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
in_o the_o forney_n with_o the_o stone_n and_o this_o night_n command_v you_o this_o fulgentius_n that_o he_o go_v er_o in_o the_o morning_n to_o your_o werkman_n and_o that_o he_o ask_v they_o whether_o they_o have_v fulfyl_v your_o will_n or_o not_o and_o than_o shall_v they_o accord_v to_o your_o commandment_n cast_v he_o in_o the_o fire_n and_o thus_o shall_v he_o dye_v a_o evyll_n death_n soth_o quoth_v the_o emperor_n thy_o counseyle_n be_v good_a therefore_o call_v to_o i_o that_o rybaude_fw-la fulgentyus_fw-la and_o when_o this_o young_a man_n be_v come_v to_o the_o emperor_n he_o say_v to_o he_o thus_o i_o charge_v y_fw-fr e_o upon_o pain_n of_o death_n that_o thou_o rise_v er_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o go_v to_o the_o brenner_n of_o lime_n and_o brycke_n and_o that_o thou_o be_v with_o they_o before_o y_o e_o son_n rise_v three_o mile_n from_o this_o house_n and_o charge_v they_o on_o my_o behalf_n that_o they_o fulfil_v my_o commandment_n or_o else_o they_o shall_v dye_v a_o shameful_a death_n than_o say_v this_o fulgentius_n my_o lord_n if_o god_n â—ende_v i_o my_o life_n i_o shall_v fulfil_v your_o will_n though_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o world_n end_n when_o fulgentyus_fw-la have_v this_o charge_n he_o coude_fw-fr not_o sleep_v for_o thought_n but_o that_o he_o must_v arise_v er_o for_o to_o fulfil_v his_o lord_n commandment_n the_o emperor_n about_o mydnyght_n send_v a_o messenger_n on_o horsbacke_n unto_o his_o brycke_n maker_n command_v they_o upon_o pain_n of_o death_n that_o who_o so_o ever_o come_v to_o they_o first_o in_o the_o morning_n sayinge_v unto_o they_o the_o emperor_n commandment_n which_o be_v before_o rehearse_v that_o they_o shall_v take_v he_o &_o cast_v he_o in_o to_o the_o fire_n and_o brenne_n he_o to_o the_o bare_a bone_n the_o bryckmaker_n answer_v &_o say_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v and_o than_o the_o messenger_n ride_v home_o again_o and_o tell_v the_o emperor_n that_o his_o commandment_n shall_v be_v fulfyl_v er_o in_o the_o morning_n follow_v fulgentyus_fw-la arise_v and_o array_v he_o towards_o his_o way_n and_o as_o he_o go_v he_o hear_v a_o bell_n ring_v to_o mass_n wherefore_o he_o go_v to_o that_o chyrche_n for_o to_o hear_v mass_n and_o after_o the_o elevacyon_n of_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n he_o fall_v a_o sleep_v &_o there_o he_o slepte_v a_o long_a while_n so_o that_o the_o priest_n ne_v none_o other_o may_v awake_v he_o the_o steward_n desyre_v inward_o to_o hear_v of_o his_o death_n and_o how_o he_o do_v about_o one_o of_o the_o clock_n he_o go_v unto_o the_o workman_n and_o say_v to_o they_o thus_o sir_n quoth_v he_o have_v you_o do_v the_o emperor_n commandment_n or_o not_o they_o answer_v he_o again_o and_o say_v nay_o soth_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o do_v his_o commandment_n but_o anon_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v and_o with_o that_o they_o set_v hand_n on_o he_o than_o cry_v the_o steward_n with_o a_o high_a voice_n &_o say_v good_a sir_n save_o my_o life_n for_o the_o emperor_n command_v that_o fulgentyus_fw-la shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n than_o say_v they_o the_o messenger_n tell_v not_o we_o so_o but_o he_o bid_v we_o tha_z who_o so_o ever_o come_v first_o to_o we_o in_o the_o morning_n say_v as_o be_v before_o rehearse_v that_o we_o shall_v take_v he_o and_o cast_v he_o in_o to_o the_o farney_n and_o brenne_n he_o to_o ash_n and_o with_o that_o word_n they_o throw_v he_o in_o to_o the_o fire_n and_o when_o he_o be_v brente_a fulgentyus_fw-la come_v to_o they_o and_o say_v good_a sir_n have_v you_o do_v my_o lord_n commandment_n you_o soth_o say_v they_o and_o therefore_o go_v you_o again_o to_o the_o emperor_n and_o tell_v he_o so_o than_o say_v fulgentius_n for_o chryste_n love_v tell_v i_o that_o commandment_n we_o have_v in_o commandment_n say_v they_o upon_o pain_n of_o death_n that_o who_o so_o ever_o come_v to_o we_o first_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o say_v like_a as_o thou_o have_v say_v that_o we_o shall_v take_v he_o and_o cast_v he_o in_o to_o the_o forney_n but_o afore_o the_o come_v the_o the_o which_o bring_v we_o our_o lord_n jesu_n chryst._n amen_o there_o dwell_v sometime_o in_o rome_n a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v delphinus_n which_o have_v no_o child_n save_v only_o a_o daughter_n which_o be_v a_o fair_a creature_n and_o great_o belove_v of_o her_o father_n as_o this_o emperor_n walk_v upon_o a_o day_n on_o hunt_v in_o the_o forest_n sodeyn_o he_o ride_v forth_o out_o of_o his_o way_n and_o lose_v his_o man_n wherefore_o he_o be_v great_o disconfort_v â—or_a he_o wist_v not_o whether_o he_o ride_v ne_o in_o what_o place_n he_o be_v till_o at_o the_o last_o when_o he_o have_v rydden_v thus_o all_o the_o day_n alone_o in_o the_o evening_a he_o see_v a_o house_n and_o thyder_v he_o ride_v a_o great_a pace_n and_o knock_v at_o the_o gate_n anon_o the_o good_a man_n of_o the_o house_n hear_v he_o and_o ask_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o knock_n and_o what_o he_o will_v have_v dear_a friend_n quoth_v the_o emperor_n lo_o it_o be_v night_n as_o you_o may_v see_v therefore_o i_o desire_v you_o of_o lodge_a for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n when_o he_o have_v thus_o say_v the_o good_a man_n of_o the_o house_n unware_a that_o he_o be_v the_o emperor_n answer_v thus_o and_o say_v good_a friend_n quoth_v he_o i_o be_o the_o emperor_n foster_n and_o have_v plente_a of_o venyson_n and_o other_o vyteylles_n for_o you_o when_o the_o emperor_n hear_v this_o he_o be_v right_a glad_a in_o his_o mind_n nevertheless_o he_o tell_v he_o not_o that_o he_o be_v the_o emperor_n and_o than_o the_o foster_n open_v the_o gate_n and_o receyve_v he_o as_o worshypful_o as_o he_o coude_fw-fr &_o set_v he_o to_o his_o supper_n and_o serve_v he_o honest_o and_o when_o he_o have_v sup_v the_o foster_n bring_v he_o to_o his_o chambre_n and_o when_o time_n be_v he_o go_v to_o bed_v in_o the_o same_o night_n it_o befall_v that_o the_o foster_v wife_n be_v travayl_v of_o child_n in_o a_o other_o chambre_n fast_o by_o and_o be_v delyver_v that_o same_o night_n of_o a_o fair_a soon_o and_o as_o the_o emperor_n lie_v in_o his_o bed_n sleep_a he_o seem_v he_o hear_v a_o voice_n say_v to_o he_o thryes_fw-mi these_o word_n take_v take_v take_v and_o with_o that_o he_o awake_v and_o marvel_v great_o what_o it_o may_v be_v sayinge_v to_o himself_o thus_o a_o voice_n byddeâ—h_v i_o take_v take_v take_v what_o shall_v i_o take_v and_o anon_o he_o fall_v a_o sleep_v again_o and_o the_o second_o time_n he_o hear_v a_o voice_n sayinge_v unto_o he_o these_o word_n yield_v yield_v yield_v and_o with_o that_o he_o waken_v again_o and_o wonder_v great_o sayinge_v unto_o himself_o what_o may_v this_o sygnyfye_v first_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n that_o say_v take_v take_v take_v and_o nothing_o i_o receyve_v and_o right_a now_o i_o hear_v another_o voice_n that_o say_v yield_v yield_v yield_v what_o shall_v i_o yield_v and_o as_o he_o lie_v thus_o think_v in_o himself_o he_o fall_v a_o sleep_v again_o and_o than_o he_o hear_v the_o three_o voice_n sayinge_v these_o word_n thrye_n flee_v flee_v flee_v for_o this_o night_n be_v a_o cyylde_n bear_v that_o after_o thy_o decese_n shall_v be_v emperor_n when_o the_o emperor_n hear_v this_o he_o waken_v and_o wonder_v great_o what_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o morning_n er_o follow_v the_o emperor_n arise_v and_o call_v to_o he_o the_o foster_n &_o say_v dear_a friend_n i_o pray_v the_o that_o thou_o wylte_n tell_v i_o if_o any_o child_n be_v bear_v this_o night_n to_o thy_o knowledge_n my_o wife_n quoth_v the_o foster_n this_o night_n be_v delyver_v of_o a_o fair_a soon_o i_o pray_v the_o say_v the_o emperor_n show_v i_o thy_o soon_o when_o the_o emperor_n have_v seen_v the_o child_n he_o see_v a_o token_n in_o the_o chyldes_n visage_n whereby_o he_o may_v know_v he_o a_o other_o time_n and_o than_o he_o say_v to_o the_o foster_n thus_o dear_a friend_n know_v thou_o who_o i_o be_o nay_o soth_o quoth_v the_o foster_n for_o i_o see_v you_o never_o before_o this_o time_n as_o far_o as_o i_o be_o remember_v nevertheless_o it_o seem_v that_o you_o shall_v be_v a_o gentylman_fw-mi than_o answer_v the_o emperor_n and_o say_v i_o be_o quod_fw-la he_o the_o emperor_n your_o lord_n who_o you_o have_v lodge_v this_o night_n wherefore_o right_a herte_o i_o thank_v you_o this_o hear_v the_o foster_n fall_v down_o upon_o both_o his_o knee_n at_o his_o foot_n and_o beseech_v he_o of_o mercy_n if_o that_o he_o have_v offend_v his_o highness_n in_o any_o thing_n prayinge_v he_o of_o forgyvenes_n than_o answer_v y_o e_o emperor_n &_o say_v drede_v the_o not_o for_o i_o thank_v the_o hertely_fw-mi of_o
to_o a_o lyttel_n ylande_n wherein_o be_v nothing_o but_o lion_n &_o lybbarde_n &_o dyverse_a other_o beeste_n that_o swim_v thyder_n from_o other_o land_n when_o this_o emperor_n have_v take_v land_n in_o that_o isle_n he_o espy_v a_o young_a lion_n fight_a with_o a_o old_a lybbarde_n &_o the_o lion_n be_v almoost_n overcommen_v the_o emperor_n have_v great_a compassyon_n on_o y_z e_z lion_n &_o draw_v out_o his_o sword_n &_o slay_v y_o e_o lybbard_n the_o lion_n ever_o from_o that_o time_n forth_o follow_v the_o emperor_n &_o will_v not_o leave_v he_o for_o nothing_o but_o every_o day_n y_o it_o pray_v that_o this_o lion_n take_v he_o bring_v &_o lay_v it_o afore_o themperours_n foot_n &_o anon_o themperour_n smite_v fire_n on_o the_o flint_n stone_n and_o boil_a the_o body_n in_o the_o skin_n &_o thus_o be_v he_o feed_v long_o time_n till_o at_o the_o last_o as_o he_o walk_v to_o y_z e_z see_v strande_fw-fr he_o see_v a_o ship_n comme_fw-fr sailing_n by_o &_o anon_o which_o it_o a_o high_a voice_n he_o cry_v and_o when_o y_a e_o shypman_n hear_v this_o voice_n they_o wonder_v what_o it_o may_v be_v wherefore_o they_o sail_v toward_o he_o &_o when_o they_o be_v come_v to_o he_o he_o say_v good_a friend_n take_v i_o w_z t_z you_o &_o i_o shall_v pay_v you_o a_o good_a freyght_o and_o anon_o they_o take_v he_o in_o to_o their_o ship_n &_o the_o lion_n follow_v he_o swym_v in_o the_o see_v after_o the_o ship_n and_o when_o the_o lion_n be_v in_o point_n to_o have_v be_v drown_v the_o shypman_n have_v pyte_v on_o he_o &_o take_v he_o in_o to_o the_o ship_n and_o when_o the_o emperor_n come_v to_o land_n he_o pay_v his_o freyght_o &_o when_o he_o have_v pay_v they_o he_o go_v forth_o till_o he_o come_v never_o his_o own_o palay_n where_o he_o hear_v trumpet_n &_o claryon_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o other_o mynstralsye_n &_o as_o he_o herken_v what_o it_o may_v be_v there_o come_v fro_o the_o palay_v a_o squyer_n towards_o he_o that_o be_v of_o his_o knowledge_n but_o y_o e_o squyer_n know_v not_o he_o to_o who_o the_o emperor_n say_v thus_o good_a friend_n i_o pray_v the_o tell_v i_o what_o melody_n be_v this_o that_o i_o hear_v the_o squyer_n answer_v &_o say_v the_o empress_n be_v marry_v this_o day_n and_o there_o be_v all_o the_o state_n of_o the_o empire_n at_o her_o fee_a &_o therefore_o they_o make_v such_o melody_n to_o make_v her_o gest_n merry_a than_o say_v themperour_n to_o y_z e_z squyer_n where_o be_v her_o husband_n that_o be_v emperor_n before_o the_o squyer_n say_v y_o it_o he_o be_v go_v to_o the_o holy_a land_n &_o be_v drown_v by_o the_o way_n in_o the_o see_v than_o say_v themperour_n i_o pray_v y_fw-fr e_o sir_n that_o thou_o will_v do_v my_o erande_n to_o thempresse_n &_o to_o y_z e_z lord_n that_o will_v be_v her_o husband_n that_o i_o may_v come_v in_o to_z y_z e_z palay_n &_o play_v afore_o they_o which_o it_o my_o lion_n â–ª_o the_o squyer_n grant_v to_o do_v his_o erande_n &_o go_v in_o &_o tell_v the_o lord_n &_o the_o lady_n that_o at_o y_fw-fr e_o gate_n be_v a_o goodly_a old_a man_n that_o desire_v to_o come_v in_o &_o play_v with_o his_o lion_n afore_o you_o than_o say_v the_o new_a wed_a