Chaucer's ghoast, or, A piece of antiquity containing twelve pleasant fables of Ovid penn'd after the ancient manner of writing in England, which makes them prove mock-poems to the present poetry : with the history of Prince Corniger and his champion Sir Crucifrag, that run a tilt likewise at the present historiographers / by a lover of antiquity.

Chaucer's ghoast, or, A piece of antiquity containing twelve pleasant fables of Ovid penn'd after the ancient manner of writing in England, which makes them prove mock-poems to the present poetry : with the history of Prince Corniger and his champion Sir Crucifrag, that run a tilt likewise at the present historiographers / by a lover of antiquity.

Table of contents

Title page

TO THE Readers.

Vpon the Authours Piece of Anniquity, by his Friend.

§

Argument I.

Argument II.

Arg. III.

Arg. IV.

Arg. V.

Arg. VI.

Arg. VII.

Arg. VIII.

Arg. IX.

Arg. X.

Arg. XI.

Arg. XII.

Chaucer's Ghoast OR, A Piece of Antiquity.

Argument I.

Argument. 2.

Arg. 3.

Arg. IV.

Arg. 5.

Arg. 6.

Argument. 7.

Arg. 8.

Arg. 9.

Arg. 10.

Arg. 11.

The Pleasant History of Prince CORNIGER, and his Champion Sir CRUCIFRAG.

The Authours Friend to the Readers upon his perusal of the Work.

§

[Page]

[Page]

Chaucer's GHOAST: Or, A Piece of ANTIQUITY.

Containing twelve pleasant Fables of Ovid penn'd after the ancient manner of writing in England.

Which makes them prove Mock-Poems to the present Poetry.

With the History of Prince Corniger, and his Champion Sir Crucifrag, that run a tilt likewise at the present Historiographers.

By a Lover of Antiquity.

Multa renascentur quae jam cecidere, &c.

Hor

London, Printed by T. Ratcliff, & N. Thompson for Richard Mills, at the Pestle and Mortar without Temple-bar, 1672.

TO THE Readers.

[Page]

[Page]

NEw Books & Pamphlets, Sirs, now adays thrust so fast out of the Press, that they will not give the Readers time to breath; this was the misery of Iuvenals time, [Page] and I may cry as he did, Semper ego auditor tantum? But yet there is one Remedy, periturae non parcere chartae. Yet what shall be the Subject? Novelty. No. Hang it, then must it be laught at and jeared in every Coffee-house, and be subject to the Old mens Tobacco-pipes to bring them fire. But Coffee-houses are going down, you l say: Faith that's one comfort; for I heard such damming of a Pamphlet [Page] there once, that I thought they had sate on the Life and Death of the Author: Besides, I know some persons hate new Fashions, as much as an old Don in the University, hates Burgerdicius Logick; because he was taught in Sandersons.

Shall the Matter be old then as the Prae-adamites? No, that's foolish too— O Gramercy mine old grete Granfader, now me [Page] seemeth to think on his wholesome Saw▪

In the mid way

'tis zafe to play.

So then I must write what's neither new nor old; in a Dialect that is both dawbed over with Novelty, and hath Antiquity for its ground. Have at 'um then, and let any Novice say what he will; since there is a Temple built to Antiquity, [Page] what ever the World may say of my Superstition, I am resolved to fix this Tablet there.

Farewell.

Vpon the Authours Piece of Anniquity, by his Friend.

[Page]

NEw Pamphlets every day, new Book's the cry:

The reason (since they are so common) why?

Can that be new whose likeness every day

Appears in the same mode? for shame away.

If this be news, then Pie at Christmas is,

And Pancakes on Shrove-Tuseday are novelties.

But here's a Piece; come quick, before 'tis sold.

'Tis truly new: for why? because 'tis old.

§

[Page]

Argument I.

HOw Pygmalion fell in Love with the Image he made.

Pygmalion niveum mira feliciter arte

Sculpsit ebur, formam (que) dedit, qua foemina nasci

Nulla potest, operis (que) sui concepit amorem.

Ovid. l. x.

Argument II.

How Diana turned Acteon into a Hart, and how he was devoured by his own Dogs.

—alienae cornua fronti

Addita, vos (que) canes satiati sanguine herili.

Ovid. l. 3.

Arg. III.

How Iupiter and Iuno fell at odds concerning Love, and how they chose Tiresias for their Judge, &c.

Placuit, quae sit sententia docti

Quaerere Tiresiae. Venus huic erat utra (que) utra (que) nota.

Ovid. l. 3.

Arg. IV.

[Page]

Of the Love of Apollo toward Coronis; and how the white Bird for discovering it was turned into a black Raven.

Pulchrior in tota, quam Latissaea Coronis,

Non fuit Amonia; placuit tibi Delphia certè

Dum vel casta fuit vel inobservata: sed ales

Sensit adulterium Phoebius, &c.

Ovid. l. 2.

Arg. V.

How the Giant Polyphemus loved the Nymph Galatea.

Nec si qu [...]sieris odium Cyclopis amorne

Acidis in nobis fucrit praestantior edam.

Ovid. l. xiij.

Arg. VI.

The Battaile between Hercules and Achelous for the Love of Deianira.

Accipe me generum dixi Parthane nate,

Dixit & Alcides, &c.

Ovid. l. ix.

Arg. VII.

[Page]

Mars and Venus caught together, and chained by Vulcan.

Vt Venere tocum conjux & adulter in unum,

Arte viri, vinclis (que) nova ratione paratis

In mediis ambo deprens [...] amplexibus haerent.

Ovid. l. iv.

Arg. VIII.

How Iupiter ravished Io; and how she was transformed into a Cow, and how Mercury slew her Keeper Argus.

Conjugis adventum praesenserat, in (que) nitentem

Inachidos vultus mutaverat ille juvencam.

Ovid. l. i.

Arg. IX.

Leucothea ravished by Phabus.

Victa nitore dei pofitâ vim passa querela est.

Ovid. l. iv.

Arg. X.

Calisto deflowred by Iupiter.

[Page]

Dum redit it (que) frequens in virgine Nonacrinâ.

Haesit, &c.

Ovid. l. ii.

Arg. XI.

Of the great patience of the Philosopher Socrates, and how his Wife threw a pot full of water upon his head.

Diog. Laert.

Arg. XII.

Of the excellent Harper Arion.

Carmine vocali sylvas animos (que) ferarum

Threicius votes, & saxa sequentia traxit.

Ovid. l. xi.

This you shall find in the following History of Prince Corniger and his Champion.

Chaucer's Ghoast OR, A Piece of Antiquity.

[Page]

Argument I.

Pygmalion niveum mira feliciter arte

Sculpsit ebur, formam (que) dedit, qua faemina nasci

Nulla potest, operes (que) sui concepit amorem.

Ovid. l. x.

I Find that heretofore was one,

whose name it was Pygmalion,

which was a lusty man of youth,

and at fine warks was very couth

above all other men, as tho,

and through fortune it fell him so.

[Page]As he that doth in Love travail,

he made an Image of entail;

like to a Woman in semblance

of feature and of countenance.

So fair, yet never was Figure,

right as a living creature

she seemed, for of Ivory white

he hath it wrote of such delight.

She was ruddy on the Cheke,

and red on her Lips eke,

whereof then he himself begyl'd,

for with a goodly look she smil'd;

so that through pure impression

of his own imagination,

with all the he at of his courage

his love upon this fair Image

he set: and her of love pray'd,

but she not one word again said.

All the long day what thing he did,

this fair Image in the same stead

[Page]was ever by, so that at meat

he would her serve, and pray'd her eat,

and put unto her mouth the cup:

and when the board was taken up,

he led her to his chamber home,

and after when the night was come,

he lay'd her in bed all naked,

he often wept and often waked.

He kist her cold lips oft and oft,

and wisht her that they were more soft;

and oft he told her in her ear,

and oft his arm now here now there

he lay'd as he would her embrace;

and ever and anon he asked grace,

as though she wyst what it meant,

and himself began to torment.

But Venus of her grace him heard

by night, and whan that least he fear'd,

and it lay naked in his arm,

the cold Image began be warm

[Page]of flesh and bone, and full of life;

lo thus he wan a lusty Wife,

which obeysant was at his will,

and of his pleasure gave him fill.

But if he would have help him still,

he should have failed of his will;

but 'cause he pray'd, his love he sped,

and had all that he would abed;

for e're away they two did go,

a jolly child between them two

they gate: Thus Love is favourable

to them that have been of Love stable.

Argument. 2.

[Page]

alienae cornua fronti

Addita, vos (que) canes satiati sanguine herili.

Ovid. l. 3.

OVid in his book he spakes

examples touchen bad mistakes,

and saith, how whilome there was one

a worthy Lord, which Acteon

was call'd, and he was Cousin nigh

to him that Thebes first on high

up set. Acteon 'bove all chear

had used it form year to year,

with Hounds and with great Horns

amongst the Woods and the Thorns,

to make his Hunting and his Chace,

where he best thought in every place,

[Page]to find out Game in a fair way,

there rode he for to hunt and play.

