The seuin seages translatit out of prois in Scottis meter be Iohne Rolland in Dalkeith, with ane moralitie efter euerie doctouris tale, and siclike efter the Emprice Tale, togidder with ane louing and laude to euerie doctour efter his awin tale, [and] ane exclamation and outcrying vpon the empreouris wife efter hir fals contrusit tale Rolland, John. 1578 Approx. 580 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 169 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2007-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A10986 STC 21254 ESTC S110703 99846196 99846196 11147

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Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A10986) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 11147) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 352:01) The seuin seages translatit out of prois in Scottis meter be Iohne Rolland in Dalkeith, with ane moralitie efter euerie doctouris tale, and siclike efter the Emprice Tale, togidder with ane louing and laude to euerie doctour efter his awin tale, [and] ane exclamation and outcrying vpon the empreouris wife efter hir fals contrusit tale Rolland, John. [8], 124, 135-335, [1] p. Be Iohne Ros, for Henrie Charteris, Imprentit at Edinburgh : M.D.LXXVIII. [1578] In Scots verse. Loosely based on: The seven sages of Rome. At foot of title: Cum priuilegio regali. Reproduction of the original in the Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery.

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¶ The ſeuin Seages Tranſlatit out of prois in Scottis meter be IOHNE ROLLAND in Dalkeith, with ane Moralitie efter euerie Doctouris Tale, and ſiclike efter the Emprice Tale, togidder with ane louing and laude to euerie Doctour efter his awin Tale, & ane Exclamation and outcrying upon the Empreouris wife efter hir fals contruſit Tale.

VERITAS VINCET TANDEM

Imprentit at Edinburgh be Johne ROS, for Henne Charteris. M. D. LXXVIII. CVM PRIVILEGIO REGALI.

THE PROLOGVE. EN into Courts is Curioſitie, Manheid, maners; nurtour and co •• taſie, Gif in the heid greit vertew dois auan •• Sa in members I think ſicly ke ſuld be. Curage, kyndnes, gentrice and honeſtie To do the heid ſeruice and obſeruance, To God alone alſo for his pleſance And failȝeing that, all is bot fantaſie, For warldlie myrth wald haue ſum temperance. Sum cummis to court to ſerue thair King and Quene To conqueis lands ſum ſettis thair courage clene, Greit Lordis and Lairdis the court wald hald in hand Sum thair kynniſmen to Court cauſis conuene. Sum for to ſe, and vthers to be ſene. With braid Buklars brawling with birneiſt brand Sum thair gat fais, vthers ſum freindſchip fand Sum gettis pleſure, vthers gettis tray and tene Ze ken the Court can nocht ay ſtabill ſtand. In Court that time was gude Dauid Lyndſay. In vulgar toung he bure the bell that day To mak meter, richt cunning and expart, And Maiſter Iohne Ballentyne ſuith to ſay Mak him marrow to Dauid weill we may. And for the thrid, Maiſter Williame Stewart, To mak in Scottis, richt weill he knew that Art. Biſchop Durie, ſum tyme of Galloway, For his pleſure ſum tyme wald tak thair part. And I my ſelf with ſmall Intelligence Thocht in that caſe to ſchaw my diligence To manifeſt my waik wit and Ingyne, At thir fourſum aſ king leif and licence, With hat and hand keiling with reuerence Me for to leir ane leſſoun or a lyne Of thair prettick to me ane point propyne. Thay ſaid go to, ſchaw ſum Experience And I thairfoir to thame promeiſt the wyne. Sa at thir four, quhen I had leif purcheſt, To thame (ſaid I) quhat mater is eteſt? For to begin (quod thay) we wald ȝe drew Sum Dialog, or argument that is beſt, And that will mak ȝour mater manifeſt. Sa folk may knaw the fals Tale be the trew, For Dialogs (quod I) weis get anew. And ſa fra thame Incontinent me dreſt, And tuke gude nicht, and ſaid gude ſchirs adew. Bot ȝit knew not quhat my mater ſuld be Quhidder of myrth or ȝit of grauitie. Efter Supper to bed I maid me boun, Sa in my ſleip me thocht I ſaw ſwythlie Lady Venus, cumming and ſpak to me, And ſaid I am, cum with the for to reſſoun, Thairfoir my wordis, ſe that thow not cheſſoun, Tuitching my ſtait, honour and dignitie Forȝet me nocht quhen thon makis thy Sermoun. Sa on the morne quhen time was for to ryſe I thocht I wald begin my Interpryſe, And rememberit on Venns Lady Quene Keſt in my mynd ofter nor anis or twyſe That ſhe bad me with hir mater auyſe, And I knew ſmall quhat hir mater did mene Conſiddering at me hir ſelf had bene. I wiſt nocht weill quhat mater to deuyſe, Hir for to pleis, and to eſhaip hir tene. And ſa at ſchort my pen I tuke in hand Began to wryte at Quene Venus command Ane lytill Quair, I ken nocht gif ȝe knaw it, Embrowd about with barbarus termes bland And with trym termes maiſt vſit vp on land As to the Name Dame Venus Court thay caw it I wait nocht weill gif euer Schiris ȝe ſaw it, Delyuerit it vnto my Maiſters ſour Quha it reſſauit, and reddelie red ouir. This lytill Quair, quhen thay had red and endit Sum ſaid that hard, thay greitlie it commendit, And ſa beliue delyuerit it againe To euerie verſe thairin thay condiſcendit, And ſaid thay wiſt, thairwith nane was offendit Except it war ane prydfull pure Putane, At quhais wordis men wald tak ſmall diſdane, Quha that fand faltis, all four thay wald defendit it Be word and died, with micht and all thair mane. Ane proper wenche come to me on ane day Ane of my Ants, bot thairto I ſay nay My buke to borrow, greitlie ſcho did Inquyre Ane wed thairfoir ſcho ſaid ſcho wald doun lay Quhill ſcho it red, within ane Oulk or tway. Sa I grantit that thing ſcho did deſyre, Bot in few day is my Ant begouth to tyre Hir Pyat toung, hir poet toung I ſuld ſay Micht ſuffice weill to preiche in barne or byre. My buke againe ſcho brocht and callit it gude And ſaid ſum termes was ſcho not vnderſtude, Becauſe thay war ſa heich and curious Meruellit at me how I durſt euer dude, Aganis wemen to ſpeik ſa ruch and rude, And ſaid I trow ȝour mynde was furious Quod I Lady the mater ſtandis thus Quhen twa arguis, in ane or thay conclude On force thair talk mon be contrarious. Thairfoir Maiſtres I mon hald ȝow excuſit, I traiſt ſic termes befoir few tymes ȝe vſit, Or at the leiſt, ȝe come nocht quhair thay grew I hard ſum ſay that ȝe war greitlie ruſit, And ȝe ȝour thocht and mynde on ſic termes mufit Baith into Greik, in Latine and Hebrew, Now I perſaue that thay Tales ar not trew. Thairfoir trewlie my ſelf ſuld haue the pyne, I was to bald to caſt Peirlis to the Swyne. Than ſcho me prayit with wordis ſweit and fair To be ſa gude to tak ane vther Quair In planer termes, and it in Meter mak Anents wemen, not tuitching thame ſa ſair, For ȝour requeiſt (ſaid I) I will do mair. Ane vther Roll I chancit in hand to take, It to performe for that fair Lady is ſake. Maid and compylit be the wyſe Sages ſeuin, Quha was that tyme maiſt ſapient vnder heuin. For narurall wit, thay ar all haldin plane The ſpringing well, and onlie freſche Fontane The perfyte ground, and rute Originall Of this ſtorie, now following but lane, Thairfoir my ſelf, as now I am conſtrane It to tranſlait, in our toung naturall. Quhair I it fand into plane prois at all Without cullour or feit, now I againe In rurall ryme, to ſet it furth I ſall. The fault I ſaid, for hir ſaik I ſuld mend it Quhair ſcho befoir with ſtrange termis was offendit. I promeiſt hir of honeſtie to quyte thame, And with toun termes my bow it ſuld be bendit Fra Clerklie termes my pen ſuld be ſuſpendit And in my verſe be na way I ſuld wryte thame, Ze ſall all knaw doutles that I deſpyte thame. On this debait than we war condiſcendit, At hir deſyre I ſall eſchew to dyte thame. Sa we aggreit (quod ſcho) gude Schir adew Quod I Lady, forſuith richt ſair I rew, With ſa dry mouths, that we twa ſuld depart Quod ſcho but dout, as I am traiſt and trew Sum vther tyme my ſelf ſall ȝow perſew, Bot not as now, thair is tyme efter wart, Quhen euer ȝe pleis (quod I) welcum my hart, For verray ſhame me thocht ſcho changeit hew, Than turnit hir bak, and ſa we did depart. Incontinent but ony mair delay I thocht it beſt my pen for till aſſay This lytill buke in verſe for to compyle Quhair it befoir into plane prois was ay, Gif I culd fynd ony gude wyle or way To ſteir it vp into ane better ſtyle, That I ſuld not this fair Lady begyle, Conſiddering the ſame on hand I tuke As ȝe ſall heir, thus I begin my buke. Finit Prologus.
To the Reidar. BECAVS I was reprouit of befoir, That I ſuld not in Clerklie termes gloir: Bot in plaine ſpeiche my buik for to addres With commoun talk, bot ȝit neuer the les This Tale of auld I hard quhilk is richt trew, And richt weill knawin, that neid oft makis vertew Thairfoir on force, becaus ſtrange termes I want I haue na dout, bot heir thay ſall be ſkant. Thairfoir in tyme I think beſt to deny thame, Zone fair Lady me think ſcho ſettis nocht by yame Ane vther caus ſiclike I wait ȝe ken For to bring but its Ill thats not thair ben. Nor thair is nane, I wait in all this toun Except he haue it, that can put on ane goun. Of ane twme Twn, nane can draw out licour, Nor of ane fule to mak a wiſe Doctour. For quhy wit wants, quhair wiſdome ſuld cum fra Into this caſe, the mater ſtands ſa. Force me compellis, ſtrange termes to forbeir, Within my box thairs few to get or leir. Quhair Gold is ſkant, ſiluer mon vs content, Euen ſa it ſtands but dout at this preſent. Praying hartlie this Tale in patience tak, A man can ſell nathing out of his pak Bot as he hes, than preſent for the tyme, Ze may perſaue that be this rouſtie ryme. Beſeiking ȝow gude Reidars to excuſe it, Not to detract, nor ȝit ouir hie to ruſe it. This I wald wis my freinds ȝe wald do ſo, Than in Goddis name to purpois lat vs go.
Heir beginnis the ſeuin Seages, tranſlatic furth of prois in Scottis meter be Iohne Rolland in Dalkeith. IN Eldaris dayis oft times it hes bene tauld That Rome hes bene ane •• etie of the auld Of running Clerks & wonder vailȝeand men, As ancient Acts makis vs for to ken. Ou r all the warld it had Preeminence, All pepill maid to it Obedience. With greit Captanes, Kings Knichts & Empreours Kene men of weir & cruell Conquerours, Of townis and towris, greit villages & cicteis, Triumphand far abone thair Enemeis: Subdewand thame to leſt and ſeruitude, Not regarding thair lynage, kyn nor viude. Cōqueſt grit realmes, lordſchips & rowms braid Thair commoun weill ſa 〈…〉 ruellous riche thay That all coūtreis & kigdomes thē about maid Of thair fell feir greit dreddour had and dout. That thay on force beh •• d to mak homage Orellis haue lo ſt vaith life and heritage. For thay war ſa repleit of all riches 〈◊〉 into weiris ve martiall beſynes. Thay tuke na cure of na māms fauour nor feid Sa thay become of all the warld the heid: And had thairof the haill Authoritie, Bot this was not in time of Papiſtrie, For fra that time y Papis was maid in Rome, Of all vertew that Cietie was maid tome. And day be day fra all vertew decreſt Continuallie the ſelf t ay oppreſt. For thre ſtrangers rais vp in that Cietie, Quhilkis of befoir na way wald ſufferit be, The commoun weill caus thay war ay agane Thairm thairfoir thay wald not thoſe remane Bot fra Papis come that Nobill towne within It did abound ſa ſair in deidly ſin, And that na ſtait to Clergie was compairs, Sa weill thay treit thir thre vncouth ſtrangairs Quhilk thre thir was, the firſt lurkand haitrent The ſecund was, ȝoung counſall and conſent, Singular profite it was the thrid I wis, Quhilk thre was caus to gar Rome go amis. And cauſit it tine the greit triumphand Name, And to be callit the hous of warldlie ſchame. Tint the greit rowmes and warldlie poſſeſſioūs That thay conqueſt fra diuers vther Crowns. All ſit become throw wickitnes and vice, Of the Papiſts, and thair foule Merchandice. For thay wald gar ane pound of meltit leid Bring thame againe the wecht of golde ſa reid. And gar the hippis of ane deid Zow or ſkin Aſſolȝe ȝow of all ȝour deidly ſin, Incontinent in heuin vp to be brocht, Contrair Gods will, quhidder he wald or nothe ¶ Bot not the les, lang tyme befo r thir dayis Ane Empreour was as the Storie ſayis, Quhilk hecht to Name ontianus at richt, Ane Nobill man of wiſdome and of micht. G d t his Realme be wiſdome and vertew, To his pepill erempilis daylie ſchew, Of wiſdome wit and Liberalitie, Quhairthrow the hartis of all his folk wan 〈◊〉 That nane cairit to wair with him thair life, Ane Kings Douchter he had vnto his wife, Cal •• t Clara, ane woman verteous, Fair and gudelyke and wonder gracious. Quhilk ane knaif chyld of him ſcho did cōſaue Bot him alone na ma God to thame gaue, Quhilk was callit D ocleſiane to Name, Fair and well fauourit, baith of faſſoun & fame Quha daylie grew in vertew and gudnes, Ilk man him lufit for his greit gentilnes. For he was courtes, cumlie and richt kynd, Fra all fuliſche alluterlie declynd. Sa quhen he was ſeuin ȝeir auid or neir by This Emprice tuke ane meruellous malady, That ſcho behuid for to tak bed on force, With ſair ſeiknes ſa troublit was hir Corre. Perſauing weill be hir Intelligence For to eſchew fra deid was na defence Bot of hir life ſchortlie to haue ane end. Sa for hir ſpous the Empreour ſone ſcho ſend. With humbill hart and Inwartlie praying. That he wald um to hir but tarying. Gif euer he wald ſe hir vpon lyue Sa was fra hand direct ſone ane Miſſyue. Poiſt efter Poiſt, quhair he lay in weilfair, Sone till him come, and culd the caus declair, But mair abaid, with wonder ſor e hart, With few hors men fra his Camp did depart. And quhen he come to the Emprice preſence Scho ſaid till him with humbill reuerence. O My gude Lord, howbeit that I be ſeik, Ze licent me my rand to ȝow ſpeik. Sa that it be onlie to ȝour pleſour, And als ſiclike vnto ȝour greit honour, He ſaid Lady I ſe ȝow in diſeis Notwithſtanding ſay on quhat euer ȝe pleis: And it ſall be to me na vilanie, Sa it eik not ȝour greit Jufirmitie. My Lord ſcho ſaid, this ſeiknes I perſaue Or it depart will driue me to my graue. He ſaid Madame be ȝe of gude comfort, Ze will recouer ȝour helth I traiſt at ſchort, For I ſall ſend for all my ding Doctouris, Phiſitianes, and my Philoſophouris, My cunning men, and my Medicmars, My Cirugians and als my Potingars, My Practicianes quhilkis ar ſuttell and ſlhe. That daylie deilis with Flewbothomie. Thay will conſult, and Ilkane als perſaue All ȝour ſeiknes, and ſa helth ſall ȝe haue. For ſeiknes is als naturall as heill, Thairfoir dout not y deith ſall with ȝow deill, At this preſent, bot ȝe ſall ſone recure, Quod ſcho my Lord of a thing I am ſure, This maladie ſa haldis me at the hart Quhill I be deid, na way it will depart. Quhairfoir my Lord, richt humblie I require, Ze wald Incline ȝour hart to my deſyre. He ſaid deſire at me quhat euer ȝe will, I will it grant, thocht it be contrair ſkill To comfort ȝow, and help ȝow fra diſeis Thairfoir ſay on, it ſall me not diſpleis. Scho ſaid my Lord I thank ȝow gretumlie, Quod he Madame ſay on quhat euer it be. Scho ſaid my Lord, pleſit ȝour Nobill grace Of my deſyre, this is the verray cace, Quhen I depart out of this preſent lyfe, It will ȝow pleis to haue ane vther wyfe, And as ȝe knaw we haue na barne bot ane, Nor neuer had, bot onlie him allane: Quhilk ouir all thing anixt ȝour awin perſoun I wald war weill to this Ilk prouiſioun. Efter ȝour deith with all wit and wiſdome, Reule his pepill, and gyde this greit Kingdome And ouir all thing my Lord maiſt I requyre Into this point, ȝe will grant my deſyre, That ȝour Emprice perchāce quhat cuerſcho be Upon my Sone haue na Authoritie, Na Gouernance, power nor ȝit gyding Bot ȝe him put to vther nuriſching. Far fra hir ſicht, and fra hir companie, To that effect, that he may viceles be, Of all vices, and ſic thing as gais wrang And ay to be, greit cunning men amang. My Lord hartly this humblie I requyre Into this point to fulfill my deſyre. For weill I knaw, diſpleſours ar to cum That he ſall do, or ellis he ſalbe dum, Quhairthrow onlie his lyfe he will recure, My Lord I knaw but dout this ſalbe ſure. He ſaid Lady ȝour will ȝe ſall not want, Thocht it war mair, richt hartly I it grant, For that is my deſyre aſweill as ȝouris It ſalbe done, Madame at ȝour pleſouris. Scho ſaid my Lord I thank ȝow with my hart God ſaue ȝour grace, for now I moſte depart. This being ſaid, ſcho tuke ane fell paſſioun And ane lang ſpace ſcho lay in deidly ſwoun. Sa in ſchort tyme withouttm mair remeid, Hir naturall det ſcho completit of deid. With all triumph hir funerall ſeruice Was dewlie done, as that time was the gyſe La g time efter the Empreour maid murning, And all his Court, for hir ſair departing Na menſtrell myrth nor ȝit na merines Into his hall was ſene nor na blyithnes, Bot heuines, greit dule and grauitie Into the Court, and all the companie For that gude Quene, all ſolace was away, Woir the dule weid Ilk ane for ȝeir and day.
¶ MORALITAS. OF this mater ſum thing we may collect Of this Empri e hauand a greit reſpect And Inwart u e vnto hir Sone alone Of hir awin helth ſcho tuke ot ly •• ll rek, Bot thocht ſcho wald his weilfair nocht neglect Befoir to deith hir ſelf ſcho wald diſpone Quhilk cauſit hir ſit maters to propone To hir huſband, for the ſamin effect Hir Sone to ring efter that ſcho was gone. Siclyke ȝe may conſidder the greit rair The thocht and mynde ſcho tuke baith lait and air, Anent hir Sone ſcho ſuffering ſair ſciknes Prouyding als for his welth and weilfair, Deſyring him of cummers to be clair With the new Quene, he ſuld haue na entres, Nor ſcho with him in ony beſynes, For ſum cauſis that micht occur perchance That ſcho ſuld haue of him na Gouernance. Alſwa appeiris ſum part of Prophecie, And greit foirſicht hes bene in this Ladie, Perrellis to cum, ſa perfytelie to knaw Scho being tuichit with ſair Infi mitie. Praying to put, hir Sone fra companie Of all the Court, and als of Ladyis aw And in ſpeciall, fra his Mother in Law. Inconnenients to eſchew that •• cht be Sa ſcho deſyrit, hir Sone him for to draw. The hartlie lufe ſiclyke ȝe may perſaif, That this Lady to hir huſband did half, Ran bring to him, honour and reuerence, And he to hir, ſiclyke all things gaue, That ſcho deſyrit, or at him ſcho wald craue: Not regarding, thocht it had bene offence, And for hir ſaik, quhen ſcho was deid and hence He commandit that na blyithnes ſuld be For ȝeir and day into his compa e. Thairfoir I ſay to ȝow in Mariage Baith into auld, and into tender age, Quhat euer chance, ȝe ſuid haue Cheritie B ue Ill wordis cum, than lat ȝour malice ſwage. B ue place to Ite, and harbrie not outrage, Crabit at anis, na way baith ȝe ſuld be Ane meik anſwer ſlokin Melancolie, Ze ar conionit ane fleſhe and Saulis twa, Than keip gude lufe, the Scripture biddis ſa.
¶ How the Empreour committit and delyuerit his Sone to the ſeuin Doctouris of Rome to leir. THIS Empreour vpon a tyme he lay Intill his bed, and to him ſelf culd ſay I haue na barnis bot ane Sone to my air, I think it beſt that he war put to lair, Stn he is ȝoung, and into tender age To leir wiſdome he will tak mair curage Efter my deith, this Realme that he may gyde This I think beſt in tyme for to prouyde. Sa on the morne he cryit efter his clais, And in dew tyme but mair abaid vprais. Gart call his Lords, and counſall till him ſone, In this mater quhat thay thocht to be done. Schawing to thame at lenth the haill mater To his Lady quhat he had promeiſt air. Thay anſweritall, my Lord thair is in Rome Seum wyſeſt men that is in Criſtindome, Quhilkis in learning all vther thay preuaill In all wiſdome, and Science Liberaill. Thay ar but dout the ſeid of Salomon. For to diſcus Problewm or ȝit Queſtioun. Lat ane Meſſage to thame be ſend but mair Delyuer thame ȝour Sone vnto the lair Of thair counſall the Empreour was content, for thir Doctours ane Meſſage ſone was ſent, Vnder his Seill, and als his awin hand writ To the Doctouris he bad deliuer it. Sa ſone as thay the letters all had red To thair veyage but tary ſone thame ſped. Quhen thay come to the Empreours preſence Thay ſaluſt him with laude and reuerence, On thair beſt wiſe, as to thame culd effeir He ſaid to thame ȝe ar all welcum heir. I ſpeir at ȝow haue ȝe ony knawlege Quhairfoir I ſend to ȝow ſeuin my Meſſage. Thay anſwerit him the caus na way we knaw Quhill yt ȝour grace will witchaif for to ſchaw Zour graces will quhen ȝe haue ſchawin vs to That to fulfill, our power we ſall do. To quhome he ſaid, I thank ȝow Maiſters all Now vnto ȝow my erand ſchaw I ſall. Ane Soue alone, na ma barnis I haue, Nor all my time na ma God to me gaue: Appeirandlie he is to be mine air, Thairfoir I wald he war put to the lair: To cunning men for to haue thair doctrius. And in ȝouth heid be vnder Diſcipline, To that effect, efter my fatall det Into my place with honour he beſet, To reule his Realme with wiſdome and Juſtice Quhilk in ane Prince ſuld cuerring alwayis. Thairfoir I wald ȝe ſeum ſuld him reſſaue, And him to leirne and into gyding haue, And ȝe ſall be rewardit weill thairfoir, Sa haill and feir agane ȝe him reſtoir. Thay thankit him all ſeum with reuerence, That he to thame of his Sone gaue credence. ¶ Bot the firſt Maiſter callit Pantyllas Began and ſaid, becaus he eldeſt was, My Lord I ſall, and pleis ȝour Nobill grace Caus ȝour ane Sone within ſeuin ȝeiris ſpace, Be als cunning in all the ſeuin Science, Of wit, wiſdome, and all Intelligence As I, and all my marrowis that heir ſtandis Or ony man, within ȝour boundis and landis Sa that ȝe will deliuer him to me, This ſall I do in pane of honeſtie. ¶ The ſecund Maiſter namit Lentalus, Thir wordis ſaid vnto the Empreour thus. And pleis ȝour grace deliuer him to me Within ſer ȝeiris he ſall haue mair Elergie, Mair cunning craft in all the ſeum Science Nor I and all that now is in preſence. And as ȝe knaw I haue ſeruit ȝour grace Sen I was man, in all my lyfis ſpace. And for rewaird I ſeik na vther thing Bot ȝour ane Sone to haue in gouerning. ¶ Than ſpak the thrid ye namit was Craton With ȝour gude grace I ſaillit the ſey vpon, In greit perrellis, and dangerous weilfair And of ȝour grace rewaird I ſeik na mair, To be ſa gude, to me deliuer wald Zour onlie Sone in gouernance to hald, And I promeis that within ȝeiris fiue He ſall be mair cunning and Scientiue, Nor I and all my marrowis heir about Dato ȝour grace this I ſall do but dout. ¶ Than ſpak the fourt to name hecht Malqup, drak And pleis ȝour grace my ſeruice for to tak In gude ſeſſoun, in thankis and pleſouris For I my ſelf and my Progenitouris Hes ſeruit ȝow, and ȝours our lyfis ſpace And na rewaird deſire I of ȝour grace Bot to witchaif on meſa greit credence, As for to leir ȝour Sone perfite Science: And for to be of cunning mair perfite Nor I and all my marrowis can Indite. This ſall he do within nirt ȝeiris four. Or I Science and cunning ſall gif ouir. ¶ Thā ſpak the fyft, Joſephus hecht his name Lord I am auld and neuer vndefame On ȝour counſall, and hes bene mony ȝeir, Wald ȝe leif me ȝour ane Sone for to leir I ſall him tetche but dout in ȝeiris thre Als greit cunning, and als perfite Clergie As I my ſelf, and all my marrowis can, Or ellis ȝe ſall call me na honeſt man. Na mair rewaird of ȝour grace I deſire Thocht all my life I haue ſeruit ȝour Impire. ¶ Than ſpak the ſert was namit Cleophas Ane Nobill man, and cunning Clerk he was, And ſaid ſiclike as the laif ſaid befoir, Of ȝour gude grace rewaird I ſeik no moir Bot ȝour ane Sone to haue in gouerning Informe and teiche, and into Science bring In cunning he ſalbe within twa ȝeir That he ſall haue na peregall nor peir. Na mair rewaird at ȝow now aſk will I Quhilk ȝour gude grace I traiſt will not deny ¶ Than ſaid the ſeuint greit Maiſter & doctour, Vnto ȝour grace I will do ſit pleſour, Giue me ȝour Sone in credence and gyding Within ane ȝeir I ſall hun giue leirning, Sa profoundlie in all the Science ſeuin, And of all Science vnderueth the heum: That in wiſdome he ſall haue na conipair Vnto ȝour grace this ſchortlie I declair. For giftis of golde, nor geir I not re gaird Nor for labouris I couet na rewaird Bot ȝour gude will quhē the ȝeir is furth gane The Empreour hard, andthākit thame Jikaus And ſaid I am Inde 〈…〉 to ȝow ll nrecompanſit nane of ȝow thair be ſall. Bot not the lesſen I find ȝow ſa kynd And wt gude willis hes ſchawin me ȝour mynd Gif I ſuld him commit till ane of ȝow Than all the reſt micht weill beleue and trow That to that ane I had mair affectioun Than to the reſt, quhilk ſuld caus diſcentioun: Diſcord Inun and alſo variance, Qahilk in na ſort amang ſic men ſuld chance. Thairfoir to ȝow comunetlie all in ane Heir I commit my Sone Diocleſiane. My afald barne and cik my onlie Air, With ȝow to be Inſtructit weill in lair. And him to gyde in alkin honeſt ſort, Quhylis to wiſdome, and quhylis to game & ſport: As ȝe will anſwer Jik ane vnto me. In pane of credence and of ȝour honeſtie. For be he weill, eum ſa I think my ſell Do as ȝe pleis, as now na mair I tell. ¶ Thir dyng Doctours the ſweit langage heiring Of thair gude Lord, and alſwa perſauing The greit credence, and ſiclyke the kyndnes That he had ſchawin vnto thair ſemp •• nes. Thay thankit him Ilkane vpon thair kneis, Man efter man, all ſeuin in thair degreis. Sayand to him, that his grace ſuld be ſure Of thair laubours greit diligence and cure. The Empreour tuke his Sone be the hand, And bad that he, at thair bidding ſuld ſtand. And in na ſort that he ſuld thame offend Onto the time agane he for him ſend. And ſa at ſchort the barne delyuerit he, Quhome thay reſſauit with all humilitie. This being done, Ilk ane thay tuke gude nich To Romes Court the way thay held on richt. Thir ſeuin Maiſters thair veyage paſſing on, Ane of thame ſaid quhilk namit was Craton To his fellowis, ſayand my brether deir Sen we this Chylde in Gouerning hes heir, I think not beſt to Romes toun that we ryde Gif we liſt weill this barne gouetus and gyde: For diuers cauſis and Impediments, That may occur be Inconuenients. Cyſting the Chylde to mony ſport and play And to neglect his ſtudie day be day. For fra greit men get knawledge quhat he be, Thay will coue daylie his companie. Sa fra ſtudie he ſalbe a abſtractit, And we all ſeuin with greit diſpleſure lackit. The vther ſex ſaid all with ane conſent His counſall was gude and conuenient, And was ſaid to the purpois by and by, And with gude will to the ſame wald apply This to eſchew, I wald remeid war found For weill I knaw within ane lytill ground To buylde vpon, thair is ane proper place, Quhilk to vs all war pleſure and ſolace. Fra Romes toun bot thre myles diſtant. Quhat thing we ueid, we myſter not to want. Lat vs pair mak ane hous baith rowme & ſqua it Quhair at quyet the child may leirne his lair We ſall gar paynt vpon the wallis about The ſeuin Science, with greit Storyis all out, Sa that this Childe may ſe veſie and luke, And tak doctriue, aſweill as in his buke. This Counſall than appleſit ſhame euer ilkane The hous was biggit ſone of lyme and ſtane, And weill compleit, as it beſt culd effeir, Quhairin thay all ſtud it the ſeuin ȝeir. Quhilk bene outrun, and all compleit togidder The ſeuin Maiſters amang thame did cōfidder That thay wald all exame Diocleſiane, Fra that thair terme of the ſeuin ȝeir was gane, Gif that he was expert into Science, Conſiddering thay had done Diligence. Pantillas ſaid, I can not tell trewlie How our Scoller ramit weill ſalbe. Than ſaid Craton I ſall that weill deuiſe, Into his bed on ſleiping quhen he lyis. Under Ilk nuik of his bed we ſall lay Ane Oliue leif than quhen approches da , Gif he perſauis ſone efter his walking That his bed is remouit ony thing, Than we may knaw be our Intelligence He is repleit of all the ſeuin Science. This being done, airlie in the morning The Childe walknit befoir the Sone ryſing, And lyftit vp his Ene vnto the ſky And to the rufe of the hous ſeruently, Baith to and fra, ſchairplie caſting his Eu On ſit faſſoun befoir thay had not ſene. The ſeuin Maiſteris perſauing perfitelie How his Ingyne was raiſit ſa quicklie.: Thay ſaid quhairfoir luke ȝe ſa faſt about? Quhat mouis ȝow, or quhat haue ȝe in dout? Schaw vs in plaine we ſall caus to amend it Gif ony thing hes ȝow in hart offendit. Na meruell haue my gude Maiſters (ſaid he) For I am brocht in ane greit fantaſie, Quhilk hes me maid richt fleit and als affeird, For in my ſleip to me I thocht appeird: That the ruif tre of all this haill Maiſſoun, Unto the eird was guyte declynit doun. And ſine againe in twinkling of our Eyis, It was vpliftit ane hundreth thouſand greis, Quhilk put me in ane felloun fray but dout, Than his Maiſters Ilk ane him round about, Perſauit weill be gude Experience He was fulfill it of all the ſeuin Science. Gif he haue dayis and in gude companie Ane man of wit, and wiſdome he ſalbe, That in the warld ſall nane be till him peir. Sa at this tyme we leif this ȝoung Childe heir,
¶ MORALITAS. WE may perſaue na Empreour Nor King ſuld wirk at thair pleſour. Without ane gude counſall, Gude counſall is the Procurour For to ſet fordwart gude laubour And perrellis dois expell. This Empreour he wald do nocht Quhill his Lordis was befoir him brocht And ſa thay war richt one, At thame his counſall than he ſocht. And thay him ſchew thair mynde and thocht Quhat beſt was to be done. In ane voce thay concludit thair That he ſuld put his Sone to lair With Cunning men of wit, Becaus the Counſall did it declair Incontinent but ony mair Fra hand fulfillit it. For as the Mother did prouyde. The Father on that vther ſyde For the Sone did foirſe, Fra purpois wald na langer byde Bot to the Doctour is in that tyde His Sone delyuerit he. Thocht all thir Seuin had Science ſene, Ze may perſaue that thay haue bene Of thair awin Fantaſie. All caſſin into curage clene Ilk ane vther to prouene And purches Dignitie. Ilk ane thay tuke ane diuers dait, And pro 〈…〉 ſt be thair awin conſait Mair large nor thay waid do, Quhilk was far by thair awin Eſtait For to pretend to gang the gait That thay culd not cum to. Bot the Empre out tuke weill in heid, He thocht he wald not tak the feid Of all, and pleis bot ane, For that he fand ane gude remeid For the haill ſeuin without mair pleid The Childe hes with thame tane.
¶ How the Empreour be counſall of his Princes, and Lordis of his Impyre weddit ane vther wyfe. IN this meane time the Princes of honour. And the greit Lordis come to the Empreour, And ſaid my Lord and pleis ȝour nobill grace Heir we ar cum to ſchaw how ſtandis the cace. Bot ane ȝoung Childe, we knaw no moit ȝe ha And pleſit God, we wald that ȝe had ma And it may ſtand be fatale deſtanie, That ȝour ane Sonemay Inlaik faill and die As God forbid, that ſic ane thing ſuld chance, Zit not the les we wald mak puruyance. Than war we all of ane new natiue King Maid deſtitute abone vs for to ring, Quhairthrow ſtrange folke & vncouth natioūs Micht conqueis vs, and all our generatiounis. Quhilk neuer was ſen this Impire began Couqueiſt ouirthrawin with ony mortall man Sen Romulus, quhilk buyldit Romes toun, Was neuer man that had dominioun Of this Impire, bot Nobill natiue Kingis, And to auoide ſa greit and perrellous things: This is the caus we ar cum to ȝour grace To ſchaw ȝow all the mater and the cace, That ſic ane thing is richt abill to be To put the Realme furth of ſic Jeopardie, We wald ȝe tuke ſum honeſt gay Ladie Zour Nobill Quene and bedfellow to be, To that effect ſucceſſioun for to haue, And ȝour Impire fra thir daugeris to ſaue. The Empreour than heirand all thair ſawis, Quhat ſic thing ment of the mater and caus. He thankit thame ane hundreth thouſand ſyſe, And ſaid he wald do as thay did deuyſe. Of thair counſall richt weill content he was. And thame roquyrit to purpois for to pas. Ane Lady get that was of tender age, Baith gude and fair, and cum of hie lynage. Ane clene Dirgin and luſtie to behald, Than ſall I do the ſame thing that ȝe wald. Wed hir to wife, and Crowne hir to my Quene Into this caſe lat ȝour wiſdomes be ſene. Sa thay depart than fra the Empreour Deuiſit thair Lordis of wiſdome and valour. To ſeik this Quene throw mony lands pai paſt Quhill thay come to ane countrie at the laſt Callit Cetyll, quhilk had ane Nobill King, Quhilk Royallie into his Realme did Ring, With greit puiſſance, riches and honour. Quha had ane Mayd of all fairnes the flour To his douchter of fourtene ȝeir of age Nobill, courtes, and pleſand of viſage. With all vertew that in wemen micht be, And wiſe at will ſiclike appeirandlie. Quhome thay deſirit at this gude Nobill King In Mariage to the Empreour bring. And mak hir Quene of all the haill Impire. This Nobill King grantit to thair deſire. The Lordis of Counſall and Ambaſſadouris War than depeſchit with pleſure & honouris. And brocht with thame this Nobill gay Ladie Quhilk yair ȝon̄g Quent & a s Emprice ſuld be Thay heiſit vp ſails with all thair clene curage With manue micht come fordwart pair veyage Vpon the ſey thay ſufferit greit perrell In hame cumming, be ſair ſtorme and trauell Walterād with wind out throw y mudy wawis The boriall blaſtis ſa bauldlie on thame blawis That thay war fane and Joyfull at the laſt To ſaue thair lyfis, for to cut thair mane Maſt. Cut thair Cabillis and ouir burd caſt thair geir All of thair lifis thay ſtude into ſic feir. Sum of thame ſaid, it was ane ſchrewit Sing Of ane gude luck ſic ane Quene hame to bring, Quhairthrow thay war all in point for to tine, And wiſt not quhat wald be the latter fine. Sum ſaid agane all was cum for the beſt, Scho was wyteles, howbeit ſtorme thame oppreſt. Sa ilk ane ſaid as yai yat time bethocht Sa at dew time to thair awin coiſt was brocht Als ſone thay come vnto thair kyndlie coiſt, Doun drew thair ſaills and thair gude ſchippis loiſt. Than word beliue come to the Empreour That all his Lordis was landit with pleſour, And with them brocht ane Nobill ȝoung Ladie Quhilk to the King his weddit wyfe ſuld be. The empreour cauſit proclame throw romes toū That euerie Lord, Knicht Marques & Barroū In beſt array to mak thame all reddy With fair faſſoun to meit that ȝoung Lady, Quhilk but delay was dont with diligence, And ſa than gaue this Lady all preſence: Ja riche array, as thay culd beſt deuiſe, With all triumph, and into thair beſt wiſe To the Cietie thay did hir all conuoy, With all glaidnes, mirth, melodie and Joy. And quhen ſcho come vnto this Nobill toun. The Bellis rang with honour and Renoun. The claithis of gold was ſpred throw all y ſtreit Quhen ſcho lichtit to gang vpon hir feit. The riche Badkins, the coiſtlie veluot wobbis The browdin warkis & the riche Ryall robbis Quhilk on the ſtairis war ſpred ſa heich on hie It was pleſure for ony man to ſe. With all vther warldis vane fantaſiſe, That mannis brame and Ingyne culd deuiſe. And ſa at laſt come in the Empreour With his greit Lordis of riches and honour. Gaue this Lady his perſoun in preſence. With all triumph, Renoun and reuerence: And hir Imbraiſt as culd him beſt effeir, And ſaid Lady ȝe ar richt welcum heir Than the greit Joy that in that Cietie was My waik Ingyne can na way weill compas. Sa on the morne quhen that the day was licht Vnto the Kirk thay led this Lady bricht, With all triumphe greit mirth and melodie With mennis wit that culd deuiſit be. Conuoyit with Kingis nobill Princes & Lords As at ſic time aggreis weill and accords. Sine followit hir the Nobill Empreour With all his Lords, that was of greit valour. Stout men of Armes into thair waillit weidis Kydand at richt vpon thair ſtalwart ſteidis. Als with him come diuers grit kings & knichts D •• ks, Barroūs, erls, & mony worthie wichts With trūpet, ſchalme, drum ſquaſche & clarioū Harp, Lut, Organe, Symbal and Symphioū Makand thair mirth all into gude ordour, Heraldis of Aimes into thair coit Armour: Paſt on befoir as it was maiſt ſemelie In thair awin ſtait, conforme to thair degre. Quhill thay come to the Royall Kirk of Rome Quhilk was the heid of Kirkis in chriſtindome Thair h htit thay with mirth and merynes For to compleit the band of halynes: That GOD deuyſit betuix woman and man Quhen he this warld firſt creat and began. Of that Cietie the greit Biſchop was thair, With all his Clerkis of greit wiſdome and lair This band being compleit in Goddis Name With mirth and Joy to the Palice paſt hame, Quhair thair was maid banket with melodie, With alkin mirth and pleſand menſtralie. Quhill that nicht come, than Ilk man thocht it beſt To quyet as and tak the nichtis reſt. Sa this Lady but ony tarying Scho paſt to bed with hir houſ band the King And ſa obtenit the greit fauour and lufe Of hir gude Lord, that it culd not remufe. And of hir lufe he tuke ſa greit delite, That vther Quene he had forȝet hir quite: And all his lufe was caſt on this new Quene As he befoir had neuer Maryit bene. Zit not the les all the dayis of their lyue God thocht he wald all barnis fra them dryue Sa thame betuir thay na ſucceſſioun had Quhilk maid this quene baith ſorrowful & ſad Sayand huſ band, ane thing I ȝow require Gif ȝe wald grant richt hartlie I deſire. Becaus lang time this Emprice did perſaue Na kynd of Childe ſcho was able to haue. Scho turnit hir Saillis vnto ane vther wind Quhair that ſcho micht ſum ſuttelnes gar find. Into hir bed quhair that ſcho was lyand In ane morning with hir ſpous and huſband. Scho ſayis my Lord, & pleis ȝour Nobil grace Betuir vs twa is chancit ane heuie cace, That be na way can get vs ſucceſſioun Quhilk ſadis my hart, & dois me greit paſſioū Bot wald ȝour grace ane thing vnto me grant, Betuir vs twa ane Childe we ſuld not want. Quod he that thing deuyſe how that ȝe can, For that exceidis the wit of ouy man For to get barnis, ſen God will not thame grane Than force it is baith ȝe and I thame want. Scho ſaid my Lord it is vnto me ſchawin, Ze haue ane Sone quhilk is not to me knawin With ſeuin Maiſters, maiſt wyſeſt on the gron̄d And he him ſelf, nane wyſer can be found. Wald ȝe bring hun to Court in my preſence I ſuld do all deuoir and diligence, Him to Intreit into ſa gude faſſoun. That all ſuld ſay out throw greit Romes toun Not onlie ſaid, bot alſo ſuld be ſworne, That he war of my awin twa a ſydis borne. And ſen ſa is, that I can nocht conſane, Oalie ȝour Sone, as my awin I wald haue My Lord this is the aſking I require, Beſeiking ȝow to fulfill my deſire. Zit not the les hir minde was and hir thocht In ſutteltie, and all with malice wrocht. Imagining daylie the Chyldis deid Choche his Father tuke not ſit thing in heid, He ſaid Lady that will I not deny Quhat euer ȝe aſk enamorit ſa am I Into ȝour lufe, that force compellis me Quhat ȝe will aſk, denyit it ſall not be. Thairfoir ſen I the ſecretis of my hart Schawis to ȝow plaine, to me ke y ȝe ȝour part As for my Soue it is lang time by paſt And diuers ȝeiris ſen that I ſaw him laſt. Zit not the les to accomyliſche ȝour will, I ſall belyue aue Meſſage ſend him till, And caus him cum, and als his Maiſters all Quhat he can do baith heir and ſe ȝe ſall. For I beleue he hes bene diligent In his ſtudie and in ſeience frequent. And for to leir wit knawledge and wiſdome That efter me for to gyde this Kingdome. Scho ſaid my Lord, that it be ſa God graut, For that ſame eaus I wald na way him want. Bot gif ſcho ſaid thir wordis with hir hart Ze will perſaue be proces efterwart. The Empreour ſone gart mak ane miſſiue, The Meſſinger he was direct beliue: Into greit haiſt haiſt with expeditioun, Vnto the ſeum greit Maiſteris of Renoun. Incontinent vnder the pane of deid, And na les pane nor wanting of thair heid: Suld bring his Sone to him at Witſonday. All ercuſes being clene put away. The Meſſinger beliue depeſchit was To the Doctouris the hie gait can he pas And the wrytingis delyuerit ſone hes he, Vnto the ſeuin Doctouris of Dignitie. Quha it reſſauit with all Obedience, Humilitie, honour and reuerence.
¶ MORALITAS. IT is ane plaigue perrellous and ane greit diſpair, Ane Realme to be deſtitute of ane Natiue Air Quhair kynd captans haldis court, na ca s is of cair The commoun welth Increſſis ay, daylie mair and mair Be the contrair agane. Vnkyndlie Captanes ouirthrawis And commoun welth doun drawi And leidis not the auld Lawis Bot contrair wirks plane. This was the maiſt motiue, the caus and the querrell, That cauſit thir Princes compeir, to ſchaw all the perrell The greit danger and dout, and the caus haill Baith for commoun welth and Croune, gif airs chancit faill Thair was bot onlie ane Thairfoir this mater thay mene To caus him tak ane new Quene That new Airs micht be ſene, Gif this Air war gane. And ſa belyue but pley to counſall be applyit Caus it was the commoun weill he durſt not deny it Bot ȝit his firſt Quenes deſyre, in ſum part paſt by it That to the court the chyld brocht, quhair he was ſair inuyit The Empreour not knew Ze ken of auld this trew Tal Nyce is the Nychtingale The Empreour gaue hir credrence hale And neuer word trew. Quhen wemen ſpeikis faireſt thay ar maiſt fals found, Thay gar ſweit li our ſwym aboue, and g ll is at the ground Thay ſhaw thame lyke ane turtill dow, and bytis as ane hound The Empreour was deſſau t ſair, as ſone was efter found Thay war ay and ſalbe Sa queſitiue baith nicht and day The Empreour culd na g it ſay nay Bot men ſuld not trow that thay ſay Sa oft becaus thay lie.
¶ How the ſeui Maiſteris efter the icht of the Empreouris Letteris wald firſt ſe the cours of the Firmament and Planetis, quhidder it was gude to obey his cōmandement or not. ALS ſone as yir ſeuin maiſters had ouirſene The empreours writ, & vnderſtude it clene On the nixt nicht, all ſeuin with ane conſent Paſt to eſpy the ſternis and Firmament. To tak Jornay gif it was proſperous Or contrair way, gif it was dangerous. For to fulfill the Empreouris command, Or gif thay durſt the ſamin to ganeſtand. Anone thay ſpy into the Firmament Ane ſtormie ſterne that troublit thair Intent. Perſauing weill be the ſterne gif that thay Thair Jornay tuke, and raid that ſam 〈…〉 day To thame affirt, be the Empreouris command The Childe but dout in greit perrell ſuld ſtand, For the firſt word that he ſpak in preſence Of his Father in oppin audience, Suld be the caus of his greit ſchamefull deid This to eſchew thay culd find na remeid. Quhairof thay wa all ſad and wounder ſorie And wi t not weill to trauell or to tarie, Ane vther ſterne than thay beheld alſo, Schawing to thame to the King wald not go And keip the day, quhilk was affixt thame to, To wāt thair heids, thair was nocht ellis ado Ane of them ſaid quhair twa Illis dois appeir Lat vs that tak quhairin lyis leiſt dangeir. It is better ſurelie I ſay for me For this Impire that we all ſeuin ſuld die, And vther ſeuin ūclicke as we ar all Or this ȝoung man ſuld ſuffer ouy thrall. Thairfoir at vs all ſeuin with ane Intent, Our awin perſonis to the Empreour preſent, And let the Chylde at ha e alone remane To ſe giue we, tary or cummis agane. And ſa thay war all ſeuin richt ſorrowfow, Pan ing alwayis, quhat meane faſſoun or how Thay micht eſchew this Inconuenient. Sa this ȝoung man come doun Incontinent, Fra his Chalmer, quhair he was ſtudiand, His ſeuin Maiſteris all ſittand thair he fand. Richt ſorrowfull, and ſad in countenance, He them Inquyrit, quhat was the cau & chāce Of thair ſadnes, thay ſaid this ſtandis the cace, We all beleuit till had of ȝow ſolace, Blyithnes and Joy, and alſo gude rewaird, Bot now Fortoun hes bene to ȝow ſa hard, That all ſit thing to greit wanhap will turne, Quhairfoir we all hes greit aus for to murne, For all our Jo , and our Felicitie Is like to turne to greit aduerſitie. He ſaid Maiſters I pray ȝow to me ſchaw How the caſe ſtandis, ȝit ȝe will lat me knaw. Thay ſaid the caſe that we can ſchaw to ȝow Into the ſelf is wonder ſorrowfow, For ȝour Father the Empreour and King Unto vs ſeuin hes ſe d ane ſchairp wryting, Commanding vs withouttin tarying On pan of lyfis that we ȝow ti l him bring, Juroutment at the nixt Penthecoiſt, Thir his wrytingis he hes ſend at the poiſt, To quhat effect, we knaw not his Intent. Bot we all ſeuin hes ſpyit the Firmament, The Planetis elk and als the ſternis cleir, And we can ſe na vther thing appeir Bot haiſtelie without ony remeid, And ȝe ſpeik a 〈…〉 s ȝe ſall thoill ſuddand deid. G f we delay, and bring ȝow not him till, Our deid is dicht, and in ȝour Fatheris will The Childe anſwerit agane richt humblie I ſair repent that ſic ane thing ſuld be. Can ȝe not find in that caſe na remeid Bot outher I. or ȝe to ſuffer deid? Zit I mon pas and all the ſternes ſpy Gif I can find ony remeid thairby. That may put of that deidlie dolent hour, And ſatiſfie my Father the Empreour. Incontinent he veſeis ouir his buikis, Sin efter that vnto the ſternes he luikis. Amanxg the reſt ane proper ſterne he ſaw That was richt cleir perfite and wonder ſmaw Quhairby richt weill conſidderit he the cace, G ue that he culd abſtene ſeuin dayis ſpace Fra all ſpeiking and hald him ſelf as dum uir ſi perrell he clenelie ſuld ouircum. And axll thair lifis in na perrell to be, Quhilk ſterue he leit all his ſeuin Maiſters ſe. And ſaid Maiſters behald and weill perſaue, Giue I my ſelf as dum man moſte me haue. Seuin dayis but ſpeich, ſine on the auchtand day All the perrell I ſall auoyde away. And ȝe ar ſeuin of all the warld maiſt wiſe, I think it is bot ane ſmall Interpriſe, Ilk ane of ȝow to ſaue my life ane day, Quhen that is done, than ſum thing I ſall ſay, That ȝe and I fra all perrell ſalbe The Maiſteris ſ uin concludit perfitelie. All that he ſaid was wonder Juſt and trew, For be the ſterne the ſa 〈…〉 weill thay knew, And randerit thankis to Poteſtatis diuine, That thair Scoller had ſa perfite Ingine, Of cleir cunning, ſic ane ſterne to conſidder Quhairby that thay ſuld all be ſaif togidder: And out of dout, and all danger of deid, Seuin dayis put by, him ſelf to find remeid. ¶ The firſt Maiſter, Pantillas was his Name Said that he ſuld vnder the vane of ſchame, For the firſt day befoir the King to ſtand, To ſaue his life partlie he tuke on hand. Quod Lentulus, quhilk was the nixt Doctour, I tak on hand ȝour life for to ſuccour, The ſecund day, and ſa ſaid all the reſt, Thair day about, ſa lang as ſeuin did leſt. This being ſaid, all ſeuin with ane conſent, Thay cled this Childe in ane new abilȝement, In goldin clais, as effeirit his eſtait, Sine lap on hors and fordwart maid the gait, To Romes toun, with all the ſpeid thay had For to obey as the Empreour thame bad.
¶ MORALITAS. IT war w ill done or we our veyage tuke Or ȝit Jornay outher be ſey or land Upon the ſternis and Firmament to luke, if that veyage with godlynes dois ſtand, And in na ſort that it brek not command Of God alone, nor do him na offence, The ſternis I me •• , to be mannis conſcience, As thir Doctours, or thay to Jornay went The Firmament thay wald firſt pas and ſpy, Quhair thay perſauit ane greit Impediment Be diuers ſternis appeirand in the ſky For to remane. ſchew thame gude caus and quby The Kingis Precept alluterlie to gane ſtand, Zit ſum remeis the Chyld him ſelf he fand. God him grantit, and ſic grace to him gaue To fynd ane way that thay all ſaif micht be, By his Maiſters, ane proper ſterne perſaue Qubilk all the ſeuin culd not perſant nor ſe Quhair by thay micht thair Jornay pas ſaiflie. Conditionally ſa that he culd be dum Unto the ſpace, ſeuin dayis war gane and cum. Quhairfoir we all map be richt wonder ſure The grace of God to na man is obſtant As to the riche euin ſiclyke to the pure, As to the auld eum ſa to the Infant His treaſure is to all ſa aboundant, Sa ample geuin ſa Liberall and fre, To thame it ſeikis with all humilitie. As the Griffoun, and als the greit Boſhalk Is at all tyme of wyng maiſt wonder wicht Unto hair pray na kynd of bird will balh. Zit than the Sparhalk is als ſwyft of nicht As the Griffoun, and als ſchairp of hir ſicht Will catche aſweill ſic birds as ſcho bes vſe As the Griffoun will catche to him ane Buſe. Buin ſa ane Page or ȝit ane ȝoung Prentyſ Quhen thay ar bot laitlie put to the werk Be quick Ingyne ſtudie, and gude ſeruice He may preuaill his Maiſter at the merk. Euin ſa did this, ȝoung man and cunning Clerk Perſaue ane ſterne, quhilk his Maiſters outrſa •• Howbeit thay war langer leirit in the Law. It is oft ſene ane ſober ſimpill man To ane greit man ane counſall our may be Be Goddis grace, perchance aſweill he can Giue gude counſall, as thay of greiter gre Quhilkis ar vplyfrit into Authoritie, For quby the Bic that is richt walk of wing Hame to hir Hiue ſweit hony ſcho will bring. ¶ Breuis in volatilibus eſt apis, & initium dulcoris hunc fructus illius. Eccleſiaſt. xj.
¶ How the Empreour raid to meit his Sone comming fra the ſtudie, with greit Pomp and Pryde. AND ſa as thay had enterit to veyage The Poiſtis ran with all haiſtie Meſſage To Romes toun and tauld the Empreour That his ane Sone, with all haiſt and laubour Was cumming hame, on hors the reddy way. His Fatheris will and Precept to obey. Than his Father Incontinent gart call His greit Princes, and vther Lordis all, And bad thame be in reddynes Ilkane, He wald ga meit his Sone Diocleſiane. The ſeum Maiſters perfytelie ſa knaw and The Empreour, with his Court was cūmand. Unto the Childe all in ane voce thay ſaid, We think it beſt ſum danger to auoid, That we all ſeum pas into the Citie, And ȝe fordward pas with ȝour companie. In the meane time, that we may all prouyde Sum help, that may put by this towter tide, And we ſall do all that we can or may For ȝour ſupplie, Ilk ane to keip ane day. The Childe anſwerit as ȝe will pleſis me, Remember ȝit on my neceſſitie. In greit danger I wait that I will ſtand. Thairfoir think on quhat ȝe haue tane on hād. Thay take thair leif at him ſorrowfullie. Sine all thay raid toward Romes Citie. Sa fordwart come Diocleſiane rydand, And lukis on far ſaw his Father cumand, And as thay met, of his hors lichtit doun. To his Father he maid him reddy boun, Kneland on kne with all obedience, Sine his Father with lufe and reuerence, About his neck oft times he tuke and kiſt, That he was dum his Father ȝit not wiſt. My awin deir Sone ȝe ar welcum he ſaid Of ȝour weilfair I am richt wonder glaid. How is it with ȝow I pray ȝow lat me knaw, For it is lang a foir ſen I ȝow ſaw. Thā this ȝoung man ful richt manlike & meik Bowit doun his heid, & nathing wald he ſpeik Quhairof his Father meruellit gretumlie That he agane anſwerit not Inſtantlie. Zit he compaſt into his mynde agane Be his Maiſters, that he was ſa conſtrane And commandit, that he ſuld ſpeik nathing He on horſbak, be ony way ryding. Sa hame thay come, out throw the greit Cieti Of Romes toun, with greit Solemnitie. Quhill thay come to the Empreours Palice Quhair that thair was mony antick deuiſe. And of thair hors beliue thay lichtit doun With greit triumph honour and als Renoun, The Father led his Sone in be the hand Into the hall, quhair mony was bydand, And ſet him doun beſyde him at the deis, The Heralds bad ſone ſilence all and ceis. Than Sone he ſaid, now ȝe will ſpeik to me Zour ſeum Maiſters, how do thay tell lat ſe? How dols ȝour ſelf, for it is lang ago Sen I ȝow ſaw, the ſuith it is eum ſo. Ze ar welcome to me with hart and minde Sa than the Childe his held he did Inclinde, As he wald ſay, I thank ȝow Father deir, Quhat euer he thocht thair was na man miche Quhairat his Father meruellit gretumlie heir. And in ane part he lukit crneſtlie, And ſaid tell me, withoutin mony ſawis That ȝe ſpeik not, the maner and the raus. He anſwerit not, bot bowit doun his heid, The Empreour ſaw that than was na remeid, He panſit in minde, of his Sone not content, Sa the Emprice gat word Incontinent, Quhairof ſcho was wonder Joyous and glaid To hir Ladyis with merie minde ſcho ſaid, Now will I go Diocleſiane to ſe, Quhairfoir that ȝe my beſt clething bring me. And ſa anonc ſcho weut doun to the haw Quhair that beliue Diocleſiane ſcho ſaw Upon the deis beſyde the Childe ſat doun Is this ȝour ſone my Lord ſuld bruik ȝour croū? And hes bene reichit with all yt ſeuin Doctouris He is to me welcome with all fauouris. He is my Sone the Empreour ſaid agane, Bot he ſpeikis not, quhairof I am not fane. I knaw na thing how it is fallin be chance, Be Deuilrie, or Godds Ordinance. Bot all the time to me ſen he is cum I heir nathing bot alwayis he is dum. Scho ſaid my Lord delyuer him to me Gif euer he ſpak, that ȝe ſall heir and ſe I ſall him faus with wordis fair and meik, That I dout not bot he will to me ſpeik. The King ſaid go away with hir and riſe The Childe he rais on his maiſt humbill wiſe, Inclining law with all Obedience, To his Father randring gude Reuerence. To the Chalmer with the Emprice he went, Bot I beleue it pleſit not his Intent.
¶ MORALITAS. THAT it is writtin weill we knaw Into the Buke of Exodie, Quhen God to Moyſes gaue the Law In Mont Sinay that hill ſo hie Into that Buke thair find may we Amang the ten Commandements That we obedient ſuld be And hald in honour our Parents. Sa did this Chylde quhen that he ſaw His Father be the way cummand Doun of his hors he lichtit law On his kneis tuke him be the hand, Als quhen his Father gaue command Hun for to ſpeik, he bowit his heid with humbill hart to him menand I dar not ſpeik for feir of deid. Sit thing his Father na way kend Bot quhen the Quene come in preſence Jucontinent he bad him wend with hir to Chalmer, and go hence The Chyld with all Obedience Paſt at command howbeit he knew That it wald caus ane greit Offence, Kend weill that race that he wald rew. Euin ſa we ſuld be all and ane To our Parents Obedient, And giue our awin be deid and gane The Principall ay, is remanent, That is our Father all Potent e feidis vs with his haly hand Than lat vs ſet our hadl Intent On our beſt way ke p his command.
¶ How the Emprice led Diocleſiane to hir Chalmer for to mak merines, quhilk appeirandlie he withſtude. THE Emprice than ſū Ladyis callit hir till Sayand this is my vtter minde and will, That ȝe prepair my Chalmer and my bed With Silk badkins, that it be weill ouirſpred And all the hous weill houng with Tapeſtrie, Thay ſaid Madame, as ȝe bid ſa ſall be. Than the Emprice tuke Diocleſiane Be the richt hand, and to Chalmer is gane, And cauſit auoide all the Chalmers anone, Nane baid thairin bot thay twa thame alone. Scho thocht not beſt nane vther thair ſuld byde And ſet him doun befoir hir awin bed ſyde: And ſaid to him thir wordis in ane part O beſt belouit Diocleſiane my hart: Oft times I haue hard ſpeik of ȝour bewtie, Zour wit, wiſdome, and ȝour greit courtaſie, Zour greit vertew or euer I ȝow ſaw, I couet ȝow muche baith to ſe and knaw, I am richt blyith my ſweit Diocleſiane, That we twa now ar ſa ſecreit alane. I wald haue giuen within this ȝeir ago Ten thouſand pound for to haue had it ſo. And I am glaid that now I may behald The ſamin thing that my hart alwayis wald. And I haue cauſit ȝour Father for ȝow ſend To that Intent, and for that fynall end, That I may haue of ȝour bodie ſolace, And now ſen we ar heir in ſecreit place, For without fauir I ſay to ȝow planel e I haue keipit my clene virginitie To ȝow trewlie, vnto this preſent hour Notwithſtanding ȝour Father the Empreour Hes maryit me, ȝit I wald not conſent In that behalf to fulfill his Intent: Bot at all tines hes waitit vpon ȝow, Quhairfoir of me ȝe tak ȝour pleſure now: And ſpeik to me, and lat vs go to bed, Sen I my ſelf now thairto hes ȝow led. Quhat euer ſcho ſaid, quhat euer ſcho did or wro rht For al hir talk ane word he anſwerit nocht Scho ſeing that, to him ſcho ſaid agane, O my ſweit hart, and gude Diocleſiane, I ſweir ȝow heir, be Peter and be Panil, In ȝour keping ȝe haue my lyfe and Saull. Quhat is the caus to me ȝe will not ſpetk? Schaw me of lufe ſum takin I beſeik. For as ȝe knaw I am ane ȝoung Lady, And to performe ȝour will am heir reddy. Sa in hir armes diuers times ſcho hynt. Him to haue kiſt, to his mouth maid ane mynt, He turnit his heid, and wald not thole hir kis In hir a win minde (quod ſcho) quhat thing is this That to this man profferis my bodie, And be na way he will conſent to me. Diorleſiane my onlie lufe ſche ſaid Sen that my lufe ſa firme is on ȝow laid: Quhy do ȝe this, to be to me vnkynde, Knawing richt weill ȝe haue my hart & mynde And thair is nane that may perſaue or ſe, Quhat that is done into this hous bot we. Thairfoir grant me the thing that I ȝow raif, And ȝe thairfoir my Madinheid to haif, He wryit his face away and his viſage. For bena way he lykit hir langage. Perſauing than that ſcho culd not obtene His lufe nor fauour, bot it denyit cleue. Scho ſaid my lufe, and ſweit Diocleſiane Behald my Payis, behald my quhyte breiſt bane Quhilk heir I put in ȝour will & pleſour And clene forſaikis ȝour Father the Empreour. For quhy he is baith febill waid and auld, Lene of body and als of nature cauld. In his ȝouth heid ſa vailȝeant hes bene That new in eild he is conſumit clene. That he ſkarſlie may ſtand vpon his feit, Quhairfoir to me nor ſic he is not meit. At ȝour pleſure thairfoir my body tak, He ſeing this, his heid he t rnit bak, That be na ſigne, nor vther countenance Into na ſort he wald do hir pleſance. But in ſa far as he culd him remufe, Scho micht perſaue that ſcho wantit his lufe. Quod ſcho agane, gif it pleſis ȝow norht To ſpeik to me, nor ȝit ſchaw me ȝour thocht. As may perchance be done for ſum gude quhy, Into that caſe, ercuſe ȝow weill will I. Zit not the les, I wald ȝe did Indyte Upon paper, and ȝour minde to me wryte, Ze pleis not ſpeik, tak thair paper and Ink, Beſeikand ȝow to wryte me quhat ȝe think. Gif efterward ȝour lufe I may obtene, In ſecreit wiſe, that nane wait quhat we mene. Sa the paper and Ink he did reſſaue And wrait as heir efter ȝe may perſaue. ¶ O Lady fair I pray God me defend Fra ſic miſchance that I ſe ȝow Intend, Gif I defoull my Fatheris awin Orchaird, My Fatheris Ire I get for my rewaird: Nor I wait not quhat frute thairof ſall ſpring. And als I knaw richt weill ane vther thing That Goddis wraith but faill ſall fall on me, Thairfoir at ſchort lat all ſic folie be. Prouoke me not na farther hidderto, For I will ſchaw the mater gif ȝe do. Als ſone as ſcho the Cheoull had out red, Under hir feit Incontinent it tred. And ſyne agane with hir teith ſcho it raif, Thairof the Tert, that na man ſuld perſaif. All hir heid geir ſcho keſt it on the flure Raif doun hir clais, and all hir riche veſture. Raif doun hir hair, and ſkartit hir viſage, Quhill blude ran doun ouir all hir perſonage. That all micht heir ſcho cryit with ane loud voce Fy help for ſchame, or I my life will lois. This rude Ribald wald reueis me with ſchame Perſaue this Childe now giue he ſeruis blame. Was neuer woman ſen firſt the warld began Sa cruellie dreſt, with ane vnfaithfull man. That I lippinnit na harme ſuld to me done, O ȝe my Lords, cum heir and help me ſone.