lord_n bring_v he_o in_o &_o if_o he_o be_v worthy_a percase_o he_o may_v gete_v his_o meat_n for_o his_o play_n when_o the_o emperor_n w_o t_o his_o lion_n be_v bring_v in_o the_o lion_n anon_o wtout_fw-fr any_o comfort_n or_o set_v on_o run_v upon_o the_o young_a knight_n y_o it_o be_v new_o marry_v &_o slay_v he_o &_o when_o he_o have_v so_o do_v he_o run_v upon_o the_o empress_n &_o dâ—noured_v she_o to_o the_o hard_a bone_n before_o all_o y_z e_z lord_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o when_o the_o state_n see_v this_o they_o be_v great_o aghast_a &_o begin_v to_o flee_v but_o the_o emperor_n w_o t_o his_o fair_a speech_n comfort_v they_o &_o say_v 'loo_o this_o be_v the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v my_o wife_n y_o it_o have_v use_v avoutry_n long_o time_n with_o this_o knight_n that_o lie_v here_o deed_n and_o she_o ymagyne_v my_o death_n w_o t_o the_o master_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o ship_n and_o here_o upon_o the_o master_n throw_v i_o in_o to_o the_o see_v but_o god_n save_v i_o fro_o y_o e_o death_n &_o because_o i_o help_v one_o y_fw-es e_o lion_n at_o a_o need_n he_o forsake_v i_o never_o since_o and_o now_o as_o you_o see_v all_o when_o i_o come_v in_o to_o my_o palay_n wtout_fw-fr any_o comfort_n of_o i_o he_o have_v slay_v both_o the_o avouterer_n &_o therefore_o understande_v you_o for_o troth_n that_o i_o be_o your_o lord_n y_fw-fr e_o emperor_n anon_o when_o they_o hear_v this_o they_o lift_v up_o their_o eye_n &_o behold_v he_o and_o at_o the_o last_o they_o know_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n wherefore_o they_o be_v great_o rejoice_v &_o praise_a god_n for_o that_o miracle_n which_o have_v save_v their_o lord_n and_o emperor_n and_o they_o live_v after_o in_o rest_n and_o peace_n ¶_o by_o this_o emperor_n you_o may_v understande_v every_o chrysten_v man_n that_o purpose_v to_o vysyte_n y_fw-fr e_o holy_a land_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o gete_a everla_a life_n through_o the_o work_n of_o mercy_n but_o his_o wife_n that_o be_v the_o wretched_a flesh_n murmure_v against_o the_o soul_n &_o love_v better_o her_o leman_n that_o be_v deed_o sin_n than_o her_o husband_n this_o emperor_n go_v in_o to_o the_o ship_n take_v his_o journey_n towards_o the_o holy_a land_n that_o be_v to_o â—aye_v he_o go_v to_o holy_a chyrche_n which_o be_v y_fw-fr e_o way_n to_o god_n but_o the_o wife_n that_o be_v to_o say_v flesshly_a man_n accuse_v he_o to_o y_z e_z master_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o ship_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o the_o prelate_n of_o the_o chyrche_n for_o great_a meed_n which_o oftentimes_o blynd_v y_o e_o sight_n of_o many_o iustyce_n where_o through_o many_o ê‘fyte_n man_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o y_fw-fr e_o ship_n in_o to_o the_o see_v to_o be_v drown_v y_o it_o be_v to_o say_v out_o of_o y_fw-fr e_o chyrche_fw-fr in_o to_o the_o see_v of_o this_o world_n but_o what_o shall_v he_o do_v than_o that_o be_v thus_o casten_z to_o be_v trouble_v in_o this_o world_n certain_o thus_o ought_v he_o to_o do_v let_v he_o learn_v to_o swymme_n that_o be_v to_o say_v let_v he_o put_v all_o his_o hope_n in_o god_n &_o than_o by_o his_o grace_n he_o shall_v come_v to_o a_o ylande_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o religyon_n of_o clean_a herte_n &_o that_o he_o shall_v love_v ever_o y_a e_o better_a to_o keep_v himself_o out_o of_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o say_v saint_n james_n thus_o a_o clean_a relygyon_n &_o undefyâ—ed_a be_v a_o precyous_a thing_n in_o y_z e_z sight_n of_o god_n &_o he_o y_o it_o be_v in_o this_o religyon_n shall_v find_v a_o lion_n who_o he_o behove_v to_o gyve_v against_o the_o devyl_n this_o lion_n be_v our_o lord_n jesu_n chryst_n that_o come_v of_o y_fw-fr e_o kynrede_n of_o jude_n which_o fight_v ever_o against_o the_o devyll_n &_o if_o a_o man_n have_v holpen_v this_o lion_n at_o any_o time_n trust_v well_o than_o that_o he_o will_v not_o forsake_v he_o but_o be_v w_z t_z he_o at_o all_o his_o need_n accord_v to_o the_o psalmist_n say_v thus_o cum_fw-la ipso_fw-la sum_fw-la in_o tribulatione_fw-la i_o be_o w_z t_z he_o in_o trouble_n by_o this_o lion_n â–ª_o thou_o may_v take_v thy_o wife_n y_o it_o be_v to_o say_v thy_o flesh_n with_o penance_n &_o â—lee_v thy_o sin_n &_o than_o without_o doubt_n y_fw-mi u._fw-mi shall_v optayne_n the_o empire_n of_o heaven_n unto_o the_o which_o bring_v we_o our_o lord_n jesus_n amen_n sometime_o in_o rome_n dwell_v a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v gorgony_n which_o have_v marry_v a_o curteys_n lady_n &_o a_o fair_a to_o his_o wife_n this_o young_a lady_n in_o due_a process_n conceyve_v &_o bear_v he_o a_o soon_o a_o fair_a child_n and_o a_o amiable_a when_o this_o child_n be_v ten_o year_n old_a his_o mother_n the_o empress_n die_v and_o anon_o after_o y_z e_z emperor_n wed_a a_o other_o wife_n this_o second_o wife_n love_v in_o no_o wise_a themperour_n soon_o but_o do_v he_o all_o the_o shame_n and_o reprefe_n that_o she_o may_v when_o the_o emperor_n ê‘ceyve_v this_o willing_a to_o please_v his_o wife_n exile_v his_o soon_o out_o of_o his_o empire_n and_o when_o this_o child_n be_v exile_v he_o go_v and_o learn_v physyke_n so_o that_o within_o short_a time_n he_o be_v a_o subtyll_a &_o a_o coâ—â—ing_a phisycyan_n it_o befall_v soon_o after_o that_o the_o emperor_n his_o father_n sycken_v &_o be_v almoo_v deed_n wherefore_o when_o he_o herd_n
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
forsake_v all_o thing_n for_o i_o all_o that_o be_v to_o say_v you_o that_o have_v forsake_v the_o will_n of_o sin_n shall_v receyve_v a_o hondred_a time_n more_o that_o be_v to_o say_v you_o shall_v not_o only_o receyve_v the_o tree_n of_o paradyse_n but_o also_o the_o heritage_n of_o heaven_n these_o two_o other_o son_n be_v bastard_n for_o why_o that_o they_o behote_v in_o their_o baptym_n they_o wrought_v all_o the_o contrary_a through_o their_o wicked_a lyve_v and_o therefore_o he_o that_o desire_v to_o optayne_n the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n he_o behove_v to_o abide_v steadfast_o in_o werk_v of_o good_a werke_n and_o than_o by_o reason_n may_v he_o optayne_n the_o tree_n of_o paradyse_n unto_o the_o which_o that_o lord_n bring_v we_o which_o lyve_v &_o regn_v eternal_o world_n wythouten_v end_n amen_n in_o rome_n there_o dwell_v sometime_o a_o noble_a emperor_n name_v dyoclesian_n which_o above_o all_o worldly_a good_n love_v the_o virtue_n of_o charyte_n wherefore_o he_o desire_v great_o to_o know_v what_o fowl_n love_v her_o bird_n best_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o he_o may_v thereby_o grow_v to_o more_o perfyte_n charyte_n it_o fortune_v after_o upon_o a_o day_n that_o this_o emperor_n walk_v to_o the_o forest_n to_o take_v his_o dysporte_n where_o as_o he_o find_v the_o nest_n of_o a_o great_a bird_n that_o be_v call_v in_o latyn_a strutio_fw-la with_o her_o bird_n the_o which_o bird_n themperour_n take_v with_o he_o &_o close_v he_o in_o a_o vessel_n of_o glass_n the_o mother_n of_o this_o little_a bird_n follow_v after_o unto_o y_z e_o emperor_n place_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o hall_n where_o her_o bird_n be_v close_v but_o when_o she_o see_v her_o bird_n and_o may_v by_o no_o mean_n come_v to_o she_o ne_o gete_v she_o out_o she_o return_v again_o to_o y_z e_z forest_n &_o there_o she_o abide_v three_o day_n and_o at_o y_z e_z last_z she_o return_v again_o to_o y_z e_z palay_n bear_v in_o her_o mouth_n a_o worm_n that_o be_v call_v thumare_n when_o she_o come_v where_o her_o bird_n be_v she_o let_v the_o worm_n fall_v upon_o y_o e_o glass_n through_o virtue_n of_o which_o worm_n y_fw-fr e_o glass_n brake_n &_o the_o bird_n escape_v &_o show_v forth_o which_o it_o his_o mother_n when_o themperour_n see_v this_o he_o praise_v moche_n y_o e_o mother_n of_o this_o bird_n which_o so_o dylygent_o labour_v for_o the_o delyveraunce_n of_o her_o bird_n ¶_o my_o friend_n this_o emperor_n be_v the_o father_n of_o heaven_n which_o great_o love_v they_o that_o be_v in_o perfyte_n love_n &_o charite_v this_o lytel_a bird_n close_v in_o the_o glass_n &_o take_v from_o the_o forest_n be_v adam_n our_o forefather_n which_o be_v exile_v from_o paradyse_n and_o put_v in_o the_o glass_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o hell_n this_o hear_n the_o mother_n of_o the_o bird_n that_o be_v to_o wit_v the_o soon_o of_o god_n descend_v from_o heaven_n &_o come_v to_o the_o forest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o live_v here_o three_o day_n &_o more_o bear_v with_o he_o a_o worm_n that_o be_v to_o say_v manhood_n accord_v w_n t_o the_o psalmyst_n sayinge_v ego_fw-la sum_fw-la vermis_fw-la etnon_fw-la homo_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v i_o be_o a_o worm_n &_o no_o man_n this_o manhood_n be_v suffer_v to_o be_v slay_v among_o the_o jew_n of_o who_o blood_n y_fw-fr e_o vessel_n eternal_a be_v break_v and_o the_o bird_n go_v out_o that_o be_v to_o say_v â–ª_o adam_n go_v forth_o with_o his_o mother_n the_o soon_o of_o god_n &_o fly_v unto_o heaven_n sometime_o dwell_v in_o rome_n a_o worthy_a emperor_n and_o a_o wise_n which_o have_v a_o fair_a daughter_n and_o a_o gracious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o every_o man_n this_o emperor_n bethink_v he_o on_o a_o day_n to_o who_o he_o may_v gyve_v his_o daughter_n in_o marriage_n say_v thus_o if_o i_o gyve_v my_o daughter_n to_o a_o rich_a man_n &_o he_o be_v a_o fool_n than_o be_v she_o lose_v and_o if_o i_o gyve_v she_o to_o a_o poor_a man_n &_o a_o wytty_n than_o may_v he_o gete_v his_o lyve_a for_o he_o and_o she_o by_o his_o wysdome_n there_o be_v that_o time_n dwelling_n in_o the_o cite_v of_o rome_n a_o philosopher_n name_v socrates_n poor_a &_o wise_a which_o come_v to_o themperour_n &_o say_v my_o lord_n displease_v you_o not_o though_o i_o put_v forth_o my_o petycyon_n before_o your_o highness_n themperour_n say_v what_o so_o ever_o please_v the_o tell_v forth_o than_o say_v socrates_n my_o lord_n you_o have_v a_o daughter_n who_o i_o desire_v above_o all_o thing_n themperour_n answer_v &_o say_v my_o friend_n i_o shall_v gyve_v the_o my_o daughter_n to_o wife_n upon_o this_o condicyon_n that_o if_o she_o die_v in_o thy_o felawshyp_n after_o that_o she_o be_v wed_v to_o the_o thou_o shall_v wythouten_o doutelese_v thy_o heed_n than_o say_v socrates_n upon_o this_o condicyon_n i_o will_v glad_o take_v she_o to_o be_v my_o wife_n themperour_n hear_n this_o let_v call_v forth_o all_o y_z e_z lord_n &_o state_n of_o his_o empire_n and_o make_v a_o great_a fee_v at_o their_o w_n and_o after_o y_z e_z feest_fw-mi socrates_n lead_v home_o his_o wife_n to_o his_o own_o house_n where_o as_o they_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o health_n long_o tyme._n but_o at_o the_o last_o this_o emperor_n daughter_n syckn_v to_o death_n when_o socrates_n perceyve_v this_o he_o say_v to_o himself_o alas_o and_o woo_v to_o i_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v and_o whether_o shall_v i_o flee_v if_o themperours_n daughter_n that_o be_v my_o wife_n shall_v dye_v &_o for_o sorrow_n this_o socrates_n go_v to_o a_o forest_n there_o beside_o &_o weep_v bytter_o the_o while_n he_o thus_o weep_v &_o mourn_v there_o come_v a_o age_a man_n bear_v a_o staff_n in_o his_o hand_n &_o ask_v y_o e_o cause_n of_o socrates_n why_o he_o mourn_v socrates_n answer_v and_o say_v i_o wed_v themperours_n daughter_n upon_o this_o condycyon_n y_fw-fr t_o if_o she_o die_v in_o my_o felowshyp_n i_o shall_v less_o my_o life_n now_o she_o be_v sycken_v unto_o the_o death_n &_o i_o can_v find_v no_o remedy_n nor_o help_n &_o therefore_o i_o mourn_v more_o than_o any_o creature_n can_v think_v than_o say_v the_o old_a man_n be_v you_o comfort_v for_o i_o shall_v be_v your_o helper_n if_o you_o will_v do_v after_o my_o counseyle_n in_o this_o forest_n be_v three_o herb_n if_o you_o make_v a_o drink_n of_o the_o first_o to_o your_o wife_n &_o of_o the_o other_o two_o a_o