certes j shall ameÌ„de hit to my power j shall goo after him so ferre til j shal fynde him And I shall haue no shame to putte me â— his mercy WhaÌ„ the yoÌ„g damoisell aê‘ceyued the grete displaisir where iÌ„ her maistresse was she shitte the chaÌ„bre dore to th eÌ„de that no persone shulde come vpon theÌ„ begoÌ„ne there to wepe til nyght that a lady caÌ„ aÌ„d sayde the souppe was all redy ThaÌ„ the quene dide do aÌ„swere her by the damoyselle that she wolde not souppe for so moche as she felte her not wel disposed also coÌ„maÌ„ded that no ê‘â—one sholde come to her that night Whiche aÌ„swere so made the quene the damoiselle begaÌ„ to make newe bewailinges teeris after began to be waile jason and among all other thinges The quene saide these wordes yet maye ther worse aueuture greue me more for after aÌ„ ouer moche dangerouse incoÌ„uenience she sendth to me the deth Ha a late me sorowe but what shal I mowe doo I wote neuer what to thenke and what ought I to doo by your faith seme ye good that I ought to goo after him or that I sende ony faithfull man fter him of my knowleche Certes I thinke if I sholde sende a messager after him that he wolde not come agayn And if j weÌ„te my self after hi. that sholde be to me the grettest dishonour of the worde madame answerde than the damoiselle ye ought to knowe your caas aÌ„d of two wayes to take the beste If ye haue inteÌ„cion that Iason be your husbonde hit behoueth no lenger to soiourne for ye muste goo or sende vnto him with alle diligeÌ„ce for to saye to yon myn opinion yf hit were so happend to me as it is to you j wolde sende none other messager but my selfe And knowe ye veryly that ye may haue no dishonour for to goo after him vnderstonden and well considerid the good and agreable seruices that he hath doÌ„ to you and to your royaume For vnder the colour for to guerredone and rewarde him ye maye take occasioÌ„ to come into wordes to gyue hym soÌ„ matere yet for to serue yow Certes fayr donghter saide the quene j wote not what to thinke what me is best to do for if j goo after him and finde him what shal j saye My dere â—…de the damoiselle as j haue right now sayde ye shal presente to him the guerredoÌ„ of the grete honour good seruice that he hath doÌ„ to yon in iour necessite this thiÌ„keth to me lityl substaÌ„ce for to entre into speche of my principal cause sayde the guene Certes madame aÌ„swerd theuÌ„e the damoiselle whan ye shall come and be to fore the knight loue shall teche you to speke if ye will recorde the lessons aÌ„d epistles of loue by the space of teÌ„ yere it shall but lityl prouffite to your auaÌ„cement for ther lacketh nothing but thinspiracion of loue medlid with hardynesse of humayne enteÌ„demeÌ„t spekiÌ„g with the moÌ„th whiche is instrumeÌ„t of the dischargyng discouering of hertes Syn that it is so sayd the the fayr Myrro quene of oliferne Alle thing considerid j had moche leuer to couere a lityll blame thenÌ„e that I shold in alle poyntes with oute euer to recouere again alle the hole desire and plaisir of iniherte the coÌ„solacion of mynÌ„ eyeÌ„ thenÌ„e j shall saye to you myn aduyse that hit is nede aÌ„d necessite so to do and that ye muste nowe goo vnto my womenÌ„ aÌ„d saye to theÌ„ that to mornÌ„ betymes j shall goo in pilgremage accompayned of you onely and that they take hede see well to alle thinges And ye I to fore the sonne rising shal enterprise in the most secrete wyse that shall be possible oure eÌ„queste vpoÌ„ the most noble and vaillianÌ„t knight the most fayr the most adressed that his liuing That is jason myn only freÌ„de we shall do so moche that he shall be foundeÌ„ This aduise semed right good vnto the damoiselle the whiche with alle diligeÌ„ce obeyed to the comauÌ„dement of her maistresse aÌ„d after these thiÌ„ges aboute midnight they made redy her thinges and on the morâ— erly to fore day bothe they toke eche a good palfroye in habite vnknowen and rode forth on their waye and suche was their aueÌ„ture that they cam for to bayte in the logging wher her freÌ„de Iason had logged that nyght And thaÌ„ she began to demande of the hoost of thaffayre dnd contenanÌ„ce of the knight what chere he had made the euen to fore and at his departing what way he had takeÌ„ holde And the hooste answerde to the lady that as to the regarde of his chere and thaffaire of the knight he had nether eteÌ„ ne dronkeÌ„ in alle the euening And a◠〈◊〉 the waye that he had holden he â–ª enseigned to the ladi which was than moche pensif for Iason that had not that eueniÌ„g takeÌ„ no refection of mete ne of drinke ¶ How jason fougt wyth the king dyomedes in the shepe THe noble quâ—…mirro and her damâ—…yed than not loÌ„ge 〈◊〉 batyng for they toke their horses and rood as hastely as to hem was possible so roode iij. dayes long after jason hering in euery logyse where they descended â—idinges of hi but they coude not ouertaken ne finde him And on the fourth day suyng they cam vnto a parte of the see â–ª where was shewid vnto them a ship where in were marchaÌ„ts of athenes was told to them that Iason was therin that he wold go to athenes furthermore yf they wolde goo ther was yet a ship of other marchants that was on the poynt to departe but thenÌ„e the fayr mirro was in suche a point of displaisir whaÌ„ she knewe that jasoÌ„ was departed that she made grete sorowe This notwithstanding she was anonÌ„ conseylled what she wolde doo coÌ„cluded syn that she hadde somoche traueyled that she wolde proue dame fortune went after jason with this coÌ„clusion all ful of aspre sighiÌ„ges she weÌ„t to the ship that sholde disancre for to go to Athenes aÌ„d aggreed with the maroÌ„ner whiche was brought theder by force of tempest winde and anonÌ„ they disancred deê‘ted and whan they sawe that it was calme flewe noÌ„t thei made redy their oores rowed by the force of their atmes for at that tyme meÌ„ vsid not so many sailles as they do now notwithstanding they exployted in suche maner that they caÌ„ into the hye see where they rowed long tyme in whiche tyme the quene Mirro becaÌ„ seke vnto the deth fynably whan they had bencertaine space of tyme a interuaillous orage grete winde caste hem here there in suche wise that fortune broughte heÌ„ to the porte of trace inagre al the maronners for they were al nduertysed that it was perilloê° to ariue there because of the kiÌ„g of that couÌ„tre wiche was named dyomedes The king dyomedes theuÌ„e was a tyrauÌ„t
belonged ThenÌ„e the seruauÌ„t aÌ„suerde that they apperteyned to two damoyselles that were loggid there with inne Truly freÌ„de saide jnsoÌ„ what damoyselles that euer they be The two horses belonge to my lady best belouyd whan the good auÌ„cieÌ„t knighte vnderstood Iason he saide to hun Iason remeÌ„bre ye of your dreme j take hit on my life that your lady is in this hous or ellis the damoiselles ben here sor her the whiche shal saye to you goode tidynges Withoute ony other question or answere jason departed incoÌ„tment from the slable and wete vnto the hostesse â— whan he had boden to her goode morowe he saide to her Fayr hostesse knowe ye the two da moyselles that belongged here in Certes sir knight answerde the hostesse I knowe hem none other wise but as me semeth that they ben geÌ„til womeÌ„ comeÌ„ of a good how 's Is hit possible that I maye see hem saide Iason j wote neuer saide thostes se but j first demande theÌ„ Fayr hostesse saide than Iason j requyre you that j may see theÌ„ And that ye wille go saye that here ys a knight their seriminÌ„t that hath grete desire to speke with them The goode hostesie for to do playsit vnto jason wente vnto the two damoyselles and sayd to theÌ„ My fayr may stresses iÌ„ come to you in the name and at the request of a gentyll knyght he sayng your seruaunt the whiche requyreth you that of your grace hit wolde plese yow that he myght speke with yow And aduise yow what hit shal plese yow that I answere to hym But incontinent that the Quene Myrro had herd her hostesse speke of the requeste of the knight Certes the colour began to chaunge meruailloussy and her thought that all her body wasesprised with fyre But this no withstaÌ„ding she held her contenaunce the beste wyse she myghte And howe wel that she doubted of the comyng of the pren Iason and that she was thaÌ„ in a trauÌ„ce what she shold saye to her yet answerd and sayd fayr daine who is that knight that hath sente yow hether Certes sayde the hostesse I sawe him neuer to fore that I wote of But to my semiÌ„g he is the most gentil the most well made of body and also most curtois that ony man may or can fynde or speke of Danie sayde thenÌ„e the fayr Mirro syn that he is so vtuous so well accomplisshed ns ye saye do hi to come hether With these wordes the good hostesse dide do jason come vnto the chambre And thenÌ„e assone as he cam in he behelde the noble Quene whiche was tyght shamefaste and hauing the herte shytte and rauisshid made vnto her the reuereÌ„ce salewed her And the fayr mirro welcomed salewed hun agayn moche curtoissy This doÌ„ they entrid into deuises and thenÌ„e after certayn wordes Iason sayde to the quene in this maner â—ertes my dere lady j had not knowen that ye had beÌ„ in this hostelrye ne had â—beÌ„ your two palfroies Whiche j haue this morenyng founde in the stable by my hors and yet whaÌ„ I had seen and knoweÌ„ them j had not supposed that ye had beÌ„ in this how 's how wel whan j vnderstode that the two passroyes belonged to you Oamoiselles wenyng that here had ben two of your damoiselles I am comen for to here tydinges of you Certes sire knight j doubte not the contrarye and in lyke wise j had not supposed ner thought to haue founden yow nowe here I declare to you that j am departed secretly for to goo a pilgremage where I haue prâ—mysed long syn accompanyed oâ—â—â— wyth this danioy selle j auo wâ—â— so to goo iÌ„ the moste streÌ„gthe of the warre and j haue grete meâ—â—nylle for to see you now here For without doubte j hadde supposed that ye hadde ben this oure in olyferne at your reste â—adame answerde Iason I haue none hope that euer ye shal see me more in â—â—â—â—erne Certes jason fayr sireâ—◠〈◊〉 aÌ„d moche fwift in your werkes I haue good wille aÌ„d grete desire for to rewarde coÌ„tente you of the good agreable seruices that ye to fore this tyme haue donn to me during my warre in persecuting and deliuering of my morbell ennemyes and yfye resoume not to Olyferns I may not ner can not doo rewâ—â—de and conteÌ„te yow Ha a my dere lady answerde than