¶ MORALITAS. NOW be this Tale ȝe may perſaue How mony wayis that wemen haue At all times for to diſſaue, ane Innocent Into hir net, quhill ſcho him get, to hir Intent With flattering wordis baith fals and 〈◊〉 Sic to reheirs wald fyle the Air For ſchame nor ſin thay will not ſpair thair mynd to ſchaw Schame is paſt the ſched of thair hair, as weill we 〈◊〉 . To tempt this man was all hir mynde And caus him to foull ſin Inclynde He wald not ſpeik bot with ane ſynd, he wald forſaik hir. Scho was the Deuillis wonder kynd, the foull Ill tak hir. Scho lichtlyit hir awin Lord and King With greit deſſait and fals talking Incontinent this Childe to bring to ane miſcheif, Fy Tratour that thocht ſic a thing fy commoun theif. Paper and Ink ſcho till him gaue Thocht he was dum that ſcho micht haue His vtter mynde and to perſaue quhat he wald do, Quhen ſcho it red, with feit it tred, now fy (quod ſcha) Quben that ſcho ſaw ſcho culd not ſpeid Scho raif bir clais all into ſcreid With ſkarting cauſit hir fare to bleid, in greit diſpyte, Fy Trumpour that did ſic ane deid, God will the quyte. Quben ſcho had all reuin doun hir face Scho cryit oft tymes full lowde allace. Is thair na help in all this place, nor na remeid? This Tratour ſtrang garſone ga hang, quhill he be deid. He wald heir in greit velaine Contrair my will deforcit me As ȝe may all perſaue and ſe, my bludie face Beiris witnes weill gif ſic thing be, into this cace. Ze may perſaue ſcho had na ſchame To caus hir ſelf get ſit defaine Siclyke ane Innocent bure blame, that was ſaclene That tuke na cure, to be ane hure, and ſcho ane Quene. Syne into euill ſa done expert Sa falſlic culd the Tale peruert, Quhilk was weill knawin ſone efterwart as ȝe ſall feir. Quhat was baith Quene and Chylds part, ſaide maid cleir O Doly Dragoun and doutſum Den O glowrand gredie and gaipen Blen O filthy deſche foſterit in Fen, with greit offence, O Tocatrice that will not ken, thy awin conſcience. O vyle Uiper maiſt vennemus, O ſuttell Serpent Sulphurius O hiddous pit peſtiferus, now this I ſay the, O dowbill Deuill maiſt dangerus, God ſaue me fra the. In malice thow art ſa frequent, Sa mony euillis thow can I'nuent Sa vicious and ſa vehement, ay proue to euill, Thow wald rin to get thy Intent, quick to the Deuill. Fy on the ſoull flame fyre ſa fell Fy on the hiddeous hound of hell Fy on the verray ſpringand well, that ay was brokin, That cairis not to condemyne thy ſell, thy luſt to ſlokin. Fy on thy luſt Inſaciabill, Fy on thy myrth maiſt Miſcrabill Fy on the lufe maiſt lamentabill, full of diſpyte, Zour chance is ay ſa changeabill, clene I ȝow quyte. Sen I ȝow ſe ſa Inconſtant All vertewis me think ȝe want Bot into vice richt aboundant, ȝe are profeſt, And ay to rin, to ſchame and ſin, ȝe think it beſt. Sen ȝe ar geuin to ȝour pleſour, Not regarding ȝour awin honour How ſall men haue to ȝow fauour, thairfoir I quyte ȝow, Ze ar not worthe, to be ſet forthe, the Deill bedryte ȝow. To gude wemen not this I ſay It is thair part baith nicht and day, As ȝe haue hard befoir me ſay, with thame to chyde. To this gude wemen will not nay, na ryme nor tyde. Thairfoir I pray ȝow me excuſe, For euill wemen I can not ruſe Thair awin honour ſa thay abuſe, in alkin ſort Heirfoir thair companie I refuſe, I ſap at ſchort.
¶ How the Emprice complenit to the Empreour of the ſhame done to hir be his Sone Diocleſiane. THE Empreour with his Lords in the hall Hard the loud ſchout, and ſorte preteous call Of the Emprice all haiſtelie thay furth rau Mony greit Lord, Knichts and gentilman. The Empreour come firſt quhair y was y quene And ſaid Madame, quhat haue ȝe hard or ſene To do ȝow noy, anguiſche or diſpleſour O fy ſcho ſaid heir is ane greit Tratour Ze call ȝour Sone, bot ȝour Sone is he notht. Had he bene ȝouris ſic thing he had not wrocht I wait it was neuer hard of beforne In all this warld ſen ony man was borne That ſic ane knaif ſa hie thing to preſume As to defoull the great Emprice of Rome Thairfoir my Lord ſen ȝe ar Empreour This mater maiſt rynds to ȝour greit honour. Correct ȝe not ſic thing and mak remeid I reck nathing how ſone that I be deid. For gude cauſis to Chalmer I him led, Sine like ane knaif he wald defoulit my bed I chereiſt him with wordis of greit comfort, To ſpeik to me, I did him oft erhort. On foull badrie his minde was onlie ſet, Fra time he ſaw his willis he culd not get At his pleſure, he maid him me deforce Contrair my will, and ſa hes rent my Corce. With effuſioun of blude all aboundant, And beleuing na vther thing Inſtant Bot haiſtie deid, war not I gaue aue ſchout. Conſidder weill gif I ſtude than in dout. e may perſaue be my ab 〈…〉 ȝement The treuth heirof how that he hes it rent. The ſin and ſchame of this harlot to fle Ilk man map knaw how he hes done to me. Thairfoir my Lord, as I haue ſaid befoir, I ȝow deſire ȝe wald caus to reſtoir My greit honour, and my worſchip agane That this Rebald fals Diocleſiane Wald fra me rent forcelie aganis my will, Or cllis ȝour bed I ſail neuer cum till. Quhen that the ing this mater hard and ſaw He was Inflambit with cruell Ire and gaw. Malice wodnes, and greit Melancholie, Was na remeid bot that his Sone ſuld die. Callit Sergandis & gaue thame ſtrait cōmand On ane Gallous thay ſuld him hang fra hand Thā ſaid the Lords y ſtude the Empreour neir, And pleis ȝour grace ſum of our wordis to heir. Lord as ȝe knaw, ȝe haue na Sonnis bot ane, Quhairfoir we all hes greit caus to mak mane, And gif ȝe had we think all verralie our preſent Sone war abill for to die. Bot not the les with ſa haiſtie Intent, We think not beſt we ſay with ane conſent our onlie Sone that ȝe ſa ſone put doun Without ordour of Law or promſioun The Law is maid to puniſche treſpaſſouris All geuin to euill and miſchant tranſgreſſouris And gif ſa be that he be found the ſame Than be ordour lat the Law him condame: That a man ſay that the greit Empreour His onlie Sone in wodnes and furour Without the Law hes put his Sone to deid, Pleis ȝour greit grace to this mater tak heid. The Empreour to ſic wordis gaue audience, And ſaid my Lordis of me ȝe haue credence Within this Realme to leid Juſtice and Law, Thairfoir I will conſent weill to ȝour ſaw. And als I think it richt expedient He be condampnit in ane plane Judgement. Than command was to put him in preſoun, Thair to remane without ony ranſoun, Unto the time that Juſtice Court ſuld ſtand Than four Jewellours reſſauit him fra hand, In deip preſoun richt ſchairplie him Incluſit, Q hairin befoir the Childe was neuer vſit. Now lat him ſit, God couer him of cair, Of the Emprice lat vs ſpeik farthermair. Quha perſeueirit in malice and greit Ire Aganis this Childe, as ony byrnand fyre. As ſone as ſcho had gottin trew knawledge, That this ȝoung man was put in preſonage Not put to deid, ſa ſuddanlie as ſcho wald, Scho cryit, ſchoutit, and muriut monyfald, That the Palice ſcho cauſit be all on ſteir It was greit pane hir for to ſe and heir Than hir Ladyis to hir Chalmer thocht beſt, Hir to conuoy, thairin for to tak reſt. Quhē 〈…〉 ht was cum, ye King to Chalmer paſt And fand his Quene weiping & murning faſt Wringing hir hands ſobbing and ſiching ſair, The King was noyit to ſe hir mak ſic cair. To quhome he ſaid, O my deir Lady gent, Quhat is the caus that ȝe ſa ſair lament? Scho ſaid my Lord, knaw ȝe not all the ace, How ȝour curſt Sone hes maid bludie my face. And wald me put to vtter diſpleſour War not ȝour ſelf, and vthers maid ſuccour. e cammandit, him for to hang fra hand, Zit not the les, on life he is leifand. Nor ȝour command is not obeyit at all, Nor ȝit my ſchame na way is maid to fall. Quhairfoir my Lord, I think that ȝe ſtand 〈◊〉 Vpon ȝour Sone, to leid Juſtice and law. Than to the Quene the Empreour can ſay, Madame ſa ſone, the morne as it is day All ȝour deſire to fulfill and Intent, He ſall but dout thole Juſtice in Judgement. Quod ſcho my Lord, ſall he ȝit leif ſa lang, Quod he Madame, lat this ane nicht ouirgang Than micht ſic chance on ȝow cum haiſtelie As on ane Burges come of this Cietie. As it was ſchaw in the treuth vnto my ſell, Quod he Madame, I pray ȝow that to tell. At ȝour pleſure (quod ſcho) it ſalbe done, Sa hir Sermone on this wiſe began ſone.
¶ MORALITAS. ZE ſe this Quene be wayis wrang Willing put doun this proper Chyle Be curſt conſait and leſing ſtrang, To deid him to conuict and fyle And als hir King perſuaid, to trow all that ſcho ſaid With mony wrink, fals way and wyle Bot ȝit ſcho was ſet by hir ſtyle, be gude counſall he had. Quhilk cauſit him to prolong the tyme Be gude counſall vnto the morne Quhair thay beſt culd try out the cryme And clen ge the caffe out fra the corne It is gude to put by, ane euill hour ſa ſay I Or ane Innocent be forlorne And he of ſa greit lynnage borne, this is my caus and quby For giue this Quene had gottin hir w 〈…〉 The King had it repent it fair Without tin counſall or gude ſkill For to diſtroy his Sone and Air Quhilk greit pietie had bene quhil the treuth had bene ſene uengeance on hir euer mair This Chyld that caryit in ſic cair, And curſt be ſic a Quene. Quhen thow ȝoung man cummis to gude age Giue ony tune it chancis the Be gift of God wit and knowlege Ane choſm Judge than for to be Giue ony fault be done, caus to correct it ſone Bot firſt that thow ba th heir and ſe The talking of the nixt partie, than thow thy wit adione. Giue thair occurris caus or querrell Be not to ſwyft to giue ſentence For thairin ſtandis richt greit perrell Dout and danger with negligence Be the mater obſcure, than thow ſuld be richt ſure Be witnes and Experience Lat Ilk ane vſe thair dew defence, euin to riche as to p ••• Se thow vſe ay ane gude Counſall Of that be ſicker at thy ſyde. And ſa lichtlie thow ſall not faill Quhat euer chance for to betyde Gude counſall is the ground, quhair faithfulnes is found, It can perſaue and als prouyde And fra all perrell for to gyde, within ane lytill ſtound. For giue thow haiſtelie pronounce Sentence ouir ſone to riche or pure, The ſame na way thow may renounce Nor in na ſort agane recure Without tin ak and ſhame, diſhonour and defame Thairfoir thow ſuld be wonder ſure That thow to na man do Iniure, or els thow ſeruis balme Now to ȝow Judges I will ſay Eſchew fra wraith and greit furour Lat mercy meis ȝour mynde alway Lat reſſoun reule ȝour greit Rankcour. In na point be partiall, ȝour Ballance beir equall Than do ȝe God ane greit pleſour And to ȝour ſelf purches honour, and wynnis gude word of all
¶ To knaw quhat the Empreour, the Emprice, the ȝoung Chylde, and the ſeuin Doctouris ſignifyis. OR we proceid ȝit farthermair, Of this mater ſum thing will ſchaw Quhat ilk thing menis for to declair The mater better ȝe will knaw. This Empreour that leidis the Law He ſignifyis a mannis perſoun That walteris betuix wynde and waw Into this warld ay vp and doun. His Sone betakins the Saull of ma Quhilk in the corps is ay Incluſit, The Emprice Signifyis Sathan, Quhilk euer oppin malice muſit. The ſeuin Doctouris a ſeuin vertewis Fechtand contrair ſeuin deidlie ſinnis, Quhilk that the ſillie Saull perſewis Fra to diſtructioun it beginnis. The ſeuin dayis this Childe is dum Of mannis lyfe thay ar the ſpace, For in this warld fra he firſt cum De nener hes perfyte ſolace, Quhill that God tak him in his grace, And forȝet all this warldlie luſt. Than ſpeikis he to God face to face Quhen that the Deuill he hes vincuſt. Euin ſa of this Emprice Tale, Tauld for to tempt the Empreour Trowand perfytelie to preuaill And of this Childe to be victour Tellis on hir Tale for his pleſour Of quhilk the Empreonr was content As ȝe ſall heir gude Auditour Thairfoir to purpois lat vs went.
¶ The firſt Tale of the Emprice is of the gude tre that grew in the Burges Gardine, and for the Imp that grew beſyde it he gart cut the greit tre. IN Romes Toun remanit ane riche Burges Quhilk had at welth all mirth and merines With fair biggings, quhilk was baith braid & hie With gay gardings, yat was pleſand to ſe Of alkin flouris he had thairin ane part That was to get about in euerie art. To tell thair Names I neid not now tak tome Few was ſiclyke, ſa pleſand in all Rome. In this Gardine thair grew ane Nobill trie Quhilk euerie ȝeir brocht furth frute gude plētie Sine by all this the frute that on it grew Was ſa done ſweit, and of ſa greit vertew. Quhat man that had ony ſair Maladie, As is Liper, Erces or Popplecie. Sa ſone as he of this frute gat ane taiſt, Of all ſeiknes he wald be haill in haiſt. And ſa it chancit vpon ane haly day, This Burges went in his Garding to ſay His Oriſouns, and behalding this trie Ane gay ȝoung Imp behynd it quyetlie He ſaw growand, quhilk was proper and fair, Incontinent he callit the Gairdnair. He ſaid gude freind ſe ȝe be wonder ſure, And of this Imp daylie that ȝe tak cure, For I beleue to haue ane better tre Of that ȝoung plant and better be ſic thre Nor is the auld, quhilk I can not auance That pith Inlaikis, ſap ſapour and ſubſtance. Howbeit this tre be far growin it abone, The Gairdnar ſaid. Maiſter it ſall be done. Within few dayis to ſchaw the for certane To ſe this plant the Burges come agane, Quhilk as he thorht, was not half ſa pleſand As it was quhen, the firſt day he it fand. To the Gairdnar he ſaid how can this be My tender plant, appeiris not to me Half ſa pleſand, as it was the laſt day. He ſaid Maiſter, now tak tent quhat I ſay Na wonder is, this auld tre is far mair And fra the ȝoung takis all ſubſtance and air. Be the reſſoun the branches ar ſo braid. Sa the ȝoung plant is ſa vnliklie maid. For gif this plant gat the ſubſtance and air That this tre gettis, belyue it wald grow mair, Nor is the auld for eild almaiſt is deid, The Burges ſaid thairof I wait remeid. Cut doun the bewis and branches of the auld. Quod he Maiſter, I ſall do as ȝe haue tauld. And ſa he did, ſyne efter in ſchort ſpace To ſe the plant, agane come the Burges, And ſaw richt weill, that the ſame tender plant Sum neidfull thing it did Inlaik and want. To the Gairdnar he ſaid how chancis this My tender plant it dois miſthriue I wis. Schaw me the caus thairof without leſing, He ſaid Maiſter. I ſuppois of ane thing, That is the hicht of this greit growand tr Haldis away the Sone as thinkis me. Quhilk geuis life, and nuriſching but dout Co alkin thing that euer grew thairout. And als the rane it may not cum it neir Quhilk nuriſchis alſo ſum time of ȝeir. Thir twa wanting, thair is na tre ean thrine The Burges ſaid, that ſall we mend beliue. Cut the auld clene, and quite doun be the rute, For I ſuppone we ſall get better frute, Of this ȝoung tre, nor of the auld was had, The Gairdnar did as his Maiſter him bad. Cuttit the auld, and leit the ȝoung ſtand ſtill, Sa he obeyit his Maiſters minde and will. Efter ſchort time as this was done and wrocht, Baith auld and ȝoūg periſcht and come to nocht Quhairof greit harme and dule come to the pure For quha was ſeik, of thair helth thay war ſure Hauand recours vnto that Nobill trie Quhilk to cut doun, it was ane greit pietie. And quhen the pure perſauit it was cut doun, Thay curſt waryit, with mony maleſoun. That ony way thairto gaue thair counſell, Or helpit thairto thay quite condampnit to hell For quhy the pure of all Infirmiteis War ay weill cutit of all thair Maladeis. Quod ſcho my Lord now haue ȝe vnderſtand Quhat I haue ſaid, quod he that I warrand, Quod ſcho the Mairch heirof I ſall declair The quhilk pertenis to ȝour vnſonſie Air.
¶ The declaratioun of this Tale tauld be the Emprice. THIS auld tre is ȝour awin Nobill perſoun, That with counſall of ȝour Lordis of renoū The pure and ſeik dois ay help and ſupplie Be ȝour Juſtice and greit Nobilitie. This ȝoung plant is, ȝour awin buthriftit Air, Zow to diſtrop, he caſtis him euer mair Be his cunning growand vp gre be gre. As did the Imp behind the mekle tre. And for to caus to cut the branches doun Quhilkis ar ȝour Lordis nixt ȝour awin perſoū That he may ring and ſit into ȝour chyre, This is his mynd that he dois maiſt deſyre, Of this mater than quhat ſall efter fall All the folk ſall murne, weip ſchout and als call And wary thame that cuttit doun the tre, Quhair that thay wont to get help and ſupplie Or gaue coūſall this ȝoung Imp for to nuriſche Bot it diſtroy or it bure frute or fluriſche. My counſall is thairfoir the Imp cut doun, Sen ȝit ȝour ſelf ringis in ȝour hie Renoun. And ſuffer not the ȝoung Imp for to grow, For he ſall do daylie that euer he dow Zow to diſtroy, and ȝour body put doun, And purches not the Maledictioun Of the pure folk quhome to ȝe war ſaifgaird. Thairfoir in haiſt tak ȝour ſone furth of waird And but delay, on Gallous gar him hing, Ze doing this, ȝe do lyke ane wiſe King. The Empreour ſaid, Madame now be the rude Zour counſall is, baith hailſum, wiſe and gude The morne he ſall go to the deid maiſt vylde, Howbeit he be my onlie gottin Chylde. The morne become, he callit his Lordis all Togidder paſt vnto the Juſtice hall. The Empreour him ſelfſat in Judgement. On pannall put his Sone Incontinent. And ſa at ſchort he was condampnit to deid, To be hangit, on Gallous but remeid. With mortall ſound than paſſand him beforne Of rrumpet, ſchawme, & als of blawing horne. As the vſe was quhen ony man ſuld die, Suld be conuoyit with ſiclyke menſtralie. And as he paſt doun throw the greit Cietie, The pepill murnit, ſayand it was pietie, The onlie Sone of the Empreour to hang Mony murnit, mony thair hands wrang. In meane ſeſoun as he paſt doun the ſtreit. His firſt Maiſter Pantillas culd him meit. The Maiſter ſaw he was to Gallous led, With ſpeid of Spurris, to the Palice him ſped. To quhome the Childe ſa ſone as he him ſaw, Doun with his heid than he Inclynit law. As he wald ſaid Maiſter gif ȝe be kinde, Now in my neid, I pray haue of me minde. For I am now, without ȝe get mercie Condampnit heir, on Gallous for to die. Ze may weill wit than he na tary maid, Bot in all haiſt vnto the Palice raid, Zit not the les vnto the Miniſteris. Proueſtis, Sergands, Jewillours and Officers He maid requeiſt, that thay ſuld haiſt nathing, For he beleuit to get grace fra the King. To ſaue his lyfe, he ſall not die this day, Than war thay glaid, to ȝow the ſuith I ſay. All in ane voce the pepill bad him haiſt, Sa without baid he raid as he war chaiſt. At the Palice he lichtit of his hors, Quha ſuld him dicht, he tuke bot lytill force. Of the Empreour belyue he gat preſence, To quhome he gaue on kneis greit reuerence, As him effeirit, to guhome the Empreour ſaid War not I will ȝour reuerence not degraid, Ze and the reſt richt ſair ſuld puneiſt be, For ȝour rewaird, ȝe ſerue na mair of me. He ſaid my Lord and pleis ȝour Nobill grace Thā I haue ſpent richt Ill my ſeum ȝeiris ſpace Taking laubouris on ȝour ſone day and nicht, In gude doctrine him teichand as I micht. Zit our laubouris at all we nocht regaird, Bot beleuit weill to get better rewaird. The empreour ſaid thow leis Doctour but dout Firſt vnto the, ſine to the reſt about, My onlie Sone weill ſpeikand haill and feir I delyuerit, now ȝe haue brocht him heir With na maners, bot doytit, daft and dum, And mair at tour to ſchaw the all and ſum Thocht he be dum ſic thing mon cum on chance Be Goddis will or his gude Ordinance. Bot by all this he purpoſit quhilk was wors My awin Lady, on maiſtres to defors. And all hir face with hir riche Ornament, In greit malice he hes all reum and rent. Thairfoir this day he ſall not faill to die, And efter him thow and thy companie. The Maiſter ſaid with wordis mylde and meik As for ȝour Sone ȝe ſay that can not ſpeik. The Lord of all that mater weill he knawis, As ȝe ſall knaw he is not dum but caus. I traiſt in God the ſuith ȝow for to ſay, Ane thouſand him ſall heir ſpeik on ane day. As for ȝour wyfe, my Lord quhair ȝe allege Quhair that he wald, haue done to hir outrage On treuth my Lord I ſall ſchaw ȝow but weir In companie with vs this mony ȝeir, As is weill kend, continuallie hes beue Sic thing of him was neuer hard nor ſene. Thairfoir gude Lord for ȝour greit reuerence To ſic voyde ſawis gif not ouir ſone credence. For giue ȝe caus ȝour onlie Sone to die For the fals wordis of ȝour wyfis vanitie. On chance it ſall far wors to happin ȝow, Nor to ane Knicht, quhairof I ſall tell now, That for the wordis of his vane wantoun wife, Gart him bereif his gay Grewhound the life. Quhilk ſauit his ſone fra ſlauchter of the ſerpēt Than ſaid the King tell me furth that Legent. Pantillas ſaid than to his Souerane Gif I ſa did, than war my Tale in vane. For or my Tale war all compleit but dout. Of ȝour ane Sone the life may be put out. And than my Tale for nathing it war tald. Bot gif ȝour grace of ȝour greit mercie wald Reteir ȝour Sone fra the Gallous agane, Than I wald think my Tale war not in vane. Thairfoir gif that ȝour Grace pleſis to heir, Ze caus ȝour Sone quhill the morne reteir. That being done, than on the morne ȝe may Do ȝour Intent quhen it is fair licht day. The Empreour than ſchortlie to conclude. With heuie minde this talk weill vnderſtude. And cauſit the Childe for to be callit agane Vnto the morne in preſoun to remane. Than this Doctour richt pleſandlie began To tell his Tale but aw of ony man.
¶ MORALITAS. ICAN not ſay, bot nay, of this Burges For till aſſay, alway, for gredynes To cut his tre, wald be, of ſic riches. I ſay for me, that he, preuit fuliſchnes And his was not witles, baith tre and frute he wantit The gardner not ſaikles, to cut ſa ſone that grantit. It was euill done, ſa ſone, to cut it doun Thocht it aboue, con one, waid not weill ſoun With the ȝoung tre, to be, at diuiſioun I ſay for me, ſurelie, was na reſſoun I hard ſit a leſſoun, better to haue in hand A bird in poſſeſſioun, nor twa in wod fleand. Ane Dog I reid in deid, ane Collap ſtaw Paſſand throw Tweid, with ſpeid, the ſchadow ſaw That it was mair, larger, the fleſche leit faw. Of it was clair, euin thair, of fleſche and aw Thay vſ in hous and haw, qubat euer denner toiſt Lat beif not fra ȝow draw, quhill that ȝe get ȝour roiſt. Gif this Burges, ſit caſe, had weill foirſene Sic gredynes, doutles, than had not bene That nobill tre, ſa fre, ſa freſche and grene Sa ſone to be, ſchortlie, doun cuttit clene Greit couatice I mene, of this was all the caus. As hes bene red and ſene, into auid doctours ſawi , ¶ Cupidites eſt radix omnium malorum. Timot. vj.
¶ Ane reproche or reprufe to the Emprice. NOW thow thy tale hes tauld, with thy fals fyrie lippis Bot not gottin thow wald, licht ſkirt for all thy ſkippis Had I the in my grippis, on the I ſuld be wrokin The heit into thy hippis, the ſalt ſey will not ſlokin. Thow art ane baird full brokin, ane hiddeous helles hyrd, Better thow had not ſpokin, condampnit Deuillis byrd.
¶ The Tale of Pantillas the firſt Doctour. INTO ane Realme thair wynnit ane vailȝeāt knicht Of nobill fame, of greit riches & micht That had ane ſone, my Lord now as ȝe haue To thre Nureſis to foſter he him gaue, The firſt Nureis to giue him ſuck and feid, The nixt him weſche, & keip him clene at neid. The thrid to bring him vnto ſleip and reſt, The Nobill Knicht for his barne thocht it be ſt. This Knicht alſo he had ane gay Grewhound That nane mair ſwyft, did rin vpon the groūd Alſo he had ane Falcon fair of flicht, Richt ſwyft of wing quhen ſcho likit to licht. Thir twa the Kincht lufit abone meaſure, Becaus oft times thay did him greit pleaſure. This Grewhound was ſa ſwift and of ſic ſpeid Quhen he was louſit his pray he gart ay bleid And the ſame pray brocht to his Lord anone, This was ane caus he •• fit him allone. Alſo quhen that this Knicht paſt to battell, Gif that his chance that time wald not preuaill Into his mouth his hors taill wald he tak, About his luggis, oft times he wald it ſrhaik. Syne ȝoull and cry, as he wald quyte rin wode Sa be that Signe, the Knicht wrill vnderſtude Gif at that time he wald furder dr o, And ſa oft times leſt him to battell go. His Halk alſo was ſafeirce in hir flicht, Sa ſwyft of wing and als ſa wonder wicht That ſcho was neuer eaſt of till aſſay, Bot without fault ſcho brukit ay hir pray. Thir war cauſis this Hound and Halk he lufit, Becaus to myrth thay raſit him oft and mufit. Alſo this Kniche keſt all his haill Inteut In hors rinning, Juſting and Tornament. Sa on ane day he cauſit to protlame At his Caſtell, to ſet fordwart his Name Quha wald cum thair to Tornay or Juſting, Breiking of ſpeiris, and als of hors ryn •• ng. At the ſet day, to be matchit ſuld not fai •• , This was the cry, and ſa to ſchort my Taili, The Knicht him ſelf firſt enterit in the feild To the tornay, with harnes hors and ſ heild. Sine efter him paſt his fair Lady gent With hir Ladyis to ſe the Tornament. Sine efter that, paſt all the Nureſis thre The Tornament for to behald and ſe. Lokking the dures, leuing the barne alone, Traiſting Iſchie nor entrie ſuld be none: Quhill the Tornay, and Juſting ſuld be done Than in all haiſt, thay ſuld returne richt ſone, Beleuand weill the barne not to awalk, Nane being thair, bot the Hound and the Halk. And the ȝoung Chylde, that in the Creddill lay Except thir thre, the reſt all paſt away. That na man knew, lay lurking in the haw Ane greit Serpent befoir na man did knaw. Quhen ſcho perſauit the hous ſa deſolait, And nane thairin that durſt with hir debait. Out of hir hole ſone ſcho put furth hir heid At this Infant hauand ane cruell feid. Quha lay ſleiping in the Creddill alone, Him to deuoir, at ſchort ſa is ſcho gone. The Falcon this behalding quhair ſcho ſat, Upon hir Perk, to do ſcho wiſt not quhat, Bat with hir wingis ſcho ruſſillit & rang hir bel lis Almaiſt ſcho had al ſchakin yame in ſchellis Sa with the noyis & beir quhilk maid the Halk This gud hound rais, and of his ſleip did walk And quhen he ſaw that the Serpent did creip Towart the Creddill, quhair that the barue did ſleip With ane fell faird on the Serpent he ran And ſa at ſchort thir twa to fecht began, Sa cruellie, that it was greit meruaill Quhilk of the twa at that time ſuld preuail Ane to deuoir the vther to defend Thir twa at lenth togidder did contend. Sa lang at lenth thir twa togidder faucht, Amaiſt the hoūd al quyte had loiſt his maucht. Sa cruellie he was woundit in blude, That all about quhair that the Creddill ſtude, Was blude berum, that meruell was to ſe, Betuir ſit twa ſa bauld bargane to be. The Grewhound than perſauing his awin blu de Into his hart wor ſa cruell and wode, With ane fell faird vpon the Serpent ran. Sa thame betuix ane new bargane began. With ſic malice, melancolie and Ire, Quhil ane was deid, yat nane of yame wald tire Nor leif the feild, quhill it chancit at the laſt, Betuix thame twa, the Creddill ouir thay caſt. With boddum vp, and on the Toris it ſtude, Quhair it was all about berun with blude. Sa it become, and fell be Goddis grace That the four Toris ſauit the Childis face. And ſleipit ſtill with viſage toward the ground Thir twa fechtand the Serpent and the hound Quhill at the laſt the hound into certane, This fell Serpent he hes ouircum and ſlane. And ſauit the Childe fra perrell in that tide, Quhen all was done, doun be the Creddill ſide, Licking his woundis lan doun this nobil hoūd For fechting fair and ſa on ſleip fell ſound. Beſyde this Bab, qu •• lk in the Creddill lay, Nane in the hous, bot onlie thir ſame tway. The Bab ſleiping, and iſ na kind of Ill, The hound werie, and foch 〈…〉 furth his till. The Serpent ſlane, as I ſaid ȝow befoir, The Babie ſaif, and the hound woundit ſoir. And ſo anone efter this tornament Ilk man woman vnto thair ludgeing went. To tell that day quha wan the Interpryſe, That erand now to my mater not lyis. Thairfoir as now that thing I wil lat be, And lat vs ſpeik of the Nureſis thre. Quha firſt come hame and enterit in the haw, Sa ſone as thay the blude and creddill ſaw. Wringing thair handis and ryfing doun thair hair Crying allace wo on vs euer mair. Our onlie Childe our Bab and foſterbarne Is quyte deuoirit, with ane Dog and forfarue. Allace for wo, allace quhat ſall we do, We ken na place for ſuccour to rin to. Giue our Maiſter perchance vs apprehend, Thair is nane may fra his handis vs defend. Bot alway ſall on vs cum ſuddand deid, We knaw na way quhair we may find remeid, Sen ſa is cum lat vs in haiſt all thre To ſaue our life, but baid away to fle. Euin ſa thay did, and left the hous alone, But mair counſall all thre away is gone. And had na wit nor wiſdome in thair heid To ſe quhidder the barne was quick or deid, Nor lift the Creddill, and to perſaue the cace, Bot ran away all thre crying allace. And as thay war ſa paſſand furth the ſtreit, Thair awin Maiſtres thay thancit for to meit With hir Ladyis cumming fra the ornay, Scho perſauing hir Nureſis in the way, Richt ſair murning and ryfing doun thair hair All wo begane, repleit of ſturt and cair. Sone ſcho Inquirit at yame how ſtude the cace Thay anſwerit hir a thouſand tunes allace. Quhat ſall we ſay for wordis to multiplie Thair is na bute all man the caſe may ſe. Aue Deuill Madame into ane Doggis ſkin Hes ſlane ȝour Sone, alone ȝour hall within. To the quhilk Dog my Lord gaue maiſt delite, Bot now he hes of ȝour Sone maid ȝow quite. In takin ȝit quhair that the Creddill ſtude, The Dog ſleipis ſtill new bathit in his blude. He was the Dog that my Lord lufit beſt, He was na Dog, bot with ane Deuill poſſeſt, Thairfoir Lady, for vs is na remeid, Bot outher fle, or ells to bide the deid. Thairfoir Madame of vs ȝe haue mercie, This is the caus that cauſis vs to fle. This ſcho heiring, anone fell to the ground, Without mair ſpace into ane deidlie ſound. And ȝit at laſt Ladyis gart hir awalk, Held vp hir heid, quhill ſcho began to talk, And ſaid allace, my deir Sone art thou ſlane. Sall thow neuer play on my kne agane? Sall I neuer with my Pay ſe the play? Allace how ſone art thow ſa went away. Sall I neuer the lauchaud on me ſe? Allace how is the dolour chancit me? Quhairin I had my onlie maiſt pleſour, Saifand my Lord, baith be tide time and hour Is now but dout, with ane Dog clene deuorit, And neuer agane to the life be reſtorit. Quhat ſall I ſay, this is ane cairfull cace. My onlie Sone is deid and gaue allace, Sa ſcho murning in greit dolour and wo, The pepill about, that ſeing did richt ſo. Murmt richt ſair, and of hir had pietie, In ſic dolour, that Lady for to ſe. In the meane time the Knicht fra his Tornay. Reteirit hame, and ſa ſaw be the way His aw 〈…〉 Lady, lamenting in dolour, Requirit the caus of all hir diſpleſour. Scho ſayis my Lord, allace and euer mair I can not ſpeik for greit dolour and cair, Is happ 〈…〉 t vs ane wonder cruell cace, Our Sone is ſlane, for euer mair allace With ȝour Grewhoūd quhome yt ſa weil ȝe lufit Now all that lufe on ȝour Sone he hes prufit. He hes him ſlane, in Creddill quhair he lay, our Nureſis all thre ar fled away. And ȝit the place quhair that the Creddill ſtude our hound lyis ſleiping in ȝour Sonnis blude This ȝour Grewhound withoutt 〈…〉 helpis ma Our onlie Childe all quite hes tane vs fra. Quhairfoir my ſelf vnto the hour I die Sall neuer eit, quhill I reuengit be Upon ȝour hound, quhilk hes my ane ſone ſlane Nor in ȝour bed ſall neuer cum agane, Quhill he be deid that gart my ane Sone die, Bot wo allace, this is na mendis to me. Howbeit it be ane ſyithment to my hart, it my greit wo it ſlokins in ſum part. Thairfoir my Lord, gif ȝe think it be done, Without delay, gar ſla ȝour Grewhound ſone. The Knicht heiring thir ſorrowfull tidance How to his Sone had fallin ſic miſchance. Hamewart in haiſt but baid he maid him boun And in the clois quhen he was lich it doun The Grewhound hard horſmen into the clois, Amang the laif he knew his Maiſteris voce, And vp he rais in the blude quhair he lay To his Maiſter the hie gait come his way, Faynt and foirfocht, come fawnand to his feit As he had wont, his Maiſter for to meit. Into greit Ire, quhat is thair mair to ſay, With his ſcharp ſword he claif his heid in tway And that onlie for ane word of his wife Gat his rewaird, that ſauit his Sonnis life. Than paſt the Knicht but baid vnto the haw, Perſauit the blude, and als the Creddill ſaw. He liftit vp the Creddill as it ſtude, Fand the barne haill, and als mekill ſpilt blude Perſauand ſine of the Serpent the heid, The ſkin and taill, that had fochin to deid. And fand his Sone withouttin wan or wound Allace he ſaid for my gude gay grew hound. That I haue ſlane withouttin ony caus, Bot onlie for the voide vane wordis and ſawis. Of ane woman, that hes talkit in vane Quhairthrow I haue, but caus my Grewhoūd Quhilk I perſaue hes ſauit my ſonnis life ſlane Fra the Serpent, throw his debait and ſtrife. Wo to the hour that now I drew my ſword, Wo to the hour that hard my wifis word. Wo to the hand that ſuddand ſtraik that gaue, To my beſt hound that my ſo 〈…〉 s life did ſaue Quhilk I lude beſt, without ony compair, Saifing my wife, my onlie Sone and Air. Quhilk at this time hes ſauit fra the deid, And for rewaird, now he hes loiſt his heid. But dout I wald haue geuin a thouſand pound Of gude money, or I had ſlane my hound. Bot ſen ſa is I ſe is na remeid. My Sone is ſaif, and my gude hound is deid, That faucht for him, and onlie ſauit his life, And I him ſlew throw ane word of my wife, Bot fra thine furth heir I ſolempne ane vow. That Jik man ſall gif credence to and trow. Heir I forſaik all Tornay and Juſting, Heir I forſaik all Halking and Hunting. Heir I forſaik rynning with ſcheild and ſpeir, Heir I forſaik all faitis of men of weir, In Criſtindome bot ȝit not manlynes, Heir I forſaik all armour and harnes. For I will pas now to the Halie land, And fecht with Jowis, quhill I may ſtrike or ſtand Contrair Gods fais & thairto end my life This vowit yis knicht for ane word of his wife That vnto hir gaue ſic haiſtie credence, Withouttin caus or ȝit Experience. Thairfoir my Lord ȝour gude Grace I require, Gif not ſa ſone credence to the deſire Of ȝour Emprice, thocht ſcho be diligent. Aganis ȝour Sone greit leſingis to Inuent. For ȝe may weill be this ſame Tale perſaue Quhat the knicht gat that ſa ſone credence gaue Vnto his wife, and to hir wordis vane, That ſauit his Sone yt ſame hound hes he ſlane Thairfoir gude Schir, & pleis ȝour nobill grace I wald ȝe gaue na credence in this cace Vnto ȝour Quene, to put ȝour Sone to deid, For ȝe will rew quhen thair is na remeid. As did this knicht, his Nobill hound that ſlew Remeid bypaſt, than he began to rew. My Lord he ſaid, haue ȝe betane this Taill. The Empreour ſaid, that I haue done but faill For that gude Taill that ȝe haue tauld to me, As for this day, my Sone he ſall not die. The Doctour ſaid gif that ȝe do ſir thing Ze do wiſelie, and like ane Nobill king. Thankand ȝour Grace, that onlie for my ſaik Zour Sonnis deid, onlie ȝe haue done ſlaik. And ſa tuke leif at the gude Empreour To his marrowis paſt hame with all pleſour.
¶ MORALITAS. THIS Tale vs tellis, quha liſt thairto tak tent That Nureſis ſuld not be negligent To keip thair Babis quha can not keip thair ſell Fra fyre, watter, and all ſiclyke perrell. That may happin to ony Innocent. For in to treuth my ſelf this mater ſaw. In Edinburgh toun weſt vnderneth the waw Thairfoir mair ſure the mater ȝe ſall trow. That ane Infant was ſwellyit with ane ſow. The guttis raif furth, baith lung Leuer and gaw. The Mother left the ȝoung ane on the flure In blankets ſit, quhilk barne hir awin ſelf bure, Paſt hir way furth, and or ſcbo come agane The gredie ſow had this ȝoung Babie ſlane. This my ſelf ſaw, I may ſay it mair ſure. Thothe I not ſaw this vther I hard tell How ane woman paſt furth bot to the well. And left hir Bab, in the Creddill ſleipand Or ſcho returnit, the hous was all byrnand. And the ȝoung Bab, deuorit with fyre ſa fell. Mony miſcheifis and alſo greit offencs Des oft occurrit be Nureis negligence, That thair Babeis leifis in the hous alane Quhilk is the caus of mony barnis vane. As is oft ſene be gude Experience. Thairfoir Mothers and Nureſis I proteſt Quhen that ȝe put ȝout ȝoung Babeis to reſt Leif not the hous alane all deſolait Quhat may be chance oft times richt ſmall ȝe wait To cſhew danger do ȝe the liklyeſt, Als in this Tale I fynd ane vther thing. How the Serpent lay in the hoill lurking Wait and quhill that the hous was at quyet Mony ſeruand is now preuilie play is the Dyet Muche taking out, and ſmall gude will inbring. Thir to Serpentis richt weill I may compair Fra thair Maiſteris ay takand lait and air As Beif, Bacon, malt, meill baith claith and coilis. Takand ay out, and hydand into hoils. Thir ar Serpents I ſay to ȝow but mair. As to this knicht, quhilk his gude hound hes ſlane That ſauit his Sone fra all perrell and pane Ze may perſaue be gude Experience It is not gude to gif haiſtie credence To wyfis wordis, that ar baith fals and vane. Unto the tyme thay had perfytelie ſene How the haill caus and mater it had bene. Quhen thay had •• nawin the vtter veritie Than had bene tyme the Dog to haue gart die, Alſo the Nureis na way I can mak clene, Sine throw the word of ane vane wickit wyfe, Quhilk oft is caus of mekill ſturt and ſtryfe. Cauſit him to do the thing he did ſair rew Becaus the treuth that tyme clene he miſknew. And gart him reif fra his gude hound the lyfe. Quhilk Inſtantlie for ſuik rynning of ſpeir, All merynes, and honeſt fait is of weir, All vailȝeant acts of Juſting and Tornay Hunting Halking, and all ſir game and play His awin Realme als, for euer mair forbeir. Ze Maryit men tak heir Experience, And ſiclyke als perfyte Intelligence Fra haiſtie word is of ȝour wyfis to eſchow For thay will ſay, and gar ȝow traiſtlie trow Quhilk is not worth ane ſchelfull of credence. O wickit wicht, thow dois all that thow can With fals Ingyne, euer to tempt the man Quben maiſt he makis him ſelf for to diſtroy Than art thow blyth, then makis thow mirth and ioy Wa worth thy wit, thy banis he may ſair ban. Waryit woman that ay caſtis thy Ingyne Thy awin marrow euer to put to pyne. Sa thow obtene thy foull luſt and pleſour Not regarding na way thy awin honour. Quhilk thow not cairis for ane auld, trump to tyne. Curſt creature, and alſo ſhameles ſeid Ane honeſt turne I can not of the reid, Excepting ane that bure the vlyſfull byrth Quhilk with his blude brocht vs all to greit myrth, To pray to him doutles thow had greit neid.
¶ Ane laude and praiſe to the Doctour that put of the perrell of the firſt day be his Tale telling to the Empreour. OPANTILLAS with thy ſweit ſuggurit toung, Quhilk in greit Realmes and Kinrikis hes bene roung, And now at laitto this gude Empreour Quhilk ſweit ſentence thow hes baith ſaid and ſoung And fra all dout and danger doun hes doung The Empreouris greit and ring and feirce furour Quhair throw thow hes procurit ſum ſuccour Vnto the Chylde, on Gallous ſuld bene houng Had not thow bene, God thank the gude doctour.
¶ The ſecund Tale of the Emprice. TO the Emprice word paſt Incontinent. That the Kingis ſone had not tholit Jugement Quhē ſcho that hard but tary ſcho fell doū For ſturt and noy, into ane deidlie ſwoun. Quhairof word come vnto the Empreour, That his Lady had tane ſic diſpleſour. And ſa anone faſt hidder he him ſped. Fand hir richt ſair murning into hir bed. Sa he Inquirit at hir quhat was the caus Scho ſaid my Lord, thair is anew that knawis Quhat eirdlie ſchame, diſpite and diſpleſour Done be ȝour Sone, and to my diſhonour. Quhairof I can be na way get remeid, And ȝe promeiſt this day he ſuld be deid. Bot w allace I dout richt wounder ſair. It fall ȝow chance as did a e Hird and Bai , The Empreour ſaid Madame I ȝow Inquir That Tale to tell, for it is my deſire. To heir it tauld be ȝow the ſuith I ſay, Quod ſcho my Lord I tauld ane ȝiſterday. Of it followit richt ſmall effect or nane Quhairto ſuld I ane vther tell agane. Now beit thairto that ȝe gif gre t credence, To ſet it furth ȝe mak richt ſmall defence. Zit not the les at this time I will tell Now with ane Bair and Scheiphird it befell. VPON a time thair was ane Empreour Of greit wiſdome, greit puiſſauce & honour Ane fair Foreſt he had pleſand to ſe Baith gay and trim, with mony ſemelietre. Quhairin thair was rinning ane grit wild bait Baith day and nicht he maid thairin repair. All kind of folk that this Bair micht ouirta. Without merci he did douoir and ſla. Sa that nane durſt out throw the Foreſt pas, For dout of deid, the way ſa perrellous was. Quhairof the King was heuie in his minde, That his pepill was ſlane on ſiclike kinde. With ane dum beiſt deuorit to the deid, And be na way thairof culd get remeid. In his Impyre, ane cry he gart proclame, On his behalf, Authoritie and Name. Quha wald debait or bauldlie tak on hand With that brym bair in battell for to ſtand, And him vincus be ſtrenth of ſtalwart ſtraik, His aue douchter he ſuld haue to his maik, Efter his deid, his Realme as he war Air, This he ſuld haue, quha euer ſlew the Bair. This was proclamit throw his Kinrik and lād Bot nane was found, the deid wald tak on hād Ercept ane Hird that in him felf uke he d Micht I this Bair quod he bring to the deid. Not o lie I, bot all my k •• alſo Suld throw that deid bruik euer waldlie Jo. And euer mair in eſtimatioun be. Sa I had hap to gar that dum beiſt die. Quhilk I ſall do or ells to lois my life, Se I that Bair, we ſalb at the ſtrife. And ſa he tuke his Scheiphirdis ſtaf in hand. Paſt to the wod, quhair he the Bair ſone fand. e may perſaue how ſone the Bair him ſaw, Without delay toward the Hird did draw, With ſic ane faird and als ane felloun feir. The ſilli Hird durſt neuer cum him neir To ſaue his life, to ſe gif he had hap, But mair debait vp in ane tre he lap. Incontinent quhen that the Bair ſa ſaw The tre to bite began and als to gnaw, Sa that the hird was ſair feirit in ane part That the tre crop he ſuld gar turne dounwart, Bot ȝit the hird bethocbt him on ane wile, Now that he ſuld this brim bauld bair begile. It chances ſa, this tre was laidin fow Of Nobill frute, quhilk ay the hird did pow Quhilk he keſt doun ay to the Bair to cit, Quhairof the Bair was blyith that he gat meit And fillit him ſo that he liſt weill to ſleip, The hird that ſaw, and doun the tre did creip. Be that ane arme he hang into the tre. With that vther the Bair richt quyetlie Upon the wombe richt ſoftli can he claw, The Bair ſleiping perſauit w ill he ſaw. At the tre rute, the Bair quhair that he lay With his Braig knife his throt uttit in way. Sine brocht his heid vnto the Empreour With all blyithnes, triumph and greit honour, Saying gude Schir, and pleis ȝour nobil grace Zour greit w ld bair I haue him killit throw race Not douting bot, ȝour cry ȝe will fulfill, Ze cauſit proclame with ȝour counſall and will Quhat euer he was, that wald kill ȝour wilde Bair He ſuld mary ȝour douchter and ȝour Air. Quhen all ȝour Court refuſit the ſame to do With ane ſtout hart I ſet my mynd thairto. And now on caſe the ſame man chancit am I And I deſire ȝour Grace fulfill ȝour cry The Empreour ſaid, all that I cauſit proclame Compleit I not, it is to my defame. Quhat ſuld be mair, thair he gat till his wage The Empreours douchter, & Realme in heritage Quhen the Empreour paſt fra this mortall lite, The haill Impire he bruikit and his wife. And ſa the Hird on bak he clew the Bair, Quhairthrow he gat the kingdome euer mair. Quod ſcho my Lord, haue ȝe not vnderſtand Quhat I haue ſaid quod he I tak on hand. Quod ſcho my Lord ȝit than it war ua ſkaith. Thocht I ȝow tald the Tale and ſentence baith
¶ The Declaratioun of this Tale. THIS michtie Bair betakinnis ȝour perſoun, Throw quhais greit micht, wit wiſdome and ren un. This haill Impyre ȝe gyde and als defendis And puniſhes quhat perſoun that offendis. This Hyrd I may to ȝour Sone weill compair. That ȝow wald ſla, as this Hird did the Bair. With his cunning dois claw ȝow on the wame, Quhill that ȝe ſleip, and ſyne put ȝow to ſchame. Or ellis ȝow ſlay, outher be day or nicht, This ȝour Sone dois be his Science and ſlicht, That he may bruke baith ȝour Impyre and Croun He cairis nathing quhat cum to ȝour perſoun. Euin ſa his Maiſteris with thair fals fenȝeit ſawis Dois ȝow ay glois, as all the warld weill knawis Thairfoir my Lord as ȝe will haue weilfair, Remember weill on the Scheiphyrd and Bair, Than ſaid the King, God forbid that ſa be That chancit the Bair, that ſic thing chance not me. Bot not the les, Madame for ȝour gude Taill, My Sone the morne ſalbe hangit but faill. My Lord (ſaid ſcho) gif ȝe compleit that thing Than ſall ȝe do lyke ane wyſe Nobill King.
¶ MORALITAS. CVRAGE prouokis hardynes, Quhilk twa Ingenneris ſtrang manheid Quhilk twa adionit with happynes Makis a man debait his pleid, Richt ſa into this cace. this Scheiphyrd did purches The fair Madin als ſweit as meid, With all hir land and gold ſa reid, God grantit him ſic grace Auenture gude and haue ay gude, for debait ma is deſtanie For euin with this ſcheiphird ſtude, outher to do or els to die He was ſa ſtont and ſture, of his lyfe tuke na cure, Thairfoir wald thow eſtemitit be, ſet all on auenture, And for to purches honeſtie. To dignitie wald thow the dres, and conqueis the honour Thow ſuld not ſleip in Idilnes, nor tak all thy pleſour Set all on ſer and ſeuin and perchance caſt eleum With prayer ſa and gude laubour, a man may cōqueis beuin Denu ing the of all rankour.
¶ Ane reproche to the Empri e. THE crukit companſouns of ȝour wylde Bair Will win ȝow na wariſounis, to ȝow I declair Of hell thow art the ſnair, plutois playfule in plane In hell than hald the thair, and cum not heir agane Bot ſtill their ay remane, to be houng be the hals Into perpetuall pane, becaus thow art ſa fals.
THE morrow come, and but mair auiſement The Empreour ſet him ſelf in Judgement. Condampnit his Sone on Gallous for to die, Without reſpect, that alkin man micht ſe. He being led out throw the ſtreit and toun With greit regrait, and ſair lamentatioun. The nixt Maiſter come than the way ridand, And ſaw the Child to the Gallous gangand. Quhairat he was baith ſad and ſorrowfow, Bot ȝit the Childe to his Maiſter did bow, Inclynit his heid, as he wald ſaid him to, Maiſter mak ſpeid, ȝe ken quhat is ado. The Maiſter than prickit ſa in that ſtour, Quhill he lichtit befoir the Empreour, With reuerence, as weill culd him effeir, And at his Grace richt humblie culd he ſpeir. O my gude Lord quha geuis ȝow this counſell Withouttin caus ȝour awin ſone doun to quell It is ȝour wife that ſiclike garris ȝow do? Perchance ȝe ſall vpon war hap cum to. Thā chācit ane knicht yat throw his wifis fals Was put to ſchame, wtout querrel or caus ſaw is Than ſaid the King, gude maiſter I require ȝow Schaw me that Tale & blyithlie I ſal heir ȝow My Lord he ſayis, will ȝe gar call agane Zour onlie Sone, quha is to ſuffer pane, I ſall ȝow tell my Tale furth to the end. And ſa the King agane for him did ſend. Put him in waird quhair that he was beforne, Quhill that the Tale was done and til y morne Sa the Maiſter the ſecund Tale began Befoir the King, and mony Nobill man. As ȝe ſall heir, thairfoir gif audience, But mair delay, and to ȝour reuerence.
¶ The Tale of the ſecund Maiſter. IN ane Cietie thair was ane Ancient Knicht That had maryit ane Lady fair and bricht. As ȝe haue ane, my Lord to ȝour pleſour And held hir vp in all eis and honour. Lufit hir ſa weill, aboue all eirdly thing, Sir as ȝe do ȝour Quene my Souerane King. He lude hir ſa, he culd not eit nor drink But hir preſence, ſa on hir ay did think. And als at euin quhen all folk to bed paſt, The ȝettis and dures ſiclike he lokkit faſt, And all the keyis vnder his heid thay lay, Euerilk nicht quhill morne that it was day. And at ilk morne quhen he thocht time to riſe, Oppinnit the dures him ſelf as was the giſe. In that Cietie was ane cuſtome and Law, Cryit oppinlie that Ilk perſoun micht knaw. At ane ſet hour ane Bell was roung at nicht, That all micht heir, and vnderſtand full richt, And thairefter withouttin mair delay The watche was ſet to walk quhill it was day. Sine efter that, gif thay culd ony meit Gangand allone, or walkand on the ſtreit. Sone thay war tane, and vnto preſound led, Quhill on the morue that all men rais fra bed, Thay war faſt bound to ane ſtock or ane tre, To thair greit ſchame, that all the toun micht ſe Sine efter that, Induring thair lifetime Thay war repute as giltie of ane crime, And haldin furth fra all gude companie, This was the Law that time of this Cietie. This foirſaid Knicht quhairof I ſpak of air, Was growin in age, ane auld man and ane hair His rampand rage of ȝouth he had compleit, And had ſlokinnit of bedſolace the ſweit. How beit he lude his Lady weill aneuch. Zit as ȝe ken, mair graith pertenis the pleuch. And ſcho perſauit of ſic craft he did faill Scho tuke in heid ane vther to aſſaill, And ſa ſcho did, ane man of tender age In luſt is bour for to win vaſſalage. Quha had ane quyer Chalmer in the toun. Sa euerie nicht efter this Knicht lay doun, Under his heid the key ſcho ſtaill away, To hir ȝoung lufe ſcho went quhair that he lay And ſa ſcho did, als oft as euer ſcho liſt, Tuke furth the keyis that hir huſband not wiſt And quhen ſcho come fra hir tryſt and hir trane, Scho laid the keyis vnder his heid agane. So it befell vpon ane wynter nicht Ane walking come vpon this Elderin Knicht He culd not ſleip, ȝit walking as he lay, He turnit about and miſt his wife away, Vpon hir Name he cryit ofter nor thriſe, Scho anſwerit not, than he begouth to riſe, Socht all the hous be na way culd hir find. And wiſt not weill gif ſcho was out or in. Socht his bed heid quhair that the keyis lay, Quhat wald ȝe mair thay war all tane away. Paſt to the ȝettis, all oppin he thame fand, But mair auiſe he cloſit thame fra hand. In ane windo that oppinnit vp to the gait Mekill of the nicht thair ſat he at the wait, And quhen it was about the thrid Cok craw Makand hir hame, his awin wife he ſaw, Quha fand the ȝettis vpon hir lokkit faſt, Ze may weill wit that ſcho was than agaſt. Neuer the les becaus the ȝettis was lokkit, For to win in peirtlie thairat ſcho knokkit. Than ſaid the Knicht, O thow woman vnclene Thinkis thow honour on ſtreit now to be ſene? O wickit wife, and wofull waryit wicht, Quhy hes thow now diſſauit thy awin Knicht Of quhom thow knew all hail thow had y hart Of thy bawdrie now I am weill expart. For this is not the firſt time thow hes done Sic harlatrie, thow ſall rew be ȝone Mone. Quhill the watche cum thair ſtill ȝe ſall remane And as Law will, thairefter thoill the pane. Than ſaid the wife, my Lord quth ſay ȝe ſa, Quhair I was now thair was witnes far ma. My Motheris Mand ſcho come and fetchit me, Quhilk lyis richt ſeik, and is in point to die. And than becaus I ſaw ȝow weill on reſt, To wakin ȝow I thocht it not the beſt. That gart me ſteill the keyis fra ȝow away, I thocht pittie to walkin ȝow as ȝe lay. For quhy ȝe ken ȝe ar febill and auld To walkin ȝow of ȝour firſt ſleip ȝe wald Bene ſeik the morne and wonder Ill diſpoſit, Thairfoir craib not, that ȝour ȝettis was vncloſit And my Mother als is ſa wonder ſeik, Ane word to me, ſkarſlie ſcho had to ſpeik. Anoyntit ellis, and maid hir latter will And now my ſelf hes haiſt it me ȝow till. Thairfoir gude Lord I pray ȝow hartflulie Tak na ſuſpect, nor think na fault in me. For I had neuer ſic thing in my thocht Sen the firſt time to ȝour bed I was brocht, Nor neuer had ſic thing into my hart Nor neuer ſall, quhill deid vs twa depart. Thairfoir I pray, ȝe lat me not be tane With the toū watche, heir ſtanding mine alane For now the hour approches wonder neir. That the watche riſe, & thay will find me heir, Quhilk is to me ane euerlaſting ſchame, And als to ȝow it is ane greit defame. War I gnltie or ȝit committit crime. I wald witſchaif ȝe held me out this time. Than ſaid the Knicht doutles ȝe cum not in, For na prayer of ȝow nor all ȝour kin. Qahill that the watche betak ȝow in the ſnair, Than quhair ȝe war, to thame ȝe mon declair. Than the wife ſaid my Lord gif ſa ȝe do In greit defame of vs baith it cummis to, And all our kin Alpa and our freindis, And all vther that ather of vs pertenis. Gif I he heir now with the toun watche found I rather gif ane hundreth thouſand pound. Quod he Ill wife, and woman far defamit. Thow hes ſa done, yat thy ſelf thow hes ſchamit Far better war for thn fait puneiſt be, And heir thaill ſchame, that all mankind may ſe Nor for to thoill puniſchment efter deid, In birnand hell, quhair thair is na remeid. Than ſaid the wife my Lord I ȝow require, In this ane point to fulfill my deſire. Now for his ſaik that deit vpon the tre, Thoill not ſic ſchame ſa ſaikles cum to me. The Knicht anſwerit vnto his wife agane. Ill wiekit wife, thy wordis ar all in vane. Thow cūmis not in vnto the watches knaw, And be puneiſt efter the cours of Law. Than ſaid the wife I perſaue this is done All for Juuy, and ȝe ar Inoportune. Than ſen ſa is ȝe ar Impatient, I will ȝow ſchaw in few wordis my Intent. My Lord ȝe knaw at this ȝet ſtandis ane well Quhairin but dout now I ſall drowne my ſell. Rather nor I and all mp kin be ſchamit, And als ȝour ſelf ſall not chaip vndefamit. Thā ſaid the Knicht wald God yat ſic had bene Lang time befoir I ſaw ȝow with mine Ene. Sa as thir twa togidder was at talk The Mone wor dark and hid was vnder walk Than ſaid the wife, my Lord and be ȝour will, That I heir bide, the ſame I mon fulfill. Or I bide heir and for to ſchame my ſell Rather I ſall be drownit in this well. Bot I will do as ane gude Criſtin wicht, Aucht to hir Lord, and to ane Nobill Knicht. Zit or I die my minde is and Intent Befoir ȝow heir to mak my Teſtament. Heir to the Lord firſt I bequyth my Saull, My banis to ly in the Kirk of Sanct Paull, As for my gudes, had I ten thouſand pound. Ten thouſand ky gangand vpon the ground. Als mony Plewis gangand vpon the land, Als mony ſcheip as thairvpon micht ſtand. I wald leif all vnto ȝour awin perſoun, Thame to diſpone at ȝour awin diſeretioun. And gif ȝe pleis ony thing for to deill Into Almus, for my weill and Saull heill, That I refer to ȝour awin wit and will, Quhat euer ȝe pleis, the ſame for to fulfill. For weill I wait ȝe will do botthe richt, I ſay na mair my ſweit huſband gudnicht. As ſcbo that ſaid, in hir armes culd ſcho tak Ane mekill ſtane, and in the well did ſwak. That being done, ſcho come richt preuilie To the ȝet cheik, and ſtude thair quictlie. The Knicht heiring the ſtane fall in the well, Beleuit weill it was the Lady ſell. And ſaid allace my wife is drownit but dout, Sa in ane fray the Knicht come rinnand out, And to the well he ſped him but mair baid, The wife that ſaw, in at the ȝet ſcho ſlaid, And cloſit the ȝet richt wander ſure and faſt, To the windo in haiſt ſcho culd hir caſt. In the meane time the Knicht ſtude at the well, Murning richt ſair and ſaying to him ſell. Wo be the hour that euer I was borne, My lufit wife allace is now forlorne. Wo be the hour that euer I cloſit my ȝet, Wo be the hour in my windo I ſet To ſpy my wife, quhilk I wait was ſaikles, I am the wite now of hir deid doutles. Allace allace now is thair na remeid Throw wilfulnes of vs baith ſcho is deid. The Lady hard, in windo quhair ſcho lay, And to the Knicht with ſturdit wordis culd ſay O ȝe auld fule that ſuld be callit ane Knicht. Quhat do ȝe thair ſtanding this time of nicht, Out of ȝour bed walking ſa wonder lait, Waitting ȝour hures and harlotis on the gait. Micht it not ſerue my body at ȝour will, Bot ȝe wald pas ȝour auld huredome vntill. This is nichtlie ȝe vſe the ſame paſſage, Ze ſall repent richt ſair ȝour auld fulage. The Knicht kuawing the voce of his awin wife He was richt blyith that ſcho was ȝit on life. Saying Lady weill is me euer mair, Louing to God that I may heir ȝow thair. For I beleuit ȝe had bene in the well, Quod ſcho auld fule keip the out of it thy ſell. Thow ſeruis better for to haue puniſchement, For thy baudrie, nor halie gaitis to went. Quod he Lady lat ȝe ſic langage be, Quhat is the caus ȝe ſay ſic thing to me? Quhen I lockit the ȝet ȝe ſall me trow I did nathing bot to haue chaiſſit ȝow. For in na wiſe I neuer did Intend Zow to diſpleis, or ony way offend. For quhen I hard the noyis into the well, Vnto my hart thair ſtraik ane cruell knell, And in all haiſt ȝe ſaw as I come doun Zow to preſerue, that na wayis ȝe fuld droun. Auld doſinnit Carll (quod ſcho) I heir the lie, Thow was ouir peirt to Judge ſit thing to me. Bot I perſaue this Prouerb is richt trew, The Iniuſt oft the Innocent dois perſew. Thow leis to me, and hes done mony time, Euer the gilt quhen thow committis the crime, As thow dois now, that neuer to the faillit. Bot thy greit ſlicht as now I haue aſſaillit, And hes the tane into the ſicker ſnair, Quhairfoir but dout for me thow ſall ſtand yair Quhill watches cum and with thame to be ſens In times bygane ane auld fule thow hes bene, That me lichtlyit, thy awin wife and diſprſit, And to thy hures ȝeid oft times diſagiſit. And euer hes done, ſen firſt time I the kend, All thy lifetime in lownrie thow hes ſpend. Bot God will not lat ſit vnpuneiſt be, For mony fault thow hes done oft to me. For he is Juſt, and will haue ſit thing ſchawin And I ſall mak it vnto the pepill knawin. Thairfoir ſtād ſtill, thow cūmis not in but dout Quhill the watches and al Nichtbouris about Quhat ane thow art, thay may perfytelie knaw And thairefter to bide the ſtraik of Law. Than ſaid the knicht, Lady I haue meruell To uhat effect ſuld ȝe ſit to me tell. Ze knaw richt weill that I am auld and hair, And in this toun I haue bene euer mair, And weill I wait quhair my name was proclamit Vnto this hour for na taus was defamit. Thairfoir Lady for the gude Lordis Name Thoill me cum in, and let me not tak ſchame. Scho ſaid ald fule thou ſpēds thy ſpeich in vane Thair ſall thow ſtand, and thoil of law ye pane Better it is to thoill heir patientlie, Nor euer mai in hell condampnit be. Salomon ſayis thre things that God dois hait Ane pure proud man abone his awin eſtait. Sine ane riche man in conſuctude to lie, And ane auld man ane fond fule for to be. And ſa but dout ȝe bruck thir vices thre, Quhat neid had ȝe ſa far to lie on me. As for riches ȝe haue riches at will Quhy ſuld ȝe than ȝour ſpeiche with falſet ſpill, As for ane Fule, ȝe ar ane wonder touth, For as ȝe ken the flour of all my ȝouth, At ȝour pleſure ȝe haue had euer mair, Zit to baudrie ȝe ȝeid baith lait and air Thairfoir God hes done wonder weill ow till Thocht ȝe contrair baith his command and wil Hes perſeuerit ſtill in ȝour harlatrie, Zit he will not thaufoir ȝe periſchit be, Bot leut ȝow grace ȝour ſinnis heir repent Thairfoir ȝe mon bide Law and Judgement. Than ſaid the knicht my Lady beſt belufit, Howbeit God be contrair ane ſinner mufit, Zit not the les as all ſinnaris ſuld trow, God of his grace is to vs mercyfow. Quhat time we will forbeir and als repent, Than God forgeuis our ſinnes Incontinent. Thairfoir Lady ſen ſic grace God vs ſendis Now let me in, and I ſail mak ane mendis. Than ſaid the wife with voice ſtout and auſteir Hence the harlot, quhair deill gar we this Freir Talk quhat thow pleis, bot trewlie yu ſall trow Thow cummis not in, and heir I mak ane vow And as thay ſpak thir wordis thame amang, In the meane time the watches bell thay rang. Than ſaid the knicht, gude wife let ly ſic things Heir ȝe not now how that the watche bell rings Suffer me not for euer to tak ſchame, Quhilk is forſuith degrading of my Name. Quod ſcho ȝe wait not quhat ȝone ringing menis To the weilfair of ȝour ſaull it pertenis. Thairfoir ȝe man tak all furth pacientlie For ȝour pennance ȝe mon thoill opinlie Ane treſpaſſour but dout lang haue ȝe bene To GOD and me, as fall be hard and ſene. In the meane time thir twaſum as thay talkit. Vp throw the ſtreit the watches come yt walkit. Sone into handis thay tuik this Nobil knicht With greit meruell how he into the nicht Vpon the ſtreit durſt furth of ludgeing be, Thay to him ſaid it was na knichts dewtie: Conſidering weill the dout of Law he kend, He was to bauld the contrair to pretend. Scho heiring this with a loude voice ſcho cryit O my gude freinds, the treuth now ȝe haue ſpyit Of that Truikour, and als ane dotit Fule, That his foule luſt on na wayis he culd cule. Bot vpon hures furth paſſing on the nicht, Pans ȝe gif ſic pertenis to ane auld knicht. That my bodie at pleſour had all time, Conſidre now gif he committit crime: Wit hures all nicht, and 〈…〉 g in at morne Bot of ſit faulus I haue him oft forborne. Beleuing ay ſit faultis he ſuld haue mendit, Bot ȝe may ſe gif he hes now offendit. Thairfoir gif ȝe of ſic hes correctioi , Conforme to Law ȝ pun is his perſoure That ſit auld deuili s as he ſa lang hes bent Tak rampili of him befoir thair en . For he hes bene to me ane gr •• t tratour, I wait ſit ane ȝit neuer maid natour. Than the warches uik him Incontinent To deiy preſoun with him in 〈◊〉 thay went. Quhill day was ſicht, and 〈◊〉 the Sour rais, With him the watche vnto the 〈◊〉 ga s, Schawing to him the faſſoun to the end, How on the cht thay did him comprehend: And how to thame his wife ſit plaintis maid, Incontinent the Proueſt but mair baid To ane pillex ude in 〈◊〉 of the ſtr it. Gar ſet him vp fa •• 〈◊〉 hands and feit, That all the pepill within that gre 〈◊〉 To his greit ſchame maid him that all micht ſe And ſa this knicht but 〈◊〉 fault defamit, Was throw his wife ſa ſaikles euer ſchamit. The Dortour then ſaid hu 〈…〉 the ing, And pleis ȝour grace ȝe haue Vnderſtanding Quhat I haue ſaid, th •• preour ſaid riche weill Zour Sermone hes ſentence ſa haue I ſeill. The Ma ſter ſaid it ſall worſe happin ȝow Nor chácit this knicht for treuth yis ȝe ſal trow Gif that ȝe do for the wordis of ȝour wife. ut doun ȝour ſone, and reif fra him his life. The Empreour ſaid that wiſe was far to blame That hir huſband put to ſic oppinſchame, And he ſa kles the foull Ill hir betide. Scho was the worſt, that ȝit did gang or ride. And for that Tale that thow hes tauld to me, This day but dout my Sone he ſall not die. The Maiſter ſaid my Lord ȝe doing ſo Within few da s batth pleſure and greit Jo Of ȝour ane Sone ȝe ſall haue Schir but faill. Sa this Maiſter quhen he had tauld his Taill, Thank the King of his benenolence, Sa tuke his leif, and hamewart is gone hence.