plaester_n &_o if_o she_o use_v this_o medicynall_a drink_n and_o plaester_n in_o due_a time_n without_o doubt_n she_o shall_v recover_v to_o perfyte_n health_n socrates_n fulfyl_v all_o as_o the_o old_a man_n have_v teach_v he_o and_o when_o his_o wife_n have_v use_v a_o while_n that_o medicynall_a drink_n &_o pleaster_n within_o short_a time_n she_o be_v perfyt_o hole_n of_o all_o her_o sycknes_n and_o when_o the_o emperor_n hear_v that_o socrates_n wrought_v so_o wise_o and_o how_o dylygent_o he_o labour_v for_o to_o heal_v his_o wife_n he_o promote_v he_o to_o great_a dyngnyte_n and_o worship_n ¶_o dear_a friend_n this_o emperor_n be_v our_o lord_n jesu_n chry_v his_o daughter_n so_o fair_a &_o so_o gracious_a be_v the_o soul_n make_v at_o the_o similitude_n of_o god_n which_o be_v full_a gracious_a &_o glorious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o he_o &_o of_o his_o angel_n while_o that_o she_o be_v not_o defoul_v &_o abide_v in_o she_o own_o proper_a clennesse_n this_o soul_n god_n will_v not_o gyve_v it_o to_o a_o rich_a man_n but_o to_o a_o poor_a man_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o man_n that_o be_v make_v of_o the_o slime_n of_o the_o earth_n this_o socrates_n be_v a_o poor_a man_n for_o why_o every_o man_n come_v poor_a and_o naked_a in_o to_o this_o world_n from_o his_o mother_n belly_n &_o every_o man_n take_v his_o soul_n in_o wedlock_n upon_o such_o condicyon_n that_o if_o she_o die_v in_o his_o felawshyp_n by_o deed_o sin_n without_o doubt_n he_o shall_v less_o eternal_a life_n therefore_o o_o thou_o man_n if_o thy_o wife_n sycken_v so_o through_o deed_o sin_n do_v than_o as_o socrates_n do_v go_v unto_o the_o forest_n that_o be_v holy_a chyrche_n and_o thou_o shall_v find_v there_o a_o old_a man_n with_o a_o staâ—â—e_n that_o be_v a_o discrete_a confessor_n which_o shall_v tell_v the_o of_o these_o three_o herb_n for_o he_o have_v power_n to_o bind_v &_o to_o unbind_v the_o first_o herb_n be_v contricyon_n of_o who_o thou_o shall_v make_v thy_o drink_n of_o tear_n ambrose_n say_v that_o tear_n wassh_v away_o sin_n where_o shame_n be_v to_o knowledge_n it_o and_o these_o two_o other_o herb_n ben_fw-mi confessyon_n and_o satysfaccyon_n if_o these_o herb_n be_v use_v in_o plaester_n the_o sinner_n without_o doubt_n shall_v receyve_v his_o health_n
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
be_v write_v in_o my_o foreheed_n and_o than_o they_o look_v up_o &_o see_v this_o posy_n write_v tempore_fw-la mutantur_fw-la homines_fw-la determinantur_fw-la time_n ben_fw-mi change_v &_o man_n be_v worse_o &_o worse_o for_o who_o will_v say_v the_o troth_n shall_v have_v his_o heed_n break_v therefore_o go_v you_o forth_o to_o your_o lord_n and_o tell_v he_o all_o that_o you_o have_v red_a &_o seen_v the_o messenger_n go_v forth_o &_o tell_v y_o e_o emperor_n all_o that_o they_o have_v herd_n &_o seen_v than_o say_v y_o e_o emperor_n arm_n yourself_o and_o go_v to_o the_o image_n &_o if_o that_o you_o find_v any_o man_n that_o have_v boast_v or_o threten_v the_o image_n bound_v he_o hand_n and_o foot_n &_o bring_v he_o to_o i_o than_o go_v the_o messenger_n forth_o to_o y_z e_z image_n &_o say_v unto_o it_o tell_v we_o y_fw-es e_o troth_n if_o any_o man_n have_v threten_v the_o and_o we_o shall_v avenge_v the_o anon_o than_o say_v the_o image_n take_v the_o smyth_n focus_n for_o he_o be_v the_o man_n that_o will_v not_o honour_v the_o natyvyte_n of_o the_o emperor_n anon_o the_o messenger_n lead_v forth_o that_o smyth_n before_o themperour_n &_o anon_o examine_v he_o why_o he_o keep_v not_o the_o day_n of_o themperour_n nativyte_o in_o reverence_n &_o honour_n accord_v to_o the_o law_n than_o answer_v the_o smyth_n &_o say_v reverend_a lord_n i_o beseech_v you_o that_o you_o will_v hear_v my_o excuse_n &_o if_o i_o answer_v not_o reasonable_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o point_n y_o t_o you_o will_v ask_v i_o i_o will_v put_v i_o full_o to_o your_o grace_n than_o say_v themperour_n i_o shall_v hear_v the_o and_o that_o that_o be_v rightful_a i_o shall_v do_v than_o say_v the_o smyth_n it_o behove_v i_o to_o have_v viij.d_n every_o day_n in_o the_o week_n &_o that_o i_o can_v not_o gete_v without_o great_a labour_n &_o therefore_o i_o may_v in_o no_o manner_n wise_n keep_v y_z e_o day_n holy_a day_n more_o than_o other_o day_n than_o say_v the_o emperor_n why_o behove_v it_o the_o to_o have_v these_o viij_o d_o than_o say_v y_o e_o smyth_n i_o be_o bind_v to_o pay_v daily_o ij.d_n and_z ii.d_n i_o lend_v and_o ii.d_n â–ª_o i_o less_o and_o ii.d_n i_o spend_v than_o say_v the_o emperor_n tell_v i_o more_o express_o of_o these_o viij.d_n than_o say_v the_o smyth_n i_o be_o bind_v every_o day_n to_o pay_v ii.d._n to_o my_o father_n for_o when_o i_o be_v young_a my_o father_n spend_v on_o i_o ii.d_n daily_o &_o therefore_o be_o i_o bind_v to_o help_v he_o &_o pay_v he_o again_o his_o ii.d_n for_o his_o sustentacyon_n also_o ii.d_n i_o less_o on_o my_o wife_n than_o say_v themperour_n why_o lese_a thou_o that_o ii.d_n on_o thy_o wife_n than_o say_v he_o where_o see_v you_o ever_o woman_n but_o she_o have_v one_o of_o these_o point_n either_o she_o be_v wylfull_a or_o contrary_a to_o her_o husband_n or_o of_o hot_a compleccyon_n &_o therefore_o that_o i_o gyve_v she_o i_o less_o also_o ii.d_n i_o lend_v to_o my_o soon_o wherwyth_o he_o be_v sustain_v that_o when_o i_o come_v to_o age_n &_o poverte_a that_o he_o may_v pay_v i_o again_o ii.d_n like_o as_o i_o do_v to_o my_o father_n also_o i_o spend_v ii.d_n on_o my_o â—elfe_n in_o meat_n &_o drink_v and_o that_o be_v lytell_fw-mi enough_o than_o say_v themperoure_n thou_o have_v answer_v well_o &_o wise_o not_o long_o after_o it_o befall_v that_o the_o emperor_n die_v &_o this_o smyth_n focus_n be_v choose_v to_o be_v emperor_n because_o he_o spend_v he_o viii.d_n so_o wise_o &_o so_o profitable_o &_o thus_o he_o end_v his_o life_n in_o peace_n and_o rest_n ¶_o dear_a friend_n this_o emperor_n be_v our_o bless_v savyour_fw-mi jesu_n chryst_n which_o ordain_v by_o his_o holy_a law_n y_o it_o every_o man_n shall_v worship_n the_o sondaye_n this_o virgil_n that_o make_v this_o image_n be_v the_o holy_a goost_n which_o be_v set_v up_o among_o we_o a_o precher_n to_o teach_v virtue_n &_o to_o reprove_v vice_n &_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o spare_v the_o poor_a ne_fw-fr y_fw-fr e_fw-la rich_a but_o now_o if_o a_o precher_n will_v say_v troth_n against_o any_o man_n anon_o he_o shall_v be_v threten_v of_o the_o enemy_n of_o chryst_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o evyll_n man_n that_o neither_o love_n god_n nor_o man_n wherefore_o the_o precher_n may_v say_v now_o a_o day_n that_o posy_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o before_o heed_n of_o the_o image_n time_n ben_fw-mi change_v from_o good_a to_o ill_a &_o man_n be_v daily_o worse_o and_o worse_o for_o who_o so_o will_v say_v the_o truth_n now_o a_o day_n shall_v have_v his_o heed_n break_v therefore_o it_o be_v need_v they_o be_v arm_v that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o every_o precher_n be_v arm_v w_n to_o good_a dede_n in_o ensample_n of_o other_o &_o than_o it_o need_v not_o to_o drede_v in_o so_o moche_v that_o they_o have_v god_n &_o truth_n to_o stand_v by_o they_o accord_v to_o y_z e_z apostle_n sayenge_a si_fw-mi deus_fw-la nobiscum_fw-la quis_fw-la contra_fw-la nos_fw-la if_o god_n be_v with_o we_o who_o may_v be_v against_o us._n by_o this_o smyth_n focus_n be_v understande_v every_o good_a chrysten_v man_n which_o daily_o shall_v werke_v merytoryous_a dede_n &_o than_o ought_v he_o to_o be_v present_v before_o the_o heavenly_a emperor_n this_o focus_n pay_v ii.d_n to_o his_o father_n &_o so_o we_o shall_v pay_v to_o our_o father_n of_o heaven_n ii.d_n that_o be_v to_o say_v honour_n &_o love_n for_o when_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o wretchedness_n &_o put_v in_o bondage_n almyghty_a god_n send_v down_o to_o the_o earth_n his_o soon_o to_o redeem_v we_o accord_v to_o saint_n john_n the_o evangelyst_n sayenge_a deus_fw-la dilexit_fw-la mundum_fw-la ut_fw-la filium_fw-la suum_fw-la unigenitum_fw-la daret_fw-la pro_fw-la minido_fw-la god_n love_v the_o world_n so_o well_o that_o he_o will_v gyve_v his_o only_a soon_o for_o the_o saluacyon_n of_o the_o world_n also_o this_o focus_fw-la lent_fw-la ii.d_n to_o his_o soon_o that_o be_v to_o say_v every_o chrysten_v man_n ought_v to_o lend_v to_o y_fw-es e_fw-es soon_o of_o god_n our_o lord_n chryst_n jesu_n good_a will_n &_o merytoryous_a dede_n in_o our_o life_n that_o the_o may_v pay_v we_o again_o at_o y_z e_z day_n of_o doom_n when_o soul_n &_o body_n shall_v be_v gloryfy_v &_o in_o that_o he_o be_v our_o brother_n &_o it_o may_v well_o be_v prove_v by_o y_z e_z text_n of_o esaie_n say_v thus_o â—uer_fw-fr natus_fw-la est_fw-la nobis_fw-la etc._n etc._n a_o child_n be_v bear_v to_o us._n this_o focus_n lose_v ii.d_n on_o his_o wife_n thy_o wife_n betoken_v thy_o flesh_n upon_o who_o thou_o have_v lose_v ij_o d_o that_o be_v to_o say_v unlawful_a love_n &_o consent_v to_o sin_n for_o why_o the_o flesh_n be_v contrary_a to_o y_z e_z goost_n &_o ever_o be_v ready_a to_o harm_v this_o focus_n also_o spend_v ij.d_n on_o himself_o y_z t_z be_v to_o say_v by_z y_z e_z first_o penny_n you_o shall_v understande_v penance_n do_v in_o which_o the_o soul_n great_o delyte_v in_o heaven_n and_o there_o be_v gloryfy_v and_o by_o the_o second_o penny_n we_o ought_v to_o understande_v the_o steadfast_a abide_n in_o do_v of_o penance_n for_o he_o that_o abide_v unto_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o who_o that_o spend_v well_o these_o two_o pen_n shall_v optayne_n everla_a life_n unto_o the_o which_o bring_v we_o our_o lord_n jesu_n chryst._n amen_o sometime_o in_o rome_n dwell_v a_o noble_a emperor_n which_o among_o all_o other_o virtue_n love_v best_o mercy_n wherefore_o he_o ordain_v a_o law_n that_o every_o blind_a man_n shall_v have_v a_o hondr_v shyllynge_v by_o year_n of_o his_o treasour_n it_o befall_v on_o a_o day_n that_o there_o come_v certain_a man_n to_o a_o tavern_n to_o drink_v wine_n &_o after_o that_o these_o man_n have_v sytten_v in_o the_o tavern_n three_o day_n the_o four_o day_n they_o be_v great_o in_o the_o taverner_n debt_n and_o have_v no_o money_n to_o pay_v for_o their_o wine_n wherefore_o the_o taverner_n come_v to_o they_o &_o charge_v they_o y_z t_z they_o shall_v not_o void_a till_o they_o have_v pay_v for_o their_o wine_n than_o say_v one_o of_o y_z e_z drynker_n to_o his_o fellow_n sir_n quoth_v he_o themperour_n have_v make_v such_o a_o law_n that_o every_o blind_a man_n shall_v have_v a_o hondr_v shyllynge_v of_o his_o treasour_n therefore_o let_v we_o cast_v lot_n among_o we_o &_o to_o who_o the_o lot_n fall_v let_v his_o eye_n be_v put_v out_o and_o so_o may_v he_o go_v to_o themperours_n palay_n &_o gete_v a_o hondr_v shyllynge_v and_o this_o great_o reioyse_v they_o &_o say_v that_o the_o counseyle_n be_v right_a good_a wherefore_o they_o cast_v lot_n among_o they_o &_o the_o