So him befell upon a tide,

on his hunting as he did ride,

in a Forest alone he was,

and saw there upon the green grass

the fair flowers fresh to spring,

he heard amongst the leafs to sing

the Throstel with the Nightingale.

Thus (e're he wyst) into a Dale

he came, and in a Plain he lit

all round about which was beset

with bushes green, and cedars high,

and there within he cast his eye;

amidst the Plain he saw a Well

so fair, that there may no man tell.

In which Diana naked stood

to bathe and play her in the Floud,

with many Nymphs which there her served:

[Page]but he his eye away ne're swerved

from her that was naked and tall;

but she was wondrous wrath withall,

and him (as she which was Goddess)

for's hope, anon gave him likeness

of Beasts, and made him be a Hart,

which was before his Dogs to start.

Then ran he busily about

with many a horn, and many a rout,

that made moche noise and piteous cry;

and at the last unhappily

this Hart his own Hounds grimly slew,

and to pieces mischievously him drew.

Lo now my Son, what it is

a man to cast his eye amiss.

Arg. 3.

[Page]

Placuit, quae sit sententia docti

Quaerere Tiresiae. Venus huic erat utra (que) utra (que) nota.

Ovid. l. 3.

TRuth 'tis that good ne're came of strife,

to seek it in all a mans life,

though it begin upon pure game,

full oft it turneth into bane,

and doth grievance on some side,

whereof the great Clerk Ovide,

after this manner, as I trow,

of Iupiter and's Wife Iuno,

makes in his books mention

how they fell at dissention

amongst themselves in unity,

and that was upon this degree;

[Page]which of the two more amorous is,

or man or wife; and upon this

they might no ways accord in one,

and took one to judge thereupon,

which called is Tyresias

and bid him deem just in this case;

and he without any avisement

against Iuno gave his judgment.

This Goddess upon his answer

was wroth, and would not forbear,

but took away for evermo

the light from both his eyes two.

When Jupiter this hurt had seen,

another benefit then agen

he gave, and such a grace him doth,

that what he wist he said soth,

a Sothsayer he was for ever;

but yet that other had lever

have had the looking of his eye,

then of his word the Prophecy.

Arg. IV.

[Page]

Pulchrior in tota, quam Larissaea Coronis,

Non fuit Amonia; placuit tibi Delphia certè,

Dum vel casta fuit vel inobservata: sed ales

Sensit adulterium Phoebius, &c.

Ovid. l. 2.

NOw take a Tale into thy mind,

the which of old ensample I find.

Phoebus, which maketh the days light,

a Love he had a handsome W [...]ite

Coronis, whom aboven all

he pleased, but what shall befall

of Love, there is no man knoweth;

but as Fortune her happes throweth.

So it befell upon a chance,

a young Knight took her acquaintance,

and had of her all that he wold,

but a false Bird that was too bold;

[Page]though kept in Chamber from pure youth,

discovered all that e're he couth:

the Bird's name was amongst men

Corvus; and the Bird was then

well more white than any Swan:

and he did tell all that he can,

and all her thefts to Phoebus said.

But he for wrath his Swerd out-braid,

and it to Coronis did show,

but after that there was much wo;

and she took full great repentance,

whereof in token and remembrance

of him which used wicked speech,

upon this Bird he took his wrech,

that he which was snow-white before,

was afterwards cole-black therefore

transformed; thus his deeds he sheweth,

and many a man yet him beshreweth;

[Page]and calleth him unto this day

a Raven, by whom yet men say

take evidence when that he crieth,

that some mishap it signifieth.

Arg. 5.

Nec si quaesieris odium Cyclopis amorne

Acidis in nobis fucrit praestantior edam.

Ovid. l. xiij.

GReat Polyphemus long since thought,

when that he Galate had besought

of Love, which he might not latch

that made him for to wait and watch

by all ways how she far'd,

till at last he knew and heard,

how that another had leave

to love the Nymph, which did him grieve;

so that he knaw none other rede,

as for to speak of any speed,

[Page]but for to watch and wait on all,

till he may see the chance befall,

that he her Love might grieve,

which he himself might not achieve.

This Galatea, saith the Poet,

above all others was most meet

of beauty, which then all men knew,

and had a lusty Love and true,

a Batchelour in high degree,

right such another as was she,

on which her heart was so fast set,

so that it might by naught be let.

This Knight Acis was very hot,

and she againward also hot

him loved onely, and no mo;

hereof was Polyphemus wo.

Through pure envy and ever spy'd,

and waited upon every side,

when he togyder might them see,

this young Acis with Galate.

[Page]So long he waited to and fro,

till at the last he found them two

in privy place whereas they stood

to speak, and have her words made good:

The place wherein he them did spie,

it was under a bank, nigh

the great Sea, and he above

stood and beheld the lusty Love

which each of them to other made

with goodly cheer, and words full glade.

So all his heart was set on fire

by pure envy and deadly ire;

and then he flew away, I trow,

as arrow flyeth out of bow;

as though he were for Love start mad,

when as he saw this sight so sad.

This Polypheme a Geaunt was,

and when he saw the soth o'th' cas

[Page]how Galate him did forsake,

and Acis to her Love did take;

his heart no longer might forbear,

but he roar'd out like any bear,

and ran Aetna the hill about,

where never yet the fire was out,

full fill'd with sorrow and disease,

'cause he saw Acis weil at ease;

till at the last he him bethought,

as he which all by envy sought,

and turned to the bank again;

where he with Galate had seen

young Acis, whom he thought to grieve,

though he himself might not relieve.

This Geaunt then with his rude might

part of the banck did throw out-right;

the which fell just on Acis pate,

and knockt him down (for 'twas his fate)

[Page]Thus Polypheme did Acis slay,

but Galate did run away;

and as she fled along the Land,

Neptune took her by the hand,

and kept her in so fast a place

from Polypheme and his menace;

that he for all his false envy

might ne're enjoy her company.

Arg. 6.

Accipe me generum dixi Parthaone nate,

Dixit & Alcides, &c.

Ovid. l. ix.

OEneus had Calydons Empire,

and had a Daughter Deianyre,

and all men wyst that there was none

so fair a Wight as she was one;

and as she was a lusty Wight,

right so was then a noble Knight,

[Page]to whom Mercury fader was,

which set up two pillars of brass,

the which as yet a man may find,

set up in the Desert of Inde;

this was the worthy Hercules,

whose name shall be endless

for all the marvails that he wrought.

This Hercules the Love besought

of Deianire, and of this thing

unto her fader which was King

he spake, touching of Marriage.

The King knowing his high linage,

and dreadding all his deeds mighty,

ne're durst his Daughter to deny.

Yet netheless this he him said,

how Achilous, e're he, first pray'd

to wed her: and in that accord

they stood as it were on record:

but for all that this he him granted,

that which of them the other daunted

[Page]in arms, his Daughter him should take,

and do what she would for his sake.

This Achelous was a Gyant,

a subtle man and a deceyvant;

who through Magick and Sorcery

could all the world out-treachery.

And whan that he this Tale heard

upon what score the King answer'd

to Hercules, that he must fight,

he trusted much upon his slight:

And Love that every heart doth stear,

made him his life not to forbear;

for his Lady whom he desir'd,

but with courage his heart it fir'd:

And so he sent word without fail,

that he would enter the Battaile.

At the set day and chosen field,

the Knights both covered under shield,

togyder came at the time set,

and each one is with other met.

[Page]It fell that they fought both on foot,

there was no stone, there was no root

which might let them in their way,

but all was void and ta'ne away.

Truth, they smite strokes but very few.

for Hercules who then would shew

his great strength, as for the nonce

he starts upon him all at once,

and caught him in his arms so strong:

the Gyant wote he could not long

endure under so hard a bond;

then by some slight for to escape,

as he himself could best mishape,

in likeness of a snake he skipt

out of his hand, and forth he leapt;

and oft as he that fight woul,

he turn'd himself into a Bull,

and 'gan to bellow in such a sound,

as though the skies would fall to ground.

[Page]The earth he spurns, and then he pranceth,

and his broad Horns he then advanceth,

and cast them here and there about.

But he who made of him no doubt,

awaited well, and when he came

by both his Horns he did him tame,

and all at once he did him cast

unto the ground, and held him fast,

that he ne're might by any slight

out of his hands get up on height,

till he was overcome, and told

that Hercules might what he would.

The King then granted to fulfill

his askings 'cording to his will;

and he that had with danger served,

did think he had her well deserved:

and thus with great desert of Arms,

he wan her for to ligge in arms,

[Page]as he which had it dearly bought,

and otherwise he should not.

Argument. 7.

Vt Venere locum conjux & adulter in unum,

Arte viri, vinclis (que) nova ratione paratis,

In mediss ambo deprensi amplexibus haerent.

Ovid. l. iv.

UPon a certain case of Love

amongst the gods that dwell above,

upon a time it fell out thus.

The god of fire which Vulcanus

is hot, and hath a craft forthwith

assigned for to be a Smith

to Iupiter, to forge his Thunder,

at which all mortal men do wonder.