jason As j sayde you that other day iÌ„ your yalays I haue not seruid you in suche wise as j haue coude best doo for menoye or other meuable goddes but I haue employed my self only for to gefe your loue your godde gÌ„ce I haue paternall richesses largely and therfore j saye to yow so moche that yf so be that ye graunte not me your loue ye may not contente me And knowe ye certaynly that after this daye ye shall neuer see me For as your tre we louer and humble seruaunt quamnguer donned I shal goo withdrawe me ito som deserte be wayling and weping that part after yow And vnto my deth j wole doo non other wyse wherfore I yow supplie with alle my herte that pyte may entre into your noble cora ge in suche wyse that on me your poure suppliauÌ„t ye haue pyte and mercy and ellis of me ye shal neuer see good Whan the noble lady had vnderstand that sayd ys She answerde to the preu jaso in this manere Certes sir knight ther is no herte of lady so hard but by the vertu of youre requestes musie nedes be softed aÌ„d molefied ye haue sernid mehyely well in all tronth loyaulte In alle vailliauÌ„ce diligeÌ„ce â— ê¯fesse knowleche hyt ye requyre me as I vnder stande that I sholde be your wâ—f aÌ„d felaw a more gretter thing ye may not demanÌ„de me ne that more me toncheth Neuertheles whaÌ„ j apperceyue your grete and good valoir to th eÌ„de that ye haue no cause for to falle in despair j am conteÌ„t for to accorde my selfe vnto your prayers requestes for seen alway that ye shall goo into your countrey And there ye shall asseÌ„ble youre moost next parents and freÌ„des which ye shal briÌ„ge into my cyte that in their presence ye shal wedde and spowse me solempâ—ly The noble and vayllauÌ„t knight jason thanked the fayr myrro of this goode answere and promysed to her to doo and accomplisshe treuly alle that she hadde desired that is to wete that he sholde goo into myrinidone for tassemble his freÌ„des alyes and that he sholde retourne into oliferne to marye and wedde her in their presence â–ª But whaÌ„ the damoyselle that was comen with the quene for to holde her companye herde suche or seniblable promesses made bi her maistresse which was so wel comen to the point of her desir she was replenysshed with â—solacion yoye forthwith she cam betwene the. ij louers aÌ„d sayd to theÌ„â— that she called alle the goddes to witnes aÌ„d thaÌ„ked theÌ„ for this aliauÌ„ce
that j mighte in ony maner be repreheÌ„ded or reproched Incontinent as medea vnderâ—tood the hye wyll of jason she was moch ioyod neuertheles she fayned to be dolente sorowfull and of fait she reâ—red Hercules that he wolde shewe to hi the grete paril that he wolde put him in but hercules ansuerde to her that he wolde rather couÌ„ceile jason to do it thenÌ„e to leue it For if jason fayled to furnisshe this emprise that he him self wold take it on hoÌ„de to brâ—ge hit to ende Neuertheles sai de thenÌ„e Medea if IasoÌ„ beleued my counceyll he sholde go no ferther aÌ„d I shal saye to him suche reson aparte And whan she sawe that they were so fer froÌ„ the other that they myght not vnderstonde what she sayde she sayde to him in this wyse In verite right noble knight â–ª hitâ—ehoueth that pitye of a woman â—ust 〈◊〉 eâ—cused by your gâ—tâ—nesse j haue pite of you and of your grete beaute â—d certes nature hath enclyned me ther to trustyng if I do ony thing for yow ye wil knowe it The houre is come that hit behoueth that I doo appere to youre eyen the secrete not only of my herte but also that same by the whiche ye shal obteyne come aboue to breÌ„ge to ende your meruaylloê° enterpryse to your grete glory honour recoÌ„meÌ„dacion by the helpe of the goddes And for asmoche as yf I declare to you by grete loue thiÌ„ges that beÌ„ hyghe grete yf ye will further knowe of them it is of necessite that ye swere to me to kepe it secrete aboue alle other thiÌ„ges of the worl de â–ª Madame aÌ„suerde thenÌ„e jason j am a poure trewe knightsent vnto the se moÌ„stres certes hit hath plesid you to do me more honour thenÌ„e euer it shal lye in my power to deserue neuertheles whan your pyetous herte wylle eÌ„clyne vnto my pouerte j swere to you by the names of all the goddes that men worshipe that if ye declare to me ony thing that as loÌ„g as j shal lyue it shal not deptâ— from my mouth By my lawe sir knyght ansuerde Medea I haue grete ê¯fidence in your noblesse wherfore I am resolewed for to discouuer to yow the secrete of the goddes after that lyeth on my herte which if it be notâ—â—g on yow it shal redouÌ„de to your grete honour prouffit Madame aÌ„suerde Iason it shal not holde on me if ye knowe ony thing propice to my whorship I me sâ—bmitte in all vnto your ryght noble grace Haa noble knight saide thenÌ„e medea I may no lenger faine myâ—eyen haue beholdeÌ„ your grete beaute ye ben aâ— the desir of myn herte where ther werketh loue so perfondly that j haue grete pyte of yow in suche wyse that if ye will promyse me to be my trew husbonde brenge me into your couÌ„tre after your vowe enterpryse brought to an ende I shall promyse yow also shewe howe ye shal mowe coÌ„quere the motonÌ„ or fâ—ees of gold without daunger of your body in suche wyse as ye shal retorne hole and sauf to your glorie and honoure To the whiche no mortall man may come but if it be bi a secrete manere comyng from the goddes The whyche not long syn was deliuerid to me by my moder wherfor I pray yow that ye wiâ—â—â—ue regarde to myn offre abadonÌ„ed â— also to your helthe Whan jason had vnderstande medea thus speke he began to frowne â— him self sighing wyth an heuy herte answerde Madame ye constrayne me to be beholdeÌ„ more to you thenÌ„ to ony creature lyuyng aÌ„d I can not conceyue from whens this ewr cometh whan I fele me thus fallen in your grace aÌ„d I wolde it plesid the goddes that I were digne worthy therto that I neuer had made vowe to lady in the worlde Certes fair sire sayde medea me â—emeth that your herthath atteyned the mercy of som lady haue ye ensured wedded her Madame answerde jasoÌ„ j certefye yow nay but I haue sette my loue in her so ê‘faitly thaâ—in no maner I may forgete her I haue ê“mised that j shal be heeris al my lyf ThenÌ„ saide Medea what som ever be ther of it is of necessite that ye leue put her in oubliaâ—ice that ye entende to complaire me â—f ye wille not receyue the deth for bâ—t if ye departe you fro your enterprise withoute myn ayde ther is no remedie And if I be cause of sauacioÌ„ of your lyf as to the regarde of me j wil enyoie you allone without ony other My dere lady aÌ„s werde thenÌ„ jason the poure abandoÌ„ned body is youris for to honoure serue you in al that in me shal be possible In good fayth fayr sire jason if ye wil gyue your self al â—ome I shall gyue my self to you in like wyse In verite jason answerde my ryght dere lady ye do to me right grete honour without deseruyng Certes sire jasoÌ„ aÌ„swerde the lady loue is cause of this we le and pyte hath coÌ„maÌ„ded me to do it the whiche cause me to renÌ„e iÌ„ so grete a shame as for to require you to be my lord but it semeth to pite that in fauour that j desire to saue youre lyf ye ought to excuse me Madame aÌ„suerde jason j shal neuer be so ewrous as to come jâ—stely vnto the goode gÌ„ce of one so noble lady as ye be wolde right well that hyt sholde mowe be but what shal become shal mowe saye she that â— haue gyueÌ„ my self to yf ye forsake her not on all ê‘tyes sayde thenÌ„ medea j may not helpe yow to do your coÌ„queste ne ssaue yo lyf therforÌ„ chese ye for j aÌ„ smyteÌ„ to the herte wy t your loue syn that â— must sayeal If I shold be cause of sauyng of your lyf thenÌ„ happend an other shold enyoye your ê‘sone it shold behoâ—e me to dye for sorow and therfore theÌ„ke ye what ye haue to do be ye aduised Wy t these wordes jason medea eÌ„trid into the gardyn of plaisaâ—ice in whiche was sette the temple of venê° ã€ˆâ—Šã€‰ such wyse adâ—iâ—oÌ„ned sette about wy t fâ—oures wyth delicioê° werkes that hyt semed a veray paradyâ— terrestre Theâ—â—e hercules the other ladies daâ—â—oâ—selles approched vnto jason meden wherfore it behoued hem to leue â—esse their ê‘laine â— to behold the plaisaâ—ice that the delices of that place of fâ—oures al the facoÌ„ns of vignes trees hyly ê¯dâ—yted bi conpas ¶ Whan the greky ssâ—â— knightes had seeÌ„ â—â—cyued the beaute of this place they had therof grete meruaile were moch esbayed after they entred into the teÌ„ple aÌ„d there made their oroisoâ—â—s syn behelde the composition ordoÌ„naÌ„ces of the ymages that repÌ„sented the amorous peple al aboute the goddesse venê° and whaÌ„ they had loÌ„ge seeÌ„ beholdeÌ„ all meda toke leue of jasoÌ„ said that she wold abide a lityl while
prayers and oroisonÌ„s in souffrages in thoughtes in jmaginacyons in desire in hope fynably in despair aÌ„d in deth anguisshoê° For whaÌ„ I haue apperceyued that thou canist not agayn to me in fourthy dayes after the daye of thy ê“mis All dispayred I haue compiled aÌ„d wreton this epistle wyh my handes and wyth thyn aÌ„d in alle suche wyse and facoÌ„n as she that myght no lenger abide thy comyng reforne j haue caste my self into the see prayng the goddes that they briÌ„ge me quyk or dede in to that place there thow art quyk or ded bi grete deffanlte of thy promesse to that eÌ„de that thou see what terible affectioÌ„ loue j haue hadde to thy perfone In redyng this epistle the preu jasoÌ„ wepte so pyetoussy that he might no more And as to the regarde of hercules Theseê° Mopsiê° they faylled not to be of the lyuery of Iason And whan Medea had red al the contenâ— of the pistle jason began to complayue thys so myserable lady that was dede by hys cause â–ª as she declared in her epistle And thenÌ„e whan he had coÌ„playned be wayled her long he excused him to fore them al le of the promesse that he had made to her for to retourne by the Cyte of Iennos Sayng that it was not his deffaute but that the god of wynde was coulâ—able And therof he toke witnes of Hercules Theseê° mopsius Argos the good â—atoÌ„ner of many other the whiche â—â—ew right well how he had purposed to haue gonÌ„ into leÌ„nos iÌ„ retorniÌ„g froÌ„ hiseÌ„terpryse froÌ„ Colchos for to see thys noble lady and how the tourbyllonÌ„s of winde had destourned heÌ„ ayeÌ„st his wil. But finably whaÌ„ medea apperceyued the manere of jason she begaÌ„ to demaÌ„de him what prouffited hiÌ„ his wepinges suche excusacioÌ„s syn saide to him Certes Inson me semeth that ye haue better the corage of a woman thenÌ„e of a man aÌ„d