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
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
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
in_o the_o forney_n with_o the_o stone_n and_o this_o night_n command_v you_o this_o fulgentius_n that_o he_o go_v er_o in_o the_o morning_n to_o your_o werkman_n and_o that_o he_o ask_v they_o whether_o they_o have_v fulfyl_v your_o will_n or_o not_o and_o than_o shall_v they_o accord_v to_o your_o commandment_n cast_v he_o in_o the_o fire_n and_o thus_o shall_v he_o dye_v a_o evyll_n death_n soth_o quoth_v the_o emperor_n thy_o counseyle_n be_v good_a therefore_o call_v to_o i_o that_o rybaude_fw-la fulgentyus_fw-la and_o when_o this_o young_a man_n be_v come_v to_o the_o emperor_n he_o say_v to_o he_o thus_o i_o charge_v y_fw-fr e_o upon_o pain_n of_o death_n that_o thou_o rise_v er_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o go_v to_o the_o brenner_n of_o lime_n and_o brycke_n and_o that_o thou_o be_v with_o they_o before_o y_o e_o son_n rise_v three_o mile_n from_o this_o house_n and_o charge_v they_o on_o my_o behalf_n that_o they_o fulfil_v my_o commandment_n or_o else_o they_o shall_v dye_v a_o shameful_a death_n than_o say_v this_o fulgentius_n my_o lord_n if_o god_n â—ende_v i_o my_o life_n i_o shall_v fulfil_v your_o will_n though_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o world_n end_n when_o fulgentyus_fw-la have_v this_o charge_n he_o coude_fw-fr not_o sleep_v for_o thought_n but_o that_o he_o must_v arise_v er_o for_o to_o fulfil_v his_o lord_n commandment_n the_o emperor_n about_o mydnyght_n send_v a_o messenger_n on_o horsbacke_n unto_o his_o brycke_n maker_n command_v they_o upon_o pain_n of_o death_n that_o who_o so_o ever_o come_v to_o they_o first_o in_o the_o morning_n sayinge_v unto_o they_o the_o emperor_n commandment_n which_o be_v before_o rehearse_v that_o they_o shall_v take_v he_o &_o cast_v he_o in_o to_o the_o fire_n and_o brenne_n he_o to_o the_o bare_a bone_n the_o bryckmaker_n answer_v &_o say_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v and_o than_o the_o messenger_n ride_v home_o again_o and_o tell_v the_o emperor_n that_o his_o commandment_n shall_v be_v fulfyl_v er_o in_o 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that_o fulgentyus_fw-la shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n than_o say_v they_o the_o messenger_n tell_v not_o we_o so_o but_o he_o bid_v we_o tha_z who_o so_o ever_o come_v first_o to_o we_o in_o the_o morning_n say_v as_o be_v before_o rehearse_v that_o we_o shall_v take_v he_o and_o cast_v he_o in_o to_o the_o farney_n and_o brenne_n he_o to_o ash_n and_o with_o that_o word_n they_o throw_v he_o in_o to_o the_o fire_n and_o when_o he_o be_v brente_a fulgentyus_fw-la come_v to_o they_o and_o say_v good_a sir_n have_v you_o do_v my_o lord_n commandment_n you_o soth_o say_v they_o and_o therefore_o go_v you_o again_o to_o the_o emperor_n and_o tell_v he_o so_o than_o say_v fulgentius_n for_o chryste_n love_v tell_v i_o that_o commandment_n we_o have_v in_o commandment_n say_v they_o upon_o pain_n of_o death_n that_o who_o so_o ever_o come_v to_o we_o first_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o say_v like_a as_o thou_o have_v say_v that_o we_o shall_v take_v he_o and_o cast_v he_o in_o to_o the_o forney_n but_o afore_o the_o come_v the_o the_o which_o bring_v we_o our_o lord_n jesu_n chryst._n amen_o there_o dwell_v sometime_o in_o rome_n a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v delphinus_n which_o have_v no_o child_n save_v only_o a_o daughter_n which_o be_v a_o fair_a creature_n and_o great_o belove_v of_o her_o father_n as_o this_o emperor_n walk_v upon_o a_o