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
and lye by my hete in your bed A ha jason answerde thenÌ„ inedea for goddes sake saue myn honour Madaine aÌ„swerde jaso Ther is no man in the world that shal kepe it more thenÌ„e j shal j am your housbonde yf ye come and lye in your bed by me ye doo nothiÌ„g but honour My dere freÌ„de sayde medea ther is no plaisir but that I shall gladly do to yow but for this night ye shal haue pacyence of your requeste and I praye yow that to mornÌ„ be tyme ye desire of my fadere the king that he wolde gyue me to yon in mariage thenÌ„e do ye your deuoir if he be coÌ„tent we shal make our wedding aÌ„d spousailles here within honourably and if he will not I somone you here to mornÌ„ at nyght at houre acustomed aÌ„d knowe ye for certayn that I shal do alle that ye wille commaÌ„de me to do as reson is For I am vouÌ„den therto by vertue of the ê“messes made bytwene yow and me And allewaye I recommaÌ„de to you myn honour ¶ Whan Iason hadde vnderstande the goode wille of medea he sayd in his corage that she had wysely answerd and that he was content for tobeye to her requeste What shall I saye more the night drew ouer in suche termes as sayd is how wel Iason laye there til it was day And on the mornÌ„ whaÌ„ he was rysen sawe his tyme. he made his requeste vnto the noble king Oetes that he wold gyue his doughter Medea to him in mariage but he founde the king Oetes triste moche pensif and al other wyse thenÌ„e he was acustomed to be and made him an aÌ„swere in this maner Iason yebere with yow oute of my dominacyon the most ryche tresour that is iÌ„ alle the worlde whiche greuith me gretly yf I hade knowen that I now knowe ye had not comen in tyme therto aÌ„d now ye demaÌ„de me my doughter medea which is most conÌ„yng and the most dere thing that I haue Suffise you wy â— that ye haue And neuer speke to me more therof also dere as ye haue your lyfe With these or semblable wordes the king Oetes wente on oo ê‘t And the noble jason wente on an other syde moche abasshed of the fiers aÌ„d herd answere of the hing Oetes Hercules Theseus and Mopsiuscam thenÌ„e vnto Iason whyche told hem howe he had beÌ„ wyth the king Oetes and how he had required to haue to hys wyf hys doughter Medea and howe the kyng oetes hadde answerd him fiersly But whan they had vnderstanden alle thys they concluded among them that they wolde deê‘te from theÌ„s on the mornÌ„ After this donÌ„ they weÌ„t toke leue of the king thaÌ„ked hym of the grete honour that hit had plesid hym to do to Iason And after they went visited their ship and passid this day with litill plaisir for the king Oetes made hem no chere This notwithstand whaÌ„ the night was come Iason weÌ„te vnto the fayr Medea told to her how he made his requeste to the king Oetes her fader And how he had aÌ„swerd to the regarde of their mariage how he was deê‘ted froÌ„ him wherof the fayr Medea was meruaylloussy soroufull and sore troubled thinking on many thinges But whaÌ„ she had wel bethought her considering her cas her affaire she made right goode chere to jason as she that abandonÌ„ed her alle vnto his plaisir and so it is to be supposed that this night they leye to geder more saye I not for this pÌ„sent as towching their faites of loue In this nyght the fayr Medea toke alle the moste richest jeweles bagges portatif that the king oetes her fader had And she putte and trussed them in a fardell and whan hit came alitill to fore daye she made jason to ryse whyche was anonÌ„ redy And thenÌ„e whan she was alle redy she toke with her alle the rychesses also her yong broder absirthiê° of the aage of xvj monethes whome she toke secretly in a chambre from the nouryce and made her maistresse to cutte hys throte pryuely for certayn causes whiche shall here after be declared After this the fayr medea her maistresse cladd hem aÌ„d disgulsed them in maÌ„nes habyte and by the noble preu jason they were brought vnto the shippe And assone as jason had deliuerid theÌ„ in garde vnto maister maronner Argos he retourned into his chambre til it was day abyding his felawship Hercules Theseus Mopsius and many other knightes that cam with hym at the blowing of an horâ—aÌ„d with that he toke his flees of goolde and sayde to them that he wolde departe from thens wyth alle dylygence for certayn causes and wythout more sayng at thys tyme he toke his waye to th ende that the other knightes of grece sholde folowe And wente so ferre that he eÌ„trid iÌ„ to this ship so well at apoynt that alle his men entrid with him And thenÌ„e the maroÌ„ners disancred and began to rowe by force of oores for asinoche as 〈◊〉 blewe not and the winde helped heÌ„ not by cause hit was calme and thê° in this poynt they putte them on the waye vnto the sonne rysing And at that propre houre whaÌ„ they were not withdrawen past a myle froÌ„ the poorte hyt happend by adueÌ„ture that Argos the mayster maroÌ„ner began to loke toward the poorte aÌ„d he sawe that on alle sydes hit was fulle of peple After this he sawe anoÌ„ and apperceyueyd that fowre lityll shippes at facoÌ„n of Balingers orgaleyes subtyll departed to gydre from the poorte from whens that they they came Wherof the good patrone Argoshadde moch grete meruaille And he wiste not what to thenke he was so encombred For he â–ª hadde well seen that whan the noble Preu Iason and hys companye entrid into his shippe that the king hys baronÌ„s ne the ladyes had not conueyed hym He had grete meruaille but he sayd not one worde ¶ How the kyng Oetes fader of Medea aduertised of the departing of Iason and hys doughter Medea folowed And how Medea caste her broder Absirthyus by pieces into the see doubting her fader the kiÌ„g Oetes And howe the noble Quene ysiphyle fylle doun from an hyghe montaynÌ„ into the see WHo that demandeth of thise foure litill galeyes snbtill for what cause they moued fro the port And what people were inne the historie answerth that theyr entencyoÌ„ was to come after the knightes of grece And the king Oetes was in one of them accompanyed of foure honderd men whiche were alle bourgeyses of the tounÌ„ that he had made to be armed â–ª For asmoche as he was acertayned that hys doughter medea was goonÌ„ with jason and I shalle telle you This kiÌ„g Oetes as said is had ben sorowful anoyed alle the daye precedent foÌ„de him self so full of melancolye that he coude not slepe ne reste Alleway after many thoughtes and precogitacioÌ„s he concluded in hym self that he wolde goo
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 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
aÌ„d notable that likeâ—was neuer seen in all that countre For the king the quene were so yoyous of this noble ayllâ—aunce as possible was for hem to be Thâ—re were daunces and carolles begoÌ„ne instruments of alle maneres and many facoÌ„ns sette a werk songes fayr dytees songen in the best wyse wyne and mete were plenteouâ—fy araied dressed for al theÌ„ that wold take And thus endured thys grete notable feste vnto the nyght that the king the quene jason crensa the Barons knightes ladyes damoyselles departed fro this gardyn with moche grete ioye for eche maÌ„ enforced him to make grete chere for the noble aliance of the preu Iason and of the fayr creusa but who that euer was yoyous or soroufull the youg lady was moche conforted and not without cause thinking on the hye vertues that where iÌ„ the persone of the vailliaunt prince jason Hou jason espoused the fair creusa the kinges doughter of corinthe aÌ„d of her deth by Medea THe RenoÌ„â—nee of thys wedding of jason aÌ„d of the fayr â—teusa was anonÌ„ sprad in alle the â—oâ— aume of Corinthe The king concluded that he wolde make a solemyne feste and sent the messagers into many diuerse countrees for to asseinble the Prices of the couÌ„ trees hys frendes and for to seke clothes of gold of silke and othre sumptuous riche thinges Alway for to ensiewâ— the veray and true narracion of our matere duryng the fyaÌ„sayl les and trouthpligthyng of jason aÌ„d of creusa medea that lefte not night ne day for to seke her hâ—â—bonde jasoÌ„ as said is â–ª She erred laboured in suche wyse as she came vnto the mâ—tes marches oscorinthe wel cocluded in her selfe that she wolde go vnto Corinthe And as she wente iÌ„ her waye she founde a moche fayre fontayne or welle where about satte were many labourers that at this spring refresshed theÌ„ whan they apperceyneâ— the ladi the two damoiselles come vnto the fontaine certes they were sore ameruailed to see iij so fayre womenÌ„ howe wel they axd hem whyther they weÌ„t whersore demaÌ„de ye saide medea for asmoche fayr dame answerde one of the labourers that he will goo vnto the cyte of corinthe if it plese you to go theder that our coÌ„panye may plaise yow we shall gladly hold yow coÌ„panye My freÌ„de aÌ„swerde medea knowe ye that our enteÌ„cionis for to go ito the cyte that ye speke of that right wel plesith vs your coÌ„panye Wyth that the noble lady damoiselles and tho labourers wente on her waye and so goyng one of them began to beholde the lytyl childe sone of Medea that one of the damoyselles bare in her armes and whaÌ„ he had a lytill beholde the child he sayd alle on hye in this manere Ceries j welde that iâ— plesid alle oure goddes that my lady creusa that to morow come iâ— monâ—thed might haue one so fair a sone by her lorde Fayr freÌ„de sayde thenÌ„e Medea What is that Creusa that ye now speke of what is she sayde the labourer And why knowe ye her not and haue lyued so long Certes she is doughter of the kyng of Corynthe whom shalle wedde to mornÌ„ the most fayr knight of all the worlde and the most vaylliaunt in renominee For hit is he that had conquerd I wote neuer what a shepe or a ram of golde that men saye is passyng noble ryche wherfore we alle goo to geder for to see what feste there shalle be And eche of vs bere theder of our goodes for to doo worship vnto the weddyng The custome at that time was such whaÌ„ that a kyng dide do marye his sone or doughter that alle the meÌ„ of the royanme were bounden eche by hym selfe for to make a presente of vytaylles And the marchaÌ„tes and bourgeyses of the cytes made to him an ayde of a certayn sommâ— of money e and of other goodes wherwith they were discharged Anone thenÌ„ as â—…a vnderstode this that the labourer spac of the knight that was so â—ayâ—and so vailliaunt that had