smit_v the_o carbuncle_n that_o be_v to_o say_v youth_n strength_n and_o power_n of_o man_n and_o than_o lie_v he_o wrap_v in_o darkness_n of_o sin_n â–ª_o in_o which_o darkness_n oftentimes_o he_o die_v therefore_o study_v we_o to_o flee_v the_o world_n and_o his_o desire_n and_o than_o shall_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o win_v everla_a life_n unto_o the_o which_o jesu_n bring_v both_o you_o &_o i_o amen_n in_o rome_n dwell_v sometime_o a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v tytus_fw-la a_o wise_a man_n &_o a_o dyscrete_a which_o ordain_v in_o his_o day_n such_o a_o law_n that_o what_o knight_n die_v in_o his_o empire_n shall_v be_v bury_v in_o his_o armure_n &_o who_o so_o ever_o presume_v to_o spoil_v any_o knight_n armure_v after_o he_o be_v deed_n he_o shall_v dye_v without_o any_o withstand_v or_o gaynsay_n it_o befall_v after_o within_o few_o year_n that_o a_o cyte_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o empire_n be_v besyege_v of_o themperours_n enemy_n wherefore_o that_o cyte_n be_v in_o peryll_n of_o lose_a â–ª_o for_o nâ—ne_n that_o be_v within_o that_o cyte_n may_v not_o defend_v themselves_o by_o no_o manner_n of_o craft_n therefore_o great_a sorrow_n and_o lamentacyon_n be_v make_v through_o out_o all_o y_fw-es e_fw-es cite_v but_o at_o the_o last_o win_v few_o day_n there_o come_v to_o the_o cite_v a_o young_a knight_n and_o a_o fair_a and_o doughty_a to_o do_v dede_n of_o arm_n who_o the_o worthy_a man_n of_o the_o cite_v behold_v &_o understand_v his_o doughtynesâ—â—_n cry_v w_n t_o one_o voice_n o_o thou_o most_o noble_a knight_n we_o beseech_v the_o if_o it_o please_v thy_o worthiness_n to_o help_v we_o now_o at_o our_o most_o need_n 'loo_o you_o may_v so_o this_o cyte_n in_o be_v peryll_n of_o lose_v than_o answer_v he_o &_o say_v 〈◊〉_d you_o not_o sir_n thâ—â—_n i_o have_v none_o armure_v &_o if_o i_o have_v armure_v i_o will_v glad_o defend_v your_o cyte_n this_o â—earing_v a_o mighty_a man_n of_o the_o cyte_n say_v to_o he_o in_o secret_a wise_n sir_n here_o be_v sometime_o &_o doughty_a knight_n which_o now_o be_v deed_n and_o bury_v within_o this_o cite_v acâ—orâ—ding_v to_o the_o law_n &_o if_o it_o please_v you_o to_o take_v his_o armure_n you_o may_v defend_v this_o cite_v &_o delyver_v we_o from_o peryll_n and_o that_o shall_v be_v honour_n unto_o you_o and_o profit_n unto_o all_o the_o empire_n when_o this_o young_a knight_n have_v herd_n this_o he_o go_v to_o the_o grave_n &_o take_v y_o e_o armure_n &_o array_v himself_o therewith_o &_o fight_v myghty_o against_o his_o enemy_n and_o at_o the_o last_o he_o opteyn_v &_o have_v the_o vyctory_n &_o delyver_v y_o e_o cite_v from_o peryll_n and_o when_o he_o have_v so_o do_v he_o put_v the_o armure_n again_o in_o to_o the_o grave_n there_o be_v some_o man_n in_o the_o cite_v that_o have_v great_a indignation_n and_o envy_n at_o he_o because_o he_o have_v opteyn_v the_o vyctory_n and_o accuse_v he_o to_o the_o judge_n say_v thus_o sir_n a_o law_n be_v make_v by_o themperour_n y_z t_z who_o so_o ever_o despoil_v a_o deed_n knight_n of_o his_o armure_n shall_v dye_v this_o young_a knight_n find_v a_o deed_n knight_n &_o take_v away_o his_o armure_n therefore_o we_o beseech_v y_z e_o that_o thou_o proceed_v in_o the_o law_n against_o he_o as_o against_o he_o y_o it_o be_v breker_fw-mi of_o y_fw-fr e_o law_n when_o the_o justyce_n hear_v this_o he_o make_v y_z e_z knight_n to_o be_v take_v &_o to_o be_v bring_v a_o before_o he_o and_o when_o he_o be_v examine_v of_o this_o trespass_n against_o the_o law_n he_o say_v thus_o sir_n it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n â–ª_o that_o of_o two_o harm_n the_o least_fw-mi be_v to_o be_v choose_v it_o be_v not_o unknowen_a to_o you_o that_o this_o cite_v be_v in_o peryll_n to_o be_v lose_v &_o but_o i_o have_v take_v this_o armure_n i_o have_v neither_o save_v you_o ne_o the_o cyte_n therefore_o i_o thynk_v you_o ought_v rather_o to_o honour_v &_o worship_n i_o for_o this_o good_a deed_n that_o i_o have_v do_v than_o thus_o shameful_o to_o reprove_v i_o for_o i_o be_o lead_v as_o he_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v hang_v and_o also_o good_a sir_n a_o other_o reason_n i_o may_v lay_v for_o my_o excuse_n he_z y_z t_z stele_v or_o rob_v violent_o purpose_v not_o to_o restore_v y_z e_o thing_n that_o he_o rob_v but_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o with_o i_o for_o though_o i_o take_v the_o armure_n of_o the_o deed_n knight_n for_o your_o saluacyon_n when_o i_o have_v opteyn_v the_o victory_n i_o bear_v it_o again_o to_o y_z e_z same_o place_n &_o so_o the_o deed_n knight_n have_v that_o be_v he_o by_o the_o law_n than_o say_v the_o justyce_n a_o thief_n that_o breke_v a_o house_n that_o he_o may_v steel_n &_o bear_v away_o such_o as_o he_o may_v find_v &_o though_o he_o bring_v again_o that_o he_o have_v take_v i_o ask_v of_o the_o if_o that_o the_o break_n of_o the_o house_n be_v lawful_a or_o not_o the_o knight_n answer_v sometime_o the_o break_n of_o a_o house_n may_v be_v good_a where_o as_o it_o be_v make_v in_o feeble_a place_n which_o shall_v cause_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o house_n to_o make_v his_o wall_n strong_a that_o the_o thief_n after_o y_z e_z break_v not_o the_o wall_n so_o lyght_o in_o avoid_v of_o more_o harm_n than_o say_v the_o justyce_n if_o the_o break_n of_o the_o house_n be_v good_a nevertheless_o in_o that_o breaking_a violence_n be_v do_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o house_n and_o so_o though_o thou_o do_v good_a with_o the_o armure_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o deed_n knight_n nevertheless_o thou_o do_v wrong_v to_o the_o deed_n knight_n in_o take_v away_o his_o armure_n the_o knight_n say_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o how_o that_o of_o two_o harm_n the_o least_fw-mi be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o that_o harm_n where_o through_o great_a goodness_n come_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v call_v harm_n but_o it_o shall_v rather_o be_v call_v good_a for_o if_o that_o any_o house_n within_o the_o cite_v be_v on_o fire_n &_o begin_v to_o brenne_n it_o be_v more_o better_a to_o throw_v it_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o three_o or_o four_o house_n thereby_o than_o they_o shall_v be_v set_v on_o fire_n also_o whereby_o all_o y_o e_o cyte_n may_v be_v brente_a right_o so_o if_o the_o armure_n oft_o y_a e_o deed_n knight_n have_v not_o be_v take_v the_o cyte_n and_o you_o all_o have_v be_v lose_v and_o when_o the_o justyce_n hear_v y_o it_o he_o answer_v so_o well_o &_o so_o reasonable_o he_o may_v gyve_v no_o judgement_n against_o he_o but_o the_o which_o have_v accuse_v this_o knight_n slay_v he_o for_o who_o death_n there_o be_v great_a weep_v through_o out_o all_o the_o cyte_n &_o his_o body_n be_v worshypful_o bury_v in_o a_o neeâ—_n tombe_fw-fr ¶_o dear_a friend_n this_o emperor_n be_v the_o father_n of_o heaven_n and_o this_o cite_v be_v y_fw-fr e_o world_n the_o which_o be_v besyege_v of_o the_o devyll_n and_o deed_o sin_n and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v within_o this_o cyte_n be_v all_o in_o peryl_n to_o be_v lose_v this_o young_a knight_n that_o come_v to_o the_o cyte_n be_v our_o lord_n jesu_n chryst_n which_o have_v not_o the_o armure_n of_o our_o manhood_n till_o he_o go_v to_o the_o grave_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o the_o womb_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o glorious_a vyrgyn_v mary_n by_o the_o annunciacyon_n of_o the_o angel_n sayinge_v the_o holy_a goost_n shall_v light_v in_o the._n etc._n etc._n lo_o thou_o shall_v conceyve_v &_o bear_v a_o soon_o and_o thus_o in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o vyrgyn_v he_o take_v the_o armure_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o deed_n knight_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o take_v the_o manhood_n of_o adam_n ourfore_o father_n &_o save_v the_o cyte_n that_o be_v the_o world_n with_o mankind_n from_o peryll_n by_o his_o bless_a passion_n which_o he_o suffer_v on_o the_o cross_n &_o than_o he_o put_v his_o armure_n again_o in_o to_z y_z e_z grave_n when_o his_o bless_a body_n be_v bury_v but_o y_z e_z cytezyn_n envy_a he_o that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o jew_n of_o jury_n accuse_v he_o to_o pilot_n and_o lay_v the_o law_n against_o he_o say_v if_o thou_o suffer_v he_o thus_o thou_o be_v not_o the_o emperor_n caesar_n friend_n we_o have_v a_o law_n &_o after_o y_o e_o law_n he_o ought_v to_o dye_v and_o thus_o our_o lord_n jesu_n chryst_n of_o his_o enemy_n be_v condemn_v to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n &_o after_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n where_o our_o lord_n jesu_n bring_v we_o all_o amen_n there_o regn_v sometime_o in_o rome_n a_o mighty_a emperor_n and_o a_o wyse_v name_v betolde_v which_o ordain_v a_o law_n that_o what_o woman_n be_v take_v in_o anoutry_n her_o husband_n be_v alyve_a she_o
we_o may_v obey_v god_n and_o than_o shall_v we_o have_v everlasting_a life_n unto_o the_o which_o bring_v we_o our_o lord_n jesus_n amen_n there_o dwell_v sometime_o in_o rome_n a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v frederyke_v which_o have_v no_o child_n save_o a_o daughter_n though_o who_o this_o emperor_n after_o his_o decese_n bequeath_v all_o his_o empire_n this_o understand_v a_o earl_n that_o dwelte_v there_o beside_o come_v unto_o this_o young_a lady_n &_o woo_v she_o &_o stere_v she_o to_o sin_n all_o that_o he_o may_v wherefore_o this_o young_a lady_n in_o short_a process_n of_o time_n enclyneh_a to_o the_o earl_n &_o this_o earl_n anon_o lay_v with_o she_o &_o defoul_v she_o &_o after_o that_o he_o put_v she_o from_o her_o herytage_n and_o chase_v she_o out_o of_o her_o empire_n wherefore_o she_o make_v great_a lamentacyon_n &_o flee_v unto_o a_o realm_n there_o beside_o where_o as_o she_o daily_o weep_v &_o mourn_v it_o befall_v after_o on_o a_o day_n that_o while_o she_o sit_v mourn_v beside_o a_o way_n there_o come_v ride_a by_o her_o a_o fair_a young_a knight_n upon_o a_o good_a horse_n which_o come_v toward_o she_o a_o great_a pâ—ce_n &_o worshypful_o salew_v she_o and_o ask_v the_o cause_n why_o she_o mourn_v so_o sore_o than_o answer_v she_o &_o say_v my_o reverend_a lord_n i_o be_o a_o emperor_n daughter_n come_v of_o a_o royal_a kin_n my_o father_n be_v deed_n which_o leave_v i_o all_o his_o empire_n because_o he_o have_v none_o other_o heir_n &_o after_o his_o decese_n a_o earl_n there_o beside_o deceyve_v i_o &_o take_v from_o i_o my_o maydenheâ—e_n &_o after_o that_o he_o put_v i_o violent_o out_o of_o my_o herytage_n so_o that_o now_o i_o be_o fain_a to_o beg_v my_o breed_n from_o door_n to_o door_n &_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o