give_v most_o of_o my_o land_n rent_n tenement_n and_o cattle_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 sâ—ill_o in_o my_o own_o hand_n the_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n over_o they_o and_o that_o i_o do_v give_v to_o you_o and_o so_o shall_v they_o be_v your_o servant_n and_o be_v obedient_a to_o you_o all_o and_o when_o the_o poor_a man_n hear_v this_o great_o hereat_o rejoice_v knéele_v down_o to_o the_o emperor_n and_o thank_v he_o say_v lo_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 &_o go_v home_o again_o but_o when_o the_o rich_a &_o the_o mighty_a man_n hear_v that_o they_o be_v great_o move_v and_o ordain_v a_o common_a parliament_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 peasant_n and_o our_o subject_n in_o all_o manner_n thing_n and_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 he_o of_o remedy_n when_o this_o be_v say_v their_o counsel_n be_v commend_v and_o forthwith_o they_o go_v to_o the_o emperor_n and_o say_v to_o he_o reverend_a lord_n what_o may_v this_o be_v those_o that_o be_v our_o servant_n be_v our_o lord_n we_o beseech_v you_o meek_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 common_a that_o what_o so_o ever_o you_o ask_v of_o i_o you_o shall_v obtain_v your_o petition_n and_o you_o ask_v nothing_o of_o i_o but_o land_n rent_n and_o honour_n and_o all_o that_o have_v i_o grant_v you_o at_o your_o owene_n will_v in_o so_o much_o that_o i_o keep_v nothing_o for_o myself_o and_o each_o of_o you_o be_v well_o content_a at_o your_o away_o go_v &_o after_o that_o come_v simple_a and_o poor_a man_n and_o ask_v of_o i_o some_o good_n according_a to_o my_o proclamation_n and_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o give_v they_o only_o the_o sooner_o aigntie_n and_o dominion_n over_o you_o which_o i_o keep_v in_o my_o hand_n and_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 give_v they_o save_v only_o the_o authority_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 and_o gracious_a lord_n we_o pray_v you_o effectuous_o of_o your_o counsel_n in_o this_o case_n and_o of_o your_o help_n the_o emperor_n answer_v and_o say_v sir_n if_o you_o will_v work_v after_o i_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o good_a and_o profitable_a counsel_n than_o say_v they_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o fulfil_v whatsoever_o you_o say_v to_o we_o for_o our_o profit_n then_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 tenement_n with_o other_o movable_a good_n and_o that_o great_a plenty_n the_o which_o by_o my_o counsel_n you_o shall_v depart_v with_o to_o the_o poor_a man_n that_o they_o may_v grant_v you_o the_o sovereignty_n and_o dominien_n which_o they_o have_v and_o anon_o these_o rich_a man_n glad_o grant_v to_o this_o and_o depart_v all_o their_o good_n among_o the_o poor_a man_n and_o than_o they_o give_v they_o again_o the_o authority_n over_o they_o like_a as_o they_o have_v of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o thus_o be_v they_o both_o content_n and_o the_o emperor_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 part_n so_o wise_o the_o moral_a by_o this_o emperor_n be_v understand_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o make_v a_o proclamation_n by_o his_o prophet_n patriarch_n apostle_n and_o preacher_n that_o everye_o man_n both_o poor_a and_o scotfree_a shall_v come_v and_o ask_v everlasting_a joy_n and_o without_o doubt_n they_o shall_v obtain_v their_o petition_n but_o the_o rich_a and_o mighty_a man_n ask_v none_o other_o thing_n but_o worldly_a honour_n &_o transitory_a riches_n for_o this_o world_n shall_v pass_v &_o all_o the_o covetousness_n thereof_o wherefore_o he_o give_v they_o so_o much_o of_o worldly_a good_n that_o he_o have_v nothing_o leave_v of_o himself_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n the_o bird_n of_o heaven_n have_v nest_n and_o the_o fox_n in_o the_o earth_n have_v cave_n but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v nothing_o in_o the_o earth_n where_o he_o may_v put_v his_o head_n the_o poor_a man_n be_v such_o as_o be_v meek_a in_o hart_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 heart_n for_o the_o kingdom_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 soeveraintie_n in_o heaven_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 temporal_a riches_n with_o poor_a man_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n say_v thus_o give_v you_o alines_n and_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v clean_o to_o you_o and_o thus_o may_v you_o attain_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n unto_o the_o which_o i_o béeseech_v almighty_a god_n to_o bring_v we_o all_o amen_n the_o argument_n the_o emperor_n of_o eternal_a glory_n christ_n have_v two_o daughter_n the_o one_o fair_a the_o other_o foul_a the_o fair_a daughter_n be_v this_o world_n and_o the_o pleasure_n thereof_o the_o soul_n be_v poverty_n &_o trouble_n the_o fair_a daughter_n be_v desire_v of_o many_o the_o foul_a daughter_n of_o few_o who_o so_o love_v the_o world_n set_v not_o by_o god_n nor_o heavenly_a thing_n but_o by_o the_o vanite_n of_o this_o world_n who_o so_o love_v god_n &_o heavenly_a thing_n will_v suffer_v in_o christ_n all_o persecution_n &_o trouble_n for_o the_o obtain_n thereof_o despise_v the_o world_n &_o all_o that_o therein_o be_v the_o 27._o history_n sometime_o in_o rome_n dwell_v a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v domician_n which_o have_v two_o daughter_n the_o one_o of_o they_o be_v pass_v fair_a but_o the_o other_o foul_a and_o evil_o favour_v wherefore_o he_o let_v cry_n throughout_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 she_o but_o her_o beautiful_a and_o comely_a personage_n and_o who_o so_o will_v marry_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 proclamation_n be_v make_v there_o come_v many_o lord_n that_o desire_v to_o marry_v his_o fair_a daughter_n to_o who_o the_o emperor_n answer_v thus_o sir_n quoth_v he_o you_o wot_v not_o what_o you_o desire_v right_o well_o you_o know_v that_o if_o you_o marry_v she_o you_o shall_v have_v nothing_o with_o she_o but_o her_o beautiful_a &_o comely_a personage_n and_o farthermore_o if_o i_o give_v she_o to_o one_o of_o you_o and_o not_o to_o a_o other_o then_o will_v you_o strive_v for_o she_o therefore_o if_o you_o will_v needs_o have_v she_o and_o forsake_v my_o soul_n daughter_n it_o shall_v béehove_v you_o first_o to_o just_a for_o she_o &_o he_o that_o win_v she_o shall_v wed_v she_o than_o the_o noble_n &_o state_n of_o the_o empire_n great_o reioyse_v and_o anon_o only_o for_o love_n of_o the_o beautiful_a damosel_n they_o will_v just_a and_o also_o fight_v wherefore_o thy_o set_n a_o day_n of_o battle_n and_o many_o worthy_a man_n be_v slay_v on_o both_o side_n nevertheless_o one_o obtain_v the_o chief_a victory_n and_o espouse_v that_o fair_a lady_n the_o second_o daughter_n which_o be_v foul_a and_o evil_o favour_v see_v her_o sister_n so_o béestow_v with_o great_a solemnity_n mourn_v &_o weep_v daily_o therefore_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 see_v my_o sister_n be_v marry_v with_o great_a honour_n &_o gladness_n and_o every_o man_n be_v joyful_a of_o she_o &_o no_o man_n love_v my_o company_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 then_o say_v the_o emperor_n o_o my_o dear_a daughter_n all_o that_o be_v i_o be_v thou_o and_o it_o be_v not_o unknowen_a to_o you_o that_o he_o which_o marry_v thy_o sister_n have_v nothing_o with_o she_o but_o her_o beautiful_a corpse_n &_o therefore_o i_o shall_v proclaim_v in_o my_o own_o person_n through_o all_o my_o empire_n that_o what_o man_n marry_v thou_o i_o shall_v make_v he_o assurance_n by_o letter_n patent_n of_o all_o my_o empire_n after_o my_o death_n then_o this_o young_a lady_n though_o she_o be_v foul_a &_o evil_o favour_v nevertheless_o she_o rejoice_v in_o the_o promise_n of_o her_o father_n immediate_o after_o the_o proclamation_n