lot_n fall_v on_o he_o that_o give_v the_o counseyle_n &_o than_o his_o fellow_n forthwith_o put_v out_o his_o eye_n and_o when_o he_o be_v blind_a he_o go_v to_o themperours_n palay_n &_o ask_v of_o y_z e_z steward_n a_o hondred_a shyllynge_v accord_v to_o themperours_n law_n dear_a friend_n say_v the_o steward_n thou_o may_v see_v with_o both_o thy_o eye_n yesterday_o &_o thou_o also_o understand_v you_o e_fw-la law_n amiss_o for_o y_z e_z law_n be_v make_v for_o man_n y_o it_o be_v blind_a through_o infirmytee_n or_o by_o y_z e_z will_n of_o god_n &_o yesterday_o y_fw-mi u._fw-mi have_v thy_o sight_n in_o the_o tavern_n but_o wilful_o y_fw-mi u._fw-mi have_v lose_v thy_o eye_n therefore_o go_v you_o u._fw-mi to_o the_o tavern_n again_o to_o thy_o fellow_n &_o make_v thy_o peace_n &_o quite_o thyself_o for_o here_o gete_v thou_o not_o a_o farth_a than_o go_v this_o wretched_a man_n forth_o &_o tell_v his_o fellow_n of_o y_z e_z steward_n answer_n &_o with_o that_o come_v in_o y_z e_z taverner_n &_o despoil_v they_o of_o all_o their_o clothes_n and_o bet_fw-mi they_o &_o thus_o drive_v they_o which_o it_o shame_v out_o of_o the_o cyte_n and_o so_o be_v they_o never_o see_v there_o after_o ¶_o dear_a friend_n this_o emperor_n be_v our_o savyour_fw-mi chryst_n which_o ordain_v for_o a_o law_n y_fw-fr t_o every_o blind_a man_n shall_v have_v a_o hondred_a shyllinge_n of_o his_o treasour_n this_o blind_a man_n betoken_v every_o sinner_n which_o syn_v through_o infirmytee_n or_o entice_v of_o the_o devyl_n the_o world_n &_o the_o flesh_n which_o shall_v receyve_v a_o hondred_a shyllynge_v if_o he_o be_v inward_o repentaunt_a of_o his_o sin_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o shall_v have_v a_o hondred_a time_n more_o joy_n accord_v to_o scrypture_n say_v thus_o centuplum_fw-la accipietis_fw-la et_fw-la vitam_fw-la eternan_n possidebitis_fw-la you_o shall_v receyve_v a_o hondred_a time_n more_o joy_n if_o you_o be_v repentaunt_a &_o turn_v from_o sin_n &_o also_o you_o shall_v have_v everlasting_a life_n these_o man_n that_o come_v to_o the_o tavern_n &_o drink_v the_o wine_n be_v sinner_n which_o oftentimes_o come_v to_o y_fw-fr e_o tavern_n of_o our_o adversary_n y_fw-fr e_o devyll_n and_o drink_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o there_o consume_v &_o waste_v away_o all_o goostly_a virtue_n which_o they_o receyve_v when_o they_o take_v christendom_n at_o y_fw-fr e_o font_n stone_n wherefore_o y_fw-fr e_fw-es devyl_v our_o enemy_n despoyl_v they_o &_o make_v they_o to_o less_o all_o their_n good_a dede_n y_o it_o ever_o they_o wrought_v before_o they_o cast_v lot_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o cast_n among_o they_o y_fw-fr e_o custom_n of_o sin_n &_o this_o lot_n of_o sin_n fall_v on_o they_o that_o be_v worshipful_a &_o without_o mercy_n &_o such_o a_o man_n wilful_o become_v blind_a that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o become_v wilful_o a_o foul_a sinner_n like_o judas_n that_o betray_v our_o lord_n wtout_fw-fr any_o suggestyon_n or_o entice_a &_o therefore_o such_o man_n sin_n more_o grevous_o when_o they_o come_v before_o the_o steward_n that_o be_v to_o say_v before_o the_o prelate_n of_o the_o chyrche_n they_o may_v not_o lyght_o optayne_n the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n for_o why_o they_o be_v not_o in_o y_z e_z right_a way_n to_o leave_v their_o sin_n therefore_o study_v we_o with_o all_o our_o diligence_n to_o please_v god_n that_o we_o may_v optayne_n everlasting_a reward_n unto_o y_z e_z which_o bring_v we_o our_o lord_n jesus_n amen_n in_o rome_n dwell_v sometime_o a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v pylomyus_fw-la which_o have_v only_o a_o daughter_n a_o fair_a damoysel_n &_o a_o gracious_a in_o y_z e_z sight_n of_o every_o man_n and_o be_v name_v aglaes_n there_o be_v also_o in_o themperour_n palay_v a_o gentyll_a knight_n y_o it_o love_v this_o lady_n above_o all_o thing_n in_o y_z e_z world_n it_o befall_v after_o upon_o a_o day_n that_o this_o knight_n talk_v with_o this_o lady_n &_o utter_v in_o secret_a wise_n his_o desire_n to_o she_o than_o say_v she_o curteysly_a since_o you_o have_v utter_v to_o i_o the_o prevytee_n of_o your_o herte_n i_o shall_v in_o like_a wise_n for_o your_o love_n utter_v to_o you_o y_fw-fr e_fw-la secret_n of_o my_o heart_n &_o true_o i_o say_v that_o above_o all_o other_o i_o love_v you_o best_o than_o say_v y_o e_o knight_n i_o purpose_v to_o visyte_n y_fw-fr e_o holy_a land_n &_o therefore_o gyve_v i_o your_o troth_n that_o this_o vij_o year_n you_o shall_v take_v none_o other_o man_n but_o only_o for_o my_o love_n to_o tarry_v i_o so_o long_o and_o if_o i_o come_v not_o again_o to_o this_o day_n vii_o year_n take_v than_o what_o man_n you_o like_o best_a and_o in_o like_a wise_n i_o shall_v promise_v you_o that_o within_o this_o vij_o year_n i_o shall_v take_v no_o wife_n than_o say_v she_o this_o covenaunt_n please_v i_o well_o when_o this_o be_v say_v everyche_a of_o they_o betrouthed_a other_o &_o than_o this_o knight_n take_v his_o leave_n of_o this_o lady_n &_o go_v forth_o to_o the_o holy_a land_n anon_o after_o that_o y_z e_z emperor_n treat_v with_o the_o king_n of_o hungary_n of_o marriage_n for_o his_o daughter_n than_o come_v the_o king_n of_o hungary_n to_o themperours_n palay_n to_o see_v his_o daughter_n &_o when_o he_o have_v seen_v she_o he_o like_v meruaylous_o well_o her_o beaute_n and_o her_o goodness_n so_o that_o themperour_n &_o the_o king_n be_v accord_v in_o all_o thing_n as_o touch_v y_z e_o marriage_n upon_o the_o condicyon_n that_o the_o damosel_n will_v consent_v than_o call_v themperour_n the_o young_a lady_n to_o he_o &_o say_v o_o my_o fair_a daughter_n i_o have_v provyde_v for_o the_o y_o t_o a_o king_n shall_v be_v thy_o husband_n if_o the_o list_v to_o assent_v therefore_o tell_v i_o what_o answer_v thou_o wylte_n gyve_v to_o this_o than_o say_v she_o to_o her_o father_n it_o please_v i_o well_o but_o of_o one_o thing_n dear_a father_n i_o you_o beseech_v if_o it_o may_v please_v you_o to_o grant_v i_o for_o y_z e_z love_n of_o god_n i_o have_v avow_a my_o chastite_n only_o to_o god_n for_o this_o vij_o year_n therefore_o dear_a father_n i_o beseech_v you_o for_o all_o the_o love_n y_fw-fr t_o be_v bytwene_v your_o gracious_a fatherhode_n &_o i_o that_o you_o name_v no_o man_n to_o be_v my_o husband_n till_o these_o vij_o year_n be_v end_v and_o than_o i_o shall_v be_v ready_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o fulfil_v your_o will_n than_o say_v themperour_n since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o thou_o will_v no_o husband_n have_v these_o vii_o year_n i_o will_v not_o break_v thy_o vow_n but_o when_o the_o vii_o year_n be_v pass_v thou_o shall_v have_v y_z e_o king_n of_o hungary_n to_o thy_o husband_n and_o than_o themperour_n send_v forth_o his_o lettre_n to_o y_fw-fr e_o king_n of_o hungary_n pray_v he_o if_o it_o may_v please_v he_o to_o abide_v vii_o year_n for_o y_o e_o love_n of_o his_o daughter_n &_o than_o shall_v he_o speed_n of_o his_o intent_n without_o fail_n hereof_o the_o king_n be_v please_v and_o grant_v to_o abide_v and_o when_o these_o vij_o year_n be_v end_v save_o a_o day_n the_o young_a lady_n stand_v in_o her_o chambre_n wyndowe_n &_o weep_v sore_o sayinge_v thus_o alas_o alas_o as_o to_o morrow_n my_o love_n promise_v to_o be_v with_o i_o again_o from_o the_o holy_a land_n &_o also_o the_o king_n of_o hungary_n to_o morrow_n will_v be_v here_o for_o to_o wed_v i_o accord_v for_o my_o father_n promise_n &_o if_o my_o love_n come_v not_o at_o a_o certain_a hour_n than_o be_o i_o utter_o deceyve_v of_o the_o inward_a love_n of_o he_o when_o the_o day_n come_v the_o king_n array_v he_o toward_o themperour_n w_o t_o a_o great_a company_n to_o wed_v his_o daughter_n &_o be_v royal_o besene_v &_o array_v in_o purple_a and_o while_o y_z e_z king_n be_v ride_a on_o his_o way_n there_o come_v a_o knight_n sodeyn_o ride_v by_o he_o to_o who_o he_o say_v thus_o dear_a friend_n whence_o be_v thou_o &_o whence_o come_v thou_o the_o knight_n answer_v and_o say_v i_o be_o of_o the_o empire_n of_o rome_n and_o now_o be_o come_v late_a from_o the_o holy_a land_n &_o be_o ready_a to_o do_v your_o seruyce_n such_o as_o i_o can_v and_o as_o they_o ride_v talk_v by_o the_o way_n it_o begin_v to_o rain_v so_o fast_o that_o all_o the_o king_n array_n be_v almoo_v loost_n than_o say_v y_o e_o knight_n my_o lord_n quoth_v he_o you_o have_v do_v folyssh_o for_o as_o moche_v as_o you_o bring_v not_o which_o to_o you_o your_o house_n than_o say_v the_o king_n how_o speake_v thou_o so_o my_o house_n be_v large_a &_o broad_a &_o make_v of_o stone_n &_o mortar_n how_o shall_v i_o than_o bear_v with_o i_o my_o
covetyse_v all_o only_o wax_v young_a therefore_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n y_fw-fr t_o we_o play_v not_o which_o it_o this_o bal_n of_o covetyse_n &_o than_o without_o doubt_n we_o shall_v optayne_n &_o win_v the_o game_n with_o y_o e_o tenes_fw-fr ball_n in_o y_z e_z bliss_n of_o heaven_n y_o it_o never_o shall_v have_v end_n unto_o the_o which_o bliss_n bring_v we_o he_o that_o shed_v his_o blood_n for_o we_o upon_o the_o road_n tree_n amen_n sometime_o in_o rome_n dwell_v a_o mighty_a emperor_n &_o a_o wise_n name_v theodose_n which_o above_o all_o thing_n love_v best_a melody_n of_o harp_n &_o hunting_a it_o befall_v after_o upon_o a_o day_n as_o this_o emperor_n hunt_v in_o a_o forest_n he_o hear_v so_o sweet_a a_o melody_n of_o harp_n that_o through_o the_o swetnes_n thereof_o he_o be_v almoost_n ravysh_v from_o himself_o wherefore_o he_o seek_v about_o the_o forest_n to_o find_v that_o melody_n &_o at_o the_o last_o he_o espy_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o forest_n a_o poor_a man_n syt_v beside_o a_o water_n play_v on_o a_o harp_n so_o swete_o that_o themperour_n before_o y_z e_z day_n hear_v never_o so_o sweet_a a_o melody_n than_o say_v themperour_n good_a friend_n come_v this_o melody_n of_o thy_o harp_n or_o no._n the_o poor_a man_n answer_v &_o say_v my_o reverend_a lord_n i_o shall_v tell_v you_o y_fw-fr e_o troth_n beside_o this_o water_n my_o wife_n &_o my_o child_n and_o i_o have_v dwell_v xxx_o year_n and_o god_n have_v give_v i_o such_o grace_n that_o when_o so_o ever_o i_o touch_v my_o harp_n i_o make_v so_o sweet_a melody_n that_o y_z e_z fish_n of_o this_o water_n come_v out_o to_o my_o hand_n and_o so_o i_o take_v they_o wherwyth_o my_o wife_n my_o child_n and_o i_o be_v feed_v daily_o in_o great_a plenty_n but_o alas_o &_o wellaway_o on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o this_o water_n there_o come_v a_o whysteler_n &_o whystele_v so_o swete_o that_o many_o time_n the_o fish_n for_o sake_n i_o &_o go_v to_o his_o whystel_v and_o therefore_o my_o reverend_a lord_n i_o beseech_v you_o of_o help_n against_o his_o hyssing_n &_o whystel_n than_o say_v themperour_n i_o shall_v gyve_v the_o good_a help_n and_o counseyle_n i_o have_v here_o in_o my_o purse_n a_o golden_a hoke_z which_o i_o shall_v gyve_v y_z e_o take_v thou_o it_o and_o bind_v it_o fast_o at_o the_o end_n of_o a_o rood_n and_o with_o y_fw-es e_fw-es smite_v thy_o harp_n &_o when_o y_o you_o see_v the_o fysshe_n steer_v draw_v they_o up_o to_o the_o land_n with_o that_o hoke_z &_o than_o his_o whystel_n ne_o hyâ—sing_v shall_v not_o avayle_v when_o y_a e_o poor_a man_n herd_n this_o he_o reioyse_v he_o great_o &_o do_v all_o thing_n as_o he_o have_v teach_v he_o and_o when_o this_o poor_a man_n begin_v to_o touch_v his_o harp_n y_fw-fr e_o fysshe_v move_v &_o than_o he_o take_v they_o up_o with_o his_o hoke_z &_o live_v thereby_o long_o time_n &_o at_o the_o last_o end_v gracyous_o his_o life_n in_o peace_n and_o rest_n ¶_o this_o emperor_n betoken_v jesu_n chryst_n which_o great_o delyte_v to_o hunt_v the_o soul_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o forest_n that_o be_v holy_a chyrche_n he_o love_v also_o the_o melody_n of_o the_o harp_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o love_v moche_v those_o y_o it_o teach_v the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n this_o poor_a man_n that_o sit_v bithe_a water_n side_n betoken_v the_o prelate_n of_o the_o chyrche_n &_o the_o precher_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o word_n of_o god_n which_o ought_v to_o sit_v beside_o the_o world_n &_o not_o in_o the_o world_n y_o it_o be_v to_o say_v they_o shall_v not_o set_v their_o delyte_n in_o worldly_a thing_n the_o precher_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o harp_n of_o holy_a scrypture_n wherw_o to_o they_o may_v praise_v &_o honour_n god_n &_o also_o therewith_o draw_v out_o of_o this_o world_n y_z e_z sinner_n therefore_o say_v y_o e_o psalmist_n thus_o praise_v you_o god_n in_o timpane_n &_o crowd_n and_o sing_v you_o to_o he_o on_o the_o harp_n &_o the_o psalter_n of_o ten_o strenge_n but_o now_o adays_o the_o precher_n may_v say_v alas_o for_o when_o i_o prithee_o &_o teach_v holy_a scripture_n the_o devyll_n come_v &_o whystele_v so_o swete_o that_o y_z e_z sinner_n draw_v to_o he_o &_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o they_o