my_o sorrow_n than_o say_v the_o knight_n fair_a damosel_n i_o have_v great_a compassyon_n on_o thy_o beaute_n and_o on_o thy_o gentylnes_n therefore_o if_o thou_o wylte_n grant_v i_o one_o thing_n i_o shall_v fight_v for_o the_o against_o y_fw-fr e_fw-la earl_n and_o i_o behote_v the_o the_o victory_n than_o say_v she_o alas_o alas_o i_o have_v nothing_o y_o it_o i_o may_v gyve_v to_o the_o but_o myself_o and_o i_o ask_v no_o more_o of_o the_o say_v the_o knight_n but_o that_o thou_o will_v be_v my_o wife_n and_o love_n no_o man_n so_o moche_v as_o i_o than_o say_v she_o reverend_n sir_n that_o will_v i_o do_v glad_o &_o more_o if_o i_o may_v than_o say_v the_o knight_n i_o will_v that_o thou_o do_v for_o i_o one_o thing_n that_o if_o it_o fortune_n i_o to_o dye_v in_o batayle_n for_o the_o &_o opteyne_v the_o victory_n thou_o shall_v take_v my_o bloody_a sherte_n &_o hang_v it_o upon_o a_o perch_n in_o thy_o chambre_n and_o this_o shall_v thou_o do_v for_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v y_z t_z when_o so_o ever_o thou_o behold_v the_o sherte_n thou_o shall_v weep_v for_o i_o the_o second_o be_v that_o what_o so_o ever_o man_n come_v to_o woo_v the_o to_o be_v his_o wife_n than_o shall_v thou_o hasty_o run_v unto_o thy_o chambre_n &_o behold_v my_o bloody_a sherte_n &_o think_v herte_o within_o thyself_o thus_o the_o lord_n of_o this_o sherte_n dye_v for_o my_o love_n in_o batayle_n the_o which_o recover_v my_o herytage_n god_n forbede_n that_o i_o shall_v take_v any_o other_o man_n after_o his_o death_n than_o say_v she_o reverend_n sir_n all_o this_o i_o shall_v fulfil_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o when_o y_a e_o knight_n heâ—de_v this_o he_o give_v batayle_n against_o the_o earl_n &_o obtain_v the_o victory_n and_o y_o e_o earl_n be_v overcome_v &_o flee_v and_o this_o young_a lady_n be_v bring_v &_o receyve_v again_o in_o to_o her_o herytage_n nevertheless_o this_o knight_n be_v deed_o wound_v in_o that_o batayle_n whereof_o he_o die_v but_o or_o he_o die_v he_o bequeath_v his_o bloody_a sherte_n unto_o this_o damosel_n desyre_v she_o to_o keep_v her_o promise_n when_o this_o young_a lady_n hear_v of_o his_o death_n she_o weep_v sore_o &_o make_v great_a lamentacyon_n for_o his_o death_n and_o in_o his_o sherte_n be_v write_v this_o verse_n think_v on_o he_o &_o have_v mind_n that_o to_o y_fw-fr e_o be_v so_o kind_n anon_o when_o she_o have_v receyve_v the_o sherte_n she_o hang_v it_o upon_o a_o perch_n in_o her_o chambre_n &_o as_o oftentimes_o as_o she_o behold_v it_o she_o weep_v bytter_o it_o befall_v not_o long_o after_o that_o the_o state_n of_o her_o empire_n come_v to_o she_o &_o desire_v she_o to_o take_v a_o husband_n but_o than_o she_o go_v to_o her_o chambre_n &_o behold_v the_o bloody_a cherte_n than_o wax_v she_o sorrowful_a &_o say_v oftentimes_o alas_o alas_o thou_o suffer_v death_n for_o my_o love_n &_o thou_o also_o recover_v again_o my_o heritage_n god_n forbede_n that_o i_o shall_v take_v any_o other_o man_n but_o the._n and_o thus_o she_o answer_v every_o man_n that_o come_v to_o she_o &_o so_o they_o go_v away_o unsped_a and_o she_o end_v her_o life_n in_o peace_n and_o rest_n ¶_o dear_a friend_n this_o emperor_n be_v the_o father_n of_o heaven_n and_o his_o daughter_n be_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n make_v at_o the_o similitude_n of_o god_n to_o who_o god_n give_v &_o bequeath_v the_o empire_n of_o paradyse_n but_o there_o come_v a_o earl_n y_o it_o be_v the_o devyl_n and_o styre_v she_o to_o sin_n when_o she_o eat_v of_o the_o apple_n &_o say_v to_o she_o thus_o in_o what_o hour_n you_o â—ate_z of_z y_z e_z apple_n you_o shall_v be_v like_o god_n wherefore_o we_o breaking_a god_n comaundement_n we_o be_v all_o exile_v out_o of_o paradyse_n &_o chase_v to_o the_o realm_n of_o this_o world_n here_o to_o live_v in_o great_a wretchedness_n like_v as_o the_o psalmyst_n say_v in_o sudore_fw-la vultus_fw-la tui_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o the_o sweet_a of_o thy_o visage_n thou_o shall_v eat_v thy_o breed_n but_o than_o come_v a_o fair_a young_a knight_n &_o a_o strong_a that_o be_v to_o say_v our_o lord_n jesu_n chryst_n which_o have_v compassyon_n upon_o mankind_n &_o take_v our_o flesh_n &_o our_o blood_n and_o give_v batayle_n to_o the_o devyl_n and_o overcome_v he_o and_o thus_o win_v he_o again_o our_o herytage_n therefore_o let_v we_o do_v as_o this_o young_a lady_n do_v put_v we_o this_o bloody_a sherte_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o mind_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o passion_n of_o chryst_n on_o the_o perch_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o think_v we_o how_o â—ur_n lord_n jesu_n chryst_n shed_v his_o precyous_a blood_n for_o us._n and_o if_o any_o man_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o devylt_n or_o any_o other_o will_v stir_v we_o to_o sin_n anon_o think_v we_o on_o y_o e_o passion_n of_o chryst_n &_o say_v we_o thus_o i_o shall_v take_v none_o other_o but_o the_o which_o have_v shed_v thy_o blood_n for_o i_o &_o thus_o shall_v we_o win_v everlasting_a life_n unto_o the_o which_o god_n bring_v we_o all_o amen_n sometime_o dwell_v in_o rome_n a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v apolloninus_fw-la which_o ordain_v for_o a_o law_n that_o every_o man_n upon_o pain_n of_o death_n shall_v worship_n the_o day_n of_o his_o nativite_fw-la this_o emperor_n call_v to_o he_o a_o clerk_n y_fw-mi t_z hyght_n uirgyll_n &_o say_v my_o dear_a master_n there_o be_v many_o heed_n sin_v do_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n therefore_o i_o pray_v the_o that_o thou_o by_o thy_o cunning_a will_v make_v some_o craft_n whereby_o i_o may_v know_v who_o trespace_v against_o y_o e_o law_n pryvely_a or_o pert_o than_o say_v uirgyll_n my_o reverend_a lord_n your_o will_n shall_v be_v do_v anon_o this_o uirgyll_n through_o his_o craft_n make_v a_o image_n in_o the_o mydde_v of_o the_o cyte_n of_o rome_n which_o dyscever_v &_o tell_v themperours_n messenger_n who_o trespaced_a against_o the_o law_n &_o who_o not_o there_o be_v that_o time_n dwell_v in_o y_z e_z cyte_n of_o rome_n a_o smyth_n that_o hyght_n focus_n which_o for_o no_o thing_n will_v worship_n the_o natyvyte_n of_o the_o emperor_n it_o befall_v upon_o a_o night_n as_o the_o smyth_n lie_v in_o his_o bed_n he_o think_v upon_o the_o image_n that_o have_v accuse_v so_o many_o man_n before_o &_o dread_v least_fw-mi the_o image_n will_v accuse_v he_o wherefore_o he_o rise_v &_o go_v to_o the_o image_n &_o say_v i_o make_v a_o vow_n to_o god_n if_o thou_o accuse_v i_o i_o shall_v break_v thy_o heed_n and_o when_o he_o have_v thus_o say_v he_o go_v home_o the_o emperor_n on_o the_o morrow_n after_o follow_v send_v his_o messenger_n to_o the_o image_n as_o he_o be_v wont_v before_o to_o know_v &_o to_o understande_v who_o have_v trespaced_a against_o the_o law_n and_o to_o they_o than_o say_v the_o image_n lyfte_v up_o your_o eye_n &_o behold_v what_o
forest_n and_o defoul_v she_o of_o she_o maydenhede_v and_o when_o he_o have_v so_o do_v he_o will_v have_v slay_v she_o and_o as_o he_o be_v despoyl_v of_o her_o clothes_n there_o come_v ride_a by_o that_o forest_n a_o curtey_n &_o a_o gentyll_a knight_n which_o hear_v the_o cryenge_a and_o lament_v of_o a_o damosel_n wherefore_o he_o smite_v his_o horse_n with_o his_o spur_n and_o ride_v a_o great_a pace_n in_o to_o the_o forest_n to_o wit_v what_o it_o may_v be_v and_o than_o he_o see_v a_o woman_n stand_v naked_a save_o her_o smock_n &_o than_o say_v the_o knight_n be_v thou_o she_o say_v he_o that_o cry_v so_o lamentable_o than_o answer_v the_o damosel_n and_o say_v you_o soth_o for_o this_o man_n that_o stand_v here_o have_v ravyssh_v i_o and_o defoul_v i_o of_o my_o maydenhede_v and_o now_o he_o will_v slay_v i_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v despoil_a i_o of_o my_o clothes_n that_o he_o may_v smite_v of_o my_o heed_n for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n gentyll_a knight_n help_v i_o now_o than_o say_v the_o tyrant_n she_o lie_v for_o she_o be_v my_o wife_n and_o i_o have_v find_v she_o in_o avoutry_n with_o a_o other_o man_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v slay_v she_o than_o say_v the_o knight_n i_o byleve_v better_o the_o woman_n than_o the_o for_o lo_o the_o token_n of_o troth_n appear_v open_o in_o her_o visage_n that_o thou_o have_v ravyssh_v hâ—r_n and_o therefore_o will_v i_o fight_v with_o the_o for_o her_o delyveraunce_n and_o anon_o they_o sterte_v together_o and_o fight_v eager_o till_o they_o be_v both_o sore_o wound_v nevertheless_o the_o knight_n optayn_v the_o vyctory_n and_o put_v the_o tyrant_n to_o flight_n than_o say_v the_o knight_n unto_o the_o woman_n 'loo_o i_o have_v suffer_v for_o thy_o love_n many_o sore_a wound_n and_o have_v save_v the_o from_o y_fw-fr e_fw-la death_n wylte_n thou_o therefore_o be_v my_o wife_n that_o i_o desire_v you_o quoth_v she_o with_o all_o my_o herte_n &_o thereupon_o i_o betake_v you_o my_o teouth_n when_o she_o be_v thus_o insure_v than_o say_v the_o knight_n here_o beside_o be_v my_o castle_n go_v you_o thyder_n and_o abide_v there_o till_o i_o have_v vysyte_v my_o trende_n and_o my_o kynnesman_n to_o provyde_v for_o all_o thing_n needful_a for_o our_o w_n for_o i_o purpose_v to_o make_v a_o great_a fee_v for_o thy_o honour_n and_o worship_n my_o lord_n quoth_v she_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o fulfil_v your_o will_n than_o go_v she_o forth_o unto_o the_o castle_n where_o as_o she_o be_v worshypful_o receyve_v and_o the_o knight_n go_v unto_o his_o friend_n for_o to_o make_v he_o ready_a against_o the_o day_n of_o marriage_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n come_v poncyanus_fw-la the_o tyrant_n to_o the_o knights_n castle_n and_o pray_v she_o that_o he_o may_v speak_v with_o she_o than_o come_v she_o down_o from_o the_o castle_n to_o he_o this_o tyrant_n subtyl_o flatter_v she_o and_o say_v gentyll_a love_n if_o it_o please_v you_o to_o consent_v to_o i_o i_o shall_v gyve_v you_o both_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o great_a rychesse_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v your_o servant_n and_o you_o my_o soverayne_n when_o the_o woman_n hear_v this_o full_a lyght_o she_o be_v deceyve_v through_o his_o flatter_a language_n and_o grant_v he_o to_o be_v his_o wife_n and_o take_v he_o in_o with_o she_o into_o the_o castle_n it_o be_v not_o long_o after_o but_o that_o this_o knight_n come_v home_o and_o find_v the_o castle_n gate_n sheâ—â—e_n &_o 〈◊〉_d thereat_o but_o long_o it_o be_v or_o he_o may_v have_v a_o answer_n and_o at_o the_o last_o the_o woman_n come_v and_o demand_v why_o 〈◊〉_d knock_v so_o hard_a at_o the_o gate_n than_o say_v he_o to_o she_o 〈◊〉_d â—ere_z lady_z why_o have_v thou_o so_o soon_o change_v my_o love_n 