that is no nede to wepe ne so bewailc a lady that was so despaired but ryght welfor youre honour for the goodnes that she hath donÌ„ for you in â—passyon of noblesse ye shall do her to be adoubed for to bring her iÌ„to your countrey there ye shal do her richely and honourahly be put in sepulture as in suche a caas apperteyneth By the wordes remoÌ„strauÌ„ces of the fayr Medea the duiel sorou of her loue jason cessed a lytil a lâ—â—yll aÌ„d Medea with her maistresse whaÌ„ they sawe her time toke the body of the Qnene ysiphile and leyde it a ê‘te wyth the atours ryalle What shal I make long proces on the moruÌ„ IasoÌ„ commanded to disancre from thens And was syn sayling certayn iourneyes on the see but in th ende without makiÌ„g meÌ„cioÌ„ of ony aueÌ„ture dig ne of memorie Argos the good maistre sailed so ferre bigousfres bifsotes that at the. xx moneth after their deê‘ting of mirmidone he arriued at the poorte froÌ„ wheÌ„s he was deâ—ted for whos comyng the dwellars 〈…〉 inhabytants of that countre of grece were as yoyouse as they might be on that otherside jason alle they of his ship incontynent as they had espyed knoweÌ„ that is was the poorte that they weredeê‘ted fro began to singe al on in preysing thaÌ„king the goddes of that they were comen home aÌ„d had escaped so many daungiers parils to their worship prouffit wyth ryght grere triumphe of victorie At that time whan argos arriued in this poort the sterres apperid largely on the heuen the night was fayr aÌ„d the see paysible And therfore the knightes of grece abode iÌ„ the ship al night without goyng alonde on the mornÌ„ be tyme jason seÌ„te Theseê° for to signefie his comyng vnto Peleus Theseus wente fonde peleus in a cyte named Elsebee where was mery passed the time with his wyf whos name was Cyâ—ane supposed neuer to haue herde tydinges of jason whaÌ„ peleê° saw knew theseus he went ayenst him aÌ„d made to hym grete reuereÌ„ce and worship aÌ„d syn demanded him of alle tydinges ThenÌ„e theseus began to telle a parte of the tydinges of jasoÌ„ in especial recompted to him thauenture that he had donÌ„ in Colchos and how he had brought the ryche noble flees of golde aÌ„d that he was arriued at the poorte of seseyre aÌ„d that he had wyth him the flees whiche was the most fayr the moost noble Iewell that euer was seen after told him that he had conquerd in hyâ— voyage the grettest honoure that euer knight might gete also he tolde how he brought wyth him the doughter of the king of Colchos whiche was most wyse fayr â–ª and exellente whiche in alle qualitees after reson might be holden for the best accoÌ„plisshid lady of the worlde The noble knight Peleus hering thyse tidynges thê° told was so pressid at the hert that al the bloode chaunged â–ª by al the vaynes os his body how well he made semblant as he had beÌ„ meruaillousli yoyous for he sente vnto the king Eson for to she we to him these good tydynges aÌ„d syn assembled the nobles the bourgeys the merchants the ladyes damoiselles of the cyte aÌ„d brought them in fayr ordenanÌ„ce for to mete wyth Iason ¶ whan the comyng of jason was â—â—owen in the cyte in the countre â—â—he man began to make grete chere At comyug owt of the shippe IasoÌ„ and Hercules were the first that yssued out and after them cam mopsius an other knight of grece whiche bare to fore jason the ryche flees of golde in signe of triuÌ„phe of victorie The thre toÌ„ges of the meruaillous dragon the legges hornes of the two dredefull boles aÌ„d they led by the arme the noble lady Medea whiche was rychely arayed fayr as the fayr daye and after them folowed the other knightes and noble meÌ„ of grece IncoÌ„tineÌ„t as peleê° the geÌ„tyll men of his route sawe the noble flees that was so riche the grete beaute of Medea they were all ameruaylled they made to theÌ„ the reuerence first And wyth grete honoure and glorie brought jasoÌ„ to elsebee the cyte where they soiourned that night on the mornÌ„ they deê‘ted thens and wente to pintaquo where the king Eson soyourned at that tyme For asmoche as that place was sette in a good ayer and alle aboute had grete deduyt of chaas and honÌ„ting meraillously of venerie Pyntaquo was a fayr stroÌ„g castell standing vpon a grete Ryuere and brode which ranÌ„ swiftli round aboute the place and with this hit was enuiroÌ„ned with faire parfonÌ„de forestes of good londe erable and fayr medowes plente Certes the good king was moche reioyed and not with oute cause whan he apê‘ceiued and saw his noble sone jason aÌ„d the fayr medea his lady the ryche flees of gold the thre toÌ„ges of the meruailous dragonÌ„ the hornes aÌ„d legges of the two meruaillouse boles for to contente eche man whaÌ„ he
had leuer now to lose my lyf then to lyue ony lenger sse my me deth be ê‘donned vnto yow _â—ame answerde thenÌ„e Iason what as to the regard of the weddyng nowe begonÌ„e if it plese the goddes they shal be ê‘faited fulfyld as it is ordeyned not with stonding ony promesse that hath beÌ„ made bytwene yow and me WhaÌ„ medea herde this aÌ„swer she fyll doâ—â— to the erthe all a swouÌ„ne or in traunce sayng A ha myn only souerayn wele thenÌ„e shal ye be pariured Certes dame answerde Iason Saue your honour I haue acquytte vnto you all that I haue promysed vnto you For j haue brought you iÌ„to my countre aÌ„d solempnly haue espoused you syn I haue be trew in mariage vnto the deth of myn vncle peleê° where as ye well know hathÌ„ ben coÌ„mised by yow a grete defaulte Not withstoÌ„dyng this that is past j enteÌ„de not that by me ye sholde be sclaundrid But knowe ye that j had mochÌ„ leuer lyue in honour and ensiewe the termes and werkes of noblesse thenÌ„ for to holde me leÌ„ger in your companye I telle yow these thinges for so moche as yf I helde me leÌ„ger by you And of you ne were done good iustice hit mighte be sayd that I sholde be culpable of one so cruelle a murdre wherof is ensiewed the deth of two so fayre noble madyens pâ—celles doughters of Peleus And for thys cause other cruelles by yow coÌ„mysed I shall holde that I haue sayd And so I may doo and ought to doo lawfully in keping myn honour aÌ„d the termes commandemeÌ„ts of oure lawe ¶ Whan the fayr medea had vnderstanden alle the wylle coÌ„clusion of the noble preu Iason If she hadd beÌ„ to fore sorowfull and ouer aÌ„gry yet was she thenÌ„e moche more For she began to wepe wyth thise wordes to sighe fro her herte so ê‘fondly that hit semed that ther deê‘ted from her two fayr eyeÌ„ two ruysseauls or two spriÌ„ges of a fontaine This notwithstanding after many sighes froÌ„ the herte so ê‘fondly she replycqued vnto thaÌ„swer of jason and saide Ha a sir knight I know well now that hit is destyne that I owe to be the moste infortunat lady of the worlde If I haue â—sented or â—â—uÌ„ceylled the deth of the desloy all peleus hit hath ben for the grete loue trewe herte that I haue had for tauenge you of thys that he by his fals couÌ„ceyll sente you into Colchos to make the coÌ„quest vpoÌ„ the fâ—ees of gold knowyng that hit was a thiÌ„g impossible euer to retorne wythÌ„oute to be deuoured aÌ„d ded if hit hadde not be my pourneyance and whan I haue donÌ„ alle thise thinges wyth goode entencion for to gete your gâ—ace ye wille now leue and repudie me in alle poyntes wherfore I may well saye that vnder the firmament is no more infortunat creature iÌ„ alle trybulacyoÌ„ thenÌ„ I am Ha a my dere loue and freÌ„de Iason shalle j haue none other salaire ne other gwerdon for alle my merites â—ertes dame answerde thenÌ„ jason ye haue moche more thenÌ„e ye haue deseruid for suche trespaas such rewarde for the couuerture of the trespaas by yow done caÌ„ not excuse you do the best ye can or may your children also withÌ„drawe yow wy t your children into som countree so shall ye do wisely also your proffyâ— My dere lorde sayde thenÌ„e medea syn sâ—t is your plaisir that it so be hit muste nedes be that it plese me And so be it alway that youre plaisirs beÌ„ sulfillid yet at the lest for to reioye me a litil ye shal do to me somoche gce that of your curtoysye I may be loggid here within vnto to morow to th eÌ„de that I may see the solempnite of the wedding aÌ„d if ye wille thus accorde to me I promette yow that to mornÌ„ at dyner for the loue of yow I shall make appere vysibli one of the grete meruailles that euer was seen at wedding of a kynges doughtere or of a prince ¶ Whan Iason had vnderstaÌ„de the request of the ladi not thinking that she pretended but vnto all well and goode and also for to be quytt of her accorded her request and was deliueryd to her a ryght fayr chambre within the palais And whaÌ„ the lady was in this chambre she sent her two damoyselles for to be logged in the towne So hit happend whaÌ„ she was there allone she began to studye in many of her sciences and whan it cam aboute midnyghtshe dyde her to be transported into the ayer she broughte in to her chambre wy t her plente of werkes ryght secrete wher of she composed foure grete horrible dragons Whome she knetted to gyder by their tailles and maad as hit hadd ben a chayne And thenÌ„e this done she passed in this poiÌ„t that night so sore passioned with Ialousye of loue that her semed that her herte and all her body were all esprised with fyre and fiaÌ„be So hit happend on the mornÌ„ whan jason had espoused the fayr creusa aÌ„d that he was sette at diner with her wy t the king fader of the lady and with the knightes ladies damoiselles of the countreye ThenÌ„e medea deê‘ted froÌ„ her chambre sittyng in the myddes of the fowre dragons holdyng her yongest sone alle naked in her haÌ„des And in this poynt she made her to be brought to fore the table where as the noble preu jason was _â—Ertes hit is wel lightli to beleue that the king the noble preu Iason and also alle they that were there were gretly esmayed and ferd whan they apperceyued Medea in suche araye entre into the halle sytting bytwene foure dragoÌ„s so terryble to beholde by semblauÌ„t aÌ„d som there were that fledde And somÌ„e abode to see thauenture seeyng that she helde betwenÌ„ her haÌ„des her yong chyld But whan medea sawe that she was to fore jason She escryed him in this maner Iason Iason thou knowest that I am thy wyf thou leuest me for an other wenest thy self not to haue mesprised to me I haue saued thy lyfe and thou doste to me grete wrong and ouermoche grete blame And thys procedeth fro the of alle desloyalte â–ª of all mauastie wherof thou art chief and heed And suche wilt thow be aÌ„d abyde but I shalle kepe the froÌ„ it yf myn coÌ„ning faylle not For certaynly I promyse the that thy newe wyf Creusa and the king her fader and al they that beÌ„ here within shall lose theyr lyfe Reserued thy self and by consequent thy propre sone that j holde in my propre armes shal be the first that shal begynne the feste ¶ Whan the desolate lady had sayd these wordes she holdyng heÌ„r yoÌ„ge childe which was moche tendre toke him by the twoo legges and by the force of heâ— armes Rente him in twoo pâ—eces in that poynt cast hi in the piater to fore Iason and creusa And with that the foure