lord_n if_o it_o may_v please_v your_o highness_n for_o to_o hear_v i_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o a_o subtle_a and_o a_o deceitful_a imagination_n say_v on_o quoth_v the_o emperor_n the_o steward_n quoth_v fulgencious_a that_o now_o be_v dead_a come_v to_o i_o and_o say_v that_o you_o tell_v he_o that_o my_o breath_n do_v stink_v and_o there_o upon_o he_o counsel_v i_o that_o when_o i_o serve_v you_o of_o your_o cup_n i_o shall_v then_o turn_v away_o my_o face_n i_o take_v god_n to_o witness_v i_o lie_v not_o when_o the_o emperor_n hear_v this_o he_o beleve_v he_o &_o say_v o_o my_o nevew_n now_o i_o see_v through_o the_o right_n wise_a judgement_n of_o god_n the_o steward_n be_v burn_v and_o his_o own_o wickedness_n and_o envy_n be_v fall_v on_o he_o self_n for_o he_o ordain_v this_o malice_n against_o thou_o and_o therefore_o thou_o be_v much_o bind_v to_o almighty_a god_n that_o have_v preserve_v thou_o from_o death_n the_o moral_a dear_a friend_n this_o emperor_n béetoken_v every_o 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wail_v weep_a and_o misery_n without_o charity_n and_o rightwise_o shall_v ascend_v to_o everlasting_a life_n unto_o the_o which_o bring_v we_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n amen_n the_o argument_n ¶_o tyrant_n and_z ungodly_a person_n walk_v without_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n till_o they_o come_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o wicked_a persecute_v the_o godly_a but_o they_o be_v preserve_v by_o the_o mighty_a providence_n of_o god_n so_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o sleep_v in_o sin_n a_o figurative_a speech_n of_o three_o several_a meaning_n videlicet_fw-la take_v yield_v and_o flee_v the_o signification_n thereof_o the_o 42._o history_n 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 one_o daughter_n which_o be_v a_o fair_a creature_n and_o well-beloved_a of_o her_o father_n as_o this_o emperor_n walk_v on_o a_o day_n on_o hunt_v in_o the_o forest_n sudden_o he_o ride_v out_o of_o his_o way_n and_o lose_v his_o man_n wherefore_o he_o be_v great_o discomfort_a for_o 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_n he_o see_v a_o house_n and_o thither_o he_o ride_v a_o great_a pace_n &_o knock_v at_o the_o gate_n immediate_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 lodging_n for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n when_o he_o have_v thus_o say_v the_o goodman_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 plenty_n of_o venison_n and_o other_o victual_n for_o you_o when_o the_o emperor_n hear_v this_o he_o be_v right_o 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 the_o foster_n open_v the_o gate_n and_o receive_v he_o as_o worshipful_o as_o he_o can_v and_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 chamber_n and_o when_o time_n be_v he_o go_v to_o bed_n in_o the_o same_o night_n it_o befall_v that_o the_o foster_n wife_n be_v travail_v of_o child_n in_o another_o chamber_n fast_o by_o and_o be_v deliver_v that_o same_o night_n of_o a_o fair_a son_n 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 thrice_o these_o word_n take_v take_v take_v and_o with_o that_o he_o awake_v &_o marvel_v great_o what_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o himself_o thus_o a_o voice_n bid_v i_o take_v take_v what_o shall_v i_o take_v and_o immedate_o he_o fall_v a_o sleep_n again_o and_o the_o second_o time_n he_o hear_v a_o voice_n say_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 say_v unto_o himself_o what_o may_v this_o signify_v first_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n that_o say_v take_v take_v and_o nothing_o i_o receive_v and_o right_o 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 to_o he_o self_n he_o fall_v a_o sleep_n again_o and_o when_o he_o hear_v the_o three_o voice_n say_v these_o word_n thrice_o flee_v flee_v flee_v for_o this_o night_n be_v a_o child_n bear_v that_o after_o thy_o decease_n shall_v be_v emperor_n when_o the_o emperor_n hear_v this_o he_o waken_v &_o wonder_v great_o what_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o morning_n care_o solow_v the_o emperor_n arise_v &_o call_v to_o he_o the_o foster_n and_o say_v dear_a friend_n i_o pray_v thou_o that_o thou_o wâ—lt_v 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 deliver_v of_o a_o fair_a son_n i_o pray_v thou_o say_v the_o emperor_n show_v i_o thy_o son_n when_o the_o emperor_n have_v see_v the_o child_n he_o see_v a_o mark_n in_o the_o child_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 southly_a 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 be_v a_o gentleman_n 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_o hearty_o i_o thank_v you_o this_o hear_n the_o foster_n fall_v down_o upon_o both_o his_o knee_n at_o his_o foot_n &_o beseech_v he_o of_o mercy_n if_o that_o he_o have_v offend_v his_o hightnesse_n in_o any_o thing_n pray_v he_o of_o forgiveness_n then_o answer_v the_o emperor_n and_o say_v be_v thou_o nothing_o afraid_a for_o i_o thank_v thou_o hearty_o of_o thy_o good_a cheer_n and_o thy_o son_n that_o be_v bear_v to_o night_n i_o will_v have_v for_o to_o nourish_v and_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 o_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 nourish_v the_o child_n of_o his_o subject_n and_o servant_n nevertheless_o your_o will_n be_v fulfil_v for_o when_o your_o messenger_n come_v i_o shall_v deliver_v they_o my_o son_n 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 palace_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 receive_v of_o he_o his_o son_n of_o which_o his_o wife_n be_v deliver_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 destroy_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 hart_n to_o i_o and_o except_o you_o fulfil_v my_o commandment_n you_o shall_v die_v the_o most_o 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 receive_v the_o foster_n son_n and_o bring_v he_o with_o they_o and_o when_o they_o be_v come_v near_o unto_o the_o palace_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 destroy_v of_o this_o
child_n some_o answer_v and_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 &_o while_o they_o strive_v thus_o among_o themselves_o one_o of_o they_o that_o be_v most_o merciful_a say_v unto_o the_o other_o o_o my_o good_a friend_n hear_v my_o counsel_n and_o you_o shall_v not_o forethink_v it_o if_o you_o murder_v this_o innocent_a child_n we_o shall_v great_o offend_v almighty_a god_n and_o therefore_o here_o be_v young_a pig_n kill_v we_o one_o of_o they_o &_o then_o may_v we_o take_v with_o we_o his_o hart_n and_o present_v it_o unto_o the_o emperor_n say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o child_n blood_n then_o say_v they_o thy_o counsel_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 and_o late_o he_o in_o some_o hollow_a tree_n for_o peradventure_o god_n will_v help_v he_o &_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 counsel_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o kill_v the_o pig_n and_o go_v their_o way_n and_o carry_v home_o with_o they_o the_o pig_n hart_n to_o the_o emperor_n say_v unto_o he_o thus_o loe_o gracious_a lord_n we_o have_v destroy_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 pig_n heart_n the_o emperor_n suppose_v that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o child_n hart_n take_v it_o and_o cast_v it_o into_o the_o fire_n despiteful_o say_v loe_o that_o be_v the_o hart_n of_o he_o which_o shall_v have_v be_v emperor_n after_o i_o lo_o what_o it_o be_v to_o beeléeve_v in_o dream_n &_o vision_n which_o be_v nought_o else_o but_o fantasy_n and_o vain_a thing_n the_o second_o day_n after_o that_o the_o childe_n be_v put_v into_o the_o hollow_a tree_n there_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 hollow_a tree_n where_o the_o child_n lie_v and_o 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self_n travail_v with_o child_n and_o say_v that_o thou_o have_v bear_v this_o child_n the_o countess_n fulfil_v right_o glad_o the_o earl_n will_v and_o desire_n and_o say_v my_o most_o 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 news_n go_v throughout_o all_o the_o country_n that_o the_o countess_n be_v deliver_v of_o a_o fair_a son_n wherefore_o every_o man_n reioyse_v much_o the_o child_n begin_v to_o grow_v and_o be_v right_o well_o belove_v of_o every_o man_n &_o most_o special_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 xv_o year_n of_o age_n the_o emperor_n make_v a_o slemn_a feast_n unto_o all_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o empire_n unto_o the_o which_o feast_n 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 his_o child_n with_o he_o which_o be_v at_o the_o time_n a_o fair_a young_a squire_n and_o â—aruer_n at_o the_o board_n before_o the_o earl_n the_o emperor_n great_o béeheld_v he_o and_o espy_v the_o token_n in_o his_o forehead_n which_o he_o have_v see_v before_o in_o the_o foster_n house_n wherefore_o he_o be_v great_o move_v and_o vex_v