to_o a_o lyttel_n ylande_n wherein_o be_v nothing_o but_o lion_n &_o lybbarde_n &_o dyverse_a other_o beeste_n that_o swim_v thyder_n from_o other_o land_n when_o this_o emperor_n have_v take_v land_n in_o that_o isle_n he_o espy_v a_o young_a lion_n fight_a with_o a_o old_a lybbarde_n &_o the_o lion_n be_v almoost_n overcommen_v the_o emperor_n have_v great_a compassyon_n on_o y_z e_z lion_n &_o draw_v out_o his_o sword_n &_o slay_v y_o e_o lybbard_n the_o lion_n ever_o from_o that_o time_n forth_o follow_v the_o emperor_n &_o will_v not_o leave_v he_o for_o nothing_o but_o every_o day_n y_o it_o pray_v that_o this_o lion_n take_v he_o bring_v &_o lay_v it_o afore_o themperours_n foot_n &_o anon_o themperour_n smite_v fire_n on_o the_o flint_n stone_n and_o boil_a the_o body_n in_o the_o skin_n &_o thus_o be_v he_o feed_v long_o time_n till_o at_o the_o last_o as_o he_o walk_v to_o y_z e_z see_v strande_fw-fr he_o see_v a_o ship_n comme_fw-fr sailing_n by_o &_o anon_o which_o it_o a_o high_a voice_n he_o cry_v and_o when_o y_a e_o shypman_n hear_v this_o voice_n they_o wonder_v what_o it_o may_v be_v wherefore_o they_o sail_v toward_o he_o &_o when_o they_o be_v come_v to_o he_o he_o say_v good_a friend_n take_v i_o w_z t_z you_o &_o i_o shall_v pay_v you_o a_o good_a freyght_o and_o anon_o they_o take_v he_o in_o to_o their_o ship_n &_o the_o lion_n follow_v he_o swym_v in_o the_o see_v after_o the_o ship_n and_o when_o the_o lion_n be_v in_o point_n to_o have_v be_v drown_v the_o shypman_n have_v pyte_v on_o he_o &_o take_v he_o in_o to_o the_o ship_n and_o when_o the_o emperor_n come_v to_o land_n he_o pay_v his_o freyght_o &_o when_o he_o have_v pay_v they_o he_o go_v forth_o till_o he_o come_v never_o his_o own_o palay_n where_o he_o hear_v trumpet_n &_o claryon_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o other_o mynstralsye_n &_o as_o he_o herken_v what_o it_o may_v be_v there_o come_v fro_o the_o palay_v a_o squyer_n towards_o he_o that_o be_v of_o his_o knowledge_n but_o y_o e_o squyer_n know_v not_o he_o to_o who_o the_o emperor_n say_v thus_o good_a friend_n i_o pray_v the_o tell_v i_o what_o melody_n be_v this_o that_o i_o hear_v the_o squyer_n answer_v &_o say_v the_o empress_n be_v marry_v this_o day_n and_o there_o be_v all_o the_o state_n of_o the_o empire_n at_o her_o fee_a &_o therefore_o they_o make_v such_o melody_n to_o make_v her_o gest_n merry_a than_o say_v themperour_n to_o y_z e_z squyer_n where_o be_v her_o husband_n that_o be_v emperor_n before_o the_o squyer_n say_v y_o it_o he_o be_v go_v to_o the_o holy_a land_n &_o be_v drown_v by_o the_o way_n in_o the_o see_v than_o say_v themperour_n i_o pray_v y_fw-fr e_o sir_n that_o thou_o will_v do_v my_o erande_n to_o thempresse_n &_o to_o y_z e_z lord_n that_o will_v be_v her_o husband_n that_o i_o may_v come_v in_o to_z y_z e_z palay_n &_o play_v afore_o they_o which_o it_o my_o lion_n â–ª_o the_o squyer_n grant_v to_o do_v his_o erande_n &_o go_v in_o &_o tell_v the_o lord_n &_o the_o lady_n that_o at_o y_fw-fr e_o gate_n be_v a_o goodly_a old_a man_n that_o desire_v to_o come_v in_o &_o play_v with_o his_o lion_n afore_o you_o than_o say_v the_o new_a wed_a lord_n bring_v he_o in_o &_o if_o he_o be_v worthy_a percase_o he_o may_v gete_v his_o meat_n for_o his_o play_n when_o the_o emperor_n w_o t_o his_o lion_n be_v bring_v in_o the_o lion_n anon_o wtout_fw-fr any_o comfort_n or_o set_v on_o run_v upon_o the_o young_a knight_n y_o it_o be_v new_o marry_v &_o slay_v he_o &_o when_o he_o have_v so_o do_v he_o run_v upon_o the_o empress_n &_o dâ—noured_v she_o to_o the_o hard_a bone_n before_o all_o y_z e_z lord_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o when_o the_o state_n see_v this_o they_o be_v great_o aghast_a &_o begin_v to_o flee_v but_o the_o emperor_n w_o t_o his_o fair_a speech_n comfort_v they_o &_o say_v 'loo_o this_o be_v the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v my_o wife_n y_o it_o have_v use_v avoutry_n long_o time_n with_o this_o knight_n that_o lie_v here_o deed_n and_o she_o ymagyne_v my_o death_n w_o t_o the_o master_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o ship_n and_o here_o upon_o the_o master_n throw_v i_o in_o to_o the_o see_v but_o god_n save_v i_o fro_o y_o e_o death_n &_o because_o i_o help_v one_o y_fw-es e_o lion_n at_o a_o need_n he_o forsake_v i_o never_o since_o and_o now_o as_o you_o see_v all_o when_o i_o come_v in_o to_o my_o palay_n wtout_fw-fr any_o comfort_n of_o i_o he_o have_v slay_v both_o the_o avouterer_n &_o therefore_o understande_v you_o for_o troth_n that_o i_o be_o your_o lord_n y_fw-fr e_o emperor_n anon_o when_o they_o hear_v this_o they_o lift_v up_o their_o eye_n &_o behold_v he_o and_o at_o the_o last_o they_o know_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n wherefore_o they_o be_v great_o rejoice_v &_o praise_a god_n for_o that_o miracle_n which_o have_v save_v their_o lord_n and_o emperor_n and_o they_o live_v after_o in_o rest_n and_o peace_n ¶_o by_o this_o emperor_n you_o may_v understande_v every_o chrysten_v man_n that_o purpose_v to_o vysyte_n y_fw-fr e_o holy_a land_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o gete_a everla_a life_n through_o the_o work_n of_o mercy_n but_o his_o wife_n that_o be_v the_o wretched_a flesh_n murmure_v against_o the_o soul_n &_o love_v better_o her_o leman_n that_o be_v deed_o sin_n than_o her_o husband_n this_o emperor_n go_v in_o to_o the_o ship_n take_v his_o journey_n towards_o the_o holy_a land_n that_o be_v to_o â—aye_v he_o go_v to_o holy_a chyrche_n which_o be_v y_fw-fr e_o way_n to_o god_n but_o the_o wife_n that_o be_v to_o say_v flesshly_a man_n accuse_v he_o to_o y_z e_z master_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o ship_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o the_o prelate_n of_o the_o chyrche_n for_o great_a meed_n which_o oftentimes_o blynd_v y_o e_o sight_n of_o many_o iustyce_n where_o through_o many_o ê‘fyte_n man_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o y_fw-fr e_o ship_n in_o to_o the_o see_v to_o be_v drown_v y_o it_o be_v to_o say_v out_o of_o y_fw-fr e_o chyrche_fw-fr in_o to_o the_o see_v of_o this_o world_n but_o what_o shall_v he_o do_v than_o that_o be_v thus_o casten_z to_o be_v trouble_v in_o this_o world_n certain_o thus_o ought_v he_o to_o do_v let_v he_o learn_v to_o swymme_n that_o be_v to_o say_v let_v he_o put_v all_o his_o hope_n in_o god_n &_o than_o by_o his_o grace_n he_o shall_v come_v to_o a_o ylande_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o religyon_n of_o clean_a