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bird_n of_o heaven_n eat_v and_o drink_v and_o often_o descend_v to_o hell_n the_o three_o soon_o of_o this_o emperor_n be_v a_o good_a chrysten_v man_n which_o all_o the_o time_n of_o his_o life_n do_v good_a dede_n &_o live_v without_o pride_n envy_n and_o lechery_n from_o the_o bone_n of_o such_o a_o man_n the_o blood_n may_v not_o be_v wasshen_n away_o that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o merytoryous_a dede_n may_v not_o be_v put_v away_o from_o penance_n such_o a_o man_n be_v y_z e_z true_a child_n of_o god_n of_o who_o our_o lord_n speak_v thus_o you_o the_o which_o have_v
counseyle_n i_o pray_v the_o that_o faithful_a friendship_n may_v continue_v bytwene_v we_o and_o in_o token_n of_o love_n that_o thou_o will_v drink_v my_o blood_n &_o i_o shall_v drink_v thy_o that_o none_o of_o we_o depart_v ne_o fail_v other_o in_o this_o journey_n the_o folysshe_a knight_n say_v it_o please_v i_o right_a well_o all_o that_o you_o say_v wherefore_o they_o be_v both_o let_v blood_n and_o everyche_a of_o they_o drink_v other_o blood_n when_o this_o be_v do_v they_o go_v forth_o togyder_o on_o their_o journey_n and_o when_o they_o have_v go_v three_o day_n journey_n toward_o the_o cyte_n where_o y_fw-fr e_o treasour_n be_v they_o come_v to_o a_o place_n where_o be_v two_o way_n one_o be_v sharp_a stony_a &_o full_a of_o thorn_n that_o other_o way_n be_v plain_a and_o fair_a and_o full_a of_o swetnes_n &_o delight_n than_o say_v the_o wise_a knight_n to_o his_o fellow_n dear_a friend_n here_o be_v two_o way_n one_o sharp_a and_o thorny_a nevertheless_o if_o we_o go_v this_o way_n we_o shall_v come_v to_o this_o cite_v that_o be_v so_o rich_a &_o there_o shall_v we_o have_v that_o we_o desire_n than_o say_v this_o folysshe_a knight_n to_o his_o fellow_n i_o wonder_v great_o of_o you_o that_o you_o speak_v such_o thing_n for_o i_o will_v rather_o byleve_v my_o eye_n than_o your_o word_n i_o see_v here_o open_o &_o so_o do_v you_o that_o here_o be_v a_o hard_a way_n &_o full_a of_o thorn_n &_o as_o i_o have_v herd_n say_v there_o be_v three_o champyon_n arm_v in_o this_o way_n ready_a to_o â—yght_v against_o all_o man_n that_o go_v that_o way_n toward_o the_o cite_v of_o y_fw-fr e_o eest_fw-mi &_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o go_v that_o way_n but_o here_o be_v as_o you_o may_v see_v a_o other_o way_n plain_a and_o easy_a to_o walk_v in_o and_o in_o this_o way_n there_o be_v three_o knight_n ready_a to_o serve_v we_o &_o gyve_v we_o all_o manner_n thing_n necessary_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o by_o this_o way_n will_v i_o go_v &_o not_o by_o that_o other_o way_n than_o say_v the_o wise_a knight_n certain_o if_o we_o go_v by_o that_o way_n we_o shall_v be_v lead_v in_o to_o the_o cyte_n of_o the_o north_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o mercy_n but_o perpetual_a pain_n &_o sorrow_n and_o there_o shall_v we_o be_v take_v &_o bind_v and_o cast_v in_o prison_n certain_o say_v the_o folysshe_a knight_n this_o way_n be_v y_z e_z ready_a way_n &_o as_o i_o byleve_v it_o be_v more_o profitable_a than_o y_z e_z other_o way_n than_o go_v they_o both_o forth_o y_o e_o fair_a way_n &_o anon_o three_o knight_n meet_v with_o they_o which_o receyve_v they_o reverent_o as_o for_o a_o night_n &_o give_v they_o all_o manner_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o they_o and_o on_o y_z e_z morrow_n they_o take_v their_o journey_n forth_o to_o ward_v y_z e_o cyte_n and_o when_o they_o be_v within_o the_o cyte_n anon_o the_o emperor_n offycer_n meet_v w_n to_o they_o &_o say_v dear_a friend_n why_o come_v you_o hither_o in_o so_o moche_v that_o you_o know_v y_z e_o law_n of_o this_o cite_v so_o cruel_a of_o long_a time_n here_o before_o soth_o you_o shall_v be_v serve_v now_o after_o y_z e_z law_n anon_o they_o take_v the_o wise_a knight_n and_o bind_v he_o and_o put_v he_o in_o prison_n â–ª_o and_o after_o that_o they_o take_v the_o folysshe_a knight_n &_o bind_v he_o fast_o and_o ke_v he_o in_o to_o a_o dyche_n soon_o after_o it_o befall_v that_o the_o justyce_n come_v to_o the_o cyte_n to_o gyve_v judgement_n on_o they_o that_o have_v trespaced_a y_o e_o law_n and_o anon_o all_o the_o prisoner_n be_v bring_v forth_o before_o the_o justyce_n among_o who_o these_o two_o knight_n be_v bring_v forth_o one_o from_o prison_n and_o that_o other_o from_o the_o dyche_n than_o say_v the_o wise_a knight_n to_o the_o