[Page]This Vulcan [...] in the figure

both of visage and of stature,

is loathly and malgracious,

but yet he hath within his house,

as for the liking of his life,

the fair Venus to be his Wife.

But Mars that of all Battails is

the god, an eye had unto this;

and he which was so chivalrous,

it fell him to be amorous;

and thought it was great pity

to see so fair a one as she

be coupled with so foul a Wight:

and she that had so good insight

toward so noble a Knightly Lord,

fell in Love with his accord.

There lacked nought but time & place

for him for to enjoy her Grace.

But when two hearts fall into one,

so wise a wait was never none;

[Page]but at some time they two will meet:

and thus this Lady fair and sweet

with Mars had often company;

till at last unkind jealousie,

which evermore the heart opposeth,

maketh Vulcan that he supposeth,

that it is not well over all,

and to himself he said, he shall

espie better, if that he may;

and so it fell upon a day,

that he this thing so slightly led,

that he did find them both a bed,

all warm each one with other naked,

and he with craft had ready maked

strong chains, and therewithall them bound,

as he togyder had them found;

and then he left them lying so,

and 'gan to call and cry, ho, ho,

[Page]unto the gods that lived about,

and they assembled in a rout;

and came the matter for to see,

but none amend at all had he,

but was rebuked here and there

of all that Venus Lovers were.

Who said that he was for to blame,

if there befell him any shame,

it was through his misgovernance,

and thus he lost his countenance.

Then they them loosed from the bands,

whereof these earthly hunbands

for ever may ensample take,

I such a chance them overtake.

Arg. 8.

[Page]

Conjugis adventum praesenserat, in (que) nitentem

Inachidos vultus mutaverat ille juvencam.

Ovid. l. i.

OVid telleth in his Saws,

how Iupiter in ancient days

lay by a Maid, which Io

was called, whereof's Wife Iuno

was wroth; and as she was Goddess,

of Io turned the likeness

into a Cow, to go throughout

the fields and pastures thereabout,

and get her meat upon the Green;

and thereupon the lofty Queen

betook her Argus for to keep;

for he was seldom wont to sleep,

because he had an hundred eyes,

all were alive, and all-were spies.

[Page]Now hearken how he was beguiled

by Mercury, who was affiled

this Cow to steal; he came disguised,

and had a Pipe full well devised

of Musick, and thus to the field

he came, where Argus he beheld

with Io, which beside him went.

With that anon his Pipe he bent,

and 'gan to pipe in such manner,

things which were sleepy for to hear;

and in his piping ever among

he sang him such a lulling Song,

that he the Giant brought asleep,

and there was no eye that might keep

his head, which Mercury off smote,

and so away the Cow he got;

the Cow, I say, which Argus kept;

and all this fell for that he slept.

Arg. 9.

[Page]

Victa nitore dei positâ vim passa querela est.

Ovid. l. iv.

VEnus which hath the Law in hand,

of that which we cannot withstand,

as she who doth the treasure guard

of Love, and hath it in her ward;

Phaebus to Love hath so constrained,

that without rest he's sorely pained,

with all his watchfulness to wait

to find the Damsels guards less strait,

who was in chamber kept so close,

that she ne're did her self disclose,

but with her mother for to play,

Leucothea (so as men say)

this Maid was fair, and Orchamus

her Fader was; but it fell thus

[Page]to's Daughter, that was kept so dear,

and had been so from year to year,

under her Mothers Discipline

a clean Maid and a fair Virgin:

Upon the whose Nativity

of comeliness and of beauty,

Nature had set all that she may;

that like unto the Moneth of May,

which all the other Moneths o'th' year

surmounteth: So without her peer,

was of this Maiden the feature;

whereof Phoebus without measure

her loved, and on every side

awaited, if so may betide,

that he through any slight might

her lusty Maidenhead unright,

esteem'd above all the worlds wealth.

And thus lurking upon stealth,

in his await so long he lay;

till it befell upon a day,

[Page]that he throughout the Chamber wall

came in all suddenly, and stall

that thing that was to him so chief,

But wo the while he was a thief.

And Venus who was Enemy

of such Love-treachery,

discovered all the plain case

to Clymene, who then was

towards Phaebus his Concubine;

and whan she found the cause in fine

of all the case, then she was wroth,

and for to plague the Maid she goeth,

and told her Father how it stood,

who was for sorrow well nigh wood.

And to her Mother thus he said,

Lo what it is to keep a Maid.

To Phaebus dare I nothing speak,

but unto her it shall be wreke.

So that all Maidens after this

now take ensample, what it is

[Page] to suffer Maidenhead be lost,

for fear it should their death them cost,

and bad with that to make a pit,

wherein he hath his Daughter set,

as he that would no pity have,

so that she was all quick in Grave,

and died anon in his presence.

But Phoebus who had reverence

to her that died for his Love,

hath wrought through his power above,

that she spring up out of the mold,

into a flower as bright as Gold.

Arg. 10.

[Page]

Dum redit it (que) frequens in virgine No [...]a. cri [...]â.

Haesit, &c.

Ovid. l. ii.

KIng Cytheron upon his Wife

a Daughter had, a goodly life,

and clean Maiden of goodly fame,

and Calisto was her right name

called, and she by many a Lord

was oft besought, but her accord

to Love might no man win,

as she which had no lust therein;

but swore within her heart, and said,

she would for ever be a Maid.

Wherefore to keep her self in peace

with the Nymphs Amadriades,

upon the Springs and the fresh VVells,

she hopes to dwell, and no where ells:

[Page] and thus came this Calistona

into the Wood of Tegea,

and thus she came within the sight

of Diana, and there she plight

her troth upon the VVoods so green,

to preserve her Maidenhead clean,

which afterwards upon a day

was privily stolen away.

For Iupiter through his quainti [...]e

from her it took in such a wise,

that suddenly, and forth withall

her womb arose, and she did swall;

so then she could no longer hide,

and thereupon it did betide,

that Diana (the soth to tell)

in privy place unto a VVell,

with Nymphs all in her company

was gone, and out of waggery

she said, that she bathe would,

and bad that every Maiden should

[Page] with her all naked bathe also,

and then began the privy wo.

And Calisto was red for shame;

but they that never knew the game,

to whom no such thing did befall,

anon they made them naked all,

because that nothing they would hide;

but she withdrew her ever aside;

and netheless into the Floud,

whereas Diana her self stood,

she thought for to come unperceived,

but thereof she was all deceived;

for when she came a little nigh,

and Diana her VVomb did spie,

she said, away O thou foul Beast,

for thy estate is not honest;

nor may'st thou this chaste water touch,

for thou hast ta'ne a touch too much,

which never may be whole again.

And thus she goes which was forlain

[Page] with shame, and fled away that day

from all the Nymphs, for ever and ay.

Arg. 11.

How Socrates Wife threw a Pot of Water upon his Head, and of his patience.

MY son a man to buy him peace▪

behoves to suffer as Socrates;

for amongst men 'tis evident,

that he was very patient;

for he wedded a wicked Wife,

who gave him much sorrow and strife:

against his ease it was contraire,

but he spake ever soft and fair;

till it befell, (as it is told)

in Winter when the day is cold,

that his wife was from the Well come,

with a full pot of water home:

[Page] and so she brought it in the house,

and saw how that her quiet spouse

was set, and looked on a Book

nigh to the fire, as he who took

his ease, as for a man of age;

but she began her wonted rage,

and asked him what divel he thought,

that he so near the fire him brought:

when as she labour took in hand,

and said that such an Husband

was to a Wife not worth a stre,

but he said neither nay nor ye;

but held him still, and let her chide.

But she which may her self not hide,

began within forthwith to swell,

and that she brought in from the VVell,

the water-pot she put aloft,

and bade him speak; but he all soft

sate still, and not a word answer'd,

with that she ask'd him how he far'd;

[Page] and asked him if he be dead?

and all the water on his head

she poured out, and bade him wake▪

But he which never would forsake

his patience, did softly spake,

that he ne wondred what was done,

for now the winter was begun,

and winter as by way of kind,

which stormy is, as men it find,

first maketh the winds for to blow,

and after that within a throw

it rains, which reason's well beseen,

to cause me novv both vvind and rain

after the season of the year;

and then he set him near the fire.

The Pleasant History of Prince CORNIGER, and his Champion Sir CRUCIFRAG.

[Page]

SO it befell upon a time after the Death of King Mort, who was wounded in battaile by his Enemies, that he died; when all his good Knights and Barons, passing stout men of bodies were gedred togyder in their their Castle, to make a Counsaile-general and a great Justs, after they were come thider, [Page] and lodged as them seemed best, there came a Damesel which was sent on a message from the great Lady of the Isle of Witch; and when she came before them, she let her mantel fall that was very richly furnished, and then was she girded with a noble Swerd, whereof the Knights had great marvail, and said, Damesel, for what cause are you girded with this Swerd? it beseemeth you not. This Swerd, said the Damesel, that I am girded withall, doth me great sorrow and encumbrance: for I may not be delivered of this Swerd, but by a good Knight, and he must be a passing brave man of his [Page] hands, and of his deeds, and without villany and treachery: For I have been with King Palliobarb, 'cause it was told me that there were passing good Knights with him, but none of them can speed. Then they all pulled at it eagerly, but the Swerd would not out. Sirs, said the Damesel, ye need not pull half so hard, for he that shall pull it out, shall do it with little might, and he must be a clean Knight, of gentle stream both of fader and mothers side.