lâ—â—yl of valeuâ— that j am ashamed and hountouse to lyue And wold that j were there where j shal be v. honderd yere here after wyth oute ony respyte Whan thauÌ„cient knight vnâ—stode that jason was in so moche bitter dispair he had pite of him sayde to him for a lityl to coÌ„forte him Certes gentil knight j knowe wel my self vnderstoÌ„de of this marchaÌ„dise that of your loue ye haue not eÌ„yoyed your first desire wil but j wolde fayn knowe yf ony manÌ„ hath doÌ„ you wroÌ„g of your lady or ellis if this maladie cometh ê“cedeth by the rigour of her Certes geÌ„tyl knight answerde jasâ— alle my meschief ê“cedeth of the grete rigour of my ladi bi the â—alour simplenes of me for j haue sernid that fayr lady in a moche daÌ„gerous warre that her mortall enemyes mâ—de to her not long syn â— the most diligâ—t wyse that j coude or might after whaÌ„she was at her aboue of her aduersaireâ— j haue requyred her of her grace that she wolde be my lady in loue but she hath not wylled to see in me so moche vertue ne somoche valour that she wolde accorde her to my request and thus I haue therfore my lyf in grete hate see none other remedie that but j falle in despaire Fayr sire ansuerde thauÌ„cieÌ„t knight haue not ye ofte tymes herd saye â–ª that one lost two recouerid yf hit be so that a womaÌ„ hath made of you refuse by your fayth shall ye therfore be suche a fooll as for to fall in despayr CoÌ„sidere ye not that ther be ynowh of other and yf ye haue not ynowh of one j shal make you to haue a dosayne ther is no grete derthe ne scarcete of womenÌ„ Certes â—f ye remembre you wel ye shal saye thaâ— they cracce out menÌ„es eyen therfore al this wel â—siderid yf your lady sette litil by you do the same to her seche another without loÌ„g taryyng Certes sir knight sayde jason whaÌ„ I haue wel marked and take hede of your wordes ye speke after your plaisir These ben thinges that may better be said than exployted Certayu sayde the auncient knight j telle to yow the secrete and the verray hystorie I wâ—l wel that euery man be amerous aÌ„dloue but that he haue twoo strenges on his â—owe And that noman put him so fersorth in lo ue but that he may withdrawe hi in tyme and in seasonÌ„ women one other proprely to speke â—en malycious in her werkes and thys procedeth that eche of them adresse other of sâ—che counceyâ—â— exhorte aÌ„d of fauour Men saye that the moost orguilloust aÌ„d proudest creature that is is the deuyll and next after hym 〈◊〉 the woman and next after is the foole that is ouerâ—uydaunt for pride cometh not but of â–ª folye aÌ„d somoche wenyng Somme women ther be that â—â—ste haue one ameroê° maÌ„ to whom they kepe hem treuly Other be many that be full of wordes and leâ—e their â—â—ris to alle the worlde Other loue to haue acye and tokenes â—d they make lyke signes also ferre as they may not speke to heÌ„ Other ther ben that ben more prayâ—â— and requyrid for to enyoye them â—o to haue theyr grace thaÌ„ the goddes ben for to haue their fayr paradys â–ª For tabregge and shortly conclude Certes gentyll knyghtâ— they be well happy that haue not to doo with them mony suche receptes aÌ„d they be foles that haue to do moche with hem for he that may pâ—sse fâ—oÌ„ them may do no better thaÌ„ to withdrawe hym fer from 'hem in fâ—eyng the places and alle the circumstanÌ„ces Syre answerde than Iason I â—uppose and thinke well that ye coude saye moche better yf ye voolde first as to the regarde for to haue ij streÌ„ges on his â—owe That is to vnderstaÌ„de two ladyes certes it is not possible that he that so doth may be â—sâ—â—â—t in his werkes ne in his thoughtes for no maÌ„ may wel serue ij maistres for that one corrumpeth that other ThenÌ„e it is so that yf a noble man for to auauÌ„ce him self in worship maye doo no better thenÌ„e for to chese an honourable ladâ— whiche he maye loue treuly secretly and so perfaytly that he sere aÌ„d drede to doâ— ony thing but that yt be honest in alle thingis â—d of â—ecomÌ„andacioÌ„â—or alle ladyes desire nothing but honour and hye â—enommce hyt is their propre vocacion and their naturell condycion thenÌ„e how shall he haue desirÌ„ of honour that is no trew louer for he that is double is to moche outrew and fals and if ony wele or honour happen to come to him it is agaynâ—â— reson ryght and good equyâ—e and if ther be ony suche certes they be not worthy to lyueâ— seen that the ladyes beÌ„ of â—o parfouÌ„de excelleÌ„â—â— that the leest of all is worthy to haue the best knight of alle the world And for that cause saye no more that â— take two cordes or strâ—ges on my â—owe For certaynly I had leuer to receyue and pâ—ssee the destrayt of deth WHan thauncieÌ„t knight had vnderstonde thaÌ„swer of â—ason he was moche abasshid sayde to him that he wolde neuer holde that waye ne purpose wherfore fayr syre sayde â—ason for asmoche sayde the knight that meÌ„ sholde mocque hi for j suppose wel to knowe that if right now ye sholde chese of two thingesone That is to weâ—e to receyne deth or ellis chese a new ladi that ye wold more sone the lady thaÌ„ the deth for good cause Certes ther ben pleÌ„te of amoreusis that susteine aÌ„d swere that for to sane thonour of their ladies thei wolde atteÌ„de take the deth But I suppose yf they sawe the deth come they wold nomore abide him thenÌ„e the quayle abydeth the sperhauke and for alâ—â— thyse raysonÌ„s aboue sayde I counceylle yow that ye leue this errours and opynyons and recoÌ„forte your self the best wyse ye can in your maladye â—or by myn aduyse I beleue not that youâ— payne be mortall and I haue not herde saye that evyr ony man amerous by maladye of loue lost hys lyfe But yf he went out of hys mynde _â—asoÌ„ with these wordes coude nomore replyâ—que for he apperceyued that he coude not make his mater goodner maintene it agaynst the olde knight and thuâ—ending their parlameÌ„t he sâ—epte vnto the tyme it was nygh daye And thenÌ„e Iason awoke begaÌ„ to make newe sighes inso moche that thauncient knyght herde it â—gayn hou well that he was a sâ—epe was sodaynly awaked And thenÌ„e whaÌ„ Iason knewe that he was awaked he salewed him and gaf hym goode morow and sayde to him Syre knigt because of your grete ageye haue seen moche thing in your tyme. â— demande you by your fayth if ye haue knowleche iÌ„ dremes wherâ—ore axe ye answerde the â—nyght For asmoche sayde Iason as j hane not cessed this night to dreme By my loyaulte â—ayr sire ansuerde the good old knyghte yf ye
haue dremed ony thing that haue nede of exposition or ony interpretacion there is no man â— grece that shal better answere therto thenÌ„e myself and therfore without ony doubte Telle me playnly yowr dreme and I shall expowâ—e to you the substance Certes sire knight saide jason j had a meruaillous dreme this nyght which iÌ„ maner of a passe temps j shall declare to you for as moche as ye ar conÌ„yng in the scieÌ„ce of thexposicioÌ„ therof which dreme or vysion was thyâ— Me thou â–ª ghte that j sawe ij swannes which were right fair iÌ„ a medo we of whoÌ„ that one was a male aÌ„d that other a female The male cam vnto the female made semblaunt for to haue acompanyed with her the female sette nought ther by but withdrewe her aback And whan the malâ— sawe that he entrid vnto a â—yuer that was by and passid ouer and caÌ„ a lye with me here iÌ„ this bedde and hit was notlong after but me thoughte that the female passed the â—yuer in lyke wyse and cam vnto the chambre dore and made many pyetous cryes after her nature that the male might not here for he was aslepe And so hadde I moche grete pyte for the sorowfulllchere that she made in so moche that j awoke and nomore I sawe wherfore I wote neuer what to thinke Whan the auncient knyght hadde wel vnderstande alonge the dreme of the preu Iason he sayde to hym in this manere Syr knight what wole ye saye yf that noble lady for whoÌ„ ye suffre so moche sorow be as moche or more amerous of yow as ye be of her And by this loue she be comen in to this house after yow Ha a sir knyght answerde jason I haue no charge of that stroke for my lady is so noble and so endowed of so hyghe beaute that she setteth nought bi ony maÌ„ in the worlde Aâ—e way fair sir sayde thauÌ„cient knight your dreme signifieth by thise two swannes Of whom wolde make the bataylle or thenterpryse that desyreth coÌ„panye of the female that ye haue willed to be husbonde to your lady The whiche wolde not here you and neuertheles whan she hath knowen that ye entred on the see she entred after in semblable wyse and is comé after you iÌ„to this propre hous where by auenture she is in moche grete payne for the loue of yow In thys facoÌ„n maye I prenosticque dyuyne this werk after the naturÌ„ of your dreme â—ason with these wordes began to sighe ryght ardanÌ„tly aÌ„d sayde what is this and fro whens cometh to me this fantasie that may more greue me thenÌ„e helpe I knowe well that it is a grete abuse to me for to thinke and haue a renouelement of payne and of sorow O what payne is to a tre we louar infortunat for to be in coÌ„tynuel martire Ha a my dere lady why haue ye not the eyen so cleer for to beholde with in my herte and knowe in what martyrdom I am In what sorow and in what anguysshe Certes madame youre eyen basilique haue hurte me vnto the deth O what distresse O what guerdonÌ„ for good seruice I fynde me in the handes of right harde deth But yet for to passe the sonner my sorowe j shall praye the goddes that j may be eurews after my grete vnhappines ThenÌ„e the sage and auÌ„cient knight Mopsius hering the noble preu Iason thus sorowfully coÌ„playne him selfe and lamenting in fauour of noblesse was gretly enyoyed in corage and for somoche he sayde to him iÌ„ this maner For goddes sake sir knyght leue and goo oute of this fantasye for to moche to muse in infortune is nothing prouffytable A manÌ„ with grete trauaylle and labour bringeth his dayes to an ende hauing his lyfe