within_o himself_o and_o say_v unto_o the_o earl_n in_o this_o wise_a who_o son_n be_v this_o certes_o say_v the_o earl_n he_o be_v my_o son_n than_o say_v the_o emperor_n by_o the_o say_v 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 see_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 néeeds_o he_o must_v tell_v he_o the_o troth_n than_o tell_v he_o he_o altogether_o how_o he_o have_v find_v he_o in_o the_o forest_n in_o a_o hollow_a tree_n this_o hear_n the_o emperor_n be_v almost_o distracte_v of_o his_o wit_n for_o anger_n &_o call_v unto_o he_o his_o servant_n which_o he_o have_v send_v before_o to_o destroy_v the_o child_n and_o when_o they_o come_v béefore_o he_o he_o make_v they_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 yield_v we_o unto_o your_o grace_n &_o goodness_n for_o without_o doubt_n pity_n so_o move_v we_o that_o we_o may_v not_o destroy_v he_o and_o then_o we_o put_v he_o in_o a_o hollow_a tree_n but_o what_o afterward_o befall_v of_o he_o certain_o we_o know_v not_o and_o in_o his_o stead_n we_o kill_v a_o pig_n and_o bring_v you_o the_o hart_n thereof_o when_o the_o emperor_n have_v hear_v the_o very_a truth_n of_o this_o matter_n he_o say_v unto_o the_o earl_n this_o young_a man_n quoth_v he_o shall_v abide_v here_o by_o i_o the_o earl_n immediate_o grant_v though_o it_o be_v great_o against_o his_o will_n and_o when_o the_o feast_n be_v end_v every_o man_n take_v his_o leave_n of_o the_o emperor_n &_o go_v whereas_o they_o listen_v and_o at_o that_o time_n it_o fortune_v that_o the_o emprisse_n and_o her_o daughter_n sojourn_v in_o a_o great_a country_n far_o fro_o thence_o 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 squire_n and_o say_v it_o béehove_v thou_o quoth_v he_o to_o ride_v unto_o the_o emprisse_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 immediate_o the_o emperor_n let_v write_v letter_n whereof_o his_o intent_n be_v this_o that_o the_o emprisse_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 the_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 dead_a and_z that_o upon_o pain_n of_o death_n when_o the_o letter_n be_v all_o make_v &_o seal_v than_o the_o emperor_n take_v they_o unto_o the_o young_a squire_n command_v he_o to_o speed_n he_o on_o his_o journey_n and_o straight_o way_n the_o young_a squire_n receive_v the_o glad_o and_o put_v they_o â—ure_v in_o his_o bore_n &_o ride_v forth_o on_o his_o journey_n when_o he_o have_v rydden_v three_o or_o four_o day_n on_o his_o journey_n in_o a_o evening_n he_o come_v unto_o a_o castle_n where_o as_o dwell_v a_o knight_n and_o gentle_o desire_v he_o of_o a_o night_n lodging_n the_o knight_n see_v and_o beehold_v the_o good_a favour_n of_o this_o young_a squire_n grant_v he_o lodginge_v and_o make_v he_o good_a cheer_n and_o well_o to_o fare_v and_o afterward_o bring_v he_o unto_o his_o chamber_n &_o when_o he_o be_v there_o he_o go_v to_o bed_n and_o immediate_o fall_v on_o sleep_n for_o he_o be_v full_a weary_a of_o his_o â—ourney_n and_o forget_v his_o box_n with_o the_o letter_n lie_v open_o in_o his_o chamber_n when_o the_o knight_n see_v the_o bore_n he_o open_v it_o and_o sound_v the_o letter_n seal_v with_o the_o emperor_n sign_n manuel_n &_o be_v great_o tempt_v to_o open_v they_o &_o at_o the_o last_o he_o open_v they_o full_a subtylly_a and_o than_o he_o read_v how_o the_o empress_n upon_o pain_n of_o death_n shall_v put_v the_o bearer_n of_o they_o to_o death_n and_o then_o he_o be_v right_o sorrowful_a and_o say_v within_o himself_o alas_o quoth_v he_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n to_o destroy_v such_o a_o fair_a young_a man_n &_o therefore_o if_o i_o may_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o and_o immediate_o after_o the_o knight_n race_v out_o that_o writtinge_n and_o write_v in_o the_o same_o paper_n a_o letter_n say_v these_o word_n upon_o pain_n of_o death_n i_o command_v thou_o that_o thou_o take_v the_o young_a squire_n bearer_n of_o these_o letter_n and_o let_v
love_v sinful_a man_n that_o he_o send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n to_o redeem_v he_o out_o of_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o wicked_a world_n to_o rest_v with_o he_o in_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n the_o three_o history_n in_o rome_n there_o dwell_v some_o time_n a_o noble_a emperor_n name_v dioclesian_n which_o above_o all_o worldly_a good_n love_v the_o virtue_n of_o charity_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 perfect_a charity_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 disport_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 latin_a struthio_n comely_a in_o english_a a_o oistridge_n with_o her_o bird_n the_o which_o bird_n the_o emperor_n take_v w_z e_z he_o &_o close_v he_o in_o a_o vessel_n of_o glass_n the_o dam_n of_o this_o little_a bird_n follow_v after_o unto_o the_o emperor_n place_n and_o slay_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 get_v she_o out_o she_o return_v again_o to_o the_o forest_n &_o there_o she_o abide_v three_o day_n and_o at_o the_o last_o she_o return_v again_o to_o the_o pally_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 the_o glass_n through_o virtue_n of_o which_o worm_n the_o glalsse_a brake_n and_o the_o bird_n escape_v and_o slay_v forth_o with_o his_o dam._n when_o the_o emperor_n see_v this_o he_o praise_v much_o the_o dam_n of_o the_o bird_n which_o so_o diligent_o labour_v for_o the_o deliveraunce_n of_o her_o bird_n the_o moral_a ¶_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 live_v in_o perfect_a love_n and_o charity_n this_o little_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 out_o of_o paradise_n &_o put_v in_o the_o glass_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o hell_n this_o hear_v the_o dam_n of_o the_o bird_n that_o be_v to_o wit_n the_o son_n of_o god_n descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o come_v to_o the_o forest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o live_v there_o three_o day_n and_o more_o bear_v with_o he_o a_o worm_n that_o be_v to_o say_v manhood_n according_a with_o the_o psalmist_n say_v ego_fw-la sum_fw-la vermis_fw-la &_o non_fw-la homo_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v i_o be_o a_o worm_n and_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 the_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 adam_n go_v forth_o with_o his_o mother_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o fly_v unto_o heaven_n the_o argument_n ¶_o a_o clean_a spirit_n and_o undefiled_a soul_n be_v the_o daughter_n of_o god_n so_o tender_a and_o dear_a unto_o he_o that_o he_o bestow_v she_o not_o upon_o the_o rich_a man_n want_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n but_o upon_o the_o poor_a man_n that_o be_v wise_a and_o live_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n which_o if_o she_o at_o any_o time_n transgresle_v by_o frailty_n of_o flesh_n than_o for_o the_o recovery_n of_o her_o health_n by_o the_o medicine_n of_o amendment_n of_o lyse_v to_o such_o a_o one_o though_o poor_a shall_v his_o soul_n be_v not_o only_o in_o this_o life_n espouse_v with_o much_o solace_n &_o joy_n each_o of_o other_o but_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v shall_v live_v with_o christ_n in_o joy_n and_o everlasting_a bliss_n the_o four_o history_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 be_v think_v he_o on_o a_o day_n to_o who_o he_o may_v give_v his_o daughter_n in_o marriage_n say_v thus_o if_o i_o give_v my_o daughter_n to_o a_o rich_a man_n and_o he_o be_v a_o fool_n then_o be_v she_o lose_v and_o if_o i_o give_v she_o to_o a_o poor_a man_n and_o a_o witty_a than_o may_v he_o get_v his_o live_n for_o he_o and_o she_o by_o his_o wisdom_n there_o be_v that_o time_n dwell_v in_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n a_o philosopher_n name_v socrates_n poor_a and_o wise_a which_o come_v to_o the_o emperor_n &_o say_v my_o lord_n displease_v you_o not_o though_o i_o put_v forth_o my_o petition_n before_o your_o highness_n themperour_n say_v whatsoever_o it_o please_v thou_o tell_v forth_o then_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 and_o say_v my_o friend_n i_o shall_v give_v thou_o my_o daughter_n to_o wife_n upon_o this_o condition_n that_o if_o she_o die_v in_o thy_o feloship_n after_o that_o she_o be_v wed_v to_o thou_o thou_o shall_v without_o doubt_n lose_v thy_o head_n then_o say_v socrates_n upon_o this_o condition_n i_o will_v glad_o take_v she_o to_o