justyce_n reverend_n lord_n i_o complain_v of_o my_o fellow_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o my_o death_n for_o when_o we_o two_o come_v to_o the_o two_o way_n whereof_o that_o one_o lead_v to_o y_z e_z cyte_n in_o the_o ee_a &_o that_o other_o to_o this_o cyte_n i_o tell_v he_o all_o the_o peryll_n of_o this_o cite_v &_o the_o reward_n of_o that_o other_o cyte_n &_o he_o will_v not_o byleve_v i_o &_o say_v to_o i_o in_o this_o wise_n i_o byleve_v my_o own_o eye_n better_a than_o thy_o word_n and_o because_o he_o be_v my_o fellow_n i_o will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v alone_o in_o this_o way_n &_o thus_o come_v i_o with_o he_o wherefore_o he_o be_v cause_n of_o my_o death_n than_o say_v the_o folysshe_a knight_n i_o complain_v that_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o my_o death_n â–ª_o for_o it_o be_v not_o unknowen_a to_o you_o all_o that_o i_o be_o a_o fool_n &_o he_o a_o wise_a man_n &_o therefore_o he_o shall_v not_o so_o lyght_o have_v follow_v my_o folly_n for_o if_o he_o have_v forsake_v this_o way_n i_o will_v have_v follow_v he_o &_o therefore_o he_o be_v cause_n of_o my_o death_n than_o say_v the_o justyce_n to_o y_z e_z wise_a knight_n because_o that_o thou_o with_o all_o thy_o wysdome_n and_o great_a understanding_n so_o lyght_o consent_v &_o follow_v the_o will_n of_o the_o fool_n &_o his_o folysâ—he_a werke_n &_o thou_o fool_n because_o thou_o will_v not_o do_v after_o the_o counseyle_n ne_o fulfil_v the_o wholesome_a word_n of_o this_o wise_a man_n &_o byleve_v he_o i_o gyve_v judgement_n that_o you_o be_v both_o hang_v for_o your_o trespass_n and_o so_o it_o be_v do_v wherefore_o all_o man_n praise_v great_o the_o justyce_n for_o his_o dyscrete_a judgement_n ¶_o dear_a friend_n this_o emperor_n be_v almyghty_a god_n &_o in_o the_o ee_a be_v y_fw-fr e_o cyte_n of_o heaven_n wherein_o be_v treasour_a infynyte_n and_o unto_o this_o cyte_n be_v a_o hard_a way_n &_o full_a of_o thorn_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o way_n of_o penance_n by_o y_z e_z which_o way_n full_a few_o walk_v for_o it_o be_v hard_a &_o straight_o accord_v to_o holy_a scrypture_n say_v thus_o est_fw-la arta_fw-la via_fw-la que_fw-la ducit_fw-la ad_fw-la vitam_fw-la it_o be_v a_o straight_o way_n that_o lede_v to_o everlasting_a life_n in_o this_o way_n be_v three_o arm_v knight_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o devyll_n the_o world_n &_o the_o flesh_n which_o to_o who_o it_o behove_v we_o to_o fight_v &_o to_o optayne_n the_o vyctory_n or_o we_o may_v come_v to_o heaven_n the_o second_o cyte_n that_o be_v in_o y_z e_z north_n be_v hell_n and_o to_o this_o accord_v scrypture_n sayinge_v thus_o ab_fw-la aquilone_fw-la pondetur_fw-la oen_fw-mi malum_fw-la out_o of_o the_o north_n come_v all_o evyll_n certain_o to_o this_o cyte_n be_v y_fw-fr e_o way_n plain_a &_o broad_a &_o wall_v about_o on_o every_o side_n with_o all_o manner_n delycate_v wherefore_o many_o man_n walk_v by_o this_o way_n the_o three_o knight_n y_o it_o gyve_v to_o every_o man_n go_v this_o way_n what_o thing_n they_o need_v be_v these_o pride_n of_o life_n covetyse_v of_o eye_n &_o concupyscence_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o which_o three_o the_o wretched_a man_n great_o delyte_v &_o at_o y_z e_z last_z they_o lede_v he_o in_o to_o hell_n this_o wytty_n knight_n betoken_v the_o soul_n &_o the_o folysshe_a knight_n betoken_v the_o flesh_n the_o which_o be_v always_o folysshe_a &_o at_o all_o time_n ready_a to_o do_v evil_a these_o two_o be_v fellow_n &_o knytte_n in_o one_o for_o everyche_a of_o they_o drynk_v other_o blood_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o shall_v drink_v of_o one_o cup_n either_o joy_n or_o pain_n shall_v they_o have_v after_o the_o day_n of_o doom_n the_o soul_n chosech_v the_o way_n of_o penance_n &_o in_o as_o moche_v as_o she_o may_v she_o sâ—ereth_v the_o flesh_n to_o do_v y_z e_z same_z but_o the_o flesh_n thynk_v never_o what_o shall_v come_v after_o &_o therefore_o she_o go_v in_o the_o delyte_n of_o this_o world_n &_o flee_v the_o delyte_n of_o penance_n and_o thus_o the_o soul_n after_o the_o death_n be_v cast_v in_o to_o hell_n &_o the_o flesh_n be_v cast_v in_o to_o the_o dyche_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o to_o the_o grave_n but_o than_o the_o justyce_n come_v that_o be_v our_o lord_n jesu_n chry_v at_o the_o day_n of_o doom_n to_o deem_v all_o mankind_n than_o you_o e_o soul_n shall_v complain_v upon_o the_o flesh_n &_o the_o flesh_n upon_o the_o soul_n but_o when_o y_a e_o justyce_n that_o will_v not_o be_v deceyve_v neither_o by_o prayer_n ne_o by_o price_n shall_v condemn_v y_z e_o soul_n because_o she_o follow_v you_o e_o fraylte_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o flesh_n &_o also_o he_o shall_v condemn_v the_o flesh_n because_o it_o will_v not_o byleve_v the_o soul_n wherefore_o let_v we_o study_v to_o tame_v our_o flesh_n that_o