〈…〉_o comme_fw-fr in_o nay_o soth_o say_v she_o thou_o shall_v not_o 〈…〉_o here_o for_o i_o have_v here_o with_o i_o my_o love_n which_o 〈◊〉_d â—oved_v before_o remember_v quod_fw-la the_o knight_n that_o thou_o give_v i_o thy_o troth_n to_o be_v my_o wife_n and_o how_o i_o save_v the_o from_o death_n and_o if_o thou_o ponder_v not_o thy_o faith_n behold_v my_o wound_n which_o i_o have_v suffer_v in_o my_o body_n for_o thy_o love_n and_o anon_o he_o unclothe_v himself_o naked_a save_o his_o breach_n that_o he_o may_v show_v his_o wound_n open_o but_o she_o will_v not_o see_v they_o ne_o speak_v more_o with_o he_o but_o shette_v fast_o the_o gate_n and_o go_v her_o way_n and_o when_o the_o knight_n see_v this_o he_o go_v to_o the_o justyce_n and_o make_v his_o complain_v to_o he_o prayenge_a he_o to_o gyve_v ryghtwyse_o judgement_n on_o this_o tyrant_n and_o this_o woman_n the_o judge_n call_v they_o before_o he_o and_o when_o they_o be_v come_v the_o knight_n say_v thus_o my_o lord_n quoth_v he_o i_o ask_v the_o benefyte_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v this_o if_o a_o man_n rescowe_n a_o woman_n from_o ravysshing_n the_o recower_n shall_v wed_v she_o if_o he_o list_v and_o this_o woman_n delyver_v i_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o tyrant_n therefore_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v she_o to_o my_o wife_n and_o farthermore_o she_o give_v i_o her_o faith_n and_o trough_n to_o wed_v i_o and_o thereupon_o she_o go_v to_o my_o castle_n and_o i_o have_v do_v great_a cost_n against_o our_o w_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o seem_v i_o she_o be_v my_o wife_n as_o by_o the_o law_n than_o say_v y_o e_o judge_n to_o the_o tyrant_n thou_o know_v well_o that_o this_o knight_n delyver_v she_o from_o thy_o hand_n and_o for_o her_o love_n he_o suffer_v many_o grevous_a wound_n and_o therefore_o 〈◊〉_d thou_o wot_v that_o she_o be_v his_o wife_n by_o the_o law_n if_o 〈…〉_o list_v but_o after_o her_o delyveraunce_n with_o â—â—atering_a speech_n thou_o have_v deceyve_v she_o therefore_o this_o day_n i_o judge_v 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v hang_v than_o say_v the_o judge_n to_o the_o woman_n 〈◊〉_d like_o wise_n o_o woman_n thou_o know_v how_o this_o 〈…〉_o save_v the_o from_o death_n and_o thereupon_o thou_o betoke_v 〈◊〉_d thy_o faith_n and_o troth_n to_o be_v his_o wife_n therefore_o by_o 〈◊〉_d reason_n thou_o be_v his_o wife_n first_o by_o the_o law_n and_o a_o 〈◊〉_d by_o thy_o faith_n and_o troth_n this_o notwythstand_v thou_o consent_v afterward_o to_o the_o tyrant_n and_o bring_v he_o in_o to_o the_o knights_n castle_n and_o shette_v the_o gate_n against_o the_o knight_n a_o will_v not_o see_v his_o wound_n which_o he_o suffer_v for_o thy_o love_n and_o therefore_o i_o judge_v the_o to_o be_v hang_v and_o so_o it_o be_v do_v both_o the_o ravyssher_n and_o she_o that_o be_v ravyssh_v be_v damn_a to_o the_o death_n wherefore_o every_o man_n praise_v the_o judge_n for_o his_o ryghtwyse_a judgement_n ¶_o this_o emperor_n betoken_v the_o father_n of_o heaven_n which_o ordain_v for_o a_o law_n that_o if_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v ravyssh_v from_o god_n by_o sin_n the_o saver_n of_o the_o soul_n shall_v wed_v he_o if_o he_o list_v the_o woman_n that_o be_v ravyssh_v betoken_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v ravyssh_v by_o sin_n of_o our_o fore_a father_n adam_n and_o lead_v out_o of_o paradyse_n in_o to_o the_o forest_n of_o this_o wretched_a world_n by_o the_o tyrant_n poncyanus_fw-la which_o betoken_v the_o devyll_n and_o he_o not_o only_o defoul_v she_o by_o lose_v of_o the_o herytage_n of_o heaven_n but_o also_o he_o will_v slay_v she_o with_o everlasting_a pain_n but_o the_o soul_n cry_v with_o a_o high_a voice_n who_o cry_n our_o lord_n jesu_n chryst_n herd_n this_o cry_n be_v make_v when_o adam_n cry_v after_o y_o e_o oil_n of_o mercy_n 〈…〉_o till_o 〈…〉_o be_v needful_a 〈…〉_o the_o ascencyon_n day_n 〈…〉_o a_o dwelling_n place_n of_o 〈…〉_o shall_v dwell_v after_o the_o day_n 〈…〉_o in_o honour_n and_o glory_n but_o alas_o in_o 〈…〉_o the_o devyll_n and_o beguile_v the_o wretched_a 〈…〉_o sin_n &_o so_o he_o enter_v in_o to_o y_fw-fr e_o castle_n of_o our_o 〈…〉_o shall_v be_v the_o castle_n of_o god_n the_o knight_n i_o 〈…〉_o at_o the_o gate_n of_o our_o herte_n accord_v to_o 〈…〉_o eccesto_fw-it ad_fw-la hostium_fw-la et_fw-la pulso_fw-la lo_o i_o stand_v 〈…〉_o and_o knock_v if_o any_o man_n will_v open_v that_o i_o 〈…〉_o but_o where_o as_o the_o devyll_n be_v god_n may_v not_o entre_fw-fr but_o that_o the_o sinner_n will_v receyve_v he_o by_o penance_n which_o sing_v the_o gentyll_a knight_n jesu_n show_v himself_o naked_a 〈…〉_o 〈…〉_o of_o geâ—â—a_fw-la romanâ—rum_fw-la 〈…〉_o london_n in_o crede_fw-la lane_n by_o 〈…〉_o king_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o 〈…〉_o god_n m._n â—_o luii_o
and_o his_o soul_n shall_v be_v delyver_v from_o sin_n and_o by_o all_o right_a he_o shall_v have_v everlasting_a life_n unto_o the_o which_o bring_v we_o our_o lord_n jesus_n sometime_o there_o regn_v in_o rome_n a_o mighty_a emperor_n and_o a_o wise_n name_v frederyke_v which_o have_v a_o only_a soon_o who_o he_o love_v moche_n this_o emperor_n when_o he_o lie_v at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n he_o call_v unto_o he_o his_o soon_o &_o say_v there_o soon_o i_o have_v a_o ball_n of_o gold_n which_o i_o gyve_v the_o upon_o my_o blessing_n that_o thou_o anon_o after_o my_o death_n shall_v gyve_v it_o to_o the_o moo_v fool_n that_o thou_o may_v find_v than_o say_v his_o soon_o my_o lord_n wothout_n doubt_n your_o will_n shall_v be_v fulfyl_v anon_o this_o young_a lord_n after_o the_o death_n of_o his_o father_n go_v &_o seek_v in_o many_o realm_n &_o find_v many_o recheles_a fool_n because_o he_o will_v satysfye_v his_o father_n will_n labour_v far_o till_o he_o come_v in_o to_o a_o realm_n where_o the_o law_n be_v such_o that_o every_o year_n a_o new_a king_n be_v choose_v there_o &_o this_o king_n have_v only_o the_o guide_n of_o y_z e_z realm_n but_o a_o year_n &_o at_o the_o year_n end_n he_o be_v depose_v &_o put_v in_o exile_n in_o a_o ylande_n where_o as_o he_o shall_v wretched_o fynysshe_v his_o life_n when_o themperour_n soon_o come_v to_o this_o realm_n the_o new_a king_n be_v choose_v with_o it_o great_a honour_n &_o all_o manner_n of_o mynstralsye_n go_v afore_o he_o &_o bring_v he_o with_o great_a reverence_n and_o worship_n unto_o his_o regal_a sete_n and_o when_o the_o emperor_n soon_o see_v that_o he_o come_v unto_o he_o and_o salew_v he_o reverent_o &_o say_v my_o lord_n loo_n i_o gyve_v the_o this_o ball_n of_o gold_n on_o my_o father_n behalf_n than_o say_v he_o i_o pray_v the_o tell_v i_o the_o cause_n why_o thou_o gyve_v i_o this_o ball_n than_o answer_v this_o young_a lord_n and_o say_v my_o father_n charge_v i_o in_o his_o death_n bed_n upon_o pain_n of_o forfeyt_v of_o his_o bless_v that_o i_o shall_v gyve_v this_o ball_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o moost_n fool_n y_fw-fr e_o i_o coude_fw-fr find_v wherefore_o i_o have_v seek_v many_o realm_n &_o have_v find_v many_o fool_n nevertheless_o a_o more_o fool_n than_o thou_o be_v find_v i_o never_o &_o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n it_o be_v not_o unknowen_a to_o the_o that_o thou_o shall_v regne_fw-la but_o a_o year_n and_o at_o the_o year_n end_n thou_o shall_v be_v exile_v into_o such_o a_o place_n where_o as_o thou_o shall_v dye_v a_o myschevous_a death_n wherefore_o i_o hold_v the_o for_o the_o moo_v fool_n that_o ever_o i_o find_v that_o for_o the_o lordship_n of_o a_o year_n thou_o will_v so_o wilful_o less_o thyself_o &_o therefore_o before_o all_o other_o i_o have_v give_v to_o the_o this_o ball_n of_o gold_n than_o say_v the_o king_n without_o doubt_n thou_o say_v sothe_o and_o therefore_o when_o i_o be_o in_o full_a power_n of_o this_o realm_n i_o shall_v send_v before_o i_o great_a treasoure_n and_o rychesse_n wherwyth_o i_o may_v live_v and_o save_v myself_o from_o my_o schevous_a death_n when_o i_o shall_v be_v exile_v &_o put_v down_o and_o so_o this_o be_v do_v wherefore_o at_o the_o year_n end_n he_o be_v exile_v &_o live_v there_o in_o peace_n upon_o such_o good_n as_o he_o have_v send_v before_o and_o he_o die_v afterward_o a_o good_a death_n ¶_o dear_a friend_n this_o emperor_n be_v the_o father_n of_o heaven_n the_o which_o byquethe_v the_o ball_n that_o be_v to_o say_v worldly_a rychesse_n to_o fool_n and_o ydyotte_n which_o savour_v no_o thing_n but_o that_o be_v erthly_a this_o emperor_n soon_o that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o precher_n and_o a_o discrete_a confessor_n search_v about_o many_o realm_n &_o land_n to_o show_v to_o mysbyleve_a man_n &_o fool_n their_o peryll_n the_o realm_n wherein_o no_o king_n may_v regne_fw-la but_o a_o year_n be_v this_o world_n for_o who_o so_o have_v live_v a_o hondred_a year_n when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o death_n he_o shall_v seem_v that_o he_o have_v live_v but_o the_o space_n of_o a_o hour_n therefore_o do_v as_o the_o king_n do_v while_o that_o you_o be_v in_o power_n of_o life_n send_v before_o you_o your_o treasour_n that_o be_v to_o say_v alm_n deed_n &_o other_o merytoryu_v dede_n &_o certain_o when_o you_o be_v put_v in_o exile_n out_o of_o this_o world_n you_o shall_v live_v in_o peace_n &_o shall_v find_v y_z e_o mercy_n of_o god_n plentefull_a whereby_o you_o shall_v optayne_n everla_a life_n unto_o the_o which_o bring_v we_o he_o that_o for_o we_o die_v on_o the_o road_n tree_n amen_n dioclesyan_a regn_v in_o the_o cyte_n of_o rome_n in_o who_o empire_n dwell_v a_o noble_a philosopher_n y_z e_z which_o let_v up_o by_o his_o craft_n a_o image_n in_o the_o mydde_v of_o yeâ—ite_v of_o rome_n the_o which_o image_n stretch_v out_o his_o arm_n &_o his_o forme_v fynger_n whereupon_o stand_v this_o posy_n write_v in_o latyn_a percute_fw-la hic_fw-la smite_n here_o this_o image_n after_o the_o death_n of_o this_o philosopher_n stand_v still_o a_o long_a time_n &_o many_o great_a clerk_n come_v thyder_n for_o to_o rede_n the_o superscripcyon_n that_o be_v on_o y_z e_z fynger_v but_o none_o of_o they_o understode_v what_o it_o ment_fw-la wherefore_o there_o be_v great_a wonder_v among_o the_o people_n and_o at_o the_o last_o a_o long_a time_n after_o there_o come_v a_o strange_a clerk_n out_o of_o far_o countree_n &_o when_o he_o see_v this_o image_n he_o red_a y_o e_o scripture_n smite_n here_o and_o than_o upon_o a_o day_n when_o he_o see_v the_o shadow_n of_o the_o hand_n he_o take_v a_o mattock_n &_o break_v up_o y_o e_o ground_n under_o the_o hand_n where_o the_o shadow_n be_v accord_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o superscripcyon_n &_o anon_o he_o find_v a_o house_n all_o of_o marble_n undernethe_v the_o grovode_n wherein_o he_o enter_v &_o