herte_n &_o that_o he_o shall_v love_v ever_o y_a e_o better_a to_o keep_v himself_o out_o of_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o say_v saint_n james_n thus_o a_o clean_a relygyon_n &_o undefyâ—ed_a be_v a_o precyous_a thing_n in_o y_z e_z sight_n of_o god_n &_o he_o y_o it_o be_v in_o this_o religyon_n shall_v find_v a_o lion_n who_o he_o behove_v to_o gyve_v against_o the_o devyl_n this_o lion_n be_v our_o lord_n jesu_n chryst_n that_o come_v of_o y_fw-fr e_o kynrede_n of_o jude_n which_o fight_v ever_o against_o the_o devyll_n &_o if_o a_o man_n have_v holpen_v this_o lion_n at_o any_o time_n trust_v well_o than_o that_o he_o will_v not_o forsake_v he_o but_o be_v w_z t_z he_o at_o all_o his_o need_n accord_v to_o the_o psalmist_n say_v thus_o cum_fw-la ipso_fw-la sum_fw-la in_o tribulatione_fw-la i_o be_o w_z t_z he_o in_o trouble_n by_o this_o lion_n â–ª_o thou_o may_v take_v thy_o wife_n y_o it_o be_v to_o say_v thy_o flesh_n with_o penance_n &_o â—lee_v thy_o sin_n &_o than_o without_o doubt_n y_fw-mi u._fw-mi shall_v optayne_n the_o empire_n of_o heaven_n unto_o the_o which_o bring_v we_o our_o lord_n jesus_n amen_n sometime_o in_o rome_n dwell_v a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v gorgony_n which_o have_v marry_v a_o curteys_n lady_n &_o a_o fair_a to_o his_o wife_n this_o young_a lady_n in_o due_a process_n conceyve_v &_o bear_v he_o a_o soon_o a_o fair_a child_n and_o a_o amiable_a when_o this_o child_n be_v ten_o year_n old_a his_o mother_n the_o empress_n die_v and_o anon_o after_o y_z e_z emperor_n wed_a a_o other_o wife_n this_o second_o wife_n love_v in_o no_o wise_a themperour_n soon_o but_o do_v he_o all_o the_o shame_n and_o reprefe_n that_o she_o may_v when_o the_o emperor_n ê‘ceyve_v this_o willing_a to_o please_v his_o wife_n exile_v his_o soon_o out_o of_o his_o empire_n and_o when_o this_o child_n be_v exile_v he_o go_v and_o learn_v physyke_n so_o that_o within_o short_a time_n he_o be_v a_o subtyll_a &_o a_o coâ—â—ing_a phisycyan_n it_o befall_v soon_o after_o that_o the_o emperor_n his_o father_n sycken_v &_o be_v almoo_v deed_n wherefore_o when_o he_o herd_n
save_v fro_o the_o galowe_n lame_a and_o also_o the_o master_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o ship_n distraught_a out_o of_o his_o mind_n and_o all_o be_v come_v to_o she_o for_o to_o be_v heal_v of_o their_o sycknes_n but_o they_o know_v not_o she_o for_o all_o that_o they_o know_v not_o she_o she_o know_v they_o well_o than_o say_v she_o unto_o the_o emperor_n thus_o my_o reverend_a lord_n though_o you_o will_v gyve_v i_o all_o your_o empire_n i_o may_v not_o heal_v your_o brother_n nor_o none_o of_o these_o other_o but_o if_o they_o knowledge_n open_o what_o they_o have_v do_v when_o the_o emperor_n hear_v this_o he_o turn_v he_o toward_o his_o brother_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o brother_n knowledge_n open_o thy_o sin_n before_o all_o these_o man_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v heal_v of_o thy_o sycknes_n than_o anon_o he_o begin_v to_o tell_v how_o he_o have_v lead_v his_o life_n but_o he_o tell_v not_o how_o he_o have_v hang_v the_o empress_n in_o the_o forest_n by_o y_fw-es e_fw-es hear_v when_o he_o have_v knowlege_v all_o that_o he_o list_v the_o empress_n say_v soth_o my_o lord_n i_o will_v glad_o lay_v unto_o he_o my_o medicine_n but_o i_o wot_v right_a well_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o he_o have_v not_o make_v a_o full_a confession_n the_o emperor_n hear_v this_o turn_v he_o toward_o his_o brother_n and_o say_v again_o in_o this_o wise_n what_o evyll_n sorrow_n or_o unhappy_a wretchedness_n be_v in_o the_o see_v thou_o not_o that_o thou_o 〈◊〉_d foul_a lepre_fw-fr therefore_o knowledge_n thy_o sin_n true_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v hole_n or_o else_o avoid_v my_o felawshyp_n for_o evermore_o a_o lord_n quod_fw-la he_o i_o may_v not_o tell_v my_o life_n open_o but_o if_o i_o be_v first_o sure_a of_o thy_o grace_n what_o have_v thou_o trespaced_a against_o i_o quoth_v the_o emperor_n than_o answer_v his_o brother_n and_o say_v my_o offence_n against_o the_o be_v grevous_a and_o therefore_o i_o ask_v mercy_n the_o emperor_n think_v not_o on_o the_o empress_n for_o as_o moche_v as_o he_o suppose_v that_o she_o have_v be_v deed_n many_o year_n before_o he_o command_v his_o brother_n to_o tell_v forth_o what_o he_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o he_o shall_v be_v forgyven_v and_o when_o the_o emperor_n have_v thus_o forgyven_v his_o brother_n he_o begin_v to_o tell_v open_o how_o he_o have_v desire_v the_o empress_n to_o sin_n with_o he_o and_o how_o he_o have_v hang_v she_o by_o the_o hear_v in_o the_o forest_n because_o she_o will_v not_o consent_v to_o he_o and_o when_o the_o emperor_n hear_v this_o he_o be_v almoost_n beside_o himself_o and_o in_o his_o woodness_n say_v thus_o o_o thou_o moo_v wretched_a creature_n the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n be_v fall_v upon_o the_o and_o be_v it_o not_o that_o i_o have_v pardon_v the_o thou_o shall_v dye_v the_o moost_n shameful_a death_n that_o coude_fw-fr be_v thought_n than_o say_v the_o knight_n that_o clue_n the_o earl_n daughter_n i_o wot_v not_o quoth_v be_v of_o what_o lady_n you_o mean_v but_o well_o i_o wot_v that_o my_o lord_n find_v on_o a_o time_n such_o a_o lady_n hang_v by_o the_o hear_v in_o the_o forest_n and_o bring_v she_o home_o to_o his_o castle_n and_o betake_v she_o his_o daughter_n to_o keep_v &_o stere_v she_o as_o moche_v as_o i_o coude_fw-fr to_o sin_n with_o i_o but_o she_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a consent_n to_o i_o wherefore_o i_o slay_v the_o earl_n daughter_n that_o lie_v with_o â—er_n â–ª_o &_o when_o i_o have_v so_o do_v i_o put_v the_o bloody_a knife_n in_o y_z e_z lady_n hand_n that_o the_o earl_n shall_v think_v she_o have_v slay_v his_o daughter_n with_o her_o own_o hand_n and_o than_o be_v she_o exile_v thens_n but_o where_o she_o become_v i_o wot_v not_o than_o say_v the_o thief_n i_o wot_v not_o of_o what_o lady_n you_o mean_v but_o well_o i_o wot_v that_o seven_o sergeaunte_n be_v lede_a i_o to_o the_o galous_a and_o such_o a_o lady_n come_v ride_v by_o and_o buy_v i_o of_o they_o and_o than_o go_v i_o with_o she_o and_o afterward_o i_o betray_v she_o unto_o a_o master_n of_o a_o ship_n such_o a_o lady_n quod_fw-la y_fw-es e_fw-es master_v of_o the_o ship_n receyve_v i_o &_o when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o mydde_v of_o the_o see_v i_o will_v have_v lie_v with_o she_o