conquerd the flees of golde she thought wel that it was her lorde jason that sholde so wedde on the morn the fair creusa wherfore she was sore troubled aÌ„d not withonte cause how well she aÌ„swerde not one word wherfore she thougghte not the lasse And in suche wise she exployted that she entrid into Corinthe by fayr day and made her to be coÌ„duyted vnto within the palays of the king into a grete â—d faire halle where as was 〈…〉 the grettest yoye of al 〈…〉 but ye must vnderstaÌ„de that 〈…〉 was comen in habyte dissimiled and disguised And incontineÌ„t as she was entrid into the halle she began to loke all about if she might see IasoÌ„ She loked so long that she aspied hi. but her senteth that he had an heuy chere and was soroufull thenÌ„e was medea sewre that hit was jasoÌ„ that shold wedde Creusa ThenÌ„e began her herte to melte in suche wise that ther deê‘ted from theÌ„s many grete plente of sighes many teerls deualed and fylle dounÌ„ from her eyen vpon her breste And thus doyng she thoughte aÌ„d agayn thoughte what was to doo for the beste And thenÌ„e she retorned vnto the two damoisel les seÌ„te one of them well disguised vnto Iason for to requyre him that he wolde come speke to a ladi that was there ThenÌ„e the noble preu jasoÌ„ nothing thinkyng on the fayr medea heering the requeste of the Damoyselle roose vp and weÌ„te wyth her aÌ„d she bronght him vnto Medea Whiche was wythdrawen a lytyll a parte holdyng hyr lytyll sone in her armes But incontynent as Iason apperceyued her there in that point he was meruaillously esmayed And after that Medea had made to hym the Reuerence in sale wyng hym by alle their goddes She said to him in this maner Alas my dere lord IasoÌ„ what haue ye entencyon to doo ys hit so that to mornÌ„ withoute lenger tarieng ye will take for your wyf Creusa whome ye haue promysed as I am certefyed And howe my only cordyall loue frende shalle I be sallaryed of suche payement in the recompensacion of the saluacion of your lyf of whyche none had ben yf it had not beÌ„ saued by my moyen as ye well knowe Is this the merite that ye rendre to me WhaÌ„ for your loue j haue abandonned the king my fader and alle hys royaume Is this the gwerdon that I haue awayted after that I haue reduysed by so grete laboure aÌ„d trauaylle my lorde your fader the kyng froÌ„ hys auncient aage vnto the yongthe of xxxij yere as ye wel knowe Ha a Iason right noble and vaillaÌ„t knight I suppose ye holde wel iÌ„ your remembrauÌ„ce alle that ye haue ê“mised to me for goddes sake forgete it not and put it not in oubliauÌ„ce And if hit be so that ye wyll take and haue ony other lady than me Certes I
ê‘amours â—aynâ—g that he was a simple knight of the kinges court deffeÌ„ded hem expÌ„ssy that they sholde not make to hi honour ne reuereÌ„ce sauf only thonour of a felaw to a felaw anoÌ„ as he had aâ—utifed of that thei shold doo he put hi on the way so secretli that he cÌ„trid in to olyferne so exployted that he was brought to for the noble quene mirro whome he had neâ— secÌ„ to fore where he knelid douÌ„ on his knees right huÌ„bly to fore her howe wel as he was all rauisshed in thiÌ„kiÌ„g beholdiÌ„g her meruailloê° beaute for he had neuer seen to fore so fair a creature after the reuereÌ„ces there made he sayde tò her in this manere Noble aÌ„d right renoined princesse the king of Esclauonie my souerain puyssauÌ„t lorde recomÌ„andeth hym right huÌ„bly to your good grace noble memorie and for so moche as he hath vndstonde that ye be coÌ„teÌ„te to here his demaÌ„d that he offrith for the loue for the we le the honour aÌ„d ê“uffit of you of your roiame if hit plese you ye shal gyue me audicÌ„ce aÌ„d good expedicoÌ„n with these wordes the ladi ê¯maÌ„ded theÌ„kiÌ„g that he shold staÌ„d vp as she that wist not what he was syn drew a littl a ê‘t wherfore the kiÌ„g approuched ner her said right vtuouse â—ncesse ye knowe hou bi diucrce times your right huÌ„ble ser uaiit the kiÌ„g of esclauoÌ„te hath reâ—red you bi his baroÌ„s cÌ„hassadours that it shold plese you to be his wyf felaw alway in feet ye haue refused him for cause of which refuse as j am aduised he hath entrid into your royame assailid it by warre as ye maye ê‘ceyne yet alway to put him self iÌ„ deuoir he hath seÌ„t me to you for to reâ—re your desired gÌ„ce as he that hath more greter pite of you yourÌ„ couÌ„tre thenÌ„e ye haue your self as me semeth wherfore he reâ—reth you by me that at this tyme ye haue pite of your trewe louer of whoÌ„ the fortune is suche that certes he deyeth iÌ„ laÌ„guysshing after you ha a my ryght redoubted lady after the iugement of the menÌ„ ye ar the veray myrrour of al vertues of al bouÌ„te aÌ„d noblesse here thenÌ„e the voys of your seruauÌ„t speking bi my month and requiring your grace pite the most huble wise that to him is possible the poure a desolate kiÌ„g your right trewe we le willare may not be ino place withoute thenking on yow his ymaginacioÌ„â—pryseth nothing but your name beaute his stomack digesteth nothing but your triuÌ„phaÌ„t glory his prayers ne suffrages moÌ„te not vnto the goddes but in calling them to the augmeÌ„tacioÌ„ of your we le Alas haue ye pyte mercy on him on your peple on your royaulnte aÌ„d on me that am his secrete messager of loue Londe sceÌ„de ye in wylle for to be his lady and maistresse to th eÌ„de that he may atteine to the chief of his desirs also to th eÌ„de that your cyte your men may d welle iu pees reste In pronounsing these or semblable wordes the doloroê° king made many sighes and began to cauffe and lo swete in suche agonye as he had ben a prysoner preseÌ„ted to fore a juge for to reccyue SenteÌ„ce of grace or of deth The wyse and discrete mirro suffrid him tachiene all his ê“posicion And whan he had purposed alle that loue ensey gned hi for this tyme She was not so dispâ—urueyed of aduis ne of enteÌ„demeÌ„t but proÌ„ptly meurly she made to him this aÌ„swere ¶ Messagyer whaÌ„ j haue wel vnderstand yow j am all abasshid how my mortal enmye can or may reâ—re me of loue of my aliauÌ„ce whaÌ„ by his oulâ—age and and 〈…〉 is by grete wronge entrid in to my â—oy aume with armed hand pylled robbed my londe slayn my peple brente my contre yet more in faire hath besieged me iÌ„ my cyte of oliferne whaÌ„ j haue wel ouithought these sayde thinges I answere yow at this tyme for al that j shal rather suffre my self al my royaume to be destroyed than in ony maner shal condesceÌ„de to his requestes to his will Certes madame answerde the king me thinketh ye be not wel coÌ„ceyled ne â—sidere ye not that youre desdayne haue ben cause of the deth of fyfth thousand menÌ„ And how haue ye no regard that he is so noble and so puissauÌ„t a king that he loueth you with so parfait loue that all his desir is not but for to mowe come to your goode gÌ„ce In trouth it apperith by that that is sayd to you that he hath more gretter pyte of your noble persone of your men and of your desolate Royaume thenÌ„e ye haue your self And therfore madame theÌ„ke ye on these thiÌ„ges and beware that by your cruelte defaure your goode louer aÌ„d freÌ„de if hit plese you fall not in despayre I wote neuer what may eÌ„cline you her to but if it be that ye wil desire rather the general total destructionÌ„ of your royaume thenÌ„e other wyse And by all my goddes hit is grete outrage folye that meuith yow therto â—ertes messager aÌ„swerde the wise 〈…〉 vnto the â—â—â—auoÌ„ king â–ª the 〈◊〉 or wrastlyng of your wordes 〈◊〉 not stroÌ„g y nouh for to bete dounÌ„ ouercome the constanÌ„ce of my coÌ„tinenÌ„ce j loue my men peple naturelly And to this ende that alle the worlde knowe that I saye trouth also loÌ„g al 's the soule abideth in my body j shal neuer haue loue ne aliaÌ„ce vnto myn enmye speke nomore to me therof With this the king was all vainquisshid discoÌ„forted of socours was so terribly displaisid angry of aspre mortal angre that in a grete dispair waÌ„hope he saide to her O fell lady most rebell leste pietoê° that euer deê‘ted out of womaÌ„s bely syn that j must acquite me whaÌ„ I ê‘ceyue that your swete corage wole not accorde vnto me ne enteÌ„de vnto the coÌ„tinuel supplicacions of your so trewe louer I me deporte from hensforth for to speke ony more of this mater but j yow eÌ„sure as sone as the triews shall faille ye shal be guerdoned after yower fierste ¶ With these wordes the kiÌ„g of Sklauonye departed theÌ„s with a chiere peÌ„syf and retourned to his Ooste more desiring to come to his enteÌ„cion thaÌ„ euer he hadde beÌ„ to sore And the sayr mirro lytil setting by his menaces begaÌ„ to deuise with soÌ„me of her geÌ„til womeÌ„ in recouÌ„tiÌ„g to theÌ„ the prayers requestes that her mortall enemy had made to her ¶ What shal I saye yow more the triews faylled at tyme sette espired And whaÌ„ they were thê° faylled the king of sclauonie more thiÌ„king on the fayr mirro thaÌ„ was nede to him made his men to putte heÌ„ in armes many a daye â–ª hoping that they of Oliferne sholde come out aÌ„d make him skarmuches but he loste his payne for
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