come_v in_o to_o a_o hall_n where_o he_o find_v so_o moche_n rychesse_n so_o many_o yewelle_n and_o so_o great_a meruayle_n that_o he_o never_o see_v ne_o hear_v of_o such_o nor_o so_o many_o before_o that_o tyme._n at_o y_fw-fr e_fw-la last_o he_o see_v a_o board_n cover_v and_o all_o manner_n of_o thing_n necessary_a thereto_o set_v there_o upon_o he_o be_v hold_v far_a and_o see_v a_o carbuncle_n in_o a_o wall_n that_o lyghten_v all_o y_o e_o house_n and_o anent_o this_o carbuncle_n on_o that_o other_o side_n stand_v a_o man_n hold_v in_o his_o hand_n a_o bow_n with_o a_o arowe_n ready_a to_o shote_v the_o clerk_n merualled_a moche_n when_o be_v see_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o think_v in_o himself_o if_o that_o i_o tâ—ll_v this_o forth_o there_o will_v no_o man_n byleve_v i_o &_o therefore_o i_o will_v have_v somewhat_o of_o these_o good_n in_o token_n of_o proof_n and_o with_o that_o he_o see_v a_o knife_n of_o gold_n upon_o y_o e_o board_n which_o he_o take_v &_o will_v have_v put_v it_o in_o his_o bosom_n but_o anon_o the_o archer_n smite_v the_o carbuncle_n and_o break_v it_o wherwyth_o all_o the_o hole_n house_n be_v shadow_v &_o make_v dark_a and_o when_o y_a e_o clerk_n perceyve_v it_o he_o weep_v more_o bytter_o than_o any_o man_n may_v think_v for_o he_o wist_v not_o by_o what_o way_n he_o may_v go_v out_o for_o as_o moche_v as_o the_o house_n be_v make_v dark_a through_o the_o break_n of_o the_o carbuncle_n and_o that_o darkness_n abide_v still_o for_o evermore_o after_o and_o so_o fynissh_v the_o clerk_n his_o life_n there_o in_o that_o darkness_n ¶_o dear_a friend_n this_o image_n so_o stand_v be_v the_o devyll_n which_o say_v evermore_o smite_n here_o that_o be_v to_o say_v take_v heed_n to_o erthly_a rycheâ—se_n &_o not_o to_o heavenly_a treasour_n this_o clerk_n that_o smite_v with_o the_o mattock_n betoken_v the_o wise_a man_n of_o this_o world_n as_o pleder_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o law_n attorney_n and_o other_o worldly_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v smyte_v what_o by_o right_a &_o what_o by_o wrong_n so_o y_z t_z they_o may_v gete_v the_o vanytee_n of_o this_o world_n &_o in_o their_o smyte_a they_o find_v great_a wonder_n &_o meruayle_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o find_v therein_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o many_o man_n rejoice_v the_o carbuncle_n that_o gyve_v light_v be_v the_o youth_n of_o man_n which_o gyve_v hardynes_n to_o take_v their_o pleasure_n in_o worldly_a rychesse_n the_o archer_n w_o t_o his_o arowe_n be_v death_n which_o lay_v watch_n anent_o man_n to_o slay_v he_o the_o clerk_n that_o take_v up_o y_o e_o knife_n be_v every_o worldly_a man_n that_o wen_v ever_o to_o have_v all_o thing_n at_o his_o will_n death_n
counseyle_n i_o pray_v the_o that_o faithful_a friendship_n may_v continue_v bytwene_v we_o and_o in_o token_n of_o love_n that_o thou_o will_v drink_v my_o blood_n &_o i_o shall_v drink_v thy_o that_o none_o of_o we_o depart_v ne_o fail_v other_o in_o this_o journey_n the_o folysshe_a knight_n say_v it_o please_v i_o right_a well_o all_o that_o you_o say_v wherefore_o they_o be_v both_o let_v blood_n and_o everyche_a of_o they_o drink_v other_o blood_n when_o this_o be_v do_v they_o go_v forth_o togyder_o on_o their_o journey_n and_o when_o they_o have_v go_v three_o day_n journey_n toward_o the_o cyte_n where_o y_fw-fr e_o treasour_n be_v they_o come_v to_o a_o place_n where_o be_v two_o way_n one_o be_v sharp_a stony_a &_o full_a of_o thorn_n that_o other_o way_n be_v plain_a and_o fair_a and_o full_a of_o swetnes_n &_o delight_n than_o say_v the_o wise_a knight_n to_o his_o fellow_n dear_a friend_n here_o be_v two_o way_n one_o sharp_a and_o thorny_a nevertheless_o if_o we_o go_v this_o way_n we_o shall_v come_v to_o this_o cite_v that_o be_v so_o rich_a &_o there_o shall_v we_o have_v that_o we_o desire_n than_o say_v this_o folysshe_a knight_n to_o his_o fellow_n i_o wonder_v great_o of_o you_o that_o you_o speak_v such_o thing_n for_o i_o will_v rather_o byleve_v my_o eye_n than_o your_o word_n i_o see_v here_o open_o &_o so_o do_v you_o that_o here_o be_v a_o hard_a way_n &_o full_a of_o thorn_n &_o as_o i_o have_v herd_n say_v there_o be_v three_o champyon_n arm_v in_o this_o way_n ready_a to_o â—yght_v against_o all_o man_n that_o go_v that_o way_n toward_o the_o cite_v of_o y_fw-fr e_o eest_fw-mi &_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o go_v that_o way_n but_o here_o be_v as_o you_o may_v see_v a_o other_o way_n plain_a and_o easy_a to_o walk_v in_o and_o in_o this_o way_n there_o be_v three_o knight_n ready_a to_o serve_v we_o &_o gyve_v we_o all_o manner_n thing_n necessary_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o by_o this_o way_n will_v i_o go_v &_o not_o by_o that_o other_o way_n than_o say_v the_o wise_a knight_n certain_o if_o we_o go_v by_o that_o way_n we_o shall_v be_v lead_v in_o to_o the_o cyte_n of_o the_o north_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o mercy_n but_o perpetual_a pain_n &_o sorrow_n and_o there_o shall_v we_o be_v take_v &_o bind_v and_o cast_v in_o prison_n certain_o say_v the_o folysshe_a knight_n this_o way_n be_v y_z e_z ready_a way_n &_o as_o i_o byleve_v it_o be_v more_o profitable_a than_o y_z e_z other_o way_n than_o go_v they_o both_o forth_o y_o e_o fair_a way_n &_o anon_o three_o knight_n meet_v with_o they_o which_o receyve_v they_o reverent_o as_o for_o a_o night_n &_o give_v they_o all_o manner_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o they_o and_o on_o y_z e_z morrow_n they_o take_v their_o journey_n forth_o to_o ward_v y_z e_o cyte_n and_o when_o they_o be_v within_o the_o cyte_n anon_o the_o emperor_n offycer_n meet_v w_n to_o they_o &_o say_v dear_a friend_n why_o come_v you_o hither_o in_o so_o moche_v that_o you_o know_v y_z e_o law_n of_o this_o cite_v so_o cruel_a of_o long_a time_n here_o before_o soth_o you_o shall_v be_v serve_v now_o after_o y_z e_z law_n anon_o they_o take_v the_o wise_a knight_n and_o bind_v he_o and_o put_v he_o in_o prison_n â–ª_o and_o after_o that_o they_o take_v the_o folysshe_a knight_n &_o bind_v he_o fast_o and_o ke_v he_o in_o to_o a_o dyche_n soon_o after_o it_o befall_v that_o the_o justyce_n come_v to_o the_o cyte_n to_o gyve_v judgement_n on_o they_o that_o have_v trespaced_a y_o e_o law_n and_o anon_o all_o the_o prisoner_n be_v bring_v forth_o before_o the_o justyce_n among_o who_o these_o two_o knight_n be_v bring_v forth_o one_o from_o prison_n and_o that_o other_o from_o the_o dyche_n than_o say_v the_o wise_a knight_n to_o the_o justyce_n reverend_n lord_n i_o complain_v of_o my_o fellow_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o my_o death_n for_o when_o we_o two_o come_v to_o the_o two_o way_n whereof_o that_o one_o lead_v to_o y_z e_z cyte_n in_o the_o ee_a &_o that_o other_o to_o this_o cyte_n i_o tell_v he_o all_o the_o peryll_n of_o this_o cite_v &_o the_o reward_n of_o that_o other_o cyte_n &_o he_o will_v not_o byleve_v i_o &_o say_v to_o i_o in_o this_o wise_n i_o byleve_v my_o own_o eye_n better_a than_o thy_o word_n and_o because_o he_o be_v my_o fellow_n i_o will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v alone_o in_o this_o way_n &_o thus_o come_v i_o with_o he_o wherefore_o he_o be_v cause_n of_o my_o death_n than_o say_v the_o folysshe_a knight_n i_o complain_v that_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o my_o death_n â–ª_o for_o it_o be_v not_o unknowen_a to_o you_o all_o that_o i_o be_o a_o fool_n &_o he_o a_o wise_a man_n &_o therefore_o he_o shall_v not_o so_o lyght_o have_v follow_v my_o folly_n for_o if_o he_o have_v forsake_v this_o way_n i_o will_v have_v follow_v he_o &_o therefore_o he_o be_v cause_n of_o my_o death_n than_o say_v the_o justyce_n to_o y_z e_z wise_a knight_n because_o that_o thou_o with_o all_o thy_o wysdome_n and_o great_a understanding_n so_o lyght_o consent_v &_o follow_v the_o will_n of_o the_o fool_n &_o his_o folysâ—he_a werke_n &_o thou_o fool_n because_o thou_o will_v not_o do_v after_o the_o counseyle_n ne_o fulfil_v the_o wholesome_a word_n of_o this_o wise_a man_n &_o byleve_v he_o i_o gyve_v judgement_n that_o you_o be_v both_o hang_v for_o your_o trespass_n and_o so_o it_o be_v do_v wherefore_o all_o man_n praise_v great_o the_o justyce_n for_o his_o dyscrete_a judgement_n ¶_o dear_a friend_n this_o emperor_n be_v almyghty_a god_n &_o in_o the_o ee_a be_v y_fw-fr e_o cyte_n of_o heaven_n wherein_o be_v treasour_a infynyte_n and_o unto_o this_o cyte_n be_v a_o hard_a way_n &_o full_a of_o thorn_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o way_n of_o penance_n by_o y_z e_z which_o way_n full_a few_o walk_v for_o it_o be_v hard_a &_o straight_o accord_v to_o holy_a scrypture_n say_v thus_o est_fw-la arta_fw-la via_fw-la que_fw-la ducit_fw-la ad_fw-la vitam_fw-la it_o be_v a_o straight_o way_n that_o lede_v to_o everlasting_a life_n in_o this_o way_n be_v three_o arm_v knight_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o devyll_n the_o world_n &_o the_o flesh_n which_o to_o who_o it_o behove_v we_o to_o fight_v &_o to_o optayne_n the_o vyctory_n or_o we_o may_v come_v to_o heaven_n the_o second_o cyte_n that_o be_v in_o y_z e_z north_n be_v hell_n and_o to_o this_o accord_v scrypture_n sayinge_v thus_o ab_fw-la aquilone_fw-la pondetur_fw-la oen_fw-mi malum_fw-la out_o of_o the_o north_n come_v all_o evyll_n certain_o to_o this_o cyte_n be_v y_fw-fr e_o way_n plain_a &_o broad_a &_o wall_v about_o on_o every_o side_n with_o all_o manner_n delycate_v wherefore_o many_o man_n walk_v by_o this_o way_n the_o three_o knight_n y_o it_o gyve_v to_o every_o man_n go_v this_o way_n what_o thing_n they_o need_v be_v these_o pride_n of_o life_n covetyse_v of_o eye_n &_o concupyscence_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o which_o three_o the_o wretched_a man_n great_o delyte_v &_o at_o y_z e_z last_z they_o lede_v he_o in_o to_o hell_n this_o wytty_n knight_n betoken_v the_o soul_n &_o the_o folysshe_a knight_n betoken_v the_o flesh_n the_o which_o be_v always_o folysshe_a &_o at_o all_o time_n ready_a to_o do_v evil_a these_o two_o be_v fellow_n &_o knytte_n in_o one_o for_o everyche_a of_o they_o drynk_v other_o blood_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o shall_v drink_v of_o one_o cup_n either_o joy_n or_o pain_n shall_v they_o have_v after_o the_o day_n of_o doom_n the_o soul_n chosech_v the_o way_n of_o penance_n &_o in_o as_o moche_v as_o she_o may_v she_o sâ—ereth_v the_o flesh_n to_o do_v y_z e_z same_z but_o the_o flesh_n thynk_v never_o what_o shall_v come_v after_o &_o therefore_o she_o go_v in_o the_o delyte_n of_o this_o world_n &_o flee_v the_o delyte_n of_o penance_n and_o thus_o the_o soul_n after_o the_o death_n be_v cast_v in_o to_o hell_n &_o the_o flesh_n be_v cast_v in_o to_o the_o dyche_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o to_o the_o grave_n but_o than_o the_o justyce_n come_v that_o be_v our_o lord_n jesu_n chry_v at_o the_o day_n of_o doom_n to_o deem_v all_o mankind_n than_o you_o e_o soul_n shall_v complain_v upon_o the_o flesh_n &_o the_o flesh_n upon_o the_o soul_n but_o when_o y_a e_o justyce_n that_o will_v not_o be_v deceyve_v neither_o by_o prayer_n ne_o by_o price_n shall_v condemn_v y_z e_o soul_n because_o she_o follow_v you_o e_o fraylte_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o flesh_n &_o also_o he_o shall_v condemn_v the_o flesh_n because_o it_o will_v not_o byleve_v the_o soul_n wherefore_o let_v we_o study_v to_o tame_v our_o flesh_n that_o
