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
in_o the_o forney_n with_o the_o stone_n and_o this_o night_n command_v you_o this_o fulgentius_n that_o he_o go_v er_o in_o the_o morning_n to_o your_o werkman_n and_o that_o he_o ask_v they_o whether_o they_o have_v fulfyl_v your_o will_n or_o not_o and_o than_o shall_v they_o accord_v to_o your_o commandment_n cast_v he_o in_o the_o fire_n and_o thus_o shall_v he_o dye_v a_o evyll_n death_n soth_o quoth_v the_o emperor_n thy_o counseyle_n be_v good_a therefore_o call_v to_o i_o that_o rybaude_fw-la fulgentyus_fw-la and_o when_o this_o young_a man_n be_v come_v to_o the_o emperor_n he_o say_v to_o he_o thus_o i_o charge_v y_fw-fr e_o upon_o pain_n of_o death_n that_o thou_o rise_v er_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o go_v to_o the_o brenner_n of_o lime_n and_o brycke_n and_o that_o thou_o be_v with_o they_o before_o y_o e_o son_n rise_v three_o mile_n from_o this_o house_n and_o charge_v they_o on_o my_o behalf_n that_o they_o fulfil_v my_o commandment_n or_o else_o they_o shall_v dye_v a_o shameful_a death_n than_o say_v this_o fulgentius_n my_o lord_n if_o god_n â—ende_v i_o my_o life_n i_o shall_v fulfil_v your_o will_n though_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o world_n end_n when_o fulgentyus_fw-la have_v this_o charge_n he_o coude_fw-fr not_o sleep_v for_o thought_n but_o that_o he_o must_v arise_v er_o for_o to_o fulfil_v his_o lord_n commandment_n the_o emperor_n about_o mydnyght_n send_v a_o messenger_n on_o horsbacke_n unto_o his_o brycke_n maker_n command_v they_o upon_o pain_n of_o death_n that_o who_o so_o ever_o come_v to_o they_o first_o in_o the_o morning_n sayinge_v unto_o they_o the_o emperor_n commandment_n which_o be_v before_o rehearse_v that_o they_o shall_v take_v he_o &_o cast_v he_o in_o to_o the_o fire_n and_o brenne_n he_o to_o the_o bare_a bone_n the_o bryckmaker_n answer_v &_o say_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v and_o than_o the_o messenger_n ride_v home_o again_o and_o tell_v the_o emperor_n that_o his_o commandment_n shall_v be_v fulfyl_v er_o in_o the_o morning_n follow_v fulgentyus_fw-la arise_v and_o array_v he_o towards_o his_o way_n and_o as_o he_o go_v he_o hear_v a_o bell_n ring_v to_o mass_n wherefore_o he_o go_v to_o that_o chyrche_n for_o to_o hear_v mass_n and_o after_o the_o elevacyon_n of_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n he_o fall_v a_o sleep_v &_o there_o he_o slepte_v a_o long_a while_n so_o that_o the_o priest_n ne_v none_o other_o may_v awake_v he_o the_o steward_n desyre_v inward_o to_o hear_v of_o his_o death_n and_o how_o he_o do_v about_o one_o of_o the_o clock_n he_o go_v unto_o the_o workman_n and_o say_v to_o they_o thus_o sir_n quoth_v he_o have_v you_o do_v the_o emperor_n commandment_n or_o not_o they_o answer_v he_o again_o and_o say_v nay_o soth_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o do_v his_o commandment_n but_o anon_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v and_o with_o that_o they_o set_v hand_n on_o he_o than_o cry_v the_o steward_n with_o a_o high_a voice_n &_o say_v good_a sir_n save_o my_o life_n for_o the_o emperor_n command_v that_o fulgentyus_fw-la shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n than_o say_v they_o the_o messenger_n tell_v not_o we_o so_o but_o he_o bid_v we_o tha_z who_o so_o ever_o come_v first_o to_o we_o in_o the_o morning_n say_v as_o be_v before_o rehearse_v that_o we_o shall_v take_v he_o and_o cast_v he_o in_o to_o the_o farney_n and_o brenne_n he_o to_o ash_n and_o with_o that_o word_n they_o throw_v he_o in_o to_o the_o fire_n and_o when_o he_o be_v brente_a fulgentyus_fw-la come_v to_o they_o and_o say_v good_a sir_n have_v you_o do_v my_o lord_n commandment_n you_o soth_o say_v they_o and_o therefore_o go_v you_o again_o to_o the_o emperor_n and_o tell_v he_o so_o than_o say_v fulgentius_n for_o chryste_n love_v tell_v i_o that_o commandment_n we_o have_v in_o commandment_n say_v they_o upon_o pain_n of_o death_n that_o who_o so_o ever_o come_v to_o we_o first_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o say_v like_a as_o thou_o have_v say_v that_o we_o shall_v take_v he_o and_o cast_v he_o in_o to_o the_o forney_n but_o afore_o the_o come_v the_o the_o which_o bring_v we_o our_o lord_n jesu_n chryst._n amen_o there_o dwell_v sometime_o in_o rome_n a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v delphinus_n which_o have_v no_o child_n save_v only_o a_o daughter_n which_o be_v a_o fair_a creature_n and_o great_o belove_v of_o her_o father_n as_o this_o emperor_n walk_v upon_o a_o day_n on_o hunt_v in_o the_o forest_n sodeyn_o he_o ride_v forth_o out_o of_o his_o way_n and_o lose_v his_o man_n wherefore_o he_o be_v great_o disconfort_v â—or_a he_o wist_v not_o whether_o he_o ride_v ne_o in_o what_o place_n he_o be_v till_o at_o the_o last_o when_o he_o have_v rydden_v thus_o all_o the_o day_n alone_o in_o the_o evening_a he_o see_v a_o house_n and_o thyder_v he_o ride_v a_o great_a pace_n and_o knock_v at_o the_o gate_n anon_o the_o good_a man_n of_o the_o house_n hear_v he_o and_o ask_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o knock_n and_o what_o he_o will_v have_v dear_a friend_n quoth_v the_o emperor_n lo_o it_o be_v night_n as_o you_o may_v see_v therefore_o i_o desire_v you_o of_o lodge_a for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n when_o he_o have_v thus_o say_v the_o good_a man_n of_o the_o house_n unware_a that_o he_o be_v the_o