but_o she_o sit_v down_o to_o her_o prayer_n and_o anon_o there_o arise_v such_o a_o tempee_v that_o y_fw-fr e_o ship_n all_o to_o brace_v &_o be_v all_o drown_v save_v i_o but_o what_o afterward_o befall_v of_o she_o wot_v i_o not_o than_o cry_v y_o e_o empress_n with_o a_o high_a voice_n &_o say_v soth_o dear_a friend_n you_o be_v now_o clean_o confess_v wherefore_o i_o will_v now_o lay_v to_o my_o medycyne_n and_o anon_o they_o receyve_v their_o helthe_n when_o the_o lady_n have_v thus_o do_v she_o open_v her_o face_n unto_o y_z e_o emperor_n &_o he_o anon_o know_v she_o &_o run_v to_o she_o &_o enbrace_v she_o in_o his_o arm_n &_o kyss_v she_o oftentimes_o &_o for_o joy_n weep_v bytter_o sayinge_v bless_a be_v god_n now_o have_v i_o find_v that_o i_o desire_v and_o when_o he_o have_v thus_o say_v he_o lead_v she_o home_o to_o his_o palay_n with_o great_a joy_n and_o after_o when_o it_o please_v god_n they_o end_v both_o their_o lyve_n in_o peace_n ¶_o this_o emperor_n betoken_v our_o lord_n jesu_n chryst_n the_o empress_n betoken_v a_o holy_a soul_n the_o emperor_n brother_n betoken_v the_o flesh_n to_o who_o our_o lord_n have_v give_v charge_n of_o this_o empire_n but_o mooâ—â—_n pryncipal_o to_o the_o soul_n nevertheless_o the_o wretched_a flesh_n oft_o sterett_a the_o soul_n to_o sin_n but_o the_o soul_n that_o love_v god_n above_o all_o thing_n wythstand_v that_o temptacyon_n &_o call_v to_o she_o her_o goostly_a power_n that_o be_v to_o say_v reason_n will_n understand_v &_o conscyence_n &_o make_v they_o to_o enpryson_n the_o flesh_n that_o be_v disobedyent_n to_o the_o â—oule_n in_o the_o prison_n of_o penance_n unto_o y_z t_o time_n he_o obey_v to_o reason_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o thus_o in_o hope_n of_o mercy_n he_o syn_v again_o to_o who_o holy_a scripture_n say_v maledictê°_n homo_fw-la â—_o peccat_fw-la in_o sâ—e_n curse_a be_v that_o man_n that_o syn_v in_o hope_n and_o at_o y_z e_z last_v the_o soul_n enclyne_v to_o the_o flesh_n and_o let_v he_o out_o of_o the_o prison_n of_o penance_n &_o wasshetht_fw-mi he_o from_o the_o filth_n of_o sin_n &_o aray_v he_o with_o good_a virtue_n &_o make_v he_o lepe_v on_o the_o palfraye_n of_o charite_n and_o so_o ryde_v forth_o to_o mete_v our_o lord_n a_o ester_a day_n but_o alas_o full_a oft_o the_o sinner_n trespace_v against_o holy_a scripture_n wherefore_o the_o herte_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n &_o of_o sinner_n arise_v before_o he_o and_o after_o ren_v great_a hound_n that_o be_v to_o say_v â–ª_o evil_a thought_n and_o so_o long_o they_o chase_v till_o the_o body_n &_o the_o soul_n be_v leave_v alone_o &_o than_o the_o flesh_n se_fw-la ster_v that_o noble_a soul_n the_o spouse_n of_o almyghty_a god_n to_o he_o but_o the_o bless_a 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 &_o consent_n to_o sin_n wherefore_o y_a e_o wretched_a flesh_n full_o oft_o despoyl_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 hear_v on_o a_o oak_n that_o be_v to_o say_v on_o lust_n and_o delight_n and_o there_o she_o hang_v unto_o the_o good_a earl_n come_v that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o dyscrete_a confessor_n in_o the_o forest_n of_o this_o world_n to_o prithee_o &_o teach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o take_v she_o down_o and_o lede_v she_o forth_o to_o y_fw-fr e_o chyrche_fw-fr to_o nourysshe_v his_o daughter_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o nourysshe_v conscyence_n with_o werke_n of_o mercy_n the_o earl_n have_v in_o his_o chambre_n a_o lamp_n right_a so_o every_o discrete_a confessor_n or_o precher_n shall_v have_v afore_o he_o the_o lamp_n of_o holy_a scrypture_n whereby_o he_o may_v see_v both_o the_o grevaunce_n &_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o teching_n of_o virtue_n and_o putting_a away_o of_o vice_n the_o steward_n that_o ster_v she_o to_o sin_n be_v not_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 deceyve_v but_o when_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v so_o well_o belove_v with_o chryst_n will_v not_o consent_v unto_o the_o sin_n of_o pride_n than_o take_v this_o evyll_n steward_n the_o knife_n of_o covetyse_n wherwyth_o he_o slee_v the_o earl_n daughter_n that_o be_v to_o say_v conscyence_n accord_v to_o scripture_n say_v gold_n and_o
life_n in_o worldly_a joy_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 saluator_fw-la si_fw-la habueritis_fw-la fidem_fw-la sicut_fw-la granum_fw-la sinapis_fw-la poteritis_fw-la etc._n etc._n if_o you_o have_v faith_n as_o y_z e_z grain_n of_o mustard_n than_o may_v you_o say_v to_o y_z e_z hill_n go_v thou_o forth_o &_o it_o shall_v go_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 sodeyn_o fall_v in_o the_o clay_n of_o desperacyon_n &_o by_o deed_o synâ—e_v 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 and_o his_o mother_n by_o the_o father_n which_o be_v cause_n of_o generation_n be_v understande_v humylite_a without_o who_o there_o be_v no_o virtue_n in_o no_o man_n and_o thereto_o accord_v saint_n gregory_n sayinge_v thus_o si_fw-mi qis_v caeteris_fw-la virtutes_fw-la sine_fw-la humilitate_fw-la congregat_fw-la etc._n etc._n he_o that_o gader_v all_o other_o virtue_n without_o humilite_n be_v like_o a_o man_n that_o cast_v dust_n in_o y_z e_z wound_n his_o mother_n betoken_v hope_n therefore_o he_o that_o will_v optayne_n everlasting_a life_n he_o behove_v to_o have_v the_o cloak_n of_o charyte_n brydge_v of_o faith_n a_o father_n of_o mekenes_n &_o a_o mother_n of_o hope_n as_o y_z e_z apostle_n say_v spe_fw-la salui_fw-la facti_fw-la sumus_fw-la also_o this_o knight_n go_v the_o straight_o 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 behove_v 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_a alm_n dede_n chastyte_n &_o penance_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 eternan_n the_o way_n be_v straight_o y_fw-mi e_o lede_v to_o everlasting_a life_n but_o many_o man_n go_v that_o other_o way_n which_o lede_v to_o hell_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_z y_z e_z way_n of_o flesshly_a lust_n &_o such_o man_n be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o everla_a life_n but_o such_o man_n be_v deceyve_v through_o y_fw-es â—_o way_n therefore_o study_v we_o to_o walk_v that_o way_n whereby_o we_o may_v optayne_n everla_a life_n amen_n sometime_o dwell_v in_o rome_n a_o noble_a emperor_n name_v agyas_n which_o have_v with_o he_o a_o knight_n call_v gerarde_n which_o be_v a_o doughty_a warryour_fw-mi nevertheless_o he_o be_v as_o meek_a