horse_n back_o /_o so_o that_o there_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 /_o which_o sing_v that_o no_o man_n be_v there_o but_o they_o two_o /_o this_z he_o say_v unto_o the_o empress_n 'loo_o lady_n here_o beside_o be_v a_o prevy_a foreste_n and_o long_o it_o be_v ago_o that_o i_o speak_v to_o the_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 the._n than_o say_v the_o empress_n a_o foal_n what_o may_v this_o be_v /_o yesterdaye_v i_o delyver_v that_o from_o prison_n upon_o thy_o promise_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o mendement_n and_o now_o thou_o be_v return_v to_o thy_o folly_n again_o /_o wherefore_o i_o say_v now_o to_o the_o as_o i_o have_v say_v before_o there_o shall_v no_o man_n do_v such_o thing_n with_o i_o but_o only_o my_o lord_n the_o emperor_n which_o owe_v of_o very_a duty_n and_o right_a so_o for_o to_o do_v thenne_n say_v he_o /_o if_o thou_o wylte_n not_o consent_v to_o i_o i_o shall_v hang_v the_o here_o upon_o a_o tree_n in_o this_o forest_n where_o no_o man_n shall_v find_v the_o &_o so_o shall_v thou_o dye_v a_o evyll_n dethe_v the_o empress_n answer_v mekely_a and_o say_v though_o thou_o will_v smite_v of_o my_o heed_n and_o put_v i_o to_o dethe_v with_o all_o manner_n turment_v thou_o shall_v never_o have_v thy_o consent_n to_o such_o sin_n /_o when_o he_o hear_v this_o he_o unclothe_v she_o all_o save_o her_o smock_n /_o and_o hinge_n she_o up_o by_o the_o here_o upon_o a_o tree_n and_o tie_v her_o stead_n beside_o she_o /_o and_o so_o ride_v forth_o to_o his_o felawe_n /_o and_o tell_v theym_a that_o a_o great_a hoost_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 theym_a this_o /_o they_z make_v great_a sorrow_n â–ª_o it_o befelle_n on_o the_o three_o day_n /_o after_o that_o /_o that_z there_o come_v a_o earl_n to_o hunt_v in_o that_o foreste_n /_o and_o as_o he_o ride_v bete_v the_o brake_n he_o sterte_v a_o fox_n who_o his_o hound_n follow_v fast_a till_o they_o come_v never_o the_o tree_n whereupon_o the_o empress_n be_v hang_v /_o and_o when_o the_o dog_n feel_v the_o savoure_n of_o she_o they_o leave_v the_o fox_n /_o and_o run_v toward_o the_o tree_n as_o fast_o as_o they_o coude_fw-fr the_o earl_n this_o sing_v wonder_v and_o smite_v the_o spur_n into_o his_o horse_n side_n /_o and_o follow_v theym_a till_o he_o come_v where_o as_o the_o body_n be_v henge_v /_o when_o the_o earl_n see_v she_o this_o hang_a /_o he_o marvel_v grete_o /_o for_o so_o moche_v she_o be_v right_a fair_a and_o gracious_a for_o to_o behold_v /_o 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 &_o of_o what_o country_n /_o and_o wherefore_o hang_v thou_o here_o in_o this_o manner_n wise_a /_o the_o empress_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o full_o deed_n /_o but_z in_o point_n ready_a for_o to_o dye_v answer_v and_o say_v i_o be_o quod_fw-la she_o a_o strange_a woman_n and_o be_o come_v out_o offer_v country_n /_o but_o how_o i_o come_v hyde_a god_n know_v than_o answer_v the_o earl_n and_o say_v who_o horse_n quoth_v he_o 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 that_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 /_o he_z kuewe_a well_o that_o she_o be_v a_o gentyll_a woman_n /_o and_z come_v of_o some_o noble_a kindred_n /_o wherefore_o he_o be_v the_o rather_o meve_v with_o pyte_n and_o say_v unto_o she_o o_o fair_a lady_n thou_o semeste_v gentyll_a and_o therefore_o i_o purpose_v to_o delyver_v the_o from_o this_o pain_n if_o thou_o if_o thou_o wylte_n promise_v to_o go_v with_o i_o and_o norysshe_v my_o young_a daughter_n /_o and_o teach_v her_o atte_a home_n in_o my_o castle_n /_o for_z i_o have_v no_o child_n but_o only_o her_o /_o and_z if_o thou_o keep_v she_o well_o /_o thou_o shall_v have_v a_o good_a reward_n /_o for_z thy_o labour_n than_o say_v she_o as_o ferforthe_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 promise_v he_o thus_o /_o he_o take_v she_o down_o of_o the_o oak_n &_o lead_v she_o home_o to_o his_o castle_n &_o give_v she_o the_o keep_a of_o his_o daughter_n that_o he_o love_v so_o much_o &_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 chamber_n and_o his_o daughter_n togyder_n and_o in_o his_o chambre_n every_o night_n there_o brente_a a_o lamp_n the_o which_o hinge_n evyn_v bytwene_v the_o empress_n bed_n and_o the_o earl_n bed_n this_o lady_n bear_v she_o so_o gent_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 earl_n court_v a_o steward_n which_o love_v moche_v this_o empress_n above_o all_o thing_n /_o and_o oftentimes_o speak_v to_o she_o of_o his_o love_n /_o but_z she_o answer_v he_o ever_o again_o and_o say_v know_v you_o dear_a friend_n for_o certain_a 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 grete_o behold_v for_o to_o love_v he_o by_o god_n commandment_n than_o answer_n the_o steward_n and_o say_v thou_o wylte_n not_o than_o consent_n to_o i_o my_o lord_n quoth_v she_o what_o need_v the_o more_o for_o to_o ask_v i_o the_o vow_n which_o i_o have_v make_v true_o shall_v i_o keep_v and_o hold_v be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n than_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 and_o /_o if_o i_o may_v i_o shall_v be_v wrought_v on_o the._n it_o befall_v within_o short_a time_n after_o upon_o a_o night_n that_o the_o earl_n chamber_n door_n be_v forgoten_a and_o left_a unshytte_n which_o the_o steward_n perceyve_v anon_o and_o when_o all_o the_o be_v 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 yâ—_z young_a maid_n lie_v togyder_n and_o with_o that_o /_o draw_v out_o his_o knife_n /_o and_o cut_v the_o throat_n of_o the_o earl_n daughter_n and_o put_v the_o bloody_a knife_n in_o the_o empress_n hand_n she_o be_v a_o sleep_v and_o not_o know_v nothing_o theof_o to_o this_o intent_n that_o the_o earl_n when_o he_o waken_v 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 doughter_n shrote_n wherefore_o she_o shall_v be_v put_v unto_o dethe_v for_o his_o defaute_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 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 her_o 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 thus_o o_o my_o lord_n anon_o byholde_v in_o yonder_o lady_n hand_n a_o wonderful_a thing_n the_o earl_n awake_v and_o byhelde_v