Now it hapned so at that time, that there was a poor Knight, which had been prisoner with King Mort half a [Page] year, for sleying of a Knight that was his Cousin; this Knight was named Corniger, ('cause his Crest was a pair of Horns) and by the good means of the Barons he was delivered out of Prison after the Kings Death; for he was a passing good Knight. So he went privily to the Castle, and saw this adventure, whereof his heart rose, and would assail it as other Knights did; but for because he was poorly arrayed, they put him not far in price. Netheless he called the Damesel, and said, I pray you of Courtesie to suffer me as well to assay as these Lords; though I be poor clothed, in my heart me [Page] seemeth I am fully assured to speed right well. The Damesel beheld the Knight, but for because of his poor array she thought he should be of no worship without villany or treachery. Ah fair Damesel, said Sir Corniger, worthiness and good deeds are not all onely in rayment, but manhood, and worship, and hardiness is not in cloathing. In sooth, said the Damesel, you say true, therefore you shall assay to do what you will; then he took the Swerd by the Girdle and Scabberd, and drew it out easily▪ and when he looked upon the Swerd, it pleased him moche. Then the Barons had great mervail that [Page] Sir Corniger had done the adventure. Truly, said the Damesel, this is a passing good Knight, and the best man that ever I found, and most of worship without treachery and villany; and many mervails shall he achieve. Wherefore all the Knights and Barons cry'd all at once, We will have Sir Corniger unto our King: for we all see that it is Goodness will that he should be our King, and who so holdeth against it, we will [...]lee him. And thereupon they kneeled down all at once both rich and poor, and cry'd Prince Corniger mercy, because he had been imprisoned; and Prince Corniger forgave it them: And [Page] so anon there was Coronation made, and there was he sworn to the Lords and Commons for to be a true King, to stand with true Justice from henceforth all the days of his life. So he became their King, and let cry a great Feast.

But many Complaints were made unto Prince Corniger of great wrongs that were done by their Enemies, sithen the Death of King Mort, of many Londs that were bereaved of their Lords, Knights, Ladies, and Gentlemen; wherefore the King came out of his Towre to the Ambassadours, and there went with him Sir Cruel, Sir Rasour, and Sir Kilman; these [Page] were the men of most worship that were with him. And whan they met togider, there was but little meekness; for there was stout and hard words on both sides, but always Prince Corniger answered them, He would make them blow if he lived: wherefore they departed with wrath; and Prince Corniger bid them keep them well, and they bid Prince Corniger keep him well. So the Prince returned to his Castle, and armed him and all his Knights; in the mean while there were three hundred good men of the best that went strait to Prince Corniger, and that comforted him greatly. And [Page] Sir Cruel, Sir Rasour, and Sir Kilman slew on the right hand and on the left, and did mervailous deeds of Arms, that the King had great joy of their deeds and hardiness, But the Enemies came on afresh behind them, and perplexed Prince Cornigers Knights; wherefore Prince Corniger drew his Swerd which was so bright in his Enemies eyes, that it gave light like thirty Torches, and therewith he put them back, and slew moch people.

So in little space the Enemy fled, and Prince Corniger returned to his Castle; where he found a passing fair fellowship, and well beseen, whereof he [Page] had great joy, and victuals they wanted none.

Next day Prince Corniger with his good and trusty Knights set upon his Enemies so fiercely, that they overthrew their Pavilions on their heads, but by manly Prowess of Arms they were forced to take a fair field; and when it grew towards day, Sir Fierce smote down Horse and Man, and Sir Rasour cut an infinite company of heads off, and Sir Kilman slew many a valiant Knight, so the meddle waxed passing great and hard on both parties. But when Sir Fierce saw Sir Cruel on foot, he ran like a Lyon upon Sir Meddlemuch his [Page] Enemy, and smote him through the left side, that horse and man fell down to the ground: Then he took the horse by the Rayns, and led him to Sir Cruel, and said, Have thou this Horse, mine old Friend, for grete need hast thou of an Horse. Gramercy, said Sir Cruel, and lightly mounted. So then he saw Prince Corniger do mervailously, that all men had wonder thereof; for he smote King Boldenough on the Helm, that a quarter of the Helm and half the Shield fell down, and so the Swerd carved down unto the Horse neck; and so both Horse and Man fell to the ground. But there came fourteen [Page] Knights upon him▪ and then he smote one of them on the Helm, and it went down to the Teeth; and he rode to another, and smote him that his Arm flew into the Field; then he went to the third, and smote him on the Shoulder, that both Shoulder and Arm flew into the Field; and he smote another Knight on the Neck, that Head and Helm went to the earth: So Sir Cruel, Sir Fierce, and Sir Rasour, and Sir Kilman by Prince Cornigers example, smote off Heads, Legs, and Arms wonderfully. So the Battle was passing hardy, that many Knights shook and trembled for eagerness.

[Page] Then Prince Corniger seeing the Battle wou'd not be ended by no manner, he faced like a Wood Lyon, and stirred his Horse here and there, on the right hand and on the left, that he stinted not till he had slain twenty Knights; so there was a terrible meddle of breaking Spears and smiting of Swerds, with sleying of men and horses, and the enemies were at a loss; for there was newly arrived Sir Bloudy as a fierce Tyger, that his strokes redounded again from the Wood and the Water; so that the Enemies were forced to hurtle togyder for great drede, and a grete multitude fled, but his blow fell upon Sir [Page] Coward, and carved a cantel of his Shield; and the Swerd slid down by the Hawberk behind his back, and cut in twain the Trapper of Steel, and the Horse also in two pieces. So he became so bloudy, that no man might know him; for all was Bloud and Brains about him.

Then returned Prince Corniger with his Knights to his Castle, where all his Barons attended on him, and there came a fair Damesel also which was an Earls Daughter, and she came thyder to do homage as other Lords did after the great Battaile; and Prince Corniger set his Love gretely upon her, [Page] so she did upon him; and the King had a do with her, and that night dremed a mervailous Dreme whereof he was right sore adradde: for him thought that there was coming in his Lond many Gryssons and Serpents, and him thought he they slew moch of his people; and then him thought he fought with them, and that they did him passing great demage, and wounded him full sore. So the King awoke, and was passing heavy and right pensife of his Dreme; and then to put away all thoughts of Battail, next morning he made him ready with his Knights to ride on Hunting; and assoon as he [Page] came in the Forrest, he saw a grete Hart before him; this Hart will I chace, said he; and so he spurred his Horse, and rode along after, and so by fine force oft he was like to have smitten the Hart; whereas his Horse fell down dead, and he sat him down by a Fountain, and there he fell into grete thoughts: And as he sat there alone, him thought he heard a noise of Hounds to the number of thirty Couple, and with that he saw coming towards him the strangest Beast that ever he saw or heard tell of; for the Beast went to the Fountain and drank, and the noise was in the Beasts Belly like unto the [Page] Questing of thirty Couple of Hounds; but all the while the beast drank, there was no noise in the beasts belly; and therewith the beast departed with a great noise, whereof Prince Corniger had gread mervail.

Then the King arose and went forwards a good pace to seek for his Knights, and so as he went he came to a rich Pavilion; then was he ware where a Knight sat all armed in his Chair. Sir Knight, said the King, for what cause abidest thou here, that no Knight may ride this way, said he, before he Just with me? I'le make thee leave that Custom, said the King. This Custom, reply'd [Page] the Knight, have I used, and will use, maugre who saith nay, and who is grieved with my Custom, let him amend it that vvill. I vvill amend it, said the King, and I vvill defend it, said the Knight. So anon he lent the King a Horse, and dressed his Shield, and took a Spear, and they met so hard either in others Shield, that they all to shevered their Spears; but the Knight hit him so hard in the middle of the Shield, that Horse and Man fell to the ground. Then Prince Corniger vvas vvroth, and dressed his Shield tovvards him vvith his Svvord dravvn: When the Knight savv that, he alighted, [Page] for him thought it was no worship to have a Knight at such advantage, he to be on Horseback, and that other on foot; and so alight and drest him to Prince Corniger; and there began a strong Battaile with many grete strokes: and so they hewed with their Swerds, that the Cantels flew in the fields, and much bloud they bled both. So at the last they smote togyder, that both their Swerds met even togyder; but the Swerd of the Knight smote the Kings Swerd in two pieces. Wherefore he was full sorry, and leapt upon the Knight, and took him by the middle, and threvv him dovvn, and raced his Helm. Whan the Knight saw [Page] that, he was adradde; for he was a passing big man of might, and anon he brought Prince Corniger under him, and raced off his Helm, and would have smitten off his head.