as_o a_o lamb_n in_o the_o emperor_n hall_n but_o in_o y_z e_z field_n he_o be_v like_o a_o lion_n this_o emperor_n have_v a_o fair_a daughter_n who_o the_o strong_a and_o mighty_a earl_n of_o palester_n ravyssh_v &_o defoul_v nevertheless_o it_o displease_v more_o themperour_n y_fw-fr e_o defoul_v of_o his_o daughter_n than_o the_o ravysshing_n wherefore_o he_o call_v unto_o he_o his_o counseyle_n &_o say_v dear_a friend_n it_o be_v not_o unknowen_a to_o you_o the_o despite_n &_o violence_n do_v to_o i_o in_o defoul_v of_o my_o daughter_n &_o therefore_o i_o purpose_v to_o gyve_v batayle_n to_o the_o earl_n wherefore_o i_o pray_v you_o to_o be_v ready_a at_o a_o day_n set_v to_o proceed_v with_o i_o in_o batayle_n and_o they_o say_v lord_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o live_v &_o dye_v which_o it_o you_o in_o batayle_n when_o the_o day_n of_o batayle_n come_v they_o meet_v on_o both_o side_n &_o a_o cruel_a hard_a batayle_n be_v give_v on_o both_o side_n &_o all_o that_o be_v of_o themperours_n party_n be_v slay_v and_o as_o themperour_n shall_v have_v be_v byhede_v the_o knight_n gerard_n put_v himself_o among_o his_o enemy_n before_o themperour_n &_o fight_v manful_o &_o so_o themperour_n escape_v and_o the_o knight_n abode_n and_o slay_v the_o earl_n nevertheless_o this_o knight_n have_v dyverse_a wound_n this_n not_o withstand_v he_o abide_v &_o fight_v still_o till_o the_o blood_n run_v down_o to_o his_o heel_n and_o when_o his_o enemy_n see_v that_o y_fw-fr e_o earl_n be_v slay_v they_o â—edde_v and_o the_o knight_n with_o his_o people_n follow_v on_o you_o â—_o chase_n till_o he_o come_v to_o y_z e_z place_n where_o themperours_n daughter_n be_v &_o lead_v she_o with_o he_o and_o thus_o with_o triumph_n &_o vyctory_n he_o return_v again_o to_o themperour_n for_o you_o â—_o which_o victory_n &_o get_a again_o of_o themperours_n daughter_n he_o be_v great_o praise_v of_o all_o people_n not_o long_o alter_v it_o befall_v that_o this_o knight_n have_v to_o do_v in_o themperours_n court_n wherefore_o the_o knight_n come_v unto_o themperour_n &_o pray_v he_o meke_o to_o be_v favourable_a in_o his_o cause_n &_o farthermore_o he_o pray_v he_o to_o do_v y_z e_z rayson_fw-mi ask_v when_o themperour_n have_v hear_v he_o he_o call_v to_o he_o a_o justice_n and_o say_v go_v thou_o and_o do_v justice_n to_o this_o knight_n &_o that_o that_o the_o law_n will_v and_o when_o y_a e_o knight_n hear_v this_o he_o cry_v w_n to_o a_o loud_a voice_n alas_o alas_o who_o hear_v ever_o such_o a_o thing_n of_o a_o emperor_n thou_o be_v say_v he_o in_o batayle_n where_o thy_o heed_n shall_v have_v be_v smytten_v of_o and_o i_o in_o my_o own_o person_n &_o none_o other_o man_n put_v mi selfe_o in_o jeopardy_n for_o the_o &_o save_v the_o &_o now_o thou_o have_v assign_v a_o other_o man_n to_o be_v judge_n in_o my_o cause_n alas_o that_o ever_o y_fw-mi u._fw-mi be_v bear_v and_o with_o y_o t_o word_n the_o knight_n do_v of_o all_o his_o clothes_n &_o show_v y_o e_o wound_n that_o he_o have_v receyve_v in_o the_o batayle_n unto_o all_o y_z e_z man_n that_o be_v there_o present_a &_o say_v lo_o what_o i_o have_v suffer_v for_o the_o and_o i_o put_v none_o other_o man_n in_o my_o stead_n &_o now_o thou_o assygne_v a_o other_o man_n in_o my_o cause_n forsooth_o i_o say_v to_o y_z e_z that_o i_o never_o serve_v such_o a_o lord_n before_o when_o themperour_n hear_v this_o be_v almoost_n confound_v in_o himself_o say_v thus_o o_o dear_a friend_n all_o that_o thou_o say_v be_v troth_n thou_o save_v i_o from_o death_n thou_o won_a my_o daughter_n again_o and_o for_o my_o sake_n y_fw-mi u._fw-mi have_v suffer_v many_o wound_n forsooth_o it_o be_v right_a that_o i_o come_v down_o &_o make_v a_o end_n of_o thy_o cause_n such_o as_o may_v be_v honour_n &_o joy_n to_o the._n and_o than_o themperour_n labour_v besy_o in_o this_o mater_fw-la and_o make_v thereof_o a_o end_n accord_v to_o y_z e_z knight_n intent_n wherefore_o all_o man_n great_o commend_v the_o emperor_n ¶_o dear_a friend_n this_o emperor_n may_v be_v call_v every_o chrysten_v man_n or_o else_o all_o mankind_n which_o have_v a_o fair_a daughter_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o soul_n make_v to_o the_o symilytude_n of_o god_n this_o earl_n betoken_v y_o e_o devyll_n which_o ravyssh_v and_o defoul_v by_o sin_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n through_o eat_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o tree_n know_v good_a &_o evyll_n wherefore_o all_o mankind_n be_v in_o seruage_n till_o a_o strong_a &_o valyaunt_a knight_n come_v &_o put_v himself_o on_o the_o cross_a bytwene_n the_o devyll_n &_o mankind_n for_o if_o that_o have_v not_o be_v we_o have_v all_o ben_fw-mi dampen_v everlastyng_o &_o this_o knight_n bring_v again_o the_o foul_a of_o man_n unto_o y_z e_o chyrche_fw-fr wherefore_o he_o suffer_v many_o great_a wound_n in_o his_o body_n and_o now_o this_o knight_n that_o be_v to_o say_v our_o lord_n jesu_n chryst_n have_v a_o matter_n to_o do_v among_o we_o that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o find_v in_o we_o pâ—rfyte_n life_n wherefore_o he_o call_v on_o we_o daily_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a at_o all_o time_n say_v thus_o in_o the_o apocalypse_n iii_o ecce_fw-la sto_z ad_fw-la hostium_fw-la et_fw-la pulso_fw-la si_fw-la q_n mihi_fw-la aparuerit_fw-la in_o troibo_fw-la et_fw-la cenabo_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v lo_o i_o stand_v and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n if_o any_o man_n will_v open_v to_o i_o i_o shall_v come_v in_o &_o soup_v with_o he_o but_o many_o man_n do_v as_o this_o emperor_n do_v the_o which_o give_v you_o e_o ynyght_n a_o other_o judge_n than_o himself_o but_o now_o a_o day_n there_o be_v some_o man_n that_o will_v do_v no_o penance_n for_o the_o love_n of_o he_o which_o assign_v no_o man_n but_o hymfelfe_n to_o fight_v for_o us._n and_o therefore_o against_o unkind_a man_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v thus_o lo_o he_o hang_v on_o y_o e_o cross_n despoil_a of_o all_o his_o clothing_n and_o show_v to_o we_o all_o his_o wound_n y_o it_o he_o suffer_v for_o us._n be_v we_o therefore_o kind_n that_o we_o may_v suffer_v for_o his_o love_n some_o penance_n and_o that_o at_o the_o day_n of_o doom_n we_o may_v