turn_v themselves_o only_o to_o the_o delyte_n of_o sin_n the_o devyll_n deceyve_v also_o mankind_n by_o dyverse_a way_n first_o in_o time_n of_o preaching_n he_o make_v some_o to_o sleep_v &_o they_o that_o he_o can_v not_o make_v to_o sleep_v he_o cause_v they_o to_o talk_v &_o clatter_n &_o they_o that_o he_o can_v not_o make_v to_o clatter_v he_o make_v they_o so_o dull_a that_o they_o may_v not_o savour_n ne_o understande_v what_o the_o precher_n say_v &_o they_o that_o he_o can_v not_o beguile_v by_o these_o mean_n he_o put_v in_o they_o be_v synesse_n &_o cause_v they_o to_o go_v out_o of_o the_o chyrche_n lo_o so_o many_o way_n the_o devyll_n have_v to_o deceyve_v mankind_n &_o to_o let_v y_z e_o word_n of_o god_n therefore_o every_o prelate_n &_o every_o precher_n behove_v y_z e_z golden_z hoke_z of_o god_n grace_n against_o this_o whystel_v by_o y_z e_z which_o grace_n they_o may_v draw_v sinner_n out_o of_o this_o world_n up_o to_o heaven_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 &_o a_o wise_a man_n name_v polemus_n which_o have_v no_o child_n save_v only_o a_o daughter_n who_o he_o love_v so_o moche_v that_o daily_a &_o nyght_o he_o ordain_v to_o keep_v she_o with_o arm_a knight_n and_o above_o these_o knight_n he_o ordain_v a_o master_n well_o teach_v in_o every_o cunning_a for_o to_o teach_v they_o &_o to_o enferme_v they_o how_o they_o shall_v do_v he_o ordain_v also_o a_o steward_n for_o to_o guide_v his_o household_n and_o when_o all_o this_o be_v do_v on_o a_o night_n as_o he_o lie_v in_o his_o bed_n he_o be_v think_v he_o y_o it_o he_o will_v go_v vysyte_n the_o holy_a land_n and_o than_o when_o all_o thing_n be_v ready_a for_o his_o journey_n accord_v to_o his_o purpose_n he_o call_v unto_o he_o his_o steward_n &_o say_v dear_a friend_n i_o purpose_v to_o see_v the_o holy_a land_n &_o therefore_o i_o leave_v my_o daughter_n in_o thy_o keep_n &_o also_o i_o charge_v the_o that_o she_o lack_v nothing_o but_o that_o she_o have_v all_o manner_n of_o joy_n &_o gladness_n that_o pertain_v to_o a_o vyrgyn_v second_o i_o leave_v in_o thy_o keep_n fyve_o knight_n that_o be_v her_o keper_n that_o they_o lack_v nothing_o y_o it_o to_o they_o behove_v also_o i_o leave_v to_o the_o my_o greyhounde_n that_o thou_o nourysshe_v &_o feed_v he_o as_o it_o appertain_v &_o if_o you_o u._fw-mi fulfil_v all_o this_o that_o i_o have_v say_v thou_o shall_v at_o my_o come_n again_o receyve_v a_o great_a reward_n than_o say_v y_o e_o steward_n my_o dear_a lord_n in_o all_o y_z t_z i_o may_v i_o shall_v fulfil_v your_o will_n when_o this_o be_v say_v the_o emperor_n take_v his_o journey_n to_o ward_v the_o holy_a land_n and_o the_o steward_n a_o long_a time_n keep_v well_o &_o true_o themperour_n ordinance_n but_o at_o the_o last_o it_o befall_v upon_o a_o day_n that_o this_o steward_n have_v espy_v this_o young_a lady_n walk_v alone_o in_o a_o orcheyarde_n with_o who_o love_n he_o be_v sodeyn_o take_v wherefore_o anon_o against_o she_o will_v he_o deflower_v she_o and_o when_o he_o have_v sin_v with_o she_o he_o give_v her_o ill_a language_n &_o hate_v she_o more_o after_o than_o ever_o he_o love_v she_o before_o &_o drive_v she_o out_o of_o y_z e_z palay_n wherefore_o this_o damoysel_n for_o great_a poverte_a and_o defaute_n go_v fro_o door_n to_o door_n &_o beg_v she_o breed_v but_o when_o the_o knight_n that_o be_v her_o kepers_n herd_n of_o this_o they_o reprove_v shameful_o the_o steward_n of_o y_fw-fr t_o synful_a deed_n than_o the_o steward_n wax_v wroth_a &_o for_o great_a hate_n that_o he_o have_v in_o his_o herte_n he_o despoil_v you_o e_o knight_n of_o all_o their_o good_n &_o drive_v they_o from_o the_o palay_n and_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o rob_v &_o exile_v some_o for_o defaute_n of_o good_n become_v thief_n &_o some_o manqueller_n that_o through_o this_o inconuenyent_n they_o wrought_v great_a harm_n soon_o after_o this_o there_o come_v tydynge_n that_o themperour_n be_v arryve_v in_o far_a land_n come_v homeward_o and_o when_o the_o steward_n hear_v this_o he_o be_v great_o trouble_v and_o move_v in_o himself_o &_o thus_o think_v in_o himself_o he_o say_v thus_o this_o may_v not_o be_v but_o needs_o i_o shall_v be_v accuse_v for_o
in_o good_a health_n he_o be_v right_a glad_a wherefore_o he_o promote_v he_o to_o great_a worship_n which_o live_v after_o y_o e_o long_a time_n in_o great_a honour_n and_o worship_n &_o at_o y_z e_z last_v end_v his_o life_n in_o peace_n &_o rest_n ¶_o this_o emperor_n betoken_v the_o father_n of_o heaven_n his_z soon_o betoken_v our_o lord_n jesu_n chryst_n who_o many_o man_n desire_v to_o nourysshe_v at_o eester_fw-mi when_o they_o receyve_v y_z e_o sacrament_n he_o nouryssh_v he_o that_o best_o iu_v with_o the_o devyll_n and_o overcom_v he_o through_o penance_n the_o knight_n that_o take_v this_o child_n which_o to_o he_o betoken_v a_o good_a chrysten_v man_n that_o fa_v true_o and_o blyss_o all_o y_fw-es e_fw-es lent_fw-la before_o therefore_o do_v we_o as_o y_z e_z knight_n do_v send_v we_o before_o messenger_n to_o dight_v &_o to_o make_v clean_a y_fw-mi e_o castle_n of_o our_o herte_n from_o all_o spot_v of_o sin_n by_o work_n of_o mercy_n &_o so_o shall_v this_o child_n jesu_n rest_n &_o light_v in_o the_o mydde_v of_o our_o herte_n the_o well_o betoken_v mercy_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v next_o our_o lord_n for_o who_o so_o ever_o be_v wtout_fw-fr mercy_n &_o truth_n may_v not_o nourysshe_v that_o bless_a child_n jesu._n but_o it_o happen_v oft_o y_o it_o the_o knights_n wife_n y_z t_z is_z y_z e_z flesh_n of_o man_n ber_v the_o key_n of_o mercy_n and_o oft_o leve_v y_o e_o well_o open_a and_o than_o come_v the_o bear_v that_o be_v the_o devyll_n and_o cast_v venym_a in_o to_z y_z e_z well_o of_o mercy_n and_o who_o that_o taste_v thereof_o shall_v be_v infect_v with_o y_o e_o lepry_a of_o sin_n the_o wyndowe_n wherein_o the_o son_n shine_v be_v y_o e_o grace_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o holy_a goost_n by_o who_o man_n live_v and_o be_v comfort_v goostly_a by_o this_o wyndowe_n the_o eagle_z come_v in_o that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o power_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o take_v away_o y_fw-fr e_o child_n jesu_n from_o y_fw-es e_fw-es herte_fw-la of_o man_n &_o than_o man_n have_v great_a cause_n to_o weep_v but_o what_o shall_v he_o do_v when_o y_a e_o child_n be_v go_v but_o send_v for_o a_o subtyl_o phisycyan_a that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o discryte_n confessor_n which_o shall_v gyve_v he_o counseyle_n to_o let_v he_o blood_n &_o all_o his_o household_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o put_v out_o sin_n through_o confessyon_n of_o tongue_n before_o his_o goostly_a father_n than_o must_v he_o bathe_v himself_o with_o it_o tear_n of_o contricyon_n &_o compunction_n of_o tongue_n &_o after_o y_a to_o take_v the_o medicine_n of_o satisfaccyon_n &_o than_o shall_v he_o be_v make_v clean_o from_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v thus_o he_o must_v lepe_v on_o y_z e_z palfrey_n of_o good_a life_n &_o ride_v forth_o which_o it_o his_o three_o squyer_n that_o be_v to_o say_v fast_v prayer_n &_o alm_n deed_n &_o than_o wtout_fw-fr doubt_n he_o shall_v find_v the_o child_n jesu_n in_o the_o valley_n of_o humilite_n &_o not_o on_o a_o hill_n that_o be_v to_o say_v pride_n and_o if_o he_o do_v thus_o doubtless_o he_o shall_v have_v may_v and_o power_n to_o nourysshe_v that_o bless_a child_n jesu_n for_o who_o nourysshing_n the_o father_n of_o heaven_n shall_v promote_v he_o unto_o everla_a joy_n unto_o the_o which_o joy_n 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 fulgentius_n which_o govern_v his_o people_n noble_o &_o love_v they_o so_o moche_v that_o he_o make_v to_o proclaim_v through_o out_o all_o nacyon_n that_o who_o so_o ever_o will_v come_v to_o he_o rich_a or_o poor_a at_o a_o certain_a day_n shall_v have_v their_o petycyon_n what_o so_o ever_o 〈◊〉_d be_v when_o y_a e_o mighty_a man_n hear_v this_o they_o be_v glad_a &_o come_v at_o the_o day_n assign_v &_o every_o man_n put_v forth_o thayr_a petition_n unto_o the_o emperor_n &_o anon_o their_o petycyon_n be_v grant_v &_o fulfyl_v in_o so_o moche_v that_o almoo_v all_o the_o empire_n be_v depart_v among_o they_o and_o than_o every_o man_n be_v joy_n full_a &_o go_v home_o again_o &_o take_v sâ—a_o sign_n of_o such_o land_n &_o castle_n as_o the_o emperor_n have_v give_v they_o anon_o after_o the_o poor_a man_n gadr_v they_o togyder_n and_o say_v a_o common_a cry_n be_v make_v that_o all_o man_n both_o poor_a &_o rich_a shall_v come_v to_o y_fw-fr e_o emperor_n palay_n &_o their_o they_o shall_v have_v what_o so_o ever_o they_o ask_v &_o y_fw-fr e_fw-la rich_a man_n have_v be_v there_o late_o and_o optayn_v their_o petition_n therefore_o go_v we_o now_o &_o wit_v if_o we_o may_v optayne_n any_o good_a of_o y_z e_z emperor_n that_o counsel_n be_v approbate_a &_o allow_v among_o they_o all_o wherefore_o they_o go_v forth_o till_o they_o come_v to_o y_z e_z emperor_n palay_n &_o there_o they_o put_v forth_o their_o petycyon_n accord_v to_o themperours_n proclamacyon_n and_o when_o the_o emperor_n have_v hear_v they_o he_o say_v to_o they_o dear_a friend_n i_o have_v hear_v all_o your_o peticyon_n &_o it_o be_v troth_n that_o my_o proclamacyon_n be_v y_z t_z every_o man_n indifferent_o shall_v come_v &_o have_v their_o peticyon_n but_o the_o rich_a &_o mighty_a man_n have_v be_v here_o afore_o you_o to_o who_o i_o have_v give_v all_o that_o i_o have_v save_v only_o the_o royalte_n of_o my_o lordship_n and_o so_o have_v i_o nothing_o leave_v to_o gyve_v you_o a_o good_a lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o &_o let_v we_o not_o go_v void_a again_o for_o we_o know_v well_o that_o be_v our_o own_o defaute_n that_o we_o come_v not_o rather_o with_o t_o these_o other_o rich_a &_o mighty_a man_n but_o since_o it_o be_v so_o we_o ask_v your_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v optayne_n somewhat_o by_o the_o which_o we_o may_v live_v than_o say_v the_o emperor_n good_a friend_n though_o i_o have_v give_v all_o my_o land_n rent_n &_o tenemente_n &_o all_o y_z e_z castle_n to_o the_o rich_a man_n that_o come_v before_o you_o nevertheless_o i_o have_v keep_v still_o in_o i_o owe_v hand_n the_o lordship_n over_o they_o and_o that_o lordship_n i_o gyve_v to_o you_o and_o so_o shall_v they_o be_v your_o servant_n &_o be_v obedyent_n to_o you_o all_o and_o when_o the_o poor_a man_n hear_v this_o they_o be_v great_o reioyse_v &_o kneel_v down_o to_o the_o emperor_n &_o thank_v he_o say_v â—o_o though_o we_o come_v late_o yet_o we_o be_v make_v lord_n over_o all_o these_o other_o and_o with_o this_o they_o take_v their_o leave_n and_o go_v home_o again_o but_o when_o the_o rich_a and_o the_o mighty_a man_n hear_v that_o they_o be_v great_o move_v and_o set_v a_o common_a parlyament_n among_o themselves_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v speak_v among_o they_o alas_o alas_o how_o may_v we_o serve_v they_o that_o sometime_o be_v but_o churl_n &_o our_o subject_n in_o all_o manner_n thing_n &_o now_o they_o be_v make_v lord_n over_o us._n therefore_o go_v we_o all_o with_o one_o assent_n to_o themperour_n &_o pray_v we_o he_o of_o remedy_n when_o this_o be_v say_v their_o counseyle_n be_v commend_v &_o forth_o they_o go_v to_o the_o emperor_n &_o say_v to_o he_o reverend_n lord_n what_o may_v this_o be_v those_z y_z t_z be_v our_o servant_n be_v make_v our_o lord_n we_o beseech_v you_o meke_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o than_o say_v the_o emperor_n good_a friend_n i_o do_v you_o no_o wrong_n for_o my_o cry_n be_v commune_v that_o what_o so_o ever_o you_o ask_v of_o i_o you_o shall_v optayne_n your_o peticyon_n &_o you_o ask_v nothing_o of_o i_o but_o land_n rent_n &_o honour_n and_o all_o that_o have_v i_o grant_v you_o at_o your_o own_o will_n in_o so_o moche_n y_fw-mi t_z i_o keep_v nothing_o for_o myself_o &_o each_o of_o you_o be_v well_o content_a at_o your_o away_o go_v &_o after_o y_o it_o come_v simple_a and_o poor_a man_n &_o ask_v of_o i_o some_o good_n accord_v to_o my_o proclamacyon_n &_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o gyve_v they_o for_o i_o have_v give_v you_o all_o that_o i_o have_v save_v only_o the_o lordship_n over_o you_o which_o i_o keep_v in_o my_o hand_n &_o when_o the_o poor_a man_n so_o cry_v on_o i_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o gyve_v they_o save_v only_o the_o lordship_n over_o you_o and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v not_o blame_v i_o for_o that_o you_o ask_v you_o have_v than_o say_v they_o a_o good_a lord_n we_o pray_v you_o effectuous_o of_o your_o counsel_n in_o this_o case_n &_o of_o your_o help_n the_o emperor_n answer_v &_o say_v sir_n if_o you_o will_v werke_v after_o i_o i_o shall_v gyve_v you_o good_a &_o profitable_a counseyle_n than_o say_v they_o lord_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o
