne.

[L]ate we þe brode strate ⁊ þane weiȝ bene

[Þ]e lat þe nieðe dal to helle of manne me mai wene.

Go we þane narewe pað ⁊ þene wei grene

[Þ]ar forð fareð wel litel folc ⁊ eche is fair ⁊ isene

345 [Þ]e brode strate is ure wil. þe is loð te læte.

[Þ]o þe folȝeð here iwil hie fareð bi þare strate.

[H]ie muȝen lihtliche cumen mid þare niðer helde

[Þ]urh one godelease wude to one bare felde

345 [Þ]e nærewei ís godes hése. ðer forð fareð wél fiewe.

þ̵ beoð ða ðe heom sculdeð ȝeorne wið ǽche un ðeawe.

[Þ]as gað uníeðe ȝeanes ðe clíue. aȝean þe heaȝe hulle.

ðas leteð eal heore aȝen wíll. for godes hése to fulle.

[G]a wé alle þene wei. for he us wule bringe.

350 mid te feawe feire men. be foren heuen kinge.

Þer is ealre murhðe mest. mid englene sange.

ðe ís a þusend wintre ðer. ne ðincð him naht to lange.

Þe ðe lest haueð. hafð swa michel þ̵ hé ne bit namare.

þe ða blisse for ðas for lét hít him mei reowe sare.

355 [N]e mei nan uuel ne na wane beon inne godes riche.

ðeh þer beoð wununges fele. æch oðer uniliche.

[Þ]a narewe pað is godes has · þar forð fareð wel feawe

350 [Þ]at beð þo þe hem sildeð ȝierne wið achen unðeawe.

[Þ]os goð uneaðe aȝien þe cliue ⁊ aȝien þe heie hulle

[Þ]os leten al here iwil for godes luue to fulle.

[G]o we alle þane wei for he us wile bringe

Mid þo feawe faire men bi fore þe heuen kinge

355 [Þ]ar is alre blisse mast mid angles songe.

[Þ]e is a þusend wintre þar ne þuncheð hit him naht longe. |

Þe last haueð blisse he haueð sswo muchel þat he ne bit no more

Þe þat blisse forgoð hit sal him rewen sore.

Ne mai non euel ne non wane ben in godes riche

360 Þeih þar ben wuniinges fele elch oðer uniliche

Sume ðer habbeð lesse murhðe. ⁊ sume habbeð mare.

æfter ðan þe dude her. efter ðan þ̵ he swanc sare.

[N]e sceal ðer beon ne bried ne wín. ne oðer cunnes éste.

360 god ane sceal beo eche líf. ⁊ blisse. ⁊ éche reste.

[N]é sceal ðer beo fah ne græi. ne kuning ne `er´míne.

ne aquierne. ne martres cheole. ne beuer né sabelíne.

[N]e sceal ðer beo sciet ne scrud. ne woruld wele nane.

eal þe murhðe þe me us bi hat. al hít sceal beo god ane.

365 [N]e mei na murhðe. beo swa muchel. se is godes sihte.

[H]e ís soð sunne ⁊ briht. ⁊ dei ábuten nihte.

Sume þar habbeð lasse blisse ⁊ sume þar habbeð more

Elch after þat he dude her after þane þe swanc sore

Ne sal þar ben bread ne win ne oðer kennes este

God one sal ben ache lif ⁊ blisse ⁊ ache reste.

365 Ne sal þar ben foh ne grai ne cunin ne ermine

Ne aquerne ne metheschele ne beuer ne sabeline.

Ne sal þar ben naðer scat ne srud ne wereldes wele none.

Al þe blisse þe me us bihat al hit sal ben god one

Ne mai no blisse ben alse muchel se is godes sihte.

370 He is soð sunne ⁊ briht ⁊ dai a bute nihte.

[H]e is ælches godes ful. nis him na wið uten.

na god nis him wane þe wunieð him abuten.

Þer is wéle ábute gane. ⁊ reste abuten swinche.

370 þe mei ⁊ nele ðider cume. sare hit him sceal óf ðinche.

He is aches godes ful nis him no wiht uten.

Nones godes hem nis wane þe wunieð him abuten.

Þar is wele a buten wane ⁊ reste a buten swunche.

Þe muȝen ⁊ nelleð þider cume hit hem mai of þunche.

(EGERTON MS., FIRST COPY.)

Þer is blisse a buten treȝe. ⁊ lif a buten deaþe
þe eure scullen wunien þer. bliþe muwen ben eþe

Þer is ȝeoȝeðe bute ulde. ⁊ hele a buten vn helðe
nis þer so`re´we ne sor. ne neure nan vn sealþe

375 Þer me scal drihte sulf i seon. swa he is mid iwisse
he one mai ⁊ scal al beo. engle ⁊ manne blisse

And ðeh ne beod heore eȝe naht. alle iliche brihte
ði nabbed hi nouht iliche. alle of godes lihte

On þisse `liue´ hi neren nout. alle of one mihte

380 ne þer ne scullen hi habben god. alle bi one ȝihte

375 Þar is blisse a buten treiȝe ⁊ lif abuten deaðe

Þo þe afre sulle wunie þar bliðe hie muȝe ben eaðe.

Þar is ȝieuð abuten elde ⁊ hale abuten unhalðe

Nis þar sareȝe ne sor non ne nafre unisalðe.

Þar me drihte self isien swo se is mid iwisse

380 He one mai ⁊ sal al ben angles ⁊ manne blisse. |

⁊ þeih ne bed here eien naht alle iliche brihte

Hi nabbeð naht iliche muchel alle of godes lihte

On þesse liue he naren naht alle of ore mihte

Ne þar ne sullen habben god. alle bi one wihte.

Þo scullen more of him seon. þe luuede him her more

⁊ more icnawen ⁊ iwiten. his mihte ⁊ his ore

On him hi scullen finden alþat man mai to lesten
hali boc hi sculle i seon. al þat hi her nusten

385 Crist scal one beon inou. alle his durlinges
he one is muchele mare ⁊ betere. þanne alle oþere þinges

Inoh he haued þe hine haueð. þe alle þing wealded
of him to sene nis no sed. wel hem is þe hine bi healdeð

God is so mere ⁊ swa muchel. in his godcunnesse

390 þ̵ al þ̵ is. ⁊ al þat wes is wurse. þenne he ⁊ lesse

Ne mai it neure no man oþer segge mid iwisse
hu muchele murhðe habbet þo. þe beod inne godes blisse

385 Þo sullen more of him isien þe luueden hine more

⁊ more icnowen ⁊ ec witen his mihte ⁊ his ore

On him hie sulle finden al þat man mai to hleste

On him he sullen ec isien al þat hie ar nesten.

[C]rist sal one bien inoȝh alle his derlinges.

390 [Þ]e one is muche more ⁊ betere þan alle oðer þinges.

[I]noh he haueð þe hine haueð þe alle þing wealdeð

[O]f him to isiene nis non sæd swo fair he is to bihelden

[G]od is swo mere ⁊ swo muchel in his godcunnesse

[Þ]at al þat elles was ⁊ is is fele werse ⁊ lasse.

395 [Ne] mai hit nafre noman oðer seggen mid iwisse

[H]wu muchele murihðe habbeð þo þe beð in godes blisse

T
o þere blisse us bringe god. þe rixlet abuten ende
þenne he vre soule vn bint. of licames bende

395 Crist ȝyue us leden her swilc lif. ⁊ habben her swilc ende
þat we moten þuder come. wanne we henne wende. AmeN.

[T]o þare blisse us bringe god þe rixleð a buten ende.

[Þ]ane he ure sowle unbint of lichamliche bende

[C]rist ȝieue us laden her swilch lif ⁊ habben her swilch ende;

400 [Þ]at we moten þider cumen þane we henne wende.

AMEN.

IX. ANCRENE WISSE
(Corpus MS.)

“i. Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, 402 (A); on vellum, 215 × 150 mm.... There are glosses in red pencil and words underlined in red.

“The MS. belongs to the second quarter of the thirteenth century. It cannot be earlier than 1225 A.D., for it mentions the Dominicans and Franciscans, and it is probably later than 1230. It is the most correct, but it has additions to the original, such as 62/46–64/62, 64/73–78.

“ii. Caius College, Cambridge, 234 (B); on vellum, 124 × 93 mm.; 368 pages; late thirteenth century. Pages 1-185 consist of extracts from the AR, but not in the order of the other manuscripts (ES iii. 536).

“iii. Cotton Nero A 14, British Museum (N); on vellum, 146 × 114 mm.; written in the second quarter of the thirteenth century. Its contents are ff. 1-120r, the Ancren Riwle; 120v-123v, The Orison.

“iv. Cotton Titus D 18, British Museum (T); on vellum, 158 × 120 mm.; 148 folios in double columns, written from f. 14, where AR begins, to the end, about 1220 A.D.”

A. The Seven Deadly Sins

A (Caius MS.)

B (Corpus MS.)
B (Cotton MSS.)

A (Parallel Texts)
B (Parallel Texts)

Þvs mine leoue sustren iþe wildernesse þer ȝe gað; in · wið godes folc toward ierusalemes lond · þ̵ is þe riche of heouene; beoð þulliche beastes · þulliche wurmes. ne nat ich na sunne þ̵ ne mei beon ilead oðer to an of ham seouene; oðer to hare streones. vnsteaðeluest bileaue aȝein godes lare · nis hit te spece 5 of prude inobedience? Herto falleð sygaldren · false teolunges · lefunge o swefne · o nore · ⁊ on alle wicchecreftes. Neomunge of husel in eani heaued sunne · oðer ei oþer sacrement nis hit te spece of prude þ̵ ich cleopede presumptio · ȝef me wat hwuch sunne hit · is · [f. 56 v] ȝef me hit nat nawt · þenne is hit ȝemeles under 10 accidie · þ̵ ich slawðe cleopede. þe ne warneð oðer of his uuel oðer of his biȝete · nis hit slaw ȝemeles oðer attri onde? teoheði mis · edhalden cwide · fundles oðer lane · oðer þerwið mis fearen · nis hit spece of ȝisceunge; ⁊ aneS cunnes þeofðe? Edhalden oðres hure ouer his rihte terme nis hit strong reaflac hwa se ȝelden hit mei þe is 15 under ȝisceunge? Ȝef me ȝemeð wurse ei þing ileanet · oðer bitaht to witene · þen he wene þe ah hit · nis hit oðer triccherie · oðer ȝemeles of slawðe? alswa is dusi heast oðer folliche ipliht trowðe · longe beon unbischpet · falsliche gan to schrift · oðer to longe abiden · ne teache pater noster godchild ne Credo · þeos ⁊ alle þulliche beoð ilead to 20 slawðe · þ̵ is þe feorðe moder of þe seoue sunnen. Þe dronc drunch oðer ei þing dude · hwer þurh na child ne schulde beon on hire istreonet · oðer þ̵ istreonede schulde forwurðen · nis þis strong monslaht of galnesse awakenet? Alle sunnen sunderliche bi hare nomeliche nomen ne mahte namon rikenin · ah i þeo þe ich habbe 25 iseid; alle oþre beoð bilokene. Ant nis ich wene namon þe ne mei understonden him of his sunne nomeliche under sum of þe ilke imeane þe beoð her iwritene. Of þeose seoue beastes ⁊ of hare streones i wildernesse of anlich lif · is iseid herto · þe alle þe forfearinde fondið to fordonne. Þe liun of prude sleað alle þe prude · 30 alle þe beoð hehe ⁊ ouerhohe iheortet. Þe attri neddre · þe ontfule ⁊ te luðere iþonket. Wreaðfule; þe vnicorne. Alswa of þe oþre o rawe. to godd ha beoð isleine · ah [f. 57 r] ha libbeð to þe feond · ⁊ beoð alle in his hond. ⁊ seruið him in his curt euch of þe meoster þe him to falleð. 35

Þe prude beoð his bemeres · draheð wind inward wið worltlich hereword · ⁊ eft wið idel ȝelp puffeð hit ut ward as þe bemeres doð · makieð noise ⁊ lud dream to schawin hare orhel · ah ȝef ha wel þohten of godes bemeres of þe englene bemen þe schulen o fowr half þe world biuore þe grurefule dom grisliche blawen · Ariseð 40 deade ariseð cumeð to drihtines dom forte beon idemet · þear na prud bemere, ne schal beon iborhen · ȝef ha þohten þis wel; ha walden inohreaðe i þe deofles seruise dimlukeR bemin. Of þeose bemeres seið Jeremie · Onager solitarius in desiderio anime sue attraxit uentum amoris sui · Of þe wind drahinde in for luue 45 of hereword seið as ich seide.

Summe iuglurs beoð þe ne cunnen seruin of nan oþer gleo bute makien cheres · wrenche þe muð mis · schulen wið ehnen. Of þis meoster seruið þe unseli ontfule i þe deofles curt · to bringen o lahtre hare ondfule lauerd · ȝef ei seið wel oðer deð wel; ne mahen 50 ha nanes weis lokin þider wið riht ehe of god heorte · ah winkið o þ̵ half ⁊ bihaldeð o luft ȝef þer is eawt to edwiten · oðer ladliche þiderward schuleð mið eiðer. Hwen ha ihereð þ̵ god; skleatteð þe earen adun · ah þe lust aȝein þ̵ uuel; is eauer wid open · þenne he wrencheð þe muð; hwen he turneð god to uuel · ⁊ ȝef hit is sumdel 55 uuel · þurh mare lastunge wrencheð hit to wurse · þeos beoð forecwidderes hare ahne prophetes · þeos bodieð · biuoren hu þe eateliche deoflen schulen ȝet ageasten ham wið hare grennunge · ⁊ [f. 57 v] hu ha schulen ham seolf grennin ⁊ niuelin ⁊ makien sur semblant for þe muchele angoise i þe pine of helle. Ah for þi ha 60 beoð þe leasse to meanen þ̵ ha biuoren hond leornið hare meoster to makien grim chere.

Þe wreaðule biuore þe feond skirmeð mid cniues · ⁊ is his cnif warpere · ⁊ pleieð mid sweordes · bereð ham bi þe scharp ord up on his tunge. Sweord ⁊ cnif eiðer beoð scharpe ⁊ keoruinde word 65 þ̵ he warpeð from him ⁊ skirmeð toward oþre · ⁊ he bodeð hu þe deoflen schulen pleien wið him mid hare scharpe eawles · skirmi wið him abuten ⁊ dusten ase pilche clut euch toward oðer · ant wið helle sweordes asneasen him þurh ut · þ̵ beoð kene ant eateliche ant keoruinde pineN. 70

Þe slawe lið ⁊ slepeð o þe deofles bearm as his deore deorling · ⁊ te deouel leið his tutel dun to his eare · ⁊ tuteleð him al þ̵ he wule. for swa hit is sikerliche to hwam se is idel of god; meaðeleð þe feond ȝeorne · ⁊ te idele underueð luueliche his lare. Jdel ⁊ ȝemeles is þes deofleS bearnes slep · ah he schal o domesdei grimliche abreiden 75 wið þe dredfule dream of þe englene bemen · ⁊ in helle wontreaðe echeliche wakieN. Surgite aiunt mortui surgite ⁊ uenite ad iudicium saluatoriS.

Þe ȝiscere is his eskibah · feareð abuten esken · ⁊ bisiliche stureð him to rukelin to gederes muchele ⁊ monie ruken · blaweð þrin 80 ⁊ blent him seolf · peaðereð ⁊ makeð þrin figures of augrim · as þes rikeneres doð þe habbeð muche to rikenin. Þis is al þe canges blisse ⁊ te feond bihalt tis gomen ⁊ laheð þ̵ he bersteð. Wel un [f. 58 r] derstont euch wis mon þ̵ gold ba ⁊ seoluer · ⁊ euch eorðlich ahte · nis bute eorðe ⁊ ahte esken þe ablendeð euch moN þe ham in blaweð · þ̵ 85 is þe bolheð him þurh ham in heorte prude. Ant al þ̵ he rukeleð ⁊ gedereð to gederes · ⁊ ethalt of ei þing þ̵ nis bute esken mare þen hit neodeð; schal in helle wurðen him tadden ⁊ neddren · ⁊ ba as ysaie seið · schulen beon of wurmes; his cuuertur ⁊ his hwitel · þe nalde þerwið neodfule feden ne schruden. Subter te sternetur 90 tinea ⁊ operimentum tuum uermiS.

Þe ȝiuere glutun is þe feondes manciple · ah he stikeð eauer iceler oðer icuchene · his heorte is i þe disscheS · his þoht al i þe neppes · his lif i þe tunne · his sawle i þe crohhe · Kimeð biuoren his lauerd bismuddet ⁊ bismulret · a disch in his an hond · a scale in his 95 oðer. Meaðeleð mis wordes · wigleð as fordrunke mon þe haueð imunt to fallen · bihalt his greate wombe · ⁊ te deouel lahheð. Þeose þreatið þus godd þurh ysaie · Serui mei comedent ⁊ uos esurietis ⁊ c’. Mine men schulen eoten ⁊ ow schal eauer hungrin · ⁊ ȝe schule beon feorle world buten ende. Quantum glorificauit se ⁊ in deliciis 100 fuit; tantum date illi tormentum ⁊ luctum · In apocalipsi · Contra unum poculum quod miscuit miscete ei duo. Ȝef þe kealche cuppe wallinde bres to drinken · Ȝeot in his wide þrote þ̵ he swelte inwið. aȝein an ȝef him twa. þullich is godes dom aȝein ȝiuere ⁊ druncwile iþe apocalipse. 105

ANCREN RIWLE
(Caius MS.)

A. The Seven Deadly Sins

A (Corpus MS.) (above)

B (Corpus MS.)
B (Cotton MSS.)

A (Parallel Texts)
B (Parallel Texts)

[Þ]us 3. sulliche MS.
11. bigete] b corr. out of l.
16. tricherie] over c, contraction mark for er. mine leoue frend iþe wildernesse þat ge [p. 127] gat in wid godes folc toward ierusalemes londe þat is þe riche of heouene; beod þulliche bestes þulliche wurmes · Ne nat ich nan sunne þat ne mai beon ilad · oþer to an of ham seoluen oþer to hare streones · vnstaþelfast bi leaue · agein hali lare · nis hit of 5 prude inobedience? Herto falled sigaldren · false teolunges · Lefunge o nore. o swefne ⁊ alle wicchecraftes. Neominge of husel in ei heaued sunne · oþer ai oþer sacrement · nis hit spece of prude; þat ich cleopede presumpciun · gif me wat hwat sunne hit is. Gif me hit nat naut; þenne is hit gemeles vnder accidie · þat ich slouþe cleopede. 10 þe þat ne warned oþer of his uuel · oþer of his bigete · nis hit slaþ gemeles oþer attri onde? To thehewen mis · et halden cwude · fundes oþer lane · nis þis giscunge; þeofþe. at halden oþeres hure ouer his richte terme · nis hit strong reflac. þat is under gissunge; gif me gemed wurse ai þing [p. 128] ilened · oþer bitahted te witene þen 15 he wene þat hit ah · nis oþer tricherie · oþer gemeles of slauþe. Alswa is dusi hest · oþer folliche iplicht trouþe Longe beon un bischbed · falsliche gan to schrifte · oþer to longe abiden · Ne teachen god child pater noster · Ne Credo · þeos ⁊ alle þulliche · beod ilad to slauþe · þat is þe feorþe moder of þe seoue sunnen · þeo dronc druch 20 oþer ai þing dude hwer þurh na child ne shulde beon on hire istreoned · oþer þat istreonede shulde for wurþen; Nis þis strong monslaht of galnasse awakened; Alle sunnen sunderliche bi hare nomeliche nome ne mahte na mon rikenen. Ah iþeo þat ich habbe iseid; alle oþere beod bilokene. An nis ich wene namon þat ne mai 25 under stonden him of his sunnen nomeliche wnder summe of þe ilke þat imene; þe beod þer i writene.

[O]f þeos sewe beastes ⁊ of hare strenes iwildernesse of anlich lif is iseid hiderto [p. 129] þe alle þe forfarinde fondet te fordonne. þe Leon of prude slead alle þe prude. Alle þat beod 30 hehe ⁊ for hehe iheorted. þe aetri neddre; þe ond fule. ⁊ þe luþere iþonked. wredfule þe unicorne. Al swa of þen oþer areawe. to god ha beod isleine · Ah ha libbed to þe feond ⁊ beod alle in is hird · ⁊ serued him in his curt · Euch of þe mester þet him to falleð.

[Þ]E 43. seid] d above a blotted letter. prude beod his bemeres · Drahed wind inward · of worldlich 35 hereword · ⁊ eft wid idel ige`l´p puffed hit utward · as þe bemares dod. Makied noise ⁊ lud drem to shawen hare prude. Ah gif ha uel þothten · of godes bemeres of þe englene bemen · þat shulen afour half þe word · bi fore þe grurefule dom grisliche blawen · Arised deade arised · Cumed to drichtines domes for to beon idemed · þer na prud 40 bemere ne shal beon iboregen · Gif ha þohten wel þis · ha walden inoh raþe iþe deoueles seruise dimluker bemen. Of þeose bemeres sei`d´ [p. 130] Jeremie · Onager solitarius in desiderio suo attraxit uentum amoris sui · Of þe wind drahinde in for luue of hereword; seid as ich seide. 45

[S]umme 48, 49. eondfule, ondfule] d above in darker ink.
51. out] ont MS.
53. eawid MS.
55. On lower margin in a later hand: Prude and nid · and lecherie · Grede and idelhed · coueitise and glotunie beod seouen ded Sundes. iugelurs beod þe ne cunen seruin of nan oþer gleo buten maken cheres · wrenchen þe mud mis shuli wid þe ehnen. of þis mester seruid þe unseli eon`d´fule iþe deoueles curt · to bringen a lahtre hare on`d´fule leouerð. gef ei ded wel oþer seid wel; ne mahen ha nanes weis liki þiderwarð wid richt ehe of god heorte · Ah 50 winked o þet half ⁊ bi halded a luft gif þer is out to et wite oþer; ladliche þiderward shuled mid eiþer. hwen ha ihered þat god skletteð þe earen adun · Ah þe lust a gein þet uuel is ea wid opene. þenne wrenched þe mud mis; hwen he turned þet god to uuel · ⁊ gef hit is [p. 131] sumdel uuel; þurh more lastunge wrenched hit to 55 wurse. þeos beod for quiddares hare ahne prophetes. þeos bodied biuoren hu þe ateliche deouelen shulen get agastan ham wid hare grennunge · ⁊ hu ha shulen ham seolf grennen ⁊ niwelen · ⁊ makien sur semblant · for þe muchele angoise iþe pine of helle. Ah forþi ha beod þe lesse te meanen · þat ha bi foren hont leorned ha meoster te 60 makien grim chere.

[Þ]E 67. apilche MS. wreadfule biuoren þe feond skirmed mid kniwes · is his knif warpare · ⁊ pleied mid sweordes · bered ham bi þe sharpe ord open his tunge. swerd ⁊ knif eiþer beoð sherpe ⁊ keorwinde : word þat he warped from him ⁊ skirmed toward oþere. And he boded hu 65 þe deouelen shulen pleien wid him · mid hare sharpe eawles · Skirmin wid him abuten · ⁊ dusten as a pilche [p. 132] clut · Euch toward oþere · ⁊ wid helle sweordes asnesen þurh ut þat beod kene ⁊ eateliche keorwinde pinen.

[Þ]E slauwe lid ⁊ sleped oþe deoules barm as his deore deorling · ⁊ 70 þe deouel leid his tutel dun to his earen · ⁊ tutelid him al þat he eawer uule. for swa hit is sikerliche to hwam se is idel of god · Meaþeled þe feond georne. ⁊ þe idele underweng luueliche his lare · Idel ⁊ gemeles is þes deoueles bernes slep · Ah he shal a domes dai grimliche abreiden · wid þe dredfule drem of þe englene bemen · ⁊ in 75 helle wondrede etheliche wakien · Surgite mortui qui jacetis in sepulcris · surgite ⁊ venite ad Judicium saluatoris.

[Þ]E 81. rich`k´eneneres MS. gissere is his eskebah · fared abuten esken · ⁊ bisiliche stured him te rukelen te gederes · muchele ⁊ monie ruken · blawed þer [p. 133] in · ⁊ blend him seolf · paþered ⁊ maked þer in figures of 80 augrim · As þeos rich`k´eneres dod þat habbed muche te rikenen. þis is þes kanges blisse · ⁊ þe feond bi hald þis gomen · ⁊ lahed þat he bersteð. wel under stonde þis euch mon · þat gold ba ⁊ seoluer · ⁊ euch worldlich ahte · nis buten eorðe ⁊ esken þat ablent euchmon þat in ham blaweð · þat is þat þat bolehed ham þurh ham in heorte 85 prude. And al þat he rukeled ⁊ gedered to gedere · ⁊ ethalt of ani þing þat nis buten esken mare þen hit neodeð; shal in helle wurden him tadden ⁊ neddren · ⁊ ba as ysaie seið shulen beon of wurmes his cuuertur ⁊ his `þ´witel þat neolden war wið neodfule feden ⁊ shruden. Subter te sternetur tinea ⁊ operimentum tuum 90 uermis.

[Þ]e giuere glutun is þes deoules manciple · Ah he stiked eauer iceler oþer icuche [p. 134] ne · his heorte is iþe dishes · his þoht al iþe nappes · his lif iþe tunne · his saule iþe crohhe · kimed bi woren his lauert bi smudded ⁊ bi smured · A dich in his an hond · A scale in 95 his oþer · Meadeled mis wordes wigeled as for drunken · mon þat haued mint to fallen · bi halt his greate wombe. ⁊ þe deouel lahheð. þeos þreated þus god þurh ysaie · Serui mei commedent ⁊ uos esurietis ⁊ c’. Mine men shulen eoten · ⁊ ow shal eawer hungren · ⁊ ge shulen beon feondes fode world buten ende. Quantum gl[ori]ficauit 100 se ⁊ in deliciis fuit; tantum date illi tormentum ⁊ luctum · Apocalipsis · Contra unum quod miscuit date illi duo · gef þen kelche cuppe wallinde bras te drinken · geot in his wide þrote · þat he swelte in wið. agein gef him twa. þullich is godes dom agein giwere ⁊ druncwile iþe apocalipse. 105

IX. ANCRENE WISSE (Corpus MS.)
B. The Outer Rule

A (Corpus MS.)
A (Caius MS.)

B (Cotton MSS.)

A (Parallel Texts)
B (Parallel Texts)

[f. 112 v] Ȝe mine leoue sustren bute ȝef neod ow driue ⁊ ower meistre hit reade · ne schulen habbe na beast bute cat ane. Ancre þe haueð ahte · þuncheð bet husewif ase Marthe wes · ne lihtliche ne mei ha nawt beo Marie marthe suster wið griðfullnesse [f. 113 r] of heorte. for þenne mot ha þenchen of þe kues foddre · of heorde 5 monne hure · Olhnin þe heiward · wearien hwen he punt hire · ⁊ ȝelden þah þe hearmes. ladlich þing is hit wat crist hwen me makeð i tune man of ancre ahte. Nu þenne ȝef eani mot nedlunge habben hit · loki þ̵ hit namon ne eili ne ne hearmi · ne þ̵ hire þoht ne beo nawiht þron ifestnet. ancre ne ah to habben na þing þ̵ utward drahe hire 10 heorte. Na chaffere ne driue ȝe · ancre þ̵ is chepilt · þ̵ is · buð forte sullen efter biȝete · ha chepeð hire sawle þe chapmon of helle. þing þah þ̵ ha wurcheð ha mei þurh hire meistres read; for hire neode sullen · hali men sumhwile liueden bi hare honden.

Nawt deore dehtren ne wite ȝe in ower hus of oðer monne 15 þinges · ne ahte ne claðes · ne boistes · ne chartres · Scoren ne cyrograffes · ne þe chirch uestemenz · ne þe calices · bute neode oðer strengðe hit makie; oðer muchel eie. Of swuch witunge is muchel vuel ilumpen ofte siðen. IN wið ower wanes ne leote ȝe namon slepeN · Ȝef muchel neod mid alle makeð breoken ower hus · hwil hit eauer is 20 ibroken · habbeð þrinne wið ow a wummon of cleane lif deies ant nihteS. For þi þ̵ wepmen ne seoð ow ne ȝe ham · wel mei don of ower clað beo hit hwit beo hit blac bute hit beo unorne · warm ⁊ wel iwraht · felles wel itawet · ⁊ habbeð ase monie as ow to neodeð to bedde ⁊ to rugge. 25

Nest flesch ne schal nan werien linnene clað bute hit beo of hearde ⁊ of greate heorden. Stamin habbe hwa se wule · hwa se wule beo buten. Ȝe schulen in an hetter ant igurd liggen · swa leoðeliche þah þ̵ ȝe mahen honden put [f. 113 v] ten þer under. Nest lich nan ne gurde hire wið na cunne gurdles : bute þurh schriftes leaue. Ne 30 beore nan irn ne here · ne ilespiles felles · ne ne beate hire þer wið; ne wið scurge i leadet · wið holin ne wið breres · ne biblodgi hire seolf; wið ute schriftes leaue · nohwer ne binetli hire · ne ne beate bi uoren · ne na keoruunge ne keorue · ne ne neome ed eanes to luðere disceplines · temptaciuns forte acwenchen · ne for na bote 35 aȝein cundeliche secnesses · nan uncundelich lechecreft ne leue ȝe ne ne fondin · wið uten ower meistres read; leste ow stonde wurse. Ower schon i winter beon meoke · greate ⁊ warme. I sumer ȝe habbeð leaue bearuot gan ⁊ sitten ⁊ lihte scheos werieN · Hosen wið ute vampez; ligge in hwa se likeð · Ischeoed ne slepe ȝe nawt · ne 40 noh wer bute i bedde. Sum wummon inohreaðe wereð þe brech of here ful wel icnottet · þe streapeles dun to þe vet ilacet ful feaste · ah eauer is best þe swete ⁊ te swote heorte. Me is leouere þ̵ ȝe þolien wel an heard word; þen an heard here. Ȝef ȝe muhen beo wimpelles ⁊ ȝe wel wullen; beoð bi warme cappen · ⁊ þer uppon hwite oðer blake veiles. 45 Ancren summe sungið in hare wimplunge; na leasse þen leafdis. Ah þah seið sum þ̵ hit limpeð to euch wummon cundeliche forte werien wimpel · Nai · wimpel ne heaued clað nowðer ne nempneð hali writ; ah wriheles ane · Ad corinthios · Mulier uelet caput suum · Wummon seið þe apostle schal wreon hire heaued. wrihen he seið 50 nawt wimpliN. wrihen ha schal hire scheome · as eue sunfule dohteR · i mungunge of þe sunne þ̵ schende us on earst alle · ant nawt drahe þe wriheles to tiffunge ⁊ to prude · Eft wule [f. 114 r] þe apostle þ̵ wummon wreo i chirche hire neb ȝetten · leste uuel þoht arise þurh hire onsihðe · Et hoc est propter angelos. hwi þenne 55 þu chirch ancre iwimplet openest þi neb to wepmonnes ehe; toȝeines þe sist men; spekeð þe apostle · ȝef þu þe ne hudest. ah ȝef þ̵ ei þing wriheð þi neb from monnes ehe · beo hit wah beo hit clað · i wel i rund windowe · wel mei duhen ancre of oðer wimplunge. Toȝeines þe þe þus ne dest; spekeð þe apostle nawt toȝeines oþre · þ̵ 60 hare ahne wah wriheð wið euch monnes sihðe. þer awakenið ofte wake þohtes of · ⁊ werkes oðerhwileS. Hwa se wule beon isehen; þah ha atiffi hire nis nawt muche wunder; ah to godes ehnen ha is lufsumre; þe is for þe luue of him; untiffet wið uteN. Ring ne broche ne habbe ȝe · ne gurdel imembret · ne glouen ne nan swuch 65 þing þ̵ ow ne deh to habben. A meoke surpliz ȝe mahen in hat sumer werien. Eauer me is leouere se ȝe doð greattre werkes. Ne makie ȝe nane purses forte freondin ow wið · bute to þeo þ̵ ower meistre ȝeueð ow his leaue · ne huue ne blod binde of seolc · ne laz buten leaue · Ah schapieð ⁊ seowið ⁊ mendið chirche claðes · ⁊ poure monne hettren. 70 na swuch þing ne schule ȝe ȝeouen wið uteN schriftes leaue · namare þen neomen · þ̵ ȝe ne seggen him fore; as of oðre þinges · kun oðer cuððe · hu ofte ȝe under uengen · hulonge ȝe edheolden. tendre of cunne limpeð nawt ancre beonne. A mon wes of religiun · ⁊ com to him efter help his fleschliche broðer · ⁊ he tahte him to his þridde 75 breðer · þe wes dead biburiet. 75. to his] is on erasure.
76. breðer] er on erasure.
77. Before nis, d erased. Þe ondswerede wundrinde · Nai quoð he nis he dead? ant ich quoð þe hali mon [f. 114 v] am dead gasteliche. Na fleschlich freond ne easki me fleschlich froure. Amices ⁊ parures · worldliche leafdis mahen inoh wurchen · ant ȝef ȝe ham makieð; ne makie ȝe þrof na mustreisun · veine gloire attreð alle 80 gode þeawes · ⁊ alle gode werkes. Criblin ne schal nan of ow for luue ne for hure. Taueles ne forbeode ich nawt. Ȝef sum riueð surpliz oðeR measse kemese; oþre riuunges ne riue ha nawt nomeliche oueregede · bute for muche neode. Helpeð ow wið ower ahne swinc se forð se ȝe eauer mahen to schriden ow seoluen ⁊ feden ȝef 85 neod is · ⁊ þeo þe ow seruið. As sein Jerome leareð · ne beo ȝe neauer longe ne lihtliche of sum þing allunges idel · for anan rihtes þe feond beot hire his werc þe i godes werc ne swinkeð · ⁊ tuteleð anan toward hire. foR hwil he sið hire bisi; he þencheð þus · for nawt ich schulde nu cume neh hire; ne mei ha nawt iȝemen to lustni 90 mi lare. Of idelnesse awakeneð muchel flesches fondunge. Iniquitas Sodome; saturitas panis ⁊ ocium · þ̵ is · SodomeS cwedschipe com of idelnesse ⁊ of ful wombe. Irn þ̵ lið stille gedereð sone rust · weater þe ne stureð nawt; readliche stinkeð.

Ancre ne schal nawt forwurðe scolmeistre · ne turnen ancre husto 95 childrene scole · hire meiden mei learen sum oðer meiden · þ̵ were pliht of to leornin amonge wepmen · oðer bimong gromes. ah ancre ne ah to ȝemen bute godd ane · þah bi hire meistres read ha mei sum rihten ⁊ helpen to learen. Ȝe ne schulen senden leattres · ne underuon leattres · ne writen bute leaue. Ȝe schulen beon i doddet · 100 oðer ȝef ȝe wulleð ischauen fowr siðen i þe ȝer · to lihtin ower heaued · beo bi þe her ieueset; [f. 115 r] hwa se swa is leouere · ant as ofte ileten blod ⁊ ȝef neod iS; oftre · Þe mei beo þer buten; ich hit mei wel þolien. Hwen ȝe beoð 104. After beoð, al greiðe struck out.
120. towundre MS. ilete blod; ȝe ne schule don na þing þe þreo dahes þ̵ ow greueð · ah talkið to ower 105 meidnes · ⁊ wið þeawfule talen schurteð ow to gederes. Ȝe maheN swa don ofte hwen ow þuncheð heuie; oðer beoð for sum worltlich þing sare oðer seke · þah euch worltlich froure is unwurðe to ancre. Swa wisliche witeð ow in ower blodletunge; ⁊ haldeð ow i swuch reste; þ̵ ȝe longe þrefter mahen i godes seruise þe monluker swinken · 110 ant alswa hwen ȝe feleð eani secnesse. Muchel sotschipe hit is leosen for an dei; tene oðer tweolue. Vesscheð ow hwer se neod is as ofte as ȝe wulleð · ⁊ ower oþre þinges. Nes neauer fulðe godd leof · þah pouerte ⁊ unorneschipe beon him licwurðe. VNderstondeð eauer of alle þeose þinges · þ̵ nan nis heast ne forbod þ̵ 115 beoð of þe uttre riwle · þet is lute strengðe of. for hwon þ̵ te inre beo wel iwist as ich seide i þe frumðe · þeos mei beon ichanget hwer se eani neod oðer eani skile hit easkeð · efter þ̵ ha best mei þe leafdi riwle seruin as hire eadmode þuften · ah sikerliche wið uten hire þe leafdi feareð to wundre.

Ancre þe naueð nawt neh 120 honde hire fode; beoð bisie twa wummen. An eauer þe leaue ed hame; an oþer þe wende ut · hwenne driueð neod · ⁊ þeo beo ful unorne wið uten euch tiffunge · oðer a lutel þuftene; oðer of feier ealde. Bi þe wei as ha geað; ga singinde hire beoden · ne ne halde na tale wið mon ne wið wummon · ne sitte ne ne stonde · bute þ̵ 125 leaste þet ha eauer mei ear þen ha ham cume. Nohwider elles ne ga [f. 115 v] heo bute þider as me send hire · wið ute leaue · ne ne eote ha ne ne drinke ute · Þe oþer beo eauer inne · ne wið ute þe ȝeten : ne ga wið ute leaue. Ba beon obedient to hare dame in alle þing · bute i sunne ane · na þing nabben þet heo hit nute · ne underuo na 130 þing · ne ne ȝeoue nowðer; wið uten hire leaue. Na mon ne leote ȝe in · ne þe ȝungre ne speoke wið namon bute leaue · ne ga ha nawt ut of tune : wið uten siker fere · ȝef hit swa mei beon; ne ne ligge ute. ȝef heo ne con oboke; segge bi pater nostres · ant bi auez hire ures · ⁊ wurche þ̵ me hat hire wið ute gruchunge. habbe eauer hire 135 earen opene toward hire dame. Nowðer of þe wummen ne beore from hare dame · ne ne bringe to hire nane idele talen; ne neowe tidinges · ne bitweonen ham seolf; ne singen ne ne speoken na ne worldliche spechen · ne lahhen swa ne pleien; þet ei mon þ̵ hit sehe; mahte hit to uuel turnen. Ouer alle þinges leasunges ⁊ luðere wordes 140 heatien. hare her beo icoruen · hare heaued clað sitte lahe · 141. laḥhe MS.
161. hond MS. eiðer ligge ane. Hare cop beo hehe isticchet · ⁊ bute broche. na mon ne seo ham unleppet ne open heaued. lah locunge habben. Heo ne schulen cussen na mon · ne cuðmon ne cunnes mon · ne for na cuððe cluppen · ne weschen hare heaued · ne lokin feaste o na mon; ne toggin 145 wið ne pleien. Hare weden beon of swuch schape · ⁊ al hare aturn swuch; þet hit beo edscene hwerto ha beoð iturnde. Hare lates lokin warliche · þ̵ nan ne mahe edwiten ham; in hus ne ut of hus. On alle wise forbeoren to wreaðen hare dame · ⁊ as ofte as heo hit doð; ear ha drinken oþer eoten; makien [f. 116 r] hare venie · o cneon 150 dun biuoren hire ⁊ seggen · mea culpa · ⁊ underuon þe penitence þ̵ ha leið up on hire lutinde hire lahe. Þe ancre þrefter neauer mare þ̵ ilke gult ne upbreide for na wreaððe · bute ȝef ha eft sone falle i þ̵ ilke · ah do hit allunge ut of hire heorte. Ȝef ei strif ariseð bitweone þe wummen; þe ancre makie eiðer to makien oþer venie o cneon to þer 155 eorðe · ⁊ eiðer rihte up oþer; ⁊ cussen on ende · ant te ancre legge on eiðer; sum penitence · mare up o þe ilke þe greatluker gulte. Þis is a þing witen ha wel þ̵ is gode leouest; Sahtnesse ⁊ some · ⁊ te feond laðest · for þi he is eauer umben to arearen sum leaððe. Nu sið þe sweoke wel · þ̵ hwen fur is wel o brune; ⁊ me wule þ̵ hit aga; 160 me sundreð þe brondes · ⁊ he deð nond þ̵ ilke. luue is ihesu cristes fur · þ̵ he wule þ̵ bleasie aa i þin heorte · ant te deouel blaweð forte puffen hit ut. Hwen his blawunge ne geineð nawt · he bringeð up sum uuel word · oðer sum oþer nohtunge · hwer þurh ha to hurten eiðer frommard oþer · ⁊ te hali gastes fuR cwencheð hwen þe 165 brondes þurh wreaððe beoð isundret. forþi halden ham i luue feaste to gederes · Ant ne beo ham nawt of hwen þe feond blawe · nomeliche ȝef monie beon iueietsomet; ⁊ wel wið luue ontende. Þah þe ancre on hire meidnes for openliche gultes legge penitence; to þe preost noðeleater schriuen ham hwen neod is · ah eauer þah wið leaue. Ȝef ha 170 ne cunnen nawt þe mete graceS · seggen in hare stude; pater noster biuoren; ⁊ aue Maria · ⁊ efter mete alswa · ant a Credo mare · ⁊ segge þus on ende · feader · Sune · hali gast al mihti godd · ȝeoue ure dame his grace · [f. 116 v] se lengre se mare · ⁊ leue hire ⁊ us ba neomen god ende · for ȝelde alle þe us god doð · ⁊ milci hare sawle þe us god 175 idon habbeð · hare sawle ⁊ alle cristene sawleS.

177. gruchesi] ch on an erasure. Bitweone mel ne gruchesi ȝe nawt · nowðer frut ne oðerhwet; ne drinken bute leaue . ⁊ te leaue beo liht in al þ̵ nis sunne. Ed te mete na word · oðer lut; ⁊ teo stille. Alswa efter þe ancre complie · aþet prime · ne don na þing ne seggen; hweR þurh hire silence mahe 180 beon isturbet. Nan ancre seruant ne ahte bi rihte to easkin iset hure · bute mete ⁊ hure þ̵ ha mei flutte bi; ant godes milce. Ne mis leue nan godd; hwet se tide of þe ancre · þ̵ he hire trukie. þe meidnes wið uten ȝef ha seruið þe ancre alswa as ha ahen · hare hure schal beon þe hehe blisse of heouene. Hwa se haueð ehe of hope toward 185 se heh bure; gleadliche wule ha seruui ⁊ lihtliche alle wa · ⁊ alle teone þolien. wið eise ⁊ wið este ne buð me nawt bliSSe.

Ȝe 191. ȝef above þurh deleted. ancres ahen þis leaste stucche reden to ower wummen euche wike eanes · aþet ha hit cunnen. Ant muche neod is þ̵ ȝe neomen to ham muche ȝeme · for ȝe mahen muchel beon þurh ham i godet · ⁊ 190 iwurset. On oðer half ȝef þet ha sungið þurh ower ȝemeles; ȝe schule beo bicleopet þrof biuore þe hehe deme · ⁊ for þi as ow is muche neod · ⁊ ham ȝet mare; ȝeornliche leareð ham to halden hare riwle · ba for ow ⁊ for ham seolf; liðeliche ⁊ luueliche · for swuch ah wummone lare to beonne · luuelich ⁊ liðe · ⁊ selthwenne sturne. Ba is riht þ̵ ha 195 ow dreden ⁊ luuien · ant þah þ̵ ter beo eauer mare of luue; þen of drede · þenne schal hit wel fearen · Me schal healden eoli ⁊ win ba i wunden efter godes lare · ah mare of softe eoli; þen of [f. 117 r] bitinde win . þ̵ is Mare of liðe wordes; þen of suhinde · for þer of kimeð þinge best; þ̵ is luue eie. lihtliche ⁊ sweteliche foRȝeoued 200 ham hare gultes · hwen ha ham icnaweð ⁊ bihateð bote. Ase forð as ȝe mahen of mete ⁊ of claðes · ⁊ of oþre þinges þet neode of flesch easkeð; beoð large toward ham; þah ȝe nearowe beon ⁊ hearde to ow seoluen. Swa deð þe wel blaweð; went te nearewe of þe horn to his ahne muð; ant utward þ̵ wide. Ant ȝe don alswa as ȝe wulleð þ̵ 205 ower beoden bemin wel ⁊ dremen; i drihtines earen · nawt ane to ower ahnes; ah to alle folkes heale · as ure lauerd leue þurh þe grace of him seolf þ̵ hit swa mote ameN. Hwen ower sustres meidnes cumeð to ow to froure; cumeð to ham to þe þurl; earunder ⁊ ouerunder · eanes oðer twien · ⁊ gað aȝein sone; to ower note gastelich · 210 ne biuore Complie ne sitte ȝe nawt for ham ouer riht time · swa þ̵ hare cume beo na lure of ower religiun; ah gastelich biȝete. ȝef þer is eani word iseid þ̵ mahte hurten heorte; ne beo hit nawt iboren ut; ne ibroht to oþer ancre; þ̵ is eð hurte. To him hit schal beon iseid; þe lokeð ham alle. Twa niht is inoh þ̵ ei beo edhalden · ant þ̵ beo 215 ful seldene · ne for heom ne breoke silence ed te mete; ne for blodletunge · bute ȝef sum muche god oðer neod hit makie. Þe ancre ne hire meiden ne plohien `nane´ worldliche gomenes ed te þurle · ne ne ticki to gederes · foR ase seið seint Beornard. vnwurðe þing is to euch gastelich mon · ⁊ nomeliche to ancre; euch swuch fleschlich 220 froure · ⁊ hit binimeð gastelich þ̵ is wið ute met utnume murhðe · ⁊ þ̵ is uuel change as is iseid þruppe.

Of 225. godes] d corr. out of g MS. þis boc redeð hwen ȝe beoð eise euche dei; leasse oðer mare. Jch hopie þ̵ hit [f. 117 v] schal beon ow ȝef ȝe hit redeð ofte; swiðe biheue; þurh godes muchele grace · elles ich hefde uuele bitohe 225 mi muchele hwile. Me were leouere godd hit wite do me toward rome; þen forte biginnen hit eft forte donne. Ȝef ȝe findeð þ̵ ȝe doð alswa as ȝe redeð; þonckið godd ȝeorne · ȝef ȝe ne doð nawt; biddeð godes are · ⁊ beoð umben þeronuuen þ̵ ȝe hit bet halden efter ower mihte. 230

Feader · Sune · hali gast · an almihti godd wite ow in hiS warde · he gleadie ow ⁊ frouri ow mine leoue sustren · ant for al þ̵ ȝe for him dreheð ⁊ dreaieð · ne ȝeoue ow neauer leasse · þen al to gedere him seoluen · Beo he aa iheiet from world in to worlde aa on ecnesse · AMeN.

Ase ofte aS ȝe habbeð ired eawiht her on; greteð þe leafdi 235 wið aN aue; for him þ̵ swonc her abuten · Jnoh meaðful ich am þe bidde se lutel · Explicit · Jþench o þi writere i þine beoden sum chearre; ne beo hit ne se lutel. Hit turneð þe to gode; þ̵ tu bidest for oþre.

ANCREN RIWLE (Cotton MS. Nero)
B. The Outer Rule

A (Corpus MS.)
A (Caius MS.)

B (Corpus MS.) (above)

A (Parallel Texts)
B (Parallel Texts)

In this section, N is Nero (the primary MS); C Cleopatra; T Titus. The Notes explain:

Passages in C (mostly interlined or marginal) which are not in N are inserted between asterisks in the text of the latter. The collations ... show the other divergences of C and those of T from N; when not followed by any letter they give the readings of T; those followed by C are the readings of C, while B indicates agreement of T and C as against N.

Spacing of asterisks is as in the original. Longer paragraphs have been broken up for easier cross-reference. In the printed text, each paragraph began with a large drop capital, except the final paragraph beginning “ase ofte ase ȝe readeð ...”.

Ȝe mine leoue sustren *bute ȝef neod ow driue* ne schulen habben no best . bute kat one. ancre þet haueð eihte þuncheð bet husewif ase marthe was . þen ancre . ne none weis ne mei heo beon marie . *marthe suster * mid griðfulnesse of heorte. Vor þeonne mot heo þenchen of þe kues foddre and of 5 heordemonne huire . oluhnen þene heiward . warien hwon me punt hire ⁊ ȝelden þauh ðe hermes. wat crist þis is lodlich þing . hwon me [f. 116 v] makeð mone in tune of ancre eihte. Þauh ȝif eni mot nede habben ku : loke ðet heo none monne ne eilie : ne ne hermie . ne þet hire þouht ne beo nout þeron i uestned.

8. me me MS.

1. mine ... sustren om.
2. schule ȝe C || haue || na | nan C || beast B || cat || ane B || þe C
3. haues || ahte | achte C || semes || betere B || as B || wes C || þen ancre om. B nanes | for `lihtliche oðer´ nanes C
4. weies || mai || ho | ha C || beo || wið B
5. for þenne B || ho | ha C || cuwes C || and om. B
6. þe heordes || hure C || Olcne | olchni C || þe B || haiward | haiwart C || hwen he B || pundes
7. ȝelde B || þah | þach C || harmes B || ladli | ladlich C || þing is wat crist hwen B
8. mon || makes B || in tune man | itune man C || ancres B || ahte | achte C || Nu þenne latter deleted, þah in margin | Nu þach C || ȝef C || ani B
9. nedinge | nedunge C || haue || ku] hit B || hit na mon B || eile | eili C || harme | harmi C

ancre ne ouh nout 10 to habben no þing þet drawe utward hire heorte. none cheffare ne driue ȝe. ancre þet is cheapild .* þe buð for te sullen efter biȝete * heo cheapeð hire soule : þe chepmon of helle. *Þing þah þ̵ ha wurcheð; ha mei wel þurh hire meistres read; for hire neode sullen. þah swa dernliche as ha mei for misliche monne wordes.* Ne wite ȝe 15 nout in oure huse of oðer monnes þinges . ne eihte . ne cloðes . ne nout ne vnderuo ȝe ðe chirche uestimenz ne þene caliz bute ȝif * neod oðer* strencðe hit makie : oðer muchel eie. vor of swuche witunge is i kumen muchel `vuel´ oftesiðen. wiðinnen ower woanes : ne lete ȝe nenne mon slepen. ȝif muchel neode mid alle makeð breken 20 ower hus : þeo hwule ðet hit euer is i broken : loke þet ȝe habben þerine mid ou one wummon of clene liue . deies ⁊ nihtes.

12. ȝe over an erasure.
19. vuel on margin.

10. ni || þoht | þocht C || nawt | nawicht C || ter on | þron C || ifestnet || Anker || ah | ach C || nawt T om. C
11. haue || no þing om. T || nan C || utward drahe | utwart draȝe C || Na B || chaffare | cheffere C
12. Anker || chapmon chepilt C
13. ho | ha C || cheapes | cheapeð C || sawle | saule to C || chapmon | chepmon C
15. Nawt ne | Naut ne C || ȝe om. C
16. owre | ouwer C || hus B || of om. B || monne C || ahte | achte C || claðes || ne nout ... caliz om. C, then interlined `bute neod ... eie´ || ne ... ȝe om.
17. Nawt te chirche uestemenz ne þe chaliz || ȝif ... oðer om.
18. strengðe || make || vor om. B || swuch | swich C || lokinge | witing C
19. muchel bifallen | muchel uuel ilumpen C || vuel om. || siðe || Inwið B || owre || wahes | wanes C || lete ȝe bis
20. na wepmon | nan mon C || ȝef C || muche B || ned | neod C || wið makes B || to breke | breoken C
21. owre || þe om. B || hwil B || ðet om. B || eauer B || loke þet ȝe om. B || haues | habbeð C || ter inne | þrinne C
22. wið ow B || a | an C || cleane lif B || daies || nichtes C

Uor ði þet no mon ne i sihð ou . ne ȝe ne i seoð nenne mon : wel mei don of ower cloðes . beon heo hwite : beon heo blake. bute þet heo beon unorne ⁊ warme ⁊ wel i wrouhte. uelles wel i tauwed. 25 ⁊ habbeð ase monie ase ou to neodeð . to bedde and eke to rugge.

23, 24. welmeidon MS.

23. For B || na nan C || seo | sið C || ow B || ne iseoð om. B || ham | him C
24. duhen || owre | ouwer C || clað B || beo hit hwit beo hit blac bute hit beo B
25. ⁊ om. B || warm B || iwraht | iwracht C || felles B || iteawet | itauwet C
26. habbes || as ow B || to nedes || eke om. B

Nexst fleshe ne schal non werien no linnene cloð bute ȝif hit beo of herde and of greate heorden. stamin `habbe´ hwo se wule. and hwo se wule mei beon buten. ȝe schullen liggen in on heater and i gurd. ne bere ȝe non iren . ne here . ne [f. 117 r] irspiles felles. 30 ne ne beate`ou´þer mide. ne mid schurge i leðered : ne i leaded. ne mid holie . ne mid breres . ne ne biblodge hire sulf : wið uten schriftes leaue . ne ne nime et enes to ueole disceplines. ower schon beon greate and warme. Ine sumer ȝe habbeð leaue uorto gon and sitten baruot. and hosen wið uten uaumpez . and ligge ine ham : hwo so likeð. Sum 35 wumon i nouh reaðe . wereð þe brech of heare fulwel i knotted . and þe strapeles adun to hire uet. i laced ful ueste.

27. Nest flesch B || nan B || werie || no om. || nan C || cloð om. B || ȝif om. B
28. harde B || heordes || were C || hwa B || wile
29. and om. || hwa B || nule; beo wið uten || mei beon om. C || schuln in | schulen in C || an B || hatter | hetter C
30. gurd liggen | igurd liggen C || were nan irn | beore nan iren C || haire || ylespiles B
31. hire þerwið B || wið B || i leðered ne om. B || ileadet B || ne om. B
32. wið holin | wið holine C || wið B || ne blodeke | ne bibloðgi C || seluen | seolf C || ute C || schirches
33. nine for ne ne || neome C || ateanes | ed eanes C || feole B || disciplines | diciplines C || owre || scheon C
34. I | In C || hauen || barefot to Gan ⁊ sitten | barfot gan ⁊ sitten C
35. and om. B || Hose || uampez | uampeð C || and om. B || ham om. B || hwa se like | hwase wule C
36. mon || inohraðe | inochraðe C || weres te brec || haire | here C || icnotten | icnotted C || and om. B
37. strapples || dun to þe fet B || faste

ȝif ȝe muwen beon wimpel leas : *⁊ ȝe wel wullen* beoð bi warme keppen . and þeruppon *oðer hwite oðer* blake ueiles. *Ancren summe sungið in ha[re] wimlunge na lesse þene lefdị Sum seið þ̵ hit limped . to e[i] wummon cundeliche; 40 for te weri[en] wimpel. Nai . Wimpel ne hef[ed] nouðer ne nemneð hali writ; ah wriheles of heuet. Ad cor[inth.] Mulier uelet caput suum. Wummon seið þe apostel schal wrihen hi[re] heauet. wrihen he seið naut wimplin. wrihen ha schal hire scheome as sunfule eue dohte[r;] i mungunge of þe sunne þ̵ sch[en]de us erst alle ⁊ naut 45 drah[en] þ̵ wriheles te tiffung ⁊ te pru[e]. Eft wule seinte pauel þ̵ wumm[on] wreo i chirche hire neb ȝette leste vuel þoht arise þurh hir[e] on sihðe ⁊ hoc est · propter ang[e]los.

37. For ȝif ... bi, T has habbes || ȝef ȝe mahen (over muchel del.) beo wimpelles C
38. cappes | cappen C || and ... wimlunge in l. 52 om. || þruppon C
39. ueilles C

Hwi þenne þu chirche ancre al beo þu iwimplet; openest þah þi neb to weopmones ehe . Te ȝeines þe. þe isist men spekeð seinte pauel. Ah ȝef ei þing 50 wriheð; þi neb from monnes ehe; beo hit wah beo hit clað i þi parlures þurl; wel mei duhen ancre of oðer wimlunge.* Hwo se wule beon i seien . þauh heo atiffe hire; nis nout muchel wunder . auh to godes eien . heo is lufsumere þet is uor ðe luue of him; untiffed wið uten. Ring . ne broche nabbe ȝe . ne gurdel i membred . 55 ne glouen . ne no swuch þing þet ou . ne deih for to habben. *vnderstondeð . þ̵ of alle þeose þinges nis nan hest ne forbot for alle ha beoð of þe vttere riwle þ̵ is lute strencðe of; for hwon þ̵ te inre beo wel iwist as ic seide i þe frumðe . ha mei beon ichanget hwer se euer ei neod oder eni skile hit askeð . efter þ̵ ha mei ase 60 þuften . best seruin þe leafdi riwle.*

52. wimlumpe MS.
55. i menbred MS.
59. ha] & MS.

52. hwa B
53. wile || isehen | iseȝen C || of alle þ hire cumen to add. || þah | þach C || ho | ha C || atiffen | atifi C || ham | na | nan C || muche B
54. Ah | ach C || ehne | echnen C || ho | ha C || lufsumer || þe is C || for B
55. untiffet B || ni || ni || i membret
56. ni gloues || na | nan C || swich C || ow B || deah || i burð C || for om. B

Euer me is leouere . so ȝe don gretture werkes. ne makie none purses . uorte ureonden ou mide .* bute to þeo þ̵ ower meistre ȝeoueð ow his leaue*; ne blodbendes of seolke .* ne laz . bute leaue*; auh schepieð and seouweð and amendeð chirche cloðes . and poure 65 monne cloðes. no þing ne schule ȝe ȝiuen : wið uten schriftes leaue. helpeð mid ower owune swinke so uorð so ȝe muwen to schruden ou suluen and *feden ȝef neod is* þeo ðet ou serueð . ase seint ierome lereð : ne beo ȝe neuer idel . uor anonrihtes ðe ueond beot hire his werc : þet ine godes werke ne wurcheð . and he tuteleð anon|rihtes 70 touward hire. uor þeo hwule [f. 117 v] þet he isihð hire bisi .

62. Eauer B || leuere | leoure C || se B || grattere | grettere C || Ne ... cloðes in l. 66 om. || make ȝe C || nane C
63. forto freonden ow wið C
64. blod binden of seolc C
65. Ach schap`i´eð ⁊ seoweð ⁊ mendeð (e over ạ) C || claðes C
66. menne hettren C || Na | nan || `swuc´ C || ȝeouen bute ȝe hauen chirches leaue || ȝeuen C
67. Helpes || wið B || owre || ahne | achne C || swinc | swinch C || se forð se B || muhen | muchȝen C
68. ow seluen | ow seoluen C || ta þ̵ ow seruen | ow seruið C || As B || sein
69. leares | leareð C || neauer B || `allunge´ idel `⁊ se forð as ȝe mahen´ C || for B || ananrihtes | ananrichtes C || te || feond | feont C || bedes.
70. þe C || i | in C || werc B || swinkes | swinkeð C || he om. B || tuteles | anan B
71. toward | towart C || for hwil he B || seos | sið C

`he´ þencheð þus . vor nout ich schulde nu kumen neih hire; ne mei heo nout i hwulen uorto her`c´nen mine lore. of idelnesse awakeneð muchel flesshes fondunge . Iniquitas sodome . saturitas panis ⁊ ocium. þet is. al sodomes cweadschipe kom of idelnesse : ⁊ of ful 75 wombe. Iren þet lið stille; gedereð sone rust . and water þet ne stureð nout readliche stinkeð. ancre ne schal nout forwurðen scolme`i´stre : ne turnen hire ancre hus; to childrene scole. hire meiden mei þauh techen sum lutel meiden. þet were dute of forto leornen among gromes . auh ancre ne ouh forto ȝemen bute god one. *þah 80 bi hire meistres read; ha mei sum rihten ⁊ helpe te leren.*

72. he þe swike þenches tus || for B || noht | naut C || ischulde nu cume to hire | cumen nu nech hire C || mai
73. ho | ha C || nawt | naut C || ȝeme nu | iȝemen C || to B || lustnen mi | lustin min C || lare B || wakenen
74. muchele || flesches B || fondinges
75. al om. B || sodome || cwedschipe C || com B
76. wambe || Irn þ̵ lis || Gederes || muche C || and om. B
77. stures || nawt | naut C || raðliche | readiliche C || stinkes || ȝe ne schule sende lettres. | Ne underfo lettres bute leaue C || nawt | naut C || forwurðe B || scolemeister || scol above erasure C
78. hire om. B || ancres || childre`ne´ schole C || Hire ... leren in l. 81 om.
79. þauh om. C || learen C || lute C || of; to C
80. bimong gremes C || Ach C || nach to ȝeme C || ane C

Ȝe ne schulen senden lettres . ne underuon lettres . ne writen : buten leaue. ȝe schulen beon i dodded four siðen iðe ȝere : uorto lihten ower heaued. *oðer ȝef ȝe wulled ischauen. hwa se wule ieveset. ah ha mot te oftere weschen ⁊ kemben hire heauet*; and ase ofte ileten 85 blod . and oftere ȝif neod is . and hwo so mei beon þer wið uten; ich hit mei wel i þolien. hwon ȝe beoð i leten blod . ȝe ne schulen don no þing þeo þreo dawes; þet ou greue . auh talkeð mid ower meidenes.

82. underfon || bute
83. schule C || beo || idoddet C || iþe ȝer fiftene siðe || ȝer C uorto ... heauet in l. 85 om. || to lichten ower heauet C
85. ⁊ fowr siðe ileten   ⁊ as ofte ilete blod   `⁊ ȝef neod is oftere´ C
86. oftre || ned || and ... þolien om. C || Hwa se mai wel beo wið uten: ich hit mai þolien
87. Hwon ... blod om. C || Hwen || arn schule C do þreo daies na þing þ̵ ow greues || don `þeo´ þreo daȝes nan þing þ̵ ow greueð C
88. Ah ach C || talkes || to B || owre seruant   ower meidnes C

and mid þeaufule talen : schurteð ou to gederes. ȝe muwen don so ofte : hwon ou þuncheð heuie . oðer beoð uor sume worldliche þinge 90 sorie : oðer seke. So wisliche witeð ou in our blod letunge : and holdeð ou ine swuche reste . þet ȝe longe þer efter muwen ine godes seruise þe monluker swinken . and also hwon ȝe i ueleð eni secnesse . vor muchel sotschipe hit is. uorto [f. 118r] uorleosen uor one deie . tene oðer tweolue. Wassheð ou hwar se ȝe habbeð neode : ase ofte 95 ase ȝe wulleð.

89. wið B || þeawfule   þeufule C || tales: schurtes ow   schurtið C || muhen   muȝe C || swa don ofte hwen ow B
90. þunches || heui C || arn || for sum B || worldlich C || þing B
91. sari B || Swa B wislich C || wites || Of ower blodletunge in marg. C || ow B || owre   ower C || blodletinge
92. haldes   haldeð C || ow B || iswuch   in swich C || rest || þrafter   þrefter C || muhen   muȝen C || ine om. C || i godes
93. þe om. C || wurchen C || alswa   alse C || hwen B || felen   feleð C || ani B
94. vor om. B || muche B || sotchipe C || uorto om. C || to lose   leosen C || for an B || dai   dei C
95. twelue   tweọlue C || Vas del. wasches in marg. wescheð C || ow B || hwer B || ned is   neod is C || as B
96. as B || wiln   wullet C || Ouwer meidnes riwle in marg. C

Ancre þet naueð nout neih honde hire uode : beoð bisie two wummen . on ðet bi leaue euer ethom . an oðer þet wende ut hwon hit is neod . and þeo beo ful unorne *oðer a lute þuhten* oðer of feir elde and biðe weie ase heo geð . go singinde hire beoden . 100 ne ne holde heo nout none tale mid mon ne mid wummon . ne ne sitte ne ne stonde bute þet leste þet heo mei er þen heo kume hom. nouhwuder elles ne go heo; bute þider ase me sent hire. wið ute leaue : ne ete heo ne ne drinke ute. þe oðer beo euer inne . ne wið ute þe ȝeate ne go heo nout wið ute leaue. boðe beon obedient to hore 105 dame in alle þinges; bute ine sūnne one.

102. After mei erasure of one letter.

97. Anker || þe C || naues || nawt | naut C || neh hond | nech hont C || fode B || beos || bisi || twa wimmen B
98. an B || þe C || leaue eauer with erasure of two letters before || eauer leaue C || at hame | ed hame C || þe C
99. hwen B || ned driues | neod driueð C || tat
100. of om. || feiȝer C || ealde B || and om. B || wei || as B || ho Gas | ha geað C || Ga B || seiende | segginde C || beodes
101. Ni ne || halde B || heo nout om. B || na | nan C || wið B || wið B || ni sitte ne stonde | Ne sitten ne stonden C
102. þe B || leaste || ho | ha C || ear B || þenne C || ho | ha C || ham cume B
103. Nohwider | Nochwder C || ga B || heo om. || ha C || as B || mon sendes
104. eote C || ho | ha C || eauer B
105. ȝate | ȝete C || ga B || heo om. | ha C || nout om. B || Baðe | ba C || hare C
106. þing B || in B || ane B

no þing nabben heo; þet hore dame hit nute . ne ne underuon no þing . ne ne ȝiuen wið uten hire leaue. Nenne mon ne leten heo in . ne ðe ȝungre ne speke mid none monne : bute leaue . ne ne go nout ut of tune . wið uten siker uere . ne ne ligge ute. ȝif heo ne con o boke : sigge bi pater nostres 110 and bi auez hire vres . and wurche þet me hat hire wið uten gruc|chunge. habbe euer hire earen opene touward hire dame. nouðer of ðe wummen ne beren urom hore dame . ne ne bringen to hire . none idele talen : ne neowe tiþinges . ne bitweonen ham sulf ne singen . ne ne speken none worldliche spechen . ne lauhwen ne ne pleien so ðet 115 ei mon þet hit iseie . muhte [f. 118 v] hit to v`u´el turnen. ouer alle þing leasunge and luðere wordes . hatien. Hore her beo i koruen .

106. Na | Nan C || heo om.
107. ho | heo C for hore dame || ni vnderfo | Ne underuo C || na | nan C || ȝiue | ȝeouen C || add nowðer | nouðer C
108. leue || Na | Nan C || heo om. B || ni || ðe ȝungre om. C || speoken C || mid none monne om. C || wið na wepmon
109. wið ute B || leue || Ne ga B || noht | naut C
110. fere B || ȝef C || ho | ha C || on C || segge B
111. auees C || wurche ⁊ do hwat C || mon bides || wið ute || grucchinge B
112. eauer B || eares || toward | towart C || lafdi || Nowðer
113. of þe wummen om. C || of þe familiers ne beo fram hire lafdi ni ni bringe nowðer || ne beore ne ne bringe to heore dame C || none om. B
114. tales || newe || tidinges C || bitwenen B || self | seolf C || ne ne singen C || ni ne speken | ne ne speoken ham seolf C
115. none om. C || nane speches || lahhen swa ne pleien þ̵ | lachȝen swa ne pleiȝen þ̵ C
116. ani || sehe | sechȝe C || mihte | machte C || hit om. C || turnen hit
117. þinge || leasinges | leasing C || uuele C || hare C || beon C || icoruen B

hore heuedcloð sitte lowe. eiðer ligge one. Hore hesmel beo heie istihd; al wið ute broche. no mon ne i seo ham unweawed . ne open heaued. *Inwið þe wanes ha muhe werie scapeloris hwen mantel 120 ham heuegeð . ute; gan i mantlet þe heauet i hudeket.* louh lokunge habben. heo ne schulen cussen nenne mon .* ne cuð mon ne cunes mon . ne for nan cuððe cluppen* ne uor luue cluppen . ne kuð ne unkuð . ne wasshen hore heaued . ne loken ueste o none monne . ne toggen mid him; ne pleien. hore weaden beon of swuche scheape 125 ⁊ alle hore aturn swuch; þet hit beo eðcene hwarto heo beoð i turnde. hore lates loken warliche . þet non ne edwite ham ne ine huse ne ut of huse.