¶ MORALITAS. ALL cunning Clerkis that culd in ſtorpis wryte Be all thair craft culd neuer ȝit Indyte. The greit miſcheif be wemen done to me 〈…〉 The tratuor diſpleſour and diſpyte Heirſchip, Qauchter, the greit ſorrow and ſyte. At lenth to wryte it tyrit thair pith and pen. Thay war ſa budge and vglie as ȝe ken The teynd thair of thay culo get neuer endie Becaus to men ſa oft thay haue offendie. Of thame quhat ſayis the greft Phileſop 〈…〉 Areſtotill, and als that ding Doctour L cero and Salomon ſaid ſum part For all his wit, greit riches and honour Thay cau •• him be ane greit Idolatour. And fra greit God gart him turne all his hart. Si lyke Uirgill that was ſa done expart In ll ane treill thay hang him ouir the wa o his greit ſhame, that all the pepillſaw, Areſtotill qubilk was the A perſie Of naturall wit, and greit Philoſophie. Thay brydillit him as he had bene ane hors Samſon diſſauit be greit ſubtilitie. uhat gat Dauid for all his Propheſiet ow ȝt may 〈◊〉 nouther wiſdome nor for Dow not reſiſt the curſtnes of thair cors, Aneuch heirof quha ykis to reid Bowei , And quhair he wantis, ȝit ſum thing ſapis 〈◊〉 Thairfoir I ſay I think it na meruell This gentill Knicht, quhome of our tale we tell, Conſiddering he was ſa auld and hair Diſſauit was be this hochlop of hell With ſa greit ſlicht keſt the ſtane in the well. Allace, allace, and wo for euer mair Scho ſuld eſchaip gifthan I had bene thair To helpit hir, that fyrie brand ſa fell Hir to haue drownit, my handis thay ſuld not ſp 〈…〉 Scho makand fault, and he alwayis faultles, Scho at hir game, and he alwayis gyitles, Scho being fals, and he ſa traiſt and trew He being firme, and ſcho alway faithles, Did him accuſe of that Ilk deid doutles Quhairin hir ſelf was gyltie weill ſcho knew For all his ſpeiche, nathing wald on him ew. Fy, fy, fals Femids, and furius hell Furnes In bitter gall turnes all ȝour game and glew. Now Schiro perſaue hir icht and ſubteltie Quhen he ſl •• pit ſcho ſtaill away the kie, Quhair ſcho pleſit paſt furth to hir pleſour Quhen ſcho come hame ſa loude as ſcho culd li Saying hir Mother was in point to die With mony wordis diſſemblit vnder cullo •• , Forgit with falſet, lurkand for diſpleſo r. And ſyne at ſchort how ſcho maid hir Teſtment, O mer y God, heir is ane fals Intent. O ſubtell ſchrew, and verray Sathans ſeid Imp of the Deuill, cairis nouther Cors nor Cre •• Tyner of treuth, with toung Intoricat Belgebubis barne, Infernall byrnand gleid With fenȝeit fair thy feiris weill can thow feid And flattering wordis fulfillit all with diſſait Lynit with eſingis, lawtie gais by ȝour gait Net of the Feind in vengeance ȝe awant ȝow Baner of baill, the Deuill he dow not dant ȝow 〈◊◊〉 men in tyme keip weill ȝour 〈◊〉 , ow ȝe may ken ſic wemens properteis, Qubat mercy, grace, or gude deid thay wil grant Gif ȝe deſyre at thame ony ſuppleis. Than ſall thay mak to ȝow ane thouſand it is. ow to obey at euer abſtant Quhat thay wald haue, that thing thay will not w 〈…〉 It that thay ſ tu giue thame the Spanȝe fleis That may ſetue weill ſic ane vnſonſ •• Sanct. Quha can excuſe this dowhill Deuillis 〈◊〉 Sic ane fals trik ſa trymlie playit to hun Scho in the fault, and he ſa Innocent Fy bitter Bitche, hauld byrnand Bair ſa br 〈…〉 Thy clene conſcience to heuin wil gar the clim, Or doun to hell euer be permanent In P utois Salice thair to be Preſident 〈…〉 ang that graceles g riſoun ſa grim, reit pietie war thow ſuld be thair abſent. For quhy thow can ſa weill ane leſing cle 〈…〉 Turne vp ſyde doun, ay to tht awin effect Thocht of thy Tale ane worde be neuer trew, Le inge to ain , thow takis bot lytill tek. And the blameles to put ay in the blek And ma fyue blak of that was neuer blew Of an trew taill thow can weill change the hew Thairfour I pray the deuill to brek thy ek.
¶ Ane louing to the ſecund Doctour. GOD thank thee Doctour for thy dayis wark Thow hes thee ſchawin ane Nobill cunning Clark, The innocent hes ſuccourit throw thy Taill, L t the Emprice now bluſter, bleir an dbark For at this time ſcho is put by hir mark, Trai •• ing in God that ſcho fall not preuaill Bot •• tl wait againe ſcho ſall aſſaill The Empreour with ſum ſtorie ſa ſtark, Bot hir vain wordis ſall hir nathing auaill.
¶ The thrid Taill of the Emprice. THE Emprice hard how all the mater ȝeid And how the Childe was not ȝit put to deid For verie ſturt in hir minde was richt wo It was maiſt like hir hart to briſt in two. To hir Chalmer than ſcho paſt ſone within, And thair began to ſkart and rife hir ſkin. And cryit aloude that euer I was borne, Into my Cude, ſen I had bene forlorne. I being Childe to ane ſa greit a King, That I ſuld thoill, and ſuffer ſic ane thing, As of ȝone Deuill, and ane rank Renigald, Me to deforce, ſa oppinlie he wald, To my greit ſchame, and warldlie diſhonour, I being Quene vnto the Empreour: And can heirof get na mendis nor remeid, I pray to God gif I war fairlie deid. Sa this was ſchawin vnto the Empreour, How his Lady was 〈◊〉 ſic diſpleſour. Into all haiſt to hir Chalmer he went, And ſaid Lady, I pray ȝow not lament, Sa Inwardlie, for it becūmis ȝow nocht, Tak not ſa far nouther in minde nor thorht. Scho ſaid my Lord, the lufe I aw to ȝow Makis me mair ſturt, in hart mair ſorowfow Nor diſpleſour of ȝone dum Deuillis deid, Thairfoir gude lord ſa greit God mot me ſpeid The Inwart lufe that I vnto ȝow heir, Sa cauſis me remaine ſtill with ȝow heir: Or ellis I had to my Father departit, To my countrie, war not I am ſa harti To ȝour behufe and pleſure nicht and day, That is the caus I will not pas my way. For gif I did than ane caus it wald be, Of greit diſcord, and Inammitie: Betuix my Father and ȝow for euer moir, This is the caus I will not pas thairfoir. For weill I wait he wald reuengr my querrell, And to conqueis, put all this Realme in perrell. For my father he is ane puiſſant Prence Of diuers Realmes, and of greit Reuerence. Wiſt he trewlie of my greit diſpleſour, I wait he wald Incres ſa in rankour, That this countrie for that ſuld ſair repent That is the caus fra him I me abſent, For ȝour pleſour, and ȝit ȝe will not trow. That I wald do ſic pleſure vnto ȝow. The Empreour ſaid Madame be weil Inclind Lat ſic malice remoue out of ȝour mind, For ſa lang time as God will len me life, I think neuer to faill to ȝow my wife. My Lord ſaid ſcho, I pray God ȝe leif lang, Howbeit that I thus leif in threip and thrang. Bot I dreid ſair and heuilie I feir, That it chance ȝow that chācit this hinder ȝeir Of ane greit Knicht and of his Sone alone, Efter the time that his Father was gone, Throw ſuddand chance departit to the deid Zit his awin Sone wald not burie his heid. The Empreour ſaid, that was ane felloun feid The Son wald not burie the Fatheris heid. That exempill I pray ȝow to me ſchaw Scho ſaid my Lord will ȝe tak tent and knaw It ſall do ȝow greit gude I tak on hand, Quod he ſchaw furth, and lat me vnderſtand. Sa ſcho began with all erpeditioun, As ſcho beſt culd to ſay furth hir Sermon. IN this Cietie that now is callit Rome, Quhilk in pai dapis was heid of criſtindome Thair dwelt ane Knicht, the ſuith ȝow for to ſay Had bot ane Sone, and he had Douchters twap This Knicht was geuin to Halking & Hunting Greit Tornamentis, and to ſwift hors rinning. To merynes and all kind of pleſour, That micht hald vp and furth ſet his honour. Sa euerie ȝeir ſa greit riches he ſpent, Quhilk thriſe ouircome his Rentall and his rent Quhairthrow than grew to him ſkant of riches His daylie cheir, and expens did decres. In that meane time thair was ane Emprour Octauiane. ane man of greit honour, Quhilk in riches, ſa richelie did abound, That his compair was not vpon the ground. That in ſo muche, he had in his treaſoure Of Gold ſiluer, the quhilk fulfild ane Towre. Quhilk gold & Towre, thocht he it had at large To ane greit Knicht to keip he gaue in charge. This vther Knicht quhome of we ſpak of air, That had ſpendit his rent and mekill mair. On Idill gammes, as Hunting and Halking. Lait ſitting vp, and out of time ſpending. To ſic pureteth, he grew and greit thirlage, That he behuid to ſell his heritage. He callit to him his Sone quhilk was his Air, And all the caſe to him he culd declair. This is the caſe, but dout my Sone aid he, I am compeld, ſa with greit pouertie, That I on force, and neid mon ſell my land, Except remeid cum at ſum vther hand, Quhairthrow I may, Induring my life dayis Leif honeſtlie, this to his Sone he ſayis. For gif I chance to ſell my heritage Ze ken my douchters wil want gude Mariage He ſaid Father, gif ſa it with ȝow ſtandis That ȝe on neid, analie mon ȝour landis, At ȝour pleſure, quhairof I am content Do as ȝe pleis, for thairto I conſent. The Father ſaid, now I haue tane in thocht, Ane gude conſait, and tell it will I nocht Bot vnto the, I knaw the Empreoure Of Gold and rent he hes fulfillit ane Towre. Lat vs twa pas, with Inſtrumentis be nicht, And brek the Towre with ſutteltie and ſlicht. We ſall obtene riches aboundantlie, Sall vs vphald euer in honeſtie, Than ſaid the Sone ſchortlie to mak ane end, Thair is na man that counſall can amend. It is better tak fra the Empreour Part of his Gold, his Siluer and treaſour. Than ȝe to ſell ȝour land and heritage, Quhairthrow ȝour barnis, ſal leif ay in thirlage Sa in ane voce thir twa did condiſcend To brek this Towre but tary thay Intend, Sa on ane nicht with Inſtrumentis thay paſt And throw the Towre ane hole thay gat at laſt Wan to the Gold, at larges quhair it lay, Furneiſt thame ſekkis, and vnſcryit come away Payit all his dettis, and leifit als merylie As of befoir, in alkin game and glie. In Halking Hunting and in Tornament, Quhil at the laſt the Gold was gane and ſpent. In the meane time, the keipar of the Towre Quhilk had in charge all this Gold & treaſour Perſauit the hole, and the Gold ſtollin away, He was ſorie, and wiſt not quhat to ſay. Into all haiſt paſt to the Empreour, And ſchew how theifis had ſtollin his greit trea ſour The Empreour ſaid, in Ire all angerlie Quhat is y caus thow ſchawis ſic thing to me? To the I gaue, as to ane trew ſeruand My Gold to keip, and that thow tuke on hand At the agane I aſk it to reſtoir, As it becūmis, thow ſall thoill panis thairfoir. Quhen that this Knicht the Empreour ſa hard ſay He ſaid na mair bot humblie come his way, And ſaw thair was na mater to debait, He vmbethocht him ſelf of ane conſait, Thinkand richt weill that thay wald cū agane To ſeik mair gold, to taint yame with ane trane Befoir the hole ane Ewn he gart prepair, Middillit with pick birdlime and ſiclike wair. Sa thick and teuch, that quha thairin cū wald Contrair tha r will, yair ſtill it wald yame hald And nane micht cum into that hole agane, Bot he moſte neidis fall in that ſamin trane. Not lang efter as I befoir haue ſaid, This vther Knicht, quhen the Gold ſpendit had He and his Sone agane went to the Towre, To ſteill mair Gold than fra the Empreoure. Sa the Father firſt in the hole he went, And in the Twn he fell Incontinent. In to the nek, and thair ſtak as ane ſtane, Conſidderit weill that his Fortoun was gane. Said to his Sone cum thow fordwart no way, For at this time, I am tane for the pray. Cum thow fordwart thow ſall not faill to die, And nane of vs ane vther may ſupplie. Than ſaid the Sone, gif ȝe may not eſchaip, Than ar we baith but dout tane in the raip. God vs defend Father that ſa no be. Bot at this time ȝe get ſum help of me. And gif I nocht may help ȝow now my ſell, In haiſt I will baith help and ſeik counſell. The Father ſaid I ſe is na remeid, Bot with thy ſword thow mon ſtrike of my heid And quhen thay find my deid body heidles, Than ſall ȝe all of this ſchame be ſaikles. Sa nane ſall knaw quhat perſoun did this deid Nor in quhais breiſt this bargane did inbreid. Than ſaid the Sone now Father be the Rude, Zour counſall is baith honeſt Juſt and gude. For gif ſa chancit, in this caſe ȝe war knawin, Siclike our ſchame till all men ſuld be ſchawin. Sa ſuld we not eſchaip the cruell deid, Sa I think beſt that I ſmite of ȝour heid. And euin with that, as he had ſaid the word, Out of the ſcheith anone he drew his ſword. His Fathers heid he hint of haiſtelie. And in ane gutter he keſt it neir hand by, Quhē this was done thā paſt he hame his way To his awin hous vnto his Siſteris tway. Schew thame the caſe, and all the mater haill. Quha ſair did weip priuelie and bewaill. Sone efter this the keipar of the Towre, Quhilk had in charge the gold and the treaſoure Quhair the hole was, within the Twn he fand, Ane heidles corps vnto the nek ſtandand, Quhairof he had baith meruell and dredour, In haiſt he paſt and tauld the Empreour. Incontinent throw all the toun than ȝeid, How thair was found ane body but a heid. Into the Twn the quhilk the knitht did ſet, Quha ſtaill the Gold, to tak him in the Net Than to this Knicht the empr our ſaid but faill Tak the deid corps and k •• t to ane hors taill, And draw it throw the ſtreitis of the Cietie, A d perſa e weill quhair ony murmure be. Ony ſorrow, ſturt greting or murning, Than ȝe may weill p •• ſaue quhair that ſi thing Be attayntit, quhait ony perſoun murnis Thay ar gyltie, and wait of ſiclike turnis, And is principall, of that Ilk hous but dout That ſtaill the Gold, thairfoir ſeik weill about Gifſi ȝe find tak thame and all thair fellowis Without mercy gar hang ame on yt Gallowis The Officers without delay thay went And completit the Empreours commandment. Quhen the Douchters the deid corps ſaw cū by, For Inwart wo thay gaue ane hiddeous cry. For kindlie lufe and Fatherlie pietie, To ſe that corps ſa drawin throw the Cietie. Quhen yair brother, the ſone of yat deid knicht Hard thame ſa murne bethocht him of ane ſ •• h Quhairfoir yt corps throw ye Cietie was drawin To the pepill the aus was richt weill knawin, And wiſt na way for to eſchew the ace, Sa he him ſelf ſair woundit in the face. Quhill that the blude abound autlie come out, That the Siſters of his life had greit dout. The officers perſauit the weiping, The noyis the cry the ſturt and the greting Into the hous thay enterit but delay, And demandit quhairfoir thay maid the fray. Than ſaid the Sone, quhen my Siſters me ſaw Sa ſai woundit, as now ȝour ſelf may knaw. T ay grat and cr •• t, and mu •• t in thair mude And as ȝe knaw, few wemen may ſe blude. This was the aus of thair greit lamenting Of m Siſteris we knaw na vther thing. The Officers heirto thay gaue credence, Becaus thay gat na mair experience, B t went thair wayis diſſauit all and bl ndit, Caus ye richt way thay culd not ſeik nor find it Sine t •• k the corps of this ſame heidles knich On the Gallous leit it hing day and nicht: Till all pepill did wonder and meruell Of the ſtollin gold quhen thay the tail hard tell And ȝit the Sone efter the Fatheris deid Wald not burie in the Kirkȝaird his heid, Nor of the treis his bodie wald doun take This did the Sone for his awin Fathers ſake. Ze may perſaue the greit lufe and fauour To his Father he had all time and hour. The Emprice ſaid, gude ſchir & pleis ȝour grace Quhat I haue ſaid, haue ȝe weill tane the ace The Empreour ſaid, Madame ſa haue I ſeill Quhat ȝe haue ſaid, I haue it tane richt weill.
¶ The declaratioun of the Emprice thrid Taill. THE Emprice ſaid I am richt wonder we That of ȝour ſelf and ȝour Sone it be ſo, For his ſonnis ſaik this Knicht as I haue tald Quhen he was pure his lands he left vnſald. Quhen he wantit he had nane vther ſchift For his Sonnis ſaik than he committit thift. And that his barnis efter that he was deid Suld haue na ſchame he cauſit ſtrike of his heid And ȝit his Sone wald not do ſi rewaird To burie his heid in Kirk nor ȝit Kirk ȝaird: Nor he wald not nouther be nicht nor day Doun of the treis his bodie tak away. In the ſame ſort baith •• cht and day ȝe laubou For to promoue ȝour Sone to greit honour. Bot day and •• cht he ſ ••• is his Intentioun Zow for to put to vtter confuſioun. And ȝow deſtroy, is daylie his deſire, That he may ring, and bruik the haill Impir My counſall is ȝe rather put him doun Or he fra ȝow get the Impire and Croun. The Empreour ſaid, ſa mot I thriue and the, Ane gude erampill now ȝe haue ſchawin to 〈◊〉 . I micht haue tholit efter his Fathers deid. Zit be ſum ſlicht to caus burie his heid. Trewlie my Sone he ſall na langer haip, pon the morne be hing it in ane raip. To officers anone he gaue command To tak his Sone, and to hang him fra hand. Doun throw the ſtreit thay led him haiſtelie, To the Gallous, but mercie for to die. And as thay led that ȝoung man throw y ſtreit All the pepill began to murne and greit, Sayand allace the Empreours onlie Childe, To the Gallous is led thair to be filde. Allace ſaid thay, quhat is his Fathers minde To his ane Sone for to be ſa vnkinde? Now this is thryis condamp it he hes bene And few can tell quhat dois the mater mene. Bot all this cūmis be the Quenis fals conſait, That he is led ſa oft doun throw the gait. In the meane time doun ehe gait is he gone The thrid Maiſter come rydand namit Craton And ſaw the Childe ſa wonder neir the deid, To his Maiſter ȝit he Juclynit his heid, As he wald ſay, Maiſter haue minde of me, Do ȝe not weill, thair is na dome bot die. The pepill cryit gude Maiſter haiſt and ryde, A d for ȝour childe gude help that ȝe prouyde. S 〈…〉 in all haiſt but ony mair delay, To the Palice he ſpurrit his gude Palfray. And quhen he come befoir the Empreour, He hailſit him with reuerence and honour. Qaha maid anſwer to the Maiſter againe, Thorht ȝe be rum, ȝour vepage is in vaine: Zour cumming heir ſail nathing ȝow euaill Ar ȝe cum heir to flatter me with ȝour taill? The Maiſter ſaid within ſeuin ȝeiris ſpace Better rewaird I haue ſeruit at ȝour grace: Zit I beleue to get better rewaird, And pleis ȝour grace that my talking be hard. Rewaird (ſaid he) at my hand ſerue ȝe nocht, For the dum boy to me that ȝe haue brocht. Ze ſerue all ſeuin the verie painfull deid, I k ane of ȝow to Gallous for to leid: For I delyuerit my Sone ſpcikand to ȝow Quite dū but ſyerche ȝe ſeuin hes maid him now And als he wald haue defoulit my Quene, Contrair hir will, as is weill hard and ſene. The Maiſter ſaid, quhair ȝe ſay he is dum, Will ȝe ſuffer bot ane ſchort time to rum I find ȝow heir the michtie God to borrow That he ſall ſpeik or the fyft day at morrow For he that maid the dum man for to ſpeik, The deif to heir, to helth reſtoir the ſeik, He will reſtoir ȝour Done to ſpeik againe: Within few dayis and that I ſay in plame. And quhair ȝe ſay he wald deforcit ȝour Quene, Gifony man hes euer hard or ſene Sie conditiounis outher be lair or air Sen he with vs remanit or maid repair. That he is gultie of all that ȝe haue ſaid. Than I thairfoir to die am wonder glaid. Bot Salomon ſayis richt weill in his buke, Quha lykis thairin to reid and for to luke. Na malice is nor was, nor ȝit be can, Abone malice of ane Ill geum woman. That ſall I preif be ane exampill gude, That wemen ar the Fontaine and the flude, The verray rute, and ſpeciall Inuentioun Of all falſet, leſings and deceptioun. And gif ȝe put ȝour Sone now to the deid. For ȝour wifes wordis, hir falſet and hir feid. It ſall chance ȝow, as it did to the man That ſlew his Py throw ſlicht of the woman. Quhilk Bird he lude abone all vther thing, And ay the treuth it tauld him but leſing. The Empreour ſaid I pray the tell me that Betuir the man the wife, and the Pyat. The Maiſter ſaid ȝour Sone againe gar caw, That he thoill not the vtter charge of Law. Than ſall I tell my taill to ȝour pleſour, To ȝour profeit, ȝour weilfair and honour. The Empreour ſaid Maiſter for this ane day He ſall not die, cum efter quhat ſa may. The Maiſter ſaid God thāk ȝour grace againe Sa he his taill begouth as followis plane.
¶ MORALITAS WO will continew at this place. The Doctout is aill ane lytill ſpace And ſilm thing we will tell Of the Emprice compariſoun Now ſcho comparit the Kingis perſoun Unto ane theif ſa fell. Scho compairit the Empreour To the fals Knicht that brak the Towre Duheu he ſuid ſauid his land, For pureteth was compellit to ſteill. Luik ȝe gif ſcho compairit it leill And ſa weill ſcho it fand. This Knitht committit tratourie That ſtaill ſra the Authoritie Outher greit thing or ſmaw Quhairfoir be ſeruit for to bing For quha that ſteillis ocht fra ane King Thay may not byde the Law. Siclyke this Knicht as was weill knawin, Out throw the Lietie he was drawin To his greit lack and ſchame Syne bangit on the Ballow treis, Perſaue gif thir twa weill aggreis To the Kingis greit defame. And hir awin Empreour comparit. To ane pure Knicht was ail diſparit, Ane 〈…〉 ratour and ane theif. That ſcho ſa wald was •• iſt lyklie, That the Empreour ſaſuid be, God ſend hir ane miſcheif. As to the Knicht wald ſauld his land, And wox ſa wonder pure in hand, And alwayis ſuperſpendit: Qnha euer ſpendis by thair dew rent, But faill ſall efter ſair reyent, Quhen he may not amend it, Ehaſreſter cummis neceſſitie, Hounger, pureteth, and pouertie, To ſte •• l that he muſt neidis. Than tynes he honour and manbeid, And thairon followis ſchame and deid, Of Ili ſpenoing this ſpreidis. Had this Knicht ſpendit with meaſure. According to his awm treaſour. fter his facultie. He ſuid not neid to brek ane Towre Nor ſtollm gold fra the Empreour Nor pure neidit not be. Bude Schirs that hes rent and riches, Be not in ſpending ſa rekies. Bot with reſſou 〈◊◊〉 ticht: For than on force ȝe mon ſeli land. Or ellis tak ſum eueill deid on hand As did this heidit Knicht. Quha chaipit anis and paſt againe Still ay in ſtouth for to remaine. Quhilk all man ſuld forbeir. It may chance anis a man to ſiu Bot he ſuid na way ly thairin. Nor ſtill to perſeueir. For as that ane Knicht fand a wyle That vther Linicht for to begyle And tak h n in the net. Euin ſa the Feind s fyndand ay Sum new gait to fang in his pray Quhilks ay to ſin ar ſet. The birdlyme is to hald thame ſtill: And ay in pleſure tak thair will, For as the gold was ſweit. That cauſit this Knicht to ruin againe That is in ſinay to remaine. Quhill thay ȝald vp the Spreit. Than art thow ſicker in the ſnair. Quhen deid cummis thow dow do na mair Bot to the Galious led. That is to hell without remeid, Than all thy gold that was ſa reid It ſtandi the in na ſteid. Tha rfoir quha wald leaf in honour Se thay thair geir ſpend with meaſour Be not ouir Liberall. Spend not in Prodigalitie, Bot as affeiris thy Facultie Or doutles want thow ſall. Sum tyme may chance a mau ſpend maie Upon ane day, nor be may ſpair To ſpend in vthet nyne I grant. bot ȝit ȝe ſuld conſidder Put ſpairing dayis and thame togidder And ſa ſmall ſall ȝe tyne. Of ſpending is thre kinde of branches, The firſt to ſpend he neuer ſtanches, Salang as he hes heill, Bot euer ſpendand in ane rane, Quhill all that he hes is quyte gane, On force this man mon ſteill, The ſecund ſpendis with greit honour, with houeſtie and greit meaſour Nouther mekill nor ſkant, Bot ſum tyme ſpairis and ſum tyme ſpeudis And gydis weill that God him ſendis, Sa this man can not want. The thrid he is ſa greit negart. To ſpeud hes nonther band nor hart, And ay ſayis he hes nocht. Euer ſpairand and euer wantis, And to haue geir he neuer grantis For all that euer he wrocht. Of thir thre let vs tak the middis, The wiſe man that expreſlie biddis Thairfoir I ȝow beſcik, This is na honeſt man to greif, Bot ſe that ȝe put not ȝour ſ e f Farther nor hand may reik.
¶ Ane reproche or reprufe to the Emprice. COrruptit cors vnclene. thow ſpring and well of vice, Thow fikkill feindis Quene, thow perrellous Ill Emprice, Thow cruell Cocatrice. and kyndlie Cocadrill For all thy taillis nice, thow ſall not get thy will Fals gyglot gangland gill, thow poyſonit ſpewand ſpout, Thy banis brint on ane hill, I think to ſe but dout.
¶ The Tale of the third Maiſter, of the Burges Pyat. VPON a time thair dwelt in ane Cietie, Ane Nobill man and a Burges was he: That had ane bird weill fed vp in a Cage, Quhilk we a Py do call in out langage. This bird ſcho was ſa weill leirnit to ſpeik. That ſcho culd talk Latine Hebrew and Greik And quhen ſeho had thir langages perfite, Hir Maiſter tuik of hir ane greit delite. Sa be proces na thing ſcho hard nor ſaw To hir Maiſter Incontinent wald ſchaw. This Burges man he had ane wife richt fair, As now ȝe haue, wantoun and debonair. Quhilk ouir all thing he lufit all the beſt, Bot be contrair, hir lufe ſa was not dreſt. Becaus it paſſit far fra the Burges micht Hir appetite to compleis day and nicht: As ſcho deſirit. at hir pleſure to half, Quhat wald ſcho thā bot cheiſit ane vther knaif With hir to play as ſcho thocht maiſt pleſour, Quhome ſcho beſt lude and held him in fauour. And ſa behude hir huſband on ane day To vther tounis in veyage mak Jornay, For Merchandice to y and for to ſell, For Merchand men at hame an may not dwell Bot in this warld to wander, wirk and win, Quhill of this life that thay depart and twin. Bot ȝit this wife had not ſic thing in minde To hir pleſure hir thocht was all Inclynd. Sa quhen hir ſpous furth of the toun was went Without tacy than for hir lufe ſcho ſent. That thay micht make gude their and mirrines As the gude wife thocht beſt ſcho culd adres. And ſa thay did at thair awin appetyte, Quhen 〈…〉 faris meitis of vthers takis delyte. This ſaw the Py, on hir Pirk quhair ſcho ſat, Quhat mirrines that hir huſie was at. And to hir Maiſter tauld quhen he come hame And cauſit hir huſie to get outrage and blame. Sa thame betuir rais vp ane bargane ſtout, Quhill mony of thair nichtbouris hard about. The gude wife ſaid, now weill Schir I perſaue Quhat greit fauour and lufe to me ȝe haue. And ſaid ȝe gifmair traiſt vnto ȝour Py Nor vnto me, and mair hir ſittis by. Bot ſa lang as ȝour Pyat is on life It ſall not faill bot we ſall be at ſtrife. The Burges ſaid, my Pyat can not lie, All that ſcho ſeis the treuth ſcho will tell me. For ſcho can not be na way nor Ingme, Ony leſing into hir hart deume. And thairfoir I haue mair caus for to trow All that ſcho ſayis far better than craiſt ȝow. Sa day and nicht continuallie thay chide, Quhill on a day the Burges buſkit to ride. In far countreis to do his Merchandice, As it effeiris ſic men, and is the giſe. Bot als ſa ſone as he his wayis went, For hir luifar ſcho ſend Incontment. To mak hir blyith, greit ſolace and gude their, Bot on the day he durſt neuer cum neir. For greit ſclander of pepill and commoun vois, All the lang day quhill nicht he held him clois. As the nicht come, he knokit at the gin. Scho was reddy thairat, and leit him in. Scho ſaid ȝe ar richt welcum vnto me, e may cum in, for na man will ȝow ſe. He ſaid my lufe, ȝour Pyat ſair I feir, For ſcho will tell all ſcho can ſe or heir. For ſcho raiſit ſic taillis betuix vs ellis That all the toun to vther plainelie tellis. Scho ſaid feir not, bot bauldlie enter in On me I tak baith perrell and the ſin. Sa he enterit and tuik na mair in thocht, And be the hand throw the hall ſcho him broche And as thir twa throw the hall maid paſſage The ſillie Py quhair ſcho ſat in hir Cage, To hir huſie ſcho hard hir luifar ſay We ſall be blyith and mak mirrie quhill day, For ȝe ar ſcho that I lufe all the beſt, Bot I feir ſair the Pyat vs moleſt. Quod ſcho feir not, I bid not for to lie ȝow It is ſa mirk the Pyat will not ſe ȝow. Than ſaid the Py, how beit I may not ſe, I heir thy voice, for richt weill ken I the. To my Maiſter thow dois ane greit I niure, For of his wife thow makis a commoun hure. And his beſt bed quhilk he beleuis is clene: Thow defuilȝeis, quhilk is weill kend and ſene Quhilk my maiſter quhē he cūis hame ſal knaw And the trew treuth ſwyithlie I ſall him ſchaw Than ſaid hir lufe, my hart tauld I ȝow not That we wald baith be ſpyit be the Pyot. And tell the treuth of baith ſcho hard and ſaw, And euerie word mak hir Maiſter to knaw. Tak ȝe na feir thairof than ſaid the wife, Lone talking ſall perchance coiſt hir the life. And this ſame nicht I ſall reuengeit be Upon the Py, as ȝe ſall heir and ſe. Sa thay to bed paſt baith withouttin feir, Bot quhat become the Pyat ȝe ſall heir. About midnicht vp this gude wife ſcho rais, Cryit on hir Mayd, & put on baith thair clais, Incontinent ane lang ledder thay gat, And to the rufe of the hous thay it ſat. And tyruit the hous abone the Pyats Cage, Quhair y fireflauchts & raine micht get paſſage Blenks of Candill about the Pyats heid, Maiſt like fireflauchts wt cauld water yair ȝeid Small ſtanis like peis vpon hir heid thay keſt, Maiſt like hailſtanis, ſa this pure Py was dreſt Sa all this nicht without ony remeid Was this Py pynit, almaiſt vnto the deid. Sa on the morne away the ȝoung man ſtaw At ane bak dure, quhair nane him hard nor ſaw Sa this Burges come hame within few dapis And to his Py firſt he gais to and ſayis, O my beſt bird, now tell me of thy cheir, How hes thow fairne ſen I departit heir? My bird (ſaid he) quhat hes thow ſene or hard? Tell me the treuth for thy gudlie rewaird. Maiſter (ſcho ſaid) I ſall ȝow trewlie tell, Quhat that I hard, I ſaw and quhat befell. Ze war not paſt of this toun day and nicht. Quhē that ȝour wife did to ȝow greit vnricht. Ane vther man into ȝour bed ſcho laid And all that nicht togidder thay twa plaid. And I them ſchew y thay war baith to blame, That I ſuld tell to ȝow quhen ȝe come hame. Maiſter but dout this is ane treuthfull taill, Zour wife is not I ſe for ȝour auaill. To the nixt point, at me quhair that ȝe ſpeir How I haue fairne, in quhat ſort was my cheir In ȝour abſence ſurelie I ſay ȝow richt Sa greit ane ſtorme as thair was ȝiſternicht Baid I neuer, ſen firſt time I was clekkit, Nor ȝit my deid ſa ſair I not ſuſpekkit: As that ſame nicht, but dout I ſay ȝow plaine, For verray feir of fyreflauchts hale and raine. All the nicht ouir it ranit ſa on me, That I beleuit but dout drownit to be. Than ſaid the wife, Schir ȝe beleue ȝour Py, Now ȝe may knaw quhat kin a woman am I. Ze may now ſe, and alſwa may perſaif, In times bygaine how that ȝour Py did raif. Ane fairar nicht was neuer on the plaine Nor was y nicht that ſcho ſayis it was raine: Ane fairar nicht, ane ſofter and mair cleir Mair pleſand nicht I had not all this ȝeir, Thairfoir ȝe ſall in all times furth to cum, Gif hir na faith na mair nor ſcho war dum. Than this Burges wiſt not weill quhat to ſay Bot to nichtbouris ſone paſt he on his way And demandit gif ſit ane nicht was fair That his Pyot tholit the cauld and air. Thay ſaid nichtbour, I walkit all that nicht, Mair ſolatious, mair ſofter and mair bricht Mair ſtabill ane nicht, mair curious and cleir: Nor was that nicht ſaw I not this seuin ȝeir. Unto his hous this Burges bownit hame, And thocht richt weill his wife had ſeruit na blame The ſillie Py he put all in the wite, And of all faults he thocht his wife was quite. And ſaid to hir I find ȝow traiſt and trew Quhairfoir ȝe ſall haue na caus for to rew. At my nichtbours I haue ſpeirit all about Euin as ȝe ſay Ilk ane thay ſay but dout. Ane fairar nicht thay ſaid culd not be found, Nor was that nicht, mair ſofter and mair ſound And it requyris to vther quha offendis With all thair hart for to mak thame amendis. To ȝow thairfoir ane garmound of the new I promeis ȝow, becaus I find ȝow trew. Scho ſaid gude Schir ſauing ȝour reuerence Ze ſaid not ſa quhen ȝe gaue firme credence Unto ȝour Py, quhilk falſlie on me leid, Say and that I committit ſic ane deid: That neuer was into my minde nor thocht, Nor in this warld ſic thing I neuer wrocht. With hir leſingis betuir vs ſcho hes ſawin Ane greit diſcord, quhilk all about is knawin, Quhairthrow I am blaſphemit and defamit, Throw all the toun, be ȝour fals Py & ſchamit, Quhairfoir na meit nor drink ſall do me gude, Quhill that I ſe ȝour fals Pyats hart blude. Than the Burges vnto the Pyat paſt, And ſaid fals Py, tell how become this caſt: Upon my wife ſa falſlie for to lie, Cauſing diſcord oft times with hir and me. Is this the thank, the ganſell and gude deid, Thow rauders me, ſa weill I culd the feid. With my awin hands, with meits delicait, Airlie at morne, and als at euin lait. Throw thy leſings thow hes maid throw the tou Ane greit ſclander, & foull defamatioun. Qahairto ſcho gaue na mair conſent nor reid. Nor I my ſelf gaue vnto Goddis deid. The ſillie Py hard hir Maiſter ſay ſo. Intill hir hart ſcho was richt wonder wo. Maiſter (ſcho ſaid) God knawis gif that I lie, our ſelf will traiſt the verray thing ȝe ſe. And weill I wait the thing I ſaid to ȝow, I hard and ſaw, quhy ſuld I not that trow. The Burges ſaid, I heir the loudlie lie, Kennis yu not weill this taill thow tald to me, Thair was ane nicht ſa troublit in the Air With ſtorme, fyreflauchts, hale, raine & mekill mair Of Ill wedder thow had na vther reid, Bot bydand ay the bitter hour of deid. Quhilk is richt fals, and neuer a word is trew, Thairfoir but dout thy falſet thow ſall rew: And fra hence furth thow ſall na leſingis mak, Nor of trew taillis thow ſall not mak ane trak. A d in ſpeciall betuix me and my wife, The Law will weill that it coiſt the thy life. For the greit leis thow did Inuent and forge, With this ſame knife I ſall cut out thy gorge. Sa in greit wraith he tuik hir be the nek, And with ane knife hir heid he did of ſnek. The wife ſaw that, and ſcho was wonder glaid To hir huſband with mirrynes ſcho ſaid: Now ȝe haue done as ane man of prudence, Howbeit befoir ȝe gaue ouir greit credence Unto ȝour Py, quhilk ay richt falſlie leid, My hart is blyith quhen I ſe hir bleid. Now we may leif all our lifetime in reſt, Din ſcho is gone, that did vs ay moleſt. For ſcho was ay the verray Inſtrument Betuix vs twa. all leſingis did Inuent. Be blyith ſaid he, that Inſtrument is hence, Forſuith to hir I gaue ouir greit credence. Now I knaw weill all that ſcho ſaid was fals, Bot now thairfoir ſcho hes loiſt life and hals. The Burges than blent vp about his bigging And ſaw ane hole tyruit in the hous rigging, And weill perſauit ane lytill Ledder ſtand, Ane watter tub, with ſtanis watter and ſand, Quhilk was doun caſt vpon the ſillie Py, Than the Burges weill vnderſtude quhairby, The pure Pyat had cauld hir taill richt crew, All the falſet and faſſoun than he knew: How thay had cauſit the Pyat for to lie, Throw thair falſet and greit ſubtilitie. Now of my wife the falſet I perſaif, In time bygaine how ſcho hes plaid the knaif. Not regarding ſin ſchame nor honeſtie, Bot on hir lufe lyand in harlatrie. Full wo is me how greit ane ule was I, For hir falſet to ſlay my ſillie Py, Quhairin I had my pleſure and delyte, Allace, allace, my wife had all the wyce. Bot in na way my ſelf I can excuſe, That hir counſall ſa greithe I did vſe. Bot in ane part but dout ſa I was blindit, And now the treuth full ſickerlie I find it. Wa worth the time I gaue hir ſic credence, Or till htr taill I gaue ſir audience. Wa worth ſic wifes, that ar ſa Ill Inclinde, Euer hauing ſic fenȝeit hart and minde. With dowbill hart full of ſubtilitie, I ȝow aſſure thay ar euill companie. Becaus my wife hes wrocht me ſic like wo, Heir I gif ouir all mirth, blyithues and Jo. All Merchandice, houſhalding and harbrie, In time cūming, and Pilgrim I will be. And markis me heir vnto the halie land. Becaus I find na faith in woman ſtand. Sa this Burges for credence that he gaif Vnto his wife, left land and all the laif. The Maiſter ſaid vnto the Empreour, Schir haue ȝe tane this taill into fauour: And quhat it menis, the ſamin vnderſtand. He ſaid richt weill, Maiſter I tak on hand. The Maiſter ſaid was ſcho not ane fals wife With hir leſingis gart reif the Py hir life. The Empreour ſaid, ſcho was of falſet fow Hir greit leſingis nor hir life I allow. Of the pure Py, ſairlie I do repent, That loiſt hir life for ſaying verament. Surelie Maiſter ane gude taill ȝe haue tald And for ȝour ſaik this day I ſall gar hald My Sone vndeid, the morne quhill it be none, God thank ȝour grace (quod he) that ſic hes done To the Lord God hartlie I ȝow commend, Sa this Maiſter with blyithnes hame he wend
¶ MORALITAS. OMERVELLOVS God the ſubtell ſlicht, Siclyke I trow was neuer ſene Thow waryit wyfe and wickit wicht Of this Burges wyfe now I mene apeirely culd awow, and gar hir huſband trow That ſcho ſa ſaikles was and clene Ane Innocent as ſcho had bene Syne of falſet ſa fow. Sa full of falſet as ſcho is Thair is bot part can it perſaue For quhen thay mark to do ane m s. A thouſand ſundrie gaitis thay haue To bring thair mater to quheu thay haue ocht ado. The wiſeſt men thay ay diſſaue And this Burges amang the laue. It is not ſa (quod ſcho) Sa priuelie ſcho did prouyde, A poſſet for the ſil •• e Py, And with ſic craft ſcho culd it gyde Changeing the wedder and the ſky Thy gadȝettis did begyle, the pure Py with ſic wyle, Hurde of huredome vpon the fy, Gluttoun of Glew all we may cry Thow art ane veſchell vyle. The ſals that thow ſeruis at my hand I can not weill Indyte, To gar thy huſband vnderſtand Of ſic vengeance thow had na wyte O rank rampand Lyoun, to miſcheif euer bouk. Stewart of ſturt quha can the quyte, Cleker of cair, and of diſpyte Greit Maiſtres to Mahoun. Ze that hes wyfes gnie not credence Ouir ſone vnto thair ſubtell lawis Thay will als ſone find ane defence, As thay war leirit into the Lawis, For quhen thay ſpeik faireſt, thair taill is ay falſeſt Thay will neuer gif ouir thair caus Thocht all the warld the contrair knawis Thair awin taill ay thinkis beſt. At ſum tyme ſcho will caus a man To do the thing he will repent Quhen it is done na way ſcho can Remeid thairof ſcho cau Inuent Gar the ſ ikles get wyte, mak hir ſelf clene and quyte. Thairfoir thocht ſcho be Impatient, And in bauldnes hir bow all bent That cair ȝe not ane myte. Be not reddy to gif rewaird, Thocht ſcho it ſerue quhill that thow ſe This Burges ſa in mynde was mard Quhill that the ſillie Py ſlew he. Than promeiſt hir a goun, or ellis ane new garmoun For hir huredome and harlatrie, And hir ſcabbit ſcrutinie. Fy Motheris Maleſoun. O twyte vntrew, and taill vnſicker Kindillar of cair bald baldeſtrod, Thocht ane wald bind the with ane wicker Thow will not keip gude reull nor Rod. Thow art a furious flain, ane wolf and ſemis ane Lam, Thow art a Tratour wylie od That ſtinkis in the neis of God, Thow art the Deuillis dam.
¶ Ane louing to the thrid Doctour and Maiſter. HONOVR and praiſe gude Doctour mot thow haue, That this ane day the chylde thow hes gart ſaue With thy trew Taillis and exempill perfyte Beleuing weill ſa ſall do all the lau : Thocht the Emprice with hir Taillis wald diſſaue The Empreour, all for the Chyldes diſpyte, Bot at the laſt I wait he will hir quyte Quhen he and ȝe the ſuith weill dois perſaue. Quhair ȝe find fault thair ſall ȝe lay the wyte.
¶ The Fourt Taill of the Emprice. QVHEN the Emprice hard ye child ȝit on lius Scho grat richt ſair, & all hir hair did rine Sapand allace wa worth the time & hour That I was wife vnto the Empreour. Crying, murning and ryfing doun hir face. Quhill the greit noyis paſt out throw all ye place The Empreour hard the murmure at the laſt, In continent he to hir Chalmer paſt: Inquirit the caus of all hir greit diſtres. Scho curſt the time that ſcho was maid empres W ld God (ſaid ſcho) quhē I come to thir parts Howbeit that I had four and twentie harts Within my bowk, that thay had all beue ren In ſmall pecis, or I war daylie ſchenc. On ſic faſſoun as I am day be day, Bot that ȝour grace ſayis nouther ȝe nor nay Bot quhylis ȝe ſan but dout ȝour Sone ſall di And vther quhylis in greit diſpyte of me, Ze continew his life and takis na cure Of my greit ſturt the greit ſchame and Iniur He did to me and als ſchame to ȝour ſell. Of this mater quhairto ſuld I mair tell: For it is knawin out throw the haill countrie, To quhat greit ſchame he purpoſit to brocht m Bot ȝe throw ſleuth dillis doū & latis ouirdriu Sa day be day ȝour Sone is ȝit on liue. The Empreour ſaid I pray ȝow ſtand content And without dout the morne Incontinent, He ſall haue Law, without ony remeid, Te be hangit on Gallous to the deid. Bot ȝiſterday it was a principall caus, That he thoillit not the Judgement & the lawis Was for a Taill that the Maiſter me tald Zea, than (ſaid ſcho) that is y thing thay wald Prolong the time, lipning the Court ſall change Gif ȝe do ſa, that is ane mater ſtrange. For thair fair wordis gude Juſtice for to brek, Sa vnto GOD ȝe haue ane ſmall reſpek. Bot I feir ſair ȝe with ȝour Maiſters ſeuin, It ſall ȝow chance the ſame exampill euin, As anis it chancit into this ſame Cietie, Ane Empreour and ſeum Maiſteris had he: Quhome to he gaue credence baith day & nicht, Than him begyld with thair fals fraud & ſlicht The Empreour ſaid, that taill I pray ȝow tell With the Maiſters and Empreour how it fell. Scho ſaid quhairto or to quhat fect ſuld I Tell ony taill, quhen it is not ſet by, For ȝiſterday ane taill to ȝow I ſchew, Quhlik in the ſelf was verray Juſt and trew For ȝour honour and profite I it tald, Thairon to think, ȝit on na wyſe ȝe wald. For ȝour honour and profite quhat I will ſay, Vpon the morne the Maiſters dois away, And with thair taillis daylie turns vp ſide do Quhilk is but dout for ȝour diſtructioun. As in this taill that I ſall tell to ȝow, And pleis ȝour grace, for treuth ȝe ſall it trow. He ſaid Madame hartlie I ȝow require, I pray ȝow tell, for it is my deſire. That be the ſame I may the warrar be, And to eſchew falſet and ſubteltie. Thocht I delay my Sonis ſaik for ane day, It not anſerris nor clenclie takis away. I ſall it ſchaw (quod ſcho) be it ȝour will, Sa ȝe will giue gude thocht and minde thairtil Quod he tell on, and I ſall heir it than, And ſa at ſchort hir taill thus gaitis began. VPON a time I red intill ane Quair, In this Citie ſum time ſeum Maiſters wair Throw quhais ſcience greit wiſdome & leirning All the Impire was rewlit be thair gyding. The Empreour quhilk at that time did ring. But thair counſall, he tuik in hand na thing. Sa he thame held in ſic eis and dainne, That he culd not weill want thair compani . Thay perſauing his hart to thame ſa kinde. His gudelie will, his daylie thocht and minde, That he culd do nathing but thair auiſe, Thay war all ſeuin haldin ſa wonder wiſe. Thay keſt in minde ane wonder ſubtell thing. Be ſorcerie In chant ment and cunning. That how lang time the Empreour he baid In his Palice, nouther paſt furth nor raid. Bot thairin ſtill held him in companie, He ſaw als weill as ouy man culd ſe. Fra his Palice gif he paſt ony time, Throw thair ſlicht craft he ſuld not ſe a ſtime. And this thay did to the ſamin Intent, That thay micht mair thair libertie frequent, And Jutromet and vſe the ſamin thingis That apperte t to Empreours and kingis. And to diſpone at thair will all his rent, This was thair minde, thair thocht & als Intēt Be the quhilk thing thir Maiſters did purches Vnto thame ſelf gold geir and greit riches. And ȝit howbeit throw thair greit ſorcerie, Than maid this king a ſtime he micht not ſ Of his Palice, quhen he paſt ay was blind, Amang thame all the way thay culd not find. With all thair craft againe to gar hun ſe, Out of his Palice, bot euer blind was he. Avone all this thir Maiſters fand ſic craft, All the Impire almaiſt thay maid clene daft Gif ony man had dreamit ane vncouth dreme, The haill knawledge thairof thay ſuld expreme And mak thairof Interpretatioun, For ane Du at or ȝit aue Frenche Croun. Quhair y thay gat mair gold and greit treſour Almaiſt als muche as fra the Empreour. Sa be this way, and vthers fals and ſhe, Than conqueiſt gold greit riches in plentie, Mair in reſpect nor had the Empreour, And to thame ſeum geum daylie mair honour. Sa on ane day quhen that the Empreour, With his Emprice togidder with honour At thair Cablil, to ſich in hart began, The Emprice ſaw perſauit and ſaid than Quhat is the caus ſchaw me of ȝour dolour, Quhy ſich ȝe ſo or takis ȝow diſpleaſour? The Empreour ſaid to his Emprice agane, Haue I not caus of ſorow and greit pane, That I ſa lang in ſic ſort ſuld be blind, And can thairof ua gude remedie find. My Lord (ſaid ſcho) will ȝe tent to my Taill, On houeſtie it ſall help and preuaill. Gif ȝe will do efter as I ȝow ſay, Ze ſall allow my Taill ane vther day. In ȝour Impire ſeuin greit Maiſters ȝe haue, And I beleue than ſeum dois ȝow diſſaue, And at the caus of all ȝour greit diſeis And all ȝour rowmes yai gide euin as yai pleis And to thame ſelfis appropriatis ȝour rentis, Throw thair fals wayis & ſubtel Inchātmētis Gif it be ſo that thay ar found gyltie Ane ſchamefull deid doutles thay ſerue to die. Chairfoir my Lord for all thir ſeum ȝe ſend. And ſpeir at thame gif thay can help to mend Zour greit diſeis, and ſair In irmiti Quhair ȝour ſicht faillis, againe to gar ȝow ſe. Gif thay ſay nay, and can find na remeid, Charge thame ſchairplie vnder the pane of deid And ſa ȝe may conſider weill and ſe, Gif thay be caus of ȝour greit Maladie. The Empreour allowit weill this taill, And thocht richt weill it was for his auaill. Incontinent was ſend to thame Meſſage, For to compeir anone thay tuik veyage, And come kneilling befoir the Empreour, Quha thame reſſauit in fredome and fauour: And ſchew to thame his greit Infirmitie, How he was blind, and had ſic Maladie. And how ſum time that he ſaw wonder weill And vther tymes how he ſaw neuer ane deill. Thā chargeit he them ſchairplie on pane of deid Incontinent thay ſeuin ſuld ſeik remeid. For it was ſchawin to him for veritie, Thay war the caus of his Infirmitie. And gat thay not remeid Incontinent Vnto the deith thay ſuld be all torment, Vnto thir ſeuin thus ſaid the Empreour, Quhairof thay ſtude in greit feir and dredour. Than ſaid thir ſeuin agane with ane conſent, Ze charge vs ſeuin with Inconuenient. With ſiclike charge ȝour grace now putis vs to It paſſis far our power for to do. It is ſa hard and difficill ane thing, That we can not to gude purpois it bring, Into ſchort time bot gif it pleis ȝour grace For to grant vs reſpet for ten dayis ſpace, We ſall ȝow gif anſwer conuenient. Quhairof we traiſt, ȝour grace ſall ſtand contēt Of thair anſwer the Empreour was appleiſit, Beleuing weill of ſeiknes to be iſit. Sa thir Maiſters vnto thair counſell paſt, To ſe gif thay culd find the way or cact, Faſſoun, Ingine, ſupplie, meane or remeid, Or ony help to ſaue thame ſelf fra deid. And for to haill the Kingis Infirmitie, Thay keſt the way, for thame it wald not be. Quhairfoir thay war all ſeuin richt ſorrofow And ſaid get we na help nor remeid now To help this charge as we Ilk ane dois ken Without remeid we ar all bot deid men. Thairfoir let vs mak trauell all fra hand, Seirche and ſeik furth Ilk ane in ſindrie land Gif that we can in ony countrie find In time cūming the Empreour be not blind. And ſa thay ſocht in mony ſindrie toun Be eiſt, be weſt ſouth, north baith vp and doun It hapnit thame to ryde vpon ane day Throw ane citie quhair barnis was at the play In the meane time come to thame ane auld man And ſaid Maiſters I pray ȝow gif ȝe can Of my nichtis dreame to mak Interpretatioun And for ȝour wage I ſall ȝow gif ane Croun. Ane of the barnis that was than at the play, To the Maiſters hard that man ſiclike ſay. And ſaid gude man ȝeis gif ane Croun to me, Quhat menis ȝour dreame I ſall ȝow tel trewli The auld man ſaid I dreamit this hinder nicht That in my ȝaird of watter ſprang vp richt, A freſch ſpring wel quhairfra come mony ſprīgs Throw all y ird now tel quhat menis ſic things Than ſaid the barne tak ȝe ane ſpaid gude man In the ſame place, pas and delf gif ȝe can, Quhair that ȝe thocht the water fuſt vpſprang: Thair ȝe ſall find within ane ſpace not lang Ane hurde of gold that ſam 〈…〉 hoill within, Sall mak ȝow riche for ay and all ȝour kin. Sa did this man as the ȝoung barne cōmandit And as he ſaid, this man richt ſa he fand it. Than paſt this man to this ȝoung Child agan And thocht he wald rewaird him for h s pane. And offerit him ane pund of reddy gold, Quh lk be na way reſſaue fra him he wold. And ſaid gude man, na gold I will reſſaif Bot pray for me, at ȝow na mair I craif. The ſeuin Maiſteris perſauing all this thing, How ane ȝoung Childe of ȝeiris being ſa ȝing With ſic wiſdome the māns dreame did expone, Said to thame ſelfis we meruell quhilk is ȝone, Of ſa ȝoung ȝeiris makis ſic Interpretatioun And ſine thairfoir takis nouther golde nor croun Sa at this childe thir ſeuin Inquyrit the Name He ſaid Merling, quhairof I thing na ſchame. Quod thay ȝour name bruik weill wt all weilfai We perſaue weill ȝe haue wiſdome and lair. Ane greit mater we haue to ȝow to ſchaw, Of the quhilk few or nane bot we dois knaw. Than ſaid the Childe ſchaw me furth ȝour intēt And ȝe ſall haue anſwer Incontinent. Quod thay ȝoung Childe this is the verray cace Ane Maladie haldis the Empreouris grace. Sa lang as he in his Palice will byde, And not thairout nouther to gang nor ryde, He ſeis als weill as ane that euer was, Bot als ſone as he fra his Palice pas Thair takis him than ſa greit ane Maladi . That all about a ſtune he may nocht ſe. And gif ȝe can the caus heirof diſcus, Firſt ȝe ſall haue ane gude rewaird of vs, And ſecundlie, remeid gif ȝe can find In time cūming the Empreour be not blind: Out of Palice quhe he pleſis to pas, He will ȝow gif rewaird quhat ȝe will as. Than ſaid the Childe his Maladie I knaw, Als the remeid thairof I can him ſchaw. The Maiſteris ſaid we pray ȝow richt hartlie Pas with vs ſeuin and beir vs companie, Quhill we cum to the Empreouris preſence, Quhair ȝe ſall haue rewaird and reuerence. Than ſaid the Childe Schirs I am reddy now Pas quhen ȝe pleis and I all gang with ȝow. And ſa all aucht Incontinent paſt hence, Quhill thay come to the Empreouris preſence. And quhen thay come befoir the Empreour. Thay hailſit him with reuerence and honour. And ſaid gude Lord, ſindrie lands haif we ſoch To get ȝow health and heir we haif ȝow brocht Ane gude ȝoung Child yt knawis; our Maladie At ȝour pleſure will find help and ſupplie. In time cūming that ȝe ſall weill perſaue, our daylie health, and na ſeiknes to haue. Nouther in ane, nor in nane vther pairt, He hes ſic wit in gude cunning and Airt. The Empreour vnto thir Maiſters ſaid, Of ȝour t thance I am richt wonder glaid. All that he ſayis will ȝe ſeuin tak on hand, e Schir ſaid thay at that ſame we will ſtand. For we haue ſene be gude experience, His greit wiſdome, craft and Intelligence. The Empreour than vnto the barne he ſaid, Sen ſic a thing gude Childe is to ȝow laid: The caus thairof at ȝow I wald Inquire, And ſine my helth than harthe I deſire. Than ſaid the Child and pleis ȝour nobil gra •• We twa alone mon talk ane lytill ſpace, In ȝour Chalmer I ſall ȝow ſchaw trewlie, The caus of all ȝour gre t Infir 〈…〉 e. And quhen he was into the Chalmer led. He cauſit caſt of all the clais of the bed. uh •• k into haiſt the Empreour cauſit be done My Lord he ſaid now heir ȝe ſall ſe ſone Ane meruellous thing quhilk ȝe hard neuer tell Under the bed thair was ane mekill well, Of quhilk thair rais ane foull ſmuke and a rei That wald haue maid a man baith blind & ſeik Out of this well thair ſprings ſeu 〈…〉 greit ſprigs The Empreour than he meruellit of ſi things Under his bed to be and he not wiſt, Sa greit a well ſa foull ane reik and miſt. He ſaid my Lord, heir planelie ȝe may ſe The erray caus of ȝour Infirmitie. Without ȝe put thir ſpr •• gis and well away, To get ȝour ſicht agane na wiſe ȝe may. The Empreour ſaid I pray ȝow to me tell, The nerreſt way for to vndo this well. Than ſaid the Chylde thair is na way bot an •• f it pleis ȝow on force it mon be tane. The Empreour ſaid I pray ȝow richt hartlie Schaw me the way gif ſic ane thing may be Gold nor gudis on na way will I ſpair Sa that the treuth to me ȝe will declair. Gif mannis craft, his naturall wit or micht, Perfite cunning with ude ſcience or ſliche, Subtell I •• me A rt or experience, Mi h help my ſicht, or thairfoir find defence. I wald not cure for to gif gold plentie, S a •• for na co ſt ſa that ȝe gar me ſe Without my place als weill as I do in, Sa ȝour rewaird fra me weill ſall ȝe win. Now ſen ȝour grace to me hes g um credence, I ſall ȝow ſchaw be gude rperience. The verray treuth thir ſeum ſpringis ȝe ſe ſpring Out of this well tha ar na vther thing Bot the ſame ſeuin Maiſters be thair ſcience, Quhome to ȝe gif ſa firme and greit credence, Quhilk be thair craft cūning and Inchautmēt Zow to mak blinde, this well thay did Inuēt. That hiddertillis, baith ȝow and ȝour Impire Lang time nygane hes reulit at thair deſire. About ȝour place euer hes maid ȝow blind. To that effect that na fault ȝe ſuld find Done ony way be thame or thair conſent, That thair greit gyle ſuld not be maid patent, Nor heir cōpla 〈…〉 of ȝour Barroūis & Lordis Bo thay allone to aggre ſi diſcordis: Nor that Juſtice ſuld ring into ȝour land, Bot all ſic things ſuld ly into thair hand. And ȝour ſubiectis to ſpuilȝe euerie day, All that was grene to ȝow it ſuld ſeme gray, Ze not ſeing now ſuld tha all be deid, For ȝour k ndnes, thay can find na remeid. The Empreour ſaid, now ȝe haue to me ſ hawin Of my blind •• s, the caus and maid it knawin Now the remeid thairof I wald ȝe fand, Ze ſall not want baith gold, Lordſchip & land, And p eis ȝour grace now to ȝow ſall I tell, The verray treuth will ȝe do my counſell. Of ȝour blindues gif ȝe deſire remeid. The firſt Maiſter, tak and ſtr ke of his heid, Than ȝe ſall ſe the firſt ſpring of the well Be quyte away this is the treuth I tell. Sa ordourlie quhill thay be Ilk ane ſlane, And ſa ȝe ſall recure ȝour ſicht agane. This being done the well away ſall went, And ſa at eis ȝ ſall get ȝour Jutent Quhilk in gude haiſt was done as thay thocht •• cht And ſa agane the Empreour gat his ſicht. And this ȝoung Childe rewardit richt richelie Maid him ane Lord and Air of ane countrie. Than ſaid •• ho Lord haue ȝe perſauit this taill That I haue ſchawin, for ȝour gude and auail He ſaid richt weill, and thankis ȝow hartfullie. For that gude Taill that ȝe haue tauld to me. In the ſame ſort thir ſeuin Maiſteris ſaid ſcho nto ȝour grace thay purpois for to do. Be thair fals Taillis, and ſiclike fenȝeing, That ȝour curſt Sone may a aboue ȝow ring Quhilk God defend ay quhill the hour I die, That I neuer ane vther Empreour ſe. This Taill (quod ſcho) I ſall mak to ȝow cleir, Quhat that it menis & pl is ȝour grace to heir. He ſaid ſay furth, ȝe ſall haue audience, And commandit Ilk ane to keip ſilence.