which_o hang_v speak_v the_o apostle_n say_v suspend_v elegit_fw-la a_o ina_fw-la mea_fw-la my_o soul_n have_v choose_v to_o be_v hang_v for_o like_a as_o a_o man_n be_v lyfte_v up_o from_o the_o ground_n by_o hang_a right_a so_o a_o sinner_n be_v lyfte_v up_o from_o sin_n toward_o heaven_n unto_o god_n by_o the_o hang_a of_o satisfaccyon_n upon_o this_o galous_a we_o shall_v hang_v till_o the_o bird_n of_o heaven_n come_v down_o y_o it_o be_v to_o say_v till_o the_o apostle_n come_v down_o to_o feed_v we_o with_o our_o good_a dede_n for_o there_o be_v more_o joy_n of_o one_o sinner_n do_v his_o penance_n a_o before_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n like_a as_o the_o steward_n bring_v again_o themperours_n daughter_n so_o it_o behove_v we_o to_o seek_v about_o by_o dyverse_a werke_n of_o mercy_n &_o find_v our_o soul_n y_o it_o we_o lose_v &_o bring_v she_o again_o to_o the_o chyrche_n &_o rule_v well_o our_o u_o wytte_n and_o feed_v our_o greyhounde_n as_o we_o shall_v &_o make_v our_o life_n so_o clean_a and_o pure_a that_o we_o fall_v not_o again_o to_o sin_n for_o drede_v that_o it_o fortune_n to_o we_o worse_o &_o y_o it_o we_o have_v no_o leyser_n to_o ask_v mercy_n again_o at_o our_o need_n and_o if_o we_o fulfil_v all_o this_o true_o unto_o to_o our_o lyves_n end_n wtout_fw-fr doubt_n we_o shall_v optayne_n everlasting_a life_n to_z y_z e_z which_o our_o lord_n bring_v we_o all_o amen_n in_o rome_n dwell_v sometime_o a_o mighty_a emperor_n and_o a_o wise_n name_v edfenne_n which_o ordain_v for_o a_o law_n that_o who_o so_o ever_o ravyssh_v a_o maid_n shall_v be_v at_o her_o will_n whether_o she_o will_v put_v he_o to_o death_n or_o y_z t_z she_o will_v have_v he_o to_o her_o husband_n it_o befall_v after_o that_o a_o man_n ravyâ—shed_v in_o a_o night_n two_o fair_a maiden_n y_fw-fr e_fw-la first_o damosel_n desire_v that_o he_o shall_v dye_v &_o the_o second_o desire_a wedding_n the_o ravyssher_n be_v take_v &_o â—edde_v before_o the_o judge_n that_o shall_v satisfy_v both_o these_o damoyselle_n through_o his_o wysdome_n &_o ryghtfulnes_n the_o first_o damosel_n ever_o desire_v the_o death_n accord_v to_o the_o law_n than_o say_v the_o second_o i_o desire_v he_o to_o be_v my_o husband_n for_o in_o like_a wise_n as_o thou_o have_v the_o law_n for_o the_o in_o like_a wise_n i_o have_v it_o for_o i_o &_o nevertheless_o my_o petycyon_n be_v more_o better_a than_o you_o for_o it_o be_v more_o charytable_a therefore_o i_o thynk_v in_o my_o reason_n that_o the_o justice_n shall_v gyve_v sentence_n with_o i_o than_o the_o justice_n understand_v the_o great_a mercy_n of_o the_o second_o damosel_n give_v judgement_n that_o he_o shall_v wed_v she_o and_o so_o it_o be_v do_v ¶_o this_o emperor_n betoken_v our_o lord_n jesu_n chryst._n the_o ravyssher_n betoken_v every_o sinner_n which_o ravyssh_v god_n mercy_n as_o often_o as_o he_o defoul_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n by_o sin_n for_o the_o devyl_n may_v never_o overcomme_v man_n but_o if_o it_o be_v suffer_v by_o will_n for_o saint_n austyn_n say_v non_fw-fr est_fw-fr peccatum_fw-la nisi_fw-la sit_fw-la voluntarium_fw-la it_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o if_o it_o be_v voluntary_a the_o sinner_n ravyssh_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n as_o oft_o as_o he_o have_v very_a contricyon_n the_o ravysher_n also_o be_v call_v afore_o the_o justyce_n when_o y_a e_o soul_n be_v depart_v from_o the_o body_n and_o anon_o the_o first_o damosel_n that_o be_v the_o devyll_n lay_v against_o the_o sinner_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o dye_v everlastyng_o by_o y_z e_z law_n of_o ryghtwysnes_n but_o that_o other_o maiden_n that_o be_v chryst_n lay_v for_o she_o how_o y_a e_o mercy_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o help_v by_o contricyon_n &_o confessyon_n which_o be_v y_z e_z high_a way_n to_o everlasting_a life_n unto_o the_o which_o god_n bring_v both_o you_o &_o i_o amen_n sometime_o dwell_v in_o rome_n a_o mighty_a emperor_n and_o a_o rich_a name_v lypodyus_fw-la which_o take_v to_o wife_n a_o fair_a vyrgyn_v &_o a_o gentyll_a and_o be_v the_o king_n of_o assyryens_n daughter_n this_o young_a lady_n conceyve_v &_o bear_v a_o child_n &_o in_o the_o birth_n of_o she_o soon_o she_o die_v and_o anon_o after_o her_o decese_n this_o emperor_n wed_v a_o other_o wife_n and_o beget_v she_o with_o child_n also_o and_o anon_o after_o that_o these_o child_n be_v bear_v he_o send_v they_o both_o in_o to_o a_o strange_a land_n for_o to_o be_v nouryssh_v than_o say_v the_o mother_n of_o the_o second_o child_n my_o reverend_a lord_n ten_o year_n be_v pass_v since_o i_o bear_v my_o child_n and_o yet_o see_v i_o he_o never_o but_o once_o &_o that_o be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o my_o lord_n to_o send_v for_o he_o that_o i_o may_v once_o rejoice_v i_o of_o his_o sight_n than_o say_v y_o e_o emperor_n i_o have_v a_o other_o child_n by_o my_o first_o wife_n &_o if_o i_o send_v for_o thy_o soon_o then_o must_v i_o send_v for_o both_o &_o than_o anon_o he_o send_v for_o they_o and_o when_o they_o be_v come_v they_o be_v pass_a fair_a &_o well_o nouryssh_v well_o teach_v and_o pass_v like_a in_o all_o manner_n thing_n that_o unnethe_n that_o one_o may_v be_v know_v from_o that_o other_o but_o if_o it_o be_v only_o of_o the_o father_n than_o say_v the_o mother_n of_o y_z e_z second_o child_n a_o my_o lord_n tell_v i_o which_o of_o these_o be_v my_o soon_o &_o he_o call_v he_o she_o soon_o that_o he_o beget_v on_o his_o first_o wife_n when_o thempresse_n hear_v this_o she_o give_v all_o her_o cure_n to_o nourysshe_v &_o to_o eeche_v he_o &_o despyse_v that_o other_o when_o the_o emperor_n see_v this_o he_o say_v to_o his_o wife_n soth_o i_o have_v deceyve_v the_o for_o he_o that_o y_z e_z love_v so_o moche_n be_v not_o thy_o soon_o but_o that_o other_o be_v thy_o soon_o than_o set_v she_o all_o her_o cure_n upon_o the_o second_o &_o forsake_v the_o first_o when_o the_o emperor_n see_v this_o he_o say_v true_o i_o have_v deceyve_v the_o yet_o without_o doubt_n this_o be_v not_o thy_o soon_o but_o one_o of_o they_o two_o be_v thy_o soon_o than_o say_v y_o e_o mother_n a_o my_o lord_n for_o his_o love_n that_o die_v on_o y_o e_o ride_v tell_v i_o without_o cavellacyon_n which_o of_o they_o be_v my_o soon_o the_o emperor_n answer_v &_o say_v certain_o i_o will_v not_o tell_v you_o till_o they_o be_v comme_fw-fr to_o manhood_n for_o this_o reason_n first_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o this_o be_v thy_o soon_o &_o he_o thou_o nourysshe_v as_o thy_o soon_o and_o forsoke_v that_o other_o &_o when_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o this_o be_v thy_o soon_o than_o you_o e_o despyse_v the_o first_o &_o cherysshede_v the_o second_o therefore_o i_o will_v that_o thou_o cherysshe_v &_o nourrysshe_v they_o both_o till_o they_o come_v to_o that_o y_z e_z may_v have_v joy_n of_o they_o when_o thempresse_n hear_v this_o â–ª_o she_o nouryssh_v they_o both_o a_o like_a and_o when_o they_o be_v both_o comme_fw-fr to_o age_n themperour_n make_v a_o great_a supper_n and_o before_o all_o his_o gest_n he_o tell_v his_o wife_n open_o which_o of_o they_o be_v her_o child_n than_o rejoice_v she_o great_o &_o with_o she_o soon_o she_o end_v her_o life_n in_o peace_n and_o rest_n ¶_o this_o emperor_n son_n betoken_v those_o y_o to_o be_v choose_v to_o everlasting_a life_n &_o those_o y_fw-es e_fw-es be_v not_o choose_v the_o mother_n of_o they_o be_v the_o chyrche_n y_fw-fr t_o nouryssh_v they_o both_o therefore_o our_o lord_n will_v not_o y_o it_o the_o chyrche_n shall_v know_v which_o be_v choose_v and_o which_o be_v not_o choose_v for_o if_o she_o know_v that_o than_o will_v she_o love_v y_z e_o one_o &_o hate_n y_fw-fr e_o other_o &_o so_o shall_v charyte_v be_v overthrow_v among_o we_o &_o shall_v live_v in_o discord_n &_o strife_n but_o troth_n at_o the_o day_n of_o doom_n shall_v tell_v we_o which_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o which_o shall_v be_v damn_a therefore_o pray_v we_o in_o this_o world_n that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o everla_a feest_n in_o heaven_n unto_o the_o which_o god_n bring_v both_o you_o &_o i_o amen_n sometime_o dwell_v in_o rome_n a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v polennus_n which_o have_v three_o son_n who_o he_o love_v moche_n it_o befall_v upon_o a_o day_n when_o this_o emperor_n lie_v upon_o his_o bed_n he_o bethink_v he_o to_o which_o of_o his_o son_n he_o may_v gyve_v his_o empire_n after_o his_o decese_n than_o call_v he_o to_o he_o his_o three_o son_n and_o say_v which_o of_o you_o three_o y_o it_o be_v slow_a shall_v have_v my_o empire_n after_o