emperor_n answer_v thus_o and_o say_v good_a friend_n quoth_v he_o i_o be_o the_o emperor_n foster_n and_o have_v plente_a of_o venyson_n and_o other_o vyteylles_n for_o you_o when_o the_o emperor_n hear_v this_o he_o be_v right_a glad_a in_o his_o mind_n nevertheless_o he_o tell_v he_o not_o that_o he_o be_v the_o emperor_n and_o than_o the_o foster_n open_v the_o gate_n and_o receyve_v he_o as_o worshypful_o as_o he_o coude_fw-fr &_o set_v he_o to_o his_o supper_n and_o serve_v he_o honest_o and_o when_o he_o have_v sup_v the_o foster_n bring_v he_o to_o his_o chambre_n and_o when_o time_n be_v he_o go_v to_o bed_v in_o the_o same_o night_n it_o befall_v that_o the_o foster_v wife_n be_v travayl_v of_o child_n in_o a_o other_o chambre_n fast_o by_o and_o be_v delyver_v that_o same_o night_n of_o a_o fair_a soon_o and_o as_o the_o emperor_n lie_v in_o his_o bed_n sleep_a he_o seem_v he_o hear_v a_o voice_n say_v to_o he_o thryes_fw-mi these_o word_n take_v take_v take_v and_o with_o that_o he_o awake_v and_o marvel_v great_o what_o it_o may_v be_v sayinge_v to_o himself_o thus_o a_o voice_n byddeâ—h_v i_o take_v take_v take_v what_o shall_v i_o take_v and_o anon_o he_o fall_v a_o sleep_v again_o and_o the_o second_o time_n he_o hear_v a_o voice_n sayinge_v unto_o he_o these_o word_n yield_v yield_v yield_v and_o with_o that_o he_o waken_v again_o and_o wonder_v great_o sayinge_v unto_o himself_o what_o may_v this_o sygnyfye_v first_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n that_o say_v take_v take_v take_v and_o nothing_o i_o receyve_v and_o right_a now_o i_o hear_v another_o voice_n that_o say_v yield_v yield_v yield_v what_o shall_v i_o yield_v and_o as_o he_o lie_v thus_o think_v in_o himself_o he_o fall_v a_o sleep_v again_o and_o than_o he_o hear_v the_o three_o voice_n sayinge_v these_o word_n thrye_n flee_v flee_v flee_v for_o this_o night_n be_v a_o cyylde_n bear_v that_o after_o thy_o decese_n shall_v be_v emperor_n when_o the_o emperor_n hear_v this_o he_o waken_v and_o wonder_v great_o what_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o morning_n er_o follow_v the_o emperor_n arise_v and_o call_v to_o he_o the_o foster_n &_o say_v dear_a friend_n i_o pray_v the_o that_o thou_o wylte_n tell_v i_o if_o any_o child_n be_v bear_v this_o night_n to_o thy_o knowledge_n my_o wife_n quoth_v the_o foster_n this_o night_n be_v delyver_v of_o a_o fair_a soon_o i_o pray_v the_o say_v the_o emperor_n show_v i_o thy_o soon_o when_o the_o emperor_n have_v seen_v the_o child_n he_o see_v a_o token_n in_o the_o chyldes_n visage_n whereby_o he_o may_v know_v he_o a_o other_o time_n and_o than_o he_o say_v to_o the_o foster_n thus_o dear_a friend_n know_v thou_o who_o i_o be_o nay_o soth_o quoth_v the_o foster_n for_o i_o see_v you_o never_o before_o this_o time_n as_o far_o as_o i_o be_o remember_v nevertheless_o it_o seem_v that_o you_o shall_v be_v a_o gentylman_fw-mi than_o answer_v the_o emperor_n and_o say_v i_o be_o quod_fw-la he_o the_o emperor_n your_o lord_n who_o you_o have_v lodge_v this_o night_n wherefore_o right_a herte_o i_o thank_v you_o this_o hear_v the_o foster_n fall_v down_o upon_o both_o his_o knee_n at_o his_o foot_n and_o beseech_v he_o of_o mercy_n if_o that_o he_o have_v offend_v his_o highness_n in_o any_o thing_n prayinge_v he_o of_o forgyvenes_n than_o answer_v y_o e_o emperor_n &_o say_v drede_v the_o not_o for_o i_o thank_v the_o hertely_fw-mi of_o
and_o his_o soul_n shall_v be_v delyver_v from_o sin_n and_o by_o all_o right_a he_o shall_v have_v everlasting_a life_n unto_o the_o which_o bring_v we_o our_o lord_n jesus_n sometime_o there_o regn_v in_o rome_n a_o mighty_a emperor_n and_o a_o wise_n name_v frederyke_v which_o have_v a_o only_a soon_o who_o he_o love_v moche_n this_o emperor_n when_o he_o lie_v at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n he_o call_v unto_o he_o his_o soon_o &_o say_v there_o soon_o i_o have_v a_o ball_n of_o gold_n which_o i_o gyve_v the_o upon_o my_o blessing_n that_o thou_o anon_o after_o my_o death_n shall_v gyve_v it_o to_o the_o moo_v fool_n that_o thou_o may_v find_v than_o say_v his_o soon_o my_o lord_n wothout_n doubt_n your_o will_n shall_v be_v fulfyl_v anon_o this_o young_a lord_n after_o the_o death_n of_o his_o father_n go_v &_o seek_v in_o many_o realm_n &_o find_v many_o recheles_a fool_n because_o he_o will_v satysfye_v his_o father_n will_n labour_v far_o till_o he_o come_v in_o to_o a_o realm_n where_o the_o law_n be_v such_o that_o every_o year_n a_o new_a king_n be_v choose_v there_o &_o this_o king_n have_v only_o the_o guide_n of_o y_z e_z realm_n but_o a_o year_n &_o at_o the_o year_n end_n he_o be_v depose_v &_o put_v in_o exile_n in_o a_o ylande_n where_o as_o he_o shall_v wretched_o fynysshe_v his_o life_n when_o themperour_n soon_o come_v to_o this_o realm_n the_o new_a king_n be_v choose_v with_o it_o great_a honour_n &_o all_o manner_n of_o mynstralsye_n go_v afore_o he_o &_o bring_v he_o with_o great_a reverence_n and_o worship_n unto_o his_o regal_a sete_n and_o when_o the_o emperor_n soon_o see_v that_o he_o come_v unto_o he_o and_o salew_v he_o reverent_o &_o say_v my_o lord_n loo_n i_o gyve_v the_o this_o ball_n of_o gold_n on_o my_o father_n behalf_n than_o say_v he_o i_o pray_v the_o tell_v i_o the_o cause_n why_o thou_o gyve_v i_o this_o ball_n than_o answer_v this_o young_a lord_n and_o say_v my_o father_n charge_v i_o in_o his_o death_n bed_n upon_o pain_n of_o forfeyt_v of_o his_o bless_v that_o i_o shall_v gyve_v this_o