¶ The declaratioun of the Emprice thrid Taill. THIS flowing well, of ȝour Sone is the ſing The ſeuin ſprings ar his maiſters wt cūning Quhilk well can not richt ſoue diſtroyit be, Ercept ȝe firſt gar the ſeuin Maiſters die. This being done, the well ſa ſall ȝe waiſt. Gar ſla ȝour Sone of this ȝe gif me traiſt. Sa well and ſpringis fra tha d ſtroyit be, Than ȝe may haue all at tra quillitie. Zour haill Imp re weill into peice and reſt Forſ 〈…〉 th (quod he) Madame I think that beſt Incontinent than gaue he ſtrait command, To the Gallous to leid his Sone fra hand, Doun throw the ſtreit as Officers him ſed. Ane Muſter come and at the ſpurris him ſped. To the Empreour with all gude reuerence. Qahome to he ſaid, pas ſw ith fra my preſence, For the gude ſaind that ȝe haue ſend to me: Ze ſerue all ſeu 〈…〉 on Gallous for to die. I ſend ȝow ſeuin my Sone ri ht weill ſpeiking Now he is dum, and do can na kin thing. Bot onlie ane, this thing I maiſt deteſt, Be violence my Quene he wald oppreſt. Thairfoir rewaird na thing ȝe ſerue of me. Bot ȝe all ſeuin with him ſall hangit be. The Maiſter ſaid I ſeruit ane better thing. To my rewaird nor on Gallous to hing. Quhair ȝour grace ſa •• s yt now ȝour ſone is d •• God knawis the caus the time is not ȝit cum. Of his ſpeiking the time will cum at ſchor, Thairfoir I pray ȝour grace to tak comfort: And ȝe ſall ſe the day approche rich neir. That he ſall ſpeik quhil all this place may hei As to ȝour Quene in that point quhair ȝe tell It is not prou •• nor nouther is goſpell. Nor for the wordis of ane ſingular perſoun, Without mair prufe, ȝour ſone ſuld not put doū, And gif ȝe do for the wordis of ȝour wife But gude knawledge fra ȝour Sone tak ye life. It ſall be war with ȝow I dar weill ſay, Nor chancit a man and his wife on ane day: Quhilk I ſall ſchaw to ȝow be narratioun, And preif the ſame be gude probatioun. The Empreour ſaid, trow ȝe to do with me As ſeuin Maiſteris did anis in this Cietie With thair fals taillis vnto thair natiue King Nay, nay, not ſa, it ſall not be ſic thing. The Maiſter ſaid, the fault of ane or two Suld not redound to rebuke blame or wo Of all vthers, for it is richt weill kend Baith gude and Ill is to the warldis end. Bot of ane treuth ane thing I ſall ȝow ſchaw, Put ȝe ȝour Sone to deid for ȝour wifes ſaw: It ſall ȝow chance as did this hinder ȝeir Vnto ane Knicht gif ȝe pleis ȝe ſall heir. The Empreour ſaid I pray ȝow ſchaw me richt Quhat thing become, or chancit to that Knicht The Maiſter ſaid againe ȝour Sone gar call, Sa to the deid that he na wayis be thrall. Aud keip him ſtill my taill quhill I haue tald Than ȝour awin will ȝe haue euin as ȝe wald. Quhen I haue done thā tak ȝour awin pleſour, I will ſa do than ſaid the Empreour. And ſa his Sone againe he gart thame caw As for that day he ſuld not thoill the Law. Sa this Maiſter his exampill began, And tauld his taill furth like ane cūning man Bot ȝit his taill farther or we furth ſet The Quenis laſt taill we will not ȝit forȝet.
¶ MORALITAS. SE the conſait of this bald bitter Bitche, This reid Rcifer, and this rank warl witche This ratour theif this tryit T 〈…〉 gant. Sa fame ane fault as ſcho wald find and fitche, Unto thir ſeum ſa renerent and riche. In ſweit ſcience, facund and fluctuant For thay of wit and wiſdome not dois want, To the blak Deuill chairfoir I the be e che With him remaine in hous ane hellis Sanct. Father of falſet, and fals flatterar Ane Byrecarling, ane graceles clatterar Leidſterne to lie and ane gr i ſtop of ſeill, A proude Princes, ane prydefull parterar, Mi t with malice and ane man murtherar. Ane wod wilcat that neuer will do weill Cro of nrſtnes, and ane quick gangand Deill, u •• of wanreule, and brewar of all baill Thow art to baid to forge ſa fals ane taill. Not ane word trew thairof bot fenȝeit fair Ouir peirt thow art to mak ſic ane compair Of the Maiſteris quhairof that now ſpeik we, To the Empreour I wait thay did na mair Bot that his Sone thay had vnto the lair, And had not bene thair cunning and Ciergie Thay had bene deid, and ſiclyke ſa had he, Thairfoir thow art ane Loch of vnlawre Ane ſchameles ſchrew, the maiſter Deuill mot ſcald the. Zit in hir Taill is ſum Moralitie How God diſponis his grace ſa plenteouſlie To aulo, to ȝoung, to ticoe and to the pure, Sum wit, ſum ſtrenth, ſum fairnes with bewtie, Sum at thair will hes riches and p entie, To diuers craftis ſum geuis tha r beſi cure Howbeit to ſum hid thingis be richt obſcu e, As was this barne quha ſpak this prophecie To ſcuin Doctouris in ſcience was fa ſure. Howbeit he was in ȝouth and tender age God of his grace had geuiu him m ir knawledge In wit Science, hid wit ſubtil 〈…〉 e, Nor t thir ſeum quhome this Quene dois alledge, Into hir Taill Inferrit vpon fulage. Quha the Empreour cauſit agaiue to ſe And knaw the caus of his Infirmitie Naerreption thair is of perfonage In ſicht of God he geuis his grace ſa fre. Howbeit this Chylde in tender ȝeiris was ȝing The verray treuth ȝit he ſchew to the King Quhat was the caus of all his Maladie, And how the well vnder his bed did ſpring Throw quhais ſpringis culd him to blindnes bring Quhilk was not knawin bot to this childe trewlie Quhairby we may perſaue for veritie The grace of God is gottin for na thing, Quha liſt it ſeik with all humilitie. Now in bigging ſum takis ſa greit pleſure Quhill at the laſt biggis him ſelf to the dure Sum bringis ane ſtaffe for to brek his awin heid Euin ſa ȝe ſe thir Doctouris tuik labour To bring this Chylde vnto the Empreour. Quhome throw he gat of his ſeiknes remeid. Bot ȝit this Chylde gart thame all ſeuin thoill deid. It is oft ſene I ſay the deirly brother That euerie ſwik oft tymes beſwikis vther. Thir ſeuin Dortouris quhairof now ſpeikis our Quene As ſcho Inferris, thay haue all Tratouris bene, Quha deuyſit the Kingis Inf rmitie Be tratourie hid haldin and vnſene To be gydaris of his Realme thay did mene And haue thair of the baill uthoritie Bot na way ſa of our Maiſteris mene we For thay did nocht bot as thay war deſyrit, Be the Empreour, and his counſall requyrit. Thairfoir this Quene ſcho ſuld na credence haue Scho is ane ſop of ſorrow to diſſaue Ane me ſ •• s monſture, ane mirrour of miſchance Ane patent port to Ill ȝe may perſaue. Ane hr ftles thing q heu ſcho beginnis to raif, Full of diſſait with fenȝeit fals pleſance, Ane twme tratullar, to bring hame Ill tythance Ane maie Tr kour, ane talker out of tone, And ſall forthink hir talk or all be done.
¶ Ane reproche to the Emprice for hir laſt Taill. OFRAGILL fleſche of hell, with flatterie euer fenȝeis Ane Kingdome thow wald qu ll, thow groūder of gillenȝeit We ſall hald in thy renȝeis, becaus thow raifis vnrockit, And check ȝow into chenȝeis, vp be the chaftis chockit, •• ir lang ȝe haue vsmockit, botȝit the day will cum Zour culum ſalbe knockit, quhen he ſpeikis that is dum.
¶ The Taill of the Fourt Maiſter. VPON a time thair was ane eldering Knicht Wiſe and wittie, full of riches and micht. Had leuit furth mony dayis of his life, Without children, Lemman or maryit wife. Diners times his freindis come him till, To ſe gif it was his pleſure and will To tak ane wife, and barnis to furth bring, Throw thair counſall he grantit to ſic thing. Sa at the laſt thay gat his wife to be The Proueſtis dochter of all that greit Cietie, Quhilk was richt riche, weill fauourit and fair Weill maid at will and was hir Fatheris air. Fra he hir ſaw, he was ſa tane in lufe, That he his hart fra hir culd not remufe. Thocht lufe & fauour betuir them micht be ſcne Zit all thair ſpace na barnis was them b tucne V to the Kirk as ſcho paſt throw the ſtreit, With hir Mother ſcho hapnit for to meit. Ather vther hailſit with greit blyithnes, And ſa began to talk in mirrines. The Mother ſaid my dochter tell me how Ze pleis ȝour ſpous, or how dois he to ȝow? Scho ſaid richt Ill, and not with him content, For he is auld, febill, and Impotent. Quhen ȝe me ſtaikit vpon ſa auld ane ſtick, I wald but dout ȝe had me buryit quick: For or I come with him in naikit bed To be drownit I had rather be led: Or ly with ſwyne, or I lay be his ſyde, My fleſche it vggis quhen y I tuitche his hyde Hald me excuſit I pray ȝow hartlie Mother, For it is force that I mon haue ane vther. The Mother ſaid my gude douchter and deir, Heir I the pray ſic fuliſchnes forbeir. With ȝour Father mony ȝeiris I haue bene, Sic thing of me was neuer hard nor ſene. Mother ſcho ſaid, of that na meruell is, For ȝe twa met in ȝouthheid Joy and blis. And ſa I k ane togidder had ſolace, It is not ſa with me into this cace. Or I him gat ȝe ken his ſtrenth was gane, He lyis als ſtill beſide me as ane ſtane: For he is waik auld, cauld, wai it and dry, And as ȝe ken Mother ſa am not I: Bot in my flouris, of ȝouthheid blumand grene Compair thairfoir is not vs twa betwene. Of his bodie I can get na ſolace. To me thairfoir it is ane heuie cace. Scho ſaid douchter gif ſic thow hes in minde, And to fulage thy hart is ſa Inclinde. Tell me thy minde without fenȝeing in breiſt, Quhōe will thow lufe quod ſcho) mother a preiſt The Mother ſaid, gif ſic thow wald deſire, I think les ſin to lufe ane nobill Squire. Or ane gay Knicht, nor a Preiſt to thy lufe, Scho ſaid Mother, thairin I ȝow reprufe. Gif that I lude a Knicht or ȝit a Squyre, Within ſchort time of my lufe thay wald tyre. And tell ouir all into thair merines, And ſa me ſchame, to my greit lithtlynes. It is not ſa ȝe ken with men of Kirk, For with wiſdome and wylines thay wirk. And is als laith thair honeſtie to tine, In ſit affairis, as I wald to do mine: And counſall keip als quyetlie vnſchamit, As ȝe or I, with our ſpous wald be blamit. Alſo Kirkmen bene mair kinde to thair lufis, Than vtheris ar, als weill the prettick prufis. Scho ſaid dochter heir my gude counſall now And it ſall be ane gude profite for ȝow. Auld men ȝe ken ar wonder cautelus, Wylie and fell, and richt outrageus. In ane maner ȝe ſall ȝour huſband preif, Him for to temp, or anger him or greif. Than gif ȝe chaip but reprufe or ſmyting, Lufe quhome ȝe pleis, at ȝour luſt and lyking. The dochter ſaid, ſa lang I may not byde, In all gude haiſt ſum lufe I mon prouyde. God hes me ſend ſa vnhappie ane weird, That I can get na ſolace in this cird. And ȝe ȝour ſelf Mother aſweill ȝe ken Quhat Ill occurris to want pleſure of men And I rather drink water for ane ȝeir, Or I ſa lang pleſure of men forbeir. The Mother ſaid dochter for my blyſſing, By e quhill thow preif or temp him wt ſū thing For ȝour blyſſing ſcho ſaid I will do mair B t him to preif, I pray ȝow to declair. In quhat faſſoun, or q hat way it may 〈◊〉 Scho ſaid dochter that ſalf I haiſtelie. In ȝour Orchard thair is ane tre that ſtandis. The maik thairof thay ſay is in few landis. In quhilk ȝour ſpous hes greit lufe and lyking, Await ſum day quhen he gais in hunting. Caus the ſame tre Incontinent be cuttit, And bring it hame or euer ȝour huſband wit it. Thairof mak fyre agane his cūming hame, Than gif ȝe chaip without reprufe or blame. At ȝour pleſure than ȝe may tak the Preiſt, This ȝe will do for ȝour Motheris requeiſt Scho ſaid Mother ȝour counſall I will do Howbeit in treuth I am richt laith thairto. Ilk ane hame paſt vnto thair awin ludgeing, The knicht meruellit of his wifes tarying. Scho ſaid gude Schir as I went weſt the ſtreit, With my Mother on chance thair culd I meit. Scho ſpeirit at me gif ȝe war in glaidnes. I ſaid euin ſa and than hame did me dres. Efter denner the King paſt in hunting, Bot his gude wife thocht on ane vther thing. And thocht that hir purpois fuld cum to end, Incontinent for the Gardner ſcho ſend. Quhome to ſcho ſaid cut doun this tender tre, That I thairof man mak on haiſtelie: Ane greit warme fire agane my Lords cūming He will beliue cum hame from the hunting. This day is ſour, ſa wonder ſchairp and cauld. And as ȝe knaw he is febill and auld. Quhen he cūmis hame that he ſall not want fire Thairfoir cut doun and ȝe ſall haue ȝour hire. To quhome he ſaid ſaif ȝour pleſure Madame, Cut we this tre but dout we will get blame. For ȝour huſband far better lufis this tre Ten times ouir, than all the treis heir be, Bot not the les Madame at ȝour deſire Vther fallm wod I ſall get to be fire. Quhairof my Lord (quod he) will ſtand content Nay, nay (ſaid ſcho) cut doun Incoutment. He ſaid na way this tre I will deſtroy, For it will put my Maiſter to greit noy. Scho heiring that, he wald not do command, The Gardnaris Ax, ſcho hint into hir hand. The tender tre ſcho cuttit at the rute. That fra thine furth it ſuld neuer haue frute. Cauſit ſeruandis the ſamin hame to beir, Of hir huſband thairof taking na feir. The Knicht at euin fra hunting cūming hame, Huuting the wylde in Foreſt with the tame. His wife him met, and ſaid gu e Schir I knaw Ze ar werie and wonder cauld with aw, I cauſit to big ane fire to ȝow thairfoir, To mak ȝow cherie, and mirrie be the moir. I thank ȝow dame ſaid he with all my hart, Get I gude cheir, than ȝe ſall haue ȝour part. Than in he come, and ſat doun on ane bink, Befoir the fire, and cryit for meit and drink. Quhilk in all haiſt to him richt ſone was brocht And thairof drāk blyithlie quhil he gude thocht In the meane time the ſmell perſauit he Of his ȝoung plant, and beſt belouit tre. To him he callis the Gardnair richt ſone, And ſaid miſchant, quhat hes thow to me done? Weill I perſaue my plant birne in the fire, Thairfoir at me thow hes not ſeruit thy hyre. He ſaid my Lord, it is trew that ȝe tell, Nane did that turne bot ȝour awin wife hir ſell. Than ſaid the Knicht I wait that can not be. That my awin wife wald do ſit thing to me, For weill ſcho knew that tre I lufit beſt, Be twentie fauld nor I did all the reſt. I wait ſcho wald neuer conſent thairtill, Becaus ſcho knew that it was not my will. Scho ſaid gude Lord I cry ȝow heir mercie, For it was I that cuttit doun the trie. Knawing richt weill ȝe war werie forgane, Cauld, waik & tyrit, and gude fire had we nan And I did it ȝour curage to refreſche, To mak ȝow blyith, and to comfort ȝour fleſche That was the caus I gart this fire on mak, Onlie for ȝow, and for nane vthers ſaik. Quhen the Knicht hard it was the ſamin tre. Onto his wife he ſaid richt angerlie: O wickit wife how durſt ȝe be ſa bald, To cut the tre, that I in na wayis wald Sene bene cut doun for greit riches and rene, I mak ane vow ȝe ſall it ſair repent. And knawing weill, I lude it all the beſt, Ze haue me maid ane fault richt manifeſt. Quhen that ſcho ſaw hir huſband diſcontent, Than ſcho began to weip and als lament. On fenȝeit ſort hir ſelf for to excuſe, At ſiclike time as wemen oft times dois, Schir I it did for ȝour vtilitie, And ȝe it takis agane ouir crabitlie. For I beleuit to win thairthrow gude deid And now I get greit magrie to my meid For it that I do euer for the brſt Ane euin rewaird I get ay reddyeſt. I had rather be brint intill ane coill Nor for gude minde ſit outrage for to thoill. Than ſcho began to weip and mak murning, Incontinent the Knicht that perſauing, And ſa at ſchort was mouit with mercie, And ſaid my Joy ȝour murning now lat be. In time cūming ſe that ȝe not me mufe To diſpleſure nor hurt the thing I lufe. Thairfoir be war, the dayis of ȝour lifetime, That neuer agane ȝe commit ſic a crime. As for this time heir I forgiue ȝow clene, Ceis weip na mair, be ſtill and dry ȝour Ene. Than the nixt day to Kirk ſcho went agane, Met hir mother quhome of ſcho was richt fane, Gude morne mother (quod ſcho) wt hart & breiſt Now weill aneuch faith I may lufe the Preiſt. And I haue done euin as ȝe counſallit me, My handis cut doun his beſt belouit tre, Sa ȝour counſall I did intill all thing, Bot fra he ſaw that I maid ſit murning He chereiſt me, and hes forgeuin me quyte, Thairfoir Mother put me not in the wyte Howbeit I lufe the Preiſt with all my hart, For my gude man he keipis me not a part. The Mother ſaid thocht auld men anis forgeif, In time cūming efter and ȝe thame greif: Thay will trewlie pans the nixt fault agane, And puneis it perchance with dowbill pane. My counſall is temp him ane vther tyde, Allace Mother (quod ſcho) I may not byde. For I ſuffer mair pane for ȝone ſame Preiſt, Nor I can ſchaw or think into my breiſt. Anerdone me my ſweit Mother thairfoir, Of ȝour counſall now I will tak no moir. The Mother ſaid, for the lufe thow ſuld haue To me, becaus my Cors did the conſaue: Of my boſum, as ane Bab did the beir, And for the blyſſing of thy Father deir: In this behalf ȝit temp him anis agane, Gif ȝe get quyte than I forgiue ȝow plane, To lufe the Preiſt, or ouy that ȝe pleis, Scho ſaid that taill to me dois greit diſeis. Fra my pleſure for to remaine ſa lang, Forſuith Mother ȝe ar ſa far in the wrang. Neuertheles for my Fatheris blyſſing it anis agane I ſall giue him temping. How it ſall be, firſt ȝe mon to me ſchaw, All the faſſoun I pray ȝow lat me knaw. our huſband hes quod ſcho ane litill hound He will not cois for mony merk and pound, He lufis ſa weill, that nichtlie in his bed, He makis his couche, and with fine meit is fed With his awin hands ſe ȝe the ſame hound keil Befoir his Ene, ſa ȝe may wit richt weill This being done, be ȝe not puneiſt than, Go lufe the Preiſt, or ony vther man I gif ȝow leif, I ſall ȝow neuer blame, Sa it be not to ȝour greit ſin and ſchame. Scho ſaid Mother I will ȝour counſall do At this preſent, quhat ȝe will charge me to. For thair is not ane barne I wait leuand, Sa faine wald keip of my eild the command Of hir parents, and now withouttin ſkaith, I will obrene the blyſſing of ȝow baith. And now Mother remember in ȝour thocht For ȝour blyſſing I did ellis wald I nocht. And than ſcho ſaid my ſweit Mother adew. Quhat thocht I haue I pray God gif ȝe knew. Than come ſcho hame and put of as ſcho micht That langſum day, quhill it come to the nicht. And ſa at euin commandit that hir bed, With purpour clais and ſilk ſuld be ouir ſpred. Quhilk the ſeruandis at hir command hes done With coiſtlie clais the bed thay ſpred it ſone. And quhen the bed was this at reddy maid, The litill hound thairon hes him doun laid. As his cuſtome was and conſwerude, Als the gude wife knew weill that he wald dude And vp ſcho rais with minde malitious, With haitrent hart and vult richt venemous. Be the hind heillis this hound than did ſcho tak And all his harms out on the wall ſcho ſtraik. Sayand quhat deuill dois this tyke on our bed, That is ſa riche and all with ſilks ouirſpred. Quhen the Knicht ſaw his litil hoūd was ſlane Fra crabitnes na way he culd refrane. Bot till his wife with angrie hart can ſay, Wickit woman out of my ſicht away: How culd thow find into thy cruell minde, To ſla the hound that to me was ſa kinde? And ouir all hounds wt my awin hart was lufit O wickit wife Mahoun thy hart hes mufit, To do ſic thing and me to Ire Incres, O curſt catiue wo to thy cruelnes. Scho ſaid gude man haue ȝe not richt weil ſene How this foull tyke with his feit ſa vnclene Vpon our bed hes lyne and fylit the ſame Haue ȝe pleſure thairof or ony game, Foull traikit tykis vyon our bed to ly, Thocht ȝe pleis ſa, the ſame ȝit pleis not I To ſpill our bed that is ſa precious, Couerit with clais ſa clene and curious. With his foull feit cum new furth of the myre, I rather haue brint the bed and all in fyre. Than ſaid the knicht with ane angrie viſage, Knew thow not weill, that I had greit curage Into ane Leiſche my hound for to ſe led, Ane hunder times, nor lying in my bed. I rather geum all my hors quhair thay ſtand Or ȝe had tane ſic wickit deid in hand. Than quhen ſcho ſaw the knicht ſa diſcontent, And in ſum part raiſit in matalent: To weip and rair in all haiſt ſcho began, Sayand allace that euer I knew ane man. For quhen I was into my virgine flouris I knew nathing of thir ſchairp winter ſchouris For ony tyke in this wiſe to be ſchorit, Quicke in my graue I had rather be ſmorit. For all that I for the beſt dois pretend, Ze ay alledge that I thairin offend. Howbeit my minde be euer trew and gude I get na thank, this ſchortlie I conclude. Than this auld knicht perſauing the greit cai Weiping, murning with reuthfull hart & ſai . As he beleuit, he ſaid lat be ſic thing, And at this time ȝe mak na mair murning, I pardone ȝow, vnder proteſtatioun In time cūming ȝe mak na occaſioun, Me for to mufe to anger or to Ire, For gif ȝe do, at ſum time I will tyre. Ze knaw richt weill ȝe cuttit doun the tre, And now at ſchort my hound ȝe haue gart die. Do not ſiclike I harthe ȝow requeir, For gif ȝe do, na mair I can forbeir To puneis ȝow, for all that is gane by To the vtreſt remember weill ſall I. Thairfoir be war mak me not diſcontent At ȝow na mair, and ſa to bed thay went. Sa on the morne at time vp ſone ſcho rais With mirrie minde, and put on all hir clais. Went to the Kirk, and ſa hir Mother met Beleuing weill of hir gude leif to get: To lufe the Preiſt, and fyld hir huſbandis bed, Bot as God wald ſic thing was na thing ſped Thay hailſit vther as thay thocht beſt be done, And in talking togidder thay fell ſone. Scho ſaid Mother ouir lang for ȝour requeiſt, I haue the lufe forletit of the Preiſt. For now I haue temptit my huſband twyis Hangit be I quhen that I tempt him thryis. Be ȝour counſall ane greit thing I haue done, By my conſait mony ſtages abone. For as ȝe bad I cuttit doun his trie, And now laitlie I gart his gude hound die. And baith thir faultis he hes forgeuin me quyte In time cūming to me ȝe put na wyte. With all my minde and hart within my breiſt, In all gude haiſt I will ga lufe the Preiſt. The Mother ſaid I pray the douchter deir, With patience twa wordis thow wald me heir It is weill knawin with ma nor I can tell. That ay auld men ar ſle and cruell, And will think on vpon faultis done befoir. Howbeit ſum time thay wil not chyde nor ſchoir For it is ſaid, and als richt weill I wait, That crueltie it is appropriat To eldering Knichtis y in ȝouth hes bene kene, Sine in thair eild thay turne to tray and tene. And for ſum fault will puneis with rigour, As thay in minde it takis in diſpleſour. Z t my counſall thairfoir I wald thow did, And thairefter I ſall the not forbid: Lufe quhome thow liſt, or quhome yu lykis to lufe Thair is my hand I ſall the not reprufe. Zit temp him anis as we can beſt deuiſe, For it is ſaid that all things thryfis bot thriſe. Scho ſaid Mother I heir ȝow talk in vane, Knew ȝe the thocht and nichtlie burning pane, That I ſuffer continuallie in hart, I wait ȝe wald not tak my contrapart. Ze ar Mother ane woman as I am, Quhat wald ȝe ſay, gif ȝe wantit the game Of my Father, that ȝe richtlir bruik, For ane new lufe but dout ſone ȝe wald luik. With all ȝour pith the ſame ȝe wald purches, And haiſt the ſame with all ȝour beſines. Into this cace now put ȝour minde to reſt. To lufe the Preiſt gude faith I think it beſt. Scho ſaid dochter for the greit pane and cure I had of the that time quhen I the bure. And ſor the fude thairof quhilk that the fed, I the beſeik fyle not thy huſbandis bed. Till the thrid time, I pray the him to prufe, As thow will haue my bliſſing and my lufe. Deny me not this ſober ſmall petitioun, And I promeis to the ane ſure conditioun. I ſall furth ſet and further thy Intent, To thy pleſure, and als Intandement. And neuer ſay that thow hes done ane mis, My ſweit dochter I pray the grant me this. As thow will haue my bliſſing on thy banis, My ſmall deſire I pray the grant me anis. The dochier ſaid, Mother I ȝow declair, The mater is to me ſa ſad and ſair, That I may not ſa lang abſtene thairfra, Zit not the les ſa Inwartlie ȝe pra: For the greit charge firſt that ȝe ſay to me, And ſine agane ȝe haue promeiſt trewlie Into this cace to further furth my caus, Gif I had neid the richteous God it knawis Thairfoir ſchaw me the maner and the way, How I ſall temp him to the thrid effray. The Mother ſaid on Sonday nixt cūmand I knaw richt weill the minde of ȝour huſband, To haue vs all to dme is his Intent, With mony friendis, that nane be thair abſent, With diuers ma gude men of this Cietie, Than quhen ȝe ar all at ȝour Maieſtie, With all ȝour meitis weill ſeruit at the Tabill At the burde heid to ſit ȝe ar richt abill. Ane ken ȝe ſall into the buirdclaith knit, Quhilk at ȝour belt dois hing, not latting wit That ȝe did ſa, bot as it come on chance Saying furth plane with ane fair countenance. Ze may perſaue ſa forȝetfull ane wife, As I am now I traiſt be not on life. In my Chalmer my knife I haue forȝet, Force I mon riſe the ſame agane to get. Than ſall ȝe riſe with ane faird haiſtelie, Na man knawing quhair that ȝe knit ȝour kie. Sa it being knit into the buirdclaith faſt, Than ſall ȝe all the meit and tabill doun caſt, On this faſſoun all ȝour meit ſalbe ſpilt With diſpleſure and all ȝour Naiprie gift. Ze doing ſa, vnpuneiſt gif ȝe be To lufe the Preiſt faith heir I mak ȝow fre. Scho ſaid for auis ȝour counſall ſall I preif, Bot neuer agane ſa lang as I may leif. For ȝour counſall I haue done far ouir micht, And ſa ather at vther tuke gnde mcht. Within few dayis the Feiſt was preparit A boundan 〈…〉 e and for na coiſt thay ſparit. The Father Mother, and freindis of honeſtie, On euerie ſide war callit thair to be. The Tabill couerit, and all ſet doun to dine, The meitis come ticht delicate with wine. All being ſet, as it culd beſt effeir The gude wife ryit Ilk man to mak gude their At the buird heid ſcho ſat hir awin ſelf doun, Hir Mother weill perſauit the faſſoun. Quhat hir dochter wald do richt weil ſcho knew Beleuing weill the ſame thing ſcho wald rew. Sa the gude wife ane bonie lytill kie Hang at hir belt ſcho knit richt quyetlie. That na e perſauit nor knew hir fals Intent, Bot this ſcho ſaid to all the burde preſent. Gif I be wiſe now ȝe may all perſaue, In my Chalmer my knife forȝet I haue. Quhilk I mon fetche & with a •• faird vprais, And wi h ane 〈◊〉 tuik with hir the buird clais. The Tabill turnit, and all the meit doun ſlang Alla e ſcho ſaid faith now I haut done wrang I ſair repent that I ſa ſchorthe rais The m it is ſpilt and f lit ar all clais. The K •• cht hangeit countenance in his face, And ſmylit for ſcorne that ſa occurrit the ca e. And ſufferit ouir with blyith diſſimula •• e. To treit his gaiſtis with ane gude countenance And commandit ane new Tabill be ſet With new Naiprie, and vther courſis get. And prayit his gaiſtis for to be blyith and glaid How beit his Tabill was reckleſlie doun laid. Incontinent freſche meitis was brocht anone, To new denner with blyithnes ar thay gone. For all thing done not mufing him nathing, Nor to his wife ane Ill word not ſaying. Making gude their to all the companie, With mirrynes welcūmand thame glaidlie. Bot the Mother knawing weill the Jutent, Of the dochter, was wonder diſcontent. The dennet done, thay thankit all the Knicht And als his wife, & bad them baith gude nicht On the nixt morne the Knicht airlie he rais, In name of God, firſt to the Kirk he gais. And efter he had his deuotioun done, To a e Barbour but tarie paſt he ſone. Saying Maiſter ar ȝe gudlie expart, In blude latting, or Inſicht in that Art? He ſaid gude Schir I am expart trèwlie Of euerie vaine within a mannis bodie, I knaw richt weill, or ȝit in ane woman, In drawing blude thairof greit craft I can. Than ſaid the Knicht thairof I am content, Cum on with me and ȝe ſall haue payment. Sa the Barbour hame with the Knicht he wēt. And be the gait he tauld him his Intent. And ſa thay come vnto the Knichtis ludgeing, uhair his wife lay, ſone thay gat entering. He ſaid gude dame get vp for ȝe men riſe, Quod ſcho gude Schir, forſuith its n ••• he gi •• Sa ſone to riſe, ſay ȝe that for ane mock It is ſcarce ȝit nyne houris gane of the clock. Thā ſaid y Knicht dame riſe for ȝour awin 〈◊〉 On baith the armes ȝe mon be lattin blud . Scho ſaid gude Sthir ſen my Mother m 〈◊〉 Blude vpon me was lattin neuer mair. And now thairof ſen I want conſwetude, I haue na will for to be lattin blude. Than ſaid the Knicht, forſuith ȝe ar the war, To lat ȝow blude ſa lang that ȝe defar. Think ȝe not on quhat faultis ȝe haue maid me Firſt ȝe hewit doun my Nobill plant and tre. Quhilk ȝe knew weill that I lude all the beſt, And ſine ȝe knaw how that my hound ȝe dreſt. And ȝiſterday ȝour freindis being preſent, At the Tabill ſa cruellie me ſchent. Gif I ſuffer that ȝe do the fourt wrang, In conſwetude and vſe ſa ȝe ſall gang. Within ſchort time ȝe ſall me ſa conſtrane, To vtter ſchame, that I can noe refrane: My ſelf fra ſchame, without I find remeid, And I find weill ſum fault is in ȝour heid: Of corrupt blude, that mon be lattin out, And als wilde blude in ȝour bodie but dout. That fra thine furth ȝe ſall na mair heir blame Nor anger me, nor ȝit put me to ſchame. He cauſit ſeruandis but ony mair abaid In the Chalmer ane greit fire to be maid. S ho ſeing that ſcho trowit without remeid Into that fire for to be brint to deid. Thā cryit ſcho loud for Gods ſaik grant mercie And I promit ȝow a thing faithfullie. In all my dayis I ſall ȝow neuer greif, Sa this ane time that ȝe will me releif. And haue pietie. I grant I did treſpas, Thairfoir gude Schir mercie at ȝow I as. Than ſaid the Knicht be him that mercie maid Streich ȝe not furth ȝour arme but mair abaid: Quhair I Intend bot of ȝour blude haue part, I ſall haue all the hart blude at ȝour hart. To the Barbour alſo he ſaid in plane, Se that ȝe cut ane greit hoill in the vane. Or be Sanct George the ſame thing ȝe ſall haue For ȝour rewaird, that ſcho ſuld now reſſaue. The Barbour ſeing he gat ſa ſair ane charge, He maid ane woōd, that was baith deip & large On that ane arme, quhill that the blude ran doū Aboundantlie, and with greit effuſioun. Quhilk for to ſtanche the Knicht wald nathing thou Bot rather bad mak mair larger the hoill Unto the time he ſaw hir change cullour, That wound to ſtanche he cauſit the Barbour And bad him ſtrike into that vther arme, Als grit ane woūd, quhairof he thocht na harme Scho ſaid huſband haue mercie now on me, I am ſa waik, I traiſt ſchortlie to die. Thā ſaid the Knicht ȝe ſuld haue thocht on this Anis twiſe, thriſe, quhen ȝe committit mis. Quhilk cauſis me richt ſair aganis my will, Of ȝour wilde blude ſa mekill to ſe ſpill, For I ſure ȝow he leuis not vpon life, That wald haue drawin ſa muche blude on my wife Except my ſelf thairto had geuin couſent, But dout that ane of vs ſuld ſair repent. Bot at this time ȝour awin licht wilfulnes, Hes cauſit me on this maner ȝow dres. For ȝe haue done ſic wickit turnis thre, Quhairfoir but dout that puneiſt ȝe mon be. Than the Barbour cauſit hir lay furth on breid That vther arme, that he micht caus hir bleid. And than he ſtraik vpon that vther ſide Into hir arme ane wound baith deip and braid Quhill that the blude aboundantlie ran doun, That all beleuit that ſcho ſuld fall in ſwoun. With ane waik voice ſcho cryit richt pieteouſlie My ſweit huſband haue mercie now on me. For I beleue becaus I am ȝour wife Ze couet not that I ſuld lois the life. Than ſaid the Knicht to the Barbour agane, I think it beſt that now ȝe ſtanche ȝone vane Now preſentlie, na mair ȝe lat it bleid, The Barbour ſaid, ſa ſall I Schir in deid. That being done, the Knicht he gaue command To his ſeruandis, that thay ſuld ſone fra hand Put hir in bed that ſcho micht get ſum reſt, The Barbour ſaid gude ſchir I think that beſt. Than bad his wife remember in hir minde, In time bygane ſa Ill ſcho was Inclinde. And mis amend, or I hecht be the Rude, Do ȝe not ſa, I ſall ſe ȝour hart blude. Than the barbour at this gude eldering knicht Reſſauit his wage, and at him tuik gude nicht. Than the ſeruandis in minde thay thocht it beſt Thair awin huſie to put hir to ſum reſt. Sa in hir bed thay happit hir eſilie, Quhen thay beleuit nathing bot hir to die. Scho being laid ſa ſoftlie in hir bed, Heuie at hart, richt faint and all forbled. Ane damiſell ſcho bad into all haiſt, Fetche hir Mother or ſcho ȝeildit the Gaiſt. Quha in all haiſt that to hir Mother tald Zour dochter the ſpreit ſcho will vpȝald. And cum ȝe not, I ſay to ȝow trewlie, Scho is ſa faint, we trow all ſcho ſall die. Than the Mother Inquyrit ſecreitlie Quhat was the caus of hir Infirmitie. The damiſell to hir the faſſoun ſaid, Quhairof y Mother was wonder blyith & glaid That hir dochter ſa trimlie was correctit, Howbeit that ſcho the ſamin not ſuſpectit. Sa ou ſcho come vnto hir dochters place, To conſidder the faſſoun and the race. And als ſone as ſcho hard hir Mother ſpeik, My ſweit Mother (ſaid ſcho) I ȝow beſeik, To ſet ȝow doun and reſt at my bed heid, For I beleue na thing bot onlie deid. Of my bodie ſo muche blude I haue bled, That I on force behuifit to tak bed. Throw verie fault of febilnes of blude, That of my life I trow to be denude. The Mother ſaid, my ſweit dochter and deir, Tauld I ȝow not ane word was not in weir: That ay auld men was ſchairp bitter and fell, Richt outrageous, diſpitefull and cruell. Howbeit ſum time a fault thay wald ouirſe. Zit at the laſt thay wald it puneis hie. My dochter now ane queſtioun I will ſpeir, Howbeit ȝe be richt waik now lyand heir. Tell me the treuth and oppin to me ȝour breiſt, In time cūming gif ȝe will lufe the Preiſt. Quha ſaid agane, allace Mother lat be, Ane warldis ſchame mot tak all Preiſtis for me The heich vengeance of the greit God abufe, Mot quell thame all or I ane of thame lufe. Bot my huſband that is baith deir and ſweit, Thair is na man in warld for me ſa meit. The Mother ſaid, quhy ſuld ȝe haue diſpite At the pure Preiſt or giue him ony wite: For I beleue ȝour minde he neuer knew, Nor in ſic race he did ȝow not perſew. Bot weil I knaw quhat thing y gart ȝow dude, The wantones and aboundance of blude. Quhilk I beleue at this time now ȝe want, For ȝe behude haue ſum thing ȝow to dant. Mother (ſaid ſcho) I pray ȝow let me reſt, Abone all men my huſband I think beſt. The Maiſter ſaid than to the Empreour, Schir haue ȝe tane this taill weill in ordour: And conſiderit thairof the morall ſence, The Empreour ſaid Maiſter be my conſcience It is the beſt and wonder lefull taill That I haue hard this mony ȝeir but faill. To hir huſband ſcho did ſchrewde turnis thre, Firſt ſcho cuttit his nobill tender tre: Sine ſlew his ho •• quhilk was bot a dum beiſt And than thridlie miſfaſſonit all the Feiſt. Gif he had thoillit the fourt for to bene done, It ſuld haue brocht him to confuſioun ſone. The Maiſter ſaid I counſall ȝow heirfoir, Tent to ȝour wife, gif hir credence no moir. Slaȝe ȝour ſone (for hir wordis) vnoffendit Ze ſall forthink quhen ȝe can not amend it. The Empreour ſaid, I ſay to ȝow trewlie, My ſone this day for ȝour ſaik ſall not die. The Maiſter ſaid, I thank ȝour Nobill grace, That for my ſaik hes pardonit him ſic ſpace. Sa tuik his leif, as culd him weill effeir, And ſa hamewart to his awin hous culd ſpeir. Or we proceid now to the Emprice taill Sum we will talk of the Doctouris but faill.
¶ MORALITAS. ZE may perſaue now be this taill Gude counſall is of greit auaill Qnha that will tak it weill in heid Fra vice to vertew it ſall him leid And ay be reulit with ane gude reid, This is forſuith but faill Gude counſall is ane precious thing Outher to Empreour or King It lattis all thing for to ga wrang The King nor Empreour neuer rang And gif thay want gude counſall lang with reule thay ſall not ring. All greit perrellis it ſettis on ſyde With wiſdome it dois all prouyde, God it grantis to all degreis Bot mony ſa faſt fra it fleis Quhill thay be ſet vpon thair kneis Thay haue na grace to gyde. This ȝoung woman had fair offendit Gif hir Mother had condiſcendit To hir dochteris vnwiſe conſait, In hir contrair ſcho maid debait And gart it gang ane vther gait Gude counſall ſa defendit. The Mother was greit till allow, That cauſit hir dochter till hir bow, Throw gude counſall anis, twyſe and thryſe, Saying dochter and thow be wyſe Tak not in hand ſic Interpryſe Except thow it auow. And ſa be counſall of hir Dame Scho continewit hir glaikit game Howbeit ſcho rang in rampand rage. Gude counſall cauſit hir to aſſwage. Quhill that the Barbour for his wage Maid hir meik as a Lam. Say ȝe not bot it was deſpyte Firſt cuc the tre, the hound to ſmyte, Syne caſt the Tabill ſa rekleſlie How can ſcho weill excuſit be Scho was wyteles a lytill we Wantones had the wyte. And heit of blude was aboundant, Quhairof ſum part ſcho micht weill want Hir huſband than tuik weill in heid How be thairof ſuld get remeid Quhair hir blude was he laid cauld leid, And this way culd hir dant. Sa quhen the Mother come to ſe Quhidder gif ſcho wald leif or die Quha ſaid dochter for my requeiſt Now lay thy hand to thy awin breiſt And ſe gif thow will lufe the Preiſt Ceis Mother lat that be. For had not bene ȝour gude counſell But recure I had ſchamit my ſell, And as ȝe ken I was richt thra For all ȝour ſawis, to cum thairfra, Now thankis to God it is not ſa, Gude counſall beiris the bell. The Preiſt of all this was wyttles Of my baudrie and brukilnes For he thairof neuer thing knew Nor I to him ſic thing not ſchew Bot was in purpois to perſew Thairfoir he was ſaikles. Zoung wemen heirfoir in ȝour flouris Thocht ȝe think pryde of Paramouris Tak heir exampill how I am, And ſet on ſyde ſic ſawreles game Or ȝe ſall ſair repent the ſame The tyme was myne as ȝouris. Ze auld men that ar cum to age Zoung wemen into Mariage In na maner is for ȝow meit Thay ar wantoun and full of heit To ȝow is ſour that thay think ſweit And ſkant to get for wage. Thairfoir in tyme ȝe ſuld correct tham With aw and laubour ȝe ſuld brek tham Let thame not braull on euerie bink. For as ȝe brew ſa ſall ȝe drink Perchance haue mater to forthink And greit caus to ſuſpect thame. To this talking ȝe ſuld tak tent Or efterwart ȝe fall repent Quhen ȝe ar maid Johne Thomſounis man Than ſall ȝe braull, than ſall ȝe ban And quhen remeid nane find ȝe can Bot all with ſchame ouirſchent. Now ȝe ar warnit, I bid adew We ar ouir gude quhair we ar trew, Thair is ouir few is faithfull found Sum cuttis the tre, ſum killis the hound, Sum caſtis the Tabill to the ground As I did, that I rew.
¶ Ane praiſe to the fourt Doctour. LAVDE, honour, praiſe, and thankis ane hunder fald To the Doctour for the Taill thow hes tald, That ſauit hes the Chyldis lyfe for ane day, And quenched hes the Empreouris boiſt ſa bald In greit malice, quha that but mercie wald His awin ſone ſlaine, bot thow him cauſit ſay nay Thocht ȝone quick Feind dois all that euer ſcho may To haue him ſlaine, bot we ſall all defy hir Within few dayis on reid weir we ſall cry hir.
¶ The Fyft Taill of the Emprice. THe Emprice heiring y child ȝit was not deid Ane new conſait than tu k ſcho in hir heid, Throw all the toun gart fie in alkin artis The carage hors yat wald draw wanis & cartis And fil it the ſame with alkin kinde of geir, Hir Ornamentis and clais that ſcho ſuld we e. Maid hir to pas vnto hir Father hame. Saying ſcho wald na langer thorll ſic ſchame. As ſcho did daylie that all man micht ſe, And thairupon culd not reuengeit be. Quhairfoir ſcho wald at hir father ſeik mendis Quhome on ſcho ſaid all hir hope clene dependis The ſeruandis ſa perſauing hir Intent To the Empreour thay ſchew Incontinent. Quha paſt to hir in haiſt but mair proces Inquirit the caus of all ſic beſines. Quhair mark ȝe to, or quhidder will ȝe go Quhat is the caus that ȝe ar muifit ſo? Scho ſayis I will but ony mair delay, To my Father the hie gait mak the way. Quhair I may haue baith ſolace mirth & game Bot now I haue the contrair of the ſame. Thairfoir I mon perſew quhair I may get it, For at this time ȝe gar me quyte forȝet it. The Empreour ſaid will ȝe get mair ſolace Nor bide with me, I trow into na place. For I had hope thair was na man on life Was better lude nor I with his awin wife. Now I perſaue the verray clene contrair, That bowi s away in vther place to fair. Scho ſaid my Lord, for that caus I depart For I lufe ȝow with ſa perfite aue hart, That I rather of ȝour deith to heir tell, Nor be preſent, and for to ſe it my ſell. Of ȝour Maiſteris ȝe tak far mair delite, To heir thair taillis all tauld in my deſpite: That I am quite put furth of ȝour credence Ze gif to thame ſa Inwart attendence. Thairfoir it ſall chance ȝow or all be gane Far worſe nor did vnto O tauiane, Quhilk this Impire as ȝe now preſentlie Had for to gyde, and deit in miſerie. He was ſa fals, and als ſa couetous, That his ſubiectis held him ſa odious. Thay war conſtranit for his greit falſitie To eird him quick for all his dignitie, Becaus Ilk man ſa couetous did him hold, Thay ȝet his mouth full of het meltit gold. To quhome quod he, let not ſic thing be ſaid, That of falſet the blame to me be laid. Scho ſaid but dout the blame lyis all in ȝow, For day be day all time ȝe gar me trow Zour Sone ſuld die, and ȝit he leuand is, And weill ȝe knaw that he did me greit mis. Thairfoir beleue that farther mair from hence, In that behalf I giue ȝow na credence. The Empreour ſaid it becūmis not ane King, Without counſall to diſcus euerie thing. And in ſpeciall for to giue Judgement On my awin ſone without gude auiſement. Thairfoir Madame I pray ȝow hartfullie, That ȝe wald ſchaw ſum gude exampill to me: Quhairthrow I may my realme with wiſdome gyde And to my ſelf ane eſie life prouyde. Scho ſaid I ſall ane ſtorie to ȝow ſchaw, Quhairby ȝe may weill and perfitelie knaw To reule ȝour Realme, and hald ȝour ſelf perfite Sa ȝe will mak ȝow of the ſeuin Maiſteris quite Of thair counſall ȝe ar ouir couetous And of thair taillis ȝe ar ouir deſirous. Zit not the les my taill furth ſall I ſay, And gif ȝe pleis the ſentence beir away. BEfoir our dayis thair was baith hard & ſene Kingis, Empreouris into this toun hes bene Amang the reſt I remember on ane Quhilk callit was to Name Octauiane. Sa couetous as he was to win gold, I neuer red ane formit on the mold. The Cietizanis that time as I hard ſay Thay had greit weiris with all about thē lay. And all Natiounis richt cruellie thay dantit, Quhair thay tribute or ony manrent wantit. Quhill that it come to ſic het point of weir. That all Natiounis in thair contrair did ſteir. In that meane time yair was ane maiſter Clark Dwelling in Rome, richt cunning in his wark. Callit Virgill, the quhilk in Arſmetrik, He was ſa ſle, that nane was found him ſik. The Cietizanis this Clark thay did require, That he wald wirk, & win fra thame gude hire To finde ſum way be his craft and cunning For to Ingraue ſum Image or ſic thing, Of his pretik, Ingine or Induſtrie, Subtell ſcience, or ȝit Nycromanſie. Quhairby yt thay micht haue perfite knawlege, Quhen Enemeis to weirfair maid veyage: And to eſchew fra all aduerſitie, And ſeik fordwart thair awin proſperitie. Quhairby thay micht prouyde thair purueyāc For gude or euill quhidder that it did chance. The Cietizans than with this cunning Clark Maid ane accord, and ſa fell to his wark. Within the toun he buyldit vp ane Towre, Of ane greit hicht, and als of greit valour, And ſet vpon the ſamin Towris heid, Greit Images of Irne, Tin, bras and Leid. To the number be thair awin diſcriptiounis, As thair was than in all the warld of Regioūis In the middis of that ſamin Towre of hicht, Ane greit Image he ſet to all mannis ſicht. And in the hand it bure ane goldin ball, As it ſuld bene the Maiſter of thame all. And Ilk ane had of the reſt be thame ſell, Into thair hand ane lytill ring and bell, And turnit thair face to the ſame Regioun, To thame aſſignit, and tuik dominioun. if ony Realme or Regioun vp wald riſe, In contrair Rome, or rebell ony wiſe. Than that Image to ony Ilk Regioun, It had reſpect, or ȝit dominioun Wald mufe the face, and alſo ring the bell, And thame to warne it wald not faill to tell Than the Romanis or ony fais wiſt, That rebellioun rais for to reſiſt. And armour them into all faitis of weir, As thame become, or to thame culd effeir. And ſa ſmall land thair was in Chriſtindome Bot be that way was maid ſubiect to Rome. Quhairthrow yai wā grit worſchip & honours Ouir all the warld thay war callit conqu rours This being done this nobill cunning Clark, In Romes toun he maid ane vther wark. Quhilk was ane fire continuallie burning, Baith nicht and day, and neuer had ſlokning. To the pepill being ane greit comfort, Solace and mirth, blyithnes and mekill ſport. Twa bathing fattis he maid within the toun. To commountie greit conſolatioun. The ane was cauld, preparit for ſimmer ſeſſoun The vther het, for winter quhilk was reſſoun. if ony man his bodie wald refreſche, Pas to that ane thairwith he micht him weſche Betuix thir Bathis, and this continuall licht, Ane Image maid of greit ſtature and hicht. With ſic Ingine, ſa lang as thair it ſtude The fire ſuld birne, and ay the Bathis do gude. In quhais foirheid was writin with letters fine Quha ſtrykis me doun greit treaſure ſal yaitine And mair atouir it may fall ſic ane chance, Quhen yai haue done to tak ane greit vengeāce This Image was maid with ſic craftines, Till that it ſtude, and thoilland na diſtres. The fire leſtit, and neuer mair ȝeid out, The baths twa ſtude in yair awin ply but dou Quhill at the laſt ane cunning Clerk come by, And this Image perfitelie culd eſ •• . The wryting red, and to him ſelf he ſaid, Quhat kin vengeance can on ane man be laid. Or quhat treaſure may ony man now t 〈…〉 e? That ſtrykis the doun or puttis the to ruine. Bot I beleue rather hid for to be, Vnder thy feit ſum greit ſowmes of monie. Sum riche Jowellis of gold or ſum treaſour, That thow art ſa ſet vp with ſic honour. This I beleue, and is the liklyeſt, And ſa at ſchort that Image doun he keſt, To that effect ſum treaſure to obtene, Bot nane he gat, becaus nane thair had bene. Bot ſa ſone as that Image fell but dout, Incontinent the fire was quenchit out. The Baths twa was vaniſchit out of ſicht, Did neuer gude, nor efter had na micht. The pure pepill heirof was wonder ſorie, That thay war ſa deſtitute of ſic glorie. Baith of thair Baths, and of thair leſtand licht Quhilk to thame did greit comfort day & nicht Saying Ilk ane with loude voice to the air, Curſt mot he be for now and euer mair. That vs ſa quyte of comfort hes maid clene, That we ſa lang in conſwetude hes bene. For his pleſure and profeit ſingulair, o be to him with ſturt and mekill cair. Zit not the les thair treaſure gat he none, And our pleſures all quyte away is gone. In this meane time was leuand Kingis thre, o quho 〈…〉 e Romanis had done greit vilanie, Be greit murther and malice thame moleſt, With cruell weiris, and ſlauchter thame oppreſt On quhome thay wald richt fane reuēgeit bene Sa to counſall thir thre Kingis did conuene. With yair Barroūs, yair Lords & yair knichts And vthers men of greit wiſdome and michts. How that thay micht on Rome reuengeit be, For thair ſlauchter and thair greit vilanie: Vnto thame done in diuers times went, And culd na way on thame get aſſythment. Quhen diuers dayis thay had at counſall bene Sum of thame ſaid this auaillis not ane prene, Thair michtis is far aboue all our puiſſance, Thairfoir we think ſum vther conuoyance: We mon attempt, and new conſaitis conſidder, Thairfoir lat all our wittis now ga togidder. Than four auld Knichtis y was of coūſall gude Befoir thair King and Lordis vp thay ſtude, Saying thir wordis we think we wirk in vane, On this mater ſa lang for to remaine. For treuth it is quhil yair greit towre vpſtandis With Images and bellis into thair handis, Quhilk warnis thē quhen ony Region̄ will riſe, In thair contrair, than pas thay to deuiſe Remeid thairfoir, quhat land aganis them ſtei With all defence, and cruell fait of weiris. Sa we mon rin vpon ane vther burde, Eſchew the deip, and caſt vs to the furde. Than ſaid the Kingis quhat think ȝe beſt to do Quod thay pleis ȝe our counſall to ſtand to, Sa that ȝe will thairon to mak the coiſt. We ſall ȝow pleis or ellis our heidis be loiſt. Than ſaid the Kingis for coiſt ſe ȝe not ſpair, Thairof ȝe ſall be anſwerit and far mair. Than ſaid the Knichtis the mater ſtandis thus Octauiane ȝe knaw is couetous, And lufis gold ȝe ken aboue meaſure, Thairfoir he mon be blindit with treaſure. The ſicht of gold will gar him ſa Inclinde, To all our ſawis, he hes gold ſa in minde. Pakkit richt weill four Punſiounis to the heid Ze mon furneis of cuinȝeit gold ſa reid. With gude conuoy and ordourlie expence. Quhill that we get the Empreouris preſence. This being done, get ȝe not ȝour Intent We ſall all four tine landis life and rent. The Kingis ſaid, go to it ſall be done, Thay maid fordwart, the gold was gottin ſone Four full punſiounis of gold that was ſa bricht To Romes toun thay brocht within the nicht. Na mā knawing quhat thair within was cloſit To thair purpois quhen yai thē thocht diſpoſit Thir four Punſiounis into four ſindrie artis In Romes toun thay hid at diuers partis. Sum in Fuſeis, in draw wellis and in dykis, Laich in the eird, and ſum thay ſank in ſykis. This being done, thay come in quyetlie, To thair hoſtage, and lay doun preuilie. And on the morne at time of day thay rais, With gude Intent, and to the Palice gais. And ſa belyue as thay paſt vp the ſtreit, It chancit thame the Empreour for to meit. Thay hailſit him with reuerence as effeirit, Agane at thame richt patientlie he ſpeirit: From quhēce thay come or quhat ſeruice culd do To quhat ſcience thay war maiſt abill to. Quha anſwerit him into thair beſt maneir, From far countreis to ȝour grace cūmin heir. We ar ſpa men, ſuithſayaris and deuinouris, To ſerue ȝour grace, and als ȝour counſa 〈…〉 ris. And can diſcus all dreames ſa cunninglie, And tell thairof the treuth and veritie. And all hid geir that is put out of ſicht: We can it find, and thairto ga at richt. Be our awin dreames our craft is and Ingine, Thocht it war hid ane thouſand ȝeiris ſine. And we haue hard that ȝour grace hes pleſure In ſic behalfis, and thairon takis cure. And gif ȝour grace at vs ſic will require. We ar reddy to fulfill ȝour deſire. Be day or nicht into all kinde of ſort. With hart and minde ȝour grace for to comfort. The Empreour than conſidering in his minde. How thir four men to ſic thingis was Inclinde And knew richt weill that into Romes Cietie Greit ſowmes of gold was hid richt quietlie. Quhairof he culd get na perfite knawledge, Except ſit men as thir he had in wage. Sa couetice and gredynes of geir, Haiſtie credence, quhilk all men ſuld forbeir. Blindit his thocht, and cauſit his wittis foruey Gart him ouir ſone to thair bidding obey. And ſa at ſchort the Empreour is aggreit, With thir four men, and faithfullie thame feit. Quhome to he ſaid, gude ſchirs I wil ȝow prufe And gif ȝe be ſic men for my behufe As ȝe haue ſaid, ȝe ſall haue gude rewaird, Ilk ane of ȝow but dout ſall be ane Laird. And Intreitit with thankis into my hous Amang my Lordis, with giftis glorious. Thay ſaid agane and pleis ȝour Maieſtie Na mair rewaird at ȝour grace couet we Bat the ane half of that we do obtene, Vnder the eird, as ſall be cleirlie ſene: Be our Ingine, our dreamis and our ſlichtis Within few ȝeiris we mark to mēd ȝour michtis The Empreour ſaid go do as ȝe deuiſe, Ze tak on hand ane honeſt Interpriſe. Than ſaid thay all vnto the Empreour, This nicht my Lord gif it war ȝour pleſour: To the eldeſt of vs four to grant leif, His cleue running the ſamin nicht to preif. Be his awin dreame quhat he can comprehend And quhat thairof ſall be the finall end. And thairefter we ſall in dayis thre, Schaw to ȝour grace thairof the veritie. Quhat it betakins, and quhat thairof ſall cum. To ȝour pleſure ȝe ſall knaw all and ſum. The Empreour ſaid, go to I am content, Sa tuik gude nicht, and all four furth yai went Merie in hart, richt wonder blyith and glaid. Sa gude anſwer that thay obtenit had. Paſt furth that time in ſcorne and deriſioun, Beleuing weill the greit towre to get doun. Thre dayis and nichts being paſt and compleit Thir four keſt them with the Empreour to meis The eldeſt ſaid, and pleis ȝour Nobill grace, To pas with vs, and we ſall ſchaw the place Quhair that ane twn of reid gold lyis hid The Empreour ſaid I will do as ȝe bid. Than haiſtelie thay come vnto the place The eldeſt ſaid and pleis ȝour Nobill grace As I beleue thair is of gold ſa cleir, Ane twn ſtreik full in this place lyand heir. Euin ſa my dreame to me forſuith it ſchew, And I dout not bot we ſall find it trew. Than thay all four to delf thay fell fra hand, And as he ſaid richt ſa the gold thay fand. Quhilk gold befoir into the ſamin place Thame ſelfis had hid, ago bot ane ſchort ſpa •• Zit not the les the Empreouris fantaſie Trowit thay had found the gold in veritie. Quhilk quhen he ſaw he was richt wōder glaid With mirrie cheir, and to thame four he ſaid. Of this found gold the ane half ȝe ſall haut, The vther half I ſall caus to reſſaue. The 〈◊〉 dreamer ſaid to the Empreour, Now fallis to me, gif it be ȝour pleſour, My nicht about to dreame gif I can find, Ony mair gold, gif ſum be left behind. The Empreour ſaid god ſend ȝow ſic furtherāce As this Ilk day ȝour brother gat throw chance The nixt nicht come, and ſiclike did the day, This nixt dreamer to the Empreour can ſay. Be of comfort, and gif it pleis ȝour grace, This nicht I dreamit of mair gold in ane place Quhilk in ſchort time ȝour nobil grace ſal knaw And godwilling the ſame ſall to ȝow ſchaw. And ſa he did, quhairof he was richt bl ith, Quhome to glaidlie thempreour ſaid ful ſwyith Tak ȝour awin part, and I ſall tak the vther, For ȝe haue done als weill as did ȝour brother. Sa did the thrid on the ſamin Ilk wiſe, Alſwa the fourt tuik the ſame Interpriſe. Ilk ane of thame fand to the Empreour Ane twn of gold, with riches and treaſour. Thay cauſit the King to thame giue confidence As thay had found the gold be thair ſcience Them ſelfis did hide that gold vnder the groūd And cauſit all trow the ſame that yai had found The Empreour ſa with gold he was begylit, And with thair ſlicht and ſcience was ouirſylit. Notwithſtanding the ane half he thame gaue Na wayis traiſting that he ſuld thame diſſaue. And quhen ather of thame had tane thair part The Empreour was richt Jocund in his hart. He thame auancit, and ſaid yai war maiſt trew Of ſuithſayaris, that euer he ȝit knew: And maiſt expart into thair awin ſcience, That euer was, be his Intelligence. Thay perſauing the Empreour was content Of thair doingis, thay ſaid with ane conſent, My Lord we haue Ilk ane our nicht about, Dreamit our dreames, quhilk ȝe haue hard but dout Of verie treuth, and hes preuit in deid Zit farthermair will ȝe thoill vs proceid, That we all four togidder dreame this nicht Sa ſall our dreame haue the mair ſtrēth & micht We traiſt gif thair within this Cietie be Ony hid gold, greit Jowellis or monie, We ſall it haue be our dreames and Ingine, Thocht it war hid ane thouſand ȝeiris ſine. Quhairthrow ȝour grace ſalbe enrichit wt gold, That ȝour compair ſall not be on the mold. And we dout not, bot richt weill vnderſtandis That thair is gold ten thouſand of thouſandis Within the wallis hid of the ſame Cietie, Quhairof but dout gude knawledge get ſall we The Empreour ſaid go to I am content, Sa that ȝe find quhair thair is gold and rent. Thay tuik gude nicht all four and ſaid adew Except thē ſelfis was nane thair minves knew Sa on the morne approching the nynt hour, Thay come all four befoir the Empreour. Quhome to thay ſaid with gudlie countenance My Lord be blyith, for we haue gude tythance. For we all four hes dreamit this ſamin nicht Intill our ſleip we haue ſene ſic ane ſicht, Of birnand gold ſa wonder greit plentie So muche at anis I trow few ſaw with E Will ȝe ſuffer the ſamin to be ſocht To ȝour profeit but baid it ſal be brocht. Than ſall ȝe haue of gold ſic aboundance, That all the warld for gold ſall ȝow auance. Of the greit Towre (quod thay) into the groūd All this riches of gold is to be found. The Empreour ſaid the greit God me defend, To ſic ane wark that I neuer Intend. The michtie towre quhair yt the Image ſtandis, For to put doun with ony mennis handis. Quhilk was buyldit be Clerkis ſa bounteous, Sa done coiſtlie of ſowmes ſa ſumpteous, Als warnis vs be thair ſmall bellis ringing. Of enemeis gif thay be vpryſing. Of all Regiounis outher be far or neir, Gif thay pretend aganis vs to mak weir. Thairfoir I can be na way giue conſent, To ſteir that towre for ony gold or rent. Thay ſaid my Lord haue ȝe not found all trew, That we all four in ony ſort ȝow ſchew. He ſaid ȝour wit and ſcience I commend, And als ȝour treuth ſurelie I will defend. Alſo ȝour craft, ȝour lawtie and honour, Bat I can not conſent to 〈…〉 tche the towre: Qu 〈…〉 k is to vs greit conſolatioun, I will not thoill na way to put it doun. Thay ſaid my Lord will ȝe giue vs credence, With our awin handis, & on our awin expence, We ſall not faill to obtene the treaſour, And in na ſort thairby to hurt the towre, Nor Images, nor ȝit the bellis that ringis, To ſaue all ſic we can do ſindrie thingis. We ſall it do ſa quyetlie in the nicht, Nane bot we four thairof ſall get ane ſicht. Gif it be done on daylicht patientlie, The pepill than ſuld cry out oppmlie, And rumour riſe, out throw the haill Regioun, That ȝe for gold ſuld tak the greit towre doun. We ſall wirk ſa that nouther ground nor towre Sall thoill diſtres or ȝit tak diſpleſour. The Empreour ſaid quhen all folkis ar at reſt, To find the gold go do as ȝe think beſt. And I the morne ſall cum and veſie ȝow, Quhat gold ȝe get, and quhair ȝe wirk & how Tak thair my King for ane takin expres Within the towre that ȝe get glaid entres. Thir four come on at eum quhen it was lait, Unto the towre thay mak the neireſt gait. Callit the Capitane, the King vnto him ſchew, Quha ſaid to them, the King richt well he knew He them inquirit quhat was thair greit credence And thay him ſchew the haill taill and ſentence. And ſa at ſchort thir four fell to labour, To pyke and holk, and, vndermine the Towre. Quhill it had nouther power, ſtrenth nor micht Within thre dayis vnfallin to ſtand vp richt. This being done, on the thrid morne or day, Thay lap on hors, and priuelie ſtaill away: To thair awin land with greit blythnes & Joy That fand the caſt that greit Towre to d ſtroy, Bot or thay wan furth of ſicht of the toun, Thay ſtode all four & ſaw the towre fall doun. Sa on the morne quhen all folk did vp riſe, Thay ſaw the towre was fallin on ſic ane wiſe. The Senatouris thairof tulk diſcomfort, To the Empreour the faſſoun culd report. And ſaid gude Lord, how hes occurrit this cace That our greit Towre is fallin in ſa ſchort ſpace Quhilk daylie was our watche and comforting Contrair our fais, and maid vs ay warning. He anſwerit thame to me thair come four men, Quhilk of befoir I neuer did thame ken. And ſchew to me that thay war ſuithſayaris, Bot now I ſe that thay a all greit diſſaueris. And ſwoir for treuth, and alſo to me ſchew, Throw yair dreaming quhair gold was hid pai knew And gart me trow wtin the towris groūd Ane thouſand millioū of reid gold ſuld be found And not hurting the Towre nor ȝit Image, To do the ſame I gaue thame gudelie wage. And ſa to thame I gaue ouir greit credence Quhairthrow is fallin greit Inconuenience. Thay anſwerit him for ȝour greit couatice, Zour gredynes and birnand auarice, And for ȝour lufe to gold and greit delite, That ȝe thairof had ſit ane appetite. Sall we thairfoir be all deſtroyit at anis Nay, the firſt wraik ſall fall vpon ȝour banis. But mair proces to the Tolbuith him led, And on his bak thay keſt him in ane bed, And powrit his mouth of meltit gold thair fow Saying to him tak the aneuch of it now. Thow couet gold with ſa gredie deſire, Thow hes vs tynt and all the haill Impire. Fulfill thy luſt of gold quhilk thow ſall haue, This being done, thay put him quick in graue. For gredynes of gold this was his end, Quhilk at his deid ane myte micht not him mēd Not lang efter come on thir Kingis thre, All in w irfair, with prepotent arnue, Knawing richt weill the towre was caſſin doun And ſa thay laid ane greit ſeige to the toun, Quhilk thay ouircome, & keſt doun clene ye wall And ſa at ſchort Rome was deſtroyit all. The Emprice ſaid haue ȝe tane weill my Lord Thir wordis in heid that I now did record, Thankis ȝow forſuith, thairfoir Madame ſaid he For ȝe haue tald ane nobill taill to me. Than culd ſcho ſay this towre with the Image Betakins nocht bot thair awm perſonage. For u k ſa lang as ȝe leif in this life, Thair is na Kings that dar rais weir nor ſtrife In ȝour contrair, or ȝit within ȝour land, Sa lang as ȝe is now on life leuand. And that ȝour ſone dois wonder weill conſidder With the counſall of his Maiſters togidder. With thair fals taillis and fenȝeit narratioun, How thay ſall find the way to put ȝow doun. Ouir greit pleſure to heir thame ay ȝe haue, And thair minde is but dout ȝow to diſſaue. As thir four men this Towre to ruine brocht, Thir Maiſters ſa wald bring ȝow eu to nocht And vndermine and caſt ȝow vnder fute, This is the caus thay daylie to ȝow ſute. The Images that ſa greit money coiſt, Is ȝour fyue wittis, quhilk thay beleue is loiſt. For ſa barnelike and ſoft thay ȝow perſaue, The haill Impire fra ȝow ſa wald thay haue. The Empreour ſaid that Ilk taill that ȝe ſell, I perſaue weill may be tald be my ſell. Thairfoir thay ſall not mak of me the towre, Nor ȝit change me as did that Empreour. All is falſet that thay deill with I ſe, Thairfoir the morne my Sone ſall hangit be The Emprice ſaid, will ȝe ȝour Sone gar haug Ze ſalbe blyith fair weill and als leif lang Sa the nirt day the Empr our gaue command, To tak his Sone and hang hun vp fra hand. To the Gallous as thay war him leidand, The Fyft Maiſter come furth the way rydand. To the Palice he raid hard at the poiſt, For feir and dreid that the Childe ſuld be loiſt. Quha come lawlie befoir the Empreour And on his kneis him hailſit with honour. Quha wryit his face, and wald not on him luik Bot at him greit Indignatioun tuik. My Lord he ſaid it is not ȝour honour, My pure hailſing to tak in diſpleſour. Thy cūming heir quod he) I couet nocht, Nor thy hailſing, nor nane that heir it brocht. For ȝe haue ſeruit at my hand all to die, For diſpleſure that ȝe haue done to me. He ſaid my Lord I neuer did the deid Unto ȝour grace, to get ſi to my meid. As for ȝour Sone, quhair ȝe ſay he is dum, We reckin that vnto ȝour greit wiſdome. As ȝe will ſe heirefter in few dayis, As to ȝour wife quhair ȝe alledge and ſayis: Be hir ſayingis that he wald hir eſchamit, But dont thairof he aw not to be blamit. For weill I wait thairof he is wyteles, As is my ſelf, and of the ſame ſaikles. Thairfoir my Lord ſic thing beleue ȝe nocht, For the contrair to •• cht it ſall be brocht. For ȝour Sone is to vertew ſa Inclinde, I wait ſic vice was neuer in his minde. And gif ȝe will for ȝour wifes wilfull ſawis, udo ȝour Sone without proces of Lawis. It ſalbe worſe to ȝow nor euer was To the Doctour and cunning Ypocras. That cauſit ſla the Doctour Galiene, His Couſing deir Maiſter of Medicine. The Empreour ſaid, Maiſter tell me that taill Perchance it may for ȝour cunning auaill. The Maiſter ſaid, gar call ȝour Sone agane, And all the ſuith I ſall ſchaw ȝow in plane. Unto ȝour grace gif I tald my narratioun, In the meane time ȝour ſone ſuld ſuffer paſſiou The Empreour than he cauſit his ſeruands pas And put his ſone in preſoun quhair he was. And ſa that day he chaipit fra the Gallous, The Maiſter thā tald furth his tail as followis The Maiſteris taill or we ſpeik farthermair, The Quenis taill ſum thing we mon declair.