fulfil_v what_o so_o ever_o you_o say_v to_o we_o for_o our_o profit_n than_o say_v themperour_n my_o good_a friend_n you_o have_v of_o i_o both_o land_n and_o tenemente_n with_o other_o movable_a good_n and_o that_o great_a plente_a the_o which_o by_o my_o counseyle_n you_o shall_v depart_v w_z t_o the_o poor_a man_n that_o they_o may_v grant_v you_o the_o lordship_n and_o anon_o these_o rich_a man_n glad_o grant_v to_o this_o &_o depart_v all_o their_o good_n among_o the_o poor_a man_n &_o than_o they_o give_v they_o again_o the_o lordship_n over_o they_o like_a as_o they_o have_v of_o y_z e_z rich_a man_n and_o thus_o be_v they_o both_o content_n &_o themperour_n be_v great_o commend_v of_o all_o the_o people_n because_o he_o accord_v both_o the_o party_n so_o wise_o ¶_o by_o this_o emperor_n be_v understande_v our_o lord_n jesu_n chryst_n which_o make_v a_o proclamacyon_n by_o his_o ê“phete_n patriarch_n apostle_n &_o precher_n that_o every_o man_n both_o poor_a &_o rich_a shall_v come_v &_o ask_v everla_a joy_n and_o without_o doubt_n they_o shall_v optayne_n their_o petition_n but_o y_o e_o rich_a and_o mighty_a man_n ask_v none_o other_o thing_n but_o worldly_a honour_n &_o transytory_a rychesse_n for_o this_o world_n shall_v pass_v &_o all_o his_o covetyse_n wherefore_o he_o give_v they_o so_o moche_v of_o worldly_a good_n that_o he_o have_v nothing_o leave_v to_o himself_o accord_v to_o scripture_n the_o bird_n of_o heaven_n have_v nest_n &_o y_fw-fr e_fw-la fox_n in_o earth_n have_v cave_n but_o y_o e_o soon_o of_o god_n have_v nothing_o in_o earth_n where_o he_o may_v put_v his_o heed_n the_o poor_a man_n be_v such_o as_o be_v meek_a in_o herte_n of_o the_o which_o poor_a man_n speak_v our_o lord_n say_v bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o herte_n for_o the_o kyngdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v they_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v seem_v that_o they_o have_v lordshyps_n above_o mighty_a man_n of_o this_o world_n therefore_o these_o rich_a man_n ought_v to_o depart_v their_o rychesse_n with_o poor_a man_n accord_v to_o the_o scrypture_n say_v thus_o gyve_v you_o alm_n &_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v cleve_v to_o you_o and_o thus_o may_v you_o gete_v a_o lordship_n in_o heaven_n unto_o y_fw-es e_fw-es which_o lordship_n i_o beseech_v almyghty_a god_n to_o bring_v we_o all_o amen_n sometime_o in_o rome_n dwell_v a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v domicyan_a which_o have_v two_o doughter_n of_o who_o one_o be_v pass_v fair_a &_o that_o other_o foul_a &_o ugly_a to_o behold_v wherefore_o he_o let_v cry_n through_o out_o all_o his_o empire_n that_o what_o man_n will_v have_v his_o fair_a daughter_n to_o wife_n shall_v have_v nothing_o with_o to_o she_o but_o her_o fayrne_n and_o who_o that_o wed_v his_o foul_a daughter_n shall_v have_v all_o his_o empire_n after_o his_o death_n and_o when_o the_o proclamacyon_n be_v make_v there_o come_v many_o lord_n y_o t_o desire_v to_o wed_v his_o fair_a daughter_n though_o who_o the_o emperor_n answer_v thus_o sir_n ê™_n he_o you_o wot_v not_o what_o you_o desire_v right_a well_o you_o know_v that_o if_o you_o wed_v she_o you_o shall_v have_v nothing_o with_o to_o she_o but_o her_o fayrne_n &_o farthermore_o if_o i_o gyve_v she_o to_o one_o of_o you_o &_o not_o to_o another_o than_o will_v you_o stryve_v for_o she_o therefore_o if_o you_o will_v needs_o have_v she_o &_o forsake_v my_o foul_a daughter_n you_o behove_v first_o to_o just_a for_o she_o and_o he_o that_o wyn_v she_o shall_v wed_v she_o than_o be_v the_o great_a state_n of_o y_z e_z empire_n great_o rejoice_v &_o anon_o only_o for_o he_o love_v they_o will_v just_a &_o also_o fight_v wherefore_o they_o set_v a_o day_n of_o batayle_n &_o many_o worthy_a man_n be_v slay_v on_o both_o side_n nevertheless_o one_o optayn_v the_o victory_n and_o wed_v that_o fair_a lady_n the_o second_o daughter_n that_o be_v foul_a and_o ugly_a see_v this_o that_o her_o sister_n be_v wed_v with_o it_o great_a solempnite_a mourn_v &_o weep_v daily_o wherefore_o the_o emperor_n her_o father_n come_v to_o she_o and_o say_v dear_a daughter_n why_o mourn_v thou_o thus_o alas_o dear_a father_n quoth_v she_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n though_o i_o mourn_v sing_v my_o sister_n wed_v with_o so_o great_a honour_n &_o gladness_n &_o every_o man_n be_v fain_o of_o she_o &_o no_o man_n love_v my_o felawshyp_n and_o therefore_o dear_a father_n what_o i_o may_v best_o do_v soth_o i_o wot_v not_o than_o say_v the_o emperor_n o_o my_o dear_a daughter_n all_o y_z t_z be_v i_o be_v thy_o and_o it_o be_v not_o unknowen_a to_o you_o that_o he_o which_o wed_v thy_o sister_n have_v nothing_o with_o to_o she_o but_o her_o fayrne_n &_o therefore_o i_o shall_v proclaim_v in_o my_o own_o ê‘sone_n through_o all_o my_o empire_n that_o what_o man_n w_v you_o i_o shall_v make_v he_o sure_o by_o letter_n patent_n of_o all_o my_o empire_n after_o my_o death_n than_o this_o young_a lady_n though_o she_o be_v foul_a &_o ugly_a nevertheless_o she_o rejoice_v in_o y_fw-es e_fw-es promise_v of_o her_o father_n &_o anon_o after_o the_o proclamacyon_n be_v make_v than_o there_o come_v a_o young_a knight_n &_o a_o gentyll_a &_o wed_a y_o e_o lady_n &_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o emperor_n he_o seize_v all_o the_o empire_n and_o be_v crown_v emperor_n and_o she_o empress_n ¶_o this_o emperor_n betoken_v our_o lord_n jesu_n chryst_n which_o have_v two_o doughter_n that_o one_o fair_a &_o that_o other_o foul_a that_o one_o fair_a betoken_v this_o world_n which_o be_v full_a fair_a &_o delectable_a to_o many_o man_n that_o other_o foul_a betoken_v poverte_a &_o trouble_n who_o few_o man_n desire_v to_o wed_v nevertheless_o a_o common_a cry_n be_v make_v by_o holy_a scripture_n that_o who_o so_o will_v have_v his_o fair_a daughter_n that_o be_v the_o world_n shall_v have_v nothing_o with_o she_o but_o her_o fayrne_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o worldly_a vanyâ—ees_n which_o fade_v &_o fall_v a_o way_n like_o as_o the_o fayrne_n of_o man_n but_o who_o that_o will_v wed_v the_o foul_a daughter_n that_o be_v to_o say_v wilful_o to_o receyve_v poverte_a &_o trouble_v for_o god_n love_n without_o doubt_n he_o shall_v optayne_n y_fw-fr e_o empire_n of_o heaven_n accord_v to_o scrypture_n say_v you_o that_o have_v forsake_v all_o thing_n for_o my_o love_n to_o follow_v i_o shall_v have_v everlasting_a life_n many_o noble_a and_o worthy_a man_n have_v iu_v for_o the_o fair_a daughter_n that_o be_v to_o say_v have_v fight_v both_o by_o see_v &_o by_o land_n for_o this_o world_n for_o covetyse_n of_o worldly_a rychesse_n &_o at_o the_o last_o there_o be_v many_o slay_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o here_o but_o pride_n of_o life_n covetyse_v of_o eye_n or_o of_o the_o flesh_n where_o through_o all_o the_o world_n be_v put_v to_o great_a mischief_n but_o he_o that_o w_v the_o fair_a daughter_n that_o be_v y_fw-fr e_o world_n be_v he_o that_o set_v all_o his_o affeccyon_n &_o desire_n in_o the_o wrecchednes_n of_o this_o world_n &_o will_v not_o for_o nothing_o forsake_v this_o world_n like_o a_o wretch_n &_o covetous_a man_n but_o he_o that_o w_v the_o foul_a daughter_n be_v a_o good_a chrysten_v man_n which_o for_o the_o love_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o kyngdom_n of_o heaven_n forsake_v all_o this_o world_n &_o not_o only_o do_v thus_o but_o also_o despyse_v himself_o bodily_a obey_v unto_o his_o soverayne_n in_o all_o thing_n such_o a_o man_n certain_o shall_v optayne_n the_o empire_n of_o heaven_n unto_o the_o which_o jesu_n chryst_n bring_v both_o you_o and_o i_o amen_n sometime_o in_o rome_n dwell_v a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v andromyke_a which_o above_o all_o thing_n love_v melody_n this_o emperor_n have_v within_o his_o castle_n a_o well_o of_o such_o virtue_n that_o who_o so_o ever_o be_v drunken_a &_o drink_v of_o the_o water_n of_o that_o well_o shall_v incontynent_a be_v fresh_a again_o &_o be_v delyver_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o drunkenness_n there_o be_v also_o dwelling_n in_o this_o emperor_n court_n a_o knight_n name_v ydrony_n who_o y_o e_z emperor_n love_a moche_n but_o oftentimes_o he_o be_v drunken_a which_o vice_n the_o emperor_n hate_v above_o all_o thing_n and_o when_o this_o knight_n perceyve_v himself_o drunken_a than_o will_v he_o go_v to_o the_o well_o &_o drink_v of_o the_o water_n &_o refresshe_a himself_o so_o that_o what_o so_o ever_o the_o emperor_n say_v to_o he_o he_o will_v answer_v he_o so_o reasonable_o that_o no_o drunkenness_n may_v be_v seen_v in_o he_o &_o for_o his_o wytty_n answer_v he_o be_v great_o belove_v of_o the_o emperor_n nevertheless_o his_o fellow_n of_o the_o court_n enuyd_v he_o moche_n &_o ymagyne_v among_o themselves_o how_o they_o may_v depart_v y_z e_o
that_o be_v worthy_a than_o he_o &_o despyse_v such_o as_o be_v simple_a &_o poor_a it_o be_v not_o long_o after_o that_o it_o befall_v that_o this_o steward_n ride_v by_o a_o forest_n where_o as_o he_o meet_v with_o the_o foster_n &_o charge_v he_o y_o it_o he_o shall_v make_v a_o honder_v pytte_n in_o the_o ground_n and_o cover_v they_o over_o with_o green_a grass_n &_o small_a bow_n that_o if_o wild_a beeste_n fortune_v to_o go_v in_o the_o forell_n that_o way_n that_o they_o shall_v then_o fall_v in_o and_o so_o shall_v they_o be_v take_v &_o bring_v to_o the_o emperor_n the_o foster_n answer_v &_o say_v sir_n as_o you_o have_v say_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v not_o long_o after_o it_o fortune_v you_o to_o this_o steward_n ride_v to_o this_o forest_n again_o to_o see_v if_o these_o pytâ—es_n be_v make_v &_o as_o he_o ride_v he_o be_v think_v he_o how_o great_a a_o man_n &_o how_o mighty_a he_o be_v make_v &_o how_o all_o thing_n in_o y_z e_z empire_n obey_v to_o he_o and_o be_v ready_a at_o his_o will_n and_o as_o he_o ride_v thus_o think_v he_o say_v to_o himself_o there_o be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d save_v only_o i_o and_o with_o that_o he_o smite_v his_o horse_n with_o his_o spurâ—es_n &_o sodeyn_o he_o fall_v in_o to_o one_o of_o y_fw-fr e_o deep_a pytte_n that_o he_o have_v ordain_v before_o himself_o for_o the_o wild_a beeste_n and_o for_o y_z e_z great_a depnes_n thereof_o he_o may_v not_o arise_v again_o by_o no_o manner_n of_o craft_n wherefore_o he_o mourn_v great_o and_o anon_o after_o he_o come_v a_o hungry_a lion_n and_o fall_v in_o to_z y_z e_z same_o pyt_n &_o after_o the_o lion_n a_o ape_n and_o after_o y_z e_z ape_n a_o serpent_n and_o when_o the_o steward_n be_v thus_o wall_v with_o it_o these_o three_o beeste_n he_o be_v great_o move_v and_o dread_a sore_n there_o be_v that_o time_n dwell_v in_o the_o cyte_n a_o poor_a man_n name_v guy_n that_o have_v no_o good_a save_o only_a a_o ass_n wherw_v it_o daily_o he_o carry_v stycke_n and_o fall_v wood_fw-mi &_o such_o as_o he_o coude_fw-fr gete_v in_o y_fw-fr e_fw-la forest_n &_o those_o he_o bring_v to_o y_fw-fr e_o market_n and_o sell_v they_o &_o in_o this_o wife_n he_o sustain_v himself_o &_o his_o wife_n as_o well_o as_o he_o may_v it_o