death_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o turment_n thou_o shall_v never_o have_v i_o to_o consent_v to_o such_o sin_n when_o he_o hear_v this_o he_o unclothe_v she_o all_o save_o her_o smock_n and_o hinge_n she_o up_o by_o the_o hear_v upon_o a_o tree_n and_o â—yed_v her_o stead_n beside_o she_o and_o so_o ride_v forth_o to_o his_o fellow_n &_o tell_v they_o that_o great_a hoost_n of_o man_n meâ—te_v he_o &_o take_v the_o empress_n away_o from_o he_o and_o when_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o this_o they_o make_v all_o great_a sorrow_n it_o befall_v on_o the_o three_o day_n after_o there_o come_v a_o earl_n to_o hunt_v in_o that_o forest_n and_o as_o he_o ride_v beat_v the_o brake_n there_o start_v a_o fox_n who_o his_o hound_n follow_v fast_o till_o they_o come_v never_o the_o tree_n where_o the_o empress_n hinge_n and_o when_o the_o dog_n feel_v the_o savour_n of_o she_o they_o leave_v the_o fox_n &_o run_v toward_o the_o tree_n as_o fast_o as_o they_o coude_fw-fr the_o earl_n sing_v this_o wonder_v great_o and_o spur_v his_o horse_n and_o follow_v they_o till_o he_o come_v where_o as_o the_o empress_n hinge_n when_o the_o earl_n see_v she_o thus_o hang_a he_o marvel_v great_o for_o as_o moche_v as_o she_o be_v right_a fair_a and_o gracious_a to_o behold_v wherefore_o he_o say_v unto_o she_o in_o this_o manner_n wise_n o_o woman_n who_o be_v thou_o and_o of_o what_o country_n and_o wherefore_o hang_v thou_o here_o in_o this_o manner_n wise_n the_o empress_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o full_o deed_n but_o in_o point_n ready_a to_o dye_v answer_v &_o say_v i_o be_o quod_fw-la she_o a_o strange_a woman_n and_o i_o be_o come_v out_o fro_o far_a country_n but_o how_o i_o come_v hither_o god_n know_v than_o answer_v the_o earl_n and_o say_v who_o horse_n be_v this_o that_o stand_v here_o by_o the_o bind_v to_o this_o tree_n than_o answer_v the_o lady_n â–ª_o and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v she_o when_o the_o earl_n hear_v this_o he_o know_v well_o that_o she_o be_v a_o gentylwoman_n and_o come_v of_o some_o noble_a kynrede_n wherefore_o he_o be_v the_o rather_o move_v with_o pyte_n and_o say_v unto_o she_o o_o fair_a lady_n thou_o seme_v of_o gentyll_a blood_n and_o therefore_o i_o purpose_v to_o delyver_v the_o from_o this_o mischief_n if_o thou_o wylte_n promise_v to_o go_v with_o i_o and_o nourysshe_v my_o fair_a young_a daughter_n and_o teach_v she_o at_o home_n in_o my_o castle_n for_o i_o have_v no_o child_n but_o only_o she_o &_o if_o you_o u._fw-mi keep_v she_o well_o thou_o shall_v have_v a_o good_a reward_n for_o thy_o labour_n than_o say_v she_o as_o farforth_o as_o i_o can_v or_o may_v i_o shall_v fulfil_v thy_o intent_n and_o when_o she_o have_v thus_o promise_v he_o he_o take_v she_o down_o of_o the_o tree_n and_o lead_v she_o home_o to_o his_o castle_n and_o give_v she_o the_o keep_a of_o his_o daughter_n that_o he_o love_v so_o moche_n and_o she_o be_v cheryssh_v so_o well_o that_o she_o lie_v every_o night_n in_o the_o earl_n chambre_n &_o his_o daughter_n with_o she_o &_o in_o his_o chambre_n every_o night_n there_o burn_v a_o lamp_n the_o which_o hinge_n bytwene_v y_o e_fw-la empress_n bed_n and_o y_z e_z earl_n bed_n this_o lady_n bear_v she_o so_o gentylly_a that_o she_o be_v belove_v of_o every_o creature_n there_o be_v that_o time_n in_o the_o earl_n court_v a_o steward_n which_o moche_n love_v this_o empress_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o oftentimes_o speak_v to_o she_o of_o his_o love_n but_o she_o answer_v he_o again_o &_o say_v know_v you_o dear_a friend_n for_o certain_a that_o i_o have_v make_v a_o solemn_a vow_n that_o i_o shall_v never_o love_v man_n in_o such_o wise_n but_o only_o he_o who_o i_o be_o great_o behold_v to_o love_n by_o god_n commandment_n than_o say_v the_o steward_n thou_o wylte_n not_o than_o consent_n unto_o i_o my_o lord_n quoth_v she_o what_o need_v the_o any_o more_o to_o ask_v such_o thing_n the_o vow_n that_o i_o have_v make_v true_o shall_v i_o keep_v and_o hold_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o when_o the_o steward_n hear_v this_o he_o go_v his_o way_n in_o great_a wrath_n and_o anger_n think_v within_o himself_o if_o i_o may_v i_o shall_v bewroken_v on_o the._n it_o befall_v upon_o a_o night_n within_o short_a time_n after_o that_o the_o earl_n chambre_n door_n be_v forgoten_a and_o leave_v unshette_v which_o the_o steward_n have_v anon_o perceyve_v and_o when_o they_o be_v all_o a_o sleep_v he_o go_v and_o espy_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lamp_n where_o the_o empress_n and_o the_o young_a maiden_n lie_v togyder_n and_o with_o that_o he_o draw_v out_o his_o knife_n &_o cut_v the_o throat_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o earl_n daughter_n and_o put_v the_o bloody_a knife_n in_o to_o the_o empress_n hand_n she_o be_v a_o sleep_v &_o nothing_o know_v thereof_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o when_o the_o earl_n awake_v he_o shall_v see_v y_o e_fw-la knife_n in_o her_o hand_n &_o that_o he_o shall_v think_v that_o she_o have_v cut_v his_o doughter_n throat_n wherefore_o she_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o a_o shameful_a death_n for_o his_o myschevous_a deed_n and_o when_o this_o damosel_n be_v thus_o slay_v and_o the_o bloody_a knife_n in_o the_o empress_n hand_n the_o countess_n awake_v out_o of_o she_o sleep_v and_o see_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lamp_n the_o bloody_a knife_n in_o the_o empress_n hand_n wherefore_o she_o be_v almoo_v out_o of_o her_o mind_n and_o say_v to_o the_o earl_n o_o my_o lord_n behold_v in_o yonder_o lady_n hand_n a_o wonderful_a thing_n anon_o the_o earl_n awake_v and_o behold_v on_o the_o empress_n bed_n &_o see_v the_o bloody_a knife_n as_o the_o countess_n have_v say_v wherefore_o he_o be_v great_o move_v and_o cry_v to_o she_o and_o say_v awake_v woman_n of_o thy_o sleep_v what_o thing_n be_v this_o that_o i_o se_fw-mi in_o thy_o hand_n anon_o you_o e_o empress_n through_o his_o cry_n awake_v out_o of_o she_o sleep_v and_o in_o she_o wake_v the_o knife_n fall_v out_o of_o her_o hand_n and_o with_o that_o she_o look_v by_o she_o &_o find_v the_o earl_n daughter_n deed_n by_o her_o side_n and_o all_o the_o bed_n full_a of_o blood_n wherefore_o with_o a_o huge_a voice_n she_o cry_v &_o say_v alas_o alas_o &_o wellaway_o my_o lord_n daughter_n be_v slay_v than_o cry_v the_o countess_n unto_o the_o earl_n with_o a_o piteous_a voice_n and_o say_v a_o my_o lord_n let_v that_o devyllysshe_a woman_n be_v put_v to_o the_o moo_v foul_a death_n that_o can_v be_v think_v that_o thus_o have_v slay_v our_o only_a child_n and_o when_o the_o countess_n have_v say_v thus_o to_o the_o earl_n she_o say_v to_o the_o empress_n in_o this_o wise_n the_o high_a god_n know_v that_o thou_o mischevous_a woman_n have_v slay_v my_o daughter_n w_o t_o thy_o own_o hand_n for_o i_o see_v the_o bloody_a knife_n in_o thy_o hand_n and_o therefore_o thou_o shall_v dye_v a_o foul_a death_n than_o say_v the_o earl_n in_o this_o wise_n o_o thou_o woman_n be_v it_o not_o that_o i_o drede_v god_n great_o i_o shall_v cleve_v thy_o body_n with_o my_o sword_n in_o two_o part_n for_o i_o delyver_v the_o from_o hang_a &_o now_o thou_o have_v slay_v my_o daughter_n nevertheless_o for_o i_o thou_o shall_v have_v no_o harm_n therefore_o go_v thy_o way_n out_o of_o this_o ciâ—e_n without_o any_o delay_n for_o if_o i_o find_v the_o here_o this_o day_n thou_o shall_v dye_v a_o evyll_n death_n than_o arise_v this_o woeful_a empress_n and_o do_v on_o her_o clothes_n and_o after_o leap_v on_o her_o palfrey_n &_o road_n toward_o the_o ee_v alone_o without_o any_o safe_a conduyte_o and_o as_o she_o ride_v thus_o mourning_a by_o y_z e_z way_n she_o espy_v on_o the_o left_a side_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o way_n a_o pair_n of_o galous_a and_o seven_o sergeaunte_n lede_v a_o man_n to_o the_o galous_a for_o to_o be_v hang_v wherefore_o she_o be_v move_v with_o great_a pyte_n and_o smite_v her_o horse_n with_o the_o spur_n and_o ride_v to_o they_o prayinge_v they_o that_o she_o may_v buy_v that_o mysdoâ—r_n if_o he_o may_v be_v save_v from_o death_n for_o any_o meed_n than_o say_v they_o lady_n it_o please_v we_o well_o that_o thou_o buy_v he_o anon_o the_o empress_n accord_v with_o they_o &_o pay_v his_o raunsom_n &_o than_o he_o be_v delyver_v thus_o say_v she_o to_o he_o now_o dear_a friend_n be_v true_a till_o thou_o die_v since_o i_o have_v delyver_v the_o from_o dethe_v on_o my_o soul_n quoth_v he_o i_o promise_v you_o ever_o to_o be_v true_a and_o when_o he_o have_v thus_o say_v â–ª_o he_o follow_v the_o lady_n still_o till_o they_o come_v nigh_o a_o cyte_n and_o than_o say_v the_o empress_n to_o
silver_n have_v blind_v the_o eye_n of_o judge_n &_o have_v overthrow_v wise_a man_n so_o that_o equite_v and_o ryghtwysâ—es_n may_v not_o entre_fw-fr but_o stand_v aferre_v and_o turn_v their_o back_n this_o lady_n also_o buy_v a_o man_n from_o hang_a that_o be_v to_o say_v from_o everlasting_a death_n which_o he_o have_v deserve_v by_o deed_o sin_n therefore_o do_v we_o as_o do_v this_o lady_n smite_v we_o our_o horse_n that_o be_v to_o say_v our_o flesh_n with_o the_o spur_n of_o penance_n &_o so_o ride_v we_o â—orth_o in_o all_o haste_n to_o save_v our_o neighbour_n from_o the_o galous_a of_o deed_o sin_n help_a he_o both_o bodily_a and_o goostly_a as_o solomon_n say_v woe_n be_v to_o that_o man_n lyenge_a in_o deed_o sin_n that_o have_v no_o man_n to_o lyfte_v he_o out_o thereof_o therefore_o awake_v thy_o neighbour_n and_o help_v he_o for_o a_o brother_n that_o be_v holpen_v of_o a_o other_o be_v like_o a_o sure_a cyte_n &_o if_o he_o gyve_v no_o more_o but_o a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n to_o he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o help_n he_o shall_v not_o lose_v his_o reward_n but_o many_o now_o a_o day_n be_v full_a unkind_a as_o be_v this_o thief_n which_o false_o deceyve_v his_o lady_n after_o y_a to_o she_o have_v save_v he_o from_o hang_v the_o master_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o ship_n betoken_v y_o e_o world_n by_o who_o many_o man_n be_v deceyve_v but_o nevertheless_o as_o oft_o as_o a_o man_n take_v on_o he_o wilful_o the_o charge_n of_o poverte_a &_o obey_v unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o forsake_v the_o world_n than_o breke_v the_o ship_n for_o it_o be_v impossyble_a to_o please_v god_n &_o man_n and_o the_o world_n at_o one_o when_o this_o lady_n have_v escape_v the_o tempest_n of_o the_o see_v she_o go_v to_o a_o nonry_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o soul_n after_o y_z e_z trouble_n of_o this_o world_n go_v to_o the_o holy_a life_n &_o than_o she_o heal_v all_o manner_n sycke_n folk_n that_o be_v to_o say_v every_o man_n that_o be_v trouble_v in_o his_o soul_n that_o be_v to_o say_v infect_a with_o dyverse_a syckness_n that_o this_o lady_n heal_v through_o holy_a life_n but_o the_o soul_n may_v not_o be_v seen_v of_o chryst_n her_o husband_n till_o she_o have_v knowlege_v open_o all_o her_o u_o wytte_v how_o she_o have_v spend_v they_o but_o when_o she_o have_v make_v a_o pure_a confessyon_n than_o you_o e_o emperor_n our_o lord_n god_n her_o husband_n know_v she_o &_o take_v she_o in_o his_o arm_n &_o lead_v she_o home_o to_o the_o palay_n of_o heaven_n unto_o the_o which_o almyghty_a god_n bring_v we_o all_o amen_n in_o rome_n dwell_v sometime_o a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v martin_n which_o for_o love_n keep_v with_o he_o his_o brother_n soon_o who_o man_n call_v fulgentyus_fw-la with_o this_o martin_n dwell_v also_o a_o knight_n that_o be_v steward_n of_o his_o empire_n and_o uncle_n unto_o the_o emperor_n which_o envy_a this_o fulgentius_n &_o study_a day_n &_o night_n how_o he_o may_v bring_v the_o emperor_n &_o this_o child_n at_o debate_n wherefore_o the_o steward_n on_o a_o day_n go_v unto_o the_o emperor_n &_o say_v my_o lord_n quoth_v he_o i_o that_o be_o your_o true_a servant_n owe_v of_o duty_n to_o warn_v your_o highness_n if_o i_o hear_v any_o thing_n y_o it_o touch_v your_o honour_n wherefore_o i_o have_v hear_v such_o thing_n that_o i_o must_v needs_o utter_v it_o in_o secret_a unto_o your_o lordship_n bytwene_v we_o