ball_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o moost_n fool_n y_fw-fr e_o i_o coude_fw-fr find_v wherefore_o i_o have_v seek_v many_o realm_n &_o have_v find_v many_o fool_n nevertheless_o a_o more_o fool_n than_o thou_o be_v find_v i_o never_o &_o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n it_o be_v not_o unknowen_a to_o the_o that_o thou_o shall_v regne_fw-la but_o a_o year_n and_o at_o the_o year_n end_n thou_o shall_v be_v exile_v into_o such_o a_o place_n where_o as_o thou_o shall_v dye_v a_o myschevous_a death_n wherefore_o i_o hold_v the_o for_o the_o moo_v fool_n that_o ever_o i_o find_v that_o for_o the_o lordship_n of_o a_o year_n thou_o will_v so_o wilful_o less_o thyself_o &_o therefore_o before_o all_o other_o i_o have_v give_v to_o the_o this_o ball_n of_o gold_n than_o say_v the_o king_n without_o doubt_n thou_o say_v sothe_o and_o therefore_o when_o i_o be_o in_o full_a power_n of_o this_o realm_n i_o shall_v send_v before_o i_o great_a treasoure_n and_o rychesse_n wherwyth_o i_o may_v live_v and_o save_v myself_o from_o my_o schevous_a death_n when_o i_o shall_v be_v exile_v &_o put_v down_o and_o so_o this_o be_v do_v wherefore_o at_o the_o year_n end_n he_o be_v exile_v &_o live_v there_o in_o peace_n upon_o such_o good_n as_o he_o have_v send_v before_o and_o he_o die_v afterward_o a_o good_a death_n ¶_o dear_a friend_n this_o emperor_n be_v the_o father_n of_o heaven_n the_o which_o byquethe_v the_o ball_n that_o be_v to_o say_v worldly_a rychesse_n to_o fool_n and_o ydyotte_n which_o savour_v no_o thing_n but_o that_o be_v erthly_a this_o emperor_n soon_o that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o precher_n and_o a_o discrete_a confessor_n search_v about_o many_o realm_n &_o land_n to_o show_v to_o mysbyleve_a man_n &_o fool_n their_o peryll_n the_o realm_n wherein_o no_o king_n may_v regne_fw-la but_o a_o year_n be_v this_o world_n for_o who_o so_o have_v live_v a_o hondred_a year_n when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o death_n he_o shall_v seem_v that_o he_o have_v live_v but_o the_o space_n of_o a_o hour_n therefore_o do_v as_o the_o king_n do_v while_o that_o you_o be_v in_o power_n of_o life_n send_v before_o you_o your_o treasour_n that_o be_v to_o say_v alm_n deed_n &_o other_o merytoryu_v dede_n &_o certain_o when_o you_o be_v put_v in_o exile_n out_o of_o this_o world_n you_o shall_v live_v in_o peace_n &_o shall_v find_v y_z e_o mercy_n of_o god_n plentefull_a whereby_o you_o shall_v optayne_n everla_a life_n unto_o the_o which_o bring_v we_o he_o that_o for_o we_o die_v on_o the_o road_n tree_n amen_n dioclesyan_a regn_v in_o the_o cyte_n of_o rome_n in_o who_o empire_n dwell_v a_o noble_a philosopher_n y_z e_z which_o let_v up_o by_o his_o craft_n a_o image_n in_o the_o mydde_v of_o yeâ—ite_v of_o rome_n the_o which_o image_n stretch_v out_o his_o arm_n &_o his_o forme_v fynger_n whereupon_o stand_v this_o posy_n write_v in_o latyn_a percute_fw-la hic_fw-la smite_n here_o this_o image_n after_o the_o death_n of_o this_o philosopher_n stand_v still_o a_o long_a time_n &_o many_o great_a clerk_n come_v thyder_n for_o to_o rede_n the_o superscripcyon_n that_o be_v on_o y_z e_z fynger_v but_o none_o of_o they_o understode_v what_o it_o ment_fw-la wherefore_o there_o be_v great_a wonder_v among_o the_o people_n and_o at_o the_o last_o a_o long_a time_n after_o there_o come_v a_o strange_a clerk_n out_o of_o far_o countree_n &_o when_o he_o see_v this_o image_n he_o red_a y_o e_o scripture_n smite_n here_o and_o than_o upon_o a_o day_n when_o he_o see_v the_o shadow_n of_o the_o hand_n he_o take_v a_o mattock_n &_o break_v up_o y_o e_o ground_n under_o the_o hand_n where_o the_o shadow_n be_v accord_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o superscripcyon_n &_o anon_o he_o find_v a_o house_n all_o of_o marble_n undernethe_v the_o grovode_n wherein_o he_o enter_v &_o come_v in_o to_o a_o hall_n where_o he_o find_v so_o moche_n rychesse_n so_o many_o yewelle_n and_o so_o great_a meruayle_n that_o he_o never_o see_v ne_o hear_v of_o such_o nor_o so_o many_o before_o that_o tyme._n at_o y_fw-fr e_fw-la last_o he_o see_v a_o board_n cover_v and_o all_o manner_n of_o thing_n necessary_a thereto_o set_v there_o upon_o he_o be_v hold_v far_a and_o see_v a_o carbuncle_n in_o a_o wall_n that_o lyghten_v all_o y_o e_o house_n and_o anent_o this_o carbuncle_n on_o that_o other_o side_n stand_v a_o man_n hold_v in_o his_o hand_n a_o bow_n with_o a_o arowe_n ready_a to_o shote_v the_o clerk_n merualled_a moche_n when_o be_v see_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o think_v in_o himself_o if_o that_o i_o tâ—ll_v this_o forth_o there_o will_v no_o man_n byleve_v i_o &_o therefore_o i_o will_v have_v somewhat_o of_o these_o good_n in_o token_n of_o proof_n and_o with_o that_o he_o see_v a_o knife_n of_o gold_n upon_o y_o e_o board_n which_o he_o take_v &_o will_v have_v put_v it_o in_o his_o bosom_n but_o anon_o the_o archer_n smite_v the_o carbuncle_n and_o break_v it_o wherwyth_o all_o the_o hole_n house_n be_v shadow_v &_o make_v dark_a and_o when_o y_a e_o clerk_n perceyve_v it_o he_o weep_v more_o bytter_o than_o any_o man_n may_v think_v for_o he_o wist_v not_o by_o what_o way_n he_o may_v go_v out_o for_o as_o moche_v as_o the_o house_n be_v make_v dark_a through_o the_o break_n of_o the_o carbuncle_n and_o that_o darkness_n abide_v still_o for_o evermore_o after_o and_o so_o fynissh_v the_o clerk_n his_o life_n there_o in_o that_o darkness_n ¶_o dear_a friend_n this_o image_n so_o stand_v be_v the_o devyll_n which_o say_v evermore_o smite_n here_o that_o be_v to_o say_v take_v heed_n to_o erthly_a rycheâ—se_n &_o not_o to_o heavenly_a treasour_n this_o clerk_n that_o smite_v with_o the_o mattock_n betoken_v the_o wise_a man_n of_o this_o world_n as_o pleder_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o law_n attorney_n and_o other_o worldly_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v smyte_v what_o by_o right_a &_o what_o by_o wrong_n so_o y_z t_z they_o may_v gete_v the_o vanytee_n of_o this_o world_n &_o in_o their_o smyte_a they_o find_v great_a wonder_n &_o meruayle_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o find_v therein_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o many_o man_n rejoice_v the_o carbuncle_n that_o gyve_v light_v be_v the_o youth_n of_o man_n which_o gyve_v hardynes_n to_o take_v their_o pleasure_n in_o worldly_a rychesse_n the_o archer_n w_o t_o his_o arowe_n be_v death_n which_o lay_v watch_n anent_o man_n to_o slay_v he_o the_o clerk_n that_o take_v up_o y_o e_o knife_n be_v every_o worldly_a man_n that_o wen_v ever_o to_o have_v all_o thing_n at_o his_o will_n death_n
life_n in_o worldly_a joy_n or_o worldly_a help_n more_o than_o in_o the_o help_n of_o god_n which_o be_v mighty_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n wherefore_o he_o say_v himself_o thus_o saluator_fw-la si_fw-la habueritis_fw-la fidem_fw-la sicut_fw-la granum_fw-la sinapis_fw-la poteritis_fw-la etc._n etc._n if_o you_o have_v faith_n as_o y_z e_z grain_n of_o mustard_n than_o may_v you_o say_v to_o y_z e_z hill_n go_v thou_o forth_o &_o it_o shall_v go_v but_o many_o of_o we_o now_o a_o day_n have_v over_o feeble_a faith_n &_o therefore_o they_o shall_v sodeyn_o fall_v in_o the_o clay_n of_o desperacyon_n &_o by_o deed_o synâ—e_v oftentimes_o they_o offend_v god_n also_o this_o king_n have_v not_o bring_v with_o he_o his_o father_n and_o his_o mother_n by_o the_o father_n which_o be_v cause_n of_o generation_n be_v understande_v humylite_a without_o who_o there_o be_v no_o virtue_n in_o no_o man_n and_o thereto_o accord_v saint_n gregory_n sayinge_v thus_o si_fw-mi qis_v caeteris_fw-la virtutes_fw-la sine_fw-la humilitate_fw-la congregat_fw-la etc._n etc._n he_o that_o gader_v all_o other_o virtue_n without_o humilite_n be_v like_o a_o man_n that_o cast_v dust_n in_o y_z e_z wound_n his_o mother_n betoken_v hope_n therefore_o he_o that_o will_v optayne_n everlasting_a life_n he_o behove_v to_o have_v the_o cloak_n of_o charyte_n brydge_v of_o faith_n a_o father_n of_o mekenes_n &_o a_o mother_n of_o hope_n as_o y_z e_z apostle_n say_v spe_fw-la salui_fw-la facti_fw-la sumus_fw-la also_o this_o knight_n go_v the_o straight_o path_n way_n &_o the_o king_n the_o broad_a way_n for_o he_o that_o will_v be_v save_v behove_v to_o go_v a_o straight_o way_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o way_n of_o fast_a alm_n dede_n chastyte_n &_o penance_n of_o the_o which_o way_n speak_v the_o apostle_n stricta_fw-la est_fw-la via_fw-la que_fw-la ducit_fw-la ad_fw-la vitam_fw-la eternan_n the_o way_n be_v straight_o y_fw-mi e_o lede_v to_o everlasting_a life_n but_o many_o man_n go_v that_o other_o way_n which_o lede_v to_o hell_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_z y_z e_z way_n of_o flesshly_a lust_n &_o such_o man_n be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o everla_a life_n but_o such_o man_n be_v deceyve_v through_o y_fw-es â—_o way_n therefore_o study_v we_o to_o walk_v that_o way_n whereby_o we_o may_v optayne_n everla_a life_n amen_n sometime_o dwell_v in_o rome_n a_o noble_a emperor_n name_v agyas_n which_o have_v with_o he_o a_o knight_n call_v gerarde_n which_o be_v a_o doughty_a warryour_fw-mi nevertheless_o he_o be_v as_o meek_a as_o a_o lamb_n in_o the_o emperor_n hall_n but_o in_o y_z e_z field_n he_o be_v like_o a_o lion_n this_o emperor_n have_v a_o fair_a daughter_n who_o the_o strong_a and_o mighty_a earl_n of_o palester_n ravyssh_v &_o defoul_v nevertheless_o it_o displease_v more_o themperour_n y_fw-fr e_o defoul_v of_o his_o daughter_n than_o the_o ravysshing_n wherefore_o he_o call_v unto_o he_o his_o counseyle_n &_o say_v dear_a friend_n it_o be_v not_o unknowen_a to_o you_o the_o despite_n &_o violence_n do_v to_o i_o in_o defoul_v of_o my_o daughter_n &_o therefore_o i_o purpose_v to_o gyve_v batayle_n to_o the_o earl_n wherefore_o i_o pray_v you_o to_o be_v ready_a at_o a_o day_n set_v to_o proceed_v with_o i_o in_o batayle_n and_o they_o say_v lord_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o live_v &_o dye_v which_o it_o you_o in_o batayle_n when_o the_o day_n of_o batayle_n come_v they_o meet_v on_o both_o side_n &_o a_o cruel_a hard_a batayle_n be_v give_v on_o both_o side_n &_o all_o that_o be_v of_o themperours_n party_n be_v slay_v and_o as_o themperour_n shall_v have_v be_v byhede_v the_o knight_n gerard_n put_v himself_o among_o his_o enemy_n before_o themperour_n &_o fight_v manful_o &_o so_o themperour_n escape_v and_o the_o knight_n abode_n and_o slay_v the_o earl_n nevertheless_o this_o knight_n have_v dyverse_a wound_n this_n not_o withstand_v he_o abide_v &_o fight_v still_o till_o the_o blood_n run_v down_o to_o his_o heel_n and_o when_o his_o enemy_n see_v that_o y_fw-fr e_o earl_n be_v slay_v they_o â—edde_v and_o the_o knight_n with_o his_o people_n follow_v on_o you_o â—_o chase_n till_o he_o come_v to_o y_z e_z place_n where_o themperours_n daughter_n