thei maynteâ—…lyf the space of iiij monethes 〈…〉 suche wise that ysiphile â—…ith childe waxe grete of a 〈…〉 sayr sone of whom she 〈…〉 by space of tyme during these foure monethis the ladies of â—â—â—â—â—laye laye with the knyghtes of Grece and many of theÌ„ were conceyued with their seed And in this wyse was the cyte repeopled of yong childereÌ„ masses ¶ what shal j make you long proces The dayes that haue no reste passe lightli maistre argos rendrid his shippe all repayred made and hercules cain agayn into LeÌ„nos Iason also wolde departe toward his journele asseblid one a daye his felawship layde to them My goode brethreÌ„ freÌ„des ye knowe well how we haue beÌ„ here and soyourned a moche long space of tyme and yet we haue nomore knowleche ne haue herd speke of the motonÌ„ of golde or goolden vliese nomore thenÌ„e we herde to fore we departed from our countree I wyll that ye knowe that I lyue here iÌ„ grete sorow in terrible grete moyanÌ„ce for I caÌ„ not take solace ne plaisir in ony thing that j see for asmoche as I am pricked by ê¯tynuell exhortacions procedyng of diuerce causes procnrlg the exped câ—entretienyng the ende of my laboureuse voyage to 〈◊〉 whiche bryng vs the goddes in short tyme to one helthe honour glorye wherfoâ—â— j praye you alle that euery â—…ke hiÌ„ redy for to remene depâ—…or I haue enteÌ„cion for to depaâ—… at th eÌ„de of iiij dayes without â—…ger abyding Hercules Theseâ—â— Mopsiê° all the other knighteâ— had grete joye whaÌ„ they herde the good disposicioÌ„ of jason they aÌ„suerde him that thei sholde be as sone redi as he thenÌ„e one other begaÌ„ to pourueye for theÌ„ vytailles of all suche thinges as were necessarie for theÌ„ The quene the other ladies knewe anone of the departemeÌ„t of jason wherfore they were moche displaysauÌ„t right desolate and sore anoyed theÌ„ to see the Grekysh knyghtes make their pÌ„paracions for to departe and that one coÌ„playned to that other sayng Certes these knightes of greece abaÌ„doÌ„ne vs gyue vs ouer we shal neuer haue joye ne solas The quene ysiphile amoÌ„g the other was most aÌ„guysshous of this departing aÌ„d caÌ„ to jason aÌ„d sayde to him Alas alas lord jasoÌ„ haue ye wel the corage for to withdrawe you froÌ„ me to gyue me ovyr to fore ye haue seeÌ„ the fruit of your noble ê‘soeÌ„ which is nourisshid in my bloode Ha a my soulace the plesir of myn eyeÌ„ may hit not be that the rightamerouse praier of the mod that shal be of yonr childe may holde you here yet iij. monethis hit is alytyl tyme of iij. monethes they shal be anonÌ„ exspired paste Alas jason alas my confort ê“longe ye aÌ„d tarie your departemeÌ„tat my request For j am she that so moche loueth you that j may no more Alas beholde with pite my wombe the chaÌ„bre maÌ„sionÌ„ of your blood in no wise j requyre you to departe so hastely ¶ I good fayth noble lady aÌ„swerde thenÌ„e jaso jf j myght abide with you lawfully j assure you that j wold so with good herte but j haue auowed ê“mised for to aueÌ„ture my self in the ê¯queste of the noble motoÌ„ or flees of golde I knowe not howe loÌ„g j shall lyue ner how long hit shal be er I come there hit is force and grete necessite for my singuler wele and perdurable honour that I employe my tyme entierly whilis I maye that I acquyte me dilygeÌ„tly to thacomplisshemeÌ„t of my sayd auowe ¶ With this answere the quene ysiphile had in her herte suche anoye that she begaÌ„ to wepe right ê“fouÌ„dly to sighe and after she begaÌ„ to saye softly Alas alas how may myneyeÌ„ see the departing of myn euydent yoye Alas alas I was bornÌ„ in an euylle constellcion whan I may not fynde a lytyll of goode fortune in thys worlde and alle consolacyone wythdrawe them from me all honour fseeth froÌ„ me al bouÌ„tees forsake me coÌ„trarye all sorow renÌ„eth vpoÌ„me All welthe is ayeÌ„sâ—me and all euyll cometh to fore me in my pÌ„seÌ„ce for certes yf ther sourde ony mi serie iÌ„ the ferthest place of the worlde that miserie deê‘teth froÌ„ that place for to come to me A what sorow Certes j am not goode ynowh ner of so moche vale we that ony maÌ„ shall doo ony thing at my requeste Certes madame aÌ„swerde jasoÌ„ me semeth that for no thing ye ought to demene ner make so meruailloê° sorowe for ye ar iÌ„ vale we moche more thenÌ„e j can exteme and as to the regarde of me if ther be ony thing licite honeste to me possible require ye hit I shal eÌ„ploye me iÌ„ suche wise that ye shal haue cause for to be coÌ„teÌ„te aÌ„d me semeth that ye ought to haue me excused in this caas seeÌ„ the vowe in whiche j am bouÌ„deÌ„ if j abode here j sholde not exployte but lose my tyme. Ha a my dere freÌ„de loue answerde the lady whaÌ„ shal I haue better cause for to coÌ„playne lameÌ„te thaÌ„ now jf anonÌ„ jhad lost alle my royaume if j sawe all my richesses cheuaÌ„che all that j coude fine cheuisshe perisshe in the abysmes depnes of the see all that sholde not be to me so heuy to bere at my herte ner so grete displaisir as shal be to me to see your departing for the see is so terrible aÌ„d the fortunes ê“speritees aduersites parils rise aÌ„d lourde on alle sydes wherfore j am not certayn whether euyr ye shall retorne agayn or no. And thenÌ„e ought not j to haue the visage banisshid fro alle â—solacoÌ„n and yoye ought not my herte to lye on the bedde of tribulacion vnder the couertour of right mortal distresse betwene the shetes of bewaylinges Alas alas thinke ye what this doth but whan I parceyue that ther is no remedie aÌ„d that youre honour had â—cluded your departing promising to go in your ê“misid voyage j shal bere hit as paciently as to me is possible forseen that ye shall promyse me faythfully if ye come to your aboue iÌ„ your enterpryse of Colchos that ye shalle come ageyn by this cyte for to telle me of youre tydinges THan the noble knight vnderstood that the ladi â—desceÌ„ded by suche ê¯dicioÌ„ to his departing he was right yoyous aÌ„d not without cause â—sideriÌ„g the danÌ„ger where he and all his felawship were in And thenÌ„e he ê“mised to her swore ryght solempnly to fore the repÌ„sentacion of the goddesse pallas whiche was there that he shold retourne vnto her assone as he sholde come to the aboue of his enterpryse and that yf the goddes wolde gyue hym so goode fortune that he myght a lyue and hole retourne ThenÌ„e the noble and fayr Quene ysiphile somme what reronforted and ha â–ª 〈◊〉 a grete hopeâ— the retournyng of jason cessed her selfe of her lameÌ„tacions ¶ For
this goulf or arme of the see that the sonne wente donÌ„ thenÌ„e as argos thoughte where he might best caste ancre make his shippe faste hit happend that he sawe tofore him the cite of Iacoynte on that one syde of the yle of Colchos ther spraÌ„g out sodayuly tourbillouÌ„s of fyre so terrible that of feer that he had iÌ„ beholding hit he begaÌ„ to crye WhaÌ„ Iason hercules and Theseus the other knightes of grece herd the maister thus crye they sprang vp cam to hym and the maister told theÌ„ the cause of his crye syn shewd to hem the cite the yle asseured hem how they were comeÌ„ to th ende of their vyage and of this mater they deuised so long that speking therof their ship caÌ„ to the porte into theâ—pre place where the arke of king Appollo was comen at that time whan they caÌ„ first into the londe ThenÌ„e the maister of the ship caste his ancres into the see ThenÌ„e Iason reÌ„drid louyng preysing vnto thÌ„e goddes so dyde hercules ThenÌ„e they seÌ„te Theseus vnto the king Oetes for to signefte to him their comyng for tenquere yf this was the countre that they sought Certes Theseus wente aÌ„d dide his message in suche wyse that the king Oetes preseÌ„ted to him his palais and sente vnto the noble Iason foure of his knightes that requyred him on the kinges behalue that he wolde take his herberow in his palays aÌ„d he was to him right welcome And whan jason hadde vnderstande the will of the king by the iiij knightes he ê“mysed theÌ„ that wyth a goode will he wolde come theder and thenÌ„e he entrid in to the cyte whiche was noble and fayr how well it was nyght at that tyme yet was the cyte as light as it had ben daye bi the clarte respleÌ„donr of torches cresettes other fyres that the kinge had do make in the cyte ryght notably acompanyed for to feste the grekes ¶ Ye may wel vnderstande that the ryght noble Iason entrid into thys cyte acompanyed of Hercules aÌ„d his felaws that werÌ„ right riche clad and habilled with clothÌ„ of goold of silke The strete by whiche they passed for to go to the palays was on two renges hye lowe peupled of ladyes of damoiselles of knightes bourgeys merchanÌ„s maydeÌ„s yoÌ„g peple beholdiÌ„g their coming ordenanÌ„ce And whan jason was comeÌ„ vnto thentree of the palays he fouÌ„de there the noble king Oetes whiche was sette in astate royall for to feste jason and his companye and receyuyd jason right honourably as chief of them alle and theâ—e wha he had welcomed them he toke hiÌ„â—y the hand ad leode him vnto his pa lays And anone as they wente vpoÌ„ the steyres for to goo vp jason loked into a windowe and beholdyng he espyed the fayr Medea among many ladyes to whoÌ„ he toke noâ— other hede as for this tyme but hit was not so on her part For she began to beholde him so affectâ—oâ—sâ—y for hys grete becauâ—e that he was more iÌ„ her gâ—e than â— can telle you For â—â—bregge the mater jason alle his â—paâ—ye passed forth bi this windowe where Medâ—a was cam into an halle where the tables were couerd And thaâ— whyâ—es they made redy the soâ— per. the kiâ—g Oetes began to demande the geÌ„til knight jason after many wordes he began to saye to him iÌ„ this maner ¶ IasoÌ„ fayr syre â— knowe for trouth that ye be sone of king Esoulyke as Theseê° your felaw hath sayd to me But I knowe not whyther ye enteÌ„de to goo ne what thing ye seche wherfore â— praye yow by maner of a passe tyme that ye wil a lytyl recoÌ„ pte to me of yoâ—â— astate enterprise if hit be possible that ye so doo may â— ony manere and I ê“myse you that if I may be propice in ony sacoÌ„n for the loue of your fader whoÌ„ I haue som tyme knowen I shal deliuere to you ayde coÌ„fort in all that â— me shall be possible Syre ansuerde thenÌ„e jason â— thaÌ„ke you huÌ„bli of the grete honour that ye presente to me aÌ„d syn it must nedeâ— be that ones ye must knowe the cause wherfor â— am descended into your countre I declare to you that â— haue enterp sed for to goo into the yle of Colchoâ— notwithstaÌ„ding the parils whiche beÌ„ moche to doubte not with oute cause with this I haue made aâ—owe that â— shall neuer retourne into grece vnto the tyme that I haue conquerid shalbrynge wyth me the sheep or â—â—ese of golde and if I may not make an ende of this enterprise Hercules my felawe shal aduenture him Werfore I requyre yow that of this enterprise ye wille counceylle me to your power Certes Iason said theâ—e the king ye haue made a lytyll vowe How sire sayd IasoÌ„ how so for asmoche aâ—sâ—erde the king as bi ony adueture or fortune ye eÌ„tre into this yâ—â— of colchos hit is not possible that ye euer retorne hether agaâ— for ther be in that yle two grete aÌ„d meruaillous bulles enuenyâ—â—ed comÌ„ysed to the kepyng of the motoÌ„ or fsees of golde wherof ye spak also ther is coÌ„mysed for the garde of the same the most terryble and the most crimynel dragoâ— that euer was spokeÌ„ of or seeÌ„ The which thre bestescast ê¯tinuelly â—ire â— fenyn out of their throtes whiche shal â—â—ee yoâ— without remedie in continâ—t that ye approche them the whiche thinges considerâ—d syn that ye haue demaÌ„ded me coÌ„ceyle also that eâ—yri noble man is bouÌ„deÌ„ to gyue couÌ„ceyle to theÌ„ that beÌ„ euylen formed conceyled I pray you couÌ„ceyle as my propre â—one that ye cesse of this your enterpryse for yf ye doo other wise al the golde of the worlde may not saue yow â–ª therefore theÌ„â—e wel that ye haue to do before ye put yow in suche a dannger I coâ—ceylle you as thaugh ye were myn owne sone or my broder germayn herewith they left their wordes The soupper was redy wyth these wordes the kiÌ„g satte at the table betwene jason Hercules sente after Medea aÌ„d Caliope whiche were sette to fore him this donÌ„ he commanded the other grekes to sytte at an other table where they were rychely seruid But whan hit cam for to ete the noble mayde medea eÌ„troubled at that tyme her mayntene and cast her regarde vpoÌ„ jasoÌ„ where she rested leÌ„ger thenÌ„e hyt apê‘teyned to her ê¯tenauÌ„ce for jason semed to her more fayr thaÌ„ he was at the first time he was so playsanÌ„t agreable that whaÌ„ she herde recoÌ„pte amoÌ„g other deuyses thinges that he was comeÌ„ for to ê¯quere the motoÌ„â—or â—â—ees of golde she iuged that this was the knight of grece which was destined for to conquere it saide in her self that she wolde helpe him to obteyne the same wyth that he wolde take her to his wyf such or â—â—blable were the thoughtes of the fayre