two_o than_o say_v the_o emperor_n good_a friend_n quoth_v he_o say_v on_o what_o the_o list_v my_o moost_n dear_a lord_n quoth_v the_o steward_n fulgentius_n your_o cousin_n and_o your_o nigh_o kynsman_n have_v defame_v you_o wonderful_o and_o shameful_o through_o out_o all_o your_o empire_n sayinge_v that_o your_o breath_n stynk_v and_o that_o it_o be_v death_n to_o he_o to_o serve_v you_o of_o your_o cup._n than_o the_o emperor_n wax_v wroth_a and_o be_v almoo_v beside_o himself_o for_o anger_n and_o say_v to_o he_o thus_o i_o pray_v the_o my_o good_a friend_n tell_v i_o the_o very_a troth_n if_o that_o my_o breath_n so_o stynk_v as_o he_o say_v my_o lord_n quoth_v the_o steward_n you_o may_v byleve_v i_o i_o never_o perceyve_v a_o sweet_a breath_n in_o my_o day_n than_o you_o be_v than_o say_v the_o emperor_n i_o pray_v the_o good_a friend_n tell_v i_o how_o i_o may_v bring_v this_o thing_n to_o a_o good_a proof_n the_o steward_n answer_v and_o say_v my_o lord_n quoth_v he_o you_o shall_v right_a well_o understande_v the_o troth_n for_o to_o morrow_n next_o when_o he_o serve_v you_o of_o your_o cup_n you_o shall_v see_v that_o he_o shall_v turn_v away_o his_o face_n from_o you_o because_o of_o your_o brethe_fw-mi and_o this_o be_v the_o moost_n veray_fw-fr proof_n that_o may_v be_v have_v of_o this_o thing_n forsooth_o quod_fw-la the_o emperor_n a_o true_a proof_n can_v not_o be_v have_v of_o this_o thing_n wherefore_o anon_o when_o the_o steward_n hear_v this_o he_o go_v straight_o to_o fulgentius_n and_o take_v he_o aside_o sayinge_v thus_o dear_a friend_n thou_o be_v my_o kynsman_n and_o also_o nenewe_v unto_o my_o lord_n the_o emperor_n therefore_o if_o thou_o wylte_n con_v i_o thank_v i_o will_v tell_v the_o of_o the_o vice_n whereof_o my_o lord_n the_o emperor_n complain_v oft_o and_o thynk_v to_o put_v the_o from_o he_o but_o if_o it_o be_v the_o rather_o amend_v and_o that_o may_v be_v a_o great_a reprofe_n to_o the._n than_o say_v this_o fulgentius_n a_o good_a sir_n for_o his_o love_n that_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n tell_v i_o why_o my_o lord_n be_v so_o sore_o move_v with_o i_o for_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o amedde_v my_o defaute_n in_o all_o that_o i_o can_v or_o may_v and_o for_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o your_o good_a and_o dyscrete_a counseyle_n thy_o breath_n quoth_v the_o steward_n stynk_v so_o sore_o that_o his_o drink_n do_v he_o no_o good_a so_o grevous_a be_v unto_o he_o the_o stynk_n breath_n of_o thy_o mouth_n than_o say_v fulgentyus_fw-la unto_o the_o steward_n true_o that_o perceyve_v i_o never_o till_o now_o but_o what_o thynk_v you_o of_o my_o brethe_fw-mi i_o pray_v you_o to_o tell_v i_o the_o very_a troth_n soth_o quoth_v the_o steward_n it_o stynk_v great_o and_o foul_a and_o this_o fulgentius_n byleve_v all_o that_o he_o say_v and_o be_v right_a sorrowful_a in_o his_o mind_n and_o pray_v the_o steward_n of_o his_o counseyle_n and_o help_v in_o this_o woeful_a case_n than_o say_v the_o steward_n unto_o he_o if_o that_o thou_o will_v do_v by_o my_o counseyle_n i_o shall_v bring_v this_o mate_n to_o a_o good_a conclusion_n therefore_o do_v as_o i_o shall_v tell_v the._n i_o counseyle_v the_o for_o y_z e_z best_o and_o also_o warn_v the_o that_o when_o thou_o serve_v my_o lord_n the_o emperor_n of_o his_o cup_n that_o than_o thou_o turn_v thy_o face_n away_o from_o he_o so_o that_o he_o may_v not_o feel_v thy_o stynk_n brethe_v unto_o the_o time_n that_o thou_o have_v provyde_v the_o of_o some_o remedy_n therefore_o than_o be_v fulgentyus_fw-la right_a glad_o and_o swear_v to_o he_o that_o he_o will_v do_v by_o his_o counseyle_n not_o long_o after_o it_o befall_v that_o this_o young_a man_n fulgentyus_fw-la serve_v his_o lord_n as_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o do_v and_o therewith_o sodeyn_o he_o turn_v his_o face_n from_o his_o lord_n as_o the_o steward_n have_v teach_v he_o and_o when_o the_o emperor_n perceyve_v the_o avoid_n of_o his_o heed_n he_o smite_v this_o young_a fulgentius_n on_o the_o breast_n with_o his_o foot_n and_o say_v to_o he_o thus_o o_o thou_o naughty_a rybawde_n now_o see_v i_o well_o it_o be_v true_a that_o i_o have_v herd_n of_o the_o and_o therefore_o go_v thou_o anon_o out_o of_o my_o sight_n that_o i_o see_v the_o no_o more_o in_o this_o place_n and_o with_o that_o this_o young_a fulgentyus_fw-la weep_v full_o sore_a and_o avoid_v the_o place_n and_o go_v out_o of_o his_o sight_n and_o when_o this_o be_v so_o do_v the_o emperor_n call_v unto_o he_o his_o steward_n and_o say_v how_o may_v i_o put_v this_o rybawde_n from_o the_o world_n that_o thus_o have_v defame_v i_o my_o moost_n dear_a lord_n quoth_v the_o steward_n right_a well_o you_o shall_v have_v your_o intent_n for_o here_o beside_o wythyn_a these_o three_o mile_n you_o have_v bryckmaker_n which_o daily_o make_v great_a fire_n for_o to_o brenne_fw-fr brycke_n and_o also_o they_o make_v lime_n therefore_o my_o lord_n send_v to_o they_o this_o night_n and_o charge_v they_o upon_o pain_n of_o death_n that_o who_o so_o ever_o come_v to_o they_o first_o on_o the_o morrow_n sayinge_v to_o they_o thus_o my_o lord_n command_v you_o to_o fulfil_v his_o will_n that_o they_o take_v he_o and_o cast_v he_o
thy_o good_a cheer_n &_o thy_o soon_o that_o be_v bear_v to_o night_n i_o will_v have_v for_o to_o nourysshe_v &_o bring_v up_o in_o my_o court_n and_o to_o morrow_n i_o shall_v send_v for_o he_o a_o my_o gracious_a lord_n quoth_v the_o foster_n it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a that_o such_o a_o noble_a emperor_n shall_v nourysshe_v the_o child_n of_o his_o subgecte_n and_o servant_n nevertheless_o your_o will_n be_v fulfyl_v for_o when_o your_o messenger_n come_v i_o shall_v delyver_v they_o my_o soon_o when_o this_o be_v say_v the_o emperor_n take_v his_o leave_n and_o ride_v home_o toward_o his_o palay_n and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v home_o he_o call_v unto_o he_o such_o servant_n as_o he_o trust_v best_a and_o say_v to_o they_o thus_o go_v you_o quoth_v he_o unto_o my_o foster_n with_o who_o i_o be_v lodge_v this_o night_n in_o the_o forest_n and_o receyve_v of_o he_o his_o soon_o of_o which_o his_o wife_n be_v delyver_v this_o night_n and_o upon_o pain_n of_o death_n i_o command_v you_o that_o you_o flee_v he_o by_o the_o way_n and_o cast_v his_o flesh_n to_o the_o dog_n but_o bring_v with_o you_o the_o herte_n to_o i_o and_o but_o you_o fulfil_v my_o commandment_n you_o shall_v dye_v the_o moo_v foul_a death_n that_o can_v be_v think_v anon_o his_o servant_n go_v to_o the_o forest_n and_o receyve_v the_o foster_v soon_o and_o bring_v he_o with_o they_o and_o when_o they_o be_v come_v never_o unto_o the_o palay_n one_o of_o they_o say_v how_o shall_v we_o do_v that_o we_o may_v fulfil_v our_o lord_n commandment_n in_o sle_v of_o this_o child_n some_o answer_v &_o say_v that_o the_o child_n shall_v be_v slay_v and_o some_o will_v have_v save_v his_o life_n and_o while_o they_o strive_v thus_o among_o themselves_o one_o of_o they_o that_o be_v moo_v merciful_a say_v unto_o the_o other_o o_o my_o good_a friend_n hear_v my_o counseyle_n and_o you_o shall_v not_o forthynke_v it_o if_o we_o murder_v this_o innocent_a child_n we_o shall_v great_o offend_v almyghty_a god_n therefore_o here_o be_v young_a pygge_n sleâ—we_v one_o of_o they_o and_o than_o may_v we_o bear_v with_o we_o his_o herte_n and_o present_v it_o unto_o the_o emperor_n sayinge_v that_o it_o be_v the_o herte_n of_o the_o child_n and_o thus_o shall_v we_o not_o shede_v the_o chyldes_n blood_n than_o say_v they_o thy_o counseyle_n be_v good_a but_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v with_o the_o child_n good_a friend_n quoth_v he_o let_v we_o wrap_v he_o in_o some_o clothes_n &_o lie_v he_o in_o some_o holowe_v tree_n for_o peraventure_fw-fr god_n will_v help_v he_o and_o save_v his_o life_n and_o when_o he_o have_v thus_o say_v they_o do_v glad_o after_o his_o counseyle_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o slay_v the_o pygge_n &_o go_v their_o way_n and_o bare_a home_n with_o they_o the_o pygges_n hertâ—_n to_o the_o emperor_n sayinge_v unto_o he_o thus_o 'loo_o gracious_a lord_n we_o have_v slay_v the_o child_n as_o you_o command_v we_o and_o with_o that_o they_o show_v he_o the_o pygge_n herte_fw-fr the_o emperor_n suppose_v that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o chyldes_n herte_n take_v it_o &_o ke_v it_o in_o to_o the_o fire_n despyteous_o sayinge_v 'loo_o that_o be_v the_o herte_n of_o he_o which_o shall_v have_v be_v emperor_n after_o i_o 'loo_o what_o be_v to_o byleve_v in_o dremes_n &_o vysyon_n which_o be_v nought_o else_o but_o fantasye_n and_o vain_a thing_n the_o second_o day_n after_o that_o the_o child_n be_v put_v in_o to_o the_o holowe_v tree_n thâ—re_o come_v a_o earl_n for_o to_o hunt_v in_o the_o forest_n and_o as_o his_o hound_n chase_v a_o heart_n they_o come_v to_o this_o holowe_v tree_n where_o the_o child_n lie_v and_o when_o they_o feel_v the_o savour_n of_o the_o child_n they_o will_v go_v no_o far_o the_o earl_n sing_v this_o meruayl_v great_o why_o his_o hound_n abode_n there_o and_o smite_v his_o horse_n with_o the_o spur_n and_o ride_v a_o great_a pace_n till_o he_o come_v to_o they_o and_o when_o he_o come_v unto_o the_o tree_n wherein_o the_o child_n be_v lay_v he_o look_v in_o at_o a_o hole_n &_o see_v there_o the_o child_n lyenge_a and_o than_o be_v he_o right_a glad_a and_o take_v up_o the_o child_n in_o his_o arm_n full_a lovyng_o and_o bear_v he_o home_o unto_o his_o castle_n sayinge_v unto_o the_o countess_n his_o wife_n 'loo_o my_o dear_a wife_n this_o day_n by_o fortune_n i_o have_v â—ounde_v a_o full_a fair_a child_n in_o a_o holowe_v tree_n as_o i_o hunt_v in_o y_z e_z forest_n whereof_o i_o be_o right_a glad_a and_o because_o that_o i_o never_o beget_v soon_o ne_o daughter_n on_o the_o ne_o thou_o never_o yet_o conceyve_v a_o child_n therefore_o i_o exhort_v the_o that_o thou_o wylte_n feign_v thyself_o travayl_v of_o child_n and_o say_v that_o thou_o have_v bear_v this_o child_n the_o countess_n fulfyl_v right_a glad_o the_o earl_n will_v and_o desire_n and_o say_v my_o moost_n dear_a lord_n your_o will_n in_o this_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v not_o long_o after_o this_o tydynge_n go_v through_o out_o all_o that_o country_n that_o the_o countess_n be_v delyver_v of_o a_o fayâ—e_n soon_o wherefore_o every_o man_n make_v great_a joy_n the_o child_n begin_v to_o grow_v and_o be_v right_a well_o belove_v of_o every_o man_n and_o moo_v specyal_o of_o the_o earl_n and_o of_o the_o countess_n it_o befall_v after_o when_o the_o child_n be_v xu_o year_n of_o age_n the_o emperor_n make_v a_o solemn_a fee_v unto_o all_o y_z e_z lord_n of_o his_o empire_n unto_o the_o which_o fee_v this_o earl_n be_v call_v and_o at_o the_o