Therewithall came the Lady of the Isle of Witch,(for she was an Enchantress) and said, Knight hold thy hand; for and thou [...]lee that Knight, thou puttest this Realm in the greatest damage that ever Realm was in, for this Knight is a man of more vvorship then thou vvotest of. Why, vvho is he said the Knight; It is Prince Corniger, said she. Then vvould he have slain him for drede of his vvrath, and heved up his Svverd; [Page] and therevvith the Lady cast an Enchantment on the Knight, that he fell to the earth in a grete sleep. Then the Lady took up the King; and as they rode togyder upon the Knights Horse, Alas, said Prince Corniger, hast thou slain this good Knight by thy crafts? there lived not so vvorshipful a Knight as he vvas. I had lever the stint of my Land a year that he vvere on live: Care ye not, said she, for he is vvholler then ye; for he is but on sleep, and vvill avvake vvithin these three hours.

Right so the King departed, and vvent unto an Hermitage, vvhereas vvas a good man, and [Page] a great Leche. So the Hermite searched all his wounds, and gave him good Salves; and the King was there three days, and then were his wounds well amended, that he might ride and go; and so he departed with the Lady. And as they rode, Prince Corniger said, I have no Swerd, nor wot I where to gain one so good as that I lost. Here by is a Swerd, said she, that shall be yours, and I may.

So they rode till they came to a Lake, which was a fair Water, and a broad; and in the midst of the Lake Prince Corniger was ware of an Arm clothed in white Sattin, that held [Page] a fair Swerd in the hand. Lo' said the Lady to the King, yonder is the Swerd in that Arm which I spake of. With that he saw the Damsel that brought him the other Swerd, going upon the Lake. What Damsel is that, said the King? It is my servant, said the Lady, and she will come to you anon, and then speak fair to her, that she will give you that Swerd: Therewith came the Damesel to the King, and saluted him, and he her again. Damesel, said the King, what Swerd is that which the Arm holdeth yonder above water? I would it were mine, for I have no Swerd.

[Page] Sir, said the Damesel of the Lake, if you will venture for it, you may have it; but be advised, that many Knights have perished in the attempt That shall not make me adradde, said the King; for I wot he is not worthy of a Swerd that deserveth it not. Than, said she, you may go to yonder Barge, and rowe your self to the Swerd; and if no tempest arise, it is yours, and take it, and the Scabberd with it▪ So than anon he came to the Swerd, and took it up by the handle, and brought it with him; and the Arm and Hand went under the water, and so he came to land: But the Lady [Page] and her Maid were gone he wist not whither, which made him passing heavy.

So he rode forth, and came to his Castle, whereof his Knights were passing glad; and when they heard of his Adventures, they marvailed that he would jeopard his person alone. But all men of Worship said it was fine to be under such a Chieftain, that would put his person in adventure, as other poor Knights did.

The mean while came a messenger hastly from King Palliobarb, and he was King of many Isles; and this was his message, greeting well Prince Corniger in this manner wise, saying, [Page] that King Palliobarb had discomfited and overcome eleven Kings, and each of them did him homage, and that was, they gave him their Beards clean flain off as much as there was: Wherefore the messenger came for Cornigers Beard; for King Palliobarb had pu [...]feled a Mantel with Kings Beards, and there lacked for one place of the Mantel, wherefore he sent for his Beard; or else he would enter into his Lands, and burn and slee, and never leave till he have thy Head and thy Beard. Well, said the King, thou hast said thy message, which is the most villanous and lewdest message that ever man [Page] heard sent to a King. Also thou may'st see my Beard is full young yet for to make a purfel of. But tell thou the King this, I owe him no homage, ne none of mine Elders; but e're it be long he shall do me homage on both his knees, or else he shall lose his Head by the faith of my body; for this is the most shameful message that ever I heard speak of. I see well King Palliobarb never met with worshipful man; but tell him I vvill have his Head vvithout he do homage unto me: Then the Messenger departed.

And forth vvithall there came a poor man into the [Page] Court, and brought vvith him a fair young man of eighteen years of age riding upon a lean Mare, for he had nevvly sprained his Leg; and the poor man asked all men that he met, Where shall I find the King? Yonder he is, said the Knights, vvilt thou any thing vvith him? Yea, said the poor man, therefore I came hither. Anon as he came before the King, he saluted him, and said, O Prince Corniger, the Flovver of all Knights and Kings, I beseech Jesu save thee. Sir, it vvas told me, that at this time novv you are made King, that vvithin the first year and a day you vvould grant any man the gift [Page] that he vvould ask, except it vvere unreasonable. That is trouth, said the King, such cryes I let make, and those vvill I hold, so they appair not my Realm nor mine estate. Ye say vvell and graciously, quoth the poor man; Sir, I ask nothing elles, but that ye vvill make my Son a Knight. It is a grete thing thou ask est of me, said the King, vvhat is thy name? My name is Bubulcus the Covvherd, said the poor man. Whither cometh this desire of thee or of thy Son, said the King. Nay Sir, said Bubulcus, this desire cometh of my Son, and not of me; for I shall tell you, I have seven Sons, [Page] and all they will fall to what labour I put them, and will be right glad to do labour; but this Child will do no labour for me for any thing that my Wife or I may do, but always he will be shooting or casting Darts, and glad to see Battails, and to behold Knights; and alwayes both day and night he desireth of me to be made a Knight. What is thy name amongst thy Companions, said the King to the young man? They call me, said he, Crucifrage ever since I ran so fast to take a Lamb from a Wolf, that I broke my Leg. Than the King beheld him fast, and saw he was passingly well visaged, and passingly well made [Page] of his years; and he said to Bubulcus the Cowherd, Where is the Swerd that he shall be made Knight withall? It is here, said the youth; then take it out of the sheath, said the King, and require me to make thee a Knight: Then he pulled out his Swerd, and required the King he would make him a Knight. I will make you, said the King, and therewith smote him in the neck with the Swerd, saying, Be ye a good Knight, and so I pray to God ye may be of Prowess and Worthiness▪ Now, said he to one of his Knights named Sir Astrolog, that had Skill in Physiognomy, say whether Sir Crucifrag shall be a [Page] good Knight or no? Yea Sir, said Sir Astrolog, he ought to be a good Knight, for he is come of as good a man as any is o'n live, and of Kings bloud. How so, said the King? I shall tell you, said Sir Astrolog, this poor man the Cowherd is not his fader. But I suppose nay, said the Cowherd. Well fetch thy Wife, said Sir Astrolog, afore me, and she shall say nay. Anone the Wife was sent for, which was a fair Housewife; and there she answered Sir Astrolog full womanly. And there she told the King, that when she was a Maid, and went to milk Kine, there met her a stearn Knight, and half by force he [Page] got her Maidenhead, and at that time he begat this Youth; and he took away from me my Greyhound that I had at that time with me, and said that he would keep it for my Love. Ah, said the Cowherd, I wend not this, but I may believe it well, for he had never no likeness of me. Sir Astrolog, said Sir Crucifrag, dishonour not my Mother. Sir, said Sir Astrolog, it is more for your worship then hurt; for your Fader is a good Knight and a King, and you were begotten before your Moder was married. That is trouth, said the Wife. It is the less grief to me, said the Cowherd.

[Page] Right so the Cowherd departed, and Sir Crucifrag rode forth to seek Adventures; when as he was aware of a Knight on the other side the Lond all armed save the Head; and on the other side the Lond came a Dwarf on Horseback also all armed, but the Head with a grete Mouth and a short Nose: And the Dwarf when he came nigh the Knight, said, Where is the Lady that should meet us here? And therewithall she came forth out of the Wood, and they began to strive for the Lady; for the Knight said that he would have her, and the Dwarf said that he would have her. Well, ye do well, said [Page] the Dwarf, yonder is a Knight at the Cross, let us put it to his judgment; and as he deemeth, even so be it. I will: Well, said the Knight. And then they went all three unto Sir Crucifrag, and told him wherefore they two strove. Well Sir, said he, will ye put the matter into my hands? Yea Sir, said they both. Now Damesel, said Sir Crucifrag, ye shall stand between them both, and whether ye list better to go to, he shall have you. And so when the Damesel was set between them two, she left the Knight, and went to the Dwarf: and the Dwarf took her, and went his way singing, and the [Page] Knight went his way mourning.