be_v my_o wife_n themperour_n hear_v this_o let_v call_v forth_o all_o the_o lord_n and_o state_n of_o his_o empire_n and_o make_v a_o great_a feast_n at_o their_o wedding_n and_o after_o the_o feast_n 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_a time_n but_o at_o the_o last_o this_o emperor_n daughter_n sicken_v to_o death_n when_o socrates_n perceive_v this_o he_o say_v to_o himself_o alas_o and_o woe_n to_o i_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v and_o whether_o shall_v i_o flee_v if_o the_o emperor_n daughter_n that_o be_v my_o wife_n shall_v die_v and_o for_o sorrow_n this_o socrates_n go_v to_o a_o forest_n there_o béeside_v and_o weep_v bitter_o the_o while_n he_o thus_o weep_v and_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 and_o ask_v the_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 condition_n that_o if_o she_o die_v in_o my_o feloship_n i_o shall_v lose_v my_o life_n now_o she_o be_v sicken_v unto_o the_o death_n &_o i_o câ—n_v find_v no_o remedy_n nor_o help_n and_o therefore_o i_o mourn_v more_o than_o any_o creature_n can_v think_v then_o say_v the_o old_a man_n be_v of_o good_a comfort_n for_o i_o shall_v help_v you_o if_o you_o will_v do_v after_o my_o counsel_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 plaster_n and_o if_o she_o use_v this_o medicinal_a drink_n and_o plaster_n in_o due_a time_n without_o doubt_n she_o shall_v recover_v to_o perfect_a health_n socrates_n fulfil_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 medicinal_a drink_n and_o plaster_n within_o short_a time_n she_o be_v perfect_o whole_a of_o all_o her_o sickness_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 diligent_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 dignity_n and_o worship_n the_o moral_a dear_a friend_n this_o emperor_n be_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n his_o daughter_n so_o fair_a and_o so_o gracious_a be_v the_o soul_n make_v to_o the_o si_fw-mi 〈…〉_o de_fw-fr 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 and_o of_o his_o angel_n while_o that_o she_o be_v not_o defile_v and_o abide_v in_o her_o own_o proper_a cleanness_n this_o soul_n god_n will_v not_o give_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 &_o naked_a into_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 condition_n that_o if_o she_o die_v in_o his_o fellowship_n by_o deadly_a sin_n without_o doubt_n he_o shall_v loose_v eternal_a life_n therefore_o o_o thou_o man_n if_o thy_o wife_n sicken_v so_o through_o frailty_n of_o flesh_n unto_o sin_n do_v then_o as_o socrates_n do_v go_v unto_o the_o forest_n that_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o thou_o shall_v find_v there_o a_o old_a man_n with_o a_o staff_n that_o be_v a_o discreet_a preacher_n which_o shall_v minister_v unto_o thou_o those_o three_o herb_n wherrof_o may_v be_v confect_v the_o medicine_n of_o thy_o recovery_n unto_o health_n namely_o the_o first_o herb_n be_v
there_o in_o that_o darkness_n the_o moral_a dear_a friend_n this_o image_n so_o standing_z be_v the_o devil_n which_o say_v evermore_o strike_v here_o that_o be_v to_o say_v seek_v after_o earthly_a riches_n and_o not_o for_o heavenly_a treasure_n this_o clerk_n that_o dig_v with_o the_o mattock_n betoken_v the_o wicked_a wise_a man_n of_o this_o world_n as_o some_o evil_n dispose_v pleader_n in_o the_o law_n crafty_a attorney_n and_o other_o wicked_a worldling_n that_o ever_o be_v smite_v what_o by_o right_n and_o what_o by_o wrong_n so_o that_o they_o may_v get_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n and_o in_o their_o smite_v they_o find_v great_a wonder_n &_o maruail_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o find_v therein_o the_o delgiht_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o many_o man_n rejoice_v the_o carbuncle_n that_o give_v light_n be_v the_o youth_n of_o man_n which_o give_v hardiness_n to_o take_v their_o pleasure_n in_o worldly_a riches_n the_o archer_n with_o his_o arrow_n be_v death_n which_o lay_v watch_n against_o man_n to_o slay_v he_o the_o clerk_n that_o take_v up_o the_o knife_n be_v every_o worldly_a man_n that_o covet_v ever_o to_o have_v all_o thing_n at_o his_o will_n death_n smite_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 &_o than_o lie_v he_o wrap_v in_o darkness_n of_o sin_n in_o which_o darkness_n oftentimes_o he_o die_v therefore_o study_n we_o to_o flee_v the_o world_n and_o his_o desire_n and_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o win_v everlasting_a life_n unto_o the_o which_o jesus_n bring_v we_o all_o amen_n the_o argument_n we_o be_v general_o here_o put_v in_o mind_n that_o the_o devil_n besiege_v the_o world_n our_o champion_n christ_n jesus_n be_v ready_a to_o take_v our_o quarrel_n in_o hand_n who_o defend_v &_o save_v we_o from_o the_o invasion_n &_o circumuention_n of_o sathan_n be_v yet_o accuse_v for_o we_o as_o a_o transgressor_n and_o be_v for_o our_o sake_n moreover_o content_a to_o suffer_v death_n for_o our_o full_a justification_n the_o seven_o history_n in_o rome_n dwell_v sometime_o a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v titus_n a_o wise_a man_n &_o a_o diseréete_n 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 armour_n and_o who_o so_o ever_o presume_v to_o spoil_v any_o knight_n armour_n after_o he_o be_v dead_a he_o shall_v die_v without_o any_o withstand_v or_o gain_n say_v it_o befall_v after_o within_o few_o year_n that_o a_o city_n of_o the_o empire_n be_v besege_v of_o themperours_n enemy_n wherefore_o that_o city_n be_v in_o peril_n of_o lose_v for_o none_o that_o be_v within_o that_o city_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 &_o lamentation_n be_v make_v through_o out_o all_o the_o city_n but_o at_o the_o last_o within_o few_o day_n there_o come_v to_o the_o city_n a_o young_a knight_n and_o a_o well_o favour_v valiant_a in_o feat_n of_o arm_n who_o the_o worthy_a man_n of_o the_o city_n behold_v and_o understand_v his_o prowess_n cry_v with_o one_o voice_n o_o thou_o most_o noble_a knight_n we_o beseech_v thou_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 lo_o you_o may_v see_v this_o city_n be_v in_o peril_n of_o léese_v then_o answer_v he_o and_o say_v seye_n not_o sir_n that_o i_o have_v none_o armour_n and_o if_o i_o have_v armour_n i_o will_v glad_o defend_v your_o city_n this_o hear_v a_o mighty_a man_n of_o the_o city_n say_v to_o he_o in_o secret_a wise_n sir_n here_o be_v sometime_o a_o doughty_a knight_n which_o now_o be_v dead_a &_o bury_v with_o in_o this_o city_n according_a to_o the_o law_n &_o if_o it_o please_v you_o to_o take_v his_o armour_n you_o may_v defend_v this_o city_n &_o deliver_v we_o from_o peril_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 hear_v this_o he_o go_v to_o the_o grave_n and_o take_v the_o armour_n and_o array_v himself_o therewith_o &_o seek_v mighty_o against_o his_o enemy_n and_o at_o the_o last_o he_o obtain_v and_o have_v the_o victory_n and_o deliver_v the_o city_n from_o peril_n and_o when_o he_o have_v so_o do_v he_o lay_v the_o artâ—our_n against_o in_o the_o grave_n there_o be_v some_o man_n in_o the_o city_n that_o have_v great_a indignation_n and_o envy_n at_o he_o because_o he_o have_v obtain_v the_o victory_n and_o accuse_v he_o to_o the_o judge_n sa_v thus_o sir_n a_o law_n be_v make_v by_o themperour_n that_o whosoever_o â—â—spoiled_v a_o dead_a knight_n of_o his_o armour_n shall_v die_v this_o young_a knight_n â—ennd_v aâ—d_v ad_fw-la knight_n &_o take_v away_o his_o armour_n therefore_o we_o beseech_v thou_o that_o thou_o prâ—ceede_v in_o the_o law_n against_o he_o as_o against_o he_o that_o have_v offend_v the_o law_n when_o the_o justice_n hear_v this_o he_o make_v the_o knight_n to_o be_v take_v and_o to_o be_v bring_v afore_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 sye_a it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n that_o of_o two_o harm_n the_o least_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v it_o be_v not_o unknowen_a to_o you_o that_o this_o city_n be_v in_o peril_n to_o be_v lose_v &_o but_o i_o have_v take_v this_o armour_n i_o have_v neither_o save_v you_o ne_o the_o city_n therefore_o i_o think_v you_o ought_v rather_o to_o honour_v &_o worship_v 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_o that_o steal_v or_o rob_v violent_o purpose_v not_o to_o restore_v that_o thing_n that_o he_o robe_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 armour_n of_o the_o dead_a knight_n for_o your_o defence_n and_o safeguard_n