¶ MORALITAS. SAY ȝe not bot this Nobill Quene That ay befoir ſa gude hes bene Callit hir Lord fals befoir his Ene, ſaid oppi lie That he of falſet was not clene, reid ȝe and ſe. In the beginning of hir laſt Taill Quhair e ſuld haue the honour haill Judge ȝe gif ſcho did till him faill, in hir langage To call ir King ſa vyle ane thing, with greit outrage. Bot wemen hes ſic conditioun, Quhen thay ar noyit to want reſſoun Thay ſpout than like ane Scorptoun by ordour clene Becaus quyte gane is diſcretioun, as did this Quene. Alſwa the Empreour far did faill Sum hid conditiouu of ſmall auaill Quhilk that he maid be his counſaill, to thair conſent Forſuith ane King ſuld wirk nathing, but auiſement. Sa was ſene of the caſting doun Of the greit towre of Romes toun Quhair he maid preuie compactioun, that nane did knaw With vncouth men of ſtrange Natioun, as deid did ſchaw. Ze Lordis and Lairdis of greit honour Do not as did this Empreour Put all his hope into creaſour, and greit riches And loiſt his lyfe within ane hour, for gredynes. His gredynes ſa weill was kend It walkit to the warldis end His fais quhome to he did offend, gat wit expres How his pleſour was in treaſour, and gredynes. Belyue thay fand ane quick Ingine Send him ane ſubtell hid propine Quhilk cauſit him his honour tine, in ſchort proces And put all Rome to greit ruine, for gredynes. For ſtrangeris come with thair vaine wind And fals flatterie maid him ſa blind, Sic gold and treaſure thay ſuld find, throw ſubtelnes That thay ſa ſaid he was richt glaid, for gredynes. Thay ſchew him thay had ſic ſcience In dreaming ſic experience Of gold to get ſic confluence, be beſines Bot he gaue ouir haiſtie credence, for gredynes. Quhilk cauſis greit miſchief to be As we may weill perſaue and ſe Gettis maiſt credence quba beſt can lie, throw wickitues Of half ane taill thay will mak thre, for gredynes. And can bring ane taill of nocht And ſay the thing that neuer was wrocht Nor neuer ſaid nor neuer thocht, of wilfulnes Sum giue it credence euin as it docht, for gredynes. And euin ſa did the Empreour Gaue ſic credence vnto thir four To furneis gold and greit treaſour, to his hienes Gaue thame leif to caſt doun the Towre, for gredynes. Quhilk euer was to Romes toun Sic comfort and conſolatioun Gif thay thocht gude to ſum Regioun, thay waid them dres, Bot ȝit the Towre was caſſin doun, for gredynes. It is ane poyſonit Peſtilence For to giue ouir haiſtie credence To ane taill not worth audience, throw haiſtines The taill teller than tynes mence, for gredynes. Thair is mony ma than anew, Will mak ane taill was neuer rew Nor ȝit thame ſelf it neuer knew, bot as thay ges Sum will ſay fals and efter rew, for gredynes. Thair is diuers tynes thair honour Thair worſchip, riches, and pleſour Oft tymes in vaine makis greit laubour, with ſmall Incres And oft is ordorit by gude ordour, for gredynes. For gredynes cauſis greit greif Inuy, Malice, and miſcheif Mony for Muttoun and for Beif, into mirknes Is hangit lyke ane commoun theif, for gredynes. Thairfoir gude Schirs I hartlie pray ȝow Caſt gredynes on ſyde far fra ȝow With Jocund minde pas and ga play ȝow, in merynes Thair is na better charme I ſay ȝow, for gredynes. Now thir thre Kingis quben thay did heir The Towre quhair of thay ſtude ſit feir Was caſſin doun but ſcheild or ſpeir, throw wilynes In all haiſt maid thame to the weir, for gredynes. For firſt thay fand ane wylie way For to put Rome in grett affray And thocht thay wald it firſt aſſay, to get entres For thay wald mak it thair firſt pray, for gredynes. Beliue thay come and ſeigeit the toun In all gude haiſt the wallis brak doun, And put thame ſelfis in poſſeſſioun, with all blyithnes And fra the Empreour reſt his Croun, for gredynes. Now Schirs this is the fynall end To gredynes quha will pretend Quhen thay can not thame ſelf defend be manlynes Away with vengeance all dois wend, for gredynes. Thair is twa pointis into this taill Thame to forbeir is gude and haill, The firſt is gredynes but faill, of gold and geir, Haiſtie credence oft tymes brewis baill, thir twa forbeir.
¶ Ane reproche to the Emprice. OCATIVE Quene and cruell, and rute of all miſcheif, O fals fleſche faint and fruell, greit grounder of all greif. Wyld rauins ſall ryfe thy beif, wod dogis thy banis ſal gnaw Or euer thow get releif, thy luddis ſall thoill the Law. We ſall gar all man knaw, and als perfytelie ſe Thy deidis the treuth ſall ſchaw of thy hid harlatrie.
¶ The Taill of the Fyft Maiſter. BEfoir this time ane Phiſitioun thair was, Ane cunning Clerk, and namit Ypocras. Quhilk in Phiſick and vther heich ſcience, Ouir all vther he had preeminence. Als had with him ane kinſman of his awin Callit Galiene quhais cūning was weil knawin. All his Ingine and wit he did apply, To leir Phiſick, and the ſame occupy. As his vncle at ſic times had befoir, Quhairthrow he wan greit honour, laud & gloir Bot in ſo muche Galiene was not ſa ald, Zit he excellit his vncle monyfald: In Phiſick airt, and into Medicene, He was mair ſchairp and quicker of Ingine. Than Ypocras perſauing in his hart, That Galiene in craft was ſa expart, Oreiding thairfoir that he ſuld him excell, And fra his gloir and profeit him expell. And thairfoir hid als mekill as he micht Fra Galiene, of the craft hid the ſlicht. Than Galiene this weill he did perſaue, Reſt him daylie the mair and mair to haue Of Phiſick airt the mair he did obtene, On day mair than befoir in fyftene. Quhairby the Doctour tuik in his conſait, That Galiene ſuld grow to greiter ſtait. Thairfoir at him he had lurking Inuy, How beit he had na querrell caus nor quhy. In this meane time the King of ngarie Send his meſſage with ſchippis throw the ſi For Ypocras that he micht with him ſpeik, And cure his ſone that lay richt wonder ſeik Sa Ypocras the meſſage did reſſaue, Harthe praying the meſſingers him to haue Sum part excuſit vnto thair Nobill King, For he for eild micht mak na trauelling. Bot I ſall ſend my Couſing and ſeruand, Quhat I will bid, that he ſall tak on hand. Sa Galiene obeyit his vncles will, And in all pointis the ſame he did fulfill. And paſt his way vnto that Nobill King Quha was richt blyith & glaid of his cūming. Bot he meruellit quhy come not Ypocras. Galiene ſaid that auld and waik he was Micht not trauell, for na trauell he vſit, Praying his grace for to hald him excuſit, And at that time had beſines ado, That he na way as than micht cum him to. Bot in his ſteid he hes me to ȝow ſend, With help of God ȝour Sone ſone ſall I mend Of the quhilk thing the King was weill cont •• Than Galiene vnto the Chylde he went, Felt his Punſis and als his Drine ſaw, Quhairby belyue his ſeiknes he did knaw. Incontinent than paſt he to the Quene, And ſaid Madame, ȝour ſeik Sone I haue ſene And I am cum vnto ȝour Nobill grace, Beſeiking ȝow to heir me ſpeik ane ſpace. Tak na diſdaine, thocht I now to ȝow ſpeik, I come to heill ȝour Sone that lyis ſeik. Scho ſaid gude Schir ſay on quhat pleſis ȝow, For ȝe will ſay nocht bot the treuth I trow, He ſaid Madame tell on and mak na lie Quha is the Father of ȝour Sone tell to me? Quha his Father (quod ſcho) quha bot yt King? Quod he Madame, thair is not ſic a thing. Will ȝe ſay ſo (quod ſcho) for veritie, Zeis want the heid I vow richt haiſtelie. Anis I ſaid ellis, and ȝit I ſay agane, This King is not his Father in certane. I come not heir thairfoir to lois my heid, Nor ȝit Incur in my fault ony feid. Nor I haue not deſeruit ſic rewaird, Thocht I nane get, nathing I that regaird. Sa to the dure he maid him ſtraicht away The Quene that ſaw, and till him can ſcho ſay. O gude Maiſter ſa ȝe will keip ſecre I will ȝow ſchaw, ſa ȝe diſcouer not me. Than Galiene ſaid, Madame God me defend, Bot I ſa do vnto my lyues end. Thairfoir to me, to ſchaw the treuth be bald, For it agane ſall neuer mair be tald, In greiter thing ȝour grace ſa ſall I pleis, Zour ſone mak haill, and put him weill to eis. Gif ȝe ſa do, gude Maiſter than ſcho ſaid, Ze will mak me richt wonder blyith and glaid. Ane gude rewaird of me ſa ſall ȝe haue, And of my Lord ſiclike ȝe will not craue. Thairfoir heir me till I haue ſaid ſum thing Vpon ane time come to my Lord and King The King of Burgon, to pas the time with ſport Quhat will ȝe mair to mak my taill now ſchort To ȝow Maiſter, as now I will not lie, With me he gat this chylde in priuetie. Than Galiene ſaid, feir not and ſpeik no moir The taill I knew richt perfitelie befoir. Than to the Childe he paſt Incontinent, And did him cure with ane richt Regiment. Quhat he ſuld drink, and quhat ſuld be his meit Water to drink, and beif daylie to eit. Sa Galiene than within dayis thre, The Childe maid haill of his Infirmitie. Quhen that the King hard tell his ſone was fre Of all ſeiknes, and of all Maladie. To Galiene ane gude rewaird he gaue, Bot he the dowbill fra the Quene did reſſaue. With ſpeciall thankis, and efter ay credence, Sa tuik his leif, and hamewart he paſt hence. Quhen he come hame to his Eme Ypocras, At Galiene but tary culd he as: How is the Childe that ȝe paſt for to ſe? Schir he is haill of all ſeiknes, ſaid he. Than Ypocras Inquirit him to conclude, Quhat he him gaue to his drink and his fude. He ſaid he gaue him orin fleſche co eit, Water to drink, this was his drink and meit. Than Ypocras to Galiene ſaid fra hand, The Mother is not trew to hir huſband. Than Galiene ſaid, now Maiſter ſuith ȝe ſay, With diſpleſour Ypocras paſt his way. Said to him ſelf with haitrent and Inuy, Weill I perſaue na man will ſet me by Within ſchort time, be na remedie found, Bot quyte to nocht my cunning is confound. Be his cunning he ſall not faill to be, Praiſit in his wark ten times abone me. And or ſa war, without I fand remeid, Rather I ſall conſpire my Couſingis deid. Fra that time furth Ypocras ay him dreſt, How he micht get Galiene deid and ſuppreſt. In a morning Ypocras vp can riſe, Paſt to his Barth, as his vſe was and giſe. To Galiene ſaid with wordis fair and meik, Now let vs go in our garding and ſeik Herbes to be ſalf, that is of maiſt vertew, For as I wis thair is growing anew. Maiſter he ſaid. I am reddy at hand, Quhat ȝe pleis beſt to do as ȝe command. Ypocras ſaid tak vp that herb ſa grene, For it is full of vertew as I wene. And ſa he did at his Maiſters command He pullit the herb, and gaue it in his hand: And at his nois the ſawer thairof did ſmell, This herb (ſaid he) of herbis beiris the bell. Stoup doun agane and pull vp be the rute, Of it I ſall vaith profeit get and frute, For I knaw weill it is richt wonder gud To euill Feuer, and to ſtem rynning blude Als of vertew it is richt comfortiue, To heill all Flux to ony man on liue. Sa Galiene na Ill hauing in minde, To pull the rute lawlie he did Inclinde. Quhilk wald not draw a lang time wt his hand Than Ypocras abone him he culd ſtand, And with his knife he ſtruik him to the hart: Caus in ſcience he thocht him ouir expart. Sone efter this Ypocras tuik ſeiknes, Be want of blude, and of corps febilnes. Than keſt his buikis, & ſocht his awin ſcience, Him ſelf to help he culd get na defence, Than his Scollers in all haiſt come him till, And to him ſaid Maiſter quhat is ȝour will, He bad thame bring ane wn of water fow, With ane wōmill a hundreth hoillis boir throw Quhen that was done thair went na water out Than Ypocras ſaid to thame Schirs but dout, This is the wraith of leuing God ſa hie, That this miſchance hes ſufferit fall on me. As ȝe may ſe, and wonder weill perſaue, For all is Juſt and worthie that I haue. And as ȝe ſe thair is into this twn Ane hundreth hoillis with Irins out throw run Throw all thir hoillis thair gais not out a drop Bot as ȝe ſe dois baith ſtand ſtill and ſtop, Quhilk to nature is contrair euerie deill, Quhairby ȝe may all vnderſtand richt weill. Richt ſa thir herbis for heill that ȝe gif me, May nathing help to my Infirmitie. Thairfoir quhat euer ȝe tak vpon me cure, It helpis nathing ȝe may be verray ſure, For weill I wait as now is na remeid, Bot for my mis I mon now byde the deid. Bot war Galiene my Neuo now leuand. He wald not faill to mak me haill fra hand. Quhome I did kill throw malice and Inu , Bot of that deid, richt ſair repent now I. Thairfoir God hes be his Juſt ordinance, Send vpon me this haiſtie ſair vengeance. As he ſa ſaid na ma wordis than he tald, Bot turnit his bak, and vp the gaiſt he ȝald. The Maiſter ſaid, hes ȝour grace done conſaue, The ſempill wordis thar to ȝow ſchawin I haue The Empreour ſaid weill I perſaue the cace, That Galiene was killit be Ypocras. To Ypocras quhat hurt micht it haue bene, Quhat greit honour had cum to Galiene. The Maiſter ſaid it micht be gude at all, Gif Ypocras to ſeiknes had bene thrall. Than Galiene perchance micht found remeid, And at that time he ſuld not ſufferit deid. Thairfoir becaus him ſelf be Ill Jutent Killit and put doun the verray Inſtrument: Quhilk wald haue him ſupportit in this ſtres, Ze may perſaue in God the greit gudnes, And richt Judgemēt, that ſa dul maid his hart. That he culd not him ſelf help be na Art. Thairfoir my Lord it is euin ſic ane cace. Betuir ȝour ſone and ȝour awin Nobill grace And gif ȝour ſone for ȝour wifes word ȝe ſla Conſiddering weill ȝe wait ȝe haue na ma. Quhen he is deid, ȝe ſall warie ȝour weird, And wald be fane to ſeart him out of eird. Quhen ȝe ar auld and may not help ȝour ſell He will ȝow help the treuth I to ȝow tell. Thairfoir giue not ſic credence to ȝour Quche, Scho will diſſaue ȝour grace quhen ȝe leiſt wene Conſidder weill this is ȝour ſecund wife, Ze may haue ma Induring ȝit ȝour life. Amang thame all ȝit ȝe ſall neuer haue Sa wiſe ane Sone nane of thame ſall conſaue Sa verteous in wit dois mair precell, And in ȝour eild will ſaue ȝow fra perrell. The Empreour ſaid, for that ȝe tell to me. Surelie this day my Sone he ſall not die. Bot I perſaue and wonder weill dois mark. That wemen bene richt craftie in thair wark. And richt ſubtell for to tyiſt ony man, As thay think gude, bot not the les quhat than. For my aw 〈…〉 ſaik this day he ſall not die, Quhen I haue neid I wait he will help me. The Maiſter ſaid, I thank ȝour nobill grace, Sa tuik his leif and paſt hame to his place. ¶ Quhen that this tail was tald to the Empres Gif ſcho was blyith the auditouris may ges. Scho ſchew hir ſelf in minde Impatient, All that hir ſaw, beleuit that ſcho had went Quyte out of minde, and as ane bodie mad, And hir fyue wittis clene tynt away ſcho had. All that hir ſaw had pietie of hir cheir, Scho ſchoutit ſa, that all the place micht heir Sum of the Lordis to the Empreour can ga And ſchew to him that it ſtude with hir ſa. Thay ſaid my Lord without ȝe find remeid, Zour Emprice will hir awin ſelf put to deid. Quhome to he paſt, and ſpeirit at hir quhairfoir Euerie day ȝe murne ap moir and mair. Scho ſaid my Lord I meruell in ane part, That I birſt not, and in twa brekis my hart. I knaw I am the dochter of ane King, And than ȝour wife, quhilk is ane greiter thing In all my dayis ſufferit I not ſic ſchame, As I haue done, ſen I come to ȝow hame. And euer mair ȝe promeis me ane mendis, And as ȝe do, God and the warld it kendis. The Empreour ſaid I wait not quhat to do, Nor to quhat ſide is beſt to turne me to. For day be day ȝe ſeik my Sonnis deid, And his Maiſteris, thairof thay ſeik remeid. He is my Sone, that I beleue and knaw, Bot I can not the veritie ȝit ſchaw: Quhidder I ſall to ȝow gif mair credence, Than the Maiſteris with all thair greit ſcience Ze tell ane taill quhilk I think gude and fair, And thay ane vther, to ȝouris is plat contrair. The Emprice ſaid that is the verray thing That troubillis my hart, & cauſis my murning Becaus ȝe gif thame ay the mair credence, And to thair taill takis greiter attendence, Nor to my taill, quhilk tellis the veritie, Quhilk ȝe ſall ſair repent ȝit or ȝe die. And in few dayis ȝe will get ſic rewaird, As did aue King reſſaue fra his Steward. The Empreour ſaid, than tell me that taill ſone Perchance ȝour will thairefter may be done. Scho ſaid I ſall begin with diligence, Bot I pray ȝow to gif me audience. With peirt viſage and countenauce richt haill. On this faſſoun began to tell hir taill. it or ſcho get of hir taill audience, Sum we will ſay of the laſt taill paſt hence.
¶ MORALITAS. ZE may perſaue now heir expres Of wemen the greit brukilnes, And of thair kynde the kittilnes, and ſcho ane Quene Hir awin preuitie did confes, to Baliene. At ſchort to him hir mynde hes ſchawin Ane King ſcho hauing of hir awin Ane vther tuik bot laitlie knawin, and of the new Bot mony ſic drauchts thay haue drawin, that few mē knew For ane time ſcho mon be excuſit Perauenture ſcho will not vſe it, As now ſcho ſall not be excuſit, I ſay for me, Gum as ȝe find the furde ſa ruſe it, quhat euer ȝe be. And let ſic quyet paukis ouir pas And ſum thing ſay of Ypocras That ſa full of Inuy he was, but cans or quhy Galiene he ſlew that was ſa trew, throw pure Inuy. Ypocras clene I diſcommend Euer in hart for to pretend Sa far to Galiene offend, as him to •• a Bot he repentit at his end, that he did ſa. The principall cans heirof find I That Ypocras had ſa greit Inuy At Galiene, this was the quhy, that Galiene was Mair firme and ſtabill, in craft mair abill, nor Ypocras. Ypocras ſuld haue had pleſour That Galiene gat ony honour For he was Galieues Doctour, thhairfoir ſay I He ſuld haue borne to him fauour, and not Inuy. Bot God of his greit Equitie Wald not thoill ſic vnpuneiſt be Quben Ypocras was in point to die, all his cunning Ould not than help him worth ane fle, at his ending. He ſaid had Galiene bene leuand, He culd haue helpit him fra hand, Bot he wiſt weill it was the wand, that God had ſend im ſic diſtres, and greit ſeiknes, that nane culd mend. The id Inuy and greit haitrent, That 〈◊〉 had to this Innocent Culd not eſchew the puniſchment, of heuin ſa hi B d Schirs lay by all hid Inuy, keip cheritie. Inuy and cheritie ar contrair Thay can not in ane place repair Quhair cheritie is, ay God is thair, withouttin faill Inuy was, and is euer mair, with breif and baill. It is the fountaine and the flude Of chedding of all Innocent blude, And is contrair to all gude, and is the rute Inuy thairfoir ſall neuer gloir, of Joy the frute. Aguſtiue diſcriues Inuy to be A man to haue ſturt Inwartlie Of his Nichtbouris Felicitie, withouttin raus The quhilk is contrait cheritie, and Goddis Lawis. Doctouris wrytes thair is ane hill Callit Athnay, that y byrnis ſtill In flame of fyre and neuer will, be quenchit out, And ȝit thay ſay it dois na Ill, to ground about. Quhilk hill cunning men dois compair To ane man that leuis euermair In ſturt, Inuy, anger and cair, continuallie In fyrie fumes, himſelf conſumes, ay Inwartlie. Inuyfull men comparit may be To ane Lipros man trewlie, He wald all men war ſeik as he, euin ſa the Deuill Wald nane war gude, nor ȝit weill lude, caus he is eu 〈…〉 l. Thairfoir my Lords and reidaris all Tuit ching this point I cry and call Se to Inuy ȝe be not thrall for ocht may be, For the greit Lord Celeſtiall, is cheriti.
¶ Ane laude and praiſe to the Fyft Doctour. PRVDENT, perſyte, expert Philoſophour, Honour and praiſe be to theding Doctour That hes ouirput this day f perrellous With thy ſweit talk befoir the Empreour Quha kendillit was in fell fyrie furour Contrair his Sone in mynde malitious, Be entyſing of his wyfe vennemous, Bot thow fra him with fair wordis and fauour Hes pureheſt grace, quhill tyme mair proſperous. ¶ Inuidia diaboli mors intrauit in orbem. Sapi. 2.
¶ The Sext Taill of the Emprice. BEfoir this time thair was ane michtie King Prydefnll in hart and proud abone all thing He was ſa heich and prydefull in his thocht, All vther men he ſet thame clene at nocht. This King he thocht all Rome for to deſtroy, The Romanis ſla, and efter to conuoy To his Kingdome, the deid banis of thir two, Peter and Paull, with mony Relicks mo. To waiſt that toun, and put it all to ſack, Bot his purpois was ſum thing put abak. Intill his face was ſa diſfigurait, In ſic ane ſort, that euerie kinde of ſtait, Abhorrit ſa, his vgſum foull viſage, That nane couet to tuitche his perſonage. Sa handillit was with ſic Infirmitie, With Lippernes, ane fouller nane culd be. Zit his nature rais on him with ſic rage, To haue wemen he gaue ane greit curage. Sa callit he his Steward quyetlie, And ſchew to him his counſall ſecreithe. Saying my freind, this thing I wil ȝow ſchaw All wemen kinde abhorris me as ȝe knaw, That I can get of thame na companie, Quhilk gif I had, war greit pleſure to me. He ſaid my Lord and pleis ȝour Nobill grace, Howbeit ȝe be deformit in the face: Ze haue aneuch of gude money and gold, For to conduce the faireſt on the Mold. Thairfoir I ſay ȝe neid not in na ſort Of fair wemen to wanc the greit comfort. Than ſaid the King ſe for na coiſt ȝe ſpair, To get me ane that is bricht freſche and fair: Howbeit ȝe gif ane thouſand Crownes thairfoir And or I want ȝe ſall gif mekill moir. The Stewart ſaid I ſall do that I may, To fill ȝour will, and ſa he come his way. Thinking in minde blindit with couetiſe Thir thouſand Crowns may I get on this wiſe Win to my ſell, and to my wife alone, And ſa hame wart to his wife is he gone. Quha was richt fair, bowſum with all bewtie, Verteous and gude, richt pleſand for to ſe, Prudent, perfite, with countenance richt glaid, With couetous hart to hir thir wordis he ſaid. O my gude wife, my Souerane Lord the King Hes chargeit me with ane richt ſecreit thing. To haue wemen he is richt couetous, At his pleſure, and wonder deſirous. Quhilks for na coiſt he ſayis he will not want, And charges me ane thouſand Crowns to grāt To ony perſoun that will the ſame reſſaue, Botfor ane nicht with him hir for to haue. Thairfoir in minde my ſelf I haue compeſt, Betuix vs twa, I think this be the beſt The thouſand Crowns to purches to our ſell. Sa ȝe will vſe, and follow my counſell. Scho ſaid gude Schir ȝour counſall I will do Sa to na ſin nor ſchame it turne me to. He ſaid ȝe ſall pas to the Kingis bed, Quhilk is with ſilk and claith of gold ouirſpred And thair all nicht ly with him quyetlie, At his pleſure, as he thinkis beſt to be. That it is ȝe, thair is na man ſall ken, Bot I alone, the quhilk abone all men Suld ſaif ȝour ſchame and als ȝour honeſtie, Thairfoir as ſchame to ȝow it can not be. Allace ſcho ſayis gude Schir is that ȝour will, By ȝour bodie, my womanheid to ſpill: With ane Lipper, and ſa deformit in face, Schir change ȝour minde for him that gaue all grace I wait it is nouther ȝour thocht nor mind To ſic ane deid my hart for to Inclind: Bot me to preif, and to tempt my Intent, Gif I thairto wald ony ſort conſent. O my gude wife howbeit he Lipper be And in the face deformit as ȝe ſe. And foull of fleſche, and alſo foull of blude, Zit than the gold is wonder ſweit and gude. Scho ſaid agane my ſweit huſband perſaue How beit the gold be gude and ſweit to haue, And thocht he war the cleneſt man thairont, Maiſt fair of face, gentill, courtes and ſtout. Wald ȝe that I committit ſic ane ſin, Aganis my God, ony gold for to win? I will not dude, thairfoir hald me excuſit, Charge me na mair, for heir quite I refuſe it. Quhome to he ſaid with ane richt auſteir luik, How purpois ȝe my companie to bruik. That thing I will to preis for to ganeſtand, Ze ar ouir peirt to contrair my command, It is my will, and that ſame ſalbe done. Thairfoir mak ȝow that Ilk to compleis ſone. Do ȝe it not, I vow betuix vs tway Sall neuer be ane blyith nor Joyfull day, Bot euer mair in chyding and in greif, Quhilk at the laſt will turne to ane miſcheif. Knaw ȝe not weill to the Kirk quhen ȝe went, Ze ſwoir ȝe ſuld be ay obedient, To me alone, as wedlok vs declairis, Ze Schir ſcho ſaid in all lefull effairis: Not diſpleſing my maker King of Kingis, I will obey ȝow in all vther thingis. I ȝow command be vertew of that aith, Quhilk for to brek ȝe ſuld be wonder laith. Conſiddering it is my minde and will, Without ganeſay my bidding ȝe fulfill. And to the ſame richt ſone that ȝe conſent Or I auow richt ſair ȝe ſall repent. In the meane time as he thir wordis ſchew, Out of his ſcheith his quhinȝar furth he drew. Scho trimbling ſair for greit dreddour and feir Furth of that ſteid ane ſtep ſcho durſt not ſteir. Perſauing weill his crueltie and boiſt, And in greit dout hir life for to be loiſt. The Impatience and the greit gredynes, The cruell minde and als the crabitnes Of this Ill man this woman did attend, Quhilk in na ſort nor faſſoun culd amend. Scho was conſtranit quhat for dreddour & aw, For to conſent to his command and ſaw. Scho ſaid gude man ȝour bidding I mon do, Bot greit God knawis gif my will be thairto. Bot I appeill fra all conſent of ſin, That may follow, or in this cace cum in. And on ȝour ſelf all haill I lay the charge, And befoir God thairof I me diſcharge. Than the Stewart but ony tarying Paſt in all haiſt and ſaid vnto the King: I haue ȝow gottin ane woman richt famous, Gentill, courtes, and cum of ane gude hous. Fair and weill fauourit, richt pleſand for to ſe, And ſcho mon cum to ȝow richt quyetlie: Within the nicht ſcho mon cum lait at eine, Bot me alone, with nane ſcho will be ſene Airlie at morne befoir the Sone ryſing, Fra ȝow ſiclike ſcho mon mak departing. For this ſcho will ane thouſand Crownes haue, And for payment bot me nane will ſcho craue, Than ſaid the King of that I am content, As ȝe haue done thairto I weill conſent. Withouttin mair the Stewart he hes led His awin ſpouſit wife vnto the Kingis bed, And with the key the dure he hes maid faſt, But ony noyis, and ſa his way is paſt. Airlie at morne in dawing of the day: The Steward rais, and to the King can ſay, My Souerane Lord & pleis ȝour Nobill grace It will be day within ane prettie ſpace. I think it gude that woman ȝe let go, For I promeiſt that ȝour grace ſuld do ſo. Than ſaid the King this woman pleſis m Sa wonder weill as ȝit hir companie, I will not want nouther for gold nor geir, This hour to cum I will not let hir ſteir. 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 Quhen he that hard, he was richt wonder wo And fra the dure with ſorie hart did go. Within ane quhile but tarp come agane, And to the King he ſaid Schir for certane, The day is licht, and that woman preſent, And with the folk ſcho will be ſchamelie ſchent. And my promeis to hir quyte I haue brokin. For not keiping to hir that I haue ſpokin. Than ſaid the King, na way ȝit ſall ſcho pas, For ſcho ſall haue of me quhat ſcho will as. Thairfoir Stewart I ſay to ȝow in plane, Go pas ȝour way and lok the dure agane. The Stewart than richt ſorrowfull in hart. Upon neid force to the dure did depart. Went up and doun, and wiſt not quhat to ſay, The Sone was heich, and weill gane of y day, He come agane and ſaid vnto the King, It is twa houris efter the Sone ryſing. That woman will be ſchent withouttin dout, With all the folk and pepill heir about. The King anſwerit, nathing of him content, I ȝow command that ȝe ȝour ſelf abſent: Unto the time that I pleis for to riſe, For vnrequyrit ȝe haue me troublit thriſe. And my pleſure is with this companie, Thairfoir pas on, at this time let me be. The Stewartis hart gif it was than on ſteir, As I beleue thair neidis na man to ſpeir. Zit not the les he culd not keip counſell, For all his wit he wald diſcriue him ſell. Incontinent without mair auyſing, With ſorie hart he ſaid vnto the King. O my gude Lord, I oppin to ȝow my hart, That Ilk woman ȝe will not thoill depart Without licence, ſcho is my weddit wife, Now in ȝour hands lyis baith my deid and life The King hard that & thocht all was not richt Opinit windois and ſaw the fair day licht. Saw the woman quha was luſtie in face, Ane word not ſpak ane Pater noſter ſpace, Sine ſaw it was uin as the Stewart ſaid, Quhairof he was richt ſorie and not glaid. Quhome to he ſaid O thow maiſt ſchamefull knaif How durſt thow be ſa peirt me to diſſaif. And me to caus thy wife for to abuſe, Thy gredie hart thy ſelf it ſall confuſe. Quhy hes thow cauſit thy wife vnwillinglie Cum in my bed to me vnwittandlie. For ane ſmall ſowme of money and riches To ſchame thy ſelf for thy greit gredynes. Knew thow not weill withouttin ony fabill, My maladie was euer Incurabill That was in the thow hes done I declair, Thy ſelf, thy wife, to vndo euer mair. Thairfoir pas ſwyith in haiſt out of my ſicht, N r in my realme that thow byde not four nicht And fra hence furth gif euer I may the ſie, Ane ſchamefull deid I auow thow ſall die. Incontinent he paſt fra his preſence, And neuer ſaw the King fra that time hence. Quyte of his Realme fra thame he did him dres That Ilk rewaird he gat for gredynes. This being done, the King in all his dayis, Held vp this wife, as the hiſtorie ſayis: In greit worſchip, and gaue to hir ȝeirlie, Ane ſowme of gold to keip hir honeſtlie. Efter that time I do not find nor reid With this woman that he had actuall deid. Sone efter this the King cauſit to conuene Ane greit armie all cled in armour clene. With greit puiſſance and nobill men of weir, In all effairis, as to thame culd effeir. And went to Rome with greit power & micht To ſeige the ſame the gait thay held on richt. And ſa thay did it ſeige on ather ſyde, That the Romanis durſt not thairin abyde. He ſeigeit it ſtill ſa ſad and wonder ſair, That thay within micht it defend na mair. Sa at the laſt to ane counſall thay went, Thinking ya wald with y King tak pointmēt Quhilk was for till deliuer him at anis, Of Peter and Paull the bliſt bodie and banis. Quhilk was the cans of his greit erand thair For to obtene the ſame withouttin mair. In the Cietie than thair was ſtill preſent Seuin wiſe Maiſteris that had the Regiment, Of all the toun, and nathing by thame done, Airlie at morne, at euin nor ȝit at none. And to thir ſeuin the Cietizanis come to, And ſaid Maiſteris greit thing we haue ado. We ar compellit be force of ȝone armie For to gif ouir and rander the Cietie Unto thir folkis quhilk ar our enemeis, Or ellis for to deliuer the bodeis: Of gude Peter, and Paull his halie brother, On force we mon the ane do or the vther. The firſt Maiſter agane to thame he ſaid, My gude nichtbouris tak na feir bot be glaid. As for this day the Cietie I ſall ſaue, With the wiſdome and cunning that I haue. The ſecund ſaid, the nixt day fallis me, Fra enemeis for to keip the Cietie, With my wiſdome, and als my cleir cunniug. For all the ſtr nth of ȝone greit puiſſant King. Sa did the thr d and fourt withouttin dout, The fyft, the ſext, richt ſa the ſeuint all out. In like maner as thir ſeuin Maiſters now. Unto ȝour Sone hes promeiſt do with ȝow. In this meane time the King cauſ •• his Armie Lay ane aſſault about the greit Cietie. With ſic awfull and cruell Munitioun, Quhill thay war like for to obtene the toun. The firſt Maiſter than he come to the King, And with him fell in talk and commo ing. And talkit ſa in ſic maner and wiſe, As for that day he gart his Armie riſe. And fra the toun the Seige abak he drew, As for that day na mair thay did perfew. Bot on the morne the Seige agane thay laid, The nixt Maiſter paſt to the King and ſaid In like maner as the vther befoir, And 〈◊〉 that day thay ſeigeit the toun no moir. Sa did thay all, quhill it come to the laſt, On the ſeuint day thay ſeigeit the toun ſa faſt, It was beleuit the ſame thay wald obtene, Than all the toun togidder did conuene. All in ane voice to the ſ uint Maiſter ſa 〈…〉 , About the toun ſa ſtrang ane ſeige is laid, That we beleue nathing bot cruell deid. Without that ȝe find ſum help and remeid: Conforme to the ſayingis ȝe ſaid but dout, That was Ilk ane to ſaif ȝour day about. And we ar all Informit of ſuretie. The King hes maid his aith ſolempnitlie, He ſall not rais his ſeige nor Munitioun, Vnto the time that he obtene the toun. To ȝow Maiſter now we can ſay no moir, We wald ȝe did as ȝour fellowis befoir. Quhome to he ſaid, my freindis tak ȝe na feir, Be of comfort, and Ilk ane mak gude cheir. The morne ſall I with my wark and cunning Skaill all ȝone hoiſt, and alſo fray the King. He ſalbe fane for all his greit puiſſance, To pas away with his greit Ordinance. Thay went thair way, & na mair tuik in thocht Bot all meruellit how ſic thing culd be wrocht. The morne airlie the ſeige was confirmit, To haue the toun alſo the King determit. This ſeu nt Maiſter to his Chalmer he went, And cled him in ane nice abilȝement. As Pacok aillis, and fedderis of all kin hew. Partreid, part quhite, part ȝallow grene & blew Ane bricht drawin ſword he tuik in euerie hand On ane Towre heid he paſt vp for to ſtand. Quhilk was maiſt heich of all the haill Cietie, Foruentis the hoiſt, that thay micht all him ſe. The twa bricht ſword s into his mouth he tuik The ſame ſchynand, vpon the armie ſchuik. Quhilis turnis eiſt, and vther quhilis weſt. Quh ls ſouth, quhyls north quhair yai micht ſe hi beſt The ſchinād ſwords agains y ſone ſa blēt With his cleithing and ſtrange abilȝement. Thay in the hoiſt richt weill and cleirlie ſaw, Bot quhat it was na man of thame did knaw. All the greit Lordis quhen thay beheld ſic thing, Half in effray thay paſt all to the King: And ſaid O Lord, behald vpon ȝone Towre Weſ this day ane wonderfull Figour. Than ſaid the King the ſame I do perſaue, Bot quhat it is, na knawledge I can haue. Thay ſaid we knaw quhat thing it is but dont It is Jeſus doun of the heum cum out: Quh 〈…〉 k is the God of all ȝone Chriſtin folk. And knawis richt weill how that we do prouok His awſum Ire, and how we do pretend To •• a his folk, the quhilk he will defend. Zone ſamin ſwords that ȝe ſe ſchining ſa, Thay ſignifie Ilk ane thay will vs ſla, Gif we langer into this feild abyde, Our counſall is thairfoir hame that we ryde. The King heiring trunblit for verray feir, Gart rais his hoiſt and all his men of weir: And ſaid it is better in time we fle, Nor ȝone thair God with his ſwords gar vs die Than all the hoiſt in haiſt thay maid thē hame Frayit without caus, wt mekill ſcorne & ſchame Howbeit to fle na perrell was nor neid, Bot all diſſait be the Maiſters fals deid. Quhen the Romanis perſauit the Armie fle, Ilk auc thay Iſchit, and paſt of the Cietie. With manlie hart and gudlie countenance, Followit the King for all his Ordinance. Slew and deſtroyit all that thay pleſit that day And quhome thay liſt captiue yat brocht away And ſa the King and all his greit Armie Brocht was to ground be the greit ſubteltie Of this Maiſter, quha wrocht all be diſſait, That with power na maner culd debait. ¶ The Emprice than ſaid to the Empreour This taill I tald it is vnder cullour. Bot wald greit God this taill ȝe vnderſtude He ſaid Madame, I think it wonder gude, In the firſt end (quod ſcho) I wait ȝe hard, Quhat I ȝow tald of the gredie Steward: That the King trowit aſweill as his awin life, And ȝit for gold he ſauld his weddit wife. And als him ſelf was baneiſt the countrie, Becaus the King fand him ſa fals and ſlie. In like maner ȝour Sone for the deſire And appetite he hes to the Impire. Now day be day it is his minde and thocht, Zow to deſtroy, and bring ȝow vnto nocht. Bot now ſa lang as ȝe ar in ȝour micht, Do as the King did with the Stewart richt. Gif ȝe purpois not to ſla him fra hand Than baneis him, and als maneſweir the land That ȝe and I quhilk is ȝour weddit wife, In time cūming that we may leid our life: Alſo ȝe hard how the King lay at Rome, To win the ſame how that he did preſume, And was mockit be the Maiſters in plane, He and his folkis war all put doun and ſlane. Zour ſeuin Maiſters into the ſamin wiſe, Intendis ay to ſiclike Interpriſe. With thair fals taillis at end will ȝow diſſaue, That ȝour fals ſone all the Impire may haue. The Empreour ſaid be na way that ſalbe, The morne be time he ſall not faill to die. Incontinent he callit on his ſeruandis, And to thame all he gaue ſic ſtrait commaudis, That on the morne without Impediment, On the Gallous but faill his Sone to ſchent. This word beliue paſt out throw all the toun, Quhairat mony maid lamentatioun, That the Empreour for the wordis of his wife Fra his ane ſone ſuld with ſchanie tak the life. The 〈◊〉 Maiſter hard tell of this effray, Lap on his hors withouttin mair delay. Poiſtit fra hand vnto the Empreour, And hailſit him with reuerence and honour. Quha tuik the ſame verray vnthankfullie, And ſaid he ſeruit at his hand for to die, And als his Sone quhome y yai had maid dum Thay war ouir peirt in his preſence to cum. The Maiſter ſaid I ſerue not for to die, Nor ȝit ȝour Sone, knew ȝe the veritie. That he is dum quhair ȝe alledge and ſayis, Of that the treuth ȝe ſall knaw in few dayis. Gif ȝe him ſla for it ȝour wife can tell, Of ȝour wiſdome than haue I greit meruell. And without dout it ſall ȝow happin richt As it happinnit ſum time vnto ane Knicht. To his wyfes ſawis gaue ſic fidelitie, That he was drawin out throw the haill Cietie At ane hors taill, and hangit like ane theif, His wifes ſawis brocht him to ſic miſcheif. The Empreour ſaid I pray the tell that taill, The Maiſter ſaid Schir that I ſall not faill. Sa ȝe will caus ȝour Sone to cum agane, And for this day ȝe let him not be ſlane. Incontinent the Empreour gaue command, To the preſoun to leid his Sone fra hand. And ſa was done, the Maiſter than but mair, To tell his taill began this co declair. The Doctouris taill farthermair or we heir. Sum morall ſence of the laſt let vs leir.
¶ MORALITAS. THIS prydefull King, he culd not King with meaſure and humilitie He was ſa proude, he thocht naue coude Compair to him thair micht not be. The Lord of aw, perſauit and ſaw, That his hart was ſa proude and hie He wald correct, him and Infect, with plague and greit Infirmitie. Quhair thair is pryde, grace can not byde, Out of that rowme beliue he rinnis Intill all haiſt, as he war chaiſt, To lawlynes to ſeik ane Innis. The bricht Angell, for pryde he fell, In hell ȝit ſtill in paine ay winnis, I ſay ȝow all, that man ſall fall His wark with pryde alway beginnis. The wiſe man wrytes, quhair he Indytes All beginning of Ill is pryde, And mony ma ſayis euin richt ſa, Into thair wrytings dois not hyde. Thairfoir the Lord, na way will cord Quhair pryde hes credence for to gyde I ȝow declair, he ſcurges ſair For quhair pryde is God will not byde. Of his Juſtice, ſic wickit vice, He will not thoill vnpuneiſt be, Be battell Peſt, weir or wanreſt Sum perrellous plague or pouertie Hounger and ſkaut, fude for to want Infectit with Infirmitie Thairfoir fle pryde all time and tyde, And hald ȝow with humilitie. Als in this taill, withouttin faill, Greit couetice ȝe may perſaue The fals Stewart, that fand the Art The King him ſelf and wyfe diſſaue, Bot on him fell, the ſorrow fell, He was worthie the ſame to haue To be exylit, that King begylie, I ſay for me he playit the knaue. That his a win wyfe, firſt fylit hir lyfe, And ſyne hir faull with deidlie ſin, Fy Stewart fy, was that thy quhy, Sa fuliſchlie geir for to win with couetice, and auarice, At ſic ane fals gait to begin For gredynes to win riches, Ouir mony to the Deuill wald rin. Be commoun thift, ſum makis thair ſchift, In this warld quhill thair lyfe be endit, To pluk the pure thay tak na cure, Quha hes na power to defend it. Sum reif is and ruggis, ſum drawis and druggis, And purpois neuer to amend it, Bot quhen its win, few of ȝour kin, Nor ȝit ȝour ſelf perchance ſall ſpend it. Sa couetous, and deſyrous. This Stewart was gold for to win, He cairit nocht, for to haue brocht His wyfe to ſchame and deidly ſin. Quhidder he gat it, or nocht few wait it For fra he and the King did twin In deid I trow, to ſay to ȝow, He had ane vther wob to ſpin. He charge it was, ſuith for to pas Out of the Realme or be confound His a win falſet, ſnairit him in net, His deid till him ſelf did redound. Bot quha wald mak ane happy pak Se falſet thairin be not found Lawtie and licht, ſchawis ay the richt, On gredynes mak not ȝour ground.

Auaritia eſt inordinatus amor habendi, tullius.

As to this King that lay ſeiging, And was ſa frayit for Pacok taillis, And twa bricht ſwordis, with ſum vaine wordis, without mair ſkaith his armie ſkaillis. His Camp to rais, and ſaw few fais, I think thay war bot ſnifland ſnaillis The Potingair takis lytill cair To cure the man that nathing aillis. Ane King ſuld ay, at ſic aſſay Haue ane ſad counſall him beſyde, Perchance ane fray may mak him pray And gar him fle quhen he ſuld byde, Daft vaniteis, groundit with leis, At all times he ſuld let ouirſlyde Be circumſpek, and in his nek Ay haue ane Ey all time and tyde. Haiſtie credence dois greit offence, Gif it be in ane Conquerour, Richt weill ſuld be, auiſit be, To euerie taill to giue anſwer. Intreit his Lordis, as weill accordis Than thay will ſerue him with honour with blyith viſage, gar pay his wage, He ſall triumphe and be victour. Had he ſa done, not half ſa ſone He had not bene ſa lichtlie chaiſt Bot the Doctour, vpon the Towre Maid him out of his mynde amaiſt. Captaines and Kingis tent to ſic thingis To all traitillis ȝe giue na traift, For gif ȝe do, it will cum to, As to the King that ſaw the Gaiſt.
¶ Ane reproche to the Emprice. GOmorras graceles gyde, and Sodomes ſchameles ſeid, Thow Beliallis bitrer byrd, baith fals in word and deid. Thy boiſt thow blawis on breid, ſall not ſaif thee I ſay, Thy ers brint in ane gleid, I think to ſe ſum day, Thow ſall not ſa away, thow commoun curſt Cowclink Trowis thow to chaip nay, nay, I rather neuer drink.
¶ The Taill of the Sext Maiſter, VPON ane time thair was in Romes toun Ane Empreour of greit micht and Renoun. Quha had greit Kingis into his companie, Lordis, Barrounis, Knichts, of greit Nobilitie Doing ſeruice as culd thame beſt effeir. Sum for paſtime and ſum to ſtuf his weir. He had thre Knichts quhome he lude ouir ye laif In all effarus mair credence to thame gaif. Ane vther Knicht thair was in the Cietie, That had weddit ane luſtie gay Ladie, As ȝe haue done, ȝour Princes and ȝour wife Quhome he lufit aſweill as his awin life. This Lady culd mak mirrie ſing and dance, In companie ſcho culd mak gude paſtance. Wantoun ȝoung men euin for that ſamin caus, To hir ludgeing all time of day ſcho drawis. And at all times ſcho ſang ſa wonder ſweit, That euerie man that paſt vpon the ſtreit: Had greit pleſure of hir dulce melodie, And cauſit Ilk man couet hir companie. Scho ſang ſa ſweit, ſa curious and cleir, All had delite hir ſinging for to heir. And ſa come by ane of the Knichtis thre, That the Empreour lufit ſa Inwartlie. And hard hir ſing with voice ſa curious, Trowit weill ſcho was ane Lady amorous. He blent about, and ſaw quhair that ſcho ſet, Incontinent he was tane in the net: Of lufis rage, and of the Lady fair Euin ſtill he ſtude, and paſt na farther mair, Quhill time he gat into hir hous entrie, And for ane time bure thair gude companie. Sa at the laſt he fell in commoning With this Lady, of lufe and ſit talking. Sa Inwarthe at hir he did Inquire, Quhat ſcho wald haue and fulfill his deſire, And ſleip with him bot the ſpace of ane nicht Scho aſkit him ane hundreth Florens bricht. He ſaid Lady I will giue ȝow na les, Schaw me the time quhen I thairto ſall dres. Scho ſaid gude Schir at time conuenient, Quhen I think time ȝe ſalbe efter ſent. Sa Inſtantlie that nicht he did depart, And of his tryiſt was wonder blyith in hart. Beleuing ſure that ſcho ſuld for him ſend, Bot ſmall he knew how all wald cum to end. Sa on the morne ſcho ſang into hir bour, Come the nixt Knicht pertenit the Empreour, Saw this Lady, and hard hir voice ſa ſweit, Tuik greit langour quhil he culd with hir meit And ſa he did, and ſchew to hir his minde, Unto the quhilk ſcho was richt weill Inclinde. Quha promeiſt hir of gude Florens fyue ſcoir, Scho ſaid gude Schir of ȝow I aſk no moir. He ſaid Lady quhen ſall I traiſt heirto Ane gude dew time I ſall prouyde (quod ſcho) Sa he as than departit mirrelie, Traiſting his tryiſt in all thing weill ſuld be. On the thrid day the thrid Knicht in like wiſe, Come by hir hous and the ſame Interpriſe: He tuik on hand and hecht to this Lady Fyue ſcoir Florens of him ſuld haue reddy, For to performe and ſatiſfie his will, Scho was content, and grantit weill thairtill. Quhen ſall I cum (quod he) I wald ȝe ſchew. I ſall ſend word (quod ſcho) as I am trew. Sa all thir thre had gottin hir conſent, Bot nane of thame knew ȝit vtheris Intent. Than this Lady of all malice repleit, To hir huſband ſcho ſaid into ſecreit. Secreit maters I haue to ȝow till ſchaw, Bot ȝe alone na perſoun ſall it knaw. And gif ȝe will the ſamin tak on hand, For greit profeit to vs baith it will ſtand. And will releif vs of all pouertie, In time cūming, and leif in honeſtie. He faid gude dame I can weill keip counſell, Of ony thing that ȝe will to me tell. To keip counſell it pertenis to ane man. Bot be contrair, thair is na woman can, Of thair counſell I reid anis in ane raill, It is comparit to butter into Caill. Zit not the les the ſuith gif ȝe will ſchaw, Quhat euer it be, thair is na man ſall knaw. Quod ſcho it is ane thing of veritie, That may vs hald ay into honeſtie. Schaw me (ſaid he) and I ſall keip counſell, Of all ſecreitis that ȝe will to me tell. At my power the ſame I ſall fulfill: Thairfoir ſchaw furth gif that it be ȝour will. Quod ſcho gude ſchir yair hes bene Knichts thre Heir diuers times deſiring lufe of me, And promeiſt me but dout ane gude propine, Ilk ane of thame fyue ſcoir of Florens fine. At ſindrie times Ilk ane come quietlie, Not ane knawing of vthers preuitie. Culd we this gold vnknawin get in our hand, Into greit ſteid but dout it ſuld vs ſtand. Than ſaid the Knicht dame ȝe ſay veritie, Bot of gude zeill tell on how can that be. Scho ſaid gude Schir my counſall ȝe ſall heir, How ȝe ſall do, the way I ſall ȝow leir. I promeiſt thame euerie man be him ſell, Quheu thay ſall cum, the time I ſuld thame tell, In the ſame time at the ȝet ȝe ſall ſtand, Richt quietlie with ȝour drawin ſword in hand And quhen thay cum into thair ordour ſa, Ze ſall not faill all thre thame for to ſla. Sa thre hunder Florens we ſall obtene, And nane ſall knaw, nor ȝit the Knichts be ſene. Quhome to he ſaid, O my belouit wife, Suld I for gold reif ony man his life? To do ſic thing of God I ſtand ſic aw, And als it is contrair the Kingis Law. And I dout not gif ſic ane thing war done, Withouttin dout it ſuld be knawin ſone. Quod ſcho feir not, the deid I tak on hand, To end it furth peirtlie thair at ſall ſtand. And quhen he hard the taill than that ſcho tald, It maid the man the mair hardie and bald. Sa be counſall of this Ill wifes Intent, Scho cauſit this Knicht to that ſlauchter conſēt This Ill woman quhen cūmin was the nicht, Incontinent ſcho ſend for the firſt Knicht. But mair abaid vnto the ȝet come he, As he thocht beſt, knokit richt quyetlie. Than anſwerit ſcho, and at him can ſcho ſpeir, Haue ȝe not brocht the hundreth Florens heir? But dout (ſaid he) I haue thame heir preſent, Than ſcho vndid the ȝet Incontinent. As he come in, and enterit at the ȝet, Than hir huſband ſic ane ſtraik on him ſet, Without mair talk, bot ſchortlie with his ſword Gaue him ſic wappis that he ſpak neuer word. With the ſecund he did the ſamin giſe, And with the thrid he plaid on the ſame wiſe. To ane ſecreit Chalmer thair bodeis drew. That nane ſuld knaw that he ony man ſlew. Than ſaid he dame gif thair bodeis be found Within this place, or ȝit within this ground. It ſall not faill bot we thairfoir ſall die The maiſt vyle deid that can Imaginit be. Thay will be miſt into the Court but dout, And will be ſocht in all thir partis about. Scho ſaid gude Schir, this wark firſt I began To end that Ilk richt wonder weill I can. My Joy feir not, as I ſaid ȝow befoir, For I can dres ſic thing and it war moir, This Lady had into the ſame Cietie, Ane gentill man, and hir brother was he: Quhilk in the toun the gyding had to keip, Ouir all the watche, that thay na way ſuld ſtrip Sa on ane nicht as he paſt throw the ſtreit, At hir awin ȝet hir brother culd ſcho meit. Ane ſecreit thing (quod ſcho) my deir brother. I mon ȝow ſchaw, as now to nane vther. Than enterit he and the Knicht hir huſband. Welcūmit him weill, and tuik him be the hand Talkit at lenth and mirrelie drank the wine, And than the Knicht ſaid to hir brother ſine. Brother (ſaid he) richt hartlie I Inquire, Of ȝour counſall richt greitlie I deſire To haue the ſame, for thairof I haue neid, Hir brother ſaid, trewlie ſa God me ſpeid, t my power, my counſall and gude thoche, Ze ſall not want, and thairm dout ȝe nocht. Scho ſaid brother this is the v rray cace, Zi ſterday laſt thair come vnto our place, Vnkend be vs, ane honeſt nobill Kmcht. Quhome we Intreitit the beſt maner we micht, And ſa be chance he fell in argument Quhairat my huſband ſtude nathing content. At laſt he ran ſa heich in vilame, Quhat wald ȝe mair my huſband gart him die. And ſtill he lyis into ane Chalmer hid. To na perſoun as ȝit is knawin nor kid. And we haue nane to do for vs as now This greit mater for to conuoy bot ȝow. Gif he be found with vs as chance may be, It will not faill, but dout we will baith die. And ſa ſcho maid bot mentioun of ane Knicht, Not ſchawing him the veritie nor richt, Hir brother ſaid deliuer him to me, I ſall him beir in ane ſek to the ſe. Scho heiring that was wōder blyith and glaid Deliuerit him the deid Knicht as ſcho ſaid. And the hie gait to the ſey he is paſt With the deid Knicht, and thairm did him caſt. This being done, to his ſiſter he ſaid, Ze ar now quyte of ȝone thairfoir be glaid. As ȝe deſirit this mater now is dreſt. Now fill the wine let vs drink of the beſt. That ſall ȝe haue (quod ſcho with mirrie cheir, With all our hartis the beſt that we haue heir. To the Chalmer in all haiſt paſt ſcho ſ ne, As it had bene for to haue brocht him wine. And than begouth with ane loud voice to cry. O deir brother richt wonder frayit am I The ſame Ilk Knicht that ȝe keſt in the ſe, In our Chalmer agane is cum to me. Than hir brother thairof had greit meruell, •• hen that he hard his ſiſter ſa him tell. And I traiſt that thair can not be ſic thing, Zit not the les agane to me him bring. I ſall him put he ſall not cum agane, Bot ſtill for ay I wait he ſall remane. He band him faſt into ane vther ſek, With ane greit ſtane hingand about his nek. The nirt Knicht tuik, beleuing that it was The firſt deid Knicht and to the ſey can pas, Vpon his bak, the hie gait makis richt. And thair but mair caſtis in the ſecund Knicht. Than come he hame to his ſiſter and ſaid, Na mair ȝe ſall with ȝone Knicht be affraid: For he is caſt into the ſey ſa far, That weill I wait he ſall neuer cum nar. Thairfoir fill wine, and let vs drink about, For of ȝone Knicht I put ȝow out of dout. To hir Chalmer to fetche wine ſcho did fane, With ane loud voice ſcho cryit frayitlie agane. O my brother the Knicht I ſay ȝow ſure, Quhome ȝe did drowne, is in my Chalmer flure Wo be to me, I wait not quhat to ſay, For be na meane he will not byde away. The brother hard, and ſaid quhat deuill is this That verray Knicht he is ſum witche I wis. I haue him drownit twa ſindrie times but dout And ay agane of the ſey cūmis out Zit the thrid time deluier him to me, And I na mair ſall caſt him in the ſe: Bot I ſall burne his banis into ane fire, Brother (ſaid ſcho) that ſame thing I deſire. Than ſcho deliuerit the laſt Knicht of the thre, And he beleuit it was the firſt trewlie, Sa the thrid Knicht away with him hes 〈◊〉 Knawing nathing bot all thre had bene ane. Without the oun ane myle fra the Cietie, In ane Foreſt a greit fire biggit he, And the thrid Kniche thairm he keſt to burne, Beleuing weill he had done ane gude turne That put away the verray Inſtrument That was abill his ſiſter to haue ſchent. This deid knicht brint, that vther did him ſpeid As becūmis all, to do his naturall deid. Vp fra the fire he paſt ane bowſchot ſpace Into the wod to do ſic beſines. And ſa it chancit that ſamin verray nicht, Come throw the wod rydand ane vther Knicht, Quhilk had ane tryiſt the morne in the Cietie, At ane Juſting thair him behude to be. For werynes was baith houngrie and cald, He blent about, and the fire culd behald. Him to refreſche hidder he raid thairto, Bot he wiſt not quhat had bene thair ado. He lichtit doun, knit his hors to ane tre, And to the fire Incontment paſt he, To warme his hands, and to comfort his cors, And for ane quhile to reſt his tyrit hors. Than the ſame knicht that was y womans brother Come to the fire agane and ſaw ane vther Stand at the fire, quhome to he ſaid in hy, Quhat may thow be, he ſaid ane Knicht am I. Quod he agane I wait thow art na Knicht, Thow art ane deuill, that weill I wait full richt Twiſe I the drownit, the firſt time in ane ſck, The ſecund time ane greit ſtane at thy nek. And now thridlie, I brint the in this fire, And ȝit to leif me think thow will not tire. War thow the deuill, and als the deuillis dam Or I war cūmerit with the ſa as I am, I rather bu ne the ten times in ane fire, Thy hors thy ſelf, baith bowk banis and lire. As he ſa ſaid, in his armes he him tuik, In middis the fire he keſt him in the ſmuik. And ſine his hors abone him alſo keſt, Sa brint thame baith or euer he tuik reſt. To his ſiſter than come he hame agane, Quhat him berid he tald to hir in plane. Fill the beſt wine (quod he) and ſpair it nocht For without dout richt deir I haue it bocht. Efter in the fire that I had brint him anis, Incontinent he ſtandis vp bowk and banis, Befoir the fire, and his hors him beſide, Quhat deuil (ſaid I) me think thow ſchaipis to ride Sa in the fire I keſt him hors and all, All this ſiſter ſaid he chancit me befall. Than in hir minde ſcho knew Incontinent, That he had brint ane Knicht of tornament. Zit not the les ſcho brocht him the beſt wine, Drank mirrelie, and ſa paſt his way ſine. Not lang efter this wife and hir awin Knicht Fell in debait, bechance vpon ane nicht, And ſcho him gaue ſum wordis outrageous, Hie and haltand, and verray diſpittous. Quhairthrow he grew at hir in matalent, Twa ſtripis or thre, till hir ſa hes he lent. Than ſaid this wife theif wil thow 〈…〉 rther me As thow hes done the Empreouris 〈…〉 hts thre Thow ſeruis weill to be hangit and drawin, Gifſi thing war vnto our ichtbouris knawin Nichtbouris about thir cruell wordis did hei The rumour rais, the fokis grew all in feir. Word weut fra hand vnto the Empreour. Thay war ſend for but ony delatour. Quha was accuſit for ſic ane cruell crime, S •• e ſcho confeſt the deid, the hour and time. How he murdreiſt the Empreour Knichts thre Within the nicht, into greit crueltie And how that thay ſpuilȝeit fra euerie Knicht, Fyue ſcoir Florens of gold that was ſa bricht. And how that ſcho the mater firſt Inuentit, And how that he thairto firſt diſaſſentit. Sa thay war baith condampnit be the Law, That officers at hors taillis ſuld thame draw: To the Gallous out throw the haill Cietie, To thair greit ſchame, that Ilk man mi ht it ſe. On the Gallous thay war baith put to deid, As thay deſeruit but mercie or remeid. The Maiſter ſaid vnto the Empreour Seruit thay not died, yt maid ſa greit murthou The Empreour ſaid that wife was wonder euil Be apperance was temptit with the deuill. S ho was the firſt the mater mufit and bred, S chke the firſt the ſamin gart out ſpred. The Maiſter ſaid war ſall cum to ȝour ſell, Slaȝe ȝour ſone for ȝour Ill wifes counſell. My ſone (ſaid he) for that now ȝe haue ſaid, Thair ſall na charge of deid be to him laid As for this day, thairfoir pas to ȝour place, The Maiſter ſaid God ſaue ȝour nobill grace. Sa uik his leif, and with a •• 〈◊〉 hart, To his awin hous, fra the Court did depart. ¶ Quhen the Emprice of thir tythance hard tell Scho was maiſt like for to haue ſlane hir ſell. As ane wod wife come to the Empreour, Behald (ſaid ſcho) ane woman of dolour. Except that ȝe get me ſouer remeid. I ſall but dout my awin ſelf put to deid. I am ſa ſchamit with the countrie about, That I think ſchame of my Chalmer cum out And na remeid quhat euer I do or ſay, Bot with fals Taillis put of fra day to day, Fy vpon ȝow that ſufferis ſic ane thing, Ze ar not worth to be Empreour or King. Ze cure na ſchame, ȝe cure na warldis wonder To haue me ſchamit, and ȝour ſelf put to vnder And to be ſchamit & callit ane Empreours wife I ſall rather my ſelf fall on my knife. The pane of deid Induris bot half ane hour, Bot euer mair ſchame ſall degraid honour. The Empreour ſaid I pray God ȝow defend, That ȝe tak not ſic ane vnhappie end. To tak in thocht ȝour awin ſelf for to ſla, Quhat euer ȝe do, I pray ȝow do not ſa. And I pray God that I not cauſer be Of ſic miſchance, nor ſir aduerſitie. Bot will ȝe thoill and ſuffer ane ſchort quhile, Zour caus will cum to aue far better ſtile, And ȝour complaint will haue the better end Zour Juſt querrell euer I ſall defend. Quod ſcho agane, the end ſall not be gude, Baith ȝow and me it ſall vs baith exclude Of this I pire, and put vs to confuſioun, Zon ſeum Maiſters leidis ȝow in ſi abuſioun, That it ſall chance to ȝow heir eſterwart, As it come to ane King and his Stewart. The Empreour ſaid, I pray ȝow now but faill, Of ȝour gudnes to tell me furth that taill. Scho ſaid my Lord to tell ane taill agane, Weill I perſaue it will be bot in vane: For the nixt day the ſeuint Maiſter will cum, And tell ane taill to ſaif ȝour ſone thats dum. And help him as his fellowis did befoir, F a thay haue done, ȝe will heir me no moir. On the aucht day than ſall ȝour awin ſone cum Aud tell his taill quhilk this lang time was dū To quhais talking ȝe ſall giue ſic pleſour, That I ſalbe put furth of ȝour memour. And the greit lufe betuix vs twa hes bene, In time cūming now ſalbe forȝet clene. The Empreour ſaid ſic ane thing can not be, Without ȝe ſerue the ſame vnwittand me. Quhilk I beleue was neuer in ȝour thocht, Thairfoir as ȝit ſic thing trow will I nocht. The Emprice ſaid, than I ſall tell my taill, Quhilk to ȝour grace it ſall greitlie auaill. And caus ȝow fra greit perrellis eſchew Quhilk I perſaue is ellis prepairit for ȝow. Be ȝour curſt ſone, and his ſeum Maiſters all Quhilk efter this richt weill perſaue ȝe ſall. The Empreour ſaid, now I pray ȝour gudnes, Tell furth that taill and leif ȝour beſines. S ſcho began hir taill with fenȝeit cheir, Not blyith at hart, as ȝe ſall efter heir. Bot or ſcho tell hir taill furth to the King, Of the laſt taill now let vs ſay ſum thing.