we_o may_v obey_v god_n and_o than_o shall_v we_o have_v everlasting_a life_n unto_o the_o which_o bring_v we_o our_o lord_n jesus_n amen_n there_o dwell_v sometime_o in_o rome_n a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v frederyke_v which_o have_v no_o child_n save_o a_o daughter_n though_o who_o this_o emperor_n after_o his_o decese_n bequeath_v all_o his_o empire_n this_o understand_v a_o earl_n that_o dwelte_v there_o beside_o come_v unto_o this_o young_a lady_n &_o woo_v she_o &_o stere_v she_o to_o sin_n all_o that_o he_o may_v wherefore_o this_o young_a lady_n in_o short_a process_n of_o time_n enclyneh_a to_o the_o earl_n &_o this_o earl_n anon_o lay_v with_o she_o &_o defoul_v she_o &_o after_o that_o he_o put_v she_o from_o her_o herytage_n and_o chase_v she_o out_o of_o her_o empire_n wherefore_o she_o make_v great_a lamentacyon_n &_o flee_v unto_o a_o realm_n there_o beside_o where_o as_o she_o daily_o weep_v &_o mourn_v it_o befall_v after_o on_o a_o day_n that_o while_o she_o sit_v mourn_v beside_o a_o way_n there_o come_v ride_a by_o her_o a_o fair_a young_a knight_n upon_o a_o good_a horse_n which_o come_v toward_o she_o a_o great_a pâ—ce_n &_o worshypful_o salew_v she_o and_o ask_v the_o cause_n why_o she_o mourn_v so_o sore_o than_o answer_v she_o &_o say_v my_o reverend_a lord_n i_o be_o a_o emperor_n daughter_n come_v of_o a_o royal_a kin_n my_o father_n be_v deed_n which_o leave_v i_o all_o his_o empire_n because_o he_o have_v none_o other_o heir_n &_o after_o his_o decese_n a_o earl_n there_o beside_o deceyve_v i_o &_o take_v from_o i_o my_o maydenheâ—e_n &_o after_o that_o he_o put_v i_o violent_o out_o of_o my_o herytage_n so_o that_o now_o i_o be_o fain_a to_o beg_v my_o breed_n from_o door_n to_o door_n &_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o my_o sorrow_n than_o say_v the_o knight_n fair_a damosel_n i_o have_v great_a compassyon_n on_o thy_o beaute_n and_o on_o thy_o gentylnes_n therefore_o if_o thou_o wylte_n grant_v i_o one_o thing_n i_o shall_v fight_v for_o the_o against_o y_fw-fr e_fw-la earl_n and_o i_o behote_v the_o the_o victory_n than_o say_v she_o alas_o alas_o i_o have_v nothing_o y_o it_o i_o may_v gyve_v to_o the_o but_o myself_o and_o i_o ask_v no_o more_o of_o the_o say_v the_o knight_n but_o that_o thou_o will_v be_v my_o wife_n and_o love_n no_o man_n so_o moche_v as_o i_o than_o say_v she_o reverend_n sir_n that_o will_v i_o do_v glad_o &_o more_o if_o i_o may_v than_o say_v the_o knight_n i_o will_v that_o thou_o do_v for_o i_o one_o thing_n that_o if_o it_o fortune_n i_o to_o dye_v in_o batayle_n for_o the_o &_o opteyne_v the_o victory_n thou_o shall_v take_v my_o bloody_a sherte_n &_o hang_v it_o upon_o a_o perch_n in_o thy_o chambre_n and_o this_o shall_v thou_o do_v for_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v y_z t_z when_o so_o ever_o thou_o behold_v the_o sherte_n thou_o shall_v weep_v for_o i_o the_o second_o be_v that_o what_o so_o ever_o man_n come_v to_o woo_v the_o to_o be_v his_o wife_n than_o shall_v thou_o hasty_o run_v unto_o thy_o chambre_n &_o behold_v my_o bloody_a sherte_n &_o think_v herte_o within_o thyself_o thus_o the_o lord_n of_o this_o sherte_n dye_v for_o my_o love_n in_o batayle_n the_o which_o recover_v my_o herytage_n god_n forbede_n that_o i_o shall_v take_v any_o other_o man_n after_o his_o death_n than_o say_v she_o reverend_n sir_n all_o this_o i_o shall_v fulfil_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o when_o y_a e_o knight_n heâ—de_v this_o he_o give_v batayle_n against_o the_o earl_n &_o obtain_v the_o victory_n and_o y_o e_o earl_n be_v overcome_v &_o flee_v and_o this_o young_a lady_n be_v bring_v &_o receyve_v again_o in_o to_o her_o herytage_n nevertheless_o this_o knight_n be_v deed_o wound_v in_o that_o batayle_n whereof_o he_o die_v but_o or_o he_o die_v he_o bequeath_v his_o bloody_a sherte_n unto_o this_o damosel_n desyre_v she_o to_o keep_v her_o promise_n when_o this_o young_a lady_n hear_v of_o his_o death_n she_o