Then came Sir Crucifrag to an Husbandman of the Countrey who told him how there was in that place a great Giant, who had slain, murdered, and devoured much people of the Countrey, and had been sustained seven years with the Children of the Commons of that Land, and now of late he had taken a Dutchess, the fairest Woman in the world, and killed her Husband, and had led her to his Lodging which was in a Mountain, for to ravish her, and lie by her to her lives end; and many people followed her more then five hundred; [Page] but all they might not rescue her, but they left her shryking and crying most lamentably; wherefore I suppose he hath slain her in fulfilling his foul lust of Lechery. Alas, said Sir Crucifrag, this is a grete mischief, I had lever then the best Realm, that I had been a furlong way before him, to have rescued her. Now fellow, said Sir Crucifrag, canst thou bring me there where as this Giant haunteth? Yea Sir, said the poor man, lo yonder whereas you see two great fires, there shall ye not fail to find him, and more Treasure as I suppose then is in a great Realm. When Sir Crucifrag had well understood [Page] this piteous case, he made ready his Horse and Harness, and after Evensong he rode forth as fast as he might, till he came to the Mountain; and so he ascended up the Mount till he came to a great fire, and there found he a careful Widow wringing her hands, and making great sorrow, sitting by a Grave new made: And then Sir Crucifrag saluted her, and demanded her whereof she made so great lamentation: Unto whom she answered, Sir Knight, speak soft, for yonder is a Monster; if he hear thee speak he will come and destroy thee: I hold thee unhappy for coming here in this Mountain, for if ye [Page] were such fifty as ye be, ye were not able to make resistance against this Devil. See where lieth a VVoman dead, which was the Sister to a Noble mans VVife, that he hath murthered in forceing her. Dame, said Sir Crucifrag, I come from the great Prince Corniger to treat with this Tyrant, for his Leige People. Fie upon such Treaties, said the VVidow, he setteth nought by Prince Corniger, ne by no man else. Beware, approach him not nigh, sor he hath over come and vanquished fifteen Kings, and four hundred Knights, and hath made a Coat embroidered vvith their Beards, vvhich they [Page] sent him to have his love for sparing of their people; but on if thou wilt speak with him, at yonder fire he is at supper. Well, said Sir Crucifrag, I will accomplish my message for all your fearful words, and he went forth by the crest of that Hill, and saw where he sate at souper knawing on the limb of a man, beking his broad limbs by the fire, and breechless, and three Damesels turning three broches, whereon were broched twelve young Children late born like young birds. When Sir Crucifrag beheld this piteous sight, he had great compassion on them, so that his heart bled for sorrow, and hailed him, saying [Page] in this wise, He that all the world weldeth give thee short life, and a shameful death, and the Devil have thy soul; why hast thou murdered these young innocent Children, and this Woman? Therefore arise and dress thee thou Clutton, for this day shalt thou die of my hands. Then anon the Giant started up, and took a great club in his hand, and smote at Sir Crucifrag, that his Club fell far into the earth, and Sir Crucifrag, hit him again, that he carved his belly (for he was breechless for haste) that his Guts and Entrails fell down to the ground; then the three Damesels kneeled down, and [Page] called to our Lord Jesu Christ for help and comfort of the noble Knight Sir Crucifrag. So Sir Crucifrag smote off the Giants Head, and the Damesels came and thanked him, and brought him to the fair Dutchess, and many prisoners. These he released, and bid them divide the Goods amongst them; onely he took the Giants head and Club, and the fair Dutchess to himself, and with her he made good cheer, and either drank to other freely of the Giants good wine; and they thought never drink that ever they drank to other was so sweet nor so good. But by that their drink was in their [Page] bodies, they loved each other so well, that Sir Crucifrag and the Dutchess Love was not to be parted for wele nor for woe.

And so anon they departed, and rode so long, till by fortune they came nigh a Castle, and there they arrived for to rest them, wening to have had good harbour. But anon as Sir Crucifrag was within the Castle, they were taken prisoners; for the Custom of that Castle was, that such that brought any Lady, must needs fight with the Lord of the Castle, which was high Sir Bullirock, and he that was weakest should lose his head; and than if his [Page] Lady be fowler then the Lords Wife, she must lese her head; and if she be fairer proved, then the Lady of the Castle must loose her head. Now so God help me, said Sir Crucifrag, this is a shameful custom; netheless I have one avantage, for I have a Lady, fairer saw I never in all my life days, and I doubt not but she shall save her head. Then he said to the Knight that took them Prisoners, I have great mervail, Sir, what is the cause that your Lord holdeth us Prisoners; for it was never the custom of any place of worship that ever I came in, that when a Knight and a Lady asked harbour, and were [Page] received, and then after they should be destroyed, it is a foul evil custom by the faith of my body; wherefore tell your Lord, I will be ready as to morrow with my Lady and my self to Battaile, if it be so that I may have my Horse and my Armour. Sir, said the Knight, undertake that your desire shall speed right well, and therewith he departed. And on the morrow betimes that same Knight came unto Sir Crucifrag, and put him and his Lady out of Prison, and brought him Horse and Armour which was his own, and bade him make him ready to the Field: For all the Chieftains [Page] and Commons of that Lordship were there ready to behold the Battaile, and give judgement. Then came Sir Bullirock the Lord of the Castle, holding his Lady by the hand all muffled, and asked Sir Crucifrag where his Lady was, for and thy Lady be fairer then mine, vvith thy Svverd smite off my Ladies head, and if my Lady be fairer then thine, then must I strike off her head; and if my Lady lose her head, yet shall I slee thee, and have thy Lady. Sir Knight, said Sir Crucifrag, this is a foul and an horrible custom, and rather then my Lady should lose her head, yet had I lever lose my [Page] head. Nay, said Sir Bullirock, the Ladies shall be first shewed togyder; then I doubt not, said Sir Crucifrag, but my Lady is fairer then thine, and that will I prove and make good with mine own hands; and whosoever he be that will say nay, I will prove it upon his Head: And therewithall Sir Crucifrag shewed his Lady, and turned her thrice about, with his naked Swerd drawn in his hand. And when Sir Bullirock saw that, he turned his Lady about in the same wise. But when he beheld Sir Crucifrag's Lady, him thought he never saw a fairer Lady, and then he did drede that his Ladies Head [Page] should be smitten off: And all the people that were there present, gave judgment that Sir Crucifrag's Lady was fairer then the Lady of the Castle, and the better made body. So God me help, said Sir Bullirock, thy Lady is fairer then mine, and that me sore repenteth, and therefore slee my Lady, for I doubt not but thy Lady shall be mine. Thou must win her, said Sir Crucifrag, as dear as ever Knight won Lady; and because of thine own judgement, as thou wouldest have done unto my Lady, if she had been fouler then thine; and because of thine evil custom, give me thy Lady, and therewithall [Page] he strode unto Sir Bullirock, and took his Lady from him, and with an awke stroke he smote off her Head. Now Knight, said Sir Bullirock, now hast thou done me a despite; wherefore take thy Horse, sith I have lost my Lady; for I will win thy Lady, and I may. Then they took their Horses, and came togyder as fast as their Horses might run, and both fell to the ground horse and man. Then Sir Bullirock gave Sir Crucifrag three or four sad blows before he could recover, and would have slain him, but Sir Crucifrag was young and nimble, and avoided his Horse, and then they rushed [Page] together like two wild Boare full mightily; for this Sir Bullirock was a proved Knight, and had been e're then the death of many good Knights, that it was pity that he had so long endured; and thus they fought hurtling here and there two hours: So Sir Crucifrag was wroth, and took a mighty blow, for he vvas a big and strong Knight, and clove Sir Bullirock from the Crest of his Pate to his Breast; and then all they that belonged to the Castle came and did him homage, praying that he vvould foredo that foul Custom. Sir Crucifrag granted thereto; then he returned to Prince Corniger with his Lady.

[Page]But as he Rode, there met him I trow, the Richest Lady and the Fairest of all the World, who saluted him, and he her; then she besought him to be her Love, for she had loved him above all earthly men, and she would make him richer then ever was man of his age. When Sir Crucifrag heard her words, he was right evil at ease, for he could not consent before his dear Lady, so wyst he not how to answer. Alas said she I Will you not stay with me one night? Madam said Sir Crucifrag, there is no Lady in the World whose will I will fulfil as touching this thing, but this. Then she made much sorrow, [Page] as if she would have died. Now you have brought me to my end said she, and therewith she departed and went up to a high Battlement, and led with her twelve Gentlewomen and when they were above, one of them cry'd, Sir, Gentile Knight, have mercy on us all, and suffer my Lady to have her will, or we must perish with her from this high Tower. Than Sir Crucifrag looked up, and they seemed all Ladies of great Estate and Riches, and well beseen; then had he great pity of them: but he was counselled within himself, that lever then he forsake his own good Lady, they all died. So they fell [Page] down all at once to the earth, and when he saw that sudden chance, he was right sore abashed, and had thereof full great mervail; and with that he blessed his Body and his Visage, and anon he heard a full grete noise and a great cry, as though all the Fiends in Hell had been about him; and therewith he saw neither Towre nor Ladies, ne Gentlewomen, ne Chappel. Than held he up both his hands to Heaven, and said, Good Father, I am right well escaped: And then he took his way strait to Prince Corniger's Castle with his Lady, and found there a passing fair Fellowship, and well beseen, [Page] whereof each other had great joy. And when he told how he had sped, they had great mervail, that man on earth might speed so soon, and go and come.