on_o the_o empress_n bed_n and_o see_v the_o bloody_a knife_n as_o the_o countess_n say_v wherefore_o he_o be_v grete_o meve_v and_o cry_v unto_o she_o and_o say_v a_o wake_a woman_n of_o thy_o sleep_v what_o thing_n be_v this_o i_o see_v in_o thy_o hand_n anon_o the_o empress_n thrughe_o his_o cry_n awake_v of_o she_o sleep_v /_o &_o in_o her_o wake_n the_o knife_n fall_v out_o of_o her_o hand_n /_o &_o with_o that_o she_o look_v by_o she_o and_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 /_o wherefore_o with_o a_o huge_a cry_n and_o voice_n she_o cry_v alas_o alas_o and_o wellaway_o my_o lord_n daughter_n be_v slay_v she_o cry_v 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 devyll_n be_v put_v to_o the_o moo_v foul_a dethe_v that_o can_v bethink_v the_o which_o have_v slay_v thus_o 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 /_o she_o say_v unto_o the_o empress_n in_o this_o wise_n the_o high_a god_n know_v that_o thou_o myschevous_a woman_n haste_v slay_v my_o daughter_n with_o thy_o own_o hand_n /_o for_z i_o see_v the_o bloody_a knife_n in_o thy_o hand_n /_o and_o therefore_o thou_o shall_v dye_v a_o fowl_n dethe_v thenne_n say_v the_o earl_n in_o this_o manner_n of_o wise_n o_o thou_o woman_n /_o were_z it_o not_o that_o the_o drede_n of_o god_n be_v so_o great_a i_o shall_v cleve_v thy_o boody_a with_o my_o sword_n in_o two_o party_n /_o for_o i_o delyver_v the_o from_o
again_o atte_a the_o day_n of_o doom_n when_o soul_n and_o body_n shall_v be_v gloryfy_v /_o and_z in_o that_o he_o be_v our_o brother_n and_o it_o may_v well_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o text_n of_o ysaye_v sa_v thus_o pver_fw-la natus_fw-la est_fw-la nobis_fw-la &c_n &c_n a_o child_n be_v bear_v to_o us._n this_o focus_n lose_v ii_o d._n upon_o his_o wife_n thy_o wife_n betoken_v thy_o flesh_n upon_o who_o thou_o have_v lose_v ii_o d._n that_o be_v to_o say_v unlawful_a love_n and_o consent_v of_o sin_n /_o for_o why_o /_o the_o flesh_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o goost_n and_o ever_o be_v ready_a to_o harm_v this_o focê°_n also_o spend_v ii_o d._n on_o himself_o /_o that_o be_v to_o lay_v /_o by_z the_o first_o penny_n thou_o shall_v understonde_v penance_n do_v in_o the_o which_o the_o soul_n grete_o delyte_v in_o heaven_n and_o there_o be_v gloryfy_v /_o and_o by_o the_o second_o penny_n we_o ought_v to_o understande_v that_o stead_n fast_o abide_v in_o do_v of_o penance_n /_o for_z he_o that_o abide_v unto_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o who_o that_o spend_v well_o this_o ii_o d._n shall_v opteyne_v everla_a life_n unto_o the_o which_o bring_v we_o our_o lord_n jesus_n cryste_n amen_n sometime_o dwell_v in_o rome_n a_o mighty_a emperor_n which_o among_o all_o other_o virtue_n love_v best_o mercy_n /_o wherefore_o he_o ordain_v a_o law_n that_o every_o blind_a man_n shall_v have_v a_o hondr_v s_o by_o year_n of_o his_o tresoure_n it_o befelle_v upon_o a_o day_n that_o there_o come_v certain_a man_n to_o a_o tavern_n to_o drink_v wine_n /_o and_z after_o that_o these_o man_n have_v sytten_v in_o the_o tavern_n three_o day_n yâ—_z four_o day_n they_o be_v grete_o in_o the_o taverner_n debt_n and_o have_v no_o money_n to_o pay_v for_o their_o wine_n wherefore_o the_o taverner_n come_v to_o theym_n and_o charge_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o void_a till_o they_o have_v pay_v for_o their_o wine_n than_o say_v one_o of_o yâ—_z drynker_n to_o his_o fellow_n sir_n quoth_v he_o themperour_n have_v make_v such_o a_o law_n that_o every_o blind_a man_n shall_v have_v a_o hondr_v s_o of_o his_o tresour_n therefore_o cast_v we_o lot_n among_o we_o /_o and_z to_o who_o the_o lot_n fall_v late_o his_o eye_n be_v put_v out_o &_o so_o may_v he_o go_v to_o themperours_n palay_n &_o gete_v the_o hondr_v s_o &_o thus_o this_o grete_o reioyse_v and_o say_v that_o the_o counceyll_n be_v right_a good_a /_o wherefore_o they_o cast_v lot_n among_o theym_n and_o the_o lot_n felle_fw-fr on_o he_o that_o give_v the_o counceyll_n /_o &_o than_o his_o follow_v forth_o with_o put_v out_o his_o eye_n and_o when_o he_o be_v blind_a he_o go_v forth_o to_o themperours_n palay_n and_o axe_v of_o the_o steward_n an_o hondr_v s_o accord_v to_o the_o emperor_n law_n dear_a friend_n say_v the_o steward_n thou_o may_v see_v with_o both_o thy_o yesterdaye_fw-mi /_o and_z thou_o also_o understand_v the_o law_n amiss_o /_o for_o the_o law_n be_v make_v for_o man_n that_o be_v blind_a through_o infyrm_n y_o tee_n or_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o yesterdaye_n thou_o have_v thy_o sight_n in_o the_o tavern_n /_o but_o wilful_o thou_o have_v lose_v thy_o eyer_n therefore_o go_v thou_o to_o the_o tavern_n again_o to_o thy_o follow_v and_o make_v thy_o pease_n and_o quite_o thyself_o for_o here_o gete_v thou_o not_o a_o ferthing_n than_o go_v this_o wretched_a man_n forth_o &_o tell_v his_o fellow_n of_o the_o steward_n answer_v /_o and_z with_o that_o come_v in_o the_o taverner_n and_o dyspoyled_a theym_n of_o all_o their_o clothes_n and_o bete_a theym_n and_o thus_o drive_v they_o with_o shame_n out_o of_o the_o cyte_n and_o so_o be_v they_o there_o never_o seen_v after_o ¶_o dear_a friend_n this_o emperor_n be_v our_o lord_n ihesu_n which_o ordain_v for_o law_n that_o every_o blind_a man_n shall_v have_v a_o hondr_v s_o of_o his_o tresoure_n this_o blind_a man_n betoken_v every_o sinner_n which_o sin_v through_o infyrmytee_n of_o entice_v of_o the_o devyll_n the_o world_n &_o the_o flesh_n which_o shall_v receyve_v a_o hondred_a s_o if_o he_o be_v inwardly_o repentaunt_a of_o his_o sin_n /_o that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o shall_v have_v a_o hondred_a time_n more_o /_o joy_n accord_v to_o the_o scrypture_n sa_v thus_o centuplum_fw-la accipietis_fw-la &_o vitam_fw-la eternam_fw-la possidebitis_fw-la you_o shall_v receyve_v a_o hondred_a time_n more_o joy_n if_o you_o be_v repentaunt_a and_o tear_v from_o sin_n /_o &_o also_o you_o shall_v have_v everla_a life_n these_o man_n that_o come_v to_o the_o tavern_n and_o drynkyn_n the_o wine_n be_v sinner_n which_o oftentimes_o come_fw-mi unto_o the_o tavern_n of_o our_o adversarye_n the_o devyll_n and_o drynken_a /_o that_o