medea at souper She behelde ofte times jason whaÌ„ she sawe her time it anoyed her moche that she myght not speke to hiÌ„ pryuely What shal â— saye more for whaÌ„ the king the grekes had right wel take her refectioÌ„ the tables were take vp after the grekes were brought into diuers chaÌ„bres among all other Iason was loged nigh by the fayre medea for ther was nomore betwene but a lytil aleye froÌ„ her chaÌ„bre to his bi whiche jasoÌ„ weÌ„t afterward ofte tymes vnto medea ¶ Whan thenÌ„e jason was withdraweÌ„ into his chaÌ„bre aÌ„d that he was allone with mopsiê° he begaÌ„ to deuise with him saydâ— Mopsiê° fayr sire what saye ye of myn eÌ„terpryse of Colchos By my lawe sire sayd mopsiê° I see no way ne knowe none other thing but matere of dolour aÌ„d sorowe for euery maÌ„ of this hoê° iugeth you ded if ye go in this perilloê° yle of colchos where ther beÌ„ so drede ful terrible bestes as it hath beÌ„ said to you NotwithstaÌ„diÌ„g aÌ„suerde jasoÌ„ it behoueth that â— acâ—te myn auowe Certes sire said mopsiê° hit is nowe no nede for to go ony further if it plese you be wel â—ceiled ye ought to be coÌ„teÌ„t without goyng ony ferther for as it is sayd coÌ„mnnly hit is better to leue folye thenÌ„e to mayntene folye Ha a fayre sire Mopsius fayde Iason If â— do not my power to parâ—orâ—â—e that I haue ê“mised auowed I sholde vse al my lyf after in reproche Certes yet had iÌ„ leuer finisshe my dayes honourably And knowe ye verily that syn I am come thus ferre abydyng the grace of the goddes I shal parsorme myn enterpryse shal abide the auenture Syre sayd Mopsius ye shal do that ye good seme but ye vnderstande not well your caas for knowe ye that it is a certayn that peleus your vncle hath sent you hether cautelously for to enterprise achieue this auâ—ture to th ende that he might obteyne your Royaume therfore ye may retorne from hens in to grece without more further enterpryse ye shall gete therby no reproehe â–ª but ye shal be holdeÌ„ for myse for he is discrete that can fse from hys mysaneÌ„ture kepe him from domÌ„age ¶ In verite Mopsius fayr sire answerde theeÌ„e jason I ne may not adiouste fayth to al that ye haue to me now said And for so moch knowe ye for certayn that for partâ— of deth or daunger that may befall aÌ„d come to me I shal not deê‘te me but that I shal furnissh myn auowe therfor if it so happeâ— that I dye in this perillous I le I requyre you to recoÌ„maÌ„de me vnto the good gÌ„ce of the fayr Mirro WhaÌ„ Mopsins had vnderstand that sayd is he began sore to wepe And jason leyde him dounÌ„ in his bedde aÌ„d synÌ„chauÌ„ged purpoos aÌ„d began to deuyse of the good chiere that the kiÌ„g Oetes Medea had made to him In recoÌ„manding aboue all other thinges the grete beaute and the fair contenauÌ„ce of Meden And in continuyng this purpos he fyll a ssepe The fayr Medea was at this tyme at the dore of the chambre of Iason herde alle â–ª the deuyses of Iason of mopsiê° as she that was esprysed of the loue of the gentyll prince of grece that in no wyse she might vaynquisshe her corage And also loÌ„g as their deuises dured so long stode she at the dore herkenyng And whan they cessed theyr purpoos she retorned into her chaÌ„bre where was but one auncient lady her gardyenÌ„e or maystresse which was tho a ssepe thenÌ„e the noble mayde Medea weÌ„te and leyde her in her bedde full of thoughtes imaginacioÌ„s that whaÌ„ she wolde haue slepte she coude not For asmoch as so many thoughtes ymaginacions assaylled her on all parties by suche facoÌ„n that she tourned her often in yelding many asyghe aÌ„d thenÌ„e by forse of a meruayllous enbrasing of loue she began to saye softly to her self Alas myn eyen iÌ„ what labour haue ye putte me certes ye be the cause none other that I am not she that was wonte to be For ye haue enuoluped myn hert with an ardant fyre of ameroê° desire Ha a what shall be falle or what shall j mowe doo beyng in this paine aÌ„d sorowe Certes I can saye no more but of verray necessite j yelde me all in the subiection of loue in his seruitude shal j be subgette hit is force and werfore for asmoch as j am smytenÌ„ to the herte wyth the grete beaute of Iason the bruyt of alle the worlde and to my iugemeÌ„t the glorie of grece O meruailloê° dart where with I fele me smytenÌ„ to the herte Certes myn eyen ye ben the cause which displeseth me And for what resoÌ„ for asmoche as ye be coulpable of this folye how be it hit is no folie Hit is j beleue hit not hit must be beleuid for hyt is grete folye to desire thing that can be gotenÌ„ j knowe verayli that Iason is so more enamoured of a lady in his couÌ„trey And furthermore his courage is garnisshid of agrete meruailloê° ê¯stauÌ„ce ThenÌ„ may it be sayd that I maye not enioye him by coÌ„sequeÌ„t I maye ê¯clude that myn eyeÌ„ haue eÌ„clined submised me vnto an ouer grete folye Ha a myn eyenÌ„ why replye not ye to this argumeÌ„t see not ye that j doo no thing but thinke for the geÌ„til aÌ„d noble Iason theÌ„keth nomore on me thenÌ„e on her that he neuer sawe Ha a in what jeopardye staÌ„de I in For I may not requyre jason of loue for that shold redouÌ„de in me grete blame I sholde go agayn the honour of loue And thenÌ„ muste hit nedes be that I bleue in alle my folye also I muste doubte hit for two resoÌ„s The first is for I shold be deffamed vnto the ende of the worlde If hit happend me to requyre thys knyght of loue And the seconde reson is alle euydent For Iason withoute coÌ„tradictyon goth into the yle of Colchos there where he shal be anonÌ„ deuowred of the terrible bestes Ha a what sorowe and dommage shall that be if suche a prince sholde perisshe by suche manere for he is the choseÌ„ of all nature the choyse of nobles and the flour of worship j haue herde his resons he had leuer dye honourably iÌ„ accoÌ„plisshiÌ„g his auowe thenÌ„ to retorne with reste to grece ha a what noble exelleÌ„t corage o how happy ewroê° shold j be nygh to grete felicite jf j might be callid bi hiÌ„ vnto his loue that might he do ye as me thinketh how for to tech lerne hi the jndustrie admynistre to hiÌ„ the maner for to ê¯qÌ„re the noble fles of golde I haue alle thinges ê“pices for to brige this coÌ„quest to an ende jf I wyste that he wolde take me to his wyfe j sholde deliuere them to him with the better will gre of myn herte what shall j doo Alas j wote neuer
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
heed cam ryght fiersly and recouÌ„tred jasoÌ„ wy t alle his pesaunteur and might in suche a facoÌ„n that jasoÌ„ was beteÌ„ dounÌ„ to the grounde And the dragonÌ„ passed ouer him But thenÌ„e the preu jason toke his swerd and roof into the pauÌ„che of the dragonÌ„ vp to the crosse smote hiÌ„ to the herte the dragoÌ„ feling that he was smyteÌ„ to the deth began to reÌ„ne with the swerde of jason in hys body wenyng to hyde hiÌ„ selfe in his cauerne But his lyf deê‘ted out of the body euen as he shold haue entrid into the teÌ„ple And there he ouerthrewe alle to stracched aÌ„d fowlid of his blood and of his humeurs fulle of venyn jn suche wyse as hit semed that hit had ben a sourse or a sprynge rennyng oute of hys body leÌ„ger thenÌ„ a grete houre IncontineÌ„t that jason was releued that he apê‘ceyued the dragonÌ„ reuersed and dede at thenthre of the temple wyth an herte recomforted he weÌ„te theder drew out his swerde of his body putte hiÌ„ agyn in his shethe or skabarde thenÌ„e he wente seased the boles by the hornes and yoked them iÌ„ a plowe that ther was by and made them to ere foure mesures of londe enclosing their eyenÌ„ And thenÌ„e whan he had so donÌ„ he retourned to the dragonÌ„ aÌ„d esrachd oute of hys hede xij teth after that he sowed them in the erthe that he plowed that donÌ„ he dide the boles do harowe hit And thenÌ„e the boles fyll dounÌ„ to the erthe loste the spyryte of lyf and owt of the londe that jasoÌ„ had so wenÌ„ with the teth of the dragonÌ„ grewe and sprang vp in an instant xij geaÌ„ts of a terryble maintene the which were al armed after the maner of that tyme And assone as they were comen out of the erthe drewe their swerdes without delayng cam supposed to haue smyteÌ„ vpon jason but Iason toke the cendres or asshes pure that he had kept of hys sacrefice cast it into the ayer thenÌ„ sodainly to same xij geaÌ„ts assailed that one that other by suche asprete aÌ„d sharpenesse that in a litill while eche slew other wherof jason was ryghtyoyous reÌ„drid thaÌ„kinges louynges to the goddes Whan these xij geants had slayn eche other as I haue reherced vnto you Iason drewe owt his swerd whiche was yet alle blody and cam to the ryche motoÌ„ or shepe whom he founde in the right noble medewe toke him by the hornes aÌ„d brought him into the temple to fore the awter of the god Mars And there he slew hym wyth moche grete payne and syn flew him and toke the flees that â—â—â—d the wolle all of fyn golde seyd 〈◊〉 a parte And the body he dispieced by membres and bare it vp on an awter which stode without the teÌ„ple put therto largely strawe drye wode whaÌ„ he had donÌ„ this he toke fyre at a lampe brennyng to fore the representacioÌ„ of god mars And syn knelid doun on hys knees on the erthe by deuocioÌ„ to fore the ydole sayng the oroisonÌ„ to