trauersid in many contrarie thinges Ther is no man so ewrous happy that hath alle waye his wyll Certes te thyme muste be taken as hit cometh is hit hard or softe The herte of a maÌ„ shol de not abasshe â— no thing Me semethÌ„ we haue spoke ynowhÌ„ of loue spraye yow that froÌ„ hens forth we may entte ito an other purpose And that ye wolde telle to me your name and the place of your buyrth the name of your how 's and dwelling place Veritably sir knight answerde Iaso than If ther be ony man that may redresse and gyue confort to a desolate hert aud disconforted ye be he most propice aboue alle other I haue founden so moch goodnes in you that yf ye wole telle me your name with out ony faute I sal telle yow myn also Fair sire answerde thauÌ„-cieÌ„t knight your desire is to me agreable in suche wise that I shal recoÌ„pre to you my lyf and alle myn asiate more than ony man that I haue seeÌ„ this vj. score yere Knowe ye than that my name is Mopsiê° The god nppollo was my fader j am king of Sylice I haue conquerd the coutre Pamphile I haue had twoo sones And whan they were come to maÌ„nes age I haue made them possessours of my landes syn I am deê‘ted in suche estate as ye me now see j haue beÌ„ in the worlde vi score yere during whiche tyme I haue seen haue lerdned pleÌ„te of good stranÌ„ge werkes prayng you and require that ye shewe to no ê‘sone myn estate ne coÌ„dicioÌ„s by no facoÌ„n of the worlde and whaÌ„ so is that ye speke to me that ye name ne calle me none other name but Mopsius opeÌ„ly ne collectly and for diuerce cause Mopsiê° aÌ„swerde than the noble Iason syn it so plesith you to be named called j ê“mise you vpon my honour that in so moch as toucheth that ye haue said hit shal beholdeÌ„ secrete in myn herte also fast suche manere as ye had closed it in the moost harde roche of the worlde to the regarde to saye to you how j am named knowe ye for certayn that I am callid Iason am borne of the prouynce of thessaile sone of the gentyl king Eson of Mirmidone that yet liueth as j suppose but he is moche auncieuÌ„ With these wordes Mopsius for to make Iason for to forgete his melancolyes he began to demande him of the nature of the royaume of myrâ—â—done of the countrees aboute ad after demanded hym of the birthe of his aage and of his auentures and after this he enquired of him many other thiÌ„gs vnto the tyme that they began to ryse make hem redy but what thing that jason sayde or herkenyd he had alway his thought on his lady and sighed ofte tymes out of mesure WhaÌ„ the two noble kinghtes were rysen and clad in poynt jasoÌ„ weÌ„te strayt in to the stable to hys horse whomÌ„ he louyd well but incoÌ„tineÌ„t whan he had ben there alytil that he had ê‘ceyuid the. ij palfroyes of the lady of the damoiselle hisemâ—d that he had seen them to fore tynâ— ThenÌ„e he callid the seruaunt of the stable demaÌ„ded of hym to whom tho two horses
that whaÌ„ I had 〈◊〉 your message one of theÌ„ that seâ—â—ed vertuoê° discrete aÌ„swerde me that they were not comeÌ„ theder but only for vytaylle for to passe forth on theyr waye and that they were no robâ—eurs ne pirates of the see but whan the yong knight whiche was fayr curtois as a mayde had finisshid his purpose Another of them whiche had a meruailloê° aÌ„d cruell chiere better resembled Hercules by his vysage coÌ„tenanÌ„ce thenÌ„e ony other saide to me in a grete anger fiexte in this manere knowe thou knight that syn that LaomedonÌ„ thy mayster as vyllayn of herte banisshid from all nobiâ—sse hath reffused to Iason of Myrmidone vitaylles for hys money That in short tyme shal desceÌ„de into his countrees menÌ„ in the name of IasoÌ„ in so greâ—e noÌ„bre that all his royaume his cytees townes aÌ„d chastels shal be put to suche ruyne ê‘plexite and destruction that within fyfty yere after shal not be founde one stone vpon an other nor no cornÌ„ shal be sowen erâ—d vpoÌ„ the grouÌ„de And forth with they haue disaÌ„cred sone after they had sailled by force of winde rowyng of oores so ferre that j had lost the sight of them ¶ WhaÌ„ the king laomedonÌ„ had vnderstaÌ„de the reporte that his knight made to hi. he was so angry that he semed better frantyk or out of his witte thenÌ„e other wyse saide wel that if he had knoweÌ„ tofore what they had beÌ„ their entente he hadd heÌ„ all haue donÌ„dye myserably aÌ„d therwyth the messager deê‘ted laomedonÌ„ withdrew him into his chaÌ„bres sore troubled peÌ„fif for the menaces of the knightes of grece whomÌ„ he knew not but bi raporte of the knight whiche knightes beyng thenÌ„e well forth vpon the see were sore â—exed with grete wides blowing on all sydes with thoÌ„ders with raynes grete orages aÌ„d teÌ„pestes whiche roâ—ed so hugely aÌ„d terribly that the ayer was trobled the weder was so derk that the soÌ„ne shone not in iiij dayes during that the teÌ„peste seced not in which tune their vytailles faylled in suche wise that the knightes of grece had not to ete their ship was oste tymes in moche grete paryl for iÌ„ th eÌ„de a meruaillo is turbilloun of winde roose iÌ„ the see that blewe a way theyr sayle and alle to brake their mast that the cordes roopes were brokeÌ„â—to pieces but fortune helpe heÌ„ in this nede For notwithstaÌ„ding this grete aueÌ„ture the ship was â—duyted vnto a porte named LeÌ„nos where he hurtlyd agayn the grouÌ„de in suche a raÌ„donÌ„ force that hit was all to brokeÌ„ reÌ„te that they that werÌ„ with in werÌ„ iÌ„ grete dauÌ„ger had beÌ„ iÌ„ worse caaâ— thaÌ„ they were to fore if thei hadde not sette foot a laÌ„de This port was callid LeÌ„nos after the name of a moche puissaunt cyte whiche was rychely sette not ferre theÌ„s but incoÌ„tineÌ„t that the grekyssh knyghtes hadde taken lande seeing the grete daunger that they had beÌ„ inne sprang oute of the shippe whiche anone was fild full of water And whaÌ„ they sawe heÌ„ out of that mortauÌ„ parill and had well supposed for to haue beÌ„â— sauâ—â—e Sodainly cam oute of Lennos the riche cyte moo thenÌ„e fyfty thousand womenÌ„ armed garnisshed with pennonÌ„s aÌ„d recognysanÌ„ces whiche cam reÌ„gyng them in fayre ordenanÌ„ce a loÌ„g bi the cooste of the see fast by the porte and after they sente two of their women messagiers for to somene the grekyssh knyghtes for to reeÌ„tre into the see with out ony long 〈◊〉 But whaÌ„ Iason vnderstode the somacoÌ„n that the two damoiselles made he was sore abasshid and not withhÌ„ut cause for he apê‘ceyuyd tofore so many hedes armed that he knewe not the nombre syn confiderid how they had ben in grete daunger by the fortune of the see that vytailles failled them aÌ„d that worse was he sawe his ship all to brokeÌ„ which was on all sydes ful of water This notwithstanding by cause he ne wolde discorage ne abasshe his felawship more thenÌ„e they were he shewed well that he had goode corage and sayde to one of the two damoyselles in answering to her message Noble damoiselle I hane right wel vnderstandeÌ„ your somÌ„acion I pray you of your grace that it may plese yow to saye to me into what couÌ„tre fortune hath brought vs at this tyme and for what cause j am bâ—yow sommenid for to reeÌ„tre vnto the see Certes sire knight answerde the damoiselle The countre that ye be arryiled in ys not right grete but it is ryghâ—fertyle and comodious hiâ— is named Lennos after the name of this cyte here by Whiche is named after the same name And as to the Regarde of the rayson cause why this somÌ„acion is made thus to yow I will wel that ye knowe to th ende that ye holde yow te better content That hit happend now late that in this cyte of LeÌ„nos was a kinge named Thoas This king hadde grete warre agaynst the Argiens for to mayntene this warre he hadde with him alle the men yong and olde And lefte this cyte wihout men wherof the ladyes damoiselles other of the cyte were right euyl content aÌ„d seeyng that they were withonte men they assembled them to geder with the doughter of the king whiche is named Ysiphile and by meure deliberacoÌ„n sent to the king aÌ„d to their husboÌ„des that they sholde retourne into their cite vpoÌ„ whiche the king Toas aÌ„suerde that he had besieged his enemyes aÌ„d if his cyte sholde be loste he wolde not deê‘te from hys ooste vnto the ende of his warre ¶ Whan the ladyes and damoyselles of the Cyte hadde herd this answere they toke hit euyll in gree and yet they â—ent agayn vnto the king to these husboÌ„des that they shold come and retorne home vnto thir cite But that was for nought for they wolde no thing do after their desire And whaÌ„ the ladies sawe this they conspired agaynst the kyng theyr husbondes put to deth al the men children that were in the cyte after they detmined iuged that if theyr husbondes or faders parents freÌ„des cam again from the warre or other what someuer they were sholde be slayn the first night of their comiÌ„g assone as they shold be a slepe that neuer after they sholde suffre nomaÌ„ to entre in to their cite after this coÌ„clusion taken they crowned ysiphile quene vpoÌ„ them afterward whaÌ„ the king was retorned froÌ„ the warre with his peple the ladies and damoiselles of the cyte did with theyr faders husboÌ„des aÌ„d parents other in suche wyse as they had coÌ„cluded to fore in somoche that of al them that retorned froÌ„ this warre escaped none from this murdre pestilence but he was slayn aÌ„d murdrid reseruyd the king Thoas WhoÌ„ the quene ysiphile wolde iÌ„ no wise murdre but this notwithstaÌ„ding she deliuerid hiÌ„ iÌ„to the haÌ„des of the ladies whiche