be_v for_o to_o say_v /_o they_z do_o consume_v and_o there_o waste_v a_o way_n all_o goostly_a virtue_n which_o they_o receyve_v when_o they_o take_v crystendome_n at_o the_o fonte_fw-la stone_n /_o wherefore_o the_o devyll_n our_o enemy_n dyspoyl_v theym_a and_o make_v theym_a to_o less_o all_o their_n good_a dede_n that_o ever_o they_o wrought_v before_o they_o cast_a lot_n /_o that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o cast_v among_o theym_a the_o custom_n of_o sin_n /_o and_o this_o lot_n of_o sin_n fall_v on_o they_o that_o be_v worshypful_a and_o without_o mercy_n and_o such_o a_o man_n wilful_o become_v blind_a /_o that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o become_v wilful_o a_o foul_a sinner_n like_o judas_n that_o betray_v our_o lord_n without_o any_o subgeccyon_n or_o entice_v /_o &_o therefore_o such_o man_n sin_n more_o grevous_o when_o they_o come_v before_o the_o steward_n /_o that_o be_v to_o say_v before_o the_o prelate_n of_o yâ—_z chirche_fw-fr they_o may_v not_o lyght_o opteyne_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n /_o for_o why_o /_o they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o leave_v their_o sin_n therefore_o study_n we_o with_o all_o our_o diligence_n to_o please_v god_n the_o we_o may_v opteyne_v everla_a reward_n unto_o the_o which_o bring_v we_o our_o lord_n jesus_n amen_o in_o rome_n dwell_v sometime_o a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v pylomiê°_n which_o have_v no_o child_n but_o a_o daughter_n a_o fair_a maiden_n and_o a_o gracious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o every_o man_n and_o be_v name_v aglaes_n there_o be_v also_o in_o themperour_n palay_v a_o gentyll_a knight_n that_o love_v this_o lady_n above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n it_o befelle_v after_o upon_o a_o day_n that_o this_o knight_n take_v with_o this_o lady_n &_o utter_v in_o secret_a wise_n his_o desire_n to_o she_o than_o say_v she_o curtoysly_a /_o since_o you_o have_v utter_v to_o i_o the_o prevyte_n of_o your_o herte_n i_o shall_v in_o like_a wise_n for_o your_o love_n utter_v to_o you_o the_o secret_n of_o my_o herte_fw-fr /_o and_o true_o i_o say_v that_o above_o all_o other_o i_o love_v you_o best_o than_o say_v the_o knight_n i_o purpose_v to_o vysyte_n the_o holy_a land_n /_o &_o therefore_o gyve_v i_o your_o troth_n the_o this_o vii_o year_n you_o shall_v take_v none_o other_o man_n but_o only_o for_o my_o love_n that_o you_o shall_v so_o long_o abide_v i_o /_o &_o if_o i_o come_v nor_o again_o to_o this_o day_n seven_o year_n take_v than_o what_o man_n that_o you_o list_v best_o and_o in_o like_a wise_n i_o shall_v promise_v you_o that_o within_o this_o vii_o year_n i_o shall_v take_v no_o wife_n than_o say_v she_o /_o this_z covenaunt_n please_v i_o well_o when_o this_o be_v say_v everyche_a of_o they_o bytrouthe_v other_o /_o &_o than_o the_o knight_n take_v his_o leave_n of_o this_o lady_n &_o go_v forth_o to_o the_o holy_a land_n anon_o after_o that_o themperour_n treat_v with_o the_o king_n of_o hungry_a of_o marriage_n for_o his_o daughter_n than_o come_v yâ—_z king_n of_o hungry_a to_o themperours_n palay_n to_o see_v that_o young_a domoysell_n /_o and_o when_o he_o see_v she_o maruaylous_o he_o like_v she_o of_o her_o fayrne_n and_o goodness_n so_o that_o the_o emperor_n &_o the_o king_n be_v accord_v in_o all_o thing_n touching_n yâ—_z marriage_n upon_o the_o condycyon_n that_o the_o damosel_n will_v consent_v than_o call_v themperour_n the_o young_a lady_n to_o he_o and_o say_v o_o my_o sweet_a daughter_n i_o have_v provyde_v for_o the_o that_o a_o king_n shall_v be_v thy_o husbonde_n if_o the_o list_v to_o thin_a assent_v /_o therefore_o tell_v i_o what_o answer_v thou_o wylte_n gyve_v to_o this_o than_o say_v she_o to_o she_o fader_fw-mi it_o please_v i_o well_o /_o but_z of_o one_o thing_n dear_a fader_fw-mi i_o you_o beseech_v if_o it_o may_v please_v you_o to_o grant_v i_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n i_o have_v avow_a my_o chastyte_n only_o to_o god_n for_o this_o
to_o deceyve_v mankind_n and_o to_o let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n therefore_o every_o prelate_n and_o every_o precher_n behove_v the_o golden_a hoke_z of_o god_n grace_n against_o this_o whysteling_n by_o the_o which_o grace_n they_o may_v draw_v sinner_n out_o of_o this_o world_n up_o to_o heaven_n unto_o the_o which_o bring_v we_o our_o lord_n jesus_n cryste_n amen_n there_o dwell_v in_o rome_n a_o mighty_a emperor_n and_o a_o wise_a man_n the_o which_o be_v name_v polemê°_n which_o have_v no_o child_n save_o a_o daughter_n who_o he_o love_v so_o moche_n the_o daily_a and_o nyghtlye_o he_o ordain_v she_o for_o to_o be_v keep_v with_o arm_a knight_n and_o above_o these_o knight_n he_o ordain_v a_o master_n well_o teach_v in_o every_o cunning_a for_o to_o teach_v theym_a and_o for_o to_o inform_v they_o how_o they_o shall_v do_v he_o ordain_v also_o a_o stywarde_a for_o to_o guide_v his_o husholde_n and_o when_o all_o this_o be_v do_v as_o he_o lie_v in_o his_o bed_n on_o a_o night_n he_o bethoughte_v high_o so_o that_o he_o will_v visyte_n the_o holy_a land_n and_o then_o when_o all_o thing_n be_v ready_a for_o his_o journeye_n accord_v unto_o his_o purpose_n /_o he_o call_v unto_o he_o his_o steward_n /_o and_o say_v dear_a friend_n i_o purpose_v to_o see_v the_o holy_a land_n &_o therefore_o i_o leave_v my_o daughter_n in_o thy_o keep_a and_n also_o i_o charge_v the_o that_o she_o fail_v ne_fw-fr thing_n /_o but_o the_o she_o have_v all_o manner_n of_o joy_n and_o gladness_n that_o perteyn_v to_o a_o vyrgyn_v second_o i_o leave_v in_o thy_o keep_a fyve_o knight_n that_o ben_fw-mi she_o kepar_v the_o they_o lack_v no_o thing_n that_o to_o they_o behove_v also_o i_o leave_v with_o the_o my_o grehounde_n that_o thou_o nourysshe_v and_o feed_v he_o as_o it_o perteyn_v for_o he_o to_o be_v feed_v /_o &_o if_o thou_o fulfil_v all_o this_o that_o i_o have_v say_v thou_o shall_v at_o my_o come_n again_o receyve_v great_a reward_n than_o say_v the_o stywarde_a /_o my_o lord_n quoth_v he_o all_o that_o i_o may_v i_o shall_v fulfil_v your_o will_n when_o this_o be_v say_v the_o emperor_n take_v forth_o his_o journeye_n to_o