be_v &_o lead_v she_o with_o he_o and_o thus_o with_o triumph_n &_o vyctory_n he_o return_v again_o to_o themperour_n for_o you_o â—_o which_o victory_n &_o get_a again_o of_o themperours_n daughter_n he_o be_v great_o praise_v of_o all_o people_n not_o long_o alter_v it_o befall_v that_o this_o knight_n have_v to_o do_v in_o themperours_n court_n wherefore_o the_o knight_n come_v unto_o themperour_n &_o pray_v he_o meke_o to_o be_v favourable_a in_o his_o cause_n &_o farthermore_o he_o pray_v he_o to_o do_v y_z e_z rayson_fw-mi ask_v when_o themperour_n have_v hear_v he_o he_o call_v to_o he_o a_o justice_n and_o say_v go_v thou_o and_o do_v justice_n to_o this_o knight_n &_o that_o that_o the_o law_n will_v and_o when_o y_a e_o knight_n hear_v this_o he_o cry_v w_n to_o a_o loud_a voice_n alas_o alas_o who_o hear_v ever_o such_o a_o thing_n of_o a_o emperor_n thou_o be_v say_v he_o in_o batayle_n where_o thy_o heed_n shall_v have_v be_v smytten_v of_o and_o i_o in_o my_o own_o person_n &_o none_o other_o man_n put_v mi selfe_o in_o jeopardy_n for_o the_o &_o save_v the_o &_o now_o thou_o have_v assign_v a_o other_o man_n to_o be_v judge_n in_o my_o cause_n alas_o that_o ever_o y_fw-mi u._fw-mi be_v bear_v and_o with_o y_o t_o word_n the_o knight_n do_v of_o all_o his_o clothes_n &_o show_v y_o e_o wound_n that_o he_o have_v receyve_v in_o the_o batayle_n unto_o all_o y_z e_z man_n that_o be_v there_o present_a &_o say_v lo_o what_o i_o have_v suffer_v for_o the_o and_o i_o put_v none_o other_o man_n in_o my_o stead_n &_o now_o thou_o assygne_v a_o other_o man_n in_o my_o cause_n forsooth_o i_o say_v to_o y_z e_z that_o i_o never_o serve_v such_o a_o lord_n before_o when_o themperour_n hear_v this_o be_v almoost_n confound_v in_o himself_o say_v thus_o o_o dear_a friend_n all_o that_o thou_o say_v be_v troth_n thou_o save_v i_o from_o death_n thou_o won_a my_o daughter_n again_o and_o for_o my_o sake_n y_fw-mi u._fw-mi have_v suffer_v many_o wound_n forsooth_o it_o be_v right_a that_o i_o come_v down_o &_o make_v a_o end_n of_o thy_o cause_n such_o as_o may_v be_v honour_n &_o joy_n to_o the._n and_o than_o themperour_n labour_v besy_o in_o this_o mater_fw-la and_o make_v thereof_o a_o end_n accord_v to_o y_z e_z knight_n intent_n wherefore_o all_o man_n great_o commend_v the_o emperor_n ¶_o dear_a friend_n this_o emperor_n may_v be_v call_v every_o chrysten_v man_n or_o else_o all_o mankind_n which_o have_v a_o fair_a daughter_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o soul_n make_v to_o the_o symilytude_n of_o god_n this_o earl_n betoken_v y_o e_o devyll_n which_o ravyssh_v and_o defoul_v by_o sin_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n through_o eat_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o tree_n know_v good_a &_o evyll_n wherefore_o all_o mankind_n be_v in_o seruage_n till_o a_o strong_a &_o valyaunt_a knight_n come_v &_o put_v himself_o on_o the_o cross_a bytwene_n the_o devyll_n &_o mankind_n for_o if_o that_o have_v not_o be_v we_o have_v all_o ben_fw-mi dampen_v everlastyng_o &_o this_o knight_n bring_v again_o the_o foul_a of_o man_n unto_o y_z e_o chyrche_fw-fr wherefore_o he_o suffer_v many_o great_a wound_n in_o his_o body_n and_o now_o this_o knight_n that_o be_v to_o say_v our_o lord_n jesu_n chryst_n have_v a_o matter_n to_o do_v among_o we_o that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o find_v in_o we_o pâ—rfyte_n life_n wherefore_o he_o call_v on_o we_o daily_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a at_o all_o time_n say_v thus_o in_o the_o apocalypse_n iii_o ecce_fw-la sto_z ad_fw-la hostium_fw-la et_fw-la pulso_fw-la si_fw-la q_n mihi_fw-la aparuerit_fw-la in_o troibo_fw-la et_fw-la cenabo_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v lo_o i_o stand_v and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n if_o any_o man_n will_v open_v to_o i_o i_o shall_v come_v in_o &_o soup_v with_o he_o but_o many_o man_n do_v as_o this_o emperor_n do_v the_o which_o give_v you_o e_o ynyght_n a_o other_o judge_n than_o himself_o but_o now_o a_o day_n there_o be_v some_o man_n that_o will_v do_v no_o penance_n for_o the_o love_n of_o he_o which_o assign_v no_o man_n but_o hymfelfe_n to_o fight_v for_o us._n and_o therefore_o against_o unkind_a man_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v thus_o lo_o he_o hang_v on_o y_o e_o cross_n despoil_a of_o all_o his_o clothing_n and_o show_v to_o we_o all_o his_o wound_n y_o it_o he_o suffer_v for_o us._n be_v we_o therefore_o kind_n that_o we_o may_v suffer_v for_o his_o love_n some_o penance_n and_o that_o at_o the_o day_n of_o doom_n we_o may_v
that_o be_v worthy_a than_o he_o &_o despyse_v such_o as_o be_v simple_a &_o poor_a it_o be_v not_o long_o after_o that_o it_o befall_v that_o this_o steward_n ride_v by_o a_o forest_n where_o as_o he_o meet_v with_o the_o foster_n &_o charge_v he_o y_o it_o he_o shall_v make_v a_o honder_v pytte_n in_o the_o ground_n and_o cover_v they_o over_o with_o green_a grass_n &_o small_a bow_n that_o if_o wild_a beeste_n fortune_v to_o go_v in_o the_o forell_n that_o way_n that_o they_o shall_v then_o fall_v in_o and_o so_o shall_v they_o be_v take_v &_o bring_v to_o the_o emperor_n the_o foster_n answer_v &_o say_v sir_n as_o you_o have_v say_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v not_o long_o after_o it_o fortune_v you_o to_o this_o steward_n ride_v to_o this_o forest_n again_o to_o see_v if_o these_o pytâ—es_n be_v make_v &_o as_o he_o ride_v he_o be_v think_v