¶ MORALITAS. OMERCIE God quhat thing is this, The mater greitly meruellis me, That cunning Clerkis can not diſcus The Ill and the Iniquitie That in wemen bene, Bred with greit tray and tene The greit diſſait and ſubteltie Sic kenenes with greit crueltie was ueuer hard nor ſene, This Lady in hir windo ſet, Singing hir noitis ſa curtous Preſenting thair the deuillis net Under cullour ſa cautelous, Zoung men at till hir gane, And in hir net ar tane And thair with mynde malitious Ju hart being ſa couetous Cauſit murdreis thame Ilk ane, This murt her firſt ſcho did Inuent That cauſit thir men for to be ſlane Syne was the verray Inſtrument Firſt for to mak it knawin agane Sa mony wayis ſcho fand, For to tyiſt hir huſband To do miſcheif with ſic fals trane, And ſyue the ſame ſcho culd not lane Bot maid it kend fra hand. Throw hir malice and bet Inuy Baith of hir huſband and hir ſell The cruell m rther ſcho did out cry Qubair of nichtbouris had greit meruell, Quhilk thing thay neuer knew, Quhill that the wife it ſchew And cauſit hir the treuth to tell, Now all the mater firſt befell And how the Anchtis thay ſlew. Quha was puneiſt for thair miſdeid, And gat the rigour of the Law, Now Schirs perfane quhat dois proceid Of ane Ill womans wickit ſaw, Duredome was firſt in plane Syne gredynes but lane To wow the woman as ȝe knaw. The gold and ſlauchter did on draw Aud cauſit the men be ſlane. Thairfoir I ſay thay that hes wyfes, Let thame not all thair ſecreitis knaw, For gif it chance that thay twa ſtryfes. All that ſcho knawis that will ſcho ſchaw. And rather mair nor les Thay haue that vſe expres, For gif ȝe len thame anis ane blaw Quyte auld freindſchip thay let faw Turnis all to wickitnes. As did this wyfe in greit malice, Hir huſband and hir ſelf put doun, Throw hir counſall and couetice To hyde the ſame had na reſſoun. That thing ȝe wald haue hid, That to ȝour wyfe forbid And it war neuer ſa greit treſſoun. That ſcho ſall tell throw all the toun As this wickit wyfe did. The wyfe man ſayis thair toungis ar ſchairy As ony ſword is wrocht with hand, Quhairwith ſa crouſlie thay will cairp Ilk word thay ſay alone ſall ſtand. Thay ar ſa outrageous, I efull and diſpittous, Thay cure not the wag of ane wand To gar ȝow tyne ba th lyfe and land Quhen thay grow furious. God ſaue my ſell fra ſic ane ſort For I perſaue thay ar perrellous I promeis ȝow it is na ſport To find ȝour vnfreind in ȝour hous. Quhioder be he or ſcho, To tell all that I do And thay be auld and buſteous, S tūmerſum and malitious, I can not tell quhairto. 〈◊〉 Ne intenderis maliciae mulieris quia nouiſſima illius amara quaſi ab intheum longe fac ab ea viam tuam quia lingua eius accuta vt gladius bioeps. Et pedes eius diſcendunt in mortem. Prouerb. 5.
¶ Ane praiſe to the Sext Doctour. THY goldin toung with grace ſa thow hes gydit, That to this Chylde ȝit lyfe thow hes prouydit Contrair the Quene, a vengeance on hir cors Bot without dout or ſentence be decydit, I wait the Chylde he will bauldlie abyde it. For quhy he knawis baith the beſt and the worſe And gif fa be the Quene mon byde on force. Zit not the les thow ſuld haue thankis but dout Thow gude Maiſter that keipit thy day about.
¶ The Emprice ſeuint Taill BEfoir this time thair was ane Nobill King, That lufit his wife abone all eirdlie thing. He had to hir ſic greit lufe and fauour, He keipit hir Ilk day within cloſour. In the greit hous of ane ſtrenthie Caſtell, Quhairof the keyis he keipit ay him ſell, Quhairat this Lady tuik greit heuines, That ſcho was ſa haldin in ſic ſtraitues. Wantit ſolace and all gude companie, Bot quhen the King come in allanerlie. In vther partis thair was ane Nobill Knicht. It chancit him to dreame into the nicht Into his ſleip he thocht weill that he ſaw, The faireſt Quene that euer man did knaw. Quhais lufe he couet abone all cirdlie thing, Gif he micht ſe hir on the cird walking. Nathing douting, bot be hir cum ſuld he To greit honour, worſchip and honeſtie. That ſamin nicht this Quene in hir viſio •• Dreamit on this Knicht, and on the ſame faſſo And ȝit nouther of vther knew the name, Nor knawledge had be faſſoun or be fame. This Knicht he rais vpon the morne airlie, Rememberit weill on his dreame ſickerlie. And determit into his minde and thocht, Nor be na way to tak reſt wald he nocht: Vnto the time that Ladie quhill he fand, Gif that ſcho micht be gottin in ony land. Lap on his hors, and in haiſt furth he raid, To ſeik this Quene, na langer tary maid. Throw Royall Realmes, & diuers greit coūtries Throw riche Regiounis, and ſemelie ſeir cieteis This fair Lady ȝeid ſa far in his tho ht, Thair was na landis for hir he left vnſocht. Quhill at the laſt he come to ane Cietie, Quhair he gat wit thair was ane fair Ladie. Keipit ſa clois, that nane micht cum hir till, Ercept alone it war the Kingis will. Thair he ſoiornd for his Paſtime ane ſpace, Him to refreſche in mirth and mirrines. Sa it fortunit to him vpon ane day, Pas by the place quhair that this Lady lap. In h r windo luiking furth hir alone, For vther game nor paſtime gat ſcho none. Sa ſcho chancit ſone for to get ane ſicht, Qu ōe of ſcho dremit of this ſame verray Knicht Thinking richt weill the ſamin man was he, Intill hir dreame befoir that ſcho did ſe. He not knawing that that Lady was thair. Bot as chance come doun by making repair. In meane ſeaſoun he liftit vp his Ee In hir windo this Lady can he ſe. Thinking richt weill it was the ſamin Quene, That he befoir into his dreame had ſene. Than he began to ſing ane ſang of lufe, Quhilk qu en ſcho hard, greitlie it did hir mufe Into his lufe, and prentit in hir hart, Quhilk was vnkend to him in ony part. Zit not the les daylie he maid repair, About that place to tak paſtime and air. Than this Lady perſauing this at all, Ane bill of lufe to him ſcho leit doun fall. And he belyue red ouir this prettie bill, Perſauing weill the Ladeis minde and will. Fra this time furth he vſit daylie Juſting, Breking of ſpeiris, and alſwa hors rinning. Eaſting of ſtane, and als the leidin mell, Worſling, lowping, he did exerce him ſell, Daylie actis he vſit and honeſt deidis, That in the Court his fame & word vp ſpreidis Quhill at the laſt his name and gude beiring, His honeſt actis war ſchawin to the King The King heiring his vailȝeant tornament, He ſend for him Meſſage Incontinent. Quha chargeit him the King he ſuld cum till, To heir his minde, his pleſure and his will. Quha come to him with all humilitie, As him effeirit, law kneilling on his knie. Schir knicht he ſaid, I haue hard of ȝow tell, How in gude actis ȝe haue exercit ȝour ſell, Into my Court amang my gentill men, Thairfoir ſen I ſic actis dois of ȝow ken, Pleis ȝe remane into our companie, Ze ſall haue giftis and gude rewaird of me. And be ane of my gaird and my counſell, Sa it pleis ȝow with vs remane and dwell. Than ſaid this Knicht and pleis ȝour Maieſtie. To haue ſeruice of ſic ane man as me: I ſall ȝow ſerue baith with my hand and hart, In all effairis, ſic as pertenis my part. Without rewaird or ony recompence, Sa that I may haue daylie ȝour preſence. And ſen ȝour grace hes now deſicit me, Into ȝour gaird, and on ȝour counſall be: I wald ȝour grace to my deſire wald grant, Sa on ſeruice the better I micht hant. Ane new ludgeing to haue at the Towre ſyde, Quhair I micht be, and at ȝour bidding byde Gif that ȝour grace neidit vpon me call. Ze micht gar cry out ouir the Caſtell wall. Than ſaid the King faith I conſent thairto, Ga big ȝour hous as ȝe think beſt to do. Than paſt the Knicht or euer he wald tire, And feit wark men, & promeiſt thame gude hire His hous biggit with tymmer ſtane and thak, With ane Maſoun he maid ane derne contrak. Out fra this hous to mak ane ſmall paſſage, Into y Towre quhair this Quene was in Cage Quhen this was done, efter his awin Intent This ſame Maſoun he killit Incontinent, That he ſuld not diſcouer his ſecre, For his rewaird this warkman this gat h . Than went this knicht quhē he pleſit to y quene In ſecreit ſort, and with na man was ſene. Did hir ſeruice as culd him weill effeir, Than thay talkit of diuers maters ſeir. Amang the reſt he ſpak to hir of lufe, Quhilk in ane part hir hart greitlie did mufe. Howbeit as than ſcho was not weill contentit, Zit efterwart to his will ſcho conſentit. Sa in hir thocht the Quene keſt on ane day, Of this mater quhat ſcho ſuld do or ſay: Tuitching this Knicht, als to hir awin huſbād Be ſic thing knawin, than ba •• ſching the land To my tinſell, and euer warldis ſchame. For vpon me wald be laid all the blame. Becaus that I wald not the Knicht diſcure, I ſalbe callit the Ill woman full ſure. Alſo the Knicht he ſall eſchaip na way, Bot of the deith the ſchairp he ſall aſſay. Thairfoir is beſt, and I perſaue my ſell, To hald my toung, and not ane word to tell. And ſa all times quhen thay pleiſit to meit, Be this derne way thay ȝeid to thair ſecreit. Sine efterward the Quene gaue him ane Ring Quhilk at wedlok ſcho reſſauit fra the King. Greit Tornamentis this Knicht he vſit daylie And euer bure away the victorie. Quhairthrow he ſtude baith in Court & with King In greit fauour, for his manlie hauing. Into ſa far, that he was efterwart Maid be the King Comptroller and Stewart. And all his Realme he had in Regiment, T •• k in his maillis, Gerſowmes & daylie rent. Vpon a day it did appleis the King, For his pleſure to pas to the hunting. To his Stewart the King gaue than command To be reddy, and pas with him fra hand. Upon the morne than all the Court vprais, And with the king all to the Hunting gais. All the lang day thay chais in the Foreſt Quhill the king thocht he wald haue had ſū reſt For he was tyrit, and werie all begane, Sa he repoſit beſide ane fair Fontane. Than his Stewart quhair he ſat with the king Efter trauell he fell vpon ſleiping. And ſa the king perſauit at the laſt, The Quenis Ring vpon his finger faſt. Quhilk the knicht knew be countenance of the king That he had ſene & markit that Ilk ring. Than to the king with fenȝeit countenance He ſaid my Lord this is the verray chance. Ane Maladie hes tane me in this tyde. I am ſa ſeik na mair hunting may byde. Without I get the ſoner ſum remeid, I dout richt ſair that it ſalbe my deid. Praying ȝour grace that ȝe wald giue me leif For to pas hame, ȝour grace not for to greif. Quod he gude freind gif ȝe pleis to pas hame I grant ȝow leif, pas on in Goddis Name. Incontineut he gat vpon his hors, Fenȝeing him ſelf to haue ane ſeiklie cors. Hame to his hous into all haiſt he raid, And to the Quene he paſt withouttin baid. Without proces deliuerit hir the king. That ſcho befoir had gottin fra the king. And tald hir how the king the ſame did knaw On his finger, on ſleip quhen he him ſaw. Beſeiking hir gif that the kingis grace Speirit for the ring within ſchort time or ſpace Scho ſuld him ſchaw the ſame but queſtioun For to exclude Ill word and ſuſpitioun, This being done, he paſt his preuie way, And to his bed he maid him but delay. The hunting done, the King come hame at ene. Incontinent he ſaid vnto the Quene, Quhair is the Ring in wedlok I ȝow gaue. Schaw me the ſame for I it now mon haue. Scho ſaid Lord, ſa ſone to quhat Intent Wald ȝe it ſe na way it is abſent. Than ſaid the King ſchaw me it Incontinent: Or I ſweir ȝow ȝe ſall it ſair repent. Than vp ſcho rais, and to hir Coffer went, And brocht the Ring to him Incontinent. Quhen he it ſaw, he was richt wonder glaid, And half aſchamit vnto the Quene he ſaid: Madame forſuith, ſen firſt hour I was borne, Sa like ane Ring be warkmen maid or ſchorne. To the Knichtis Ring, to ȝouris I neuer ſaw, I wald haue ſworne war not y now I knaw Baith had bene ane that gart me aſk ȝour Ring Quod ſcho my Lord beleue ȝe ſic ane thing? Nay, nay, Madame, I cry ȝow now mercie, For weill I wait ſic thing thair can not be. Scho ſaid my Lord, tak not ſic thing in thocht For the ſame man perchance y ȝour ring wrocht He maid the Knichtis, and on the ſamin ſort, Quod he Madame I ſaid it bot in ſport. Quod ſcho my Lord God mot ȝow grant pardoun Gif ȝe me hald in ony ſuſpitioun. God ȝow forgiue ȝour Ill ſuſpitious minde, Gif ȝe ſuſpect in ony ſort or kinde. Conſiddering of ȝour Caſtell the ſtrenth, And my lawtie ȝe haue kend at the lenth. Aud ſine ȝour ſelf had the keyis in keiping, I mexuell how ȝe can ſuſpect ſic thing. Quod he Madame I pray ȝow tak patience, I ſaid nathing for to do ȝow offence. Bot as ȝe knaw deſirit my ing to ſe, Quhilk now agane ȝe ſall reſſaue of me. With als gude will as euer I it gaue, Scho ſaid my Lord the ſame I will reſſaue, Sa efterwart ȝe ſuſpect me na way, He ſaid Madame, that ſall I not perfay. Efter this time the Knicht cauſit prepair In his awin hous ane Banket or dennair. Sine to the King he ſaid and pleis ȝour grace, This is the treuth, the verray caus and cace. My bedfellow is cum fra hir countrie, Quhilk thocht greit lang my preſence for to ſe, To hir I cauſit ane dennar to prepair, With all my hart I wald ȝour grace war thair And pleis ȝour grace to do me ſic honour, Surelie (ſaid he) I will do ȝow pleſour. In that behalf, and it war mekill moir, The Knicht he kneillit, & thankit him thairfoi Than in his hart he was richt wonder glaid For the kinde wordis the King had to him ſaid Than paſt he to the Quene Incontinent, Be his derne Caif, the ſtraicht way is he went, And ſaid Madame, pleis ȝow to tak ſic paue, Into my hous to dine with ȝour Souerane This ſamm day, and cleith ȝow vp richelie. As is the giſe and vſe of my countrie. And ſit thair at in Tabill with the King. Euin as ȝe war my wife ſpouſit with ane King And mak him all the paſt •• e and gude cheir. As to his grace in beſt ſort can effeir. Scho ſaid Schir Knicht as ȝe pleis ſa I will. As I beſt can ȝour pleſour to fulfill. The hour become, and dennar time of day, To the Knichts hous the King come on away. In the meane time the Quene come hir dern gait In the Knichts hall beliue ſcho gat hir ſait. In ſic clething as the Knicht gaue command, Efter the giſe and faſſoun of his land. And quhen the King come to the Knichtis haw. Sa ſone as he the Ladeis viſage ſaw, He thocht ſcho was womā maiſt like his quene, Sen he was borne, that euer he ſaw with Eue. it not the les Ilk ane on thair maneir, Thay hailſit vther as it culd beſt effeir. Than to the Knicht the King ſaid quietlie, Quhat is ſcho this ſa ſemelie for to ſe? The Knicht he ſaid, and pleis ȝour Maieſtie. This is forſuith my lufe and my Ladie, Quhilk of lang time fra me hes bene abſeut, Bot now I am of hir cūming content, Sa that ȝe be content that ſcho is heir, I am ſaid he ſa God grant me gude cheir. And firſt thay weſche, and ſine to Tabill went, And euer mair the King in his Intent, Thocht yt he knew the Quene & had knawledge Be hir faſſoun, hir forme and hir viſage, And to him ſelf he ſaid in all his life, He neuer ſaw ane woman mair like his wife. it not the les the ſtrenth of his awin Towre Diſſauit his minde, and led him in errour. That in ſa far he gaue far mair credence To the Knichtis wordis, and cullourit eloquēce Nor to the thing he ſaw with his awin Ene, Quhilk blindit him, & als miſknew his Quene Than ſcho began to talk of ſum glaidnes, And ſteir the King vp in ſum mirrines. Sa ſone as he hard hir ſpeiche and hir voice, Quhidder to ſpeik or for to hald him clois. He not weill wiſt bot ȝit ſaid to him ſell, O Lord in heuin heir is ane greit meruell. This woman is in faſſoun and fauour In ſpeiche, in voice, makdome and portratour, In behauingis, and als in conditiounis, In fax, in face, in fait and in faſſounis. And in all ſort ſa done like my awin Quene, In all this warld was neuer ane liker ſene. And ȝit the ſtrenth of the Towre him begylit, With the Knichtis wordis yt him ſa ſielie ſylit Sa at the meit with mirrines amang, The Knicht deſirit the Quene to ſing ane ſang. Than ſcho began to ſing ane ſang of lufe, The King heiring, greitlie his hart can mufe. Said to him ſelf, and this be not my wife, I wait ſcho is not leuand vpon life. And than agane he thocht that can not be, For I my ſelf in keiping hes the kie: Of the greit Towre quhair nathing can cum in Bot I my ſelf that keipis baith key and gin, Than na man can enter within that Towre, Except my ſelf, nouther be time nor hour. Sa all denner he ſat in ſic conſait, With his awin ſelf into ſic ſtrang debait. And ſa he ſat, and wiſt not quhat to ſay, And at the laſt he bad ſone tak away, The Tabill and claith, he wald na langer byde And ſaid he wald about the feildis ryde. Than ſaid the Knicht & pleis ȝour Nobill grace For to remane ane prettie time and ſpace. We ſall ȝow mak mair mirrines and cheir, For without dout ȝour grace is welcum heir. Than ſaid the Quene, and pleis ȝour Maieſtie, For to remane with vs in companie. We ſall ȝow mak the mirrines and ſport, All that we can to hald ȝow in comfort. Si 〈…〉 ke as dois the Quene in hir ſolace, With all ſeruice that we can do ȝour grace. For all requeiſt, planelie the King ſaid nay, For to remane, gart tak the Tabill away. And ſaid he was in that ſame verray tyde In ſic fantiſe, he micht na langer byde. And ſa the claith and Tabill away was tane, p rais the King and to the flure is gane. Thankit the Knicht of his kindnes and cheir, The Lady als into hir beſt maneir. Sine in all haiſt to the Caſtell he went, To ſe the Quene, gif ſcho was thair preſent. And than the Quene went on hir preuie way, Reſt of hir clais and hir vncouth array. And quhen the King enterit within the Towre He fand the Quene ſitting intill hir Bowre. In the ſame clais, and ſort as he hir left, Quhairthrow he was in his ſpeiche half bereft Quhen he hir ſaw he braiſt hir twiſe or thriſe, And ſaid Madame I am in ane fantiſe. This day I dynit with the Knicht as ȝe knaw And with his lufe, the quhilk I neuer ſaw, Sa like to ȝow be forme and faſſoun Be ſpeiche and voice, and als conditioun. All dennar time I was ſa ſteirit in thocht, That I not wiſt gif it was ȝe or nocht. And ay my minde it was in ſic diſpair, I wiſt not weill gif ȝe war heir or thair. Than ſaid the Quene I meruell of ȝour minde, That to ſic thing ȝour hart ſuld be Inclinde. For ȝe knaw weil the greit ſtrenth of ȝour towre As to the keyis thay ar at ȝour pleſour. And my bodie ȝe knaw hes na credence, To cum or gang without ȝour awin licence. And as ȝe knaw to fle I haue na wingis, How can ȝe than Imagine ſiclike thingis? Quhat kinde of way is poſſibill to me, For to be in ȝone Knichtis companie? Gif euer ȝe red the buik of Phiſnomy Thairin ȝe may richt weill reid and eſpy That it may ſtand ane to be like ane vther Howbeit that ane be not ſyb to the vther. Thairfoir my Lord I ȝow require on richt Haue na ſuſpect betuix me and ȝone Knicht, Than ſaid the King forſuith that ſall not be, I grant my ſelf into this fault gyltie. Into ſa far as I miſdemit ȝow, Thair is na caus ſic thing to think I trow. Than ſaid the Quene ſen gyltie ȝe ȝow grant, I ȝow forgiue, ſa ſic thing ȝe not hant. Upon the morne the Knicht ſaid to the King And pleis ȝour grace ȝe will me grant a thing. This lang ago I haue ȝow done ſeruice, The beſt I culd, pertening my office. Ze ſe my lufe is cum from hir countrie, And to returne hamewart for to caus me. And I Intend (gif it be ȝour pleſour Vnto my lufe ȝe wald do ſic honour, To mary hir in face of halie Kirk, As God commandis all Chriſtin man to wirk) To be at hame callit my lauchfull wife, Quhill doweſum deid depart vs fra this life. Beſeiking now ȝour Nobill grace heirfoir, For my rewaird, as now I aſk no moir: Bot with ȝour hand deliuer hir to me, Befoir the Preiſt that the pepill may ſe. It will be callit to me ane greit honour. Sa that it be ȝour graces awm pleſour. Quhair that my wife was geuin me be a King, In our countrie will be callit ane greit thing In ſic effairis, as is the auld faſſoun, Unto wedlok quhen twaſum makis thē boun Than ſaid the King ȝour rewaird is to ſmall, That ȝe deſire or charges me with all. I will do that richt glaidlie for ȝour ſaik, And for hir lufe that now ſuld be ȝour maik. The Knicht thankit the King a thouſand ſpſe, That anſwerit him ſa kindlie on ſic wiſe. The mariage and day of the banket, The King him ſelf he gart deuiſe and ſet. On the quhilk day, the King with greit honour Come to the Kirk to do the Knicht pleſour The pariſche Preiſt with his Kirklike beſtmēts Was weill Indewit with all abilȝements, For to ſolempne the band of mariage, Into the Kirk, as than was the vſage In this meane tune the Knicht gart mak reddy In his awin hous his lufe and his Lady, Weill all cled vp efter the conſwetude Of his coūtrie quhilk he thocht was maiſt gude And gart twa knichtis to the Kirk hir connop With greit blyithnes, ſolempnitie and Joy. Quha than beleuit his Paramouris had bene. Howbeit ſcho was in deid thair natiue Quene. Than ſaid the Preiſt the quhilk was his dewtie Quha delyueris this woman now to me? That I agane may gif hir to this Knicht, In face of Kirk, and in the pepillis ſicht. Than ſaid the king that ſall I do bedene, Becaus ſcho is ſa wonder like my Quene. I lufe hir all the better be my life, Hir face and fauour is ſa done like my wife. As is the vſe in filling of ſic vandis The King he tuik his awin wife be the handis, And to the Preiſt he gaue this Lady bricht, The Preiſt agane gaue hir vnto the Knicht. Of halie Kirk, efter the auld faſſoun, Than he began to reid his Oriſoun, Upon his buik full beſilie can ſay The band cōpleit he maid betwene thame tway This being done the Knicht ſaid to the King Schir ȝe haue done to me ane kindelie thing. With ȝour awin hand that hes deliuerit me This Nobill woman befoir this companie. My Schip quhairin we purpois to pas hame, Is alreddy now fleting on the fame. And we wald fane with ȝour graces licence We war furderit hamewart for to pas hence. My Marmaris thay ar in reddynes, To tak vp ſaillis, and to the ſey thame dres. Thairfoir I wald ȝour Nobill Maieſtie Sen ȝe haue ſchawin ſa greir kindnes to me, Unto my Schip ȝe wald my wife conuoy, For ſcho thairof wald haue greit mirth and Joy Conſiddering ſcho is now to depart, It wald hir do greit comfort in hir hart. And als I wald ȝe gaue hir gude counſall All man euand for to forſaik all haill Bot me alone, quhilk is hir awin trew Knicht, And maryit hir into ȝour graces ſicht. Than ſaid the King all ſic is richt godlie, The maryit wife obedient to be: To hit huſband, and all vthers refuſe I haue na dout bot all ſic ſcho will vſe. Than went the King with all his companie, And to the Schip conuoyit that fair Ladie. And be the gait his counſall he hir ſchew, That ſcho ſuld be to hir Knicht traiſt and trew. Him to obey, and hald him in honour, Lufe him alone a ••• e all creature. And nane leuand in hir minde for to haue, Quhais counſall than I traiſt ſcho did reſſaue. Than the Quene ſaid and pleis ȝour Maieſtie This gude counſall that ȝe haue geuin to me It ſalbe done, and it war ten times moir, Quod he Madame, now I thank ȝow thairfoir Praying to God ȝour ſchip weill to conuoy, Swa to ȝour land that ȝe may cum with Joy. And than he tuik the Quene firſt be the hand And ſine the Knicht, quhilk thā was hir huſbād And gaue thē baith his bliſſing quhair he ſtude quhilk to y quene as ſcho thocht was richt gude For at that time ſcho thocht it was hir part, Howbeit this King was blindit to the hart. Siue firſt the Quene, & than this nobill Knicht At this blind King ather thay tuik gude nicht The King hir kiſt and bad fair weill adew, Sa like my wife (quod he) I neuer knew. And hir fauour will caus me think on ȝow Quhen ȝe ar paſt, this trewlie ȝe may trow. Than ſaid the Quene law kneilland on hir kne I thank ȝour grace that ſic thocht takis on me. Do I not ſa quhen that we ar cum hame. And think on ȝow, richt far I am to blame. For greit kindnes and Inwarr courtaſie That ȝe haif ſchawin to ȝour awin knicht & me This being done to ſchip thay mak paſſage Enterit in burde and maid for thair veyage. Raiſit vp Ankeris and Cabillis in thay drew, The wind was fair, eum as thay wald it blew Heiſit vp ſaillis and to ſeward thay paſt, The Skipper ſpeillit belyue to the top Maſt. To ſpy the wedder, gif tempeſt did appeir, Into that cace thair ſaillis the lawer beir. Within ſchort ſpace the ſchip was out of ſicht, Sa was the king baith quite of quene & knicht And than belyue the king hamewart 〈◊〉 went, To his Caſtell and fand the Quene abſent. Gif he was noyit or crabit at his hart, I trow be few of ſturt can tell his part. His face it ſwat, his feit and handis ſchuik, Upon na man with patience he micht luik. He ſocht the towre and ſpyit all round about, Gif he culd find the gait quhair ſcho gat out. He fand the hoill and ſecreit way at laſt, Quhair yt knicht come & quhair away ſcho paſt Than cryit he out full wallaway allace, Heir is becum ane greit miſcheuous cace. The knicht quhome to I gaue ſic confidence Of lufe and fauour, be counſall and credence. On him alone I wald haue lippinnit my life, Now tratourlie hes cane away my wife. I was ane fule fulfillit of fantaſie, That gaue mair faith vnto his wordis ſlie: Nor I did ay to my awm ſeing Ene, Quhairthrow I want my bedfeliow and quene And ſchamit for ay with ſak and deriſioun, Quhilk will mebring to vtter confuſioun. Conſiddering weill I had my Ene to ſe, All man may weill exampill tak be me. ¶ The Emprice than ſaid to the Empreour This taill I tald my Lord for ȝour pleſour. Wald God the ſame that ȝe weill vnderſtude, Than ſuld ȝe be of all danger denude. The Empreour ſaid Madame ſa haue I ſeill, All that ȝe ſaid I vnderſtude richt weill. Quod ſcho my Lord remēber how this Prence Unto this knicht gaue ſic perfite credence. Als to his wordis greiter credence he gaue, Nor his awin Ene, ſa he did him diſſaue. In like maner vnto thir Maiſters ſeum, Ze giue mair faith nor to greit God in heuin Be apperance, for daylie ȝe may ſe Quhat diſpleſure thay ſeuin wald wirk on me. Me to deſtroy thay labour nicht and day, And ȝe giue faith to Ilk word that thay ſay. Mair nor ȝe do to ȝour awin naturall Ene, Quhilk heirefter will baith be hard and ſene. Haue ȝe not ſene how ȝour ſone raif my face, And ȝit ȝe giue ſkarſe credence in that cace. Quhilk ȝit beiris ſtill the markis as ȝe may ſe, Quhairof as ȝit I get na remedie. And als ȝe knaw how me he wald haue ſcha 〈…〉 Defoulit ȝour bed quhairthrow I was defauilt All this become throw his Maiſteris defence Quhome to ȝe giue ſa confirmit credence. This ȝe mark not, nor preutis into ȝour hart, Bot it noyis me Inwart in euerie part. Thairfoir richt ſair I dout the ſamin thing Sall happin ȝow, as it did to this king. That gaue credence quhill he was quite begylit Sa is ȝour ſelf with thir ſame ſeuin ouirſylit. He ſaid I giue to my Eme mair credence, Nor to thay ſeuin for all thair greit Science. Thairfoir the morne for all thair taillis & ſawis My ſone he ſall the Judgement thoill of lawis And on the morne his officers he gart call, Commandit them that thay ſuld furthwith all Tak out his Sone, and on the Gallous hing. That it war done befoir all vther thing. Than ſic ane noyis rais vp in the Cietie, It for to heir it was ane greit pietie: That the Empreour his awin ſone ſuld gar ſla, Within that toun mony hart it maid wa. The ſeuint Maiſter hard cell of this tythadd, To the Sergands he haiſtit him fra hand. Thame for to meit in all gude haiſt him ſped, Ouhair thay yt childe doun throw the Cietie led Quod he gude freinds, hartlie I ȝow beſeik, Tary ane time quhill I the Empreour ſpeik. I traiſt to God or I cum far away. I ſall his life fra perrell ſaue this day. The Officers thay war richt wonder glaid, And did euin ſa, as the Maiſter thame bad. To the Empreour he haiſtit throw the toun, And on his kneis befoir him ſat he doun: Randering him ſic reuerence as accordis, Sine efter him to his Princes and Lordis, The Empreour with greit Indignatioun, Dengeabill vult and with browis caſting doun Saying to him all ſorrow mot the fall, Baith vnto the, and to thy fellowis all. Ane dum ȝoung chylde to me ȝe ſeuin hes ſent. Quhilk ſpak richt weill quhē he vnto ȝow went Becaus ȝe ſeuin hes ſend me ſic ane hidder, He and ȝe all ſalbe hangit togidder. The Maiſter ſaid, and pleis ȝour nobill grace Fra now to morne it is bot ane ſchort ſpace: And than be none with grace of God in heuin, Zour ſone ſall ſpeik, and we his Maiſteris ſeuin Unto ȝour grace we promittis faithfullie, On pane of deith, firſt we all ſeuin ſine he. The Empreour ſaid, gif I micht that beleue, Na langer than deſirit I for to leue, The Maiſter ſaid, I pray ȝow byde ſa lang, And gif we faill, all aucht ȝe ſall vs hang. Than oppinlie ȝe ſall ken all the ſtrife And diſcentioun, betuix vs and ȝour wife. And gif ȝour grace will not do as I ſay, Ze will repent richt ſair ane vther day. And ſall happin perchance to ȝow ſum nicht, As it bechancit to ane richt courtes Knicht: That deit ſchortlie, as I in ſtorie reid, For ane ſmall blude that he ſaw his wife bleid. To quhome efter ſcho was richt vncourtes, And richt vnkinde, for all his greit kindnes. The Empreour ſaid Maiſter I ȝow requeir Tell me that taill, richt fane I wald it heir. The Maiſter ſaid gar call ȝour ſone agane The haill ſtorie I ſall tell ȝow in plane. In time cūming Induring all ȝour life Ze ſall eſchew the ſchrewitues of ane wife. The Empreour ſaid I will call him agane, Conditionallie vnder the ſamin pane. The morne or none ſpeik he not oppinlie, Firſt he, ſine ȝe, togidder all ſall die, The Maiſter ſaid of that I am content, The Empreour ſaid and thairto I conſent, Than cauſit he to call the Childe agane, And the Maiſter cald furth his taill in plane. Bot the Quenes laſt taill ȝit farther or we ga We will perſaue, or we tell ony ma.
¶ MORALITAS. INTO this taill richt ſmall I can perſaue To be extract of Morall gude ſentence, Bot that this Knicht ſubtellie did diſſaue This Nobill King that gaue him ſic credence In ſindrie ſortis ſchew him beneuolence, Syne he agane vpon the vther ſyde, With greit falſet did all his way is prouyde. As to our Quene, quhair ſcho Inferris this taill To hir purpois, and to hir awin effairis. As thinkis me, the mater ryndes haill To hir awin ſchame, as the taill ſelf declairis. For to tell furth planelie ſcho not ſpairis And to reheirs the huredome that was hid Betuix the knicht and the Quene that thay did. Conſiddering that thay ar Quenes baith Quha can hir quyte ſic ane mater on bring Gif ane hes ſchame it is the vtheris ſkaith, For to be fals to hir huſband and King, T cow ȝe bot our Emprice can do ſic thing In deid I trow or all our buik be endit Ze ſall perſaue als fac ſcho hes offendit. Gif ane Doctour into his ſermon tell, And reprufe vice, greit faultis or greit errour In the ſame vice he is gyltie him ſell How ſall he ſ 〈…〉 b that vice with his honour? He ſmottis himſelf as he dois his Nichtbour Alwayis vpon his awin blanket he ſpi tis, And his awin taill hard on the heillis him hittis. Of my Nichtbour gif I ane Ill taill tell Of blaſphemie, diſhonour, or ȝit ſchame, It may perchance ſiclyke cum to my ſell Perhappin war bringing on als greit blame. How can I than in ony ſort defame Myawin Nichtbour, except my ſelf be clene Sic thing ſuld be conſidderit and weill ſene. Our awin Emprice quhome of that we now ſpeik Scho put reproche vnto ane vther Quene, Bot ſcho may caſt hir Cartis in at the Cleik Of the ſame ſort, thocht now ſic be not ſene As Mathew ſayis, cum ſa as now I mene. Fra thy awin Ey firſt thow draw out the balk To thy Nichtbour than peirtly thow may talk. Thairfoir I ſay thow had neid for oſe Or thow ane fault vnto thy Nichtbour fand, Of ſiclyke faultis ſe thow weill purgeit be Him to reprufe or that thow tak on hand Ellis thy reprufe with honour can not ſtand, It to obey thair is few will be abill Gif thow be kend in that ſame culpabill. How can our Quene ſa foull ane fault Infer Contrair ane Quene, and ſcho hir ſelf gyltie In the ſame cryme, ȝea, and perchance far war Howbeit it be cloikit mair quyetlie, Fy on falſet, fy on hid harlatrie, That ane Ill taill of thy nichtbour can tell, And that ſame taill redoundis enin to thy ſell.
¶ Ane reproche to the Emprice. THOW glaikit gallarrand quene, now with thy glorious glois With thy fals taillis of tene, thow trowis to win the hois. Nay, nay, not ſa my lois, thairs ȝit ſum graith to find Ane prick into ȝour nois, or we haue done behind, Trow ȝe to blaw vs blind, thairs vther taillis to tell Quhen ſtabilit is all this wind, luik than quha beiris the bell: The wraik ſall on thy ſell, baith the ſorow and ſyte, Thow proſerpine of hell, we cure the not ane myte For all thy greit diſpyte, bid ouir with harlatrie Full weill we ſall the quyte, that all the warld may ſe. Thow byſemeir balamie, thy hippis fall thoill her haiſteris, For thow ſeruis thame trewlie, at the Chylde and his Maiſteris.
¶ The Taill of the Seuint Maiſter is how the man deit becaus he ſaw his Wyfes fynger bleid. VPON a time thair was ane Nobill Knicht, That had ane wife y was baith fair & bricht Quhome he ſa lufit, that be na way he micht Of the haill day ane hour want hir of ſicht. Vpon a time efter meit and glaidnes, For thair paſtime thir twa went to the Ches, And in his hand it happinnit happinnit to haif His awin byknife, and ſa amang the laif Thairon ſcho ſtraik hir hand a litill we Amaiſt ane drop of blude that ȝe micht ſe. Sa ſone as he the blude ſaw of his wife, Alwayis he ſaid, that ſcho wald lois hir life. Befoir thame all, amang thame fell he doun, For verray wo into ane deidlie ſwoun. Incontinent than ſcho began to caſt Upon his face cauld water wonder faſt. Than he ouircome within ane litill ſpace, The cald watter thay wap ſa in his face. The Miniſter he gart call of the toun, And prayit him to heir his Conſeſſioun. For weill he knew without ony remeid, Thair was nathing at him bot onlie deid. For na ſeiknes, nor for nane vther deid Bot onlie ſaw his wifes finger bleid. The Miniſter exhortit him anone, And ſone efter to deith this Knicht is gone. For quhome thair was greit ſturt & beuailling, Amang the reſt his wife maid maiſt murning. The Buriall with greit ſolempnitie, Was maid and done in beſt maner micht be. Than this Lady ſcho maid ane ſolempne vow, To leif ay ſtill as dois the Trytill Dow. All hir life time to leif in Chaſtitie. And neuer to knaw ony mannis companie: Bot ayly ſtill aboue hir huſbandis graue, And neuer mair warldlie comfort to haue. Bot euer murne vnto the day ſcho die, In the ſame graue quhill that ſcho buryit be. Hir freindis ſaid nay, that was not all the beſt, Sen it pleiſit God hir huſband was at reſt: Bad hir pas hame, and caſt hir to defend Hir hous & barnis, to murne wald nathing mēd Giue to the pure and let the deid hyne ga, We think it beſt quod thay) that ȝe do ſa. We ſall ȝow do all comfort that we can, Sine efterwart to cheis ȝow ane new man. Caſt ȝow to mirth and let ȝour murning be, For naturall is, that all man anis mon die. Scho ſaid counſall of ȝow nane will I haue, For I ſall die widow abone this graue. Can ȝe not all conſidder for my ſake, Sic ſair ſeiknes, and doly deith did take For ane ſmall drop he ſaw my finger bleid, Suld I not than baith into word and deid On my perſoun ſum pennance for to take, The cruell deith that ſuffer t for my ſake. Thairfoir gude freinds let put ȝour minde to reſt For in this graue ſalbe my ludge and reſt Quhill God ſinder my ſaull and life in tway, Thairfoir my freinds fra me pas hame away. Than hir neir freinds heiring hir vtter minde, Thoche in ſū part thay wald with hir Inclinde Becaus ſcho was in ſturt and greit dolour, Thay wald ſum way caſt thame to hir pleſour. And ſaw ſcho wald do nathing bot hir will, Thairfoir thay thocht the ſame for to fulfill. And cauſit to big euin at the graues ſyde, Ane proper ludge quha rin that ſcho micht byde And furneis hir all neceſſaris thairto, In all effairis or quhat ſcho had ado. Beleuing weill ſcho wald change hir Intent, And efterwart to wirk with freinds conſent. Thinking richt weill y ſcho na way wald wāt Sicht of pepill, bot ſcho thairto wald hant. Sa thay hir left into hir quiet Caif, Murning richt ſair abone hir huſbandis graif Thair was a Law than maid in the Cietie, Gif ony man was condampnit to die On the Gallous, for treſpas and vnricht, Than the Schiref ſuld walk him all that nicht In his harnes, the morne quhill it war day, Sa that the theif ſuld not be ſtollin away. And gif ſa war, the Schiref to tine his land, And als his life to be in the Kings hand. In this meane time it happinnit that thair was Ane man hangit for his thift and treſpas. Than the Schiref behude that nicht on force All in armour to walk that hangit cors, And ſa he did how be t the nicht was cald, Quhair he watch t thair was na hous nor hald It chancit that nicht to be baith wind and ran That in na ſort thairout he micht remane: For verray cauld he ſtude of life ſic dout, And ſa belyue he blenkit him about: In the Kirkȝaird beſide the Knichtis graue, Ane litill licht the Schiref can perſaue, Fra the windo quhair that the Wedow lay, Hidder he gais in all the haiſt he may. At the ludge dure he knokit quietlie, And ſone ſcho ſpak, & ſpeirit quha may that be. This time of nicht to walkin ane pure Wedow All wobegane in hart richt ſorrofow. He ſaid I am the Schiref of this toun, For vecray cauld I am in point to ſwoun: Ercept ȝe let me in mair haiſtelie, For verray cauld doutles I trow to die. Gif ȝe cum in (quod ſcho) I feir richt ſair That ȝe ſall eik my anguiſche mair and mair. Quhilk war neidles ſchir gif ȝe knew my thocht Quod he Lady, forſuith that ſall I nocht I promeis ȝow nouther in word nor deid Zow for to craib, thairfoir haue ȝe na dreid. Than vp ſcho rais, mid belyue leit him in, For verray cauld he cheuerit at the chin. And doun he ſat, and warmit him at the fire Quhilk for to do was greitlie his deſire. Fra he was warmit and reſtit thair ane ſpace, Graithlie he blent into the Wedowis face. Quod he Lady to diſpleis ȝow na way, Ane word with leif I wald vnto ȝow ſay. Scho ſaid gude ſchir ſay on quhat er ȝe pleis For ȝour ſayingis ſall do me na diſeris. He ſaid Lady I meruell of ȝour minde. To this vane wark that ȝe ſuld ȝow Inclinde, Conſiddering ȝe ar ane fair Ladie Freſche in ȝour flouris, ȝon̄g pleſand and uſti 〈…〉 It war mair meit and better be ten fald For to pas hame and keip ȝour awin houſha d. Nor heir to byde, and ȝour ſelf to deſtroy, Daylie in ſturt, in murning and in noy. My counſall is pas hame to ȝour awin hous, Giue to the pure, and gar deill greit Almous. Quod ſcho gude ſchir, gif I ȝour wordis had knawin Or y ȝe ſuld ſic ſayings to me ſchawin Ze ſuld not had into this hous entrie, Becaus ȝe talk of ſic purpois to me. I ſay to ȝow as I ſaid of befoir, To all my freindis, and I wald ȝe no moir Spak of ſic thingis, thay ſink not in my heid, Knaw ȝe not weill my huſband ſufferit deid: For ane ſmall drop he ſaw my finger bleid, Than think ȝe not that I ſuld do ſum deid. For him agane, and tak ſum ſmall pennance, That micht me caus of him haue remembrance Thairfoir I ſall him lufe on ſic ane wiſe, That I mon lufe the eird quhair that he lyis. And for his ſaik ſic pennance tak on me, That quhair he lyis abone him ſall I die. Than the Schiref tuik leif and vp he rais, The eireſt gait vnto the Gallous gais. And quhen he come the theif that he left thair, Was ſtollin away, quhairof he maid greit cair. And ſaid oft times, quhat haue I done allace, Heir is to me becum ane cairfull cace. My gudis, my geir, and alſo all my land My life ſiclike is in the Kingis hand. Sa he wandring in ſturt baith to and fro And wiſt not quhat to do for verray wo. Sa at the laſt he thocht that he wald pas To the Lady befoir quhair that he was. Becaus ſcho was ſa deuoit in hir ſell, He trowit of hir to haue ſum gude counſell. Than come he on as had bene the firſt Cok, And at the dure quietlie did he knok. Quod ſcho quha is that, that ſa ſone callis now I the Schiref is cum agane to ȝow. I haue ane ſturt and anger at mine hart, And I wald ſchaw thairof to ȝow ſum part. Thairfoir hartlie I pray ȝow let me in, I ſall ȝow ſchaw the mater mair and min. Howbeit it was to hir ſum prettie pane, Zit vp ſcho rais and leit him in agane. Than he began the cace all for to tell, Quod he Lady I come to haue counſell Of ȝow, becaus I wait richt weill ȝe knaw, Quhen ony man is hangit be the Law, My office is to keip him nicht and day, To that effect he be not ſtollin away. And gif he be, my life and all my landis Without remeid, is in the Kingis handis. It is ſa chancit quhen I was heir richt now In the ſame time quhen I talkit with ȝow, The theif quhilk I ſuld haue walkit quhill day Sum ſubtell handis hes ſtollin him quite away Quhairthrow I will Incur the Kingis feid, Lois all my landis, and alſo tine my heid. Or ellis on force furth of the Realme to fle Quhilk is but dout ane heuie race to me. Beſeiking ȝow ȝour counſall giue me to Into this race quhat ȝe think beſt to do. Quod ſcho gude Schir for ȝow my hart is me. That ſic ane chance ſuld happin vpon ȝow ſo. Bot ſen ȝe haue maid ȝour firſt mane to me. I mon ȝow help, defend and als ſupplie. Sa wald kindnes, courtaſie and reſſoun. Of ane wo hart for to haue compaſſioun. Quod he Lady I lippin on ȝow na les, Bot for to haue ȝour counſall and kindnes. Becaus ȝe ar in greit eſtimatioun, In wit, wiſdome, and als in deuotioun. And I beleue to haue ȝour counſall now For all my caus clene I commit to ȝow. For it is ſaid ſen firſt the warld began, Thair is greit help into ane gude woman. This Lady than was mufit with mercie. And on this Knicht hir hart had greit pietie. And ſaid gude Schir ȝour ſturt it mufis me, Bot tak gude hart, and ȝe ſall helpit be. Do my counſall, and ſchortlie to conclude Ze ſail nouther lois ȝour life landis nor gude. He ſaid Lady that erand brocht me heir, To ſaue my life, my landis, my gudis and geir Quod ſcho Schir will ȝe promeis faithfullie. Quhen I haue done, that ȝe will Mary me: I will do all that I haue to ȝow ſaid: Quod he Lady of that I wald be glaid. Wald God in heuin to me ȝe wald ſa do, That I micht be ȝour perſoun fallowis to. Conſiddering I am bot ane pure Knicht And ȝe ane Lady of greit blude and of micht. Wald ȝe diſdabe to humbill ȝour minde to me, I ſuld ȝow ſerue with all humilitie. Sa baith thair mindes and all thair hail Intēt Was weill aggreit, quhairof thay ſtude content Gude ſehir ſcho ſaid, ȝe knaw richt weil I wait How my huſband was buryit of the lait, Quha lufit me ſa wonder weill in deid: That for ane drop he ſaw my finger bleid: He tuik in hart ſir ſturt and diſpleſour Of doly deith he ſufferit the ſchairp ſchour. Ga tak him vp for to be ȝour releif, And hang him vp quhair hangit was the theif The Schiref ſaid fair Lady be the Rude Zour counſall is ſubſtantious and gude. Than paſt thay baith bauldlie wt mane & micht Furth of the graue thay drew yt new deid knicht The Schiref ſaid ȝit ane thing feiris me, The theif quhilk I gart hing vpon the tre, Twa of his ceith aboue was ſtrikkin out, Thairfoir I ſtand into ane dreidfull dout: Gif ony man the ſamin ſuld perſaue, That this deid Cors his ouir teith dois haue, It war my deith, and callit greit diſſait, Thairfoir to do heirof not weill I wait. Scho ſaid ȝour ſelf may richt weill that remeid I giue ȝow leif, ſtrike thre out of his heid. Quod he Lady to that I war richt laith, For of Knichtheid it is aganis the aith. Outher ȝoldin or deid man for to ſtrike, It wald greithe baith faith and fame Infek. And als quhen he was lenand heir on life, Except onlie my barnis and weddit wife: I lude him beſt of ony man leuand, Thairfoir in him I can not put my hand. Gif ȝe will not now ding thame out ſaid ſcho Faith for ȝour lufe that ſame thing I w il do. Sa with ane ſtane twa of his teith out dang. Sine bad the Schiref hing him quhair the theif hang. The ſchiref ſaid ȝit I feir a greit thing, The theif quhilk I on the Gallous gart hing Ane hiddeous wound he gat in his foirheid At his taking, thay had at him ſic feid. And baith his luggis thay ſtowit quite him fra And ȝour huſband be he not euin richt ſa It ſuld be my deſtructioun haiſtelie, In this mater I pray ȝow counſall me. Amang the reſt (quod ſcho) thats bot ane bourd Can not ȝour ſelf peirthe draw out ȝour ſword, On the foirheid ſtrike him as beſt effeiris, Quhen that is done, than cut of baith his ciris. Quod he Lady fra that God me defend, Conſiddering vnto his lifes end I lude ſa weill, and had in companie, In that behalf I pray ȝow pardoun me. And of befoir I did to ȝow declair Of clene Knichtheid the aith it is contrair. Giue me the ſword (quod ſcho) and for ȝour luf That ſame to do now peirthe ſall I prufe. Scho tuik the ſword, and to the man was deid Ane cruell ſtraik ſcho gaue him in the heid: With the ſame ſword into hir greit diſpite Of baith his luggis belyue ſcho maid him quite Sine ſaid gude ſchir now ȝe may without tary But ony feir him to the Gallous cary. And hing him vp quhair the theif hang befoir, Sa ax ȝe quite of danger, ſturt and ſchair. Thā ſaid the ſchiref ȝit ane thing reſtis in thotht Thairof quhill now remembrance had I norht How beit the theif was haill in bowk and banis Zit weill I wait he wantit baith his ſtains. And be that kend, all is for norht thats done Quod ſcho in faith the ſtanis he ſall want ſone. And with ane knife the ſtanis ſcho tuik him fra And ſaid gude Schir now to the treis him ta. He cūmeris vs for to byde ſa lang heir, Quod he my ſelf alone dow not him heir. Quod ſcho in faith for that it ſall not ſtop Tak ȝe the taill, and I ſall tak the cop. For ſen he come furth of his Sepulture I haue him maid ane laithlie creature. To the Gallous thir twa him cuik but moir, And hang him vp quhair the theif hang befoir. Than was the ſchiref of the Kingis dāger quite Be the greit help of this Lady ſa quhite. Than ſaid ſcho ſchit, now wonder weil ȝe knaw How that ȝe war be ordour of the Law, Baith life and landis in danger for to tine, And now I haue brocht all to ane gude fine: Be my counſall and onlie for ȝour lufe, For ȝour pleſure and als for ȝour behufe. Quhairfoir ſen ȝe in all maters hes ſped, Now I deſire agane ȝe wald me wed. Conforme to ȝour conditioun and promis, Quhilk in na ſort I wait ȝe will not mis. Heſaid Lady forſuith I maid ane vow, That I ſuld not Mary woman bot ȝow: Sa lang as ȝe war leuand vpon life, Bot w to him that hes the to his wife. Thow ſchameles ſchrew, and maiſt wickit of all Eenefull tyger a vengeance on the fall. Ane Nobill Knicht thow had to thy huſband, And for ane drop of blude furth of thy hand He had ſic lufe and Inwart fauour to the, For ſturt thairof at ſchort cauſit him to die. Thow in na way all his lufe regarding. His forder teith trewlie thow did out ding. In his foirheid ane fell wound did thow ſtrike, Cuttit his luggis, and als his ſtanis ſiclike. Quhen I think on this vgſum vilanie, God me preſerue that I not Mary the. And for that caus I find the ſa cruell, To him alone that lufit the ſo well. In time cūming thow can na better be, To ony man that wald lay lufe on the. Thairfoir I ſall that thow ſall ſchame na ma In time cūming, my a win handis ſall the ſla. And ſa at ſchort he put hir thair to deid He drew his ſword and quite ſtraik of hir heid. The Maiſter ſaid than to the Empreour, Schir I require gif it be ȝour pleſour: Gif that ȝe haue the wordis of this taill tane The Empreour ſaid ȝe Maiſter euerie ane. Scho was ane wife the worſt and maiſt cruell That I befoir of ony ȝit hard tell. The Schiref als rewardit hir the thing, That ſcho deſeruit, to hir deidis according. T t gude Maiſter hartlie I ȝow beſeik, That I man anis my Sone blyithlie heir ſpeik For that wald mak ſic blyithnes to my hart, Fra that time furth I cair not to depart. He ſaid my Lord and pleis ȝour Maieſtie, That thing the morne ȝe ſall baith heir and ſe: At ȝour pleſure, as ȝour ſelf dois deſire, In audience befoir the haill Impire. And ſall knaw weill the caus of vnkindes Betuix vs ſeum, ȝour ſone and ȝour Empres. The Empreour ſaid gif that thing cūmis to pas Than ȝour rewaird ſalbe quhat ȝe will as, He ſaid my Lord all is at ȝour pleſour, Sa tuik his leif than fra the Empreour.
¶ MORALITAS. INTO this taill that the Doctour hes tald We may perſaue ſentences monyfald Pertening to wemens vnſtabilnes, Firſt thair a win will to haue ay that thay wald, That gart hir big abone the graue ane hald For to mak knawin hir fenȝeit halynes, Quhilk ſone was tur nit to babiſt brukilnes. Conſidder ſine how that ſcho was ſa bald In diuers ſorcis, and ſchew hir cruelnes. Firſt ſcho hir ſchew to be in eſtimatioun, Ane chaiſt wedow, and leif in deuotioun In godly prayer, and into almous deid Quhilk ſone was turnit in greit diſſimulatioun Of hir a win ſpous that maid ſic mutulatioun. Quha de it becaus he ſaw hir finger bleid, Quhat gaue ſcho him for his gude lufe and meid His ſtanis, his luggis, ſcho ſtowit, and teith out dang Sine on Bailous as ane theif did him hang. Heir is hir lufe, heir is hir ſtabilnes Heir is hir fauour, heir is hir faithfulues Heir hir chaiſtnes, heir is hir Cherit e Hir courtaſie, heir is all hir kyndnes, Hir woman heid, lo heir is hir meikues, Heir is hir hope, heir is hir honeſtie, Heir is hir grace, heir is hir grauitie, Heir hir ganſ ll, heir is all hir gudnes, Now all is changeit into kene crueltie. O meruellous God quhat may this matermene That wemen ar ſa cruell and ſa kene. And euer geuin to wickitnes and vice In former 〈◊〉 euer mair ſe hes bene, And in na ſort can ȝit thairfoir abſtene: Ba perſeueiris, this is ane mater nice. I think it beſt to play thame at the dice The neireſt way in this warld is I wene To ſane thair ſchame, ſet thame on ſink and ſice. Quhair ſuld be faith, thair ſchaw thay enȝeitnes And quhair fauour thay ſchaw vnfaithfulnes. Quhair ſuld be reſt, thay rattill ay in a rane. Quhair lufe ſuld be, thair ſchaw thay bitternes. Quhair peice ſuld be thair ſchaw thay vp valdues Quhair gudnes is thair ludgeing haue thay naue Quhair tene and tray that hous is to thame tant Quhair meiknes is than thay ar menſ es, O maryit men for ȝow I mak greit mant. For quby ȝour heidis ar ſtill bound till ane ſtaik, And thocht ȝe do all ȝe dow for hir ſaik As ȝow 〈◊〉 baith into word and deid And ſa daylie on hir ſeruice dois va k, Scho countis not all ȝour cunning worth a caik. Quhen euer ſcho craibis, and caſtis bakwart the Creid Euin is the Kniche ſaw his wyfes finger leid, In l fi labour quhen euer that ȝe Inlaik. All thing by gane ſcho countis not worth ane threid. Becaus thay ar ſa kittill of the Came Quhylis lyke a wylde wolf quhylis as a Dow alstame. In at boſum and ſine out at ȝour ſleif. Sic ſaules thingis hes nouther ſin nor ſchame, Than we do wrang ony way th me to blame Thay w ll do nocht that will hair huſband greif Nor ſkant •• r ſpe k without he giue hir leif. Sic Innocentis that wai of nocht bot Ill Thay couet nocht bot ay to haue thair will. Sum makis ſa moy ſa gymp ſa dynk and dane Howbeit ȝe ſucik ſc o will not blenk agane And gif •• ho do it o out on the ſyde. Tha Fillok wald be at the fe d als fane That ſemis ane Sanct new ſend vs fra Sathan Thocht ſcho be braw ic and uſuit lyke ane bryde Under rullour ſcho is ane graceles gyde Ane fule fulfill it of fantaſie prophane. Ane rank Rebald, reddy all tymes to ryde. Ze gude wemen erampill heir may ſe Be not fenȝeit with fals Hypocraſie, In 〈◊〉 ſ che preſenting ane Augell And 〈◊〉 Inware aciat with ſubreitie, Fulfill •• all with fraude and falſitie All this becuinis of the greit Deuill of hell Quha baylie ſet: is his curage for to quell All mankynde with his kent crudelitie Sa wemen dois, as now na mai I tell.
¶ Ane praiſe to the Scuint Maiſter. THOW hes put of Doctour ane doutſum day, The ſeuint and laſt quhairin maiſt perrell lay. And ſauit the Chylde vnto the morne quhill one Now in Goddis name let him cum on away To the Emprice gif he hes ocht to ſay. To ſay it out, I think it war weill done For ſcho hes bene to him Inoportune, In his contrair ſcho hes done that ſcho may To gar him mis baith Denne and Diſione.
¶ Ane Exclamatioun to the Chylde. NOW ſen thow ſpeikis on hir thow wreik it weill Gif thow hrs caus, thy ſelf thow hes ſum feill. Thank hir na mair than thow had hangit bene, G f thow hes hap now hit hir on the be •• l Aud ſpair hir not thoche ſcho war ſtif as ſteill For ſcho hes bene to the richt wonder kene, Quhilk in na ſort pertenit to ane Quene Qu 〈◊〉 ane wiſe a ȝoung Clerk to gar keill Quha wroche neuer to hir ȝit tray nor tene.