fore wretoÌ„ After the contenu wherof he thanked the god Mars aÌ„d recommaÌ„ded him moch into his grace After this he put fyre into the sacrefice whiche anone was consumed tourned in to cendres or asshes This done he putte hiÌ„self to prayer after he toke the three tonges of the meruayllous terryble dragonÌ„ two of the feet of the boles which were of metal of laton and two of their hornes which were of yronÌ„ and enuolupped and wrapped it alle in the flees of golde whiche he charged leyde it on his sholdres And afterward he retorned vnto the ryuage of the see where his maister maroÌ„ner named Argos whiche had guided his boot ouer the braas or arme of the see as fayd ys hadd abyden ther in moche grete double Argos the good shipmanÌ„ was sore abasshid of that that jason was so long there er he retorned to hym aÌ„d thought for tabyde no lenger for he had seen the fyre aÌ„d the fumee grete thikke lyft vp into ayer And also he had seen many euyll apparauces voyses and right strange bruyts for whiche causes he supposed that his maister jason had ben deuoured of the terrible bestes And began to wepe aÌ„d bewaile him right tenderli but incontinent whan he espyed the vailliaunt knyght Iason with the flees of gold on his neck his teres wepinges cessed For sorow crainte and doubte departed froÌ„ his her te and alle yoye aduirouned him in suche maner that smyling he knelid dounÌ„ on his knee to fore him said Syre knight myrrour of alle vailliaunce and of alle enterprise ye be right well tourned Ha a what coÌ„solacion gladnes shal be in Myrmidone and with my lord your fader Men haue murmured vpoÌ„ peleus your vncle and euery maÌ„ saide that he had seÌ„te you hether for to be quite of you thinking that ye sholde neuer haue retorned but to that I can apperceyue he desireth aboue alle other thing your glorie and honour Certes argos fair sire answerd thenÌ„ sason Fortune hath so moche ayde holpeÌ„ me that â–ª I am retorned hoole of body and of membres fro the most terrible daungerous mortall parill that euer shall befalle and come vpon the erthe during the worlde wherof I yelde louinges thankinges vnto the goo Mars principally but now 〈◊〉 vs thinke to retorne vnto our felawes For hit is more thenÌ„e tyme to ete ¶ With these wâ—â—des the good shipman began to ro we wyth afraÌ„k corage And the grekes that were staÌ„dyng vpon the ryuage of the see began thenÌ„e a grete stryf For somme saide that Iason was reentred in to â—he barque that they had seen the resplendisshour of the noble flees of golde which was with grete payne â—â—â—â—le â–ª for asmoche as from this riuage vnto the yle of colchos was iiij goodâ—â—nyles and the other sayd that jason was long agonÌ„ dede that he sholde neuer be seeÌ„ But thus as eche man was susteyning his argument sherwy t was the boote seenÌ„ approchyng moche radely the ryuage and was aboute amyle nygh to the porthe Iason toke his flees lyfte it vp alytyl in the ayer ye as hyghe as he mighte aÌ„d helde hit so hye that they that were at the ryuage and on the walles of the cyte beheld hyt aÌ„d apperceyued hit and shewed hyt one to an other by grete admyracion aÌ„d wondre Many therwere that demened grete ioye and thanked the goddes wy â— good herte whan they had ê‘ceyued the noble and the ryche flees wherof the preu jasoÌ„ made the mustre fro ferte and som ranne for to gadre of the grene herbes and verdure for to caste along on the waye where as jasoÌ„ sholde passe for to goo to the palays sayng to euery man that they were certayn of his retournyng aÌ„d that alle honour ought to be mad to him for one so noble gloriouse
conqueste Medea amoÌ„g all other was so ryghtioyous whaÌ„ she espyed the lyght and shyning of the flees of golde that her semed that she shold entre into a paradise terrestre And coÌ„manded that her ladies and damoiselles shold put on the fayr fronte in entencyoÌ„ to make feste soleinpne for the honour of this right excelleÌ„t victorie for to come to a ê¯clusion troÌ„pes tabours menestreles hornes saâ—fasinois aÌ„d busines began to blowe vp aÌ„d sowne melodyoussy after that tyme vsed The maroÌ„ner argos rowed in suche wyse that he brought Iason to the poorte hoole and sauf where he was fested of the king oetes of the worthy hercules of theseus aÌ„d generally of alle the grekes Hercules toke the riche flees whan jason was descended vpon the londe aÌ„d bare hit tofore the vaillyaunt knight jason whiche went first into the temple of the goddesse deane aÌ„d there thanked moche hyghely the god mars the goddes pallas and Deane After he made him to be disarmed And there he yelded agayn the armes of the god appollo syn made his oblacyon of one of the feet of the boles and of one of their hornes with one of the toÌ„ges of the dragonÌ„ and whan he had donÌ„ alle this solempnly he retorned to the palays where he was right honourably receyuid of medea aboue alle other of her ladyes and danioyselles whiche behelde Iason meruaillously aÌ„d in especiaâ— the noble and ryche flees of golde which hercules bare on hye tofore him CErtes ther is no man so eloquent ne so well canÌ„ endyte by wrytyng that coude descryue to you how grete playsir the eyeÌ„ of the noble vayllyauÌ„t preu jason and the eyen of the moche fayre medea toke on thenÌ„e whan they began to beholde eche other And alle the worlde there demened grete yoye and gladnes And whan the noble knyght Iason was goon vp in to the halle The vayllyannâ— knight Hercules sette the noble flees of golde vpon a cupberd moche rychely arayed And anone after the knightes of grece and many other knyghtes ladyes and Damoyselles beganÌ„ the daunces moche joyously and the feste was fayr and grete vnto the houre of the soupper that the tables were couuerd aÌ„d that the kyng oetes and the noble Preu Iason was sette and wyth them the noble and fayr lady medea Hercules Theseus and â–ª Mopsiê° At this table was the noble Iason and the fayre Medea sette one to fore that other But in no wyse they durst not speke one word how they made many secrete signes of loue that coude not beapperceiued but they entremarched wy â— theyr feet vnder the table whyles that jason reherced in groos the grete paryls where he hadde ben ynne wylhout shaking of ony mencion of ordenaunces maners and cerymonyes that he had holden OF thys meruayllous auenture were the king Oetes Hercules and the other batons knyghtes and noble menÌ„ that satte and seruid at this souper moch abasshed and gretly meruaylled how the noble preu jason was escaped of so grete aÌ„d meruaillous aueÌ„ture And hyely recommanded this enterpryse and vayliaunce Hercules and Theseus that a fore tyme had slayn many monstres confessed there that alle theyr fayttes passed wer nothing to the regard of the auenture that jason had enterprysed and brought to an ende ¶ What shall we make longe compte the souper passed and the houre caÌ„ that the king oetes Iason withdrewe hem into her chambres And thenÌ„e was jason conueyed into hys chaÌ„bre wy t many noble menÌ„one aÌ„d other theder was brought the noble riche fleesof gold but at this time they might not deuise ne plaie there as they had ben acustomed but sente heÌ„ into her chaÌ„bres mopsius wyth the other sayng that al that nyght he wolde wake in orisonÌ„s aÌ„d prayers vnto the goddes for asmoche as they had donÌ„ to hym so grete nyde coÌ„forte and honour in his werkes ANone â—â—â—â—e as the preu jasoÌ„ was left â—â—â—â—ys chambre as sayd is the maistresse of me dea cam opend thedore of the chaÌ„bre and demanded jason if he wold come vnto her doughter Iason answerde ye wy â— right good wille thenÌ„ he wente dounÌ„ into the chambre of his lady whiche had made redy a right fair baygne ThenÌ„e he sale wed her after saide to her in this maner My dere lady knowe ye that I haue had moche grete desire to see you secretli in your pryuaulte for to thaÌ„ke you of the right grete honour that by your cause is comeÌ„ to me and also of the mortal paril daunger that ye haue deliuerid me fro Wherfore I thaÌ„ke you right humbly of all thise benefetes â–ª and furthermoree I pÌ„sente you the body that ye haue preserued fro deth Redy to obeye alle youre comÌ„andements and playsirs Certes jason my dere loue aÌ„d frende answerde the fayr Medea If youre desire haue ben grete and suche as ye saye yet hath myne be more as j wene I haue done the beste that in me hath be possible and I haue ryght grete ioye and gladnes of the knowleche that ye haue Alle my corage is nothiÌ„g saue to plase you ye be right welcome and wyth grete worshyp retorned for yow and for me And make good chiere hardyli I haue ordeyned for you a baygne for to wasshe you from the bloode wherwyth ye haue beÌ„ enoynted therfore dispo ylle yow entre into this bath thenÌ„ we shall deuise at oure leyser of alle werkes ¶ Whan the preu jason had vnderstaÌ„de this that sayd is he dyde â–ª of his clothes ryght glad of this aduenture and syn entred into the baygne the fayr Medea in her coursett whiche had no sleues terued vp her smoâ— sleues and in thys poynt cam froted weesshed her frend jason And thenÌ„ whan the gentyl bacheler apê‘ ceyuid so gentil corps body of Medea her fair and roÌ„de tetes the whitenes of her flesshe and that he felte her handes meruayllously softe him semed that his herte hys body flewe He was so moche esprysed of an ardant desir of loue he begaÌ„ thenÌ„e tenbrase the lady by the body aÌ„d syn behelde her grete beaute and thus doyng he kysshed her many tymes And thenÌ„e whan he had ben well eased wasshed medea made him to lye in her bed heholdyng his meÌ„bres well formed shapen and made and hys colour fayr and quyk and coude not tourne her sight from him They were thus beholdyng auysing eche other wyth oute sayug ony word But atte last the noble preu jason toke the worde and sayde my dere lady ye knowe wel how j haue promysed to be your husbond also in lyke wyse ye haue promysed to be my wyf thenÌ„e may I saye I am youres ye ar mynÌ„ of vs two is but one thing thenÌ„e I requyre you so aâ— feâ—tuelly as I can or may and for all the plaisir that ye may do to me that ye wylle come