he_o how_o great_a a_o man_n &_o how_o mighty_a he_o be_v make_v &_o how_o all_o thing_n in_o y_z e_z empire_n obey_v to_o he_o and_o be_v ready_a at_o his_o will_n and_o as_o he_o ride_v thus_o think_v he_o say_v to_o himself_o there_o be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d save_v only_o i_o and_o with_o that_o he_o smite_v his_o horse_n with_o his_o spurâ—es_n &_o sodeyn_o he_o fall_v in_o to_o one_o of_o y_fw-fr e_o deep_a pytte_n that_o he_o have_v ordain_v before_o himself_o for_o the_o wild_a beeste_n and_o for_o y_z e_z great_a depnes_n thereof_o he_o may_v not_o arise_v again_o by_o no_o manner_n of_o craft_n wherefore_o he_o mourn_v great_o and_o anon_o after_o he_o come_v a_o hungry_a lion_n and_o fall_v in_o to_z y_z e_z same_o pyt_n &_o after_o the_o lion_n a_o ape_n and_o after_o y_z e_z ape_n a_o serpent_n and_o when_o the_o steward_n be_v thus_o wall_v with_o it_o these_o three_o beeste_n he_o be_v great_o move_v and_o dread_a sore_n there_o be_v that_o time_n dwell_v in_o the_o cyte_n a_o poor_a man_n name_v guy_n that_o have_v no_o good_a save_o only_a a_o ass_n wherw_v it_o daily_o he_o carry_v stycke_n and_o fall_v wood_fw-mi &_o such_o as_o he_o coude_fw-fr gete_v in_o y_fw-fr e_fw-la forest_n &_o those_o he_o bring_v to_o y_fw-fr e_o market_n and_o sell_v they_o &_o in_o this_o wife_n he_o sustain_v himself_o &_o his_o wife_n as_o well_o as_o he_o may_v it_o fortune_v that_o this_o poor_a guy_n go_v to_o this_o forest_n as_o he_o be_v wont_a and_o as_o he_o come_v by_o y_z e_z deep_a pyt_n he_o hear_v a_o man_n cry_n &_o say_v o_o dear_a friend_n what_o be_v y_fw-mi u._fw-mi for_o god_n sake_n help_v i_o &_o i_o shall_v quite_o the_o so_o well_o that_o you_o u._fw-mi shall_v ever_o after_o be_v the_o better_a when_o this_o poor_a guy_n hear_v y_o t_o it_o be_v you_o e_o voice_n of_o a_o man_n he_o marvel_v great_o &_o stand_v still_o on_o the_o pytte_n brynke_v &_o say_v lo_o good_a friend_n i_o be_o comme_fw-fr for_o y_fw-fr u._fw-mi have_v call_v i_o than_o say_v the_o knight_n dear_a friend_n i_o be_o steward_n of_o all_o the_o emperor_n land_n &_o thus_o by_o fortune_n i_o be_o fall_v in_o to_o this_o pyt_n &_o here_o be_v w_z t_z i_o three_o beeste_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o lion_n a_o ape_n &_o a_o horryble_a serpent_n which_o i_o drede_v moost_n of_o all_o &_o i_o wot_v not_o of_o which_o of_o they_o i_o shall_v be_v first_o devour_v therefore_o i_o pray_v the_o for_o god_n sake_n gete_v i_o a_o long_a cord_n wherwyth_o thou_o may_v draw_v i_o out_o of_o this_o deep_a pyt_n and_o i_o shall_v waraunt_a y_fw-es e_fw-es to_o make_v the_o rich_a in_o all_o thing_n for_o ever_o more_o hereafter_o &_o but_o i_o have_v y_fw-fr e_o rather_o help_v i_o shall_v be_v devour_v of_o these_o beeste_n than_o say_v this_o poor_a guy_n i_o may_v fulâ—_n ill_o intend_v to_o help_v y_z e_o for_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o live_v on_o but_o that_o i_o gâ—der_fw-mi wood_fw-mi &_o carry_v it_o to_o y_z e_z market_n to_o sell_v wherwyth_o i_o be_o sustain_v nevertheless_o i_o shall_v leave_v my_o labour_n &_o fulfil_v thy_o will_n &_o if_o you_o reward_v i_o not_o it_o shall_v be_v great_a hyndraunce_n to_o i_o &_o to_o my_o wife_n than_o the_o steward_n make_v a_o great_a oath_n and_o say_v that_o he_o will_v ê“mote_v he_o &_o all_o his_o to_o great_a rychesse_n than_o say_v guy_n if_o thou_o will_v fulfil_v thy_o promise_n i_o shall_v do_v y_z t_z you_o bid_v i_o and_o with_o that_o go_v again_o to_o the_o cyte_n &_o bring_v with_o he_o a_o long_a rope_n &_o come_v to_o y_z e_z pyt_n &_o say_v sir_n steward_n lo_o i_o let_v down_o a_o rope_n to_o the_o bound_v thyself_o about_o the_o middle_a therewith_o that_o i_o may_v pull_v the_o up_o than_o be_v the_o steward_n glad_a &_o say_v good_a friend_n let_v down_o y_o e_o rope_n and_o with_o y_z t_z he_o cast_v the_o end_n of_o the_o rope_n down_o into_o the_o pyt_n and_o when_o the_o lion_n see_v that_o he_o catch_v the_o rope_n &_o hold_v it_o fast_o &_o guy_n draw_v y_o e_o lion_n up_o wen_v to_o he_o he_o have_v draw_v up_o the_o steward_n &_o when_o he_o have_v so_o do_v the_o lion_n thank_v he_o in_o his_o manner_n &_o run_v to_o y_fw-es e_fw-es wood_fw-mi the_o second_o time_n this_o guy_n let_v down_o the_o rope_n the_o ape_n leap_v to_o it_o &_o catch_v it_o fast_o &_o when_o he_o be_v draw_v up_o he_o thank_v guy_n as_o he_o coude_fw-fr &_o run_v to_o the_o wood_fw-mi the_o three_o time_n he_o let_v down_o the_o rope_n &_o draw_v up_o y_o e_o serpent_n which_o thank_v he_o &_o go_v to_o y_fw-es e_fw-es wood_fw-mi the_o steward_n cry_v with_o a_o high_a voice_n o_o dear_a friend_n now_o be_o i_o delyver_v of_o three_o venymous_a beeste_n now_o let_v down_o the_o cord_n to_o i_o that_o i_o may_v come_v up_o and_o this_o poor_a guy_n let_v down_o the_o rope_n &_o the_o steward_n bind_v himself_o fast_o abouthe_n the_o middle_a &_o anon_o guy_n draw_v he_o up_o and_o when_o he_o be_v thus_o help_v he_o say_v to_o guy_n comme_fw-fr to_o i_o at_o three_o of_o the_o clock_n to_o the_o palay_n &_o than_o i_o shall_v make_v the_o rich_a for_o ever_o this_o poor_a guy_n rejoice_v thereof_o &_o go_v home_o without_o any_o reward_v than_o his_o wife_n demand_v he_o why_o he_o gadere_v not_o woo_v wherw_o to_o they_o may_v live_v that_o day_n than_o tell_v he_o her_o all_o the_o process_n as_o it_o befall_v how_o the_o steward_n fall_v in_o to_z y_z e_z pyt_n &_o also_o the_o lion_n the_o ape_n &_o the_o serpent_n that_o he_o