ward_v the_o holy_a land_n /_o and_z the_o stywarde_a a_o long_a time_n keep_v well_o and_o true_o themperours_n ordinance_n /_o but_z at_o the_o last_o it_o befall_v upon_o a_o day_n that_o this_o stywarde_a have_v aspy_v this_o young_a lady_n walk_v alone_o in_o a_o orcheyarde_n with_o who_o love_n he_o be_v sodeyn_o take_v /_o wherefore_o anon_o maugre_o her_o will_n he_o de_fw-fr flower_a she_o and_o when_o he_o have_v sin_v with_o she_o he_o say_v and_o hate_v she_o more_o after_o that_o than_o ever_o he_o love_v she_o before_o and_o drive_v she_o out_o of_o the_o palay_n wherefore_o this_o damosel_n for_o great_a poverte_a and_o defaute_n go_v fro_o door_n to_o door_n &_o beg_v her_o breed_n but_o when_o the_o knyghttes_fw-la yâ—_z be_v her_o kepers_n herd_n of_o this_o they_o repreve_v shameful_o yâ—_z steward_n of_o the_o synful_a deed_n than_o the_o steward_n wax_v wroth_a and_o for_o great_a hate_n yâ—_z he_o have_v in_o his_o herte_n he_o dyspoyl_v the_o knight_n of_o all_o their_o good_n and_o drive_v they_o from_o the_o palay_n /_o and_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o rob_v &_o exile_v some_o for_o defaute_n of_o god_n be_v come_v thief_n and_o some_o manqueller_n /_o &_o that_o through_o this_o inconuenyent_n they_o wrought_v great_a harm_n soon_o after_o this_o there_o come_v '_o tydynge_n the_o themperour_n be_v aryve_v in_o far_o londe_n come_n homeward_o and_o when_o the_o steward_n hear_v this_o he_o be_v grete_o trouble_v and_o meve_v in_o himself_o /_o and_o thus_o think_v in_o himself_o he_o say_v thus_o this_o may_v not_o be_v but_o needs_o i_o shall_v be_v acuse_v for_o my_o trespass_n that_o i_o have_v do_v against_o themperours_n commandment_n he_o be_v my_o lord_n &_o mercyable_a /_o therefore_o better_o it_o be_v the_o i_o go_v and_o mete_v meet_a with_o he_o with_o all_o honour_n /_o and_o humylyte_n and_o accuse_v myself_o to_o he_o and_o ask_v he_o mercy_n than_o any_o other_o shall_v go_v before_o to_o accuse_v i_o to_o my_o lord_n of_o my_o treason_n than_o this_o steward_n anon_o die_v of_o all_o his_o clothes_n save_o his_o breach_n and_o his_o sherte_n and_o take_v three_o rope_n with_o he_o in_o his_o right_a honde_n and_o bare_a foot_n go_v and_o meet_v the_o emperor_n but_o when_o the_o emperor_n have_v aspy_v he_o come_n he_o far_o in_o such_o a_o wise_n he_o wonder_v grete_o and_o when_o the_o steward_n be_v come_v so_o never_o that_o he_o may_v speak_v to_o themperour_n he_o felle_fw-fr down_o on_o his_o knee_n and_o salute_v he_o reverent_o than_o say_v the_o emperor_n /_o what_o be_v to_o the_o befall_v yâ—_z thou_o mete_a i_o in_o such_o array_n for_o as_o moche_v as_o thou_o be_v my_o steward_n yâ—_z shall_v have_v meet_v i_o with_o a_o great_a company_n of_o knight_n a_o my_o lord_n quoth_v he_o there_o be_v befall_v i_o a_o hevy_a case_n for_o the_o which_o it_o behove_v i_o thus_o to_o mete_v your_o highness_n than_o say_v the_o emperor_n what_o case_n be_v that_o /_o that_z the_o be_v befalle_fw-mi my_o reverend_a lord_n quoth_v he_o it_o behove_v first_o your_o highness_n to_z ask_v of_o i_o why_o i_o bring_v with_o i_o these_o three_o rope_n than_o say_v the_o emperor_n why_o bere_v thou_o these_o three_o rope_n in_o thy_o honde_n in_o such_o a_o wise_n than_o answer_v this_o woeful_a steward_n &_o say_v this_o first_o cord_n i_o bring_v with_o i_o to_o bind_v my_o ande_fw-mi and_o foot_n so_o hard_a till_o the_o blood_n breast_n out_o on_o every_o side_n for_o that_o i_o have_v well_o deserve_v the_o second_o rope_n i_o bring_v with_o i_o to_o draw_v i_o by_o horse_n tail_n upon_o the_o pavement_n till_o that_o my_o bone_n be_v bare_a without_o flesh_n /_o for_o that_o shall_v profit_n i_o for_o the_o great_a treason_n that_o i_o have_v do_v against_o you_o the_o three_o rope_n that_o i_o have_v bring_v be_v to_o hang_v i_o with_o upon_o a_o high_a galous_a so_o long_o that_o the_o bird_n light_v on_o my_o heed_n and_o on_o my_o body_n and_o feed_v they_o â—elfe_n of_o my_o flesh_n /_o and_o these_o thing_n ben_fw-mi due_a to_o such_o trepasser_n and_o breker_n of_o the_o law_n as_o jam_fw-la /_o and_o therefore_o my_o reverend_a lord_n have_v mercy_n on_o i_o /_o for_z i_o dare_v not_o knowledge_n my_o trespass_n till_o i_o be_v certain_a of_o thy_o mercy_n and_o pyte_v than_o say_v themperour_n i_o see_v in_o the_o great_a mekenesse_n and_o contrytion_n therefore_o tell_v forth_o thy_o trespass_n and_o soth_o thou_o shall_v find_v mercy_n &_o grace_n alas_o alas_o than_o say_v he_o i_o have_v defoul_v thy_o daughter_n and_o put_v she_o out_o of_o thy_o palay_n /_o and_o now_o for_o great_a defaute_n she_o beg_v her_o breed_n from_o door_n to_o door_n i_o have_v also_o dyspoyl_v thy_o knight_n of_o all_o their_o good_n /_o and_o now_o some_o of_o they_o for_o defaute_n of_o god_n be_v thief_n &_o some_o manqueller_n and_o the_o master_n of_o the_o knight_n i_o have_v slay_v but_o i_o have_v feed_v thy_o grehounde_n with_o the_o best_a as_o long_o as_o i_o may_v and_o tie_v he_o with_o a_o chain_n /_o but_z at_o the_o last_o he_o break_v his_o chain_n and_o go_v his_o way_n /_o so_o that_o now_o he_o ren_v about_o in_o the_o country_n when_o the_o emperor_n hear_v this_o he_o wax_v sore_o astony_v and_o say_v have_v thou_o thus_o defoul_v my_o daughter_n who_o i_o love_v so_o well_o /_o and_z also_o exile_v my_o knight_n and_o slay_v their_o master_n /_o and_o the_o grehounde_n which_o i_o love_v best_a of_o who_o i_o give_v the_o charge_n be_v go_v also_o /_o so_o thely_fw-mi be_v it_o not_o that_o i_o have_v forgyven_v it_o the_o and_o that_o thou_o meke_v thyself_o so_o grete_o i_o shall_v put_v the_o unto_o the_o moost_n bylone_a dethe_v that_o be_v coude_fw-fr be_v think_v therefore_o go_v thou_o anon_o and_o bring_v again_o my_o daughter_n than_o thou_o may_v wed_v she_o /_o and_o if_o that_o any_o harm_v here_o after_o befalle_n to_o she_o in_o thy_o defaute_n than_o shall_v i_o double_v thy_o pain_n also_o bring_v thou_o a_o gain_n my_o knight_n and_o restore_v unto_o theym_fw-mi their_o good_n and_o set_a theym_n into_o their_o state_n and_o offyce_v the_o they_o be_v in_o before_o and_o seche_v i_o also_o my_o grehounde_n dylygent_o till_o thou_o find_v he_o /_o and_o than_o bound_v he_o fast_o so_o that_o in_o you_o here_o after_o may_v be_v find_v no_o defaute_n and_o when_o that_o yâ—_z steward_n hear_v this_o he_o bow_v down_o his_o