day_n on_o hunt_v in_o the_o forest_n sodeyn_o he_o ride_v forth_o out_o of_o his_o way_n and_o lose_v his_o man_n wherefore_o he_o be_v great_o disconfort_v â—or_a he_o wist_v not_o whether_o he_o ride_v ne_o in_o what_o place_n he_o be_v till_o at_o the_o last_o when_o he_o have_v rydden_v thus_o all_o the_o day_n alone_o in_o the_o evening_a he_o see_v a_o house_n and_o thyder_v he_o ride_v a_o great_a pace_n and_o knock_v at_o the_o gate_n anon_o the_o good_a man_n of_o the_o house_n hear_v he_o and_o ask_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o knock_n and_o what_o he_o will_v have_v dear_a friend_n quoth_v the_o emperor_n lo_o it_o be_v night_n as_o you_o may_v see_v therefore_o i_o desire_v you_o of_o lodge_a for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n when_o he_o have_v thus_o say_v the_o good_a man_n of_o the_o house_n unware_a that_o he_o be_v the_o emperor_n answer_v thus_o and_o say_v good_a friend_n quoth_v he_o i_o be_o the_o emperor_n foster_n and_o have_v plente_a of_o venyson_n and_o other_o vyteylles_n for_o you_o when_o the_o emperor_n hear_v this_o he_o be_v right_a glad_a in_o his_o mind_n nevertheless_o he_o tell_v he_o not_o that_o he_o be_v the_o emperor_n and_o than_o the_o foster_n open_v the_o gate_n and_o receyve_v he_o as_o worshypful_o as_o he_o coude_fw-fr &_o set_v he_o to_o his_o supper_n and_o serve_v he_o honest_o and_o when_o he_o have_v sup_v the_o foster_n bring_v he_o to_o his_o chambre_n and_o when_o time_n be_v he_o go_v to_o bed_v in_o the_o same_o night_n it_o befall_v that_o the_o foster_v wife_n be_v travayl_v of_o child_n in_o a_o other_o chambre_n fast_o by_o and_o be_v delyver_v that_o same_o night_n of_o a_o fair_a soon_o and_o as_o the_o emperor_n lie_v in_o his_o bed_n sleep_a he_o seem_v he_o hear_v a_o voice_n say_v to_o he_o thryes_fw-mi these_o word_n take_v take_v take_v and_o with_o that_o he_o awake_v and_o marvel_v great_o what_o it_o may_v be_v sayinge_v to_o himself_o thus_o a_o voice_n byddeâ—h_v i_o take_v take_v take_v what_o shall_v i_o take_v and_o anon_o he_o fall_v a_o sleep_v again_o and_o the_o second_o time_n he_o hear_v a_o voice_n sayinge_v unto_o he_o these_o word_n yield_v yield_v yield_v and_o with_o that_o he_o waken_v again_o and_o wonder_v great_o sayinge_v unto_o himself_o what_o may_v this_o sygnyfye_v first_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n that_o say_v take_v take_v take_v and_o nothing_o i_o receyve_v and_o right_a now_o i_o hear_v another_o voice_n that_o say_v yield_v yield_v yield_v what_o shall_v i_o yield_v and_o as_o he_o lie_v thus_o think_v in_o himself_o he_o fall_v a_o sleep_v again_o and_o than_o he_o hear_v the_o three_o voice_n sayinge_v these_o word_n thrye_n flee_v flee_v flee_v for_o this_o night_n be_v a_o cyylde_n bear_v that_o after_o thy_o decese_n shall_v be_v emperor_n when_o the_o emperor_n hear_v this_o he_o waken_v and_o wonder_v great_o what_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o morning_n er_o follow_v the_o emperor_n arise_v and_o call_v to_o he_o the_o foster_n &_o say_v dear_a friend_n i_o pray_v the_o that_o thou_o wylte_n tell_v i_o if_o any_o child_n be_v bear_v this_o night_n to_o thy_o knowledge_n my_o wife_n quoth_v the_o foster_n this_o night_n be_v delyver_v of_o a_o fair_a soon_o i_o pray_v the_o say_v the_o emperor_n show_v i_o thy_o soon_o when_o the_o emperor_n have_v seen_v the_o child_n he_o see_v a_o token_n in_o the_o chyldes_n visage_n whereby_o he_o may_v know_v he_o a_o other_o time_n and_o than_o he_o say_v to_o the_o foster_n thus_o dear_a friend_n know_v thou_o who_o i_o be_o nay_o soth_o quoth_v the_o foster_n for_o i_o see_v you_o never_o before_o this_o time_n