fortune_v that_o this_o poor_a guy_n go_v to_o this_o forest_n as_o he_o be_v wont_a and_o as_o he_o come_v by_o y_z e_z deep_a pyt_n he_o hear_v a_o man_n cry_n &_o say_v o_o dear_a friend_n what_o be_v y_fw-mi u._fw-mi for_o god_n sake_n help_v i_o &_o i_o shall_v quite_o the_o so_o well_o that_o you_o u._fw-mi shall_v ever_o after_o be_v the_o better_a when_o this_o poor_a guy_n hear_v y_o t_o it_o be_v you_o e_o voice_n of_o a_o man_n he_o marvel_v great_o &_o stand_v still_o on_o the_o pytte_n brynke_v &_o say_v lo_o good_a friend_n i_o be_o comme_fw-fr for_o y_fw-fr u._fw-mi have_v call_v i_o than_o say_v the_o knight_n dear_a friend_n i_o be_o steward_n of_o all_o the_o emperor_n land_n &_o thus_o by_o fortune_n i_o be_o fall_v in_o to_o this_o pyt_n &_o here_o be_v w_z t_z i_o three_o beeste_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o lion_n a_o ape_n &_o a_o horryble_a serpent_n which_o i_o drede_v moost_n of_o all_o &_o i_o wot_v not_o of_o which_o of_o they_o i_o shall_v be_v first_o devour_v therefore_o i_o pray_v the_o for_o god_n sake_n gete_v i_o a_o long_a cord_n wherwyth_o thou_o may_v draw_v i_o out_o of_o this_o deep_a pyt_n and_o i_o shall_v waraunt_a y_fw-es e_fw-es to_o make_v the_o rich_a in_o all_o thing_n for_o ever_o more_o hereafter_o &_o but_o i_o have_v y_fw-fr e_o rather_o help_v i_o shall_v be_v devour_v of_o these_o beeste_n than_o say_v this_o poor_a guy_n i_o may_v fulâ—_n ill_o intend_v to_o help_v y_z e_o for_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o live_v on_o but_o that_o i_o gâ—der_fw-mi wood_fw-mi &_o carry_v it_o to_o y_z e_z market_n to_o sell_v wherwyth_o i_o be_o sustain_v nevertheless_o i_o shall_v leave_v my_o labour_n &_o fulfil_v thy_o will_n &_o if_o you_o reward_v i_o not_o it_o shall_v be_v great_a hyndraunce_n to_o i_o &_o to_o my_o wife_n than_o the_o steward_n make_v a_o great_a oath_n and_o say_v that_o he_o will_v ê“mote_v he_o &_o all_o his_o to_o great_a rychesse_n than_o say_v guy_n if_o thou_o will_v fulfil_v thy_o promise_n i_o shall_v do_v y_z t_z you_o bid_v i_o and_o with_o that_o go_v again_o to_o the_o cyte_n &_o bring_v with_o he_o a_o long_a rope_n &_o come_v to_o y_z e_z pyt_n &_o say_v sir_n steward_n lo_o i_o let_v down_o a_o rope_n to_o the_o bound_v thyself_o about_o the_o middle_a therewith_o that_o i_o may_v pull_v the_o up_o than_o be_v the_o steward_n glad_a &_o say_v good_a friend_n let_v down_o y_o e_o rope_n and_o with_o y_z t_z he_o cast_v the_o end_n of_o the_o rope_n down_o into_o the_o pyt_n and_o when_o the_o lion_n see_v that_o he_o catch_v the_o rope_n &_o hold_v it_o fast_o &_o guy_n draw_v y_o e_o lion_n up_o wen_v to_o he_o he_o have_v draw_v up_o the_o steward_n &_o when_o he_o have_v so_o do_v the_o lion_n thank_v he_o in_o his_o manner_n &_o run_v to_o y_fw-es e_fw-es wood_fw-mi the_o second_o time_n this_o guy_n let_v down_o the_o rope_n the_o ape_n leap_v to_o it_o &_o catch_v it_o fast_o &_o when_o he_o be_v draw_v up_o he_o thank_v guy_n as_o he_o coude_fw-fr &_o run_v to_o the_o wood_fw-mi the_o three_o time_n he_o let_v down_o the_o rope_n &_o draw_v up_o y_o e_o serpent_n which_o thank_v he_o &_o go_v to_o y_fw-es e_fw-es wood_fw-mi the_o steward_n cry_v with_o a_o high_a voice_n o_o dear_a friend_n now_o be_o i_o delyver_v of_o three_o venymous_a beeste_n now_o let_v down_o the_o cord_n to_o i_o that_o i_o may_v come_v up_o and_o this_o poor_a guy_n let_v down_o the_o rope_n &_o the_o steward_n bind_v himself_o fast_o abouthe_n the_o middle_a &_o anon_o guy_n draw_v he_o up_o and_o when_o he_o be_v thus_o help_v he_o say_v to_o guy_n comme_fw-fr to_o i_o at_o three_o of_o the_o clock_n to_o the_o palay_n &_o than_o i_o shall_v make_v the_o rich_a for_o ever_o this_o poor_a guy_n rejoice_v thereof_o &_o go_v home_o without_o any_o reward_v than_o his_o wife_n demand_v he_o why_o he_o gadere_v not_o woo_v wherw_o to_o they_o may_v live_v that_o day_n than_o tell_v he_o her_o all_o the_o process_n as_o it_o befall_v how_o the_o steward_n fall_v in_o to_z y_z e_z pyt_n &_o also_o the_o lion_n the_o ape_n &_o the_o serpent_n that_o he_o have_v make_v in_o y_z e_z say_v forest_n &_o how_o he_o have_v holpen_v he_o out_o with_o a_o cord_n &_o save_v he_o from_o devour_n of_o you_o e_o three_o venymous_a beeste_n &_o how_o he_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o steward_n &_o sethe_v his_o reward_n on_o y_o e_o morrow_n when_o his_o wife_n hear_v this_o she_o rejoice_v great_o and_o say_v if_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o good_a sir_n arise_v to_o morrow_n at_o a_o due_a hour_n &_o go_v to_o the_o palay_n &_o receyve_v your_o reward_n that_o we_o may_v be_v comfort_v thereby_o so_o in_o the_o morning_n guy_n arise_v &_o go_v to_o y_z e_z palay_n &_o knock_v at_o the_o gate_n than_o come_v the_o porter_n &_o ask_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o knock_n i_o pray_v the_o quoth_v this_o guy_n go_v to_o y_fw-fr e_o steward_n and_o say_v to_o he_o that_o here_o abide_v a_o poor_a man_n at_o the_o gate_n that_o speak_v with_o he_o yesterday_o in_o the_o forest_n the_o porter_n go_v in_o &_o tell_v the_o steward_n as_o y_z e_z poor_a man_n have_v say_v than_o say_v the_o steward_n go_v thou_o again_o and_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o lie_v for_o yesterday_o speak_v i_o with_o no_o man_n in_o the_o forest_n &_o charge_v he_o that_o he_o go_v his_o way_n &_o that_o i_o see_v he_o there_o never_o after_o the_o porter_n go_v forth_o and_o tell_v poor_a guy_n how_o the_o steward_n have_v say_v &_o charge_v he_o to_o go_v his_o way_n than_o be_v this_o guy_n sorrowful_a &_o go_v home_o &_o when_o he_o come_v home_o he_o tell_v his_o wife_n how_o the_o steward_n answer_v he_o his_o wife_n comfort_v he_o in_o all_o that_o she_o may_v &_o say_v sir_n go_v you_o again_o &_o prove_v he_o thrice_o than_o on_o y_z e_z morrow_n this_o guy_n arise_v &_o go_v to_o the_o palay_v again_o pray_v the_o porter_n once_o to_o do_v his_o erande_n again_o to_o the_o steward_n than_o the_o porter_n answer_v &_o say_v glad_o i_o will_v do_v thy_o erande_n but_o i_o drede_v i_o sore_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v thy_o hurt_n and_o than_o go_v he_o in_o &_o tell_v y_o e_o steward_n
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
clear_a enough_o that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o serve_v god_n and_o when_o god_n may_v not_o have_v of_o the_o second_o ton_n than_o ask_v he_o of_o the_o three_o ton_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_z y_z e_z three_o ton_n of_o his_o youth_n than_o answer_v the_o wicked_a man_n and_o say_v that_o wine_n be_v to_o strong_a &_o mighty_a and_o therefore_o his_o youth_n ought_v to_o be_v spend_v about_o dede_n of_o this_o world_n and_o not_o in_o penance_n which_o shall_v make_v he_o feeble_a &_o weyke_a when_o god_n see_v that_o he_o may_v not_o have_v of_o this_o ton_n than_o ask_v he_o of_o the_o four_o ton_n and_o than_o answer_v the_o wicked_a man_n &_o say_v that_o a_o age_a man_n be_v feeble_a &_o may_v not_o fast_o ne_o do_v no_o hard_a penance_n &_o if_o he_o do_v he_o shall_v be_v cause_n of_o his_o own_o death_n and_o than_o ask_v our_o lord_n of_o the_o fyfth_o ton_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o his_o old_a age_n when_o he_o do_v creep_v &_o may_v not_o go_v without_o a_o staff_n but_o the_o wicked_a man_n excuse_v himself_o &_o say_v that_o this_o wine_n be_v to_o feeble_a to_o gyve_v such_o a_o feeble_a man_n for_o if_o he_o shall_v fast_v one_o day_n it_o be_v time_n on_o y_z e_z morrow_n to_o make_v his_o grave_n and_o when_o our_o lord_n see_v that_o he_o may_v not_o have_v of_o the_o fyfth_o ton_n than_o ask_v he_o of_o the_o syxth_o ton_n that_o be_v to_o say_v when_o a_o man_n be_v blind_a and_o may_v not_o go_v to_o sin_n no_o more_o yet_o desire_v he_o of_o such_o a_o man_n drink_v that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o help_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o the_o wretched_a man_n lyenge_a in_o despair_n say_v alas_o alas_o to_o i_o because_o i_o serve_v not_o almyghty_a god_n my_o maker_n &_o redeemer_n she_o in_o time_n past_o while_n i_o be_v in_o youth_n &_o in_o prosperyte_n but_o now_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v but_o only_a y_fw-mi e_o lie_n &_o the_o dregs_n of_o all_o wretchedness_n therefore_o what_o shall_v it_o avayle_v i_o now_o to_o turn_v toward_o god_n but_o for_o such_o man_n we_o shall_v mourn_v nevertheless_o god_n be_v so_o merciful_a that_o though_o he_o may_v have_v no_o seruyce_n of_o man_n in_o all_o his_o time_n yet_o be_v he_o content_a to_o have_v the_o lie_n of_o his_o ton_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o good_a will_n though_o he_o may_v not_o serve_v he_o otherwise_o &_o so_o shall_v his_o good_a will_v stand_v he_o in_o stead_n of_o penance_n for_o in_o what_o hour_n the_o sinner_n do_v his_o penance_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v as_o ezechiel_n wytneâ—seth_v the_o apostle_n say_v alas_o alas_o &_o welawaye_o for_o there_o be_v many_o that_o will_v gyve_v no_o wine_n ne_o none_o other_o thing_n to_o he_o wherefore_o god_n shall_v complain_v unto_o the_o king_n of_o iherusalem_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o he_o godhede_v at_o the_o day_n of_o doom_n &_o than_o god_n &_o man_n shall_v gyve_v a_o sentence_n defensable_a against_o such_o man_n say_v esurivi_fw-la et_fw-la non_fw-la dedistis_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o have_v hunger_v &_o you_o give_v i_o no_o meat_n i_o have_v thur_v and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o drink_n 'loo_o thus_o shall_v he_o rehearse_v to_o the_o the_o seven_o werke_n of_o mercy_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v than_o shall_v they_o be_v put_v to_o everlasting_a pain_n and_o the_o rightful_a man_n into_o everla_a bliss_n where_o they_o shall_v have_v joy_n wythouten_o end_n unto_o the_o which_o bring_v we_o our_o lord_n jesu_n chryst._n amen_o in_o rome_n dwell_v sometime_o a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v antony_n under_o who_o reign_n the_o rower_n on_o the_o see_v have_v take_v prisoner_n a_o mighty_a man_n soon_o of_o a_o other_o regyon_n &_o bring_v he_o to_o y_z e_z emperor_n prison_n fast_o bind_v when_o this_o young_a man_n be_v thus_o in_o prison_n he_o write_v to_o his_o father_n for_o his_o ransom_n but_o his_o father_n will_v no_o ransom_n pay_v ne_o none_o other_o thing_n send_v to_o conforte_v he_o this_o hear_v his_o soon_o weep_v sore_o &_o may_v not_o be_v comfort_v for_o the_o unkyndnes_n of_o his_o father_n this_o emperor_n have_v a_o fair_a daughter_n which_o visyte_v every_o day_n this_o prisoner_n &_o comfort_v he_o as_o moche_v as_o she_o may_v to_o who_o the_o prisoner_n answer_v &_o say_v how_o shall_v i_o be_v merry_a or_o how_o may_v i_o joy_n thus_o for_o to_o lie_v fast_o bind_v in_o prison_n from_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n &_o notwithstanding_o this_o it_o greve_v i_o more_o that_o my_o father_n will_v not_o pay_v my_o raunsom_n when_o this_o maiden_n hear_v this_o she_o be_v move_v with_o pyte_n and_o say_v dear_a friend_n i_o be_o sorry_a for_o the_o nevertheless_o if_o thou_o wylte_n grant_v i_o one_o thing_n i_o shall_v delyver_v the_o from_o this_o anguysshe_n &_o pain_n what_o thing_n be_v that_o quoth_v he_o that_o thou_o wylte_n take_v i_o to_o thy_o wife_n than_o say_v the_o prisoner_n i_o promise_v you_o sure_o to_o fulfil_v your_o intent_n and_o desire_n and_o for_o the_o more_o sykerne_v i_o plight_n you_o my_o troth_n when_o he_o have_v so_o do_v it_o be_v not_o long_o after_o the_o damosel_n delyver_v he_o out_o of_o prison_n and_o flee_v away_o with_o he_o home_o to_o his_o father_n house_n when_o the_o father_n see_v his_o soon_o &_o the_o maiden_n togyder_n he_o ask_v you_o e_o cause_n why_o he_o bring_v she_o with_o he_o than_o say_v his_o soon_o sir_n this_o damosel_n delyver_v i_o out_o of_o prison_n and_o therefore_o she_o shall_v be_v my_o wife_n than_o say_v his_o father_n i_o will_v not_o consent_v that_o