122. cuð corr. out of enð.

118. hore ... i hudeket om. || hare C || clað C || lachȝe C || ane C || hare cop beo hechȝe isticched C
119. al om. C || na C || seo C || unlepped C
121. Lah lokinge | Lach locunge C
122. Eiðer ligge ane add. || ho | ha C || schulen om. C || schule || cusse B || na | nan C || cunnes
123. ni || na || ne uor ... unkuð om. B
124. ne ... heaued om. | nene weschen hare C || Ni || loke B || faste || o na | on an C || mon B
125. toggle | toggi C || wið B || him om. B || pleiȝen C || Hare B || wede | weden C || beo || swuch | swich C || schape B
126. al || ⁊ of swic aturn þ̵ `hit´ C || eðscene | edsene C || hwerto B || ho | ha C || beon B
127. Hare B || werliche C || nan B || etwite over wite del. C || ne om. B || in hus B
128. hus

on alle wise uorberen to wreððen hore dame . and ase ofte ase heo hit doð er heo drinken oðer eten . makien hore uenie akneon adun to þer eorðe biuoren hire : ⁊ sigge mea culpa . and underuon 130 ðe penitence : ðet heo leið upon hire lutende hire louwe. þe ancre neuer more þer efter þene ilke gult ne upb[r]eide hire : uor none wreððe . bute ȝif heo eft sone ualle iðet ilke . auh do hit allunge ut of hire heorte. and ȝif eni strif ariseð bitweonen ðe wummen; ðe ancre makie eiðer of ham to makien oðer venie akneon to ðer eorðe . and 135 eiðer rihte up oðer : ⁊ kussen ham on ende . and þe ancre legge on eiðer sum penitence. More upon þeo ilke : ðet gretluker haueð agult.

128. forbeoren B || wradðen | wraððen C || hare C || as B
129. as B || ho | ha C || don || ear || ho | ha C || eoten C || Maken C || hire B || o cneos | acneon C
130. dun || to þer eorðe om. B || bifore | biforen C || seggen B || vnder fo
131. penitance C || ho | ha C || leis || ham B || lutinde C || lahe | lachȝe C || anker
132. þilke gult neauer mare þr after | þer efter neauer mare þilke gult C || hire om. B || for B || na | nan C
133. wraððe B || ȝef C || ho | ha C || sones falle B || i þat ilke | i þilke C || Ah | Ach C
134. and om. B || ȝef C || ani B || rises || bitwenen ham utewið; | bitwene þe wimmen C || þe anker
135. make B || of ham om. B || make B || þe oðer C || o cneos | o cneon C || dun to þe | to þe C
136. richte C || cussen on B || te anker leie
137. penitance C || Mare B || up o þ̵ ilke | up on þilke C || þe C || greatluker || gulte B

þis is o þing wute `ȝe´ [f. 119 r] wel to soðe ðet is gode leouest; seih[t]nesse ⁊ some. ⁊ þe ueonde loðest. and for þi he is euer umbe to arearen sume wreððe. nu isihð ðe deouel wel ðet hwon þet fur 140 is wel o brune . ⁊ me wule ðet hit go ut : me sundreð ðe brondes . and he deð `also´ onond þet ilke. luue is ihesu cristes fur þet he wule ðet blasie in vre heorte . and þe deouel bloweð forto puffen hit ut . and hwon his blowinge ne geineð nout : þeonne bringeð he up sum luðer word . oðer sum oþer nouhtunge : hwar þuruh heo to hurteð eiðer 145 urommard oðer; and þe holi gostes fur; acwencheð hwon ðe brondes þuruh wreððe; beoð i sundred. and for þi holden ham ine luue ueste to gederes .

138. ȝe added in margin.

138. is om. C || a | an C || witen B || ho | ha C || to soðe om. B || godd | god C || leuest
139. sahtnesse | sachtnesse C || somentale || te feond | þe feont C || laðest B || and om. B || eauer umben B
140. reare | arere C || sum laððe B || seos | sið C || te swike | þe sweoke C || hwen fur B
141. onbrune C || mon wile || Ga B || mon sundres te || brendes C
142. dos hond to þ̵ ilke | deð þ̵ ilke C || fuir || wile
143. owre || te || blawes | blaweð C
144. and om. B || hwen B || blast | blawunge C || Geines || nawt | naut C || þeonne om. B || he bringes | he bringeð C
145. luðer om. || hwat | nochtunge C || hwer B || þurh | þurch C || ho | ha C || hurren B
146. framward | frommart C || te || hali gastes B || cwenches | cwencheð C || hwen
147. þurh | þurch C || wraððe B || beon isundret || and om. B || halde | halden C || iluue | inluue C || faste | feste C

and ne beo ham nout of; hwon ðe ueond blowe . and nomeliche ȝif monie beoð i ueied somed; and wel mid luue ontende. Þauh ðe ancre on hire meidenes uor openliche gultes . legge penitence 150 neuer ðe later to ðe preoste schriuen ham ofte . auh euer þauh mid leaue. and ȝif heo ne kunnen nout ðe mete graces : siggen in hore stude; pater . noster . ⁊ aue maria biuoren mete . and efter mete also . ⁊ credo moare . and siggen þus on ende . veder ⁊ sune ⁊ holi gost . ⁊ on almihti god; he ȝiue ure dame his grace; so lengre so more . 155 ⁊ leue hire ⁊ us boðe nimen god endinge . ⁊ forȝelde alle ðet us god doð . ⁊ milce hore soulen : þet us god i don habbeð . hore soulen ⁊ alle cristene soulen. amen.

148. nawt | naut C || hwen B || feond | feont C || blawe B || and om. B
149. nomeli || ȝef C || beon B || ifest to Gedere || iueiȝet somet C || wel om. || wið B || ontendet
150. Þah | þach C || þe om. || anker || seruanz || for B || Giltes || leie || penitance C
151. to preost no ðe latere | to þe preost no ðe latere C || Ah | Ach C || eauer B || þah | þach C || wið B
152. and om. B || ȝef C || ho | ha C || cunen noht | cunne naut C || te || seggen B || hare C
153. studen C || Pater noster biforen | pater noster biuoren C || maria. After mete alswa | marie. efter mete alse C
154. a crede C || mare B || seggen | segge C || fader sune B || ⁊ om. || hali gast B
155. ⁊ om. B || an B || almichtin C || godd || he om. B || ȝeoue C || lauedi || se B || se mare B
156. baðe | ba C || nime | neome C || ende B || ⁊ om. B || þe C
157. don || heore C || sawle | saule C || ⁊ þ̵ us | þe us C || hauen || hore soulen om. C || sawle
158. sawle | saule C || amen om. B

Bitweonen mele ne gruselie ȝe nout . nouðer frut; `ne´ oðerhwat . ne `ne´ drinken wið uten leaue . [f. 119 v] auh þe leaue beo liht in alle þeo þinges; þer nis sunne. Ette mete 160 no word . oðer lut . ⁊ þeo beon stille. also efter ðe ancre cumplie uort midmorwen . ne don no þing . ne ne siggen . hwar þuruh hire silence muwe beon i sturbed. non ancre seruant ne ouhte mid rihte uorto asken i sette huire; bute mete ⁊ cloð : þet heo mei vlutten bi . ⁊ godes milce. ne mis leue non god; hwat so bitide of ðe ancre : 165 þet he hire trukie. Þe meidenes wið uten ȝif heo serueð ðe ancre also ase heo owen; hore hure schal beon ðe eche blisse of heouene. hwo so haueð eie hope touward so heie hure : gledliche wule heo seruen ⁊ lihtliche alle wo and alle teone þolien. Mid eise ne mid este; ne kumeð me nout toþer heouene. 170

158. Bitwene B || meal | mel C || gruse | gruuesi C || ȝe om. C || nawt | naut C
159. nowðer | nouðer C || fruit || oðer hwet C || ni | ne C || drinke || bute B
160. ⁊ te | ⁊ þe C || licht C || al þ̵ nis B || At te | ed þe C || na | nan C
161. ⁊ ta stille | ⁊ þeo stille C || Alswa B || after ancres B || aðet prime | oðet prime C
162. ni do þing ne segge | ne don nan þing ne seggen C || hwer þurh | hwar þurch C
163. muhe | muȝe C || beo desturbet | beon to sturbed C || Nan B || ancres seruante || ah | achte C || bi B
164. richte C || to B || iset hure B || ant C || clað B || ho | ha C || mai || flutte B
165. nan B || godd || hwet C || se tide B || anker
166. over trukie faile C || þeo þ̵ arn wið uten || meidnes C || ȝef C || ho | ha C || seruen | seruið C || anker
167. alswa as B || hom ahen | ha achȝen C || hare C || beo
168. Hwa se B || haues || ehe of | eȝe of C || toward | towart C || se B || heh | hech C || gladli wile || ho | ha C || seruin C
169. lichtliche C || wa B || tene || wið B || este ne C || wið B || eise C
170. bueð mon nawt blisse | buð me naut blisse C

Ȝe ancren owen þis lutle laste stucchen reden to our wummen eueriche wike enes uort ðet heo hit kunnen. and muche neod is ou beoðe : ðet ȝe nimen to ham gode ȝeme . vor ȝe muwen muchel þuruh ham beon i goded. and i wursed on oðer halue. ȝif heo sunegeð þuruh ower ȝemeleaste; ȝe schulen beon bicleoped þer of biuoren þe 175 heie demare . and for þi ase ou is muche neod . ⁊ ham is ȝete more; ȝeorneliche techeð ham to holden hore riulen .

173. After gode ḍẹ MS.

171. ancres B || ahen | achȝe C || laste lutle B || stucche | stuche C || rede || owre | ower C || seruanz
172. euche | uche C || eanes B || til þ̵ ho | oðet `til´ ha C || cunnen B || ned || is þ̵ ȝe B
173. neomen C || to ham nimen || god || muche C || for B || muhen | mughe C || muchel om. C || muche || þurh B
174. hom beo || igodet B || wursnet. | iwurset. C || On B || half B || ȝef C || ho | ha C || suneheþ | sungeð C
175. þurh | þurch C || owre || ȝemeles | ȝemeles`chipe´ C || schule beo bicleopet || þrof | þref C || bifore | biforen C
176. hehe | hechȝe C || deme | dom C || and om. B || as B || ow B || ned || hom | heom C || is om. B || ȝette | ȝet C || mare B
177. ȝeornliche || leares | leareð C || halden hare B || riwle | riuwlen C

boðe uor ou : ⁊ for ham suluen . liðeliche þauh ⁊ luueliche; uor swuch ouh wummone lore to beon . luuelich and liðe and seldwhonne sturne. Boðe hit is riht þet heo ou [f. 120 r] dreden ⁊ luuien . auh þet ðer beo . more euer 180 of luue : þen of drede. þeonne schal hit wel uaren. Me schal helden eoli and win beoðe i ne wunden, efter godere lore . auh more of þe softe eolie; þen of þe bitinde wine . þet is . more of liðe wordes : þen of suwinde . vor þerof kumeð þinge best; þet is luue eie. lihtliche ⁊ sweteliche uorȝiueð ham hore gultes : hwon heo ham iknoweð and 185 bihoteð bote.

177. baðe | ba`þe´ C || for ow B
178. seolf B || þauh om. B || luuelice C || for B || swich C || ah | ach C || wummones lare B || of religiun add.
179. second and om. C || seldscene | selthwenne C || Baðe | ba`þe´ C || hit om. B || richt C
180. ho | he corr. out of ha C || ow B || ah | ach C || ter || eauer mare | mare eauer C
181. of þe || þenne B || faren B || Mon || heolde
182. baðe | ba C || in B || wundes | wundesi erasure of two letters C || after || godes lare B || Ah | Ach C || mare B || þe om. B
183. eoli B || þenne C || þe om. B || bitende || win B || ma | ma`re´ C || þenne C
184. suhiende | sturne C || for B || cumes | kimeð C || Lichtliche C
185. swetelich || for ȝiues | forȝeoueð C || hare C || hwen B || ho | ha C || arn cnawe | icnaweð C
186. bihaten | bihateð

Se uorð ase ȝe muwen of drunch and of mete and of cloð and of oðer þinges þet neode of fleshe askeð : beoð large touward ham : þauh ȝe ðe neruwure beon and te herdure to ou suluen . vor so deð þe wel bloweð . went þene neruwure ende of þe horne to his owune 190 muðe . ⁊ utward þene wide. and ȝe don also . ase ȝe wulleð þet ower beoden bemen ⁊ dreamen wel : ine drihtenes earen . and nout one to ower ones; auh to alle uolkes heale . ase ure louerd leue þuruh ðe grace of himsulf . þet hit so mote beon. amen.

187. Ase | Alse C || forð as B || muhen | muȝen C || baðe add. || drinch || of drunch and om. C || and after mete om. || claðes B
188. oðre C || þing || ned || flesch | fles C || askes || beos || toward B
189. þah | þach C || ðe om. B || narewe beon ⁊ harde to ow seoluen B || vor om. || `for´ C || Swa | swa C || dos
190. þ̵ || blawes | blaweð C || wendes || te | þe C || narewe || ende om. || `ende´ C || horn B || toward || ahne | achne C
191. muð B || te | þe C || do alswa as B || wiln | wullet C || owre beodes
192. bemen wel ⁊ B || i drihtines | in drichtines C || eare || and om. B || Nawt | naut C || ane B
193. owre || anres | a`u´nes C || Ah | ach C || folkes B || as B || lauerd B || þurh | þurch C
194. himself | him seolf C || swa mote B || beon. amen om. B

O  þisse boc redeð eueriche deie : hwon ȝe beoð eise . eueriche deie 195 lesse oðer more. uor ich hopie þet hit schal beon ou ȝif ȝe hit redeð ofte : swuðe biheue þuruh godes grace . and elles ich heuede vuele bitowen muchel of mine hwule. God hit wot me were leouere uorto don me touward rome; þen uorto biginnen hit eft forto donne. and ȝif ȝe iuindeð þet ȝe doð also ase ȝe redeð; þonkeð god ȝeorne . 200 and ȝif ȝe ne doð nout; biddeð godes ore . [f. 120 v] and beoð umbe þer abuten : þet ȝe hit bet hol holden : efter ower mihte. Veder and sune and holi gost . and on almihti god : he wite ou in his warde. he gledie ou and froure ou; mine leoue sustren. and for al þet ȝe uor him drieð and suffreð . he ne ȝiue ou neuer lesse huire þen 205 alto gedere him suluen. he beo euer i heid from worlde to worlde . euer on ecchenesse. amen.

195. Of C || þis B || redes || eueriche deie om. B || hwen B || arn || aise C || euche dai | uchedei C
196. mare B || uor om. B || þet om. || ow B || ȝef C
197. hit add. B || reden || swiðe B || biheoue || þurh B || `godes´ C || and om. B || hafde | hefde C
198. bitohen | bitochȝen uuele C || muche hwile B || God ... wot om. B || leuere | leoure C || deu le set add. B
199. to do B || toward | towart C || for to | for te C
200. and om. B || ȝef C || finden | findeð C || don alswa as B || reden. þonkes godd
201. and om. B || ȝef C || don || nawt | naut C || biddes godd || are B || beos || umben B
202. þer onuuen | þer an ouen C || hit bettere halden | hit halden C || after owre mihte | efter ower michte C || Fader sune. haligast an B
203. almichti C || godd || he om. B || ow B
204. gladie || ow B || frouri C || ow B || leue sustre
205. for B || drehen oðer drehden | dreȝeð ⁊ dreiȝeð C || he om. B || ni ȝiue | Ne ȝeoue C || ow B || neauer B || lasse || hure C
206. seluen | seoluen C || Beo he B || ai ihehet | eauer ihechȝet C || fram || into B
207. a on ecnesse | `a on echnesse´ C

ase ofte ase ȝe readeð out o þisse boc; greteð þe lefdi mid one aue marie uor him ðet makede þeos riwle . and for him þet hire wrot and swonc her abuten. Inouh meðful ich am; þet bidde so lutel. 210

208. As C | as B || hauen red | habbeð ired C || oht o þis boc | eawet þron C || Gretes ure || lauedi | lafdi C || wið an B
209. marie om. B || for B || þ̵ swanc her abuten. | þe swong her abuten. C
210. Inouh ... lutel om. || `Jnoh meðful ic am þe bidde se lutel´ C

IX. ANCRENE WISSE (Parallel Texts)
A. The Seven Deadly Sins

A (Corpus MS.)
A (Caius MS.)

B (Corpus MS.)
B (Cotton MSS.)

B (Parallel Texts)

(Corpus MS.)

(Caius MS.)

Þvs mine leoue sustren iþe wildernesse þer ȝe gað; in · wið godes folc toward ierusalemes lond · þ̵ is þe riche of heouene; beoð þulliche beastes · þulliche wurmes. ne nat ich na sunne þ̵ ne mei beon ilead oðer to an of ham seouene; oðer to hare streones. vnsteaðeluest bileaue aȝein godes lare · nis hit te spece 5 of prude inobedience? Herto falleð sygaldren · false teolunges · lefunge o swefne · o nore · ⁊ on alle wicchecreftes. Neomunge of husel in eani heaued sunne · oðer ei oþer sacrement nis hit te spece of prude þ̵ ich cleopede presumptio · ȝef me wat hwuch sunne hit · is · ȝef me hit nat nawt · þenne is hit ȝemeles under 10 accidie · þ̵ ich slawðe cleopede. þe ne warneð oðer of his uuel oðer of his biȝete · nis hit slaw ȝemeles oðer attri onde? teoheði mis · edhalden cwide · fundles oðer lane · oðer þerwið mis fearen · nis hit spece of ȝisceunge; ⁊ aneS cunnes þeofðe? Edhalden oðres hure ouer his rihte terme nis hit strong reaflac hwa se ȝelden hit mei þe is 15 under ȝisceunge? Ȝef me ȝemeð wurse ei þing ileanet · oðer bitaht to witene · þen he wene þe ah hit · nis hit oðer triccherie · oðer ȝemeles of slawðe? alswa is dusi heast oðer folliche ipliht trowðe · longe beon unbischpet · falsliche gan to schrift · oðer to longe abiden · ne teache pater noster godchild ne Credo · þeos ⁊ alle þulliche beoð ilead to 20 slawðe · þ̵ is þe feorðe moder of þe seoue sunnen. Þe dronc drunch oðer ei þing dude · hwer þurh na child ne schulde beon on hire istreonet · oðer þ̵ istreonede schulde forwurðen · nis þis strong monslaht of galnesse awakenet? Alle sunnen sunderliche bi hare nomeliche nomen ne mahte namon rikenin · ah i þeo þe ich habbe 25 iseid; alle oþre beoð bilokene. Ant nis ich wene namon þe ne mei understonden him of his sunne nomeliche under sum of þe ilke imeane þe beoð her iwritene.

[Þ]us mine leoue frend iþe wildernesse þat ge gat in wid godes folc toward ierusalemes londe þat is þe riche of heouene; beod þulliche bestes þulliche wurmes · Ne nat ich nan sunne þat ne mai beon ilad · oþer to an of ham seoluen oþer to hare streones · vnstaþelfast bi leaue · agein hali lare · nis hit of 5 prude inobedience? Herto falled sigaldren · false teolunges · Lefunge o nore. o swefne ⁊ alle wicchecraftes. Neominge of husel in ei heaued sunne · oþer ai oþer sacrement · nis hit spece of prude; þat ich cleopede presumpciun · gif me wat hwat sunne hit is. Gif me hit nat naut; þenne is hit gemeles vnder accidie · þat ich slouþe cleopede. 10 þe þat ne warned oþer of his uuel · oþer of his bigete · nis hit slaþ gemeles oþer attri onde? To thehewen mis · et halden cwude · fundes oþer lane · nis þis giscunge; þeofþe. at halden oþeres hure ouer his richte terme · nis hit strong reflac. þat is under gissunge; gif me gemed wurse ai þing ilened · oþer bitahted te witene þen 15 he wene þat hit ah · nis oþer tricherie · oþer gemeles of slauþe. Alswa is dusi hest · oþer folliche iplicht trouþe Longe beon un bischbed · falsliche gan to schrifte · oþer to longe abiden · Ne teachen god child pater noster · Ne Credo · þeos ⁊ alle þulliche · beod ilad to slauþe · þat is þe feorþe moder of þe seoue sunnen · þeo dronc druch 20 oþer ai þing dude hwer þurh na child ne shulde beon on hire istreoned · oþer þat istreonede shulde for wurþen; Nis þis strong monslaht of galnasse awakened; Alle sunnen sunderliche bi hare nomeliche nome ne mahte na mon rikenen. Ah iþeo þat ich habbe iseid; alle oþere beod bilokene. An nis ich wene namon þat ne mai 25 under stonden him of his sunnen nomeliche wnder summe of þe ilke þat imene; þe beod þer i writene.

Of þeose seoue beastes ⁊ of hare streones i wildernesse of anlich lif · is iseid herto · þe alle þe forfearinde fondið to fordonne. Þe liun of prude sleað alle þe prude · 30 alle þe beoð hehe ⁊ ouerhohe iheortet. Þe attri neddre · þe ontfule ⁊ te luðere iþonket. Wreaðfule; þe vnicorne. Alswa of þe oþre o rawe. to godd ha beoð isleine · ah ha libbeð to þe feond · ⁊ beoð alle in his hond. ⁊ seruið him in his curt euch of þe meoster þe him to falleð. 35

[O]f þeos sewe beastes ⁊ of hare strenes iwildernesse of anlich lif is iseid hiderto þe alle þe forfarinde fondet te fordonne. þe Leon of prude slead alle þe prude. Alle þat beod 30 hehe ⁊ for hehe iheorted. þe aetri neddre; þe ond fule. ⁊ þe luþere iþonked. wredfule þe unicorne. Al swa of þen oþer areawe. to god ha beod isleine · Ah ha libbed to þe feond ⁊ beod alle in is hird · ⁊ serued him in his curt · Euch of þe mester þet him to falleð.

Þe prude beoð his bemeres · draheð wind inward wið worltlich hereword · ⁊ eft wið idel ȝelp puffeð hit ut ward as þe bemeres doð · makieð noise ⁊ lud dream to schawin hare orhel · ah ȝef ha wel þohten of godes bemeres of þe englene bemen þe schulen o fowr half þe world biuore þe grurefule dom grisliche blawen · Ariseð 40 deade ariseð cumeð to drihtines dom forte beon idemet · þear na prud bemere, ne schal beon iborhen · ȝef ha þohten þis wel; ha walden inohreaðe i þe deofles seruise dimlukeR bemin. Of þeose bemeres seið Jeremie · Onager solitarius in desiderio anime sue attraxit uentum amoris sui · Of þe wind drahinde in for luue 45 of hereword seið as ich seide.

[Þ]E prude beod his bemeres · Drahed wind inward · of worldlich 35 hereword · ⁊ eft wid idel ige`l´p puffed hit utward · as þe bemares dod. Makied noise ⁊ lud drem to shawen hare prude. Ah gif ha uel þothten · of godes bemeres of þe englene bemen · þat shulen afour half þe word · bi fore þe grurefule dom grisliche blawen · Arised deade arised · Cumed to drichtines domes for to beon idemed · þer na prud 40 bemere ne shal beon iboregen · Gif ha þohten wel þis · ha walden inoh raþe iþe deoueles seruise dimluker bemen. Of þeose bemeres sei`d´ Jeremie · Onager solitarius in desiderio suo attraxit uentum amoris sui · Of þe wind drahinde in for luue of hereword; seid as ich seide. 45

Summe iuglurs beoð þe ne cunnen seruin of nan oþer gleo bute makien cheres · wrenche þe muð mis · schulen wið ehnen. Of þis meoster seruið þe unseli ontfule i þe deofles curt · to bringen o lahtre hare ondfule lauerd · ȝef ei seið wel oðer deð wel; ne mahen 50 ha nanes weis lokin þider wið riht ehe of god heorte · ah winkið o þ̵ half ⁊ bihaldeð o luft ȝef þer is eawt to edwiten · oðer ladliche þiderward schuleð mið eiðer. Hwen ha ihereð þ̵ god; skleatteð þe earen adun · ah þe lust aȝein þ̵ uuel; is eauer wid open · þenne he wrencheð þe muð; hwen he turneð god to uuel · ⁊ ȝef hit is sumdel 55 uuel · þurh mare lastunge wrencheð hit to wurse · þeos beoð forecwidderes hare ahne prophetes · þeos bodieð · biuoren hu þe eateliche deoflen schulen ȝet ageasten ham wið hare grennunge · ⁊ hu ha schulen ham seolf grennin ⁊ niuelin ⁊ makien sur semblant for þe muchele angoise i þe pine of helle. Ah for þi ha 60 beoð þe leasse to meanen þ̵ ha biuoren hond leornið hare meoster to makien grim chere.

[S]umme iugelurs beod þe ne cunen seruin of nan oþer gleo buten maken cheres · wrenchen þe mud mis shuli wid þe ehnen. of þis mester seruid þe unseli eon`d´fule iþe deoueles curt · to bringen a lahtre hare on`d´fule leouerð. gef ei ded wel oþer seid wel; ne mahen ha nanes weis liki þiderwarð wid richt ehe of god heorte · Ah 50 winked o þet half ⁊ bi halded a luft gif þer is out to et wite oþer; ladliche þiderward shuled mid eiþer. hwen ha ihered þat god skletteð þe earen adun · Ah þe lust a gein þet uuel is ea wid opene. þenne wrenched þe mud mis; hwen he turned þet god to uuel · ⁊ gef hit is sumdel uuel; þurh more lastunge wrenched hit to 55 wurse. þeos beod for quiddares hare ahne prophetes. þeos bodied biuoren hu þe ateliche deouelen shulen get agastan ham wid hare grennunge · ⁊ hu ha shulen ham seolf grennen ⁊ niwelen · ⁊ makien sur semblant · for þe muchele angoise iþe pine of helle. Ah forþi ha beod þe lesse te meanen · þat ha bi foren hont leorned ha meoster te 60 makien grim chere.

Þe wreaðule biuore þe feond skirmeð mid cniues · ⁊ is his cnif warpere · ⁊ pleieð mid sweordes · bereð ham bi þe scharp ord up on his tunge. Sweord ⁊ cnif eiðer beoð scharpe ⁊ keoruinde word 65 þ̵ he warpeð from him ⁊ skirmeð toward oþre · ⁊ he bodeð hu þe deoflen schulen pleien wið him mid hare scharpe eawles · skirmi wið him abuten ⁊ dusten ase pilche clut euch toward oðer · ant wið helle sweordes asneasen him þurh ut · þ̵ beoð kene ant eateliche ant keoruinde pineN. 70

[Þ]E wreadfule biuoren þe feond skirmed mid kniwes · is his knif warpare · ⁊ pleied mid sweordes · bered ham bi þe sharpe ord open his tunge. swerd ⁊ knif eiþer beoð sherpe ⁊ keorwinde : word þat he warped from him ⁊ skirmed toward oþere. And he boded hu 65 þe deouelen shulen pleien wid him · mid hare sharpe eawles · Skirmin wid him abuten · ⁊ dusten as a pilche clut · Euch toward oþere · ⁊ wid helle sweordes asnesen þurh ut þat beod kene ⁊ eateliche keorwinde pinen.

Þe slawe lið ⁊ slepeð o þe deofles bearm as his deore deorling · ⁊ te deouel leið his tutel dun to his eare · ⁊ tuteleð him al þ̵ he wule. for swa hit is sikerliche to hwam se is idel of god; meaðeleð þe feond ȝeorne · ⁊ te idele underueð luueliche his lare. Jdel ⁊ ȝemeles is þes deofleS bearnes slep · ah he schal o domesdei grimliche abreiden 75 wið þe dredfule dream of þe englene bemen · ⁊ in helle wontreaðe echeliche wakieN. Surgite aiunt mortui surgite ⁊ uenite ad iudicium saluatoriS.

[Þ]E slauwe lid ⁊ sleped oþe deoules barm as his deore deorling · ⁊ 70 þe deouel leid his tutel dun to his earen · ⁊ tutelid him al þat he eawer uule. for swa hit is sikerliche to hwam se is idel of god · Meaþeled þe feond georne. ⁊ þe idele underweng luueliche his lare · Idel ⁊ gemeles is þes deoueles bernes slep · Ah he shal a domes dai grimliche abreiden · wid þe dredfule drem of þe englene bemen · ⁊ in 75 helle wondrede etheliche wakien · Surgite mortui qui jacetis in sepulcris · surgite ⁊ venite ad Judicium saluatoris.

Þe ȝiscere is his eskibah · feareð abuten esken · ⁊ bisiliche stureð him to rukelin to gederes muchele ⁊ monie ruken · blaweð þrin 80 ⁊ blent him seolf · peaðereð ⁊ makeð þrin figures of augrim · as þes rikeneres doð þe habbeð muche to rikenin. Þis is al þe canges blisse ⁊ te feond bihalt tis gomen ⁊ laheð þ̵ he bersteð. Wel un derstont euch wis mon þ̵ gold ba ⁊ seoluer · ⁊ euch eorðlich ahte · nis bute eorðe ⁊ ahte esken þe ablendeð euch moN þe ham in blaweð · þ̵ 85 is þe bolheð him þurh ham in heorte prude. Ant al þ̵ he rukeleð ⁊ gedereð to gederes · ⁊ ethalt of ei þing þ̵ nis bute esken mare þen hit neodeð; schal in helle wurðen him tadden ⁊ neddren · ⁊ ba as ysaie seið · schulen beon of wurmes; his cuuertur ⁊ his hwitel · þe nalde þerwið neodfule feden ne schruden. Subter te sternetur 90 tinea ⁊ operimentum tuum uermiS.

[Þ]E gissere is his eskebah · fared abuten esken · ⁊ bisiliche stured him te rukelen te gederes · muchele ⁊ monie ruken · blawed þer in · ⁊ blend him seolf · paþered ⁊ maked þer in figures of 80 augrim · As þeos rich`k´eneres dod þat habbed muche te rikenen. þis is þes kanges blisse · ⁊ þe feond bi hald þis gomen · ⁊ lahed þat he bersteð. wel under stonde þis euch mon · þat gold ba ⁊ seoluer · ⁊ euch worldlich ahte · nis buten eorðe ⁊ esken þat ablent euchmon þat in ham blaweð · þat is þat þat bolehed ham þurh ham in heorte 85 prude. And al þat he rukeled ⁊ gedered to gedere · ⁊ ethalt of ani þing þat nis buten esken mare þen hit neodeð; shal in helle wurden him tadden ⁊ neddren · ⁊ ba as ysaie seið shulen beon of wurmes his cuuertur ⁊ his `þ´witel þat neolden war wið neodfule feden ⁊ shruden. Subter te sternetur tinea ⁊ operimentum tuum 90 uermis.

Þe ȝiuere glutun is þe feondes manciple · ah he stikeð eauer iceler oðer icuchene · his heorte is i þe disscheS · his þoht al i þe neppes · his lif i þe tunne · his sawle i þe crohhe · Kimeð biuoren his lauerd bismuddet ⁊ bismulret · a disch in his an hond · a scale in his 95 oðer. Meaðeleð mis wordes · wigleð as fordrunke mon þe haueð imunt to fallen · bihalt his greate wombe · ⁊ te deouel lahheð. Þeose þreatið þus godd þurh ysaie · Serui mei comedent ⁊ uos esurietis ⁊ c’. Mine men schulen eoten ⁊ ow schal eauer hungrin · ⁊ ȝe schule beon feorle world buten ende. Quantum glorificauit se ⁊ in deliciis 100 fuit; tantum date illi tormentum ⁊ luctum · In apocalipsi · Contra unum poculum quod miscuit miscete ei duo. Ȝef þe kealche cuppe wallinde bres to drinken · Ȝeot in his wide þrote þ̵ he swelte inwið. aȝein an ȝef him twa. þullich is godes dom aȝein ȝiuere ⁊ druncwile iþe apocalipse. 105

[Þ]e giuere glutun is þes deoules manciple · Ah he stiked eauer iceler oþer icuche ne · his heorte is iþe dishes · his þoht al iþe nappes · his lif iþe tunne · his saule iþe crohhe · kimed bi woren his lauert bi smudded ⁊ bi smured · A dich in his an hond · A scale in 95 his oþer · Meadeled mis wordes wigeled as for drunken · mon þat haued mint to fallen · bi halt his greate wombe. ⁊ þe deouel lahheð. þeos þreated þus god þurh ysaie · Serui mei commedent ⁊ uos esurietis ⁊ c’. Mine men shulen eoten · ⁊ ow shal eawer hungren · ⁊ ge shulen beon feondes fode world buten ende. Quantum gl[ori]ficauit 100 se ⁊ in deliciis fuit; tantum date illi tormentum ⁊ luctum · Apocalipsis · Contra unum quod miscuit date illi duo · gef þen kelche cuppe wallinde bras te drinken · geot in his wide þrote · þat he swelte in wið. agein gef him twa. þullich is godes dom agein giwere ⁊ druncwile iþe apocalipse. 105

ANCRENE WISSE (Parallel Texts)
B. The Outer Rule

A (Corpus MS.)
A (Caius MS.)

B (Corpus MS.)
B (Cotton MSS.)

A (Parallel Texts)

(Corpus MS.)

(Cotton MS. Nero)

Ȝe mine leoue sustren bute ȝef neod ow driue ⁊ ower meistre hit reade · ne schulen habbe na beast bute cat ane. Ancre þe haueð ahte · þuncheð bet husewif ase Marthe wes · ne lihtliche ne mei ha nawt beo Marie marthe suster wið griðfullnesse of heorte. for þenne mot ha þenchen of þe kues foddre · of heorde 5 monne hure · Olhnin þe heiward · wearien hwen he punt hire · ⁊ ȝelden þah þe hearmes. ladlich þing is hit wat crist hwen me makeð i tune man of ancre ahte. Nu þenne ȝef eani mot nedlunge habben hit · loki þ̵ hit namon ne eili ne ne hearmi · ne þ̵ hire þoht ne beo nawiht þron ifestnet. ancre ne ah to habben na þing þ̵ utward drahe hire 10 heorte. Na chaffere ne driue ȝe · ancre þ̵ is chepilt · þ̵ is · buð forte sullen efter biȝete · ha chepeð hire sawle þe chapmon of helle. þing þah þ̵ ha wurcheð ha mei þurh hire meistres read; for hire neode sullen · hali men sumhwile liueden bi hare honden.

Ȝe mine leoue sustren *bute ȝef neod ow driue* ne schulen habben no best . bute kat one. ancre þet haueð eihte þuncheð bet husewif ase marthe was . þen ancre . ne none weis ne mei heo beon marie . *marthe suster * mid griðfulnesse of heorte. Vor þeonne mot heo þenchen of þe kues foddre and of 5 heordemonne huire . oluhnen þene heiward . warien hwon me punt hire ⁊ ȝelden þauh ðe hermes. wat crist þis is lodlich þing . hwon me makeð mone in tune of ancre eihte. Þauh ȝif eni mot nede habben ku : loke ðet heo none monne ne eilie : ne ne hermie . ne þet hire þouht ne beo nout þeron i uestned. ancre ne ouh nout 10 to habben no þing þet drawe utward hire heorte. none cheffare ne driue ȝe. ancre þet is cheapild .* þe buð for te sullen efter biȝete * heo cheapeð hire soule : þe chepmon of helle. *Þing þah þ̵ ha wurcheð; ha mei wel þurh hire meistres read; for hire neode sullen. þah swa dernliche as ha mei for misliche monne wordes.*

Nawt deore dehtren ne wite ȝe in ower hus of oðer monne 15 þinges · ne ahte ne claðes · ne boistes · ne chartres · Scoren ne cyrograffes · ne þe chirch uestemenz · ne þe calices · bute neode oðer strengðe hit makie; oðer muchel eie. Of swuch witunge is muchel vuel ilumpen ofte siðen. IN wið ower wanes ne leote ȝe namon slepeN · Ȝef muchel neod mid alle makeð breoken ower hus · hwil hit eauer is 20 ibroken · habbeð þrinne wið ow a wummon of cleane lif deies ant nihteS.

Ne wite ȝe 15 nout in oure huse of oðer monnes þinges . ne eihte . ne cloðes . ne nout ne vnderuo ȝe ðe chirche uestimenz ne þene caliz bute ȝif * neod oðer* strencðe hit makie : oðer muchel eie. vor of swuche witunge is i kumen muchel `vuel´ oftesiðen. wiðinnen ower woanes : ne lete ȝe nenne mon slepen. ȝif muchel neode mid alle makeð breken 20 ower hus : þeo hwule ðet hit euer is i broken : loke þet ȝe habben þerine mid ou one wummon of clene liue . deies ⁊ nihtes.

For þi þ̵ wepmen ne seoð ow ne ȝe ham · wel mei don of ower clað beo hit hwit beo hit blac bute hit beo unorne · warm ⁊ wel iwraht · felles wel itawet · ⁊ habbeð ase monie as ow to neodeð to bedde ⁊ to rugge. 25

Uor ði þet no mon ne i sihð ou . ne ȝe ne i seoð nenne mon : wel mei don of ower cloðes . beon heo hwite : beon heo blake. bute þet heo beon unorne ⁊ warme ⁊ wel i wrouhte. uelles wel i tauwed. 25 ⁊ habbeð ase monie ase ou to neodeð . to bedde and eke to rugge.

Nest flesch ne schal nan werien linnene clað bute hit beo of hearde ⁊ of greate heorden. Stamin habbe hwa se wule · hwa se wule beo buten. Ȝe schulen in an hetter ant igurd liggen · swa leoðeliche þah þ̵ ȝe mahen honden put ten þer under. Nest lich nan ne gurde hire wið na cunne gurdles : bute þurh schriftes leaue. Ne 30 beore nan irn ne here · ne ilespiles felles · ne ne beate hire þer wið; ne wið scurge i leadet · wið holin ne wið breres · ne biblodgi hire seolf; wið ute schriftes leaue · nohwer ne binetli hire · ne ne beate bi uoren · ne na keoruunge ne keorue · ne ne neome ed eanes to luðere disceplines · temptaciuns forte acwenchen · ne for na bote 35 aȝein cundeliche secnesses · nan uncundelich lechecreft ne leue ȝe ne ne fondin · wið uten ower meistres read; leste ow stonde wurse.

Nexst fleshe ne schal non werien no linnene cloð bute ȝif hit beo of herde and of greate heorden. stamin `habbe´ hwo se wule. and hwo se wule mei beon buten. ȝe schullen liggen in on heater and i gurd. ne bere ȝe non iren . ne here . ne irspiles felles. 30 ne ne beate`ou´þer mide. ne mid schurge i leðered : ne i leaded. ne mid holie . ne mid breres . ne ne biblodge hire sulf : wið uten schriftes leaue . ne ne nime et enes to ueole disceplines.

Ower schon i winter beon meoke · greate ⁊ warme. I sumer ȝe habbeð leaue bearuot gan ⁊ sitten ⁊ lihte scheos werieN · Hosen wið ute vampez; ligge in hwa se likeð · Ischeoed ne slepe ȝe nawt · ne 40 noh wer bute i bedde. Sum wummon inohreaðe wereð þe brech of here ful wel icnottet · þe streapeles dun to þe vet ilacet ful feaste · ah eauer is best þe swete ⁊ te swote heorte. Me is leouere þ̵ ȝe þolien wel an heard word; þen an heard here. Ȝef ȝe muhen beo wimpelles ⁊ ȝe wel wullen; beoð bi warme cappen · ⁊ þer uppon hwite oðer blake veiles. 45 Ancren summe sungið in hare wimplunge; na leasse þen leafdis. Ah þah seið sum þ̵ hit limpeð to euch wummon cundeliche forte werien wimpel · Nai · wimpel ne heaued clað nowðer ne nempneð hali writ; ah wriheles ane ·

ower schon beon greate and warme. Ine sumer ȝe habbeð leaue uorto gon and sitten baruot. and hosen wið uten uaumpez . and ligge ine ham : hwo so likeð. Sum 35 wumon i nouh reaðe . wereð þe brech of heare fulwel i knotted . and þe strapeles adun to hire uet. i laced ful ueste. ȝif ȝe muwen beon wimpel leas : *⁊ ȝe wel wullen* beoð bi warme keppen . and þeruppon *oðer hwite oðer* blake ueiles. *Ancren summe sungið in ha[re] wimlunge na lesse þene lefdị Sum seið þ̵ hit limped . to e[i] wummon cundeliche; 40 for te weri[en] wimpel. Nai . Wimpel ne hef[ed] nouðer ne nemneð hali writ; ah wriheles of heuet.

Ad corinthios · Mulier uelet caput suum · Wummon seið þe apostle schal wreon hire heaued. wrihen he seið 50 nawt wimpliN. wrihen ha schal hire scheome · as eue sunfule dohteR · i mungunge of þe sunne þ̵ schende us on earst alle · ant nawt drahe þe wriheles to tiffunge ⁊ to prude ·

Ad cor[inth.] Mulier uelet caput suum. Wummon seið þe apostel schal wrihen hi[re] heauet. wrihen he seið naut wimplin. wrihen ha schal hire scheome as sunfule eue dohte[r;] i mungunge of þe sunne þ̵ sch[en]de us erst alle ⁊ naut 45 drah[en] þ̵ wriheles te tiffung ⁊ te pru[e].

Eft wule þe apostle þ̵ wummon wreo i chirche hire neb ȝetten · leste uuel þoht arise þurh hire onsihðe · Et hoc est propter angelos. hwi þenne 55 þu chirch ancre iwimplet openest þi neb to wepmonnes ehe; toȝeines þe sist men; spekeð þe apostle · ȝef þu þe ne hudest. ah ȝef þ̵ ei þing wriheð þi neb from monnes ehe · beo hit wah beo hit clað · i wel i rund windowe · wel mei duhen ancre of oðer wimplunge. Toȝeines þe þe þus ne dest; spekeð þe apostle nawt toȝeines oþre · þ̵ 60 hare ahne wah wriheð wið euch monnes sihðe. þer awakenið ofte wake þohtes of · ⁊ werkes oðerhwileS. Hwa se wule beon isehen; þah ha atiffi hire nis nawt muche wunder; ah to godes ehnen ha is lufsumre; þe is for þe luue of him; untiffet wið uteN.

Eft wule seinte pauel þ̵ wumm[on] wreo i chirche hire neb ȝette leste vuel þoht arise þurh hir[e] on sihðe ⁊ hoc est · propter ang[e]los. Hwi þenne þu chirche ancre al beo þu iwimplet; openest þah þi neb to weopmones ehe . Te ȝeines þe. þe isist men spekeð seinte pauel. Ah ȝef ei þing 50 wriheð; þi neb from monnes ehe; beo hit wah beo hit clað i þi parlures þurl; wel mei duhen ancre of oðer wimlunge.* Hwo se wule beon i seien . þauh heo atiffe hire; nis nout muchel wunder . auh to godes eien . heo is lufsumere þet is uor ðe luue of him; untiffed wið uten.

Ring ne broche ne habbe ȝe · ne gurdel imembret · ne glouen ne nan swuch 65 þing þ̵ ow ne deh to habben. A meoke surpliz ȝe mahen in hat sumer werien.

Ring . ne broche nabbe ȝe . ne gurdel i membred . 55 ne glouen . ne no swuch þing þet ou . ne deih for to habben. *vnderstondeð . þ̵ of alle þeose þinges nis nan hest ne forbot for alle ha beoð of þe vttere riwle þ̵ is lute strencðe of; for hwon þ̵ te inre beo wel iwist as ic seide i þe frumðe . ha mei beon ichanget hwer se euer ei neod oder eni skile hit askeð . efter þ̵ ha mei ase 60 þuften . best seruin þe leafdi riwle.*

Eauer me is leouere se ȝe doð greattre werkes. Ne makie ȝe nane purses forte freondin ow wið · bute to þeo þ̵ ower meistre ȝeueð ow his leaue · ne huue ne blod binde of seolc · ne laz buten leaue · Ah schapieð ⁊ seowið ⁊ mendið chirche claðes · ⁊ poure monne hettren. 70 na swuch þing ne schule ȝe ȝeouen wið uteN schriftes leaue · namare þen neomen ·

E uer me is leouere . so ȝe don gretture werkes. ne makie none purses . uorte ureonden ou mide .* bute to þeo þ̵ ower meistre ȝeoueð ow his leaue*; ne blodbendes of seolke .* ne laz . bute leaue*; auh schepieð and seouweð and amendeð chirche cloðes . and poure 65 monne cloðes. no þing ne schule ȝe ȝiuen : wið uten schriftes leaue.

þ̵ ȝe ne seggen him fore; as of oðre þinges · kun oðer cuððe · hu ofte ȝe under uengen · hulonge ȝe edheolden. tendre of cunne limpeð nawt ancre beonne. A mon wes of religiun · ⁊ com to him efter help his fleschliche broðer · ⁊ he tahte him to his þridde 75 breðer · þe wes dead biburiet. Þe ondswerede wundrinde · Nai quoð he nis he dead? ant ich quoð þe hali mon am dead gasteliche. Na fleschlich freond ne easki me fleschlich froure. Amices ⁊ parures · worldliche leafdis mahen inoh wurchen · ant ȝef ȝe ham makieð; ne makie ȝe þrof na mustreisun · veine gloire attreð alle 80 gode þeawes · ⁊ alle gode werkes. Criblin ne schal nan of ow for luue ne for hure. Taueles ne forbeode ich nawt. Ȝef sum riueð surpliz oðeR measse kemese; oþre riuunges ne riue ha nawt nomeliche oueregede · bute for muche neode.

Helpeð ow wið ower ahne swinc se forð se ȝe eauer mahen to schriden ow seoluen ⁊ feden ȝef 85 neod is · ⁊ þeo þe ow seruið.

helpeð mid ower owune swinke so uorð so ȝe muwen to schruden ou suluen and *feden ȝef neod is* þeo ðet ou serueð .

As sein Jerome leareð · ne beo ȝe neauer longe ne lihtliche of sum þing allunges idel · for anan rihtes þe feond beot hire his werc þe i godes werc ne swinkeð · ⁊ tuteleð anan toward hire. foR hwil he sið hire bisi; he þencheð þus · for nawt ich schulde nu cume neh hire; ne mei ha nawt iȝemen to lustni 90 mi lare. Of idelnesse awakeneð muchel flesches fondunge. Iniquitas Sodome; saturitas panis ⁊ ocium · þ̵ is · SodomeS cwedschipe com of idelnesse ⁊ of ful wombe. Irn þ̵ lið stille gedereð sone rust · weater þe ne stureð nawt; readliche stinkeð.

ase seint ierome lereð : ne beo ȝe neuer idel . uor anonrihtes ðe ueond beot hire his werc : þet ine godes werke ne wurcheð . and he tuteleð anonrihtes 70 touward hire. uor þeo hwule þet he isihð hire bisi . `he´ þencheð þus . vor nout ich schulde nu kumen neih hire; ne mei heo nout i hwulen uorto her`c´nen mine lore. of idelnesse awakeneð muchel flesshes fondunge . Iniquitas sodome . saturitas panis ⁊ ocium. þet is. al sodomes cweadschipe kom of idelnesse : ⁊ of ful 75 wombe. Iren þet lið stille; gedereð sone rust . and water þet ne stureð nout readliche stinkeð.

Ancre ne schal nawt forwurðe scolmeistre · ne turnen ancre husto 95 childrene scole · hire meiden mei learen sum oðer meiden · þ̵ were pliht of to leornin amonge wepmen · oðer bimong gromes. ah ancre ne ah to ȝemen bute godd ane · þah bi hire meistres read ha mei sum rihten ⁊ helpen to learen.

ancre ne schal nout forwurðen scolme`i´stre : ne turnen hire ancre hus; to childrene scole. hire meiden mei þauh techen sum lutel meiden. þet were dute of forto leornen among gromes . auh ancre ne ouh forto ȝemen bute god one. *þah 80 bi hire meistres read; ha mei sum rihten ⁊ helpe te leren.*

Ȝe ne schulen senden leattres · ne underuon leattres · ne writen bute leaue. Ȝe schulen beon i doddet · 100 oðer ȝef ȝe wulleð ischauen fowr siðen i þe ȝer · to lihtin ower heaued · beo bi þe her ieueset; hwa se swa is leouere · ant as ofte ileten blod ⁊ ȝef neod iS; oftre · Þe mei beo þer buten; ich hit mei wel þolien. Hwen ȝe beoð ilete blod; ȝe ne schule don na þing þe þreo dahes þ̵ ow greueð · ah talkið to ower 105 meidnes · ⁊ wið þeawfule talen schurteð ow to gederes. Ȝe maheN swa don ofte hwen ow þuncheð heuie; oðer beoð for sum worltlich þing sare oðer seke · þah euch worltlich froure is unwurðe to ancre.

Ȝ e ne schulen senden lettres . ne underuon lettres . ne writen : buten leaue. ȝe schulen beon i dodded four siðen iðe ȝere : uorto lihten ower heaued. *oðer ȝef ȝe wulled ischauen. hwa se wule ieveset. ah ha mot te oftere weschen ⁊ kemben hire heauet*; and ase ofte ileten 85 blod . and oftere ȝif neod is . and hwo so mei beon þer wið uten; ich hit mei wel i þolien. hwon ȝe beoð i leten blod . ȝe ne schulen don no þing þeo þreo dawes; þet ou greue . auh talkeð mid ower meidenes. and mid þeaufule talen : schurteð ou to gederes. ȝe muwen don so ofte : hwon ou þuncheð heuie . oðer beoð uor sume worldliche þinge 90 sorie : oðer seke.

Swa wisliche witeð ow in ower blodletunge; ⁊ haldeð ow i swuch reste; þ̵ ȝe longe þrefter mahen i godes seruise þe monluker swinken · 110 ant alswa hwen ȝe feleð eani secnesse. Muchel sotschipe hit is leosen for an dei; tene oðer tweolue. Vesscheð ow hwer se neod is as ofte as ȝe wulleð ·

So wisliche witeð ou in our blod letunge : and holdeð ou ine swuche reste . þet ȝe longe þer efter muwen ine godes seruise þe monluker swinken . and also hwon ȝe i ueleð eni secnesse. vor muchel sotschipe hit is. uorto uorleosen uor one deie. tene oðer tweolue. Wassheð ou hwar se ȝe habbeð neode : ase ofte 95 ase ȝe wulleð.

⁊ ower oþre þinges. Nes neauer fulðe godd leof · þah pouerte ⁊ unorneschipe beon him licwurðe. VNderstondeð eauer of alle þeose þinges · þ̵ nan nis heast ne forbod þ̵ 115 beoð of þe uttre riwle · þet is lute strengðe of. for hwon þ̵ te inre beo wel iwist as ich seide i þe frumðe · þeos mei beon ichanget hwer se eani neod oðer eani skile hit easkeð · efter þ̵ ha best mei þe leafdi riwle seruin as hire eadmode þuften · ah sikerliche wið uten hire þe leafdi feareð to wundre.

Ancre þe naueð nawt neh 120 honde hire fode; beoð bisie twa wummen. An eauer þe leaue ed hame; an oþer þe wende ut · hwenne driueð neod · ⁊ þeo beo ful unorne wið uten euch tiffunge · oðer a lutel þuftene; oðer of feier ealde. Bi þe wei as ha geað; ga singinde hire beoden · ne ne halde na tale wið mon ne wið wummon · ne sitte ne ne stonde · bute þ̵ 125 leaste þet ha eauer mei ear þen ha ham cume. Nohwider elles ne ga heo bute þider as me send hire · wið ute leaue · ne ne eote ha ne ne drinke ute · Þe oþer beo eauer inne · ne wið ute þe ȝeten : ne ga wið ute leaue.

Ancre þet naueð nout neih honde hire uode : beoð bisie two wummen . on ðet bi leaue euer ethom . an oðer þet wende ut hwon hit is neod . and þeo beo ful unorne *oðer a lute þuhten* oðer of feir elde and biðe weie ase heo geð . go singinde hire beoden . 100 ne ne holde heo nout none tale mid mon ne mid wummon . ne ne sitte ne ne stonde bute þet leste þet heo mei er þen heo kume hom. nouhwuder elles ne go heo; bute þider ase me sent hire. wið ute leaue : ne ete heo ne ne drinke ute. þe oðer beo euer inne . ne wið ute þe ȝeate ne go heo nout wið ute leaue.

Ba beon obedient to hare dame in alle þing · bute i sunne ane · na þing nabben þet heo hit nute · ne underuo na 130 þing · ne ne ȝeoue nowðer; wið uten hire leaue. Na mon ne leote ȝe in · ne þe ȝungre ne speoke wið namon bute leaue · ne ga ha nawt ut of tune : wið uten siker fere · ȝef hit swa mei beon; ne ne ligge ute. ȝef heo ne con oboke; segge bi pater nostres · ant bi auez hire ures · ⁊ wurche þ̵ me hat hire wið ute gruchunge. habbe eauer hire 135 earen opene toward hire dame. Nowðer of þe wummen ne beore from hare dame · ne ne bringe to hire nane idele talen; ne neowe tidinges · ne bitweonen ham seolf; ne singen ne ne speoken na ne worldliche spechen · ne lahhen swa ne pleien; þet ei mon þ̵ hit sehe; mahte hit to uuel turnen.

boðe beon obedient to hore 105 dame in alle þinges; bute ine sūnne one. no þing nabben heo; þet hore dame hit nute . ne ne underuon no þing . ne ne ȝiuen wið uten hire leaue. Nenne mon ne leten heo in . ne ðe ȝungre ne speke mid none monne : bute leaue . ne ne go nout ut of tune . wið uten siker uere . ne ne ligge ute. ȝif heo ne con o boke : sigge bi pater nostres 110 and bi auez hire vres . and wurche þet me hat hire wið uten grucchunge. habbe euer hire earen opene touward hire dame. nouðer of ðe wummen ne beren urom hore dame . ne ne bringen to hire . none idele talen : ne neowe tiþinges . ne bitweonen ham sulf ne singen . ne ne speken none worldliche spechen . ne lauhwen ne ne pleien so ðet 115 ei mon þet hit iseie . muhte hit to v`u´el turnen.

Ouer alle þinges leasunges ⁊ luðere wordes 140 heatien. hare her beo icoruen · hare heaued clað sitte lahe · eiðer ligge ane. Hare cop beo hehe isticchet · ⁊ bute broche. na mon ne seo ham unleppet ne open heaued. lah locunge habben.

ouer alle þing leasunge and luðere wordes . hatien. Hore her beo i koruen . hore heuedcloð sitte lowe. eiðer ligge one. Hore hesmel beo heie istihd; al wið ute broche. no mon ne i seo ham unweawed . ne open heaued. *Inwið þe wanes ha muhe werie scapeloris hwen mantel 120 ham heuegeð . ute; gan i mantlet þe heauet i hudeket.* louh lokunge habben.

Heo ne schulen cussen na mon · ne cuðmon ne cunnes mon · ne for na cuððe cluppen · ne weschen hare heaued · ne lokin feaste o na mon; ne toggin 145 wið ne pleien. Hare weden beon of swuch schape · ⁊ al hare aturn swuch; þet hit beo edscene hwerto ha beoð iturnde. Hare lates lokin warliche · þ̵ nan ne mahe edwiten ham; in hus ne ut of hus.

heo ne schulen cussen nenne mon .* ne cuð mon ne cunes mon . ne for nan cuððe cluppen* ne uor luue cluppen . ne kuð ne unkuð . ne wasshen hore heaued . ne loken ueste o none monne . ne toggen mid him; ne pleien. hore weaden beon of swuche scheape 125 ⁊ alle hore aturn swuch; þet hit beo eðcene hwarto heo beoð i turnde. hore lates loken warliche . þet non ne edwite ham ne ine huse ne ut of huse.

On alle wise forbeoren to wreaðen hare dame · ⁊ as ofte as heo hit doð; ear ha drinken oþer eoten; makien hare venie · o cneon 150 dun biuoren hire ⁊ seggen · mea culpa · ⁊ underuon þe penitence þ̵ ha leið up on hire lutinde hire lahe. Þe ancre þrefter neauer mare þ̵ ilke gult ne upbreide for na wreaððe · bute ȝef ha eft sone falle i þ̵ ilke · ah do hit allunge ut of hire heorte. Ȝef ei strif ariseð bitweone þe wummen; þe ancre makie eiðer to makien oþer venie o cneon to þer 155 eorðe · ⁊ eiðer rihte up oþer; ⁊ cussen on ende · ant te ancre legge on eiðer; sum penitence ·

on alle wise uorberen to wreððen hore dame . and ase ofte ase heo hit doð er heo drinken oðer eten . makien hore uenie akneon adun to þer eorðe biuoren hire : ⁊ sigge mea culpa . and underuon 130 ðe penitence : ðet heo leið upon hire lutende hire louwe. þe ancre neuer more þer efter þene ilke gult ne upb[r]eide hire : uor none wreððe . bute ȝif heo eft sone ualle iðet ilke . auh do hit allunge ut of hire heorte. and ȝif eni strif ariseð bitweonen ðe wummen; ðe ancre makie eiðer of ham to makien oðer venie akneon to ðer eorðe . and 135 eiðer rihte up oðer : ⁊ kussen ham on ende . and þe ancre legge on eiðer sum penitence.

mare up o þe ilke þe greatluker gulte. Þis is a þing witen ha wel þ̵ is gode leouest; Sahtnesse ⁊ some · ⁊ te feond laðest · for þi he is eauer umben to arearen sum leaððe. Nu sið þe sweoke wel · þ̵ hwen fur is wel o brune; ⁊ me wule þ̵ hit aga; 160 me sundreð þe brondes · ⁊ he deð nond þ̵ ilke. luue is ihesu cristes fur · þ̵ he wule þ̵ bleasie aa i þin heorte · ant te deouel blaweð forte puffen hit ut. Hwen his blawunge ne geineð nawt · he bringeð up sum uuel word · oðer sum oþer nohtunge · hwer þurh ha to hurten eiðer frommard oþer · ⁊ te hali gastes fuR cwencheð hwen þe 165 brondes þurh wreaððe beoð isundret. forþi halden ham i luue feaste to gederes ·

More upon þeo ilke : ðet gretluker haueð agult. þis is o þing wute `ȝe´ wel to soðe ðet is gode leouest; seih[t]nesse ⁊ some. ⁊ þe ueonde loðest. and for þi he is euer umbe to arearen sume wreððe. nu isihð ðe deouel wel ðet hwon þet fur 140 is wel o brune . ⁊ me wule ðet hit go ut : me sundreð ðe brondes . and he deð `also´ onond þet ilke. luue is ihesu cristes fur þet he wule ðet blasie in vre heorte . and þe deouel bloweð forto puffen hit ut . and hwon his blowinge ne geineð nout : þeonne bringeð he up sum luðer word . oðer sum oþer nouhtunge : hwar þuruh heo to hurteð eiðer 145 urommard oðer; and þe holi gostes fur; acwencheð hwon ðe brondes þuruh wreððe; beoð i sundred. and for þi holden ham ine luue ueste to gederes .

Ant ne beo ham nawt of hwen þe feond blawe · nomeliche ȝef monie beon iueietsomet; ⁊ wel wið luue ontende. Þah þe ancre on hire meidnes for openliche gultes legge penitence; to þe preost noðeleater schriuen ham hwen neod is · ah eauer þah wið leaue. Ȝef ha 170 ne cunnen nawt þe mete graceS · seggen in hare stude; pater noster biuoren; ⁊ aue Maria · ⁊ efter mete alswa · ant a Credo mare · ⁊ segge þus on ende · feader · Sune · hali gast al mihti godd · ȝeoue ure dame his grace · se lengre se mare · ⁊ leue hire ⁊ us ba neomen god ende · for ȝelde alle þe us god doð · ⁊ milci hare sawle þe us god 175 idon habbeð · hare sawle ⁊ alle cristene sawleS.

and ne beo ham nout of; hwon ðe ueond blowe . and nomeliche ȝif monie beoð i ueied somed; and wel mid luue ontende. Þauh ðe ancre on hire meidenes uor openliche gultes . legge penitence 150 neuer ðe later to ðe preoste schriuen ham ofte . auh euer þauh mid leaue. and ȝif heo ne kunnen nout ðe mete graces : siggen in hore stude; pater . noster . ⁊ aue maria biuoren mete . and efter mete also . ⁊ credo moare . and siggen þus on ende . veder ⁊ sune ⁊ holi gost . ⁊ on almihti god; he ȝiue ure dame his grace; so lengre so more . 155 ⁊ leue hire ⁊ us boðe nimen god endinge . ⁊ forȝelde alle ðet us god doð . ⁊ milce hore soulen : þet us god i don habbeð . hore soulen ⁊ alle cristene soulen. amen.

Bitweone mel ne gruchesi ȝe nawt · nowðer frut ne oðerhwet; ne drinken bute leaue . ⁊ te leaue beo liht in al þ̵ nis sunne. Ed te mete na word · oðer lut; ⁊ teo stille. Alswa efter þe ancre complie · aþet prime · ne don na þing ne seggen; hweR þurh hire silence mahe 180 beon isturbet. Nan ancre seruant ne ahte bi rihte to easkin iset hure · bute mete ⁊ hure þ̵ ha mei flutte bi; ant godes milce. Ne mis leue nan godd; hwet se tide of þe ancre · þ̵ he hire trukie. þe meidnes wið uten ȝef ha seruið þe ancre alswa as ha ahen · hare hure schal beon þe hehe blisse of heouene. Hwa se haueð ehe of hope toward 185 se heh bure; gleadliche wule ha seruui ⁊ lihtliche alle wa · ⁊ alle teone þolien. wið eise ⁊ wið este ne buð me nawt bliSSe.

Bitweonen mele ne gruselie ȝe nout . nouðer frut; `ne´ oðerhwat . ne `ne´ drinken wið uten leaue . auh þe leaue beo liht in alle þeo þinges; þer nis sunne. Ette mete 160 no word . oðer lut . ⁊ þeo beon stille. also efter ðe ancre cumplie uort midmorwen . ne don no þing . ne ne siggen . hwar þuruh hire silence muwe beon i sturbed. non ancre seruant ne ouhte mid rihte uorto asken i sette huire; bute mete ⁊ cloð : þet heo mei vlutten bi . ⁊ godes milce. ne mis leue non god; hwat so bitide of ðe ancre : 165 þet he hire trukie. Þe meidenes wið uten ȝif heo serueð ðe ancre also ase heo owen; hore hure schal beon ðe eche blisse of heouene. hwo so haueð eie hope touward so heie hure : gledliche wule heo seruen ⁊ lihtliche alle wo and alle teone þolien. Mid eise ne mid este; ne kumeð me nout toþer heouene. 170

Ȝe ancres ahen þis leaste stucche reden to ower wummen euche wike eanes · aþet ha hit cunnen. Ant muche neod is þ̵ ȝe neomen to ham muche ȝeme · for ȝe mahen muchel beon þurh ham i godet · ⁊ 190 iwurset. On oðer half ȝef þet ha sungið þurh ower ȝemeles; ȝe schule beo bicleopet þrof biuore þe hehe deme · ⁊ for þi as ow is muche neod · ⁊ ham ȝet mare; ȝeornliche leareð ham to halden hare riwle · ba for ow ⁊ for ham seolf; liðeliche ⁊ luueliche · for swuch ah wummone lare to beonne · luuelich ⁊ liðe · ⁊ selthwenne sturne.

Ȝ e ancren owen þis lutle laste stucchen reden to our wummen eueriche wike enes uort ðet heo hit kunnen. and muche neod is ou beoðe : ðet ȝe nimen to ham gode ȝeme . vor ȝe muwen muchel þuruh ham beon i goded. and i wursed on oðer halue. ȝif heo sunegeð þuruh ower ȝemeleaste; ȝe schulen beon bicleoped þer of biuoren þe 175 heie demare . and for þi ase ou is muche neod . ⁊ ham is ȝete more; ȝeorneliche techeð ham to holden hore riulen . boðe uor ou : ⁊ for ham suluen . liðeliche þauh ⁊ luueliche; uor swuch ouh wummone lore to beon . luuelich and liðe and seldwhonne sturne.

Ba is riht þ̵ ha 195 ow dreden ⁊ luuien · ant þah þ̵ ter beo eauer mare of luue; þen of drede · þenne schal hit wel fearen · Me schal healden eoli ⁊ win ba i wunden efter godes lare · ah mare of softe eoli; þen of bitinde win . þ̵ is Mare of liðe wordes; þen of suhinde · for þer of kimeð þinge best; þ̵ is luue eie. lihtliche ⁊ sweteliche foRȝeoued 200 ham hare gultes · hwen ha ham icnaweð ⁊ bihateð bote.

Boðe hit is riht þet heo ou dreden ⁊ luuien . auh þet ðer beo . more euer 180 of luue : þen of drede. þeonne schal hit wel uaren. Me schal helden eoli and win beoðe i ne wunden, efter godere lore . auh more of þe softe eolie; þen of þe bitinde wine . þet is . more of liðe wordes : þen of suwinde . vor þerof kumeð þinge best; þet is luue eie. lihtliche ⁊ sweteliche uorȝiueð ham hore gultes : hwon heo ham iknoweð and 185 bihoteð bote.

Ase forð as ȝe mahen of mete ⁊ of claðes · ⁊ of oþre þinges þet neode of flesch easkeð; beoð large toward ham; þah ȝe nearowe beon ⁊ hearde to ow seoluen. Swa deð þe wel blaweð; went te nearewe of þe horn to his ahne muð; ant utward þ̵ wide. Ant ȝe don alswa as ȝe wulleð þ̵ 205 ower beoden bemin wel ⁊ dremen; i drihtines earen · nawt ane to ower ahnes; ah to alle folkes heale · as ure lauerd leue þurh þe grace of him seolf þ̵ hit swa mote ameN.

S e uorð ase ȝe muwen of drunch and of mete and of cloð and of oðer þinges þet neode of fleshe askeð : beoð large touward ham : þauh ȝe ðe neruwure beon and te herdure to ou suluen . vor so deð þe wel bloweð . went þene neruwure ende of þe horne to his owune 190 muðe . ⁊ utward þene wide. and ȝe don also . ase ȝe wulleð þet ower beoden bemen ⁊ dreamen wel : ine drihtenes earen . and nout one to ower ones; auh to alle uolkes heale . ase ure louerd leue þuruh ðe grace of himsulf . þet hit so mote beon. amen.

Hwen ower sustres meidnes cumeð to ow to froure; cumeð to ham to þe þurl; earunder ⁊ ouerunder · eanes oðer twien · ⁊ gað aȝein sone; to ower note gastelich · 210 ne biuore Complie ne sitte ȝe nawt for ham ouer riht time · swa þ̵ hare cume beo na lure of ower religiun; ah gastelich biȝete. ȝef þer is eani word iseid þ̵ mahte hurten heorte; ne beo hit nawt iboren ut; ne ibroht to oþer ancre; þ̵ is eð hurte. To him hit schal beon iseid; þe lokeð ham alle. Twa niht is inoh þ̵ ei beo edhalden · ant þ̵ beo 215 ful seldene · ne for heom ne breoke silence ed te mete; ne for blodletunge · bute ȝef sum muche god oðer neod hit makie. Þe ancre ne hire meiden ne plohien `nane´ worldliche gomenes ed te þurle · ne ne ticki to gederes · foR ase seið seint Beornard. vnwurðe þing is to euch gastelich mon · ⁊ nomeliche to ancre; euch swuch fleschlich 220 froure · ⁊ hit binimeð gastelich þ̵ is wið ute met utnume murhðe · ⁊ þ̵ is uuel change as is iseid þruppe.