rower_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o see_v betoken_v all_o mankind_n which_o be_v take_v with_o the_o devyll_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o fore_a father_n adam_n and_o be_v cast_v in_o to_o the_o prison_n of_o hell_n with_o great_a sorrow_n and_o pain_n his_o father_n will_v not_o ransom_n he_o that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o world_n will_v do_v nothing_o for_o he_o this_o fair_a daughter_n betoken_v the_o godhede_v which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o take_v manhood_n of_o the_o vyrgyn_v marye_n and_o so_o make_v a_o goostly_a marriage_n bytwene_v he_o and_o man_n and_o upon_o this_o condicyon_n he_o delyver_v mankind_n out_o of_o this_o prison_n of_o hell_n when_o he_o come_v fro_o heaven_n and_o forsake_v the_o felawshyp_n of_o angel_n for_o to_o dwell_v with_o we_o in_o this_o wretched_a valley_n of_o tear_n but_o the_o father_n that_o betoken_v y_fw-mi e_z world_n grutched_a ever_o against_o he_o and_o will_v not_o suffer_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n shall_v become_v the_o spouse_n of_o jesu_n chryst_n but_o that_o she_o shall_v always_o serve_v he_o and_o forsake_v our_o lord_n therefore_o if_o we_o follow_v the_o world_n &_o his_o vanytee_n soth_o we_o shall_v fall_v in_o to_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devyll_n from_fw-mi the_o which_o defend_v we_o our_o bless_v savyour_fw-mi jesu_n chryst._n amen_n sometime_o in_o rome_n dwell_v a_o noble_a emperor_n of_o great_a lyvelode_n name_v alexander_n the_o which_o above_o all_o virtue_n love_v y_o e_o virtue_n of_o largess_n wherefore_o he_o ordain_v a_o law_n for_o great_a curiosite_a that_o no_o man_n under_o pain_n of_o death_n shall_v turn_v a_o plaice_n in_o his_o dysshe_n at_o his_o meat_n but_o only_o eat_v the_o white_a side_n and_o not_o the_o black_a and_o if_o any_o man_n will_v attempt_v to_o do_v the_o contrary_a he_o shall_v dye_v without_o remedy_n but_o or_o he_o die_v he_o shall_v ask_v three_o bone_n of_o the_o emperor_n what_o he_o list_v except_o his_o life_n which_o shall_v be_v grant_v he_o it_o befall_v after_o on_o a_o day_n that_o there_o come_v a_o earl_n &_o his_o soon_o of_o a_o strange_a country_n to_o speak_v with_o the_o emperor_n and_o when_o this_o earl_n be_v set_v to_o meat_n he_o be_v serve_v with_o a_o plaice_n and_o he_o which_o be_v hungry_a and_o have_v a_o appetyte_n to_o his_o meat_n ▪_o after_o he_o have_v eat_v y_o e_o white_a side_n he_o turn_v the_o black_a side_n &_o begin_v to_o eat_v thereof_o wherefore_o anon_o he_o be_v accuse_v to_o the_o emperor_n because_o he_o have_v offend_v against_o the_o law_n than_o say_v the_o emperor_n let_v he_o dye_v accord_v to_o the_o law_n without_o one_o delay_n when_o the_o earl_n soon_o hear_v that_o his_o father_n shall_v dye_v anon_o he_o set_v he_o down_o on_o both_o his_o knee_n tofore_o the_o emperor_n and_o say_v o_o my_o reverend_a lord_n for_o his_o love_n that_o hinge_n upon_o the_o cross_n let_v i_o dye_v for_o my_o father_n than_o say_v the_o emperor_n it_o please_v i_o well_o that_o one_o dye_v for_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o law_n than_o say_v this_o earl_n soon_o since_o it_o be_v so_o that_o i_o shall_v dye_v i_o ask_v the_o benefyte_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o i_o may_v have_v three_o peticyon_n grant_v or_o i_o die_v the_o emperor_n answer_v and_o say_v ask_v what_o thou_o wylte_n there_o shall_v no_o man_n say_v the_o nay_o than_o say_v this_o young_a knight_n my_o lord_n you_o have_v but_o one_o daughter_n the_o which_o i_o desire_v of_o your_o highness_n that_o she_o may_v lie_v with_o i_o a_o night_n or_o i_o die_v the_o emperor_n grant_v though_o it_o be_v against_o his_o will_n in_o fulfylling_n of_o his_o law_n nevertheless_o this_o knight_n defoul_v she_o not_o as_o that_o night_n therefore_o please_v he_o great_o the_o emperor_n the_o second_o peticyon_n be_v this_o i_o ask_v all_o thy_o treasour_n and_o anon_o the_o emperor_n grant_v because_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v call_v a_o breke_a of_o his_o own_o law_n and_o when_o this_o earl_n soon_o have_v receyve_v y_o e_z emperor_n treasour_n he_o depart_v it_o both_o to_o poor_a and_o rich_a wherefore_o he_o optayn_v their_o good_a wylle_n my_o three_o peticyon_n be_v this_o i_o ask_v my_o lord_n that_o all_o y_fw-mi e_z eye_n may_v be_v put_v out_o incontynent_a which_o see_v my_o father_n eat_v of_o the_o black_a plaice_n wherefore_o the_o emperor_n let_v make_v a_o inquisicyon_n anon_o who_o it_o be_v that_o see_v the_o earl_n turn_v y_fw-fr e_o plaice_n and_o they_o that_o see_v he_o turn_v the_o plaice_n bethink_v they_o and_o say_v within_o themselves_o if_o we_o knowledge_n that_o we_o see_v he_o do_v this_o trespass_n than_o shall_v our_o eye_n be_v put_v out_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v better_a that_o he_o hold_v we_o still_o and_o so_o there_o be_v none_o find_v that_o will_v accuse_v he_o when_o the_o earl_n soon_o see_v this_o he_o say_v to_o the_o emperor_n my_o lord_n quoth_v he_o you_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n accuse_v my_o father_n therefore_o gyve_v you_o rightful_a judgement_n than_o say_v the_o emperor_n for_o as_o moche_v that_o no_o man_n will_v knowledge_n that_o they_o see_v he_o turn_v the_o plaice_n therefore_o i_o will_v not_o y_z t_z thy_o father_n shall_v dye_v lo_o thus_o the_o soon_o save_v his_o father_n life_n &_o after_o the_o decese_n of_o the_o emperor_n wed_v his_o daughter_n ¶_o dear_a friend_n this_o emperor_n betoken_v the_o father_n of_o heaven_n which_o ordain_v a_o law_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v turn_v the_o black_a side_n of_o the_o plaice_n that_o be_v to_o say_v there_o shall_v no_o man_n labour_n for_o rychesse_n or_o lordship_n by_o covetyse_n and_o falshede_v the_o earl_n that_o come_v to_o the_o emperor_n betoken_v adam_n our_o for_o father_n which_o come_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o damasse_n to_o the_o court_n of_o paradyse_n and_o turn_v up_o the_o black_a side_n of_o the_o plaice_n when_o he_o eat_v of_o the_o apple_n wherefore_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v damn_a to_o everla_a death_n but_o his_o soon_o that_o betoken_v our_o lord_n jesu_n chryst._n for_o he_o take_v flesh_n of_o adam_n and_o proffer_v himself_o wilful_o to_o dye_v for_o he_o the_o father_n of_o heaven_n grant_v that_o he_o shall_v go_v down_o to_o dye_v for_o mankind_n nevertheless_o or_o he_o die_v he_o ask_v three_o peticyon_n of_o his_o father_n of_o heaven_n the_o first_o be_v this_o y_z t_z he_o may_v have_v by_o he_o his_o daughter_n which_o betoken_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o bring_v she_o with_o he_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o