have_v make_v in_o y_z e_z say_v forest_n &_o how_o he_o have_v holpen_v he_o out_o with_o a_o cord_n &_o save_v he_o from_o devour_n of_o you_o e_o three_o venymous_a beeste_n &_o how_o he_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o steward_n &_o sethe_v his_o reward_n on_o y_o e_o morrow_n when_o his_o wife_n hear_v this_o she_o rejoice_v great_o and_o say_v if_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o good_a sir_n arise_v to_o morrow_n at_o a_o due_a hour_n &_o go_v to_o the_o palay_n &_o receyve_v your_o reward_n that_o we_o may_v be_v comfort_v thereby_o so_o in_o the_o morning_n guy_n arise_v &_o go_v to_o y_z e_z palay_n &_o knock_v at_o the_o gate_n than_o come_v the_o porter_n &_o ask_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o knock_n i_o pray_v the_o quoth_v this_o guy_n go_v to_o y_fw-fr e_o steward_n and_o say_v to_o he_o that_o here_o abide_v a_o poor_a man_n at_o the_o gate_n that_o speak_v with_o he_o yesterday_o in_o the_o forest_n the_o porter_n go_v in_o &_o tell_v the_o steward_n as_o y_z e_z poor_a man_n have_v say_v than_o say_v the_o steward_n go_v thou_o again_o and_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o lie_v for_o yesterday_o speak_v i_o with_o no_o man_n in_o the_o forest_n &_o charge_v he_o that_o he_o go_v his_o way_n &_o that_o i_o see_v he_o there_o never_o after_o the_o porter_n go_v forth_o and_o tell_v poor_a guy_n how_o the_o steward_n have_v say_v &_o charge_v he_o to_o go_v his_o way_n than_o be_v this_o guy_n sorrowful_a &_o go_v home_o &_o when_o he_o come_v home_o he_o tell_v his_o wife_n how_o the_o steward_n answer_v he_o his_o wife_n comfort_v he_o in_o all_o that_o she_o may_v &_o say_v sir_n go_v you_o again_o &_o prove_v he_o thrice_o than_o on_o y_z e_z morrow_n this_o guy_n arise_v &_o go_v to_o the_o palay_v again_o pray_v the_o porter_n once_o to_o do_v his_o erande_n again_o to_o the_o steward_n than_o the_o porter_n answer_v &_o say_v glad_o i_o will_v do_v thy_o erande_n but_o i_o drede_v i_o sore_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v thy_o hurt_n and_o than_o go_v he_o in_o &_o tell_v y_o e_o steward_n
clear_a enough_o that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o serve_v god_n and_o when_o god_n may_v not_o have_v of_o the_o second_o ton_n than_o ask_v he_o of_o the_o three_o ton_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_z y_z e_z three_o ton_n of_o his_o youth_n than_o answer_v the_o wicked_a man_n and_o say_v that_o wine_n be_v to_o strong_a &_o mighty_a and_o therefore_o his_o youth_n ought_v to_o be_v spend_v about_o dede_n of_o this_o world_n and_o not_o in_o penance_n which_o shall_v make_v he_o feeble_a &_o weyke_a when_o god_n see_v that_o he_o may_v not_o have_v of_o this_o ton_n than_o ask_v he_o of_o the_o four_o ton_n and_o than_o answer_v the_o wicked_a man_n &_o say_v that_o a_o age_a man_n be_v feeble_a &_o may_v not_o fast_o ne_o do_v no_o hard_a penance_n &_o if_o he_o do_v he_o shall_v be_v cause_n of_o his_o own_o death_n and_o than_o ask_v our_o lord_n of_o the_o fyfth_o ton_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o his_o old_a age_n when_o he_o do_v creep_v &_o may_v not_o go_v without_o a_o staff_n but_o the_o wicked_a man_n excuse_v himself_o &_o say_v that_o this_o wine_n be_v to_o feeble_a to_o gyve_v such_o a_o feeble_a man_n for_o if_o he_o shall_v fast_v one_o day_n it_o be_v time_n on_o y_z e_z morrow_n to_o make_v his_o grave_n and_o when_o our_o lord_n see_v that_o he_o may_v not_o have_v of_o the_o fyfth_o ton_n than_o ask_v he_o of_o the_o syxth_o ton_n that_o be_v to_o say_v when_o a_o man_n be_v blind_a and_o may_v not_o go_v to_o sin_n no_o more_o yet_o desire_v he_o of_o such_o a_o man_n drink_v that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o help_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o the_o wretched_a man_n lyenge_a in_o despair_n say_v alas_o alas_o to_o i_o because_o i_o serve_v not_o almyghty_a god_n my_o maker_n &_o redeemer_n she_o in_o time_n past_o while_n i_o be_v in_o youth_n &_o in_o prosperyte_n but_o now_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v but_o only_a y_fw-mi e_o lie_n &_o the_o dregs_n of_o all_o wretchedness_n therefore_o what_o shall_v it_o avayle_v i_o now_o to_o turn_v toward_o god_n but_o for_o such_o man_n we_o shall_v mourn_v nevertheless_o god_n be_v so_o merciful_a that_o though_o he_o may_v have_v no_o seruyce_n of_o man_n in_o all_o his_o time_n yet_o be_v he_o content_a to_o have_v the_o lie_n of_o his_o ton_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o good_a will_n though_o he_o may_v not_o serve_v he_o otherwise_o &_o so_o shall_v his_o good_a will_v stand_v he_o in_o stead_n of_o penance_n for_o in_o what_o hour_n the_o sinner_n do_v his_o penance_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v as_o ezechiel_n wytneâ—seth_v the_o apostle_n say_v alas_o alas_o &_o welawaye_o for_o there_o be_v many_o that_o will_v gyve_v no_o wine_n ne_o none_o other_o thing_n to_o he_o wherefore_o god_n shall_v complain_v unto_o the_o king_n of_o iherusalem_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o he_o godhede_v at_o the_o day_n of_o doom_n &_o than_o god_n &_o man_n shall_v gyve_v a_o sentence_n defensable_a against_o such_o man_n say_v esurivi_fw-la et_fw-la non_fw-la dedistis_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o have_v hunger_v &_o you_o give_v i_o no_o meat_n i_o have_v thur_v and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o drink_n 'loo_o