thenÌ„e whan he vnderstod the hygh mysteres that him behoued to make for to come aboue of his ê¯queste whan he had herd thensignements of medea he thanked her often tymes and thenÌ„e toke the bylle the sherte the boxe with glewe and that whiche was necessarie to him And syn deê‘ted from thens secretly and wente him into the forest where as was the temple of the goddesse deane aÌ„ddyde so moche that he cam to the teÌ„ple wherÌ„ he founde the preest slepyng wherfore he a waked hiÌ„ ThenÌ„e the preest demanded him what he was what he soughte Syre answerde thenÌ„e jason I am a knight that come hether for to sacrefie vnto the god Mars I praye vow that ye wolde deliuere me incontinent a bole with the fire and I shal gyue you for myn offriÌ„g fyfty besanÌ„ts Whan the preest had vnderstaÌ„de jason that he promysed so good an offide he rose vp hasteli in like wise donÌ„ all the preestes curates at this day whan they fele aÌ„d vnderstande that ther shall one a goode offrande come to theyr singuler prouffit anonÌ„ put theyr hand to the cause ThenÌ„e whaÌ„ thys maister prest was risen he cam to fore jason and dide him grete reuerence aÌ„d after saide to hym that diligently he shold be seruid of al that he demanded as he dide for he pÌ„pared made redy the fire bole which he brought into the temple ThenÌ„e the noble IasoÌ„ mad his oroisonÌ„ vnto god mars aÌ„d vnto god appollo He toke after this the bole made his sacrefice put the shert therto whaÌ„ al was torned into asshes he distribued it into thre partyes one part with the blood of the bole which he reteyned enointed hys body wyth al by the preest The second partye he medled with the glewe that was in the boxe aÌ„d the thirde part he putte in a lytyl sack of sylk whiche he reseruid kept clene These thinges donÌ„ aÌ„d accoÌ„plisshed as sayd is jason knelid doun made his prayers the seconde tyme aÌ„d whan he had made all his deuocyons he delyuerid to the preest fyfty besanÌ„tes that he had promysed to him with that he presented gaf him a ryche mantel of cloth of golde which he brought with him made the preest to a adoube him wyth the armes of god appollo whyche was there promysing him to brynge them agayn aÌ„d whan the preest had armed jason at alle pointes jason recoÌ„manded hiÌ„ vnto god mars Appollo to the goddesses dyane pallas venus syn toke leue of the preest dyde somoche that he retorned secretly into his chambre by the whiche he descended into the chambre of Medea whom he fonde slepiÌ„g Whan Iason sawe Medea in thys point also sawe her maistres aslepe he was terrybly esprysed wyth loue chauffid in somoche that the bloode began to boylle in hys body his herte began to desire so sorein suche facoÌ„n that he approched to medea and kyssed her mouth but with the kysshing she awoke had moche grete ioye thenÌ„ whan she had seeÌ„ and espied hym so armed with the armes of the king appollo ThenÌ„ jason made the reuerence to Medea after said to her in this maner Madame I haue don alle â—hatye haue enseigned nie also nyghe as I myghte aÌ„d am enoynted with the bloode of the bole of whom iÌ„ haue made sacrefice to the goddes aÌ„d lo here the glew medlid with a ê‘t of the asshes commande me now that shal plese yow what I shall doo spede yow for it is nyghe daye My frende answerde medea welcome be the daye anonÌ„ wyth the ayde of the goddes ye shal gete the grettest glorie that euer knyght lyuing gate aÌ„d knowe ye in the recommeÌ„dacion of you aÌ„d grete preysing hit shal be spoken of vnto the ende of the worlde ¶ Wyth thise wordes she toke a vestiment whiche was ryche and gaf it to him sayng My fayr loue ye be pourueyed of all that is behouefull for you so that ye haue this vestimeÌ„t vpon your armes see that ye werke frely corageeusly with this that ye haue ye must be pourueyed wy â— hardinesse valiauÌ„ce kepe wel your bille be diligent to do and accoÌ„plisshe al that it contieneth and by the plaisir of the goddes â–ª j shall haue you here at euene with more gretter â—solacion ThenÌ„e jason clad hym aboue his harnoys wyth the propre vestiment that appollo was cladd at the houre whan he receyuid the bylle a fore said With that the day apperid fayr clere wherfore jasoÌ„ toke leue of medea whiche was al rauysshed with loue At leue takiÌ„g they kyssed eche other many tymes Fynably medea conueyed jason vnto his chaÌ„bre dore and their began there amotonse baisierâ— kisshinges vnto the tyme that it was force that Medea must withdrawe her thenÌ„e she recommanded jason in the gard of the goddes shette fast the dore jt was not long after that Mopsius hercules cam knokked at the chaÌ„bre dore of Iason aÌ„d with theÌ„ the good knight Theseus many other all of grece whiche salewed jason gafe him the good morow but whaÌ„ they espyed that he was tho armed and â—â— poynte they were moche esbayed and wold haue axed of him who had so armed him adowbed But the kiÌ„g octes other of his knightes cam also to him salewed jason aÌ„d the king seeyng jason in point toke the wordes saide A ha sire knight what wille ye doo ye seke your destructioÌ„ whaÌ„ so erly ye begynÌ„ to putte you forth I counceylle yow that ye deporte yow of this enterpryse I declare you ellis homycide of your self For he is of him self homicide that knoweth hys deth in a place aÌ„d voluÌ„taryly he put him self therin Sire king aÌ„swerde thenÌ„e jason I confesse that ye conÌ„ceyle me wysely but neuertheles in hope for to liue j haue well entencionÌ„ to achieue myn eÌ„terpryse without lenger delaye j thanke yow of the grete honour that ye haue made me vnto this tyme Mopsius toke the worde sayde Certes jasoÌ„ fayr sire I haue this night had a meruayllous vysion the whiche conforteth me in youre victorie For me semeth in my first dreme that j sawe a sperhauke the whiche sechyng his praye putte him self among many other terrible byrdes of strange nature the whiche in a lytyll while he had all ouercome aÌ„d put to deth so j compare tho same byrdes terrible of strange nature vnto the two boles aÌ„d to the serpeÌ„t beyng in the yle of colchos whyche euery nyght caste fyre fumyer aÌ„d as touching the sperhauke I vnderstande you that seching hys 〈…〉 that iâ— to saye youre aduenture on this daye by the ayd of the goddes â–ª ye shalle be made vaynqueure of the horrible monstres possessour of ryghte gloriouse renommee ¶ Whan jason hadde vnderstonden this that sayd is He aÌ„swerd to mopsiê° sayng Certes fair sire the goddes shall doo
and conueye Iason at his departyng to thys ende that he comen into Grece sholde preyse him aÌ„d saye that he hadde made hiÌ„ good chere For to briÌ„ge to an eÌ„de this coÌ„clusion he aroos and wyllyng to eÌ„tre fro chambre to chambre til he cam to jason he entrid in to the chambre of the nourice of his sone absirthius â–ª whom he fond not wyth his nourice that slepte wherof he was sore abasshid awaked the nourire and after demanded her wher was hys dere sone absirthius And thenÌ„e the nourire begaÌ„ to loke aboute her but that was for nought for she fonde hâ— not wherfore all effrayed she spraÌ„g out of her bedde and began to seche him diligeÌ„tly alle aboutes the kiÌ„g Oetes entred in to the chambre oâ— Medea and ther he fonde ne ê‘sone ne his doughter ne her that had gouerned her long time ¶ Whan the king Oetes fond not his doughter Medea he was so angry that his blood changed aÌ„d withouthe spekyng ony worde he weÌ„te vp in to the chaÌ„bre where the noble Iason was logged but he fonde neyther jason ne Medea ne ê‘sone to whom he might speke for so moche he departed sodainly and wente vnto the poorte where he fond many of his citezeins that shewed him the ship where the grekes were in whiche was at that time from the poorte more thenÌ„ a quater of a myle thenÌ„ the kyng weping terderly demaÌ„ded them if they had seen hys doughter medea and they answerde nay Ha a fayr sirs sayd thenÌ„ the king The traictres of grece haue wyhtdraweÌ„ her wy t wordes traiterously in somoche as they haue deceyued her brought her into their ship aÌ„d yet that more is haue so euyll couÌ„ceylled her that she hath bornÌ„ with her my sone absirthius O euyl doughter o the euil fortuned child Certes medea thy grete disloyaulte ê¯strayneth me that wyth force of peple j wil goo incoÌ„tinet fecche the for to wete who hath meuyd the thus to doo wy t this I shal take vengeanÌ„ce of the desloyall knight jason wiche to his power reÌ„dreth to me euyl for good ¶ WhaÌ„ the king had sayd thus he retorned into his palays cryeÌ„g that euery man sholde arme him thenÌ„e alle the peple pourueyed them of staue â— armures syn demaÌ„ded wherof proceded the cause of thys alaromÌ„e the whiche anonÌ„ was all commune ThenÌ„e they put them on the â— waye for to go vnto the king whiche cam and yssued on t of hys palays armed and in poynt for tentre into bataill ThenÌ„e he wente vnto the poorte chese out four hoÌ„derd of the beste in poâ—t for to put in to the sayd four galeyes and finably whaÌ„ he had doâ— alle thys he meuyd fro the poorte as sayd is and wyth all haste made his galeyes to be rowed after the knightes of Grece in suche wyse as the maister maronner apê‘ceyued that tho galeyes cam swiftely after theÌ„ for to fecch agayn the fayr medea called jason that japed played wyth medea preseÌ„t his felawe hercules she wid to him the four galeyes armed wherein was the king Oetes and his men wel in poynt whyche approced faste For the galeyes were light jason seyng his encombrance approche called Hercules whyche knewe nothyng herof and demanded him counceyll ThenÌ„e Hercules ansuerde to hym that he knewe none other remedie but that euery man shold putte him to armes and be redy tabyde the batayll yf hit were nede and auowed vnto the goddes that yf the king oetes made ony enterpryse vpon theÌ„ that he wolde putte to deth as many as he myghâ— arethe With thise wordes wyth oute leÌ„ger â—aryeng the noble knight hercules and jason putte them in armes and in lyke wise dyde their felawes ThenÌ„e Medea and her maistresse sprang vpon the planck of the shyp for to beholde the kyng and his galeyes And anonÌ„ after Iason hercules alle iÌ„ armes cam vp on hye by Medea and eche wyth a swerde in his fyste And Medea began to treÌ„ble for fere whaÌ„ she had espyed her fader to approche so nyghe at th eÌ„de the king Oetes poursie wed so sore the shippe of the noble preu jason by force of oores that er they were out of the goulf or braas of the see that there was nomore distance fro on to an other but two bowe shote ThenÌ„ the fayr Medea seyng that is was time to brynge to ende that she had begonÌ„e to fore sayde to her maistres in wepyng tenderly My good mod wher is my lytyll broder absirthius gyue him to me ThenÌ„ the euyll oolde woman opend her lappe and vnwonde the body of the childe whom she had smyteÌ„ into pieces Medea toke the heede lyste it an hygh wherof Hercules jason other seyng this had grete horrour of this cruelte aÌ„d weresore abasshed neuertheles whaÌ„ the preu Iason apperceyued this he wold knowe fro whenâ— came thys creature so dede And sayde to Medea in thys manere My dere loue what haue ye in your thought and what will ye don with this so malerous and pyteus childe My dere loue answerde thenÌ„e Medea Thexperience of my werke enseigneth to yow the thought of my herte Madame answerde thenÌ„e the noble preu jason what is this child that I see here thus detrenched and smyten in pieces certes he is in an euyll houre bornÌ„ that thus myserabli hath finysshed hys dayes My dere loue answerde thenÌ„e the fayr medea This is absirthius my yong broder Knowe ye that he is not malerouse but is ewrous and happy for thys daye he shall be cause of the sauacion of the lyf of his fader and of his menÌ„ thenÌ„e he is moche ewrous and in a goode oure bornÌ„ whaÌ„ he in hys teÌ„dre yongth maye because of the helthe of so moche peple aÌ„d specyally of his fader naturel Certes medea said thenÌ„e jason I see none other facoÌ„n ne moyen but that ye be of all poyntes dishonoured whaÌ„ ye haue coÌ„mysed so ryght pyetousa caas as for to haue mâ—rdryd your ê“pre broder innocent of all thinges A hawhat horrible cruelte My dere loue answerde thenÌ„e medea ne troble you other wise thenÌ„e by resoÌ„ For if it be your plaisir ye shal here what I shall saye aÌ„d after of the caas I make yow iuge ye know how I am by you brought from the howâ— of my fader ayeÌ„st his wyll I haue coÌ„siderid what my departyngis and further more I haue thoughte haue had regarde vnto the grete aÌ„d meruaillous courage of my fader and al thing ouer thought and considerid that I coude not withdraw me fer but he shold be aduertised for he hath of custome that euery morenyng er he goo dounÌ„ he wil see his sone aÌ„d me also I haue jmagyned that anonÌ„ as he fyndeth not me ner his sone that withonte faute he wil come after me in armes lyke as ye see he doth and thus whan I haue