goddes shall doo me be presented tofore him thenÌ„e by thys myne epistle he shal knowe of what excellent loue corage I haue loued hym Many ladyes and damoyselles were in the companye of ysiphile theuÌ„e whan she hadde 〈…〉 wayled her dere loue jason And also the ê¯clusioÌ„ as she that was desperate sholde lepe springe into the see Alle they begaÌ„ to demene grete sorow meruaillously and not withoute cause Somme there were that were jnly sorowful that they coude not speke o worde Other were there drowned in teeris that enforced hem to reconforte her and for to lette aÌ„d distourne her fro this dampnable wyll but that was for nought â–ª for they loste her payne for asmoche as ysiphile wrote herepisile whiche she wrapped iÌ„ a cered cloth and syn sewed hit vnto her roke of cloth of goold whiche she clad her with and whan she had so doo she toke her crowne and sette hit on her hede fermely and after toke her sceptre And thenÌ„ whaÌ„ she had donÌ„ alle this she cam to her sone and kissed him many times recoÌ„manded him vnto the ladyes damoiselles And laste whan she had taken leue of alle the womenÌ„ she deê‘ted froÌ„ leÌ„nos the Cite wepyng tenderly toke wyth her one of her damoyselles by whoÌ„ where knowen afterward alle her bewailinges lamentacions and alle her maners that she held to fore she caste her self into the see THan she was comen nygh vnto the see she approched vnto an hye roche to whoÌ„ the see touched beneth a ferre lowe dounÌ„ she began to beholde a lowe aÌ„d se the see And after she stracched her self on the erthe in beholding the heuen and the see and sayde Veray god lord of the see of windes of tourbillons and of fortunes of raynes and of teÌ„pestes ye brought into this countree and into thys place the tyght parfayt knight in beaute in vayllyaunce and in alle vertues Iason and after ye sente him in to the yle of Colchos and consequently ye haue she wid me from ferre his ship and â—yn ye haue drowned hym or atleste lad hym into another couÌ„tre And whan it iâ— so that I may by no waye haue none other thyng of hym I yow requyre that ye wille make my sepulture by him if he haue made the passage out of this worlde and if he be on lyue that ye will conduite me into his presence for hit must nedes be and other thing j demande not of yow And whan the desolate quene Isiphile had sayd thise wordes she retorned her vnto the Cyte and sayd in thys maner al on hyghe and clere voys ADyeu my dere childe adyeu Lennos the noble cite adieu ladyes and damoiselles aÌ„d syn she retorned her vnto the see aÌ„d cryeng Iason Iason She spraÌ„g fro the sommet or toppe of the roche into the hyghe see And there drowned her self in sorow wherof was grete pyte But her fortune was such that on that same daye the see bare the body vnto the shippe of the noble preu jasoÌ„ abydyng yet inthe see in a rood where they were ancred for to reste ther that nyght At this oure whan the poure ysiphyle was caste ayenst the shippe Hercules and jason weÌ„te vppe on highe for to take the ayer ThenÌ„e they perceyued the desolate body so rychely arayed that the cloth of gold shone by the disgorgemeÌ„ts of the watre anon as they had seen this they called argos their mayster maronner aÌ„d shewed to him anouÌ„ argos callid som of his solke made them to fisshe and drawe out of the see and to bring into the ship that poure creature so rychely habylled wyth Royall atours â–ª and whaÌ„ she was drawen on hyghe alle they in the shippe weÌ„te vp for to see the body of this noble lady And Medea faylled not to come wyth the other for to be holde this pyte Certes the dede lady hadde her vysage swollen and pale that none in the ship knew her But at the comyng and for the presence of the olde woman she vâ—yed bloode by the conduyte of her mouth as hit hadd ben a lytyll rennyng water departing from a fontayne or a spring wherof alle they had grete meruaille ¶ whan Argos the goode maroÌ„ner sawe the meruaille he stouped dounÌ„ for to put vpon her roobe a clothe for to kepe it from the fowlyng of the blood that departed froÌ„ her mouth And as he put the cloth aboute her nek he apperceyued the cered cloth that kepte the water from the pistle that she had compiled wherfore for to know what it was he distached or rypte it of deliuerid hit to jason ThenÌ„ the knight receyued the cloth opende hit founde the episile aÌ„d disployed it aÌ„d as he red it and vnderstode the contenu of the same his bloode began to chaunge he waxe rede as a rose and after becaÌ„ pale dede as asshes and syn begaÌ„ to wepe to demene a sorowe moche aygre and sharp Certes the fayre medea Hercules Theseê° and the other knightes of gerce were sore abasâ—â—â—d so were argos the maroÌ„ners whaÌ„ they apperceyued that jason demened so grete adueil sorow ThenÌ„e it was demanded from whens this sorow cam what tidinges he fouÌ„de had by the contenu of the lettre but it was for nought For he might not speke ner aÌ„swere his herte was so closed strained wy t anguissh aÌ„d sorow notwihstaÌ„dyng whaÌ„ he had redd it and seen the coÌ„tenâ— of the pistle He deliuerid it to medea aÌ„d the coÌ„teynyng therof was thys that foloweth Iason Iason the chosen of grece in prowesse in beaute and in vertues where art thow And whan shalle thou holde thy promesse vnto her that alwaye hath her eyen planted on the see after the desiring to see agayn the body bytamorouse desires and by moo bewaylynges than the heuen conteyneth sterres A ha my dere loue hast thou put in no recchig ner no challoyâ— the promesse that thou me madest at that tyme whan thou wentest to Colchos knowest not thou well that euery man of noble name or vocacion is holden and bounden to paye and holde hys promesse vpon payne of reproche thou hast promised to me the daye of thy promesse is passed Thou acauytest the not O so greuous a shame large reproch ye if thou haue not lauful â—xâ—nâ—acyon Syn the daye of thy ê“messe exspired I neuer entrid into hoê° for to take plaisir ne to couer me to be drie I haue not leyd on bed to take my reste I haue not seten a table for to ete Ne j haue not ben in pÌ„toire for to iuge the causes of my wo menÌ„ but I haue the space of xl dayes awayted vpon a roche where I was whan thou entredest into my royaume And that famyne â—strained the to take londe There haue I holde me daye aÌ„d nyght in the raynÌ„ in the winde in the colde of the mone and in the heete of the sonne In fastinges in
thexperieÌ„ce of thys crast aÌ„d mistere Certes they had grete meruayll and not wythout cause for this was a werck that neuer was seen ne happend to fore And somochÌ„ preysed the wytte the connyng the vertues of the fayre medea that they yuged her to be inspired of the goddes ThenÌ„e the noble king Eson whan he fonde hymself in this estate he sente for the beste tailours aÌ„d makers of garnemeÌ„ts And dide do make for his body alle newe habillements after the facoÌ„n that the yonge men ware at that time after this he went and put him to the chaas or huÌ„ting aÌ„d to deduyt of fawcoÌ„ns and haukes to make esbatements festes daunces aÌ„d tournoyes ioustes and other plaies and for to shorte our mater he so conduised hiÌ„ self as a man made alle newe Hit was not long ofter that Peleus and alle the nobles of the countree other were aduertised herof Wher fore grete noÌ„bre of peple cam to pintaquo only for to see the kyng Eâ—on that was strongly enclyned to singe daunce and to do al yoyouse thinges And yet that more is he sawe gladly the fayre damoyselles and for to make short he held hiÌ„ selfe as a â—oÌ„g Prince that hadde no regarde saâ—â— only to make good chere and to passe the time yoyously ê‘ Eleus hys wyf Cypriane hys doughters cam vnto the king iÌ„ the renouellyte of this noble respyremâ—t Medea laye with Iason and coÌ„ceyued of him a right fayr sone of whoÌ„ she was deliuerid in good tyme. aÌ„d anone after the burth of this seconde sone Cypryane cam on a daye to the fayr medea required mocâ— instaÌ„tly that of her grace she wold make yong agayn Peleus whiche began strongly to wexe aÌ„d olde Certes the fayr medea was right yoyous whaÌ„ she saw her so required and thiÌ„king in her self that she wold be auenged of the disloyal peleus the whiche entended to haue made jason be ded â–ª She accorded to her this reqneste toke daye for to do hit And whaÌ„ the daye was comen Medea commanded to Cypriane that she shold make redy a moche noble baygne After she sente for to fecche peleus whycâ— was moche yoyous for so mocâ— as he supposed to become yong agayn lyke as he had ben tofore and thenÌ„e whan all was redy peleê° dispoylled him of his clothes entred in to the baygne Medea made hym to slepe there And whan he was a slepe she toke to his two doughteres to eche a swerde well trenchaunt in her handes and made hem to make on the body of peleus their fader moo thenÌ„e fyfty wouÌ„des mortall Sayng that they must nedes do so thenÌ„e whan peleus was a doubed and hurt aÌ„d that of his lyf was no remedie Medea awoke him aÌ„d sayd in this maner Ha a right vnhappy traittre thou sendest late jason into Colchos â–ª wenyng for to haue made him deye there without ony respyte wherfore thow hast deseruid the deth that shall be now this our inhumayn aÌ„d by the haÌ„des of thy ê‘pre doughters therwyth Medea departed from the chambre And peleê° thus myserably finisshed his lyf his dayes ¶ WhaÌ„ Cyprâ—ane his two doughtes were aduertised of thise tydiÌ„ges they escryed moche sorowfully aud in wepyng grete teeris in grete anguysshe drew out of the meruaillous baygne the poure body of peleus aÌ„d leyde hit a long vpon a table but Ci prâ—ane had the herte so strayte shette that she might not speke and not wythoute cause For assone as she hadde peleus vpon the table she fyll dounÌ„ reuerssed all a swoumne and thenÌ„e the doughters considering the grete meschief that was befall to theÌ„ toke the two swerdes yet alle blood with which they hadde put their fader to deth smote theÌ„ self to the hert in suche wyse that they fill dounÌ„ ded despaired vpoÌ„ the bodi of their soroufull moder whiche thenÌ„ reuiâ—ed out of her swouÌ„me A ha right pyetouâ— and dolorous caas Cypryane comâ— agayn to her self seyng in her pÌ„sence this meschief redoublement of sorow coude holde nonÌ„ other mayntene sauf for to crye wyth alle her puissaâ—ce also hye ferdfulli that the king Eson aÌ„d his sone beyng â—ot fer froâ—thens in a toure by the chambre were gretly affraid with thys crye And in especial whan they behelde first the body of peleus put vpon the table al enuironned with woundes Secondly whaÌ„ they sawe apê‘ceiued the ij yong damoiselles doughters of peleê° hauyng stiked in their bodies vnto