O f þis boc redeð hwen ȝe beoð eise euche dei; leasse oðer mare. Jch hopie þ̵ hit schal beon ow ȝef ȝe hit redeð ofte; swiðe biheue; þurh godes muchele grace · elles ich hefde uuele bitohe 225 mi muchele hwile. Me were leouere godd hit wite do me toward rome; þen forte biginnen hit eft forte donne. Ȝef ȝe findeð þ̵ ȝe doð alswa as ȝe redeð; þonckið godd ȝeorne · ȝef ȝe ne doð nawt; biddeð godes are · ⁊ beoð umben þeronuuen þ̵ ȝe hit bet halden efter ower mihte. 230

O  þisse boc redeð eueriche deie : hwon ȝe beoð eise . eueriche deie 195 lesse oðer more. uor ich hopie þet hit schal beon ou ȝif ȝe hit redeð ofte : swuðe biheue þuruh godes grace . and elles ich heuede vuele bitowen muchel of mine hwule. God hit wot me were leouere uorto don me touward rome; þen uorto biginnen hit eft forto donne. and ȝif ȝe iuindeð þet ȝe doð also ase ȝe redeð; þonkeð god ȝeorne . 200 and ȝif ȝe ne doð nout; biddeð godes ore . and beoð umbe þer abuten : þet ȝe hit bet hol holden : efter ower mihte.

Feader · Sune · hali gast · an almihti godd wite ow in hiS warde · he gleadie ow ⁊ frouri ow mine leoue sustren · ant for al þ̵ ȝe for him dreheð ⁊ dreaieð · ne ȝeoue ow neauer leasse · þen al to gedere him seoluen · Beo he aa iheiet from world in to worlde aa on ecnesse · AMeN.

Veder and sune and holi gost . and on almihti god : he wite ou in his warde. he gledie ou and froure ou; mine leoue sustren. and for al þet ȝe uor him drieð and suffreð . he ne ȝiue ou neuer lesse huire þen 205 alto gedere him suluen. he beo euer i heid from worlde to worlde . euer on ecchenesse. amen.

Ase ofte aS ȝe habbeð ired eawiht her on; greteð þe leafdi 235 wið aN aue; for him þ̵ swonc her abuten · Jnoh meaðful ich am þe bidde se lutel · Explicit · Jþench o þi writere i þine beoden sum chearre; ne beo hit ne se lutel. Hit turneð þe to gode; þ̵ tu bidest for oþre.

ase ofte ase ȝe readeð out o þisse boc; greteð þe lefdi mid one aue marie uor him ðet makede þeos riwle . and for him þet hire wrot and swonc her abuten. Inouh meðful ich am; þet bidde so lutel. 210

X. IN DIEBUS DOMINICIS

“Lambeth 487: see [VIII, Poema Morale].”

The Privileges of Sunday

[L]eofemen 4. In MS. su sunedei.
11. sunfulle wrecche with marks of transposition in MS.
18. þing] þurg MS.
25. snau] swnau MS. ȝef ȝe lusten wuleð. ⁊ ȝe willeliche hit under stonden we eow wulleð [f. 16 r] suteliche seggen of þa fredome þe limpeð to þan deie þe is iclepeð sunedei. Sunedei is ihaten þes lauerdes dei ⁊ ec þe dei of blisse ⁊ of lisse ⁊ of alle irest. On þon deie þa engles of heofene ham iblissieð. 5 forði þe þa erming saulen habbeð rest of heore pine. Gif hwa wule witen hwa erest bi won reste þam wrecche saule to soþe ic eow segge. þet wes sancte paul þe apostel and mihhal þe archangel heo tweien eoden et sume time in to helle alswa heom drihten het for to lokien hu hit þer ferde. Mihhal eode bi foren ⁊ paul com efter ⁊ þa 10 scawede mihhal to sancte paul þa wrecche sunfulle þe þer were wuniende [.] þer efter he him sceawede heȝe treon eisliche beorninde et foren helle ȝete. and uppon þan treon he him sceawede þe wrecche saulen a honge. Summe bi þa fet. summe bi þa honden. summe bi þe tunge. summe bi þe eȝen. summe bi þe hefede. summe bi þer 15 heorte. Seodðan he him sceaude an ouen on berninde fure he warp ut of him seofe leies uwil[c]an of seolcuðre heowe þe alle weren eateliche to bi haldene ⁊ muchele strengre þen eani þing to þolien. ⁊ þer wið innen weren swiðe feole saule a honge. Ȝette he him sceawede ane welle of fure ⁊ alle hire stremes urnen fur berninde. ⁊ þa 20 welle bi wisten .xii. meister [f. 16 v] deoflen swilc ha weren kinges to pinen þer wiðinnen þa earming saulen þe for gult weren; ⁊ heore aȝene pine neure nere þe lesse þah heo meistres weren. Efter þon he him sceawede þe sea of helle ⁊ innan þan sea weren .vii. bittere uþe. þe forme wes snau . þat oðer is. þet þridde fur. þet feorðe blod. þe 25 fifte neddren. þe siste smorðer. þe seofeþe ful stunch. heo wes wurse to þolien þenne efreni of alle þa oðre pine. Innan þan ilke sea weren un aneomned deor summe feðer fotetd. Summe al bute fet . ⁊ heore eȝen weren al swilc swa fur. ⁊ heore eþem scean swa deð þe leit a monge þunre. þas ilke nefre ne swiken ne dei ne niht to 30 brekene þa erming licome of þa ilca men þe on þisse liue her hare scrift enden nalden. Summe of þan monne sare wepeð. Summe swa deor lude remeð. summe þer graninde sikeð. summe þer reowliche gneȝeð his aȝene tunge. Summe þer wepeð. ⁊ alle heore teres beoð berninde gleden glidende ouer heore aȝene nebbe. ⁊ swiðe reowliche 35 ilome ȝeiȝeð ⁊ ȝeorne bisecheð þat me ham ibureȝe from þam uuele pinan [.] of þas pinan speked .dauid. þe halie witeȝe. ⁊ þus seið. Misere`re´ nostri domine quia penas inferni sustinere non possumus. Lauerd haue merci of us forðon þa pinen of helle we ham ne maȝen iðolien. [f. 17 r] Seoð þan he him sceawede ane stude 40 40. ane] and MS.
46. wụalde MS.
53. wẹreðful MS.
56. þunres] wunres MS. inne midde warðe helle. ⁊ bi foren þam ilke stude weren seofen clusterlokan þar neh ne mihte nan liuiende mon gan for þan ufele breðe ⁊ þer wið inna he him sceawede gan `on´ ald mon þ̵ .iiii. deoflen ledden abuten. þa escade paul to mihhal hwet þe alde mon were. þa cweð mihhal heh engel he wes an biscop on eoðre liue þe nefre 45 nalde cristes laȝen lokien ne halden. ofter he walde an uppon his underlinges mid wohe motien ⁊ longe dringan þenne he walde salmes singen oðer eani oðer god don. Herefter iseh paul hwer .iii. deoflen ledden an meiden swiðe unbisorȝeliche; `⁊´ ȝeorne escade to mihhal hwi me heo swa ledde. þa cweð mihhal. heo wes an meiden on oðer liue 50 þ̵ wel wiste hire licome in alle clenesse. Ah heo nalde nefre nan oðer god don. Elmesȝeorn nes heo nefre. ah prud heo wes swiðe ⁊ modi. ⁊ liȝere ⁊ swikel. ⁊ wreðful ⁊ ontful. ⁊ forði heo bið wuniende inne þisse pine. Nu bi gon paul to wepen wunderliche. ⁊ mihhal heh engel þer weop forð mid him. þa com ure drihten of heueneriche to 55 heom on þunres liche ⁊ þus cweð. A hwi wepest þu paul. paul him onswerde. Lauerð ic biwepe þas monifolde pine þe ic her in helle iseo. þa cweð ure lauerd. A hwi nalden heo witen mine [f. 17 v] laȝe þe hwile heo weren en eorðe? þa seide paul him mildeliche to ȝeines. Louerd nu ic bidde þe ȝef þin wille is þ̵ þu heom ȝefe 60 reste la hwure þen sunne dei a þet cume domesdei. þa cweð drihten to him. paul wel ic wat hwer ic sceal milcien. Ic heom wulle milcien þe weren efterward mine milce þa hwile heo on liue weren. þa wes sancte paul swiðe wa. ⁊ abeh him redliche to his lauerdes fet ⁊ on halsien hine gon mid þas ilke weord þe ȝe maȝen iheren. Lauerd 65 he cweð þa. Nu ic þe bidde for þine kinedome ⁊ for þine engles. ⁊ for þine muchele milce. ⁊ for alle þine weorkes. ⁊ for alle þine haleȝen. ⁊ ec þine icorene. þat þu heom milcie þes þe redþer þ̵ ic to heom com ⁊ reste ȝefe þen sunne dei a þ̵ cume þin heh domes dei. þa onswerede him drihten mildere steuene. Aris nu paul aris. Ic ham 70 ȝeue reste al swa þu ibeden hauest from non on saterdei a þa cume monedeis lihting. þ̵ efre forð to domes dei. Nu leofe breðre ȝe habbeð iherð hwa erest bi won reste þam forgulte saule. Nu bi cum`e´ð hit þerfore to uwilche cristene monne mucheles þe mare to haliȝen ⁊ to wurðien þenne dei þe is icleped sunne dei. for of þam deie ure 75 lauerd seolf seið. Dies dominicus est dies leticie ⁊ requiei. [f. 18 r] Sunne dei is dei of blisse ⁊ of alle ireste. Non facietur in ea aliquid nisi deum orare manducare ⁊ bibere cum pace et leticia. Ne beo in hire naþing iwrat bute chirche bisocnie ⁊ beode to criste ⁊ eoten ⁊ drinken mid griðe ⁊ mid 80 gledscipe. Sicut dicitur. pax in terra. pax in celo. pax inter homines. for swa is iset. grið on eorðe. ⁊ grið on hefene. ⁊ grið bitwenen uwilc cristene monne. eft ure lauerd seolf seit. Maledictus homo qui non custodit sabatum. Amansed beo þe mon þe sunne dei nulle iloken. And for þi leofemen uw`i´lc 85 sunne dei is to locan al swa ester dei for heo is muneȝing of his halie ariste from deðe to liue. ⁊ muneȝeing of þam halie gast þe he sende in his apostles on þon dei þe is icleped wit sunne dei. ec we understondeð þ̵ on sunne dei drihten cumeð to demene al mon cun; we aȝen þene sunne dei swiþeliche wel to wurþien. 90 ⁊ on alle clenesse to locan. for heo hafð mid hire þreo wurdliche mihte þe ȝe iheren maȝen. 93. ȝeueð ... eorðe added on margin.
94-5. hem heō rested MS. | þa] þ̵a MS.
99. ferde MS. ðet forme mihte is þ̵ heo on eorðe `ȝeueð reste to alle eorðe´ þrelles wepmen ⁊ wifmen of heore þrel weorkes. þet oðer mihte is on heouene. for þi þa engles heom rested mare þenn on sum oðer dei. þ̵ þridde mihte is þ̵ þa 95 erming saule habbeð ireste inne helle [f. 18 v] of heore muchele pine. Hwa efre þenne ilokie wel þene sunne dei. oðer þa oðer halie daȝes þe mon beot in chirche to lokien swa þe sunne dei. beo heo dal neominde of heofene riches blisse; mid þan fedre. ⁊ mid þan sunne. ⁊ mid þan halie gast abuten ende. ameN. 100 Quod ipse prestare dignetur qui uiuit ⁊ regnat deus. per omnia secula seculorum. AmeN.

XI. HIC DICENDUM EST DE PROPHETA

“As for piece x.” Described under VIII, Poema Morale.

[M]issus 4. After erat ṣṭ MS.
10. for] fro MS. est ieremias in puteum ⁊ stetit ibi usque ad os. Qui cum aliquamdiu ibi stetisset; debilitatum est corpus eius. ⁊ tandem dimissis funibus subtractus est. Et cum eorum duriciam. quia debilis erat sustinere non posset. allati sunt panni de domo regia ⁊ 5 circumpositi sunt funibus ne [e]orum duricia lederetuR. Leofemen we uindeð in halie boc. þ̵. ieremie þe prophete stod in ane putte. ⁊ þ̵ in þe uenne up to his muðe ⁊ þa he hefede þer ane hwile istonde. þa bi com his licome swiðe feble. ⁊ me nom rapes ⁊ caste in to him for to draȝen hine ut of þisse putte. 10 Ah his licome wes se swiðe feble; þ̵ he ne mihte noht iþolie þe herdnesse of þe rapes. þa sende me claðes ut of þes kinges huse for to bi winden þe rapes. þ̵ his licome þe feble wes ne sc`e´olde noht wursien. Leofemen þeos ilke weord þe ic habbe her iseit habbeð muchele bi tacnunge [f. 19 r] ⁊ god ha beoð to heren and muchele 15 betere to et halden. Is hit god for to hiheren godes weordes and heom athalden? ȝe fuliwis. for ure lauerd godalmihtin seið in þan halie god spelle. Beati qui audiunt uerbum dei ⁊ custodiunt illud. Ædie ⁊ blessede beon alle þeo þe ihereð godes weordes ⁊ heom athaldeð. Nu ȝe habbeð iherd wulc hit is for to iheren godes 20 weordes ⁊ heom ethalden. Nu we sculen heow sceawen hwilc hit is heom for to heren ⁊ nawiht for to ethalden. for seint gregori seið. Melius est uiam ueritatis non agnoscere; quam post agnitam retroire. Betre hit is þ̵ mon ne iknawe noht þe wei to godalmihtin þe he hine icnawe ⁊ seodðe hine for hoȝie; and on oðer 25 stude he seið. Qui obturat aures suas ne audiat legem dei; oracio eius erit execrabilis. Þe mon þe tuneð his eren in halie chirche to ȝeines godes laȝe and nule noht iheren þe weordes þe of 28. goḷdes MS.
34. liggeð] i above ẹ MS. him beoð. his beoden beoð aweriede ⁊ unwurðe gode. Puteus est peccati profunditas. quia quam diu stas in luto; tam diu 30 iaces in mortali peccato. Þes put bitacneð deopnesse of sunne. for alse longe alse we liggeð in heueð sunnen; al þa hwile we sto[n]deð in þe putte. ⁊ þ̵ in þe uenne up to þe muðe al se þeos men doð þe liggeð inne eubruche ⁊ ine glutenerie ⁊ ine manaðas. ⁊ ineprude. ⁊ ine oðre fule sunnen. ⁊ þ̵ beoð riche men [f. 19 v] alremest 35 þe habbeð þas muchele prude in þis world. þe habbeð fe`i´re huses. ⁊ feire hames. ⁊ feire wifes. ⁊ feire children. feire hors ⁊ feire claþes. heauekes ⁊ hundes. castles ⁊ tunes. her uppon heo þench`e´ð muchele mare þen uppon godalmihtin þe al þis heom haueð isend þa þe liggeð inne swilc sunne. ⁊ ne þencheð noht for to arisen; heo delueð 40 deihwamliche heore put deoppre ⁊ deoppre. vnde propheta. Non claudit super te puteus os suum nisi clauseris os tuum. þe prophete seið. þ̵ þe put ne tuneð noht lihtliche his muð ouer us bute we tunen ure muð. ah ȝif we tuneð ure muð; 44. we] þe MS.
46. After haueð, ạḷ MS.
49. Before grace, ḷụụẹ MS. þenne do we alse þe mon þe delueð ene put feower daȝe`s´ oðer fiue ⁊ þenne 45 he haueð hine alra lengest idoluen; þenne ualleð he þer inne. þ̵. him brekeð þe sweore. þ̵. is þ̵ he ualleð in to helle pine þer neuer eft ne cumeð of bote. Ah leofemen godalmihtin haueð isceaweð us wel muchele grace. þenne he haueð geuen us to beon mud freo. þ̵. we maȝen mid ure muðe bringen us ut of þisse putte; þe 50 bitacneð þeo deopnesse of sunne. ⁊ þ̵ þurh þreo herde weies þe þus beoð ihaten. Cordis contricione. Oris confessione. Operis satisfactione. þurð heorte bireusunke . þurh muðes openunge. þurh dede wel endinge. Cordis contritione moritur peccatum. [f. 20 r] oris confessione defertur ad tumulum. operis satisfactione 55 tumulatur in perpetuum. þe[nne] we beoð sari in ure heorte þ̵ we isuneged habbeð þenne slage we ure sunne; þene we to sunbote cumeð. þenne do we bi ure sunne al swa me deað bi þe deade. for efterþan þ̵ þe mon bið dead me leið þene licome in þere þruh. Al swa þu leist þine sunne in þare þruh; hwenne þu 60 scrift underuongest of þe sunnen þe þu idon hauest to ȝeines godes wille. þenne þu hauest þine sunnen ibet; efter þines scriftes wissunge. þenne buriest þu þine sunnen and bringest heom ut of þine on walde. Per ieremiam notatur quilibet peccator qui in suo peccato moram facit. Bi ieremie þe prophete we aȝen to understonden 65 ulcne mon sunfulle. þ̵. lið in heuie sunne ⁊ þurh soðe scrift his sunbendes nule slakien. funiculi amaritudines penitencie significant. Þe rapes þe weren icast to him; bitacneð þe herdnesse of scrifte. for nis nan of us se strong þe hefde idon þre hef[ed] sunnen þ̵ his licome nere swiðe feble er he hefde idreȝen þet 70 scrift þe þer to bilimpeð. panni circumpositi funibus; ecclesie sacramenta significant. quibus penitencie duricia mitigatur. 73, 74. MS. defective.
75. Before halie ureisuns, ạ. þas kinges hus bitacneð hali chirch[e. þa] claðes þ̵ weren isende ut of þ[es kinges huse] for to binden þe rapes [f. 20 v] mid; bitacnet þe halie ureisuns þe me singeð in halie ch`i´rche. ⁊ þe halie sacramens 75 þe me sacreð in alesnesse of alla sunfulle. Leofemen nu ȝe habbeð iherð of þis putte þe bitacninge þe ic habbe embe ispeken. ⁊ þe bitacninge of þe prophete. ⁊ þ̵. þe rapes bitacneð. ⁊ hwat þa claðes bi tacneð þe þe rapes weren mide biwunden. Ihereð nuðe whulche þinges wunieð in þisse putte. þer wunieð fower cunnes 80 wurmes inne. þ̵ fordoð nuðe al þeos midelerd. þer wunieð in ne faȝe neddren. ⁊ beoreð atter under heore tunge. Blake tadden ⁊ habbeð atter uppon `heore´ heorte. ȝeluwe froggen. ⁊ crabben. Crabbe is an manere of fissce in þere sea. þis fis is of swulc cunde. þ̵. euer se he mare strengðdeð him to 85 sw[i]mminde mid þe watere; se he mare swimmeð abac. ⁊ þe alde crabbe seide to þe ȝunge. hwi ne swimmest þu forð warð in þere sea alse oðer fisses doð `⁊´ heo seide. leofe moder swim þu foren me ⁊ tech me hu ic scal swimmen forðward ⁊ [heo] bi gon to swimmen forðward mid þe streme. ⁊ swam hire þer aȝen. þas 90 faȝe neddre bitacneð þis faȝe folc þe wuneð in þisse weor`l´de. þe speket alse feire bi foren heore euencristen`e´ [f. 21 r] alse heo heom walde in to heore bosme puten. ⁊ swa sone se hi beoð iturnd awey from heom; heom to twiccheð ⁊ to draȝeð mid ufele weordes. Hii eciam sunt doctores ⁊ falsi xpistiani. Þos men þe þus 95 to draȝeð heore euencristene bi hinden heo habbeð þe nome of cristene ah þah heo beoð cristes unwines ⁊ beoð monslaȝen for heo slaȝeð heore aȝene saule. ⁊ bringeð heon in to þare eche pine of helle. þos blaca tadden þ̵ habbeð þ̵ atter uppon heore heorte. bi tacneð þes riche men þe habbeð þes mucheles weorldes ehte ⁊ na 100 maȝen noht itimien þar of to eten ne to drinken ne na god don þer of for þe luue of godalmihtin þe haueð hit heom al geuen. 103. ḥeorðe MS.
107. þeos ȝeolowe claþes MS.
108. iṣ is MS.
109. lumeð] luuieð MS.
111. sclode MS. ah liggeð þer uppon alse þe tadde deð in þere eorðe þ̵ neure ne mei itimien to eten hire fulle; swa heo is afered leste þeo eorðe hire trukie. þeos ilke ehte þe þeos þus ouerliggeð heom turneð to swart 105 atter for heo falleð þer þurh in to þer stronge pine þet na mon ne mei tellen. Þeos ȝeol`e´we [froggen bi tacneð þeos wimmen þe claþeð heom mid ȝeoluwe] claþe. for þe ȝeolewe clað is þes deofles helfter. þeos wimmen þe þus lumeð beoð þes deofles musestoch iclepede. for þenne þe mon wule tilden his musestoch he bindeð 110 uppon þa swike chese ⁊ bret hine for þon þ̵ he scolde swote smelle. and þurh þe [f. 21 v] sweote smel of þe chese; he bicherreð monie mus to þe stoke. Alswa doð monie of þas wimmen heo smurieð heom mid blanchet þ̵ is þes deofles sape ⁊ claþeð heom mid ȝeoluwe claþe þ̵ is þes deofles helfter. ⁊ seodðan heo lokieð 115 in þe scawere. þ̵ is þes deofles hindene. Þus heo doð for to feiren heom seoluen. ⁊ to draȝen lechurs to ham. ah heo fuleð heom soluen þer mide. Nu leofemen for godes lufe witeð how wið þes deofles musestoch ⁊ witeð eow þet ȝe ne beo noht þe foaȝe neddre. ne þe blake tadde. ne þe ȝolewe frogge. þe feder. ⁊ þe sune. ⁊ þe 120 halie gast. iscild us þer wið. ⁊ wið alle sunnen a buten ende. per omnia secula seculorum. AmeN.

XII. SERMONS FOR PALM SUNDAY AND EASTER DAY

“Trinity College, Cambridge, B. 14. 52. See [VIII, Poema Morale].”

Quia Mitis Sum et Humilis Corde

A. Dominica Palmarum

Turbe que precedebant dominum. ⁊ que sequebantur clamabant dicentes. osanna filio dauid; benedictus qui uenit in nomine domini. It is custume þ̵ ech chirchsocne goð þis dai aproce`ssi´on. ⁊ þis wune haueð þe biginnigge of þe holie procession. þe ure [f. 43 r] helende makede 5 to ward te stede þer he wolde deð þolen. Et cum uenisset bethfage ad montem oliuarum. Mittens [duos] de discipulis iussit adduci asinam ⁊ sedit super eam. Þo þe com to bethfage Swo hatte þe þrop þe preste one wunien. bi sides ierusalem on þe fot of þe dune þe men clepen munt oliuete. þo sende tweien of hise diciples 10 in to þe bureh of ierusalem. ⁊ bed hem bringen á wig one te riden. noðer stede. ne palefrei. ne fair mule. ac þeh he [were] alre louerdes louerd. ⁊ alre kingene ki[n]g. naþeles he sende after þe alre unwurþeste wig one to riden. ⁊ þ̵ is asse. ⁊ gaf us forbisne of admodnesse on his dede. alse he doð on oðre stede on his speche þus 15 queðinde. Discite a me; quia mitis sum ⁊ humilis corde. lerneð of me for þ̵ ich am milde ⁊ admod on herte. ⁊ þo tweien sander bodes ferden ⁊ cudden in þe bureh. þ̵ þe helende was þider ward. ⁊ funden an asse mid fole. ⁊ ledden hit to genes him. ⁊ þe holie apostles leiden he`re´ cloþes þer uppe ⁊ ure helende rod þer one; 20 into þe holie burh. 21. folc added in margin in different ink. ⁊ þ̵ burh`folc´ hihten þe hege strete ⁊ bihengen it mid palmes. ⁊ mid oðre riche wedes. þer he wolde þurh faren to þe holi temple. ⁊ wenden ut togenes him. ⁊ beren on here honde blostme sum palm twig. ⁊ sum boh of oliue alse þe holie boc seið. Occurrunt turbe cum floribus ⁊ palmis redemtori o[b]uiam. 25 ⁊c’. Ðet [f. 43 v] folc com to genes him. mid blostmen. ⁊ mid palmes. ⁊ understoden him mid procession. swo me ki[n]g shal. ⁊ þo þe ferden biforen him. ⁊ ðo þe after him comen. remden lude stefne þus queðinde. [O]sanna filio dauid benedictus qui uenit in nomine domini. Silof dauiðes bern blesced bie he þe cumeð a godes name. 30 ⁊ þo children þe weren biforen diden alse þe godspel seið. Pueri hebreorum vestimenta prosternebant ⁊c’ Þe children briggeden þe wei biforen ure drihten. sume mid here cloðes. ⁊ sume mid boges þe hie breken of þe trewes ⁊ swo him brohten in to þe holie temple. alse in his heorðliche heg settle. Þus makede ure helende his holie procession. 35 fro betfage to ierusalem. ⁊ elhc cristene man makeð þis dai procession fro chirche to chirche. ⁊ eft agen. ⁊ bitocneð þe holie procession þe he makede þis dai. ⁊ þ̵ mai ech man understonden. þe wot wat bitocneð þese tweie names. betfage. ⁊ ierusalem. Betfage interpretatur domus bucce. uel buccarum siue maxillarum. ⁊ significat 40 ecclesiam in qua bucce funguntur officio suo peccata confitendo ueniam postulando. deum laudando. Carnem xpisti manducando. ⁊ sanguinem eius bibendo. gratias agendo. Betfage is cleped on englisse muðene hus. ⁊ bitocneð holie chirche. þ̵ men noten inne here muðes wike. þanne hie seien 45 here sinnes. ⁊ forgiuenesse bidden. ⁊ ure louerd ihesu xrist herien. ⁊ bruken his fles ⁊ his blod. þ̵ his þe holi husel. ⁊ him [f. 44 r] þanken. Ierusalem interpretatur uisio pacis ⁊ item significat ecclesiam. in qua pax uera uidetur. dum passio xristi recolitur. et pacis osculum datur. Ierusalem is cleped soð of sahtnesse. 50 ⁊ bitocneð holie chirche þer bileffulle men inne beð sehte. þenne prest cristes þroweinge minegeð. ⁊ of þe calice understondeð tocne of sehtnesse. þ̵ is messe cos. ⁊ þe folc sent. ⁊ þer mide bitocneð þ̵ ure drihten is þureh þe holie loc wið bileffulle men maked sehte. ⁊ þerfore chirche haueð þe tocninge of bethphage þenne 55 þe proession ut goð of ierusalem. ⁊ eft þenne it in cumeð. Nime we þenne geme gif ure procession bi maked after ure helendes procession. On his procession ferde sume biforen him ⁊ makede his weie to ward ierusalem. ⁊ sume briggeden þe asse mid here cloðes. ⁊ sume mid boges þe hie breken of þe trewes. Ðo þe þe weie 60 makeden biforen him. bien folkes lorþeawes. bisshopes ⁊ prestēs. þe mid here wise lore rideð. 62. maked MS.
64. hereweldede MS. ⁊ makeð godes weie in to mannes heorte. Ðo þe briggeden þe asse mid here cloðes. ben þo þe wisseð þe folc mid faire forbisne of here weldede. Ðo þe briggeden þe asse mid þe brokene boges. ben þo þe leren þe folc to understonden god noht mid 65 wel dede. ac mid wise speche. þo þe after him comen ben þo þe here lif [leden] alse here lorðeawes hem lereð. þo þe bisides weren on his riht half. ben þo þe clene lif leden to quemende gode; noht for hereworde. þo þe on his lift hond comen ben þo þe clenliche liuen [f. 44 v] noht forto quemende gode; ac for hereword to hauen. Ðe 70 asse þe ure helende uppe set. ben þo forsinegede þe hauen al here þonc uppen eorðliche richeise. ⁊ sinne hem is loð to leten. ⁊ unwill[i]che to bete. for hem þincheð þ̵ godes hese heuieliche semeð. ⁊ naðeles gif hie ful don hie shulen on heuene endelese mede fon. Ure louerd ihesu xrist þe makede into ierusalem þis dai his holie procession. þe ech chirche to dai minegeð. wisse ⁊ fulste us swo to folgen his holi eorliche procession þ̵ we mo ben on þe holie procession þe he wile maken adomes dai mid hise chosene; fro þe dome in to heuene. Quod nobis prestet qui secla per omnia regnat. 80

B. In Die Pasche

Panis Angelicus Fit Panis Hominum

Hec 86. bidded MS. est dies quam fecit dominus exultemus ⁊ letemur in ea. Þis dai haueð ure drihten maked to gladien. ⁊ to blissen us þonked wurðe him. ⁊ giarked þ̵ holie gestninge. þe he offe spe`c´ð þus queðinde. Ecce prandium meum paratum. Mi bord 85 is maked. ⁊ us biddeð alle þer to þus seggende. Venite prandium. Cumeð to borde ⁊ understondeð bred. ac er þenne þe holie bord bugen. ⁊ þ̵ bred understonde do we alse þe apostel bad. seiende þus. Probet autem se ipsum homo. ⁊ sic de pane illo edat ⁊ de calice bibat. Proue ech man him seluen. ⁊ gif he feleð 90 þ̵ he is wurðe þer to; þenne understonde he þ̵ husel. ⁊ drinke of þe calice. þe man hit understondeð wurðliche þe cumeð þerto on bicumeliche wise. ⁊ mid bicumeliche wede. ⁊ on bicumeliche time. On bicumeliche wise [f. 45 r] cumeð þe man þe Erest sheweð preste his sinnes ⁊ forleteð ⁊ bimurneð ⁊ nimeð þerof god wissinge. ⁊ oðer 95 siðe þe holie acxen uppen his heued. ⁊ þe six pinen þe þerto bilien. scilicet vigilias. labores. saccum. inedia. sitim. þ̵ is wecche ⁊ swinch. harde cloðes. smerte dintes. selde eten ⁊ lesse drinken. Þridde siðe palm sunedeies procession. feorðe siðes shereðuresdaies absolucio[n] þe liðe þe sinne bendes. þe fifte siðe crepe to cruche on 100 lange fridai[.] sixte siðe on ester euen gon abuten þe fantston. þe bitocneð þe holie sepulcre. ⁊ þe seueðe siðe þ̵ holie bord bugen ⁊ þ̵ bred bruken. bicumeliche wede ben tweire kinne. lichamliche ⁊ gostliche. þe lichamliche wedes ben manie kinnes. ac of hem ne speke ich noht ac do of þe gostliche. þe ben ec fele kinnes. ⁊ alle hie bien 105 faire him þe þe husel underfoð. ac two þer offe ben swiche þ̵ no man ne mai under fo. him seluen to hele bute he haue here oðer on him. þe ben þus clepede. Vestis innocencie. Vestis misericordie. an is loðlesnesse oðe`r´ sinbote. Vestis innocencie restituitur in baptismo dicente sacerdote. [A]ccipe uestem candidam ⁊ 110 immaculatam. loðlesnesse understondeð þe man at his folcninge. ⁊ þ̵ bitocneð þe crisme cloð. þe þe prest bi windeð þ̵ child mide. ⁊ þus seið. Underfo shrud wit ⁊ clene. þis shrud haueð ech man on him after his fulcninge. alle þe wile þe he him beregeð þ̵ he ne do ne ne queðe. ne ne ðenche no þing for þat he bie unwurðere gode; 115 [f. 45 v] ne loðere men; þe iuele is soule. Þis wede is wel bicumeliche ⁊ biheue ech man to hauen þenne he husel underfoð. Ðet oðer gostliche shrud ich embe spece; is mildhertnesse. þe is nemed ec; armhertnesse armheorted is þe man. þe swiðere reoweð his sinne. ⁊ he hem for let ⁊ bet. ⁊ milce bit. alse ure drihten bad seien þus. 120 Miserere anime tue placens deo. haue reoðe of þin ogen sovle. þenne likeste gode. Mildheorted beð þe man þe reouð his nehgebures unselðe. ⁊ likeð here alre selðe ⁊ ofþinð sore wrecche mannes wanrede. ⁊ freureð hem mid his wel dede. 125. þise] þis MS. No man þe sineged haueð ne mai wið uten þise wedes holi husel underfon; bute to eche harme 125 his soule ⁊ lichame ⁊ ech man þe hit underfoð wið uten eiðer þese wedes shal ben shameliche driuen ut of þis holi gestninge. ⁊ bunden togedere his honden. ⁊ his fet. ⁊ worpen in to þe ateliche pit of helle bi ure drihtenes word þe seið to swiche men. Amice quomodo huc intrasti non habens uestem nupcialem. ⁊c hwu come þu ider 130 in mid unbicumliche weden. þis dai is bicumelich time husel to underfon. Quia hec dies quam fecit dominus. non quod magis hanc quam alias. sed quia maiora quam in aliis á morte resurgendo. ⁊ nos á morte resuscitando. for þ̵ þis makede ure drihten þe makede alle oðre. ac he kidde oðerluker his mihte. 135 ⁊ mankin more milce dide on þis dai; þanne on ani oðre. Ðo he aros of deaðe [⁊] rerde us mid him. Vnde exultemus ⁊ letemur in ea. he us fette ut of helle wowe. ⁊ þer mide us gledede. ⁊ gif we him folgieð he gifð us heuene wele ⁊ þer mide. us blisseð to dai þonked. wurðe him. for þi þis dai is cleped estrene dai. þ̵ is aristes dai. for 140 þ̵ þe he þis dai aros of deaðe. ⁊ we alle don; [f. 46 r] þanne we holi husel unde`r´nimen. gif we ben þe[r] togenes on clene liflode. ⁊ on rihte leue. ⁊ wið alle men sehte. Ure louerd þe us bit to þis gestninge. ⁊ bringe us to `his´ holi fleis ⁊ to his holi blod ⁊ leue us hem to bruken. ⁊ þus quedinde. Accipite ⁊ commedite ex hoc omnes 145 hic est enim calix sanguinis mei novi. ⁊ c’ Understondeð þis ⁊ brukeð it alle. for it is mi lichame þe giu shal alle lesen. he bet us ec his holi blod þe shal ben shad giu to lesende ⁊ seið þ̵ þese two þing bien ure bileue. Caro mea uere est cibus ⁊ sanguis meus uere est potus. Mi fleis is wis mete. ⁊ mi blod iwis drinke ⁊ after þ̵ 150 he seið. Nisi manducaueritis carnem filii hominis ⁊ biberitis eius sanguinem non habebitis uitam in uobis. Ne muge hauen no lif on giu bute ge liuen bi mi fleis ⁊ bi mi blod. þ̵ husel þe ge understonden; is his holi fleis ⁊ his blod. Erest it beð ouelete ⁊ win. ⁊ þureh þe holi word þe ure helende him self seide mid his holi 155 muð; ⁊ efter him prest hem seið atte swimesse turneð þe bred to fleis ⁊ þe win to blod. Set in carne remanet forma color ⁊ sapor. ac on þe holi fleis bileueð þe shap ⁊ hiu. ⁊ smul of ouelete. ⁊ on þe holi blod héw ⁊ smul of win. More mihte doð ure helende þenne þe holi word þe he þurh his muð spec. þanne he giueð mannes cuinde. 160 [his fleis ⁊ his blod.] ⁊ Naþeles þanne man eteð ⁊ drinkeð þureh þe lichames cunde þ̵ bred wurð to fleis. ⁊ þe drinke to blod. for þi mai godes word turnen þe ouelete to fleis. ⁊ þ̵ win to blod. ⁊ swo doð. ⁊ þ̵ is þe felefolde heste. þe is alre hestene heste þ̵ alle cristene men agen to dai to noten. for þ̵ þis dai is cleped estre dai 165 þ̵ is estene da[i]. ⁊ te este is husel. ⁊ no man ne mai seien husel; wu god it is. Quia est precium mundi. for it is wurð al þe wereld. ⁊ betere þene [f. 46 v] al þe wereld. þis is þe holi manne þe ure drihten sende alse snow sleðrende alse þe prophete seið. Pluit illis manna ad manducandum ⁊ panem celi dedit eis. 170 [P]anem angelorum manducauit homo. he let hem reine manne to bi liue. ⁊ gef hem bred of heuene. ⁊ men eten englene [bred]. Manna interpretatur. quid est hoc? Manne bitocneð wat is tis; ⁊ þo ure drihten sende þis mete fro heuene þe israelisse folke; it warð on eches muð wat mete se he mest luuede. ⁊ bitocneð holi 175 husel; þe ech cristeman understont nuðe. þe is þe manne hegeste sweteste este þe is of sinne clensed. oðer bigunne to clensende. ⁊ alre bitere biterest eches mannes soule þe ne haueð alle michele sinnes forleten. ⁊ bet. 179. þe] þa MS.
189. driste] d corr. out of e. oðer bigunnen alse þe apostel seið. Qui manducat corpus domini ⁊ bibit ⁊c. Ech þe understandeð þ̵ holi husel 180 unwurðliche he understant him seluen eche pine. ⁊ endelese wowe. Nime we nu geme ure ech agen him seluen. gif we bien cumen on bicumeliche wise. þ̵ is to soð shrifte. to hol[i] axen a palm sunedai; to procession. a shereðursdai to absoluciun. a langefridai to holi cruche. an ester euen to procession. ⁊ gif we ben cumene mid 185 bicumeliche wede. of lodlesnesse þ̵ is clensinge. swo þ̵ we hauen ure sinnes forleten. ⁊ bi shriftes wissenge bet. oðer bigunnen to beten. ⁊ milce bidden. þanne muge we bicumeliche to godes bord; bugen. ⁊ his bode wurðliche bruken. ⁊ þureh þe holi este cumen to driste. Quod nobis prestet qui hodie surrexit ⁊ uiuit cum deo patre 190 in unitate spiritus sancti.

XIII. VICES AND VIRTUES

“Stowe 34, British Museum: of the early part of the thirteenth century; written on vellum, 223 × 160 mm., by three scribes, with numerous corrections by at least three other hands.”

A. The Ark of Holy Church

Ðe gastliche hierdes ðe sculen boðe lokin ⁊ stieren. ðo ðe bieð in ðare woreld; ⁊ ec `ðo´ ðe bieð ute. hie folȝið noe ðane gode stieres mann ðe gode was swiðe lief. ⁊ ȝecweme. For ðare muchele hersumnesse ðe he maniȝe wintre swanc. ær he `ða´ arche mihte habben ȝemaked. ⁊ seððen hie swa stierde on ðe muchele 5 wilde flode. ðe ouerȝiede all middeneard. mang stronge windes ⁊ stormes ðat he ðarof ne forleas naþing. ðe godd him hadde betaht to liue ⁊ to londe to bringen. 8. gastliche] e above erasure.
14. lokieð MS.
19. gewer] w above ụ̇. Body text has ȝewer.
rad] d above erasure.
21. seid MS. Swa scule ða gastlich`e´ stieres menn. `steren´ ða arche of ðe hali cherche ðat hie ðarof ne for liesen ne lichame ne saule. For none winde of mannliche fandinge. [f. 15 r] 10 Ne for none storme of dieuliche fandinge. ⁊ eft on faire wedere ne bien hie naht to sikere. forðan swo maniȝe litle dropes of maniȝes kennes ȝemeleastes mihten cumen in to ðe saule bote ðat hie mihten sinken. mid alle hire biȝeates. Ac lokien hie alle ðe wið innen scipes borde wuniȝeð. þ̵ hie bien hersum. ⁊ leðebeiȝe here stieres manne. 15 swa swa hie willeð cumen to ðe liuiende lande mid saule ⁊ mid lichame. And hlesteð hwat ðe hlauerd seið. ðe ðat scip auh to ðe stieresmannen ⁊ to alle ðe ðar inne wuniȝeð. Qui uos audit me audit. Se ðe ȝe`w´er ra`d´ hlest he seið. he hlest me seluen. ⁊ se ðe ȝew forsakþ ⁊ ȝewere lare he forsakþ fullȝewiss me seluen. Þis he 20 seið to ða stieresmannen. On michele hahte we fareð alle ðe fareð in hoc mare magnum. on ðessere michele sea of ðare bitere woreld. Of ure stieresman is ȝewriten Ascendunt usque ad celos. ⁊ descendunt usque ad abissos. Hie stieð up to heuene mid here gastliche þohtes for to sceawin ðe michele merhðe of heuene riche. 25 for to sceawin ðe windes ⁊ ðe euele stormes. ðe cumeð of deules blastes ⁊ for us te warnin þ̵ ure ropes ne to breken. ðe bieð i broiden mid þrie strænges. Of rihte ileaue. ⁊ of faste hope te gode. And of ðare soðe luue ðe is ihoten carite ðe Crist mæst luueð. 30. nielnesse] on margin abissos.
35. tobrekd MS.: in lower margin, qui cum in forma dei e`s´set non rapinam arbitratus est semet.
42. Ȝif] ȝ corr. out of G.
44. bowes] w corr. out of u. Eft hit seið ðat hie stikð niðer in to nielnesse mid here ðohtes. for us eft to 30 warnin wið ðo stanroches of ðe harde hierte ðe næure ne wile nexin. for none watere of wisdome. Ac ȝif ðar cumþ scip to hit tobrekð. Alswo doð ðat unwise mann ðe cumþ to ðan unbiliefde manne ðe ne wile ne ne mai godes lare understanden for his herte hardnesse[.] he tobrekð ȝif he ani god wille hafð. forðan he hert his gode wille 35 ⁊ hie tobrecþ. [f. 15 v] mid þelliche wordes. Hwat dest þu; he seið ðu dalst al ðat tu hafst. Wile ðu hlesten. spelleres. ⁊ pr`i´estes. ⁊ munekes. ⁊ þese hadede mannen. Ne scalt ðu næure habben god; Hie wolden for`i´swelȝen all ðe woreld ȝif hie mihten. be trewe mann ⁊ halt tin god. þu finst feawe ðe wile ȝiuen ðe ani þing. bute 40 hie witen hwarfore. Ðe unware mann ðe ðis ȝeherð. ðingþ ðat he seið him god rad. Ȝif he arrer dede litel te gode. ðar after he doð michel`e´ lasse. ⁊ swo he forfarð. for ðan ðe he his priestes lare ne his ræd lesten ne folȝin ne wile Carite sprat his bowes on bræde ⁊ on lengðe swiðe ferr. Hie me haueð idon speken. forðer ðane ic 45 hadde ȝeþouht. Ac nu ic wile wænden to ðe hali mihtes al swo ich ær hadde iȝunnen be godes fultume. Ac me þincþ ðat tu lokest aweiward ⁊ heuiliche latst. And hit is me to muchel iswinch ðar embe to þennken oðer to speken, bute ȝif ðu woldest mid god wille ðar to lhesten. ⁊ hes understanden. 50

Hu andswereð ðe saule ⁊ seið :

Ich 54. tæche] c corr. out of s. ðe bidde for ðan ilche hlauerd ðe ðe iscop me to helpe. ðat alswo ðu hauest ȝegunnen ⁊ ðane grundwall ileid. Of ðese hali mihtes ðat tu hes forð bringe ⁊ me hes tæche. forðan hie bieð me swiðe unbecnawe for ðe maniȝe unðeawes ðe ic mid me to longe 55 habbe ihafd. Ac nu ic hes wile leten. ⁊ mid godes fultume of hem ȝeswiken. And min ȝeþanc to ðine lore healden. For ðare hali mihte ðe cariteð is icleped ic ðe beseche ⁊ bidde ðat tu ðese halwende lore on write sette. for ðan ic am michel þenchinde ðar hwile ðe ic on ðese wrecche lichame am wuniende. ⁊ ofte forȝete ðat me god; wære 60 te healden. and ec sum oðer saule hit wile helpen.

Hu andswereð scadwisnesse. ⁊ þus seið.

Ðas 67. seid MS.
71. wid MS. þe me þincþ þu wilt godes lore bliðeliche understonden. ⁊ liernin. ⁊ ðat me likeð swiðe wel. forði ðat hit seið on ðe hali godspelle. Qui est ex deo uerba dei audit. Se ðe is of gode he 65 harkeð bleðeliche godes wordes. Nu me cumþ on iþanke an forbisne. þe sanctus Gregorius us seið : Qui uirtutes sine humilitate congregat quasi in uento puluerem portat. Se ðe gadereð mihtes wiðuten eadmodnesse he seið. he is ilich ðo manne ðe berð dust amidewarde ðe winde. For ði me þingþ þ̵ is wisdom ðat we 70 alre ðinge arst speken of ðessere hali mihte wið uten hwam non ne mai bien wið healden te none freme ne te none gode.

B.
Of teares.

Wite 73. speked MS.
74. inede] n corr. out of h.
80. is corr. out of þ. ðu to soðe ðat þese teares ðe we embe spekeð hie bieð iwis godes ȝiue. ⁊ swiðe niedfulle to ðan inede þat iherd sculen [bien] of gode. Of hem sade ðe prophete : Fuerunt mihi 75 lacrime me[e] panes die ac nocte. Mine teares he sade me waren bred daiȝ ⁊ niht swa gode hie þouhten. Of oþres kennes teares he sade : Lacrimis meis stratum meum rigabo : Ich scal watrien min bedd mid mine teares. Ðies bedd tacneð þe consciencia. þat is þat inȝied wiðinnen. Þar ðe gode sawle 80 haueð hire reste; þar haueð se eule sawle hire pine. For þi he sade þat he wolde mid teares wascen þat inȝied þar of ðe his herte him wreiȝede. Ne finde we nawher þat godd wernde ani þing ðe ani mann mid teares him besouhte. Godd sante to Ezechie þe kinge be his prophete. ⁊ sade : Dispone domui tue quia morieris ⁊ tu 85 ⁊ non uiues. Becweð þine [f. 47 v] cwide he sade. for ðan þu scalt bien dead. ⁊ naht ne scalt tu libben. Ðe king warð sari. 88. lað] ð corr. out of d.
89. þat on an erasure.
97. god] MS. gode, with e partly erased.
102. ȝif] Gif MS. alswa richeise is lað to laten ⁊ swiðe lef to libben. He wante þo to ðe wauȝe ⁊ dede þat betste. `a´ hlauerd godd sade he þench nu ðat ich ðe habbe ȝe luued. ⁊ for þine luue bliðeliche idon. ⁊ ȝif me ȝiet 90 a litel ferst for þine godnesse. Ðies was god inȝied. þ̵ he mihte his gode dade forðsceawin þa þe he niede hadde. For þi him ȝeherde godd ⁊ sade to is prophete ðe was ham ward. Wand aȝean cwað he ⁊ sai to þe kinge. Vidi lacrimam tuam. Ich iseih cwað he þine tear. ⁊ ich iherde þine bene. Þu scalt ȝiet libben fiftene ȝear. 95 Swa michel ich habbe ieiht þi lif. Ðanne ðu on michele niede gode wilt beseken þanne is ðe wel god þ̵ þu muȝe forðdraȝen sume gode dade. þin hierte bieð ðe gladdere. ⁊ ðe sikerliker ðu miht bidden. Segge we nu forð mid þe prophete Ciba nos pane lacrimarum. Hlauerd fed us mid ðo breade of swete teares. ⁊ potum da nobis 100 in lacrimis in mensura. ⁊ ȝif us drinken of oðreskennes teares ⁊ ðat mid imete. Ðat ich wile þat ðu wel be iwarned. ȝif godd ðe ȝifð þese swete teares þat non win in ðare world nis swa swete. ⁊ alswa alswa man to michel mai drinken of ðare wine alswa mai ðe mann to michel wepen. þeih hie swete bien. ⁊ for ði þe is god 105 þ̵ þu beseke at gode one mihte. ðe hatte discrecio. þat is [f. 48 r] sckelewisnesse.

Hie 115. herborȝin] ȝ on erasure.
118. eldest] hole in MS.
121. ði on erasure. is swiðe beheue mang alle ðe oðre mihtes. Ðis ðe hali faderes seggeð Hie is moder of alle ðe oðre mihtes. ðar ðe he rixið ne mai naure man forfaren. þe hire wile rixin ⁊ folȝin. Hit 110 seið in uitas patrum. ðat at sume sal waren ðe hali faderes to gedere igadered. ⁊ waren spekinde betwen hem on `h´williche wise me mihte rihtist ⁊ sikerest to gode cumen. Sum sade þurh fasten. sum þurh wacchen. sum ðurh bede. sum sade þurh hersumnesse. sum sade ðurh annesse. sum sade ðurh herborȝin 115 wrecche menn. ⁊ feden ⁊ screden. Sum sade ðurh seke menn to lokin. ⁊ on manieskennes wisen hie namden after ðan þe þat hali goddspell seið. Ða sade on of ða eldes[t] ⁊ on of ða wisest. Ðurh alle ðesen we habbeð iseȝen ⁊ iherd swiðe maniȝe ȝeborȝen. ⁊ manie of alle ðesen inamde mihten forfaren for þi ðat hem trukede 120 discrecio. þat is scadwisnesse and skele. For ði sume deden michel mare þan hie mihtin wel andin Sume deden to litel. Sume deden euele. ⁊ wenden wel don. Sume wel a gunnen ⁊ euele andeden. Ac naure ne ȝeseiȝe we manne þat hadde þese hali mihte mid him þat he aure misferde[.] beȝete se ðe muge. 125

Perseuerancia 128. ihoten] io corr. by erasure.
129. Before ðe, ðe erased. The word ðe occurs twice in line 129.
132. On margin Ewangelista in red.
133. ðurȝ] durȝ MS.
134. `hwat´ on erasure. hatte an hali mihte. Hie nis naht [f. 48 v] to laten for ðan hie makeð ðanne man ðe godd `h´is. to sant þ̵ he þurwuneð on his godnesse. On ðare ealde laȝe hit was i[h]oten þ̵ alle dier. ðe me gode scolde offrin þat hie lokeden wel ðat ðe tail ware on auriche netene. Þat tocneð ðat ilke mann ðe gode ani seruise 130 offreð. þat he þar on þurȝwunie[.] on ðessere newe laȝe sade crist. Qvi perseuerauerit usque in finem hic saluus erit. Se ðurȝ wuneð on his godnesse ðe he hafð agunnen he worð iborȝen ⁊ naht elles for none gode þe he don hafð. hwat `hwat´ it is.

Ratio dicit anime :

135

Lieue 136. habbe above write deleted.
137. þ̵] þ̵ạ MS.
138. ȝif] Gif MS.
139. alche] c corr. out of l. `saule´, ðis little writt ic `habbe´ sare beswonken he it wat þ̵ wot alle þing for ðe to wissin. for ðe to warnin. ⁊ for ðe to helpen ⁊ for ðe to berȝin. ȝif ðu wilt wel hit understonden ⁊ liernin ⁊ folȝin ⁊ [h]ealden wið uten alche twene þu miht mid godes felste ðe berȝen ⁊ heuneriches merchþe mid þese halie mihtes sike`r´liche 140 iwinnen.

Nunc autor loquitur finaliter.

Hvte 142. þankin] a over ẹ.
146. swunken] u over ị.
148. liueð] i over ẹ.
149. forȝeit] i over erasure. we nu þ`a´nkin ⁊ herien ure hlauerde almihtin gode of ðese witte and of ðese wisdome. ðe we hier habbeð igadered of `h´ishorde. ⁊ of maniȝes [f. 49 r] haliȝes mannes ȝeswinkes þe michel 145 sw`u´nken for ðe luue of gode. ⁊ for us to wissin. Hit is riht ðat we heriȝen ⁊ þankin ⁊ bledscin fader ⁊ sune ⁊ hali gast on ða hali þrinnesse. se ðe is on soð godd in onnesse. se ðe l`i´ueð ⁊ rixeð aure ma a woreld. amen. Ðat ne forȝeit ðu naure. þat ðu godd ne heriȝe. ⁊ þanke of alle gode. Alswa swa we habbeð niede him to bidden be 150 daiȝ ⁊ be nihte. ⁊ ofte ⁊ ȝelome alswa hit is niede; him to heriȝen. Amen.

Veni creator spiritus mentes tuorum uisita implet superna gracia que tu creasti p`e´ctora.

XIV. LAȜAMON

The Brut (MS. Caligula)

i. Cotton Caligula A 9, British Museum (C); on vellum, 216 × 153 mm.; 192 folios in double columns of 32 to 34 lines, written by two scribes in the first quarter of the thirteenth century. It is bound up with another manuscript containing the Owl and the Nightingale and other pieces.

ii. Cotton Otho C 13, British Museum (O); injured in the fire of 1731; on vellum; 145 folios in double columns of 38 lines; written in one hand, of the third quarter of the thirteenth century.

.... Mistakes common to both versions have been derived from an intermediate manuscript X.

MS. Otho
Parallel Texts

Vnder þan comen tiðende;     to vortiger þan kinge.

þ̵ ouer sæ weoren icumen;     swiðe selcuðe gumen.

Jnne þere Temese;     to londe heo weoren icummen.

þreo scipen gode;     comen mid þan flode.

5 þreo hundred cnihten;     Alse hit weoren kinges.

wið uten þan scipen monnen;     þe weoren þer wið innen.

þis weoren þa færeste men;     þat auere her comen.

Ah heo weore hæðene;     þ̵ wes hærm þa mare.

Uortiger heom sende to;     And axede hu heo weoren idon.

10 Ȝif heo grið sohten;     ⁊ of his freond scipe rohten.

heo wisliche and swerden;     Swa heo wel cuðen.

⁊ seiden þ̵ heo walden;     speken wið þan kinge.

⁊ Leofliche him heren;     ⁊ hælden hine for hærre.

And swa heo gunnen wenden;     fforð to þan kinge.

15 Þa wes Uortigerne þa king;     In Cantuarie buri.

þer he mid his hirede;     Hæhliche spilede.

þer þas cnihtes comen;     Bi foren þan folc kinge.

Sone swa heo | hine imetten;     fæire heo hine igrætten.

⁊ seiden þat heo him wolden;     hæren iþisse londe.

20 ȝif he heom wolde;     mid rihten at halden.

Þa and swerede vortiger;     of elchen vuele he wes war.

An alle mine iliue;     þe ich iluued habbe.

bi dæie no bi nihtes;     ne sæh ich nauere ær swulche cnihtes.

for eouwer cumen ich æm bliðe;     ⁊ mid me ȝe scullen bilæfuen.

25. bimi ne MS.

25 ⁊ eouwer wille ich wulle driȝen;     bi mine quicke liuen.

Ah of eou ich wulle iwiten;     þurh soðen eouwer wurð scipen.

whæt cnihten ȝe seon;     ⁊ whænnenen ȝe icumen beon.

27. whæt] whahæt MS.

⁊ whar ȝe wullen beon treowe;     alde ⁊ æc neowe.

þa answerede þe oðer;     þat wes þe aldeste broðer.

30 lust me nu lauerd king;     ⁊ ich þe wullen cuðen.

what cnihtes we beoð;     ⁊ whanene we icumen seoð.

I
ch hatte henges;     hors is mi broðer.

we beoð of alemainne;     aðelest alre londe.

of þat ilken ænde;     þe angles is ihaten.

35 Beoð in ure londe;     selcuðe tiðende.

36. his] hī MS.

vmbe fiftene ȝer;     þat folc hi[s] isomned.

Al ure iledene folc;     ⁊ heore loten werpeð.

38. falled] faled MS.

vppen þan þe hit fal[l]ed;     he scal uaren of londe.

Bilæuen scul | len þa fiue;     þa sexte scal forð liðe.

40 ut of þan leode;     to u[n]cuðe londe.

Ne beo he na swa leof mon;     uorð he scal liðen.

For þer is folc swiðe muchel;     mære þene heo walden.

þa wif færeð mid childe;     swa þe deor wilde.

Æueralche ȝere; heo bereð child þere;

45 þ̵ beoð an us feole;     þat we færen scolden.

Ne mihte we bilæue;     for liue ne for dæðe.

Ne for nauer nane þinge;     for þan folc kinge.

þus we uerden þere;     ⁊ for þi beoð nu here.

49. luste MS.

to sechen vnder lufte;     lond ⁊ godne lauerd.

50 Nu þu hæfuest iherd lauerd ki[n]g;     Soð of us þurh alle þi[n]g.

Þa answarede vortiger;     of alc an vfele he wes war.

Ich ileue þe cniht;     þ̵ þu me sugge soð riht.

⁊ wulche beoð æoure ileuen;     þ̵ ȝe on ileueð.

⁊ eoure leofue godd;     þe ȝe to luted.

55 þa and swarede Hænges;     cnihtene alre fæirest.

56. muchel over erasure.

Nis in al þis kine lond;     cniht swa muchel ne swa strong.

We habbeð gode`s´ gode;     þe we luuieð an ure mode.

58. mid mid MS.

þa we habbeð hope to;     ⁊ heoreð heom mid mihte.

Þe an hæhte phebus;     þe oðer Saturnus.

60 þe þridde hæhte woden;     þ̵ is an weoli godd.

þe feorðe hæh | [te] Jupiter;     of alle þinge he is whar.

þe fifte hæhte Mercurius;     þat is þe hæhste ouer us.

62. is] us MS.

þæ sæxte hæhte appollin;     þ̵ is a godd wel idon.

þe seoueðe hatte teruagant;     an hæh godd in ure lon.

65 Ȝet we habbeð anne læuedi;     þe hæh is ⁊ mæhti.

64. seoðueðe MS.

heh heo is ⁊ hali;     hired men heo luuieð for þi.

heo js ihate Frææ;     wel heo heom dihteð.

67. dihteð] ð corr. out of s.

Ah for alle ure goden deore;     þa we scullen hæren.

Woden hehde þa hæhste laȝe;     an ure ælderne dæȝen.

70 he heom wes leof;     æfne al swa heore lif.

he wes heore walden;     And heom wurðscipe duden.

þene feorðe dæi iþere wike;     heo ȝifuen him to wurðscipe.

Þa þunre heo ȝiuen þunres dæi;     for þi þat heo heom helpen mæi.

Freon heore læfdi;     heo ȝiuen hire fridæi.

75 Saturnus heo ȝiuen sætterdæi;     þene sunne heo ȝiuen sonedæi.

76. Monenen heo ȝifuenen MS.

Monen heo ȝifuen mone dæi;     Tidea heo ȝeuen tis dæi.

þus seide hæ[n]gest;     cnihten alre hendest.

Þa answerede vortiger;     of ælchen vfel he wæs wær.

Cnihtes ȝe beoð me leofue;     ah þas tiðende me beoð laðe.

80 eouwer ileuen beoð vnwraste;     Ȝe ne ileoueð noht an criste. |

Ah ȝe ileoueð a þene wurse;     þe godd seolf awariede.

80. ileuen written over ilauerd deleted.   cristre MS.

eoure godes ne beoð nohtes;     In helle heo niðer liggeð.

Ah neoðeles ich wulle eou at hælde;     An mine anwalde.

for norð Beoð þa Peohtes;     swiðe ohte cnihtes.

85 þe ofte ledeð in mine londe;     ferde swiðe stronge.

⁊ ofte dod me muchele scome;     ⁊ þerfore ich habbe grome.

⁊ ȝif ȝe me wulleð wræken;     ⁊ heore hæfden me biȝeten.

Ich eou wullen ȝeuen lond;     muchel seolueR ⁊ gold.

Þa andswerede hængest;     cnihtene alre feirest.

90 Ȝif hit wulle saturnus;     al hit scal iwurðe þus.

86. me] e corr. out of u.

⁊ Woden ure lauerd;     þe we on bi liueð.

Hengest nom læue;     ⁊ to scipen gon liðe.

þer wes moni cniht strong;     heo droȝen heore scipen uppe þe lond.

forð wenden dringches;     to vortigerne þan kenge.

95 Biuoren wende hengest;     ⁊ hors him alre hændest.

93. uppe on an erasure.

Seoððen þa alemainisce men;     þa aðele weoren an deden.

⁊ seoððen heo senden him to;     heore sæxisce cnihtes wel idon.

hengestes cunnesmen;     of his aldene cudðe.

heo comen in to halle;     hændeliche alle.

100 Bett weoren iscrudde;     ⁊ bed weoren iuædde.

hængest | swaine;     þene vortigernes. þeines.

100. Bett corr. out of Bette.

þa wes vortigernes hired;     for hehne ihalden.

102. ihaldenḍẹ MS.

Bruttes weoren særi;     for swulchere isihðe.

Nes hit nawiht longe;     þat ne comen to þan kinge.

105 Cnihtes sunen uiue;     þa i faren hafden biliue.

heo sæiden to þan kinge;     neowe tiðenden.

nu forð rihtes;     Icumen beoð þa peohtes.

þurh þi lond heo ærneð;     ⁊ hærȝieð ⁊ berneð.

⁊ al þene norð ænde;     iuald to þan grunde.

110 her of þu most ræden;     oðer all we beoð dæden.

Þe king hine bi þohte;     whæt he don mihte.

he sende to þan innen;     after al his monnen.

þer com hengest þer com hors;     þer com mani mon ful oht.

þer comen þa saxisce men;     hengestes cunnes men.

115 ⁊ þa Alemainisce cnihtes;     þe beoð gode to fihte.

þis isæh þe king vortiger;     bliðe wes he þa þer.

Þa peohtes duden heore iwune;     a þas hælf þere humbre. heo weoren icume.

⁊ þe king VortigeR;     of heore cume wes ful war.

To gadere heo comen;     ⁊ feole þer of sloȝen.

120 þer wes feht swide strong;     Comp swiðe sturne.

Þe Peohtes weoren ofte iwuned;     Vortige[r]ne to ouer | cumen.

⁊ þa heo þohten a[l]swa;     Ah hit ilomp an oðer þa.

for hit wes heom al hele;     þat hængest wes þere.

⁊ þa cnihtes stronge;     þe comen of saxelonde.

125 ⁊ þa ohte alemanisce;     þe þider comen mid horse.

Swiðe monie peohtes;     heo sloȝen iþan fehte.

113. muni MS.

feondliche heo fuhten;     feollen þa fæie.

116. þa þa MS.

Þa þe non wes icumen;     þa weoren Peohtes ouer cumen.

⁊ swuðe heo awæi floȝen;     an ælche helue heo forð fluȝen.

130 ⁊ alle dai heo fluȝen;     monie ⁊ vnnifoȝe.

Þe king vortigerne;     wende to herberwe.

⁊ æuere him weoren on uast;     Hors ⁊ hængest.

Hængest wes þan kinge leof;     ⁊ him lindesaȝe ȝef.

and he ȝæf horse;     madmes inoȝe.

135 ⁊ alle heore cnihtes;     he swiðe wel dihte.

133. leof; ⁊ him linde over an erasure.

⁊ hit gode stunde;     stod a þan ilke.

Ne durste nauere peohtes;     cumen i þan londes.

no ræueres no utlaȝen;     þ̵ heo neoren sone of slæȝen.

⁊ hængest swiðe fæire;     herede þane king.

140 Þa ilomp hit in ane time;     þ̵ þe king wes swiðe bliðe.

137. peohtestes MS.

An ane hæȝe dæie;     imong his duȝeðe monnen.

Hengest hine bi þohte;     what he don mihte.

for he wolde wið þan kinge;     holden | runinge.

þan kinge he eode to; foren;     ⁊ fæire hine gon greten.

145 Þe king sone up stod;     ⁊ sætte hine bi him seoluen.

144. gonḍẹ MS.

heo drunken heo dremden;     blisse wes among heom.

146. heoṇ dremden MS.

Þa queð hengest to þan kinge;     lauerd hærcne tiðende.

⁊ ich þe wulle ræcchen;     deorne runen.

ȝif þu mine lare;     wel wult lusten.

150 ⁊ noht halden to wraððe;     þat ich wel leare.

þe king answarede;     swa henges hit wolde.

Þa sæide hængest;     cnihten alre fæirest.

lauerd ich habbe moni a dæi;     þine monscipe ihæȝed.

⁊ þin holde mon ibeon;     i richen þine hirede.

155 ⁊ in ælche fæhte;     hæhst of þine cnihten.

⁊ ich habbe ofte ihærd;     hohfulle ronen.

Imong þine hired monnen;     heo hatieð þe swiðe.

156. ronenen MS.

In to þan bare dæðe;     ȝif heo hit dursten cuðe.

Ofte heo stilleliche spækeð;     ⁊ spilieð mid runen.

160 of twam ȝunge monnen;     þat feor wunieð hennen.

159. stilledliche MS.

þe an hæhte VtheR;     þe oðer ambrosie.

þe þridde hæhte Co[n]stance;     þes wes king i þisse `lond´.

⁊ he her wes of slaȝen;     þurh swicfulle laȝen.

Nu wulleð cume þa oðere;     ⁊ wræken heore broðer.

Al forbær | nen þi lond;     ⁊ slæn þine leoden.

166 þe seoluen ⁊ þine duȝeðen;     driuen ut of londe.

⁊ þus suggeð þine men;     þer heo somned sitteð.

for þa twene broðere;     beoð `beyne´ kine borne.

Of androeinnes kunne;     þas aðele bruttes.

170 ⁊ þus þine duȝeðe;     stille þe fordemed.

168. beyne added in margin, beoren deleted.

Ah ich þe wulle ræde;     Of muchele þire neode.

þ̵ þu bi ȝite cnihtes;     þa gode beoð to fihte.

⁊ bi tache me ænne castel;     Oðer ane kineliche burh.

172. cnihtes] mihtest MS.

þat ich mai inne ligge;     þa while þa ich libbe.

175 Ic am uor þe iuaid;     þær fore ic wene beon dæd.

fare þer ic auer fare;     næm ich næuere bute care.

Buten ich ligge faste;     biclused inne castle.

ȝif þu þis me wult don;     Ich hit wulle mid luue a fon.

⁊ ich wulle biliue;     senden after mine wiue.

180 þat is a sexisc wimmon;     of wisdome wel idon.

⁊ after rouwenne; mire dohter;     þe me is swiðe deore.

Þenne ich habbe mi wif;     ⁊ mine wine maies.

⁊ ich beo i þine londe;     fulliche at stonde.

þa bet ich wullen hiren þe;     ȝif þu þis ȝettest me.

Þa answerede vortiger;     Of ælchen vuele he wes | war.

186 Nim cnihtes biliue;     ⁊ send æfter þine wiue.

⁊ æfter þine children;     þan ȝungen ⁊ þan olden.

⁊ æfter þine cunnen;     ⁊ afeoh heom mid wunne.

þenne heo to þe cumeð;     þu scat habben gærsume.

190 hæhliche heom to ueden;     ⁊ wurðliche scruden.

Ah nulle ich castel na burh;     nane þe bi techen.

for men me wolden scenden;     I mine kine lond.

for ȝe haldeð þa hæðene laȝe;     þat stod on eoure ælderen dæȝe.

192. kine kine lond MS.

⁊ we haldeð cristes laȝe;     ⁊ wulleð auere an ure dæȝe.

195 Þa ȝet spæc hængest;     cnihten alre hendest.

lauerd ich wulle þin iwil;     driȝen her ⁊ ouer al.

197. don ḍoṇ MS.

⁊ don al mine dæde;     æfter þine ræde.

Nu ic wulle biliue;     sende afteR mine wiue.

⁊ æfter mire dohter;     þe me is swa deore.

200 ⁊ æfter ohte monnen;     þa bezste of mine cunne.

And þu ȝif me swa muchel lond;     to stonden a mire aȝere hond.

Swa wule anes bule hude;     Ælches weies ouer spræden.

feor from ælche castle;     amidden ane ualde.

þenne ne mai þe atwite;     þe hæne ne þe riche.

þ̵ þu æi hæhne | burhȝe;     hæðene monne habbe bi tæht.

206 Þe king him iȝette;     swa hengest ȝirnde.

Hengest nom læue;     ⁊ forð he gon liðe.

⁊ æfter his wiue sende sonde;     to his aȝene londe.

⁊ he seolf wende ȝeond þis lond;     to sechen ænne bræ[d]ne fæld.