of_o the_o second_o chyldhode_n than_o answer_v the_o wicked_a man_n and_o say_v that_o his_o wine_n be_v not_o yet_o clear_a enough_o that_o be_v for_o to_o say_v /_o he_z be_v not_o apt_a for_o to_o serve_v god_n &_o when_o god_n may_v not_o have_v of_o the_o second_o ton_n thenne_n ask_v he_o of_o the_o three_o ton_v /_o that_o be_v for_o to_o say_v of_o the_o three_o ton_n of_o his_o youth_n thenne_n answer_v the_o wicked_a man_n and_o say_v /_o that_o wine_n be_v to_o strong_a and_o mighty_a and_o therefore_o his_o youth_n ought_v for_o to_o be_v spend_v about_o needs_o of_o this_o world_n /_o and_o not_o in_o penance_n which_o shall_v make_v he_o feeble_a and_o weyke_a when_o god_n see_v that_o he_o may_v not_o have_v of_o this_o ton_n thenne_n ask_v our_o lord_n ihesu_n cryste_n of_o the_o four_o ton_n of_o age_n and_o thenne_v answer_v the_o wicked_a man_n and_o say_v that_o a_o age_a man_n be_v feeble_a and_o may_v not_o fast_a ne_o do_v none_o hard_a penance_n /_o &_o if_o he_o die_v he_o shall_v be_v cause_n of_o his_o own_o death_n and_o then_o ask_v our_o lord_n of_o the_o syfte_fw-mi ton_n that_o be_v for_o to_o say_v /_o of_z his_o old_a age_n when_o he_o do_v creep_v and_o may_v not_o go_v without_o a_o staff_n /_o but_o the_o wicked_a man_n excuse_v himself_o /_o and_o say_v that_o this_o wine_n be_v to_o feeble_a for_o to_o gyve_v such_o a_o man_n that_o be_v feeble_a /_o for_o if_o he_o shall_v fast_a one_o day_n /_o it_o be_v time_n on_o the_o morrow_n to_o make_v his_o grave_n and_o when_o out_o lord_n ihesu_n cryste_n see_v that_o may_v not_o have_v of_o the_o fyfth_o ton_n than_o ask_v he_o of_o the_o syxth_o ton_n that_o be_v to_o say_v when_o man_n be_v blind_a and_o man_n not_o go_v to_o sin_n no_o more_o /_o yet_o desire_v he_o of_o such_o a_o manner_n drink_v that_o be_v for_o to_o say_v the_o help_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o yâ—_z wretched_a man_n lyenge_a in_o despair_n say_v alas_o alas_o to_o i_o for_o because_o i_o serve_v not_o almyghty_a god_n my_o maker_n /_o and_z my_o redeemer_n here_o in_o time_n paste_v while_o i_o be_v in_o my_o youth_n /_o and_z in_o my_o prosperyte_n but_o now_o there_o be_v no_o thing_n leave_v but_o only_o the_o dregs_n and_o the_o ley_n of_o all_o wretchedness_n therefore_o what_o avayl_v now_o for_o to_o turn_v i_o to_o godward_o /_o but_z for_o such_o man_n i_o shall_v mourn_v nevertheless_o god_n be_v so_o merciful_a that_o though_o he_o may_v have_v no_o seruyce_n of_o man_n in_o all_o his_o time_n /_o yet_o be_v he_o content_a to_o have_v the_o lay_v of_o his_o ton_n /_o that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o good_a will_n though_o he_o may_v not_o serve_v he_o other_o wise_n /_o &_o so_o shall_v his_o good_a will_v stand_v he_o in_o good_a stead_n of_o penance_n for_o in_o what_o hour_n the_o sinner_n do_v his_o penance_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v as_o ezachiel_n wytnesse_n the_o apostle_n say_v thus_o alas_o alas_o and_o welawaye_o for_o there_o be_v full_a many_o that_o will_v not_o gyve_v wine_n ne_o none_o other_o thing_n unto_o he_o wherefore_o god_n shall_v complain_v unto_o the_o king_n of_o iherusalem_n /_o that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o his_o god_n heed_n atte_v the_o day_n of_o doom_n /_o &_o than_o god_n and_o man_n shall_v gyve_v a_o sentence_n defensable_a against_o such_o man_n sayenge_a thus_o â—surivi_fw-la et_fw-la non_fw-la dedistis_fw-la i_o have_v hun_z /_o gred_a and_o you_o have_v i_o not_o mete_v and_o i_o have_v thur_v and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o drink_n 'loo_o thus_o shall_v he_o reherce_v unto_o the_o /_o the_z sven_v wreke_n of_o mercy_n /_o and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v thenne_n shall_v they_o be_v put_v unto_o everla_a pain_n /_o and_o yâ—_z rightful_a man_n into_o everla_a lyf_v where_o they_o shall_v joy_n wtout_fw-fr end_n unto_o the_o which_o bring_v we_o he_o that_o dye_v for_o we_o on_o the_o ride_v tree_n amen_n sometime_o there_o dwell_v in_o rome_n a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v antony_n under_o who_o reign_n yâ—_z rower_n of_o the_o see_v have_v take_v prisoner_n a_o mighty_a man_n soon_o of_o another_o region_n /_o and_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o emperor_n prison_n fast_a bind_v /_o when_o this_o young_a man_n be_v this_o in_o prison_n he_o write_v to_o his_o own_o fader_fw-mi for_o his_o ransom_n but_o his_o fader_fw-mi will_v no_o ransom_n pay_v i_o none_o other_o thing_n send_v to_o the_o conforte_n of_o he_o this_o hear_v his_o soon_o weep_v sore_a and_o may_v not_o be_v comfort_v for_o the_o unkyndenesse_n of_o his_o fader_fw-mi this_o emperor_n have_v a_o fair_a daughter_n which_o every_o day_n vysyte_n this_o prisoner_n and_o comfort_v he_o as_o moche_v as_o she_o may_v too_o who_o the_o prisoner_n answer_v thus_o and_o say_v how_o shall_v i_o be_v merry_a /_o or_o how_o may_v i_o joy_n thus_o for_o to_o lie_v fast_a bind_v in_o prison_n from_o yâ—_z sight_n of_o man_n /_o and_z notwithstanding_o this_o it_o greve_v i_o more_o that_o my_o fader_fw-mi will_v not_o pay_v my_o ransom_n /_o when_o this_o maiden_n hear_v this_o she_o be_v meve_v with_o pyte_n and_o say_v dear_a friend_n i_o be_o sorry_a for_o the._n nevertheless_o if_o thou_o wylte_n grant_v i_o one_o thing_n i_o shall_v delyver_v the_o from_o this_o anguysshe_n &_o pain_n /_o what_o thing_n be_v that_o that_o thou_o wylte_n take_v i_o to_o thy_o wife_n than_o say_v the_o prisoner_n i_o behote_v you_o sure_o to_o fulfil_v your_o intent_n and_o for_o the_o more_o sykernesse_n i_o gyve_v you_o my_o troth_n /_o when_o he_o have_v so_o do_v it_o be_v not_o long_o after_o the_o maiden_n delyver_v he_o out_o of_o prison_n and_o flee_v away_o with_o he_o home_o to_o his_o faders_n house_n /_o when_o the_o fader_fw-mi see_v his_o soon_o and_o the_o maiden_n togyde_a /_o he_o ask_v the_o cause_n why_o he_o bring_v she_o with_o he_o than_o say_v he_o sir_n this_o damosel_n delyver_v i_o from_o prison_n &_o therefore_o she_o shall_v be_v my_o wife_n than_o