weep_v sore_o &_o make_v great_a lamentacyon_n for_o his_o death_n and_o in_o his_o sherte_n be_v write_v this_o verse_n think_v on_o he_o &_o have_v mind_n that_o to_o y_fw-fr e_o be_v so_o kind_n anon_o when_o she_o have_v receyve_v the_o sherte_n she_o hang_v it_o upon_o a_o perch_n in_o her_o chambre_n &_o as_o oftentimes_o as_o she_o behold_v it_o she_o weep_v bytter_o it_o befall_v not_o long_o after_o that_o the_o state_n of_o her_o empire_n come_v to_o she_o &_o desire_v she_o to_o take_v a_o husband_n but_o than_o she_o go_v to_o her_o chambre_n &_o behold_v the_o bloody_a cherte_n than_o wax_v she_o sorrowful_a &_o say_v oftentimes_o alas_o alas_o thou_o suffer_v death_n for_o my_o love_n &_o thou_o also_o recover_v again_o my_o heritage_n god_n forbede_n that_o i_o shall_v take_v any_o other_o man_n but_o the._n and_o thus_o she_o answer_v every_o man_n that_o come_v to_o she_o &_o so_o they_o go_v away_o unsped_a and_o she_o end_v her_o life_n in_o peace_n and_o rest_n ¶_o dear_a friend_n this_o emperor_n be_v the_o father_n of_o heaven_n and_o his_o daughter_n be_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n make_v at_o the_o similitude_n of_o god_n to_o who_o god_n give_v &_o bequeath_v the_o empire_n of_o paradyse_n but_o there_o come_v a_o earl_n y_o it_o be_v the_o devyl_n and_o styre_v she_o to_o sin_n when_o she_o eat_v of_o the_o apple_n &_o say_v to_o she_o thus_o in_o what_o hour_n you_o â—ate_z of_z y_z e_z apple_n you_o shall_v be_v like_o god_n wherefore_o we_o breaking_a god_n comaundement_n we_o be_v all_o exile_v out_o of_o paradyse_n &_o chase_v to_o the_o realm_n of_o this_o world_n here_o to_o live_v in_o great_a wretchedness_n like_v as_o the_o psalmyst_n say_v in_o sudore_fw-la vultus_fw-la tui_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o the_o sweet_a of_o thy_o visage_n thou_o shall_v eat_v thy_o breed_n but_o than_o come_v a_o fair_a young_a knight_n &_o a_o strong_a that_o be_v to_o say_v our_o lord_n jesu_n chryst_n which_o have_v compassyon_n upon_o mankind_n &_o take_v our_o flesh_n &_o our_o blood_n and_o give_v batayle_n to_o the_o devyl_n and_o overcome_v he_o and_o thus_o win_v he_o again_o our_o herytage_n therefore_o let_v we_o do_v as_o this_o young_a lady_n do_v put_v we_o this_o bloody_a sherte_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o mind_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o passion_n of_o chryst_n on_o the_o perch_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o think_v we_o how_o â—ur_n lord_n jesu_n chryst_n shed_v his_o precyous_a blood_n for_o us._n and_o if_o any_o man_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o devylt_n or_o any_o other_o will_v stir_v we_o to_o sin_n anon_o think_v we_o on_o y_o e_o passion_n of_o chryst_n &_o say_v we_o thus_o i_o shall_v take_v none_o other_o but_o the_o which_o have_v shed_v thy_o blood_n for_o i_o &_o thus_o shall_v we_o win_v everlasting_a life_n unto_o the_o which_o god_n bring_v we_o all_o amen_n sometime_o dwell_v in_o rome_n a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v apolloninus_fw-la which_o ordain_v for_o a_o law_n that_o every_o man_n upon_o pain_n of_o death_n shall_v worship_n the_o day_n of_o his_o nativite_fw-la this_o emperor_n call_v to_o he_o a_o clerk_n y_fw-mi t_z hyght_n uirgyll_n &_o say_v my_o dear_a master_n there_o be_v many_o heed_n sin_v do_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n therefore_o i_o pray_v the_o that_o thou_o by_o thy_o cunning_a will_v make_v some_o craft_n whereby_o i_o may_v know_v who_o trespace_v against_o y_o e_o law_n pryvely_a or_o pert_o than_o say_v uirgyll_n my_o reverend_a lord_n your_o will_n shall_v be_v do_v anon_o this_o uirgyll_n through_o his_o craft_n make_v a_o image_n in_o the_o mydde_v of_o the_o cyte_n of_o rome_n which_o dyscever_v &_o tell_v themperours_n messenger_n who_o trespaced_a against_o the_o law_n &_o who_o not_o there_o be_v that_o time_n dwell_v in_o y_z e_z cyte_n of_o rome_n a_o smyth_n that_o hyght_n focus_n which_o for_o no_o thing_n will_v worship_n the_o natyvyte_n of_o the_o emperor_n it_o befall_v upon_o a_o night_n as_o the_o smyth_n lie_v in_o his_o bed_n he_o think_v upon_o the_o image_n that_o have_v accuse_v so_o many_o man_n before_o &_o dread_v least_fw-mi the_o image_n will_v accuse_v he_o wherefore_o he_o rise_v &_o go_v to_o the_o image_n &_o say_v i_o make_v a_o vow_n to_o god_n if_o thou_o accuse_v i_o i_o shall_v break_v thy_o heed_n and_o when_o he_o have_v thus_o say_v he_o go_v home_o the_o emperor_n on_o the_o morrow_n after_o follow_v send_v his_o messenger_n to_o the_o image_n as_o he_o be_v wont_v before_o to_o know_v &_o to_o understande_v who_o have_v trespaced_a against_o the_o law_n and_o to_o they_o than_o say_v the_o image_n lyfte_v up_o your_o eye_n &_o behold_v what_o