day_n assign_v he_o come_v and_o bring_v the_o child_n w_o t_z he_o which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o fair_a young_a squyer_n &_o carve_v at_o the_o board_n before_o the_o earl_n the_o emperor_n great_o behold_v he_o and_o espy_v the_o token_n in_o his_o foreheed_n which_o he_o have_v seen_v before_o in_o the_o foster_v house_n â–ª_o wherefore_o he_o be_v great_o move_v &_o vex_v within_o 〈…〉_o and_o say_v unto_o the_o earl_n in_o this_o wise_n who_o soon_o be_v this_o soth_o say_v the_o earl_n he_o be_v my_o soon_o than_o say_v y_o e_o emperor_n by_o the_o faith_n and_o troth_n that_o thou_o owe_v unto_o i_o tell_v i_o the_o troth_n the_o earl_n sing_v that_o he_o may_v not_o excuse_v himself_o by_o no_o manner_n wise_a but_o that_o needs_o he_o must_v tell_v he_o the_o truth_n than_o tell_v he_o he_o all_o together_o how_o he_o have_v find_v he_o in_o the_o forest_n in_o a_o holowe_v tree_n this_o hear_n the_o emperor_n be_v almoo_v out_o of_o his_o right_a mind_n for_o anger_n and_o call_v unto_o he_o his_o servant_n which_o he_o have_v send_v before_o to_o slay_v y_z e_o child_n and_o when_o they_o come_v before_o he_o he_o make_v they_o for_o to_o swear_v upon_o a_o book_n that_o they_o shall_v tell_v he_o the_o troth_n what_o they_o have_v do_v with_o the_o child_n gracious_a lord_n say_v they_o we_o put_v we_o unto_o your_o grace_n &_o goodness_n for_o without_o doubt_n pyte_n so_o move_v we_o that_o we_o may_v not_o â—lee_v he_o and_o than_o we_o put_v he_o in_o a_o holowe_v tree_n but_o what_o afterward_o befall_v of_o he_o soth_o we_o know_v not_o and_o in_o his_o stead_n we_o slay_v a_o pygge_n and_o bring_v you_o the_o herte_n thereof_o when_o the_o emperor_n have_v herd_n the_o very_a truth_n of_o this_o matter_n he_o say_v unto_o y_z e_o earl_n this_o young_a man_n quoth_v he_o shall_v abide_v here_o with_o i_o the_o earl_n anon_o grant_v though_o it_o be_v great_o against_o his_o will_n and_o when_o the_o fee_v be_v end_v every_o man_n take_v his_o leave_n at_o the_o emperor_n and_o go_v where_o as_o they_o list_v and_o at_o that_o time_n it_o fortune_v that_o the_o empress_n &_o her_o daughter_n sojourn_v in_o a_o great_a country_n far_o fro_o then_v by_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o emperor_n it_o befall_v not_o long_o after_o the_o emperor_n call_v unto_o he_o that_o young_a squyer_n and_o say_v the_o behove_v quoth_v he_o to_o ride_v unto_o the_o empress_n my_o wife_n with_o my_o letter_n i_o be_o ready_a at_o your_o commandment_n my_o lord_n say_v he_o to_o fulfil_v your_o desire_n anon_o the_o emperor_n let_v write_v letter_n whereof_o the_o intent_n be_v this_o that_o the_o empress_n shall_v take_v the_o bearer_n of_o these_o letter_n and_o let_v he_o be_v draw_v at_o a_o horse_n tail_n and_o after_o that_o she_o shall_v let_v he_o be_v hang_v till_o he_o be_v deed_n and_o that_o upon_o pain_n of_o death_n when_o the_o letter_n be_v all_o make_v and_o seal_v than_o the_o emperor_n take_v they_o unto_o the_o young_a squyer_n command_v he_o to_o speed_n he_o on_o his_o journey_n and_o
man_n which_o study_v ever_o to_o watch_v in_o do_v of_o good_a werke_n yield_v to_o god_n for_o sin_n the_o fire_n of_o charyte_n and_o the_o water_n of_o contricyon_n but_o aftentymes_o the_o tyrant_n which_o betoken_v the_o devyll_n put_v out_o the_o fire_n of_o charyte_n from_o man_n herte_n and_o cast_v out_o y_o e_o water_n of_o contricyon_n so_o that_o they_o may_v not_o nourysshe_v the_o lyttel_n child_n jesus_n therefore_o let_v we_o watch_v as_o jonathas_n do_v that_o we_o entre_fw-fr not_o in_o to_o temptacyon_n and_o call_v we_o unto_o we_o mason_n that_o be_v to_o say_v dyscrete_a confessor_n which_o can_v make_v in_o our_o herte_n a_o chambre_n of_o stone_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o sure_a faith_n and_o hope_n than_o call_v we_o to_o we_o painter_n that_o be_v to_o say_v precher_n of_o god_n word_n which_o can_v paint_v in_o our_o herte_n ten_o ymage_n that_o be_v to_o say_v ten_o commandment_n which_o if_o thou_o keep_v and_o observe_v daily_o without_o doubt_n thou_o shall_v be_v honour_v in_o heaven_n and_o if_o thou_o keep_v well_o the_o emperor_n soon_o thou_o shall_v sit_v in_o a_o chair_n of_o gold_n crown_v with_o a_o crown_n of_o gold_n and_o if_o that_o thou_o nourysshe_v he_o not_o well_o without_o doubt_n thou_o shall_v be_v hang_v on_o the_o galous_a of_o hell_n from_o the_o which_o preserve_v we_o our_o bless_v savyour_fw-mi jesus_n amen_n in_o rome_n dwell_v sometime_o a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v menaly_n which_o have_v wed_v the_o king_n daughter_n of_o hungary_n a_o fair_a lady_n &_o a_o gracious_a in_o all_o her_o werke_n and_o specyal_o she_o be_v merciful_a on_o a_o time_n as_o the_o emperor_n lie_v in_o his_o bed_n he_o bethink_v he_o that_o he_o will_v go_v vysyte_n the_o holy_a land_n and_o on_o y_z e_z morrow_n he_o call_v to_o he_o the_o empress_n his_o wife_n &_o his_o own_o only_a brother_n &_o thus_o he_o say_v dear_a lady_n i_o may_v not_o ne_o i_o will_v not_o hide_v from_o you_o the_o prevytee_n of_o my_o herte_n i_o purpose_v to_o vysyte_n the_o holy_a land_n wherefore_o i_o ordain_v the_o princypal_o to_o be_v lady_n and_o governor_n over_o all_o my_o empire_n &_o all_o my_o people_n and_o under_o the_o i_o ordeyn_a here_o my_o brother_n to_o be_v thy_o steward_n for_o to_o provyde_v all_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v profitable_a to_o my_o empire_n &_o to_o my_o people_n than_o say_v the_o empress_n since_o it_o will_v none_o otherwise_o be_v but_o that_o needs_o you_o will_v go_v to_o the_o holy_a land_n i_o shall_v be_v in_o your_o absence_n as_o true_a as_o any_o turtyll_o that_o have_v lose_v she_o make_v for_o as_o i_o byleve_v you_o shall_v not_o escape_v then_n with_o your_o life_n the_o emperor_n anon_o comfort_v she_o with_o fair_a word_n and_o kyss_v she_o and_o after_o that_o take_v his_o leave_n of_o she_o and_o of_o all_o other_o and_o so_o go_v forth_o toward_o the_o holy_a land_n and_o anon_o after_o that_o the_o emperor_n be_v go_v his_o brother_n become_v so_o proud_a that_o he_o oppress_v poor_a man_n &_o rob_v rich_a man_n &_o yet_o do_v he_o worse_a than_o this_o for_o daily_o he_o sâ—erâ—d_v the_o empress_n to_o sin_n with_o he_o but_o ever_o she_o answer_v again_o as_o a_o holy_a and_o a_o devoute_a woman_n and_o say_v i_o will_v quod_fw-la she_o never_o consent_v to_o you_o ne_v to_o none_o other_o as_o long_o as_o my_o lord_n lyve_v nevertheless_o this_o knight_n will_v not_o leave_v by_o this_o auswere_n but_o ever_o when_o he_o find_v she_o alone_o he_o make_v his_o complaint_n to_o she_o and_o stere_v she_o by_o all_o the_o way_n that_o he_o coude_fw-fr to_o sin_n with_o he_o when_o this_o lady_n see_v that_o he_o will_v not_o cease_v for_o no_o answer_n ne_o will_v not_o amend_v himself_o when_o she_o see_v her_o time_n she_o call_v to_o her_o three_o or_o four_o of_o y_fw-fr e_o worthy_a man_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o say_v to_o they_o thus_o it_o be_v not_o unknowen_a to_o you_o that_o my_o lord_n the_o emperor_n ordain_v i_o pryncipall_a governor_n of_o this_o empire_n and_o also_o he_o ordain_v his_o brother_n to_o be_v steward_n under_o i_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v nothing_o without_o my_o conseyle_n but_o he_o do_v all_o the_o contrary_a for_o he_o oppress_v great_o poor_a man_n and_o robbet_n rich_a man_n and_o yet_o he_o will_v do_v worse_o if_o he_o may_v have_v his_o intent_n wherefore_o i_o command_v you_o in_o my_o lord_n name_n that_o you_o bound_v he_o fast_o &_o cast_v he_o in_o prison_n than_o say_v they_o soth_o he_o have_v do_v many_o evyll_n dede_n since_o our_o lord_n themperour_n go_v therefore_o be_v we_o ready_a to_o obey_v your_o commandment_n but_o in_o this_o mater_fw-la you_o must_v answer_v for_o we_o to_o our_o lord_n the_o emperor_n than_o say_v she_o drede_v you_o not_o for_o if_o my_o lord_n know_v what_o he_o have_v do_v as_o well_n i_o he_o will_v put_v he_o to_o you_o e_o foul_a death_n that_o coude_fw-fr be_v thought_n anon_o these_o man_n set_v hand_n on_o he_o and_o bind_v he_o fast_o with_o iron_n chain_n and_o put_v he_o fast_o in_o prison_n where_o as_o he_o lie_v long_o time_n after_o till_o at_o the_o last_o it_o fortune_v there_o come_v tydynge_n that_o the_o emperor_n be_v come_v home_o and_o have_v optayn_v great_a worship_n and_o victory_n when_o his_o brother_n hear_v of_o his_o come_n he_o say_v will_v to_o god_n my_o brother_n may_v find_v i_o in_o prison_n for_o than_o will_v he_o enquyre_v y_z e_o cause_n of_o my_o enprysonment_n of_o the_o empress_n &_o she_o will_v tell_v he_o all_o the_o troth_n &_o how_o i_o desyrey_v she_o to_o sin_n and_o so_o for_o she_o i_o shall_v have_v no_o grace_n of_o my_o brother_n but_o lose_v my_o life_n this_o know_v i_o well_o therefore_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o than_o send_v he_o a_o messenger_n unto_o y_z e_o empress_n prayinge_v she_o for_o chryste_n passion_n that_o she_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o come_v unto_o y_fw-fr e_fw-la prison_n door_n that_o he_o may_v speak_v a_o word_n or_o two_o with_o she_o the_o empress_n come_v to_o he_o &_o enquyre_v of_o he_o what_o he_o will_v have_v he_o answer_v &_o tayde_v o_o lady_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o for_o if_o the_o emperor_n my_o brother_n find_v i_o in_o this_o prison_n than_o shall_v i_o dye_v with_o out_o any_o remedy_n than_o say_v the_o empress_n if_o i_o may_v know_v that_o thou_o will_v be_v a_o good_a man_n &_o leave_v thy_o folly_n thou_o shall_v have_v grace_n than_o do_v he_o promise_v she_o sickerly_a to_o be_v true_a and_o to_o amend_v all_o his_o frespace_n when_o he_o have_v thus_o promise_v the_o empress_n delyver_v he_o anon_o and_o make_v he_o to_o be_v bathe_v and_o shave_v &_o array_v he_o worshypful_o accord_v to_o his_o estate_n and_o than_o she_o say_v unto_o he_o thus_o now_o good_a brother_n lepe_v on_o thy_o stead_n and_o come_v with_o i_o that_o we_o may_v mete_v my_o lord_n he_o answer_v and_o say_v lady_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o fulfil_v your_o will_n and_o commandment_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o than_o the_o 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wherefore_o i_o say_v now_o to_o the_o as_o i_o have_v say_v before_o there_o shall_v no_o man_n do_v such_o thing_n with_o i_o save_v only_o my_o lord_n the_o emperor_n which_o owe_v of_o very_a duty_n so_o for_o to_o do_v than_o say_v he_o if_o thou_o wylte_n not_o consent_n to_o i_o i_o shall_v hang_v the_o here_o upon_o a_o tree_n in_o this_o forest_n where_o no_o man_n shall_v find_v the_o and_o so_o shall_v thou_o dye_v a_o evyll_n death_n the_o empress_n answer_v mekely_a and_o say_v though_o thou_o smite_v of_o my_o heed_n and_o put_v i_o to_o