when_o i_o have_v obtain_v the_o victory_n i_o bear_v it_o again_o to_o the_o same_o place_n and_o so_o the_o dead_a knight_n have_v that_o be_v he_o by_o the_o law_n then_o say_v the_o justice_n a_o thief_n that_o break_v a_o house_n that_o he_o may_v steal_v and_o bear_v away_o such_o as_o he_o may_v find_v and_o though_o he_o bring_v again_o that_o he_o have_v take_v i_o ask_v of_o thou_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 that_o break_v not_o the_o wall_n â—o_o light_o in_o aâ—â—oâ—ing_v of_o more_o harm_n then_o say_v the_o justice_n if_o the_o break_n of_o the_o house_n be_v good_a nevertheless_o in_o that_o break_n 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 armour_n of_o the_o dead_a knight_n nevertheless_o thou_o do_v wrong_v to_o the_o dead_a knight_n in_o take_v away_o his_o armour_n the_o knight_n say_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o that_o of_o two_o harm_n the_o least_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o that_o harm_n where_o through_o great_a goodnsse_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 city_n be_v on_o fire_n and_o begin_v to_o burn_v 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 they_o they_o shall_v be_v set_v on_o fire_n also_o whereby_o all_o the_o city_n may_v be_v brente_a right_o so_o if_o the_o armour_n of_o the_o dead_a knight_n have_v not_o be_v take_v the_o city_n and_o you_o all_o have_v be_v lose_v and_o when_o the_o justice_n hear_v that_o he_o answer_v so_o well_o and_o so_o reasonable_o he_o may_v give_v no_o judgement_n against_o he_o but_o he_o that_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 throughout_o all_o the_o city_n and_o his_o body_n be_v worshipful_o bury_v in_o a_o new_a tomb_n the_o moral_a ¶_o dear_a friend_n this_o emperor_n be_v the_o father_n of_o heaven_n and_o this_o city_n be_v the_o world_n the_o which_o be_v besiege_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o deadly_a ssnne_n and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v within_o this_o city_n be_v all_o in_o peril_n to_o be_v lose_v this_o young_a knight_n that_o come_v to_o the_o city_n be_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o have_v not_o the_o
say_v thus_o est_fw-la arta_fw-la via_fw-la que_fw-la duâ—â—t_fw-la ad_fw-la vitam_fw-la it_o be_v a_o straight_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o ever_o last_a life_n in_o this_o way_n be_v three_o arm_a knight_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n with_o who_o it_o behove_v we_o to_o fight_v and_o to_o obtain_v the_o victory_n or_o we_o may_v come_v to_o heaven_n the_o second_o city_n that_o be_v in_o the_o north_n be_v hell_n and_o to_o this_o accord_v scripture_n say_v thus_o ab_fw-la aquilone_fw-la pondetur_fw-la omne_fw-la malum_fw-la out_o of_o the_o north_n come_v all_o evil_a certain_o to_o this_o city_n be_v the_o way_n plain_n and_o broad_a and_o wall_v about_o on_o every_o side_n with_o all_o manner_n delicate_n wherefore_o many_o man_n walk_v by_o this_o way_n the_o three_o knight_n that_o give_v to_o every_o man_n go_v this_o way_n what_o thing_n they_o need_v be_v these_o pride_n of_o life_n covetousness_n of_o the_o eye_n &_o concupiscence_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o which_o three_o the_o wretched_a man_n great_o delit_v &_o at_o the_o last_o they_o lead_v he_o to_o hell_n this_o witty_a knight_n betoken_v the_o soul_n &_o the_o foolish_a knight_n betoken_v the_o flesh_n the_o which_o be_v always_o foolish_a and_o at_o all_o time_n ready_a to_o do_v evil_a these_o two_o be_v fellow_n &_o knit_v in_o one_o for_o either_o of_o they_o drink_v other_o blood_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o shall_v drink_v of_o one_o cup_n either_o joy_n or_o pain_n shall_v they_o have_v after_o the_o day_n of_o doom_n the_o soul_n choose_v the_o way_n of_o repentance_n and_o in_o as_o much_o as_o she_o may_v she_o stir_v the_o flesh_n to_o do_v the_o same_o but_o the_o flesh_n think_v never_o what_o shall_v come_v after_o and_o therefore_o she_o go_v in_o the_o delight_n of_o this_o world_n and_o flé_v the_o delight_n oâ—_n repentance_n and_o thus_o the_o soul_n after_o the_o death_n be_v cast_v into_o hell_n and_o the_o flesh_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o ditch_n that_o be_v to_o say_v into_o the_o grave_n but_o then_o the_o justice_n come_v that_o be_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n at_o the_o day_n of_o doom_n to_o judge_v all_o mankind_n than_o the_o soul_n shall_v complain_v upon_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o flesh_n upon_o the_o soul_n but_o than_o the_o justice_n that_o will_v not_o be_v deceive_v neither_o by_o prayer_n ne_o by_o price_n shall_v condemn_v the_o soul_n because_o she_o follow_v the_o from_o sty_n of_o sleshe_n and_o also_o he_o shall_v condemn_v the_o flesh_n because_o it_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o soul_n wherefore_o let_v we_o study_v to_o tame_v our_o flesh_n that_o we_o may_v obey_v god_n and_o than_o shall_v we_o have_v everlasting_a life_n unto_o the_o which_o bring_v we_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n amen_n the_o argument_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v possess_v in_o the_o princely_a territory_n of_o paradyse_n be_v by_o the_o devil_n provoke_v to_o sin_n against_o her_o creator_n and_o for_o the_o same_o transgression_n so_o be_v thence_o into_o this_o wide_a world_n exile_v lose_v that_o her_o former_a heritage_n but_o by_o christ_n precious_a death_n and_o passion_n be_v restore_v unto_o a_o more_o happy_a heritage_n of_o everlasting_a felicity_n the_o 11._o history_n there_o dwell_v sometime_o in_o rome_n a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v frederick_n which_o have_v no_o child_n save_o one_o only_a daughter_n to_o who_o this_o emperor_n after_o his_o decease_n béequethe_v all_o his_o empire_n this_o understanding_n a_o earl_n that_o dwell_v there_o béeside_n come_v unto_o this_o young_a lady_n &_o woo_v she_o and_o provoke_v she_o to_o sin_v 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 incline_v to_o the_o earl_n and_o this_o earl_n anon_o lie_v with_o she_o and_o defile_v she_o and_o after_o that_o she_o depart_v from_o her_o heritage_n and_o exile_v she_o out_o of_o her_o empire_n wherefore_o she_o make_v a_o great_a lamentation_n and_o flee_v unto_o a_o realm_n there_o beside_o where_o as_o she_o daily_o wéept_v and_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 by_o the_o high_a way_n side_n there_o come_v ride_v by_o her_o a_o fair_a young_a knight_n upon_o a_o good_a horse_n which_o come_v towards_o her_o a_o great_a pace_n and_o very_o courteous_o salute_v she_o &_o ask_v the_o cause_n why_o she_o mourn_v so_o sore_o then_o answer_v she_o and_o say_v my_o reverend_a lord_n i_o be_o a_o emperor_n daughter_n descend_v of_o royal_a blood_n my_o father_n be_v dead_a which_o leave_v i_o all_o his_o empire_n because_o he_o have_v none_o other_o heir_n and_o after_o his_o decease_n a_o earl_n there_o beside_o deceive_v i_o deslowr_v my_o virginity_n and_o after_o that_o he_o put_v i_o violent_o out_o of_o my_o heritage_n so_o that_o now_o i_o be_o fain_a to_o beg_v my_o bread_n from_o door_n to_o door_n and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o my_o sorrow_n then_o say_v the_o knight_n far_o damosel_n i_o have_v great_a compassion_n on_o thy_o beauty_n and_o on_o thy_o gentleness_n therefore_o if_o thou_o will_v grant_v i_o one_o thing_n i_o shall_v fight_v for_o thou_o against_o the_o earl_n &_o i_o protest_v unto_o thou_o the_o purchase_n of_o the_o victory_n then_o say_v she_o alas_o good_a sir_n i_o have_v nothing_o that_o i_o may_v give_v unto_o you_o but_o myself_o and_o i_o ask_v no_o more_o of_o thou_o say_v the_o knight_z but_z that_o thou_o will_v be_v my_o wife_n and_o love_n no_o man_n so_o much_o as_o i_o then_o say_v she_o reverend_a sir_n that_o i_o will_v do_v glad_o and_o more_o if_o i_o may_v then_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 die_v in_o fight_n for_o thou_o and_o obtain_v the_o victory_n thou_o shall_v take_v my_o bloody_a shirt_n and_o hang_v it_o upon_o a_o beam_n in_o thy_o chamber_n and_o this_o shall_v thou_o do_v for_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v that_o when_o so_o ever_o thou_o behold_v the_o shirt_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 wooâ—_n thou_o to_o be_v his_o wife_n then_o shall_v thou_o hasty_o run_v unto_o thy_o chamber_n and_o béehould_v my_o bloody_a