so_o that_o they_o be_v put_v in_o great_a wretchedness_n and_o sorrow_n and_o than_o the_o emperor_n ordain_v other_o man_n in_o their_o stead_n and_o give_v they_o all_o the_o possessyon_n of_o the_o traitor_n and_o when_o the_o banysshed_a man_n hard_a that_o stranger_n have_v take_v possessyon_n of_o their_o land_n and_o good_n anon_o they_o conspeyr_v against_o they_o and_o through_o treason_n pray_v they_o to_o a_o fee_v and_o they_o as_o innocent_n think_n no_o treason_n come_v at_o y_z e_z day_n assigned_a and_o be_v serve_v with_o fyve_o mess_n which_o be_v poysode_v wherefore_o as_o many_o as_o taste_v of_o that_o viteyle_n die_v incontynent_a when_o the_o emperor_n hear_v this_o he_o be_v great_o move_v and_o call_v his_o counseyle_n to_o wit_v what_o be_v best_a to_o be_v do_v of_o this_o treason_n and_o of_o their_o dethe_v than_o say_v the_o emperor_n soon_o my_o lord_n i_o be_o your_o soon_o &_o you_o be_v my_o father_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v gyve_v you_o good_a counseyle_n and_o profitable_a to_o all_o man_n not_o far_o hen_n be_v a_o little_a realm_n wherein_o dwell_v a_o fair_a maid_n and_o a_o gracious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o every_o man_n which_o have_v a_o orchard_n wherein_o be_v a_o well_o whereof_o y_a e_o water_n be_v of_o such_o virtue_n that_o if_o it_o be_v cast_v upon_o a_o deed_n man_n anon_o he_o shall_v live_v again_o &_o recover_v his_o life_n therefore_o my_o lord_n i_o shall_v descend_v unto_o that_o realm_n and_o seek_v that_o water_n by_o the_o which_o they_o that_o be_v slay_v at_o the_o fee_a may_v rise_v again_o to_o life_n and_o when_o y_a e_o emperor_n hear_v this_o he_o be_v great_o reioyse_v and_o say_v soon_o thy_o counseyle_n be_v good_a and_o anon_o the_o emperor_n soon_o go_v in_o to_o the_o say_a realm_n and_o fall_v in_o conceit_n with_o the_o maiden_n in_o so_o moche_v that_o he_o enter_v in_o to_o the_o gardyne_n and_o assay_v of_o the_o well_o and_o when_o he_o have_v so_o do_v he_o make_v fyve_o deep_a trench_n in_o the_o ground_n in_o the_o which_o the_o water_n run_v till_o it_o come_v where_o the_o deedman_n lay_v bury_v and_o anon_o when_o the_o water_n touch_v they_o they_o arise_v from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o than_o the_o emperor_n soon_o lead_v they_o unto_o his_o father_n and_o when_o the_o emperor_n see_v this_o he_o be_v right_a joyful_a wherefore_o he_o crown_v his_o soon_o with_o a_o laureate_a crown_n in_o token_n of_o vyctory_n and_o so_o he_o end_v his_o life_n in_o rest_n and_o peace_n ¶_o this_o emperor_n betoken_v the_o father_n of_o heaven_n the_o poor_a man_n that_o be_v promote_v betoken_v lucifer_n the_o which_o be_v make_v of_o nought_o be_v exalt_v in_o the_o empire_n of_o heaven_n in_o so_o great_a joy_n and_o clearness_n that_o he_o seem_v through_o his_o pride_n that_o he_o will_v be_v like_o almyghty_a god_n and_o not_o only_o like_o he_o but_o more_o than_o almyghty_a god_n wherefore_o the_o father_n of_o heaven_n exple_v he_o and_o all_o they_o that_o consent_v unto_o he_o to_o hell_n &_o in_o their_o place_n man_n be_v exalt_v to_o great_a joy_n and_o honour_n the_o devyll_n sing_v this_o envy_a he_o that_o man_n shall_v come_v to_o such_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o bid_v adam_n &_o eve_n to_o a_o fee_a when_o they_o eat_v of_o the_o apple_n against_o god_n commandment_n and_o counseyl_v they_o thus_o sayinge_v in_o what_o hour_n you_o eat_v of_o y_fw-fr e_o apple_n you_o shall_v be_v like_o god_n and_o at_o this_o curse_a feest_n they_o be_v serve_v with_o fyve_o mess_n that_o be_v poison_v that_o be_v to_o say_v their_o fyve_o wytte_n be_v accord_v in_o eat_v of_o the_o apple_n whereof_o man_n be_v infect_a and_o dye_v this_o hear_v the_o emperor_n soon_o move_v with_o mercy_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n in_o to_o this_o world_n and_o acqueynt_v he_o so_o well_o with_o the_o bless_a vyrgyn_v mary_n that_o he_o find_v in_o she_o the_o well_o of_o manhood_n &_o conjoin_v it_o to_o he_o godhede_v accord_v to_o scrypture_n i_o be_o y_z e_z well_o of_o life_n who_o drynk_v of_o it_o shall_v not_o