say_v his_o fader_fw-mi i_o will_v not_o content_a that_o she_o shall_v by_o thy_o wife_n for_o ii_o reasonable_a cause_n which_o i_o shall_v show_v the_o first_o be_v this_o it_o be_v not_o unknowen_a to_o the_o that_o the_o emperor_n she_o fader_fw-mi may_v have_v have_v for_o thy_o delyveraunce_n great_a good_a /_o and_z for_o so_o moche_n that_o she_o be_v untrue_a to_o her_o own_o fader_fw-mi and_o true_a to_o the_o /_o it_z seem_v well_o that_o thou_o shall_v not_o trust_v in_o she_o long_o /_o for_o who_o be_v false_a to_o her_o own_o fader_fw-mi by_o reason_n shall_v be_v veray_fw-fr false_a and_o untrue_a to_o another_o man_n the_o second_o reason_n be_v this_o /_o the_z cause_n why_o she_o delyver_v the_o fro_o enprysonment_n it_o be_v not_o for_o pyte_v ne_fw-mi for_o louâ—_n but_o for_o flesshe_o lust_n that_o she_o have_v to_o the._n for_o atte_a thy_o delyveraunce_n she_o make_v covenaunt_v with_o the_o to_o be_v thy_o wife_n /_o and_o have_v of_o thy_o thy_o troth_n /_o and_o therefore_o soon_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n that_o she_o shall_v be_v thy_o wife_n the_o maiden_n answer_v to_o this_o question_n and_o say_v as_o for_o the_o first_o reason_n that_o thou_o lay_v against_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v be_v untrue_a unto_o my_o fader_fw-mi /_o that_o be_v false_a /_o for_z my_o fader_fw-mi have_v plente_a of_o rychesse_n and_o thy_o soon_o be_v but_o poor_a and_o therefore_o i_o help_v he_o for_o pyte_n and_o for_o none_o other_o cause_n /_o and_o nevertheless_o thou_o which_o be_v his_o fader_fw-mi will_v noâ—_n pay_v his_o ransom_n that_o he_o may_v be_v delyver_v from_o prison_n 'loo_o for_o this_o cause_n i_o have_v delyver_v high_o therefore_o i_o be_o kynder_n unto_o he_o than_o thou_o which_o be_v his_o own_o fader_fw-mi /_o and_z he_o be_v more_o byholden_a to_o i_o thenne_n to_o the._n unto_o the_o other_o reason_n where_o thou_o say_v that_o i_o delyver_v he_o die_v cause_n of_o flesshe_o lust_n i_o answer_v and_o say_v plain_o that_o be_v be_v not_o truth_n for_o all_o manner_n of_o flesshly_a love_n it_o cause_v for_o strength_n orelle_n for_o fayrnesse_n but_o thy_o soon_o be_v not_o strong_a /_o for_z his_o emprysonement_n have_v do_v away_o his_o streng_n the._n he_o be_v not_o fair_a /_o for_z by_o the_o pain_n that_o he_o have_v in_o prison_n he_o be_v make_v low_a and_o unlustye_a to_o the_o sight_n /_o and_o therefore_o pyte_v only_o move_v i_o for_o to_o delyver_v he_o /_o and_o not_o flesshe_o lust_n than_o say_v the_o soon_o /_o to_z his_o fader_fw-mi dear_a fader_fw-mi for_o so_o moche_n that_o i_o be_v in_o apparel_n of_o dethe_v
the_o that_o thou_o shall_v put_v he_o to_o death_n &_o now_o i_o see_v high_o alyve_a my_o lord_n quoth_v she_o safe_a your_o grace_n you_o write_v to_o i_o â—_o i_o shall_v gyve_v he_o your_o daughter_n to_o wife_n /_o and_o that_o on_o pain_n of_o death_n in_o wytnesse_n whereof_o lo_n here_o be_v your_o seal_n &_o your_o letter_n with_o your_o own_o seal_n when_o the_o emperor_n hear_v this_o he_o wonder_v great_o &_o say_v be_v he_o wed_v than_o to_o my_o daughter_n you_o soth_o say_v the_o empress_n long_o ago_o with_o great_a solempnyte_v /_o and_o as_o i_o believe_v your_o daughter_n be_v with_o child_n than_o say_v the_o emperor_n o_fw-fr thou_o lord_n ihesu_n it_o be_v great_a folly_n to_o stryve_v against_o thy_o ordinance_n /_o therefore_o since_o it_o be_v so_o thy_o will_n must_v â—e_v fulfyl_v /_o &_o with_z yâ—_z he_o take_v his_o soon_o in_o law_n in_o his_o arm_n and_o kyss_v he_o which_o after_o his_o dethe_v be_v emperor_n and_o end_v his_o life_n in_o rest_n and_o pease_n ¶_o this_o emperor_n may_v betoken_v herod_v or_o else_o every_o sinner_n which_o walk_v alone_o without_o truth_n /_o till_z he_o come_v to_o the_o foster_v house_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o chirche_n which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n this_o herode_fw-la will_v have_v slay_v this_o child_n ihesu_n /_o wherefore_o he_o send_v messenger_n to_o seek_v he_o accord_v to_o the_o scrypture_n of_o saint_n mathewe_n telling_n how_o he_o command_v the_o three_o king_n to_o seche_v he_o &_o bring_v he_o tydynge_n again_o where_o he_o be_v the_o he_o may_v come_v &_o worship_n he_o /_o but_o this_o say_v he_o not_o for_o love_v but_o for_o dysceyte_n the_o foster_n betoken_v joseph_n our_o lady_n husbonde_a which_o keep_v he_o /_o but_o when_o the_o messenger_n come_v that_o be_v to_o say_v when_o the_o three_o king_n come_v they_o slay_v he_o not_o but_o on_o their_o knee_n worshyp_v he_o &_o leave_v he_o in_o the_o holowe_v three_fw-mi of_o his_o god_n heed_n the_o earl_n that_o come_v and_o find_v this_o child_n betoken_v the_o holy_a goost_n which_o warn_v joseph_n by_o the_o angel_n in_o his_o sleep_v that_o he_o shall_v take_v our_o lday_n and_o she_o soon_o and_o flee_v in_o to_o the_o land_n of_o egypte_n this_o moralyte_n may_v be_v understonde_v in_o other_o this_o emperor_n may_v betoken_v a_o sinner_n that_o walk_v in_o the_o forest_n of_o this_o world_n seching_n vanyte_v /_o &_o not_o else_o unto_o the_o time_n he_o come_v unto_o the_o house_n of_o god_n &_o there_o he_o be_v receyn_v benyngne_o of_o the_o prelate_n of_o the_o chirche_n if_o he_o will_v obey_v the_o commanndemente_n of_o god_n but_o many_o of_o we_o now_o a_o day_n slepe_v in_o the_o chirche_v when_o they_o observe_v not_o the_o werke_n of_o mercy_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o drede_v the_o voice_n which_o i_o have_v rehearse_v by_o the_o first_o take_v yâ—_z may_v be_v understonde_v yâ—_z great_a benefit_n yâ—_z he_o give_v the_o when_o he_o put_v in_o the_o a_o soul_n make_v at_o his_o own_o symylytude_n the_o second_o take_v be_v unâ—stonde_v the_o soon_o of_o the_o fader_fw-mi of_o heaven_n /_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o blyss_v &_o holy_a virgyn_v marry_v by_o the_o three_o take_v be_v unâ—stonde_v the_o same_o soon_o of_o god_n which_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n by_o the_o first_o yield_v be_v to_o unâ—stonde_v the_o we_o ought_v to_o yield_v our_o soul_n unto_o almyghty_a god_n as_o clean_o /_o &_o as_o fair_a as_o he_o give_v it_o unto_o we_o after_o the_o