had made the reuereÌ„ce vnto the king his fader and to the other nobles he declared alle playnly in the halle that he had neuer comen to the chief of thys conqueste ne had ben the counceylle the ayde and adresse of Medea whiche was there preseÌ„t therfore said he j haue renoÌ„ced the loue of my lady Mirro and haue ê“mysed to this lady that she shal be my wyf and my felaw and thus I will espouse and wed her at the thirde day wherfore I pray alle noble men and other ladyes and damoiselles that eche persone do to her honour as it apperteyneth to do vnto a noble lady ¶ whan Peleus had vnderstandeÌ„ that the fayr Medea had ben cause that Iason was comen â–ª to the aboue of his enterpryse without dauÌ„ger of deth that withoute the ayde of her he had ben deuoured he chaÌ„ged colour becam alle dede aÌ„d as wel aduised saide nought therto but alwai for to holde jason in loue he sayde to hiÌ„ that he wolde take the charge for to make the fest aÌ„d furthermore he wold seÌ„de for to pray his parentis frendes for to be therat Among thise thinges the preu jason sente Theseus Mopsius vnto the poorte of deseire charched them expressely that they sholde go burie wyth alle solempnite aÌ„d reuerence the body of the noble quene Isiphile The twoo knightes went with good herte aÌ„d acquyted them of thys charge For tabregge the historie Cypriane hadde in garde the fayr medea vnto the daye that jason had sette for tespouse Castor polux Nestor with many ryche Dukes came thenÌ„e to pintaquo what shall I make long reher saille jason espoused the fayr medea after the lawe that tyme vsed in grece wyth moche grete honour reuerence As in any wyse to hym was possyble a dounÌ„ ¶ For he dide to her asmoch grete honour as lady might receyue The feste was noble and fayr and hit was full and plenteuously seruyd of alle thinges But of the metes and entremetes wyth how many course how many disshes at euery cours there were seruid I wille make no mencyon at this tyme. But thus moche wille I saye that Peleus Cypriane and her doughters made right grete poâ—pes And peleus ordeyned this feste suÌ„ptuous and costlewe of ryche metes and beuurages or driÌ„kes The daye passed and the feste in daunces carolles esâ—atements The euen cam and after the night that Iason medea laye to geder Alway thys feste endured xv dayes hole duryng this feste the noble aÌ„d ryche slees of golde was ordynantly hanged vp in the halle in the sighte of all the worlde and there myght come euery maÌ„ that wolde to beholde hit bi grete admyracioÌ„ And ther cam peple so ferre nigh in suche multitude that hit semed a veray ê‘cession for whyche cause Iason was meruayllously renommed in many a couÌ„tree for his hyghÌ„ vasselage for this so glorioê° conqueste AT th ende of .xv. dayes aÌ„d of the hye solempnite of these espousaylles as the noble prynces BaronÌ„s aÌ„d noble men were vpon the poynt for to retonre to theire conÌ„trees Iason and hercules assembled them and there recouÌ„ted to them the rudesse that the king LaomedonÌ„ hadde donÌ„ to Iason and to the knightes of thys coÌ„panye in reffusing to them fresshe water vytaylle for their money For the whiche cause they had ben in daunger paril of deth ThenÌ„e the princes and varonÌ„s of grece heering the grete doleance of jason and Hercules ê‘mised prestly and swore that they wolde auenge this deffaulte and â—muâ—ie They were aspre hoot and hasty iÌ„ vengeaÌ„ce And after these couenauÌ„tes thê° made they gaf charge to Argos to make aÌ„d sette vp an honderd shippes of warre for to bringe fyfty thousand menÌ„ to fore Troye or atte lest fourty thousaÌ„d Argos that was well connyng in that werke enterprysed the charge promysed that wyth in thre yere alle thyse shyppes shold be redy to helpe hem And whaÌ„ they hadde take a conclusion vpoÌ„ all thise thinges aÌ„d that they had made to Medea alle the honour and reuerence of the world by space of tyme they departed alle thens and euery man retourned into his couÌ„tre leuyng Iason and the fayr Medea in their reste ê‘Eleus wente vnto Elsebee bare dueyll and ranconâ— in hys courage more thenÌ„e nede was for somochÌ„ as he sawe jason so triuÌ„phe aÌ„d that he knewe not how he myghte make him to deye And Iason whiche entended to nothing sauing to make his plaisir lete hym yet gouerne hys Royaume and so acquitte him in the dette of mariage ayenst the fayr medea in suche faoÌ„n that she conceyued of hym a ryght fayr sone whyche at th ende of ix moÌ„thes was deliuerid and was named jason after hys fader The king Getes fader of medea cam thenÌ„e to Pintapuo wyth a priue meyne litill coÌ„panye as he that loued Medea like as the fader loueth the childe And whan he vnderstode knew the grete honour that the preu jasoÌ„ had donÌ„ to her he was coÌ„tent wyth him with his doughter And withoute exploiting of ony other thing he retorned into his couÌ„tre moche yoyoê° And hit was not long after these thinges thus befalleÌ„ that the olde maistresse of medea departed out of this worlde and deyde But whan it cam vnto the article of dethÌ„ she taught Medea a grete part of the arte of nygromancye of many other sciences where in she was exê‘te And also she taughÌ„t her among other sciences and art and crafte for to make olde peple to become yong of the aage of .xxxij. yere But the lyf and destynee for to deye myght not be lengthid vnto suche ê‘sones by the vertu of the scieÌ„ce ne other wyse for asmoche as it is predestinqcion naturell ¶ How Medea chauÌ„ged the king Eson in to yong aage And of the deth of Peleus After the deth of the maistresse of the fayr Medea Iason demaÌ„ded Medea whaâ—… thoughte best to ddo She answerâ—e to him that she had lost grete felauship and priuaulte by the deth of her maistresse To whom the noble preu jason ansuerde and saide that ther was nothiÌ„g so certain for euery creature as the deth And that the goddes wolde take her soule After many dayes medea toke hede that amoÌ„g alle other sciences she had one for to make olde peple to become yong and specially men And syn she behelde also that the good king Eson was passing auncient and old for whiche cause she considered that she my t gete a grete loos an hye renoÌ„â—ice if she renewed his aage wherfore she called on a daye her lord jason saide to him that by her scieÌ„ces she coude do somoche that his fader the good kiÌ„g EsoÌ„ sholde recouure newe youth in suche wyse as he sholde seme non older but .xxxij. yere olde WhaÌ„ jason vnderstode this that said 〈◊〉 he meruaillously abasshid aÌ„d not without cause
terryble dragons of whom she satte opende their throtes in disgorgyng fyre and venyn so moche aÌ„d so horrybly that alle they that were there deyde miserably and in grete torment reserued Iason Whiche myghte not receyue ony greef by no venyn by cause of the blood oft the bole medlyd wyth the asshes where wyth he had ben enoynted as it is sayd al a long in the chapitre makyng mencyon of the ê¯queste of the noble flees of golde THenÌ„e whan the noble preu Iason apperâ—â—â—â—ed the yoÌ„g childe so inhumaynly slayn And after sawe in hys presence dye myserably and in sorow hys lady Trensa â–ª the kinge the Quene his â—arouÌ„s knyghtes ladyes and damoyselles Squyers and other by the sortes and enchantements of Medea he was so ouer angry and wroth that he myght no more be wythout he had benowt of his mynde ThenÌ„ he aroos from the table all confuse and escryed vpon Meden sayng A sia ryght euyll enchaÌ„teresse replenisshed wyth alle euyll certes hit is ouer grete dommage that the erthe bereth and susteyneth yow ye haue wyth youre two haÌ„des murdrid youre owne sone and myn And syn by youre enchantementes fals and vnresonable ye haue maad to deye myscrably and with doloure so many hye prynces vayliaunt knightes ladyes and damoyselles and gentil esquyers here assembled for to doo me honour and companye the whyche dyd to yow neuer trespaas ne grief Haa what horryblecruelte is by yow commysed Certes ye haue not the corage of a woman humayne but of a best or serpent denourlg alle creatures or ellis of a cruel tyraÌ„te with onte pyte Ha a right ê‘uerse and felonÌ„ courage what hast thow done by thy grete oultrage or cruelte what ought j nowe to doo or where shall j become after that thys euil is befallen If thou were a man like as thou art a woman peruerse and myrrour or chief of alle euyll wythoute lenger tarieng I sholde take veÌ„geance of this this trespaasaÌ„d grief But for asmoche as thou arte a woman hit shall neuer happen that my hand enploye him vpon thy body Consideryng that a noble man that for ony anger or trespaas smyteth a woman or sette handes on her he lefeth his honour aÌ„d wyth goode cause ¶ Whan the lady had vnderstande the complaynte of her lorde Iazon She answerde him and sayd in this manere Certes my dere loue knowe ye for trouth that I had leuer see alle the worlde deye ThenÌ„e I knewe that ye shold haue habytacion with ony other womanÌ„ thenÌ„e wyth me ye knowe how I haue employed me for to preserue yow from dauÌ„ger of deth Where many a knyght hath lost his lyf to fore Also ye knowe what honour ye haue by mi feat goten perpetuelly and all