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
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
leave_n of_o the_o king_n and_o red_a forth_o and_o the_o king_n keep_v the_o broad_a high_a way_n when_o themperour_n hear_v of_o the_o king_n come_v he_o go_v towards_o he_o with_o a_o great_a company_n &_o royal_o receive_v he_o cause_v he_o to_o shift_v his_o wet_a clothes_n and_o attire_n he_o again_o with_o new_a clothes_n and_o when_o the_o emperor_n and_o the_o king_n be_v set_v to_o meat_n the_o emperor_n welcome_v he_o with_o all_o the_o cheer_n &_o solace_n that_o he_o can_v and_o when_o they_o have_v dine_v themperour_n ask_v tiding_n of_o the_o king_n my_o lord_n say_v he_o i_o shall_v tell_v you_o what_o i_o hear_v this_o day_n by_o the_o way_n there_o come_v a_o knight_n to_o i_o and_o reverent_o salute_v i_o and_o anon_o after_o there_o come_v a_o great_a reign_n which_o great_o spoil_v my_o apparel_n &_o anon_o the_o knight_n say_v sir_n thou_o have_v do_v foolish_o for_o so_o much_o as_o thou_o bring_v not_o with_o thou_o thy_o house_n then_o say_v themperour_n what_o clothe_v have_v the_o knight_n on_o he_o a_o cloak_n qd_n the_o king_n then_o say_v themperour_n forsooth_o that_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n for_o the_o house_n whereof_o he_o speak_v be_v a_o cloak_n &_o therefore_o he_o say_v to_o you_o that_o you_o do_v foolish_o because_o you_o come_v without_o your_o cloak_n for_o if_o you_o have_v bring_v with_o you_o acloake_n than_o have_v not_o your_o clothes_n be_v spoil_v with_o rain_n then_o say_v the_o king_n when_o we_o have_v riden_v a_o little_a far_o we_o come_v to_o a_o deep_a water_n i_o smite_v my_o horse_n with_o my_o spur_n and_o almost_o i_o be_v drown_v and_o he_o 〈◊〉_d on_o the_o other_o â—â—de_n of_o the_o water_n and_o find_v no_o peril_n and_o then_o say_v he_o to_o i_o you_o have_v do_v foolish_o for_o so_o much_o that_o you_o lead_v not_o with_o you_o your_o bridge_n forsooth_o say_v themperour_n he_o say_v truth_n for_o he_o call_v the_o bridge_n your_o squire_n that_o shall_v have_v ride_v before_o you_o and_o assay_v the_o déepenes_n of_o the_o water_n then_o say_v the_o king_n we_o ride_v far_o &_o at_o the_o last_o he_o pray_v i_o to_o dine_v with_o he_o and_o when_o we_o have_v dine_v he_o say_v i_o do_v unwise_o for_o i_o lead_v not_o with_o i_o my_o father_n and_o my_o mother_n soth_o say_v the_o emperor_n he_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n and_o say_a troth_n for_o he_o call_v your_o father_n &_o mother_n bread_n and_o wine_n and_o other_o victual_n then_o say_v the_o king_n we_o ride_v far_o and_o anon_o after_o he_o ask_v i_o leave_v to_o go_v from_o i_o and_o i_o ask_v diligent_o whether_o he_o go_v and_o he_o answer_v again_o and_o say_v this_o day_n seven_o year_n i_o leave_v a_o net_n in_o a_o privy_a place_n and_o now_o i_o will_v ride_v to_o visit_v it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v break_v or_o tear_v than_o will_v i_o leave_v it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v whole_a as_o i_o leave_v it_o then_o shall_v it_o be_v to_o i_o right_o precious_a and_o i_o shall_v bear_v it_o with_o i_o when_o themperour_n hear_v this_o he_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n and_o say_v o_o you_o my_o knight_n and_o my_o servant_n come_v you_o with_o i_o speedy_o unto_o my_o daughter_n chamber_n for_o soth_o that_o be_v the_o net_n whereof_o the_o knight_n speak_v and_o anon_o his_o knight_n and_o his_o seruamt_n go_v unto_o his_o daughter_n chamber_n and_o find_v she_o not_o the_o soresayde_a knight_n have_v take_v she_o with_o he_o and_o thus_o the_o knig_n be_v deceive_v of_o the_o damosel_n and_o he_o go_v home_o again_o to_o his_o own_o country_n ashamed_a the_o moral_a dear_a friend_n this_o emperor_n be_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o this_o fair_a daughter_n be_v everlasting_a life_n the_o which_o themperour_n have_v ordain_v for_o king_n knight_n and_o other_o man_n the_o knight_n that_o love_v this_o young_a lady_n be_v every_o good_a christian_n soul_n which_o hold_v himself_o not_o worthy_a to_o come_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n unto_o such_o joy_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v non_fw-fr est_fw-fr condign_a passionis_fw-la huâ—s_fw-la temporis_fw-la ad_fw-la futuâ—an_n gloâ—an_v they_o be_v not_o so_o worthy_a of_o suffer_v this_o time_n to_o attain_v unto_o y_fw-fr glory_n that_o be_v to_o come_v this_o knight_n be_v viiyéere_n absent_a from_o his_o love_n like_v as_o a_o good_a christian_a man_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n shall_v labour_v and_o travail_v in_o fulfil_v the_o seven_o work_n of_o mercy_n by_o the_o king_n that_o come_v without_o a_o cloak_n in_o the_o rain_n be_v to_o understande_v some_o nyghtie_a man_n of_o this_o world_n as_o that_o have_v cloak_n to_o cover_v all_o their_o other_o clothes_n by_o this_o cloak_n be_v understand_v charity_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v charitas_fw-la cooperit_fw-la multitudinem_fw-la peccatorum_fw-la charity_n cover_v the_o multitude_n of_o â—innâ—s_n but_o many_o man_n have_v not_o this_o cloak_n wherefore_o they_o be_v wet_a in_o the_o rain_n of_o pride_n avarice_n and_o lechery_n this_o king_n