theire hertes the swerd where wy t they were slayn thirdly seyng cypryane lyyng vpoÌ„ the pauiment her hert faylling cracching her face drawyng her here by grete asprete of sorowe The king Eson his sone jason seeyng thys that sayd is cam thenÌ„e vnto the lady iÌ„ approchyng releued her and leyde her on a bed that was there ThenÌ„e Iason began to doubte of Medea for asmoche as ofte tymes she had requyred him that he wolde put to deth peleus because he had sent hiÌ„ into the yle of colchos Whan thy had brought the lady on the bed Eson the noble king his so ne jason began to reconforte her the best wyse that they myght and wepyng tenderly they demanded her who had commysed this dolorous murdre ThenÌ„e the lady answerde witâ— moche grete payne that medea was culpable reherced to hem all the maner how she had made peleê° to deye by the handes of his two doughters â–ª how they seyng the shameful feet commysed by them were desperate slewe hem self iÌ„ grete sorow tellyng this her hert faylled The king entended to her Iason departed theÌ„s weÌ„t to medea whiche was in her chambre and saide to her a hadame wherto were yeevyr bornÌ„ into this worlde the merites of your benefetes ben grete aÌ„d digne of glorie but your ê‘uers demerites beÌ„ somoche horryble fowâ—â— that they stayne al your vertues My dere lorde sayde thenÌ„e Medea Ne knowxe not how â–ª peleus sente yow into Colchos bi his enhortement for somochÌ„ as he supposed that ye never shÌ„olde haue retorned also ye had ben dede without remedie ne had ben that ye escaped the daunger by my counceyle as it is wel knoweÌ„ Thise thiÌ„ges considerid seen that he had no cause to purchase to yow suche a daunger for ye neuer deseruid it wherfore j haue many tymes desired you to take punycionÌ„ vpon the desloyall peleus to whiche ye wold neuer entende for it happend that Peleê° had a will for to be reduyte in to yong aage as the king your fad is by myn introduccyoÌ„ stile but his two doughters haue put hym to deth wherof ye ought to be ryght yoyus Certes dame aÌ„swerde jason ye saye that plesethÌ„ yow but ye haue doo so now 〈◊〉 also other tymes that ye shall â—uere be holden in reproche therfore that now other tymes ye haue commysed donÌ„ to be coÌ„mysed many enorme iÌ„humayne
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
was comeÌ„ theder with other princesses because that the king Tollus was her nyghe cousyn But incontyneÌ„t as the kinges aÌ„d princes knew Iason they welcomed him on alle sydes moche honourably Alway the quene Mirro made no semblanÌ„t to knowe him for whaÌ„ Iason had beÌ„ fested of one other that he approched the quene Myrro whiche was thoo pensyf drew her a part behinde the other ladyes escryed hiÌ„ with an opeÌ„ voys whiche was wel herd sayng thus â—a a right euyll knight withdraw you jncoÌ„tyneÌ„t from me haue ye forgeten that ye long syn promised me in athenes that ye sholde be my husbonde And yet ye haue doo nothiÌ„g therto â–ª but haue espoused an other lady as it hath beÌ„ recoÌ„pted certefied to me O dysâ—oyall and vntrewe false lyer where as ye haue not holdeÌ„ ne fayth ne trouth Approch thou in no wyse vnto me departe owt of my presence And be neuer fouÌ„deÌ„ in my waye But notwithstoÌ„ding that the quene had achieued this reprouchable answere yet he sayd to her in this manere My dere lady I am somoche malewrous vuhappy that I am not digne to be founden to fore your noble preseÌ„ce I knowe playnly that I haue made faute And I can not thinke how my courage is thus corruÌ„ped yll couÌ„ceylled for syn I toke leue laste tyme of you whan j parted I remeÌ„bre right well that in my voyage to Colchos I had yow alway in continuell remembraunce wreton within my herte hopyng aâ— my retornyng to haue taken you to my wyf vnto the tyme that on a cursid night j was sodaynli esprysed wy t the loue of Medea which afore had requyred me to be her husbonde alway I refused â–ª her requeste by verâ—yn departed from Corinthe aÌ„d weÌ„te his waye 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 inhuuianites 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 Espâ—used the quene Myrro of Olyfernâ— â—nd 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 price Iason deê‘ting after this as sayd is fro the cyte of corinthe put hym on his waye and rood thurgh many countrees cytees ryght dolasit and aÌ„grye SomÌ„e time he bewaylled the fayre Medea and soÌ„tyme after sodaynly he remeÌ„bred her malefices her crueltes ouermoche inhunâ—â—yne and in ryding from one place to another he was I so grete perpleyite aÌ„d soro we 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 another hit was told him on a daye that the king Tollus of elsebee that was his pareÌ„t and of his kynÌ„ sholde wedde for his wyfe the kinges doughter of Thessalenamed 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 prices Quenes and noble ladyes in grete nombre The fair Mirro was comeÌ„ theder with other princesses because that the king Tollus was her nyghe cousyn But incontyneÌ„t as the kinges aÌ„d princes knew Iason they welcomed him on alle sydes moche honourably Alway the quene Mirro made no semblanÌ„t to knowe him for whaÌ„ Iason had beÌ„ fested of one other that he approched the quene Myrro whiche was thoo pensyf drew her a part behinde the other ladyes escryed hi with an opeÌ„ voys whiche was wel herd sayng thus â—a a right euyll knight withdraw you jncoÌ„tyneÌ„t from me haue ye forgeten that ye long syn promised me in athenes that ye sholde be my husbonde And yet ye haue doo nothiÌ„g therto but haue espoused an other lady as it hath bé recoÌ„pted certefied to me O dyssoyall and vntre we false lyer where as ye haue not holdeÌ„ ne fayth ne trouth Approch thou in no wyse vnto medeparte owt of my presence And be neuer fouÌ„deÌ„ in my waye But notwithstoÌ„ding that the quene had achieued this reprouchable answere yet he sayd to her in this manere My dere lady I am somoche male wrous vnhappy that I am not digne to be founden to fore your noble preâ—eÌ„ce I knowe playnly that I haue made faute And I can not thinke how my courage is thus corruÌ„ped yll couÌ„ceylled for syn I toke leue laste tyme of you whan j parted I remeÌ„bre right well that in my voyage to Colchos I had yow alway in continuell remembraunce wreton within my herte hopyng at my retornyng to haue taken you to my wyf vnto the tyme that on a cursid night j was sodaynli esprysed wy t the loue of Medea which afore had requyred me to be her husbonde alway I refused her requeste by vernie of the souenauÌ„ce mynde that I had of you NotwitstoÌ„ding that she made to me promesse to make me coÌ„quere the noble ryche motoÌ„n with the flese of gold where neuer knight wente to fore to coÌ„quere but if helefte and loste there his lyff I knowe well that whaÌ„ she made me thye ê“messe all that daye I chauÌ„ged neuer my purpose ne corage But assone as I was leyd in my bedd an euill â—oleÌ„te or wil surprised me which was suche in alle poyntes that j lefte your loue and â—cluded that I wolde make of medea my lady paramours as j dyde and for this cause she gafe to me the introduction and the maner to conquere the noble and ryche moton of whome I haue brought the noble flees on this syde the see And also I haue broughte with me in to Myrmidone Meden no more thinking on yow ner on that that was concluded betwene vs thenÌ„e j hadde neuer seen yow But ye shall knowe what ys happeÌ„d syn I haue take her to my wyff She hath by her cursed enchanteméts reprochable made myn oncle Peleê° deye dolorously And also she is cause of the deth of his twoo doughters whiche is ouerfowle'a vylaynoê° caas foraladi â—ertes madame sayd yet jason for these enormites knowe that I haue left repudyed her in all abandoÌ„ned witdrawe me from her aÌ„d bi an inestymable displaysir am deê‘ted from the countree Myn aduenture hath ben of suche condycyon that I haue ben in the cyte of Corinthe but Medea was alle way in my thoughte and mynde ThenÌ„e seeyng that j coude in no wyse forgete her wold faynÌ„ haue
putte her oute of mi memorie I toke wedded the kynges doughter of that cyte But in trouth medea arryued in the cyte eueÌ„ tofore I wedded she dyd somoch that she spack to me after many remoÌ„strances many sighes be waillges seeyng that she mighte not torne me ne haue other thing she requyred me that she might be logged within the palays I agreed it not thynkyng that she wolde do ony euyl whan it caÌ„ that we were at dyner the day of weddyng for tauenge her self f of that I toke an other wyf that she by the vertue of her sortes and enchaÌ„tements made tappere at the dyner among alle the noblesse her self sytting vpon the taylles enterlaced aÌ„d knyt of foure horyble dragons castyng fyre and venyn oute of theyr throtes And helde in her haÌ„des her yongesiâ—sone that I hadde engeÌ„dred of her aÌ„d toke hym by the two legges and tare and â—eÌ„te hym in two pieces whom she caste into the plater of my wyf aÌ„d me And after tho same dragons began to caste fyre aÌ„d venym owt of her throtes in suche wyse that she made toldye the kyng the quene and hys doughter sytting at the table and consequently al theÌ„ that were in the halle how well yet I mighte not deporte me but that I thinke on her inestimnble beaute aÌ„d yet I doo alle the dylsgence and paine for to absteyne me wherof j haue grete meruayle for this cause j am entred into â—euerye that if yt were not that I doubted shame suppose I shold be diffamed Certes I doubte that I sholde be constrayned to take her agayne The noble quene myrro heering jason that thus recompted to her hys adueutures ymagyned lightly that Medea hadde ensorted and be wicched him She toke a ryng and deliuerid to hym sayng Certes sir knight I am in doubte that medea hath be wycched you with her sortes aÌ„d enchantements For ryght now ye sayde that she is enchanteresse and therfore putte this ring on your finger And j assure you that if she hath made ony sortes or enchantemeÌ„ts on you they shal lose alle her puissaunce by the vertue of a pÌ„ciouse stone that is closed within the golde With these wordes the preu jason receyued of the lady this ryng aÌ„d put bit on hys on his fynger and thenÌ„e forth with he forgate modea hadd souenanÌ„ce of no ladi sauf only of the fair mirro wherfore he lost his noyoê° maintenein suche wyse that he recouerd all new chere contenanÌ„ce in somoche as he