heaven_n accord_v to_o y_z e_z word_n of_o osee_n say_v desponsabo_fw-la eam_fw-la michi_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v i_o shall_v wed_v she_o to_o my_o wife_n the_o second_o peticyon_n be_v this_o all_o the_o emperor_n treasour_n which_o betoken_v the_o treasour_n of_o heaven_n accord_v to_o this_o scrypture_n sicut_fw-la disposuit_fw-la michi_fw-la pater_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v like_a as_o my_o father_n have_v dispose_v for_o i_o so_o i_o dyspose_v for_o you_o the_o three_o petycyon_n be_v this_o that_o all_o their_o eye_n shall_v be_v put_v out_o that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o devyll_n which_o daily_o accuse_v man_n that_o he_o may_v be_v put_v from_o the_o light_n of_o heavenly_a grace_n and_o thus_o save_v he_o mankind_n and_o lead_v he_o up_o with_o he_o unto_o the_o palay_n of_o heaven_n unto_o the_o which_o palay_v bring_v we_o our_o lord_n jesus_n amen_n in_o rome_n dwell_v sometime_o a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v lemycyus_fw-la which_o on_o a_o day_n ride_v to_o a_o forest_n for_o to_o sport_v he_o where_o as_o he_o meet_v sodeyn_o with_o a_o poor_a man_n to_o who_o he_o say_v thus_o friend_n whence_o come_v thou_o &_o who_o be_v thou_o my_o lord_n quoth_v he_o i_o come_v fro_o the_o next_o cyte_n and_o your_o man_n i_o be_o than_o say_v the_o emperor_n thou_o seme_v poor_a therefore_o if_o thou_o wylte_n be_v good_a and_o true_a i_o shall_v promote_v the_o to_o great_a rychesse_n and_o honour_n than_o answer_v this_o poor_a man_n and_o say_v my_o lord_n i_o promise_v you_o faithful_o to_o be_v true_a to_o you_o as_o long_o as_o i_o live_v the_o emperor_n anon_o make_v he_o knight_n and_o give_v he_o great_a rychesse_n when_o he_o be_v thus_o promote_v he_o wax_v so_o proud_a that_o he_o think_v himself_o more_o able_a to_o be_v a_o emperor_n than_o his_o lord_n wherefore_o he_o make_v suggestyon_n to_o dyverse_a lord_n of_o that_o empire_n that_o he_o may_v usurp_v &_o take_v upon_o he_o through_o strength_n of_o they_o to_o be_v emperor_n when_o y_a e_o emperor_n hear_v this_o anon_o he_o exile_v he_o and_o all_o those_o that_o be_v consent_v to_o he_o
death_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o turment_n thou_o shall_v never_o have_v i_o to_o consent_v to_o such_o sin_n when_o he_o hear_v this_o he_o unclothe_v she_o all_o save_o her_o smock_n and_o hinge_n she_o up_o by_o the_o hear_v upon_o a_o tree_n and_o â—yed_v her_o stead_n beside_o she_o and_o so_o ride_v forth_o to_o his_o fellow_n &_o tell_v they_o that_o great_a hoost_n of_o man_n meâ—te_v he_o &_o take_v the_o empress_n away_o from_o he_o and_o when_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o this_o they_o make_v all_o great_a sorrow_n it_o befall_v on_o the_o three_o day_n after_o there_o come_v a_o earl_n to_o hunt_v in_o that_o forest_n and_o as_o he_o ride_v beat_v the_o brake_n there_o start_v a_o fox_n who_o his_o hound_n follow_v fast_o till_o they_o come_v never_o the_o tree_n where_o the_o empress_n hinge_n and_o when_o the_o dog_n feel_v the_o savour_n of_o she_o they_o leave_v the_o fox_n &_o run_v toward_o the_o tree_n as_o fast_o as_o they_o coude_fw-fr the_o earl_n sing_v this_o wonder_v great_o and_o spur_v his_o horse_n and_o follow_v they_o till_o he_o come_v where_o as_o the_o empress_n hinge_n when_o the_o earl_n see_v she_o thus_o hang_a he_o marvel_v great_o for_o as_o moche_v as_o she_o be_v right_a fair_a and_o gracious_a to_o behold_v wherefore_o he_o say_v unto_o she_o in_o this_o manner_n wise_n o_o woman_n who_o be_v thou_o and_o of_o what_o country_n and_o wherefore_o hang_v thou_o here_o in_o this_o manner_n wise_n the_o empress_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o full_o deed_n but_o in_o point_n ready_a to_o dye_v answer_v &_o say_v i_o be_o quod_fw-la she_o a_o strange_a woman_n and_o i_o be_o come_v out_o fro_o far_a country_n but_o how_o i_o come_v hither_o god_n know_v than_o answer_v the_o earl_n and_o say_v who_o horse_n be_v this_o that_o stand_v here_o by_o the_o bind_v to_o this_o tree_n than_o answer_v the_o lady_n â–ª_o and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v she_o when_o the_o earl_n hear_v this_o he_o know_v well_o that_o she_o be_v a_o gentylwoman_n and_o come_v of_o some_o noble_a kynrede_n wherefore_o he_o be_v the_o rather_o move_v with_o pyte_n and_o say_v unto_o she_o o_o fair_a lady_n thou_o seme_v of_o gentyll_a blood_n and_o therefore_o i_o purpose_v to_o delyver_v the_o from_o this_o mischief_n if_o thou_o wylte_n promise_v to_o go_v with_o i_o and_o nourysshe_v my_o fair_a young_a daughter_n and_o teach_v she_o at_o home_n in_o my_o castle_n for_o i_o have_v no_o child_n but_o only_o she_o &_o if_o you_o u._fw-mi keep_v she_o well_o thou_o shall_v have_v a_o good_a reward_n for_o thy_o labour_n than_o say_v she_o as_o farforth_o as_o i_o can_v or_o may_v i_o shall_v fulfil_v thy_o intent_n and_o when_o she_o have_v thus_o promise_v he_o he_o take_v she_o down_o of_o the_o tree_n and_o lead_v she_o home_o to_o his_o castle_n and_o give_v she_o the_o keep_a of_o his_o daughter_n that_o he_o love_v so_o moche_n and_o she_o be_v cheryssh_v so_o well_o that_o she_o lie_v every_o night_n in_o the_o earl_n chambre_n &_o his_o daughter_n with_o she_o &_o in_o his_o chambre_n every_o night_n there_o burn_v a_o lamp_n the_o which_o hinge_n bytwene_v y_o e_fw-la empress_n bed_n and_o y_z e_z earl_n bed_n this_o lady_n bear_v she_o so_o gentylly_a that_o she_o be_v belove_v of_o every_o creature_n there_o be_v that_o time_n in_o the_o earl_n court_v a_o steward_n which_o moche_n love_v this_o empress_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o oftentimes_o speak_v to_o she_o of_o his_o love_n but_o she_o answer_v he_o again_o &_o say_v know_v you_o dear_a friend_n for_o certain_a that_o i_o have_v make_v a_o solemn_a vow_n that_o i_o shall_v never_o love_v man_n in_o such_o wise_n but_o only_o he_o who_o i_o be_o great_o behold_v to_o love_n by_o god_n commandment_n than_o say_v the_o steward_n thou_o wylte_n not_o than_o consent_n unto_o i_o my_o lord_n quoth_v she_o what_o need_v the_o any_o more_o to_o ask_v such_o thing_n the_o vow_n that_o i_o have_v make_v true_o shall_v i_o keep_v and_o hold_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o when_o the_o steward_n hear_v this_o he_o go_v his_o way_n in_o great_a wrath_n and_o anger_n think_v within_o himself_o if_o i_o may_v i_o shall_v bewroken_v on_o the._n it_o befall_v upon_o a_o night_n within_o short_a time_n