washing_n of_o our_o baptyme_n by_o the_o second_o yield_v be_v for_o to_o understande_v that_o we_o ought_v daily_o to_o yield_v honour_n /_o and_o worshyppe_n and_o love_n unto_o god_n the_o three_o yield_v be_v understonde_v that_o we_o yield_v to_o he_o true_a confessyon_n /_o contrycyon_n &_o satysfaccyon_n the_o first_o flee_v betoken_v sin_n which_o we_o shall_v flee_v the_o second_o betoken_v the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v flee_v for_o the_o great_a fallsehede_v and_o temptacyon_n that_o be_v therein_o the_o three_o flee_v betoken_v everla_a pain_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o flee_v through_o â—erytory_a werke_n by_o the_o which_o we_o may_v come_v the_o rather_o to_o everla_a joy_n unto_o the_o which_o bring_v we_o our_o lord_n amen_o there_o dwell_v sontyme_o in_o rome_n a_o mighty_a emperor_n name_v sauracinus_fw-la which_o ordain_v for_o law_n that_o who_o so_o ever_o ravyssh_v a_o vyrgy_n shall_v dye_v /_o &_o if_o she_o be_v rescue_v /_o than_z he_o that_o rescue_v she_o shall_v have_v she_o to_o wife_n if_o he_o list_v /_o and_z he_o will_v not_o wed_v she_o than_o shall_v she_o gyde_v &_o be_v wed_v by_o his_o counceyll_n it_o befelle_v upon_o a_o day_n that_o a_o tyrant_n name_v poncianus_fw-la have_v ravyssh_v a_o vyrgyn_v and_o lead_v her_o with_o he_o to_o a_o forest_n and_o deflower_v she_o of_o her_o maydenhode_n and_o when_o he_o have_v so_o do_v he_o will_v have_v slay_v she_o /_o and_o as_o he_o be_v despoyl_v her_o clothes_n there_o come_v ride_v by_o that_o foreste_n a_o gentyl_o knight_n which_o hear_v yâ—_z cryenge_a of_o a_o damoysel_n therefore_o he_o smite_v his_o horse_n with_o his_o spur_n and_o ride_v a_o great_a pace_n into_o the_o foreste_n to_o wit_v what_o it_o may_v be_v and_o thenne_n he_o see_v a_o woman_n stand_v naked_a save_o her_o smock_n /_o &_o than_o say_v the_o knight_n be_v thou_o now_o she_o quoth_v he_o that_o cry_v so_o than_o answer_v the_o maid_n and_o say_v you_o sothe_o quoth_v she_o /_o &_o this_o man_n that_o stand_v here_o have_v ravyssh_v i_o and_o defoyled_a my_o maydenhode_n and_o now_o he_o will_v slay_v i_o /_o &_o therefore_o he_o have_v dyspoyl_v i_o of_o my_o clothes_n that_o he_o may_v smite_v of_o my_o heed_n /_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n gentyll_a knight_n help_v i_o now_o than_o say_v the_o tyrant_n she_o lie_v quoth_v he_o for_o she_o be_v my_o wife_n and_o i_o have_v find_v here_o in_o avoutry_n with_o a_o other_o man_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v slay_v she_o than_o say_v the_o knight_n i_o boil_v we_o better_v the_o woman_n than_o the_o /_o for_z lo_o the_o tokenes_n of_o troth_n appear_v open_o in_o her_o visage_n that_o thou_o have_v ravyssh_v she_o and_o therefore_o will_v i_o fyghte_v with_o the_o for_o her_o delyveraunce_n and_o anon_o they_o sterte_v togyder_n and_o foughte_v egre_o till_o they_o be_v both_o sore_o wound_v nevertheless_o the_o knight_n opteyn_v the_o vyctorye_n and_o put_v the_o tyrant_n to_o the_o flight_n than_o say_v the_o knight_n unto_o the_o woman_n 'loo_o i_o have_v suffer_v for_o thy_o love_n many_o sore_a wound_n and_o have_v save_v the_o from_o the_o death_n wylte_n thou_o thou_o therefore_o be_v my_o wife_n that_o i_o desire_v quoth_v she_o with_o all_o my_o herte_n &_o thereupon_o i_o take_v you_o my_o truth_n when_o she_o be_v thus_o ensuer_v the_o knight_n than_o say_v /_o here_o beside_o be_v my_o castle_n /_o go_v you_o thyder_n and_o abide_v there_o till_o i_o have_v besyte_v my_o friend_n &_o my_o kynnesman_n to_o provyde_v for_o all_o thing_n nedeful_a for_o our_o w_n for_o i_o purpose_v to_o make_v a_o great_a fee_v for_o thy_o honour_n and_o worshyppe_n my_o lord_n quoth_v she_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o fulfil_v thy_o will_n theme_n go_v she_o forth_o to_o the_o castle_n where_o as_o she_o be_v worshypful_o receyve_v and_o the_o knight_n go_v unto_o his_o friend_n to_o make_v he_o ready_a against_o the_o day_n of_o marriage_n in_o the_o mean_a wile_n come_v poncianus_fw-la the_o tyrant_n to_o the_o knight_n castle_n &_o pray_v she_o that_o he_o may_v speak_v with_o she_o than_o come_v she_o down_o from_o the_o castle_n to_o he_o this_o tyrant_n subtyl_o flatter_v she_o and_o say_v gentyll_a love_n if_o it_o list_v you_o to_o consent_v to_o i_o i_o shall_v gyve_v you_o both_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o great_a rychesse_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v your_o servant_n and_o you_o my_o sovereyne_a /_o when_o the_o woman_n hear_v this_o /_o dysceyve_v she_o be_v thrughe_v his_o flatter_a and_o grant_v he_o to_o be_v his_o wife_n and_o take_v he_o in_o with_o she_o in_o to_z the_o castle_n it_o be_v not_o long_o after_o but_o that_o this_o knight_n come_v home_o &_o find_v the_o castle_n gate_n shut_v &_o knock_v thereat_o /_o but_o long_o he_o be_v or_o he_o may_v have_v answer_v /_o and_z atte_a the_o last_o the_o woman_n come_v &_o demand_v why_o he_o knock_v so_o hear_v than_o say_v he_o o_o dear_a lady_n have_v yâ—_z change_a so_o soon_o my_o love_n /_o let_v i_o come_v in_o nay_o soth_o say_v she_o thou_o shall_v not_o come_v here_o for_o i_o have_v here_o w_z e_z
i_o my_o love_n which_o i_o love_v before_o remember_v yâ—_z quod_fw-la the_o knight_n that_o thou_o give_v i_o thy_o truth_n to_o be_v my_o wife_n /_o &_o how_o i_o save_v the_o from_o death_n /_o &_o if_o thou_o ponder_v not_o thy_o faith_n behold_v my_o wound_n which_o i_o have_v suffer_v in_o my_o body_n for_o the_o love_n and_o anon_o he_o unclothe_v himself_o naked_a save_o his_o breach_n the_o he_o may_v show_v his_o wound_n open_o /_o but_z she_o will_v not_o see_v they_o ne_fw-fr speak_v more_o w_z e_z high_z but_o shut_v fast_o the_o gate_n &_o go_v her_o way_n /_o when_o the_o knight_n see_v this_o he_o go_v to_o the_o justyce_n &_o make_v his_o complain_v pra_v high_a to_o gyve_v ryghtwys_o jugement_n on_o this_o tyrant_n &_o this_o woman_n the_o juge_a call_v they_o before_o he_o /_o &_o when_o they_o be_v come_v this_o say_v this_o knight_n my_o lord_n quoth_v he_o i_o ask_v the_o benefyte_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v this_o /_o if_o a_o man_n rescue_v a_o woman_n from_o ravysshing_n