thirst_n after_o that_o he_o let_v make_v fyve_o trench_n in_o the_o ground_n that_o be_v to_o say_v fyve_o wound_n in_o his_o body_n of_o the_o which_o run_v both_o blood_n and_o water_n whereby_o all_o mankind_n be_v reyse_v from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o lead_v they_o up_o in_o to_o the_o palay_n of_o heaven_n unto_o the_o which_o bring_v we_o our_o bless_v savyour_fw-mi jesu_n chryst._n amen_n sometime_o in_o rome_n dwell_v a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v dunstane_n in_o who_o empire_n dwell_v a_o gentyll_a knight_n that_o have_v two_o son_n one_o of_o his_o son_n wed_v himself_o against_o his_o father_n will_n unto_o a_o common_a woman_n of_o the_o bordello_n the_o knight_n hear_v this_o exile_v his_o soon_o from_o he_o and_o when_o he_o be_v thus_o exile_v he_o begote_v on_o this_o woman_n a_o soon_o and_o soon_o after_o that_o he_o wax_v sycke_n &_o needful_a wherefore_o he_o send_v messenger_n to_o his_o father_n beseeching_n he_o of_o his_o mercy_n this_o hear_v his_o father_n have_v compassyon_n and_o rush_n on_o he_o wherefore_o he_o be_v reconsyle_v and_o when_o he_o be_v thus_o bring_v again_o unto_o his_o father_n grace_n he_o give_v his_o soon_o which_o he_o have_v beget_v to_o fore_n on_o this_o common_a woman_n to_o his_o father_n and_o he_o full_a kind_o receyve_v it_o as_o his_o soon_o and_o nouryssh_v it_o when_o his_o other_o soon_o hear_v this_o he_o say_v to_o his_o father_n father_n quoth_v he_o it_o seem_v that_o thou_o be_v out_o of_o thy_o right_a mind_n which_o i_o will_v prove_v by_o this_o reason_n for_o he_o be_v out_o of_o his_o right_a mind_n that_o receyve_v a_o false_a heir_n &_o nouryssh_v he_o who_o father_n have_v do_v he_o anguysshe_v and_o disease_n tofore_o for_o my_o brother_n which_o beget_v this_o child_n have_v do_v the_o great_a injury_n when_o he_o wed_v y_fw-mi e_fw-it common_a woman_n against_o thy_o will_n and_o commandment_n therefore_o i_o seem_v that_o thou_o be_v out_o of_o thy_o right_a mind_n than_o answer_v the_o father_n and_o say_v because_o thy_o brother_n be_v reconsyle_v thou_o be_v envious_a to_o i_o &_o also_o unkind_a to_o thy_o own_o brother_n willing_n to_o put_v he_o from_o my_o felawshyp_n for_o evermore_o and_o soth_o none_o unkind_a man_n shall_v have_v my_o herytage_n but_o if_o he_o be_v reconsyle_v but_o yet_o thou_o never_o reconsyle_v he_o of_o his_o unkyndnes_n for_o thou_o may_v have_v reconsyle_v he_o but_o thou_o will_v not_o therefore_o of_o my_o herytage_n gete_v thou_o no_o part_n ¶_o the_o father_n of_o the_o two_o brother_n betoken_v the_o father_n of_o heaven_n and_o his_o two_o son_n betoken_v the_o nature_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n for_o man_n be_v wed_v to_o a_o common_a woman_n of_o the_o bordello_n when_o he_o eat_v of_o the_o apple_n against_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n wherefore_o he_o be_v exile_v by_o the_o father_n of_o heaven_n and_o put_v fro_o the_o joy_n of_o paradyse_n the_o soon_o of_o the_o common_a woman_n betoken_v mankind_n this_o knight_n soon_o that_o be_v to_o say_v adam_n begin_v to_o be_v needful_a for_o after_o his_o sin_n he_o be_v put_v from_o joy_n in_o to_o this_o wretched_a valley_n of_o tear_n and_o weep_a accord_v to_o this_o scripture_n in_o sudore_fw-la vultus_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o the_o sweet_a of_o thy_o visage_n thou_o shall_v eat_v thy_o breed_n but_o after_o by_o the_o passion_n of_o chryst_n he_o be_v reconsyle_v but_o the_o other_o soon_o that_o betoken_v the_o devyll_n be_v ever_o unkind_a &_o grutched_a daily_o against_o our_o reconsyling_n sayinge_v that_o by_o sin_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o come_v unto_o the_o herytage_n of_o heaven_n unto_o the_o which_o bring_v we_o our_o lord_n jesus_n amen_n sometime_o dwell_v in_o rome_n a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v donate_n which_o do_v do_v make_v three_o ymage_n of_o y_z t_z which_o one_o hold_v out_o his_o hand_n straight_o unto_o the_o people_n and_o have_v on_o his_o fynger_n a_o ring_a of_o gold_n the_o second_o image_n have_v a_o berde_n of_o gold_n and_o y_z e_z three_o have_v a_o mantel_n of_o purple_a command_v upon_o pain_n of_o death_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v rob_v these_o ymage_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o ring_v the_o herd_n nor_o the_o mantel_n it_o befall_v afterward_o upon_o a_o time_n that_o one_o dionyse_v a_o tyrant_n come_v in_o to_o the_o temple_n and_o take_v away_o the_o ring_a from_o the_o first_o image_n the_o berde_n from_o the_o second_o &_o the_o mantel_n from_o the_o three_o and_o anon_o when_o he_o have_v thus_o do_v he_o be_v forthwyth_o accuse_v unto_o the_o emperor_n