after_o that_o the_o earl_n chambre_n door_n be_v forgoten_a and_o leave_v unshette_v which_o the_o steward_n have_v anon_o perceyve_v and_o when_o they_o be_v all_o a_o sleep_v he_o go_v and_o espy_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lamp_n where_o the_o empress_n and_o the_o young_a maiden_n lie_v togyder_n and_o with_o that_o he_o draw_v out_o his_o knife_n &_o cut_v the_o throat_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o earl_n daughter_n and_o put_v the_o bloody_a knife_n in_o to_o the_o empress_n hand_n she_o be_v a_o sleep_v &_o nothing_o know_v thereof_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o when_o the_o earl_n awake_v he_o shall_v see_v y_o e_fw-la knife_n in_o her_o hand_n &_o that_o he_o shall_v think_v that_o she_o have_v cut_v his_o doughter_n throat_n wherefore_o she_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o a_o shameful_a death_n for_o his_o myschevous_a deed_n and_o when_o this_o damosel_n be_v thus_o slay_v and_o the_o bloody_a knife_n in_o the_o empress_n hand_n the_o countess_n awake_v out_o of_o she_o sleep_v and_o see_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lamp_n the_o bloody_a knife_n in_o the_o empress_n hand_n wherefore_o she_o be_v almoo_v out_o of_o her_o mind_n and_o say_v to_o the_o earl_n o_o my_o lord_n behold_v in_o yonder_o lady_n hand_n a_o wonderful_a thing_n anon_o the_o earl_n awake_v and_o behold_v on_o the_o empress_n bed_n &_o see_v the_o bloody_a knife_n as_o the_o countess_n have_v say_v wherefore_o he_o be_v great_o move_v and_o cry_v to_o she_o and_o say_v awake_v woman_n of_o thy_o sleep_v what_o thing_n be_v this_o that_o i_o se_fw-mi in_o thy_o hand_n anon_o you_o e_o empress_n through_o his_o cry_n awake_v out_o of_o she_o sleep_v and_o in_o she_o wake_v the_o knife_n fall_v out_o of_o her_o hand_n and_o with_o that_o she_o look_v by_o she_o &_o find_v the_o earl_n daughter_n deed_n by_o her_o side_n and_o all_o the_o bed_n full_a of_o blood_n wherefore_o with_o a_o huge_a voice_n she_o cry_v &_o say_v alas_o alas_o &_o wellaway_o my_o lord_n daughter_n be_v slay_v than_o cry_v the_o countess_n unto_o the_o earl_n with_o a_o piteous_a voice_n and_o say_v a_o my_o lord_n let_v that_o devyllysshe_a woman_n be_v put_v to_o the_o moo_v foul_a death_n that_o can_v be_v think_v that_o thus_o have_v slay_v our_o only_a child_n and_o when_o the_o countess_n have_v say_v thus_o to_o the_o earl_n she_o say_v to_o the_o empress_n in_o this_o wise_n the_o high_a god_n know_v that_o thou_o mischevous_a woman_n have_v slay_v my_o daughter_n w_o t_o thy_o own_o hand_n for_o i_o see_v the_o bloody_a knife_n in_o thy_o hand_n and_o therefore_o thou_o shall_v dye_v a_o foul_a death_n than_o say_v the_o earl_n in_o this_o wise_n o_o thou_o woman_n be_v it_o not_o that_o i_o drede_v god_n great_o i_o shall_v cleve_v thy_o body_n with_o my_o sword_n in_o two_o part_n for_o i_o delyver_v the_o from_o hang_a &_o now_o thou_o have_v slay_v my_o daughter_n nevertheless_o for_o i_o thou_o shall_v have_v no_o harm_n therefore_o go_v thy_o way_n out_o of_o this_o ciâ—e_n without_o any_o delay_n for_o if_o i_o find_v the_o here_o this_o day_n thou_o shall_v dye_v a_o evyll_n death_n than_o arise_v this_o woeful_a empress_n and_o do_v on_o her_o clothes_n and_o after_o leap_v on_o her_o palfrey_n &_o road_n toward_o the_o ee_v alone_o without_o any_o safe_a conduyte_o and_o as_o she_o ride_v thus_o mourning_a by_o y_z e_z way_n she_o espy_v on_o the_o left_a side_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o way_n a_o pair_n of_o galous_a and_o seven_o sergeaunte_n lede_v a_o man_n to_o the_o galous_a for_o to_o be_v hang_v wherefore_o she_o be_v move_v with_o great_a pyte_n and_o smite_v her_o horse_n with_o the_o spur_n and_o ride_v to_o they_o prayinge_v they_o that_o she_o may_v buy_v that_o mysdoâ—r_n if_o he_o may_v be_v save_v from_o death_n for_o any_o meed_n than_o say_v they_o lady_n it_o please_v we_o well_o that_o thou_o buy_v he_o anon_o the_o empress_n accord_v with_o they_o &_o pay_v his_o raunsom_n &_o than_o he_o be_v delyver_v thus_o say_v she_o to_o he_o now_o dear_a friend_n be_v true_a till_o thou_o die_v since_o i_o have_v delyver_v the_o from_o dethe_v on_o my_o soul_n quoth_v he_o i_o promise_v you_o ever_o to_o be_v true_a and_o when_o he_o have_v thus_o say_v â–ª_o he_o follow_v the_o lady_n still_o till_o they_o come_v nigh_o a_o cyte_n and_o than_o say_v the_o empress_n to_o
thy_o good_a cheer_n &_o thy_o soon_o that_o be_v bear_v to_o night_n i_o will_v have_v for_o to_o nourysshe_v &_o bring_v up_o in_o my_o court_n and_o to_o morrow_n i_o shall_v send_v for_o he_o a_o my_o gracious_a lord_n quoth_v the_o foster_n it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a that_o such_o a_o noble_a emperor_n shall_v nourysshe_v the_o child_n of_o his_o subgecte_n and_o servant_n nevertheless_o your_o will_n be_v fulfyl_v for_o when_o your_o messenger_n come_v i_o shall_v delyver_v they_o my_o soon_o when_o this_o be_v say_v the_o emperor_n take_v his_o leave_n and_o ride_v home_o toward_o his_o palay_n and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v home_o he_o call_v unto_o he_o such_o servant_n as_o he_o trust_v best_a and_o say_v to_o they_o thus_o go_v you_o quoth_v he_o unto_o my_o foster_n with_o who_o i_o be_v lodge_v this_o night_n in_o the_o forest_n and_o receyve_v of_o he_o his_o soon_o of_o which_o his_o wife_n be_v delyver_v this_o night_n and_o upon_o pain_n of_o death_n i_o command_v you_o that_o you_o flee_v he_o by_o the_o way_n and_o cast_v his_o flesh_n to_o the_o dog_n but_o bring_v with_o you_o the_o herte_n to_o i_o and_o but_o you_o fulfil_v my_o commandment_n you_o shall_v dye_v the_o moo_v foul_a death_n that_o can_v be_v think_v anon_o his_o servant_n go_v to_o the_o forest_n and_o receyve_v the_o foster_v soon_o and_o bring_v he_o with_o they_o and_o when_o they_o be_v come_v never_o unto_o the_o palay_n one_o of_o they_o say_v how_o shall_v we_o do_v that_o we_o may_v fulfil_v our_o lord_n commandment_n in_o sle_v of_o this_o child_n some_o answer_v &_o say_v that_o the_o child_n shall_v be_v slay_v and_o some_o will_v have_v save_v his_o life_n and_o while_o they_o strive_v thus_o among_o themselves_o one_o of_o they_o that_o be_v moo_v merciful_a say_v unto_o the_o other_o o_o my_o good_a friend_n hear_v my_o counseyle_n and_o you_o shall_v not_o forthynke_v it_o if_o we_o murder_v this_o innocent_a child_n we_o shall_v great_o offend_v almyghty_a god_n therefore_o here_o be_v young_a pygge_n sleâ—we_v one_o of_o they_o and_o than_o may_v