as_o far_o as_o i_o be_o remember_v nevertheless_o it_o seem_v that_o you_o shall_v be_v a_o gentylman_fw-mi than_o answer_v the_o emperor_n and_o say_v i_o be_o quod_fw-la he_o the_o emperor_n your_o lord_n who_o you_o have_v lodge_v this_o night_n wherefore_o right_a herte_o i_o thank_v you_o this_o hear_v the_o foster_n fall_v down_o upon_o both_o his_o knee_n at_o his_o foot_n and_o beseech_v he_o of_o mercy_n if_o that_o he_o have_v offend_v his_o highness_n in_o any_o thing_n prayinge_v he_o of_o forgyvenes_n than_o answer_v y_o e_o emperor_n &_o say_v drede_v the_o not_o for_o i_o thank_v the_o hertely_fw-mi of_o
anon_o you_o e_o young_a squyer_n receyve_v they_o glad_o and_o put_v they_o sure_o in_o a_o box_n and_o ride_v forth_o on_o his_o journey_n when_o he_o have_v rydden_v three_o or_o four_o day_n on_o his_o journey_n in_o a_o evening_a he_o come_v unto_o a_o castle_n where_o as_o dwell_v a_o knight_n and_o pray_v he_o meke_o of_o a_o night_n lode_v the_o knight_n sing_v and_o behold_v the_o good_a favour_n of_o this_o young_a squyer_n he_o grant_v he_o lodge_a &_o make_v he_o good_a cheer_n and_o well_o to_o fare_v and_o afterward_o bring_v he_o unto_o his_o chambre_n and_o when_o he_o be_v there_o he_o go_v to_o bed_v and_o anon_o fall_v on_o sleep_v for_o he_o be_v full_a weary_a of_o his_o journey_n and_o forget_v his_o box_n with_o the_o letter_n lyenge_a open_o in_o his_o chambre_n when_o the_o knight_n see_v the_o box_n he_o open_v it_o &_o find_v the_o letter_n seal_v with_o the_o emperor_n sign_n manuel_n and_o be_v great_o tempt_v to_o open_v they_o and_o at_o the_o last_o he_o open_v they_o full_a subtylly_a and_o than_o he_o read_v how_o the_o empress_n upon_o pain_n of_o dethe_v shall_v put_v the_o bearer_n of_o they_o to_o dethe_v and_o than_o he_o be_v right_a sorrowful_a &_o say_v within_o himself_o alas_o quoth_v he_o it_o be_v great_a pyte_n to_o slay_v such_o a_o fair_a young_a man_n and_o therefore_o if_o i_o may_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o and_o anon_o the_o knight_n scrape_v away_o that_o writing_a and_o write_v in_o y_z e_z same_z paper_z a_o letter_n sayinge_v these_o word_n upon_o pain_n of_o death_n i_o command_v the_o that_o thou_o take_v the_o young_a squyer_n bearer_n of_o these_o letter_n and_o let_v he_o be_v wed_v without_o any_o delay_v unto_o my_o daughter_n and_o you_o with_o all_o the_o honour_n &_o solempnyte_n that_o can_v be_v teach_v and_o when_o they_o be_v wed_v that_o you_o take_v he_o as_o your_o own_o soon_o and_o that_o he_o keep_v my_o room_n till_o i_o come_v unto_o you_o myself_o when_o the_o knight_n have_v thus_o write_v he_o close_v the_o letter_n subtylly_a &_o put_v they_o in_o to_o the_o box_n again_o er_o in_o the_o morning_n the_o young_a squyer_n arise_v and_o hasty_o make_v he_o ready_a and_o take_v his_o leave_n of_o the_o knight_n and_o ride_v forth_o on_o his_o journey_n and_o the_o three_o day_n after_o he_o come_v unto_o the_o empress_n and_o salew_v her_o right_a worshypful_o in_o the_o emperor_n behalf_n and_o take_v she_o the_o letter_n and_o when_o the_o empress_n have_v read_v they_o anon_o she_o send_v her_o messenger_n through_o the_o country_n command_v the_o state_n and_o gentylman_n to_o comme_fw-fr unto_o her_o doughter_n wed_v at_o a_o certain_a day_n assign_v when_o they_o day_n be_v come_v thyder_n come_v many_o great_a lord_n and_o lady_n and_o anon_o this_o young_a squyer_n wed_v the_o emperor_n daughter_n with_o great_a honour_n and_o worship_n accord_v to_o the_o tenoure_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o be_v right_a well_o belove_a and_o moo_v honour_v among_o y_o e_o 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