210 þer he mihte wel spræde;     On his feire hude.

He com æn enne ende;     In enne fæire uelde.

he hafde ane hude;     bi ȝite to his neode.

207. nom corr. out of mom.

o ane wilde bule;     þe wes wunder ane strong.

He hæfden ænne wisne mon;     þe wel cuðe a craften.

215 þe nom þas hude;     ⁊ a bord leide.

and whætte his særes;     alse he schæren wolde.

Of þere hude he kærf enne þwong;     swiðe smal ⁊ swiðe long.

Nes þe þwong noht swiðe bræd;     buten swulc a twines þræd.

217. swal MS.

þa al islit wes þe þong;     He wes wunder ane long.

220 a buten he bilæde;     muche del of londe.

He bigon to deluen;     dic swiðe muchele.

þer uppe stenene wal;     þe wes strong oueral.

ane burh he arerde;     muchele ⁊ mare.

Þa þe burh wes al ȝare;     þa scop he hire nome.

225 he hæhte heo ful iwis;     KaeR Carrai an Bruttisc.

⁊ ænglis | ce cnihtes;     heo Cleopeden þwong Chastre.

Nu and auere mare;     þe nome sto[n]deð þere.

224. wes] wel MS.

⁊ for nan odere gome;     næueden þæ burh þene nome.

a þet come densce men;     and driuen ut þa bruttes.

230 þene þridde nome heo þer sætte;     ⁊ lane castel hine hæhten.

⁊ for swulche gomen;     þæ tun hafde þas þreo nomen.

Vnder þan com liðen hider;     hengestes wif mid hire scipen.

heo hæfde to iueren;     fiftene hundred ridern.

mid hire comen to iwiten;     muchele æhtene scipen.

235 þer comen inne;     muchel of hengestes cunne.

233. hūd’ed MS.

⁊ Rouwen his dohter;     þe him we`s´ swide deore.

Hit wes umbe while;     þ̵ com þe ilke time.

þ̵ iȝarked wes þa burh;     mid þan alre bezste.

Hengest com to þan kinge;     ⁊ bad him gistninge.

240 ⁊ seide þ̵ he hafde an in;     Iȝarked to ȝeines him.

⁊ bad þat he come þer to;     ⁊ he scolde beon fæire under fon.

⁊ þe king him ȝette;     swa hengest hit wolde.

Hit com to þan time;     þ̵ þe king gon forð liðe.

Mið þan deoreste monnen;     of alle his duȝeðe.

forð he gon buȝen;     | þ̵ he to burh com.

246 he bi heold þene wal;     up and dun ouer al.

al him wel likede;     þ̵ he on lokede.

He wende in to halle;     ⁊ his heleðes mid him alle.

Bemen heo bleowen;     gomen men gunnen cleopien.

250 Bord heo hetten breden;     cnihtes setten þer to.

heo æten heo drunken;     dræm wes iburhȝen.

þa þe duȝeðe hafde iȝeten;     þa wes heom þa bet iloten.

Hængest eode in to þan inne;     þer wunede Rouwenne.

he heo lette scruden;     mid vnime`te´ prude.

255 al þ̵ scrud þe heo hafde on;     heo weoren swiðe wel ibon.

255. swiðe] iwiðe MS.

heo weoren mid þan bezste;     ibrusted mid golde.

heo bar an hire honde;     Ane guldene bolle.

I uulled mid wine;     þe wes wunder ane god.

hæȝe iborenne men;     heo lædden to hallen.

260 biuoren þan kinge;     fæirest alre þinge.

Reowen sæt acneowe;     ⁊ Cleopede to þan kinge.

⁊ þus ærest sæide;     In ænglene londe.

lauerd king wæs hæil;     for þine kime ich æm uæin.

260. farrest MS.

Þe king þis ihærde;     ⁊ nuste what heo seide.

265 þe king vortigerne;     fræinede his cnihtes sone.

what weoren þat speche;     þe þ̵ maide spilede.

Þa andswere | de Keredic;     a cniht swiðe sellic.

he wes þe bezste latimer;     þat ær com her.

lust me nu lauerd king;     ⁊ ich þe wulle cuðen.

270 whæt seið Rouwenne;     fæirest wimmonnen.

Hit beoð tiðende;     Inne sæxe londe.

272. gladẹieð MS.

whær swa æi duȝeðe;     gladieð of drenche;
þat freond sæiðe to freonde;     Mid fæire loten hende.

leofue freond wæs hail;     þe oðer sæið drinc hail.

275 þe ilke þat halt þene nap;     he hine drinkeð up.

oder uul me þideR fareð;     ⁊ bi techeð his iueren.

273. sæiðe] ð corr. out of d.

þenne þat uul beoð icumen;     þenne cusseoð heo þreoien.

276. bi thecheð MS.

þis beoð sele laȝen;     Inne saxe londe.

⁊ Inne alemaine;     heo beoð ihalden aðele.

280 Þis iherde uortiger;     of alchen uuele he wes war.

⁊ seide hit an bruttisc;     ne cuðe he nan ænglisc.

maiden Rouwenne;     drinc bluðeliche þenne.

Þat maide dronc up þat win;     ⁊ lette don oðer þer in.

⁊ bi tæhten þan kinge;     ⁊ þrien hine custe.

285 ⁊ þurh þa ilke leoden;     þa laȝen comen to þissen londe.

wæs hail ⁊ drinc hæil.     moni mon þer of is fain;

Rouwenne þe hende;     sat bi þan kinge.

þe king heo ȝeorne biheold;     heo was him an heorte leof.

ofte he heo custe;     ofte he heo clupte.

290 Al his mod ⁊ his main;     halde to þan mæidene.

280. alchel MS.

Þe wurse wes þer | ful neh;     þe in ælche gomene iS ful ræh.

þe wurse ne dude næuere god;     he mæingde þas kinge`s´ mod.

he murnede ful swiðe;     to habben þat mæiden to wiue.

Þat wes swide ladlic þing;     þat þe cristine king.

295 luuede þat haðene maide;     leoden to hærme.

þ̵ maiden wes þan kinge leof;     æfne alse his aȝene lif.

he bad hengest his dring;     ȝiuen him þat maide child.

Hengest funde an his ræd;     to don þ̵ þe king him bed.

he ȝef him Rouwenne;     wimmon swiðe hende.

LAȜAMON

The Brut (MS. Otho)

MS. Caligula (above)
Parallel Texts

Line numbers are taken from the longer Caligula text. In the original, they were printed in the gutter, between the two versions.

vnder þan com tẏdinge : to vortiger þan kinge.

þat ouer séé weren icome;     swiþe selliche gomes.

þreo sipes gode;     i come were mid þan flode

5 þar on þreo hundred cnihtes;     alse hit were kempes.

þes weren þe faireste men þat euere come here.

ac hii weren heþene þat was har[m] þe more.

þeos comen to þan kinge and faire hine grette.

and seide þat hii wolde;     him sarui in his londe

20 ȝif vs þou wolle;     mid rihte at holde.

þo answerede vortiger;     þat of eche vuele he was war.

In al mine lifue;     þat ich ileued habbe;

Bi dai no bi nihte;     Ne seh ich soche cnihtes.

for ȝou ich ham bliþe;     and mid me ȝe solle bi lefue.

Ac forst ich wolle wite;     for ȝoure mochele worsipe.

wat cnihtes | beo ȝeo;     and wanene ȝeo i comen beo.

þo answerede þe oþer;     þat was þe elder broþer.

Ich hatte Hengest;     Hors hatte min broþer.

we beoþ of Alemaine;     of one riche londe.

of þan ilke hende     þat Ænglis his ihote.

35 Beoþ in vre londe     wonder þenges gonde.

bi eche fiftene ȝer.     þat folk his i somned.

And werpeþ þare hire lotes;     fo[r] to londes seche.

38. vp] vt MS.

vp wan þat lot falleþ;     he mot neod wende.

Ne beo he noht so riche;     he mot lond seche.

For þe wifues goþ þare mid childe;     alse þe deor wilde.

bi euereche ȝere;     hii goþ mid childe þere.

45 Þat lot on vs ful;     þat we faren solde.

Ne moste we bi lefue;     for life ne for deaþe.

þus hit fareþ þere;     þar fore we beoþ nou here.

50 Nou þou hauest ihord louerd king;     soþ of vs and no lesing.

þo saide vortiger     þat was wis and swiþe war.

And woche beoþ ȝoure biléue;     þat ȝeo an bi léfeþ.

We habbeþ godes gode;     þe we louieð in mode.

þe on hatte phebus;     þe oþer Saturnus

60 þe þri[d]de hatte Woden;     þat was a mihti þing.

þe feorþe hatte Jubiter     of alle þinges He his war. |
þe fifþe hatte Merchurius;     þat his þe hehest ouer vs.

63. þe] e partly destroyed.

þe sixte hatte appolin;     þat his a god of gret win.

þe soueþe hatte Teruagant;     an heh god in vre lond.

65 Ȝet we habbeþ an leafdi;     þat heh his and mihti.

ȝeo his i hote frea.     heredmen hire louieþ.

To alle þeos godes     we worsipe wercheþ.

And for hire loue;     þeos daȝes we heom ȝefue.

Mone we ȝefue monedaẏ.     Tẏdea we ȝefue tisdei.

Woden we ȝefue wendesdei.     Þane þonre we ȝefue þorisdai.

Frea þane fridaẏ.     Saturnus þane sateresdai.

þus saide Hengest;     cniht alre hendest.

þo answerede vortiger;     of alle harme he was war.

Cnihtes ȝeo beoþ me leofue;     ac ȝoure bilefues me beoþ loþe.

Ac ich wolle ou at holde;     in min anwolde.

For norþ beoþ þe peutes;     swiþe ohte cnihtes.

þat ofte doþ me same;     and þar vore ich habbe grame.

And ȝef ȝe wolleþ me wreke;     of [hire] wiþere dedes;

Ich ȝou wolle ȝeue;     ȝeftes swiþe deore.

þo saide Hengest;     al hit sal iworþe þus.

Hengest nam lefue;     and to sipe gan wende.

And al hire | godes;     hii beore to londe.

Forþ hii wende alle;     to vortiger his halle.

100 Bed weren i scrud;     and bet weren ived.

101. swenise MS.

Hengestes sweines;     þane vortiger his cnihtes.

Bruttes weren sori;     for þan ilke sihte.

Nas noht longe;     þat ne come tẏdinge.

þat þo forþ rihtes     icomen were þe peutes.

Oueral þin lond hii erneþ;     and sleaþ þin folk and bearneþ.

and alle þane norþ ende;     hii falleþ to þan grunde.

110 her of þou most reade;     oþer alle we beoþ deade.

Þe king sende his sonde;     to þeos cnihtes hinne.

þat hii swiþe sone     to him seolue come.

þar com Hengest and his broþer;     and manian oþer.

þat þe king vortiger;     bliþe was þo þer.

Þe Peutes dude hire wone;     a þis half vmbre hii were icome.

And þe king vortiger;     of hire come was war.

To gadere hii comen;     and manie þar of sloȝen.

þe peutes weren ofte iwoned;     vortiger to ouercome.

And þo iþohten al so;     ac hit bi ful oþerweies þo.

for hii hadde mochel care;     for Hengest was þare.

for swiþe manie peutes;     hii sloȝen in þan fihte.

þo þat non was icome;     þo were Peutes ouer come.

And swiþe hii awey | floȝe.     on euereche side.

and vortiger þe king;     wende aȝen to his hin.

and to hengest an his cnihtes     he ȝef riche ȝeftes.

Ne dorste neuere peutes;     come in þisse londe.

þat hii nere sone of slaȝe;     and idon of lifdaȝe.

and Hengest swiþe hendeliche;     cwemde þan kinge.

140. After þe, ṛeṇ MS.

140 Þo hit bi ful in on time;     þat þe king was swiþe bliþe.

Hengest wolde wiþ þan kinge;     holde rouning.

þane kinge he come bi vore     and faire hine grette.

Þo saide hengest to þan kinge;     louerd hercne tẏdinge.

And ich þe wolle telle;     of deorne rouninges.

ȝef þou mine lore     wel wolt i hure.

150 And noht holde to wraþþe;     ȝef ich þe wel leore.

And þe king answerede;     alse Hengest hit wolde.

louerd ofte ich habbe ihord;     among þine cnihtes.

þat hii þe hatieþ swiþe;     into þare bare deathe.

Ofte hii stille spekeþ.     of two ȝonge cheldren.

þe on hatte vther;     þe oþer Aurelie.

þe þridde hehte Constance;     þat þou dedest to deaþe.

Nou wolleþ come þe oþer;     and wreken hire broþer.

Al for bearne þi lond;     and slean þine leo | de.

167 And þus seggeþ þine men;     stille bi twine heom.

Ac ich þe wolle reade;     of mochele þine neode.

þat þou biȝete cnihtes;     þat gode beon to fihte.

And bi tak me one castel;     þat ich mai on wonie.

175 For ich ham for þe i veiþed;     þat ich wene beo dead.

þare ware ich euere vare;     nam ich neuere boute care.

Bote ihc ligge faste;     bi clused in on castle.

Ȝef þou þis woldes don;     Mi wif solde come sone.

and mi dohter Rowenne;     and moche of mine cunne.

Wan we þos beoþ in londe;     folliche at stonde.

þe bet we wolleþ cweme þe;     ȝef þou þis wolt granti me.

185 þo answerede vortiger;     þat of ech vuele was war.

Nim cnihtes swiþe;     and send after þine wifue.

And after þine children;     þe ȝong and þe heoldre

And after þine cunne;     and onderfang heom mid winne.

wane hii to þe comeþ;     þou salt habbe garisome.

190 hehliche heom to fede;     and worþliche to scrude.

Ac nelle ich Castel ne Borh;     nanne þe bi take.

For men me wolde sende;     in mine kinelonde.

ȝef | ich heþene men;     londes bi toke.

195 þe ȝet spac hengest;     cniht alre hendest.

louerd nou ich wolle;     don al þine wille.

Nou ich wolle bliue;     sende after mine wifue.

And þou ȝef me so mochel lond;     to stonde on min owe hond.

Ase wole a Bole hude;     in grene ouer sprede.

For fram eche Castle;     a midde one felde.

þanne ne mai þe atwite;     þe pore no þe riche.

205 þat þou eni heh Borh;     heþene Man bi takest.

And þe king him ȝaf;     þat lutel þat he ȝornde.

Hengest nam lefue;     and forþ he gan wende.

And after his wifue he sende sonde;     to his owene londe.

And him seolf wende;     oueral to bi holde.

210 ware he mihte wel sprede;     his Bole hude.

Hengest hadde one wisneman;     þat wel couþe of crafte.

215 He nam þeos bole hude;     and a borde laide.

þar of he makede ane þwang;     swiþe smal and swiþe lang.

218. atwined MS.

Nas þe þwang noht brod     bote ase hit were a twined þred.

220 A boute þar mid he leide;     moche deal of londe.

He lette þo delue;     on euerech halue.

þar vppe stonene wal;     swiþe | strong oueral.

ane castel he arerde;     fair to bi holde.

þo þe Borh was al ȝarue;     þo sette he hire name.

225 he hehte hire foliwis;     Caẏr Karri in Bruttesse.

and Englisse cnihtes;     Þwangchestre.

Nou and euere more;     þe name stondeþ þ[are].

forte þat Dence men     driuen vt þe cnihtes.

230 þane þridde name þar sette;     and leane Castel hine cleopede.

vnder þan com liþe hider;     Hengestes wif mid hire sipes.

ȝeo hadde to ivere;     fiftene hundred Rideres.

And Rowen his dohter;     þat was him swiþe deore.

Hit was bi on wile;     þat com þe ilke time.

þat `i´ȝarked was þe borh;     mid þan alre beste.

And Hengest wende to þan kinge;     and bad hine to gẏstninge.

240 And seide þat he hadde on In;     hi makede to ȝenes him.

And þe king him grantede;     alse Hengest wolde.

245 Forþ hii gonne wende;     þat hii come to þan ende.

þe king bi heold þane wal;     vp and dun oueral.

Al him wel likede;     þat he on lokede.

He wende in to halle;     and his cnihtes mid him alle.

250 Bordes hii lette sprede;     cnihtes þar to sete.

hii eoten | hii drongken;     blisse was a mang heom.

Hengest wende to þe inne;     þar Rowenne was hinne.

he hire lette scrude;     mid onimete prude.

Ȝeo bar in hire hond;     ane goldene bolle.

Hi fulled mid w[i]ne;     ne mihte non be rich[ere].

Hehȝe ibore men;     hire ladde in to halle.

260 bi vore þan kinge;     fairest alle þing.

Rowenne sat a cnouwe;     and seide to þan kinge.

þus erest ȝeo spac;     in Englene lond.

Louerd king wassaẏl;     for * þine comes me beoþ hail.

Þe king hit ihorde;     and nuste wat ȝeo saide.

265 þe king vortigerne;     haxede his cnihte`s´.

wat were þe speche;     þat þe maide speke.

Þo answerede; Keþereh;     cniht mid þe wisest.

268. wone MS.

he was þe beste latimer;     þat euere wone[de] her.

Lust nou mi louerd king;     and ich þe wolle cuðen.

270 wat seiþ Rowenne;     fairest of al wommanne.

Hit his þe wone;     Ine sax londe.

273. dringe] MS. defective here.

þat freond saiþ to his freond;     wane he sal [dri]nge.

leofue freond wassail;     þe oþer saiþ dringhail.

275 þe ilke þat halt þane nap;     þane dringe dringþ vp.

276. aȝeines] MS. defective here.

And aȝ[ein]es me hine fulþ;     and takeþ his ivere.

Þis beoþ þe | lawes;     ine sax londe.

280 þis ihorde vortiger;     of eche vuele he was war.

And saide hit on Bruttesse;     ne couþe he noht on Œnglisse.

Maẏde Rowenne;     dring bloþeliche þanne.

Þat maide drong vt þat win;     and lette don oþer þar in.

And bi tahte þan kinge;     and he hit vp swipte.

285 And þorh þisne ilke game;     þe lawe come to londe.

wassaẏl and dring haẏl;     þat mani men lofuieþ.

Þe faire Rowenne;     sat bi þan kinge.

þe king hire ȝeorne bi heold;     ȝeo was him leof on heorte.

Ofte he hire custe;     and ofte he hire clupte.

Þe worse was þare wel neh;     þat to soche game his wel sleh.

þe worse þat neuere ne doþ god;     he meẏnde þare þes kinges mod
þe king mornede swiþe;     for habbe hire to wifue.

þat was swiþe loþlich þing;     þat þe cristene king.

295 louede þat Maide heaþene;     folk to harme.

To Hengest bad þe king;     þat he þat maide ȝefue him.

Hengest funde on his Reade;     don þat þe king him beade.

He ȝef him Rowenne;     womman swiþe hende.

LAȜAMON
The Brut: Parallel Versions

MS. Caligula
MS. Otho

Each line of verse has been split at the caesura.

MS. Caligula

MS. Otho

Vnder þan comen tiðende;
to vortiger þan kinge.

þ̵ ouer sæ weoren icumen;
swiðe selcuðe gumen.

Jnne þere Temese;
to londe heo weoren icummen.

vnder þan com tẏdinge :
to vortiger þan kinge.

þat ouer séé weren icome;
swiþe selliche gomes.

þreo scipen gode;
comen mid þan flode.

5 þreo hundred cnihten;
Alse hit weoren kinges.

wið uten þan scipen monnen;
þe weoren þer wið innen.

þreo sipes gode;
i come were mid þan flode
þar on þreo hundred cnihtes;
alse hit were kempes.

þis weoren þa færeste men;
þat auere her comen.

Ah heo weore hæðene;
þ̵ wes hærm þa mare.

þes weren þe faireste men þat euere come here.

ac hii weren heþene þat was har[m] þe more.

Uortiger heom sende to;
And axede hu heo weoren idon.

10 Ȝif heo grið sohten;
⁊ of his freond scipe rohten.

heo wisliche and swerden;
Swa heo wel cuðen.

⁊ seiden þ̵ heo walden;
speken wið þan kinge.

⁊ Leofliche him heren;
⁊ hælden hine for hærre.

And swa heo gunnen wenden;
fforð to þan kinge.

15 Þa wes Uortigerne þa king;
In Cantuarie buri.

þer he mid his hirede;
Hæhliche spilede.

þer þas cnihtes comen;
Bi foren þan folc kinge.

Sone swa heo hine imetten;
fæire heo hine igrætten.

⁊ seiden þat heo him wolden;
hæren iþisse londe.

20 ȝif he heom wolde;
mid rihten at halden.

Þa and swerede vortiger;
of elchen vuele he wes war.

An alle mine iliue;
þe ich iluued habbe.

bi dæie no bi nihtes;
ne sæh ich nauere ær swulche cnihtes.

for eouwer cumen ich æm bliðe;
⁊ mid me ȝe scullen bilæfuen.

25 ⁊ eouwer wille ich wulle driȝen;
bi mine quicke liuen.

þeos comen to þan kinge and faire hine grette.

and seide þat hii wolde;
him sarui in his londe
ȝif vs þou wolle;
mid rihte at holde.

þo answerede vortiger;
þat of eche vuele he was war.

In al mine lifue;
þat ich ileued habbe;

Bi dai no bi nihte;
Ne seh ich soche cnihtes.

for ȝou ich ham bliþe;
and mid me ȝe solle bi lefue.

Ah of eou ich wulle iwiten;
þurh soðen eouwer wurð scipen.

whæt cnihten ȝe seon;
⁊ whænnenen ȝe icumen beon.

⁊ whar ȝe wullen beon treowe;
alde ⁊ æc neowe.

Ac forst ich wolle wite;
for ȝoure mochele worsipe.

wat cnihtes beo ȝeo;
and wanene ȝeo i comen beo.

þa answerede þe oðer;
þat wes þe aldeste broðer.

30 lust me nu lauerd king;
⁊ ich þe wullen cuðen.

þo answerede þe oþer;
þat was þe elder broþer.

what cnihtes we beoð;
⁊ whanene we icumen seoð.

I
ch hatte henges;
hors is mi broðer.

we beoð of alemainne;
aðelest alre londe.

of þat ilken ænde;
þe angles is ihaten.

35 Beoð in ure londe;
selcuðe tiðende.

vmbe fiftene ȝer;
þat folc hi[s] isomned.

Al ure iledene folc;
⁊ heore loten werpeð.

vppen þan þe hit fal[l]ed;
he scal uaren of londe.

Bilæuen scul len þa fiue;
þa sexte scal forð liðe.

40 ut of þan leode;
to u[n]cuðe londe.

Ich hatte Hengest;
Hors hatte min broþer.

we beoþ of Alemaine;
of one riche londe.

of þan ilke hende
þat Ænglis his ihote.

Beoþ in vre londe
wonder þenges gonde.

bi eche fiftene ȝer.
þat folk his i somned.

And werpeþ þare hire lotes;
fo[r] to londes seche.

vp wan þat lot falleþ;
he mot neod wende.

Ne beo he na swa leof mon;
uorð he scal liðen.

For þer is folc swiðe muchel;
mære þene heo walden.

Ne beo he noht so riche;
he mot lond seche.

þa wif færeð mid childe;
swa þe deor wilde.

Æueralche ȝere;
heo bereð child þere;

45 þ̵ beoð an us feole;
þat we færen scolden.

Ne mihte we bilæue;
for liue ne for dæðe.

Ne for nauer nane þinge;
for þan folc kinge.

For þe wifues goþ þare mid childe;
alse þe deor wilde.

bi euereche ȝere;
hii goþ mid childe þere.

Þat lot on vs ful;
þat we faren solde.

Ne moste we bi lefue;
for life ne for deaþe.

þus we uerden þere;
⁊ for þi beoð nu here.

to sechen vnder lufte;
lond ⁊ godne lauerd.

þus hit fareþ þere;
þar fore we beoþ nou here.

50 Nu þu hæfuest iherd lauerd ki[n]g;
Soð of us þurh alle þi[n]g.

Þa answarede vortiger;
of alc an vfele he wes war.

Ich ileue þe cniht;
þ̵ þu me sugge soð riht.

Nou þou hauest ihord louerd king;
soþ of vs and no lesing.

þo saide vortiger
þat was wis and swiþe war.

⁊ wulche beoð æoure ileuen;
þ̵ ȝe on ileueð.

⁊ eoure leofue godd;
þe ȝe to luted.

55 þa and swarede Hænges;
cnihtene alre fæirest.

Nis in al þis kine lond;
cniht swa muchel ne swa strong.

And woche beoþ ȝoure biléue;
þat ȝeo an bi léfeþ.

We habbeð gode`s´ gode;
þe we luuieð an ure mode.

þa we habbeð hope to;
⁊ heoreð heom mid mihte.

We habbeþ godes gode;
þe we louieð in mode.

Þe an hæhte phebus;
þe oðer Saturnus.

60 þe þridde hæhte woden;
þ̵ is an weoli godd.

þe feorðe hæh [te] Jupiter;
of alle þinge he is whar.

þe fifte hæhte Mercurius;
þat is þe hæhste ouer us.

þæ sæxte hæhte appollin;
þ̵ is a godd wel idon.

þe on hatte phebus;
þe oþer Saturnus
þe þri[d]de hatte Woden;
þat was a mihti þing.

þe feorþe hatte Jubiter
of alle þinges He his war.

þe fifþe hatte Merchurius;
þat his þe hehest ouer vs.

þe sixte hatte appolin;
þat his a god of gret win.

þe seoueðe hatte teruagant;
an hæh godd in ure lon.

65 Ȝet we habbeð anne læuedi;
þe hæh is ⁊ mæhti.

heh heo is ⁊ hali;
hired men heo luuieð for þi.

þe soueþe hatte Teruagant;
an heh god in vre lond.

Ȝet we habbeþ an leafdi;
þat heh his and mihti.

heo js ihate Frææ;
wel heo heom dihteð.

Ah for alle ure goden deore;
þa we scullen hæren.

ȝeo his i hote frea.
heredmen hire louieþ.

To alle þeos godes
we worsipe wercheþ.

And for hire loue;
þeos daȝes we heom ȝefue.

Mone we ȝefue monedaẏ.
Tẏdea we ȝefue tisdei.

Woden hehde þa hæhste laȝe;
an ure ælderne dæȝen.

70 he heom wes leof;
æfne al swa heore lif.

he wes heore walden;
And heom wurðscipe duden.

þene feorðe dæi iþere wike;
heo ȝifuen him to wurðscipe.

Þa þunre heo ȝiuen þunres dæi;
for þi þat heo heom helpen mæi.

Woden we ȝefue wendesdei.
Þane þonre we ȝefue þorisdai.

Freon heore læfdi;
heo ȝiuen hire fridæi.

75 Saturnus heo ȝiuen sætterdæi;
þene sunne heo ȝiuen sonedæi.

Monen heo ȝifuen mone dæi;
Tidea heo ȝeuen tis dæi.

Frea þane fridaẏ.
Saturnus þane sateresdai.

þus seide hæ[n]gest;
cnihten alre hendest.

Þa answerede vortiger;
of ælchen vfel he wæs wær.

Cnihtes ȝe beoð me leofue;
ah þas tiðende me beoð laðe.

80 eouwer ileuen beoð vnwraste;
Ȝe ne ileoueð noht an criste.

Ah ȝe ileoueð a þene wurse;
þe godd seolf awariede.

eoure godes ne beoð nohtes;
In helle heo niðer liggeð.

þus saide Hengest;
cniht alre hendest.

þo answerede vortiger;
of alle harme he was war.

Cnihtes ȝeo beoþ me leofue;
ac ȝoure bilefues me beoþ loþe.

Ah neoðeles ich wulle eou at hælde;
An mine anwalde.

for norð Beoð þa Peohtes;
swiðe ohte cnihtes.

85 þe ofte ledeð in mine londe;
ferde swiðe stronge.

Ac ich wolle ou at holde;
in min anwolde.

For norþ beoþ þe peutes;
swiþe ohte cnihtes.

⁊ ofte dod me muchele scome;
⁊ þerfore ich habbe grome.

⁊ ȝif ȝe me wulleð wræken;
⁊ heore hæfden me biȝeten.

Ich eou wullen ȝeuen lond;
muchel seolueR ⁊ gold.

Þa andswerede hængest;
cnihtene alre feirest.

90 Ȝif hit wulle saturnus;
al hit scal iwurðe þus.

⁊ Woden ure lauerd;
þe we on bi liueð.

þat ofte doþ me same;
and þar vore ich habbe grame.

And ȝef ȝe wolleþ me wreke;
of [hire] wiþere dedes;

Ich ȝou wolle ȝeue;
ȝeftes swiþe deore.

þo saide Hengest;
al hit sal iworþe þus.

Hengest nom læue;
⁊ to scipen gon liðe.

þer wes moni cniht strong;
heo droȝen heore scipen uppe þe lond.

forð wenden dringches;
to vortigerne þan kenge.

95 Biuoren wende hengest;
⁊ hors him alre hændest.

Hengest nam lefue;
and to sipe gan wende.

And al hire godes;
hii beore to londe.

Seoððen þa alemainisce men;
þa aðele weoren an deden.

⁊ seoððen heo senden him to;
heore sæxisce cnihtes wel idon.

hengestes cunnesmen;
of his aldene cudðe.

heo comen in to halle;
hændeliche alle.

100 Bett weoren iscrudde;
⁊ bed weoren iuædde.

hængest swaine;
þene vortigernes. þeines.

þa wes vortigernes hired;
for hehne ihalden.

Forþ hii wende alle;
to vortiger his halle.

Bed weren i scrud;
and bet weren ived.

Hengestes sweines;
þane vortiger his cnihtes.

Bruttes weoren særi;
for swulchere isihðe.

Nes hit nawiht longe;
þat ne comen to þan kinge.

105 Cnihtes sunen uiue;
þa i faren hafden biliue.

heo sæiden to þan kinge;
neowe tiðenden.

Bruttes weren sori;
for þan ilke sihte.

Nas noht longe;
þat ne come tẏdinge.

nu forð rihtes;
Icumen beoð þa peohtes.

þurh þi lond heo ærneð;
⁊ hærȝieð ⁊ berneð.

⁊ al þene norð ænde;
iuald to þan grunde.

110 her of þu most ræden;
oðer all we beoð dæden.

þat þo forþ rihtes
icomen were þe peutes.

Oueral þin lond hii erneþ;
and sleaþ þin folk and bearneþ.

and alle þane norþ ende;
hii falleþ to þan grunde.

her of þou most reade;
oþer alle we beoþ deade.

Þe king hine bi þohte;
whæt he don mihte.

he sende to þan innen;
after al his monnen.

Þe king sende his sonde;
to þeos cnihtes hinne.

þat hii swiþe sone
to him seolue come.

þer com hengest þer com hors;
þer com mani mon ful oht.

þer comen þa saxisce men;
hengestes cunnes men.

115 ⁊ þa Alemainisce cnihtes;
þe beoð gode to fihte.

þar com Hengest and his broþer;
and manian oþer.

þis isæh þe king vortiger;
bliðe wes he þa þer.

Þa peohtes duden heore iwune;
a þas hælf þere humbre. heo weoren icume.

þat þe king vortiger;
bliþe was þo þer.

Þe Peutes dude hire wone;
a þis half vmbre hii were icome.

⁊ þe king VortigeR;
of heore cume wes ful war.

To gadere heo comen;
⁊ feole þer of sloȝen.

120 þer wes feht swide strong;
Comp swiðe sturne.

And þe king vortiger;
of hire come was war.

To gadere hii comen;
and manie þar of sloȝen.

Þe Peohtes weoren ofte iwuned;
Vortige[r]ne to ouer cumen.

⁊ þa heo þohten a[l]swa;
Ah hit ilomp an oðer þa.

for hit wes heom al hele;
þat hængest wes þere.

⁊ þa cnihtes stronge;
þe comen of saxelonde.

125 ⁊ þa ohte alemanisce;
þe þider comen mid horse.

þe peutes weren ofte iwoned;
vortiger to ouercome.

And þo iþohten al so;
ac hit bi ful oþerweies þo.

for hii hadde mochel care;
for Hengest was þare.

Swiðe monie peohtes;
heo sloȝen iþan fehte.

feondliche heo fuhten;
feollen þa fæie.

for swiþe manie peutes;
hii sloȝen in þan fihte.

Þa þe non wes icumen;
þa weoren Peohtes ouer cumen.

⁊ swuðe heo awæi floȝen;
an ælche helue heo forð fluȝen.

130 ⁊ alle dai heo fluȝen;
monie ⁊ vnnifoȝe.

þo þat non was icome;
þo were Peutes ouer come.

And swiþe hii awey floȝe.
on euereche side.

Þe king vortigerne;
wende to herberwe.

⁊ æuere him weoren on uast;
Hors ⁊ hængest.

and vortiger þe king;
wende aȝen to his hin.

Hængest wes þan kinge leof;
⁊ him lindesaȝe ȝef.

and he ȝæf horse;
madmes inoȝe.

135 ⁊ alle heore cnihtes;
he swiðe wel dihte.

⁊ hit gode stunde;
stod a þan ilke.

and to hengest an his cnihtes
he ȝef riche ȝeftes.

Ne durste nauere peohtes;
cumen i þan londes.

no ræueres no utlaȝen;
þ̵ heo neoren sone of slæȝen.

⁊ hængest swiðe fæire;
herede þane king.

140 Þa ilomp hit in ane time;
þ̵ þe king wes swiðe bliðe.

An ane hæȝe dæie;
imong his duȝeðe monnen.

Ne dorste neuere peutes;
come in þisse londe.

þat hii nere sone of slaȝe;
and idon of lifdaȝe.

and Hengest swiþe hendeliche;
cwemde þan kinge.

Þo hit bi ful in on time;
þat þe king was swiþe bliþe.

Hengest hine bi þohte;
what he don mihte.

for he wolde wið þan kinge;
holden runinge.

þan kinge he eode to; foren;
⁊ fæire hine gon greten.

145 Þe king sone up stod;
⁊ sætte hine bi him seoluen.

heo drunken heo dremden;
blisse wes among heom.

Hengest wolde wiþ þan kinge;
holde rouning.

þane kinge he come bi vore
and faire hine grette.

Þa queð hengest to þan kinge;
lauerd hærcne tiðende.

⁊ ich þe wulle ræcchen;
deorne runen.

ȝif þu mine lare;
wel wult lusten.

150 ⁊ noht halden to wraððe;
þat ich wel leare.

þe king answarede;
swa henges hit wolde.

Þa sæide hængest;
cnihten alre fæirest.

lauerd ich habbe moni a dæi;
þine monscipe ihæȝed.

⁊ þin holde mon ibeon;
i richen þine hirede.

155 ⁊ in ælche fæhte;
hæhst of þine cnihten.

Þo saide hengest to þan kinge;
louerd hercne tẏdinge.

And ich þe wolle telle;
of deorne rouninges.

ȝef þou mine lore
wel wolt i hure.

And noht holde to wraþþe;
ȝef ich þe wel leore.

And þe king answerede;
alse Hengest hit wolde.

⁊ ich habbe ofte ihærd;
hohfulle ronen.

Imong þine hired monnen;
heo hatieð þe swiðe.

In to þan bare dæðe;
ȝif heo hit dursten cuðe.

louerd ofte ich habbe ihord;
among þine cnihtes.

þat hii þe hatieþ swiþe;
into þare bare deathe.

Ofte heo stilleliche spækeð;
⁊ spilieð mid runen.

160 of twam ȝunge monnen;
þat feor wunieð hennen.

Ofte hii stille spekeþ.
of two ȝonge cheldren.

þe an hæhte VtheR;
þe oðer ambrosie.

þe on hatte vther;
þe oþer Aurelie.

þe þridde hæhte Co[n]stance;
þes wes king i þisse `lond´.

⁊ he her wes of slaȝen;
þurh swicfulle laȝen.

þe þridde hehte Constance;
þat þou dedest to deaþe.

Nu wulleð cume þa oðere;
⁊ wræken heore broðer.

165 Al forbær nen þi lond;
⁊ slæn þine leoden.

þe seoluen ⁊ þine duȝeðen;
driuen ut of londe.

Nou wolleþ come þe oþer;
and wreken hire broþer.

Al for bearne þi lond;
and slean þine leo de.

⁊ þus suggeð þine men;
þer heo somned sitteð.

for þa twene broðere;
beoð `beyne´ kine borne.

Of androeinnes kunne;
þas aðele bruttes.

170 ⁊ þus þine duȝeðe;
stille þe fordemed.

And þus seggeþ þine men;
stille bi twine heom.

Ah ich þe wulle ræde;
Of muchele þire neode.

þ̵ þu bi ȝite cnihtes;
þa gode beoð to fihte.

⁊ bi tache me ænne castel;
Oðer ane kineliche burh.

þat ich mai inne ligge;
þa while þa ich libbe.

Ac ich þe wolle reade;
of mochele þine neode.

þat þou biȝete cnihtes;
þat gode beon to fihte.

And bi tak me one castel;
þat ich mai on wonie.

175 Ic am uor þe iuaid;
þær fore ic wene beon dæd.

fare þer ic auer fare;
næm ich næuere bute care.

Buten ich ligge faste;
biclused inne castle.

ȝif þu þis me wult don;
Ich hit wulle mid luue a fon.

⁊ ich wulle biliue;
senden after mine wiue.

180 þat is a sexisc wimmon;
of wisdome wel idon.

For ich ham for þe i veiþed;
þat ich wene beo dead.

þare ware ich euere vare;
nam ich neuere boute care.

Bote ihc ligge faste;
bi clused in on castle.

Ȝef þou þis woldes don;
Mi wif solde come sone.

⁊ after rouwenne; mire dohter;
þe me is swiðe deore.

Þenne ich habbe mi wif;
⁊ mine wine maies.

and mi dohter Rowenne;
and moche of mine cunne.

⁊ ich beo i þine londe;
fulliche at stonde.

þa bet ich wullen hiren þe;
ȝif þu þis ȝettest me.

185 Þa answerede vortiger;
Of ælchen vuele he wes war.

Nim cnihtes biliue;
⁊ send æfter þine wiue.

⁊ æfter þine children;
þan ȝungen ⁊ þan olden.

⁊ æfter þine cunnen;
⁊ afeoh heom mid wunne.

þenne heo to þe cumeð;
þu scat habben gærsume.

190 hæhliche heom to ueden;
⁊ wurðliche scruden.

Ah nulle ich castel na burh;
nane þe bi techen.

for men me wolden scenden;
I mine kine lond.

for ȝe haldeð þa hæðene laȝe;
þat stod on eoure ælderen dæȝe.

⁊ we haldeð cristes laȝe;
⁊ wulleð auere an ure dæȝe.

Wan we þos beoþ in londe;
folliche at stonde.

þe bet we wolleþ cweme þe;
ȝef þou þis wolt granti me.

þo answerede vortiger;
þat of ech vuele was war.

Nim cnihtes swiþe;
and send after þine wifue.

And after þine children;
þe ȝong and þe heoldre

And after þine cunne;
and onderfang heom mid winne.

wane hii to þe comeþ;
þou salt habbe garisome.

hehliche heom to fede;
and worþliche to scrude.

Ac nelle ich Castel ne Borh;
nanne þe bi take.

For men me wolde sende;
in mine kinelonde.

ȝef ich heþene men;
londes bi toke.

195 Þa ȝet spæc hængest;
cnihten alre hendest.

þe ȝet spac hengest;
cniht alre hendest.

lauerd ich wulle þin iwil;
driȝen her ⁊ ouer al.

⁊ don al mine dæde;
æfter þine ræde.

louerd nou ich wolle;
don al þine wille.

Nu ic wulle biliue;
sende afteR mine wiue.

⁊ æfter mire dohter;
þe me is swa deore.

200 ⁊ æfter ohte monnen;
þa bezste of mine cunne.

Nou ich wolle bliue;
sende after mine wifue.

And þu ȝif me swa muchel lond;
to stonden a mire aȝere hond.

Swa wule anes bule hude;
Ælches weies ouer spræden.

feor from ælche castle;
amidden ane ualde.

þenne ne mai þe atwite;
þe hæne ne þe riche.

205 þ̵ þu æi hæhne burhȝe;
hæðene monne habbe bi tæht.

Þe king him iȝette;
swa hengest ȝirnde.

Hengest nom læue;
⁊ forð he gon liðe.

⁊ æfter his wiue sende sonde;
to his aȝene londe.

⁊ he seolf wende ȝeond þis lond;
to sechen ænne bræ[d]ne fæld.

210 þer he mihte wel spræde;
On his feire hude.

He com æn enne ende;
In enne fæire uelde.

he hafde ane hude;
bi ȝite to his neode.

o ane wilde bule;
þe wes wunder ane strong.

And þou ȝef me so mochel lond;
to stonde on min owe hond.

Ase wole a Bole hude;
in grene ouer sprede.

For fram eche Castle;
a midde one felde.

þanne ne mai þe atwite;
þe pore no þe riche.

þat þou eni heh Borh;
heþene Man bi takest.

And þe king him ȝaf;
þat lutel þat he ȝornde.

Hengest nam lefue;
and forþ he gan wende.

And after his wifue he sende sonde;
to his owene londe.

And him seolf wende;
oueral to bi holde.

ware he mihte wel sprede;
his Bole hude.

He hæfden ænne wisne mon;
þe wel cuðe a craften.

215 þe nom þas hude;
⁊ a bord leide.

and whætte his særes;
alse he schæren wolde.

Hengest hadde one wisneman;
þat wel couþe of crafte.

He nam þeos bole hude;
and a borde laide.

Of þere hude he kærf enne þwong;
swiðe smal ⁊ swiðe long.

Nes þe þwong noht swiðe bræd;
buten swulc a twines þræd.

þa al islit wes þe þong;
He wes wunder ane long.

þar of he makede ane þwang;
swiþe smal and swiþe lang.

Nas þe þwang noht brod
bote ase hit were a twined þred.

220 a buten he bilæde;
muche del of londe.

He bigon to deluen;
dic swiðe muchele.

þer uppe stenene wal;
þe wes strong oueral.

ane burh he arerde;
muchele ⁊ mare.

Þa þe burh wes al ȝare;
þa scop he hire nome.

225 he hæhte heo ful iwis;
KaeR Carrai an Bruttisc.

⁊ ænglis ce cnihtes;
heo Cleopeden þwong Chastre.

Nu and auere mare;
þe nome sto[n]deð þere.

⁊ for nan odere gome;
næueden þæ burh þene nome.

A boute þar mid he leide;
moche deal of londe.

He lette þo delue;
on euerech halue.

þar vppe stonene wal;
swiþe strong oueral.

ane castel he arerde;
fair to bi holde.

þo þe Borh was al ȝarue;
þo sette he hire name.

he hehte hire foliwis;
Caẏr Karri in Bruttesse.

and Englisse cnihtes;
Þwangchestre.

Nou and euere more;
þe name stondeþ þ[are].

a þet come densce men;
and driuen ut þa bruttes.

forte þat Dence men
driuen vt þe cnihtes.

230 þene þridde nome heo þer sætte;
⁊ lane castel hine hæhten.

⁊ for swulche gomen;
þæ tun hafde þas þreo nomen.

þane þridde name þar sette;
and leane Castel hine cleopede.

Vnder þan com liðen hider;
hengestes wif mid hire scipen.

heo hæfde to iueren;
fiftene hundred ridern.

mid hire comen to iwiten;
muchele æhtene scipen.

235 þer comen inne;
muchel of hengestes cunne.

vnder þan com liþe hider;
Hengestes wif mid hire sipes.

ȝeo hadde to ivere;
fiftene hundred Rideres.

⁊ Rouwen his dohter;
þe him we`s´ swide deore.

Hit wes umbe while;
þ̵ com þe ilke time.

þ̵ iȝarked wes þa burh;
mid þan alre bezste.

Hengest com to þan kinge;
⁊ bad him gistninge.

240 ⁊ seide þ̵ he hafde an in;
Iȝarked to ȝeines him.

⁊ bad þat he come þer to;
⁊ he scolde beon fæire under fon.

And Rowen his dohter;
þat was him swiþe deore.

Hit was bi on wile;
þat com þe ilke time.

þat `i´ȝarked was þe borh;
mid þan alre beste.

And Hengest wende to þan kinge;
and bad hine to gẏstninge.

And seide þat he hadde on In;
hi makede to ȝenes him.

⁊ þe king him ȝette;
swa hengest hit wolde.

Hit com to þan time;
þ̵ þe king gon forð liðe.

Mið þan deoreste monnen;
of alle his duȝeðe.

And þe king him grantede;
alse Hengest wolde.

245 forð he gon buȝen;
þ̵ he to burh com.

he bi heold þene wal;
up and dun ouer al.

al him wel likede;
þ̵ he on lokede.

He wende in to halle;
⁊ his heleðes mid him alle.

Bemen heo bleowen;
gomen men gunnen cleopien.

Forþ hii gonne wende;
þat hii come to þan ende.

þe king bi heold þane wal;
vp and dun oueral.

Al him wel likede;
þat he on lokede.

He wende in to halle;
and his cnihtes mid him alle.

250 Bord heo hetten breden;
cnihtes setten þer to.

heo æten heo drunken;
dræm wes iburhȝen.

þa þe duȝeðe hafde iȝeten;
þa wes heom þa bet iloten.

Bordes hii lette sprede;
cnihtes þar to sete.

hii eoten hii drongken;
blisse was a mang heom.

Hængest eode in to þan inne;
þer wunede Rouwenne.

he heo lette scruden;
mid vnime`te´ prude.

255 al þ̵ scrud þe heo hafde on;
heo weoren swiðe wel ibon.

heo weoren mid þan bezste;
ibrusted mid golde.

Hengest wende to þe inne;
þar Rowenne was hinne.

he hire lette scrude;
mid onimete prude.

heo bar an hire honde;
Ane guldene bolle.

I uulled mid wine;
þe wes wunder ane god.

hæȝe iborenne men;
heo lædden to hallen.

260 biuoren þan kinge;
fæirest alre þinge.

Reowen sæt acneowe;
⁊ Cleopede to þan kinge.

⁊ þus ærest sæide;
In ænglene londe.

lauerd king wæs hæil;
for þine kime ich æm uæin.

Þe king þis ihærde;
⁊ nuste what heo seide.

Ȝeo bar in hire hond;
ane goldene bolle.

Hi fulled mid w[i]ne;
ne mihte non be rich[ere].

Hehȝe ibore men;
hire ladde in to halle.

bi vore þan kinge;
fairest alle þing.

Rowenne sat a cnouwe;
and seide to þan kinge.

þus erest ȝeo spac;
in Englene lond.

Louerd king wassaẏl;
for * þine comes me beoþ hail.

Þe king hit ihorde;
and nuste wat ȝeo saide.

265 þe king vortigerne;
fræinede his cnihtes sone.

what weoren þat speche;
þe þ̵ maide spilede.

Þa andswere de Keredic;
a cniht swiðe sellic.

he wes þe bezste latimer;
þat ær com her.

lust me nu lauerd king;
⁊ ich þe wulle cuðen.

270 whæt seið Rouwenne;
fæirest wimmonnen.

Hit beoð tiðende;
Inne sæxe londe.

whær swa æi duȝeðe;
gladieð of drenche;

þe king vortigerne;
haxede his cnihte`s´.

wat were þe speche;
þat þe maide speke.

Þo answerede; Keþereh;
cniht mid þe wisest.

he was þe beste latimer;
þat euere wone[de] her.

Lust nou mi louerd king;
and ich þe wolle cuðen.

wat seiþ Rowenne;
fairest of al wommanne.

Hit his þe wone;
Ine sax londe.

þat freond sæiðe to freonde;
Mid fæire loten hende.

leofue freond wæs hail;
þe oðer sæið drinc hail.

275 þe ilke þat halt þene nap;
he hine drinkeð up.

oder uul me þideR fareð;
⁊ bi techeð his iueren.

þenne þat uul beoð icumen;
þenne cusseoð heo þreoien.

þat freond saiþ to his freond;
wane he sal [dri]nge.

leofue freond wassail;
þe oþer saiþ dringhail.

þe ilke þat halt þane nap;
þane dringe dringþ vp.

And aȝ[ein]es me hine fulþ;
and takeþ his ivere.

þis beoð sele laȝen;
Inne saxe londe.

⁊ Inne alemaine;
heo beoð ihalden aðele.

Þis beoþ þe lawes;
ine sax londe.

280 Þis iherde uortiger;
of alchen uuele he wes war.

⁊ seide hit an bruttisc;
ne cuðe he nan ænglisc.

maiden Rouwenne;
drinc bluðeliche þenne.

Þat maide dronc up þat win;
⁊ lette don oðer þer in.

⁊ bi tæhten þan kinge;
⁊ þrien hine custe.

285 ⁊ þurh þa ilke leoden;
þa laȝen comen to þissen londe.

wæs hail ⁊ drinc hæil.
moni mon þer of is fain;

Rouwenne þe hende;
sat bi þan kinge.

þe king heo ȝeorne biheold;
heo was him an heorte leof.

ofte he heo custe;
ofte he heo clupte.

290 Al his mod ⁊ his main;
halde to þan mæidene.

þis ihorde vortiger;
of eche vuele he was war.

And saide hit on Bruttesse;
ne couþe he noht on Œnglisse.

Maẏde Rowenne;
dring bloþeliche þanne.

Þat maide drong vt þat win;
and lette don oþer þar in.

And bi tahte þan kinge;
and he hit vp swipte.

And þorh þisne ilke game;
þe lawe come to londe.

wassaẏl and dring haẏl;
þat mani men lofuieþ.

Þe faire Rowenne;
sat bi þan kinge.

þe king hire ȝeorne bi heold;
ȝeo was him leof on heorte.

Ofte he hire custe;
and ofte he hire clupte.

Þe wurse wes þer ful neh;
þe in ælche gomene iS ful ræh.

þe wurse ne dude næuere god;
he mæingde þas kinge`s´ mod.

he murnede ful swiðe;
to habben þat mæiden to wiue.

Þat wes swide ladlic þing;
þat þe cristine king.

295 luuede þat haðene maide;
leoden to hærme.

þ̵ maiden wes þan kinge leof;
æfne alse his aȝene lif.

Þe worse was þare wel neh;
þat to soche game his wel sleh.

þe worse þat neuere ne doþ god;
he meẏnde þare þes kinges mod
þe king mornede swiþe;
for habbe hire to wifue.

þat was swiþe loþlich þing;
þat þe cristene king.

louede þat Maide heaþene;
folk to harme.

he bad hengest his dring;
ȝiuen him þat maide child.

Hengest funde an his ræd;
to don þ̵ þe king him bed.

he ȝef him Rouwenne;
wimmon swiðe hende.

To Hengest bad þe king;
þat he þat maide ȝefue him.

Hengest funde on his Reade;
don þat þe king him beade.

He ȝef him Rowenne;
womman swiþe hende.

XV. ORM

The Ormulum

“Junius 1, Bodleian Library, Oxford: an oblong folio, written in double columns on 118 leaves of parchment varying considerably in size, the largest being 508 × 200 mm.; about 1210 A.D., and an autograph, but corrected by a second and third hand.”

Further detail from Notes volume:

“Orm supplemented the current graphic methods by devices of his own. Thus he systematically doubled a consonant after a short vowel in a closed syllable, so tunnderrstanndenn 109. Whether he meant thereby to indicate shortness of the vowel or length of the consonant is disputed.... Where the consonant after an open syllable is in fact short, Orm often places a breve over the preceding short vowel.... Likewise he uses very seldom an almost horizontal accent to indicate vowel length, as á 174, but more frequently, as if to emphasize his warning against possible error, doubles it ... even for greater insistence trebles it ... mostly before final t.

“Furthermore, Orm invented a special symbol {g} with a flat top projecting on both sides for the guttural stop g, reserving the continental g for the dzh sound in such words as egge (edge), leggen, seggen: the latter occurs in this extract only in gluternesse 167, and that by mistake.”

This page image shows all three “g” forms, with Orm’s unique {g} in the first line, and insular “g” in the third. Note that the ordinary (“continental”) “g” form is regularly used in “ng”.

In this e-text, ordinary capital G was used for capital insular g (ᵹ), because font support for the correct form Ᵹ (hex A77D) is extemely limited. The printed linenotes almost always use yogh (ȝ) for insular g (ᵹ), plain g for Orm’s unique {g}. Lines have been split at the caesura for cleaner display.

F
orrþrihht anan se iesu crist.
Wass borenn off hiss moderr;
ᵹho wand himm sone iwinndeclū́t.
⁊ leᵹᵹde himm inn a`n´ cribbe.

Acc uss birrþ wĭtenn þ̵ he warrþ.
All wiþþ hiss aᵹhenn wille.

Vnnorne. ⁊ wrecche ⁊ usell child;
Inn ure mennisscnesse :

5. heffness] erasure of o after he; so also in hefennlike, l. 8; werelld, l. 9, &c.; see notes.

5 Forr þ̵ he wollde inn heffness ærd;
Vss alle makenn riche.

¶ ⁊ he þ̵ all þiss middellærd.
Onn alle wise shrideþþ;

He wollde wundenn | ben forr uss.
I wrecche winnde clutess.

Forr þ̵ he wollde shridenn uss;
Wiþþ hefennlike wæde·

¶ ⁊ he þ̵ all þiss werelld shop·
⁊ alle shaffte stereþþ;

10 He lēt himm baþe bindenn her.
Wiþþ bandess fēt ⁊ hande;

Forr þ̵ he wollde unnbindenn uss.
Off hellepiness bandess.

¶ ⁊ heffne. ⁊ lifft. ⁊ land. ⁊ sæ.
Wiþþ {g}oddcunndnesse filleþþ;

13. full naru over an erasure.

Þatt illke child. tatt tær wass leᵹᵹd.
Inn an full naru cribbe;

Forr þ̵ he wollde ᵹifenn uss.
All heffness rume riche.

15 ¶ ⁊ he þ̵ fedeþþ enn{g}le þed.
⁊ alle cwike shaffte;

He laᵹᵹ all alls hiss wille wass.
Biforenn asse i cribbe.

Swa summ he wære ᵹifenn himm;
To wurrþenn himm to fode.

Forr þ̵ he wollde brinn{g}enn uss;
Vpp inntill heffness blisse.

⁊ ᵹifenn uss himm sellfenn þær;
Wiþþ enn{g}less eche fode.

20 ¶ Þuss {g}odess sune allmahhtiᵹ {g}odd;
Warrþ wrecche mann onn erþe.

Forr swa to brinngenn mann kinn onn;
To ᵹernenn affterr litell.

Forr þ̵ he lufeþþ alle þa;
þ̵ hise laᵹhess haldenn.

⁊ lufenn forr þe lufe off himm;
To libbenn her onn erþe.

Full wrecchelike inn uselldom;
Off metess. ⁊ off claþess.

25 ¶ ⁊ tatt te laferrd iesu crist.
Wass leᵹᵹd inn asse cribbe.

Þatt tacneþþ uss. þ̵ he comm her.
To wurrþenn mann onn erþe.

Wiþþ mannkinn. þ̵ wass stunnt. ⁊ dill;
⁊ skill læs swa summ asse.

¶ ⁊ asse. þohh itt litell be.
Itt hafeþþ mikell afell.

To berenn upp well mikell sæm;
Giff mann itt doþ þæronne.

30 ⁊ swa wass neh all follc þ̵ daᵹᵹ.
Þatt crist comm her to manne.

Neh all itt wass þa strang inoh.
To þewwtenn laþe {g}astess.

To berenn upp þ̵ laþe sæm;
To don all þeᵹᵹre wille.

¶ ⁊ þurrh þ̵ {g}odd wass wurrþenn mann.
Forr ure miccle nede;

34. þatt witt tu wel substituted at bottom of column for þatt seȝȝþ þe boc in text.
37. kald over an erasure.

Þurrh þ̵ wass he. `þatt witt tu wel.´
All wiþþ hiss lefe wille.

Niþþredd. ⁊ wannsedd wunnderrliᵹ.
⁊ laᵹhedd inn himm | sellfenn.

36 Forr o þ̵ hallf þ̵ he wass mann;
Mann mihhte himm fon. ⁊ pinenn.

Wiþþ hāt. ⁊ kald. wiþþ nesshe. ⁊ harrd·
Wiþþ pine off þrisst. ⁊ hunngerr.

⁊ cwellenn himm mann mihhte wel;
Inn ure mennisscnesse.

⁊ {g}odd wass wurrþenn swa forr uss;
Gḗt lasse þann an enn{g}ell.

40 Forr mann ne maᵹᵹ nohht enn{g}ell sen;
Ne tăkenn himm ne bindenn.

41. pinenn] i over an erasure.   næfre] r changed into n by erasure.
42. godd warrþ over an erasure.
45. unorneliȝ with erasure over the first n.

Ne pinenn himm. ne cwellenn himm.
Forr he ne deᵹeþþ næfre.

Acc drihhtin {g}odd warrþ her forr þe
Gēt lasse þann hiss enn{g}ell.

⁊ lahᵹhre inoh. forr þi þatt he;
Þe wollde ᵹifenn bisne.

Þatt te birrþ aᵹᵹ þe sellfenn her;
Þurrh soþ mecnesse laᵹhenn.

45 ⁊ lætenn swiþe unorneliᵹ;
⁊ litell off þe sellfenn.

¶

Þ
att hirdess wokenn o þ̵at nahht.
Þatt crist wass borenn onne;

Þatt wass swa summ hiss wille wass.
Forr þ̵ itt shollde tacnenn.

Þatt he forr þi wass wurrþenn mann;
Forr þ̵ he wollde sammnenn.

An flocc off menn till cristenndom;
⁊ till þe rihhte læfe.

50 Þatt sholldenn wurrþenn hise shep;
Þurrh here unnshaþiᵹnesse.

⁊ sholldenn habbenn oferr hemm;
Bisscopess. prestess. dæcness

Forr þ̵ teᵹᵹ sholldenn hirdess ben;
To ᵹemenn hemm. ⁊ {g}ætenn.

⁊ ec forr þ̵ he wollde ben.
Himm sellf ūt numenn hirde.

55 Swa þ̵ he wollde hiss aᵹhenn lif;
Forr hise shep forrlætenn.

¶ Þatt {g}odess enn{g}ell comm o nihht.
Swa summ ðe {g}oddspell kiþeþþ.

To spekenn wiþþ þa wake menn.
Þatt wokenn heore faldess;

⁊ tatt he comm þ̵ nihht till hemm.
Wiþþ heoffness lihht. ⁊ leome.

⁊ tatt teᵹᵹ wærenn forr þ̵ lihht.
⁊ forr ðatt enn{g}less sihhþe.

Forr dredde swiþe fasste anan.
Swa summ þe {g}oddspell kiþeþþ;

60 ⁊ ec þatt {g}odess enn{g}ell toc.
To frofrenn hemm wiþþ worde.

All þ̵ wass don | þurrh iesu crist.
Forr mikell þin{g} to tacnenn.

¶ Itt tacneþþ uss þatt ure {g}odd.
Well offte senndeþþ enn{g}less.

Inn till þiss middell ærd. tatt iss.
All full off þessterrnesse :

Þatt iss off all þ̵ ifell iss;
Inn alle kinne sinne;

65 Itt tacneþþ þ̵ he senndeþþ hemm;
Inn till þiss þeossterrnesse.

To frofrenn þa þ̵ wakenn wel;
Onnᵹæness laþe {g}astess.

⁊ stanndenn inn to shildenn hemm;
Fra deofless swikedomess.

⁊ all þ̵ flocc þ̵ hemm iss sētt;
To ᵹemenn. ⁊ to {g}ætenn.

To frofrenn swillke senndeþþ {g}odd.
Enn{g}less. ⁊ hallᵹhe sawless.

70 ⁊ aᵹᵹ þeᵹᵹ cumenn dun till þa;
Wiþþ heoffness lihht. ⁊ leome.

Þatt iss wiþþ witt. ⁊ {g}od innsihht;
Inn alle kinne þin{g}e.

Forr drihhtin ᵹifeþþ her hiss þeww;
{g}od witt. ⁊ mahht. ⁊ wille.

To stanndenn ᵹæn þe laþe {g}ast.
⁊ ᵹæn all þ̵ he læreþþ.

Acc aᵹᵹ þeᵹᵹ sinndenn þohh swa þehh;
Well swiþe sare off dredde.

75 Off domess daᵹᵹes starrke dom;
⁊ off þe demess irre.

All all swa summ þa wăke menn;
Well swiþe offdredde wærenn.

Off heoffness brihhte lihht ⁊ lem ;
⁊ off þ̵ enn{g}less sihhþe.

Ace hihht. ⁊ hope o drihhtin {g}odd.
⁊ onn hiss mildheorrtnesse;

Þatt frofreþþ hemm. ⁊ beldeþþ hemm;
To follᵹhenn {g}odess lare.

80 To fandenn ᵹiff þeᵹᵹ muᵹhenn swa;
ðe demess are winnenn.

⁊ tatt wass uss bitacnedd wel;
Þurrh ðatt tatt {g}odess enn{g}ell.

Toc sone anan wiþþ milde word;
ða wăke menn to frofrenn.

Forr þ̵ he wisste wel þ̵ teᵹᵹ;
Off himm forrdredde wærenn.

Forr {g}odess enn{g}ell frofreþþ mann;
Giff þ̵ he seþ himm færedd.

85 Forr {g}odess enn{g}ell iss full mec;
⁊ soffte. ⁊ milde. ⁊ bliþe.

¶ ⁊ defell iss all full off niþ;
⁊ full off {g}rammcunndnesse.

⁊ full off hĕte towarrd mann;
⁊ full off modiᵹnesse

⁊ ᵹiff he seþ þe mann forrdredd;
He wile himm skerrenn mare.

⁊ ræfenn himm hiss rihhte witt;
⁊ shetenn inn hiss herrte. |

Acc whas itt iss þ̵ wæpnedd iss.
Wiþþ fulle trowwþe o criste;

91 Þohh þ̵ he {g}risliᵹ defell seo.
Niss he rihht nohht forrfæredd.

¶ Þatt enn{g}ell seᵹᵹde ðatt he wass;
Þa cumenn forr to kiþenn.

O {g}odess hallfe þær till hemm.
A`n´ swiþe mikell blisse.

Þatt shollde ben till all þe follc.
Þatt seᵹᵹde he forr þ̵ tanne;

95 Wass cumenn i þiss middellærd.
Full mikell blisse. ⁊ sellðe.

Till alle `þa´ þ̵ sholldenn wel;
O {g}odess sune lefenn.

O iesu crist. tatt borenn wass.
þ̵ illke nahht to manne.

¶ He seᵹᵹde þ̵ te laferrd crist.
Wass borenn her to manne.

Nohht o þe nahht. acc o þe daᵹᵹ.
Forr mikell þing to tacnenn.

100 Forr daᵹᵹess lihht bitacneþþ uss;
All eche lifess blisse

⁊ nahht bitacneþþ all þ̵ wa;
Þ̷ iss inn helle pine.

⁊ crist wass borenn i þiss lif;
To lesenn uss off helle.

Forr þ̵ he wollde ᵹifenn uss;
Wiþþ enn{g}less eche blisse.

¶ ⁊ tatt wass uss bitacnedd ec.
Þurrh þ̵ tatt {g}odess enn{g}ell.

105. awwredd in MS.

105 Wass awwnedd till ða wăke menn;
Wiþþ heffness lihht ⁊ leme.

Forr {g}odess sune iesu crist;
Wass wurrþenn mann onn erþe.

To ᵹifenn heoffness lihht. ⁊ lem;
Þ̷ follc. þ̵ shollde himm follᵹhenn.

¶ Þatt {g}odd all mahhtiᵹ wurrþenn wass.
Gun{g} child inn ure kinde.

⁊ wrecche child. off wrecche kinn;
ðatt doþ uss tunnderrstanndenn.

110 Þatt uss birrþ mikell lufenn crist.
⁊ lofenn himm ⁊ wurrþenn.

Off þatt he wollde himm sellfenn swa;
Forr ure lufe laᵹhenn.

⁊ off þatt he warrþ wrecche mann;
Forr uss to makenn riche.

Wiþþ enn{g}less upp inn heoffness ærd;
Wiþþ utenn ende i blisse.

Annd þurrh þ̵ tatt tær awwnedd wass.
An here off {g}odess enn{g}less.

115 Þatt time þ̵ te laferrd crist.
Wass borenn her to manne;

Þurrh þ̵ wass uss don þær full wel.
To sen. ⁊ tunnderrstanndenn.

Þatt enn{g}less stanndenn aᵹᵹ occ aᵹᵹ.
To lofenn {g}odd ⁊ wurrþenn.

¶ ⁊ þurrh þ̵ illke wass uss ec.
Don full wel tunnderrstanndenn.

Þatt uss birrþ lofenn drihhtin aᵹᵹ;
Wiþþ innwarrd herrtess tunge.

120 ⁊ þannkenn himm þ̵ miccle {g}od;
Þatt he doþ uss onn erþe.

¶ ⁊ þurrh þ̵ illke wass uss ec.
Don full wel tunnderrstanndenn.

Þatt crist all enn{g}le þede kin{g}.
Wass borenn her to manne.

Alls iff he ᵹæn þe laþe {g}ast.
Wiþþ hĕre wollde fihhtenn.

124. walde] After l, l erased.

To winnenn adam. ⁊ hiss kinn;
V̋t off þe defless walde.

125 ⁊ settenn enn{g}less oferr hemm;
To ᵹemenn hemm ⁊ {g}ætenn.

⁊ forr to shildenn hemm onn ᵹæn;
ðe deofless laþe wiless.

¶ Annd {g}odess enn{g}less wærenn þa;
Well swiþe glade wurrþenn.

Off ðatt tatt {g}odd wass wurrþenn mann.
Forr þ̵ teᵹᵹ wisstenn alle.

Þatt teᵹᵹre {g}en{g}e shollde ben;
Wiþþ {g}ode sawless ekedd.

130 ⁊ wurrþedd ec. ⁊ all forrþi;
Þeᵹᵹ wærenn swiþe bliþe.

⁊ all forr þi þeᵹᵹ sun{g}enn þa.
ðiss san{g} wiþþ mikell blisse.

Si drihhtin upp inn heffness ærd;
Wurrþshipe. ⁊ loff. ⁊ wullderr.

⁊ upp onn erþe {g}riþþ. ⁊ friþþ;
Þurrh {g}odess mildherrtnesse.

Till iwhillc mann þ̵ habbenn shall;
{g}od herte ⁊ `aᵹᵹ´ {g}od wille.

135 ¶ Þiss sun{g}enn þeᵹᵹ. forr þi þ̵ teᵹᵹ.
Full wel þær unnderrstodenn.

134. aᵹᵹ added in margin and god corrected out of gode, so too in ll. 147, 154.

Þatt teᵹᵹre {g}en{g}e shollde ben;
Þurrh hallᵹhe sawles. ekedd.

Þurrh whatt biforenn drihhtin {g}odd·
Giff þ̵ itt waxenn mihhte.

Wurrþshipe ⁊ wullderr shollde ben;
Swa summ itt waxenn wære.

⁊ ec forr þatt teᵹᵹ wisstenn wel.
Þatt {g}odd comm her to manne.

140 Forr þ̵ he wollde {g}riþþ ⁊ friþþ.
⁊ soþ sahhtnesse settenn.

Bitwenenn drihhtin heffness king;
⁊ mannkinn her onn erþe.

Þatt mann kinn shollde muᵹhenn wel;
Vpp cumenn inn till heffne.

Þatt heffness here mihhte swa;
Þurrh hallᵹhe sawless waxenn.

Þurrh whatt bi forenn drihhtin {g}odd;
Wurrþshipe waxenn shollde.

145 Giff þ̵ himm mihhte waxenn ohht;
⁊ wurrþenn bettre ⁊ mare.

¶ Þatt {g}riþþ wass sett till alle þa.
Swa summ þe {g}oddspell kiþeþþ.