So it drew fast to Michaelmas, and thyder came many a noble and Peerless Lady and good Knights to see the Wedding between Sir Crucifrag and the Dutchess; and so when this Solemnity was done, there came in fourscore Knights and thirty Ladies, and all these told the King how Sir Crucifrag had delivered them from the dolorous Giaunt, and slew him without pity; and therefore we and our Heirs will do homage [Page] unto Sir Crucifrag. So then Prince Corniger made him his Champion that same day; and after that the Earles and Barons, and many stout Knights went unto meat, and well ye may wite that there was all manner of meat plenteously, and all manner of Revels, and Games, and Dauncing; and the Kings chief Musician sang on this wise.

O Would to God that now were one,

another such as Arion,

who had a harp of such tempture,

and thereto of so good measure

[Page] he sung, that he the beasts wild

made of his note tame and mild.

The Hind in peace with the Lion,

the Wolf in peace with the Mutton,

the Hart in peace stood with the Hound;

and every man on the same ground

which at that time this Harper heard,

as well the Lord as the Shepherd.

He brought them all in good accord,

so that the Common with the Lord,

and Lords with the Common also,

he set in amity both two,

and put away melancholly;

that was a lusty melody,

[Page] when ev'ry man did th' other love.

And if there were the ground above

one which could harp as he did,

he might avail in many a stede,

to make peace where now is hate,

for many men think on debate.

And now God wot upon this tide,

we see the world on every side

in sundry wise so diversed,

that it well nigh stands all reversed.

So were it good at this tide,

that every man on his side

besought, and pray'd for the peace,

which is the cause of all increase,

[Page]of worship, and of worlds wealth,

of hearts rest, and souls health.

Then pray for Peace ye mortal men.

Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen.

Then after these fine doings, the next day Justed Sir Cruel, and he o'rethrew thirty Knights, and did passing marvellous deeds of Arms, that all men had great wonder of his noble deeds. Also the second day Justed Sir Rasour, and he o'rethrew twenty Knights, and did like a mighty Knight. The third day Justed Sir Fierce, and he o'rethrew nine and thirty Knights, some Horse and [Page] man, and some the man and not the horse, and there was none but he was hit surely so, that he bare none Arms that day. But at the last came a strange Knight, and ran so hard against Sir Fierce, that he bare him dovvn horse and man, that he lay in a Svvound. Novv this stranger, as you shall knovv hereafter, vvas King Palliobarb, vvhich had been esteemed the biggest Knight in the vvorld; for having heard of Sir Crucifrag, and because Prince Corniger had denied to send his Beard, he had great despite, and set out from his Castle vvith tvvo Knights to come and kill Prince Corniger, or Sir Crucifrag; [Page] but in the way he said to his Knights, Now will I tell you my counsel, for ye be the men that I trust most on live; and I will that ye wot my going is to this intent, for to destroy Prince Corniger or Sir Crucifrag, by wiles or by treason; and it shall be hard if they escape us. Alas, said one of them, what thing mean you to be set in such a way, ye are shamefully disposed; for Sir Crucifrag and Prince Corniger are Knights of the most worship that we know now living; and therefore I warn you plainly, that I will never consent to do him to death; and therefore I will yield my service [Page] and forsake you. Whan King Palliobarb heard him say so, suddenly he drew his Swerd, and said, O false Traytour, and smote him on the head, so that the Swerd went to his teeth: Whan the other Knight saw him do that villanous deed, and also the Squires, they said all it was foully done and mischievously; wherefore we will appeach thee of Treason before Prince Corniger and Sir Crucifrag. Then was the King wonderous wrath, and would have slain him; but he and the two Squires held them togyder, and set nought by his malice; so he departed from them, and they buried the Body.

[Page] Thus came King Palliobarb to Prince Corniger's Castle, and smote Sir Fierce, thinking by his mervaillous deeds that he was Sir Crucifrag. Beside, he defied all Prince Corniger's Knights that day, and let cry how he would fight with any of them body for body, but there could be found no Knight amongst them that would fight with him that day. The next day (for he might not fight the three days of his Marriage Feast) Sir Crucifrag offered himself to fight with that bold Knight. I shall fight with him, said he, or else I will be slain in the plain Field.

[Page]So on the morrow they met to do battail as long as Horse may endure; and after that to do battail on Foot to their lives end. So whan appointment was made, they departed each from the other, and they came togyder with all the might that their Horses might run, and either smote other so hard, that both Horse and Knights went unto the earth. Then they both lightly arose, and dressed their Shields on their Shoulders with naked Swerds in their hands, and they dashed togyder like as they had been a flaming fire; thus they traced, and raced, and hewed on Helms, and cut away many [Page] pieces and cantels of their Shields, and either wounded other passing sore, so that the hot bloud fell upon the earth; and by that they had foughten togyder the maintenance of an hour, King Palliobarb waxed faint, and gave sore aback, that saw Sir Crucifrag, and followed fiercely upon him, for he gave him twenty strokes for one, and ever he cry'd, yield thee. So King Palliobarb threw away his Swerd, and pulled off his Helm to breath; but when Prince Corniger and his Barons saw it was King Palliobarb, they were mervailously astonied: But he fell dead to the earth for grief and for his wounds. Then [Page] did Prince Corniger make great joy for the Victory, and gave Sir Crucifrag a brave Castel for his reward, for delivering him from his great Enemy King Palliobarb, who had been counted the most villanous as well as the stoutest Knight on earthly habitation; and eke also all the Barons and Knights praised the stern might of Sir Crucifrag, so that he was counted the worshipfullest Knight of the world: but some were envious. For at the season of the merry moneth of May, when every lusty heart flourisheth; for as the season is lusty to behold, and comfortable; so man and woman rejoyce: for Winter [Page] with his rough windes and blastes, causeth a lusty man to coure and sit by the fire. So in this moneth of May it fell out, that there happened a great Love of the Queen to Sir Crucifrag, the which never stinted till the Flower of Chivaldry of all the world was destroyed and slain; and this befell long of two unhappy Knights, who had ever a privy hate unto Sir Crucifrag's Prowess, and then they said openly, and not in counsaile, that many Knights might hear it, I mervail that we all be not ashamed both to see and know how Sir Crucifrag lieth daily and nightly by the Queen, and [Page] all we know it so, and it is shamefully suffered of us all, that we should suffer so noble a King as is Prince Corniger, to be shamed; therefore fall of it what fall may, I will declare it to the King. Ye shall not do so, said the rest; for if there rise any war and wrath between Sir Crucifrag and us, wyte you well, there will be many Kings and Knights that will hold with Sir Crucifrag; also Sir Crucifrag hath done the King great service, and rescued him from his Enemies; and the best of us all had been full cold at the heart root, had not Sir Crucifrag been a better Knight than we. Do you then [Page] as you list, said Sir Blaball, (for it was his name) I will hide so no longer.

With these words came to them the King. Now stint your noise. said they to Sir Blaball. But I will not, quoth he. Than good speed, said they, for we will not hear your tales, ne ony of your counsel; and therewith they departed, making great doole.

And then Prince Corniger asked Sir Blaball what noise they made. My Liege, said Sir Blaball, I shall tell you what I may hold no longer. Here is I and my Brother Sneeks know all, that Sir Crucifrag holdeth your Queen, and hath done [Page] long, and we your good Friends and Servants may not suffer it any longer; and therefore we will prove that he is a Traytour to your person. If it be so, said the King, wyte you well he is an hardy Knight, and all know he is the man of most might among us; and if he be taken with the deed, he will fight with him that brought up the noise, and I know no Knight is able to match him. But if it be soth that ye say, I would he were taken in the deed. My Lord, said Sir Blaball, to morrow shall ye ride on Hunting, and when it draweth toward night, ye may send the Queen word that ye vvill [Page] lie out all that night, and so may ye send for your Cooks; and then upon pain of death vve shall bring him dead or alive. I vvill, vvell, said the King; but bevvare, for ye shall find him mighty vvyghty. So on the morrovv the King rode on Hunting: Then Sir Blaball and Sir Sneeks did themselves in a Chamber in the Castle. So vvhen night came, Sir Crucifrag told his trusty Friend Sir Fierce, he vvould go speak vvith the Queen. Sir, said Sir Fierce, I alvvays dread me moch of Sir Sneeks and his Brother Sir Blaball, vvho vvait you daily to do you shame, and never gave my heart against any going that [Page] ever ye vvent to the Queen so much as novv. Have ye no doubt, said Sir Crucifrag, I shall go and come, and make no tarrying; and I will not be so moch a Covvard, but that she shall understand I vvill see her good grace. Speed you vvell, said Sir Fierce, and send you safe and sound.