thys haue I donÌ„ gladly to th entent that ye sholde be my husbonde and espouse all youre lyf duryng And now j apperceyne that ye will leue abandonne me for one other in alle estate lasse thenÌ„e I am CoÌ„sidere iÌ„ what parill ye may falle by your deffaulte see wel to that ye kepe the promesse that ye haue made to me Holde and kepe ye hit entierly or ellis Knowe for certayn that the veÌ„geanÌ„ce of the goddes shalle punysshe yow WhenÌ„e whan Iason had vnderstaÌ„de this that said is If he were tofore sore trobled yet he was now moche more withoute comparysonÌ„ aÌ„d in suche wyse that he coude not one word answere bnt departed out of the halle And medea with her four dragons went out also and went thourgh the cite of Corinthe infecting menÌ„ womenÌ„ and children alle a loÌ„g by the waye Her damoyselles folowed and wente after and alle the world fâ—edd froÌ„ her saue they whyche knewe well that it was not well for asmoche as she went so strangely Incontinent as the desolate Iason was out of the halle that he sawe medea departe he called som of theÌ„ that were escaped from this pestileÌ„ce and brought theÌ„ for to see the kiÌ„g his doughter Creuâ—a And plente of other that laye there dede amoÌ„g the tables vpon the benches and on the grounde Hit was moche pyetoê° thing to see and beholde for the moost part of them were swolleÌ„ by the venyn that they had receyued by the conduytes of her noses and of her mouthes and were as grete as varellis Then was there made in alle the cyte a meruayllous sorowe and dueill eche man began to wepe and cast owt moche pyetouse cryes in cracching their faces and tering their heer thus doyng one and other sought serched after their parents frendes that wyth grete payne they might knowe hem for they fouÌ„de heÌ„ so desfigured by the venyn that they were swolleÌ„ that vnnethe they might knowe hem aÌ„d whan they were draweÌ„ out eche a part they dide doo burye them ryght honourably after theyr estate And in lyke wyse the kinge the quene and the fayr Creusa her doughter were put in their sepulture apperteynyng to their estate Iason was present for to achieue and doo alle thinges and soyourned there vnto the tyme that the prayers cerimonyes were accoÌ„plisshed after the lawe custome of that time syn departed from Corinthe aÌ„d weÌ„te his wuye But he was so disconforted and sorowfull in corage that he myght nomore be Thus ryding now an one syde after on an other syde thinking on the meruayles aÌ„d aduentures that he had had and aboue alle other thinges on the grete inhumanites and crueltees that he had seen commysed by Medea by her enchantements and in an other manere he deliberid and concluded to ryde and erre so ferre that he myght fynde ony aduenture and recoÌ„forted him self the best wyse he coude after the mysaueÌ„ture that he had had ¶ How Iason Espoused the quene Myrro of Olyfernâ— and howe he was awayted in a wood assaylled by xij knyghtes of Oliferne as he was goyng to Troye and howe he put hem to deth THe vaylliauÌ„t aÌ„d noble priÌ„ce Iason deê‘ting after this as sayd is fro the cyte of corin the put hym on his waye and rood thurgh many countrees cytees ryght dolanÌ„t and aÌ„grye SomÌ„e time he bewaylled the fayre Medea and soÌ„tyme after sodaynly he remeÌ„bred her malefices her crueltes ouermoche inhunmyne and in ryding from one place to an other he was iÌ„ so grete perplexite aÌ„d sorowe that he might nomore but if he had deyde aÌ„d for this cause he had his entendemeÌ„t so trauailled that he wist not what to do In this maner trist and pensyf drawyng from one couÌ„trey to an other hit was told him on adaye that the king Tollus of elsebee that was his pareÌ„t and of his kynÌ„ sholde wedde for his wyfe the kinges doughter of Thessale named Anestor aÌ„d for som what to refresshe him self he coÌ„cluded that he wolde go to this wedding whyche sholde be soleÌ„pnel withoute taryeng for he thought well that ther sholde be kiÌ„ges Dukes priÌ„ces Quenes and nobleladyes in grete nombre The fair Mirro
with so grete noÌ„â—… of people that notwithstanding the resistence of laomedonÌ„ of alle the cyte countre aboute they besieged it and so long abode and dyde meruaillous assaultes that they toke hit and destrored it in the fourme manere as is well declared in the historie of the xij laboures of the noble preu Hercules And whaÌ„ they had brought this enterpryse to attende eche of them departed from thens retorned into his countre ¶ In the nouelte thenÌ„ that the noble king Eson of Myrinydone was retorned fro the conquest of Troye sore trobled for his sone jasoÌ„ that was failled to haue beÌ„ at this hye houour Medea that was not yet comeÌ„ agayne into Myrmydone after that she was departed the same day that she had made to deye the desâ—oyal peleê° as sayd is Retorned thenÌ„e vnto the king Eson all destayned discoloured yclad wy â— clothes all to reÌ„te aÌ„d lapped ThenÌ„e she sette her doun on bothe her knees to fore the king EzoÌ„ after sayde to hi in this maner Sire lo here Medea most poure aÌ„d the most infortunat lady that ever was or shal be Thou knowest and maist not denye that j ne am the ê“pre wyf of thy sone jason whome j made not long syn retourne gloriously fro the mortall paril where his vncle peleê° had sente him to by his malice This not withstonding incoÌ„tyneÌ„t in feat he hath abandoÌ„ned me syn the daye that j was consenting to the deth of the disâ—oyall peleê° I dide hyt for to take vengeanÌ„ce of this that he sente him traitrously vnder the shadowe of the conqueste of the ryche moton wyth the flees of golde whiche was a thing impossyble to ony creature humaine withoute myn adressemeÌ„t and wel supposed he that he neuer sholde haue retourned but haue auaunced his deth and he wolde excuse him vnder the colour of this deth the which allewaye I dyde for hys loue â–ª and for tauenge him SYre sayde yet the lady ye knowe that the daye that peleê° deyde youre sone departed from hens moche hastely howe I weÌ„te after hit was so oure aduenture that I foâ—de hym on a daye in the cite of Corithe where he hadde fianÌ„ced the kinges doughter And there I spak long wy â— hiÌ„ And among many remonstraâ—ces I required hym right instantly that he wolde be trewe according to hyâ— promys that he had made in acquityng his faith But I laboured in vayn for he wolde in no wise enteÌ„de therto and whan j apê‘ceyued that I coude haue none other thing of hi I made by the vertue of somÌ„e enchaÌ„thements deye sodainly the espouse whom he had supposed to haue enioyed And with her deyde her fader and by consequeÌ„t all they that were in the hall sette at dyner reseruid jason whom in no maner j wolde touche after j deê‘ted from â—â—eÌ„s haue goon at the aueÌ„ture of the goddes not thinking that ever I shold retorne vnto you thus hath fortune be tâ— me of such coÌ„dicyoÌ„ that she hath sith .ij. monthes brought me into the cyte of oliferne ther I haue fouÌ„den seen Iason with the quene Mirro â–ª it hath ben certefied to me that he hath espoused her wherof j haue at my herte suche dolour aÌ„d sorou that for nothing I might ner coude speke with hym but yet am deê‘ted from theÌ„s am come vnto yow for to requyre reffuge that in the sauour of ladies it may plese yow to haue pyte of me so desolate a lady and that in recoignoissauÌ„ce of the merite that I mighte haue deseruid in reduâ—… your auncient aage in the beyng â—â— xxxij yere that ye of your sone IasoÌ„ wil do me ryght without Rygour ¶ Whan the king Eson of myrmydone hadde vnderstaÌ„de the doleance and the râ—queste of Medea aÌ„d that he sawe her iÌ„ so poure estate of habillements that she semed all an other womaÌ„ For she was so discoloured lene euylarayed Certes he had grete pyte of her TheuÌ„e he began to recoÌ„forte her thinking on the good seruices that she had douÌ„ vnto his sone wherof all his wele renommee was comen And in like wyse of the grete plaisir that she had douÌ„ to sum also how she hath habaÌ„doÌ„ned the kiÌ„g her fader her countre vpon the pmysse of his sone AmoÌ„g other wordes in recoÌ„forting her he sayd promysed her that he shold punysshe jason of that so grete offeÌ„ce and also he hadde takeÌ„ him iÌ„ desdayne for somoche as he had failled at the besynes destruâ—ioÌ„ of Troye where the cheualerve of grece had goten grete honour â–ª certes he loued medea meruailousâ—y and anon he dide do clothe her new ryght honourabli tamynistre to her all that was nedeful necessarie for her And whaÌ„ he had so doo he sente into oliferne vnto Iason aÌ„d commanded him that incontineÌ„t he sholde come vnto his court but jaÊ’oÌ„ excused hi to the messager the moost curtoysâ—y that he myght for cause of his woundes that he had receyued in the woode not long syn assayd is in feat he answerde that at that pÌ„sent he myght go ner yet ryde on an hors IncoÌ„tineÌ„t as the king Eson had vnderstonde thanswere of his sone jasoÌ„ he toke it euyl in gree aÌ„d sware that he wolde go vnto him but that sholde be in armes ThenÌ„ he sente into all partyes for his frendes and alyes sayd to thaim she we how he wolde punisshe IasoÌ„ for the lauesshenes of his body that by good cause for because of his luxurie he had failled at the coÌ„quest of Troye vnder this couerture he asseÌ„bled vnto the nombre of ten M. grekes whom he brought to fore olyferne the cite somoche dydeby see by lande â–ª that with oute aueÌ„ture digne of memorie he caÌ„ on the chaÌ„panye where the kyng of Esclauonye aÌ„d his ooste to fore had holdeÌ„ their siege to their vnhelthe as hit is sayd fo fore iÌ„ his place Alway ineden was comeÌ„ in tharinee of the king Eson as she that hath in hi all her affyauÌ„ce aÌ„d her socourse as half garisshed or easid WhaÌ„ the king Eson foÌ„de him self to fore olyferne He dide do sette his teÌ„tes pauyllouÌ„s sente vnto his sone jason that he sholde comeÌ„ vnto hi. for to receyue the punycioÌ„ of this disobey sauÌ„ce certes jasoÌ„ was sore abasshid aÌ„d not without cause whan he had vnderstaÌ„d that his fader seÌ„te for hiÌ„ to come to hiÌ„ vpoÌ„ this ê¯dicioÌ„ And thenÌ„ whaÌ„ he apê‘ceiued that his fad had besieged the cite wy â— armed haÌ„d â—he was at that tyme all helid of his woundes frossures aÌ„d seeyng that sayd is him semed that the king hys fader was angry with him aÌ„d that he was comen theder al replenisshid with grete â–ª furour NotwithstandiÌ„g that iÌ„ no maner he supposed to haue deseruid hit And coÌ„sidering all thise thinges and also by the counceylle of his frendes for to answer the