shirt_n and_o think_v heartelye_o within_o thyself_o thus_o the_o lord_n of_o this_o shirt_n dye_v for_o my_o love_n in_o baftayle_n the_o which_o recover_v my_o heritage_n god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v take_v any_o other_o man_n after_o his_o death_n then_o say_v she_o reverend_a sir_n all_o this_o shall_v i_o fulfil_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o when_o the_o knight_n hear_v this_o he_o assayl_v to_o fight_v against_o the_o say_v earl_n and_o obtain_v the_o victory_n and_o the_o earl_n be_v overcome_v and_o flee_v and_o this_o young_a lady_n be_v bring_v and_o receive_v again_o into_o her_o heritage_n nevertheless_o this_o knight_n be_v deadly_o wound_v in_o that_o battle_n whereof_o he_o die_v but_o or_o he_o die_v he_o béequeathe_v his_o bloody_a shirt_n unto_o this_o damosel_n desire_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 lamentation_n for_o his_o death_n and_o in_o his_o shirt_n be_v cunning_o wrought_v this_o verse_n think_v on_o he_o and_o have_v in_o mind_n that_o to_o thou_o be_v so_o kind_a anon_o when_o she_o have_v receive_v the_o shirt_n she_o hang_v it_o upon_o a_o beam_n in_o her_o chamber_n and_o as_o oftentimes_o as_o she_o behold_v it_o she_o weep_v bitter_o it_o béefall_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 then_o she_o go_v to_o her_o chamber_n &_o beeheld_v the_o bloody_a shirt_n then_o ware_v she_o sorofull_a &_o say_a oftentune_n woe_n &_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 forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v take_v any_o other_o man_n more_o but_o thou_o and_o thus_o she_o answer_v every_o man_n that_o come_v to_o she_o and_o so_o they_o go_v away_o disappoint_v of_o their_o purpose_n and_o end_v her_o life_n in_o peace_n and_o rest_n the_o moral_a dear_a friend_n this_o emperor_n be_v the_o father_n of_o heaven_n &_o his_o daughter_n be_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n make_v to_o the_o similitude_n of_o god_n to_o who_o god_n give_v and_o bequeath_v the_o empire_n of_o paradise_n but_o there_o come_v a_o earl_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n &_o provoke_v she_o to_o sin_n when_o she_o eat_v of_o the_o apple_n and_o say_v to_o she_o thus_o in_o what_o hour_n you_o eat_v of_o the_o apple_n
you_o shalbée_v like_a god_n wherefore_o we_o break_v god_n commandment_n we_o be_v all_o exile_v out_o of_o paradise_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_o as_o the_o psal_n say_v in_o sudore_fw-la vultas_fw-la tui_fw-la in_o thou_o sweat_v of_o thy_o visage_n shall_v thou_o eat_v thy_o bread_n but_o than_o come_v a_o fair_a young_a knight_n and_o a_o strong_a that_o be_v to_o say_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o have_v compassion_n upon_o mankind_n take_v upon_o he_o our_o flesh_n &_o and_z our_o blood_n give_v battaille_n to_o the_o devil_n and_o overcome_v he_o and_o thus_o win_v he_o again_o our_o heritage_n therefore_o let_v we_o do_v as_o this_o young_a lady_n do_v lie_v we_o up_o this_o bloody_a short_a that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o passion_n oâ—_n christ_n on_o the_o beam_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o think_v we_o how_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n shed_v his_o precious_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 devil_n or_o any_o other_o will_v stir_v we_o to_o sin_n anon_o think_v we_o of_o the_o passion_n of_o christ_n and_o say_v we_o thus_o i_o shall_v take_v none_o other_o but_o thou_o which_o have_v shed_v they_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 the_o argument_n ¶_o we_o be_v â—eere_o general_o advertise_v of_o honorineg_v the_o saboth_n day_n how_o for_o the_o redeem_n of_o time_n to_o be_v occupy_v in_o ghostly_a contemplation_n profitable_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n the_o preacher_n of_o god_n word_n oft_o time_n for_o say_v truth_n purchase_v inconuenyence_n if_o we_o beestow_v our_o talent_n in_o the_o amplify_a of_o faith_n and_o furder_a one_o another_o with_o good_a work_n we_o shall_v then_o inheritie_n the_o â—râ—iâ—on_n of_o eternal_a blessing_n prepare_v for_o the_o elect_a of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o 12._o history_n sometime_o dwet_a in_o rome_n a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v apolloninus_fw-la which_z ordain_v for_o a_o law_n that_o every_o man_n upon_o pain_n of_o death_n shall_v celebrate_v the_o day_n of_o his_o nativity_n this_o emperor_n call_v to_o he_o a_o clerk_n that_o hight_v virgil_n and_o say_v my_o dear_a master_n there_o be_v many_o hamous_a offence_n do_v in_o my_o empire_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n therefore_o i_o pray_v thou_o that_o thou_o by_o thy_o cunning_n will_v make_v some_o craft_n whereby_o i_o may_v know_v who_o trespass_v against_o the_o law_n prive_o or_o appert_o then_o say_v virgil_n my_o reverend_a lord_n your_o will_n shall_v be_v do_v anon_o this_o virgil_n through_o his_o craft_n make_v a_o image_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n which_o denounce_v &_o tell_v the_o emperor_n messenger_n who_o trespass_v against_o the_o law_n &_o who_o not_o there_o be_v that_o time_n dwell_v in_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n a_o smith_n that_o hight_v focus_n which_o for_o nothing_o will_v celebrate_v the_o nativity_n of_o the_o emperor_n it_o befall_v upon_o a_o night_n as_o the_o smith_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 and_o dread_a lest_o the_o image_n will_v accuse_v he_o wherefore_o he_o rise_v and_o go_v to_o the_o image_n and_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 head_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 that_o image_n as_o before_o time_n he_o be_v accustom_v to_o know_v &_o understand_v who_o have_v trespass_v against_o the_o law_n and_o to_o they_o then_o say_v the_o image_n lift_v up_o your_o â—yne_n &_o behold_v what_o be_v engrave_v in_o my_o forehead_n and_o then_o they_o look_v up_o and_o see_v this_o posy_n write_v tempore_fw-la mutanâ—ur_fw-la homines_fw-la determinatur_fw-la time_n be_v change_v &_o man_n be_v worse_o &_o worse_o for_o who_o will_v say_v the_o truth_n shall_v have_v his_o head_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 read_v and_o see_v the_o messenger_n go_v forth_o and_o tell_v the_o emperor_n all_o that_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v then_o say_v the_o emperor_n arm_n yourself_o and_o go_v to_o the_o image_n and_o if_o that_o you_o find_v any_o man_n that_o have_v mention_v or_o threaten_v to_o hurt_v the_o image_n bind_v he_o hand_n and_o foot_n &_o bring_v he_o to_o i_o then_o go_v the_o messenger_n forth_o to_o the_o image_n and_o say_v to_o it_o tell_v we_o the_o truth_n if_o any_o man_n have_v threaten_v thou_o and_o we_o shall_v avenge_v thou_o anon_o then_o say_v the_o image_n take_v the_o smith_n focus_n for_o he_o be_v the_o man_n that_o will_v not_o honour_v the_o nativity_n of_o the_o emperor_n straight_o way_n the_o messenger_n lead_v forth_o the_o smith_n béefore_o the_o emperor_n and_o there_o upon_o examine_v he_o why_o he_o keep_v not_o the_o day_n of_o the_o emperor_n nativity_n in_o reverence_n &_o honour_n according_a to_o the_o law_n then_o answer_v the_o smith_n &_o say_v reverend_a lord_n i_o beseech_v you_o that_o you_o will_v here_o my_o excuse_n and_o if_o i_o answer_v not_o reasonable_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o point_n that_o you_o will_v ask_v i_o i_o will_v yield_v i_o full_o to_o your_o grace_n then_o say_v themperour_n i_o shall_v hear_v thou_o and_o that_o be_v rightful_a i_o shall_v do_v then_o say_v the_o smith_n it_o behove_v i_o to_o have_v uâ—ii_fw-la d._n every_o day_n in_o the_o week_n &_o that_o i_o can_v get_v without_o great_a labour_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v in_o no_o manner_n wise_a keep_v that_o day_n holy_a day_n more_o than_o other_o day_n then_o say_v the_o emperor_n why_o behove_v it_o thou_o to_o have_v these_o viij_o d._n then_o say_v the_o smith_n i_o be_o bind_v to_o pay_v daye_o two_o d._n and_o two_o d._n i_o lend_v and_o two_o d._n i_o lose_v and_o two_o d._n i_o spend_v then_o say_v the_o emperor_n tell_v i_o more_o express_o of_o these_o viij_o d._n then_o say_v the_o smith_n i_o be_o bind_v every_o day_n to_o pay_v two_o 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 two_o d._n daily_o and_o therefore_o be_o i_o bind_v to_o help_v he_o and_o pay_v he_o again_o his_o two_o d._n for_o his_o sustentation_n