¶ How Diocleſiane on the Emprice complenit, And him excuſit of all maters ſcho menit. EFTER that the ſeuin Maiſters all about Had ſauit this Chyld of all danger and dout Be gude reſſounis, of ſtoreis red and ſene, Vpon the morne togiddr did contiene To ane counſall, to ſe how weill thay miche Eonuoy this Chylde vnto his Fathers ſicht. And fra preſoun how beſt thay fuld him bring, All to conſult thay paſt for the ſame thing. Sa to preſoun thay come with ane conſent To ſpeik this Chyld befoir the none thay went His opinioun and counſall for to heir, Quhat he wantit that thay ſeum ſuld him leir. Richt weill beſene in honeſt Qrnament. Of his Maiſteris twaſum befoir him went. And on Ilk ſyde of his Maiſteris ȝeid ane, And thre behind, and ſa fordwart ar gane. And fourtene men in thair compauie went Ilk ane playing on diuers Inſtrument. And euerie ane was Maiſter in Muſick, For Melodie and mirth thair was nane ſick. To the Palice this Chylde thay did conuoy, With greit blyithnes, mirth melodie and Joy, Sa that the ſound of all the Inſtrumentis And the greit noyis in at the windois wentis. Quhat was the noyis, the Empreour did demēd Thay ſaid it was his ſone cūming at hand, Unto ȝour grace, for to excuſe him ſell, Of part of plaintis, quhilk ſum did to ȝow tell. The Empreour ſaid thay tythandis lykis me, My ſone ſpeiking if I micht heir or ſe. In the Palice this ȝoung Chylde tuik entres Quhairof mony maid mirth and mirrines. And quhen he come to his Fatheris preſence, He hailſit him with dewlie reuerence. With honour fauour, and all humilitie, As him become, or culd of courtaſie. The companie, and all about was glaid. With greit blyithnes to his Father he ſaid. Hale Father deir, helth honour and weilfair Be to ȝour grace, for now and euer mair. Sa ſone as he of his ſone hard the vois, Into his hart it did him ſa reiois: That his greit lufe his wittis it did confound. That he for Joy flatlingis fell to the ground. Than vp agane his ſone tuik him in haiſt, And diuers times in his armes he him braiſt. Sa with ſweit wordis and cōfortabill braſing Fra ſwoun agane he did his Father bring. Als ſone fra ſwoun the Empreour did walk, The Chylde began to his Father to talk. Zit of pepill thair was ſic confluence, The Chylde to ſpeik micht ſcarſe get audience. The Empreour he cauſit caſſin be, Greit ſowmes of gold out throw the hail Cietie To that effect to draw the pepill away, That he micht heir what thīg his ſone wald ſay Of the money ȝit ſum tuik ſmall regaird, That the ȝoūg man ſa fane thay wald haif hard The Empreour he cryit giue audience, In pane of deith Ilk man to keip ſilence. Thā all was clois, to ſpeik thair durſt na man Sine for to ſpeik Diocleſiane began. ¶ My Father deir humblie I ȝow beſeik, That ȝe will caus or I ma wordis ſpeik, Zour awin Emprice with hir fair Ladeis gent At my ſermon Ilk ane to be preſent. The Empreour Incontinent gaue command. That the Emprice ſuld hidder cum fra hand. With hir La •• s of hir Chalmer Ilk ant, To hit velpue the Meſſinger is gane, And in all haiſt the Meſſage taid hir till, And ſchew to hir the Empreouris minde & will Scho heiring that ſcho tuik ane felloun feir, Was na renield, bot all thay did compeir. Than did the Childe deſire the Empreour, That all the Ladeis of the Emprice bour Suld ſtand on raw, Ilk ane at vtheris ſyde, In pane of deith that nane chaine ſelf ſuld hyde That the pepill micht all thame pla •• lie ſe Thair trim makdome, and als thair honeſtie. Thair fauour, yair face yair fame & yair faſſoū Thair braue hauingis and thair pamtit perſoū Thon the deſs thay damis quhē ya war dreum Thay war maiſt like Angellis cū furth of heum Thay war ſa ſweit ſū ſaid thay war all ſanctis Trew men thame callit als trun as termigantis Than ſtude thay vp all into plane preſence, And to the Childe gaue oppin andience. Than ſaid the Childe Father lift vp ȝour Ene, Behald how lang that ȝe haue blindit bene 〈◊〉 out Emprice that is ȝour Maryit guene And that ȝoung wenche that all is cled in grene Quhilk is bout Mayd vnto ȝour awin Empres Quhome ſcho hes air in fauour and kindnes, Than euer ſcho had I dar w •• ll tak on me Sen thay firſt met than to ȝour Mairſtis. Quhome I deſire gif t pleſit ȝour grare To be ••• led befoir ȝow in this place. That being done, richt weill ȝe ſall perſaue, Sic ane bout Mayd, and ſit Empr •• e ȝe haue. To quhome anſwer t this Nobill Empreour, Thow knawis ſone it is not my honour, It will be ſchame to me and to vs all, Ane naikit Mayd befoir vs for to call. Than ſaid the Chylde ane Maydin gif ſcho be All the greit ſchame thairof beis laid on me, Gif ſcho be not ane ȝoung Mayd as ȝe tell. Than let all ſchame remane ſtill with hir ſell. The Empreour than commandit that be done, The Officers thay vnbecled hir ſone. The clais of tane, it weill appeirit than It was na Mayd, bot alwayis was a man. And be all ſignes of memberis naturall, Quhairof mony had wonder greit meruall. Than ſaid the ſone with all humilitie, The verray treuth now Father ȝe may ſe, Of the falſet, and the greit ſubtelnes Of this Rebald, and als of ȝour Empres, How day and nicht hes ȝow in blindnes led, Quhen thay beſt thocht hes ay defoulit ȝour bed In ȝour Chalmer ay vſit ſit harlatrie, Fornicatioun, Huredome, and Adulterie. Not regarding Goddis Law nor conſcience Nor ȝour dreddour, ȝour lufe and reuerence: Bot euer mair thair luſt and thair pleſour, Tuik quhen thay liſt, to ȝour greit diſhonour. Quhen the Empreour ſaw all the veritie How this ȝoung man was cled as ane Ladie, And vſit nichtlie in Chalmar with the Quene, For verray wraith, Impatience and tene His Ene thay glowrit, and als his face it ſwel •• His greit anger thair is na man can tell it. He commandit thame baith Incontinent Without mercie to be condampuit and brint. Than ſaid the ſone Father remane a time, Quhill I reprufe hir of the cruell crime Scho laid on me, and falſlie on me brocht, The thing yat I had neuer in minde nor thocht The Father ſaid that thing and all the reſt Is in ȝour handis, do with it as ȝe think beſt. Than ſaid the ſone, ane lier gifſcho be, Than let the Law correct hir for hir lie. Bot ȝe ſall knaw quhen ȝe firſt for me ſent, My ſelf I paſt and ſpyit the Firmament. Quhairin I ſaw, ane word gif that I ſpak Within ſeuin dayis, that I with ſchame & lak Suld thoill the deith with all greit crueltie Be ony way that culd deuiſit be. And that alone be the greit foirthocht feid Of the Emprice. Imagining my deid. That was the caus Father I durſt not ſpeik, Thairfoir pardoun at ȝow now heir I ſeik. And quhair ſcho ſayis that I wald hir oppreſt That is in treuth ane leſing manifeſt. Bot crewlie ſcho did all that in hir was In all kin ſort to bring that thing to pas. And quhen ſtho ſaw that I refuſit ſic thing And anſwerit not. Incontinent did ſcho bring Paper and pen, with Ink ſcho had reddie Prayit me to write my minde thair quyetlie. And quhen I wrait, and all hir minde refuſit, And praying hir for to hald me excuſit: For I wald not defoull my Fatheris bed, Than the wryting vnder hir feit ſcho tred. Sine raif hir face, and all hir robbis rent, And with loud voice ſcho cryit Incoutinent. And ȝit that crime ſcho laid alone on me. Father in treuth this is the veritie. Quhen the Empreour this tail hard til him tald The Quenes face greithe he did behald, With awſum vult, angrie and als auſteir. And not but caus, ſaying on this maneir. O maiſt filthie and ſchameles creature: Micht thow na way ſtancheit thy foull nature With my bodie, and with thy Rebald knaif. Bot in like ſort my awin ſone thow wald haif. O wickit wife neuer taking regaird Of thy awin ſchame, nor of heuinlie rewaird. Had thow tane heid quhome of yu was diſcendit Thow wald neuer ſa far to me offendit. Thow wrocht alwayis that euer thow culd Inuent On the Gallons to gar my ſone be ſchent. And ay thy minde with falſet was Infectit, Traiſting all time ſic wald not be correctit. Bot God is Juſt, howbeit he thoill a time, As he thinkis caus he will puneis the crime. Thairfoir becaus of ſic thow had na ſchame, Vpon thy ſelf ſall ly baith wite and blame: That me ſa lang thy bedfellow hes blindit, Thairfoir thy fleſche for ſic faults now fall find it Thā gruiflings ſwyith ſcho fell vpō hir face Doun at his knie, and at him cryit for grace. Saying gude Lord, for thy Princelie pietie, To me maiſt vile thow wald grant ſum mercie. For my greit gylt heir planelie I confes, Grant me ſum grace for thy greit gentilnes. Than till hir ſaid this Nobill Empreour, Quhilk was fulfillit of ſturt and diſpleſour. O vyle woman for mercie thow dois craif, Quhilk be na way is not worthie to haif. The cruell deith thow hes deſeruit thriſe, Quhilk I ſall ſchaw planelie in thre kin wiſe. Firſt thow hes done the ſin of Adulterie, To the greit ſchame and contemptioun of me. Quhilk be the Law, expres is na remeid (Ane Princes bed for to defoull) bot deid. Than ſecundlie, my onlie ſone and Air Thow did prouoke to be ane Adultrair. To that effect to the Chalmer him led, With the to ly, and to defoull my bed. Quhilk ſeruis deith, as na man can excuſe, Albeit in treuth the ſame he did refuſe. Thridlie Ilk day with fals taillis tyſtit me, Aganis Juſtice, to gar my a win ſone die. Becaus thow knew his Clergie and running, Thy foull baudrie & filthines wald furth bring Thairfoir be Law thow ſeruis puneiſt be, And of rhe Law to haue extremitie. Than ſaid the ſone. Father richt weill ȝe knaw How ſcho daylie tyſtit ȝow (not be Law) Bot with hir taillis and fenȝeit fals leſing, Vpon Gallons but mercie me to hing. War not throw help of my gude Maiſters ſeuin And firſt ſupplie of the greit God in heuin: Quhilk will euer the Innocent defend And into neid will to thame ſuccour ſend. Quhilk preſentlie now he to me hes done, Into my neid hes ſend me ſuccour ſone. Alſwa Father I traiſt it was ȝow tald Be ȝour Emprice, that I purpoiſt and wald Depriue ȝour grace fra this Novill Impire, Quhilk neuer was ȝit trewlie my deſire. And als ſcho ſaid that it was my Intent, Zow to deſtroy with my Maiſteris conſent. And be that way ȝour rowmes for to obteue, Quhilk trewlie ȝit my minde did neuer mene. Sic for to do I pray God me defend, Or ȝit think ſic vnto my liues end. For of ȝour grace my leuing all I haif, Ze ȝit on liue. I aw na mair to craif. I am ȝour ſone and ȝe my Father deir, Wald I ȝow want for ony warldlie geir. Nay, nay, not ſa for I ſall ay laubour For to vphald ȝour weilfair and honour: At my power and vtter diligence, With hart and hand, and all gude reuerence. At ȝour pleſure, ȝour bidding and command, Leſting ȝour life, ay conſtant ſall I ſtand. Bot ȝour emprice ſcho wrocht baith nicht & day In all kin ſort to wirk betuix vs tway As the Father keſt the ſone in the ſie. Becaus the ſone ſaid him for veritie: That he ſuld be abone his Father Lord, To the quhilk taill the Father did not cord. Than the Father keſt the ſone in the ſie, Bot the greit God gaue him help and ſupplie: And wald not thoill that time he ſuld be deid, Bot throw his grace he ſend him ſone remeid. Zit the ſonnis taill it come trewlie to pas, And the Father ane myte not war he was. To the Father quhat hinderance culd it be, Howbeit the ſone had obtenit dignitie. Not hindering the Father in na ſort, I think it ſuld haue bene to his comfort. And Godwilling Father my gouernance Ze ſall perſaue ſall be na hinderance, Nor preiudice in na ſort to ȝour grace, Bot alwayis ſalbe mirth Joy and ſolace. Than ſaid on heich this Nobill Empreour. To God alone be louing and honour, That ſic ane ſone vnforſeruit hes me ſend, To gyde this Realme efter my dayis end. Sa wiſe, ſa gude ſa verteous in all thing, To greit weilfair ſa abill his Realme to briug. Now my deir ſone hartlie I the requeir, Tell me ſum taill that all about may heir. Quhairthrow yai may thy wiſdome vnderſtād Quod he Father that ſall I tak on hand. Sa ȝe command all men to keip ſilence, Quhill I haue done, and giue me audience. Quhen I haue done as ȝe think expedient O ȝour Emprice giue furth thā ȝour iudgemēt Than ſilence was commandit to all man, D ocleſiane thus gaits his taill began. EFTER Tytan had tane his ſtaf in hand And lichtlie lap as Lord out ouir the land Becaus the day was baith ſweit ſoft and fair, Than vp Irais, and paſt to my Librair. And ſtudyit thair, a quhyle as I thocht gude Becaus it was my vſe and conſwetude. And ſa efter my leſſoun was compleit, Than to refreſche, I recreat my ſpreit. As for that tyme I laid on ſyde my buke, And in my hand ane vther Volume tuke, Of lychter dyte, and ſtoryis of the ald. That ſeir auld men befoir in tymes had tald In quhilk Volume diuers ſtoreis ouir keſt, That pleſaud was, bot ȝit amang the reſt Ane fyne fabill in that volume I fand, Quhilk at this tyme to our purpois may ſtand. This was the Mairch of the mater in deid, As ȝe ſall heir this Tale and I proceid. BEfo 〈…〉 this tyme thair was ane nobill knicht Manlie in mynd and aboundant in micht. Ane gay Lady he had vnto his wyfe, And e ur thame thay led ane Godlie lyfe. Onlie ane Sone he had na barnis mo, Quhome of ya tu k greit mirth blyithnes & Jo And him delyuerit in far and ſtrange countrie, Him to Juſtruct and for to leit Clergie: Of cunning men that Clergie had perqueir, As ȝe haue done to me this mony ȝeir. Sa this ȝoung man as he in perſoun grew, Sa daylie did in running and vertew. Sine efter that he was ſeum ȝeir at air, Conſiddering he was his Fathers Air. And had na ma to bruik his heritage, At ſcum ȝeiris end he ſend for him Meſſage. Chargeing him ſone for to cum hame fra hand Quhilk he obeyit his Fathers haill command. And quhen he come to his Fatheris preſence, He hailſit him with all gude reuerence. As him ffeirit, with greit humilitie, His Mother als in ſemblabill degre. Quhairof thay had baith game gle & blyithnes That thair ane ſone was cūnim to ſic grace. For not alone in vertew he Increſt, Bot alſo was of bodie the liklyeſt. Manlie and ſtout weill maid at all faſſoun. Weill fauourit of face and gude proportioun. G ntill, humane, courtes, Nobill and fre, All man him lude for his humanitie. Sa on a tune it chancit vpon ane day, His Father and Mother at tabill ſat thir tway The ſone ſeruing thame baith richt courtaſlie, Fra the Kitching the courſis brocht cumlie. In the meane time on ane tre lithtit doun, At the windo, and ſang with heuinlie ſoun. Ane nichtingall, quhilk ſang with noitis ſa cleir Sa wonder ſweit, that all hir noitis did heir. Aucht dayis in ane thay wald neuer thocht lāg To heir that bird, ſa done ſweit was hir ſang. Than ſaid the Knicht weil war he all his dayis That vnderſtude quhat ȝone bird ſingis or ſayis Than ſaid the ſone Father with ȝour honour Sa that it be to ȝow na diſpleſour. The birdis ſang I ſall declair to ȝow, Bot I am feirit that ȝe tak ſturt thairthrow. The Father ſaid ſone for my benneſoun. Quhat the bird ſiugis mak Interpretatioun. Say on bauldlie, for na perſoun tak feir, For I thairat ſall na wayis change my cheir. Than ſaid the ſone this is the verray taill, That ȝe Father heiris of the Nichtingaill. That I ſall be ſic ane man of greit miche. And honourit be with Lord Barroun & Knicht And ſall cum to, that ȝe my Father fre The water plait that ȝe ſall hald to me. And my Mother befoir me ſcho ſall ſtand, Beſyde ȝour ſelf with towell in her hand: Waitting quhill I weſche my handis in y plait This is the ſang that the bird ſang of lait. The Father ſaid thow fals miſleirit knaif, Thow ſall of vs ſic ſeruice neuer haif: Nor neuer ſall cum to ſic dignitie, That we twa ſall mak ſic ſeruice to the, Sa in malice, and into greit wodnes In greit furie, and vnnaturall kindnes, He led his ſone, and keſt him in the ſie, In diſpleſour, Inuy and crueltie. Saying efter in the ſey he him ſlang Ly thow thair ſtill, geſſar of birdis ſang. The Chylde culd ſwym, and ſa chancit to land With heill and quert helpit be Goddis hand. And faſtit thair as the hiſtorie ſayis. But meit or drink be the ſpace of four dayis. On the fyft day be chance ane ſchip come by, Quhairon ſchairplie richt loud the chyld cā cry. Skipper of ſchip for lufe and cheritie, Fra this perrell I pray ȝow to ſaue me. The ſkipper hard, and belyue drew to land, And ſaw the Chyld and in quhat ſtait culd ſtād On him thay had reuth and compaſſioun, Seing he was ane liklie gude perſoun. The chance of deith ſa narowlie eſchewit, All in ane voice thair hartis vpon him rewit. And in on burde belyue did him reſſaue, And in far landis to thair countrie did haue. Than to ane Duke of that countrie him ſauld, For ane greit ſowme of money to thame tauld. And as this Chylde grew daylie into age, In like maner he grew in perſonage. Meik and humane, in maners comfortabill, Gentill, Jocund and to all game richt abill. Sa to all men he come in ſic fauour, The Duke him lude, and tu k at him pleſour. Into ſa far, he had the haill credence Of all his hous, and the preemmence. In the ſame tyme the King of that countrie All his greit Lords and counſall callit he. His greit Barrouns his knichts and nobill men That of his mind ſum part that they wicht ke Amang the reſt cum did this Duke alſo To the counſall preparit him for to go. And with thame tuke this Ehyld in companie For his wiſdome and his greit courtaſie. All thir Lords come with full greit reuerenc Befoir the King gaue dew obedience. Chay being all togidder ſa conueint, To name in plane ye king ſchew quhat he meni Saying my Lords and my trew Barrounis all Now to counſall for this I did ȝow call. The mater is ſa greit I haue to tell. Thairfoir I wald ȝe keipit all counſell Gif ouy man the treuth will me declair, I him prount my douchter and myne Air: Into ſpowſage and efter me be king, Quhen I am deid for ay to bruke my King. This is the treuth, and mater inufis me, About this place reſorts Rauins thre: And followis an quhair euer I gang or lyis Rowpand in ane and euer on me cryis. Quhylis me behiud, & quhylis thay cum befoi With ſiclyke luks, as than wald me deuoir. Thay leif me not bot ay contmuallie, Thay rowp thay rair, and euer ſchouts on me. Scraipand the eird and waffand wt yair wings D wbing thair nebbis & at the windois dings Thairfoir I ſend gif ony of ȝow did knaw, The caus heirof, that ȝe wald to me ſchaw. His gude rewaird he ſall not ntid to craif, As I haue ſaid the ſame thing ſall he haif. Sa he deuoyd the Rauins fra me all clene, And in my ſicht that thay na mair be ſeue. Quhen this was mufit to all the counſall thair Thair was na man the queſtioun culd declair. Than ſaid this Chyld to his maiſter the Duke The man on hand that ȝone ſame queſtioū tuke For to declair wald he get his promis Fra the kings grate ȝea, quod the Duke I wis Than ſaid the Chylde gif it pleſit ȝour grace, To ſchaw the King. I ſall declair the cace. Under the pane to put my heid in pledge, As he hes ſaid for to fulfill the wage. Quhē y Duke hard this tail he was richt glaid Incontinent paſt to the King and ſaid, And pleis ȝour grace thair is ane ȝoung mā heir Ane cunning Clerk, in Clergie richt perqueir. Wiſe and wittie, and of Ingine richt hie, Quhilk promiſis that he ſall ſatiſfie: All ȝour deſires and the ſamin fulfill, Tuitching the Rauins, ſa that it be ȝour will, For to compleit the thing that ȝe haue ſaid. Faith (quod the king thairof I will be glaid. Than brocht the Duke this Chyld into preſēce, Befoir the King with all gude reuerence. Than ſaid the King, ȝoung wan can ȝe declair The gueſtioun that I proponit air: Befoir my Lordis, tutching the Rauins thee Than ſaid the Chylde that ſall I do trewlie. Sathat ȝour grace ȝour promeis will fulfill, Than ſaid the King but dont trewlie I will. Quha euer will this queſtioun declair, H ſall mary my douchter and mine Air. Than ſaid the Chyld this is the caus and quhy That thir thre Raums dois daylie on ȝow cry. Thair was twa Rauins, ane female & ane mal That had clekkit the thrid withouttin fale. Quhair thay clekkit into that Ilk countrie. Was greit hounger, derth and penuritie, For fault of fude, wemen and men deceiſt, In lyke maner ſa did baith foull and beiſt, Than this ȝoung Rauin being intill hir neft, The Mother flew ouir feilds quhair ſcho thoch beſt S iking hir fude, in lād out ouir all quhair And of hir bird ſcho tuik na ſturt nor cair. Than the Male Rauin ſeing that diſpleſour, Dyon him ſelf he tuik daylie laubour With panis and pine, and greit penuritie, Fed this ȝoung Rauin quhil it had ſtrenth to fl And fend the ſelf out ouir the feildis fair, Sa of Mother it tuik na ſturt nor cair. Now is paſt by the ſkant time of the ȝeir. Meit grew at large and vittaillis was not beir Men beiſt and foull, had meit aboundantlie, The Female Rauin come hame than haiſtelie. And wald haue had ſit freindſchip & kindnes To the ȝoung Rauin as he quhilk mdiſtres. Fed him with fude quhill he cuid fend him ſell, The Female Rauin thairof tuik na trauell, Than the male Rauin tuik weil into hir thoch How he his bird had nureiſt and vpbrocht, In time of derth, penuritie and ſkant, He thocht na way his bird that he wald wan For the Female out ouir the feildis flew, And left hir bird but help or ȝit reſkew. Still in the neſt quhilk thairfra culd not fle, Bot thair on force for to ly ſtill and die. Thairfoir the male thocht he had mair kindnes To the ȝoung Rauin, that in neid and diſtres Out of perrell it nureiſt and vpbrocht Nor the Female that flew and fed it nocht. Thairfoir the Male ſayis that he ſuld poſſeid His a win ȝoung bird that helpit it in neid. Rather than ſcho quhilk in neceſſitie, Left it alone but help in point to die. Than the Female alledgis this agane, That in the birth of hir bird had mair pane: Mair laubour, forrow, and penuritie, Mair hounger than the Male had be ſic thre. Thairfoir of him ſcho aucht to haue mair mirth That had of him ſit ſorrow in hir birth. For this Jikcaus my Soucrane Lord the King Thir Rauins cryis, and for nane vther thing. Deſiring ȝow to Judge be ȝour wiſdome, Quha this ȝoung bird ſall bruik in time to rum Thairfoir will ȝe on this thing giue ſentence. Thay will na mair cum in ȝour grace preſence Than ſaid the King becaus that the Female Left hir aidin bird into ſit neid and bale, And in na fort wald nureis it nor feid, Bot fra it fied quhen that it had maiſt neid. I think alwayis with reſſoun it ſuld ſtand, The bird ſuld be at bidding and commaud: With the Male Kauin, and in his companie, Becaus he fed it in neceſſitie. And quhair that ſcho alledges hir agane To haue mair ſturt, ſorrow trauell and pane In his clekking, furth bringing and his birth, I ſay to ȝow all that was turnit in mirth, Sa ſone as ſcho hir a win bird quick culd ſe, Scho quyte forȝet hir greit aduerſitie, And als the male is caus of productioun, And Inſtrument of all generatioun, I ſay alſo in time of hir greit neid, He did his bird with pane nureis and feid: Quhen the Female it left into the neſt, In greit hounger, and als with cald oppreſt. Thairfoir I giue diffinitiue ſentence, That the Male Rauin ſal ay haue ſtill preſence The fellowſchip and als the companie Of the ȝoung bird, quhair euer he gang or fle. And the Female his fellowſchip ſall want it, Except the Male unto the Female grant it. Than quhen y Rauins hard the King ſa declair Incontinent thay flew vp in the air, With ſic ane noyis, as it had thunder bene, And was na mair into that Regioun ſene. This being done, in ſchort time efter than, Incontinent the King callit this ȝoung man: And ſaid gude freind ȝour name to me ȝe ſchaw Alexander (quod he) Schir thay me caw Than ſaid the King ȝe ſall tak nane bot me For ȝour Father and ȝe my ſone ſall be. For ȝe ſall haue my douchter in ſpowſage, And efter me ſall bruik hir heritage. And euer ſtill ſall heir be Lord and King And all this Realme ſall haue in gouerning. Than Alexander in houſhald ſtill he baid, Daylie ſeruice vnto the King he maid. All men him lude for his greit courtaſie, His gentilnes, and his humanitie. He was ſa ſoft, ſa humbill and manſwrit, Courtes running, debonar and diſcreit. In all gude games him ſelf he did frequent, In hors, harnes Juſting and turnament. And all gude games ganit for ane gen •• ll man, Daylie exercit, and ay the praiſe he wan Abone all thame that dwelt into Egypt, He far excellit, and had the Maiſterſchip. In all that Realme nouther be far nor neir, In manlie actis thair was nane found his peir Nor ȝit thair was na greit obſcure queſtioun, Bot he thairto wald giue ſolutioun. Sa he gydit in all thing and weill prufit, With ȝoung and auld wonder weil he was lufit ¶ In this meane time ytus the Empreour Quhilk was a man of greit micht and honour Of gentilnes, and als of courtaſie, In all vertew he was ane A per ſe. Ouir all the warld ſa far rang his renoun, That he precellit all vther that bure Croun. Into ſa far, that ouir all quhair did fle His Nobill name of Liberalitie. Aud round about into all partis him by, Baith far and neir oppinlie garc he cry: Gifony man in maners and wiſdome, And gude Ingine, vnto his Court wald cum: Suld be Intreit into thair awin degre, And rewardit efter thair facultie. Quhen Alexander hard tell of ſic ane thing, He paſt fra hand to his Father the King. And ſaid to him kneiling vpon his kne, And pleis ȝour grace my Nobill Father f •• . The Nobill Court and courtaſie is knawin Of the Empreour, and to ȝour grace is ſchawin That euerie man delites thair to abyde, That hes knawledge outher to gang or ryde. Leirning ſall leir, maners and manlynes, Prettick of weiris, gude gyding and proues. Dew Intreitting, with honour laude and 〈◊〉 And greit rewaird he ſall obtene thairfo •• . And pleis ȝour grace I wald deſire hartlie, Into that Court and companie to be. That I micht wit and vertew daylie leir, My ſelf exerce in Nobill actis of weir. This of ȝour grace richt humblie I deſire, Na wayis mening that of ȝour grace I tire. For God willing I ſall returne agane, To ȝour pleſure, quhilk is my Souerane. Than ſaid the King ȝour talking pleſis me, Bot laith war I to want ȝour companie. Zit not the les caus ȝe ſic thing deſire, I will glaidlie grant it that ȝe require. Bot or ȝe pas ſe that ȝe furneiſt be, In all behalfis, gold, clais, hors and monie. That ȝe want nocht that is neidfull to haue, That ȝe pairthrow may baith our honours ſaue Siclike I think it war expedient, That ȝe ſuld ſpous my douchter or ȝe went. Or ȝe returne perchance ane barne furth bring Than wiſt this Realme outher of quene or king Alexander than ſaid vnto the King. And pleis ȝour grace to ſpair me of that thing Till my returne, than ſall I with honour Zour douchter ſpous with ȝour graces pleſour Than ſaid the King of that I am content, Euin as ȝe will, thairto I do conſent. And grantis ȝow heir with all beneuolence, To pas ȝour time quhair that ȝe pleis licence. Than Alexander at the King tuik gude nicht, And all y Lords baith Barroun ſquire & knicht Sine laſt of all he paſt to the Ladie, Tuik his gude nicht, and gaue hir knifes thre. Bad hir be blyith, for lang he thocht not byde, Scho ſaid gude ſchir I pray God be ȝour gyde Sa furth he fairis, ane liklie man to luik, And lay on hors, and on his veyage tuik. And with him went ane honeſt companie, With gold ſiluer, furneiſt at all plentie. Unto the Court quhair that the Empreour was He takis Jornay, and ſa fordwart can pas. And quhen he come befoir the Empreour Upon his kneis he hailſit him with 〈◊〉 Greit reuerence and all humilitie. Bot ſa ſone as the Empreour culd him ſe. Quhair that he ſat, out of his ſait he rais, To Alexander but mair tary he gais. And kiſſis him, as was of Court the giſe, And in his armes he him Imbraſit twiſe. Sine him inquirit quhat was his name fra hād Quhairfra he come, quhilk was his natiue land Siclike he ſpeirit quhairfoir that he was cum. Tell on he ſaid, the treuth of all and ſum. He ſaid and pleis ȝour Nobill Maieſtie, Alexander men vſis to call me. The King of Egypts ſone and Air I am, I wait his grace will ratifie the ſame. And is cum heir vnto ȝour Maieſtie. To do ſcruice, gif ȝe will accept me. Ze at welcum the Empreour ſaid than, Ze ſeme to be ane Nobill gentill man. To his Stewart than ane command he gaue, That in houſhald Alexander he ſuld reſſaue. The Stewart than to ane Chalmer him led, And ſchew him quhair that he ſuld haue his bed W ill perfurneiſt into all neceſſaris, With pertinentis thairto in all effaris. Alexander behauit him ſa wiſelie, With all the Court and Ilk mānis ſufe wan he Sa in ſchort time for his weill behauing, Maiſter •• ruour he was maid to the King. Not lang efter the Kingis ſone of France, To do ſeruice and daylie obſeruance. In like maner come to the Empreour, Quho e he reſſa 〈…〉 with blyithnes & honour. And ſpeirit ſiclike at him quha was his Nai e He ſaid Lodwik all men callis me at hame. And am um heir to do ȝour grace ſeruice, Gif that ȝe pleis witchaif on me office, The Empreour ſaid Alexander trewlie, Is my eruour my copper ȝe ſall be. For that office I think ȝe be maiſt abill, To do ſeruice daylie befoir my tabill. Committit he to the Stewart Lodwik, To do to him, as to Alexander ſiclike. Sa the Stewart to Lodwik did aſſing That Ilk Chalmer was Alexanders ludgeing Quhairof thay war baith verray weill appleſit That thay war wa 〈…〉 ne Chalmer eſit. Thir twa ȝoung men Alexander and Lodwik, In all kin ſort thay war ſa wonder like: In face fa our in forme and faſſoun, In ſtature, viſage, ſpeiche and conditioun, That Ilk man ſaid ane was the vthers brother Sk 〈…〉 micht nane knaw the ane be the vther B t Alexander in deidis was mair acriue, Than was Lodwik and far mair ſcientiue. For Lodwik was ſchamefull and fe 〈…〉 e, And Alexander peirt furthie and Maſculine. Of mair curage, mair manlie to behald, Than Lodwik was (ſum ſaid) be the thrid fald Thir twa, ȝoung men Ilk ane ſa lufit vther Nane wald haue ſaid, bot ane was vlhers brother The empreour quhilk tytus hecht to name Had ane douchter of faſſoun fair and fame. Hecht Florentine ane gracious gay Ladie, Quhilk neireſt air to hir Father ſuld be. Quhome hir Father lufit ſa aboue meaſour, And till hir gaue aboundance of treaſour. Hir aw 〈…〉 ſ ruandis ſcho had with h •• o dwell And kei it Court and houſhald be hir ſell. To quhome daylie the Empreour vſit to ſend Of his dainteis his douchters meis to mend In ſigne of lufe, daylie ane diſche or tway, And Alexander to hir bure thame away: To this. Ladie, befoir hir thame preſentit, Sa in hir ſicht Ilk day he was frequentit. Quhairthrow fauour of this Lady he wan, For his wiſdome aboue all vther man. Throw beſines it chancit on ane day, At dennar time Alexander was away Fra his ſcruice, and nane in his abſence His fault ſuppleit nor ȝit gaue attendence. Than Lodwik come and that perſauit ſ 〈…〉 , Did ſic ſeruice as Alexander ſuld haue 〈◊〉 . And ſtude for him into the ſamin ſteid, His fault he did ſupplie and als remeid. And quhen dennar neir hand it was at end, The Empreour tuik vp ane diſche and ſend To his douchter as he had wont to do, And bad Lodwik the ſame diſche beir hir to. Beleuing weill Alexander it had bene. Few culd diſcerne thir twa viſages betwene. Than went Lodwik his way to the Ladie, Preſentit hir the diſche vpon his knie: With reuerence as he in hart beſt thortht. For he befoir that time hir ſene had nocht. Incontment quhen he the meit hir brocht: Scho perſauit that Alexander it was nocht, Quod ſcho gude ſchir to me ȝe ſchaw ȝour name He ſaid Lodwik, it is ſurelie Madame. Quhais ſo e ar ȝe tell me but circumſtance, My Father is (quod he) the King of France. Quod ſcho gude ſchir I thank ȝow of ȝour pan Ze ar welcum to pas or ȝit remane. Thank my Father of the meit he hes ſend, Quod he I ſall, and ſa furth can he wend. And tuik his leif with all gude reuerence, And paſt agane to the Empreours preſence. In this meane time Alexander come to tabill, Did his ſeruice as he was wont and abill. The dennar done, Lodwik to Chalmer paſt Richt ſeik at hart, and laid him doun bedfaſt. Quhilk Alexander perſauit Incontinent. And to Chalmer to Lodwik is he went, And ſaid to him, O my gude companȝeoun Qu 〈…〉 is the aus that ȝe ar now line doun? Than 〈…〉 d Lodwik, I feill my ſelf trewlie, Vext at the hart with ſair Infirmitie. Greitlie I feir without I get remeid, It haldis me ſa, that it ſall be my deid. Alexander ſaid the treuth I traiſt to ges, The principall caus of all ȝour air ſeiknes. For this Ilk day quhen that the meit ȝe bair. To ȝone Lady, quhilk that ȝe thocht ſa fair. Ze hir beheld ſa verray feruentlie, Hir gude maners, hir viſage and bewtie, That ȝe thairwith is hangit in hir lufe, Fra hir ȝour hart na way ȝe c n re 〈…〉 fe. Than ſaid Lodwik O my gude brother deir, The verray treuth but dout ȝe haue gane neir. All Phiſitians in warld thay culd not ges, Nor Judge mair crew the caus of my ſeiknes. Quhairof but dout I tak ane felloun feir, Get I na help, that it ſall do me deir. Than Alexander bad him be of comfort, At my power I ſall ȝour pane ſupport. Lift vp ȝour hart and be of gude curage, Sturt in na way ȝour ſeiknes can aſſwage. Than Alexander bethocht him on ane caſt, Incontinent to the market he paſt: Ane precious claith with his awin gold he bocht Quhairof lodwik knew na way nor wiſt nocht All ſet about with precious ſtanis coiſtlie, And preſentit vnto the fair Ladie: Quhen ſcho it ſaw, ſcho aſkit him in hy: Quhair he culd get ſic coiſtlie claith to by Quod he the ſone of the maiſt Chriſtin King, Hes for ȝour lufe Madame ſend ȝow this thing, Bot for a ſicht that he ſaw of ȝour face, He is ſa faſt lynkit in lufis lace. That he lyis ſeik without he get remeid, Appeirandly thair is nathing bot deid. And for ȝour lufe ſuffer ȝe him to die, It ſal degraid ȝour honour gretumlie. Alexander ſcho ſaid, wald ȝe now counſal me That I ſuld lois my clene Virginitie. Couſiddering I am of blude Royall Diſcendit doun of ſtock Imperiall And ſecundlie, as ȝe knaw weill in deid Be apperance to this Croun ſuld ſucceid. Gif I did ſa as ȝe to me declair, Than war I tynt: but dout for euer mair. Beleue ȝe weill that ȝe for ſic Meſtage Sall haue na thank nor wyn of me na wage. Thairfoir pas ȝe fra hand out of my ſicht. Zour meſſage is nouther reſſoun nor richt. He ſaw the Mayd was ſum thing diſcontent Furth of hir ſicht he paſt Incontinent. On the nixt day paſt Alexander agane To the market, and playit the counterpane. To this Lady he bocht ane fyne heid geir. Aboue the claith it was thre tymes mair deir. And preſent it vnto the Lady gent, On Lodwyks name, thairwith vnto hir went: Quhen the Lady this coiſtlie gift had ſene Scho meruellit greit quhat Alexander did mene And ſaid to him I meruell of a thing, That ȝe to me ſic coiſtlie gifts ſuld bring Fra o •• man, bot gif it war ȝour ſell, Deſ rring ay ȝour awin erand to tell. And ſa oft times ȝe haue had my preſence, And for to ſpeik ȝe nucht haue had licence. Sir thing I ſe in ȝour heid neuer ſank Quhairfoir but dont I cun ȝow the les thank. Quod he Madame ȝe mon hald me ereuſit, I ourſt nor ſpeik perchance ȝe had refuſit. And 〈◊〉 my birth it is to law, Sa heich maters I durſt not to ȝow ſchaw. Quod ſcho it is ane Prouerb of the ald. Quhilk I oft times in mirrmes hes hard tald. Let ane ȝoung man quhidder he ſpeid or nocht Haue not his ſpeich bot ſpeik furth & ſpair nocht Into my hart quod he ſic was not groundit Nor with ſic thing my hart was neuer woundit And gif ſic thing perchance had happinnit me, I wald haue chargeit ane o mair law degre Nor is ȝour grace, bot my gude freind Lodwik Is the greit air of the ma t cheif 〈◊〉 : Of all the warld, and themaiſt Chriſtin King, The mair baulder he dirſt deſire ſic thing. Rather nor I quhilk may be na compair, Vnto ȝour grace, for ȝo •• blude ſingulair. Quod ſcho this word i remembrance ȝe tak, Lufe quhome ȝe like, thay ſay lufe hes na lak. Quod he quha hes inte his companie, Ane gude fellow, as Lodwiknow hes me: And in him traiſtis am I t bound agane To wis him gude quhair that he lyis in paue At my power in ſa far as I may, Doutles madaine I culd ot ſay him nay. Thairfoir I think ȝe Lady traiſt and trew Wald ȝe witchaif vpon Lodwik to rew, And on him haue compaſſioun and pietie, That is ſa ſair woundit in ȝour bewtie. Ane word of ȝouris wald mak him haill agane And him releif of all ſeiknes and pane. Let him na way his deid be on ȝow laid, For that thing ſall ȝour honour greit degraid. Gif ȝe abſent fra him ȝour gnde kindnes, Ilk man will ſay that ȝe ar mereyles. Scho ſaid gude ſ hir forſuith ȝe ſerue greit crime Of me ȝe get na anſwer at this time. Thairfoir ȝe may pas on fair weill adew, Ze ar to blame ſa ſchairplie to perſew: For ouy man, bot gif it war ȝour ſell, Pas on ȝour way, as now na mair I tell. He tuik his leif, and departit anone, The morne agane to the market is gone. And bocht ane belt, quhilk ten times was mair deir Nor was the claith & als the gay heid geir. And preſentit vnto the Ladyis ſicht, On Lodwiks name, the wofull woundit wicht Quhen ſcho perſauit the giftis ſa coiſtlie was, Into hir ſelf ſcho keſt aid did compas Seir diners thochts yatneids not to be ſchawin Nor to Ilk man in na knde to be knawin. Thairfoir as now I thi k beſt let thame be, Ilk man ſuld not knaw Ladeis preuitie. Bot at the laſt to Alexander ſcho ſaid, I wait not weill f r to be mufit or glaid At ȝour Meſſage ot wonder ſaith war me In my default 〈◊〉 man ſuld die, A maunis life to 〈◊〉 for laik of lufe, Gif I ſa did I war greit to reprufe. Thairfoir ȝe ſall in this point haue credence, In my Chalmer I will giue him preſence. At the thrid hour that paſt is ouir midnicht, My Chalmer dure he ſall find oppin richt. Schaw ȝe him ſa this is my minde and will, Z ur minde (quod he) Madaine I ſall fulfill. Of this anſwer Alexander was glaid, Paſt to Chalmer, and to his fellow ſaid. Lodwik 〈◊〉 not, ȝe lurk ouir lang for lufe, I haue not hanit to hant for ȝour behufe: The companie of ȝone fa Ladie gent, How beit ſum time ſcho ſtude not all content. Zit not the les ſum gra e I haue obtenit, T 〈…〉 Intent, ſa for to hir I menit. Hir greit fauour to ȝow I haue purcheſt, And I beleue all is cuin for the beſt. Thanfoir be lyith and tak ȝow gude comfort, With clene curage now get ȝow vp at ſchort. And in ſecreit I will ȝow ſchaw ane thing, To hir Chalmer this nicht I ſall ȝow bring. Quhair that ȝe ſall richt wonder welcum be, And weill Intreit with that fair gay Ladie. Fra he that hard he was curageous, Baith haill and feir. Jocund and Jolyous. Als blyith at hart, and ſturt away was worne, As euer he was, fra firſt day he was borne. Was neuer bird ſa blyith of hir brydgrome, Was neuer bird ſa blyith to licht on blome. Nor ȝit Sparhalk ſa blyith to get hir pray, Nor ȝit the Lark, in freſche morning of May. Neuer Menſtrell ſa blyith of his rewaird, As was Lodwik, quhen he thay tythings hard Bot for to ſpeik of perfite Potingaris Fy e Phiſitians, meruellous Medicinaris. Cler 〈…〉 of cunning, and counſallouris of hele, Charmers of chafts and giuers of Liblele. I neuer red into na buik nor place, As Alexander was to Lodwik in this race. For 〈…〉 k how ſ ne that Lodwik hard him ſpeik He ſaid him ſelf he was alanger ſeik. Ze know L this will 〈…〉 G de In 〈…〉 g r war ••• 〈…〉 Bank ••• s making 〈◊◊〉 it may 〈◊〉 With Alexander b 〈◊◊◊〉 was 〈◊〉 . Alexander de ••• ſit his 〈…〉 Not being 〈◊〉 〈…〉 Quhairth ow 〈…〉 , Be co ſtlie gif ••• 〈◊〉 with his aw n 〈◊〉 Now let vs ſchaw how Lodwik 〈◊〉 he rais, With 〈…〉 . S 〈…〉 his 〈◊◊〉 〈…〉 , How 〈◊〉 •• dr all his maladie knew. And how ſcho was of his 〈◊〉 content, And how that he did purches hir conſent. Alexander 〈◊〉 Lodwik that 〈…〉 ht, To the Cha 〈…〉 of th •• ••• t Ladie 〈◊〉 With quhome he was in Joy and 〈◊〉 , And fra thine furth euer keipit kindnes. In ſit ane ſort, quha •• that 〈…〉 s Intent Without 〈◊〉 that vther ga •• 〈◊〉 Sa ſtill thay vſit in vthers companie, Beleuing weill all was on 〈…〉 . Zit not the les, it come vnto the 〈◊〉 Of all the Court amang 〈◊〉 〈…〉 Now that Lodwik ſa ſtude in g 〈…〉 kindnes, With that Ladie wro ht ſa in 〈◊〉 . Sa amang thame thay did conſpire his 〈…〉 d, Not regarding the Ladies 〈◊〉 nor 〈◊〉 And Alexander 〈◊〉 〈…〉 He armit his •• rs for to ganeſtand that 〈◊〉 , And uh thay knew that Alexander 〈◊◊〉 Him to perſew fra 〈◊◊◊〉 hart. Into ſa far, fra all ſic than did eis, And ſufferrit weill, Lodwik to 〈◊〉 iu peis. Howbeit oft times into greit Jeopardie. For Lodwiks ſaik Alexander was trewlie. Bot to Lodwik ſic was not k awin a deill, Bot the Ladie it 〈◊〉 richt wonder weill. Than in 〈◊〉 time thair was a meſſage ſend Out of Egypt, be writing makand kend, That of the lait was new deceiſſit thair King, Quhilk abone thame mony ane ȝ ir did Ring. Requiring hame Alexander to cum, And with honour reſſaue his awin Kingdome. For his Ladie the Kiugis douthter and Air Of his abſence tuik baith greit ſturt and cair. Becaus the Realme was deſolait of ane heid Vnto that hour, ſen hir Father was deid. Quhilk ſone he ſchew to Ladie Florentine, And thairefter to Lodwik ſchew it ſine. Than he in haiſt behuifit to depart. Quhair of thay war baith wonder ſad in hart. Alſo he paſt vnto the Empreour, And ſaid pleſit ȝour graces greit honour. Furth of Egypt I haue reſſauit writing. Makand it kend my Fathers departing, And it behuifis me to pas, and reſſaue, The Croun thairof, be richt thairto I haue. Gif that ȝour grace will licent me to pas, Without ȝour fa our I will na licence as. For but •• ur leif or I ſuld licence take, I had rather baith Croun and Realme forſake. In thir effairis, quhat euer pleſis ȝour grace, Of verray treuth ſa ſtandis euin the ca e. The Empreour ſaid ȝe ſall knaw verralie. Of ȝour depart my hart is richt heuie. For I held ȝow amang my ſeruandis all. Into my hous euer the principall. Bot it becūmis not to ane Empreour, Into na ſort, nor ȝit is his honour To his ſeruandis to mak Impediment, Quhat time thay be promouit to ony rent: Bot far rather to help thame and ſupplie To greiter giftis, and hier dignitie. Thairfoir ga ȝe fra our Stewart reſſaue Als mekill gold as ȝe pleis for to haue: With my bliſſing, and with my Inwart hart, In Goddis Name I leif ȝow to depart. And bad fair weill and ſa he tuik gude nicht At the Empreour, ſine at Lord ſquire & Knicht. Quha was ſorie of his ſchort departing, For he was lude baith with the auld and ȝing. Than paſt Lodwik, and with him Florentine, And on gaitward conuoyit him myles nine. Alexander wald let thame na farther go, Bot for to ſe the dolour and the wo: Quhen thay departit, quhairto ſuld I ſay mair It wald haue maid ane haill mānis hart richt ſair For verray wo to ground all thre fell doun And Florentine for wo ſcho fell in ſwoun. Alexander than tuik hir vp agane, Comfortit hir of hir dolour and pane. And richt ſa did to his fellow Lodwik, Comfortit him with mony wordis ſiclike. And ſaid to him, now my fellow and brother, Quhome I lufe beſt of men aboue all vther. In time cūming for to keip ȝow fra ſkaith, This I ȝow ſay, and to my Lady baith: Tuitching ſecreitis that is betwene ȝow two, Keip tha e quyet or ȝe will ſuffer wo. Thairfoir tak heid and t nt richt weill about, Do ȝe not ſa, ȝe ſtand baith in greit dout. For weill I wait ane vther in my ſte •• Sall cum but dout, and haue ȝow at ſic feid. With greit haitrent, diſſait and als Inuy, Baith day and •• cht ſall ȝow chak and eſpy. To ſe gif thay can chalange ȝow with crime, Thairfoir be war and tak gude tent in time. For gif thay can reproche ȝow ony way, And ȝow rebuke, ſwyithlie thay will aſſay. With the Empreour in fauouris ȝe do ſtand. Thairfoir the mair thay will caſt at ȝour hand Than ſaid Lodwik in ſa far as I may, I ſalbe war, baith be nicht and be day. Bot wo allace thairin quhat ſall I do. Quhen I haue nane that I dar lippin to. That I ſuld want ȝour treuthfull companie. I can not mend, thairfoir full wais me. Zit harthe I require ȝow of a thing, Ze will reſſaue fra me this litill Ring. Betuix vs twa to be in remembrance, Of twa Princes of Egypt and of France. Alexander ſaid the Ring I will reſſaue In remembrance of ȝow ſtill for to haue. Bot ȝit howbeit the Ring I had not ta e. Zour remembrance fra me na way had gane. And ſa ather about the nek Imbraiſt, With greit kindnes and ſine about the waiſt. Bot Florentine was ſa confound in Spreit, Scho culd do nocht, bot ſat hir doun to greit. Alexander ſaid amendis now na greting, Bot I pray God ſend vs mirrie meting. And ſa partit with hartis wonder wo, Unto thair hame, Ilk ane thair gait did go. ¶ Not lang efter the Kingis ſone of Spane. Come to the Court in ſeruice to remane. Namit Gwydo: and gat that Ilk office, That Alexander had into ſeruice. Als the Stewart to him he did aſſing. That ſamin hous, the Chaliner and ludgeing, That Alexander and Lodwik dwelt intill, Quhilk was but, dout all aganis Lodwiks wil Howbeit the ſame na way he culd amend it, Bot ȝit his hart thairwith was ſair offendit. Lodwik to gyde culd keip na fellowſchip, As he did to Alexander of Egypt. Thairfoir Gwydo aganis him tuik Inuy, Howbeit thay baith in ane Chalmer culd ly. And Lodwik had of Gwydo ſickin feir, That he durſt not to the Ladie ga neir: In auenture that Gwydo ſuld eſpy Of his ſecreitis, and thame in oppin cry. Zit not the les of hir he had ſic thocht, Hir companie to abſtene culd he nocht. Nor ȝit ſcho cuid his companie weill want. Sa he agane ſum times to hir did hant. Than Gwydo that perſauing was not ſleuth, On thame to wait, quhill that he knew yt treuth That Lodwik had with Ladie Florentine, Sa greit kindnes that he thocht efter ſinc: Conſiddering weill the treuth ſen he did knaw, Sum time vnto the Empreour he ſuld ſchaw. Sa in his minde he held it quyethe, With fals diſſait, quhill he his time micht ſe. Upon ane time the Empreour in his hall Talking about amang his Novillis all. Praiſing greitlie the wit and gentilnes Of Alexander, the wiſdome and kindnes. And ſaid he was baith trew verteous and wiſe To gyde ane hous richt weill he culd deuiſe. Than ſaid Gwydo and pleis ȝour Maieſtie, Sa far praiſit he aucht not for to be. Nor for to be commendit as ȝe wene, Ane greit tratour in ȝour hous he hes bene. The Empreour ſaid teil on how can that be, Than ſaid Gwydo I ſall ȝow tell trewlie, To ȝour douchter ȝe haue ane Ladie fair, The quhilk ſuld be appeirandlie ȝour Air: And be the help of falſet and ſupplie Of him, Lodwik hes done hir velanie. And ſa nichtlie quhen Lodwik takis delite. He hes his will of that fair Ladie quhite. And all this come be the fals ſubtell flicht Of Alexander, that he wrocht day and nicht. Quhen the Empreour this tail hard til him cald Into his minde was muifit monyfaid. In that ſame time Lodwik come throw yt hall, And vpon him the Empreour ſone did call. And ſaid quhats this that I heir tell of the, Gif it be trew thow ſalbe hangit hie. Than ſaid Lodwib and pleis ȝour nobil grace Ze will me ſchaw thairof how is the cace. Than ſaid Gwydo in oppin audience, Heir I auow in ȝour graces preſence: That Lodwik lyis with Ladie Florentine. Als ſure as ſtandis on craig this heid of mine. And ſa he hes defoulit the blude Royall, Quhilk I ſall preif on him in plane battail: On his bodie and thairaf ſall I ſtand, Defend it now, gif thow dar tak on hand. Than ſaid Lodwik pleſit ȝour Maieſtie, I am ſaikles of ȝone he ſayis on me. And richt falſlie he layis on me ſic crime, Quhilk I ſall preif quhen euer he thinkis time Sa into God I traiſt to find remeid, All his falſet ſall fall on his awin heid. Than keſt Gwydo his gluif donu for a trane, Lodwik lowtit, and tuik it vp agane. Saying I will that Ladeis fame defend, With hart and hand vnto my lifes end. The Empreour than to rhame baith did aſſing Ane certane day of battell and fechting, And to thame baith he bad ſilence and reſt And bad thame pas quhair that thay pleſit beſt Than paſt Lodwik to the Ladie fra hand, And all the cace he gart hir vnderſtand. And how he was accuſit in preſence Of hir Father, in oppin audience. And how that he aſſignit the fechting day, And vnto hir in this maner can ſay. Now Florentine my Ladie fair and gent, It me behuifis to wirk with auiſement: With ȝow alwayis for ſa the mater ſtandis. I can not chaip vndeid of Gwydois handis. For quhy gif I had nayit to him battall Than had I ȝald my ſelf all criminall. And of the crime grantit my ſelf gyltie, Thairfoir forte was to counterfute mellie. Alſwa Gwydo is wonder ſtout and ſtrang. In fait of armes he hes bene vſit lang. I neuer knew in na companie heir, Bot Alexander to fecht can be his peir. For I am waik and febill of perſoun, And to his ſtrenth hes na compariſoun. Gif I him meit in feild quhat ſalbe than, Without refuge I am bot ane deid man. And ſa on me ſall ly the caus and blame, And ȝe for ay ſall thoill ſclander and ſchame. Than Florentine to Lodwik this can ſay. Sen ſic ane chance is cum betuix vs tway. And I feill ȝow diſpairit in ane part. And in this cace ouir waik ſpretit in hart. Zit not the les quhair twa Illis dois approche I think it beſt fra the greiteſt to foche. The firſt Ill is, fra ȝe ȝow gyltie grant, Than ſal I ay baith welth and worſchip want And ȝe alſo be put to cruell deid, And I for ay my life in langour leid. The ſecund is, gif ȝe to battell boun, Ze ar ſa waik and febill of perſoun. And Gwydo is ſa ſtrang and als hardie, That ȝe dow not ganeſtand him ſtraikis thre. And ſa alwayis I can find na remeid, How euer it go thair is to ȝow bot deid. Thairfoir heirin ȝe ſall my counſall do, Ze ſall but let my Father ſone pas to: And ſchaw to him on ȝour maiſt humbill wiſe, That ȝour Father vpon his deid bed lyis. Quhairof thair is new writings cum ȝow till, Deſiring him, gif that it be his will: To prorogat the day of battell ſet, That ȝe may gang, and cum agane but let. And in meane time with ȝour Father to ſpeik. Be the reſſoun he lyis ſa wonder ſeik. And for to ken his perfite latter will, That in all pointis the ſame ȝe may fulfill. And for to ſpeik with him twa wordis or thre, Furth of this warld or he depart and die. And that ȝe may his benneſoun obtene, With his awin mouth, ſine ȝe to lowk his ene. And quhen ȝe haue obtenit his licence, To Alexander in all gude haiſt pas hence. And ſecreitlie to him the mater ſchaw, How all thing ſtandis, perfitelie let him knaw And him require into this extreme cace, That he wald cum and to ſupplie ȝour place. Contrair Gwydo, with him in battell fecht, Becaus ȝour ſelf to do the ſame hes hecht. This counſall than it pleſit Lodwik weill, Euin as ſcho ſaid, ſa did he euerie deill. Licence obtenit, and als prolongit the day, To Alexander Lodwik tuik his Jornay. Small reſt he tuik, bot raid on day and nicht To Egypt land, quhill he come vnto richt. To the Caſtell than come he on in hy, Quhair that the King gude Alexander culd ly. Quhen the King gat of Lodwik knawlegeing He meruellit greit the caus of his cūming. Incontinent to meit him is he gane As his brother, euin ſa with him hes tane, With all honour he did him thair reſſaue, As him become, or he lykit to haue. Than ſaid Lodwik my deir brother and freind In tunes bygane, and euer ȝit hes bene. Now at this time I let ȝow vnderſtand, My life and deid lyis baith into ȝour hand. He ſaid brother mak knawin to me ȝour querrel Tour life ſalbe Godwilling in na perrell. Than ſaid Lodwik, ȝe remember ȝe ſchew, At our parting, ſum wordis quhilk I find trew Saying I ſuld in fellowſchip ane haue Into ȝour ſteid, perchance wald me diſſaue. And ly in wait my ſecreitis to eſpy, Quhilk now in deid richt wonder weill find I. Ze ſaid without I war mair circumſpect In quhilk my ſelf in ſum part did neglect. For ane Gwydo the Kingis ſone of Spane, Into ȝour ſteid with me he did remane. And be reſſoun my ſecreitis he not knew, To my Lady I durſt not lang perſew. And ſa at lenth I culd not lang abſtene, It chancit him knaw the ſecreitis vs betwene: And me accuſit befoir the Empreour, Quhilk vnto me was vtter diſpleſour. And hes promeiſt in battell to mak gude, That I defoullit the hie Imperiall blude. Sa hand for hand in battell we mon fecht, To counter him be my hand I haue hecht. This day aucht dayis the battell ſuld be done, Quod Alexander forſuith that is ouir ſone. Als quod Lodwik Gwydo is ſtout and ſtrang, And hes bene vſit in actis of weiris lang. And I am waik and febill as ȝe kend, Fra his greit dyntis I dow not me defend. And Florentine thairfoir gaue me counſall, Zow for to ſchaw the caus and mater haill. For ſcho beleuis ȝow ay hir faithfull freind, And hiddertillis ſa euer mair hes bene. And traiſtis doutles ȝe will help and ſupplie, Baith me and hir in this neceſſitie. Than Alexander to Lodwik can he ſay, Is thair ony knaw is ȝe come heir away? Bot Florentine (quod he) forſuith not ane, For Ilk man trowis that to France I am gane For to veſie my Father lyand ſeik, Thir ſame wordis to the Empreour I did ſpeik. To that effect he did prolong the day, And I at poiſt to ȝow am cum away. Quod he ſchaw furth quhat Florentine bad deſire Or quhat at me is thing ſcho bad require. Or quhat counſall gaue Florentine to ȝow That I ſuld help, in quhat maner and how. Than Lodwik ſaid, O my maiſt cōſtant freind This ſtands the cace I traiſt that ſcho did mene Conſiddering we twa be ſa done like, That ȝe ſuld cum with Gwydo battell ſtrike. And nane knawing bot Florentine allane, The battell done, ȝe to cum hame agane. And I ſiclike in Court to preſent me, As I had done the Act and Jeopardie. Alexander ſaid the battell ȝe haue ſet, This day aucht dayis to fecht withouttin let, It is to ſchort, for euin this ſtands the cace, I can not weill be reddy in ſic ſpace. For tary I the morne withouttin mair, I can not find that I may weill be thair. Thairfoir but dout quhat I ſall ſay heirto, I can not tell, nor wait nor how to do. And my ſubiectis I haue commandit haill, That they be heir the morne at my brydaill, Keip I Jornay, thocht I ryde at the poiſt, Of my wedding the day is tynt and loiſt. Gif I ga uot, and keiyis not the battaill Than Florentine and ȝe ar loiſt but faill. Thairfoir Lodwik quhat think ȝe beſt to do, Quhat ȝe deuiſe heir I apply thairto. Lodwik heiring the excuſe reſſonabill. To fall in ſwoun quhair that he ſtude was abil Began to ſich, and ſorrow monyfald, For to his hart catchit was carris cald. Saying all tray and tene to me betydis, Sorrow and cair now cūmis on all kin ſydes. Perſauing that Alexander till him ſaid, Let be ſic ſturt •• ak comfort and be glajd. For I will not forſaik ȝow this vepage, Thocht I ſuld vaith tine wife and heritage. Bot ȝe ſall heir in thocht quhat I haue tane, Into fa far as we twaar like ane. And as ȝe ken it is not lang age The Empreours Court hidder ſen I rome fro. Zit I am not weill knaw in in this countrie, Mony my Lords as ȝit hes not ſene me. And lor that caus thay ken not my preſence, Thay will tak ȝow for mein my abſence. Thairfoir heir ſall ȝe tary and abyde, And in my ſteid ȝe ſall Mary my bryde. And hald the Feiſt with greit ſaleinynitie, And gar all thing be done that done ſuld be. owbeit my ſelf in bodie be abſent, Let nathing want mair than I war preſent. To my Renoun pertenis or honeſtie, Gif I for ȝow, do ȝe ſiclike for me. Except onlie quhen that ȝe pas to bed, With my awm wife, howbeit that ȝe hir wed. Into my Name, and my Authoritie, Into that care ſe that ȝe faithfull be. And ſa but baid I ſall Incontinent Loup vpon hors and to the bartell went. And ſet my cors for ȝouris into the field, And ȝour actioun debait with ſpeir and ſcheild And gif that God grantis me the victorie, For to v ncus Gwyde ȝour Enemie. Without cary I ſall returne agane. And ȝe ſichke ur Court for to remane. As ȝe had done the principall act ȝour ſell, Sa with honour in Court ſtill ſall ȝe dwell. This being done Alexander tuck gude nicht, Latting na wit vnto his Ladie bricht. Vnto the Court fra hand tuik his Jornay, Ha man knawing the mater hot thay tway. Sa Lodwik baid at hame, ſtill with the Quene Into Egypt, as Alexander ic had bene. And on the morne Lodwik with noueltie. Paſt to the Kirk in greit ſolen pnitie. As it had bene Alexander the King. And ſponſit his wife at the Kirk with ane King Na man knawing bot Alexander it had bene, That had ſpouſit with greit honour the Quene And held the Feiſt with mirth and mirr us, Greit honour, gloir, triumph laude & blyuhnes All menſtralie of Muſick was yair thair. Wantit nathing of nurth quhat wald ȝe mair Of meit and drink it neidis not for to ſperk, That neidfull was thair was nathing to ſeik. All the greit Lords and Nobills that was pair Thay maid greit mirth and ſolace ſuigulair, Sine quhen nicht come all men bow •• t to reſt To ga to bed the brpde ſcho thocht it beſt. Bot quhen Lodwik paſt to bed with the quene Aue naikit ſword he laid thame ewa betwene. Ouhairof ſcho had ane greit meruell & wonder On the firſt nicht, that thay ſuld ly aſonder. Sa he Ilk nicht with the Quene did remane, Hir bedfellow quhill hir king come agane. Nathing ſcho ſaid, bot ȝit mekill ſcho thocht, Be the reſſoun the treuth that ſcho knew nocht. Now let Lodwik and the Quene byde at hame And we wil ſpeik of Alexanders fame. Thau come belyue the day of Tornament, Alexander to the Empreour he went. And ſaid O maiſt redoutit Soueraue, Vnto ȝour grace now I am cum agane: Left my Father in greit Infirmitie, Douting nathing bot ſchortlie he ſall die. And to debait this battell with my blude, And with my handis my querrell to mak gude For Godwilling to all it ſalbe kend, That I Juſtlie my querrell ſall def nd. The Empreour ſaid ȝe do all that ȝe can, According to ane Nobill gentill man. And beleue gif ȝour querrell be richt, Ze ſall triumph like ane kene cruell Knicht. Fortoun will fauour ȝour querrell and actioun. Nowbeit ȝe fecht contrair ane Campioun. Than quyethe he paſt in vnder cure, To Florentine the hie gait fordwart fure. Of quhais cūming ſcho was richt wāder glaid Scho him Imbraiſt, ſiue kiſt and efter ſaid: Bliſt be the time that ȝe ar cūmin heir, Fra all dolour to mirth hes changeit my cheir. Ze ar als welcum to me now ȝour allaue, As ony man on life excepting ane. For ay with me ȝe tnik ſa trew ane part, Quod he Ladie I thank ȝow with my hart. Quhair is Lodwik, I pray ȝow to me ſchaw, And how he dois, I waid ȝe leit me knaw. He ſaid Lodwik was into greit Uyichnes, In mirth and Joy, and in greit mirrines: Thair is na man leuis in mait luſtie life, For he hes now maryit ane gay ȝoung wife. Maryit (ſaid ſcho) I think that can not be, It is for treuth forſuith Madame ſaid he. Euin on the morne efter I tuik veyage, It was aſſignit the day of Mariage. The Banker was prepairit richt weill I ken, And callit thairto was mony Nobill men. All thing was dreſt, thair was na mair ado, Bot on the morne the Kirk for to ga to. The Ladie ſaid quhat woman