thy_o good_a cheer_n &_o thy_o soon_o that_o be_v bear_v to_o night_n i_o will_v have_v for_o to_o nourysshe_v &_o bring_v up_o in_o my_o court_n and_o to_o morrow_n i_o shall_v send_v for_o he_o a_o my_o gracious_a lord_n quoth_v the_o foster_n it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a that_o such_o a_o noble_a emperor_n shall_v nourysshe_v the_o child_n of_o his_o subgecte_n and_o servant_n nevertheless_o your_o will_n be_v fulfyl_v for_o when_o your_o messenger_n come_v i_o shall_v delyver_v they_o my_o soon_o when_o this_o be_v say_v the_o emperor_n take_v his_o leave_n and_o ride_v home_o toward_o his_o palay_n and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v home_o he_o call_v unto_o he_o such_o servant_n as_o he_o trust_v best_a and_o say_v to_o they_o thus_o go_v you_o quoth_v he_o unto_o my_o foster_n with_o who_o i_o be_v lodge_v this_o night_n in_o the_o forest_n and_o receyve_v of_o he_o his_o soon_o of_o which_o his_o wife_n be_v delyver_v this_o night_n and_o upon_o pain_n of_o death_n i_o command_v you_o that_o you_o flee_v he_o by_o the_o way_n and_o cast_v his_o flesh_n to_o the_o dog_n but_o bring_v with_o you_o the_o herte_n to_o i_o and_o but_o you_o fulfil_v my_o commandment_n you_o shall_v dye_v the_o moo_v foul_a death_n that_o can_v be_v think_v anon_o his_o servant_n go_v to_o the_o forest_n and_o receyve_v the_o foster_v soon_o and_o bring_v he_o with_o they_o and_o when_o they_o be_v come_v never_o unto_o the_o palay_n one_o of_o they_o say_v how_o shall_v we_o do_v that_o we_o may_v fulfil_v our_o lord_n commandment_n in_o sle_v of_o this_o child_n some_o answer_v &_o say_v that_o the_o child_n shall_v be_v slay_v and_o some_o will_v have_v save_v his_o life_n and_o while_o they_o strive_v thus_o among_o themselves_o one_o of_o they_o that_o be_v moo_v merciful_a say_v unto_o the_o other_o o_o my_o good_a friend_n hear_v my_o counseyle_n and_o you_o shall_v not_o forthynke_v it_o if_o we_o murder_v this_o innocent_a child_n we_o shall_v great_o offend_v almyghty_a god_n therefore_o here_o be_v young_a pygge_n sleâ—we_v one_o of_o they_o and_o than_o may_v we_o bear_v with_o we_o his_o herte_n and_o present_v it_o unto_o the_o emperor_n sayinge_v that_o it_o be_v the_o herte_n of_o the_o child_n and_o thus_o shall_v we_o not_o shede_v the_o chyldes_n blood_n than_o say_v they_o thy_o counseyle_n be_v good_a but_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v with_o the_o child_n good_a friend_n quoth_v he_o let_v we_o wrap_v he_o in_o some_o clothes_n &_o lie_v he_o in_o some_o holowe_v tree_n for_o peraventure_fw-fr god_n will_v help_v he_o and_o save_v his_o life_n and_o when_o he_o have_v thus_o say_v they_o do_v glad_o after_o his_o counseyle_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o slay_v the_o pygge_n &_o go_v their_o way_n and_o bare_a home_n with_o they_o the_o pygges_n hertâ—_n to_o the_o emperor_n sayinge_v unto_o he_o thus_o 'loo_o gracious_a lord_n we_o have_v slay_v the_o child_n as_o you_o command_v we_o and_o with_o that_o they_o show_v he_o the_o pygge_n herte_fw-fr the_o emperor_n suppose_v that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o chyldes_n herte_n take_v it_o &_o ke_v it_o in_o to_o the_o fire_n despyteous_o sayinge_v 'loo_o that_o be_v the_o herte_n of_o he_o which_o shall_v have_v be_v emperor_n after_o i_o 'loo_o what_o be_v to_o byleve_v in_o dremes_n &_o vysyon_n which_o be_v nought_o else_o but_o fantasye_n and_o vain_a thing_n the_o second_o day_n after_o that_o the_o child_n be_v put_v in_o to_o the_o holowe_v tree_n thâ—re_o come_v a_o earl_n for_o to_o hunt_v in_o the_o forest_n and_o as_o his_o hound_n chase_v a_o heart_n they_o come_v to_o this_o holowe_v tree_n where_o the_o child_n lie_v and_o when_o they_o feel_v the_o savour_n of_o the_o child_n they_o will_v go_v no_o far_o the_o earl_n sing_v this_o meruayl_v great_o why_o his_o hound_n abode_n there_o and_o smite_v his_o horse_n with_o the_o spur_n and_o ride_v a_o great_a pace_n till_o he_o come_v to_o they_o and_o when_o he_o come_v unto_o the_o tree_n wherein_o the_o child_n be_v lay_v he_o look_v in_o at_o a_o hole_n &_o see_v there_o the_o child_n lyenge_a and_o than_o be_v he_o right_a