Þatt sholl | denn wurrþenn {g}ode menn;
⁊ habbenn `aᵹᵹ´ {g}od wille.

Till þa þ̵ sholldenn unnderrfon;
Wiþþ blisse cristess come.

⁊ nohht till þa þ̵ sholldenn himm;
Forrhoᵹhenn ⁊ forrwerrpenn.

150 Forr niss nohht {g}odess {g}riþþ wiþþ þa;
Þ̷ wiþþrenn {g}odd onn ᵹæness.

Acc helle wawenn iss till þa;
All affterr þeᵹᵹre wrihhte.

¶ ⁊ her mann unnderrstanndenn maᵹᵹ;
Whillc mann iss drihhtin cweme.

Þatt illke mann iss drihhtin lef;
Þ̷ hafeþþ {g}ode wille.

Forr wha se itt iss þatt illke mann
Þatt hafeþþ `aᵹᵹ´ {g}od wille

155 Þatt illke mann ne sinnᵹheþþ nohht.
Ne {g}illteþþ hise þannkess.

Ne towarrd {g}odd· ne towarrd mann;
Giff þ̵ he maᵹᵹ himm lokenn.

⁊ ᵹiff þ̵ iss þ̵ he missdoþ.
Onn aniᵹ kinne wise;

Itt reweþþ himm. ⁊ sone anan;
He stannt itt inn to betenn.

159. enngell comm o nahht over an erasure.

¶ Þatt {g}odess enn{g}ell comm o nahht.
Wiþþ heffness lihht onn erþe;

160 Þatt tacneþþ þ̵ tiss middellærd.
Wass full off þessterrnesse.

Þurrh illkess kinness hæþenndom.
Inn iwhillc unnclænnesse;

Þatt time þ̵ te laferrd crist.
Wass borenn her to manne.

To ᵹifenn heffness lihht. ⁊ lem;
Þ̷ follc þ̵ shollde himm cwemenn.

¶ ⁊ tatt tatt enn{g}ell nohht ne comm.
Till kin{g}ess ne till erless.

165 Ne till þ̵ laþe riche flocc.
Þatt follᵹheþþ modiᵹnesse;

Þatt doþ uss tunnderrstanndenn wel;
Þ̷ drihhtin {g}odd forrwerrpeþþ.

All modiᵹleᵹᵹc. ⁊ {g}reditleᵹᵹc :
⁊ irre. ⁊ gluterrnesse.

⁊ all þ̵ follᵹheþþ horedom.
⁊ swikedom onn erþe.

Þatt mann maᵹᵹ findenn allre mast.
I þa þ̵ sinndenn riche.

170. þatt] between þ and a an erasure.

170 þatt {g}odess enn{g}ell awwnedd wass.
In aness weress hewe;

Þatt wass forr þi þ̵ enn{g}ell maᵹᵹ.
Wiþþ hiss drihhtiness wille.

Himm awwnenn alls he wære a mann.
I manness limess alle.

I bodiᵹ. þ̵ he doþ himm inn;
Off hefennlike kinde.

174. Added lengthwise on the margin.

¶ `⁊ {g}odd wiþþ enn{g}less gife uss. á.
To brukenn heffness blisse.´

Amæn.

XVI. SAWLES WARDE

“i. Bodleian 34, Oxford (B); on vellum, 165 × 120 mm.; written in one hand throughout about 1210 A.D.... It has lost two leaves after f. 80, which is very faint and defective. Entries in fourteenth-century hands connect it with Ledbury, Godstow, and Magna Coworne (Much Cowarne) in Herefordshire. The text is printed from this manuscript up to its end at 127/4.

“The writing is sometimes difficult to decipher; the letters are often crowded and hesitating, a, e, o are sometimes hard to distinguish. Doubts are permissible in the following cases, hwen or hwon 118/24, ihaten or ihoten 37, hondon or honden 51; in sent 55, the last letter wavers between t and d; in ȝemelese 56, ȝ appears to have been corrected out of g; after mei 60, there is a half-formed c; under the second o of preoouin 72, there is what looks like a casual pen mark, not a dot of erasure; in seoueuald 287, d is corrected out of t, or the reverse.

“ii. Royal 17 A 27, British Museum (R); on vellum, 160 × 117 mm.; early thirteenth century. Has all the pieces in B except Hali Meidenhad, with the addition of an incomplete copy of the Oreisun of Seinte Marie (printed in OEH i., p. 305). This manuscript supplies the end here from 127/4.

“iii. Cotton Titus D 18, British Museum (T). See [IX, Ancrene Wisse].”

Si Sciret Paterfamilias
her bigineð; sawles warde.

Si sciret paterfamilias qua hora fur uenturus esset; vigilaret utique ⁊ non sineret perfodi domum suam. Ure lauerd i þe godspel teacheð us þurh abisne. hu we ahen wearliche to biwiten us seoluen wið þe unwiht of helle. ⁊ wið his wernches. 5 ȝef þes lauerd wiste he seið. hwenne ⁊ hwuch time. þe þeof walde cume to his hus; he walde wakien. ne nalde he nawt þolien þe þeof forte breoken hire. Þis hus þe ure lauerð spekeð of; is seolf þe mon inwið þe monnes wit. I þis hus. is þe huse lauerd. ant te fulitohe wif; mei beon wil ihaten. þ̵ ga þe hus efter hire; ha diht hit al to wundre. 10 bute wit ase lauerd chasti hire þe betere. ⁊ bi neome hire muchel of þ̵ ha walde. ant tah walde al hire hird folhin hire ouer al; gef wit ne forbude ham. for alle hit beoð untohene. ⁊ rechelese hinen; bute ȝef he ham rihte. Ant hwucche beoð þeos hinen; Summe beoð wið vten. ⁊ summe wið in nen. þeo wið vten beoð. þe monnes fif 15 wittes. Sihðe. ⁊ herunge. smechunge. ⁊ smeallunge. ⁊ euch limes felunge. þeos beoð hinen vnder wit. as under huse lauerd. 17. hwer] r over ṭ.
37. After gastelich, e erased. ⁊ hwer se he is ȝemeles; nis hare nan þe ne feareð ofte untoheliche. ⁊ gulteð ilome. oðer ifol semblant; oder in vuel dede. In wið beoð his hinen. in se moni mislich þonc to cwemen wel þe husewif; aȝein godes 20 wille. ⁊ swerieð somet reaðliche. þ̵ efter hire hit schal [f. 72 v] gan. þah we hit ne here nawt; we mahen `iþþlen´ hare nurhð. ⁊ hare untohe bere. a þet hit cume forð. ⁊ ba wið eie. ⁊ wið luue tuhte ham þe betere. Ne bið neauer his hus for þeos hinen wel iwist. for hwen þ̵ he slepe. oðer ohwider from hame. þ̵ is hwen mon forȝet his wit. 25 ⁊ let ham i wurðen. ah ne bihoueð hit nawt. þ̵ tis hus beo irobbet. for þer is inne þe tre[sor] þ̵ godd ȝef him seolf fore. þ̵ is monnes sawle. forte breoke þis hus efter þis tresor. þ̵ godd bohte mid his deað. ⁊ lette lif o rode; is moni þeof a buten ba bi dei ⁊ bi niht. vnseheliche gasttes wið alle unwreaste þeawes. ⁊ a ȝein euch god þeaw. þe biwiteð 30 iþis hus godes deore castel . vnder wittes wissunge þ̵ is huse lauerd. is eauer hire unþeaw forte sechen inȝonge abute þe wahes to a murðrin hire þrinne. þ̵ heaued þrof is þe feont. þe meistreð ham alle aȝeines him ⁊ his keis. þe husebonde þ̵ is wit. warneð his hus þus. vre lauerd haueð ileanett him froure of his dehtren. þ̵ beoð to 35 vnderstonden þe fowr heaued þeawes. þe earste is warschipe icleopet. ant te oþer is ihaten gasteli`c´h strengðe. ⁊ te þridde is meað. rihtwisnesse þe feorðe. Wit þe husbonde godes cunestable cleopeð warschipe [f. 73 r] forð. ⁊ makid hire durewart. þe warliche loki hwam ha leote in ⁊ ut. ⁊ of feor bihalde alle þe cuminde. hwuch beo wurðe 40 inȝonge to habben; oðer beon bisteken þrute. Strengðe stont nest hire. þ̵ ȝef ei wule in; warschipes vn þonkes. warni strengðe fore. þ̵ is hire suster; ⁊ heo hit ut warpe. þe þridde suster þ̵ is meað. hire he makeð meistre ouer his willesfule hirð þ̵ we ear of speken. þ̵ ha leare ham mete . þ̵ me meosure hat. þe middel of twa uueles . for 45 þ̵ is þeaw in euch stude ⁊ tuht forte halden. ⁊ hateð ham alle þ̵ nan of ham aȝein hire; nohwer wid vnmeoð; ne ga ouer mete. þe feorðe suster rihtwisnesse. sit on hest as deme . ⁊ beateð þeo þe aȝulteð. ⁊ cruneð þeo þe wel doð. ⁊ demeð euchan his dom efter his rihte. for dret of hire nimeð his hirð euch efter þ̵ he is warde to witene . þe 50 ehnen hare. þe muð his. þe earen hare. þe hondon hare. ⁊ euch alswa of þe oþre wit þ̵ onont him ne schal nan un þeaw cumen iN.

As 58. Before leane, feier erased.
73. enbreueḍt MS. þis is ido þus. ⁊ is al stille þrinne; warschipe þ̵ áá is waker is offearet lest sum for truste him. ⁊ feole o slepe. ⁊ forȝeme his warde. ⁊ sent ham. in a sonde. þ̵ ha wel cnaweð. of feorren icumen. forte 55 offearen þeo þe beoð [f. 73 v] ouer hardi. ⁊ þeo þe ȝemelese beoð; halden ham wakere. he is underuon in. ⁊ swiðe bihalden of ham alle. for lonc he is. ⁊ leane. ⁊ his leor deaðlich. ⁊ blac ⁊ elheowet. ⁊ euch her þunc`h´eð þ̵ stont in his heaued up; warschipe hat him tellen biuoren. hwet he beo ⁊ hweonene he comme ⁊ hwet he þer seche. Ne mei 60 ich he seið. nohwer speoken. bute ich habbe god lust; lustnið me þenne. fearlac ich hatte. ant am deaðes sonde. ⁊ deaðes munegunge. ⁊ am icumen biuore hire to warnin ow of hire cume. warschipe þ̵ best con bisetten hire wordes. ⁊ ec hire werkes; spekeð for ham alle. ⁊ freineð hweonene he cume. ⁊ hwuch hird ha leade. fearlac 65 hire ontswereð. Ich nat nawt þe time; for ha ne seide hit me nawt. ah eauer lokið hwenne. for hire wune is to cumen bi stale ferliche ⁊ unmundlunge hwen me least weneð. of hire hird þ̵ tu easkest. Ich þe ondswerie. ha lihteð hwer se ha eauer kimeð wið a þusent deoflen. ⁊ euch an bereð a gret boc al of sunnen iwriten wið swarte smeale 70 leattres. ⁊ an unrude raketehe gled read of fure. forte binden ⁊ to drahen in to in warde helle. hwuch se he mei preoouin þurh his boc þ̵ is on euch sunne enbre[f. 74 r]uet. þ̵ he wið wil. oðer wið word. oðer wið werc. wrahtte in al his lif siðe. bute þ̵ he haueð i bet earþon wið soð schrift. ⁊ wið deadbote. ant warschipe hire easkeð. Hweonene 75 cumest tu fearlac deaðes munegunge. Ich cume he seið of helle. Of helle ha seið warschipe. ⁊ hauest tu isehen helle? Ȝe seið fearlac witerliche. ofte ⁊ ilome. Nu seið þenne warschipe. forþi trowðe treoweliche tele us hwuch is helle. ⁊ hwet tu hauest isehen þrin. ant ich he seið fearlac omi trowðe bluðeliche. nawt tah efter þ̵ hit is. for þ̵ ne mei na 80 tunge `tellen´. ah efter þ̵ ich mei ⁊ con; þer towart ich chulle readien.

Helle is [wid] wið ute met. ⁊ deop wið ute grunde. ful of brune uneuenlich . for ne mei nan eorðlich fur euenin þer towart. ful of stench unþolelich. for ne mahte in eorðe na cwic þinge hit þolien. ful of sorhe untalelich. for ne mei na muð for wrecchedom 85 ne for wa; rikenin hit ne tellen. Se þicke is þrinne þe þosternesse; þ̵ me hire mei grapin. for þ̵ fur. ne ȝeueð na liht. ah blent ham þe ehnen. þe þer beoð wið a smorðrinde smeke smeche forcuðest. ⁊ tah iþ̵ ilke swarte þeosternesse swarte þinges ha iseoð as deoflen þ̵ ham meallið ⁊ derueð áá ⁊ dreccheð wið alles cunnes pinen. ⁊ iteilede 90 draken gri`s´liche ase deoflen þe forswolheð ham ihal. ⁊ speoweð ham [f. 74 v] eft ut biuoren ⁊ bihinden. oðer hwile torendeð ham ⁊ to cheoweð ham euch greot. ant heo eft iwurðeð hal. to a swuch bale bute bote as ha ear weren. ant ful wel ha i seoð ham to grisle ⁊ to grure. ⁊ to echen hare pine. þe laðe helle wurmes. tadden ⁊ froggen. 95 þe freoteð ham ut te ehnen. ⁊ te nease gristles. ant snikeð in. ⁊ ut neddren. ⁊ eauraskes. nawt ilich þeose her; ah hundret siðe grisluker et muð. ⁊ et earen. ed ehnen. ⁊ ed neauele. ant ed te breoste holke as meaðen iforrotet flesch eauerȝete þickest. þer is remunge iþe brune. ⁊ toðes hechelunge iþe snawi weattres. ferliche ha flutteð from þe 100 heate; in to þe chele. Ne neauer nuten ha of þeos twa; hweðer ham þuncheð wurse. for eiðer is unþolelich. ant iþis ferliche monge þe leatere þurh þe earre derueð þe mare. þ̵ fur ham forbearneð al to colen calde. þ̵ pich ham forwalleð aðet ha beon for mealte. ⁊ eft acwikieð anan to drehen al þ̵ ilke; ant muchedeale wurse á wið uten 105 ende. Ant tis ilke unhope is ham meast pine. þ̵ nan naueð neauer mare hope of nan a couerunge. Ah aren sikere of euch uuel to þurh leasten iwa from world in to worlde áá on echnesse. Euch aþrusmeð oðer. ⁊ euch is oðres pine. Ant euchan heateð oðer. ⁊ him seoluen as [f. 75 r] þe blake deouel. ⁊ eauer se ha i þis world luueden 110 ham mare; se ha þer heatieð ham swiðere. ⁊ eiðer curseð oðer. ⁊ fret of þe oðres earen. ⁊ te nease alswa. Ich habbe bigunne to tellen of þing þ̵ ich ne mahte nawt bringe to eni ende. þah ich hefde a þusent tungen of stele ⁊ talde aðet ha weren alle forwerede. Ah þencheð nu her þurh hwuch þe measte pine beo; for þe leaste pine is 115 se heard þ̵ hefde a mon i slein ba mi feader. ⁊ mi moder ant al þe ende of mi cun. ⁊ i do me seoluen al þe scheome ⁊ te hearm þ̵ cwic mon mahte þolien. ⁊ ich isehe þes mon i þe ilke leaste pine. þ̵ ich iseh in helle; Ich walde ȝef hit mahte beon. þolien a þusent deaðes to a rudden him ut þrof. swa is þe sihðe grislich ⁊ reowðful to bihalden. 120 for þah neauer nere nan oðer pine bute to i seon eauer þe unseli gastes. ⁊ hare grisliche schape. biseon on hare grimfule. ⁊ grurefule nebbes. ⁊ heren hare rarunge. ⁊ hu ha wið hokeres edwiteð ⁊ up breideð euchan his sunnen. þis schenðlac ⁊ te grure of ham were unimete pine; ⁊ hure þolien ⁊ a beoren hare unirude duntes wið 125 mealles istelet. ⁊ wið hare eawles gled reade hare dustlunges. as þah hit were a pilche clut euchan towart oðer imisliche pinen. O helle deaðes hus. wununge of wanunge. of grure ant of granunge. heatel [f. 75 v] ham. ⁊ heard wan. of alle wontreaðes. buri of bale. ⁊ bold of eauer euch bitternesse . þu laðest lont of alle. þu dorc stude ifullet 130 of alle dreorinesses. Ich cwakie of grisle ⁊ of grure. ⁊ euch ban schekeð me. ⁊ euch her me rueð up of þi munegunge. 133. bicuhhe MS. for nis þer na steuene bituhhe þe fordemde bute wumme. ⁊ wa is me. ⁊ wa beo þe. ⁊ wa beo þe. wa ha ȝeieð. ⁊ wa ha habbeð ne of al þ̵ eauer wa is; ne schal ham neauer wontin. þe swuch wununge of earneð. for ei hwilinde 135 blisse her o þisse worlde; wel were him ȝef þ̵ he neauer ibore nere. bi þis ȝe mahen sumdel witen hwuch is helle. for i wis ich habbe þrin isehen a þusent siðe wurse. ⁊ from þeonne kimeð deað wið a þusent deoflen hiderwart as ich seide. ant ich com þus quoð fearlac forte warnin ow fore; ⁊ tellen ow þeos tidinges. 140

Nv 142. donne] the second n corr. out of t.
145. of over ạ MS. lauerd godd quoð warschipe wardi us ⁊ werie. ⁊ rihte us ⁊ reade hwet us beo to donne. ant we beon þe warre ⁊ wakere to witen us on euch half under godes wengen. ȝef we wel werieð ⁊ witeð ure hus ⁊ godes deore tresor þ̵ he haueð bitaht us; cume deað hwen he wule. Ne þurue we nowðer beon `of´dred for hire. ne 145 for helle. for ure deað bið deore godd ⁊ in ȝong in to heouene. of þeos fikelinde world; ne of hire false blisse : ne neome we neauer ȝeme. for al þ̵ is on eorðe. nis bute as a schadewe; for al wurðeð [f. 76 r] to noht bute þ̵ deore tresor godes deorewurðe feh þ̵ is us bitaht to witene. Ich habbe þeruore sar care for ich iseo seið warschipe hu þe 150 unwhiht wið his ferd ase liun iburst. ȝeað abuten ure hus sechinde ȝeornliche hu he hit forswolhe. ⁊ tis ich mei seið warschipe warnin ow of his lað ⁊ for his wrenches. ah ich ne mei nawt aȝeines his strengðe.

Do 159. ȝenis MS. nu quoð strengðe. warschipe suster þ̵ te limpet to þe ⁊ warne us of his wiheles. for of al his strengðe ne drede 155 we nawiht. for nis his strengðe noht wurð bute hwer se he ifindeð eðeliche. ⁊ wake unwarnede of treowe bileaue. þe apostle seið. Etstont. þen feont. ⁊ he flið anan riht. schulde we þenne fleon him? ȝe nis godd ure scheld. ⁊ alle beoð ure wepnen of his deore grace. ant godd is on ure half. ⁊ stont bi us ifehte. ȝef he schute 160 towart me wið weole ⁊ wunne of þe world. wið este of flesches lustes. of þulliche nesche wepnen ich mahte carien summes weis. ah ne mei me na þing heardes offearen. ne nowcin. ne na wone falsi min heorte ne wursi mi bileaue towart him þ̵ ȝeueð me alle mine strengðen.

For 166. caṛien MS.
170. we] weị MS. ba me ah. quoð meað. ant for heart of nowcin. ⁊ for wone of 165 wunne dreden. ⁊ carien. for moni for to muchel heard of wa þ̵ he d`r´eheð. forȝet ure lauerd. ant ma þah for nesche ant for flesches licunge for [f. 76 v] ȝemeð ham ofte. bituhhen heard ⁊ nesche. bituhhe wa of þis world ant to muche wunne. bituhhe muchel ⁊ lutel is in euch worldlich þing þe middel wei ȝuldene. ȝef we hire haldeð 170 þenne gawe sikerliche ne þerf us nowðer for deað ne for deouel dreden. hwet se beo of heardes ne drede ich nawiht nesches for ne mei·na wunne. ne na flesches licunge ne licomlich este bringe me ouer þe midel of mesure. ⁊ of mete.

Rihtwissnesse spekeð nu. Mi suster ha seið warschipe þe haueð 175 wit. ⁊ schad bituhhe god. ⁊ uuel. ⁊ wat hwet is in euch þinge to cheosen ⁊ to schunien; readeð us ⁊ leareð forte ȝeme lutel alle fallinde þing. ⁊ witen warliche þeo þe schulen á lesten. ⁊ seið as ha soð seið þ̵ þurh unweotenesse ne mei ha nawt sunegin. ⁊ tah nis nawt siker of þe unwihtes strengde as þeo þe halt hire wac 180 þah ha beo muche wurð. ⁊ ure alre ehnen demeð hire unmihti onont hire seoluen to etstonden wið his. turnes ⁊ deð ase þe wise. Mi suster strengðe is swiðe bald. ⁊ seið þ̵ nawiht heardes ne mei hire offearen. ah þah ha ne trust nawt on hire ahne wepnen; ah deð o goðes grace ⁊ þ̵ ich demi riht ⁊ wisdom to donne. Mi 185 þridde suster. meað spekeð of þe middel sti. bituhhe riht ⁊ luft þ̵ lut cunnen halden. [f. 77 r] ⁊ seið inesche ha is bald. ⁊ heard mei hire offearen. ⁊ for þi ne ȝelpeð ha of na sikernesse ant deð as þe wise. Mi meoster is to do riht forte demen ant ich deme me seolf þ̵ ich þurh me ne do hit nawt; for al þ̵ god is of godd þ̵ we her 190 habbeð. Nu is riht þenne þ̵ we demen us seolf eauer unmihtie to werien ⁊ to witen us oðer ei god to halden wið ute godes helpe. Þe rihtwise godd wule þ̵ we demen us seolf eðeliche ⁊ lahe. Ne beo we neauer swucche; for þenne demeð he us muche wurð ⁊ gode ant halt for his dehtren. for þah mi forme suster war beo of euch uuel; 195 ant min oðer strong beo to ȝeines euch nowcin; ant mi þridde meaðul in alles cunnes estes; ⁊ ich do riht ⁊ deme. bute we wið al þis milde beon ⁊ meoke; ⁊ halden us wake. godd mei mid rihte fordemen us of al þis þurh ure prude. ant for þi is riht dom þet we al ure god þonkin him ane. Wjit þe husebonde godes cunestable hereð 200 alle hare sahen ⁊ þonkeð god ȝeorne wið swiðe glead heorte of se riche lane as beoð þeos sustren his fowr dehtren þ̵ he haueð ileanet him on helpe forte wite wel ⁊ werien his castel. ⁊ godes deorewurðe feh. þ̵ is biloke þrinne.

Þe willesfule husewif halt hire al stille. ant al þ̵ hird þ̵ ha wes 205 i wunet to dreaien efter hire; turneð [f. 77 v] ham treowliliche to wit hare lauerd. ⁊ to þeos fowr sustren. Vmben ane stunde spekeð eft warschipe. ⁊ seið ich iseo a sonde cumen swide gledd icheret. feier ⁊ freolich ⁊ leofliche aturnet. let him in seið wit ȝef godd wule he bringeð us gleade tidinges. ant þ̵ us were muche 210 neod. for fearlac deaðes sonde haueð wið his; offearet us swiðe mid alle. warschipe let him in. ⁊ he gret wit þen lauerd. ⁊ al þ̵ hird seoðen. wið lahhinde chere. ant ha ȝeldeð him his gretunge. ⁊ beoð alle ilihtet ⁊ igleadet ham þuncheð of his on sihðe. for al þ̵ hus schineð. ⁊ schimmeð of his leome. he easkeð ham ȝef ham biluueð to 215 heren him ane hwile. ȝe quoð ha rihtwisnesse. wel us biluueð hit. ⁊ wel is riht þ̵ we þe liðeliche lustnin.

Hercnið nu þenne he seið. ⁊ ȝeornliche understondeð. [I]ch am murðes sonde. ⁊ munegunge of eche lif. ant liues luue i haten ⁊ cume riht from heouene þ̵ ich habbe isehen nu ant ofte ear 220 þe blisse þ̵ na monnes tunge ne mei of tellen. þe iblescede godd iseh ow offruhte. ⁊ sumdel drupnin of þ̵ fearlac talde of deað. ⁊ of helle. ant sende me to gleadien ow. nawt for þi þ̵ hit ne beo al soð þ̵ he seide. ⁊ þ̵ schulen alle uuele fondin. ⁊ ifinden. Ah ȝe wið þe fulst of godd ne þurue na þing dreden for he sit on [f. 78 r] he þ̵ is 225 ow on helpe. ⁊ is al wealdent þ̵ haueð ow to witene.

A 229. After habbe, him ofte deleted MS.
234. mine above meine MS. |
after habbe, ofsee deleted MS.  seið warschipe welcume liues luue. ant for þe luue of godd seolf ȝef þu eauer sehe him; tele us sumhwet of him. ⁊ of his eche blisse. ȝe iseoð quoð liues luue; Murhdes sonde. Ich habbe isehen him ofte nawt tah alswa as he is; for aȝein þe brihtnesse ⁊ te 230 liht of his leor. þe sunne gleam is dosc ⁊ þuncheð a schadewe. ant for þi ne mahte ich nawt aȝein þe leome of his wlite lokin ne bihalden; bute þurh a schene schawere bituhhe me ⁊ him þ̵ schilde mine ehnen. Swa ich habbe ofte isehen þe hali þrumnesse. feader ⁊ sune. ⁊ hali gast. þreo an unto dealet. ah lutle hwile ich mahte þolie 235 þe leome. ah summes weis ich mahte bihalden ure lauerd ihesu crist. godes sune þ̵ bohte us o rode. Hu he sit blisful on his feader riht half þ̵ is al wealdent rixleð i þ̵ eche lit bute linnunge. se unimete feier; þ̵ te engles ne beoð neauer ful on him to bihalden. ant ȝet ich iseh etscene þe studen of his wunden. ⁊ hu he schaweð ham his 240 feader to cuðen hu he luuede us ⁊ hu he wes buhsum to him þe sende him swa to alesen us ⁊ bisecheð him a for moncunnes heale.

Efter 245. After se, wle deleted.
255. ha] ha ha MS.
266. cunfessurs] urs above ọṛẹṣ MS. him ich iseh on heh ouer alle heouenliche þe eadi meiden his moder marie i nempnet sitten in [f. 78 v] a trone se swiðe briht wid ȝimmes i stirret. ⁊ hire wlite se weoleful; þ̵ euch eorðlich liht; is 245 þeoster þe[r]o ȝeines. þear ich iseh as ha bit hire deore wurðe sune se ȝeornliche. ⁊ se inwardliche for þeo þ̵ hire seruið. ⁊ he hire ȝetteð blideliche al þ̵ ha bi secheð. Þet liht þa ich ne mahte lengre þolien; Ich biseh to þe engles ⁊ to þe archangles ant to þe oðre; þe beoð buuen ham. iblescede gastes þe beoð a biuore godd ⁊ seruið him 250 eauer. ⁊ singeð a unwergeð. Nihe wordes þer beoð. ah hu ha beoð i ordret ⁊ sunderliche isette. þe an buue þe oðre. ⁊ euchanes meoster were long to tellen. Se muche murhðe ich hefde on hare on sihðe; þ̵ ne mahte `ich´ longe hwile elles hwider lokin. Efter ham ich iseh towart te patriarches. ⁊ te prophetes þe makied swuch murhðe þ̵ ha 255 aren nuðe i þ̵ ilke lont of blisse þ̵ ha hefden of feor igret ear on eorðe ⁊ seoð nu al þ̵ isoðet. þ̵ ha hefden longe ear icwiddet of ure lauerd as he hefde ischawed ham igastelich sihðe. Ich iseh þe apostles poure. ⁊ lah on eorðe. ifullet ⁊ bigoten al of unimete blisse sitten i trones. ant al under hare uet þ̵ heh is i þe worlde. ȝarowe forte 260 demen i þe dei of dome kinges ⁊ keiseres. ⁊ alle cunreadnes of alle cunnes ledenes. [f. 79 r] Ich biheolt te Martyrs. ⁊ hare unimete murhðe þe þoleden her pinen. ⁊ deað for ure lauerd. ⁊ lihtliche talden to alles cunnes neowcins. ⁊ eorðliche tintreohen aȝeines þe blisse þ̵ godd in hare heorte schawede ham to cumene. Efter ham 265 ich biheolt þe cunfessurs hird þe liueden igod lif. ⁊ haliche deiden. þe schineð as doð steorren iþe eche blissen. ⁊ seoð godd in his wlite þ̵ haueð alle teares iwipet of hare ehnen. Ich iseh þ̵ schene ⁊ þ̵ brihte fer`r´eden of þe eadi meidnes ilikest towart engles. ant feolohlukest wið ham blissin ⁊ gleadien. þe libbinde iflesche ouergað 270 flesches lahe ant ouercumeð cunde þe leadeð heouenlich lif in eorðe as ha wunieð hare murhðe. ⁊ hare blisse. þe feierl`e´ac of hare wlite. þe swetnesse of hare song; ne mei na tunge tellen. Alle ha singeð þe þer beoð. Ah hare song ne mahe nane buten heo singen. Se swote sme`a´l ham folheð hwider se ha wendeð. þ̵ me mahte libben 275 aa bi þe swotnesse. hwam se heo bisecheð fore; is sikerliche iborhen. for aȝein hare bisocnen; godd him seolf ariseð þ̵ alle þe oðre halhen sittende ihereð.

Swiðe wel quoð warschipe likeð us þ̵ tu seist. Ah nu þu hauest se wel iseið of euch a setnesse; of þe seli sunder lepes sumhwet sei 280 us nu hwuch blisse is to alle iliche meane; ⁊ liues luue hire ondswereð. [f. 79 v] Þe imeane blisse is seouenfald. lengðe of lif. wit. ⁊ luue. ⁊ of þe luue a gleadunge. wið ute met murie. loft song. ⁊ lihtschipe. ant sikernesse. is þe seoueðe. þah ich þis seið warschipe sumdel understonde; þu most unwreo þis witerluker ⁊ openin to þeos oðre. 285 ant hit schal beon seið liues luue warschipe as þu wilnest.

Ha 291. After ⁊ godes, an erasure MS. liuieð á in awlite. þ̵ is brihtre seoueuald. ⁊ schenre þen þe sunne. ant eauer in a strengðe to don buten euch swinc al þ̵ ha wulleð. ⁊ eauer mare in a steal in al þ̵ eauer god is wið ute wonunge. wið uten euch þing þ̵ mahe hearmin oðer eilin. 290 in al þ̵ eauer is. softe oðer swote. ⁊ hare lif is godes sihðe. ⁊ godes cnawlechunge as ure lauerd seide. þ̵ is quoð he eche lif to seon ⁊ cnawen sod godd. ⁊ him þ̵ he sende ihesu crist ure lauerd to ure alesnesse ⁊ beoð for þi ilich him iþe ilke wlite þ̵ he is. for ha seoð him as he is. nebbe to nebbe. Ha beoð se wise þ̵ ha witen 295 alle godes reades. his runes ⁊ his domes þe derne beoð. ⁊ deopre þen eni sea dingle. ha seoð igodd alle þing. ⁊ witen of al þ̵ is ⁊ wes ⁊ eauer schal iwurden. hwet hit beo. hwi. ⁊ hwerto ⁊ hwer of hit bigunne. Ha luuieð god wið ute met. for þ̵ ha understondeð hu he haueð bi ham idon þurh his muchele godlec ⁊ hwet ha ahen his 300 deorewurde milce to ȝelden. ant euch an luueð oðer ase muchel as him seoluen. Se gleade ha beoð of godd; þ̵ al is hare blisse. se muchel 303. This leaf of the MS. defective.
312, 313. MS. defective here.
320-2. MS. defective here and at ll. 337-9. [f. 80 r] þ̵ ne mei hit munne na muð. ne spealie [na speche] for þi þ̵ euchan luueð oðer as him seoluen. Euchan haueð of odres god ase muche murhðe as of his ahne. bi þis ȝe mahen seon ⁊ witen. 305 þ̵ euchan haueð sunderlepes ase feole gleadschipes; as ha beod monie alle. ⁊ euch of þe ilke gleadschipes is to eauer euch an ase muche gleadunge; as his ahne sunderliche. ȝet ouer al þis. hwen euchan luueð godd mare þen him seoluen. ⁊ þen alle þe odre; mare he gleadeð of godd wið uten ei etlunge þen of his ahne gleadunge. 310 ⁊ of alle þe oðres. Neomeð nu þenne ȝeme ȝef neauer anes heorte ne mei in hire [und]eruon hire ahne gleadunge sunderliche. [iseide. se unim]ete muchel is þe anlepi blisse. þ̵ ha nimeð i[n] hi[re] þus monie. ⁊ þus muchele. for þi seide ure lauerd to þeo þe him hefden icwemet. Intra in gaudium. et c’. Ga quoð he in to þi 315 lauerdes blisse. þu most al gan þrin. ant al beon bigotten þrin for in þe ne mei hit nanesweis neomen in. her of ha herieð godd ⁊ singeð á un werget eauer iliche lusti in þis loft songes. as hit iwriten is. Beati qui habitant. et c’. Eadi beoð þeo lauerd. þe iþin hus wunieð. ha schulen herien þe from [worlde into worlde]. Ha beoð 320 alle ase li[hte ⁊ ase swifte as þe sunne.] gleam þe sc[heot from est into west. ase þin ehe[f. 80 v]lid tuneð ant openeð for hwer se eauer þe gast wule þe bodi is anan riht wið ute lettunge. for ne mei ham na þing aȝeines etstonden. for euch an is al mihti to don al þ̵ he wule. ȝe makie to cwakien heouene ba ⁊ eorðe wið his an finger. 325 Sikere ha beoð of al þis. of þulli lif. of þulli wit. of þulli luue ⁊ gleadunge þrof. ⁊ of þulli blisse. þ̵ hit ne me neauer mare lutlin ne wursin. ne neome nan ende. 329. seh] neh MS.
339. MS. Bod. ends with igarc; the rest is from MS. Royal 17 A 27. þis lutle ich habbe iseid of þ̵ ich iseh in heouene ah nower neh ne seh ich al. ne þ̵ ȝet þ̵ ich [iseh. ne] ne con ich half tellen. Witer[liche quoð] warschipe. wel we understondeð 330 þ̵ tu hauest ibeo þear ⁊ soð hauest iseid trof. efter þi sihðe. ant wel is him þ̵ is war. ⁊ bisið him hu he mahe beast halden his hus þ̵ godes tresor is in aȝeines godes unwine þe weorreð þer towart a wið unþeawes. for þet. schal bringen him þider as he schal. al þis þ̵ tu hauest ispeken of an hundret siðe mare of blisse buten euch bale 335 folhin ⁊ ifinden. Quoð strengðe hwen hit swa is; hwet mei tweamen us from godd ⁊ hald[en us þeonne. ich] am siker ine godd. [þ̵ ne schal lif ne deað; ne wa] ne wunne nowðer [to dealen us ant his luue. ah al þis] us haueð igarc [f. 10 r] ket. ȝef we as treowe tresures witeð wel his tresor þ̵ is bitaht us to halden. as we schulen ful wel undeR his wengen. 340

Varpeð ut quoð warschipe; farlac ure fa. nis nawt riht þ̵ an hus halde þeos tweien. for þeR as murðes sonde is; ⁊ soð luue of eche lif. farlac is fleme. nu ut quoð strenðe farlac ne schaltu na lengere leuen in uRe ende. nu quoð `he´ ich seide for god al þ̵ ich seide. ⁊ þah hit muri nere nes na lessere mi tale þen wes murhðes 345 sondes ne unbihefre to ow. þah hit ne beo so licwurðe ne icweme. Eiðer of ow haueð his stunde to speokene. ne nis inckeR noðres tale to schunien in his time. þu warnest of wa. he telleð of wunne. muche neod is þ̵ me ow ba ȝeornliche hercni. Flute nu faRlac þah. hwil liues luue is heRinne. ⁊ þole wið efne heorte þe dom of rihtwisnesse. 350 for þu schal[t]. ful bliðeliche beon under fon in as ofte as liues luue stutteð forto spekene.

Nv is wil þ̵ husewif al stille. þ̵ eR wes so willesful. Al ituht efter wittes wissunge þ̵ is husebonde. ⁊ Al þ̵ hird halt him stille. þ̵ wes i wunet to beon fulitohen ⁊ don efteR wil haRe lefdi. Ant 355 nawt efteR wit; lustneð nu his lare. ⁊ fondeð eueR euchan efteR þ̵ him limpeð to. þurh þeos twa sonden. þ̵ ha i heRd habbeð. ⁊ þ̵ fowr sustren lerden þruppe for euch unþeawes inȝong his warde te witene. ant te waRden treowliche. [f. 10 v]

Þvs ah mon te þenchen ofte Ant ilome. Ant wið þulliche þohtes 360 awecchen his heorte. þe islep of ȝemeles for ȝet hire sawle heale. efter þeos twa sonden. From helle sihðe biseon; to þe blisse of heouene. To habben farlac of þ̵ an; luue toward þ̵ oðeR. ant leaden him ant hinen. þ̵ beoð his limen alle. nawt efteR wil þe untohe lefdi ⁊ his lust leareð. ah efteR þ̵ wit wule þ̵ is husebonde. tuhten ⁊ teachen þ̵ wit ga 365 eueR biuore ant teache wil efter him. to al þ̵ he dihteð ⁊ demeð to donne. ant wið þe fowR sustren; þer fore þe fowr heued þeawes. WaRschipe. Strencðe in godd. Ant Með. Ant Rihtwisnesse. witen godes treosor þ̵ is his ahne sawle. iþe hus of þe bodi; from þe þeof of helle. þulli þoht makeð mon te fleon alle unþeawes ant ontent his 370 heorte toward þe blisse of heouene. þ̵ ure lauerd ȝeue us þurh his hali milce þ̵ wið þe fedeR. ant e sune ant e hali gast rixleð in þreo had á buten ende. AMEN.

Par seinte charite biddeð a pateR noster for iohan þ̵ þeos boc wrat. 375

H
wa se þis writ haueð ired.

Ant crist him haueð swa isped.

Ich bidde par seinte charite.

Þet ȝe bidden ofte for me.

380 Aa pateR nosteR. ant aue maRie.

Þet ich mote þ̵ lif heR drehen.

Ant ure lauerd wel i cwemen.

I Mi ȝuheðe ⁊ in min elde.

Þet ich mote ihesu crist mi sawle ȝelden.

AMEN.

XVII. SAINT KATHERINE

“As for Sawles Warde. The text of this extract is from the Royal MS.”

Clara per Progenitores

Constantin. ant Maxence weren on ane time as in keiseres stude hehest i rome. ah constantin ferde þurh þe burhmenne read in to fronc londe. ant wunede summe hwiles þer for þe burhes neode. ant Maxence storede þe refschipe in rome. weox umbehwiles wreððe him bitweonen. ant comen to þe fehte. 5 þes maxence wes ouercumen. ant fleh into alixaundre. Constantin walde efter. ant warpen him þeonne. ah so wide him weox weorre on euch halue. 8. After an, e erased
ẏrie MS. ant nomeliche in an lond ylirie hatte. þ̵ ter he etstutte. Þa Maxence iherde þis; þ̵ he wes of him siker. ant of his cume karles. warð king of þat lond þ̵ lei into rome. as duden meast 10 alle þe oðere of þe world. bigon anan as wedwulf to weorrin hali chirche. ant dreien cristene men þe lut þ̵ ter weren alle to heðenedom heðene as he wes. Summe þurh muchele ȝeoue ant misliche meden. Summe þurh farlac of his fule þreates. Oleast wið stronge tintreo ant licomliche pinen. Þe fif ⁊ þrittuðe ȝer of his 15 rixlunge he set okine seotle i þe moder burh [f. 11 v] of alixaundres riche. he sende heste. ⁊ bode so wide so þ̵ lond wes. þ̵ poure ba ⁊ riche comen biuoren him to þe temple iþe tun of his heðene godes. euchan wið his lac; forto wurgin ham wið. comen alle to his bode. ⁊ euchan bi `hi´s euene biuoren Maxence seolf to wurgen his 20 mawmez. þe riche roðeren ⁊ schep ⁊ bule hwa so mahte brohte to lake. þe poure cwike briddes in þis ilke burh wes wuniende a meiden swiðe ȝung of ȝeres twa wone of twenti. 24. wastun MS.
28. þ̵i MS.
33. of ... god from C. feie`r´ ⁊ freolich o wlite ⁊ o wastum. ah ȝet þ̵ wes mare wurð steðeluest wið innen of treowe bileaue. anes kinges cost hehte anlepi dohter icuret clergesse. katerine 25 inempnet. þis meiden wes boðen federles ⁊ moderles of hire child-hade, ah þah ha ȝung were; ha heold hire aldrene hird wisliche ⁊ warliche iþe eritage. ⁊ iþe herd þ̵ com of hire burde. nawt for þi hire þuhte god to habben monie under hire ⁊ beon icleopet lefdi þ̵ feole telleð wel to. ah ba ha wes offearet of scheome ⁊ of sunne. 30 þ̵ þeo weren to dreuet oðer mis ferden þ̵ hire forð-federes hefden ifostred. For hire seolf ne kepte heo nawt of þe world. þus lo for hare sake ane dale [f. 12 r] heo et heold [of hire eldrene god] ⁊ spende al þ̵ oðer in neodful ⁊ in nakede.

Þeos 35. After lates, f erased. milde meoke meiden þes lufsum lefdi mid lasteles lates ne 35 luuede heo nane lihte plohen ne nane luue ronnes. nalde heo nane songes. ne nane luue runes leornin ne lustnin ah eauer ha hefde on hali writ ehnen oðer horte. oftest ba to gederes. hire feder hefde iset hire earliche to leaf ⁊ to lare. ⁊ heo underueng hit þurh þen hali gast so wel þ̵ nan nes hire eueninge. Modie meistres ⁊ 40 feole fondeden hire ofte. oswiðe feole halue forto under neomen hire. ah nes þer nan þ̵ mahte neuer enes wrenchen hire mid al his crefti crokes ut of þe weie. ah swa sone heo ȝeld ham swucche ȝein cleppes. ⁊ wende hare wiheles uppon ham seoluen þ̵ al ha i cneowen ham crauant ⁊ ouercumen. ⁊ cweðen hire þe meistrie ⁊ te menske al up. 45

Þus 53. After of hire, ḥạ ẉ MS.
56. þes þes MS. hwil ha wiste hire ⁊ þohte aa to witen hire meiden i meiðhad. as ha set in a bur of hire burde boldes heo iherde a swuch murhðe towart þe awariede mawmetes temple lowinge of þ̵ ahte. ludinge of þe men. gleowunge [f. 12 v] of euch gleo to herien ⁊ hersumin hare heðene godes. as ha þis iherde ⁊ nuste ȝet hwet hit wes. ha sende swiðe for 50 to witen hwet wunder hit were. sone so hire sonde com aȝein ⁊ seide hire þ̵ soðe; heo swa itend of wreððe wes þ̵ wod ha wurðen walde. het up of hire hird hwuch as heo walde ant wende hire þideward. ifont þer swiðe feole ȝeinde ⁊ ȝurinde. ⁊ þeotinde unþuldeliche wið rewfule remes þ̵ cristene weren. ⁊ leafful in godes laẏ. ah for dred 55 of deað duden þes deouel[e]s lac as þe heðene duden. hwa wes wurse þen hire heorte iwundet in wið for þe wrecches þ̵ heo iseh wraðe werkes wurchen aȝeines godes wille. þohte þah as heo wes þuldi ⁊ þolemod so ȝung þing as heo wes. hwet hit mahte ȝeinen þah heo hire ane were aȝein so kene keisere ⁊ his kineriche. 60 stod stille ane hwile ⁊ hef hire heorte up to þe hehe healent þe iheret is in heouene. bisohte him help. ⁊ hap. ⁊ wisdom. as wisliche as al þe world is iwald þurh his wissunge. þrefter wepnede hire mid soðe bileaue. ⁊ wrat on hire breoste ant biuoren hire teeð ⁊ tunge of hire muð þe hali [f. 13 r] rode taken. ⁊ com lepinde 65 forð al itend of lei of þen hali gast. as þe keiser stod bimong þe sunful slaht of þ̵ islein ahte deoulen to lake þ̵ euch wariet weouet of þe mix mawmez ron of þ̵ balefule blod al bi blodeget. ⁊ bigon to ȝeien ludere stefne.

Gretinge 71. ille MS. keiser walde. þe bi cumen for þin hehnesse ȝef þu þis 70 ilke ȝeld þ̵ tu dest to deouelen þ̵ for deð þe baðe ilicom ⁊ i sawle; ⁊ alle þ̵ hit driueð. ȝef þu hit ȝulde ⁊ ȝeue to his wurðmunt þe scheop þe ant al þe world. ⁊ al walt þurh his wisdom. ⁊ al þ̵ ischapen is. ich walde keiser igreten þe. ȝef þu understode þ̵ he him ane is to herien þurh hwam ⁊ under hwam 75 alle kinges rixleð. ne ne mei na þing wið stonden his i wil. þah he muche þolie. þes heouenliche lauerd luueð treowe bileaue. ⁊ nowðer blod ne ban of unforgult ahte. ah þ̵ me halde ⁊ heie his halewunde heastes. Ne nis na þing hwar þurh monnes muchele medschipe wreððeð him wið mare þen þe schaft of mon; þ̵ he scheop. ⁊ ȝef 80 schad ba of god ⁊ of uuel þurh wit ⁊ þurh wisdom schal wurðen forð. ut of his witte þurh þe awariede gast þ̵ he ȝelt þe wur [f. 13 v] ðmunt to unwitlese þing þ̵ te feont wuneð in. þ̵ he ahte to godd ⁊ hereð ⁊ hersumeð seheliche schaftes ⁊ blodles ⁊ banles. ⁊ leomen buten liue. as he schulde his ⁊ heoren. ⁊ alre þinge schuppent þ̵ is 85 godd unsehelich.

Claruit per Sacros Mores

Þe feont þe fint al uuel bimong alle his crokinde creftes. wið neauer an ne keccheð he creftluker cang men ne leadeð to unbileaue. þen þ̵ he makeð men. þ̵ ahten to witen wel. þ̵ ha beoð bi ȝetene. i borene ⁊ broht forð þurh þe heoueneliche feder; to makien 90 swucche mawmez of treo. oðer of stan. oðer þurh mare medschipe. of gold oðer of seoluer; ⁊ ȝeouen ham misliche nome. of sunne oðer of mone. of wind of wude. of wettres. ⁊ hersumið. ⁊ wurgið as þah ha godes weren. ne naueð he þurh oðer þing i þis bileaue ibroht ow bute þ̵ ow þuncheð þ̵ ha schulden leasten aa. forþi þ̵ ȝe ne schulen 95 ham neuer biginnen. ah þer nis buten an godd þurh hwam witerliche alle weren i wrahte. ⁊ of nawt i þis woorld iset us forto frourin. ant to fremien. ⁊ al swa as euch þing hefde biginnunge of his godlec; al swa schulden alle habben endunge ȝef ha þ̵ [f. 14 r] walden. engles ⁊ sawlen þurh þ̵ ha bigunnen ahten ⁊ mahten endin þurh cunde. 100 ah he þurh his milce. ⁊ godlec of his grace makeð ham þ̵ ha beoð in eche buten ende. ⁊ ter uore nis na þing euening. ne eche wið godd þ̵ ȝe gremieð. for he is hare alre schuppent. ⁊ scheop as in sum time. ⁊ na time nes neauer þ̵ he ne bigon te beon in.

XVIII. THE ORISON OF OUR LADY

“Cotton Nero A 14, British Museum. See [IX, Ancrene Wisse].”

Benedicta Tu in Mulieribus

On god ureisun of ure lefdi.

C
ristes milde moder seynte marie.

Mines liues leome mi leoue lefdi.

to þe ich buwe ⁊ mine kneon ich beie.

and al min heorte blod to ðe ich offrie.

5 þu ert mire soule liht. ⁊ mine heorte blisse.

Mi lif ⁊ mi tohope min heale mid iwisse.

Jch ouh wurðie ðe mid alle mine mihte
and singge þe lofsong bi daie ⁊ bi nihte.

vor þu me hauest iholpen aueole kunne wise.

10 and ibrouht of helle in to paradise.

Jch hit þonkie ðe mi leoue lefdi.

and þonkie wulle þe hwule ðet ich liuie.

alle cristene men owen don ðe wur`s´chipe.

and singen ðe lofsong mid swuðe muchele gledschipe.

15 vor ðu ham hauest alesed of deoflene honde.

16. isend] d corr. out of t.

and i send mid blisse to englene londe. |
wel owe we þe luuien mi swete lefdi.

wel owen we uor þine luue ure heorte beien.

þu ert briht ⁊ blisful ouer alle wummen.

20 and god ðu ert ⁊ gode leof ouer alle wepmen.

alle meidene were wurðeð þe one.

vor þu ert hore blostme biuoren godes trone.

nis no wummon iboren þet ðe beo iliche.

ne non þer nis þin eming wið inne heoueriche.

25 heih is þi kinestol onuppe cherubine.

biuoren ðine leoue sune wid innen seraphine.

Murie dreameð engles biuoren þin onsene.

pleieð ⁊ sw`e´ieð ⁊ singeð. bitweonen.

Swuðe wel ham likeð biuoren þe to beonne.

30 vor heo neuer ne beoð sead þi ueir to iseonne.

þine blisse ne mei no wiht understonden.

vor al is godes riche an under þine honden.

alle þine ureondes þu makest riche kinges.

þu ham ȝiuest kinescrud beies ⁊ gold ringes.

35 þu ȝiuest eche reste ful of swete blisse.

þer ðe neure deað ne com; ne herm ne sorinesse.

þer bloweð inne blisse blostmen. hwite ⁊ reade.

þer ham neuer ne mei. snou. ne uorst iureden,
þer ne mei non ualuwen. uor þer is eche sumer.

40 ne non liuiinde þing woc þer nis ne ȝeomer
þer heo schulen resten þe her ðe doð wurschipe.

ȝif heo ȝemeð hore lif cleane urom alle queadschipe.

þer ne schulen heo neuer karien ne swi`n´ken.

ne weopen ne murnen ne helle stenches stinken.

45 þer me schal ham steoren mid guldene chelle. |
and schenchen ham eche lif mid englene wille.

ne mei non heorte þenchen ne no wiht arechen.

48. techen] tegen MS.

ne no muð imelen ne no tunge techen
hu muchel god ðu ȝeirkest wið inne paradise.

50 ham þet swinkeð dei ⁊ niht iðine seruise
al þin hird is i schrud mid hwite ciclatune.

and alle heo beoð ikruned mid guldene krune.

heo beoð so read so rose so hwit so þe lilie.

and euer more heo beoð gled ⁊ singeð þuruhut murie.

55 Mid brihte ȝimstones hore krune is al biset.

and al heo doð þet ham likeð. so þet no þing ham ne let.

þi leoue sune is hore king ⁊ þu ert hore kwene.

ne beoð heo neuer i dreaued mid winde ne mid reine.

Mid ham is euer more dei wið ute nihte.

60 Song wið ute seoruwe ⁊ sib wið ute uihte.

Mid ham is muruhðe moniuold wið ute teone ⁊ treie.

Gleobeames ⁊ gome inouh liues wil ⁊ eche pleie.

þereuore leoue lefdi long hit þuncheð us wrecchen
vort þu of þisse erme liue to ðe suluen us fecche.

65 we ne muwen neuer habben fulle gledschipe.

er we to þe suluen kumen to þine heie wurschipe.

Swete Godes moder softe meiden ⁊ wel icoren.

þin iliche neuer nes ne neuermore ne wurð iboren.

Moder þu ert ⁊ meiden cleane of alle laste.

70 þuruhtut hei ⁊ holi in englene reste.

al englene were ⁊ alle holie þing

Siggeð ⁊ singeð þet tu ert liues welsprung

73. ðene MS.

and heo siggeð alle þet ðe ne wonteð neuer ore.

ne no mon, þet ðe wurðeð ne mei neuer beon uorloren. |
þu ert mire soule [leoue] wið ute leasunge.

76 efter þine leoue sune; leouest alre þinge.

al is þe heouene ful of þine blisse.

and so is al þes middeleard of þine mildheortnesse.

79. eomodnesse MS.

So muchel is þi milce ⁊ þin edmodnesse.

80 þet no mon þet ðe ȝeorne bit of helpe ne mei missen.

ilch mon, þet to þe bisihð þu ȝiuest milce ⁊ ore.

þauh he ðe habbe swuðe agult ⁊ i dreaued sore.

þereuore ich ðe bidde holi heouene kwene.

84. iher MS.

þet tu ȝif þi wille is ihere mine bene.

85 ich ðe bidde lefdi uor þere gretunge.

þet Gabriel ðe brouhte urom ure heouen kinge.

and ek ich ðe biseche uor ihesu cristes blode
þet for ure note was i sched oðere rode.

vor ðe muchele seoruwe ðet was oðine mode.

90 þo þu et ðe deaðe him bi uore stode
þet tu me makie cleane wiðuten ⁊ eke wið innen.

So þet me ne schende none kunnes sunne.

þene loðe deouel ⁊ alle kunnes dweoluhðe.

aulem urom me ueor awei mid hore fule fulðe.

95 Mi leoue lif urom þine luue ne schal me no þing to dealen
vor oðe is al ilong mi lif ⁊ eke min heale.

vor þine luue i swinke ⁊ sike wel ilome
vor þine luue ich ham ibrouht in to þeoudome,
vor þine luue ich uorsoc al þet me leof was.

100 and ȝef ðe al mi suluen. looue lif iþench þu þes.

þet ich ðe wreðede sume siðe hit me reoweð sore.

vor cristes fif wunden ðu ȝif me milce ⁊ ore.

ȝif þu milce nauest of me þet ich wot wel ȝeorne |
þet ine helle pine swelten ich schal ⁊ beornen.

105 ful wel þu me iseie þauh þu stille were.

hwar ich was ⁊ hwat i dude þauh þu me uorbere.

ȝif þu heuedest wreche inumen of mine luðernesse.

iwis ich heuede al uorloren paradises blisse.

þu hauest ȝet forboren me uor þine godnesse.

110 and nu ich hopie habben fulle uorȝiuenesse.

ne wene ich neure uallen in to helle pine.

hwon ich am to ðe ikumen ⁊ am ðin owune hine
þin ich am ⁊ wule beon nu ⁊ euer more.

vor oðe is al mi lif ilong ⁊ o godes ore.

115 Mi leoue swete lefdi to þe me longeð swuðe.

bute ich habbe þine help ne beo ich neuer bliðe.

ich þe bidde þet tu kume to mine uorð siðe.

and nomeliche þeonne þine luue kuðe.

auouh mine soule hwon ich of þisse liue uare

120 and i schild me urom seoruwe ⁊ from eche deaðes kare.

ȝif þu wult ðet ich iðeo gode ȝeme nim to me.

vor wel ne wurð me neuer bute hit beo þuruh ðe.

Mid swuþe luðere lasten mi soule is þuruh bunden.

ne mei no þing so wel so þu healen mine wunden.

125 to þe one is al mi trust efter þine leoue sune

126. lune] luue MS.
127. arine on an erasure.
128. drawe] w over ị MS.
130. wreeche MS.

vor is holie nome of mine liue ȝif me lune.

ne þole þu þene unwine þet he me arine
ne þet he me dra`w´e in to helle pine.

nim nu ȝeme to me so me best a beo ðe beo.

130 vor þin is þe wurchipe ȝif ich wrecche wel iþeo.

þu ne uorsakest nenne mon uor his luðernesse.

ȝif he `is´ to bote ȝeruh ⁊ bit þe uorȝiuenesse. |
þu miht lihtliche ȝif þu wult al mi sor aleggen.

and muchele bet biseon to me þen ich kunne siggen.

135 þu miht forȝelden lihtliche mine gretunge.

al mi swinc ⁊ mi sor ⁊ mine kneouwunge.

Jne me nis noþing feier on to biseonne.

138. þingþ̵ MS.

Ne no þing þ̵ beo wurðe biuoren þe to beonne.

þereuore ich þe bidde þ̵ þu me wassc`h´e ⁊ schrude

140 þuruh þine muchele milce þ̵ spert so swuðe wide

Nis hit ðe no wurðscipe þ̵ þe deouel me to drawe.

ȝif þu wult hit iðauien iwis he wule ðurchut fawe.

vor he nolde neuerre þ̵ þu hefedest wurðschipe.

Ne no mon þ̵ þe wurðeð þ̵ he hedde gledschipe.

145 þu hit wost ful ȝeorne þ̵ þe deouel hateð me.

and nomeliche þereuore þ̵ ich wurðie þe.

þereuore ich þe bidde þ̵ þu me wite ⁊ werie.

þet þe deouel me ne drecche ne dweolðe me ne derie.

So þu dest ⁊ so þu schalt uor ðire mild heortnesse.

150 þu schalt me aueir dol of heoueriche blisse.

ȝif ich habbe muchel ibroken, muchel ich wulle beten.

and do mine schrifte ⁊ þe ueire greten.

þe hwule þ̵ ich habbe mi lif ⁊ mine heale.

vrom ðire seruise ne schal me no þing deale.

155 biuoren þine uote ich wulle liggen ⁊ greden.

vort ich habbe uorȝiuenesse of mine misdeden.

Mi lif is þin mi luue is þin mine heorte blod is þin.

and ȝif ich der se`g´gen mi leoue leafdi þu ert min.

alle wurðschipe haue þu on heouene and ec on eorðe.

160 and alle gledschipe haue þu al so ðu ert wurðe. |

Nu ich þe bi seche ine cristes cherite.

þet þu þine blescinge ⁊ þine luue ȝiue me.

ȝeme mine licame ine clenenesse

Godalmihti unne me vor his mild heortnesse.

165 þ̵ ich mote þe iseo in ðire heie blisse.

and alle mine ureondmen þe bet beo nu to dai.

þ̵ ich habbe i sungen þe ðesne englissce lai.

and nu ich þe bi seche vor ðire holinesse.

169. Munuch] nu on an erasure MS.
170. biðe MS.

þet þu bringe þene Munuch to þire glednesse.

170 þet funde ðesne song bi ðe mi looue leafdi.

Cristes milde moder seinte marie. amen.

Between ll. 163, 4, a line omitted: it was supplied at the top of the folio, but cut away by the binder. Zupitza read the traces of the last two words as ine eadmodnesse.

XIX. SAINT JULIANA

“i. Bodleian 34, Oxford (B). ii. Royal 17 A 27, British Museum (R): for descriptions see [XVI, Sawles Warde]. ... R is abbreviated ... the joints are often visible.”

Bodleian MS
Parallel Texts

Royal MS.

Her cumseð þe uie of seinte iuliane. ant telleð of liflade hire.

In ure lauerdes luue þe is feader of frumschaft. ant on his deorewurðe sunes nome. ant o þes hali gastes. þ̵ glideð of ham baðen. alle lewede men. þ̵ understonden ne mahen latines ledene. 5 liðin. ⁊ lustnin ane meidenes liflade. þ̵ is of latin iturnd into englisch. þ̵ te lif hali lefdi. in heouene luuie us þe mare. ant of þis lihinde lif : leade us wið hire ern [f. 56 v] dunge. þe is icoren of crist in to þe eche of heouene.

Þeos meiden. ant tis martir. wes iuliane inempnet. in nichomedes 10 burh. ⁊ of heðene cun icumen. ant hire fleschliche feder wes affrican ihaten. of þe heðene mest þeo þ̵ cristene weren; derfliche droh ham to deaðe. ah heo as þeo þ̵ te heouenlich feder luuede. leafde al hire aldrene lahen. ⁊ bigon to luuien þene liuiende lauerd þe lufsum godd. þ̵ wisseð ant weldeð al þ̵ is on worlde; ⁊ al þ̵ iwraht is. Þa wes 15 biþon time as redegunge telleð. Maximian þe modi keiser ine Rome heinde ant heriende heðene mawmez. wið unmeð muchel hird ⁊ unduhti duheðe. ⁊ for demde alle þeo; þe on drihtin bilefden. þes Maximian luuede an heh mon of cunne ant eke riche of rente elewsius wes ihaten. ant weren as feolahes þurh muche freontschipe. 20 þis meidenes feder ⁊ he. weren swiðe wel to gederes. as he sumchere iseh hire utnume feir. ant freoliche. he felde him iwundet. þ̵ wið uten lechnunge of hire libben he ne mahte. Affrican wiste wel þ̵ he wes freo boren. ⁊ þ̵ him walde bicumen a freo boren burde. ant ȝettede him his dohter. ⁊ wes sone [f. 57 r] ihondsald al hire unwilles. ah 25 heo truste on him þat ne trukeneð namon; þ̵ trusteð treowliche on him. ant euch deis dei eode to ch`i´rche to leornen godes lare. ȝeornliche to witen hu ha mahte best witen hire unweommet.  .  .

34, 36. ture tur MS.
37. ciclatur MS. ah as ha wende hire summes weis to witene; sende him to seggen. þ̵ nalde 30 ha lihten swa lahe ne nehlechen him for nan liuiende mon. er þen he were under Maximian hehest in rome þ̵ is hehreue. Sone so he iherde þis. he bi ȝet et te keiser þ̵ he ȝettede him reue to beonne as þ̵ he iȝirnd hefde. ant he as me þa luuede. lette leaden him into cure. ⁊ te riche riden in. ⁊ tuhen him ȝont te tun; from strete to strete. 35 ant al þe cur wes bitild. þ̵ he wes in. wið purpre wið pal. ⁊ wið ciclatun. ⁊ deorewurðe claðes. as þe þ̵ heh þing hefde to heden. ant þa he hefde þis idon; he sende hire to seggen. þ̵ he hefde hire wil iwraht. ⁊ heo schulde his wurchen.

Iuliane þe edie iesu cristes leouemon of his blisfule luue balde 40 hire seoluen. sende him to onswere [f. 57 v] bi an of hire sonden. Elewsius wite þu hit wel ireadi. wraðði so þu wraðði. no lengre nulich hit heolen þe. ȝef þu wult leauen þe lahen þ̵ tu list in. ant leuen in godd feder. ⁊ in his deorewurðe sune. ⁊ iþe hali gast. ichulle wel neomen þe. ȝef þu nult no; þu art wundi of me. ⁊ oðer luue sech þe. 45 Þa þe reue iherde þis; he wreððede him swiðe. ⁊ hire feder cleopede. ant feng on to tellen him. hu his dohter droh him from deie to deie. ant efter þ̵ he wende to habben his iwil so ha him þis word sulliche sende. Bi þ̵ ilke godd quoð hire feder þ̵ me is lað to gremien beo hit soð þ̵ tu seist to wraðer heale seide ha hit. ant nu ichulle o great 50 grome al biteachen hire þe. to wurchen þi wil. ⁊ al þ̵ te wel likeð as mit tin ahne. ⁊ me cleopede hire forð biuoren hire feder. ⁊ he feng feire to fondin his dohter Mi deorewurðe dohter hwer fore uor sakestu þi sẏ. ant ti selhðe. þe weolen ant te wunnen þ̵ walden awakenin ant waxen of þi wedlac. þ̵ ich þe to reade. for he is inoh 55 lauerd elewsius ine rome. ⁊ tu maht beon leafdi dohter ȝef þu wel wult. Iuliane þe eadie onswerede him ⁊ seide as þeo þat [f. 58 r] ine godd hire hope hefde. ȝef he wule leuen an god al mihti. þenne mei he speoken þrof ⁊ inoh raðe speden. ant ȝef þ̵ he nule nawt. ne schal wiuen on me. wiue þer his wil is. þa hire feder iherde þis; 60 þa feng he to swerien. Bi mi kinewurðe lauerd apollo. ant bi mi deore leafdi diane. þ̵ ich muche luuie. ȝef þu haldest her on. ichulle leoten deor to teoren ant to luken þe. ⁊ ȝeouen þi flesch; fuheles of þe lufte. Iuliane him onswerede ⁊ softeliche seide. ne wen þu nawiht leoue feder. þ̵ tu affeare me swa. for iesu crist godes sune 65 þ̵ ich on leue ⁊ luuie as lauerd lufsumest on liue. þah ich beo forbernd. ⁊ to loken limel. nulich heronont buhen þe nawiht Þa feng eft hire [feder] on wið olhnunge to fondin ȝef he mahte eisweis wenden hire heorte. ⁊ seide hire lufsumliche. þ̵ ne schulde ha nane wunne lihtliche wilnin; þ̵ he ne schulde welden. wið þ̵ ha walde hire þonc wenden 70 Nai quoð þ̵ meiden schuldich don me to him þ̵ is alle deoulen bitaht. ⁊ to eche deð idemet. to furwurðen wið him world abuten ende. for his wedlakes weole oðer for eni wunne. for soð ich hit segge un wurð is hit me. ichulle þ̵ he hit wite wel. ant tu [f. 58 v] eke mid him þ̵ ich am iweddet to an þ̵ ichulle treowliche to halden ant wið uten les 75 luuien. þe is unlich him. ⁊ alle worldlich men. ne nullich him nowðer leauen. ne lihen for weole ne for wunne. for wa. ne for wunne þet ȝe mahen don me. þa feng hire feder te wreððen swiðe ferlich ⁊ swiðe hokerliche freinede. Me hwet is he þes were þ̵ tu art to iweddet. 80. ilenet] MS. defective here.
89. wraðel MS.
98. schal] salch MS. þ̵ tu hauest wið uten me þine luue ilene[t] for hwam þu letest lutel of 80 þ̵ tu schuldest luuien. ne ich neuer þ̵ ich wite nes wið him icnawen. For gode quoð þet meiden þin harm is þe mare nawt forþi þet tu nauest ofte iherd of him ȝare. þ̵ is iesu godes sune. þe forto lesen moncun þ̵ forloren schulden beon; lette his deo`r´wurðe lif on rode. ne ich ne seh him neuer þ̵ me sare for þuncheð. ah ichim luuie ant 85 leue as on lauerde. ne schal me firsin him from; nowðer deouel ne mon. For mi lif quoð hire feder þe schal laðin his luue for þu schalt beon ibeaten. mid besmes swa bittre þ̵ tu wummon were. schal to wraðer heale iwurðen. Swa muche quoð ha ich iwurðe him þe leouere; So ich derure þing for his luue drehe. þ̵ ti wil is; wurch nu. 90 ⁊ he het hatterliche strupen hire steortnaket. ⁊ beten hire swa luðere þ̵ hire leofliche lich; liðeri al oblode. ⁊ swa ha duden so luðere þ̵ te blod ȝet adun of þe ȝerden. ⁊ heo bigon to ȝeien. Beaten so ȝe beaten ȝe beliales bu[f. 59 r]deles. ne mahe ȝe nowðer mi luue ne min bileaue lutlen toward him mi lufsum leof mi leowinde lauerd ne 95 nullich leauen ower read þ̵ for readeð ow seoluen. ne ower mix mawmex þ̵ beoð þes feondes fetles heien ne herien. for teone ne for tintreow þ̵ ȝe mahen timbrin. Na quoð he is hit swa hit schal sutelin sone. for ichulle biteachen mislich þi bodi to elewsium þe riche reue irome ant he schal for swelten ant for reden þe efter es wille wið 100 allescunnes pinen. ȝe quoð þis meiden þ̵ mei crist welden. for ne mahe ȝe nawt don me bute hwet he wule þeauien ow to muchelin mi mede ⁊ te murðe þ̵ lið to meiðhades menske for euer so ȝe mare merrið me her; so mi crune bið brihtre ⁊ fehere. for ichulle bliðeliche drehen euer euch derf for mi deore lauerdes luue. ant softe me 105 bið euch derf hwen ich him serui þah þume to elewsium willes biteache; ne ȝeue ich for inc nowðer. þ̵ ȝe me mahen harmen. for so ȝe mare me her harmeð. so mare [3]e me helpeð seoueuald to heouene. ⁊ ȝef ȝe me doð to deaðe hit bið me deorewurðe ant ich schal þer þurh bliðe bicumen into endelese blissen ant ȝe schulen wrecches 110 áwei ower wurðes þ̵ ȝe iboren weren sinken to wraðer heale ow to þe bale bitter deope into helle. Hire feder affrican þurh þis bittre teone bitahte hire to elewsium þe luðere [f. 59 v] reue. ant he lette bringen hire biuoren him to his heh seotel as he set in dome as reue of þe burhe  .  .  . 115

[f. 61 r] þa elewsius iseh þis þ̵ ha þus feng on to festnen hire seoluen þohte þ̵ he walde anan don hire ut of dahene ⁊ bed swiðe bringen hire brune of wallinde breas ant healden on hire heauet þ̵ hit urne endelong hire leofliche bodi dun to þe helen ant swa me dude sone. ah hire hende healent wiste hire unweommet. elewsius 120 warð wod ut of his witte. ant nuste hwet seggen ⁊ het swiðe don hire ut of his ehsihðe. ⁊ dreihen hire into darc hus ⁊ prisunes pine. ant he duden sone. Heo as ha þrinne wes in þeosternesse hire ane feng te cleopien to crist ant bidden þeos bone.