may that be, He ſaid forſuith ſcho is ane gay Ladie. Luſtie of lufe, richt bounteous and fair, Of that countrie ſcho is appeirand Air. Ouod Florentine ſchort kindnes thair hes bene Or ellis auld lufe that hes bene thame betwene Bot gif ſic thing that Lodwik now hes wrocht Zour cūming heir I think it is for nocht. Hir countenance to keip bad fill the cop. How beit I trow ſcho liſt not drink ane droy. Than Alexander perſauing hir patience, Hir lawlynes, and gentill countenauce. Na langer he waid hald hir into noy Bot turnit hir ſturt Jucontinent to Joy. Ouod he Ladie be blyith and mak na cair, All he hes done is done for ȝour weilfair. Ze knaw richt weill is nane in warld mair lyke In all raſſouns nor I am to Lodwyk. Sa quhen he come and tald me his crand, 〈…〉 ou the morne my brydail ſuid haue ſtand And be reſſoun I culd not keip dyet, Nor ȝit to byde the day of brydall ſet. Becaus on him ſa ſtrangelie come the cace, Kindnes cauſit me to put him in my place. Sa I cauſit him in my place for to pas, Na man knawing bot the ſame man I was. And wed my wife as it had bene my ſell, And I to tak the chance of the bartell, For gif that I quhill the brydall was done Had biddin at hame, I had not cum ſa ſone To the fixt day of barteil that was ſet, Zit than I thocht my brydall ſuld not let. Sa I him left in my Realme to be King. Quhill I returnem, and ȝow to honour bring. Gif ſcho was blyith it neidis not for to talk, He tuik his leif, and to Chalmer did walk. Bot Florencine thair was nane that culd tell, Of verray treuth bot it was Lodwiks ſell. ¶ Sa on the morne the day of battell was, And Alexander vnto the feild can pas. Into ſit geir as than to him effeixit, And on his ſteid ſa ſtouthe he him ſteirit. Sine ch •• t doun like ane kene cruell Knicht, To the Empreour the hie way raikit richt. Befoir Gwydo 〈◊〉 wordis to him he ſaid. My greit Souerane ane crime is on me laid Be this Gwydo, falſhe befoir ȝour face, He me accuſit befoir ȝour Nobill grace. Saping that I had carnall knawledgeing Of ȝour douchter, and hir fleſche defouling, Quhilk to ȝour grace it war greit diſhonour, And I ſiclyke to ȝow ane greit Tratour. Bot heir I ſweir and als affirmes ſurelie, Be the greit God that bled his blude for me. Be the Euangells that our Sauiour ſpak, And all the michts that God in warld did mak That I neuer in na maner of way, Knew ȝour Douchter, as Gwydo did ȝow ſay. My mynd was not to do hir diſhonour, Into na way, to ȝour grace diſpleſour. And I this day be help of Goddis grac , Vpon Gwydo, ſall preif befoir ȝour face, That he hes leid, in diſpyte of his hart, And all his kin, and quha will tak his part. Than ſaid Gwydo, ȝit I ſay anis agane, Befoir ȝour grace, thow art a Tratour plane. And als I ſweir be God Omnipotent, With thy awin fleſche his Douchter thow hes ſchent. To thy pleſonr, and thy foull appetyte, Ay quhen thow lyft, or thairin had delyte. Euerilk nicht had hir at thy pleſour, Quhilk was to hir greit ſchame and diſhonour. And als vnto the Empreours Maieſtie, Oppin treſſoun, quhilk I ſall preif on the. Vpon thy heid, in contrair all thy kin, Cum and defend, gif thow wald worſchip win. Than Heralds cryit with loud voce hie on hich Ga togidder, we pray God ſchaw the richt. Incontinent thay ſtendit on thair ſteids, Lyke vailȝeant men, into thair weirlyke weids. As twa bald Bairs, togidder baith thay ran Ilk ane was lyke to ding doun hors and man. S e rs ſprang like ſparks as fyre dois of y flyne Thair docht na man Indure pair doutſum dyne Quhē ſpeirs was pair pair ſchynig ſwords drew Quhill plau and maul all into flenders flew. thair ſwords na ſwag quhil pair ſteids ſwat at ſyds the giltin ſpurs y heual ſkin throw glyds Froith ran fra fronts of the f irs forſie ſteids, Quhill hors and man baith at the baſnet bleids. Styf ſtraiks th ſtryke of vthers ſtude nane aw Quhill Alexander at laſt ane wantage ſaw. On Gwydois nek ane nakit place he ſpyis, Quhair at gu 〈…〉 ſpeid he ſtryks twyſe or thrpis. Quhill at the laſt, thair at he ſtraik ſa lang, All the harnes was thair away he dang. And thairefter but ouy mair delay, He put Gwydo intill ane feirfull fray. Gwydo that ſeis, agane vpon him ſetts Of his Gorget ane buckill or twa he fretts. And ſtraik his Gorget doun vpon his breiſt, Alexander ane vther ſtraik waillit neiſt: Vpon his nek quhilk he perſauit was bair. With all his ſtrenth ane ſtraik he laid on thair. Quhill baith thair ſteids ſtakkerit at the ſtound And Gwydois held it hoppit on the ground. Syne lychtit doun and tuke it in his hand, To the Lady it ſend into preſand. Quhair of ſcho was richt wōder blyth and glaid To hir Father the ſame ſcho bure and ſaid. Father behald, the held quhilk vpon me, Sa falſlie leid, ſic feid vnfaithfullie. Quhilk ȝow and me at his power defamit Bot the blameles him ſelf hes maid vnblami . The Empreour ſaid the vailȝeand victorie Be Lodwik wrocht, is now ſcha win patentlie And ſaid Lodwik it may be hard and ſene, Beleuing weill that Lodwik it had bene. For ȝe haue ſaift this day fra ſchame and ſkaith Zour awin honour, & als my douchters baith. And fra thine furth the mair ay ſall ȝe ſtand, In my fauour. I hecht ȝow be my hand. And heirefter quha euer dois ȝow defame, In that behalf, he ſall Incur my blame. And at my hand ſalbe accuſit of crime, That ſit thing talkis of ȝow in ony time. Than Alexander ſaid vnto the Empreour, The victorie is ay at Goddis pleſour. Quha traiſtis in him na way he will thē wrak Nor thair Juſt caus he will not thraw abak. Bot will alwayis defend the Innocent, And will not thoill the ſaikles to be ſchent. Sen he hes ſend to me the victorie, Thanks euer mair to him alanerlie. Bot now my maiſt redoutit Lord and King, Humblie ȝour grace I require of a thing. Fra my Father quhen I laſt did depart, He was ſa vext with ſeiknes at his hart, That we beleuit nathing bot ſtandand deid And now this cace as ȝe knaw come on heid That I micht not at that time weill remane Now I wald haue licence to pas agane. To vnderſtand in quhat ſtait all thing ſtandis And thairefter to put reule in my landis. And gif he be of ſeiknes conuoleſt, Quhill I returne I ſall tak lytill reſt. The Empreour ſaid ȝour langage liks me weill Bot I wald not, ſa mot my ſaull haue ſeill: Want ȝour ſeruice, nor ȝour daylie preſence Zit not the les I grant ȝow gude licence. For ſic effairis as ȝe haue ſchawin to me, To pas agane into ȝour awin countrie. Than he tuik leif, and bad Ilk ane gude nicht To his awin Realme raid haine y gait ful richt In this meane tune Lodwik he thocht greit lāg To luik abont, to the wall heid did gang. And perſauit ane hors man cūming faſt, Sine Alexander he knew weill at the laſt. Quhome quhen he ſaw he was baith blyth and glaid, And hartfullie reſſauit him and ſaid. O maiſt trew freind, of all my freinds on liue, Quhais greit kindnes my wittis tā not diſcriu Ze ar welcum ſa far heir as I may How haue ȝe done, and ſped in ȝour Jornay: Or quhat kin end that ȝe haue brocht it to, Quod he Lodwik now ȝe haue les ado. Nor of befoir, for Gwydo is departit, Thairfoir be blyith and wonder mirrie hartit. I wait I ſend his heid to Florentine To hir Father ſcho it preſentit ſine. Thairfoir ga ȝe vnto the Empreour, For now ȝe ſtand far mair in his fauour: Nor euer ȝe did befoir in ony time, And als ȝe ar maid clene of all kin crime. That Gwydo laid vpon ȝone fair Ladie Tuitching hir fame and ȝour awin honeſtie. Than ſaid Lodwik it neidis me ſay no moir, My life oft times ȝe haue preſeruit befoir. And now my life and als my honeſtie, Siclike preſeruit the fame of ane Ladie. Quhilk be na way I caan not recompence. Bot quhill I leif, all the beneuolence Of my hart rute ȝe ſalbe euer ſure. Sa lang as I into this lyfe Indure: Togidder als with all my Gold and geir, Sa lang as I on lyfe is liſtand heir Than thay Imbraiſt, at vthers tuik gude nicht And Lodwyk raid vnto the Empreour richt. Na man knawing Alexanders abſence. For all his Court beleuit his awin preſence. Siclyke this Quene, nathing the mater knew, For na man was, that ſic thing to hir ſchew. Syne quhen nicht come, Alexandee him ſp d, Without tary vnto the Quenis bed. Sone in his armis he hynt hir in all haiſt, With fair ſweit wordis richt tenderlie Imbraiſt With all pleſure that thairto did pertene, Or into bed ane King do to ane Quene. Quod ſcho quhairfoir ſen firſt ȝe did me wed, And euerie nicht I lay into ȝour bed. Ze neuer ſchew lufe nor kindnes to me, Nor na freindſchip quhil now how may yis be For I beleue ȝe had Judgeit ſum crime, In my contrair, quhilk neuer in my time I committit vnto ȝour Nobill grace, Quhairof I am aſtoneiſt in thes cace. Out of my minde it can not weill depart. Bot ſtill remane at the riutis of my hart. Quod he thairat quhy at ȝe diſcontent, All that I did was doue in gude Intent. In gude Intent (quod ſcho) thair I ſay nay, For eueri nicht ȝe laid betui vs tway Ane aikit ſword, and neuer cou t moir Of my perſoun, and knew na caus quhairfoir. I did all that (ſaid he) for probatioun, And als of lufe ane greit confirmatioun: Betuix vs twa of euerlaſting lufe, On ſic ane ſort I thocht I wald ȝow prufe. In all my dayis ȝe ſall not find agane, Ane naikit ſword in bed betui vs twane. Zit not the les the Quene ſaid in hir thocht, In all my dayis forȝet it ſall I nocht. That lufe thow trowis for to obtene of me, In thy diſpite I ſall it wraik on the. Zit nocht ſcho ſaid, bot thocht it in hir minde, How ſcho micht turne hir lufe in vther kinde. Thair was ane Knicht that ſcho lude of befoir. And fra thine furth ſcho lude him moir & moir. At laſt thay twa bethocht thaine of ane thing, How thay micht beſt ſla and diſtroy the King. Betuix thame twa ane conſait ſone thay fand, Gaue him poyſoū, and thocht that he fra hand Suld be bot deid, and ȝit his complextioun It was ſa ſtark, it tuik na Infectioun In his entrales, bot brak furth fra his hart, Into the fleſche, and ſchew the ſelf outwart. Sa be wirking within ane ſchort proces, It was conuert in vther ſair ſeiknes. Vncurabill ay haldin amang vs, And turnit intill ane Lipper Lazarus. Quhill that na man with patience micht him ſe And all his Lordis diſpyſit his companie. Saying it is ane thing richt odius, Ane laith Lipper for to King aboue vs. For all his barnis, and all his haill ofſpri g, Withouttin faill ſall haue the ſamin thing. And fa at ſchort him of all digritie, Thay quite denude, for his Infirmitie. Out of his Realme as ane beggar him draif, Quhill he behude to beg amang the laif. In this meane time of Rome the Empreour. Payit his dew det, quhairof was greit dolour. Quha was Father to Florentine ſa fair, Of the Impire ſcho was appeirand Air. And with auiſe of his counſall did wed, Lodwik hir lufe, and brocht him to hir bed. Quhairthrow he was maid principal empreour And ga the Croun thairof with greit honour. In the ſame •• me of France the Nobill King, Lodwiks Father in likewiſe maid ending. And payit his det as naturall cours him gaue, As dois all thing that euer did life reſſaue. And ſa Lodwik come Empreour throw chance Siclike he was the michtie King of France. Aboue thame baith atanis ſa did he King, And baith atanis he had in gouerning. Than Alexander quha was laitlie depoſit, Fra his Kingdome the quhilk he ſuld haue Joſit Hard tell for treuth Lodwik was Empreour, And King of France and thairof poſſeſſour. Vnto him ſelf he ſaid and tuik in minde, I will ga ſe gif that Lodwik be kinde. For diuers times I haue Jeopard my life, Baith for him ſelf, and ſiclike for his wife. Now will I go and till him mak my mane. He will me help I am ſure and certane. Sa on ane nicht Alexander vprais, And as he micht, purelie put on his clais. And ſteppi furth with his ſtaf in his hand. With cop and clapper vnto the Empreours lād Quhen he come thair he ſat doun at his ȝet. Amang the lipper ſum Almous for to get. The Empreour come furth vpon ane day, Of his Palice to ſport him and to play. Efter his play agane to Palice paſt, And to dennar Ilk ane thay bownit faſt. All the Lipper thay clappit and thay cryit, Bot at that time all Almous was denyit, And Alexander clappit as did the reſt, Thocht thay ga nocht to bide ȝit he thocht beſt Vnto the time the Empreour was ſet, Beleuing weill ſum Almous for to get. And vp he rais, and neir the ȝet he went, Thairat knokit with meik minde and Intent. The porterſaid quhais that that knoks ſa bald Quod he ane pure with ȝow ſum erand wald. Requiring ȝow for lufe and cheritie That ȝe will do ſum ſmall meſſage for me. The Porter ſaid quhome to is that meſſage, Few is heirin of quhome ȝe haue knawledge. Alexander ſaid, gude freind with ȝour pleſour, My erand is vnto the Empreour. The Porter ſaid dois ȝour erand pertene To the Empreour, I wait not quhat ȝe mene. Schaw me the mater and quhat is ȝour Intent And I ſall tell ȝour taill Incontinent. He ſaid I ȝow require for Goddis lufe, And for his ſaik that ſittis in heuin abufe: Ga ȝe and cell vnto the Empreour, Ane man is heir in ſeiknes and dolour. Ane ſaith Lipper, ane Lazarus ȝe ſe, Requiris his grace for part of Cheritie. For Goddis lufe that treat hes all thing, And Alexanders ſaik of Egypt King. That he will grant me licence in his hall, To it his meit befoir his Nobillis all. The Porter ſaid I wonder of ȝour wit, Within his hall that ȝe deſire to ſit. For all his hall of Noball men is f w, And thay at meit forſuith gif thay ſaw ȝow: Thay ſuld abhor, and ei that time no moir, I think it beſt ȝe hald ȝow ſtill thairfoir. Quod Alexander I pray ȝow of gudnes, For Goddis ſaik, and of ȝour gentilnes. To ȝour Maiſter ȝe wald ſchaw my Meſſage Get I almous ȝe ſall not want ȝour wage. The Porter ſaid, ſa far as ȝe require, For Goddis ſaik, and hartlie ȝe deſire. Zour erand do, the ſame I tak on hand, Quhill I returne, ſe ſtill heir that ȝe ſtand. Than the Porter paſt to the Empreour, And hailſit him with reuerence and honour. Did his Meſſage as he had gottin command The Empreour hard, and vnderſtude fra hand And quhen he hard namit Alexander King, Quod he in haiſt that man to me ȝe bring. How horribill or vgſum that he be, In all gude haiſt ȝe fetche him heir to me. That he may eit his meit into my hall. In my preſence befoir my Lordis all. Than the Porter vnto the ȝet is gone, And Alexander he brocht to hall anone. And ordanit him into the hall ane place, Quhair he micht eit befoir the Empreours face Quhen he was weill refreſchit at his awin wil Ane gentill man belyue he callit him till. And ſaid gude Schir, require the Empreour, Gif that it be his will and his pleſour: For Goddis lufe firſt and king Alexanders ſine He wald me giue ane Coup full of his wine. The gentill man ſaid that I will do to the, Bot I beleue that ſic thing ſall not be. For gif ȝe anis of his Coup tak ane drink, To drink thairm he ſall na mair I think. Zit nor the les the erand I ſall do, Auiſe him ſelf gif he cunſentis thairto. The Meſſage than to the Empreour he ſchew, And als ſa ſone as he the erand knew: For Alexanders ſaik the Coup he ſend Full of the wine that for the beſt was kend. Drank his pleſure and ſine be put the reſt In his Bottall, that time he thocht it beſt. Of his finger ane ſmall gold Ring he threw, Quhilk the Empreour lang time befoir he knew Becaus the ſame he had him geuin befoir, In takin of lufe and freindſchip euer moir. Quhilk Alexander into the Coup leit fall, And bad the copper beir it vp throw the hall: To the Empreour, and the ſame leit him ſe, Quh ſaid my freind, I ſall it do trewlie. The Coup and Ring withouttin proces mair To the Empreour the copper ſone it bair. The Empreour than how ſone the Ring he ſaw Incontinent full weill he did it knaw. And wiſt richt weill it was the ſamin King, That he had geum to Alexander King. Into freindſchip quhen ather did depart, Out of the Court, quhair of he at his hart: Was ſorrowfull, for he knew na remeid, Bot Alexander his companioun was deid. Or ellis he thocht this pure man meruellouslie, Had gottin this Ring at ſum greit Jeopardie. He commandit the Lipper not depart Quhill he had hard mair ſecreitis of his hart. For he not knew be fauour na vther thing. Quhat man it was that had ſend him y Ring. Efter denuar he tuik him quyetlie, And ſaid tell me the treuth and veritie: And fenȝe not to tell to me this thing, Quh , quhair & how happinnit ȝe on this Ring Alexander ſaid, and pleis ȝour Maieſtie, Quhat is the caus ȝe ſpeir ſic thing at me? Ze haue knawledge of this King I perſaue, Gif it was ȝours, ȝe knaw quhair ȝe it gaue. The Empreour ſaid richt wonder weil I knaw The King and man ſiclike gif I him ſaw. Alexander ſaid I meruell that can be, Ze knaw the Ring, and na way knaw is me. For Alexander I am of Egypt King, Sum time I was quhome to ȝe gaue this Ring Quhen he that hard to his hart ſtraik ane ſtoūd For verray ſturt fell •• a lings to the ground. And rent his r bbis, and keſt his clais him 〈◊〉 . Quhen he perſauit Alexander was ſa. With ſai ſichingis and ſobbings to him ſaid, My deir fellow how is this on ȝow laid. Sic ſair ſeiknes, and greit Infirmitie, My hart it brekis ſic thing on ȝow to ſe. Ze ar my life, my ſaull and my weilfair, My onlie freind and fellow but compair. Quhair is ȝour cors that was ſa clenelie cled, Zour bauld bodie that was ſa finelie fed, Zour puiſſant pith that was ſa ſtout Zour māly ſtrenth, quhairof Ilk man had dout Quod Alexander this greit Infirmitie, And vnclenes that ȝe ſe now on me: For the greit faith, trew kindnes & freindſchip That ȝe ſchew quhen I left ȝow in Egypt: To wed my wife, thair ȝour fidelitie Cauſit this ſeiknes ſa to chance vpon me. For into bed, with my wife quhen ȝe lay, Ane naikit ſword ȝe laid betuix ȝow tway Scho beleuing it was not ȝe bot I, Sa fremmitlie with hir in bed culd ly. And for that caus had me at ſic haitrent, Ane vther Squyer ſcho cheiſit in luferent. Betuix thame twa purpoſit to poyſoun me, Quhilk is conuert in this Infirmitie. Furth of my realme yai haue me dreuin & chaiſt And to returne thairto I haue na traiſt. The Empreour than tuik him about the nek, For verray lufe, and ſaid in this effeck. O my maiſt beſt belouit trew brother, Quhome euer mair I lude abone all vther. I ſorrow ſair in ſic ſort ȝow to ſe, Without remeid maiſterit in miſerie. Bot ȝe mon thoill and tak in patience, And gif thair may be found ony defence: Help or remeid that may ȝour ſeiknes ſaue, For gold or geir, but dout ȝe ſall it haue. We ſall not faill to fetche fine Phiſitians, With tūning Clerkis, and perfite practicians, Nor ȝit ſall mis for mony Medicinars, Nor for payment to preif all Potingars. With counſallis of Maiſters and doctours fine For all ſeiknes that can giue Medicine. Into this neid gif than can ȝow ſ pp ••• , It ſall not want for gold, geir nor monie. To get ȝow help we ſall not ſpair to ſpend, Thocht we ſuld ſeik vnto the warldis nd. Thairfoir be blyth, and tak nathing in thocht Throw all the warld ȝour help it ſalbe ſocht. Except ȝour helth heir nathing ȝe ſall want, Quhen pleſis God he will that to ȝow grant. To ane Chalmer belyue thay culd him bring, Was weill preparit, wanting na kind of thing Of honeſtie, nor ȝit was neceſſair For eis or helth, quhair his bed was and lair In this meane time the Empreour gart prepair His Meſſingers to pas and ſeik all quhair. Cūning Doctouris, and Phiſitians profound That was expert in ony land or ground. Of quhome thair come to him in oulkis thre, Threttie Doctouris cunning in all degre. The maiſt expert, and had experience, In ſic effairis, belanging that Science. Of ſure ſupplie pertening Phiſick fine, And was extollit Maiſters in Medicine. To quhome anone the Empreour than ſaid, Of ȝour cūming Maiſters I am richt glaid. This is the cace quhy I ſend to ȝow all, I haue ane freind the quhilk lyis ſeik and thrall Uncurabill, quhilk onlie I ſuſpect, As is Lipper, quhairwith he is Jufect. Quhairof gif ȝe culd mak him haill and ſound, I wald giue gold mony ane thouſand pound. All the riches I haue and vther geir, I 〈◊〉 it giue to haue him haill and feir. The Maiſteris ſaid we ſall do diligence, B 〈◊〉 , Phiſick, and naturall ſcience: Togidder with all poſſibilitie, Him to recure of his Infirmitie. Pleiſit ȝour grace ȝe mon vs all pardoun, We mon haue ſicht of the principall perſonn. Quhilk all thret ie at anis quhen thay him ſaw Incontinent his ſeiknes thay did knaw. And ſaid it was ane ſeiknes vncurabill, And to remeid to mortall man not abill. Quhen the Empreour hard thame deliuer ſo, At his hart rute he was richt wonder wo. Remittie all to the help and calling Of God abufe, that can help all ſic thing. The Empreour callit to him godlie men, Furth of all partis, quhair that he culd thē ken, That war deuoit with minde & thocht Inwart Deſiring thame richt humblie with his hart: That thay wald pray to God of his gude grace Throw thair prayer gif thay culd helth purches To Alexāder quhilk was ane King with croun, Be thair faſting, and als deuotioun. And als him ſelf faſtit and prayit daylie That God micht haue of his gude freind pietie Vpon a day Alexander alone, Lying in bed, in hart all wo begone. Praying to God for ſum help and ſupplie, He hard ane voice ſaying to him on hie. Alexander gif that the Empreour, Deſiris thy helth, thy help and thy ſuccour: Let him gaſone with his awin handis twa, His twa ȝoung ſonnis Incontinent he ſla. The quhilks his wife at au burding th b i , At the laſt time ſcho was in Childbedlair. Weſche thy bodie with the twa babei blude, Thy fleſche ſalbe als fair, als clene, als gude. As euer it was in ony time beforne, Or as the fleſche of ane babie new borne. Alexander hard, and this ſaid to him ſell. I think it not neidfull this taill to tell. Nor to be ſchawin is not expedient, Nature thairto be na way will conſent. Na wonder war his hart for to be wa, For ane ſtranger his awin twa ſonnis ſla. Thocht I be now in ſic extremitie, Sic ane vane voce ſall not be ſchawin for me. Zit not the les the Empreour nicht and day Continuallie at his deuotioun lay: Praying to God to ſend help and ſupplie, To Alexander King of Egypt ſuld be. Sa at the laſt come to the Empreour, Ane voce ſaying quhy makis thow mair labour For to get help to Alexander King, Sen to him ſelf is ſchawin the ſamin thing. The Empreour than to Alexander went, Saying be blyith and mirrie in Intent. O my gude freind, ſen God of his gudnes, Hes ſchawin remeid and helth for ȝour ſeiknes Unto ȝour ſelf alone ſa ſecreitlie, I pray ȝow ſchaw quhat faſſoun it ſalbe. God is remeid for all vpon him cawis, To thame ſupplie in ſindrie ſort he ſchawis. And ſen ſa is, ſic ſecreitis hes ȝow ſchawin, I wald the ſame ȝe ſa mak to me knawin. To get ȝour helth gif I micht help thairin. And to weilfair agane we micht ȝow win. I cure na Gold, nor counts na warldlie geir, Sa I agane micht haue ȝow haill and feir. I count na coiſt, nor ȝit na vther thing. Sa ȝow agane to helth it micht ȝow bring. Hele not ȝour mynd into na ſort fra me, In ony thing that may ȝour helth ſupple. For micht I deill ȝour ſeiknes into thre, Ze ſuld not haue ſa greit Infirmitie. My wyfe and ȝe the twa part ȝe ſuld haue, And the thrid part, my ſelf it ſuld reſſaue. Knew I as ȝe, quhair ȝe may haue ſupport, It to reſſaue, the tyme ſuld be richt ſchort, Thairfoir feir not for to tell me the treuth, To help ȝour ſelf, ſe na way ȝa be ſleuth. Than Alexander anſwerit with mynd ſa meik, Howbeit that I fyftene tymes war mair ſeik: And at the poynt of the maiſt cruell deid. I can not ſchaw the caus of my remeid. Nor I wald not that ſic ane thing war ſchawin Nor I wald not to ony mak it knawin. For to be ſchawin it is ſa odious, And to nature ſa done contrarious. In to this caſe ȝe mon hald me excuſit, To haue my helth, ſic way quyte I refuſe it. The Empreour ſaid my onlie freind and brother Quhome with my hart I lufe abone all vther. Haue me in traiſt, haue me in na diſpair, Bot the haill treuth I pray ȝow me declair. The thing is not poſſibill to be done, Zow for to cure, bot it ſalbe had ſone. Thairfoir I ȝow requyre of brother heid, Hyde not fra me, that may be ȝour remeid. Alexander ſaid, ſen euin ſa is ȝour will. The haill faſſoun I will declair ȝow till. With hartlie minde, hūblie praying ȝour grace Sen ȝour will is, that I ſchaw ȝow the cace: That ȝe will tak my wordis in patience, And pardoun me quhair that I mak offence. For ȝe will think my wordis far by reſſoun, N id war thairfoir ȝour grace grant me pardo •• Wit and reſſoun my talk will baith Impoung Beſt war thairfoir in time to hald my toung. The Empreour ſaid for his ſaik that ȝow bocht Withouttin feir ſchaw me ȝour minde & thocht Ze ſall me find to ȝow trew and conſtant, And ȝow to helth, thair is nocht ȝe ſall want. Thairfoir ſchaw furth ȝour minde gif it ȝow pleis For ȝe ſall ſay nathing ſall me diſeis. Alexander ſaid I will pleis ȝour Intent, As it was ſchawin to me in verament. Zit anis agane ȝour grace I will proteſt. That my ſchairp wordis ȝour minde nathing, moleſt Be ane greit voice it was to me reuelit, Be ane ſtrange way, how that I may be halit. Zour awin twa ſonnis ȝour ſelf thame for to ſla. And my bodie weſche with the blude of tha. This is the way quhairthrow I mon, be haill. Quhilk is ane thing to ȝow vnnaturall: That the Father his awin twa ſonnis ſuld keil With his twa handis, for ony ſtrangers weill. And is contrair the cours of naturall Law. This was the caus ſic thing I durſt not ſchaw The Empreour ſaid ȝe faill far to me thair, That callis ȝour ſelf to be heir ane ſtrangair. For in trew faith, and ſa my ſaull haue ſeill, As my awin ſelf I lufe ȝow euin als weill, For gif I had ten barnis perchance and ma, To get ȝour helth, thair ſuld not ane of tha Sone he unſlane, I ſchorthe ȝow dec air. Of 〈◊〉 now we will ſpeik na mair. Ga ȝe to eſt and mak na in air ado. With help of God all to gude ſall cum to. The Empreour he wa •• tit day and nicht, And watchit about quhat time yat he beſt micht Cum to his chak, his awin twa ſonnis to ſla, Sa on ane day the Emprice furth culd ga 〈◊〉 th hir Ladeis airlie in ane morning, T tak paſtune into ane grene garding. The Empreour ſaw, and to Chalmer him ſped Quhair the twa babis lay ſleipand in thair bed Incontinent his quhinȝear furth he drew With his twa hands his awin twa ſonnis ſlew Euttit thair throttis, and ſine keppit the blude, How be it the ſame contrair his hart it ſtude. Na meruell was how be it hart was wo. He thame begat, and was his children two. Sine with that blude, Alexander did weſche, With his awin hands, all his body and fleſche. Quhilk was als fair Incontinent and clene, As ony time befoir had euer bene. And als gude lyke in parſoun and viſage, As quhen he was bot twentie ȝeir of age. The Empreour than knew weill be his cullour, Be his faſſoun, his face and portratour. It was but dout Alexander trewlie, Quhairof in hart richt wonder blyth was he. For of befoir he knew bot this and ſo, Quhider gif it wes Alexander or no. Bot doutles Alexander he knew, Without diſpair it was Alexander trew. Kiſt him and ſaid, O my gude tender freind, Sen firſt we knew and euer mair hes bene. Of ȝour perſoun now I haue gude knawledg , Of ȝour fauour ȝour fax and ȝour viſage. Quhilk mony time I delytit to ſe, To eit and drink and be in companie. Blyſt be the time, ſic childring I begat, That hes ȝow brocht to the ſtair ȝe ar at. Bot ȝit nane wiſt that the Childring was ſlan , Bot Alexander, and the Empreour allane. The Empreour ſaid, ſen God of his gudnes, Hes maid ȝow haill of all ȝour ſair ſerknes. I ſall ordane for ȝow richt quyetlie, To pas ane ſpace ane honeſt companie. Out fra this place bot aucht or myles ten. To that effect, that nane heir ſall ȝow ken. And on the morne ȝe ſall ſend me meſſage, Of ȝour cūming, making to me knowledge. Than ſall I cum with blyth and merie ſpreit, Into all haiſt, caſt me ȝow for to meit. Than ſtill with me alwayis ȝe ſall remane, Quhill we auiſe to get ȝour Realme agane. Of this counſall Alexander was content, As thay talkit, was done Incontiuent, On the nirt day come to the Empreour. Ane Meſſinger, quha hailſit him with honour. Schawing to him, as he had gottin command King Alexander of Egypt was at hand The emprice hard and was riche wonder glaid To the Empreour ſcho haiſtit hir and ſaid. O my gude Lord, be blyth and mak gude their, King Alexander thay ſay is cūming heir. Quhome with we oft in greit blpthnes his b u This mony day by gane hes not him ſene. And wald ȝour grace be ſa gude to mak gai Him for to ineit, he wald be blyth I wait. I and my Ladeis into our beſt array Sall pas with ȝow, and meit him be the way. This being done, as ȝit nathing ſcho knew That the Father his awin twa ſonnis ſlew. The Emprrour ſaid, gif that it be ȝour will, That Jik Jornay blythlie I will ga till. Than raid thay furth ane honeſt companie, Lords, Knichts, Ladeis, with greit ſolempniti And as thay raid ſa Royallie throw the ſtreit, In the midway king Alexander culd meit. Quha hailſit vther with all humilitie, With laude & gloir and honour that micht be. Thair was kindnes & thair was greit kiſſing, Thair was blythnes, yair was in armes braſig Thair was kneilling, and thair was courtaſi With reuerence and greit ſolemynitie. Efter talking with gude and trew Intent, All togidder vnto the Palice went. Quhair that he was reſſauit with blythnes, With greit honour, with Joy and mirrines. Time come of meit, all was at Tabill ſet, Nathing wantit that neidfull was to get. Alexander was fet at the hie deis, With the Emprice, and the Empreour at meis. As thay war talking into mirrines, The Empreour ſaid to his awin Empres: O Florentine, my awin gude wife and lufe, I think my hart in Joy exalt abufe. That ȝe do mak king Alexander ſic their, And is ſa blyth, that he is cūmin heir. Scho ſaid forſ ith culd I it better make, It ſuld be done, for Alexanders ſake. Suld not to vs his cūming be glaidnes, And in ſpeciāll to ȝow ane greit kyndnes. For ȝe had not cum to this Dignitie, Quhair ȝe ar now, forſuith had not bene he. And diuers tymes als he hes ſauit ȝour lyfe, And was principall, that gat me to ȝour wyfe. The Empreour ſaid, ȝour wit weill I allow. That thinks on thame that was ſa gude to ȝow Than I pray ȝow tak gude heid quhat I ſay, Into this hall ſaw ȝe not the laſt day, Ane ſaith Lipper befoir our Tabill ſat. Baith meit and drink as ȝe ſaw ſum he ga . Sine for Goddis lufe, & King Alexanders ſake, Deſirit ane drink. quhilk I gart till him take. Scho ſaid my Lord that man richt weill I ſaw Ane mair vglie ȝit did I neuer knaw. The Empreour ſaid, a thing I ȝow demand, Quhilk I beleue ȝe will diſcus fra hand. I put the cace that Lipper man had bene, King Alexander that ȝe ſe with ȝour Ene. And his remeid and helth in ȝour hand lay, And with the blude of ȝour ȝoung ſonnis tway Behude for to be bathit all about, Wald ȝe not than with ane ſtyf hart and ſtout: Richt weill conſent that baith thair bludes war ſched To the Intent yat his helth micht be had Thair throtts cuttit, and do thame baith to deid Sa Alexander thair throw micht get remeid. And mak him haill, cum as ȝe ſe him now, That I w ld do (quod ſcho) God I auow: Had we ten S •• nes go tin vs twa betwene. I wald conſent to ſe thame with myne Ene: Incontinent to ſe thame deid and ſlane, Into that caſe to get his helth agane. Thay being ſlane with my power and pith, M awin twa hands ſuld weſche him weil yair with Rather than I ſuld leif him in ſic neid, I wald not cure to ſe thair throttis bleid. For God agane micht ſend him barnis a new, Bot neuer agane ane freind ſa traiſt and trew. Quhē the Empreour thir words of hir hard ſaid Into his hart he was baith blyth and glaid: And ſaid to hir gude Florentine my wife, Had ȝe rather ſaue Alexanders life: And helit of ſair nor haue ȝour ſonnis leuand, Trewlie (quod ſcho) that heir I tak on hand. Becaus thairfoir ȝe ar to him ſa kinde I will ȝow ſchaw the Inwart of my minde. The laith Lipper quhilk ſat into my haw, That I and ȝe baith eit and drink we ſaw. Scho ſaid he was maiſt Lipper Lazarous, That euer come within ane Nobillis hous. I meruellit greit quhairfoir y thing was wrocht Within ȝour hall ſic ane beirne ſuld bene brocht To ȝow I trowit it ſuld haue done offence, That ſit perſounis ſuld cum in ȝour preſence. Bot ſen ȝour grace ſufferie ſic thing to be, I was content, and weill allowit with me. The Empreour ſaid, had ȝe the treuth thā kend As I beleue, ȝe had not bene offend. Gude Florentine now I will mak ȝow ſure, Quhilk man it was that ſat on our hall flure. I will ȝow ſchaw but ony fenȝeing, Alexander it was of Egypt King. Quhilk at our Tabill now ſictis preſentlie, Quod ſcho my Lord I think that can not be. Alexander that now ſittis at our Tabill, That is ane thing not liklie to be abill. For Alexander that ſittis heir preſentlie, Is haill and feir, pleſand to luik and ſe. Without ſeiknes of bodie ſound and clene, Blyth of viſage, with twa fair Criſtall En . Curious of cors, ane cumlie Creature, Sa was he not that ſat into the flure. Bot of his lyre was laithlie and horribill, And had ſeiknes quhilk was vncurabill. And ſa is not now Alexander King, And I meruell ȝe ſuld ſay ſic ane thing. My hart (quod he) God hes ſend him remeid Throw me and ȝow be our ſonnis deid. My hart nor hand forſuith na aw I ſtude, To cut thair throttis, & bath him in thair blude Sa be Goddis grace h is maid haill and feir, Ane clene perſoun, as ȝe now ſe him heir. Than ſcho began to murne and to mak ſorrow As nature wald, howbeit ſcho ſaid beforrow: That ſcho had rathex ſe all hir Children deid, Into that cace, or he wantit remeid. Zit not the les the naturall cours and kinde In this behalf, changeit baith thocht & minde The hartlie lufe, and motherlie pietie, Quhilk nature geuis in the Mother to be. Culd not ſuffer, nor ȝit na way ſuſtene Bot with ſair hart ſcho grat with baith hir ene And maid ſorrow, as it was na meruall, Throw kindlie cours, and als lufe naturall. The Empreour perſauit hir tak pine, To ſtanche hir ſturt ſaid O gude florentine, Thocht ȝe be wo, I can na way ȝow wite, For weill I knaw ȝe had lufe and delite: Inwart kindnes vnto ȝour ſonnes two, I can weill think that ȝour hart ſuld be wo. Zit not the les I pray ȝow ceis of ſorrow All will be weill I find ȝow God to borrow. The Nuriſis heir and of ſic tythands, For greit hart brek thay cryit & wrāg yair hāds Thay wiſt nathing quhat for to do or ſay, Paſt to Chalmer quhair that the barnis lay. Beleuing weill of na vther remeid, Bot find the barnis in thair bed lyand deid. Thay fand thē baith at thair paſtime playing In greit blyithnes, and geuing God louing. Neuer mair blyth ſen firſt hour thay war borne Nathing knawing that thair twa throtis was ſchorne The Nuriſis to the Empreour went. And how all was thay ſchew Incontinent How his twa ſonnis was leuand blyth & glaid And how about baith thair twa nekis yai had Ane cirkill of gold quhair y the knife had gane, Quhilk knife ſa ſone fra thame the life had tane Quhairthrow thair was greit mirth in y Cietie In the Palice, and all the companie. That God ſit grace to hir twa babs had grātit Thay being ſlane, thair lifes ȝit not thay wātit Quhairfoir thair was throw the cieteis & tounis Greit prayers maid with mony Oriſounis. Louing the Lord life to thir babeis lent, And grantit helth to ſeik and Impotent. Bankettis than maid with Joy and mirrines, Menſtrallis maid mirth, ceiſſit was all ſadnes. Quene Florentine ſcho bliſt that ſamin day. Scho did conſaue and beir ſic ſonnis tway. Nathing was thair the ſpace of fourtie dayis Dot al kin mieth, with blychues ſports & playis Greit tornamentis, with hardie hors rynning, Sum vther dayis wt grew houndis deir hunting This being done the Empreour did prepair Ane greit armie of manheid ſingulair; And paſt away with all thair fellowſchip With Alexander agane into Egypt. Ser him agane into his Koyaltie, In his awin Realme with greit ſolempnitie. Reſtorit him haill to all his poſſeſſiounis, With dew ſeruice of his Lordis and Barrounis That gude Jo well King Alexanders Quene In Adultrie that ſa done lang had bene. With hir luifer, quhat he was Knicht or ſquire, As thay deſeruit, was baith briut in ane fire. In this meane time y Empreour chācit to haue Ane fair ſiſter, quhome in to wife he gaue To Alexander, and fortifeit the band Of greit kindnes, quhilk euer mair did ſtand: Betuir thame twa, of hartlie minde and thocht Quhat that ane did, the other wald haue wrocht Sa Alexander being ſet doun at reſt, In his awin Realme, the Empreour thocht beſt For to returne agane to his Impire, And tuik gude mcht at thair awin hartis deſire Thay war richt wa to pairt ȝe may conſidder, Dot ȝit ay ſtill freinds may not bide togidder. Sa departit with mirrines and Joy, Alexander on gait did him conuoy. Sine efter this Alexander him dreſt, To gyde his Realme alwayis as he thocht beſt With manlines and wiſdome in him ſell, He vincuſt all contrair him did rebell. His enemeis about him all he dantit. Sa throw wiſdome of his will nocht he wantit Quhen he was in all his gloir peice and micht, Into his minde it come vpon ane nicht. How his Father in the fey did him ſling, Becaus he ſchew quhat the wilde bird did ſing. And his Mother thairto did weill conſent, Thairfoir he ſend Meſſage Incontinent. How beit thay did ane far way fra him dwell, The Meſſinger ȝit he bad to thame tell, That Alexander quhilk was King of Egypt, Wald to thame cum with ane greit fellow ſehiy. Eit and drink, and with thame mak gude their In that countrie ſum new nowellis to heir. The Meſſinger blythlie thay did reſſaue, And riche rewardis ſic ke thay to him gaue. Saying thair ſeruice at euerie tune and hour Suld be reddy at that greit Kingis pleſour. How beit thay war not worthie for ſic thing. For to reſſaue with thame ane crownit King. Zit not the les and pleis his grace to cum, With all our hartis he ſalbe richt welcum. The Meſſinger to the Empreour is went, As thay him ſaid he ſchew Incontinent. And quhat reward with blythnes yai him gaue And how blythlie the King thay ſuld reſſaue. And how reddy thay war at his command, Him for to ſerue all time at hart and hand. Quhat euer his grace gaue thame cōmandemēt Quhairof the King was blyth and weill cótent The day become the king tuik his Jornay, With diuers Lordis to pas the reddy way Quhair his Father and mother maid dwelling On knawin to thame of ony other thing: Bot he was king of Egypt and nane vther, Nor ȝit nane knew of his Father and Mother. Ercept him ſelf quha knew weill ail the race, And quhē thay drew neir hand his fathers places As thay come furth rydand in thair Jornay The Knicht his Father met him be the way. And quhen he ſaw the King cūming with croun Incoutinent of his hors lichtit doun. With all honour and all gude reuerence. Upon his kneis making obedience. And quhen he ſaw his Father tak ſic pane. He tuik him vp, and bad him ryde agane. Sa theik for cheik, to his Caſtell thay raid, Quhair thair was their wt all aboundance maid And quhen thay come vnto the Caſtell ȝet, His Mother come, and with blythnes him met. Kneilling to him, he lichtit and hir kiſt, Bot quhat he was the ſuith nathing ſcho wiſt. Scho ſaid to him ſen it pleſis ȝour grace To veſie vs at this time, and our place. Ze do to vs ȝour ſeruandis greit honour, And we blyth ar that it is ȝour pleſour. And is welcum to all that ȝe find heir, And as we may we ſall mak ȝow the cheir. The time of day drew neir all downit to dine. His Father come with ane ſiluer Baſine: With Rois watter vpon his knie kneilland, And his Mother with Cowell in hir hand. Saying meiklie, pleiſit ȝour grace to weſche, And thairefter with ſum meit ȝow refreſche. It is reddy the their we dow ȝow mak, Praying ȝour grace in patience it to tak. The King this ſaw he ſmplit and ſine he ſaid Untill him ſelf, thair is nane can auaid, Nor ſet on ſide the godlie prouidence He will haue done be his perfite prudence. The Nichtingaillis ſang now I perſaue is trew Quhilk lang ago to my Father I ſchew: Quhen that ſcho come to his windo and ſang. That thay ſuld baith be richt glaid for to gang With the Towell and Baſine in thair handis, Me for to ſerue as thay war my ſeruandis. Oif I wald thoill thame ſic thing for to do, Now the ſame thing and mater is cum to. This in him ſelf he ſaid, and na man knew, Nor to na man as ȝit ſic thing he ſchew. Sa he wald not thame thotll to do ſic thing, Howbeit that time he was ane Crownit King, Saying ſchir Knicht. I will honour ȝour age, Ze nor ȝour wife ſall do me ſic homage. It becūmis not ſic twa agit to bring, Water to weſche, howbeit I be ane King. Tak in patience, forſuth I ſay ȝow trew, For I haue heir vther ſeruandis anew. Than ſaid the Knicht to vs it war honour, Sa that it war vnto ȝour grace pleſour. Bot ſen cace is, ȝe will not thoill vs do, Be reſſoun we ar not worthie thairto. Than ſaid the King, I dude to honour age, Sic office ganis to ȝounger perſonage. Than to dennar was this gude King ſet doun, And thairefter his Lordis of greit Renoun. Quhen he was ſet he gart ſet doun his Mother On his ane ſide, his Father on the vther. Quhome Inteirlie beheld ay his viſage, Gif thay culd haue of him ony knawlege. Bot nane thay had, ſeiknes, eild and laubour, Cauſit thame miſken his faſſoun and fauour. The de nar done, the King to Chalmer went, For his Father and Mother efter ſent. Quha come to him with all obedience Randering to him ſeruice and reuerence. He commandit all perſounis pas on ſide, Nane bot the Knicht and his wife to abide. At quhais command, as he bad ſa was done, Than was the dure on thame thre cloſit ſone. Than ſaid the King to the Knicht and his wife Haue ȝe na barnis, quod thay nane vpon life. Sone nor douchter at this time haue we nane, And to get ma, we traiſt the time be gane. Than ſaid the King I ſpeir for time bygane Had ȝe ony, or had ȝe neuer ane. Than ſaid the Knicht for a ſo ne we had ane Bot it is lang ſen he was deidand gane. Than ſaid the King, in quhat deid deit he. Than ſaid the Knicht ane naturall deid trewlie Than ſaid the King be that not trew but faill, Ze fault to me, and dowbillis to me ȝour taill. Than ſaid the Knicht, ȝour grace now I require Quhat is the caus ſa feruentlie ȝe deſire, And to ſic thing quhat cauſis ȝow tak heid, With ſic effect to ſpeir efter his deid. Thā ſaid the King, without caus do I it nocht How ȝour Sone deit, ſchaw me ȝour minde and thocht. Gif ȝe will not ſchaw furth the veritie. Ane ſchameles deid but dout ȝe ſall baith die. Quhen thay y hard thay fell doū on thair knie Aſking him grace forgiuencs and mercie. Than ſaid the King, ȝit I will honour age, I couet not of ȝow ſa greit homage. I grant ȝow leif befoir me for to ſtand, And ſa he raiſt thame baith vp be the hand. To that Intent I come not in ȝour place. Zow to betrais in ony ſort or cace. For it is geuin me weill to vnderſtand Ze put ȝour ſone to deid with ȝour awin hand. And gif ſic thing cum to the Judgement, Ze will be baith condamp it Incontinent. Thairfoir to me the verray treuth ȝe ſchaw, It is danger for ſic to byde the Law. Schew me the treuth, and I ſall ſaif ȝow baith Fra all perrell, and keip ȝow fra all ſkaith. Than ſaid the Knicht, my life ſchir to me grāt Of the trew treuth ane word ȝe ſall not want. Than ſaid the King feir not the treuth to ſay, And on credence heir I ſall ſaif ȝow tway. Than ſaid the Knicht ane ſone we had trewlie, Quhilk was weill ſene in cunning and Clergie Sicker cunning he had in ſcience ſenin, In all Planetis that mouit vnder heuin. He knew the cours, and all thair ſtrāge aſpectis Thair pith power, and all thair firme affectis. All herbis and treis richt wonder weill he knew Quhat ſtrēth yai had, quhat pith, & quhat vertew Thair was na foull y euer flew wt wing, Bot he knew weill quhē pai pair ſāg wald ſing Into ſa far, thair was na herb that ſprang, He knew the pith, and als the foullis lang. Upon ane day befoir vs he culd ſtand. With Baſine, Towell, and watter in his hand In the meane time that bony foull of flicht, The Nichtingaill, at our windo did licht. Aud ſa began to ſing hir noitis gude, Weill war the man (quod I) that vnderſtude Zone ſwete ſinging & quhat the bird dois mene Quod he Father ſaȝe will not be tene: I ſuld ȝow ſchaw quhat ȝone bird ſings ſa ſweit And euerie note I ſall ȝow Interpreit. Quod I deir ſone, I pray the to me ſchaw, To ſan the ſuith of na man ſtand thow aw. Quod he Father, forſuith I tak greit feir, It ſall ȝow craib hir ſang quhen ȝe it heir. Nay, nay, (ſaid I) of that haue thow na dout, The birds ſang I pray the tell me out. Quod he ȝone bird ſcho menis into hir ſang, My Mother and ȝe ar abill to leif ſa lang, Quhill that ȝe ſtand befoir me as ſeruandis, And to be blyth hald watter to my handis. Gif that I will ȝow ſuffer ſic to do. Quod I that day thow ſall neuer cum to. And ſa at ſchort or euer I tuik reſt, I to the ſey for to drowne I him keſt. Than ſaid the King to ȝow had bene na ſkaith Unto his hands ȝe had haldin watter baith. I think it had bene to ȝow baith pleſour, That ȝour ane ſone had cum to ſic honour. Than ſaid the Knicht that ſame thing I cōfes In greit furie I did it and wodnes. W t and wiſdome was went, will was ouir mā Richt and reſſoun and reuth quyte fra meran. Sa quhen wit wants and ſtrenth of reſſoun leiſt I count a man na better nor ane beiſt. That rynnis on heid and lukis to na reſſoun And ſa did I quhen I my Sone did droun. Than ſaid the King, I think it was folie, Zow for to wyrk contrair the Maieſtie Of God alone, and his greit prouydence, His wit his will, and michtie Ordinance. Ze micht weill wit, God of his Sapience, That to ȝour Soue had ſend him ſic Science. To knaw the voce of the byrds in the Air, And it was God that cauſit hir to cum thair, To ſing that ſang, as God had hirdirectit, For in na ſort ſcho micht na way neglectit. Thairfoir lat nane the man maiſt michtieſt, Caſt him to wyrk contrair quhilk God hes dreſ For it paſſis wit power and puiſſance, To wyrk contrair his michtie Ordinance. Now ȝe ſall knaw the teuth and veritie, I am ȝour Sone quhilk ȝe keſt in the ſie. And the greit God of his ni chtie Godheid, Hes me preſeruit fra all danger of deid. And be his grace hes brocht me to this ſtait, As I am now and for me did debait. For his foirſicht na way can be doun ſmorit, Bot euer mair the ſame will be decorit. As worthie is for nane can wyrk contrair, His prouydence, that ſchairplie I declair. Than the Father and Mother heiring that, For feir and Joy fell to the eird doun flat. Quhome he cuke vp with all humilitie, Saping Father and Mother feir not me. Haue ȝe ȝa dout of all that I haue ſaid, Rather be blyth, Joyus, merie and glaid. With help of God na danger ſall ȝow deir, Quhat euer ȝe think, I pray ȝow tak na feir. Ze ſall nocht aill in geir nor in perſoun, Of all bygane, I grant ȝow plane parſoun: For ȝe ſall fynd, that my micht and weilfair, Salbe ȝour gloir, for now and euer mair, Into this lyfe, ſa lang as I Indure, I haue reſſoun, ȝe twa me gat and bure. Sa with blythnes, with hat into his hand, He kiſt thame baith, with merie hart lauchand. Than the Mother ſcho grat richt pieteouſlie, And the Father the teir fell in his Eye. Than ſaid the King, be ſtill and weip ȝe nocht, For in my Realme with blys ȝe ſalbe brocht. And with all gloir thair ſall ȝe honourit be, With all blythnes, worſchip and Diguitie: Aboue myſelf except my Kinglie Croun, Ouhilk is preſeruit bot to my awin perſoun. Sa in that place he left certane ſeruands, To reule & gyde pair rowmes pair rents & lands Tuke his Father and Mother with him hame, Quhair thay leuit ſtill in honour and gude fame All thair life tyme quhil God to deid thame breſt Gydi the Realmein Juſtice peice and reſt. Vnto the tyme cours was paſt of nature, Endit thair lyfs onlie to Godds pleſure.
¶ How the Emprice was condampnit to deid. ¶ With hir Luifer but mercie or remeid. THAN Diocleſiane ſaid to the Empreour Father this Tale I tald to ȝour pleſour, Quhilk I beleue richt weill ȝe vnderſtand, Ze euerie word (quod he) Sone I warrand. It is ane taill to be notit I ſay, Not ane better I hard this mony day. Than ſaid the Sone and pleis ȝour Maicſtie, Howbeit that God hes geuin ſic grace to me: Of wit, wiſdome, and other greit Cunning, Of diuers thingis hes lent vnderſtanding. Zit this ſuld not na way miniſche ȝour micht. Nor ȝour honour, ȝour Maieſtie and hicht. Bot rather ſuld the ſame elk and augment, Be richt, reſſoun, and equall Judgement. Sa in likewiſe the kingis gre and eſtait, Quhilk was be God onlie predeſtinait. Send be the bird, to ſing that he micht heir, Quhilk in that race was Goddis Meſſingeir. For had not bene God gaue that bird ſic grace, Scho had not ſung ſic ſinging in ſic place. The ſonnis honour, and all his dignitie, Tuik na honour fra the Father ȝe ſe. Nor to his Mother it did na hinderance Bot rather was thair honouris to auance. For as ȝe hard thay war honourit alwayis, Into his Realme, during thair life and dayis. Than ſaid agane to him the Empreour, I perſaue weill the ſonnis greit honour: Can na way pair the Fathers micht and gloir Bot rather ay to mak it moir and moir. Thairfoir I will the haill Impire reſing Into ȝour handis, and ȝe thairof be king. And gyde the ſame, and haue the reule and ſteir For I am auld, dow not ſit burding beir. Bot rather wald be ſet at reſt and eis, And ȝe the Realme to gyde as ȝe beſt pleis. For I dow not Indure ſic beſines, Be reſſoun of my eild and fevilnes. Than ſaid the ſone ſauing ȝour graces will, To that ſentence na way grant will I till. Bot ȝe ſall al haue the Authoritie, During ȝour life, euer mair abone me, To charge, command, to bid, and for to do, In all effairis, that euerpertenis ȝow to. All beſines that ar laborius, Actis and erandis, welthie and ponderus. Alwayis I will accept thame vpon me. ow for to ſerue, as is my greit dewtie. And euer ſall, the ſamin nicht and day, To ȝour pleſure, in ſa far as I may. The Empreour than commandit his Juſtice, In Judgement ſit, and do furth his office. And the Emprice in preſence to gar bring, With hir Rebald cled in wemens clothing. Quhilk nirt hir ſelf he cauſit for to ſtand, Than hir Ladeis in ordour at the nixt hand. Than Diocleſiane to the Empreour ſaid, Father ȝour Quene ȝour honour hes degraid. Ou 〈…〉 all the warld ȝe ar greit Empreour, And it pertenis to ȝour grace and honour: To do Juſtice to all the ſame deſpris, For the ſame thing ȝour Maieſtie requpris Aſweill to pure, as to the riche alway, Equall Juſtice ȝe ſuld miniſter ay. Now I deſire that ȝe giue richt ſentence, On the vntreuth, falſet and greit offence Done and alledgeit be the Emprice falſlie, Be counſall of hir lufe in contrair me. Be quhais fals meanis ſeuin times furth I was led, To the Galious to leif mp life in wed. And daylie ſtude in greit perrell of life, And all this come throw falſec of ȝour wife. Als to ȝour grace vnfaithfull ſcho hes bene Of hir bodie, not gydand like one Quene. Quhilk is weill prouen into ȝour awin preſence Be manlie ſignes, and perfite euidence. Upon the quhilks I aſk and als deſpris, Juſtice and richt, euin as the caus requpris. To ȝour Juſtice I wald ȝe gaue command, To giue ſentence but dilatouris fra hand. Quhen the Emprice hard this ſair petitioun, Upon the eird than fell ſcho flatlingis doun. At the Empreour aſkit grace and mercie. Bot in na ſort ſic thing thair culd not be, According to the Law he bad proceid, And giue ſentence conforme vnto hir deid. And bad pans weill to quhōe the deid was done Be quhome, quhē, quhair, and how lang or how ſone And thairefter to mak the puniſchement, As pleiſit the Judge to giffurth his Judgemēt. Than ſaid the Judge na way I can hir clenge For hir awin deid hir ſelf it dois reuenge. The perfite prufe of hir Rebald and knaif, Thame ſelf baith fylis, as all man map perſai And than the fault it is leis Maieſtie, Done in contrait the Crownis dignitie. Into ſa far as ſcho defoulit his bed, And his ane ſone to Gallous gart be led. Thairfoir I giue in oppin audience, And pronouncis now for extreme ſentence, That the Emprice be bound to ane hors taiſt Throw all the ſtreitis of the Cietie hir traill, Quhill ſcho cum to the place bring for to be, For hir prepairit, that euerie man may ſe, And thair with ſchame and lak to end hir life, In remembrance ſcho was ane Empreours wife And als we giue on hir Rebald ſentence, For his knaifrie, and his peruerſt offence: Contrair the Croun, merciles to be marterit, On the Rattis reum, hāgit, drawin & quarterit And ſine his fleſche furth caſſin to the cykis, To be deuorit with doggis vnder dykis. And with the foulis that fleis in the Air, The doggis leuingis to tak vp to thair ſkair. In memorie that he durſt ſic preſume, In contemptioun the greit Empreour of Rome. This ſchairp ſentence we pronounce opp 〈…〉 e, To all pepill and dois it ratifie. Makis the ſame knawin to all man patent, Aſweill abſent, as thay that ar preſent. Sa war thay baith conforme to thair offence. Done and demanit, according to ſentence. Geuin and pronoūcit than be that awful Juge Quhairfra remeid thay had nane nor refuge. Bot ſuffer deith with euerlaſting ſchame, And ay to bruik of greit harlattis the name. As worthie was, for quhy continuall ſiu, With Indurit hart, euer to ly thairm: But feir of God or ony repentence, Eauſit thame ſuffer ſic doly ſad ſentence. Howbeit that man ſic baudrie did not knaw. Zit God in heuin richt weill it hard and ſaw. For all thing is to his 〈…〉 patent 〈1 line〉 To mak ſic thing to mannis ſicht be kend. This ȝe may ſe of this Emprice the end. Praying greit God of vs to haue mercie, And hir forgiue, Amen ſa mot it be.
¶ Ane declaratioun to the Emprice efter hir deid. OFAITHLES febill fule, ô helie het hoillit hure, O poyſonit paddokis pule, ô miſchant mad Monſture Curſt catiue creature, ô Sathans ſeid all ſchent, That euer ȝit wrocht nature, or ȝit to lyfe was lent. Quhair was thy wiſdome went, quhen ſic fuliſche thow fand, Thy luſt thow may lament, that euer tuik ſic on hand. Thow hes loiſt lyfe and land, and all thy Royall rout, Thy ſtait na way culd ſtand, it was ſa ſtinkand ſtout Vpon the all cryis out, fy, fy, for verray ſchame, All wemens ſeid dois ſchout, vpon thy filthie name: Ay waryit be the wame, that brocht the in this lyfe Euer to bruik ſic blame, wa worth the wickit wyfe: Rutit in ſturt and ſtryfe, thy bow was euer bendit Thairfoir but ſword or knyfe, thy lyfe now thow hes endit Sa greitly thow offendit, vnto ane Innocent, That thow wald neuer mend it, into this lyfe preſent Thow wald neuer repent, bot wrocht wrang with Iniures, Now with ſchame thow art ſchent, heid patroun to all hurc Ay q uhill this w rld Indures, euer to bruik that name, With all quick Creatures, with ſclander lak and ſchame. ¶ Frons meretricis non erubeſcit ¶ Nec in ea voluptas nunquam ſeneſcit.
NOW our Emprice hes ſufferit deid and gane Thairfoir as now we will let hir alane With hir harlo uhais da is thay haue ill ſpē dit Ane Ill 〈◊〉 for commoun is Ill endit. As 〈…〉 thame way, 〈…〉 will ſay. 〈1 line〉 〈1 line〉 〈1 line〉 Bot ſchaw at ſchort of the gude Empreours end Within few dayis efter this beſines. The Empreour he tuik ane ſair ſeiknes: As pleſit God, and payit his naturall det. As the time come, and as the terme was ſet. Diocleſiane than tuik the ſteir on hand, And Empreour was of that countrie and land Reulit the Impire with wiſdome and prudence Held his Maiſteris in daylie reuerence. Be quhais counſall, wiſdome and deſire, He gydit weill his kingdome and Impire. That he precellit all his predeceſſouris, In riches, wiſdome, Juſtice and honouris. Of his liegis ſic lufe ſtill he conqueiſt, That ouir all thing in eird thay lude him beſ . His Maiſters als thay lude him ouir all thing, With all ſ 〈…〉 as thair trew Lord and King. Into ſa far thame ſelf in Jeopardie Thay put oft times to ſaue his honeſtie. And ſa endit thair dayis in greit honour, In Joy and mirth, and to the greit pleſour Of God alone, to quhome all honour be. Laude, praiſe, Impire, triumphe and dignitie. Kingdome, Renoun, and Joy perpetuall, Louing and lufe obedience ouir all. Helth and vertew and euerlaſting gloir, Into all warldis, baith now and euer moir. Be to that Lord w 〈…〉 all humilitie. And o iſtill ane drop of his mercie On vs ſinners, his gloir that we may ſe it To his pleſure, ſay euerie man ſo 〈◊〉 it. Finis quod Rolland.
¶ Ane ſchort •• h wing quhair and quhen, and a quhais req •••• t this buik was tranſlatit out of p ois in Scottis Meter. AT the requeiſt of my Ant callit Cait, In rouſtie ryme this quair I did tranſlait Of all trun termis as ȝe may ſe denude, Becaus ſeho me proteſtit air and lait All ſtrange termis to caſt out of my gait. Saying to me ſcho not thame vnderſtude, Requiring als that I wald be ſa gude Wemens honour to hald vp and eſtait, As ȝe may ſe, I durſt not ellis bot dude. Sa in ſeuin oulkis this quair was clene cōpleie Out of plane prois, now keipand meteris feit Within the Fort and Towre of Tamtalloun, Quhen the Inglis Floit beſide Inchekeith did fleit Vpon the ſey, in that greit birning heit. Baith Scottis & Inglis of Leith lay at ye toun, With ſchairp aſſeige, and garneiſt gariſoun On ather ſide, quhair ſindrie loiſt the ſweit That ſamin time I maid this tranſlatioun. In mirrines, ſen my Ant cauſit me mak it I ȝow require gude Reidaris for to tak it Into patiēce, quhair falts ar foūd correct thame Zit war I laith ouir far that it war lakit. Gif ſum verſe haltis or ony cullouris crakit For my requeiſt tak out ane pen and blek thame Becaus for haiſt perchance I did neglect thame For gif ſa be I can na way defend it Excuſe it ſelf, and ſa this quair is endit. ¶ Quod Rolland. 1560.
¶ The Author ſayis to the Buik. IN haiſt ga hy the to ſum h ill, And hyde the, he not callit ane buik Ga cowme the ouir all clene with coill Sone ſmeir the ouir with ſmiddie ſmuik, Or ſcour pottis to ſum creiſchie Cuik: Or in ſum kitching turne the ſpeit: Amang Ladeis thow dar not luik For thay will on the with thair feit. For men of gude thow art not meit Thay will the hald of ſmall auaill, Quhat reſtis thair than bot ȝald thy Spreit: Or to tryit Tinklaris tell thy taill. Thy rouſtie ryme amang thame raill For honeſt folk few will ſet vp the And I ſweir be the Rude of Craill Tuitching my part heir I deny the: My counſall is, that thow gar cry the Amang 〈◊〉 and commoun hures, All gude wemen thay may defy the Of all thy crakis thay tak na cures: Bot f nd Fillokis vp in the Mures Quha firſt ȝow reddis, Sym Skynnar hang thame Se on thame thow wirk all Iniures, Pas on and fend thy ſelf amang thame. ¶ Quod Rolland in Dalkeith. Et ſic eſt finis Laus detur & gloria trinis.