she_o shall_v be_v thy_o wife_n for_o two_o reasonable_a cause_n which_o i_o shall_v show_v the._n the_o first_o be_v this_o it_o be_v not_o unknowen_a to_o the_o that_o the_o emperor_n her_o father_n may_v have_v have_v for_o thy_o delyveraunce_n great_a good_a and_o for_o as_o moche_v as_o she_o be_v untrue_a to_o her_o own_o father_n and_o true_a to_o the_o it_o seem_v well_o that_o thou_o shall_v not_o trust_v long_o in_o she_o for_o who_o be_v false_a to_o her_o own_o father_n by_o reason_n shall_v be_v very_o false_a and_o untrue_a to_o a_o other_o man_n the_o second_o reason_n be_v this_o the_o cause_n why_o she_o delyver_v the_o out_o of_o prison_n it_o be_v neither_o for_o pyte_n nor_o for_o love_n but_o for_o flesshly_a lust_n that_o she_o have_v to_o the._n for_o at_o thy_o delyveraunce_n she_o make_v covenaunt_v with_o the_o to_o be_v thy_o wife_n and_o have_v of_o the_o thy_o troth_n and_o therefore_o soon_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n that_o she_o shall_v be_v thy_o wife_n the_o maiden_n answer_v to_o this_o question_n &_o say_v as_o for_o the_o first_o reason_n which_o thou_o lay_v against_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v be_v untrue_a to_o my_o father_n that_o be_v false_a for_o my_o father_n have_v plente_a of_o rychesse_n &_o thy_o soon_o be_v but_o poor_a and_o therefore_o i_o help_v he_o for_o pyte_n and_o for_o none_o other_o cause_n and_o nevertheless_o thou_o that_o be_v his_o father_n will_v not_o pay_v his_o ransom_n that_o he_o may_v be_v delyver_v out_o of_o prison_n 'loo_o for_o this_o cause_n i_o have_v delyver_v he_o therefore_o i_o be_o kynder_n to_o he_o than_o thou_o that_o be_v his_o own_o father_n &_o he_o be_v more_o beholden_a to_o i_o than_o to_o the._n unto_o that_o other_o reason_n where_o as_o y_z e_z say_v that_o i_o delyver_v he_o because_o of_o flesshly_a lust_n i_o answer_v and_o say_v playnli_v that_o it_o be_v not_o troth_n for_o all_o manner_n of_o flesshly_a love_n be_v cause_n of_o strengthe_n or_o else_o of_o fayrne_n but_o thy_o soon_o be_v not_o strong_a for_o his_o enprysonment_n have_v do_v away_o his_o strengthe_n he_o be_v not_o fair_a for_o by_o the_o pain_n that_o he_o have_v have_v in_o prison_n he_o be_v make_v low_a and_o unlusty_a to_o the_o sight_n and_o therefore_o pyte_v only_o move_v i_o to_o delyver_v he_o and_o not_o flesshly_a lust_n than_o say_v the_o soon_o unto_o his_o father_n dear_a father_n for_o as_o moche_v as_o i_o be_v in_o peryll_n of_o death_n and_o write_v unto_o the_o that_o thou_o will_v pay_v my_o ransom_n that_o i_o may_v be_v delyver_v and_o thou_o will_v not_o help_v i_o but_o this_o damoysel_n of_o her_o gentylnes_n and_o for_o pyte_n have_v save_v i_o from_o death_n and_o delyver_v i_o out_o of_o prison_n and_o therefore_o soth_o she_o shall_v be_v my_o wife_n wherefore_o forth_o with_o he_o wed_v she_o with_o great_a honour_n and_o with_o she_o end_v his_o life_n ¶_o dear_a friend_n this_o emperor_n betoken_v the_o father_n of_o heaven_n the_o young_a man_n which_o be_v take_v with_o the_o
rower_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o see_v betoken_v all_o mankind_n which_o be_v take_v with_o the_o devyll_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o fore_a father_n adam_n and_o be_v cast_v in_o to_o the_o prison_n of_o hell_n with_o great_a sorrow_n and_o pain_n his_o father_n will_v not_o ransom_n he_o that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o world_n will_v do_v nothing_o for_o he_o this_o fair_a daughter_n betoken_v the_o godhede_v which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o take_v manhood_n of_o the_o vyrgyn_v marye_n and_o so_o make_v a_o goostly_a marriage_n bytwene_v he_o and_o man_n and_o upon_o this_o condicyon_n he_o delyver_v mankind_n out_o of_o this_o prison_n of_o hell_n when_o he_o come_v fro_o heaven_n and_o forsake_v the_o felawshyp_n of_o angel_n for_o to_o dwell_v with_o we_o in_o this_o wretched_a valley_n of_o tear_n but_o the_o father_n that_o betoken_v y_fw-mi e_z world_n grutched_a ever_o against_o he_o and_o will_v not_o suffer_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n shall_v become_v the_o spouse_n of_o jesu_n chryst_n but_o that_o she_o shall_v always_o serve_v he_o and_o forsake_v our_o lord_n therefore_o if_o we_o follow_v the_o world_n &_o his_o vanytee_n soth_o we_o shall_v fall_v in_o to_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devyll_n from_fw-mi the_o which_o defend_v we_o our_o bless_v savyour_fw-mi jesu_n chryst._n amen_n sometime_o in_o rome_n dwell_v a_o noble_a emperor_n of_o great_a lyvelode_n name_v alexander_n the_o which_o above_o all_o virtue_n love_v y_o e_o virtue_n of_o largess_n wherefore_o he_o ordain_v a_o law_n for_o great_a curiosite_a that_o no_o man_n under_o pain_n of_o death_n shall_v turn_v a_o plaice_n in_o his_o dysshe_n at_o his_o meat_n but_o only_o eat_v the_o white_a side_n and_o not_o the_o black_a and_o if_o any_o man_n will_v attempt_v to_o do_v the_o contrary_a he_o shall_v dye_v without_o remedy_n but_o or_o he_o die_v he_o shall_v ask_v three_o bone_n of_o the_o emperor_n what_o he_o list_v except_o his_o life_n which_o shall_v be_v grant_v he_o it_o befall_v after_o on_o a_o day_n that_o there_o come_v a_o earl_n &_o his_o soon_o of_o a_o strange_a country_n to_o speak_v with_o the_o emperor_n and_o when_o this_o earl_n be_v set_v to_o meat_n he_o be_v serve_v with_o a_o plaice_n and_o he_o which_o be_v hungry_a and_o have_v a_o appetyte_n to_o his_o meat_n ▪_o after_o he_o have_v eat_v y_o e_o white_a side_n he_o turn_v the_o black_a side_n &_o begin_v to_o eat_v thereof_o wherefore_o anon_o he_o be_v accuse_v to_o the_o emperor_n because_o he_o have_v offend_v against_o the_o law_n than_o say_v the_o emperor_n let_v he_o dye_v accord_v to_o the_o law_n without_o one_o delay_n when_o the_o earl_n soon_o hear_v that_o his_o father_n shall_v dye_v anon_o he_o set_v he_o down_o on_o both_o his_o knee_n tofore_o the_o emperor_n and_o say_v o_o my_o reverend_a lord_n for_o his_o love_n that_o hinge_n upon_o the_o cross_n let_v i_o dye_v for_o my_o father_n than_o say_v the_o emperor_n it_o please_v i_o well_o that_o one_o dye_v for_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o law_n than_o say_v this_o earl_n soon_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o i_o shall_v dye_v i_o ask_v the_o benefyte_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o i_o may_v have_v three_o peticyon_n grant_v or_o i_o die_v the_o emperor_n answer_v and_o say_v ask_v what_o thou_o wylte_n there_o shall_v no_o man_n say_v the_o nay_o than_o say_v this_o young_a knight_n my_o lord_n you_o have_v but_o one_o daughter_n the_o which_o i_o desire_v of_o your_o highness_n that_o she_o may_v lie_v with_o i_o a_o night_n or_o i_o die_v the_o emperor_n grant_v though_o it_o be_v against_o his_o will_n in_o fulfylling_n of_o his_o law_n nevertheless_o this_o knight_n defoul_v she_o not_o as_o that_o night_n therefore_o please_v he_o great_o the_o emperor_n the_o second_o peticyon_n be_v this_o i_o ask_v all_o thy_o treasour_n and_o anon_o the_o emperor_n grant_v because_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v call_v a_o breke_a of_o his_o own_o law_n and_o when_o this_o earl_n soon_o have_v receyve_v y_o e_z emperor_n treasour_n he_o depart_v it_o both_o to_o poor_a and_o rich_a wherefore_o he_o optayn_v their_o good_a wylle_n my_o three_o peticyon_n be_v this_o i_o ask_v my_o lord_n that_o all_o y_fw-mi e_z eye_n may_v be_v put_v out_o incontynent_a which_o see_v my_o father_n eat_v of_o the_o black_a plaice_n wherefore_o the_o emperor_n let_v make_v a_o inquisicyon_n anon_o who_o it_o be_v that_o see_v the_o earl_n turn_v y_fw-fr e_o plaice_n and_o they_o that_o see_v he_o turn_v the_o plaice_n bethink_v they_o and_o say_v within_o themselves_o if_o we_o knowledge_n that_o we_o see_v he_o do_v this_o trespass_n than_o shall_v our_o eye_n be_v put_v out_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v better_a that_o he_o hold_v we_o still_o and_o so_o there_o be_v none_o find_v that_o will_v accuse_v he_o when_o the_o earl_n soon_o see_v this_o he_o say_v to_o the_o emperor_n my_o lord_n quoth_v he_o you_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n accuse_v my_o father_n therefore_o gyve_v you_o rightful_a judgement_n than_o say_v the_o emperor_n for_o as_o moche_v that_o no_o man_n will_v knowledge_n that_o they_o see_v he_o turn_v the_o plaice_n therefore_o i_o will_v not_o y_z t_z thy_o father_n shall_v dye_v lo_o thus_o the_o soon_o save_v his_o father_n life_n &_o after_o the_o decese_n of_o the_o emperor_n wed_v his_o daughter_n ¶_o dear_a friend_n this_o emperor_n betoken_v the_o father_n of_o heaven_n which_o ordain_v a_o law_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v turn_v the_o black_a side_n of_o the_o plaice_n that_o be_v to_o say_v there_o shall_v no_o man_n labour_n for_o rychesse_n or_o lordship_n by_o covetyse_n and_o falshede_v the_o earl_n that_o come_v to_o the_o emperor_n betoken_v adam_n our_o for_o father_n which_o come_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o damasse_n to_o the_o court_n of_o paradyse_n and_o turn_v up_o the_o black_a side_n of_o the_o plaice_n when_o he_o eat_v of_o the_o apple_n wherefore_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v damn_a to_o everla_a death_n but_o his_o soon_o that_o betoken_v our_o lord_n jesu_n chryst._n for_o he_o take_v flesh_n of_o adam_n and_o proffer_v himself_o wilful_o to_o dye_v for_o he_o the_o father_n of_o heaven_n grant_v that_o he_o shall_v go_v down_o to_o dye_v for_o mankind_n nevertheless_o or_o he_o die_v he_o ask_v three_o peticyon_n of_o his_o father_n of_o heaven_n the_o first_o be_v this_o y_z t_z he_o may_v have_v by_o he_o his_o daughter_n which_o betoken_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o bring_v she_o with_o he_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o heaven_n accord_v to_o y_z e_z word_n of_o osee_n say_v desponsabo_fw-la eam_fw-la michi_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v i_o shall_v wed_v she_o to_o my_o wife_n the_o second_o peticyon_n be_v this_o all_o the_o emperor_n treasour_n which_o betoken_v the_o treasour_n of_o heaven_n accord_v to_o this_o scrypture_n sicut_fw-la disposuit_fw-la michi_fw-la pater_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v like_a as_o my_o father_n have_v dispose_v for_o i_o so_o i_o dyspose_v for_o you_o the_o three_o petycyon_n be_v this_o that_o all_o their_o eye_n shall_v be_v put_v out_o that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o devyll_n which_o daily_o accuse_v man_n that_o he_o may_v be_v put_v from_o the_o light_n of_o heavenly_a grace_n and_o thus_o save_v he_o mankind_n and_o lead_v he_o up_o with_o he_o unto_o the_o palay_n of_o heaven_n unto_o the_o which_o palay_v bring_v we_o our_o lord_n jesus_n amen_n in_o rome_n dwell_v sometime_o a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v lemycyus_fw-la which_o on_o a_o day_n ride_v to_o a_o forest_n for_o to_o sport_v he_o where_o as_o he_o meet_v sodeyn_o with_o a_o poor_a man_n to_o who_o he_o say_v thus_o friend_n whence_o come_v thou_o &_o who_o be_v thou_o my_o lord_n quoth_v he_o i_o come_v fro_o the_o next_o cyte_n and_o your_o man_n i_o be_o than_o say_v the_o emperor_n thou_o seme_v poor_a therefore_o if_o thou_o wylte_n be_v good_a and_o true_a i_o shall_v promote_v the_o to_o great_a rychesse_n and_o honour_n than_o answer_v this_o poor_a man_n and_o say_v my_o lord_n i_o promise_v you_o faithful_o to_o be_v true_a to_o you_o as_o long_o as_o i_o live_v the_o emperor_n anon_o make_v he_o knight_n and_o give_v he_o great_a rychesse_n when_o he_o be_v thus_o promote_v he_o wax_v so_o proud_a that_o he_o think_v himself_o more_o able_a to_o be_v a_o emperor_n than_o his_o lord_n wherefore_o he_o make_v suggestyon_n to_o dyverse_a lord_n of_o that_o empire_n that_o he_o may_v usurp_v &_o take_v upon_o he_o through_o strength_n of_o they_o to_o be_v emperor_n when_o y_a e_o emperor_n hear_v this_o anon_o he_o exile_v he_o and_o all_o those_o that_o be_v consent_v to_o he_o