glad_a and_o take_v up_o the_o child_n in_o his_o arm_n full_a lovyng_o and_o bear_v he_o home_o unto_o his_o castle_n sayinge_v unto_o the_o countess_n his_o wife_n 'loo_o my_o dear_a wife_n this_o day_n by_o fortune_n i_o have_v â—ounde_v a_o full_a fair_a child_n in_o a_o holowe_v tree_n as_o i_o hunt_v in_o y_z e_z forest_n whereof_o i_o be_o right_a glad_a and_o because_o that_o i_o never_o beget_v soon_o ne_o daughter_n on_o the_o ne_o thou_o never_o yet_o conceyve_v a_o child_n therefore_o i_o exhort_v the_o that_o thou_o wylte_n feign_v thyself_o travayl_v of_o child_n and_o say_v that_o thou_o have_v bear_v this_o child_n the_o countess_n fulfyl_v right_a glad_o the_o earl_n will_v and_o desire_n and_o say_v my_o moost_n dear_a lord_n your_o will_n in_o this_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v not_o long_o after_o this_o tydynge_n go_v through_o out_o all_o that_o country_n that_o the_o countess_n be_v delyver_v of_o a_o fayâ—e_n soon_o wherefore_o every_o man_n make_v great_a joy_n the_o child_n begin_v to_o grow_v and_o be_v right_a well_o belove_v of_o every_o man_n and_o moo_v specyal_o of_o the_o earl_n and_o of_o the_o countess_n it_o befall_v after_o when_o the_o child_n be_v xu_o year_n of_o age_n the_o emperor_n make_v a_o solemn_a fee_v unto_o all_o y_z e_z lord_n of_o his_o empire_n unto_o the_o which_o fee_v this_o earl_n be_v call_v and_o at_o the_o day_n assign_v he_o come_v and_o bring_v the_o child_n w_o t_z he_o which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o fair_a young_a squyer_n &_o carve_v at_o the_o board_n before_o the_o earl_n the_o emperor_n great_o behold_v he_o and_o espy_v the_o token_n in_o his_o foreheed_n which_o he_o have_v seen_v before_o in_o the_o foster_v house_n â–ª_o wherefore_o he_o be_v great_o move_v &_o vex_v within_o 〈…〉_o and_o say_v unto_o the_o earl_n in_o this_o wise_n who_o soon_o be_v this_o soth_o say_v the_o earl_n he_o be_v my_o soon_o than_o say_v y_o e_o emperor_n by_o the_o faith_n and_o troth_n that_o thou_o owe_v unto_o i_o tell_v i_o the_o troth_n the_o earl_n sing_v that_o he_o may_v not_o excuse_v himself_o by_o no_o manner_n wise_a but_o that_o needs_o he_o must_v tell_v he_o the_o truth_n than_o tell_v he_o he_o all_o together_o how_o he_o have_v find_v he_o in_o the_o forest_n in_o a_o holowe_v tree_n this_o hear_n the_o emperor_n be_v almoo_v out_o of_o his_o right_a mind_n for_o anger_n and_o call_v unto_o he_o his_o servant_n which_o he_o have_v send_v before_o to_o slay_v y_z e_o child_n and_o when_o they_o come_v before_o he_o he_o make_v they_o for_o to_o swear_v upon_o a_o book_n that_o they_o shall_v tell_v he_o the_o troth_n what_o they_o have_v do_v with_o the_o child_n gracious_a lord_n say_v they_o we_o put_v we_o unto_o your_o grace_n &_o goodness_n for_o without_o doubt_n pyte_n so_o move_v we_o that_o we_o may_v not_o â—lee_v he_o and_o than_o we_o put_v he_o in_o a_o holowe_v tree_n but_o what_o afterward_o befall_v of_o he_o soth_o we_o know_v not_o and_o in_o his_o stead_n we_o slay_v a_o pygge_n and_o bring_v you_o the_o herte_n thereof_o when_o the_o emperor_n have_v herd_n the_o very_a truth_n of_o this_o matter_n he_o say_v unto_o y_z e_o earl_n this_o young_a man_n quoth_v he_o shall_v abide_v here_o with_o i_o the_o earl_n anon_o grant_v though_o it_o be_v great_o against_o his_o will_n and_o when_o the_o fee_v be_v end_v every_o man_n take_v his_o leave_n at_o the_o emperor_n and_o go_v where_o as_o they_o list_v and_o at_o that_o time_n it_o fortune_v that_o the_o empress_n &_o her_o daughter_n sojourn_v in_o a_o great_a country_n far_o fro_o then_v by_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o emperor_n it_o befall_v not_o long_o after_o the_o emperor_n call_v unto_o he_o that_o young_a squyer_n and_o say_v the_o behove_v quoth_v he_o to_o ride_v unto_o the_o empress_n my_o wife_n with_o my_o letter_n i_o be_o ready_a at_o your_o commandment_n my_o lord_n say_v he_o to_o fulfil_v your_o desire_n anon_o the_o emperor_n let_v write_v letter_n whereof_o the_o intent_n be_v this_o that_o the_o empress_n shall_v take_v the_o bearer_n of_o these_o letter_n and_o let_v he_o be_v draw_v at_o a_o horse_n tail_n and_o after_o that_o she_o shall_v let_v he_o be_v hang_v till_o he_o be_v deed_n and_o that_o upon_o pain_n of_o death_n when_o the_o letter_n be_v all_o make_v and_o seal_v than_o the_o emperor_n take_v they_o unto_o the_o young_a squyer_n command_v he_o to_o speed_n he_o on_o his_o journey_n and_o