also_o be_v almost_o drown_v because_o he_o lack_v his_o bridge_n that_o be_v to_o say_v perfect_a faith_n for_o we_o see_v daily_o that_o there_o may_v no_o man_n pass_v over_o a_o great_a water_n broad_a &_o deep_a without_o a_o bridge_n or_o some_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v he_o right_o so_o with_o out_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o thus_o may_v no_o man_n be_v save_v without_o faith_n when_o theilet_fw-la their_o life_n in_o worldly_a â—oy_n or_o worldly_a help_n more_o than_o in_o the_o help_n of_o god_n which_o be_v mighty_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n wherefore_o he_o say_v himself_o thus_o si_fw-mi habueritis_fw-la fide_fw-la sicut_fw-la granum_fw-la sinapis_fw-la poteâ—â—s_fw-la etc._n etc._n if_o you_o have_v faith_n as_o the_o grain_n of_o muster_v then_o may_v you_o say_v to_o the_o hill_n remove_v out_o of_o your_o place_n &_o they_o shall_v remove_v but_o many_o of_o we_o now_o a_o day_n have_v over_o feeble_a faith_n &_o therefore_o they_o shall_v sudden_o fall_v in_o the_o clay_n of_o desperation_n and_o by_o deadly_a sin_n oftentimes_o they_o offend_v god_n also_o this_o king_n have_v not_o bring_v with_o he_o his_o father_n &_o his_o mother_n by_o â—he_n father_n which_o be_v cause_n of_o generation_n be_v â—o_o understande_v humilytie_n without_o who_o there_o be_v no_o virtue_n in_o any_o man_n and_o thereto_o accord_v saint_n gregory_n say_v thus_o si_fw-mi quis_fw-la ceteâ—â—â—_n vertutes_fw-la sine_fw-la humilitate_fw-la congregat_fw-la etc._n etc._n he_o that_o gather_v all_o other_o virtue_n without_o humilytie_n be_v like_o a_o man_n that_o 〈…〉_o the_o dust_n in_o the_o wind_n his_o mother_n betoken_v hope_n therefore_o he_o that_o will_v obtain_v everlasting_a life_n he_o behove_v to_o have_v the_o cloak_n of_o charity_n bridge_n of_o faith_n a_o father_n of_o méekenes_n &_o a_o mother_n of_o hope_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v â—pe_v saluâ—_n facti_fw-la sumus_fw-la also_o this_o knight_n go_v the_o straight_a path_n way_n &_o the_o king_n the_o broad_a way_n for_o he_o that_o will_v be_v save_v it_o behove_v he_o to_o go_v a_o straight_o way_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o way_n of_o fast_v alm_n deed_n chastity_n and_o repentance_n of_o the_o which_o way_n speak_v the_o apostle_n stricta_fw-la est_fw-la via_fw-la que_fw-la ducit_fw-la ad_fw-la vitam_fw-la eternam_fw-la the_o way_n be_v straight_o that_o lead_v to_o everlasting_a life_n but_o many_o man_n go_v the_o other_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o hell_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o the_o way_n of_o sleshly_a lust_n &_o such_o man_n be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o everlasting_a lise_fw-fr but_o such_o man_n be_v deceive_v through_o the_o way_n therefore_o study_n we_o to_o walk_v that_o way_n whereby_o we_o may_v obtain_v everlsting_a life_n the_o argument_n ¶_o by_o this_o history_n be_v figure_v as_o appear_v in_o the_o moral_a the_o soul_n of_o every_o good_a christian_n to_o he_o hold_v as_o his_o daughter_n but_o be_v seduce_v carry_v away_o and_o defile_v by_o sathan_n our_o foul_a enemy_n she_o be_v reduce_v by_o the_o help_n and_o valiant_a prowess_n of_o our_o heavenly_a champion_n christ_n jesus_n unto_o his_o former_a habitation_n yet_o man_n be_v ungrateful_a to_o his_o redeemer_n forget_v his_o duty_n and_o for_o good_a reward_v evil_a to_o his_o champion_n christ_n jesus_n deliver_v he_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o law_n as_o a_o offender_n but_o when_o the_o champion_n avouch_v what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o man_n &_o his_o soul_n than_o be_v he_o with_o shame_n of_o his_o ingratitude_n constrain_v to_o have_v remorse_n &_o call_v for_o grace_n to_o repent_v &_o amend_v his_o life_n by_o the_o death_n &_o passion_n of_o this_o champion_n christ_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 supreme_a magistrate_n and_o other_o inferior_n and_o fulgentious_a his_o nevew_n béetoken_v every_o true_a christian_n man_n which_o shall_v due_o &_o true_o serve_v they_o with_o faithful_a homage_n and_o dutiful_a loyalty_n like_v as_o fulgentious_a serve_v the_o emperor_n of_o his_o cup_n wherefore_o you_o shall_v be_v great_o love_v of_o god_n this_o steward_n betoken_v every_o false_a christian_a man_n as_o cain_n which_o oftentimes_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o right_a wise_a man_n from_o god_n say_v that_o his_o breath_n stink_v that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o life_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o acceptable_a to_o god_n nor_o man_n which_o be_v against_o this_o scripture_n say_v thus_o nolite_fw-la iudicare_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o say_v judge_v not_o and_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v but_o oftentimes_o such_o malicious_a peole_n accuse_v righteous_a man_n wherefore_o they_o shall_v be_v cast_v into_o the_o everlasting_a fire_n of_o hell_n where_o be_v 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 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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 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