also_o two_o d._n i_o lose_v on_o my_o wife_n then_o say_v the_o emperor_n why_o lese_a thou_o that_o two_o d._n on_o thy_o wife_n then_o sayda_o 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 wilful_a or_o contrary_a to_o her_o husband_n or_o of_o hot_a complexion_n and_o therefore_o that_o i_o give_v she_o i_o lose_v also_o two_o d._n i_o lend_v to_o my_o son_n wherewith_o he_o be_v sustain_v that_o when_o i_o come_v to_o age_n and_o poverty_n he_o may_v pay_v i_o again_o two_o d._n like_a as_o i_o do_v my_o father_n also_o i_o spend_v two_o d._n on_o myself_o in_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o that_o be_v little_a enough_o then_o say_v the_o emperor_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 and_o this_o smith_n focus_n be_v choose_v to_o be_v emperor_n because_o he_o spend_v his_o viij_o d_o so_o wise_o and_o so_o profitable_o and_o thus_o he_o end_v his_o life_n in_o peace_n and_o rest_n the_o moral_a dear_a friend_n this_o emperor_n be_v our_o bless_a saviour_n jesus_n christ_n which_o ordain_v by_o his_o holy_a law_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v keep_v holy_a the_o saboth_n day_n this_o virgil_n that_o make_v this_o image_n be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o establish_v among_o we_o preacher_n to_o teach_v virtue_n and_o to_o reprove_v vice_n and_o that_o shall_v not_o spare_v the_o poor_a ne_o the_o scotfree_a but_o now_o if_o a_o preacher_n will_v say_v the_o truth_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 christ_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o evil_a man_n that_o neither_o love_n god_n nor_o man_n wherefore_o the_o preacher_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 forehead_n of_o the_o image_n time_n be_v change_v from_o good_a to_o ill_n and_o man_n be_v daily_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 head_n break_v therefore_o it_o be_v need_n they_o be_v arm_v that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o every_o preacher_n be_v arm_v with_o virtuous_a example_n of_o their_o good_a life_n towards_o other_o and_o than_o it_o need_v not_o to_o
shave_v and_o apparel_v he_o worshipful_o according_a to_o his_o estate_n and_o then_o she_o say_v unto_o he_o thus_o now_o good_a brother_n take_v thy_o steed_n and_o come_v with_o i_o that_o we_o may_v meet_v my_o lord_n he_o answer_v and_o say_v lady_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o fulfil_v your_o will_n &_o commandment_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o than_o the_o empress_n take_v he_o with_o she_o and_o many_o other_o knight_n and_o so_o rod_n forth_o to_o meeâ—_n with_o the_o emperor_n and_o as_o they_o ride_v together_o by_o the_o way_n they_o see_v where_o a_o great_a hart_n run_v afore_o they_o wherefore_o every_o man_n with_o such_o hound_n as_o they_o have_v chase_v he_o on_o horse_n back_o so_o that_o with_o the_o empress_n be_v leave_v no_o creature_n save_v only_o the_o emperor_n brother_n which_o see_v that_o no_o man_n be_v there_o but_o they_o two_o thus_o he_o say_v unto_o the_o empress_n loe_o lady_n here_o beside_o be_v a_o privy_a forest_n and_o long_o it_o be_v ago_o that_o i_o speak_v to_o thou_o of_o love_n come_v now_o and_o consent_v unto_o i_o that_o i_o may_v lie_v with_o thou_o then_o say_v the_o empress_n a_o fool_n what_o may_v this_o be_v yesterday_o i_o deliver_v thou_o out_o of_o prison_n upon_o thy_o promise_n in_o hope_n of_o amendment_n and_o now_o thou_o be_v return_v to_o thy_o folly_n again_o wherefore_o i_o say_v now_o to_o thou_o as_o i_o have_v say_v before_o there_o shall_v no_o man_n do_v such_o thing_n with_o i_o save_v only_o my_o lord_n the_o emperor_n which_o ought_v of_o very_a duty_n so_o for_o â—â—_o do_v then_o say_v â—ee_n if_o thou_o will_v not_o consent_v to_o i_o i_o shall_v hang_v thou_o here_o upon_o a_o tree_n in_o this_o forest_n where_o no_o man_n shall_v find_v thou_o &_o so_o shall_v thou_o die_v a_o evil_a death_n the_o empress_n answer_v meek_o and_o say_v though_o thou_o smite_v of_o my_o head_n and_o put_v i_o to_o death_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o torment_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 unciothe_v she_o all_o save_o her_o smock_n and_o hang_v she_o up_o by_o the_o hair_n upon_o a_o tree_n &_o tie_v her_o steed_n beside_o she_o and_o so_o ride_v forth_o to_o his_o fellow_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o a_o great_a host_n of_o man_n meet_v he_o and_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 bark_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 near_o the_o tree_n where_o the_o empress_n hang_v and_o when_o the_o dog_n feel_v the_o savour_n of_o she_o they_o leave_v the_o fore_n and_o run_v toward_o the_o tree_n as_o fast_o as_o they_o can_v the_o earl_n see_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 hang_v when_o the_o earl_n â—aw_v she_o thus_o hang_v he_o marvel_v great_o for_o as_o much_o as_o she_o be_v right_o 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_a 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_a the_o emprisse_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o full_o dead_a but_o in_o point_n ready_a to_o die_v answer_v and_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 from_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 by_o thou_o bind_v to_o this_o tree_n than_o answer_v the_o lady_n 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 gentle_a woman_n and_o come_v of_o noble_a lineage_n wherefore_o he_o be_v the_o rather_o move_v with_o pity_n &_o say_v unto_o she_o o_o fair_a lady_n thou_o seâ—est_v of_o gentle_a blood_n &_o therefore_o i_o purpose_v to_o deliver_v thou_o from_o this_o mischief_n if_o thou_o will_v promise_v to_o go_v with_o i_o &_o nourish_v my_o fair_a young_a daughter_n &_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 thou_o keep_v she_o well_o thou_o shalâ—_n have_v a_o good_a reward_n for_o thy_o labour_n than_o say_v she_o as_o far_o soorth_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_v of_o his_o daughter_n that_o he_o love_v so_o much_o and_o she_o be_v cherish_v so_o well_o that_o she_o lay_v every_o night_n in_o the_o earl_n chamber_n and_o his_o daughter_n with_o she_o and_o in_o his_o chamber_n every_o night_n there_o burn_v a_o lamp_n the_o which_o hang_v beetwéene_v the_o empress_n bed_n and_o the_o earl_n bed_n this_o lady_n béehave_v she_o so_o gentle_o 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 much_o love_v this_o emprisse_n exceed_o 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 and_o say_v know_v you_o dear_a friend_n for_o certainty_n that_o i_o have_v make_v a_o solemn_a vow_n to_o god_n that_o i_o shall_v never_o love_v any_o man_n in_o such_o manner_n wise_a 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 will_v not_o than_o consent_n unto_o i_o my_o lord_n quoth_v shâ—_n what_o need_v thou_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 i_o shall_v keep_v &_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 thinck_v within_o himself_o if_o i_o may_v i_o shall_v be_v revenge_v on_o thou_o it_o befall_v upon_o a_o night_n within_o short_a time_n after_o that_o the_o earl_n chamber_n door_n be_v forget_v and_o leave_v unshet_n which_o the_o steward_n have_v anon_o perceive_v and_o when_o they_o be_v all_o a_o sleep_n he_o go_v and_o espy_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lamp_n where_o the_o emprisse_n and_o the_o young_a maiden_n lie_v to_o gether_o and_o with_o that_o he_o draw_v out_o his_o knife_n and_o cut_v the_o throat_n of_o the_o earl_n daughter_n &_o put_v the_o bloody_a knife_n into_o the_o emprisse_n hand_n she_o be_v a_o sleep_n and_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 the_o knife_n in_o her_o hand_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v think_v that_o she_o have_v cut_v his_o daughter_n throat_n wherefore_o she_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o a_o shameful_a death_n for_o this_o mischevous_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 emprisse_n hand_n the_o countess_n awake_v out_o of_o her_o sleep_n 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 emprisse_n hand_n wherefore_o she_o be_v almost_o out_o of_o her_o wit_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 emprisse_n bed_n and_o see_v the_o bloody_a knife_n as_o the_o countisse_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 out_o of_o thy_o sleep_n what_o thing_n be_v this_o that_o i_o see_v in_o thy_o hand_n anon_o the_o emprisse_n through_o his_o cry_n awake_v out_o of_o her_o sleep_n and_o in_o her_o wake_a 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 dead_a by_o her_o side_n &_o all_o the_o bed_n be_v sprent_v with_o blood_n wherefore_o with_o a_o huge_a voice_n she_o cry_v and_o say_v alas_o alas_o and_o wellaway_o my_o lord_n daghter_n be_v slay_v than_o cry_v the_o countisse_n unto_o the_o earl_n with_o á_fw-fr piteous_a voice_n &_o say_v a_o my_o lord_n let_v the_o devilish_a woman_n be_v put_v to_o the_o most_o foul_a death_n that_o can_v be_v think_v which_o thus_o have_v slay_v our_o only_a child_n and_o when_o the_o countisse_n have_v say_v thus_o to_o the_o earl_n she_o say_v to_o the_o emprisse_n in_o this_o wise_a the_o high_a god_n know_v that_o