the_o rescuer_v shall_v wed_v she_o if_o he_o list_v and_o this_o woman_n delyver_v i_o fro_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o tyrant_n therefore_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v her_o /_o &_o forthermore_o she_o give_v i_o her_o truth_n &_o faith_n to_o wed_v i_o and_o thereupon_o she_o go_v to_o my_o castle_n /_o &_o i_o have_v do_v great_a cost_n against_o our_o w_n /_o &_o therefore_o as_o it_o seem_v i_o she_o be_v my_o wyf_v as_o by_o the_o law_n than_o say_v the_o juge_a unto_o the_o tyrant_n thou_o know_v well_o the_o this_o knight_n delyver_v she_o from_o thy_o hand_n &_o for_o her_o love_n suffer_v many_o smart_n wound_n &_o therefore_o well_o thou_o wot_v the_o she_o be_v his_o wife_n by_o the_o law_n that_o the_o hy_o list_v but_o after_o her_o delyveraunce_n w_o e_o flater_n ing_v speech_n thou_o have_v dysceyve_v she_o /_o therefore_o this_o day_n i_o juge_fw-fr the_o to_o he_o hang_v than_o say_v the_o juge_a to_o the_o woman_n in_o like_a wise_n o_o woman_n thou_o know_v how_o this_o knight_n save_v yâ—_z from_o death_n &_o thereupon_o thou_o take_v high_o thy_o faith_n to_o be_v his_o wife_n /_o therefore_o by_o two_o reason_n thou_o be_v his_o wife_n /_o first_o by_o the_o law_n /_o &_o after_o by_o thy_o faith_n this_o notwithstanding_o yâ—_z consent_v afterward_o to_o yâ—_z tyrant_n and_o bring_v he_o in_o to_o the_o knights_n castle_n &_o shut_v the_o gate_n against_o the_o knyghte_n and_o will_v not_o see_v his_o wound_n which_o he_o suffer_v for_o thy_o love_v /_o and_o therefore_o i_o jugey_n e_o to_o be_v hang_v and_o so_o it_o be_v do_v /_o both_o the_o ravyssher_n and_o she_o that_o be_v ravyssh_v be_v damn_a to_o the_o dethe_v /_o wherefore_o every_o man_n praise_v the_o juge_a for_o his_o ryghtwy_n jugement_n ¶_o this_o emperor_n betoken_v the_o fader_fw-mi of_o heaven_n which_o ordain_v for_o law_n that_o if_o the_o jowl_n of_o man_n be_v ravyssh_v from_o god_n by_o sin_n /_o the_o saver_n of_o the_o soul_n shall_v wed_v high_a if_o he_o lyste_v the_o woman_n that_o be_v ravyssh_v betoken_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v ravyssh_v by_o sin_n of_o our_o fore_n fader_fw-mi adam_n and_o lead_v out_o of_o paradyse_n and_o lead_v in_o to_o the_o foreste_n of_o this_o wretched_a world_n by_o the_o tyrant_n poncyanus_n which_o betoken_v the_o devyll_n and_o he_o not_o only_o deflower_v she_o but_o by_o lose_v of_o herytage_n of_o heaven_n /_o but_o also_o he_o will_v slay_v she_o with_o everla_a pain_n but_o the_o soul_n cry_v with_o a_o high_a voice_n /_o who_o cry_v our_o lord_n ihesu_n cyrste_v herd_n this_o cry_n be_v make_v when_o adam_n cry_v after_o oil_n of_o mercy_n and_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n cry_v for_o remedy_n sa_v o_o thou_o highness_n of_o the_o ee_a and_o so_o for_o the_o vysyte_n thou_o us._n etc._n etc._n the_o knight_n betoken_v our_o lord_n ihesu_n cryste_n which_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o faught_n with_o the_o tyrant_n /_o that_o be_v for_o to_o sayethe_v devyll_n /_o and_o both_o they_o be_v sore_o wound_v for_o our_o lord_n ihesu_n cryste_n be_v wound_v in_o his_o flesh_n /_o and_o the_o devyll_n in_o his_o lordshyppe_n /_o wherefore_o the_o woman_n /_o that_z be_v to_o say_v the_o soul_n give_v her_o truth_n unto_o almyghty_a god_n when_o that_o she_o become_v crysten_v sa_v that_o i_o forsake_v the_o devyll_n and_o all_o his_o pride_n /_o and_o byleve_v in_o god_n the_o fader_fw-mi almyghty_a than_o ordain_v our_o lord_n ihesu_n a_o marriage_n bytwene_v he_o and_o she_o with_o the_o seven_o secramente_n of_o the_o chirche_v whereof_o may_v be_v make_v a_o strong_a castle_n against_o the_o devyll_n also_o our_o lord_n command_v the_o soul_n to_o keep_v she_o still_o in_o the_o castle_n of_o virtue_n till_o he_o go_v unto_o his_o friend_n to_o provyde_v the_o be_v nedeful_a /_o that_o be_v to_o lay_v our_o lord_n ihesu_n on_o the_o assencyon_n day_n ascend_v to_o heaven_n to_o array_n for_o she_o a_o dwelling_n place_n of_o everla_a joy_n where_o as_o we_o shall_v dwell_v after_o the_o day_n of_o doom_n with_o our_o lord_n god_n in_o honour_n and_o glory_n but_o alas_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n come_v the_o devyll_n &_o beguile_v the_o wretched_a soul_n by_o a_o deed_o sin_n &_o so_o he_o enter_v in_o to_o the_o castle_n of_o our_o herte_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o castle_n of_o god_n the_o knight_n ihesu_n knock_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o our_o herte_n accord_v to_o this_o scrypture_n â—â—cce_fw-fr sto_z ad_fw-la hostium_fw-la et_fw-la pulso_fw-la lo_o i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_v /_o if_o any_o man_n will_v open_v that_o i_o may_v entre_fw-fr in_o /_o but_z where_o the_o devyll_n be_v /_o god_n may_v not_o entre_fw-fr but_o if_o the_o sinner_n will_v receyve_v he_o by_o penance_n /_o which_o sing_v the_o gentyll_a ihesu_n show_v himself_o naked_a hang_a on_o the_o cross_n that_o we_o may_v see_v his_o bloody_a wound_n which_o he_o suffer_v for_o we_o that_o we_o sinner_n shall_v be_v the_o rather_o mindful_a of_o his_o lone_n for_o from_o the_o crown_n of_o his_o heed_n unto_o the_o sole_a of_o his_o foot_n /_o was_z left_a none_o place_n hole_n place_n therefore_o say_v the_o ê“phet_n ysaye_v attendite_fw-la et_fw-la videte_fw-la si_fw-la est_fw-la dolour_n sicut_fw-la dolour_n meus_fw-la /_o etc._n etc._n byholde_v and_o see_v if_o any_o sorrow_n be_v like_o my_o sorrow_n therefore_o be_v he_o a_o wretched_a man_n the_o will_v not_o be_v convert_v for_o all_o this_o unto_o his_o lord_n god_n but_o lie_v still_o in_o deed_o sin_n /_o wherefore_o when_o he_o be_v call_v afore_o the_o high_a inge_n he_o shall_v be_v damn_a to_o everla_a dethe_v therefore_o study_n we_o to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o our_o herte_n with_o merytory_n werke_n unto_o almyghty_a god_n /_o and_o than_o without_o doubt_n we_o shall_v opteyne_v everla_a life_n unto_o the_o which_o bring_v we_o our_o lord_n ihesu_n which_o have_v mercy_n on_o we_o amen_o ¶_o thus_o end_v the_o book_n of_o gesta_fw-la romanorum_fw-la emprynt_v at_o london_n in_o flete_n street_n by_o i_o wynkyn_n de_fw-fr worde_n