thus_o shall_v he_o rehearse_v to_o the_o the_o seven_o werke_n of_o mercy_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v than_o shall_v they_o be_v put_v to_o everlasting_a pain_n and_o the_o rightful_a man_n into_o everla_a bliss_n where_o they_o shall_v have_v joy_n wythouten_o end_n unto_o the_o which_o bring_v we_o our_o lord_n jesu_n chryst._n amen_o in_o rome_n dwell_v sometime_o a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v antony_n under_o who_o reign_n the_o rower_n on_o the_o see_v have_v take_v prisoner_n a_o mighty_a man_n soon_o of_o a_o other_o regyon_n &_o bring_v he_o to_o y_z e_z emperor_n prison_n fast_o bind_v when_o this_o young_a man_n be_v thus_o in_o prison_n he_o write_v to_o his_o father_n for_o his_o ransom_n but_o his_o father_n will_v no_o ransom_n pay_v ne_o none_o other_o thing_n send_v to_o conforte_v he_o this_o hear_v his_o soon_o weep_v sore_o &_o may_v not_o be_v comfort_v for_o the_o unkyndnes_n of_o his_o father_n this_o emperor_n have_v a_o fair_a daughter_n which_o visyte_v every_o day_n this_o prisoner_n &_o comfort_v he_o as_o moche_v as_o she_o may_v to_o who_o the_o prisoner_n answer_v &_o say_v how_o shall_v i_o be_v merry_a or_o how_o may_v i_o joy_n thus_o for_o to_o lie_v fast_o bind_v in_o prison_n from_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n &_o notwithstanding_o this_o it_o greve_v i_o more_o that_o my_o father_n will_v not_o pay_v my_o raunsom_n when_o this_o maiden_n hear_v this_o she_o be_v move_v with_o pyte_n and_o say_v dear_a friend_n i_o be_o sorry_a for_o the_o nevertheless_o if_o thou_o wylte_n grant_v i_o one_o thing_n i_o shall_v delyver_v the_o from_o this_o anguysshe_n &_o pain_n what_o thing_n be_v that_o quoth_v he_o that_o thou_o wylte_n take_v i_o to_o thy_o wife_n than_o say_v the_o prisoner_n i_o promise_v you_o sure_o to_o fulfil_v your_o intent_n and_o desire_n and_o for_o the_o more_o sykerne_v i_o plight_n you_o my_o troth_n when_o he_o have_v so_o do_v it_o be_v not_o long_o after_o the_o damosel_n delyver_v he_o out_o of_o prison_n and_o flee_v away_o with_o he_o home_o to_o his_o father_n house_n when_o the_o father_n see_v his_o soon_o &_o the_o maiden_n togyder_n he_o ask_v you_o e_o cause_n why_o he_o bring_v she_o with_o he_o than_o say_v his_o soon_o sir_n this_o damosel_n delyver_v i_o out_o of_o prison_n and_o therefore_o she_o shall_v be_v my_o wife_n than_o say_v his_o father_n i_o will_v not_o consent_v that_o she_o shall_v be_v thy_o wife_n for_o two_o reasonable_a cause_n which_o i_o shall_v show_v the._n the_o first_o be_v this_o it_o be_v not_o unknowen_a to_o the_o that_o the_o emperor_n her_o father_n may_v have_v have_v for_o thy_o delyveraunce_n great_a good_a and_o for_o as_o moche_v as_o she_o be_v untrue_a to_o her_o own_o father_n and_o true_a to_o the_o it_o seem_v well_o that_o thou_o shall_v not_o trust_v long_o in_o she_o for_o who_o be_v false_a to_o her_o own_o father_n by_o reason_n shall_v be_v very_o false_a and_o untrue_a to_o a_o other_o man_n the_o second_o reason_n be_v this_o the_o cause_n why_o she_o delyver_v the_o out_o of_o prison_n it_o be_v neither_o for_o pyte_n nor_o for_o love_n but_o for_o flesshly_a lust_n that_o she_o have_v to_o the._n for_o at_o thy_o delyveraunce_n she_o make_v covenaunt_v with_o the_o to_o be_v thy_o wife_n and_o have_v of_o the_o thy_o troth_n and_o therefore_o soon_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n that_o she_o shall_v be_v thy_o wife_n the_o maiden_n answer_v to_o this_o question_n &_o say_v as_o for_o the_o first_o reason_n which_o thou_o lay_v against_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v be_v untrue_a to_o my_o father_n that_o be_v false_a for_o my_o father_n have_v plente_a of_o rychesse_n &_o thy_o soon_o be_v but_o poor_a and_o therefore_o i_o help_v he_o for_o pyte_n and_o for_o none_o other_o cause_n and_o nevertheless_o thou_o that_o be_v his_o father_n will_v not_o pay_v his_o ransom_n that_o he_o may_v be_v delyver_v out_o of_o prison_n 'loo_o for_o this_o cause_n i_o have_v delyver_v he_o therefore_o i_o be_o kynder_n to_o he_o than_o thou_o that_o be_v his_o own_o father_n &_o he_o be_v more_o beholden_a to_o i_o than_o to_o the._n unto_o that_o other_o reason_n where_o as_o y_z e_z say_v that_o i_o delyver_v he_o because_o of_o flesshly_a lust_n i_o answer_v and_o say_v playnli_v that_o it_o be_v not_o troth_n for_o all_o manner_n of_o flesshly_a love_n be_v cause_n of_o strengthe_n or_o else_o of_o fayrne_n but_o thy_o soon_o be_v not_o strong_a for_o his_o enprysonment_n have_v do_v away_o his_o strengthe_n he_o be_v not_o fair_a for_o by_o the_o pain_n that_o he_o have_v have_v in_o prison_n he_o be_v make_v low_a and_o unlusty_a to_o the_o sight_n and_o therefore_o pyte_v only_o move_v i_o to_o delyver_v he_o and_o not_o flesshly_a lust_n than_o say_v the_o soon_o unto_o his_o father_n dear_a father_n for_o as_o moche_v as_o i_o be_v in_o peryll_n of_o death_n and_o write_v unto_o the_o that_o thou_o will_v pay_v my_o ransom_n that_o i_o may_v be_v delyver_v and_o thou_o will_v not_o help_v i_o but_o this_o damoysel_n of_o her_o gentylnes_n and_o for_o pyte_n have_v save_v i_o from_o death_n and_o delyver_v i_o out_o of_o prison_n and_o therefore_o soth_o she_o shall_v be_v my_o wife_n wherefore_o forth_o with_o he_o wed_v she_o with_o great_a honour_n and_o with_o she_o end_v his_o life_n ¶_o dear_a friend_n this_o emperor_n betoken_v the_o father_n of_o heaven_n the_o young_a man_n which_o be_v take_v with_o the_o