Lauerd godd al mihti. mi murhðe ant mi mede mi sy ant mi 125 selhðe þu isist hu icham bistaðet ant bi stonden festne mi bileaue steor me ant streng me. for al mi strencðe is uppon þe. mi fedeR. ⁊ mi modeR for ich nulle for saken þe; habbeð for saken me ⁊ al mi nest falde cun me heaneð þet schulden mine freond beon; beoð me mest feondes ant mine hinen me beoð mest heanen ah habbich þin 130 anes help icham wil cweme ne leaf þume neuer liuiende lauerd as þu wistest daniel bimong þe wode leuns ant te þreo chil[f. 61 v]dren ananie zacharie misael inempnet. bi wistest unweommet from þe ferliche fur of þe furneise swa þu wite ant witen me to witen me from sunne. lauerd þurh þis lease lif; lead me to lestinde to þe hauene 135 of heale as þu leddest israeles folc þurh þe reade sea buten schip druifot ant hare fan senchtest þ̵ ham efter sohten afal þumine famen ant to drif drihtin þen deouel þ̵ me derueð. for ne mei na mon wið uten þi strencðe stonden him aȝeines lef me þ̵ ich mote i seon him ȝet schent; þ̵ weneð me to schrenchen ant schunchen of þe 140 weie; þ̵ leadeð to eche lif. wite me from his lað ant wið his crefti crokes. wite me wið mine unwines þ̵ tu beo euer iheret ant iheiet in heouene ant in eorðe beo þu áá iblescet as þu were ant art. ant euer schalt beon in eche blisse. amen.

SAINT JULIANA

Bodleian MS.

Royal MS (above)
Parallel Texts

I þe feaderes ⁊ i þe sunes ⁊ i þe hali gastes Name. Her Biginneð þe liflade. ant te passiun of seinte Juliene.

In 5. bað̣ẹ MS. ure lauerdes luue þe feader is of frumscheft. ant iþe deore wurðmunt of his deorewurðe sune. ⁊ iþe heiunge of þe hali gast. þe of ham ba glideð. an godd unagin euch godes ful. Alle leawede 5 men. þe understonden ne muhen latines ledene. lideð ⁊ lusteð þe liflade of a meiden. [f. 37 r] þ̵ is of latin iturnd; to englische leode. wið þon þat teos hali leafdi. in heouene luuie us þe mare. ⁊ þurh þis lihnide lif; leade us to þ̵ eche. þurh hire eadi erndunge. þ̵ crist is swiðe icweme. 10

Þeos 12. Alḷ MS.
15. ileuet MS. meiden ⁊ teos martyr þ̵ ich of munne; wes Juliene inempnet. i Nichomedese burh. Al of heaðene cun icumen ⁊ akennet. ⁊ hire fleshliche feader affrican hehte. þe heande ⁊ heascede mest men þe weren cristene. ⁊ droh ham þurh derue pinen to deaðe. Ah heo as þeo þ̵ te hehe heouenliche lauerd hefde his luue ilenet. leafde 15 hire ealdrene lahen ⁊ bigon to luuien þen áá liuiende goð þe lufsume lauerd. þ̵ schupte alle sche`a´ftes ⁊ wealdeð ⁊ wisseð efter þet his wil is. al þ̵ ischeapen iS.

Wes 25. inune MS. iþon time as þe redunge telleð. þe modi Maximien keiser irome. heriende. ⁊ heiende heaðene maumez. wið unimeað 20 muchel hird. ⁊ wið heh duheðe. ⁊ fordemde alle þeo þe o drihtin bilefden. Þes mihti maximien luuede an eleusium biuoren monie of his men. Akennet of heh cun. ⁊ swiðe riche of rente. ⁊ ȝunge mon of ȝeres. þes ȝunge mon eleusius. þ̵ þus wes wel wið þe kinge. hefde iunne feolahschipe to affrican. ⁊ wes iwunet ofte to cumen wið him 25 [f. 37 v] to his in. ⁊ iseon his dohter.

As 36. After were, al erased. he hefde en chere bihalden swiðe ȝeorne hire utnumne feire. ⁊ freoliche ȝuheðe; felde him iwundet in wið in his heorte wið þe flan þe of luue fleoð. swa þ̵ him þuhte þet ne mahte he nanes weis wið ute þe lechnunge of hire luue libben. Ant efter lutle 30 stounde wið ute longe steuene. wes him seolf sonde to affrican hire feader. ⁊ bisohte him ȝeorne þ̵ he hire ȝeue him. ⁊ he hire walde menskin wið al þ̵ he mahte. As þe þing i þe world þ̵ he meast luuede. Affrican wiste þ̵ he wes swið freo iboren. ant walde wel bicumen him a freo iboren burde. ⁊ ȝetede him his bone. Ha wes 35 him sone i hondsald þah hit hire unwil were. Ah ha truste upon him þ̵ ne truked na mon. ha trewliche him truste on. ⁊ eode to chirche euche daheðes dei. to leornin godes lare. biddinde ȝeorne wið reowfule reames. þ̵ he wissede hire o hwuche wise ha mahte witen hire meiðhað.

40

Ah heo forte werien hire wið him summe `h´wile : [f. 38 r] sende him to seggen. þ̵ nalde ha nawt lihten se lahe to luuien. Ne nalde ha neolechin him for na liuiende mon. ear þen he were under Maximien. hehest i Rome. þ̵ is heh reue. He ase timliche as he hefde iherd þis. biȝet ed te Keiser þet he ȝette him al þ̵ he walde. 45 ⁊ lette as me luuede þa leaden him i cure up o fowr hweoles. ⁊ teon him ȝeonte tun þron from strete to strete. Al þe cure ouertild þ̵ he wes itohen on; wið purpres ⁊ pelles. wið ciclatuns ⁊ cendals ⁊ deorewurðe claðes. AS þe þ̵ se heh þing hefde to heden. ant se riche refschipe to rihten ⁊ to readen. þa he hefde þus idon. sende hire þus 50 to seggen hire wil he hefde iwraht. Nu his ha schulde wurchen. Juliene þe eadie ihesu cristes leofmon of his blisfule luue balde hire seoluen, ⁊ sende him al openliche bi sonde to seggen. þis word ha send te for nawt þu hauest iswechte. wreaðe se þu wreaðe. 53. al] ṭọ al MS.
70. ṭreade MS. Do þ̵ tu do wult nule ich ne ne mei ich lengre heolen hit te ȝef þu wult 55 leauen. þe lahen þet tu liuest in ant leuen i godd feader. ⁊ in his deorwurðe sune. ⁊ i þe hali gast folkene froure. an godd [f. 38 v] þ̵ is igret wið euches cunnes gode; Ich chule wel neome þe. ⁊ ȝef þ̵ tu nult no; þu art windi of me. ⁊ oðer luue sech þe. Þa þe hehe reue iherde þis ondswere; bigon to wreðen swiðe. ⁊ cleopede hire 60 feder forð. ⁊ feng on to tellen. hwuch word ha sende him. Efter þ̵ he wende forte habben idon al þ̵ he wilnede. Affrican hire feader wundrede him swiðe. ⁊ bigon to swerien. bi þe ilke godes þ̵ me is lað to gremien. beo hit soð þ̵ tu seiist; to wraðer heale. ha sehð hit. ant ich wulle o great grome al biteachen hire þe. ⁊ tu do hire. al þ̵ tu 65 wult. He þonkede him. ⁊ heo wes icleopet forð. ⁊ affrican hire feader feng on earst feire on; to lokin ȝef he mahte wið eani luue speden. Juliene quoð he mi deorewurðe dohter. sei me hwi þu forsakest þi sy ⁊ ti selhðe? þe weolen ⁊ te wunnen. þe walden awakenen. ⁊ waxen of þe wedlac þ̵ ich reade þe to : hit nis nan 70 eðelich þing. þe refschipe of rome. ant tu maht ȝef þu wult. beon burhene leafdi. ⁊ of alle þe londes þe þer to liggeð. Juliene þe eadie ontswerede him ⁊ seide. ȝef he wule luuien. ⁊ leuen g`o´dd. al mihti; þenne mei he [speoken] þrof. ⁊ speden inoh reaðe. for ȝef he þ̵ nule no; ich segge þe þ̵ soð is. ne schal he wiuen on me. Sei nu 75 hwet ti wil is. affrican wreaðede ⁊ [f. 39 r] swor swiðe deopliche. for þe drihtfule godd apollo mi lauerd. ⁊ mi deore leafdi þe deorewurðe diane þ̵ ich muche luuie. ȝef þu haldest her on; ich schal leote wilde deor to luken ⁊ toteore þe ⁊ ȝeoue þi flesch fode to fuheles of þe lufte. Juliene him ondswerede. ⁊ softeliche seide. Ne lef þu 80 nawt leoue feader þ̵ tu offeare me swa; ich swerie aȝein. þe ihesu crist godes sune. þ̵ ich on leue. ⁊ luuie as leoflukest. ⁊ lufsumest lauerd. þah ich cwic beo forbearnd baðe lim ⁊ lið ileitinde leie. Nulle ich þe her onont þreate se þu þreate buhe ne beien.

[A]ffrican feng eft on. ⁊ to fondin ongon ȝef he mahte eanis weis 85 wið olhnunge wenden hire heorte. ⁊ leoftede luueliche. ⁊ seide hire sikerliche. Þ̷ ne schulde ha lihtliche wilni na wunne; þ̵ ha ne schulde wealden. wið þerean þ̵ ha walde hire wil wenden. Nai quoð ha þ̵ nis nawt. schulde ich do me to him. þ̵ alle deoflen is bitaht. ⁊ to eche deað fordemet. to forwurðe wið him worlt buten ende iþe putte 90 of helle? for his wedlackes weole oðer for ei wunne. To soðe ich hit segge þe. Vnwurð hit is me. Ich chulle þ̵ he wite hit ful wel. ⁊ tu eke mid al; i`c´h am to an iweddet þ̵ ich chulle treowliche wiðute leas luuien. þ̵ is unlich him ⁊ alle worltliche men. ne nulle ich neauer mare him lihen ne lea[f. 39 v]uen. for weole ne for wunne. for 95 wa ne for wontreaðe þ̵ ȝe me mahen wurchen.

Hire 99. ileuet MS.
111. After drehe an erasure of three letters MS.
112. leggeð corr. out of leggen MS.
113. þ̵] ⁊ MS. feader feng on to wreaððin swiðe ferliche ⁊ easkede hire hokerliche. Ant hwet is he þes were þ̵ tu art to iweddet. þ̵ tu hauest wið ute me se forð þi luue ilenet. þ̵ tu letest lutel. of al þ̵ tu schuldest luuien. Ne ich nes neauer þ̵ ich wite ȝet. wið him 100 icnawen. for gode quoð þe meiden þin hearm is þe mare. Nawt for þi þ̵ tu nauest iherd of him ȝare. Þ̷ is ihesu godes sune. þ̵ forte alesen moncun þ̵ schulde beon forloren al; lette lif o rode. Ich ne seh him neauer ⁊ þ̵ me of þuncheð. Ah ich him luuie ⁊ wulle don. ⁊ leue on as o lauerd. Ne schal me firsen him from. Nowðer 105 deouel ne mon. for mi lif quoð hire feader þe schal laðin his luue. for þu schalt habbe þrof hearm ⁊ scheome baðe ⁊ nu þu schalt on alre earst. as on ernesse swa beon ibeaten wið bittere besmen. þ̵ tu were wummon of wummone bosum to wraðerheale eauer iboren iþe worlde. Swa muche quoð þ̵ meiden ich beo him þe leouere. se ich 110 derfre þing for his luue drehe. [wurch] þu þ̵ ti wil is. Ȝe quoð he bliðeliche. ant swiðe heatterliche. strupen hire steort naket. ⁊ leggeð se luðer[f. 40 r]liche on hire leofliche lich; þ̵ hit liðeri o blode. Me nom hire ⁊ dude swa þ̵ hit ȝeat adun of þe ȝerden. ant heo bigon to ȝeien. Beaten se ȝe beaten ȝe beliales budeles. ne mahe ȝe nowðer 115 mi luue ne mi bileaue lutlin towart te liuiende godd mi leofsume leofmon. þe luuewurðe lauerd. ne nulle ich leuen ower read þe forreadeð ow seolf. ne þe mix maumez þe beoð þes feondes fetles; heien ne herien. for teone ne for tintreohe þ̵ ȝe me mahe timbrin. Na nult tu quoð affrican. hit schal sone sutelin. for ich chulle sende 120 þe nu ⁊ biteache þi bodi to eleusium þe riche þ̵ reue is ouer rome. ant he schal þe forreaden. ⁊ makie to forswelten. as his ahne wil is þurh al þet eauer sar iS.

Ȝe 125. mutli MS. quoð þis meiden þ̵ mei godd welden. ne mahe ȝe nawt do me bute þet he wule þeauien ⁊ þolien ow to donne to mucli mi mede 125 ⁊ te murhðe þ̵ lið to meiðhades menske. for eauer se ȝe nu her mearreð me mare; se mi crune schal beon brihttre ba ⁊ fehere. for þi ich chulle bliðeliche ⁊ wið bliðe heorte drehen eauer euch derf. for mi leofmones luue þe lufsume lauerd ⁊ softe me bið euch sar in his seruise. þu wult þu seist aȝeoue me to eleusium þe luðere. 130 a ȝef [f. 40 v] me for nawiht ne ȝeoue ich for inc nowðer. Þet ȝe mahen ane pine me here. Ah hit ne hearmeð me nawt ah helpeð ⁊ heueð up ⁊ makeð mine murhðes monifalde in heouene. ant ȝef ȝe doð me to deað. hit bið deore to godd. ⁊ ich schal bliðe bicumen to endelese blissen. ant ȝe schulen wrecches wei ower wurðes. 135 þ̵ ȝe weren iþe worlt iboren ⁊ i broht forð se wraðer heale ȝe schule sinken adun to sar ⁊ to eche sorhe. to bitternesse ant to bale deope into helle.

[A]ffrican hire feader bitterliche iteonet bitahtte hire eleusium þe luðere reue of rome ⁊ lette bringen hire biuoren his 140 eh sihðe. as he set ⁊ demde. þe hehe burh domes. .  .  .  .  .  .

[Þ]a 143. After hire, ọf MS.
146. heạlen MS. eleusius seh þ̵ ha þus feng on to festnin hire seoluen isoðe bileaue; þohte he walde don hire anan ut of dahene : ⁊ bed biliue bringen forð brune wallinde bres. ⁊ healden hit se wal [f. 42 r] hat hehe up on hire heaued. þ̵ hit urne 145 enddelong hire leofliche lich adun to hire helen. Me dude al as he het. Ah þe worldes wealdent þ̵ wiste sein iuhan his ewangeliste unhurt iðe ueat of wallinde eoli þer he wes i don in. þ̵ ase hal com up þrof; as he wes hal meiden. þe ilke liues lauerd. wiste him unwemmet. his brud of þe bres þ̵ wes wallinde. swa þ̵ ne þuhte 150 hit hire buten ase wlech weater al þ̵ ha felde. Eleusius wod þa nuste hwet segen. Ah hehte swiðe don hire ut of his eh sihðe. ⁊ dreaien in to dorc hus to prisunes pine ant swa ha wes idon sone.

[H]eo 159. Between mi and trust, erasure of five letters MS.
163. heamen MS.
177. After ⁊, þ̣ụṇ MS. as ha þrinne wes i þeosternesse hire ane. feng to 155 cleopien to crist ⁊ bidde þeos bone. lauerd godd al mihti mi murhðe ⁊ mi mede. mi sẏ ⁊ al þe selhðe. þ̵ ich efter seche þu sist al hu ich am bisteaðet ⁊ bistonden. festne mi bileaue. Riht me ⁊ read me. for al mi trust is on þe. Steor me ⁊ streng me for al mi strengðe is of þe. Mi feader ⁊ Mi moder for þi þ̵ ich nule þe 160 forsaken; habbe forsake me. ⁊ al mi nestfalde cun. þ̵ schulde beo me best freond; beoð me meast feondes. ⁊ mine in hinen; alre meast hea[r]men. herewurðe healent. habbe [f. 42 v] ich þin anes help. ich am wil cweme ne forleaf þu me nawt luuiende lauerd. as þu biwistest daniel bimong þe wode liuns ilatet se luðere. ⁊ te þreo 165 children þe chearre nalden from þe lahen þ̵ ha schulden luuien. Ananie ⁊ Azarie ⁊ Misahel inempnet. Al þu al wealdent biwistest ham unwemmet. wid þ̵ ferliche fur i þe furneise. swa þu wunne of þe worlt wite me ⁊ were ⁊ witere. ⁊ wisse þurh þi wisdom to wite me wið sunne. lauerd liues lattow. lead me þurh þis lease. þis lutle 170 leastinde lif; to þe hauene of heale. As þu lead`d´est israeles leode of egipte bute schip dru fot þurh þe reade sea. ⁊ asenchtest hare uan þe ferden ham efter. ⁊ tu folkes feader. aual mine va men. ⁊ tu drihtin to drif þe deouel þ̵ me derueð. for ne mei na monnes st`r´engðe wið uten þin stonden him to ȝeines. lef me þ̵ ich mote 175 mihti meinfule godd iseon him ischeomet ȝet þe weneð me to schrenchen. ⁊ schunchen of þe nearowe wei þ̵ leadeð to eche lif. loke me from his lað liuiende lauerð. Make me war ⁊ wite me wið his crefti crokes. þ̵ ha me ne crechen. were me swa wið þen vnwine. helpleses heale. Þ̷ tu beo iheiet ⁊ i heret eaure in eorðe. as in 180 heouene. [f. 43 r] Beo þu aa iblescet lauerd as þu were ant art ⁊ schalt beon in eche.

SAINT JULIANA
Parallel Texts

Royal MS
Bodleian MS

Royal MS.

Bodleian MS.

Her cumseð þe uie of seinte iuliane. ant telleð of liflade hire.

I þe feaderes ⁊ i þe sunes ⁊ i þe hali gastes Name. Her Biginneð þe liflade. ant te passiun of seinte Juliene.

In ure lauerdes luue þe is feader of frumschaft. ant on his deorewurðe sunes nome. ant o þes hali gastes. þ̵ glideð of ham baðen. alle lewede men. þ̵ understonden ne mahen latines ledene. 5 liðin. ⁊ lustnin ane meidenes liflade. þ̵ is of latin iturnd into englisch. þ̵ te lif hali lefdi. in heouene luuie us þe mare. ant of þis lihinde lif : leade us wið hire ern dunge. þe is icoren of crist in to þe eche of heouene.

In ure lauerdes luue þe feader is of frumscheft. ant iþe deore wurðmunt of his deorewurðe sune. ⁊ iþe heiunge of þe hali gast. þe of ham ba glideð. an godd unagin euch godes ful. Alle leawede 5 men. þe understonden ne muhen latines ledene. lideð ⁊ lusteð þe liflade of a meiden. þ̵ is of latin iturnd; to englische leode. wið þon þat teos hali leafdi. in heouene luuie us þe mare. ⁊ þurh þis lihnide lif; leade us to þ̵ eche. þurh hire eadi erndunge. þ̵ crist is swiðe icweme. 10

Þeos meiden. ant tis martir. wes iuliane inempnet. in nichomedes 10 burh. ⁊ of heðene cun icumen. ant hire fleschliche feder wes affrican ihaten. of þe heðene mest þeo þ̵ cristene weren; derfliche droh ham to deaðe. ah heo as þeo þ̵ te heouenlich feder luuede. leafde al hire aldrene lahen. ⁊ bigon to luuien þene liuiende lauerd þe lufsum godd. þ̵ wisseð ant weldeð al þ̵ is on worlde; ⁊ al þ̵ iwraht is.

Þeos meiden ⁊ teos martyr þ̵ ich of munne; wes Juliene inempnet. i Nichomedese burh. Al of heaðene cun icumen ⁊ akennet. ⁊ hire fleshliche feader affrican hehte. þe heande ⁊ heascede mest men þe weren cristene. ⁊ droh ham þurh derue pinen to deaðe. Ah heo as þeo þ̵ te hehe heouenliche lauerd hefde his luue ilenet. leafde 15 hire ealdrene lahen ⁊ bigon to luuien þen áá liuiende goð þe lufsume lauerd. þ̵ schupte alle sche`a´ftes ⁊ wealdeð ⁊ wisseð efter þet his wil is. al þ̵ ischeapen iS.

Þa wes 15 biþon time as redegunge telleð. Maximian þe modi keiser ine Rome heinde ant heriende heðene mawmez. wið unmeð muchel hird ⁊ unduhti duheðe. ⁊ for demde alle þeo; þe on drihtin bilefden. þes Maximian luuede an heh mon of cunne ant eke riche of rente elewsius wes ihaten. ant weren as feolahes þurh muche freontschipe. 20 þis meidenes feder ⁊ he. weren swiðe wel to gederes.

Wes iþon time as þe redunge telleð. þe modi Maximien keiser irome. heriende. ⁊ heiende heaðene maumez. wið unimeað 20 muchel hird. ⁊ wið heh duheðe. ⁊ fordemde alle þeo þe o drihtin bilefden. Þes mihti maximien luuede an eleusium biuoren monie of his men. Akennet of heh cun. ⁊ swiðe riche of rente. ⁊ ȝunge mon of ȝeres. þes ȝunge mon eleusius. þ̵ þus wes wel wið þe kinge. hefde iunne feolahschipe to affrican. ⁊ wes iwunet ofte to cumen wið him 25to his in. ⁊ iseon his dohter.

as he sumchere iseh hire utnume feir. ant freoliche. he felde him iwundet. þ̵ wið uten lechnunge of hire libben he ne mahte. Affrican wiste wel þ̵ he wes freo boren. ⁊ þ̵ him walde bicumen a freo boren burde. ant ȝettede him his dohter. ⁊ wes sone ihondsald al hire unwilles. ah 25 heo truste on him þat ne trukeneð namon; þ̵ trusteð treowliche on him. ant euch deis dei eode to ch`i´rche to leornen godes lare. ȝeornliche to witen hu ha mahte best witen hire unweommet. . .

As he hefde en chere bihalden swiðe ȝeorne hire utnumne feire. ⁊ freoliche ȝuheðe; felde him iwundet in wið in his heorte wið þe flan þe of luue fleoð. swa þ̵ him þuhte þet ne mahte he nanes weis wið ute þe lechnunge of hire luue libben. Ant efter lutle 30 stounde wið ute longe steuene. wes him seolf sonde to affrican hire feader. ⁊ bisohte him ȝeorne þ̵ he hire ȝeue him. ⁊ he hire walde menskin wið al þ̵ he mahte. As þe þing i þe world þ̵ he meast luuede. Affrican wiste þ̵ he wes swið freo iboren. ant walde wel bicumen him a freo iboren burde. ⁊ ȝetede him his bone. Ha wes 35 him sone i hondsald þah hit hire unwil were. Ah ha truste upon him þ̵ ne truked na mon. ha trewliche him truste on. ⁊ eode to chirche euche daheðes dei. to leornin godes lare. biddinde ȝeorne wið reowfule reames. þ̵ he wissede hire o hwuche wise ha mahte witen hire meiðhað.

ah as ha wende hire summes weis to witene; sende him to seggen. þ̵ nalde 30 ha lihten swa lahe ne nehlechen him for nan liuiende mon. er þen he were under Maximian hehest in rome þ̵ is hehreue. Sone so he iherde þis. he bi ȝet et te keiser þ̵ he ȝettede him reue to beonne as þ̵ he iȝirnd hefde. ant he as me þa luuede. lette leaden him into cure. ⁊ te riche riden in. ⁊ tuhen him ȝont te tun; from strete to strete. 35 ant al þe cur wes bitild. þ̵ he wes in. wið purpre wið pal. ⁊ wið ciclatun. ⁊ deorewurðe claðes. as þe þ̵ heh þing hefde to heden. ant þa he hefde þis idon; he sende hire to seggen. þ̵ he hefde hire wil iwraht. ⁊ heo schulde his wurchen.

40

Ah heo forte werien hire wið him summe `h´wile : sende him to seggen. þ̵ nalde ha nawt lihten se lahe to luuien. Ne nalde ha neolechin him for na liuiende mon. ear þen he were under Maximien. hehest i Rome. þ̵ is heh reue. He ase timliche as he hefde iherd þis. biȝet ed te Keiser þet he ȝette him al þ̵ he walde. 45 ⁊ lette as me luuede þa leaden him i cure up o fowr hweoles. ⁊ teon him ȝeonte tun þron from strete to strete. Al þe cure ouertild þ̵ he wes itohen on; wið purpres ⁊ pelles. wið ciclatuns ⁊ cendals ⁊ deorewurðe claðes. AS þe þ̵ se heh þing hefde to heden. ant se riche refschipe to rihten ⁊ to readen. þa he hefde þus idon. sende hire þus 50 to seggen hire wil he hefde iwraht. Nu his ha schulde wurchen.

Iuliane þe edie iesu cristes leouemon of his blisfule luue balde 40 hire seoluen. sende him to onswere bi an of hire sonden. Elewsius wite þu hit wel ireadi. wraðði so þu wraðði. no lengre nulich hit heolen þe. ȝef þu wult leauen þe lahen þ̵ tu list in. ant leuen in godd feder. ⁊ in his deorewurðe sune. ⁊ iþe hali gast. ichulle wel neomen þe. ȝef þu nult no; þu art wundi of me. ⁊ oðer luue sech þe. 45 Þa þe reue iherde þis; he wreððede him swiðe. ⁊ hire feder cleopede. ant feng on to tellen him. hu his dohter droh him from deie to deie. ant efter þ̵ he wende to habben his iwil so ha him þis word sulliche sende. Bi þ̵ ilke godd quoð hire feder þ̵ me is lað to gremien beo hit soð þ̵ tu seist to wraðer heale seide ha hit. ant nu ichulle o great 50 grome al biteachen hire þe. to wurchen þi wil. ⁊ al þ̵ te wel likeð as mit tin ahne. ⁊ me cleopede hire forð biuoren hire feder. ⁊ he feng feire to fondin his dohter Mi deorewurðe dohter hwer fore uor sakestu þi sẏ. ant ti selhðe. þe weolen ant te wunnen þ̵ walden awakenin ant waxen of þi wedlac. þ̵ ich þe to reade. for he is inoh 55 lauerd elewsius ine rome. ⁊ tu maht beon leafdi dohter ȝef þu wel wult. Iuliane þe eadie onswerede him ⁊ seide as þeo þat ine godd hire hope hefde. ȝef he wule leuen an god al mihti. þenne mei he speoken þrof ⁊ inoh raðe speden. ant ȝef þ̵ he nule nawt. ne schal wiuen on me. wiue þer his wil is. þa hire feder iherde þis; 60 þa feng he to swerien. Bi mi kinewurðe lauerd apollo. ant bi mi deore leafdi diane. þ̵ ich muche luuie. ȝef þu haldest her on. ichulle leoten deor to teoren ant to luken þe. ⁊ ȝeouen þi flesch; fuheles of þe lufte. Iuliane him onswerede ⁊ softeliche seide. ne wen þu nawiht leoue feder. þ̵ tu affeare me swa. for iesu crist godes sune 65 þ̵ ich on leue ⁊ luuie as lauerd lufsumest on liue. þah ich beo forbernd. ⁊ to loken limel. nulich heronont buhen þe nawiht

Juliene þe eadie ihesu cristes leofmon of his blisfule luue balde hire seoluen, ⁊ sende him al openliche bi sonde to seggen. þis word ha send te for nawt þu hauest iswechte. wreaðe se þu wreaðe. Do þ̵ tu do wult nule ich ne ne mei ich lengre heolen hit te ȝef þu wult 55 leauen. þe lahen þet tu liuest in ant leuen i godd feader. ⁊ in his deorwurðe sune. ⁊ i þe hali gast folkene froure. an godd þ̵ is igret wið euches cunnes gode; Ich chule wel neome þe. ⁊ ȝef þ̵ tu nult no; þu art windi of me. ⁊ oðer luue sech þe. Þa þe hehe reue iherde þis ondswere; bigon to wreðen swiðe. ⁊ cleopede hire 60 feder forð. ⁊ feng on to tellen. hwuch word ha sende him. Efter þ̵ he wende forte habben idon al þ̵ he wilnede. Affrican hire feader wundrede him swiðe. ⁊ bigon to swerien. bi þe ilke godes þ̵ me is lað to gremien. beo hit soð þ̵ tu seiist; to wraðer heale. ha sehð hit. ant ich wulle o great grome al biteachen hire þe. ⁊ tu do hire. al þ̵ tu 65 wult. He þonkede him. ⁊ heo wes icleopet forð. ⁊ affrican hire feader feng on earst feire on; to lokin ȝef he mahte wið eani luue speden. Juliene quoð he mi deorewurðe dohter. sei me hwi þu forsakest þi sy ⁊ ti selhðe? þe weolen ⁊ te wunnen. þe walden awakenen. ⁊ waxen of þe wedlac þ̵ ich reade þe to : hit nis nan 70 eðelich þing. þe refschipe of rome. ant tu maht ȝef þu wult. beon burhene leafdi. ⁊ of alle þe londes þe þer to liggeð. Juliene þe eadie ontswerede him ⁊ seide. ȝef he wule luuien. ⁊ leuen g`o´dd. al mihti; þenne mei he [speoken] þrof. ⁊ speden inoh reaðe. for ȝef he þ̵ nule no; ich segge þe þ̵ soð is. ne schal he wiuen on me. Sei nu 75 hwet ti wil is. affrican wreaðede ⁊ swor swiðe deopliche. for þe drihtfule godd apollo mi lauerd. ⁊ mi deore leafdi þe deorewurðe diane þ̵ ich muche luuie. ȝef þu haldest her on; ich schal leote wilde deor to luken ⁊ toteore þe ⁊ ȝeoue þi flesch fode to fuheles of þe lufte. Juliene him ondswerede. ⁊ softeliche seide. Ne lef þu 80 nawt leoue feader þ̵ tu offeare me swa; ich swerie aȝein. þe ihesu crist godes sune. þ̵ ich on leue. ⁊ luuie as leoflukest. ⁊ lufsumest lauerd. þah ich cwic beo forbearnd baðe lim ⁊ lið ileitinde leie. Nulle ich þe her onont þreate se þu þreate buhe ne beien.

Þa feng eft hire [feder] on wið olhnunge to fondin ȝef he mahte eisweis wenden hire heorte. ⁊ seide hire lufsumliche. þ̵ ne schulde ha nane wunne lihtliche wilnin; þ̵ he ne schulde welden. wið þ̵ ha walde hire þonc wenden 70 Nai quoð þ̵ meiden schuldich don me to him þ̵ is alle deoulen bitaht. ⁊ to eche deð idemet. to furwurðen wið him world abuten ende. for his wedlakes weole oðer for eni wunne. for soð ich hit segge un wurð is hit me. ichulle þ̵ he hit wite wel. ant tu eke mid him þ̵ ich am iweddet to an þ̵ ichulle treowliche to halden ant wið uten les 75 luuien. þe is unlich him. ⁊ alle worldlich men. ne nullich him nowðer leauen. ne lihen for weole ne for wunne. for wa. ne for wunne þet ȝe mahen don me.

[A]ffrican feng eft on. ⁊ to fondin ongon ȝef he mahte eanis weis 85 wið olhnunge wenden hire heorte. ⁊ leoftede luueliche. ⁊ seide hire sikerliche. Þ̷ ne schulde ha lihtliche wilni na wunne; þ̵ ha ne schulde wealden. wið þerean þ̵ ha walde hire wil wenden. Nai quoð ha þ̵ nis nawt. schulde ich do me to him. þ̵ alle deoflen is bitaht. ⁊ to eche deað fordemet. to forwurðe wið him worlt buten ende iþe putte 90 of helle? for his wedlackes weole oðer for ei wunne. To soðe ich hit segge þe. Vnwurð hit is me. Ich chulle þ̵ he wite hit ful wel. ⁊ tu eke mid al; i`c´h am to an iweddet þ̵ ich chulle treowliche wiðute leas luuien. þ̵ is unlich him ⁊ alle worltliche men. ne nulle ich neauer mare him lihen ne lea uen. for weole ne for wunne. for 95 wa ne for wontreaðe þ̵ ȝe me mahen wurchen.

þa feng hire feder te wreððen swiðe ferlich ⁊ swiðe hokerliche freinede. Me hwet is he þes were þ̵ tu art to iweddet. þ̵ tu hauest wið uten me þine luue ilene[t] for hwam þu letest lutel of 80 þ̵ tu schuldest luuien. ne ich neuer þ̵ ich wite nes wið him icnawen. For gode quoð þet meiden þin harm is þe mare nawt forþi þet tu nauest ofte iherd of him ȝare. þ̵ is iesu godes sune. þe forto lesen moncun þ̵ forloren schulden beon; lette his deo`r´wurðe lif on rode. ne ich ne seh him neuer þ̵ me sare for þuncheð. ah ichim luuie ant 85 leue as on lauerde. ne schal me firsin him from; nowðer deouel ne mon. For mi lif quoð hire feder þe schal laðin his luue for þu schalt beon ibeaten. mid besmes swa bittre þ̵ tu wummon were. schal to wraðer heale iwurðen. Swa muche quoð ha ich iwurðe him þe leouere; So ich derure þing for his luue drehe. þ̵ ti wil is; wurch nu. 90 ⁊ he het hatterliche strupen hire steortnaket. ⁊ beten hire swa luðere þ̵ hire leofliche lich; liðeri al oblode. ⁊ swa ha duden so luðere þ̵ te blod ȝet adun of þe ȝerden. ⁊ heo bigon to ȝeien. Beaten so ȝe beaten ȝe beliales bu deles. ne mahe ȝe nowðer mi luue ne min bileaue lutlen toward him mi lufsum leof mi leowinde lauerd ne 95 nullich leauen ower read þ̵ for readeð ow seoluen. ne ower mix mawmex þ̵ beoð þes feondes fetles heien ne herien. for teone ne for tintreow þ̵ ȝe mahen timbrin. Na quoð he is hit swa hit schal sutelin sone. for ichulle biteachen mislich þi bodi to elewsium þe riche reue irome ant he schal for swelten ant for reden þe efter es wille wið 100 allescunnes pinen.

Hire feader feng on to wreaððin swiðe ferliche ⁊ easkede hire hokerliche. Ant hwet is he þes were þ̵ tu art to iweddet. þ̵ tu hauest wið ute me se forð þi luue ilenet. þ̵ tu letest lutel. of al þ̵ tu schuldest luuien. Ne ich nes neauer þ̵ ich wite ȝet. wið him 100 icnawen. for gode quoð þe meiden þin hearm is þe mare. Nawt for þi þ̵ tu nauest iherd of him ȝare. Þ̷ is ihesu godes sune. þ̵ forte alesen moncun þ̵ schulde beon forloren al; lette lif o rode. Ich ne seh him neauer ⁊ þ̵ me of þuncheð. Ah ich him luuie ⁊ wulle don. ⁊ leue on as o lauerd. Ne schal me firsen him from. Nowðer 105 deouel ne mon. for mi lif quoð hire feader þe schal laðin his luue. for þu schalt habbe þrof hearm ⁊ scheome baðe ⁊ nu þu schalt on alre earst. as on ernesse swa beon ibeaten wið bittere besmen. þ̵ tu were wummon of wummone bosum to wraðerheale eauer iboren iþe worlde. Swa muche quoð þ̵ meiden ich beo him þe leouere. se ich 110 derfre þing for his luue drehe. [wurch] þu þ̵ ti wil is. Ȝe quoð he bliðeliche. ant swiðe heatterliche. strupen hire steort naket. ⁊ leggeð se luðer liche on hire leofliche lich; þ̵ hit liðeri o blode. Me nom hire ⁊ dude swa þ̵ hit ȝeat adun of þe ȝerden. ant heo bigon to ȝeien. Beaten se ȝe beaten ȝe beliales budeles. ne mahe ȝe nowðer 115 mi luue ne mi bileaue lutlin towart te liuiende godd mi leofsume leofmon. þe luuewurðe lauerd. ne nulle ich leuen ower read þe forreadeð ow seolf. ne þe mix maumez þe beoð þes feondes fetles; heien ne herien. for teone ne for tintreohe þ̵ ȝe me mahe timbrin. Na nult tu quoð affrican. hit schal sone sutelin. for ich chulle sende 120 þe nu ⁊ biteache þi bodi to eleusium þe riche þ̵ reue is ouer rome. ant he schal þe forreaden. ⁊ makie to forswelten. as his ahne wil is þurh al þet eauer sar iS.

ȝe quoð þis meiden þ̵ mei crist welden. for ne mahe ȝe nawt don me bute hwet he wule þeauien ow to muchelin mi mede ⁊ te murðe þ̵ lið to meiðhades menske for euer so ȝe mare merrið me her; so mi crune bið brihtre ⁊ fehere. for ichulle bliðeliche drehen euer euch derf for mi deore lauerdes luue. ant softe me 105 bið euch derf hwen ich him serui þah þume to elewsium willes biteache; ne ȝeue ich for inc nowðer. þ̵ ȝe me mahen harmen. for so ȝe mare me her harmeð. so mare [3]e me helpeð seoueuald to heouene. ⁊ ȝef ȝe me doð to deaðe hit bið me deorewurðe ant ich schal þer þurh bliðe bicumen into endelese blissen ant ȝe schulen wrecches 110 áwei ower wurðes þ̵ ȝe iboren weren sinken to wraðer heale ow to þe bale bitter deope into helle.

Ȝe quoð þis meiden þ̵ mei godd welden. ne mahe ȝe nawt do me bute þet he wule þeauien ⁊ þolien ow to donne to mucli mi mede 125 ⁊ te murhðe þ̵ lið to meiðhades menske. for eauer se ȝe nu her mearreð me mare; se mi crune schal beon brihttre ba ⁊ fehere. for þi ich chulle bliðeliche ⁊ wið bliðe heorte drehen eauer euch derf. for mi leofmones luue þe lufsume lauerd ⁊ softe me bið euch sar in his seruise. þu wult þu seist aȝeoue me to eleusium þe luðere. 130 a ȝef me for nawiht ne ȝeoue ich for inc nowðer. Þet ȝe mahen ane pine me here. Ah hit ne hearmeð me nawt ah helpeð ⁊ heueð up ⁊ makeð mine murhðes monifalde in heouene. ant ȝef ȝe doð me to deað. hit bið deore to godd. ⁊ ich schal bliðe bicumen to endelese blissen. ant ȝe schulen wrecches wei ower wurðes. 135 þ̵ ȝe weren iþe worlt iboren ⁊ i broht forð se wraðer heale ȝe schule sinken adun to sar ⁊ to eche sorhe. to bitternesse ant to bale deope into helle.

Hire feder affrican þurh þis bittre teone bitahte hire to elewsium þe luðere reue. ant he lette bringen hire biuoren him to his heh seotel as he set in dome as reue of þe burhe . . . 115

[A]ffrican hire feader bitterliche iteonet bitahtte hire eleusium þe luðere reue of rome ⁊ lette bringen hire biuoren his 140 eh sihðe. as he set ⁊ demde. þe hehe burh domes. .  .  .  .  .  .

þa elewsius iseh þis þ̵ ha þus feng on to festnen hire seoluen þohte þ̵ he walde anan don hire ut of dahene ⁊ bed swiðe bringen hire brune of wallinde breas ant healden on hire heauet þ̵ hit urne endelong hire leofliche bodi dun to þe helen ant swa me dude sone. ah hire hende healent wiste hire unweommet. elewsius 120 warð wod ut of his witte. ant nuste hwet seggen ⁊ het swiðe don hire ut of his ehsihðe. ⁊ dreihen hire into darc hus ⁊ prisunes pine. ant he duden sone. Heo as ha þrinne wes in þeosternesse hire ane feng te cleopien to crist ant bidden þeos bone.

[Þ]a eleusius seh þ̵ ha þus feng on to festnin hire seoluen isoðe bileaue; þohte he walde don hire anan ut of dahene : ⁊ bed biliue bringen forð brune wallinde bres. ⁊ healden hit se wal hat hehe up on hire heaued. þ̵ hit urne 145 enddelong hire leofliche lich adun to hire helen. Me dude al as he het. Ah þe worldes wealdent þ̵ wiste sein iuhan his ewangeliste unhurt iðe ueat of wallinde eoli þer he wes i don in. þ̵ ase hal com up þrof; as he wes hal meiden. þe ilke liues lauerd. wiste him unwemmet. his brud of þe bres þ̵ wes wallinde. swa þ̵ ne þuhte 150 hit hire buten ase wlech weater al þ̵ ha felde. Eleusius wod þa nuste hwet segen. Ah hehte swiðe don hire ut of his eh sihðe. ⁊ dreaien in to dorc hus to prisunes pine ant swa ha wes idon sone.

Lauerd godd al mihti. mi murhðe ant mi mede mi sy ant mi 125 selhðe þu isist hu icham bistaðet ant bi stonden festne mi bileaue steor me ant streng me. for al mi strencðe is uppon þe. mi fedeR. ⁊ mi modeR for ich nulle for saken þe; habbeð for saken me ⁊ al mi nest falde cun me heaneð þet schulden mine freond beon; beoð me mest feondes ant mine hinen me beoð mest heanen ah habbich þin 130 anes help icham wil cweme ne leaf þume neuer liuiende lauerd as þu wistest daniel bimong þe wode leuns ant te þreo children ananie zacharie misael inempnet. bi wistest unweommet from þe ferliche fur of þe furneise swa þu wite ant witen me to witen me from sunne. lauerd þurh þis lease lif; lead me to lestinde to þe hauene 135 of heale as þu leddest israeles folc þurh þe reade sea buten schip druifot ant hare fan senchtest þ̵ ham efter sohten afal þumine famen ant to drif drihtin þen deouel þ̵ me derueð. for ne mei na mon wið uten þi strencðe stonden him aȝeines lef me þ̵ ich mote i seon him ȝet schent; þ̵ weneð me to schrenchen ant schunchen of þe 140 weie; þ̵ leadeð to eche lif. wite me from his lað ant wið his crefti crokes. wite me wið mine unwines þ̵ tu beo euer iheret ant iheiet in heouene ant in eorðe beo þu áá iblescet as þu were ant art. ant euer schalt beon in eche blisse. amen.

[H]eo as ha þrinne wes i þeosternesse hire ane. feng to 155 cleopien to crist ⁊ bidde þeos bone. lauerd godd al mihti mi murhðe ⁊ mi mede. mi sẏ ⁊ al þe selhðe. þ̵ ich efter seche þu sist al hu ich am bisteaðet ⁊ bistonden. festne mi bileaue. Riht me ⁊ read me. for al mi trust is on þe. Steor me ⁊ streng me for al mi strengðe is of þe. Mi feader ⁊ Mi moder for þi þ̵ ich nule þe 160 forsaken; habbe forsake me. ⁊ al mi nestfalde cun. þ̵ schulde beo me best freond; beoð me meast feondes. ⁊ mine in hinen; alre meast hea[r]men. herewurðe healent. habbe ich þin anes help. ich am wil cweme ne forleaf þu me nawt luuiende lauerd. as þu biwistest daniel bimong þe wode liuns ilatet se luðere. ⁊ te þreo 165 children þe chearre nalden from þe lahen þ̵ ha schulden luuien. Ananie ⁊ Azarie ⁊ Misahel inempnet. Al þu al wealdent biwistest ham unwemmet. wid þ̵ ferliche fur i þe furneise. swa þu wunne of þe worlt wite me ⁊ were ⁊ witere. ⁊ wisse þurh þi wisdom to wite me wið sunne. lauerd liues lattow. lead me þurh þis lease. þis lutle 170 leastinde lif; to þe hauene of heale. As þu lead`d´est israeles leode of egipte bute schip dru fot þurh þe reade sea. ⁊ asenchtest hare uan þe ferden ham efter. ⁊ tu folkes feader. aual mine va men. ⁊ tu drihtin to drif þe deouel þ̵ me derueð. for ne mei na monnes st`r´engðe wið uten þin stonden him to ȝeines. lef me þ̵ ich mote 175 mihti meinfule godd iseon him ischeomet ȝet þe weneð me to schrenchen. ⁊ schunchen of þe nearowe wei þ̵ leadeð to eche lif. loke me from his lað liuiende lauerð. Make me war ⁊ wite me wið his crefti crokes. þ̵ ha me ne crechen. were me swa wið þen vnwine. helpleses heale. Þ̷ tu beo iheiet ⁊ i heret eaure in eorðe. as in 180 heouene. Beo þu aa iblescet lauerd as þu were ant art ⁊ schalt beon in eche.

XX. THE OWL AND THE NIGHTINGALE

“i. Jesus College, Oxford, E 29 (J); see [VI, Alfred]. ii. Cotton Caligula A 9, British Museum (C); see XIV, Laȝamon. They are copies of a common exemplar X, which was probably taken directly from the poet’s original. X was written by two scribes; the work of the first is represented in ll. 1-353 of the present selection; that of the second in ll. 354-437; the former was accustomed to French scribal methods. The writer of C was a mechanical copyist and not at home in English, consequently he reproduces X with tolerable accuracy. The scribe of J was more independent (see [VI, Alfred, second paragraph in the e-text]).”

Cotton MS.
Parallel texts

Jesus College MS.

Incipit Altercacio inter filomenam ⁊ Bubonem.

I
ch wes in one sumere dale.

In one swiþe dyele hale.

I herde ich holde grete tale.

An vle and one nẏhtegale.

5 Þat playd wes· stif· ⁊ starc· ⁊ strong.

6. among] o corr. out of g.

Sum hwile softe· ⁊ lud among.

And eyþer a yeyn oþer swal.

And let þat vuele mod vt al.

And eyþer seyde of oþres custe.

10 þat alre wrste þat hi ywuste.

⁊ hure ⁊ hure of oþres songe.

hi holde playding swiþe stronge.

Þe Nihtegale bi gon þo speke.

In one hurne of one beche.

15 ⁊ sat vp one vayre bowe.

þat were abute blostme ynowe.

In ore vaste thikke hegge.

I meynd myd spire. ⁊ grene segge.

He wes þe gladdre. vor þe ryse.

20 ⁊ song a veole cunne wyse.

Bet þuhte þe drem. þat he were.

of harpe· ⁊ pipe· þan he nere.

Bet þuhte þat heo were i shote.

of harpe· ⁊ pipe· þan of þrote.

25 Þo stod on old stok. þar bẏ side.

Þar þe vle song hire tyde.

And wes myd ivi al bi growe.

Hit wes þare vle erdingstowe.

Þe Nihtegale hi iseyh.

30 ⁊ hi biholdeþ. and ouer seyh.

⁊ þuhte wel ful of þare vle.

For me hi halt. lodlich ⁊ fule. |
vnwyht heo seide a wey þu fleo.

Me is þe wurs. þat ich þe iseo.

35 Iwis for þine wle lete.

wel ofte ich my song fur lete

Min heorte atflyhþ· ⁊ falt my tunge.

hwenne þu art to me i þrunge.

Me luste bet speten þane singe.

40 of þine fule howelynge.

Þeos vle abod for hit wes eve.

heo ne myhte no leng bileue.

vor hire heorte wes so gret.

þat wel neyh hire fnast at set.

45 ⁊ warp a word þar after longe.

hw þynk þe nu bi mine songe.

Wenestu þat ich ne kunne singe.

Þe ich ne cunne of wrytelinge.

Ilome þu dest me grome.

50 ⁊ seist me boþe teone ⁊ schome.

If ich þe heolde on myne vote.

So hit bitide þat ich mote.

⁊ þu were vt of þine ryse.

þu scholdest singe on oþer wise.

55 Þe Nihtegale ȝaf onsware.

If ich me loki wiþ þe bare.

⁊ me schilde wit þe blete.

Ne recche ich nouht of þine þrete.

If ich me holde in myne hegge

60 Ne recche ich neuer hwat þu segge.

Ich wot þat þu art vnmilde.

wiþ heom þat ne muwe from þe schilde.

And þu tukest wroþe ⁊ vuele

Hwar þu myht ouer smale vowele. |
vor þi þu art loþ al fowel cunne.

66 ⁊ alle heo þe dryueþ heonne.

⁊ þe bi scrycheþ. ⁊ bi gredeþ

⁊ wel narewe þe by ledeþ.

⁊ ek forþe þe sulue mose

70 hire þonkes wolde þe to tose.

þu art lodlich to bi holde.

And þu art loþ in monye volde.

þi bodi is scort. þi swere is smal.

Gretture is þin heued ne þu al.

75. en ... brode on an erasure.

75 þin éyen beoþ col blake ⁊ brode.

Ryht so hi weren ipeynt myd wode
þu starest so þu wille abyten

Al þat þu myht myd clyure smyten
þi bile is stif· ⁊ sarp· ⁊ hoked.

80 Riht as on ewel þat is croked.

þar myd þu clechest euer among.

And þat is on of þine song.

Ac þu þretest to myne vleysse.

Mid þine cleures woldest me meysse.

85 þe were i cundere to one frogge.

þat sit at Mulne vnder cogge.

Snayles. Mus. and fule wihte.

Beoþ þine cunde ⁊ þine rihte.

Þu sittest a day and flyhst a niht.

90 þu cuþest þat þu art on vnwiht.

91. ⁊ and MS.

þu art lodlich· and unclene.

Bi þine neste· ich hit mene.

And ek bi þine fule brode.

Þu vedest on heom a wel ful vode.

......

The “e” in “Þeos” is subscripted in two different printings. It is not explained in the Notes.

Þ
eos word ayaf þe nihtegale.

96 And after þare longe tale.

Heo song so lude. ⁊ so scharpe.

Ryht so me grulde. schille harpe.

þeos vle luste þiderward.

100 ⁊ heold hire eyen neþerward.

⁊ sat to swolle ⁊ to bolewe.

so heo hedde one frogge i`s´wolwe.

For heo wel wiste. ⁊ was i war.

þat heo song hire a bysemar.

105 ⁊ naþeles heo yaf ondsware.

hwy nel tu fleon into bare.

And schewi hweþer vnker beo.

of brihter hewe. of fayrur bleo.

No. þu hauest scharpe clawe.

110 Ne kepe ich noht þat þu me clawe.

þu hauest clyures swiþe stronge.

þu twengest þar mid so doþ a tonge.

þu þoutest so doþ þine ilyche.

Mid fayre worde me biswike.

115 Ich nolde don þat þu me raddest.

Ich wiste wel þat þu me misraddest.

schomye þe vor þine vnrede.

vn wryen is þi swikehede.

schild þi swikedom from þe lyhte.

120 And hud þat wowe a mong þe ryhte.

hwanne þu wilt þu vnriht spene.

Loke þat hit ne beo isene. |
vor swikedom haueþ schome and het

If hit is ope. and vnder yete.

125 Ne spedestu nouht mid þin vn wrenche

For ich am war. and can blenche.

Ne helpeþ noht· þat þu bo· to þriste.

Ich wolde vyhte bet myd liste.

þan þu mid al þine strengþe.

130 Ich habbe on brede· ⁊ ek on lengþe.

Castel god on myne ryse.

wel fyht þat wel flyhþ. seyþ þe wise.

Ac lete awey þeos cheste.

For suche wordes beoþ vnwreste.

135 And fo we on· myd rihte dome.

Mid fayre worde. ⁊ myd some.

þeyh we ne beon at on acorde.

we mawe bet myd fayre worde.

wiþ vte cheste· and bute vyhte.

140 Playde mid soþe. ⁊ mid ryhte.

⁊ may vr eyþer hwat he wile.

Mid rihte segge. ⁊ myd skile.

Þ
o qwaþ þe vle. hwo schal vs seme.

þat cunne ⁊ wille riht vs deme.

145 Ich wot wel quaþ þe nyhtegale.

Ne þarf þer of beo no tale.

Mayster Nichol· of guldeuorde.

he is wis· and war· of worde.

he is of worde swyþe glev.

150 And him is loþ eurich vnþeu.

he wot insyht in euche songe.

hwo singeþ wel. hwo singeþ wronge.

And he con schede from þe rihte.

Þat wowe. þat þuster from þe lyhte.

Þ

155 e vle. one hwile hi bihouhte.

And after þan þis word up brouhte. |

Ich graunti wel þa`t´ he vs deme.

For þeyh he were hwile breme.

⁊ leof him wre Nihtingale.

160 And oþer wyhte gent ⁊ smale.

Ich wot. he is nu þe acoled.

Nis he vor þe nouht afoled.

þat he vor þine olde luue.

Me a dun legge ⁊ þe a buue.

165 N[e] schaltu. neuer so him queme.

þat he vor þe fals dom deme.

he is nv ripe. ⁊ fast rede.

Ne luste hym nv to non vnrede.

Nv him ne lust namore pleye

170 he wile gon a rihte weye.

Þ
e nihtegale· wes al ware.

heo hedde ileorned· wel ihware.

vle heo seyde seye me soþ.

hwi dostu þat vnwihtes doþ.

175 þu singest a nyht ⁊ nouht a day.

And al þi song is way laway.

þu miht mid þine songe afere.

Alle þat hereþ þine ibere.

Þ[u] scrichest ⁊ yollest to þine fere

180 þat hit is gryslich to ihere.

hit þincheþ boþe wise ⁊ snepe.

Nouht þat þu singe. at þu wepe.

þu flyhst a nyht and noht a day.

þar of ich wundri ⁊ wel may.

185 For vych þing þat schonyeþ riht.

hit luuyeþ þuster ⁊ hateþ lyht.

⁊ euych þing. þat luueþ misdede.

188. hi corr. out of his MS.

hi luueþ þuster to his dede.

......

Þ
eos vle luste swiþe longe.

190 ⁊ wes of teoned swiþe stronge.

heo quaþ. þu hattest Nihtegale.

þu mihtest bet hote galegale.

vor þu hauest to monye tale.

let þine tunge habbe spale.

195 þu wenest þat þes day beo þin owe.

let me nv habbe myne þrowe.

Beo nv stille ⁊ let me speke.

Ich wile beo of þe a wreke.

⁊ lust hw ich con me bi telle.

200 Mid rihte soþe wiþ vte spelle.

þu seyst þat ich me hude a day
þar to ne segge ich nyk no nay

⁊ lust ich telle hwer vore

Al hwi hit is ⁊ hware vore. |

Ich habbe bile stif ⁊ stronge.

206 ⁊ gode cleures scharp ⁊ longe.

So hit bycumeþ to hauekes cunne.

hit is myn hyhte· ⁊ my ynne.

þat ich me drawe to mine cunde.

210 Ne may me no mon þar for sende.

on me hit is wel i sene.

For rihte cunde ich am so kene.

vor þi ich am loþ smale vowele.

Þat fleoþ bi grunde ⁊ bi þuuele.

215 hi me bichirmeþ ⁊ bi gredeþ.

⁊ heore flockes to me ledeþ.

Me is leof to habbe reste.

And sitte stille in myne neste.

......

wenestu þat hauek beo þe wrse.

220 Þe crowe bi grede him bi þe mersche.

⁊ goþ to him myd heore chyrme.

Riht so hi wille. wiþ him schirme.

þe hauek foleweþ gode rede.

He flyhþ his wey ⁊ let hi grede.

Þ

225 et þu me seyst of oþer þinge.

⁊ tellest þat ich ne can nouht singe.

Ac al my reorde is wonyng.

And to ihere gryslych þing.

þat nis nouht soþ. ich singe efne.

230 Mid fulle dreme· ⁊ lude stefne.

þu wenest þat eoch song beo grislich.

þat þine pipinge nis ilich.

Mi stefne is bold· ⁊ nouht vnorne.

heo is ilich one grete horne.

235 ⁊ þin is iliche one pype.

of one smale weode vnripe.

Ich [singe] bet þan þu dest.

Þu chaterest so doþ on yris prest.

Ich singe an efne. a ryhte time.

240 ⁊ seþþe hwenne hit is bedtime.

þe þridde syþe a middel nyhte.

⁊ so ich myne songe a dihte.

hwenne ich iseo arise veorre
oþer day rewe· oþer day steorre.

245 Ic do god myd myne þrote.

And warny men to heore note.

Ac þu singest alle longe nyht.

From eue þat hit is day liht.

⁊ euer lesteþ þin o song,

250 so longe so þe nyht is long.

⁊ euer croweþ þi wrecche crey.

Þat he ne swikeþ nyht ne day. |

Mid þine pipinge þu adunest.

þas monnes eren. þar þu wunest.

255 ⁊ makest þi song, so vnwiht.

þat me ne telleþ. of þe nowiht.

Eurych mureþe may so longe leste.

þat heo schal liki wel vnwreste.

for harpe. ⁊ pipe. ⁊ foweles song.

260 Mislikeþ. if hit is to long.

Ne beo þe song ne so murie.

þat he ne sal þinche vnmurie.

If he i lesteþ ouer vnwille.

So þu myht þi song aspille.

265 for hit is soþ Alured hit seyde.

⁊ me hit. may in boke rede.

Eurich þing may lesen his godhede.

Mid vnmeþe and ouerdede.

......

Þ
e nyhtegale in hire þouhte.

270 At heold al þis. ⁊ longe þouhte.

hwat heo þar after myhte segge,
vor heo ne myhte noht a legge.

þat þe vle hedde hire i seyd.

vor ho spak boþe riht ⁊ red.

275 ⁊ hire of þuhte þat heo hadde.

þe speche so feor uorþ iladde.

⁊ wes aferd þat hire answare

Ne wrþe nouht a riht ivare.

Ac noþeles heo spak boldeliche

280 vor heo is wis þat hardeliche.

wiþ his fo berþ grete ilete.

282. þat] hwat MS.

þat he for arehþe hit ne for lete.

vor suych worþ bold if þu flyhst.

þa`t´ wile fleo if þu swykst. |

285. art MS.

If he isihþ þat þu nart areh.

286 he wile of bore wurche bareh.

287. þe added in margin.

⁊ for þi· þey `þe´ nyhtegale.

Were a ferd· heo spak bolde tale.

H

289. Þule
vle heo seyde· hwi dostu so.

290 þu singest a wynter wolawo.

þu singest so doþ hen a snowe.

Al þat heo singeþ hit is for wowe.

A winter þu singest wroþe ⁊ yomere.

⁊ euer þu art. dumb a sumere.

295 hit is for þine fule nyþe
þat þu ne myht. myd vs be bliþe.

vor þu forbernest· neyh for onde.

hwenne vre blisse cumeþ to londe.

þu farest so doþ þe ille.

300 Euer ich blisse him is vnwille.

Grucching· ⁊· luryng. him beoþ rade.

If he iseoþ. þat men beoþ glade.

he wolde þat he iseye.

Teres in eueriche monnes eye.

305 Ne roughte þe. þeyh flockes were.

Imeynd bi toppes· ⁊ bi here.

Al so þu dost on þire syde.

For hwanne snouh liþ þikke ⁊ wide.

⁊ alle wihtes habbeþ sorewe.

310 þu singest from eue to amorewe.

Ac ich mid me alle blisse bringe.

Ech wiht is glad· for myne þinge.

⁊ blesseþ hit· hwenne ich cume.

⁊ hihteþ a yeyn myne cume.

315 þe blostme. gynneþ springe ⁊ sprede.

Boþe in treo ⁊ ek in mede.

þe lilie myd hire fayre wlite.

welcomeþ me þeyh þu hit wite.

Bid me myd hire fayre bleo. |
þat ich schulle to hire fleo.

321 þe rose also myd hire rude.

þat cumeþ of þe þorne wode.

Bit me þat ich schulle singe.

For hire luue one skentynge.

......

[V]le þu axest me heo seyde.

326 [I]f ich con eny oþer dede.

Bute syngen in sume tyde.

⁊ bringe blisse veor ⁊ wyde.

hwy axestu of craftes myne.

330 Beter is myn on þan alle þine.

Beter is o song of myne muþe.

þan al þat þi kun kuþe.

⁊ lust. ich telle þe hwar vore.

wostu to hwan· mon wes ibore.

335 To þare blisse of heueryche. |
þar euer is song. ⁊ Murehþe ilyche.

þider fundeþ euer ich man.

þat eny þing of gode can.

for þi me syngþ in holy chireche.

340 ⁊ clerekes gynneþ songes wrche.

þat mon yþenche. bi þe songe.

hwider he shal. ⁊ þar beon longe.

þat he þe murehþe ne vor yete.

344. bi gete] bi gethe MS.

Ac þar of þenche. ⁊ bi gete.

345 ⁊ nyme yeme of chirche stefne.

hw Murie is þe blisse of heuene.

Clerekes· Munekes· ⁊ canúnes.

þar beoþ þos gode wike tunes.

Ariseþ vp to middel nyhte.

350 ⁊ singeþ of þon heuene lyhte.

⁊ preostes vpe londe singeþ.

352. Wanting in MS.

[Hwenne þe liht of daye springeþ.]

⁊ ich heom helpe hwat ic may.

......

Þ
e Nihtegale myd sweche worde.

355 for monymon myd speres orde.

haueþ lutle strengþe. ⁊ mid his schelde.

Ah naþeles in one felde.

þurh belde worde ⁊ myd ilete.

Deþ his iuo· for arehþe swete.

360 þe wrenne for heo cuþe singe.

þar com in þare moreweninge.

To helpe þare nyhtegale.

vor heo hadde stefne smale.

heo hadde gode þrote ⁊ schille.

365 ⁊ fale monne song a wille.

þe wrenne· wes wel wis iholde.

vor þeih heo nere ibred a wolde.

heo wes itowen. among mankunne

⁊ hire wisdom brouhte þenne.

370 heo myhte speke hwar heo wolde.

To fore þe kinge· þah heo scholde.

lusteþ· heo queþ· leteþ me speke.

hwat wille ye. þis pays to breke.

374. þan kinge] þanne MS.

⁊ do þan [kinge] such schome.

375 yet nys heo nouþer ded ne lome.

hunke schal i tyde harm ⁊ schonde.

If we doþ gryþ bruche on his londe.

Leteþ beo and beoþ isome.

⁊ fareþ riht to eure dome.

380 ⁊ leteþ dom þis playd to breke.

Al so hit wes erure bi speke.

Ich vnne wel queþ þe Nihtegale.

Ah wrenne· nouht for þine tale.

Ac do for myre lauhfulnesse.

385 Ic nolde þat vnrihtfulnesse.

Me at þen ende· me ouercome.

Ic nam of dred. of none dome.

Bi hote ic habbe· soþ hit is.

þat maẏster Nichole. þ̵ is wis.

390 Bi twihen eu deme schulle.

⁊ yet ic wene þat he wulle. |

392. war] þar MS.

Ah war myhte we hine fynde.

þe wrenne sat in hore lynde.

394. ḷyet MS.

hwat mihte yet quaþ heo his hom.

395 heo wuneþ at portes hom.

At one tune in dorsete.

Bi þare séé in ore vt lete.

þar he demeþ mony riht dom.

⁊ diht ⁊ wryt mony wisdom.

400 ⁊ þurh his muþe. ⁊ þurh his honde.

hit is þe betere in to scotlonde.

To seche hyne. is lyhtlych þing.

he naueþ buten o wunyng.

þ̵ is biscopen muchel schame.

405 ⁊ alle þan þ̵ of his nome.

habbeþ iherd. ⁊ of his dede.

hwi nulleþ hi nymen heom to rede.

þ̵ he were myd heom ilome.

vor teche heom of his wisdome.

410 ⁊ yeue him rente on vale stude.

þ̵ he myhte ilome heom beo myde.

Certes quaþ þe vle. þat is soþ.

þeos riche men· Muchele mys doþ.

þat leteþ þane gode man.

415 þat of so fele þinge can.

⁊ yeueþ rente wel mislyche.

⁊ of him leteþ wel lyhtliche.

wiþ heore kunne heo beoþ Mildre.

⁊ yeueþ rente lutle childre.

420 so heore wit hi demeþ adwole.

þ̵ euer abit Mayster Nichole.

Ah vte we þah· to him fare,
vor þat is vnker dom al yare

Do we þe Nihtegale seyde.

425 Ah hwo schal vnker speche rede.

⁊ telle to vore vnker dome.

þar of ic schal þe wel iqueme

Queþ þe vle. for al ende of orde. |

Telle ic con. word after worde.

430 ⁊ if þe þinkþ þat ic mis rempe.

þu stond ayeyn and do me crempe.

Mid þisse worde forþ hi ferden.

Al bute here and bute verde.

To portes ham. þer hi bicome.

435. hw heo sp on an erasure.

435 Ah hw heo spedde of heore dome.

Ne can ic eu namore telle.

her nys namore of þisse spelle.

Explicit.

THE OWL AND THE NIGHTINGALE

Cotton MS.

Jesus College MS. (above)
Parallel texts

I
ch was in one sumere dale.

In one suþe diȝele hale.

I herde ich holde grete tale.

An hule and one niȝtingale.

5 Þat plait was stif ⁊ starc ⁊ strong.

Sum wile softe ⁊ lud among.

7. asþer. oþer in margin MS.

An aiþer aȝen oþer sval.

⁊ let þat wole mod ut al.

⁊ eiþer seide of oþeres custe.

10. alẹre MS.

10 þat alre worste þat hi wuste.

⁊ hure and hure of oþere[s] songe

Hi holde plaiding suþe stronge.

Þ
e niȝtingale bigon þe speche.

In one hurne of one breche.

15 ⁊ sat upone vaire boȝe.

þar were abute blosme inoȝe.

In ore waste þicke hegge.

Imeind mid spire ⁊ grene segge.

Ho was þe gladur uor þe rise.

20 ⁊ song auele cunne wise.

21. Bet] Het MS.

Bet þuȝte þe dreim þat he were.

Of harpe ⁊ pipe þan he nere.

23. is hote MS.

Bet þuȝte þat he were ishote.

Of harpe ⁊ pipe þan of þrote.

25 [Þ]o stod on old stoc þarbiside.

þar þo vle song hire tide.

⁊ was mid iui al bigrowe.

Hit was þare hule eardingstowe.

[Þ]e niȝtingale hi iseȝ.

30 ⁊ hi bihold ⁊ ouerseȝ.

⁊ þuȝte wel wl of þare hule.

For me hi halt lodlich ⁊ fule.

vn wiȝt ho sede a wei þu flo.