we_o bear_v with_o we_o his_o herte_n and_o present_v it_o unto_o the_o emperor_n sayinge_v that_o it_o be_v the_o herte_n of_o the_o child_n and_o thus_o shall_v we_o not_o shede_v the_o chyldes_n blood_n than_o say_v they_o thy_o counseyle_n be_v good_a but_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v with_o the_o child_n good_a friend_n quoth_v he_o let_v we_o wrap_v he_o in_o some_o clothes_n &_o lie_v he_o in_o some_o holowe_v tree_n for_o peraventure_fw-fr god_n will_v help_v he_o and_o save_v his_o life_n and_o when_o he_o have_v thus_o say_v they_o do_v glad_o after_o his_o counseyle_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o slay_v the_o pygge_n &_o go_v their_o way_n and_o bare_a home_n with_o they_o the_o pygges_n hertâ—_n to_o the_o emperor_n sayinge_v unto_o he_o thus_o 'loo_o gracious_a lord_n we_o have_v slay_v the_o child_n as_o you_o command_v we_o and_o with_o that_o they_o show_v he_o the_o pygge_n herte_fw-fr the_o emperor_n suppose_v that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o chyldes_n herte_n take_v it_o &_o ke_v it_o in_o to_o the_o fire_n despyteous_o sayinge_v 'loo_o that_o be_v the_o herte_n of_o he_o which_o shall_v have_v be_v emperor_n after_o i_o 'loo_o what_o be_v to_o byleve_v in_o dremes_n &_o vysyon_n which_o be_v nought_o else_o but_o fantasye_n and_o vain_a thing_n the_o second_o day_n after_o that_o the_o child_n be_v put_v in_o to_o the_o holowe_v tree_n thâ—re_o come_v a_o earl_n for_o to_o hunt_v in_o the_o forest_n and_o as_o his_o hound_n chase_v a_o heart_n they_o come_v to_o this_o holowe_v tree_n where_o the_o child_n lie_v and_o when_o they_o feel_v the_o savour_n of_o the_o child_n they_o will_v go_v no_o far_o the_o earl_n sing_v this_o meruayl_v great_o why_o his_o hound_n abode_n there_o and_o smite_v his_o horse_n with_o the_o spur_n and_o ride_v a_o great_a pace_n till_o he_o come_v to_o they_o and_o when_o he_o come_v unto_o the_o tree_n wherein_o the_o child_n be_v lay_v he_o look_v in_o at_o a_o hole_n &_o see_v there_o the_o child_n lyenge_a and_o than_o be_v he_o right_a glad_a and_o take_v up_o the_o child_n in_o his_o arm_n full_a lovyng_o and_o bear_v he_o home_o unto_o his_o castle_n sayinge_v unto_o the_o countess_n his_o wife_n 'loo_o my_o dear_a wife_n this_o day_n by_o fortune_n i_o have_v â—ounde_v a_o full_a fair_a child_n in_o a_o holowe_v tree_n as_o i_o hunt_v in_o y_z e_z forest_n whereof_o i_o be_o right_a glad_a and_o because_o that_o i_o never_o beget_v soon_o ne_o daughter_n on_o the_o ne_o thou_o never_o yet_o conceyve_v a_o child_n therefore_o i_o exhort_v the_o that_o thou_o wylte_n feign_v thyself_o travayl_v of_o child_n and_o say_v that_o thou_o have_v bear_v this_o child_n the_o countess_n fulfyl_v right_a glad_o the_o earl_n will_v and_o desire_n and_o say_v my_o moost_n dear_a lord_n your_o will_n in_o this_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v not_o long_o after_o this_o tydynge_n go_v through_o out_o all_o that_o country_n that_o the_o countess_n be_v delyver_v of_o a_o fayâ—e_n soon_o wherefore_o every_o man_n make_v great_a joy_n the_o child_n begin_v to_o grow_v and_o be_v right_a well_o belove_v of_o every_o man_n and_o moo_v specyal_o of_o the_o earl_n and_o of_o the_o countess_n it_o befall_v after_o when_o the_o child_n be_v xu_o year_n of_o age_n the_o emperor_n make_v a_o solemn_a fee_v unto_o all_o y_z e_z lord_n of_o his_o empire_n unto_o the_o which_o fee_v this_o earl_n be_v call_v and_o at_o the_o day_n assign_v he_o come_v and_o bring_v the_o child_n w_o t_z he_o which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o fair_a young_a squyer_n &_o carve_v at_o the_o board_n before_o the_o earl_n the_o emperor_n great_o behold_v he_o and_o espy_v the_o token_n in_o his_o foreheed_n which_o he_o have_v seen_v before_o in_o the_o foster_v house_n â–ª_o wherefore_o he_o be_v great_o move_v &_o vex_v within_o 〈…〉_o and_o say_v unto_o the_o earl_n in_o this_o wise_n who_o soon_o be_v this_o soth_o say_v the_o earl_n he_o be_v my_o soon_o than_o say_v y_o e_o emperor_n by_o the_o faith_n and_o troth_n that_o thou_o owe_v unto_o i_o tell_v i_o the_o troth_n the_o earl_n sing_v that_o he_o may_v not_o excuse_v himself_o by_o no_o manner_n wise_a but_o that_o needs_o he_o must_v tell_v he_o the_o truth_n than_o tell_v he_o he_o all_o together_o how_o he_o have_v find_v he_o in_o the_o forest_n in_o a_o holowe_v tree_n this_o hear_n the_o emperor_n be_v almoo_v out_o of_o his_o right_a mind_n for_o anger_n and_o call_v unto_o he_o his_o servant_n which_o he_o have_v send_v before_o to_o slay_v y_z e_o child_n and_o when_o they_o come_v before_o he_o he_o make_v they_o for_o to_o swear_v upon_o a_o book_n that_o they_o shall_v tell_v he_o the_o troth_n what_o they_o have_v do_v with_o the_o child_n gracious_a lord_n say_v they_o we_o put_v we_o unto_o your_o grace_n &_o goodness_n for_o without_o doubt_n pyte_n so_o move_v we_o that_o we_o may_v not_o â—lee_v he_o and_o than_o we_o put_v he_o in_o a_o holowe_v tree_n but_o what_o afterward_o befall_v of_o he_o soth_o we_o know_v not_o and_o in_o his_o stead_n we_o slay_v a_o pygge_n and_o bring_v you_o the_o herte_n thereof_o when_o the_o emperor_n have_v herd_n the_o very_a truth_n of_o this_o matter_n he_o say_v unto_o y_z e_o earl_n this_o young_a man_n quoth_v he_o shall_v abide_v here_o with_o i_o the_o earl_n anon_o grant_v though_o it_o be_v great_o against_o his_o will_n and_o when_o the_o fee_v be_v end_v every_o man_n take_v his_o leave_n at_o the_o emperor_n and_o go_v where_o as_o they_o list_v and_o at_o that_o time_n it_o fortune_v that_o the_o empress_n &_o her_o daughter_n sojourn_v in_o a_o great_a country_n far_o fro_o then_v by_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o emperor_n it_o befall_v not_o long_o after_o the_o emperor_n call_v unto_o he_o that_o young_a squyer_n and_o say_v the_o behove_v quoth_v he_o to_o ride_v unto_o the_o empress_n my_o wife_n with_o my_o letter_n i_o be_o ready_a at_o your_o commandment_n my_o lord_n say_v he_o to_o fulfil_v your_o desire_n anon_o the_o emperor_n let_v write_v letter_n whereof_o the_o intent_n be_v this_o that_o the_o empress_n shall_v take_v the_o bearer_n of_o these_o letter_n and_o let_v he_o be_v draw_v at_o a_o horse_n tail_n and_o after_o that_o she_o shall_v let_v he_o be_v hang_v till_o he_o be_v deed_n and_o that_o upon_o pain_n of_o death_n when_o the_o letter_n be_v all_o make_v and_o seal_v than_o the_o emperor_n take_v they_o unto_o the_o young_a squyer_n command_v he_o to_o speed_n he_o on_o his_o journey_n and_o