began thenÌ„e to beholde the noble lady wyth a yoyoê° chere saide Madame j thaÌ„ke you of your riÌ„g For certaynli syn it hath ben on my fynger I haue foundeÌ„ and felte my self eslonged alleged of all my sorowes me semeth that I loue none other ladi but you therfore j require you right humbly if in ony maner I haue trespaced or nusprysed ayeÌ„st you that ye wille ê‘donne me And that it plese you that our compromise long syn made may no wsorte good effecte â—Ertes sire knight answerde thenÌ„ the noble lady I haue here tofore somoche louid you that none infortune may in ony wyse make me to coÌ„ceyue hate vnto you and therfor see what is your enteÌ„cyon My dere lady answerde jason My desir enteÌ„ cyon is nothing but to come to that j may be your husbonde if it be to me possible as I haue sym long ê“mysed But hit is of necessite for to conduite this werck secretly to th eÌ„de that me dea be not aduertised theâ—of For yf she knew that ye were myn espouse she sholde not cesse day ne nyght vnto the tyme that she had made yow to deye Certes sir knyght answerde the lady We shal doo right wel if the defaute be not in yow and shall telle you how ye shall come with me after this weddingis ye shall putte you in guise of aâ—uauÌ„tin diffiguring your self asmoche as is in you possyble ye shal serue as me abuauÌ„t but whaÌ„ we shal be iÌ„ oliferne ye may haue me secretli to your wyf thê° medea shal nothing know ne nonÌ„ other persone of you of me And wyl she or not the strong enchantresse that so long hath holden you in her sortes in danngeres of her artes from hens forth we shall eÌ„yoye the loues of vs eche other ThenÌ„e the noble preu Iason was content for to conduyte him self in this maner in alle suche wyse as the quene Myrro had ordeyned wherof he was right yoyous ¶ For tabregge the mater duriÌ„g thise weddinges Iason aÌ„d Myrro ofte tymes spack to gyder of their amorettes aÌ„d jasoÌ„ receyued there many fayr preisinges whiche were to loÌ„g to reherce In th ende the weddynges finisshid one and other toke leue and weÌ„te home into their countrees and so it ought not to be forgeten that jason wente to Olyferne wy t the fayr mirro in habite disguised as a yeman or a seruaunt named him self SaÌ„bor WhaÌ„ thenÌ„e the louer the lady had so exployted that they were in oliferne the lady logged her louer in a litil chambre not ferre from her and gaf him thoffice for to be her huyssher helde thenÌ„e with her persone but one damoiselle that knewe the most part of her secretes howe wel she was acustomed alway to haue in her chaÌ„bre four damoiselles the ordenauÌ„ces and conclusyoÌ„s made the same day whan they were comen whan the nyght was comeÌ„ euery maÌ„ withdrawen in his place for to reste The quene whom desyre had long chaced sent secretly to fecche the preste of theire lawe and sambor also And with litil noise and bruyt she maried sambor and after sente the preest away and to th ende that he sholde be secrete she gafe hiÌ„ a purse full of gold She held her spouse in her chambre And thenÌ„ whaÌ„ the preste was goonÌ„ and that they were bothe to gyder they began in good ernest the deduyte that is vsed in the amerouse lyff And right yoyously they conforted eche other and demened this amerouse lyf all the long winter and so ye ought to bileue that on the day the preu jason seruid in hys offyce and in the night he eÌ„tremeted wyth this so moche gracioas lyf of loue as iÌ„ suche chaas apperteyned wy t his lady that louid him meruaillously The vertuous prince jason maytenyng him thus in facoÌ„n was not so subtill ne so well aduised that he coude kepe him from the eyeÌ„ of theÌ„ that seruid within forth The quene her self coude not absteyne her but tofore the seruauntes aÌ„d damoiselles she made to hiÌ„ oftymes ouermoch amerous semblaÌ„ts contenaÌ„ces in lyke wise made jason to her so many apperceyuid hit And bi especial the thre damoiselles which she had put out of her chaÌ„bre They espyed iÌ„ suche maner thys ameroê° coÌ„panye by a lityl hole that they had made in the chaÌ„bre of the lady bi
but howe well that hym semed a thing ipossible wherto he gaf no fayth yet he ansuerde sayde to her Certes fayr lady I knosaide to her Certes fayr lady I knowe for trouth that ye are right wyse and wel eyperimeÌ„ted in pleÌ„te of hye sciences ye can moche more thenÌ„ all other ladyes aÌ„d damoiselles but yet this semeth a moche a grete thyng to do so as ye saye to me I wold it plesed the goddes now that your science might stracchÌ„ into so hye a matere for somoche as that sholde be to me a ryght grete wele For I wolde that my fader myght lyue so loÌ„ge that he shold put me in my sepulture wythout abregyng or shortyng of my tyme ye knowe well that euery man desireth to lyue By alle my goddes sire aÌ„swerde the lady ye shall well knowe that for no thing I will abuse ne deceyue yow But I declare yow for trouth that for to lenghte the lyfe of your fadere the king lenger thenÌ„e the goddes aÌ„d nature hath ordeyned by lymitacyoÌ„ of tyme as touching that I will not touche for my scyence may not furnisshe that But as to the regarde for to reduce his yoÌ„gthÌ„ in suche wise as he shal seme to yow and all other in the aage of xxxij yere I will make me strong so to do if it be youre playsir and his Madame aÌ„swerde thenÌ„ jason I am asfor my self more thenÌ„e content and pray yow therof withÌ„ all my herte But we muste go vnto the king my fader and declare to hiÌ„ alle the fayte for to here his oppynyoÌ„ Wyth these wordes jason brought the fayr Medea vnto the king EsoÌ„ hys fader And declared to him the good wille that medea had toward him Sayng that if he wold consente therto and ay de hym self that she sholde make him yong agayn brig hi froÌ„ his olde age vnto the aage of xxxij yere But as to the regard of the lengthing of youre lyf other wise thenÌ„e god aÌ„d nature hath ordeyned as to that she will nothing touche Whan the noble auncieÌ„t king Eson had vnderstond this that sayd is he beyng sette vpon a couche aÌ„d resting his heed vpon his arme which was whyte balled he sayd vnto medea My fayre doughter ye haue ben cause as I vnderstande that jason my sone is comen to his honoure and prouffit aÌ„d to his aboue of hys enterpryse and that wythÌ„out youre councele moyen and ayde he hadd ben dede deuoured by the dredeful horryble bestes that kept the noble and ryche motonÌ„ or shepe of golde in the yle of Colchos as ye haue kept saued his lyf in his yoÌ„g ange flourisshing in vertues and valent wyll ye also saue mynÌ„ in my last dayes for certes after the cours of nature I am at the brinke of my pytte or sepulture and thus liyng a long time in the vmbre or shadowe of dethÌ„ I had leuer to be and dwelle in the worlde thenÌ„ to part out therof for ther is no thing that j desire somoche whan it shal be to you possible as for to retorne me into the prosperite of yongthe therfor my fayr doughter yf hit be in you or in your scieÌ„ce to do this that ye haue put in termes by your moeuing and after by your worde j sholde be gretly holdeÌ„ vnto yow and yf it plese you to take the crowne of my royaume I shal gyue hit vnto yow without claymyng it euyr aft My dere fader answerde medea it is wel knoweÌ„ that ye ar an hye prince garnisshed with good renoÌ„me of noble conuersacion digne to bere the crowne wherfore as reson is your dignite shal abyde with you alle your lyff and in fauour of youre seignoureuse geÌ„tilnesse ye yet er ix daies beÌ„ past j shal renewe you as sayd is vnto the age of xxxij yere j shal not laboure on noâ— other mater vnto the time that j am come to the aboue of myn enterpryse whicâ— is no lytyl thing Wythout makâ—g of ony delaye the fayr Medea toke leue of her lord jason for viij dayes hole thenÌ„ she departed fro the palays and weÌ„te the most secretly that she coude all allone vnto a grete woode and whan the nyght was comen aÌ„d that the mone shone bright clere she knelid doâ—n thries on her knees studyeng at echÌ„ tyme her science syn lyft vp her visage vnto the heueÌ„ made this oroisoÌ„ that folowethÌ„ Mone reposing iÌ„ the myddes of the sterres that shynest confermest the charmes and ye the goddes of montaignes of the valeyes of woodes of desertes of the fontaynes of sees of herbes and of trees beye in my begynnyug and gyue me aide in my werke for the salute helthe of kynge Eson whan she had said this she made certain signes aboute her aÌ„d after she maad soÌ„me secrete inuocacyons and thenÌ„e she was lifte vp into the ayer and bornÌ„ into alle the Regyons of the world Where she gadred and toke many herbes of diuerce facoÌ„ns and condicions many precious stones and was thus in poynt labouring by the space of viij dayes And on the ix daye she was restablisshid in the same woode aÌ„d in the propre place froÌ„ wheÌ„s she was lyfte vp into the ayer And there she fonde her self tofore a moche ryche temple that was tâ—ere dedyed vnto the goddesse Hebe aÌ„d to the goddesse Hekates ¶ Hit was on the poynt of the daye erly whan Medea foÌ„de her self tofore the temple And thenÌ„ medea abode ther alle rauisshed vnto the sonÌ„ne rysing thenÌ„e she entrid into the teÌ„ple made sacrefice vnto the goddes hebe and hekates Hebe was called goddesse of yoÌ„gthe hekates of charmerye Whan she had donÌ„ thus she yssued oute of the temple and dyde make a pytte in the erthe and in this pitte whiche was depe she sacrefied a black shepe vnto the goddes of helle of whom she helde and kepte the blood and medlyd it wyth the herbes And after that she was garnisshid of all that was nedefull for her retorned vnto the olde auncient kiÌ„g Eson and dyde do make for hym a fayr bayne wheriÌ„ she put these herbes mylke and hony and whaÌ„ she had prepared made redy alle that was for him necessarie In the preseÌ„ce of Iason she pnt the king into the baygne where the herbes begonÌ„e to smell right swete and euer more aÌ„d more gaf good odour And anonÌ„ after that he was therin and that she had rubbed and froted hym wythÌ„ the herbes he fyll a slepe by her arte whan he was a slepe she made hiÌ„ alytyll wounde where oute she drewe his olde bloode and lefte him in this poynte by the space of vij houres after this she awoke him aÌ„d made him to yssue out of the baygne all naked hole and soâ—d of alle his meÌ„bres as he hadd ben in the aage of two an thretty yere ¶ Whan the preu Iason the kyng his fader hym self sawe