Me is þe wrs þat ich þe so. |

I wis for þine wle lete.

36 wel oft ich mine song forlete.

Min horte atfliþ ⁊ falt mi tonge.

wonne þu art to me iþrunge.

Me luste bet speten þane singe.

40 Of þine fule ȝoȝelinge.

Þ
os hule abod fort hit was eve.

Ho ne miȝte no leng bileue.

vor hire horte was so gret.

þat welneȝ hire fnast at schet.

45 ⁊ warp a word þar after longe.

Hu þincþe nu bi mine songe.

we[n]st þu þat ich ne cunne singe.

þeȝ ich ne cunne of writelinge.

I lome þu dest me grame

50 ⁊ seist me boþe tone ⁊ schame

Ȝif ich þe holde on mine uote.

So hit bitide þat ich mote.

⁊ þu were vt of þine rise.

þu sholdest singe an oþer w[i]se.

Þ

55 e niȝtingale ȝaf answare.

ȝif ich me loki wit þe bare.

⁊ me schilde wit þe blete.

Ne reche ich noȝt of þine þrete.

ȝif ich me holde in mine hegge.

60 Ne recche ich neuer what þu segge.

Ich wot þat þu art un milde.

62. þe] se MS.

Wiþ hom þat ne muȝe from þe schilde.

⁊ þu tukest wroþe ⁊ vuele.

Whar þu miȝt over smale fuȝele.

65 Vorþi þu art loþ al fuel kunne.

⁊ alle ho þe driueþ honne.

⁊ þe bi schricheþ ⁊ bi gredet.

⁊ wel narewe þe bi ledet. |

⁊ ek forþe þe sulue mose.

70 Hire þonkes wolde þe totose.

Þu art lodlich to biholde.

⁊ þu art loþ in monie volde.

þi bodi is short þi swore is. smal.

Grettere is þin heued þan þu al.

75 þin eȝene boþ colblake ⁊ brode.

Riȝt swo ho weren ipeint mid wode.

þu starest so þu wille abiten.

Al þat þu mist mid cliure smiten.

þi bile is stif ⁊ scharp ⁊ hoked.

80 Riȝt so an owel þat is croked.

þar mid þu clackes oft`e´ ⁊ longe.

⁊ þat is on of þine songe.

Ac þu þretest to mine fleshe.

Mid þine cliures woldest me meshe.

85 þe were icundur to one frogge.

86. Line omitted in MS. but there is a mark on margin.

[Þat sit at mulne under cogge.]

Snailes, mus ⁊ fule wiȝte.

Boþ þine cunde ⁊ þine riȝte.

89. fliȝst] iȝ corr. out of u.

þu sittest adai and fliȝ[s]t aniȝt.

90 þu cuþest þat þu art on unwiȝt.

þu art lodlich ⁊ unclene.

Bi þine neste ich hit mene.

⁊ ek bi þine fule brode.

þu fedest on hom a wel ful fode.

......

Þ
os word a ȝaf þe niȝtingale.

96 ⁊ after þare longe tale.

He song so lude ⁊ so scharpe.

Riȝt so me grulde schille harpe.

þos hule luste þiderward.

100 ⁊ hold hire eȝe noþerwa[r]d.

⁊ sat to svolle ⁊ ibolwe.

also ho hadde one frogge isuolȝe.

for ho wel wiste ⁊ was i war.

þat ho song hire a bisemar.

105. ȝas corr. in margin to ȝaf.

105 ⁊ noþeles ho ȝaf andsuare.

whi nel tu flon in to þe bare.

⁊ sewi þare unker bo.

Of briȝter howe of uairur blo.

No þu hauest wel scharpe clawe.

110 Ne kepich noȝt þat þu me clawe.

þu hauest cliuers su þe stronge.

þu tuengst þar mid so doþ a tonge.

þu þoȝtest so doþ þin ilike.

Mid faire worde me bi swike.

115. þat] t added by a second hand.

115 Ich nolde don þa`t´ þu me raddest.

Ich wiste wel þat þu me mis raddest.

Schamie þe for þin unrede.

vn wroȝen is þi svikelhede.

Schild þine svikeldom vram þe liȝte.

120 ⁊ hud þat woȝe amonȝ þe riȝte.

þane þu wilt þin unriȝt spene.

Loke þat hit ne bo i sene.

vor svikedom haued schome ⁊ hete.

ȝif hit is ope ⁊ under ȝete.

125 Ne speddestu noȝt mid þine unwrenche.

for icham war ⁊ can wel blenche.

127. þriste] wriste MS.

Ne helpþ noȝt þat þu bo to þriste. |

Ich wolde viȝte bet mid liste.

þan þu mid all þine strengþe.

130. eck corr. out of ech MS.

130 Ich abbe on brede ⁊ eck on lengþe.

Castel god on mine rise.

wel fiȝt þat wel fliȝt seiþ þe wise.

ac lete we a wei þos cheste.

vor suiche wordes boþ unwerste.

135 ⁊ fo we on mid riȝte dome.

Mid faire worde ⁊ mid wsome.

þeȝ we ne bo at one acorde.

we muȝe bet mid fawre worde.

wit ute cheste ⁊ bute fiȝte.

140 Plaidi mid foȝe ⁊ mid riȝte.

141. he] hi MS.

⁊ mai hure eiþer wat he wile.

Mid riȝte segge ⁊ mid sckile.

Þ

143. wo] þu MS.

o quaþ þe hule wo schal us seme.

þat kunne ⁊ wille riȝt us deme.

145 Ich wot wel quaþ þe niȝtingale.

Ne þaref þar of bo no tale.

Maister nichole of guldeforde.

He is wis an war of worde.

He is of dome suþe gleu.

150 ⁊ him is loþ eurich unþeu.

He wot in siȝt in eche songe.

wo singet wel wo singet wronge.

⁊ he can schede vrom þe riȝte.

þat woȝe þat þuster from þe liȝte.

Þ

155 o hule one wile hi bi þoȝte.

⁊ after þan þis word up broȝte.

Ich granti wel þat he us deme.

vor þeȝ he were wile breme.

⁊ lof him were niȝtingale.

160 ⁊ oþer wiȝte gente ⁊ smale.

Ich wot he is nu suþe acoled. |

Nis he vor þe noȝt afoled.

þat he for þine olde lo`u´ue.

Me adun legge ⁊ þe buue.

165 Ne schaltu neure so him queme.

þat he forþe fals dom deme.

167. A mark in margin apparently calling attention to him, MS.

He is him ripe ⁊ fastrede.

Ne lust him nu to none unrede.

Nu him ne lust na more pleie.

170 He wile gon a riȝte weie.

Þ
e niȝtingale was al ȝare.

Ho hadde ilorned wel aiware.

Hule ho sede seie me soþ.

wi dostu þat un wiȝtis doþ.

175 þu singist aniȝt ⁊ noȝt adai.

⁊ al þi song is wailawai.

þu miȝt mid þine songe afere.

alle þat ihereþ þine ibere.

þu schirchest ⁊ ȝollest to þine fere.

180 þat hit is grislich to ihere.

Hit þinchest boþe wise ⁊ snepe.

Noȝt þat þu singe ac þat þu wepe.

þu fliȝst a niȝt ⁊ noȝt adai.

þar of ich wndri ⁊ wel mai.

185 vor eurich þing þat schuniet riȝt.

Hit luueþ þuster ⁊ hatiet liȝt.

⁊ eurich þing þat is lof misdede.

Hit luueþ þuster to his dede.

......

Þ
os hule luste suþe longe.

190 ⁊ was of toned suþ`e´ stronge.

191. Ho quaþ with marks of inversion MS.

quaþ Ho þu `h´attest niȝtingale.

Þu miȝtest bet hoten galegale.

Vor þu hauest to monie tale.

Lat þine tunge habbe spale.

195 þu wenest þat þes dai bo þinoȝe.

Lat me nu habbe mine þroȝe.

Bo nu stille ⁊ lat me speke.

Ich wille bon of þe awreke.

⁊ lust hu ich con me bitelle.

200 Mid riȝte soþe wit ute spelle.

þu seist þat ich me hude adai.

þar to ne segge ich nich ne nai.

⁊ lust ich telle þe wareuore.

al wi hit is ⁊ wareuore.

205 Ich habbe bile stif ⁊ stronge.

⁊ gode cliuers scharp ⁊ longe.

So hit bi cumeþ to hauekes cunne.

Hit is min hiȝte hit is mi wune.

þat ich me draȝe to mine cunde. |

Ne mai noman þareuore schende.

211 On me hit is wel isene.

vor riȝte cunde ich am so kene.

vor þi ich am loþ smale foȝle.

þat floþ bi grunde an bi þuuele.

215 Hi me bichermet ⁊ bigredeþ.

216. me] n̤e with i added above: me in margin.

⁊ hore flockes to `m´e ledeþ.

Me is lof to habbe reste.

⁊ sitte stille in mine neste.

......

wenestu þat haueck bo þe worse.

220 þoȝ crowe bi grede him bi þe mershe.

⁊ goþ to him mid hore chirme.

Riȝt so hi wille wit him schirme.

223. f̣ḷ folȝeþ MS.
224. hem corr. out of hi MS.

þe hauec folȝeþ gode rede. |

⁊ fliȝt his wei ⁊ lat hem grede.

Ȝ

225 et þu me seist of oþer þinge.

⁊ telst þat ich ne can noȝt singe

Ac al mi rorde is woning

⁊ to `i´hire grislich þing
þat nis noȝt soþ ich singe efne.

230 Mid fulle dreme ⁊ lude stefne.

þu wenist þat ech song bo grislich.

þat þine pipinge nis ilich.

233. MS. blod corr. in margin to bold.

Mi stefne is bold ⁊ noȝt un orne.

ho is ilich one grete horne.

235 ⁊ þin is ilich one pipe.

236. woede e added by corrector MS.

Of one smale w`e´ode un ripe.

Ich singe bet þan þu dest.

Þu chaterest so doþ on irish pr`e´ost.

Ich singe an eue ariȝte time

240 ⁊ soþþe won hit is bedtime.

þe þridde siþe ad middelniȝte.

⁊ so ich mine song adiȝte.

wone ich i so arise vorre.

Oþer dairim oþer daisterre.

245 Ich do god mid mine þrote.

⁊ warni men to hore note.

247. allelonge MS.

Ac þu singest alle longe niȝt.

From eue fort hit is dailiȝt.

⁊ eure seist þin o song.

250 So longe so þe niȝt is long.

⁊ eure croweþ þi wrecche crei.

þat he ne swikeþ niȝt ne dai.

Mid þine pipinge þu a dunest.

þas monnes earen þar þu wunest.

255 ⁊ makest þine song so unwrþ.

þa`t´ me ne telþ of þar noȝt wrþ.

Eurich murȝþe mai so longe ileste.

þat ho shal liki wel unwreste.

vor harpe ⁊ pipe ⁊ fuȝeles songe.

260 Mislikeþ ȝif hit is to long.

Ne bo þe song neuer so murie.

þat he ne shal þinche wel unmurie.

ȝef he ilesteþ ouer unwille.

So þu miȝt þine song aspille.

265. seiḍde MS.

265 vor hit is soþ alured hit seide.

⁊ me hit mai ine boke rede.

Eurich þing mai losen his godhede

Mid unmeþe ⁊ mid ouerdede.

......

Þ
e niȝtingale in hire þoȝte.

270. alþis MS.

270 Athold al þis ⁊ longe þoȝte.

wat ho þare after miȝte segge.

vor ho ne miȝte noȝt alegge.

þat þe hule hadde hire ised.

vor he spac boþe riȝt an red.

275 An hire ofþuȝte þat ho hadde.

þe speche so foruorþ iladde.

An was oferd þat hire answare.

Ne wrþe noȝt ariȝt i fare.

Ac noþeles he spac boldeliche.

280 vor he is wis þat hardeliche.

wiþ is uo berþ grete ilete.

þat he uor areȝþe hit ne forlete.

vor suich worþ bold ȝif þu fliȝste.

284. ịṣvicst MS.

þat wle flo ȝif þu svicst.

285 Ȝif he isiþ þat þu nart areȝ.

286. bareȝ] a corr. out of r MS.

He wile of bore wrchen bareȝ.

⁊ forþi þeȝ þe niȝtingale. |
were aferd ho spac bolde tale

H

289. Þule MS.

ule ho seide wi dostu so.

290 þu singest awinter wolawo.

þu singest so doþ hen asnowe.

Al þat ho singeþ hit is for wowe.

A wintere þu singest wroþe and ȝomere.

An`d´ eure þu art dumb a sumere.

295 Hit is for þine fule niþe.

þat þu ne miȝt mid us be bliþe.

297. foronde MS.

vor þu forbernest welneȝ for onde,
wane ure blisse cumeþ to londe.

þu farest so doþ þe ille.

300 Evrich blisse him is un wille.

Grucching ⁊ luring him boþ rade.

Ȝif he isoþ þat men boþ glade.

he wolde þat he iseȝe.

Teres in evrich monnes eȝe.

305 Ne roȝte he þeȝ flockes were.

Imeind bi toppes ⁊ bi here.

Al so þu dost on þire side.

vor wanne snov liþ þicke ⁊ wide.

an`d´ alle wiȝtes habbeþ sorȝe.

310 þu singest from eue fort amorȝe.

Ac ich alle blisse mid me bringe.

Ech wiȝt is glad for mine þinge.

⁊ blisseþ hit wanne ich cume.

⁊ hiȝteþ aȝen mine kume.

315. þe blostme on an erasure MS.

315 þe blostme ginneþ springe ⁊ sprede

Boþe ine tro ⁊ ek on mede.

þe lilie mid hire faire wlite.

Wolcumeþ me þat þu hit wte.

319. Bit] t corr. out of d MS.

Bit me mid hire faire blo.

320 Þat ich shulle to hire flo.

þe rose al so mid hire rude. |
þat cumeþ ut of þe þorne wode.

Bit me þat ich shulle singe

324. ọṇẹ one MS.

vor hire luue one skentinge.

......

H

325. Hule] Nule MS.

325 ule þu axest me ho seide.

ȝif ich kon eni oþer dede.

Bute singen in sume tide.

an bringe blisse for ⁊ wide.

wi axestu of craftes mine.

330 Betere is min on þan alle þine.

Betere is o song of mine muþe.

þan al þat eure þi kun kuþe.

An lust ich telle þe wareuore. |
wostu to wan man was ibore.

335 To þare blisse of houene riche.

þar euer is song ⁊ murȝþe iliche.

þider fundeþ eurich man.

þat eniþing of gode kan.

vor þi me singþ in holi chirche.

340 an clerkes ginneþ songes wirche.

þat man iþenche biþe songe.

wider he shal ⁊ þar bon longe.

þat he þe murȝþe ne uorȝete.

Ac þar of þenche and bi ȝete.

345 An nime ȝeme of chirche steuene.

Hu murie is þe blisse of houene.

Clerkes munekes ⁊ kanunes.

þar boþ þos gode wicke tunes.

Ariseþ up to midel niȝte.

350 An singeþ of þe houene liȝte.

An prostes upe londe singeþ.

wane þe liȝt of daie springeþ.

An ich hom helpe wat i mai.

......

Þ
e niȝtegale mid swucche worde.

355 for moniman mid speres orde.

haueþ lutle strencþe ⁊ mid his [s]chelde.

Ah neoþeles in one felde.

Þurh belde worde an mid ilete.

Deþ his iuo for arehþe swete.

360 þe wranne for heo cuþe singe.

361. more ȝeunge MS.

þar com in þare moreȝen[i]nge.

To helpe þare niȝtegale.

For þah heo hadde steuene smale.

364. þorte MS.

Heo hadde gode þrote ⁊ schille.

365 An fale manne song awille.

þe wranne was wel wis iholde.

367. This line comes after l. 378 in MS.
368. menne] mannēne MS.

`Vor þeg heo nere ibred awolde.´

Ho was itoȝen among menne.

An hire wisdom brohte þenne.

370 Heo miȝte speke hwar heo walde.

To uore þe king þah heo scholde.

Lusteþ heo cwaþ lateþ me speke.

Hwat wulle ȝe þis pes to breke.

374. þan kinge] þanne MS.

An do þan [kinge] swuch schame.

375 Ȝe[t] nis he nouþer ded ne lame.

Hunke schal i tide harm ⁊ schonde.

Ȝef ȝe doþ griþ bruche on his londe.

Lateþ beo ⁊ beoþ isome. |

An fareþ riht to ower dome.

380 An lateþ dom þis plaid to breke.

Al swo hit was erur bispeke.

I
ch an wel cwað þe niȝtegale.

Ah wranne nawt for þire tale.

Ah do for mire lahfulnesse.

385 Ich nolde þ̵ unriht fulnesse.

Me at þen ende ouer kome.

Ich nam of drad of none dome.

Bi hote ich habbe soþ hit is.

þat maister nichole þ̵ is wis.

390 Bi tuxen vs deme schulde.

An ȝef ich wene þ̵ he wule.

Ah war mihte we hine finde.

þe wranne sat in ore linde.

Hwat nuȝte ȝe cwaþ heo his hom.

395 He wuneþ at portes hom.

At one tune ine dorsete.

Bi þare see in ore ut lete.

þar he demeþ manie riȝte dom.

An diht ⁊ writ mani wisdom.

400 An þurh his muþe ⁊ þurh his honde.

Hit is þe betere into scot londe.

To seche hine is lihtlich þing.

He naueþ bute one woning.

þ̵ his bischopen muchel schame.

405 An alle þan þ̵ of his nome.

Habbeþ ihert. ⁊ of his dede.

Hwi nulleþ hi nimen heom to rede.

þ̵ he were mid heom ilome.

409. tḥeche MS.

for teche heom of his wis dome.

410 An ȝiue him rente auale stude.

þ̵ he miȝte heom ilome be mide.

Certes cwaþ þe hule þ̵ is soð. |

413. misdoð] ð corr. out of some other letter.

þeos riche men wel muche misdoð.

þ̵ leteþ þane godemon.

415 þ̵ of so feole þinge con.

An ȝiueþ rente wel misliche.

An of him leteþ wel lihtliche.

wið heore cunne heo beoþ mildre.

An ȝeueþ rente litle childre.

420 swo heore wit hi demþ adwole.

þ̵ euer abid maistre nichole.

Ah ute we þah to him fare.

For þar is unker dom al ȝare.

Do we þe niȝtegale seide.

425 ah wa schal unker speche rede.

An telle to uore unker deme.

Þ
ar of ich schal þe wel icweme.

Cwaþ þe houle for al ende of orde.

Telle ich con word after worde.

430 An ȝef þe þincþ þ̵ ich mis rempe.

431. dome MS.

þu stond aȝein ⁊ do me crempe.

Mid þisse worde forþ hi ferden.

Al bute here and bute uerde.

To portes ham þ̵ heo bi come.

435 Ah hu heo spedde of heore dome.

436. chan MS.

Ne can ich eu namore telle.

Her nis na more of þis spelle.

THE OWL AND THE NIGHTINGALE
Parallel Texts

Jesus College MS.
Cotton MS.

Jesus College MS.

Cotton MS.

Incipit Altercacio inter filomenam ⁊ Bubonem.

I
ch wes in one sumere dale.

In one swiþe dyele hale.

I herde ich holde grete tale.

An vle and one nẏhtegale.

5 Þat playd wes· stif· ⁊ starc· ⁊ strong.

Sum hwile softe· ⁊ lud among.

And eyþer a yeyn oþer swal.

And let þat vuele mod vt al.

And eyþer seyde of oþres custe.

10 þat alre wrste þat hi ywuste.

⁊ hure ⁊ hure of oþres songe.

hi holde playding swiþe stronge.

I
ch was in one sumere dale.

In one suþe diȝele hale.

I herde ich holde grete tale.

An hule and one niȝtingale.

5 Þat plait was stif ⁊ starc ⁊ strong.

Sum wile softe ⁊ lud among.

An aiþer aȝen oþer sval.

⁊ let þat wole mod ut al.

⁊ eiþer seide of oþeres custe.

10 þat alre worste þat hi wuste.

⁊ hure and hure of oþere[s] songe

Hi holde plaiding suþe stronge.

Þe Nihtegale bi gon þo speke.

In one hurne of one beche.

15 ⁊ sat vp one vayre bowe.

þat were abute blostme ynowe.

In ore vaste thikke hegge.

I meynd myd spire. ⁊ grene segge.

He wes þe gladdre. vor þe ryse.

20 ⁊ song a veole cunne wyse.

Bet þuhte þe drem. þat he were.

of harpe· ⁊ pipe· þan he nere.

Bet þuhte þat heo were i shote.

of harpe· ⁊ pipe· þan of þrote.

25 Þo stod on old stok. þar bẏ side.

Þar þe vle song hire tyde.

And wes myd ivi al bi growe.

Hit wes þare vle erdingstowe.

Þe Nihtegale hi iseyh.

30 ⁊ hi biholdeþ. and ouer seyh.

⁊ þuhte wel ful of þare vle.

For me hi halt. lodlich ⁊ fule. |
vnwyht heo seide a wey þu fleo.

Me is þe wurs. þat ich þe iseo.

35 Iwis for þine wle lete.

wel ofte ich my song fur lete

Min heorte atflyhþ· ⁊ falt my tunge.

hwenne þu art to me i þrunge.

Me luste bet speten þane singe.

40 of þine fule howelynge.

Þ
e niȝtingale bigon þe speche.

In one hurne of one breche.

15 ⁊ sat upone vaire boȝe.

þar were abute blosme inoȝe.

In ore waste þicke hegge.

Imeind mid spire ⁊ grene segge.

Ho was þe gladur uor þe rise.

20 ⁊ song auele cunne wise.

Bet þuȝte þe dreim þat he were.

Of harpe ⁊ pipe þan he nere.

Bet þuȝte þat he were ishote.

Of harpe ⁊ pipe þan of þrote.

25 [Þ]o stod on old stoc þarbiside.

þar þo vle song hire tide.

⁊ was mid iui al bigrowe.

Hit was þare hule eardingstowe.

[Þ]e niȝtingale hi iseȝ.

30 ⁊ hi bihold ⁊ ouerseȝ.

⁊ þuȝte wel wl of þare hule.

For me hi halt lodlich ⁊ fule.

vn wiȝt ho sede a wei þu flo.

Me is þe wrs þat ich þe so. |

I wis for þine wle lete.

36 wel oft ich mine song forlete.

Min horte atfliþ ⁊ falt mi tonge.

wonne þu art to me iþrunge.

Me luste bet speten þane singe.

40 Of þine fule ȝoȝelinge.

Þeos vle abod for hit wes eve.

heo ne myhte no leng bileue.

vor hire heorte wes so gret.

þat wel neyh hire fnast at set.

45 ⁊ warp a word þar after longe.

hw þynk þe nu bi mine songe.

Wenestu þat ich ne kunne singe.

Þe ich ne cunne of wrytelinge.

Ilome þu dest me grome.

50 ⁊ seist me boþe teone ⁊ schome.

If ich þe heolde on myne vote.

So hit bitide þat ich mote.

⁊ þu were vt of þine ryse.

þu scholdest singe on oþer wise.

Þ
os hule abod fort hit was eve.

Ho ne miȝte no leng bileue.

vor hire horte was so gret.

þat welneȝ hire fnast at schet.

45 ⁊ warp a word þar after longe.

Hu þincþe nu bi mine songe.

we[n]st þu þat ich ne cunne singe.

þeȝ ich ne cunne of writelinge.

I lome þu dest me grame

50 ⁊ seist me boþe tone ⁊ schame

Ȝif ich þe holde on mine uote.

So hit bitide þat ich mote.

⁊ þu were vt of þine rise.

þu sholdest singe an oþer w[i]se.

55 Þe Nihtegale ȝaf onsware.

If ich me loki wiþ þe bare.

⁊ me schilde wit þe blete.

Ne recche ich nouht of þine þrete.

If ich me holde in myne hegge

60 Ne recche ich neuer hwat þu segge.

Ich wot þat þu art vnmilde.

wiþ heom þat ne muwe from þe schilde.

And þu tukest wroþe ⁊ vuele

Hwar þu myht ouer smale vowele. |
vor þi þu art loþ al fowel cunne.

66 ⁊ alle heo þe dryueþ heonne.

⁊ þe bi scrycheþ. ⁊ bi gredeþ

⁊ wel narewe þe by ledeþ.

⁊ ek forþe þe sulue mose

70 hire þonkes wolde þe to tose.

þu art lodlich to bi holde.

And þu art loþ in monye volde.

þi bodi is scort. þi swere is smal.

Gretture is þin heued ne þu al.

75 þin éyen beoþ col blake ⁊ brode.

Ryht so hi weren ipeynt myd wode
þu starest so þu wille abyten

Al þat þu myht myd clyure smyten
þi bile is stif· ⁊ sarp· ⁊ hoked.

80 Riht as on ewel þat is croked.

þar myd þu clechest euer among.

And þat is on of þine song.

Ac þu þretest to myne vleysse.

Mid þine cleures woldest me meysse.

85 þe were i cundere to one frogge.

þat sit at Mulne vnder cogge.

Snayles. Mus. and fule wihte.

Beoþ þine cunde ⁊ þine rihte.

Þu sittest a day and flyhst a niht.

90 þu cuþest þat þu art on vnwiht.

þu art lodlich· and unclene.

Bi þine neste· ich hit mene.

And ek bi þine fule brode.

Þu vedest on heom a wel ful vode.

......

Þ

55 e niȝtingale ȝaf answare.

ȝif ich me loki wit þe bare.

⁊ me schilde wit þe blete.

Ne reche ich noȝt of þine þrete.

ȝif ich me holde in mine hegge.

60 Ne recche ich neuer what þu segge.

Ich wot þat þu art un milde.

Wiþ hom þat ne muȝe from þe schilde.

⁊ þu tukest wroþe ⁊ vuele.

Whar þu miȝt over smale fuȝele.

65 Vorþi þu art loþ al fuel kunne.

⁊ alle ho þe driueþ honne.

⁊ þe bi schricheþ ⁊ bi gredet.

⁊ wel narewe þe bi ledet. |

⁊ ek forþe þe sulue mose.

70 Hire þonkes wolde þe totose.

Þu art lodlich to biholde.

⁊ þu art loþ in monie volde.

þi bodi is short þi swore is. smal.

Grettere is þin heued þan þu al.

75 þin eȝene boþ colblake ⁊ brode.

Riȝt swo ho weren ipeint mid wode.

þu starest so þu wille abiten.

Al þat þu mist mid cliure smiten.

þi bile is stif ⁊ scharp ⁊ hoked.

80 Riȝt so an owel þat is croked.

þar mid þu clackes oft`e´ ⁊ longe.

⁊ þat is on of þine songe.

Ac þu þretest to mine fleshe.

Mid þine cliures woldest me meshe.

85 þe were icundur to one frogge.

[Þat sit at mulne under cogge.]

Snailes, mus ⁊ fule wiȝte.

Boþ þine cunde ⁊ þine riȝte.

þu sittest adai and fliȝ[s]t aniȝt.

90 þu cuþest þat þu art on unwiȝt.

þu art lodlich ⁊ unclene.

Bi þine neste ich hit mene.

⁊ ek bi þine fule brode.

þu fedest on hom a wel ful fode.

......

Þ
eos word ayaf þe nihtegale.

96 And after þare longe tale.

Heo song so lude. ⁊ so scharpe.

Ryht so me grulde. schille harpe.

þeos vle luste þiderward.

100 ⁊ heold hire eyen neþerward.

⁊ sat to swolle ⁊ to bolewe.

so heo hedde one frogge i`s´wolwe.

For heo wel wiste. ⁊ was i war.

þat heo song hire a bysemar.

105 ⁊ naþeles heo yaf ondsware.

hwy nel tu fleon into bare.

And schewi hweþer vnker beo.

of brihter hewe. of fayrur bleo.

No. þu hauest scharpe clawe.

110 Ne kepe ich noht þat þu me clawe.

þu hauest clyures swiþe stronge.

þu twengest þar mid so doþ a tonge.

þu þoutest so doþ þine ilyche.

Mid fayre worde me biswike.

115 Ich nolde don þat þu me raddest.

Ich wiste wel þat þu me misraddest.

schomye þe vor þine vnrede.

vn wryen is þi swikehede.

schild þi swikedom from þe lyhte.

120 And hud þat wowe a mong þe ryhte.

hwanne þu wilt þu vnriht spene.

Loke þat hit ne beo isene. |
vor swikedom haueþ schome and het

If hit is ope. and vnder yete.

125 Ne spedestu nouht mid þin vn wrenche

For ich am war. and can blenche.

Ne helpeþ noht· þat þu bo· to þriste.

Ich wolde vyhte bet myd liste.

þan þu mid al þine strengþe.

130 Ich habbe on brede· ⁊ ek on lengþe.

Castel god on myne ryse.

wel fyht þat wel flyhþ. seyþ þe wise.

Ac lete awey þeos cheste.

For suche wordes beoþ vnwreste.

135 And fo we on· myd rihte dome.

Mid fayre worde. ⁊ myd some.

þeyh we ne beon at on acorde.

we mawe bet myd fayre worde.

wiþ vte cheste· and bute vyhte.

140 Playde mid soþe. ⁊ mid ryhte.

⁊ may vr eyþer hwat he wile.

Mid rihte segge. ⁊ myd skile.

Þ
os word a ȝaf þe niȝtingale.

96 ⁊ after þare longe tale.

He song so lude ⁊ so scharpe.

Riȝt so me grulde schille harpe.

þos hule luste þiderward.

100 ⁊ hold hire eȝe noþerwa[r]d.

⁊ sat to svolle ⁊ ibolwe.

also ho hadde one frogge isuolȝe.

for ho wel wiste ⁊ was i war.

þat ho song hire a bisemar.

105 ⁊ noþeles ho ȝaf andsuare.

whi nel tu flon in to þe bare.

⁊ sewi þare unker bo.

Of briȝter howe of uairur blo.

No þu hauest wel scharpe clawe.

110 Ne kepich noȝt þat þu me clawe.

þu hauest cliuers su þe stronge.

þu tuengst þar mid so doþ a tonge.

þu þoȝtest so doþ þin ilike.

Mid faire worde me bi swike.

115 Ich nolde don þa`t´ þu me raddest.

Ich wiste wel þat þu me mis raddest.

Schamie þe for þin unrede.

vn wroȝen is þi svikelhede.

Schild þine svikeldom vram þe liȝte.

120 ⁊ hud þat woȝe amonȝ þe riȝte.

þane þu wilt þin unriȝt spene.

Loke þat hit ne bo i sene.

vor svikedom haued schome ⁊ hete.

ȝif hit is ope ⁊ under ȝete.

125 Ne speddestu noȝt mid þine unwrenche.

for icham war ⁊ can wel blenche.

Ne helpþ noȝt þat þu bo to þriste. |

Ich wolde viȝte bet mid liste.

þan þu mid all þine strengþe.

130 Ich abbe on brede ⁊ eck on lengþe.

Castel god on mine rise.

wel fiȝt þat wel fliȝt seiþ þe wise.

ac lete we a wei þos cheste.

vor suiche wordes boþ unwerste.

135 ⁊ fo we on mid riȝte dome.

Mid faire worde ⁊ mid wsome.

þeȝ we ne bo at one acorde.

we muȝe bet mid fawre worde.

wit ute cheste ⁊ bute fiȝte.

140 Plaidi mid foȝe ⁊ mid riȝte.

⁊ mai hure eiþer wat he wile.

Mid riȝte segge ⁊ mid sckile.

Þ
o qwaþ þe vle. hwo schal vs seme.

þat cunne ⁊ wille riht vs deme.

145 Ich wot wel quaþ þe nyhtegale.

Ne þarf þer of beo no tale.

Mayster Nichol· of guldeuorde.

he is wis· and war· of worde.

he is of worde swyþe glev.

150 And him is loþ eurich vnþeu.

he wot insyht in euche songe.

hwo singeþ wel. hwo singeþ wronge.

And he con schede from þe rihte.

Þat wowe. þat þuster from þe lyhte.

Þ
o quaþ þe hule wo schal us seme.

þat kunne ⁊ wille riȝt us deme.

145 Ich wot wel quaþ þe niȝtingale.

Ne þaref þar of bo no tale.

Maister nichole of guldeforde.

He is wis an war of worde.

He is of dome suþe gleu.

150 ⁊ him is loþ eurich unþeu.

He wot in siȝt in eche songe.

wo singet wel wo singet wronge.

⁊ he can schede vrom þe riȝte.

þat woȝe þat þuster from þe liȝte.

Þ

155 e vle. one hwile hi bihouhte.

And after þan þis word up brouhte. |

Ich graunti wel þa`t´ he vs deme.

For þeyh he were hwile breme.

⁊ leof him wre Nihtingale.

160 And oþer wyhte gent ⁊ smale.

Ich wot. he is nu þe acoled.

Nis he vor þe nouht afoled.

þat he vor þine olde luue.

Me a dun legge ⁊ þe a buue.

165 N[e] schaltu. neuer so him queme.

þat he vor þe fals dom deme.

he is nv ripe. ⁊ fast rede.

Ne luste hym nv to non vnrede.

Nv him ne lust namore pleye

170 he wile gon a rihte weye.

Þ

155 o hule one wile hi bi þoȝte.

⁊ after þan þis word up broȝte.

Ich granti wel þat he us deme.

vor þeȝ he were wile breme.

⁊ lof him were niȝtingale.

160 ⁊ oþer wiȝte gente ⁊ smale.

Ich wot he is nu suþe acoled. |

Nis he vor þe noȝt afoled.

þat he for þine olde lo`u´ue.

Me adun legge ⁊ þe buue.

165 Ne schaltu neure so him queme.

þat he forþe fals dom deme.

He is him ripe ⁊ fastrede.

Ne lust him nu to none unrede.

Nu him ne lust na more pleie.

170 He wile gon a riȝte weie.

Þ
e nihtegale· wes al ware.

heo hedde ileorned· wel ihware.

vle heo seyde seye me soþ.

hwi dostu þat vnwihtes doþ.

175 þu singest a nyht ⁊ nouht a day.

And al þi song is way laway.

þu miht mid þine songe afere.

Alle þat hereþ þine ibere.

Þ[u] scrichest ⁊ yollest to þine fere

180 þat hit is gryslich to ihere.

hit þincheþ boþe wise ⁊ snepe.

Nouht þat þu singe. at þu wepe.

þu flyhst a nyht and noht a day.

þar of ich wundri ⁊ wel may.

185 For vych þing þat schonyeþ riht.

hit luuyeþ þuster ⁊ hateþ lyht.

⁊ euych þing. þat luueþ misdede.

hi luueþ þuster to his dede.

......

Þ
e niȝtingale was al ȝare.

Ho hadde ilorned wel aiware.

Hule ho sede seie me soþ.

wi dostu þat un wiȝtis doþ.

175 þu singist aniȝt ⁊ noȝt adai.

⁊ al þi song is wailawai.

þu miȝt mid þine songe afere.

alle þat ihereþ þine ibere.

þu schirchest ⁊ ȝollest to þine fere.

180 þat hit is grislich to ihere.

Hit þinchest boþe wise ⁊ snepe.

Noȝt þat þu singe ac þat þu wepe.

þu fliȝst a niȝt ⁊ noȝt adai.

þar of ich wndri ⁊ wel mai.

185 vor eurich þing þat schuniet riȝt.

Hit luueþ þuster ⁊ hatiet liȝt.

⁊ eurich þing þat is lof misdede.

Hit luueþ þuster to his dede.

......

Þ
eos vle luste swiþe longe.

190 ⁊ wes of teoned swiþe stronge.

heo quaþ. þu hattest Nihtegale.

þu mihtest bet hote galegale.

vor þu hauest to monye tale.

let þine tunge habbe spale.

195 þu wenest þat þes day beo þin owe.

let me nv habbe myne þrowe.

Beo nv stille ⁊ let me speke.

Ich wile beo of þe a wreke.

⁊ lust hw ich con me bi telle.

200 Mid rihte soþe wiþ vte spelle.

þu seyst þat ich me hude a day
þar to ne segge ich nyk no nay

⁊ lust ich telle hwer vore

Al hwi hit is ⁊ hware vore. |

Ich habbe bile stif ⁊ stronge.

206 ⁊ gode cleures scharp ⁊ longe.

So hit bycumeþ to hauekes cunne.

hit is myn hyhte· ⁊ my ynne.

þat ich me drawe to mine cunde.

210 Ne may me no mon þar for sende.

on me hit is wel i sene.

For rihte cunde ich am so kene.

vor þi ich am loþ smale vowele.

Þat fleoþ bi grunde ⁊ bi þuuele.

215 hi me bichirmeþ ⁊ bi gredeþ.

⁊ heore flockes to me ledeþ.

Me is leof to habbe reste.

And sitte stille in myne neste.

......

Þ
os hule luste suþe longe.

190 ⁊ was of toned suþ`e´ stronge.

quaþ Ho þu `h´attest niȝtingale.

Þu miȝtest bet hoten galegale.

Vor þu hauest to monie tale.

Lat þine tunge habbe spale.

195 þu wenest þat þes dai bo þinoȝe.

Lat me nu habbe mine þroȝe.

Bo nu stille ⁊ lat me speke.

Ich wille bon of þe awreke.

⁊ lust hu ich con me bitelle.

200 Mid riȝte soþe wit ute spelle.

þu seist þat ich me hude adai.

þar to ne segge ich nich ne nai.

⁊ lust ich telle þe wareuore.

al wi hit is ⁊ wareuore.

205 Ich habbe bile stif ⁊ stronge.

⁊ gode cliuers scharp ⁊ longe.

So hit bi cumeþ to hauekes cunne.

Hit is min hiȝte hit is mi wune.

þat ich me draȝe to mine cunde. |

Ne mai noman þareuore schende.

211 On me hit is wel isene.

vor riȝte cunde ich am so kene.

vor þi ich am loþ smale foȝle.

þat floþ bi grunde an bi þuuele.

215 Hi me bichermet ⁊ bigredeþ.

⁊ hore flockes to `m´e ledeþ.

Me is lof to habbe reste.

⁊ sitte stille in mine neste.

......

wenestu þat hauek beo þe wrse.

220 Þe crowe bi grede him bi þe mersche.

⁊ goþ to him myd heore chyrme.

Riht so hi wille. wiþ him schirme.

þe hauek foleweþ gode rede.

He flyhþ his wey ⁊ let hi grede.

wenestu þat haueck bo þe worse.

220 þoȝ crowe bi grede him bi þe mershe.

⁊ goþ to him mid hore chirme.

Riȝt so hi wille wit him schirme.

þe hauec folȝeþ gode rede. |

⁊ fliȝt his wei ⁊ lat hem grede.

Þ

225 et þu me seyst of oþer þinge.

⁊ tellest þat ich ne can nouht singe.

Ac al my reorde is wonyng.

And to ihere gryslych þing.

þat nis nouht soþ. ich singe efne.

230 Mid fulle dreme· ⁊ lude stefne.

þu wenest þat eoch song beo grislich.

þat þine pipinge nis ilich.

Mi stefne is bold· ⁊ nouht vnorne.

heo is ilich one grete horne.

235 ⁊ þin is iliche one pype.

of one smale weode vnripe.

Ich [singe] bet þan þu dest.

Þu chaterest so doþ on yris prest.

Ich singe an efne. a ryhte time.

240 ⁊ seþþe hwenne hit is bedtime.

þe þridde syþe a middel nyhte.

⁊ so ich myne songe a dihte.

hwenne ich iseo arise veorre
oþer day rewe· oþer day steorre.

245 Ic do god myd myne þrote.

And warny men to heore note.

Ac þu singest alle longe nyht.

From eue þat hit is day liht.

⁊ euer lesteþ þin o song,

250 so longe so þe nyht is long.

⁊ euer croweþ þi wrecche crey.

Þat he ne swikeþ nyht ne day. |

Mid þine pipinge þu adunest.

þas monnes eren. þar þu wunest.

255 ⁊ makest þi song, so vnwiht.

þat me ne telleþ. of þe nowiht.

Ȝ

225 et þu me seist of oþer þinge.

⁊ telst þat ich ne can noȝt singe

Ac al mi rorde is woning

⁊ to `i´hire grislich þing
þat nis noȝt soþ ich singe efne.

230 Mid fulle dreme ⁊ lude stefne.

þu wenist þat ech song bo grislich.

þat þine pipinge nis ilich.

Mi stefne is bold ⁊ noȝt un orne.

ho is ilich one grete horne.

235 ⁊ þin is ilich one pipe.

Of one smale w`e´ode un ripe.

Ich singe bet þan þu dest.

Þu chaterest so doþ on irish pr`e´ost.

Ich singe an eue ariȝte time

240 ⁊ soþþe won hit is bedtime.

þe þridde siþe ad middelniȝte.

⁊ so ich mine song adiȝte.

wone ich i so arise vorre.

Oþer dairim oþer daisterre.

245 Ich do god mid mine þrote.

⁊ warni men to hore note.

Ac þu singest alle longe niȝt.

From eue fort hit is dailiȝt.

⁊ eure seist þin o song.

250 So longe so þe niȝt is long.

⁊ eure croweþ þi wrecche crei.

þat he ne swikeþ niȝt ne dai.

Mid þine pipinge þu a dunest.

þas monnes earen þar þu wunest.

255 ⁊ makest þine song so unwrþ.

þa`t´ me ne telþ of þar noȝt wrþ.

Eurych mureþe may so longe leste.

þat heo schal liki wel vnwreste.

for harpe. ⁊ pipe. ⁊ foweles song.

260 Mislikeþ. if hit is to long.

Ne beo þe song ne so murie.

þat he ne sal þinche vnmurie.

If he i lesteþ ouer vnwille.

So þu myht þi song aspille.

265 for hit is soþ Alured hit seyde.

⁊ me hit. may in boke rede.

Eurich þing may lesen his godhede.

Mid vnmeþe and ouerdede.

......

Eurich murȝþe mai so longe ileste.

þat ho shal liki wel unwreste.

vor harpe ⁊ pipe ⁊ fuȝeles songe.

260 Mislikeþ ȝif hit is to long.

Ne bo þe song neuer so murie.

þat he ne shal þinche wel unmurie.

ȝef he ilesteþ ouer unwille.

So þu miȝt þine song aspille.

265 vor hit is soþ alured hit seide.

⁊ me hit mai ine boke rede.

Eurich þing mai losen his godhede

Mid unmeþe ⁊ mid ouerdede.

......

Þ
e nyhtegale in hire þouhte.

270 At heold al þis. ⁊ longe þouhte.

hwat heo þar after myhte segge,
vor heo ne myhte noht a legge.

þat þe vle hedde hire i seyd.

vor ho spak boþe riht ⁊ red.

275 ⁊ hire of þuhte þat heo hadde.

þe speche so feor uorþ iladde.

⁊ wes aferd þat hire answare

Ne wrþe nouht a riht ivare.

Ac noþeles heo spak boldeliche

280 vor heo is wis þat hardeliche.

wiþ his fo berþ grete ilete.

þat he for arehþe hit ne for lete.

vor suych worþ bold if þu flyhst.

þa`t´ wile fleo if þu swykst. |

If he isihþ þat þu nart areh.

286 he wile of bore wurche bareh.

⁊ for þi· þey `þe´ nyhtegale.

Were a ferd· heo spak bolde tale.

Þ
e niȝtingale in hire þoȝte.

270 Athold al þis ⁊ longe þoȝte.

wat ho þare after miȝte segge.

vor ho ne miȝte noȝt alegge.

þat þe hule hadde hire ised.

vor he spac boþe riȝt an red.

275 An hire ofþuȝte þat ho hadde.

þe speche so foruorþ iladde.

An was oferd þat hire answare.

Ne wrþe noȝt ariȝt i fare.

Ac noþeles he spac boldeliche.

280 vor he is wis þat hardeliche.

wiþ is uo berþ grete ilete.

þat he uor areȝþe hit ne forlete.

vor suich worþ bold ȝif þu fliȝste.

þat wle flo ȝif þu svicst.

285 Ȝif he isiþ þat þu nart areȝ.

He wile of bore wrchen bareȝ.

⁊ forþi þeȝ þe niȝtingale. |
were aferd ho spac bolde tale

H
vle heo seyde· hwi dostu so.

290 þu singest a wynter wolawo.

þu singest so doþ hen a snowe.

Al þat heo singeþ hit is for wowe.

A winter þu singest wroþe ⁊ yomere.

⁊ euer þu art. dumb a sumere.

295 hit is for þine fule nyþe
þat þu ne myht. myd vs be bliþe.

vor þu forbernest· neyh for onde.

hwenne vre blisse cumeþ to londe.

þu farest so doþ þe ille.

300 Euer ich blisse him is vnwille.

Grucching· ⁊· luryng. him beoþ rade.

If he iseoþ. þat men beoþ glade.

he wolde þat he iseye.

Teres in eueriche monnes eye.

305 Ne roughte þe. þeyh flockes were.

Imeynd bi toppes· ⁊ bi here.

Al so þu dost on þire syde.

For hwanne snouh liþ þikke ⁊ wide.

⁊ alle wihtes habbeþ sorewe.

310 þu singest from eue to amorewe.

Ac ich mid me alle blisse bringe.

Ech wiht is glad· for myne þinge.

⁊ blesseþ hit· hwenne ich cume.

⁊ hihteþ a yeyn myne cume.

315 þe blostme. gynneþ springe ⁊ sprede.

Boþe in treo ⁊ ek in mede.

þe lilie myd hire fayre wlite.

welcomeþ me þeyh þu hit wite.

Bid me myd hire fayre bleo. |
þat ich schulle to hire fleo.

321 þe rose also myd hire rude.

þat cumeþ of þe þorne wode.

Bit me þat ich schulle singe.

For hire luue one skentynge.

......

H
ule ho seide wi dostu so.

290 þu singest awinter wolawo.

þu singest so doþ hen asnowe.

Al þat ho singeþ hit is for wowe.

A wintere þu singest wroþe and ȝomere.

An`d´ eure þu art dumb a sumere.

295 Hit is for þine fule niþe.

þat þu ne miȝt mid us be bliþe.

vor þu forbernest welneȝ for onde,
wane ure blisse cumeþ to londe.

þu farest so doþ þe ille.

300 Evrich blisse him is un wille.

Grucching ⁊ luring him boþ rade.

Ȝif he isoþ þat men boþ glade.

he wolde þat he iseȝe.

Teres in evrich monnes eȝe.

305 Ne roȝte he þeȝ flockes were.

Imeind bi toppes ⁊ bi here.

Al so þu dost on þire side.

vor wanne snov liþ þicke ⁊ wide.

an`d´ alle wiȝtes habbeþ sorȝe.

310 þu singest from eue fort amorȝe.

Ac ich alle blisse mid me bringe.

Ech wiȝt is glad for mine þinge.

⁊ blisseþ hit wanne ich cume.

⁊ hiȝteþ aȝen mine kume.

315 þe blostme ginneþ springe ⁊ sprede

Boþe ine tro ⁊ ek on mede.

þe lilie mid hire faire wlite.

Wolcumeþ me þat þu hit wte.

Bit me mid hire faire blo.

320 Þat ich shulle to hire flo.

þe rose al so mid hire rude. |
þat cumeþ ut of þe þorne wode.

Bit me þat ich shulle singe
vor hire luue one skentinge.

......

[V]le þu axest me heo seyde.

326 [I]f ich con eny oþer dede.

Bute syngen in sume tyde.

⁊ bringe blisse veor ⁊ wyde.

hwy axestu of craftes myne.

330 Beter is myn on þan alle þine.

Beter is o song of myne muþe.

þan al þat þi kun kuþe.

⁊ lust. ich telle þe hwar vore.

wostu to hwan· mon wes ibore.

335 To þare blisse of heueryche. |
þar euer is song. ⁊ Murehþe ilyche.

þider fundeþ euer ich man.

þat eny þing of gode can.

for þi me syngþ in holy chireche.

340 ⁊ clerekes gynneþ songes wrche.

þat mon yþenche. bi þe songe.

hwider he shal. ⁊ þar beon longe.

þat he þe murehþe ne vor yete.

Ac þar of þenche. ⁊ bi gete.

345 ⁊ nyme yeme of chirche stefne.

hw Murie is þe blisse of heuene.

Clerekes· Munekes· ⁊ canúnes.

þar beoþ þos gode wike tunes.

Ariseþ vp to middel nyhte.

350 ⁊ singeþ of þon heuene lyhte.

⁊ preostes vpe londe singeþ.

[Hwenne þe liht of daye springeþ.]

⁊ ich heom helpe hwat ic may.

......

H

325 ule þu axest me ho seide.

ȝif ich kon eni oþer dede.

Bute singen in sume tide.

an bringe blisse for ⁊ wide.

wi axestu of craftes mine.

330 Betere is min on þan alle þine.

Betere is o song of mine muþe.

þan al þat eure þi kun kuþe.

An lust ich telle þe wareuore. |
wostu to wan man was ibore.

335 To þare blisse of houene riche.

þar euer is song ⁊ murȝþe iliche.

þider fundeþ eurich man.

þat eniþing of gode kan.

vor þi me singþ in holi chirche.

340 an clerkes ginneþ songes wirche.

þat man iþenche biþe songe.

wider he shal ⁊ þar bon longe.

þat he þe murȝþe ne uorȝete.

Ac þar of þenche and bi ȝete.

345 An nime ȝeme of chirche steuene.

Hu murie is þe blisse of houene.

Clerkes munekes ⁊ kanunes.

þar boþ þos gode wicke tunes.

Ariseþ up to midel niȝte.

350 An singeþ of þe houene liȝte.

An prostes upe londe singeþ.

wane þe liȝt of daie springeþ.

An ich hom helpe wat i mai.

......

Þ
e Nihtegale myd sweche worde.

355 for monymon myd speres orde.

haueþ lutle strengþe. ⁊ mid his schelde.

Ah naþeles in one felde.

þurh belde worde ⁊ myd ilete.

Deþ his iuo· for arehþe swete.

360 þe wrenne for heo cuþe singe.

þar com in þare moreweninge.

To helpe þare nyhtegale.

vor heo hadde stefne smale.

heo hadde gode þrote ⁊ schille.

365 ⁊ fale monne song a wille.

þe wrenne· wes wel wis iholde.

vor þeih heo nere ibred a wolde.

heo wes itowen. among mankunne

⁊ hire wisdom brouhte þenne.

370 heo myhte speke hwar heo wolde.

To fore þe kinge· þah heo scholde.

lusteþ· heo queþ· leteþ me speke.

hwat wille ye. þis pays to breke.

⁊ do þan [kinge] such schome.

375 yet nys heo nouþer ded ne lome.

hunke schal i tyde harm ⁊ schonde.

If we doþ gryþ bruche on his londe.

Leteþ beo and beoþ isome.

⁊ fareþ riht to eure dome.

380 ⁊ leteþ dom þis playd to breke.

Al so hit wes erure bi speke.

Þ
e niȝtegale mid swucche worde.

355 for moniman mid speres orde.

haueþ lutle strencþe ⁊ mid his [s]chelde.

Ah neoþeles in one felde.

Þurh belde worde an mid ilete.

Deþ his iuo for arehþe swete.

360 þe wranne for heo cuþe singe.

þar com in þare moreȝen[i]nge.

To helpe þare niȝtegale.

For þah heo hadde steuene smale.

Heo hadde gode þrote ⁊ schille.

365 An fale manne song awille.

þe wranne was wel wis iholde.

`Vor þeg heo nere ibred awolde.´

Ho was itoȝen among menne.

An hire wisdom brohte þenne.

370 Heo miȝte speke hwar heo walde.

To uore þe king þah heo scholde.

Lusteþ heo cwaþ lateþ me speke.

Hwat wulle ȝe þis pes to breke.

An do þan [kinge] swuch schame.

375 Ȝe[t] nis he nouþer ded ne lame.

Hunke schal i tide harm ⁊ schonde.

Ȝef ȝe doþ griþ bruche on his londe.

Lateþ beo ⁊ beoþ isome. |

An fareþ riht to ower dome.

380 An lateþ dom þis plaid to breke.

Al swo hit was erur bispeke.

Ich vnne wel queþ þe Nihtegale.

Ah wrenne· nouht for þine tale.

Ac do for myre lauhfulnesse.

385 Ic nolde þat vnrihtfulnesse.

Me at þen ende· me ouercome.

Ic nam of dred. of none dome.

Bi hote ic habbe· soþ hit is.

þat maẏster Nichole. þ̵ is wis.

390 Bi twihen eu deme schulle.

⁊ yet ic wene þat he wulle. |

Ah war myhte we hine fynde.

þe wrenne sat in hore lynde.

hwat mihte yet quaþ heo his hom.

395 heo wuneþ at portes hom.

At one tune in dorsete.

Bi þare séé in ore vt lete.

þar he demeþ mony riht dom.

⁊ diht ⁊ wryt mony wisdom.

400 ⁊ þurh his muþe. ⁊ þurh his honde.

hit is þe betere in to scotlonde.

To seche hyne. is lyhtlych þing.

he naueþ buten o wunyng.

þ̵ is biscopen muchel schame.

405 ⁊ alle þan þ̵ of his nome.

habbeþ iherd. ⁊ of his dede.

hwi nulleþ hi nymen heom to rede.

þ̵ he were myd heom ilome.

vor teche heom of his wisdome.

410 ⁊ yeue him rente on vale stude.

þ̵ he myhte ilome heom beo myde.

I
ch an wel cwað þe niȝtegale.

Ah wranne nawt for þire tale.

Ah do for mire lahfulnesse.

385 Ich nolde þ̵ unriht fulnesse.

Me at þen ende ouer kome.

Ich nam of drad of none dome.

Bi hote ich habbe soþ hit is.

þat maister nichole þ̵ is wis.

390 Bi tuxen vs deme schulde.

An ȝef ich wene þ̵ he wule.

Ah war mihte we hine finde.

þe wranne sat in ore linde.

Hwat nuȝte ȝe cwaþ heo his hom.

395 He wuneþ at portes hom.

At one tune ine dorsete.

Bi þare see in ore ut lete.

þar he demeþ manie riȝte dom.

An diht ⁊ writ mani wisdom.

400 An þurh his muþe ⁊ þurh his honde.

Hit is þe betere into scot londe.

To seche hine is lihtlich þing.

He naueþ bute one woning.

þ̵ his bischopen muchel schame.

405 An alle þan þ̵ of his nome.

Habbeþ ihert. ⁊ of his dede.

Hwi nulleþ hi nimen heom to rede.

þ̵ he were mid heom ilome.

for teche heom of his wis dome.

410 An ȝiue him rente auale stude.

þ̵ he miȝte heom ilome be mide.

Certes quaþ þe vle. þat is soþ.

þeos riche men· Muchele mys doþ.

þat leteþ þane gode man.

415 þat of so fele þinge can.

⁊ yeueþ rente wel mislyche.

⁊ of him leteþ wel lyhtliche.

wiþ heore kunne heo beoþ Mildre.

⁊ yeueþ rente lutle childre.

420 so heore wit hi demeþ adwole.

þ̵ euer abit Mayster Nichole.

Ah vte we þah· to him fare,
vor þat is vnker dom al yare

Certes cwaþ þe hule þ̵ is soð. |
þeos riche men wel muche misdoð.

þ̵ leteþ þane godemon.

415 þ̵ of so feole þinge con.

An ȝiueþ rente wel misliche.

An of him leteþ wel lihtliche.

wið heore cunne heo beoþ mildre.

An ȝeueþ rente litle childre.

420 swo heore wit hi demþ adwole.

þ̵ euer abid maistre nichole.

Ah ute we þah to him fare.

For þar is unker dom al ȝare.

Do we þe Nihtegale seyde.

425 Ah hwo schal vnker speche rede.

⁊ telle to vore vnker dome.

Do we þe niȝtegale seide.

425 ah wa schal unker speche rede.

An telle to uore unker deme.

þar of ic schal þe wel iqueme

Queþ þe vle. for al ende of orde. |

Telle ic con. word after worde.

430 ⁊ if þe þinkþ þat ic mis rempe.

þu stond ayeyn and do me crempe.

Mid þisse worde forþ hi ferden.

Al bute here and bute verde.

To portes ham. þer hi bicome.

435 Ah hw heo spedde of heore dome.

Ne can ic eu namore telle.

her nys namore of þisse spelle.

Explicit.

Þ
ar of ich schal þe wel icweme.

Cwaþ þe houle for al ende of orde.

Telle ich con word after worde.

430 An ȝef þe þincþ þ̵ ich mis rempe.

þu stond aȝein ⁊ do me crempe.

Mid þisse worde forþ hi ferden.

Al bute here and bute uerde.

To portes ham þ̵ heo bi come.

435 Ah hu heo spedde of heore dome.

Ne can ich eu namore telle.

Her nis na more of þis spelle.

XXI. THE BESTIARY

“Arundel 292, British Museum: on vellum, 200 × 130 mm.: late thirteenth century.... The Bestiary is written continuously, but the initials of the lines and, in the long metres, of the half lines are mostly rubricated.... Latin headings are in red, some are on the margin, the others at the head of their sections. As will be seen from the footnotes, the manuscript was much corrected or altered over erasures, and that after it was finished, for the substituted words do not always fill the gaps left by the scraper. The first leaves of the exemplar were probably damaged at the lower margin, since defective or difficult passages occur at regular intervals, so l. 32, ll. 89-92, 120, 121, 143, 144, 173, 200, 201.”

Line indentations, including those of ll. 504-515, are as printed. Headings are shown in red, as described above.

Natura leonis ia.

Ð
e leun stant on hille . ⁊ he man hunten here.

Oðer ðurg his nese smel . Smake ðat he negge.

Bi wilc weie so he wile . To dele niðer wenden.

5 Alle hise fet steppes . After him he filleð.

Drageð dust wið his stert . ðer he [dun] steppeð.

Oðer dust oðer deu . ðat he ne cunne is finden.

driueð dun to his den . ðar he him bergen wille.

ija.

A

10 n oðer kinde he haueð . wanne he is ikindled.

Stille lið ðe leun . ne stireð he nout of slepe.

Til ðe sunne haueð sinen . ðries him abuten.

ðanne reiseð his faðer him . mit te rem ðat he makeð.

iija.

15 Ðe ðridde lage haueð ðe leun . ðanne he lieð to slepen.

Sal he neure luken . ðe lides of hise egen.

Significacio prime nature.

W
elle heg is tat hil . ðat is heuen riche.

vre louerd is te leun . ðe liueð ðer abuuen.

20 wu ðo him likede . to ligten her on erðe.

Migte neure diuel witen . ðog he be derne hunte.

hu he dun come.

Ne wu he dennede him . in ðat defte meiden.

Marie bi name . ðe him bar to manne frame.

25 ija ⁊ iija.

Ð
o ure drigten ded was.

⁊ doluen also his wille was.

In a ston stille he lai.

til it kam ðe dridde dai.

30 His fader him filstnede swo.

ðat he ros fro dede ðo.

vs to lif holden.

wakeð so his wille is     So hirde for his folde.

He is hirde. we ben sep . Silden he us wille.

35 If we heren to his word . ðat we ne gon nowor wille.

Natura aquile.

K
iðen i wille ðe ernes kinde.

Also ic it o boke rede.

wu he neweð his guð hede.

40 hu he cumeð ut of elde.

Siðen hise limes arn unwelde.

Siðen his bec is alto wrong.

Siðen his | fligt is al unstrong.

⁊ his egen dimme.

45 Hereð wu he neweð him.

A welle he sekeð ðat springeð ai.

boðe bi nigt ⁊ bi dai.

ðer ouer he flegeð ⁊ up he teð.

til ðat he ðe heuene seð.

50 ðurg skies sexe ⁊ seuene.

til he cumeð to heuene.

So rigt so he cunne.

he houeð in ðe sunne.

ðe sunne swideð al his fligt.

55 ⁊ oc it makeð his egen brigt.

Hise feðres fallen for ðe hete.

⁊ he dun mide to ðe wete.

Falleð in ðat welle grund.

ðer he wurdeð heil ⁊ sund.

60 ⁊ cumed ut al newe.

Ne were his bec untrewe.

His bec is get biforn wrong.

ðog hise limes senden strong.

64. maig on an erasure.

Ne maig he tilen him non fode.

65 him self to none gode.

ðanne goð he to á ston.

⁊ he billeð ðer on.

Billeð til his bec biforn.

haueð ðe wrengðe forloren.

70 Siðen wið his rigte bile.

takeð mete ðat he wile.

Significacio.

A
l is man so is tis ern.

74. listlen MS.

wulde ge nu listen.

75 Old in hise sinnes dern.

or he bicumeð cristen.

77. hī corr. out of hu.   ðis man ðanne he on an erasure.

⁊ tus he neweð him ðis man.

ðanne he nimeð to kirke.

Or he it biðenken can.

80. This line in fainter brown ink.

80 hise egen weren mirke.

Forsaket ðore satanas.

⁊ ilk sinful dede.

83, 84. Takeð ... he on an erasure.

Takeð him to ihesu crist.

for he sal ben his mede.

85 Leueð on ure loue[r]d crist.

⁊ lereð prestes lore.

87. hise] i corr. out of p.

Of hise egen wereð ðe mist.

wiles he dreccheð ðore.

His hope is al to godeward.

89, 90. is hope is ... luue on an erasure: l. 90 originally began ha after luue a.

90 ⁊ of his luue he lereð.

ðat is te sunne sikerlike.

ðus his sigte he beteð.

Naked falleð in ðe funt fat.

⁊ cumeð ut al newe.

95 buten alitel wat is tat.

his muð is get untrewe.

His muð is get wel unkuð.

wið pater noster ⁊ crede.

Fare he norð. er fare he suð.

100 leren he sal his nede.

bidden bone to gode.

⁊ tus his muð rigten.

tilen him so ðe sowles fode |
ðurg grace off ure drigtin.

105. On an erasure.

105 Natura Serpentis. ja.

An wirm is o werlde . wel man it knoweð.

Neddre is te name . ðus he him neweð.

ðanne he is forbroken ⁊ forbroiden . ⁊ in his elde al forwurden.

Fasteð til his fel him slakeð . ten daies fulle.

110 ðat he is lene ⁊ mainles     ⁊ iuele mai gangen.

he crepeð cripelande forð . his craft he ðus kiðeð.

Sekeð a ston ðat a ðirl is on.

Narwe buten he nedeð him . Nimeð vnneðes ðurg.

for his fel he ðer leteð . his fles forð crepeð.

115 walkeð to ðe water ward . wile ðanne drinken.

Oc he speweð or al ðe uenim.

ðat in his brest is bred . fro his birde time.

drinkeð siðen inog . ⁊ tus he him neweð.

ija.

Ð

120 anne ðe neddre is of his hid naked.

⁊ bare of his brest atter.

122. neggen] the initial n on an erasure MS.

If he naked man se . ne wile he him nogt neggen.

Oc he fleð fro him . als he fro fir sulde.

If he cloðed man se cof he waxeð.

125 For up he rigteð him redi to deren.

to deren er to ded maken if he it muge forðen.

wat if ðe man war wurðe . ⁊ weren him cunne.

figteð wið ðis wirm . ⁊ f[a]reð on him figtande.

ðis neddre siðen he nede sal.

130 makeð seld of his bodi . ⁊ sildeð his heued.

litel him is of hise limes . bute he lif holde.

[Significacio.]

K
nov cristene man . wat tu crist higtest

Atte kirke dure . ðar ðu cristned were.

135 ðu higtes to leuen on him . ⁊ hise lages luuien.

to helden wit herte . ðe bodes of holi k[i]rke.

If ðu hauest is broken.

Al ðu forbredes . forwurðes ⁊ forgelues.

Eche lif to wolden . Elded art fro eche blis.

140 So ðis wirm o werld is.

Newe ðe fordi . so ðe neddre doð.

It is te ned.

Feste ðe of stedefastnesse . ⁊ ful of ðewes.

⁊ help ðe poure | men . ðe gangen abuten.

145 Ne deme ðe nog[t] wurdi . ðat tu dure loken.

up to ðe heueneward.

Oc walke wið ðe erðe mildelike among men.

no mod ðu ne cune . mod ne mannes vncost.

oc swic of sineginge.

150 ⁊ bote bid tu ðe ai . boðe bi nigt ⁊ bi dai.

ðat tu milce mote hauen . of ðine misdedes.

ðis lif bitokneð ðe sti.

ðat te neddre gangeð bi.

⁊ tis is ðe ðirl of ðe ston.

155 ðat tu salt ðurg gon.

Let ðin filðe fro ðe . so ðe wirm his fel doð.

Go ðu ðan to godes hus . ðe godspel to heren.

ðat is soule drink . sinnes quenching.

Oc or sei ðu in scrifte . to ðe prest sinnes tine.

160. segðe MS.

160 feg ðe ðus of ði brest filde . ⁊ feste ðe forðward.

fast at tin herte . ðat tu firmest higtes.

ðus art tu ging ⁊ newe.

forðward be ðu trewe.

Nedeð ðe ðe deuel nogt . for he ne mai ðe deren nogt.

165 oc he fleð fro ðe . so neddre fro de nakede.

On ðe cloðede ðe neddre is cof . ⁊ te deuel cliuer on sinnes.

Ai ðe sinfule bisetten he wile.

⁊ wið al mankin
he haueð nið ⁊ win.

170 wat if he leue haue of ure heuen louerd.

for to deren us . So he ure eldere or dede.

do we ðe bodi in ðe bale . ⁊ bergen ðe soule.

ðat is ure heued geuelic . helde we it wurðlic.

Natura formice.

Ð

175 e mire is magti . mikel ge swinkeð.

176. ofte added in margin MS.

In sumer ⁊ in softe weder . So we `ofte´ sen hauen.

In ðe heruest . hardilike gangeð.

⁊ renneð rapelike . ⁊ resteð hire seldum.

⁊ fecheð hire fode . ðer ge it mai finden.

180 gaddreð ilkines sed.

boðen of wude ⁊ of wed.

Of corn ⁊ of gres.

ðat ire to hauen es.

184. hole added on lower margin MS.

haleð to hire `hole´ . ðat siðen hire helpeð.

ðar ge wile ben winter | agen.

186 caue ge haueð to crepen in . ðat winter hire ne derie.

Mete in hire hule ðat . ðat ge muge biliuen.

188. Space before ðar: ð rubricated and red afterwards erased MS.

ðus ge tileð ðar     wiles ge time haueð.

so it her telleð.

190 oc finde ge ðe wete . corn ðat hire qwemeð.

Al ge forleteð ðis oðer seð ðat ic er seide.

Ne bit ge nowt de barlic beren abuten.

oc suneð it ⁊ sakeð forð . so it same were.

get is wunder of ðis wirm . more ðanne man weneð.

195 ðe corn ðat ge to caue bereð . al get bit otwinne.

ðat it ne forwurðe . ne waxe hire fro.

er ge it eten wille.

Significacio.

Ð
e mire muneð us mete to tilen.

200 Long liuenoðe ðis little wile.

ðe we on ðis werld wunen.

for ðanne we of wenden . ðanne is ure winter.

we sulen hunger hauen . ⁊ harde sures.

buten we ben war here.

205 do we forði. so doð ðis der . ðanne be we derue.

On ðat dai ðat dom sal ben . ðat it ne us harde rewe.

Seke we ure liues fod . ðat we ben siker ðere.

So ðis wirm in winter is . ðan ge ne tileð nummore.

ðe mire suneð ðe barlic ðanne ge fint te wete.

210 ðe olde lage we ogen to sunen . ðe newe we hauen moten.

211. ðe corn on an erasure.
213. ben MS.   ebriche MS.

ðe corn ðat ge to caue bereð . all ge it bit otwinne.

ðe lage us lereð to don god . ⁊ forbedeð us sinne.

It bet us erðliche bodes . ⁊ bekned euelike.

It fet ðe licham ⁊ te gost . oc nowt o geuelike.