the_o lust_n of_o flesh_n and_o of_o sinner_n arise_v before_o he_o &_o after_o run_v great_a hound_n that_o be_v to_o say_v evil_a thought_n &_o so_o long_o they_o chase_v till_o the_o body_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v leave_v alone_o and_o than_o the_o flesh_n stir_v that_o noble_a soul_n be_v the_o spouse_n of_o almyghtie_a god_n but_o the_o pure_a and_o undesile_v soul_n that_o be_v so_o well_o belove_v with_o god_n will_v not_o forsake_v her_o lord_n and_o consent_n to_o sin_n wherefore_o the_o wretched_a flesh_n full_a oft_o despoiâ—eth_v she_o of_o all_o her_o clothing_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o all_o her_o virtue_n &_o hang_v she_o up_o by_o the_o hair_n on_o a_o oak_n that_o be_v to_o say_v on_o lust_n &_o delight_n and_o there_o she_o hang_v till_o the_o good_a earl_n come_v that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o discreet_a preacher_n in_o the_o forest_n of_o this_o world_n to_o preach_v and_o teach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o take_v she_o down_o and_o lead_v she_o forth_o to_o the_o church_n to_o nourish_v his_o daughter_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o nourish_v consciens_fw-la with_o fruitful_a faith_n the_o earl_n have_v in_o his_o chamber_n a_o lamp_n right_o so_o every_o discreet_a preacher_n shall_v have_v afore_o he_o the_o lamp_n of_o holy_a scripture_n whereby_o he_o may_v see_v both_o the_o grevaunce_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o teach_v of_o virtue_n and_o put_v away_o of_o vice_n the_o steward_n that_o stir_v she_o to_o sin_n be_v none_o else_o but_o pride_n of_o life_n which_o be_v steward_n of_o this_o world_n by_o who_o many_o man_n be_v deceive_v but_o when_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v so_o well_o béelove_v with_o christ_n will_v not_o consent_v unto_o the_o sin_n of_o pride_n than_o take_v this_o evil_a steward_n the_o knife_n of_o covetise_n wherewith_o he_o slai_v the_o earl_n daughter_n that_o be_v to_o say_v conscience_n according_a to_o scripture_n say_v gold_n &_o silver_n have_v blind_v the_o eye_n of_o judge_n &_o have_v ovethrowen_v wise_a man_n so_o that_o equity_n &_o righteousness_n may_v not_o enter_v but_o stand_v afar_o &_o turn_v their_o back_n this_o lady_n also_o redeem_v a_o man_n from_o death_n that_o be_v to_o say_v from_o everlasting_a death_n which_o he_o have_v deserve_v by_o deadly_a sin_n therefore_o do_v we_o as_o do_v this_o lady_n smite_v we_o oâ—r_n horse_n that_o be_v to_o say_v our_o flesh_n with_o the_o spur_n of_o repentance_n &_o so_o ride_v we_o forth_o in_o all_o haste_n to_o save_v our_o neighbour_n from_o the_o sink_v of_o deadly_a sin_n help_v he_o both_o bodily_a &_o ghostly_a as_o saloman_n say_v woe_n be_v to_o that_o man_n lie_v in_o deadly_a sin_n that_o have_v no_o man_n to_o lift_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 city_n and_o if_o he_o give_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 very_o unkind_a as_o be_v this_o thief_n which_o false_o deceive_v his_o lady_n after_o that_o she_o have_v save_v he_o from_o hang_v the_o master_n of_o the_o ship_n betoken_v the_o world_n by_o who_o many_o man_n be_v deceive_v but_o nevertheless_o as_o oft_o as_o a_o man_n take_v on_o he_o voluntary_o the_o charge_n of_o poverty_n and_o obey_v unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o forsake_v the_o world_n then_o break_v the_o ship_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o man_n and_o the_o world_n all_o at_o one_o tyme._n when_o this_o lady_n have_v espy_v the_o tempest_n of_o the_o sea_n she_o go_v to_o a_o city_n that_o ie_fw-fr to_o say_v the_o soul_n after_o the_o trouble_n of_o this_o world_n go_v to_o the_o holy_a life_n and_o than_o she_o heal_v all_o manner_n sick_a 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 diverse_a sickness_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 see_v of_o christ_n her_o husband_n till_o she_o have_v knoweledged_a open_o all_o her_o five_o wit_n but_o when_o she_o have_v make_v a_o pure_a acknowledgement_n of_o her_o sin_n than_o the_o emperor_n our_o lord_n god_n her_o husband_n know_v she_o and_o take_v she_o in_o his_o arm_n and_o lead_v she_o home_o to_o the_o palace_n of_o heaven_n unto_o the_o which_o almighty_a god_n bring_v we_o all_o for_o his_o son_n sake_n amen_n the_o argument_n ¶_o every_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o other_o inferior_a be_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o reverence_v every_o true_a christian_a man_n ought_v to_o consider_v his_o duty_n herein_o every_o false_a christian_n pervert_v the_o way_n of_o the_o godly_a the_o reward_n of_o such_o be_v hide_v up_o in_o hell_n but_o the_o just_a shall_v inherit_v the_o bless_a life_n everlasting_a the_o 41._o history_n in_o rome_n dwell_v sometime_o a_o mighty_a emperor_n namid_n martin_n which_o for_o entire_a affection_n keep_v with_o he_o his_o brother_n son_n who_o man_n call_v fulgencius_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_v this_o fulgentius_n study_v day_n and_o night_n how_o he_o may_v bring_v the_o emperor_n and_o this_o child_n at_o debate_n wherefore_o the_o steward_n on_o a_o day_n go_v to_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 be_o bind_v in_o duty_n to_o warn_v your_o highness_n if_o i_o hear_v any_o thing_n that_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 to_o your_o lordship_n béetwéene_v we_o two_o then_o say_v the_o emperor_n good_a friend_n quoth_v he_o say_v on_o what_o thou_o listen_v my_o most_o dear_a lord_n quoth_v the_o steward_n fulgeneious_a your_o cosâ—n_n and_o your_o nigh_o kinsman_n have_v desame_v you_o wonderful_o and_o shameful_o throughout_o all_o your_o empire_n say_v that_o your_o breath_n stink_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 be_v grievous_o displease_v and_o almost_o belie_v himself_o for_o anger_n &_o say_v to_o he_o thus_o i_o pray_v thou_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 stinck_v as_o he_o say_v my_o lord_n quoth_v the_o steward_n you_o may_v beeléeve_v i_o i_o never_o perceive_v a_o sweet_a breath_n in_o my_o day_n than_o you_o be_v then_o say_v the_o emperor_n i_o pray_v thou_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_v well_o understand_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 will_v turn_v away_o his_o face_n from_o you_o because_o of_o your_o breath_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a proof_n that_o may_v be_v have_v of_o this_o thing_n forelooth_o quoth_v 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 fulgencious_a and_o take_v he_o a_o side_n say_v thus_o dear_a friend_n thou_o be_v my_o kinsman_n and_o also_o nephew_n unto_o my_o lord_n the_o emperor_n therefore_o if_o thou_o will_v be_v thankful_a unto_o i_o i_o will_v tell_v thou_o of_o the_o vice_n whereof_o my_o lord_n the_o emperor_n complain_v oft_o and_o think_v to_o put_v thou_o from_o he_o except_o it_o be_v the_o rather_o amend_v and_o that_o may_v be_v a_o great_a reproof_n to_o thou_o then_o say_v this_o fulgencious_a 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 amend_v my_o default_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 &_o discreet_a counsel_n thy_o breath_n quoth_v the_o steward_n stinck_v so_o sore_o that_o his_o drink_n do_v he_o no_o good_a so_o gréevous_a be_v unto_o he_o thy_o stink_a breath_n of_o thy_o mouth_n then_o say_v fulgentious_a unto_o the_o steward_n true_o that_o perceive_v i_o never_o till_o now_o but_o what_o think_v you_o of_o my_o breath_n i_o pray_v you_o to_o tell_v i_o the_o very_a truth_n true_o quoth_v the_o steward_n it_o stink_v great_o and_o foul_a and_o this_o fulgentious_a béeléeve_v all_o that_o he_o say_v and_o be_v right_o sorrowful_a in_o his_o