So Sir Crucifrag departed, and took his svverd underneath his arm; and so that noble Knight vvent forth in his Mantle, and put himself in great jeopardy, and so he passed till he came to the Queen. And than the Queen and Sir Crucifrag vvere togyder, and vvhither they vvere a bed, or at Other [Page] manner of sports, me list not thereof to make mention, (for Love at that time vvas not as it is novv adays) but thus as they vvere togyder, there came Sir Blaball vvith Sir Sneeks, and ten more Knights, crying vvith a loud noise, that all the Court might hear it, Traiterous Knight, Sir Crucifrag, novv art thou taken. Alas, said the Queen, novv are vve mischieved both. Madam, said he, have you any Armour here vvithin your Chamber, that I might cover my body vvithall; and if there be any, I pray you heartily let me have, and I shall soon stint their malice. Truly, said the Queen, I [Page] have no Armour, ne Shield, ne Svverd, ne Spear; vvherefore I drede me sore our long Love is come to a mischievous end, and therefore ye are like to be slain, and I shall be brent. Alas, said Sir Crucifrag, in all my life vvas I never thus bestead, that I should be thus shamefully slain for lack of mine Armour; but alvvays Sir Blaball cry'd, Traytour, come out of the Queens Chamber. O Jesu, mercy, said Sir Crucifrag, this shameful cry and noise I may not suffer; for better vvere death at once, then thus to endure pain; and therevvithall Sir Crucifrag vvrapped his Mantel round about his Arm vvell and surely, and [Page] by then they had gotten a grete Form out of the Hall, and therewithall they dashed at the Chamber door. Faire Lords, said Sir Crucifrag, leave your noise and your dashing, and I shall set open the door, and then may ye do with me what it liketh you to do. Then Sir Crucifrag unbarred the Door, and with his left hand he held it open a little, so that but one man might come in at once; and so anon there came striding a good Knight, a big man and a large, and with a Swerd he struck at Sir Crucifrag mightily; but Sir Crucifrag put aside the stroak, and gave him [Page] such a buffet upon the Helm, that he fell down dead, groveling within the door: and then Sir Crucifrag with his stern might drew in the dead Knight within the Chamber, and with the help of the Queen and her Ladies was lightly armed in his Armour; and ever stood Sir Blaball crying, Traytour, come out of the Queens Chamber, we will have thy Head maugre all thy might, if we please to slay thee; for we will let thee to wyte, that we have the choice of Prince Corniger, to save thee or to slee thee. So then Sir Crucifrag was wroth, and set open the Chamber door, and mightily and Knightly [Page] he strode amongst them; and anon at the first beset he slew Sir Blaball, and within a little while after five more; for there was none of all them that might stand Sir Crucifrag a buffet. Also he wounded Sir Sneeks, and he fled with all his might, and the rest with him: and then Sir Crucifrag returned again to the Queen, and he kist her, and promised to rescue her, and either gave other a Ring; and so he went to▪ his Lodging, and told Sir Fierce all that had happened; so they▪ fled to Sir Crucifrag's Castle, and many good Knights cleave to them.

[Page] Now whan Prince Corniger was advised of what was passed, he commanded his Knights to be ready in their best Array with their brethren, to bring the Queen to the Fire; for she shall soon have her Judgment: And then the Queen was led forth without the Castle, and there she was despoiled to her Smock; and so then her Ghostly Father was brought to her to be shriven of her misdeeds. Then was there weeping, and wailing, and wringing of hands of many Lords and Ladies; but there were but few in comparison that would bare any Armour for to strengthen the death of the Queen. Then [Page] was there one that Sir Crucifrag had sent for to spie what time the Queen should go to her Judgment; and anon when as he saw that the Queen was despoiled to her Smock, and and also that she was shriven, then he gave warning to Sir Crucifrag; then was there hot spurning and plucking up of Horses, and right so they came to the Fire, and who stood against them were slain, there might none withstand Sir Crucifrag and Sir Fierce. So all that bare Arms and withstood them were slain, even many a noble Knight. Then when Sir Crucifrag had done this, and put to flight all that would [Page] withstand him, he rode straight to the Queen, and made a Gown to be cast upon her; and then he made her to be set behind him, and pray'd her to be of good cheer: Wyte you well, that the Queen was right glad she was escaped from death; and then she thanked God and Sir Crucifrag, and so he rode away with the Queen, and many cleave to him. Now when this was known openly that Prince Corniger and Sir Crucifrag were at debate, many Knights were glad of their debate, and many Knights were sorry of their debate.

So then Prince Corniger sent Writes, and let cryes throughout [Page] his Realm in length and breadth, for to assemble all his Knights, so that he had a great Host; and when they were assembled, the King told them how Sir Crucifrag had bereft him of his Queen: Then all made them ready to lay Siege to Sir Crucifrag, whereas he lay in his Castle. Thereof heard Sir Crucifrag, and purveyed him of many a good Knight, some for his own sake, and some for the Queens. Then Prince Corniger made many Knights to blow upon Sir Crucifrag, and all at once they called him, Traiterous and recreant Knight. At this Sir Crucifrag was wroth, and all his [Page] Knights; and on the morrow either party made them ready to do Battaile, and great purveyance was made on both sides. Then came forth Sir Hasty on the Kings party, and proffered to Just. So Sir Fierce ran against him, and smote him through the body. Then there began a great stir of breaking Spears, and smiting of Swerds; and ever Prince Corniger was nigh to Sir Crucifrag for to have slain him, and Sir Crucifrag suffered him, and would not strike again. Wherefore Sir Traiterous encountred with the King unawares, and there with a Spear he smote him down to the ground; and so [Page] he alighted and drew his Swerd, and said to Sir Crucifrag, Shall I make an end of this War? and therewith he meant to have slain the King. Not so hardy, said Sir Crucifrag, upon pain of thy Head, if thou touch him any more: for I will see that the most noble King that made me Knight, be neither slain ne ashamed, and therewithall Sir Crucifrag alighted from his Horse, and took up the King, and horsed him again, and said unto him thus, My Liege Lord, for Gods Love stint the strife, for ye may get no worship, and I do my uttermost to forbear you, and ye, ne none of yours forbeareth me: My Liege, remember [Page] what I have done for you, and now am I evil rewarded. So when Prince Corniger was again on Horseback, he looked upon Sir Crucifrag, and the tears brast out of his eyes, thinking on the great courtesie that was in Sir Crucifrag more than in any other man; and therewith the King rode his way, and might no longer behold him, and said to himself, Alas that ever this War began; and then either party withdrew them for to rest, and bury the dead bodies, and to the wounded they laid soft Salves; and thus they endured that night till on the morrow; and then they made [Page] them ready to Battail. Then came Sir Crucifrag as grim as any Bear, in a black Armour, that he might not be known, with a great Spear in his hand, and he smote on the right hand and on the left, which astonied Prince Corniger and all his Knights; so they resolved to set upon that sturdy Knight, but he ran Sir Killman through the body horse and all, and also with a buffet kill'd Sir Rasour; but as he stroke at Sir Ironside, his Swerd brake, and Prince Corniger slew him. Then he drew away the body, to see who that famous and stern Knight might be; and when he savv it was Sir Crucifrag, he [Page] ran his own Swerd through his body, and died by him. Thus the dismal War ceased; and when the Queen heard of all the dolorous case, she poysoned her self. Then was vveeping and vvailing, and great dool, such as vvas never made, for the Flovvers of Chivalry vvere vvithered and dead. O hone, O hone.

The Authours Friend to the Readers upon his perusal of the Work.

[Page]

[Page]

LO here Antiquity, what think you, Sirs,

To see a Poem drest in Boots and Spur;

A short Cloak, and long Breeches, in the fashion

Of those that liv'd before us in this nation▪

'Tis pretty (faith) and pleasant for to see

How we with Antiquity disagree.

And to that purpose here my loving friend

His Conjuring-glass unto the World doth lend;

Where both his worth appearing we may finde,

And Chaucer's Ghoast, or else we all are blinde.

FINIS.

Information about this book

Title statement

Chaucer's ghoast, or, A piece of antiquity containing twelve pleasant fables of Ovid penn'd after the ancient manner of writing in England, which makes them prove mock-poems to the present poetry : with the history of Prince Corniger and his champion Sir Crucifrag, that run a tilt likewise at the present historiographers / by a lover of antiquity.

Edition statement

1672

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2003-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A53594

ID [STC]

Wing O647

ID [STC]

ESTC R31770

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

12255904

ID [OCLC]

ocm 12255904

ID [VID]

57469

Availability

This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal. The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

Series

Early English books online.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A53594)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 57469)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1509:24)

Source

— Chaucer's ghoast, or, A piece of antiquity containing twelve pleasant fables of Ovid penn'd after the ancient manner of writing in England, which makes them prove mock-poems to the present poetry : with the history of Prince Corniger and his champion Sir Crucifrag, that run a tilt likewise at the present historiographers / by a lover of antiquity., Lover of antiquity., Cotton, Charles, 1630-1687., Ovid, 43 B. C.-17 or 18 A. D. Metamorphoses., Gower, John, 1325?-1408. Confessio amantis..

Extent

[12], 121, [2] p.

Printed by T. Ratcliff & N. Thompson for Richard Mills,. London :: 1672.. (Wing (CD-ROM, 1996) lists as a translation of selections from Ovid's Metamorphoses.) (Has been also identified as being derived from John Gower's "Confessio Amantis" -- Cf. Notes and queries, 242, n.s. 44 (Dec. 1997), 458-459.) (Attributed to Charles Cotton in the Wrenn Catalogue.) (Reproduction of original in the Harvard University Library.)

Creation

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