215 vre louerd crist it lene us ðat his lage us fede.

216. we on an erasure.

nu ⁊ o domesdei . ⁊ tanne we hauen nede.

Natura cerui.

Ð
e hert haueð kindes two.

⁊ forbisnes oc al so.

220 ðus it is on boke set.

ðat man clepeð fisiologet.

He drageð ðe neddre of de ston.

ðurg his nese up on on.

of ðe stoc er of ðe ston.

225 for it wile ðerunder gon.

⁊ sweleð it wel swiðe.

ðerof him brinneð siðen.

of ðat attrie ðing.

wiðinnen he | haueð brenning.

230 he lepeð ðanne wið mikel list.

of swet water he haueð ðrist.

he drinkeð water gredilike.

til he is ful wel sikerlike.

Ne haueð ðat uenim non migt.

235 to deren him siðen non wigt.

236. er on an erasure.

oc he werpeð er hise hornes.

in wude er in ðornes.

⁊ gingid him ðus ðis wilde der.

So ge hauen nu lered her.

240 Significacio. prima.

A
lle we atter dragen off ure eldere.

ðe broken drigtinnes word ðurg ðe neddre.

ðer ðurg haueð mankin.

244. After win, a letter erased.
245. kolsipe, with i on an erasure.

boðen nið ⁊ win.

245 golsipe. ⁊ giscing.

giuernesse ⁊ wissing.

pride ⁊ ouerwene.

swilc atter i mene.

Ofte we brennen in mod.

250 ⁊ wurden so we weren wod.

ðanne we ðus brennen.

bihoueð us to rennen.

to cristes quike welle.

ðat we ne gon to helle.

255 drinken his wissing.

256. ilc siniging on an erasure.

it quenchet ilc siniging.

forwerpen pride euril[c] del.

so hert doð hise hornes.

gingen us tus to godeward.

260 ⁊ gemen us siðen forðwarð.

Natura. ija.

Ðe hertes hauen anoðer kinde.

ðat us og alle to ben minde.

Alle he arn off one mode.

265 For if he fer fetchen fode.

⁊ he ouer water ten.

wile non at nede oðer flen.

Oc on swimmeð bi forn.

⁊ alle ðe odre folegen.

270 weðer so he swimmeð er he wadeð

Is non at nede ðat oðer lateð.

Oc leigeð his skinbon.

on oðres lendbon.

gef him ðat biforn teð.

275 Bilimpes for to tirgen.

Alle ðe oðre cumen mide.

277. herien MS.

⁊ helpen him for to her[t]ien.

beren him of ðat water grund
up to ðe lond al heil ⁊ sund.

280 ⁊ forðen here nede.

ðis wune he hauen hem bi twen
ðog he an hundred to giddre ben.

Significacio. ija.

Ð
e hertes costes we ogen to munen.

285. to sunen on an erasure.

285 Ne og ur non oðer to sunen.

oc eurilc luuen oðer.

also he were his broder.

wurðen stedefast his | wine.

ligten him of his birdene.

290 helpen him at his nede.

god giueð ðer fore mede.

we sulen hauen heuenriche.

293. ben twixen MS.

gef we bi twixen us ben briche.

ðus is ure louerdes lage     luuelike to fillen.

295 her of haue we mikel ned . ðat we ðar wið ne dillen.

Natura Wulpis.

A
wilde der is . ðat is ful of fele wiles.

fox is hire to name . for hire queðsipe.

husebondes hire haten . for hire harm dedes.

300. ðe coc on an erasure.

300 ðe coc ⁊ te capun.

ge feccheð ofte in ðe tun.

⁊ te gandre ⁊ te gos.

bi ðe necke ⁊ bi ðe nos.

304. eð is to on an erasure.

haleð is to hire hole . for ði man hire hatieð.

305 hatien ⁊ hulen . boðe men ⁊ fules.

Listneð nu a wunder . ðat tis der doð for hunger.

goð o felde to a furg . ⁊ falleð ðar inne.

308. erðchine] erðc on an erasure.

In eried lond er in erðchine . forto bilirten fugeles.

Ne stereð ge nogt of ðe stede     a god stund deies.

310 oc dareð so ge ded were . Ne drageð ge non onde.

ðe rauen is swiðe redi . weneð ðat ge rotieð.

⁊ oðre fules hire fallen bi . For to winnen fode.

313. derflike] derfli on an erasure.

derflike wiðuten dred . he wenen ðat ge ded beð.

he wullen on ðif foxes fel . ⁊ ge it wel feleð.

315 ligtlike ge lepeð up . ⁊ letteð hem sone.

gelt hem here billing
raðe wið illing.

tetoggeð ⁊ tetireð hem . mid hire teð sarpe.

Fret hire fille.

320 ⁊ goð ðan ðer ge wille.

Significacio.

T
wifold forbisne in ðis der.

to frame we mugen finden her.

warsipe ⁊ wisedom.

325 wið deuel ⁊ wið iuel man.

ðe deuel dereð dernelike.

he lat he ne wile us nogt biswike.

he lat he ne wile us ðon non loð.

⁊ bringeð us in a sinne. ⁊ ter he us sloð.

330 he bit us don ure bukes wille.

Eten ⁊ drinken wið unskil.

⁊ in ure skemting.

he doð raðe a foxing. |

He billeð one ðe foxes fel.

335 wo so telleð idel spel.

⁊ he tireð on his ket.

wo so him wið sinne fet.

⁊ deuel geld swilk billing.

wið same ⁊ wið sending.

340 ⁊ for his sinfule werk.

ledeð man to helle merk.

Significacio.

Ð
e deuel is tus ðe [fox] ilik.

mið iuele breides ⁊ wið swik.

345 ⁊ man al so ðe foxes name.

346. wurði] ð corr. out of another letter.
347. so added in margin.

arn wurði to hauen same.

for wo `so´ seieð oðer god.

⁊ ðenkeð iuel on his mod.

fox he is ⁊ fend iwis.

350 ðe boc ne legeð nogt of ðis.

So was herodes fox ⁊ flerd.

ðo crist kam in to ðis middel erd.

he seide he wulde him leuen on.

354. e wulde on an erasure.

⁊ ðogte he wulde him fordon.

355. iranéé MS.

355 Natura aranéé.

S
eftes sop ure seppande . sene `is´ on werlde.

357. loldike MS: after we erasure of one letter.

leiðe ⁊ lodlike . ðus we it leuen.

man`i´kines ðing.

alle manne to wissing.

360. spinnere] inne on an erasure.   weveð] veð on an erasure.
361. fo dredes MS.
363. werpeð] pe on an erasure.

360 ðe spinnere on hire [webbe]     swid[e] ge weveð.

festeð atte hus rof . hire fodredes.

o rof er on ouese . so hire is on elde.

werpeð ðus hire web . ⁊ weueð on hire wise.

ðanne ge it haueð al idigt . ðeðen ge driueð.

365 hitt hire in hire hole . oc ai ge it biholdeð.

til ðat ðer fleges faren . ⁊ fallen ðer inne.

wiðeren in ðat web . ⁊ wilen ut wenden.

ðanne renneð ge rapelike . for ge is ai redi.

nimeð anon to ðe net . ⁊ nimeð hem ðere.

370 bitterlike ge hem bit . ⁊ here bane wurðeð.

drepeð ⁊ drinkeð here blod.

doð ge hire non oðer god.

bute fret hire fille

⁊ dareð siðen stille.

375 Significacio.

376. biswikeð] keð on an erasure.

Ð
is wirm bitokneð ðe man . ðat oðer bi`s´wikeð.

on stede er on stalle . stille er lude.

in mot er in market . er oni oðer wise.

379. him: him both corr. out of hem.
380. his on an erasure: him corr. out of hem.
381. freteð] first e added by rubricator.

he him bit . ðan he him bale selleð.

380 ⁊ he drinkeð his blod . wanne he him dreueð.

⁊ ðo fr`e´teð hem al . ðan he him iuel werkeð.

Natura cetegrandie.

C
ethegrande is a fis.

ðe moste ðat in water is.

ðat tu | wuldest seien get.

386 gef ðu it soge wan it flet.

ðat it were á neilond

388. one substituted in margin for o deleted in text.
390. Before him, him deleted by rubricator.

ðat sete `one´ ðe se sond.

ðis fis ðat is vnride.

390 ðanne him hungreð he gapeð wide.

vt of his ðrote it smit an onde.

ðe swetteste ðing ðat is o londe.

ðer fore oðre fisses to him dragen.

wan he it felen he aren fagen.

395 he cumen ⁊ houen in his muð.

of his swike he arn uncuð.

397. ðanne] ð corr. out of d by rubricator.

ðis cete ðanne hise chaueles lukeð.

ðise fisses alle in sukeð.

ðe smale he wile ðus biswiken.

400 ðe grete maig he nogt bigripen.

ðis fis wuneð wið ðe se grund.

⁊ liueð ðer eure heil ⁊ sund.

til it cumeð ðe time.

ðat storm stireð al ðe se.

405 ðanne sumer ⁊ winter winnen.

ne mai it wunen ðer inne.

So droui is te sees grund.

ne mai he wunen ðer ðat stund.

oc stireð up ⁊ houeð stille.

410. ðar MS.
411. fordriuen] driuen on an erasure.

410 wiles ðat weder is so ille.

ðe sipes ðat arn on se fordriuen.

loð hem is ded ⁊ lef to liuen.

biloken hem ⁊ sen ðis fis
aneilond he wenen it is.

415 ðer of he aren swiðe fagen.

416. here] re on an erasure.

⁊ mid here migt ðar to he dragen.

sipes on festen.

⁊ alle up gangen.

Of ston mid stel in ðe tunder.

420 wel to brennen one ðis wunder.

warmen hem wel ⁊ heten ⁊ drinken.

ðe fir he feleð ⁊ doð hem sinken.

423, 4. diueð ... wunde on an erasure.

for sone he diueð dun to grunde.

he drepeð hem alle wið uten wunde.

425 Significacio.

Ð
is deuel is mikel wið wil ⁊ magt.

So witches hauen in here craft.

He doð men hungren ⁊ hauen ðrist.

⁊ mani oðer sinful list.

430 tolleð men to him wið his onde
wo so him folegeð he findeð sonde.

ðo arn ðe little. in leue lage.

ðe mikle ne maig he to him dragen.

ðe mikle. i mene ðe stedefast.

435 in rigte leue. mid fles ⁊ gast.

wo so listneð deueles lore.

on lengðe it sal him rewen sore.

wo so festeð hope on him.

he sal him folgen to helle dim. |

440 Natura Sirene.

I
n ðe se senden selcuðes manie.

ðe mereman is     a meiden ilike.

443. al ... bunden on an erasure.

on brest ⁊ on bodi . oc al ðus ge is bunden.

fro ðe noule niðerward . ne is ge no man like.

445 oc fis to fuliwis     mid finnes waxen.

ðis wunder wuneð in wankel stede.

ðer ðe water sinkeð. sipes ge sinkeð . ⁊ scaðe ðus werkeð.

mirie ge singeð ðis mere . ⁊ haueð manie stefnes.

manie ⁊ sille.

450 oc it ben wel ille.

451. sipmen here on an erasure.

sipmen here steringe forgeten . for hire stefninge.

flumeren ⁊ slepen.

⁊ to late waken.

ðe sipes sinken mitte suk.

455 ne cumen he nummor up.

Oc wise men ⁊ warre.

agen cunen chare.

ofte arn atbrosten . mid he[re] brest ouel.

he hauen herd told of ðis mere . ðat tus unie mete.

460 half man ⁊ half fis.

sum ðing tokneð bi ðis.

Significacio.

F
ele men hauen ðe tokning.

of ðis forbisnede ði[n]g.

465. wulues] w corr. out of p.

465 wið uten weren wulues fel.

wiðinnen arn he wulues al.

he speken godcundhede.

⁊ wikke is here dede.

here dede is al vncuð.

470 wið ðat spekeð here muð.

twifold arn on mode.

he sweren bi ðe rode.

bi ðe sunne ⁊ bi ðe mone.

⁊ he ðe legen sone.

475 mid here sage ⁊ mid here song.

he ðe swiken ðer imong.

ðin agte wið swiking
ði soule wið lesing.

Natura elephantis.

E

480 lpes arn in Inde riche.

on bodi borlic berges ilike.

he to gaddre gon o wolde
so sep ðat cumen ut of folde.

⁊ behinden. he hem sampnen.

485 ðanne he sulen oðre strenen.

Oc he arn so kolde of kinde.

ðat no golsipe is hem minde.

til he noten of a gres.

ðe name is mandragores.

490 Siðen he bigeten on.

⁊ two ger he ðer mide gon.

ðog he ðre hundred ger.

on werlde more wuneden her. |
bigeten he neuermor non.

495 so kold is hem siðen blod ⁊ bon.

ðanne ge sal hire kindles beren.

In water ge sal stonden.

In water to mid side.

ðat wanne hire harde tide.

500 ðat ge ne falle niðer nogt.

ðat is most in hire ðogt.

For he ne hauen no lið.

ðat he mugen risen wið.

Hu he resteð him ðis der.

505 ðanne he walkeð wide.

herkne wu it telleð her.

for he is al unride.

A tre he sekeð to fuligewis.

ðat is strong ⁊ stedefast is.

510 ⁊ leneð him trostl[i]ke ðer bi.

ðanne he is of walke weri.

ðe hunte haueð biholden ðis.

ðe him wille swiken.

wor his beste wune is.

515 to don hise willen.

Sageð ðis tre ⁊ under set.

o ðe wise ðat he mai bet.

⁊ hileð it wel ðat he it nes war
ðanne he makeð ðer to char.

520 him seluen sit olon bihalt.

521. biwarlt MS.

weðer his gin him out biwalt.

ðanne cumeð ðis elp unride.

⁊ leneð him up on his side.

slepeð bi ðe tre in ðe sadue.

525 ⁊ fallen boden so to gaddre.

gef ðer is noman ðanne he falleð.

he remeð ⁊ helpe calleð.

remeð reufulike on his wise.

529. risen] sisen MS., ri in margin.

hopeð he sal ðurg helpe `ri´sen.

530 ðanne cumeð ðer on gangande.

hopeð he sal him don ut standen.

Fikeð ⁊ fondeð al his migt.

ne mai he it forðen no wigt.

Ne canne ðan non oðer.

535. oc] o MS., oc in margin.
536. sacande MS., se in margin.

535 `oc´ remeð mid his broðer.

manie ⁊ mikle cume ðer `se´cande.

wenen him on stalle maken.

oc for ðe helpe of hem alle.

ne mai he cumen so on stalle.

540 ðanne remen he alle a rem.

so hornes blast. oðer belles drem.

For here mikle reming.

rennande cumeð a gungling.

raðe to him luteð.

545 his snute him under puteð.

⁊ mitte helpe of hem alle.

ðis elp he reisen on stalle.

⁊ tus | atbrested ðis huntes breid.

oðe wise ðat ic haue gu seid.

550 significacio.

Parvulus Natus Est Nobis

Ð
us fel adam ðurg a tre.

552. firste] fir on an erasure.

vre firste fader ðat fele we.

Moẏses wulde him reisen.

migte it no wigt forðen.

555 After him prophetes alle.

migte her non him maken on stalle.

on stalle iseie. ðer he er stod.

to hauen heuenriche god.

He suggeden ⁊ sorgeden. ⁊ weren in ðogt.

560 wu he migten him helpen ovt.

ðo remeden he alle onder steuene.

alle hege up to ðe heuene.

for here care. ⁊ here calling.

hem cam to crist heuen king.

565 he ðe is ai in heuene mikel.

wurð her man ⁊ tus was litel.

567. him in margin MS.
568. he added in margin MS.
569. al added in margin MS.

drowing ðolede in ure manhede

⁊ tus adam `he´ under gede.

reisede him up ⁊ `al´ man kin.

570 ðat was fallen to helle dim.

Natura turturis.

I
n boke is ðe turtres lif . writen o rime
wu lagelike . ge holdeð luue al hire lif time.

gef ge ones make haueð . fro him ne wile ge siðen.

575 muneð wimmen hire lif . ic it wile gu reden.

bi hire make ge sit onigt . o dei ge goð ⁊ flegeð.

wo so seit he sundren ovt . i seie ðat he legeð.

Oc if hire make were ded ⁊ ge widue wore.

ðanne flegeð ge one ⁊ fareð . non oðer wile ge more.

580 buten óne goð . ⁊ one sit.

⁊ hire olde luue abit.

In herte haueð him nigt ⁊ dai.

so he were oliue ai.

Significacio.

L

585. lesful MS.

585 ist ilk lefful man her to . ⁊ herof ofte reche.

vre sowle atte kirke dure . ches hire crist to meche.

he is ure soule spuse luue we him wið migte.

⁊ wende we neure fro him ward . be dai ne be nigte.

ðog he be fro ure sigte faren be we him alle trewe.

non oðer louerd ne leue we . ne non | luue newe.

591 leue we ðat he liueð ai up on heuen riche.

⁊ ðeðen he sal cumen eft . ⁊ ben us alle briche.

593. to demen on an erasure.

for to demen alle men . oc nout on geuelike.

hise loðe men sulen to helle faren . hise leue to his riche.

595 Natura pantere.

P
anter is an wilde der.

Is non fairere on werlde her.

he is blac so bro of qual.

mið wite spottes sawen al.

600 wit ⁊ trendled als a wel.

601. itt added in margin.

⁊ `itt´ bicumeð him swiðe wel.

wor so he wuneð ðis panter.

he fedeð him al mid oðer der.

of ðo ðe he wile he nimeð ðe cul.

605 ⁊ fet him wel til he is ful.

In his hole siðen stille.

ðre dages he slepen wille.

ðan after ðe ðridde dai.

he riseð ⁊ remeð lude so he mai.

610 ut of his ðrote cumeð asmel.

mid his rem forð oueral.

ðat ouer cumeð haliweie.

wið swetnesse. [ic] it gu seie

⁊ al ðat eure smelleð swete.

615 be it drie be it wete.

For ðe swetnesse off his onde.

wor so he walkeð o londe.

wor so he walked. er wor so he wuneð.

619. Before to him, to him deleted MS.

Ilk der ðe him hereð to him cumeð.

620 ⁊ folegeð him up one ðe wold.

for ðe swetnesse ðe ic gu haue told.

ðe dragunes one ne stiren nout.

wiles te panter remeð ogt.

oc daren stille in here pit.

625 als so he weren of dede offrigt.

Significacio.

C
rist is tokned ðurg ðis der.

wos kinde we hauen told gu her.

for he is faier, ouer alle men.

630. ouer] uer in margin MS.
631. wel in margin MS.
632. holi in margin MS.

630 so euen sterre o`uer´ erðe fen.

ful `wel´ he taunede his luue to man.

wan he ðurg `holi´ spel him wan.

⁊ longe he lai her in an hole.

wel him dat he it wulde ðolen.

635 ðre daies slep he al on on.

ðanne he ded was in blod ⁊ bon.

637. i wis] in wif MS.
639. vuenest MS.
640. ⁊ holi gast on an erasure.

vp he ros ⁊ rémede i wis.

of helle pine of heuene blis.

⁊ steg to heuene vuemest.

ðer wuneð wið | fader ⁊ holi gast.

641 Amonges men a swete [s]mel.

he let her of his holi spel.

wor ðurg we mugen folgen him.

in to his godcundnesse fin.

645 ⁊ ðat wirm ure wiðerwine.

wor so of godes word if dine.

ne dar he stiren. ne noman deren.

ðer wile he lage ⁊ luue beren.

Nature columbe. ⁊ significacio.

Ð

650 e culuer haueð costes gode.

alle wes ogen to hauen in mode.

seuene costes in hire kinde.

alle it ogen to ben us minde.

ge ne haueð in hire non galle.

655 simple ⁊ softe be we alle.

656. bilagt MS.
657. hac] bac MS.

ge ne liueð nogt bi lagt.

Ilc robbinge do we of hac.

ðe wirm ge leteð ⁊ liueð bi ðe sed.

of cristes lore we haue ned.

660 wið oðre briddes ge doð as moder.

661. Before ilk a letter erased: l corr. out of h.

so og ur ilk to don wið oðer.

woning ⁊ groning if lic hire song.

bimene we us. we hauen don wrong.

In water ge is wis of heuekes come.

665 ⁊ we in boke wið deules nome.

In hole of ston ge makeð hire nest.

In cristes milce ure hope is best.

XXII. GENESIS AND EXODUS

“Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, 444, former mark R 11; on vellum, 186 × 116 mm., in one hand of the end of thirteenth or of the beginning of the fourteenth century.”

Joseph And His Brethren
xii. ger or ysaac was dead.

Jacobes sunes deden un red.

F

Or sextene ger ioseph was old.

Quane he was in to egipte sold.

5 He was iacobes gunkeste sune.

6. waspene MS.

Brictest of wastme and of witter wune.

If he sag hise breðere mis faren.

His fader he it gan vn hillen ⁊ baren.

He wulde ðat he sulde hem ten.

10 ðat he wel ðewed sulde ben.

for ði wexem wið [him] gret nið.

And hate for it in ille lið.

ðo wex her hertes niðful ⁊ bold.

Quanne he hem adde is dremes told.

15 ðat is handful stod rigt up soren.

And here it leigen alle hem bi foren.

And sunne ⁊ mone ⁊ sterres .xie.

Wurðeden him wið frigti luue.

ðo seide his fader hu mai ðis sen.

20 ðat ðu salt ðus wurðed ben.

ðat ðine breðere and ic ⁊ she.

ðat ðe bar sulen luten ðe. |
ðus he chidden hem bi twen.

ðoge ðhogte iacob siðe it sulde ben.

25 Hise breðere kepten at sichem.

Hirdnesse ⁊ iacob to sen hem.

sente ioseph to dalen ebron.

And he was redi his wil to don.

29. fonde MS.

Jn sichem feld ne fond e hem nogt.

30 Jn dotaym he fond hem sogt.

He knewen him fro feren kumen.

Hate hem on ros in herte numen.

Swilc nið ⁊ hate ros hem on.

He redden alle him for to slon.

35 Nai quad ruben slo we him nogt.

Oðer sinne may ben wrogt.

Quat so him drempte ðor quiles he slep.

38. ðisterness MS.
39. wurðe MS.

Jn ðis cisternesse old and dep.

Get wurð e worpen naked and cold.

40 Quat so his dremes owen a wold.

ðis dede was don wid herte sor.

Ne wulde ruben nogt drechen ðor.

He gede and sogte an oðer stede.

His erue in bettre lewse he dede.

45 Vdas dor quiles gaf hem red.

ðat was fulfilt of derne sped.

fro galaad men wið chafare

Sag he ðor kumen wid spices ware. |

To warde egipte he gunne ten.

50 Judas tagte hu it sulde ben.

Joseph solde ðe breðere ten.

for .xxx. plates to ðe chapmen.

Get wast bettre he ðus was sold.

dan he ðor storue in here wold.

Ð

55 an ruben cam ðider a gen.

to ðat cisternesse he ran to sen.

He missed joseph and ðhogte swem.

Wende him slagen set up an rem.

59. him] he MS.

Nile he blinnen swilc sorwe him cliued.

60 Til him he sweren ðat he liued.

ðo nomen he ðe childes srud.

ðe iacob hadde madim in prud.

Jn kides blod he wenten it.

ðo was ðor on an rewli lit.

65 Sondere men he it leiden on.

And senten it iacob in to ebron.

And shewed it him. and boden him sen.

Jf his childes wede it migte ben.

Senten him bode he funden it.

70 ðo iacob sag dat sori writ.

He gret and seide ðat wilde der.

Hauen min sune swolgen her.

His cloðes rent in haigre srid.

Long grot and sorge is him bi tid. |

His sunes comen him to sen.

76 And hertedin him if it migte ben.

Nai nai quat he helped it nogt.

Mai non herting on me ben wrogt.

ic sal ligten till helle dale.

80 And groten ðor min sunes bale.

ðor was in helle a sundri stede

Wor ðe seli folc reste dede.

ðor he stunden til helpe cam.

84. hem] he MS.

Til iesu crist fro ðeden hem nam.

85 ðe chapmen skinden here fare.

Jn to egipte ledden ðat ware.

Wið putifar ðe kinges stiward.

He maden swiðe bigetel forward.

So michel fe ðor is hem told.

90. hauen] a corr. out of e MS.

90 He hauen him bogt he hauen sold.

......

P
vtifar trewið hise wiwes tale

And haued dempt iosep to bale.

He bad ben sperd [him] fast[e] dun.

And holden harde in prisun.

95 An litel stund quile he was ðer.

So gan him luuen ðe prisuner.

And him de chartre haueð bi tagt.

Wið ðo prisunes to liuen in hagt.

Or for misdede or for on sagen.

100 ðor woren to ðat prisun dragen.

..

On ðat ðe kinges kuppe bed.

And on ðe made ðe kinges bred.

Hem drempte dremes boðen onigt.

And he wurðen swiðe sore o frigt.

105 Joseph hem seruede ðor on sel.

At here drink and at here mel.

107. he hem freinde MS.

He herde hem murnen.     he freinde for quat.

Harde dremes ogen awold ðat.

ðo seide he to ðe butuler.

110 Tel me ðin drem mi broðer her. |

Queðer so it wurðe softe or strong.

ðe reching wurð on god bi long.

M
e drempte ic stod at a win tre.

ðat adde waxen buges ðre.

115 Orest it blomede and siðen bar.

ðe beries ripe wurð ic war.

ðe kinges [cuppe] ic hadde on hond.

ðe beries ðor inne me ðhugte ic wrong.

And bar it drinken to pharaon.

120 Me drempte als ic was wune to don.

G
ood is quað Joseph to dremen of win.

heilnesse an blisse is ðer in.

ðre daies ben get for to cumen.

ðu salt ben ut of prisun numen.

125 And on ðin offiz set agen.

Of me ðu ðhenke ðan it sal ben.

Bed min herdne to pharaon.

ða ic ut of prisun wurðe don.

for ic am stolen of kinde lond.

130 And her wrigteleslike holden in bond.

Q
uað ðis bred wrigte liðeð nu me.

me drempte ic bar bread lepes ðre.

And ðor in bread and oðer meten.

Quilke ben wune ðe kinges to eten.

135 And fugeles hauen ðor on lagt.

ðor fore ic am in sorge and hagt. |
for ic ne migte me nogt weren.

Ne ðat mete fro hem beren.

M
e wore leuere quad Joseph.

140 Of eddi dremes rechen swep.

ðu salt after ðe ðridde dei.

ben do on rode weila wei.

And fugeles sulen ði fleis to teren.

ðat sal non agte mugen ðe weren.

145 Soð wurð so ioseph seide ðat.

ðis buteler joseph sone for gat.

Two ger siðen was joseph sperd.

ðor in prisun wið uten erd.

Ð
o drempte pharaon king a drem.

Not

150 ðat he stod bi ðe flodes strem.

And ðeden ut comen .vii. neet.

Euerilc wel swiðe fet and gret.

And .vii. lene after ðo.

ðe deden ðe .vii. fette wo.

155 ðe lene hauen ðe fette freten.

ðis drem ne mai ðe king for geten.

An oðer drem cam him bi foren.

.vii. eares wexen fette of coren.

On an busk ranc and wel tidi.

160 And .vii. lene rigt ðor bi.

Welkede and smale ⁊ drugte numen.

ðe ranc he hauen ðo ouer cumen. |

To samen it smiten and on a stund.

ðe fette ðrist hem to ðo grund.

165 ðe king abraid and woc in ðhogt.

ðes dremes swep ne wot he nogt.

Ne was non so wis man in al his lond.

ðe kude vn don ðis dremes bond.

ðo him bi ðhogte ðat buteler.

170 Of ðat him drempte in prisun ðer.

And of ioseph in ðe prisun.

And he it tolde ðe king pharaun.

173. ðo sogt] ðohogt MS.

Joseph was sone in prisun ðo sogt.

And shauen ⁊ clad ⁊ to him brogt.

175 ðe king him bad ben hardi ⁊ bold.

Jf he can rechen ðis dremes wold.

He told him quat him drempte o nigt.

And iosep rechede his drem wel rigt.

ðis two dremes boðen ben on.

180 God wile ðe tawnen king pharaon.

ðo .vij. ger ben get to cumen.

Jn al fulsum hed sulen it ben numen.

And .vij. oðere sulen after ben.

Sori and nedful men sulen is sen.

185 Al ðat ðise first .vii. maken.

Sulen ðis oðere vii. rospen ⁊ raken.

Jc rede ðe king nu her bi foren.

To maken laðes and gaderen coren. |
ðat ðin folc ne wurð vnder numen.

190 Quan ðo hungri gere ben forð cumen.

King pharaon listnede hise red.

ðat wurð him siðen seli sped.

He bi tagte iosep his ring.

And his bege of gold for wurðing.

195 And bad him al his lond bi sen.

And under him hegest for to ben.

And bad him welden in his hond.

His folc and agte ⁊ al his lond.

ðo was vnder him ðanne putifar.

200 And his wif ðat hem so to bar.

Josep to wiue his dowter nam.

202. ðan] quan MS.

Oðer is nu ðan ear bi cam.

And ghe ðer him two childer bar.

Or men wurð of ðat hunger war.

205 first manassen and effraym.

He luueden god he geld it hem.

ðe .vii. fulsum geres faren.

Josep cuðe him bi foren waren.

ðan coren wantede in oðer lond.

210 ðo [was] ynug vnder his hond.

H
vnger wex in lond chanaan.

And his .x. sunes iacob for ðan.

Sente in to egipt to bringen coren.

He bilef at hom ðe was gungest boren. |
ðe .x. comen for nede sogt.

216 To josep and he ne knewen him nogt.

And ðog he lutten him frigtilike.

Anð seiden to him mildelike.

We ben sondes for nede driuen.

220 To bigen coren ðor bi to liuen.

Josep hem knew al in his ðhogt

Als he let he knew hem nogt.

Jt semet wel ðat ge spies ben.

And in to ðis lond cumen to sen.

225 And cume ge for non oðer ðing.

but for to spien ur lord ðe king.

Nai he seiden euerilc on.

Spies were we neuer non.

Oc alle we ben on faderes sunen.

230 For hunger doðes hider cumen.

Oc nu ic wot ge spies ben.

for bi gure bering men mai it sen.

233. Hu suld sulde onman MS.

Hu sulde on man poure for geten.

swilke and so manige sunes bigeten.

235 for seldum bi tid self ani kinge.

swilc men to sen of hise ofspringe.

A
louerd merci get is ðor on.

migt he nogt fro his fader gon.

He is gungest hoten beniamin.

240 for we ben alle of ebrisse kin. |

Nu bi ðe feið ic og to king pharaon.

sule ge nogt alle eðen gon.

Til ge me bringen beniamin.

244. gure] pore MS.

ða gungeste broðer of gure kin.

245 For ðo was josep sore for dred.

ðat he wore oc ðhurg hem for red.

He dede hem binden and leden dun.

And speren faste in his prisun.

ðe ðridde dai he let hem gon.

250 Al but ðe ton broðer symeon.

ðis symeon bi lef ðor in bond.

To wedde under josepes hond.

ðes oðere breðere sone on on.

Token leue and wenten hom.

255 And sone he weren ðeden went.

Wel sore he hauen hem bi ment.

And seiden hem ðan ðor bi twen.

Wrigtful we in sorwe ben.

for we sinigeden quilum or

260 On hure broðer michil mor.

for we werneden him merci.

Nu drege we sorge al for ði.

Wende here non it on his mod.

Oc Josep al it under stod.

J

265 osepes men ðor quiles deden.

Al so Josep hem adde beden. |
ðo breðere seckes hauen he filt.

And in euerilc ðe siluer pilt.

ðat ðor was paid for ðe coren.

270 And bunden ðe muðes ðor bi foren.

Oc ðe breðere ne wisten it nogt.

Hu ðis dede wurðe wrogt.

Oc alle he weren ouer ðogt.

And hauen it so to iacob brogt

275 And tolden him so of here sped.

And al he it listnede in frigtihed.

And quan men ðo seckes ðor un bond

And in ðe coren ðo agtes fond.

279. ðanno MS.

Alle he woren ðanne sori ofrigt.

280 Jacob ðus him bi meneð o rigt.

Wel michil sorge is me bi cumen.

ðat min two childre aren me for numen.

Of josep wot ic ending non.

And bondes ben leid on symeon.

285 Jf ge beniamin fro me don.

Dead and sorge me segeð on.

Ai sal beniamin wið me bi lewen.

ðor quiles ic sal on werlde liuen.

ðo quað iudas us sal ben hard

290 Jf we no holden him non forward

W
ex derke ðis coren is gon.

Jacob eft bit hem faren agon. |

Oc he ne duren ðe weie cumen in
but ge wið us senden beniamin.

295 ðo quað he quan it is ned.

And [non] ne can no bettre red.

Bereð dat siluer hol agon.

ðat hem ðor of ne wante non.

And oðer siluer ðor bi foren.

300 for to bigen wið oðer coren.

fruit and spices of dere pris.

Bereð ðat man ðat is so wis.

303. eði modes MS.

God hunne him eðimod us ben.

And sende me min childre agen.

305 ðo nomen he forð weie rigt.

Til he ben cumen in to egypte ligt.

And quanne Josep hem alle sag.

Kinde ðhogt in his herte was.

He bad his stiward gerken is meten.

310 He seide he sulden wið him alle eten.

He ledde hem alle to Josepes biri.

Her non hadden ðo loten miri.

Louerd he seiden ðo euerilc on.

Gur siluer is gu brogt a gon.

315 Jt was in ure seckes don.

Ne wiste ur non gilt ðor on.

Beð nu stille quad stiward
for ic nu haue min forward |
ðor cam ðat broðer symeon.

320 And kiste is breðere on and on.

Wel fagen he was of here come
for he was numen ðor to nome.

Jt was vndren time or more.

Om cam ðat riche louerd ðore.

325 And al ðo briðere of frigti mod
fellen bi forn ðat louerd is fot.

And bedden him riche present.

ðat here fader hi[m] adde sent.

And he leuelike it under stod.

330 for alle he weren of kinde blod.

L

Jueð quad he ðat fader get.

ðat ðus manige sunes bi gat.

louerd he seiden get he liueð.

Wot ic ðor non ðat he ne biueð.

335 And ðis is gunge beniamin.

Hider brogt after bode word ðin.

ðo josep sag him ðor bi foren.

Bi fader ⁊ moder broðer boren.

Him ouer wente his herte on on.

340 Kinde luue gan him ouer gon.

Sone he gede ut and stille he gret.

ðat al his wlite wurð teres wet.

343. peis MS.

After ðat grot he weis is wliten.

And cam ðan in and bad hem eten. |

345. and him MS.

He dede hem wassen him bi foren.

346 And sette hem as he weren boren.

Get he ðhogte of his faderes wunes.

Hu he sette at ðe mete hise sunes.

Of euerilc sonde of euerilc win.

350 most and best he gaf beniamin.

Jn fulsum hed he wurðen glaðe.

Josep ne ðoht ðor of no scaðe.

Oc it him likede swiðe wel.

And hem lerede and tagte wel.

355 And hu he sulden hem best leden.

Quane he comen in vnkinde ðeden.

And al ðe bettre sule ge speden.

Jf ge wilen gu wið treweiðe leden.

Eft on morwen quan it was dai

360 Or or ðe breðere ferden a wei.

Here seckes woren alle filt wið coren.

And ðe siluer ðor in bi foren.

And ðe seck ðat agte beniamin.

Josepes cuppe hid was ðor in.

365 And quuan he weren ut tune went.

Josep haueð hem after sent.

ðis sonde hem ouertakeð raðe.

And bi calleð of harme and scaðe.

Vn seli men, quat haue ge don.

370 Gret vn selðehe is gu cumen on. |
for is it nogt min lord for holen.

ða gure on haueð is cuppe stolen
ð[o] seiden ðe breðere sikerlike.

Vp quam ðu it findes witterlike.

375 He slagen [be] and we agen driuen.

Jn to ðraldom euermor to liuen.

He gan hem ransaken on and on.

And fond it ðor sone a non.

And nam ðo breðere euerilk on.

380 And ledde hem sorful a gon.

And brogte hem bi for iosep.

Wid reweli lote and sorwe and wep.

ðo quat iosep ne wiste ge nogt.

ðat ic am o wol witter ðogt.

385 Mai nogt longe me ben for holen.

Quat so euere on londe wurð stolen.

Louerd quad judas do wið me.

Quat so ði wille on werlde be.

Wið ðan ðat ðu friðe beniamin

390 ic ledde ut on trewthe min.

ðat he sulde ef cumen a gen.

392. wið on an erasure.

to hise fader and wið him ben.

ðo cam iosep swilc rewðe up on.

he dede halle ut ðe toðere gon.

395 And spac un eðes, so e gret.

ðat alle hise wlite wurð teres wet. |

Jc am iosep dredeð gu nogt.

for gure helðe or hider brogt.

Two ger ben nu ðat derke is cumen.

400 Get sulen .v. fulle ben numen.

ðat men ne sulen sowen ne sheren.

So sal drugte ðe feldes deren.

Rapeð gu to min fader a gen.

And seið him quilke min blisses ben.

405 And doð him to me cumen hider.

And ge and gure orf al to gider.

Of lewse god in lond gersen.

sulen ge sundri riche ben.

Euerilc he kiste. on ilc he gret.

410 Ilc here was of is teres wet.

S
one it was king pharaon kid.

Hu ðis newe tiding wurð bi tid.

413. herte] h corr. out of b.

And he was bliðe in herte fagen.

ðat Josep wulde him ðider dragen.

415 for luue of Josep migte he timen.

He bad cartes and waines nimen.

And fechen wiues and childre and men.

And gaf hem ðor al lond gersen.

And het hem ðat he sulden hauen.

420 More and bet ðan he kude crauen.

Josep gaf ilc here twinne srud.

Beniamin most he made prud. |
fif weden best bar beniamin.

ðre hundred plates of siluer fin.

425 Al so fele oðre ðor til.

He bad ben in is faderes wil.

And .x. asses wið semes fest.

Of alle egiptes welðhe best.

Gaf he is breðere wið herte bliðe.

430 And bad hem rapen hem homward swiðe.

And he so deden wið herte fagen.

Toward here fader he gunen dragen.

And quane he comen him bi foren.

Ne wiste he nogt quat he woren.

435 Louerd he seiden israel.

Josep ðin sune greteð ðe wel.

And sendeð ðe bode ðat he liueð.

Al egipte in his wil cliueð.

Jacob a braid and trewed it nogt.

440 Til he sag al ðat welðe brogt.

Wel me quað he wel is me wel.

ðat ic aue abiden ðus swil sel.

And ic sal to min sune fare.

And sen or ic of werlde chare.

Not

445 Acob wente ut of lond chanaan.

And of is kinde wel manie a man.

Josep wel faire him vnder stod.

And pharaon ðogte it ful good. |
for ðat he weren hirde men.

450 He bad hem ben in lond gersen.

Jacob was brogt bi foren ðe king.

for to geuen him his bliscing.

453. derer MS.

fader dere quað pharaon.

hu fele ger be ðe on.

455 An hundred ger and .xxx. mo.

Haue ic her drogen in werlde wo.

ðog ðinkeð me ðor offen fo.

ðog ic is haue drogen in wo.

siðen ic gan on werlde ben.

460 Her vten erd man kin bi twen.

So ðinked euerilc wis[e] man.

ðe wot quor of man kin bi gan.

And ðe of adames gilte muneð
ðat he her uten herdes wuneð.

P

465 haraon bad him wurðen wel.

in softe reste and seli mel.

467. Him] He MS.

Him and hise sunes in reste dede.

Jn lond gersen on sundri stede

Siðen ðor was mad on scite.

470 ðe was yoten Ramese.

Jacob on liue wunede ðor

Jn reste fulle .xiiij. ger.

And god him let bi foren sen.

Quilc time hise ending sulde ben. |

He bad iosep hise leue sune.

476. offe MS.

476 On ðhing ðat off e wel mune.

ðat quan it wurð mid him don.

He sulde him birien in ebron.

And witterlike he it aueð him seid.

480 ðe stede ðor abraham was leid.

So was him lif to wurðen leid.

Quuor ali gast stille hadde seid.

Him and hise eldere. fer ear bi foren.

Quuor iesu crist wulde ben boren.

485 And quuor ben dead and quuor ben grauen.

He dogt wið hem reste to hauen.

Josep swor him al so he bad.

And he ðor of wurð bliðe ⁊ glad.

Or ðan he wiste off werlde faren.

490 He bad hise kinde to him charen.

And seide quat of him sulde ben.

Hali gast dede it him seen.

Jn clene ending and ali lif.

So he for let ðis werldes strif.

495 Osep dede hise lich faire geren.

Wassen and riche like smeren.

And spice like swete smaken.

And egipte folc him bi waken.

xl. nigtes and .xl. daiges.

500 swilc woren egipte lages. |
first .ix. nigt de liches beðen.

And smeren and winden and bi queðen.

And waken is siðen .xl. nigt.

ðo men so deden ðe adden migt.

505 And ebrisse folc adden an kire.

Nogt sone deluen it wið yre.

Oc wassen it and kepen it rigt.

Wið vten smerles seuene. nigt.

And siden smered .xxx. daiges.

510 Cristene folc haueð oðer laiges.

He ben smered ðor quiles he liuen.

Wið crisme and olie in trewðe geuen.

for trewðe and gode dedes mide.

ðon ben ðan al ðat wech dede.

515 Sum on. sum. ðre. sum .vii. nigt

Sum .xxx. sum .xii. moneð. rigt.

And Sum euerilc wurðen ger.

ðor quiles ðat he wunen her.

don for ðe dede chirche gong.

520 elmesse gifte and messe song.

And ðat is on ðe weches stede.

Wel him mai ben dat wel it dede

Egipte folc aueð him waked.

xl. nigt and feste maked.

525 And hise sunes .xxx. daiges.

526. daiges MS.

Jn clene lif and ali laiges. |

So woren forð .x. wukes gon.

get adde jacob birigeles non.

And pharaon king cam bode bi foren.

530 ðat josep haueð his fader sworen.

And he it him gatte ðor he wel dede.

And bad him nimen him feres mide.

Wel wopnede men and wis of here.

dat noman hem bi weie deren.

535 ðat bere is led ðis folc is rad
he foren a buten bi adad.

ful seuene nigt he ðer abiden.

And bi mening for iacob deden.

So longe he hauen ðeðen numen.

540 To flum iurdon ðat he ben cumen.

And ouer pharan til ebron.

ðor is ðat liche in biriele don.

And josep in to egipte went.

544. ent with a letter, apparently w, erased before it.

Wid al is folc ut wið him [s]ent.

H

545 ise breðere comen him ðanne to.

And gunnen him bi seken alle so.

vre fader he seiden or he was dead.

vs he ðis bodewurd seigen bead.

Hure sinne ðu him for giue.

550 Wið ðanne ðat we vnder ðe liuen.

Alle he fellen him ðor to fot.

To beðen meðe and bedden oc. |

553. gaf] gaff in catch-word.
Page break shown as printed, at end of line 52.

And he it for gaf hem mildelike.

And luuede hem alle kinde like.

555 Osep an hundred ger was hold.

And his kin wexen manige fold.

He bad sibbe cumen him bi foren.

Or he was ut of werlde boren.

It sal quað he ben soð bi foren.

560 ðat god hað ure eldere sworen.

He sal gu leden in his hond.

Heðen to ðat hotene lond.

for godes luue get bid ic gu

Lested it ðanne hoteð it nu.

565 ðat mine bene ne be for loren.

Wið gu ben mine bones boren.

He it him gatten and wurð he dead.

God do ðe soule seli red.

Hise liche was spice like maked

570 And longe egipte like waked.

And ðo biried hem bi foren.

And siðen late of londe boren.

Hise oðre breðere on and on.

Woren ybiried at ebron.

575 An her endede to ful in wis.

ðe boc ðe is hoten genesis.

ðe moyses ðurg godes red

Wrot for lefful soules ned. |

God schilde hise sowle fro helle bale.

580 ðe made it ðus on engel tale.

And he ðat ðise lettres wrot.

God him helpe weli mot.

And berge is sowle fro sorge ⁊ grot.

Of helle pine cold ⁊ hot.

585 And alle men ðe it heren welin.

God leue hem in his blisse spilen.

Among engeles ⁊ seli men.

Wið uten ende in reste ben.

And luue ⁊ pais us bi twen.

590 And god so graunte amen ameN.

XXIII. KENTISH SERMONS

“Laud Misc. 471, Bodleian Library; on vellum, 188 × 130 mm.: consists of two manuscripts bound together.... The second manuscript, of the end of the thirteenth century, begins at f. 92....”

Sermo jn die epiphanie.

Obtulerunt Ei Munera

CVM natus esset ihesus in betleem iude in diebus herodis regis ecce magi ab oriente uenerunt ierosolimam dicentes. Vbi est qui natus est rex iudeorum. We redeth i þo holi godespelle of te dai ase ure louerd godalmichti 5 i bore was of ure lauedi seinte Marie i þe cite of bethleem. þet si sterre was seauinge of his beringe. swo a pierede te þo þrie kinges of heþenesse. to janes þo sunne risindde. And al swo hi bi knewe [f. 128 v^2] his beringe bi þo sterre. swo hi nomen conseil be tuene hem þet hi wolden gon for to hyne an uri. and þet hi wolden offri 10 him· gold· and stor· and Mirre. And al swo hi hedden aparailed here offrendes swo kam si sterre þet yede to for hem in to ierusalem. Þere hi speken to herodes and hym askede. wer was se king of gyus þet was i bore. And herodes i herde þet o king was i bore þet solde bi king of geus. swo was michel anud. and alle hise men. for þet he was 15 of dred for to liese his king riche of ierusalem. Þo dede he somoni alle þo wyse clerekes þet kuþe þe laghe and hem askede wer crist solde bien i bore. Hi answerden þet ine ierusalem. for hit was swo i seid and be hote hwilem bi þo profetes. And al swo herodes i herde þis. swo spac te þo þrie kinges. and hem seide. Goþ ha seide into 20 bethleem and sechez þet child. and wanne ye hit habbeth hi funde swo an uret hit. and efter þet cometh to me. and hic wille go and an uri hit. [f. 129 r^1] Þet ne seide he nocht herodes for þet he hit wolde on uri; ac for þet he hit wolde slon. yef he hit michte finde. Þo kinges hem wenten and hi seghen þo sterre þet yede bi fore hem. 25 al wat hi kam over þo huse. war ure louerd was. and al swo hi hedden i fonden ure louerd; swo hin an urede. and him offrede hire offrendes. Gold. and. stor. and Mirre. Þo nicht efter þet aperede an ongel of heuene in here slepe ine metinge and hem seide and het. þet hi ne solde a yen wende be herodes. ac be an oþer weye wende into hire 30 londes. Lordinges and leuedis þis is si glorius miracle. and si glorius seywinge of ure lordes beringe. þet us telþ þet holi godespel of te day. and ye muee wel under stonde be þo speche of þe godspelle þet me sal to dai mor makie offrinke þan an oþren dai. and þer of us yeft ensample þo þrie kinges of heþenesse. þet comen fram verrene 35 londes ure louerd [f. 129 r^2] to seche. and him makie offrinke. And be þe`t´ hi offrede gold. þet is cuuenable yeftte to kinge; seawede þet he was sothfast kink. and be þet hi offrede Stor. þet me offrede wylem be þo ialde laghe to here `godes´ sacrefise; seawede þe he was verray prest. And be þet hi offrede Mirre. þet is biter þing. signefieth þet hi 40 hedde be liaue þet he was diadlich. þet diath solde suffri for man ken. Nu i hiereth wet signefieth þet Gold. þet. Stor. þet Mirre. And offre we Gostliche to ure lorde. þe`t´ i offrede flesliche. Þet Gold þet is bricht and glareth ine þo brichtnesse of þo sunne. signefieth þe gode beleaue. þet is bricht ine þe gode cristenemannes herte. Si gode 45 beleaue licht and is bricht ine þo herte of þo gode Manne ase gold. Offre we þanne god almichti god gold. Be leue we stede fast liche. þet `he is´ fader and sune. and holy gost. is onlepi god. Wo so hath beleaue ine gode swo offreth him god gold [f. 129 v^1] þet Stor signefied gode werkes. for ase se smech of þe store wanne hit is i do 50 into þe ueréé and goth upward to þo heuene and to gode ward Swo amuntet si gode biddinge to gode of þo herte of þo gode cristenemanne. 53. After stor, e erased.
54. Bi] Li MS.
64. i offred on margin.
71. yeuus MS. Swo we mowe sigge þet stor signefieth þe herte. and se smech luue of gode. Bi `þet´ Mirre þat is biter. and be þo biternesse defendet þet Cors þet is mide i smered. þet no werm nel comme i hende; signefiet 55 þo gode werkes þet is biter to þo yemernesse of ure flesce. Si Mirre signefiet uastinge. for þo luue of gode wakie. go ine pelrimage. uisiti þe poure. and to sike. and to do alle þe gode þet me may do for godes luue. þo ilke þinges so bieth bitere to þo wrichede flessce. Ac al so si mirre loket þet bodi þet no werm ne may þer i hende come; so us defendet 60 þo iléke þinges fram senne. and fram þe amonestement of þo dieule þet ha ne may us mis do. Lordinges nu ye habbet i herd þo signefiance of þo offringes þet maden [f. 129 v^2] þo þrie kinges of heþenesse to gode. hye habbet to gode `i offred´ of yure selure. and of yure erþliche godes. Ne ne offreth him nacht on lepiliche to day. ac 65 alle þo daies i þo yere gostliche. Gold. and Stor. and Mirre. ase hic habbe i told. Gold; fore Gode belaue. Stor; for holy urisun. Mirre. for gode werkes. þet bieth þo offringes. þet ure louerd be sekeþ auerichedaye þo cristenemanne. and werefore se xpistenman yef has deþ; of seruet þo blisce of heuene. And ihesu crist þet for us wolde 70 an erþe bi bore. and anured of þo þrie kinges of painime; he yeu[e] us his grace of þo holi gost in ure hertes wer bi we moue hatie þo ileke þinges þet he hatedh. and lete þo ileke þinges þat he for biet. and luuie þo ilek þinkes þat he luued. and do þo ilek þinges þat he hóót. ine him so bileue and bidde and serui. þet we mowe habbe þo blisce 75 of heueriche. Quod uobis prestare dignetur per.

Domini[ca] secunda post octavam epiphanie. Sermo euan.

Servasti Bonum Vinum Usque Adhuc

Nuptie facte sunt in chana [f. 130 r^1] galiléé. ⁊ erat mater ihesu ibi. Vocatus est autem ihesus ad nuptias ⁊ discipuli eius. Þet holi godspel of to day us telþ. þet a bredale 80 was i maked ine þo londe of ierusalem. 82. flesliche ac. To MS. in ane cite þat was i cleped Cane in þa time þat godes sune yede in erþe flesliche. `ac´ To þa bredale was ure leuedi seinte Marie. and ure louerd ihesus crist and hise deciples. so iuel auenture þet wyn failede. at þise bredale. þo seide ure leuedi seinte Marie. to here sune. hi ne habbet no wyn. And ure 85 louerd answerde and sede to hire. Wat be longeth hit to me oþer to þe wyman. Nu ne dorste hi namore sigge. ure lauedi. Hac hye spac to þo Serganz þet seruede of þo wyne. and hem seyde. al þet he hot yu do; so doþ. And ure louerd clepede þe serganz and seyde to hem. ffol vellet ha seyde. þos ydres. þet is to sigge þos Cróós. oþer 90 þos faten of watere. for þer were. vi. ydres of stone. þet ware i clepede baþieres wer þo gius hem wesse for clenesse. and for religiun. Ase þe custome [f. 130 r^2] was ine þo time. þo serganz uuluelden þo faten of watere and hasteliche was i went into wyne. bie þo wille of ure louerde. þo seide ure lord. to þo serganz. Moveth to gidere and 95 bereth to Architriclin. þat was se þet ferst was i serued. And al so hedde i drunke of þise wyne þet ure louerd hedde i maked of þe watere; ha niste nocht þe miracle. ac þo serganz wel hit wiste. þet hedde þet water i brocht. þo seide Architriclin to þo bredgume. Oþer men seyde he doþ forþ þet beste wyn þet hi habbeþ ferst at 100 here bredale. and þu hest ido þe contrarie þ`e´t þu hest i hialde þet beste wyn wath nu; Þis was þe commencement of þo miracles of ure loruerde þet he made flesliche in erþe. and `þo´ beleuede on him; his deciples. Ine sigge nacht þet hi ne hedden þer before ine him beliaue; ac fore `þe´ miracle þet hi seghe; was here beliaue þe more 105 i strengþed. Nu ye habbeþ i herd þe Miracle. nu i hereþ þe signefiance. Þet water bi tockned se euele xpisteneman. [f. 130 v^1] for al so þet water is natureliche schald and a kelþ alle þo þet hit drinkeþ; so is se euele xpisteman chald of þo luue of Gode. for þo euele werkes þet hi doþ. Ase so is Lecherie. spusbreche. Roberie. 110 111. Manslechtes MS.
118. hadeþ MS.
123. he he is win MS. Manslechter. husberners. bakbiteres. and alle oþre euele deden. þurch wyche þinkes man of serueth þet fer of helle. Ase godes oghe mudh hit seid. and alle þo signefied þet water; þet þurch yemere werkes. oþer þurch yemer i wil liesed þo blisce of heuene. þet wyn þat is naturel liche hot ine him selue; and an het alle þo þet hit drinked; 115 be tokned alle þo þet bied an héét of þe luue of ure lorde. Nu lordinges ure lord god almichti. þat hwylem in one stede. and ine one time flesliche makede of watere wyn; yet habbeþ manitime maked of watere wyn; gostliche. wanne þurch his grace maked of þo euele manne good man. of þe orgeilus umble. of þe lechur chaste. 120 of þe niþinge [f. 130 v^2] large. and of alle oþre folies; so ha maket of þo watere wyn. þis his si signefiance of þe miracle. Nu loke euerich man toward him seluen. yef he is win; þet is to siggen yef he is an heet of þo luue of gode. oþer yef he is water. þet is yef þu art chold of godes luue. yef þu art euel man; besech ure lorde þet he do ine þe 125 his uertu. þet ha þe wende of euele into gode. and þet he do þe do swiche werkes þet þu mote habbe þo blisce of heuene. Quod uobis. prestare dignetur.

Dominica tercia post octavam epiphanie.

Cvm descendisset ihesus de monte. secute sunt eum 130 turbe multe. Et ecce leprosus ueniens adorabat eum dicens. Domine si uis; potes me mundare. Þet holi godspel of to dai us telþ. þet ure lord ihesus crist. ase he hedde i yue þo newe laghe. in one montayne. and hedde i maked þet formeste sarmun þet euerte made in erþe; suo him folgede michel folk. Swo 135 kam a leprus. a sikman and onurede him and seyde. Lord. [f. 131 r^1] lord ha seide yef þu wilt; þu me micht wel makie hool of mine lepre. of mine euele. And ure lord him seide and spredde his hond. and tok his lepre; hic wille seide ure lord þet þu bi clensed. and al so raþe he was i warisd of his maladie. Nu lordinges þis is þe miracle 140 þet þet godspel of te dai us telþ. ac great is þe tokningge. Se leprus signefiez þo senuulle men. si lepre þo sennen. þet scab bi tokned þo litle sennen. si lepre be tokned þo grete sennen þet biedh diadliche. Ase so is lecherie. spusbreche. Gauelinge. Roberie. þefte. Glutunie. drunkenesse. and alle þo sennen þurch wiche me liest þo luue of gode 145 almichti and of alle his haleghen. þurch S`c´ab nis nacht man and wyman deseiurd fram mannes felarede. Ne for þo litle sennen. þet noman hine ne mai loki. nis noon deseurd pardurableliche fram gode; ne fram holi chereche. for lepre is man deseurd of þo compainie of gode and of alle his angles. þat is to sigge for diadliche 150 senne. [f. 131 r^2] Nu ye habbet i herd þe miracle and wet hit be tokned. Nu loke we yef we bieþ clene of þise lepre. þat is to siggen of diadliche senne. Se [leprus] liest þe felarede of oþer men; for se þet sterft inne diadliche senne; so for liest þe compainie of gode. And yef ye bieþ clene; lokeþ þet ye ne falle nocht. þet ye ne 155 bie deseuerd fram þe felarede of gode al michti. þurch none euele werkes þurch none euele i wil. And yef ye bieþ leprus þurch diadliche senne. greded gode Merci; þet þo leprus yaf helþe ine bodie; þet he us yeue gostliche helþe. in ure saule. Comeþ to srifte for leted yure sennen and þer of bieþ a soiled. þanne sollie habbe þo helþe of 160 heuene. þat is lif with uten ende. Quod uobis. prestare dignetur. per.

Dominica quarta post octavam epiphanie.

Domine, Salva Nos, Perimus

Ascendente ihesu in nauiculam. secuti sunt eum discipuli eius. Et ecce motus factus est magnus in mari. Ita 165 ut nauicula operiretur fluctibus. Erat antem illis; uentus contrarius. [f. 131 v^1] We redeth i þe holi godspelle of to dai þat ure lord ihesu crist yede one time in to ane ssipe and ise deciples mid him in to þe séé. And so hi were in þo ssipe so a ros a great tempeste. of winde. And ure lord was i leid him don to slepe. ine þo 170 ssipe. er þane þis tempeste a róós. Hise deciples hedde gret drede of þise tempeste. so a wakede hine. and seiden to him. lord saue us; for we perisset. And ha wiste wel þet hi ne hadde nocht gode beleaue ine him; þo seide to hem. wat dret yw folk of litle beliaue. Þo a ros up ure lord and tok þane wynd and to séé; and al so raþe hit was 175 stille. And al se þo men þet weren in þo ssipe hedde i seghe þo miracle so awondrede hem michel. Þis is si vaire miracle þet þet godspel of te day us telþ. Þere fore sal hure be liaue bie þe betere a strengþed. Ine swiche lorde þet siche miracle mai do and doþ wanne he wile. Ac hit is us nyede þet se þet sucurede hem ine þa peril; þet 180 us sucuri ine [f. 131 v^2] ure niedes. Þet we clepie to him þet ha us helpe. and he hit wille do bleþeliche. yef we him bisecheth merci mid good i wille al so him seluen seith bi þe holi writes. Salus populi ego sum. ⁊ cetera. Hic am ha seiþ helere of þe folke. wanne hi to me clepiedh ine hire sorghen. and ine hire niedes hic hi sucuri 185 and beneme hem al here euel with ute ende. Grede we to him merci sikerliche. yef se deuel us wille a cumbri þurch senne. Þurch prede oþer þurch an vie. oþer þurh wreþe. oþer þurch oþer manere of diadliche senne grede we to him Merci. and sigge we him lord sauue us þet we ne perissi. and þet he us deliuri of alle eueles. and þet ha 190 yef us swiche werkes to done in þise wordle; þet þo saulen of us mote bien isauued a domes dai. and gon to þo blisce of heuene. Quod ipse prestare dignetur.

Dominica In sexagesima. Sermo.

Ite et Vos in Vineam Mean

Simile 195 est regnum celorum homini patrifamilias. qui exijt primo mane conducere operarios in uineam suam.

[f. 132 r^1] Hure lord godalmichti to us spekeþ ine þo holi godespelle of te day. and us seaweth one forbisne. þet yef we uilleth don his seruise. þe`t´ we sollen habbe 200 þo mede wel griat ine heuene. For so seyth ure lord ine þo godspelle of to dai. þet on goodman was. þat ferst uut yede bi þe Moreghen for to here werkmen in to his winyarde. for ane peny of forewerde. and al so he hedde i mad þise forewerde; so ha sente hi into his wynyarde. so ha dede at undren and at midday al so. þo þat hit was 205 a yen þan euen; so ha kam into þe Marcatte. so he fond werkmen þet were idel. þo seyde he to hem. Wéé bie ye idel; and hie answerden; and seyde. lord; for we `ne´ fonden te dai þat us herde. Goþ nu ha seide se godeman into mine wynyarde; and hic þat richt is; yu sal yeue. þos yede into þise wynyarde. mid þo oþre. þo þet hi wel 210 euen. þo seide þe lord to his sergant. Clepe þo werkmen and yeld hem here trauail. and a gyn to hem þat comen last, and go al to þo ferste. yef eue[f 132 r^2]riche of hem ane peny. Se sergant dede þes lordes commandement. so paide þo werkmen and yaf euerich ane peny. And so hi seghen þo þet bi þe Morghen waren i comen. þet 215 hi þet waren last i cume. Hedden here euerich ane peny; Þo wenden hi more habbe; þo gruchchede hi a menges hem. and seyden. þos laste on ure habbeþ i travailed. and þu his makest velaghes to us. þet habbeth al deai i bye ine þine wynyarde. and habbetþ i þoled þe berdene of þo pine. and of þo hete of al þo daie. þo ansuerede se gode man 220 to on of hem. Frend ha seide ine do þe noon unricht. Wat for þingketh þat hic do min i wil; and al so ure lord hedde i told þise forbisne; so he seide efter ward. so sulle þo uerste bie last; and þo laste ferst. 224. On margin, Multi sunt uocati; pauci.
235. þan] þā MS. Fele bieþ i clepede; ac feaue bieþ i cornéé. Nu i hereþ þe signefiance. þes godeman; be tockneþ godalmichti ure lord. Se 225 winyard be tockneþ. þe seruise of ure lorde. þe werkmen. be tockneþ alle þo þet doþ cristes seruise. [f. 132 v^1] þo tides of þo daie; be tokneþ þe time of þis world. Bie þe Morghen i herde ure lord werkmen in to his winyarde. þo ha sente þe patriarches. ate begininge of þis wordl. ine is seruise. þet þurch gode beleauéé him seruede. and seden 230 his techinge to alle þo þet hi hedden hit to siggen. Al so at undren. and at midday. i herede he werkmen into is winyarde. þo ha sente be þo time þet Moyses was and aaron. and i þe time of his prophetes dede he mani god man in to his seruise; þet þurch griate luue to him helden. and deden his seruise. To yenes þan euen; godalmichti 235 i hierde werkmen in to his winyarde. þo þat he alast of þis wordle naam fles and blod ine þe Maidene seinte Marie. and seauede ine þis world. þo fond he Men. þet al day hedden i be idel. Werefore he fond þet heþen folk þet be þo time þet was i go; hedden i be ut of godes be liaue. and of his luue. and of his seruise. Hi ne hedden 240 nocht i be idel [f. 132 v^2] for to done þo deueles werkes. Ac þere fore seith þet godspel þet hedden i be idel; þo þet hi nedden bi leued ane god almichti. ne him louie ne him serui. For al þat is ine þis wordle. þet man is. bote yef ha luuie godalmichti. and him serui; al hit him may þenche for lore and idelnesse. þo a resunede ure lord þe paens 245 be ise apostles. vre fore hi hedden i be so longe idel. þo þet hi ne hedden i be in his seruise; þo ansuerden þe paens; þet non ne hedden i herd hij. þet is to sigge þet hi ne hedden neuer te i heed prophete ne a postle ne prechur. þet hem seaude ne hem tachte hu i solden ine gode beleue ne him serui. Goþ a seide ure lord inte mine 250 winyarde. þet is inte mine beleaue. and hic yw sal yeue yure peni þet is heueriche blisce. þo heþen men yeden be þa daghen into cristes seruise; and we þet of hem bieþ i cume. and habbeþ cristendom under fonge; bieþ i entred in to cristes seruise þere fore we sollen habbe ure peni þet is þe blisce of heuene. [f. 133 r^1] also wel ase 255 þo þet comen bi þe Morghen. for al so we hopieþ for te habbe heueriche blisce; ase þo patriarches and þo prophetes. and þo apostles and þo gode men þet hwilem ine þis world godalmichti serueden. So as we habeþ i seid of diuers wordles. þet god almichti dede werkmen into his winyarde; so we mowe sigge of þo elde of eueriche men. 260 For godalmichti deþ werkmen into his winyarde bi þe Morghen. Wanne ha clepeþ of swiche þer bieþ into his seruise ine here childhede. Wanne hi of þis world wendeþ. beswo þet hi ne be ine no diadlich senne. At undren ha sent men in to his winyarde. þet a turneþ into his seruise. of age of man. At Middai wanne þo dai is 265 alþer hotestd be tokned þo men of .xxxti. wyntre. oþer of furti. for þe nature of Man is of greater strengþe and of greater hete ine þo age. Se euen bi tockneþ. elde of Man. þet is se ende of þe liue. Vre lord deþ werkmen into his winyarde a genes þo e[f. 133 r^2]uen; Wanne fele ine here elde wendeþ ut of here senne in to cristes seruise. As so 270 solle hi habbe þo blisce of heuene; ase þo þet ferst comen into þe winyyarde. Nocht for þan for þise griate bunte þet ure iord yefþ ne solde no man targi for to wende to godalmichti ne him to serui. for al so seid þet holi writ þet now ne wot þane dai of his diaþe. for Man mai longe liues wene and ofte him legheþ se wrench. Nu gode men 275 ye habbeþ i herd þet godspel and þe forbisne. Nu lokeþ yef ye bieþ with inne þo winyarde. þet is þet yef ye bieþ ine godes seruise 278. he he MS. yef ye bieþ with ute diadliche senne yef ye hatied þat he hateþ. yef ye luuieþ þet he luueþ. and doþ þet he hot. and but ye do; ye bieþ hut of his winyarde. þe is ut of his seruise. and ye doþ þet ure lord hóót, so ye 280 of serueþ þane peni. þet `is´ heueriche blisce. ye of serueþ þet good þet noon herte ne may i þenche ne noon yare i here ne tunge telle. þo blisce þet god [f. 133 v^1] halt alle þo þet hine luuieþ. þider lord granti us to cumene. Quod ipse prestare dignetur. per.

OXFORD
PRINTED AT THE CLARENDON PRESS
BY HORACE HART, M.A.
PRINTER TO THE UNIVERSITY

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Table of Contents

- SELECTIONS FROM EARLY MIDDLE ENGLISH 1130-1250

- JOSEPH HALL

- PART I: TEXTS

- OXFORD

- AT THE CLARENDON PRESS

- PREFACE

- TABLE OF PIECES AND MANUSCRIPTS
- CORRIGENDA
- I. WORCESTER FRAGMENTS
- II. SAINT GODRIC’S HYMNS
- III. THE PETERBOROUGH CHRONICLE
- IV. CHARTER OF HENRY THE SECOND
- V. A PARABLE
- VI. THE PROVERBS OF ALFRED
- VII. MEMENTO MORI
- VIII. POEMA MORALE (Lambeth MS.)
- POEMA MORALE (Trinity MS.)
- POEMA MORALE: Parallel Texts
- IX. ANCRENE WISSE (Corpus MS.)
- ANCREN RIWLE (Caius MS.)
- X. IN DIEBUS DOMINICIS
- XI. HIC DICENDUM EST DE PROPHETA
- XII. SERMONS FOR PALM SUNDAY AND EASTER DAY
- XIII. VICES AND VIRTUES
- XIV. LAȜAMON
- LAȜAMON
- LAȜAMON The Brut: Parallel Versions
- XV. ORM
- XVI. SAWLES WARDE
- XVII. SAINT KATHERINE
- XVIII. THE ORISON OF OUR LADY
- XIX. SAINT JULIANA
- SAINT JULIANA
- SAINT JULIANA Parallel Texts
- XX. THE OWL AND THE NIGHTINGALE
- THE OWL AND THE NIGHTINGALE
- THE OWL AND THE NIGHTINGALE Parallel Texts
- XXI. THE BESTIARY
- XXII. GENESIS AND EXODUS
- XXIII. KENTISH SERMONS
- Format of the Book

- THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE